Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Mary Beth Cross Releases 'Beyond Good and Evil'

            DENVER (January 2013) – Denver folk-Americana singer-songwriter Mary Beth Cross will celebrate the release of her fourth CD with a special concert and signing from 4-6 p.m. Jan 27 (Sunday) at Fourteen Seventy-Two Lowcountry Dining, 1472 Pearl St. in Denver.

            In related news, the artist has been invited to perform at the 2013 Folk Alliance Conference in Toronto. Cross will take the stage with other artists on Feb. 20 for the "Musicians United for Bristol Bay" concert". She also will perform at a special showcase for music industry professionals on Feb. 23.

            Recorded in Nashville, “Beyond Good and Evil” gives voice to the pioneer spirit of the American frontier with original songs and cover tunes. Cross spent the past year penning songs reflecting the grit and determination of the adventurers who blazed a trail from the East to the West in search of what they treasured most: beauty, adventure, land, new opportunities for work, and freedom from oppression.

            Acoustic instrumentation was carefully chosen to highlight the historical time period for each song. The music represents a few of the cultures that have contributed to what has become American music today, including the banjos of African immigrants; the pipes, whistles and percussion of Celtic music makers in the British Isles; and the horns, accordions and fiddles of French cafes.

            “All of these are part of the collective tapestry of a country that continues to forge on and grow despite great adversity,” said Cross, whose goal was to create an "authentic sound" that changes the folk-Americana landscape. “The choices, sacrifice and yearning for a place that feels like home remain timeless."

            The free event at Fourteen Seventy-Two Lowcountry Dining in Denver will include live music, hors d’oeuvres, a full bar, and prize giveaways.

             Cross uses soaring, pure-tone soprano vocals to help bring her story-driven songs to life.

            The foot-tapping tune "Kiss You Goodnight" was inspired by the Chilean copper miners who were trapped underground for 60 days with nothing but darkness and time on their hands. One of the miners emerged to find both his wife and mistress waiting for him.

            "The upbeat rhythms in the song led the session musicians to imagine the miner digging a tunnel out the back to avoid his confrontation of being found out by both women," Cross noted.

            A tour of Dolly's House Museum, a historic brothel house in Ketchikan, Alaska, prompted Cross to write the fiddle-accented "Stories Never Told". The artist sings a fun but heart-rending story of a dusty prospector who uses his gold for prostitutes and whiskey, only to die on a dirt trail with a bullet wound to the head.  History books did not record his name.

            The title cut for "Beyond Good and Evil" is an expression of the former nurse's desire to help make the world a better place through education, caring and helping others.  The tender ballad ends with the words, "I'd rather light a candle than waste my life cursing the dark."

             "The idea for the album came while I was reading Nietzsche's book, 'Beyond Good and Evil'," Cross added. "I was exploring the impetus to move West and the feelings surrounding the need for change. At one time or another, we all feel the need to break free from a cage of any kind. Sometimes that is imagined, other times real. Like the westward pioneer adventurers, we make the choice to stay, leave, act, or not act. We just hope we can be happy with our choice in the end."

            "Beyond Good and Evil" was produced, recorded and mixed by Dave Bechtel at Playground Recording Studio in Nashville. The album features Cross on lead and background vocals; eight-time IBMA "Fiddler of the Year" Stuart Duncan on fiddle, mandolin and banjo; Matthew Pierson on acoustic and electric bass; Mike Payne on acoustic and six-string guitar; Blair Masters on piano, accordion, organ and melodica; Ken Lewis on drums and percussion; Paul Nelson on cello; Michael Douchette on dobro; Gary Pigg on background vocals; and Bechtel on whistle.

            The CD is being promoted nationally to folk-Americana radio by Nashville-based Bill Wence Promotions.  Whiting Publicity & Promotions is handling publicity.

            "There has always been and always will be an urge to improve one's station in life, to move on when things are not working out or when someone does not feel valued," Cross continued. "People moved West for more land, the opportunity for work, farmland to feed their families, and a sense of community.  Those are the same reasons people move West today."

            "Beyond Good and Evil" is receiving rave reviews.

            "What is so compelling about Mary Beth's music to me is that it both educates and moves me," Bechtel said. "Her love and understanding of the struggles of the people for whom this great country was founded creates compelling stories. For her to tell these stories that so few have ever heard gives a voice to those who were born in a time when not everyone was treated as equal. This reveals Mary Beth's compassionate heart."

            "Through the sweet purity of her voice, Mary Beth has captured the underlying haunting story in 'Babes in the Woods'," said artist Dierdre Keohane, partner of the late Irish songwriter Noel Brazil. I know Noel would be proud of this version."

            An accomplished vocalist and tunesmith, Cross moved to Denver in the 1980s to pursue a nursing career. Her music is influenced by the rural farmland and forests of her Wisconsin upbringing and the Rocky Mountains where she currently resides. The artist has emerged on the regional and national music scene with appearances on radio station KRFC-FM’s “Live @ Lunch” show at Colorado State University and musical performances at the Spiritual Project’s “10th Anniversary Gala” at the University of Denver, the Summit Foundation’s “Great Rubber Duck Races” in Breckenridge, Colo., and the “Rockygrass Academy Band Scramble” in Lyons, Colo.

            Cross, who holds a nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will speak and perform at the National Association of School Nurses annual conference in Orlando, Fla., in June 2013. Other upcoming musical performances include the "Musicians United for Bristol Bay" concert at the Folk Alliance Conference in Toronto on Feb. 20; the "Newcomer Showcase" concert at the Folk Alliance Conference in Toronto on Feb. 23; a concert for the Swallow Hill Music Association in Denver on March 14; a concert for the Black Rose Acoustic Society in Colorado Springs, Colo., on April 12; and a concert for the Living Water Spiritual Community in Arvada, Colo., on June 15.

            "Beyond Good and Evil" is available for $15 at leading online music retailers, including Amazon and iTunes. To learn more about Mary Beth Cross or her new album, call (303) 842-1587, send an email message to MaryBeth@MaryBethCross.com, or visit http://www.MaryBethCross.com or http://www.reverbnation.com/marybethcross.



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Thursday, January 10, 2013

Mary Beth Cross to Celebrate Latest CD with Special Concert


          DENVER (January 2013) – Denver folk-Americana singer-songwriter Mary Beth Cross will celebrate her fourth CD with a special concert and signing from 4-6 p.m. Jan 27 (Sunday) at Fourteen Seventy-Two Lowcountry Dining, 1472 Pearl St. in Denver. 

          The artist’s latest album, “Beyond Good and Evil”, celebrates the pioneer spirit of the American frontier with original songs and cover tunes. The free event will include live music, hors d’oeuvres, a full bar, and prize giveaways. 

          Recorded in Nashville, “Beyond Good and Evil” features performances by eight-time International Bluegrass Music Association “Fiddler of the Year” Stuart Duncan. Cross spent the past year penning songs reflecting the spirit and grit of the pioneers who blazed a trail from the East to the West in search of what they treasured most: beauty, adventure, a land to call their own, new opportunities for work, and freedom from oppression. 

          “All of these are part of the collective tapestry of a country that continues to forge on and grow despite great adversity,” said Cross, who performed last summer at the Spiritual Project’s “10th Anniversary Gala” at the University of Denver. “The choices, sacrifice and yearning for a place that feels like home remain timeless.” 

          “Beyond Good and Evil” is being promoted nationally to folk-Americana radio by Nashville-based Bill Wence Promotions. 

          An accomplished vocalist and tunesmith, Cross moved to Denver in the 1990s to pursue a nursing career. She has emerged on the regional and national music scene with appearances on radio station KRFC-FM’s “Live @ Lunch” show at Colorado State University and musical performances at the Summit Foundation’s “Great Rubber Duck Races” in Breckenridge, Colo., and the “Rockygrass Academy Band Scramble” in Lyons, Colo. Cross, who holds a nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will speak and perform at the National Association of School Nurses annual conference in Orlando, Fla., in June 2013. 

          To learn more about Mary Beth Cross or her new album, “Beyond Good and Evil”, call (303) 842-1587, send an email message to MaryBeth@MaryBethCross.com, or visit http://www.MaryBethCross.com or http://www.reverbnation.com/marybethcross.

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Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Lance Hoppen to Celebrate Birthday with Special Concert on Jan. 11


Lance Hoppen's Third Annual 'Big Bash Birthday Show'!

Lance Hoppen, best known as a co-founding member of the Pop/Rock band Orleans (who brought you such iconic '70s hits as Still the OneDance With Me and Love Tales Time) will once again celebrate his upcoming birthday (Jan. 9) in style ... with YOU as the party's beneficiary!

If you've not been to his 'Big Bash Birthday Show' in the past two years, you don't know what you've been missing! And if you have, you know you'll want to be there again on Friday, Jan. 11th at 9 p.m. Last year, Lance gathered around him no less than 16 fine singers and players to help him bring in the new year with a bang. Many of them will be returning, with some new surprises in store as well!

This is a FREE event (with love offerings gratefully accepted :-)

                6705 Charlotte Pike (across from Nashville West mall)
                Nashville, TN 37209

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 11th ... 9 p.m.
           Open mic circle starts at 7 p.m. All welcome to participate.

Please come ... tell your friends ... enjoy yourself ... lend your support.

It's gonna be a big 'ole PARTY!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

'IC Virtual Music Conference and Expo' to Occur Feb. 26-28

          NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 2013) -- Thousands of independent artists and songwriters are expected to attend the first "IC Virtual Music Conference and Expo", an online music industry gathering from Feb. 26-28, 2013 (Tuesday-Thursday). 

          Tagged as the first music industry event of its kind, the three-day online conference will connect independent artists, professionals and businesses around the world with 60 straight hours of professional activities, beginning at 11 a.m. (EST) Feb. 26 and continuing till 11 p.m. (EST) Feb. 28. The event will be hosted by Indie Connect at http://www.VirtualMusicConference.com.  

           Artists, songwriters and others can log in from around the globe to view live and video showcases, explore a trade show with several hundred booths, and see in-depth presentations by noted music industry professionals. 

          "As far as we know, this is the first online music conference ever held," said Indie Connect CEO Vinny Ribas. "This is going to be a truly global event. We've attracted speakers, businesses and artists from the United States, Russia, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and China, to name a few. For artists, it is the ideal way to make contacts and showcase themselves to industry executives and talent buyers worldwide. For businesses, it is an ideal way to demonstrate and sell products and services to thousands of artists." 

          Seminars will cover topics such as fan and team building, booking, social media, vocal recording, writing game music, publicity, stage presence, producing, film and TV licensing, funding, touring, and international opportunities. 

           Registrants can visit trade show booths day and night for professional advice and to learn about the latest music-related products and services. Artists will showcase their talents with live performances and videos. 

          Sponsors include StreetJelly.com, BeAppsolute.com, IndieHitMaker.com, the Business Side of Music podcast, Music Dish, Music Connection Magazine, Media Design Services, MI2N, and Whiting Publicity and Promotions. 

           Tuition is $47. To learn more about attending, showcasing or exhibiting at the "IC Virtual Music Conference and Expo", visit http://www.VirtualMusicConference.com, send an email inquiry to vinny@indieconnect.com or connie@indieconnect.com, or call (615) 568-4736.

Friday, January 4, 2013

'Sharing Blessings' in Independence, Va.




            INDEPENDENCE, Va. (December 2012) – Environmental songstress Joyce Rouse (a.k.a. Earth Mama) (right) greets (from left) Historic 1908 Foundation President Laura Bryant and Vice President Ken Winans during the "Share Our Blessings" celebration in Independence, Va.  The Nov. 17 event at the Historic 1908 Courthouse celebrated arts, culture and community with a children's art show, "Blessing of the Backpacks" presentation, bake sale, and raffle for four handcrafted quilts.  Event Coordinator Penny Halsey noted that the event raised enough funds to fill children's backpacks for several weeks. Earth Mama used the event to celebrate the release of her latest CD, "Blessings of the Universe".  Proceeds from the sale of CDs, quilts, baked goods, handmade hats, and other donated products helped Grayson Backpack Ministry provide nutritious meals and snacks to children. Rouse describes her new project as "inspirational songs for the foreground and background of your days". The vocal and piano-centered CD takes listeners on a soulful and lyrical journey of gratitude, reassurance, hope and wonder with heartfelt praises of God and all God's creation. Earth Mama has been delighting audiences of all ages with toe-tapping music and green-living tips for more than 10 years, “helping heal the planet one song at a time.”  For information about Earth Mama's "Blessings of the Universe" CD, call (276) 773-8529, send an e-mail message to Joyce@EarthMama.org, or visit http://www.EarthMama.org.
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Celebrating the Arts in Southwest Virginia




ABINGDON, Va. (December 2012) – Environmental songstress Joyce Rouse (AKA Earth Mama) (left) of Independence, Va., performs with (from left) harmonica player Richard Rouse, painter Kathye Mendes, and bassist/pottery artist David Hoffman during "Grayson County Day at Heartwood" on Nov. 16.  The collaborative arts concert at the Heartwood Artisan Center in Abingdon, Va., concluded the daylong event celebrating the release of Rouse's latest CD, "Blessings of the Universe.  Proceeds from the sale of CDs, handcrafted quilts, and other donated items benefited Grayson Backpack Ministry, a community outreach providing nutritious meals and snacks to children. Rouse describes her new project as "inspirational songs for the foreground and background of your days". The vocal and piano-centered CD takes listeners on a soulful and lyrical journey of gratitude, reassurance, hope and wonder with heartfelt praises of God and all God's creation. Earth Mama has been delighting audiences of all ages with toe-tapping music and green-living tips for more than 10 years, “helping heal the planet one song at a time.” For more information about Earth Mama or "Blessings of the Universe", call (276) 773-8529, send an e-mail message to Joyce@EarthMama.org, or visit http://www.EarthMama.org.
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NCA to Host Music Composition Seminar With Chris Boardman


“What’s YOUR Story?” 

with Chris Boardman

How to use your creative problem solving skills

 and the power of storytelling

to adapt to a changing media landscape

 
The Nashville Composers Association is pleased to present “What’s YOUR Story?” with composer/arranger/orchestrator/keyboardist, Chris Boardman.

As technology continues to disrupt traditional media markets, by enabling everyone to be a content creator, the biggest challenges for the creative professional will be:

• How do I stand out from the crowd?
• How will I get paid for my services?
• How do I adapt to such monumental change?

Bold, direct and to the point, this talk will discuss the past, current and future trends of the media industry and will identify how the power of storytelling–the telling of YOUR story– combined with your unique training as a creative problem solver, will guide you into the 21st century.

Admission is free.

Tues. January 8, 2013, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Music Building, Room 201
7401 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221 
(click here for a map)
Campus directions:

Enter campus off Hwy 100.
Stay straight and follow signs to athletic center. Pass small turnaround on right and park in spaces past turnaround.
The entrance to the music building is next to that roundabout.
Music room is second floor. Room 201.

The WannaBeatles to Host 'Betty White 91st Birthday Bash'

By Chuck Whiting
MCAU Editor


           NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 2013) – The popular Beatles tribute band The WannaBeatles will celebrate Betty White's 91st birthday with a special concert from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 17 (Thursday) at 3rd and Lindsley, 818 Third Ave. S. in downtown Nashville.

            The band will salute the star with a performance of their new song, "Oh Betty! (The Betty White Song)" and favorite Beatles classics from the 1960s. The audience also will enjoy performances by the golden-haired Betty White Dancers. Fans will sing "Happy Birthday" to Betty at 7:30 p.m.

            Fans are encouraged to videotape their own special "Betty Birthday Greeting" and let the world know why "I like Betty". The most creative video will win a lucky contestant a personalized autograph photo from Betty herself and a complimentary meal at Puckett's Grocery. To post a video message, visit https://www.facebook.com/thewannabeatles .

            "The WannaBeatles have a unique connection to Betty through our recent experience at the Grammys," said band member Dennis Scott. "'The Betty White Song' was a way for us to tell our story and have some fun with Betty. As the lyric goes, 'She's saucy, sexy, savvy, and sweet...', and we are only too glad to be part of the Betty bandwagon."

            Admission to the "Betty White 91st Birthday Bash" is $10 at the door.  Part of the proceeds will benefit the Nashville Humane Association (Betty loves animals). A special table will be set up to accept contributions and donated items for dogs, cats and other pets. The concert is being promoted by Hippie Radio 94.5-FM.

            The WannaBeatles walked the Grammy Red Carpet last year, but they lost to the invincible (beloved) Betty White. Not to be outdone, the band decided to honor the star with a new song and video. "Oh Betty!", which was released in September, features The WannaBeatles as a '60s-styled singing quartet and Evelyn Ford as a Betty White imposter.  The video is available for viewing at http://www.theWannaBeatles.com or at http://youtu.be/d_9TG-qwgKU .  The song is available at http://www.iTunes.com .

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