6/14/04

Deadline for Jordan Rudess Master Class-June 21!!!!

Attention: Keyboardists:  Auditions for Jordan Rudess Keyfest Master Class deadline is June 21
Class to be held on July 25 in White Plains, NY

Solo and Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess is conducting a Master Class for keyboardists and fans of the instruments on Sunday, July 25 from 1 till 4 PM at the White Plains Performing Arts Center.  

Students and working keyboardists are encouraged to audition via email or snail mail for the class.

Auditions can be on CDs and MP3 in one of the following categories:
1. Improvisation – Send an example of one of your solo keyboard improvisations.
2. Soloing - Send an example of your soloing over backing tracks. Be prepared to
bring those backing tracks on CD if chosen to perform at Keyfest Master Class.
3. Original piano composition – Any style welcome


If chosen, all applicants must be prepared to perform on stage on either an acoustic piano,
Korg Triton Extreme or Kurzweil K2600 using factory presets only. Performing time will
vary but will average about 15 – 30 minutes per applicant. Between 3 to 10 people will be
chosen to perform depending on the quality of the auditions.

Send audition CDs or MP3 with application form which can be found on the internet at www.jordanrudess.com/masterclass:
1. Fanmail@jordanrudess.com
2. Key Wiz Music – Master Class Audition
P.O. Box 395
New City, NY 10956

All Audition CDs and MP3s must be postmarked by Wednesday, June 21, 2004.
Everyone will be notified via email no later than July 5, 2004.


6/8/04

Tower of Power get LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT in California


Tower of Power received a lifetime achievement award from the CALIFORNIA MUSIC ASSOCIATION (known as CAMA) on Sunday, June 6 at the Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, the lawn and plaza area in front of Oakland City Hall.  

The California Music Awards used to be known as the Bammies (Bay Area Music) when BAM magazine was around, but they have continued the tradition of paying respect to California born or bred musicians.

Organized by CAMA, the awards honor top recordings and lifetime achievements.   In addition CAMA  provides an audience for community organizations that help individuals realize enriched lives through music.  

Tower of Power received a lifetime achievement plus beat out En Vogue,  
One Voice,  Raphael Saadiq, and  Soul Folk in the category of OUTSTANDING R&B album for their SONY Special Products' release "Havin' Fun" a retrospective album of popular songs the band had on SONY.  Their A&R director Michael Caplan started his own label Or Music, and signed Tower of Power for a disc of current music, OAKLAND ZONE).

Tower of Power's singer Larry Braggs and the group's current/original drummer David Garibaldi claimed both prizes at Sunday's ceremony.  KBLX (The Quiet Storm station) personality  Victor Zaragoza gave the band their lifetime achievement awards.  The band had an excellent time meeting with fans and the industry.  Says Larry Braggs, "We did interviews, took pictures."  

Tower of Power have a lot  of tour dates in California over the next few months.  Below are all their current scheduled dates.


Tower of Power's website is www.bumpcity.com
WWW.californiamusicawards.com


June 25th & 26th
Red Wing, MN
Treasure Island Resort & Casino

June 27th
Milwaukee, WI
Summerfest - Potowatomi Stage


July


July 1st
Pleasanton, CA
Alameda County Fair

July 3rd
San Rafael, CA
Marin County Fair

July 4th
Albuquerque, NM
Sandia Casino

July 8th
Beaver Creek, CO
Vilar Center for the Arts

July 9th
Denver, CO
Lodo Music Festival - AT&T Mainstage

July 11th
Cripple Creek, CO
Gold Rush Outdoor Palladium

July 17th
Vallejo, CA
Solano County Fair

July 29th
Saratoga, CA
The Mountain Winery

July 31st
Los Angeles, CA
The Greek Theatre
Opening for Al Green


August


August 17th & 18th
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County Fair Grandstand

August 19th
Monterey, CA
Monterey County Fairgrounds

August 27th
Ft. Wayne, IN
Embassy Theater

August 28th
Niagra Falls, NY
Seneca Niagra Casino


September


September 9th
Madera, CA
Madera District Fair

September 11th
Auburn, CA
Gold Country Fair

September 17th
Tucson, AZ
Desert Diamond Casino

September 18th
Parker, AZ
Blue Water Resort & Casino- Outdoor

September 19th
Pomona, CA
Los Angeles County Fairgrounds

September 30th
Bakersfield, CA
Bud Pavillion
Kern County Fair