Chakra Bleu Releases Humorous New Video for Romantic Rock Anthem 'Love Me Like My Guitar'

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 2015) – Americana/rock/pop artist Chakra Bleu chooses her guitar over a man in the humorous new video for her popular rock anthem about romance, "Love Me Like My Guitar".

            The video, which was released at You Tube on May 18, shows the artist cradling her guitar while refusing to allow a pursuing love interest into her room. She dances with the love of her life, her guitar, as the disenchanted suitor begs outside the door. Viewers are treated to a tongue-in-cheek story featuring Bleu's high-energy rock vocals and moaning (but loving) guitar. When all is said and sung, a man just doesn't compare to her musical instrument.

            "I loved shooting the video for 'Love Me Like My Guitar'," said Bleu, who recorded the song for her latest album, "All of Me". "My guitar is my constant, loving companion... the true love of my life. So, why not make a unique play on something that's close to my musical heart and soul?"

            The video, which features co-star Pal Sheldon, was shot and produced by Ray Boone of Music City Video. The song features performances by veteran Nashville session players John Billings on bass, Brice Foster on drums/percussion, Tom Britt on lead and slide guitar, Ronnie Godfrey on keyboards and organ, and Dana

Robbins on saxophone. The "Love Me Like My Guitar" video can be viewed online at https://youtu.be/Pvs05GYuARc.

            The "Love Me Like My Guitar" video follows the release of two singles from her latest album, "All of Me". The first single, "The Shadow", reached number one on the NMW Indie Top-40 chart, where it remained for six weeks. The title track recently hit the top 20 on NMW's Top 40 and Hot 100 charts. The Nashville, Tenn., artist co-produced the recordings with Billings, a former bass player for the late Donna Summer.

            In "Love Me Like My Guitar", Bleu places certain conditions on her potential lover, singing, "I better let you know now... before you're in too deep. Don't want to get your hopes up... if you can't compete. If you're gonna love me... You need to love me like my guitar." Her infectious, rocking love song offers a sultry, sexy and humorous look at the ferocious tug-of-war between lust and wisdom.

            "I describe my latest album, 'All of Me', as a savory treat of pop-rock and R&B -- sweet and sultry with a shake of sass," said Bleu. "The song 'Love Me Like My Guitar' fits well into that mold. The storyline and feel are perfect for a video, presenting clever one-liners and crying electric guitar. It was fun writing the script and casting my unfortunate love interest."

            The "All of Me" album, which features "Love Me Like My Guitar" as the fourth track, is available for download on the artist's website, www.ChakraBleu.com , iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/all-of-me/id882273855?uo=4), and all major online stores, including CD Baby, Amazon, Spotify, iHeartRadio and Sony Music Unlimited.

            All of the songs were recorded in Nashville at Funky Tymz Studio, with Bleu on vocals and electric guitar. Music industry veteran Gary Lefkowith is overseeing radio promotion. Whiting Publicity and Promotions is handling publicity.

            According to Dave Carew, a writer for the blog Underground Nashville, Bleu is "hands down one of the most original and distinctive pop/rock/Americana artists ever to grace the underground Nashville music scene. Inspired by everything from the styling of bands like Heart and the Cowboy Junkies, to transcendent New Age thought, she has forged, over the past decade, some of the most uplifting, eclectic, thought-provoking, and empowering music ever created in Music City USA."

            Born and raised in Spokane, Wash., Bleu grew up with a passion for music and the outdoors. She started writing songs in middle school and performing with jazz choirs and grunge bands in high school and college. On weekends, she headed to the mountains for hiking and camping. After college, she lugged her guitar and synthesizer to Paris, only to lose her green card a year later. She spent the next two years back home in Washington working in secondary education. But a trip to Nashville changed her life. Successful performances at the Bluebird Cafe and other venues convinced her to move to Music City to pursue a professional career as a singer-songwriter.

            Bleu's music accomplishments have been substantial since then. Her recent single, "The Shadow", quickly climbed various NMW charts, reaching number four on Top 40, number four on Hot 100 A/C, number five on Top 40 Internet, and number one on Indie Top 40 (where it remained for six consecutive weeks). Her sixth album, "Souvenir", generated five top-40 hit singles on various charts, with the song "Addicted to You" receiving "Spotlight" recognition in Cashbox Magazine. Other hit singles from previous albums include "When I Hold Your Hand" and "Hopelessly in Love".

             "I want to be as inclusive as possible, providing music that is inspiring, empowering and joyful," added Bleu, who returns home to Spokane every summer for songwriting, while enjoying the outdoors of the Great Northwest. "My songs speak to individuals from every walk of life."

            Bleu said there is nothing better than playing live in front of enthusiastic audiences. She has performed at a wide range of Nashville venues, even taking the honors of being the showcase artist for BMI and Bluebird Cafe shows. She is the recipient of the prestigious "Arena Award", an honor bestowed to legendary artists such as Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and Jo Dee Messina.

            "I'm very grateful for the Internet in that it allows me to run my music business that includes my record company, 1746 Records," Bleu continued. "By working directly with distribution and manufacturing companies, I am able to reach fans across the globe simultaneously through my website and other online stores such as iTunes and Amazon."

            For more information about Chakra Bleu or to hear her music, visit www.ChakraBleu.com. To book the artist for an upcoming event, send an e-mail message to 1746Records@chakrableu.com.     

   

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Congratulations to... Les Kerr, Sam Cooper, Amy Allen and Debbie Mathis Watts

Congratulations to...

Singer-songwriter Les Kerr, who will perform at the event "Trip to the Islands", an arts benefit supporting VSA Tennessee on March 20 at Lexus of Nashville, 2010 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. in Nashville. Learn more: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/caribbean-adventure-vsas-annual-masquerade-tickets-15492858557

Singer-songwriter Sam Cooper, who never fails to amaze with how many performances he has. Join Sam at Bobby's Idle Hour on Music Row every Wednesday from noon-5 p.m. for his "Sam's Jams" (and of course all over town at other venues).

Singer-songwriter Amy Allen, who is on a mission trip for the Global Village Education Foundation in Kenya, Africa. Learn more about this amazing outreach for education at http://globalvillageeducationfoundation.org/ .

Playwright/actor/musician Debbie Mathis Watts, who (along with Tom Dolan) had two full houses at the Renaissance Center this past weekend for the play, "The Ryman Diaries". More shows are coming up soon at the downtown Nashville Public Library. Learn more about the play: http://wattsd2.wix.com/rymandiaries

Cumberland River Compact to Host 'Ryman Diairies' Presentation in Nashville on March 12

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 2015) – Award-winning actor/playwright/director Tom Dolan and author/musician/educator Debbie Mathis Watts will present excerpts from their play, "The Ryman Diaries", during a special "River Talks" presentation from noon-1 p.m. March 12 (Thursday) at The Bridge Building (Cumberland River Center), 2 Victory Ave. in downtown Nashville. 

            Dolan and Watts portray Music City legends Captain Tom Ryman and Bettie Baugh Ryman in the multi-media musical stage play. "River Talks: Travelers on the Cumberland" is an educational series sponsored by the Cumberland River Compact. Admission to the "River Talks" presentation of "The Ryman Diaries" is free with an optional lunch available for $8 per person. To RSVP to the event, call (615) 837-1151, send an e-mail inquiry to info@cumberlandrivercompact.org, or visit https://crc.kindful.com/register/the-ryman-diaries-a-theatre-production-2015 . 

          Described as a 19th Century love story, "The Ryman Diaries" is a historical drama that depicts the life and times of Cumberland riverboat Captain Tom Ryman as told through the eyes of his wife, Bettie Baugh Ryman. The story covers 70 years of the couple's lives through film media, stage acting, and original musical numbers. It tells of their unlikely romance, marriage, entrepreneurship, raising seven children on a riverboat, ultimate success, Christian conversion at a tent meeting, and the building of the Union Gospel Tabernacle. 

          The play is based on Watts' book, with additional dialog from Dolan. The actors penned seven original songs for the production. Film clips feature flashbacks of young Bettie and historical stills provided by the Metro Archives. 

          "Both Bettie and Tom had the hearts of musicians, so it was totally fitting that they would play and sing," said Watts. "They were true romantics who laid the musical foundation for Middle Tennessee." 

          A veteran educator, professional pianist-vocalist, and author, Watts' theatrical roles include Mollie in "Mousetrap" and Agnes in "I Do, I Do". Dolan has received national acclaim starring as Elwood P. Dowd in "Harvey", Dr. Albert Schweitzer in "Memoirs from Africa", and Sam Clemens in "Mark Twain Live". 

          For booking inquiries, call (615) 824-1096 or send an e-mail message to wattsd2@att.net. (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

'The Ryman Diaries' Spotlights a Classic Valentine's Romance

Artist/Instructor Gail McDaniel Moving to Georgia in Late January

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- During sometimes-tearful telephone calls, Franklin, Tenn., artist/instructor Gail McDaniel and her husband Ken have been telling friends and fellow arts professionals that they will be moving to Georgia in late January.

            The move (to be closer to family) doesn't come easily for Gail and Ken. The watercolorist has worked tirelessly over the past 20 years helping change lives through hands-on teaching and fundraising events. She has taught more than 1,300 students in classes and workshops while raising almost $90,000 for student art supplies through the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards". Her watercolor painting classes have been held on a regular basis at the Brentwood United Methodist Church and Plaza Artist Materials in Nashville.

Gail McDaniel

            Ken has handled all logistical aspects of Gail's career, including marketing, venues, office management, and student registrations. Over the years, the couple have made countless friends and earned the appreciation of noted organizations such as the PENCIL Foundation, CharacterEYES Boutique, and FirstBank.

            "We are grateful for the many friendships and partnerships," said Gail. "It's been especially rewarding teaching emerging artists here in Middle Tennessee and other parts of the world. I will probably miss that the most."

            The couple will reside at the Sun City Peachtree residential community in Griffin, Ga. The good news: They plan to spend a lot more time with a son, daughter and four grandchildren, who live nearby.

            "Franklin, Brentwood and Nashville will always be in our hearts," said Ken. "We will never forget the contributions of those who shared our vision to support arts education. We've met and worked with so many wonderful people."

Ken and Gail with the Hager Twins
and Tennessee State Senator Jack Johnson in 2007

            Highlights of Gail's career and contributions to the arts community include

            * Training more than 1,300 different artists from 36 different states (including Alaska and Hawaii), the District of Columbia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and South Korea. She has taught 11 workshops at historic Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a landmark where the late Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted.

Gail with a group of art students in Ecuador

            * Raising almost $90,000 for the arts in area public schools through the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards". The fund-raising effort earned McDaniel and Ken a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. In 2012, she was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year".

            * Organizing and hosting fund-raising events such as the "Chase Away The Blahs Party Artistically" benefiting school children in their Franklin home and the "Building Bridges Through Art" exhibition at CharacterEYES Boutique benefiting Bridges Domestic Violence Center.

            * Receiving an award for "Excellence in Community Service" from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution; being inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame; and being named (as an eighth generation Kentuckian) to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels as one of "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            * Gaining international notoriety in 2001 when she was named an associate member of the Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network in London, England, and invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France.

Gail McDaniel Teaches at Plaza Artist Materials

            * Studying under 38 noted art instructors to help build her reputation as Middle Tennessee's top artist/instructor.

            * Accepting a commission to paint a family landmark for former Gov. Louie B. Nunn. Other commissions have included painting the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music" starring LeAnn Rimes; 13 pieces for the annual Nashville Scene N-Focus social calendar; and a promotional streetscape of four homes for Newmark Homes and five other paintings for the Nashville Home Builders Association/SunTrust Bank 2001 "Parade of Homes."

            *  Showcasing her original paintings at 55 solo exhibitions, including the Brentwood Public Library, the Puffy Muffin, and "Artlightenment".

            * Serving as a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art in Nashville, teaching weekly art classes.

            * Creating and painting the design for the theme poster and t-shirt for the Nashville Symphony’s "Italian Street Fair" two years in a row.

            "We've had a great time, and I couldn't be more thankful," Gail added. "I plan to continue painting, but most of the scenes will be from Georgia."

Serengeti Sunset painting by Gail McDaniel

           For more information about Gail or to see her work, visit www.GailMcDanielArt.com.

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'The Ryman Diaries' Musical Stage Play to Hit Nashville Stage on Valentine's Day Weekend

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Award-winning actor/playwright/director Tom Dolan and author/musician/educator Debbie Mathis Watts will portray Music City legends Captain Tom Ryman and Bettie Baugh Ryman in the multi-media musical stage play "The Ryman Diaries" from Feb. 13-15 (Valentine's Day Weekend) at the West End United Methodist Church, 2200 West End Ave. in Nashville.

Tom Dolan (Captain Tom Ryman) and Debbie Mathis Watts (Bettie Baugh Ryman) celebrate after a preview presentation at the downtown Nashville Public Library.

          Show times for the play are 7:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 13), 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 14), and 2:30 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 15). Admission is $12 for adults and $9 for students K-12 and senior citizens age 65 and over. To reserve tickets for "The Ryman Diaries, call (615) 847-8007 or send an e-mail inquiry to wattsd2@att.net.

          Described as a 19th Century love story, "The Ryman Diaries" is a historical drama that depicts the life and times of Cumberland riverboat Captain Tom Ryman as told through the eyes of his wife, Bettie Baugh Ryman. The story covers 70 years of the couple's lives through film media, stage acting, and original musical numbers. It tells of their unlikely romance, marriage, entrepreneurship, raising seven children on a riverboat, ultimate success, Christian conversion at a tent meeting, and the building of the Union Gospel Tabernacle.

           The play is based on Watts' book, with additional dialog from Dolan. The actors penned seven original songs for the production. Film clips feature flashbacks of young Bettie and historical stills provided by the Metro Archives. 

          "Both Bettie and Tom had the hearts of musicians, so it was totally fitting that they would play and sing," said Watts, a former writer/producer for TNN: The Nashville Network. "Their wedding anniversary is Feb. 3, so staging of the play over Valentine's Day Weekend is ideal. They were true romantics who laid the musical foundation for Nashville."

          A veteran educator, professional pianist-vocalist, and author, Watts' theatrical roles include Mollie in "Mousetrap" and Agnes in "I Do, I Do". Dolan has received national acclaim starring as Elwood P. Dowd in "Harvey", Dr. Albert Schweitzer in "Memoirs from Africa", and Sam Clemens in "Mark Twain Live". 

 (Photos and text by Chuck Whiting)