Blind Golfers to Compete in USBGA National Championship

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2012) – Some 25 blind and visually impaired golfers will compete in the 67th annual United States Blind Golf Association National Championship in Oceanside, N.Y., on Long Island from  Aug. 6-7.

            Competitors will include USBGA President David Meador of Nashville and Jim Baker of Hermitage, Tenn.  Other golfers will come from as far away as California and Oregon to vie for the title of "best blind or visually impaired golfer in the nation." The USBGA National Championship tournament will occur from 7 a.m. to noon on Monday and 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Middle Bay Country Club, just 26 miles from New York City's Times Square.  Hall of Fame and tournament trophy presentations will occur at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7.  Members of the general public may observe the games at no charge.

            "Every place we go, people tell us they had no idea blind people could play golf," said Meador, who lost his eyesight in an automobile accident at age 18.  "Playing in the nation's largest city gives us the opportunity to educate the public about blindness issues and also show that anything is possible."

            Golfers will compete in categories ranging from totally blind (B-1) and little usable vision (B-2) to better usable vision (B-3).  Winners in those categories will receive trophies designating them as the best blind or vision-impaired golfers in the nation. To be eligible to compete on the national level, a blind golfer must have impaired vision worse than 20/200 and scored 125 or less (B-1), 110 or less (B-2) or 100 or less (B-3) in three qualified rounds of golf.

            All 25 U.S. competitors will be accompanied by coaches who "act as their eyes".  The coaches meet their blind partners for breakfast, drive them to the golf course, manage their equipment, develop game-playing strategies, and provide directional advice for each hole.  The golfers do all of the swinging, putting, slicing, blocking and birdying.  Several USBGA golfers, including competitor Sheila Drummond of Lehighton, Pa., have hit holes-in-one.  Drummond was the first blind female player to accomplish that feat.

            "For someone like me, playing in a tournament like this is an opportunity to connect with the game of golf," said tournament organizer and USBGA member Ted Fass, who lost his sight at the age of 11.  "I am honored to chair the championship as I enjoy the competition along with the ability to increase the awareness of blind golf."

            National tournament competitors and their coaches are Michael McKone (Ed Hewitt) of Warwick, R.I.; John Casolo (David Mouton) of Waterbury, Conn.; Scott Wilson (Vicky Wilson) of Ontario, Ore.; Takeo Maruyama (Ellen Tajima) of Pearl City, Hawaii; Ron Derry (Jerry Rank) of Baltimore, Ohio;  Brad Eaton (David Schuttner) of Harwich, Mass.; Bill McMahon (Kevin Sullivan) of Framingham, Mass.; Jeremy Poincenot (Lionel Poincenot) of Carlsbad, Calif.; David Meador (Everett Davis) of Nashville, Tenn.; Ted Fass (David Santucci) of Rockville Center, N.Y.; Mario Tobia (Michael Tobia) of Mt. Laurel, N.J.; Tony Schiros (Bobby Capobianco) of Odessa, Fla.;  George Pilz (Mark Batty) of King of Prussia, Pa.; Sheila Drummond (Keith Drummond) of Lehighton, Pa.; David Wall (Lloyd Dressler) of Wymark, Saskatchewan, Canada; Jim Baker (Rob Lent) of Hermitage, Tenn.; Bob Andrews (Joe McCourt) of Tallahassee, Fla.; Geoff Bull (Walter Calhoun) of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Greg Hooper (Alan Hooper) of Powder Springs, Ga.; Harry Hester (Randy Nutt) of Austin, Texas; Millard Reed (Jay Carter) of Reno, Nevada; Ty Thompson (Paris Sterrett) of Lexington, Ky.; Dick Pomo (Gary Pomo) of Green Valley, Arizona; Mike Mercado (Tim Bartlett) of Albany, New York; and Bill Pease (Neil Pease) of Charlottesville, Va.

             The competition will be stiff.  Four of this year's national tournament competitors placed in the top five in various categories of the 2012 World Blind Golf Championships in Truro, Nova Scotia. Jim Baker and David Meador placed fourth and fifth, respectively, in the B-1 Men's Gross category. Baker also placed second in the B-1 Men's Net category.  Defending world net champion Jeremy Poincenot placed second in the B-2 Men's Gross category.  Scott Wilson took third place in the B-3 Men's Gross category and second place in the B-3 Men's Net category.

            To make the national tournament possible, the organizing committee had to raise more than $40,000 from businesses, organizations and individuals.  Company tournament sponsors include The Gilbert Co., The Mineola Lions Club, and Creative Staffing.  The funds pay for green fees, lodging, and meals for 50 golfers and coaches from across the nation. Competitors pay for their own transportation.  

                The United States Blind Golf Association was founded in 1953 by blind golfer and lawyer Bob Allman.  Today, the organization conducts three annual tournaments and holds more than a dozen clinics for blind and vision-impaired children through its junior blind golf program.  The USBGA also has a Hall of Fame that honors legendary players and contributing organizations.

            "Yes, we're about golf, but what we're really about is demonstrating for adults and children alike that absolutely nothing's impossible through partnership," Meador added.

            For more information about the USBGA National Championship tournament, call (615) 385-0784, send an email inquiry to davidmeador7@gmail.com, or visit http://www.USBlindGolf.com. 

Camille Engel to Exhibit Realism Oil Paintings in Three Prominent Exhibitions

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2012) – Internationally awarded Nashville visual artist Camille Engel will exhibit a large array of original contemporary realism oil paintings in a rare solo exhibition from Sept. 12 through Nov. 4 at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center in Clarksville, Tenn.

            Meanwhile, the artist will also step back into the international spotlight when she showcases several original bird paintings in the International Guild of Realism Exhibition in Carmel, Calif., from Sept. 7-30 and at the prestigious Woodson Art Museum “Birds in Art” international exhibition in Wausau, Wis., from Sept. 8-Nov. 11. “Birds in Art” will exhibit “Strike A Pose”, one of her most intricate oil paintings recently purchased by the Tennessee State Museum.


(Painting: "Strike A Pose")

            “This is probably the busiest and most successful year I’ve ever had, and I couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Engel, whose work has been exhibited and collected throughout the world.  “It is rare for me to exhibit locally, so I’m looking forward to presenting this retrospective exhibition in my home state of Tennessee.”

            For her “Impressions of Reality” exhibition in Clarksville, Engel is organizing a large collection of paintings spanning a little more than a decade. Art lovers will be able to see her original oil paintings of still life’s, abstract views of realism, contemporary trompe l’oeil, and her trademark birds. This Camille Engel collection includes the award-winning painting, “Sunflower at the Old Factory”, which won the 2005 TAL Memorial Award, the 2007 cover competition of American Artist Magazine, and recently returned from a 12-city, three-year traveling museum tour being compared to a Vincent Van Gogh sunflower in an educational context. Also exhibiting will be several recognizable paintings that have been featured in national magazines such as American Art Collector, Fine Art Connoisseur, and Southwest Art, as well as Nashville Arts Magazine.

            The artist will celebrate the opening of her solo exhibition in Tennessee with a reception at the historic Customs House from 5-8 p.m. Sept. 20 (Thursday).  The exhibition will continue through Nov. 4.  Viewing hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.  Admission to the museum is free on the second Saturday of each month.  The Customs House is located at 200 S. Second St. in downtown Clarksville.

            Two Engel bird paintings have been selected for the highly anticipated International Guild of Realism exhibition at the Jones & Terwilliger Galleries in Carmel. “Hello Sugar”, a 12 by 12-inch oil painting from her best-selling “Trespasser” series, depicts an Allen’s hummingbird perched inside a trompe l’oeil ripped hole in blank art paper.  The second painting, “On the Edge”, shows a Fairy Wren standing on the edge of an antique book. The exhibition, which is open to the public from Sept. 7-30, will present the best in today’s realism art featuring a wide spectrum from contemporary to classical realism, created by more than 75 artists from all over the world. This is the seventh straight year one or more Engel paintings have been selected for this important juried exhibition. 

(Painting: "Hello Sugar")

            “For two of my paintings to be accepted into the IGOR exhibition in Carmel is a high honor indeed,” Engel added. “I enjoy painting realistically. With a dedication to creating rich visual intricacies, I revel in the painstaking details. Each brushstroke is a statement, much like the notes in music. Everything matters.”

            On loan from the permanent collection of the Tennessee State Museum, Engel’s “Strike A Pose” painting will appear in the prestigious “Birds in Art” international exhibition at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wis., from Sept. 8-Nov. 11 before embarking on a national tour through Oct. 14, 2013. The trompe-l’oeil painting, which measures 20 inches wide by 16 inches tall, is a witty depiction of a raven posing to resemble the bird on the Rook playing cards.

            “I’ve often heard people express that ravens are ominous,” Engel noted.  “My goal was to depict a raven as beautiful and even humorous. My husband, Todd, is very creative and helped me title my painting ‘Strike A Pose’, which is our light-hearted endeavor to glamorize this ‘bad boy’.”

(Painting: "Rough Around The Edges")

            The artist introduced her first bird painting, “Home Sweet Home”, at the International Guild of Realism in 2006, winning the “Artist's Choice Award”.  Her first Cardinal painting, “Out on a Limb”, won the “People’s Choice Award” at Gilcrease Museum’s 2008 “American Art in Miniature” exhibition.  Her first painting of an American Robin won “Best Wildlife” in the 2010 IGOR exhibition and the “People’s Choice Award” in the Tennessee Art League’s 2010 “Central South National Exhibition”.  She is now internationally known for her colorful paintings of birds.

            After heeding advice to “Pursue the dream that burns inside you,” Engel began oil painting, intuitively in a realistic style. Known for her use of rich colors, textures, and intricate detail, her paintings have been commissioned or acquired by art collectors from around the world, and she has emerged as one of America’s most respected realist painters.       

            The artist is represented by Giacobbe-Fritz Fine Art in Santa Fe, N.M., Dean Day Gallery in Houston; Lovetts Gallery in Tulsa; River Gallery in Chattanooga, Tenn.; Rare Gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyo.; and Dolphin Galleries in Wailea, Hawaii.

            A native of Tulsa, Engel moved to Nashville in 1984, where she now lives with her husband, Todd.

           For more information about Engel or her paintings, call (615) 289-2264, send an e-mail to camille@camille-engel.com, or visit http://www.camille-engel.com or https://www.facebook.com/CamilleEngelArt .  For more information about the "Impressions of Reality" exhibition at the Customs House, contact Terri Jordan at terri@customshousemuseum.org or (931) 648-5780, Ext. 38.

MCAU July Issue Features Sports, Arts Travel, and Green Arts Articles

The Latest Middle Tennessee Arts News:

***'TUNESMITHING OFF MUSIC ROW'...  "Tunesmithing Off Music Row" will spotlight 10 professional and emerging songwriters with performances from 7-10 p.m. July 18 (Wednesday) at Taps, 2117 Belcourt Ave. in Hillsboro Village. Taking the stage for professional songwriter spotlights from 8-10 p.m. will be singer-songwritersCasey Kelly ("Cowboy Rides Away"/George Strait), LORENA 2 (Diane King and Crystal Miller), Mike Mitchell, and Susan Shann.  An opening guests segment from 7-8 p.m. will feature songwriters Marie Ann Bell, Butterfly, Meghan Saletta, My Little Austrian Friend, and Stacia Watkins. Learn more about "Tunesmithing" at http://www.Tunesmithing.com .  To sign up to perform for the "Opening Guest Segment", send an email inquiry to tunesmithing@earthlink.net . (See "Songwriting")

PUBLICIZE YOUR DREAM!... The annual "Publicizing Your Dream" PR workshop for artists and entrepreneurs will occur from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. July 28 (Saturday) at O Gallery at Marathon Village with a day of hands-on publicity training, followed by an artist-sharing event called "Arts On The Row".  The first 15 people to sign up will receive complimentary tours/Q&A sessions on July 27 at a news media operation (TBA) and the Music Row office of NSAI.  Artists can share their talents at "Arts On the Row". Free writing and editing critiques will be offered on July 29. Many other surprises are in store.  The seminar will be led by former newspaper reporter Chuck Whiting.  For information or to register, visithttp://www.PublicizingYourDream.com or write PublicizingYourDream@earthlink.net orArts@WhitingPublicity.com .

WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASSES... Artist/instructor gail McDaniel's next round of watercolor painting classes will begin on July 31 in Brentwood and Aug. 1 in Nashville.  (See "Artist Resources")

CONGRATULATIONS TO... The WannaBeatles, who have launched a Betty White look-alike contest for their new song and video, "Oh Betty (The Betty White Song)". (Scroll down to the bottom of this newsletter to read the full story.)

BLIND GOLFERS SELECTED... The United States Blind Golf Association has selected eight blind golfers to compete in the World Blind Golf Championships in Truro, Nova Scotia.  Two of the players, David Meador and Jim Baker, live in Nashville. (See "Sports" or check out the full story athttp://www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.blogspot.com . )

NAMM ARRIVES IN NASHVILLE... The music products industry's mid-year gathering will occur through July 15 at the Nashville Convention Center with hundreds of exhibits showcasing the latest products, gear and technology, along with live performances, professional education and more.  Learn more:http://www.namm.org/summer/2012 .
ARTIST QUOTE FOR JULY... "O, had I but followed the arts!" -- William Shakespeare

***You can Read the July MCAU newsletter at http://www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.com

NSAI to Host Activity for 'Publicizing Your Dream' Workshop

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2012) -- Artists and entrepreneurs of all kinds can learn the nuts and bolts of the public relations process by attending the "Publicizing Your Dream" seminar from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. July 28 (Saturday) at O Gallery at Marathon Village, 1305 Clinton St. near downtown Nashville.

    The communication workshop will be led by publicist, educator and author Chuck Whiting.  Attendees will learn all aspects of publicity, including the tools reporters and editors use; developing news hooks; writing, editing and distributing press releases; adapting press releases for the Internet; and preparing for a news media interview.

    Whiting is founder of Whiting Publicity & Promotions and a former reporter for The Mobile (Ala.) Press Register and The Birmingham (Ala.) News.  He will walk attendees through the publicity process step by step with PR examples and feedback. PR case studies will feature insights from filmmaker/visual artist Robyn Morshead, author/songwriter Candy Paull, and songwriter/visual artist Laura Powers.  The day will end with an artist/entrepreneur-sharing event called "Arts on the Row".

    The first 15 professionals to sign up will enjoy complimentary tours and demonstrations at a local news media operation and the Music Row offices of Nashville Songwriters Association International on July 27.  They also will have the opportunity to receive complimentary writing and editing critiques on July 28.

    Tuition for all sessions of the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop is $95 (for registration by July 20) and $120 (for registration from July 21-27).  Artists may attend individual two-hour sessions for $30 each. Participation in "Arts on the Row" is included with registration. Employees of non-profit organizations are eligible to receive a 10 percent discount. Advance registration is required.  The event is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions.

    For more information or to register for the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop, call (615) 242-9857 or (888) 80-SHINE, send an email inquiry to PublicizingYourDream@earthlink.net or Arts@WhitingPublicity.com, or visit http://www.PublicizingYourDream.com.

### 

'Tunesmithing' to Feature Casey Kelly on July 18

   NASHVILLE -- "Tunesmithing Off Music Row" will spotlight 10 professional and emerging songwriters with performances from 7-10 p.m. July 18 (Wednesday) at Taps, 2117 Belcourt Ave. in Hillsboro Village. 

   Taking the stage for professional songwriter spotlights from 8-10 p.m. will be singer-songwriters Casey Kelly ("Cowboy Rides Away"/George Strait), LORENA 2 (Diane King and Crystal Miller), Mike Mitchell, and Susan Shann.  An opening guests segment from 7-8 p.m. will feature songwriters Marie Ann Bell, Butterfly, Meghan Saletta, My Little Austrian Friend, and Stacia Watkins.  


   Publicist-educator-author- songwriter Chuck Whitingand comedian Paulina Combow will emcee the show.  Admission is free. "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Books & Music.  


   For more information about the event, call (615) 242-9857, write Tunesmithing@Earthlink.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com .

The WannaBeatles to Honor Betty White with Song and Video

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2012) – The WannaBeatles didn't win a Grammy for their CD "Fab Fan Memories -- The Beatles Bond", but they still love Betty White.

            To prove that, the Nashville band plans to release a song and video honoring the ever-popular 90-year-old actress (the one who beat them out for a Grammy in the "Best Spoken Word Album" category).

            The fun-filled "Oh Betty (The Betty White Song)" will be released this fall to pay tribute to the wisecracking lady who has brought laughter to billions of fans around the world. A video of the song featuring a Betty White look-alike and dozens of silver-haired wannabes will be shot on Aug. 9 at the Palace Theater in Gallatin, Tenn., near Nashville.

            "We're taking the Betty White craze to a new level," said WannaBeatles guitarist/trumpeter Bryan Cumming. "This is the first time a tribute song has been written and recorded for the actress. Our song is a fun little love letter put to music."

            The WannaBeatles worked hard to craft a song that exudes the true spirit of what Betty White is all about.  The toe-tapping, hook-driven tune is reminiscent of clever, song-along hits from the 1950s and '60s.  The star said she was "very flattered" after listening to the song.

            The Beatles tribute band has launched a "Calling All Bettys!" contest in an effort to find the best Betty White look-alike.  The first-place winner will take center stage in the "Oh Betty" video at the Palace Theater in Gallatin, receive a cash prize, and enjoy a complimentary dinner for two at The Whippoorwill. Contest runners-up will be invited to fill the venue with a sea of Bettys.  To enter the competition, individuals should send two photos (one close-up and one full-length) of themselves dressed in the most creative Betty attire to dsmusic1@me.com.  All entries must be received by July 16.  To learn more about the contest and hear a clip of the song, visit http://www.thewannabeatles.com/betty.htm.

            "Although we lost, there's a wonderful Grammy connection between The WannaBeatles and Betty White," said WannaBeatles singer-guitarist Dennis Scott.  "The WannaBeatles hold the unique honor of being the only group to lose a Grammy to the beloved star.  But now during the 50th anniversary of the Beatles, we have the opportunity to be part of a new craze -- BettyMania!"

            The WannaBeatles (Bryan Cumming, Nathan Burbank, Dennis Scott and David Toledo) received their first Grammy nomination in December as the producers of "Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond", a CD featuring songs, stories, recollections and fond thoughts about The Beatles from celebrities and everyday fans.  The project was nominated in the "Best Spoken Word Album" category.  The other nominees included Tina Fey, Betty White, and Val Kilmer. The audio book features narration by George Harrison's older sister, Louise Harrison, with performances by The Liverpool Legends of Branson, Mo., and The WannaBeatles in Music City.

            The WannaBeatles performed original Beatles-flavored songs on the CD. Heartfelt and amusing introspections were provided by fans, including special guests such as Nancy Lee Andrews, Janis Ian, Phil Keaggy, Melissa Manchester, Ken Mansfield, Alan Menken, Wesley Orbison, Bruce Spizer, Billy Swan, and Rod Davis of The Quarrymen.

            Shortly after earning a Grammy nomination, The WannaBeatles launched a spirited campaign to meet Sir Paul McCartney at the awards show in Hollywood on Feb. 12.  The campaign included the release of a new song and video, "We Wanna Meet Paul".

            "Although we didn't get to meet Paul at the Grammy's, we haven't given up," said WannaBeatles percussionist David Toledo. "Betty and Beatles are an unbeatable combination.  Maybe Betty can make the introduction for us.  It ain't over till the funny lady sings!"           

           To learn more about The WannaBeatles or "Oh Betty! (The Betty White Song)", visit http://www.TheWannaBeatles.com or send an email inquiry to dsmusic1@me.com.

USBGA Selects Eight Blind Golfers to Compete in World Championships

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2012) – The Nashville, Tenn.-based United States Blind Golf Association has selected eight blind and/or vision-impaired golfers to compete in the biennial World Blind Golf Championships from July 16-17 in Truro, Nova Scotia.

            The U.S. team, which includes USBGA President David Meador of Nashville and Jim Baker of Hermitage, Tenn., will face off against 46 other blind or partially blind golfers representing Australia, Austria, Canada, England & Wales, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, and South Korea.  The World Blind Golf Championships will occur from 8 a.m-1 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Truro Golf Club.  Tournament trophies will be presented at 7 p.m. July 17. Members of the general public may observe the games at no charge.

(Photo: David Meador (right) works with golf coach Everett Davis.)

            "Every place we go, people tell us they had no idea blind people could play golf," said Meador, who lost his eyesight in an automobile accident at age 18.  "Playing on the international stage gives us the opportunity to educate the public about blindness issues and also show that anything is possible."


***See the story broadcast by WSMV-TV Channel 4: http://www.wsmv.com/video?clipId=7482732&topVideoCatNo=221168&autoStart=true

            To be eligible to compete on the international level, a blind golfer must have played in seven sanctioned rounds of golf and have impaired vision worse than 20/200. Golfers will compete in categories ranging from totally blind (B-1) and little usable vision (B-2) to better usable vision (B-3).  Winners in those categories will receive trophies designating them as the best blind or vision-impaired golfers in the world.

            All eight U.S. competitors will be accompanied by coaches who "act as their eyes".  The coaches meet their blind partners for breakfast, drive them to the golf course, manage their equipment, develop game-playing strategies, and provide directional advice for each hole.  The golfers do all of the swinging, putting, slicing, blocking and birdying.  Several USBGA golfers have hit a hole in one.

            "For someone like me, playing in a tournament like this is an opportunity to re-connect with the game of golf," said Brian MacLeod, an IBGA board member and Canadian competitor who lost his eyesight following a hockey-related injury at age 29.  "We totally depend on our coaches to strategize and manage the course.  When you lose, your coach feels the heartache, too.  When you win, he or she is ecstatic. Golf is the ultimate team sport."

            Members of the U.S. team are Jim Baker (with coach Kyle Seeley) of Nashville, Tenn.; Harry Hester (with coach Randy Nutt) of Austin, Texas; David Meador (with temporary Canada-based coach Gerald Buott) of Nashville; Ron Plath (with coach Chuck St. Clair) of Lake Oswego, Oregon; Jeremy Poincenot (with coach Lionel Poincenot) of Carlsbad, Calif.; Ty Thompson (with coach Richard Barnhisel) of Lexington, Ky.; Diane Wilson (with coach Byron Wilson) of Port Ludlow, Wash.; and Scott Wilson (with coach Vicky Wilson) of Ontario, Oregon.

            "We're delighted to have Jeremy Poincenot on the U.S. team," Meador added.  "He earned the best overall net score in the world in the year 2010. We would love to see that happen again, but the competition is always very stiff."

            Some members of the U.S. team will practice for the World Championships by competing in the Canadian Blind Golf Open Championship at the Mountain Golf Club near Truro, Nova Scotia, from July 11-13.

            To make the world games possible, the organizing committee had to raise more than $180,000 from businesses, organizations and individuals.  Tournament sponsors include Lions Clubs of Nova Scotia, radio station 109.9-FM Big Dog, the municipality of Colchester, Best Western, WestJet, Aggregate Equipment, and the town of Truro.  The funds pay for green fees, lodging, and meals for almost 100 golfers and coaches from around the world.  Competitors pay for their own transportation.

                The United States Blind Golf Association was founded in 1953 by blind golfer and lawyer Bob Allman.  The organization today conducts three tournaments annually and holds more than a dozen clinics for blind and vision-impaired children through its junior blind golf program.  The USBGA also has a Hall of Fame that honors legendary players and contributing organizations.  The association's 67th annual USBGA National Championship will occur from Aug. 6-7 at the Middle Bay Country Club in Long Island, N.Y.

            "Yes, we're about golf, but what we're really about is demonstrating for adults and children alike that absolutely nothing's impossible through partnership," Meador added.

            The International Blind Golf Association was organized and funded by Japanese entrepreneur Dr. Hirahusa Handa in 1998, with the USBGA being one of seven founding members.  The IBGA is made up of 13 member countries and five associates. Its biennial World Blind Golf Championships rotate from country to country, with the United States being a possible host in 2014.  To see a video of IBGA members competing in the championships, visit http://www.internationalblindgolf.com/about/video.

            For more information about the World Blind Golf Championships, call (902) 895-7476 or visit http://www.InternationalBlindGolf.com or http://nova.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/nova12/event/nova1214/index.htm. To learn more about joining or supporting the United States Blind Golf Association, call (615) 385-0784, send an email inquiry to davidmeador7@gmail.com, or visit http://www.USBlindGolf.com.

MCAU: The Latest Nashville Area Arts News

***JULY 18 (Wednesday): 'TUNESMITHING OFF MUSIC ROW'...  The monthly songwriters show "Tunesmithing Off Music Row" will feature 10 songwriters at Taps in Hillsboro Village with performances by hit songwriter Casey Kelly; the Roots music duo LORENA with Diane King and Crystal Miller; singer-songwriter Susan Shann; and singer-songwriter Mike Mitchell.  Butterfly will read poetry during the opening segment, which features five performers (TBA). Learn more about "Tunesmithing" at http://www.Tunesmithing.com .  To sign up to perform for the "Opening Guest Segment", send an email inquiry to tunesmithing@earthlink.net . 


(Photo: Casey Kelly)


PUBLICIZE YOUR DREAM!... The annual "Publicizing Your Dream" PR workshop for artists and entrepreneurs will occur from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. July 28 (Saturday) at O Gallery at Marathon Village with a day of hands-on publicity training, followed by an artist-sharing event called "Arts On The Row".  The first 10 people to sign up will receive complimentary tours/Q&A sessions on July 27 at a news media operation and arts industry business/organization (TBA).  Many surprises are in store.  The seminar will be led by former newspaper reporter Chuck Whiting.  For information or to register, visit http://www.PublicizingYourDream.com or write PublicizingYourDream@earthlink.net .  (Scroll down to the bottom of this newsletter for the full story.)

WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASSES... Artist/instructor gail McDaniel's next round of watercolor painting classes will begin on July 31 in Brentwood and Aug. 1 in Nashville.  (See "Artist Resources")

CONGRATULATIONS TO... The WannaBeatles, who plan to release a new song and video honoring Betty White. (See "Congratulations to...")

NEW INSTRUMENTAL... Chuck Whiting, with the help of expert clarinetist Max Niederle, has released the new instrumental recording "Dreamer On The Prowl" on Shine Time Records.  You can listen to a clip of the tune at http://www.CDBaby.com/ChuckWhitingMaxNiederle .

ARTIST QUOTE FOR JUNE... "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."  -- John Lennon, songwriter 




***Check out the entire Music City Arts Update newsletter with photos and extra articles at http://www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.com . 

'Publicizing Your Dream' Workshop Set for July 28 in Nashville

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2012) -- Artists and entrepreneurs of all kinds can learn the nuts and bolts of the public relations process by attending the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop on July 28 (Saturday) at O Gallery at Marathon Village in Nashville, Tenn.

            The communication workshop, which will be led by publicist, educator and composer Chuck Whiting, will occur from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. in O Gallery's studio at 1305 Clinton St. near downtown Nashville.  Attendees will learn all aspects of publicity, including the tools reporters and editors use; developing news hooks; writing, editing and distributing press releases; adapting press releases for the Internet; and preparing for a news media interview. 

            Whiting founded Whiting Publicity & Promotions and is a former reporter for The Mobile (Ala.) Press Register. He will walk attendees through the publicity process step by step with feedback and professional critiques.  PR case studies will feature insights from professionals in business, literature, music, the news media, songwriting and visual art.  The day will end with an artist/entrepreneur-sharing event called "Arts on the Row".

            Highlights of the workshop are

            *  Educational sessions covering all aspects of the public relations process, including the writing of a press release in Associated Press style.

            * PR case studies (Q&A) with several professional artists/entrepreneurs who have used publicity to land news stories on local, regional and national levels.  Participants include filmmaker/visual artist Robyn Morshead, author/songwriter Candy Paull, and songwriter/visual artist Laura Powers.

            *  A tour of a news media operation (TBA) on July 27 (Friday) with insights from a leading editor or producer.

            * A tour of a Music Row business or organization on July 27 (Friday) with insights from a leading marketing professional. 

            * An artist/entrepreneur show-and-tell event called "Arts on the Row" featuring professional artists in comedy, film, literature, music, songwriting and visual art. 

            Tuition for all sessions of the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop is $95 (for registration by July 20) and $120 (for registration from July 21-27).  Artists can attend individual two-hour sessions for $30 each. Participation in "Arts on the Row" is included with registration.   Complimentary tours of the news media operation and Music Row business/organization are limited to the first 10 people who register.  Employees of non-profit organizations are eligible to receive a 10 percent discount. Advance registration is required.

            "My goal will be to teach artists and entrepreneurs how to handle their own publicity, including the writing and distribution of a professionally written press release," said Whiting, who founded Whiting Publicity & Promotions in 1993.  "We're adding several PR case studies with business and arts professionals to give attendees true-life examples of the communication process.  'Arts on the Row' is a wonderful way for artists to share their visions and receive feedback."

            A former newspaper reporter, Whiting has served the arts, entertainment, hospitality and tourism industries for more than 25 years.  He started his career as a reporter for The Birmingham (Ala.) News and The Mobile (Ala.) Press Register.  He served as the PR representative for the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for more than seven years.  His PR firm currently represents clients such as visual artist/instructor Gail McDaniel, former Harlem Globetrotter "Jumpin' Johnny" Kline, National Vocabulary Championship Coach of the Year Debbie Watts ("Word Woman"), recording artist/songwriter Joyce Rouse ("Earth Mama"), film composer/music producer Greg Sims, award-winning visual artist Charlotte Terrell, two-time Grammy winner Dennis Scott and The WannaBeatles, music producer/songwriter Jerry Michael, visual artist Camille Engel, and speakers/food and beverage educators The Saucy Sisters (Barbara Nowak and Beverly Wichman).

            Whiting also teaches journalism and public speaking courses as an adjunct professor for Middle Tennessee State University, Motlow State Community College, and Volunteer State Community College.  He is the co-author and co-songwriter of the children's book and CD, "The Littlest Star: a musical story"; editor of the arts newsletter Music City Arts Update; and founder/emcee of the monthly songwriters show, "Tunesmithing Off Music Row".

            For more information or to register for the "Publicizing Your Dream" workshop, call (615) 242-9857 or (888) 80-SHINE, send an email inquiry to PublicizingYourDream@earthlink.net or Arts@WhitingPublicity.com, or visit http://www.PublicizingYourDream.com.

'Tunesmithing' to Celebrate Bayou Blues and Jazz on June 20

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2012) -- "Tunesmithing Off Music Row" will spotlight nine professional and emerging songwriters with a special Bayou Blues and Jazz Night from 7-10 p.m. June 20 (Wednesday) at Taps, 2117 Belcourt Ave. in Hillsboro Village. 

Taking the stage for professional songwriter spotlights from 8-10 p.m. will be singer-songwriters Bryan Cumming (Grammy nominee/"Fab Fan Memories" by The WannaBeatles); Ted Drozdowski (DVD/CD "BIG SHOES: Walking and Talking the Blues"/number five on XM/Sirius Radio's "B.B. King's Bluesville"); Les Kerr ("Mackinac Blues"/NPR's "All Things Considered"); and Mark Robinson ("Quit Your Job -- Play Guitar" CD).  

(Photo: Les Kerr)

An opening guests segment from 7-8 p.m. will feature songwriters Zophia Amey, Julie Delgado, Rocky Dimmick, Haley Georgia, and Kristen Voorhies.  

Publicist-educator-author- songwriter Chuck Whiting and comedian Paulina Combow will emcee the show.  Admission is free. "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Books & Music.  

For more information about the event, call (615) 242-9857, write Tunesmithing@Earthlink.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com .

Songwriters to Converge on Music Row June 1-3 for 'Nashville Songwriters Festival'

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 2012) -- Songwriters from around the world will visit Music City from June 1-3 (Friday-Sunday) for the "Nashville Songwriters Festival on Music Row".

            More than 400 emerging songwriters will take the stage along Demonbreun and Division from noon-midnight Friday-Sunday at venues such as the Best Western Music Row Lounge, Dan McGuinness Pub, Losers Bar & Grill, Mirkos Pasta & Wine, Red Rooster, Otter's Chicken & Brew, and Winners Bar & Grill.

            The Best Western Music Row will host music industry booths and training sessions from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Attendees can receive hands-on advice, critiques and training on topics such as the craft of songwriting, recording techniques, publishing, song plugging, contracts, product development, audio podcast development, video production, management, and publicity.

            "The 10th annual 'Nashville Songwriters Festival" is moving indoors to accommodate more writers and music venues," said Cornelius "Popcorn" Robertson, founder and coordinator of the event.  "We're expecting songwriters to visit Nashville from as far away as Germany, Ireland and Australia.  All of the shows are open to the general public."

            Performers will include professional songwriters Charlie Allen, Eric Jerome Brodberg, Alexander Frost, Candice Graham, Gayla Graves, Danny Gravis, Donna Hiley, Bobby Keel, Les Kerr, Lisa Sanders, JD Smith and RB Stone.

            Festival registration is $150 for three days, $110 for two days, and $60 for one day.  The general public can enjoy three days of live music with a $20 armband.  To register or for more information about the "Nashville Songwriters Festival", visit http://www.songwritersfestival.org, send an email inquiry to popcorn@songwritersfestival.org, or call (615) 424-1491.

            Music industry trainers, exhibitors and sponsors include National Media Group, SAE Institute, Radio Free Nashville 107.1 LPFM, Treasure Isle Recording, Whiting Publicity & Promotions, and WICB-AM 1680.
           
            Highlights of the festival are

            *  Music specialty areas for training on all aspects of the music industry from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily at the Best Western Music Row.

            *  Songwriter performances from noon-midnight daily at noted venues along Demonbreun and Division.

            *  A "Co-Writers Corner" in a special tent on Music Row.

            *  An "After-Hours Sing Ring" on Music Row.

            *  A "Grand Master" presentation honoring EMI Music songwriter RB Stone at 7:45 p.m. June 1 (Friday) at the Dan McGuinness stage.

            *  A "Lifetime Achievement Award" presentation honoring legendary studio engineer Milan Bogdan at 7:45 p.m. June 2 (Saturday) at the Dan McGuinness stage.

'Tunesmithing' to Feature CJ Watson and Leslie Ellis on May 16

NASHVILLE -- "Tunesmithing Off Music Row" will spotlight a dozen professional and emerging songwriters from 7-10 p.m. at Taps, 2117 Belcourt Ave. in Hillsboro Village.  

Taking the stage for professional songwriter spotlights from 8-10 p.m. will be the trio Leslie Ellis ("Love Is A Mystery"/The Consoulers), the duo Lisa Hannah & Paul Nielsen, Yvonne Smith, and CJ Watson ("Misspent Youth"/James Otto). 

(Photo: CJ Watson)

An opening segment from 7-8 p.m. will feature Gordon Ellis, Hope Nix, Cornelius "Popcorn" Robertson, and Nicole Scott.  

Publicist-educator-author-songwriter Chuck Whiting and comedian Paulina Combow will emcee the show.  Admission is free. "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Books & Music.  

For more information about the event, call (615) 242-9857, write Tunesmithing@Earthlink.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com .

NCA's 'Score-Com' Provides Invaluable Insights for Composers

By Greg Sims

MCAU Music and Film Correspondent

I participated in "Score-Com" (a two-day seminar for media composers) for the first time this year. Even though I am a veteran composer for advertising, production music, theme parks and television ("The Oprah Winfrey Show", "Dr. Oz"), I am somewhat new to the feature film scoring scene ("The Lion of Judah", "Tugger the Jeep Who Wanted to Fly") and am of the mindset that one never stops learning. I also wanted to meet some of my fellow Nashville composers. 


(Photo: Greg Sims)

The "Score-Com" panel consisted of veteran LA-based film composer Aaron Zigman ("The Notebook", "Sex In the City") and Richard Glasser, music executive for the Weinstein Company ("The King’s Speech", "The Artist"). Aaron’s experience, insight and versatility enabled him to share many tips of the trade on how to approach scoring for film. Richard shared a wealth of information drawing from his experience as a music editor and his expertise on music synchronization rights. All of the attendees were given the opportunity to score a short film clip and received invaluable feedback from the two panelists.

I really enjoyed "Score-Com", and I look forward to attending another one in the future. I'd like to thank Geoff Koch of the Nashville Composers Association for organizing and moderating the event. 


Learn more about the Nashville Composers Association at http://www.nashvillecomposers.org . 

Music City Arts Update Posted For April

Following are highlights from the April issue of MCAU: Music City Arts Update.  See the entire issue at http://www.MusicCityArtsUpdate.com .

The Latest News:

***STORY OF THE WEEK... Cool Pepper Disc, a Nashville record label owned by hit songwriter/producer/publisher Jerry Michael, is releasing a new single by R&B/soul recording legends The Impressions.  

NSAI'S "TIN PAN SOUTH" WAS BETTER THAN EVER... The 2012 edition of NSAI's "Tin Pan South" was terrific, spotlighting performances all over town by more than 350 tunesmiths.  Reports were written by MCAU staffers Wil Comstock, Jaz Dorsey and Chuck Whiting.  

NCA TO OFFER FILM/TV/MEDIA COMPOSER SEMINAR... The Nashville Composers Association and Film-Com will present the two-day seminar "You're Hired! How to Get Work and Stay Working as a Film/TV/Medie Composer" from April 14-15 (Saturday-Sunday) at the Ocean Way Studios on Music Row.  The seminar will be led by Weinstein Co. music executive Richard Glasser and LA-based film composer Aaron Zigman.  The deadline to register is April 13 (Friday). 

GAIL MCDANIEL TO TEACH WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASSES... Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolor artist/instructor who has served as an associate member of the Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network of London, England, will teach a series of watercolor painting classes in Brentwood and Nashville this spring and summer for artists at all levels.    

'TUNESMITHING OFF MUSIC ROW' TO FEATURE PETE & PAT LUBOFF ...  The monthly songwriters show "Tunesmithing Off Music Row" will occur on April 18 (Wednesday) at Belcourt Taps and Tapas in Hillsboro Village with performances by Pete & Pat Luboff, David Llewellyn & Ida Kristin, Ashley Helms, and Deborah Bishop.  Taking the stage for the "opening segment" this month will be AJ Bigler, Dustin Mitchell, Mike Rodgers, Thomas Turner and Kelsey Wells.  Learn more about "Tunesmithing" at http://www.Tunesmithing.com . (See "Songwriting")

'NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL' TO FEATURE NICOLE KIDMAN... A panel discussion featuring producer and Academy-award winning actor Nicole Kidman, a one-on-one discussion with novelist and screenwriter Delia Ephron (“The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, “You’ve Got Mail”); and the opportunity to learn from some of the finest music supervisors in the film and television business, including “Glee” supervisor PJ Bloom, are just a few of the additional offerings at this year’s Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) presented by Nissan, taking place April 19-26, 2012 at the Regal Green Hills Cinemas and various venues around Nashville.  Visit the festival web site at http://www.NashvilleFilmFestival.org .

QUOTE OF THE MONTH... "Play it Sam.  Play 'As Time Goes By'."  

-- Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) in the movie "Casablanca"  

Cool Pepper Disc to Release New Single by The Impressions

      NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 2012) -- Cool Pepper Disc, a Nashville record label owned by hit songwriter/producer/publisher Jerry Michael, is releasing a new single by R&B/soul recording legends The Impressions.

      "Caught in the Middle", a song first recorded by The Impressions in 1986, has been re-mastered for release through iTunes, Amazon, emusic and other online music retailers. Michael produced the recording at his Suite 900 recording studio in the former United Artists Tower on Nashville's Music Row.  The song, which was penned by LA tunesmiths Harold Johnson and Ron Kersey, features performances by The Impressions' Fred Cash, Sam Gooden, Smoky Hampton and Ralph Johnson.

(Photo: Jerry Michael in his studio)

      "I am working to make The Impressions' hidden musical treasures available online for the first time," said Michael, who garnered success as a tunesmith and publisher with the hit "Play the Game Tonight" (Kansas) and other cuts by acts such as Pure Prairie League, Aretha Franklin, The Oak Ridge Boys and Shirley Ceasar.  "'Caught in the Middle' is a love song with a cool groove.  It's been in our music vault for more than 25 years."

       Cool Pepper 's latest single follows the 2011 release of "The Impressions' 50th Anniversary Salute to Curtis Mayfield", a CD featuring 17 Mayfield-penned hits, including "Keep on Pushin'", "Amen", "People Get Ready", "It's All Right", "Woman's Got Soul", and "Talking About My Baby".  The label has also released a rare extended recording of the 1960s smash "Gypsy Woman" and the 1980s single "Never Too Much Love".  All selections are also downloadable at http://www.CoolPepperDisc.com. Orchard Music Group is handling worldwide digital distribution.

      "There was no group, artist or band who did more for the Civil Rights movement than Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions," Michael added.  "Their sense of compassion and unity clearly shows on these unforgettable recordings."

      Led by Curtis Mayfield, The Impressions became a powerhouse group of the "Soulful Sixties" with a consistent string of chart hits. Arrangements and vocal harmonies helped set the band apart. The group even managed to take a stand against the arrival of The Beatles as chart dominators.  When the British Invasion started in 1964, The Impressions racked up no less than five Top 20 hits that year, all crafted and tailored by Mayfield.  Mayfield died in 1999 after racking up numerous hits with The Impressions and as a solo artist.  The group continues with Cash, Gooden and Regie Torian.

      Michael has achieved success as a recording artist for Capitol and Mercury/Smash Records; a music publisher; a songwriter; a record producer; and a studio owner.  He also has served as the owner of a booking agency and concert promotion company.  His songs have been featured on gold, platinum and/or multi-platinum albums by top recording acts in pop, rock, R&B, country, adult contemporary and gospel, including Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, Kansas, Pure Prarie League, Paul Overstreet, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rita Coolidge, Dobie Gray, Exile and Shirley Ceasar, among others.  As a former member of the popular 10-piece soul band The Entertainers, he performed on concert stages in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and top venue circuits across the nation.  For many years, he owned a state-of-the-art recording studio called Suite 900 on Nashville's Music Row.   His Cool Pepper Disc record label spotlights artists in various musical formats.

      For more information about "Caught in the Middle" and other new Cool Pepper Disc recordings, visit http://www.CoolPepperDisc.com or send an e-mail message to michael.ent@comcast.net.


(Whiting Publicity)