Tuesday, February 4, 2014

THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM’S ALL FOR THE HALL FUNDRAISER RETURNS TO LOS ANGELES ON MARCH 4




Country Music Hall of Fame Members Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Members Heart and Grammy Award-Winning Artist Jason Mraz Set to Perform at Club Nokia; Rita Wilson to Host the Event

Table Seating on Sale Now,
Balcony Tickets on Sale on Friday, January 31 at 10:00 a.m. PST

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s All for the Hall fundraiser will return to Los Angeles for the first time in nearly three years.  The event, which will take place on Tuesday, March 4, at Club Nokia, will again follow a “guitar pull” format, featuring performances by Country Music Hall of Fame members Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Heart and Grammy Award-winning artist Jason Mraz.  Acclaimed actress/singer/film producer Rita Wilson will host the event.

The evening offers a unique opportunity to see these acclaimed singer-songwriters interact with one another as they take turns swapping songs, stories and personal recollections.  With Gill and Harris anchoring the lineup, new special guests each year ensure that the event is always one-of-a-kind; past participants include Jason Aldean, Gregg Allman, Zac Brown, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Patty Griffin, Levon Helm, Chris Isaak, Kris Kristofferson, Pat Monahan, Lionel Richie, Taylor Swift, Dwight Yoakam and more.

The “guitar pull” is a Nashville specialty; it originated in the homes of Nashville songwriters who gathered to try out new compositions for their peers.  Nashville’s most storied guitar pulls were hosted by Johnny and June Carter Cash.  The hallmarks of a great guitar pull are spontaneity and camaraderie.

The museum launched All for the Hall, its first-ever non-bricks-and-mortar fundraising campaign, in 2005.  The campaign addresses the museum’s need for long-term financial security and will provide a safety net for the institution and its work.  This is the seventh year the museum has taken its “annual giving” event on the road, hosting previous All for the Hall events in New York in 2007, 2008 and 2013, and in Los Angeles in 2009-11.

“California, with its rich country music history, has proven to be a supremely appropriate and welcoming location for this event,” said Museum Director Kyle Young.  “In fact, some of the state’s contributions to our genre are the subject of our very popular limited-engagement exhibition, The Bakersfield Sound:  Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and California Country, whose run we’ve extended through the end of 2014.  Los Angeles has always given our All for the Hall event a very warm welcome, and we look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones in March.”

Last year’s event, held at the Best Buy Theater in New York City, featured performances by Gill and Harris, Jason Aldean, Gregg Allman, Rodney Crowell, Ashley Monroe, Pat Monahan and Joan Osborne.  CMT’s Jim Allen wrote that “the evening was about the inspiration of the moment….Whether it was Gill digging into ‘Ring of Fire’ in honor of Johnny Cash’s birthday (joined by Harris and Crowell) or Aldean pitching in on both Allman’s ‘Midnight Rider’ and Monahan's Train smash ‘Drops of Jupiter,’ the artists were more concerned with following their noses than following a script.”

All for the Hall Los Angeles patrons are offered their choice of VIP tables of 10 for $25,000 or $10,000.  Individual VIP tickets are available at $1,000 per seat. At these ticket levels, a cocktail reception and dinner will precede the guitar pull.  A full list of VIP table and ticket levels and benefits can be found on countrymusichalloffame.org/afthla. To purchase tickets or for more information, patrons may contact Rachel Shapiro at rshapiro@countrymusichalloffame.org or telephone (615) 416-2069.

Additionally, tickets for balcony seating (for the performance only) will go on sale on Friday, January 31, at 10:00 a.m. PST.  Tickets, priced at $125, $95 $65 and $49.50, plus applicable fees, can be purchased via AXS.com or from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon. – Fri. at the STAPLES Center Box Office. The box office is located at 1111 S. Figueroa Street. Also, the Club Nokia Box Office is open for sales beginning at 5 p.m. on show days only.

All for the Hall Los Angeles is chaired by BMI President and CEO Del Bryant and produced by CAA’s Rod Essig, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan and BMI’s Jody Williams. The event is made possible by the generosity of AEG Live and Club Nokia.


About the Performers

One of the industry’s most popular and most recorded singers, superstar Vince Gill is a triple threat known for his spellbinding vocals, emotionally powerful songwriting and world-class guitar-playing.  Gill achieved his big breakthrough with “When I Call Your Name,” which won the Country Music Association’s Single of the Year Award in 1990.  Since then, he has won 17 more CMA honors. Gill has received 20 Grammy Awards, sold more than 26 million albums, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Additionally, he is a member of the Grammy-nominated the Time Jumpers; Rounder Records released the band’s first studio album last year.  Gill’s high, pure tenor voice and unerring sense of harmony have caused dozens of artists—from Reba McEntire to Dolly Parton—to embrace him as a duet partner.  Gill has established himself as one of the most successful guitarists of his generation.  Combining a deep knowledge of bluegrass and classic country with the fire of ’60s rock, Gill has earned a place next to his musical heroes.

Emmylou Harris is a 13-time Grammy winner and Billboard Century Award recipient whose career spans 40 years. She has recorded more than 25 albums and has lent her talents to countless fellow artists’ recordings. Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008, she remains an inspiration to new generations of artists. Harris’ most recent album, a collaboration with Rodney Crowell, Old Yellow Moon, was released in 2013. In addition to music, Harris is a champion of many humanitarian causes, including landmine removal and animal rescue.

The 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Ann and Nancy Wilson and their band, Heart, have sold more than 35 million albums and become part of the soundtrack of American life.  The band stormed the charts in the ’70s with hits like “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man,” “Barracuda” and “Straight On,” and dominated the airwaves throughout the ’80s and early ’90s with smashes like “These Dreams,” “Alone,” “What About Love,” “Never” and more. The sisters have also achieved significant success as individuals:  Ann’s hits include “Almost Paradise” from Footloose and “Surrender to Me” from Tequila Sunrise, while Nancy composed and performed the scores to a half dozen motion pictures including the award-winning films Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous.  In September 2012, Ann and Nancy released their first-ever memoir (Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock and Roll). 

Jason Mraz has quietly amassed a youthful, diverse and vibrant global fan-base. His critically acclaimed live performances have propelled him from the San Diego coffeehouse circuit to amphitheaters, arenas, festivals and stadiums all over the world.  Among other accolades, Mraz has won two major GRAMMY® Awards, a People’s Choice award and the Hal David Songwriter Hall Of Fame Award.  He is among the most gifted and beloved artists of the modern era, making pop history with his record-breaking single, “I’m Yours,” which remained on the Billboard 100 longer than any other song in history.  His releases have earned platinum and multi-platinum certifications in more than 20 countries. Moreover, the San Diego-based troubadour has proven a diverse creative presence, enjoying collaborations with Zac Brown, Crosby Stills & Nash, Hunter Hayes, Travie McCoy and others. A dedicated surfer, farmer-gardener, filmmaker and photographer, Mraz is first and foremost a committed global citizen. His impassioned social activism and philanthropic efforts span wide-ranging environmental advocacy and ardent support for LGBT equality.  His global activism includes participating in a rescue mission to Ghana with Free the Slaves, and an internationally broadcast live performance in Myanmar to 70,000 people to bring awareness to human trafficking with MTV Exit. Through it all, Mraz continually confirms and celebrates music’s myriad forms and miraculous power, inspiring and delighting fans around the world.

Rita Wilson is well known as an accomplished actress (Sleepless in SeattleIt’s Complicated) and film producer (My Big Fat Greek WeddingMamma Mia!), but few may be aware that her early show biz ambitions were actually musical.  Born and raised in the Hollywood Hills, Wilson harbored dreams of becoming a singer in the ’60s and ’70s after falling in love with the Beatles, the Supremes, the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell, among many others.  Wilson achieved her dream in May of 2012 with the Decca Records release of her debut album, AM/FM, an intimate, elegant and beautifully sung collection of classics from the ’60s and ’70s that, taken together, make up the soundtrack to her life.  She chose songs for the album that resonated with her emotionally, achieving an album that is an extremely personal endeavor.    The New York Times called it a “charming, nostalgic throwback to the soft rock of Los Angeles” and Rolling Stone said Wilson “has an expressive denim and suede soprano.” 


About the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum
Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964. The museum’s mission is the preservation of the history of country and related vernacular music rooted in southern culture. With the same educational mission, the foundation also operates CMF Records, the museum’s Frist Library and Archive, CMF Press, Historic RCA Studio B and Hatch Show Print®.

For more information about All for the Hall Los Angeles, please visit:  http://countrymusichalloffame.org/afthla/.

POP/SOUL/DANCE BAND NOT DEAD YETT!! FORMED BY LEGENDARY PRODUCER DON MIZELL RELEASE SELF-TITLED ALBUM FEBRUARY 18




MIAMI BASED DUO RELEASE
NEW SINGLE/VIDEO FOR LET GO, LETS GO FEBRUARY 3

STREAM / SHARE ON SOUNDCLOUD AND YOUTUBE

(Los Angeles): Grammy winning producer Don Mizell steps into the spotlight with an
inspirational debut release of a collection of motivational and personal songs that aim to
help change the world with positive upbeat lyrics and conscious message.  By combining
synths, funky bass grooves and soulful singing, Not Dead Yett!! is an exciting new release
filled with a colorful array of  songs for a musical movement of a debut album and lead
single, Let Go, Lets Go.

Don Mizell, also known as Dr. Don DJ, has made a successful life career in music. With this
debut release, Mizell aims to showcase that its never too late to dream big ---- because  we are Not Dead Yet!!

Lead single Let Go, Let's Go set for release February 3, is emblematic of the inspired vision
behind the album, with a pop dance ditty geared to blending 1980s synth pop and some of today's chart topping dance music stars,  Mizell explains. The overall theme of Not Dead
Yett!! is to never forget that set backs in life should not be a reason for not letting go and
living your life to the fullest.

It's a dedication to awareness and practice of always moving ---in your mind, in your heart, in your soul and with your body --- towards a goal, a dream, a North Star. that will serve as a dream that comes true, a hope that happens, a faith re confirmed and a way of loving that nourishes you in ways that heals your broken thoughts and feelings, Mizell explains.


Not Dead Yett!! links: Website - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

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Saturday, January 25, 2014

BOSTON'S GIRLS GUNS AND GLORY HONORS THE ROOTS OF ROCK & ROLL ON 'GOOD LUCK'




Boston Music Awards' Act of the Year Set to Release Fifth Album in February

10-Track Set Features “All The Way Up To Heaven,”
Co-Written With Alt-Country Pioneer Jimmy Ryan

         (BOSTON, Mass.) For the past eight years, Boston's rising stars Girls Guns and Glory have been making a name for themselves through relentless touring (about 200 gigs a year worldwide), the release of four critically acclaimed records, a slew of local awards, including being the Boston Music Awards first act of its genre to win Act of the Year, and international awards (Independent Artist of the Year at the French Country Music Awards).  And, now, the hard-working band is refining their focus to the roots of rock 'n' roll with a twist of country on their fifth album, "Good Luck," due on February 4, 2014 on Lonesome Day Records.

         The foursome (Ward Hayden on vocals/guitar, Paul Dilley on electric and upright bass/piano, Josh Kiggans on drums/percussion, and Chris Hersch on lead guitar/banjo) found inspiration for this record from early '50s rock 'n' roll icons such as Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, and Buddy Holly, as well as country greats like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.

         “Good Luck” looks back to that era of music for a more rock ‘n’ roll-focused record that kicks off with the heartfelt, feel-good rocker "All the Way Up To Heaven," which sets the tone for the album thematically. "It's about finally winning in love and feeling that thrill of getting something good and having a true appreciation of it," says the singer.

         Co-written with Jimmy Ryan (Blood Oranges), “All the Way Up To Heaven,” is one of the three songs that Hayden did not singularly craft.  He notes, “Jimmy Ryan has long been one of my favorite songwriters. He's got a gold tooth, a taste for whiskey and is possibly the best left-handed mandolin player on the planet. Which is part of what makes his songwriting so special. He doesn't try to get fancy or get flashy with technical intricacies. As a songwriter he exemplifies three chords and the truth. Like Hemingway with a mandolin. He boils a song down to its bare bones, to where you can see and feel the grit. I think that makes him great. He serves the song from its inception.”

         The other songs were written over the past two years with the exception of two, "Shake Like Jello" and "UUU," which have been in the band's repertoire for about four years. "We never really had a place for those songs because we were viewing ourselves more of a country band than a rock 'n' roll band and those two songs are definitely more rocking. They fit perfectly on this album," he notes. 

         Another song close to GGG's heart and the band's Northeast roots is the ballad "Centralia, PA." "Chris and Paul are originally from Eastern Pennsylvania and we tour a lot in that area. We found out about this coal-mining town there called Centralia that was destroyed by a coal fire over 50 years ago. It's a ghost town now because it's unfit to live in. I became fascinated by the tragic story of the town and we kind of wanted to put Centralia back on the map with this song," he says.

        Produced by Eric "Roscoe" Ambel (Nils Lofgren, Steve Earle, The Bottle Rockets), "Good Luck" was mixed by Ambel and recorded by Mario Viele at Cowboy Technical Services Recording Rig in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and will be available on CD, vinyl and iTunes on February 4, 2014 via Lonesome Day Records. The band is up for Americana Artist of the Year the 2013 Boston Music Awards and Ward Hayden is up for Male Vocalist of the Year. And, Girls Guns and Glory is currently on the road...as usual!

Friday, January 10, 2014

Comedian Ron White receives Grammy Nomination for his RIAA Platinum-certified Comedy Special “A Little Unprofessional.”





            Los Angeles, January 8, 2014 – Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White, best known as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour” phenomenon, has been nominated for a Grammy in the “Best Comedy Album Album.” Since 2004 White has been considered the top-grossing comedian on tour in America. White’s latest special A Little Unprofessional (ALU) debuted #1 on Billboard and is RIAA-certified Platinum in sales volume. All of his prior three comedy specials also charted number one and were RIAA-certified platinum. See ALU promo here.

White is famous for classic storytelling; his humorous anecdotes are taken from real life, from growing up in a small town in Texas to his daily life now. Starting in comedy in 1986, he has sold over 10 million albums (solo and Blue Collar), and previously nominated for two Grammys. All of White’s prior solo and Blue Collar stand-up specials on Comedy Central were in the top10 ever watched upon their airing. White can also be seen in the films Horrible Bosses, Sex and the City 2, and in Billy Bob Thornton’s Jayne Mansfield’s Car.

White has been a passionate supporter of the military his entire career. In 2009 he started the Salute To The Troops military benefit for injured soldiers partnering with the Armed Forces Foundation. The show started being aired by CMT in 2011 and is ranked as one of their top three watched shows in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Past participating artists include Dave Attel, Rascal Flatts, Lewis Black, John Oates, Brian Regan, Ralphie May, etc…

Organica Music Group (OMG) is White’s independent record label and his nomination is a rare nod for an independent record label to receive. The Producer of ALU, Michael Blakey, who is also President of OMG and one of the two producing companies Electra Star Productions, says “Ron’s 3rd Grammy nod is well deserved but his large fan base speaks the loudest. His humor is timeless and often about the truth of a situation, however uncomfortable. His comedic timing is legendary, truly a giant today among many good comedians.”

Part of the success of White’s comedy is also delivering an incredible fan experience through his “Rontourage” fan program. White offers various fan packages and contests, including meet-and-greets, merchandise packages, pre-sale access passes, exclusive video access, all expense paid-for weekends in Vegas, behind-the-scene trips while filming, and even a ride on his private jet.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart will be performing at the Concert for the Philippines


This Saturday January 11th, Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart will be performing at the Concert for the Philippines, presented by Music For Relief and featuring Linkin ParkThe Offspring and Bad Religion, Travis Barker and The Filharmonic. The concert will be held in Los Angeles at Club Nokia.

Proceeds for the concert will provide immediate relief to the 15 million+ people impacted by Typhoon Haiyan.

Tickets are still available. For more information go to:www.musicforrelief.org