BigShot Records to Stream Video of Sinatra Tribute Concert Featuring the Brian Choper Jazz Project

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            WASHINGTON (June 2016) -- Bigshot Records will celebrate pop/jazz legend Frank Sinatra by streaming a full-length video of a tribute concert featuring the Brian Choper Jazz Project, a band led by veteran drummer Brian Choper.

           The two-hour "Our Way" concert video will be available anytime on demand at YouTube starting July 15. The show, which was recorded in Washington, D.C., includes performances of "My Way", "New York, New York", and other classics by vocalist Peter Cannella. The Sinatra prodigy joined the band last year after packing houses in venues along the East Coast.

           Access to the on-demand "Our Way" concert video is free. Individuals can watch the show at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0G6LDdz9le7o5wz_lhRSQQUkG7B2Qz_G .

           Sinatra and Brian Choper Jazz Project fans filled the Mishkan Torah Synagogue to hear the Sinatra classics on June 26. Part of the proceeds from ticket sales supported Sinatra for Seniors, a non-profit organization that brings music to senior citizens to help improve mental health. Individuals can make donations while watching the video at YouTube. To learn more, visit https://www.gofundme.com/29v7wheu . 

            "We are delighted to partner with the Mishkan Torah Synagogue for this highly worthwhile effort to honor Frank Sinatra, while also supporting better mental health for our seniors," said Choper, founder of BigShot Records and its parent company, Washington Entertainment Connection. "This concert has been months in the making. Individuals will be able to download the entire show from anywhere in the world."

           Ol' Blue Eyes was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on Dec. 12, 1915, going on to become one of the most popular and influential musical artists in the 19th Century. The Brian Choper Jazz Project used the concert as the kickoff for a national concert tour.

           Cannella's supporting cast includes legends Brian Choper on drums, Harry Appelman on keyboards, Ephraim Wolfolk on bass, Ben Poethke on trombone, and Ron Pruitt and Ron Chatterjee on alto and baritone saxophone.

           "It's true that Frank Sinatra never worked with a combo or small band, so this concept is brand new," Choper noted. "We have intentionally orchestrated this to produce a great sound with fewer musicians. Most of the people we've introduced this concept to have been impressed or wowed by the rich, full sound of this music coming from fewer players. We also plan to stage shows with 17-piece orchestras like Sinatra used."

           Cannella's traditional pop, swing and jazz vocals have been described as “jaw-dropping and memorable.” Before signing exclusively for Bigshot Records, the vocalist sang both classics and originals at restaurants, nightclubs and casinos from New York to Washington. WEC spent several months trying to find the right musicians to back him before eventually pairing him with the Brian Choper Jazz Project. The tenor’s favorite classics include Bobby Darin’s version of “Mack the Knife”, and of course the Sinatra anthems.

           "Sinatra fans are in for an unforgettable experience," Choper added. "We plan to mix it up by throwing in a Michael Buble’ version of a Sinatra tune, and there will be a few surprises."

           All six backup musicians are popular acts on their own. Choper is the founder and drummer of the renowned New Klezmer Quintet and the Nexus Rock Band. Appelman, who teaches at Montgomery College, has appeared around the world with renowned bands. Wolfolk serves on the board of the Washington, D.C., Federation of Musicians. Poethke has performed with the Nostalgia Big Band and was a member of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps from 2011-2013. Pruitt currently works as a music instructor in South Brunswick, New Jersey, where he conducts orchestras and teaches. Chatterjee works with different organizations in the New Jersey area to mentor and inspire young artists in jazz and classical music.

           The "Our Way" Sinatra tribute concert will be edited for future on-demand streaming at www.BigshotRecordsLive.com. Individuals can download a record label app for their smart phones by visiting https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bigshot-records/id1100226714?ls=1&mt=8 (iPhone) or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.conduit.app_54510a99ac6f47e5805a4ac5b3c8ea80.app (Android). Follow Bigshot Records on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/BigshotRecords and Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/BigshotRecords.

           For information about booking an "Our Way" concert celebrating Sinatra, contact Bigshot Records at (301) 441-8899 or tbarnes@entertainmentdc.com .

'FEARLESSLY' GIVING FOR NON-PROFIT CAUSES

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2016) – Actors Valerie Connelly (second from left) and John Armstrong (fourth from left) welcome Mustard Seed Ranch Executive Director Tammy Depperschmidt (first from left) and Putnam County Habitat for Humanity Office Manager Becky Burnett to a sponsorship dinner for "FEARLESS! TheGolden Love Musical". The Broadway-style show will hold its world premiere at the Cookeville (Tenn.) Performing Arts Center from July 7-17. Ticket sales will benefit the Putnam County Habitat for Humanity's new Cookeville West End Place Housing Initiative, the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, TTU Tech Players, and the Mustard Seed Ranch for endangered, at-risk children. More than 100 area businesses and organizations have donated their products and services to help make the play possible. The dinner was hosted in Cookeville by the First National Bank of Tennessee. Connelly, a Cookeville playwright/composer, spent many years writing what some are calling today's version of "West Side Story" and "The Sound of Music". "FEARLESS!" centers on divorcee Nikki (portrayed by Connelly) and widower Daniel (portrayed by Armstrong), 60-somethings who befriend each other later in life. What does a mother/grandmother do when a man falls for her at this age? Connelly uses playful dialog, heartfelt songs, and elaborate dance moves to bring the two friends and/or potential "Boomer" lovebirds to life. To buy tickets, visit www.cookeville-tn.gov/ls/cpac/cpac-calendar/ or call (931) 528-1313. (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

'FEARLESS!' Tunesmiths

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2016) – Actor/composer Valerie Connelly (center) welcomes Nashville singer-songwriters Katie Brooks (first from left) and Angel Pontier to the sponsorship dinner for "FEARLESS! The Golden Love Musical". The Broadway-style show will hold its world premiere at the Cookeville (Tenn.) Performing Arts Center from July 7-17. Ticket sales will benefit the Putnam County Habitat for Humanity's new Cookeville West End Place Housing Initiative, the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, TTU Tech Players, and the Mustard Seed Ranch for endangered, at-risk children. Brooks and Pontier co-produced an informational video about the play. More than 100 Middle Tennessee businesses and organizations have donated their products and services to help make the show possible. The dinner was hosted in Cookeville by the First National Bank of Tennessee. Connelly, a Cookeville playwright/composer, spent many years writing what some are calling today's version of "West Side Story" and "The Sound of Music". "FEARLESS!" centers on divorcee Nikki (portrayed by Connelly) and widower Daniel (portrayed by John Armstrong), 60-somethings who befriend each other later in life. What does a mother/grandmother do when a man falls for her at this age? Connelly uses playful dialog, heartfelt songs, and elaborate dance moves to bring the two friends and/or potential "Boomer" lovebirds to life. To buy tickets, visit www.cookeville-tn.gov/ls/cpac/cpac-calendar/ or call (931) 528-1313. (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

Nashville Composers Association to Hold Two-Day Symposium for Film Composers from June 18-19

            NASHVILLE -- The Nashville Composers Association and Film-Com will present the two-day seminar “Deciphering the Movie Music Masters” with music supervisor, record producer and music educator Andy Hill from June 18-19 at Ocean Way on Music Row.

            The premise of this year's Score-Com (“Deciphering the Movie Music Masters”) is that film composers need to study the film music repertoire no less diligently than concert composers study the classical repertoire. What can composers learn from the past that they can carry into the future? And how can composers hit the bar that was set by our predecessors with today’s budgets and timelines? Andy will address through study of actual landmark scores and live demonstrations playing to picture.  As a music supervisor, Andy has worked with some of the greatest film composers. As an educator, he has conducted Skype chats many of them in locations all over the world, and he will do so at Score-Com (prepare to be surprised!). Established composers will speak to how they manage with lower budgets, tight deadlines, and current creative expectations.

            Seating is limited.
Tuition is $85 for non-members and $55 for NCA members. For more information or to register, visit http://nashvillecomposers.org/product/score-com-2016-ticket/

            The agenda and topics that will be covered in the symposium include:

            * Is there a shared film music language, with its own vocabulary and syntax?

            * If so, how can a composer make use of it without being merely imitative?

            *How can contemporary media composers create distinctive music with radically reduced budgets?

            * The Nashville-Austin connection.

            * Can Nashville become “Media Music City”?

            Score-Com also will feature Skype chats with film composers Danny Elfman and Hanan Townshend.

            It is highly recommended (though not mandatory) to get Andy Hill's new book, "Scoring the Screen: The Secret Language of Film Music", as he will be frequently referencing it.  Special pricing for the book will be made available to Score-Com attendees.

Andy Hill

            All symposium attendees are invited to a Film-Com networking event on the evening of June 18 (details will be provided to all paid attendees).  Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided.  Feel free to bring your business cards, demos or any other promotional materials!

            All paid attendees will also receive all-access laminates to attend these Film-Com film and television business events:

            * Film-Com networking event.

            * Film-Com VIP Kick-Off Reception.

            * All biz panels.

            * The New Project Expo.

            * Annual Film/Television Industry Gala.

'FEARLESS! The Golden Love Musical' to Bring Music, Dance and Comedy to Cookeville Stage

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (June 2016) -- The Broadway-style play "FEARLESS! The Golden Love Musical" will hold its world premiere in Middle Tennessee from July 7-17, bringing music, dance and comedy to the 450-seat Cookeville (Tenn.) Performing Arts Center.

            The show, which features a vibrant cast (including two puppies) and a 21-piece orchestra, will benefit the Putnam County Habitat for Humanity's new Cookeville West End Place Housing Initiative, the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, TTU Tech Players, and the Mustard Seed Ranch for endangered, at-risk children. "FEARLESS!" stars Valerie Connelly, a Cookeville playwright/composer who spent many years writing what some are calling today's version of "West Side Story" and "The Sound of Music".

            The eight-performance show times are 7 p.m. from Thursday-Saturday (July 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16) and 2 p.m. on Sunday (July 10 and 17). Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $16 (adults age 18 and over), $12 (seniors age 62 and over), and $10 (students age 17 and under, and individuals in groups of five or more). Ticket sale proceeds from the play will benefit the four nonprofits. CPAC is located at 10 E. Broad St. in downtown Cookeville. To buy tickets, visit www.cookeville-tn.gov/ls/cpac/cpac-calendar/ or call (931) 528-1313.

 
            "I'm thrilled to stage the world premiere of my musical at the beautiful CPAC theatre in Cookeville," said Connelly, who describes her play as a wholesome family double-love story.

            Advance reviews and feedback have been strong, with one previewer praising Connelly's play for "provoking toe-tapping, laughter, and tears." The story's characters sing and dance across the stage, expressing 2016 challenges, opportunities, joys and the importance of fearlessness in the pursuit of life, love and happiness.

            "FEARLESS!" centers on divorcee Nikki and widower Daniel, 60-somethings who befriend each other later in life. What does a mother/grandmother do when a man falls for her at this age? Connelly uses playful dialog, heartfelt songs, and elaborate dance moves to bring the two friends and/or potential "Boomer" lovebirds to life. Meanwhile, Nikki's daughter and son-in-law have love-related challenges of their own.

            Connelly's parents introduced her to Broadway theatre at an early age. The artist has worked countless hours to perfect her creation after meeting with a number of highly respected New York theatre professionals.

Valerie Connelly performs songs from "FEARLESS! The Golden Love Musical" (Photo by Hal Alpiar)

            "Producers loved the music, and they made terrific constructive suggestions for the story," Connelly continued. "I took it back to the drawing board and revamped it considerably. I added some songs, changed some others, added more drama to balance the comedy, and in general increased the strength of the storyline."

            The composer/playwright was surprised when the directors asked her to portray the play's lead character, Nikki, after the actress originally tapped to play the character fell ill. As a "Boomer" herself and a professional performer for many years, she is enjoying a return to the stage.

            "'FEARLESS!' feels like a real love story, even though it's a fictional one," the artist said. "It reaches into the heart and pulls on it -- to give the viewer a reason to feel the full range of human emotion."

            The play features a Middle Tennessee cast with educators and students from Tennessee Tech University. "FEARLESS!" will be directed by TTU theatre professor Mark Creter. Other directors include Middle Tennessee State University professor and veteran conductor Mendy Richards as musical director; Jennifer Dotson-Creter of Stage One Dance Studio as choreographer; TTU theatre design professor Colin Forsyth as set designer; and TTU technical theatre instructor Nick Ryan as light designer. The 21-person orchestra includes professional musicians and TTU students who were brought together by well-known percussionist Don Lordo.

            "We have a strong cast drawn from all walks of life with great talent and a terrific will to give their best performances," added Connelly, who realized her dream after raising more than $15,000 through the support of local individuals, businesses and organizations.

            Connelly is a Cookeville-based songwriter-performer, fine artist, film score composer, and book publisher with nine albums to her credit. She is writing her seventh book, a novel. The Cornell College (Bachelor of Arts) and Northwestern University (Master of Arts) graduate joined ASCAP in 1987 as a songwriter and professional performer and has composed hundreds of songs. She wrote her first musical, "Nothing Is Ours But Time", in 1994, and the one-act musical, "Her Story", presented at Cookeville's ART a la Carte in 2013. She has performed and tested many of the songs from "FEARLESS!" at the "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase in Nashville. Her book publishing company, Nightengale Media LLC, has published more than 200 books for authors around the world. Also a visual artist and educator, she has created hand-carved block printed images and illustrations for gift items and children's books. 

            To learn more about Valerie Connelly and her play, visit www.fearlessthemusical.com.

###

                  Businesses, organizations and individuals have supported the first staging of "FEARLESS!" through sponsorships and donations of cash or in-kind services. Supporters include the following businesses: First National Bank of Tennessee, OUTBACK Steakhouse, Copeland Veterinary Hospital, Tractor Supply, Critter Cottage, Southern Paws Spa, The Outdoor Experience, Market on the Square, WORLD FOODS, Cookeville Bicycles, EXIT Rocky Top Realty, Johnson's Nursery & Garden Center, French's Shoes and Boots, Office Max, Shaffield's Furniture, Williams Wholesale Supply, Magical Music Gallery, LAMAR Advertising, Papa John's, Sam's Club, Fairfield by Marriott, Clarion Inn, Rib City, Kneaded Together Bakery, Del Monaco Winery, Cookeville Budweiser, Liquor World, Bluewaters Equipment Rentals, Cumberland Auto, Wilson Bank & Trust, Skender-Newton Realty, Kroger, Carlen Chevrolet, New York Life/Andrea and Terry Burckhard, Ford Lincoln of Cookeville, The Law Office of Donna Simpson, Hampton Inn & Suites, Party City, Copy Pack and Ship, Poet's, Carmike Cinema, State Farm Insurance/John White, One-Hour Martinizing Dry Cleaning, CPA's Cannon Clark Holman & Associates PLLC, Firehouse Subs, Trademark Printing, WALKER Investment Company Real Estate Development, First Tennessee Bank, Abel Gardens Florist & Gifts, Adecco Employment Recruiters, Belk Department Store, Old Navy, Cookeville Transmission Co., Country Inn & Suites, Crawdaddy's Restaurant, HUB Radio Stations, Stonecom Radio Stations, McCool's Video & Photography, Planet Fitness, TAYS Realty & Auctions, Winell-Lee Mouldings & Hardwoods, Benjamin Moore Paints, Cardinal Computer, Crossroads Music, and Tennessee Technological University.

Frank Sinatra Tribute Concert Tour to Begin in Washington, D.C.

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

(Editor's Note: From time to time, we post information about arts-related events occurring in other areas of the country. We hope the "Our Way" show celebrating Frank Sinatra will eventually make its way to Nashville. The show will air online on a date TBA.)

           WASHINGTON (June 2016) -- Mishkan Torah Synagogue and Bigshot Records will celebrate pop/jazz legend Frank Sinatra by staging a special 100th birthday concert in Greenbelt, Maryland, on June 26 featuring the Choper Jazz Project, a band led by noted drummer Brian Choper.

           The "Our Way" concert will occur from 3-5 p.m. at Mishkan Torah Synagogue, 10 Ridge Road in the Washington suburb of Greenbelt. The show will include performances of "My Way", "New York, New York", and other classics by vocalist Peter Cannella, a Sinatra prodigy who joined the band last year after packing houses in venues along the East Coast.

           Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for teens 13 and over, $5 for kids 12 and under, and $50 for a family group. They may be purchased online at www.MishkanTorah.org or www.BigshotRecordsLive.com.

Photo of Choper Jazz Project by Mickie Hill

           Part of the proceeds from ticket sales will support Sinatra for Seniors, an organization that brings music to senior citizens to help improve mental health. To learn more about Sinatra for Seniors, visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sinatra-for-seniors#/.

            "We are delighted to partner with the Mishkan Torah Synagogue for this highly worthwhile event to honor Frank Sinatra, while also supporting better mental health for our seniors," said Choper, founder of BigShot Records and its parent company, Washington Entertainment Connection. "This concert has been months in the making."

           Ol' Blue Eyes was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on Dec. 12, 1915, going on to become one of the popular and influential musical artists in the 19th Century. The Choper Jazz Project will use the concert as the kickoff for a national concert tour honoring Sinatra.

           Cannella will be backed by the Choper Jazz Project, a band featuring veteran Washington musicians Choper on drums, Harry Appelman on keyboards, and Ephraim Wolfolk on bass. The show also will include a horn section with tenor and alto sax.

           "It's true that Frank Sinatra never worked with a combo or small band, so this concept is brand new," Choper noted. "We have intentionally orchestrated this to produce a great sound with fewer musicians. Most of the people we've introduced this concept to have been impressed or wowed by the rich, full sound of this music coming from fewer players. We also plan to stage shows with 17-piece orchestras like Sinatra used."

           Cannella's vocals have been described as “jaw-dropping and memorable.” Before signing exclusively for Bigshot Records, the vocalist sung both classics and originals at restaurants, nightclubs and casinos from New York to Washington. He describes his sound as traditional pop, swing and jazz. The tenor’s favorite classics include Bobby Darin’s version of “Mack the Knife”, and of course the eponymous Sinatra anthems.

           "Sinatra fans are in for an unforgettable evening," Choper added. "We plan to mix it up by throwing in a Michael Buble’ version of a Sinatra tune, and there will be a few surprises."

           Choper is the founder and drummer of the renowned New Klezmer Quintet and the Nexus Rock Band. Appelman, who teaches at Montgomery College, has appeared around the world with many popular jazz bands. Wollfolk is a veteran talent who serves on the board of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Federation of Musicians.

           The "Our Way" Sinatra tribute concert will be recorded for future online broadcasts at www.BigshotRecordsLive.com.
 

'Tunesmithing' Songwriters Showcase to Spotlight Eight Songwriters on June 16

          NASHVILLE -- "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase will spotlight eight Americana, country and pop songwriters from 7-9:30 p.m. June 16 (Thursday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. (near Music Row). 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs by professional songwriters Charles Alexander, Chakra Bleu, Nancy Moran & Fett, and Laura Powers & Dan Brayall. Taking the stage from 7-7:30 p.m. for a mini-showcase will be new artists Alexis Julia and Joanna Yaeger. 

(NEWS BULLETIN: 'Tunesmithing" will be moving to a new venue after the June 16 show. Heartfelt thanks to the Aloft Hotel West End staff (including Lisa Rae Shekter) for hosting us for two years. They have been sensational!)

          Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network. 

          The monthly show, which occurs on the third Thursday, was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.