The Real Deal

What was show business like before Survivor made stars out of nobodies for eating a horse's ass or American Idol dolled up the willing in order to exploit their mug first and then their pipes? Apparently, at one time, there was some real work put into stardom. People had to actually be good at something. Even those blessed with talent had to claw their way in the door... people like Brendan O'Hara,an actor/musician (entertainer is the word) from Newark who excels in singing, acting, and, most important, surviving. He's the guy working the brain-sucking jobs to make ends meet while staying focused on his artistic aspirations. O'Hara's music is soulful, smooth, and Van Morrison-inspired, and his motto is "By any means necessary." This is tough talk for most thespians. But then again, most thespians don't front rock bands, travel the country with outlaw status, or play piano since they were 12 years old. Take that, Simon Cowell.

Brendan O'Hara and the Humble Ones' CD-release party for Perception Inception starts at 7 p.m. Friday, June 3, at the Arts Academy of Hollywood, 1955 Harrison St., Hollywood. Tickets cost $5. Call 954-923-1950.