Last winter, we were invited to a friend’s home for an evening of music with Jenna Mammina and Rolf Sturm.

I was spellbound.  Jenna’s captivating delivery of her songs and Rolf’s accomplished accompaniment were especially compelling to listen to in that intimate setting.
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On the drive home I felt buoyant and reflective.  And I started to put two and two together.

I was reminded of the many years I’d spent in the Bay Area on the board of directors for the Steinway Society – a charity that several times a month would bring some of the world’s best pianists to play in large concert halls and small intimate home concerts like this one.

Half our proceeds went to buying musical instruments for local high schools, the other half for more professional instruction for those 10-15 year olds whose budding musical genius had eclipsed their neighborhood piano teacher.

I thought of my pro musical friends, connections I’ve developed over a lifetime of immersion in both the art and the business side of the musical world.

I reflected on our little town of Paradise, which is some kind of magical vortex for amazing musical talent.

So many artists that the world should know more about… that with a little help, could go to the next level.

And I imagined a TV series that will highlight these hidden gems who are, right now, some of the world’s best players...

And then inspiration came:

We’ll call it “Plugged in and Turned On in Paradise.”

​--Clay

Once committed to produce this new music TV series, I called the most accomplished guy I know in entertainment – my old friend Scott Ross, whose resume is unequaled.  Scott made the first music videos for MTV in the early 80’s, then was recruited by George Lucas to run Industrial Light and Magic, then partnered with James Cameron to start a new special effects powerhouse Digital Domain, which produced a long string of hit movies that has over the years resulted in too many Oscars on his mantle to count.

Scott’s advice: find a young music celebrity to host the series.

David Greene and Pamela Covias, a couple of high-powered TV producers in L.A., echoed Scott’s guidance, and so we began the search.

At first we pursued more mature talents, but they were understandably reluctant to work with an unknown outfit that hadn’t yet secured airtime. 

Thankfully, my good friend Paul Bannister chimed in with a referral from his daughter Rachel who knew this beautiful young music celebrity in Oregon… Halie Loren.

Halie is a remarkable talent and perfect for the job.  Not only is she a top selling jazz vocalist in Asia, well known in Canada and elsewhere, and a prize-winning songwriter, Halie also speaks 7 languages, and has an engaging intellect that can bring out the best in our musical guests.  It’s hard to believe she has yet to be "discovered" here in the U.S. as the super-talent she is.

​We’re extremely proud to have Halie and her personal agent and cheerleader, Keith Altomare, on the Plugged In and Turned On In Paradise team!