Texas Frightmare Weekend announced it has extended the dates for its companion Texas Frightmare Film Festival this year (April 28 – May 1). Highlights from the lineup include the US Premiere of Tim Sullivan’s 2001 MANIACS: FIELD OF SCREAMS, George Romero’s SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD and Adam Green’s Sundance hit, FROZEN.

Green’s FROZEN stars Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell and Kevin Zegers and follows the life or death choices a trio of skiers and snowboarders must make when they find themselves abandoned on a ski resort chairlift. The film, which was a surprise hit at the Sundance Film Festival in January will screen at the Studio Movie Grill in Lewisville on Wednesday, April 28 at 7:00PM.

Romero’s SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD is the 6^th film in his vaunted zombie series. The film follows characters from his prior outing DIARY OF THE DEAD and takes them to an island community inhabited by two feuding factions of locals divided not just by their approach to the zombie threat, but to years of family disputes. The film, which adds an unlikely western flavor to Romero’s legendary themes, will screen at the Studio Movie Grill in Lewisville on Thursday, April 29 at 7:00PM.

Sullivan’s 2001 MANIACS: FIELD OF SCREAMS follows the mayhem that ensues after the failure of a fresh group of unsuspecting Northerners to show up for their annual Guts N’ Glory Jamboree, inspires the residents of Pleasant Valley to take their cannibalistic carnival on the road and head to Iowa where they encounter the cast and crew of a reality show. The film will screen at the Studio Movie Grill in Lewisville on Thursday, April 29 at 9:00PM. Attending the screening will be Sullivan along with cast members Bill Moseley, Christa Campbell, Kevin Ogilvie, Ryan Fleming, Lin Shaye, Katy Johnson, Jordan Yale Levine, Nicole Rae and Kathryn Le.

The screenings will feature red carpet entrances populated by several stars and filmmakers of the films as well as the horror and the genre stars attending Texas Frightmare Weekend.

Screenings on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 will take place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel (4440 W John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, Texas).

Texas Frightmare Film Festival Director Loyd Cryer said, “The film festival component has always been an important part of our convention. After all, we are here to celebrate and highlight the work of horror legends and genre fan favorites, so adding two additional nights of theatrical screenings to see their films was something we always knew we wanted to do. And it’s a thrill, in our fifth year to have grown to that point already.”

The Texas Frightmare Film Festival titles include:

BLOOD NIGHT: THE LEGEND OF MARY HATCHET

Director: Frank Sabatella

Cast: Nate Dushku, Samantha Facci, Danielle Harris, Bill Moseley, Samantha Jacobs

The film focuses on a group of teenagers celebrating the anniversary of the death of a local axe murderer that suddenly find themselves face to face with the realities of the haunting urban legend.

DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW

Director: Frank De Felitta

Cast: Charles Durning, Robert F.Lyons, Lane Smith, Larry Drake

The film tells the story of a retarded man, who after being unjustly accused of attacking a young girl, hides in a cornfield disguised as a scarecrow only to be hunted down and shot. Later, after it is revealed he saved the girl from a vicious dog attack, members of the search posse begin being stalked and killed by a mysterious scarecrow.

THE FINAL

Director: Joey Stewart

Cast: Marc Donato, Jascha Washington, Whitney Hoy, Justin Arnold

The film follows a group of high school outcasts that decide to take revenge on the kids that have tormented them.

FROZEN

Director: Adam Green

Cast: Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell, Kevin Zegers

The film follows the life or death choices a trio of skiers and snowboarders must make when they find themselves abandoned on a ski resort chairlift.

LONG PIGS

Directors: Nathan Hynes, Chris Power

Cast: Anthony Alviano, Paul Fowles, Nathan Hynes, Chris Power

The film shows the results after two desperate young filmmakers stumble upon their ultimate subject, a 33 year old cannibalistic serial killer, who has agreed to let them document every aspect of his horrifically violent life-style.

THE RETELLING

Director: Emily Hagins

Cast: Kristoffer Aaron Morgan, Jessica Wilson, Richard McDermott, Simone Heim

The film is about a young boy and his family that face an unsettling presence at the home of his ailing and blind grandfather. The young boy and his new friend investigate the source and discover a murder from the past that may have finally found its connection to the present.

RODRIGO GUDINO SHORTS

The founder and president of Rue Morgue Magazine presents 3 shorts:

THE FACTS IN THE CASE OF MISTER HOLLOW

Director: Rodrigo Gudiño, Vincent Marcone

THE DEMONOLOGY OF DESIRE

Director: Rodrigo Gudiño

THE EYES OF EDWARD JAMES

Director: Rodrigo Gudiño

SPIRIT CAMP

Director: Kerry Beyer

Cast: Julin, Brandon Smith, Denise Williamson, Roxy Vandiver, Alyssia Dujimovich

The film follows the clash that follows a street smart “goth girl” after she is forced to attend cheerleader camp as part of her rehabilitation from a juvenile correction facility. When members of the spirit squad start turning up dead, the girls must put aside their differences and struggle to survive the murderous rage of a crazed psycho-killer lurking among them.

SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD

Director: George A. Romero

Cast: Richard Fitzpatrick, Athena Karkanis, Heather Allin, Kenneth Welsh, Alan Van Sprang

The film follows characters from his prior outing DIARY OF THE DEAD and takes them to an island community inhabited by two feuding factions of locals divided not just by their approach to the zombie threat, but to years of family disputes.

SWEATSHOP

Director: Stacy Davidson

Cast: Ashley Kay, Peyton Wetzel, Brent Himes, Melanie Donihoo

The film focuses on a young woman and her friends break into an abandoned warehouse and begin setting up an impromptu party. Unbeknownst to them, something lurks in this dark place…and they are about to pay for their mistake.

TEXAS FRIGHTMARE MASSACRE

Director: Joe Francis

Cast: Joe Francis, Parrish Randall, Tristan Lavelle David Ayers

The film is a horror comedy about a nerd that goes to Texas Frightmare Weekend with his stepsister and her boyfriend. Upon realizing that they are not his friends and that he can’t rely on his movie heroes, he goes on a murderous rampage.

2001 MANIACS: FIELD OF SCREAMS

Director: Tim Sullivan

Cast: Bill Moseley, Christa Campbell, Kevin Ogilvie, Ryan Fleming and Lin Shaye

Mayhem ensues after the failure of a fresh group of unsuspecting Northerners to show up for their annual Guts N’ Glory Jamboree, inspires the residents of Pleasant Valley to take their cannibalistic carnival on the road and head to Iowa where they encounter the cast and crew of the reality show.

Texas Frightmare Weekend will feature appearances by John Carpenter, George Romero, Lance Henriksen, Doug Bradley, Kane Hodder, William Katt, Margot Kidder, Derek Mears, Julian Sands and over forty genre icons.

Highlights will include a CHRISTINE reunion with stars Keith Gordon, Alexandra Paul and John Stockwell. Also, one of the final 2 remaining 1958 Plymouth Fury cars used to film the movie will be at the show for fans to see.

Premiere Props will also auction over 500 props and collectibles from films like RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE, BOOK OF ELI, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, CHRISTINE, PIRANHA 3-D, BEASTLY, LETTERS TO JULIET, TAKERS and EASY-A. Additional props and fright fare will be announced courtesy of top genre studios and production companies like Lionsgate, Ghost House Pictures, Sony, Screen Gems.

Texas Frightmare Weekend will also feature the 3rd Annual Zombie Walk sponsored by Moxley Manor as well as the 3rd Annual Hearse and Shock Rod Show.

The Texas Frightmare Film Festival and Texas Frightmare Weekend will run April 28 – May 1, 2010. Passes and tickets are currently on sale online at www.TexasFrightmareWeekend.com.

Allan Rich, two-time Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe nominee songwriter. Photo courtesy of Musicians Institute

Two-time Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe-nominated songwriter Allan Rich’s current involvement as an instructor and counselor at Musicians Institute in Hollywood grew out of a very simple truth he learned back in the early 80s, when he was new in town and struggling to have his songs heard: it’s all about making connections.

The Brooklyn native, whose songs have sold over 65 million copies, has penned or co-penned hits for some of the biggest pop stars of the past two decades. “Run To You,” which he wrote with his longtime partner Jud Friedman, was recorded by Whitney Houston and was part of The Bodyguard film soundtrack which sold over 30 million copies; it earned Rich his first Oscar and Grammy nomination. Rich’s hits include Natalie Cole’s “I Live For Your Love,” James Ingram’s #1 “I Don’t Have The Heart,” Kenny Loggins’ “For The First Time” from the Michelle Pfeiffer/George Clooney film “One Fine Day” (which earned the songwriter an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe nomination) and *NSYNC’s “I Drive Myself Crazy” (from their 10 million selling debut CD).

Other artists recording who have recorded Rich’s songs include Barbra Streisand, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Luther Vandross, Dolly Parton, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Barry Manilow. His and Friedman’s most recent placements have been on new recordings by Toni Braxton, Keb’ Mo’, David Foster protégée Charice and up and coming vocalist Anna Margaret.

Kenny Kerner, Director of the Music Business Program at Musician Institute. Photo courtesy of Musicians Institute

Despite this impressive track record, Rich still believes it’s important to get out there and attend events where he can hook up with new artists and A&R people. “You never know when you’ll meet that next person who can turn our latest song into a hit,” he says. He attended an A&R panel at MI, where he met Kenny Kerner, head of the school’s Music Business Program. Rich had been thinking for a while that he was at a point in his career where it would be nice to “give back,” and he told Kerner about his interest in possibly teaching at MI.

“I told him I thought I could bring something important to this party,” Rich says, “and Kenny was open to this idea and told me he had created several songwriting classes and that I should submit a proposal and a bio for consideration. No matter how many years I’ve been in the industry, it’s inspiring to be around up and coming writers and I feel I had a lot of songwriting expertise and real life practical experience to offer them.”

In addition to launching his work as a one on one songwriting counselor for MI students,

Rich made his debut as an MI instructor with three ten week classes during the recently completed Winter Quarter 2010: Fundamentals of Lyric Writing, Lyric Writing for Original Songs (both songwriter courses) and The Songwriters, a weekly “Actor’s Studio” type setup where Rich brings in one big name pop composer each week for an interactive Q&A session on songwriting and the music business. Many of the 23 students in The Songwriters class had come to pursue their musical education at MI from other countries, including India, Guatemala, Panama, Korea and Sweden.

In the lyric writing class, Rich had each student comb through newspapers and magazines for five phrases that might make a good song title; once the students chose one to run with, they worked with the instructor week by week on developing lyrics for a song based on the title. Rich also gave feedback to those students who brought in melodies to work with. The class midterm assignment was writing fresh lyrics to the melody of The Beatles classic “Let It Be.”

SONGWRITER ALLAN RICH IS TEACHING AT MUSICIANS INSTITUTE!

The ten hit composers that Rich brought to The Songwriters class include Lindy Robbins (Backstreet Boys’ “Incomplete,” Nick Lachey’s “What’s Left of Me”); Steve Dorff (Kenny Rogers, Anne Murray, Whitney Houston); Robin Lerner (Tim McGraw, Randy Travis, Faith Hill’s “This Kiss”); Shelly Peiken (Christina Aguilera’s “What A Girl Wants,” Meredith Brooks’ “Bitch”); Franne Golde (Selena’s “Dreamin’”, The Commodores, The Pussycat Dolls’ “StickWithYu”); Ry Cumming, a new recording artist discovered by Teresa LaBarbera Whites, who developed Beyonce and Destiny’s Child, Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears; Lauren Christy of the Grammy nominated writing/production team The Matrix (Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” and “I’m With You” and Jason Mraz’s “The Remedy”; Annie Roboff (Faith Hill’s “This Kiss,” Whitney Houston, Bonnie Raitt, Dixie Chicks); Evan Bogart (Rihanna’s “SOS,” Beyonce’s “Halo”), DQ (Beyonce) and Erika Nuri (Fantasia, Brandy) of The Writing Camp; and Rich’s songwriting partner Jud Friedman.

“When I first moved from New York to L.A. to become a songwriter,” Rich says, “I was blown away by how many top name panels there were and how easy it was for an up and comer to make connections and pitch their songs. ASCAP and BMI had them, and there was the Songwriters Resource Service (SRS) and Los Angeles Songwriter’s Showcase. There aren’t as many opportunities for young writers to meet top songwriters and A&R people and showcase their songs. As part of my commitment to give back, I thought MI would be the perfect place to recreate that kind of environment. It was very exciting. My students from other countries had a strong desire to come here and dedicate their time to becoming quality songwriters, and they deserve these opportunities.”

Rich will be teaching his lyric writing class during the spring quarter and will reprise his Songwriters course in the fall with another slate of high level surprise guests. He adds, “I tell my class that they have to learn the rules before they can break them, and I teach the old school perspective on lyric writing combined with today’s more common approach of writing lyrics and melodies to existing tracks. I’ve become a cheerleader for them and am amazed at the level of talent these students have. I’m excited about having the chance to help them along in their careers and realize their dreams.”

In April 1953 an organization known as the “International Flying Saucer Bureau” gathered all its members urging them to participate in an experiment termed “World Contact Day” whereby, at a predetermined date and time, they would attempt to collectively send out a telepathic message to visitors from outer space. The contact was only mildly successful.

In April 2010 the “International Flying Saucer Bureau” decided to try another mass telepathic ceremony. They decided to meet at The Echoplex in Echo Park CA and asked if SAINT MOTEL would lead the ceremony.

Saint Motel

Calling occupants of interplanetary craft
WORLD CONTACT DAY IS APRIL 10th
MAKE CONTACT WITH SAINT MOTEL AT THE ECHOPLEX

Saint Motel by Carlos Estrada

Watch the video on how to ‘Make Contact’ with Saint Motel

Filter Magazine presents WE MAKE CONTACT with SAINT MOTEL at The Echoplex on Saturday April 10th.

Info about the origins of the first World Contact Day:

In April 1953 an organization known as the “International Flying Saucer Bureau” gathered all its members urging them to participate in an experiment termed “World Contact Day” whereby, at a predetermined date and time, they would attempt to collectively send out a telepathic message to visitors from outer space. The contact was only mildly successful.

On April 10, 2010 the “International Flying Saucer Bureau” will try another mass telepathic ceremony. They decided to meet at The Echoplex in Echo Park CA and asked if SAINT MOTEL would lead the ceremony.

So on April 10th join SAINT MOTEL and….MAKE CONTACT!

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE HERE

Featuring Performances by:
SAINT MOTEL – www.myspace.com/saintmotel

VOXHAUL BROADCAST – www.myspace.com/voxhaulbroadcast
THE PITY PARTY – www.myspace.com/thepityparty
MISSISSIPPI MAN – www.myspace.com/mississippimanmusic

Intergalactic cocktails, Special Guest DJ, and host all TBA…

UFPhotobooth by Megan Thompson Photography

Build your own Tinfoil Space Helmet

Suitable For Ages 18 and Over
$10Adv/$12Door
The Echoplex
Saturday April 10th

View the Facebook event page here

MEET THE NEW FACE OF CONTEMPORARY ROCKABILLY… KARLING!

Karling’s Eclectic Vibe, Which Has Been Described As ‘Wanda Jackson Meets Gwen Stefani, Who Puts In A Conference Call To David Bowie Who’s Lunching With The Stray Cats’ Has Delighted  Audiences Everywhere >From Europe To San Francisco and New York City

Since the designation “First Lady of Rockabilly” has already been taken by 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Wanda Jackson, we’ll have to come up with something unique to describe the hip, contemporary twist that singer/songwriter Karling brings to the genre.

While we’re figuring out a term for the multi-talented, British-born, Los Angeles based performer that’s as witty, clever and buoyant as the songs on her new indie album, we also might wonder about its ironic title. Karling calls it Bound For Nowhere, but in truth, she’s been practically everywhere these past few years, winning accolades and delighting audiences throughout the U.S. and Europe with her enigmatic brand of Americana.

In 2009, she earned a Hollywood Music in Media Award (HMMA) nomination for “Another Lovely Day,” the charming, easy rolling lament that kicks off Bound For Nowhere which she also performed at the ceremony. Her 2006 self-titled debut, a critically acclaimed shout out to traditional honky tonk country that earned comparisons to Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette and June Carter, won three L.A. Music Awards: Rockabilly Album of the Year, Rockabilly Artist of the Year, and Female Americana Vocalist of the Year.

Over the past few years, Karling and her band have shared the stage with luminaries like Jackson, Wayne Hancock, Big Sandy, The Hacienda Brothers, Deke Dickerson and James Intveld and performed regularly throughout the West Coast and Europe—with dates everywhere from Portland, Oregon to Baltimore and New York.

While she performs throughout California—and recently played in Fresno, Sutter Creek and San Francisco–one of Karling’s most loyal fan bases is in Bakersfield. The band is scheduled to play the 2010 Buckfest in honor of country legend Buck Owens, who hailed from there.

Just as a revival of the Elvis Presley–Sun Session era rockabilly sound inspired the revival in her hometown of Norwich in the English countryside when she was growing up, she taps into the Euro passion for rockabilly regularly; in 2009, she performed in Germany, Belgium and Switzerland, Holland and the UK.

“Because we don’t do straight traditional rockabilly,” Karling says, “we also appeal to those who enjoy old country, the Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and Hank Williams, Sr. fans as well as the rockabilly crowd. The European crowds are always a little surprised because the songs have an original twist and they are not used to songs that cross traditional boundaries and aren’t duplicates of the old style. People tell me they like my singing voice because it sounds like a 50s crooner but then I can get into hard rocking, high energy stuff that inspires the audience to jump and dance around.”

THE ENGAGING BRITISH-BORN SINGER-SONGWRITER RECEIVED A HOLLYWOOD MUSIC IN MEDIA (HMMA) NOD FOR ‘ANOTHER LOVELY DAY’ FROM HER NEW ALBUM ‘BOUND FOR NOWHERE’

One of the songs her fans are high steppin’ to lately is the infectious “Crazy Mable,” which draws on one of her favorite hobbies, writing horror stories, and the darker elements of her former musical life as the lead singer of the alt-rock band Karling Abbeygate and the Monks of Love. This is just one element of a background that makes her a fascinating musical enigma. New listeners might assume she hails from Texas or Memphis, since her twang is tweaked to perfection and her voice captures the authentic soul of American roots music.

Mystery solved: Karling’s father, a military man hailing from Coffeyville, Kansas, met her mother while based in Norfolk, England. Both avid old-style country fans, they fed their daughter a consistent diet of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, June Carter, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn, practically from the day she was born. Her friends at school also exposed her to vinyl records their parents had of artists like Wanda Jackson, and Norwich had concerts hosting rockabilly bands where dressing up in circle skirts and petticoats was encouraged.

Those experiences help explain Karling’s evolution as a country/Americana artist. But somewhere along the way, to the delight of the indie rock community, Karling explored that other side of her musical artistry. Based alternately in Portland, Oregon and Las Vegas, Karling Abbeygate and the Monks of Love did numerous tours of America. During these years, she also prepped for her later slew of awards as the band won honors as Las Vegas Artist of the Year by City Life Magazine.

Though she is now billed as a solo artist, Karling is very much a collaborator in both the studio and onstage with her band featuring guitarist Joel Morin, rhythm guitarist Donnie Whitbeck, drummer John Schwartz (who has played with Weird Al Yankovic for the past 29 years!) and bassist Kevin Stewart (Wanda, Big Sandy). “I can have an idea in my head of how I want a song to sound,” she says, “but I don’t know how it’s going to turn out until I bring the guys together and they hear my ideas and then add their own talent and expertise.

“I think I simply have varied tastes in music,” Karling adds. “Growing up, I loved David Bowie, T Rex, The Cars and Nirvana, and later I was an immediate fan of Amy Winehouse. The music I make now is American roots music, where I’m going back and bringing out the essence of where rock came from. If young rockers act like they don’t care about old style rock and roll and rockabilly, they’re fooling themselves because it’s where the music they make today is built from. And before that was the blues. Older fans feel that my songs are honest and like the bare bones vibe because we do it all without a huge production. It’s also wonderful to find fresh ways to make the music relevant to a new generation of young fans. They listen like it’s completely new and have no idea how it connects to an old style of music—but they still love it, and that’s what matters to me.”

Karling sees a strong progression between her debut album and Bound For Nowhere, not only stylistically but because the new collection is comprised of all original material; the first was a ballad heavy mix of four originals and covers of older country songs, a few which were popular but many of which were coolly obscure. Vibe-wise, think Wanda Jackson meets Gwen Stefani, who puts in a conference call to David Bowie, who’s lunching with The Stray Cats. They exchange notes and then write a 14 song album.

While “Another Lovely Day” has received many accolades already and “Crazy Mable” is the song about crazy obsession that everyone’s talking about, the set runs deep and features numerous other classics in the making. Among these is “The Valley,” inspired by some of the great cowboy songs by the late Frankie Laine, who became a fan of Karling’s music before his passing. On March 30, the singer went down to San Diego to participate in a party Laine’s widow is throwing for what would have been the legend’s 97^th birthday.

“Looking back,” Karling says, “the funny thing about being in the alternative rock band is that the whole time, there was this feeling I had that I didn’t know how to express. I was missing that rockabilly beat, that train rhythm, and I kept wanting the band to do something like that. Instead, they made a lazy beat and it became increasingly frustrating for me. I guess it was just a matter of time before I would emerge with the style of music that was most true to my heart, and on my own terms. The writing comes naturally to me, and I had started writing songs for Bound For Nowhere when the first album came out and at one point was penning a song a day. But that’s just the start. What is ultimately exciting to me is how they begin to take on a life of their own, and that we get the opportunity to preserve them forever.”

GRAHAM RUSSELL and RUSSELL HITCHCOCK of AIR SUPPLY

Graham Russell, vocalist of pop-rock duo Air Supply, was recently honored with a prestigious BMI Million-Air Certificate recognizing the more than 3 million performances of the hit song “All Out of Love.”

It was explained to Graham and Russell by BMI that with 1 million plays of a song, it would be as if the song played continual for 5.7 years and so with the presentation of the 3 million to Graham for “All Out Of Love,” it would be equivalent to 17 years of continuous playtime –nearly 150,000 hours!  Russell has stacked up a total of seven awards from BMI for other hits he’s written including “Sweet Dreams,” “Lost In Love,” and “The One That You Love.”

Barbara Cane, BMI Vice President & General Manager, Writer/Publisher Relations, Los Angeles presented the award at BMI’s L.A. offices. Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock of the iconic duo, are celebrating the band’s 35th anniversary this year with an international tour and a new album, Mumbo Jumbo, set to be released on May 4, 2010 on Odd On Records.

Barbara Cane (BMI Vice President/General Manager, Los Angeles); AIR SUPPLY’s GRAHAM RUSSELL and RUSSELL HITCHCOCK; Ted Joseph (President, Odds On Records).

Mumbo Jumbo’s lead single, the infectious pop rocker “Dance With Me,” is set to hit Adult Contemporary radio in March, building momentum a month before the release of Air Supply’s first studio album of all original material since 2002’s Across The Concrete Sky. Another key track, “Hold On,” features Australian heartthrob rocker Michael Johns, a season seven finalist on American Idol.

Recorded at Graham Russell’s home studio near Park City, Utah and at Odds On’s state of the art facilities in Vegas with top session musicians and an orchestra, Mumbo Jumbo was produced by Russell and mixed by Odds On’s Sean O’Dwyer, whose credits include Pink Floyd, Randy Newman and Blink 182.

Alison Smith (BMI Senior Vice President of Performing Rights); GRAHAM RUSSELL; Barbara Cane (BMI Vice President/General Manager Los Angeles); RUSSELL HITCHCOCK; Doreen Ringer Ross (BMI Vice President of Film/TV Relations).

HOLLYWOOD MUSIC IN MEDIA AWARDS (HMMA) TEAMS WITH IDT MEDIA GROUP, INC.

Hollywood, CA – March 22, 2010 ­­– New music industry champion, Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA) announced today an exclusive strategic partnership with IDT Media Group, Inc.

More publicly known as “DiskFaktory.com” and “dfJams.com,” the Irvine, California based IDT has serviced over 70,000 music artists since 2002 with its online/offline content monetization tools, packaged products, digital products and on-demand distribution platform. “In order to create a meaningful platform that truly benefits the artist, strategic partnerships are essential in IDT’s view. The HMMA connection is a great example of such a partnership.” said Ben Abadi, founder and CEO, IDT Media Group.

The new venture is part of a much larger plan to offer musicians a completely new model to expose and market music. “The Hollywood Music in Media Awards has high level relationships in mobile device marketing, artist development and TV content as well as an internationally distributed annual awards show in Hollywood, California. This venture with IDT Media Group is a key piece in the puzzle to building a future model for how music is cultivated and consumed in the new economy”, said Jim DeCicco, HMMA executive producer and co-founder.

Plans are underway between HMMA and IDT to launch unprecedented and comprehensive campaigns that include partnerships with major retail brands to market new talent that are discovered, developed, exposed through HMMA and IDT’s collective network, in a way that will revolutionize the music business and put most of the profits back in the artist’s hands.

The Hollywood Music in Media Awards & Conference recognizes and honors the music of visual mediums, the talented individuals responsible for it, and the music of artists, both mainstream and independent, from around the globe.

Hollywood Music In Media Awards & Conference

November 18 – 21, 2010
Hollywood & Highland / Kodak Theater Complex, Hollywood, CA

For more information log onto www.hmmawards.com or www.idtmediagroup.com.

Some asshole broke in and did some damage. The hosting company was able to go back and do a restore. Unfortunately, to be safe they will only restore from two weeks ago.

Sorry for the inconvenience!

PoxNora for Facebook Brings Popular Strategy Game to Millions of New Players

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – March 8, 2010 — Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) has launched its popular turn-based strategy game PoxNora^® on Facebook^®. Tapping into its expertise as a preeminent online entertainment company, SOE plans to follow this inaugural Facebook launch of PoxNora with additional games for the Facebook platform based on both existing franchises and new intellectual property.

PoxNora is a combination turn-based strategy game and collectable card game set in a fantasy world of creatures, relics, and spells. SOE acquired PoxNora in January 2009, and since then the game has expanded in reach and popularity with over 2.5 million registered accounts to date.

“The Facebook platform offers gamers a new and powerful way to interact with and tap into their social communities,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “With the launch of PoxNora for Facebook, we are leveraging the expertise SOE has gained bringing entertainment to the online gaming community for over 10 years.”

From microtransactions to community play, SOE has customized the Facebook version of PoxNora to appeal to a wider social networking audience in a fun and engaging way. The new PoxNora for Facebook harnesses the platform’s social channels by allowing users to invite friends and post updates of accomplishments.

SOE is launching the Facebook version of PoxNora at a time of tremendous growth in online social gaming. The success of social gaming is largely attributed to Facebook’s wild popularity and the maturing virtual goods business.

To experience the new PoxNora for Facebook, please visit:

 http://apps.facebook.com/poxnora

This weeks cover goes to Shitting Glitter.

Shitting Glitter’s bass player Red Fox is an online “friend”. I “met” her through my favorite band  World Without Sundays. When she sent out a Facebook invitation for the band Shitting Glitter I couldn’t resist such a quirky band name?  I complain about too many bands having the same name! I went over to MySpace to take a listen.

Shitting Glitter had me from hello, um, make that had me from the intro!

“Delay” from their album “Sidesaddle Sweet Talk” started playing and I said, “Wow. They are good.”
I literally said it out loud.
Sitting here, alone, talking to myself in that vaguely creepy sort of way.

When you do as many CD reviews as I do you get jaded. It is refreshing to have a good immediate reaction to a group.

Shitting Glitter is like grape flavored Flintstone vitamins, they taste good AND they are good for you. Their music sounds good AND it is good for you.  It is working to end ignorance, bigotry and bias against people that don’t fall in to the Judeo-Christian norm.  Their songs are informative without being preachy. The members of Shitting Glitter are the kind of people that will  change the world and make it better for everyone.

Their CD “Open For Business,” is the results of a band that has several member changes over their five year journey. Throughout the changes they managed to stay a dynamic band with a message. Songs are robust, luscious, upbeat and full of energy. Vocals are delivered with unfaltering conviction through out the tracks.

My favorite song is  “19th  And Lexington”
“i can fake my gender
just as much a bender
even dressed as me
even dressed as she”
I can’t listen to it without moving. It is a great car dance tune!

Getting back to Red Fox, a friend told me that if she ever decide to be a lesbian she would go after Red Fox. Red Fox has a sensuality that intrigued her. So, when I write part 2 of my best selling autobiography You Ain’t A REAL Band Slut If You Have Never Supported A Guitar Player That Gave You Crabs I plan to lie and say I had sex with her. (The fact that I haven’t met her will be chalked up to “puffery”. )

Miscellaneous:
The most impressive stat on their website: FARTHEST SHOW: Reykjavik Gay Pride, Iceland. Yes they have gay people in Iceland and no I don’t know whether Iceland is either. Being a product of a geographically deficient US education I headed to  Google.

Listen to Shitting Glitter on MySpace.

Luke, Hudson, and Murphy are less than 300 miles from their Boston goal and we’re planning quite a weekend when they arrive June 18, 2010.

The Boston Planning Committee has been in high gear, working out all the details for The Boys’ arrival in Boston You can keep up with the events as they unfold by surfing over to our website at:

http://www.2dogs2000miles.org/Boston.html
but here is a basic rundown of what we have planned (all times are EDT):

Friday June 18th
· Event: Reception
· Time: 6-10 PM
· Location:Red Dog Pet Resort and Spa

Saturday June 19th
· Event: Memorial Service and Final Mile
· Time: 9:30 – 11 AM
· Location: TBA

Saturday June 19th
· Event: puppy up! Festival
· Time: 11 AM -3 PM
· Location: TBA

Saturday June 19th
· Event: puppy up! Gala, Live & Silent Auctions, Cocktails, Seated Dinner, and Entertainment
· Time: 6 – 11PM
· Location: Fairmont Copley Hotel

SundayJune 20th
· Event: Comparative Oncology Summit
· Time: 9 AM – 1 PM
· Location: Fairmont Copley Hotel

And now you can now register at the 2 Million Dogs website to join us in Boston for The Puppy Up! Gala at the Fairmont Copley Hotel; 138 St. James Avenue; Boston, MA 02116 (617) 267-5300

PLUS, The Fairmont Copley is offering a discount rate if you mention 2 Dogs 2000 Miles and book your room before May 18th, 2010. There is a one-time $25.00 pet fee, which is very reasonable. And, you may have more than 1 pet per room for the one-time charge. There is also no size limit to dogs, so those of you with big dogs are welcome too. The Fairmont Copley is VERY dog friendly. They even have their own resident Canine Ambassador, Catie Copley.Check it out here: http://www.fairmont.com/copleyplaza/

This is going to be such a fantastic weekend full of all sorts of exciting and wonderful things! So surf on over to the registration page and get your name in. We have a limited number of spots for the Gala on Saturday evening, so please register ASAP!

Here’s the link:

https://2md2m.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/PuppyUpPartyandAuction/Registration/tabid/203154/Default.aspx

If you have any questions, please email erich@2dogs2000miles.org.

SHINOBI NINJA are the super group for the 21st century, composed of six colorful, vibrant New York City musicians and performers from different corners of the music world. With their debut EP Brooklyn to Babylon, a dangerously addictive video for the single to their title track “Brooklyn to Babylon” directed by Evan Savitt (Lady Gaga, Saint Motel), and their own revolutionary video game, Shinobi Ninja Attacks, now available in the iPhone App Store. Shinobi Ninja will jumpstart the party, wherever you are!

HINOBI NINJA (www.shinobininja.com) – The party rocking beasts from Brooklyn NY announce a string of East Coast tour dates plus five shows at SXSW. Onstage and online, Shinobi Ninja have built themselves a devoted following, garnering much-deserved attention from the music world. With their must-see live gigs, their party-in-a-box debut EP, interactive video game and forthcoming full length album, Shinobi Ninja are always going the extra mile to make you part of the excitement. You’ll find the band’s irresistible funky rock hooks, energetic performance style and fun loving attitude will make you want to join the revolution.

EAST COAST TOUR DATES

March 6th @ Copperfield’s – Boston, MA

March 7th @ The Stone Pony – Asbury Park, NJ

March 8th @ North Star Bar – Philadelphia, PA

March 9th @ Liv Nightclub – Washington, DC

March 10th @ Fat Tuesdays – Fairfax VA w/ Mambo Sauce

March 11th @ Lenny’s Bar – Atlanta GA w/ The 54

SXSW – AUSTIN, TEXAS

March 14th @ The Purevolume House

March 15th @ Beauty Bar

March 16th + 17th @ The Rusty Spurs – Music Tech Mashup

March 19th @ Darwin’s Pub – Red Gorilla Music Festival

Congratulations to Whitney for winning the NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Music Video”! Click Here to find out which video earned Whitney the award!

Time is running out to join the Platinum Travel Experiences!
4 spaces available for Dublin 1 & Dublin 2 – closing Wednesday, March 3rd at 5pm PT.

Look to London (tickets closing March 10th) for the FINAL stop on Whitney’s “Nothing But Love” tour and the last chance to MEET Whitney during her European shows!

Be with a loving community of fellow Whitney fans for the time of your life! Sign up NOW before spaces sell out!

NYC’S MEGA THEATRICAL FUNK-METAL BAND KING HELL TAKES THEIR STAGE MAYHEM TO AUSTIN TO PERFORM AT SXSW FOR THE SENNHEISER’S SPEAKEASY ROOFTOP EVENT ON MARCH 18 AND THE OFFICIAL SXSW MUSIC STIMULUS PARTY ON MARCH 19

The ‘Epic Defenders of Metal and Funk’, King Hell, go to battle at this year’s South By South West (SXSW) music convention, performing at two events.

On Thursday, March 18, King Hell performs at Sennheiser’s Speakeasy Rooftop Party, located at 412D Congress Ave. in downtown Austin, in front of many industry leading VIPS and music supervisors.

The band then rocks out at the official SXSW Music Stimulus Party at the Parish, located at 214-C East 6^th Street, on Friday, March 19 from Noon – 5 p.m, with a free Mexican buffet and complementary cocktails.

The weekend before, King Hell’s dueling vocals of Samwell and Doc Thompson, guitarist Möfö, bassist Zigabot, and drummer Shille-Lee, can be experienced at New York City’s, Gotham Rocks showcase on Saturday, March 13, at the hip downtown venue The Delancey. King Hell will be opening for headliners Seventh Void, featuring guitarist Kenny Hickey and drummer Johnny Kelly, both of the platinum selling rock group Type O Negative.

King Hell also takes the top spot at #1 on Washington State University’s KZUU 90.7 FM’s “Loud Rock” charts this week with their track “Brooklyn”, off their highly anticipated album Rhythm & Bruise. The segment airs at 10 p.m. PST on http://kzuu.wsu.edu. Fans can keep the momentum alive and request King Hell by calling 509-335-2207.

Legendary “gonzo journalist” Hunter S. Thompson made up his own adjective to describe the ultimate of something: “It was the king hell of all parties!” No doubt, the late great author of “Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas” would feel the same sense of visceral energy if he’d had the chance to check out King Hell!, the furious and funky, intensely tongue-in-cheek, indie powerhouse named after his turn of phrase.

EVENT RECAP

March 13
Gotham Rocks Showcase at The Delancey
168 Delancey Street
New York, NY
11:20 p.m.

Ticket Pricing TBD

21+

Line Up:

8 p.m. Bound By Substance

8:50 p.m. Effects Of Eden

9:40 p.m. Kore Rozzik

10:30 p.m. The Deadlyz

11:20 p.m. King Hell

12:10 p.m. Seventh Void

March 18
Sennheiser’s SXSW Speakeasy Roof Top Party at The Speakeasy
412D Congress Ave.
Austin, TX
Time TBD
No Cover

21+
Please RSVP to speakeasy@luckmedia.com, no later than March 16

March 19

Official SXSW Music Stimulus Party at The Parish

214-C East 6th Street
Austin, Texas

Time TBD
No Cover

21+

MI ANNOUNCES AN EXCITING EXPANSION OF ITS MUSIC BUSINESS PROGRAM STARTING WITH THE APRIL 2010 QUARTER

Ever dedicated to helping its students explore exciting new possibilities in the industry, Musicians Institute in Hollywood announces an exciting expansion and new options for students enrolled in its Music Business Program.

Beginning with the April 2010 quarter, MI is offering two Music Business Certificate programs. The existing 30-unit Certificate in Music Business will be revised with several new courses and reorganized program content. The new 45-unit Certificate in Music Business (Music Entrepreneur) will provide the same basic curriculum plus an additional 15-unit emphasis that prepares students to set up and operate an independent music business.

The two quarter, 30 credit Certificate in Music Business program provides students with knowledge and skills sufficient to apply for entry-level positions in record companies or music industry firms specializing in public relations, artist management, artist booking, music publishing, music supervision, A&R, artist marketing & promotion, copyright, and radio/record promotion.

Quarter 1 classes include: The Record Company; Music Law I: The Fundamentals; Internet Marketing; Music Publishing; Personal Management; Your Music Business Career; Agents and Attorneys; Computers in Business; and assorted Electives.

Quarter 2 classes include: Music Licensing and Supervision; Music Law II: Contracts, Licenses and Releases; Media Relations; Networking Strategies; Music Distribution; Concert and Tour Production; a Music Industry Internship; and assorted Electives.

The three quarter, 45-credit Certificate in Music Business (Independent Music Entrepreneur) program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work within the traditional music industry as well the business, legal and management tools to enable them to establish and operate an independent record company or music-related business.

The first two quarters include the same courses as the Certificate in Music Business. The third quarter courses include: Start and Run Your Own Record Label: The Creative Side; Owning and Operating A Music Business: The Legal Side; Independent Artist Marketing; Social Networking and Fan Management; Preparing Your Professional Business Plan; Broadcast Strategies; Showcase Promotion; and assorted Electives.

Since 1977, Musicians Institute (MI) has trained thousands of graduates for careers in every genre of contemporary music. From the beginning, MI revolutionized music education with hands-on, intensive, performance-based programs taught by working professionals. Today, MI’s unique, innovative approach includes degree and certificate programs for career-minded guitarists, bassists, drummers, vocalists, keyboardists, audio engineers, independent artists, guitar makers, music business professionals and filmmakers.

MARIANNE KEITH CELEBRATES RADIO ACTION WITH NEW SINGLE “MEANT TO BE AN ANGEL” AND PEFORMS OTHER TRACKS FROM HER NEW UNISON MUSIC RELEASE “CATHARTIC” AT A SPECIAL INDUSTRY SHOWCASE ON MARCH 4 AT THE PIANO BAR IN HOLLYWOOD

Southern California’s celestial singer/songwriter, Marianne Keith, showcases her new single “Meant To Be An Angel” from her highly anticipated release Cathartic, at the Piano Bar in Hollywood on Thursday, March 4 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Marianne, accompanied by her talented full band, with will give a very special performance to VIP guests at 8 p.m. Attendees can enjoy heavenly sweets by Pasadena Baking Company and special, cathartic concoctions, vodka generously donated by Grey Goose Vodka.

Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on a new Martin 000X1 model acoustic guitar in a silent auction to benefit The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). All proceeds from the silent auction will be given to the ASPCA.

MACSHAWN100 To Drop Two Street Singles On March 9, And Readies New Album.

(Los Angeles, CA – 27 February 2010) — MACSHAWN100 is in full preperation for his upcoming new album, “Tha Bigg Fish”. The Bay Area veteran will release two singles on March 9, “And You Do Know That” and “Party Don’t Stop” featuring Daz Dillinger, available at all digital retailers, including iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon, and Mobile Carriers.

“And You Do Know That” is now in rotation at Radio, and the popular “Party Don’t Stop”, a collaboration with Daz Dillinger of Tha Dogg Pound, has already recieved radio play at WCSU-FM, WDSU-FM, WMCC-FM, and K-MEL.

Fans will be able to download from iTunes, the official music video to “And You Do Know That”, which comes bundled with the single on March 9. The video includes cameo appearences from rap heavyweights Snoop Dogg, Too Short, DJ Quik, Rappin’ 4-Tay, 2nd II None, and Mistah Fab.

MACSHAWN100 started his career out in 1995 with his group Funk Mobb, and their album “It Ain’t For Play”, then signed to Jive Records/Sick Wid It. He later went onto release the solo LP “Music Fo’ The Mobb”, which recieved big reviews, and landed him a deal with Big C-Style and Daz Dillinger, being signed to Dogg Pound Records, a then subsidiary of Death Row Records. After Daz departing from Death Row, MACSHAWN100 signed a lucrative deal directly with Suge Knight’s Death Row, where he made appearances on such compilations as Suge Knight Presents: Chronic 2000, Too Gangsta 4 Radio, and Tha Dogg Pound: 2002. After MACSHAWN100 was released from his record deal with Death Row, he released the compilation album “Worldwide Bosses and Playas” featuring artists such as E-40, Suga T, B-Legit, and more.

MACSHAWN100 is now poised to make his long awaited return to the rap game, with his second solo outing, and strong affiliations to Rap mogul extraordinaire Snoop Dogg, and Priority Records.

“Tha Bigg Fish” is set to be released this fall, with guest appearences from Snoop Dogg, E-40, Tha Dogg Pound, Turf Talk and more. The singles, “And You Do Know That” and “Party Don’t Stop” featuring Daz Dillinger, out March 9.

Mac Shawn 100 ” AND U DO KNOW THAT!” Dir: Dah Dah

David Church

SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK, LIVE OAK, FLA – Spring is just around the corner, the weather is getting warmer and the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is bringing you three evenings of fantastic music March 5-7! The Wildwood Valley Boys will perform March 5; Amy Hendrickson and the Prime Directive March 6 and RFDTV’s David Church and special guest, Terri Lisa Church March 7! And, the SOSMP is also having the annual Spring Fling Garage Sale Saturday, March 6! What a great way to spend a weekend!

Wildwood Valley Boys

Tony Holt and the Wildwood Valley Boys kick off the weekend Friday night, March 5, with an evening of great bluegrass music. This national band travels all over the US and Canada with its noted fiddle, mandolin, banjo and guitar greats. Since signing with Rebel Records in 1999, the band has released five albums. Mostly traditional by nature, the band performs many originals, penned mostly by the Holt clan and some old time favorites along with some new material from each of their five Rebel recordings. They plan to release their sixth CD this year.

Amy Hendrickson and Prime Directive

Saturday night, March 6, Amy Hendrickson and the Prime Directive band will be shaking the rafters with its brand of country, rock and many other styles of music. A Jacksonville based band, these musicians will have you on the dance floor, clapping or tapping your toes! Come on out and welcome this band making its first appearance at the Spirit of the Suwannee!

Join us early Saturday, March 6 for the Spring Fling Garage Sale and grab the best bargains! Gates open early at 6:30 a.m. for those wishing to set up their sale site. Garage sale is from 8 a.m. – noon with no gate admission! Call us at 386-364-1683 now to reserve your own spot to sell your items or just come and browse for great bargains! Sites to sell are free to campers/$10 for non-campers and bring your own tables.

Rare Sunday night event with guest performer Terri Lisa Church

A rare Sunday night event, March 7 will feature David Church of RFDTV’s most requested program, Midwest Country, which has consistently received the highest Neilson ratings on the RFDTV network. David, in his “Road to Branson Tour,” has invited his wife to come alone and perform also. Terri Lisa Church is a singer/musician in her own right. David is a Hank Williams Sr. Tribute Artist and wife Terri Lisa does tributes to Patsy Cline as well as other great music.

As always, the SOS Café and Restaurant will open at 5 p.m. all three evenings, offering delicious food and your favorite beverages at regular prices. The SOS Café is open for breakfast and lunch Saturday and Sunday so stop in while you‘re at the Music Park.

Shows in the Music Hall begin at 7 p.m. Admission Friday night will be $8 for the Wildwood Valley Boys show. Admission Saturday night for Amy Hendrickson and the Prime Directive is $10, while Sunday night advance tickets for the David and Terri Lisa Church show are $15 or $18 at the door.

For more information about these exciting events or the upcoming Springfest, Wanee, 8^th Annual Rock-N-Wheels or the biggest country music jam in the South, the Suwannee River Jam, call the SOSMP at 386-364-1683, go to the SOSMP website at www.musicliveshere.com or email spirit@musicliveshere.com. We’ll be looking for ya’ll!