On the rugged coastline of central California, a sublime collision of talent and life experiences is giving birth to a poignant narrative that navigates the gritty reality of homelessness and the indomitable spirit of survival. Armand Ruby, the part-time musician and environmental scientist, and Julian Colbeck, a London-bred rock star and music industry veteran, have embarked on a journey to push boundaries in music and filmmaking with their collaborative brainchild, Equinox the Musical. Karmic Neighborhood, with their melodic partnership, serves as the creative engine behind the venture.

Imagine standing at the precipice of desperation, where life has dealt you a rough hand: kicked out of your home, jobless and adrift, this describes the plight of protagonist, Jason. His siren song is one of love and survival, haunting notes that alight a tumultuous day, led by the single, “Where Do I Go Now?” This alt-pop ballad, brought to life by the soaring vocals of rocker James Durbin, manifests the profound anguish and despair coursing through Jason’s veins as he confronts his sudden plunge into homelessness.

The creators behind this musical journey, Ruby and Colbeck, found each other by a twist of fate. Strangers morphed into neighbors and then into partners in rhythm, their bond deepened by their shared battle against cancer and a lifelong passion for music. Ruby, once an environmental scientist, moonlighted as a musician and songwriter. Colbeck, on the other hand, had rock and roll coursing through his veins, a career that originated on the vibrant streets of London.

United in their musical aspirations and propelled by their individual life journeys, the duo have ventured into uncharted territories of the music industry. Their audacious pursuit is reflected in the development of their feature film and its accompanying soundtrack, with “Where Do I Go Now?” as the second in a series of singles.

As Jason, the central lead, roams aimlessly with his backpack, guitar, and an old suitcase, his plight resonates with the realities of countless individuals. Equinox the Musical strives to underscore this often overlooked narrative, shedding light on social issues like homelessness, through its compelling soundtrack and gripping storyline. The raw emotions and experiences encapsulated in this single evoke empathy, urging the audience to understand the struggle for survival amidst chaos and uncertainty.

The film’s preview soundtrack album is slated for release on September 22, 2023, symbolically coinciding with the fall equinox. As the project moves forward, Ruby and Colbeck are motivated to delve deeper into the creative process, their artistry fueling the compelling message behind the music and film.

Equinox the Musical embodies Karmic Neighborhood’s creative vision, a testament to their shared resilience and an exploration of the power of forgiveness, gratitude, and love even in the bleakest circumstances. Their upcoming alt-pop single, “Where Do I Go Now?” shows their dedication to pushing boundaries through music and film, and offers a fresh perspective on life’s trials and triumphs. As the countdown to the soundtrack’s release begins, Ruby and Colbeck’s melodious narrative on homelessness promises to inspire and challenge listeners around the world.

By Roxy De Guzman 

The cast of Charlie Day’s satirical comedy Fool’s Paradise celebrated the film’s premiere on Tuesday, May 10, 2023 at the legendary TCL Chinese Theater, followed by a reception at the iconic Yamashiro Hollywood. The star-studded film will be in theaters on Friday, May 12, 2023. 

Charlie Day, Kate Beckinsale and Ken Jeong

After making a name for himself as an actor in the Horrible Bosses (2011) movies, The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), and the hit television series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–), Charlie Day is making his directorial debut with Fool’s Paradise. This Lionsgate film tells the tale of a man who is released from a mental health facility and accidentally ends up becoming a famous actor.

Kate Beckinsale

The star-studded cast includes Kate Beckingsale of the Underworld (2003) films, Ken Jeong from TV series Community (2009-2015) and The Hangover (2009) trilogy, John Malkovich from Red (2010) and Con Air (1997), Ted Lasso (2020-2023) star Jason Sudeikis, The Grand Budapest Hotel’s (2014) Adrien Brody, Arrested Development (2003-2019) star Jason Bateman, Katherine McNamara of the Shadowhunters (2016-2019) TV series, Day’s It’s Always Sunny co-star Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and rapper Common, among many other famous faces. 

Ken Jeong and Charlie Day

In true Los Angeles fashion, members of the all-star cast, including Charlie Day, Kate Beckinsale, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Katherine McNamara, and Ken Jeong, celebrated the release at the world famous Yamashiro Hollywood. Day’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-stars Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson also attended the festivities. 

Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis Day

Known for its huge sushi platters, Japanese-inspired architecture, and spanning views of the city, Yamashiro is the quintessential celebrity hotspot for celebrations. The restaurant is known for providing a filming location to represent Japan in many films, television series, and music videos, including Kill Bill (2003), Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), Gone in 60 Seconds (2000), True Detective Season 2 (2015), The Hills Season 5 (2006), Pitbull and Fifth Harmony’s Por Favor (2018), and David Guetta’s Flames (2018). Proudly continuing its tradition of hosting Hollywood’s elite, Yamashiro was the perfect place to celebrate the premiere of Fool’s Paradise.

Charlie Day

Dr. Meleeka Clary, a brilliant constellation in the skies of social advocacy, shines brightly in diverse roles: a clinical psychologist, director, actress, model, writer, and human rights activist. Her narrative is a compelling tale of survival, tinted with love and forgiveness, and bathed in the soft, warm glow of compassion. 

The echoes of her journey reverberate from her humble beginnings in 1998 as an office manager, charting a trajectory of profound commitment to changing lives for the better. This commitment found solid ground in 2001, when she became a beacon of hope at the Hilderbrand Shelter and Inn Transition Shelter, helping victims of domestic violence, individuals battling addiction, and those affected by HIV. This was where she honed the values of compassion and forgiveness, embedding them in the cornerstone of her advocacy.

Out of the counseling room, Dr. Clary leveraged her personal experiences and professional skills to venture into filmmaking. Her directorial debut, Three Corners of Deception, was not just another movie. Instead, it was a personal narrative of divorce and custody battles fought and lost within the unforgiving confines of an Indiana court. This poignant portrayal sheds light on the judicial system’s inherent flaws and systemic biases, amplifying the voices that usually go unheard. 

Her creation didn’t just resonate with audiences worldwide—it echoed through the very halls of film festivals. Three Corners of Deception earned Dr. Clary the Best Human Rights Director award at the Toronto International Women Film Festival. In addition, it was showcased at the Berlin International Art Film Festival and won a Bronze award at the International Independent Film Festival. Her distinctive directorial skills were also celebrated at the Red River Film Festival, further highlighting her exemplary contributions to the film industry.

But Dr. Clary’s advocacy wasn’t confined to the cinematic realm. Instead, she harnessed the potential of YouTube to launch a thought-provoking campaign to foster public awareness. Through her content, she strives to illuminate the often shadowed corners of the judicial system. Her voice rings out in the vast digital landscape, advocating for justice and equality, confronting judicial deception, and inspiring positive change.

Moreover, Dr. Clary has added another feather to her cap with The Dr. Meleeka Clary Show on Bold Brave TV. She uses the show as a platform to advocate positive psychology, helping individuals learn to love themselves. She believes self-love is the key to extending love to others, a testament to her enduring commitment to compassion and forgiveness.

As she continues to weave her narrative into the complex fabric of society, Dr. Clary remains a beacon of hope, her work a manifestation of her unwavering spirit and resilience. Her story is not just about a distinguished career but a journey through trials and triumphs, reflecting the power of survival and the healing grace of love. 

In the grand scheme, Dr. Meleeka Clary is more than just a clinical psychologist, director, actress, model, writer, and human rights activist; she is an advocate for compassion, a believer in love, a vessel for forgiveness, and an emblem of survival. She is a storyteller, painting a picture of a just and equitable society, one frame one broadcast, at a time. But, as her influence continues to spread, it’s clear that Dr. Clary is not just an advocate for change—she is the change.