Tag Archive: HorizonVU Music


HorizonVU Music stands in support of the Poor Elijah Foundation

Filed Under: general interest
Sep.06, 2010

Michele Bramlett, Founder, Poor Elija Foundation

Michele Bramlett, Founder, Poor Elija Foundation

A while back, I wrote a piece for this blog entitled, “Delaney Bramlett deserves induction into the rockand Roll Hall of Fame” http://blog.horizonvumusic.com/?s=delaney.

We do believe that Delaney Bramlett deserves induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and as we  have had more contact with the Bramlett family and friends, we have become supporters of the Poor Elijah Foundation (PEF). You’ll find the link under HorizonVU Music’s Partners and Friends on this page.

The Poor Elijah Foundation was created by Michele Bramlett (eldest daughter of Delaney Bramlett) along with her sisters and friends Maria Angel Schaefer, Lisa Marvin and Jaesen Kanter. Specifically the foundation works to “educate” the musician in the entertainment industry and provide financial assistance to working musicians who would otherwise slip through the cracks of the business. The long and short term plan is to raise monies through the production and promotion of charitable musical events, art exhibits, DVDs, CDs, and any other such fund-raising that are permitted under the povisions of the Foundation’s non-profit status.  Once all corporation costs are met; the remaining monies raised will go directly to the education/mentoring of and or assisting the musicians with financial relief.

Music legends Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett created some of the most distinctive and unique music of the early ’70s. Together their dynamic energy attracted Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Duane Allman, Billy Preston, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Mason, Leon Russell, Gerry McGee, Jim Keltner, Jim Gordon, Carl Radle, Bobby Whitlock, Rita Coolidge, Tina Turner and so many more.

Delaney produced an assortment of artists such as Etta James ,Dorothy Morrison (on “Happy Day”) and wrote for and produced Elvin Bishop, John Hammond, Bobby Whitlock and The Staple Singers.He did the late great King Curtis’s last LP and taught Curtis how to sing, out of which two hits came, “Teasin” and “ Lonesome Long Way From Home”. King Curtis kept a room at Delaney’s and they spent hour after hour playing and recording together.

Bonnie was born sing. A fact not lost on those around her. She began singing at the tender age of 14 with Ike and Tina Turner. Bonnie remains the ONLY white Ike-ette. She also sang with The Allman Brothers Band, and is the ONLY Allman Sister.

Please join us in our support of the Poor Elijah Foundation. Plenty more news to follow!


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Following That Beehive Queen – Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez will be LIVE in concert on the following dates in September

Filed Under: HVUM artist news, Maggie's Corner, general interest
Aug.30, 2010

By:  Maggie Griffin

www.ChristineOhlman.net 

Following That Beehive Queen – Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez will be LIVE in concert on the following dates in September:

Fri. Sept. 3 8 pm (show time details to follow) The Nancy Marine Studio Theatre (part ofThe Warner Theatre complex) 69 Main Street Torrington, CT / PARTY ‘TIL THE END OF SUMMER WITH THE BEEHIVE QUEEN… LABOR DAY ROOTS ROCK BLOWOUT!!!! Join Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez and the concert opener, The Bonesmen (www.thebonesmen.com)  at this state-of-the-art, 300-seat black box concert venue for an Americana-tinged night of soulful roots rock n’ roll to get your holiday weekend going, in high style! MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Sat. Sept. 11 9:30 pm BLACK-EYED SALLY’S/ Hartford, CT 350 Asylum Street 860.278.7427

As fall kicks in, spend a warm evening at the Capital Area’s Home Of The Blues with the Beehive Queen and the Montez Boys as they throw down on Sally’s big stage. Fab Southern cuisine is also the order of the night at Sally’s. Log on to www.BlackEyedSallys.com  for directions & menu.

Sunday Sept 12 3 pm Storrs Downtown Council Annual Festival / Storrs, Connecticut. Christine guests with David Foster & The Mohegan Sun All-Stars (James Montgomery is also slated to appear) for this yearly autumn festival that’s filled with good food, good friends, and, as always, hot rock n’ soul, played All-Stars style. Come and celebrate on a warm afternoon as summer rolls out and fall rolls in!

Sunday, September 26 4 pm (Sunday fest schedule begins 11:45) WESTPORT DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS THE 3RD ANNUAL BLUES, VIEWS AND BBQ FESTIVAL (SEPT. 24-26) Westport, CT Christine guests for the festival finale, “The Uptown Horns Revue, featuring Christine Ohlman, Debbie Davies and Joe Louis Walker.” It’s a dream-team of a lineup, guaranteed to rock your world!
For more info, log on to: www.BluesViewsBBQ.com 

Available Now – Get Your Healin’ Special Re-Release!

Featuring Dr John, Funky Meters, BB King, Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint, Guardians of the Flame, Blu Lu Barker & more!

NOMC was struggling in its infancy in 1999 when music advocates and advisors came together and planned an album to benefit the clinic. Get You a Healin’ features 100 musicians representing the heart of NOLA music. As a result NOMC today provides health services for more than 1,800 musicians and their families.

Click Here to GET YOUR HEALIN’ 

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Lollapalooza, a rock festival at its roots branches out

Filed Under: general interest
Aug.30, 2010

By: Lisa Sanders for HorizonVU Music

2010 marked my third year attending Lollapalooza in Chicago.  I look forward to the three-day music festival every year, and this year was no exception.  By no means am I any kind of music expert, nor do I claim a great deal of knowledge about the business—I’m simply a person who enjoys all types of music.  Lollapalooza, which is a rock festival at its roots, has branched out to include everything from techno to hip-hop. This is a big point of conflict among music lovers, with some saying that including genres outside of rock taints what the festival is about.  I disagree.  The variety of music brings in audiences of allkinds—each person coming to see his or her preferred act.  But, throughout the weekend, these niche audiences can’t help but be exposed to something different than what they usually listen to, which is what music festivals as a whole should be about.  In fact, it’s a big part of what draws me to beautiful Grant Park summer after summer.

Unfortunately, I was working with a festival sponsor at the park this year, so I didn’t get a chance to see many of the daytime acts.  Don’t get me wrong though—the evening lineup was fantastic.  In the evening on Friday, I was able to take in a bit of Matt & Kim.  They are a duo that has really blown up in the past year.  In fact, around this time last year I saw them in a fairly small venue in Madison, Wisconsin.  This time around, the crowd was huge—too big for the medium-sized stage they were on.  I enjoy their happy, stripped-down rock sound, but it also becomes very repetitive to the point where it’s hard to differentiate songs from one another.  Regardless, their energy is contagious and I would recommend giving them a listen or going out to see them if given the chance.

Friday night I was torn between seeing Lady Gaga and The Strokes who were playing at opposite ends of the park, but I opted for the ever-

Lady Gaga, Photo: Sam Hendrick/MTV News

Lady Gaga, Photo: Sam Hendrick/MTV News

fascinating Gaga.  I had seen her in January earlier this year, so I knew I would be in for a great show.  Her Lolla act was very similar to the one I had seen previously, however it did not play out as well as it did in a smaller venue.  She spent a lot of time talking, doing her shtick about not fitting in high school and just generally being bizarre, which I think turned off a lot of the audience who weren’t at the festival to see her specifically.  When she was singing though, it was truly great.  Her vocals, especially considering her choreography, are so impressive and refreshing to see in a pop act.

Spoon

Spoon

Saturday evening I was able to see Spoon, a band that seems to be an ever-present fixture at Lolla and other music festivals.  It’s understandable why though, because they are so damn consistent.  This marked my third time seeing them live, and each time I’ve enjoyed more than the last.  Lead singer Britt Daniels gritty and Brit-rock sounding vocals never get old in my book.  Every song made the audience groove, even sending a shower of crowd-surfers overhead for majority of the set.  Definitely pick up on of their albums (start with Gimme Fiction, it’s my favorite).

On Sunday evening I ventured out of comfort zone to see a band I hadn’t planned on watching, and was pleasantly surprised.  Instead of seeing

Wolfmother, Photo: Beatcrave.com

Wolfmother, Photo: Beatcrave.com

trendy “experimental rock” group MGMT, I went to the other end of the park to watch Wolfmother.  While the crowd wasn’t the biggest, I was impressed by their energy and sound.  Lead singer Andrew Stockdale has an incredible set of pipes, often resembling Robert Plant.  I got there later in the set, but I wish I could have seen the whole thing.  Next, I took in part of The National’s show.  They are new on my musical radar screen, although they’ve been around for over a decade.  I found Matt Berninger’s deep vocals to be refreshing compared to many rock bands out there now that are into this falsetto trend (see MGMT or Passion Pit).  It was obvious that the audience contained some truly die-hard fans, and the band gave them everything they had.

Fire Arcade, Photo Sean Edgar/Paste Magazine

Fire Arcade, Photo Sean Edgar/Paste Magazine

Next up, Arcade Fire.  This is another band whose popularity has really grown this year, recently playing a sold out Madison Square Garden.  I’m not the biggest fan, although I enjoy listening to them from time to time.  The part that stands out the most to me was how humble the band seemed, and how genuinely excited the seemed to be headlining Lollapalooza.  They’re set was nothing to sneeze at though.  They brought a big sound and I think made a lot of new fans that night.

Overall, I had a great three days at Lollapalooza.  I would have loved to have been able to see more shows during the day, like The xx, Mumford & Sons, or The New Pornographers, all of whom I heard were nothing short of fantastic.  There is truly nothing better than listening to great music set against the gorgeous Chicago skyline.  If you get the chance—GO. Even if it’s just for one of the three days.  It’s an experience like none other.

Lisa Sanders attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she studies Communication Arts.


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Elie Bertrand, star rock drummer and friend talks about her beat…“it’s all about paradiddles!”

Filed Under: HVUM artist news, general interest, videos
Aug.28, 2010

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Photo: Ron Boudreau, Make-Up and Hair Stylist: Stella Margaritis

Photo: Ron Boudreau, Make-Up and Hair Stylist: Stella Margaritis

Elie Bertrand is perhaps best known as the drummer for Scarlet Sins http://www.scarletsinsonline.com. She was born on was born on December 25th 1989.  She grew up  in Chambly, a suburb of Montreal, Quebec and began playing drums at 5 years old.

Elie, thanks so much for taking time to talk to us. We have really been looking forward to speaking with you.Following on our brief introduction, tell us what happened in your musical development once you started playing drums?

EB: I did start taking lessons at the age of 5.  I  joined a music program in grade 5 where I would go to school in the morning and go to music school in the afternoon. We would have all different classes like theory, composition, history, etc… I did that for 4 years and then I left the program to focus more on my professional career.  At 14, I started playing professionally in a classic rock and blues cover band. From that point on, I joined a bunch of cover bands, a percussion troop called Insolita, then at 17, I moved to Toronto to joined Scarlet Sins. When that venture ended last November, I moved back to Montreal.  Since then, I’ve been playing as a freelance drummer in different bands and for different artists. Over the past 6 years I have had the chance to open up for DJ Champion, Motley Crue, Vixen, perform on TV, play some huge Festivals like the International Jazz Festival of Montreal, the International Blues Festival of Tremblay, the Ultimate Drum Camp of Orford, the International Cape Breton Drum Festival just to name a few.  It has been pretty amazing and I can not wait to see what’s next!

In terms of your development, who was your major influence (or were your biggests influences)?

EB: I have so many influences for different reasons… I always find it so hard to answer that question briefly because music is like painting. You always use many colours to do a painting, so I have many very different influences. Here are a few drummers Dennis Chambers, Carter Beauford, Paul Brochu, Daniel Adair, Chris Adler, Ange E. Curcio, Emmanuelle Caplette, Carmine Appice… I could go on and on but those ones definitively have had a major impact on my playing.

Describe your sound? What makes Elie, Elie as drummer?

EB: Wow… What a cool question… Well, definitively there are a lot of funk and blues signatures in my playing because that’s what I played the mostwhen I started… It’s my base. There is a lot of latin even though I can’t really play latin drums because my dad use to play a lot of Cuban percussions so I often through in clave over some metal beat. And there are also a lot of paradiddles because it’s my favourite rudiment in the world. I always say: “It’s all about paradiddles!”

Tell us a little about life with Scarlet Sins? Any great moment that sticks in you mind? Any good stories you can tell us on or off-stage with the band?

EB:  There are so many great memories I keep from this venture. I learned a lot. It was my introduction to the hard rock and metal world. I always loved listening to that kind of music but was never part of an original band that played this before. We had so much fun together. We’ve shared very special moments. We had a lot of huge opportunities and a lot of very cool off stage moments.

Here’s a pretty cool one. OMG. I still laugh my ass off thinking about it: That happened in Seattle when we went down in 2007 to play the

Scarlet Sins

Scarlet Sins

PowerBox Festival. Cris and Syl were sharing a room and T and I shared another. In the middle of the night T got up because she was jetlag or what ever and well being a lady, she decided she would put some moisturizer on her face to take care of her beautiful skin… But she mixed up her eye-lash glue tube and her moisturizer tube because her eyes weren’t wide open or I don’t know… So she basically glued her face and eyes open… So she puts the glue on her face, goes back to bed and well she obviously realized something was wrong, so she tried to stay as quiet as possible and went to the washroom to clean it off but she hit herself on her bass case that was in the way and made so much noise so it woke me up but it wasn’t enough for me to get out of bed… The next morning I asked her what the heck happened… She told me the story… And of course I was rolling on the floor… The first thing I did was to run to Syl and Cris’s room… Told them the story and we must laughed for a good 10 minutes straight… It was SO hilarious…

What has been the highlight of your career to-date?

EB: I have been very fortunate since the beginning of my career. I played during huge events and concerts with some awesome artists but I have to say as a drummer when I played the International Cape Breton Festival 2010 alongside some of the most respected drummers in the world I was in heaven. The lineup was absolutely insane. I shared moments with some of my idols. We laughed, we jammed, we talked, we partied… It was amazing. I learned so much about everything that weekend. It was amazing!

What makes a good drummer?

EB: Musicality. A drummer can have the best techniques, be super fast, have perfect time… It’s not interesting to listen and watch a drummer play that doesn’t have musicality. At least I don’t think so. I like musicians that live the music. They feel it coming down their veins. They are not playing the song they are the song. It makes such a big difference. They listen to everything that’s going on and they communicate their feeling through music. It’s absolutely mesmerizing to live those moments and to watch them happen!

In researching for our meeting with you we took a look at readily available lists of greatest drummers. Honestly, Elie, it’s really hard to find a list with one (let alone more than one) female drummer – in addition to yourself, other names come to mind such as Cindy Blackman, Sheila E., Carla Azur, Sandy West, Caroline Rue…but really, in your view, why is it seemingly so hard for female drummers to get recognition?

EB: I don’t think it’s hard to get recognition. I think women are just not as interested to play that particular instrument as men are. The ratio in the music industry is 20% female 80% male. Most of that 20% are singers and classical musicians. You know you could also ask why aren’t there more men dancing? I think it’s just a lack of interest. A woman on drums is like a woman on the hockey team, people notice it more maybe and might act differently. Sometimes it makes it easier sometimes not. We all have as individuals different challenges and we just have to deal with it. Such is life I think.

HorizonVU Music works with emerging artists. We always do our best to coach young musicians as to the ups and downs of the music business. What words of advice do you pass along to young musicians wanting to be stars? Help us out.

EB: I think the 2 most important things to remember in this business but also in general in life are to have the passion and to believe in yourself.

Photo: Ron Boudreau

Photo: Ron Boudreau

No matter what you do make sure you’re always happy. Don’t let people bring you down. Learn from everything and everyone and move on quickly from the disappointing moments. Someone recently told me this and I thought it was absolutely brilliant: “Things are never permanent, nor the bad nor the positive things”. When something good happens you have to enjoy every moments of it, be grateful for it and when you’re having a rougher patch remember that it’s not forever and remind yourself why you’re doing this in the first place: the passion and the love of music or what ever what you’re doing. It’s not always easy but if you have the passion you’ll always go back to that happy place.

One final question…What is Elie doing now and what are your plans for the future?

EB: Well well lots and lots. I have a very busy fall coming up. I’ll be performing with my different projects and I am also getting ready to play the Montreal Drum Festival which is a HUGE deal for me because I remember attending the event at the age of 5 and saying that one day I would play there. This dream came true. It is the biggest drum event in Canada so I am very excited about it. 2 months to go woot woot!

El, thanks so much for taking time out to talk to us – we love your work and hope you’ll come back and visit with us.  Before we finish up, I have to run this one by you…While we were talking my friend here was good enough to actually look up “paradiddle”…Here goes – accordingto Merriam-Webster, the origin of the word is unknown, first known use 1927, and the word refers to a quick succession of drumbeats slower than a roll and alternating left- and right-hand strokes in a typical L-R-L-L, R-L-R-R pattern. There you have it!

Before wrapping up, we want to share your vid “Laid To Rest – Lamb Of God – Drum Cover” – very cool!

EB: Phil this was an absolute pleasure. Thank you very much!

To know all about where, when, with , and with whom Elie is  playing along with current news stay tune to her website: http://www.eliebertrand.com/ and join my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ssarras#!/pages/Elie-Bertrand-Drummer/118426748191961?ref=ts.

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The Band America Talks About – Maggie Speaks

Filed Under: Maggie's Corner, general interest, videos
Aug.18, 2010

 The Band America Talks About – Maggie Speaks


 
 
 
 
 
 
What a visit it was to have The America Band People are Raving about; “Maggie Speaks”; stop by Maggie’s Corner and talks to Maggie Griffin! “Maggie Speaks”, the Band that travels across America, is Dave Calzaretta – Lead Vocals, Dayna Malow – Lead Vocals, Chris Siebold – Guitar & Vocals, Shawn Sommer – Bass & Vocals, Blake Cooper – Drums. “One of the things that “Maggie Speaks” has built quite a reputation for is their corporate work all over the globe”, said Dave Calzaretta. Close to 200 booked events a year, we see the band “Maggie Speaks” Playing at events for venues, including Fortune 500 companies, around the globe, they have been seen at these following locations:
Barcelona, Spain; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puerta Vallarta – Mexico; Cancun, Mexico; The Bahamas; Los Angeles, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Denver, CO; Naples, FL; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; New York, NY; Boston, MA; Milwaukee, WI; Chicago, IL; Orlando, FL; Anaheim, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Scottsdale, AZ.

The Corporate list they play for is a combination of names we all hear of. Playing at events for Abbott Labs, Starwood Properties, Gartner, All-State Insurance, State Farm Insurance, Ameriprise Financial, McDonald’s, Wrigley, Citrix, Klein Tools, Bridgestone / Bandag, Exxon Mobil, Scottsdale Insurance, Deluxe, RW Baird, Hewitt Associates, Georgia Pacific, National Hockey League, Chase, LPGA, IBM, Novo Disk, Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks.

“Maggie Speaks” about expansion, called “Maggie Speaks Presents”. The concept of “Maggie Speaks Presents” is in several markets where they travel for different types of events. In 2006, another creation of the band was born based on the volume of requests they receive. Collectively forming 20 more musicians employed by them, presenting what their audiences expect when they request “Maggie Speaks”, using their own name of their band

There are three versions of “Maggie Speaks”. They are “Maggie Speaks”, “Spoken Four” and “Final Say”.

“Maggie Speaks has won the following awards”:
2010 – Event Solutions Spotlight Award for Best Entertainment Ensemble
2009 – American Entertainment Magazine Best Duo of Group
2009 – Finalist in the Chicago Music Awards for Best Pop Artist (winner was Jennifer Hudson – other finalists were Kanye West, R Kelly and Wilco).

Dave Calzaretta states; “Throughout the recession, Maggie Speaks has continued to grow, performing at corporate events throughout the country for some of the world’s largest companies. During these difficult times, it is important for companies to still meet and motivate their employees and sales staff. It is important to network and share best practices. While some companies came under fire for hiring the likes of Jimmy Buffet and Sheryl Crow, many companies went the route of hiring Maggie Speaks to come in based on their ability to entertain the entire company from the Board Room to the Mail Room without creating a negative impression on share holders.”

The band’s secret to success in this economy is a diversified portfolio. Calzaretta along with band mates Blake Cooper and Shawn Sommer, bring a specific skill set to the stage creating their diverse performance offerings. When Maggie Speaks plays a corporate event as opposed to a national act, they play different hits all night while national acts typically only cover their small catalog of hits—clients get a better deal and a more appealing show. The band artfully covers current hits of today along with chart-topping favorites from the last four decades, seamlessly transitioning from one song to the next.

Maggie Speaks has evolved into the Midwest’s most popular touring cover band. Because of their diverse song list, the band appeals to anyone from the CEO to the mailroom attendant at a corporate event or from Grandma and Grandpa to the younger generation at a private wedding….they are the ‘un-cover band’ getting everyone motivated to hit the dance floor together! Large corporations are feeling the pressure of budget cuts yet they still need to entertain and celebrate successes so they book Maggie Speaks to provide numerous acts at a much lower price point than national recording artists.

Calzaretta explains, “We found four more musicians and replicated our show. They play the same songs with the same arrangements and instrumentation as Maggie Speaks; we compare it to a Starbucks or McDonald’s model of business where folks don’t mind where they get their latte or Big Mac as long as it’s the same product.” With this branding concept in mind, they were able to book over 150 shows in Spoken Four’s first year of operation, capitalizing on all of the opportunities that came their way. Bookings continued to increase for both Maggie Speaks and Spoken Four, inspiring them to ‘replicate the brand’ again in 2007 creating “Final Say.” With the same concept, four more musicians, identical set lists and ongoing bookings, the empire continues to grow.

To date, Magnificent Events, Ltd employs 13 fulltime musicians and vocalists, 3 fulltime sound engineers and 3 fulltime crew members – covering nearly 500 shows annually. Maggie Speaks and Magnificent Events are creating jobs during this nation’s challenging recession. Calzaretta is proving that it doesn’t always pay to pursue a white collar career. Unlike many other rock musicians, he is thriving, not simply surviving, as this young entrepreneur notes, “Follow your dreams, not your wallet and your wallet will catch up.”

MAGGIE SPEAKS MAKES COMMITMENT TO GO GREEN, Chicago Band Implementing Eco-Friendly Initiatives. Maggie Speaks evolved into the Midwest’s most popular touring cover band and has set its sights on going green. Taking small steps in order to make a huge difference in the environmental battle, members of the popular Chicago band Maggie Speaks have begun doing their part to lower their impact on the environment. Perfectly timed with Earth Day, the band says it will be ready in April to fully launch its green movement called aptly, LISTEN GREEN. Lead singer Dave Calzaretta believes, “We only have one planet Earth and we want to be part of the solution to preserve it for the generations that follow. The grass is GREENER on the Maggie Speaks side. Calzaretta along with his band mates Blake Cooper and Shawn Sommer believe in the urgent need to REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE and have committed to the following GREEN efforts:

-Concert date flyers printed on recycled paper using soy ink.
Using reusable stainless steel bottles on stage to avoid the waste from plastic water bottles.
-Offering fans eco-friendly, certified organic cotton T-Shirts, designed with water-based ink by domestic producers.
-Upgraded its van to a more fuel-efficient, lower-emissions model.
-Actively making the switch to hybrid vehicles for transport to and from shows.
-Using low-wattage LED lights and high-efficiency sound equipment to reduce power consumption.
-Using electronic payroll service and receiving only online statements from vendors/business partners in order to reduce paper consumption.

The event implemented green efforts during the show including recycling bottles, reducing waste and utilizing recyclable trash bag liners. Founded in 1987, Keep Chicago Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, is a nonprofit organization that works with Chicagoland’s business community, schools, neighborhoods and government agencies to improve our environment through education, public awareness and community involvement. *Keep Chicago Beautiful has nominated Maggie Speaks for its 2009 Innovation Award. Blake Cooper emphasizes; “We work hard to maintain our fan base, which is our strength in our energy. Like a Hallmark, for our fans, we deliver the very best”.

Songs we heard from the movie the Hard Easy , were written by David Calzaretta and Jimmy Riley. They are:
“The Hard Easy” – The Theme, “Yell”, “DeLeah”; Hard Easy Starring: Henry Thomas – “E.T.”,David Boreanaz – “Bones”,Vera Farmiga – “The Departed”,Bruce Dern – “Big Love”,Peter Weller – “Robocop”,Nick Lachey – musical 98 Degrees,Gary Busey – “Buddy Holly Story”

Dave Calzaretta is the President of Magnificent Events, Ltd. And can be reached at
(815) 230-3770,(888) 376-6537,  www.MagEvents.com 

Board of Directors, International Association of Corporate Entertainment Producers
 www.iacep.com 

“Maggie Speaks”, the Winner of the 2010 Event Solutions Spotlight Award for Best Entertainment Ensemble.
Visit Maggie Speaks at: www.MaggieSpeaks.com  
Spoken Four at: www.SpokenFour.com  
Final Say at: www.FinalSay.com  

I will collectively add that if a forth version of “Maggie Speaks Presents” is born, it will be an honor for me to have it named “Maggie’s Corner”.

Check Out “Maggie Speaks”the Band everyone across the globe has heard about:

 

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R-mione’s hypnotic synthesis of electro/pop/rock ever calling you back for more

Filed Under: HVUM artist news, Maggie's Corner, videos
Aug.09, 2010

If it’s electronica/pop/rock you’re looking for – and a lot of fun – we have the answer ! We recently caught up with R-mione in Paris and spent some time over coffee catching up with our good friend. In fact, R-mione’s music covers a wide range. It can be very upbeat and driven and/or very soothing – mellow often owing to the artful use of electronics. We have to tell you that in addition to being extremely talented and energetic – R-mione is absolutely delightful and the when you talk with her the time flies by!

Hey! Great to see you! Tell us about yourself and your music background.

R: I was born in the south of France at Nice Côte D’Azur on the Riviera. I grew up for a time in Chalon sur Saône where I started playing the piano and studying music theory. I can’t say I was a great student and early on I found I was interested in rock music and bored by music theory! Some years later, when I was fifteen, I moved to Lille in the north of France and started taking guitar lessons.

That must have been quite a change from the Mediterranean to Lille in the north!

R: Yes, that’s true, but we had to move because of my parents’ work. Anyway, I wasn’t there too long as at eighteen I moved back south to Niceand oursue my own life and interests. I worked at the National Theater of Nice to earning a living and pay for my studies at the university (letters). I also took music theory and voice lessons with a famous conductor. I joined a grunge band as lead singer. That’s where I met my best friend, Lord Speed, the leqd guitarist!

Grunge band? How did that work out?

R: Well we actually performed a lot and in 1997, the band had to move to Paris. It was at this time I really started getting attracted to production and I also met a lot of different artists across genres – especially rap and electronic. I started to aquaint myself with electronic machines, samplers, computers and home studios.

Okay, but that’s quite a step forward. How did you learn to use the equipment and how did all that change your music?

R: First, my music moved from rock to trip-hop and jungle influences came into play. Lord Speed and I left the band and started new projects. We signed with Bis Music FRANCE to do some albums in 1998. Second, at the same time, I joined THE SOUND ACCESS engineer school and was set to graduate in 2000. I became a producer at that time. Lord Speed and I created a label, SELVA CONNECTION. We made vinyls for DJ distributed by Under One Sun based in the U.K. One of the most famous is LWD.

We scored music for the cinema-like “Electron Libre” movie by Marie Donnio. Also we did “Petite Copine” by Frederic Defenthal. We also worked with Game One TV.

And your music at this point?

R: By now we had created a style of our very own by injecting a subtle mixture of all our influences – electro, rock, folk, and trip-hop influences. Our lyrics are in English and the voice moves from clearness to a blues emphasis – all sustained by a half-rock (bass/guitar) and electro (DJ).

What are you doing now?

Well, at the present time I’m working on a new album. New singles are “STOP”, “PRIVATE GARDEN” and “WHERE IS LOVE”.

Alright everybody, you can hear R-mione and see the vids for “PRIVATE GARDEN” and “ “WHERE IS LOVE” at http://www.myspace.com/rmione. Vids for all three songs are on YouTube (also check out the HorizonVU Music YouTube Channel).

R-mione, great to see you as always – you’re a good friend of HorizonVU Music! Best of luck to you!!! We’re going to leave you all with (probably) our favorite “PRIVATE GARDEN”!!!

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Legendary artist Barbra Streisand named 2011 MusiCares Person of The Year

Filed Under: general interest
Aug.05, 2010
Re-posted  from the original post published on Grammy.com
August 4, 2010 – 12:03am

Photo: Deborah Wald
Barbra Streisand, 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year

Barbra Streisand — actress/singer/director/writer/composer/
producer/designer/author/activist and eight-time GRAMMY winner, GRAMMY Legend Award and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient — will be honored as the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year at its 21st annual benefit gala, it was announced today by Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the MusiCares Foundation and The Recording Academy, and Paul Caine, Chair of the MusiCares Foundation Board.

Proceeds from the dinner and concert honoring Streisand — to be held in Los Angeles during GRAMMY Week on Feb. 11, 2011, two days prior to the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards — will provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Streisand is being honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year in recognition of her renowned creative accomplishments as well as her philanthropic work, which has included an extraordinary range of charitable activities over the years.

“Barbra Streisand is a genuine Renaissance woman, someone for whom artistry and philanthropy go hand in hand,” said Portnow. “The enormous talent, passion and dedication she brings to her creative projects — whether film, television or music — are matched by the generosity and commitment she devotes to her charitable causes. It is fitting to celebrate the incredible legacy of Barbra at our 21st Annual MusiCares Person of the Year tribute.”

“Barbra is synonymous with artistic excellence,” said Caine. “What is truly remarkable is that an artist of her stature also gives back with such open arms. As part of her wide philanthropy, over $21 million was directed to causes she supports from her two most recent concert tours.”

“For me, being able to create is both a gift and a responsibility, and I have seen firsthand the power of philanthropy to make the world a safer, healthier and more peaceful place,” said Streisand. “It is an honor to be recognized as the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year. I have so much respect for the work they do to create a lifeline of resources — whether it’s emergency financial assistance or access to addiction recovery resources — for music people in times of need.”

Streisand’s career has been marked by bold creative achievements and highlighted by a series of firsts. An unparalleled talent, Streisand is the only artist ever to receive Oscar, Tony, Emmy, GRAMMY, Directors Guild of America, Golden Globe, National Medal of Arts, and Peabody awards, as well as France’s Legion d’honneur and the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She is also the first female film director to receive the Kennedy Center Honors.

Streisand is the only performer to have a No. 1 album in five consecutive decades. She has earned 51 gold, 30 platinum and 18 multi-platinum albums, each of which exceeds all other female singers, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. The RIAA also notes that her 71.5 million album sales top the RIAA list of album sales by a female singer. With the debut of Love Is The Answer at No. 1 in 2009, the time span between her first and most recent No. 1 albums is 46 years — exceeding that of any other performer or act.

For her first motion picture, Funny Girl, she won the 1968 Academy Award for best actress, the first of two Oscar nominations in that category. With Yentl (1983), her first film as a director, she became the first woman ever to produce, direct, write, and star in a major motion picture. Yentl earned five Oscar nominations and Golden Globes for Best Director/Motion Picture and Best Motion Picture/Comedy or Musical. The Prince Of Tides, her next directorial feature in which she also produced and starred, was the first motion picture directed by its female star ever to receive a Feature Film nomination from the DGA as well as seven Academy Award nominations. She won a DGA award (Best Director Music/Variety Television Program) in 1994 for her television special, “Barbra: The Concert,” which she co-directed with Dwight Hemion.

Her very first Broadway appearance in “I Can Get It For You Wholesale,” earned her the New York Drama Critics Award and received a Tony nomination. For her first solo recording, The Barbra Streisand Album, she won two GRAMMY Awards in 1963 for Best Vocal Performance, Female and Album Of The Year, which made her the youngest artist to have received the latter award at the time. For “Evergreen,” the love theme from her 1976 hit film, A Star Is Born, she became the first female composer ever to win an Academy Award. She was nominated again in 1997 as co-composer of “I Finally Found Someone,” based on her 1996 film The Mirror Has Two Faces. The film achieved two Oscar nominations and the best supporting actress Golden Globe for Lauren Bacall. Streisand’s first television special, “My Name Is Barbra” (1965), received five Emmy Awards, including one for best performance, as well as her first of two Peabody Awards. This achievement was repeated 30 years later by “Barbra: The Concert,” which won two additional Emmy Awards for Streisand among the five for the production. That show was also accorded a Peabody Award, a DGA award and three CableACE awards, and it became the highest-rated musical event in HBO’s history. Her 2001 television concert special, “Timeless: Live in Concert,” also co-directed by its star, won four more Emmys, including one for Streisand’s performance.

DVD releases of her concerts have achieved notable recent firsts. In 2009 her three-disc offering,Streisand The Concerts, reigned in the No. 1 position on Billboard’s DVD chart for three weeks. A year later, One Night Only, capturing her heralded performance at the Village Vanguard in New York before an audience of 100 lottery-picked fans and some of her notable friends, opened at No. 1 as well.

Her civil rights activism and philanthropic pursuits are just as impressive. The Streisand Foundation has given millions of dollars through 2,100 grants to nonprofit organizations and she has raised many millions more through her performances. Streisand supports an impressive range of causes from AIDS organizations to nonprofits that work on issues of women’s equality, the protection of both human rights and civil rights, the needs of children at risk in society, the preservation of the environment, Jewish/Arab relations, and relations between African-Americans and Jews.

The 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year gala will begin with a reception and silent auction offering an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The reception and silent auction will be followed by a dinner, the award presentation and a star-studded tribute concert. The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week.

HorizonVU Music supports MusiCares through its contributions. Learn more about MusiCares following the link on this HorizonVU Music Blog listed with Partners & Friends.

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Following That Beehive Queen! She is Bee-Wizzing In Her Concert Tour…

Filed Under: HVUM artist news, Maggie's Corner, general interest, videos
Aug.03, 2010

  By: Maggie Griffin

We Have The Beehive Queen of Saturday Night Live’s Band, CHRISTINE OHLMAN on a GPS Signal!


There’s nothing like the Beehive Queen – Christine Ohlman – and Rebel Montez new CD “The Deep End”. Her Rock n’ Soul is wizzing, winding up her fans when she is live in concert. Moving forward at the speed of light……Below this clip; read the Beehive’s Trip

Thursday August 5, 8 pm CHAKOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS/ MAJESTIC THEATRE W. Springfield, MA; 131 Elm Street (413) 747.7797 Christine guests with her musical soul brother Mitch Chakour, the super-talented Alex Chakour (guitar) and Alecia Chakour (powerhouse vocals), along with friends Cliff Goodwin, Wolf Ginandes, Steve Bankuti and Deric Dyer for their annual family-flavored concert at this wonderful, jewelbox performance space. For more info and directions, log on to www.majestictheater.com  

Sunday Aug. 8, 1 pm CD Signing BORDER’S BOOKS & MUSIC Meriden, CT (inside the Meriden Mall) 470 Lewis Ave. 203.237.5510. Join the Beehive Queen as she meets, greets, and visits, all in support of her latest, “The Deep End”. Shop ’til you drop, then come on over to Borders and add to your collection of Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez CDs. See you then!

FACEBOOK NEWS….BEEHIVE QUEEN FAN PAGE up and running….Christine invites you personally to log on below, click the “Like” box at the top of the Fan page, and you’re in, for news, free downloads, advance concert info and so much more from the world of The Beehive Queen & Rebel Montez CLICK HERE for Beehive Queen on Facebook  

Order “The Deep End CD at HorizonVU Music: www.HorizonVUMusic.com

Check Out What EVERYONE else is saying, writing and raving…

THE DEEP END HMG RECORDS (HMG 2009)
Fourteen songs of life and love tempered by loss from the Beehive Queen of blue-eyed rock n’ soul, in a style SIRIUS/XM’s Dave Marsh calls “Contemporary Rock R&B.” Co-produced by Andy York (John Mellencamp) with Rebel Montez: Cliff Goodwin (guitars-Joe Cocker/Robert Palmer); Michael Colbath (bass), and Larry Donahue (drums). Featured are duets with Dion, Ian Hunter, and Marshall Crenshaw, plus guest appearances by Levon Helm, G.E. Smith, Big Al Anderson, Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, Paul Ossola, Catherine Russell, Shawn Pelton, the Asbury Juke Horns w/ Mark Rivera, Mitch Chakour, Jeff Kazee, and Vic Steffens.

It is Ohlman’s first CD of new work since 2004’s “Strip”; her recording hiatus followed the deaths of both longtime mate and producer Doc Cavalier and Rebel Montez guitarist/founding member Eric Fletcher (a pristine radio air shot of Ohlman with Fletcher is one of the CD’s bonus cuts).

The critics rave…..
“There are so many ‘wow’ moments”- Dave Marsh, SIRIUS/XM Radio personality / Rolling Stone editor emeritus “Whatever she touches becomes soulful and passionate. Ohlman always sounds like her born-to-be-bad self, belting out songs like the spitfire she is. It’s that swagger combined with tenderness that makes her so compelling…the perfect balance of raw soul and gutsy rock. Perhaps the most powerful and potent moment is the title track, a gospel-infused swamp ballad that seems autobiographical, especially when she sings that she’s ‘hard to handle, the excitable kind/take off runnin’ when I could’ve walked.’ Ohlman never flinches from the hard stuff and throughout The Deep End, she dives in like the classic soul kings and queens she idolizes.” – Hal Horowitz, The All Music Guide

“Ohlman and Rebel Montez concoct a Soul atmosphere as thick and palpable as a humid Southern night. Ohlman’s voice is a dusky, supple thing of dark Soul beauty, like a gene splice of Dusty Springfield and Delbert McClinton. She sells the album’s handful of covers with aching authenticity, from her duets with Marshall Crenshaw on the Marvin Gaye/Mary Wells classic “What’s the Matter with You Baby” and with the incomparable Dion on “Cry Baby Cry.” But the standouts on The Deep End are Ohlman’s stunning originals, which blister and soothe in equal measure.”- Brian Baker, Cincinnati CityBeat

“The husky-voiced singer is a full-package talent, a dynamic rocker who draws on soul and blues in ways that give her music a classic feel even as it pulses with her own personality. Make no mistake: If Ian Hunter, Dion DiMucci, Marshall Crenshaw, Levon Helm, G.E. Smith, Big Al Anderson, and Eric Ambel draw you into The Deep End, it’s Ohlman who ends up making the biggest impression. As in: ‘Wow’.” – Nick Cristiano, Philadelphia Inquirer (syndicated)

“As a singer, Ohlman makes each song sound like a prime cut on a jukebox in a Memphis barbecue joint. Hit(s) the sweet spot, straight and true.” –Vintage Guitar Magazine

“Expect this album to pepper a few best-of lists in December. The songs on The Deep End draw as much upon gospel and urban doo-wop as they do blues and Americana. “I surrender to the rhythm in my blood”, Ohlman sings in ‘Like Honey’. Me too, Christine, me too.” –Bill Holmes, www.popmatters.com

“Christine Ohlman and her band Rebel Montez have just released their sixth studio album, The Deep End, to what will undoubtedly be rave critical acclaim. Let it begin here. It’s staggering!” – Reb Landers, www.thealternateroot.com

“The record, like any good bit of love, has layers: not so much warning as honest admission – or perhaps understanding – of love’s varied means and ends. In fact, the blues isn’t always about being sad, but simply allowing room for the myriad reaches and complexities of emotion.” –Kim Ruehl, NoDepression.com

“Don’t let the beehive hair or glammed-up persona fool you. Christine Ohlman can deliver the goods. With a delivery that carries all the joy of early rock and roll, Ohlman owns the voice of choice for every style from edgy blues to tender R&B to sweet country to bittersweet singer-songwriter”. – Blues Revue – June/July 2010

“There’s a wondrous familiarity and traditionalism in Christine Ohlman’s old-school, rough-hewn, Southern-soul roots rock..(she) is loyal and true to her roots while setting herself audacious new challenges: deeply impressive.” – Chris Arnott, The Advocate, New Haven, CT

“On her latest record, seasoned R&B chanteuse Christine Ohlman writes and sings about human interactions, from irresistible sex to true love and, ultimately, unbelievable loss. There’s never a doubt that Ohlman is singing from an experienced heart.” – Kay Cordtz, Elmore Magazine

“[Ohlman] sings in a gutsy rock ‘n’ roll voice edged in soul and blues, part Bonnie Raitt and part Genya Raven, with an element of Van Morrison’s early wildness. Her throwback sound combines the romanticism of Brill Building pop and horn-fed Stax muscle (courtesy of the Asbury Jukes’ Chris Anderson and Neal Pawley) into a potent rock ‘n’ roll stew. Ohlman’s band is similarly road-tested (the bass of Michael Colbath is particularly notable).” – www.hyperbolium.com

“If you give “The Deep End” a spin, you’ll be an Ohlman fan for life. (4 stars)” – The Daily News, McKeesport, PA (Pittsburgh Metro)

“The “Beehive Queen” is a hard rocking Memphis soul fueled dynamo, and The Deep End may be her finest album yet…absolutely beautiful.” – Michael Buffalo Smith, Gritz Magazine

“In its original form, rock n’ roll was a blend of blues, country and gospel. Christine Ohlman practices rock the old-fashioned way. Like the music she makes, Ohlman seems timeless.” – Eric Danton, The Courant /Hartford, CT

“‘Cry Baby Cry’ (a duet with Dion) ought to be blasting out of a ‘55 Chevy radio on a hot summer night” – Wayne Blesdoe, Knoxville News-Sentinel

“I do have a favorite, however, and it’s another example of the cache that Christine Ohlman carries within the music world… enlisting the services of rock legend Dion DiMucci to sing with Ohlman on the gospel-tinged ‘Cry Baby Cry’ is a great touch.” – Reb Landers, www.thealternateroot.com

“A perfect concoction of musicianship and road weary soaked vocals….making the disc a solid listen is the wonderful group of musicians, Rebel Montez, who really add an exceptional backing groove to these 15 tracks and gives it an A-plus sheen. The Deep End is a diamond in the rough.” – Carl Cortez, iF Magazine

“Ohlman exudes rock and soul authenticity from her wailing vocals to her beehive hairdo..a confident, cool and street-savy diva.” – M Music and Musicians (successor to Performing Songwriter)

“The Beehive Queen has never sounded better”- Andrew Loog Oldham, Producer, The Rolling Stones / SIRIUS/XM Radio personality

UPCOMING DATES
Monday, August 16 6:30 pm “MUSIC ON THE RIVER” at the GOODSPEED OPERA HOUSE / SUMMER CONCERT SERIES East Haddam, CT 6 Main Street 860.873.8668 Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez close out the 2010 Summer Concert Series (on the lawn adjacent to this venerable historic landmark) with a beehivin’ bang. Nestled on the banks of the Connecticut River, Goodspeed is world-renowned as “The Home Of The American Musical.” The series is presented by the East Haddam Parks and Recreation Department, and although the concert is free, there will be a chance to donate to support next year’s series. Note: In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move to: Nathan Hale-Ray High School / 15 School Drive/ Moodus, CT 06469

Sat. Aug. 21 7 pm stage time (Event runs 6-9 pm) Pittsfield, MA / WordXWord Festival Kickoff Event / “Gala Rooftop Party” atop the Greystone Building, 440 North Street /Pittsfield, MA Mark your calendar and plan to make the scene in the Berkshires to support this sweet summertime fest. The Beehive Queen & The Montez Boys will torch this kickoff fundraiser party, together with Boston DJ Ryan Brown, who will spin before and after Christine’s set. Tasty Tapas provided by Mission, and wet your whistle with ‘Gansett tall boys and a selection of Spanish wines. Tickets are limited, so get yours…or be forced to evesdrop on the fun from the street! Individual tix $35, available at Mission Bar+Tapas and The Market. FESTIVAL PASS HOLDERS GET INTO THE EVENT FOR FREE!

Thurs. Aug. 26 9 pm The Hi Hat Providence, RI 3 Davol Square 401.453.6500 It’s the Queen’s first time at this venerable Providence dance club, and she and The Montez Boys plan to bring on the hip-shake, big time! Come early for dinner, and dance the night away to the sounds of Beehive Rock. Directions and info at: www.thehihat.com

Fri. Sept. 3 8 pm (show time details to follow) The Nancy Marine Studio Theatre (part ofThe Warner Theatre complex) 69 Main Street Torrington, CT / PARTY ‘TIL THE END OF SUMMER WITH THE BEEHIVE QUEEN… LABOR DAY ROOTS ROCK BLOWOUT!!!! Join Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez and the concert opener, The Bonesmen ( www.thebonesmen.com) at this state-of-the-art, 300-seat black box concert venue for an Americana-tinged night of soulful roots rock n’ roll to get your holiday weekend going, in high style! MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Sat. Sept. 11 9:30 pm BLACK-EYED SALLY’S/ Hartford, CT 350 Asylum Street 860.278.7427

As fall kicks in, spend a warm evening at the Capital Area’s Home Of The Blues with the Beehive Queen and the Montez Boys as they throw down on Sally’s big stage. Fab Southern cuisine is also the order of the night at Sally’s. Log on to www.blackeyedsallys.com for directions & menu.

Sunday Sept 12 3 pm Storrs Downtown Council Annual Festival / Storrs, Connecticut. Christine guests with David Foster & The Mohegan Sun All-Stars (James Montgomery is also slated to appear) for this yearly autumn festival that’s filled with good food, good friends, and, as always, hot rock n’ soul, played All-Stars style. Come and celebrate on a warm afternoon as summer rolls out and fall rolls in!

Sunday, September 26 4 pm (Sunday fest schedule begins 11:45) WESTPORT DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS THE 3RD ANNUAL BLUES, VIEWS AND BBQ FESTIVAL (SEPT. 24-26) Westport, CT Christine guests for the festival finale, “The Uptown Horns Revue, featuring Christine Ohlman, Debbie Davies and Joe Louis Walker.” It’s a dream-team of a lineup, guaranteed to rock your world!
For more info, log on to: www.bluesviewsbbq.com

Sat. Oct. 2 10 pm Cafe Nine/New Haven, CT 250 State Street 203.789.8281 It”ll be an Autumn hipshake at the Beehive Queen’s fave hang for original music, seven nights a week. The Nine is always a place where new songs get played and old favories get appreciated. And now there’s FREE (yeah, you read it right!) PARKING behind the club. Rock on over to www.cafenine.com for all the news.

Friday, October 15 one show- 8 pm The Turning Point Music Cafe Piermont, NY 468 Piermont Avenue 845.359.1089. Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez make their inaugural appearance at this jewelbox of a club that has justly earned its reputation as one of the premier showcase destinations for touring bands on the East Coast. Reserve early for seating (the club holds 70 and has a strict “no standing” policy) and plan to get down deep in the Beehive! Pre or post-show dinner can be had right upstairs at Tequila Sal Y Limon (call 845.680.6740) For info, reserve advance tickets and directions, log on to: www.turningpointcafe.com

Thursday, October 21 7 pm “ONE NIGHT BAND” WITH BAND TOGETHER- TO BENEFIT NEAR & FAR AID/ The Fairfield Theatre Company (Stage One), Fairfield, CT 70 Sanford Street 203.259.1036 Christine joins the great artists of Band Together along with fellow soul diva Giselle Jackson and soul man Frank Simms for a fab night of music spotlighting the great dance tunes of the Seventies…all to benefit a great cause. Tix are $75 and avail at FTC Box office or by mail. Log on for more info: www.bandtogetherct.com and www.fairfieldtheatre.org To learn more about Near & Far Aid: www.nearandfaraid.org

Sat. Oct. 23 9 pm The Knickerbocker Cafe Westerly, RI 35 Railroad Avenue 401.596.4225 The Queen’s premier show at the Knick this spring was a fab, fab night….and we invite our Connecticut AND Rhode Island fans to do it all over again on a sultry Fall evening. Beehivin’ is easy at the The Knick, with its rich rock n’ blues history, its superb kitchen (try the fish!!) and big, big dance floor. For directions, menu and info: www.theknickerbockercafe.com

Fri. Nov. 26 9:30 pm BLACK-EYED SALLY’S/ Hartford, CT 350 Asylum Street 860.278.7427 Make the post-Thanksgiving scene with the Queen. Throw the leftover Turkey in the fridge and come on down to Hartford’s Home Of The Blues for some Southern-fried, non-turkey cookin’ and some great Beehive rock! Log on to www.blackeyedsallys.com for directions & menu.

“STRIP” REVIEWED IN THE ALL-MUSIC GUIDE…
“Like a female Bruce Springsteen or Southside Johnny, she uses her encyclopedic knowledge of soul, blues and swagggering leader-of-the-pack 60s girl group pop to texture her mini-dramas that exude a distinct urban sensibiity. Ohlman’s originals dominate the album, shimmering in a backstreet glaze of moody, drizzle-drenched shadows…” – Hal Horowitz

And don’t forget Re-Hive, the 2008 career retrospective (HMG 1189), featuring choice cuts from the Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez catalogue. Cliff Goodwin comes on board on guitar, big-time, for brand-new Chicago blues classic covers “Killing Floor” and “Dimples.” Re-Hive includes seven alternate takes (including a live version of “Then God Created Woman”) and previously-unissued versions of the Percy Sledge soul classic “It Tears Me Up” and eighties-era dance floor raver “Charmaine.”

Check out the January/February 2009 issue of Elmore Magazine, with its timeless mission of “Saving American Music” for Christine’s cover story on the queens of the genre known as Deep Southern Soul, as well as a review of “Re-Hive”, the new compilation CD by Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez. Excerpt below…
Want more? Log on to www.elmoremagazine.com to grab your very own copy!

QUEEN OF HEART AND SOUL by Christine Ohlman ELMORE Magazine
Jan/Feb. 2009 / cover story excerpt:
“When Aretha Franklin sprang, full-throated, out of obscurity at age 14, sitting down at the piano in her father’s Detroit church and banging out “Yield Not To Temptation,” caught for posterity on a reel-to-reel tape recorder, she was years away from Soul Queen status. She’d still have to run the gauntlet through a stint in New York City on Columbia Records, where she’d record off-the-mark songs like “Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody” for Mitch Miller. That deal eventually went south and so, wisely, did Franklin, landing in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in 1967 with producer Jerry Wexler and the cream of the FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) studio band behind her…”

Drummers gone wild!!!!!! Pix from the last session for tracks for “The Deep End” with the legendary Levon Helm on drums and Christine’s sit-in with Jaimoe & his Jassz Band at the Blender Theatre, NYC are posted on www.christineohlman.net and on MySpace at www.myspace.com/christineohlmanmusic

ALSO CHECK OUT PHOTOS from the “Celebrate Brooklyn Bill Withers Project,” where Christine shared the stage with Nona Hendryx, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Angelique Kidjo and the legendary Persuasions and Cornell Dupree.

“The Hard Way”, that good-girl-goes-bad theme song of Christine’s very first CD, got major tube action on the Lifetime Channel’s made-for-TV flick “Sex & Lies In Sin City.”

The Deep End made the list of Top 50 Songs Of 2009 on North Fork Radio!

SOUTHERN TOUR NEWS….The Beehive Queen spent a funky & fabulous week in New Orleans, ending up in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, on stage with the super-gritty Paul Thorn. Also in the house–some of the great session cats of Southern soul music, including Spooner Oldham, David Hood, and Jim Hall. Check it all out on YouTube

IAN HUNTER’S “SHRUNKEN HEADS” (ON WHICH CHRISTINE GUESTS) WAS CHOSEN BY THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS AS ONE OF THE YEAR’S TOP 20 RELEASES.

FOR FULL CALENDAR AND TO PURCHASE CDs, visit: www.ChristineOhlman.net

e-mail: info@christineohlman.net

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Let’s Hear It for Connecticut’s Hottest Party Band FREEPLAY!

Filed Under: Maggie's Corner, general interest
Jul.28, 2010

Photo Images By:
Cindy Parker
Impression Studio
Email: impressionsstudio@mac.com
Website:www.ImpressionsStudio.com

By: Maggie Griffin

Blending high energy rock, and funk, FREEPLAY’s grown into a popular band that raises their audience in a “get up and dance” at every performance. While enjoying their song selection along with interacting with their audience, it is a fact while dancing on the floor; you may just see yourself dancing close to one of the band members. FREEPLAY not only blends their performances of music from all genres, they are also currently working on the production of their own songs.

Introducing the FREEPLAY Band Members:

Ed Merola, famed by his distinctive black hat, is the base to base walk, steaming in with the blend of tunes, his forte in base tone takes on the stage, strings the base at the beat of his feet. Once that hat is on, there is a no stopping, walking foot base and vocals.

Jim Pino at the sax, and vocals, he also takes on that harmonic tone as well. He is the creation of loud sounding, using his moves with sax appeal. On solo, he overlaps jazz to rock, rhythm and blues, joining the base of base in Ed’s walking base tones.

Skip Swift is the shaker of lips and feet, mixing rhythm and blues with his guitar and vocals, as he moves like the famous “Blues Brothers”. Skip jumps in with his guitar and vocals, shifting walls and bouncing floors, joining in with Jim hen Jim powers his sax or harmonica,.

Joe Podsiadlo takes his guitar and vocals from is own natural
“pod-cast” to the past, sounding like the legend “Johnny Cash” in guitar. He brings the country soul into the blend of the band, using classic and original rock. Tuning up the notch he delivers his casting classics with Skip’s rhythm and blues.

Jordan Giangreco branches in with electric energy behind the keyboard, shouting his vocals mixing in with the band. His free playing style stems from his fingers to his elbows, bopping to his own “Give me Some Lovin” classic while styling a Led Zep mold of his own, mixing the branch with Joe.

All of this in a blending machine sound, follows by a stickler with sticks on drums “Rambo” as he takes the beat to the next level where he can move the sticks as though they are playing fast on percussion and brick walls. Percussion at its best, “hand held in sticks” is the secret weapon of Rambo.

The classic performance of FREEPLAY is the magic of the auto combination in performance from all members of this band. Where one follows the other without skipping a beat, they have a style that is a perfection of their own, getting a grove on which makes their performances too valuable, their audience seems to want to take them home. They are Connecticut’s Hottest and Best Playing Band where they also seem to perform at a level where suddenly it feels like their music selections and performance magically lifts you off your feet through their blasting music performing style.

FREEPLAY also has passion in a charitable cause for Breast Cancer. They will be hosting and performing on August 28th, rain or shine, at Westbrook Elks Club from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm to benefit the Yale New Haven Breast Center at Smilow Hospital. 2010 marks the 2nd Annual Beach Jam for Breast Cancer. Purchasing tickets in advance includes Admission, event T-Shirt and Lunch. Children under 12 get in for FREE! There will be Food and Beverages at this performance for purchase as well.

For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit: www.BreastCancerBeachJam.com

Below is currently in the books where FREEPLAY will be peforming.
For booking information call 1-860-663-2502 or email skipswift11@yahoo.com.

Aug 6 2010 8:00P The Back Porch Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Aug 7 2010 7:00P Orange Carnival Orange, Ct
Aug 21 2010 9:00P Wedding Branford, Connecticut
Aug 22 2010 TBD Wedding Westbrook, Connecticut
Aug 28 2010 12:00P Breast Cancer Benefit Westbrook, Connecticut
Sept 4 2010 8:00P The Back Porch Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Sep 25 2010 Wedding Monroe, Connecticut
Oct 2 2010 Jake’s Wallingford, Connecticut
Oct 16 2010 Daniel St Milford, Connecticut
Dec 11 2010 Private Christmas Party Old Lyme, Connecticut
Dec 18 2010 Daniel St Milford, Connecticut

Visit FREEPLAY on the web at www.FreeplayTheBand.com

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David Pruett on MuzikMafia – From the Local Nashville Scene to the National Mainstream

Filed Under: Maggie's Corner, general interest
Jul.27, 2010
David Pruett

David Pruett

Hi David. We’ve had the pleasure of reading  your book, MuzikMafia: From the Local Nationville Scene to the National Mainstream . As we told you earlier, your book is captivating – instructive from a business perspective (a should read for those considering a career in music).  On the one hand, the book is a case study exposing the high ups and low downs of the music business. MuzikMafia is also entertaining (if we might say so), telling of the Nashville scene, the story of MuzikMafia – and some great anecdotes along the way.

We know a bit about your academic background, tell us a bit more about yourself and your interest in music.

DP:       I was pretty much raised on country music. My first exposure to old-time and bluegrass was through my father Ronnie who grew up in Mount Airy, North Carolina, where he worked at the small, traditional music radio station WPAQ. He would tell me stories of interviewing Andy Griffith and seeing Flatt & Scruggs perform live. I spent my formative years on a farm in rural upstate South Carolina where I learned to sing almost every Hank Williams Jr. song by heart. I took pride in my southern roots and the country music that reflected my upbringing. My formal musical training began when I was in sixth grade, and I have been performing ever since. Along the way, I have gained a love and appreciation for listening to and performing musics from many global cultural soundscapes, including those from the Middle East and India.

What motivated you to write the book. How did it come about – was it a clearly defined project from the get-go or did you “discover” the book over time?

DP:       I have to admit that serendipity played a large role. I was in the right place at the right time. I was teaching at Middle Tennessee State

MuzikMafia, the godfather (l-r): Kenny Alphin, Jon Nicholson, Cory Gierman, John Rich (Photo: Deanna Kay)

MuzikMafia, the godfather (l-r): Kenny Alphin, Jon Nicholson, Cory Gierman, John Rich (Photo: Deanna Kay)

University in spring 2004 when one of my popular music students mentioned that I should see this “new thing” called MuzikMafia in Nashville. I decided to give it a shot and attended my first MuzikMafia show on June 14, 2004—a night that changed my life. I was blown away by the high degree of talent among the MuzikMafia’s roster of diverse artists and the feeling of closeness among audience members at that show. It was like being around family. While there, I also met John Rich who was enthusiastic to idea of me writing my doctoral dissertation on the MuzikMafia, documenting their forthcoming rise to national stardom. And the rest is history…

The project was clearly defined from the get go, although I did have to modify my approach and methodology during the MuzikMafia’s growth in popularity. In just a few months in summer 2004, I went from videotaping shows and interviewing artists in small Nashville clubs to national tours in front of tens of thousands of fans. The MuzikMafia, especially Big & Rich, have been great in granting me full and unfettered access since the beginning. They invited me into their lives and allowed me to tell their story from a rare, insider’s perspective.

What was the biggest (or what were the biggest) challenge(s) in writing the book? Tell us a little bit about the high and lows for David Pruett while writing the book?

DP: One of the major challenges was getting the whole story from each artist. It’s human nature for artists to want only the best things written about them. As a result, I found myself having to consult multiple sources to get the complete story, cross-check all facts, and to follow-up numerous times with each artist to insure the book’s integrity. I was clear with the MuzikMafia from the beginning in that I was not their public relations representative and that the book was not intended to be a promotional tool. I emphasized that I was a serious scholar wanting to produce an accurate account of the MuzikMafia’s birth, growth, and development during a specific time in popular music history.


Backstage All Access Passes (Photo: David Pruett)

It was my honor and privilege to work with the MuzikMafia 2004-2009. These were the taste-makers of the industry if even for a brief time, and I had the fortunate opportunity to see life from their point of view. The MuzikMafia included the best of the best that Nashville has to offer, and I’ll always remember those many conversations on the tour bus before and after shows, the back stage antics, the parties at the Fontanel Mansion, the roar of the crowds, and the many MuzikMafia artists who made my research such an intimate, deeply fulfilling experience.

The greatest disappointment for me was to witness first-hand the gradual downfall of the MuzikMafia 2006-2008. Performances during this time gradually became awkward, and die-hard fans, many of whom I had befriended, had become scarce. I slowly watched as the MuzikMafia seemed to implode amidst the tension brought on by its various commercial endeavors. I decided early on not to interfere with the MuzikMafia’s trajectory but rather to document the collective as a significant cultural phenomenon. Sometimes I regret that decision.

How do you summarize the book in a nutshell? What’s it all about from your point of view?

DP: The book is a story of Nashville’s commercial music industry, using the MuzikMafia as a case-study. I provide rare, behind-the-scene insight into not only how, but why the MuzikMafia became a national popular music phenomenon and how MuzikMafia artists changed—almost single-handedly—the sound and image of commercial country music in 2004-2005.

For me, the book is about Nashville as one of America’s great music centers and how the MuzikMafia is but a reflection of the city’s diverse music scene.

Great.  What is (or are) the key take-away(s) for your readers?

DP: What readers should realize is that the music industry is not a Utopia of quick record deals, national tours, and quickly fulfilled dreams. It’s a very real place full of real people with real problems. There is a reason why some artists make it to the top, while others do not. Seldom is luck involved. Usually it is because opportunity meets years of preparation and hard work. Unfortunately, fun, fame, and fortune are frequently accompanied by greed, jealousy, and pain. The book examines the music industry from a well-rounded, more realistic perspective rather than from an overly positive or negative point of view.

More importantly, the book serves as a veritable how-to manual for any musician wanting to make it big in the music business. MuzikMafia artists were masters at working the system. The book reveals how they did it.

Can you tell us about current projects underway? Any follow-ups to MuzikMafia planned for the future?

DP: I am working on another book project at the moment. Everyone will have to stayed tuned for details, though. Revealing too much at this early stage always brings bad luck! However, I can say that has something to do with Nashville’s music scene.

The optimist in me hopes that the MuzikMafia will one day reunite, making a follow-up book necessary. However, there are still some hurdles that MuzikMafia artists need to overcome for that to happen. A free, Tuesday night show in Nashville for a few local friends and fans would be a good start. That’s what MuzikMafia was like in the beginning. That is what it was supposed to be all along.

David, thanks so much for you time and willingness to talk to us. Much appreciated and we wish you the best of luck going forward.  David B. Pruett is an Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Massachusetts at Boston.  A native of North Carolina, he has been widely published in scholarly and popular books and journals.

Purchase from Amazon.com at SHOP HorizonVU Music MuzikMafia: From the Local Nashville Scene to the National Mainstream (American Made Music Series)


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