SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK’S FIRST ORCHESTRAL WORK “SYMPHONY 10: AFFIRMATIONS FOR A NEW WORLD” BY COMPOSER BILL BANFIELD TO PREMIERE WITH NSO POPS NATION

Share

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK’S FIRST ORCHESTRAL WORK “SYMPHONY 10: AFFIRMATIONS FOR A NEW WORLD” BY COMPOSER BILL BANFIELD TO PREMIERE WITH NSO POPS NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT THE KENNEDY CENTER, WASHINGTON, DC, APRIL 13-14, 2012

March 15, 2012, New York...Iconic and Grammy Award-nominated a cappella ensemble SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK will premiere their first ever orchestral collaboration, “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” with music composed by William C. Banfield and lyrics written by the ensemble members: Ysaye M. Barnwell, Carol Maillard, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, and Louise Robinson at the prestigious National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC, on April 13-14, 2012. The premiere performances will be conducted by Thomas Wilkins with the Morgan State University Choir, directed by Eric Conway. Both shows are slated to begin at 8 PM.

“Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” was co-commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra (Christoph Eschenbach, Music Director), and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC; the Minnesota Orchestra, (Osmo Vänskä, Music Director); and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Millennium Park, Chicago. The Minnesota Orchestra will present the work at the Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis on April 21, 2012. It will be conducted by Mark Russell Smith with the Vocal Essence Choir, directed by Philip Brunelle. The Harris Theater for Music and Dance will present the work with the Sphinx Orchestra in Chicago, on October 3, 2012. It will be conducted by Bill Banfield with The Children’s Choir of Chicago, directed by Josephine Lee.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK and Banfield began collaborating on “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” five years ago. The final thirty minute work comprises five movements including: “A Higher Note” by Aisha Kahlil, ”Dreams,” by Carol Maillard, “The Day the World Awoke,” by Nitanju Bolade Casel, “Discourse of Change,” by Ysaye M. Barnwell and “Yes,” by Louise Robinson.

“Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” is a labor of love and one of the most challenging and adventurous projects we've undertaken as a group," stated Ysaye Barnwell. "It has been a dream to one day blend our unique sound, artistry, and lyrics with a symphony orchestra, and we're very fortunate to have fulfilled it by partnering with such a gifted and talented composer as Bill Banfield,” she added. “We thank the National Symphony Orchestra, The Minnesota Orchestra, and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance for co-commissioning, “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” and we are delighted to be performing it with each of them.”

Banfield cited some of the musical inspiration and concept for the score by offering, "Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World," affirms every human power we have: love, imagination, fear and courage, will to change, dreaming, to ask the question and to touch someone else's soul. It is stepping out as the text asks for ‘a higher note,’ to redefine the traditions in our art that need new fueling.”

While “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” represents SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK’S first foray as an ensemble writing lyrics for an orchestral score, they have previously collaborated as composers and performers with dance companies (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Washington Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance and Step Africa), instrumentalists (Wynton Marsalis), as well as noted poets (Sonia Sanchez, Alice Walker, and Maya Angelou).

Bill Banfield is a noted composer, author, recording artist, musical director, performer, and currently serves as a Professor of Africana Studies/Music and Society, and Director of Africana Studies Programs at Berklee College of Music. His works have been commissioned, performed and recorded by orchestras including: the National, Atlanta, Dallas, Akron, Detroit, New York Virtuoso, Grand Rapids, Akron, and many others.

Tickets for both performances can be purchased online by going to http://www.kennedy-center.org/tickets, or by calling the Box Office, (202) 467-4600, toll-free (800) 444-1324, or TTY, (202) 416-8524.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK®

www.sweethoneyintherock.org

CONTACT: RAMON HERVEY II

herveyco@aol.com

COUNTRY SINGER ANN CLAIRE TEAMS WITH ONEHOPE WINE FOR TOUR DATES A Portion Of The Proceeds Will Go To Supporting Our Troops

Share

NASHVILLE – New country artist Ann Claire and ONEHOPE Wine and The ONEHOPE Foundation have teamed up for a unique partnership to help spread some good spirits at her current tour dates.

ONEHOPE Wine has signed onto sponsor Ann Claire’s residency tour at Belcourt Taps & Tapas in Nashville, this Wednesday, March 8 and Wednesday, March 14 from 6-8 pm. Concert-goers will be able to purchase one of the company’s wines at a special price during the night of her shows and/or participate in a special tasting of all their varietals, paired with special tapas created by Belcourt Taps and Tapas’ renowned chef specially for the events, for a set price. 50% of the wine sales at the venue throughout the night will go toward the ONEHOPE Foundation with 100% of those sales being donated to Support Our Troops, Ann Claire’s charity of choice within the ONEHOPE Foundation’s portfolio of charities. Since ONEHOPE’s launch in 2007, they have donated more than $750,000 to their partner charities.

“ONEHOPE Wine and The ONEHOPE Foundation has been a proud supporter of numerous artists and athletes that have built their career and mission on something greater than themselves. Ann Claire has worked hard and faced many challenges, but has never lost sight of the greater purpose that she has committed her life and career to. At ONEHOPE Wine our goal is to use award winning California wines as a platform allowing other partners to raise money and awareness for many great causes. We at ONEHOPE are thrilled that Ann Claire has partnered with the Belcourt Taps and Tapas and the ONEHOPE Foundation to raise money and awareness for worthy local causes,” says Jake Kloberdanz, CEO of ONEHOPE.

“I am extremely proud to be able to bring these beautiful wines from my home state of California to Nashville and all over the country this year on my tour,” Ann Claire enthuses. “Wine, women and song have always gone together perfectly, and it’s exciting to be able to have my Honkytonk Princess show be a real way to give back to a country and community I care so passionately about.”

Ann Claire is touring in support of her recently released debut CD, Honkytonk Princess, on Prosody Records. The album is receiving rave reviews, including this one by Music News Nashville: "Her enthusiasm is apparent on tracks like 'Lucky Me' and 'Better Girl,' both of which exude the word personality. She also handles the beat of the up-tempo title cut, as well as the breezy 'Let’s Go To Mexico,' which soars with its message of casting worries to the side of the road for a while. Ann Claire also proves adept at handling a ballad, with her warm touch on 'Here To Home,' as well as 'Somewhere.' Kudos to her as well for tackling a cut like Amanda Marshall’s 'Dark Horse,' and rising to the challenge."

The official ONEHOPE mission statement for Supporting our Troops reads as follows: “Military families have always paid a steep price. Their sacrifices and the loss of their loved ones serving in our armed forces should be honored. One in 75 American troops who have gone to war has never returned. 4,735 (according to WashingtonPopst.com) souls have perished in the struggle for peace and security in the war in Iraq. Those heroes leave behind more than a legacy of honor and courage. In many instances, children are left without moms and dads, some never even getting to know their fallen parents.”

ABOUT ANN CLAIRE: Many country girls grow up with dreams of being a real princess. But there’s only one genuine princess who grew up to be a country singer and songwriter: Ann Claire. She was born in the Middle East to a father who was a pop and R&B songwriter in London’s music scene, and as the great-niece of the late Shah of Iran is a bona fide princess. Ann Claire, now an American citizen, grew up in both London and Los Angeles, and was schooled in England, Switzerland, and Spain before attending the University of Southern California to major in film and television and minor in sociology and graduate with honors. She followed that with studies in theatre and voice at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre, where she appeared in a number of plays. She starred in her own reality series, Love Is In The Heir, which ran for 10 episodes on the E! Network in 2006, earning strong ratings around the world as it aired to millions in more than 50 nations. Her debut CD, Honkytonk Princess, was released on Feb. 21, 2012 on Prosody Records and was co-produced by Travis Howard (Nashville Star, Miranda Lambert) and Maxwell Abrams (Muzik Mafia). She co-wrote eight out of the 12 songs on the record.

ABOUT ONEHOPE WINES: In a short period of time ONEHOPE Wine has become one of the most recognizable cause brands in the United States of America. The charitable company has grown rapidly over the past three years due to a respected and positive presence in all charitable fields. ONEHOPE has become the socially conscious wine of choice at several hundred premier events including the Grammy’s, The American Red Cross Gala, the BAFTA’s, Sundance Film Festival and VH1 Save the Music. The tireless efforts over the past three years from the dedicated ONEHOPE team have ensured that the brand is a familiar and respected concept in most households and businesses. This commitment and dedication to “making a difference” is what has spearheaded the astonishing company to great heights in such a short time. The hard-working and dynamic team strives without limits to create a global brand that promises to make a better future for all.

For more information:
princessannclaire.com
ONEHOPEWINE.com

ROAD LIFE INSPIRED LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL’S NEW CD, WASTED, DUE APRIL 3

Share

Los Angeles- Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real earned themselves a stellar 2011 with gigs nearly every night, spots on such mega-events as Farm Aid, Bridge School, and Stagecoach, national TV airtime on Letterman, Leno, and Kimmel, and rave reviews for two simple reasons: Great songs and even better live shows.

Now, they’ve found a way to bring that performance experience to their second full-length release, Wasted, both lyrically and musically. “Neil Young suggested that we record the album live in the studio in analog, which is something we didn’t do on the last record,” explains Lukas Nelson, who penned all of the tracks and produced the record with his band – Anthony LoGerfo (Drums), Tato Melgar (Percussion) and Corey McCormick (Bass) – and Jim “Moose” Brown. “It really added a lot of magnetism, energy, and that live feel, and a lot of warmth to it. I feel like this record sounds more like what you get when you see us perform.”

Neil Young, whom Lukas calls a “distant mentor” for the band, also suggested that the band record on a full moon. Not only did they hit the studio – Moose Lodge Studios in Nashville – on full moons, but they also mixed and mastered the record on a full moon and purposely chose the April 3 release date because it’s yet another full moon week.

“This record was all about capturing a moment, and there are some special full moon moments that I think we captured on tape,” adds Nelson. The moments in particular that are captured on this record was the time on tour over the summer months during which Nelson wrote the album’s 14 songs in the back of the band’s tour bus.

“Wasted is a snapshot of this last summer on tour when I wrote most of this music,” he says. “It was the summer of debauchery. I was socializing a little too much and not really being true to myself. So the whole record was a snapshot of me making one of the many mistakes I’ll likely make throughout my life. There were a lot of pressures on the road and there are a lot of people who view touring as just one big party. I started staying out until 4 in the morning. It was like summer camp. It took a toll on me. I soon realized I wasn’t really being myself and I had a big wake-up call and it’s during that time that I wrote this record.”

But, Nelson is quick to add that Wasted is not just about a summer out of control; it’s about the idea of wasting your time, your life, your creativity, and reminding yourself to stay true to your values and ideals, and for Nelson and his band that’s always been about family, positivity, and spreading love and happiness to others. “There are a lot of definitions for the word wasted; it’s not a one dimensional record. It’s meant to be listened to and internalized. There is a lot of sentiments about missing loved ones and being on the road, and even some political and military hints in there,” he says of the lyrical matter.

Adds drummer Anthony LeGorfo: “It’s really a road record. We did 18 weeks straight on tour in the summer and that can kind of waste anyone. I think it’s also great to listen to while you’re driving down the road. And because Lukas wrote it at one time, I think this record is more cohesive than the last one. By being on the road together so long, we really improved as a band and got tighter and you hear that on this record. These songs are really jammy and fun to play live.”

Though Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real didn’t stray too far from what their core sound is, they did play around with new instruments and sounds and a few new influences seeped into the music as well. For instance, the album kicks off with “The Golden Rule,” which has a bit of a calypso vibe, and includes several gritty rockers, such as “Old Familiar Pain” and “Wasted,” which Nelson admits is his “strutty Rolling Stones” song.

“We have a lot of new instruments on there that we haven’t really used before, like the Wurlitzer, the Hammond B3 organ, Dobro, and lap steel guitar… That was Moose’s influence,” says Nelson. “Moose plays on all tracks and Cowboy Eddie Long (steel guitar) on most of them. We really extended the family beyond our core four on this record”. Along with Moose, Cowboy and the rest of the core that includes Percussionist Tato Melgar and Bassist Corey McCormick , the band also brought in Lukas’ sister Amy on two songs “Wasn’t That Great?” and “Can You Hear Me Love You?”

That said, at the core of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real and Wasted is what their fans know and love best. Rock n Roll that speaks from the heart . “First and foremost we’re just people in a rock n roll band and this is a rock n roll record indicative of that,” adds LoGerfo.

For more information:

www.promiseofthereal.com

GENRE-BENDING SHOW BAND DANCE HALL PIMPS RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM MARCH 6, 2012 ON LAKESHORE RECORDS

Share

FEATURING THE TWISTED SINGLES

“MOMMY WAS A ZOMBIE” AND “BEAST FOR LOVE”


Hollywood, Ca. – Dance Hall Pimps, the genre-bending show band, is releasing their debut album, Beast for Love. The Dance Hall Pimps, who signed with Lakeshore Records in 2011, will be releasing Beast for Love March 6, 2012 with an album release show on March 10th at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.


The debut album from the Dance Hall Pimps features twelve tracks (10 originals and 2 covers), showcasing the band’s fresh take on genres ranging from swampy garage rock to New Orleans-style rags and romp. Combining dark and twisted subject matter and wistful lyrics with upbeat tempos and mind blowing vocals, the album can hardly fit neatly into any genre. Innovative lyrics and catchy hooks are what have created memorable tracks with great stories. The singles off the album “Mommy was a Zombie” and “Beast for Love” offer up infectious hooks with foot tapping beats. 


“Mommy was a Zombie,” despite its novelty song title, tells the story of being raised by a drug addicted mother and without a father; without knowing the lyrics, its buoyant and cheerful roots rock beat masks the tragedy at the heart of the song. Lead singer and songwriter RJ says, “I like hiding serious issues in upbeat even deceptively playful songs, and people should always look twice at our titles.” 


“Beast for Love” references classic horror movies to make a simple point: even monsters are just looking for love. Sometimes we become beasts as love takes the best of us. Sometimes we’re looking for a beast to love. The quest for love is told through captivating lyrics with subtle cinematic references and retro rhythms. 


Vocal tracks on the Dance Hall Pimps debut album Beast for Love were recorded at Nightbird Studios at the famous Sunset Marquis Hotel and were produced by Rob Hill (Korn, Xzibit) and Grammy Winner Matt Hyde (Cypress Hill, Porno for Pyros). Each member of the Dance Hall Pimps wrote, co-wrote or arranged at least one song on Beast for Love.


A portion of the profits of Beast for Love will be donated to organizations that fight the sex trafficking of children in the United States and provide services to victims. “Pimp Music Not People,” Dance Hall Pimps are sex-positive among consenting adults, but oppose all human trafficking and sex slavery.


Official website: http://www.dancehallpimps.com


TOBY KEITH'S "RED SOLO CUP" GETS TAPPED & TEE'D Fan Demand Extends Popularity To Fashion & Technology

Share

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) The cultural phenomenon that is Toby Keith's "Red Solo Cup" continues to prove that when the cup reigns, it pours. As if 11 million video views, a top 10 single, No. 1 download and album, a Glee cover and more aren't enough, RSC is in demand on apps and on backs.

"Proceed To Party" Red Solo Cup t-shirts were added to Toby Keith's website store last week, selling out within a few hours. Fans who can't yet wear their RSC pride can wear out their RSC thumbs, as the song is the Free Track of the Week on Tap Tap Revenge, the No. 1 best-selling app store music game of all time.

And while Toby is nominated for three Academy of Country Music Awards (all for "Red Solo Cup"), his namesake restaurant chain, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar And Grill in Minneapolis, is also nominated in the Nightclub of the Year category. And that's not the only accolade the venue has recently received. Under the headline "Everybody Loves Toby," Country Weekly recently featured his restaurants and signature Wild Shot Mezcal, noting the rave reviews both have been receiving.

"Red Solo Cup" is the second and unexpected single from Keith's chart-topping album Clancy's Tavern, following the No. 1 smash "Made In America." The video for RSC bowed on YouTube and became an instant viral hit, drawing hundreds of thousands, then millions of views before it was released as a single.

LAS VEGAS BASED ROCK QUARTET LIGHT THE BLACK SKYE RELEASE HEARTFELT BALLAD ABOUT ADDICTION, “I WISH YOU”

Share

Los Angeles, CA – The Las Vegas based rock band, LIGHT THE BLACK SKYE, is releasing their single “I Wish You”, available via download on iTunes. “I Wish You”, off their newest 12-track album, Looking Out Looking In, is a heartfelt track about the emotional struggles of family and friends, trying to help a loved one battle the agony of drug and alcohol addiction.

The inspiration behind this emotional ballad is derived from A&E’s hit reality show “Intervention”, as members felt the emotional connection while watching a recent episode and later wrote the song that would reach out to those affected by drug and alcohol addictions. The band member’s hope for the song is that it at least “touches one person’s soul on a deep enough level, to perhaps help that person move towards a positive healthy life”.

The track, “I Wish You” is the only track in Light the Black Skye’s recording history that was originally released as a demo and subsequently the same version was released as the final project. It was undeniable to those around the success of Light the Black Skye that they had reached magic and their goal with this single, the very first time around.

The idea behind Light the Black Skye came together late one night during a Las Vegas weekend reunion between members Joe Nassar and Steven Ossana, both classmates from New York. It was also in Las Vegas where the band had their debut performance at the House of Blues. Light the Black Skye have been together since 2008 performing high octane live shows and penning rock style track for their newest album, Looking Out Looking In. Recently, Light the Black Skye was chosen by the members of KISS, to open for them in New York at the Nikon Jones Beach Theater.

Official artist website: www.lighttheblackskye.com

NEW INDIE SONGWRITER/SINGER ALISA BONIELLO SET FOR VALENTINE’S DAY DEBUT OF LOVESTRUCK SINGLE AND LIVE SPECIAL

Share

February 9, 2012, New York, NY…. Burgeoning indie songwriter/pop singer Alisa Boniello, who has impressed a growing youtube fan base with her first video, “LOVESTRUCK,” (over 5000 hits since premiering two months ago) will release her debut single of the same title, and a live LOVESTRUCK VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL featuring songs from her forthcoming EP on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2012. LOVESTRUCK will be distributed digitally only on CDbaby.com, and their digital partners.

Her LOVESTRUCK VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL, was taped in front of a small audience of family and friends to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and marked her first live concert performance. The special will initially premiere on a trio of popular music sites that have a cumulative viewing audience of over 1 million, Bella Online (averages 650,000 per month) PopYouLarity.com, (averages 325,000 per month), and CoolGrrrls.com, which over the past decade and a half has become one of the leading destinations and supporters for exposing female artist’s of all music styles and genres. Boniello performs three songs from her forthcoming EP, “LOVESTUCK,” “WHY,” and “THAT KIND OF GIRL.” Recorded at the venerable Montana Studios in Manhattan, the special was Directed by James Lester and Produced by Ramon Hervey II.

“I’m so thrilled to be able to share my new music and first live performance, “enthused Boniello. “My EP, and especially “Lovestruck,” is about relationships and the power and beauty of love, so this is my special Valentine’s Day gift and way of saying thank you to my fans and everyone who has supported my career so far.”

Boniello co-penned all the songs on her LOVESTUCK EP with Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer Barry Eastmond, who also produced all four songs on her EP, except THAT KIND OF GIRL, which was co-produced with Wendell Hanes and Dan Kramer.

Eastmond also served as Musical Director/keyboard player for Boniello’s showcase band, which also comprised highly-regarded veteran New York session musicians, guitarist Jeremy Most, drummer Terry Silverlight, and bassist Carl Carter.