Tuesday, June 18, 2013

BILLBOARD CHARTING SINGER-SONGWRITER MARGO REY HAS BEEN NAMED NATIONAL AMBASSADOR FOR BRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER




Cancer survivor Rey’s hit, "Let the Rain," to become non-profit's theme song 
SARASOTA, FL – Brides Against Breast Cancer™ (BABC) announced today that noted singer and songwriter Margo Rey has been named volunteer ambassador for the national  non-profit organization. Her hit, "Let the Rain," a top 20 Billboard charting song, will become the theme song for a new BABC nationwide campaign.

"From my perspective as a breast cancer warrior now undergoing chemotherapy, I believe that education and personal support are just as critical as prompt medical treatment," said Margo Rey. "It is my pleasure to join Brides Against Breast Cancer to raise awareness and help ensure that no one ever has to face cancer alone."

In her role as ambassador, Margo Rey will visit select cities where Brides Against Breast Cancer (www.bridesabc.org) holds its “Original Nationwide Tour of Gowns” bridal shows, which raise money for education, information and outreach services to cancer patients and their families.  She is also looking forward to becoming a bride herself, planning a fall wedding to her partner for the last five years, famous comedian and actor Ron “Tater Salad” White.

"Margo Rey's cancer journey will offer inspiration to so many people," said Carl Ritter, chief executive officer for the Sarasota-based nonprofit. "She will spread hope and courage to thousands of families affected by cancer in her role as Ambassador."

Rey’s alternative pop songs have captured a worldwide audience with their unforgettable melodies, groove oriented arrangements and enduring, socially conscious lyrics. Her biggest hit, “Let the Rain” – co-written with the legendary John Oates – remained on the charts for 21 weeks.  Rey’s newest single, “Tempted,” is presently in the Top 40 charts and currently being played on dozens of radio stations across the United States.

A native of Mexico, Margo Rey is fluent in English and Spanish and holds good conversational skills in French and Italian.  She was raised in the Dallas area, where she began performing at the age of 11. She has sung in eight languages and in many countries. A singer, songwriter and a dancer, Rey has been a vocalist in pop groups and TV commercials, and was voice-over talent in the 2008 animated movie "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and has toured with New York City Broadway shows.

In keeping with Rey's volunteer leadership, BABC is kicking off a new campaign this summer called simply, "I Do!"  As Amy Paulishak, vice president, said, "Those two words from all our future brides describe the response we hope to hear when we ask people to support our program, from donating funds, to performing self-breast exams and helping family members and friends facing this disease."

This year, Brides Against Breast Cancer will host more than 120 bridal shows nationwide, and will contribute 2 million dollars to support free programs and services to help people impacted by cancer.  In addition, the nonprofit will distribute thousands of breast self-examination cards.

Brides Against Breast Cancer sells all brands of new designer and gently worn wedding gowns, with an average offering of nearly 1,000 dresses at each show. Gowns are available in sizes from 0 to 24, and layaway is available.  Gown prices start at $99 and range upwards to new name brand and couture gowns valued at $3,900 or more.

“Our organization makes it possible for future brides around the country to purchase wedding gowns at dramatic savings, as well as donate their own gowns,” said Paulishak.  "If you have already said, 'I do,' and want to donate your gown, a charitable tax deduction is available."

For more information on Brides Against Breast Cancer, visit  www.bridesabc.org or call 1-877-721-HOPE.  For more information on Margo Rey, visit  www.margorey.com.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

BUNNY SIGLER RELEASES NEW SINGLE “FORGIVE AND FORGET” JUNE 18 ON ALL MAJOR DIGITAL MUSIC PLATFORMS




LOS ANGELES, Calif. — June 13, 2013 — Grammy and multiplatinum producer/singer/songwriter and recording artist Bunny Sigler has announced plans for his newest single release “Forgive and Forget,” a song written by his longtime friend, manager, business partner and attorney Lloyd Remick, that will be released on all digital music retailers on June 18, 2013. After 40 years of working side by side, Sigler and Remick collaborate for the first time as songwriters to share a story that touches the hearts of many.

“Forgive and Forget” dares to seek its relation to those who have mistakenly experienced a one-time indiscretion, pleading for his love to simply ‘forgive and forget.’ The single will be available on CDBaby.com and iTunes on June 4 and is currently available on Bun-Z Music and Records website at: http://www.bunzmusicandrecords.com.

Four decades later, the two continue to produce music in hopes of inspiring others, but never had Remick proposed the idea of producing his very own song. He came to Sigler with these sorrowful yet beautiful lyrics, and Sigler fell in love with the story. “Forgive and Forget” reaches those who have experienced a one-time infidelity and have from there on out, lived life of regret and pain. This song, and all other songs Remick and Sigler have composed, convey such real-life situations and evoke strong emotion.

“I believe that the music Bunny is singing can help change the world,” said Remick. “I know it might sound a little idealistic, but I believe music has the power to unite us.”

Sigler and Remick aim at providing emotional tales for their audience. In “Forgive and Forget,” they uncover a perspective of the story that has never before been told through song. As for telling real-life stories — this latest single will reveal just that.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Fine-Art Photo Book Focuses on Up-Close Details of Rock Star Guitars




LOS ANGELES, June 7, 2013, 108 Rock Star Guitars by photographer/author Lisa S. Johnson is a collection of stunningly personal and intimate portraits of the cherished guitars owned by the gods of rock. It is a music and fine-art photography aficionado's backstage pass to witness up-close these six-stringed works of art belonging to Les Paul, Eric Clapton, Keith RichardsJimmy Page, Lou Reed, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Nancy Wilson, Bonnie Raitt, Rick Nielsen, Slash, Jack White, Billy Gibbons, Ace Frehley and many others. The book, to be published by Glitterati Incorporated, is offered for pre-order now at www.108RockStarGuitars.com and will be available at booksellers and online everywhere September 16, 2013. (108 Rock Star Guitars SRP: $108, ISBN: 978-0-9832702-5-6). A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Les Paul Foundation.

This exquisite, 396-page art book, bound in embossed red leatherette, features 300 images that reveal—through Johnson’s signature macrophotography style—the intimate details, etchings, totems, and personal touches that embody the true spirit of the musician and that few—save for their stage crew—have seen from this perspective. Alongside these images, Johnson provides personal anecdotes describing her long quest to photograph these iconic instruments and documents her travels from the backstage hallways of some the world’s most famous concert venues, to the artist’s private homes.

“I remember the first black-and-white pictures Lisa took of my guitars… they were wonderfully evocative,” writes the late legendary musician and inventor Les Paul in the book’s foreword. “I never could have guessed that she would one day produce the extensive, impressive collection of photographs presented here—images unlike any I have ever seen. Lisa’s passion for her subject is evident on every page of this magnificent book.”

In addition, Glitterati will issue a deluxe, limited edition of 540 signed and numbered copies, packaged in a die-cut collector’s box. (SRP: $540, ISBN: 978-0-9891704-0-6).  Those books will include a hand-woven, silk chiffon scarf in deep purple, featuring the book cover design. Both editions will include a 16-page booklet, “The Inspiration Behind 108 Rock Star Guitars,” with additional behind-the-scenes photos and stories as well as a guitar pick printed with one of three custom holographic foil designs.

108 Rock Star Guitars is the culmination of Johnson’s 17-year journey that began when she photographed Les Paul’s guitar during one of his regular Monday night sets at New York’s famed Iridium Club. Renowned for his innovations and recognized as one of the pioneers of the solid body electric guitar, he wrote the book’s foreword a few months before he passed away in 2009. In his honor and memory, Johnson will donate a portion of the proceeds to The Les Paul Foundation, which supports music education, engineering and innovation as well as medical research.

Johnson’s innovative guitar photographs can also be seen in the book Eric Clapton: Six-String Stories, where 47 of her images are featured along with archival photos by acclaimed lensmen Lord Snowden, David Bailey, Terry O'Neill, Dominique Tarle and others.

As a former technical sales rep for Kodak, Johnson shot extensively, experimenting with processes and every type of film she had in her inventory. In 108 Rock Star Guitars, she showcases a variety of the last film stock ever manufactured for Kodak Professional and the transition to digital, in her gorgeous homage to image and music.

About Glitterati Incorporated:
Glitterati Incorporated is an intellectual property producer and publisher of distinctive illustrated books, ancillary gift products, and electronic media with offices in New York and London. Glitterati is an expert in producing and selling some of the most innovative products in the book industry. Working both domestically and internationally, Glitterati addresses the market needs of consumers while delivering products with the highest editorial, design, and manufacturing standards. Its offerings span across a variety of genres including fine art and popular culture, fashion and photography, architecture and design, cooking and gardening, children’s interest and lifestyle. Glitterati’s goal is to extend boundaries in the industry while creating deluxe products with broad appeal. http://glitteratiincorporated.com.

About The Les Paul Foundation:
The mission of the Les Paul Foundation is to honor and share the life, spirit, and legacy of Les Paul by supporting music education, engineering and innovation as well as medical research. The foundation awards grants to music, music engineering and sound programs that serve youth, establishes music-related scholarships at schools and programs for students, provides grants for medical research and programs related to hearing impairment, and supports public exhibits displaying Les Paul’s life achievements. http://www.lespaulfoundation.org.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

JAZZ SAXOPHONIST HULON RELEASES NEW RADIO SINGLE “TWO IN THE MORNING”





June 6, 2013 (Los Angeles, CA) – Smooth jazz and R&B saxophonist Hulon has returned with his newest single, “Two in the Morning” from his latest album After Hours. The single is currently available on iTunes and will be going premiering at smooth jazz and urban contemporary radio stations beginning June 3rd  with a music video to accompany that will be released later in June.

After the success of his debut album, First Impressions, Hulon’s most recent album, After Hours, has combined passion and confidence creating Hulon’s best tracks to date. “Two in the Morning” is the third single off of After Hours featuring Howard Hewitt on vocals who is Grammy-award winner from Shalamar and Blood, Sweat & Tears.  Also featured on “After Hours,” is 2012’s “The Voice” contestant and lyricist Geoff McBride on their rendition of the Heatwave classic, “Always And Forever.”

Believing that “versatility is survivability,” Hulon breaks the mold of the typical urban jazz musician by showcasing a variety of styles and blending his love for the emotional healing power of music and the physical healing that he does.  From hip-hop and country to orchestral and classical music, he’s influenced by every genre that inspires his versatility. He says, “I want to be inspiring to children and a good role model to them the way I have strived to be with my own kids. I’m really enjoying this journey every step of the way. As with medicine, I get great personal joy and satisfaction having people appreciate what I do. My time in the office is devoted to physical healing. But when I’m recording or playing live onstage, that’s when the spiritual healing begins.”

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