Friday, June 22, 2007

Club TubThump expands

LA's No. 1 '90s Dance Night, Club TUBTHUMP Expands to New Westside Location

Friday, July 13 from 9pm-2am at the New Santa Monica Bar & Grille

WHO: Spin PR and Moss Mobile Music
WHAT: Club TUBTHUMP - Pissin' the night away to all your favorite '90s hits.
Club Tubthump moves to the Westside at the new SANTA MONICA BAR & GRILLE with room for more even more Tubthumpers. If you haven't made one of the past parties, this is one you don't want to miss! The SMBG has a huge bar, plush VIP booths, HD-plasma screens, a outdoor patio lounge, delicious food and GREAT DRINK PRICES!
In only a few months' time, Club TUBTHUMP has become home to a huge group of dedicated 90's fans. In between hair bands and boy bands was a beautiful mess of pop and rock music; TUBTHUMP is a tribute to that era. Whether you were an "MMM-Bopper'" or "Hotsteppa'," getting down like the "No Rain" butterfly or the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" teenagers, or rocking EMF or the KLF, there was something spinning in your Disc Man that is getting a second chance. TUBTHUMP features an assortment of '90s favorites from classic bands to one-hit-wonders, ranging from hip-hop (Tupac, Snow), to grunge (Nirvana, Sponge), pop (En Vogue, P.M. Dawn) to rock (Hootie, Spin Doctors).
WHEN: Friday, July 13 (and the second Friday of every month)
9:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. (Come early, full dinner menu available!)
WHERE: Santa Monica Bar & Grille3321 Pico Blvd (Just west of the 405 at Centinela)
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 453-5001
www.smbgrocks.com or www.myspace.com/santamonicabargrille
ADMISSION: No Cover
PARKING: SMBG has a free parking lot across the street behind US Bank or there is plenty of parking on Pico.
For more information go to www.myspace.com/tubthump or Call (310) 559-5000 for Tubthump Table Reservations.

The Dream Concert lineup announced

The Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. announced today that Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Carlos Santana, Robin Thicke, Bebe Winans, Cece Winans and Jessye Norman are the first performers to join the all-star line up for The Dream Concert to benefit the building of the Memorial on the National Mall. The Foundation also announced Al Roker as a special guest presenter and Ben Affleck, Shaquille O’Neal and LaDainian Tomlinson have agreed to join the Concert’s Host Committee. The Dream Concert will be held at Radio City Music Hall on September 18, 2007, with tickets available to the general public this summer. Go to www.thedreamconcert.com for more information.

Tommy Hilfiger, Russell Simmons, Joel Horowitz, Quincy Jones, David Stern and Edgar Bronfman, Jr. are co-chairing The Dream Concert, a historic gathering of the top musicians in the country, as well as prominent figures from politics, sports and entertainment to benefit the building of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, DC. Also on board for the once-in-a-lifetime concert are Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as the event’s artistic directors and Muhammad Ali, Angela Bassett, Jamie Foxx, Whoopi Goldberg, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kerry Washington and former Mayor David Dinkins as the Host Committee members.

The Dream Concert will embody the ideals of hope, love, democracy, and justice for which Dr. King stood. The concert will capture the essence of his lasting teaching by joining together musicians from across genre lines, featuring unique musical combinations not usually found on the same stage. The Memorial Foundation has already raised $79.5 million of the $100 million needed to complete and maintain the memorial, and this event will help secure the additional funds.

Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.
A memorial honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Memorial will be situated adjacent to the F.D.R. Memorial and in a direct line between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. Congress passed Joint Resolutions in 1996 authorizing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to establish a memorial honoring Dr. King to be built in Washington, DC. The Ceremonial Groundbreaking took place on November 13, 2006 and the Memorial is scheduled to be completed in 2008. Website: www.buildthedream.org.

Prepare for Silverchair and Circus Diablo

Silverchair is performing at the Wiltern on Saturday, July 14 and at the House of Blues in Anaheim on Sunday, July 15 in support of their highly anticipated and critically acclaimed “Young Modern” album. It comes out July 24 on Eleven: a music company through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group.
On Young Modern, lead singer/guitarist Daniel Johns shared the producer role with Nick Launay (Midnight Oil, Arcade Fire, Talking Heads) who had helmed earlier Silverchair albums Freak Show and Neon Ballroom. Diorama producer, David Bottrill was brought in as mixer. Paul Mac was again on hand for keyboard duties as he was with the group’s two previous albums and legendary Beach Boys collaborator Van Dyke Parks reprised his Diorama role penning orchestrations for three songs which were recorded in Prague with an 80 piece orchestra.
Rolling Stone in Australia called the new album a "towering triumph.” The first single, “Straight Lines,” is already racking up some important radio stations across the country, including KROQ as of today! The song spent four weeks at #1 in their native homeland, making it Silverchair's biggest hit since their breakthrough single “Tomorrow” back in 1995. A video for the track can be found at www.chairpage.com or www.myspace.com/silverchair .

Circus Diablo is performing a headlining show at The Roxy on Friday, July 20 and they’ll be rockin’ the second stage of Ozzfest on Saturday, July 21 at the Hyundai Pavilion in Devore. The band is made up of Billy Morrison (vocals/Camp Freddy), Billy Duffy (guitar/The Cult), Ricky Warwick (guitar/The Almighty), Brett Scallions (bass/Fuel) and Charles Ruggiero (drums live/Slunt).
They’re launching a massive summer tour as part of Ozzfest mixed in with headlining dates of their own starting July 12 in Seattle to promote their self-titled debut album, which hits stores July 3 on Koch Records. Guitarist Rob Patterson (Korn) will be filling in for Billy Duffy while he does some shows with The Cult this summer, but Billy is expected to be at these SoCal shows. Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver) plays drums on the album, but unfortunately will not be performing with the band this summer. www.myspce.com/circusdiablo is the band’s Myspace page.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Chris Trapper and Antigone Risingno to tour

Boston, MA based pop-rock front man Chris Trapper of The Push Stars joins Lava recording artist Antigone Risingon nine city East Coast Tour as the opening act. Chris will perform a 45 minute solo set presenting the Antigone Rising audience with a selection of tracks from his current CD release 'Hey, You.'
Trapper,a prolific songwriter with a true love for touring, consistently delivers original, fresh music for the smart-pop fan in all of us. His ability to craft a song did not go unnoticed by the girls in Antigone Rising, they recorded what Chris calls "a stellar version"of his quintessential pop-rock anthem 'Waiting, Watching, Wishing' for their current critically acclaimed CD release 'From The Ground Up.' The Antigone musicians have maintained an energetic creative relationship with Chris ever since their first introduction.

CHRIS TRAPPER OF THE PUSH STARS OPENS FOR ANTIGONE RISING
Fri-Jun-22 Nashville, TN 3rd & Lindsley
Sun-Jun-24 Charlotte, NC Neighborhood Theater
Mon-Jun-25 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
Wed-Jun-27 Hartford, CT Webster Theater
Thu-Jun-28 Teaneck, NJ Mexicalli Blues
Fri-Jun-29 Troy, NY Revolution Hall
Sun-Jul-01 Philadelphia, PA World Café Live
Sat-Jul-07 Northampton, MA Iron Horse
Sun-Jul-08 Newport, RI Newport Blues Cafe

Chris Trapper continues to tour in support of his third independent solo CD: 'Hey, You'. Inspired by his ever-growing collection of on-the-road mix tapes (Chris is fairly old school, he likes a good mix tape just as much as he likes his iPod) the words and music on 'Hey, You' are an interesting blend of pop, rock, celtic and latin music with the ever-present under story of Chris' distinctive baritenor. Recorded during the summer of 2006, 'Hey, You' boasts an eclectic collection of 14 new, original tunes.
Chris' musical expression puts him immediately into a group of recording artists known for their unique vocal styling and introspective songwriting (Rob Thomas, Better Than Ezra, The Replacements). Defying standard categorization, 'Hey, You' sees Chris demonstrate his easy command of a variety of American musical styles: pop, rock and jazz.
"Trapper, of The Push Stars, sounds like the 21st-century young popster he is." The Washington Post
"Trapper's songs don't need any Stratocaster bluster to get under your skin." The Boston Herald
"Chris Trapper plays unassuming pop rock with a touch of Big Star soul..." The Chicago Reader
"he's always been unhip, even sort of square, when it comes to rock'n' roll attitude." The Boston Globe
Chris Trapper is the principal songwriter and lead singer for nationally acclaimed alt-rock trio The Push Stars. The New York Times calls the band 'classic pop perfection.' When on hiatus from The Push Stars, Chris writes, records and tours in support of his solo efforts.
'Hey, You' is Chris' eighth album overall and third solo effort. Previous CD's (including Chris' work as front man and principal songwriter for alt-rock trio The Push Stars): Gone Again with The Wolverine Jazz Band (2005), Paint The Town (2004), Songs From The Drive-In (2002), Opening Time (2001), After The Party(1999), Meet Me At The Fair (1996).

www.christrapper.com

BMI to present Acoustic Lounge showcase series

Summertime heats up as BMI presents four outstanding singer/songwriters at the July edition of its Acoustic Lounge showcase series. Held Monday, July 9 at Genghis Cohen, the event will feature acoustic performances from Love Story Hero, Jessica Lombard, Emily Tessmer and Beau Davidson. The Acoustic Lounge takes place the first Monday of each month at 7:00 pm, and is free and open to the public.
Love Story Hero is the musical project of Justin Culver, which, as he describes it, “…is just me and an acoustic guitar, pouring my heart out through every word and note played.” Influences include Damien Rice, Spill Canvas, Dashboard Confessional, Jason Mraz, Foo Fighters, Wilco, and others. Writing and performing for the sheer love of the craft, Culver wants the honesty of his work to connect with his listeners and hopes his music will be something different from some of the generic material out there today – music that will speak to your heart from his.
At the age of 12, Jessica Lombard has already established herself as a prolific songwriter and seasoned performer. She writes music and lyrics with an ability that stretches far beyond her years. Jessica initially displayed an interest in the piano at the tender age of 3, and by the time she was 6, she was playing sophisticated arrangements. She is truly a phenomenon, an artist whose musical style has been compared to that of Jewel and Tori Amos with an artistic vision all her own. Jessica is constantly writing new songs while diligently studying piano and voice. She recently appeared in a stage version of Beauty and the Beast and was cast as ‘Star To Be’ in the musical Annie. She is currently rehearsing the role of Alice for Alice in Wonderland.
Emily Tessmer’s upcoming release, Luminarium, presents her fans with the gift they have been hoping to get most of all: herself. Poignant, soulful and resonant, Emily’s original songs marry her vocal and songwriting talents. Produced by Erik Eldenius (LA Music Awards nominee for album of the year) and Mathew Ross, Luminarium conveys the power of vulnerability in songs such as "Crown Of Stars" and “Heal Now.” Backed by a stellar group of musicians, including Eldenius, Jorgen Carlsson, Sean Hurley, Toshi Yanagi, Jeff Young and Stuart Mathis, Luminarium offers a rock vibe set against Emily’s healing vocals.
Prior to her solo accomplishments Emily and her former band worked in studio on a production deal funded by MCA, headlined at the Veenhoop Festival, played Los Angeles’s Troubadour, and opened for diverse artists, including Gilby Clarke and Blue Oyster Cult. This year, Emily was invited to sing the National Anthem for a San Diego Padres game also had the opportunity to present Clint Eastwood with his lifetime Achievement Award as the awards presenter for a seventh consecutive season with the Directors Guild of America. Additionally, Emily was commissioned by Kristen and Mike Klink (Guns n’ Roses) to write an original song for their foundation, A Song of My Own, a charity whereby singer/songwriters connect with terminally ill children. Emily wrote Annie’s song and Annie went into remission from Leukemia shortly thereafter.
“I consider that song and Annie’s remission to be one of the most blessed moments in my life,” Emily says.
Beau Davidson, born in Memphis and raised in the traditions of gospel music and those embodied by Elvis Presley, Al Green, and Otis Redding, has written songs reminiscent of the "Memphis sound" infused with modern inflections, now recognized as "soul/pop."
Beau's debut single, “More Than I Can Give,” from the upcoming release The Good Hurt, crosses traditional musical boundaries by combining Memphis soul with mainstream pop, appealing to adult contemporary, pop, and country listeners. The introduction is a throwback to vintage, low-fi Memphis radio that reminds the listener of what was and gives him a taste of what is to be.
The Acoustic Lounge is one of many opportunities BMI offers artists to showcase their talent in front of their peers and a supportive audience. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, offering a great opportunity to network with other aspiring and working singer/songwriters. For established writers, it provides a chance to monitor new musical trends and be involved in the grass-roots/DIY musical movement.
Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) is an American performing right organization that represents more than 300,000 songwriters, composers and publishers in all genres of music. For more than 65 years, BMI has represented the most popular and beloved music from around the world, a vast repertoire that includes more than 6.5 million works. The non-profit-making corporation collects license fees from businesses that use music, which it then distributes as royalties to the musical creators and copyright owners it represents.

Rock-influenced cellist Alison Chesley on the road supporting solo effort

Classically trained cellist, Alison Chesley, is confirmed to play U.S. tour dates in July and August in support of her first solo album, Helen Money. The album is slated for a September 18, 2007 release date. First performance on the tour will be at the Denial Fest in Chicago on July 7th.
Helen Money was produced by David Suycott (who recently produced an album for Wayne Cramer as well as drumming for Machines of Loving Grace, Stabbing Westward and Spys Who Surf) at I Dig Music Studios in Chicago.
"It was Dave's idea to record it like a lot of the bands in the 60s did - live" Chesley explains. "So I just set up like I would for my shows - with all my pedals through an amp. I had Diana Parmeter play with me on a couple tracks to avoid overdubbing and because she was doing the live shows with me at that point."
Chesley now performs alone and both the album and her performances are instrumental-only. Chesley has previously opened for artists like Frank Black, John Doe, Bob Mould, Stone Gossard (Brad), Liz Phair, Morrissey, Counting Crows and Live.
"I like a lot of music," Chesley notes, "but rock music especially speaks tome. I like great pop melodies and loud guitars and music with emotion. But because I play this instrument - whatever I express has to come through it, even if it feels like AC/CD mixed with Steve Reich" she concludes.
Artists like Jimi Hendrix, Gustav Mahler, The Minutemen, Bob Mould and The Who have influenced her leading to the development of her unique, amplified sound. Disturbed, Bob Mould, Archer Prewitt, Chris Connelly and Mono, among others, have commissioned her cello playing for their recordings. She has alsoperformed and recorded as a member of Poi Dog Pondering and is currently Composer In Residence for Mordine and Company Dance Theater in Chicago.
Alison Chesley has garnered outstanding press coverage including a feature in Billboard Magazine with her previous band, Verbow. Esteemed Billboard editor, the late Timothy White, wrote these poignant lines about the band: "Good music compels one to think about the musicians, but great music compels us to think about ourselves."
The Chicago Tribune reviewed Chesley with then band mate, Jason Narducy, writing "the duo radiated an electric confidence that elicited a fervent response from the capacity audience. It was a tough act to follow, even for a legendary figure such as [Bob] Mould."
The eleven tracks on Helen Money are
1. "Dreaming,"
2. "Hum,"
3. "Jackson,"
4. "Birds,"
5. "I'll See You In Hell,"
6. "Song For My Sister,"
7. "Block,"
8. "Iggy,"
9. "Mondo,"
10. "Hendrix" and
11. "...In Love With The WholeWorld."

Helen Money Tour Itinerary (all dates may be subject to change)
Sat., 7/7 at Denial Fest in Chicago, IL
Wed., 7/18 at Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, CA
Thurs., 7/19 at Luggage Store Gallery in San Francisco, CA
Sun., 7/22 at Tangier in Los Angeles, CA
Tues., 7/24 at Silverlake Lounge in Los Angeles, CA
Wed., 7/25 at Bordello in Los Angeles, CA
Sun., 8/5 at Soundpost in Portland, ME
Tues., 8/7 at Nectars in Burlington, VT
Fri., 8/10 at Parish Hall in Cleveland OH
Sat., 811 at Silent Barn in Brooklyn, NY
Sun., 8/12 at Milo Electric in Columbus, OH

Visit Helen Money online at www.helenmoney.com or at www.myspace.com/helenmoney.
Cellobird Records is an independent record label based in Chicago, IL.

Hard rockers ZO2 ready release and tour

New York City hard rock trio, ZO2 is set to release their Riker Hill Records’ debut, AINT IT BEAUTIFUL on 08.07.07. Following an incredibly successful 40 city tour with KISS and Poison, which led to standing ovations every night and sold out merchandise stands for the Brooklyn born band, Paulie Z, David Z and Joey Cassata are out on the road preparing for the release of their highly anticipated second cd in August.
Often compared to a cross between Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith and Audioslave and Stone Temple Pilots, it is the incredible stage presence that most strikes fans and critics alike. Rave reviews about the live show and the recorded music abound.
With tracks like, “She Believes,” “If You See Kay,” and “Isolate” highlighting this eleven song disc, ZO2 is poised to continue to win over crowds and listeners with their melodic old school rock and roll. Melding the funk and swagger of the 70s with modern arrangements, harmonies and lyrics, ZO2 is single-handedly infusing the rock world with the energy and excitement it has so long been missing.
Featuring brothers Paulie Z (vocals, guitar) and David Z (vocals, bass guitar) and Joey Cassata (drums, vocals), the members’ individual musical achievements are noteworthy: David as the bassist for the enormously successful Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Joey in the highly successful and critically acclaimed Blue Man Group and Paulie as a featured vocalist on many of Howard Stern’s infamous song parodies and also as the creator of NYC’s popular ZO2’s Rock Asylum at rock staple, Arlene’s Grocery, featuring local and national rock artists each month proving that rock n’ roll is alive and prospering and the rock community is still thriving, hungry and begging for more.
“Aint It Beautiful” will be the first release for ZO2’s new label, New York City based Riker Hill Records, distributed by IDN, an aggressive independent where passion and experience meet the future of rock and roll.
ZO2’s powerful live show has been lauded in reviews worldwide. The band can be seen stateside supporting “Aint It Beautiful” at the venues listed below. Additional tour dates are added frequently and are available at www.MySpace.com/ZO2 or www.ZO2.com .
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING ABOUT ZO2:
“It’s easy to understand why Paul Stanley and just about everyone else who’s checked out the group’s work ends up reacting excitedly to the brand of music ZO2 makes and it’s about to pay off for this go for broke power trio.”-- Hit Parader
“This trio of musicians has all of the elements of a super group in the making. The songs have swagger and substance not seen in much of the music you hear today. There are no flaws and no BS in this band.” -- Informer Magazine
“If you think for a second that hard hitting cutting edge rock and roll is dead, then you haven’t heard ZO2! “Aint It Beautiful” is just what the Doctor ordered, delivering track after track of masterfully crafted rock perfection in a way only ZO2 could provide!” -- The Inside Connection
“The band has captured a timeless sound with energy and groove. Comparisons to everyone from Aerosmith to Grand Funk Railroad and Led Zeppelin are inevitable.” -- Transcending the Machine
“ZO2”s high octane rock reminds us of the sounds of Van Halen . . . and yes, some Def Leppard, too.” -- Time Out New York
“Solid rock record with memorable hooks and catchy songs, the sound is universal rock and roll with classic old school sound blended with modern rock punch.” -- Crave Magazine
“Great rockin’ times and a singer who knows how to use his voice for more than just punching good guitar licks . . . his voice is all melody and he uses it to create the hooks in the songs rather than let the instrumentation do so.” -- Edge
“Standing ovations as an opening band and a personal invitation from KISS prove that ZO2 has the goods to back up its confident and colossal sound.” -- Journal Review (Indiana).
“This rock trio performs at the level of arena caliber musicians and manages to build a wall of sound . . . the band owned the stage from the first note.” --Good Times
“Their level of experience and stage presence really shown through during the course of their set. ZO2 exhibited a confidence musically and onstage rarely seen from the local bands, perhaps partly due to the exposure of performing in larger arenas.” -- Aural Fix

CHECK OUT ZO2 ON THE ROAD:
June 21 11 Don Hill’s New York City
22 Murphy’s 3rd Rail Dover, NJ
29 10 Arlene’s Grocery New York City
30 9 Stinger’s Boonesboro, MD
July5 10:45 Sweeney’s Philadelphia, PA
6 Maximum Capacity Chicopee, MA
15 The Chance Poughkeepsie, NY
27 10 Arlene’s Grocery New York City
28 Woodbury Ski Area Woodbury, CT
August2 8 Grape Street Philadelphia, PA
4 9:45 Peabody’s Cleveland. OH

American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada names officers

Delegates to the 97th convention of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, today re-elected International President Thomas F. Lee for a three-year term. In addition to International President Lee, delegates also voted to re-elect International Vice President Harold Bradley, International Secretary-Treasurer Sam Folio, and also elected Vice President from Canada Bill Skolnik.
"I'm very pleased and proud to be re-elected to serve this wonderful membership and this fantastic organization," Lee said. "I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that all musicians in the AFM's diverse membership are fairly compensated for their work, and can one day retire with a sense of financial security and a feeling of dignity and pride in a career well spent."
Lee has been International President of AFM since his election in June 2001. He served as a labor union official for many years previously, including service as AFM International Secretary-Treasurer from 1999-2001. He served in the U.S. Marine Band from 1966-1990. He also performed freelance engagements in the D.C. area for many years. Lee is a member of the Governing Board of SoundExchange, a member of the Governing Board of the Alliance of Artists and Recording Companies, a Trustee of the American Federation of Musicians and Employers Pension Fund and a Trustee of the AFM and AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund.
Also elected to the International Executive Board are Joe Parente (Local 77, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Bob McGrew (Local 65-699, Houston, Texas); Ray Hair (Local 72-147, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas); Erwin Price (Local 802, New York, N.Y.); and Billy Linneman (Local 257, Nashville, Tennessee).
Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape.

Mary Chapin Carpenter on NPR Sunday

In an essay for the NPR series This I Believe, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter describes how she came to appreciate life in an unexpected way. The essay will air on NPR News Weekend Edition Sunday on Sunday, June 24. Inspired by newsman Edward R. Murrow’s 1950’s radio program of the same name, This I Believe features Americans from all walks of life expressing their core beliefs and values in short, personal essays.

Just back from a concert tour, Carpenter was hospitalized in May after suffering a pulmonary embolism. “Everyone told me how lucky I was,” she says in her essay for This I Believe. “A pulmonary embolism can take your life in an instant.” Yet, Carpenter could not shake the feelings of disappointment and depression she experienced in the weeks following her hospitalization, until a chance encounter at the grocery store: “One morning, the young man who rang up my groceries…told me to enjoy the rest of my day. I looked at him and I knew he meant it. …What I want, more than ever, is to appreciate that I have this day, and tomorrow and hopefully days beyond that. I am experiencing the learning curve of gratitude.”

Carpenter has recorded a blend of country, folk and rock music on 11 albums during her 20-year career. Her greatest commercial success came with 1992’s Come On Come On. She recently performed songs from her latest album, The Calling, on NPR’s World Café: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9310666.

Carpenter joins an impressive list of well-known essayists who have contributed to the series since its premiere on April 4, 2005, including fellow musicians Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, banjo player Béla Fleck, singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III, and jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck.

More than 30,000 NPR listeners have also submitted essays to This I Believe. Essays chosen for broadcast have ranged from revelations about parents, personal struggles, race and identity to the importance of feeding monkeys. This I Believe essay writing has been incorporated into the activities of schools, community groups, places of worship as well as birthday celebrations. Essays have also been read or played at weddings and funerals. The series is a collaboration between NPR and This I Believe, Inc., Dan Gediman and Jay Allison, producers.

Visit www.NPR.org for stations and times of NPR News Weekend Edition Sunday. To date, This I Believe essays have consistently ranked among the top e-mailed stories on NPR.org. To listen or to read past essays, please visit www.NPR.org/thisibelieve.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Neal Zero's first solo effort available

I received this happy letter from my friend, Neal Zero. Check him out and support local musicians! ~M

Hello Friends,
I apologize in advance for the impersonal nature of this message, but I am just writing a note to everybody to let you know about the release of my first solo musical endeavor, "Vanity Matinée", because it is a project that I am very pleased with, and feel blessed I was able to complete.
Copies of the album (with original artwork and packaging) are available on www.cdbaby.com/nealzero. In the coming weeks, the album will also be made available at iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, and other online outlets. Also, new swag designs are now available at www.cafepress.com/nealzero
If you get a moment, please check it out. I hope you dig it. I hope all is well with you. And as always, feel free to drop me a line with your feedback, whether it be a message or comment, on this or anything else.
Be good. Be safe. Be happy.
Much Love & Respect,
Neal Zero
www.nealzero.comwww.myspace.com/nealzero
P.S. Check out the video for the track "End Of Message" at:http://www.nealzero.com/End%20of%20Message.html

Links to my fellow collaborators & conspirators:
www.bridgetlaudien.com
www.requisitemusic.com
www.tenmilligrams.com
www.alqually.com
www.onyxeye.com