SPEED QUEEN: Phoebe Legere in the Role She Was Born To Play, March 9-24, NYC

Phoebe (with red hair) and her musicians in the
background: guitarist Sean Harkness, bassist Skip Ward,
drummer Rob Mitzner.

Phoebe Legere is getting ready for the World Premiere of SPEED QUEEN:The Joe Carstairs Story: Sex, Speed and High Society.

The role she was born to play will be at Dixon Place, 161A Chrystie Street, in New York City (between Bowery and Kenmare, and near subways J and D).

The dates of this one-woman musical play are March 9, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24.

Tickets are $19 in advance, $22 at the door, and a $1 for NYU students. 

There is also a preview on March 7, with $7 admission.

On sale link https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/984019.

The venue number is 212-219-0736.

The website is DixonPlace.org.

New Media will is available, including “Speed Queen 360,” Phoebe’s sneak peak into new technology she’s creating with producer John Zelenka who does the lasers for Jay Z and Justin Beiber. Steve Remote did the live sound. The 360 degree video lets the computer user put the mouse on the youtube video, to see Phoebe portraying different famous women.  

Here is the 360 degree sample video:

Phoebe wrote both the book and the music of SPEED QUEEN. 3 of the songs will be on CD as merchandise for the audience as of March 7, 2018.  The musicians on the CD are top New York City players: guitarist Sean Harkness, bassist Skip Ward, drummer Rob Mitzner.

Legere's 4-octave powerhouse voice and multi-instrument mastery powers the opulent, raw, sizzling R&B of the musical score. ALL MUSIC IS ORIGINAL and the SPEED QUEEN EP street date is March 7, 2018.  (Phoebe Legere’s 2017 album Heart of Love went to #18 on the national Roots chart.) 

Speed Queen is a sensual, intoxicating #LGBTQ play that uncovers deep truths about the moments that define us, the women who shape us, and the ache of love that can last a lifetime.

Joe Carstairs, heir to the Standard Oil fortune, loved engineering, speed, and stiff competition.  Above all, Joe loved women. Joe Carstairs broke the world speed record for motorboat racing in 1926.

Legere, a musical and performance art virtuoso, brings kinky billionaire “Joe' Carstairs to life in this vibrant solo show. In addition, Legere portrays several of Carstair's glamorous movie star lovers including Tallulah Bankhead, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and Mabel Mercer.

At the height of her fame, Joe sailed away from the glare of publicity. She entertained the Jet Set on her own, private, Lesbian Island in the Bahamas.

The Message: This play is dedicated to all the #GNC (Gender Non-Conforming) sisters who have bravely gone before.   

Add Strings to your Project with Joe Deninzon

Joe Deninzon has 20 years of experience as an active performer, composer, and string arranger in New York City. He has arranged/performed/recorded for artists including Bruce Springsteen, Phoebe Snow, Everclear, Sheryl Crow, Ritchie Blackmore, Mark Wood, Peter Criss from KISS, Renaissance, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. In 2015, Joe composed and premiered his Electric Violin Concerto with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra. His electric violin instruction book, “Plugging In,” was published by Mel Bay. Joe's string quartets and solo pieces are published by Ludwig Masters and JW Pepper. His original music has been featured on shows like “Man V Food,” “Breaking Amish,” and “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.” 

He is featured on over 100 commercial and independent recordings. He owns and runs a fully equipped recording studio and offers a variety of services, including: 

• -Solo recordings for acoustic or 7-string electric violin.
• -String arrangements and recordings of string quartets or full string sections
• -mandolin, vocals

In addition to violin, Joe plays viola and a “chin cello,” which, when layered, can create the sound of a full string section at a fraction of the cost. You can hear this on Joe’s original song, “The Prism," and his work with Bella D. (audio examples below). 

If the production budget allows, Joe can provide additional musicians.

If the budget is tight, Joe’s versatility and ability to cover the entire range of a 20-piece string orchestra, will keep you in the black.

Bella D: The End of the World

String arrangement, performance of all parts.

Joe Deninzon: Cake By The Ocean

Solo looping electric violin.

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius: Prism

String arrangement, song composition, and performance of all parts.

Erika Rose: Black Gold

Joe recorded all the strings on this record. (Erika co-wrote Alicia Keys' hit "A Woman's Worth")

The Kin: Romeo

Joe and cellist Julia Kent improvised arrangements on the spot.  Afterwards the two layered string parts on

The Kin's album, RISE AND FALL.

Circleline: Under Silence

7-string "Viper" electric violin solo. 

Peter Criss: You Matter To Me

Joe write the string arrangement and plays live with Peter and his band.

Joe in the Studio

Contact Joe today if you are interested in adding strings to your project!

www.joedeninzon.com

https://joedeninzon.com/add-strings-to-your-project/

Phoenix Songs Empowerment and Rising from the Ashes

Lots of underdogs coming into their own nowadays. From the #MeToo Movement to those learning the hard way to not take their friends for granted, the lesson is to learn how to treat everyone with respect. Music and learning to turn our struggles into strength helps.

Making sense of resistance is one way to grow & suggested in fitness teacher Lori Harder’s inspiring TED TALK at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZE7V-UL5zA,

but first check our inspiring AND recovery-provoking songs! 

CANNONBALL Rebecca Loebe  

Mid-tempo, female sung. Two people co-existing, living under abusive partner, and saying she wishes to blow through the walls to make him aware of the damage. Because she’s scared to death, she’s doing it with her eyes closed. 

THE BLOOM IS OFF THE ROSE Bill Leverty rock song kindred to the (heavier) Eagles meets Molly Hatchet/Lynyrd Skynyrd because of singer’s ballsy bass voice. Exposing a sociopath or narcissist, that “everybody knows the real you,” and it’s time to stop with the drama.   #Grandiosity 

WARRIOR Karen Besbeck: Acoustic: Proclaiming "You will not wreck me, ‘cause I’m a warrior, The Truth protects me!”

LOVE THE BODIES WE’RE IN Jaclyn Bradley Palmer

Self-and-friendship acceptance with a loved person.

This song stopped a battle every day of the Easter Rebellion, in 1916, Ireland. 

THE DUCKS OF ST. STEPHEN’S GREEN Dean Friedman  

Old time waltz melody based on a true story about how ducks stopped the Easter Rebellion, in Dublin, Ireland in 1916.
  

REINER THE RHINESTONE REINDEER Phoebe Legere

a gay reindeer that the others bullied, and then he & the brightness of his bling saved Christmas!

More Holiday Music at: https://soundcloud.com/leightonmedia/sets/seasonal-christmas-hannakah

More playlists:

spotify:user:leightonmedia:playlist:2hAbN2ecZ6Jtq9uCfc4rND

http://anneleighton.com/soul-moves-music/ 

Grand Funk Railroad Rocking the SOLD OUT Flower Power Cruise Feb. 28-March 1

Grand Funk Railroad will be headlining the 2018 Flower Power Cruise, which visits Fort Lauderdale, Aruba, Curacao, Saint Maartens, Puerto Rico.

The SOLD OUT Cruise runs from February 24-March 3, and Grand Funk joins February 28-March 1.

The line up on the cruise, also, includes Canned Heat, The Family Stone, Iron Butterfly, the Cowsills, Peter Noone, the Hollies, Peter Asher, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, the Guess Who, the Grass Roots, the Association, the Buckinghams, Mickey Dolenz, Mark Lindsay.

The website is flowerpowercruise.com.

Grand Funk Railroad is available for interviews with the media in advance; please call Anne Leighton at 718-881-8183.

Formed in 1969, Grand Funk was born out of the ashes of Terry Knight & The Pack, another band from Flint, Michigan.  Currently the group includes original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the hit, "We're An American Band") and bassist Mel Schacher. Joining Don and Mel are true "ALL-STARS"-- Max Carl (38 Special, Jack Mack and the Heart Attack, Max Carl and Big Dance), lead guitarist Bruce Kulick (12 years with KISS and credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier), and keyboardist Tim Cashion (Bob Seger and Robert Palmer).

Together, Brewer and Schacher have created a dynamic and multi-talented five piece band that will not only carry on the tradition of Grand Funk hits, but also has the potential to create a new chapter in the legacy of Grand Funk Railroad.  With Grand Funk reforming in 2000, this new chapter in the band's biography is being written daily.  Both seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans--discovering the group for the first time on CDs and VH-1-- will be able to see and hear firsthand that Grand Funk Railroad's train is back on track.

“We're Comin' To Your Town, We'll Help You Party It Down, 

WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND!!!"

DIY Grammy Girl Steps Up to DIY Filmmaker With "When I Sing"

The life story of a true Indie making history at age 50, who stepped up, fell down, hurdled over, and never gave up.

Linda Chorney’s feature film, WHEN I SING premieres at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival festival at Regal / LA LIVE Stadium, 14 Cineplex, in Los Angeles on February 25 at 8:15 PM. Regal  / LA LIVE is at 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., in Los Angeles. 

Funny, irreverent, heartfelt, and real, with Linda Chorney playing herself, this is the story of a singer-songwriter’s wild ride toward finally being "almost famous" after thirty years of gigging on the road. Will being the first truly independent musician nominated for a Grammy be her big break— or break her? 

WHEN I SING is directed by Robin Uriel Russin, co-starring Chris Mulkey, and a cast of hundreds, including eclectic cameos from Jackson Browne to Neil deGrasse Tyson. The soundtrack is made up of Chorney's seven albums. 

Ms. Chorney is doing interviews in support of WHEN I SING. She made history in 2012 as the first independent musician-artist to be nominated for a Grammy for Best Americana Album. http://www.cleveland.com/music/index.ssf/2012/01/the_curious_case_of_grammy_nom.html

So driven to get the truth out after being falsely accused of "gaming the system" to earn her nomination, Chorney (with the support of hundreds of friends and fans) produced this feature, based on her memoir, "Who the f**K is Linda Chorney."

“No one can hurt me when I sing” proclaims Linda Chorney in the movie’s title song.  And Chorney doesn't just talk the talk.  She is an advocate for indies and women within The Recording Academy. http://tucson.com/entertainment/music/tucson-grammy-nominee-heads-petition-to-change-rules/article_3d1f5995-1a45-5862-a7b9-17816c798d47.html

Advance tickets for WHEN I SING are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hriff-2018-hollywood-reel-independent-film-festival-tickets-42731755832.

Visit the Festival’s website, hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com.

#####

www.LindaChorney.com

Watch the trailer: 

SPEED QUEEN The Joe Carstairs Story: Sex, Speed and High Society Book & Music by Phoebe Legere

Who:    Phoebe Legere stars as cross-dressing butch billionaire Betty “Joe” Carstairs

When:  Preview on March 7, and public performance dates:  March 9, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24.

Where: Dixon Place, 161A Chrystie Street, New York, NY  10002 (between Bowery and Kenmare, and near subways J and D).

How Much: Admission for the March 7 show is $15. 

Admission for the other performances are $19 in advance, $22 at the door, and a $1 for NYU students. 

Contact: The venue phone is 212-219-0736,  

The website is www.DixonPlace.org

Ticket links at: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/984019

Joe Carstairs, heir to the Standard Oil fortune, loved engineering, speed, and stiff competition. Above all, Joe loved women. Joe Carstairs broke the world speed record for motorboat racing in 1926.

Legere, a musical and performance art virtuoso, brings kinky billionaire “Joe' Carstairs to life in this vibrant solo show. In addition, Legere portrays several of Carstair's glamorous movie star lovers including Tallulah Bankhead, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and Mabel Mercer.

At the height of her fame, Joe sailed away from the glare of publicity. She entertained the Jet Set on her own, private, Lesbian Island in the Bahamas.

Speed Queen is a sensual, intoxicating #LGBTQ play that uncovers deep truths about the moments that define us, the women who shape us, and the ache of love that can last a lifetime.

The Message: This play is dedicated to all the #GNC (Gender Non-Conforming) sisters who have bravely gone before.

Costumes: 

by Legere from her new #GNC Suit of Power Collection.

Legere’s period costumes of the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s are by Ralph Lauren.

This is a 70-minute play that will include: immersive lesbian films, songs, dances, spectacular special effects and intimate portraits of Joe’s girlfriends: Marlene Dietrich, Tallulah Bankhead, Greta Garbo, Mabel Mercer, Billie Holiday and Dolly Wilde. At the center of the story is Gay-Pride pioneer Joe Carstairs.

The Music:

Legere's 4-octave powerhouse voice and multi-instrument mastery powers the opulent, raw, sizzling R&B of the musical score. ALL MUSIC IS ORIGINAL and the SPEED QUEEN EP street date is March 7, 2018.  (Phoebe Legere’s 2017 album Heart of Love went to #18 on the national Roots chart.) 

  

Grand Funk Railroad Meets John Ellison, Songwriter of their hit “Some Kind of Wonderful"

From Left to Right:

Stanley Sheldon (of Peter Frampton’s band—filling in for bassist Mel Schacher), guitarist Bruce Kulick, vocalist Max Carl, John Ellison, drummer Don Brewer, keyboardist Tim Cashion.

 

Grand Funk Railroad has some pretty amazing fans.  One of them is songwriter John Ellison, who wrote “Some Kind of Wonderful” for his 1960s soul band, The Six Soul Brothers. “Some Kind” was recorded by Grand Funk Railroad and over 60 different musicians including Huey Lewis, Joss Stone, Edwin McCain, and a duet by Buddy Guy & Paul Rodgers.

The Rochester-based songwriter John Ellison came to the Grand Funk show, on February 1, 2018 show at Del Lago Casino, Waterloo, NY.  The band introduced him to the SOLD OUT crowd and he received a standing ovation. 

Backstage, after the show John told them he started writing the song in his hometown of Rochester, and finished when he and Soul Brothers arrived at the recording studio in Philadelphia in the year 1965.

“It was 4 in the morning, and she was hanging in my arms, and I thought, ‘Damn, she is some kind of morning.  She packed a bag of lunch.  We were broke, and I thought, ‘I don’t need a whole lot of money…’” and the other lyrics.  A local radio personality heard them rehearsing the song, and networked the recording they made that night to Atlantic Records, who offered to release the song.    

They recorded it, and got a record deal w/ Atlantic.

The band and Ellison’s wife asked him if he remember “the girl,” and he says that he doesn’t.  Then he reminds his wife that they have a home because of the song!  

Says Grand Funk Railroad’s lead singer, “John is a charismatic and sweet, funny man that is a joy to spend time with. And it was great to see Don light up while telling his story of his amazing tune. It's always been one of my favorites and I've sung it many times over the years.” 

  

John Ellison & Soul Brothers Six: