Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Soulstyce hip-hop & arts festival in West Covina Monday to benefit VH1 Save the Music Foundation

Bridge City Sounds Presents: “SOULSTYCE”
Hip-Hop & Arts Festival
Benefiting VH1 - Save The Music Foundation
1360 W. Garvey South, West Covina, CA 91790
Monday, September 6th, 2010, 2pm – 2am

Bridge City Sounds, an independent event and entertainment business, that supports predominantly independent artists, presents their 1st annual “Soulstyce” Hip Hop & Arts Festival benefiting the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, Monday, September 6th, 2010.

Part music festival, part art gallery and all block party, Soulstyce celebrates the Hip Hop culture with some of the best and brightest emerging local talent. Boasting an eclectic collection of live music, DJs, dance crews, vendors and artists to create LA’s most Soulful summertime get down.

Enjoy amazing live performances on the Main Stage by Dead Prez performing “Hip Hop”, also live on stage, Canibus will be performing “knock out”. Additional live performances include the quintessential sounds of Planet Asia performing “Definition Of Ill”, 2Mex performing “L.A. LIKE” and live percussion reggae beats brought to you by Chosen Few Children and Roncovacoco. Don’t miss the sounds of AKA: Also Known As, a fusion of various genres, from jazz to hip-hop to everything in between. Stay to check out the impossible moves of Machine Gone Funk as seen in “Step it up 3D”.

10+ DJs from some of LA’s top underground clubs will be serving up a diverse array of sounds throughout 4 music areas - reggae, hip hop, old skool, and soul - taking you on a timeless trip of infinite soundscapes.

Visit Vendor Heaven where you’ll find quality and unique apparel, accessories, artwork, one-of-a-kind merchandise and more. Vendor Heaven features some of the most creative artists in Southern California. The Vendor Heaven is an extension of Bridge City Sounds who take great pride in supporting independent artists.

Watch the talents of J. Edwards (Toygami), Esra, Reibot, and Lex One as they create amazing works of art right before your eyes in the Art Walk/Gallery Area by The Ek5obition Gallery. Select pieces will be available for purchase.

Come early and enjoy FREE TACOS from 2pm – 4pm sponsored by Gringos Tacos. They will be celebrating the grand opening of the new sister restaurant located @ 2007 Pacific Ave, West Covina CA 91790. Gringos Tacos will help you feed your hunger all day with a diverse variety of food, drinks featuring some of LA's most popular items!

For the 21 & up crowd - Grab a drink at one of the 6 full bars while you chill out with music Soulstyce style with a view of both stages. Drink specials will go on throughout the event, guaranteed not to break the bank!

Whether you’re there for the Music, Art, Food, Dance, Vendors, or all of the above, you can be assured of one thing…. this is the one summer event in LA that should not be missed!

Get ready to experience LA’s most SOUL-ful, summer time, Get-Down. “SOULSTYCE”

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, media inquiries, interviews or more, please contact Bridge City Sounds at 626.622.0002 or info@bridgecitysounds.com.


Event Details

Monday September 6th, 2010
“SOULSTYCE”
{Music & Arts Festival}
LA’s Most SOULful Summertime Getdown
1360 w. Garvey st
West Covina, CA 91790
$20 Pre-Sale $30 at the door
18+ Event
Live Performances by:
Dead Prez, Canibus, Planet Asia, 2 mex, LD & Ariano & AVI the most ill

Art Walk/Gallery Wall & Live Painting curated by
EK5obition Gallery
565 W. 2nd ST. Loft #2 Pomona, CA. 91766

10+ DJs from LA's top underground clubs!
Food provided by Gringos Tacos 2007 Pacific Ave West Covina CA, 91790 Vendor Heaven featuring quality and unique indie vendors
Drinking for 21 & Over
Stay to party til 2am

Website
www.bridgecitysounds.com
www.aka-alsoknownas.com

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www.facebook.com/bridgecitysounds


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Monrovia Latino Heritage & Art show Sept. 12

The Monrovia Historical Museum in collaboration with the Monrovia Latino Heritage Society is presenting the

first annual
Monrovia Latino Heritage & Art exhibition
September 12, 2010,
1 pm to 5 pm,
742 East Lemon Avenue,
Monrovia, CA 91016.

This free event will celebrate the long rich history of latinos in Monrovia. The art show will feature art works by Leo Limon, Micheal Cano, Dolores Haro, Heriberto Luna, Leo Limon, Gilbert Reyes, Richard Valdes, and other artists. Live musical performance by the Delgado Brothers.

Roy's Restaurant dinner to benefit HIllsides in Pasadena Sept. 14

Chef Roy Yamaguchi will make a special appearance at Roy’s Restaurant in Pasadena during a four-course dinner on September 14 to benefit Hillsides. Donating partial proceeds from the evening to the children’s charity, Roy’s will take table reservations for seating between 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Having partnerships with businesses like Roy’s Restaurant in the community is significant to our mission,” said Joseph Costa, Hillsides chief executive officer. “Community donations help us offer life-changing programs to vulnerable children and their families and continue creating safe places for them.”

The restaurant Founder/Chef Roy Yamaguchi will join Hillsides’ supporters for an island inspired benefit while experiencing Hawaiian Fusion® Cuisine. The evening’s festivities will include entertainment, a lei and Mai Tai welcome.

“We’ve always tried to partner with children’s charities in the community,” said Managing Partner Chris Kadohiro. “For us, it’s been a partnership with Hillsides and we continue to nurture this relationship as we celebrate our second anniversary in Pasadena.”

Dinner tickets are $100, excluding tax and gratuity. Guests wishing to make table reservations for September 14 can call the restaurant in Pasadena at 626-356-4066. Roy’s is also giving guests a $20 gift card to be used at their next visit to the restaurant. To view the evening’s menu, visit www.Hillsides.org. Roy’s Restaurant is located at 641 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. Visit www.Roysrestaurant.com to learn more about Roy’s and its cuisine.

Founded nearly a hundred years ago, Hillsides is a Pasadena residential treatment center and community-based social service agency that serves vulnerable children and families living in Los Angeles County. To learn more about the foster care children’s charity, visit www.Hillsides.org.

Leigh Adams to lead mosaic class at Arboretum Sept. 19

Mosaic Workshop with Leigh Adams
at the Arboretum, 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007
Class reservations: 626.821.4623

Make a Birdbath!Sunday, September 19
10am-2pm
Leigh Adams, instructor
Palm Room
$40 member /$50 non-members
Please call 626.821.4623 to reserve a place, or email jill.berry@arboretum.org .

Please bring a 12-inch (or smaller) glazed saucer or bowl that would be suitable for use by our feathered friends (check Home Depot or the Pottery Ranch in Monrovia for supplies). Leigh will teach you how to apply broken pottery and glass pieces (bring any special treasure you might wish to include) to adhere to the surface.

All supplies except the bowl are included. Bring a sack lunch with you (or buy at the café). Once you learn the technique, you can mosaic anything!!

Leigh Adams' love of art and children and her commitment to creating public art with children has resulted in a variety of differing art installations and activities. At the Arboretum, she created a 960 foot "DreamSnake" in the Australian section with the help of many children, using glazed tiles in mosaic patterns. She also has been involved in the creation of the Permasphere at the Arboretum, a pilot project in progress with the goal of setting a standard of garden environmentalism and sustainability.


Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
301 North Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007-2697
www.arboretum.org

Langham Huntington, Pasadena offers back to school relaxation packages for moms

The Huntington Spa at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is pleased to announce exciting specials for the month of September, including a special Back to School Package just for moms, a Chuan Elements promotion including a complimentary elemental oil based upon the Chinese five elemental forces of fire, earth, water metal and wood, designed to restore the body’s natural balance, as well as a discount on our luxurious Babor Sea Creations facial.

Back to School Package for Moms
Created for luxurious relaxation for mom in mind now that the children are back in school, the Back to School Package includes a Chuan Neck, Back and Shoulder Massage, which is a deep acupressure oil massage focusing on the neck, back and shoulders (30 minutes); a Spa Manicure, our signature manicure treatment (25 minutes); and a Walk in the Clouds Pedicure, which includes lower leg exfoliation, a stimulating mask and foot massage (50 minutes) – all for just $180 (regularly priced at $220).

Chuan Elements Promotion
Book a Chuan Balancing Massage or Chuan Harmony Massage through December 28, 2010 and receive a complimentary elemental oil to take home. Also, on the day of appointment, guests may purchase an authentic, hand crafted Chuan oil burner for 50% off its original price – a savings of $20. When guests arrive for their Chuan treatment, they will be asked to fill out a Five Element Questionnaire, which will help the therapist determine which body element may be “out of balance.” From that information, the therapist will choose a specific elemental oil to use in the massage and custom tailor the experience for the individual, bringing the body back to balance and inducing a deeper sense of relaxation.

Babor Sea Creations Facial
During the month of September, guests may enjoy a 20% discount on Babor’s luxurious Sea Creations Facial, an anti-aging facial derived from the depths of the sea. This breathtaking facial incorporates Tiger Cowrie shells and is accompanied by the captivating sounds of the ocean. Concentrating on the reduction of fine lines and the promotion of cell rejuvenation, the skin is completely reenergized and its youthful radiance is restored. Regularly priced at $250 for 90 minutes, the facial is just $200 during the month of September.

With the addition of Chuan Body + Soul, The Huntington Spa is the only luxury hotel spa in the area offering treatments based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. The new 11,000-square-foot spa features a state-of-the-art fitness center and 13 treatment rooms, including a couple’s room, and offers luxurious services such as massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures and hair services, in addition to acupressure massage, acupuncture and cupping. For more information or to book an appointment, please call (626) 585-6414 or visit www.thehuntingtonspa.com.


About The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles
Capturing the grace and elegance of classic Southern California, The Langham Huntington is an iconic landmark hotel located at the base of the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains, just minutes from downtown Los Angeles in beautiful Pasadena. A renowned Pasadena hotel since 1907, the property features 380 guestrooms including 38 suites, eight cottages, award-winning dining and a luxurious spa featuring treatments based upon Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Join Steve Madison for Rose Bowl Loop walk Wednesday

City Councilman Steve Madison and representatives from Women at Work will lead a 3.3-mile walk around the Rose Bowl Loop at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, as part of Up & Moving Pasadena.

Women at Work is a non-profit job and career resource center that helps women reach their full employment and earning potential.

Meet at Gate A at the stadium. Free parking is available. All levels of ability will be accommodated.

Up & Moving Pasadena is a community effort to support fitness for health. Walks are scheduled the first Wednesday of every month except January.

Find walking tips, start a walking group and track your progress at www.upandmoving.org or call (626) 831-2980.

ASPCA seeks help in supporting animal neglect jail time law

ASPCA Urgent Alert

Dear California Advocates,

California Assembly Bill 2012 will increase the amount of jail time a judge may issue to a person convicted of animal neglect. This ASPCA-supported bill has already passed both houses of the California Legislature by large margins with bipartisan support. Governor Schwarzenegger has less than a month to sign this important legislation into state law.

Animal neglect is a form of cruelty that is both more insidious and more common than the beatings, fights and acts of torture that tend to grab headlines. Neglect causes extreme, prolonged suffering-sometimes resulting in death-and is just as serious an offense as intentional physical cruelty.The maximum jail sentence for a neglect conviction in California is currently six months. AB 2012 would raise that maximum sentence to 12 months, bringing the penalty for animal neglect in line with the current penalty for intentional cruelty.

What You Can Do
Please be the animals' voice and contact Governor Schwarzenegger to urge him to sign AB 2012 into law. You can reach his office at (916) 445-2841.

Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center today for some tips on what to say when you call, and remember to thank the person you speak with for considering your views.
http://www2.aspca.org/site/R?i=zZ-0k50vwuCYUjCvtK52OA..

Thank you, California, for standing up for neglected animals!

Visit www.aspca.org

The Hours to release first full-length US album

On October 5 Adeline Records will release The Hours’ first full-length US album, It’s Not How You Start, It’s How You Finish, to all digital outlets, with a deluxe edition exclusive to iTunes.

The album sees The Hours put their own twist on Brit-pop with songs fueled by soaring choruses and powerful ballads. Produced and mixed by the band and renowned producer Flood (U2, Depeche Mode), the album features the band’s iconic “Ali In The Jungle” – heard in Nike’s 2010 Winter Olympic TV / web campaign “The Human Chain” and two new songs, “1000 Years” and “Born To Be”.

The Hours, one of the most dynamic and provocative rock ensembles on the London music scene today, got their start when singer-songwriter-guitarist Antony Genn (whose BritPop credentials include stints with Pulp and Elastica), and multi-instrumentalist Martin Slattery (whose resume includes playing with Shaun Ryder's Black Grape) formed The Mescaleros with then-former Clash-frontman Joe Strummer in 1999. The Mescaleros performed their first gig in Genn's hometown of Sheffield in June 1999 and Antony (who'd been all of 8 when London Calling first hit the record store racks) co-wrote and co-produced Rock Art and the X Ray Style, the highly-acclaimed album that marked Strummer's long-awaited return to music.

The Hours’ music has inspired contributions from a variety of high-profile artists. Damien Hirst, the controversial post-modern UK artist, threw his support behind the band and developed the representative clock-eyed skull logo used in The Hours’ artwork and onstage set. An exclusive video for “See The Light”, featuring actress Sienna Miller and directed by the legendary Tony Kaye (American History X), will be serviced to video and online outlets.

Confirmed standard tracklisting:
1. Ali In The Jungle
2. These Days
3. Big Black Hole
4. Back When You Were Good
5. Never See You Again
6. I Miss You
7. Icarus
8. 1000 Years
9. Come On
10. Narcissus Road
11. See The Light

Deluxe additions:

Audio:
12. Born To Be
13. Murder Or Suicide
14. Fade Into You

Videos:
Ali In The Jungle
See The Light
Big Black Hole

Web: http://www.thehours.co.uk/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hours/235679448139?ref=ts
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thehours

Meet Orbs on Ryan's Rock Show

Ryan's Rock Show recently conducted an interview with Orbs, a band comprised of members from Between The Buried And Me, Fear Before, and Cradle of Filth.

Between The Buried And Me bassist/Orbs guitarist Dan Briggs discusses the band's new album, "Asleep Next To Science", and revealed that BTBAM will release a new EP in spring 2011.

Watch the video interview here:
http://www.ryansrockshow.com/php2/interviews/most-popular/4398-orbs-the-ryans-rock-show-interview.html

Ryan’s Rock Show
www.ryansrockshow.com

Goo Goo Dolls' new album out today

Something For The Rest Of Us, the new studio album from best-selling rock band GOO GOO DOLLS, is out today on Warner Bros. Records. In conjunction with its release, the band will perform their current single “Home,” on NBC’s The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Sep 1st, on also on TBS’s Lopez Tonight on Sep 13th. Check local listings for details.

Written and recorded over the past few years, Something For The Rest Of Us delivers another dose of great GOOS’ songs such as “Sweetest Lie,” “One Night,” “Soldier,” and “Home.” With his songwriting, singer-guitarist Johnny Rzeznik confronts some of the issues that have become part of many people’s everyday lives.

www.myspace.com/googoodolls
www.googoodolls.com

Middle Eastern Comedy Festival in L.A. in October

The Middle East was once a virtual hotbed of artistic creation, for poetry, art, and music, and then it virtually stopped. Enter notorious funnymen Ronnie Khalil and Ryan P. Shrime, co-founders of the Middle Eastern Comedy Festival, who are encouraging fellow Middle Easterners to keep the art world alive by creating workshops and a platform for aspiring young comedians, actors, writers and directors.

Over the past year alone, this dynamic duo organized two sketch comedy classes at no cost to all Middle Easterners. The classes were an instant success and had more than 20 graduates attend. As a result, Khalil and Shrime are planning a stand-up workshop in order to foster a ‘community of artists’ in the Middle Eastern community, where art has never been fully encouraged or practiced.

Khalil explains: “From a young age we are encouraged to be engineers, doctors and lawyers, there seems to be little encouragement for more artistic ventures, however recently there has been a growth with films, comedians and performers from the region expanding internationally, Ryan and I are at the forefront.”

Khalil and Shrime's brainchild, the Middle Eastern Comedy Festival, is set to take place for its second year October 4-7, 2010 in Los Angeles (www.mideastcomedyfest.com). The festival is comprised of four back to back nights of stand-up, held at the Laugh Factory on Sunset Blvd, Hollywood and sketch comedy featuring performers all from Middle Eastern backgrounds, including Arabs, Israelis, Persians, Afghanis and more, being held at the Acme Comedy Theatre, 135 N. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles.

The pair, who are fondly known as the ‘Happy Arabs’, initially met in New York during a comedy festival in 2005 and swiftly found a common goal, changing the way Middle Easterners were perceived in the entertainment industry. Khalil and Shrime want to repel the notion that middle easterners are merely those who ride magic carpets and act as genies in a bottle. They are fighting for their community to succeed and flourish as real entertainers with International likeability and widespread appeal.

“We want to drive artists to pursue their dreams and help them grow within their chosen careers," comments Shrime: “So often the Middle East culture perceives comedians as clowns and dancers as secondary citizens. What we are doing is giving people and opportunity to break all those perceptions by giving them free classes, a venue to perform, a community to support them and bounce ideas off of, and a chance to be respected in the industry.”

Hello Music seeking unsigned artists for CMJ showcase in NYC in October

Hello Music, one of Billboard Magazine’s Top 10 Startups of 2010, is seeking unsigned artists to play its official showcase at October’s CMJ Music Marathon, the annual New York City conference where the music business discovers scores of emerging bands.

“The artists we pick to perform at our showcase event will have an opportunity to make the connection that could change their careers,” Hello Music President John Boyle said. “Over 120,000 music aficionados looking for up and coming artists come to CMJ every year.”

Artists interested in playing at the showcase must upload music and prequalify at www.hellomusic.com by September 10. It is free to sign up and submit.

Hello Music will also be exhibiting in the NYU Kimmel “Loft Lounge” as part of the festival.

Hello Music does much more than help musicians get gigs. With dozens of opportunity partners, the company has placed songs in video games, ad campaigns and on Internet radio; pitches tracks to music supervisors and record labels; and even gets artists discounts on services like digital distribution.

Joining the Hello Music community is simple and free, and the Hello Music A&R team sends comprehensive feedback to every artist who uploads a release. It’s a win-win: musicians get feedback and opportunities, and Hello Music partners hear the best unsigned music in the world.

The CMJ Music Marathon will take place in venues around New York City October 19-23; for more information about the event, go to www.cmj.com/marathon.

About Hello Music
Launched in January 2010, Hello Music is an online music company that combines technology resources with the art of A&R to identify talented musicians and connect them with career opportunities. Independent musicians can upload their music at www.hellomusic.com for review by the evaluation team, who will then determine if the music is appropriate for Hello Music’s many partner opportunities. Hello Music opportunities come from partners AudioMicro, Getty Images, GigMaven, LyricFind, MediaNet, Nevada Wild Fest, Next Big Sound, PlayNetwork, Slacker, Spider Studios, The Record Shop Studio, Tesla Studio, Topspin, TuneCore, Yahoo! Music and others. Hello Music was conceived and incubated by Wilshire Media Group, a digital music product design and development firm founded by Zack Zalon and Brendon Cassidy, and additional $4 million in private equity funding was provided by KVG Partners. www.hellomusic.com

My Jerusalem to release album

The collective now known as My Jerusalem met through critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Jeff Klein, who played with each of them in his travels as a solo artist. Jeff met guitarist Dave Rosser, a touring member of the Twilight Singers through producer, Mike Napolitano. Bassist Ashley Dzerigian was in Great Northern and toured with Ed Harcourt. Drummer Cully Symington was in bands like Cursive and Bishop Allen and tracked the Gutter Twins album. Rick Nelson, who plays violin, viola, cello and keyboards in the band, is a longtime member of the Polyphonic Spree and St. Vincent. Matt Bricker, also a member of the Polyphonic Spree, had been playing with The Low Lows.

The band’s debut album, Gone For Good, will be released on 00:02:59 Records thru Sony/RED on October 26th. Set for release in the UK next week, the album has already had major airplay on BBC2 and BBC6 Radio.

My Jerusalem pins Klein’s razor sharp wit against a lush backdrop of strings and horns, which is driven home by a beat that is sometimes even reminiscent of Bauhaus. There is a lot of genre mixing when it comes to the bands offerings. One song can be delivered through a pulsing wounded whisper, while the next can be a schizophrenic, headphone dance-party such as "Sleepwalking" to which the band likens to "Abba on ecstasy."

"A sense of community and camaraderie can go a long way," Jeff explains. "I don't think anybody in this project was the coolest kid in school. All of these people are highly revered musicians who have been involved with a bunch of other projects – everyone is somebody from somewhere. This time around, we've all gotten together with people on the same level, to have fun. And that's the key in all this: Just to have fun and play music that is fun for us to play, with songs that are meaningful."

Fueled by their DIY ethic, My Jerusalem recorded the album in two adjacent apartments in the French Quarter of New Orleans, LA.. The experience proved to be both challenging and liberating. "Almost every piece of gear we used was broken or duct-taped together," muses Klein. That ram shackled environment and the creativity it birthed to overcome its limitations only added to the music’s charm. From the Bacharach meets Orbison album opener "Valley of Casualties," to the cathartically driving "Sweet Chariot," Gone For Good is a set of 12 songs that illustrate, as the group puts it "ones journey to find hope and satisfaction through even the hardest of times, and come out victorious."

For the live shows the band will continue to grow and change. "It definitely keeps me on my toes. Wait, who's playing drums tonight? And there are how many people onstage?" jokes Klein. US and UK dates for My Jerusalem are planned for later this year.

http://www.myspace.com/jerusalemtx
http://www.myspace.com/jeffklein

Biffy Clyro coming to Fontana and L.A.

Breakthrough UK band biffy clyro will embark on their first US headlining tour, kicking off in Allston, MA on September 13. Their latest album, Only Revolutions, has been nominated for the 2010 Mercury Prize. Prior shortlist nominees for the prestigious UK award include Florence and the Machine, Radiohead, and Franz Ferdinand. Only Revolutions will be released in the US on September 21. The album will be available at select indie record stores through Junketboy Distribution. Go to www.thinkindie.com (click on ThinkIndie Physical) for more information.

Produced by Garth Richardson (Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers), mixed by Andy Wallace (Coldplay, Nirvana, Faith No More), and featuring the orchestration of multi Grammy-winning composer David Campbell, Only Revolutions is the fifth release from biffy clyro. The follow-up to 2007’s break through release Puzzle, Only Revolutions was released in the UK on November 9, 2009 to chart success and critical acclaim. It is certified platinum in the UK, and the Sunday Times, Kerrang and Q each gave it four stars, with The Guardian declaring, “ their songs pack a punch, but are full of light, shade and sophistication.” The first UK single off the album, “Mountains,” is a Top 5 radio hit that has sold over 100,000 copies. Current single “Bubbles,” (which features Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age playing additional guitar on the track) is the fifth consecutive single from Only Revolutions to enter the UK Top 40 chart.

The Scottish trio formed in 1995 and quickly began honing their unique sound, a mind-boggling mix of off-kilter tempos, itchy, unpredictable guitars, soulful choruses and feral screams. Years of relentless touring built a dedicated army of followers and turned biffy clyro into one of the most celebrated live bands in the UK– they’ve shared the stage with Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Linkin Park, opened a colossal Wembley Stadium show with Muse and became the first band ever to play in the Houses of Parliament. They’ve begun to win over US fans as well, on recent tours with Queens of the Stone Age, Editors, and Manchester Orchestra.

biffy clyro US headlining tour dates are below. To see and hear more please visit www.biffyclyro.com.

9/13 – Great Scott – Allston, MA
9/15 – DC 9 – Washington, DC
9/16 – Maxwell’s – Hoboken, NJ
9/17 – North Star Bar – Philadelphia, PA
9/18 – The Studio at Webster Hall – New York, NY
9/20 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL
9/26 – Epicenter 2010 Festival – Fontana, CA
9/29 – Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA
9/30 – Bootleg Theater – Los Angeles, CA
10/1 – Hard Rock – Las Vegas, NV

Divan Consort in Manhattan Beach Sept. 18

Divan Consort
FĂĽreya Ăśnal piano, Maia Jasper violin, Virginia Costa Figueiredo clarinet, Christina Linhardt soprano, Simone Vitucci cello, Jenni Olson flute

When Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.

Where Trinity Lutheran Church
1340 Eleventh Street, Manhattan Beach, CA
(3 blks east of Sepulveda & 1 blk south of Manhattan Beach Blvd.)

Admission Free, donations appreciated.

www.PalosVerdes.com/TLCmusic/TLCMBs2.htm

Jacques Schwarz-Bart releases album

http://www.facebook.com/dreyfusrecords

Acclaimed saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart makes his definitive statement of Soul-Jazz with RISE ABOVE, his debut recording on Dreyfus Jazz.

Jacques Schwarz-Bart
Featuring Stephanie McKay
RISE ABOVE
Label: Dreyfus Jazz
Street Date: August 31, 2010
Catalog #: DRY-CD-36953
UPC: 764911695327
Price Code: AN (MSRP: $14.98)

Soulful sax man Jacques Schwarz-Bart makes his Dreyfus Jazz recording debut with Rise Above, an eclectic blend of jazz and neo-soul featuring the stirring vocal stylings of former Brooklyn Funk Essentials singer Stephanie McKay. Rise Above is an epic culmination of this son of a Black Guadeloupean mother and a French Jewish father’s diverse experiences.

“The great common denominator between all the styles I love, being Funk, Jazz, Soul and R & B, is that the music starts with the drums. It is all about the feel,” he says. “Each of these musical forms offers me an opportunity to express my personal feelings and unique story. I always felt that they needed to come together”.

Following his arrival in New York a decade ago, Schwarz-Bart first received widespread exposure as a member of Roy Hargrove’s AfroCuban big band Crisol. He was later an important part of the trumpeter’s groundbreaking RH Factor band – one of the first and most successful jazz/urban crossovers. Schwarz-Bart’s tune “Forget Regret,” featuring McKay’s vocal, became a hit single from the band’s much acclaimed Hard Groove album. Succeeding Hargrove as leader of the horn section for neo-soul god D’angelo, the saxist began writing tunes based on a mixture of soul and jazz with gwoka flavors.

After connecting with soulmate Stephanie McKay, he started writing the songs with lyrics that would come together on Rise Above: “Adding her vocal presence completed the concept, allowing me to embrace a wide range of emotions, and find an artistic balance between simplicity and abstraction,” says Jacques.

The sound of Rise Above reflects Schwarz-Bart’s impressive resume which includes work with such popular music luminaries as Erykah Badu, Meshell Ndegeocello, Eric Benet, and Soulive, as well as jazz barrier breakers James Hurt, Danilo Perez and David Gilmore, but it’s concept is distinctively the leader’s own, reflect his unique background and heritage.

“This is my oldest project, and yet the one that took the longest to achieve, he says. “I was waiting to have enough experience before taking on this complex musical chemistry.”

Rise Above is a concept album where each tune is whole and complete while at the same time taking a crucial part in the overall balance, like a planet in a galaxy. First and foremost it is a melodic album where every theme can be sung, which is done beautifully by both McKay vocally and Schwarz-Bart instrumentally. Each of the ten tracks on Rise Above blend the different earthy rhythms of gwoka with jazzy harmonies and chosen nuggets of soul and funk that “thicken the sauce,” giving a modern dimension to the sound that is sure to appeal to hip audiences. In addition to the proven hit “Forget Regret,” other notable tracks include lead single “Feel So Free” “Rainbow” and the closing “Home,” co-written with Meshell Ndegeocello.

Join Got2b in supporting Cupcakes for a Cause

Looking for a new “do” this fall? Try a sweet new “do” with göt2b’s fat-tastic stylers and “do” good by participating in Cupcakes for a Cause Week. From September 20 – 26, bakeries and grocery stores around the country will be selling specially-decorated cupcakes and donating a portion of the sales to CancerCare for Kids, a program that provides free support services to children affected by cancer and their families. göt2b is sweetening the deal in two unique ways:

1) For every free e-Cupcake sent, göt2b will donate $1.00 to the cause (up to $10,000) and

2) For every new “like” on got2b’s facebook page, got2b will donate $1 (up to $1000) Plus, if got2b reaches 10,000 “likes” by September 30, got2b will donate an additional $1000!

While you’re treating friends to cupcakes and e-Cupcakes, göt2b will treat your tired, limp locks to an instant volume makeover with its collagen-infused fat-tastic collection. The line, which features got2b fat-tastic root-boosting spray, got2b fat-tastic thickening plumping mousse and got2b fat-tastic thickening non-aerosol hairspray gives women a delicious feast for fine hair for thicker, plumper locks that are big on style!

Do Good:
Purchase a specially-decorated cupcake from a participating bakery or grocery store
Create your very own e-Cupcake and send it to your friends and family for free
Host a bake sale throughout the fall and donate proceeds to CancerCare for Kids
Visit www.cupcakesforacause.org for all the details

Look Good:
Satisfy your appetite for full-bodied, gorgeous hair with göt2b’s collagen-infused fat-tastic collection. The line, found at drug, food and mass retailers, includes:

göt2b fat-tastic mega-lift root-boosting spray: The fine mist spray allows for targeted application directly at the roots, a common problem area for flat hair.

göt2b fat-tastic thickening plumping mousse: Transform hair from flat to fab instantly. Hair looks and feels thicker from root to tip and styles stay in place all day long.

göt2b fat-tastic thickening non-aerosol hairspray: Unlike other hairsprays, this advanced collagen formula makes your hair instantly feel plumper, thicker and full of body, providing a pick-me-up for limp locks.

ABOUT göt2b, a Schwarzkopf & Henkel brand
Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Cosmetics/Toiletries and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions both in the consumer and industrial businesses with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 50,000 people and reported sales of $18.86 billion and adjusted operating profit of $1.84 billion in fiscal 2009. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX and the company ranks among the Fortune Global 500. Henkel markets a wide range of well-known consumer and industrial brands in North America, including Dial® soaps, Purex® laundry detergents, Right Guard® antiperspirants, got2b® hair styling products, and Loctite® adhesives. Visit www.henkelna.com http://www.henkelna.com/ or www.got2b.com for more information.

ABOUT Cupcakes for a Cause
The 7th Annual Cupcakes for a Cause Campaign will take place September 2010, with Cupcakes for a Cause Week happening September 20-26, 2010. Last year's campaign was a great success, raising nearly $100,000 for CancerCare for Kids, a program that provides free support services to children affected by cancer and their families. Cupcakes for a Cause began in 2004 when CancerCare enlisted a small group of New York City bakeries to bake and sell special cupcakes to support the program. For more information, please visit www.cupcakesforacause.org.

David Morris releases album

Solo musician David Morris recently released his debut rock alternative album "Picture An Accident" under the artist name "Picture An Accident."

The album, based upon hardship and hope, was written, recorded and mixed entirely by Morris in a matter of months, from January 2010 to July 2010. David sings lead and supporting vocals, and plays all instruments, including guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards. The album features seven intricately crafted, rock-based songs, each with alternative twists and turns to invoke an emotional sound-stage-of-the-mind experience.

Morris' goal for the "Picture An Accident" debut was to create an album for those who crave a deeper listening experience. Morris feels the art of strong songwriting and storytelling is key. Morris refers to examples of great song crafting by bands like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Police, U2, Muse, VAST, and Foo Fighters. Morris notes how each group has consistently provided a high level of emotional impact with their songs, and how each band has stood the test of time. Morris says that he used these groups as a high watermark for the songwriting and recording of "Picture An Accident."

About the name:
David noted, "I decided to use 'Picture An Accident' as both an artist name and the name of the album. A lot of people ask what 'Picture An Accident' is. I came up with the name after a near miss car crash with an oncoming car that crossed over the line and headed right for my car. I quickly changed lanes and avoided it. That was when I noticed my imagination providing clear flashes as to what my car might have looked like had the accident taken place. I thought it would be interesting to have a name that connects to a built-in primal instinct within each of us. I also thought the name was interesting because it directs a person to do something. I don't recall many band names that do that."

About David Morris:
David was raised on the sound stages of Hollywood alongside his famous late father actor/director Howard Morris (from the legendary Sid Caesar's "Your Show of Shows," "The Andy Griffith Show," various Mel Brooks' films, and many other films and TV shows). While growing up, David was involved with dozens of his father's productions. David used these experiences to develop "Picture An Accident."

In addition to creating music, David has directed dozens of productions, including national TV spots and specialized marketing and educational videos. He shot and directed the 30 second TV spot for the "Picture An Accident" release, airing next month on MTV, VH1 and Bravo. The spot can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d356-LPg9w

The album "Picture An Accident" is available at all major online music stores, including iTunes, Amazon, Napster, Rhapsody, eMusic, and others.

http://www.pictureanaccident.com

Street Dogs and Devils Brigade albums out today and touring together

STREET DOGS: Boston bred punk rock group Street Dogs will be releasing their new, self-titled album on August 31 via Hellcat Records. Led by the prolific and awe inspiring frontman and former Dropkick Murphys singer/Boston Firefighter/Gulf War Vet, Mike McColgan, Street Dogs have returned to champion the working class and to re-ignite punk rock with songs of personal empowerment, freedom and redemption that course through the veins of their newest release.

www.myspace.com/streetdogs


DEVILS BRIGADE: Bay Area punk legend and Rancid’s bassist Matt Freeman will release his long awaited debut, self-titled album with his side project Devils Brigade on August 31 via Hellcat Records. While on downtime from his main duties as bassist for punk band Rancid, Freeman recently entered the studio to record the first full length album for his long buzzed about side project.

http://www.myspace.com/devilsbrigadeofficial

STREET DOGS/DEVILS BRIGADE TOUR DATES:
Sept 7 – San Antonio, TX – White Rabbit
Sept 9 – St. Petersburg, FL – State Theatre
Sept 10 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution
Sept 11 – Orlando, FL – Firestone Live
Sept 12 – Jacksonville Beach, FL – Freebird CafĂ©
Sept 13 – Charleston, SC – The Oasis
Sept 14 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
Sept 16 – Washington, DC – Rock and Roll Hotel
Sept 17 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
Sept 18 – New York City, NY – The Gramercy Theatre
Sept 19 – Pawtucket, RI – The Met CafĂ©
Sept 21 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
Sept 22 – Pittsburgh, PA – Diesel
Sept 23 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop
Sept 24 – Hamtramck, MI – Small’s
Sept 25 – Chicago, IL – Reggies Rock Club
Sept 26 – St. Louis, MO – Firebird
Sept 28 – Dallas, TX – The Loft
Sept 29 – Austin, TX – Red Seven
Oct 7 – Tempe, AZ – The Clubhouse
Oct 8 – Santa Ana, CA – Galaxy Theatre
Oct 9 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre
Oct 16 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
Oct 19 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
Oct 20 – Seattle, WA – Chop Suey
Oct 21 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory Concert House
Oct 22 – Salt Lake City, UT – Club Sound
Oct 23 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theatre
Oct 24 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep

Grinderman to release album and tour

Grinderman release their new nine-track studio album through Anti- on September 14, 2010. Entitled Grinderman 2, the album was recorded at London's State of The Ark and Assault and Battery studios, and co-produced by Grinderman and Nick Launay.

A unique iTunes LP has been put together for the fans which comprises: the entire album together with a digital booklet, lyrics, non-LP bonus track ‘Fire Boy', remixes from Andrew Weatherall and Factory Floor, plus 'Super Heathen Child', a special collaboration with Robert Fripp. The iTunes LP also includes the John Hillcoat directed 'Heathen Child' video, and seven video trailers.

Grinderman 2 will be available on CD, Limited Edition Deluxe CD, vinyl LP (with CD included), iTunes LP and download.

Grinderman are Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Martyn Casey and Jim Sclavunos.

Visit http://cts.vresp.com/c/?Epitaph/e9b5436325/7ed2491d1c/871a7590bc to download 'Heathen Child' (radio edit) and to hear the Fripp collaboration 'Super Heathen Child'.

TOUR DATES:
2010-11-13 House of Blues Cambridge MA
2010-11-14 Nokia Theatre Time Square New York NY
2010-11-16 9:30 Club Washington DC
2010-11-18 Variety Playhouse Atlanta GA
2010-11-19 Cannery Ballroom Nashville TN
2010-11-20 Minglewood Hall Memphis TN
2010-11-22 The Riviera Chicago IL
2010-11-23 First Avenue Minneapolis MN
2010-11-27 The King Cat Theater Seattle WA
2010-11-29 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
2010-11-30 The Music Box Los Angeles CA
2010-12-01 House of Blues San Diego CA

iTUNES LP CONTENT:

Grinderman 2 (9 track album)

Bonus audio:
Super Heathen Child (Grinderman with Robert Fripp)
Fire Boy (non-LP)
Evil - Factory Floor Remix # 2
Heathen Child - Andrew Weatherall Bass Remix

Bonus video:
Heathen Child (directed by John Hillcoat)
Collected Trailers, directed by John Hillcoat and Ilinca Hoepfner

Digital booklet and lyrics

Lucy Schwartz to release album

SEPTEMBER 28, LUCY SCHWARTZ - LIFE IN LETTERS

Her latest CD, Life in Letters, introduces the new 20 year-old face of Lucy Schwartz, but listeners may already know her voice. Rich and dreamy and all lit up in Technicolor, it’s graced movie theaters and TV sets across the country. “Darling I Do,” is one example: Lucy created the love theme to Shrek Forever After and performed the song with her co-writer Landon Pigg on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The L.A.-based singer-songwriter has also written for numerous films including Mother & Child, Post Grad, Adam, and the The Women and her songs have been featured in more than a dozen hit television shows. Schwartz also sang the hilariously campy jingles “Mister F” and “For British Eyes Only” on Arrested Development,

Now, Life in Letters establishes Lucy Schwartz as a major talent, big and bright and bursting with energy. LA Weekly called her arrangements smart, bringing a spectacular whimsy to everything she does, adding ukulele or a capella harmonies where you’d least expect them, cranking up every emotion into surround sound. There’s so much joie de vivre in her music, she’s written no less than two songs – “Graveyard” and “Shadow Man” – about what it takes to feel truly alive. “I feel like I’m always asking myself, ‘Am I living a fulfilling life? Am I making the most of my time?’” says Schwartz

www.myspace.com/lucysong

Josiah Leming to release album

SEPTEMBER 14, JOSIAH LEMING - COME ON KID’

Singer songwriter Josiah Leming is gearing up for the September release of Come On Kid, his debut album for Warner Bros. Records, with whom he signed not long after appearing on Season 7 of American Idol in 2008. Leming’s brief, yet memorable time on the show (he was living out of the car while his mom was being treated for cancer), spurred fans to turn up in droves online to demand his reinstatement. They sent him messages of support, posted clips of themselves performing Leming’s original songs on YouTube, and bought downloads through his MySpace page.

Building on that momentum, as well as the release of two EP’s of songs from early recording sessions with producer Dave Kosten (2008’s Angels Undercover and 2009’s Punk Ass Rain), Come on Kid is a classic, emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale that showcases Leming’s strengths as a lyricist, his knack for unforgettable melodies, as well as his powerfully expressive voice. The album’s title track, as well as several of its songs (“Silly Fly,” “Arctic Outcry Wind”) are Leming’s exhortation to pick himself up and keep on going, which he found increasingly difficult to do after his mother passed away in June 2009.

www.myspace.com/josiahleming

Norah Jones on "Tavis Smiley" tonight

Grammy-Award winning artist, Norah Jones appears on PBS's "Tavis Smiley" to promote her latest album The Fall on Tuesday, August 31. Norah also sits down with Tavis to discuss the breakup that inspired many of the songs on the album, her shift to a more guitar-oriented approach on "The Fall" and her upcoming album "Featuring," which hits stores November 2nd. The disc features Jones' collaborations with musical luminaries including Willie Nelson, OutKast, Talib Kweli, and Dolly Parton, Check your local listings for air times.

You can view a clip of Jones performing her song "Man of the Hour" on "Tavis Smiley" here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZjNTgd9B2k

Jones will spend the rest of the summer on the road with opening act Corrine Bailey Rae for the west coast leg of their tour before reuniting with Tavis and collaborator Willie Nelson at Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope for America. Tavis will be hosting the 25th anniversary of the long-running benefit for America's farmers on October 2nd in Milwaukee, WI.

Afro Funke Thursdays in Santa Monica

Afro Funké
WEEKLY FUNK INVOCATION

------------------:~0~:---------------------
Afrobeat, Brazilian, Dub, Reggae, Cumbia, Samba Disco, Batucada, Afro-Latin House, Indian Beats, Makossa & other deep-rooted Funk music from around the world
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September 2, 2010

guest dejaay:
RANI D
(Soul in the Park)
Rani D is continuously searching for the sound that will raise our collective frequency to a higher vibration. He believes the world has one soul and music is a bridge that can return all to one. Each chance to express himself is an opportunity to help build that moment for others to find themselves in everyone else.
www.myspace.com/djranid

+
film screening 9-10pm:
"What about Me?"
Following the success of their first double Grammy nominated film & album, "What About Me?" isthe latest offering from 1 Giant Leap. This visionary project took Duncan Bridgeman & Jamie Catto to over 50 locations as they explore through music, the complexities of human nature on a global scale, and aims to reveal how we are all connected through our creativity and beliefs, but most of all collective insanity.

Covering universal topics such as God, Sex, Death, and money, What About Me? features an incredibly diverse collection of collaborators from Noam Chomsky to Will Young, Maxi Jazz to Tim Robbins, Billy Connolly to Michael Franti, Eckhart Tolle to Baaba Maai, among many others!

Encompassing a TV series, film, and album, this is a poignant, emotional and entertaining time capsule of humanity at it's most inspirational! Myra Vides - Activist, Photographer, and Youth Producer of events throughout the Los Angeles area is representing the film "What About Me?" directed by Duncan Bridgeman and Jamie Catto from 1 GIANT LEAP, A FILM that is not to be missed
!http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=X4EfdaxUiO0&feature=related
www.whataboutme.tv

resident deejay:
JEREMY SOLE
www.kcrw.com/jeremysole
www.myspace.com/musaics
www.twitter.com/jeremysole
www.blip.fm/jeremysole

resident deejay:
GLENN RED
www.myspace.com/glenn_red

hosted by:
ROCKY DAWUNI
*NEW album "Hymns for the Rebel Soul" on ITunes!
www.rockydawuni.com
www.rockpaperscissors.biz/go/rocky
www.giantstep.net/releases/2551
www.facebook.com/rockydawuni

afro funke' booking, photography & production:
CARY SULLIVAN
afrofunke@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/carysullivan
www.facebook.com/afrofunke

++Plus special surprise guests each week!
++Plus drink specials every Thursday!
---------------------:~0~:--------------------

Afro Funke' Thursdays
Zanzibar
1301 5th Street @ Arizona
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.451.2221 / 21+ (EVERYONE must have ID)
9pm - 2am / $7 before 10:30pm - $10 after
www.zanzibarlive.com
www.myspace.com/afrofunke
www.afrofunke.com

*AFRO FUNKE' is now on Twitter! Please follow us!!
www.twitter.com/afrofunke


For additional Afro Funke' information please contact:
afrofunke@yahoo.com

Monday, August 30, 2010

Roland and Grammy Museum's "Instruments of Art" in West Covina through Sept. 9

Roland Corporation U.S. and The GRAMMY Museum are proud to announce Instruments of Art, a traveling exhibit now at Westfield Mall West Covina, one of Los Angeles’ most popular shopping destinations.

The one-of-a-kind, 1,000 square-foot exhibit features an interactive display of Roland’s state-of-the-art electronic musical instruments, alongside 33 never-before-displayed photographs of artist performances at The GRAMMY Museum.

The interactive portion of Instruments of Art recreates Roland LIVE, a permanent exhibit at The GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles. In both locations, visitors can try their hand at playing a variety of Roland’s innovative electronic instruments, inviting them to explore and think critically about how today’s music is crafted.

Instruments on display at the Westfield Mall include the Lucina AX-09 Shoulder Synthesizer, the HPD-10 HandSonic® Percussion Pad, HD-1 V-Drums® Lite, SP-404SX Sampler, as well as BOSS guitar effects and BOSS VE-20 Vocal Performer.

The photographs on display depict some of the most memorable performances to grace The GRAMMY Museum’s 200-seat Sound Stage, including noteworthy artists like Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson, Annie Lennox, Smokey Robinson, the Jonas Brothers, and Tom Morello.

Open to the public and free of charge, Instruments of Art will be on display at the Westfield Mall in West Covina through September 9, 2010. After that, the exhibit travels to other Westfield Mall locations throughout Southern California.

For more information, visit www.RolandUS.com/Westfield.

Carole Kim and more at Altadena Folly Bowl Sept. 4 and 5

LABOR DAY WEEKEND @ the Altadena Folly Bowl

Long-time collaboratorsC AROLE KIM (live video) + JESSE GILBERT (designer/programmer)will be stepping out with Jesse’s new audio/visual interface SPECTRAL*

They will be joined by EVE LUCKRING (poetry and short videos - both nights) andSAT, SEPT 4th ANNE LE BARON (harp) / MICHAEL DESSEN (trombone, electronics) SUN, SEPT 5th MOTOKO HONDA (electronics) / CARMINA ESCOBAR (voice, electronics) @ 7:30 pm
1601 E. Loma Alta Drive, Altadena, CA
**$10 ($5 children)

<<>>

(All trash must leave the premises.)

We will begin with a set of music, followed by poems and short videos by Eve Luckring and then a live audio/visual set.

** DIRECTIONS: 134 Freeway to Pasadena, EXIT: Lake Ave. Go North 2.7 miles, RIGHT on Altadena Dr. for .8 mile, LEFT on Porter.

Entrance is at Porter & Loma Alta, Street Parking.

CalProg in Whittier Oct. 2

CalProg is pleased to announce the line-up of the 7th annual progressive rock festival held in Whittier on October 2 at the Center Theater. This 12 hour event features some of the finest in new and classic prog available today in an intimate theater setting where you can spend time listening to music, sharing stories with other music fans and getting to know the performers. In addition there will be vendors with extensive catalogs of both label and indie artists.

Here’s our lineup on the main stage:

Ambrosia (California)
RPWL (Germany)
District 97 (Chicago)
miRthkon (Bay Area)

Please visit the CalProg website to read about the bands and to listen to sound samples.
http://www.calprog.com
ABOUT THE BANDS
Ambrosia: Hailing from the South Bay area of southern California, this band released its first album back in 1975. They have collaborated with cultural icons like Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and Alan Parsons. While most people know them as a pop hit band (they have had 5 Grammy nominations), their roots are clearly in progressive rock and they have agreed to do a set that spotlights that material. “We are so excited to be able to return to our progressive roots and do an all prog show here in southern California” says drummer Burleigh Drummond. “This is going to be great!”

RPWL: This German progressive rock band was formed in 1997 in Freising, Germany as a Pink Floyd cover band. The band's name comes from the first letters of the original four members; Phil Paul Rissettio, Chris Postl, Karlheinz Wallner, and Yogi Lang. After three years they started to make their own music based on their influences from their cover band era. Their debut CD, "God Has Failed" was met with international enthusiasm, praise and excellent reviews in all the major progressive rock music magazines. Since then they have gone on to make a number of studio albums of all original material. Their music while obviously influenced by Floyd is also melodic, dynamic, and at times symphonic. It’s all about textures and layers and never about shredding. While they have toured extensively in Europe, they have only appeared at BajaProg and ROSfest in North America and are very excited to return, this time to the golden state.

District 97: This is a young band hailing from the Chicago area that is getting rave reviews across the prog community. They sport a hard edged sound tempered with the exquisite contributions of a cellist from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as well as the contemporary female vocals of a finalist from American Idol. If you haven't heard this band yet, you will very soon. They are destined for great things, not the least of which is their festival debut at CalProg. If progressive rock is to survive it will have to adapt and appeal to a new generation of musicians and fans. With District 97 it is in very good hands.

miRthkon: This band hails from the Bay Area of California and features exceptional musicianship with quirky and complex compositions. I suppose they could be compared in some ways to Zappa and Bubblemath (remember them?). But they also have a jazzy / metal quality. The only real way to get a read on them is to listen to their latest CD Vehicle. Their multi-media show is scheduled to kick off the festival.

We hope to see you all there!

PapaJ's Matinee: Prog Web Radio Saturdays at 7pm Pacific
CalProg 2010 Oct. 2: Ambrosia, RPWL, District 97, miRthkon
Spock's Beard Sept 12 at the Downey Theater -
Details at... CalProg Website

Coffee Gallery Backstage celebrates anniversary with Pirates of the Black Swan Sept. 11

Bob Stane says: This is an excellent show full of soul stirring sea songs and lots of stagecraft.
Look at it as "pop & folk vaudeville." Many times at The Coffee Gallery Backstage and tons of musical fun.

This night is, also, the 11th Anniversary of the very first show at The Coffee Gallery Backstage.
Yes, it happened on September 11, 11 years ago...Happy Birthday to The Coffee Gallery Backstage

The Coffee Gallery Backstage
2029 N. Lake
Altadena, CA. Phone For Reservations: 626) 794-2424

THE PIRATES OF THE BLACK SWAN...
On our 11th Anniversary its going to be a party ! This ship will be a rocKin' tonight!.

The Pirates arrrr going overboard this time so Batten down the hatches.

With Captain Ron Ely and Lots of Dancers and Musicians Shanghaied
from around the World.We'll beat Captain Sparrow to The Fountain of Youth.

Everyone gets a Free drink from The Fountain !

The Pirates of the Black Swan board the main deck to perform bone rattlin' pirate rock in full pirate regalia, with nautical wit and mayhem. Guaranteed to get your peg leg a tappin' They arrr a five piece crew with strong vocals, two guitars, woodwinds, harmonica.. Lots of dancing and singing by the wenches. A costumed extravaganza. Show up in pirate gear if it suites you. No parrots, please. Come aboard and sail with us.

www.myspace.com/piratesoftheblackswanmusic
Saturday, September 11.
Showtime: 7:00 P.M.
Tickets: $15

McGitny's Gallery at the End of the World Group Show Thursday-Sunday

Hello there,

I hope your summer has been going well. We are gearing up for the Labor day summer show. September, 2 3 4 5 2010

As you know we strive to bring you an interesting array of talented artists and this show is no exception. we have over 40 artists showing this summer, it is proving to be a fantastic lineup!

If you're in town Labor day weekend, grab some friends and stop over.

We're open noon till 6PM each day, With the artists reception on Thursday 6 to 10PM and the first Friday art club Friday eve. 7 to 1AM 5$ cover

I want to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your support through the years and we hope you're able to join us for our upcoming show.

If you'll be out of town- have safe travels and we hope you can join us for the December show.

We look forward to your visit,
Ben and the crew here at GATEOTW

Group Show
Noon-6 p.m. Sept. 2-5
McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World
2475 N. Lake Ave.
Altadena
www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com

Barry Big B Brenner performances this week

. . . . . . . .Barry Big B BrennerAppearing this week at...

WEDNESDAY NIGHT - PATIO PARTY
SEPTEMBER 1st from 6pm-9pm
Elephant Bar
1825 Madera Road
SIMI VALLEY
(805) 584-9119
http://www.elephantbar.com

THURSDAY NIGHT - BURGERS, BEER & BLUES
SEPTEMBER 2nd from 6pm-9pm
Firefly Bistro
1009 El Centro Street
SOUTH PASADENA
(626) 441-2443
http://www.eatatfirefly.com

SUNDAY BLUES BRUNCH
SEPTEMBER 5th from 11am-2pm
Firefly Bistro
1009 El Centro Street
SOUTH PASADENA
(626) 441-2443
http://www.eatatfirefly.com

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

TJR Trio in Alta Loma Wednesday

Who: TJR Trio
What: LIVE at Galli’s Restaurant and Bar – Casual Italian Dining
When: Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 from 7pm to 11pm
Where:6620 Carnelian St., Alta Loma, CA 91701 Telephone: 909.941.1100

Upcoming concerts from Live Nation

On Sale Friday August 27 at 10 AM:
LA Weekly Presents:
LA 101
Featuring:
MASSIVE ATTACK – THIEVERY CORPORATION
& More
Additional Lineup Details To Be Announced!
Gibson Amphitheatre
November 7

On Sale Friday August 27 at 1 PM:
IMAGINE THAT!
Featuring:
SNOOP DOGG & MIKE EPPS
Gibson Amphitheatre
October 26

On Sale Friday August 27 at 10 AM:
KATHERINE JENKINS
The Wiltern
November 18

On Sale Wednesday August 25 at 1 PM:
TERRA MUSIC FEST
Presented by Ford
NELLY FURTADO
FEFE DOBSON
BELANOVA
Gustavo Galindo - Akwid
Gibson Amphitheatre
October 3


GO TO LIVENATION.COM for tickets, show information and more

Blood Red Shoes to tour

Blood Red Shoes are Laura-Mary Carter and Steven Ansell. They are a rock band from Brighton, UK. They know there is a power and intensity in simplicity. And they have a new album. It’s called Fire Like This.

Intensity is the word. Fire Like This is simply exceptional rock music, steeped in a knowledge of your alt-rock staples – Nirvana, Babes In Toyland, Drive Like Jehu – but with its own fingerprint. ‘Don’t Ask’ and ‘Count Me Out’ harness scything guitars and loud-quiet dynamics like they never went out of fashion. But there’s more ambitious fare here, too. Take dramatic seven-minute closer ‘Colours Fade’, originally released as a free download from their website– or the tender, fraught ‘When We Wake’, a sombre mediation on mortality that nonetheless burns with hot emotional force. “In the end is this all we can ask for?” breathes Laura-Mary, as Steven’s drums patter with a quiet intensity.

This is not your typical rock fare, but Blood Red Shoes thrive on such paradox. This, remember, is a band just as comfortable supporting Rage Against The Machine in front of 30,000 Parisians as they are rocking up at a benefit gig for Shelter or Love Music Hate Racism just because, you know, it matters.

“It’s a difficult tightrope,” says Steven. “You know, we’ve come from a punk rock, underground scene – everyone has pretty strict ethical rules, about selling out and that. We want to make music that matters, that’s credible, and artistic. But we’re also really ambitious. We definitely want to be a big band.”

And is it still possible to do both?

Steven shares a glance with Laura-Mary. They smile. They think so. “It’s hard, of course,” says Steven. “But we’ve learnt so much in the last few years. I know we’ll be alright if we’re completely ourselves.”


US Tour Dates

October 12 - Vancouver, BC - Media Club
October 13 - Seattle, WA - Sunset Tavern
October 15 - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop
October 16 - Santa Barbara, CA - Muddy Waters
October 18 - Los Angeles, CA - Bootleg Theatre
October 19 - San Diego, CA - Casbah
October 20 - New York, NY - CMJ
October 21 - New York, NY - CMJ
October 22 - Washington, DC - Red Palace
October 24 - Boston, MA - Great Scott
October 26 - Montreal, QC - Casa Del Popolo
October 27 - Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
October 28 - Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
October 29 - Chicago, IL - Subterranean

www.bloodredshoes.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/bloodredshoes

Fran Healy releases album

10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FRAN HEALY

Fran Releases First Solo Album, Launches Web Store, Converts to a Vegetarian for Paul McCartney, Talks to CNN about First Single, Leaks New Song on EW.com and Announces NYC & LA Album Release Shows

1. The frontman of the multi-platinum selling Scottish band, TRAVIS, goes solo. Fran’s first album, “Wreckorder,” (pronounced ‘recorder’) features guest performances by Neko Case and Paul McCartney and is due out October 5 on Ryko.

2. To thank Paul McCartney for contributing bass on the song, “As It Comes,” Fran and his family followed in McCartney’s footsteps by giving up meat entirely! The next week, The Beatles’ legend had three Linda McCartney vegetarian cookbooks delivered to Fran’s doorstep.

3. Entertainment Weekly offers an exclusive stream of “As It Comes” on their website today. Listen HERE:

4. Fran launches new web store http://franhealy.hasawebstore.com/ where fans pre-order an ultimate deluxe bundle that contains a variety of limited edition and autographed items for “Wreckorder.” Fans can also visit www.franhealy.com, entirely run by Fran, to check out his personal videos and blog posts.

5. “Wreckorder” album release shows will be held in New York City at City Winery on Oct. 7 and at Hotel CafĂ© in Los Angeles on Oct. 12. These dates follow Fran’s recent tour with Keane along with his headlining shows stretching across the U.S. and Canada.

6. Fran chats with CNN about the album’s first single, “Buttercups,” and how hand-picked flowers from a broke art student do not always make the ladies swoon. Fran was a painting major at Glasgow School of Art for 2 years before chucking school and forming TRAVIS.

7. His new video for “Buttercups,” directed by Josh Miller (featured in Shoot Magazine as one of "The Ones To Watch") was recently filmed in his Manhattan neighborhood of SoHo and features various girlfriends throughout his life.

8. Fran Healy is actively involved with the Save The Children organization. He has made two trips to Sudan and launched one of the largest global campaigns to help over ten million children. Fran is currently donating part of the proceeds from his special edition package for the new album to the organization.

9. TRAVIS has sold 1 MILLION records in the U.S. to date, 10 MILLION worldwide and holds two “Album Of The Year” Brit Awards. Legend has it, that one in eight UK households own a copy of the album, “The Man Who.”

10. Fran Healy has a killer sense of humor. Watch his remix of the Travis hit, “Why Does It Always Rain On Me,” on the Ali G Show.

Pre-Order: http://franhealy.hasawebstore.com/
Web: http://www.franhealy.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/franhealy
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/franhealyofficial

Little Joe y La Familia at San Manuel Sept. 16

Thursday, September 16, San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino welcomes one of the most popular Tex-Mex/Chicano bands of all time,
Little Joe Y La Familia
to the San Manuel Stage.

Tickets are on sale today and available at Ticketmaster.com and the San Manuel Box Office for $20 and $25.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction Sept. 27 in L.A.

March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction
More than 300 guests enjoy an evening of world-class cuisine and bid on exclusive culinary auction items. Greater Los Angeles’ most prominent chefs and wineries will join this unique event and contribute their signature dishes as well as a once-in-a-lifetime auction package to raise money for the vital work of the March of Dimes.

WHEN: Monday, September 27, 2010

WHERE: SLS Hotel Beverly Hills, 465 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, 90048
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

COST: Tickets are $250 each and tables begin at $5,000 for a table of 10.
Sponsorship levels also available

CONTACT: For tickets and information, 213-637-5041 or www.marchofdimes.com/ca.

Event Honorary: Chair: Sophia Gayot www.gayot.com

Lead Chefs: Anthony Zappola, Chef de Cuisine at Craft and Shannon Swindle, Pastry Chef at Craft

2010 Featured Chefs: Alex Becker, Executive Chef at Nobu West Hollywood –Jorge Chicas, Chef de Cuisine at The Bazaar by JosĂ© AndrĂ©s - Walter Eckstein, Chef at Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Beverly Hills – Steven Fretz, Executive Chef at XIV by Michael Mina – Sasha Lyon, Executive Chef at Delphine Eatery & Bar – Alex Moreno, Executive Chef at Casa - Alex Reznik, Executive Chef at Ivan Kane’s CafĂ© Wa s - Michael Stern, Executive Chef at Michael’s Restaurant Santa Monica

2010 Featured Wineries: Frank Family Vineyards - Grgich Hills Estates – Joseph Phelps Vineyards - JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery - Patz and Hall - Roxo Port Cellars – Silver Oak Cellars - Trefethen Family Vineyards

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

Rebirth Brass Band signs with Basin Street Records

On this 5th anniversary week as we remember the devastation and flooding that occurred after Hurricane Katrina due to poorly built levees, Basin Street Records is proud to further demonstrate its rebirth by announcing the signing of the world famous Rebirth Brass Band.

Simply put, the Rebirth Brass Band is an institution. Formed in 1983 by the Frazier brothers and Kermit Ruffins, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world. Their signature brand of heavy funk has become the soundtrack to an entire city, a fact reinforced by their role in the opening scene of the HBO series “Treme.” In the wake of the sometimes-stringent competition amongst brass bands, Rebirth is the undisputed leader of the pack.

Reflecting on the collaboration between these two pillars of the New Orleans music community, Phil Frazier said, “This is what New Orleans is all about, The Rebirth Brass Band and Basin Street Records teaming up to release music that’ll make you move and put a smile on your face.”

Basin Street Records worked with Rebirth from the sidelines in 2005 on Throwback the album that reunited the iconic band with founding member, and now label mate, Kermit Ruffins. With the signing of Rebirth, Basin Street Records will continue to create music that distills the city of New Orleans into a complex series of rhythms and melodies.

President Mark Samuels believes that “there is nothing in the world like going to see Rebirth on a Tuesday night at the Maple Leaf. We are excited to begin what we hope will be a long relationship that is beneficial to both Rebirth and our label.”

The Rebirth Brass Band is expected to release their first album on Basin Street Records in February 2011.

Basin Street Records was formed in 1997 and is home to music from Kermit Ruffins, Theresa Andersson, Jeremy Davenport, Dr. Michael White, Henry Butler, Jon Cleary, Jason Marsalis, Los Hombres Calientes, Irvin Mayfield, and The Headhunters.

For more information click on www.BasinStreetRecords.com and www.RebirthBrassBand.com.

Combichrist to tour in support of new album

With the release of their fifth studio album MAKING MONSTERS coming on September 28, 2010, Metropolis recording artists COMBICHRIST have announced dates for Monsters on Tour with support from Aesthetic Perfection and Ivardensphere. Tickets for the tour go on sale this weekend (tour dates below).

Kicking off on November 3rd in New Orleans and circling around the States, this is the band's first tour of the US after four months on the road supporting Rammstein in Europe.

Combichrist's much lauded and respected live shows are, as Crypt Magazine describes, "known for tons of energy, blood, and a rock n' roll attitude." BlogCritics also warns it's "not for the faint of heart - you wouldn't bring your grandmother to this show."

MONSTERS ON TOUR COMBICHRIST w/ Aesthetic Perfection, Ivandensphere
Nov 03 Howlin' Wolf New Orleans, LA
Nov 04 Elysium Austin, TX
Nov 06 Venue of Scottsdale Scottsdale, AZ
Nov 07 Henry Fonda Theater Los Angeles, CA
Nov 08 Slim's San Francisco, CA
Nov 10 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
Nov 11 El Corazon Seattle, WA
Nov 13 Gothic Theatre Englewood, CA
Nov 15 The Cabooze Minneapolis, MN
Nov 16 The Bottom Lounge Chicago, IL
Nov 17 Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto, ONT
Nov 19 Webster Theatre Hartford, CT
Nov 20 Gramercy Theatre New York, NY
Nov 21 Polaris Philadelphia, PA
Nov 22 Fur Nightclub Washington, DC
Nov 24 Masquerade Atlanta, GA

Fueled by expressions of lust, anger, pain and hate, Making Monsters is the sound of Combichrist mastermind Andy LaPlegua ripping out his heart and plugging its still-beating deathkicks into his music, rife with hook-heavy choruses, speaker-crushing beats, and dark aggressive vocals. The first single “Never Surrender” is bound to rule the dance floors along with other floor stompers “They” and “Throat Full of Glass”. The baretoothed aggression of “Follow the Trail of Blood” (featuring Brendan Schiepatti of Bleeding Through) will immediately become a crowd favorite while the brooding “Through These Eyes of Pain” takes a much subtler approach and shows us another side of Combichrist, that of the man inside the monster.

Recorded in Totprod Studios in Atlanta, GA and produced by LaPlegua, Making Monsters takes the band beyond the aggressive techno and electro rhythms and propels them into much more primal and raw territory. "It's beyond my personal demons, and extremely honest," says LaPlegua.

Making Monsters will be released via Metropolis Records physically on September 28, 2010 (digital release is slated for August 31, 2010). The live incarnation is comprised of LaPlegua, longtime live drummer Joe Letz (Amen, Genitorturers, Emigrate), keyboardist Z_Marr (Hell Trash), and Trevor Friedrich (Eighteen Visions, Imperative Reaction).

combichrist.com
facebook.com/combichrist
twitter.com/combichristarmy
myspace.com/combichrist
vampirefreaks.com/combichrist

Montana Master Chefs Sept. 30-Oct. 3

It’s almost time to “pack your knives and go” to the annual Montana Master Chefs event September 30–October 3, 2010! C

ooked up at The Resort at Paws Up, a luxury wilderness resort in Montana, this three-day foodie filled weekend has guests eating and drinking with a menu of renowned chefs and world-class vitners from around the world. This year’s roster includes former Bravo TV “Top Chef” competitors Mark Peel, Dave Levitski and Lee Anne Wong, Brian Bistrong of the acclaimed NYC-based Braeburn Restaurant and of course The Resort at Paws Up’s very own Wes Coffel who oversees the resort’s five-star restaurant, Pomp.

By day, the chefs and vintners will participate in the exhilarating outdoor adventures alongside the guests (think horseback riding, fly-fishing, clay shooting and more).

By night, the chefs will prepare a tasting dinner menu complete with wine pairing provided by three world-class winemakers (Trefethen Family Vineyards, Grgich Hills Estate and Merry Edwards Winery–2010 James Beard Foundation Awards Nominee).

After a day full of food, wine, and wilderness, a luxurious private home – complete with 300-thread-count sheets and hot tubs – will await.

For more information please visit www.montanamasterchefs.com.

The Posies to tour

The Posies announce their U.S. Fall 2010 tour with co-headliner Brendan Benson and opening act Aqueduct, in support of their upcoming album BLOOD/CANDY on Ryko. Kicking off in Milwaukee on November 5th and wrapping up in their hometown of Seattle on December 11th, the tour spans over 20 major U.S. cities and immediately follows their European tour which begins September 28, the same day BLOOD/CANDY will be available nationwide.

The Posies’ founders, Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow, will also join Brendan Benson’s set contributing bass, guitar, keyboards and backing vocals. Both Jon and Ken have a remarkable knack for interchanging their musical roles and are active members with other bands. They have lent their production and musical contributions to a myriad of artists including R.E.M., Snow Patrol, Big Star, the Minus 5, Bob Mould, Neil Young, the Disciplines, John Wesley Harding and William Shatner.

Prior to their full-fledged international tour, The Posies will perform the first live set of BLOOD/CANDY at their official album release show in New York City. Once fans were notified about the event, all the seats were sold within two hours. The sold-out show will be held at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn on September 23rd.

BLOOD/CANDY is the band’s first album in five years and a testament to the band’s evolving sound, boasting melodic hooks, provocative lyrics and intricate layers of instrumentation that blend far-out, spacey sounds with sophisticated hues. Spin.com calls BLOOD/CANDY a “nuanced, playful romp” with an “adventurous attitude,” and The Huffington Post states “depending on how you want to hear it, it’s a brilliant return to form or a daring move forward.” The band produced most of the album and teamed up with artists from Broken Social Scene, The Stranglers and Letters To Cleo for a variety of guest collaborations.

Tour schedule is posted below and was exclusively announced on Brooklyn Vegan. More dates will be announced shortly, please visit www.theposies.net and www.myspace.com/theposies for most up-to-date schedule.


THE POSIES TOUR DATES

Blood/Candy NYC Album Release Show
Sept. 23 Thu @ Rock Shop, Brooklyn, NY

2010 European Tour Dates
Sept. 28 @ Sala Stereo, Murcia, Spain
Sept. 30 @ Heineken, Madrid, Spain
Oct. 1 @ Wah Wah, Valencia, Spain
Oct. 2 @ Fun Festival, Sant Vincenç dels Horts ES 1, SPAIN
Oct. 4 @ Divan du Monde, Paris, France
Oct. 5 @ Garage, London, UK
Oct. 6 @ Trix, Antwerp, Belgium
Oct. 7 @ Botanique Orangerie, Brussels, Belgium
Oct. 8 @ Kazerne Fonck, Liege, Belgium
Oct. 9 @ Melkweg Sugar Factory, Amsterdam, Holland
Oct. 10 @ Vera, Groningen, Holland
Oct. 12 @ Tivoli de Helling, Utrecht, Holland
Oct. 13 @ Gleis 22, Munster, Germany
Oct. 14 @ Comet Club, Berlin, Germany
Oct. 15 @ Silber Club, Hamburg, Germany
Oct. 17 @ Inkonst, Malmo, Sweden
Oct. 19 @ Debaser Slussen, Stockholm, Sweden
Oct. 20 @ Sticky Fingers, Gothenburg, Sweden
Oct. 21 @ John Dee, Oslo, Norway
Oct. 22 @ Kvarteret, Bergen, Norway
Oct. 23 @ Blaest, Trondheim, Norway
Oct. 25 @ Tavastia, Helsinki, Finland
Oct. 26 @ Klubi, Turku, Finland

2010 U.S. Tour Dates w/ Brendan Benson
Nov. 5 Fri. @ Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI
Nov. 6 Sat. @ Bottom Lounge, Chicago, IL
Nov. 7, Sun @ Southgate House, Newport, KY
Nov. 9 Tues. @ The Majestic Theatre, Detroit, MI
Nov. 10 Wed.@ Outland Live, Columbus, OH
Nov. 11 Thu. @ Mr. Small's Theatre, Millvale, PA
Nov. 12 Fri. @ Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY
Nov. 13 Sat. @ The Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
Nov. 14 Sun. @ The Trocadero Theater, Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 16 Tues. @ Royale, Boston, MA
Nov. 17 Wed. @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
Nov. 18 Thu. @ Cat's Cradle, Carrboro, NC
Nov. 19 Fri. @ Exit/In, Nashville, TN
Nov. 20 Sat @ The Loft, Atlanta, GA
Nov. 21 Sun. @ Minglewood Hall, Memphis, TN
Nov. 24 Wed. @ Granada Theater, Dallas, TX (No Brendan Benson)
Nov. 26 Fri. @ La Zona Rosa, Austin, TX
Nov. 27 Sat. @ The Argentum, Houston, TX
Dec. 1 Wed. @ Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO
Dec. 3 Fri. @ Club Nokia @ LA Live, Los Angeles, CA
Dec. 5 Sun. @ The Independent, San Francisco, CA
Dec. 8 Wed. @ Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR
Dec. 11 Sat. @ Showbox at the Market, Seattle, WA

The Opera Buffs present Charles Castronovo in L.A. Sept. 25

Today, tenor Charles Castronovo is one of the most renowned singers of his generation, performing around the world at such august venues as the New York Metropolitan Opera, Opera National de Paris, Staatsoper Berlin, and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. But here in Los Angeles, one group of opera aficionados recognized Castronovo’s artistry long before all the others: the Opera Buffs, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting emerging singers.

Fifteen years later, Castronovo will once again perform for the Opera Buffs, when he presents “Charles Castronovo’s Italian Songbook” on Saturday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Colburn School’s Zipper Hall in Los Angeles. All proceeds raised by the event, which is open to the public, will benefit the roster of deserving young singers nurtured and mentored by the group.

“There are so few organizations like the Opera Buffs, that help a young singer to focus on their development and art,” says Castronovo, who appeared as a Resident Artist with LA Opera and will return to Los Angeles for the company’s World Premiere of Daniel Catán’s Il Postino, opening September 23. “To have had this support so early in my career has been a great help. Now, to have the chance to give a little back by singing this concert of beautiful Italian songs is almost like receiving a second gift from the Buffs!”

“The Opera Buffs provides funding and performance opportunities for young artists in Southern California,” adds David Alan Gibb, President of the Opera Buffs, Inc. “The younger the singer, the more difficult it is to identify career potential. But there was no question about the capabilities of the young Charles Castronovo! He has more than fulfilled all early expectation. We’re delighted that he has generously offered to sing for us and that music lovers throughout our community will be able to experience his artistry, at this stage of his career, in such an intimate setting.”

Those who attend “Charles Castronovo’s Italian Songbook” will hear the tenor perform his favorite Neapolitan, Sicilian and other Italian songs, as well as arias from his extensive repertoire. “Charles grew up with many of these songs,” says Gibb. “He heard them sung at home by his father. This, of course, will make the evening even more special and meaningful.”

By no means, however is Castronovo, who performed at Opera Buffs’ Showcase concerts in 1995 and 1996, the only acclaimed singer to have been mentored by the organization. Since 1983, hundreds of artists – including Brian Asawa, Richard Bernstein, Michelle DeYoung, Greg Fedderly, Sandra Radvanovsky and Deborah Voight – have benefited in the early stages of their careers from the Buffs’ financial and moral support.

“The Opera Buffs provides funding for career-related expenses based on current talent and career potential,” explains Gibb. “We play a very unique and invaluable role in the opera community -- fulfilling a niche generally not served by opera companies, competitions and music schools.”

As Castronovo experienced, the organization also provides young singers with the opportunity to gain paid performance experience. The Opera Buffs’ Fall Showcase –“Rivalry, Romance and Revenge” – will take place on Sunday, October 31, at 2:30 p.m. at Thayer Hall at the Colburn School in Los Angeles.

The Honorary Committee for the “Charles Castronovo’s Italian Songbook” gala includes tenor Placido Domingo, soprano Marilyn Horne, and soprano Martina Arroyo, winner of the National Endowment for the Arts’ 2010 Opera Honors Award.

Tickets for the event are $100/person. To order, call 818.248.3391 or email barbaramrkl@yahoo.com. For more information about the Opera Buffs, visit its website, www.operabuffs.org. The Colburn School is located at 200 South Grand Avenue in Los Angeles.

The Opera Buffs, Inc. believes that, of all musical instruments, the human voice is the most sublime and that helping the exceptionally talented artist reach the operatic stage is a mission worthy of its utmost effort and full dedication.

iZotope and Hed Kandi release iDrum app

iZotope together with lifestyle and party connoisseurs Hed Kandi have collaborated for the release of iDrum: Hed Kandi Ibiza Mix 2010, a new music creation app for the iPhone and iPod touch.

With this new app release, users can recreate the party atmosphere of Hed Kandi's roadblock Ibiza events in the palm of their hands, experimenting with over 300 new samples and beats, and 20 new drum kits created by the Hed Kandi. The beats can be customized, mixed and matched to create the user's own unique tracks, which can then be shared with friends via Twitter, Facebook and email.

iDrum's simple interface lets even novice users build beats layer by layer by tapping the touch screen, while simple shapes and color combinations enable users to visualize the rhythm.

Key Features include:
• Over 300 new professionally produced samples and beats from Hed Kandi
• 20 new unique drum and synth kits with dozens of pre-made patterns
• Recording mode, which allows users to create their own samples by tapping the screen
• Facebook, Twitter and email sharing abilities
• Customizable patterns to create unique beats
• The fun and simple way to make music on an iPhone or iPod touch

Alex Westner, Business Development Manager at iZotope, said: "We're very excited to work with Hed Kandi. Their passion for impeccable sound and their devotion to dance music energizes the app, Hed Kandi Ibiza Mix 2010 takes the party to another level."

Tom Bulwer, Head of Mobile at Hed Kandi added: "We pride ourselves on being on the cutting edge, not just with our sound, but also regarding how we relate to our fans. Partnering with iZotope on the development of this new app not only enables fans to get closer to our music, it also lets them get closer to our creative process, which is incredibly powerful. It's the perfect complement to our worldwide events and CD release, and puts us in good company with other pioneers in the music industry like Ministry Of Sound, Underworld and Depeche Mode."

Pricing and Availability:
iDrum: Hed Kandi Ibiza Mix 2010 is available for $0.99 at the Apple App Store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/idrum-hed-kandi-the-mix-ibiza/id385634322?mt=8.

Eric Johnson, Andy McKee and Peppino D'Agosto to tour

Three of the most popular, talented, innovative and musically rich guitar players and composers in contemporary music will bring their acoustic guitars together to perform and interact on stages across America this October and January 2011 when Eric Johnson, Andy McKee and Peppino D’Agostino meet on the Guitar Masters tour.

The 21-date two-leg run of theaters, colleges and clubs will feature individual sets by each capped with a finale where all three interplay and collaborate for the first time together to offer an engaging and enlightening aural feast of acoustic six-string mastery and melodic brilliance.

The trek is sure to be an unforgettable musical experience for concertgoers that unites guitar virtuosos not just known for their awesome skills and technique but a mutual gift for song composition and melody and drawing out the full musicality of the solo acoustic guitar to near-orchestral dimensions. Creative sparks, one-time only stunning improvisations and mutual inspiration are sure to abound as they come together at the end of every show to offer a value-added concert bill that appeals to fans of many musical styles as well as guitar aficionados.

Grammy-winner Johnson is one of the most respected and renowned guitarists playing today, celebrated for his electric six-string playing and songwriting gifts, but also his acoustic talents that have graced his albums and which he has showcased on a number of previous solo tours. He is enshrined in Guitar Player’s Gallery of Greats and was named one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century by Musician magazine, took three instrumental songs from his 1990 platinum album Ah Via Musicom into the pop Top 10, and boasts a total of five Grammy nominations.

“He's an extraordinary guitar player accessible to ordinary music fans,” raves the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Andy McKee is an Internet phenomenon whose solo acoustic six-string performance videos and compositional flair have racked up an astounding 78 million-plus plays on YouTube, where he has also held the three Top-Rated Videos of All Time. His creative and innovative use of altered tunings, syncopated rhythm guitar taps, partial capos, and his textural use of polyphonic tones and drones won him Acoustic Guitar magazine’s worldwide Silver Medal award for fingerstyle playing in 2008. With six strong-selling and critically-lauded independent albums to his credit, McKee is a popular and engaging live music attraction who plays some 200 shows a year internationally.

As the Lawrence Journal observes, McKee has “forged a distinctive style that proves eye-opening and ear-opening to many."

Native Italian Peppino D’Agostino “plays steel-string guitar with virtuosity and complexity… Influences as far-flung as the flamenco work of Paco de Lucia and the pop sensibilities of the Beatles, evident in the songs he’s written, which brim with memorable melodies,” raves the Chicago Tribune. Now residing in the San Francisco Bay area, he was voted Best Acoustic Guitarist in Guitar Player’s 2007 Readers Poll and won Acoustic Guitar’s Players Choice Award the following year for Best Acoustic Album Of All Time. He has nine previous U.S. CD releases, including collaborations with electric rock guitar star Stef Burns and classical guitar expert David Tanenbaum, and also adds his steel string playing to eight nylon-string savants in the United Guitar Ensemble. The San Diego Reader hails D’Agostino as “a giant of the acoustic guitar.”

The tour will be the first time that McKee has met Johnson, whose hit “Cliffs of Dover” inspired him to play guitar.

“He’s really musical.” McKee observes. “It’s like hearing a song but rather than having a vocalist he covers the melody and all the bases at once with his guitar. I still listen to his music all the time and even make references to it in my playing.”D’Agostino has opened shows for Johnson and notes, “When he plays he really puts his special knowledge in it.”

He is also an admirer of McKee’s talent. “What he does with techniques like tapping and his compositions is fabulous. He’s an amazing player.”

“Andy is a great player who puts it all these guitar technique into songs he writes and plays that make them quite interesting. But it’s still all about the song,” Johnson observes of McKee. “Peppino is a really emotional and very soulful player. And he comes from a little bit different background than Andy and I do, so it’s really nice combination for all of us to come from our different sources and mix it all together."

The tour will coincide with the release of Johnson’s new album, Up Close, on his own Vortexan label via EMI. McKee issued his latest recording, the CD/DVD package Joyland, on Razor & Tie Records in March. And D’Agostino’s latest album, Nine White Kites, comes out on his own label August 24.

Guitar Masters tour itinerary:
Oct 1 Milwaukee, WI Northern Lights Theater
Oct 2 Indianapolis, IN Clowes Memorial Hall
Oct 3 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark
Oct 6 Salina, KS Stiefel Theatre
Oct 7 Iowa City, IA Englert Theatre
Oct 8 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre
Oct 9 Rochester, MN Mayo Civic Center
Oct 10 Evanston, IL Space
Oct 13 Phoenixville, PA Colonial Theatre
Oct 14 Lebanon, NH Lebanon Opera House
Oct 15 Bethesda, MD Music Center at Strathmore
Oct 16 Westhampton Beach, NY Performing Arts Center
Oct 17 Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse
Jan 14 San Luis Obispo, CA Spano Theatre
Jan 15 Mission Viejo, CA Norman P. Murray Center
Jan 16 San Rafael, CA Marin Center
Jan 17 Visalia, CA Fox Theatre
Jan 19 Arcata, CA Van Duzer Theater
Jan 20 Chico, CA Laxson Auditorium
Jan 21 Napa, CA Opera House

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT:
http://www.ericjohnson.com/media/acoustic/