Forecast calls for Hale

Menlo-Atherton jazz singer to perform at Brown Bag and Twilight concerts.

(PRWEB) June 20, 2005 -- Hale Baskin's first professional gig did not come without its pressures. There she was, standing on the stage, performing at the San Jose Jazz Festival, before 200 people at the Discovery Museum.

"I'd just stand there and sing and look scared, even though good stuff would come out of my mouth," Baskin recently recalled while drinking a chocolate milkshake at the Palo Alto Creamery Downtown. "I was like a deer in the highlights."

That fear wasn't surprising, given that she was only 12 years old when she made her professional debut in the City. But having pianist Taylor Eigsti -- another young prodigy -- accompanying her that day eased the situation somewhat.

"He made me more confident," said Baskin, now almost 16 and a junior at Menlo-Atherton. "Now I can walk around and have a one-sided conversation with the audience. I try to connect more with the audience."

Baskin's stage presence will be evident next week, in both the Brown Bag and Twilight concerts. On Tuesday, she will be one of two featured vocalists (along with Cara Arcuni) accompanying the Menlo-Atherton Advanced Jazz Ensemble in its concert at Rinconada Park. On Thursday, she will headline with a trio, and passersby at Cogswell Plaza will have the chance to hear more of Baskin's vocal talent.

Just don't expect to hear the same old standards -- or straight-ahead jazz -- when Baskin takes to the stage on Thursday.

"I've tried more recently to steer away from the standards and pick more unique songs, like 'Sitting in Limbo.' My Dad first played it for me. It was originally a reggae tune. But now it's funky. It feels like it has a little gospel thing going on. It's really cool."

The new generation of jazz musicians, according to Baskin, are putting their own spin on the genre, updating it for the 21st century.

"The kids who are into it want to change it in some way, a little bit, to make it newer," Baskin said. "Because you can't stick with straight-ahead jazz forever."

For example, on her debut CD, "Forecast Calls For Hale," the vocalist added a Latin flavor to "Indiana," a song about the Midwest.

"My Dad had the idea," Baskin recalled. "He talked to (pianist) Larry Dunlap and (bassist) Seward McCain, who did the arrangements. Larry wrote an impromptu chart in the studio (the Annex in Menlo Park) and it came out really good."

Listening to Baskin's sophisticated voice and nuanced phrasings, it's hard to believe she was only 13 when "Forecast" was recorded. Boasting mostly jazz standards ("My repertoire was more limited then, so I sang the ones I thought I could do best"), the album sparkles with a talent-in-the-making.

And it stood out from the competition when Suzanne Warren, coordinator of the City of Palo Alto's summer concert series, first heard it.

"I did not know her age initially when I listened to the CD. When I found out how young she was, I was definitely blown away," Warren said.

Down Beat Magazine was so impressed with the recording that they presented Baskin with first prize in the Junior High School division of their 2002 Student Music Awards. Her prize: a scholarship to Berklee College of Music's summer program, which she completed in 2003.

Despite the program's prestige, Baskin said she preferred attending the Stanford Jazz Workshop, as it was more youth-oriented.

"Stanford was more my age group, and the people were nicer. (Vocalist/pianist) Dena DeRose taught me the basics of improvisation. She was the first teacher I had. I was still pretty shy, but by the end I wasn't shy at all. I was excited about discovering my talent."

Baskin's parents, Judi and Bill Baskin, have been instrumental in nurturing their daughter's love of music.

"My parents love jazz," she said. "I've been listening to it for as long as I can remember: Natalie Cole, Ella, of course, Billie Holiday, Shirley Horn, Wynston Marsalis, Lester Young. And we'd go to the Monterey Jazz Festival every year.

"My Dad always knew I could sing. He made me learn my first jazz song, 'Route 66.'"

Today, Judi manages her daughter's burgeoning career, while Bill still teaches her new songs, accompanying her while she practices.

"He has a wealth of knowledge, and he plays almost every instrument: bass, guitar, piano, drums, trombone. I'm so lucky I have someone who knows so much about music."

But Baskin has other support, as well, such as Frank Moura, director of Menlo-Atherton's Advanced Jazz Ensemble (and two of the school's other jazz bands). He has known Moura ever since she started singing with the ensemble while she was still in middle school.

"I wouldn't talk to anybody, because they were so much bigger than me. I was super-short," Baskin recalled. "I wanted to be cool but I wasn't."

Moura recognized the Redwood City resident's talent and recruited her to Menlo-Atherton (she otherwise would have gone to Woodside High School).

"He's amazing. So supportive," Baskin said of Moura. "I hear some high school band coaches don't understand vocalists. They say, 'Go up there and sing.' But he understands. His wife's a singer, so he totally gets vocalists. Every time I've had a sore throat, he's given me advice on how to fix it, instead of telling me I was being dramatic. He's so nice, he makes me want to work harder."

And singing in a big band, Baskin said, has helped her sing with a smaller ensemble.

"There's so much energy in a big band, and it's helped me keep the energy up with a trio."

Baskin has also sat in with vocalist Kim Nalley, owner of Jazz at Pearl's in San Francisco. The experience has taught Baskin how hard it is to master the genre's improvisational nature.

"It really challenges me. Afterwards I'm mentally drained," she said. "I'm not there yet, where I can just sing and have it come out right when I'm scatting. I feel I have to work on it. Every day I work on improvising and scatting."

Baskin acknowledged that there are still many things to work on, such as her stage presence and technique.

"I wear out my voice every time I sing," she said. "I'm hoarse for days afterward. It's hard. We have a loud family and I'm a yeller."

With her summer schedule heating up, Baskin will have to get used to regular gigs. She is especially excited about playing the San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival on June 25, as she will be part of a teen band.

"It's slow but it's happening. I'm trying to stay ahead of the curve, trying to stay better than the other kids my age."

Hale Baskin Jazz Ensemble
Cogswell Plaza, located at the corner of Lytton Avenue and Ramona Street in Palo Alto
June 23 from noon to 1 p.m.
Admission is free.

Hale Baskin will also be a featured vocalist with the Menlo-Atherton Advanced Jazz Ensemble at Tuesday's Twilight concert. The program will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Rinconada Park Bowl, 777 Embarcadero Road in Palo Alto.

For more info on Hale Baskin see: www.halebaskin.com

        

Historic Triple Bill Announced for PAETEC Jazz Festival Baltimore 1st Edition -- Etta James & The Roots Band, Al Green and B.B. King

The first edition of the PAETEC Jazz Festival Baltimore, www.paetecjazz.com, will present a trio of American music legends - the incomparable king of the blues, BB King and special guests Etta James and The Roots Band and Al Green. They will perform live in concert, Saturday August 11, 2007 at Pier Six Concert Pavilion in Baltimore, MD.

Baltimore, Maryland (PRWEB) March 22, 2007 -- The first edition of the PAETEC Jazz Festival Baltimore, www.paetecjazz.com, will present a trio of American music legends - the incomparable king of the blues, BB King and special guests Etta James and The Roots Band and Al Green. They will perform live in concert, Saturday August 11, 2007 at Pier Six Concert Pavilion in Baltimore, MD.

Tickets go on sale Friday March 23 at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $49.00, $75.00 and $135.00 plus services charges.
   
It's not often that three major legends such as these giants appear on the same bill on the same date," said John Nugent, Artistic Director and Co-producer of PAETEC Jazz Festival. "The music fans of Baltimore are in for a great thrill. The music speaks for itself - these artists' popularity, their storied history, so much instantly recognizable music. Having produced more than 1000 shows, I'm confident this one will go down in history as an extremely memorable concert. Marc Iacona (Executive Director and Co-producer) and I are ecstatic about being able to bring it to Baltimore for our first PAETEC Jazz Festival."

Doors will open at 5 p.m. Etta James & The Roots Band will perform first at 6 p.m., Al Green the takes the stage at 7:25 p.m. and B.B. King will wrap up the night starting at 8:50 p.m.

PAETEC Jazz Festival Baltimore will be held in multiple indoor venues and outdoor stages set against the impressive backdrop of Baltimore's Inner Harbor and downtown area. A diverse program of more than 40 concerts will embrace all genres of creative improvised music and feature Grammy-winning headliners as well as some of the world's finest emerging artists. Venues confirmed to date include Pier Six and Power Plant Live! The complete artist lineup, schedule, and ticket sale information will be announced in May.

B.B. King's (Riley B. King) reign as King of the Blues has been as long as that of any monarch on earth. Born in 1925 on a plantation in Itta Bena, Mississippi, for more than half a century, he has defined the blues for a worldwide audience. Since he started recording in the 1940s, he has released over fifty albums, many of them classics. He has developed one of the world's most identifiable guitar styles, and has mixed traditional blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound.

At 81, B.B. continues to tour extensively. Classics such as "Payin' The Cost To Be The Boss," "The Thrill Is Gone," How Blue Can You Get," "Everyday I Have The Blues," and "Why I Sing The Blues" are staples. The Grammy Award-winner has had two #1 R&B hits, 1951's "Three O'Clock Blues," and 1952's "You Don't Know Me," and four #2 R&B hits, 1953's "Please Love Me," 1954's "You Upset Me Baby," 1960's "Sweet Sixteen, Part I," and 1966's "Don't Answer The Door, Part I." B.B.'s most popular crossover hit, 1970's "The Thrill Is Gone," went to #15 pop.

Etta James has recorded dozens of albums during a distinguished career that spans five decades. The three-time Grammy award winner, NARAS Lifetime Achievement, Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer awardee and W.C. Handy Blues Foundation honoree, also has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1993, Etta received her first Grammy in 1995 for her Private Music debut album, Mystery Lady: The Songs Of Billie Holiday. In 2003, she was honored with another Grammy for "Let's Roll" as well as receiving a NARAS Lifetime Achievement award by the Recording Academy's National Trustees, in recognition of her outstanding creative contributions that same year. In 2005, Etta won her third Grammy in the Traditional Blues Album category for Blues to the Bone.

The Reverend Al Green is known the world over for his extraordinary voice, his unmistakable sound and his legendary hits. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer started singing at age nine with his brothers in the gospel quartet, the Greene Brothers, in their hometown of Forest City, Arkansas. They toured Southern gospel circuits, and then began performing around Michigan when the family relocated to Grand Rapids. At 16, Green formed, Al Greene and the Creations, with high school friends, and they released a single, "Back Up Train," in 1967 (under the new name Al Greene and the Soul Mates) that went to #5 on the national R&B chart.

In the early 1970s Green carved his place in music history with a run of celebrated hits that made him not just an R&B star but a pop icon. Since 1976 Green has concentrated on gospel music and since 1979 has led his Baptist congregation, the Full Gospel Tabernacle, in Memphis, Tenn.

Sponsor Opportunities: visit www.paetecjazz.com or contact Marc Iacona or Tim Richardson.

News Alerts: sign up to receive the latest news at www.paetecjazz.com.

About PAETEC: PAETEC (NASDAQ: PAET) is personalizing business communications for medium-sized and large businesses, enterprise organizations and institutions across the United States. We offer a comprehensive suite of voice, data, and IP services, as well as enterprise communications management software, network security solutions, CPE, and managed services. For more information, visit www.paetec.com.

About the Producers: PAETEC Jazz Festival Baltimore is sponsored by PAETEC and produced by John Nugent, Artistic Director, and Marc Iacona, Executive Director, principals in RIJF, LLC, based in Rochester, NY. The team also produces the Rochester International Jazz Festival.

Media Contact: Jean Dalmath, 585.586.6650 (o), 585.755.6911 (c)

        

See the new LNBs and BUCs first at CommunicAsia, Singapore

GILBERT, Ariz. (Business Wire EON) June 17, 2008 -- US Monolithics, the supplier for over 650,000 Ka-Band transceivers for consumer broadband, has launched a line of commercial C-and Ku-band satellite transmit and receive products. The new line of outdoor unit (ODU) products takes advantage of pricing, technology, and high-volume production advantages that US Monolithics has gained in becoming the dominant leader in consumer Ka-band transceivers. The new products will be on display June 17 to 20 at the US Monolithics stand in Hall 6, Booth # 6FI-03 at CommunicAsia 2008, Singapore.

We've leveraged the best of our technology and high-volume consumer electronics experience and are collaborating with leading original equipment manufacturers to launch a line of high performance ODU electronics

New products include C- and Ku-Band low-noise block downconverters (LNBs) and block upconverters (BUCs) specifically designed for (VSAT) satellite communication terminals. The product line includes a series of high-stability free running DRO and PLL LNBs, Ku-band BUCs from 1W to 150W, and C-band BUCs from 1 to 300W.

“We’ve leveraged the best of our technology and high-volume consumer electronics experience and are collaborating with leading original equipment manufacturers to launch a line of high performance ODU electronics,” said Ken Crawford, VP and GM for US Monolithics. “Now our customers can gain an advantage in cost, performance, and quality by integrating our new ODU products into their commercial networking products.”

About US Monolithics

U.S. Monolithics, based in Gilbert, Arizona, is a wholly owned subsidiary of ViaSat Inc (Nasdaq:VSAT). The company produces custom microwave technology for high frequency communications in commercial, military, and space applications. Products and technologies include monolithic semiconductor design, millimeter wave MMICs, high power transceivers, high levels of functional integration, high-frequency packaging, and design for low-cost manufacturing. Capabilities cover the full range of frequencies from L- to W-band and one-time unique products as well as cost-effective high volume production. For more information, visit www.usmonolithics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Portions of this release, particularly statements about the performance and deliveries of ViaSat products and technology, may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. ViaSat wishes to caution you that there are some factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including but not limited to: contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and increased competition and other factors affecting the telecommunications industry generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in ViaSat’s SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including without limitation, ViaSat’s annual reports on Form 10-K and ViaSat’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. ViaSat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

        

Convio Online Marketing Applications Help Reach, Inspire and Retain Listeners; Drive Increased Donations to Support Mission

RENO, Nev. (Business Wire EON) July 12, 2007 -- Riverwalk Jazz and Convio, Inc. announced today at the Public Radio Development and Marketing Conference that within the first year of using Convio as a strategic Internet partner, the nonprofit organization has successfully expanded www.Riverwalkjazz.org as a strategic venue to educate audiences around the world to the value and excitement of the American art form – Classic Jazz. Using Convio Software as a Service (SaaS) applications to deliver enewsletters, provide jazz content for radio station Web sites, highlight upcoming and past broadcasts, offer an online Listening Room as well as expand online support materials for station fundraising, Riverwalk Jazz has measured increases in subscribers, listeners and supporters.

The combination of the Convio applications, a strong strategy and engaged constituents have allowed us to create campaigns that have grown virally helping us reach and connect with audiences and our affiliate stations like never before.

“As an independent producer, Convio’s applications and support have helped us ‘super serve’ stations, and create ambitious marketing activities that are typically reserved for the large networks,” said Margaret Pick, Executive Producer for Riverwalk Jazz. “The combination of the Convio applications, a strong strategy and engaged constituents have allowed us to create campaigns that have grown virally helping us reach and connect with audiences and our affiliate stations like never before.”

Some of the most successful aspects of the campaign come from the “Tell-a-Friend” option for the online newsletters, Jazz Notes Weekly and Jazz Me News. Each month, thousands of subscribers forward the newsletters to a friend. Once their friends received the newsletter open rates have remained steady at nearly 45 percent and 35 percent respectively. In addition to raising awareness, this has helped generate online donations from listeners of the weekly broadcast stream and support from as far away as the Middle East. The average initial online gift is approximately $90.

“We are excited that the quality of information we are able to provide is at the level that people are willing to share it with friends and family,” added Pick. “Our supporters and fans are helping us fulfill our mission by enabling us to get to audiences that we could never reach on our own. Since the initial email is sent from a trusted friend, we are a step ahead in building the relationship with the new person, thus strengthening their understanding and commitment to Riverwalk Jazz."

Another showcase of the Convio-based outreach has been the Riverwalk Jazz Backstage Pass (http://www.riverwalkjazz.org/pribackstage). Backstage pass is specifically designed to support stations’ audience engagement and growth. Backstage Pass provides affiliate stations with weekly jazz content for their station websites, creates the ability to request special promotions, as well as offers bonus premiums and support for station fundraising. The site also gives affiliate stations the ability to highlight upcoming programs, special guests and broadcast recording events.

“Our new Web site allows us to reach young people with the story of Classic Jazz and provide them with an online experience that matches their expectations and needs, having grown up with the latest technology,” explained Pick. “With Convio we have set the foundation for truly using the Internet to reach, engage and retain people of all ages so that we preserve this wonderful art form for future generations.”

About Riverwalk Jazz

Riverwalk Jazz is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to present, promote and preserve Classic Jazz through national and international radio broadcasts, live music performances and jazz education for young people. Riverwalk Jazz educates audiences around the world to the value and excitement of the American art form — Classic Jazz. For more information visit www.riverwalkjazz.org.

About Convio

Convio is a leading provider of software and services to help nonprofits use the Internet strategically to build strong relationships with constituents for driving fundraising, advocacy and other forms of support. Convio has online solutions for fundraising, advocacy, Web content management, event fundraising, ecommerce and email communications. All solutions include the Constituent360™ platform, a sophisticated, online marketing database that centralizes constituent data and integrates with offline databases.

Convio's clients include American Red Cross, American Diabetes Association, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, AVON Foundation, Easter Seals, National Association of REALTORS®, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Sierra Club, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and Thirteen/WNET New York. For more information, please visit www.convio.com.

MULTIMEDIA GALLERY

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5444254

        

SEATTLE (Business Wire EON) June 17, 2008 -- nuTsie.com today announced that Duff McKagan, founding member of legendary rock bands Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver, has joined the company’s advisory board. McKagan has taken an active role in managing the affairs of his bands and will bring 25+ years of music business experience to the dynamic, Seattle-based digital music company.

First and foremost, I'm a music fan and a musician

“First and foremost, I’m a music fan and a musician,” said McKagan. “And nuTsie is all about the music. Getting your own music anywhere, anytime. Finding new songs that you like, which is a rush for me even after all these years of listening to and playing music.”

“I’ve seen a lot go down over the years with G N’ R and now Velvet Revolver,” added McKagan. “Working with nuTsie is a great opportunity to put my experience to work for one of the most viable new digital music models. This is also a chance for me personally to get more active in the business world, which is one of my long-term personal goals.”

McKagan’s addition bolsters nuTsie’s already considerable credibility as a digital music company with real connections to music. The company previously announced the addition of Dave Dederer, of the Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling band The Presidents of the United States of America, to its advisory board and then to its executive staff.

nuTsie is a synchronized web and mobile music service that allows anyone to upload and listen to their iTunes music in hi-fi quality on any web-connected PC, mobile phone or BlackBerry® smartphone, as well as explore other users’ playlists and share music with friends.

nuTsie is also available on Facebook with an application that allows users to play, share and explore the music that matters most to them – full tracks from their iTunes libraries and their friends’ iTunes libraries.

nuTsie parent company Melodeo Inc. reaches more than 50 million consumers online and through deals with Alltel, SunCom, T-Mobile, Research in Motion, Danger, Motorola, Rogers Wireless Canada, 3UK and 3Ireland, China Unicom, Sony/BMG and Warner Music Group in China, TDC, Korean Telecom Freetel and M1 in Singapore.

MULTIMEDIA GALLERY

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5712196

        

Jyrojets’ self-titled debut album to be released on 16^th June;
New single ‘Dead on Arrival’ featured in a movie soundtrack

LONDON (Business Wire EON) June 4, 2008 -- Songphonic Records today announced that Jyrojets’ hotly-tipped debut album will be released on 16^th June on iTunes and most major download stores worldwide. The physical release will follow in the UK on 23^rd June.

many songs with hit potential ***

Jyrojets are also releasing their new single, ‘Dead on Arrival’ on the 9^th which is featured in the soundtrack of the movie “20 Cigarettes”. The promo video for the track includes brilliant footage from the movie which premieres in the UK early June. You can preview the album and the video on www.tinyurl.com/454tak

Here is what the media said about Jyrojets’ releases and about the band.

• “a swaggering solid indie-rock album” Clash Magazine
• “many songs with hit potential ***” Q Magazine
• “hottest download” Sunday Times
• “they deserve to headline stadiums” Daily Record
• “a band on the cusp of greatness” BBC Radio Scotland
• “best kept secret at SXSW” San Francisco Chronicle

Produced and engineered by Osman Kent and Nick Mitchell, the album is of two very distinct moods, segueing from sing-along hard rock anthems to a more tender stripped back sound. Recorded live at London’s Songphonic Studios, the album’s 14 tracks (one hidden) captures the band’s raw energy and musicianship well.

About Jyrojets

Jyrojets are a five-piece indie rock band from Inverness (Scotland) with a knack for great tunes, great lyrics and swaggering anthemic soundscapes. They describe their sound as a heavy kick of Nirvana with Simon & Garfunkel harmonies, Beatlesque melodies and plenty of attitude.

When they opened for Richard Ashcroft (at his request) in front of 10,000 people at Glasgow SECC, he called them “a great young band”.

During the past 12 months they have been touring relentlessly, including an 80-gig tour of the USA on a double-decker London Bus as well as various stints in the UK and Russia. They opened for Kaiser Chiefs, Richard Ashcroft and Dirty Pretty Things. In June they will be sharing the main-stage at the ROCKNESS festival with Razorlight and will open for Proclaimers later in the month. They performed live on numerous TV and Radio sessions worldwide including on various BBC stations.

About Songphonic

Operating from a state-of-the-art studio complex in the UK, formerly owned by Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music, Songphonic is an incubator of real music talent. Its operations combine a boutique record label, music publishing, a recording studio and artist patronage.

Founded by Osman Kent, former CEO and co-founder of 3Dlabs, Songphonic is an audiophile label fanatical about musical values, sonic excellence and technology.

www.jyrojets.com

www.songphonic.com

www.songphonic.com/pressroom for more press information.

Songphonic is a registered trademark of Songphonic Ltd. All other trademarks are acknowledged and recognized.

MULTIMEDIA GALLERY

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5700369

        

Donald Miller and The Dave Crowder Band kickoff National Leadership Conferences for Ministry Leaders of 20- and 30-Somethings

The Rightnow Campaign continues to coach and connect the 20 and 30-something generation to use their passions and skills to make a difference in the world. They are launching a series of new national leadership conferences called Leadnow for church and ministry leaders who minister to 20 and 30-somethings. In 2007, Leadnow is coming to Orlando, Washington DC and Dallas featuring the David Crowder Band and Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz.

Richardson, TX (PRWEB) November 29, 2006 - The Rightnow Campaign is on a mission to coach and connect passionate 20 and 30-somethings to specific ministry opportunities to impact God's kingdom in the U.S. and around the world. Working alongside churches, mission sending agencies and community service organizations, Rightnow is an unbiased voice that personally coaches and connects individuals toward ministry opportunities that match their passions, skills, and ministry experiences.

Since 2004, Rightnow has produced four successful events across the country to help 20 and 30-somethings put their passions and skills into action to make a difference in their churches, communities and around the world. Erwin McManus, Coach Bill McCartney, Shane & Shane, Caedmon's Call and over 6,000 attendees, 1,000 ministry leaders and 75 service organizations have participated in these four previous events.

Thanks for giving us an interactive conference and giving us choices instead of forcing us to listen to one person! That was by far the most popular praise I heard from our group!

In 2007 the Rightnow Campaign (national leadership conferences called Leadnow (www.leadnowconferences.com) These 3-day conferences are targeting the church and ministry leaders who oversee 20 and 30-somethings. By training and equipping these leaders to minister to this generation, the impact can be multiplied.

Leadnow is more than just a series of messages from the stage. Attendees will experience a short-film, one-act play, Connection Café with 24 local, national and international service organizations, a unique journey called the Dokime and several opportunities for discussion with other leaders.

One 20 and 30-Somethings pastor, Matt Lantz, recently commented, "Thanks for giving us an interactive conference and giving us choices instead of forcing us to listen to one person! That was by far the most popular praise I heard from our group!"

In addition to bestselling author Donald Miller and the award-winning David Crowder Band, the Leadnow Conference will feature Todd Phillips (Pastor at Frontline in Washington DC), Dan Kimball (Pastor at Vintage Faith in Santa Cruz), Margaret Feinberg (author of Twentysomething), Marcus Goodloe (Pastor at Mosaic in Los Angeles), Voddie Baucham of Grace Community Church in Houston and spoken word performer Amena Brown.

The conference season will begin February 15-17th, 2007 in Orlando and continue May 3-5th, 2007 in Washington DC before the season comes to a close on September 20-22nd, 2007 in Dallas.

For additional information on the Leadnow Conference or The Rightnow Campaign, contact Justin Forman or visit www.leadnow.07.com.

About The Rightnow Campaign:

The Rightnow Campaign is a mobilization ministry that began in the spring of 2000 with the purpose of connecting 20 and 30-somethings to tangible opportunities to serve locally and internationally. By listening, asking questions, and praying with each person, the Rightnow team coaches and connects 20 and 30-somethings to opportunities that match their passions, their spiritual gifts, and their ministry experiences. The Rightnow Network of 75 service and mission organizations provides the specific service opportunities around the world. The Fusion and Leadnow events are two of the ways in which Rightnow catalyzes this generation to action. and trains the next generation of leaders. In addition to these events, The Rightnow Campaign has worked closely with Louie Giglio of Passion Conferences, Erwin McManus of Mosaic, Bill McCartney of Promise Keepers, Bart Millard of MercyMe and other notable leaders in the church to ignite this generation to action.

        

Marin Home Show & Benefit Jazz Fest - Home Improvement and all that Jazz

Something for all ages at this annual Marin County event

San Rafael, CA (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- Pack up the stroller, round-up the teens, telephone Grandma and Grandpa and head to the two-day event where there's something for all ages. It's the 2007 Marin Home Show and Benefit Jazz Fest on June 2 & June 3 at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall and Fairgrounds in San Rafael.

For the youngsters:

JustKidding Music performs a special interactive concert for children ages 3 to 10-years old set for 10 a.m. Saturday. Children are encouraged to participate on stage in this concert supporting early music education to improve cognitive development. Admission to the JustKidding Music concert is $10 adults and $5 children and includes free admission to the Marin Home Show & Benefit Jazz Fest. All proceeds from this concert aid Marin County public school early education music programs.
   
The Marin County Fire Department presents tours of its Children's Safety House Saturday at the Marin Home Show. Designed especially for children ages 3 to 10 years old, this special house tour teaches awareness and escape skills in an emergency. The specially designed house is an interactive, hands-on learning experience teaching children about fire safety, fire alarms, smoke detectors, kitchen safety, how to call 9-1-1 and earthquake safety. Parents can watch the entire learning experience from an LED monitor screen just outside the Safety House - during which their children will learn from Marin County Fire Dept. personnel and officers.

For the teens:

Tweeners can enjoy the Sinaloa Middle School Jazz Band in a special performance on Saturday and high school teens can cheer on their favorite Marin high school band competing in the Annual JamJazz Playoff - Battle of the Battles from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Sunday competition is an annual fundraiser supporting public high school music programs in Marin County.
For the folks:
   
Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa can dance to the timeless music of Rex Allen's Swing Express from 2 to 2:45 p.m. or 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. on Saturday or get their groove on when Pride & Joy performs the timeless pop and soul hits from the 1970s & '80s from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
   
Everyone can get jazzed up about home improvement with new and exciting products from more than 350 exhibitors including the amazing High Definition Home presentation with a fully functional big screen home theater display and interactive computer games; the debut of San Rafael's newly remodeled Home Depot YardBIRDS complex; and an outdoor pavilion featuring garden, landscaping and outdoor kitchens.
   
Marin Home Show general admission is $8 Saturday (and it's good for your return on Sunday) and $7 for seniors & disabled. Children 14 & under are admitted free. Plus there's plenty of free parking. Tickets are sold at the gate. Marin Home Show hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 2 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 3.

For more information about the Marin Home Show & Benefit Jazz Fest visit the website at www.marinhomeshow.com

        

Present Tense Jazz - The Smooth Jazz Jam Band: Climbing the Smooth Jazz & Music Choice Charts with Breakthrough LP "Smooth Talkin'" and Singles "Smiles" and "Smooth Talkin'"

The nationwide radio campaign for Present Tense Jazz's release of their second CD "Smooth Talkin'," is gaining wide acceptance in the radio community. Currently over 60 stations and syndicated programs are airing the singles 'Smiles,' and 'Smooth Talkin'. Present Tense Jazz is No. 5 on the Smooth Jazz Indie Charts, No. 36 on the Smooth Jazz Top 50, and No. 29 on the Music Choice Smooth Jazz Charts.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 3, 2008 -- The nationwide radio campaign for Present Tense Jazz's release of its second CD "Smooth Talkin'", which hit the airwaves in March, 2008, is gaining wide acceptance in the radio community. Currently over 60 stations and syndicated programs are airing the singles 'Smiles,' and 'Smooth Talkin,' resulting in PTJazz climbing the smooth jazz charts. Currently, PTJazz is No. 5 on the Smooth Jazz Indie Charts, No. 36 on the Smooth Jazz Top 50, and No. 29 on the Music Choice Smooth Jazz Charts.

The independent grass roots project, produced by Richard J. Frank and Ronnie Kaufman, features 12 original compositions plus a unique arrangement of Steven Tyler's (of Aerosmith fame) classic 'Dream On.'

We've created a fresh and organic groove jazz sound to 'advance' the current smooth jazz medium

Smooth Talkin', featuring Eric Marienthal on sax, and Alex Acuna on percussion, has been charting briskly on smooth jazz stations and is currently on radio stations and syndicated programs from California to Maine and Washington to Florida. The Los Angeles based ensemble is excited to present its refreshing "smooth jazz jam band" sound to the world.

"We've created a fresh and organic groove jazz sound to 'advance' the current smooth jazz medium," states producer/bassist/composer Richard J. Frank. "We are a band first and foremost. Present Tense Music is about creating accessible compositions that groove hard - in a jam band style."

Music Connection Magazine sums it up, "Each musician in this group can stand on his own, and all are allowed to shine singularly. In fact, each instrument is so much a part of the total sound that without any one piece it would change significantly."

Rather than imitate other smooth jazz artists, Richard and Ronnie approach this project in a much more 'live' fashion - certainly a different twist to the many bands of this genre today. "All of the primary tracks - piano, bass, and drums - were simultaneously recorded live in a sound studio. So what we created is a tight, interactive experience," states Ronnie Kaufman. He continues, "With Richard utilizing the upright bass in non-traditional playing style, and acoustic drums and piano, in combination with smooth R&B grooves, a unique sound emerged."

PTJazz's Smooth Talkin' CD builds on their debut CD entitled Night Shadows which was released in 2003. The following additional web presences further depict the creative work and stylings of Present Tense:

MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/presenttensemusic
Electronic Press Kit (EPK): http://www.sonicbids.com/PresentTense

The results are obvious: the band achieved an infectious smooth jazz sound with the added infusion of R&B, classic rock, improvisation, and jam bands characteristics.

Additionally, Present Tense Jazz has been making a mark in the Southern California area as "Leaders in R&B Pop Jazz" as they perform for numerous private events and parties, clubs, and festivals. Upcoming public performances include The City of Los Angeles Pershing Square series on Thursday, June 26, 2008, and the City of Glendale Verdugo Park concert on August 13, 2008. News of these shows, plus videos, and their music charts can be found on their website.

The influences of Present Tense include Chick Corea, Joe Sample, Boney James, Dave Matthews, Sting, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms, plus numerous classic rock and R&B masters. Richard Frank's background is a musical rainbow which includes rock, jazz, pop, classical, and ethnic musics. He has toured nationally with Harry James Orchestra and played the symphonic repertoire with the American Youth Symphony under Mehli Mehta. Ronnie Kaufman's roots stem from numerous GAP Band recordings and tours, Rene and Angela, and numerous gospel and R&B projects.

Garnishing accolades from the Southern California jazz community, Present Tense Jazz won Best Fusion Artist from the Long Beach Jazz Search, Finalist with the Great American Song Competition for 'Smiles' written by Richard, and collected two nominations for Best Jazz Artist from the Orange County Music Association and the Los Angeles Music Awards. According to Matt Cibula of Music Critic.com, "This is a group to watch closely."

For additional information on the smooth jazz jam band Present Tense Jazz, PTJazz, or their recent release 'Smooth Talkin'', please contact Brent Harvey of KBH Entertainment or visit their website above.

Contact:
Brent Harvey
KBH Entertainment
Management and Representation
818.786.5994
brent @ kbhentertainment.com

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Marin Home Show & Benefit Jazz Fest - Home Improvement and all that Jazz

Something for all ages at this annual Marin County event

San Rafael, CA (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- Pack up the stroller, round-up the teens, telephone Grandma and Grandpa and head to the two-day event where there's something for all ages. It's the 2007 Marin Home Show and Benefit Jazz Fest on June 2 & June 3 at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall and Fairgrounds in San Rafael.

For the youngsters:

JustKidding Music performs a special interactive concert for children ages 3 to 10-years old set for 10 a.m. Saturday. Children are encouraged to participate on stage in this concert supporting early music education to improve cognitive development. Admission to the JustKidding Music concert is $10 adults and $5 children and includes free admission to the Marin Home Show & Benefit Jazz Fest. All proceeds from this concert aid Marin County public school early education music programs.
   
The Marin County Fire Department presents tours of its Children's Safety House Saturday at the Marin Home Show. Designed especially for children ages 3 to 10 years old, this special house tour teaches awareness and escape skills in an emergency. The specially designed house is an interactive, hands-on learning experience teaching children about fire safety, fire alarms, smoke detectors, kitchen safety, how to call 9-1-1 and earthquake safety. Parents can watch the entire learning experience from an LED monitor screen just outside the Safety House - during which their children will learn from Marin County Fire Dept. personnel and officers.

For the teens:

Tweeners can enjoy the Sinaloa Middle School Jazz Band in a special performance on Saturday and high school teens can cheer on their favorite Marin high school band competing in the Annual JamJazz Playoff - Battle of the Battles from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Sunday competition is an annual fundraiser supporting public high school music programs in Marin County.
For the folks:
   
Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa can dance to the timeless music of Rex Allen's Swing Express from 2 to 2:45 p.m. or 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. on Saturday or get their groove on when Pride & Joy performs the timeless pop and soul hits from the 1970s & '80s from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
   
Everyone can get jazzed up about home improvement with new and exciting products from more than 350 exhibitors including the amazing High Definition Home presentation with a fully functional big screen home theater display and interactive computer games; the debut of San Rafael's newly remodeled Home Depot YardBIRDS complex; and an outdoor pavilion featuring garden, landscaping and outdoor kitchens.
   
Marin Home Show general admission is $8 Saturday (and it's good for your return on Sunday) and $7 for seniors & disabled. Children 14 & under are admitted free. Plus there's plenty of free parking. Tickets are sold at the gate. Marin Home Show hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 2 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 3.

For more information about the Marin Home Show & Benefit Jazz Fest visit the website at www.marinhomeshow.com