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When one of the "Cobra Kai" creators reviews your comedy short, you tell the whole damn world!

"With his absorbing “How I Spent My Summer Vacation,” Joe Hernandez-Kolski effortlessly blends themes of (half) white guilt, identity, maturity, friendship, isolation, hopes, dreams, and self-censorship — all through a minimalist and intimate portrait that exists in the quiet space between brilliant comedy monologue and soul-baring vulnerability."

Josh Heald (co-creator of "Cobra Kai")

Dear friends and family,

Thanks to Josh Heald for the wonderful review. And, yes, for those who watch the show, he's the dude who directed the incredible season finale! That two-minute single-shot fight sequence is . Yes, I am a HUGE fan of "Cobra Kai." I think that it is the perfect blend of 80s nostalgia and deep, personal reflection at a time full of conflict. I'm also a big fan of "Ted Lasso," "Murder at Middle Beach" and the Bee Gees documentary! What are your picks?

I hope that you are as excited as I am for the arrival of 2021! Yes, the year may have begun a couple of weeks ago but, in my opinion, it really starts tomorrow on the 20th. ;-)

Have you seen "How I Spent My Summer Vacation?"

I'm excited to announce that the video piece that I created as part of Center Theatre Group's Community Stories series is now live on their website! I definitely encourage you to check it out.

It is there along with the interview that I did with my longtime director/collaborator Benjamin Byron Davis and conducted by another longtime collaborator and friend Jesus Reyes.

We speak at great length about the collaborative nature of art. Even when it is considered a "solo" show, there really is no such thing.

Calling all high school performers...Downbeat 720 is back!

I'm also proud to say that Downbeat 720 has returned! Downbeat 720 is the open-mic for high school youth that I helped co-create over nineteen years ago. Ever since, we have been creating a safe and supportive space for high school youth to share their thoughts. Now that we've gone online, we are looking to reach youth all over the country and the world! At our last event, we had a singer/songwriter from Missouri and a poet from India!

Click on the picture to see just a small glimpse into a special moment that we had with one of our alumni, a talented singer/songwriter named Julia Paymer. Follow us on Instagram @downbeat720

And please keep your eyes open for another eblast in a week or so! I will be asking for YOUR help in the making of a music video!!

Please be safe and wear a mask. Here's to a happy and joyful 2021!

Love,

Joe