BandFreaks News for Today: July 18th, 2005

Today's Indie Music Headlines
++++ iTunes Music Store Downloads Top Half a Billion Songs
+++ Chicago Flamenco Music and Dance Fiesta to Benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America
+++ “The Pressure Is On” Stirring Excitement Among Reggae Fans
+++ TJ's DJ's Tastemakers Only DJ/Music Conference - July 19-21 in Tallahassee

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iTunes Music Store Downloads Top Half a Billion Songs

CUPERTINO, Calif., /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today announced that music fans have purchased and downloaded more than half a billion songs from the iTunes(R) Music Store. The 500 millionth song, Faith Hill's "Mississippi Girl," was purchased yesterday by Amy Greer from Lafayette, Indiana, and as the grand prize winner she will receive 10 iPods to share with family and friends, an iTunes gift card for 10,000 songs and an all-expenses paid trip for four to see Coldplay on their world tour.

"Just over two years ago, we sold our first song. Yesterday, we sold our half billionth song. WOW!" said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "As we cross this major milestone, we couldn't be more excited about the future of digital music, iTunes and the iPod."

"Steve and Apple's impact with their complete thought of iPod and iTunes will be looked back upon as important as any instrument or device ever created for the music industry," said Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records.

With Apple's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as integrated Podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod(R) and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Music Store is the best way for Mac(R) and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music online. The iTunes Music Store features more than 1.5 million songs from the major music companies and over 1,000 independent record labels, 10,000 audiobooks, gift certificates and exclusive music not found anywhere else online.

Apple recently launched iTunes 4.9 with everything users need to discover, subscribe, manage and listen to Podcasts built right in. iTunes customers have subscribed to more than five million Podcasts from the iTunes Podcast Directory which now features over 6,000 free audio programs, making it one of the largest Podcast directories in the world.

http://www.apple.com/

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Chicago Flamenco Music and Dance Fiesta to Benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America

El Payo, Chicago's premier Nuevo Flamenco Music and Dance Ensemble, will be hosting a fundraising flamenco concert at Rumba, 351 West Hubbard Street, August 24th, from 7-11 pm. All proceeds will be going to benefit the work of the The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America.

Chicago, Ill. (PRWEB) -- El Payo, Chicago's premier nuevo flamenco music and dance ensemble, will be hosting a fiery flamenco fiesta and concert on August 24th, 2005 at Rumba (351 W. Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL).

This concert marks the first collaborative effort of the flamenco community in Chicago to raise money for a charitable cause, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America.

Thanks to fundraising efforts like this and the work of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, the survival rates from blood related cancers have tripled over the last 10 years. Today there is over an 80-85% survival rate. However, there are still some horrific facts. Leukemia is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 15. Every nine minutes, another child or adult is expected to die from leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. This statistics represent 160 people each day- seven people every hour. Leukemia and lymphoma are the leading fatal cancers in young men under age 39. We need help.

El Payo is the only Rumba/Nuevo Flamenco group of its class in Chicago. Its members come from diverse countries, such as Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia. Their distinct sound is influenced by a rich combination of upbeat rumbas, traditional and nuevo flamenco, as well as a repertoire of classic Latin American songs.

El Payo offers something for all the senses. Their dynamic and soulful sound keeps your ears at full attention, while your eyes focus on intense and passionate flamenco dance performances. The group is led by singer David Gonzalez, flamenco singer/dancer Angela Ponzio, flamenco guitarist David Chiriboga, flamenco guitarist Diego Alonso, bass guitarist/flamenco guitarist Tom Kimball, percussionist/drummer Raul Fernandez, dancer/cajón player Edwin Suarez, and master violinist Rami.

According to Danny Barbarigos, Owner and Founder of La Tasca Tapas, El Payo’s dominating and sexy performance is a hidden treasure of the flamenco world. They represent the best of classical flamenco brought to modern standards with a sophisticated balance. El Payo displays intelligence, crowd appeal, and most importantly a promising passion that pours into their diverse performance.

El Payo will perform from 8-11 pm. Doors open at 7:00. Cover charge of $15 will go to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America. The show will include original compositions, traditional and modern pop flamenco, and the debut of original flamenco choreography. There will be martini and sangria specials.

Please join El Payo and the Chicago community in fighting cancer, the flamenco way!

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“The Pressure Is On” Stirring Excitement Among Reggae Fans

This album by 'Pressure' coming from St.Thomas Virgin Islands with his own style of roots/dancehall concious lyrics and superb rhythms is sure to keep you wanting more.

(PRWEB) -- Conscious reggae music has a new rising star and his solo debut cd is surprising and delighting listeners. “The Pressure Is On,” the highly anticipated album by St. Thomas’ Pressure, was released on June 18. The release coincided with Pressure’s performance at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in California.

Pressure, born Delyno Brown, rose to popularity in the Virgin Islands and in regional and national reggae circles as a member of the “Star Lion Family” reggae group. The members decided to pursue solo careers and Pressure linked with the talented Dean Pond and Eno Stafford of Studio 340, who produced “The Pressure Is On.” Single releases from “The Pressure Is On” have already been well received by awaiting fans in the Virgin Islands. But it is track number 13, “No Limitation” that is creating a buzz among reggae fans everywhere. On track number 6, famed lover’s rock singer Glen Washington joins Pressure on “When Dem Come.”

“It’s really a blessing to bring forth this album, because I really worked hard on it,” Pressure says. “It’s really straight from the heart. I’m excited to spread the message to the four corners of the earth.”

Pressure says that the cd has tracks that people from all walks of life will appreciate. The music, beats and arrangements are top notch.

“The Pressure Is On” is also the first release from Tsuni Records, owned and managed by Virgin Islander Tony Blacks.

“The V.I. has a distinct sound,” says Tony Blacks. “Pressure is combining consciousness with roots and dancehall style. All the songs are very deep. To me every song is a hit,” Tony Blacks says of the cd.

He laments on the state of mainstream reggae. “There has been a stray away from conscious reggae,” Tony Blacks says. On a brighter note, “the V.I. is bringing back the consciousness,” he says.

“The Pressure Is On” is available on-line at www.viroots.com, www.cdbaby.com/tsunirecords, www.ebreggae.com and www.vprecords.com.

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TJ's DJ's Tastemakers Only DJ/Music Conference - July 19-21 in Tallahassee

TJ's DJ's Prepares For Tastemakers Only DJ/Music Conference July 19-21, 2005 In Tallahassee, Florida - TJ Chapman Blazes Through Summer With Series Of Appearances

Tallahassee, FL (PRWEB) -- After the hugely successful 2005 First and Second Quarter TJ's DJ's Tastemakers Only DJ/Music Conferences, TJ Chapman and his team are preparing for the Third Quarterly gathering. On July 19th, artists, DJ's, labels, magazines, promoters, radio personalities, and other industry Tastemakers will convene in Tallahassee, Florida for three days of exclusive events!

On Tuesday July 19th, TJ's DJ's will co-host an early registration mixer with EA Sports, followed by a special VIP premeire of the critically acclaimed film Hustle & Flow. Later that night, the crowd moves to a private location to parle with the ladies at the "Tastemakers Tasty Strip-Off". Cash prizes will ensure some great entertainment for all! On Wednesday July 20th, the Third Quarter TJ's DJ's Tastemakers Only DJ/Music Conference kicks off at The Moon nightclub, as everyone gathers to discuss the latest in new music, technologies, media relations and much more! The conference rounds out on Thursday July 21st with a special catered Farewell Luncheon and open mic for all participants.

TJ Chapman has been on the road virtually non-stop the past few months, speaking at various conferences and industry functions. His summer schedule has been jam-packed, and upcoming appearances include speaking engagements and panel participation at the Impact Super Summit in Las Vegas, the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Conference in Atlanta, the Texas Summer Music Conference, and the Global DJ Conference in Chicago.

For more information, go to www.tjsdjs.com

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