Big Shot Records Launches 'The Business of Music' Radio Show

            WASHINGTON (December 2016) – Big Shot Records and Washington Entertainment Connection are premiering the new bi-monthly radio show "The Business of Music" at www.TBMRadioShow.com. 

          The show, which is co-hosted by veteran drummer Brian Choper and music photographer Mickie Hill, provides insights for members of the general public who are interested in bands and/or live music, reviews and where bands will be performing. For their second episode, Choper and Hill discuss how a band's first meeting can result in success or failure. 

             "When a band's in the basement (or in someone's home), they are performing and listening to each other for the first time," said Choper. "They try to see if the chemistry is there, if the music sounds good together, and if everyone's on the same level musically and plays in the same style. Until you put musicians together, you don't know what you have." 

            Other show highlights include music industry news, music career tips and insights, and reviews of Mid-Atlantic area bands and live shows. WEC is an artist management, recording, video and booking firm based in Beltsville, Maryland. Its Big Shot Records division signs, develops, records and books musical acts of all kinds. Company founder/CEO Brian Choper is an internationally known percussionist who performs with popular acts including The Brian Choper Jazz Project with Peter Cannella, Nexus Rock Band, and Kol Haruach Orchestra. 

            For more information, visit www.WashingtonEntertainmentConnection.com, www.BigShotRecords.com, or www.BrianChoper.com.

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.
 

Washington Entertainment Connection Launches 'Thursday Night Rock'

            SILVER SPRING, Md. (June 2015) – The rock band Nexus will headline “Thursday Night Rock”, a new weekly concert debuting on June 4, 11, 18 and 25 (every Thursday) at the historic Fire Station 1 Restaurant and Brewing Co., 8131 Georgia Ave. in downtown Silver Spring, Md. 

             “Thursday Night Rock” is sponsored by Washington Entertainment Connection and Bigshot Records in partnership with Fire Station 1. WEC also represents the popular Nashville tribute band, The WannaBeatles, and is looking for new musical acts to represent across the Southeast region.

            If you happen to visit the Washington, D.C., area in June, Nexus will perform rock/pop classics and originals from 8-11 p.m. on June 4; 10 p.m.-1 a.m. on June 11; 10 p.m.-1 a.m. on June 18; and 8-11 p.m. on June 25. Admission is $10 at the door for individuals age 21 and over. For more information, call (301) 441-8899, Ext. 5 or visit www.NexusRockBand.com. Learn more about WEC by visiting www.WashingtonEntertainmentConnection.com.

Nexus performs at The Bethesda (Md.) Blues & Supper Club

            “This is a great opportunity to hear one of the D.C. area’s most successful rock bands,” said Nexus drummer/percussionist Brian Choper, who founded WEC and its affiliate Bigshot Records in 2003. “We eventually plan to spotlight other acts on our growing roster, as well as host showcases for emerging and professional artists.”   

            The six-member Nexus offers a high-energy mix of rock, pop, rap, reggae, blues funk, power ballads and grunge for nightclub venues, private parties, fundraisers, corporate events, concerts and festivals. WEC is an artist management, recording, video and booking firm based in Greenbelt, Md. Its Bigshot Records division signs, develops, records and books musical acts of all kinds. 

            Fire Station 1 Restaurant and Brewing Co. operates in a 101-year-old historic landmark that formerly housed Silver Spring’s National Guard Armory and first fire station. The venue offers a wide range of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, subs, wraps, burgers, entrees, pizzas and desserts. Music lovers can also enjoy a variety of beers, wines and mixed drinks. Fire Station 1 is located 3 miles north of Washington, D.C., across from the B&O Railroad Station and close to all Silver Spring Metro locations.