Stxscene #1

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Entertainment Resource Guide Issue #1 June 8-22, 2013 Bi-Weekly FREE on voicing John Redcorn, working with Chris Farley, the Coen Brothers and chasing the American Dream HAIL TO THE KING JONATHAN JOSS

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In this inaugural issue, we talk to Jonathan Joss about voicing John Redcorn, working with Chris Farley and the Coen Brothers and seeking out the American Dream.

Transcript of Stxscene #1

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Entertainment Resource GuideIssue #1 • June 8-22, 2013 • Bi-WeeklyFREE

on voicing John Redcorn,

working with Chris Farley, the

Coen Brothers and chasing the American Dream

HAILTO THE

KINGJONATHAN

JOSS

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HOLLYWOODPage 2 June 8-22, 2013 STX Scene

Luckily, Jonathan Joss is the latter. He’s a tall, broad-shouldered man of Spanish, Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent.

We met at the local Pawnee ISD middle school where he was set to talk to the kids. We immediately noticed the coincidence that the town shared the same name as the fictional city in which the NBC hit com-edy TV show “Parks and Recreation” takes place.

Joss plays the reoccurring character of Ken Hotate on the series.

As we chatted over the course of a few hours, it became evident that, even though he loves his pro-fession, it’s a strange and difficult life he’s carved out for himself.

The late, great Chris Farley

In 1998, Joss had the opportunity to play Bent Twig in the feature film “Almost Heroes” starring

Matthew Perry and the late Chris Farley. It was an experience Joss recalls fondly.

“Being as it was one of his last projects, a lot was invested in him. It was going to be a new break-out for him. He was pretty clean when I worked with him. He had been pretty sober. He was dynamic. He had a love for Native people,” Joss said with a smile remembering the comedian.

“As he would put it, (in Joss’ best Farley voice) ‘That’s so cool! Look at you! You’re an Indian!’ And I was more impressed with him. (In the same imper-sonated voice) You’re Chris Farley! You’re on Saturday Night Live!”

Oscar-winning directors the

Coen BrothersJoss played the role of

the condemned Indian in the Oscar nominated western “True Grit,” but it wasn’t the first time Joss had tried crossing

Once upon a time in

Rules were made to be

broken

Jon

ath

an J

oss

One never knows what they’re going to get when they meet someone who’s worked with Oscar win-

ning actors and directors. They can be brash or rude, or humble and down to earth.

A passion for

acting in front

of the camera

The voice behind some of television’s most

recognized characterseditor: Paul Gonzales email: [email protected]

phone: (361)358-2550 website: stxscene.com

twitter: @stxscene facebook: facebook.com/stxscene

Published bi-weekly by Bee Publishing Co., Inc.

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paths with the Oscar winning directors.

“I had auditioned a little bit for them on a couple of other projects and never got the lucky break. Then auditioning for them for ‘True Grit,’ even though it was some-what of a small role, it really depicted the plight of the Native American in historical times.”

And having to work with two directors instead of one would pose a challenge for any actor, no matter what size the role.

“The bigger the stars, the bigger the names, the more fear you have that they’ll lack that abil-

ity to communicate to us peons,” Joss said with a smile.

“But they’re just like anyone else. They’re no different than two guys working in a kitchen, except they’re making a $120 million budget film. But it’s all about commu-nication.”

And on a huge budget-ed western, with so many set pieces, actors, hors-es and the open range, things can get a bit crazy.

“Organized chaos. It’s all hurry up and wait,” Joss said. “Being the actor that I am and hav-ing the little bit of suc-cess I’ve had, the major-ity of my success has

been waiting. If I can get through the waiting pro-cess, I may have a career.

“Like my dad would tell me, ‘Wow, the hard-est part about your job is not working.’ Which is true. You’ve got to keep sharp and out of jail. You have to do that kind of thing so you can get to that next step in life.”

Living life in the City of Angels

Though Joss is a Texan at heart, and in talking to him he exudes Texas charm, you have to go where the work is, and for an actor, that’s L.A., where he’s called home for 20 years.

“I live on a little 27-foot boat on Marina del Rey. I’m what they call a ‘dock rat,’” Joss laughed.

It seems there would be perks for living in a city chock full of actors, producers and directors and the chance to crash a

Hollywood party or two, but some things aren’t always as easy as they seem.

STX Scene June 8-22, 2013 Page 3

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photo courtesy of Warner Brothers

Jonathan Joss as Bent Twig opposite the late Chris Farley in the 1998 film “Almost Heroes”

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King of the Grill Massage Meat Rub and Cob Sprinkle

Want to eat like a King? Well, like a King of the

Grill anyway. Jonathan Joss has lots of products you can choose from like his King of the Grill Massage Meat Rub and Cob Sprinkle which you can get exclusively from him. Or maybe some King of the Mill tor-tilla chips? Hit him up at facebook.com/jona-than.joss.3 to get the goods.

“You would think that you’d go out and see peo-ple and mingle with peo-ple, but you really don’t,” Joss said. “Everybody’s just so close to their little clique. The coolest thing about living in L.A. is you’ll be driving down the street, and you’ll look over, and there will be a recognizable name.

“I see Don Cheadle all the time. I’ll be at a stoplight, and there’s Don Cheadle. And I’ll be like, ‘Don Cheadle, hey!’ (mocks waving) But Don just looks forward. One of these days...

“But that’s the cool thing about Hollywood. In the old days, you would hear of people going to the soda shop and being discovered. And so many people go out to L.A. to be discovered. And you think you’re going to be walking down the street and then someone’s going to say, ‘Excuse me, I’m going to put you in a movie.’ Does it happen?

“All the time.

“I get up, and I leave the boat, and I think: today’s going to be the day that I get discovered! But I guess the secret to being discovered is just existing. You’re not going to be discovered if you can’t exist.”

And for most actors that becomes the hardest part. Even the biggest names in the industry struggled at one point in their career.

Joss settled himself and spoke in a serious tone, perhaps thinking back to the harder times as he said, “I guess the big thing in life or in this industry is existing through the hard times.”

King of the Hill

Perhaps Joss’ best known role was that of John Redcorn in the Mike Judge created ani-mated series “King of the Hill.”

After the first sea-son, actor Victor Aaron passed away, and Joss

was asked to take over the role of the Native American character.

Joss spoke of the loss of Victor with a heavy heart. “He passed away as a result of a car acci-dent, which to the Native community was a huge, huge blow.

“But so many things in life happen for rea-sons. And trying to live up to that is a huge thing because Victor was such a large individual. A large presence. And to be able to step in for him has been a huge chal-lenge my entire life.”

And that’s what most people don’t see from the characters Joss has por-trayed on screen and as the voices for various ani-mated characters — the challenges of life.

Doing this kind of work isn’t a hobby. It’s a part-time job. It’s a passion. And getting up every day to hustle and get that next job, well, most peo-ple can’t do that. They don’t have the drive that

is extremely apparent in just hearing Joss speak.

He speaks about his profession as it were a child. Delicate and frag-ile, and all the while, he’s nurturing it and hoping he will see it grow and become something great.

“It got kind of rough there coming off of ‘King of the Hill’. I never respected ‘King of the Hill’; I never enjoyed ‘King of the Hill’ when I was doing it, because I was on the bench. I wasn’t a starter. They

photo courtesy of NBC

Jonathan Joss in an episode of “Parks and Recreation” where he plays the reoccurring character Ken Hotate

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STX Scene June 8-22, 2013 Page 5

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STXscene.com

YOU’VE GOT TO BE KITTEN ME!

pulled me off the bench every once in a while. But in any sport and any business when you’re on the team you don’t feel like you’ve been utilized enough.

“So I never really enjoyed it. When the show was canceled, I sort of rediscovered what it was all about. The fan base opened up huge as soon as we got on the dif-ferent cartoon networks.

“So now that I’m not part of the show, I’m meeting more fans. Hindsight’s 20/20. Had I given the same energy that I’m giving it now when the show was run-ning, could’ve things been different?

“Who knows. Probably. “But that’s the great

thing about education. You may not have done it then, but I’ve learned to do it the next time.”

And even though the series ran for 13 sea-sons and is now can-celed, John Redcorn lives on through reruns on Cartoon Network as well as other TV stations. Joss can also be found from time to time visiting his fans at various conven-tions across America as

well as selling his John Redcorn Massage Meat Rub-All.

Parks and Recreation

Executive producer Greg Daniels, who also produced “King of the Hill” as well as “The Office,” called on Joss once again for “Parks and Recreation” as the head of the tribal casino and chief of the Wamapoke tribe Ken Hotate. The hit television show just got picked up for its sixth season.

Joss said about being asked to join the show, “A big feather in my hat. They’re all fictional tribes, but to be able to be part of another hit show and be recognized that’s, in this industry, I guess that’s the biggest thing. You want to be recognized.

“A lot of people don’t recognize me from ‘King of the Hill’ because, well, you don’t see me. But with ‘Parks and Recreation,’ being on that show for the past couple of seasons on and off had brought that rec-ognition home. Now I can get pulled over by a cop,

and they know who I am.“So that’s kind of cool,”

Joss said with a laugh.And now having that

much more fame, are things getting easier with the auditioning pro-cess when it comes to more roles both on the small and big screen?

“Sure, man. Having ‘King of the Hill’ fame can only do so much. In this industry, every job gets you to the next job. And with ‘Parks and Recreation,’ being that it’s a hit show, being that there’s an incredible cast, that it’s an Amy Poehler vehicle is just amazing. I think that she’s one of the greatest comedians since Lucille Ball.

“Everybody says you have that 15 minutes. My 15 minutes is ‘King

of the Hill.’ I’m hoping to get three and a half to four minutes out of ‘Parks and Recreation,’” Joss said laughing.

“In this industry, we don’t know what the

writers are going to do. I mean, we can call them and tell them, ‘Hey, we’re available; I’d love to do another show.’ But it’s such a well-tuned machine, it all depends on if the script gets pre-sented and I’m in it.

“So it’s kind of the hurry up and wait kind of thing.”

LifeAt the end of the day,

Joss had left; and after spending those few hours with such a proud guy with a deep, burning passion for film in his eyes, everyone felt a little more full of life. Even happier. It was good to find an actor who would do anything for his art and his fans.

“I’m doing OK, man. I’m doing all right,” Joss

said referring to his life at the moment. “And hopefully with the bless-ing of Greg Daniel and ‘Parks and Recreation,’ we’ll be able to revisit a John Redcorn type char-

acter. “There’s not a lot of

Native characters per se in prime time TV, so it’s kind of cool to bring a breath of fresh air to a show. And I think ‘Parks and Recreation’ is allow-

ing me to do that.”And for all the Native

Americans out there, they can sleep well know-ing that the guy carrying the torch for them all is Jonathan Joss.

Contributed photo

Joss mingles with bystanders while filming the 2010 film “True Grit”

Posing with the lovely lunch ladies of the Pawnee ISD cafeteria

Lighter Side of Nuthin’by Will Thompson

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Page 6 June 8-22, 2013 STX Scene

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• Artie’s Cafe417 N. Washington St.(361) 358-1467• Beeville Diner2503 N. Saint Marys St.(361) 362-9724• Burger Depot515 E. Houston St.(361) 362-2400• Chili’s Grill & Bar400 E. FM 351(361) 354-5600• Dog & Bee Pub119 N. Washington St.(361) 354-5871f a c e b o o k . c o m /

TheDogandBeePub• Domino’s Pizza414 N. Washington St.(361) 358-6871• El Charro Restaurant601 E. Houston St.(361) 542-4572• Gasthaus Berliner

Bear2510 N. St. Marys St.(361) 354-5444• Golden Chick2305 N. St. Marys St.(361) 358-5525• Hensley’s Ca-fe307 N. Washington St.(361) 358-8414beevillerestaurant.com• Hong Kong Palace301 S. FM 351

(361) 358-2861• Jalisco Mexico

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St.(361) 362-0841• K-Bob’s Steakhouse1912 N. St. Marys St.(361) 362-9577• The Lodge at

Shorty’s Place702 S. Washington St.(361) 358-7302• McDonald’s502 E. FM 351(361) 358-9255110 E. Jones St.(361) 354-5215• Mi Familia

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ville• Stars Restaurant2403 N. St. Marys St.(361) 358-0020• Stone Creek Grill4402 N. St. Marys St.(361) 354-5189• Subway710 E. Houston St.(361) 358-6200

1700 N. St. Marys St.(361) 358-6000• Taqueria Chapala1805 N. St. Marys St.(361) 354-5945• Taqueria

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facebook.com/bobwe.bar• Chili’s Grill & Bar400 E. FM 351(361) 354-5600• Dog & Bee Pub119 N. Washington St.(361) 354-5871f a c e b o o k . c o m /

TheDogandBeePub• Roadside Tavern2503 S. Washington St.(361) 362-1720• Scores Sports Bar &

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TsHonkyTonk• Tejano Highway1205 S. Washington St.

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Not listed? Drop us a line at [email protected] with your info and we’ll be glad to slap it on this page.

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STX Scene June 8-22, 2013 Page 7

Sat. June 8• Cassandra’s 21st

Birthday Party at B.O.B.W.E: Event starts at 4 p.m. and is free to the partiers. 1308 S. St. Marys St. in Beeville.

facebook.com/bobwe.bar

Sun. June 9• Ballabajoomba

Poetry Slam at the House of Rock: Signup begins at 7 p.m. and is free for anyone, not just the wannabe poets. 511 Starr St. in Corpus Christi.

facebook.com/houseorock

Tues. June 11• Open Mic Night

at the House of Rock: Open Mic Night will be hosted by Rev Matt Martinez starts at 7 p.m. and is open to any and everyone longing to be on stage. 511 Starr St. in Corpus Christi.

facebook.com/houseorock

Wed. June 12• Bee ‘N Idol

Auditions at Kicker 106: Auditions for the 2013 Bee ‘N Idol competi-tion kick off at Kicker 106 studios at 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. 2300 S. Washington in Beeville.

cisnerosmusic.com

Thurs. June 13• Mikey Rivera, Jr.

at B.O.B.W.E: Mikey Rivera, Jr. will be per-forming his country tunes live. The show starts at 8 p.m. and there is no cover charge. 1308 S. St. Mary’s St. in Beeville.

facebook.com/bobwe.bar

Sat. June 15• Jell-O Wrestling

Massacre at B.O.B.W.E: Event starts at 6 p.m. and there’s a $5 cover. No Jell-O needed. 1308 S. St. Mary’s St. in Beeville.

facebook.com/bobwe.bar

• Bee ‘N Idol Auditions at Kicker 106: Auditions for the 2013 Bee ‘N Idol competi-tion kick off at Kicker 106 studios at 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. 2300 S. Washington in Beeville.

cisnerosmusic.com

Thurs. June 20• Bill Engvall at the

Victoria Fine Arts Center: Blue Collar Comedy Tour veteran comedian Bill Engvall will be performing his one man comedy show at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. 1002 Sam Houston Dr. in Victoria.

• Beer Pong: Round 2 at B.O.B.W.E: It’s a $15 entry fee per team with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners being awarded cash prizes. It all starts at 8 p.m. 1308 S. St. Marys St. in Beeville.

facebook.com/bobwe.bar

Sat. June 22• Wolves Amongst

Sheep at El Paisano Ballroom: The live show kicks off at 8:15 p.m. and there’s a $3 cover for

anyone 21+ and $6 for minors. Free entry in to the show with a skate-board. $1 16 oz. Lonestar beer all night long. 200 E. Hefferman St. in Beeville.

• Couples Dancing Tournament at B.O.B.W.E: The winner of the tournament will receive a trophy as well as a cash prize. 1308 S. St. Marys St. in Beeville.

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• South Texas Summer Music Festival: Event starts at 4 p.m. at the Texas A&M University cam-pus, 955 University Blvd. in Kingsville.

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Sun. June 23• Swap Meet at

B.O.B.W.E: The swap meet begins at 10 a.m. and runs through 4 p.m. 1308 S. St. Mary’s St. in Beeville.

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• Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School at the House of Rock: There’s going to be games, drink specials, contests and amazing entertainment. It’s 10 bucks at the door, 18+ only and starts at 3:30 p.m. 511 Starr St. in Corpus Christi.

facebook.com/houseorock

Sat. June 29• Tahoe Brown

Mixtape Release at El Paisano Ballroom: The live rap show/CD release party will start at 8 p.m. with lots of area perform-ers set to hit the stage. 200 E. Hefferman St. in

Beeville.

• Livin the Dream Art Show at the House of Rock: Awesome surf photographer will be showing some of his work along with a film about his travels all over the world. Tons of other artists will be in atten-dance as well, so grab 5 bucks and head out there at 5 p.m. 511 Starr St. in Corpus Christi.

facebook.com/houseorock

Thurs. July 4• Slave to the Slam

Fest at Ayers Event Center: The festival kicks off at 4 p.m. and there will be 10 bands jamming all day long. 3433 Ayers St. in Corpus Christi.

Sat. July 6• Randy Rogers

at Hilbert Kopplin Memorial Park: The event is open to the entire family and includes live music, vendors and fire-works with The Randy Rogers Band taking the stage at 10 p.m. US 281 in Three Rivers.

Need your awesome event listed? Drop us a line at [email protected] with all the details and we’ll be glad to gen-tly place it on this page.

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In the next exciting installment of STXscene, we find ourselves chatting with Christina O’Brien who became a model by chance and got published in a variety of magazines by hard work and a new found love of tattoos and modeling.

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