The Aphelion Cigar Lounge
Tru Black
By Tru Black
Aphelion is the newest in a short line of contemporary and upscale locations. Created especially for the discerning aficionados of cigars and those who keep company with them. This establishment is finally completed, and is ready to be the new standard in the next level of the Cigar Lounge.
Aphelion is the newest in a short line of contemporary and upscale locations. Created especially for the discerning aficionados of cigars and those who keep company with them. This establishment is finally completed, and is ready to be the new standard in the next level of the Cigar Lounge.
Oooh's and ahhhh's will echo throughout as you walk into 3,900 sq. feet of smoking nirvana, but first you must pass through what I call, "The Gates of Saint Peter's". There you are greeted by a substantially sized walk-in humidor with retail space that also boasts of well thought out accruements such as a coat room (What a brilliant touch of class and service). You will witness the retail floor all abuzz, with knowledgeable and friendly staff, all acting as personal stewards, ready to serve and enrich your experience. I entreat you to walk into the lounge-where you will be met with spacious seating, tables for a few, and hidden nooks for politicking , covert planning, or Corporate takeovers. There are HD televisions throughout for game nights, and real room to breathe. The beautifully naked décor is simple, yet modern. From top to bottom the look is well thought through. Not only is it easy on the eye, it seems to enhance the smoking pleasure. No outside distractions or reminders of the daily drudgery. It is truly a great place to lounge. So relax, unwind, and enjoy a great place to smoke.
Unlike the shops of old, you will notice at once-the Air of Difference. Some of the hidden gems you won't see, but will appreciate. The highly sophisticated air filtration system, designed especially for Aphelion Cigar Lounge. No intolerable smoke filled rooms, or smoked out clothing, this efficient and technologically advanced system cleans the air so well the even non-smokers will not notice the smoke and will completely enjoy their time at Aphelion.
Tucked away in Gambrills Maryland, it is an easy ride for those in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas. Aphelion is accessible near the inner and outer loop of the beltway, and will lend itself to quickly become the chosen venue; to meet and greet friends, relax on your own, or host corporate events. Several events are slated for several times a year, with dedicated Member only exclusives. Also live music nights, and a monthly Ladies Night, which is a series created to entertain and educate the growing demographic of membership-The Woman Smoker. From the novice, to the just curious, and well established members of the cigar community will all find a level of culture that will truly reflect sophisticated cigardom. These newly produced events are said to incorporate an array of changing themes, and focused vendor spotlights, always leaving you satisfied, yet keep you coming back for more. You can also reserve the lounge or choose to custom partition selected areas of Aphelion for small private party table celebrations, or large attendee velvet rope affairs. This attractive lounge is sure to please all that have and will visit Aphelion.
I dare say, "The Aphelion is definitely not your Granddaddy's smoke shop, it's truly in a class all it's own.
Want in on exclusive member privileges? Become an Elitist! Membership to the Elite Room is VIP all the way . A cloistered area with plush accommodations and private entrance that can be accessed 24 hours a day, truly changes the game, it's well worth it. Aphelion also offers a standard membership, including selected bonuses, from discount on merchandise, venue rental, and member only events.
2510 Conway Road
Gambrills, Maryland 21054
Phone
(410) 721-1700
[email protected]
Website
http://www.aphelioncigars.com
Fashion, "Italian Style!"
Highlights from Fusion de Filantropia & Fashion Show in Georgetown
Ana Polanko, - Owner of "Glam Squad DC"
On Saturday, June 29, 2013, Washington's Fashion scene was set ablaze with amazing designs of the 7-7-7 Fashion Series, with their "VIP Exclusive Fashion Show". The event charity was for the "Cure for Fashion."
All activities of the fashion show took place at the Italian Embassy in Washington, DC. What a marvelous venue! Also it was automobile manufacturer Lamborgini's 50th Anniversary. This transformed a great event to a spectacular one. In the parking area outside the entrance, dazzling sports cars captured the atmosphere with sleek shapes and sharp colors. Models for the show reclined in various poses adding to this visual odyssey.
Inside, one would be impressed by the massive Atrium, architecturally made up in modern interpretation of Neo-Classical design. Out back, in the large garden patio, fashionable guests enjoyed chilled fruits, cool cocktails, and wine tastings, orchestrated by famed Wine Sommolier, Richard Glover. Fashion buzz was in the air, with media clicking away at models continuing to pose throughout the evening before the show.
Afterwards, the runway action began, with the visually appealing designs of, Lili Forest, Estella Couture, Stacy Barker, Cheryl LLC, Jacqueline Hutcherson, and Rania Tabbah.
All activities of the fashion show took place at the Italian Embassy in Washington, DC. What a marvelous venue! Also it was automobile manufacturer Lamborgini's 50th Anniversary. This transformed a great event to a spectacular one. In the parking area outside the entrance, dazzling sports cars captured the atmosphere with sleek shapes and sharp colors. Models for the show reclined in various poses adding to this visual odyssey.
Inside, one would be impressed by the massive Atrium, architecturally made up in modern interpretation of Neo-Classical design. Out back, in the large garden patio, fashionable guests enjoyed chilled fruits, cool cocktails, and wine tastings, orchestrated by famed Wine Sommolier, Richard Glover. Fashion buzz was in the air, with media clicking away at models continuing to pose throughout the evening before the show.
Afterwards, the runway action began, with the visually appealing designs of, Lili Forest, Estella Couture, Stacy Barker, Cheryl LLC, Jacqueline Hutcherson, and Rania Tabbah.
On Thursday June 6th in Georgetown, the Fusion de Filantropia & Fashion Show event was a tremendous success. Hosted by Stacy Adams, owner of Fitness Together Central Georgetown and Diane Crawford of "DC in DC". Music was supplied by the creative sounds of Travis Djj Trestylz Hamilton for the evening.
Celebrity Guest Host was Paul Wharton of Paul Warton Style TV and Magazine.
Special Guests :
Scott Thurmon, ABC7 News Anchor of Good Morning Washington
Kristen Berset, WUSA/9 Anchor
Hair & Makeup: David Rios of David Rios Salon and Spa
Mark Roscoe of Mark Roscoe Design
Carl Ray, Carl Ray Makeup Artist
John Fitzgerald Booty, Former New York Jet
Joshua Humbert, Envest Foundation
Paul G. Ruff, Ruff Plastic Surgery & RPS MedSpa
Meagan Barns, Mrs. DC America 2013
Veronica Jeon, Mrs. West End DC
Mikell Reed Carroll, Mrs. Northwest DC America
Cheryl Smith, American Diabetes Association
Sarah Hillware, Former America's Miss DC & 2012 & Girls Health Ed
Adrienne Lyau Oliveira, Mrs. Chinatown DC & Co- Host Latin-e.com
Antoinette Cordova, America's Miss DC 2013
L'illon, Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, Founder of LUCID POP
Celebrity Guest Host was Paul Wharton of Paul Warton Style TV and Magazine.
Special Guests :
Scott Thurmon, ABC7 News Anchor of Good Morning Washington
Kristen Berset, WUSA/9 Anchor
Hair & Makeup: David Rios of David Rios Salon and Spa
Mark Roscoe of Mark Roscoe Design
Carl Ray, Carl Ray Makeup Artist
John Fitzgerald Booty, Former New York Jet
Joshua Humbert, Envest Foundation
Paul G. Ruff, Ruff Plastic Surgery & RPS MedSpa
Meagan Barns, Mrs. DC America 2013
Veronica Jeon, Mrs. West End DC
Mikell Reed Carroll, Mrs. Northwest DC America
Cheryl Smith, American Diabetes Association
Sarah Hillware, Former America's Miss DC & 2012 & Girls Health Ed
Adrienne Lyau Oliveira, Mrs. Chinatown DC & Co- Host Latin-e.com
Antoinette Cordova, America's Miss DC 2013
L'illon, Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, Founder of LUCID POP
Shooting with a Starby Rodney Branche.
As we all know life is something that we all hold dear. One thing for sure many of us love to see actors play out many roles that we adore or would like to live ourselves. Here Copa Style Magazine had a wonderful opportunity to interview a rising star that many of you know who lives in the Washington area. On television he plays many roles in commercials and major film presentations and television series. He plays roles from doctors to Secret Service Agents. Now you will have a better chance to familiarize your self with this dynamic rising star...Lamont Easter. Copa: Lamont, where did you grow up?
Lamont: Actually I was born in Annapolis Maryland, Naval Academy Hospital. At about 2 years old, my Father being in the Navy was deployed to San Diego, CA. So the family, which includes an older brother and two older sisters (I'm the youngest, they would say the baby LOL) relocated to San Diego. I grew up in bike riding distance to the ocean. So being in that Southern Cali I did the typical beach-bum things kids did there such as , Skateboarding, boogie boarding, surfing, body surfing, snorkeling, basically anything to do with the water, I did. Then on the other end you had Canyons and the desert. So I spent a lot of time riding dirt bikes and doing BMX X-game biking! It was just called getting crazy on the bicycle at that time! And before you ask, yes, of course I had the playing cards attached to my bike's spokes with wooden clothes pins to make that motor cycle sound! Even though my parents (who are getting ready to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary) are from DC and Virginia, I cannot escape the sense of being a Southern Cali boy at heart, after spending 19 of my first 21 years of life in San Diego.Copa: What High School did you attend?
Lamont: Well in San Diego, the question should be "Which High School didn't I attend?" LOL! Let's just say a school administrator or two encouraged me to try other schools...other than theirs LOL. Okay, I had some attendance issues back then...One High School I went to was nicknamed "Last chance High School", I was actually voted to most likely to succeed there...But you have to put that into the context of the schools nickname LOL! But going into the 11th and 12th grade I got attendance issues all ironed out and graduated from a San Diego High School. What really helped me to focus was playing drums for the schools Jazz band. I'm still proud representing my high school in an addition of "Who's Who in American Music". Some of my old friends still remember my drum solo at the high school auditorium. I got off my drums and played my sticks across the stage floor and backed up to my drums, it was epic! Copa: What was your most memorable job as an adult?
Lamont: Well my most memorable job has to be when I worked for a Defense Contractor out of San Diego. Three things make it memorable (1) I started off building and wiring every single fare collection machine and entry ticket gate machine for this city called Washington, DC, the system was called Metro (who knew I would come to use this system someday). (2) Then I moved on to building hand-held mine detectors to be used around the world (potentially saving lives), to building modules for Trident Ballistic Nuclear Missiles (not so much on the saving lives tip , but bad ass non the less). (3) I was eventually promoted to Field Engineer and sent to the island of Sardinia, Italy for almost 5 years. There I helped run the Top Gun Tactical Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation and Tactical Air Combat Training ACMI/TACTS system at a NATO air base. This was the identical system as depicted in the movie "Top Gun" with Tom Cruise. So I got to work around NATO fighter jets and watch them dog-fight. Copa: What fueled your interest in modeling and acting?
Lamont: Actually a colleague at my day job had been pestering me for years..."You should model, you should act , etc." I would smile and basically ignore her (as I would on work related issues...I'm sure she won't see this ). Anyway, she forwarded me an email about an "Open Casting Call" taking place in DC. By the time I opened it, the event had passed. But luckily for me all I had to do was send in my photo. two days later I received a call from the casting agency.Copa: Have you always had a natural sense of style?
Lamont: I never really thought about it, but I would probably have to have to say yes. Back in my early teens, you should have seen the way I could do fancy lacing of High Top Converse Chuck Taylor All Star. Boom! Copa: Were you shy as a child?
Lamont: I think I was and still am! But you would probably be hard pressed to find anyone that would believe that. Copa: What were your first acting and modeling jobs, and were you nervous?
Lamont: Nervous, Nope! Heck, my first acting gig was that of a Picture Car. Which is to drive your car as part of a background scene. "Drive to the corner and then make that left turn, Thank you!" It was for the very first episode of "House of Cards" Season 1. Simple as that. Eventually irritating quite frankly, after backing up 40 times to redo the scene over and over until the Director, David Fincher got the take he wanted. That was my gas they were burning LOL! Eventually they pulled me out of the car, and I wound up being the very first Pedestrian that you see in the very last scene of the very first episode. As Kevin Spacy sits at a picnic table in the alley at Freddy's Bar-B-Que and says "I'm feeling kind of hungry", Music starts, camera pans and there I am, walking into frame (faking Winter with a jacket, scarf and gloves, even though it was fricking over 90 degrees in Baltimore that day!) Then I moved on to play the Director of the American Federation of Teachers in episode 2, sitting at the conference table as we hashed out a new Education Bill. Now in season 2 of House of Cards, I have recurring role as a Secret Service Agent.
As for my first modeling gig, I was hired to do a an aid campaign for the Air Force Civilian Services. For fashion modeling, it was for Stacy Adams' and Diane Crawford's Fusion de Filantropia & Fashion Show, I was asked to model wonderful Mark Roscoe ties and pocket squares. Copa: How does it feel being part of a highly rated Television series?
Lamont: To have any level of participation with Netflix's "House of Cards", which is trailblazing a new model for the delivery of entertainment to the masses is simply awesome! They will always be remembered for breaking new ground of streaming quality original programming direct to the Internet.
I find it absolutely surreal that my first two gigs in the acting arena are on show that between them both "Netflixes' House of Cards and HBO's VEEP. have been nominated for at least 19 Emmy's.Copa: How would you describe your personal style?
Lamont: Hopefully age appropriate.Copa: What is your ultimate goal in the fashion entertainment industry?
Lamont: As for as Fashion? One of my two daughters is currently studying fashion design in Germany. I want to be as close to the fashion industry as possible so that maybe someday, I can play a role in helping her fulfill her goals in the Fashion Industry.
As far as the Entertainment Industry? On day at a time and see where it goes. Copa: If you are allowed to speak on it, have you received anymore calls from Hollywood on some big upcoming projects?
Lamont: I don't know about big. "But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!" No, I do now have a couple of speaking roles on a couple new Investigation Discovery network shows "Forbidden" and "Abducted", and I did hit the IMDb data base. I'm also doing some corporate training films and a few ad campaigns. But, because I still have a 9 to 5 career, I find that I'm turning down more opportunities than I am accepting at this point.
But quite frankly, I still have not gotten over the shock of anybody calling for these type of opportunities. Just a hot minute ago I was just minding my own business as a local computer guy. Go figure! ~Copa
As we all know life is something that we all hold dear. One thing for sure many of us love to see actors play out many roles that we adore or would like to live ourselves. Here Copa Style Magazine had a wonderful opportunity to interview a rising star that many of you know who lives in the Washington area. On television he plays many roles in commercials and major film presentations and television series. He plays roles from doctors to Secret Service Agents. Now you will have a better chance to familiarize your self with this dynamic rising star...Lamont Easter. Copa: Lamont, where did you grow up?
Lamont: Actually I was born in Annapolis Maryland, Naval Academy Hospital. At about 2 years old, my Father being in the Navy was deployed to San Diego, CA. So the family, which includes an older brother and two older sisters (I'm the youngest, they would say the baby LOL) relocated to San Diego. I grew up in bike riding distance to the ocean. So being in that Southern Cali I did the typical beach-bum things kids did there such as , Skateboarding, boogie boarding, surfing, body surfing, snorkeling, basically anything to do with the water, I did. Then on the other end you had Canyons and the desert. So I spent a lot of time riding dirt bikes and doing BMX X-game biking! It was just called getting crazy on the bicycle at that time! And before you ask, yes, of course I had the playing cards attached to my bike's spokes with wooden clothes pins to make that motor cycle sound! Even though my parents (who are getting ready to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary) are from DC and Virginia, I cannot escape the sense of being a Southern Cali boy at heart, after spending 19 of my first 21 years of life in San Diego.Copa: What High School did you attend?
Lamont: Well in San Diego, the question should be "Which High School didn't I attend?" LOL! Let's just say a school administrator or two encouraged me to try other schools...other than theirs LOL. Okay, I had some attendance issues back then...One High School I went to was nicknamed "Last chance High School", I was actually voted to most likely to succeed there...But you have to put that into the context of the schools nickname LOL! But going into the 11th and 12th grade I got attendance issues all ironed out and graduated from a San Diego High School. What really helped me to focus was playing drums for the schools Jazz band. I'm still proud representing my high school in an addition of "Who's Who in American Music". Some of my old friends still remember my drum solo at the high school auditorium. I got off my drums and played my sticks across the stage floor and backed up to my drums, it was epic! Copa: What was your most memorable job as an adult?
Lamont: Well my most memorable job has to be when I worked for a Defense Contractor out of San Diego. Three things make it memorable (1) I started off building and wiring every single fare collection machine and entry ticket gate machine for this city called Washington, DC, the system was called Metro (who knew I would come to use this system someday). (2) Then I moved on to building hand-held mine detectors to be used around the world (potentially saving lives), to building modules for Trident Ballistic Nuclear Missiles (not so much on the saving lives tip , but bad ass non the less). (3) I was eventually promoted to Field Engineer and sent to the island of Sardinia, Italy for almost 5 years. There I helped run the Top Gun Tactical Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation and Tactical Air Combat Training ACMI/TACTS system at a NATO air base. This was the identical system as depicted in the movie "Top Gun" with Tom Cruise. So I got to work around NATO fighter jets and watch them dog-fight. Copa: What fueled your interest in modeling and acting?
Lamont: Actually a colleague at my day job had been pestering me for years..."You should model, you should act , etc." I would smile and basically ignore her (as I would on work related issues...I'm sure she won't see this ). Anyway, she forwarded me an email about an "Open Casting Call" taking place in DC. By the time I opened it, the event had passed. But luckily for me all I had to do was send in my photo. two days later I received a call from the casting agency.Copa: Have you always had a natural sense of style?
Lamont: I never really thought about it, but I would probably have to have to say yes. Back in my early teens, you should have seen the way I could do fancy lacing of High Top Converse Chuck Taylor All Star. Boom! Copa: Were you shy as a child?
Lamont: I think I was and still am! But you would probably be hard pressed to find anyone that would believe that. Copa: What were your first acting and modeling jobs, and were you nervous?
Lamont: Nervous, Nope! Heck, my first acting gig was that of a Picture Car. Which is to drive your car as part of a background scene. "Drive to the corner and then make that left turn, Thank you!" It was for the very first episode of "House of Cards" Season 1. Simple as that. Eventually irritating quite frankly, after backing up 40 times to redo the scene over and over until the Director, David Fincher got the take he wanted. That was my gas they were burning LOL! Eventually they pulled me out of the car, and I wound up being the very first Pedestrian that you see in the very last scene of the very first episode. As Kevin Spacy sits at a picnic table in the alley at Freddy's Bar-B-Que and says "I'm feeling kind of hungry", Music starts, camera pans and there I am, walking into frame (faking Winter with a jacket, scarf and gloves, even though it was fricking over 90 degrees in Baltimore that day!) Then I moved on to play the Director of the American Federation of Teachers in episode 2, sitting at the conference table as we hashed out a new Education Bill. Now in season 2 of House of Cards, I have recurring role as a Secret Service Agent.
As for my first modeling gig, I was hired to do a an aid campaign for the Air Force Civilian Services. For fashion modeling, it was for Stacy Adams' and Diane Crawford's Fusion de Filantropia & Fashion Show, I was asked to model wonderful Mark Roscoe ties and pocket squares. Copa: How does it feel being part of a highly rated Television series?
Lamont: To have any level of participation with Netflix's "House of Cards", which is trailblazing a new model for the delivery of entertainment to the masses is simply awesome! They will always be remembered for breaking new ground of streaming quality original programming direct to the Internet.
I find it absolutely surreal that my first two gigs in the acting arena are on show that between them both "Netflixes' House of Cards and HBO's VEEP. have been nominated for at least 19 Emmy's.Copa: How would you describe your personal style?
Lamont: Hopefully age appropriate.Copa: What is your ultimate goal in the fashion entertainment industry?
Lamont: As for as Fashion? One of my two daughters is currently studying fashion design in Germany. I want to be as close to the fashion industry as possible so that maybe someday, I can play a role in helping her fulfill her goals in the Fashion Industry.
As far as the Entertainment Industry? On day at a time and see where it goes. Copa: If you are allowed to speak on it, have you received anymore calls from Hollywood on some big upcoming projects?
Lamont: I don't know about big. "But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!" No, I do now have a couple of speaking roles on a couple new Investigation Discovery network shows "Forbidden" and "Abducted", and I did hit the IMDb data base. I'm also doing some corporate training films and a few ad campaigns. But, because I still have a 9 to 5 career, I find that I'm turning down more opportunities than I am accepting at this point.
But quite frankly, I still have not gotten over the shock of anybody calling for these type of opportunities. Just a hot minute ago I was just minding my own business as a local computer guy. Go figure! ~Copa
Shooting with a Starby Rodney Branche.
As we all know life is something that we all hold dear. One thing for sure many of us love to see actors play out many roles that we adore or would like to live ourselves. Here Copa Style Magazine had a wonderful opportunity to interview a rising star that many of you know who lives in the Washington area. On television he plays many roles in commercials and major film presentations and television series. He plays roles from doctors to Secret Service Agents. Now you will have a better chance to familiarize your self with this dynamic rising star...Lamont Easter. Copa: Lamont, where did you grow up?
Lamont: Actually I was born in Annapolis Maryland, Naval Academy Hospital. At about 2 years old, my Father being in the Navy was deployed to San Diego, CA. So the family, which includes an older brother and two older sisters (I'm the youngest, they would say the baby LOL) relocated to San Diego. I grew up in bike riding distance to the ocean. So being in that Southern Cali I did the typical beach-bum things kids did there such as , Skateboarding, boogie boarding, surfing, body surfing, snorkeling, basically anything to do with the water, I did. Then on the other end you had Canyons and the desert. So I spent a lot of time riding dirt bikes and doing BMX X-game biking! It was just called getting crazy on the bicycle at that time! And before you ask, yes, of course I had the playing cards attached to my bike's spokes with wooden clothes pins to make that motor cycle sound! Even though my parents (who are getting ready to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary) are from DC and Virginia, I cannot escape the sense of being a Southern Cali boy at heart, after spending 19 of my first 21 years of life in San Diego.Copa: What High School did you attend?
Lamont: Well in San Diego, the question should be "Which High School didn't I attend?" LOL! Let's just say a school administrator or two encouraged me to try other schools...other than theirs LOL. Okay, I had some attendance issues back then...One High School I went to was nicknamed "Last chance High School", I was actually voted to most likely to succeed there...But you have to put that into the context of the schools nickname LOL! But going into the 11th and 12th grade I got attendance issues all ironed out and graduated from a San Diego High School. What really helped me to focus was playing drums for the schools Jazz band. I'm still proud representing my high school in an addition of "Who's Who in American Music". Some of my old friends still remember my drum solo at the high school auditorium. I got off my drums and played my sticks across the stage floor and backed up to my drums, it was epic! Copa: What was your most memorable job as an adult?
Lamont: Well my most memorable job has to be when I worked for a Defense Contractor out of San Diego. Three things make it memorable (1) I started off building and wiring every single fare collection machine and entry ticket gate machine for this city called Washington, DC, the system was called Metro (who knew I would come to use this system someday). (2) Then I moved on to building hand-held mine detectors to be used around the world (potentially saving lives), to building modules for Trident Ballistic Nuclear Missiles (not so much on the saving lives tip , but bad ass non the less). (3) I was eventually promoted to Field Engineer and sent to the island of Sardinia, Italy for almost 5 years. There I helped run the Top Gun Tactical Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation and Tactical Air Combat Training ACMI/TACTS system at a NATO air base. This was the identical system as depicted in the movie "Top Gun" with Tom Cruise. So I got to work around NATO fighter jets and watch them dog-fight. Copa: What fueled your interest in modeling and acting?
Lamont: Actually a colleague at my day job had been pestering me for years..."You should model, you should act , etc." I would smile and basically ignore her (as I would on work related issues...I'm sure she won't see this ). Anyway, she forwarded me an email about an "Open Casting Call" taking place in DC. By the time I opened it, the event had passed. But luckily for me all I had to do was send in my photo. two days later I received a call from the casting agency.Copa: Have you always had a natural sense of style?
Lamont: I never really thought about it, but I would probably have to have to say yes. Back in my early teens, you should have seen the way I could do fancy lacing of High Top Converse Chuck Taylor All Star. Boom! Copa: Were you shy as a child?
Lamont: I think I was and still am! But you would probably be hard pressed to find anyone that would believe that. Copa: What were your first acting and modeling jobs, and were you nervous?
Lamont: Nervous, Nope! Heck, my first acting gig was that of a Picture Car. Which is to drive your car as part of a background scene. "Drive to the corner and then make that left turn, Thank you!" It was for the very first episode of "House of Cards" Season 1. Simple as that. Eventually irritating quite frankly, after backing up 40 times to redo the scene over and over until the Director, David Fincher got the take he wanted. That was my gas they were burning LOL! Eventually they pulled me out of the car, and I wound up being the very first Pedestrian that you see in the very last scene of the very first episode. As Kevin Spacy sits at a picnic table in the alley at Freddy's Bar-B-Que and says "I'm feeling kind of hungry", Music starts, camera pans and there I am, walking into frame (faking Winter with a jacket, scarf and gloves, even though it was fricking over 90 degrees in Baltimore that day!) Then I moved on to play the Director of the American Federation of Teachers in episode 2, sitting at the conference table as we hashed out a new Education Bill. Now in season 2 of House of Cards, I have recurring role as a Secret Service Agent.
As for my first modeling gig, I was hired to do a an aid campaign for the Air Force Civilian Services. For fashion modeling, it was for Stacy Adams' and Diane Crawford's Fusion de Filantropia & Fashion Show, I was asked to model wonderful Mark Roscoe ties and pocket squares. Copa: How does it feel being part of a highly rated Television series?
Lamont: To have any level of participation with Netflix's "House of Cards", which is trailblazing a new model for the delivery of entertainment to the masses is simply awesome! They will always be remembered for breaking new ground of streaming quality original programming direct to the Internet.
I find it absolutely surreal that my first two gigs in the acting arena are on show that between them both "Netflixes' House of Cards and HBO's VEEP. have been nominated for at least 19 Emmy's.Copa: How would you describe your personal style?
Lamont: Hopefully age appropriate.Copa: What is your ultimate goal in the fashion entertainment industry?
Lamont: As for as Fashion? One of my two daughters is currently studying fashion design in Germany. I want to be as close to the fashion industry as possible so that maybe someday, I can play a role in helping her fulfill her goals in the Fashion Industry.
As far as the Entertainment Industry? On day at a time and see where it goes. Copa: If you are allowed to speak on it, have you received anymore calls from Hollywood on some big upcoming projects?
Lamont: I don't know about big. "But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!" No, I do now have a couple of speaking roles on a couple new Investigation Discovery network shows "Forbidden" and "Abducted", and I did hit the IMDb data base. I'm also doing some corporate training films and a few ad campaigns. But, because I still have a 9 to 5 career, I find that I'm turning down more opportunities than I am accepting at this point.
But quite frankly, I still have not gotten over the shock of anybody calling for these type of opportunities. Just a hot minute ago I was just minding my own business as a local computer guy. Go figure! ~Copa
As we all know life is something that we all hold dear. One thing for sure many of us love to see actors play out many roles that we adore or would like to live ourselves. Here Copa Style Magazine had a wonderful opportunity to interview a rising star that many of you know who lives in the Washington area. On television he plays many roles in commercials and major film presentations and television series. He plays roles from doctors to Secret Service Agents. Now you will have a better chance to familiarize your self with this dynamic rising star...Lamont Easter. Copa: Lamont, where did you grow up?
Lamont: Actually I was born in Annapolis Maryland, Naval Academy Hospital. At about 2 years old, my Father being in the Navy was deployed to San Diego, CA. So the family, which includes an older brother and two older sisters (I'm the youngest, they would say the baby LOL) relocated to San Diego. I grew up in bike riding distance to the ocean. So being in that Southern Cali I did the typical beach-bum things kids did there such as , Skateboarding, boogie boarding, surfing, body surfing, snorkeling, basically anything to do with the water, I did. Then on the other end you had Canyons and the desert. So I spent a lot of time riding dirt bikes and doing BMX X-game biking! It was just called getting crazy on the bicycle at that time! And before you ask, yes, of course I had the playing cards attached to my bike's spokes with wooden clothes pins to make that motor cycle sound! Even though my parents (who are getting ready to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary) are from DC and Virginia, I cannot escape the sense of being a Southern Cali boy at heart, after spending 19 of my first 21 years of life in San Diego.Copa: What High School did you attend?
Lamont: Well in San Diego, the question should be "Which High School didn't I attend?" LOL! Let's just say a school administrator or two encouraged me to try other schools...other than theirs LOL. Okay, I had some attendance issues back then...One High School I went to was nicknamed "Last chance High School", I was actually voted to most likely to succeed there...But you have to put that into the context of the schools nickname LOL! But going into the 11th and 12th grade I got attendance issues all ironed out and graduated from a San Diego High School. What really helped me to focus was playing drums for the schools Jazz band. I'm still proud representing my high school in an addition of "Who's Who in American Music". Some of my old friends still remember my drum solo at the high school auditorium. I got off my drums and played my sticks across the stage floor and backed up to my drums, it was epic! Copa: What was your most memorable job as an adult?
Lamont: Well my most memorable job has to be when I worked for a Defense Contractor out of San Diego. Three things make it memorable (1) I started off building and wiring every single fare collection machine and entry ticket gate machine for this city called Washington, DC, the system was called Metro (who knew I would come to use this system someday). (2) Then I moved on to building hand-held mine detectors to be used around the world (potentially saving lives), to building modules for Trident Ballistic Nuclear Missiles (not so much on the saving lives tip , but bad ass non the less). (3) I was eventually promoted to Field Engineer and sent to the island of Sardinia, Italy for almost 5 years. There I helped run the Top Gun Tactical Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation and Tactical Air Combat Training ACMI/TACTS system at a NATO air base. This was the identical system as depicted in the movie "Top Gun" with Tom Cruise. So I got to work around NATO fighter jets and watch them dog-fight. Copa: What fueled your interest in modeling and acting?
Lamont: Actually a colleague at my day job had been pestering me for years..."You should model, you should act , etc." I would smile and basically ignore her (as I would on work related issues...I'm sure she won't see this ). Anyway, she forwarded me an email about an "Open Casting Call" taking place in DC. By the time I opened it, the event had passed. But luckily for me all I had to do was send in my photo. two days later I received a call from the casting agency.Copa: Have you always had a natural sense of style?
Lamont: I never really thought about it, but I would probably have to have to say yes. Back in my early teens, you should have seen the way I could do fancy lacing of High Top Converse Chuck Taylor All Star. Boom! Copa: Were you shy as a child?
Lamont: I think I was and still am! But you would probably be hard pressed to find anyone that would believe that. Copa: What were your first acting and modeling jobs, and were you nervous?
Lamont: Nervous, Nope! Heck, my first acting gig was that of a Picture Car. Which is to drive your car as part of a background scene. "Drive to the corner and then make that left turn, Thank you!" It was for the very first episode of "House of Cards" Season 1. Simple as that. Eventually irritating quite frankly, after backing up 40 times to redo the scene over and over until the Director, David Fincher got the take he wanted. That was my gas they were burning LOL! Eventually they pulled me out of the car, and I wound up being the very first Pedestrian that you see in the very last scene of the very first episode. As Kevin Spacy sits at a picnic table in the alley at Freddy's Bar-B-Que and says "I'm feeling kind of hungry", Music starts, camera pans and there I am, walking into frame (faking Winter with a jacket, scarf and gloves, even though it was fricking over 90 degrees in Baltimore that day!) Then I moved on to play the Director of the American Federation of Teachers in episode 2, sitting at the conference table as we hashed out a new Education Bill. Now in season 2 of House of Cards, I have recurring role as a Secret Service Agent.
As for my first modeling gig, I was hired to do a an aid campaign for the Air Force Civilian Services. For fashion modeling, it was for Stacy Adams' and Diane Crawford's Fusion de Filantropia & Fashion Show, I was asked to model wonderful Mark Roscoe ties and pocket squares. Copa: How does it feel being part of a highly rated Television series?
Lamont: To have any level of participation with Netflix's "House of Cards", which is trailblazing a new model for the delivery of entertainment to the masses is simply awesome! They will always be remembered for breaking new ground of streaming quality original programming direct to the Internet.
I find it absolutely surreal that my first two gigs in the acting arena are on show that between them both "Netflixes' House of Cards and HBO's VEEP. have been nominated for at least 19 Emmy's.Copa: How would you describe your personal style?
Lamont: Hopefully age appropriate.Copa: What is your ultimate goal in the fashion entertainment industry?
Lamont: As for as Fashion? One of my two daughters is currently studying fashion design in Germany. I want to be as close to the fashion industry as possible so that maybe someday, I can play a role in helping her fulfill her goals in the Fashion Industry.
As far as the Entertainment Industry? On day at a time and see where it goes. Copa: If you are allowed to speak on it, have you received anymore calls from Hollywood on some big upcoming projects?
Lamont: I don't know about big. "But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!" No, I do now have a couple of speaking roles on a couple new Investigation Discovery network shows "Forbidden" and "Abducted", and I did hit the IMDb data base. I'm also doing some corporate training films and a few ad campaigns. But, because I still have a 9 to 5 career, I find that I'm turning down more opportunities than I am accepting at this point.
But quite frankly, I still have not gotten over the shock of anybody calling for these type of opportunities. Just a hot minute ago I was just minding my own business as a local computer guy. Go figure! ~Copa