Bits 'n' Pieces: Drummer can drop a few names

Vancouver drummer and singer Gary Smith, a member of the Fedora Four.

Brenda Asterino of Hazel Dell was on the crew of the indie short film “Still Me.”

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Barry White. Bob Hope. Rudy Valee.

Vancouver drummer and singer Gary Smith crossed paths with those celebrities — and many more — during a music career that begin in 1966.

Smith, then living in Los Angeles, joined the Hook ‘n Ladder Lads with a group of Los Angeles Fire Department employees that year. The group performed at civic functions throughout Los Angeles.

Later that decade, Smith formed the Time Machine, a dance band. The Time Machine performed at class reunions, weddings and private parties. 

It was at a high school class reunion in San Pedro, Calif., that Smith shared the stage with Barry White, who was a member of the celebrating class.

“When we found out he was there, obviously we wanted him to perform for his class” Smith said.

The group has gone through several line-up changes over the years, but Smith still finds time to perform with the group when in Southern California.

Currently, Smith, 71, stays busy by performing in the jazz quartet, the Fedora Four. The group plays about once each month at Tony Starlight’s Supper Club and Lounge in Portland.

“I like to play and be on stage. It’s still fun for me,” Smith said.

Brenda Asterino auditioned for the independent short film “Still Me” because she could relate to the central character’s struggle. The film, written by Beth McElhenny, was about a stroke victim trying to get family and friends to see past his physical disability.

Asterino suffered brain trauma in a 1991 car accident, and says people had a difficult time knowing how to respond to her new limitations.

“They see you and you look OK, so they don’t understand what’s really wrong,” said Asterino, 60, who recently moved to Hazel Dell from Ohio.

While in Ohio, Asterino heard about the “Still Me” project and tried out for a leading role. She didn’t get it but was invited to be part of the crew. During the four-day filming, Asterino served as a production assistant and makeup artist.

“It was very exciting. The creative sparks are flying all the time,” she said.

“Still Me” has won several film festival awards and was submitted for consideration for the Academy Awards. Nominees will be announced Jan. 22, 2009. Information about the movie is available at brookwoodfilms.com.

If “Still Me” is nominated, Asterino, who’s retired, said she’d be tempted to travel to Los Angeles for the awards show. But for now, she’s continuing to explore the industry as a producer for Fort Vancouver Community Television.

Bits ’n’ pieces appears Mondays and Fridays. If you have a story you’d like to share, call Features Editor Elisa Williams, 360-735-4561, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .