I’m starting work on an album of poetry. Most of the poems are mine and there are covers of favorite writings by Langston Hughes, Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman, Mars Bonfire.
I’m looking to cover a poem by a writer, as well, if I get something that feels right. Because you work in the media, I bet you might have something lyrical going in your mind. So mail me up to four poems to this address: ANNE LEIGHTON, Media Music Services Motivation, Box 670922, Bronx, NY 10467. Deadline is June 1. Include SASE.
4/21/10
YOSO--For Classic Rock Fans!
I’m starting work with YOSO, a band signed to a new management company, 2 PLUS MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT led by Leonardo Pavkovic and Derek Shulman.
The group features singer Bobby Kimball (ex TOTO vocalist), keyboardist Tony Kaye (Yes), and former Yes member/producer/bassist Billy Sherwood, and guitarist Jimmy Haun. Drummer is Jody Cortez.
The group has recorded its debut, YOSO CD. To hear live music, please visit http://www.youtube.com/yosohq.
2 PLUS MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FACEBOOK PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=116296188396521
YOSO
http://www.facebook.com/pages/YOSO/241734054172?ref=ts
http://www.yosohq.com
The group features singer Bobby Kimball (ex TOTO vocalist), keyboardist Tony Kaye (Yes), and former Yes member/producer/bassist Billy Sherwood, and guitarist Jimmy Haun. Drummer is Jody Cortez.
The group has recorded its debut, YOSO CD. To hear live music, please visit http://www.youtube.com/yosohq.
2 PLUS MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FACEBOOK PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=116296188396521
YOSO
http://www.facebook.com/pages/YOSO/241734054172?ref=ts
http://www.yosohq.com
EMI To Release Gentle Giant Albums On Vinyl
(IN A GLASS HOUSE, THE POWER & THE GLORY, FREE HAND out on vinyl
May 18, More DVDs and gift packs to follow in 2010)
On May 18, 2010 Gentle Giant will be re-releasing three albums on vinyl: In A Glass House (originally released 1973), Free Hand (1975) and The Power & The Glory (1974) via their own Alucard label through EMI Music's Label Services unit and Caroline Distribution.
Later this year, there will be a new CD, Gentle Giant at King Alfred’s College, Winchester from an early Gentle Giant show; it includes songs never released on any commercial release. There will be a DVD, GG at the GG, which is a 1978 performance of Gentle Giant on the BBC. Box sets and live recordings are also being planned.
All seven of the albums are remastered from the original ¼ inch tapes through Hi-Resolution (24bit 96k) transfer that the band recorded at UK’s Abbey Road Studios in the 1970s. Band member Ray Shulman was in charge of the mixes. Fred Kevorkian moe., Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson, Ryan Adams) handled the albums’ mastering.
This progressive rock band, which was active from 1970 through 1980, was made up of multi-instrumentalists, and lived to expand the frontiers of contemporary popular music at the risk of becoming very unpopular. The group’s dozen albums combine a range of musical styles—jazz, pop, classical, British soul, rock, blues, medieval, pop, blues, Gentle Giant’s legacy has become influential to a range of artists from the arena rock, jam band, virtuoso players, chamber pop, jazz, and—of course—progressive rock genres.
Kerry Minnear, plus Gentle Giant bandmates Ray Shulman, Gary Green, John Weathers, and Derek Shulman are available for interviews. Other promotion includes radio, print, Internet, and mobile phone outreach.
http://www.blazemonger.com/GG/Gentle_Giant_Home_Page
(There are many Gentle Giant facebook and myspace pages.)
GENTLE GIANT vinyl
Track listings
IN A GLASS HOUSE - 1973
1.The Runaway
2. An Inmates Lullaby
3. Way Of Life
4. Experience
5. A Reunion
6. In A Glass House
THE POWER AND THE GLORY - 1974
1. Proclamation
2. So Sincere
3. Aspirations
4. Playing the Game
5. Cogs in Cogs
6. No God's A Man
7. Valedictory
FREE HAND - 1975
1. Just The Same
2. On Reflection
3. Free Hand
4. Time To Kill
5. His Last Voyage
6. Talybont
7. Mobile
May 18, More DVDs and gift packs to follow in 2010)
On May 18, 2010 Gentle Giant will be re-releasing three albums on vinyl: In A Glass House (originally released 1973), Free Hand (1975) and The Power & The Glory (1974) via their own Alucard label through EMI Music's Label Services unit and Caroline Distribution.
Later this year, there will be a new CD, Gentle Giant at King Alfred’s College, Winchester from an early Gentle Giant show; it includes songs never released on any commercial release. There will be a DVD, GG at the GG, which is a 1978 performance of Gentle Giant on the BBC. Box sets and live recordings are also being planned.
All seven of the albums are remastered from the original ¼ inch tapes through Hi-Resolution (24bit 96k) transfer that the band recorded at UK’s Abbey Road Studios in the 1970s. Band member Ray Shulman was in charge of the mixes. Fred Kevorkian moe., Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson, Ryan Adams) handled the albums’ mastering.
This progressive rock band, which was active from 1970 through 1980, was made up of multi-instrumentalists, and lived to expand the frontiers of contemporary popular music at the risk of becoming very unpopular. The group’s dozen albums combine a range of musical styles—jazz, pop, classical, British soul, rock, blues, medieval, pop, blues, Gentle Giant’s legacy has become influential to a range of artists from the arena rock, jam band, virtuoso players, chamber pop, jazz, and—of course—progressive rock genres.
Kerry Minnear, plus Gentle Giant bandmates Ray Shulman, Gary Green, John Weathers, and Derek Shulman are available for interviews. Other promotion includes radio, print, Internet, and mobile phone outreach.
http://www.blazemonger.com/GG/Gentle_Giant_Home_Page
(There are many Gentle Giant facebook and myspace pages.)
GENTLE GIANT vinyl
Track listings
IN A GLASS HOUSE - 1973
1.The Runaway
2. An Inmates Lullaby
3. Way Of Life
4. Experience
5. A Reunion
6. In A Glass House
THE POWER AND THE GLORY - 1974
1. Proclamation
2. So Sincere
3. Aspirations
4. Playing the Game
5. Cogs in Cogs
6. No God's A Man
7. Valedictory
FREE HAND - 1975
1. Just The Same
2. On Reflection
3. Free Hand
4. Time To Kill
5. His Last Voyage
6. Talybont
7. Mobile
Jann Klose is Doing Time
The cover of Jann's Sacrifice EP
I’m reaching out to folks who’ve covered Jann Klose in the past, encouraging everyone to show some interest in his new projects—a video and a digital EP.
The video is “Doing Time,” which is from Jann’s album, REVERIE. Both are great. It’ll be available May 14, and you will see it at http://www.youtube.com/jannklose.
I can e-mail or send-space his digital EP (“Sacrifice”/”Waiting For the Wave”) to you, which will be released May 14 on all the online stores. His fans get the digital EP for free. These songs were recorded during the REVERIE sessions. TIME OUT NEW YORK ran a valid blurb on Jann’s music, “Bronx-based singer-songwriter Jann Klose writes warm, hooky pop music, like a more mature, toned-down version of Jason Mraz.”
Jann Klose’s up-and-coming concerts are turning out to be significant events. He’ll be opening for Willy Porter, Shawn Phillips, Melissa Ferrick, Antigone Rising. Along with Chicago singer-songwriter/violinist Anne Harris, he’s also performing a special event that WGN-Chicago’s overnight team of Steve King and Johnnie Putman are hosting. In the UK, he’s playing the IPO International Pop Overthrow. Over there he’ll be performing shows with German singer-songwriter Robert Carl Blank, Martin Harley, and Steve Rodgers. He’s also speaking and performing at a luncheon for students attending the Rock'n'Roll Fantasy Camp in London.
April 21 Revolution Hall w/ Willy Porter Troy, NY
April 22 Fairfield Theatre StageOne w/ Willy Porter Fairfield, CT
April 28 Therese's Living Room Concert Series Youngstown, OH
April 29 11 PM EST Steve and Johnnie, WGN Chicago, IL
April 30 The Skokie Theatre w/ Anne Harris Skokie, IL
May 1 The Strutt w/ Micaela Kingslight Kalamazoo, MI
May 2 Haiti Benefit Concert at Rolling Plains UMC Zanesville, OH
May 14 Audio Media Solutions w/ Shawn Phillips East Hartford, CT
May 25 The Cavern Club (IPO Festival) Liverpool, UK
May 26 The Musician w/ Martin Harley and Robert Carl Blank
Leicester, UK
May 27 Denbies Wine Estate w/ Robert Carl Blank Dorking, UK
May 28 Riga Music Bar w/ Robert Carl Blank and Steve Rodgers
Essex, UK
May 29 CB2 w/ Robert Carl Blank Cambridge, UK
May 30 Live#the Square, Birmingham, UK
May 31 The Yardbird w/ Robert Carl Blank Birmingham, UK
June 1 The Cavern Club (IPO Festival) Liverpool, UK
June 9 Kulturpalast Linden Hannover, Germany
June 10 Big Buttinsky Osnabrück, Germany
Jun 11 Jazzkeller Krefeld, Germany
June 12 Prinzenbar Hamburg, Germany
June 27 Sellersville Theater w/ Melissa Ferrick Sellersville, PA
July 8 On the Rocks Off Cruise w/Antigone Rising New York, NY
August 15 Corn Festival Beacon, NY
http://www.facebook.com/jann.klose
http://www.jannklose.com
Joe Deninzon Goes To Jail
Joe Deninzon is gigging quite a bit. He’s got a new jazz trio CD, EXUBERANCE. He’s writing a violin book for Mel Bay. Another wish for Joe is coming true. Ever since he was a teenager, growing up in Cleveland, OH, Joe has wanted to see the inside of a prison and find out what life is like there. But he didn’t want to go through the usual root of living a life of crime. He always wanted to play in a prison, and finally Joe will find the answer. On May 21, he will be performing at the Marble County Regional Correctional Facility, in Rutland, VT with his wild band Stratospheerius. What do you suppose is the moral of this story?
Well, here are Stratospheerius’ upcoming shows:
May 19 Fat Baby w/ Ben Tyree Trio and Superfrog New York, NY
May 20 Nectar’s Burlington, VT
May 21 Dover Brickhouse Dover, NH
June 18, 19 Freedom Fest Harmony, ME
July 12 Great South Bay Music Festival Patchogue, NY
July 17 Bean Runner Café Peekskill, NY
September 11 Riverfront Concert Series Chattanooga, TN
September 25 Long Beach Jazz Festival Long Beach, NY
http://www.stratospheerius.com
"A-metal-cana"'s Bill Leverty
I’m starting to send out Bill Leverty’s DEEP SOUTH, which is “A-metal-cana music”: traditional folk songs played through a combination of rock influences. Bill’s the guitarist for Firehouse, whose “Don’t Treat Me Bad” was a favorite song of mine when I worked at HIT PARADER around 1990. DEEP SOUTH is his exploration—as a grown up—into folk songs. His family helped him, he studied the music online, did a range of research. I love the results, and he’s continuing the exploration.
The songs on DEEP SOUTH are “Trouble So Hard,” “Run On,” “Boll Weevil,” “Nine Hundred Miles,” “Samson And Delilah,” “Walk Beside Me,” “Hit The Road Jack,” “Rain And Snow,” “Wade in the Water,” “Man of Constant Sorrow.”
Let me know if you’d like to compare music and notes with Bill Leverty—he is continuing on with this research and creation and development of these songs, which translate really well to his harder rockin’ style….. Maybe ‘cause it’s about the song.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LevertyMusic?ref=ts
http://www.leverty.com
The songs on DEEP SOUTH are “Trouble So Hard,” “Run On,” “Boll Weevil,” “Nine Hundred Miles,” “Samson And Delilah,” “Walk Beside Me,” “Hit The Road Jack,” “Rain And Snow,” “Wade in the Water,” “Man of Constant Sorrow.”
Let me know if you’d like to compare music and notes with Bill Leverty—he is continuing on with this research and creation and development of these songs, which translate really well to his harder rockin’ style….. Maybe ‘cause it’s about the song.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LevertyMusic?ref=ts
http://www.leverty.com
Jethro Tull's June Shows
Jethro Tull is David Goodier (bass), Doane Perry (drums) Ian Anderson (flute, vocal, guitar, and more), Martin Barre (guitar), John O’Hara (keyboards).
Here are the group’s North American tour dates.
June 4 Boca Raton Mizner Park Amphitheater
June 6 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park
June 8 Vienna, VA The Filene Center
June 10 Ledyard, CT Foxwoods Resort Casino
June 11 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Music Theater
June 12 Atlantic City Caesar's Atlantic City - Circus Maximus
June 13 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
June 15 Boston, MA Bank of America Pavillion
June 17 Canandaigua, NY Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
June 18 Toronto Molson Amphitheatre
June 19 Windsor, ON Caesars Windsor
http://www.jethrotull.com
Cevin Soling Says School Bullies are the Fault of the Schools!
(THE WAR ON KIDS director available to discuss the failing institution of schools.)
Filmmaker Cevin Soling says that the institutional environment of schools, where children are completely powerless, is responsible for creating bullies. After the suicide of South Hadley High School student Phoebe Prince, pundits debated the horrible ramifications of classmates bullying other classmates. Some have blamed students and believe there is a growing wave of cruelty in youth culture. Others have blamed parents for not raising their children to be respectful, and others blame the teachers and administrators for not intervening and disciplining the abusive children. No one has questioned whether the oppressive environment of school is responsible.
Cevin Soling argues "When people are forcibly trapped in an environment where they are subjected to authoritarian power, the try to find spaces where they can exert some kind of power. Bullying is a learned act which mimics the way kids are treated by administrators and teachers and is inevitable as long as students are deprived of any control over their lives."
Cevin is concerned that none of the proposed remedies will have any meaningful impact since no one is addressing the cause. "The exact same pattern of behavior can be observed in a prison environment. No one wants to examine this issue seriously because it would mean having to completely overhaul schooling."
THE WAR ON KIDS is a 95-minute documentary that shows how American public schools continue to become more dangerously authoritarian. In addition to failing in their mission to educate effectively, they erode the country's democratic foundation and often resemble prisons. School children are interviewed as are high school teachers and administrators, as well as prison security guards, plus renowned educators and authors including:
Henry Giroux: Author of Stealing Innocence Corporate Culture's War on Children
Mike A. Males: Sociologist, author of Scapegoat Generation
John Gatto: New York City and New York State Teacher of the Year
Judith Browne: Associate Director of the Advancement Project
Dan Losen: The Civil Rights Project, Harvard University
Dr. Peter Breggin: author, Toxic Psychiatry, Talking Back to Prozac
The Huffington Post's Jonathan Kim calls it a "must see documentary." Ronnie Shreib of Variety writes, "A startling wake-up call about appalling conditions prevailing in American schools," Jeannette Catsoulis in the New York Times notes, "A shocking chronicle of institutional dysfunction, 'The War on Kids' likens our public school system to prison and its disciplinary methods to fascism. At least now you know why little Johnny won't get out of bed in the morning." John Whitehead, who established the human rights organization, The Rutherford Institute, cites THE WAR ON KIDS as an insightful film. He writes: "Ironically, America's public schools were once considered the hope of freedom and democracy, the place where young people were to be instructed in the principles of freedom so that they could someday effectively participate in the democratic process. Sadly, that is no longer the case."
THE WAR ON KIDS is directed by Cevin Soling who won the NYIIFVF award for "best educational film" in 2009. His documentary, THE WAR ON THE WAR ON DRUGS won NYIIFVF's best experimental feature film. Cevin has directed and produced a number of films, including: RELAX IT'S JUST SEX starring Jennifer Tilly, Lori Petty and Cynda Williams; A HOLE IN THE HEAD, which was broadcast on Discovery and The Learning Channel; and URINE: GOOD HEALTH. He also created a number of animated works, including THE BILL JOHNSON SHOW, BORIS THE DOG (which broadcast on both MTV and the BBC), CAPTAIN STICKMAN, as well as the short film, DESTRUCTION.
http://www.thewaronkids.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-War-On-Kids/186264283398?ref=ts
Filmmaker Cevin Soling says that the institutional environment of schools, where children are completely powerless, is responsible for creating bullies. After the suicide of South Hadley High School student Phoebe Prince, pundits debated the horrible ramifications of classmates bullying other classmates. Some have blamed students and believe there is a growing wave of cruelty in youth culture. Others have blamed parents for not raising their children to be respectful, and others blame the teachers and administrators for not intervening and disciplining the abusive children. No one has questioned whether the oppressive environment of school is responsible.
Cevin Soling argues "When people are forcibly trapped in an environment where they are subjected to authoritarian power, the try to find spaces where they can exert some kind of power. Bullying is a learned act which mimics the way kids are treated by administrators and teachers and is inevitable as long as students are deprived of any control over their lives."
Cevin is concerned that none of the proposed remedies will have any meaningful impact since no one is addressing the cause. "The exact same pattern of behavior can be observed in a prison environment. No one wants to examine this issue seriously because it would mean having to completely overhaul schooling."
THE WAR ON KIDS is a 95-minute documentary that shows how American public schools continue to become more dangerously authoritarian. In addition to failing in their mission to educate effectively, they erode the country's democratic foundation and often resemble prisons. School children are interviewed as are high school teachers and administrators, as well as prison security guards, plus renowned educators and authors including:
Henry Giroux: Author of Stealing Innocence Corporate Culture's War on Children
Mike A. Males: Sociologist, author of Scapegoat Generation
John Gatto: New York City and New York State Teacher of the Year
Judith Browne: Associate Director of the Advancement Project
Dan Losen: The Civil Rights Project, Harvard University
Dr. Peter Breggin: author, Toxic Psychiatry, Talking Back to Prozac
The Huffington Post's Jonathan Kim calls it a "must see documentary." Ronnie Shreib of Variety writes, "A startling wake-up call about appalling conditions prevailing in American schools," Jeannette Catsoulis in the New York Times notes, "A shocking chronicle of institutional dysfunction, 'The War on Kids' likens our public school system to prison and its disciplinary methods to fascism. At least now you know why little Johnny won't get out of bed in the morning." John Whitehead, who established the human rights organization, The Rutherford Institute, cites THE WAR ON KIDS as an insightful film. He writes: "Ironically, America's public schools were once considered the hope of freedom and democracy, the place where young people were to be instructed in the principles of freedom so that they could someday effectively participate in the democratic process. Sadly, that is no longer the case."
THE WAR ON KIDS is directed by Cevin Soling who won the NYIIFVF award for "best educational film" in 2009. His documentary, THE WAR ON THE WAR ON DRUGS won NYIIFVF's best experimental feature film. Cevin has directed and produced a number of films, including: RELAX IT'S JUST SEX starring Jennifer Tilly, Lori Petty and Cynda Williams; A HOLE IN THE HEAD, which was broadcast on Discovery and The Learning Channel; and URINE: GOOD HEALTH. He also created a number of animated works, including THE BILL JOHNSON SHOW, BORIS THE DOG (which broadcast on both MTV and the BBC), CAPTAIN STICKMAN, as well as the short film, DESTRUCTION.
http://www.thewaronkids.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-War-On-Kids/186264283398?ref=ts
The Yardbirds On Tour in May
The Yardbirds
The Yardbirds will be playing east coast and Ohio dates this May. A true institution, in the brief period from 1963 to 1968, The Yardbirds made an indelible mark on the music and culture of the time, and then on future generations.
To the casual music fan, The Yardbirds are best known as the band that honed the skills of future “guitar gods” Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page; and for their slew of chart hits, including “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” "Shapes of Things," “I'm A Man,” and “Over Under Sideways Down.” However, led by core members and songwriters Jim McCarty (drums), Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar/bass) and the late Keith Relf (vocals/harmonica), the band's experimental explorations also provided the crucial link between British R&B, Psychedelic Rock, and Heavy Metal, while pioneering the use of innovations like fuzz tone, feedback and distortion. Even their 1968 break-up set the stage for Rock 'n' Roll's future…leading Jimmy Page to form the New Yardbirds, later re-christened Led Zeppelin.
Reuniting decades later, McCarty and Dreja with a new generations of talented players including the raw talents of young lead guitarist Ben King, bassist Dave Smale, and vocalist/harmonica player Andy Mitchell, the group has been steadily touring and making new music.
The Yardbirds' 2003 CD, BIRDLAND on Steve Vai's Favored Nations label featured guest appearances from Vai, and friends Brian May, Joe Satriani, and Slash.
In 2007 Favored Nations released the YARDBIRDS: LIVE AT BB KINGS, again showing the power of the band, and its legacy of great songs.
This season, The Yardbirds return to the States under the leadership purposeful and insightful Dreja and McCarty and the future music superstars: King, Smale and Mitchell.
May 21 Parilla Center Rockville, MD
May 22 Chesapeake Blues Fest Annapolis, MD
May 23 Tangiers Akron, OH
May 25 Sellersville Theatre Sellersville, PA
May 26 BB Kings New York, NY
May 27 Boulton Center Bay Shore, NY
May 28 Showcase Live Foxborough, MA
May 30 Remember The Music/Heroes Virginia Beach, VA
http://www.theyardbirds.com
Some news from new friends:
Three different lady rockers have caught my ears lately, and you can contact them for more information on their music…. All of them would like reviews on their music, so please keep that in mind when you contact them.
Former NY Loose singer Brijitte West has a new band, The Desperate Hopefuls and some darn good punk-delivery in her vocals. Her web site is http://www.brijittewest.com. Contact her at bw@brijittewest.com. For MP3 files to review, e-mail Paul Unger at punger@neo.rr.com
My friend, guitar maker/piano tuner Rick Davies and Jane Sytek turned me on to Micaela Kingslight, who is doing a show with my artist Jann Klose on May 1 in Kalamazoo at the Strutt. Her album is called STILL. She is an incredible guitarist in a vibe to recordings you’d hear by Mark Almond Band, some of the more stretchier ELP and Led Zeppelin songs, while leaning towards softer rock.E-mail booking@micaelakingslight.com. http://micaelakingslight.com/
I think Susan Barth is a devilishly feminine singer in a vocally-melodic realm as the Carpenters. “Perfect Storm” is a hit song. “Chatworth” is an anthem about inconsiderate people. E-mail Pinksoxsongs@aol.com. The web site is http://www.susanbarth.com.
And while I’m at it, the very manly (and Grand Funk Railroad guitarist) Bruce Kulick has another new album, BK3. http://www.kulick.net. BruceKool@aol.com.
Former NY Loose singer Brijitte West has a new band, The Desperate Hopefuls and some darn good punk-delivery in her vocals. Her web site is http://www.brijittewest.com. Contact her at bw@brijittewest.com. For MP3 files to review, e-mail Paul Unger at punger@neo.rr.com
My friend, guitar maker/piano tuner Rick Davies and Jane Sytek turned me on to Micaela Kingslight, who is doing a show with my artist Jann Klose on May 1 in Kalamazoo at the Strutt. Her album is called STILL. She is an incredible guitarist in a vibe to recordings you’d hear by Mark Almond Band, some of the more stretchier ELP and Led Zeppelin songs, while leaning towards softer rock.E-mail booking@micaelakingslight.com. http://micaelakingslight.com/
I think Susan Barth is a devilishly feminine singer in a vocally-melodic realm as the Carpenters. “Perfect Storm” is a hit song. “Chatworth” is an anthem about inconsiderate people. E-mail Pinksoxsongs@aol.com. The web site is http://www.susanbarth.com.
And while I’m at it, the very manly (and Grand Funk Railroad guitarist) Bruce Kulick has another new album, BK3. http://www.kulick.net. BruceKool@aol.com.
4/4/10
Anne Leighton presents unstaged reading of original play, "The Passion of Mary," April 7
I will be presenting an unstaged reading and group discussion of her original, three-act play, THE PASSION OF MARY, on April 7 at 6 pm, at the Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road (at Briggs Avenue), in the Bronx, NY. The library phone number is (718) 579-4244. Admission is free.
I am looking for folks to read the play, as well. Those interested should call me at 718-881-8183.
There are some fascinating readers, including friends from music, theatre, and local media. Former Arista A&R exec Valerie Kiligrew, who is now an award-winning playwright, will be the play's narrator. Jonathan Kruk, who is the best storyteller in the Hudson Valley will portray William Dyer. Radio crystal blue personality Dan Herman is the Reverend John Wilson. Irish Center actress/dancer Siobhan Dunne will be "God." NYC commedienne Mindy Matijesavic portrays Endicott, the Governor of Massachusetts. My bands are also stretching their talents: Stratospheerius vocalist/electric violinist Joe Deninzon portraying an angel, Woody Allen/Jann Klose drummer Patrick Carmichael as Roger Williams, and Jann's keyboardist/accordionist Lars Potteiger is Lord Oliver Cromwell and Reverend Joseph Cotton.
After the play is read, there will be a question and answer session.
THE PASSION OF MARY focuses on the story of Mary Dyer, a Quaker from 17th Century America, who was hanged by Puritans in the Boston Commonwealth.
Mary Dyer was one of the early crusaders for religious freedom in America. THE PASSION OF MARY has many historical characters including Anne Hutchinson, who lived for a while in the Bronx and Lower Westchester, plus Roger Williams who founded the State of Rhode Island.
I am a working writer, who -- in addition to promoting Bronx-based pop singer songwriter Jann Klose and working with a number of influential classic rockers (Neil Innes, Jethro Tull, Tower of Power, the Yardbirds, Strawbs, Grand Funk Railroad) -- has an active writing career. My books are USING YOUR ART AND THE MEDIA TO COMFORT PEOPLE (published by Free to Run books) and PAWS FOR THOUGHT: HOW TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR CAT IS THINKING (UK's Rockwell Books and now available in the States through mail order by Daedalus).
My first play Reach for the Sun was performed by Poets Repertory Theater of Long island in 1977. In 2005 I presented a staged reading of her play, ONE WAY TO HEAVEN at the Howl Festival in New York City and as part of the Bronx-based series, HIDDEN TREASURE. The play was also performed by the River City Living Church in San Antonio, Texas and won the Jacob C. Hammer playwriting award at Lehman College in the Bronx.
I am looking for folks to read the play, as well. Those interested should call me at 718-881-8183.
There are some fascinating readers, including friends from music, theatre, and local media. Former Arista A&R exec Valerie Kiligrew, who is now an award-winning playwright, will be the play's narrator. Jonathan Kruk, who is the best storyteller in the Hudson Valley will portray William Dyer. Radio crystal blue personality Dan Herman is the Reverend John Wilson. Irish Center actress/dancer Siobhan Dunne will be "God." NYC commedienne Mindy Matijesavic portrays Endicott, the Governor of Massachusetts. My bands are also stretching their talents: Stratospheerius vocalist/electric violinist Joe Deninzon portraying an angel, Woody Allen/Jann Klose drummer Patrick Carmichael as Roger Williams, and Jann's keyboardist/accordionist Lars Potteiger is Lord Oliver Cromwell and Reverend Joseph Cotton.
After the play is read, there will be a question and answer session.
THE PASSION OF MARY focuses on the story of Mary Dyer, a Quaker from 17th Century America, who was hanged by Puritans in the Boston Commonwealth.
Mary Dyer was one of the early crusaders for religious freedom in America. THE PASSION OF MARY has many historical characters including Anne Hutchinson, who lived for a while in the Bronx and Lower Westchester, plus Roger Williams who founded the State of Rhode Island.
I am a working writer, who -- in addition to promoting Bronx-based pop singer songwriter Jann Klose and working with a number of influential classic rockers (Neil Innes, Jethro Tull, Tower of Power, the Yardbirds, Strawbs, Grand Funk Railroad) -- has an active writing career. My books are USING YOUR ART AND THE MEDIA TO COMFORT PEOPLE (published by Free to Run books) and PAWS FOR THOUGHT: HOW TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR CAT IS THINKING (UK's Rockwell Books and now available in the States through mail order by Daedalus).
My first play Reach for the Sun was performed by Poets Repertory Theater of Long island in 1977. In 2005 I presented a staged reading of her play, ONE WAY TO HEAVEN at the Howl Festival in New York City and as part of the Bronx-based series, HIDDEN TREASURE. The play was also performed by the River City Living Church in San Antonio, Texas and won the Jacob C. Hammer playwriting award at Lehman College in the Bronx.
3/27/10
JANN KLOSE TO PLAY THE SKOKIE THEATRE
Please save this picture file, print it out, and give it to friends in the Chicagoland region.
(Anne Harris Sharing the Bill with Special guest emcees: WGN's Steve and Johnnie)
Contact: Anne Harris: c/o Aaron Krossovitch
630-697-9593
Jann Klose and Anne Harris will be performing at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 N. Lincoln Avenue, in Skokie, on April 30 at 8 PM. The venue phone is 847-677-7761, and the web site is http://www.skokietheatre.org.
WGN’s Steve King and Johnnie Putman suggested this event after Jann performed on their show this past November when he was part of the Uncommon Ground's Jeff Buckley Tribute for the second year.
In the past few years, Jann's music has been picked up by scores of Chicago-based media people, The Chicago Examiner's Roger Reis, who calls pop singer-songwriter Jann Klose's latest album, REVERIE a "timeless work of art." Popmatters' Lisa Torem praises his live show, writing that he is a "confident performer" who, when one listens, "you can feel a pin drop." Jann's album is being played on over 120 radio stations, including WGN's Life after Dark with Steve and Johnnie.
Based in the Bronx, NY, Jann was born in Germany, raised in Kenya, South Africa, and first came to the United States as an exchange student in Cleveland, Ohio. Recently Jann supported Renaissance on its 40th Anniversary tour, and dates with rock troubadour Elliott Murphy. He has also collaborated with Renaissance's lead singer Annie Haslam and original keyboardist John Tout. Jann has opened for Pete Seeger, Marshall Crenshaw, Willy Porter, The Strawbs, Jonathan Edwards, Old School Freight Train, and Rusted Root's Michael Glabicki.
He has shared the stage Marty Stuart, Roger McGuinn, Rosanne Cash for Martin Guitar's 175th Anniversary Concert, and with members of Alan Parsons Project, Dire Straits, the Rolling Stones horn section for the 3rd Annual Concert for Bangladesh Revisited at B.B. Kings, in New York City.
Chicago based singer-songwriter and violinist Anne Harris was handpicked for this event by Steve and Johnnie, and her new album GRAVITY AND FAITH has been receiving rave reviews from the media, as well. The Chicago Tribune's Andy Downing writes, "Anne Harris' songs frequently sound born of a spiritual awakening." Illinois Entertainer writer Andy Argyrakis says, Anne delivers a "soulful blend of folk, pop, and roots rock...brimming with socially conscious lyrics, as memorable as thought-provoking." The publication also cited GRAVITY AND FAITH as one of the best local albums of 2008.
JANN KLOSE CONFIRMED TOUR DATES 2010
April 10 The Rockwood Music Hall New York, NY
April 21 Revolution Hall w/ Willy Porter Troy, NY
April 22 Fairfield Theatre Stage One w/ Willy Porter Fairfield, CT
April 28 Therese’s Living Room Concert Series Youngstown, OH
April 29 11 PM Steve and Johnnie, WGN Chicago, IL
April 30 The Skokie Theatre w/ Anne Harris Skokie, IL
May 1 The Strutt w/ Micaela Kingslight Kalamazoo, MI
May 2 Haiti Benfir Concert at Rolling Plains UMC Zanesville, OH
May 14 Audio Media Solutions w/ Shawn Phillips East Hartford, CT
May 25 The Cavern Club (IPO Festival) Liverpool, UK
May 26 The Musician w/ Martin Harley Leicester, UK
May 27 Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp London, UK
May 27 The Bedford w/ Robert Carl Blank London, UK
May 29 CB2 w/ Robert Carl Blank Cambridge,UK
June 1 The Cavern Club (IPO Festival) Liverpool, UK
June 12 Prinzenbar Hamburg, Germany
HI-RES IMAGE DOWNLOADS AVAILABLE AT JANNKLOSE.COM/PRESS.HTML
###
3/24/10
NEIL INNES: A PEOPLE'S GUIDE TO WORLD DOMINATION CROSSES THE POND
“I've suffered for my music,” he tells America. “Now it's your turn.”
Neil Innes will be performing 15 dates across the States this April and May.
He is available for interviews in advance of the show, please call Anne Leighton at 718-881-8183 orAnne@AnneLeighton.com .
Neil's upcoming album, INNES OWN WORLD -The Best Bits will be available at the start on the tour. It features a selection of bits from his UK radio shows studded with 8 fabulous songs - a few new ones.
For five decades, Neil Innes made us laugh and sing along. One of the funniest men to hit the charts, he wrote songs like “Camelot” (“Living here in Camelot/We eat ham and jam and Spam a lot”) and “Sir Robin's Song” (“When trouble reared it's ugly head/He bravely turned his tail and fled”) from Monty Python and the Holy Grail; “Cheese and Onions” from The Rutles; the lone hit for the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, “I'm The Urban Space Man”; and his theme song, “How Sweet to be An Idiot.”
Now you can discover how sweet it is to be an idiot by shelling out some cash to see Innes as his one man show A People's Guide to World Domination crosses the Atlantic and lands, waterlogged, in America. In a performance that has been called “A wonderfully wayward evening,” “the hottest ticket in town,” and “you're not wearing those trousers, are you?” Innes lampoons the human condition, lambastes bankers and other latter day clowns, and doesn't leave a dry seat in the house.
Called the seventh member of Monty Python's Flying Circus, Neil Innes has made people laugh and sing since breaking through with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, fresh out of college in the mid-'60s. A talented artist, musician, and actor/raconteur, he fell in with Monty Python, and later, along with former Python Eric Idle, put together The Rutles, the legend that would last a lunch-time. His BBC Television Show The Innes Book of Records has become much watched on YouTube. He also was involved with hundreds of episodes of children's shows, including the long running BBC favorite Raggy Doll.
While Neil says, “If I could describe what it is I do on stage in a sentence or two, or even a cleverly constructed paragraph, then there would be absolutely no need for me to go on stage and do it,” he will continue to perform to small but beautifully formed audiences around the world, and one by one, raise an international army of 'EGO WARRIORS', sworn to defend self-esteem wherever it may be. This is his life's work.
APRIL 11 OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY TOMS RIVER NJ (732) 349-6200
APRIL 13 TURNING POINT PIERMONT NY (845) 359-1089
APRIL 14 NIGHTCAT EASTON MD (443) 786-2750
APRIL 15 JAMMIN JAVA VIENNA VA (703) 255-1566
APRIL 16 RECORD COLLECTOR BORDENTOWN NJ (609) 324-0880
APRIL 18 IRON HORSE NORTHAMPTON MA (413) 586 8686
APRIL 20 BB KING'S NEW YORK NY (212)-997-4144
APRIL 21 THE LOVIN CUP ROCHESTER NY (585) 292-9940
APRIL 22 HUGH'S ROOM TORONTO ON (416) 531-6604
APRIL 23 THIS AINT HOLLYWOOD HAMILTON ON (905) 529-9500
APRIL 25 THE DOIUG FIR PORTLAND OREGON OR (503) 231-9663
APRIL 26 TRIPLE DOOR SEATTLE WA (206) 838-4333
APRIL 28 COBBS SAN FRANCISCO CA (415) 928 4320
APRIL 30 McCABES LOS ANGELES CA (310) 828-4497
MAY 1 ACCOUSTIC MUSIC SAN DIEGO CA (619) 303-8176
MAY 2 SKYE PHOENIX AZ (623) 334-0010
http://www.neilinnes.org
Industry Page: http://www.neilinnes-on-tour.com/
3/21/10
PRISON SHIRTS AND HATS AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS ONLINE AT www.thewaronkids.com
(Filmmaker Cevin Soling says, "if kids are going to be treated like prisoners, let them dress the part and dispel any hypocrisy.)
An authentic prison T-shirt and cap at http://www.thewaronkids.com
Cevin Soling is making available authentic prison shirts and hats in support of his movie, THE WAR ON KIDS. These shirts and hats are the same clothing issued to prisoners when they have to serve time. No logo or web site appears on the clothing, just black and white stripes will be on these shirts, while the word “Inmate” is printed on the hats. The cost for a shirt or hat is $15.00, and the shirts are available in Small, Medium, and Large. Visit http://www.thewaronkids.com, and click on "buy the DVD."
Soling is making people aware that schools have taken away children's civil rights and THE WAR ON KIDS shows the uncanny similarities between schools and prisons. As a result of appearances on THE COLBERT REPORT, MSNBC, The Leonard Lopate Show, Mancow, and other top media, THE WAR ON KIDS is also heavily downloaded illegally online.
The Huffington Post's Jonathan Kim calls it a "must see documentary." Ronnie Shreib of Variety writes, "A startling wake-up call about appalling conditions prevailing in American schools," Jeannette Catsoulis in the New York Times notes, "A shocking chronicle of institutional dysfunction, 'The War on Kids' likens our public school system to prison and its disciplinary methods to fascism. At least now you know why little Johnny won’t get out of bed in the morning." John Whitehead, who established the human rights organization, The Rutherford Institute, cites THE WAR ON KIDS as an insightful film. He writes: "Ironically, America’s public schools were once considered the hope of freedom and democracy, the place where young people were to be instructed in the principles of freedom so that they could someday effectively participate in the democratic process. Sadly, that is no longer the case."
Soling is interested in following up on stories about kids who wear these shirts to school. He predicts that efforts will be made by teachers and administrators to prohibit them from dressing like a prisoner which would be supremely ironic. Soling states: “Every aspect of their being is so rigidly controlled that they are not permitted to display the degree to which they are controlled. By not being allowed to wear the shirts, students would then become instruments of propaganda designed to present an image of free choice when no real choice is permitted. How are children expected to grow up and perform the most essential obligation of citizenry in a democracy - protest tyranny - when any attempt to exercise civil rights in school is immediately squelched? If students are not permitted to complain about unbearable conditions in their school, they will not attempt to protest breaches of government power."
An authentic prison T-shirt and cap at http://www.thewaronkids.com
Cevin Soling is making available authentic prison shirts and hats in support of his movie, THE WAR ON KIDS. These shirts and hats are the same clothing issued to prisoners when they have to serve time. No logo or web site appears on the clothing, just black and white stripes will be on these shirts, while the word “Inmate” is printed on the hats. The cost for a shirt or hat is $15.00, and the shirts are available in Small, Medium, and Large. Visit http://www.thewaronkids.com, and click on "buy the DVD."
Soling is making people aware that schools have taken away children's civil rights and THE WAR ON KIDS shows the uncanny similarities between schools and prisons. As a result of appearances on THE COLBERT REPORT, MSNBC, The Leonard Lopate Show, Mancow, and other top media, THE WAR ON KIDS is also heavily downloaded illegally online.
The Huffington Post's Jonathan Kim calls it a "must see documentary." Ronnie Shreib of Variety writes, "A startling wake-up call about appalling conditions prevailing in American schools," Jeannette Catsoulis in the New York Times notes, "A shocking chronicle of institutional dysfunction, 'The War on Kids' likens our public school system to prison and its disciplinary methods to fascism. At least now you know why little Johnny won’t get out of bed in the morning." John Whitehead, who established the human rights organization, The Rutherford Institute, cites THE WAR ON KIDS as an insightful film. He writes: "Ironically, America’s public schools were once considered the hope of freedom and democracy, the place where young people were to be instructed in the principles of freedom so that they could someday effectively participate in the democratic process. Sadly, that is no longer the case."
Soling is interested in following up on stories about kids who wear these shirts to school. He predicts that efforts will be made by teachers and administrators to prohibit them from dressing like a prisoner which would be supremely ironic. Soling states: “Every aspect of their being is so rigidly controlled that they are not permitted to display the degree to which they are controlled. By not being allowed to wear the shirts, students would then become instruments of propaganda designed to present an image of free choice when no real choice is permitted. How are children expected to grow up and perform the most essential obligation of citizenry in a democracy - protest tyranny - when any attempt to exercise civil rights in school is immediately squelched? If students are not permitted to complain about unbearable conditions in their school, they will not attempt to protest breaches of government power."
3/4/10
YOSO, New Classic Rock Super-Group to Play the Frankfurt Musikmesse Festival: March 24th to 27th
Billy Sherwood {Bass,Vocals}
Bobby Kimball {Vocals}
Jody Cortez {Drums}
Jimmy Haun {Guitar,Vocals}
Tony Kaye (Organ,Keyboards}
photographer: Michi Sherwood
Management: Derek Shulman
Leonardo Pavkovic
http://www.myspace.com/yosohq
http://www.youtube.com/user/YosoHQ
YOSO, New Classic Rock Super-Group to Play the Frankfurt Musikmesse Festival: March 24th to 27th
(Creative Force of YOSO features former YES and TOTO members)
On March 24-27, YOSO will premiere in Europe at the "Frankfurt
Musikmesse" Festival in Frankfurt, Germany 24th March, as well as
another to-be-announced venue in Frankfurt on March 26th.
Close to 700,000 people attend Musikmesse every year to play the latest gear, and see very well known bands, as well as selected new acts. YOSO lead singer Bobby Kimball says, "We couldn't have gotten luckier, than to play
Musikmesse, because the crowd ranges from promoters, equipment company
endorsement people, and musicians of all levels."
YOSO was formed in late 2009 by Kimball (TOTO’s lead vocalist) and
YES keyboardist and founding member Tony Kaye. Former YES member/producer
Billy Sherwood plays bass and vocals, and Jimmy Haun of CIRCA handles all guitars.
Drummer Jody Cortez, who has toured with Boz Scaggs and Crosby, Stills and Nash, rounds out the group.
The group made its premiere appearance in Mexico in November 2009.
YOSO will be releasing its debut CD "YOSO" via the group's
on line web-store, coming soon to http://www.yosohq.com."
The CD will then be made available to all worldwide retail and digital
outlets via major distribution in the late Spring/Early summer of 2010.
YOSO will be filming several live concerts and producing a YOSO LIVE
DVD in the Spring of 2010.
In the works are tours in Europe, South America, NORTH AMERICA,
SOUTH-EAST Asia, and include dates further dates Mexico in mid April.
To hear YOSO live, (music & videos), please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/yosohq or http://www.myspace.com/yosohq
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