Don Cheadle: Actor, Writer, Producer, Director

Don Cheadle earned multiple Emmy, BET, and Golden Globe Award nominations, and nominated for an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and won two Golden Globe Awards. 

"Crash" (2004), a movie in which he starred and co-produced, won an Academy Award. 

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved.

Bill Farmer - Voice of Disney's Goofy and Pluto

Bill Farmer has been the official voice of Disney's Goofy and Pluto since the mid-1980's.  

Additionally, his resume is full of leading and supporting voice-roles in movies, television and advertising.

Bill has worked with Pixar, Warner Brothers, Universal Studios and MGM.

Monthly, he performs with Fred Willard's sketch-comedy group, The MoHo's, at Hollywood's Second City Theater.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Damien Crutcher - Musician

Damien Crutcher is founder and executive director of Crescendo Detroit, an organization committed to improving the lives of Detroit-area children through instrumental music and dance. 

He declined opportunities to teach at universities so he could work with young people.

Damian is also Assistant Pastor of his church.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Vince Giordano - Musician

Grammy-winner Vince Giordano is a musician, arranger and leader of the New York City-based Nighthawks Orchestra.

Vince appeared in The Aviator, The Cotton Club, HBO's Boardwalk Empire, Revolutionary Road, and Finding Forrestor. His soundtracks have been featured in numerous television and movie projects.

Upcoming projects are Woody Allen's Cafe Society, opening at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival; the HBO movie, Wizard of Lies; and Sophie and the Rising Sun, which recently debuted at the Sundance Film Festival.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Jeremy Scott - Creative Director & Designer at Moschino and Jeremy Scott

During his senior year at Pratt School of Design in New York City, Jeremy Scott interned at the Italian luxury fashion house, Moschino.

His first collection as a designer was introduced during Paris Fashion Week in 1997.

Among his customers are Björk, Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears. He also dressed Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj before they became internationally known.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Daniel Trahey: Muscian, Educator, Innovator

Daniel Trahey directed educational programming for Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and is Artistic Director for Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's OrchKids.  

OrchKids helps establish brighter futures for Baltimore children. His idea is to put musical instruments into the hands of children, not guns. And, it's working.

Daniel has taught at Yale University, Baltimore School for the Arts, and Baltimore public schools.

He holds a bachelor's degree in music performance and music education from Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, and a master's degree in music from Yale.

In his spare time, he plays the tuba for Archipelago Group, a non-profit outreach organization.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Andrés Salguero - Latin Grammy Winner

   Andrés Salguero and his wife, Christine, are, "123 Andrés."  

   The two musicians create music, books, and perform live shows in the United States and other countries, in English and Spanish for children and families.

   Their songs are often used in early childhood and elementary school education classrooms.

   Andrés won a Latin Grammy in the Best Latin Children's Album for his song Arriba Abajo. This was his second nomination for a Latin Grammy.

   Billboard magazine described him as a, "rockstar for little language-learners."

   Andrés grew up in Bogota, Colombia. He learned to play guitar, then studied clarinet, and had his first studio experience at age eight. 

   He eventually earned a Doctorate degree in Music.

   Christina was raised in the United States, the daughter of a Colombian family, and studied theater and dance as a child.

   She holds a Master's degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

   123 Andrés has been featured in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times en Español, Billboard magazine, NPR, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, CNN en Español, Univision, Telemundo, and SiriusXM's Kids Place Live. 

   Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Isabella Emmack: International Model

Model Isabella Emmack has walked runways around the world for Jeremy Scott, Alexander Wang, Fendi, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and other top designers.

If Isabella was to choose a mission to support, it would be anti-bullying; she was harassed based on appearance and personality.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Jesse Pringle

Jesse Pringle. 

Writer, Producer, Actor.

Jesse has also been a professional boxer and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)competitor.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Kacie McDonnell: KSHB-41 Action News

Kacie McDonnell covers assignments for NBC-affiliate KSHB-TV 41 Action News, and is Sporting Kansas City's pre-game and post-game host.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Dr. Min Kao - Garmin

Dr. Min-Hwan Kao emigrated to the United States from a small town in Taiwan. 

He and Gary Burrell founded Garmin in 1989 to produce navigational instruments for aviation and boating, utilizing the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Their original office consisted of a card table and two folding chairs.

Dr. Kao earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from National Taiwan University, then earned master's and PhD degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee.

Prior experience was with Teledyne Systems, and research for NASA and the United States Army.

The word Garmin is a combination of Gary and Min.

Photograph © Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved.

Michael Drummond - Fashion Designer

Award-winning fashion designer Michael Drummond starred on season 8 of Lifetime's Project Runway. His skills extend to stage and screen assignments, as well as runway.

The New York Post described his designs as, "visionary".

Heidi Klum and Tika Sumpter are clients, and his work has been showcased with many noted designers and couturiers.

Photograph © Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

"Trashmouth"

Tom "Trashmouth" Baker is a noted Blues musician, who brings down the house with his harmonica and vocals.

Photographs © 2016 & © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved.

Millage Gilbert: Blues Musician, Seventh Son of the Seventh Son

Update: January 16, 2022. 

Sadly, Mr. Gilbert passed away today.

#FeelingTheBlues

   Legendary blues musician, Millage Gilbert, is a celebrated performer known for his mastery of guitar, harmonica, and vocals. His style is a mix of Delta Blues, Memphis Soul, and Kansas City Blues.

   He comes from rural Mississippi.  "I was grown up from a family of 14. I'm the 12th child, the baby son. Now, I’m the only boy left living.  My father was the seventh son in his family, and I’m his seventh son."

   Millage, and his Down Home Blues Band, have performed with Bobby Bland, Otis Clay, Johnnie Taylor, Little Milton, Albert King, Z.Z. Hill, and Denise LaSalle.

   Performances have taken him across the United States, and to The Netherlands, and England.

Photograph © 2017 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Al Pitzner

Al Pitzner's extraordinary photographs have appeared in the world's most influential magazines, for the world's most prominent corporations. 

He also creates award-winning fine art images.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Jeffrey Bentley with Ballet Dancer Josh Bodden

Jeffrey Bentley, Executive Director of Kansas City Ballet, with dancer Josh Bodden.

Photograph © Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Rebecca Damon - Actress

Television credits for Rebecca Damon include, One Life to Live, Guiding Light, As the World Turns, All My Children, plus many commercials and voice-overs.

In addition to working on theater, movie and television projects, Rebecca serves on the SAG-AFTRA 2015-2017 National Board. She is also an active member of Actor's Equity Association in New York City.

Photograph © Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Joshua J. Christensen - Fashion Designer

Los Angeles fashion designer Joshua Christensen earned a graduate degree from Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

When featured on Project Runway (season 9, Lifetime), GUESS, the upscale clothing brand, commissioned Joshua to design menswear.

Currently, Joshua is focusing on his brand and creating custom designs, he is featured at fashion week events across the nation, and is Adjunct Professor and Fashion Design Instructor at Santa Ana College.

Photograph © Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Holmes Osborne - Actor

Holmes Osborne has nearly a hundred television and movie credits on his resume, including Grey's Anatomy, Rules of Engagement, House, Cold Case, The Closer, Boston Legal, NCIS, CSI Miami, Everybody Loves Raymond, Star Trek: Enterprise, Malcom in the Middle, Donnie Darko, That Thing You Do, and Frasier.

Watch for Holmes in a Warren Beatty project in 2016, where he plays Cappy.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Stacey Sagan Murray: Actress, Dancer, Choreographer

Actress Stacey Sagan Murray embarked on a career in the entertainment industry early in her life; at age 9, she was already a member of the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (AFTRA).

Stage performances include Broadway and off-Broadway productions; a featured dancer with Tommy Tune, Hinton Battle and Andrea McArdle; and the opening act for The Platters and comedian Richard Kline.  

For three years, she appeared on CBS's The Young and the Restless.

You have also seen Stacey in commercials and print advertisements.

Eventually, as an agent in Los Angeles, Stacey represented Diahann Carroll, Joan Van Ark, Morgan Fairchild and Kathy Ireland.

Photograph © 2016 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Music Stands - Kansas City Symphony

These music stands were lit in preparation for a performance by Kansas City Symphony.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Deborah Sandler - Opera General Director & CEO

Deborah Sandler is General Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lyric Opera Kansas City.

She started as General Manager of Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, then moved to General Director of Opera Theatre of New Jersey.

Immediately prior to Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Deborah served as General Director of Kentucky Opera.

Deborah's influence is recognized as vital to expanding the role of women in professional opera. She is Steering Committee Chair of Women's Opera Network, a group launched by OPERA America, dedicated to promoting women in the field of opera.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Dr. Jeffrey Colyer - Physician, Medical Volunteer, Lt. Governor

Dr. Jeffrey Colyer holds an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, a Master's degree in International Relations from Cambridge University, and a Doctor of Medicine degree.

His residency training is in general surgery, plastic surgery, and craniofacial/pediatric plastic surgery.

During his residencies, he was named a White House Fellow, and served in the Executive Office of the President, and Agency for International Development under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush.

In time, Dr. Colyer established a successful private plastic/craniofacial surgery practice.

While in practice, he volunteered with the International Medical Corps, providing medical care in Iraq, Rwanda, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan. This work earned him recognition on CBS's 60 Minutes, PBS, and People magazine.

Dr. Colyer currently serves as Lieutenant Governor for the state of Kansas. He previously served as a member of the Kansas Senate, and of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Howard Elsberry - Former President and Chairman, Westlake Ace Hardware

With a degree in business administration, Howard Elsberry joined T.G. & Y, entering their management training program.

He made a move to Westlake Hardware as Assistant Manager, then Store Manager.

Howard was promoted often within Westlake Hardware, and his rise to the executive level was rapid.

Eventually, he was named Chairman of the Board of Directors' Executive Committee, then Chief Operating Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer. 

Howard, and his wife Anne, are active supporters of many charitable and non-profit organizations.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Bobby Watson - Composer, Producer, Jazz Saxophonist

Backstage - with Bobby Watson.

Bobby will be performing for the second time at the White House April 29, 2016.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Gary Forsee

Gary Forsee held top executive positions within the communications industry for years, including Sprint, AT&T, Cingular Wireless, Global One and BellSouth. As a businessman and civil engineer, he knows every facet of the business.

When he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sprint Nextel Corporation, he was honored as one of the "Best Managers" of 2004 by Business Week magazine.

He went on to serve as President of the four-campus University of Missouri System.

Gary, and his wife Sherry, generously support numerous meaningful projects.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Dave Lindstrom - Football Defensive End

Dave Lindstrom played football at his Massachusetts high school, then Boston University. 

He was honored by being inducted into both the Massachusetts High School Hall of Fame, and the Boston University Hall Fame.

At Boston University, he was the team's Most Valuable Player his senior year.

Dave played a season for the San Diego Chargers, then 8 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He wore number 71, and was a 6' 6", 258-pound defensive end.

His brother, Chris Lindstrom, played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Dave is a member of Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors. Ambassadors are hand-picked, and support the community with local scholarship programs, charity golf tournaments, and numerous charitable visits and appearances.
 
Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

SungWoo Lee - Kansas City Royals Fan

SungWoo Lee has been enthusiastic about the Kansas City Royals baseball team for 20 years. He follows the team from his home in Seoul, South Korea.

In August, 2014, he traveled halfway around the world to Kansas City, to see the Royals play in Kauffman Stadium. He was warmly welcomed by fans and players, and quickly became a cult hero.

SungWoo returned in September, 2015, to support the Royals, and to attend the premiere of an ESPN documentary made about him.

An excellent article about SungWoo, written by Reeves Wiedeman, appears in The New Yorker. Read it here.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Brian McCallister - Trial Lawyer

Attorney Brian McCallister attended the prestigious Spence Trial Lawyers College®, founded by acclaimed trial attorney Gerry Spence. The school is invitation-only; very few lawyers are selected by the school's board members.

After graduating, Brian returned as a staff member of Spence Trial Lawyers College®.

Every year since 2004, Brian's peers in the legal profession have selected him as a recipient of the Kansas City Business Journal's "Best of the Bar" award. Only the top 5% of attorneys in metropolitan Kansas City share that honor.

Brian's peers also selected him to serve on the Board of Governors of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys. He presently serves as President of that association for 2015-2016.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Tutu

On-location in Studio 3 at Kansas City Ballet.


Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Melanie Fenske - Rising Star of Philanthropy

Melanie Fenske's nomination as Rising Star of Philanthropy was well deserved.

Melanie and I have worked on projects for Kansas City Ballet Guild, and University of Missouri-Kansas City's Friends of the Conservatory of Music and Dance.

She is a member of the board of directors for MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault), which is appropriate because she was previously with the United States Probation Office, and understands MOCSA's mission well.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved. 

Vinson Cole - Opera Singer

Vinson Cole, tenor, is acknowledged as one of the leading opera singers of his generation.

He has performed in all major opera houses throughout the world, and collaborated with the greatest conductors of this era.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. 

All rights reserved.

Wedding Photography

Just married.

I first photographed V.Q. when he was modeling for Elite Models in New York City.

J.C. danced with the ballet in Miami, then taught ballet.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

I was one of a few honored as Official Photographer for Kansas City Fashion Week, 2015.

 

Photographs © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Ronnie "Stray Dog" Hall - Thump Milton

Winter's Bone, starred Jennifer Lawrence, and was directed by Debra Granik. 

It won prestigious awards around the world, and received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor. 

In the movie, a gang was led by “big man” Thump Milton. Thump was played by Ronnie Hall, pictured here.

Ronnie, also known as "Stray Dog", is a Vietnam veteran, rides a Harley Davidson and operates a rural trailer park in real life. 

Watch for the documentary Stray Dog when it runs as an observance of Veteran's Day on PBS. In Kansas City, it is scheduled for Monday, November 9th, at 9 pm on KCPT.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.

Actor, Model, Esthetician

Jessica.

Living and working the dream in Los Angeles.

Photograph © 2015 Larry F. Levenson. All rights reserved.