Powderfinger Radio Promotions Breaking Ground on Stratospheerius' album, "The Next World"

Stratospheerius' Leader Joe Deninzon available for interviews in support of album

Powderfinger Promotions, who is promoting Stratospheerius' new album, THE NEXT WORLD to AAA Radio, Jam Band and College Radio, is getting adds out-of-the-box from many stations, including heavy rotation on WNSU-Ft. Lauderdale and KPFK-Los Angeles, and other indicators KUMD-Duluth, WERS-Boston, WAER-Syracuse.

Powderfinger Promotions, helmed by David Avery, has worked a number of charting campaigns including releases from: Medeski Martin & Wood, Esperanza Spalding, Gov't Mule (w/ Ben Harper), String Cheese Incident, Victor Wooten... David says Powderfinger's slogan is "nurture the urge," and he was compelled to work with Stratospheerius' album THE NEXT WORLD because of its variety, "It's a great pleasure to be promoting a group as talented and exciting as Stratospheerius. I see great things for them and am thrilled to be part of the team that's bringing their music to the public."

The album is being worked to college, AAA, and jam band radio. Plug songs to jam band radio from the album are:
the glorious RELEASE, the genre bending--electronic/ska-inspired TECH SUPPORT, and, the whiplash-inducing ROAD RAGE. Other songs receiving attention from radio programmers are: "The Prism," "One Foot In The Next World," "The House Always Wins," "Climbing," and "The Missing Link.

Stratospheerius' new album THE NEXT WORLD is on Steve Vai's Digital Nations and Joe's imprint D-Zone Entertainment. Generally Steve signs metal/hard rock acts, but in addition to the great singing/songwriting on this album, Joe shreds on electric violin.  Stratospheerius generally shares bills or opens for bands from fusion, jam, progressive, rock, and hard rock. 

Stratospheerius just calls itself a "Rock group," with a musical range combines jam, fusion, rock, progressive, virtuoso, singer-songwriter, jazz and metal. The group was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, won the Online People's Choice Awards in the Cornucopia Festival, and was named "Best Jam Band" in Musician's Atlas Independent Music Awards. THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER praises Stratospheerius for its "funky electric violins, driving guitar rhythms, and fevered drumming layered in an explosive fashion."

Critics continue to weigh in on the album, Progressive Ears' Angel Romero says THE NEXT WORLD is “A leading contender for the best rock album of 2012… Joe Deninzon’s dazzling violin solos, creative loops and effects are clearly spectacular and demonstrate that he is one of the most talented instrumentalists in the current rock scene.” MUSIC STREET JOURNAL's G.W. Hill writes, “You just can’t go wrong with this outfit. Nor can you assume what you are going to hear when they release a new disc. While the fusion elements of previous releases are still present, this one has more pure rock in it, too. Frankly, this might be the best Stratospheerius disc yet!”BLOGCRITICS writes, "If Jeff Beck had been a fiddlemaster with a streak of humor." Binghamton's PRESS & SUN BULLETIN calls the group "innovative."

Stratospheerius members are: Joe Deninzon-electric violin/mandolin/vocals, French guitarist Aurelien Budynek (Cindy Blackman, Vernon Reid), bassist Jamie Bishop (The Syn, Francis Dunnery), and drummer Lucianna Padmore (praised by Modern Drummer Magazine for her “Deep grooves and serious fusion chops.” The group's leader Joe Deninzon has written the book on Electric Violin--literally; Mel Bay books has released his "PLUGGING IN: A Guide To Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist." Often called "The Jimi Hendrix of the Electric Violin," his innovative performances on the electric seven-string violin and his compositions blend rock, funk, jazz, classical, and Eastern European Gypsy influences. While leading Stratospheerius since 2001, Joe has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Les Paul, Aretha Franklin, Ritchie Blackmore, and President Clinton. He can be heard on over 100 recordings and jingles as a violinist and string arranger, and receently on the soundtrack of the Will Ferrell/Adam McKay-produced movie, VIRGINITY HIT.

http://www.stratospheerius.com

http://www.powderfingerpromo.com

South Africa's Number One Flautist Wouter Kellerman To Tour The United States, July 26-August 12

"Wouter" pronounced "VO-ter."

In-Person Media opps available in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York City, Woodstock, Boston, Southern California, Las Vegas

After wowing audiences at SXSW in 2010 and 2011, South Africa’s Top Flautist Wouter Kellerman returns to the United States this July and August. Shows include dates at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage July 26, Summerstage and Joe’s Pub in New York City on August 6 and 7. These shows, in particular, were booked by Wouter and his manager Tholsi Pillay from their homebase in Johannesburg, South Africa. More shows are being scheduled now along the East coast, in Las Vegas, and Southern California.

Wouter’s album “Two Voices” won the 2011 SAMA (South African Music Award, the SA equivalent of the Grammy) for “Best Instrumental Album,” and reinforces his status as one of South Africa’s foremost musicians. Inspired by styles and cultures drawn from South Africa and around the world, Wouter Kellerman takes his listener on a musical journey through African, Latin, jazz and Celtic sounds, with classical inflections.

His debut album, “Colour,” enjoyed rave reviews, topped the charts and was nominated for a 2008 SAMA for “Best Instrumental Album.” His DVD “Kellerman Colour Live” won the 2010 SAMA for “Best Jazz/Instrumental/Popular Classical DVD.”

In March 2010 and 2011 he performed at the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, in Texas. SXSW is the biggest music festival in the USA. Wouter’s flute-playing can be heard on the soundtrack of the Emmy Award-winning film “Eye of the Leopard.” His albums “Colour” and “Two Voices” were mixed in Los Angeles by Grammy-winning engineer Husky Hoskulds.

In 2010 Wouter performed at the FIFA Soccer World Cup Closing Ceremony for a global TV audience of 700 million people, followed by Concerts at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival in Johannesburg and two performances at the Shanghai World Expo, China.

Passionate about teaching and empowering young people, Kellerman has sponsored the living expenses of 10 children in the SOS Children’s Village in Ennerdale for the past 14 years, and also financed the building of a house in the SOS Children’s Village in Rustenburg. For his continued efforts in helping give these children a better life, Kellerman was nominated by the SOS Children’s Villages for the Inyathelo Special Recognition Award for Philanthropy. He continues to facilitate the teaching of young dance and music students.

Wouter Kellerman started playing the flute at the age of 10, and in 1981 appeared as a soloist with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra. He went on to feature in several South African orchestras, scooping musical accolades along the way. Among these was winning the Perrenoud Foundation Prize during the 1997 Vienna International Music Competition.

Using his classical training as a foundation, Wouter focuses his attention on world music, exploring the versatility of the instrument and fusing classical and contemporary sounds, resulting in a potent and thrilling musical encounter. He is taking his crossover world music to a global audience, having gained a solid following in South Africa. He has already released the album in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and most recently in Australia, where he combined his release with a nationwide tour, which included a support slot on Johnny Clegg’s Down Under tour.

WOUTER KELLERMAN CONFIRMED TOURDATES
July 26: The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, Washington DC
July 27: North East Jazz & Wine Festival, Syracuse, NY
August 3: The Lily Pad, Cambridge, MA
August 4: Harmony, Woodstock, NY
August 6: Summerstage, Marcus Garvey Park, New York City, NY
August 7: Joe’s Pub, New York City, NY
August 9: Hotel Cafe, Los Angeles, CA
August 10: Caesars Palace, National Flute Convention

###Wouter Kellerman's "Mama Tembu"

Joe Deninzon, Tracy Silverman, Chuck Bontrager Together, July 16, Olathe, KS

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THIS E-FLYER AND SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES.

The MWROC Faculty Concert Series begins Monday July 16, at 7:30 PM with three of the music world's most prestigious electric violinists (who are also counselors at Mark Wood's camp this summer): Joe Deninzon, Tracy Silverman, Chuck Bontrager.

This takes place MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS (just outside of Kansas City) – in the brand-new, 40,000 sq ft acoustically engineered masterpiece, Bell Cultural Events Center Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $60 for entire week. Call 913-971-3636, Email bellboxoffice@mnu.edu, or visit www.mnu.edu/events for ticket info (Ask About Special Student Pricing)

If you are ANYWHERE near the Kansas City area, make sure you get tickets to any or all of the FIVE concerts at the Bell Center while Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp is in town! Performers will include The Mark Wood Experience, Rachel Barton Pine, Tracy Silverman, Joe Deninzon, and will culminate with all campers and faculty sharing the stage for the LOUDEST ROCK ORCHESTRA IN THE WORLD!! For more information on all the performers, please visit the camp website and/or click on the concert flyer!

SPREAD THE WORD! SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW! LET'S PACK THE JOINT!

Mark has brought together some of the country's most revered musicians and educators to work with the camp attendees, and they will be offering performances - open to the public - throughout the course of the week. Special reduced tuition to MWROC is available for area residents.

All concerts will take place in the state-of-the-art concert hall at the Bell Cultural Events Center on the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University, 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS 66062.

Other shows run July 17, 18, 19, and 20 at the MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS.

Joe Deninzon, electric violin--hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin” because of his innovative style on the electric seven-string violin and his compositions combining jazz and rock with Gypsy influences. A musician who transcends many genres, he has worked with artists such as Sheryl Crow and Bruce Springsteen.

  Tracy Silverman, electric violin--lauded by the BBC as “the greatest living exponent of the electric violin.” The world’s first concert electric violinist, he has worked with artists such as the Turtle Island String Quartet, Jim Brickman, and Bob Geldof.

Chuck Bontrager, electric violin--Chuck Bontrager uses his electric violin to play lower than most cellos and louder than most guitars. He obviously chose the wrong instrument. He’ll keep it up until his students, friends, bandmates, and old teachers (like Myron Kartman from Northwestern) tell him to stop. You can also find him playing “regular” with the Lake Forest Symphony, the Chicago Sinfonietta, and the occasional Broadway in Chicago production.

Contact for Joe Deninzon: Anne Leighton
718-881-8183
LeightonMedia@aol.com
http://www.joedeninzon.com

For more info on Tracy Silverman, please visit:
http://www.tracysilverman.com/

Chuck Bontrager's web site is
http://nmorchestra.org/chuck-bontrager-violin-electric-violin

MWROC (Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp)
http://www.mwroc.com/
1-516-767-6677, MWROC@markwoodmusic.com

The Family Stone

"GET UP AND DANCE TO THE MUSIC" shouts trumpet player Cynthia Robinson as saxophonist Jerry Martini wails and drummer Greg Errico pound "peace, love, and psychedelic soul into their music."  These life-long friends from San Francisco were the enthusiastic backbone and founding memebers for Sly and the Family Stone in the 1960s, through their August 17, 1969 appearance at The Woodstock Music and Art Festival, and the '70s'-laden riot that was going on within the group.

In the end it paid off for The Family Stone, even with occasional reunions w/ Sly at the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1993), 2006 GRAMMY Awards, and the R&B pioneer awards. In between it all, ROLLING STONE magazine ranked this loud psychedelic clothing-clad band 43rd on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Cynthia and Jerry toured with Prince in the 1990s. STARBUCKS' Hear Music Label released a tribute album, "Different Strokes by Different Folks" in 2005, including The Roots, Maroon 5, will.i.am, Steven Tyler.  In 2007 the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In 2011 The Famiy Stone returned for the Woodstock Weekend 43rd Anniversary at Bethel Woods Ampitheater on August 15, 2011, and Jerry Martini & Cynthia Robinson were asked to sit in at Las Vegas' iheart festival with Steven Tyler & Jeff Beck Sept. 2011. This year, the group is the subject of a TV ONE profile for the show, "Unsung."

Sly and the Family Stone have recorded five Billboard Hot 100 hits which reached the top 10: "Dance to the Music," "Everyday People," "Hot Fun in the Summertime," "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"/"Everybody Is A Star," and "Family Affair." Some of their other hits are: "I Want to Take You Higher," "Stand!," "Sing A Simple Song," "You Can Make It If You Try," and "If You Want Me To Stay."

The group's albums, especially DANCE TO THE MUSIC, STAND!, and THERE'S A RIOT GOING ON greatly influenced the sound of American pop music, soul, R&B, funk, and hip hop music. 

Fans include Steve Winwood, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince, Chuck D, John Mayer, and the late Miles Davis.

The group also pioneered topical and social issues in the 1960s when segregation filled the United States with angst, violence, and headlines.  Sly and the Family Stone sang against raciscm, discrimination and self-hate, and is said to have been the first first-inter-racial band, and group with male and female instrumentalists.  

The current lineup of The Family Stone features Cynthia, Greg, and Martin, plus singers Alex Davis and Trina Johnson Finn, guitarist Nate Wingfield and bassist/musical director Blaise Sison. This line up has been the most consistent for the past seven to ten years, and heard and seen by over half-a-million people the Europe and the United States.  Says Lincoln Center's Director of Programming Bill Bragin, The Family Stone's "energetic performance galvanized a large, enthusiastic, multi-ethnic, and inter-generational audience of “Everyday People” that truly embodied the groups inclusive philosophy."  POLLSTAR writes, “The Family Stone delivered tight grooves and endless hits that kept the audience on their feet all night.  The band is powerful, fun and still fun." The Family Stone is a party you will never forget"      

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson Announces the THICK AS A BRICK Tours for 2012

Ian Anderson will be performing both his composition THICK AS A BRICK in its entirety for the first time since 1972, and his new album, THICK AS A BRICK 2 for a world tour, commencing in the UK in Mid-April. Then, it's on to Europe and the United States from September through November.

This tour will feature a more theatrical production with video and additional musicians, including Ian's band: bassist David Goodier, keyboardist John O'Hara, drummer Scott Hammond, and wunderkind guitarist Florian Opahle-- all of whom have performed with Ian on his solo dates over the years as well as having performed at various times as members of Jethro Tull. British singer Ryan O'Donnell, who has been active in the UK theatrical scene will also be singing. Ian added the young performer as he wants to perform vocals and instrument parts as they appeared on the original THICK AS A BRICK.

Ian's new album, THICK AS A BRICK 2 (TAAB2) also features David, John, Scott, and Florian. It was produced by Ian Anderson and mixed by Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson (who also re-mixed Jethro Tull's AQUALUNG-Special Edition, released this past fall.)

TAAB2 answers the question 40 years later, whatever happened to Gerald Bostock (the person credited with writing the lyrics for THICK AS A BRICK, which hit number one on the US Billboard Pop Albums chart. With the first THICK AS A BRICK, Jethro Tull broadened rock beyond the limitations of the short song format).  Ian Anderson says  “Part two” gave him a chance to wonder, “how we baby-boomers look back on our own lives, and often feel an occasional 'what-if' moment. Might we, like Gerald, have become instead preacher, soldier, down-and-out, shopkeeper or finance tycoon?”  

Since 1972, the original THICK AS A BRICK has never been performed in its entirety although a few minutes of the material have been a regular repertoire staple in both Tull and IA solo shows over the years.

After 44 years of leading Tull to 54 countries worldwide and over 60 million albums sold, Ian Anderson celebrates these true progressive rock classics with old and new fans across world-wide. Ian is known as the flute, voice and composer of the legendary Jethro Tull which formed in England in 1968. Since their first performance at London's famous Marquee Club in 1968, the band has released 30 studio and live albums and earned a prominent place in rock history.

TOUR DATES

SEPTEMBER 18 Miami Beach: The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theater
SEPTEMBER 19 West Palm Beach, FL Kravis Center for the Performing Arts - Dreyfoos Hall
SEPTEMBER 21 St Augustine, FL St. Augustine Amphitheatre
SEPTEMBER 22 Orlando Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre
SEPTEMBER 23 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
SEPTEMBER 24 Fort Myers. FL Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
SEPTEMBER 25 Fort Pierce, FL Sunrise Theatre
SEPTEMBER 27 Atlanta Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
SEPTEMBER 28 Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
SEPTEMBER 29 Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
SEPTEMBER 30 Richmond, VA Richmond CenterStage – Carpenter Theatre
OCTOBER 1 Newport News, VA Ferguson Center For the Arts on sale for members, 7/18 public
OCTOBER 3 Lynn, MA Lynn Auditorium
OCTOBER 4 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
OCTOBER 5 New YorK Beacon Theatre
OCTOBER 6 Atlantic City, NJ Caesar's Circus Maximus
OCTOBER 7 Newark, NJ Nj Performing Arts Ctr-Prudential Hall
OCTOBER 17 San Diego, CA Balboa Theatre
OCTOBER 18 Santa Ynez, CA Chumash Casino
OCTOBER 19 Rancho Mirage, CA Agua Caliente Casino - The Show on sale 7/14
OCTOBER 20 Long Beach, CA Terrance Theater Long Beach Performing Arts center
OCTOBER 22 Salt Lake City Abravanel Hall
OCTOBER 23 Denver Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
OCTOBER 26 Grand Praire (Dallas), TX Verizon Theatre
OCTOBER 27 Houston, TX Bayou Music Center
OCTOBER 28 Austin, TX Paramount Theatre on sale 9/1 public
OCTOBER 30 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
NOVEMBER 1 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Theater
NOVEMBER 2 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre
NOVEMBER 3 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
NOVEMBER 4 Akron, OH Akron Civic Theatre
NOVEMBER 5 Newark, OH Midland Theatre on sale 5/29 members,

### The official Jethro Tull website:
www.jethrotull.com
and please visit: www.stcleve.com

Jann Klose at the Rockwood Music Hall, June 23 and 30

Jann Klose and his band will be playing at the Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street, New York City, NY, on June 23 and 30, at 8 PM.
Admission is free, though a $10. tip is recommended.

These shows will include special guests.
Confirmed on both June 23 and June 30 is Gary Lucas (Captain Beefheart, Jeff Buckley), who is writing songs with Jann for his upcoming album, which is being produced by David Bendeth (Paramore, Papa Roach, Bruce Hornsby).

Jann's music is heard on the Grammy-nominated ‘Healthy Food for Thought” compilation and MTV Cribs.

Writes the Washington Post, "Klose wins over the listener with his soaring voice, which may well be a staple of chamber pop for a long time to come.”

CONFIRMED JANN KLOSE CONCERTS
June 23: ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL, w/ Gary Lucas, New York, NY
June 30: ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL w/ Gary Lucas, New York, NY
July 8: RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE w/ Ben Taylor, Ridgefield, CT
August 11: CLUB PASSIM w/ Jake Armerding, Boston, MA
August 12: THE CORN FESTIVAL, Beacon Waterfront, Beacon, NY
                                           ###
Downloadable flyer to share for gig!

The Multi-talented Dr. Frank Ercoli and his sax join Tower of Power on stage at the Palm Springs Smooth Jazz Festival, May 19.

Dr. Frank Ercoli goes back with Tower of Power to the days he played sax and keyboards with the West Coast rock band, Fertile Earth. He also runs the Palm Springs Smooth Jazz Festival where Tower of Power played May 19. That was a benefit for Dr. Ercoli's Hanson House, “a community-supported facility with low or no cost services whose dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to making available a safe, clean and caring temporary HOME AWAY FROM HOME for the families of the critically ill and injured.”

Left to Right: Stephen "Doc" Kupka, Tom Politzer, Dr. Ercoli, and Emilio Castillo

http://www.towerofpower.com
http://www.hansonhouse.org
http://www.palmspringsjazz.com

Van der Graaf Generator Performs in New York City Saturday, June 30 - The Concert Hall at NYSEC

* Produced by John Scher/Metropolitan Talent Presents *

For additional press information, please contact Renee Pfefer; 914-273-0007
renee@ontourpr.com

Icons of English Progressive Rock, Van der Graaf Generator, return to New York City on June 30 to perform at The Concert Hall. The group features three of the original touring members and blew away fans when they performed in 2009 (read NYT review). Their signature sound is shaped by Peter Hammill’s distinctive & dynamic voice, Hugh Banton’s thick chordal keyboard & bass parts and Guy Evans' rolling jazz-rock-like drumming. Formed in Manchester 1967, VDGG first broke out on BBC Radio One and performed at such prestigious venues as London's Royal Albert Hall and Paris’ Olympia. Since their reunion in 2006 as a trio, the group has remained active and produced new material as well as reworked versions of earlier songs. They have toured worldwide for the past six years and on the strength of their newest release, A Grounding in Numbers, Van der Graaf Generator will storm North America with a series of dates that also includes NearFest (6/12) and Montreal Jazz Festival (7/3).

www.vandergraafgenerator.co.uk

Ticket information:
Van der Graaf Generator
With guest Don Dixon
Saturday, June 30 – 8:00pm
The Concert Hall at New York Society for Ethical Culture
2 West 64th Street at Central Park West
Tickets: $45 & $55 (includes ALL fees) available via Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Vonda Shepard's East Coast Dates

Singer/Songwriter/Pianist Performs in Annapolis on May 18, Woodstock on May 19, and New York City on the 21

Vonda Shepard and her piano will be performing three east coast dates this May 18, 19 and 21.

On May 18, Vonda performs at The Ram's Head On Stage, 33 West Street, in Annapolis, MD, on May 18, at 8 PM. Jann Klose opens. The web site is http://www.ramsheadtavern.com/

May 19 brings Vonda to the Bearsville Theater, 291 Tinker Street in Woodstock, at 9 PM. The web site is http://www.bearsvilletheater.com

Vonda performs at BB King Blues Club & Grill, 237 West 42nd Street, in New York City, on May 21, at 8 PM. Jann opens again, there. The web site is www.bbkingblues.com/

Vonda is touring in support of her new album, SOLO, which features just Vonda and her piano. The songs are favorites from Vonda's albums through the years, "Lose My Way," "Don't Cry Ilene," "The Sunset Marquis," "Soothe Me," and "I Know Better," as well as some favorite cover ballads--"Walk Away Renee" and "You Belong To Me." This show features Vonda Shepard (piano), James Ralston (guitar) and Jim Hanson (bass). The SOLO tour provides the perfect opportunity to get to know Vonda's earthy and accessible style, and to get a glimpse of her intimate interaction with her audience.

The Fans have known, but now the media is falling in love with Vonda one person at a time, and we'd love for you to join the fold. Just recently Vonda was featured on SIRIUS XM's DAVID ESSEL ALIVE, who said "She was insightful, vulnerable, inspirational-- everything you could want from a top guest... her impact on the lives of my listeners will be long lasting. And yes, we want her back for more. "

Tood Goodbout from contemporary pop web site, myjoog.com, says, "I never really bothered to listen to Vonda Shepard. Maybe it was an anti-pop culture phase from her "Ally McBeal" fame. Maybe it was being tied to the blues and roots rock. Whatever the reason, that was a huge mistake. Recently I was sent a copy of her latest CD, SOLO - just Shepard and her piano - and I was completely overwhelmed."

LET IT ROCK writes, "Her new album...requires all your attention, and the late night romanticism is a rarity nowadays. Recorded live in the studio and produced by Mitchell Froom whose credits include Paul McCartney, SOLO is as sensual and intimate as it gets."

RED at Redhotvelvet.co.uk writes: “Delectable.”

With over 12 million album sales to her name, two Golden Globes, two Emmy Awards, two Screen Actor's Guild Awards as well as the Billboard prize for selling the most television soundtrack records in history for the hit TV series “Ally McBeal,” Vonda is a world-renowned artist who continues to delight audiences with her magnanimous live performances. She dedicates songs, tells stories, and-at the same time-projects dynamic charisma and intimacy with her audience.

Over the past few years Vonda has opened for Sugarland, who once opened for her, and she has performed live with the Indigo Girls and The Funk Brothers (a highlight of her life), and has shared the stage at music festivals with Sting, The Eurythmics, Santana, and Matchbox 20. She is also known for "Can't We Try," her duet with Dan Hill, which hit number 6 in 1987. She played keyboards and sang with Rickie Lee Jones, Al Jarreau, and Jackson Browne, eventually opening for Browne in the U.S. and Asia.

Fans all over the world have been listening to Vonda for years, and there's a reason why SOLO is getting the attention of critics and fans alike. Listen, and let us know what you think. 

Welcoming State Lawmakers Back to Raleigh, North Carolina, with an Unforgettable Protest

First-ever Pots & Spoons Protest of our out-of-control General Assembly will be one to remember in Raleigh at 10 A.M., Wednesday, May 16th

Doing this protest was my stepmother, Estelle Leighton's idea. An amazing woman, she has always fought "city hall," and made this world a much better place!

Contact: North Carolina State AFL-CIO, PO Box 10805, Raleigh, NC 27605
Press Advisory for May 16, 2012
Contact: Jeremy Sprinkle, Communications Director, 919-833-6678,jeremy@aflcionc.org

Raleigh, N.C.– When lawmakers return to town on Wednesday, May 16, North Carolinians outraged and disappointed at actions taken by our General Assembly to enrich the few at the expense of the rest will converge on Bicentennial Mall at 10 A.M. for a cacerolazo – a Pots & Spoons Protest – the first-of-its-kind protest of our out-of-control state legislature.

The Pots & Spoons Protest comes at a critical time for North Carolina.  As corporate lobbyists and the right-wing “crazy train” line up to be heard inside the legislative building, we will drown them out with a noise only We the People can muster!  Each of us armed with only a pot, a spoon, and a determination not to be ignored, we will stand across the street from the People’s House – our house – and bang our empty pots non-stop for 15 minutes.

Despite election results that disappointed hundreds of thousands of North Carolina voters, we are not going to let our out-of-control legislature off the hook.  We will make May 16, 2012 a day to remember in the ongoing struggle for economic and social justice in our state.

What: Pots & Spoons Protest of our Out-of-Control legislature
When: Wednesday, May 16 at 10 A.M.
Where: Bicentennial Mall (across from the legislative building),16 W. Jones St.,Raleigh,NC
Why: Let’s welcome state lawmakers back to Raleigh with a sound they can’t ignore.
Who: AFL-CIO, MoveOn.org, Action NC, Triangle Jobs with Justice, and others

Schedule:
10:00, welcome
10:05, the main event – a 15-min people’s protest
10:20, call to action by MaryBe McMillan

Press availability:
Before the protest begins, MaryBe McMillan and James Andrews of the NC State AFL-CIO will take questions from reporters; rally participants will be available to share what motivated them to participate in such a novel protest.

Photo ops:
1. A hundred or more North Carolinians from all walks of life, assembled between the Capitol and the legislative building, united in their opposition to out-of-control lawmakers using the state against the people, each banging a pot or pan they brought from home non-stop for 15 minutes.
2. Call to action by MaryBe McMillan (2-5 minutes).

Unique recording opportunity:
The sound of a cacerolazo is unmistakable and unforgettable.  The 15-minute Pots & Spoons Protest on May 16 will be unlike anything most radio and television viewers have ever heard or witnessed.  It will be unlike any protest ever held in our state capital.

About the cacerolazo:
A form of popular protest that originated in Latin America which consists of a group of people creating noise by banging pots, pans, and other utensils to call for attention.  In cacerolazos from Chile and Argentina to Iceland, Ireland, Greece, and even Syria, people have come together to challenge power and affect change. It is time to bring the spirit of the cacerolazo to North Carolina, where our out-of-control state legislature has busied itself since the 2010 election with catering to corporate interests and right-wing ideologues, gutting funding for public education, endangering women’s health care, putting the rights of unmarried couples up for popular vote, and attempting to lock some groups of voters out of the political process. ###

Video: When lawmakers return, let’s welcome them back!

 

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius Celebrate the Release of THE NEXT WORLD, at the Shrine, in Harlem, May 24

Stratospheerius will be releasing its new album, THE NEXT WORLD at The Shrine, 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., at 135th Street, in New York City, on May 24, at 10 PM. Admission is free, and there will be FREE Stratospheerius gifts, prizes, and free food catered by the Shrine!

The band will play THE NEXT WORLD, and video tape the show.

The venue phone is 212-690-7807. The web site is www.shrinenyc.com .

Stratospheerius members Joe Deninzon-electric violin/mandolin/vocals, French guitarist Aurelien Budynek (Cindy Blackman, Vernon Reid), bassist Jamie Bishop (The Syn, Francis Dunnery), and drummer Lucianna Padmore (praised by Modern Drummer Magazine for her “Deep grooves and serious fusion chops.”

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius just calls themselves a "Rock group," with a musical range combines jam, fusion, rock, progressive, virtuoso, singer-songwriter, jazz and metal. The group was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, won the Online People's Choice Awards in the Cornucopia Festival, and was named "Best Jam Band" in Musician's Atlas Independent Music Awards.

Stratospheerius' new album THE NEXT WORLD is on Steve Vai's Digital Nations and Joe's imprint D-Zone Entertainment. Generally Steve signs metal/hard rock acts, but in addition to the great singing/songwriting on this album, Joe shreds on electric violin.  Stratospheerius generally shares bills or opens for bands from fusion, jam, progressive, rock, and hard rock.  Powderfinger radio promotions will be working the album to AAA radio this summer. THE NEXT WORLD features the fiery "Gods," an energetic power clash in "The Missing Link" and the glorious "Release." The album's wide ranging instrumentals are the whiplash-inducing "Road Rage," the soulful "Ballad for Ding Bang," and the post-apocolyptic "Fleshbot." Joe & his band bend genres in the electronic/ska-inspired "Tech Support," the country rock ballad "Climbing," and the bluesy "The House Always Wins."

THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER praises Stratospheerius for its "funky electric violins, driving guitar rhythms, and fevered drumming layered in an explosive fashion."

Already THE NEXT WORLD is gaining some media attention. BLOGCRITICS writes, "If Jeff Beck had been a fiddlemaster with a streak of humor." Binghamton's PRESS & SUN BULLETIN calls the group "innovative."

The band is on the soundtrack of the recent Will Ferrell/Adam McKay-produced movie, VIRGINITY HIT.

Joe has written the book on Electric Violin--literally; Mel Bay books has released his "PLUGGING IN: A Guide To Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist" at NAMM. Often called "The Jimi Hendrix of the Electric Violin," his innovative performances on the electric seven-string violin and his compositions blend rock, funk, jazz, classical, and Eastern European Gypsy influences. While leading Stratospheerius since 2001, Joe has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Les Paul, Phoebe Snow, and Ritchie Blackmore, and President Clinton. He can be heard on over 100 recordings and jingles as a violinist and string arranger.

###

2012 STRATOSPHEERIUS DATES

May 4: CYBERCAFE WEST, Binghampton, NY
May 5: MOJO's, Jamestown, NY
May 17: SULLYS, Hartford, CT
May 18: STONE CHURCH, Newmarket, NH
May 19: SLAINTE, Portland, ME
May 24: RECORD RELEASE PARTY at THE SHRINE, New York, NY

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius "One Foot In The Next World" Live

www.joedeninzon.com
www.stratospheerius.com
www.facebook.com/stratospheerius
www.reverbnation.com/stratospheerius

Jann Klose Sings For Epilepsy Awareness, Pennington, NJ, May 19

http://www.jannklose.com
http://www.facebook.com/jann.klose

CONTACT: CANDLELIGHT CONCERT SERIES
contact@candlelightconcert.org
http://candlelightconcert.org

Jann Klose, heard on the Grammy-nominated ‘Healthy Food for Thought” compilation and MTV Cribs, and currently in the studio with David Bendeth (Papa Roach, Paramore, Bruce Hornsby), will be performing at the Candlelight Concerts For Epilepsy Awareness, in Pennington, NJ on May 19, at 8 PM

Writes the Washington Post, "Klose wins over the listener with his soaring voice, which may well be a staple of chamber pop for a long time to come.”

The Candlelight Concert is a unique and fundraising house concert series to raise awareness and spread the facts about epilepsy. Currently, the house concert series is in Pennington NJ and open to a very limited number of guests (40 per show.) The shows are also streamed online using StageIt.com, with proceeds going to various epilepsy charities.

Other artists performing include Jeffrey Gaines (May 5), John Wesley Harding (June 9), Francis Dunnery (June 23), and Dan Reed (July 15).

The web site is http://candlelightconcert.org and tickets and information on this unique house concert services are available on the Candlelight Concerts For Epilepsy Awareness or by e-mailing: contact@candlelightconcert.org

CONFIRMED JANN KLOSE CONCERTS

May 19: CANDLELIGHT CONCERT SERIES FOR EPILEPSY AWARENESS, Pennington, NJ (and on Stageit.com)
June 7: SELLERSVILLE THEATER, W/ A.J. Croce, Sellersville, PA
August 12: THE CORN FESTIVAL, Beacon Waterfront, Beacon, NY
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Rick Derringer and Pat Travers Headline the Fifth Annual Bourbon Street Blues Fest, May 19

New Jersey's most exciting Blues Fest features two stages, craft and vendor tables, food, and free parking!

The Fifth Annual Bourbon Street Blues Fest comes alive May 19 at the Lebanon Township Memorial Park, 70 Bunnvale Road, in Califon, NJ, from 11:30 AM to 8 PM.

Tickets for the Festival are: $20.00 in advance/$25.00 at the gate.
Families (up to two parents with four children) can get in for $50.00 pre-sale.
There are discounts availble for military and college students of $10.00 for those with current military or college ID.
Children from 6 to 18 years old get in for $5.00 each, and must be accompanied by a guardian.
Those 5-and-under are admitted for free.

Tickets are on sale at the gate and select Bourbon Street Wine & Spirit locations. Parking is available free of charge outside the main gate. A variety of quality foods and beverages including beer and wine will be available for purchase. Please bring valid identification if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages. Identification will be checked upon entering through the main gate. Please call 609-488-4789 for more information.

Headlining are Rick Derringer and Pat Travers Band.

Rick Derringer's classics "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo" and "Jump" are off his platinum album, ALL AMERICAN BOY, and "Real American" is used as a theme song by wrestler Hulk Hogan and the biggest politicians around. Derringer recorded and played with Johnny Winter And... and both Edgar Winter's White Trash and The Edgar Winter Group. Derringer also has a successful solo career; he's recorded on albums with Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, KISS, Richie Havens, and as a producer most recently on Jenda Derringer's viral youtube hit "Cigarette."

Pat Travers is known for his own song "Snortin' Whiskey," a dynamic cover of Smiley Lewis' "Boom Boom Out Go The Lights" and Bob Marley's "Could This Be Love." Since first joining Ronnie Hawkins' touring band (before it became the band), Pat went on to release the critically acclaimed 1976 debut album, PAT TRAVERS featuring his own brand of high quality '70s guitar rock and roll. He has gone on to deliver melodic eighties rock, a blues period throughout most of the nineties, noted performances with various power trio’s during the first few years of the new Millennium, and a full blooded return to the trademark Pat Travers Band sound as he enters his fifth performing and recording decade. His latest album, says Pat, "is, quite simply, one of the best Pat Travers releases of any era."

Other International touring acts on the bill include: *George Kilby Jr., who calls his style "rough-cut American music" *Willie McBlind, a trailblazing psychedelic electric Mississippi Delta band *C.C. Coletti, who in addition to singing w/ Meat Loaf, features former Spin Doctors' guitarist Anthony Krizan

Regional artists include the best in the New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York City scene: Slackjaw with Nasty Ned, Citizens Band Radio, 61 North, and the Black River Band.

2012 BOURBON STREET BLUES FEST LINE UP
Exact performance times are subject to change without notice.
 

PAVILION STAGE
11:30: BLACK RIVER BAND
1:15: GEORGE KILBY JR.
3:15: WILLIE MCBLIND BAND
5:30 CITIZENS BAND RADIO
7:45: SLACK JAW BLUES BAND WITH NASTY NED

BOURBON STREET BAND
12:15: 61 NORTH
2:15: CC COLETTI BAND
4:15: PAT TRAVERS
6:30: RICK DERRINGER

FESTIVAL CONTACT: BOURBON STREET BLUES FESTIVAL CONTACT INFO
http://www.bourbonstreetbluesfest.com/
Phone: 609-488-4789
Email: info@bourbonstreetbluesfest.com
 

Rita Coolidge's Birthday is May 1

If you're including celebrity birthdays, here's Rita Coolidge's: May 1.

Also, like her on FACEBOOK at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rita-Coolidge

Rita Coolidge, best known as the “Delta Lady” as penned by Leon Russell and for her Cherokee Native American ancestry, had great success on the pop charts with four consecutive top 25 hits. Her repertoire includes remakes of Jackie Wilson's "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher," Boz Scaggs' "We're All Alone," and The Temptations' "The Way You Do The Things You Do," fand "You." She was married to Kris Kristofferson in 1973, but they split 7 years later. She continues to record and tour.  Look for her a new Christmas CD in the fall of 2012.

http://www.RitaCoolidge.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rita-Coolidge

Rita and Les Paul on "Am I Blue."

Please Review Jann Klose Live April 22, 29, May 2

This photo and the video below were created by Unsteady Freddie

Jann Klose, heard on the Grammy-nominated ‘Healthy Food for Thought” compilation and MTV Cribs, and currently in the studio with David Bendeth (Papa Roach, Paramore, Bruce Hornsby), has three shows coming up in New York City.

On April 22, 7 PM, he shares new songs at the Rockwood Music Hall, Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street (between Houston and Stanton), in New York City.  Gary Lucas (Jeff Buckley and Captain Beefheart will be joining him that date).  Web site is http://www.rockwoodmusichall.com, and phone number is 212-477-4155.

Jann returns to the Rockwood the following Sunday, April 29, at 7 PM.  On tap to sit in is Ryan Ordway, whose new album was produced by the Rembrandts' Danny Wilde.

On May 2, Jann returns to the the Iridium, 1650 Broadway (at 51st Street), in New York City, on May 2 at 8 and 10 PM. Admission is $27.50. The venue phone number is 212-582-2121. The web site is http://www.theiridium.com.  Writes the Washington Post, "Klose wins over the listener with his soaring voice, which may well be a staple of chamber pop for a long time to come.”

JANN KLOSE DATES:

April 22, 29: ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL Residency, New York, NY
May 2: THE IRIDIUM, w/ Jim McCarty (Yardbirds, Renaissance) & John Hawken (Strawbs, Nashville Teens), New York, NY
May 19: CANDLELIGHT CONCERT SERIES FOR EPILEPSY AWARENESS, Pennington, NJ (and on Stageit.com)
June 7: SELLERSVILLE THEATER w/ A.J. Croce, Sellersville, PA
August 12: THE CORN FESTIVAL, Beacon Waterfront, Beacon, NY

                                        ###

Jann's new viral video, "Hold Me Down."