Benefit Concert on April 17 in Nashville to Raise Funds for Family of Late Musician/Actress J.Karen Thomas

            NASHVILLE – Lance Hoppen, Ester Nicholson, Jill Colucci, and other musicians will perform at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville at 7 p.m. April 17 (Friday) to help raise funds for the family of the late J.Karen Thomas. 

          The acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress died recently from a rare form of blood cancer. All proceeds will go to her surviving partner/wife, Colette Divine, to help offset memorial costs, temporary loss of income, and living expenses. Admission to "Cause de Célèbre: Honoring the Late J.Karen Thomas" is $35, with VIP tickets available for $100. VIP tickets include special seating and a meet-and-greet with performers before the show.  

          To learn more or to buy tickets for the fundraising concert, visit http://www.cslnashville.org/benefit-concert-for-j.-karen-thomas.html .

          CSLN is located at 6705 Charlotte Pike in West Nashville. Individuals with questions can call (615) 356-0174 or send an e-mail inquiry to info@cslnashville.org. 

 

          A Memorial Service honoring the artist will occur in the church sanctuary at 2 p.m. April 18 (Saturday).

           Thomas was a Nashville native who starred in a recurring role as Audrey Carlisle on ABC-TV’s hit series "Nashville". She guest starred on more than 40 other TV shows including "Criminal Minds".  She appeared in the 2014 feature films "The Identical", starring Ashley Judd; "Captive", starring David Oyelowo; and "Boulevard", starring Robin Williams.  Thomas is the 2013 recipient of The Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress as Shug Avery in "The Color Purple Musical".  Locally, she sang with Keb’ Mo', Jimmy Church, The Time Jumpers, and many others. Her CDs, "Love Just Happens" and "Live @ CSLN", are available at cdbaby.com.  

          To make a donation to the "J.Karen Eternal Love" fundraising campaign, visit http://www.gofundme.com/jkareneternallove . 

Will Rambeaux to Headline 'CoCreators' Coffeehouse in Nashville on Feb. 6

         NASHVILLE -- Hit songwriter Will Rambeaux will be the featured artist for the CoCreators' Coffeehouse on Feb. 6 (Friday) at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike in west Nashville.  

          The event will begin in the church fellowship hall at 6:30 p.m. with an open mic for artists of all kinds. Taking the stage from 7:30-8:15 p.m. will be singer-songwriters Nancy Faber, Steph Blick and Austin Burke. Rambeaux will perform in concert in the church sanctuary from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Joining him as a special guest will be hit singer-songwriter Sherrie' Austin. 

          Admission is free; a love offering will be taken. "The CoCreators' Coffeehouse is a wonderful opportunity for arts enthusiasts to hear some of the most talented musical artists in Nashville -- all in one place," said Event Coordinator Stephanie Perry. "The depth and diversity of the talent here is amazing."  

          For more information, call (615) 356-0174, send an e-mail message to StephaniePerry28@Comcast.net, or visit www.cocreatorscoffeehouse.org or www.nashvillecsl.org.

Songwriters to Honor the Late Patricio Tower with Memorial Service, Show and Silent Auction

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 2014) -- Nashville area songwriters will take the stage at two separate events on Nov. 15 (Saturday) to honor the late Patricio Tower, an aspiring songwriter and taxi driver who died from a heart attack after suffering a brutal beating in downtown Nashville.

Patricio Tower

 

          Tower will be honored during a memorial service from 1-3 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike in West Nashville. Tunesmiths also will put on a special songwriters show and silent auction in his memory from 6-7 p.m. at the Commodore Lounge, 2613 West End Ave. More than a dozen songwriters will perform at the events, including Lisa Aschmann, Michael Laidley, and Chuck Whiting. Donations from both events will help cover Patricio's medical and funeral expenses and provide support for his widow, Roxanne. 

         "Patricio was a wonderful, kind and giving man who was loved by many in the Nashville songwriting community," said long-time friend and co-writer Michael Laidley. "Losing him in such a tragic, senseless way is an absolute shock." 

          Witnesses reported that Patricio was attacked on Oct. 31 shortly after he arrived at a United Neighborhood Health Services clinic to pick up medical prescriptions. The 57-year-old taxi driver was rushed to Centennial Medical Center with a broken jaw, broken collarbones, fractured ribs, and a severely injured eye. He died from a heart attack following emergency reconstructive surgery.

Patricio and Roxanne Tower

 

          Roxanne, who is recovering from a head injury sustained in an automobile accident, continues to live at the couple's home in Old Hickory. The Towers' adjusted gross income ("in the uninsurable income gap") disqualified them from receiving medical insurance through Obamacare or Medicare. Roxanne hopes to continue operating the taxi vehicle they rented. 

          Donations may be made to the Patricio Tower Memorial/Medical Fund at http://www.gofundme.com/ggi660. To donate items for the silent auction on Saturday night, contact Michael Laidley at (615) 947-6726 or Michael.Laidley@ymail.com. 

'Reaching Your Dream' Artist Career/Publicity Workshop to Occur in Nashville on July 26

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2014) -- Artists of all kinds can receive invaluable insights on the professional steps needed to achieve success by attending the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. July 26 (Saturday) at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike in West Nashville.

            The career and publicity training workshop will be led by country/blues/pop artist Amy Allen and award-winning publicist/educator/composer/author Chuck Whiting. Attendees will learn how to write and distribute press releases; develop a one-of-a-kind hook; believe in their talents; plan creative events; develop stage presence; form a team of experts; develop, manufacture, market and sell original products; obtain copyrights; and build Internet exposure.

Amy Allen

            Allen and Whiting will lead artists through the career-building and publicity process step by step with hands-on instructions, examples and feedback. Artist Q&A spotlights (case studies) will feature insights from Nashville filmmaker/visual artist Robyn Morshead, singer/songwriter/musician Sean O'Shea, and author/speaker/edu-tainer/edu-preneur Debbie Watts.

            Attendees will participate in an artist vision-sharing event called "Arts on the Row" from 7-9 p.m. Saturday. The first 15 professionals to sign up for the workshop will enjoy a complimentary tour and demonstrations at a local media operation on July 25 (Friday). They also will have the opportunity to receive complimentary writing and editing critiques during a brainstorming lunch on July 27 (Sunday).

            Tuition for the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop is $95 (registration by July 20) and $120 (registration after July 20). Participation in the "Arts on the Row" artist vision-sharing event, media tour, and critiques/Q&A sessions are included with registration. Meals are not included. Discounts are available for couples, company-sponsored groups, and non-profit organizations. Artist scholarships are available.

            For more information or to register for the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop, call (615) 423-9857 or (888) 80-SHINE, send an email inquiry to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com, or visit www.ReachingYourDream.net.

            "I hear many fellow artists say how overwhelmed they are with the multi-tasking involved in the career-building process," said Allen, who has collaborated with Whiting on product development, performances and publicity for her "Someday Is Today" CD project. "Overcoming self-doubt to believe in yourself can be a huge struggle. And many artists don't realize how important it is to establish a professional self-image. It's very important to develop a one-of-a-kind persona, top-notch marketing tools, and a great team. We also need to protect our intellectual property rights in a fast-changing digital world. Achieving success is a combination of heart and business."

            Allen recently landed two Top-15 country hits from her latest album, “Someday Is Today”. Amy has performed at venues ranging from the White House to the Ryman Auditorium, opening for stars such as John Conlee, Patty Loveless, and Brooks & Dunn. She has overcome a major health-related challenge to become successful in the arts. Learn more about Amy Allen at www.TheAmyAllen.com.

            A former newspaper reporter, Whiting founded Whiting Publicity and Promotions in Music City in 1993 to provide exposure for artists and the organizations that support them. He is the author/co-writer of the book/song “The Littlest Star”, editor of Music City Arts Update, and host of the songwriters show “Tunesmithing”. He teaches communication courses at Middle Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College. Learn more about Chuck Whiting at www.WhitingPublicity.com.

Chuck Whiting

            "Our goal will be for each musician, author, actor or visual artist to have a career-changing hook, game plan, or press release in hand by the end of the weekend," said Whiting, who is completing a new CD of instrumentals and vocal tunes for release in 2014. "We will be available to provide feedback during a follow-up brainstorming lunch on Sunday."

            For more information about the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop, visit www.ReachingYourDream.net.

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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 One, Dance 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 :-)

WHERE: Center for Spiritual Living Nashville

                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!

Costco to Join Other Exhibitors for 'Health and Wellness EXPO'

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 2012) – Middle Tennesseans can receive life-changing advice from some of the area’s top natural health care and environmental experts by attending the "Health & Wellness EXPO" from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 3 (Saturday) at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike in west Nashville.

            The free event will feature health and wellness-related lectures, product demonstrations, and display tables. Professional health practitioners will offer gluten-free and organic foods, aromatherapy, healthy breathing sessions, essential oils, massages, books and other educational materials, Chakra energy clearings, ionic foot baths, iridology readings, mini-facials, skincare products, and chiropractic demonstrations. Attendees can visit exhibition booths for complimentary product samples, as well as insights on nutrition and herbal remedies, life coaching, and the environment.  As a special service to the public, Costco will provide free hearing tests and flu shots for $16.99.

            "In today's world, we need to care for ourselves and our planet more than ever," said event coordinator Bonnie Troxel.  "The purpose of the Expo is to connect those who seek to take responsibility for their health, fitness, well-being, and environment with related quality, local product and service providers."

            A highlight of the EXPO will be a special seminar on overcoming obesity by noted cardiologist Dr. Hal M. Roseman.  "Getting to the Fat of the Matter: A Course in Understanding Obesity and Returning to Health" will reveal the cause of obesity and its physical and spiritual impacts. Attendees will learn how to design a lifetime diet to restore spiritual balance and help prevent health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

            Other speakers and topics during the EXPO will include wellness expert Juliana Ericson ("Breathing for Your Health"); wellness expert Vanessa Gregory ("Negative Effects of Inflammation in the Body"); aromatherapy/energy-healing professional Kim Mollenkopf ("Holistic Healing Aspects of Aromatherapy"); Feng Shui practitioner Tisha Morris ("Feng Shui the Western Way: Practical Tips to Bring Balance and Harmony to Your Life"); chiro/wellness professional Dr. Sharon Roth ("Living in a Toxic World and What to

do About it"); health expert Jan Schim ("Natural Ways to Stay Healthy"); spiritual author/teacher/healer Gene Skaggs ("PSYCH-K: Removing Limiting Sub-Conscious Beliefs"); wellness expert Laurel Staples ("Healthy for the Holidays"); and iridology expert Brenda Starr ("Iridology: What Do Your Eyes Reveal About Your Health?").

            Providing demonstrations and discussions will be Zumba instructor Vina Buuck ("Zumba Fitness/Piloxing"); Dr. Kirk Jones ("Brain/Body and Balance"); health expert John Patrick ("Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture"); health expert Tommy Roth ("Neurofeedback"); health expert Randy Shreve ("The Happiness Paradox: The Inner Workings of Happiness"); yoga instructor Johnny Tomanio ("Yoga: Tuning Mind, Body and Spirit "); and Dr. Ning Wang ("How Acupuncture Works").

            Shred on the Run will offer free paper shredding from 10 a.m. to noon at a specially marked truck in the CSLN parking lot.  Private individuals are welcome to shred up to eight boxes or bags of personal items, including credit card statements, old checks and tax returns.  

            Other exhibitors will include A Matter of Taste (offering gluten-free and vegan food for sale); Bellevue Chiropractic Center; Center for Spiritual Living Nashville; Collaborative Peace Building Center; Costco; East Meets West Holistic Education Center; Feng Shui Your life; Harmonic Bodywork; Health4Life Center; Intuition - Aroma for the Soul; It's a Family Affair Catering (offering free vegetarian/vegan food samples by Erica Hall); East Meets West Holistic Education Center; LoAdebar; Melaleuca; Moore Living with Sarah; My Spa & Salon; Nashville Acupuncture & Herbs; Nashville Breathwork Center; Neuroclarity; One Miracle; Optimum Health Matters; Radiant Health Institute; Roth Wellness and Chiropractic; Brenda Starr (iridology); Transformation Body Therapy; and Wild Muffin (offering gluten-free, vegan and organic brownies, cookies and muffins by Antionette Licalsi).

            Some of the exhibitors will offer free herbal, nutrition and skin care product samples.  Drawings for complimentary goods and services will be held throughout the day.  Bottled water and snacks will be available for purchase.

            The Health & Wellness EXPO is sponsored by the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville. For more information about the EXPO, send an email inquiry to Bonnie Troxel at choose2bloom@comcast.net, call the CSLN office at (615) 356-0174, or visit http://www.CSLNashville.org.  

Special Concert on Oct. 5 to Benefit Marylea Jordan Family

     NASHVILLE -- The "Co-Creators' Coffeehouse" will stage a benefit concert for the Marylea Jordan Family Benevolence Fund at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 (Friday) at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike in west Nashville.  

     The event will feature musical performances by members of the CSLN Music Ministry Team. Members include harpist/vocalist Chris "Freight Train" Floyd, brass player John Hinchey, guitarist/vocalist Lance Hoppen, vocalist Jody Lopez-Robinson, vocalist Paige Manuel, sax/clarinet player Max Niederle, vocalist Jennifer Nelson, vocalist Laurie O'Shea, keyboardist/vocalist Sean O'Shea, percussionist Spencer Strand, vocalist J. Karen Thomas, and guitarist Brian Wright.  

     Admission is free.  A love offering will be taken to support the family of the late Marylea Jordan, who was an active part of the CSLN community for many years.  The concert will be emceed by Butterfly.  

     For more information, call (615) 356-0174 or visit http://www.CSLNashville.org.

Exhibition Space Available for Health and Wellness Expo in Nashville

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 2012) – Area companies and professionals who specialize in health, wellness and the environment can showcase their products and services to Middle Tennesseans from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 3 (Saturday) during the "Health and Wellness EXPO" at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike.

            The event will feature product demonstrations, display booths, and lectures by prominent natural health care and environmental experts across the region.  Booth space, room rentals, and sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis through Oct. 15.

            "This is an exciting opportunity for businesses and professionals who want to showcase their products and services, while helping change the lives of wellness-minded individuals," said event coordinator Bonnie Troxel.  "We are offering a cost-effective way for area businesses to reach a targeted, pre-qualified audience.  Where else can a professional open his or her storefront to hundreds of highly qualified consumers in one day?"

            The first 12 business professionals to sign up will have the opportunity to speak during special breakout sessions throughout the day.  A list of Expo attendees will be provided to participants after the event. Exhibitors and sponsors will receive mention in all promotional materials, including flyers, invitations and press releases. Booth and room rentals are $100 for the entire day or $30 per hour.  Two or more vendors can share exhibit space at a reduced rate.

            Exhibition booths will offer insights on nutrition and herbal remedies, senior health, aging, empowerment, happiness, recovery from addiction, biofeedback wellness, hormone balancing, breast cancer awareness, and the environment.  Some of the exhibitors will offer free herbal, nutrition, and skin care product samples. Professional health practitioners will provide massages, Reiki, Chakra energy clearings, biofeedback, and chiropractic demonstrations. Exhibitors will include Intuition... Spirit, Heart & Soul; Roth Wellness and Chiropractic; Shred on the Run; and Tisha: Feng Shui Your life. Breakout session speakers will include Kim Mollenkopf, Tisha Morris, Dr. Hal Roseman, and Dr. Sharon Roth.

            For more information about booking exhibition space and/or sponsoring the "Health and Wellness Expo", send an email inquiry to Bonnie Troxel at choose2bloom@comcast.net, call the CSLN office at (615) 356-0174, or visit http://www.CSLNashville.org.

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