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Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2019 Gentlemen's Avenue Tag Archives: Donnie Hawley
120 Years of Barbering the film, now available for download!
We are super excited to announce the release of the digital download for our film 120 Years Of Barbering! It has been a long 2 years but the wait will be well worth it.
Watch never before seen ancient barber history and the amazing lives of old-timers Fred and Frank. Plus you get 150 years of barbering round-table discussion!
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2017 Gentlemen's Avenue Episode #005 “Masa & Hitoshi from Japan” vodcast
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We are honored to have Masa and Hitoshi from Japan visit us for episode #005. Masa is the Layrite rep for Asia and has become a good friend to me. Hitoshi owns Rocka Hair in Kobe, Japan. This is a must see episode as they discuss barber culture, music and life in Japan.
Date filmed: 4/19/17
Duration: 1 hour, 3 minutes
Location: Whittier, CA
Guests: Masa & Hitoshi
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2017 Gentlemen's Avenue Episode #005 “Masa & Hitoshi from Japan” podcast
Podcast: Play in new window
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | RSS | More
We are honored to have Masa and Hitoshi from Japan visit us for episode #005. Masa is the Layrite rep for Asia and has become a good friend to me. Hitoshi owns Rocka Hair in Kobe, Japan. This is a must see episode as they discuss barber culture, music and life in Japan.
Date filmed: 4/19/17
Duration: 1 hour, 2 minutes
Location: Whittier, CA
Guests: Masa & Hitoshi
Revival of the Traditional Barber Shop Book Cover Release!
Folks,
In 2013 we started a book, the first of its kind, a modern traditional barber history that 
documents the revival as it happens. We figured why wait 15-20 years after the fact. Our goal is to document history as it is happening. Not only did we document the revival but also the founders and progenitors of the revival. The barber shops featured in the Southern California edition are influential in their communities and have a worldwide impact in the profession.
The delays have been numerous but we plan to have the book completed by the end of the year. A few delays; a photographer burned us for photos so we had to re-shoot, over 4,200 photos to sort through, selecting the right publisher, and life! Finding the right publisher proved to be a major obstacle. We sought out many publishers during the last few years but each had terms and conditions that we felt compromised the integrity of the book so we decided to do what we have done with all of our projects and that is to be independent and self publish. Another great benefit of self publishing is that we found one in the USA which is a major benefit. The drawback with these choices is a higher cost per unit. The big publishing corporations don’t make it easy for independents to publish their own books but nevertheless that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
We anticipate offering pre-orders and barbershops and companies may obtain the book at wholesale. The barbershops that participated in the book can purchase the book at cost. Our publisher offers volume discounts so that is what we’re aiming for. If we get enough pre-orders with considerable volume then we can place orders.
We thank everyone for your patience. Updates will be posted on social media and our website.
M
For all the barber shops that participated in the book you need to contact us ASAP to complete the interview if you haven’t already done so. Without your interview the book cannot be published and your history will not be told. I cannot stress this enough because the book is a modern traditional barber history we need you stories. Contact publishing@gentlemensavenue.com
120 Years Of Barbering The Film, Japanese Edition! 2017 Release!
We are honored to announce that our groundbreaking film will be released in Japan with subtitles in 2017! Not only did we add subtitles to our film but we also translated the iconic film poster created by Howlin Wolf.
The film will be distributed in Japan by our good friend Masa. Be on the lookout early 2017 for this special release.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2016 Gentlemen's Avenue Editing Resumes On 120 Years Of Barbering The Film: Update 2.0
Gents,
On the set of 120 Years Of Barbering The Film, “Mr. Fred could spit into the wind and it will keep on going.” photo credit: Eric
It’s been a long 1 1/2 months recovering from my back injury and an extremely slow process but I thank God that progress has been made. Still not 100% healthy but your patience and understanding has been a great blessing.
I am glad to resume the final edits on this amazing film. Although my pace may be a bit slower, that is dependent on a day to day. I already edited the film twice and this should be the last and final edit. I anticipate the edits should be done by the end of July and if everything goes well the film will be released in August. Barring any unforeseen changes or setbacks. The first two edits have forged this amazing story of two old time barbers who have a combined 120 years of barbering experience.
My standard for the film has not been lowered and I am still determined to make this the best damn film on barbering history available. You will not view barbering the same!
I must thank everyone involved with the film and especially our sponsor Donnie Hawley for his understanding during this difficult time.
Your Friend,
Mr. M
Editor/Founder
Psalm 36:5
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2016 Gentlemen's Avenue Update: 120 Years of Barbering the Film & Traditional Barber Journal
Friends,
First I would like to thank you for all the support and encouragement. I have continually worked hard to write great articles and create innovative publications and films. I do not share my personal life but I believe I owe it to you since many of you are waiting for my work.
I alone created Gentlemen’s Avenue and for the last 4 years created 3 publications; The Avenue Men’s Magazine, Traditional Tattoo Journal, Traditional Barber Journal. I also made a few short films for YouTube and created the series, Real California. Last year with the sponsorship of Donnie Hawley and Layrite I shot my first film 120 Years of Barbering. Not only did Mrs. M and I film it but I have been the sole editor. Which needless to say is a ton of work but extremely enjoyable. Oh, I also manage the website and all social media.
Mrs. M and I had the privilege to photograph many barber shops in Southern California for 
a coffee table book series, Revival Of The Traditional Barber Shop.
Along the way Mrs. M has been my support, camera operator, critique and an amazing woman.
A little over a month ago I suffered a back injury (nerve damage) that put me down and I halted all work. Just sitting up was painful much less working on the computer. Mrs. M has helped me write the last few posts and has become my hands.
I am still receiving treatment and finally able to work for 10-15 minutes each day. Somedays are worse than others. I do not have a staff or departments to complete the works in progress so everything relies upon me. For those that have met me are well aware that we are a family operation.
So please allow me more time to complete the projects I started. I anticipate 120 Years of Barbering to be completed by August 2016. The Traditional Barber Journal will be released late September 2016. If there are any setbacks please extend your patience and understanding during this difficult time. I intend to complete everything I started.
Mr. M
Founder/Editor
Psalm 31:1
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2016 Gentlemen's Avenue 120 Years Of Barbering: Memorial Day Tribute 2016
The two barbers featured in the film are both veterans of the United States Military and we would like to acknowledge their service to our country in MEMORIAL of all the men and women who died in military service. We choose to remember their service and sacrifice as a living MEMORIAL.
Frank Chavis was drafted by the Army and fought in WWII in the Philippines and was stationed in Japan. Fred Koon enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Tacoma, Washington. Both men settled in California and became barbers, Frank in Stockton and Fred in Orange County.
The film 120 Years of Barbering is about two barbers Frank-90 years young and Fred-76 years young that have a combined 120 years of barbering experience. This film is about barbering history, life, failure, addiction, success, passion and purpose.
You will never view barbering the same again.
Release Date June 2016, thank you for your patience.
Presented by GentlemensAvenue.com, Donnie Hawley and Layrite.
A special thank you to Los Rhythm Rockets for allowing us to use their music
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2016 Gentlemen's Avenue “Real California: The Small Farm Town Barber”- GA Thanksgiving Film Festival 2015, 2nd selection
Folks,
The second selection for the GA Thanksgiving Film Festival 2015 is special because it is 
one of the first films we ever shot and it also happens to be at one of our many favorite places to visit. This film is part of the Real California series that features artists, tattooers, barber, craftsman and unique folks throughout the great state of California who are making a difference in their communities and the world at large.
Wild Bill’s Barber Shop is located in Lindsay, CA and is a small farm town of 13,000 residents and surrounded by orchards, groves and mountains. This farm town has a depth that is a rarity these days and the folks are genuine.
Owner Rick Loftin named the shop after his father and is an homage to his character. The décor is real and not store bought which also gives a vintage but authentic nuance. From his grandmother’s old washing machine with washboard or his father’s leather jacket it is all part of who Rick is. Gotta love the Folsom Prison barber chairs!
A huge thank you to the Loftin’s whom I am proud to call our friend’s. Also to the fine folks of Lindsay that made us feel welcomed.
Note: Only one scene was stabilized but the rest is left untouched so as to give you the feeling of walking in the shop.
Stay tuned for the last selection in the GA Film Festival 2015! We hope you enjoy this film and please feel free to leave a comment.
www.GentlemensAvenue.com/TFF
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2015 Gentlemen's Avenue