PIMP MY EXXON

MUSIC IS OUR OIL TO HOST PRESS CONFERENCE AND FREE CONCERT AT ROCK & ROLL EXXON ON OCTOBER 11TH 2008 TO ANNOUNCE THE "MUSIC IS OUR OIL" WORLD TOUR CONCERT/FILM

It's better than the MTV reality show Pimp My Ride and it's happening in Philadelphia on October 11th 2008. An EXXON gas station recently dubbed "ROCK & ROLL EXXON", is getting "pimped out," "tricked out," and rebranded to serve as the venue for a press conference and "BETA TEST" concert to unveil a revolutionary world tour/concert and film titled "MUSIC IS OUR OIL” (MIO). The MUSIC IS OUR OIL world tour, which is scheduled to begin June 19, 2008, will send America's greatest Hip-Hop and Rock artists to oil producing countries to barter music and other essential commodities for 20 million barrels of oil. The 20 million barrels of crude oil will be transferred into 125-gallon MIO gas cards, which will be distributed to 3.2 million Americans thru the Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) program.
Organizer, and producer of MUSIC IS OUR OIL, 3Kingdoms Entertainment CEO Mikal Kamil says, "The purpose of this press conference is to introduce to the world a new American model we call "MUSIC IS OUR OIL." We will announce MIO's strategic vision, execution, and expected outcome. We will also encourage the great thinkers, activists, and doers of the world to be a part of this "Great Collaboration." Kamil says, "We are living in very progressive and different times. For the first time in history an African American is running successfully for president of the United States and EXXON MOBILE is hosting a BETA TEST concert on their gas station lot. In a very sexy and cool way MIO will show how gasoline can be used as a positive purchase and as part of the energy solution."
Much of the coolness of the BETA TEST will come from the eclectic personalities involved in the concert. The outgoing cast will consist of grafitti artists, indie rock bands, hip-hop artists, leading members of the music, oil, gas, ethanol, solar and auto industry and surrogates from the Barack Obama campaign. Adding to the list of unusal suspects, ethonol fueled indy cars, electric cars, gasoline tankers will serve as the backdrop for the concert's stage.

MUSIC IS OUR OIL presents
"THE BETA TEST" concert
After the press conference, 3Kingdoms Entertainment, Rock & Roll EXXON and EXXON distributor Lehigh Gas will sponsor a free concert titled "The Beta Test." "The Beta Test" will be held in Philadelphia outside at Rock & Roll EXXON gas station; located at 2330 Aramingo ave. The free concert will feature 10 indie rock bands and hip-hop artists who will barter their musical performances for gasoline. Artists will recieve a full tank of gas and the additional gas will then be transferred into 25-gallon MIO gas cards, which will be issued to low-income residents thru the Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) program. In addition all of the staging and concert production items as well as grafitti artists services are being bartered for gasoline. Circumventing the deflated dollar, weak economy is essential in offseting the cost of the event. With an emphasis on diversity, experimentation, linkage, collaboration and being part of the solution, the BETA TEST concert will transform a local EXXON gas station lot into ROCK & ROLL EXXON. The BETA TEST will also serve as a platform for the Obama/Biden and MCain/Palin campaign to push their "GET OUT TO VOTE" intiatitive. Surrogates from both candidates will be attending.

“The rising cost of energy has created a strain on all consumers across the country. In addition to dispersing gas cards through the Music is our Oil program, we’re encouraging people to use E10, a 10 percent blend of ethanol and 90 percent gasoline,” said Toni Nuernberg, executive director of the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC), a Music is Our Oil sponsor.
The more than 9 billion gallons of ethanol in our fuel supply is helping to keep prices at least 15 percent lower, saving the average American family approximately $500 per year, according to Merrill Lynch.
“The long-term solution to high gas prices is diversifying our energy choices” said Tom Collina, executive director of 2020 Vision, a national group promoting alternative energy. “We need to give consumers more choices such as plug-in electric cars. With plug-ins, you can go from $4 per gallon of gas to $1 per ‘gallon’ of electricity.”
Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) will soon be on the market from GM, Toyota, Nissan and others. 2020 Vision supports the early introduction of these vehicles as well as federal incentives for consumers to make these cars affordable. “These cars are cheaper to drive, use domestic fuel, and dramatically reduce global warming pollution,” said Collina. “They are the ultimate solution to high gas prices.” 2020 Vision will drive a plug-in car to the event.

Other collaborators and sponsors include: Rock & Roll EXXON, Lehigh Gas, International Recipricol Trade Association, Pennsylvania Gasoline Retailers and Allied Trades, Ethanol Promotion and Information Council and 2020 Vision.

The BETA TEST is a test concert of the intended June 09 MUSIC IS OUR OIL world tour concert/film. Aside from the entertainment and oil industry, MIO has a lot of moving parts connecting to one mainframe. The BETA TEST concert is an early step in the development of the MIO world tour concert series. The BETA TEST will serve as the precurser to the start of larger activities with many moving parts. The "Great Collaborators" of MIO will use the BETA TEST to discover whether MIO's entertaining, logistical, marketing, technological, social and philanthropic concepts can be successfully realized.
Starting three years ago, 3Kingdoms Entertainment's Mikal Kamil did the unthinkable; he brought the entertainment and energy industry together to help raise money for low-income Americans that couldn't afford heat. This event was dubbed "Artists For Heat." Mikal Kamil, brainchild of MIO says, "We are also doing The Beta Test for personal reasons. We want to prove the naysayers wrong AGAIN. We want to say WE TESTED THE MIO AND IT WORKS."
On June 19, 2009, 3Kingdoms Entertainment will launch MUSIC IS OUR OIL and revolutionize the world of benefit mega events. Additional details regarding the logistics of MUSIC IS OUR OIL will be disclosed at the press conference. Members of the press and energy advocacy community are invited to attend both the press conference and concert. Tickets to the free concert will be distributed in Philadelphia through local radio promotions, and a variety of other promotional activities.

What: Press conference to announce revolutionary world tour concert/film and
Free concert with alternative Rock and Hip-Hop artists titled "The Beta Test”
Featuring: Leading members of the music, oil, gas, ethanol, solar and auto industry
Indie Rock Bands and Hip Hop artists: Matt Duke, The Feather Tops, Whiskey Livin, The Adam Monaco Band, Preston Swift, Hezekia, Stillicide, Nickelz, Dinner Thieves and Mellow Veneer
When: Press Conference: October 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Free Concert: October 11, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. ET
Where: Press Conference: ROCK & ROLL EXXON- gas station-
2330 Aramingo Ave
Concert: ROCK & ROLL EXXON- gas station-
2330 Aramingo Ave
Contact: To RSVP for news conference and concert, contact 3Kingdoms@verizon.net, musicisouroilbetatest@gmail.com

WHO: Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, opener Devon Sproule



WHERE: World Cafe Live - Downstairs, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

WHEN: Sunday, September 28th.

Doors @ 6PM

Show @ 7:30PM

MORE INFO & TICKETING:

tickets.worldcafelive.com

rachelunthank.com

devonsproule.com

ARTIST BIO:

"Intimate, epic, overflowing with feeling and musical intelligence" The Independent

Mercury Prize 2008 Nominee: The Nationwide Mercury Prize is for best British or Irish album of the last 12 months.

Dancing down the leftfield and singing in their own lilting Geordie accents, Rachel Unthank & The Winterset are the "inheritors, curators and gleeful distorters" (Ian MacMillan) of Tyneside's traditions.


Elements of blues, jazz, burlesque cabaret, classical and leftfield contemporary music make their take on folk music peerless, fearless and wholeheartedly brave, winning fans as disparate as Robert Wyatt, Kate Rusby, Paul Morley, Phil Jupitus and Joan As Police Woman.

Debut album Cruel Sister won Mojo Folk Album of the Year, and new album The Bairns has been described as "utterly gorgeous" by The Guardian as "a work of towering quality" by The Telegraph. Described as "a bewitching, dream-like, down-to-earth masterpiece" in the Observer Music Magazine's Top 50 Albums of the 2007, The Bairns is already a classic in its own lifetime.

ALOUD: Fan The Fury Tour
Live in Philadelphia: Tuesday, September 30 @ Dr. Watson’s Pub

“Rock enthusiasts rejoice. An emerging new sound from Boston is helping make their mark in the scene… The raw, Seventies sound... The joy of rock, the celebration of noise and explosion of spirit in a 2008 package.” -Ryan’s Smashing Life

“No frills rock music without a single off-putting pretense... pushing the indie-rock envelope.” -The Deli Magazine

Double V Bookings presents:
ALOUD
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Doors at 8:00pm
WMMR Local Shots Live at Doc Watson’s Pub
216 South 11th St. (between Walnut Street and Locust Street), Philadelphia, PA 19107
Venue phone:
Admission: $5 general admission/Free for WMMR VIP’s before 9pm (with coupon)
Performing with Stellarbelly and Stillicide

More info: www.allthingsALOUD.com, www.fanthefury.com

Fiery rock n’ roll band Aloud performs at WMMR’s Local Shots Live at Doc Watson’s Pub on Tuesday, September 30th. Aloud is known for their powerful boy/girl vocal team, smart lyrics, and hooky melodies, and is currently touring in support of their new CD Fan The Fury. Aloud is exciting to be returning tot he City of Brotherly Love, and to be sharing the stage with local pop-rockers Stellarbelly and alt-rock funskters Stillicide.

Fan The Fury was produced in NYC by former Sony mix engineer Chuck Brody, whose other independent projects include work with Northern State, American Princes, Five O’ Clock Heroes, and Yoko Ono. The CD features Aloud’s dual vocal team of matter-of-fact tenor/screamer Henry Beguiristain and extraordinary alto/crooner Jen de la Osa. The pair recite and belt over their own shimmering guitars and rhythmic grooves provided by bassist Roy Fonaine and drummer Ross Lohr. A dynamic collection, Fan The Fury is ‘packed with twenty-something rage, but also brims with flourishes and crescendos’ (AlgoRhythms). Since the official Boston release last March, Fan The Fury has received rave reviews from alt weeklies and bloggers throughout the Northeast and beyond, and tracks from the CD are currently being broadcast on over 100 college radio stations nationwide.

For the most recent tour dates and press photos, please visit www.fanthefury.com, and Aloud’s official website www.allthingsALOUD.com.

Fan The Fury 2008 Tour – Upcoming dates:

September 19, 2008, King’s Tavern, Saratoga Springs, NY
September 20, 2008, Mohawk Place, Buffalo, NY
September 21, 2008, Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, OH
September 22, 2008, Corktown Tavern, Detroit, MI
September 25, 2008, The Abbey, Chicago, IL
September 26, 2008, Silver Dollar Cantina, Dubuque, IA
September 27, 2008, Bean Counters, Highland, IN
September 29, 2008, Howler’s Coyote Café, Pittsburgh, PA
September 30, 2008, Doc Watson’s, Philadelphia, PA
October 1, 2008, WTSR Free Concert Series, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
October 2, 2008, Trash Bar, Brooklyn, NY

[Article with Photos is available at tangentmedia.blogspot]

By Brion Shreffler
With a contribution by Charles Tribe

Somewhat reminiscent of a line from one of Radiohead’s more dour song’s, Periko tells of how he said he wanted his music played when he’s not around prior to leaving his native Peru. Having found considerable success in the pop duo, SONDO2, along with a top thirty finish in Latin American idol, the Lima born singer reached this goal with the release of his first single, the self-produced ,Dame el Calor, which quickly overtook the airwaves back home shortly after his arrival in Philadelphia in 2006.

Though the lyrics seem to present someone steeped in the misery of a revenant light cast by a past love- the second line states, “es tan dificil retroceder el tiempo”([it] is so difficult to turn back time), and the chorus begins, dame el Calor, dame la brisa, dame el aire que respiras”(give me the heat, give me the breeze, give me the air that you breathe)- you wouldn’t deduce that by the ebullient joy that springs from Periko’s guitar and a voice embodying a forceful river, while it calmly trills away. The bonus track, Cuentame, bears a similar sentiment. Though pensive, his voice gently parries an accompanying guitar riff, which opens the song and reoccurs ¾ of the way through, evocative of all the pain he is moving past with his music; though he says, “cuentame como estan las olas del mar,”(tell me how are the waves) despairingly to his former love by the sea, he is able to declare, “porque jamás olvidaré, ese tiempo en que me enseñaste amar”( because I never forget that time that taught me to love), while concluding “no tuve la fuerza que esperabas, porque no estoy preparado para el amor. Y el que perdio fui yo”(I did not force you as expected, because I’m not ready for love…and I was lost), the energy imbued in the melody bespeaking his redoubled spirits. He’s capable of this introspection while dealing with such a topic because, just as in conversation, Periko exudes the greatest optimism in his music, his songs hopeful musings on all aspects of life.

This outlook is reflective of his strident efforts towards popularity stateside. Having come here to record an album- “there are no major record labels in Peru like there are here,” he says, indicating his dream of signing a deal to a major label after finishing his album- he spent nearly a year focused solely on working in order to build his savings. Now, he splits his time between his day-job in construction and working on his music. “It’s not easy,” he concedes, recalling his first show in Philly in October 2007, which was accompanied by one-off stops in California and New Jersey. For a couple hours, he says, all the eyes were on him: people were enjoying his music, and were lining up for his autograph. Despite the heavy distinction before him upon waking for work at 6am the next day, he quickly pointed out how the power of the experience filtered through and continues to do so, “the people loving the music he so loves” inspiring him in the same manner as the “magic moments” from which his music springs. His mind always turned to music, his spirits are raised by it even when away from his guitar (the melody and lyrics for Dame el Calor came to him while playing the soccer video game, Winning Eleven with a friend. He lost the game). While he proudly speaks of how hard he works at his demanding construction job, he quickly points out that it this confluence of music that always keeps him brimming with positive energy. It is his yearning to share not only his music, but also something of himself with others that invigorates him; “I meet someone and I tell them my history…my stories in 3 minutes with a song rather than telling them something for a few hours. They understand me the same way.”

*
On crossing the Boulevard on the way to the venue at St. Vincent and Bustleton Ave I notice a slight change that’s more of a continuance of a trend than anything dramatic: more shops and restaurants have sprung up to add to the cultural diversity along Bustleton avenue west of the Boulevard since the last time I visited. The diverse array of businesses here reflect the various communities that are taking root in this formerly uniform section of the Northeast; the strip boasts a Brazilian Market, a Mexican restaurant and bodega, Chinese restaurants, and a KC Pastries, which can also be found in Chinatown.

Back in 1998 during the World Cup, the excitement keyed up inside us watching the games would lead to hours spent on the pitch where we tried to burn off some of that mad energy. There at the field at Solis Cohen playground- across from the venue which, for years was an Italian restaurant named Vincent’s- we played the world’s game with players representing Brazil, Nigeria, Mexico, Costa Rica, Angola, and Guatemala to name a few, making friends with people we were shocked to find only lived a few blocks away from our local hub, a near frat-house occupied by three of my friends. We were shocked since at that time, you just didn’t notice that such a community existed right around the corner, despite the burgeoning diversity along Bustleton Ave.

Indeed, when Periko told me he was living in my native Northeast Philadelphia, I thought with certainty this was the neighborhood he called home. In actuality, he’s living further into the Northeast, pretty much where I grew up, much closer to the local Russian community than any Latino transplants.
*
The venue, Bella Noche, is a bit of a rarity in an area generally known for cheesy cover bands. Besides the cache of putting on live original music, there’s also the fact that they’re dedicated to their roots- Latino music. The owners- 2 women from Columbia and 1 from Peru- have been serving South American Cuisine for nearly a year (they celebrated their first anniversary in August) and have been putting on shows around the bar in their main dining room for the last four months, including monthly Colombian parties, and the recently added, Rock en Espanol. Andres Reyes, who helps manage the entertainment, stated their goal rather simply; “we wish to create an atmosphere where everyone can come and enjoy the music. A great time with great music- that’s all we want.” Having consulted club managers in the city, he’s eager for Bella Noche’s after hours appeal to continue to take off.

*
At 10:35 a sizeable crowd waits around the bar and the adjacent tables. It’s a warm Saturday night at the end of June. Owing to the late start at his previous show at Bella Noche, most people come late, with the crowd swelling a few songs in. With time to kill, I sip a Mojito- one of the smoothest I’ve ever had- and eye the crowd. The people at the bar sip colorful cocktails between sampling a variety of dishes: fried plantains, empanadas, camarones alla plancha…I begin to rethink my heat inspired reluctance to eat. Casually, I note I’m the only one in the venue with limited skills de Espanol; I soon lose this status.

The set starts well past 11 with Dame el Calor and Cuentame. More than half the crowd sings along. The tempo picks up with some of his newer songs and before long the dance floor is full, set to stay that way most of the night, the participants raucously dancing Merengue and Salsa to the music. He rounded out the evening by covering Carlos Vives a few times- I only knew this thanks to my Colombian friend- as well as doing a rendition of La Bamba that transitioned into Twist and Shot, his lone English offering of the night.

At the show here on May 31st, there were more English only speakers drawn by word of mouth support emanating from new friends and co-workers from the Northeast curious to find out about Periko. While he hopes to continue to build towards a large Latin fan-base, cross-over fame is one of the main reasons why he came to the U.S. in the first place. Indeed, it is bringing his music to all people that he has in mind the most for these two shows; “I want to establish a history in Philadelphia. I don’t want to be somewhere else and have them say, ‘that guy from Peru.’ No, I want them to say Philadelphia when they mention me here. This is where I want to do something big for the first time, to have exposure in America,” he says, fervency in his eyes. And while he’s aware of the current limits of his audience, he hope’s to build momentum that will quickly expand his fan base. After the first show, a pair of German tourists, drawn by to the venue out of an appreciation for Latin music, enthusiastically thanked him for his performance. Amidst the show of hands given in response to the question of audience composition- Argentina? Peruano! Mexicano!- a couple hands went up when up for Estados Unitos/ U.S.A, one of those belonging of course to his girlfriend from Delaware county, whom he met in Manayunk, and who he graciously says has helped him with his English, though he hardly seems to be at a loss for words. When he speaks of any misunderstandings they have it’s hard not to conflate that to his earnest efforts of transcending cultural barriers.
*

Since the June 28th show at Bella Noche, construction began that will expand Solis Cohen Elementary and effectively eliminate the soccer field that has stood for years. Perhaps Periko’s music will bring people together in the Northeast in the same manner of the beautiful game. The local Latino community could have no better ambassador.
Pedro Almeida gave a performance at the Fiestas Patrias Peru on July 26th; hosted by the Philadelphia Peruvian community- while the 2000 census lists a number of 471, Periko says the current number is around 1,000- in celebration of their independence. It was a proud moment in which he was able to celebrate his home country in the city where he wishes to write a new chapter in his life.
In the final days of July he went to Miami for ten days of recording time. He recorded the first three songs for his debut album. His goal is to record three tracks at a time until finished. He’s looking to add some of the Miami sound to the project, while taking his time to get it right; asking if there’s not the temptation, given the expense, to quickly record the whole thing at once, he says, “I’d rather do it right, make sure it’s perfect…if it takes a year I’m happy with that.”
Hopefully, in the meantime Philadelphia will embrace him, because regardless of one’s bilingual abilities, one can’t help but be affected by the stories Periko tells.

www.myspace.com/perikolatin

Philadelphia, PA – Critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Matt Duke will have his song “Spilt Milk”, from his sophomore album, Kingdom Underground (Rykodisc/MAD Dragon Records), featured on Lifetime’s award-winning series “Army Wives’” this Sunday August 17th at 10:00PM/EST. Kingdom Underground is set to be released in late September 2008.

Kingdom Underground is an impressive collection of ten pop songs that exude a playful quality while the youthful songwriter tackles serious issues. While the subject matter on some of these songs carries a lot of weight, Kingdom Underground is an undeniable pop record by a young (he’s 23), self-taught, modern day troubadour from South Jersey who has successfully mixed his philosophical observations and experiences with his intuitive pop/folk sensibilities. Duke, an avid reader and what some may call an old-soul, crafted an album that touches upon themes of spiritual unrest (“The Father, the Son, and the Harlot’s Ghost”, “A Happy Hooligan”), addiction (“I’ve Got Atrophy on the Brain”), and failed relationships (“Walk It Off”). Other tracks like “Rabbit”, recently featured on PerezHIlton.com, and “Opossum” showcase Duke’s amazing songwriting ability, as he uses animal imagery to address his own fears.

Each song brings its own unique sound that keeps the listener tuned in. Duke comments, “I think the vibe on the song ‘Sex and Reruns’ really sums up the experience of making this record as a whole for me. It was the last song I wrote on the record and as deep as I got into some of those heavier ideas, I couldn’t help but throw a wrench in the spokes by giving each song some sort of giddy musical twist.”

These twists are evident not only in the song writing, but in the production as well. The album was produced by Marshall Altman (Matt Nathanson, Kate Voegele, Marc Broussard) and recorded at Altman’s Galt Line Studios in Los Angeles.

In 2006 Duke released his debut album Winter Child on Drexel University’s student-run record label MAD Dragon Records. The album received warm support from XPN Radio with Duke performing frequently at World Café Live and at several XPN sponsored events throughout the area. Duke was brought to the attention of Rykodisc through an growing relationship between Drexel University and Ryko Distribution, which distributes MAD Dragon Records. Under a new agreement made between Ryko and Drexel University, Rykodisc now has an exclusive, first-look opportunity to sign artists from the MAD Dragon roster. Matt Duke marks the first signing under this agreement.

In the interests of developing and promoting new talent, Rykodisc has launched a new initiative called Ryko Greenhouse. Matt Duke is the first artist to participate in this program. Ryko Greenhouse gives music fans a sneak preview of our up-and-coming releases by offering two songs available for purchase at iTunes and other digital music providers at a specially reduced price. Two of Matt Duke’s songs, “Rabbit” and “30 Some Days” are available for digital purchase now.

Visit Matt’s official website and MySpace page for additional information, tour dates, videos and special messages from Matt at www.mattdukemusic.com or www.myspace.com/mattduke. Please let me know if you’d like a copy for review.

Media Contacts:

Dana Gaiser, The Lippin Group, 212.986.7080 / dana@lippingroup.com

Sage Robinson, The Lippin Group, 212.986.7080 / sage@lippingroup.com

Having grown up listening to the great radio stations that served Philly, New Jersey and Delaware, ie, WFIL, WIBG, WDAS and WHAT, It is really sad to listen to what radio has become.The corporatization of radio has destroyed what I once loved.The 1950's early 60's genre of Doo wop, r&b vocal groups, acappella and rock n roll has just about been eliminated from radio. except the small independent stations and the DJ's that broker their airtime.The corporate whores tell us that "Doo wop is dead" "The people that listen to it are dying off". Bull----.Doo wop concerts are constantly selling out.Look at the PBS specials, ALWAYS SOLD OUT.CD compellations are constantly selling. As a matter of fact, r&b vocal groups are the 45's that are most in damand. people pay anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars a piece. The reason corporate radio removed this genre is because of this: the people with the most disposable income are people in their late teens, early twenties. they are still living with their parents. they don't have to worry about paying rent, a mortgage, gas, electric, phone, food etc. so the money they do have, they spend on many CD's, the $90.00 to $120.00 pair of sneakers, jeans etc. The people that listen to Doo wop are overwhelmingly in their late 40's and up in their 60's.they have families,and all the responsibilities that go with it.some are retired,living on fixed incomes. sure, they spend, but not to the extent of the teens.so who do you think corporate radio is going to pander to? the younger crowd. and by doing so, they get the businesses whose products are also geared toward the younger crowd.They pay the big bucks to advertise on the station that plays the music of that age range.And don't get me started on the connection between corporate radio and the corporate record labels which is why it's so easy for this crap, ie hip hop and rap to get airplay. If you want to hear great DJ's playing great music log onto www.rockitradio.net listen to the Doo wop vault and all the other great shows on the rockit.And don't forget, in two months, If you live in south philly, WSPR 1710 AM WILL BE ON THE AIR.

June 9, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALOUD performs in Philadelphia July 3rd

“This Boston-based band of fresh faced, precocious rockers fuel their music with a soulful, '70s vibe, channeling the energy of classic rock legends like Jimi Hendrix and The Doors." – Lime Wire Music Blog

Aloud
Thursday, July 3, 2008 – doors at 9pm
The Fire
412 West Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19123
21+/$7 cover

More info: www.allthingsALOUD.com, www.fanthefury.com

Fiery rock n’ roll band Aloud returns to Philadelphia neighborhood rock venue The Fire on Thursday, July 3rd. Aloud are based in Boston, MA and are known for their boy-girl vocal harmonies, hooky guitars and energy-filled live show. This is Aloud’s second performance in Philadelphia in support of their new album Fan The Fury (Lemon Merchant Records).

Fan The Fury is dynamic collection of songs ‘packed with twenty-something rage, but also brimming with flourishes and crescendos’ (AlgoRhythms). The CD was produced in NYC by former Sony mix engineer Chuck Brody, whose other independent projects include work with Northern State, American Princes, Five O’ Clock Heroes, and Yoko Ono.

Fan The Fury features Aloud’s dual fronting team of matter-of-fact tenor/screamer Henry Beguiristain and extraordinary alto/crooner Jen de la Osa. The pair recite and belt songs of love, justice, rage and acceptance, accompanied by their own shimmering guitars. Bassist Roy Fonaine and drummer Ross Lohr complete the equation with their rhythmic grooves.

Since the official CD release last March, Fan The Fury has received rave reviews from alt weeklies and bloggers in Aloud’s hometown, and tracks from the CD are currently being broadcast on over 100 college radio stations nationwide.

For the most recent tour dates and press photos, please visit www.fanthefury.com, and Aloud’s official website www.allthingsALOUD.com.

Review copies of Fan The Fury are available by request. Please contact manager Annie Burns, annie*rcok, at annie@annierock.com.

MIRO DANCE THEATRE presents Cinco de Miro: ¡Super Salsa Sensacional!
First Annual Fundraiser @ Founder’s Hall, Girard College, May 9th
featuring music, Salsa dancing competition, Latin food & drinks and more

PHILADELPHIA – Miro Dance Theatre is thrilled to invite dance enthusiasts, supporters and members of the Philadelphia community to Salsa the night away at Cinco de Miro: ¡Super Salsa Sensacional! – the company’s first annual fundraising event, on Friday, May 9th from 6 – 11 p.m. This “Party for the People” includes Latin music, a Salsa dancing competition featuring Philadelphia personalities, a live auction, Latin inspired food catered by Breath of Life Caterers and a cash bar with Margaritas, Martinis and top shelf Tequila by Gran Centenario. Held at Girard College’s Historic Founder’s Hall, located at 2101 South College Ave. (at Girard Ave. & Corinthian Ave.), the unique social and fundraising event promises to be an exciting night for all, with proceeds benefiting Miro Dance Theatre programs including the free monthly Open Studio Series, local educational outreach and development of new work.

Cinco de Miro tickets are $25 and are available online at mirodancetheatre.org, by calling (215) 962-4773 and at the following Philadelphia locations: Halloween (1329 Pine St), Black & Brew (1523 E Passyunk Ave), and American Mortals (729 Walnut St).

The highlight of Cinco de Miro is the live Salsa dancing competition featuring Philadelphia personalities Marisa Magnatta of WMMR’s Preston & Steve Show, President of Girard College Hon. Dominic Cermele, hip-hopper Michelle Byrd-McPhee of Montazh Performing Arts Company, Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer Rita Jean Clark, Bucks County Community College student Chelsea Davis, Miro’s Producing Artistic Director Tobin Rothlein, and Antony Giblisi and Heidi Hirjak of American Mortals Salon. Led by Salsa Professional and DJ Victor Colon, the contestants will team up with professional salsa dancers from Fuzion Creativa Dance Company to strut their stuff on the dance floor. Prior to the event, each contestant will receive professional training with their dance partner in preparation for the competition. Audiences are invited to cheer on and cast their vote for the best dance team along with guest Judges including Kathy Romano of WMMR’s Preston & Steve Show, Ms. Tess Tickle and Jose Guillermo Ortega Tanus.

The competition will be followed by a dance party for all, with Victor Colon as DJ for the evening. Cinco de Miro will also include a live auction with items such as private Salsa lessons, dinner with Miro Artistic Directors, gift certificates to local establishments, and more.

A vital member of Philadelphia’s independent dance community, Miro Dance Theatre creates and performs original work that explores the collaborative intersections of dance, video, and visual art. Miro uses classical technique as a departure point from which to explore new and challenging dance vocabularies, ideologies, performance disciplines, and the way media co-exist within the performance space. The company was founded in 2004 by dancer and choreographer Amanda Miller and video and visual artist Tobin Rothlein, following five years as Co-Artistic directors of Phrenic New Ballet. Miller, with ten years experience as a dancer with the Pennsylvania Ballet and choreographic studies in Europe under Siobhan Davies, is at the helm of Miro’s choreographic exploration. Rothlein, whose work as video artist and visual designer for Rennie Harris Puremovement and others has garnered national and international accolades, oversees the company’s work in combining dance, multi-media and visual arts. As the 2007-08 Girard College artists-in-residence, the company also oversees an outreach program with the school’s students.

Cinco de Miro is supported by Gran Centenario, 1800, Three Olives, Whole Foods, American Mortals, and Black and Brew. Catering for the event is generously provided by Breath of Life Caterers; Smiley Ferebee, Rodney Gains and Munirah King.

Miro Dance Theatre and the Open Studio Series are supported by the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Independence Foundation, Advanta Foundation, Samuel S. Fels Fund and Girard College.

Schedule of Upcoming Events & Performances

Thursday, April 17th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Open Studio Series: Behind-the-scenes of Self-Portrait
Girard College, Mechanical School
2101 South College Ave. (at Girard Ave. & Corinthian Ave.), Philadelphia
Admission is FREE.

Friday, May 2nd, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
World Premiere of Self-Portrait
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Art After 5 series
26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
For additional information about the Museum’s Frida Kahlo exhibit and Art After 5, visit www.philamuseum.org.

Friday, May 9th, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Cinco de Miro: Super Salsa Sensacional
Girard College, Founder’s Hall
2101 South College Ave. (at Girard Ave. & Corinthian Ave.), Philadelphia
Admission is $25. Miro Dance Theatre is recognized as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization by the Federal government; all contributions and event proceeds are tax deductible. Tickets are available online at www.mirodancetheatre.org, by calling (215) 962-4773 and at the following Philadelphia locations: Halloween (1329 Pine St), Black & Brew (1523 E Passyunk Ave), and American Mortals (729 Walnut St).

Miro Dance Theatre is recognized as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization by the Federal government. All contributions and event proceeds are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Press Contact:
Canary Promotion + Design
Emaleigh Doley, emaleighATcanarypromo.com

Just did a mix/blend job for one of my amateur radio sources. Here he is in his heyday.--> Been thinking about my former production techniques and how I should proceed in the future. Clearly there is a difference between the "cookie cut" beatmaker and the "Producer" who gives an Artist an outline to work with but adds and removes in the studio. I've been told my style of poems, lyrics and apparently music making is too deep or complicated. I'm left-handed so I leave room for adjustments in a recording. If I'm given a pre-made beat, after and during vocal recording I chop, add samples and play in between the track I was given. That's how I work. I've been known to give artists just a bare bone drum track so I can build everything around the vocals. That's me. I've made beats with just a looped sample to give to artists. Now I know that in the studio the finished product won't sound like what I gave them, but I don't tell them that. Why would I? Shouldn't they make the beat their own so I can tailor it to them? Maybe thats my problem. I expect a vision from the artist. I like music. The way it flows, stops, changes directions and come back to it's beginning. I'm a circular guy. Maybe I should give each artist I decide to work with a speech about my Studio intentions. I can't expect a stranger to "trust" me. Who am I? There's no awards on my wall... http://myphillynetwork.com/content/no-awards-my-wall

For Immediate Release:

Presents

“DRIVING THE VOTE, BRIDGING THE GAP”
Concert
Featuring
Wildphyr
Other names to be announced

April 20, 2008
Festival Pier at Penn’s Landings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“We are not our government”
“We will make our government again”

OUR MISSION
To inspire young Americans to be a part of their political process. To help them understand that it is their government and they have a voice. That America began as and still is “We the people! By the people! For the people!” - Realize the best way to create positive change at home and abroad is to exercise your right to vote, speak out and make a difference.
The show, “Americans on the Mend”, is a non-partisan event to encourage young Americans support the democratic process and express their freedoms by voting and / or registering to vote. The show includes political speakers, bands and other talents from all genres. Sponsors such as “The Association of Diversity in Motor Sports”, “Rock the Vote”, and political candidates will have representatives delivering their message throughout the venues.
“Americans on the Mend”, founded by Griffin Stewart in Los Angeles, CA, is continuing to build momentum after completion of its tour though Los Angeles, Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and now has reached the political hotbed of Philadelphia. Griffin, a Philadelphia area native, is quoted; “voting is a choice that we make as individuals that connects us to our communities and to our country. It is our freedom to challenge our elected representatives to enact on the will of the people.” Griffin has spent the last few years developing the band Wildphyr which organized the show in Los Angeles to helped boost voter turnout for the Super Tuesday elections in California. Recent speakers at our events include Rev Michael Beckwith from the movie “The Secret” and Councilman Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles.
“Americans on the Mend” has been working with the campaigns to reach all Americans to help make a choice in this import historical election.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

THE ASSOCIATION FOR DIVERSITY IN MOTORSPORTS KICKS OFF
“DRIVING THE VOTE, BRIDGING THE GAP”

Association For Diversity in Motorsports promotes educating the youth in achieving professional opportunities in Motorsports.

(Greensboro, NC) -- The Association For Diversity In Motorsports (AFDIM) and Infinity Business Affiliates INC., will be traveling throughout the country to various Motorsports and political venues, registering new voters and educating various groups about the business/career opportunities and family entertainment found in Motorsports.
This 2008 “Driving The Vote, Bridging The Gap” voter awareness drive gives AFDIM, with the assistance of strategic Corporate sponsors, the chance to make Motorsports fans a “voice to be heard” on social issues as well as expands the opportunity to become Professionals in Motorsports, for a more diverse community of youth. In the media, we always hear about the “Soccer mom”. AFDIM and its partners now believe, it’s time for the “Motorsports Mom and Dad” to have a voice.
We will have “Driving The Vote, Bridging The Gap” booths at various Motorsports sponsored races. Also, as we travel across the country, we will have representatives from local/national civic and political groups, celebrities, corporations and media outlets appear in support of our drive. From NASCAR to Drifting, “We will be voters encouraging new voters to register until the deadline for the 2008 Presidential election. After the voter registration deadline we will be reminding people to vote in November”, said Wayne Clapp, Executive Director of AFDIM.
The “Driving The Vote, Bridging The Gap” voter registrations drive will not stop after the November 2008 Presidential election. This database of new politically active Motorsports fans and other individuals that pledge their support will be followed-up with electronically or by mail with our monthly newsletter highlighting racing news and whatever social issues our readers say are the most important to them. We will then inform the rest of the community on the issues of importance and how, together, we can lend our voice or letters to effect change.

Throughout the year we will be fundraising through concerts and fun entertainment racing events in order to lend a hand to our racing community. Through this effort we hope to bring the existing Motorsports family together and bring new Motorsports fans into our community; all the while, making sure that every voice is accounted for and heard.
We reach out to our corporate community for sponsorship and donations, for information in how to donate funds to our cause or to receive information on how to become a sponsors at one of many events that we will a part of such as Formula Drift, NASCAR, Indy cart, Formula 1, etc… Contact David Resendes, Director of Marketing, Executive Board of Directors AFDIM at info@one2infiniti.com.
The racing community consists of all types and varieties of individuals and corporations making up the fabric of the United States, yet when it comes to social issues, we are left behind. “It is now time to Bridge the Gap in Motorsports”, said Dave Resendes, President of Infinity Business Affiliates, INC.
Thank you for your support,
Event Producer
Vision Technical Group, Inc.
216 Brooke Rd. Pottstown, PA 19464
Brian Boatwright – Larry Hecklin
610-495-8050

MIRO DANCE THEATRE’s Monthly Open Studio Series Continues
Stories from the City at Night @ Girard College, Thurs. March 13th
British composer Pete M. Wyer to accompany with a live performance

Philadelphia’s Miro Dance Theatre’s monthly Open Studio Series returns to Girard College on Thursday, March 13th at 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Miro co-Artistic Director’s Amanda Miller and Tobin Rothlein welcome longtime friend and collaborator Pete M. Wyer, one of the composers of Miro’s Hurdy Gurdy (2005). In celebration of collaborations, past and future, and the U.S. CD release of Wyer’s Stories from the City at Night, Miro will perform excerpts from their repertoire, set to Wyer’s moving music and videos featuring Miro dancers. Wyer will also accompany with a live musical performance.

The Open Studio Series, which launched in February 2007, provides audiences with open access to the creative process and a chance to see and respond to new dance works in progress, as well as previous pieces from the Miro repertoire. The 2007 season featured guest artists from the region and around the world, all at Miro’s Girard College studio where the company also serves as artists-in-residence and continue to oversee an outreach program with the school’s students. All series events are free and open to the public.

“I’ve been working with Pete Wyer longer than Miro has been in existence and I love creating work to his music,” said Rothlein, Miro’s video and visual artist. “I’ve been dancing and choreographing to Pete’s music for over 10 years now,” seconds Miro choreographer Amanda Miller. “I always have a very emotional reaction to his music which is one of the reasons I love performing with it.”

A self-taught musician hailing from the UK, Pete M. Wyer has worked with the acclaimed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera North (Leeds, England), and the Julliard School, among others. The “pioneering, transatlantic composer” (The Independent) is thrilled to reconnect with Miro in 2008. For additional information on Wyer and to sample his music, visit www.pmwmusic.com.

Miro Dance Theatre and The Open Studio Series are supported by the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Independence Foundation, Advanta Foundation, Samuel S. Fels Fund, and Girard College.

About Miro Dance Theatre
Miro Dance Theatre (“Miro”) creates and performs original work that explores the collaborative intersections of dance, video, and visual art. Miro uses classical technique as a departure point from which to explore new and challenging dance vocabularies, ideologies, performance disciplines, and the way media co-exist within the performance space. The company was founded in 2004 by dancer and choreographer Amanda Miller and video and visual artist Tobin Rothlein, following five years as Co-Artistic directors of Phrenic New Ballet. Miller, with ten years experience as a dancer with the Pennsylvania Ballet and choreographic studies in Europe under Siobhan Davies, is at the helm of Miro’s choreographic exploration. Rothlein, whose work as video artist and visual designer for Rennie Harris Puremovement and others has garnered national and international accolades, oversees the company’s work in combining dance, multi-media and visual arts.

WHEN: Thursday, March 13th, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Girard College, Mechanical School
2101 South College Ave. (at Girard Ave. & Corinthian Ave.)
Accessible by #15 & #33 buses; free and secure parking.

ADMISSION: FREE; light refreshments will be served.
For directions and more information, visit mirodancetheatre.org
or call (215) 962-4773.

Please watch this music video on YouTube about Breaking the Cycle in Philly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DvWaDNDXmM

Thanks!

Let's preface this whole thing by making one point very clear: in a battle of the bands, nobody wins. The audience at these events is comprised of people who, unless they are there specifically to cheer for your band, are there specifically not to cheer for your band under any circumstance. The judging panels are frequently populated with people who have no business telling anybody what sort of music to make, and will laud only those acts who pander to their particular predetermined idea of cool or remind them of their own failed and unlistenable musical endeavors. And in an era where "selling out" becomes more of a philosophical fossil with each passing day, the spectacle of artists competing for cash and prizes still smacks faintly of fresh marrow. All in all, band battles are just the sort of music industry nonsense with which BadmintonStamps looks forward to never being associated.

That said, our disdain alone will not make events such as Philly Sound Clash go away. And since $2,000 and city-wide rental car omnipresence seem like a dangerous combination in the wrong hands, we feel obliged, Philadelphia, to offer you some guidance through what is a long, messy, and generally under-qualified list of candidates.

Without further ado, BadmintonStamps is proud to endorse GANG as clearly the best choice in the 2008 Philly Sound Clash. Their non-stop party-hop comes correct in all the best ways. They hold dear our god-given right to fuck shit up and look good doing it. And they know that the path towards a more secure homeland begins by taking care of those damned dirty rats.

There you have it, people. The ballot is right this way. We urge you to vote early, often, and if possible, while driving a Mini Cooper.

GANG - "Rat Posion" (follow link to download)

PHILADELPHIA – The Rosenbach Museum & Library welcomes Philadelphia’s Dave Burrell, famed composer, jazz pianist and Musician-in-Residence to the museum on Wednesday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 23 at 2:00 p.m. Burrell will premiere Syllables of the Poetry of Marianne Moore, a series of new compositions commissioned by the Rosenbach. The series is inspired by the museum’s extraordinary collection of Marianne Moore materials and based on Burrell’s research into the life and work of the Modernist American poet and writer who was a central figure in New York Modernism.

In an intimate concert setting, Burrell will perform and discuss his new works, which serve as musical translations of Moore’s poems: What Are Years?, The Mind is an Enchanting Thing, Those Various Scalpels, and O To Be a Dragon. The compositions interpret Moore’s poetry in striking detail, often down to one musical note for every syllable in each poem. Upright bassist Michael Formanek, professor at Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute, will accompany.

The performance is free with museum admission. Seating is limited and tickets will be sold at the door on the day of the performance. The Rosenbach Museum & Library is located at 2008-2010 Delancey Place and is open Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and free for children under 5. For more information, please call (215) 732-1600 or visit www.rosenbach.org.

Since 1998, the Rosenbach has commissioned artists to bring its collections to life in unexpected ways and through a variety of projects. As Musician-in-Residence, Burrell’s previous work with the Rosenbach includes Bill of Sale for a Slave Girl, inspired by the museum’s African American collections.

Since the mid-1960s, Dave Burrell has contributed to over 100 recordings, including 26 under his own name, in addition to pivotal recordings with Archie Shepp (Attica Blues), Pharoah Sanders (Tauhid), Marion Brown (Three for Shepp) and Grammy Award-winner David Murray (Lovers, Ballads). A recipient of numerous grants and awards from organizations including the National Endowment for the Arts, Philadelphia Music Foundation, and the Pew Fellowships in Jazz Composition. Burrell’s recent releases include Momentum (High Two Records) and Consequences (Amulet Records) – his first recording with Medeski, Martin and Wood percussionist Billy Martin. 2004’s Expansion, recorded with his Full-Blown Trio featuring William Parker and Andrew Cyrille, ranked #2 in The Village Voice's year-end best Jazz albums. In 2006, Burrell premiered the Db3 ensemble with Michael Formanek and Guillermo Brown. Hailed as a “living treasure” by The Village Voice and a "veteran pianist” who personifies “the best of neoclassicism-uncompromising individuality and in-the-moment gusto” by The New Yorker, Burrell joined the prestigious Steinway Artist Roster in 2007 and is one of only six Steinway Artists in the Philadelphia region.

Marianne Moore (1887 – 1972) was a Modernist American poet and writer. The Rosenbach houses The Moore Collection, including a recreation of Moore's living room – where she worked for more than forty years – just as she once lived in it. A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, Moore's complete library, with many personally inscribed and annotated books from her friends and contemporaries including Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot and Elizabeth Bishop, is part of the Rosenbach collections in addition to drafts of her poetry, correspondence and unpublished memoirs. The collection is a unique literary repository, preserving intact a comprehensive record of a writer's intellectual development.

The commission of Dave Burrell by the Rosenbach is made possible by a grant from the Helen Burke Charitable Foundation and additional support from the Hirsig Family Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation.

About the Rosenbach
The Rosenbach Museum & Library seeks to inspire curiosity, inquiry, and creativity by engaging broad audiences in exhibitions, programs, and research based on its remarkable and expanding collections. The museum was founded by legendary book dealer A.S.W. Rosenbach and his brother and business partner Philip. With an outstanding collection of rare books, manuscripts, furniture, and art, the Rosenbach is a museum and world-renowned research library, set within two historic 1865 townhouses, that reflects an age when great collectors lived among their treasures.

Press Contact:
Canary Promotion + Design
Emaleigh Doley, (215) 242-6393
High-resolution images available upon request and online at: www.canarypromo.com/rosenbach

Organizers of the Popped! Festival aren't moving the event to New Jersey. But they are spamming people on behalf of Malibu Rum. Why? There's no mention of this Saturday's "Winter Beach Bash" on the Popped! web site, nor is Malibu listed as a festival sponsor (not surprising; anybody who attended the festival last year is painfully aware that pulling down liquor sponsors is not where this organization's talents lie). It seems, then, the non-profit festival's e-mail list has been turned into somebody's (???) private - and for profit, perhaps - marketing spambot. Thanks, guys. I look forward to learning how Popped! can make my penis 5X bigger and help me set up a second mortgage. And by the way, no amount of flavored rum in their cola is going to fool people into thinking that VHS Or Beta don't suck serious coconutsack.

Download: The Clash - "Koka Kola" (follow link)