THE WAR ON KIDS’ filmmaker Cevin Soling says the uproar on President Obama’s Tuesday address to school children is absolutely misguided by both those in favor and those opposed to it.
In fact, Soling believes President Obama is misguided about inspiring school children with his speech, “They all have faith in the institution of schools.”
While he acknowledges the uproar against having school kids watch the film is “purely political,” Soling believes that today’s school systems are doing more harm than good for our children. His movie, THE WAR ON KIDS shows how American public schools continue to become more dangerously authoritarian. In addition to failing in their mission educate effectively, they erode the country's democratic foundation and often resemble prisons.
THE WAR ON KIDS won “best educational film” at the New York City International Independent Film and Video Festival this past April. It will be shown on September 30 at Harvard University in Boston. It runs November 18-25 at the Quad Cinema, in New York City.
Cevin’s 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.
9/7/09
8/30/09
please spread the word: It's good to talk with your federal representatives
This is your mouth on open--Use it!
I want to start by writing that I think most of my Facebook friends are smarter than many people who work in TV news. I am seeing that many news folks are sensationalizing unfacts or how people react at Town Halls. We need to spend time getting to the source for news stories, the web has a lot of information related to most of the news stories. We can actually go to sites like http://thomas.loc.gov/ to read pending legislation, works that are still in committee, and also get the voting record of the folks in DC. After that, we can contact our legislators (thomas.loc also has leads to each legislator at every State.)
I spoke with aides at Eliot Engel's (my congressman) and Kirsten Gillibrand's (one of my senators) offices. Both stated that the Public Option is still in both bills. The Senator's office stated that a lot of work still needs to be done in creating the first bill for insurance reform, including regulation for the insurance agencies. The companies don't want that regulation because they want to make more money. But aren't you sick of spending money to companies who act entitled to everything, but don't value their customers?
My younger brother is a Republican, who worked in Washington, DC in the '80s. He continues to follow current events. He will publicly state the bad customer service practices of insurance companies, and knows they have to be reigned in and regulated. His wife, who works in hospice, also knows that freedomworks is not doing right by the American people by stating the government is going to help Granny die. There is no Death panel for anybody in any of these bills before Congress.
After you chat with your representatives, have them answer your questions, and give insight to what's in these bills, which are still being worked on. Then I urge you to talk with friends and family in different parts of the country. URGE them to call their federal representatives with questions. Urge your friends to urge your federal representatives include the public options for health care. I'm a New Yorker--we have our health care taken care of through a sliding scale. We can have check ups, and pay what we can afford whenever we have cash on hand. It works, and most New Yorkers are very supportive of this. This health care system is one of the reasons that New York City is an extremely productive community.
But there are folks all over this country who are not lucky enough to have the benefits that New Yorkers have. I want the same compassion for them.
Understand that when people are not flooding their hard-earned money to life Insurance company executives' extravagances, they will have more money to spend. It's also okay for a little bit of "sin" tax on sweets and sodas--we know that's extra.
We also should not construe "socialism" with investing in our needs or helping our neighbor. As I see it, more recent than how our country was founded was the way our country was built. If someone's house burnt down, our great grandparents would have helped them rebuild their house. And what the heck, if you consider paying taxes to help the poor people to be socialism, then get to know a poor person-- be social; you'll want to help them after you get to know them. Believe it or not, some of my best friends and I are financially-challenged. But boy are we smart, resourceful, and we can teach the richest person something about budgeting!
The poor people paid their share of taxes to help America hurt other countries. Let's have them get helped because everyone is productive in this country.
Something I realized is the amount of service that many poor people give to the very well-to-do. From waiters and shop workers who sell cigars to auto mechanics, and contractors, even publicists--people are very much of service to rich people. They are only paid a certain amount of money for their work. Making sure everyone gets health care will allow the rich to continue paying whatever they currently pay, while the people who service them will keep their health, and also keep money flowing. That's capitalism, and actually very close to what Adam Smith had intended.
Please think about what the news is saying, and get some answers from your representatives. And remember, Health Care Reform--part one, Insurance Reform is going to take some time to get into a passable amendment, and then take into effect. A lot of our elected officials have not given up on it. Keep after these folks the same way you would go after a job or something else that would benefit you.
Location for Congress bill: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:H.R.3200:
(note: that Congress.gov will be undergoing maintenance on Sunday, August 30, and will be back online at 7 PM)
5/31/09
Jann Klose’s “Reverie” continues to build in the U.S. and abroad Indie Pop Singer-Songwriter breaking new ground on the road and in the media
Jann Klose's album REVERIE is continuing to build momentum. The record has already become a critical favorite in regional America and is – as the LA Weekly states – becoming “a minor hit,” heard on over 100 radio stations worldwide, including Sirius XM Radio in the U.S., the BBC in the U.K. and most recently, Prambors Radio in Indonesia. George Graham just included REVERIE in his list of Best CDs of 2008 alongside Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Guy and Peter Gabriel. Mr. Graham produces the longest running “Adult Contemporary” Radio show on WVIA FM in Pennsylvania.
Since the release of the album, Jann has opened for Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root and rising jam band Old School Freight Train. He performed with Renaissance's Annie Haslam and John Tout at the Sellersville Theater as well as with Rosanne Cash, Marty Stuart and Roger McGuinn at the Martin Guitar 175th anniversary concert. This winter and spring, Jann and his band supported Elliott Murphy on tours of the East and West Coast. The two are planning on more shows together later this year. Hits Magazine’s Roy Trakin calls Jann a “promising opening act.” This summer Jann will again be touring in the United Kingdom, Germany and in Ireland for the first time.
In addition to radio airplay and extensive touring – over 100 shows in 2008 alone – Jann and his band have been receiving positive press for REVERIE: The Washington Post writes: “Klose wins over the listener with his soaring voice, which may well be a staple of chamber pop for a long time to come.” Performing Songwriter says: “Born in Germany and raised in Africa, Jann Klose brings an element of world music to his adult-contemporary pop-rock. His latest record Reverie offers songs of thoughtful introspection and longing. Rich arrangements feature orchestral strings, jazzy horns and old-world accordion in addition to the standard bass, drums and guitar. Highlights include the melancholy 'Mother Said, Father Said' and Latin-flavored ‘Clouds.’”
REVERIE was recorded at Hoboken, New Jersey’s renowned Water Music Studios. It was produced by Jann Klose with Stewart Lerman (Dar Williams, Antony and the Johnsons, The Aviator Soundtrack); engineered by James Frazee (Spiderman 3, The Hold Steady) and mastered by Dominick Maita (Fall Out Boy, Bryan Ferry, Plain White T’s). The album features musicians Chris Marolf (upright bass), Lars Potteiger (keys, accordion), Patrick Carmichael (drums) and Leah Potteiger (violin). Additional musicians on the album include: Pedro da Silva (Portuguese guitar), Megan Marolf (oboe), Ryan Scott (electric guitar), Dan Brantigan (trumpet, flugelhorn) and Doug Hinrichs (percussion).
Born in Mannheim, Germany, raised in Nairobi, Kenya and Johannesburg, South Africa, Jann spent his teenage years in Hamburg, Germany before coming to Cleveland, Ohio as an exchange student. He returned to Germany to fulfill mandatory civil service, and then relocated to Northeast Ohio, where he studied voice with Emmy winner David Gooding, sang in the Cleveland Opera Chorus, and released two CDs on local label G21 Records (1997’s ENOUGH SAID and 1999’s THE STRANGEST THING).
In 2000 Jann relocated to New York. He has since performed in Broadway touring companies of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and JEKYLL & HYDE as well as a regional production of THE WHO’S TOMMY. Songs from his 2003 EP BLACK BOX, produced by Grammy winner Marlon Graves, were licensed to the Warner Bros. DVD “Dead Broke,” featuring Paul Sorvino, car maker SAAB’s 60th Anniversary CD in France and Prambors Hits 3 in Indonesia. Jann now resides in the Bronx, New York.
June 19 Mocha Maya’s w/ Sarah Blacker Shelburne Falls MA,
June 20 Coffee Planet Ballston Spa NY
June 20 Jonesville Store Clifton Park NY
June 21 Rockwood Music Hall New York NY
June 24 The Winchester w/ Dave Brooks Cleveland OH
June 25 Vic's (Victorian's Midnight Cafe) w/
Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk and Diana Chittester Columbus OH
June 26 The Boom Room Youngstown/Warren OH
July 2 Sellersville Theater w/Acoustic Strawbs Sellersville PA
July 24 Kukuun Hamburg, Germany w/ Duncan Townsend
July 28 Kultiviert Anders, Leipzig Germany
July 30 Brauhaus Suedstern, Berlin Germany
July 31 Blue Note Dresden, Germany
August 3 Connemara FM Radio Letterfrack Connemara Ireland 87.8 fm & 106.1 fm, online at http://www.connemarafm.com/
August 4 Flirt FM Radio 101.3 fm, online at http://www.flirtfm.ie Galway Ireland
August 4 Roisin Dubh Pub & Music Venue Galway, Ireland
August 5 The Hard Rock Cafe, Dublin Ireland
August 5 The Zodiac Sessions, Bruxelles Bar Dublin Ireland
August 8 The Regal Room at Distillers London UK
August 10 The Yardbird Birmingham UK
August 13 The Musician Leicester UK
August 15 The Zanzibar Club Liverpool UK
August 16 CB2 w/ The Fancy Toys and Tom Copson Cambridge, UK
October 18 Beacon Sloop Club, Pumpkin Festival Beacon, NY
www.jannklose.com
www.youtube.com/jannklose
www.myspace.com/jannklose
Since the release of the album, Jann has opened for Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root and rising jam band Old School Freight Train. He performed with Renaissance's Annie Haslam and John Tout at the Sellersville Theater as well as with Rosanne Cash, Marty Stuart and Roger McGuinn at the Martin Guitar 175th anniversary concert. This winter and spring, Jann and his band supported Elliott Murphy on tours of the East and West Coast. The two are planning on more shows together later this year. Hits Magazine’s Roy Trakin calls Jann a “promising opening act.” This summer Jann will again be touring in the United Kingdom, Germany and in Ireland for the first time.
In addition to radio airplay and extensive touring – over 100 shows in 2008 alone – Jann and his band have been receiving positive press for REVERIE: The Washington Post writes: “Klose wins over the listener with his soaring voice, which may well be a staple of chamber pop for a long time to come.” Performing Songwriter says: “Born in Germany and raised in Africa, Jann Klose brings an element of world music to his adult-contemporary pop-rock. His latest record Reverie offers songs of thoughtful introspection and longing. Rich arrangements feature orchestral strings, jazzy horns and old-world accordion in addition to the standard bass, drums and guitar. Highlights include the melancholy 'Mother Said, Father Said' and Latin-flavored ‘Clouds.’”
REVERIE was recorded at Hoboken, New Jersey’s renowned Water Music Studios. It was produced by Jann Klose with Stewart Lerman (Dar Williams, Antony and the Johnsons, The Aviator Soundtrack); engineered by James Frazee (Spiderman 3, The Hold Steady) and mastered by Dominick Maita (Fall Out Boy, Bryan Ferry, Plain White T’s). The album features musicians Chris Marolf (upright bass), Lars Potteiger (keys, accordion), Patrick Carmichael (drums) and Leah Potteiger (violin). Additional musicians on the album include: Pedro da Silva (Portuguese guitar), Megan Marolf (oboe), Ryan Scott (electric guitar), Dan Brantigan (trumpet, flugelhorn) and Doug Hinrichs (percussion).
Born in Mannheim, Germany, raised in Nairobi, Kenya and Johannesburg, South Africa, Jann spent his teenage years in Hamburg, Germany before coming to Cleveland, Ohio as an exchange student. He returned to Germany to fulfill mandatory civil service, and then relocated to Northeast Ohio, where he studied voice with Emmy winner David Gooding, sang in the Cleveland Opera Chorus, and released two CDs on local label G21 Records (1997’s ENOUGH SAID and 1999’s THE STRANGEST THING).
In 2000 Jann relocated to New York. He has since performed in Broadway touring companies of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and JEKYLL & HYDE as well as a regional production of THE WHO’S TOMMY. Songs from his 2003 EP BLACK BOX, produced by Grammy winner Marlon Graves, were licensed to the Warner Bros. DVD “Dead Broke,” featuring Paul Sorvino, car maker SAAB’s 60th Anniversary CD in France and Prambors Hits 3 in Indonesia. Jann now resides in the Bronx, New York.
June 19 Mocha Maya’s w/ Sarah Blacker Shelburne Falls MA,
June 20 Coffee Planet Ballston Spa NY
June 20 Jonesville Store Clifton Park NY
June 21 Rockwood Music Hall New York NY
June 24 The Winchester w/ Dave Brooks Cleveland OH
June 25 Vic's (Victorian's Midnight Cafe) w/
Cowboy Hillbilly Hippy Folk and Diana Chittester Columbus OH
June 26 The Boom Room Youngstown/Warren OH
July 2 Sellersville Theater w/Acoustic Strawbs Sellersville PA
July 24 Kukuun Hamburg, Germany w/ Duncan Townsend
July 28 Kultiviert Anders, Leipzig Germany
July 30 Brauhaus Suedstern, Berlin Germany
July 31 Blue Note Dresden, Germany
August 3 Connemara FM Radio Letterfrack Connemara Ireland 87.8 fm & 106.1 fm, online at http://www.connemarafm.com/
August 4 Flirt FM Radio 101.3 fm, online at http://www.flirtfm.ie Galway Ireland
August 4 Roisin Dubh Pub & Music Venue Galway, Ireland
August 5 The Hard Rock Cafe, Dublin Ireland
August 5 The Zodiac Sessions, Bruxelles Bar Dublin Ireland
August 8 The Regal Room at Distillers London UK
August 10 The Yardbird Birmingham UK
August 13 The Musician Leicester UK
August 15 The Zanzibar Club Liverpool UK
August 16 CB2 w/ The Fancy Toys and Tom Copson Cambridge, UK
October 18 Beacon Sloop Club, Pumpkin Festival Beacon, NY
www.jannklose.com
www.youtube.com/jannklose
www.myspace.com/jannklose
Acoustic Strawbs-back in the USA, June 21
Acoustic Strawbs: Chas Cronk, Dave Cousins, David Lambert
The Strawbs are touring as an acoustic trio this summer in the United States. Dave Cousins, the group's leader, is bringing his bandmates guitarist Dave Lambert and bassist Chas Cronk for 13 shows (eight with Van Der Graaf Generator, six on its own).
Formed first in 1965 at the Strawberry Hill Boys, the group soon included Sandy Denny who recorded an album's worth of pop-flavored songs written by Cousins, and the first recording of Denny's mesmerizing "Who Knows Where The Time Goes." Before a label could be found, Sandy decided her future lay elsewhere, and the album ALL OUR OWN WORK stayed in the can until PART OF THE UNION charted in 1973.
The Strawbs became the first UK act signed to Herb Alpert's A&M Records in 1969, and then added Rick Wakeman (who went on to join Yes), and Richard Hudson and John Ford on drums and bass respectively.
The 1972 ground-breaking album, GRAVE NEW WORLD brought Dave Lambert, and a harder rock style. The song "Lay Down" became a major hit for the group, and recently appeared on the BBC's TV show, "Life On Mars."
Hudson and Ford left, and former Nashville Teens' keyboardist John Hawken joined, with Stealers Wheel's Rod Coombes, and bassist Cronk. The classic album HERO AND HEROINE and GHOSTS were released. This five-piece lineup has toured the States over the past few years, tho' Hawken retired from touring in 2008.
This summer (2009) the Strawbs will be performing as a three piece, including songs from the Acoustic Strawbs' 2001 album, BAROQUE AND ROLL.
JUNE ACOUSTIC STRAWBS US GIGS
Sunday 21 June - Nokia Theatre, New York NY w/ Van Der Graaf Generator
Monday, 22 June, Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett NY
Tuesday, 23 June, Regent Theatre, Arlington, MA w/ Van Der Graaf Generator
Wednesday 24 June - State Theatre, Falls Church VA w/ Van Der Graaf Generator
Thursday 25 June - Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland OH w/ Van Der Graaf Generator
Friday 26 June - The Abbey, Chicago IL w/ Van Der Graaf Generator
Saturday 27 June - Shank Hall, Milwaukee WI w/ Van Der Graaf Generator
Monday 29 June - The Tralf, Buffalo NY w/ Van Der Graaf Generator
Tuesday 30 June - Rex Theatre, Pittsburgh PA w/ Van Der Graaf Generator
Wednesday 1 July - Ramshead, Annapolis MA
Thursday, 2 July, Sellersville Theatre, Sellersville PA (opening: Jann Klose)
Friday, 3 July, Strand Theatre, Lakewood NJ
Saturday, 4 July, Towne Crier, Pawling NY
Sunday, 5 July, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs NY
www.strawbsweb.co.uk
www.myspace.com/strawbsmusic
www.twitter.com/strawbsweb
Tower of Power, climbing a powerful tower
Tower of Power’s THE GREAT AMERICAN SOULBOOK on the group’s label, Tower of Power records, is receiving a lot of radio airplay from a variety of formats--AAA, public radio, urban, talk. The album features covers of vintage soul songs, and has guest singers: Sir Tom Jones, Joss Stone, Huey Lewis, Sam Moore.
The Voice of America's Doug Levine sums the album up quite nicely, "Followers of the Great American Songbook are familiar with its timeless works of popular music by composers George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and others. Now, there's the Great American Soulbook. Many of Tower of Power's horn-driven hits, some dating back to the early 1970s, are now considered soul classics. But, after a 41-year run, the group decided to take a break from their usual offering of original funk and blues to pay tribute to their own musical heroes with an album called The Great American Soulbook." Read article at www.voanews.com.
Sonic Boomers' Bill Bentley also takes the "Songbook" angle, "It may be a stretch to call these dozen soul standards part of the great American songbook, but by this time in our country's culture when so much is up for grabs, why not? The well-oiled Oakland aggregation has been supplying the bump and jump at countless clubs and concerts for 40 years, building a loyal audience of young and old rockers and boppers. They have a supertight rhythmic attack that so much of rhythm & blues is built on, and a state-of-the-art horn section that should be patented it's so strong," at sonicboomers.com.
Tower of Power fan Jack Silva wrote a discography of the band's horn section, which is online at www.towerofpower.com/discography/hornsection/
As you know, TOP's members are very involved with educating musicians. The horn section runs clinics. Drummer David Garibaldi has made educational videos, Rocco Prestia's been covered in a number of bass publications. In general the band members offer great insight on finding and keeping sanity as performers. In July, TOP's trumpet player Mike Bogart is leaving the road to focus full time on teaching. He's being replaced by original TOP member/and a recent educator Mic Gillette. Mic was in the band 25 years ago, and will join the group at the band's gig at the San Mateo Fair this August. Once again, half the members of TOP are of the original lineup from 41 years ago.
www.towerofpower.com
twitter.com/top
The Voice of America's Doug Levine sums the album up quite nicely, "Followers of the Great American Songbook are familiar with its timeless works of popular music by composers George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and others. Now, there's the Great American Soulbook. Many of Tower of Power's horn-driven hits, some dating back to the early 1970s, are now considered soul classics. But, after a 41-year run, the group decided to take a break from their usual offering of original funk and blues to pay tribute to their own musical heroes with an album called The Great American Soulbook." Read article at www.voanews.com.
Sonic Boomers' Bill Bentley also takes the "Songbook" angle, "It may be a stretch to call these dozen soul standards part of the great American songbook, but by this time in our country's culture when so much is up for grabs, why not? The well-oiled Oakland aggregation has been supplying the bump and jump at countless clubs and concerts for 40 years, building a loyal audience of young and old rockers and boppers. They have a supertight rhythmic attack that so much of rhythm & blues is built on, and a state-of-the-art horn section that should be patented it's so strong," at sonicboomers.com.
Tower of Power fan Jack Silva wrote a discography of the band's horn section, which is online at www.towerofpower.com/discography/hornsection/
As you know, TOP's members are very involved with educating musicians. The horn section runs clinics. Drummer David Garibaldi has made educational videos, Rocco Prestia's been covered in a number of bass publications. In general the band members offer great insight on finding and keeping sanity as performers. In July, TOP's trumpet player Mike Bogart is leaving the road to focus full time on teaching. He's being replaced by original TOP member/and a recent educator Mic Gillette. Mic was in the band 25 years ago, and will join the group at the band's gig at the San Mateo Fair this August. Once again, half the members of TOP are of the original lineup from 41 years ago.
www.towerofpower.com
twitter.com/top
STRATOSPHEERIUS: Less than Six Degrees of Separation with Famous and Little People!
Joe Deninzon & his wild jam band Stratospheerius are back to playing festivals and clubs this summer, and he's started mixing the group's CD, ONE FOOT IN THE NEXT WORLD.
Winter and spring have been busy seasons for Joe and his bandmates, with a variety of amazing projects. You might know that Joe and his wife Yulia Ziskel had a baby named Max this past January. Max enjoys cooing after he listens to people talking to him on the phone. Joe says that it's pretty easy to comprehend what babies and animals say, "it's when the babies start talking that we have problems understanding them!"
In addition to parenthood, sessions, jazz gigs, working with aspiring violinists, Joe's been writing an instructional book on violin improvisation for Mel Bay.
His bandmates have been part of groups with a variety of famous players.
Guitarist Aurelien Budynek has been touring Europe with guitarist Vernon Reid (Living Colour), drummer Cindy Blackman (Lenny Kravitz), and bassist Steve Jenkins.
Bassist Jamie Bishop replaced Chris Squire, and toured with British prog legends the Syn in the States.
Upcoming Stratospheerius shows:
June 19 and 20: Freedomfest, Harmony, ME
June 26: Lucky Mojos, Long Island City, NY
June 27: Old Bay, New Brunswick, NJ
July 10: Lucky Mojos, Long Island City, NY
July 11: Great South Bay Music Festival, Patchogue, NY
July 17: Ray Kelly's Pub, Bridgeport, CT
October 2, 3: Harvest Festival, Harmony, ME
www.stratospheerius.com
www.joedeninzon.com
www.myspace.com/stratospheerius
www.myspace.com/joedeninzon
Winter and spring have been busy seasons for Joe and his bandmates, with a variety of amazing projects. You might know that Joe and his wife Yulia Ziskel had a baby named Max this past January. Max enjoys cooing after he listens to people talking to him on the phone. Joe says that it's pretty easy to comprehend what babies and animals say, "it's when the babies start talking that we have problems understanding them!"
In addition to parenthood, sessions, jazz gigs, working with aspiring violinists, Joe's been writing an instructional book on violin improvisation for Mel Bay.
His bandmates have been part of groups with a variety of famous players.
Guitarist Aurelien Budynek has been touring Europe with guitarist Vernon Reid (Living Colour), drummer Cindy Blackman (Lenny Kravitz), and bassist Steve Jenkins.
Bassist Jamie Bishop replaced Chris Squire, and toured with British prog legends the Syn in the States.
Upcoming Stratospheerius shows:
June 19 and 20: Freedomfest, Harmony, ME
June 26: Lucky Mojos, Long Island City, NY
June 27: Old Bay, New Brunswick, NJ
July 10: Lucky Mojos, Long Island City, NY
July 11: Great South Bay Music Festival, Patchogue, NY
July 17: Ray Kelly's Pub, Bridgeport, CT
October 2, 3: Harvest Festival, Harmony, ME
www.stratospheerius.com
www.joedeninzon.com
www.myspace.com/stratospheerius
www.myspace.com/joedeninzon
News Briefs
Cevin Soling's THE WAR ON KIDS' documentary won "Best Educational Film" in the New York International Film and Video Festival this past April. The film shows how public schools have been taking away children's civil rights. More info--including a screener-- at www.thewaronkids.com.
When he's not touring with Jethro Tull, drummer Doane Perry has been working on a new album with his own band, Thread. The last one came out in the 1990s.
Elliott Murphy has come in first place in the 2008 Concert Poll in Austria's prestigious Concerto magazine in the category "Best Singer: Rock and Pop" and third place in the category "Best Singer: Folk, World, Singer/Songwriter" - the only artist to win in two categories! Look for Elliott to return to the East Coast this December.
Jay and the Americans have festivals, fairs, and benefits this summer--visit the "show page" at www.jayandtheamericans.net.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds will be back in the States soon, which shows starting June 12 in Syracuse. Friend Kim Wilson, Randy Bermudes, Mike Keller, Johnny Moeller and Jason Moeller on myspace.com/fabulousthunderbirds.
Talented writer Jennifer Chance wrote a really good article on Grand Funk Railroad at Stage Shottz magazine. Also visit www.grandfunkrailroad.com for updated tour info.
When he's not touring with Jethro Tull, drummer Doane Perry has been working on a new album with his own band, Thread. The last one came out in the 1990s.
Elliott Murphy has come in first place in the 2008 Concert Poll in Austria's prestigious Concerto magazine in the category "Best Singer: Rock and Pop" and third place in the category "Best Singer: Folk, World, Singer/Songwriter" - the only artist to win in two categories! Look for Elliott to return to the East Coast this December.
Jay and the Americans have festivals, fairs, and benefits this summer--visit the "show page" at www.jayandtheamericans.net.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds will be back in the States soon, which shows starting June 12 in Syracuse. Friend Kim Wilson, Randy Bermudes, Mike Keller, Johnny Moeller and Jason Moeller on myspace.com/fabulousthunderbirds.
Talented writer Jennifer Chance wrote a really good article on Grand Funk Railroad at Stage Shottz magazine. Also visit www.grandfunkrailroad.com for updated tour info.
News from friends
Dan Berggren, my radio teacher from Fredonia State, is coming out with a traditional folk record called NORTH RIVER, NORTH WOODS on Independence Day, July 4. He's made snippets of the album's songs available on his web site,
www.berggrenfolk.com.
Willy Porter, who's opened quite a bit for Jethro Tull, toured with Martin Barre, and has had a number of radio hits including "Angry Words," has a new album, HOW TO ROB A BANK, which is available as of June 2 from iTunes, Amazon, and also as a CD! Be a "Porter supporter" and interview Willy--contact Chris Web at 646-688-5442 and cwebb@weaselrecords.com. Web site: www.willyporter.com
A UK friend of mine named Neil Fishwick has a web site www.stillgigging.com that is looking for upcoming writers. Neil is seeking pieces on artists who are either classic rockers or have a classic rock sound.
4/23/09
TOWER OF POWER's GREAT AMERICAN SOULBOOK enters Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Charts at Number 3
Tower of Power's "Great American Soulbook" album, which features covers of classic soul songs has entered Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Charts at Number 3. It is the highest placing debut album of the week. The album has also entered the Soundscan Jazz charts for record sales at Number 6.
"The Great American Soulbook" features guest vocalists. Sir Tom Jones duets on Sam and Dave's "I Thank You." Joss Stone shares two songs and Tammi Terrel and Marvin Gaye's "(Heaven Must Have Sent) Your Precious Love" and Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston's "It Takes Two." Sam Moore joins the group on Otis Redding's "Mr. Pitiful," and Huey Lewis shares vocals on Wilson Pickett's "“634-5789” The album also features a 4-song "James Brown medley, and songs originally performed by Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Aretha Franklin, Tavares, Watts 103rd St Rhythm Band, and Billy Paul.
4/17/09
Cevin Soling says Columbine Massacre did not have to happen, April 20, 1999
http://www.thewaronkids.com
http://www.waronkids.com
CEVIN SOLING, DOCUMENTARIAN OF THE WAR ON KIDS AVAILABLE AS A SOURCE ON COLUMBINE MASSACRE
Cevin Soling says the attack 10 years ago on April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School, in Littleton, CO did not have to happen.
Soling observes that security measures that have been used by schools in response to Columbine were already in place at Columbine at the time of the shootings. “Creating an oppressive environment replete with security cameras, locker searches, dress codes, zero tolerance policies, unfettered pharmacology, and an authoritarian culture of suspicion can instill psychosis in students. Schools across the country have adopted these tactics, and it doesn’t work.” Soling believes that it is no surprise that numerous school shootings have taken place since Columbine. “To adjust to this stifling atmosphere, many students are prescribed drugs some of which have side effects that include mania. Such was the case of Eric Harris.”
Soling talked with students currently at Columbine High School for the making of his documentary, THE WAR ON KIDS. They, and other students across the country, complained about the prison-like state that schools have become. In the film, principals and politicians complain that security in school has become the major focus of attention and resources even ahead of education.
Pharmacological abuse and the indiscriminate medicating of youth, Soling argues, have exacerbated much of violence. Most recently in the April 14th issue of USA Today, Soling claims “writer Greg Toppo outright lied when he reported that neither Columbine shooters were on anti-depressant medication when in fact Eric Harris’ autopsy revealed that he had therapeutic levels of Luvox in his system.”
(See: http://www.acolumbinesite.com/autopsies/eric9.gif)
Soling adds, "I'm very concerned about the misinformation being disseminated by the media about Columbine, the state of public schools, and prescription drugs. Almost everyone gets it wrong by examining individual participants rather than looking at the bigger picture and seeing the problem lies with the institution itself.”
Cevin Soling, who is a Masters candidate at the extension school at Harvard University, is working on a second installment of THE WAR ON KIDS to focus on the silent movement to deprive youth of all civil rights. He has produced and directed a number of award-winning films including the documentaries A HOLE IN THE HEAD, which was broadcast on Discovery and The Learning Channel, and URINE: GOOD HEALTH. Other works include the feature film, THE WAR ON THE WAR ON DRUGS. He has also created a number of animated works, including THE BILL JOHNSON SHOW, BORIS THE DOG, and CAPTAIN STICKMAN.
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 provide education, they erode the country’s democratic foundation by denying the most basic civil rights to youth and often resemble prisons.
The Columbine Massacre occurred April 20, 1999, in the suburban town of Littleton, Colorado. High-school seniors Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris planned to kill hundreds of their peers, and ended up murdering 12 students and one teacher before killing themselves.
http://www.waronkids.com
CEVIN SOLING, DOCUMENTARIAN OF THE WAR ON KIDS AVAILABLE AS A SOURCE ON COLUMBINE MASSACRE
Cevin Soling says the attack 10 years ago on April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School, in Littleton, CO did not have to happen.
Soling observes that security measures that have been used by schools in response to Columbine were already in place at Columbine at the time of the shootings. “Creating an oppressive environment replete with security cameras, locker searches, dress codes, zero tolerance policies, unfettered pharmacology, and an authoritarian culture of suspicion can instill psychosis in students. Schools across the country have adopted these tactics, and it doesn’t work.” Soling believes that it is no surprise that numerous school shootings have taken place since Columbine. “To adjust to this stifling atmosphere, many students are prescribed drugs some of which have side effects that include mania. Such was the case of Eric Harris.”
Soling talked with students currently at Columbine High School for the making of his documentary, THE WAR ON KIDS. They, and other students across the country, complained about the prison-like state that schools have become. In the film, principals and politicians complain that security in school has become the major focus of attention and resources even ahead of education.
Pharmacological abuse and the indiscriminate medicating of youth, Soling argues, have exacerbated much of violence. Most recently in the April 14th issue of USA Today, Soling claims “writer Greg Toppo outright lied when he reported that neither Columbine shooters were on anti-depressant medication when in fact Eric Harris’ autopsy revealed that he had therapeutic levels of Luvox in his system.”
(See: http://www.acolumbinesite.com/autopsies/eric9.gif)
Soling adds, "I'm very concerned about the misinformation being disseminated by the media about Columbine, the state of public schools, and prescription drugs. Almost everyone gets it wrong by examining individual participants rather than looking at the bigger picture and seeing the problem lies with the institution itself.”
Cevin Soling, who is a Masters candidate at the extension school at Harvard University, is working on a second installment of THE WAR ON KIDS to focus on the silent movement to deprive youth of all civil rights. He has produced and directed a number of award-winning films including the documentaries A HOLE IN THE HEAD, which was broadcast on Discovery and The Learning Channel, and URINE: GOOD HEALTH. Other works include the feature film, THE WAR ON THE WAR ON DRUGS. He has also created a number of animated works, including THE BILL JOHNSON SHOW, BORIS THE DOG, and CAPTAIN STICKMAN.
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 provide education, they erode the country’s democratic foundation by denying the most basic civil rights to youth and often resemble prisons.
The Columbine Massacre occurred April 20, 1999, in the suburban town of Littleton, Colorado. High-school seniors Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris planned to kill hundreds of their peers, and ended up murdering 12 students and one teacher before killing themselves.
3/21/09
Tower of Power's THE GREAT AMERICAN SOULBOOK
There are two links on the right side of this web page to videos for--if I could twist Casey Kasem's words--Tower of Power’s “short distance” dedication to an American soldier stationed in Iraq, who was able to get a leave to be with his wife at a show in Las Vegas.
This is the rest of the story.... A while ago, Tower of Power received an e-mail from Tim Lorenzen, who is in the army and stationed in Iraq. His request was for the band to possibly dedicate "You're Still A Young Man" to his wife Mona, who would be at the Orleans Casino show in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 7.
He wrote that TOP was their favorite band, and on their last day together they took a ride in his convertible, top down, listing to TOP music, despite the fact that it was raining.
Tim was able to get a leave, and come to the show, and surprise his wife with roses after TOP frontman Larry Braggs called her onto the stage.
Here is a link to the story on the band's message board!
Tim Lorenzen (on the right) and his buddies in Iraq.
Tower of Power is coming out with a new CD April 7. It’s called The Great American Soulbook. I love the album, how it sounds and Tower of Power's signature take of the arrangements. Right now I'm grooving on Larry's interpretations--my favorite covers are “Me and Mrs. Jones” and “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel.” He sings lead on those; the LP has guest singers who share vocals with him on a few songs: Sir Tom Jones, Joss Stone, Huey Lewis and Sam Moore.
This is the rest of the story.... A while ago, Tower of Power received an e-mail from Tim Lorenzen, who is in the army and stationed in Iraq. His request was for the band to possibly dedicate "You're Still A Young Man" to his wife Mona, who would be at the Orleans Casino show in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 7.
He wrote that TOP was their favorite band, and on their last day together they took a ride in his convertible, top down, listing to TOP music, despite the fact that it was raining.
Tim was able to get a leave, and come to the show, and surprise his wife with roses after TOP frontman Larry Braggs called her onto the stage.
Here is a link to the story on the band's message board!
Tim Lorenzen (on the right) and his buddies in Iraq.
Tower of Power is coming out with a new CD April 7. It’s called The Great American Soulbook. I love the album, how it sounds and Tower of Power's signature take of the arrangements. Right now I'm grooving on Larry's interpretations--my favorite covers are “Me and Mrs. Jones” and “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel.” He sings lead on those; the LP has guest singers who share vocals with him on a few songs: Sir Tom Jones, Joss Stone, Huey Lewis and Sam Moore.
David Buskin & Robin Batteau (Buskin & Batteau)
I’m just starting to work with a great acoustic songwriting duo, Buskin & Batteau. The two have been working together since the late ‘60s, first in a group called PIerce Arrow, then as members of Tom Rush’s back up group. That’s were David Buskin and Robin Batteau ended up singing and writing songs together. Their most famous song is “Boy With The Violin,” which you can hear on myspace.com/buskinbatteau.
They have a lot of tour dates coming up. The duo have just put the finishing touches on their long-anticipated new CD, RED SHOES AND GOLDEN HEARTS, to be released by Nouveau Retro Media on April 1'st. (No fooling.) In their new album and in their performances, they continue to offer their audiences, in the words of The Washington Post, "an irresistible amalgam of melodic, sensual pop, folkie grit and killer wit."
March 20 2009 Wilde Auditorium West Hartford, Connecticut
April 10 2009 me&thee coffeehouse Marblehead, Massachusetts
April 17 2009 The Tin Angel Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 18 2009 Panzer House Concerts Columbia, Maryland
April 19 2009 Focus Alexandria, Virginia
May 16 2009 Goodfolk Coffeehouse Rowayton, Connecticut
August 8 & 9 2009 The 12th Annual Avalon Music & Arts Festival Paw Paw, West Virginia
They have a lot of tour dates coming up. The duo have just put the finishing touches on their long-anticipated new CD, RED SHOES AND GOLDEN HEARTS, to be released by Nouveau Retro Media on April 1'st. (No fooling.) In their new album and in their performances, they continue to offer their audiences, in the words of The Washington Post, "an irresistible amalgam of melodic, sensual pop, folkie grit and killer wit."
March 20 2009 Wilde Auditorium West Hartford, Connecticut
April 10 2009 me&thee coffeehouse Marblehead, Massachusetts
April 17 2009 The Tin Angel Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 18 2009 Panzer House Concerts Columbia, Maryland
April 19 2009 Focus Alexandria, Virginia
May 16 2009 Goodfolk Coffeehouse Rowayton, Connecticut
August 8 & 9 2009 The 12th Annual Avalon Music & Arts Festival Paw Paw, West Virginia
Ian Anderson's Fall, 2009 North American Tour
Ian Anderson, known throughout the world of rock music as the flute and voice behind the legendary Jethro Tull will be touring this October and November in the United States. Ian is inviting a number of guests from the jazz, classical, rock, and world music world to share the stage for this eclectic acoustic tour.
Widely recognized as the man who introduced the flute to rock music, Ian Anderson remains the crowned exponent of the popular and rock genres of flute playing. In addition to classical flute, he also plays ethnic flutes and whistles together with acoustic guitar and the mandolin family of instruments, providing the acoustic textures, which are an integral part of most of the Jethro Tull repertoire.
When not touring with Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson appears more and more frequently in solo concerts with a variety of line-ups from the music world, including orchestral.
For the 2009 Ian Anderson Plays The Acoustic Jethro Tull, his band includes jazz artists: bassist David Goodier (Jethro Tull) and Mark Mondasir (John McLaughlin). Classical musician John O'Hara, who also plays keyboards and accordion with Jethro Tull will be joining the line up, as will German Rock and Flamenco guitarist Florian Opahle. Ian will have a range of other guests on this tour.
As a solo artist, Ian Anderson has recorded four diverse solo albums in his career: Walk into Light (1983), the flute instrumental Divinities (1995) which reached number one on the Billboard Classical chart, and the more recently recorded acoustic collections of songs, The Secret Language of Birds (2000), and Rupi’s Dance (2003).
In 2006, he was awarded a Doctorate in Literature from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, the Ivor Award for International Achievement in Music and, in the New Years Honours List 2008, an MBE for services to music. In 2008 he celebrated 40 years as a recording and performing musician.
OCT
6 Milwaukee Pabst Theater
7 Chicago Vic Theatre
9 Schenectady, NY Proctor's Theatre
10 Worcester, MA Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
11 Ledyard, CT Foxwoods Resort - MGM Grand
13 New York Beacon Theatre
15 Baltimore, MD Lyric Opera House
16 Glenside, PA Keswick Theater
17 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre
18 Wallingford, CT Chevrolet Theatre
NOV
3 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
5 Anaheim, CA The Grove of Anaheim
6 Los Angeles The Wiltern
9 San Francisco The Warfield Theatre
13 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall -
14 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
http://www.jethrotull.com
Widely recognized as the man who introduced the flute to rock music, Ian Anderson remains the crowned exponent of the popular and rock genres of flute playing. In addition to classical flute, he also plays ethnic flutes and whistles together with acoustic guitar and the mandolin family of instruments, providing the acoustic textures, which are an integral part of most of the Jethro Tull repertoire.
When not touring with Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson appears more and more frequently in solo concerts with a variety of line-ups from the music world, including orchestral.
For the 2009 Ian Anderson Plays The Acoustic Jethro Tull, his band includes jazz artists: bassist David Goodier (Jethro Tull) and Mark Mondasir (John McLaughlin). Classical musician John O'Hara, who also plays keyboards and accordion with Jethro Tull will be joining the line up, as will German Rock and Flamenco guitarist Florian Opahle. Ian will have a range of other guests on this tour.
As a solo artist, Ian Anderson has recorded four diverse solo albums in his career: Walk into Light (1983), the flute instrumental Divinities (1995) which reached number one on the Billboard Classical chart, and the more recently recorded acoustic collections of songs, The Secret Language of Birds (2000), and Rupi’s Dance (2003).
In 2006, he was awarded a Doctorate in Literature from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, the Ivor Award for International Achievement in Music and, in the New Years Honours List 2008, an MBE for services to music. In 2008 he celebrated 40 years as a recording and performing musician.
OCT
6 Milwaukee Pabst Theater
7 Chicago Vic Theatre
9 Schenectady, NY Proctor's Theatre
10 Worcester, MA Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts
11 Ledyard, CT Foxwoods Resort - MGM Grand
13 New York Beacon Theatre
15 Baltimore, MD Lyric Opera House
16 Glenside, PA Keswick Theater
17 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre
18 Wallingford, CT Chevrolet Theatre
NOV
3 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
5 Anaheim, CA The Grove of Anaheim
6 Los Angeles The Wiltern
9 San Francisco The Warfield Theatre
13 Portland, OR Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall -
14 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
http://www.jethrotull.com
Congrats to Kim Wilson, lead singer and harpist of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. He married Amanda Taylor at sea, this past January 30, when the group had a cruise tour.
Photos of the wedding, including a shot of Dion serenading the couple and Amanda in a mermaid wedding outfit are online at the Thunderbirds site.
Kim’s been experiencing so much creativity, and that’s reflecting in more & more solo dates with the Kim Wilson Blues Revue, which features: Kim w/ guitarists Rusty Zinn and Billy Flynn, drummer Richard Innes and bassist Randy Bermudes.
Kim & Amanda
Kim Wilson Blues Revue
Mar 26, 2009 Wilmington, NC Market Street Saloon
Mar 27, 2009 Norfolk, CT Infinity Hall
Mar 28, 2009 Raleigh, NC Loafers Beach Club
Mar 29, 2009 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theatre 1894
Mar 30, 2009 Annapolis, MD Ram's Head On Stage
Mar 31, 2009 Washington, DC Blues Alley (2 shows)
Apr 2, 2009 Fall River, MA Narrows Center for the Arts
Apr 3, 2009 Hyannis, MA Harry's
Apr 4, 2009 Londonderry, NH Tupelo Music Hall
Apr 5, 2009 Patchogue, NY Bobbique
Though it’s going to be a while before the upcoming album from the Thunderbirds is released, there are parts of songs online at myspace.com/fabulousthunderbirds.
The group has a lot of international dates, but here are the North American shows this spring.
Apr 15, 2009 Brampton, Ontario Rose Theatre Brampton
Apr 16, 2009 St. Catharines, Ontario Centre for the Arts - Brock University
Apr 17, 2009 Oakville, Ontario Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Apr 24, 2009 Wendover, NV Pepper Mill Wendover Casino
May 03, 2009 Painesville, OH Lake County Fairgrounds
My American musicians! Grand Funk Railroad, Jay and the Americans
Jay and The Americans have dates online, as well, at the site. But the guys (Jay Reincke, Howie Kane, Marty Saunders, Sandy Deanne)are also encouraging folks to join the http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Jay-and-the-Americans/63380664448?ref=ts"_blank"> Jay and the Americans’ Facebook fan page.
Grand Funk Railroad is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Tourdates posted at Grand Funk Railroad.com. Grand Funk Railroad features original members drummer Don Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher, plus the all stars: singer Max Carl, guitarist Bruce Kulick and keyboardist Tim Cashion.
Grand Funk Railroad is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Tourdates posted at Grand Funk Railroad.com. Grand Funk Railroad features original members drummer Don Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher, plus the all stars: singer Max Carl, guitarist Bruce Kulick and keyboardist Tim Cashion.
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