Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Message from Rockrgrl magazine

Before they were rock stars, they were on the cover of ROCKRGRL Magazine.

Although we quit publishing at the end of 2005, twenty-five of the original 57 issues of ROCKRGRL are still for sale from the ROCKRGRL web site. But I am spring cleaning and would like to see them find good homes. Would you like to adopt one?

You don't even need a credit card to purchase - just PayPal.

Visit now: www.rockrgrl.com/backissues.php

Keep rockin.
Carla DeSantisFounder/Publisher/Editor-In-Chief
ROCKRGRL
www.rockrgrl.com
www.carladesantis.net

Underoath to release live CD and concert DVD

UNDEROATH will release their first-ever live CD and concert DVD SURVIVE, KALEIDOSCOPE May 27 on Tooth & Nail/Solid State. Recorded during the group's fall headlining U.S. trek at numerous tour stops and mixed by Beau Burchell, guitarist for Saosin, the 12-song live CD portion and features nine tracks from UNDEROATH's gold-certified breakthrough album Define The Great Line as well as "A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White," "It's A Dangerous Business Just Walking Out Your Front Door" and "Young And Aspiring"--all off of the group's They're Only Chasing Safety disc. The 65-minute live DVD concert film--shot in its entirety at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, PA--is presented in 16:9 widescreen and offers fans a glimpse at UNDEROATH's unique stage and lighting set up for an ambient visual and audio one-time-only concert experience. The DVD--which features 14 tracks back-to-back--was shot by Art & Industry and edited by Ryan Gardner of the Audible Diversion Group. The audio was mixed by producer Adam Dutkiewicz, guitarist for Killswitch Engage.

"The footage on the live DVD came out far above our expectations, and Adam and Beau outdid themselves in the audio department," says UNDEROATH guitarist TIM MCTAGUE.

The acclaimed hard rock group are renowned worldwide for their cathartic and frenzied live performances, as underlined by SURVIVE, KALEIDOSCOPE. Revolver magazine has noted that "Underoath have become one of the most punishing metalcore powerhouses around and--in the pouring rain--they delivered an astonishingly brutal set that proved them worthy of the buzz surrounding them."

Metro Times (Detroit, MI) weighed in by saying, "While Define the Great Line added melody and dynamics without sacrificing the intensity of the sextet's metal-hardcore hybrid, nothing, compares to the band's writhing live performances."

Elsewhere, as noted in the Providence Journal, "Underoath were the headliners; with punishing bass and drums, crunching guitar and a horror-movie tinge to singer Spencer Chamberlain's delivery that all give the religious themes of the lyrics universal appeal." Creative Loafing (Atlanta, GA) summed it up in one word: "incendiary."

UNDEROATH has announced a special pre-order of SURVIVE, KALEIDOSCOPE at a discounted price through their new merchandising store which is run by the Audible Diversion Group. Special pre-order packages include a custom Underoath t-shirt designed by artist Justin Nelson (Verdure Studio) and a limited quantity of packages with posters autographed by the band are available until supplies last. To go directly to the pre-order, click on: www.underoathmerch.com.

The Audible Diversion Group--a merchandising and film company formed by Tim McTague of Underoath, Jay Vilardi guitarist for The Almost and filmmaker Ryan Gardner--has now taken over the webstores for Underoath and The Almost. Visit: www.underoath777.com and www.thealmost.com to see the revamped web stores for each band.

UNDEROATH--lead vocalist SPENCER CHAMBERLAIN, guitarist TIM MCTAGUE, bassist GRANT BRANDELL, drummer AARON GILLESPIE, keyboardist CHRISTOPHER DUDLEY and guitarist JAMES SMITH--have solidly built their fan base from incessant touring and their unrelentingly intense live shows, establishing an unbreakable bond with their fans. The combined sales of their three albums are over one million copies.

UNDEROATH will headline the Hot Topic stage on this summer's Rockstar Energy Mayhem Tour, joining Slipknot, Disturbed, Mastodon, Dragonforce, Machine Head and many others. The Mayhem Fest launches July 9 in Seattle, WA and wraps August 19 in Buffalo, NY and includes stops near Los Angeles on July 13 in San Bernardino, CA and in Uniondale, NY on August 3. For more info, visit: www.mayhemfest.com.

Currently working on the follow-up to DEFINE THE GREAT LINE, the FL-based sextet will release their as-yet-untitled fourth disc on September 2.

Following is the complete track-listing as well as the corresponding city in which the songs were recorded live for the SURVIVE, KALEIDOSCOPE 12-song live CD:

1) Returning Empty Handed (Sayreville, NJ)
2) In Regards To Myself (Buffalo, NY)
3) It's a Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door (Dallas,TX)
4) You're Ever So Inviting (Baltimore, MD)
5) To Whom It May Concern (Boise, ID)
6) A Moment Suspended In Time (Boston, MA)
7) Young And Aspiring (Norfolk, VA)
8) Writing On Walls (Chicago, IL)
9) Everyone Looks So Good From Here (Omaha, NE)
10) Casting Such A Thin Shadow (Baltimore, MD)
11) Moving For The Sake Of Motion (St. Paul, MN)
12) A Boy Brushed Red Living In Black And White (Sayreville, NJ)


To pre-order SURVIVE, KALEIDOSCOPE visit: www.underoathmerch.com.

Catch UNDEROATH on the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Tour:

Rockstar Energy Mayhem tour
Wed 7/9 Seattle, WA White River Amphitheatre
Fri 7/11 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Sat 7/12 San Francisco, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sun 7/13 San Bernardino, CA Glen Helen Pavilion
Tue 7/15 Fresno, CA Save Mart Center
Wed 7/16 San Diego, CA Coors Amphitheatre
Fri 7/18 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
Sat 7/19 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion
Sun 7/20 Denver, CO Coors Amphitheatre
Tue 7/22 Kansas City, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Wed 7/23 St. Louis, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Fri 7/25 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center
Sat 7/26 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Sun 7/27 Houston, TX Sam Houston Race Park
Tue 7/29 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre
Wed 7/30 W. Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheater
Fri 8/1 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless
Sat 8/2 Pittsburgh, PA Post-Gazette Pavilion
Sun 8/3 Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum
Tue 8/5 Boston, MA Tweeter Center for Performing Arts
Wed 8/6 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion
Fri 8/8 Toronto, ON Downsview Park
Sat 8/9 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
Sun 8/10 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Tue 8/12 Atlanta, GA Lakewood Amphitheatre
Wed 8/13 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center
Fri 8/15 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
Sat 8/16 Hartford, CT New England Dodge Music Center
Sun 8/17 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion
Tue 8/19 Buffalo, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

www.UNDEROATH777.com
www.TOOTHANDNAIL.com
www.SOLIDSTATERECORDS.com

Lyndsey Hoh wins Claremont Winds' Young Artist Competition

Lyndsey Hoh, a freshman at USC’s Thornton School of Music, has won the fourth annual Young Artists Competition sponsored by the Claremont Winds. She will receive a scholarship award and will perform Concerto for Tuba and Winds by Emmy-winning TV and film composer Bruce Broughton at the group's May 18 concert in Claremont.

The May 18 concert will be held at 3 p.m. at the Mudd Theater of the Claremont School of Theology on College Avenue north of Foothill Blvd. in Claremont. Admission is free. The program will also feature Frank Ticheli's explosive Nitro, Percy Grainger's Children's March, Gordon Jacob's Tribute to Canterbury, a Sousa march, and more.

The Claremont Winds is a semi-professional, non-profit community organization based in Claremont, CA. Conducted since 1993 by Tony Mazzaferro, the acclaimed group’s schedule of performances includes concerts in Claremont, summer concerts in local communities as requested, and other engagements such as Disneyland, Forest Lawn Memorial Day commemorations and a 2003 trip to Banff and Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to perform during the Vic Lewis International Band Festival. This is the fourth year of the Young Artists Competition, which was designed as a scholarship program for student wind and percussion musicians aged 14 to 20 years old in the greater Los Angeles area.

Dr. Mazzaferro received his Bachelor of Music degree from San Francisco State University, his Master's from Northwestern University, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University. He is currently chairman of the Music Department of Fullerton College, where he also conducts the Symphonic Winds and the Community Band and teaches Applied Euphonium and Tuba.

Sligo Rags is on the road

Upcoming Sligo Rags performances

Friday, May 2, 2008 6:30 pm
Bella Terra Amphitheatre in Huntington Beach
Bella Terra Ave, in Huntington Beach

Saturday, May 3, 2008 6:00 pm
Annual 1916 Easter Rising & 1981 Hunger Strike Commemoration Irish Republican Ballad Night
The Handlery Hotel and Resort
950 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108
Tickets $45
Contact Roy McCann for tickets and information – 951-377-6319
Email: roy6319@verizon.net

Sunday, May 4, 2008
Dana Point 2nd Annual Cultural Arts Day

Sunday, May 4, 2008
La Plaza Park
34111 La Plaza St. Dana Point (PCH, just past Golden Lantern)
1:00-1:30pm Sligo Rags – Celtic Folk Music
If you have any questions, please call Dana Point Coastal Arts at (949) 542-8361.

Friday, May 9, 2008 10:00 pm
Auld Dubliner Tustin, 2497 Park Ave, Tustin, CA, USA
10pm - 1:30am
2497 Park Ave
Tustin, CA 92781

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 9:00 pm
Killarney's in Huntington Beach, 209 S. Main St, 9 PM

Friday, May 16, 2008 9:30 pm
Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Blvd, Van Nuys, CA

Saturday, May 17, 2008 7:00 pm
In concert at The Coffee Gallery Backstage
2029 N. Lake
Altadena, Ca. 91001
Reservations/Information: (626) 398-7917
The show begins at 7 PM
Tickets are $18.00

Friday, May 23, 2008 10:00 pm
Auld Dubliner Long Beach
72 South Pine Ave, Long Beach
10pm - 1:30am

Saturday, May 24, 2008 9:00 pm
Dublin Square, San Diego
Dublin Square Irish Pub, 554 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA

Friday, May 30, 2008 9:00 pm
The Auld Irisher in Orange, 1547 W. Katella Ave, Orange,
Sligo Rags performs at the new Auld Irisher in Orange!
Show time is at 9:00pm
1547 W. Katella Ave (Stadium Promenade)
Orange, CA 92867
www.auldirisher.com

Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:00 pm
Dublin Square, San Diego
Dublin Square Irish Pub, 554 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA
The Rags perform at Dublin Square in the Gaslamp District
9:00pm - 12:30am
554 4th Avenue
San Diego, CA

Friday, June 6, 2008 9:00 pm
Rags at the Auld Irisher
1547 W. Katella Ave, Orange, California, USA

Saturday, June 7, 2008 8:00 pm
Gelencser House Concert Series in Claremont, CA

Friday, June 13, 2008 9:30 pm
Ireland's 32
13721 Burbank Blvd., Van Nuys CA 91401
818-785-4031.
9:30pm - 1:30am

Upcoming concerts around California from Live Nation

ON SALE THIS WEEK AT HOUSE OF BLUES SUNSET STRIP

On Sale NOW:

The Dan Band - May 6

On Sale Saturday, May 3 at 10 AM:
Ted Nugent - June 15
Finntroll - September 11
Helloween - October 6
=======================================================================

ON SALE THIS WEEK AT HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM

On Sale NOW:

Wild Child: A Tribute to the Doors - May 16

Ted Nugent - June 17

Ramon Ayala - June 20

Ingrid Michaelson with Greg Laswell - June 23

OAR with Jeremy Fischer - June 27


On Sale Saturday, May 3 at 10 AM:

Cagerattle Presents The Most Wanted Tour featuring Nonpoint with special guests The Exies, Deepfield, Under the Flood - June 6

The Dan Band - July 19

Rooney with Locksley and The Bridges - July 20

Street Dogs to release new studio effort in July

Hellcat Records’ newest signing, the highly revered Street Dogs, will release their new studio album, State of Grace, on July 8th. Teeming with fist pumping punk-influenced rock, the group’s fourth full length speaks from and to the working class with poetic heartfelt tales of family, hardships and cries for unity.

The Street Dogs’ ability to craft unique, thought provoking music has helped the band amass a dedicated following over the years. Having served in the Gulf War and as a Boston firefighter, singer Mike McColgan draws on a wealth of life experiences and observations to inspire his impassioned vocal performances, adding a touch of sincere urgency to the non-stop fist-a-cuffs of teeth-gnashing rock that the band is known for. Produced by Ted Hutt (Bouncing Souls, Flogging Molly), the group’s latest release surpasses their earlier recordings, both lyrically and musically, with new energy and awareness.

McColgan kicks off State of Grace with the consequential story of “Mean Fist,” which sets an intense tone for the album when combined with the vigorous punk riffs and beats of Paul Rucker (drums), Johnny Rioux (bass), Marcus Hollar (guitar) and Tobe Bean III (guitar). Rolling almost seamlessly from song to song, the Street Dogs maintain a high level of energy throughout the record with tracks like the politically charged Skids’ cover “Into The Valley,” and the fist-pumping call for change “Rebel Song.”

The Street Dogs give a nod to family throughout the album with songs like “Kevin J. O’Toole,” an ode to McColgan’s uncle and fellow Boston firefighter who recently passed away, and the Irish folk-inspired track “Elizabeth,” about McColgan’s grandmother who was the matriarch of the family. Their reverence for family, friends, and those who fight on our behalf can be felt throughout the album, especially on the band’s homage to Joe Strummer, “The General’s Boombox,” who they cite as their main influence.

“This is a more organic record,” says Rioux. “It's more raw than our previous records. The end result is a more powerful and honest record. It's less political and more everyday life delivered in a more powerful way.”

No strangers to crowd participation at their shows, State of Grace boasts a plethora of tracks that are made for the pub and pit, like the bouncing rhythms of “Two Angry Kids” that will have the crowd churning in no time.

The album closes with “Free,” one of the most personal songs McColgan has ever written. Opening with the somber cries of a harmonica and acoustic guitar, the Street Dogs show the raw emotion of coming to terms with the struggles of life and looking for hope in a sometimes bleak world.

Street Dogs are currently wrapping up a tour with Anti-Flag and will be previewing the new album for fans in June when they play the main stage at this year’s Vans Warped Tour.

State of Grace Tracklisting:
1. Mean Fist
2. Kevin J. O’Toole
3. Into The Valley
4. Rebel Song
5. The General’s Boombox
6. Elizabeth
7. Two Angry Kids
8. Guns
9. San Patricios
10. A State Of Grace
11. Free

For More Information:
www.Hell-Cat.com
www.Myspace.com/StreetDogs

Millencolin's new effort due out May 6

Revered Swedish punk rock outfit Millencolin are back with Machine 15 – their first record in three years and the follow up to 2005's Kingwood. The album will be released on May 6th, through Epitaph Records.

With an impressive string of releases behind them, nearly two million records sold worldwide and having shared stages with the likes of Blink 182, the Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age, the Örebro based quartet of vocalist/bassist Nikola Sarcevic, guitarists Erik Ohlsson and Mathias Färm and drummer Fredrik Larzon show that they are on top of their game.

While upholding the classic Millencolin sound, they chose to diversify, evolve and progress on the new album. The explosive result is pop infused punk at its all-time best with driving beats, anthemic choruses and irresistible melodies that prove the band is back to kick ass and take names.

"I think it's great. It's different from what we've done before and we're stoked," guitarist Mathias Färm enthuses. A perfect example of this willingness to try new approaches is the first single "Detox" – "Ripe with harmony vocals, an infectious melody that gives nods to both the Beatles and the Beach Boys, and seven chord changes," Erik Ohlsson explains.

For Machine 15, Millencolin re-teamed with producer Lou Giordano (Sugar, Taking Back Sunday, Plain White T's), who previously worked with the band on 2003's Home From Home. "We wanted the kind of crisp sound that Lou is notorious for. Plus we have a great chemistry with him," guitarist Erik Ohlsson adds.

Mixed in Berlin by Michael Ilbert, who lent his skills to records by the likes of The Hives and Roxette, Machine 15 achieves the perfect blend of skillful and contagious music. "This time, especially, it feels like we have something extraordinary to present," vocalist Nikola Sarcevic adds.

Machine 15 Tracklisting:
Machine 15
Done Is Done
Detox
Vicious Circle
Broken World
Come On
Centerpiece
Who's Laughing Now
Brand New Game
Ducks & Drakes
Turnkey Paradise
Route One
Danger For Stranger
Saved By Hell
End Piece

For More Information:
www.epitaph.com
www.myspace.com/millencolin

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Upcoming shows around California

Anaheim
June 3
HATEBREED
@ The Grove / 2200 E. Katella Ave / Doors: 6:30pm /Tickets: $24.50/$27.50
www.myspace.com/hatebreed
JAGERMEISTER MUSIC TOUR
w/ TYPE O NEGATIVE & 3 Inches of Blood

Chula Vista
July 16
36 Crazyfists / Black Tide
@ Coors Amphitheater
www.myspace.com/36crazyfists
www.myspace.com/blacktide
ROCKSTAR MAYHEMFESTIVAL!!! w/Slipknot, Mastodon, Machine Head and many more!!

Devore
August 30
TESTAMENT
@ Hyundai Pavilion
www.myspace.com/testamentlegions
w/Judas Priest, Heaven and Hell, and Motorhead

Fresno
July 15
36 Crazyfists / Black Tide
@ Save Mart Center
www.myspace.com/36crazyfists
www.myspace.com/blacktide
ROCKSTAR MAYHEM FESTIVAL!!! w/Slipknot, Mastodon, Machine Head and many more!!

Los Angeles
June 1
HATEBREED
@ Avalon / 1735 N. Vine St / Doors: 6:00pm / Tickets: $25/$29
www.myspace.com/hatebreed
JAGERMEISTER MUSIC TOUR w/ TYPE O NEGATIVE & 3 Inches of Blood

June 6
DETHKLOK
headlining @ Wiltern Theater
www.myspace.com/dethklok
www.myspace.com/chimaira
w/ Chimaira and Soilent Green

Mountain View
July 12
36 Crazyfists / Black Tide
@ Shoreline Amphitheatre
www.myspace.com/36crazyfists
www.myspace.com/blacktide
ROCKSTAR MAYHEM FESTIVAL!!! w/Slipknot, Mastodon, Machine Head and many more!!

San Bernardino
July 13
36 Crazyfists / Black Tide
@ Glen Helen Pavilion
www.myspace.com/36crazyfists
www.myspace.com/blacktide
ROCKSTAR MAYHEM FESTIVAL!!! w/Slipknot, Mastodon, Machine Head and many more!!

San Diego
June 8
DETHKLOK
headlining @ The Fillmore
www.myspace.com/dethklok
www.myspace.com/chimaira
w/ Chimaira, Soilent Green

San Francisco
June 4
HATEBREED
@ Grand Ballroom / 1300 Van Ness Ave / Doors: 6:30pm /Tickets: $25/$28
www.myspace.com/hatebreed
JAGERMEISTER MUSIC TOUR w/TYPE O NEGATIVE & 3 Inches of Blood

June 5
DETHKLOK
headlines @ The Fillmore
www.myspace.com/dethklok
www.myspace.com/chimaira
w/ Chimaira, Soilent Green

August 31
BAY AREA'S TESTAMENT
@ Shoreline Amphitheater
www.myspace.com/testamentlegions
w/Judas Priest, Heaven and Hell, and Motorhead

Wheatland
July 11
36 Crazyfists / Black Tide
@ Sleep Train Amphitheater
www.myspace.com/36crazyfists
www.myspace.com/blacktide
ROCKSTAR MAYHEM FESTIVAL!!! w/Slipknot, Disturbed, Mastodon, Machine Head and many more!!

Music scholarship named for Chuck Leavell

Legendary rock keyboardist and music director Chuck Leavell is being honored with a music scholarship in his name by the San Francisco-based Saints and Sinners Fund, which supports a variety of children’s causes, including music education. The $5,000 award is designated for a promising collegiate pianist teaching within the California Music Project (CMP), in which university music-education students assist music teachers in local public schools.

Funds for the award came from a Saints and Sinners benefit concert last year that Leavell headlined in San Francisco. Called Groove in the Heart, the concert raised money for various agencies devoted to music education that have been supported by the 40-year-old Saints and Sinners Fund, whose historical focus has been on children’s causes, including healthcare, family services and education.

Among the agencies benefitting from the concert were Blue Star Music Camps (a rock-and-roll camp for teenagers in Northern California, and a co-sponsor of the event), Little Kids Rock (which provides free musical instruments and instruction to public-school children in cities throughout the country) and Oaktown Jazz Workshops [which bring jazz to young people in Oakland (California) and the surrounding area].

Leavell is one of the most admired keyboardists in the rock world. Over decades of performing, he has amassed scores of recording credits with many of the biggest names in rock. He has been the performing keyboardist and musical director for the Rolling Stones on tour for the last 20 years, and has performed with numerous other legends such as Eric Clapton and the Allman Brothers.

“As we all know, the music programs across our country have been suffering from budget cuts and other problems for many years now,” said Leavell. “It then becomes up to us in the private sector to jump in and try to make up some of the shortfalls that exist, because music is so important to us in so many ways. Music makes us smarter, stronger, and better. It enriches our lives in a multitude of ways. We simply cannot let our population suffer from ‘music deficit disorder.’”

“Chuck’s commitment to music education is unparalleled, and it is with great honor that Saints and Sinners could contribute funds in Chuck’s name,” said Steve Cinelli, a San Francisco-area banker, board member of both Saints and sinners and CMP, and a friend of Leavell and Jimmy Dillon, founder of Blue Star Music Camps.

The first recipient of the prestigious Chuck Leavell Scholarship is Helen Kim, 25, who last year earned her Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from San Jose State University, and is currently training in the school’s music-education program. As a teaching fellow in the California Music Project, she is working at a high school in San Jose.

“I was shocked,” said Kim, who has been playing piano since age 7, and studied as a child at the San Francisco Conservatory. “I couldn’t believe it at first. I still can’t believe it. I’m really grateful they’re giving awards like this to people who need them.”

Said Leavell: “I’m so proud and flattered to be involved with this scholarship, and want to congratulate the deserving recipient, Helen Kim. My thanks to Steve Cinelli and all the others in this program for stepping up to the plate and providing this wonderful opportunity.”

Begun in 2004, the California Music Project was initiated by the California Arts Council to reverse the decline of music in the state’s public schools. The project’s first wave of college music majors emerged in the 2006-07 academic year from San Jose State, home to one of the nation’s leading music departments and a major center for training future music educators.

Currently, 12 music-education students from San Jose State help with music classes for eight to 10 hours a week in 19 San Jose-area public schools. The real-world experience enables the students to develop as future teachers, and the students’ assistance allows current teachers to teach their music classes more effectively.

“It’s essential that they’re helping me this year,” said music teacher Kira Dixon of Silver Creek High School in San Jose, where two San Jose State students are assisting. “I don’t know what I’d do without them. They’re helping my students learn the music faster, and they’re giving me time to be a better teacher.”

California currently has a shortage of public-school music teachers, and a 2004 study by Music for All – a nationwide music-education and advocacy organization – found that of all subjects taught in the state’s public schools, music had declined the most precipitously over the previous five years. Called “The Sound of Silence,” the Music for All report was a significant impetus for the California Arts Council to form the California Music Project, which is focusing on teacher training as its first strategy toward both improving and expanding public-school music instruction.

“Our best hope to build future audiences for all of the live performances yet to come is to instill a love of music in our young generations,” said CMP Chairman Barbara George of San Francisco.

“A strong relationship has been proven between interest in music and high scores on cognitive tasks, general self-esteem and interaction with others,” George continued. “I believe that students who are involved in music connect with each other better. There are over 100 languages spoken in California. Through the language of music, we can all interact.”

The San Jose State initiative, led by Dr. Diana Hollinger, assistant professor of music, coordinator of the university’s music-education program and a board member of CMP, began s a pilot project in 2006-07.

“There is an incredible return on investment for each school that participates in the California Music Project,” Hollinger said. “School children are getting individualized attention, future teachers are being developed, and current teachers are able to use their teaching time more effectively. And the cost for 12 university teaching fellows is approximately the same as for one full-time public school teacher.”

With the San Jose State program’s success, George envisions that other California State University music departments will follow in their own communities.

“The state university system is a tremendous resource,” George said. “There are campuses in big cities, in suburbs and in rural areas. Imagine what we could do for music education if all the 23 campuses had such programs. This is the just start of the turnaround of music education in California.”

To read “The Sound of Silence” by Music for All: http://www.californiamusicproject.com/sos_execsum.html

Party at Crash Mansion

Crash Mansion Calendar Listings

Fri. 4/25/08
MAIN
VICTOR WOOTEN (Wagatail Productions), Blue James Band
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$25

Fri. 4/25/08
Lounge
MIKE PETERS of The Alarm (Acoustic)& guests in the Crash Lounge (18+)
Doors: 6PM/
Show: 10PM
$15adv/$25 dos

Sat. 4/26/08
MAIN
Surfing with an Alien (Joe Satirani tribute) & Caress of Steel (Rush Tribute) and Rhoads to OZZ
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$10adv/ $13dos

Mon. 4/28/08
Lounge
Monday Night Live: April resident Moving Picture Show w/ Tic Tic Boom, Analog Blue, Death to Anders, DJ Audio Puppet, and visual art provided by VJ Fill
10PM
$3

Fri. 5/02/08
MAIN
BERLIN, Lukas Rossi (of Rockstar Supernova), w/ pIEL, DJ Billy Morrison (Circus Diablo/Camp Freddy)
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$20

Fri. 5/02/08
Lounge
Urban Underground, KURTIS BLOW AND PERCEED
Doors: 7pm
Show: 8PM
$10adv
$15dos

Sat. 5/03/08
Lounge
MARTHA DAVIS & THE MOTELS (Acoustic), Billy Right
9PM
$15

Sat. 5/03/08
MAIN
Pre Cinco De Mayo: MOONLIGHT CRUISERS opening acts Ritchie Valens (by Sting Ray Anthony) and Pachuco Jose Y Los Diamantes.
Doors 7PM
Show: 8PM
$20

Fri.5/09/08
MAIN
KILLAH PRIEST & 2MEX w/ Deep Rooted, Donnie Castro
Doors: 7PM
Show: 8PM
$15adv/
$20dos

Fri. 5/09/08
Lounge
Urban Underground: SUNSPOT JONZ AND QWEL
Doors: 7PM
Show: 8PM
$10 adv/
$15 dos

Fri. 5/16/08
MAIN
SHWAYZE & CISCO ADLER (Sean Healy Presents…)
8PM
$15adv/ $18dos

Fri.5/16/08
Lounge
Urban Underground: STRONG ARM STEADY
Doors: 7PM
Show: 8PM
$10adv/
$15dos

Sat. 5/17/08
MAIN
THE SMITHEREENS, Candygram For Mongo, Jeff Phillips, and Merlin Moon
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$20

Sun. 5/18/08
Lounge
The Sunday Funnies- Live comedy night every Sunday
TBA
FREE

Wed. 5/21/08
MAIN
A Tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. w/ U-N-I, Gomez Warren IV, & DJ Journey
8PM
$10

5/23/08
MAIN
HOLLYWOOD U2 (U2 Tribute) and THE CURSE (Cure Tribute)
Doors 7PM
Show 8PM
$15

Fri. 5/23/08
Lounge
Urban Underground: OPIO
Doors 7PM
Show 8PM
$10 Adv
$15 Dos

Tue. 5/27/08
Lounge
ZHININ
Doors: 9PM
$10

Fri 5/30/08
Lounge
Urban Underground: POEMS & GIO
Doors 7PM
Show 8PM
$10 Adv
$15 Dos

Sat 5/31/08
MAIN
DAVE MASON w/ Rhythm Kings, Burning Wagon
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$15

Wed. 6/04/08
MAIN
CHERRY POPPIN DADDIES, The Toledo Show
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$15

Thur. 6/05/08
MAIN
GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$35avd/ $40dos

Fri. 6/07/08
MAIN
RockSTAR Music Education
12pm-5pm
$10 adults/
$5 children

Thur. 6/12/08
Lounge
The Roots After Party with DJ Set by ?UESTLOVE hosted by Black Thought
TBA
TBA

Fri. 6/13/08
MAIN
Outta Nowhere Entertainment Presents: “XIII” Featuring DJ AFRIKA BABBAATAA, The Amen-Ra of Universal Hip Hop Culture, Father of the Electro-Funk Sounds (KLB)
Reid Speed (Breakdown LA),Josh David (Breakdown LA)
8PM
$25adv/ $30dos

Thur. 6/19/06
MAIN
OLD 97’S w/ Hayes Carll
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$25

Fri. 6/20/08
MAIN
GREAT WHITE, Ghost Towne
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$25

Sat. 6/21/08
Lounge
MULATTO
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$5/$7

Thur. 6/26/08
MAIN
GRAND MASTER FLASH
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$20adv/ $25 dos

Sun. 6/27/08
MAIN
THE CASUALTIES w/ Career Soliders, Time Again
Doors: 7PM
Show: 8PM
$15

Sat. 6/28/08
MAIN
JEFF ROSS & RALPHIE MAY: Meanest Men in Comedy Tour 18+
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$25

Mon. 9/01/08
MAIN
THE CALLING (Alex Band)
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$17.50adv/ $20 dos

Thur. 9/04/08
MAIN
DAVID ALLAN COE and BILLY BOB THORTON
Doors: 7PM/ Show:8PM
$20adv/ $25 dos

CRASH LOUNGE RESIDENCIES:
Thursdays: CHEERS w/ Mr. Choc & DJ Hapa (Live Hip Hop & RnB) featuring happy hour food & drink specials from 5-9pm

Fridays: Urban Underground- featuring a new band every Friday night with weekly residents Leviathan, Soul Life, Pow Shadowz, DJ Lord Ron, AC the PD. Open bar every week from 8pm-9pm. www.myspace.com/urbanundergroundweekly

Sundays: The Sunday Funnies starting on May 18th featuring all-star comedy with comedians from Comedy Central, HBO, The Tonight Show and Letterman.

ABOUT CRASH MANSION:
In a space once occupied by the historic Myron Ballroom, New York’s Bowery Restaurant group has transformed this 1940's swing club into a state-of-the-art, three-part performance haven. A 10,000 square-foot main room accommodates headliners with lofted ceilings and a fully digital sound room, while two adjacent rooms--the Crash Lounge and the Foyer Gallery--cater more to low-key performers and the local artist scene. With five bars, three distinct atmospheres, and a fully operative kitchen, this 1200-capacity industrial chic club caters to the rich diversity of art and music in Los Angeles. Crash Mansion LA is located at 1024 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90015 (at W. Olympic) and the phone number is 213-747-0999. For more information, go to www.crashmansionla.com or www.myspace.com/crashmansionlosangeles

Good Old War signs with Sargent House

Sargent House has signed Good Old War, and is pleased to announce that the band, featuring Keith Goodwin and Tim Arnold from Days Away, will be releasing their debut full length album (not yet titled) digitally in late Summer 2008 and physically in October of 2008 (exact date pending.) The band will begin recording on May 14th in Los Angeles with Rick Parker who produced the last Days Away EP, “Ear Candy For The Headphone Trippers.”

While in California, Good Old War will play a few live shows as well, the details of which will be announced soon. They will also be shooting their first music videos the new songs via Sargent House’s sister company, Refused TV.

In August / September, Good Old War will be touring with Anthony Green, performing their own set as well as accompanying Anthony on his live sets in support of their upcoming releases.

All three members of Good Old War – Keith Goodwin, Daniel Schwartz and Tim Arnold, perform on multiple tracks on Green’s upcoming album entitled “Avalon” ,due out in August on Photofinish Records.

Other releases from Sargent House include, in chronological order:
Love You Moon (Waxwane) w/ MDB Records - coming in July 2008
Russian Circles (Station &Enter – Vinyl Only )- May 2008
Tera Melos (Drugs to the Dear Youth & Untitled -Reissue)
Days Away (Earcandy for the Headphone Trippers)
Nurses (hangin’ nothin’ but our hands down)
Maps & Atlases (Tree, Swallows, Houses)
RX Bandits (…And the Battle Begun) w/ MDB Records

Jeff Oster turns space noise into new jazz composition

Imagine being able to listen to the music of the ringed planet Saturn. Now you can! Musician Jeff Oster has turned the eerie sounds coming from the Cassini spacecraft into “Saturn Calling,” a beautiful ambient new age jazz piece. “Saturn Calling” won the 2007 Independent Music Award for Best New Age Song and is the first song heard on Oster’s latest album, “True.”

Like all planets in our Solar System, Saturn “sings” with powerful radio signals. The Cassini space used its Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) instrument to capture some of Saturn’s music and broadcast it home to Earth. When Musician and space enthusiast Jeff Oster listened to some of this Saturn song, he felt that it belonged in a piece that he was working on at the time. The first sounds that you hear when listening to Oster’s latest album “True” are the sounds of Saturn aurora as recorded by Cassini.

“When I tell [listeners] that it’s the actual sounds of the planet – it adds an incredibly new and important dimension to the music,” Oster explains. “It’s Saturn calling out into space with the unique radio waves that it generates – and it’s true – it’s what’s really happening.”

In April 2002, when the Cassini spacecraft was 2.5 astronomical units away from Saturn, the RPWS instrument began to listen to the radio signals of Saturn’s auroras. Scientists believe that the complicated patterns (similar to those of the Earth’s Northern and Southern auroral lights) are made by many small radio sources dancing along magnetic field lines in the areas where auroras form. These radio signals sound like an eerie wind.

Fifty-year-old Oster, who has been playing the trumpet since age 8, became a limo driver and later a financial planner, but always kept his dream of being a professional musician. Oster explains that he is, “more of a musician than [a financial planner], but hey, someone has to pay the bills...” Eventually he made enough money to afford to follow his passion full time.

Oster explains that he makes music that he likes and hopes that others like it too. “Saturn Calling,” like all his music, wasn’t created for the commercial music industry. It simply sounds good to Oster; it feels the way he wants it to feel. He then “throws it out into the world” and sees what happens.

On “Saturn Calling,” Oster explains, he played the flugelhorn because his, “soul gravitates towards the warmer, darker sound.”

Oster hopes that one day his piece and other sounds of Saturn can be used in a larger forum, “I envision this music with a symphony orchestra playing – it really lends itself to that sort of a vibe for me.”

Oster hopes “Saturn Calling” will make listeners want to learn more about Saturn and the Cassini mission.

“I’m so happy to be even a little bitty part of this,” he explains. “The song is very majestic, and so is [the Cassini] program. So is space. So are the planets. It’s really come together in a very powerful and beautiful way.”

To listen to “Saturn Calling” click here http://www.retsorecords.com/music-19.html

Click here to listen to more sounds from the Cassini mission http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/news/features/feature20060424.cfm

Learn about the Cassini-Huygens http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov mission exploring Saturn and its moons.

For more information: www.jefffoster.com

DeVotchKa concert to be broadcast on NPR

National Public Radio’s acclaimed music program “All Songs Considered” will be at the DeVotchKa show on May 16th at the venerable 9:30 Club in Washington DC and will broadcast live from the concert.

DeVotchKa is also scheduled to perform on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” on May 19th. The appearance marks the Denver quartet’s U.S. late night television debut.

DeVotchKa, previously best-known for creating the score and soundtrack for 2006’s hit film Little Miss Sunshine, are currently riding high on the overwhelming praise for their latest, A Mad and Faithful Telling.

· “Cheerful, eclectic lunacy with a heart as big as the world” -Spin
· “It leaves you wondering whether to weep or dance” – Esquire
· “Aching, spacious and histrionic tunes” –Billboard
· “An essential and ethnically diverse album of universal allure” -Harp

After completing a trek across Europe that included an appearance on the BBC’s “Later…with Jools Holland,” DeVotchKa are set to take their beautifully enacted, emotionally stirring show on the road. The Mad and Faithful Tour kicked off on Saturday with a set at the famed Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival, and continues tonight in San Francisco.

DeVotchKa on tour:

Apr 28 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
Apr 29 Eugene, OR John Henrys
Apr 30 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
May 1 Bellingham, WA Wild Buffalo House of Music
May 2 Vancouver, BC Richards on Richards
May 3 Seattle, WA Showbox Sodo
May 4 Boise, ID Big Easy
May 7 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
May 8 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall
May 9 Chicago, IL Vic Theatre
May 10 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue
May 11 Nashville, TN Mercy Lounge
May 13 Atlanta, GA The Variety Playhouse
May 14 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
May 15 Richmond, VA Toad's Place
May 16 Washington DC 9:30 club
May 17 Philadelphia, PA Fillmore/TLA
May 18 Boston, MA Paradise
May 20 New York, NY Terminal 5
May 21 Pittsburgh, PA Diesel Club Lounge
May 22 Cincinnati, OH Southgate House
May 23 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
May 24 Omaha, NE SlowDown

Save LA Public Library movement hard at work

Grassroots SaveLAPL Website, Having Already Changed Library Policy, Gears Up To Protect Endangered LA Public Library Budget

WHAT: After a week in which its users successfully convinced L.A.'s City Librarian to table a proposed $1-per-book loan fee, and the Library Foundation to create a dedicated book-buying fund, the grassroots SaveLAPL Web site takes aim on next week's budget hearings when the Library faces devastating cuts to the book fund, staff layoffs and Sunday branch closures.

WHERE: http://www.savelapl.org
Grassroots preservation campaign - http://www.savelapl.org
Supporting documents and FAQ - http://www.savelapl.org/faq
Library Foundation book buying fund - http://www.lfla.org/enhancementfund

In the week leading up to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's 2008-09 budget announcement, a grassroots group of book lovers, L.A. historians, librarians and free software activists came quickly together as saveLAPL.org in a last minute push to stop a misguided plan to implement a $1-per-book loan fee for all inter-branch library requests. Not quite one week and 875 impassioned emails to the Mayor later, the proposal was taken off the table in a stunning victory for those who believe, as Benjamin Franklin did, that the Public Library must remain FREE for all citizens. But SaveLAPL still has work to do.

On May 1st the Budget and Finance Committee will hold hearings on the library budget, and LAPL is facing devastating cuts. These include:

1) Sunday closures of the eight regional branch libraries of North Hollywood, Mid-Valley Regional, Arroyo Seco, West Los Angeles, Hollywood (Goldwyn Branch), Exposition Park, San Pedro and West Valley. With this comes elimination of 36.5 staff positions.

2) Book-buying budget slashed by $2 million, to $7.7 million for the entire fiscal year (July to June). This represents a 22% cut from last year's book budget of $9.8 million (which ran out in February), and a 33% cut from the $11.4 million book budget of two years ago.

3) Library staff, will be subject to "short-term layoff," which according to the Mayor, "could take the form of mandatory furlough days or reduced work weeks."

In light of this plan, an additional $1.4 million is being deducted from the library budget. But wait, you say, LAPL has plenty of money it can afford to take some cuts along with the rest of the City services. Not so! Before these cuts, in 2006, Los Angeles was already among the poorest performing North American cities with populations over one million when it came to library expenditures per citizen, spending just $2.56 per capita. And since 2006, LA has fallen from #19 to #23 on this list of 25 cities. Compare LA to New York ($3.90), San Diego ($3.92), Broward County ($4.14), Chicago ($4.29), Hawaii ($4.92), Philadelphia ($5.13), Las Vegas ($6.73) and King County, WA ($8.84) and it's obvious how woefully under-funded LAPL has been and continues to be.

Additional cuts will put Los Angeles at the bottom of the barrel in support for Library services, and be a national embarrassment. With just one click, visitors to the SaveLAPL website can send an email supporting the Library to Mayor Villaraigosa, all five members of the Budget and Finance Committee, and City Librarian Fontayne Holmes, who will be speaking on behalf of library services at the May 1st budget hearing. SaveLAPL is built with Drupal's Civic Space, the free software package developed for Howard Dean's presidential campaign, and continues the tradition of using cutting edge free technology to empower citizens andamplify their voices at moments of community crisis.

The SaveLAPL.org website was launched by Kim Cooper and Richard Schave, the newlywed L.A. writers and social historians behind Esotouric bus adventures and the 1947project time travel blog. This was their third preservation campaign following successful campaigns to Save the 76 Ball and to have writer Charles Bukowski's East Hollywood bungalow named a historic-cultural monument. Launched late in the evening of April 14, over the course of National Library Week the www.savelapl.org website resulted in 875 emails to the Mayor, Library Commission and City Librarian, features on KPCC and KFWB, and coverage in the Daily News and many blogs including LAObserved, Librarian.net, the L.A Times online, Franklin Avenue, Pico and the Man and Mickie's Zoo. The week ended with the announcement that the proposed $1-per-book inter-branch loan fee would not be introduced. The Web site was re-launched on April 25 with a new petition, asking the Mayor and Budget and Finance Committee to restore the book-buying budget, keep branch libraries open on Sunday, and protect the jobs of library staff.

Walls of Jericho release acoustic effor and readies tour

Walls of Jericho—Candace Kucsulain (vox), Mike Hasty (guitar), Chris Rawson (guitar), Aaron Ruby (bass) and Dustin Schoenhofer (drums) release their guilty pleasure and highly anticipated EP Redemption today on Trustkill Records, produced by Corey Taylor (Slipknot and Stone Sour). This EP may shock the bands fans that are used to the brutal metal onslaught that usually comes in a WOJ release. Redemption features melodic vocals and acoustic instruments bringing out a more moody and sultry side of the band.

Recorded in two weeks at Taylor’s 2x4 studio this release is a new watermark in creativity and sound in the band’s canon. Taylor, who also lends guest vocals on the EP, sees this as a unique project.

"It's one of those albums that comes around every once in awhile that every track is a piece unto itself," Corey adds. "It's not one track leading to the next. It's each track says something and says something differently, but it's done in a way that ties everything together. The end result speaks for itself. It's so beautiful, but it's so dark, you can feel it."

This EP is a project that has been in the back of the band’s mind for several years, and they are excited that is in finally out there.

“We have throwing around the idea of doing an acoustic record for years, because I have always been able to sing and it has always been a passion of mine. We did this record as a tribute to my mother who passed two years ago. I wanted to do something beautiful for her” says Candace and on the creative marriage between the band and Corey Taylor, “We all respect him as a musician. He is also a wonderful person that we all enjoy being around and working with. We couldn't of chose anyone more encouraging and driven to help us with this record, he's a great friend who believes in us and the music we put out. It was absolutely amazing working with Corey, I've never had a more pleasant and exciting experience recording a record. He's a nut job and we love him, he fits right in with our family” Candace adds.

The band is also gearing up for this summer’s first Rockstar Mayhem Festival featuring Slipknot, Disturbed, Mastodon, Dragonforce to name a few. The tour is set to kick off July 9 at the White River Amphitheatre in Seattle and will hit Live Nation Amphitheaters in 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada between July 9 and August 19, 2008.

In addition to the EP, the band promises a new full-length CD this summer. The band is currently holed up in an abandoned house in middle-of-nowhere Michigan writing for this release. The music will definitely follow the mesh of metallic venom and concrete fury of hardcore/punk that the band is known for.

Of the album, Candace says “We’ve been trapped in this house together living and breathing music. We’re literally in the middle of woods between two cornfields. We’re putting all that we have into this new record, and trust me; it will be extremely heavy. Right now we’re calling it a ‘thrash metal delicacy’ ”

After they finish writing the band heads into the studio with producer Ben Schiegel (Chimaira/Zao/Ringworm).

Catch them live this summer
7/9 Seattle, WA White River Amphitheatre
7/11 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre
7/12 San Francisco, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View
7/13 San Bernardino, CA Glen Helen Pavilion
7/15 Fresno, CA Save Mart Center
7/16 San Diego, CA Coors Amphitheatre
7/18 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
7/19 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion
7/20 Denver, CO Coors Amphitheatre at Fiddler's Green
7/22 Kansas City, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/23 St. Louis, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater St. Louis
7/25 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center
7/26 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
7/27 Houston, TX Sam Houston Race Park
7/29 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre
7/30 W. Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheater
8/1 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater
8/2 Pittsburgh, PA Post-Gazette Pavilion
8/3 Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum
8/5 Boston, MA Tweeter Center for Performing Arts
8/6 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion
8/8 Toronto, ON Downsview Park
8/9 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
8/10 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
8/12 Atlanta, GA Lakewood Amphitheatre
8/13 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center Indianapolis
8/15 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
8/16 Hartford, CT New England Dodge Music Center
8/17 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion
8/19 Buffalo, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

www.trustkill.com

Big Bear Marathon set for September

All permits have been processed, a 26.2 miles course has been mapped out and registration is officially open for the inaugural Big Bear Marathon set for September 6, 2008. The Big Bear Marathon is the highest altitude race in California at 7000.’ Runners will enjoy a scenic course that meanders around Big Bear Lake with quality air conditions.

“We anticipate 5,000 participants for the event,” said HBT Events Director Darrell Courtney. “I admit the high altitude is a bit of a challenge, but runners are in for a treat! The best part about this marathon is runners will have a view of the lake throughout most of the race.”

The Big Bear Marathon is a joint effort between event producers HBT Events and Mountain Multisport. For more than two years promoters Josh Morey of Mountain Multisport and Darrell Courtney of HBT Events were determined to find a new site for an annual marathon race. The two producers combined resources and developed an aggressive analysis campaign with surveys at various sporting events throughout Southern California and Nevada. The purpose was to find out where athletes and spectators wanted to have a race.

“The athletes have spoken!” explained Courtney. “They wanted a race in the mountains, and now it’s time for us to deliver.”

The marathon is the main event. However, other races include a half marathon, a bike tour, a 5K run and a 1K fun run for kids. A special sports expo takes place at Snow Summit Mountain Resort Friday, September 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on race day in Big Bear Village Saturday, September 6 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The outdoors expo features live entertainment, event sponsors, sports vendors and local businesses.

The top five finishers for the marathon and half marathon will receive cash and prizes. Medals will be given to the top finishers for the 5K run and the kids 1K fun run. There is an awards ceremony and post race party Saturday evening. The location and fees for the banquet are to be determined.

Registration is now open, and is limited to the first 5,000 sign-ups. Register online at www.active.com or download a printable registration form at www.htbevents.com. There is no registration the day of the event Saturday, September 6. Late registration is available however at the expo Friday, September 5. Fees are, marathon $80; half marathon $45; bike tour $45; 5K run $25 and kids 1K fun run $20. Late registration begins September 2, 2008. A $10 late fee will be assessed after this date, with the exception of the kids 1K fun run.

For more information about Big Bear Marathon visit www.htbevents.com or call 760-948-1890 For special lodging discounts for the event log onto www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

G.G. Elvis and the T.C.P. Band's effort due out in June

Mental Records is pleased to announce the release of G.G. Elvis and the T.C.P. Band's "Back From The Dead" for worldwide distribution on June 24, 2008. This utterly insane group of comedic mutha f*ckers manically combines the very best (and worst) of the "King of Rock" Elvis Presley and self-professed "King of Punk" G.G. Allin into a smash up punk rock Elvis tribute the likes of which the world has never seen. We're talkin' tight comedy-fused high-intensity music, masterfully mixed with well-known punk rock cover songs of Elvis classics. So in other words- PARTY!

Hailing from Oxnard, California (Ventura County just north of L.A.) the band features some of the "Nardcore" nest including members of NOFX, Agression, Bad Samaritans, Ill Repute, Stalag 13 & Dr. Know.

Formed in the summer 2006 by punk rock guitarist and Elvis Presley aficionado Tony Cortez (Ill Repute) and the dynamic lead guitarist and punk luminary Dave Cassillas (NOFX, Stalag 13 & Agression), G.G. Elvis and the T.C.P. Band actually began as the musical combo "Punk Rawk Elvis". After several lineup changes, and some soul searching, Cortez enlisted the services of lead vocalist Eric Lara (Bad Samaritans), legendary punk beat-master Larry White (Agression, Stalag 13 & Dr. Know), bass-man George "Horhay" Snow (Bad Samaritans and Jughead's Revenge), back up singer "Little Sister" Sara Jo Merin, and the formation of the T.C.P. (Taking Care of Punk) Band was complete.

After only three hasty rehearsals, G.G. Elvis and the T.C.P. Band made their live debut in Las Vegas at the infamous BYO Records sponsored Punk Rock Bowling Tournament, and the overly enthusiastic crowd was all shook the f*ck up! Since that fateful day, the band has played many-a-packed house and there ain't no turnin' back.

"Back From The Dead", their debut, limited edition scratch n' sniff release, was recorded at 60 Psycho Hum Recording Studios in Medford, Oregon and was produced by Mental Records co-owner, Doug Hill. It includes the controversial never-before-seen DVD exposé with shocking videos, rare interviews, photos, extras and special features. This explosive, gut-wrenching blend of outrageously tight punk infused Elvis classics will leave many a man balled up on the bathroom floor, hysterically choking on his own vomit and begging for more. Viva la G.G. Elvis!

Personas and Personnel:
G.G. Elvis aka Eric Lara – lead vocals (Bad Samaritans)
Elvis of Nazareth aka Tony Cortez – guitar (Ill Repute)
"Has-Been" Elvis aka Larry White – drums (Agression / Stalag 13)
Elvis Vicious aka Dave Casillas – lead guitar (NOFX / Stalag 13)
Elvis '56 aka George "Horhay" Snow – bass (Bad Samaritans /
Jughead's Revenge)
Little Sister aka Sara Jo Merin - backing vocals

Website: www.ggelvis.com

Myspace: www.myspace.com/ggelvis

Label: www.mentalrecords.net

Thomas Henklemann eatery releases international music compilation CD

In celebration of the tenth anniversary of their restaurant Thomas Henkelmann, Thomas and Theresa Henkelmann have partnered with Miles Carroll and Sonodea to create a compilation of music that is sensual, sophisticated and intelligent. The first volume of a planned series, the Compilation allows the listener to bring home the spirit and magic that is Thomas Henkelmann.

“All of the senses come alive at their property and the compilation was inspired by this feeling. Like Thomas Henkelmann, the vibe is cutting edge, elegant and classic”, says Miles Carroll.

The selections were chosen for a specific, albeit eclectic clientele. Patrons of the restaurant are Captains of Industry, Finance and Entertainment and international ‘foodies’. The tracks move from transcontinental chill-out to loungy, club music; from dance inspired electronica, to trip-hop. The sound is as well-traveled as Henkelmann’s clientele including everything from French reggae to Arabesque.

As Founder and CEO of Miles Carroll Artist Development, Ms. Carroll produced the INDIEBOB Showcase on Long Island Sound. She was also responsible for artist selection as Co-chair of Sono Artsfest’s Music Committee, now in its thirty second year with an annual attendance of 80,000.

British born DJ, Felix Cutillo, Owner of Sonodea, is responsible for building Sonodea’s luxury client list which includes Brioni, Valentino, Banana Republic and now, Thomas Henkelmann.
Thomas Henkelmann Volume I is available for purchase at Bergdorf Goodman, Takashimaya, Louis of Boston and of course at www.ThomasHenklemann.com.

Trisha Yearwood's cookbook on bestseller's list

In its first week on sale, Trisha Yearwood’s GEORGIA COOKING IN AN OKLAHOMA KITCHEN cookbook came in at #3 on the New York Times Bestseller List in the “Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous” category (NY Times list published Sunday, April 27th). The Yearwood family recipes, documented in a new cookbook that the country star co-authored with her mother Gwen and sister Beth, is the top selling cookbook in the land, outselling its closest competitor by approximately 1,500 copies.

Filled with homespun recipes and the stories behind them, the cookbook began as homemade gift of family favorites that Trisha’s mom and sister made for the vocalist when she relocated to Oklahoma. The scrapbook of recipes took on greater significance for the ladies of the Yearwood clan after the passing of Trisha’s father. A year in the making, Georgia Cooking In An Oklahoma Kitchen contains anecdotes, funny quotes and recipes for down-home Southern fare like Gwen's Fried Chicken With Milk Gravy, Ribbon Meatloaf, Daddy’s Biscuits, Pecan-Pie Muffins and Just-Married Pound Cake.

Says Yearwood, "My mom, my sister, and I are overwhelmed by the response! We're happy to hear that so many people have already tried the recipes and like how easy they are to make. "

GEORGIA COOKING IN AN OKLAHOMA KITCHEN (Clarkson Potter; $29.95, hardcover; April 8, 2008) is Trisha Yearwood’s first book published and follows another first for the three-time Grammy Award winner who celebrated the release of her first independent album, Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love (Big Machine Records) in November 2007. USA TODAY wrote that the album “delivers everything its title promises and then some,” while PEOPLE MAGAZINE says Yearwood “infuses each tale with her pitch-perfect delivery.”

Trisha Yearwood is one of the highest-selling female artists in Country music history. Entertainment Weekly has called her “one of the finest interpretive singers ever.” Since her 1991 debut, each of Yearwood’s eleven albums have achieved gold or platinum status with over 10 million albums sold. She has had nine #1 hits and twenty Top Ten hits, including “She’s in Love With the Boy,” “Walkaway Joe,” and “How Do I Live.”

In addition to three Grammy Awards, the Grand Ole Opry member is a three-time Country Music Award winner and a two-time Academy of Country Music Award winner. She has been honored with an American Music Award, a Pollstar Concert Industry Award and was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2000. She has performed at the Olympic Summer Games, the White House, Clinton’s inauguration, dueted with Pavarotti in Italy, and was named one of Redbook Magazine’s Women of the Year in 2005.

CMT Crossroads to feature Maroon 5 and Sata Evans

CMT CROSSROADS: MAROON 5 AND SARA EVANS PREMIERE!
Grammy-winning pop band Maroon 5 along with one of country’s hottest superstars - multi-platinum artist and 2006 ACM Female Vocalist of the year - Sara Evans are featured in the new installment of CMT CROSSROADS. Taped before an invitation only audience in Nashville, Maroon 5 and Sara Evans came together for a night of harmony in CMT CROSSROADS: MAROON 5 AND SARA EVANS. In the one-hour episode, Maroon 5 and Sara Evans sing some of Evans’ hits including “I Could Not Ask For More” and “Some Things Never Change.” Also featured are the Maroon 5 hits “This Love,” “She Will Be Loved” and “Won’t Go Home Without You.” They also pay homage to Don Henley with their rendition of “Leather and Lace.” Premieres Friday, May 9 at 9:00 p.m., ET/PT


CAN YOU DUET (episode 5) PREMIERE!
Thousands of country star hopefuls auditioned, but only two performers will make the final cut to become country’s next great duo when CMT premieres CAN YOU DUET, a new 11-episode music competition series from “American Idol” producers FremantleMedia North America. Host Rossi Morreale will lead a panel of celebrity and expert judge/mentors, including country superstar Naomi Judd, acclaimed vocal coach Brett Manning and award-winning songwriter Aimee Mayo, in the weekly series that will seek to find country music’s next great duo – with the winner walking away with a recording contract with Sony BMG Nashville. This week, only 12 duos remain to receive personal mentoring from country superstar Naomi Judd. The following day all 12 duos must perform in front of the judging panel. The judges will then narrow the field to Final 8 Duos. Premieres Friday, May 9 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT

Coty Beauty to launch Tim McGraw fragrance

Coty Beauty Inc. has announced the launch of Tim McGraw’s first fragrance, “McGraw by Tim McGraw,” debuting in stores August 2008. McGraw worked closely with Coty to develop the scent and recently shot the advertising campaign in Los Angeles with world-renowned photographer Michel Comte.

The packaging, from the bottle to the carton, was inspired by McGraw’s modern appeal with its uniquely shaped rectangular glass bottle. The sleek silver cap to the black leather like collar, which resembles the brim of his signature cowboy hat, the McGraw bottle is masculine and sophisticated. The carton’s matte black texture, coupled with the custom-designed silver embossed pick at the top of the carton and rope running along each panel, communicate a fashion-forward, sexy fragrance.

Upcoming Live Nation concerts

On Sale NOW:
REGENERATION TOUR
featuring
HUMAN LEAGUE / BELINDA CARLISLE*/ABC
DEAD OR ALIVE / NAKED EYES
August 5
Gibson Amphitheatre
-------------------------------

On Sale Thursday, May 1 at 4 PM:
FRIGHTENED RABBITwith Oxford Collapse

The Roxy Theatre
June 22
----------------------------------


On Sale Thursday, May 1 at 4 PM:
CARTEL

The Roxy Theatre
June 26

Epitaph signs I Set My Friends On Fire

Ironic and completely original, I Set My Friends On Fire have signed to Epitaph Records with plans to release their debut album in the fall.

Consisting of Matt (Vocals) and Nabil (Instruments/Programming/Vocals), ISMFOF defy conventional genres by cross-breeding electronica with elements of grind and hardcore for one of the freshest sounds around. Formed in late 2007, the duo became an overnight hit with their incredible rock/screamo cover of Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat,” which attracted over 50,000 plays per day and the attention of Epitaph owner Brett Gurewitz. In March of 2008 the band signed to Epitaph Records and began writing music for their first album due out this fall.

ISMFOF’s unique music, hot merch and hilarious self-made videos have helped the group build massive underground buzz and a legion of fans via the group’s Myspace page. With over 6 million page views and eighty nine thousand friends, ISMFOF are the face of DIY in the digital age.

“The album will have every genre you ever heard of mixed into one big bowl,” explains Matt. “It's going to be crazy! Not your usual listen.” “Fans should brace themselves for something that is very different and unique, but also very familiar at the same time,” continues Nabil. “We pride ourselves on thinking outside the box as well as not having any limitations musically or creatively-speaking.”

Fans can get a rare glimpse of ISMFOF performing live at Bamboozle on Saturday May 2nd @ 9:30 PM on the Nokia Ticket Rush Stage.

For More Information:
www.Epitaph.com
www.Myspace.com/isetmyfriendsonfire
www.isetmyfriendsonfire.com

REO Speedwagon to perform on "The Early Show"

Legendary rockers REO Speedwagon are traveling to Greensburg, Kan., to perform a live concert on THE EARLY SHOW on Friday, May 2 (7:00–9:00 AM/ET) on the CBS Television Network. The concert concludes “Tragedy to Triumph: Greensburg Rising,” a special week-long series highlighting a community that banned together to build an ecologically and economically sustainable town after being annihilated by a tornado last year. THE EARLY SHOW will broadcast live from Greensburg all week as the anchors and staffers head to the nation’s heartland and roll up their sleeves to help residents in their quest to build an eco-friendly playground.

During the concert, the band will perform some of their most popular songs including, “Can't Fight This Feeling,” “Roll With The Changes,” “Ridin' The Storm Out,” and their current hit, “Find Your Own Way Home.”

Since the release of their first record in 1971, REO Speedwagon has produced 17 critically acclaimed albums, including the 10-million seller, “Hi Infidelity.” The band has scored 13 Top 40 singles, including the number one hits “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” and “Keep On Loving You,” as well as timeless classics like “Roll With The Changes,” “Ridin’ The Storm Out,” “Take It On The Run,” “Time For Me To Fly,” “Don't Let Him Go” and “Keep Pushin.” REO Speedwagon’s latest album, “Find Your Own Way Home,” was released last year and is the band’s first album in 11 years. The band has sold more than 40 million albums to date and is currently touring North America with Def Leppard. For more information, visit their Web site at www.reospeedwagon.com.

Rick Kaplan is the interim executive producer of THE EARLY SHOW and the executive producer of the CBS EVENING NEWS.

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/earlyshow/main500202.shtml

Monday, April 28, 2008

Jay Clifford & Steven Fiore on tour

Jay Clifford & Steven Fiore Tour Schedule

April 27th- 5 Points Pub / Columbia, SC
April 28th- Coffee Underground / Greenville, SC
April 29th- The Evening Muse / Charlotte, NC
May 1st- Werehouse / Winston Salem, NC
May 2nd- Mansion 462 / Chapel Hill, NC
May 3rd- Mansion 462 / Chapel Hill, NC
May 6th- World Cafe Live / Philadelphia, PA
May 7th- Rockwood Music Hall / NYC, NY
May 8th- Live@FYI / New York, NY
May 9th- Club Passim / Boston, MA
May 11th- IOTA Club & Cafe / Arlington, VA

myspace.com/jaycliffordmusic
myspace.com/stevenfiore

Disco Freaks hit Huntington Beach May 1

THURSDAY MAY 1st 9pm - DISCO FREAKS!!!
BLUE CAFE HB - STUDIO 54 NIGHT
17208 Pacific Coast Hwy
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92647
Come dance the night away with Disco Freaks at The Blue Cafe HB for STUDIO 54 NIGHT!, http://www.rocknrolltribute.com/DiscoFreaks/disco_freaks_upcoming_shows.htm
GET A FREE TICKET TO SEE AEROMYTH AT VENEZIA IN REDONDO BEACH ON MAY 2ND WITH PAID ADMISSION TO THIS SHOW!! LIMITED AMOUNT OF FREE TICKETS, SO COME EARLY!

70’s DISCO DRESS ENCOURAGED!

Friday May 2nd 9PM
AEROMYTH "Aerosmith Tribute"
VENEZIA
655 Harbor Drive Redondo Beach, CA 90277
MONSTERS OF ROCK WILL BE OPENING THE SHOW AT 9PM
Get discount tickets by calling Neal at 714-330-9428. $10.00 in advance, $15.00 at the door. Save $5.00!
PRESENTED BY ROCK N ROLL GANGSTAR
___________________________________________________

Friday May 3rd 9PM
AEROMYTH "Aerosmith Tribute"
ARBORS
6060 Warner Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
FREE ADMISSION
Call 714-842-5111 for dinner reservations to be guaranteed the best seating!
Sponsored by: www.nealsmusic.com, www.randallamps.com and www.deanguitars.com

Neal's Music
6916 Warner Ave,
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
714-842-9965
www.nealsmusic.com

Gilli Moon is appearing all over, including Indie Music for Life benefit

upcoming gilli moon appearances
THIS Wed April 30
gilli moon performs this Charity Event with shawn cunnane on guitar and andy cat on bass
@The Blue Cafe
210 Promenade
Downtown Long Beach, CA
http://thebluecafe.com/directions.htm
7pm

Raising money and awareness for Indie Music for LifeVisit www.netteradio.com and www.indiemusicforlife.org for more information about Indie Music for Life.

Indie Music For Life, a non profit 501(c)3 that raises money for cancer research and building educational awareness programs on the benefits of music as therapy to cancer patients will hold its first west coast event in Long Beach California on April 30 at The Blue Cafe. The concert starts at 8:00pm and the ticket price is $10. Performers slated to appear in the Indie Music For Life fundraiser at The Blue Cafe on April 30 are String Planet, Annette Conlon, gilli moon, Shauna Burns, Danielle Egnew, Jennifer Corday and Rhymecologist, J.Walker.

There will be a SILENT AUCTION with items from HEART including and autographed photo and Jupiter's Darling Boxed Set courtesy of Miles High Productions and a Daisy Rock Acoustic Guitar (thank you Daisy Rock!) as well as several CD giveaways.

Fri, May 2
Songsalive! Showcase
@ Hallenbecks

gilli is president of Songsalive! and will be here (not performing) but fyi this is great with a stellar line up of songwriter artistes. www.songsalive.org/losangeles

Saturday, May 10
Worldfest
Woodley Park, Encino, CA - 12 noon

gilli moon with shawn cunnane on guitar, and j.walker spoken word. Come say hi at the Songsalive! booth all day. www.worldfestevents.com

Sun, May 18
Songsalive! Workshop
@ Finnish Center
with Sindee Levin guest speaker
/ gilli is president of Songsalive! and will be here (not performing).

Tuesday, May 27
gilli's Songsalive! Showcase
@ Genghis Cohen LA (last Tuesdays)
- 7pm -

Gilli performing with j.walker and extraordinary songwriters and poets in the round. (Amy Mathesius and Thomas Hornig)

Tuesday June 17
Pershing Square
Downtown Los Angeles, CA
12:00 PM

gilli moon and band play a lunch time show at Pershing Square, Downtown L.A. 1st set noon. 2nd set 1pm.
532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Website below has directions and how to get there!http://www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/pershing.htm

Tuesday, June 24
gilli's Songsalive! Showcase
@ Genghis Cohen LA (last Tuesdays)
- 7pm -

Gilli performing with j.walker and extraordinary songwriters and poets in the round. (Amy Clarke and Stephen GC

June 26-29, 2008
South Park Music Tour-Festival

gilli moon speaks and performs
Fairplay, and Alma, Colorado.
http://www.southparkmusictour.com
http://www.songsalive.org/sponsoredevents


Tuesday July 8, 2008
Females On Fire Compilation 3 CD Launch
A star studded night of fabulous female artists rocking the house!
@ THE MINT, Los Angeles
7.30pm till late
Tickets will go early. So get yours now at www.femalesonfire.com

See all gilli moon's appearances at www.gillimoon.com/tours

Melissa Etheridge to headline tour beginning in June

Multi-platinum, Oscar and two-time Grammy Award winning Island Records artist Melissa Etheridge makes a timely summer return to the road for The Revival Tour 2008, her first major headlining North American tour in two years, opening June 15th at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida. The 48-city schedule, with several multiple night engagements along the way, works its way across the U.S. and Canada for 12 weeks, wrapping up September 9th at Midland Theatre in Kansas City. (Please see complete tour itinerary below.)

“I love to perform live, and I am on a new journey in my life,” Melissa says. “Put those two things together, and you have my Revival Tour. I’ll be playing the favorites along with album cuts and songs from The Awakening to tell my story. I hope you enjoy it.”

The Revival Tour 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of Melissa Etheridge’s self-titled RIAA multi-platinum debut album on Island in May 1988. One of rock’s most celebrated debuts, it contained her first four chart singles: “Bring Me Some Water,” “Like the Way I Do,” “Similar Features,” and “Chrome Plated Heart.” 19 years later, in September 2007, Melissa released her most recent (ninth) studio album, The Awakening, featuring “Message To Myself.” The concept album was ranked #20 by Rolling Stone magazine on its list of the 50 Top Albums of 2007.

2007 was a landmark year for Melissa Etheridge, beginning at the Academy Awards on February 25th, when “I Need To Wake Up” won the Oscar for Best Original Song, from Al Gore’s Academy Award winning documentary of 2006, An Inconvenient Truth. Three weeks before the Oscars, the song was issued commercially (for the first time) as a closing bonus track on the enhanced version of Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled, her 17- (now 18-) song RIAA gold career anthology, originally compiled and released in 2005.

In July 2007, Melissa Etheridge joined the all-star cast of participants at Live Earth, where she introduced Al Gore to the crowd at Giants Stadium in New Jersey. Live Earth's emphasis on the perils of global warming underscored the continuing relevance of “I Need To Wake Up.” Melissa reprised the song at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, co-starring Earth, Wind & Fire, Annie Lennox, Alicia Keys and others, attended by Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore, and broadcast to over 100 countries.

MELISSA ETHERIDGE: THE REVIVAL TOUR 2008
June
15 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
16 Orlando, FL Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
17 Boca Raton, FL Mizner Park Amphitheatre
19 Jacksonville, FL The Florida Theatre
20 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheatre
21 Louisville, KY Palace Theatre
24 Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium
25 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall
27 Wilkes-Barre, PA F.M. Kirby Center for Performing Arts
28 Albany, NY Palace Theatre
29 Danbury, CT Ives Concert Park

July
1-2 Hyannis, MA Cape Cod Melody Tent
4 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Events Center
5 Gilford, NH Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion
6 Newport, RI Newport Yachting Center
9-10 New York, NY WAMU Theater formerly the Theatre at MSG
11 Northampton, MA The Pines
13 Canandaigua, NY Constellation Brands Perf. Arts Center CMAC
15 Reading, PA Sovereign Performing Arts Center
16 Poughkeepsie, NY Mid Hudson Civic Center
18 -19 Lowell MA Lowell Memorial Auditorium
21 Montreal, Que. Salle Wilfred Pelletier Place des Arts
22 Ottawa, Ont. National Arts Center
23 Quebec City, Que. Grand Theatre de Quebec
25 Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods
26 Shelburne, VT Ben and Jerry's Concerts on the Green at Shelburne Museum
28 Toronto, Ont. Massey Hall
30 Madison, WI Overture Center for the Arts
31 Indianapolis, IN Clowes Memorial Hall

Aug.
2 Columbus, OH Celeste Center at the Ohio State Fair
3 Detroit, MI Opera House
7-8 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre
9 St. Paul, MN The O’Shaughnessey Auditorium
11 St. Louis, MO Fox Theatre
13 Austin, TX Paramount Theatre
14 Houston, TX Alice & George Brown Theatre
15 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie
17 Albuquerque, NM Sandia Casino Amphitheatre
18 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
20 Santa Rosa, CA Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
22 Eugene, OR Cuthbert Amphitheatre
23 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
24 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre
26 Denver, CO Human Rights Campaign Event at the Fillmore
28 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
29 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
30 San Diego, CA Concerts In The Park (Alpine)

Sept.
9 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre

Barry Big B Brenner in Arizona and Culver City

Barry Big B Brenner
::: on the road this week at :::
*****************************************

Bright Angel Lodge
TUESDAY - SATURDAY
APRIL 29th – MAY 3rd
6pm - 10pm
GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA
Nightly in The Lounge
http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com

***********************************

Vinoteque
BLUE MONDAY
May 5th - 7pm to 10pm
4437 Sepulveda Blvd.
CULVER CITY, 90230
(310) 482-3490
Just Opened West Side Wine Bar
Sip & Swirl... Small Plate Pairings... 500 Wines by The Glass!!!
http://theguide.latimes.com/bars-and-clubs/latcl-vinoteque-venue
*******************************

For a Complete List of Big B’s Upcoming Shows,
Go to...
http://www.myspace.com/barrybigbbrenner
http://www.bigbbrenner.com

Friday, April 25, 2008

End o' week musings



This was a weird week because some days creeped by slower than snails, while other sped along like Nascar racers. But overall, it was great.

Last Friday, Zaynah and I were a featured act for Tequila Mockingbird's Club Fluffer night at Zero One Gallery in Los Angeles. This spot is the new trendy, hot place to be! Amazing art surrounds you in a range of genres and media. Our friend, Madame Pamita, was also on the artists' list and we were delighted with her ukulele ditties and wise fortunes, as well as her saw and washboard players (two quite handsome gentlemen!).



The crowd mingled throughout the venue as we readied to perform and then everyone seemed to come out and pay attention from the first strains of our music to our last shimmy. We offered up five numbers with fans, veils, swords and smiles and were cheered on. It was a nice night.

Saturday I went to the Pasadena Bloggers' Picnic and met the faces behind the words that praise and trash Crown City every day. We discussed the Internet, politics, music and more while dining on sushi, fresh fruit, cookies and other nibbles. Kudos to Miss Haversham for organizing the fun soiree!

That night I took my mother to Cheryl Conley's "Tribute to the Women of Jazz." Man, can that grrrl sing! She made everyone feel at home, welcoming us to the venue by coming from the back dressed as a waitress carrying a tray. She greeted us and then launched into her first story of the night about a song inspired by a very heavy rain. Conley disappeared backstage and soon the sound of rain filled the air. After a few moments, she was on stage, resplendent in a black dress with silver sparkles. From then on, it was a song, a story, and so on, as Conley took us through the decades of jazz from 1899 to the present. The audience even managed to get an encore out of her! What a great show!!

It was a big dance day for Zaynah and I again at the Festival of Dancing Colors in San Bernardino. We performed two numbers- one fairly new and updated further with the use of bright red fans; the other an oldie that's always been good for us.

The remainder of my week was more on the quiet side, for me that is. I interviewed Beat Union, Jessy J. , artist Lisa Wood, Scott and Paula of the Joke Gym, "Of Mice and Men" director Paul Lazarus and "Mamma Mia" actor John Hemphill. In between, Zaynah and I worked on our new choreography.
I even managed to sneak in a couple of rounds of mini-golf with my friend Andrew. He plays golf (the big/normal kind) regularly so he had perfect form, while I just look at the hole and try to tap the ball in the right direction. By the end of the second round I came out only 10 strokes behind him-- not too shabby considering I haven't even touched a putter in lots o' years. Still, I had to buy the ice cream sundaes. Next time, dude, you're gonna pay and there had better be extra sprinkles!
Tomorrow I'm heading out the the Renaissance Faire. It's pirate day, so I have my gear sorted out and I'm all arrrgggh to go! Other than dance rehearsal I have no clue what the coming week will bring, which makes it all the more exciting.



Photos we got 'em: Get a load of the people behind the words with me in a photo from the Pasadena Bloggers' Party (Miss Havisham is the one with the yellow hat), then grin at my pet choices of the week, plus two from me at the Festival of Dancing Colors taken by my friend Richard (check out more of his stuff at http://www.renaissancefaire.net/ ).

In rotation this week: Josh Turner, Apocalyptica, Tom Petty, Oojami, Megadeth and African Grooves.

Thought of the week: Positivity! I've been spending a lot of time being thankful about some of the things that have been changing/happening in my life recently and it seems that my positive perserverence is finally paying off. Some would say that all that good karma I've been sending out for so long is finally making its way back to me. Either way, my upbeat attitude has helped me look forward during darker times and celebrate the happy times even more. I try to start each day with a smile.... how about you?

Keep on rockin'
Mickie












The Architects to tour with Burning Brides and The Bellrays

Anodyne recording artists THE ARCHITECTS have always had the perfect recipe for rib-sticking rock, and now they're preparing to baste audiences on a coast-to-coast tour with Burning Brides and The Bellrays in support of the third album VICE (release date: May 13, 2008). The national tour kicks off on May 14th in Aspen, CO (more dates to be added).

Following up to their critically-hailed releases, 2004’s Keys to the Building and 2006’s Revenge, The Architects return with a meaty blend of heart-throbbing drums, fist-pumping guitars, and gut wrenched vocals. Undoubtedly a result of the familial connection between the three Phillips brothers - Brandon, Zach on bass and Adam on drums with childhood friend Keenan Nichols on lead guitar, the album flows effortlessly like dinner conversation at a family reunion. Seated behind the console was Kansas City’s own Aaron Connor (2Pac, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Old Dirty Bastard).

Borne years ago from the ashes of seminal ska/punk upstarts Gadjits, The Architects are all grown up now, but that doesn't mean they've matured or tempered their sound. This is the sound of a band whose foundation is firmly planted in the rebellious word of rock.

Brandon sums up The Architects perfectly in saying, "Here comes an unpretentious, salt-of-the-earth rock band playing rock and punk songs into a scrum of glammed-up bands, screaming self-absorbed diary entries into their Pro Tools LE systems and quasi-artsy mumblers feverishly masturbating the back catalog of the Beatles for one last on-camera money shot. Now tell me how it is that we don't come out of this smelling like roses?"

Nuff said.

Tour dates with Burning Brides, Bellrays
May 14
Aspen, CO
The Belly Up

May 15
Denver, CO
Larimer Lounge

May 16
Omaha, NE
Slow Down

May 17
Kansas City, KS
Riot Room

May 19
Minneapolis, MN
7th Street Entry

May 20
Chicago, IL
The Double Door

May 22
Cleveland, OH
The Grog Shop

May 25
Boston, MA
TT The Bear's

May 27
Washington DC
The Black Cat

May 29
Wilmington, NC
The Soapbox Laundrolounge

May 30
Atlanta, GA
The Earl

June 02
Austin, TX
Mohawk

June 05
Phoenix, AZ
Rhythm Room

June 06
Tucson, AZ
Club Congress

June 07
Malibu, CA
Malibu Inn

Mr. T's Bowl update for Wednesday

Mr T's Bowl
5621 1/2 N. Figueroa St
at Ave 57 in
Highland Park
-------------------------

Wed May 7th
No Little Kindness with
Dollar Dollar,
Mooey Moobau, and
Kind Hearts and Coronets
No cover

Sunday Girl on tour with stops in SoCal

http://www.myspace.com/sundaygirlmusicT

SUNDAY GIRL
"THE SICK VIEWS TOUR"

5/29 (THU) @ DPIAZZA'S
WITH: GREAT BIG THINGS, MOJAVE, and OUT OF MY LEAUGE
5025 E PACIFIC COAST HWY, LONG BEACH, CA 90804
ALL AGES / $7 / 7PM
http://www.dipiazzas.com - (562) 498-2461
FLYER DATA CAN BE DOWNLOADED AT: http://justrockpr.com/flyers/sundaygirl/5-29.jpg

5/30 (FRI) @ THE GATE
WITH: SILENCE O ISRAEL and URBAN SADIUS
2010 O ST, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301
ALL AGES / $7 / 7:30PM
http://www.myspace.com/thegaterocks
FLYER DATA CAN BE DOWNLOADED AT: http://justrockpr.com/flyers/sundaygirl/5-30.jpg

5/9 (FRI) RALEIGH, NC @ DIVE BAR
5/10 (SAT) FAYETTEVILLE, NC @ THE ROCK SHOP
5/13 (TUE) JACKSONVILLE, FL @ FUEL
5/14 (WED) GAINESVILLE, FL @ BACKSTAGE LOUNGE
5/15 (THU) ST. PETERSBURG, FL @ THE UPTOWN BAR
5/17 (SAT) BIRMINGHAM, AL @ THE NICK
5/23 (FRI) OKLAHOMA CITY, OK @ SAUCED (THE ANNEX)
5/29 (THU) LONG BEACH, CA @ DIPIAZZA'S
5/30 (FRI) BAKERSFIELD, CA @ THE GATE

Shimmy Showcase Sunday

GREETINGS to Dancers and Friends of the Sunday evening SHIMMY SHOWCASE!

Everyone is invited to come out, have a cup of Java, munch on something yummy and enjoy some really great dancing FOR FREE!

Below is our upcoming schedule for the next several Sundays at the Coffee Haven Internet Cafe in Long Beach. If you are a dancer interested in performing at an upcoming showcase, please check out the schedule below for open dates and then email us at
shimmyshowcase@yahoogroups.com
with the dates on which you'd like to perform.

The SHIMMY SHOWCASE begins at 7 p.m. at the COFFEE HAVEN in Long Beach (1708 E. Broadway -- 562-437-3785).

UPCOMING SHOWCASE CALENDAR

April 27: Alexiis will be accompanied by her talented students in a dazzling rendition of American Tribal style bellydancing. They will be joined by Melaina and Saphira.

May 4: Your coordinator Saviya has the pleasure of introduing Siroon, Mina, and troupe Blossoms of the East who are delighted to entertain you on this first Sunday in May.

May 11: Creative coordinator Alexiis has selected the perfect theme for the day--“The Great Goddesses.” Whether you are a creative dancing goddess or a beautiful mother goddess, we hope you'll join Alexiis, Meryem Vani, and the Hipsey Gypsies at Coffee Haven to celebrate this special day honoring all mothers. If you'd like to perform, please contact Alexiis or email us at ShimmyShowcase@yahoogroups.com soon!

May 18: NO SHOWCASE—It’s Gay Pride Day in Long Beach and the parking is many times worse than usual! We’ve found it’s better to take this night off and prepare for the big Memorial Day weekend Shimmyshowcase. See you then!

May 25: In honor of the holiday weekend, Shimmyshowcase is proud to bring back last year’s theme of “In Memorium.” Abraiha, your coordinator, and Ziva and Lizbet will be performing. We seek a few other dancers wanting to express their love, appreciation and respect for someone whom they honor and hold dear in life and in spirit. If you'd like to be part of this very special performance, please contact us at ShimmyShowcase@yahoogroups.com !

June 1: Coordinator Katherine the Great brings you the Talisman Dance Company from San Diego, dancing to their own live music!. We’re still looking for dancers to comprise the second act of this show, so if you’d like to perform to your own music, please contact us at ShimmyShowcase@yahoogroups.com.

Please allow time for parking to avoid missing any of the fun, so be sure to be at the coffee house well before 7:00 PM. We try not to start the show until everyone has settled with a tasty beverage.

For additional information, please visit our website at: www.ShimmyShowcase.com

We look forward to seeing you soon at the Sunday Shimmyshowcase!