Tag: features
Occupy Oakland; Free Tickets to: Snoop Dogg/Wiz Kalifa; Erykah Badu; Fela!; Avant; Keb' Mo; Montclair Womens Big Band; Duke Ellington; Velveteen Rabbit; Colors of Xmas; Oakland Interfaith Gospel Ensemble; Zongo Junction; Orgone; Business Strategic Plan
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Keb' Mo's music is a living link to the seminal Delta blues that traveled up the Mississippi River and across the expanse of America–informing all of its musical roots-before evolving into a universally celebrated art form. Born Kevin Moore in South Los Angeles to parents originally from the deep South, he adopted his better known stage name when he was a young player who became inspired by the force of this essential African-American legacy. In the storied tradition of bluesmen before him including Muddy Waters-formerly McKinley Morganfield-and Taj Mahal, who began his days as Henry St. Clair Fredericks, Moore became known as Keb' Mo'. His acclaimed self-titled 1994 debut album introduced that now famous appellation to the world, and his latest album, 2006's Suitcase, brings it to new heights.
the voice of modern soul
He was once hailed as the "new voice of ghetto soul." No more. Avant can now be hailed as the "new voice of modern soul." The proof is in the listening as the singer prepares to release his sixth album—and first—on Verve Forecast: "The Letter" (Dec. 7).
"A letter is what you write to people to tell them what's going on in your life," says Avant. "This album is a letter from me to my fans about what's going on in my life, what's going through my head and my struggles as a man."
Simmering with radio-friendly yet relatable introspections about romance/love, commitment and other realities of life, "The Letter" finds singer/songwriter Avant ready to ascend into music's mainstream ranks—joining such predecessors as Maxwell, Marvin Gaye, and D'Angelo. Guiding Avant on that journey is a contingent of established and emerging producers from the R&B/hip-hop realm. Among them: The Pentagon, whose members Damon Thomas, Eric Dawkins and Antonio Dixon have collectively crafted hits for Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Babyface and Usher; Mike City, whose credits include Usher, Jamie Foxx, Brandy and Carl Thomas; Marshall Leathers, formerly of the Architects, who has worked with India.Arie and Missy Elliott and Kajun, fresh off the top 5 R&B hit "Sex Room" by Ludacris featuring Trey Songz.
Avant, who also co-wrote and co-produced several "Letter" tracks, has revitalized his music without sacrificing his primary sound: "love ballads and mood records in the vein of Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Luther Vandross and R. Kelly. "These guys," says Avant, "gave me the drive to write and sing about the way relationships should go."
Acknowledging the career-evolving fear factor artists face with each new album, Avant notes, "You don't want to let your fans down, but you don't want to come off like you're trying to be someone else. At the same time, you want to stay relevant without sounding boring. For me, it's about giving people great music. And I feel I've got that niche."
At the forefront of accomplishing the singer's current mission is the lead single "Kiss Goodbye." Introduced by a driving piano riff, "Kiss Goodbye" settles into an atmospheric, mid-tempo groove that provides the melodic backdrop to the song's cautious message: don't ever take a romantic relationship for granted. "See you done got a lot of passes/Sick of waiting on you to change," sings Avant. "You won't know it, it's a perfect disguise/She won't show it, but lips don't lie …/It's OK if she said she was out with her girls and you know it's a lie/But if she kissed him, that's your kiss goodbye." In a nutshell, the song doubles as the male equivalent to Beyoncé's own cautionary tale broken down on the hit single "Irreplaceable."
"I'm out to raise caution to the fellas," explains Avant about the inspiration behind "Kiss Goodbye," produced by The Pentagon. "We've been used to talking our way out and through situations. But now we have to show more action."
Avant draws on his inner Marvin Gaye as he skillfully works his way through "Hot 16," a mood-setting number about an anticipated romantic liaison. "We're about to make a masterpiece … something to remember," he smoothly croons. The mood shifts on "Where Did We Go?," a commentary on the day-to-day stresses that can cause the demise of a relationship. Avant isn't afraid to bare his emotions as he laments his and his lady's inability to simply reach out and talk in an increasingly digital world. The Pentagon, who produced "Hot 16" and "Where Did We Go?," also helmed the beautiful anthem, "Walking on Water." It's destined to become a wedding classic by virtue of its quiet melody and revelatory lyrics: "I finally found someone/A girl I can love forever/Never thought it would happen for me/Feels like I'm walking on water; walking on water/ When I'm with you, impossible is easy to do."
Among the other 11 tracks comprising "The Letter" is another R&B highlight, "Night Life." Directed by producer Mike City, it features the feel-good morning-after line: "Waking up late with you on my mind." Avant also taps into the hip-hop side of R&B on the languid "Body Police" and club jam "Had Enough," both produced by Kajun, as well as the mid-tempo groove "That Dude," produced by Marshall Leathers. In addition to its melodic, contemporary R&B framework and story-telling lyrics, "The Letter"'s cohesiveness is tied together by Avant's lilting tenor, which can shift effortlessly from romantic crooner to get-down party man.
Avant comes by those skills naturally. Born and raised in Cleveland, the church-honed singer attended Cleveland School of the Arts and later became the first act signed to Magic Johnson's MCA-distributed label, Magic Johnson Music (MJM). Avant came to the NBA legend's attention when the singer wrote and released the single "Separated." The song, about a failed romantic relationship, began getting airplay on the top-rated Chicago radio station WGCI. The song was eventually included on Avant's 2000 MJM debut album, "My Thoughts." Reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, "Separated" was followed by the top five hit "My First Love," a cover of the 1983 René & Angela R&B classic featuring KeKe Wyatt. Avant returned the favor on Wyatt's 2001 album debut, "Soul Sista," pairing up with her on the No. 4 hit "Nothing in This World."
After scoring platinum with "My Thoughts," Avant released two more platinum-certified albums, "Ecstasy" (2002) and "Private Room" (2003), and notched several more top 10 singles: "Makin' Good Love," "Read Your Mind." Fourth album "Director"—distributed through Geffen and his final MJM project—was released in 2006 and featured the hit "4 Minutes." Two years later, he segued to Capitol for a fifth, self-titled album that yielded the top 20 single "Break Ya Back."
Having recorded with such diverse acts as Nicole Sherzinger and Lil Wayne, Avant isn't afraid to stretch his vocal wings. He most recently partnered with contemporary jazz artist Brian Culbertson on the single "Skies Wide Open" from Culbertson's new "XII" album. He was also among the select group of singers chosen to pay homage to R&B legend Frankie Beverly on "Silky Soul Music … An All-Star Tribute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly."
"The different textures of music excite me," says Avant. "The dabbling in other genres inspires my writing."
Another side of Avant is revealed on the new DVD release of playwright David E. Talbert's "In the Nick of Tyme," which also stars Morris Chesnut, Ellia English and Terry Dexter. Says Avant, "Bringing across another character was so much fun."
However, it's the singer/songwriter part of Avant that's on center stage right now as Verve Forecast prepares to release "The Letter," the next step in the artist's ongoing evolution. "I have to say, I'm not where I want to be yet, and I won't be complacent," declares Avant. "I'm always fighting to go further. Once you hit a plateau, it's time to create another. I'm just getting started."
Montclair Women's Big Band
Ellen Seeling, Director
Brownsville Express – Montclair Women's Big Band by Yoshisjazz
The Montclair Women's Big Band celebrates its thirteenth year with a special Thanksgiving perfomance at Yoshi's Oakland, the band's home town. With a vivid cast of some of the best jazzwomen in the San Francisco Bay Area, the band combines an audacious sense of swing, tight ensemble work and inspired solos. All About Jazz writes "the Montclair Women's Big Band is one of the most formidable jazz ensembles on the West Coast…this is premium-grade big band jazz, rigorously blended for high mileage and maximum pleasure."
MWBB cemented its status as a world-class ensemble with the release of it's self-titled debut CD. Recorded at George Lucas's state-of-the-art Skywalker Sound in Marin County and engineered by three-time Grammy winner Leslie Ann Jones the recording has become a best-seller on CDBaby. Jazziz Magazine labeled the recording "a blues-drenched gem that swings with dazzling aplomb." The band has gained visibility through a series of high-profile gigs, including performing to a sold out audience in LA for the Grammy Foundation, headlining the Mary Lou Williams Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and being featured on National Public Radio's number one syndicated show, Piano Jazz, with Marian McPartland.
Don't miss the band's Thanksgiving celebration! The ensemble will present a number of new compositions by women including Mary Lou Williams and band members Jean Fineberg and Christy Dana, featuring the band's outstanding soloists. All About Jazz writes "the MWBB unsheathes an arsenal of meticulous sharpshooters including pianist Tammy Hall, trumpeters Ellen Seeling and Marina Garza, saxes Mad Duran and Jean Fineberg, and trombonists Sarah Cline and Mara Fox." Rounding out the personnel are saxes Kasey Knudsen, Yvonne Line and Carolyn Walter; trumpets Tiffany Carrico and Ariel Vento; trombones Crystal Bryant and Becca Burrington; pianist Erika Oba; bassist Ruth Davies and drummer Russ Gold. Be there or be square!!
OCCUPY OAKLAND! OCCUPY WALL STREET!!!
The Occupy Movement that has swept America and the world, had it's Occupy Oakland beginnings with the revelation of irrefutable evidence of the mass fraud and corruption of the Oakland City Attorney, Oakland Police Department, Alameda County District Attorney, Alameda County Superior Court, California State Appeals Court and California Supreme Court in an action to deny justice and cover up that denial of justice in the 20 year case of Abdul-Jalil al-Hakim vs CSAA, Rescue, et al.
The unrest caused by the exposure of the criminal actions of these law enforcement, legal and judicial individuals/bodies in this matter implored others to investigate the ongoing case revealing even more rampant corruption that has dramatically portrayed the sullied, sordid underbelly culture of corruption that Oakland and Alameda County has long been known for! This pattern continued even through the Oscar Grant murder debacle but lead to the people of the Oakland East Bay Area and beyond, standing up to that corruption and saying "NO MORE!!!".
The cry at ALL the Occupy events world-wide are echoing the frustration felt by the people of the East Bay Area, "We are ALL Oscar Grant!!" and most are reacting in solidarity and union with those whom have voiced their opinions with their frustrations in a varied manner of ways. The world witnessed as Oakland revolted and burned with the that cry and now the whole world is chanting the same tune and following Oakland lead as it did in the 1960-70's re-evolution!
The Minority and Occupy Communities ( #occupyoakland #OWS) are evaluating the elected officials, want-to-be-leaders, clergy and so-called power brokers that do not represent their interest, yet claim to bargain and speak for them! How can these self-perceived "influence peddlers" bargain away the rights and interests of people they do not talk to, know nor represent?
African-American youth, the overall Minority Youth Community with the Occupyers ( #occupyoakland #OWS) know these carpet baggers and their "bagmen" are sellouts and represent BIG BUSINESS INTEREST- the Developers, Banks, Insurance Companies, Attorneys and maintaining the status quo! The Minority Youth Community with the Occupyers proclaim widely and loudly that they ARE NOT the constituents of these turncoats that disavow their very own ethnic orientation because they acknowledge that being Black in America is to be considered worthless and disposable!
One of Oakland Mayor Jean Quan's problems is her depending on the advice of Uncle Toms Sandre Swanson, and Keith Carson; while fighting bootlicking-backstabbing Larry Reid and Ignacio DeLaFuente; assumming theres some influence of want-to-be-leaders, clergy and so-called power brokers to move the concerned disenfranchised; with double crooked duplicitous Dan Siegle! (More coming on this cast of characters)
Oakland City Councilmen Larry Reid and Ignacio DeLaFuente have given away many, many millions of dollars in valuable Real Estate to their developer partners! From 14th Ave to 106th Ave and down from MacArthur Blvd. to the Bay. Councilmen Reid and DeLaFuente are owned and controlled by developers! That's why they constantly connive so shamelessly for the Civil Gang Injunctions and curfews, with EVERY act of difference they are in the media spinning it as an example of serious crime that could be eliminated with the injunction/curfew. Reid has gone on air and repeatedly tried to trivialize and void the entire good of some lives by claiming their life was somehow lost to or compromised by gang related violence that could have been avoided by the injunction/curfew by pushes for his disposed partner in crime, former City Attorney John Russo. Many families resenting that media manipulation with on air to publicly denounce Reid's developers serving claims!
Reid was served with a complaint against his partner Russo and refused to investigate it, but rather chose to cover it up. Not so oddly enough, that was the same stance taken by Sandre Swanson, Keith Carson and District Attorney Nancy O'Malley. Who are they protecting and why? Carson has made himself a witness in this case my the admissions made by District Attorney Nancy O'Malley to him regarding the incident where she had al-Hakim removed from the D. A.'s office while sitting alone in the lobby waiting for a meeting!
The real reason the Reid Gang wants the injunction/curfews are because they are law enforcement and real estate developers dream tools for gentrifying the inner-city and administratively taking land from the poor! Not so unfortunately, an analyst last week revealed that the North Oakland Gang Injunction HAS FAILED to reduce crime in any way, yet in has enriched the police department with over $12 million while the Oakland Police Department has FAILED to comply with the Federal Mandate to meet MINIMUM agreed upon standards to fight corruption! This failure is one of the presumed reasons for Oakland Police Department Chief Anthony Batts resigning. One question being asked now is did Mayor Ron Dellums or City Attorney John Russo investigate the many alleged charges of abuse against former Oakland Police Department Chief Anthony Batts before they hired him and was that a factor in his resigning?
Watch video of al-Hakim and http://Nowtruth.org exposed California & Alameda County Superior Court Corruption
Listen to voicemail from Deputy District Attorney Kevin Dunleavy exposing continued Corruption and Fraud by District Attorney Nancy O'Malley as he hadvictim al-Hakim removed from Courthouse Building while al-Hakim was waiting for a meeting with him! O'Malley further ordered al-Hakim to NEVER return to the courthouse under the threat of arrest by D. A. Bob Conner, someone known to al-Hakim to have tried to place al-Hakim in a life threatening situation that resulted in the only conviction of police officers crimes committed while on duty! She made this order without any legal proceeding, court order nor cause in her effort to prompt a conflict of interest charge to avoid having to investigate and prosecute the complaint and evidence by al-Hakim that establishes the admitted fraud committed by the D.A.'s office for over 20 years!
Erykah Badu was born Erica Wright in Dallas, Texas, in 1972. By the age of 14, Erykah was free-styling for a local radio station alongside such talent as Roy Hargrove, who, incidentally, was a talented beat-boxer back in the 80's and who is now a very successful session musician in his own right. In her early youth, she decided to change the spelling of her name from Erica to Erykah, as she firmly believed her original name to be her 'slave' name. The term 'kah' signifies the inner self, which, when translated from Muslim, means 'can do no wrong'. Her surname, Badu, derives from an Arabic word which means 'to manifest truth and light'. After completing her theatre studies at university in 1993, Erykah Badu decided to concentrate on her music. She began to teach children how to sing and dance, whilst also performing in a hip-hop act with her cousin entitled Erykah Free. The following year Erykah met Tim Grace, of Legacy Entertainment. He listened to a demo once and decided to sign the young hip-hop duo without further hesitation. He then successfully managed to book Erykah Free to open for such established hip-hop crews as A Tribe Called Quest and Arrested Development. Erykah began recording the Baduizm set in 1996 and worked with such talented producers as ?love and Richard Nichols of The Roots, James Poyser and N'dambi. February of 1997 couldn't possibly have been a bigger year for Erykah. Her debut album was released and it achieved platinum status in under a month; her live shows received continual praise and her popularity increased dramatically. Erykah Badu had finally arrived on the big stage. Erykah Badu inevitably drew close comparisons to the legendary Billie Holiday. The formers blend of old soul, jazz and hip-hop, fused with a hypnotic flow is capable of stirring the deepest emotions, and Erykah's place amongst today's elite female soul artists of the world is already well and truly assured.********
Women of Jazz Celebrate the Holidays:
DESTINY MUHAMMED JAZZ TRIO,
A VICTORIA THEODORE CHRISTMAS
SF, CA 94115
Destiny Muhammed Jazz Trio – Harpist from the Hood
Destiny, Sound Sculptress, mesmerizes her audience with her musical imagery. She writes classical/ crossover eclectic jazz for vocals and harp.
Destiny has performed for: Susan L. Taylor, Editorial Director -ESSENCE Magazine Women Who Are Shaping the World Leadership Summit, Monterey Jazz Festival, Revelations Transformation Conference Founder and 'The Secret' Visionary Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, The Disney Concert Hall, Black Aids Institute, GRAMMY Award Winner India Arie, Irie's 'Testimony' the Seattle Center, Fischer Hall, San Francisco Librairies, Concert for World Peace and the Brooklyn Jazz Festival with Jazz Ambassador Eddie Gale.
Destiny most recently shared the stage with multi GRAMMY Award Winning producer Narada Michael Walden for a fundraiser for Songstress Angela Bofill and a panelist for the West Coast Songwriters Performing Songwriters Panel and panelist for the GRAMMY San Francisco Chapter 'State of the Music 'Industry.
Destiny is expanding her musical ideals with her project(s) S.O.N.G/ Strings of a Nubian Groove Nubian String Ensemble, The Destiny Muhammad Jazz Trio, & The Richard Howell Quintet (RHQ) and venturing into the world of Pedal Harps on her Salvi Daphne 46- string Concert Harp.
Destiny is Governor Emeritus and Educational Chair Emeritus of the Recording Academy, San Francisco Chapter and the Principle Harpist for the Oakland Public Conservatory Orchestra.
Victoria Theodore received her Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Classical Piano Performance and Computer Music from Oberlin College / Conservatory of Music (where she studied piano with Sedmara Zakarian Rutstein), and her Master of Arts degree in Classical Piano Performance from Stanford University (where she studied piano with George Barth and vocal accompaniment with Judith Bettina). As a teen, Victoria studied piano and voice in the UC Berkeley Young Musician's Program (YMP) and sang (and began her accompanying career) with the Oakland Youth Chorus (OYC) , under the direction of Trente Morant. Through YMP, Victoria studied piano primarily with Eugene Gash (1920-1995), the first African-American concert pianist to perform a solo concert at Carnegie Hall, and a student of E. Robert Schmitz (1889-1949), a student of composer Claude Debussy. During her Stanford years, Victoria also studied Jazz Piano with Mark Levine, Bill Bell and Frank Martin.
While studying for her MA, Victoria performed with several San Francisco Bay Area ensembles and bands, including The Peninsula Symphony, Theatreworks, Hayward Little Theater, Oakland Youth Chorus, and jazz bands Victoria Theodore Quintet, Time Will Tell Sextet, LMNOP and 10BassT. Shortly after graduation from Stanford, Victoria toured nationally as a keyboardist for Captiol Records artists Oaktown 357 – produced by MC Hammer.
After Oaktown 357's tour ended, Victoria moved to New York City to run a multimedia company. In 2000, Victoria returned to the Bay Area after several years running her company, GlobalDisc.com – a very successful venture which is still a market leader in same day media duplication.
Beginning in August, 2007, Victoria was hired to tour with legendary musical genius Stevie Wonder, playing keyboards and singing background vocals in his band. She has traveled around the world with Stevie and looks forward to more touring! (And yes, it's as fabulous as you'd imagine!)
Victoria is a highly sought Bay Area pianist, keyboardist and accompanist, respected for her wide ranging musical versatility. Victoria resides in San Leandro, CA, and teaches students from her home when she's not performing with various R&B, jazz, gospel, pop and classical artists.
Victoria has performed with Sting, Smokey Robinson, B.B. King, John Legend, Jeff Beck, Rickey Minor, Boney James, Esperanza Spalding, Tyrese, Prince, Tony Bennett, John Mayer, India Arie, Glenn Lewis and many others!
SanFrancisco, CA 94102
The musical Fela! is an incredible explosion of music, color and culture. The website www.felaonbroadway.com notes, "Please be advised that Fela! has loud sound effects, smoke and haze effects and strobe effects. "The Broadway experience can be like sitting with blinders on," the creator of Fela! told Billboard. "This is a show you enjoy as much with your body as with your mind. It's free and communal."
AN EVENING WITH BRIAN MCKNIGHT
A Special Christmas Week of Performances!
Brian McKnight 'Fall' Music Video from Brian McKnight on Vimeo.
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/24117874]
As an artist who needs no introduction, Brian McKnight has earned himself a spot in contemporary music history. He has released 13 albums to date, with several going 2 and 3x platinum, and he has sold over 20 million albums worldwide. In addition to being a singer, songwriter and producer, McKnight is also a multi-instrumentalist who plays nine instruments including piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet.
In an industry known for a constantly revolving door of artists, McKnight has easily established himself with an enviable record of chart consistency, has toured successfully for over a decade, and has collaborated with performers across every genre including Quincy Jones, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Diddy, Christina Aguilera Rascal Flatts, Nelly, Vanessa Williams, Willie Nelson and Kenny G.
Born in Buffalo, New York, McKnight's musical career began in childhood when he became a member of his church NY choir and a bandleader for his high school, Sweet Home High School. By the age of 19, he signed his first recording deal with Mercury Records. In 1992, his self-titled album "Brian McKnight" was released followed by "I Remember You" (1995) and "Anytime" (1997). "Anytime" sold over two million copies and was nominated for a Grammy. In 1999 McKnight released "Back at One" on Motown Records, which sold over three million copies.
Along with several Grammy nominations, Brian McKnight has been the recipient of American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image and Blockbuster Awards, and Billboard Songwriter of The Year. He has crossed the boundaries of EVERY medium. He has hosted "Soul Session Countdown with Brian McKnight" on BETJ. In addition, "The Brian McKnight Morning Show" on KTWV the Wave Smooth Jazz radio station, was a Top 5 rated show 2 years running. In 2009 Brian started hosting his own radio show "The Brian McKnight Show" which ran in over 60 markets and was syndicated through ABC Radio. Brian also hosted his own nationally syndicated TV show "The Brian McKnight Show."
McKnight has also used his vast industry knowledge as a red carpet host for Extra! and in 2007, McKnight stepped into Broadway with a successful run as Billy Flynn in Chicago. He was also a contestant on the Donald Trump hit show "Celebrity Apprentice" and is currently touring nationwide in the JeCaryous Johnson play "Cheaper to Keep Her" with Vivica A. Fox. 2011 will see the release of McKnight's 14th album, entitled "Just Me" along with a worldwide tour and live DVD. McKnight is also making the tour a family affair this time around and will be joined on tour by his brother Claude McKnight (Take 6) and sons BJ and Niko also known as "BRKN RBTZ" (broken robots), for what promises to be a spectacular one-of-a kind show.
THE PHARCYDE with Live Band
An influential alternative rap quartet from South Central Los Angeles, the Pharcyde was formed by MCs/producers Tre "Slimkid" Hardson, Imani Wilcox, and Romye "Booty Brown" Robinson. Hardson, Wilcox, and Robinson were all dancers and choreographers who met on the L.A. underground club circuit in the late '80s, worked together for a while, and served a stint as dancers on In Living Color. Under the tutelage of Reggie Andrews, a local high-school music teacher, the group learned about the music industry and the process of recording an album. They landed a deal with Delicious Vinyl in 1991, and a year later released their eccentric debut album, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, which went gold. After support slots for De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest as well as a successful spot on Lollapalooza's second stage in 1994, the group released its second album, Labcabincalifornia, which was calmer than their first but no less warped. After a five-year break which saw little action, the Pharcyde returned in late 2000 with their third album, Plain Rap.
DJ Funklor
DJ Funklor has ripped up stages from his hometown, the Bay Area, all the way to Greece. In that time he has been asked to play for artists such as: Smokey Robinson, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Drake, The Roots, Damian Marley, Ice Cube, Ben Harper, N*E*R*D, Nas and many more.
MACEO PARKER'S NEW YEARS PARTY!
Celebrate the New Year with some Funk!
Parker talks with his sax, chatters away without a seeming care. It's a musical antidepressant, an antidote to dark days. ….firmed my belief that the world would be a better place if we all funked together.
-San Diego Reader
Maceo Parker: his name is synonymous with Funky Music, his pedigree impeccable; his band: the tightest little funk orchestra on earth.
Everyone knows by now that he's played with each and every leader of funk, his start with James Brown, which Maceo describes as " like being at University "; jumping aboard the Mothership with George Clinton; stretching out with Bootsy's Rubber Band. He's the living, breathing pulse which connects the history of Funk in one golden thread. The cipher which unravels dance music down to its core.
His collaborations over the years performing or recording or both have included Ray Charles, Ani Difranco, James Taylor, De La Soul, Dave Matthews Band and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. His timeless sound has garnered him a fresh young fan base.
It is almost impossible to separate which came first, Maceo or the funk. The amazing P-funk Parker has been at it with his legendary alto horn for some time dating back to the 1960's. That's when Maceo and his drummer brother Melvin climbed on board the James Brown funky soul funk train. It wasn't long before James coined the solo summoning signature, " Maceo, I want you to Blow!". To most musicologists it's the muscially fertile group of men from this period of James Brown's band who are recognized as the early pioneers of the modern funk and hip-hop we still jump to today.
For more information, please visit Maceo Parker's website.
IDLE WARSHIP
feat. Talib Kweli, Res and Live Band
Idle Warship "System Addict" feat. Jean Grae & Jay Knocka
After four years of independently released tracks that spread like wildfire across the web, Idle Warship will release their first official collection of songs entitled Habits of the Heart on November 1st, 2011, viaBlacksmith/Element 9/Fontana. The 12-track album has Idle Warship storming the music scene with a bold and indefinable mash-up of influences, from soul to hip-hip to alternative to electronic. Idle Warship brought an incredible range of musical sensibilities into the studio and we'll venture to say that the output will completely blow your mind.
Idle Warship is a perfect example of how a whole can become greater than the sum of its parts – and that is saying quite a lot given the musical components of this project. A collaboration between longtime friends and collaborators, hip-hop luminary Talib Kweli and critically acclaimed soulful singer and songwriter Res, Idle Warship was born out of sheer experimentation in the studio. But some of the best things in life happen when least expected. When fans of Talib and Res heard and reacted to some online MP3s of what these two had created during their off-the-cuff sessions, it became clear that that something much bigger was brewing. Since making a huge splash at SXSW in 2009 and completing a successful European tour, Idle Warship made Party Robot – their mixtape with master DJ Mick Boogie and singer/songwriter Graph Nobel – available for free download in 2010. It only left the fans craving more, and now the wait is over!
With an obvious chemistry, a dedication to free creative expression and now a new album, Talib and Res'partnership has become a musical force to be reckoned with. Habits of the Heart effortlessly shifts from the rhythmic hand-clapping blast of "Laser Beams" (stream or embed the song here) to the off-kilter futuristic track "Driving Me Insane" to the unbridled, heartfelt piano ballad "Beautifully Bad." With guest spots fromChester French and John Forte on "Covered in Fantasy," and Michelle Williams on "Katya," Habits of The Heart takes you on one thrilling journey.
Visit IdleWarship.com for more info.
Contact the Food Bank''s Agency Services staff to let us know about your interest in Food Bank membership. You can email us atagency (at) accfb.org or call us at 510-635-3663ext. 365.
Attend a series of 2 trainings.At least 2 staff/volunteers from your agency must attend EACH of the trainings. We welcome (and highly encourage) agencies to bring more than 2 staff/volunteers to attend each training.
We have a HipHop Ad Agency specializing in advertising, strategic planning, promotions and marketing targeting the hard to reach, but extremely lucrative, X-Y and Baby Boomer generations urban and suburban markets using Hip Hop culture, it's sound, it's fashion, it's speak, it's bravado, it's image, it's way, as the vehicle. We have registered the services of Hip Hop, Rap and RB's elite artists, producers, directors, writers, choreographers, dancers, graff artist, B-boys, photographers, actors, models, and professional athletes to participate in this eX-whY ¿eX-whY AdVentures?. We are producing commercial ads from concept, to creation, to production, to placement in media, – the entire process-, while owning our product!!!
December 2011-January 2012 New Job Listings
Established Talent Management Company, with offices in New York and Los Angeles, is looking to hire a seasoned Manager and or Agent for their rapidly expanding Below-The-Line Division. They are seeking candidates that are highly motivated, savvy and must come with an existing client list. Competitive salary & commission deal offered. All inquiries will be kept confidential. They are looking to fill positions in both their LA and NY offices. Minimum 5 years' experience as Below-The-Line Agent or Manager. Please reply to btlmanager2011@yahoo.com with your CV and info.
Full Service Creative Agency with feature, commercial, music video and international video background looking for seasoned Production Manager. This person must be knowledgeable in the industry with ample production office / set experience. The ideal candidate will be proficient in the following: mac/pc, Microsoft Office, Photoshop/Illustrator, Final Cut, bookkeeping/light budgeting, scheduling, travel arrangements, phone etiquette (often internationally) and rolling calls. It is essential to work well under pressure. Please email cover letters and resumes to: jobs@adorecreative.com
In-House Manager/CEO needed for author and public speaker. Must have experience in publishing or entertainment, preferably in management, legal, or marketing. 7+ years project management experience required, plus strong communication, time management, organization, prioritization, and people skills. Duties include management, growth, and expansion of current businesses and projects; training and managing employees; evaluating and initiating new projects; and negotiating contracts and deals. Email ceoapplications@gmail.com with "Kennedy" in the subject line of your email.
Talent management company seeks highly motivated assistant preferably with some entertainment industry experience. College degree required. Applicant must be articulate, highly organized and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Please send resumes and cover letters to talentmgmtasst01@gmail.com
Management company seeks qualified assistant to work for extremely busy talent & lit manager in the film and television department. Candidates must have at least one year previous agency or management experience. Duties include rolling calls, heavy scheduling, heavy travel, database upkeep (inEntertainment and Microsoft Office Suite knowledge is required), submitting Breakdowns, and maintaining a general sense of order in clients' and manager's lives. Manager is a partner at the firm.18 month commitment required. Send cover letter and resume to asstsearch9465@gmail.com
Feature film production company seeks experienced freelance story analysts. Applicants must have at least two years of experience writing coverage for a producer, network or studio. Please email resume, references, and two coverage samples (1 script, 1 book) to reads619@gmail.com
Assistant to SVP of Reality Development and SVP of Scripted Development at a television production company. Ideal candidate would have agency experience, and an interest in both scripted and unscripted programming. Duties include: rolling calls; scheduling; coordinating with production and post-production; research; and contributing to projects in development. Qualifications: Must work well under pressure, have strong organizational skills, personable, reliable. Photoshop and powerpoint skills a plus. Send resumes to troehl@fbwmedia.com
Executive Assistant to Senior production executive at Miramax needed. Minimum one year prior experience as assistant to either agent, manager or production exec required. Needs to be very proficient with Mac and PC. Must be interested in reading, development, and packaging. Must have great organizational skills, etc. Position starts sometime in January. Please send resumes to: asst.position2012@gmail.com
Leading online entertainment news website seeking Executive Assistant. 2+ years experience rolling calls, scheduling meetings, red-lining docs, extremely trustworthy, and able to work long hours with dynamic entertainment personalities. Someone from an agency would be ideal who wants to break into production as an assistant. Reply with resume to: coolentertainmentnews@gmail.com
Premiere celebrity talent agency is seeking an agent assistant. Candidate will support President and Head of endorsements/licensing. Experience in celebrity endorsements or marketing preferred. The candidate should be excellent at handling multiple projects while maintaining a strong sense of professionalism. Apply only if you have prior industry desk experience. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to be an agent. Email your cover letter and resume to bkline@iaala.com
TV Chef and NY Times Bestselling Author seeks a creative, hard working, extremely reliable Assistant. You will provide production/culinary support for multiple TV shows, cookbooks, infomercials and her entire brand. Must have 2 years substantial production or agency experience and a strong interest in all things culinary. This is more of a production / kitchen assistant than personal assistant. If interested email resume and cover letter to chefsassistantjob@gmail.com
Principato-Young Entertainment seeks qualified assistant to work for a busy lit manager in the film and television department. Candidates must have at least one year previous agency or management experience. Duties include rolling calls, heavy scheduling, travel, heavy grid upkeep, and maintaining a general sense of order in clients' and manager's lives. The desk requires heavy coverage and notes writing; candidates should have thoughtful comments on scripts and a passion for reading material. Manager is a partner at the firm. Please send cover letters and resumes to asstsearch9465900@gmail.com
Seeking qualified assistant for Beverly Hills-based talent agent. Clients include TV/film actors, producers, athletes, and reality stars. Ideal candidate would wish to be an agent long-term, and a sense of humor, lateral-thinking skills, and an ability to multi-task would be beneficial. Prior agency experience required, inEntertainment proficiency a plus. Job would begin first week of January 2012. Please send all cover letters and resumes to agencyjob2012@hotmail.com.
Beverly Hills based talent management company seeks office assistant. Candidates must have a strong/friendly phone presence, excellent communication skills, be extremely detail oriented, and able to multi-task and prioritize. Job responsibilities include but are not limited to: phones, scheduling, office management, client submissions, research, booking travel, script coverage, etc. Interest in talent management essential. Please email resume and cover letter to officeasstjob345@gmail.com
Beverly Hills talent agency looking for an energetic, motivated assistant to support a high-volume agent in our alternative/reality department. The ideal candidate is even-keeled, smart, multi-tasking, passionate about reality TV and attuned to pop culture. Must have an interest in comedy and light script coverage. Entertainment experience preferred. Email resume and cover letter to bh.talentagency@gmail.com
Exec Assistant needed for new production company in BH. Should be savvy, sophisticated & fashion oriented with impeccable phone & email etiquette, as you will be corresponding with high profile clients. 3+ years of talent agency and or production experience is a must. College degree is a must. Amazing opportunity to start with a great company from the beginning. $50k + DOE. Send resumes with "Start Up Assistant" in subject to jobs@thehelpcompany.com
British owned company is seeking an executive assistant to the CEO. Candidate needs to be presentable, polite, and able to multi-task in a high pressured environment as this person will work at the front desk. Attention to detail, diplomacy, great communication skills and an excellent work ethic are necessary. Responsibilities include managing the CEO's calendar, travel, calls, order/pick up meals. Our company produces award winning reality and factual television. Please send resumes to Daniel: asstresumes2011@gmail.com
Fox Networks Group seeks a second assistant for the Chairman, Entertainment. The ideal candidate can handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. This is not a permanent assistant position, and the candidate must want to be a television executive. A high level of professionalism and confidentiality, a college degree, and one year of entertainment experience are required. Agency experience is highly preferred. Please send resumes to fngasst@gmail.com
Seeking an executive assistant for a Management / Production Company based in Los Angeles (Century City). Job responsibilities entail overall office upkeep, answering phones, maintaining busy schedule, rolling calls, scheduling meetings, travel, interacting with casting offices and clients and providing administrative support for the head of our talent department. Candidates should have 1-2 years agency/management experience. Please email resume and cover letter to: elevateasst@gmail.com
Looking for an assistant to join one of the faster growing comedy managements companies. Lots of room for advancement. Must have a passion for comedy and entertainment industry experience. Send resumes and cover letters to: comedyasst2011@gmail.com
TV Chef and NY Times Bestselling Author seeking a creative, hard working, extremely reliable Assistant. You will provide culinary and production support for multiple TV shows, the brand of cookbooks, magazine articles, infomercials, dessert line and more. Must have production or agency experience, a strong interest in all things culinary as this is more a kitchen assistant than personal assistant position. If interested email resume and cover letter to chefsassistantjob@gmail.com
Established TV/Commercial Director seeks Personal/Professional Assistant for one year commitment. Applicant must be multi-tasker, organized, hard working, computer savvy and love dogs. Strong Final Cut Pro editing skills required. Full time job – actors with auditions will not be considered. Must have car, cell phone and have no problem with combined personal/professional duties. Salary $575 weekly. Please send resume to assistant@whitedwarfprods.com
Author seeks personal/executive assistant with 5+ years experience. If you'd look forward to the stability and working relationship, send resumes to ceoapplications@gmail.com
Executive/Personal Assistant wanted. The job is 5 days a week, you must work from home and being on call is required. Cell phone & internet hot spot will be provided, but need to have good working laptop. Must be tech savvy and blogger experience is a big plus, as well as YouTube knowledge. Candidate will be in charge of schedule and other various duties and must be available to travel if needed. Please send back a resume, along with a picture, and blog URL if you have one.
hairassistantjob@gmail.com
Worldly and eco conscious jewelry brand that has been in business for over 20 years is looking for an executive/personal assistant. You will be responsible for managing the personal and professional calendar, party planning, email & phone correspondence, sending gifts. The ideal person will have at least 3 years of executive assistant experience, must be very proactive and have a can-do attitude. Excellent written & verbal skills a must. $50k. Send resumes to asoucie@24seveninc.com
Established TV/Commercial Director seeks Personal/Professional Assistant for one year commitment. Applicant must be multi-tasker, organized, hard working, computer savvy and love dogs. Strong Final Cut Pro editing skills required. Full time job – actors with auditions will not be considered. Must have car, cel phone and have no problem with combined personal/professional duties. Salary $575 weekly. Please send resume to assistant@whitedwarfprods.com
Major talent agency is seeking a full-time intern for Corporate Communications Department. Excellent opportunity for learning about media relations in the corporate environment. Applicants must be highly motivated, organized, detail-oriented and self-starting. Interns will assist with office projects, administration, and special events. Strong computer, verbal and written skills are essential. This is a paid internship through June 2012. Must hold bachelor's degree (any major) from accredited four-year college or university. Potential for full-time position. Please email to corpcommassistant@gmail.com to apply.
As the worldwide leader in entertainment public relations, Rogers & Cowan specializes in developing integrated marketing campaigns for entertainment, technology, and fashion/beauty clients. A Fall internship at Rogers & Cowan is intended to provide a true learning experience for the student along with the opportunity to observe public relations professionals in a business environment. It will provide familiarity with the public relations field and with the functions of a large agency. Email rcinternships@rogersandcowan.com for consideration. College credit only.
Screen Actors Guild-Los Angeles seeks a Communication Specialist with experience in media communications and public relations. Position is responsible for creating and supporting all marketing communications programs and initiatives. Undergraduate degree required. 3-5 years of related experience required. Combination of experience and education may be suitable. Writing sample required. $52,200 starting salary. Equal Opportunity Employer. For consideration e-mail resume with salary requirements to jobs@sag.org.
Los Angeles based PR and Marketing firm is looking for eager and hard-working interns to come in and help out at least two full days per week. Clients include those in the fashion, design, and entertainment fields. Tasks include answering phones, filing, research, occasional work-related errands, etc. Occasional attendance at events required as well. Internship is for school credit only. Please email resumes to matt@periodmedia.com
Los Angeles-based PR agency Konnect PR is seeking a full-time Account Executive with experience in lifestyle consumer products. Ideal candidate should have solid media relations, good writing skills, a Bachelor Degree in PR/ related field and minimum of 1-2 years of PR experience. Please send resumes and cover letters to mguzman@konnect-pr.com
Beck Media, a Santa Monica-based public relations agency serving the television and technology industries, seeks motivated, persistent self-starters with strong writing and multi-tasking abilities to intern at our office. Creativity and resourcefulness required. Duties include: media research, list building, event staffing, research and writing assignments, etc. Timing is flexible around classes, but we would prefer someone available for at least 4 hours/day, 4-5 days/week. Please apply to Jobs@beckmedia.com
Red Light Public Relations, a product placement and entertainment marketing firm in Hollywood seeks to fill the position of a Senior Account Executive. Qualified candidates must have prior entertainment/product placement/publicity backgrounds. Fashion PR showroom experience is a must and a strong list of contacts is a plus. Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@redlightpr.com
Public relations and marketing firm specializing in emerging brands and entertainment is looking for responsible and dedicated interns to start immediately and gain valuable hands-on experience with media and the mechanics of PR campaigns and strategy. We are looking for interns who have an active interest in social media and website design/management. Interest in creating social media strategies that build fan base, increase engagement and drive traffic. Must be an ambitious multi-tasker comfortable in a fast paced environment who can stay ahead of industry trends. Please send resumes to: spencer@workshopcollective.com
Red Light PR, a boutique fashion firm specializing in product placement, publicity, entertainment marketing and celebrity seeding seeks to fill positions in their internship program with potential transition to full-time employment. Qualified candidates should have excellent communication/people skills, prior experience in fashion PR field, and open schedule availability. Email resume and cover letter as soon as possible to internship@redlightpr.com
Independent Music Management firm seeks manager for music administration division. Position requires knowledge of music publishing administration, contract admin and database management. Knowledge of production company and record label a&r is useful, although not essential. This position requires at least 5 years of industry experience, preferably in music publishing. Ability to exercise self-motivation, stellar communication and people skills, and quality control is essential. Please send CV to: entjobla@gmail.com
Looking for the best Final Cut Pro Editors to join our New Media Breaking News team. Full time employment starts 2012. Must be extremely fast. We have daily and hourly turn around on our content. Great creative work environment. This is not a beginners position. Any and all other program experience a plus. Especially graphic design & Photoshop experience. Must live in LA. Email Resume & Reel to jamesthaffner@gmail.com
A major teen and young adult website is looking for a Social Media Intern (Communications major). Duties include cultivating a social media voice and connecting with our worldwide followers. Qualifications: Avid Twitter user; mastery of teen pop culture, awareness of emerging social media trends, and interest in new social media platforms. Please send resume to SocialMediaInternSpring2012@gmail.com. This is an unpaid internship for college credit.
Beverly Hills talent agency looking for a social media/digital marketer for the tour marketing department. Duties include, contact gathering, itineraries, gathering ticketing links, policing appropriate websites, organizing client social media data, working with the PR department on daily breaks, and coming up with online/digital promotions or campaigns to be implemented nationally/tourwide and track the success of said campaigns. Ideal candidate has previous industry and/or tour marketing experience, detailed, organized, and extremely proactive. Please e-mail resumes to smyers@apa-agency.com
A major teen website is seeking a talent relations assistant intern (public relations or communications major) next semester. The job consists of researching upcoming events in the L.A. area, answering phones, and assisting the Senior Director of Talent Relations to book, oversee and distribute celebrity interviews. Qualifications: Broad knowledge of teen pop culture, knowledge of proper email etiquette, and friendly demeanor. Please send resume toTalentInternSpring2012@gmail.com. This is an unpaid internship for college credit.
A major teen website is looking for an Editorial Intern next semester. Duties include researching breaking celebrity news, reporting to the Managing Editor, and writing news articles for the website. Qualifications: Strong writing skills; knowledge of AP Style, broad knowledge of teen pop culture, and experience using blogging platforms such as WordPress, Movable Type or Tumblr. Please send resume to EditorialinternSpring2012@gmail.com. This is an unpaid internship for college credit
A-list management company seeks a qualified web design and development coordinator. Responsibilities include assisting in maintenance of websites and apps for clients, executing marketing campaigns, and organizing and executing online publicity and grassroots newsletters. MUST be proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, wire-framing, HTML, and CSS. E-mail cover letter and resume to Kristi@thecollective-la.com.
CEO of a large media/tech company which is on the cutting edge of video and technology production, seeks a motivated, creative executive assistant. Duties include heavy scheduling, travel coordination, research, administrative duties, creative brainstorming/projects with execs and anything to make sure the office runs smoothly. Candidates should be willing to dedicate 1-2 years to being a rock star assistant, after which, the possibilities for growth and promotion are endless. Agency/management experience preferred. Please send resumes to jaime.mennealy@inthemo.com
Interns needed to start immediately at HaHa Media, Inc, a web-based media company. We seek highly motivated, creative and intelligent interns who are eager to learn. This is a three-month internship, and interns must be available at least 2 days or 14-16 hours a week. Duties include learning how to effectively write for the web; aiding with research; and learning the nuts and bolts of search engine optimization. A sense of humor, organization and outside-the-box resourcefulness is a must, experience with social media is helpful. Please send cover letter and resume to nick@omdoubleg.com.
Production company with major deal to produce several original digital media series is seeking Production Coordinator/Office Manager for downtown LA office. Experience with development, production, post production, and social media preferred. Candidates should be creative, detail-oriented, work well under pressure, and possess strong communication skills. Salary, full time position. Please send cover letter and resume to: officemanager.coordinator@gmail.com
Maya Entertainment has exciting new internship opportunities within its Home Entertainment division. Duties include: online research, creating/updating Maya's social media messaging, generating html sales newsletter, assisting with general office tasks (phones, filing, data entry). Knowledge of, or desire to learn about, the entertainment industry preferred. College credit. Skills: Microsoft Office, blogging, some web building, social networks and online marketing. Submit resume as PDF to: apply@maya-entertainment.com
Top digital-entertainment company is seeking assistant to the GM. Responsibilities include: managing calendar, rolling calls, travel, etc. This position provides the opportunity to actively engage in the programming strategy as well as participate in the business development of the network. Candidate will actively interface with the entertainment and production team to continue creating this innovating new-media destination. Ideal applicant will possess prior talent agency/production experience. Please send resumes to: digitalapplicant@gmail.com
Management and production company in Beverly Hills seeks a diligent and ambitious candidate to work as a production intern in the Digital Studios department. Applicants must have extensive knowledge of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, be very detail oriented and have an extended knowledge of YouTube and its back end. Experience with Final Cut Pro and Photoshop is a must. This internship is a great opportunity to gain work experience in the area of digital entertainment as well as develop your professional network and resume. E-mail cover letter, resume or reel to thecollectiveintern@gmail.com
Bi-Coastal (NY/LA) music management, celebrity and athlete endorsement firm is seeking an eager/hard-working intern to help out at least two full days per week. Clients include high-end celebrities and athletes in music, acting and lifestyle. Must be goal oriented and confidential. Tasks include answering phones, making outgoing calls, research, and basic office skills. Must be competent with Excel and Word. Internship is for school credit only. Please email resumes to ncokas@artistandathlete.com
Partner at talent agency seeking full-time assistant in Branding/Endorsement Dept. Job responsibilities include heavy phones, filing and standard office tasks, handling agent schedule, booking agent and client travel, etc. Position requires experience in Microsoft Word and Excel, excellent writing ability, and professional phone etiquette. Great opportunity for growth. Agency, public relations, or management experience required. This is a New York based position. Please email resumes to agencyjob08@gmail.com.
NY film production company is seeking an Assistant for NY based VP of Marketing. This position is fast paced; candidates should have a focus in Marketing or Marketing assistant experience, and be an excellent multi-tasker with rock-solid administrative skills, phone skills and have knowledge of Photoshop and Adobe products. Also knowledge of Microsoft office programs. We are looking for someone quick, savvy and energetic. Please send resume to greattopassistant@gmail.com
Constellation, an online movie theater channel with offices in NYC, is seeking dedicated fall interns to assist in areas including film research, PR/marketing, and social media. Interns will be exposed to a dynamic start-up environment and will learn about the changing landscape of film distribution on the front lines. Seeking students who are well-organized, personable, ambitious, have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and proficiency in social media platforms. Send resume and cover letter to: contact@constellation.tv
Santa Monica Production Company seeks Front Office Receptionist for day time hours on Saturday and Sunday as well as early evening (5:30 PM to about 10 PM) on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Position will include, but not limited to, answering phones, greeting visitors, managing all aspects of company mail and shipping as well as other various clerical duties. Please email cover letter and resume to: sheri.ross@verizon.net
Red Granite Pictures is looking for a organized and enthusiastic receptionist to start immediately. Responsibilities include answering phones, preparing expense reports, scheduling meetings, ordering supplies, as well as reading scripts and writing coverage. Excellent communication and organizational skills required. Please email resumes to info@redgranitepictures.com, subject "Reception Opening." This is a part-time position.
Bi-coastal talent agency is looking for an experienced Receptionist to start immediately. Duties include answering phones, greeting clients, and providing administrative support. Candidates must have experience on an entertainment industry desk, computer savvy, excellent phone etiquette, a strong work ethic, and the ability to learn quickly, multi-task, and be a team player with the right personality. Please email resume and cover letter to: dan@ksrtalent.com.
Boutique beauty agency is seeking an exceptional, highly motivated and detailed orientated Receptionist/Assistant Agent. Candidates must be able to answer heavy calls, book travel, have excellent communication and organizational skills, a desire to learn the business and a high level of enthusiasm. Agency experience a plus. Great entry level opportunity to experience the entertainment world. Salary position & more details upon interview. Send cover letters and resumes to asia@eamgmt.com
The Research & Development/Studio Operations divisions of Marvel Studios are seeking interns interested in comics and film development. Proficiency in Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office are preferred. Interns will be largely responsible for film project research in addition to assisting with administrative tasks Internship runs from Jan to May/June and are 20 hours/week. Interns must receive course credit. Please email resume and cover letter to: marveldevelopmentintern@gmail.com. Attn: Development Internship Coordinator.
Thunder Road Pictures seeks sharp, creative interns passionate about Film and TV. Excellent analytical reading and writing skills necessary, as coverage is expected regularly. Our internship producing program teaches interns the steps taken to develop and produce feature films and television series in a fun, friendly work environment. Car required and all interns must be able to earn credit. Hours are preferably 2-3 full days a week. We are currently hiring interns for Winter/Spring 2012 (Jan-May). Please send cover letter and resume to noah.winter@thunderroadfilms.com
Momentum Entertainment Group, a future generation content studio, is looking for spring interns within the Alternative Department. 20-25 hours a week, willing to work around class schedules. Please email resume and cover letter to internshipmomentum@gmail.com. Students must receive class credit.
Underground Films is looking for interns for their trainee program to start right away. The position is unpaid. You will gain valuable experience and knowledge in the areas of management and production, as well as working in a creative environment. Intern will have the opportunity to attend development meetings, client meetings, generals and listen in on calls. Intern must be able to multi-task as duties include script reading, answering phones, scheduling and other general office duties. No previous experience needed. Please email resume and cover letter to Austin at austin@undergroundfilms.net
Working Title Films is searching for intern candidates for the Spring 2012 semester. WTF is looking for highly capable individuals who have a passion for film and a desire to learn. Candidates must be outgoing, smart self-starters who like to work hard and have fun. Junior and Senior applicants only. Lunch is paid. Please submit resume and cover letter to workingtitlehr@gmail.com with the subject – Internship.
Looking for a smart, hard-working intern to read scripts, write coverage, and assist with day-to-day duties at Muse Entertainment, a production company located in Studio City. Position is unpaid. A great opportunity to learn how the development process works alongside high-level execs, as it's a small office with large projects. Academic credit offered. Please contact museusafrontdesk@gmail.com to be considered.
Prime Universe Productions is looking for enthusiastic interns. We are a very busy production company with numerous projects in various stages of development. This is an extremely creative environment where interns can be as involved in the development process as they want to be. Very important to be a self-starter. Please email resume and brief cover letter to info@primeuniverse.com. Include "Internship" in the subject line.
Film Rites, a production company founded by Steve Zaillian with a first-look deal at DreamWorks is looking for highly motivated interns to for the Spring 2012 semester. Interns will be exposed to daily operations, learning film development first-hand at an active production company. Duties include script coverage, actor/writer/director lists, administrative (copies, correspondence, phones), scheduling, creative meetings. Knowledge of film and strong writing skills are top priorities. This is an unpaid internship. Resumes should be sent to alex@filmrites.com
UTA writer client looking for an intern to help with research on several projects including two TV pilots and several feature scripts all in development. Must know Final Draft and have good proofreading skills. Hours are flexible, around 5-10/week. Unpaid. In return for their services, they will get career and relationship advice. A good opportunity for aspiring writers/producers to gain experience working with a successful writer. Please send resumes to hymsona@unitedtalent.com
Brand new financier/production company hiring a few interns to start immediately. While the job does not pay it's a fantastic experience if you put in the work. Must commit to at least 6 months, 2 days a week. Reading on your weekends. We are making films. Duties include office duties (everything that entails). If you haven't read at least 50 scripts and have no experience doing coverage do not send your resume. Email resumes to filminterns2012@hotmail.com
Academy Award-winning filmmaker seeks an intern for his production company, 2-3 days per week (M/W or M/W/F). Tasks include administrative work, but also a significant amount of development, brainstorming, and coverage. Send resumes to intern.intern.intern@gmail.com. Include a brief cover letter in the body of your email. Put the title of a book (with author) in the subject line. Must be a current college student able to receive credit.
Big Screen Entertainment Group is looking for young, motivated, and enthusiastic interns. Duties will include phones, emails, script coverage and general office support. The position will be 2-3 days per week, 12-15 hours total. We pay for lunch and reimburse for gas. This is a great opportunity to learn the development, production, and distribution sides of the business. Please send cover letters and resumes to adam@bigscreenent.com
Small but prevalent production company seeks creative, tech-savvy critical thinkers that don't shy away from hard work and a do-it-yourself attitude. This internship revolves around coverage, office duties, and we are looking for individuals who shine in a fast-paced and creative environment. Applications could potentially be an animator, graphic designer, filmmaker, writer, web designer, etc. School credit only. Start January, 2012 (Spring Semester). Send cover letter and resume to ProdCo.Interns@gmail.com
Crucial Films, a busy production company for entertainment mogul Dr. Dre, seeks motivated interns starting in January 2012. Candidates must be fulltime students. Focusing on films/TV, this is a unique opportunity for a very hands on experience. Duties: handle phone calls, set meetings for executives, read and report on scripts. This is an unpaid internship, but will help you take your career to the next level. Send resumes to crucialfilms.asst@gmail.com
Endgame Entertainment is a film production and finance company seeking interns for its work based training program relating to the company's creative development and business development departments. Interns will gain training and experience in phones, clerical duties, and script coverage. Previous knowledge of script coverage is appreciated but not required. Please send cover letters and resumes to internendgame@gmail.com. Unpaid. School credit only for Spring semester.
High level talent management/production company is seeking interns for the Fall semester. Applicant must be passionate about film industry and acting management with a good talent for script coverage, and must be proficient with answering phones, scheduling, and light office work. Internship is non-paid, and must be for college credit. Please email resumé and cover letter to mosaicinterns2011@gmail.com
Smokewood Entertainment is looking for an intern to assist in post production on their most recently wrapped film, Long Time Gone. Duties will include making runs, assisting with editorial needs and being a liaison between producers and editorial. This is a great opportunity to see how post production works on a feature film and to make connections with professionals in the industry. Please send cover letter and resume to: elizabethcohen3@gmail.com
Original Film seeks sharp interns passionate about film and eager to learn. Friendly work environment. Past interns have been hired. Responsibilities include reading, coverage, research, and general demands of an office. An excellent opportunity to learn in an active environment. 2-3 days/week preferred. Class credit available. Email resumes to intern@moritzfilm.com
Film finance company and its literary management subsidiary seek office interns for the winter/spring 2012 season. Duties will range from going on runs, general office tasks, backup reception / assistants, script coverage, and research projects. Availability required is 2 days a week M-F 9am – 7pm. School credit required, no exceptions. Candidates that do not meet these requirements need not apply. Please send attached cover letters and resumes to officeinterns@gmail.com
Bold Management & Production, a boutique management company representing artists in the areas of Talent, Literary and Music, seeks creative, outgoing, organized individuals for 3 day/week unpaid internships. Duties include but not limited to rolling calls, script coverage, project tracking, talent submissions, appointment scheduling, support with booking bands to local music venues, developing relationships with leading music blogs and general office duties. Email resumes to: assistant@boldmp.com> College credit given if applicable.
FilmNation Entertainment is a development and production company based out of Beverly Hills. This company is a great place to see the whole process of filmmaking, from development through delivery. Duties include heavy amounts of script reading and coverage as well as answering phones, and greeting clients. Interns are expected to be detail oriented, proactive, hardworking, and excited by this industry. Internship is unpaid. Parking is provided. Please email resumes and cover letters to laoffice@wearefilmnation.com
Global artist/brand management firm seeks motivated, hard-working interns available 3-5 days/week. Responsibilities include handling phones, merchandise and product inventory, in addition to general administrative duties. The ideal candidate is a team player who takes initiative and sees projects through to completion. This position requires a great deal of professionalism and attention to detail. Internships are unpaid. Please send cover letter and resume to assistant@jamincla.com
Intern for Pilot Presentation. Start immediately. January shoot. Prefer someone with production experience and Final Draft to assist with script compilation. Must be a team player to work alongside producers, cast, and crew. PC literate. Assist in various aspects of production, organizing office, phones. This could become a full time job when/if the show goes to series. Valley location. We'll need someone 5 days/week. Small weekly stipend. themensroomtv@att.net
Steve Carr is currently looking for interns for his production company Rumpus Entertainment. Duties will be script coverage, general administrative tasks, and the occasional errand. This internship is for college credit. We ask that interns have a car, a laptop, and are available 2 days a week. Forward resumes and attachments in the body of an email to asst@rumpusla.com
Scenario, a new literary management and production company, offers interns a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and earn great references by working with our writers, directors, and creative producers in the story development process doing story analysis, research, and notes. Part-time and full-time positions are available (including optional evening and weekend hours) for this unpaid internship. For more details, email internships@scenario-la.com
Color Force, Nina Jacobson's production company, is currently seeking interns for the Spring. We are looking for motivated, self-starters who are eager to learn more about the development and production process to intern 2-3 full days per week. We are a small and hands-on company. In addition to general administrative tasks, our interns attend ideas meetings, write script coverage, and complete research projects. The internship is unpaid and college credit is required. Please submit a cover letter and resume to colorforceintern@gmail.com
Leading Reality Television Show is seeking interns to aid in the preproduction of our second season. Interns will work alongside world class talent as well as top level television producers. Responsibilities will include: research, correspondence, scheduling, and errands. Positions are unpaid however successful completion of internship will likely lead to employment. Fluency in Hebrew and English a plus. Please email resumes and cover letters to lalalandintern@gmail.com
OddLot Entertainment is looking for interns seeking hands-on experience in film development/production. Duties include covering scripts, participating in Weekend Read meetings, phone reception, errands, etc. We're looking for candidates who are outgoing, organized, and have a hunger to learn the ins and outs of film production. While the internship is unpaid, we provide lunch. Please email your cover letter/resume to internship@oddlotent.com, Attn: Office Manager/HR, with subject line P&D Internship Spring 2012. 11/18
IM Global, the leading sales company and financier is seeking interns in the sales, acquisitions, and finance departments. Duties include: phones, reading scripts, other admin responsibilities in a fast-paced setting. Internship is unpaid but school credit available. Great opportunity to gain hands-on experience from one of the most successful companies in the field. Please send resume to: imglobal2011@gmail.com
Boutique talent agency in Santa Monica seeks intelligent, creative and computer-savvy intern with a great attitude and an interest in learning the industry. You will be involved in talent submissions, coverage, answering phones, assisting with contracts, filing, as well as other general administrative duties. Two full days (10am-5pm) a week minimum. Internship is unpaid, but school credit available. We are a small company so our interns get a real hands-on experience and an extraordinary education. Please submit cover letter, resume and availability to glickasst@glickagency.com
Myriad Pictures is a Santa Monica based development, production and film sales company. Interns tasks include reading, coverage, participation in weekend read meetings, general office duties, errands, covering desks, and research. Applicants should be capable, motivated, responsible, detail-oriented, and proficient in Word/Excel/Outlook. This is an incredible opportunity to experience multiple aspects of the film industry. This internship is unpaid, and participants must be eligible to receive academic credit. Flexible schedule. Please send resume and cover letter to juliana.dacunha@myriadpictures.com
Production Company, with films in development, is looking for an intern to start as soon as possible. Duties include: answering phones, scheduling, writing script coverage, and various other jobs. You will get the chance to work closely with the CEO and see firsthand how a production company is run. Please send cover letter and resume to PantheonAsst@gmail.com
Busy film producer seeks part-time assistant or intern, depending on experience. Ideal candidate is self-motivated, organized, and has great communication and computer skills. Responsibilities include clerical duties, and participating in development, production and post-production. Fluency in Mandarin Chinese a major plus. Please forward resume and cover letter to janetyang1@gmail.com
Miss World, a documentary film produced and directed by Cecilia Peck is seeking an unpaid intern to start immediately and work 2-3 days a week on post-production (flexible schedule.) Ideal candidate will be proactive, energetic, and possess very strong computer, research, and writing skills. You may receive school credit. Please send your resume and cover letter to cecilia@linordocumentary.com
A small independent production company is seeking interns for an exciting documentary on music art and film now entering post-production. This a great way to get hands on film/TV skills as you will be assisting the Editor with transcription and tape logging. Unfortunately the position is unpaid, but future opportunities with the company may be available. Please send a pdf of your resume and a cover letter to documentaryartmusic@gmail.com
An A-list management and production company in Beverly Hills seeks a diligent and ambitious intern interested in working in the television development. Tasks include answering phones, managing schedules, working with client, and going on runs. This is a great opportunity to gain work experience in the management area of the entertainment field as well as develop your professional network and resume. Previous desk experience is preferred but not required. This internship is not paid. E-mail cover letter and resume to thecollectiveintern@gmail.com
Four By Two Films is currently seeking reliable interns with an interest in comedy, writing, development and production. Responsibilities include script coverage, phones, office management, project research, and occasional runs. This is a non-paid internship. College credit necessary. Ideally looking for 2-3 day/week commitment. Please email resumes and cover letters with your availability to: internapp1@gmail.com
River Road Entertainment is seeking reliable, enthusiastic interns for winter/spring. Responsibilities include: script coverage, projects (writer/director lists, research), and administrative support (phones, copies). Contribute in creative meetings, and learn the development process firsthand. Candidates should have strong interest in feature film development, superior writing skills, and great taste! Send resume, cover letter and coverage samples, if available to resumes@rivroad.com. Credit required.
Mandate Pictures seeks interns for its spring semester film development internship program. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: reading and evaluating script, book, and article submissions, updating script and DVD databases, pitching material to executives, attending weekly staff meetings, compiling film festival grids, researching short films and up-and-coming talent, and covering executives' desks/phones when relevant. The internship also involves a Q&A dinner with Mandate's creative executives and intern seminars on film finance and film marketing. Candidates must be eligible to receive college credit. Send resume and cover letter to mandatepicturesinternship@gmail.com
Intrigue Entertainment seeks interns for the winter/spring term. We are currently in Studio City, but will be relocating to the westside early next year, and interns are expected to be available at both locations. Duties include conducting project research, writing coverage, and general administrative tasks. Ideal candidates will be professional and be committed to at least three days a week. Candidate must supply his/her own laptop and should have their own transportation. Position is unpaid.
Email cover letter and resume in the body of the email, with subject line "Internship" to:
info@intrigueent.com
Interns needed immediately for a comedy pilot presentation for AMC. Interns will spend time in the production office as well as on set. Internship begins immediately. Shoot starts November 15th and lasts 4 days. Applicants must have a car and a valid drivers license. Send resume to: intern@op-ent.com
Samuel Goldwyn Films is looking for hard working interns to start immediately. Responsibilities include film festival prep, script reading and screening movies coverage, research, and general office needs. We are looking for someone to commit to 2 or more days/week in our Beverly Hills office. Students must be enrolled in a recognized academic institution. Please email resumes to margot@samuelgoldwyn.com
Lawrence Bender Productions seeks Fall & Spring Session interns with a motivated attitude to start immediately as well as for our next intern session. Heavy reading, answering phones, runs and the opportunity to sit in creative meetings. Must have a car, all mileage reimbursed. Hours: 9am-7pm, 2-3 days a week. Please send resumes and cover letters as attachments to: lbproductionsinterns@gmail.com
Katalyst Films' Production Department seeks bright, qualified interns for the Spring semester 2012. Interns must receive college credit and commit to at least 2days a week. An interest in production is desired; duties include supporting the Vice President of Production, organizing and prepping shoots, dealing with logistics, helping to facilitate communication and assisting with basic finance processes. Please submit a brief cover letter with a resume (PDF attachment preferred) to productionintern2011@gmail.com
Blumhouse Productions is looking for 4 creatively-minded, enthusiastic, and intelligent interns to be a part of a growing company in the heart of Hollywood. Responsibilities include coverage, office duties, and you will have the chance to get creatively involved with our current projects as well! Students with film/tv production degrees are preferred! Please email all resumes to blumhouseproductions@gmail.com
Practical Pictures is looking for interns (unpaid, starting Jan 3rd). Hands-on interfacing with the producer bosses in a small company– you'll need some experience (phones, computers). We're in post on AMERICAN REUNION (PIE), releasing 4/16/12. We also have development projects at every studio. If you're able to work 2 full days, please email resumes to practicalintern@yahoo.com
Vuguru, an independent Beverly Hills-based studio funded by Michael Eisner's Tornante Company and Rogers Media, seeks motivated interns. Selected applicants will have an opportunity to work alongside executives in Development, Production, Post Production, Distribution, Marketing and Legal. Unpaid/academic credit only for the Spring 2012 semester. Positions available beginning mid-December2011. Minimum four days per week. Must have car. Resumes to internshipv@gmail.com. Please specify department of interest. No cover letter required.
Beverly Hills literary management company seeks efficient, intelligent, creative interns to start immediately. Duties include but not limited to script coverage, phone duty, office duties, running errands, scheduling, and research. Candidates should be creative thinkers, great multi-taskers and possess excellent communication skills. These are non-paying, part-time internships but will be an amazing opportunity for anyone willing to learn to about the industry. Please send cover letter and resumes to fall.internships.la@gmail.com
The Gersh Agency seeks dedicated interns for year-round internships for our Talent, Motion Picture Literary, Television and Comedy departments. Responsibilities include reading/covering scripts for consideration, rolling calls, actor submissions, and general office duties. Furthermore, our internship provides the opportunity to shadow Assistants and Agents in their day-to-day activities. Interns are required to work with us 1-2 days a week and supply evidence of school credit. To apply, please email your resume to: hr@gershla.com. Be sure to include a short paragraph detailing your interest in our Internship Program.
Singer/songwriter Goapele broke out of Bay Area at the beginning of the last decade determined to make a difference in the world of music. Seamlessly blending genres while refusing to be limited by the "neo-soul" tag, the eloquent singer/ songwriter completed her first release Closer in 2001 and never looked back. Embraced from the beginning by critics and fans alike, Goapele carved the perfect niche for herself as she created music that fused jazz, soul and hip-hop with her own beautiful poetry.
While the Oakland native and former Berklee College of Music student has continued to grow as artist and live performer in the eleven years since her debut, Goapele is also known as a savvy businesswoman.
Not content to be merely another singer lost in the machine, Goapele's follow-up recordings Even Closer (2002) and Change It All (2005) were released through majors in conjunction with her family owned independent label Skyblaze. "I like being more hands on when it comes to my music," Goapele says. "Establishing Skyblaze allowed me to have creative control and a strong understanding for the business behind the music." While Rolling Stone magazine once called Goapele the "spiritual love child of Sade and D'Angelo," her searing voice can be both sensuous and serious, often on the same song. After taking off six years from recording, Goapele has returned to the forefront of the music scene with Break of Dawn, a collection of sophisticated songs dealing with love, loss and all the life in between."One of my goals for the newest project Break of Dawn was to be more uninhibited," Goapele says. "I came into this business as a young woman who wanted to lay a foundation of musical integrity and now I'm more willing to share my sensuality as well. I realize that it's possible to be both complex and provocative."
As a perfect example of Goapele's more sensuous side, her first single "Play" is like a hot bubble bath overflowing with synths and passion. "I was working with producers Electric Thunderbolt, Dan Electric and Teddy Thunderbolt, and they started a vibe with the synths and drums that struck a chord with me. I was immediately ready to get into the recording booth," Goapele says. With sizzling rhythms that are subtle, sexy, but nonetheless funky, one feels as though Goapele is whispering lustful secrets in your ear.
"Milk & Honey," produced by Bedrock, is another sleek, sexy song that helped set the tone for Break of Dawn. "Bedrock and I worked together on the last album, and when he started working on the music for 'Milk & Honey,' I naturally felt the direction I wanted to go in."
Recorded mostly at Zoo Studios in Oakland, Break of Dawn digs deep while honestly revealing the many layers of experience that defines Goapele, from the birth of her daughter to the death of her father as well as a close friend.
"When I began thinking about the kind of project I wanted to make, I felt as though the world was open," Goapele states. "My musical foundation was already in place, so I could experiment and try new things."
As one of the earliest songs recorded for this project, the title track is the perfect anthem of perseverance in an ever-changing world that we have no control over. "I chose Break of Dawn as the title, because for me it represents being able to face challenges while still moving forward. After recording 'Break of Dawn,' I felt that through the good and bad things that have happened in my life, these were the experiences that led me to where I am today."
Produced by multi-instrumentalist Malay, who has worked with John Legend and Big Boi, the self-empowering song has a vibe that matches the Goapele's personality perfectly. "Both the album title and the song represents a new day and yet another opportunity to live the life we want to life," Goapele explains. "This is what keeps me inspired and motivated."
Collaborating with an array of creative folks including Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Bobby Ozuma, Malay and Bedrock, this is also the first project Goapele has worked with other songwriters. "Writing lyrics has always been such a personal process for me, but for Break of Dawn, I decided to take some of the pressure off of myself," she says, laughing.
Songwriter Carman Michelle teamed-up with Goapele and producer Krucial to help compose one of the album's most heartfelt songs "Hush," a beautiful lullaby written for her four-year-old daughter.
Another emotionally charged track is "Tears on my Pillow," a hard-hitting soulful song that explores Goapele's more bluesy side, dealing with the acceptance of love lost.
Growing-up in Oakland, her politically activist parents helped Goapele develop her musical taste by taking her to countless concerts. "Both of them loved music, so we'd go to shows," Goapele says. Her father was a politically exiled South African who knew many of the musicians. "They were often friends of the family, so sometimes they would even let me go on stage to sing and dance with the backup singers."
In addition to attending concerts as a girl, Goapele went to a performing arts elementary school. "My big influences were Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Prince and Bob Marley." As a child, Goapele also attended a lot of rallies and leadership conferences with her mother.
"Music was always a part of the program and I would be called upon to perform songs by Acapella group Sweet Honey in the Rock," she remembers. "But, I will admit
the first album I ever owned was Whitney Houston, which I carried around with me everywhere. My brother was the one who turned me on to rap, because he always played EPMD and Run-DMC."
After singing with The Oakland Youth Choir through out high school, Goapele attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she auditioned by singing the Lena Horne classic "Stormy Weather."
"I went to Berklee, because I wanted to have a better understanding of both the creative (singing, songwriting) as well as the business side," says the former voice major. "I even performed in a James Brown ensemble group so I could be pushed out of my comfort zone."
Indeed, a little bit of the James Brown/Prince vibe comes through on the hypnotic- funk of "Money." As the last song recorded for Break of Dawn, she says, "Although I'm a naturally laidback person, I felt I needed a song to kick up the tempo a little bit. Malay played me a funky bassline and we just took the song from there. The subject of money is stressing out so many people these days, but I wanted folks to realize it's not more important than relationships with other people."
After a six-year hiatus, Goapele returns to the limelight with perhaps her most diverse and exciting project to date. Without a doubt, the beauty, tenderness and joyful music on Break of Dawn will make your day.
David Grisman Quintet
Saturday, November 12, 2011, 10:00 PM
Sunday, November 13, 2011, 6:00 PM
David Grisman Quintet "Acousticity"
Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival 2008 – David Grisman Quintet "Acousticity" By WPPTV from WPPTV on Vimeo.
David Grisman: mandolin
Matt Eakle: flute
Frank Vignola: guitar
Jim Kerwin: bass
George Marsh: drums/percussion
For nearly half a century, mandolinist / composer / bandleader / producer David Grisman has been a guiding force in the evolving world of acoustic music. His musical range is wide and deep — embracing many styles, genres and traditions.
An acoustic pioneer and innovator, David forged a unique personal artistic path, skillfully combining elements of the great American music/art forms — jazz and bluegrass with many international flavors and sensibilities to create his own distinctive idiom — "Dawg" music (the nickname given him by Jerry Garcia.) In doing so, he's inspired new generations of acoustic string musicians, while creating his own niche in contemporary music.
Grisman discovered the mandolin as a teenager growing up in New Jersey, where he met and became a disciple of mandolinist/folklorist Ralph Rinzler. Despite warnings from his piano teacher that it wasn't a "real" instrument, David learned to play the mandolin in the style of Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass music. He took it to Greenwich Village where he studied English at NYU, while immersed in the proliferating folk music scene of the early 1960s.
In 1963 Grisman made his first recordings both as an artist (Even Dozen Jug Band – Elektra) and producer (Red Allen, Frank Wakefield and the Kentuckians – Folkways.) In 1966 Red Allen offered David his first job with an authentic bluegrass band, the Kentuckians. Grisman began composing original tunes and playing with other urban bluegrass contemporaries like Peter Rowan and Jerry Garcia, with whom he would later form Old & in the Way.
David's interests spread to jazz in 1967, while playing in a folk-rock group, Earth Opera. A failed attempt at learning to play alto sax turned him into a student of jazz musicianship and theory. His burgeoning career as a session musician gave him experience playing many types of music and opportunities to stretch the boundaries of the mandolin. His discography is filled with notables including Jerry Garcia, Stephane Grappelli, the Grateful Dead, John Hartford, Del McCoury, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Earl Scruggs, James Taylor and Doc Watson.
Dawg's instrumental style found a home in 1974 when he formed the Great American Music Band with fiddler Richard Greene. "Nothing against singers," said David, "but it became apparent to me that I could play 90 minutes without one. Besides, Elvis never called." Within a year, David met guitar wizard Tony Rice, who moved to California where they started rehearsing a new group, the David Grisman Quintet (DGQ,) which also included violinist Darol Anger and bassist/mandolinist Todd Phillips. Since then the DGQ has featured such stellar notables as Svend Asmussen, Hal Blaine, Vassar Clements, Stephane Grappelli, Mike Marshall, Andy Statman and Frank Vignola.
The current lineup of the DAVID GRISMAN QUINTET includes bassist Jim Kerwin, flutist Matt Eakle, percussionist George Marsh, and guitarist Frank Vignola.
After recording for major and independent labels, David founded Acoustic Disc in 1990 and entered the most prolific period of his career, producing 67 critically acclaimed CDs (five of which were Grammy-nominated.) In 2010 he launched http://AcousticOasis.com/ AcousticOasis.com, the first download website devoted to acoustic music.
David Grisman has always been a revolutionary. He has deeply influenced contemporary acoustic practicioners through his own musical explorations and with the continuing success of Acoustic Disc and Acoustic Oasis, has helped make artist-owned independent labels a viable force in today's music business.
Amiri Baraka and Ishmael Reed plus Roscoe Mitchell
A Fundraiser for Before Columbus Foundation
Poet. Playwright. Activist.
Featuring performances by Al Young, Genny Lim, Lorna Dee Cervantes and Danny Romero.
Amiri Baraka, born in 1934, in Newark, New Jersey, USA, is the author of over 40 books of essays, poems, drama, and music history and criticism, a poet icon and revolutionary political activist who has recited poetry and lectured on cultural and political issues extensively in the USA, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe.
With influences on his work ranging from musical orishas such as Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, and Sun Ra to the Cuban Revolution, Malcolm X and world revolutionary movements, Baraka is renowned as the founder of the Black Arts Movement in Harlem in the 1960s that became, though short-lived, the virtual blueprint for a new American theater aesthetics. The movement and his published and performance work, such as the signature study on African-American music, Blues People (1963) and the play Dutchman (1963) practically seeded "the cultural corollary to black nationalism" of that revolutionary American milieu.
Other titles range from Selected Poetry of Amiri Baraka/LeRoi Jones (1979), to The Music (1987), a fascinating collection of poems and monographs on Jazz and Blues authored by Baraka and his wife and poet Amina, and his boldly sortied essays, The Essence of Reparations (2003).
He has been the subject of numerous documentary films including Mario Van Peeble's Poetic License for The Sundance Channel and St. Clair Bourne's In Motion: Amiri Baraka. He has also appeared in dozens of films including, most recently, M.K. Asante, Jr's award-winning documentary The Black Candle.
The Essence of Reparations is Baraka's first published collection of essays in book form radically exploring what is sure to become a twenty-first century watershed movement of Black peoples to the interrelated issues of racism, national oppression, colonialism, neo-colonialism, self-determination and national and human liberation, which he has long been addressing creatively and critically. It has been said that Amiri Baraka is committed to social justice like no other American writer. He has taught at Yale, Columbia, and the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Somebody Blew Up America & Other Poems is Baraka's first collection of poems published in the Caribbean and includes the title poem that has headlined him in the media in ways rare to poets and authors. The recital of the poem "that mattered" engaged the poet warrior in a battle royal with the very governor of New Jersey and with a legion of detractors demanding his resignation as the state's Poet Laureate because of Somebody Blew Up America's provocatively poetic inquiry (in a few lines of the poem) about who knew beforehand about the New York City World Trade Center bombings in 2001. The poem's own detonation caused the author's photo and words to be splashed across the pages of New York's Amsterdam News and the New York Times and to be featured on CNN–to name a few US city, state and national and international media.
Ishmael Reed is one of the most original and controversial figures in the field of African American letters. Reed was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on 22 February 1938, but he grew up in Buffalo, New York. After graduating from high school in 1956, he enrolled as a night student at Millard Fillmore College but transferred to the University of Buffalo as a day student with the assistance of an English teacher who was impressed with a story Reed had written. For financial reasons, however, Reed eventually withdrew without taking a degree. He remained in Buffalo for some time, working as a correspondent for the Empire Star Weekly, a black community newspaper, and serving as cohost of a local radio program that was canceled after Reed conducted an interview with Malcolm X.
Moving to New York City in 1962, Reed served as editor of a Newark, New Jersey, weekly and helped establish the legendary East Village Other, one of the first and best-known of the so-called underground newspapers. Reed also was a member of the Umbra Writers Workshop, one of the organizations instrumental in the creation of the Black Arts movement and its efforts to establish a Black Aesthetic.
Reed's first novel, The Freelance Pallbearers, was published in 1967. That same year he moved to Berkeley, California, later relocating to the adjacent city of Oakland, where he currently resides with his wife, Carla Blank, a dancer and choreographer. They have a daughter, Tennessee. Reed also has a daughter, Timothy Brett, from a previous marriage.
Reed has taught at the University of California at Berkeley since the late 1960s, even though he was denied tenure in 1977 (a circumstance he wrote about in his first collection of essays, Shrovetide in Old New Orleans (1978). He also has held visiting appointments at many other academic institutions, including Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth, Washington University in St. Louis, and SUNY Buffalo. In addition to winning several awards for his writing, Reed has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and was twice a finalist for the National Book Award (once in poetry and once in fiction).
Through his participation in the establishment of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and as a founding member of the world-renowned Art Ensemble of Chicago, Roscoe Mitchell, composer and multi-instrumentalist was a major contributor to the creation of the body of musical literature that ushered in the post-Coltrane period. Mr. Mitchell has received numerous awards and grants including the National Endowment for the Arts, Wisconsin Arts Board, Vilas Foundation, University of Wisconsin-Madison and a research grant from Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique Musique (IRCAM) in Paris, France. He founded the Creative Arts Collective (CAC) of East Lansing, Michigan and he is the founder/leader of the Sound Ensemble and a co-founder of the trio Space.
Roscoe Mitchell's innovations as a solo performer, his role in the resurrection of long-neglected woodwind instruments of extreme register, and his reassertion of the composer into what has traditionally been an improvisational form, have placed him at the forefront of contemporary music for over twenty years.
Petition To The Honorable President Barack Obama
Nov 18-Nov 20, 2011
Tank – Emergency
Tank is one of the most recognizable names in modern R&B, known for vivid storytelling and sensual love songs. He's an icon in the making, with four albums and eight Grammy nominations under his belt. He's also a singer who carries the torch of masters like Marvin Gaye and Al Green, while redefining R&B for a new decade. For singer/songwriter/producer Tank—about to release his Atlantic Records debut Now or Never, his first album in three years, and the one he describes as his most confident yet—the secret is simple. He remains true to who he is, as a man and an artist.
"My music is the real me," says Tank. "I'll either live by that or I'll die by that in this business, but I've got to be me." He's famous for sexy yet relatable love songs that are at once thoroughly modern and yet steeped in the sounds of classic soul. Though fans know and love Tank for smash hits like "Maybe I Deserve" and "Please Don't Go," they may be surprised to learn that he is also behind such chart-toppers as Rubben Studdard's "Change Me" and Omarion's "O." What's more, Tank served as an associate member of the hit-making production team, The Underdogs, with further credits including the smash soundtrack to the 2006 musical film adaptation of Dreamgirls (in which he also made a cameo). Since releasing his previous album Sex, Love, & Pain in 2007, Tank took a moment to step out of the spotlight, but not necessarily out of the studio. He formed the Los Angeles-based production company Song Dynasty, and began shaping the sound of modern R&B with songs for a diverse roster of artists including Keyshia Cole, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Chris Brown, and Keri Hilson. Though he has enjoyed crafting hits for these artists, Tank is ready to step into the spotlight yet again, and returns with an incredibly personal collection. "I put a lot of my personal business into my music because people relate to it. I sing based upon the things that I've been through. I don't just sing about the pain, I sing about getting through it. Whether I'm singing about sex, relationships, or the occasional party, the songs are still about classic R&B themes."
Poised to release his fourth studio album Now or Never, Tank is ready to share the intensely intimate themes his fans have come to love, even as he prepares to show an entirely new side of himself. "The sound of this new album is still the traditional R&B formula, but sonically it's very current," says Tank. His first single, "Sex Music," perfectly illustrates his new sound. The high-energy track lives up to its name with a spacey, shuddering beat. Produced by Song Dynasty with Harvey Mason Jr. (Dreamgirls, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Timberlake), "Sex Music" is sure to appeal to die-hard Tank fans.
"We're going to keep pressing forward with this R&B thing," promises Tank. During the process of bringing Now or Never to life, he's experimented with new technology and new collaborators, even as he explores the themes that have always moved him. "Emergency" is an emotional ballad with a sense of humor, comparing a woman's desire to a four-alarm fire. "You Mean that Much" is a soaring, orchestral anthem. "Can I Make Love", says Tank, "is self-explanatory… I'm known for having songs that give you an opportunity to not say much. All you need is a little eye contact, and it's on."
These timeless songs of love, lust, and loss take cinematic tone in the hands of Tank, as he crafts imagery that is uniquely tangible and real. Perhaps it's his new love of acting that has deepened his storytelling. Tank recently graced the screen in The Preacher's Kid, and he has been studying acting, though he promises that music will continue to be his first love. "We have to take this stand now because R&B is slowly becoming a lost art," explains Tank. "R&B music is the thing that connects people." Though he loves a fantasy party scene as much as any man, Tank writes about the real, everyday emotions and situations that people relate to because, as he says, "we're meant to move people with this music, and I want to be part of that movement."
It's been an incredible journey since Tank was an undiscovered artist with a dream, penning "Maybe I Deserve" in the basement of his mother's Maryland home, on "an MPC and two keyboards." The single would go on to dominate urban radio in 2001, when Tank released his gold-certified debut album Force of Nature. Though he has enjoyed remarkable successes throughout his career, Tank considers Now or Never the album when "it all came together." The title doesn't just refer to the urgency he feels within R&B as a whole, but also the growth he's done over the years as an artist. Now re-emerging with a new team and a renewed confidence in his music, Tank is ready to have these songs heard.
"Everything I've been through has prepared me for this moment right now. I've got a new deal, new energy and new people around who are just as excited about the album as I am. Everything I've learned over the years as a producer, writer and artist have gone into Now or Never."
Posted on November 1, 2011 January 13, 2021
Free Tickets to Great Shows! Ise Lyfe; Omar Sosa; Average White Band; Tank; David Grisman Quintet; Leela James; Rachelle Ferrell; Hot 8 Brass Band; Fela!, Produced by Jay-Z, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith; Amiri Baraka, Roscoe Mitchell and Ishmael Reed
Ise Lyfe, Thurs., 11/3 @8 pm, Yoshi's- Oakland, 510 Embarcadero W, Oakland Ca 94607;
Omar Sosa Afreecanos Quartet, Fri. and Sat., November 4-5, 2011, 10:00 pm, Yoshi's- Oakland, 510 Embarcadero W, Oakland Ca 94607;
Leela James, Sat & Sun., 10/28-29 @10 pm, Yoshi's- San Francisco,1330 Fillmore Street, San Francisco;
Average White Band (AWB) Wen., 11/9 @10 pm, Yoshi's- Oakland, 510 Embarcadero W, Oakland Ca 94607;
Rachelle Ferrell, Sun. 11/6 @7pm, The Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102;
Hot 8 Brass Band, Mon. 11/7 @8 pm, ,Yoshi's- San Francisco,1330 Fillmore Street, San Francisco;
Fela!, Produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, 11/15 – 12/11 @8pm, Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102 The tickets will be awarded via our Text, Twitter or website, so DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL, and if you haven't already, you should join us on:
Ise Lyfe
Hometown spoken word and hip-hop artist One night only – Live Band
"Yes No Maybe" by: Ise Lyfe
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9WJgKe6jGk?wmode=transparent]
One of the nation's greatest young performers and writers performing live at the legendary Yoshi's Jazz Club. Paying homage and adding his twist to the classic and powerful music of Fela Kuti, Nina Simone, Gil Scott Heron, Tupac Shakur, and Billie Holiday.
"Essentially, these five artist best represent the core of my artistic inspiration and embody a standard of both content and skill that I am always aspiring for. I'm excited to be performing back in myhometown at such a great venue to honor these giants."
– Ise Lyfe
Recently appointed Commissioner of Arts and Cultural Affairs in his hometown of Oakland, CA, Ise Lyfe is one of the nation's premier Spoken Word Artist and Emcee's. His 2006 debut album, "spreadtheWord" allowed him to mettle with a national audience, and the release of his second LP, "Prince Cometh" received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Unaffected by the sophomore jinx theory, it's safe to say the response across the board was nearly 100% positive…
Ise first gained national recognition competing in national poetry slam competitions in his late teens. In 2001 he won the National Poetry Slam Competition, skyrocketing his popularity amongst the ever growing Spoken Word/Hip-Hop Theatre audience. He has been featured on Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam on HBO. He has also shared the stage with Gil Scott-Heron, Dave Chappelle, Lauryn Hill, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, E-40, Harry Belafonte, Mos Def, Malcolm Jamaal Werner, KRS-One, Martin Luther, Saul Williams, Ben Harper, Erykah Badu, Zion I, and The Coup to name a few.
However, Ise Lyfe is simply different than anyone else in his genre or league of peers. Period.
Just in his twenties with nearly ten years of national and international stage performing and recording experience, he transcends the common narrative on and off stage. An award winning poet, emcee, performer, and educator, this young man is sure to be the impact we all speak of wanting, but rarely see realized….
Saturday, November 5
Omar Sosa Quartet
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJsu3pCVkVc?wmode=transparent]
Leela James
Soulful Female Vocalist
Oct 28-Oct 29, 2011
Friday: 9pm
Saturday: 10pm
Since her childhood in L.A.'s eclectic urban culture, singer Leela James has woven the soul tradition into and around every corner of her creative identity. Deep within her rich and powerful voice are the echoes of Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Gladys Knight and other iconic divas of generations past.
And yet, James' brand of soul is very much her own – a music inspired by past masters but galvanized by her own life experience and highly focused artistic vision. She brings it all home to the place where modern soul was born, Stax Records (a division of Concord Music Group) with the release of her new album, My Soul, on June 1, 2010.
"I called this album My Soul because the music is a more accurate reflection of who I am than anything else I've ever recorded," says James. "I did more of the writing, and I was involved with more of the creative process in general. When you listen to the individual tracks, one song may not necessarily sound like the other, but each is soulful in its own way, because each one comes from my soul. I'm the thread that connects all the songs." Following on the heels of an album of covers released in 2009, My Soul is a current portrait of an artist who has matured over the past decade, found her own voice and made her own way. "After my first two records, I knew I had to find a way to have more control over what was happening with my career," says James. "When I was younger, I was just excited to be making records, and I wasn't aware of some of the fine print that's a part of this business. I had to learn how to take charge of where my music was going, and how to get there."
She made her recording debut with A Change Is Gonna Come, released on the Warner label in 2005. The album title alone – taken from the title of a 1964 posthumous hit by Sam Cooke and an anthem for the civil rights movement – speaks to James' deep-rooted belief in the soul tradition and its ever-present potential to influence history. In the midst of a change in management and label over the next four years, James kept busy with an aggressive tour schedule that introduced her to festival audiences in the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa and elsewhere around the world. Along the way, she was nominated for 2006's Outstanding New Artist by the NAACP Image Awards and Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist of 2008 by the Soul Train Music Awards.
In 2009, she recorded Let's Do It Again for the Shanachie label. The album was a series of covers – mostly soul, R&B and funk tunes by the likes of Bootsy Collins, The Staples Singers, Al Green, James Brown and Bobby Womack. Also in the mix were songs originally recorded by lesser known artists like Betty Wright and Phyllis Hyman. Let's Do It Again prompted readers of soultracks.com – the respected website for all things soul, R&B and gospel – to tap James as Female Vocalist of the Year in the site's 2009 Readers Choice Poll in December 2009.
The first single off the album, "Tell Me You Love Me," is a track that James co-wrote with Andrea Martin and Gordon Williams. Gerrard Baker loops in a sample of James riffing on a line from "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye," the classic ballad made popular among soul audiences by the Manhattans in 1978. "The title says it all," says James. "A lot times, people – especially men – let their egos and their pride stop them from really expressing their feelings. Even when a woman knows her man loves her, she still needs to hear him say it." Other high points include the defiant opening track "Ain't New To This," wherein James stakes her claim as an artist to be reckoned with, balanced by the more light-hearted "Party All Night" and "Let It Roll." The latter, says James, was inspired by the optimistic sound from the heyday of Motown in the 1960s: "The message in this song is 'Don't sweat the small stuff.' You have to just keep your head when you're faced with difficult situations and difficult people, no matter how bad the energy might get."
Clearly, Leela James's musical soul embraces an infinite range of emotions and human struggles. As an artist and as a person, making tough choices and doing the right thing – even if it's the hard thing – is what she's been all about for more than a decade. In the process, she has never lost sight of the core values of the soul tradition – passion, perseverance and a strong sense of identity. All of these and more are at the foundation of My Soul.
"In the past, people tried to put me in a box, based on what they thought soul should sound like," she says. "But soul is whatever comes out of you when you bring your deepest and most honest emotions to the forefront. All these songs are a representation of my soul."
Tell Me You Love Me | Leela James
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnYZDapj1tQ
RACHELLE FERRELL
Up Close and Personal!
The Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko
• 222 Mason Street • San Francisco, CA 94102
Sunday, November 6, 2011 • 7pm
"a stylized but often uncategorizable jazz/ R&B singer-songwriter" – yahoo.com
http://www.RachelleFerrell.com
As a singer, RACHELLE FERRELL is a quintuple threat: Besides having success as a jazz singer, she is also well respected in the R&B, pop, gospel, and classical music genres as well. Known for her six octave range, Ferrell is also an accomplished pianist who has worked with Lou Rawls, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, and George Duke.
Rachelle Ferrell – "I Can Explain" live au théâtre antique de Vienne le 12 juillet 2001.
Rachelle Ferrell – 'Til You Come Back To Me
New Orleans' own Hot 8 Brass Band has epitomized New Orleans street music for over a decade!
"…the sound was as hot as the day…" – All About Jazz
"…defiant swing…" – The New Yorker
Hot 8 Brass Band feat. Mos Def performing 'Big Chief'
The band plays the traditional Second Line parades, hosted each Sunday afternoon by Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, infusing their performances with the funk and energy that makes New Orleans music loved around the world. The members of the Hot 8 Brass Band were born and raised in New Orleans and many began playing together in high school. What makes the Hot 8 so special are the sounds they coax from their well-loved, well-worn horns. An evening with the Hot 8 is like no other…
Members of the Hot 8 Brass Band have toured in Japan, Italy, France, Spain, Finland, England and Sardinia. The band performs annually at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, world and jazz festivals across the US and Europe, and were featured in both Spike Lee documentaries When the Levees Broke and If God is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise. The Hot 8 has released three critically acclaimed recordings and is featured on the latest Blind Boys of Alabama recording on Time-Life Records.
The Hot 8 Brass Band has been part of an important relief project following Hurricane Katrina SAVE OUR BRASS! is a local grass-roots project that has brought music and instruments to shelters, temporary trailer parks, and communities across the Gulf Coast.
iconic funk & soul band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfAJLGFWxYo
AWB are widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. Though perhaps best known for their timeless instrumental mega-hit 'Pick Up the Pieces' the band's strength actually lay in their consistently accomplished song- writing, stretching across several gold selling albums and multi- grammy nominations for the legendary Atlantic Records. Somewhat incongruously, given their Scottish roots, the six piece took the influences of their R&B heroes – people like Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Donny Hathaway and others – and developed their own 'authentic' sound which was eagerly adopted by black audiences in the US and elsewhere. Whilst a good number of cuts – 'Cut The Cake' and 'Let's Go Round Again' to name but two – attracted chart action as hit singles, many other album tracks, like 'Schoolboy Crush' and 'Stop The Rain' became much sampled and turn tabled 'rare' grooves. Many more tunes, such as 'Cloudy', 'A Love Of Your Own' and 'Nothing You Can Do' – amongst many others- stand alongside some of the finest soul 'album tracks' ever recorded.
The current line-up of the band with noted US recruits Klyde Jones and Rocky Bryant augmenting founder members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre continues to record and tour around the world to ongoing critical and audience acclaim.
As one reviewer in England last month wrote, "their storming set cemented the fact that veterans or not, AWB remain the unchallenged kings of UK Funk."
All this and more is perfectly illustrated in the band's latest release 'Times Squared' which showcases the breadth and depth of the Band's material, all captured within the excitement of a 2009 live performance'
Dawg's instrumental style found a home in 1974 when he formed the Great American Music Band with fiddler Richard Greene. "Nothing against singers," said David, "but it became apparent to me that I could play 90 minutes without one. Besides, Elvis never called." Within a year, David met guitar wizard Tony Rice, who moved to California where they started rehearsing a new group, the David Grisman Quintet (DGQ,)which also included violinist Darol Anger and bassist/mandolinist Todd Phillips. Since then the DGQ has featured such stellar notables as Svend Asmussen, Hal Blaine, Vassar Clements, Stephane Grappelli, Mike Marshall, Andy Statman and Frank Vignola.
After recording for major and independent labels, David founded Acoustic Disc in 1990 and entered the most prolific period of his career, producing 67 critically acclaimed CDs (five of which were Grammy-nominated.) In 2010 he launched <http://AcousticOasis.com/>AcousticOasis.com, the first download website devoted to acoustic music.
Fela! is presented by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, the first time they've produced a Broadway show. Fela! was created by Bill T. Jones. Jones choreographed, wrote the play book for, and directed Fela!Jones created his own dance company, has won a MacArthur Genius Award, a Harlem Renaissance Award, an Obie, and a Tony, among many other honors.