Friday, March 29, 2013

End o' week musings

It's been a tough week - I've even had some major computer problems, so no photos today, sorry... Still it wasn't all bad.


Saturday I went to see Janis Ian at Caltech in Pasadena. It gave me chills to see and hear one of music's true legends so up-close. She was amazing. Ian still has a voice that is sweet as honey, yet cuts to the core of emotion. I was quite impressed by her expertise on the guitar. I had never heard her really play other than to back her singing, but wow, she is even  better than I imagined. If you weren't at the show you missed out big time.


Otherwise my weekend was filled with Renaissance Faire rehearsal and fun things, like laundry. We have our dress rehearsal for Faire tomorrow. It's a run through for the big day- April 6, when we fling open the ship's door (our entryway is a ship, yes, weird on land, but just go with it) and welcome the crowds to our port town.


Last night I went to the Vans Warped Tour Pre-Party at Club Nokia. I got to interview Stephan Jacobs, New Beat Fund and Charlotte Something and then stay for the show. I saw performances by Echosmith, Brian Marquis, New Beat Fund, Charlotte Something, MC Lars, Juliet Simms. Big Chocolate and more. I'm getting in the mood VWT now.


Otherwise it was an art week, as in I interviewed Sierra Madre artist Richard Jackson about his work and Bridge Bray about the new exhibit she's curated for Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena.


I want to remind anyone thinking about auditioning for Pasadena Doo Dah Parade Queen or in serach of some fun, the try-outs are Sunday, April 7. For more information and to sign up in advance to audition, scroll down my blog or visit www.pasadenadoodahparade.info.

In rotation this week: Janis Ian, Owl City, Deleyaman and Adrenaline Mob.

Thought o' the week: Let go. Sometimes we all reach a point where there's just too much pressure and we need to let it out somehow. That's me today. I have had too many problems this week and lots of things stacking up on me that need to be done, but I don't have the time or the funds.

I'm taking tonight off... sort of... I do have a few odd and end things I absolutely must do, but once those are done, I'm going to be quiet. Maybe I'll soak in a nice bubblebath with a glass of wine. Maybe I'll just read. Maybe I'll paint my toenails. Whatever it is, it's going to be something just for me. I want to feel that stress rolling away.... and it will. And tomorrow I'm going to dance, dance, dance and dance some more.

Keep on rockin'
Mickie

Deathdealer offers 'Pre-Order Pak'

DEATHDEALER OFFER FANS KILLER 'WAR MASTER' PRE-ORDER PAK


"Classic power metal with the brutal edge of thrash, speed, and precision." A fitting description from guitarist Ross the Boss about his new project, DeathDealer. Comprised of Ross, as well as vocalist Sean Peck (Cage), guitarist Stu Marshall (producer and guitarist for such voices as Udo Dirkschneider and Steve Grimmett), bassist Mike Davis (Rob Halford, Lizzy Borden), and drummer Rhino (Manowar), DeathDealer will be dropping their debut full-length, 'War Master,' some time this summer.
The cover artwork was generated by Marc Sasso who has done previous work for Dio, Halford, and Adrenaline Mob, among others.  Close ups of this highly detailed piece can be viewed at www.marcsasso.com.

But for collectors that want to add a truly unique and special piece to their collection, the "Death Dealer Ultimate Warrior Pre-Order Pak" is the way to go. The pak will only be made available through the official Death Dealer website - http://www.deathdealer.co/site/store.htm - and will not be sold to distributors. For only 35 bucks, you will receive the following:

LINER NOTE SKETCH ART BOOKLET, WITH ADDITIONAL SKETCH ART FROM MARC SASSO [WHO HAS PREVIOUSLY WORKED WITH DIO AND HALFORD], DETAILING THE GENESIS OF THE COVER ART AND CHARACTERS. ALSO INCLUDED ARE LINER NOTES FROM EACH OF THE BAND MEMBERS WITH INSIDER NOTES AND COMMENTS ABOUT THE BAND AND SONGS, AND THE COVER CONCEPT SKETCH.

DEATH DEALER STICKER PAK, INCLUDING THE BAND'S LOGO, SYMBOL, AND A HI-GLOSS COVER ART DECAL.

DEATH DEALER PATCH - YELLOW ON BLACK FOR YOUR JACKET, VEST, OR HAT.

GUITAR PICK SET - THREE FULL COLOR GUITAR PICKS OF ROSS THE BOSS, STU MARSHALL, AND MIKE DAVIS.

PERSONALIZED HAND SIGNED BAND POSTER - MADE OUT TO YOU IN YOUR NAME, SIGNED BY ROSS THE BOSS, RHINO, MIKE DAVIS, STU MARSHALL, AND SEAN PECK.

FULL COLOR MINI POSTER OF THE COVER ART.

Additionally, the first 250 orders will receive a Death Dealer VIP full color tour laminate, so the band can easily identify the early adopters - the first of the faithful - so when the band sees you at one of their shows, you shall be treated accordingly! And as Sean explains, the pre-order pak will include some true one-of-a-kind items. "The idea for the cover was to create an image that portrayed power, venom, justice, and something iconic. Marc Sasso was nice enough to include other samples of the 'War Master' character in various poses and some other pieces of his magic for us to enjoy, so we included them in this sketch book and liner notes package."

Stu - "The album 'War Master' really represents a true power and return to the days of bands being able to play live what goes on the album. Apart from being the best album I have ever been involved with, I am working with some of the most talented guys on the planet. I remember the excitement of the new metal album coming out, I think some of those days had gone over the last 10 years in the industry and now it's time to bring it back."
Sean - "Making this album with this incredible line-up of guys was just a freaking great time! I cannot wait for everyone to hear it. This album really has it all in my opinion, soon to be metal classic songs that are heavy, hook-laden, and packed full of lots of guitar, drum, and vocal fireworks. When you look at who is in the band, I think the metalheads out there will be thrilled to know that without any hesitation I can assure them that the album sounds as badass as they would hope and expect it to be."

Mike - "Since I've been in both Halford and Dramarama for the past ten years and having put 100% into both bands, I'm extremely excited and looking forward to working with some new, very talented musicians who share the same passion for music, and 'War Master' more than stands on it's own as a vicious greeting to the metal world."

Rhino - "I am very excited about being in this band and getting this first album out.  I really feel at home with this line-up. All the guys really formed a bond as we put the band and album together. Recording and writing with Ross and the guys really flowed naturally and the results are amazing. I am really proud of everything about this record and it reminds me of the glory days of heavy metal. We all love metal and metal is or lives, and because of that, I know the diehards are going to freak out when they hear this record."

Ross - "It's been a long time since a CD like 'War Master' has come around. This is a great CD but only the tip of the iceberg for DeathDealer."

DEATHDEALER - 'WAR MASTER' TRACK LISTING

1. DEATH DEALER
2. NEVER TO KNEEL
3. WAR MASTER
4. CHILDREN OF FLAMES
5. LIBERTY OR DEATH
6. HAMMER DOWN
7. DEVIL'S MILE
8. CURSE OF THE HERETIC
9. HEADS SPIKES WALLS
10. WRAITHS ON THE WIND

JAPANESE BONUS TRACKS

11. JUDGE JURY AND EXECUTIONER
12. TRIUMPH AND VICTORY


FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
Deathdealer.co

Dio Disciples raise money for cancer fund on cruise

DIO DISCIPLES ROCK 'MONSTERS OF ROCK CRUISE,' RAISE MONEY FOR THE RONNIE JAMES DIO STAND UP AND SHOUT CANCER FUND


The lucky fans that were able to attend this year's Monsters of Rock Cruise (which ran from March 16-20, and set sail from Ft. Lauderdale, before taking in such gorgeous tropical locales as Nassau and CocoCay), witnessed performances by countless renowned metal acts - including Cinderella, Tesla, Saxon, Lita Ford, etc. But certainly one of the top standouts of the cruise was Dio Disciples, comprised of members Mark Boals – vocals, Craig Goldy – guitar, Scott Warren – keyboards, Simon Wright – drums, Bjorn Englen – bass, and Oni Logan – vocals.

As Wendy Dio explains, "We want to thank Larry Morand, Mike London, Harlan Hendrickson, Joe Wright, Billy Deavers and all the staff and WONDERFUL fans on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise! Dio Disciples put on an AMAZING SHOW!"

In addition to a great set by the band, the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund raised over $16,500 for cancer research, education and to help find a cure! Some of the events that raised funds for the charity on the ship were a live auction that featured a signed Tony Iommi Gibson Guitar, ESP Guitar, Schecter Guitar, Dio Memorabilia, Memorial T-Shirts and Wristbands and a Ronnie James Dio Photo Book! Rock Star Bingo was a huge success that featured members of Dio Disciples, Stryper, Y&T, Cinderella and Eddie Trunk calling Bingo Numbers! 100% of the proceeds raised from these events go directly to the charity.

Be sure to keep an eye out for when the next Monsters of Rock Cruise will set sail - this year's voyage was a blast!


FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

diocancerfund.org

facebook.com/DioDisciples

ronniejamesdio.com

facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio

Open mic at Folk Music Center canceled on Easter

The Folk Music Center will be closed this Sunday and there will be no open mic. Open mic will return on Sunday, April 28th.



Tickets for the Claremont Folk Music Festival are on sale and can be purchased at the store with cash.  Only= $25.

 

Tickets for DUSTBOWL REVIVAL W/ THE WILD REEDS 4/20/13 are on sale now= $10
 


http://folkmusiccenter.com/folk-festival/

*call (909)624-2928 for tickets & info...

FOLK MUSIC CENTER 220 YALE AVE. CLAREMONT, CA. 91711

Fret House Covina shows April-June

Upcoming Shows at The Fret House - March 28th - June 29th 2013

Fri. April 12th      Richard Smith & Julie Adams  "Fingerstyle Guitar and Cello"  http://www.richardsmithmusic.com/

Sat. April 13th   Brittni Paiva  "Award winning Ukulele"  Workshop Sunday  http://www.brittnipaiva.com/home.cfm

Sat. April 20th      Sligo Rags  "Trad and Contemp Irish and Celtic"  http://www.sligorags.com/home.cfm

Sat. April 27th      Bernie Pearl "Acoustic Blues Master" Workshop too Sun Ap 28th  http://www.berniepearl.com/

Sat. May 11th      Brian Bowers  "Autoharp Master"   http://www.bryanbowers.com/

Thurs. June 13th Thom Bresh "Travis Style Master"  http://www.bresh.com/

Sat. June 29th   Doug MacLeod  "Blues Master"    http://www.doug-macleod.com/


all shows $15.00 unless otherwise noted
showtime 8pm

The Fret House
309 N Citrus
Covina 91723
626/339-7020
frethouse@earthlink.net
www.frethouse.com

Krazy Race in LA April 5



KRAZY RACE NEW VIDEO / MINI-MOVIE SNEAK PEEK

"YOU NEVER KNOW"
OFF "THE INTERNATIONAL PROJECT"
PRODUCED BY WEIRDO FROM ITALY

SNEAK PEEK

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SNEAK PEEK IN HD!






UPCOMING SHOWS!!!




UPCOMING SHOW





KRAZY RACE