BandFreaks Music News for Today: MONTH DAY, YEAR
Today's Indie Music Headlines
+++ RadioDirectX Marks the Spot for Paul Jackson's New Jazz/Funk Release
+++ Autolect (Formerly Usephasan) Releases Lubrication Single
+++ Cirque De Soliel Singer Tops Billboard Chart at Number One w/ First Release
+++ Can a Pakistani Rock Star, Film Journalist, and UN Goodwill Ambassador, Strike a New Chord in the Hearts of Islamic Fundamentalists?
+++ Live Gig Recordings To DVD By LiveMusicX Will Help Bands Promote Themselves
+++ British Jazz Singer & Songwriter, Juliet Kelly, Returns With A Luscious New Album
Today in the Music Scene
+++ New Orleans Musician Fund Established by Music Maker Relief Foundation
+++ The Orchard Announces South Africa Partnership With Next Music
+++ Grammy(R) Award Winner Melissa Etheridge to Executive Produce and Host LIFETIME Television's Signature Breast Cancer Awareness Special
+++ More Than 'Satisfaction' The Rolling Stones Rock the House
+++ ABC Radio Networks to Produce and Distribute Jack-FM(TM) 'Playing What We Want'(R) Radio Format
+++ Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal CityWalk Stage Friday Night Hurricane Relief Fundraiser, With Broadcast of 'Shelter From the Storm' Telethon
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Today in the Indie Music World ...
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RadioDirectX Marks the Spot for Paul Jackson's New Jazz/Funk Release
Paul Jackson's new CD Funk On A Stick.
(PRWEB) -- RadioDirectX Marks the Spot for Paul Jackson’s New Funk Release, Franki LaMantia, Urbanzone Productions.
Paul Jackson is one of the most influential jazz/funk bass players of all time. Jackson and Herbie Hancock were the founding members of the super jazz/funk group Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters. Paul continues to tour and record with the Headhunters on BasinStreet Records. Jackson’s second solo release, FUNK ON A STICK (BackDoor Records) has recently been picked up by well respected indie giant, RadioDirectX for radio promotion worldwide. Jesse King, CEO and President of RadioDirect is very excited about the tremendous response FUNK ON A STICK has already received from radio stations all over the world. RadioDirectX’s official release date for FUNK ON A STICK is September 6, 2005. Jackson also features a very hip tune, “Hey Lou” performed and written by soul/jazz singer and songwriter Tony Adamo. James Levi is the featured drummer.
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Autolect (Formerly Usephasan) Releases Lubrication Single
Underground Hip Hop both Left field and abstract
(PRWEB) -- Autolect has received recognition in spots as far away as France and Japan for his solo releases under the moniker Usephasan. His work with Los Angeles producers Amani Smith of urbanscore (who co-produced Public Enemy's new CD), and Pomo of Blend Crafters, and numerous guest appearances that include spots on Cp records “Persecution of hip hop” (which featured Vast Aire (cannibal ox) & Sole of anticon) And also the French territories “Projet chaos” which featured Big Juss (company flow) & Buck 65. Has put this Artist in the vantage point. This Artist, writes, produces and lyrically soothes the soul with undeniable material that hinges on a dervish drum circle. Frantically obliterated in the oneness of the truth.
Autolect is a rare bread artist who produces and writes his own material. His forthcoming album, “Every. Mans Universe” is a self-produced debut from Autolect. With the help of Beat Makers Jihad and Fanatik (of Tauheed productions) in Oakland, Autolect honed his craft. “When I emerged out of the new andalus studio I basically understood what I had to do all around. Business, lyrically & production wise, my development has been In good hands from La to the bay.
The First track “GRAVITY” is in my eyes a hit. “Music for losers”, I say that for all those who are on the perceived negative side of things. The hook is very simple. This was an experimental track. I took my time to answer the critics that said ALL I could do was write 3rd eye / Abstract lyrics.
“LUBRICATION”, It’s definitely about life and taking an active roll in combating social ills. “Minutes become hours on the boardwalk.”
“SOLAER”, Is a deep track. Vocally and instrumental wise. It is a story that is told from the perspective of the sun. “There are thousands of me in countless galaxies.”
Minute by minute & track-to-track Autolect finds a way to inspire and transcend, while keeping a watchful eye on the future of his sound. The material is intentionally hard driven. Managing to maintain a frantic pace while soothing the soul. It’s for mature listeners who can appreciate the subtle nuisances of a well thought out track. Not merely for pleasure, though we hope many will enjoy. However in the order of things, we hope the listener reaches a more spiritual plane.
http://www.therequiredlabel.com/lubrication_single.htm
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Cirque De Soliel Singer Tops Billboard Chart at Number One w/ First Release
Central Florida Ex-Cirque De Soleil singer Sisaundra Lewis tops Billboard Chart @ Number One
 (PRWEB) -- Global Records recording artist Sisaundra's first single off of her LP entitled "Shout" has hit number one on the Billboard Dance chart in only 8 weeks, according to Billboard sources and Global Records President Bob Rivera.
Vice President of the label Zahid Tariq states, "Her voice must be heard to appreciate the power and soul of her music...r&b/dance music will never be the same since Sisaundra has thrown her hat into the market".
Reviews are coming in from the USA and Europe markets with words like "extraordinary," "phenomenal," "diva-like," and "powerhouse."
Your feet will take you willingly to the dance floor with her single "Shout."
Ms. Lewis brings to the table a history of well documental performances with such great artists as Celine Dion, Patti LaBelle & Janet Jackson and as a featured singer for Cirque De Soleil/ La Nouba.
Besides hitting number one as a solo performer she also performed a song (Emotional) on Jazz legend Najee's newly released CD entitled "My Point Of View". Najee's CD this week debut at number one on Billboard, which puts Sisaundra in a situation many artists dream about having -- involvement in two number one projects on Billboard in the same week.
The youngest of eight children, the Florida native got her start singing in her father’s church at the age of five. In fact, she credits her success largely to her strict Christian upbringing.
Reports are surfacing about new indie-label Global Records first release to go number one on a Billboard Chart might have never been done before for a new artist singing a new unreleased song (Shout).
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sisaundra
http://www.globalrecordsmusic.com
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Can a Pakistani Rock Star, Film Journalist, and UN Goodwill Ambassador, Strike a New Chord in the Hearts of Islamic Fundamentalists?
World renowned film journalist and songwriter/guitarist Salman Ahmad, known as the 'Bono' of the Asian super-band 'Junoon,' comes to the Berkshires for a screening of his award-winning 2003 BBC documentary 'The Rock Star and the Mullahs'
Lenox, Mass (PRWEB) -- Salman Ahmad, Pakistani rock star and film journalist, will be screening his award-winning documentary film, "The Rock Star and the Mullahs," Friday, September 23, 7:30pm, at Foxhollow Forum, Route 7 (across from Old Stockbridge Rd.) in Lenox, Massachusetts.
The film examines Islamic fundamentalism in Ahmad's native Pakistan. The screening will be followed by a Q & A session and then a reception with Ahmad. The event is part of the Voices from the Edge speakers' series sponsored by EnlightenNext.
In his film, Ahmad challenges extremists' beliefs that all music is evil and should be forbidden according to Islamic law. The result is a fascinating look at what may be the most important battle in the world right now, not between radical Islam and the West, but within Islam itself. The fourteen-hundred-year-old religion has hit a crossroads.
Being pulled apart by the tensions between a movement toward modernity and the insistence on a strict interpretation of Islamic law, Islam's moderates and extremists are vying for influence and power in this ancient tradition. The film paints a rich portrait of the complex and often contradictory predicament facing modern Pakistanis. It also provides an intimate look at the madrassa schools where young Muslims study the Koran.
Originally trained as a doctor, Ahmad finished medical school in Pakistan in the early 1990s but decided to test the waters of the musician's life for a year before starting a medical practice. Against all conventional wisdom, he stayed in Pakistan, a country where a local rock-and-roll band was simply an oxymoron. Ten years later, with more than 20 million albums sold, "Junoon," which The New York Times dubbed “the U2 of Asia,” has made history with its homegrown blend of rock-and-roll and spirituality.
Ahmad, who is a practicing Muslim in the Sufi tradition, is much more than a celebrated musician. With his rock-star good looks, down-to-earth humanity, and disarming charisma, he has a unique ability to speak to both moderates and extremists and directly challenge their views while respecting the essence of their faith. The result makes for an unusual view into the real human struggles that are shaping contemporary Islam.
Tickets for the screening of "The Rock Star and the Mullahs" and the reception with Salman Ahmad are $15, $7 with student ID and can be purchased online at mktix.com. Ahmad will also be screening his new documentary "Muslims in America: It's My Country Too" followed by Q & A and a reception, Thursday, September 22, 7:30pm, at Harvard Hillel Rosovsky Hall in Cambridge.
What others are saying about Salman Ahmad and "Junoon:"
“One of the biggest bands in the world.” Q Magazine
“'Junoon' uses soaring guitar rifts to deliver a Sufi message of mystic harmony.” Time
“'Junoon's' ability to captivate audiences is inspiring Beatles-like reactions.” LA Times
“Salman, Just wanted to write you a quick note to say how much we here in the rest of the musical world appreciate what you are doing in your own region for peace…You're a great man. Your fan, Bono.” --Bono from U2
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Live Gig Recordings To DVD By LiveMusicX Will Help Bands Promote Themselves
Up and coming new bands will get a live DVD of themselves, and free webstreaming of the video of one of their songs, for playing at band nights with new multimedia company LiveMusicX.
(PRWEB) -- Up and coming new bands will get a live DVD of themselves, and free webstreaming of the video of one of their songs, for playing at band nights with new multimedia company LiveMusicX.
Bands can book a slot to play at the eXchange, Grove Street, Edinburgh on one of LiveMusicX’s video shoot nights. A crew of four, using broadcast quality cameras, records each band’s performance, mixed live straight onto DV. The recorded songs can be previewed instantly after the performance and copies of the DVD will be with the band within seven days. There will also be a flexible range of web hosting options on the LiveMusicX website (http://www.livemusicx.com/) and selected footage will be submitted to WAM TV!
LiveMusicX multi-band video shoot nights, in a nutshell:
* Cost per band £195 (£100 deposit, £95 after the recording)
* Up to 40 mins of set videoed by a crew of four, and mixed live to DVD
* Each band is given 40 tickets with face value of £5, to do with as they wish
* If they sell them at £5, they finance the DVD themselves
* Live DVD can be previewed on the night
* Live DVD master delivered to the band within seven days
* Includes free webhosting of one song, or a montage of the set, for 6 months on LiveMusicX.com
Director Richard Brown says, “This is a great opportunity for new bands to showcase their talents, at a very reasonable – potentially zero - cost. Gone are the days of bands recording an audiocassette, or even more recently CD recordings, and then hawking this around pubs, agents, promoters, or record companies. Bands who come through us will leave with a professionally recorded and mixed live video recording – but the killer step forward is that we can host clips of their live performance on our website, which stream very fast, and the band then simply emails the url out to agents, pubs etc who can see them instantly! Simple! This way, they can get national, even worldwide exposure through LiveMusicX, without having to post CDs all over the place, at great expense, and with the strong chance that they will just gather dust at the other end anyway”.
“We have already trialed the process and the feedback from bands has been terrific – check the website where there are ten or so bands up already.”
“The recording will cost each band £195, but the deal includes 40 tickets, to give away or sell to friends. If the band sells the tickets on to their mates for £5 or so each, they can completely finance the band’s video recording - it’s almost a form of “sponsorship” - and they get a home-crowd atmosphere, and will certainly play better as a result. The sound recording is great too – taken off the mixing desk.”
“We will be offering closed-doors live recording services to signed and touring bands, but obviously that will be a more sophisticated service, usually during the day, with the opportunity for retakes etc, to get it just right. The same can be done for tribute bands – which need to be seen to look-alike, as well as sound-alike.”
“We will also do live videos of established, touring bands who want to promote themselves with a DVD or have a live DVD as merchandise, and we can cater for higher profile bands wishing to release a live video recording for TV, Web or as additional footage for an album release”
“It’s a great new service for music in Scotland. Our next video shoot night is 24th September and has The Hedrons headlining, with The Word, Indafusion, Yahoo Serious and Discipline”.
The eXchange’s venue manager says “As if it’s not enough to play at a venue with some of the best facilities in Edinburgh bands can now get a LiveMusicX DVD of their set. The quality and speed of the service is second to none, and I believe this will prove a success for any band who gets filmed. Even better is the deal LMX are offering, to get all this for free if you sell only 40 tickets is unbelievable and I expect massive interest in this venture”
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British Jazz Singer & Songwriter, Juliet Kelly, Returns With A Luscious New Album
After the very well received release of her first album APHRODITE's CHILD in 2003 Juliet Kelly now embarks on a new project; DELICIOUS CHEMISTRY, a charming album of original songs that further showcase Juliet's talent for writing accessible, laid-back jazz.
(PRWEB) -- DELICIOUS CHEMISTRY is a collection of original songs that further showcase Juliet’s talent for writing laid-back, accessible jazz. As well as featuring her regular band of Carl Orr, Tom Barlow and Mercury Award nominee Seb Rochford; DELICIOUS CHEMISTRY involves some of the many great names Juliet has worked with recently, including BBC Jazz Award winner trumpeter Byron Wallen, Cuban violinist Omar Puente (Kirsty McColl), pianist Kate Williams and one of the early acid jazz pioneers Roger Beaujolais on vibes.
A highlight for Juliet this year was performing with award winning saxophonist and BBC radio presenter Courtney Pine at the Barbican for the BBC’s Jazz Britannia season. They connected through their work and as a result Courtney also features on the album in BLACK ROSE (Juliet's tribute to the late Nina Simone). Juliet appears on vocals on Courtney’s new album “Resistance” which is due out later this year.
It was this wonderful and varied mix of musicians that led to Juliet naming the album: “I chose the title Delicious Chemistry because the musicians – although all from jazz – come from a real mix of styles”
DELICIOUS CHEMISTRY saw Juliet write an entire album of original songs because as much as she loves the classic standards she wants to share her own fresh perspective on the beauty, freedom and expression of jazz-influenced music – music that can appeal to a younger audience as well as to more mainstream jazz fans.
Tracks like UNICORN DREAM and BEHIND HER SMILE demonstrate perfectly how Juliet really lives up to her aim of making an album of very accessible original songs. As with all the tracks they have a really fresh, clean, new sound, but are still unmistakably written and performed in the tradition of jazz. It is an album that can’t help but make the listener feel relaxed and content with the world, while the beautifully rich, velvety vocals of Juliet similarly can’t help but inspire and uplift the audience.
Juliet, sometimes described as a cross between Sade, Norah Jones and Cassandra Wilson, has in this sassy album developed a distinct style that needs no classification and will soon see her name spoken in its own right along side the great jazz divas.
"I've been extremely fortunate to work with such exceptionally talented musicians. We really enjoyed playing the songs and recording the album - I hope you enjoy the results!"
Delicious Chemistry is available from: http://www.julietkelly.com
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Today in the World of Music ...
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New Orleans Musician Fund Established by Music Maker Relief Foundation
Helping musicians like (the just found) LITTLE FREDDIE KING and others
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- a full week post-Katrina, Little Freddie King's name finally posted on the Red Cross Survivor's List. The 65-year-old blues musician, presumed dead, and last seen in New Orleans' 9th Ward, was alive.
"Bluesman Missing" was the headline of an article posted Tuesday by Noah Adams on NPR's website -- an article hoping to help locate Little Freddie King. But by Wednesday, with still no word from Freddie, most assumed he was either too injured to talk or had drowned or had died in one way or another.
Aid to Little Freddie King -- who like so many are thankfully alive but without a home -- will come through the New Orleans Musicians Fund, established by the 501C-3 (established in 1994) Music Maker Relief Foundation, run by Tim and Denise Duffy.
Music Maker Relief Foundation has been lauded by press internationally for preserving the roots of American music. In a segment on ABC Nightly News (profiling Tim Duffy as Person of the Week), Little Freddie King was seen by viewers across America, playing at a juke joint during Jazz Fest, then riding his bicycle on Lafayette Street, in his neighborhood known as the 9th Ward -- now underwater.
A year from Freddie's appearance on ABC News: Music Maker Relief Foundation is taking calls and e-mails from around the world from people interested in donating money and instruments to help the long lists of musicians like Freddie.
Those who want to direct their funds toward the music community -- help with emergency aid and also preservation of culture -- should visit www.musicmaker.org or call 919.643.2456 for more information about the New Orleans Musicians Fund.
Source: Music Maker Relief Foundation
Web site: http://www.musicmaker.org/
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The Orchard Announces South Africa Partnership With Next Music
The World's Leading Distributor and Marketer of Independent Music Continues Global Expansion
- Next Music Helmed by Charles Kuhn, Formerly CEO of Gallo Music Group -
NEW YORK, and SANDTON, South Africa, /PRNewswire/ -- The Orchard, the leading distributor and marketer of independent music in the world, today announced its expansion into Southern Africa through a partnership with Next Music. Southern Africa marks the thirteenth non-US region to launch Orchard operations to sign local music for global distribution.
Next Music is a dynamic new independent music company, based in South Africa. The company was launched in April this year under the executive management of Charles Kuhn, who left his long-serving position of CEO at Gallo Music Group and Gallo Africa Limited to create and develop Next Music. During his tenure at Gallo, Kuhn steered the company to market dominance with representation of the Warner Music International license and the development of major domestic artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Lucky Dube. Kuhn is joined at Next Music by former key Gallo management, including Paul De Klerk, who previously helmed Gallo's independent labels division RPM Records.
As part of this initiative, The Orchard will market and sell Next Music's catalogue - including major domestic South African artists such as Stefan Ludik, 2 Khaphulasi, Elizma and Thabonage - across its global distribution platform, which encompasses more than 125 of the world's leading digital music stores globally, including iTunes, eMusic, Napster, MSN, Real/Rhapsody, and Yahoo!/Musicmatch. In addition, The Orchard will supply the content through its distribution partnerships with the leading mobile companies around the world, the largest mobile network of any distributor, spanning over 200 global services including Sprint, Dwango Wireless, Zingy, 9 Squared, IAM Mobile, Arvato Mobile and Hudson Soft.
The addition of Next Music further extends The Orchard's global partner network, which includes The Orchard Japan, Carmel Music (Middle East & North African), EPSA (South America), Amped Music (Australia & Pac Rim), ECD/AMDL (China & Phillipines), Saregama (India), New Sound (Palestine), K-Digital (Spain), The Orange Record Label (Canada) and many more.
The Orchard has a proven track record introducing indigenous music styles to western audiences. It began distributing the music of India in September 2004, highlighted by the leading Indian label, Saregama, and is about to launch a major initiative around the music of China in late September 2005. Thus far, The Orchard's international programs have performed exceptionally well, providing unique content to digital retailers and new revenue streams to non-Western music copyright holders.
"Early on, we made a commitment to establish a powerful international network of savvy and strongly-positioned music companies to take advantage of The Orchard's leading market position and marketing capabilities," said Greg Scholl, chief executive of The Orchard and managing director of Dimensional Associates, the company that owns The Orchard, eMusic and Dimensional Music Publishing. "Our partnership with Next Music significantly extends our reach in Africa. Charles Kuhn is a major figure in the South African music scene- someone who's always been on the cutting edge of global artist development and distribution. We look forward to introducing South Africa's rich musical heritage to global audiences digitally, and similarly to exposing South African audiences to The Orchard's unrivalled catalogue."
"I am delighted that The Orchard has chosen Next Music as its partner for Africa. The distribution and development of The Orchard's impressive catalogue of leading independent artists and labels in the digital and mobile space is an exciting opportunity for us to be part of," said Charles Kuhn. "The marketing and revenue generation opportunities in our region are bound to increase exponentially and we want to be at the frontline with each new progression. The Orchard offers a dynamic distribution platform to reach global music consumers and fans for our own artists, as well as other South African and African labels with which I anticipate us working closely with."
About The Orchard
The Orchard (www.theorchard.com) is the leading distributor and marketer of independent music in the world, representing thousands of labels spanning 73 countries and every music genre. The Orchard supplies its catalogue of more than 600,000 tracks to all of the leading legal digital music retailers and mobile operators throughout the world.
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Grammy(R) Award Winner Melissa Etheridge to Executive Produce and Host LIFETIME Television's Signature Breast Cancer Awareness Special
Etheridge to Perform and Share Details About Her Personal Battle with Breast Cancer in 'WomenRock! Our Journey with Melissa Etheridge' Airing October 18th
Special Culminates LIFETIME's Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Part of Network's Award-Winning Campaign 'Our Lifetime Commitment: Stop Breast Cancer For Life'
 LOS ANGELES, /PRNewswire/ -- Following her emotional and show-stopping performance at the 2005 Grammy(R) Awards and in conjunction with the October release of her new album entitled Greatest Hits The Road Less Traveled, two-time Grammy(R) Award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge will host and perform on LIFETIME Television's signature musical special for breast cancer awareness, "WomenRock! Our Journey with Melissa Etheridge," it was announced today by Marian Effinger, Vice President Reality Programming. The special will be presented in an intimate setting at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Taping on Thursday, September 29, the exclusive event will feature Etheridge performing and include candid moments in which she will share details about her personal battle with breast cancer. The special is the culmination of LIFETIME Television's Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which is part of the 11th year of the Network's award-winning "Our Lifetime Commitment: Stop Breast Cancer For Life," a multi-media and grassroots campaign that provides women the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about the disease.
Executive produced by Melissa Etheridge and produced by John Cossette ("The Grammy(R) Awards") through Cossette Productions, Inc., "WomenRock! Our Journey with Melissa Etheridge" premieres Tuesday, October 18th at 11PM (ET/PT) on LIFETIME Television.
"When the opportunity came to host and executive produce the annual 'WomenRock!' event this year, I jumped at the chance," said Etheridge. "Sharing my own personal journey with breast cancer with millions of people is an honor and a responsibility. I look forward to an entertaining and enlightening evening," elaborated Etheridge.
"Melissa was our only choice for this year's special," said Effinger. "Given her recent battle with breast cancer, we are grateful that she wanted to share her story in such a passionate and honest way. She performed at our first 'WomenRock!' concert and it is profoundly meaningful to LIFETIME to partner with her at this year's event."
LIFETIME "Turns Pink"
For the first time, LIFETIME is devoting an entire day -- Breast Cancer Awareness Day -- to promoting the detection of this disease that claims the life of one woman in America every 13 minutes. On Tuesday, October 18th, the Network "turns pink" with an impressive slate of programming, public service announcements, motivational interstitials, live screen crawls announcing important facts and statistics, and corresponding online content, all carrying the breast cancer awareness and detection message. Viewers will continually hear the aggressive call-to-action to encourage breast cancer screening in a direct response to recent LIFETIME research suggesting that, although women are aware of the disease, they often don't use the tools of detection.
The Network's campaign is ongoing throughout October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Some of the programming highlights include an "Intimate Portrait" of "Today Show" personality Ann Curry, whose sister's breast cancer has inspired activism in Ann. In addition, an episode of the one-hour drama "Strong Medicine" will focus on "drive-through mastectomies" and builds on the Network's legislative advocacy effort to end this practice of sending women home hours after a mastectomy, often with adverse results. Currently, LIFETIME's online petition, urging Congress to adopt bipartisan legislation that would end this horrible practice, has 11 million signatures. On September 22, Etheridge will also join LIFETIME and leading, bipartisan lawmakers at a press conference in Washington to deliver the petition signatures to Congress.
With a Little Help From Our Friends ...
LIFETIME works with many of the foremost non-profit breast cancer advocacy groups in the nation including: The Anastacia Fund; Breast Cancer Action; The Breast Cancer Research Foundation; breastcancer.org; the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC); Nueva Vida; SHARE; Sisters Network, Inc.; Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and the Young Survival Coalition. All of these organizations' vital missions are assisted by the support of LIFETIME's distribution partners including: Adelphia; Bright House Networks; CableOne, Inc.; Cablevision Systems Corporation; Charter Communications; Comcast Corporation; Cox Communications, Inc.; Insight Communications; Mediacom Communication Corporation; Time Warner Cable, Inc.; and other MSO partners. LIFETIME's campaign sponsors include Target, and Serta, among others.
"Today, one in seven women will develop breast cancer in her life, a risk that, 30 years ago, was one in eleven. It is critical that we encourage women to move beyond fear and misinformation, and make sure that they use the tools of early detection," said Meredith Wagner, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Lifetime Entertainment Services.
A Healthy Body of Work
Etheridge has recorded eight albums over the course of her career. She has won the Grammy(R) Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance twice -- for the song "Ain't It Heavy" in 1992 and "Come to My Window" in 1994. In 1996, she was honored with the prestigious ASCAP "Songwriter of the Year" award. In October 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer and has become an outspoken advocate to eradicate the disease. At the 2005 Grammy(R) Awards, she made a return to the stage and performed a tribute to Janis Joplin. Etheridge was praised for her performance, which was considered one of the highlights of the show. The Kansas-born singer/songwriter has sold more than 30 million records worldwide and her greatest hits collection, Greatest Hits The Road Less Traveled, is due to be released this October.
Cossette's 20 year career in the entertainment and music industry has earned him the reputation as an innovative and creative producer of large scale and complex television events. Through his production company, Cossette Productions, Inc., he has executive produced some of the highest-rated Pop, Latin and Urban music programs including a number of the "Grammy(R) Awards," "Latin Grammy(R) Awards" and "BET Awards." In addition, he produces two other annual specials for BET, including "Walk of Fame" and "Comedy Awards." Cossette helped launch the American Express Blue Card advertising campaign when he produced, "Central Park in Blue with Sheryl Crow & Friends," featuring Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and The Dixie Chicks.
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More Than 'Satisfaction' The Rolling Stones Rock the House
Mick Jagger and Crew Are Summer's Hottest Concert According to the August TicketsNow Entertainment Index
CHICAGO, /PRNewswire/ -- They may not be as young as they once were and their clothes might be a bit outdated, but their fans remain true blue. The Rolling Stones returned to the tour circuit this month and claimed the top spot on the chart for overall hottest tickets sold on the secondary market, according to the August TicketsNow Entertainment Index. The British masters outsold U2 and Green Day combined and accounted for almost half of the total number of concert tickets sold this month.
TicketsNow.com, the world's largest and most trusted online marketplace for secondary event tickets, also witnessed a wave of football fever this month as the San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys tackled their way into the top 10, at the eight and tenth spots, respectively, in overall ticket sales. US Open Tennis also broke into the charts and served itself up to the seventh spot.
For the eighth-consecutive month, Wicked held on to the top spot for theater tickets and pushed its way to the second-most popular event overall- moving up from fourth in July. Wicked ticket sales accounted for a third of all theater sales in August and doubled those of its closest competitor, Monty Python's Spamalot.
Major League Baseball switched up the batting order as the New York Yankees dropped from number one overall in ticket sales in July to third. The Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs trailed the Bronx Bombers by a slight margin in the Sport Tickets category.
The TicketsNow Entertainment Index tracks proprietary secondary ticket sales on a monthly basis to provide a snapshot of entertainment trends for sports, music, and theater events nationwide.
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ABC Radio Networks to Produce and Distribute Jack-FM(TM) 'Playing What We Want'(R) Radio Format
Leader in Syndicated Programming Signs Exclusive Licensing Agreement With SparkNet Communications L.P.
NEW YORK, /PRNewswire/ -- ABC Radio Networks today announced an exclusive agreement with SparkNet Communications L.P. to develop and market the Jack-FM(TM) radio format for national distribution. The Jack-FM format is the fastest-growing format in North America and presently heard on 21 radio stations.
Under the agreement, ABC Radio Networks will have exclusive rights to create, market, and sell a fully produced and locally integrated broadcast of Jack-FM programming to stations across the country. Jack-FM will be marketed and sold to stations through ABC Radio Networks beginning on October 1, 2005.
"The explosive growth and popularity of Jack-FM has spawned numerous imitators but none have the research and depth of the original," said Jim Robinson, president of ABC Radio Networks. "We are very excited to be working with SparkNet Communications to offer Jack-FM in a turn-key package. This unique product will enable station owners and operators to create new marketing opportunities for their advertising partners."
Formed in July 2005 by Vancouver-based Bohn & Associates Media and Nashville-based Wall Media, SparkNet Communications L.P. is the exclusive U.S. licensor and owner of Jack-FM positioning, imaging and the website jack.fm. The company was specifically created to manage the continued growth of Jack stations around the world.
"SparkNet is focused on growing the Jack-FM brand strategically and building partnerships that will bring Jack to more people in this country and across the globe," said Garry Wall, co-president of SparkNet Communications L.P. "We are delighted to be working with ABC Radio Networks, the leader in syndicated music programming, to bring Jack-FM to the broadest possible global audience."
SparkNet Communications' unique Jack-FM branded programming package, with its expanded playlist and irreverent attitude, is widely recognized as one of the most successful radio format launches in modern radio history. Jack-FM features an eclectic mix of musical genres, firmly addressing the long-time listener demand for variety and less repetition. The format first aired with Rogers Broadcasting Ltd. in Vancouver, Canada on December, 2002, as a direct reaction to listeners' demands for a more diverse and engaging musical mix than is found on tightly formatted mainstream radio.
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Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal CityWalk Stage Friday Night Hurricane Relief Fundraiser, With Broadcast of 'Shelter From the Storm' Telethon
Live Louisiana Music and Appearance by KNBC's Fred Roggin in a Drive to Raise Funds for Construction of a New Home for Storm Evacuees
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will mount a hurricane relief fundraiser this Friday (Sept. 9) featuring live Louisiana music, broadcasting "Shelter From the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast" on CityWalk's jumbo Astrovision screen and offering free theme park tickets and parking to donors in an effort to raise funds to build a new home for an evacuee family.
Universal Studios Hollywood will partner with Habitat for Humanity to identify the evacuee family and construct their new home.
Beginning at 6:30 pm, donations will be accepted at drop-off points located at all of CityWalk's main entrances and at tables located at the pedestrian promenade's main plazas. The first 500 persons to donate $50 or more will receive a free admission ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood (valued at $53). Those donating $50 or more will also receive a full rebate for their parking.
At 7:00 pm, CityWalk will come alive with a concert by the internationally renowned Louisiana zydeco band, Lisa Haley and the Zydekats. KNBC's Fred Roggin will emcee and entertain between music sets, New Orleans "po' boy" sandwiches will be available for purchase and beads will be dispensed to donors. All proceeds from the event will benefit Universal's Habitat for Humanity effort and will be matched by Universal Studios Hollywood's Discover A Star Foundation.
Larry Kurzweil, president and COO, Universal Studios Hollywood, said: "As a company, the employees of Universal Studios Hollywood take to heart our responsibility for contributing as best we can to the gulf coast recovery efforts. Though this project appears small in the face of the staggering need created by the tragedy, it's important that we do the footwork necessary to getting our neighbors' lives back on track, and perhaps we can best be of service by helping one family at a time to return to normalcy."
Featuring such unique and ground-breaking attractions as "Revenge of the Mummy," "Jurassic Park -- The Ride," "Shrek 4-D" and the world-renowned behind-the-scenes "Studio Tour," Universal Studios Hollywood is the world's largest movie studio and theme park.
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