Michael Blake Biography

Use Your Time A unique show that manifest’s the challenge of extending life on earth through VISUAL ARTS • POETRY • MUSIC From prominent, creative individuals who continue to use their time. In 1992 Michael Blake worked for a California law: Proposition 204. It would make the killing of mountain lions for trophies illegal. The law passed and is still in place. The “Use Your Time” experience is designed to stimulate, uplift and inspire audiences… but also to provoke thought and laughter. “Use Your Time” is a collaboration of artists dedicated to raising awareness of community organizations and encouraging people to use their time to better themselves and the world around them. “I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in a magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of humanity is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” -Jack London Use Your Time Michael Blake Biography Michael Blake’s professional writing life began in the U.S. military at age nineteen and continued in college where he worked as an editor and investigative reporter for several university newspapers. In 1971, his career in journalism ended when he left an editorial position at the legendary underground weekly, the Los Angeles Free Press, to pursue fiction in both movies and books. In the early eighties, a screenplay made it to the screen in the form of a low-budget, independent film originally titled Double Down, starring an unknown actor named Kevin Costner, in his first featured role. Blake’s first novel, Dances With Wolves, was published as a mass-market paperback in 1988, receiving no attention until the film version was released to worldwide acclaim in the late 1990s The phenomenal success of the movie ended more than twenty years of impoverished struggle to make a living out of literature and resulted in a downpour of awards, including the Oscar®. Equally prestigious awards were produced by protracted efforts at public service, among them the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for work with minorities and the environment: the Animal Protection Institute’s Humanitarian of the Year; the U.S. Air Force’s Americanism Award; the American Library Association’s Hero of the Year; and Cancervive’s Survivor of the Year. Music Poetry Life Use Your Time Books by Michael Blake Published July 2009 To be published Music Poetry Life Use Your Time John Coinman Biography John Coinman's songs move like the wind. He is the lone coyote howling in the desert. He has no secrets. He knows where the water is. You have to listen carefully: Maybe get down on your knees And put your ear to the ground. -John Densmore of The Doors John Coinman is an award winning singer/songwriter who was born and raised on the Northeastern plains of New Mexico. He's released 5 solo CDs, had numerous songs in films, and collaborated with many artists and writers including John Densmore of The Doors, James Intveld, Amy Rigby, Tony Gilkyson, Michael Blake, Teddy Morgan, and Kevin Costner. He was the Music Supervisor of Dances With Wolves. John is signed with Corazong Records headquartered in Amsterdam and Nashville. He is currently recording and touring with Kevin Costner and Modern West. He lives in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona with his wife Jo, his son Will and their faithful dog Ranger. Latest CD’s by John Coinman Music Poetry Life Use Your Time John Doe Biography John Doe is one of the founding members of the Los Angeles punk band X. In the early 1980’s, John was one of the most influential figures in American alternative rock. In 1986, Doe began an acting career with Oliver Stone's Salvador, appearing in Roadside Prophets,Georgia and the Jerry Lee Lewis biopic Great Balls of Fire in 1989. He launched a solo career in the early '90s, with his debut album, Meet John Doe. Doe continues to focus on his solo career when not occupied with playing live with X or his acting career. The semi‐acoustic Dim Stars, Bright Sky appeared on Artists Direct in 2002, and the subtle but aggressive Forever Hasn't Happened Yet arrived via Yep Roc in 2005. Doe’s latest album with Yep Roc is 2007's A Year in the Wilderness. Latest CD’s by John Doe Music Poetry Life Use Your Time Tony Gilkyson Biography Born in Hollywood and raised in an environment of songwriters and musicians, Tony Gilkyson originally started recording as a boy with his father, Terry Gilkyson. Tony played guitar with the Los Angeles band X for ten years, departing in 1996. Since then, he has played with Bob Dylan, Kip Boardman, Alice Cooper, Randy Weeks, Kathleen Wilhoite, Mark Olson, Shane MacGowan and co‐produced with Tom Waits, Chuck E. Weiss’ 1999 album Extremely Cool. Tony also played guitar on numerous film soundtracks, including the well received Johnny Cash biopic “Walk The Line”,“Don’t Come Knockin’” and “All The Kings Men” with noted producer T‐Bone Burnett. Latest CD’s by Tony Gilkyson Music Poetry Life Use Your Time Requirements for presentations CONTACT: Tricia van Dockum Ollie Media 3228 Browning St. San Diego, CA 92106 619-795-3498 (W) 619-277-0121 (C) [email protected] Michael Blake’s appearances will always include one of the musicians previously noted. Special guests, John Kay of Steppenwolf, John Densmore of The Doors, Exene Cervenka of X or others may be included. All musicians listed are still making appearances in America and throughout the world. Setting appearances swiftly will enhance the availability of bands and their leaders. Travel expenses and honorariums for those who appear are required. Indoor or outdoor settings will require stages that allow visuals to be screened and music to be played. (Please contact for more details) Entertainment is a factor in every Use Your Time show but, more important, viewers depart with thought that last. Michael Blake John Coinman John Densmore Music Poetry Life .

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