Old People Rock

Dirk Stubenrauch first came to this country in 1965 as a twenty-two year old exchange student from Frankfurt, Germany. He's had a number of distinguished careers since, including Advertising Executive and Graphic Design. At 65, when most people are retiring, he founded an Interior Furniture Design and Architecture firm in Costa Rica focused solely on international resort design and production. Today at 83, he works full-time as its Chief Creative Officer while commuting between the headquarters in Costa Rica and his home in Napa.

Judy Mandell is a freelance writer based in Charlottesville, Virginia. She regularly contributes to publications such as The New York Times, AARP, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Prevention magazine, and many other major newspapers and magazines. Judy has several books published including, What to Expect in Your Fifties: A Woman's Guide to Health, Vitality, and Longevity(Dell Publishing), Book Editors Talk to Writers (John Wiley), Magazine Editors Talk to Writers (John Wiley), and more. A jokester who loves to make people laugh, Judy claims that she is very immature for her age – "I act like an 80-year-old, but everyone knows the truth – I'm 86.5 and proud of it. One of my AARP articles was titled "One Thing I Never Lie About – My Age." Judy teaches courses at the Osher Life Long Learning Institute, what she calls, "old people, teaching old people," and as a way of keeping sharp, social, and inquisitive, hosts weekly parties at her home every Friday called Judy's After 5.

John Holly has worked in practically every capacity in theater and musical theater, including as an actor on Broadway and producer/director of hundreds of theater productions. His current passion is Airstreaming across the country, having new adventures and meeting new friends.  

Veteran journalist and broadcaster Mike Hegedus has spent a lifetime telling stories that matter. He began his career in 1971 as Sports Director at KRDO in Colorado Springs, covering everything from Air Force football to Arnold Palmer on the course. He went on to Buffalo's WGR-TV, where he transitioned into news, earning two national Martin R. Gainsborough Awards and a fellowship at Wharton. In 1980, Mike moved to San Francisco's KPIX during the golden age of local television—creating his own show, winning 10 Emmy Awards, and reporting on everything from global revolutions to powerful stories at home. Mike also hosted NBC's Prime Suspect, one of the country's top programs, and contributed to CNBC before producing his final show for PBS, and retiring in 2013. Today, he's enjoying life beyond the newsroom—swimming, biking, and traveling wherever curiosity takes him.

Bob Hartl is the epitome of someone who has said, "Why Not" most of his life. A former Naval Aircraft Commander in the Vietnam War who survived a horrific plane crash, Bob transitioned to a near 40 year career as a pilot for a major airline. Bob's philosophy is, "not looking back, but always look forward to my next activity or adventure." After retirement, Bob has become an award-winning photographer and sculptor.

Ellen Bloom is a native of Los Angeles with 47 years in the entertainment industry. A former Los Angeles radio personality, Ellen produced and co-hosted KPCC-Radio's "Friday Night Blues Revue." She has engineered live, in-studio performances and conducted interviews with leading blues artists. Ask Ellen about almost any historic building or area of Los Angeles and she will tell you the story. She is active in the crochet and knitting community and also participates in ukulele groups in the Los Angeles area.  

During his 50 years as an award-winning advertising writer, Gil pivoted into a life of global scuba diving. Gil is a best-selling author of hundreds of articles and recently published a book about his underwater experiences. Read more at www.ScubaStoryteller.com.

Steve "The Gerbs" Gerbsman is a nationally recognized private investment banker and crisis turnaround professional. With over fifty years of senior management & finance experience, Gerbs, 81, has been involved in investment ventures as an officer, director, consultant and investor, both in the US and internationally. When not working on his next venture, Gerbs can be found hitting the gym, on a shooting range, or traveling with his family.

Hailing from a large family of Long Island high achievers, Maryann cultivated a distinguished 40 year career as a business leader, founding her own successful corporate services firm before pivoting late in life to follow her childhood dream in the creative and performing arts. 

Meet Ken Bloom: A lifelong musician, luthier, and folk artist from Pilot Mountain, NC. From his first 1964 jug recording in L.A. to playing lead for Linda Ronstadt in the 70s, Ken has done it all. Now, he's crafting innovative bandura and bowed dulcimers and teaching. 

Meet Gary Hanauer! California-based writer, publicist, and first-time screenwriter with a serious case of "curiosity overload." When he's not writing, you'll find him birdwatching (hummingbirds are favorites) or swimming laps. He's a collector at heart—from stamps to shells—but his crown jewels are a 34,000-issue comic book collection and autographs ranging from Presidents Truman and LBJ to Sandy Koufax, Bob Hope, and literary icons like Thornton Wilder. Gary has said, "I once tried to contain myself, but I escaped."

Conversation with Danny Hein, 82 year old and still performing rock music. Danny and The Fabulous Flippers are still going strong. The 9 piece band continues today to brings home that classic R&B sound. Danny Hein still fronts the band and sings their hits as well as plays keyboards and guitar. There's nothing like a fat horn section, a B3 organ and driving rhythm section to compliment Danny Hein's smooth vocals, Check out their their 2023 performance of, "Unchain My Heart"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLEhZqxDkso Be sure to check out their 1965 super hit "Harlem Shuffle." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaiyiYvJrNQ