Betty Collignon
As much as I wished I were a California Girl, I am a native Chicagoan who moved permanently to Los Angeles in 1987. I became a Beach Boy fan in 1974 after hearing their album “Endless Summer” for the first time. As a teenager, I spent many a summer on the road seeing my favorite band. Countless adventures came from being a Beach Boy fan and as because of it that is how I met my friend and partner Joanne Munie.
I knew Carl Wilson personally for over 20 years before he passed away from cancer in 1998. He always made me feel, as I was a part of everything he was doing. I appreciated all the special things he did for me and the friendship we shared. Knowing Carl Wilson and the Beach Boys has opened many doors in my life that I never even knew existed. Spending time with them will forever be some of the happiest days of my life.
In 1998, after Carl’s passing, I felt that I needed to express my love and appreciation of Carl Wilson and the Wilson family, so I created, developed and organized the first Carl Wilson Walk Against Cancer to benefit the American Cancer Society in Carl’s memory. A benefit concert grew from the original small musical event that was planned. It became a sold out concert at the legendary Roxy on the Sunset Strip, with many of Carl’s closest friends and family performing. Because of the success of the first year’s event, The Carl Wilson Foundation was created in 1999. Each following year a new event was created for the fans from around the world to gather together in Southern California and celebrate the life of Carl Wilson. In a collaborative effort by several people and family members, this gathering turned into an annual weekend event that I produced and served as Executive Director of the Carl Wilson Foundation for over 6 years. A Beach Party on Saturday would bring musicians and fans alike to a shoreline sing a long. Sunday would be the 5K Walk and evening’s Benefit Concert. You can visit the CWF website for photos and details of all the past events. www.carlwilsonfoundation.org
Jonah and Justyn Wilson, who are Carl’s sons, head The Carl Wilson Foundation and to date continue to raise funds for supporting cancer charities. It is still important to me that Carl Wilson is remembered.
In 2003, I helped organize the Dennis Wilson BASH with co-producers Jon Stebbins and Dan Addington at Chez Jay’s restaurant in Santa Monica, California. It was another great event! Once again fans from all over the world gathered in sunny California to spend a weekend honoring a musical hero. Visit www.danaddington.com/dennybash/denniswilsonbash.html
2004 was Betty Jo Productions first music showcase. “Pop & Sizzle” held at the famous Troubadour. Joanne and I wanted to shine the spotlight on many familiar musicians who are involved in successful ventures but also wanted to express and share their own solo musical creations. Many of our talented friends gathered together to create a very special evening of poetry and new music.
Betty Jo Productions recently worked with New Zealand’s Elements Music to produce the first live solo performance of Robert Lamm. The, April 23, 2005, sold out performance at Hollywood’s Knitting Factory was a shining moment for our new company. Robert Lamm’s live CD “Leap of Faith: Live in New Zealand” is available now and you can purchase it on our website. In addition, please visit www.elementsmusic.net
The many future events from Betty Jo Productions are yet to come. We will continue to present a wide variety of quality events for everyone to enjoy.
Joanne Munie
I had no idea that my existence as a Midwest living girl was about to be disrupted in mid 1982. I had started my freshman year in high school when I was privileged to meet the Beach Boys at the Michigan State Fair in August. From that moment on to the present day I maintained a close friendship with many members of the band both during and after their tenure. Like Betty, I am also proud to say that Carl Wilson was a friend of mine. Like the great soul that he was, he helped guide some of my adventures in a positive way by watching out for me on several occasions. I was fortunate enough to be able to say goodbye to him in late August of 1997 and will never forget the feel of such a strong hug from someone who was battling such a horrible cancer.
In the years since Carl's passing Betty and I had reacquainted ourselves after losing touch in the late 80's due to her move to California. I was ecstatic for her involvement with the Carl Wilson Foundation. How could one man be honored in a more grand manner?
Though I was not a member of the CWF committee I participated and volunteered for the CWF Walks three and four. I was also a working volunteer for the Dennis Wilson Bash in December of 2003 and had desired being a more active participant in the future.
Betty and I decided it was time to branch out on our own and we formed BettyJo Productions. We started our company with the Pop and Sizzle show in August of 2004 and followed it up with the very successful Robert Lamm Leap of Faith concert in April of 2005.
Betty and I plan on creating more shows in the near future and I look forward to working on them.
My days not working on BettyJo work, I am a travel consultant working for the NBA champion Detroit Pistons, and the Stanley Cup winning Tampa Bay Lightning. I reside in Michigan still with my young son. |
