February 9, 2022 • 32 mins
Come join me and Simon as we talk about the up and coming Rockabillaque Florida! The largest FREE Rockabilly Weekend, there will be music, contest, vendors, cars, & more!
Also..... a pinup contest hosted by me!!
Want to make a shout out on the next video? Text to 1-833-4A-PINUP
Insta: @pinnedpodcastofficial
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About Simon Cantlon
Vive Le Rock Productions, producer of the Rockabillaque festival.
He have worked for over 25 years in the entertainment industry initially working in radio, publicity, and band management before transitioning into digital media bringing him into the world of television, music artists, and live music. I worked on many TV shows including American Idol, Weeds, So You Think You Can Dance, Californication, and so on. I have also worked with Elvis Presley Enterprises, David Beckham, Adam Lambert, The Spice Girls, Carrie Underwood, and more. He was nominated for an Emmy for my work on the television show Dexter. After leaving the corporate entertainment world he went solo and started producing festivals and events including Rockabilly On The Route and now Rockabillaque which is now in its 8th year and is in two states, with plans to expand even further with more Rockabillaque's.
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www.rockabillaque.com
www.vivelerockproductions.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Miss Pinup Miami (00:07):
Good day. And welcome back to the pin podcast.
I'm your host pinup Miami. Andhere at the pin podcast, we talk
about modern topics with avintage flair. Today's episode
number 52. And I'm so excited tobring on Simon. He's the
producer and owner will owner ofViva la hub productions and
producer of rockabilly cue,which if you don't know, I'll be
(00:29):
hosting the pinup contest. Thisis going to be the second year.
And it's such an honor to rockthe stage with such beautiful
women. Amazing bands and thecars motorcycles. Yes, it's an
event that you're not gonna wantto miss out. Alright, Simon, how
are you doing today?
Simon Calton (00:45):
I'm doing great.
Thanks for having me.
Miss Pinup Miami (00:47):
I'm so excited to have you back on the podcast.
You were here on episode 23. Soit's like, now it's 52. Yeah, I
Simon Calton (00:54):
mean, was that like a year ago? Yeah, I
Miss Pinup Miami (00:56):
did take a little hiatus. But I came back.
And so it's about a year. Soyeah. How exciting. How and I
had the pleasure of joining inin Charleston. Going to
rockabilly Q and Charleston. Itwas such a different experience,
but amazing as well. Thank youfor having me there.
Simon Calton (01:16):
Yeah, of course. I mean, that was like a modified
version. This year. We'll bebringing back the full the full
version of it for Charleston aswell.
Miss Pinup Miami (01:23):
Yeah, cuz usually in Charleston is in
downtown. I forgot the name butlike, a whole street, right?
Simon Calton (01:28):
Yep. Yep. Because that whole area, but we have it
all over the neighborhood. Butwe have a little vintage main
street that's been revitalized,that we do the festival lot.
Miss Pinup Miami (01:39):
And just in case, nobody would. For the
people that weren't there inCharleston. I have the pictures
up on my website. The winner wasfrom rockabilly cue in
Charleston was Miss Kitty van.
Kitten. She's so cute. She'sgreat. And then for first runner
up and crowd favorites you hadthe most amazing like turkey
outfit. I thought that was superinnovative was Miss Raising Hell
Simon Calton (02:04):
yeah, I love her.
I'm good friends have bothactually too so because of
course the community is a littlesmall so you get to know a lot
of different people so
Miss Pinup Miami (02:13):
and then the second runner up was JoJo dynamo
and she actually won anotherevent that you hosted right?
Simon Calton (02:19):
Yeah, she won Miss Winter Wonderland the first time
we've done it and that was yeah,that was a Christmas market
celebration that I do here inCharleston look like to try to
add a little retro field anyevent that I'm like that I
produce so
Miss Pinup Miami (02:32):
have you incorporated Elvis and on the
last podcast we talked aboutyour Elvis experience in love
for Elvis? Has there been anyupdates in your Elvis life or
collection?
Simon Calton (02:42):
No, no no updates.
I mean, I you know, like I wouldi My love for offices never
ending but uh, but I Yeah, younever know. I've definitely
tried to get like a cool Elvisimpersonator to perform at an
event at one of my festivals,but it's it's hard to get them
sometimes and then you know, I'mkind of picky on who would want
(03:03):
to do it like no offense to someof the later day Elvis's but i
like i like the 1950s or early60s Elvis so the best
Miss Pinup Miami (03:13):
Do you like when they look like Elvis?
Because I've seen someimpersonators that are talented
but they don't look like Elvis.
Simon Calton (03:20):
Yeah, you know they get they get past some of
them get plastic surgery andstuff. I you know, I was a judge
for the International ElvisTribute competition that
Graceland throws every year andthis is years ago and Justin
Shand or one I think that washis name. And he's a huge Elvis
guy, but he looks like Elvislike it's and he looks like a
like a young Elvis.
Miss Pinup Miami (03:40):
I gotta look him up.
Simon Calton (03:41):
But I'm pretty sure he's had a special but I
think he's had a little bit ofwork done. But you know,
whatever. You're an ElvisTribute artist. You got to you
got to look the part. So
Miss Pinup Miami (03:51):
I don't doubt it. There's people that get
surgery to look like a Barbie.
I'm sure you've seen it. Theyare like $10. And they're like,
oh, chiseled plastic looking
Simon Calton (04:00):
yellow, creepy, but whatever.
Miss Pinup Miami (04:03):
So I want you to tell us a little bit about
how the pandemic has affectedyou didn't have rockabilly cue.
Last year, everything seems likea blur. But last year, um, how's
it affected you in your in yourwork?
Simon Calton (04:17):
I mean, it definitely. I lost 90% of my
business when the first shutdownand 2020 Thankfully, Florida was
like four weeks before. I mean,it was literally maybe three
weeks even it was right beforethe shutdown. Because it was it
was like the third weekend inFebruary and the shutdown was
like March 15. So yeah. But youknow, you gotta roll with it. I
(04:41):
mean, it is what it is. I mean,I did some, you know, we started
doing the virtual live stuff,which you know, you started
doing, you know, back in 2020.
And I had bands playing, and youknow, I kind of worked around it
the best I could, there wasnothing I could do about it. And
then last year, we no we didn'tdo Florida, but we did do a
modified version of Charleston,but this year, we're kind of
like rolling everything out,like all my events are back. And
it's exciting. It's you know,it's like, my body's not used to
(05:04):
being hunched over the computerso much like working on, you
know, all the different updatesand emails and posts and all
that but, but it's exciting tobe back in. And I'm really
looking forward to being backdown in Florida for rockabilly
key Florida.
Miss Pinup Miami (05:20):
And not only one day, but two days, you're
coming back with a bang.
Simon Calton (05:24):
Yeah. It's such a big success. And you, you have
to think you have to rememberthat we started promoting
rockabilly Florida, like, maybetwo months before the festival.
I mean, it was pretty fat forthe turnout we had. I mean, we
didn't really start it until midDecember. I don't think we
announced until Januaryactually. So yeah, it was a
(05:47):
really quick turnaround and wehad a huge turnout and we now we
announced in September so we'vebeen promoting for over six
months now. So you know, andthat we made it two days and we
have more bands, the lineup islike amazing.
Miss Pinup Miami (05:59):
And number one thing is free.
Simon Calton (06:01):
Yeah, yeah. And that's why you know, that's one
of the things I told Floridaweekly I go a lot of these bands
you're seeing you would neversee them free ever see them
free. Like this is a rarity thatyou would you know get to see in
a reverend Horton heat Slim Jimphantom Delta bombers. Good. You
know, Tammy Savoy, you go downthe list. And there's no way
that these artists, I'm excitedto see her. Yeah, no, she's
(06:22):
amazing. Yeah, I was that wason. She's been on my wish list
for a while. And I was reallyexcited to to get her to play.
Miss Pinup Miami (06:32):
Are you looking forward to any specific
bands that you've never seenlive seen them at rockabilly QR?
Have you seen them all live?
Simon Calton (06:38):
Tammy? I'm definitely excited to see. Delta
bombers are always like anamazing live act as far as ones
that I haven't seen. I don'tknow. There's so many good ones
to I mean, there's just so many.
If you've never seen the Swayze,they're out of
Miss Pinup Miami (06:54):
mine. I was about to bring them up. Yeah,
they're
Simon Calton (06:57):
they played rockabilly cue in 2019 here in
Charleston. And people stilltalk about it. They were
people's jaws were dropping likepeople begged me in Charleston
and bring them back again. And Iwould like to bring them back
here for next year's are thisyear's I should say. But yeah, I
know. They're phenomenal live,but I mean, all these I wouldn't
book a band that I wouldn'tlisten to myself. And I'm a fan
(07:18):
of all I mean, I think they'reall great bands. And it's very
eclectic music wise. Like it'snot all the same type of
rockabilly, psychobilly hockeytalk, you know, jazz swing,
whatever.
Miss Pinup Miami (07:27):
music going.
Simon Calton (07:28):
Yeah, it's very eclectic. And I like that
because my taste is eclectic.
And I think people's tastes aseclectic nowadays even more so.
So
Miss Pinup Miami (07:36):
I was gonna mention this way these when I
saw them on the lineup, I waslike those though, that's my,
that's my issue right there.
Locally mean,
Simon Calton (07:44):
remember how I found them, but I just I do a
lot of like, read people submitto me, but I do a lot of
research too. Because I like tofind bands that I think are
great that I don't know aboutand, and I brought them nobody
knew who they were inCharleston, but I thought they,
they were phenomenal. And theyof course, their lie back was
incredible. So, I mean, theyreally, really bring it.
Miss Pinup Miami (08:04):
I've been watching them here for who for
many years, and I took friends,I took my boyfriend on one of
our first dates like three yearsago to see them. I've never seen
them in Key West because they'reoriginally from Key West. But
anytime they play Miami, they'realways at Sweet liberty of your
Miami. Um, it's such a funenvironment because it's like a
whole show and you're always onyour feet and you're just
(08:25):
jamming out and and in the main,the main the singer is always
jumping doing splits jumping onthe crowd on the tables in the
bar.
Simon Calton (08:34):
Yeah. High energy for sure.
Miss Pinup Miami (08:37):
Yes. So and so what would you say is like the
difference like the differencebetween the biggest difference
between Charleston and Floridais is the community because I
feel like Charleston in FloridaYeah.
Simon Calton (08:53):
The the culture the kind of car by pinup
rockabilly culture in Florida isdefinitely much bigger. And so
that it's just it there's morethere's just a lot more going on
with that I think the one inCharleston is Charleston is
successful because people it's afun of it. And so but as the
(09:14):
years have gone on more and morepeople come that are more into
you know, mid century cultureand pent up and in cars and
bikes and all that but the onein Florida is definitely like a
lot more of a you know, like a afull fledged festival It's not a
casino it's you know, it's gotthe big bands it's got the you
(09:36):
know, the the pinup conscious isone of the big attractions the
car and bike show, you know getsbigger every year and the people
that come out a lot more peopleare into it and dress the part
and you know and really get intoit. So I feel like it's they're
similar in some ways, but thedifferent because it's the one
Charleston is more of like youtake over like a little mid
century neighborhood and all therestaurants and bars are
(09:57):
involved. And this one's more ofa Florida's was more of an old
school Las Vegas spectaclealmost, you know, it's at the
casino, it's got a big stage,it's, you know, it's like
bringing out that we have thelittle that we have the cool
lounge inside where Bands areplaying, which actually, this
year, they're actually the bandsare playing inside. They end
night, which is last year, theyonly played after the mainstage
(10:19):
was done. So that'll be kind ofcool, too. For people who want
to cool off have a cocktailgamble a little, there'll be
like 130 to 130 Basically everyevery day of the festival.
Miss Pinup Miami (10:30):
That's so exciting. And I love it's going
to be cars and bikes.
Simon Calton (10:35):
Yeah, no, it's gonna be great. I'm super
excited. I can't wait to getdown there.
Miss Pinup Miami (10:41):
So I have a few questions from the viewers
on Instagram. They want to knowwhat is the status? The first
question is what is the statusof rockabilly on the route
Simon Calton (10:53):
ah, rockabilly on the route so rockabilly on a
route is what kicked us all off.
We my co producer, Angie, who Idid the festival with we
developed it by the seat of ourpants 2012, I think it was, we
redid it for five years in atown called to carry, we took
over the town for four or fivedays, it was really great. But
she didn't want to produceevents anymore. And we we had
(11:14):
kind of outgrown the town, we Iwill always have a love for to
come carry. But it was a lot ofwork to put it on. And, and like
I said she I would, I didn'twant to do it without her. And
she didn't want to do festivalsanymore. And so we retired it.
And the idea now is I would liketo bring rockabilly cue to, to
route 66, and bring it to acasino and all that. And it
(11:40):
would be and I already asked forher blessing to call it like
rockabilly cue on the route. Soit's a tribute to rockabilly on
the route. When that's gonnahappen, I don't know, because I
barely have enough time to dowhat I'm doing now. But for a
couple years, I can see it beingover 66 It's, it's It's next on
my list of where I want to bringrockabilly q2, but for for
anyone who was there. I mean, Iwent to vivo last year, and
(12:04):
people brought it up to me, likeleft and right, like, they were
just like, oh, you know, we wishwe would have gone or Oh, we
miss it so much. You know, Ipeople love that festival
because it was just this cool,old route 66 town that had like,
you know, revitalize places, butalso abandoned places. And it
had you know, the route oldroute 66 strip with motels and
(12:25):
diners and really great photoops. And it was, you know, it
was it's a cool little town ThatTime Forgot. But also, they've
done a bunch of revitalizationtoo. So it's a mixed bag on, you
know that. But yeah, it was Ireally love the five years we
did it for I don't see thatcoming back. But we definitely I
(12:46):
definitely want to bringrockabilly cue to merge 66
Miss Pinup Miami (12:51):
That would be so much fun. I've never gone to
route 66 But I would love tovisit. The next question is what
kind of vendors can we expect atrockabilly que?
Simon Calton (13:02):
Hi, it's very diverse. There's jewellers of
car and bike show related,there's vintage clothing,
there's artists, there's, youknow, just an eclectic array of,
you know, Home Goods, vintageitems. It's just, it's, it's
very eclectic. I tried to be youknow, I tried to make it, you
know, as diverse as possible. Soit's not just like, row after
(13:23):
row after row of vintageclothes, like I want it to be,
you know, old enough, some
Miss Pinup Miami (13:27):
people will love that. Yeah,
Simon Calton (13:30):
we do have we have vintage clothing, boots, for
sure. But I like you know, wantto appeal to different people. I
just like the cars in the showor the music on the stage, I
want it to be eclectic.
Miss Pinup Miami (13:39):
Are the cards in the show gonna be a certain
gear? Is it pre 70s? Or is it
Simon Calton (13:45):
it's pre 84, we were a little loose on it.
Because I found that peoplereally liked seeing the cars I
don't I don't put modern cars init. Which means anything like in
84 thing is a little bit loose.
I prefer stuff that's like 70.
And before 70s. And before, Imean, I could be stricter and go
like, you know, nothing before1968 and all that. But I find
(14:07):
that people get really excitedabout seeing they collect the
cars, rather than just seeing,you know, cars from the 1940s to
the 1960s. So it's veryeclectic. And I think that's
part of what the charm of youknow, rockabilly cue.
Miss Pinup Miami (14:23):
The next question is, what is your
personal favorite car you'veseen a rockabilly cue?
Simon Calton (14:30):
Oh, wow. That's hard. I mean, I've seen so many
great ones. I don't know. Youknow, I can't fit say one off
the top of my head. There's beenso many amazing ones over the
years. That's the
Miss Pinup Miami (14:44):
most wildest one you've seen. rides I love
rat rods because their ownpersonality onto them.
Simon Calton (14:51):
Yeah, for sure. I mean, I'd have to like be able
to pull up a photo or somethinglike I've seen some. It's hard
to describe, but I mean, there'ssome this past year in
Charleston, there was Amazingcars like jaw dropping
beautiful. Some of the best I'veseen in Charleston. And we
always have good cars, but thisone, I mean, it was just like, I
don't know if COVID People gotreal creative, but there is some
(15:13):
beautiful, like beautifulrestored paint jobs, you know,
custom work. Really, reallyamazing. You know, Vintage and
Classic and Rat Rod hot rods andall that.
Miss Pinup Miami (15:25):
And even musicians had their cars there,
Jared Penny had his, his car wasbeautiful.
Simon Calton (15:30):
Yeah, he's a beautiful vintage truck. But ya
know, it's, I just love youknow, I love that there's always
like cars, even, you know, I seethe photos, they submit them
online, but seeing them inperson is just a whole other
experience.
Miss Pinup Miami (15:44):
Next question is, is it hard wasn't harder to
find musicians after thepandemic,
Simon Calton (15:50):
it wasn't harder.
It was, I actually there were,we wanted to get a few
international acts this year.
And it was hard. That was hard.
Because you know, the, there'scoke travel restrictions and all
that. I'm not gonna say whobecause they may come deeper.
And I don't want to you know,but there's some pretty big
rockabilly bands overseas thatwe wanted to get. And we even
(16:10):
tried to, but it just was socomplicated with, you know,
travel visas, and there was a,there was an air like, we could
confirm them, but then there wasa chance they might not be able
to get into the country. So itreally wasn't worth it this year
to do that. The one that gotaway that I really am saddened
by is that we were and I can saythis because of what happened.
(16:32):
But we were working very hardfor over two months to get
Ronnie Spector to play. And ofcourse, she passed away. We
weren't able to work it out.
Because of she just you know,she wasn't traveling as much.
And there wasn't, you know,there wasn't a negative reason
why we couldn't get her but itjust, we just couldn't work it
(16:53):
out of her schedule, and traveland all that. But, you know,
when she passed away, I was justlike, I mean, obviously, I was
sad, because she's a legend, butit also was like, Oh, my God,
but you know, we wouldn't havegotten her anyhow. Because if we
would have booked her obviously,she passed away. But it is very
sad, because that would havebeen amazing to have her and now
there's never you know, thatopportunity is gone, which is
(17:14):
you know, she's a she was alegend. Now.
Miss Pinup Miami (17:19):
Next question is What is the craziest band
story you have?
Simon Calton (17:24):
A, I mean, there's a bunch, but one of the funniest
is probably well, there's somethat I can't really tell. But we
change the names. So we rock orplayed rockabilly on the route
one year. And the hotel you'restaying at this really cool
vintage motel, called the motelSafari into can carry should
(17:45):
definitely stay there if you'reever traveling through it's
really beautiful, restoredvintage motel, and have a great
sign. So he was staying therewith his band, and we had to get
him from the motel to the venue.
And a bomb threat was called into the hotel across the street
from the from the motel he wasstaying at. So they closed down
(18:07):
like a three Brock perimeter infront of the hotel. And he
couldn't get out because youknow, and it was like, an hour
and a half before showtime anhour before. So I can't remember
it was pretty tight. I can't Ican't remember the exact time
but the so we couldn't get out.
And so I knew the motel managersand I was calling them and we
(18:29):
figured out a way to sort ofsneak him out the back door. And
I personally went and picked uphis band because I wanted to
make sure I got them to so wehad to like sneak them out the
back door and they had to walklike four blocks down because
they literally you know the bombthreat. The police take that
very seriously. And then we hadto you know, lately they had to
they had to like run for blocksand hop in the car and take them
to the convention center. Wow.
Yeah, so that was like, youknow, when he played rockabilly
(18:53):
cue Florida in 2020. I we werereminiscing about that story,
because it was pretty funnybecause I was like, Is that the
only time you've ever had a bombthreat when you when you were
playing? And he's like, I thinkthat's the first.
Miss Pinup Miami (19:06):
That doesn't really happen often. Wow. Yeah,
that
Simon Calton (19:09):
was a that was a good one. I have some ones I
would tell off camera that arereally good, but I'm not going
to tell them on camera.
Miss Pinup Miami (19:16):
You're going to be full of secrets.
Simon Calton (19:20):
All the bands because I know what the story
is. They probably wouldn'tappreciate me telling it so.
Miss Pinup Miami (19:26):
So did you binge watch any TV shows during
the pandemic?
Simon Calton (19:30):
Oh my god. Yeah.
Then watched a million things. Ican't even remember. I've
watched so many things. Iwatched the pleasures Yellow
Jackets I liked I'm I'm caught.
Oh, you know what I'm currentlywatching. I'm currently
watching. Pam and Tommy on Hulu.
It's about Pamela Anderson andTommy Lee. It's a it's like a
like a movie or a show. It's aTV show. But it's it's not it's
(19:51):
not documentary. It's actuallylike a recreates their time when
they were together and they Sextape came out. And it's so over
the top but, you know, and hedoesn't come across very well
like I'm sure he's not veryhappy. He kind of comes across
as a douchebag. But it's notreally that surprising. I mean,
he's Tommy Lee's made himtattooed on his on his stomach.
(20:13):
So I mean, but no, that'sprobably my guilty pleasure
right now. That's it's it'sdefinitely worth a watch. And
it's it's pretty funny becauseit's just so over the top. It
has a really good cast too.
Miss Pinup Miami (20:26):
I want to see it just because the actress in
it, it she's the girl that playsHarlequin, right? Yeah. Yeah,
she's a great actress. And she's
Simon Calton (20:35):
the guy that plays Okay, so for people that are
faint of heart, it's like fullnudity. So you see, oh, a lot of
Tommy Lee, let's just say thatlike I literally the the first
scene that they had, they hadthe full frontal, I was just
like, and let's say his friendtalks and moves around and
dances and stuff like it's,you're gonna hear jokes, you
(20:57):
will laugh because it's so overthe top, but it's well done.
It's really well done.
Miss Pinup Miami (21:01):
Any good movies that you recommend this
year? Because you worked in? I'masking you because you worked in
the TV industry are
Simon Calton (21:08):
working. Yeah, I worked on American Idol and a
million different TVs worked onDexter. Moved movies, movies.
What did I just see? Oh, I sawthe new scream. That was good.
And I can't remember I blank onthings. I like horror a lot. So
I like to screen was reallygood. I didn't think it was good
as the one before that. But itwas good. It was and I went to
the theaters it. It's nice to beable to go to a movie theater
(21:30):
again.
Miss Pinup Miami (21:31):
It's weird, though, because there's not a
lot of people in the theater. Idon't know about where you are
at. But I was the only one whenwe went to see the Macbeth movie
that recently came out withDenzel Washington.
Simon Calton (21:40):
Yeah, no, yeah, there was actually this one was
a little busier. Because it waslike a Saturday night. And it
was a it was kind of a populartheater. But by busier I mean,
there was maybe 10 people in thetheater. It wasn't like it was a
big theater. So yeah, not notbusy, though. Like the old days.
days.
Miss Pinup Miami (21:57):
I used to make a line for popcorn. There was no
line. I was shocked. I was like,Oh, okay. So let's see what last
question is, what is yourfavorite part of rockabilly cue,
like I guess the highlight oneof your highlights of rockabilly
cue.
Simon Calton (22:12):
I think it's when everything comes together and
just seeing all the, you know,the hours of work I put into it.
And finally seeing it infruition, like seeing the bands
on stage, seeing the cars, allparking, people are walking
around, having a good time,seeing the pinup contest and all
the great amazing, you know,outfits that the ladies are
wearing. It's kind of like thesum of its parts. I think that's
(22:34):
probably I just, once it. Onceit starts happening. I'm I it
almost is like a sense of calm.
I mean, I'm still running aroundlike crazy, but it's just like,
the wheels are in motion.
There's nothing, you know, Ican't I don't, there's nothing
more than promote. Because I'ma, I'm a, I'm constantly
thinking about it constantlyworking on things. I'll wake up
(22:54):
in the middle of night and getmy notebook and write down
things I need to do first thingin the morning, like, when I do
an event I'm passionate aboutit's it's on my mind, but the
whole time leading up to it.
Like it rarely is not on mymind. And so it's somewhat of
like a relief when it startsbecause then I'm like, oh, it's
finally happening. Everything'sgreat. And then the casino is so
amazing to work with. And theirteam is fantastic. So I couldn't
(23:14):
ask for a better group of peoplethat are like my partners in
this because they they worktheir butts off to make this the
best event they can. And theyyou know, they're a huge fan of
it. Obviously, they made it twodays for this year. And yeah, so
I'm just really excited to getdown there. I mean, I'm leaving
like two weeks in advance,because I'm so excited to get
down there. So
Miss Pinup Miami (23:37):
I'm excited to and I have a personal question
was not personal. But just like,when I host any event or I do
something I feel like Time justflies like you're having it's
going so like it's justhappening and you're doing
everything you're supposed to bedoing. But does that happen to
you that it just feels like itjust flew by? And you're like
(23:57):
who amazing like, but youcouldn't enjoy because you were
like all in a high?
Simon Calton (24:02):
Yeah, I always say that. I would love to attend one
of my own events. But I neverget to of course, because I'm
producing the event. But yaknow, when it starts, it's just
like, it's happening. Likeeverything's going moving
forward. Like, you know, there'snothing you can do about it. And
it feels really good. I have areally, really good rocky look
(24:22):
in Charleston was stressful lastyears because I had to make so
many changes and make it fit theclimate and all that and move
locations at the last minute.
And this one just seems like Imean, it's still been a lot of
work, but it's definitely likesuch an more relaxed, you know,
feeling because I know it'sgonna be amazing. And I know
that we can make it what it'ssupposed to be, which feels
(24:44):
really good.
Miss Pinup Miami (24:46):
Yes, I feel the same way. And I'm so excited
to take part of it.
Simon Calton (24:51):
We're happy to have you back again. I love
working with you. Yes,
Miss Pinup Miami (24:55):
I'm gonna pick up next week. The custom
trophies that I had made Ialways make different every time
I hold the contest it's always adifferent type of trophy. I love
the ones I did for rockabillyfew Charleston, it was nice,
acrylic custom prints. This timeis going to be different and a
little bit more kitschy.
Eclectic, I guess is the keyword of this. I love I like my
ears. Now, do you have anyquestions you'd like to ask me?
(25:19):
I always ask the guests if theyhave any questions for me?
Simon Calton (25:24):
Uh, yeah, I mean, I guess a good question for you
is like, what do you feel likewhen you're like, when you're
planning a pennant contest? Doyou envision things in your head
of how you want to see it? Go? Iknow, you. You know, you're
very, you have very specificrules about making sure the
ladies look presentable and youknow, are not just showing up
(25:44):
and some you know, that you wantyou want to contest it's as far
as I can tell, to actually putsome work into it. I think
that's kind of amazing. Becauseit is like, it's it's, and I
told Florida weekly this andwhen they interviewed me, I
said, you know, it's it's one ofthe events, it's not just a
contest, it's just as big asReverend Horton heat playing, or
(26:04):
the car and bike show, or, youknow, the pinup contest is a
main attraction. And that's, youknow, and that's always been a
big deal for me, because I thinkit's great, because I've also
seen ladies competing everyyear, but and on your side of
the, you know, on your side ofit, how do you how does it feel
planning it putting it togetherand and seeing it actually
happen?
Miss Pinup Miami (26:24):
i Well, I've been hosting the first contest
that ever hosted was at a tattooexpo here in Coral Springs in
2016. And I keep photos andhistory of all the winners and
contests on my website, becauseit's for me, I wanted to create
a contest. The way I do it isnot normal, like everyone else.
I wanted to create somethingthat the girls that doesn't know
(26:48):
somebody could have fun, and thegirls that have a group behind
them and a team. I'm going toexplain this. But like when I
first entered a contest, Ithought that the girl that shake
their ass one because it was anaudience favorite. So I felt
like I put a lot of effort intoit. But it didn't matter. And
then I felt kind of said, eventhough I shouldn't I mean a lot
of people and that's what thecontest. Also, people meet other
(27:10):
women in the community that lovethe same thing they do is so
deep. And that's what I loveabout the pinup contest. And
then I have the judges portionfor that. But then I love the
crowd favorite because I alsoadmire the people that come with
a crew or like I call it liketheir writer dies. And it's
amazing, because I find that soincredibly like admirable. So I
(27:32):
don't want to put that away fromthe girl that brought her crew
when they're cheering on. So I'dlike to do a crowd favorite and
the judges favorite just tobalance that off and be even.
And I give the score sheet tothe contestants when they sign
up. So they know the criteriasthey know this five points for
hair, five points for dresses.
And the judges I I mean, they dotake a while to add because I
(27:57):
really want to make it fair. Andthey don't know when they're
looking at their paper. Like alot of Pete like, I make it
super like it's so I've thoughtout of everything I could to
make sure everything is superfair, because I truly believe in
being fair and giving chances.
So like the judges have a scoresheet and only has a number, but
(28:17):
by the time that they're fillingout, you know, and I have so
many girls enter, they don'tknow who the person was, until
they saw them and they scorethem and they go you've been a
judge so so you know, and thenyou add it up and it gives you a
true answer of like who is likethe judges choice. And then from
there while they're adding Ilove to do an audience because
(28:38):
for example Miss raising hellshe had like this turkey in her
presentation. So even if shedidn't bring a crew, she's
winning the crowd. I mean, Idon't know I don't know the
people in Charleston, but likeit's, it's just I love that
dynamic. And they're soopposite, that I really when I
do this, I mean, some peoplecould just host the contest and
just toasted but I like tocreate an experience for girls
(29:02):
that don't know anybody andreally love the fashion and love
the pin up that want to try itout. Have a fair chance and then
have the girls that you knowcould win a crowd over so
there's two different like,together, if that makes sense.
Yeah, no, it makes total sense.
And if that's what I really putin then with the prizes and the
judges like for rockabilly Q inFlorida this year is going to be
(29:23):
I'm so excited. I have HeidiCalvert photography she has
photoshot Pinup Girl Clothingshe mostly does a lot of like
those like wonderful likeproduct photography use for
Pinup Girl Clothing, uniquevintage sour posts, all those
big brands and a lot of thispinup girls gnome and she also
does pinup boudoir and likeglamour shots and it's so clean
(29:46):
and crisp and she's a editorialstyle. And then from Rhode
Island we have somebody flyingdown vintage girl studios, and
she's really good at vintagestyle. photography that is super
modern, but vintage like itlooks timeless. And she even has
like a old camera that she likemakes shift to do Polaroids. And
(30:08):
she also does 10 like those old,kind of like 10 photos. And
she's flying down. And then Ihave a burlesque dancer locally
on the West Coast Miss Marinalane, and she's all about
glamour. So I wanted a whole mixof people in the scene in that
editorial and local for lessbecause it's all about the brown
(30:31):
the circle of rockabilly andeclectic mix, like, like you
said,
Simon Calton (30:39):
definitely.
Miss Pinup Miami (30:41):
Does that answer your question?
Simon Calton (30:42):
Yeah, definitely.
You get so excited about it.
It's awesome.
Miss Pinup Miami (30:46):
Oh, yes, I get so excited like that. I wish I
could do this, like for the restof my life?
Simon Calton (30:52):
No, I mean, you're kind of like, you know, you've
been building your brand. Soyou're
Miss Pinup Miami (30:56):
Yeah. And then the lives are really great
because I loved when I went toCharleston, a lot of the girls
there like knew me from yourfrom the rock of if you don't
follow rockabilly cue onFacebook, make sure to follow
them. I'm live every Sunday at5pm either doing hair makeup or
some kind of tips. And thisupcoming Saturday, I'll be doing
pinup tips, tips and tricks forthe pinup contest. So if you're
(31:18):
in the contest, and you'relistening to this podcast, make
sure to tune in live and youcould ask me any questions that
you have.
Simon Calton (31:24):
You said Saturday, do you mean Saturday? Are you
meant Sunday?
Miss Pinup Miami (31:26):
Sunday?
Sunday? I'm so sorry. My apologySunday's 5pm.
Simon Calton (31:35):
Yes.
Miss Pinup Miami (31:37):
Yeah. So Simon, I want to say thank you
so much for being on thepodcast. Again. It's truly an
honor and honor to have youhere, be able to rock the stage
and rockabilly Q. And yeah.
Thank you so much.
Simon Calton (31:50):
Yeah, I love working with you. And I'm
excited to see you at thefestival.
Miss Pinup Miami (31:54):
Yeah, and I'm making a custom dress and
everything. And I'm going to beusing the hair flowers I made on
my live two weeks ago becausethe first rockabilly cue, I wore
yellow and blue, so I thoughtI'd keep the tradition and wear
yellow and blue again, just
Simon Calton (32:09):
go. Awesome.
Miss Pinup Miami (32:12):
All right, make sure to tune in next week,
because next week, I'm going tohave on the podcast, vintage
girl studios from Rhode Islandand she's going to be one of the
judges. So we'll be able to talkmore about photography modeling
and also her skating. She'sgotten into roller skating and
photography. So we're gonna diveinto that. Alright guys, thank
(32:32):
you so much for listening and Iwill catch YOU on
Good day. And welcome back to the pin podcast.
I'm your host pinup Miami. Andhere at the pin podcast, we talk
about modern topics with avintage flair. Today's episode
number 52. And I'm so excited tobring on Simon. He's the
producer and owner will owner ofViva la hub productions and
producer of rockabilly cue,which if you don't know, I'll be
(00:29):
hosting the pinup contest. Thisis going to be the second year.
And it's such an honor to rockthe stage with such beautiful
women. Amazing bands and thecars motorcycles. Yes, it's an
event that you're not gonna wantto miss out. Alright, Simon, how
are you doing today?
Simon Calton (00:45):
I'm doing great.
Thanks for having me.
Miss Pinup Miami (00:47):
I'm so excited to have you back on the podcast.
You were here on episode 23. Soit's like, now it's 52. Yeah, I
Simon Calton (00:54):
mean, was that like a year ago? Yeah, I
Miss Pinup Miami (00:56):
did take a little hiatus. But I came back.
And so it's about a year. Soyeah. How exciting. How and I
had the pleasure of joining inin Charleston. Going to
rockabilly Q and Charleston. Itwas such a different experience,
but amazing as well. Thank youfor having me there.
Simon Calton (01:16):
Yeah, of course. I mean, that was like a modified
version. This year. We'll bebringing back the full the full
version of it for Charleston aswell.
Miss Pinup Miami (01:23):
Yeah, cuz usually in Charleston is in
downtown. I forgot the name butlike, a whole street, right?
Simon Calton (01:28):
Yep. Yep. Because that whole area, but we have it
all over the neighborhood. Butwe have a little vintage main
street that's been revitalized,that we do the festival lot.
Miss Pinup Miami (01:39):
And just in case, nobody would. For the
people that weren't there inCharleston. I have the pictures
up on my website. The winner wasfrom rockabilly cue in
Charleston was Miss Kitty van.
Kitten. She's so cute. She'sgreat. And then for first runner
up and crowd favorites you hadthe most amazing like turkey
outfit. I thought that was superinnovative was Miss Raising Hell
Simon Calton (02:04):
yeah, I love her.
I'm good friends have bothactually too so because of
course the community is a littlesmall so you get to know a lot
of different people so
Miss Pinup Miami (02:13):
and then the second runner up was JoJo dynamo
and she actually won anotherevent that you hosted right?
Simon Calton (02:19):
Yeah, she won Miss Winter Wonderland the first time
we've done it and that was yeah,that was a Christmas market
celebration that I do here inCharleston look like to try to
add a little retro field anyevent that I'm like that I
produce so
Miss Pinup Miami (02:32):
have you incorporated Elvis and on the
last podcast we talked aboutyour Elvis experience in love
for Elvis? Has there been anyupdates in your Elvis life or
collection?
Simon Calton (02:42):
No, no no updates.
I mean, I you know, like I wouldi My love for offices never
ending but uh, but I Yeah, younever know. I've definitely
tried to get like a cool Elvisimpersonator to perform at an
event at one of my festivals,but it's it's hard to get them
sometimes and then you know, I'mkind of picky on who would want
(03:03):
to do it like no offense to someof the later day Elvis's but i
like i like the 1950s or early60s Elvis so the best
Miss Pinup Miami (03:13):
Do you like when they look like Elvis?
Because I've seen someimpersonators that are talented
but they don't look like Elvis.
Simon Calton (03:20):
Yeah, you know they get they get past some of
them get plastic surgery andstuff. I you know, I was a judge
for the International ElvisTribute competition that
Graceland throws every year andthis is years ago and Justin
Shand or one I think that washis name. And he's a huge Elvis
guy, but he looks like Elvislike it's and he looks like a
like a young Elvis.
Miss Pinup Miami (03:40):
I gotta look him up.
Simon Calton (03:41):
But I'm pretty sure he's had a special but I
think he's had a little bit ofwork done. But you know,
whatever. You're an ElvisTribute artist. You got to you
got to look the part. So
Miss Pinup Miami (03:51):
I don't doubt it. There's people that get
surgery to look like a Barbie.
I'm sure you've seen it. Theyare like $10. And they're like,
oh, chiseled plastic looking
Simon Calton (04:00):
yellow, creepy, but whatever.
Miss Pinup Miami (04:03):
So I want you to tell us a little bit about
how the pandemic has affectedyou didn't have rockabilly cue.
Last year, everything seems likea blur. But last year, um, how's
it affected you in your in yourwork?
Simon Calton (04:17):
I mean, it definitely. I lost 90% of my
business when the first shutdownand 2020 Thankfully, Florida was
like four weeks before. I mean,it was literally maybe three
weeks even it was right beforethe shutdown. Because it was it
was like the third weekend inFebruary and the shutdown was
like March 15. So yeah. But youknow, you gotta roll with it. I
(04:41):
mean, it is what it is. I mean,I did some, you know, we started
doing the virtual live stuff,which you know, you started
doing, you know, back in 2020.
And I had bands playing, and youknow, I kind of worked around it
the best I could, there wasnothing I could do about it. And
then last year, we no we didn'tdo Florida, but we did do a
modified version of Charleston,but this year, we're kind of
like rolling everything out,like all my events are back. And
it's exciting. It's you know,it's like, my body's not used to
(05:04):
being hunched over the computerso much like working on, you
know, all the different updatesand emails and posts and all
that but, but it's exciting tobe back in. And I'm really
looking forward to being backdown in Florida for rockabilly
key Florida.
Miss Pinup Miami (05:20):
And not only one day, but two days, you're
coming back with a bang.
Simon Calton (05:24):
Yeah. It's such a big success. And you, you have
to think you have to rememberthat we started promoting
rockabilly Florida, like, maybetwo months before the festival.
I mean, it was pretty fat forthe turnout we had. I mean, we
didn't really start it until midDecember. I don't think we
announced until Januaryactually. So yeah, it was a
(05:47):
really quick turnaround and wehad a huge turnout and we now we
announced in September so we'vebeen promoting for over six
months now. So you know, andthat we made it two days and we
have more bands, the lineup islike amazing.
Miss Pinup Miami (05:59):
And number one thing is free.
Simon Calton (06:01):
Yeah, yeah. And that's why you know, that's one
of the things I told Floridaweekly I go a lot of these bands
you're seeing you would neversee them free ever see them
free. Like this is a rarity thatyou would you know get to see in
a reverend Horton heat Slim Jimphantom Delta bombers. Good. You
know, Tammy Savoy, you go downthe list. And there's no way
that these artists, I'm excitedto see her. Yeah, no, she's
(06:22):
amazing. Yeah, I was that wason. She's been on my wish list
for a while. And I was reallyexcited to to get her to play.
Miss Pinup Miami (06:32):
Are you looking forward to any specific
bands that you've never seenlive seen them at rockabilly QR?
Have you seen them all live?
Simon Calton (06:38):
Tammy? I'm definitely excited to see. Delta
bombers are always like anamazing live act as far as ones
that I haven't seen. I don'tknow. There's so many good ones
to I mean, there's just so many.
If you've never seen the Swayze,they're out of
Miss Pinup Miami (06:54):
mine. I was about to bring them up. Yeah,
they're
Simon Calton (06:57):
they played rockabilly cue in 2019 here in
Charleston. And people stilltalk about it. They were
people's jaws were dropping likepeople begged me in Charleston
and bring them back again. And Iwould like to bring them back
here for next year's are thisyear's I should say. But yeah, I
know. They're phenomenal live,but I mean, all these I wouldn't
book a band that I wouldn'tlisten to myself. And I'm a fan
(07:18):
of all I mean, I think they'reall great bands. And it's very
eclectic music wise. Like it'snot all the same type of
rockabilly, psychobilly hockeytalk, you know, jazz swing,
whatever.
Miss Pinup Miami (07:27):
music going.
Simon Calton (07:28):
Yeah, it's very eclectic. And I like that
because my taste is eclectic.
And I think people's tastes aseclectic nowadays even more so.
So
Miss Pinup Miami (07:36):
I was gonna mention this way these when I
saw them on the lineup, I waslike those though, that's my,
that's my issue right there.
Locally mean,
Simon Calton (07:44):
remember how I found them, but I just I do a
lot of like, read people submitto me, but I do a lot of
research too. Because I like tofind bands that I think are
great that I don't know aboutand, and I brought them nobody
knew who they were inCharleston, but I thought they,
they were phenomenal. And theyof course, their lie back was
incredible. So, I mean, theyreally, really bring it.
Miss Pinup Miami (08:04):
I've been watching them here for who for
many years, and I took friends,I took my boyfriend on one of
our first dates like three yearsago to see them. I've never seen
them in Key West because they'reoriginally from Key West. But
anytime they play Miami, they'realways at Sweet liberty of your
Miami. Um, it's such a funenvironment because it's like a
whole show and you're always onyour feet and you're just
(08:25):
jamming out and and in the main,the main the singer is always
jumping doing splits jumping onthe crowd on the tables in the
bar.
Simon Calton (08:34):
Yeah. High energy for sure.
Miss Pinup Miami (08:37):
Yes. So and so what would you say is like the
difference like the differencebetween the biggest difference
between Charleston and Floridais is the community because I
feel like Charleston in FloridaYeah.
Simon Calton (08:53):
The the culture the kind of car by pinup
rockabilly culture in Florida isdefinitely much bigger. And so
that it's just it there's morethere's just a lot more going on
with that I think the one inCharleston is Charleston is
successful because people it's afun of it. And so but as the
(09:14):
years have gone on more and morepeople come that are more into
you know, mid century cultureand pent up and in cars and
bikes and all that but the onein Florida is definitely like a
lot more of a you know, like a afull fledged festival It's not a
casino it's you know, it's gotthe big bands it's got the you
(09:36):
know, the the pinup conscious isone of the big attractions the
car and bike show, you know getsbigger every year and the people
that come out a lot more peopleare into it and dress the part
and you know and really get intoit. So I feel like it's they're
similar in some ways, but thedifferent because it's the one
Charleston is more of like youtake over like a little mid
century neighborhood and all therestaurants and bars are
(09:57):
involved. And this one's more ofa Florida's was more of an old
school Las Vegas spectaclealmost, you know, it's at the
casino, it's got a big stage,it's, you know, it's like
bringing out that we have thelittle that we have the cool
lounge inside where Bands areplaying, which actually, this
year, they're actually the bandsare playing inside. They end
night, which is last year, theyonly played after the mainstage
(10:19):
was done. So that'll be kind ofcool, too. For people who want
to cool off have a cocktailgamble a little, there'll be
like 130 to 130 Basically everyevery day of the festival.
Miss Pinup Miami (10:30):
That's so exciting. And I love it's going
to be cars and bikes.
Simon Calton (10:35):
Yeah, no, it's gonna be great. I'm super
excited. I can't wait to getdown there.
Miss Pinup Miami (10:41):
So I have a few questions from the viewers
on Instagram. They want to knowwhat is the status? The first
question is what is the statusof rockabilly on the route
Simon Calton (10:53):
ah, rockabilly on the route so rockabilly on a
route is what kicked us all off.
We my co producer, Angie, who Idid the festival with we
developed it by the seat of ourpants 2012, I think it was, we
redid it for five years in atown called to carry, we took
over the town for four or fivedays, it was really great. But
she didn't want to produceevents anymore. And we we had
(11:14):
kind of outgrown the town, we Iwill always have a love for to
come carry. But it was a lot ofwork to put it on. And, and like
I said she I would, I didn'twant to do it without her. And
she didn't want to do festivalsanymore. And so we retired it.
And the idea now is I would liketo bring rockabilly cue to, to
route 66, and bring it to acasino and all that. And it
(11:40):
would be and I already asked forher blessing to call it like
rockabilly cue on the route. Soit's a tribute to rockabilly on
the route. When that's gonnahappen, I don't know, because I
barely have enough time to dowhat I'm doing now. But for a
couple years, I can see it beingover 66 It's, it's It's next on
my list of where I want to bringrockabilly q2, but for for
anyone who was there. I mean, Iwent to vivo last year, and
(12:04):
people brought it up to me, likeleft and right, like, they were
just like, oh, you know, we wishwe would have gone or Oh, we
miss it so much. You know, Ipeople love that festival
because it was just this cool,old route 66 town that had like,
you know, revitalize places, butalso abandoned places. And it
had you know, the route oldroute 66 strip with motels and
(12:25):
diners and really great photoops. And it was, you know, it
was it's a cool little town ThatTime Forgot. But also, they've
done a bunch of revitalizationtoo. So it's a mixed bag on, you
know that. But yeah, it was Ireally love the five years we
did it for I don't see thatcoming back. But we definitely I
(12:46):
definitely want to bringrockabilly cue to merge 66
Miss Pinup Miami (12:51):
That would be so much fun. I've never gone to
route 66 But I would love tovisit. The next question is what
kind of vendors can we expect atrockabilly que?
Simon Calton (13:02):
Hi, it's very diverse. There's jewellers of
car and bike show related,there's vintage clothing,
there's artists, there's, youknow, just an eclectic array of,
you know, Home Goods, vintageitems. It's just, it's, it's
very eclectic. I tried to be youknow, I tried to make it, you
know, as diverse as possible. Soit's not just like, row after
(13:23):
row after row of vintageclothes, like I want it to be,
you know, old enough, some
Miss Pinup Miami (13:27):
people will love that. Yeah,
Simon Calton (13:30):
we do have we have vintage clothing, boots, for
sure. But I like you know, wantto appeal to different people. I
just like the cars in the showor the music on the stage, I
want it to be eclectic.
Miss Pinup Miami (13:39):
Are the cards in the show gonna be a certain
gear? Is it pre 70s? Or is it
Simon Calton (13:45):
it's pre 84, we were a little loose on it.
Because I found that peoplereally liked seeing the cars I
don't I don't put modern cars init. Which means anything like in
84 thing is a little bit loose.
I prefer stuff that's like 70.
And before 70s. And before, Imean, I could be stricter and go
like, you know, nothing before1968 and all that. But I find
(14:07):
that people get really excitedabout seeing they collect the
cars, rather than just seeing,you know, cars from the 1940s to
the 1960s. So it's veryeclectic. And I think that's
part of what the charm of youknow, rockabilly cue.
Miss Pinup Miami (14:23):
The next question is, what is your
personal favorite car you'veseen a rockabilly cue?
Simon Calton (14:30):
Oh, wow. That's hard. I mean, I've seen so many
great ones. I don't know. Youknow, I can't fit say one off
the top of my head. There's beenso many amazing ones over the
years. That's the
Miss Pinup Miami (14:44):
most wildest one you've seen. rides I love
rat rods because their ownpersonality onto them.
Simon Calton (14:51):
Yeah, for sure. I mean, I'd have to like be able
to pull up a photo or somethinglike I've seen some. It's hard
to describe, but I mean, there'ssome this past year in
Charleston, there was Amazingcars like jaw dropping
beautiful. Some of the best I'veseen in Charleston. And we
always have good cars, but thisone, I mean, it was just like, I
don't know if COVID People gotreal creative, but there is some
(15:13):
beautiful, like beautifulrestored paint jobs, you know,
custom work. Really, reallyamazing. You know, Vintage and
Classic and Rat Rod hot rods andall that.
Miss Pinup Miami (15:25):
And even musicians had their cars there,
Jared Penny had his, his car wasbeautiful.
Simon Calton (15:30):
Yeah, he's a beautiful vintage truck. But ya
know, it's, I just love youknow, I love that there's always
like cars, even, you know, I seethe photos, they submit them
online, but seeing them inperson is just a whole other
experience.
Miss Pinup Miami (15:44):
Next question is, is it hard wasn't harder to
find musicians after thepandemic,
Simon Calton (15:50):
it wasn't harder.
It was, I actually there were,we wanted to get a few
international acts this year.
And it was hard. That was hard.
Because you know, the, there'scoke travel restrictions and all
that. I'm not gonna say whobecause they may come deeper.
And I don't want to you know,but there's some pretty big
rockabilly bands overseas thatwe wanted to get. And we even
(16:10):
tried to, but it just was socomplicated with, you know,
travel visas, and there was a,there was an air like, we could
confirm them, but then there wasa chance they might not be able
to get into the country. So itreally wasn't worth it this year
to do that. The one that gotaway that I really am saddened
by is that we were and I can saythis because of what happened.
(16:32):
But we were working very hardfor over two months to get
Ronnie Spector to play. And ofcourse, she passed away. We
weren't able to work it out.
Because of she just you know,she wasn't traveling as much.
And there wasn't, you know,there wasn't a negative reason
why we couldn't get her but itjust, we just couldn't work it
(16:53):
out of her schedule, and traveland all that. But, you know,
when she passed away, I was justlike, I mean, obviously, I was
sad, because she's a legend, butit also was like, Oh, my God,
but you know, we wouldn't havegotten her anyhow. Because if we
would have booked her obviously,she passed away. But it is very
sad, because that would havebeen amazing to have her and now
there's never you know, thatopportunity is gone, which is
(17:14):
you know, she's a she was alegend. Now.
Miss Pinup Miami (17:19):
Next question is What is the craziest band
story you have?
Simon Calton (17:24):
A, I mean, there's a bunch, but one of the funniest
is probably well, there's somethat I can't really tell. But we
change the names. So we rock orplayed rockabilly on the route
one year. And the hotel you'restaying at this really cool
vintage motel, called the motelSafari into can carry should
(17:45):
definitely stay there if you'reever traveling through it's
really beautiful, restoredvintage motel, and have a great
sign. So he was staying therewith his band, and we had to get
him from the motel to the venue.
And a bomb threat was called into the hotel across the street
from the from the motel he wasstaying at. So they closed down
(18:07):
like a three Brock perimeter infront of the hotel. And he
couldn't get out because youknow, and it was like, an hour
and a half before showtime anhour before. So I can't remember
it was pretty tight. I can't Ican't remember the exact time
but the so we couldn't get out.
And so I knew the motel managersand I was calling them and we
(18:29):
figured out a way to sort ofsneak him out the back door. And
I personally went and picked uphis band because I wanted to
make sure I got them to so wehad to like sneak them out the
back door and they had to walklike four blocks down because
they literally you know the bombthreat. The police take that
very seriously. And then we hadto you know, lately they had to
they had to like run for blocksand hop in the car and take them
to the convention center. Wow.
Yeah, so that was like, youknow, when he played rockabilly
(18:53):
cue Florida in 2020. I we werereminiscing about that story,
because it was pretty funnybecause I was like, Is that the
only time you've ever had a bombthreat when you when you were
playing? And he's like, I thinkthat's the first.
Miss Pinup Miami (19:06):
That doesn't really happen often. Wow. Yeah,
that
Simon Calton (19:09):
was a that was a good one. I have some ones I
would tell off camera that arereally good, but I'm not going
to tell them on camera.
Miss Pinup Miami (19:16):
You're going to be full of secrets.
Simon Calton (19:20):
All the bands because I know what the story
is. They probably wouldn'tappreciate me telling it so.
Miss Pinup Miami (19:26):
So did you binge watch any TV shows during
the pandemic?
Simon Calton (19:30):
Oh my god. Yeah.
Then watched a million things. Ican't even remember. I've
watched so many things. Iwatched the pleasures Yellow
Jackets I liked I'm I'm caught.
Oh, you know what I'm currentlywatching. I'm currently
watching. Pam and Tommy on Hulu.
It's about Pamela Anderson andTommy Lee. It's a it's like a
like a movie or a show. It's aTV show. But it's it's not it's
(19:51):
not documentary. It's actuallylike a recreates their time when
they were together and they Sextape came out. And it's so over
the top but, you know, and hedoesn't come across very well
like I'm sure he's not veryhappy. He kind of comes across
as a douchebag. But it's notreally that surprising. I mean,
he's Tommy Lee's made himtattooed on his on his stomach.
(20:13):
So I mean, but no, that'sprobably my guilty pleasure
right now. That's it's it'sdefinitely worth a watch. And
it's it's pretty funny becauseit's just so over the top. It
has a really good cast too.
Miss Pinup Miami (20:26):
I want to see it just because the actress in
it, it she's the girl that playsHarlequin, right? Yeah. Yeah,
she's a great actress. And she's
Simon Calton (20:35):
the guy that plays Okay, so for people that are
faint of heart, it's like fullnudity. So you see, oh, a lot of
Tommy Lee, let's just say thatlike I literally the the first
scene that they had, they hadthe full frontal, I was just
like, and let's say his friendtalks and moves around and
dances and stuff like it's,you're gonna hear jokes, you
(20:57):
will laugh because it's so overthe top, but it's well done.
It's really well done.
Miss Pinup Miami (21:01):
Any good movies that you recommend this
year? Because you worked in? I'masking you because you worked in
the TV industry are
Simon Calton (21:08):
working. Yeah, I worked on American Idol and a
million different TVs worked onDexter. Moved movies, movies.
What did I just see? Oh, I sawthe new scream. That was good.
And I can't remember I blank onthings. I like horror a lot. So
I like to screen was reallygood. I didn't think it was good
as the one before that. But itwas good. It was and I went to
the theaters it. It's nice to beable to go to a movie theater
(21:30):
again.
Miss Pinup Miami (21:31):
It's weird, though, because there's not a
lot of people in the theater. Idon't know about where you are
at. But I was the only one whenwe went to see the Macbeth movie
that recently came out withDenzel Washington.
Simon Calton (21:40):
Yeah, no, yeah, there was actually this one was
a little busier. Because it waslike a Saturday night. And it
was a it was kind of a populartheater. But by busier I mean,
there was maybe 10 people in thetheater. It wasn't like it was a
big theater. So yeah, not notbusy, though. Like the old days.
days.
Miss Pinup Miami (21:57):
I used to make a line for popcorn. There was no
line. I was shocked. I was like,Oh, okay. So let's see what last
question is, what is yourfavorite part of rockabilly cue,
like I guess the highlight oneof your highlights of rockabilly
cue.
Simon Calton (22:12):
I think it's when everything comes together and
just seeing all the, you know,the hours of work I put into it.
And finally seeing it infruition, like seeing the bands
on stage, seeing the cars, allparking, people are walking
around, having a good time,seeing the pinup contest and all
the great amazing, you know,outfits that the ladies are
wearing. It's kind of like thesum of its parts. I think that's
(22:34):
probably I just, once it. Onceit starts happening. I'm I it
almost is like a sense of calm.
I mean, I'm still running aroundlike crazy, but it's just like,
the wheels are in motion.
There's nothing, you know, Ican't I don't, there's nothing
more than promote. Because I'ma, I'm a, I'm constantly
thinking about it constantlyworking on things. I'll wake up
(22:54):
in the middle of night and getmy notebook and write down
things I need to do first thingin the morning, like, when I do
an event I'm passionate aboutit's it's on my mind, but the
whole time leading up to it.
Like it rarely is not on mymind. And so it's somewhat of
like a relief when it startsbecause then I'm like, oh, it's
finally happening. Everything'sgreat. And then the casino is so
amazing to work with. And theirteam is fantastic. So I couldn't
(23:14):
ask for a better group of peoplethat are like my partners in
this because they they worktheir butts off to make this the
best event they can. And theyyou know, they're a huge fan of
it. Obviously, they made it twodays for this year. And yeah, so
I'm just really excited to getdown there. I mean, I'm leaving
like two weeks in advance,because I'm so excited to get
down there. So
Miss Pinup Miami (23:37):
I'm excited to and I have a personal question
was not personal. But just like,when I host any event or I do
something I feel like Time justflies like you're having it's
going so like it's justhappening and you're doing
everything you're supposed to bedoing. But does that happen to
you that it just feels like itjust flew by? And you're like
(23:57):
who amazing like, but youcouldn't enjoy because you were
like all in a high?
Simon Calton (24:02):
Yeah, I always say that. I would love to attend one
of my own events. But I neverget to of course, because I'm
producing the event. But yaknow, when it starts, it's just
like, it's happening. Likeeverything's going moving
forward. Like, you know, there'snothing you can do about it. And
it feels really good. I have areally, really good rocky look
(24:22):
in Charleston was stressful lastyears because I had to make so
many changes and make it fit theclimate and all that and move
locations at the last minute.
And this one just seems like Imean, it's still been a lot of
work, but it's definitely likesuch an more relaxed, you know,
feeling because I know it'sgonna be amazing. And I know
that we can make it what it'ssupposed to be, which feels
(24:44):
really good.
Miss Pinup Miami (24:46):
Yes, I feel the same way. And I'm so excited
to take part of it.
Simon Calton (24:51):
We're happy to have you back again. I love
working with you. Yes,
Miss Pinup Miami (24:55):
I'm gonna pick up next week. The custom
trophies that I had made Ialways make different every time
I hold the contest it's always adifferent type of trophy. I love
the ones I did for rockabillyfew Charleston, it was nice,
acrylic custom prints. This timeis going to be different and a
little bit more kitschy.
Eclectic, I guess is the keyword of this. I love I like my
ears. Now, do you have anyquestions you'd like to ask me?
(25:19):
I always ask the guests if theyhave any questions for me?
Simon Calton (25:24):
Uh, yeah, I mean, I guess a good question for you
is like, what do you feel likewhen you're like, when you're
planning a pennant contest? Doyou envision things in your head
of how you want to see it? Go? Iknow, you. You know, you're
very, you have very specificrules about making sure the
ladies look presentable and youknow, are not just showing up
(25:44):
and some you know, that you wantyou want to contest it's as far
as I can tell, to actually putsome work into it. I think
that's kind of amazing. Becauseit is like, it's it's, and I
told Florida weekly this andwhen they interviewed me, I
said, you know, it's it's one ofthe events, it's not just a
contest, it's just as big asReverend Horton heat playing, or
(26:04):
the car and bike show, or, youknow, the pinup contest is a
main attraction. And that's, youknow, and that's always been a
big deal for me, because I thinkit's great, because I've also
seen ladies competing everyyear, but and on your side of
the, you know, on your side ofit, how do you how does it feel
planning it putting it togetherand and seeing it actually
happen?
Miss Pinup Miami (26:24):
i Well, I've been hosting the first contest
that ever hosted was at a tattooexpo here in Coral Springs in
2016. And I keep photos andhistory of all the winners and
contests on my website, becauseit's for me, I wanted to create
a contest. The way I do it isnot normal, like everyone else.
I wanted to create somethingthat the girls that doesn't know
(26:48):
somebody could have fun, and thegirls that have a group behind
them and a team. I'm going toexplain this. But like when I
first entered a contest, Ithought that the girl that shake
their ass one because it was anaudience favorite. So I felt
like I put a lot of effort intoit. But it didn't matter. And
then I felt kind of said, eventhough I shouldn't I mean a lot
of people and that's what thecontest. Also, people meet other
(27:10):
women in the community that lovethe same thing they do is so
deep. And that's what I loveabout the pinup contest. And
then I have the judges portionfor that. But then I love the
crowd favorite because I alsoadmire the people that come with
a crew or like I call it liketheir writer dies. And it's
amazing, because I find that soincredibly like admirable. So I
(27:32):
don't want to put that away fromthe girl that brought her crew
when they're cheering on. So I'dlike to do a crowd favorite and
the judges favorite just tobalance that off and be even.
And I give the score sheet tothe contestants when they sign
up. So they know the criteriasthey know this five points for
hair, five points for dresses.
And the judges I I mean, they dotake a while to add because I
(27:57):
really want to make it fair. Andthey don't know when they're
looking at their paper. Like alot of Pete like, I make it
super like it's so I've thoughtout of everything I could to
make sure everything is superfair, because I truly believe in
being fair and giving chances.
So like the judges have a scoresheet and only has a number, but
(28:17):
by the time that they're fillingout, you know, and I have so
many girls enter, they don'tknow who the person was, until
they saw them and they scorethem and they go you've been a
judge so so you know, and thenyou add it up and it gives you a
true answer of like who is likethe judges choice. And then from
there while they're adding Ilove to do an audience because
(28:38):
for example Miss raising hellshe had like this turkey in her
presentation. So even if shedidn't bring a crew, she's
winning the crowd. I mean, Idon't know I don't know the
people in Charleston, but likeit's, it's just I love that
dynamic. And they're soopposite, that I really when I
do this, I mean, some peoplecould just host the contest and
just toasted but I like tocreate an experience for girls
(29:02):
that don't know anybody andreally love the fashion and love
the pin up that want to try itout. Have a fair chance and then
have the girls that you knowcould win a crowd over so
there's two different like,together, if that makes sense.
Yeah, no, it makes total sense.
And if that's what I really putin then with the prizes and the
judges like for rockabilly Q inFlorida this year is going to be
(29:23):
I'm so excited. I have HeidiCalvert photography she has
photoshot Pinup Girl Clothingshe mostly does a lot of like
those like wonderful likeproduct photography use for
Pinup Girl Clothing, uniquevintage sour posts, all those
big brands and a lot of thispinup girls gnome and she also
does pinup boudoir and likeglamour shots and it's so clean
(29:46):
and crisp and she's a editorialstyle. And then from Rhode
Island we have somebody flyingdown vintage girl studios, and
she's really good at vintagestyle. photography that is super
modern, but vintage like itlooks timeless. And she even has
like a old camera that she likemakes shift to do Polaroids. And
(30:08):
she also does 10 like those old,kind of like 10 photos. And
she's flying down. And then Ihave a burlesque dancer locally
on the West Coast Miss Marinalane, and she's all about
glamour. So I wanted a whole mixof people in the scene in that
editorial and local for lessbecause it's all about the brown
(30:31):
the circle of rockabilly andeclectic mix, like, like you
said,
Simon Calton (30:39):
definitely.
Miss Pinup Miami (30:41):
Does that answer your question?
Simon Calton (30:42):
Yeah, definitely.
You get so excited about it.
It's awesome.
Miss Pinup Miami (30:46):
Oh, yes, I get so excited like that. I wish I
could do this, like for the restof my life?
Simon Calton (30:52):
No, I mean, you're kind of like, you know, you've
been building your brand. Soyou're
Miss Pinup Miami (30:56):
Yeah. And then the lives are really great
because I loved when I went toCharleston, a lot of the girls
there like knew me from yourfrom the rock of if you don't
follow rockabilly cue onFacebook, make sure to follow
them. I'm live every Sunday at5pm either doing hair makeup or
some kind of tips. And thisupcoming Saturday, I'll be doing
pinup tips, tips and tricks forthe pinup contest. So if you're
(31:18):
in the contest, and you'relistening to this podcast, make
sure to tune in live and youcould ask me any questions that
you have.
Simon Calton (31:24):
You said Saturday, do you mean Saturday? Are you
meant Sunday?
Miss Pinup Miami (31:26):
Sunday?
Sunday? I'm so sorry. My apologySunday's 5pm.
Simon Calton (31:35):
Yes.
Miss Pinup Miami (31:37):
Yeah. So Simon, I want to say thank you
so much for being on thepodcast. Again. It's truly an
honor and honor to have youhere, be able to rock the stage
and rockabilly Q. And yeah.
Thank you so much.
Simon Calton (31:50):
Yeah, I love working with you. And I'm
excited to see you at thefestival.
Miss Pinup Miami (31:54):
Yeah, and I'm making a custom dress and
everything. And I'm going to beusing the hair flowers I made on
my live two weeks ago becausethe first rockabilly cue, I wore
yellow and blue, so I thoughtI'd keep the tradition and wear
yellow and blue again, just
Simon Calton (32:09):
go. Awesome.
Miss Pinup Miami (32:12):
All right, make sure to tune in next week,
because next week, I'm going tohave on the podcast, vintage
girl studios from Rhode Islandand she's going to be one of the
judges. So we'll be able to talkmore about photography modeling
and also her skating. She'sgotten into roller skating and
photography. So we're gonna diveinto that. Alright guys, thank
(32:32):
you so much for listening and Iwill catch YOU on
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