NYC's LARGEST FREE CITYWIDE PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL IN NYC PARKS KICKS OFF ON JULY 2
A music concert by Sheryl "Coko" Clemens - Known for her work with the R&B group Sisters With Voices (or SWV) and silky smooth vocals, Coko is set to ignite the stage with her inspirational mix of traditional gospel sounds and upbeat, contemporary R&B music. Under the direction of JJ Hairston, the powerful voices of Youthful Praise, an award-winning gospel choir comprised of young men and women, has been uplifting audiences for over sixteen years. Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson & The Spritual Voices echoes the spirit of old favorites and was founded by his father Phil Johnson.  The group adds a modern flavor that has transformed the quartet music genre and is determined to keep the quartet style vibrant and relevant today.                     
Von King Park, Brooklyn 670 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, Green Street at Marcy Avenue Directions - G Train to Bedford and Nostrand Avenue
New York, New York -- City Parks Foundation is pleased to announce the kick-off of its summer season of free performing arts in New York City parks on Thursday, July 2.  The trio of performing arts festivals - CityParks Concerts, CityParks Dance and CityParks Theater presented by Time Warner provides top music, dance and theater acts in parks throughout all five boroughs of New York City free of charge.  With over 75 free performances, and a great diversity of talent in the summer lineup, there is something for every New Yorker to enjoy.
New York, New York -- City Parks Foundation is pleased to announce the kick-off of its summer season of free performing arts in New York City parks on Thursday, July 2.  The trio of performing arts festivals - CityParks Concerts, CityParks Dance and CityParks Theater presented by Time Warner provides top music, dance and theater acts in parks throughout all five boroughs of New York City free of charge.  With over 75 free performances, and a great diversity of talent in the summer lineup, there is something for every New Yorker to enjoy.
CityParks Concerts summer festival includes an impressive line-up of top musical acts including Grammy award-winning R&B singer Chrisette Michele, salsa sensation Frankie Negron, popular "experimental" band Man Man, and gospel music sensation and Grammy Award-winning pastor of Brooklyn's Love Fellowship Tabernacle, Hezekiah Walker. City Parks Foundation is also welcoming back the fan favorites hip-hop groups: Naughty By Nature, KRS-One, and Slick Rick.
CityParks Dance has an impressive season line-up including an interactive program and performance by the highly acclaimed ballet company Morphoses/The Wheedon Company. The festival also presents African American troupe Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, break dancing experts Illstyle & Peace Productions, and nathantrice/RITUALS abstract expressionists. Dance master classes will be featured before all performances, and will be taught by dance professionals and choreographers.
CityParks Theater presented by Time Warner includes the City Parks Foundation's first ever commissioned play, Dirt Rich by Chisa Hutchinson. The festival will also feature modern adaptations of Shakespeare, called Theater in a Box: Essential Shakespeare / Dream A Little Dream performed by NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Continuum Company,  and will also welcome acclaimed poet, jessica Care moore, as she fuses music and spoken word in her celebrated one-woman show, God is Not an American. Three-time New York Innovative Theater Award winning production, Dancing vs. The Rat Experiment, will round out the festival with a genre-defying piece performed by the company Witness Relocation. [ read more ] »
City Parks Foundation web site »

SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS, THE NEW YORK DIGITAL SALON AND NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY PRESENT THE 2009 VISUAL MUSIC MARATHON
GENRE-BENDING WORK BY OVER 100 ARTISTS FROM 15 COUNTRIES
Saturday, April 11, 10am – 10pm
Visual Arts Theater, School of Visual Arts
333 West 23 Street, New York
Free and open to the public  
The MFA Computer Art Department at School of Visual Arts, the New York Digital Salon and the Department of Music and Multimedia Studies at Northeastern University present the New York premiere of the Visual Music Marathon, a 12-hour festival showcasing 120 works by contemporary digital artists and composers from around the world. The event offers an encyclopedic look into the burgeoning practice of visual music, which combines animation and musical composition. The roots of the genre date back more than two hundred years to the ocular harpsichords and color-music scales of the 18th century; the current art form came to fruition following the emergence of film and video in the 20th century.  
The Visual Music Marathon presents a remarkable array of artistic strategies and sensibilities. Some of the selected works consist of abstract visual interpretations of pieces of music, while others apply structural concepts of music to create moving images, or explore the overlap between visual and musical languages. The artists make use of a range of media and technologies, including found footage, hand-drawn animation, stop-motion photography, digitally processed video, computer-generated imagery, and paintings made directly on film. Works include audio tracks ranging from computer-generated scores, to sampled sounds from nature, to both classical and contemporary musical compositions. Northeastern University faculty member Dennis Miller, artistic director and curator for the festival, explains, “With the Visual Music Marathon, we have put together the largest and most historically representative selection of work in this field. It is a unique opportunity to see the best of cutting-edge digital art from around the world as well as rarely screened historical gems in the field of visual music.” Bruce Wands, chair of the MFA Computer Art Department at SVA and curator of the New York Digital Salon hour of the Marathon, remarked, “We are excited to share all of these works with the city of New York—the majority of which have never been seen here before. It is a wonderfully diverse group of films, which gives a sense of the creativity and momentum in this field right now.”   [ read more ] »
New York Digital Salon web site »
Visual Music Marathon web site »

GORILLA ZOE REVEALS EAGERLY AWAITED SECOND ALBUM
“DON’T FEED DA ANIMALS” DROPS MARCH 17TH; INCLUDES “LOST” & “WHAT IT IS (FEAT. RICK ROSS & KOLLOSUS)”; ATL-BASED RAPPER TO STAR IN FEATURE FILM; DAY-OF-RELEASE PERFORMANCE SET FOR BET’S 106 & PARK
Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South recording artist Gorilla Zoe has announced the release of his sophomore album.  “DON’T FEED DA ANIMALS” – which includes the lead single, “Lost” – arrives in stores and at all digital retailers on March 17th. Produced by Drumma Boy, “Lost” is currently exploding at radio.  The track is a top 20 favorite at Urban outlets nationwide and top 25 at Rhythmic after impacting as the #1 Most Added song at both Urban and Rhythmic. 
In addition, the single’s companion video clip is currently receiving major play on BET, where it has been a top 10 triumph on the 106 & Park countdown while also scoring “Heavy” rotation on The Deal.  Zoe will celebrate the arrival of “DON’T FEED DA ANIMALS” with an exclusive appearance and performance on 106 & Park, slated for Tuesday, March 17th (check local listings). Furthermore, “Lost” is now in “Sizzlin” rotation at MTV Jams as well as having been recently added to MTV2’s Sucker Free. “DON’T FEED DA ANIMALS” will be heralded by a feature-length film of the same name, the first release from Block Entertainment CEO Russell “Big Block” Spencer’s newly launched Block Films.  Don’t Feed Da Animals stars Gorilla Zoe in an action-packed street narrative directly inspired by the album.  The film – produced in conjunction with Raw Report Films – features five music videos to accompany such new tracks as “I Am The A,” “Break It Down,” “Talk Back (Feat. Roxy Reynolds),” “100, 50, 20 &10,” and “Dope Boys.”  Don’t Feed Da Animals will be distributed in select markets nationwide in the spring – for further details, please see www.block-ent.com. “DON’T FEED DA ANIMALS” is without question one of 2009’s most hotly awaited new hip-hop releases.  The album – which follows last year’s smash debut, “WELCOME TO THE ZOO” – includes a number of instant classics filled with Zoe’s signature flow and banging beats.  Among the highlights is the second single, “What It Is (Feat. Rick Ross and Kollosus),” which is available now as an iTunes Store exclusive.  A video for “What It Is” was recently shot in Atlanta with Rick Ross and will be serviced to all video outlets this month.
The album is quickly shaping up as a hip-hop blockbuster.  “Lost” has proven a breakout hit, with download sales of 200,000 driving the track onto Billboard’s “Hot 100.”  Furthermore, “What It Is” has already received over 10,000 downloads in just one week, giving Zoe two “DON’T FEED DA ANIMALS” tracks with sales in excess of 10,000 for the week leading up to the album’s release. Zoe – who recently joined Lil’ Wayne as a special guest on his hugely successful “I Am Music” arena tour – has already begun receiving major press attention, with high-profile features and reviews appearing in such publications as Hip Hop Weekly, XXL, and The Source. Named one of XXL’s 2007 “Leaders of the New School,” Zoe firmly established himself as a truly original hip-hop voice via the top 10 rap smash, “Hood Figga,” not to mention his featured role on Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South labelmate Yung Joc’s hits, “Coffee Shop” and “Bottle Poppin’.”  As if that weren’t enough, he joined forces with superstar rap combo Boyz N Da Hood for their 2007 release, “BACK UP N DA CHEVY.” Since then, Zoe has lent his distinctive style to a variety of hip-hop hits, including Lil’ Wayne’s “Lollipop (Remix),” as well as tracks by Cheri Dennis, Shawty Lo, and Rick Ross. [ read more ] »
GORILLA ZOE on MySpace Music »
Don't Feed Da Animals [ amazon.com ] »

Calling all Americans to discover their inner rock star with the Lips Open Mic Contest presented by AT&T and courtesy of Zune and Xbox 360
Create an original song and you’ll have the opportunity to be one step closer to stardom and winning musical immortality in “Lips,” the Xbox 360-exclusive singing game.   Warm up your vocal chords, and tune up that guitar because AT&T, Zune and Xbox 360 are looking to debut the next music sensation on the Xbox 360-exclusive singing game “Lips”… And it could be you!   The Lips Open Mic Contest presented by AT&T provides a stage for aspiring musicians to realize their dreams of making it big. People all across the country could be singing your song in their living rooms with friends and family on Xbox 360! The grand prize winner will get the opportunity to have their song made available as a free “Lips”  download. All U.S. residents  18 and older can enter by composing an original song (score and lyrics) and submitting a video of the performance to  www.zune.net/attlipscontest.
Submissions are now open through March 13th.      After March 13th a panel of judges will narrow down the competition to the five best songs. These five finalist videos will be posted on Xbox LIVE and Zune.net on April 10th, where U.S. residents can take the judge’s seat and vote for their favorite song to decide the winner.  AT&T users can double their votes by texting their favorite to 991! *The entrant with the winning song will win a trip to Los Angeles, tickets to the Warped Tour on August 23rd, a flat screen TV, an Xbox 360 console, a Zune 120 GB digital media player, and the opportunity to have his or her song immortalized as a free “Lips” download from Xbox LIVE, allowing anyone with the game to test their chops and sing along. The four runners-up will receive an Xbox Elite 360 console, a Zune player and more great prizes.*   Deadline for entries is March 13th. For full details including eligibility requirements, important content and technical requirements for entries and judging criteria, see the Official Rules at:  www.zune.net/attlipscontest [ read more ] »
Zune.net | Lips Open Mic Contest »

MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCE SPRING TOUR
NEW RECORD, MEAN EVERYTHING TO NOTHING IN STORES APRIL 21st
Favorite Gentlemen/Canvasback are excited to announce that Manchester Orchestra have confirmed headlining US Tour dates. The tour will kick off on April 21st in Nashville, TN and come to a close on June 4th in Orlando, FL. Joining them on these dates will be the band FUN (featuring ex-members of The Format and Anathallo) as well as Audrye Sessions and Winston Audio. Fan presale tickets for the tour go on sale February 27th and will be available to the public on March 5th here. The start of the tour marks the date of the band’s much anticipated second full-length release. Entitled Mean Everything To Nothing, the new record delivers the most honest sound the band has created to date. It’s everything that a rock record should be: raw, urgent and authentic. Mean Everything To Nothing is the sound of a band coming into its own after spending 300 days on the road in support of their debut album, 2007’s I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child — a coming-of-age chronicle that expressed the then 19-year-old Hull’s hopes and aspirations. Virgin was an attention-getting shot across the bow that Rolling Stone praised as “expansive in scope and rich in texture, even while remaining lyrically focused on small moments of revelation” and the New York Times called “music to swoon to.” But whereas the songs on the debut were voiced by a fictional cast of characters that Hull created to obscure his own emotions, the intensely personal songs on Mean Everything To Nothing are all him. “I was able to be more honest when singing as someone else,” admits Hull, who is now 22. “Now I’ve realized, although it’s incredibly difficult, it’s more powerful to just say it myself.” The band’s chemistry is palpable on Mean Everything To Nothing, perhaps because, after more than a year of touring with such artists as Kings of Leon, Brand New, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Say Anything, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, as well as performing their own headlining shows, Manchester Orchestra has become a powerful and well-oiled machine ... [ read more ] »
Manchester Orchestra [ myspace ] »
Manchester Orchestra [ amazon.com ] »
Manchester Orchestra - web site »

TOUBAB KREWE REMIX YOUSSOU N'DOUR FOR STAR-STUDDED AFRICAN HEALTH CHARITY EP
'OPEN Remix' Available Free With Donation Now at Digital Music Retailers
Toubab Krewe, the North Carolina instrumental quintet acclaimed for their "distinctive, remarkable fusion" (Billboard) of West African music with American rock, have traveled to Africa many times to perform and study. Now, they are donating their remix of Youssou N'Dour's song "Wake Up" to 'OPEN Remix,' a charity EP supporting the IntraHealth OPEN Initiative. Senegal's N'Dour, a Grammy Award-winning artist and internationally acclaimed humanitarian, has partnered with global non-profit IntraHealth International on the project, which will address critical health issues in Africa by putting the latest open source technologies directly in the hands of local health workers to help them communicate and collaborate. Collaboration was a key element of the EP as well: Toubab Krewe and DJ Equal (featuring Umar Bin Hassan of The Last Poets) join Nas, Peter Buck of R.E.M., Duncan Sheik, Q-Burns Abstract Message, Hawke, Afrissippi and Beef Wellington on the digital EP, each interpreting "Wake Up" in their own unique way. "Youssou is one of Africa's greatest artists," says Toubab Krewe percussionist Luke Quaranta, "and it's a privilege to be part of this project. We love to work with other musicians, and here collaboration can help save African lives." The 'OPEN Remix' EP is available free with a suggested donation at digital retailers, including Amazon MP3, iLike and Rhapsody, starting February 10th. Toubab Krewe's propulsive remix is played on the IntraHealth OPEN Initiative's trailer, which can also be seen at VH1 and the ONE campaign's websites and on the IntraHealth OPEN website [ read more ] »
Open Remix by Various Artists [ amazon.com ] »
Watch the OPEN trailer [ YouTube ] »
IntraHealth OPEN - web site »
Toubab Krewe - web site »
Toubab Krewe [ myspace ] »

Motown icon and multiple Grammy winner Stevie Wonder
will be making a very special appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show tomorrow! In addition to an interview, Stevie will be performing two of his greatest hits... live! Set your alarms or program your TiVos right now because this is an event that can not be missed!!! Check your local television listings for times and channels. [ read more ] »
The Complete Motown #1s Box [BOX SET] [COLLECTOR'S ED.] »
Motown 50 - web site »

We Are One: Inaugural Concert
I don't know if you saw the concert on HBO yesterday, but it was pretty cool. So many superstars were there from Stevie Wonder to Mary J. Blige to Beyonce to Denzel Washington to Tom Hanks to Tiger Woods. Backstage was a lot of fun. As you'll see from my kyte video footage, I spoke to a lot of the stars backstage, and we had a good time. My favorite was my duet with my "Soul Men" co-star Samuel L. Jackson. No matter how famous the artists and athletes were, I think everyone was star-struck around the President-elect and his family. A few people even shed tears of joy. We all wanted photos and a handshake. A very memorable moment. And you can see exclusive footage right here!
Happy Martin Luther King day! John [ read more ] »
John Legend - Evolver [ album ] »
John Legend - web site »

LIVE EARTH TEAM PICKED AS EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS FOR 2009 GREEN INAUGURAL BALL
Musical Stars Power Green Ball Chaired By Former Vice President Al Gore
Washington, D.C. (January 9, 2009) – Today the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball announces selection of Kevin Wall, Live Earth founder responsible for the 2007 Concerts for a Climate in Crisis featuring 150 artists, 24-hours of music, across seven continents to raise awareness for the solutions and challenges of climate change, as executive producer of the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball. Experts in developing high-profile multi-artist entertainment events with an environmental message, Live Earth was selected by the Organizing Committee to bring star-studded cachet to this year’s event, an intimate evening featuring musical performances by world-renowned artists to be announced shortly. The 2009 Inaugural Green Ball celebrates the expanding network of diverse organizations, companies, and individuals committed to advancing our clean economy to create shared prosperity for all.
“The 2009 Inaugural Green Ball Organizing Committee and I hand-picked Kevin Wall and the Live Earth team to executive produce this year’s event to ensure we deliver the best possible Green Ball befitting this historic occasion. It is my pleasure to be partnered with Live Earth again, as they are the experts in creating high-profile events that marry music star power with an important environmental message,” said the Honorable Al Gore.
The Green Inaugural Ball brings together more than 75 environmental, labor, business, civil justice, and community organizations and sponsors to celebrate the strength and diversity of those committed to creating the new clean economy that will repower, rebuild, refuel and restore America. This sold-out event is hosted by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery and will take place at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture on Monday, January 19th. “Live Earth’s mission is to leverage the power of music and entertainment to focus the world’s attention on the most pressing environmental issues of our time and then actively affect change. I am deeply honored to be part of the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball celebrating renewable energy initiatives, the clean economy and protection of our natural heritage, and Live Earth will employ all of its expertise to deliver an amazing event worthy of this special celebration,” said Kevin Wall, Live Earth founder.
About the Green Inaugural Ball
The Green Inaugural Ball will begin at 7pm on January 19 at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture to celebrate the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joseph Biden. The Ball Host Committee includes over 75 organizations representing the breadth and depth of the community supporting and building the new clean economy, including environmentalists, labor, business, and civil justice groups. Learn more at http://www.greenball2009.org. About Live Earth
On July 7, 2007, Live Earth: The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis became the largest global entertainment event in history, with simultaneous concerts in New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg and Hamburg, and reaching an estimated audience of 2 billion people worldwide. As with the 07.07.07 first Live Earth event, with the Global Climate Crisis, Live Earth partners with former Vice President and recent Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore and his organization, The Alliance for Climate Protection, whenever dealing with the Global Climate Crisis. Live Earth’s overall mission centers on leveraging the power of entertainment through integrated events, media, and experiences to ignite global movements [ read more ] »
Live Earth - web site »