“How Emme Lentino Pursued her Dreams On the World Stage”

“How Emme Lentino Pursued Her Dreams On the World Stage”

Emme Lentino has stamps on her passport and a big heart for people. The singer-songwriter, actress and model has made a lifetime of hitting the road and taking big leaps of faith.

You might say she has “road trip magic,” to borrow a line from “Drive All Night,” a track from her latest, available on iTunes and Amazon Music. The release of “summer this, summer that” is a triumph – a mix of upbeat and soulful tunes for your next adventure. The pursuit of her artistic dreams has taken her across the United States, and even overseas to New Zealand.

She was born to an artistic and supportive family in Salem, Oregon. She started performing at the age of six and composing songs when she was only 10 years old.

The artist is always looking for a stage to inspire others.

Setting the Stage: The Early Years

As a performer, Lentino has many influences, from classic rock to modern pop. The Beatles, Norah Jones and Ed Sheeran all shaped her taste in music. She writes and sings straight from the heart. However, more than other artistic influences, her time spent in the theatre formed her artistic style. She performed across 30 states for the Missoula Children’s Theatre. Her first big leap of faith came with a move to New York City, where she played Lucille Ball in an off-Broadway production.

“I learned early on to use my imagination, says Lentino. “My mind was opened to another world through these stories and plays and characters I portrayed. My songwriting style I believe is partly inspired by my theatre background.”

Her creative talent flourished under the bright lights of New York. She collaborated with talented individuals across music and TV, going back and forth between New York and California. In addition to playing Lucille Ball, her songs were used on ABC’s One Life to Live and All My Children.

However, it hasn’t always been an easy road.

The artist spent time living out of her car in San Diego. She is grateful for the experience, looking back on it.

“I met many kind and generous people,” says Lentino. “I also met many who were struggling much more than I who didn’t have the comfort of a car to stay in… that really humbled me.”

A Leap of Faith: New Zealand

After the move to New York, Lentino was no stranger to leaps of faith. She would make another after meeting her late husband Tony – moving to New Zealand with him. The move to New Zealand is an important marker for the artist.

The cultures of New York and New Zealand could not be more different. She went from taking the subway to being surrounded by beautiful scenery.

She adjusted by being of service and teaching music to young children. Lentino has been working with youth since she was a teenager herself, and her lyrics show a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people.

Lentino’s story is one of loss, inspiration and finding yourself again. She tragically lost her husband to cancer in 2016. Her single “Seasons of Life,” written after her husband’s passing, is an anthem for anyone going through difficult times.

She credits her faith with helping her heal after tragedy.

“My faith and my music in combination have gotten me through many tough times,” says Lentino. “It is also because I have always believed that things get better.”

The singer-songwriter is currently signed with the Robert Bruce Agency and a featured artist for the Heart of Indie Radio, which celebrates unsigned artists. The music education platform provides opportunities for aspiring musicians with the help of partners such as Stax Music Academy in Memphis, TN.

The project is a subsidiary of Hands of Grace – Rae of Light, and supports Texas Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital for Children and suicide prevention programs.

As the co-host of the Eddie and Emme Show, Lentino interviews talented musicians eager to share their message with the world. She is excited about the opportunity to help young artists promote their music.

Global Family

The artist likes to refer to her Twitter, Facebook & Instagram followers as a global family. Always on the move, she spends her time traveling from London to New Zealand, and back again.

What is next for Lentino? She expects new music to be released in 2020 and is collaborating with people all over the world.

The global traveler offered words of encouragement to young artists looking to follow in her footsteps.

“My advice is to know your core values,” says Lentino. “Write them down. Make a dream board, write down your goals. Surround yourself with friends and family who can nourish your soul. Be adventurous! If the opportunity to move for a job or project comes up – be open. Ask the right questions; and listen to your heart. You just never know what tomorrow may bring –
that in itself is truly exciting!”

This article was written by Ryan Wilcox.

You can find Ryan at his website or on Twitter.

Ryan Wilcox

“In 3 Minutes the Two Most Famous Goals in World Cup History Shocked the Soccer World”

While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi rule the soccer world today, if you were to ask historians who the greatest soccer player of all time is, you would probably get two answers.  For many, the majestic and magical Pele’ may be their answer. To others though it would be the great Diego Maradona.  While in today’s soccer world athleticism and speed is a huge tool for players like Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, Pele’ and Maradona used their ball handling skills and imagination to delight the world of soccer. They were more than soccer greats, they were artists.

The 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico between Argentina and England had a deep rooted meaning of anger and bitterness. In 1982 the Falkland War between Argentina and the UK had begun.   It was a 3 month war that created extreme friction between the two countries. This game meant so much to both teams.

Maradona had electrified crowds with his vision, cunning, and amazing ball handling and playmaking skills.   Listed at 5′ 7″ tall, in reality he was only 5′ 5″ tall but he had a strong, stocky build with muscular legs. He led Argentina into the quarterfinals with dominating expertise on the pitch.

The talented England squad had a lot of expectations. They had their only World Cup win in 1966 when they were the host country. England and Argentina were both soccer crazy countries and if you add the Falkland War into the mix, this game meant much more than a World Cup semi final birth.

On June 22, 1986, Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was magical. The place was rocking with an amazing 105,000 people jammed into the stadium. Chants, songs, and every noise device known on earth were in full effect from the fans. On a warm, sunny day the electricity in the crowd along with all the beautiful colors would create a once in a lifetime experience.   Half Wizard of Oz, half religious experience, this game would be one for the ages.

The first half was a feeling out period for the most part. Both sides being wary of the scoring talents of the other. England’s star Gary Lineker was watched closely by Argentina. Lineker would later win the Golden Shoe award for the highest scorer in the World Cup.

In the second half Argentina came out more aggressive. In the 51st minute, Maradona went on one of his patented drives.   As he entered the goal box, he attempted a give and go move to his teammate. The English defender intercepted the pass but kicked the ball toward the English goalie. Maradona; who had kept going in the hopes of getting a return pass; jumped up in front of the goalie and hit the ball. GOAL!   But was it? The England team protested wildly saying that he had hit the ball with his hand. The referee said he did not see that and allowed the goal.

Later when he was interviewed and asked about the goal, the Argentine star said that the goal was scored, “A bit with the head of Maradona and another bit with the hand of God”. From then on in sports lore, this goal was known as the “Hand of God” goal.

Diego Maradona had just started. Three minutes later he took a simple pass on Argentina’s side of the field. Maradona then took off like a jet and dribbled through 5 English defenders and went the length of the field. English goal keeper Peter Shilton could do nothing as a rocket shot went past him. The Argentina crowd went crazy and the stadium was electrified. Famous Spanish Speaking announcer from Argentina, Victor Hugo Morales, was going nuts actually thanking God for seeing such a goal. Immediately people knew they had seen something special. In 2002 FIFA and the soccer world voted this goal as the goal of the century and the greatest goal ever scored.

Argentina was up 2-0 now but England was not going to go away quietly. At the 70th minute England substituted in John Barnes.   Immediately his energy and passing skills changed everything. Barnes began to pound the goal area with crosses. England looked like a different team and in the 81st minute a cross was put in the goal by Lineker. It wasn’t over yet. At the 87th minute with the crowd on their feet, another great Barnes cross was sent over the middle to an open Lineker but it was inches out of his reach. A few minutes later the crowd roared when the three whistles of the referee marked the end of the game. The game meant so much that many in Argentina felt this was partial revenge for the bitter military conflict between the two countries.

After the game the media and the soccer world was buzzing. People knew they had seen something special, and the charismatic Maradona fueled that fire on and off the field.

To this day Maradona is celebrated by most fans, especially in Argentina where he has icon status. For Americans to understand what a star Maradona is; especially during his heyday; think Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth; COMBINED. And that isn’t an overstatement.

Some fans though are also disappointed and embarrassed by his lifestyle and mistakes.   He was suspended for 15 months in the Italian league in 1991 when he tested positive for cocaine and he was also sent home from the 1994 World Cup in the U.S. for testing positive for stimulants. He owes millions in back taxes in Italy and has had more than a few run ins with the law, the press, and even soccer officials in his own country.

For all the turmoil Maradona has created in his life, the 1986 World Cup will always be his shining moment.  To this day just the sound of his name brings back great memories to Argentina and the soccer world. And in a 3 minute span, he created sports history that will be talked about forever.