Thursday, June 30, 2011

Jakob Martin Releases New Album "California Songs"


LA-based singer/songwriter Jakob Martin announces the release of his new album California Songs today, June 28th, 2011. This digital-only album, (now available to purchase on iTunes:http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/california-songs/id446781957?uo=4), follows Jakob 2010 EP Leave The Light On, and both showcase his distinctly down-home edge of blues harp that cuts through a blend of piano-driven pop, rock and folk. 

Produced by Dan Diaz of Hypothetical Studios, California Songs explores the Californias of the mind, heart and imagination. "The poet John Berryman was known for his 'dream songs' – a series of lyrical poems exploring emotions brought on by everyday events," says Jakob. "People often talk about the California Dream, and California Songs is a play on that."

Download Jakob Martin's new album California Songs here (not for publication):
http://jakobmartin.com/CaliforniaSongs



TOUR DATES //

07.03 San Diego, CA @ Rancho Bernardo Inn
08.13 Redding, CA @ Vintage
09.14 San Luis Obispo, CA @ Linnaeas Café
09.16 Coloma, CA @ American River Music Festival
09.17 Redding, CA @ Vintage
11.17 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues

http://www.jakobmartin.com
http://www.facebook.com/jakobmartinmusic
http://www.twitter.com/jakobmartin


RICHARD THOMPSON RECEIVES OBE, PLANS FALL TOUR


Legendary Songwriter, Guitarist and Singer Richard Thompson

Receives OBE from The Queen at Buckingham Palace

 

 Tour Schedule and New Releases to Follow

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 28th 2011

 

(LONDON)   Richard Thompson was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) today for his singular and substantial contribution to music.  The award was presented by Queen Elizabeth during the special investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace (attached photo credited to Charles Green Photography, larger photos available by request).

 

Crowning an extraordinary week, Thompson will also be bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Aberdeen on July 5th, for his "exceptional and distinctive contribution to contemporary music, (which) places him among a very distinguished group of honorary graduates from the arts."

 

Richard Thompson first emerged in 1967 as a founding member of British folk rock innovators Fairport Convention and has been defying musical categorization and convention ever since.

 

The newest OBE recipient has produced a body of work that challenges, delights and amazes in equal measure.  He has written and recorded over 400 songs, all marked by consistent intelligence, taste and emotional resonance and is widely hailed as one of the most distinctive and iconoclastic guitar virtuosos-- whether playing acoustic or electric guitar, performing solo or in a group. Richard Thompson has been awarded an Ivor Novello award for his songwriting, the Orville H Gibson Best Acoustic Guitarist Award, the 2010 Mojo Les Paul Award, plus a spot on Rolling Stone Magazine's "Top 20 Guitarists of All Time" list.  Last summer he was selected to be the artistic director of London's prestigious Meltdown Festival at the South Bank Centre.

 

His work is admired by such artists as Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, David Byrne, REM, Alison Krauss, Bonnie Raitt, all of whom have covered Richard Thompson songs.

 

Universal Music Catalogue has just released Richard Thompson Live At The BBC (1974-2009), a 4 Disc Boxed Set comprising 3 CDS plus a DVD disc.
This follows 2010's Grammy-nominated Dream Attic by the Richard Thompson Band and 2009's comprehensive 4-disc career retrospective box set entitled Walking On A Wire, both out on Shout! Factory.

 

Omnivore Records will also release a special 30th anniversary edition of Strict Tempo later this summer, and Eagle Rock is preparing a concert DVD of the Richard Thompson Band's performance at this year's Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow.

 

Richard Thompson will be on a solo tour of the US and Canada starting August 26, throughout the fall.

Among the confirmed dates are:

 

August

26   Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA

27   Festival Pier, Baltimore, MD

 

September

2   Lowell Music series, Lowell, MA

3   Rhythm & Roots Festival, Charlestown, RI

10 Ellnora Guitar Festival, Champaign, IL

 

The tour will continue throughout October. December 2-3-4 will see Richard Thompson's almost-annual run at the Montalvo Winery in Saratoga, CA, performing all-request shows.

 

Full biography and tour dates: www.richardthompson-music.com

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Justin Townes Earle Announces New Tour Dates with Wanda Jackson and Jason Isbell

"Slippin' and Slidin'" is the first official music video from Justin Townes Earle's acclaimed album Harlem River Blues. Shot and directed by joshua black wilkins (www.joshuablackwilkins.com), the footage provides an intimate look at Earle's adopted hometown, New York City. Paste Magazine is premiering the video HERE.

 

Appropriately, Earle will headline a free-show in Brooklyn's Prospect Park this Thursday, June 30th as part of the Celebrate Brooklyn! series. Additional tour dates - including newly announced west coast shows with Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit and Caitlin Rose - are listed below.

 

06.30.11 / BrooklynNY / Prospect Park Bandshell (free show)

07.03.11 / RoskildeDenmark / Roskilde Festival

07.15.11 / VancouverBC / Vancouver Folk Music Festival

07.16.11 / VancouverBC / Vancouver Folk Music Festival

07.20.11 / UKMilton, Keynes / The Stables

07.22.11 / UKPerth / Southern Fried Festival

07.23.11 / UKGateshead / The Summertyme Americana Festival

07.24.11 / UK, Oxfordshire / Truck Festival

07.26.11 / UKYork / The Duchess

07.27.11 / UKSheffield / The Greystones

07.29.11 / UKCambridge / Cambridge Folk Festival

07.31.11 / NewportRI / Newport Folk Festival

08.06.11 / Apple ValleyMN / Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater @

08.11.11 / BirminghamAL / Sirote Theatre at Alys Stephens Center

08.12.11 / MobileAL / Saenger Theater *

08.18.11 / PittsburghPA / Mr Smalls Theater %

08.19.11 / SchwenksvillePA / The Philadelphia Folk Festival

08.20.11 / AlexandriaVA / The Birchmere %

08.22.11 / NorthamptonMA / Iron Horse Music Hall %

08.23.11 / PortlandME / Port City Music Hall %

08.25.11 / OttawaON / Ottawa Folk Festival

08.26.11 / TorontoON / Horseshoe Tavern %

08.27.11 / DetroitMI / The Magic Stick %

08.29.11 / ColumbusOH / The Rumba Cafe %

08.30.11 / LouisvilleKY / Headliners %

09.16.11 / BristolTN / Rhythm & Roots Festival

09.28.11 / Los AngelesCA / The Music Box * $

10.05.11 / PortlandOR / Aladdin Theater * $

10.07.11 / SeattleWA / Showbox * $

 

@ w/ Wanda Jackson

% w/ Shovels & Rope

*co-headline w/ Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

$ w/ support from Caitlin Rose

--

 

Earle is part of an all-star cast of contributors who appear on the Buddy Holly tribute album, Rave On (released on June 28 through Fantasy Records/Concord Music Group). Other artists on the compilation include The Black Keys, Cee Lo, Paul McCartney, JTE labelmates Detroit Cobras, and many others. You can find purchase links and more information HERE.

JIMMY EAT WORLD ANNOUNCE LOS ANGELES SHOW - "BLEED AMERICAN' IN ITS ENTIRETY

To commemorate 10 years since the release of their acclaimed record, Jimmy Eat World will perform "Bleed American" in its entirety, Thursday, September 29th at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles.  Pre-sale to begin June 28th @ 10am (PDT) with the general public on-sale this Thursday, June 30th @ 10am (PDT). 

 

This news comes on the heels of two sold-out shows at London's famed Forum, where the band performed both Bleed American and their lauded 1999 album Clarity, back-to-back.   The band will be in Europe through the middle of July, wrapping up the run with a gig at this year's iTunes Festival, supporting Foo Fighters on Monday, July 11th @ London's Roundhouse.   The band have also added some other west coast shows to the schedule including, Nike US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA on Friday, August 5th, Del Mar Summer Concert Series in Del Mar, CA on Friday, August 12th and Tempe Beach Park with Blink 182 and Matt + Kim in September.  See below for additional dates.

 

 

Tour Dates:

June 28th / Hove Festival / Arendal, Norway

June 29th / Peace + Love Festival / Borlange, Sweden

July 1st / Rock Werchter Festival / Werchter, Belgium

July 2nd / Main Square Festival / Arras, France

July 3rd / Milton Keynes Bowl / Milton Keynes, UK (supporting Foo Fighters)

July 5th / Rock For People Festival / Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic

July 7th / Optimus Alive Festival / Lisbon, Portugal

July 9th / T In The Park Festival / Kinross, Scotland

July 10th / Oxegen Music Festival / Naas, Ireland

July 11th / iTunes Music Festival @ Roundhouse / London, UK (supporting Foo Fighters)

July 29th / Fuji Festival / Naeba, Japan

July 31st / Jisan Valley Rock Festival / Jisan Valley, Korea

 

August 5th / Nike US Open of Surfing / Huntington Beach, CA

August 12th / Del Mar Summer Concert Series / Del Mar, CA

 

September 29th / Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, CA

September 30th / Tempe Beach Park, Tempe, AZ (with Blink 182 and Matt & Kim)

 

For further information, updates, tickets, etc go to: http://www.jimmyeatworld.com/ orhttp://www.jimmyeatworld.com/events/

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Bigride Records Artist Marlee Scott Releases Beautiful Maybe to Country Radio

Marlee Scott has officially released her debut U.S. single, "Beautiful Maybe," to Country radio.  For the past several weeks, Scott has been on the road visiting radio stations across the country in support of "Beautiful Maybe," which was co-written by chart-topping Nashville songwriters Marcus Hummon (Rascal Flatts, Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw), Tia Sillers (Dixie Chicks, Pam Tillis, Lee Ann Womack) and Tania Hancheroff.   Acclaimed producer/engineer David Kalmusky (Journey, Emerson Drive, The Wilkinsons) produced the single. 

Scott's national, multi-leg radio tour kicked off in early June and continues through the summer, with several performance appearances booked when her busy schedule allows.  On June 18, Scott performed at a Cincinnati Reds baseball game, where she sang both the U.S. and Canadian national anthems.  Scott was born in Ontario, Canada, but has lived in Nashville since 2007.  She makes another baseball game appearance on July 3 when she performs the anthem at an Astros game in Houston, Texas.  

"Beautiful Maybe" is Scott's first U.S. single.  Her previous release, "Here to Heaven," achieved Top 20 status in Canada and Australia and went to No. 1 in England, Germany and Holland.  The talented singer-songwriter received a 2010 nomination in the Rising Star category at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMAs), as well as a 2011 nomination at the Canadian Radio Music Awards.

Veteran radio promotion teams CO5 Nashville
 and Marco Promotions have been retained to promote the "Beautiful Maybe" single at Country radio.  Teebo Consulting's Teddi Bonadies is overseeing all radio operations for Scott's label, Bigride Records. 

Visit www.MarleeScott.com for more information.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

A Reintroduction to Henry McCullough

Henry McCullough is releasing a new album, UNFINISHED BUSINESS, featuring his roots-inspired genre that combines folk, British blues rock, and party sounds, just as Henry prepares for his guest appearance at the Fest For Beatles Fans, August 5-7, 2011, in Chicago, IL.

Growing up in the seaside resort of Portstewart, in Northern Ireland, Henry's first musical venture was as guitarist with Irish show band The Skyrockets and the years to follow found him playing the dance hall circuit with similar outfits, including the popular Gene and the Gents. "I don't strictly play in one area of music; I grew up, playing Jim Reeves, Elvis Presley--whatever was in the top charts then, and I was playing with people who were a generation older than me. The apprenticeship I had with music with show bands with people who were a generation older than me."

When the blues boom hit Ireland, Henry became involved with the rougher side of music through the outfit that became Eire Apparent. Managed for a time by Chas Chandler, Eire Apparent were one of the many bands to take part in package tours of Britain, alongside of The Move, Pink Floyd, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Amen Corner... After an untimely exit from the band, Henry nailed down some of the finest mix of traditional and rock with his work as part of the legendary Sweeney's Men in 1968; It is said that this line-up more or less invented the concept of Folk-Rock.

Within a year, he drifted to London where he became steeped in the blues scene, rubbing shoulders with some of the greats of the genre who were just coming to the attention of the British revivalists. An encounter with a young Sheffield singer led to a job and Henry's first brush with the realIy big time - as part of Joe Cocker's Grease Band. Tours and albums followed quickly, including an appearance at Woodstock and a lengthy period of work in the States. 

Breaking with Cocker, Henry and The Grease Band grooved in its gritty blues music that made them a live favorite that has rarely been equaled.  He auditioned for a gig with ex-Beatle Paul McCartney. Henry, along with Denny Seiwell, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney were the first - and many say best incarnation of Wings. He embellished the single 'My Love' with a graceful solo that is one of the all-time guitar gems and shows once and for all the expressive power of the instrument. At one Wings session at Abbey Road, when Pink Floyd were in the studio next door, Henry made a spoken contribution to the end of the classic song "Money" on DARK SIDE OF THE MOON.

But musical differences with the headstrong Macca followed, and Henry ended up in some very good company, playing guitar and gigging with the Roy Harper, Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Lane, Donovan, Frankie Miller, Eric Burdon, Viola Wills, Spooky Tooth... 

During a visit back home to see his family in the early '80s, an accident with a knife almost cost Henry his livelihood, severing tendons in his playing hand. The enforced lay-off allowed Henry to re-evaluate his life and his career, and he took the decision to stay home in Ireland.   The road to recovery was almost complete when Henry started sitting in with the Fleadh Cowboys for their now legendary Sunday afternoon residency in The Lower Deck in Dublin. It soon became apparent that Henry's contribution was an attraction in itself, so he formed his own band and toured Ireland in 1988.

In the '90s Henry moved back to Portstewart and formed a new band.

In 1998 he went to Poland, where he rehearsed a band of Polish session musicians for a tour. At the end of the tour, they went into a studio and played 'live' for an afternoon. A resulting CD, BLUE SUNSET was released in Poland, and was followed up by a further successful Polish tour.

On returning home, Henry decided that it was time to do record a few studio tracks. With help and encouragement from his many friends, he released "Failed Christian," a harrowing self-penned song that has since been covered by Nick Lowe on his latest Demon album, DIG MY MOOD. 

In addition to "Failed Christian," Henry's album, UNFINISHED BUSINESS includes some originals and choice songs from other artists he's worked with through the years--Paul McCartney and Frankie Miller. The Ronnie Lane song, "'Kuschty Rye' is something I played mandolin on the original version; I always liked the lyrics.  The Grease Band supported the Faces in America." "I'd Rather Die Young" is a song from the '50s (Johnny Cash, Jean Shepard, George Jones), and I thought it was beautiful as a country song. This album is a tribute to the people I've worked with."
  
http://www.henrymccullough.com

Mick Jones' Big Audio Dynamite Announce August U.S. Tour Dates

Big Audio Dynamite, the legendary band formed in 1985 by The Clash's ex-guitarist and singer Mick Jones, have announced U.S. tour dates for August. The band was formed by Jones following his departure from The Clash, and released a string of acclaimed albums and toured extensively in the 80s and 90s before eventually disbanding in 1997. In January of 2011 it was announced that the original line-up had gotten back together, and the band played a rousing set at this year's Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival in Indio, CA. The Coachella appearance represented the first U.S. show for the band in over 20 years. The band will also be making stops at this year's Lollapalooza festival in Chicago and Outside Lands in San Francisco. For a full list of the band's upcoming U.S. tour dates, see below.

 

Big Audio Dynamite  Tour Dates

 

8-02 Boston, MA @ The House of Blues Boston

8-03 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl

8-04 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

8-06 Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza

8-07 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

8-10 Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia

8-11 Anaheim, CA @ City National Grove Of Anaheim

8-12 San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands Festival

THE YARDBIRDS TOUR THE STATES THIS SEPTEMBER

The Yardbirds will be touring the States this September, from Massachusetts to Hawaii, September 1 through the 23.  This is rock and roll that influenced musicians from the 1960s to current day.

The Yardbirds is original members: rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja and drummer Jim McCarty, and a new generation of musicians: singer/acoustic guitarist/harpist Andy Mitchell (since 2009), bassist David Smale (since 2009), and lead guitarist Ben King (since 2005).  Merchandise will include Chris' original photographic art, which includes the halo portrait for Jimmy Page from LED ZEPPELIN 1.  That photo has been autographed by both Jimmy and Chris, who will sell that work in private.  

The Yardbirds innovated 1960s guitar, with fuzz tone, feedback, distortion, backwards echo, improved amplification….and using a bow to play guitar.  The group paved the way for the careers of Eric Clapton (1963-'65)  Jeff Beck ('65-'66), and Jimmy Page (66-'68, first as bassist, then guitarist when Beck left).  The group drew some repertoire from the blues acts of the day, including Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, and Bo Diddley, and the Yardbirds hits were some of the best songs of the British Invasion: "For Your Love," "Heart Full of Soul," "Shapes of Things," "I'm A Man," and "Over Under Sideways Down," "Train Kept A- Rolling,"  "Dazed and Confused." "I'm A Man,"  and "Over Under Sideways Down," and "Better Man Than I."  

The Yardbirds were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.  Soon after the induction, Jim and Chris reformed the Yardbirds, first playing at London's Marquee club, on a bill with the newly reformed Animals.  

In 2003, Steve Vai's Favored Nations label released their album BIRDLAND, an album of new songs that featured guest appearances from Vai, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash, Brian May, Steve Lukather, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and John Rzeznik.  In 2005 guitarist Ben King joined the group, who recorded LIVE AT B.B. KING BLUES CLUB on July 19, 2006.  That came out in 2007, included a version of "I'm a Man" that played on the Simpsons that year. 

The Yardbirds has continued to tour.  An institution in popular music, blues, rock and roll, the group made an indelible mark on the music and culture of both the 1960s and future generations.

CONFIRMED DATES:

Sept. 1: Summer Music Series, Springfield, MA
Sept. 2: Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT
Sept. 3: Tupelo Music Hall, White River Junction, VT
Sept. 4: Tupelo Music Hall, Londonerry, NH
Sept. 5 Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
Sept. 7 BB Kings, New York, NY
Sept. 8: Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe, PA
Sept. 9: Music Theatre, Westbury, NY
Sept. 10: Parilla Center, Rockville, MD
Sept. 11: Rams Head, Annapolis, MD
Sept. 15: New Showroom, Hawaiian Brians, Honolulu, HI
Sept. 16: Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Maui, HI
Sept. 17: Horoka Peoples Theatre, Big Island, HI
Sept. 21 Key Club, Hollywood, CA
Sept. 22: Coachhouse, Santa Ana, CA
Sept. 23:  Canyon Club, Agoura Hills, CA
Sept. 24:  Ramona Mainstage, Ramona ( San Diego ) CA     

"If You've Ever Been Mistreated" 6/4/11 - Devizes Corn Exchange, Devizes, UK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=limbtf4YIno

http://www.theyardbirds.com

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Outside Lands Adds Additional Artists

Another Planet Entertainment, Superfly Presents and Starr Hill Presents, in a partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, are excited to announce that Esurance, the San Francisco-based car insurance company, has been named the official transportation partner for the 2011 Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival.

 

As the official transportation partner, Esurance will provide convenient shuttle buses and a bike valet to help attendees get to the festival each day. Esurance Shuttle riders will enjoy a quick and convenient ride from the easily accessible Bill Graham Civic Auditorium to the festival entrance. A three-day round trip ticket will cost $29.50 and these tickets will go on-sale on the website on Friday, June 24. For the bike valet, Esurance has worked with the SF Bike Coalition to create unique incentives for those that bike to the event.

 

"At Esurance, we promote the use of alternative methods of transportation in everyday life, and we extend that concept to the events we sponsor. We are excited to partner with Outside Lands to enhance their alternative transportation programs," said Darren Howard, Esurance's vice president of marketing. "Esurance strives to improve people's experience at the events we sponsor, which is why we are planning special incentives for festival attendees that take the Esurance Shuttle or use the Bike Valet at this year's Outside Lands."

 

Attendees that take the Esurance Shuttle or use the Bike Valet will be eligible to receive a select number of  giveaways including VIP upgrades, bike tire repair kits, and pre-loaded Clipper cards, which can be used on Muni, BART, AC Transit, VTA, SamTrans, Caltrain and Golden Gate Transit and Ferry.

 

"We're happy that Esurance has come on board to work with us this year," said Allen Scott of Another Planet Entertainment. "We want to work with our local community as much as possible and make this the best festival experience we can. And, of course, we want the festival's carbon footprint to be as small as possible. Esurance will help us achieve these goals."

 

Both Esurance and the festival organizers are working together to ensure that the festival prepare the most robust alternative transportation program it can. They would like the community to participate in these efforts and have created an email address for suggestions. If people have previously taken the shuttle buses or biked to Outside Lands and have suggestions on how to improve the experience, they can email them to sponsorships@esurance.com.

 

Outside Lands has also added five Bay-Area artists to its acclaimed lineup. These artists are: Eskmo, Kelley Stoltz, K.Flay, Arann Harris & The Farm Band and New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, whose founding member is from San Francisco.

 

The complete Outside Lands lineup is below:

 

Muse

Phish

Arcade Fire

The Black Keys

Deadmau5

The Shins

MGMT

Girl Talk

The Decemberists

John Fogerty

Erykah Badu

The Original Meters

Beirut

The Roots

Arctic Monkeys

STS9

Big Boi

Big Audio Dynamite

Warren Haynes Band

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Major Lazer

Little Dragon

Julieta Venegas

Ellie Goulding

Sia

OK Go

The Greyboy Allstars

Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band

Old 97's

Mavis Staples

!!!

Latyrx feat. Lyrics Born & Lateef

Best Coast

Collie Buddz

Phantogram

Charles Bradley & The Menahan Street Band

Foster The People

Lotus

STRFKR

Junip

Tune-Yards

Pajama Club feat. Neil & Sharon Finn

The Infamous Stringdusters

Christina Perri

The Vaccines

Toro Y Moi

Vetiver

Bob Schneider

The Limousines

The Stone Foxes

The Joy Formidable

Eskmo

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Wye Oak

Ana Tijoux

Orgone

Lord Huron

New Orleans Klezmer Allstars

Tamaryn

Grouplove

The Fresh & Onlys

Ximena Sariñana

Ty Segall

Release The Sunbird

Kelley Stoltz

Nick Bluhm & The Gramblers

K.Flay

Diego's Umbrella

Arann Harris & The Farm Band

Cosmic Suckerpunch

Jenni Alpert & The Blood Driven Tour Presented By Music Saves Lives

Emerging pop songstress Jenni Alpert, whose sultry voice, honest songwriting and soothing melodies grab listeners in every corner, is now touring the country on the Blood Driven Tourpresented by Music Saves Lives to help raise awareness and encourage blood donations. The Blood Driven Tour includes supportive live performances during the day at blood drives, all free and open to the public, as well as extended sets of music at local venues in the evening. Jenni Alpert will be joined on the tour by drummer Corey Coverstone and together they will perform and speak on the value of donating blood to save a life, and encourage action reaching over 8,000 blood donors in person and virally. 

Music Saves Lives is the bridge between music, entertainment and important life-saving causes. As a recognized 501(c)(3) organization, MSL has focused efforts on blood donation and the bone marrow registry, reaching out by sharing facts, educating and empowering youth. Their goals are simple and their action is incredibly effective. "Saving Lives Has Never Sounded So Good™!" For more information please visit http://www.jennialpert.com and http://www.musicsaveslives.org.

Free Song Download from Jenni Alpert:
http://soundcloud.com/jenni-alpert/sweet-talk-1



TOUR DATES //

June 29th ~ San Diego, CA
9PM: 710 Club . 710 Garnet Ave . San Diego, CA
 
June 30th ~ Pomona, CA
NOON: Citrus College Blood Drive . 1000 W Foothill Blvd . Glendora, CA
5PM: Loftbeats . 262 W Second St #4 . Pomona, CA 
 
July 1st ~ Glendale, AZ 
NOON: University of Phoenix Stadium . 1 Cardinals Dr . Glendale, AZ
 
July 2nd ~ Scottsdale, AZ
10AM: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts . 7380 East 2nd St . Scottsdale, AZ

July 3rd ~ Palmdale, CA
NOON: Palmdale Blood Drive (Wal-Mart) . 37140 47th St . Palmdale, CA
5PM: Butler's Coffeehouse . 40125 10th St West Palmdale, CA
 
July 5th ~ San Tan Valley/Gilbert, AZ
NOON: Banner Ironwood Hospital . 37000 N Gantzel Rd . San Tan Valley, AZ
5PM: Bergies Coffeehouse . 309 North Gilbert Rd . Gilbert, AZ
 
July 6th ~ Flagstaff, AZ
2PM: Save Our Summer Blood Drive (Safeway) . 4910 Hwy 89 . Flagstaff, AZ 
6PM: The Green Room . 15 North Agassiz St . Flagstaff, AZ
 
July 7th ~ Denver, CO
7:30PM: The Walnut Room . 3131 Walnut St . Denver, CO

July 8th ~ Denver, CO
NOON: Denver Children's Hospital . 13123 East 16th Ave . Aurora, CO
8PM: Cervantes . 2637 Welton St . Denver, CO
 
July 10th ~ Seattle, WA
11AM: Alaska & 47nd W Seattle Blood Drive . 47nd West . Seattle, WA
8PM: Central Saloon 207 1st Ave . Seattle, WA
 
July 11th ~ Seattle, WA
11AM: Center at the Central Location . 921 Terry Ave . Seattle, WA
 
July 12 ~ Springfield/Portland, OR
NOON: Island Park Blood Drive . 200 West B St . Springfield, OR
6PM: Mississippi Music Venue . 3552 N Mississippi Ave . Portland, OR

July 14th ~ Sacramento, CA
1PM: Mid Town Center . 1608 Q St . Sacramento, CA
6PM: Luna's Café . 1414 16th St . Sacramento, CA 

July 17th ~ Ventura, CA
7:30PM: Zoey's . 185 East Santa Clara St . Ventura, CA
 
July 19th ~ Los Angeles, CA
7PM: Room 5 . 143 La Brea Blvd . Los Angeles, CA

July 20th ~ San Diego, CA
9PM: 710 Club . 710 Garnet Ave . San Diego, CA

August 11th ~ San Francisco, CA
NOON: UCSF Hospital Children's Floor . 505 Parnassus Ave . SF, CA

August 12th ~ Chico, CA
1PM: Blood Source Center . Chico, CA (www.jennialpert.com for more info)

August 14th ~ San Francisco, CA
8PM: Hotel Utah . 500 4th St . SF, CA



A few years ago Jenni Alpert, who was adopted at age four, reunited with her biological family. She discovered that her cousin had red blood cell aplasia and was surviving from weekly blood transfusions. After losing her adopted father to cancer at a young age and watching him struggle with the need for blood, Jenni spent the next few years helping her cousin through some of his hardest days. During that period she learned a lot about the value of donating blood and bone marrow. A few years later Jenni hooked up with Music Saves Lives who created a program of running blood drives and giving music away as perks to people to help raise awareness and encourage blood donations. With the Blood Driven Tour, Jenni will assist Music Saves Lives in spreading their message through music and song, helping folks feel more at ease while they are donating their blood with a little entertainment. 

Jason Aldean's "Party" Continues to Top 2011 Charts

Country rocker Jason Aldean's PLATINUM certified album MY KINDA PARTY has earned the No. one position on Billboard's Country Albums chart this week for the 10th time this year and remains the best selling country album of 2011 so far. 
 
While MY KINDA PARTY holds strong on the albums chart, the album's current Top 10 single "Dirt Road Anthem" simultaneously claims the top spot on the all-genre ringtone chart for the fifth consecutive week and on the Country Digital Singles chart. To date, the track has sold over 977,000 digital downloads of its original version and recent remix featuring Ludacris combined.  

Aldean's fan-favorite track "Dirt Road Anthem" is the third single off MY KINDA PARTY, which has already spawned two smash hits ("Don't You Wanna Stay" with Kelly Clarkson and "My Kinda Party").  The album hit big out of the gate, setting a record as the highest first week debut by a male artist in four years, and the now PLATINUM disc has remained planted at the top of the charts since its Nov. release.  
 
Both of Aldean's recent hit songs were written by Athens, GA's Brantley Gilbert, and are also available on Gilbert's Halfway to Heaven CD.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Leslie West Recuperating Following Emergency Surgery

Legendary guitarist Leslie West has undergone surgery in Biloxi, MS.  West had flown in to Mississippi to perform at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino with his band Mountain.  On Saturday, his leg began to swell, and as a diabetic he was rushed to the emergency room.  He was diagnosed with the decision to go through an amputation in order to save his life.  Surgery was a success, and the procedure removed his limb up to the knee. 
 
Leslie West is expected to fully recover, and faces extensive rehabilitation.  The family has requested that the public and media respect his privacy while he comes to terms with this life changing transition.    
 
West is a guitar god.  From the Sixties through today, he has been revered by artists and fans alike.  He has been in command of one of the biggest, boldest electric guitar tones known to humankind from the 1969 Woodstock Festival that placed his band Mountain in to historical lore through his upcoming release The Unusual Suspects.  At age 65, West continues to remain current, as witnessed by the assemblage of legends joining him on his next album, which includes Billy Gibbons, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Joe Bonamassa and Steve Lukather, alongside Kenny Aronoff.  As West shared, "These guys don't show up to play on everybody's albums.  They're stars in their own right and fantastic players – everyone with their own sound and style, and about as far from 'the usual suspects' as it gets."
 
The release date for The Unusual Suspects, and further information on West's recovery will follow in due time.
 

Moody Bluegrass Two Featuring Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush and More Now Available

Following 2004's critically and commercially acclaimed tribute to the legendary Moody Blues, the GRAMMY nominated Moody Bluegrass, along with the highly successful Moody Bluegrass Live, Nashville's finest have come together again to honor the Moody Blues with Moody Bluegrass Two…Much Love released nationwide this week!

"We have had so many cover versions of our songs over the years, but none have stood out like Moody Bluegrass. Nashville's most outstanding musicians have once again brought a new dimension to our songs, " said Ray Thomas, co-founder of the Moody Blues.

Producer David Harvey returns for this second volume, which perfectly blends the brilliant songwriting of the Moody Blues with the bluegrass sounds of mandolins, banjos and even clogging. The collection of bluegrass covers includes Moody Blues members Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge, as well as band co-founders Mike Pinder and Ray Thomas and a wide assortment of Music City's finest including Vince Gill, Ricky SkaggsSam Bush and more.

The record spans the entire Moody Blues catalogue, and includes fan favorites such as "Tuesday Afternoon" and "I Know You're Out There." Moody Bluegrass Two translates the Moody Blues' original songs seamlessly and much like the first bluegrass tribute, the beauty of the original Moody Blues music shines.

Moody Bluegrass Two also features the talents of Tim O'Brien, Harley Allen, Peter Rowan, Jan Harvey, Ronnie Bowman, Emma Harvey, Larry Cordle, John Cowan, Jon Randall, David Harvey, Tim May, Andy Hall and Andy Todd.

For more information visit www.moodybluegrass.com.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals Launch Festival

It's shaping up as a torrid summer indeed for Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, fresh off their third appearance at Bonnaroo, where they rocked the main stage in front of 35,000 festival attendees. Coming up for the band: a guest slot on an upcoming episode of Cee Lo's new Fuse show Talking With Strangers, airing July 13; their debut appearance at Lollapalooza Aug. 5; and the inaugural edition of their own Grand Point North Festival Aug. 13-14 (full details below). They'll culminate their nonstop summer touring with a headlining show in Central Park Sept. 24.

 

Additionally, Grace will make a special solo appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno July 21, where she'll perform with Rickey Minor and The Tonight Show Band and Sharon Jones, three days before joining Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe, Jones and others in Los Angeles for a night of Global Soul at the Hollywood Bowl – part of KCRW's World Festival. Grace, who recently appeared with country superstar Kenny Chesney on The Today Show to sing their duet "You and Tequila," will also make several solo guest appearances on Chesney's summer tour, while GPN will open for Chesney at Red Rocks July 8.  

 

"I never wanted to be put in a box," Grace said last week. "I didn't want to be that band from New England with a girl in it; I didn't want to be a pop diva; I wanted to be malleable and have my character be elastic enough to lend itself to lots of different genres. If someone asked me, 'What kind of music do you want to play for the rest of your life?' I don't have an answer for that, because I want to do everything. This band is growing up, and so am I. We understand what music makes us happy and what makes a crowd happy."

  

Make no mistake, GPN are a career band, deeply committed, extensively road-tested and evolving organically. Like their self-titled third album for Hollywood Records, released more than a year ago, they refuse to go away, becoming increasingly entrenched in the minds of all kinds of music lovers, from casual radio listeners to their most sizable and loyal fan base within the sprawling festival community—the first segment of the rock audience to wholeheartedly embrace and nurture them.

 

With that in mind, they hatched the idea late last year of launching their own festival, and they've been systematically laying the groundwork ever since, bringing in Alex Crothers, who organizes Wilco's Solid Sound Festival in North Adams, Massachusetts, to perform the same function for their brainchild. And Grand Point North, as they've dubbed it (GPN for short), will soon become a reality.

 

"We all grew up in the festival community," Grace points out. "It's ingrained in us and a big part of who we are. We've been scouting sites since the band first started."

 

It soon became apparent that the ideal site for Grand Point North was right in the band's home base of Burlington, Vermont. It will be held at Burlington Waterfront Park on the banks of Lake Champlain.

It would be hard to imagine a more picturesque setting.

 

The hand-picked talent lineup features Taj Mahal (the band's friend and champion since they went on the road together on GPN's first national tour in 2006), Fitz & the Tantrums, the Wood Brothers, Augustana, Hoots & Hellmouth, Jessica Lea Mayfield, fellow Vermonter Anais Mitchell and a number of local acts including the buzz bands Rubblebucket (now based in Brooklyn) and Chamberlin. The first day will be weighted toward rock, the second toward roots. GPN will give the closing performance both nights.

 

"We've been waiting for this moment with bated breath," says Grace. "It feels like the time is right for it, much like us as a band. There were times when people thought we weren't gonna make it, so to still be here and going stronger than ever, I think the festival is gonna be a reflection of that. We're not looking for something huge like Bonnaroo or Coachella. We want our festival to be small and delightful."

  

Says GPN drummer and founding member Matt Burr, "We started out as a festival band, playing blues festivals, jam festivals, indie-rock festivals—we've been to all of them, first as fans and then as performers. We took enough notes and enough exams to where we've got our festival diploma, and we felt like we were ready to step up to the big leagues and try our own thing. We also felt like we had the right family together to do this right. The pieces of the puzzle are all in place, and here we are. We couldn't be happier."   

 

Upcoming GPN tour dates as follows:

June 23

Buffalo, NY

Buffalo Place Thursday at the Square

w/ Fitz & the Tantrums

June 24

Rochester, NY

Water Street Music Hall

 

June 25

Utica, NY

Saranac Brewery

 

**June 26

Atlantic City, NJ

Dave Matthews Band Caravan – Bader Airfield

 

June 27

Danbury, CT

Ives Concert Park

co-headline w/ Michael Franti

July 1

Las Vegas, NV

The Sandbar at Red Rock Resort

 

**July 2

Sioux City, IA

Saturday In The Park

 

**July 3

Des Moines, IA

80/35 Music Festival

 

*July 5

Toronto, ON

The Sound Academy

w/ Ben Harper

July 7

Indianapolis, IN

Egyptian Room

 

*July 8

Morrison, CO

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

w/ Kenny Chesney

*July 9

Morrison, CO

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

w/ Avett Brothers

July 10

Denver, CO

Ogden Theatre

 

July 13

Aspen, CO

Belly Up

 

July 14

Steamboat Springs, CO

Howelsen Hill

 

**July 15

Alta, WY

Grand Targhee Festival

 

July 16

Salt Lake City, UT

Gallivan Center

 

July 23

Saratoga, CA

Mountain Winery

 

*July 24

Los Angeles, CA

Hollywood Bowl

(solo w/ Stevie Wonder, Sharon Jones, Janelle Monáe)

July 27

Apple Valley, MN

Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater

 

July 29

Cincinnati, OH

PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center

 

**July 30

Floyd, VA

FloydFest

 

**Aug. 5

Chicago, IL

Lollapalooza

 

Aug. 7

Pittsburgh, PA

Hartwood Acres Amphitheatre

 

Aug. 11

Newport, RI

Newport Sunset Music Series

 

**Aug. 12

Bangor, ME

Kahbang Festival

 

**Aug. 13

Burlington, VT

Grand Point North Festival

 

**Aug. 14

Burlington, VT

Grand Point North Festival

 

Aug. 20

Boston, MA

Bank of America Pavilion

 

Aug. 26

Charlotte, NC

The Fillmore

 

Aug. 27

Atlanta, GA

Chastain Park Amphitheater

 

**Sept. 9

Marion, OH

Marion Festival

 

Sept. 24

New York, NY

Central Park Summerstage

 

Sept. 30

Storrs, CT

Jorgensen Auditorium

 

                   

All dates are headline dates unless: * = support  / ** = festival dates