Author Archives: Shirley Pena

Shirley Pena

About Shirley Pena

A native of Southern California, Shirley Peña began her career as a music journalist almost twenty years ago, writing for her websites "Stars In My Eyes: the Girlhowdy Website" and "La Raza Rock!" and progressed to creating various fan sites on Yahoo, including the first for New Zealand singer/songwriter Tim Finn. From there, she became a free agent, arranging online interviews for Yahoo fan clubs with various music artists (Andy White, John Crawford, Debora Iyall, John Easdale, etc.). She also lent her support in creating and moderating a number of Yahoo fan clubs for various music artists from the 1990s-today. As a music journalist, Shirley Peña has contributed to a number of magazines (both hard copy and online), among them: Goldmine, American Songwriter, Classic Drummer Magazine and UK-based Keyboard Player (where she was a principal journalist). A self-confessed "fanatic" of 1960s "British Invasion" bands, Classic Rock and nostalgic "Old Hollywood ", she also keeps her finger on the pulse of current trends in music, with a keen eye for up and coming artists of special merit. Shirley Peña loves Los Angeles, and is thrilled to join the writing staff of The Los Angeles Beat!

“The Andersonville Trial” Onstage Now at Burbank’s Grove Theatre Center

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Shirley Pena

“As we entered the place, a spectacle met our eyes that almost froze our blood with horror, and made our hearts fail within us.” ~ Robert H. Kellogg, Union Army Sergeant Major in the 16th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Andersonville Prison, … Continue reading →

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50th Anniversary César Chavez Legacy Awards Coming This Month!

Posted on March 13, 2016 by Shirley Pena

“We invite you to join us in celebrating 50 years of justice, opportunity and change at our milestone Legacy Awards Gala. The celebration will bring together national and local Latino leaders from every sector of business, government, labor and education, … Continue reading →

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DGA Award Winner Charles Haid Helms “Altman’s Last Stand” at the Zephyr Theatre

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Shirley Pena

“Years ago, a now famous psychiatrist in London mentioned an Auschwitz survivor that he was treating. It had a profound effect on me when he told me that the elderly Jew had attempted suicide. That story continued to follow me. I gave this anonymous senior … Continue reading →

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The Stars Come Out To Shine at Skylight Theatre Company’s Salute to Ed Asner

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Shirley Pena

“Tonight I feel like I’ve been reborn, because through the many things that you have said, the memories that you have shared tonight, I feel like I have come to know myself all over again!”- Ed Asner, addressing the audience … Continue reading →

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Skylight Theatre Salutes Ed Asner with Special Birthday Celebration

Posted on October 31, 2015 by Shirley Pena

“I am both touched and flattered that the Skylight Theatre Company has chosen to honor me this Sunday, November 1st, at their 2015 Salute and Fundraiser. I am very fortunate to have had a long and wonderful career as an … Continue reading →

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West Hollywood Celebrates Life and Love with 19th Annual Red Dress Party

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Shirley Pena

What began as a vow between two bartenders suffering from HIV has become an annual West Hollywood event, which was joyfully celebrated last Sunday, July 19th, at West Hollywood’s popular bar Gold Coast. Bob Hastings, owner of the Gold Coast bar, … Continue reading →

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House of Blues Bids Farewell to Hollywood with a Night of Oneness

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Shirley Pena

On Sunday evening, July 12th, the city of Hollywood bid a fond farewell to The House of Blues with ‘A Night of Oneness.’ The benefit concert was held to support an emergency fund for Full-Circle Learning Preschool, which creates educational access for migrant … Continue reading →

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‘A Man and His Prostate’ Debuts at The Malibu Playhouse on July 11th

Posted on July 5, 2015 by Shirley Pena

Veteran television writer Ed. Weinberger will be making his theatrical debut with his new comedic play ‘A Man and His Prostate’ on Saturday, July 11th, 7 pm at The Malibu Playhouse.  The play will also include a brief Q & … Continue reading →

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Sonny Burgess and The Pacers to perform on June 12th at The Ink and Iron Festival in Long Beach!

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Shirley Pena

Of the many legendary artists that Sun Records spawned in the 1950s, arguably its wildest was Rockabilly legend Sonny Burgess. With his band The Pacers, their performances went off the Richter scale in sheer energy and wild abandon, making even … Continue reading →

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Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards 2015

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Shirley Pena

“When we are really honest with ourselves, we must admit that our lives are all that really belong to us. So, it’s how we use our lives that determines what kind of men we are. It is my deepest belief … Continue reading →

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