Monday, March 1, 2010

Author Debbie Macomber lauches Knit1, Bless2 charity initiative

#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber is reaching out to readers to encourage their participation in KNIT1, BLESS2, a Mother’s Day initiative benefitting three national charities that provide handmade garments and blankets to infants and children in need.

The popular and prolific author, an admitted knit-o-holic, is asking her readers to send in one hand-knitted or crocheted item that can be donated to Newborns in Need, Project Linus or The Binky Patrol to commemorate the holiday.

“Mother’s Day is a very special time for me. I’m usually on tour in May, as I will be this year when my new Blossom Street novel, HANNAH’S LIST, is released. But I always make it a point to be home on that special Sunday to celebrate with my children and grandchildren and honor the memory of my own mother,” says Debbie. “This year, I thought about the babies born into this world who may not have all of the advantages that my own children and I enjoyed. I wanted to find a way to help -- and knitting for charity has always been one of my passions. It seemed like a natural: I could encourage my many readers who knit or crochet to mark Mother’s Day by making one special project. “

KNIT1, BLESS2 was created as a focus for the effort. Readers can go online at www.knit1bless2.com or www.debbiemacomber.com to register and join the effort.

Once they’ve chosen their project from the list of recommended items for each charity and signed up, they will find links to each charity to download patterns. All reader items will be donated as part of our KNIT1, BLESS2 effort by sending their completed projects to: Debbie Macomber, c/o Truth Be Told, 183 Madison Avenue, Suite 1201, New York, NY 10016. Items can be submitted up until May 31, 2010.

The Project Linus Mission

Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter all work together to help us achieve our mission statement, which states: First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children. Together we have distributed over three million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995. Project Linus welcomes blankets of all styles, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Blankets must be new, handmade and washable. Website: www.projectlinus.org

Newborns in Need

Newborns In Need provides basic essentials to hospitals and social service agencies that provide assistance to premature, ill or impoverished newborns. By dedicating their time, talents and love, NIN volunteers are able to give a warm welcome to at-risk newborns in their own local communities. They utilize their sewing, crocheting or knitting skills to create much-needed items. They invite beginners to join in and enlist their help year-round in collecting donations and supplies to support their local chapters. Clothing, diapers, blankets, hats and many other basic items are donated to the little ones.

Anyone who sews, knits, crochets or quilts, can visit www.newbornsinneed.org for more information. The organization is a 501(c)(3) charity, providing tax deductible receipts when requested.

Binky Patrol

This 100% volunteer organization has a simple mission: to make and delivery handmade blankets to children and teens in need of comfort. These are children who are ill, abused, experiencing trauma of any kind. They all deserve to know that they are not forgotten and that someone cares. All types of binkies are welcomed: sewn, knitted, crocheted, tied, quilted, embroidered - as long as they are soft, washable and made with love! For tips on how to make our most popular ones, please visit our website for ideas: www.binkypatrol.org

Helpful links are: Quick links to make a sewn, easy, strip pieced quilt - http://binkypatrol.org/article.cfm?id=439

A great way to involve children is to let them make a no-sew, fleece blanket - http://binkypatrol.org/article.cfm?id=267

“I hope all of the friends I’ve made over the years through my books and my love of knitting will join with me to help,” Debbie continues. “Combining our passion for needlework with the joy of giving just seems like a wonderful way to celebrate Mother’s Day.”

Meet singer/songwriter Tom Glynn

http://tomglynn.com
http://myspace.com/tomglynn

You probably don’t know it, but you’ve almost certainly heard Tom Glynn’s deep, resonant and melodic voice. You may even hear it several times a day.

Why? Because this talented singer-songwriter from Boston, when not composing beautiful, soulful songs on his baritone acoustic, is also the voice on the other end of the phone at Apple, United Airlines, Bank of America and CVS. Paying the bills as a voice actor has even led Tom to provide the voice on your Kindle.

But whether or not you recognize him, you haven't heard Tom like this before. On his first acoustic offering “Blue You’ll Do”, Tom displays a gift for songwriting and performing that has seen him hailed as a future star of the American folk and singer-songwriter scene.

He has already picked up an award from the first annual John Lennon Songwriting Contest and was nominated at the Boston Music Awards for Outstanding Songwriter. Not bad for starters! But then Tom has been making great music for two decades, whether solo or in one of the bands he’s played in since high school.

And after finding success with his power pop trio Big Dig, he has turned his hand to the acoustic side of his art. One listen to the 12 perfectly-formed original slices of folk-pop perfection on this album, and you will begin to see why Tom has been getting such great press.

The use of the baritone acoustic – a hybrid of the guitar and bass – gives the record a uniquely beautiful, resonant sound. Add in the accomplished vocals and great, simple, heartfelt lyricism that Tom has honed over the years, and you’ll find a record that could become an instant classic.

It’s a record that will appeal to young and old alike, to those who love warm, complex melodies and those who appreciate the lyrical art of a songwriter "at the very top of his game," as Steve Morse of The Boston Globe describes him. Pure and simple, this is one for music lovers.

And as if to confirm that this musician is something out of the ordinary, he’s even releasing it with a ‘pay what you want' option on his website www.tomglynn.com. You cannot get much fairer than that!

R.A.G.E. gallery event March 27




Event: R.A.G.E. Gallery Show with Live Art & DJs, 21+


When: Saturday, March 27th - 7pm-2am


Where: California Institute of Abnormalities


11334 Burbank Blvd, NoHo, 91601


Cover: $20/presale, $30/door




BEST PART--- It's an OPEN BAR, which the cover charge more than pays for itself if you get a few drinks! With a variety of shots, energy drinks, & mixed drinks to choose from, who can say no?




Purchase Presale tickets here: http://rage.eventbrite.com/


American Girl Fashion Show to benefit Childrens Hospital

The Flintridge Guild of Childrens Hospital presents the American Girl Fashion Show, an exciting, fun-filled event for girls, their families, friends and favorite dolls. The performances will take place on March 19, 20, and 21 at Brookside Country Club, 1133 N. Rosemont, Pasadena, CA 91103.

Fifty-three local girls and dolls will model historic and contemporary American Girl fashions at seven shows. Treat your family to a delicious dinner on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. ($45), or tea sandwiches, fruit and desserts on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. ($40).

Opportunities abound to win fabulous prizes: American Girl dolls, clothing, accessories and furniture. New this year at each show, enter a silent auction to win the American Girl doll, Kirsten. She is archived now and no longer available for sale at American Girl Stores. The Star Model raffle returns. The winner at each show gets Lanie, the 2010 Girl of the Year, an opportunity to model on the runway with her new doll, a backstage tour and picture with the models.

Fashion Show Chair, Savonia Angelica, says, “This year’s theme, Friendship Garden, is woven around Lanie. She is energetic, adventurous and full of dreams. Our American Girl Fashion scene will be set for fun as we celebrate the joy of friendships and the wonderful world that can be discovered in our own backyards.” Together, “we have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the children served by Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.”

In addition to party favors, door, raffle and silent auction prizes, a beauty salon offers girls and their dolls a chance to get identical or different hair styles. A boutique features gifts for girls and their dolls. Bronson Photography will be on site for photographs.

For reservations please visit the guild’s
Website: www.flintridgeguildchildrenshospital.org
or call 818- 952-7978.
Seating is limited.

All proceeds benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

Elliott Caine Quartet at The York Sunday

The Elliott Caine Quartet
(EC-trumpet, Scott Oakley-piano, Tim Emmons-bass, Kenny Elliott-drums)
performs at
The York Bar & Restaurant, 5018 York Blvd., LA 90042
(Highland Park),
on Sunday, March 7,
for 2 sets, from 8 - 10:30pm.
For more information, please phone 323-255-9675.

www.myspace.com/elliottcaine
www.elliottcaine.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0FUn-HRU7I

Denali Quartet in Manhattan Beach March 20

Denali Quartet
Sarah Thornblade, violin; Joel Pargman, violin; Alma Lisa Fernandez, viola; Timothy Loo, cello

When Saturday, March 20, 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

Second Sundays at Two concert in Rolling Hills Estates March 14

"Second Sundays At Two" concert series presents
Megan Gillespie, mezzo soprano
Rose Chen, piano

When Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.

Where Rolling Hills United Methodist Church
26438 Crenshaw Blvd.
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(NE corner of Crenshaw & PV Drive North)

Admission Free, donations appreciated

www.RHUMC.org/Music.asp

Disco Curtis signs with MySpace/Interscope and to play Bamboozle

Disco Curtis was most recently signed to MySpace/Interscope Records and debuted their music video for “Ashley” on MySpace racking in over 44,000 plays its first week. Today, the band currently performs songs off their debut EP “Play With Fire Get Burned” which is available now via itunes. Over the summer months, the band is prepping for their appearance on the second half of the annual Vans Warped Tour, with dates slated for July 20th through August 15th.

Having previously toured with Boys Like Girls, Forever The Sickest Kids and more, the band cannot wait to get back on the road.

Disco Curtis’ (Tanner Howe (Vocals/Songwriter), Garrett Perales (Guitar), Brendan Barone (Bass), AJ Novak (Drums) unquestionable ambition to make music a reality is pure. Plucking from their influences (Say Anything, Dashboard Confessional, All-American Rejects, Blink-182) with the skilled craftsmanship of their musical upbringing, Disco Curtis’ genre-blending rock sound is undeniably fresh -- chock full of Howe’s savory and honest lyrics about love and self-introspection, which come alive on tracks like the propulsive “Incendiary Devices” and “Surprise Me.”

Novak’s full-throttle delivery, and Perales’ barreling riffage on “Breaking Hearts” is tightly woven, but it’s the crush-worthy anthem “Ashley” that showcases Disco Curtis’ on the spot likeability.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
MAR 12 2010 6:00P THE UNITY LODGE W/ BREATHE ELECTRIC KENOSHA, WISCONSIN
MAR 13 2010 6:30P THE X W/ BREATHE ELECTRIC DANVILLE, INDIANA
MAR 14 2010 6:00P FUBAR W/ BREATHE ELECTRIC ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
MAR 16 2010 6:00P THE HANGER W/ BREATHE ELECTRIC AND BORN OF OSIRIS (GOOD VS. EVIL SHOW) WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS
MAR 17 2010 6:00P THE TREE W/ BREATHE ELECTRIC CLAREMORE, OKLAHOMA
MAR 18 2010 6:00P MCSALTY’S VENUE W/ BREATHE ELECTRIC AND PARTY LIKE SUMMER OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
MAR 19 2010 6:00P THE WAREHOUSE W/ BREATHE ELECTRIC MANSFIELD, TEXAS
MAR 20 2010 7:00P BRAZO’S HALL W/ BREATHE ELECTRIC GRANBURY, TEXAS
MAR 21 2010 6:00P LIVE @ MOKAH DALLAS, TEXAS
MAR 26 2010 7:00P THE CROSSING W/ JEFFREE STAR AND MORE PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
MAR 27 2010 12:00P BAMBOOZLE @ ANGEL STADIUM ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA
MAR 28 2010 6:00P THE FARM W/ JEFFREE STAR AND MORE LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Black Water Rising signs with Giddy Up! Records

Hard rockers BLACK WATER RISING are proud to announce that they have signed a deal with new label Giddy Up! Records. Their self-titled album is available now on i-Tunes and will be in stores on Tuesday March 2nd.

BWR'S debut album has independently sold over 1000 copies and they have over 4000 downloads of their single on i-Tunes. The album artwork was designed by "Mister Sam" aka Sam Shearon, the renowned artist from England who has done work for Rob Zombie, Godhead and ESP guitars.

Giddy Up! Records is a brand new label with distribution through Sony/RED.

Head of the label Steve Seabury had the following to say about BLACK WATER RISING being the first band signed to Giddy Up! "I am super stoked to have BLACK WATER RISING be the first band on Giddy Up! I have worked at various labels for the past 15 years and I knew it was time to start my own. These guys rock, it's that simple. It's not everyday you find a band that kicks you in the face and makes you scream for more. I have been a big fan of these guys for the past couple of years and I am truly honored to have them be part of the Giddy Up! Records family.”

BLACK WATER RISING have started their radio campaign and are receiving major airplay in large marketsincluding WIIL in Chicago. The band is currently at #67 on the Mediabase Chart with their single "Brother Go On". They will be appearing on the show "Out of the Box" with Jonathan Clarke which will air Sunday March 7th on Q104 in New York, NY. The band will be interviewed and will be performing acoustically.

www.myspace.com/blackwaterrising

GarageBand contest for kids

Debbie and Friends, the acclaimed Boston-based pop music band for kids, offers anyone the chance to become a recording engineer. Between now and April 4, anyone with a Mac and the GarageBand program can remix the song "Willy Won't" from her next CD, More Story Songs & Sing Alongs for a chance to win valuable prizes

It is easy to enter the contest at http://debbieandfriendsremix.ning.com/. Contestants may download a multitrack GarageBand file for "Willy Won't" and then load the file onto their GarageBand app on any Mac computer. (Complete details about system requrirements are available on the contest page.)

Young mix engineers can then record additional tracks, raise or lower the volume on existing tracks, add effects and add their own special touches to create a unique version of "Willy Won't" using Apple's GarageBand program. Contestants must submit their remix entries by Sunday, April 4th at 7 pm (Eastern Time), as instructed on the contest site.

All entries will be considered, and the winner will be announced on Monday, April 5th. The winner will receive a Family Music Making Bundle from Debbie and Friends including two CDs, four music instructional books, t-shirts and other great gear. Two other entries will be chosen for honorable mention prizes. The winning remixes will also be featured on Debbie and Friends' blog this spring.

The latest release from the Boston based artist who is a Berklee College of Music dean by day and a high-energy pop star most weekends, More Story Songs & Sing Alongs features familiar themes like and “I Think I Can” (based on the classic story The Little Engine That Could), “Simon Says” and “Little Red.” Kids will also delight in the goofy wordplay of tunes like “Rosie Wrong Rhyme” and enjoy the success of “Home Run Ronnie.” “Wendell” is a cumulative movement song that will get kids up and on their feet. Sesame Street’s legendary music teacher Bob McGrath, joins Debbie for the sweet good-bye song “Until Next Time.”


The fresh and crisp sound of More Story Songs & Sing Alongs comes from Debbie Cavalier’s deep understanding of what works with kids. Shari Lewis, Buffalo Bob Smith of Howdy Doody and Bob McGrath. Each of these trailblazers influenced her songwriting and creative approach to sharing music with children. After working in the field of music publishing and education for more than two decades, Debbie wanted to return to working directly with children.

The warm public reception and critical acclaim for Story Songs & Sing Alongs convinced Debbie to continue writing and recording new songs over the past two years. The CD won awards from Parents’ Choice, the iParenting Media, National Parenting Center, Mr. Dad, Creative Child Magazine, the Great American Song Contest and the Dove Family Foundation.

One of the highlights of Debbie and Friends’ year so far was the appearance of her music videos on the 2010 season premiere of Fox TV’s “24.” Jack Bauer’s little granddaughter enjoys the videos in one of the opening scenes. View the videos and get more free and fun activity ideas on Debbie’s Fun Page.

In addition to her busy school and performing schedule, Debbie maintains a blog, Kids Music Matters, with regularly updated band and industry news. As Debbie explains, “I believe that music for children is all about music with children. All of these new songs are kid-tested and approved. We hope the enthusiasm of a live concert comes shining through.”

Visit Debbie and Friends' Youtube channel for the latest videos and news!