News and Media

"I can understand why Congress is questioning Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google. They do have too much power...over artists. "SAVING BERNIE is simply a silly political comedy that takes place in an alternative universe."

- Linda Chorney, award-winning filmmaker

****AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS***

TUCSON, AZ (July 29, 2020) - Today's Congressional hearings over the business practices of Facebook, Amazon, Google and Apple offers hope for an independent filmmaker whose farcical political comedy series, SAVING BERNIE, was blocked by Amazon earlier this year.

"Amazon censored my Political Comedy by blocking it from being published during an election year," says Linda Chorney, the award-winning independent filmmaker and trailblazing Grammy nominee who filmed the globe-trotting political-comedy-travel-adventure series across five continents. "I can understand why Congress is questioning Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google. They do have too much power...over artists."

Chorney received a letter March 30 from Amazon stating the big tech company is "taking more time to calibrate on political content during the election year" in refusing to carry the series. Instead, Chorney was forced to shift her series to Vimeo, which does not have the distribution advantages that Amazon offers. The complete series is now available on Vimeo at www.savingbernie.com.

"There is a distinct difference between 'Fake News' and 'Satire,'" Chorney continues. "SAVING BERNIE is simply a silly political comedy that takes place in an alternative universe, where 'The President' has Senator Sanders kidnapped and shrunken to toy size, so he is no longer a threat to the President's re-election; and singer-songwriter/Bernie fan Linda Chorney's mission is to rescue him, get him unshrunk, and back to the U.S. to help Joe Biden win and save the world from another four years of 'The President'."

Chorney's previous experience with Amazon as a filmmaker has been positive - and not political. Her award-winning 2019 autobiographical film, When I Sing, is available on the site. That's why she went back to Amazon to host SAVING BERNIE in the first place.

"It's hard enough making a living as an artist without Coronavirus, and now that it's destroyed many artists' livelihoods, we are just trying to survive. Having Amazon censor our art, just makes things that much harder," says Chorney. "Why would Amazon do that?"

SAVING BERNIE was filmed on five continents and described as "Pee Wee Herman meets Austin Powers, Indiana Jones, The Three Stooges and Mel Brooks." Hailed by Tucson Weekly as "far-fetched and ridiculous - albeit funny," the series imagines what really happened when Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders was off the grid during his heart attack recovery. In SAVING BERNIE, Sanders is kidnapped and shrunken to toy size by a mad Russian scientist. But who's behind the diabolical plot? It's up to the fearless "sorta secret agent" singer-songwriter to find out, defeat the bad guys, "save Bernie," and get him to use her song in his 2020 presidential bid. Follow Chorney and Sanders together on their ridiculous journey as they get chased around the world, trying to get back home to save the planet!

SAVING BERNIE premiered within days of the global pandemic reaching alarming new heights and sending Americans back to their homes or to rapidly overcrowding hospitals while the economy was screeching toward a standstill.

(**MEDIA promo code available upon request**).

Chorney immersed herself in SAVING BERNIE to save herself from the insanity of the current Administration. Now that the insanity has mushroomed as part of a worldwide pandemic.

Chorney hopes her fellow creative types can pull together to make these difficult times go down just a little bit easier.

"Or at least," she says, "we can die laughing."

California Dream surveys Sless's soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love from Jersey Shore and Baltimore roots to Los Angeles with celebratory country rock, nod-and-a-wink humor, and rough-hewn folksiness.

First Post-Quarantine Live Show: Thursday, July 16 in Return to Jersey Shore Roots

"[California Dream's] assurance, craft and conviction belie the fact that [Tom]'s a novice or a newcomer of any kind. ... Great stuff indeed." - American Songwriter

LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2020) - As acclaim mounts while the media continues to discover and embrace his new debut album, California Dream, LA based Americana singer-songwriter-guitar slinger TOM SLESS has released a new lyric video for "Taking Me Back," the rollicking country rock track that delivers the good-time vibe of a Luke Combs song.

The music video debuts just as Sless returns East to perform his first live show since quarantine hit. He's headed to his Jersey Shore roots for a live show Thursday, July 16 at the Water Dog Smoke House in Ventnor, NJ.

Sless produced and directed the video, working with animators/editors Zach Alicaway and Davis Burns to embody that song's go-for-a-drive-and-don't-come-back theme. They used sights of the roads of LA and the classic California VW van driving along the coastal highways, sometimes stopping to reflect while taking in the surroundings, but not long enough to stop moving on a journey to a new beginning.

"These same roads in LA motivated me as I was processing similar emotions to those described in the song," says Sless. "With the animation style, I wanted to capture the uncertain buoyancy I've felt after leaving a negative experience behind. The words bounce along with the beat of the song, and fade into the background just as the sorrow of the present melts into the past."

"Taking Me Back" rides along a scampering pedal steel guitar as the singer declares "I don't want to be alone tonight/but I can't stay here with you/It hasn't been easy to swallow all that truth/It hasn't been easy taking me back from you." The sunny sound of the song belies its emotional complexity. "Although we may want to divorce ourselves from who we once were as we chart a new path," says Sless, "the people we are today is permanently colored by the experiences we've had in the past." Yet, like the acoustic guitar that drives the song, we all keep chugging along, even as we "swallow all that truth."

Released just as the COVID-19 pandemic in late March forced postponement of live Album Release events at home in Los Angeles and plans to tour across the country, California Dream received high praise from American Songwriter as an "uplifting" work that is "Great stuff, indeed," offering an "assurance, craft and conviction" that belie Sless's status as "a novice or a newcomer of any kind." The song "Astronaut," the magazine continues, "asks the question, 'Will anyone remember me?' Based on the evidence offered here, the answer is an emphatic yes indeed."

Americana Highways hailed California Dream for its "wealth of good musical touches [with] style & a commercial charm that's not too sweet," adding that the "superb rollicking" guitar-driven track "Gimme the Breeze" - also featured in the Los Angeles Post-Examiner and Baltimore Post-Examiner - is "worth the price of the CD" alone. That rock-fueled energy, the review continues, is beautifully countered by the "sweet and dynamic" cut "Too Much On My Mind," a looping, Grateful Dead-like, exploration of a musical theme driven by the pedal steel of - no relation - Barry Sless (Phil Lesh, Chris Robinson) with "excellent lyrical imagery."

Midwest Record joyously noted "it's always a treat to stumble across a singer/songwriter that knows how to make sensitive, personal songs without stooping to bleeding gums music," adding that Sless "captures the wanderlust" in creating an album that's "a dandy ear opener throughout."

Sless likewise earned high marks from New Jersey Stage ("refreshingly honest"), Short and Sweet LA/NYC ("a songwriter not to be deterred" with "an insidious way" of "getting our feet tapping while he delivers lyrics of substance"), and Exclusive Magazine ("[he] immediately gets our attention, and as we progress, his musical messages carry us along on his rich journey"). United Stations Radio Network, American Songwriter, and Lakeshore Public Radio are among others planning coverage.

Co-produced by the Jersey Shore native with John Bottrell (Christina Perri, Mike Posner) and recorded live in the studio at comp-ny in Glendale, CA, California Dream carries us along Sless's soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love with a vibe that alternates between the celebratory country rock of Luke Combs, the nod-and-a-wink humor of Sturgill Simpson, and the rough-hewn folksiness of Donovan Woods. Through canny lyrics and infectious tunes, California Dream capturesSless's love of LA, the highs and lows of his decision to move there from the Baltimore area after college, and his struggles to embrace the past and push forward. Like Steve Earle, Sless displays bracing honesty in his songwriting, and like Jason Isbell, has a knack for creating a world in which our souls struggle to define themselves. With ceaseless creativity, Sless possesses an ear for the just-right melody and lyric, and a passion for songs that evoke his disappointments, hopes, joys, and loves.

Genre: Americana

RIYL: Luke Combs, Sturgill Simpson, Donovan Woods, Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, Darius Rucker

Credit: Gamble Huff Entertainment

Featured Vocalist on #1 R&B hit, "Hope That We Can Be Together Soon" Recalled as "Smooth and Talented" by Sound of Philadelphia Architects

PHILADELPHIA - Legendary Philadelphia International Records co-founders and R&B pioneers Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff released the following joint statement today as they mourned the passing this weekend of Sharon Paige of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, best known for her duet performance with Teddy Pendergrass on the #1 R&B smash, "Hope That We Can Be Together Soon":

"Sharon possessed one of the most unique female vocals that blended perfectly with the smooth singing and vocal prowess of Harold Melvin and Teddy Pendergrass. We really enjoyed recording Sharon with the group and felt she was a great asset, both for the successful launch of the act and for being a great talent in her own right. She will always be remembered as Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (featuring the lovely Ms. Sharon Paige). We send our sincere condolences to her family and fans."

Sharon Paige came to fame as a singer who worked with Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, particularly on the memorable 1975 ballad, "I Hope That We Can Be Together Soon," the group's fourth #1 R&B hit. While not a permanent member of the group, Paige was a frequent collaborator who took on a larger role after the departure of Teddy Pendergrass. By the time that song hit the top of the R&B charts, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes had become soul music royalty, on par with the PIR label mates the O'Jays and the Stylistics. Beyond "Hope That We Can Be Together Soon," Paige's smooth tones helped boost other Gamble & Huff compositions for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes such as "You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good," "I'm Searching For A Love," and "I Should Be Your Lover." She took a more prominent role on the 1980 Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes long-player The Blue Album, but it barely charted. Paige also released a few solo songs, including the beautiful "You Don't Even Know My Name."

Leader in Helping Flatten the Curve is Honored to Deliver FREE Service to Nation's Most Decorated Battleship During Remarkable Moment in U.S. History

CAMDEN, NJ (July 2, 2020) - In preparation to for today's formal re-opening to the public and welcome Fourth of July weekend visitors, the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, located on the Camden Waterfront, NJ, opened its interior tour spaces to an important group - the crew of NATIONAL RESTORATION.

Yesterday, NATIONAL RESTORATION proudly donated its services to disinfect the interior of our nation's most decorated battleship, covering 30,000 square feet over a three-hour period.

"We're honored to disinfect the Battleship New Jersey," said NATIONAL RESTORATION president John Marroni, who was recently quoted by Business Insider in four separate stories as a disinfection expert. "During this remarkable time in our country's history, I can't think of a better way to give back."

The regional leader in helping flatten the curve in the spread of COVID-19, National Restoration launched its Coronavirus Disinfection division in March with an expert team that has been dispatched to aid First Responders, hospitals, low income family housing, homeless shelters, daycare centers and houses of worship with its services.

The Battleship New Jersey, which opened the Hit the Deck exterior self-guided tour on June 15, officially opened its interior spaces this morning. Thanks to NATIONAL RESTORATION's disinfection efforts, guests are now safely experiencing the Combat Engagement Center, the Navigation Bridge, Adm. Bull Halsey's Chief of Staff's State Room, the Officers' Wardroom, the Exhibit Area and more. These interior spaces, along with the exterior highlights of the 16-inch gun turret, the tomahawk missile launch boxes, and more, make up the full Fire Power self-guided tour of our nation's most decorated and largest Battleship.

To make it safe for guests to tour the interior of the Battleship, crews from NATIONAL RESTORATION cleaned and disinfected the interior spaces along the tour route through its specialized cleaning method utilizing the NOROxyCdiff™ chemical additive. The EPA registered disinfectant, which also meets CDC recommendations, is a non-corrosive, non-toxic preventative and active killer for numerous viruses that kills Coronavirus in less than 30 seconds. Unlike janitorial service wipe-downs, the spray-fogging has a 99.9% success rate and is safely and strategically administered by National Restoration's team of licensed professionals with 21 years of company experience in emergency response and remediation.

All guests touring the Battleship will still need to pass a health screening, wear a face covering at all times, and practice social distancing of one fathom - six feet.

The Battleship is open for tours every day from 10am to 4pm. Free parking is available along Clinton St. and the Marina lot.

ABOUT NATIONAL RESTORATION:

Prominent disaster recovery company NATIONAL RESTORATION is a 24-hour emergency response organization - licensed experts for fire, water, storm and mold damage, as well as biohazard and asbestos issues in homes and businesses. Through partnerships that include armored truck transport and a wide reaching, uniformly trained affiliate network, National Restoration is rapidly rolling out its Coronavirus Disinfection service on a national level as well. For immediate Hotspot Remediation and consultation, call the 24-Hour Rapid Response Team for Coronavirus (COVID-19) at (855) 247-3786. Additional information can be found at www.nationalcovid19.com.

ABOUT BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL

Located on the Delaware River, along the Camden Waterfront across from the city of Philadelphia, the Battleship is our nation's most decorated battleship with 19 Battle Stars awarded in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Lebanon Crisis and the Persian Gulf War. Shop the Battleship's online Ship's Store for t-shirts, flags, toys and more. Visit ww.battleshipnewjersey.org/shop. Experience a virtual tour of the Battleship! Visit: https://youtu.be/kDOFBGIf6Uo. The Battleship also adds content to our YouTube channel nearly every day. Please subscribe to the free YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/battleshipnewjersey. For more information, visit www.battleshipnewjersey.org.

PHOTO CAPTION #1: The members of the NATIONAL RESTORATION Coronavirus Disinfection team gather on board the Battleship New Jersey with officials from the ship to disinfect 30,000 square feet of inside space as the ship reopens its tour route for visitors in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Credit: Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial.

PHOTO CAPTION #2: The members of the NATIONAL RESTORATION Coronavirus Disinfection team utilize its wet fogging system to disinfect the wardroom of the Battleship New Jersey as the ship prepares to reopen for interior tours in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Credit: Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial.

Beloved Pittsburgh Blue-Collar Rocker Among Star-Studded Participants Including Alice Cooper, Joe Satriani, Corey Taylor, Gavin Rossdale, George Thorogood, Don Felder, Myles Kennedy, Halestorm's Lzzy Hale & Joe Hottinger, Peter Frampton, and Many More in Virtual Holiday Weekend Benefit Event

Friday, July 3 at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET at www.rockforrelief.net

NASHVILLE (July 2, 2020) - Riding a groundswell of attention from the 40th anniversary deluxe reissue of Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive), the sophomore album originally hailed by Rolling Stone as "a new American classic" from gritty Pittsburgh legends the Iron City Houserockers, beloved blue collar rocker JOE GRUSHECKY will join a star-studded lineup for "Rock for Relief," the star-studded benefit concert supporting Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund on Friday, July 3 at 8pm ET and again at 11pm ET broadcasted at www.rockforrelief.net.

Presented by United Stations Media Networks and Storic Media Podcast Network, "Rock for Relief" will raise awareness and donations for families in local communities across the nation. The show is being hosted by Lou Brutus and Riki Rachtman with talent interviews conducted by Alice Cooper and Joe Satriani. [View Trailer]. Grushecky joins a stellar line-up of performers that includes headliner Corey Taylor alongside Gavin Rossdale, George Thorogood, Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles), Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge), Lzzy Hale & Joe Hottinger (Halestorm), Jesse Hasek (10 Years), Filter, Lisa Loeb, The Dead Daisies, Chris Robertson (Black Stone Cherry), Starset, Brandon Saller (Atreyu), Ricky Byrd, Bobby Whitlock & CoCo Carmel, Kathy Sledge, Biracial blues rocker Danielia Cotton, Bones Owens, BJ Thomas, Matt Bigland (Dinosaur Pile-Up) and more, with special appearances by Peter Frampton and Adam Gontier of Saint Ansonia.

Feeding America estimates that an additional 17.1 million people could be food insecure in 2020 as a result of this crisis - for a total of 54.3 million people, or 1 in every 6 people. This is a 46% increase over the 37.2 million people who were food insecure prior to the COVID-19 crisis.

Grushecky and his longtime band the Houserockers will be performing "Everything's Going to Work Out Right," from their 2012 double live album, We're Not Dead Yet: Live at the Hazlett Theater. It's one of many original Grushecky compositions he has performed live over the years with his longtime friend and collaborator, Bruce Springsteen.

Grushecky's well-known relationship with Springsteen was actually forged during the Manhattan recording sessions for Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive). Longtime Springsteen sidekick Steven Van Zandt, one of the original producers, was simultaneously recording The River with The Boss at the Power Station nearby, and invited Grushecky to one of the sessions to make an introduction to a relationship that has endured for 40 years.

Van Zandt was one-third of a holy trinity of rock and roll royalty united to help oversee the original recording of Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive), along with Mick Ronson (David Bowie) and Ian Hunter (Mott The Hoople). Together, they combined with co-producers the Slimmer Twins (Steve Popovich Sr. & Marty Mooney) and the Iron City Houserockers to create one of rock's great lost classics. Their cohesive efforts - as producers, arrangers and players - are finally being rediscovered as an entirely new listening experience on digital, CD and vinyl through fabled indie label, Cleveland International Records. The remastered two-CD set includes a bonus disc with 16 previously unreleased tracks of demos and other rarities. The new vinyl edition contains a download card of those same 16 tracks to go with a vinyl replica of the original album. The digital package is on sale NOW and streaming here. Order the vinyl and physical CD here. Order the exclusive Iron City Houserockers Bundle Pack at www.clevelandinternational.com.

The presence of Hunter, Ronson and Van Zandt, says the Houston Press, sets "this project apart," and "gives the whole record a sort of Pittsburgh/New Jersey/London amalgamation vibe." MediaNews Group called this chapter in Grushecky's four-decade career "one of his shining moments."

Paste Magazine, in the latest "Record Time" vinyl column, says listening to the vinyl reissue "the future sound of other American outfits like The Hold Steady and Drive-By Truckers is evident, as is the sound of groups like Graham Parker and the Rumour, which was mining similar musical territory at the same time as the [Iron City] Houserockers. This 40th anniversary edition is a simple recreation of the original release, with much improved sound."

Little Steven's Underground Garage celebrated Digital Release Day with a "Coolest Conversations" album spotlight, as Grushecky spoke with the Mighty Manfred on Sirius XM. Ultimate Classic Rock hosted an exclusive Track Premiere of the bonus disc demo version of "Hypnotized (A Work in Progress)," featuring Hunter and Ronson, and called the new release "cool stuff."

American Songwriter, in an interview with Grushecky, hails Have A Good Time (But Get Out Alive) as "a forgotten gem of a record, a time capsule of frenetic '80s energy and lyrics about home that hit home, performed by the toughest, tightest band from the 'work hard, play hard' working-class streets of Pittsburgh." The magazine adds that the bonus disc not only "documents each song's evolution," but "showcases how Grushecky and the band took it up a notch when the 'record' button was pressed."

Goldmine, in a new five-star review, proclaims the album an "epic musical milestone," and placed it in the context of the current world pandemic, noting the how "few bands offered up material as gritty, rich, and poignant as Pittsburgh's own The Iron City Houserockers" and the "modern-day relevance to the message of the title track and the album itself. Get Out Alive! has always been a record of hope, home, solidarity, community, strength, and love - themes that are as important today as they were 40 years ago."

Genre: Heartland Rock, Blues Rock, Classic Rock

RIYL: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, David Bowie, Southside Johnny, J. Geils Band, Mott the Hoople, The Clash, Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul, Ian Hunter, The Del-Lords, John Cafferty

About Cleveland International Records

Cleveland International Records originally launched in 1977 by record mogul and beloved industry executive Steve Popovich. The label's first single release was "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" by Ronnie Spector and The E Street Band. Shortly thereafter, the label signed an unknown singer named Meat Loaf and launched the album, "Bat Out of Hell" en route to becoming one of the top selling albums in the history of the music industry. The label and its catalog combined to make Cleveland International Records one of the first independent record companies whose catalogue has sold in excess of over 50 million albums worldwide. The label relaunched in 2019, with Popovich's son, Steve Jr., at the helm, and a rekindled commitment to bring both new and generational music back to the forefront. More information at www.clevelandinternational.com.

Widely Heralded Biracial Blues Rocker Among Star-Studded Participants

Including Alice Cooper, Joe Satriani, Corey Taylor, Gavin Rossdale, George Thorogood, Don Felder, Myles Kennedy, Halestorm's Lzzy Hale & Joe Hottinger, Peter Frampton, and Many More in Virtual Holiday Weekend Benefit Event

Friday, July 3 at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET at www.rockforrelief.net

"Virtual Album Release Tour" continues in Woodbridge, NJ

Read her new editorial "Straddling the Invisible Line Between White and Black as a Biracial Black Woman," in Swaay.com

"'A Different War' [has] an uncompromising urgency that transforms its songs into anthems for our times." - American Songwriter

NEW YORK (July 1, 2020) - Riding a new wave of critical acclaim from A Different War, her incredibly timely and most politically charged album to date, widely heralded Biracial blues-rocker DANIELIA COTTON has risen again into the light, fiercely and defiantly, to join a star-studded lineup for "Rock for Relief," the star-studded benefit concert supporting Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund on July 3 at 8pm ET and again at 11pm ET broadcasted at www.rockforrelief.net.

Presented by United Stations Media Networks and Storic Media Podcast Network, "Rock for Relief" is the latest national spotlight event to heal this tattered nation for Cotton, following her performance at the Juneteenth Tulsa Block Party with Sen. Kamala Harris, Alfre Woodard and others.

"Rock for Relief" arrives as Cotton is entering a "new normal" touring mode with her "Virtual Album Release Tour," which kicked off last weekend at Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA, simultaneously launching the theater's virtual concert series as well. Her next stop is July 8 at Tanzman Park in Woodbridge, NJ. More dates will be announced shortly.

The "Rock For Relief" benefit show, to raise awareness and donations for families in local communities across the nation, will be hosted by Lou Brutus and Riki Rachtman with talent interviews conducted by Alice Cooper and Joe Satriani. [View Trailer]. Cotton joins a stellar line-up of performers that includes headliner Corey Taylor alongside Gavin Rossdale, George Thorogood, Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles), Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge), Lzzy Hale & Joe Hottinger (Halestorm), Jesse Hasek (10 Years), Filter, Lisa Loeb, The Dead Daisies, Chris Robertson (Black Stone Cherry), Starset, Brandon Saller (Atreyu), Ricky Byrd, Bobby Whitlock & CoCo Carmel, Joe Grushecky, Kathy Sledge, Bones Owens, BJ Thomas, Matt Bigland (Dinosaur Pile-Up) and more, with special appearances by Peter Frampton and Adam Gontier of Saint Ansonia.

Feeding America estimates that an additional 17.1 million people could be food insecure in 2020 as a result of this crisis - for a total of 54.3 million people, or 1 in every 6 people. This is a 46% increase over the 37.2 million people who were food insecure prior to the COVID-19 crisis.

Cotton will be performing an acoustic version, on piano, of "A Different War," the title track from her latest album, which finds the woman whose music is "soulful enough to fill a revival tent" (The New York Times) and whose voice gives her songs "stunning power" (No Depression) speaking to these extraordinary times by unloading her sin while the world around her is gripped in a turbulent spin.

She will be joined for this special live performance by prominent Bronx hip-hop artist Mickey Factz, reprising his guest appearance on the original album track. "A Different War" examines how the reality of people of color getting called into battle as a result of being marginalized informs their entire existence. The song also urges us to press ahead because of the ongoing need for substantive change.

In a deeply personal and moving editorial she titled "Fade to Black" just published by SWAAY.com, Cotton confronts her own upbringing as a biracial woman in a predominantly white upper middle class New Jersey suburb. Read it here.

Cotton frames A Different War by confronting race, gender, and wealth - deeply personal and pervasive issues that have plagued folks like her for an eternity.

Calling the album, "stunning and stirring," American Songwriter, which hosted an exclusive premiere of Cotton's music video, "Cheap High," her most recent single, praised A Different War for "an uncompromising urgency that transforms its songs into anthems for our times." Including the album among its Best Bets in "The Hotness" Summer Issue, BUST Magazine raved: "A Different War is an album bursting with soulful blues rock, delivered with steely confidence. ... Whether she's wailing Janis Joplin-style on 'Cheap High' or declaring 'I was not born a man, but I can do anything that he can,' on 'She Too,' she's in control, and she's our kind of belter."

Adding to the praise for A Different War, MediaNews Group syndicate was impressed at how Cotton's "consistent ability to overcome pain and express it through music shines a light on the issues of the day and shows the world what it's like to continue to fight." San Francisco Classical Voice chimed in, saying "I would really encourage you to take a listen to" the new album.

Throughout her career, the longtime New Yorker from Hopewell, NJ, has drawn praise from the New York Times, Billboard, the Los Angeles Times, NPR, and USA Today, among many others. She continues to inhabit a song, turning it inside and out to create transcendent music and lyrics, and carry us higher and higher with her in her musical flights.

A Different War finds the gutsy New Yorker swimming through the tumultuous social issues of racism and greed, and the tempestuous waters of love and relationships. These are songs deeply rooted in the protest anthems of yesterday but built for the current state of our world. A multi-racial, gospel-fueled, Jewish blues-rocker who believes in the power of womanhood, Cotton grew up in a predominantly white New Jersey community as one of just seven black kids in her high school. She has survived cancer and the tragic loss of twins at birth, only to bounce back and finally welcome a daughter in 2018. Cotton's consistent ability to overcome pain and express it through music shines a light on the issues of the day and shows the world what it's like to fight "A Different War."

A Different War is a true collaboration with some of the most talented musicians and technicians in the business. From Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors, Joan Osborne, Edie Brickell) on drums, Ben Butler (Sting, George Michael, Chris Botti) on guitar, and Andy Hess (Gov't Mule, Black Crowes) on bass, to young gun guitarist Emmanuel Rossillo working his first major studio project, the record resonates with innovation and flare. The finishing touches of the brilliant mix provided by Dave O'Donnell (James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer) and the mastering of Greg Calbi (numerous hits over the past 20 years) make this record a true meeting of the best of the best.

The evidence is clear on A Different War that DANIELIA COTTON continues to evolve and challenge herself as a musician. Fifteen years since her breakout as an Artist to Watch by influential Philadelphia public radio outlet WXPN, Cotton remains a true indie artist fighting for independence - the space to create her own sound and an audience that would journey with her.

Available NOW at Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and where music is consumed on-line.

Genre: Rock, Soul, Blues

RIYL: Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, Donny Hathaway, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Available THURSDAY, June 25 on Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes

Historic Collaboration Reborn to Support Musicians Foundation, The Actors Fund, First Responders Children's Foundation and NAACP Legal Defense Fund

'Voices 4 One World' Recording Participants Include Multiple Grammy Winners and Nominees

Donate NOW at www.oneworldoursong.com

"With entertainers out of work, first responders overworked and racial unrest around the country, Franke Previte wants to remind us we are all the same voices existing in 'One World.'" - American Songwriter

NEW YORK (June 23, 2020) - ONE WORLD, a timely new anthem for the global pandemic reuniting a pair of prominent American songwriters with a pair of leading Soviet songwriters for the unified purpose of helping musicians, singers and actors whose incomes have been cut off by Coronavirus quarantining; supporting first responder families enduring COVID-19-related financial hardship, and changing the narrative about race in America - will be officially available for digital distribution THURSDAY (June 25) on Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes. This extraordinary collaboration, featuring an unprecedented chorus of Grammy Award winners and multiple Grammy nominees, is being offered NOW as a free download with any donation to the major charity partner beneficiaries, exclusively through www.oneworldoursong.com.

The four major charity partners are: Musicians Foundation, The Actors Fund, as well as First Responders Children's Foundation, beneficiary of the recent "Living Room Concert for America" hosted on FOX by Elton John, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

Oscar-winning songwriter Franke Previte ("(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing) was spurred by the global pandemic to enlist ONE WORLD co-writer Pamela Phillips Oland (Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin) and together create an entirely new recording of their historic 1989 collaboration with updated lyrics, freshly retooled for the sole purpose of giving 100% of all proceeds from downloads to the four major charity partners.

American Songwriter calls the new version of ONE WORLD "a hopeful song of unity that recalls some of the '80s most anthemic message songs, led by powerful vocal performances from an ensemble of well-respected, top-notch singers."

The ONE WORLD official website is accepting easy donations of any amount, which entitle a donor to a free instant download of the song ONE WORLD. (Please note: Downloads for NAACP Legal Defense Fund donations are not yet available.)

ONE WORLD made its world radio premiere earlier this month when Entercom offered a sneak peek to global listeners during the Bob Pantano Saturday Night Dance Party, heard around the world (and nationally to Comcast subscribers) through the Radio.com app, and throughout the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region on five radio stations, anchored by flagship 98.1 WOGL. Pantano has committed to continue playing ONE WORLD on all future broadcasts.

A growing gallery of notable musicians and actors are recording PSAs for the ONE WORLD "Celebrity Circle" on an ongoing basis. Early contributors include two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole, legendary "Sound of Philadelphia" architect Kenny Gamble, Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres, Emmy Award nominee Michele Greene ("L.A. Law"), original teen idol Bobby Rydell, actress-comedian Siobhan Fallon ("Saturday Night Live," "Seinfeld," "Men in Black"), Vocal Group Hall of Famer Kenny Vance (Jay & The Americans, Kenny Vance & The Planotones), Grammy nominated songwriter Rob Hyman ("Time After Time") of The Hooters (Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame) and beloved blue collar rocker and Bruce Springsteen collaborator Joe Grushecky.

The range of charities reflects the scope and breadth of the pandemic's devastating impact on the community. All live music-related performances: touring, concert, theatrical, Broadway, TV, film - have ground to a halt. Musicians and singers are unable to earn a living in front of live audiences. The touring infrastructure - crews, road managers, talent buying, concert promotion - has been left in disarray, with no true sense of normalcy projected to be returning for another year at least.

ONE WORLD was written in Moscow by Previte and Oland with two Estonian songwriters, Sergei Manoukyan and Mikk Targo, during the 1989 Glasnost event "Music Speaks Louder Than Words," the first ever Arts Exchange between Soviet and American songwriters, organized by Alan Roy Scott and Music Bridges. Previte and Oland were among the 22 renowned songwriters participating from the USA. Other notable participants included Diane Warren, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Bolton, Brill Building legends Mike Stoller and Barry Mann, Desmond Child (Bon Jovi), Brenda Russell (Earth Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, Rufus), songwriting team Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly (Madonna, Whitney Houston), Franne Golde (Jody Watley, Commodores), and Alan Roy Scott (Motown, Celine Dion, Cher).

The ensuing album included the original recording of ONE WORLD by Earth Wind & Fire. The lyrics in the new recording have been lovingly updated to address the current COVID-19 crisis and, says Previte, "give hope to all mankind for us to dream again." Every creative participant is an "UnSung Hero" to the global music community who has collaborated with superstars across many genres. Collectively known as Voices 4 One World, all have contributed to the greatness of recorded and live music as musicians and background singers, many of whom are Grammy Award winners and multiple Grammy nominees.

"These musicians and singers are the backbone of the music industry, who have made the stars of yesterday and today household names," says Previte. "This is our heartfelt way of saying thank you and giving them some of the recognition they so rightfully deserve."

Singers on the record are: Michael Mayo (Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock), Ronee Martin (Patti LaBelle, Wynton Marsalis), Tower of Power "Ambassador of Soul" Ellis Hall, Dorian Holley (Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart), Grammy winner Judith Glory Hill (Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Prince), Valerie Pinkston (Lenny Kravitz, Luther Vandross, Annie Lennox), Amy Keys (Herbie Hancock, Sting, Barbra Streisand), Christine Collister (Richard Thompson Band), and Lisa Sherman (Jon Bon Jovi, Blondie). Musicians are Jon Gilutin (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt) keyboards; Lenny Castro (Toto), percussion; Brendan Buckley (Shakira, Perry Farrell), drums; Scott Mayo (Earth Wind & Fire), saxophone; Jerry Watts Jr. (Andraé Crouch, Dr. John), bass; James Harrah (Melissa Etheridge, Leonard Cohen), guitar; Randy Jacobs (Was Not Was), guitar; and Tollack Ollestad (Don Henley, Andrea Boccelli), harmonica.

ONE WORLD was produced by Grammy winner Jon Gilutin ("New Attitude") and mixed by Grammy, Emmy and Dove Award-winning engineer Bill Schnee (Steely Dan, Natalie Cole). The video was produced by Thomas Ryan Ward.

The participants in the ONE WORLD project profusely thank and honor the First Responders, and the sacrifices they and their families, including their children, are making to help all of us.

"These 'UnSung Heroes' of music have donated their time and talents so that our song can help make our world a better one to live in," adds Previte. "You know their music, now you know their names! Give them all a heartfelt 'Thank you' as they help us to heal others."

PHOTO CAPTION (LEFT): Composite photo of the five lead singers of "One World," Ellis Hall (center), and clockwise from top left, Michael Mayo, Judith Glory Hill, Dorian Holley, and Ronee Martin. Credit: Randex Communications.

PHOTO CAPTION (RIGHT): A pair of American songwriters and Soviet songwriters meet during their original collaborative gathering in Moscow during the 1989 Glasnost event, "Music Speaks Louder Than Words." L-R: Sergei Manoukyan, Pamela Phillips Oland, Franke Previte, and Mikk Targo. Rear left: Cyndi Lauper. Credit: Randex Communications.

Widely Heralded Blues Rocker Among Star-Studded Participants Including Alfre Woodard, Sen. Kamala Harris, NBA Houston Rockets' Russell Westbrook, and Many More in Virtual Weekend Event

Live Streaming Saturday, June 20 at 6 p.m. Central on www.tulsablockparty.com

"Virtual Album Release Tour" begins Friday, June 26 at Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA

Read her new editorial "Straddling the Invisible Line Between White and Black as a Biracial Black Woman," in Swaay.com

"'A Different War' [has] an uncompromising urgency that transforms its songs into anthems for our times." - American Songwriter

NEW YORK (June 19, 2020) - Riding a new wave of critical acclaim from A Different War, her incredibly timely and most politically charged album to date, widely heralded blues-rocker DANIELIA COTTON has risen again into the light, fiercely and defiantly, to join a star-studded lineup for Tulsa's national Juneteenth Block Party, a virtual event to accompany on-the-ground celebrations happening over the weekend. The Block Party will begin streaming tomorrow (Saturday, June 20) at 6 p.m. CT at www.tulsablockparty.com.

The Juneteenth Block Party event arrives as Cotton enters a "new normal" touring mode with her "Virtual Album Release Tour." The first stop on the tour will be Friday, June 26 at Sellersville Theater, 24 West Temple Ave., Sellersville, PA. Show time is 8 p.m. More dates will be announced shortly.

The Full Livestream Concert at Sellersville Theater on June 26 will be streamed LIVE on the Sellersville Theater Facebook page. This is a PAY AS YOU PLEASE Event. All contributions will go to support both Danielia Cotton and Sellersville Theater. Payment information will be available while watching the show.

The Juneteenth Block Party was created to recognize Juneteenth, the holiday that marks the abolition of slavery in the United States and celebrate the culture of African American communities in Tulsa and around the country. The Block Party lineup will include conversations, stories, messages of hope, and musical performances from a number of prominent Tulsans and beyond, and special celebrity guests. Organizers promise the Juneteenth Block Party to be "the moment this country deserves for an exceptional holiday weekend."

Cotton joins a stellar list of confirmed participants including Alfre Woodard, Sen. Kamala Harris, NBA Houston Rockets' Russell Westbrook, creator of HBO's Watchmen Damon Lindelof, former Attorney General Eric Holder, former Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick, Emmy-award winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson, Biden 2020 Sr. Advisors Karine Jean-Pierre and Symone Sanders, Emmy nominated comedian Baratunde and more celebrity guests.

Cotton will be performing an acoustic version, on piano, of "A Different War," the title track from her latest album, which finds the woman whose music is "soulful enough to fill a revival tent" (The New York Times) and whose voice gives her songs "stunning power" (No Depression) speaking to these extraordinary times by unloading her sin while the world around her is gripped in a turbulent spin.

She will be joined for this special live performance by prominent Bronx hip-hop artist Mickey Factz, reprising his guest appearance on the original album track. "A Different War" examines how the reality of people of color getting called into battle as a result of being marginalized informs their entire existence. The song also urges us to press ahead because of the ongoing need for substantive change.

In a deeply personal and moving editorial she titled "Fade to Black" just published by SWAAY.com, Cotton confronts her own upbringing as a biracial woman in a predominantly white upper middle class New Jersey suburb. Read it here.

Cotton frames A Different War by confronting race, gender, and wealth - deeply personal and pervasive issues that have plagued folks like her for an eternity.

Calling the album, "stunning and stirring," American Songwriter praised A Different War for "an uncompromising urgency that transforms its songs into anthems for our times." Including the album among its Best Bets in "The Hotness" Summer Issue, BUST Magazine raved: "A Different War is an album bursting with soulful blues rock, delivered with steely confidence. --- Whether she's wailing Janis Joplin-style on 'Cheap High' or declaring 'I was not born a man, but I can do anything that he can,' on 'She Too,' she's in control, and she's our kind of belter."

Adding to the praise for A Different War, MediaNews Group syndicate was impressed at how Cotton's "consistent ability to overcome pain and express it through music shines a light on the issues of the day and shows the world what it's like to continue to fight." San Francisco Classical Voice chimed in, saying "I would really encourage you to take a listen to" the new album.

Throughout her career, the longtime New Yorker from Hopewell, NJ, has drawn praise from the New York Times, Billboard, the Los Angeles Times, NPR, and USA Today, among many others. She continues to inhabit a song, turning it inside and out to create transcendent music and lyrics, and carry us higher and higher with her in her musical flights.

A Different War finds the gutsy New Yorker swimming through the tumultuous social issues of racism and greed, and the tempestuous waters of love and relationships. These are songs deeply rooted in the protest anthems of yesterday but built for the current state of our world. A multi-racial, gospel-fueled, Jewish blues-rocker who believes in the power of womanhood, Cotton grew up in a predominantly white New Jersey community as one of just seven black kids in her high school. She has survived cancer and the tragic loss of twins at birth, only to bounce back and finally welcome a daughter in 2018. Cotton's consistent ability to overcome pain and express it through music shines a light on the issues of the day and shows the world what it's like to fight "A Different War."

A Different War is a true collaboration with some of the most talented musicians and technicians in the business. From Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors, Joan Osborne, Edie Brickell) on drums, Ben Butler (Sting, George Michael, Chris Botti) on guitar, and Andy Hess (Gov't Mule, Black Crowes) on bass, to young gun guitarist Emmanuel Rossillo working his first major studio project, the record resonates with innovation and flare. The finishing touches of the brilliant mix provided by Dave O'Donnell (James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer) and the mastering of Greg Calbi (numerous hits over the past 20 years) make this record a true meeting of the best of the best.

The evidence is clear on A Different War that DANIELIA COTTON continues to evolve and challenge herself as a musician. Fifteen years since her breakout as an Artist to Watch by influential Philadelphia public radio outlet WXPN, Cotton remains a true indie artist fighting for independence - the space to create her own sound and an audience that would journey with her.

Available NOW at Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and where music is consumed on-line.

Genre: Rock, Soul, Blues

RIYL: Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, Donny Hathaway, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Physical Release Day for Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive), 2nd Album from 'Best Hard Rock Band in the Country,' Led by Pittsburgh Rocker Joe Grushecky

"Few bands offered up material as gritty, rich, and poignant as Pittsburgh's own The Iron City Houserockers. ... [An] epic musical milestone. ... Given the current world pandemic, there's a modern-day relevance to the message of the title track and the album itself. Get Out Alive! has always been a record of hope, home, solidarity, community, strength, and love - themes that are as important today as they were 40 years ago. 5 STARS" - Goldmine

NASHVILLE (June 18, 2020) - The physical edition of the greatly expanded 40th anniversary deluxe reissue of Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive), the sophomore album originally hailed by Rolling Stone as "a new American classic" from beloved Pittsburgh rocker Joe Grushecky and his gritty, blue-collar outfit the Iron City Houserockers, arrives TOMORROW (June 19) on CD and vinyl amid a mounting new groundswell of attention.

A holy trinity of rock and roll royalty united to help oversee the recording, as Mick Ronson (David Bowie), Ian Hunter (Mott The Hoople) and Steven Van Zandt (Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny) combined with co-producers the Slimmer Twins (Steve Popovich Sr. & Marty Mooney) and the Iron City Houserockers to create one of rock's great lost classics. Their cohesive efforts - as producers, arrangers and players - will finally be rediscovered as an entirely new listening experience on CD and vinyl when Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive) is released by fabled indie label, Cleveland International Records. The remastered two-CD set includes a bonus disc with 16 previously unreleased tracks of demos and other rarities. The new vinyl edition will include a download card of those same 16 tracks to go with a vinyl replica of the original album. The digital package is on sale NOW and streaming here. Order the vinyl and physical CD here. Order the exclusive Iron City Houserockers Bundle Pack at www.clevelandinternational.com.

The presence of Hunter, Ronson and Van Zandt, says the Houston Press, sets "this project apart," and "gives the whole record a sort of Pittsburgh/New Jersey/London amalgamation vibe." MediaNews Group called this chapter in Grushecky's four-decade career "one of his shining moments."

Little Steven's Underground Garage celebrated Digital Release Day with a "Coolest Conversations" album spotlight, as Grushecky spoke with the Mighty Manfred on Sirius XM. Ultimate Classic Rock hosted an exclusive Track Premiere of the bonus disc demo version of "Hypnotized (A Work in Progress)," featuring Hunter and Ronson, and called the new release "cool stuff."

American Songwriter, in an interview with Grushecky, hails Have A Good Time (But Get Out Alive) as "a forgotten gem of a record, a time capsule of frenetic '80s energy and lyrics about home that hit home, performed by the toughest, tightest band from the 'work hard, play hard' working-class streets of Pittsburgh." The magazine adds that the bonus disc not only "documents each song's evolution," but "showcases how Grushecky and the band took it up a notch when the 'record' button was pressed."

Goldmine, in a new five-star review, proclaims the album an "epic musical milestone," and placed it in the context of the current world pandemic, noting the how "few bands offered up material as gritty, rich, and poignant as Pittsburgh's own The Iron City Houserockers" and the "modern-day relevance to the message of the title track and the album itself. Get Out Alive! has always been a record of hope, home, solidarity, community, strength, and love - themes that are as important today as they were 40 years ago."

Adds Midwest Record: "Anyone that wants to rock will salute this. Amazingly heady still after 40 years of sitting in limbo, waiting for the sky to fall."

Forty years since The Iron City Houserockers' willingness to let Ronson, Hunter and Van Zandt reshape their initial ideas in the studio proved prophetic, and the songs they recorded for the 1980 release put down roots that stretched far outside of Pittsburgh. Greil Marcus, in The Village Voice, said Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive) was "the strongest album an American band has made this year" and "proves the Iron City Houserockers are the best hard rock band in the country." All Music Guide marveled at the new album's power surge, saying the band "landed with the impact of a Louisville slugger connecting with a fastball" and crediting Grushecky for songwriting and lead vocals that "seethe with a furious passion that's never less than convincing. ... The total commitment of his performance, delivered with the conviction of a man fighting for his life, brings these stories to vivid, sweaty life."

Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive) is listed as one of the top eight Essential Heartland Rock records alongside the likes of Bob Seger's Night Moves, and John Mellencamp's Scarecrow, and features many of the Houserockers' signature tunes, including "Pumping Iron," "Junior's Bar," and "Have A Good Time." During a 1981 live radio concert in Boston, rabid fans can be heard screaming requests for "Pumping Iron," an anthem Grushecky penned as a tribute to his home city, and which he still usually plays with Bruce Springsteen when they perform together.

As Hunter fondly remembers: "Joe and the Houserockers were and are an actual rock and roll band. So many 'rock and roll' bands are not real - they just look and act like they are - and fool people most of the time. These guys are for real - and what a lovely man Joe is."

In the liner notes, Grushecky offers a remarkably concise analysis of the record that emerged: "We had great songs and the band was smoking," he writes. "We all knew something special was happening. The results were a mixture of Pittsburgh rock and roll, Jersey Shore savvy and soul, and English mystic and muscle. Add a dash of Cleveland moxie and an anything goes attitude and a legendary album was born."

HAVE A GOOD TIME (BUT GET OUT ALIVE) Track Listing:

1. Have A Good Time (But Get Out Alive)
2. Don't Let Them Push You Around
3. Pumping Iron
4. Hypnotized
5. Price of Love
6. Angela
7. We're Not Dead Yet
8. Blondie
9. Old Man Bar
10. Junior's Bar
11. Runnin' Scared
12. Rock Ola

BONUS TRACKS (Disc 2):

1. Have A Good Time...But Get Out Alive (demo)
2. Don't Let Them Push You Around (demo)
3. Pumping Iron (demo)
4. Don't Stop the Music (demo)
5. Angela (demo)
6. Price of Love (demo)
7. Hold Out (demo)
8. Rock Ola (demo)
9. Struggle & Die (demo)
10. Rock Ola (extended)
11. Charlena/Blondie
12. Runnin' Scared
13. Runnin' Scared #2
14. Hypnotized (A Work In Progress)
15. Rooster Blues
16. Do Wah Diddy

Genre: Heartland Rock, Blues Rock, Classic Rock

RIYL: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, David Bowie, Southside Johnny, J. Geils Band, Mott the Hoople, The Clash, Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul, Ian Hunter, The Del-Lords, John Cafferty

About Cleveland International Records

Cleveland International Records originally launched in 1977 by record mogul and beloved industry executive Steve Popovich. The label's first single release was "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" by Ronnie Spector and The E Street Band. Shortly thereafter, the label signed an unknown singer named Meat Loaf and launched the album, "Bat Out of Hell" en route to becoming one of the top selling albums in the history of the music industry. The label and its catalog combined to make Cleveland International Records one of the first independent record companies whose catalogue has sold in excess of over 50 million albums worldwide. The label relaunched in 2019, with Popovich's son, Steve Jr., at the helm, and a rekindled commitment to bring both new and generational music back to the forefront. More information at www.clevelandinternational.com.

Historic Collaboration Reborn to Support Musicians Foundation, The Actors Fund, First Responders Children's Foundation and NAACP Legal Defense Fund

'Voices 4 ONE WORLD' Recording Participants Include Multiple Grammy Winners and Nominees

Donate NOW at www.oneworldoursong.com

NEW YORK (June 10, 2020) - ONE WORLD, a timely new anthem for the global pandemic reuniting a pair of prominent American songwriters with a pair of prominent Soviet songwriters for the unified purpose of helping musicians, singers and actors whose incomes have been cut off by Coronavirus quarantining; supporting first responder families enduring COVID-19-related financial hardship, and changing the narrative about race in America - is officially available NOW as a free download with any donation at www.oneworldoursong.com.

Oscar-winning songwriter Franke Previte ("(I've Had) The Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing) was spurred by the global pandemic to enlist ONE WORLD co-writer Pamela Phillips Oland (Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin) and together create a new recording of their historic collaboration for the sole purpose of giving 100% of all proceeds from downloads to four major charity partners: Musicians Foundation, The Actors Fund, as well as First Responders Children's Foundation, beneficiary of the recent "Living Room Concert for America" hosted by Elton John, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

The ONE WORLD official website is accepting easy donations of any amount, which entitle a donor to a free instant download of the song ONE WORLD. (Please note: Downloads for NAACP Legal Defense Fund donations are not yet available.)

ONE WORLD made its world premiere over the radio last weekend, when Entercom offered a sneak peek to global listeners during the Bob Pantano Saturday Night Dance Party, heard around the world (and nationally to Comcast subscribers) through the Radio.com app, and throughout the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region on five radio stations, anchored by flagship 98.1 WOGL. Pantano has committed to continue playing ONE WORLD on all future broadcasts.

The range of charities reflects the scope and breadth of the pandemic's devastating impact on the community. All live music-related performances: touring, concert, theatrical, Broadway, TV, film - have ground to a halt. Musicians and singers are unable to earn a living in front of live audiences.

The touring infrastructure - crews, road managers, talent buying, concert promotion - has been left in disarray, with no true sense of normalcy projected to be returning for another year at least.

ONE WORLD was written in 1989 in Moscow by Previte and Oland with two Estonian songwriters, Sergei Manoukyan and Mikk Targo, during the Glasnost event "Music Speaks Louder Than Words," the first ever Arts Exchange between Soviet and American songwriters, organized by Alan Roy Scott and Music Bridges. Previte and Oland were among the 22 renowned songwriters participating from the USA. Other notable participants included Diane Warren, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Bolton, Brill Building legends Mike Stoller and Barry Mann, Desmond Child (Bon Jovi), Brenda Russell (Earth Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, Rufus), songwriting team Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly (Madonna, Whitney Houston), Franne Golde (Jody Watley, Commodores), and Alan Roy Scott (Motown, Celine Dion, Cher).

The ensuing album included the original recording of ONE WORLD by Earth Wind & Fire. The lyrics in the new recording have been lovingly updated to address the current COVID-19 crisis. Every creative participant is an "UnSung Hero" to the global music community, including several Grammy Award winners and multiple Grammy nominees. Collectively known as Voices 4 One World, all have contributed to the greatness of recorded and live music as musicians and background singers "These musicians and singers are the backbone of the music industry, who have made the stars of yesterday and today household names," says Previte. "This is our heartfelt way of saying thank you and giving them some of the recognition they so rightfully deserve."

Singers on the record are: Michael Mayo (Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock), Ronee Martin (Patti LaBelle, Wynton Marsalis), Tower of Power "Ambassador of Soul" Ellis Hall, Dorian Holley (Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart), Grammy winner Judith Glory Hill (Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Prince), Valerie Pinkston (Lenny Kravitz, Luther Vandross, Annie Lennox), Amy Keys (Herbie Hancock, Sting, Barbra Streisand), Christine Collister (Richard Thompson Band), and Lisa Sherman (Jon Bon Jovi, Blondie). Musicians are Jon Gilutin (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt) keyboards; Lenny Castro (Toto), percussion; Brendan Buckley (Shakira, Perry Farrell), drums; Scott Mayo (Earth Wind & Fire), saxophone; Jerry Watts Jr. (Andraé Crouch, Dr. John), bass; James Harrah (Melissa Etheridge, Leonard Cohen), guitar; Randy Jacobs (Was Not Was), guitar; and Tollack Ollestad (Don Henley, Andrea Boccelli), harmonica.

ONE WORLD was produced by Grammy winner Jon Gilutin ("New Attitude") and mixed by Grammy, Emmy and Dove Award-winning engineer Bill Schnee (Steely Dan, Natalie Cole). The video was produced by Thomas Ryan Ward.

The participants in the ONE WORLD project profusely thank and honor the First Responders, and the sacrifices they and their families, including their children, are making to help all of us.

"These 'UnSung Heroes' of music have donated their time and talents so that our song can help make our world a better one to live in," adds Previte. "You know their music, now you know their names! Give them all a heartfelt 'Thank you' as they help us to heal others."

Medicare Decoded: Shocking Facts to Help You Save Money and Get the Most from Medicare, updated for COVID-19

The Medicare Minefield, with Rick Solofsky, airs weekly on 610 ESPN/Philadelphia and News Radio 790 WAEB/Lehigh Valley

"Medicare is a minefield, and you'd better be careful where you step." - Rick Solofsky

EASTON, PA (June 9, 2020) - Medical insurance and Medicare expert Rick Solofsky is mad as hell and can't take it anymore. That's why, with the breakout of the Coronavirus pandemic, he decided to simultaneously write a book and launch two radio shows to help people navigate their way through the medical insurance portion of our nationwide health crisis in this new COVID-19 universe.

The book, Medicare Decoded: Shocking Facts to Help You Save Money and Get the Most From Medicare, initially published as the Coronavirus Quarantine mandate was about to hit, has just been updated for COVID-19.

The radio show, The Medicare Minefield with Rick Solofsky, covering medical insurance and Medicare, airs Saturdays at 11 a.m. on 610 ESPN Philadelphia. Lehigh Valley listeners get to hear a completely fresh live version of The Medicare Minefield with Rick Solofsky every Sunday from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. on News Radio 790 WAEB iHeartRadio. Both versions of the show feature guest experts and live listener call-ins. All episodes of the 610 ESPN edition are podcast here. For 610 ESPN callers: 888-728-9941. For 790 WAEB callers: 610-720-7900.

"There are so many CPAs, attorneys and insurance brokers not properly guiding their clients in the right direction, and that means enormous pitfalls if you're not paying attention to details," says Solofsky, head of Solofsky Financial Group with over 30 years of experience as a health-care broker and a high-level consultant with a specialty in Medicare. "The average broker, employer, or CPA doesn't really understand the rules and the laws because it's too nitty gritty to them. There are too many ticking bombs."

Medicare Decoded, available now on Amazon, offers what Solofsky, a Montgomery County native now living in Easton, calls a "Financial Medical Insurance Vaccine Solution" aimed at the senior population, a significant portion of which has been affected by COVID-19. However, whether you're a Millennial looking to the future, a Baby Boomer enrolling for the first time, or a member of the "Greatest Generation" who is already a Medicare beneficiary, Medicare Decoded is an essential, easy-to-read guide that takes people through the twists and turns of Medicare with essential strategies.

In the midst of this pandemic, Solofsky offers expert advice on a variety of Medicare and health insurance concerns and issues pertaining to this particular health crisis, including:

• If you lose your job, what are your real options for Cobra health insurance extensions?
• What other options does the government offer if you can't afford Cobra? Is there a plan that's actually better?
• Should you apply for Medicare as you're turning 65?
• How can helping your parents with their Medicare decisions impact your bank account?
• When should you apply for Medicare instead of staying on your employer's group plan, or vice versa?
• Do you really understand Medicare Part D prescription plans?
• Can you disenroll from Medicare if you go back to work?
• Does the government owe you money because you applied for Medicare when you shouldn't have?
• How can you "turn back the clock" if you miss important Medicare enrollment deadlines?
• What is the prescription-plan coverage gap known as the "doughnut hole" and how can you manage it?

Listen to The Medicare Minefield on 610 ESPN Philadelphia here.

Listen to The Medicare Minefield on News Radio 790 WAEB here.

ABOUT RICK SOLOFSKY
Rick Solofsky, a 1979 graduate of West Chester University, has over 30 years of experience as a health-care broker and a high-level consultant with a specialty in Medicare and the interpretation of "Medicare Secondary Payer Law" and how it applies to the group insurance culture. Today, Solofsky Financial Group administers over 500 group health-care accounts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, in addition to over 700 individuals, and Medicare Supplement policies for more than 400 individuals. Rick frequently educates other brokers, CPAs,and attorneys about changes in the Medicare/Health-insurance landscape. A regular contributor to many financial talk shows, Rick credits his dual major - Health/Physical Education and Psychology - with helping him better understand the "Big Picture" of the role of health insurance in American life.

Most Politically Charged Album of Heralded Career

RadioWoodstock 100.1 WDST Celebrates Album Release Day with 'Sofa Sessions' Livestream Concert Event, TONIGHT @ 7 p.m. ET

2nd Single, Cheap High, Now Active at Triple A; Music Video Out NOW

"An album bursting with soulful blues rock, delivered with steely confidence. ... She's in control, and she's our kind of belter." - BUST Magazine

NEW YORK (May 29, 2020) - Widely heralded blues-rocker DANIELIA COTTON has risen again into the light, fiercely and defiantly, with early praise from American Songwriter, BUST Magazine, and beyond for A Different War, her most politically charged album, set for release today on all major digital platforms through Cottontown Music.

A Different War will be celebrated tonight by RadioWoodstock 100.1 with a Sofa Sessions Livestream Concert Event at 7 p.m. ET.

The six-song opus finds the woman whose music is "soulful enough to fill a revival tent" (The New York Times) and whose voice gives her songs "stunning power" (No Depression) speaking to these extraordinary times by unloading her sin while the world around her is gripped in a turbulent spin. Cotton frames A Different War by confronting race, gender, and wealth - deeply personal and pervasive issues that have plagued folks like her for an eternity.

Last week, American Songwriter premiered the music video for "Cheap High," the second single, now active at Triple A radio, noting how "Cotton's raspy voice is tinged with anger and frustration, but she channels her powerful vocal delivery into a cathartic triumph by the song's end." Including the album among its Best Bets in "The Hotness" Summer Issue, BUST Magazine raved: "A Different War is an album bursting with soulful blues rock, delivered with steely confidence. ... Whether she's wailing Janis Joplin-style on 'Cheap High' or declaring 'I was not born a man, but I can do anything that he can,' on 'She Too,' she's in control, and she's our kind of belter."

Adding to the praise for A Different War, MediaNews Group syndicate was impressed at the way Cotton's "consistent ability to overcome pain and express it through music shines a light on the issues of the day and shows the world what it's like to continue to fight." Disciples of Sound called Cotton "a modern-day Bettye LaVette meets Sheryl Crow. She brings forth a vocal performance that is big, bold, emotional and spilling over with soul - it'll shake you to the core. ... At a time when political vitriol is at its apex, Cotton delivers her message in a framework that lures you in and keeps you connected. Keep your eye on her." The Classic Rock Podcast marveled at hearing "a beautiful voice that blends blues, soul and rock to produce an album that once begun, you will complete."

Throughout her career, the longtime New Yorker from Hopewell, NJ, has drawn praise from the New York Times, Billboard, the Los Angeles Times, NPR, and USA Today, among many others. She continues to inhabit a song, turning it inside and out to create transcendent music and lyrics, and carry us higher and higher with her in her musical flights.

A Different War finds the gutsy New Yorker swimming through the tumultuous social issues of racism and greed, and the tempestuous waters of love and relationships. These are songs deeply rooted in the protest anthems of yesterday but built for the current state of our world. A multi-racial, gospel-fueled, Jewish blues-rocker who believes in the power of womanhood, Cotton grew up in a predominantly white New Jersey community as one of just seven black kids in her high school. She has survived cancer and the tragic loss of twins at birth, only to bounce back and finally welcome a daughter in 2018. Cotton's consistent ability to overcome pain and express it through music shines a light on the issues of the day and shows the world what it's like to fight "A Different War."

The title track examines how the reality of people of color getting called into battle as a result of being marginalized informs their entire existence. Featuring a guest appearance by prominent Bronx hip-hop artist Mickey Factz, the song also urges us to press ahead because of the ongoing need for substantive change. "Cheap High" is a stomping rocker that finds Cotton probing our precarious economic situation, speaking to both a personal unhappiness arising from greed, and the dangers of a society mired in economic disparity and despair. The evocative and transporting music of "Forgive Me" mimics the lyrics, which Cotton wrote with her sister, Catherine Fulmer-Hogan, stressing the necessity of forgiveness in any relationship in order for its survival. The fierce feminist anthem "She Too" is a propulsive rocker that rides along a screaming lead solo. Cotton's bluesy vocals on this track defiantly proclaim not only equality but righteous anger at anyone who wants to silence women for raising their voices in unity against abuse, ill and unequal treatment.

A Different War is a true collaboration with some of the most talented musicians and technicians in the business. From Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors, Joan Osborne, Edie Brickell) on drums, Ben Butler (Sting, George Michael, Chris Botti) on guitar, and Andy Hess (Gov't Mule, Black Crowes) on bass, to young gun guitarist Emmanuel Rossillo working his first major studio project, the record resonates with innovation and flare. The finishing touches of the brilliant mix provided by Dave O'Donnell (James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer) and the mastering of Greg Calbi (numerous hits over the past 20 years) make this record a true meeting of the best of the best.

The evidence is clear on A Different War that DANIELIA COTTON continues to evolve and challenge herself as a musician. Fifteen years since her breakout as an Artist to Watch by influential Philadelphia public radio outlet WXPN, Cotton remains a true indie artist fighting for independence - the space to create her own sound and an audience that would journey with her.

Available TODAY at Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and where music is consumed on-line.

"A Different War" Track Listing

Forgive Me
A Different War
Cheap High
Better Off Without You
If You Don't Want Me
She Too

Genre: Rock, Soul, Blues

RIYL: Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Bettye LaVette, Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, Donnie Hathaway, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Philly-Based Group Combines Heartfelt Lyrics with Soaring Harmonies to Create an Anthem for Our Times

Proceeds from Single & Video Benefit First Responders Children's Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund

New Facebook Live Variety Series, "Escape the Virus with a Lights Out-ing," Airs Saturdays @ 4 p.m. EST

PHILADELPHIA (May 28, 2020) - As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic in the month since the song's original release, renown vocal quartet LIGHTS OUT today is releasing a "Quarantine Mix" of the music video for All That Matters, the group's moving, uplifting and inspirational charity single that's poised to become an anthem for these troubling and frightening times. The song imbues the listener with what is most needed: Optimism that a better day is on the horizon and the unshakeable belief that the human spirit is always stronger than the most fearsome foe.

"As this pandemic touches - and takes - more lives each day," says group member Rob Fleishman, "we thought it was imperative that we put our faces in the video to show everyone that although the world is quarantined together, we can still make music together."

Proceeds from the "All That Matters" music video and song download go to First Responders Children's Foundation's COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. Donations are being accepted now at www.lightsoutvocals.com.

"All That Matters" has been hailed by Exclusive Magazine as "'a melodic, blue-eyed soul, harmonized work of musical brilliance that ensures a smile to the soul will come to anyone who plays or simply hears it." New Jersey Stage Magazine adds that the single is "poised to do great things for some of the greatest people our country and planet has to offer."

Call it fate, call it coincidence, call it happenstance, but every so often there occurs a magic moment - unplanned and unforeseen - when a song arrives just at the point it is needed most. Such is the case with "All That Matters," by LIGHTS OUT, which is poised to become an anthem for these troubling and frightening times.

Composed by members Chris James and Danny Goscicki, the first single/video and title track from the vocal quartet's new album, All That Matters is a work of classic blue-eyed soul marked by an indelible, instantly familiar melody and the breathtaking vocal harmonies that are the sonic signature of LIGHTS OUT. Despite its of-the-moment urgency, it was written and recorded before the world had ever heard the phrase "COVID-19."

In line with the group's pandemic efforts, LIGHTS OUT has launched a weekly Facebook Live variety series, "Escape the Virus with a Lights Out-ing," webcasting every Saturday at 4 p.m. EST. Weekly themes range from archival concert videos, to live Zoom performances, fan recipe cooking segments, story-swapping, topical discussions, and most importantly throughout, regular fan interaction. It's all about maintaining the individual and group intimacy with their fans that the group holds in such high regard despite the tenuous climate the pandemic has created. Indeed, social distancing has inspired LIGHTS OUT to further find ways of staying close to its fans through social media.

The Philadelphia-based unit that was formed by its members - Fleishman, Chad Moroz, Danny G, and Chris James - when they were students at the University of Delaware. Starting as an a capella group inspired primarily by Rockapella and Boyz II Men, LIGHTS OUT has simultaneously traveled several musical paths, including being a popular attraction at many of the nation's top venues, to performing their own blend of originals and covers, and as a highly successful Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute act as well as their original show, The Jersey Beach Boys.

Through the years, the troupe's thrilling vocal harmonies, polished stage shows and songwriting prowess have provided LIGHTS OUT with the opportunities to work with Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Philadelphia's chart-topping vocal group Boyz II Men, and Barry Carl of Rockapella. Boyz II Men co-founder Mike McCary was so impressed by the foursome that he actually served as its manager. Although today, the group's career is overseen by another Philly music legend, Jerry Gross of the revered 1960s vocal act, The Dovells, the relationship with McCary continues to pay dividends.

In addition to the title cut, the All That Matters album boasts 12 tracks steeped in the quartet's shimmering, usually breathtaking harmonies. Aside from nine originals, the album boasts four covers: The Beach Boys' "Surfin' U.S.A.," The 4 Seasons' "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," Mr. Big's "To Be With You," and most notably, a sharp and energetic "hip-pop" reinvention of "Stand By Me" featuring a guest appearance by show business titan Ben Vereen.

ALL THAT MATTERS Track Listing:

1. The Emptiness
2. Takin' My Time
3. One More Chance
4. All That Matters
5. The Best Thing in My Life
6. To Be With You
7. I Walk Alone
8. The Song the Echoes Tell
9. Carry On
10. If I Do
11. Stand By Me (with special guest Ben Vereen)
12. Surfin' U.S.A.
13. December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)

Genre: Vocal Groups, Blue Eyed Soul, Pop, R&B

RIYL: Boyz II Men, N'Sync, New Kids on the Block, Frankie Valli, The Beach Boys, Hall & Oates, Ben Vereen, Righteous Brothers, Mr. Big

Award winning Filmmaker and Grammy Nominee Adapts to Changing Times with Updated Episodes as Historic Election Year Unfolds Amid Global Pandemic

New Episodes Premiere Every Other Tuesday on Vimeo

****AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS***

TUCSON, AZ (May 26, 2020) - As the global pandemic continues to impact the Presidential campaign - as well as American lives - so has the plot of SAVING BERNIE. The new madcap comedy series, currently premiering on Vimeo, has shifted within its wacky alternate universe to document these historic times with comic relief.

Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden debuts today amid a "race for the vaccine" in the latest episode of the series, filmed on five continents and described as "Pee Wee Herman meets Austin Powers, Indiana Jones, The Three Stooges and Mel Brooks." Hailed by Tucson Weekly as "far-fetched and ridiculous - albeit funny," the series imagines what really happened when Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders was off the grid during his heart attack recovery. In SAVING BERNIE, Sanders is kidnapped and shrunken to toy size by a mad Russian scientist. But who's behind the diabolical plot? It's up to the fearless "sorta secret agent" singer-songwriter to find out, defeat the bad guys, "save Bernie," and get him to use her song in his 2020 presidential bid. Follow Chorney and Sanders together on their ridiculous journey as they get chased around the world, trying to get back home to save the planet!

Now that we know "The President" was behind the diabolical plot to kidnap and shrink Sanders because he was a perceived threat to the Chief's re-election, what will become of Biden, now that he - not Sanders - is the presumptive Democratic nominee?

"Whether Sanders is in the race or not, he's an undeniable personality who shines in Saving Bernie," says Linda Chorney, the award-winning independent filmmaker and trailblazing Grammy nominee who filmed the globe-trotting political-comedy-travel-adventure series across five continents.

In today's episode, Mad Mo, the Mad but brilliant scientist, has many formulas that are valuable on a microchip, that went missing. Besides the "Shrinkaroony" formula, are his vaccines for viruses. In a race to find the microchip, Bernie and Linda try to find it to save the world, and help Biden prepare for the "second wave" should he be elected. But they are chased by the Russians, Chinese and the Saudis in a James Bond-style skiing scene.

Meantime, "The President" only focuses on being elected, neglecting any pandemic preparation, and has Biden shrunken by Mad Mo as well.

The next episode, premiering June 9, will feature Bernie's dream discussing important issues with Biden.

SAVING BERNIE premiered within days of the global pandemic reaching alarming new heights and sending Americans back to their homes or to rapidly overcrowding hospitals while the economy was screeching toward a standstill.

New episodes of SAVING BERNIE are premiering every other Tuesday at www.savingbernie.com. Single episodes are available for download at $1.99 - or $14.99 for the entire series.

(**MEDIA promo code available upon request**).

Chorney immersed herself in SAVING BERNIE to save herself from the insanity of the current Administration. Now that the insanity has mushroomed as part of a worldwide pandemic.

Chorney hopes her fellow creative types can pull together to make these difficult times go down just a little bit easier.

"Or at least," she says, "we can die laughing."

Premiering Now at American Songwriter, Socially Distant-Shot Video from 5/29 Album Release A Different War

Finds Widely Acclaimed Blues-Rocker Addressing the Isolation that Comes with Addiction

RadioWoodstock 100.1 WDST Celebrates Album Release Day with 'Sofa Sessions' Livestream Concert Event, 5/29 @ 7 p.m. ET

"Danielia Cotton has not had it easy. But lucky for us, she channels her pain and suffering into kick-ass musical creations we can all enjoy." - Guitar World

NEW YORK (May 21, 2020) - The music video for widely acclaimed blues-rocker DANIELIA COTTON's new stomping anthem, CHEAP HIGH, from next week's album release, A Different War, premieres today at American Songwriter, noting how "Cotton's raspy voice is tinged with anger and frustration, but she channels her powerful vocal delivery into a cathartic triumph by the song's end."

Cotton drew on childhood memories of surviving as a poor multi-racial youth in an upper middle-class New Jersey community. While creating the video, she was astonished witnessing the addictive power of a "cheap high" surge through our communities during the pandemic, further highlighting our economic disparities.

Read and watch the video HERE.

"Right now there are so many people in their homes with no money coming, yet they're frantically ordering all kinds of items online," says Cotton. "It's still going on. It's even coming down to buying ridiculous things like designer brands for masks. It's crazy. And then there are those who wear masks made from a handkerchief because that's all they've got."

Writing CHEAP HIGH, now active at Triple A radio, made Cotton think a lot about the things she didn't have as a kid - like running water, which she went without until she was in high school. And not having traditional heating, instead having to chop wood for the stove with her sister when they came home from track practice. And being laughed at by the other kids in junior high for wearing cheap supermarket sneakers. The result was that spending became a formidable drug for her that substituted for other substances she found less desirable. The song speaks not only to personal unhappiness arising from greed but also to the dangers of a society mired in an economic disparity that even the pandemic cannot break.

"We haven't had such a disparity between the rich and the poor like this in a long time," she says. "Showing off things to prove you have money is a cheap high. That's where we all are right now. Spending is an epidemic in our country, but what makes you truly happy in life is people and love.

The pandemic shutdown limited filming inside her Manhattan apartment and on the building's roof deck, just her and videographer Ray Foley, socially distanced from each other during the entire process. Fittingly, the song is about isolation - the isolation that comes with any addiction, such as spending, and when one is besieged by self-doubt. The video forcefully conveys that sense of isolation and emptiness, courtesy of COVID-19.

CHEAP HIGH is the second single from A Different War, her most politically charged album in a widely heralded career that has drawn praise from the New York Times, Billboard, the Los Angeles Times, NPR, and USA Today, among many others. Set for release May 29 on all major digital platforms through Cottontown Music, the album will be celebrated that evening by RadioWoodstock 100.1 with a Sofa Sessions Livestream Concert Event at 7 p.m. ET. Watch it here.

A Different War finds Cotton, whose voice gives her songs "stunning power" (No Depression), speaking to these extraordinary times by unloading her sin while the world around her is gripped in a turbulent spin. Cotton frames the six-song opus by confronting race, gender, and wealth ? deeply personal and pervasive issues that have plagued folks like her for an eternity.

A Different War will be available May 29 at Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and where music is consumed on-line.

Genre: Rock, Soul, Blues

RIYL: Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Bettye LaVette, Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, Donnie Hathaway, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Most Politically Charged Album of Heralded Career Due May 29

2nd Single, Cheap High, Now Active at Triple A

'Live from Home' Streaming Concert to Premiere SUNDAY

"Ms. Cotton testifies to pain, need, revelation and redemption in a voice that's as raw as it is indomitable." - The New York Times

NEW YORK (May 13, 2020) - Hailed by The New York Times for music that's "soulful enough to fill a revival tent," DANIELIA COTTON has risen again into the light, fiercely and defiantly, with A Different War, her most politically charged album in a widely heralded career.

Set for release May 29 on all major digital platforms through Cottontown Music, the six-song opus finds the "fiery rock vocalist" (American Songwriter), whose voice gives her songs "stunning power" (No Depression), speaking to these extraordinary times by unloading her sin while the world around her is gripped in a turbulent spin. Cotton frames A Different War by confronting race, gender, and wealth - deeply personal and pervasive issues that have plagued folks like her for an eternity.

As the first single, "Forgive Me," moves up the Triple A charts, the second single, "Cheap High," is now active at radio. The music video will premiere next week. The "Live from Home" Streaming Concert will premiere Sunday (May 17) at 7:30 p.m. EST on Facebook Live.

Additionally praised by Billboard, the Los Angeles Times, NPR, and USA Today, among others throughout her career, Cotton continues to inhabit a song, turning it inside and out to create transcendent music and lyrics, and carry us higher and higher with her in her musical flights.

A Different War finds the gutsy New Yorker swimming through the tumultuous social issues of racism and greed, and the tempestuous waters of love and relationships. These are songs deeply rooted in the protest anthems of yesterday but built for the current state of our world. A multi-racial, gospel-fueled, Jewish blues-rocker who believes in the power of womanhood, Cotton grew up in a predominantly white New Jersey community as one of just seven black kids in her high school. She has survived cancer and the tragic loss of twins at birth, only to bounce back and finally welcome a daughter in 2018. Cotton's consistent ability to overcome pain and express it through music shines a light on the issues of the day and shows the world what it's like to fight "A Different War."

"This is the first album I've made that includes songs that are both social and personal," says Cotton. "On several of these songs I tried to get out of my own head and talk about the world outside. I think about the experiences of my listeners. I like when the listener can jump into a song."

The title track examines how the reality of people of color getting called into battle as a result of being marginalized informs their entire existence. Featuring a guest appearance by prominent Bronx hip-hop artist Mickey Factz, the song also urges us to press ahead because of the ongoing need for substantive change. "Cheap High" is a stomping rocker that finds Cotton probing our precarious economic situation, speaking to both a personal unhappiness arising from greed, and the dangers of a society mired in economic disparity and despair. The evocative and transporting music of "Forgive Me" mimics the lyrics, which Cotton wrote with her sister, Catherine Fulmer-Hogan, stressing the necessity of forgiveness in any relationship in order for its survival. The fierce feminist anthem "She Too" is a propulsive rocker that rides along a screaming lead solo. Cotton's bluesy vocals on this track defiantly proclaim not only equality but righteous anger at anyone who wants to silence women for raising their voices in unity against abuse, ill and unequal treatment.

A Different War is a true collaboration with some of the most talented musicians and technicians in the business. From Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors, Joan Osborne, Edie Brickell) on drums, Ben Butler (Sting, George Michael, Chris Botti) on guitar, and Andy Hess (Gov't Mule, Black Crowes) on bass, to young gun guitarist Emmanuel Rossillo working his first major studio project, the record resonates with innovation and flare. The finishing touches of the brilliant mix provided by Dave O'Donnell (James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer) and the mastering of Greg Calbi (numerous hits over the past 20 years) make this record a true meeting of the best of the best.

The evidence is clear on A Different War that DANIELIA COTTON continues to evolve and challenge herself as a musician. Fifteen years since her breakout as an Artist to Watch by influential Philadelphia public radio outlet WXPN, Cotton remains a true indie artist fighting for independence - the space to create her own sound and an audience that would journey with her.

Available May 29 at Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and where music is consumed on-line.

"A Different War" Track Listing

Forgive Me
A Different War
Cheap High
Better Off Without You
If You Don't Want Me
She Too

Genre: Rock, Soul, Blues

RIYL: Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, Donnie Hathaway, Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Live Quarantine Concert Series, California Dream: Melodies and Remedies, Continues Each Wednesday to Also Help Musicians Battle Adversity

California Dream, surveys Sless's soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love from Jersey Shore and Baltimore roots to Los Angeles with celebratory country rock, nod-and-a-wink humor, and rough-hewn folksiness.

"[California Dream's] assurance, craft and conviction belie the fact that [Tom]'s a novice or a newcomer of any kind. ... Great stuff indeed." - American Songwriter

LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2020) - Critical acclaim is mounting for LA based Americana singer-songwriter-guitar slinger TOM SLESS as the media continues to discover and embrace his new debut album, California Dream.

Released just as the COVID-19 pandemic in late March forced postponement of live Album Release events at home in Los Angeles and plans to tour across the country, California Dream receives high praise in the current edition of American Songwriter as an "uplifting" work that is "Great stuff, indeed," offering an "assurance, craft and conviction" that belie Sless's status as "a novice or a newcomer of any kind." The song "Astronaut," the magazine continues, "asks the question, 'Will anyone remember me?' Based on the evidence offered here, the answer is an emphatic yes indeed."

Americana Highways hailed California Dream for its "wealth of good musical touches [with] style & a commercial charm that's not too sweet," adding that the "superb rollicking" guitar-driven track "Gimme the Breeze" - also featured in the Los Angeles Post-Examiner and Baltimore Post-Examiner - is "worth the price of the CD" alone. That rock-fueled energy, the review continues, is beautifully countered by the "sweet and dynamic" cut "Too Much On My Mind," a looping, Grateful Dead-like, exploration of a musical theme driven by the pedal steel of - no relation - Barry Sless (Phil Lesh, Chris Robinson) with "excellent lyrical imagery."

Midwest Record joyously noted "it's always a treat to stumble across a singer/songwriter that knows how to make sensitive, personal songs without stooping to bleeding gums music," adding that Sless "captures the wanderlust" in creating an album that's "a dandy ear opener throughout."

Sless likewise earned high marks from New Jersey Stage ("refreshingly honest"), Short and Sweet LA/NYC ("a songwriter not to be deterred" with "an insidious way" of "getting our feet tapping while he delivers lyrics of substance"), and Exclusive Magazine ("[he] immediately gets our attention, and as we progress, his musical messages carry us along on his rich journey"). Elmore Magazine and Nashville.com are among others planning coverage.

With coronavirus consciousness for his fellow musicians and followers in mind, Sless continues his weekly live streaming quarantine concert series "California Dream: Melodies and Remedies" also designed to help battle adversity through music and discussion. The interactive series premieres new episodes every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Pacific/10 p.m. Eastern on Instagram Live at www.instagram.com/tomsless with on-demand archived episodes at www.soundcloud.com/tomsless.

"California Dream: Melodies and Remedies" includes under-the-hood discussions of the inspiration for each week's featured song from the new album, an interview with a key contributor to the song's production, and an audience-Q&A round table focused on self-help strategies applicable to the pandemic, such as dealing with anxiety, maintaining motivation, and "finding joy in the little things."

Co-produced by the Jersey Shore native with John Bottrell (Christina Perri, Mike Posner) and recorded live in the studio at comp-ny in Glendale, CA, California Dream carries us along Sless's soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love with a vibe that alternates between the celebratory country rock of Luke Combs, the nod-and-a-wink humor of Sturgill Simpson, and the rough-hewn folksiness of Donovan Woods. Through canny lyrics and infectious tunes, California Dream captures Sless's love of LA, the highs and lows of his decision to move there from the Baltimore area after college, and his struggles to embrace the past and push forward. Like Steve Earle, Sless displays bracing honesty in his songwriting, and like Jason Isbell, has a knack for creating a world in which our souls struggle to define themselves. With ceaseless creativity, Sless possesses an ear for the just-right melody and lyric, and a passion for songs that evoke his disappointments, hopes, joys, and loves.

Sless still plans to host album release events on the West Coast and East Coast once the live music terrain gets more clearly defined.

"This album is a huge step toward a realization of myself as an individual and a creative artist," he says. "It's a jumping off point into a world in which I can fully express myself as a human being. There truly is no better feeling."

CALIFORNIA DREAM Track Listing:

California Dream
Taking Me Back
Astronaut
Ready To
Why Oh Why
Coming Home
Gimme the Breeze
Too Much On My Mind

Genre: Americana

RIYL: Luke Combs, Sturgill Simpson, Donovan Woods, Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, Darius Rucker

Philly-Based Group Combines Heartfelt Lyrics with Soaring Harmonies to Create an Anthem for Our Times

Proceeds from Single & Video Benefit First Responders Children's Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund

New Facebook Live Variety Series, "Escape the Virus with a Lights Out-ing," Airs Saturdays @ 4 p.m. EST

PHILADELPHIA (April 22, 2020) ? Call it fate, call it coincidence, call it happenstance, but every so often there occurs a magic moment ? unplanned and unforeseen ? when a song arrives just at the point it is needed most. Such is the case with "All That Matters," by LIGHTS OUT, which is poised to become an anthem for these troubling and frightening times.

The first single/video and title track from the vocal quartet's new album, All That Matters - just released April 17 - is a moving, uplifting and inspirational piece that imbues the listener with what is most needed as the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic: Optimism that a better day is on the horizon and the unshakeable belief that the human spirit is always stronger than the most fearsome foe.

Proceeds from the "All That Matters" music video and song download go to First Responders Children's Foundation's COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. Donations are being accepted now at www.lightsoutvocals.com.

In line with the group's pandemic efforts, LIGHTS OUT has launched a weekly Facebook Live variety series, "Escape the Virus with a Lights Out-ing," webcasting every Saturday at 4 p.m. EST. Weekly themes range from archival concert videos, to live Zoom performances, fan recipe cooking segments, story-swapping, topical discussions, and most importantly throughout, regular fan interaction. It's all about maintaining the individual and group intimacy with their fans that the group holds in such high regard despite the tenuous climate the pandemic has created. Indeed, social distancing has inspired LIGHTS OUT to further find ways of staying close to its fans through social media.

Composed by members Chris James and Danny Goscicki, "All That Matters" is a work of classic blue-eyed soul marked by an indelible, instantly familiar melody and the breathtaking vocal harmonies that are the sonic signature of LIGHTS OUT. Despite its of-the-moment urgency, it was written and recorded before the world had ever heard the phrase "COVID-19."

According to Rob Fleishman, fellow group member Chad Moroz suggested the track be released as a single. "That," Fleishman explains, "kind of sparked an idea in my head to create the video. So I created the video and it kind of took on a life of its own.

"At first, it was going to go down the road of friendship and how the group is together," he continues. "But the 'A-ha!' moment came while I was watching the news. It kinda hit me that the lyrics are just so inspirational for this moment. It spoke to me as, 'Why not thank the people who are on the front lines?' Which is why at the end of the video, we thank everyone ? doctors, nurses, cashiers, farmers, truck drivers, teachers, the military? for working as hard as they are to save our lives right now."

The phrase "working hard" also applies to the Philadelphia-based unit that was formed by its members when they were students at the University of Delaware. Starting as an a capella group inspired primarily by Rockapella and Boyz II Men, LIGHTS OUT has simultaneously traveled several musical paths, including being a popular attraction at many of the nation's top venues, to performing their own blend of originals and covers, and as a highly successful Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute act as well as their original show, The Jersey Beach Boys.

Through the years, the troupe's thrilling vocal harmonies, polished stage shows and songwriting prowess have provided LIGHTS OUT with the opportunities to work with Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Philadelphia's chart-topping vocal group Boyz II Men, and Barry Carl of Rockapella. Boyz II Men co-founder Mike McCary was so impressed by the foursome that he actually served as its manager. Although today, the group's career is overseen by another Philly music legend, Jerry Gross of the revered 1960s vocal act, The Dovells, the relationship with McCary continues to pay dividends.

"We were all, at one point, going to school for music at the University of Delaware," offers Chris James. "Being a music major is amazing, because you learn so much, but you also can kind of get pigeonholed a little bit, even in your own mind. You can get kind of closed-in and not realize that even though the rules say you shouldn't do something, there are ways to do it that might sound good. Mike started opening our eyes to different harmonies and different voicings and different movements within the four of our voices that we would not have had otherwise. It's not just that we wouldn't have thought of them. But we probably would have said, 'That note's not in the chord, that won't work.' But he opened our ears and our minds into a completely new way of harmony. And to this day we take that with us everywhere we go."

The evidence the band members have taken such lessons to heart can be heard on the All That Matters album, which boasts, in addition to the title cut, 12 tracks steeped in the quartet's shimmering, usually breathtaking harmonies. Aside from nine originals, the album boasts four covers: The Beach Boys' "Surfin' U.S.A.," The 4 Seasons' "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," Mr. Big's "To Be With You," and most notably, a sharp and energetic "hip-pop" reinvention of "Stand By Me" featuring a guest appearance by show business titan Ben Vereen.

ALL THAT MATTERS Track Listing:

1. The Emptiness
2. Takin' My Time
3. One More Chance
4. All That Matters
5. The Best Thing in My Life
6. To Be With You
7. I Walk Alone
8. The Song the Echoes Tell
9. Carry On
10. If I Do
11. Stand By Me (with special guest Ben Vereen)
12. Surfin' U.S.A.
13. December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)

Mick Ronson, Ian Hunter, Steven Van Zandt Lead Original Production Team on Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive), 2nd Album from 'Best Hard Rock Band in the Country,' Led by Pittsburgh Rocker Joe Grushecky

"A masterpiece of hard-bitten Rust Belt rock." - All Music Guide

NASHVILLE (April 15, 2020) - Forty years since a holy trinity of rock and roll royalty united to help oversee the recording sessions for an album hailed by Rolling Stone as "a new American classic," Cleveland International Records is releasing a greatly expanded 40th anniversary deluxe reissue this spring of Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive), the sophomore album from the Iron City Houserockers, the gritty, blue-collar outfit led by beloved Pittsburgh rocker Joe Grushecky.

Mick Ronson (David Bowie), Ian Hunter (Mott The Hoople) and Steven Van Zandt (Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny) combined with co-producers the Slimmer Twins (Steve Popovich Sr. & Marty Mooney) and the Iron City Houserockers to create one of rock's great lost classics. Their cohesive efforts - as producers, arrangers and players - can finally be rediscovered as an entirely new listening experience May 22 when Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive) is released by the fabled indie label as a remastered two-CD set that includes a bonus disc with 16 previously unreleased tracks of demos and other rarities. The new vinyl edition will include a download card of those same 16 tracks to go with a vinyl replica of the original album. The album is available for pre-order now at Amazon, iTunes, and www.clevelandinternational.com.

The Iron City Houserockers' 1979 major label debut, Love's So Tough, had thrust the band into the national spotlight, with incredible praise from some of the most revered rock critics of all time, including Greil Marcus ("one of the least polished first albums I've heard in the past year and one of the best" - Rolling Stone), and Robert Palmer ("bringing fresh energy to a hallowed and somewhat moribund rock tradition" - New York Times). The Houserockers were sharing stages with the J. Geils Band, Patti Smith, Meat Loaf and Iggy Pop, to name a few. Everyone from Neil Young to the members of Pink Floyd was coming to see the Iron City Houserockers in concert.

The heat was on to surpass the first album's success and Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive) handily delivered. The Iron City Houserockers' willingness to let Ronson, Hunter and Van Zandt reshape their initial ideas in the studio proved prophetic, and the songs they recorded for the 1980 release put down roots that stretched far outside of Pittsburgh. Greil Marcus, this time for The Village Voice, returned to say the album was "the strongest album an American band has made this year" and "proves the Iron City Houserockers are the best hard rock band in the country." Creem declared Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive) earns the Iron City Houserockers "a permanent place in the hallowed hall of the immortals." All Music Guide marveled at the new album's power surge, saying the band "landed with the impact of a Louisville slugger connecting with a fastball" and crediting Grushecky for songwriting and lead vocals that "seethe with a furious passion that's never less than convincing. ... The total commitment of his performance, delivered with the conviction of a man fighting for his life, brings these stories to vivid, sweaty life."

Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive) is listed as one of the top eight Essential Heartland Rock records alongside the likes of Bob Seger's Night Moves, and John Mellencamp's Scarecrow, and features many of the Houserockers' signature tunes, including "Pumping Iron," "Junior's Bar," and "Have A Good Time." During a 1981 live radio concert in Boston, rabid fans can be heard screaming requests for "Pumping Iron," an anthem Grushecky penned as a tribute to his home city.

Credit for bringing Ronson, Hunter and Van Zandt to the project lands squarely with Popovich, the famed late record industry exec who founded Cleveland International Records in the mid-'70s after an historic run in promotion for Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Santana, Janis Joplin, Chicago, Tony Bennett, Earth Wind & Fire, Taj Mahal, Miles Davis, Mott the Hoople, Boston, Tom Jones and dozens more giants too numerous to list. Cleveland International first rocketed into our collective consciousness with Meat Loaf's epic, multi-platinum global smash Bat Out of Hell. Popvich's son, Steve Jr., relaunched Cleveland International last year.

Popovich Sr. signed the Iron City Houserockers to Cleveland International (after changing their name from the Brick Alley Band) and secured their MCA deal. At Cleveland International, the band created a unique blend of blue-collar rock informed by a deep love of Chicago blues, early rock and roll and old school soul, all mixed together with dollops of punk and new wave. The core group was Grushecky on vocals and guitar, Gil Snyder on piano and vocals, Ned E. Rankin on drums, Art Nardini on bass, Marc Reisman on harmonica and background vocals, and new recruit Eddie Britt on guitar, replacing founding member Gary Scalese following a serious hand injury.

While the debut album essentially documented the band's live show as a studio recording, the second record sought - and achieved - more cohesive high ground. Fueling that pursuit, Grushecky wrote Have a Good Time (But Get Out Alive) as Pittsburgh's steel industry was "going down the chutes," he says, crushing the local economy and dramatically changing the lives of the population.

"I started really zeroing in on the characters of Pittsburgh, the people who lived in my neighborhoods, the guys who were coming out and seeing us play every night," says Grushecky. "The whole identity of Pittsburgh was changing."

During one particular show, as the audience was becoming a bit too enthusiastic, Grushecky told a fan, "Man, have a good time, but get out alive!" He suddenly realized he had a good song title, which extended to becoming the perfect banner for the album.

Grushecky credits Van Zandt for making him a better writer by encouraging him to make every lyric of every song count and guiding him through that process. "Steve was great with arranging," he says. "He gave invaluable input and ideas to the band."

Ronson and Hunter may have looked like the prototypical rock stars of the day, but Grushecky recalls their personalities belied appearances. "They were salt of the earth guys and they were a team," he says. "You could tell the strong affection they had for each other. It was an honor for me to work with both of them. I'll say that to my dying days. It was just a tremendous experience for me."

As Hunter fondly remembers: "Joe and the Houserockers were and are an actual rock and roll band. So many 'rock and roll' bands are not real - they just look and act like they are - and fool people most of the time. These guys are for real - and what a lovely man Joe is."

In the liner notes, Grushecky offers a remarkably concise analysis of the record that emerged: "We had great songs and the band was smoking," he writes. "We all knew something special was happening. The results were a mixture of Pittsburgh rock and roll, Jersey Shore savvy and soul, and English mystic and muscle. Add a dash of Cleveland moxie and an anything goes attitude and a legendary album was born."

HAVE A GOOD TIME (BUT GET OUT ALIVE) Track Listing:

1. Have A Good Time (But Get Out Alive)
2. Don't Let Them Push You Around
3. Pumping Iron
4. Hypnotized
5. Price of Love
6. Angela
7. We're Not Dead Yet
8. Blondie
9. Old Man Bar
10. Junior's Bar
11. Runnin' Scared
12. Rock Ola

BONUS TRACKS (Disc 2):

1. Have A Good Time... But Get Out Alive (demo)
2. Don't Let Them Push You Around (demo)
3. Pumping Iron (demo)
4. Don't Stop the Music (demo)
5. Angela (demo)
6. Price of Love (demo)
7. Hold Out (demo)
8. Rock Ola (demo)
9. Struggle & Die (demo)
10. Rock Ola (extended)
11. Charlena/Blondie
12. Runnin' Scared
13. Runnin' Scared #2
14. Hypnotized (A Work In Progress)
15. Rooster Blues
16. Do Wah Diddy

Genre: Heartland Rock, Blues Rock, Classic Rock

RIYL: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, David Bowie, Southside Johnny, J. Geils Band, Mott the Hoople, The Clash, Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul, Ian Hunter, The Del-Lords, John Cafferty

About Cleveland International Records

Cleveland International Records originally launched in 1977 by record mogul and beloved industry executive Steve Popovich. The label's first single release was "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" by Ronnie Spector and The E Street Band. Shortly thereafter, the label signed an unknown singer named Meat Loaf and launched the album, "Bat Out of Hell" en route to becoming one of the top selling albums in the history of the music industry. The label and its catalog combined to make Cleveland International Records one of the first independent record companies whose catalogue has sold in excess of over 50 million albums worldwide. The label relaunched in 2019, with Popovich's son, Steve Jr., at the helm, and a rekindled commitment to bring both new and generational music back to the forefront. More information at www.clevelandinternational.com.

Award winning Filmmaker and Grammy nominee says Vermont Senator is 'A Hero' Amid Global Pandemic

New Episodes Premiere Every Tuesday on Vimeo

****AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS***

TUCSON, AZ (April 8, 2020) - Reacting to today's news of Sen. Bernie Sanders suspending his Presidential bid, the award-winning creator of the new madcap comedy series SAVING BERNIE, currently premiering on Vimeo, said the Vermont senator remains "a hero" as he unites the Democratic party in order to save lives in the battle against this global pandemic.

"Bernie Sanders gracefully dropping out of the race is not only patriotic, but selflessly heroic," says Linda Chorney, the award-winning filmmaker and trailblazing Grammy nominee who filmed the globe-trotting political-comedy-travel-adventure series across five continents. "I believe in my heart that he has done this to save lives and unite the country. Now is the time, more than ever, for Bernie to spotlight his agenda of health care for all, because THAT is winning. It has now become a matter of life and death. Now he can focus on uniting his base with enough voters to defeat the most dangerous President in American history."

Despite being a self-described "Bernie die-hard," Chorney realized when she began writing that Sanders' chances were slim. The filmmaker recognized that although Sanders' mantra is "Healthcare should be a right and not a privilege," the reality is that in the United States, healthcare is not a right, it's a business. Thus, she positioned Sanders for a higher calling beyond the Presidency, placing him in an alternate universe - as a kidnap victim diabolically shrunken to toy size.

New episodes of SAVING BERNIE are premiering weekly each Tuesday at www.savingbernie.com. Single episodes are available for download at $1.99 - or $14.99 for the entire series.

One dollar from every full series download will be donated to St. Mary's Food Bank, which serves to alleviate hunger through the gathering and distribution of food in Phoenix, AZ, near Chorney's home, while encouraging self-sufficiency, collaboration, advocacy and education.

(**MEDIA promo code available upon request**).

In recognition that "laughter should be an entitlement, not a privilege" in this time of global crisis, Episode 1 continues to be offered FREE so any viewer can afford to "hunker down with humor" using the Special Promo Code: FUCORONA. (Hit "Purchase" and enter promo code for FREE download.)

Filmed on five continents and described as "Pee Wee Herman meets Austin Powers, Indiana Jones, The Three Stooges and Mel Brooks," SAVING BERNIE premiered within days of the global pandemic reaching alarming new heights and sending Americans back to their homes or to rapidly overcrowding hospitals while the economy was screeching toward a standstill.

Hailed by Tucson Weekly as "far-fetched and ridiculous - albeit funny," NYNJ.com notes: "Even those on the Right will appreciate a spoof to get lost in as they laugh at the premise of Bernie being kidnapped."

SAVING BERNIE imagines what really happened when Sanders was off the grid during his heart attack recovery. In SAVING BERNIE, Sanders was kidnapped and shrunken to toy size by a mad Russian scientist. But who's behind the diabolical plot? It's up to the fearless "sorta secret agent" singer-songwriter to find out, defeat the bad guys, "save Bernie," and get him to use her song in his 2020 presidential bid. Follow Chorney and Sanders together on their ridiculous journey as they get chased around the world, trying to get back home to save the planet!

Chorney immersed herself in SAVING BERNIE to save herself from the insanity of the current Administration. Now that the insanity has mushroomed as part of a worldwide pandemic.

Chorney hopes her fellow creative types can pull together to make these difficult times go down just a little bit easier.

"Or at least," she says, "we can die laughing."

Live Streaming Interactive Web Series to Offer Special Guests, Live Performances, Under-the-Hood Discussions, Self-Help Audience Participation, More!

Series Premieres TONIGHT (April 8, 7 p.m. PST/10 p.m. EST) with 'Too Much on My Mind'

New debut album, California Dream, surveys soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love from Jersey Shore and Baltimore roots to Los Angeles with celebratory country rock, nod-and-a-wink humor, and rough-hewn folksiness.

"There's a wealth of good musical touches [with] style & a commercial charm that's not too sweet. ... [T]he superb rollicking 'Gimme the Breeze' [is] worth the price of the CD. ... Energetic & rocking. ... Sweet & dynamic. ... Excellent lyrical imagery." - Americana Highways

LOS ANGELES (April 8, 2020) - With coronavirus consciousness for his fellow musicians and followers in mind, LA based Americana singer-songwriter-guitar slinger TOM SLESS today launches the live streaming quarantine concert series "California Dream: Melodies and Remedies" also designed to help battle adversity through music and discussion.

Named for his critically acclaimed debut album, California Dream, just released March 27, the new interactive web series premieres tonight at 7 p.m. Pacific/10 p.m. Eastern on Instagram Live at www.instagram.com/tomsless with on-demand availability at www.soundcloud.com/tomsless.

"California Dream: Melodies and Remedies" includes under-the-hood discussions of the inspiration for each week's featured song from the new album, an interview with a key contributor to the song's production, and an audience-Q&A round table focused on self-help strategies applicable to the pandemic, such as dealing with anxiety, maintaining motivation, and "finding joy in the little things."

Tonight's premiere episode dives into the inspiration for the rollicking country jam "Too Much on My Mind," the eighth track off California Dream, while discussing strategies for sifting through distractions and "defogging the glass" to help viewers see more clearly in a cluttered world. Sless will be joined by Mikal Reid, who mixed the album Americana Highways hailed for its "wealth of good musical touches [with] style & a commercial charm that's not too sweet."

New Jersey Stage, in a new profile of Sless, marvels at the "refreshingly honest" outlook he brings.

"We've all been affected in some way by the drastic changes the Safer at Home and other directives have placed on our lives," says Sless. "My goal with Melodies and Remedies is to provide a forum for us to gather and share our perspectives on different topics each week, that can keep us thinking positively and feeling productive. At the same time, I want to let my fans in deeper to my own struggles with adversity, to give them the best opportunity I can to take away some ideas on how to deal with their own anxieties under these extraordinary circumstances."

Exclusive Magazine says Sless "immediately gets our attention, and as we progress, his musical messages carry us along on his rich journey," on California Dream, scheduled to be featured next month in American Songwriter's Declaration of Independents column. Co-produced by the Jersey Shore native with John Bottrell (Christina Perri, Mike Posner) and recorded live in the studio at comp-ny in Glendale, CA, the album carries us along Sless's soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love with a vibe that alternates between the celebratory country rock of Luke Combs, the nod-and-a-wink humor of Sturgill Simpson, and the rough-hewn folksiness of Donovan Woods.

Through canny lyrics and infectious tunes, California Dream captures Sless's love of LA, the highs and lows of his decision to move there from the Baltimore area after college, and his struggles to embrace the past and push forward. Like Steve Earle, Sless displays bracing honesty in his songwriting, and like Jason Isbell, has a knack for creating a world in which our souls struggle to define themselves. With ceaseless creativity, Sless possesses an ear for the just-right melody and lyric, and a passion for songs that evoke his disappointments, hopes, joys, and loves.

Sless is planning album release events on the West Coast and East Coast in support of California Dream. Confirmed dates will be announced once the live music terrain gets more clearly defined.

"This album is a huge step toward a realization of myself as an individual and a creative artist," he says. "It's a jumping off point into a world in which I can fully express myself as a human being. There truly is no better feeling."

CALIFORNIA DREAM Track Listing:

California Dream
Taking Me Back
Astronaut
Ready To
Why Oh Why
Coming Home
Gimme the Breeze
Too Much On My Mind

Genre: Americana

RIYL: Luke Combs, Sturgill Simpson, Donovan Woods, Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, Darius Rucker

With Underlying Message of Healthcare's Vital Importance, Madcap Political-Comedy-Travel-Adventure Web Series Positions Bernie Sanders for Higher Calling Beyond Presidency

Click image to view Special Coronavirus Message from SAVING BERNIE

"This truly is his higher calling after all - to change the national political mindset and get us health care. Now, more than ever, the light bulb should be going off on the naysayers. It's a no-brainer, just like staying isolated at home is a no-brainer right now." - SAVING BERNIE creator Linda Chorney

Proceeds from Every Full Series Download to be Donated to St. Mary's Food Bank

From Campaign Trail to Cambodia, Award-Winning Filmmaker and Trailblazing Grammy Nominee Travels the World, Bernie Doll in Hand, on Insanely Irreverent Globe-Trotting Mission

New Episodes Premiere Every Tuesday on Vimeo

TUCSON, AZ (March 31, 2020) - The creator of the new madcap Vimeo web series SAVING BERNIE never imagined that a global pandemic would have heightened the relevance of her original vision to position Sen. Bernie Sanders for a higher calling beyond his Presidential bid.

Forecasting the political fate of the still hopeful Vermont senator in an alternate universe - as a kidnap victim diabolically shrunken to toy size - had been on the agenda for Linda Chorney since she first conceived her globe-trotting political-comedy-travel-adventure series.

Just as the national response to the coronavirus crisis is resuscitating Sanders' political agenda and flaming the burning embers of his campaign, the award-winning filmmaker and trailblazing Grammy nominee is steadfastly rolling out episode premieres with an unplanned perspective that delivers both hilarity and surprising prophecy.

To introduce today's Episode 5 premiere of the irreverent 10-part series, Chorney and her Bernie doll have just recorded a Special Message that brings SAVING BERNIE - and the coronavirus crisis - into harmonic perspective.

"It's all about Bernie's No. 1 priority, which is healthcare," says Chorney, whose reel-life cult classic indie film, When I Sing, has won 11 film festival awards in the past three years. "The whole series, despite all the laughs and crazy silliness, is a constant reminder of how important healthcare is. Every single episode stresses that. There's no debate during this coronavirus pandemic that we all should be entitled to health care right now, in the wealthiest country in the world.

"This truly is his higher calling after all - to change the national political mindset and get us healthcare. Now, more than ever, the light bulb should be going off on the naysayers. It's a no-brainer, just like staying isolated at home is a no-brainer right now."

New episodes of SAVING BERNIE are premiering weekly each Tuesday at www.savingbernie.com. Single episodes are available for download at $1.99 - or $14.99 for the entire series.

Starting today, one dollar from every full series download will be donated to St. Mary's Food Bank, which serves to alleviate hunger through the gathering and distribution of food in Phoenix, AZ, near Chorney's home, while encouraging self-sufficiency, collaboration, advocacy and education.

(**MEDIA promo code available upon request**).

In recognition that "laughter should be an entitlement, not a privilege" in this time of global crisis, Episode 1 continues to be offered FREE so any viewer can afford to "hunker down with humor" using the Special Promo Code: FUKORONA. (Hit "Purchase" and enter promo code for FREE download.)

Filmed on five continents and described as "Pee Wee Herman meets Austin Powers, Indiana Jones, The Three Stooges and Mel Brooks," SAVING BERNIE premiered within days of the global pandemic reaching alarming new heights and sending Americans back to their homes or to rapidly overcrowding hospitals while the economy was screeching toward a standstill.

"With our world turned upside down, I thought long and hard about halting the rollout of this series," says Chorney. "The truth is, we honestly don't know how long this is going to last. But we do know how seriously every American needs healthcare right now. We're out of time. Bernie's fate in the election is nowhere near as important as the immediacy of his message when it comes to healthcare. The predicament we're in is forcing a national reckoning about the country's financial and health care systems.

"I created this series fully realizing Bernie was a long-shot for the nomination. So even if he doesn't win, we need his message to win: That every American should have healthcare, that every American should have a good education, and that we should preserve our planet for future generations."

Hailed by Tucson Weekly as "far-fetched and ridiculous - albeit funny," NYNJ.com notes: "Even those on the Right will appreciate a spoof to get lost in as they laugh at the premise of Bernie being kidnapped."

SAVING BERNIE imagines what really happened when Sanders was off the grid during his heart attack recovery. In SAVING BERNIE, Sanders was kidnapped and shrunken to toy size by a mad Russian scientist. But who's behind the diabolical plot? It's up to the fearless "sorta secret agent" singer-songwriter to find out, defeat the bad guys, "save Bernie," and get him to use her song in his 2020 presidential bid. Follow Chorney and Sanders together on their ridiculous journey as they get chased around the world, trying to get back home to save the planet!

Chorney immersed herself in SAVING BERNIE to save herself from the insanity of the current Administration. Now that the insanity has mushroomed as part of a worldwide pandemic.

Chorney hopes her fellow creative types can pull together to make these difficult times go down just a little bit easier.

"Or at least," she says, "we can die laughing."

Debut album surveys soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love from Jersey Shore and Baltimore roots to Los Angeles with celebratory country rock, nod-and-a-wink humor, and rough-hewn folksiness.

"There's a wealth of good musical touches [with] style & a commercial charm that's not too sweet. ... [T]he superb rollicking 'Gimme the Breeze' [is] worth the price of the CD. ... Energetic & rocking. ... Sweet & dynamic. ... Excellent lyrical imagery." - Americana Highways

LOS ANGELES (March 26, 2020) - LA based Americana singer-songwriter-guitar slinger TOM SLESS is set to release his debut full-length album, California Dream, TOMORROW (March 27, 2020) on Marina Vista Records, followed by the celebratory launch April 8 of the live streaming interactive web series, California Dream: Melodies and Remedies.

Co-produced by the Jersey Shore native with John Bottrell (Christina Perri, Mike Posner) and recorded live in the studio at comp-ny in Glendale, CA, California Dream is being hailed by Americana Highways for its "wealth of good musical touches [with] style & a commercial charm that's not too sweet." Exclusive Magazine says Sless "immediately gets our attention, and as we progress, his musical messages carry us along on his rich journey."

California Dream carries us along Sless's soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love with a vibe that alternates between the celebratory country rock of Luke Combs, the nod-and-a-wink humor of Sturgill Simpson, and the rough-hewn folksiness of Donovan Woods.

Through canny lyrics and infectious tunes, the album captures Sless's love of LA, the highs and lows of his decision to move there from the Baltimore area after college, and his struggles to embrace the past and push forward. Like Steve Earle, Sless displays bracing honesty in his songwriting, and like Jason Isbell, has a knack for creating a world in which our souls struggle to define themselves. With ceaseless creativity, Sless possesses an ear for the just-right melody and lyric, and a passion for songs that evoke his disappointments, hopes, joys, and loves.

The new interactive web series, California Dream: Melodies and Remedies, will debut Wednesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. Pacific/10 p.m. Eastern on Instagram Live at www.instagram.com/tomsless with on-demand availability at www.soundcloud.com/tomsless.

The series includes under-the-hood discussions of the inspiration for that week's featured song from the new album, an interview with a key contributor to the song's production, and an audience-Q&A round table focused on self-help strategies applicable to the pandemic, such as dealing with anxiety, maintaining motivation, and "finding joy in the little things."

"As I was writing these songs, I felt I was almost giving myself advice through my lyrics, and the process has become especially relevant in the context of this pandemic," says Sless. "I was dealing with uncertainty and anxiety, searching for ways to keep me level-headed and motivated, and avoid discouragement. By committing to good habits and positive outlooks, and putting them to song, these guiding principles gained extra weight and meaning. My goal with my new web series is to open a conversation around these best practices and letting my fans in deeper to my own struggles with adversity. In addition to the live performances, it's a forum for everyone to contribute what works for them and what doesn't, to hopefully give anyone who tunes in a chance to take away some ideas for how to deal with their own anxieties, especially in these difficult times."

"Taking Me Back," the first single on California Dream, is a rollicking country rocker that delivers a Combs-like good times vibe, riding along a scampering pedal steel guitar as the singer declares "I don't want to be alone tonight/but I can't stay here with you/It hasn't been easy to swallow all that truth/It hasn't been easy taking me back from you." The sunny sound of the song belies its emotional complexity. The guitar-driven "Gimme the Breeze" celebrating "the breeze that's the little lift to get you where you need," says Sless, was wildly touted by Americana Highways for being "worth the price of the CD" as a "superb rollicking" number that's "energetic & rocking." The title track, a Springsteen-like tune with sparse piano chords and trills reminiscent of "Jungleland" in the opening measures that blossom into a richly layered sound, features vocals and instruments spiraling higher into an ever-cascading chorus that mimics the hopes and dreams of the lyrics. The shimmering pop-inflected "Astronaut," with its rowdy country-folk chorus, and propelled by searing guitars on the bridge, urges us never to regret the past, but to let go of it and reach out and embrace what you're supposed to do. The southern rocker "Ready To" - featuring vocals that recall James Taylor's - is about fully embracing the challenge, passion, and struggle of being a singer-songwriter. The minor chord "Why Oh Why" is the album's thematic dark spot; written as a reaction to the recent Thousand Oaks shooting, and the fires that followed, exploring the dichotomy of choice and fate. The country crooner "Coming Home," on which he channels Darius Rucker, celebrates a moment of togetherness. Sless taps into his jam band influences on the closing number, "Too Much on My Mind," a looping, Grateful Dead-like, exploration of a musical theme driven by the pedal steel of - no relation - Barry Sless (Phil Lesh, Chris Robinson).

Six years ago, Sless moved across the country to Los Angeles. After realizing he needed to pour his heart and soul into music in a way that he never had before, Sless delved deep into songwriting with a new approach to the music he'd been listening to all his life. In 2018, he enrolled in the Musicians Institute in Hollywood and quickly became a fixture on the Los Angeles singer-songwriter circuit, performing at The Mint, El Cid, The Study, TRiP Santa Monica, and NorthEnd Hollywood, to name a few.

Sless is planning album release events on the West Coast and East Coast in support of California Dream. Confirmed dates will be announced once the live music terrain gets more clearly defined.

"This album is a huge step toward a realization of myself as an individual and a creative artist," he says. "It's a jumping off point into a world in which I can fully express myself as a human being. There truly is no better feeling."

CALIFORNIA DREAM Track Listing:

California Dream
Taking Me Back
Astronaut
Ready To
Why Oh Why
Coming Home
Gimme the Breeze
Too Much On My Mind

Genre: Americana

RIYL: Luke Combs, Sturgill Simpson, Donovan Woods, Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, Darius Rucker

NATIONAL RESTORATION Offers 24-Hour Response to All Businesses Through Exclusive Implementation of EPA Approved Chemical Additive Ambulances and Police Vehicles to Receive FREE Services as National Rollout Begins

***AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS TO ALL MEDIA***

PHILADELPHIA (March 24, 2020) - Poised to make a major impact in flattening the curve in the spread of COVID-19, NATIONAL RESTORATION, a prominent Delaware Valley disaster recovery company, is jumping into battle against the global pandemic with its newly dedicated Coronavirus Disinfection division.

Effective immediately, the 24-hour emergency response organization - licensed experts for fire, water, storm and mold damage, as well as biohazard and asbestos issues in homes and businesses - now will be working quickly with area businesses big and small, as well as municipal first-responders, to slow the spread and transmission of the paralyzing virus through a specialized cleaning method utilizing the NOROxyCdiff™ chemical additive. As key part of this new initiative is NATIONAL RESTORATION's pledge to provide FREE Coronavirus disinfecting to ambulances and police vehicles in local municipalities where its services are being utilized.

Through partnerships that include armored truck transport and a wide reaching, uniformly trained affiliate network, NATIONAL RESTORATION is rapidly rolling out this service on a national level as well.

"It's important to try to jump ahead of the curve and keep the public safe, not only for businesses that would like to remain open, but for businesses that are going to reopen and reoccupy the space," says John Marroni, president of National Restoration, who launched the family-owned business in 2009, serving customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. "When a building is shut down, you don't know what's festering, so they are definitely going to have to disinfect before they reoccupy. It's better to be preventative than to be reactive."

The EPA-registered disinfectant, which also meets CDC recommendations, is a non-corrosive, non-toxic preventative and active killer for numerous viruses that kills Coronavirus in less than 30 seconds. When utilized as an additive with the botanical disinfectant (BAC), applications left intact last 24 days.

Commonly employed in hospitals to kill pathogens from growing and spreading infections, NOROxyCdiff™ is now being offered exclusively by NATIONAL RESTORATION to businesses of all sizes through its offices in New Jersey and Delaware.

"We're extremely fortunate to have a special alliance with PreVasive USA, the exclusive manager of this product, which allows to be the leading regional partner," says Marroni. "We've been using NOROxyCdiff™ for years as our primary disinfectant against bacteria, yeasts, mold and other viruses. We have enough product now to handle over 2 million square feet of buildings, with more available to us."

The spray-fogging and wipe-and-spray disinfecting options are safely and strategically administered by NATIONAL RESTORATION's team of licensed professionals with 21 years of company experience in emergency response and remediation. Every Coronavirus disinfecting project is led by a manager designated to personally consult and ensure that all plans, carefully tailored to each company's needs, is properly executed with complete supervision and maintenance detail.

For the highest level of protection, NATIONAL RESTORATION encourages businesses to enroll in its Protection Promise™ program. At NO COST to join, the program guarantees a better, more thorough response plus a 10% discount on emergency services.

For immediate Hotspot Remediation and consultation, call the 24-Hour Rapid Response Team for Coronavirus (COVID-19) at (855) 247-3786. Additional information can be found at www.disinfectforcoronavirus.com.

Acting Upon Her Belief that 'We All Need Silly Right Now,' Political-Comedy-Travel-Adventure Series Creator Linda Chorney Offers FREE Download of Episode 1 as First Season Begins to Roll

From Campaign Trail to Cambodia, Grammy-Nominated Indie Singer-Songwriter and Award-Winning Travels the Globe, Bernie Doll in Hand, on Insanely Irreverent Globe-Trotting Mission

New Episodes Premiere Every Tuesday on Vimeo

"Laughter should be an entitlement, not a privilege. In the wealthiest country in the world, humor should not just be for the millionaires and billionaires. 'SAVING BERNIE' is just silly. And we all need silly right now." - Linda Chorney

TUCSON, AZ (March 16, 2020) - Acting upon her belief that "laughter should be an entitlement, not a privilege" in this time of global crisis, the creator of SAVING BERNIE - the new madcap web series positioning Sen. Bernie Sanders for a higher calling post-Presidential bid - is now offering "Free Silly-Care for All," a FREE episode for download enabling any viewer, whether they can afford it or not, the ability to "hunker down with humor" as the first season premieres on Vimeo.

The FREE Episode - Episode 1 - at www.savingbernie.com using the Special Promo Code: FUKORONA. (Hit "Purchase" and enter promo code for free download.) New episodes have been premiering weekly each Tuesday since Super Tuesday. Episode 3 ("Next Stop Bangkok") will premiere tomorrow (March 17) in conjunction with Democratic primaries in Florida, Illinois, Ohio and Arizona, where Chorney resides. Single episodes are available for download at $1.99 - or $14.99 for the entire series. (**MEDIA PASSWORDS TO SCREEN ADDITIONAL EPISODES AVAILABLE BY REQUEST**.)

"In the wealthiest country in the world, humor should not just be for the millionaires and billionaires," says writer-director Linda Chorney, the Grammy-nominated indie singer-songwriter and award-winning filmmaker who takes viewers - and her little Bernie Sanders doll - on an insane globe-trotting mission, from Asia to Antarctica to swimming the English Channel to hopping a cruise ship home as the series unfolds. "I'm hoping to do my part by sharing what I hope is a fun, laughable experience, because that's what we need now. SAVING BERNIE is just silly. And we all need silly right now."

Chorney also is encouraging more artists to go online and live stream their art, bringing it to a public that is currently unable to enjoy it in a live setting.

The irreverent 10-part Vimeo series, which will do nothing less than inexorably alter the course of American history, was filmed on five continents to create a political-comedy-travel-adventure series the writer-director describes as "Pee Wee Herman meets Austin Powers, Indiana Jones, The Three Stooges and Mel Brooks."

Sen. Bernie Sanders' bid for the Democratic Presidential nomination may be sliding swiftly, but SAVING BERNIE, the title of a new madcap comedy series now premiering on Vimeo, positions the free-falling candidate for a higher calling, campaign results and pandemic fears be damned.

Admit it. You kind of wondered just how Sanders recovered so quickly from what was described last year as a "heart attack." Well, so did Chorney. And that irrepressible inquisitiveness led to SAVING BERNIE.

"I created this series knowing Bernie was a long-shot for the nomination," says Chorney, whose reel-life cult classic indie film, When I Sing, has won 11 film festival awards in the past three years. "So even if he doesn't win, we need his message to win: That every American should have healthcare, that every American should have a good education, and that we should preserve our planet for future generations."

SAVING BERNIE imagines what really happened when Sanders was off the grid during his heart attack recovery. In SAVING BERNIE, Sanders was kidnapped and shrunken to toy size by a mad Russian scientist. But who's behind the diabolical plot? It's up to the fearless "sorta secret agent" singer-songwriter to find out, defeat the bad guys, "save Bernie," and get him to use her song in his 2020 presidential bid. Follow Chorney and Sanders together on their ridiculous journey as they get chased around the world, trying to get back home to save the planet!

Chorney immersed herself in SAVING BERNIE to save herself from the insanity of the current Administration. Now that the insanity has mushroomed as part of a worldwide pandemic, Chorney is contributing to the healing through laughter with the free SAVING BERNIE episode.

By streaming her art - and encouraging other artists to do the same - Chorney hopes creative types can pull together to make these difficult times go down just a little bit easier.

"Or at least," she says, "we can die laughing."

From Campaign Trail to Cambodia, Grammy-Nominated Indie Singer-Songwriter and Filmmaker Linda Chorney Travels the Globe, Bernie Doll in Hand, to Create Madcap Web Series Positioning Free-Falling Presidential Candidate for Higher Calling

New Episodes to Premiere Every Tuesday on Vimeo

TUCSON, AZ (March 12, 2020) - Sen. Bernie Sanders' bid for the Democratic Presidential nomination may be sliding swiftly, but SAVING BERNIE, the title of a new madcap comedy series now premiering on Vimeo, positions the free-falling candidate for a higher calling, campaign results and pandemic fears be damned.

Admit it. You kind of wondered just how Sanders recovered so quickly from what was described last year as a "heart attack." Well, so did Grammy-nominated indie singer-songwriter and filmmaker Linda Chorney. And that irrepressible inquisitiveness has led to the irreverent 10-part Vimeo series that will do nothing less than inexorably alter the course of American history.

The Series debuted on Super Tuesday. New episodes are premiering weekly each Tuesday thereafter. Episode 3 ("Next Stop Bangkok") will premiere in conjunction with the March 17 primaries in Florida, Illinois, Ohio and Arizona, where Chorney resides. Single episodes are available for download at $1.99 - or $14.99 for the entire series - at www.savingbernie.com.

"I created this series knowing Bernie was a long-shot for the nomination," says Chorney, whose reel-life cult classic indie film, When I Sing, has won 11 film festival awards in the past three years. "So even if he doesn't win, we need his message to win: That every American should have healthcare, that every American should have a good education, and that we should preserve our planet for future generations."

Chorney takes viewers on an insane globe-trotting mission, from Asia to Antarctica to swimming the English Channel to hopping a cruise ship home. SAVING BERNIE was filmed on five continents to create a political-comedy-travel-adventure series the writer-director describes as "Pee Wee Herman meets Austin Powers, Indiana Jones, The Three Stooges and Mel Brooks."

SAVING BERNIE imagines what really happened when Sanders was off the grid during his heart attack recovery. In SAVING BERNIE, Sanders was kidnapped and shrunken to toy size by a mad Russian scientist. But who's behind the diabolical plot? It's up to the fearless "sorta secret agent" singer-songwriter to find out, defeat the bad guys, "save Bernie," and get him to use her song in his 2020 presidential bid. Follow Chorney and Sanders together on their ridiculous journey as they get chased around the world, trying to get back home to save the planet!

Chorney immersed herself in SAVING BERNIE to save herself from the insanity of the current Administration. Politics aside, Chorney has quite a bit of affection for Sanders as a character as well.

"He's hilarious," she says. "He reminds me of my grandfather. I believe him and his message, and I respect his principles. He can't be bought. I see a bit of myself in Bernie because he tells it like it is, even if it ruffles a few feathers. I love Bernie. I love that he's a fighter. I love that he doesn't care if what he's saying isn't popular with the mainstream. And the best part, is that he reminds me of Larry David. And I see myself in Larry David, too. We're both annoying, but I'm a much better singer."

It should not be surprising to discover Sanders and Chorney prove to be quite the dynamic duo in their SAVING BERNIE travels.

"Bernie's a great travel partner," says Chorney. "He doesn't eat much. We both like dumplings. And what's really fun is how people react to the Bernie doll. Kids are especially enamored."

There was the time she was filming on a flight from Japan when child came up to her, grabbed the doll and ran off with it. In Cambodia, a child threw a tantrum to try to get Chorney to give up the Bernie doll, which she regrettably could not hand over.

"SAVING BERNIE is just silly," says Chorney. "And we all need silly right now."

TRENTON 420-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT & WELLNESS EMPORIUM DEDICATED TO CELEBRATING 'CANNABIS CULTURE' PRESENTS EXPANDED PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AMID NATIONWIDE CONSUMER BRANDING

All Events Now Streaming Live in High Definition

TRENTON, NJ (March 2, 2020) - With spring around the corner and 420 Month (April) merely weeks away, NJWEEDMAN'S JOINT, the groundbreaking 420-friendly lounge concept increasingly recognized as "The Happiest Place on Earth," enters the month of March hitting more new highs in what has become a burgeoning business empire.

Now drawing national cannabis media attention from Benzinga.com and Terpenes and Testing Magazine, the restaurant, performance venue and "safe space" for medical-marijuana consumers - nearing its 5th anniversary later in May - has successfully expanded its entertainment schedule, offering live music, comedy and wellness activities six nights a week. During the day, the ever-more-popular venue functions as a restaurant with an emphasis on healthy dining and "The Best and Only Munchie Menu in New Jersey," catering especially to the cannabis consumer.

Coming in March are live comedy (the first three Wednesdays of the month), and live music from the Mighty River Band, the Cosmic Jerry Band, rock fusion band the Space Gurus, Steal Your Face, and the Juggling Suns Project, featuring Mark Diomede.

NJWEEDMAN'S JOINT also is featuring the monthly Karaoke & Kush Night (the last Thursday of each month), where you can join in and sing your favorite "green" songs, and the Formerly Known Artist Showcase. Not to be forgotten is the very popular Puff & Paint event each month. It's smokin'!

• Sun, March 8 - Puff & Paint
• Wed, March 11 - Comedy Night
• Fri, March 13 - #GreenCannabisUnityTour
• Sat, March 14 - The Mighty River Band
• Sun, March 15 - Cosmic Jerry Band
• Wed, March 18 - Comedy Night (1st 3 Wednesdays of every month)
• Fri, March 20 - Space Gurus
• Sat, March 21 - Formerly Known Artist Showcase
• Sun, March 22 - Acoustic Showcase
• Thu, March 26 - Karaoke & Kush Night (4th Thursday of every month)
• Sat, March 28 - Steal Your Face - PATIO OPENING WEEKEND!
• Sun, March 29 - Juggling Suns Project - PATIO OPENING WEEKEND!
• Sun, March 29 - March Munchie Brunch (12:30 p.m.)

More events are always being added. For a full schedule of events, go to www.facebook.com/pg/NJWeedmansJoint/events or www.njweedmansjoint.com/events-1.

And you don't have to be anywhere near Trenton, NJ to enjoy these events! All events at NJWeedman's Joint are now being live streamed in high-definition from the Indoor Stage to the Cannabis Nation around the globe.

Almost organically, co-owners Debi Madaio, a registered nurse, and her partner, location namesake and notorious cannabis advocate Edward "NJWeedman" Forchion, keep growing their visionary business operation - strategically located across the street from Trenton City Hall.

Another blooming aspect of the Joint is the online store (www.njweedmansjoint.com/online-store), where the national branding of NJWeedman is heating up through merchandising with a variety of pot-related items, including a full line of NJWeedman CBD products and outerwear, which will soon be offered.

According to Forchion, a national media figure who was advocating - and risking arrest and incarceration - for legalization more than two decades before the overwhelming majority of state residents supported it (62 percent according to various surveys), the expanded entertainment schedule and the NJWeedman brand is a mission statement of sorts. Forchion was recently named #1 by InsiderNJ on its Cannabis Power List of the top 100 influential voices in the cannabis debate.

The phrase "cannabis culture" is the key to the Joint's "big picture." Now that society in general, and politics in particular, appear to be catching up to Forchion's weed-positive philosophy, he and Madaio - both business and life partners - are energized and inspired to ensure that the Joint becomes the ultimate secure, stress-free and wellness-focused gathering place for those who already embrace cannabis and its many benefits, as well as the "cannabis-curious."

To that end, the restaurant and nighttime activities schedule are just two primary elements of the Joint. There is also the Liberty Bell Temple III, the adjacent space where those who have been sanctioned by the state to avail themselves of medical marijuana can join a community of fellow medical tokers in a safe, welcoming environment.

Ultimately, Madaio and Forchion envision their 420-friendly entertainment emporium as the vehicle by which they can effect positive change in the world.

NJWeedman's Joint, the newly expanded 420-friendly entertainment & wellness emporium, is located at 322 E. State St., Trenton, NJ 08608, directly across the street from Trenton City Hall. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and Noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Contact the Joint at (609) 437-0898. More info at www.njweedmansjoint.com.

1st Single From 'A Different War' Out 2/28/20

"Ms. Cotton testifies to pain, need, revelation and redemption in a voice that's as raw as it is indomitable." - The New York Times

NEW YORK (Feb. 27, 2020) - Hailed by The New York Times for music that's "soulful enough to fill a revival tent," DANIELIA COTTON has spent the past few years since her last album pulling herself out of the shadows, and she's rising again into the light, fiercely and defiantly.

FORGIVE ME, the first single, due Feb. 28, off her newest album, A Different War, arriving later this year, sends a potent message that the "fiery rock vocalist" (American Songwriter) whose voice gives her songs "stunning power" (No Depression) has re-emerged and is delivering even more powerfully moving music than ever.

The hypnotic rhythms of the opening guitar chords transfix us, while Cotton's somber opening vocals blossom into soaring flights of rocking soul. The evocative and transporting music of FORGIVE ME mimics the lyrics, which the Hopewell, NJ, native wrote with her sister, Catherine Fulmer-Hogan, stressing the necessity of forgiveness in any relationship.

"The only way you survive a relationship is through forgiveness," says Cotton. "'Don't get lost in the fight,' as I sing in the song. If you're gonna last, then you're gonna forgive each other a million times."

Additionally praised by Billboard, the Los Angeles Times, NPR, and USA Today, among others throughout her career, Cotton, as always, inhabits a song, turning it inside and out, creating transcendent music and lyrics, and carrying us higher and higher with her in her musical flights.

Available at Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and where music is consumed on-line.

Genre: Rock, Soul, Blues

"Forgive Me" credits

Words: Danielia Cotton and Catherine. Fulmer-Hogan

Music: Danielia Cotton

Players: Andy Hess (Bass), Aaron Comess (Drums), Ben Butler (guitar), Danielia Cotton (guitar, piano, vocals)

Production: JCS (Jw Johnson, Danielia Cotton & Craig Shofed)

Debut album surveys soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love from Jersey Shore and Baltimore roots to Los Angeles with celebratory country rock, nod-and-a-wink humor, and rough-hewn folksiness.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 20, 2020) - LA based Americana singer-songwriter-guitar slinger TOM SLESS is set to release his debut full-length album, California Dream, March 27, 2020 on Marina Vista Records.

Co-produced by the Jersey Shore native with John Bottrell (Christina Perri, Mike Posner) and recorded live in the studio at comp-ny in Glendale, CA, California Dream carries us along Sless's soulful ride down the winding roads of life and love with a vibe that alternates between the celebratory country rock of Luke Combs, the nod-and-a-wink humor of Sturgill Simpson, and the rough-hewn folksiness of Donovan Woods.

Through canny lyrics and infectious tunes, the album captures Sless's love of LA, the highs and lows of his decision to move there from the Baltimore area after college, and his struggles to embrace the past and push forward. Like Steve Earle, Sless displays bracing honesty in his songwriting, and like Jason Isbell, has a knack for creating a world in which our souls struggle to define themselves. With ceaseless creativity, Sless possesses an ear for the just-right melody and lyric, and a passion for songs that evoke his disappointments, hopes, joys, and loves.

"There's a thread from song to song that takes you on my journey, through different realizations and focal points of my experiences," says Sless. "I set out to create something that reminded me of classic albums, where there was a distinct feel and thread tying all the songs together. In today's streaming world, the trend seems to be for artists to release singles independently from one another, and then string those together with a few extra songs and call that an album or EP. I was trying to reach back to a time when the artist, producer and musicians went into the studio with a goal to finish an album, not just finish a song. This was tied together from the beginning as an entire compositional work."

The first single, "Taking Me Back," which will soon be accompanied an animated lyric video, is a rollicking country rocker that delivers a Combs-like good times vibe, riding along a scampering pedal steel guitar as the singer declares "I don't want to be alone tonight/but I can't stay here with you/It hasn't been easy to swallow all that truth/It hasn't been easy taking me back from you." The sunny sound of the song belies its emotional complexity. The title track, a Springsteen-like tune with sparse piano chords and trills reminiscent of "Jungleland" in the opening measures that blossom into a richly layered sound, features vocals and instruments spiraling higher into an ever-cascading chorus that mimics the hopes and dreams of the lyrics. The shimmering pop-inflected "Astronaut," with its rowdy country-folk chorus, and propelled by searing guitars on the bridge, urges us never to regret the past, but to let go of it and reach out and embrace what you're supposed to do. The southern rocker "Ready To" - featuring vocals that recall James Taylor's - is about fully embracing the challenge, passion, and struggle of being a singer-songwriter. The minor chord "Why Oh Why" is the album's thematic dark spot; written as a reaction to the recent Thousand Oaks shooting, and the fires that followed, exploring the dichotomy of choice and fate. The country crooner "Coming Home," on which he channels Darius Rucker, celebrates a moment of togetherness, while the guitar-driven "Gimme the Breeze" celebrates "the breeze that's the little lift to get you where you need," says Sless. He taps into his jam band influences on the closing number, "Too Much on My Mind," a looping, Grateful Dead-like, exploration of a musical theme driven by the pedal steel of - no relation - Barry Sless (Phil Lesh, Chris Robinson).

Sless started composing music as a Baltimore middle school student, writing pieces arranged for orchestra, marching band, jazz band, and string and brass sectionals. The journey down a new musical path began once his parents introduced him to the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty. Quickly taking to the old acoustic guitar his grandfather bought him in Atlantic City, Sless dove into an encyclopedic book dissecting the Beatles catalogue, discovering how Paul McCartney's vocals complemented George Harrison's guitar and propelling him across the universe from classical to rock craftsmanship.

Six years ago, Sless moved across the country to Los Angeles. After realizing he needed to pour his heart and soul into music in a way that he never had before, Sless delved deep into songwriting with a new approach to the music he'd been listening to all his life. In 2018, he enrolled in the Musicians Institute in Hollywood and quickly became a fixture on the Los Angeles singer-songwriter circuit, performing at The Mint, El Cid, The Study, TRiP Santa Monica, and NorthEnd Hollywood, to name a few.

Sless is planning album release events on the West Coast and East Coast in support of California Dream. Confirmed dates will be announced soon.

"This album is a huge step toward a realization of myself as an individual and a creative artist," he says. "It's a jumping off point into a world in which I can fully express myself as a human being. There truly is no better feeling."

CALIFORNIA DREAM Track Listing:
1. California Dream
2. Taking Me Back
3. Astronaut
4. Ready To
5. Why Oh Why
6. Coming Home
7. Gimme the Breeze
8. Too Much On My Mind

Genre: Americana
RIYL: Luke Combs, Sturgill Simpson, Donovan Woods, Jason Isbell, Steve Earle, Darius Rucker

PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Marlon Jackson, Joel Brandes (Universal Attractions Agency), Tito Jackson, Randy Alexander (cruise publicist/Randex Communications), Jackie Jackson, and Alan Rubens (StarVista LIVE Executive Producer and Senior Vice President), gather backstage prior to one of The Jacksons' two performances on the sold-out Ultimate Disco Cruise. Credit: StarVista LIVE/Randex Communications.

MIAMI (Feb. 19, 2020) - Legendary show biz "First Family" The Jacksons, making a rare music-themed cruise appearance, met up backstage last week at the sold-out Ultimate Disco Cruise with the talent executives responsible for booking the group's pair of performances on the just-completed voyage: Alan Rubens, StarVista LIVE Executive Producer and Senior Vice President, and Joel Brandes, The Jacksons' agent at Universal Attractions Agency. StarVista LIVE is the leader in nostalgia-based music cruise experiences.

The Ultimate Disco Cruise was the second consecutive StarVista LIVE music cruise on which the Jacksons performed in 2020. In January, Brandes and Rubens also brought the world-famous brothers to the sold-out Soul Train Cruise to perform before another pair of elated audiences, many of whom have since purchased cabins to return to each cruise in 2021. The 2021 Soul Train Cruise, scheduled to set sail in January, is already sold out.

The 2020 Ultimate Disco Cruise exploded with a "boatload" of superstars in its unstoppable talent lineup in which The Jacksons were just joined by KC and The Sunshine Band, Commodores, Shalamar Reloaded featuring Jody Watley, The Blue Notes, Heatwave, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, The Miracles, Sister Sledge, The Miracles, Al McKay Allstars performing the music of Earth, Wind & Fire, First Ladies of Disco featuring Martha Wash, Linda Clifford and Norma Jean Wright, George McCrae, Maxine Nightingale, France Jolie, Anita Ward, and much more. The incredible array of live concerts by the pioneers who made dance music a lasting part of all of our lives "rocked the boat" for five incredible nights, bringing the cultural phenomenon of the 1970s from the dance floor to the high seas on the Celebrity Infinity luxury ship as it wound through the Caribbean, with stops in Key West and Nassau, Bahamas.

For further information on the 2021 Ultimate Disco Cruise, please call 844.296.3472 or visit www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com.

About StarVista LIVE:

StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include, the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Flower Power Cruise, '70s Rock & Romance Cruise, , Ultimate Disco Cruise, Sandy Beaches Cruise and Abbey Road on the River Festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista and Time Life brands, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity.

Video Courtesy Light of Day Foundation

10-Day Festival Highlight Is Springsteen's 1st Appearance in 5 Years and 12th Overall in Two-Decade Push toward $6 Million Raised in Battling Parkinson's Disease and Related Illnesses through Awesome Power of Music

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Jan. 19, 2019) - After five years away, Bruce Springsteen returned home to LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST last night in grand style to help "The Festival That Bruce Built" celebrate its 20th anniversary with his 12th surprise guest performance during Bob's Birthday Bash, the six-hour "Main Event" of the 10-day festival he has brought to worldwide prominence in the global battle to defeat Parkinson's Disease and related illnesses through the awesome power of music.

An elated audience at the sold-out Paramount Theater here watched as Springsteen made a trio of on-stage appearances - in order, with Jesse Malin, Willie Nile, and finally, longtime collaborators Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers - to help the Light of Day Foundation push its two-decade fundraising tally toward its $6 million goal by festival's end after this weekend.

Bob's Birthday Bash is named after the organization's co-founder and inspiration, artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996, and continues to fight not only his personal health struggles, but on behalf of those afflicted around the world on behalf of the Light of Day Foundation. Now wheelchair-bound, Benjamin joined Springsteen and the other participants on stage at the end of the evening for the traditional birthday cake presentation as the musicians and audience sang "Happy Birthday."

Dressed in black jeans, a plaid checkered shirt and newsboy cap, Springsteen first appeared with Malin to duet on "Broken Radio" and add guitar to "Meet Me at the End of the World" from Malin's new album, Sunset Kids. Springsteen returned to join Light of Day stalwart Willie Nile on "One Guitar," the Nile-penned number that has become the unofficial anthem of the annual celebration.

Springsteen returned to cap off the celebration for an explosive 70-minute set with Pittsburgh rocker Grushecky and his band, alternating between Grushecky and Springsteen numbers in a 10-song set that included Boss favorites "The Promised Land," "Atlantic City," "Darkness on the Edge of Town" and traditionally, "Light of Day." The latter was a signal for all of the evening's performers to fill the stage and become an impromptu chorus.

Though "Light of Day" usually closes Bob's Birthday Bash, Springsteen had one more song to offer. He switched to acoustic guitar and serenaded Benjamin on a solo rendition of "Thunder Road."

"Thank you, Bob," said Springsteen. "We love you."

Also performing at Bob's Birthday Bash were Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, James Maddock, The Weeklings, Dramarama, and Boccigalupe & The Bad Boys, with acoustic turns by Danielia Cotton, Ben Arnold, former Springsteen drummer Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez, Jill Hennessy, Williams Honor, Lisa Bouchelle, Matt Jaffe, Adam Ezra, Brian Dunne and Miss Emily.

Tickets for remaining LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY events are on sale through www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets for all events at House of Independents and the Saint are available through TicketWeb and at the venues' websites. Tickets for Tim McLoone's Supper Club events are available at www.timmcloonessupperclub.com.

A wide variety of combination ticket packages - as well as single tickets to each show - are available. Additional ticket info can be found at the official Light of Day website: www.lightofday.org and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LOD2000.

Complete ticket and additional information for all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020 events at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook.

Here are the remaining LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY events:

Sunday, JAN 19

REMEMBERING HARRY CHAPIN - A live concert featuring the song and stories of Harry Chapin, performed by John McMenamin and featuring special guests Howard Fields and John Wallace of the Harry Chapin Band, and others - Paramount Theater, Doors Noon; Show 1 p.m., $22-$52

LOD 20 AT THE LANES: BEST OF THE EAGLES - with special guests Miss Emily, The Bob Polding Band, plus special "After-Set" - Asbury Lanes, Doors Noon; Show 12:30 pm., $20 advance/$25 day of show. Bowling lanes will be open throughout the show!

KID'S ROCK - Indigo Mane, Lauren Gil, Sunsets From Jupiter, Jake Ryan, So Far Under, School of Rock Red Bank, The Nobodies, Rock'n Music Academy, Rockit (performing The Beatles: Solo Years), plus Ham by thePound, Ezra Caspi, Ross Owen, Julia Fleming, Evan Rotella, Double A, Jake Thistle, Matt Levine - Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Doors Noon; Show 12:15 p.m., $15 advance + fees at door or online.

SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #1 - Adam Ezra, Mary McCrink, Taylor Tote, Hans Ludwigsson, plus Peter Hogklint, Matt Jaffe, Kent Nicholson, Arlon Bennett - Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Doors 11:30 a.m.; Show 12:15 p.m., $15 at door only.

SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #2 - Pat Guadagno, Brian Dunne, Bruce Tunkel, Lisa Bouchelle, Coletti & Krizan, Tess Cameron, Scott & Kyle, Stella Mrowicki - Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 3pm, $15 at door only.

SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #3 - Upstairs: LOD USA with Joe Grushecky, Willie Nile, Joe Rapolla, Peter Elkas, Danielia Cotton, Anthony Krizan. Downstairs: LOD Europe with Joe D'Urso, Miss Emily, Vini Lopez, James Maddock, Ben Arnold, Quincy Mumford - Tim McLoone's Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, 6:15 pm, $20.

MUSICIANS ON A MISSION - Tommy B & The Deep Sea, Jake Tavil & Indigo Soul, Calabrese/Swerlin Band, Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band, We're Ghosts Now - The Saint, Sun., 18+, 12:15 p.m., $10 door (+ plus surcharge).

BLUE BAR - Xol Azul, Scott Wolfson & Other Heroes, Somewhat Relative, Virago - Berkeley Hotel, Noon, FREE ADMISSION.

LAST NOTE - Featuring Rock Groove, with Inflatable Head, Shady Street Show Band, Ian Gray Presents!, more - The Saint, 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos.

SPRINGSTEEN ON SUNDAY/107.1 THE BOSS LIVE BROADCAST - Longtime LOD concert host Tom Cunningham hosts his popular Springsteen program on 107.1 THE BOSS, live from the Anchor's Bend restaurant, in the Convention Hall/Paramount Theatre complex, with very special guests, for the 4th consecutive year. 9 am-11 a.m. FREE ADMISSION.

Monday, JAN 20

GOODBYE BRUNCH, Tim McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, 10am-2:30pm.

Saturday, JAN 25

LOD AFTERFEST: STEVE FORBERT & THE NEW RENDITIONS - House of Independents, Doors 2 p.m.; Show 2:50 p.m., $25/$60 VIP.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION

The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

PHOTO CAPTION: Bruce Springsteen raises his guitar to close out a surprise appearance Saturday, Jan. 18, at Bob's Birthday Bash, the "Main Event" at Light of Day WinterFest at the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, NJ, as birthday honoree and Light of Foundation co-founder Bob Benjamin, who suffers from Parkinson's Disease, joins in celebration with the evening's other participating musicians. Credit: Debra L. Rothenberg.

CBS Evening News, Kelly Clarkson Show, Access Hollywood Applaud 102-Year-Old Lyricist and 88-Year-Old 'Junior Partner' for Inspiring a Legion of Older Fans: It's Never Too Late to Follow Your Dreams

"It's so inspirational and so cool. It's a hit, y'all. I'm a big fan. This is the sweetest thing ever. I cannot stop crying. It's so beautiful. You're never too old to accomplish what you want to do." - Kelly Clarkson, to her talk show viewing audience

PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 14, 2020) - Proving it's never too late to follow your dreams, Alan R. Tripp, 102, and Marvin Weisbord, 88, have fast become media darlings as co-creators of 2020's surprise hit album release SENIOR SONG BOOK - their first such effort, and a combined 190 years in the making.

Together, Tripp and Weisbord are inspiring generations of new fans around the globe through their sudden international celebrity as the oldest professional songwriting team in pop music history, while sales of the new album continue to spike as buzz of their invigorating accomplishment spreads.

Since the new year began, Tripp and Weisbord already have been featured on the CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Access Hollywood, and Access Daily. Those appearances follow year-end coverage from NPR All Things Considered, The Washington Post, People Magazine, CNN, CNBC, CTV, The Week, and so much more.

Singing superstar Clarkson was moved to tears while she spoke to Tripp and Weisbord as guests last week on her TV show, endorsing their project in the process.

"It's so inspirational and so cool," Clarkson declared. "It's a hit, y'all."

The rapid success and attention Tripp and Weisbord have experienced just since the album's holiday season release is "more than we ever dreamed of," Tripp told the co-hosts of Access Daily during a guest appearance last week. "We did it because we love the music, and the fact that people are buying and downloading our music is a wonderful surprise."

These two elder statesmen have managed to capture in song the acumen and insight they've derived from their long, full lives. With SENIOR SONG BOOK, seniors who began coming of age with "the greatest generation" and lived through the dawn of rock 'n' roll no longer need to feel displaced and relegated to their old recordings. The eight-song collection, written expressly for seniors, by seniors, moves easily from swing to tango to rumba and beyond with big band style orchestration, brimming with music that will transport listeners back to the 1940s, with lyrics from a 2020s perspective.

"We found a secret," says Tripp. "If you write music in the old style of the 1940s, the big bands, people love it. Not just older people, but also younger people. The lyrics are packed with reflections on living, on love, on loss, and we put those words to the old music. So we suddenly came up with eight songs and a whole album, and that got me in this trouble I'm in right now."

Nowhere on SENIOR SONG BOOK is that better exemplified than in the chorus of the album's hands-down favorite, "I Just Can't Remember Your Name":

I know I ought to kiss you, but baby there's an issue. I just can't remember your name.

The buzz is starting to prompt coast-to-coast discussion about offshoot possibilities for SENIOR SONG BOOK, from a cabaret show to an inspirational TV show geared to seniors - and of course, the 2nd follow-up album.

That twinkle of humor in Tripp's eyes carries to his overall views on life, longevity, and his own mortality. He says he has a message for seniors: "If you make excuses for being old, then you are too old. The most important thing in staying alive is to want to do something."

Tripp only talks of retirement with forward motion, frequently espousing that one should never retire from something, only to something.

"I've already written the lyrics for the second album," he offers. "It has a lot to do with staying alive and I want to share my secret, and teach people how they can do that."

SENIOR SONG BOOK is available through CDBaby.com, Amazon and all major digital destinations, as well as www.SeniorSongBook.com.

Philly's Out-of-This-World House Collective Launches Global Clean Water Campaign with Liberating 2nd Single - Shot Entirely Underwater - from Upcoming Album, 'Surrounded'

"Every once in a while, an outfit comes along and redefines how we think about music and music appreciation, and for Philadelphians, that group is Worldtown Soundsystem." - Philadelphia Weekly

"The crew has made a huge noise bringing sounds and rhythms from around the globe to the Philly party scene." - XPN The Key

PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 20, 2019) - Philly's body-moving house collective WORLDTOWN SOUNDSYSTEM (WTSS), the out-of-this-world eight-piece band of global musicians that's been raising the bar as creative changemakers since 2011, is exclusively premiering the groundbreaking music video for FREEDOM, from the upcoming album, Surrounded, today exclusively on Billboard.com. The liberating new single and video, shot entirely underwater, are the springboards to launching the group's global clean water campaign, #WorldtownWaves. Watch the FREEDOM music video here.

FREEDOM is now available across all streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.

Called "a rager" by XPN's The Key, FREEDOM is a tribute to the past, present, and future of the Philly sound, blending Worldtown's signature celebratory electronic grooves with the classic tones and textures of Grammy-winning string arranger Larry Gold (Gamble & Huff, The Roots, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Jackson) and the band's newest member, internationally renowned, award-winning master percussionist Pablo Batista (Alicia Keys, Grover Washington, Kirk Franklin, Eddie Palmieri, Patti LaBelle), behind the powerful lead vocals of Zeek Burse. FREEDOM was written by Burse and the band's musical director/DJ, Ben Arsenal, produced and mixed by Mattias Nilsson and Arsenal, and co-produced by Batista.

Recruiting Larry Gold to write and arrange the strings solidified the bridge to the legendary Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP) that WORLDTOWN SOUNDSYSTEM sought to create not only on FREEDOM, but the entire Surrounded album, the band's deepest dive into the diversity of dance music in its eight-year history. In fact, FREEDOM, due in February, references "I Love Music" by the O'Jays, a TSOP classic featuring MFSB, the house band for which Gold played cello early in his gold- and platinum-lined career.

"To me this sounded like a retro record, and I approached it that way." Gold says of FREEDOM in this "Making of" video. "It reminded me of records I made when I was little."

The #WorldtownWaves campaign partners WORLDTOWN SOUNDSYSTEM with charity: water, the non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries, to raise awareness and funds for clean water around the world through music and dance.

Worldtown's initial goal is to deliver clean water to 1,000 people by raising $30,000. Details on how to accept the #WorldtownWaves Challenge can be found at www.world.town/waves.

"We're activating our community to make positive waves through the #WorldtownWaves Challenge," says Ben Arsenal. "Issues surrounding water are endangering everyone, regardless of where they're from in the world. Being introduced to charity: water's CEO by Worldtown Citizen SiNae Pitts, is an example of the natural progression of Worldtown's magnetic collective mentality."

FREEDOM'S videographer, activist Julia Lehman, had been working on an underwater photo series raising awareness of issues surrounding plastic in our oceans when she met Worldtown. As a creative wavemaker, she felt compelled to use her talent as a photographer/videographer to bring further consciousness to global water issues with the band. Watch this video connecting Lehman's behind-the-scenes underwater work on "The Plastic Project" with the making of the FREEDOM music video. Under the direction of Corin Hunter, Worldtown and cast shot the music video in one day, creating one of the few music videos ever to be entirely shot underwater.

Hunter's idea to shoot FREEDOM entirely underwater was the perfect way to foster a "creationship" between Lehman and Worldtown.

"When I know such talented creatives, who want to use their art for good, I want them to know each other," says Hunter. "Introducing them through collaborations such as this only makes the work that much better and the impact that much stronger."

WORLDTOWN SOUNDSYSTEM is Ben Arsenal (musical director/DJ), Gary Dann (drums), Zeek Burse (vocals), Dan Keller (saxophone), Julian Hinson (bass, vocals) Fawziyya Heart (Vocals), Anessa LaRae (vocals), and its newest member, world renown master percussionist Pablo Batista (Alicia Keys, Grover Washington Jr., Jill Scott, Patti LaBelle), replacing the late Stan "da Man" Hunt. Batista holds the rare distinction of performing on Grammy-winning releases in jazz, R&B and gospel, as well as guesting with the world-famous Philadelphia Orchestra.

WORLDTOWN SOUNDSYSTEM fuses electronic dance music culture with global rhythms and a heart of Philly soul. The ensemble has roots in three continents - Europe, Africa, and Latin America - and every WTSS event is reflective of the world's influences. More than a band, WORLDTOWN SOUNDSYSTEM is an experience - a celebration of vibes from across the globe.

Surrounded is forged with fire, blood, sweat and tears of joy. Expect to be taken on a masterfully crafted and evocative journey - the band's first new tracks in three years and its first full-length album following a pair of EPs and succession of singles across its career. FREEDOM follows Surrounded's sensuous first single, The Frame, which dropped in August.

TRENTON 420-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT & WELLNESS EMPORIUM DEDICATED TO CELEBRATING 'CANNABIS CULTURE' EXPANDS PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AMID NATIONWIDE CONSUMER BRANDING PLANS

TRENTON, NJ (December 17, 2019) - Notorious, and often-outrageous, cannabis advocate and visionary Edward "NJWeedman" Forchion is capitalizing on his popular groundbreaking 420-friendly lounge concept - a restaurant, performance venue and "safe space" for medical-marijuana consumers - by hitting a new high in what has become a burgeoning business empire.

Almost organically, Forchion and his partner, Debi Madaio, are growing their business operation, NJWEEDMAN'S JOINT - strategically located across the street from Trenton City Hall - by expanding the Joint's entertainment schedule. Now, the venue functions during the day as a restaurant with an emphasis on healthy dining - while offering live music, comedy and wellness activities six nights a week:

• Sundays and Wednesdays: "Bend & Blaze" Yoga
• Wednesday: Comedy Night
• Thursday: Open Mic Jam Sessions
• Friday through Sunday: Live Music and Freestyling

For the latest schedule of events, go to www.njweedmansjoint.com/events-1 or www.facebook.com/pg/NJWeedmansJoint/events.

Another aspect of the Joint is the online store (www.njweedmansjoint.com/online-store), where the national branding of NJWeedman heats up through merchandising with a variety of pot-related items, including a full line of NJWeedman CBD products and outerwear, which will soon be offered for sale.

According to Forchion, a national media figure who was advocating - and risking arrest and incarceration - for legalization more than two decades before the overwhelming majority of state residents supported it (62 percent according to various surveys), the expanded entertainment schedule and the NJWeedman brand is a mission statement of sorts. Forchion was recently named #1 by InsiderNJ on its Cannabis Power List of the top 100 influential voices in the cannabis debate.

"We're already a safe haven for those in the know because of our backyard gathering garden, café, and lounge," he says. "Adding a full slate of live bands, comedy, and other events, while upping our game as a place to heal, and expanding our national merchandise brand, will turn the Joint into the mecca for cannabis culture that I've always envisioned."

The phrase "cannabis culture" is the key to the Joint's "big picture." Now that society in general, and politics in particular, appear to be catching up to Forchion's weed-positive philosophy, he and Madaio, a registered nurse, are energized and inspired to ensure that the Joint becomes the ultimate secure, stress-free and wellness-focused gathering place for those who already embrace cannabis and its many benefits, as well as the "cannabis-curious."

To that end, the restaurant and nighttime activities schedule are just two primary elements of the Joint. There is also the Liberty Bell Temple III, the adjacent space where those who have been sanctioned by the state to avail themselves of medical marijuana can join a community of fellow medical tokers in a safe, welcoming environment.

Ultimately, Forchion and Madaio - both business and life partners - envision their 420-friendly entertainment emporium as the vehicle by which they can effect positive change in the world. As Forchion says: "We believe that cannabis can help us overcome the differences between our tribes and nations and help us find peace with each other and with the Earth."

NJWeedman's Joint, the newly expanded 420-friendly entertainment & wellness emporium, is located at 322 E. State St., Trenton, NJ 08608, directly across the street from Trenton City Hall. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Contact the Joint at (609) 437-0898. More info at www.njweedmansjoint.com.

About NJWeedman:

Edward "Ed" Forchion Jr., a.k.a. NJWeedman, is an American Cannabis rights and free speech activist, actor, writer, and restaurateur. A frequent candidate for public office, he is the founder of the Legalize Marijuana Party. A resident of New Jersey and California, he is a registered medical cannabis user who has been arrested and convicted as a result of his pro-pot advocacy, and has mounted various legal defenses and challenges to cannabis-prohibition laws. More on NJWeedman at www.njweedman.com.

PHOTO CAPTION: Ed "NJWeedman" Forchion welcomes you to his "Joint" from the restaurant portion of the 420-Friendly venue. Credit: Martin Griff.

Recognition of Linda Ronstadt and Earth, Wind & Fire Are Positive Reminders of Global Battle as LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY Celebrates Milestone Edition

'THE FESTIVAL THAT BRUCE BUILT' ANNOUNCES PRIMARY WAVE OF OVER 50 EVENTS, 150 ACTS ACROSS 5 CITIES IN 3 STATES JAN. 10-20, 2020 WITH TWO-DECADE GOAL TO EXCEED $6 MILLION

"To rock, and to raise money for the Light of Day, and they do a hell of a job at both. And that's pure poetry." - Elmore Magazine

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Dec. 11, 2019) - As the 20th Anniversary Edition of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST approaches next month, the ongoing mission of the world-renowned charitable festival to defeat Parkinson's Disease and related illnesses through the awesome power of music gains renewed national focus with the CBS telecast of the Kennedy Center Honors this weekend (Sunday, 8 p.m. ET).

Two of this year's primary music recipients have been poignantly impacted by Parkinson's Disease: Linda Ronstadt and Earth, Wind & Fire. Ronstadt, who attended the ceremony (taped this past weekend), can no longer sing and was forced into retirement a decade ago due to the effects of the illness. Earth, Wind & Fire was forced to regroup when leader and founder Maurice White could no longer perform following his 1994 diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. Despite - and in honor of - his passing 22 years later, the multi-platinum Pop /R&B outfit continues to pack the world's stages as it carries the positive, uplifting message of White's original group vision.

Ronstadt and Earth, Wind & Fire each, in their own way, reflects the incredible spirit that enables Bob Benjamin, founder of the Light of Day Foundation, to continue his personal fight, as well as the organization's, nearly 24 years since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

"It's no coincidence that our 20-year belief in the power of music to fight against Parkinson's, ALS and PSP is able to gain a national platform through the Kennedy Center Honors of Linda Ronstadt and Earth, Wind & Fire," says Tony Pallagrosi, executive director of the Light of Day Foundation. "Like our heart and soul, founder Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's over 20 years ago, these musicians are brave warriors with a shared energy in their determination to fight while inspiring so many in the process. Linda Ronstadt may have retired, but she has hardly quit. Earth, Wind & Fire could have stopped when Maurice White was no longer able to perform, but they didn't quit. And while Bob Benjamin is increasingly devastated by his personal battle with Parkinson's, he refuses to quit! His strength and determination to continue has NEVER wavered! Thanks to him and dozens upon dozens of musicians and volunteers, we've been able to entertain thousands of people, and create just as many lasting memories, while raising over $5.5 million over the past two decades. We realize there's a long way to go to win the war, but we won't quit! We can't wait to do battle this year and show the world once again how music drives our mission at LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY."

With a goal of reaching the $6 million mark in its ongoing battle against Parkinson's disease, LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY, the anchor event for the world-renowned Light of Day Foundation, celebrates its momentous milestone year with over 50 events by 150 music acts in five cities and three states, from Jan. 10-20, 2020. Those cities are Asbury Park, NJ, Montclair, NJ, New York City, Rockland County, NY, and Philadelphia.

Tickets for most LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY events are on sale through www.ticketmaster.com,Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets for all events at House of Independents and the Saint are available through TicketWeb and at the venues' websites. Tickets for McLoone's Supper Club events are available at www.timmcloonessupperclub.com.

A wide variety of combination ticket packages - as well as single tickets to each show - are available. Fees may be added by venues in certain instances. Additional ticket info can be found at the official Light of Day website: www.lightofday.org and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LOD2000.

As the Bruce Springsteen song that inspired the organization's name says, LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY is indeed "just around the corner." With 11 surprise annual performances, Springsteen has helped catapult the festival to international notoriety as it's raised $5.5 million through its first 19 years. His unannounced appearances traditionally occur during Bob's Birthday Bash, the main event at every Light of Day WinterFest. Once again, the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, NJ, will host Bob's Birthday Bash on the final Saturday night of WinterFest (Jan. 18). Bob's Birthday Bash is named for Bob Benjamin, the artist manager and music industry veteran who founded Light of Day in 1998 - two years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease - as a 40th birthday party fundraiser at a Red Bank, NJ café that brought the first $2,000 to the organization.

Other major events at the Paramount include a special Friday show (Jan. 17) starring Remember Jones leading an expanded cast performance of The Who's groundbreaking rock opera, "Tommy," and a Sunday afternoon concert (Jan. 19), Remembering Harry Chapin, featuring the songs and stories of the late, great humanitarian troubadour. Also on tap in Asbury Park is a special edition of the annual Asbury Angels Induction show (Jan. 17 at the Stone Pony), which honors and memorializes the lives and history of members of the Asbury Park musical community, "including but not limited to, musicians, tech support persons, DJs, journalists, club owners, record company personnel, managers and promoters." This year's event, being held Friday (Jan. 17), at the Stone Pony, stars John Eddie and Hollis Brown and also will feature The Weeklings hosting an extended Album Release Show for their third album, 3.

Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, James Maddock, Jesse Malin, Guy Davis, Anthony Krizan (Spin Doctors), Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan, Williams Honor, Best of the Eagles, Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway, Billy Hector Band, Billy Walton Band (former Asbury Jukes guitarist), Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and E Street Band original Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez, Emily Grove, and Ben Arnold are among the WinterFest favorites returning in 2020.

Many more acts will be announced as the festival approaches.

Here is the updated schedule with the latest show information for LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY is below. Shows will be held in Asbury Park, NJ, unless otherwise noted.

Friday, JAN 10
LOD NORTH JERSEY - Willie Nile, James Maddock, The Weeklings' Glen Burtnik (Lefty) & Bob Burger (Zeek), Joe D'Urso, Jill Hennessy, Danielia Cotton, Williams Honor, Emily Grove, Rick Winowski - Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair, NJ, 8pm, $35-$75.

Saturday, JAN 11
LOD PHILADELPHIA - Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, James Maddock, The Weeklings, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan - City Winery, Philadelphia, Pa., Doors 5 p.m.; Show 7 p.m.; $25-$50

Sunday, JAN 12
COVER ME: BEST IN NJ COVER & TRIBUTE BANDS - Moroccan Sheepherders, Bob Burger & Friends (Elvis Costello), Experience Janis featuring CC Coletti, Carl Gentry Band, more - Stone Pony, All Ages, Doors 1pm; Show 1:30 p.m., $22 advance.
LOD ROCKLAND - Penguin Rep Theatre, Stony Point, NY, 3 pm, $25

Wednesday, JAN 15
LOD NEW YORK CITY - Willie Nile, Hollis Brown, The Weeklings, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, Jeff Slate - The Cutting Room, NYC, Doors 6 p.m.; Show 6:45 p.m., $45 general admission; $75 VIP.

Thursday, JAN 16
WINTERFEST 2020 BADLANDS KICK-OFF - 50 Licks: Marc Ribler & Friends - Music of the Rolling Stones; Willie Nile; Williams Honor; Colossal Street Jam, Vendetta Rose. Doors 6 p.m.; Show 6:45 p.m. $25 adv/$30 day of show.
FIRST NOTE - The Saint, 18+, 7 p.m. $8adv/$12dos.
SANDY MACK's WONDER JAM - Dogs in a Pile, Waiting on Mongo, Secret Sound, Cosmic Jerry Band, Fungkshui, Nicole Possin & Pete Tonti, Deseree Spinks & Jimmy Farkas, Strumberry Pie, Lindsey DeSena & Zack Loria, ResXUnplugged - Wonder Bar, 21+, 7pm, $15.
MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY'S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS - Langosta Lounge, All-Ages, 8pm, FREE ADMISSION

Friday, JAN 17
ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION: THE WEEKLINGS ALBUM RELEASE WITH JOHN EDDIE AND HOLLIS BROWN - The Weeklings, John Eddie, Hollis Brown, The Anderson Council, Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son, Freddy & The Phantoms, more - Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages, Doors 7pm, $25advance + fees.
OPEN MIC AT THE BLUE BAR - Berkeley Hotel, Doors 7 p.m.; $10
ACOUSTIC CAROUSEL WITH PETER SCHERER OF MR. REALITY - Langosta Lounge, 21+, 8pm, FREE ADMISSION
NIGHT OF COVERS - Kevin Mulvany & Friends, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, Tom Kaminski Band, more - Silverball Museum, 7 p.m., $10-$15.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE - Dramarama, The Grip Weeds, The Bongos, more - House of Independents, All Ages/21 to Drink; Doors 7 p.m.; Show 7:30 p.m. $20 adv/$25dos
ROCK HEAVY - The Saint, Fri.,18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
NEIL BERG'S 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY - McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/Show 8pm, $25-$45.
FRIDAY AT THE CLUB - Stringbean & The Boardwalk Social Club - Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime TBA, FREE ADMISSION
SOUNDBOOTH - Oh, Elis, Brother Andrew, Low Light - Asbury Hotel, 9 p.m., FREE ADMISSION

Saturday, JAN 18
BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH - Paramount Theater, Sat, All Ages, 6pm, $39-$399
ALL TOGETHER NOW: THE BEATLES ACOUSTIC - Bob Burger (Host), Adam Ezra, Quincy Mumford, JD's Acoustic Excursion, more - McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, Doors 11:45 pm.; Show 12:30 p.m. $15-$25
WOMEN OF SONG - Christine Martucci, Strumberry Pie, Kelly Dewkett, Pam McCoy, Lisa Bouchelle, Jo Wymer, Dawn Hopkins - The Saint, Noon, $10
DOWNTOWN - ASBURY UNDERGROUND, curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Noon - 7PM Over 20 venues! FREE ADMISSION
ASBURY BLUES - Billy Walton Band, Joe Bonanno & The Godfathers of Soul, The Wonderful Winos, Norman Seldin, RB3, JT Bowen & The Mighty Kings of Soul, Poppa John Bug, Sharon Lasher, Chuck Lambert, Pam McCoy, Miss Emily, Mary McCrink, James Dalton - Wonder Bar, 21+, Noon, $15
FULL TILT BOOGIE - Billy Hector Band, Adam Ezra, Christine Martucci, Peter V Blues Train, Rick Winowski, Gary Wright, Michael Askin, Karen Mansfield - Wonder Bar, Sat., 21+, 7pm, $15 adv/$20 dos.
ROCK HEAVY, The Saint, Sat., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
BLUE BAR - Tom Kanach Band, Jon Caspi and First Gun, Mike Rocket Band, Freddy and the Phantoms - Berkeley Hotel, FREE ADMISSION.
SATURDAY AT THE CLUB - Cranston Dean, Frank Lombardi - Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime TBA, FREE ADMISSION
LANGOSTA LIVE - Mamadrama, Bottled Blonde, Spinning Bad - Langosta Lounge, 9 p.m., 21+, FREE ADMISSION
SOUNDBOOTH - Carl London Band, Catherine Quintana, Moonwater - Asbury Hotel, 9 p.m., FREE ADMISSION

Sunday, JAN 19
KID'S ROCK - Indigo Mane, Lauren Gil,Ezra Caspi, Sunsets From Jupiter, Ross Owen, Jake Sfraga, Double A, So Far Under, Evan Rotella, Double A, The Nobodies, Rock'n Music Academy, Matt Levine, Rockit, more - Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #1 - Adam Ezra, Mary McCrink, Taylor Tote, Kent Nicholson, Peter Hogklint, Arlon Bennett, Hans Ludwigsson - Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #2 - Pat Guadagno, Brian Dunne, Bruce Tunkel, Lisa Bouchelle, Tess Cameron, Scott & Kyle, CC Coletti - Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 3pm, $15
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #3 - Upstairs: Joe Grushecky, Willie Nile, Joe Rapolla, Peter Elkas, Danielia Cotton, Anthony Krizan. Downstairs: LOD Europe with Joe D'Urso, Miss Emily, Vini Lopez, James Maddock, Quincy Mumford - McLoone's Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, 6pm, $20.
MUSICIANS ON A MISSION - Tommy B & The Deep Sea, Jake Tavil & Indigo Soul, Calabrese/Swerlin Band, Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band, We're Ghosts Now - The Saint, Sun., 18+, Noon, $10
ASBURY MUSIC HALL - Asbury Hotel, 2 pm, FREE ADMISSION
CAFE ARTISTE - Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove - 1 p.m., $10
LAST NOTE - Featuring Rock Groove, more - The Saint, 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos

Monday, JAN 21
GOODBYE BRUNCH, McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, 10am-2:30pm

Saturday JAN 25
LOD AFTERFEST: STEVE FORBERT & THE NEW RENDITIONS - House of Independents, Doors 2 p.m.; Show 2:50 p.m., $25/$60 VIP

The Light of Day Foundation has partnered this year with The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel as its official hotel sponsor for LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST and is offering a special rate to all festival patrons from Jan. 13-20, 2020. Rooms are expected to go quickly! Reserve NOW through this special link: https://book.berkeleyhotelnj.com/booking/en/group-promo/LODFEST/BER/Berkeley-Oceanfront-Hotel.

The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel has remained a trademark presence within the Asbury Park seaside community for over 100 years. Nestled along the Jersey Shore, just a few steps from the famous Asbury Park boardwalk, the Atlantic Ocean provides gorgeous panoramic views and the ultimate setting for your relaxing getaway. The Berkeley's coveted beachfront location has convenient proximity to an array of local hotspots, and easily accessible to all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST destinations from Philadelphia to New York.

PHOTO CAPTION: Light of Day founder Bob Benjamin, left, shares the stage with Bruce Springsteen during one of 11 surprise appearances The Boss has made during "Bob's Birthday Bash," the Main Event of Light of Day WinterFest, during its 20-year history. CREDIT: Jeff Ross.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION

The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research, treatments and programs for patients who suffer from these diseases, as well as their families and caregivers, in order to improve quality of life on a daily basis. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc., are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

The Isley Brothers will appear on the sold-out Soul Train Cruise in 2020.

Reflects High Demand for StarVista LIVE Vacation Experiences that Bring Communities Together with Unparalleled Access to Superstars

Ft Lauderdale, FL - StarVista LIVE, producer of theme cruise events and unique entertainment experiences, announces the Soul Train Cruise has sold out its 9th sailing. The Soul Train Cruise will feature dozens of superstar performances, special events and opportunities to interact with icons of R&B music as it sails from Ft. Lauderdale, FL and travels to St. Maarten, St. Croix and Half Moon Cay on the luxurious Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam from January 18-25, 2020.

The 2020 lineup features iconic acts from Soul Train's multi-generational history, including The Jacksons, The Isley Brothers, Johnny Gill (in a special performance January 21), Cameo, Peabo Bryson, War, The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston, Atlantic Starr, Regina Belle, Karyn White, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Con Funk Shun, The Family Stone, Jean Carne, Brick, The Urban Guerilla Orchestra, Barry White Tribute featuring Jourdan Carroll, Jason Miles performing his To Grover With Love Tribute, Cruise Host Tony Cornelius, Gospel Host Clifton Davis, Co-Host Angela Stribling (of Pillow Talk Radio), Co-Host Jerry Wells, original Soul Train dancers Derek Fleming and Patricia Davis, Soul Train Cruise Comedy Club featuring Kevin Bozeman and Trenton Davis and music executive Chuck Gamble.

"When the very first Soul Train Cruise set sail back in 2013, we wanted to create the ultimate experience for the old school R&B fans," says Alan Rubens, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President of Entertainment and Executive Producer of the Soul Train Cruise. "We wanted to make sure our guests would be surrounded by their favorite music, have opportunities to interact with the superstars they love and relive favorite moments from their lives while creating new memories. Every year since then, we've set the bar even higher with bigger stars and round-the-clock events that you can't find anywhere else. It's incredible to see that there is a huge group of fans out there who love this as much as we do and want more of it every year."

"The Soul Train Cruise captures the essence of Soul Train's spirit and is a special place where we get to say hi to and hang out with the greatest fans in the world," adds Ronald Isley of the GRAMMY Award-winning Isley Brothers. "There's really nothing else like it on the planet." "The StarVista LIVE team has done a tremendous job of honoring the Soul Train legacy," says Tony Cornelius, former Soul Train Executive and current Host of the cruise. "The StarVista LIVE team brings all the things we love so much about Soul Train to life to create a music-filled vacation experience for everyone to enjoy."

Guests aboard the Soul Train Cruise experience seven days of nonstop Love, Peace and Soul, spending their days and nights with the stars during more than 50 live performances and over 25 celebrity interactive events. The vacation of a lifetime includes parties at the pool, a Gospel Hour, live interviews, cocktail receptions, Q&A sessions, dance classes with the original Soul Train dancers, wine tastings, celebrity-led game shows, costume parties and so much more.

The full-ship charter cruise will take place aboard the Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam, a luxurious ship that features an array of premier dining, lounges surrounded by panoramic views, a world class spa and salon and elegant staterooms. Cabin prices include access to all of the major concerts, gourmet meals, 24-hour room service and daily events. Further information is available at www.soultraincruise.com or by calling 844-266-7685.

About StarVista LIVE:

StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, The Flower Power Cruise, the '70s Rock and Romance Cruise, the Ultimate Disco Cruise and Abbey Road on the River festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista / Time Life brand, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity.

102-Year-Old Lyricist Partners with 88-Year-Old Jazz Pianist for 8 New Originals Written Explicitly for Seniors, by Seniors, to be Released Nov. 15

"I know I ought to kiss you, but baby there's an issue. I just can't remember your name." - from the song, "I Just Can't Remember Your Name."

PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 13, 2019) - From Elton John & Bernie Taupin and Carole King & Gerry Goffin to Burt Bacharach & Hal David and Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, popular music's greatest songwriting teams have produced music that spans the generations.

But no songwriting team currently working today bridges as many generations as Alan R. Tripp and Marvin Weisbord, creators of SENIOR SONG BOOK, due for release Nov. 15, 2019. They are, arguably, the oldest professional songwriting team in pop music history.

With Tripp, the luxuriant lyricist who once wrote with the great Alan Bergman, clocking in at 102, and his "junior" songwriting partner, melody maker Weisbord, an equally robust 88, this dedicated duo has celebrated enough birthdays to traverse nearly two centuries.

And they're just getting warmed up.

That's a load of life experience, and with it comes the wisdom shining through in this new eight-song collection written expressly for seniors, by seniors. Moving easily from swing to tango to rumba and beyond with big band style orchestration, SENIOR SONG BOOK is brimming with music that will transport listeners back to the 1940s, with lyrics from a 2020s perspective.

Thanks to the fertile and restless minds of these two elder statesmen and the acumen and insight they've derived from their long, full lives, seniors who began coming of age with "the greatest generation" through the dawn of rock 'n' roll will no longer feel displaced and relegated to their old recordings.

Tripp, a thrice retired advertising executive, inventor and author as well, has long lamented the dearth of new music being written for seniors. As the pilot of SENIOR SONG BOOK, he has emphatically made good on his vow to fill that void.

"We found a secret," says Tripp. "If you write music in the old style of the 1940s, the big bands, people love it. Not just older people, but younger people. But the words must not try to compete with the old times. They were too saccharine, too sweet. They weren't the reality you get when you become older - and I'm a little older. But now in this reality of looking back at life, we could sing new words with new ideas based upon our viewpoint of what makes life good. The question of what happens between men and women. How do they get along, and not get along? What happens the second time around? How about the 3rd and 4th?

"We wanted to have some real reflections on living and put those words to the old music. So we suddenly came up with eight songs and a whole album, and that got me in this trouble I'm in right now."

That twinkle of humor in Tripp's explanation is the same mischievous approach he takes to his lyric writing - not to mention his overall views on life, longevity, and his own mortality. Nowhere on SENIOR SONG BOOK is that better exemplified than in the chorus of the album's first single, "I Just Can't Remember Your Name":

I know I ought to kiss you, but baby there's an issue. I just can't remember your name.

"I interject humor into everything I can," says Tripp. "My assessment of life is that it has enough things that are serious, that I don't need to contribute any more trauma. Therefore, if there's something that will help make people laugh, it will help them live longer. And if you can't laugh, you're doomed!"

Other songs, like "Looking in the Mirror" and "Wonder Woman," are all similarly based on how older people view the human relationship, as both good and bad. "Looking in the Mirror" frames a person seeing life experiences pass before his eyes. And at the very end, that person he sees in the mirror is the woman he lost. Tripp calls his lyrics simply honest.

"Sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn't," he says. "But if you want to live to be healthy and old, you learn to take it both ways."

Tripp has been around so long that his life has paralleled the rise of popular music. Born during World War I, he began to form his musical tastes during the Roaring 20s as an elementary school student, and just started going through puberty during the Great Depression. As a teenager, Tripp thought he was going to make a career as a songwriter, and at 15, the Leavenworth, KS, native brought some of his compositions to sell at New York City's infamous hit factory, the Brill Building. After knocking on several doors, he quickly discovered he could better utilize those skills in the advertising world.

"I found out that being a songwriter at that point was not compatible with eating," he recalls. "You could do one or the other. So I went and wrote a jingle for Kool cigarettes. And I got $75. To me, it was all the money in the world. So I went into advertising."

If, as they say, the music that sticks with you the most is the stuff one hears as a teen, that would put Tripp's formative years right in the mid-1930s, amid the Big Band Boom.

He's retired three times but that's only on paper. As long as his mind remains restless, Alan R. Tripp will never stop working, even at 102. He just can't. And won't.

"Retirement is not being compelled by anybody but yourself to do what you do," he says. "It doesn't need to be about money. If you retire to slothfulness, believe me you'll be a slob. That's all that will happen to you. I'm semi-retired now. I actually just came back out of retirement to do this album. I'm also writing another book, which I had to stop in order to do this. So, I'm torn!"

SENIOR SONG BOOK will be available through CDBaby.com, Amazon and all major digital destinations, as well as www.SeniorSongBook.com.

SENIOR SONG BOOK Track Listing
1. I Just Can't Remember Your Name
2. Looking in the Mirror
3. Wonder Woman
4. Because I Care for You
5. Best Old Friends
6. Never Too Late for Love
7. Goodbye, Goodbye Forever
8. Come On, Tell Me
9. Looking in the Mirror (remix)
10. I Just Can't Remember Your Name (remix)

TRENTON 420-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT EMPORIUM DEDICATED TO CELEBRATING 'CANNABIS CULTURE' EXPANDS PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AMID NATIONWIDE CONSUMER BRANDING PLANS

TRENTON, NJ (Nov. 14, 2019) - Notorious, and often-outrageous, cannabis advocate and visionary Edward "NJWeedman" Forchion is capitalizing on his popular groundbreaking 420-friendly lounge concept - a restaurant, performance venue and "safe space" for medical-marijuana consumers - by hitting a new high in what has become a burgeoning business empire.

Almost organically, Forchion and his partner, Debi Madaio, are growing their business operation, NJWEEDMAN'S JOINT - strategically located across the street from Trenton City Hall - by expanding the Joint's entertainment schedule. Now, the venue functions during the day as a restaurant with an emphasis on healthy dining - while offering live music, comedy and wellness activities six nights a week:

• Tuesday: "Bend & Blaze" Yoga
• Wednesday: Open Mic
• Thursday through Sunday: Live Music, Freestyling and Comedy

For the latest schedule of events, go to www.njweedmansjoint.com/events-1.

Another aspect of the Joint is the online store (www.njweedmansjoint.com/online-store), where the national branding of NJWeedman heats up through merchandising with a variety of pot-related items, including a full line of NJWeedman CBD products and outerwear, which will soon be offered for sale.

According to Forchion, a national media figure who was advocating - and risking arrest and incarceration - for legalization more than two decades before the overwhelming majority of state residents supported it (62 percent according to various surveys), the expanded entertainment schedule and the NJWeedman brand is a mission statement of sorts.

"We're already a safe haven for those in the know because of our backyard gathering garden, café, and lounge," he says. "Adding a full slate of live bands, comedy and other events, while upping our game as a place to heal, and expanding our national merchandise brand, will turn the Joint into the mecca for cannabis culture that I've always envisioned."

The phrase "cannabis culture" is the key to the Joint's "big picture." Now that society in general, and politics in particular, appear to be catching up to Forchion's weed-positive philosophy, he and Madaio, a registered nurse, are energized and inspired to ensure that the Joint becomes the ultimate secure, stress-free and wellness-focused gathering place for those who already embrace cannabis and its many benefits, as well as the "cannabis-curious."

To that end, the restaurant and nighttime activities schedule are just two primary elements of the Joint. There is also the Liberty Bell Temple III, the adjacent space where those who have been sanctioned by the state to avail themselves of medical marijuana can join a community of fellow medical tokers in a safe, welcoming environment.

Ultimately, Forchion and Madaio - both business and life partners - envision their 420-friendly entertainment emporium as the vehicle by which they can effect positive change in the world. As Forchion says: "We believe that cannabis can help us overcome the differences between our tribes and nations and help us find peace with each other and with the Earth."

NJWeedman's Joint is located at 322 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608, directly across the street from Trenton City Hall. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Contact the Joint at (609) 437-0898. More info at www.njweedmansjoint.com.

About NJWeedman:
Edward "Ed" Forchion Jr., a.k.a. NJWeedman, is an American Cannabis rights and free speech activist, actor, writer, and restaurateur. A frequent candidate for public office, he is the founder of the Legalize Marijuana Party. A resident of New Jersey and California, he is a registered medical cannabis user who has been arrested and convicted as a result of his pro-pot advocacy, and has mounted various legal defenses and challenges to cannabis-prohibition laws. More on NJWeedman at www.njweedman.com.

TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY, NOV. 9 @ NOON!

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY

WORLDWIDE FOUNDATION'S ANNUAL 10-DAY FESTIVAL

TO CELEBRATE 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN BATTLE AGAINST PARKINSON'S, ALS and PSP THROUGH THE AWESOME POWER OF MUSIC

'The Festival That Bruce Built' to Reach 5 Cities in 3 States
Jan. 10-20, 2020 with Two-Decade Goal to Exceed $6 Million

Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, James Maddock, Jesse Malin, Guy Davis, Anthony Krizan of the Spin Doctors, Remember Jones presents The Who's "Tommy," The Chapin Family, The Weeklings, Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan, Williams Honor, Best of the Eagles, Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway, Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez (former E Street Band), Jeffrey Gaines, Ben Arnold, Emily Grove among first wave of artists announced.

"To rock, and to raise money for the Light of Day, and they do a hell of a job at both. And that's pure poetry." - Elmore Magazine

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Nov. 6, 2019) - The goal of reaching the $6 million mark in its ongoing battle against Parkinson's disease starts officially getting more reachable SATURDAY (Nov. 9) AT NOON, when tickets go on sale for LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY.

Presented by the Asbury Park Press, the anchor event for the world-renowned Light of Day Foundation celebrates its momentous milestone year with over 50 events by 150 music acts in five cities and three states, from Jan. 10-20, 2020. Those cities are Asbury Park, NJ, Montclair, NJ, New York City, Rockland County, NY, and Philadelphia.

Tickets for most LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2020: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY events will be on sale through www.ticketmaster.com,Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets for all events at House of Independents and the Saint are available through TicketWeb and at the venues' websites. Tickets for McLoone's Supper Club events are available at www.timmcloonessupperclub.com.

A wide variety of combination ticket packages - as well as single tickets to each show - will be available. Additional ticket info will be available at the official Light of Day website: www.lightofday.org and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LOD2000.

As always, the bulk of the action will occur in Asbury Park, at such fabled rock venues as the Paramount Theater, the Stone Pony, the Saint, the Wonder Bar, House of Independents, McLoone's Supper Club, and the Asbury Hotel, among others. Once again, the Paramount Theater will host Bob's Birthday Bash, the festival's "Main Event," on the final Saturday night of WinterFest (Jan. 18). Bob's Birthday Bash is named for Bob Benjamin, the artist manager and music industry veteran who founded Light of Day in 1998 - two years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease - as a 40th birthday party fundraiser at a Red Bank, NJ café that brought the first $2,000 to the organization.

For the first time, however, The Paramount will play an expanded role, hosting major events on Friday (Jan. 17), and Sunday (Jan. 19) as well. The special Friday show will star Remember Jones leading an expanded cast performance of The Who's groundbreaking rock opera, "Tommy." That Sunday, the Paramount will be hosting an afternoon concert featuring The Chapin Family.

Also on tap in Asbury Park is a special edition of the annual Asbury Angels Induction show, which honors and memorializes the lives and history of members of the Asbury Park musical community, "including but not limited to, musicians, tech support persons, DJs, journalists, club owners, record company personnel, managers and promoters." This year's event, being held Friday (Jan. 17), at the Stone Pony, will feature The Weeklings hosting an extended Album Release Show for their third album, 3.

Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, James Maddock, Jesse Malin, Guy Davis, Anthony Krizan (Spin Doctors), Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan, Williams Honor, Best of the Eagles, Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway, Billy Hector Band, Billy Walton Band (former Asbury Jukes guitarist), Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and E Street Band original Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez, Jeffrey Gaines, Emily Grove, and Ben Arnold are among the WinterFest favorites returning in 2020. Many more acts will be announced as the festival approaches.

Other favorite returning showcase events include the Downtown Asbury Underground, Monmouth University's Blue Hawk Records Presents, Acoustic Carousel with former Mr. Reality lead singer Peter Sherer, Bobby Mahoney's Couch Concert, and the Songwriter's By the Sea Boardwalk Crawl. Further details on those and other shows will be announced at a future date.

Concert goers can purchase tickets for individual shows, on an a la carte basis, including BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH, at the Paramount Theater. Tickets for Bob's Birthday Bash range from $39 to $399, and tickets for the other club shows range from Free to $30. Concert goers can purchase a LIGHT OF DAY COMBO TICKET PACKAGE to gain admission to all Asbury Park events (approximately 50 EVENTS) at five different levels, starting at $159. The packages GUARANTEE a reserved seat for BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH at the Paramount Theatre, along with admission to all shows, capacity permitting, first-come, first-served basis. Ticket prices DO NOT include any fees and/or service/convenience charges.

The complete festival schedule and array of ticket packages are below:

Ticket packages include (all seat descriptions are approximate):

LOD WinterFest 2020 Anniversary "ALL ACCESS" packages and "BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH ONLY" include (all seat location descriptions are approximate):

On-Stage "All Access" package: $399 - Includes On-Stage seating to "Bob's Birthday Bash", private On-Stage cash bar, a commemorative Light of Day WinterFest 2020 Anniversary VIP laminate; a Light of Day WinterFest 2020 Anniversary T-shirt, a L'Oreal gift bag worth more than $250 plus admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2020 events.

Platinum "All Access" package: $299 - "Very best" orchestra seats to "Bob's Birthday Bash," including pit seats and first 10 rows at the Paramount. Also includes a commemorative Light of Day WinterFest 2020 Anniversary VIP laminate; a Light of Day WinterFest Anniversary 2020 T-shirt, and a L'Oreal gift bag worth more than $250, plus admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2020 events.

Platinum "Bob's Birthday Bash Only" Ticket: $199 - Reserved seats in first 10 rows, with a commemorative Light of Day WinterFest 2020 Anniversary VIP laminate, a LOD WinterFest Anniversary 2020 t-shirt and a L'Oreal gift bag worth more than $250. Does not include admission to any other LOD 2020 WinterFest events.

Gold "All Access" package: $249 - "Bob's Birthday Bash" reserved seats in rows 11 to 16 and the loge, or closer seats on the left and right sides at the Paramount. Also includes admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2020 events.

Gold "Bob's Birthday Bash Only" Ticket: $149 - Same as Gold "All Access" package except it DOES NOT INCLUDE admission to any other Light of Day Asbury Park 2020 events.

Silver "All Access" package: $199 - "Bob's Birthday Bash" reserved mid, rear and lower side orchestra seats at the Paramount, plus admission to all Light of Day Asbury Park 2020 events.

Silver "Bob's Birthday Bash Only" Ticket: $109 - Same as Silver "All Access" package except it DOES NOT INCLUDE admission to any other Light of Day Asbury Park 2020 events.

Bronze "All Access" package: $159 - "Bob's Birthday Bash" reserved rear orchestra and lower balcony seats at the Paramount, plus admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2020 events.

Bronze "Bob's Birthday Bash Only" Ticket: $79 - Same as Bronze "All Access" package except it DOES NOT INCLUDE admission to any other Light of Day Asbury Park 2020 events.

Super Savers "Bob's Birthday Bash Only" - $49 and $39 - Upper balcony seating. DOES NOT INCLUDE admission to any other Light of Day Asbury Park 2020 events.

***Ticket prices do not reflect Ticketmaster and venue service/facility/convenience charges.

****Please note: All combo tickets guarantee your seat at "BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH". However, admission to all other Light of Day WinterFest 2020 Asbury Park events is subject to capacity restrictions at their respective venue.

As the Bruce Springsteen song that inspired the organization's name says, LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY is indeed "just around the corner." With 11 surprise annual performances, Springsteen has helped catapult the festival to international notoriety as it's raised $5.5 million through its first 19 years. His unannounced appearances traditionally occur during Bob's Birthday Bash, the main event at every Light of Day WinterFest.

Aside from Springsteen, previous LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST performers have included Michael J. Fox, John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Darlene Love, Ed Kowalczyk (Live), Jakob Dylan, Suzanne Vega, Max Weinberg (E Street Band), Jake Clemons (E Street Band), Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez (E Street Band), Lucinda Williams, Mike Peters (The Alarm, Big Country), David Bryan of Bon Jovi, The Verve Pipe, Popa Chubby, Greg Kihn, David Bromberg, Alejandro Escovedo, Pete Yorn, The Smithereens, Peter Asher, Chuck Prophet, Joey Molland (Badfinger), Peter Himmelman, Gary U.S. Bonds, Southside Johnny, Dramarama, Garland Jeffreys, LaBamba's Big Band, The Ventures and actor/musician Vincent Pastore (The Sopranos). Michael J. Fox starred with Joan Jett in the 1987 film titled after the Springsteen song (and live concert favorite) of the same name, which Fox and Jett sang in the movie.

After two decades, Bob Benjamin's personal battle against Parkinson's is ever-expanding through Light of Day as he continues to steer the Foundation with grant money to organizations which fund specific research initiatives, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation, CurePSP, the Parkinson's Foundation (formerly the Parkinson's Disease Foundation), and the Parkinson's Unity Walk.

The Light of Day Foundation also supports "boots on the ground" programs designed to help people with these diseases live better lives on a daily basis, including co-sponsored projects with Joan Dancy & PALS, with a mission to help New Jersey residents in nearby Monmouth and Ocean Counties afflicted with ALS by providing a better quality of life for them and their families.

The Light of Day Foundation has partnered this year with The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel as its official hotel sponsor for LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST and is offering a special rate to all festival patrons from Jan. 7-15, 2020. Rooms are expected to go quickly! Reserve NOW through this special link: https://book.berkeleyhotelnj.com/booking/en/group-promo/LODFEST/BER/Berkeley-Oceanfront-Hotel.

The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel has remained a trademark presence within the Asbury Park seaside community for over 100 years. Nestled along the Jersey Shore, just a few steps from the famous Asbury Park boardwalk, the Atlantic Ocean provides gorgeous panoramic views and the ultimate setting for your relaxing getaway. The Berkeley's coveted beachfront location has convenient proximity to an array of local hotspots, and easily accessible to all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST destinations from Philadelphia to New York.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION

The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research, treatments and programs for patients who suffer from these diseases, as well as their families and caregivers, in order to improve quality of life on a daily basis. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc., are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

PHOTO CREDIT: Debra Rothenberg

Philadelphia Orchestra, The O'Jays, The Hooters, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Jody Gerson, Dorrance "Dodo" Hamilton, and WMMR's Pierre Robert Honored in Style as Grand Evening Gala Returns 'Home' to Avenue of the Arts Following Afternoon Bronze Plaque Unveiling

Mayor Jim Kenney Welcomes Class of 2019

Gala Hosted by Mark Goodman (Sirius XM Volume & 80s on 8) with Special Guest Appearances by Todd Rundgren, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, T. Life, BEN-FM's Matt Cord, "The Geator" Jerry Blavat, and More!

Live Performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra, The O'Jays, The Hooters, Evelyn "Champagne" King, and the Urban Guerrilla Orchestra

Bon Jovi and Graham Nash Send Video Congratulations to Pierre Robert

PHILADELPHIA (October 22, 2019) - The Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA) returned "home" to the Avenue of the Arts in style today, with an afternoon ceremony inducting seven new honorees to the Walk of Fame, followed by the grandest evening gala celebration it has hosted in a generation, at one of Philadelphia's most classic event destinations.

The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Hooters, The O'Jays, Evelyn "Champagne" King, WMMR air personality Pierre Robert, music industry executive Jody Gerson, and philanthropist Dorrance "Dodo" Hamilton formally joined the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame as members of its Class of 2019. With Mayor Jim Kenney presiding, their bronze plaques were unveiled before throngs of onlookers in front of Dorrance Hamilton Hall, preceding a stellar gala event before 500 patrons at the iconic Bellevue Philadelphia, at the opposite end of the Walk of Fame.

"The response was just tremendous," said PMA chairman Alan Rubens. "We're thrilled that we were able to stage an historic day capped by a gala of this magnitude. And it's especially sweet that we could bring the entire day's proceedings back home to the Avenue of the Arts, where we launched the Walk of Fame over 30 years ago.

"This year's honorees class is filled with legends from especially diverse backgrounds, allowing us to once again display the variety of this city's phenomenal music genres - from classical to rock to Philly soul - as well as honoring one of the music industry's most respected and accomplished executives, and a beloved philanthropist whose contributions to music education in our city is without peer."

Sirius XM Volume & 80s on 8 host Mark Goodman, a Philadelphia native and WMMR alumnus, came home to host the grand evening gala, with rousing live performances by each of the artist inductees - the Philadelphia Orchestra, The O'Jays, The Hooters, and Evelyn "Champagne" King. Also coming home for the evening was fellow Philadelphian and newly announced Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominee Todd Rundgren, a longtime Walk of Fame alumnus, making a special guest appearance to induct The Hooters. Among fellow Walk of Fame alumni, Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, Sound of Philadelphia legendary architects, inducted the O'Jays with the Philadelphia Award; Larry Magid, legendary concert promoter and chairman emeritus, inducted Jody Gerson, and "The Geator" Jerry Blavat, oldies radio personality, introduced the "Radio Row" Award and BEN-FM morning personality Matt Cord to induct Pierre Robert. His longtime rock star friends Jon Bon Jovi and bandmates Tico Torres and David Bryan, as well as Graham Nash, all sent personal video congratulations to Robert projected on oversized screens.

T. Life, the producer who discovered Evelyn "Champagne" King singing as she cleaned the restrooms of Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International Records, returned to induct the Disco/R&B songstress. Other guest presenters were Ukee Washington, CBS3 news anchor, inducting the Orchestra (Matias Tarnopolsky, Orchestra President & CEO, accepted); and David Yager, President & CEO, University of the Arts, inducting Dorrance Hamilton. Returning as the evening's house band was the world-renowned Urban Guerilla Orchestra.

Several other Walk of Fame alumni were on hand at the gala, including former teen idol Bobby Rydell, Sarah Dash of Labelle; Jerry Gross of The Dovells; Charlie Ingui of The Soul Survivors; legendary music industry trade publisher and philanthropist Kal Rudman (Friday Morning Quarterback), and Sigma Sound Studios founder and Sound of Philadelphia engineer Joseph Tarsia. Additional notables at the affair included surging Philly hip-hop artist Tierra Whack, Academy Award-winning songwriter Franke Previte (Dirty Dancing), Grammy-winning producers Phil Nicolo and Joe Donofrio; Grammy nominated producer Rick Chertoff; soap opera star Frank Dicopoulos (CBS Guiding Light), orchestra leader and singer Eddie Bruce; jazz musician Gerald Veasley, and R&B songstress Carol Riddick, current co-star of the new touring musical The Un4gettables.

All proceeds from the gala support the new PMA Music Education Fund.

1st PHOTO CAPTION: The Philadelphia Music Alliance Class of 2019 gathers at the afternoon induction ceremonies today along the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame. Credit: Scott Weiner.

2nd PHOTO CAPTION: Legendary Sound of Philadelphia producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff join the O'Jays as the multi-platinum R&B vocal group's newly installed plaque is unveiled this afternoon along the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame. Credit: Scott Weiner.

About the Philadelphia Music Alliance

The Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame, recently proclaimed an official landmark by Philadelphia City Council, is a living tribute to Philadelphia's rich music history and a vital force unifying the city's diverse cultural communities along the Avenue of the Arts, with a renewed commitment to shed new light on the City's cultural legacy and incredible contribution to the world of music past, present and future as a major tourist attraction. This agenda to recognize more local music greats in all genres is part of the community based, non-profit organization's overall mission to encourage the creation, celebration and historical preservation of Philadelphia music, and the foundation of a renewed commitment to schedule induction ceremonies each year.

'The Festival That Bruce Built' to Reach 5 Cities in 3 States Jan. 10-20, 2020 with Two-Decade Goal to Exceed $6 Million

Ticket Sale Info to Be Announced Next Week!

"To rock, and to raise money for the Light of Day, and they do a hell of a job at both. And that's pure poetry." - Elmore Magazine

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Oct. 18, 2019) - With a goal of reaching the $6 million mark in its ongoing battle against Parkinson's disease, LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST: THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY, presented by the Asbury Park Press, celebrates its momentous milestone year as the anchor event for the world-renowned Light of Day Foundation with over 50 events by 150 music acts in five cities and three states, from Jan. 10-20, 2020. Those cities are Asbury Park, NJ, Montclair, NJ, New York City, Rockland County, NY, and Philadelphia.

A ticket announcement will be made next week. The on-sale date for tickets is, as the Bruce Springsteen song that inspired the organization's name says, "just around the corner." With 11 surprise annual performances, Springsteen has helped catapult the festival to international notoriety as it's raised $5.5 million through its first 19 years. His unannounced appearances traditionally occur during Bob's Birthday Bash, the main event at every Light of Day WinterFest.

Bob's Birthday Bash is named for Bob Benjamin, the artist manager and music industry veteran who founded Light of Day in 1998 - two years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease - as a 40th birthday party fundraiser at a Red Bank, NJ café that brought the first $2,000 to the organization. Two decades later, and Benjamin's personal battle against Parkinson's is ever-expanding through Light of Day as he continues to steer the Foundation with grant money to organizations which fund specific research initiatives, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation, CurePSP, the Parkinson's Foundation (formerly the Parkinson's Disease Foundation), and the Parkinson's Unity Walk.

The Light of Day Foundation also supports "boots on the ground" programs designed to help people with these diseases live better lives on a daily basis, including co-sponsored projects with Joan Dancy & PALS, with a mission to help New Jersey residents in nearby Monmouth and Ocean Counties afflicted with ALS by providing a better quality of life for them and their families.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION

The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research, treatments and programs for patients who suffer from these diseases, as well as their families and caregivers, in order to improve quality of life on a daily basis. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc., are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jeff Ross

Jon Scott, Music Label and Promo Man Who Saved Petty's Career Remembers 'One of the Most Important and Influential Rock Stars in the World' in Latest Rock 'n 'Roll Adventure with Friend of 40 Years

"Six weeks before our first record was dropped by ABC Records, he went to the radio stations with a vengeance and brought that sucker onto the charts. And it wasn't easy. We are forever grateful." - Tom Petty, from the Hollywood Bowl stage at his last concert, dedicating "I Won't Back Down" to Jon Scott

"We would not be listening to Tom Petty on the radio if not for you (Jon Scott), back in 1977." - Mark Felsot, producer of Tom Petty Radio, Sirius XM

**AUTHOR AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS IN PRINT, RADIO, TV**

SHERMAN OAKS, CA (Sept. 23, 2019) - As the rock world remembers Tom Petty with th October anniversaries of his death and birth, Jon Scott, the long-time friend and former record label radio promo man who saved the legendary rocker's career "with a vengeance" en route to Hall of Fame status some 40 years ago is devoting the entire month to celebrating Petty's life through the special relationship chronicled in Scott's book, TOM PETTY AND ME: MY ROCK 'N' ROLL ADVENTURES WITH TOM PETTY.

On his latest rock 'n' roll adventure with Petty, Scott will be crisscrossing the country in October to join fans at celebrations in Gainesville, FL, where Petty grew up, and Los Angeles, where he landed 1974 in search of his first record deal with his band, Mudcrutch, and remained until his untimely passing as a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer rocked the music world two years ago, Oct. 2, 2017.

Scott will be joining Petty fans in Gainesville Oct. 17-18 for several events at Tom Petty Weekend, honoring "Gainesville's Favorite Son." He returns home to Los Angeles on Petty's 69 th birthday, Oct. 20, to host Tom Petty's Birthday , a four-hour celebration at Petty Cash Taqueria & Bar with live music by noted Petty tribute artists.

With a foreword by John Mellencamp writing he's "grateful for the immense amount of work that (Scott) did on my behalf and others," Scott's book similarly recounts how the author, as a radio promo man, was one of the main forces in helping to get Petty's music heard on radio stations around the country. It began when Petty's debut album, ignored and miscategorized as punk by the label eight months after its release, literally fell off the record company shelf and into Scott's hands as ABC Records was preparing to drop the artist from its roster. So moved by what he took home and discovered in the grooves, Scott risked his job at ABC to convince his bosses he personally needed to give the album a second chance at radio and resuscitate Petty's career from the music industry precipice.

Petty acknowledged Scott's importance from the stage of the Hollywood Bowl on September 25, 2017, at his last concert ever, dedicating "I Won't Back Down" to Scott: "Six weeks before our first record was dropped by ABC Records, he went to the radio stations with a vengeance and brought that sucker onto the charts. And it wasn't easy. We are forever grateful."

In TOM PETTY AND ME, Scott shares the series of coincidences and serendipity that brought him and Petty together, altering both of their careers. This is the story of incredible talent realizing a seemingly once-impossible dream by overcoming obstacles through the passion and commitment of one man who created a movement. In the process, the course of rock 'n' roll history was forever changed.

Jon Scott was raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and like many young Memphis kids growing up in the '50s, he was exposed to all types of music, including gospel, blues, and rock 'n' roll. Jon had music running through his veins.

When Jon was young, his mom would request songs and smile when the local country DJ would dedicate a song to her on the radio. That was when Jon knew what he wanted to do - make his mother smile, because she meant the world to him. Jon told his mother he would someday be a DJ. He began practicing with a tape recorder his father bought at Sears & Roebuck. At 16, Jon heard the Rolling Stones on the radio. He immediately went out and bought a Stones album and heard "Under Assistant West Coast Promo Man." Jon thought that sounded like a pretty good job too.

His father's dream, however, was for Jon to go to Memphis State University and get a business degree. Jon dropped out to pursue the radio career he longed for at the famous Keegan's School of Broadcasting in Memphis. His father was not pleased and told Jon he'd have to pay for tuition himself, so Jon found work at a local movie theater, where he had the good fortune of meeting Elvis one night.

Jon's dream finally came true when he graduated from Keegan's and was hired by a small-town Tennessee radio station in Lawrenceburg. A year later, a premonition told Jon to go back home to Memphis, where he knew there would be a job waiting.

Within two weeks, Jon was hired by WMC-FM100, a station that had been playing soft music, and whose general manager was ready to turn it into a rock 'n' roll station. On February 7, 1967, FM100 started playing rock 'n roll that had never been heard before on Memphis Top 40 stations. It would become a part of the progressive radio movement, and Jon developed a huge nighttime audience, free to play whatever he wanted. FM100 helped break acts like ZZ Top, David Bowie, Pure Prairie League, the Doobie Brothers, Henry Gross, Billy Joel and Elton John.

Another dream came true for Jon in 1973 when he left FM100 to work for MCA Records, first as a local promo man in the mid-South and then as a regional promo man in Atlanta. Soon after, he was offered his dream job at MCA as head of national album promotion and moved to Los Angeles in 1974. At MCA, he worked and traveled with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Elton John, the Who, Olivia Newton-John, Keith Moon, Roger Daltrey and Golden Earring, among others. Jon was offered a job at ABC Records, again as national head of album promotion, in 1977. This was when many serendipitous, cosmic coincidences would take place, especially with a relatively unknown band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Fate stepped in, and Jon has been credited with breaking the career of Tom Petty. He worked with Tom and the band for more than 40 years.

TOM PETTY AND ME is available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle at www.tompettyandme.com.

"David is not only one of the finest photographers we've ever worked with, but he's the kind of guy you can be comfortable hanging around with in any environment. At the end of the day, the work speaks for itself. His photos are a work of art." - Jon Bon Jovi

*** AVAILABLE FOR TV, RADIO, PRINT & ONLINE INTERVIEWS***

NEW YORK (Sept. 23, 2019) - Photographers who've dreamed of shooting a live concert from the photo pit can now have this once-in-a-lifetime experience during an actual arena tour, while learning from one of the best concert shooters in the business, when renowned tour photographer DAVID BERGMAN arrives in local arenas across the country this fall on his latest concert tour assignment.

Best known for his world travels as Bon Jovi's official tour photographer for nearly a decade, Bergman is offering this unique experience to just five people in every city who sign up for his new SHOOT FROM THE PIT live concert workshop on the Luke Combs "Beer Never Broke My Heart" arena tour. Bergman's work has been published on album covers, billboards, and in nearly every major magazine. In addition to Bon Jovi, Bergman has made portraits of artists including 50 Cent, Jared Leto, and Pete Wentz, and has shot tour photos for Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, and Gloria Estefan.

The first five people who register for SHOOT FROM THE PIT will have the rare opportunity to spend a full day living the life of a working tour photographer, while learning the "tricks of the trade" that Bergman has picked up during his 25+ years as a working professional photographer. They will shoot the show that evening from unique locations around the venue, including inside the photo pit, where their hands will touch the stage, and they can feel the power of 15,000 screaming fans behind them.

"There's no feeling in the world like photographing a live performance from the foot of the stage, in front of the first row," says Bergman. "I get emails from photographers of all skill levels who want to be in the photo pit at a big arena concert. That opportunity has rarely existed for anyone except the official tour photographer, until now. I'll teach you proper photo techniques and etiquette for working a show, and you'll have the whole night to make awesome pictures that you can be proud of."

The day starts at 2pm, where they meet up with Bergman backstage at the arena. While the crew is setting up for that night's show, Bergman will teach the photographers everything they need to know about concert photography, including proper photo gear, nailing exposures in changing lighting conditions, the photo business, setting up remote cameras, how to work with the crew and celebrities, and so much more.

They will also get a peek at the tour buses and scout the venue to make a plan for that evening's shoot. Right before the show, they'll eat dinner with the crew at backstage catering, and when the music starts, head out to the pit to start shooting, side by side with Bergman, constantly on the prowl for unique angles that no one else can get. And of course, they'll go home with lots of powerful images and an experience they'll never forget.

To register and learn more, go to www.shootfromthepit.com.

There are only five spots per concert, and they will go quickly. Don't miss out on your opportunity to "SHOOT FROM THE PIT!"

Join tour photographer David Bergman. Live - and learn - his dream job shooting major arena concerts. SHOOT FROM THE PIT workshops will be held along the Luke Combs tour in the following cities:

Fri Sept 27 - Grossinger Motors Arena, Bloomington, IL
Sat Sep 28 - Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
Fri Oct 4 - Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO
Sat Oct. 12 - Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
Sat Oct 19 - Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC
Sat Oct 26 - Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Sat Nov 2 - Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA
Fri Nov 8 - Talking Stick Resort Arena Phoenix, AZ
Sat Nov 16 - Rocket Mortgage Field, Cleveland, OH
Fri Nov 22 - Mohegan Sun Arena Uncasville, CT
Sat Nov 23 - PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

ABOUT DAVID BERGMAN:
David Bergman is a New York based music, portrait, and sports photographer and is a Canon Explorer of Light - one of the highest honors achievable by a professional photographer. With more than 25 years of professional experience, David has photographed over a thousand concerts. He is currently Luke Combs' official tour photographer and spent the last decade on the road with Bon Jovi - for whom he has produced three coffee table photo books. In addition to his other celebrity clients, David has 13 Sports Illustrated covers to his credit, and his high-resolution GigaPan of President Obama's first inaugural speech was viewed by over 30 million people. His photos have been featured in almost every major publication around the world. David is an engaging and passionate public speaker and educator who hosts educational web series, including Ask David Bergman and Two Minute Tips with David Bergman. Before moving to New York City in 2001, David was a photojournalist on staff at the Miami Herald and covered news and sports events around the world.

'Truly Perfect' Collection to Arrive Amid 50th Anniversary Celebration Of Seminal King Crimson Debut, 'In the Court of the Crimson King'

"One of my favorite albums of 2017" - Goldmine

"A mix of AOR and gentle prog riding a strong rock 'n' roll heart. ... The music is a pure joy." - Fireworks Magazine (UK)

NEW YORK (Aug. 22, 2019) - With the classic rock world poised this fall to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the seminal King Crimson debut In the Court of the Crimson King, a dominant creative personality on that genre-defining album is simultaneously celebrating the most recent benchmark in his distinguished career with the release of his newly collectible vinyl recording.

IAN McDONALD, co-founder of King Crimson and Foreigner and revered multi-instrumentalist and producer, announces the limited Collector's Vinyl Edition of BAD OLD WORLD, the critically acclaimed 2017 debut album from his latest project, New York guitar-rock outfit Honey West. Produced by Ian McDonald and co-written with Honey West front man, guitarist and lyricist TED ZURKOWSKI, BAD OLD WORLD features remastered versions of all 12 original songs on 180-gram audiophile vinyl, releasing Sept. 3 on Readout Records/The Orchard.

The Collector's Vinyl Edition is available now for pre-order ($39.95) at the official Honey West website: www.honeywestmusic.com. Every copy will be autographed by Ian McDonald and Ted Zurkowski. Additionally, every collector's package will include a BAD OLD WORLD CD, also autographed by Ian and Ted, plus excerpts from Ian's original production notebook - in his handwriting - as well as bonus production and liner notes.

BAD OLD WORLD was created with many of the production skills and techniques McDonald originally honed in the making of In the Court of the Crimson King.

"This is how BAD OLD WORLD was meant to be heard," says McDonald. "On high quality vinyl."

BAD OLD WORLD is filled with memorable melodies and clever and sophisticated lyrics driven by guitar-based rock n' roll played by top-shelf musicians, including guest drummer Steve Holley (Paul McCartney & Wings) and Graham Maby (Joe Jackson, They Might Be Giants) on bass. It's a modern sound stamped by Ian McDonald's world-class musicianship and production.

Goldmine proclaimed BAD OLD WORLD as "one of my favorite albums of 2017" and included it, as did WFUV/New York's Darren DeVivo, on its year-end Top Album list. BAD OLD WORLD, says The Vinyl District, is an album whose songs "flow with spunk and real-world-rebellion. ... The overall exuberance that comes through encourages a resounding 'yes.'" Fireworks Magazine (UK) calls BAD OLD WORLD "a pure joy" and Glide Magazine declared the album "full of just good, fun, crisp-sounding, non-overproduced songs, and it's very much worthy of a listen." Short & Sweet (NY/LA) deemed it "truly perfect."

As a British rock titan who, between King Crimson and Foreigner, has figured prominently on four of the biggest-selling albums of the 10-year period from 1969 through 1979, encompassing two completely different rock genres, McDonald proudly maintains BAD OLD WORLD is "some of the best work I've ever done." Indeed, noted Billboard, "It merits some attention when Ian McDonald gets excited about something." BAD OLD WORLD has earned additional notice from Parade.com, Huffington Post, Modern Drummer, M Music & Musicians, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Digital First Media, and Premiere Radio Networks, among many others.

Honorees to be Inducted and Celebrated Oct. 22, 2019 With Afternoon Ceremony and Evening Grand Gala

PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 7, 2019) - The Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA) today announced that The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Hooters, The O'Jays, Evelyn "Champagne" King, WMMR air personality Pierre Robert, music industry executive Jody Gerson, and philanthropist Dorrance "Dodo" Hamilton will be added to the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame as members of its Class of 2019. They will be formally inducted together Tuesday, October 22, 2019 during afternoon ceremonies along the Avenue of the Arts and celebrated that evening with a special grand gala event at The Bellevue Philadelphia.

Tickets for the 2019 Philadelphia Music Alliance Gala Dinner at The Bellevue are on sale NOW through the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-philadelphia-music-alliance-gala-tickets-68159249149

"This year's honorees class is filled with legends from especially diverse backgrounds, allowing us to once again display the variety of this city's phenomenal music genres - from classical to rock to Philly soul - as well as honoring one of the music industry's most respected and accomplished executives, and a beloved philanthropist whose contributions to music education in our city is without peer," said PMA chairman Alan Rubens, in making the announcement.

"This year, we are especially fortunate to be able to illustrate, through our honorees, the incredible impact Philadelphia has made in a wide range of realms across numerous facets of the music industry, and why our city continues to be among the elite for producing and nurturing extraordinary and award-winning talent," added PMA Executive Board member Randy Alexander.

The Class of 2019 is:

The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the preeminent orchestras in the world, renowned for its distinctive sound, desired for its keen ability to capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences, and admired for a legacy of innovation in music-making. The Orchestra is inspiring the future and transforming its rich tradition of achievement, sustaining the highest level of artistic quality, but also challenging - and exceeding - that level, by creating powerful musical experiences for audiences at home and around the world. The Walk of Fame induction will be followed this fall by its 2nd tour of Asia this year, including the first time performing in the South Korean city of Incheon.

The Hooters burst onto the Philadelphia music scene in 1980 as a new and different kind of rock band, formed by co-leaders and writers Rob Hyman and Eric Bazilian. The Hooters' unique blend of ska, reggae, and rock, featured the "hooter," or melodica, as part of their special sound, led to Platinum status on their 1985 debut album with hits "And We Danced," "All You Zombies," "Day By Day" and "Where Do The Children Go," and the honor of opening the historic Live Aid concert that summer, and the Amnesty International Concert the following year. The Hooters remain one of Philadelphia's most important and beloved rock bands, and with major plans to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2020, their Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame induction could not be arriving at a better time.

The O'Jays, recipients of the Philadelphia Award, personify the Sound of Philadelphia. The celebrated R&B group is so ingrained in the great American songbook that its body of work has become an indelible landmark in the pop culture consciousness. We all know the anthems that for more than four decades have moved seamlessly from soul and pop to funk and disco: "Love Train," "Back Stabbers," "Use Ta Be My Girl," "I Love Music (Part I)," "For The Love of Money," "Message In Our Music," "Livin' for the Weekend," "Give the People What They Want," and "Darlin' Darlin' Baby," all of which were recorded in Philadelphia at the world famous Sigma Sound Studios and produced by legendary Philadelphia Walk of Fame and Sound of Philadelphia architects Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff. Having recently announced their retirement, the PMA is proud to be capping the O'Jays' astounding 60-year career with this honor.

Evelyn "Champagne" King is one of the few classic disco stars who as continued to thrive as a star into the ensuing decades. Still recording and touring frequently, she was born into a musical family in the Bronx, and moved with them to Philadelphia, where at 14 years old, she began performing professionally with a South Philly band. Without issue Evelyn's name commands respect within the industry, and has remained prominent in the Pop, Club and R&B arenas since she burst onto the music scene with 1978's Top 10 crossover classic "Shame," recorded in Philadelphia, off her Gold-plus debut album Smooth Talk. "Shame" was an exciting taste of things to come from an artist on her way to superstardom. And within a few years, she delivered a pair of #1 hits: "Love Come Down" and "I'm In Love" - both also recorded in Philadelphia.

Dorrance Hill "Dodo" Hamilton, recipient of the Humanitarian Award, left an indelible mark on the Philadelphia music community with her passing two years ago. Her vision, generosity and dedication to the arts in the region were legendary. Over the span of her lifetime, she donated more than $47 million to a diverse group of arts institutions and organizations including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Academy of Vocal Arts, Curtis Institute of Music, Singing City, Rock to the Future, Opera Philadelphia, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, American Music Foundation, Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale, Philly Pops, Academy of Community Music, Strings for Schools and Commonwealth Youth Choirs. She also donated more than $8 million to the University of the Arts for music scholarships, part of a total of more than $50 million in gifts to the University. Although not a musician herself, her lifelong contributions to, and support of, the music organizations and youth of Philadelphia have helped make it possible for music to thrive here, and enabled thousands of young artists to pursue their passions for learning, singing and playing music.

Jody Gerson is Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, Universal Music's global publishing division. With more than three decades of experience, Gerson is one of music's most respected, accomplished executives and a preeminent creative authority. She is the first woman to be named CEO of a major music publishing company. Since joining the organization in 2015, Gerson has transformed UMPG into a billion-dollar company and the industry's best global home to songwriters. Under her leadership, UMPG has signed and extended deals with world-class talent including the Bee Gees, Elton John, Carly Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Adele, J Balvin, Billie Eilish, SZA, Coldplay, Justin Bieber, Jack White, Ariana Grande, Post Malone and many more. Additionally, under Gerson, UMPG represents leading film and TV studios including Paramount, Lionsgate, Universal Pictures, HBO, Disney Europe, and Amazon, among others. A strong advocate for women's empowerment, Gerson co-founded and serves on the Board of Directors for She Is The Music, a non-profit championing equality, inclusion and opportunity for women creators. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative.

Pierre Robert, recipient of the Radio Row Award, has been a radio staple for the good citizens of Philadelphia for over 38 years. Pierre embraces the best of the new music releases as well as heritage rock. He also is an avowed live music fan attending most Philadelphia concerts. He shares it all on WMMR's mid-day show with his daily features, exclusive artist interviews, live in-studio performances and "on this day in history" lessons. He came to Philadelphia from San Francisco in 1981 and is one of the most recognized personalities in the City of Philadelphia.

The announcements were made today during a press reception hosted by the Independence Visitor Center - one of this year's major sponsors.

About the Philadelphia Music Alliance

The Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame, recently proclaimed an official landmark by Philadelphia City Council, is a living tribute to Philadelphia's rich music history and a vital force unifying the city's diverse cultural communities along the Avenue of the Arts, with a renewed commitment to shed new light on the City's cultural legacy and incredible contribution to the world of music past, present and future as a major tourist attraction. This agenda to recognize more local music greats in all genres is part of the community based, non-profit organization's overall mission to encourage the creation, celebration and historical preservation of Philadelphia music, and the foundation of a renewed commitment to schedule induction ceremonies each year.

For more information, visit www.pmawalk.org.

"Every once in a while, an outfit comes along and redefines how we think about music and music appreciation, and for Philadelphians, that group is Worldtown SoundSystem." - Philadelphia Weekly

PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 2, 2019) - Philly DJ groove collective WORLDTOWN SOUNDSYSTEM (WTSS), the out-of-this-world seven-piece house touring band of global musicians and artists that's been raising the bar for what it means to be creative changemakers since 2011, today is releasing The Frame, the sensually intoxicating first music video from its forthcoming album, SURROUNDED, due in October.

The Frame is now available across all streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music.

Written by Ben Arsenal, Fawziyya Heart, Mateo Jimenez, Joninfin Marvin, and Patrick Richards and produced and mixed by Mattias Nelson and Arsenal, The Frame is a reflection of the collaborative and evolving nature of WTSS. Starting as a raw concept in the studio in search of analog warmth meshed with danceable beats, The Frame took real shape when Fawziyya Heart sculpted a narrative of love in the form of a chess game.

WORLDTOWN SOUNDSYSTEM is Anessa LaRae (vocals), Ben Arsenal (musical director/DJ), Gary Dann (drums), Zeek Burse (vocals), Dan Keller (saxophone), Julian Hinson (bass, vocals) and its newest member, world renown master percussionist Pablo Batista (Alicia Keys, Grover Washington Jr., Jill Scott, Patti LaBelle), replacing the late Stan "da Man" Hunt. Batista holds the rare distinction of performing on Grammy-winning releases in jazz, R&B and gospel, as well as guesting with the world-famous Philadelphia Orchestra.

WORLDTOWN SOUNDSYSTEM fuses electronic dance music culture with global rhythms and a heart of Philly soul. The ensemble has roots in three continents - Europe, Africa, and Latin America - and every WTSS event is reflective of the world's influences. More than a band, WORLDTOWN SOUNDSYSTEM is an experience - a celebration of vibes from across the globe.

Their sound has dipped and swirled through a staggering range of styles, each song exploring uncharted sonic territory. World-infused groove; bass-fueled breaks; sexified down-tempo; reggae riddims; electric lullabies; and psy-fi funk are just a few of the genres that have poured from Worldtown's soul into earbuds and speakers across the globe.

SURROUNDED is forged with fire, blood, sweat and tears of joy. Expect to be taken on a masterfully crafted and evocative journey with these fresh new tracks - the band's first in three years - starting to drop now en route to the full album release in October. Once hooked, it's impossible to get enough.

The Era's Biggest Artists Come Together For One Unforgettable Vacation Experience
Including

KC and The Sunshine Band (special appearance 2/13), The Jacksons, Commodores, Shalamar Reloaded featuring Jody Watley, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Heatwave, Sister Sledge, The Trammps featuring Earl Young; Al McKay AllStars (performing the music of Earth, Wind & Fire), First Ladies of Disco (featuring Martha Wash, Linda Clifford and Norma Jean Wright), George McCrae, Anita Ward, Maxine Nightingale, France Joli, The Ultimate Donna Summer Tribute (performed by Rainere Martin), ABBA The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, and Boogie Wonder Band and more to come!

Hosted by Deney Terrio of "Dance Fever"

Featuring Music Host Bob Pantano, host of the longest running radio dance party in the nation

Music presented by SiriusXM

Luxury Cruise Sails February 10-February 15, 2020 From Miami to Key West and Nassau, Bahamas

"A floating fiesta of feathered hair and flared collars, featuring a far-out lineup of the genre's legends." - Reader's Digest

"A can't-miss for any fan of disco ... You almost have too much to boogie to." - Fodor's Travel

Miami, Fla (July 30, 2019) - Poised to return to the high seas following wildly successful, sold-out inaugural edition, StarVista LIVE, the leader in nostalgia-based music cruise experiences is expanding its live concert offerings for the 2020 Ultimate Disco Cruise once again, with another "boat load" of new additions to the previously announced Superstar Lineup. Live concerts by many more of the pioneering superstars who made dance music a lasting part of all of our lives will "rock the boat" for five incredible nights, bringing the cultural phenomenon of the 1970s from the dance floor to the high seas on a luxury ship that will wind its way through the Caribbean from February 10-15, 2020.

The Miracles, Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical, Original Studio 54 DJ Nicky Siano, and Bee Gees Gold are now coming onboard to join previously announced KC and The Sunshine Band (special appearance 2/13), The Jacksons, Commodores, Shalamar Reloaded featuring Jody Watley, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Heatwave, Sister Sledge, The Trammps featuring Earl Young; Al McKay AllStars (performing the music of Earth, Wind & Fire), First Ladies of Disco (featuring Martha Wash, Linda Clifford and Norma Jean Wright), George McCrae, Anita Ward, Maxine Nightingale, France Joli, The Ultimate Donna Summer Tribute (performed by Rainere Martin), ABBA The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, and Boogie Wonder Band, and more to come!

Famed choreographer and "Dance Fever" TV host Deney Terrio, the man who taught John Travolta his Saturday Night Fever dance moves, is back to host one of the greatest lineups of classic dance music stars ever assembled - and so much more - aboard the award-winning Celebrity Infinity. Terrio will be joined onboard again by music host Bob Pantano, host of the longest-running radio dance party in the nation, the "Saturday Night Dance Party," now celebrating its 42nd anniversary.

After 40 years, The Miracles are still captivating audiences around the world. The very first group to sign to Motown Records, The Miracles continue to keep that iconic Detroit sound alive by performing their greatest hits such as "Shop Around," "I Second That Emotion," "Going To A Go Go," "More Love," "Tears Of A Clown," "Love Machine," "You've Really Got A Hold On Me," "The Tracks Of My Tears," "Ooh Baby Baby" and many more. They continue to tour the world, winning over audiences with their impeccable harmonies and stunning choreography.

Guests will see excerpts from Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical, the hit musical celebration of the life and music of the original 1970s "Queen of Disco," Sylvester. Co-writers Anthony Wayne (Broadway: TOOTSIE, Once On This Island, Pippin, Anything Goes) who plays SYLVESTER and Co-Writer/Director Kendrell Bowman (An Evening with Phyllis Hyman, A Soulful Christmas, Queens of Soul) bring you on the journey of Sylvester and The Weather Girls/Two Tons O'Fun like you have never seen before!

Nicky Siano is a true pioneer of the dance music scene. The very first DJ to play at STUDIO 54, he co-owned, designed and was the DJ at The Gallery, commonly known as "The First Disco." Nicky inspired owners to build such clubs as The Paradise Garage and Studio 54. He launched the careers of Grace Jones, D.C. La Rue, Loleatta Holloway, Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles, to name a few. Of the early, most influential DJ's in New York, Nicky is the last survivor of that time.

Backed by a live band, the Bee Gees Gold tribute recreates the look and sound of the Bee Gees from the '60s to the late '70s, with the unique falsettos that made them legends. John Acosta as lead singer Barry Gibb has performed in Bee Gees tributes all over the world, with a zest for detail, like no other. Bee Gees Gold is the ultimate salute and experience of seeing the Bee Gees in their prime, live once again!

"Boogie Fever" is guaranteed to run rampant day and night from Miami to Key West to Nassau, and back, turning a luxury ship into one glorious "Disco Inferno." Throughout the voyage, guests will also have the opportunity to attend special events to get up close and personal with the artists onboard, including live game shows, behind the music Q&A sessions, panel discussions, pool parties, and unforgettable themed costume gatherings. It all takes place aboard the luxurious Celebrity Infinity, renowned for excellence in dining, deluxe cabins and stunning showrooms. Celebrity Cruises represent modern luxury in cruise lines, through sleek cruise ships and top-of-the-line amenities.

Cabin fares start at $1,549 and include admission to all main stage shows, meals in main dining options and major parties. For further information on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, please call 844.296.3472 or visit www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com.

About StarVista LIVE:

StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include, the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Flower Power Cruise, '70s Rock & Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, Ultimate Disco Cruise, and Abbey Road on the River Festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista and Time Life brands, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity.

Philadelphia R&B living legend, whose superstar solo career included Philadelphia International Records, to celebrate Patti LaBelle Way street renaming dedication today with Welcome America, Inc., and City of Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (Tuesday, July 2, 2019) - Legendary Sound of Philadelphia architects Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff joined today's celebration of homegrown R&B living legend Patti LaBelle with a street naming dedication, by issuing the following joint statement:

"We congratulate our very dear friend Patti LaBelle on her street naming honors today. Patti is one of the greatest music legends to come out of Philadelphia, and she is beloved around the world. This could not happen to a better, and more well-deserved, person and friend! Congrats, Patti!"

The block of Broad Street between Spruce and Locust streets will be renamed Patti LaBelle Way, not far from the section of Broad Street that was renamed Gamble & Huff Way several years ago. It also is close to the former location of Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International Records (PIR) offices, which stood for decades at 309 S. Broad St. That is where Miss LaBelle, who grew up with Kenneth Gamble in West Philadelphia, signed with PIR in the midst of her superstar solo career following worldwide success leading the vocal groups Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles and later, Labelle. Her solo hits with Gamble & Huff include "Somebody Loves You Baby" and "If Only You Knew." More recently, Miss LaBelle collaborated with Gamble & Huff for a pair of 2008 projects, the Labelle reunion album Back to Now, and Mr. Gamble's patriotic anthem, "I Am An American."

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Gamble & Huff with Patti LaBelle through the years (all photos courtesy Gamble Huff Entertainment):

Left: Reuniting for a visit at the legendary Philadelphia International Records headquarters.

Center: Signing a recording contract in the 1980s.

Right: Receiving the Gamble & Huff Community Service Award at the Annual Phillies African American Heritage Celebration at Citizens Bank Park.

Pre-Game Ceremony Also Honors Legendary R&B Label Exec Alan Rubens, Former Philadelphia International Records Exec Chuck Gamble, and WDAS Radio Personality Mimi Brown

PHILADELPHIA - Legendary Sound of Philadelphia architects Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff returned to Citizens Bank Park last night to host the 15th annual Phillies African American Heritage Celebration presented by The Sound of Philadelphia, prior to the team's game against the New York Mets.

The 2019 Gamble & Huff Community Service Award was presented to five notable R&B artists and music industry legends, led by Russell Thompkins Jr., former lead singer of the legendary group The Stylistics, known for smash hits like "You Make Me Feel Brand New." Thompkins also performed "You Make Me Feel Brand New" at the start of the pre-game on-field festivities. Also receiving the award was Lloyd Parks, the last surviving original member of the iconic group Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, which had global hits such as "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and "The Love I Lost (Part 1)" with Gamble & Huff.

Other honorees on hand were Alan Rubens, label executive responsible for R&B artists such as Blue Magic ("Sideshow"), Major Harris ("Love Won't Let Me Wait") and Frankie Smith ("Double Dutch Bus"); Chuck Gamble, former executive vice president of Philadelphia International Records, responsible for managing and branding the Gamble & Huff catalogue for the past two decades; and Mimi Brown, WDAS radio personality celebrating 40 years on the radio, who also had the honor of throwing a ceremonial first pitch.

The Phillies African American Heritage Celebration was emceed by popular WDAS radio personality Patty Jackson.

PHOTO CAPTION
Leon Huff, legendary architect with Kenneth Gamble of The Sound of Philadelphia, and Phillies outfielder Roman Quinn present the Gamble & Huff Community Service Awards during pre-game ceremonies for the 15th Annual Phillies African American Heritage Celebration at Citizens Bank Park. From left: Lloyd Parks of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes; Alan Rubens, R&B label executive; Russell Thompkins Jr., formerly of The Stylistics; Roman Quinn; Mimi Brown, WDAS; Chuck Gamble, former Philadelphia International Records executive; and Leon Huff. Foreground: The Phillie Phanatic. Photo credit: Randex Communications

The Era's Biggest Artists Come Together For One Unforgettable Vacation Experience Including

The Ultimate Donna Summer Tribute performed by Rainere Martin, ABBA The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, and Boogie Wonder Band also coming on board with KC and The Sunshine Band (special appearance 2/13), The Jacksons, Commodores, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Heatwave, Sister Sledge, First Ladies of Disco (featuring Martha Wash, Linda Clifford and Norma Jean Wright), George McCrae, Anita Ward, Maxine Nightingale, and more to come!

Hosted by Deney Terrio of "Dance Fever"

Featuring Music Host Bob Pantano, host of the longest running radio dance party in the nation

Music presented by SiriusXM

Luxury Cruise Sails February 10-February 15, 2020 From Miami to Key West and Nassau, Bahamas

Miami, Fla (June 18, 2019) - Poised to return to the high seas following wildly successful, sold-out inaugural edition, StarVista LIVE, the leader in nostalgia-based music cruise experiences is expanding its live concert offerings for the 2020 Ultimate Disco Cruise with a "boat load" of new additions to the previously announced Superstar Lineup. Live concerts by many more of the pioneering superstars who made dance music a lasting part of all of our lives will "rock the boat" for five incredible nights, bringing the cultural phenomenon of the 1970s from the dance floor to the high seas on a luxury ship that will wind its way through the Caribbean from February 10-15, 2020.

Shalamar Reloaded featuring Jody Watley, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, France Jolie, Al McKay AllStars (performing the music of Earth, Wind & Fire), The Ultimate Donna Summer Tribute (performed by Rainere Martin), ABBA The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, and Boogie Wonder Band, are now coming onboard to join previously announced with KC and The Sunshine Band (special appearance 2/13), The Jacksons, Commodores, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Heatwave, Sister Sledge, First Ladies of Disco (featuring Martha Wash, Linda Clifford and Norma Jean Wright), George McCrae, Anita Ward, Maxine Nightingale, and more to come! The Trammps featuring Earl Young, France Jolie, and Boogie Wonder Band are all returning by popular demand!

Famed choreographer and "Dance Fever" TV host Deney Terrio, the man who taught John Travolta his Saturday Night Fever dance moves, is back to host one of the greatest lineups of classic dance music stars ever assembled - and so much more - aboard the award-winning Celebrity Infinity. Terrio will be joined onboard again by music host Bob Pantano, host of the longest-running radio dance party in the nation, the "Saturday Night Dance Party," now celebrating its 42nd anniversary.

"It's gonna be fun working on the Ultimate Disco Cruise again, working with some of the legendary entertainers I had the pleasure to play drums for on their recordings, like the Jacksons on 'Enjoy Yourself,' and the Blue Notes on 'The Love I Lost,' and more," says Earl Young of The Trammps. "I'm looking forward to seeing all my disco fans again. Please come join me for a Disco Inferno and help me to Burn, baby and burn!' and dance on the water!"

"I feel both honored and privileged to be invited back onboard for the next Ultimate Disco Cruise," says France Joli. "Not only because I will be joining yet another stellar roster of legendary heritage acts, but because being on the initial voyage simply blew me away."

As someone who came of age in the 1970s, Alan Rubens, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President of Entertainment/Executive Producer of the Ultimate Disco Cruise, remembers the Disco explosion as a "simply unforgettable" lifestyle and musical phenomenon.

"Boogie Fever" is guaranteed to run rampant day and night from Miami to Key West to Nassau, and back, turning a luxury ship into one glorious "Disco Inferno." Throughout the voyage, guests will also have the opportunity to attend special events to get up close and personal with the artists onboard, including live game shows, behind the music Q&A sessions, panel discussions, pool parties, and unforgettable themed costume gatherings. It all takes place aboard the luxurious Celebrity Infinity, renowned for excellence in dining, deluxe cabins and stunning showrooms. Celebrity Cruises represent modern luxury in cruise lines, through sleek cruise ships and top-of-the-line amenities.

Cabin fares start at $1,549 and include admission to all main stage shows, meals in main dining options and major parties. For further information on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, please call 844.296.3472 or visit www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com.

About StarVista LIVE:

StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include, the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Flower Power Cruise, '70s Rock & Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, Ultimate Disco Cruise, and Abbey Road on the River Festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista and Time Life brands, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity.

CHERRY HILL, NJ (June 13, 2019) - Kal Rudman, fellow Philadelphia broadcast pioneer, philanthropy partner, and publisher of the influential music industry trade Friday Morning Quarterback, issued the following statement on the passing of his lifelong friend and mentor, Lew Klein, whom Rudman credits for launching his career when they were both teenagers in the 1940s, a decade before Klein did the same for a young Dick Clark on American Bandstand.

"Lew Klein was beyond the word 'Legend,'" said Rudman. "We've shared so many things and commonalities over our 75-year friendship, including our philanthropic vision as broadcasters, and to see it culminate in our joint philanthropy effort with the students at our beloved Temple University, and its TV station, TUTV, is a beautiful, and fitting end to our incredible journey together over these many decades."

Temple University's (Lew) Klein College recently presented its first Klein College Tribute Award to Rudman, a fellow Temple graduate, in recognition of his significant contributions to the college, creating a number of programs that provide students with significant experiences in television through TUTV, the student station. And in 2011, Rudman was named to the Klein College Alumni Hall of Fame as a distinguished alumnus whose achievements bring honor to the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University.

"I met Lew Klein when I was 15 years old and he was 17," Rudman recalled. "My dream in 1947 was to be a radio announcer. Lew, with help from his father, had his own radio sports show on the powerful WPEN Philadelphia. I would go there and hang around in what was Heaven for me. One day Lew came out of the studio, saw me, and asked 'What are you doing right now?' I replied, 'Nuttin'.' He responded, 'You'll follow me.' And he walked me to Broad Street, and we took an elevator, and we were at the powerhouse radio station, WFIL, the ABC Network. My jaw dropped. And we walked into the studio and the radio show on live was the incredibly infamous Eddie Fisher. I saw Lew walk over to the director and speak into his ear. The next thing I knew, Lew came back to me and said, 'It's all set, Solomon. You're going on this radio show. In the quiz portion. I was ready to faint.' I won the quiz show, and my prize was 6 pairs of beautiful socks."

Rudman remained close with Klein while ascending through the broadcasting ranks, from his first job at WCAM in Camden, NJ, through his multiple appearances as a music industry expert on The Merv Griffin Show, The Today Show and The Tomorrow Show. They also shared philanthropic efforts together with the Police Athletic League, among others.

Luxury R&B Vacation Experience of a Lifetime
Sails Through Caribbean
January 18-25, 2020

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (June 10, 2019) - The 2020 Soul Train Cruise announces even more star power onboard the "hippest trip at sea," with the addition of The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston, The Family Stone, The GAP Experience, a very special Barry White Tribute performance by Jourdan Carroll, and a tribute to Grover Washington, Jr. by Jason Miles in his To Grover with Love Tribute. They join The Jacksons, The Isley Brothers, Johnny Gill, Cameo, Peabo Bryson, War, Atlantic Starr, Regina Belle, Karyn White, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, The Urban Guerilla Orchestra, Cruise Host Tony Cornelius and original Soul Train Dancers on the ultimate vacation for R&B fans who revel in the music, inimitable fashion and groundbreaking dance moves that changed music and pop culture forever.

"They love music from the '70s, the '80s, the '90s and up to the present day," Gerald Alston says about Soul Train Cruise guests as he looks forward to joining the annual cruise for the fourth time. "And it's just special - we can reach out and touch the fans just have a good time with them. It's a wonderful experience." "A lot of our fans from back in the day are on the cruise and we can reminisce with them. And when we talk to those fans, they take me back to where it all started... what happened when they saw us in concert or heard our music and what was going on at the time. It really does make you feel good to have people come up to you and reminisce and take you back to it. It's exciting to me."

In addition to The Manhattans, the 2020 Soul Train Cruise welcomes the following to the lineup:

• The Family Stone featuring original founder of Sly & the Family Stone Jerry "Papa J" Martini, Phunne "Raw Syl" Stone (daughter of founding members Sly Stone and Cynthia Robinson), Swang Stewart, Nate Wingfield, Jimmy McKinney, Frank Klepacki and Blaise Sison with explosive concerts of their Psychedelic Funk classics.
• The GAP Experience with original band members Oliver Scott, Billy Young, Roman Johnson and Baby Gap.
• Jourdan Carroll and his popular Barry White Tribute.
• "To Grover With Love" performed by GRAMMY winner Jason Miles.

Guests aboard the 2020 Soul Train Cruise will experience seven days of nonstop Love, Peace and Soul, spending their days and nights with the stars during more than 50 live performances and over 25 celebrity interactive events. Round-the-clock activities includes parties at the pool, Gospel events, live interviews, Q&A sessions, dance classes with the original Soul Train dancers, wine tasting, costume parties and so much more.

The cruise will take place aboard the Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam, a luxurious ship that features an array of premier dining, lounges surrounded by panoramic views, a world class spa and salon and elegant staterooms.

Cabins are currently available at only $2,675 per person (double occupancy) and include access to all of the major concerts, gourmet meals and daily events. Further information is available at www.soultraincruise.com or by calling 844-266-7685.

About StarVista LIVE:

StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, The Flower Power Cruise, the '70s Rock and Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, the Ultimate Disco Cruise and Abbey Road on the River festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista and Time Life brands, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity.

PHILADELPHIA (April 15, 2019) - "It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of two very deserving members of our Walk of Fame - Joe Terry, who died this morning, and David White, who died in March," said Alan Rubens, Chairman of the Philadelphia Music Alliance. "They were two of the founding members of Danny & the Juniors, who recorded 'At the Hop,' one of the most iconic songs ever to come out of Philadelphia. David was also the song's co-writer. They are true legends and true Philadelphians who were part of making our city's music heritage as great as it is."

Joe Terry (b. Joe Terranova, Jan. 30, 1941) was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame as a founding member of Danny & the Juniors in 1992. Danny & the Juniors shot straight to the top of the charts in early 1958 with their biggest hit ever, the gold-selling "At the Hop" (penned by the songwriting team of David White and John Madara), though they reached the charts again with eight more singles through 1963, notably the Top 40 charters "Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay," "Dottie," and "Twistin' U.S.A." Terry and Frank Maffei have continued to rock and roll across the country as Danny & the Juniors, thrilling new audiences with old favorites.

About the Philadelphia Music Alliance

The Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame, recently proclaimed an official landmark by Philadelphia City Council, is a living tribute to Philadelphia's rich music history and a vital force unifying the city's diverse cultural communities along the Avenue of the Arts, with a renewed commitment to shed new light on the City's cultural legacy and incredible contribution to the world of music past, present and future as a major tourist attraction. This agenda to recognize more local music greats in all genres is part of the community based, non-profit organization's overall mission to encourage the creation, celebration and historical preservation of Philadelphia music, and the foundation of a renewed commitment to schedule induction ceremonies each year.

***AUTHOR AVAILABLE FOR TV, RADIO, PRINT & ONLINE INTERVIEWS***

"Mark Hebscher has brought to life George Washington Orton for all of us to enjoy with his book. Mark's research and writing skills combined with his finding so many historic pictures capture a person and a time that had escaped us. A job well done." - JERRY HOWARTH, veteran Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster

PHILADELPHIA (April 5, 2019) - From Connie Mack to Bobby Clarke, Chuck Bednarik to Mike Schmidt, and Wilt Chamberlain to Joe Frazier, Philadelphia has always celebrated and revered its sports heroes. And then there's George Washington Orton, the subject of the fascinating - and long-overdue - new biography, THE GREATEST ATHLETE (You've Never Heard Of) (Dundurn Press, 248 pp., $21.99), by long-time Canadian broadcaster and journalist Mark Hebscher.

As Hebscher's book suggests, Orton's obscurity - especially in Philly - is puzzling at best and criminal at worst. Consider that he:

• Is acknowledged as the "father" of Philadelphia ice hockey.
• Played a key role in bringing the annual Army-Navy football game to the city.
• Coached, at various times, both the men's track-and-field and hockey teams at the University of Pennsylvania.
• Won numerous track-and-field events including two medals at the 1900 Olympics representing Penn - despite a crippling injury he sustained as a child.
• Was instrumental in the creation and subsequent growth of the Penn Relays into an internationally celebrated event.
• Was the first high-profile proponent of putting numbers on football uniforms.
• Is a 2016 Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
• According to the author, this little-known, but remarkable, tale is one that deserves wide distribution.

"Orton's story is about overcoming obstacles. He was a real-life Forrest Gump," says Hebscher, best known for his work on the ground-breaking TV show Sportsline on Global Television, and currently host of the Hebsy on Sports podcast. "He was crippled at the age of 3 and told he would never walk again. He beat the odds by setting records for the mile-run, and for becoming an Olympic gold medalist in the steeplechase.

"His life is a testament to determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. He was the first disabled athlete to win an Olympic gold medal and should be an inspiration to any person with a disability. He was an early defender of equal rights for women and persons of color. He helped popularize ice hockey and basketball in the United States and could speak nine languages."

George Washington Orton (1873-1958) was born north of the border, but his myriad contributions to Philly sports history are as significant as that of any other individual, beginning with his time as a post-graduate student-athlete at the University of Pennsylvania.

As a member of the Penn delegation that competed in the 1900 Olympics, Orton won two medals - 45 minutes apart: the gold in the 2,500-meter steeplechase and bronze in the 400-meter hurdles.

Those were but two of his numerous track-and-field accomplishments. He also captured 14 U.S. Outdoor Championships in the 2-Mile Steeplechase and 1-Mile run categories.

The above, on its own, would have justified Orton's induction into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. But his importance extends well beyond the realm of track-and-field. For instance, he is credited with being the person who introduced ice hockey to the city in 1896 while serving as the captain of Penn's first hockey squad.

Because the school lacked a suitable facility, he spearheaded the building of the city's first hockey indoor ice arena. In 1897, Orton founded the Philadelphia Hockey League. The following year he created the Quaker City Hockey Club of the American Amateur Hockey League which, in the pre-NHL days, was considered one of the sport's top showcases.

Interestingly, Hebscher believes Orton himself may bear most of the blame for his lack of universal recognition. Orton, he reasons, "had every reason to toot his own horn, but he never did. Even his family never knew of his incredible sporting accomplishments, not to mention his positive influence on the American sporting public."

Instead, he continues, Orton was much more interested in promoting a healthy lifestyle for Americans than in talking about himself.

"Ultimately, this cost him publicity and name recognition and he quietly faded into the background," says Hebscher, "never to be written or talked about again. Until now."

According to Hebscher, Orton's modesty was such that "even as an author, he referred to himself in the third person. For years, newspapers and websites have incorrectly used a picture of Orton's brother, Irvine, alongside stories about George. This has made him even more obscure."

Hebscher's interest in his subject came from a most surprising place. "'George Washington Orton" was the answer to a trivia question: Who was the first Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal?

"I consider myself an expert in sports history, and I had never heard of him," says the author. "A Google search turned up very little, and that compelled me to do a deep dive into his life. What I found out was fascinating and unbelievable. How is it that nobody wrote or said anything about this man's incredible accomplishments? How could someone so talented and influential fall through the cracks of history? Even though he is enshrined in seven Halls of Fame, I felt I just had to tell the real story about this remarkable man."

THE GREATEST ATHLETE (You've Never Heard Of) (Dundurn Press) is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and book stores throughout America.

THE GREATEST ATHLETE (You've Never Heard Of)
By Mark Hebscher
Dundurn Press
Biography & Autobiography | Sports
Softcover | 248 pages | 19 illustrations | ISBN 978-1-4597433-5-9 | $21.99
Pub Date: March 12, 2019

The Hit Men, L-R: Jeff Ganz, Jimmy Ryan, Lee Shapiro, Russ Velazquez, Steve Murphy
(credit: Bobby Bank)

THE HIT MEN are being recognized by the Nashville museum that honors the talented but often overlooked musicians who played on the greatest recordings of all time. For decades, this unique Supergroup's members have recorded or performed with Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, and members of The Who, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Toto, Journey, The Ramones, and dozens more.

"The Hit Men are musicians in a class all their own" - M Music & Musicians Magazine

NEW YORK (March 21, 2019) - THE HIT MEN, classic rock's unique Supergroup of legendary side men, have been selected by the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum™ in Nashville to receive a special award "for their years of dedication to the music, and the countless miles ... that they have traveled in delivering so many hits throughout the world."

THE HIT MEN will be celebrating their receipt of the prestigious Road Warrior Award from the Nashville institution with an especially intimate New York homecoming show Saturday, April 27 at the Cutting Room, 44 E. 32nd St., NYC. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets $35-$75 at www.thecuttingroomnyc.com.

After decades recording or performing with classic rock superstars Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, and members of The Who, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Toto, Journey, The Ramones, and dozens more, THE HIT MEN - Lee Shapiro (keyboards/vocals, and Frankie Valli's former musical director), Jimmy Ryan (lead guitar/vocals, and Carly Simon's former musical director), Russ Velazquez (keyboards/percussion/vocals), Jeff Ganz (bass/vocals), and Steve Murphy (drums/vocals) - are being recognized by the Nashville museum that honors the talented but often overlooked musicians who actually played on the greatest recordings of all time.

What the Wrecking Crew meant to the pop music revolution of the '60s, THE HIT MEN have meant to some of the most indelible hits of the '70s, '80s and beyond. A Supergroup like no other, it's only now that the evolution of THE HIT MEN'S story - fueled, in part, by their countless first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history - has become a revelation.

And now the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum™ has made it official.

Joe Chambers, founder and CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum™, notes that the Road Warrior recognition "is different from the honors we normally present to the musicians who have spent most of their careers in the confines of the studio."

"The Road Warriors, in addition to their work in the studio, also take the music to the people," says Chambers. "Night after night, month after month, year after year, they are out there keeping the music alive and keeping it real, seldom getting the recognition that they all richly deserve. The Musicians Hall of Fame takes great pride in recognizing THE HIT MEN for their years of dedication to the music, and the countless miles - which nobody sees - that they have traveled in delivering so many hits throughout the world."

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum™, a premiere Nashville attraction, is the one and only museum in the world that honors the talented musicians who actually played on the greatest recordings of all time. Some, like Jimi Hendrix, are well known, while others, like L.A session drummer Hal Blaine, are not as well known to the public but have played on hundreds of hit records from Elvis, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, The Byrds, The Mamas and The Papas and The Beach Boys, just to name a very few. Studio-based session groups inducted include the Wrecking Crew (LA), the Funk Brothers (Motown), the Stax-Volt Studio Band (Memphis) and the Sigma Sound Studio Rhythm Section (Philadelphia). The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum™ has on exhibit the very instruments that these musicians used to record many of these classic hits.

"It's an incredible honor to be recognized for the work we've each put into our careers supporting the greatest names in the music industry," says founding member Lee Shapiro. "Hitmakers from every style of music have seen it desirable to book us on their sessions and tours - everybody from classic rock to pop to disco has used THE HIT MEN on their recordings and performances and we're forever grateful that this prestigious institution would honor us in this way."

True to the spirit of the Road Warrior Award, classic rock's unique Supergroup of legendary side men are currently on their 2019 U.S. tour, aimed at delivering even more of the hits they first played with the original superstars, with additional classics emerging in their shows as the tour marches on.

From transistor radios, vinyl, 8-track tapes and cassettes to the Sony Walkman, CDs, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, THE HIT MEN have seen and heard it all. And they have the stories to go with it!

THE HIT MEN continue to recreate their classics while proving again and again that you absolutely can teach old dogs new "tracks."

THE HIT MEN 2019 TOUR DATES

March 23: The Rialto Theater, Loveland, CO
April 7: Lock One Community Arts, New Bremen, OH
April 10-12: Artis/Naples, Naples, FL
April 19: The Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, FL
April 20: Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown, NJ
April 27: The Cutting Room, NYC
May 10: Blue Gate Theater, Shipshewana, IN
June 13: The Paramount, Huntington, NY
June 15: Broadway Theater, Pitman, NJ
July 13: Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, Arundel, ME

More dates to come!

GET DOWN TONIGHT! SHAKE YOUR BODY DOWN TO THE GROUND! SAIL ON!

The Era's Biggest Artists Come Together For One Unforgettable Vacation Experience
Including
KC and The Sunshine Band (special appearance 2/13), The Jacksons, Commodores, The Pointer Sisters, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Heatwave, Sister Sledge, First Ladies of Disco (featuring Martha Wash, Linda Clifford and Norma Jean Wright), George McCrae, Anita Ward, Maxine Nightingale, and more!

Hosted by Deney Terrio of "Dance Fever"

Featuring Music Host Bob Pantano, host of the longest running radio dance party in the nation

Music presented by SiriusXM

Luxury Cruise Sails February 10-February 15, 2020
From Miami to Key West and Nassau, Bahamas

Miami, Fla (March 4, 2019) - Just back from a wildly successful, sold-out inaugural edition, StarVista LIVE, the leader in nostalgia-based music cruise experiences, announces the return of its newest uniquely themed voyage, the 2020 Ultimate Disco Cruise. This cruise brings the cultural phenomenon of the 1970s from the dance floor to the high seas on a luxury ship that will wind its way through the Caribbean from February 10-15, 2020. Live concerts by the pioneering superstars who made dance music a lasting part of all of our lives will "rock the boat" for five incredible nights, with KC and The Sunshine Band (special appearance 2/13), The Jacksons, Commodores, The Pointer Sisters, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Heatwave, Sister Sledge, First Ladies of Disco (featuring Martha Wash, Linda Clifford and Norma Jean Wright), George McCrae, Anita Ward, Maxine Nightingale, and more. Famed choreographer and "Dance Fever" TV host Deney Terrio, the man who taught John Travolta his Saturday Night Fever dance moves, is back to host one of the greatest lineups of classic dance music stars ever assembled - and so much more - aboard the award-winning Celebrity Infinity. Terrio will be joined onboard again by music host Bob Pantano, host of the longest-running radio dance party in the nation, the "Saturday Night Dance Party," now celebrating its 42nd anniversary.

"I just got back from the inaugural Ultimate Disco Cruise and I can't express enough how entirely exhilarating it was," says Terrio. "Not only were all the acts fantastic, but I've never seen such an energy and complete happiness across the board, from the crowd to the artists. It was just amazing. It was like an elixir - it truly made people feel better about themselves. I haven't danced so much in such a long time, I feel like I'm 20 again. I can't wait to come back."

"We had such a great time in 2019, I can't wait to do it all over again in 2020," adds Harry "KC" Casey, who'll be leading a very special KC & The Sunshine Band appearance on February 13 in Nassau, Bahamas. "You're going to have music just practically 24 hours a day, you're going to see all of your favorite artists all in one place, and you're going to have the best time of your life. ... I can't wait to get back on this cruise, to have fun with you and to do what I love doing. That's making music and sharing good times with you."

As someone who came of age in the 1970s, Alan Rubens, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President of Entertainment/Executive Producer of the Ultimate Disco Cruise, remembers the Disco explosion as a "simply unforgettable" lifestyle and musical phenomenon.

"The surge of joy and happiness that took over the ship on our inaugural Ultimate Disco Cruise this month was unstoppable," says Rubens. "Disco created an entirely new social scene for people of all different backgrounds to come together and share that dance fever worldwide, and we were fortunate enough to recapture that vibe seamlessly. The response has been phenomenal. The music has a beat and message that makes everyone get out on our fabulous retro dance floor and stay there late into the night, just like we did back in the day. We're constantly hearing from our guests that their favorite theme nights on any of our cruises are the Disco/Funk nights. Those dance parties bring back the fantastic memories of the Disco era - the clothes, the clubs, the dances, our old friends, our romances, and that fabulous musical revolution heard and enjoyed worldwide. We can't wait to recreate that dance fever and era all over again in 2020."

"Boogie Fever" is guaranteed to run rampant day and night from Miami to Key West to Nassau, and back, turning a luxury ship into one glorious "Disco Inferno." Throughout the voyage, guests will also have the opportunity to attend special events to get up close and personal with the artists onboard, including a wine tasting, live game shows, behind the music Q&A sessions, panel discussions, pool parties, and unforgettable themed costume gatherings. It all takes place aboard the luxurious Celebrity Infinity, renowned for excellence in dining, deluxe cabins and stunning showrooms. Celebrity Cruises represent modern luxury in cruise lines, through sleek cruise ships and top-of-the-line amenities.

Cabin fares start at $1,349 and include admission to all main stage shows, meals in main dining options and major parties. For further information on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, please call 844.296.3472 or visit www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com.

About StarVista LIVE:
StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include, the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Flower Power Cruise, '70s Rock & Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, Ultimate Disco Cruise, and Abbey Road on the River Festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista and Time Life brands, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity.

Join "Mr. Saturday Night," Host of the First and Longest-Running Dance Party in the Nation, and his Special Superstar Guests on the High Seas, Direct from the Celebrity Infinity on The Ultimate Disco Cruise LIVE THIS SATURDAY from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. EST on 98.1 WOGL's Radio.com App and at BobPantano.com

Luxury Cruise Sails February 14-February 19, 2019 From Fort Lauderdale to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico and is SOLD OUT!

Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 13, 2019) - StarVista LIVE, the leader in nostalgia-based music cruise experiences, will be joining top-rated Philadelphia air personality Bob Pantano to make radio history this weekend on board The 2019 Ultimate Disco Cruise with a live broadcast of the legendary Bob Pantano Saturday Night Dance Party, direct from the High Seas!

Pantano, music host of the sold-out Ultimate Disco Cruise, will be broadcasting LIVE from the Celebrity Infinity, somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico, this Saturday (Feb. 16) from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. EST, while it's sailing from Key West, FL, to Cozumel, Mexico. Listeners around the world can be a part of this historic evening by tuning in to the Bob Pantano Saturday Night Dance Party on 98.1 WOGL's Radio.com App and at BobPantano.com as Bob simultaneously heats up the dance floors on the ship as well as his regular Saturday night roost at the Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford, NJ, where his show is broadcast each week throughout Philadelphia to the Pocono Mountains on 98.1 WOGL and simulcast to the Jersey Shore 96.1 WTTH and 93.1 WEZW.

The Saturday Night Dance Party is an award-winning Philadelphia tradition broadcast LIVE that originates on 98.1 WOGL and is hosted by the man who pioneered the Live Radio Dance Party in the City of Brotherly Love.

"We've never done anything approaching this magnitude," says Pantano, known as "Mr. Saturday Night" for four decades. "It's amazing that we'll be able to broadcast from a moving cruise ship at sea, over 1,000 miles away from our home base, while our Dance Party regulars will be dancing simultaneously to the same music with the dancers on board the Celebrity Infinity, over 1,000 miles away. It truly is a miracle of technology. It's easily the wildest thing we've ever done."

Preparing to celebrate his 42nd anniversary hosting his Dance Party live broadcast next month, Pantano was selected by StarVista LIVE as the only DJ in the country to be the Music Host on the inaugural "Ultimate Disco Cruise," starring a stellar array of classic disco superstars such as KC & the Sunshine Band, Kool & the Gang, Gloria Gaynor, The Spinners, Village People, Tavares; Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson, Luci Martin (formerly of Chic); Rose Royce, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Thelma Houston, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Yvonne Elliman, Musique, France Joli, Cruise Host Deney Terrio of "Dance Fever" and many more - many of whose records Pantano originally "broke" worldwide in the late '70s and early '80s. Several of those celebrity artists will be stopping by the live broadcast this weekend to say hi to Pantano and his listeners on land and sea. Together, Pantano and the stars will "rock the boat" with live concerts anchoring a cruise that brings the cultural phenomenon of the 1970s from the dance floor to the high seas on a luxury ship that will wind its way through the Gulf of Mexico for five incredible nights, from February 14-19, 2019.

"Boogie Fever" is guaranteed to run rampant day and night from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West to Cozumel, and back, turning a luxury ship into one glorious "Disco Inferno." Throughout the voyage, guests will also have the opportunity to attend special events to get up close and personal with the artists onboard, including live game shows, behind the music Q&A sessions, panel discussions, pool parties, and unforgettable themed costume gatherings. It all takes place aboard the luxurious Celebrity Infinity, renowned for excellence in dining, deluxe cabins and stunning showrooms. Celebrity Cruises represent modern luxury in cruise lines, through sleek cruise ships and top-of-the-line amenities.

Pantano was recently honored with a bronze plaque along the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame. It's the latest in a series of major career honors, including the Broadcast Pioneers' 2015 Person of The Year, the Phillies' Gamble & Huff Community Partnership Award, the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame, the Temple University School of Communications and Theater Hall of Fame, and a sidewalk plaque on the Wildwood Avenue of the Stars.

An announcement is expected soon about cabins going on sale for the 2020 Ultimate Disco Cruise. Fares include admission to all shows produced by StarVista LIVE, most meals and major events. For further information on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, please call 844.296.3472 or visit www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com.

About StarVista LIVE:
StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include, the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Flower Power Cruise, '70s Rock & Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, Ultimate Disco Cruise, and Abbey Road on the River Festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista and Time Life brand, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity.

New Orleans Returns to New Jersey as the Best of the Big Easy's Music and Food Arrives for Milestone Weekend Celebration at Sussex Fairgrounds in Augusta

AUGUSTA, NJ (Feb. 7, 2019) - A New Jersey tradition will be marking its milestone 30th anniversary celebrating two of New Orleans' greatest traditions - music and food - with Big Easy backyard authenticity, when the likes of Aaron Neville, the Marcus King Band and over 20 other great Crescent City acts go "head to tail" with 10,000 pounds of specially imported crawfish and more at MICHAEL ARNONE'S 30TH ANNUAL CRAWFISH FEST, May 31-June 2 here at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.

Tickets are on sale NOW for the three-day festival, which annually draws close to 20,000 people for a unique weekend experience featuring the best music and food that New Orleans and all of Louisiana has to offer. The music spans Bayou-based Cajun, Zydeco, Delta Blues, New Orleans R&B, Brass, Gospel and Jazz across three stages, while the food highlights assorted other south Louisiana delicacies such as fresh Boiled Louisiana Crawfish trucked in alive, with Jambalaya, Crawfish Etouffee, Alligator Sausage, Po-boys (oyster, shrimp and catfish), Char Grilled Oysters, Southern Fried Chicken, along with the Louisiana chefs who prepare it all.

Also scheduled to appear are Neville Jacobs, Rebirth Brass Band, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Cowboy Mouth, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Walter "Wolfman" Washington and the Roadmasters, Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie, Bishop Gunn, Cory Henry and the Treme Funktet, John Papa Gros Band, Jonathon Long, Flow Tribe, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Darcy Malone and the Tangle, Amanda Fish, The Iceman Special, Jesse Lege and Bayou Brew, Tony Smith and the You Know How We Do Crew, and Big Mamou.

Festival goers can purchase 2019 Crawfish Fest Single Day, 2 Day Combo, Group, onsite 4 day/3 nights Camping/ Admission, and King Crawfish Krewe Tickets (main stage pit passes). Advance tickets start at $35 for adults (free for children under 14 with parent), and are available through the official website, www.crawfishfest.com.

"The great thing about this festival is its incredible authenticity," says festival creator-producer and Louisiana import Michael Arnone. "It's so real that for everybody who's moved up North from Louisiana, everyone who's homesick, this is like going home for a few days. The Louisiana atmosphere, the crawfish, the jambalaya, it's all there. I tell people the music brings them, but the food keeps them."

THE MUSIC

It will take three stages to keep all the music flowing throughout the weekend: The Main Stage, the Bulleit Bourbon Pavilion Stage (covered), and a 12,000 square foot Dance Hall with a 2,000 square foot wooden dance floor. New Orleans legend Aaron Neville is actually making his second appearance at the Crawfish Festival. His first was in 2012. Arnone surprised himself when he was able to book Neville the first time. The promoter-in-chief is blown away that he's had the good fortune to bring him back. With Neville in the fold again, the CRAWFISH FEST now has hosted ALL of the Neville Brothers - Aaron, Charles, Cyril, and Art - in various incarnations, as solo artists or with other bands. This year's event also will feature Aaron's son, Ivan Neville, as a member of the Neville Jacobs super group. Making things special for the 30th anniversary is adding co-headliner Marcus King Band, the buzzing South Carolina six-piece led by 22-year-old guitar prodigy King, whose soulful and honest playing and writing has earned him stage time with Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, and other guitar greats. Also of note for this milestone gathering is an all-meat-no-potatoes double blast of brass from Rebirth Brass Band and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band - the first time the fest has hosted two major brass bands in the same year.

THE FOOD

Let's start with the festival's crustacean headliner - crawfish. Five tons of it is being imported from the Atchafalaya Spillway, the largest wetland and swamp in the U.S., in south central Louisiana, where the Atchafalaya River and the Gulf of Mexico converge. Adding to that are 3,000 Louisiana gulf shrimp and Louisiana oysters and catfish, direct from the Delta, for po boys prepared on 3,000 fresh loaves of French Bread imported from New Orleans' century-old Leidenheimer Baking Company. Five 60-quart cast iron pots will be cooking with jambalaya. Expect between 12 and 15 different food items on the Menu.

Most of the cooking, across four food courts, is being done by people personally trained in Louisiana by Arnone himself, who learned from his father. The two primary jambalaya chefs were his father's apprentices for 10 years.

"I cook but I'm no chef," says the Baton Rouge native. "I learned growing up, cooking with my family. We boiled crawfish out in our yard. My daddy used to cook the Jambalaya, but we retired him. It just got to be too much. He will be there watching over his guys. We all cooked outside. It's a Louisiana thing. The men cook outside, whether it's grilling steak or boiling seafood, or cooking jambalaya - all of this is really gathering type foods. Whether it's for family or friends. If you live in New Orleans and you're having a big party, what do you do? You cook a big pot of jambalaya. It's economical."

THE HISTORY

An electrician by trade, Arnone first landed in New Jersey when the oil bust of the 1980s dried up those jobs where he lived. He found work as an electrician in the Garden State, but missed the tastes and sounds from back home, so he decided to import them. In 1989, he rented a small pavilion at Suntan Lake in Butler, NJ, hired a Cajun band from Connecticut and a country-western band, flew in 300 pounds of crawfish, had a single pot of jambalaya cooking, and printed up 1,500 tickets.

"I was extremely homesick," Arnone remembers. "I wanted this to be like a party in my back yard. I wanted my friends to feel like they were in Baton Rouge. I've just got a lot more friends now and my back yard is bigger."

He sold only 70 tickets that first year. The original crowd was made up primarily of Louisiana ex-pats who longed for some real home cookin' food after finding too much "Cajun cuisine" in the North that was heavy on the cayenne and light on authenticity. Word of mouth doubled and tripled the crowds in each of the first three years. Booking Buckwheat Zydeco in Year 4 further helped put the Crawfish Fest on the map, a radius then spanning 40 miles northwest of New York City and the same distance southeast of Scranton, PA. Lots of LSU and Tulane alumni began coming, many on buses from Manhattan. The festival outgrew two locations and now has been long settled at the 130-acre Sussex County Fairgrounds, where crowds these days are only 20 to 30 percent from Louisiana. The rest are those who simply wish they were there. "There are lots of people who visit New Orleans, and absolutely love Louisiana," says Arnone. "I've had people come up to me and ask if I know the bartender at a certain bar in New Orleans. I don't, but they do."

THE REST

• Advance Box office will be open 10-4 PM, Tuesday till Friday 4PM, the week of the fest.
• Saturday or Sunday Tickets will be available day of show for $45 per adult (14 or over). Under 14 is free with parent.
• There are four separate onsite campgrounds: for people who want a party atmosphere (Camp New Orleans), a quieter scene (Camp Baton Rouge) and its overflow (Camp Lafayette), and large RVs (Madisonville Camp). The campground will be open for arrivals on Friday, from 10 AM until 9 PM, and again on Saturday morning, from 8 AM until 11 AM. Music just for the campers: three bands on Friday on The Bulleit Bourbon Pavilion Stage, and three bands on Saturday night just for the campers. Also for campers, festival cooks will prepare three pots of Jambalaya for Friday night to be served free around 6 PM and will be cooking breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings. Camping tickets are $165 per person in advance. Camping tickets bought on Friday at the door for any of the three days are $195 per adult, under 14 free. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.
• Main Gates will open at 10:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
• Parking is FREE.
• Please bring beach chairs or blankets.
• Food and crafts are cash only. There will be 5 ATMs on site.
• Campers can set up day tents in The Grove. The Grove is on the other side of the fence, thru the double gate, near the Main Stage (Look to the right of the pond) on Saturday Morning as early as 9 AM. Single Day Ticket holders are welcome to visit and set up in the Grove.
• Pets, kegs, glass jars and bottles, fireworks, weapons, other illicit/illegal substances, are not permitted. Also, no golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, motorized scooters, skateboards, bicycles. And NO PETS.
• Hotels, shuttles, festival maps, private parties, sponsorships, recipes, crafts, menus, stage schedules, artist bios and all other information can be found at www.crawfishfest.com.

Clearly, there is nothing on the East Coast of this magnitude that compares to MICHAEL ARNONE'S 30TH ANNUAL CRAWFISH FEST. Not bad for a homesick Louisiana electrician displaced to New Jersey who started by wanting to recreate the backyard parties he grew up hosting.

"Festivals are a tough business," says Arnone. "You're dealing with weather and everything else. Thirty years is quite an accomplishment. Even though my name's on it, this has definitely been a team effort. Without my wonderful staff, I just couldn't do it.

"In 1994, when we hit our 5th year milestone, a friend asked me where I see the future of this festival. I said that one day I'd like to have Aaron Neville, and 10,000 people, and I would like it to be two days. Over the years, we accomplished all that... and so much more."

2019 sponsors: Bud Light, Bulleit Bourbon, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Twisted Tea, Barenjager Honey Bourbon, New Jersey Lottery, Crystal Hot Sauce, Ketel One, Captain Morgan, Service Electric Broadband Cable, 84RV.com, Holiday Inn and Delta Music Experience.

The Jacksons, The Isley Brothers, Johnny Gill, Cameo, Peabo Bryson, War, Atlantic Starr, Karyn White, Regina Belle, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, The Urban Guerilla Orchestra, Cruise Host Tony Cornelius and Original Soul Train Dancers

Luxury Cruise Sails From Ft. Lauderdale, St. Maarten, St. Croix, Half Moon Cay January 18-25, 2020

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (February 4, 2019) - R&B superstars who have appeared on Soul Train throughout every era of its storied history will come together on the 2020 Soul Train Cruise, paying homage to each generation that grew up with the iconic show. Featuring The Jacksons, The Isley Brothers, Johnny Gill, Cameo, Peabo Bryson, War, Atlantic Starr, Karyn White, Regina Bell, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, The Urban Guerilla Orchestra, Cruise Host Tony Cornelius and original Soul Train Dancers, the Soul Train Cruise will revel in the music, inimitable fashion and groundbreaking dance moves that changed music and pop culture forever.

"Don Cornelius was a special friend of the Isley Brothers. His vision for Soul Train gave black artists a platform to showcase their talents in ways that no other television shows had ever done. Soul Train was truly unlike anything else," says Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers. "It brought soul music to the world, turned hundreds of talented singers and musicians into stars and made an impact in so many ways that still lasts to this day. The Soul Train Cruise takes all of these things and puts them into one place with the greatest fans for a week of unbelievably good times. The Isley Brothers are so thrilled to be back for next year's party."

"We just returned from the sold-out 2019 Soul Train Cruise and the good times are still vivid in my mind," adds StarVista LIVE's Soul Train Cruise Host Tony Cornelius. "It was like getting a group of your closest friends together for one huge, weeklong celebration." Fans look to keep the party going, with over half of cabins for the 2020 cruise already sold an entire year in advance. "Next year's cruise will be particularly special, with The Jacksons and The Isley Brothers and many others onboard, reflecting Soul Train's long-lasting success and impact as well as performances by many of the artists who appeared throughout the weekly series' uninterrupted 37-year history."

Guests aboard the 2020 Soul Train Cruise will experience seven days of nonstop Love, Peace and Soul, spending their days and nights with the stars during more than 50 live performances and over 25 celebrity interactive events. The vacation of a lifetime includes parties at the pool, a Gospel Hour, live interviews, cocktail receptions, Q&A sessions, dance classes with the original Soul Train dancers, wine tasting, costume parties and so much more.

The cruise will take place aboard the Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam, a luxurious ship that features an array of premier dining, lounges surrounded by panoramic views, a world class spa and salon and elegant staterooms.

Cabin prices start at only $1,900 per person (double occupancy) and include access to all of the major concerts, gourmet meals, and daily events. Further information is available at www.soultraincruise.com or by calling 844-266-7685.

About StarVista LIVE:
StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, The Flower Power Cruise, the '70s Rock and Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, the Ultimate Disco Cruise and Abbey Road on the River festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista and Time Life brands, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity.

The Hit Men, L-R: Jeff Ganz, Jimmy Ryan, Lee Shapiro, Russ Velazquez, Steve Murphy
(credit: Bobby Bank)

After decades performing or recording with Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, as well as members of The Who, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Toto, Journey, The Ramones, and dozens more, THE HIT MEN have become a Supergroup like no other

"The Hit Men are musicians in a class all their own" - M Music & Musicians Magazine

NEW YORK (Jan. 21, 2019) - True to the name of their latest album, Don't Stop, THE HIT MEN, classic rock's unique Supergroup of legendary side men, are back on the road this month to launch their 2019 U.S. tour aimed at delivering even more of the hits they first played with the original superstars, with additional classics emerging in their shows as the tour marches on.

After decades performing or recording with classic rock superstars Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, and members of The Who, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Toto, Journey, The Ramones and dozens more, THE HIT MEN have become a Supergroup unlike any other. What the Wrecking Crew meant to the pop music revolution of the '60s, THE HIT MEN have meant to some of the most indelible hits of the '70s, '80s and beyond. It's only now that the evolution of THE HIT MEN'S story - fueled, in part, by their countless first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history - has become a revelation.

With an eye on THE HIT MEN's 10th anniversary fast approaching, the band decided to start revealing more of the seemingly countless classic tracks connected with the five guys who comprise this unique group of musicians.

"We're adding more of the songs of the people we've collaborated with than ever before, because with the recent additions of Jeff Ganz (bass/vocals) and Steve Murphy (drums/lead vocals), we now have relationships with more classic rock bands than ever," says founding member Lee Shapiro (keyboards/vocals, and Frankie Valli's former musical director). "Combined we have such a rich history of collaborations, and we're super proud of that. We want to display the hits of these artists as broadly as we can. That makes it real fun for us to draw from those experiences and be able to play the hits that we do."

THE HIT MEN 2019 U.S. Tour comes to Philadelphia Feb. 2 at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, PA, and then the Arizona Musicfest in Scottsdale, AZ, before heading South to theaters in Florida for the rest of February, and a second Florida run in April. In between, THE HIT MEN will visit Colorado and Ohio, and host a special, intimate club appearance back home in New York City (April 27 at the Cutting Room).

As the Associated Press noted, "Nostalgia Fades but the 'Hit Men' Play On."

The newest piece in THE HIT MEN's recorded arsenal is Lee Shapiro Plays the Greatest Hits of Frankie Valli (Mink Mitten), a solo piano tribute to the iconic Jersey Boy, interpreted for the very first time as instrumental easy listening music. Shapiro, THE HIT MEN's co-founder, was Valli's musical director/arranger and Four Seasons member through the 1970s, and originally arranged two of Valli's biggest Four Seasons mid-'70s hits: the No. 1 smash "December, 1963 (Oh What a Night)" and "Who Loves You" (#3).

From transistor radios, vinyl, 8-track tapes and cassettes to the Sony Walkman, CD's, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, THE HIT MEN - also Jimmy Ryan (lead guitar/vocals, and Carly Simon's longtime musical director), and Russ Velazquez (vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist) - have seen and heard it all. And they have the stories to go with it!

THE HIT MEN continue to recreate their classics while proving again and again that you absolutely can teach old dogs new "tracks."

THE HIT MEN 2019 TOUR DATES
February 2: Montgomery County Comm. College, Blue Bell, PA
February 9: Arizona Music Feste, Scottsdale, AZ
February 15: Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, Aventura, FL
February 16: Flagler Auditorium, Palm Coast, FL
February 21: Citrus Hills, Hernando, FL
February 22-23: Crest Theatre, Delray Beach, FL
Feb. 24: Valencia Falls, West Delray, FL
March 23: The Rialto Theater, Loveland, CO
April 7: Lock One Community Arts, New Bremen, OH
April 10-12: Artis/Naples, Naples, FL
April 20: Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown, NJ
April 27: The Cutting Room, NYC

More dates to come!

FRIDAY, JAN. 18 @ THE STONE PONY, ASBURY PARK, NJ

L-R - Willie Nile, Tony Pallagrosi (LOD executive director), Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg, Pat DiNizio, and John Eddie join in a show of NJ musician brotherhood at WinterFest's "Bob's Birthday Bash." Credit: Mark Weiss.

Over 150 Music Acts Converging on NJ/NY/Philly Metro Area, NOW through Jan. 21 in Global Battle Against Parkinson's Disease 'Through the Awesome Power of Music'

"What started as a private party on the Jersey Shore for Bob Benjamin has ballooned into one of rock music's most celebrated charity events." - New York Times

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Jan. 14, 2019) - Pat DiNizio, the Smithereens leader who passed away a year ago, tops this year's class of Asbury Angels inductees announced annually at Light of Day WinterFest, the 10-day festival which this past weekend launched its 19th year of raising money and awareness through the awesome power of music in order to defeat Parkinson's Disease and the Parkinsonisms, ALS and PSP, in our lifetime.

The lives of DiNizio and his fellow departed 2019 classmates Obie Dziedzic, an assistant to Bruce Springsteen in his early years; Asbury Park musician Gladstone Trott; and music journalist "Uncle Mike" Lisa, will be remembered and celebrated at the annual Asbury Angels Induction show, Friday, Jan. 18 at the Legendary Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave., in Asbury Park, to kick off the final weekend of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST '19, presented by the Asbury Park Press.

Quintessential '60s "surf band" The Ventures ("Walk Don't Run," "Hawaii Five-O"), the best-selling instrumental band in rock history, and The Weeklings, America's most unique tribute to the music and "muse" of The Beatles, as well as surf, spy and western instrumental power trio Black Flamingoes top the bill at the Asbury Angels Induction show, which honors and memorializes the lives and history of members of the Asbury Park musical community, "including but not limited to, musicians, tech support persons, DJs, journalists, club owners, record company personnel, managers and promoters." One of the most anticipated events at LOD WinterFest, the Asbury Angels show is a four-hour marathon featuring more than a half dozen acts, on alternating electric and acoustic stages, celebrating the newest honorees. Other performers will include The Billy Walton Band, Milly, Boccigalupe & the Bad Boys, Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son and Mike Rocket, along with an acoustic stage that will feature a tribute to long-time Light of Day artist and supporter, Pat Toner, who passed away last year. Doors open 7 p.m. Tickets $28 advance/$33 day of show at www.stoneponyonline.com, Ticketmaster, and at (732) 502-0600.

The new inductees were selected by a blue-ribbon panel of music industry professionals and historians. Criteria used included significant contribution to the creative music community and impact on that community; and the length of time spent on the Asbury Park music scene. Those eligible for induction this year and in future years include musicians, songwriters, disc jockeys, writers, technical support staff and club and venue owners. They must have been deceased at least one year.

The inductees will be recognized in the upcoming year with plaques on the city's "Boardwalk of Fame" by the Asbury Angels Project, which seeks to memorialize those who have made important contributions to the city's musical legacy. There are currently more than 50 plaques along the Boardwalk. This will be the eighth Asbury Angels class.

DiNizio, a native of Scotch Plains, performed at Light of Day WinterFest as a solo artist in 2015 and returned with the Smithereens the following year to headline Bob's Birthday Bash and kick off a yearlong 30th anniversary of the release of its multi-platinum major label debut, Especially For You. To mark the occasion, the band highlighted their jazzy baroque stylings by adding horn and string sections to the presentation. He played in Asbury Park throughout his career, both with the Smithereens and solo at the Langosta Lounge, where he staged his "Confessions of a Rock Star" show in a weekly residency in 2014 and '15.

"[When] I played Light of Day for the first time [solo acoustic] ... it was one of my most memorable performing experiences in that I've seldom seen an audience that responsive to virtually every performer," said DiNizio in anticipation of the 2016 Smithereens show. "It was simply electric.

"Parkinson's disease could happen to anybody at any time," he continued. "We know people and have supporters of the band who are stricken with this disease who come to the shows. Obviously, we have a lot of empathy for anyone who's suffering. This is one of the good events for a good charitable cause."

Dziedzic was called the Boss' first and "No. 1 fan'' by Springsteen himself, and also served as a confidante who helped Springsteen purchase his first car and house. She passed way in May of 2017 at the age of 65, and also played a managerial role for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes.

Trott was an Asbury Park native who played at venues at the Jersey Shore and New York City, and often at St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Asbury Park. Michael Lisa covered the Asbury Park music scene for the Two River Times newspaper of Red Bank in the 1990s and early 2000s, as the longtime author of its rock music column "Night Grooves" under the byline "Uncle Mike." The column became a must-read for the denizens of the Jersey Shore music scene. He died of cancer in September 2017 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

* * *

For the third straight year, Asbury Angels host Tom Cunningham, longtime host of the "Bruce Brunch" on 105.7 The Hawk (now in its 16th year) will be hosting a live broadcast of his weekly Sunday morning Springsteen show from the Anchor's Bend restaurant in the Convention Hall/Paramount Theatre complex, the morning after the Main Event, on Sunday, Jan. 20 starting at 9 a.m. Cunningham promises a number of special surprise guest musicians and more on the show that morning. But you'll have to wait till that morning to find out!

"It's always special to bring the 'Bruce Brunch' on 105.7 The Hawk to Asbury Park, and for the third year in-a-row the Anchor's Bend will be our home away from home.," says Cunningham. "It's the perfect way to recount the magic from all of the prior proceedings and also easy to set up what's always an outstanding Sunday full of Light of Day events and music."

* * *

Complete ticket and additional information for all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2019 events at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook.

In 2018, Light of Day WinterFest raised enough money to catapult its 18-year cumulative total past the $5 million mark. Light of Day WinterFest '19 is expected to push the 19-year total past $5.5 million. The festival has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of its 18 years, including his most recent appearance, in 2015.

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST '19 will resume Wednesday in New York City before returning to Asbury Park the following night for the remainder of the festival. It's the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day event in Asbury Park and grew in the U.S. to a 10-day festival in the New Jersey/New York/Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Here's the complete list of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2019 shows to date:

Friday, JAN 11
LOD NORTH JERSEY - Willie Nile, James Maddock, Danielia Cotton, Williams Honor, Joe D'Urso, Jon Caspi, Christine Martucci, Laura Crisci, Rick Winowski - Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair, NJ, 7pm, $35-$75.

Saturday, JAN 12
LOD PHILADELPHIA - Willie Nile Band, Jesse Malin Band, James Maddock Band, The Weeklings, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, - The World Cafe, Downstairs, Philadelphia, Pa., 7pm doors; 8 p.m. Show, Doors 6:30 p.m.; Show 7 p.m.; $30 adv/$35dos

Sunday, JAN 13
ALBERT LEE with special guest The Michael Patrick Band - McLoone's Supper Club, 21+, 7:30pm, $25-35
"COVER ME: BEST OF THE JERSEY BAR BANDS" - Best of the Eagles, CSN Songs, Bob Burger's Tom Petty Tribute, Bell Bottom Blues, Moroccan Sheepherders, Carl Gentry Band - Stone Pony, All Ages, Doors 2pm, $18
LOD ROCKLAND - Jeffrey Gaines, James Maddock, Joe D'Urso, David Frye, with Adam Falcon, Arlon Bennett, Over The Line, Anika Bennett - Penguin Rep Theatre, Stony Point, NY, 3 pm, $25

Wednesday, JAN 16
LOD NEW YORK CITY - Steve Forbert & Band, The Weeklings, John Eddie & His Dirty Old Band, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan - The Cutting Room, Doors 6:30 p.m.; Show 7 p.m., $45

Thursday, JAN 17
WINTERFEST 2019 BADLANDS KICK-OFF - Remember Jones; Marc Ribler's Red, White & Brit Tribute to The Who feat. Little Steven's Disciples of Soul members Andy Burton, Jack Daly, Rich Mercurio; Williams' Honor; Johnny Pisano's Rock 'n Roll Pizzeria; Thurs.,18+, 7pm, $20adv/$25dos
FIRST NOTE, The Saint, 18+, 6:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
THE SENSATIONAL SOUL CRUISERS: A Night of Classic '60s, 70s & '80s R&B, Soul, Disco and Funk Hits! - McLoone's Supper Club, Fri., All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/ Show 7:30pm, $20
SANDY MACK'S WONDER JAM - Karmic Juggernaut, Kevin Hill, Waiting on Mongo, Peter Tonti, Dogs in a Pile, Strumberry Pie, Cosmic Jerry, Resurrextion, Predator Dub Assassins, Stu Coogan (90.5 The Night) - Wonder Bar, 21+, 7pm, $12
MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY'S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame All-Star Jam with Ricky Bird and Vini Lopez, Dan Amato and Sentimental Gentlemen, Malibu, Antonio Gonzalez, Bryan + Alexa haring, Society Hill, Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son, plus Special Guests - Langosta Lounge, All-Ages, 7pm, FREE ADMISSION

Friday, JAN 18
ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION - The Ventures, The Weeklings, Black Flamingoes, Billy Walton Band, Bocci & The Bad Boys, Milly, Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son, Mike Rocket Band, plus Hans Ludvigsson, Thompson & Trippiedi, Martin Praetorious, Peter Hogklint, Pat Foran - Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages, Doors 7pm, $28adv/$33dos
NIGHT OF COVERS - Billy's Fault, Kevin Mulvaney & Friends, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, HP and the Hot Takeout - Silverball Museum, $TBA
ACOUSTIC CAROUSEL WITH PETER SCHERER, Langosta Lounge, 21+, 8pm, FREE ADMISSION
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE - Willie Nile, The Grip Weeds, The Easy Outs - House of Independents, All Ages/21 to Drink; $20 adv/$25dos
ROCK HEAVY - Kenny K and the Way, Steve Conte NYC, Colossal Street Jam - The Saint, Fri.,18+, 8pm, $8adv/$12dos
SLIPPERY WHEN WET: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band - McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/ Show 8:15pm, $TBA
SOUND BOOTH - Jackson Pines, Sam Sims Band, The Burns - Asbury Hotel, 9 p.m., FREE ADMISSION
LIGHT OF DAY OPEN MIC - Wonder Bar, Doors 6:30 p.m.; Show 7 p.m., $16
MAKIN' WAVES WITH BOB MAKIN - Little Vicious, Molly Rhythm, Erotic Novels, Rachel Ana Dobken - Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime TBA, FREE ADMISSION

Saturday, JAN 19
BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH - Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Jesse Malin, Low Cut Connie, Steve Forbert & The Renditions, James Maddock, John Eddie & His Dirty Ol' Band, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, Dean Friedman, Ben Arnold - Paramount Theater, Sat, All Ages, 6pm, $43-$205
THE WEIGHT BAND - Featuring songs from The Band's treasured catalog, plus original tracks that complement The Band's legacy; Illegally Blind; The Unknowns - Stone Pony, $25 adv/$32dos
A NIGHT OF FUNK & SOUL WITH QUINCY MUMFORD AND THE REASON WHY - Very Special Guests: Colossal Street Jam - House of Independents, Doors 7 p.m.; Show 7:30 pm., $18 advance; $25 day of show.
DOWNTOWN - ASBURY UNDERGROUND, curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Noon - 7PM Over 20 venues! FREE ADMISSION
WOMEN OF SONG - Mary McCrink, Taylor Tote, Strumberry Pie, Jo Wymer, The Wag, Pam McCoy, Martin Howth (Audra), Jennifer Santamaria -The Saint, Noon, $10
FULL TILT BOOGIE BASH - Popa Chubby, Billy Hector Band, Christine Martucci, Martin Praetorius - Wonder Bar, Sat., 21+, 7pm, $TBA
ASBURY BLUES - Joe Bonanno, Mary McKrink, Wonderful Winos, Norman Seldin, Sharon Lasher Trio, RBN3, Pappa John Bug, plus Pam McCoy, James Dalton, Matt & Eryn O'Ree, Sharon Lasher Trio - Wonder Bar, 21+, Noon, $15
TBA, House of Independents, evening, 18+, 8pm, $TBA
TBA, House of Independents, afternoon TBA, 18+, $TBA
JEFFREY GAINES - Special guests James Maddock, Miss Emily, Kiyomi with Lisa Bianco on guitar - McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, Noon, $15-$25
TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, Sat., 18+, 7pm, $TBA
ROCK HEAVY, The Saint, Sat., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
LANGOSTA LIVE - Levy & The Oaks, Lowlight - Langosta Lounge, 21+, 9pm, FREE ADMISSION
MAKIN' WAVES WITH BOB MAKIN - Nalani & Sarina, American Trappist, Avery Mandeville and the Man Devils - Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime TBA, FREE ADMISSION
SOUND BOOTH - Virago, Pam Flores, Hideaway - Asbury Hotel, 9 p.m., FREE ADMISSION

Sunday, JAN 20
KID'S ROCK - Indigo Mane, Vendetta Rose, Ham by the Pound, Marel Hidalgo, Avery Rose, Radioactive, Jake Sfraga, School of Rock, The Nobodies, Julia Fleming, Dress Code 50, Double A, Rock'n Music Academy, Evan Rotella, Rockit - Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15
MUSICIANS ON A MISSION - Dan Amato & The Sentimental Gentlemen, High Season, The Well Wish, The Extensions, Sonic Blume - The Saint, Sun., 18+, Noon, $10
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #1 - Miss Emily, Peter Elkas, Arlon Bennett, Hans Ludviggson, Taylor Tote, Roberta Finocchiaro, David Vargo, Luke Dowler - Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #2 - Bruce Tunkel, Lisa Bouchelle, Pat Guadagno, Sams Sims/Kyle Ward, Frank Lombardi, Steve Delopoulos, Deirdre Forrest, Colton Kayser - Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 3pm, $15
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #3 - Danielia Cotton, Guy Davis, Anthony D'Amato, Jeffrey Gaines, Vini Lopez, Joe D'Urso, Emily Grove, Joe Grushecky, Anthony Krizan (Spin Doctors), Quincy Mumford, Willie Nile, Joe Rapolla, Rob Dye, and more artists to be announced! - McLoone's Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, Doors 4pm; Show 6:15pm, $25
ASBURY MUSIC HALL - Dez & the Swagmatics, Shady Street Show Band, Wild Americans - Asbury Hotel, 2 pm, FREE ADMISSION
LAST NOTE, The Saint, Sun., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
CAFÉ ARTISTE - Joseph Miller, Samantha Spano, Dan Leyes, Tara Dente, Mary McCrink, John Alberici, Dawn Hopkins, Joe Petillo, Karen Mansfield, Mary Ann Conway/Ron Maletich - Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 S. Main St., Ocean Grove, NJ. 1 p.m., $10

Monday, JAN 21
GOODBYE BRUNCH - LOD board and staff members, musicians and supporters from around the world will be there to dine, mingle and say goodbye till next year! There may even be some surprise musical performances! Stay tuned! - McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, 10am-2:30pm.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

Friday, Jan. 18 @ House of Independents, Asbury Park, NJ

Willie Nile

Veteran New York Rocker, a 19-Year Participant, Continues to Epitomize Festival's Unifying Spirit through the Awesome Power of Music in Worldwide Foundation's Ongoing Battle Against Parkinson's Disease

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST '19 STARTS TONIGHT IN MONTCLAIR, NJ!

Over 150 Music Acts to Converge on NJ/NY/Philly Metro Area Jan. 11-21

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

"What started as a private party on the Jersey Shore for Bob Benjamin has ballooned into one of rock music's most celebrated charity events." - New York Times

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Jan. 11, 2019) - Willie Nile, one of a small handful of artists to have performed at every Light of Day WinterFest since its 2000 launch to fight Parkinson's Disease through the awesome power of music, has stepped up again on the eve of the 2019 edition to help an ailing fellow musician who's also a longtime participant.

Nile, already on board for four events in three different cities (Montclair, NJ; Asbury Park, NJ; and Philadelphia) during LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST '19, has volunteered to fill in with his full band for pioneering alt-rock band Dramarama as the headliner for the January 18 "Friday Night Live" event at the House of Independents, 572 Cookman Ave, in Asbury Park, NJ. Also on the bill are The Grip Weeds and the Easy Outs. Doors open 7 p.m.; Show 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale NOW at www.houseofindependents.com.

John Easdale, leader of Dramarama, has announced "to all our friends and the extended Light of Day family" that he now needs to stay home in Los Angeles under doctor's orders:

"Unfortunately, an unexpected diagnosis and my need for urgent medical attention has arisen and is forcing us to cancel this year's Light of Day show on January 18 at House of Independents," said Easdale. "We are completely disappointed and truly regret any inconvenience this may cause. Willie Nile and his great band have been gracious enough to agree to perform in our place that evening. We thank them and sincerely hope that you support them as you would Dramarama. I'm fully expecting to recover quickly and look forward to Dramarama's future Light of Day appearances. Thank you so much for your continued support."

With a goal of pushing its 19-year total past $5.5 million in its ongoing battle against Parkinson's disease, the 10-day LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2019, presented by the Asbury Park Press, STARTS TONIGHT and will bring over 150 music acts to 30 venues in two New Jersey cities, New York City, Philadelphia, and Rockland County, NY, January 11-21, following a holiday season European tour.

In 2018, Light of Day WinterFest raised enough money to catapult its 18-year cumulative total past the $5 million mark. Light of Day WinterFest 2019 is expected to push the 19-year total past $5.5 million. The festival has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of its 18 years, including his most recent appearance, in 2015.

Beyond Asbury Park, LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2019 will include shows in North Jersey (Jan. 11 in Montclair), Philadelphia (Jan. 12 @ World Café Live), New York City (Jan. 16 @ The Cutting Room) and Rockland County, NY (Jan. 13 @ Penguin Rep Theatre in Stony Point). Those lineups are listed below. They are the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day event in Asbury Park and grew in the U.S. to a 10-day festival in the New Jersey/New York/Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Willie Nile's gem-filled catalog encompasses blazing rock 'n' roll, thoughtful folk-rock, intimate acoustic balladry and even an album of Bob Dylan covers. And while it's hard to think of many recording artists who are doing some of their best work this far into their careers, Nile continues to seek out new creative challenges and conquer new musical territory. He's amassed an enthusiastic international fan base along the way that includes such admirers as Bruce Springsteen, with whom he's guested onstage on several occasions, and Pete Townshend, who personally requested him as the opening act on the Who's historic 1980 U.S. tour. The list of avowed Nile fans also includes Bono, Lou Reed, Paul Simon, Ian Hunter, Graham Parker, Jim Jarmusch, Little Steven and Lucinda Williams, who once remarked, "Willie Nile is a great artist. If there was any justice in this world, I'd be opening up for him instead of him for me." Willie is one of the few artists to have participated in Light of Day every year since the beginning.

* * *

IN OTHER LIGHT OF DAY NEWS:

Here are the pickup days, times and locations for All Access Festival Combo ticket package holders:

• Wed., Jan 16: 2-7pm, Stone Pony, 901 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ
• Thu, Jan 17: 3-8pm, Paramount Theatre, 1200 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ
• Fri Jan 18: 2-5pm, Paramount Theatre, and 7pm until end of show, Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
• Sat, Jan 19: 10am til box office closes (approximately 9pm), Paramount Theatre
• NOTE: All AAF Combo ticket holders will be on the combo list that will get them into the "Cover Me" show, Sunday Jan 13 at the Stone Pony, even though they will not yet have their Access Wristbands.

* * *

Complete ticket and additional information for all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2017 events at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook.

Here's the complete list of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2019 shows to date:

Friday, JAN 11
LOD NORTH JERSEY - Willie Nile, James Maddock, Danielia Cotton, Williams Honor, Joe D'Urso, Jon Caspi, Christine Martucci, Laura Crisci, Rick Winowski - Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair, NJ, 7pm, $35-$75.

Saturday, JAN 12
LOD PHILADELPHIA - Willie Nile Band, Jesse Malin Band, James Maddock Band, The Weeklings, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, - The World Cafe, Downstairs, Philadelphia, Pa., 7pm doors; 8 p.m. Show, Doors 6:30 p.m.; Show 7 p.m.; $30 adv/$35dos

Sunday, JAN 13
ALBERT LEE with special guest The Michael Patrick Band - McLoone's Supper Club, 21+, 7:30pm, $25-35
"COVER ME: BEST OF THE JERSEY BAR BANDS" - Best of the Eagles, CSN Songs, Bob Burger's Tom Petty Tribute, Bell Bottom Blues, Moroccan Sheepherders, Carl Gentry Band - Stone Pony, All Ages, Doors 2pm, $18
LOD ROCKLAND - Jeffrey Gaines, James Maddock, Joe D'Urso, David Frye, with Adam Falcon, Arlon Bennett, Over The Line, Anika Bennett - Penguin Rep Theatre, Stony Point, NY, 3 pm, $25

Wednesday, JAN 16
LOD NEW YORK CITY - Steve Forbert & Band, The Weeklings, John Eddie & His Dirty Old Band, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan - The Cutting Room, Doors 6:30 p.m.; Show 7 p.m., $45

Thursday, JAN 17
WINTERFEST 2019 BADLANDS KICK-OFF - Remember Jones; Marc Ribler's Red, White & Brit Tribute to The Who feat. Little Steven's Disciples of Soul members Andy Burton, Jack Daly, Rich Mercurio; Williams' Honor; Johnny Pisano's Rock 'n Roll Pizzeria; Thurs.,18+, 7pm, $20adv/$25dos
FIRST NOTE, The Saint, 18+, 6:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
THE SENSATIONAL SOUL CRUISERS: A Night of Classic '60s, 70s & '80s R&B, Soul, Disco and Funk Hits! - McLoone's Supper Club, Fri., All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/ Show 7:30pm, $20
SANDY MACK'S WONDER JAM - Karmic Juggernaut, Kevin Hill, Waiting on Mongo, Peter Tonti, Dogs in a Pile, Strumberry Pie, Cosmic Jerry, Resurrextion, Predator Dub Assassins, Stu Coogan (90.5 The Night) - Wonder Bar, 21+, 7pm, $12
MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY'S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame All-Star Jam with Ricky Bird and Vini Lopez, Dan Amato and Sentimental Gentlemen, Malibu, Antonio Gonzalez, Bryan + Alexa haring, Society Hill, Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son, plus Special Guests - Langosta Lounge, All-Ages, 7pm, FREE ADMISSION

Friday, JAN 18
ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION - The Ventures, The Weeklings, Black Flamingoes, Billy Walton Band, Bocci & The Bad Boys, Milly, Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son, Mike Rocket Band, plus Hans Ludvigsson, Thompson & Trippiedi, Martin Praetorious, Peter Hogklint, Pat Foran - Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages, Doors 7pm, $28adv/$33dos
NIGHT OF COVERS - Billy's Fault, Kevin Mulvaney & Friends, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, HP and the Hot Takeout - Silverball Museum, $TBA
ACOUSTIC CAROUSEL WITH PETER SCHERER, Langosta Lounge, 21+, 8pm, FREE ADMISSION
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE - Willie Nile, The Grip Weeds, The Easy Outs - House of Independents, All Ages/21 to Drink; $20 adv/$25dos
ROCK HEAVY - Kenny K and the Way, Steve Conte NYC, Colossal Street Jam - The Saint, Fri.,18+, 8pm, $8adv/$12dos
SLIPPERY WHEN WET: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band - McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/ Show 8:15pm, $TBA
SOUND BOOTH - Jackson Pines, Sam Sims Band, The Burns - Asbury Hotel, 9 p.m., FREE ADMISSION
LIGHT OF DAY OPEN MIC - Wonder Bar, Doors 6:30 p.m.; Show 7 p.m., $16
MAKIN' WAVES WITH BOB MAKIN - Little Vicious, Molly Rhythm, Erotic Novels, Rachel Ana Dobken - Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime TBA, FREE ADMISSION

Saturday, JAN 19
BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH - Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Jesse Malin, Low Cut Connie, Steve Forbert & The Renditions, James Maddock, John Eddie & His Dirty Ol' Band, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, Dean Friedman, Ben Arnold - Paramount Theater, Sat, All Ages, 6pm, $43-$205
THE WEIGHT BAND - Featuring songs from The Band's treasured catalog, plus original tracks that complement The Band's legacy; Illegally Blind; The Unknowns - Stone Pony, $25 adv/$32dos
A NIGHT OF FUNK & SOUL WITH QUINCY MUMFORD AND THE REASON WHY - Very Special Guests: Colossal Street Jam - House of Independents, Doors 7 p.m.; Show 7:30 pm., $18 advance; $25 day of show.
DOWNTOWN - ASBURY UNDERGROUND, curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Noon - 7PM Over 20 venues! FREE ADMISSION
WOMEN OF SONG - Mary McCrink, Taylor Tote, Strumberry Pie, Jo Wymer, The Wag, Pam McCoy, Martin Howth (Audra), Jennifer Santamaria - The Saint, Noon, $10
FULL TILT BOOGIE BASH - Popa Chubby, Billy Hector Band, Christine Martucci, Martin Praetorius - Wonder Bar, Sat., 21+, 7pm, $TBA
ASBURY BLUES - Joe Bonanno, Mary McKrink, Wonderful Winos, Norman Seldin, Sharon Lasher Trio, RBN3, Pappa John Bug, plus Pam McCoy, James Dalton, Matt & Eryn O'Ree, Sharon Lasher Trio - Wonder Bar, 21+, Noon, $15
TBA, House of Independents, evening, 18+, 8pm, $TBA
TBA, House of Independents, afternoon TBA, 18+, $TBA
JEFFREY GAINES - Special guests James Maddock, Miss Emily, Kiyomi with Lisa Bianco on guitar - McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, Noon, $15-$25
TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, Sat., 18+, 7pm, $TBA
ROCK HEAVY, The Saint, Sat., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
LANGOSTA LIVE - Levy & The Oaks, Lowlight - Langosta Lounge, 21+, 9pm, FREE ADMISSION
MAKIN' WAVES WITH BOB MAKIN - Nalani & Sarina, American Trappist, Avery Mandeville and the Man Devils - Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime TBA, FREE ADMISSION
SOUND BOOTH - Virago, Pam Flores, Hideaway - Asbury Hotel, 9 p.m., FREE ADMISSION

Sunday, JAN 20
KID'S ROCK - Indigo Mane, Vendetta Rose, Ham by the Pound, Marel Hidalgo, Avery Rose, Radioactive, Jake Sfraga, School of Rock, The Nobodies, Julia Fleming, Dress Code 50, Double A, Rock'n Music Academy, Evan Rotella, Rockit - Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15
MUSICIANS ON A MISSION - Dan Amato & The Sentimental Gentlemen, High Season, The Well Wish, The Extensions, Sonic Blume - The Saint, Sun., 18+, Noon, $10
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #1 - Miss Emily, Peter Elkas, Arlon Bennett, Hans Ludviggson, Taylor Tote, Roberta Finocchiaro, David Vargo, Luke Dowler - Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #2 - Bruce Tunkel, Lisa Bouchelle, Pat Guadagno, Sams Sims/Kyle Ward, Frank Lombardi, Steve Delopoulos, Deirdre Forrest, Colton Kayser - Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 3pm, $15
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #3 - Danielia Cotton, Guy Davis, Anthony D'Amato, Jeffrey Gaines, Vini Lopez, Joe D'Urso, Emily Grove, Joe Grushecky, Anthony Krizan (Spin Doctors), Quincy Mumford, Willie Nile, Joe Rapolla, Rob Dye, and more artists to be announced! - McLoone's Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, Doors 4pm; Show 6:15pm, $25
ASBURY MUSIC HALL - Dez & the Swagmatics, Shady Street Show Band, Wild Americans - Asbury Hotel, 2 pm, FREE ADMISSION
LAST NOTE, The Saint, Sun., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
CAFÉ ARTISTE - Joseph Miller, Samantha Spano, Dan Leyes, Tara Dente, Mary McCrink, John Alberici, Dawn Hopkins, Joe Petillo, Karen Mansfield, Mary Ann Conway/Ron Maletich - Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 S. Main St., Ocean Grove, NJ. 1 p.m., $10

Monday, JAN 21
GOODBYE BRUNCH - LOD board and staff members, musicians and supporters from around the world will be there to dine, mingle and say goodbye till next year! There may even be some surprise musical performances! Stay tuned! - McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, 10am-2:30pm.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

THE VENTURES, THE WEEKLINGS, BLACK FLAMINGOES TOP ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION AT STONE PONY

REMEMBER JONES, MARC RIBLER'S RED, WHITE & BRIT TRIBUTE TO THE WHO FEATURING MEMBERS OF LITTLE STEVEN'S DISCIPLES OF SOUL HEAD WINTERFEST 2019 BADLANDS KICK-OFF AT HOUSE OF INDEPENDENTS

Over 150 Music Acts to Converge on NJ, NYC, Philly, and Rockland County, NY in Global Battle Against Parkinson's Disease 'Through The Awesome Power Of Music'

"What started as a private party on the Jersey Shore for Bob Benjamin has ballooned into one of rock music's most celebrated charity events." - New York Times

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Dec. 19, 2018) - Retro pop, rock, and soul vibes will permeate a pair of the most highly anticipated annual events at LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2019, the 10-day festival (Jan. 11-21, 2019), presented by the Asbury Park Press, entering its 19th year of raising money and awareness through the awesome power of music in order to defeat Parkinson's Disease and the Parkinsonisms, ALS and PSP, in our lifetime.

The House of Independents, 572 Cookman Ave., in Asbury Park, will keep the retro vibe buzzing by hosting the Light of Day Winterfest 2019 Badlands Kickoff, Thursday, Jan. 17, featuring Remember Jones, the one-of-a-kind throwback soul/pop singer, storyteller and bandleader, with Marc Ribler's Red, White & Brit Tribute to The Who. They'll be joined by Williams Honor and Johnny Piasano's Rock 'n Roll Pizzeria. Doors 7 p.m. Tickets $22.50 advance; $28 day of show, and available at www.houseofindependents.com. Collaboratively supported by a large ensemble of musicians (featuring female backing vocalists, a horn section, and a six-piece rhythm section), Remember Jones and his band have played to countless packed and sold-out ballrooms, clubs and theaters throughout the country. Remember Jones was named one of Paste Magazine and Daytrotter's Top 10 R&B/Soul Artists of 2017. Mark Ribler's Red, White & Brit Tribute to The Who features The Very Best Of The Who in all its rock 'n' roll glory, from the early hits ("My Generation," "I Can't Explain," "I Can See For Miles") through the Classic Albums Tommy, Who's Next, Quadrophenia, Who Are You and beyond... as performed by Ribler and his band Andy Burton, Jack Daly, Rich Mercurio (all from Little Steven's Disciples of Soul) and vocalist Dale Toth.

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The following night, quintessential '60s "surf band" The Ventures and The Weeklings, America's most unique tribute to the music and "muse" of The Beatles, as well as surf, spy and western instrumental power trio Black Flamingoes top the bill at the annual Asbury Angels Induction show to launch a five-day weekend in Asbury Park. The Asbury Angels Induction show - which honors and memorializes the lives and history of members of the Asbury Park musical community, "including but not limited to, musicians, tech support persons, DJs, journalists, club owners, record company personnel, managers and promoters" - will be held Friday, Jan. 18 at the Legendary Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave., in Asbury Park to kick off the final weekend of the charity festival's 19th edition. One of the most anticipated events at LOD WinterFest, the Asbury Angels show is a four-hour marathon featuring more than a half dozen acts, on alternating electric and acoustic stages, celebrating the newest honorees, whose identities will be announced that evening. Doors open 7 p.m. Tickets $28 advance/$33 day of show at www.stoneponyonline.com, Ticketmaster, and at (732) 502-0600.

The Ventures are the most successful instrumental combo in rock and roll history. They also rank among its most prolific bands. They are best remembered for a pair of Sixties smashes, "Walk - Don't Run" and "Hawaii Five-O." Yet their most impressive feat was charting 37 albums from 1960 to 1972. The Ventures' "big guitar sound" made them an instrumental institution in the Sixties, and they have remained an in-demand working unit down the decades. Guitar Player magazine called them "the quintessential guitar combo of the pre-Beatles era, [who] influenced not only styles, but also a generation's choice of instruments." The Weeklings are America's most unique celebration of the music and muse of The Beatles, performing explosive renditions of Beatles classics, uniquely arranged Beatles nuggets such as "Paperback Writer", "Baby You're a Rich Man" and "I Am the Walrus" plus brilliant Beatles-inspired power-pop originals, like their newest, "In the Moment" and "Running Away". The Weeklings bring The Beatles to life through their extraordinary musicianship, exceptional vocals and charming stage presence. Comprised of Jersey Shore veterans Glen Burtnik aka "Lefty Weekling" (bass and vocals), Bob Burger aka "Zeek Weekling" (rhythm guitar and vocals), John Merjave aka "Rocky Weekling" (lead guitar and vocals), and Joe Bellia aka "Smokestack Weekling" (drums and vocals), the Weeklings are currently, for the third year in a row, in the running to be voted The Coolest Song in the World on Little Steven's Underground Garage, this time for their song "In the Moment." "They show their audiences both what The Beatles were, and what they might have been if they were performing today." Black Flamingos formed in the summer of 2014, when Vincent Minervino (drums) conceived the band name, and invited mutual friends Robbie Butkowski (guitar) and Declan O'Connell (bass) to a mid-week rehearsal. Word spread quickly of this new power trio making waves on the east coast - combining elements of instro surf, spy & western. In its first 2 years, Black Flamingos headlined the Asbury Park Surf Music Festival and The Race of Gentlemen, and supported 'King of the Surf Guitar' Dick Dale, Agent Orange, Messer Chups & Daikaiju.

Full lineups also have been announced for Cover Me: Best of the Jersey Bar Bands (Sun., Jan. 13 at the Stone Pony); Sandy Mack's Wonder Jam, (Thu., Jan. 17 at the Wonder Bar); Friday Night Live (Fri., Jan. 18 at House of Independents); Asbury Blues and the Full Tilt Boogie Bash (both being held Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Wonder Bar), Kid's Rock (Sun., Jan. 20 at the Stone Pony); Musicians on a Mission (Sun., Jan. 20 at the Saint); and Songwriters by the Sea Boardwalk Crawl #2 (Sun., Jan. 20 at Langosta Lounge). Full details in the listings below.

Other new headline shows include the return of British guitar legend Albert Lee, Sunday Jan. 13 at McLoone's Supper Club, and The Weight Band (Featuring songs from The Band's treasured catalog, plus original tracks that complement The Band's legacy) Sat., Jan. 19 at the Stone Pony. Also, "A Night of Funk & Soul" with Quincy Mumford and The Reason Why, plus very special guests Colossal Street Jam, also Sat., Jan. 19, at the House of Independents; and Jeffrey Gaines, Sat. Jan. 19 at McLoone's Supper Club.

Complete ticket and additional information for all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2019 events at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook.

In 2018, Light of Day WinterFest raised enough money to catapult its 18-year cumulative total past the $5 million mark. Light of Day WinterFest 2019 is expected to push the 19-year total past $5.5 million. The festival has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of its 18 years, including his most recent appearance, in 2015.

Beyond Asbury Park, LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2019 will include shows in New York City (Jan. 16 @ The Cutting Room), North Jersey (Jan. 11 in Montclair), Philadelphia (Jan. 12, @ World Caf� Live), and Rockland County, NY (Jan. 13 @ Penguin Rep Theatre in Stony Point). Those lineups are listed below. They are the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day event in Asbury Park and grew in the U.S. to a 10-day festival in the New Jersey/New York/Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Here's the complete list of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2018 shows to date:

Friday, JAN 11
LOD NORTH JERSEY - Willie Nile, James Maddock, Danielia Cotton, Williams Honor, Joe D'Urso, Jon Caspi, Christine Martucci, Laura Crisci, Rick Winowski - Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair, NJ, 7pm, $35-$75.

Saturday, JAN 12
LOD PHILADELPHIA - Willie Nile Band, Jesse Malin Band, James Maddock Band, The Weeklings, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, - The World Cafe, Downstairs, Philadelphia, Pa., 7pm doors; 8 p.m. Show, Doors 6:30 p.m.; Show 7 p.m.; $30 adv/$35dos

Sunday, JAN 13
ALBERT LEE -- McLoone's, 21+, 7:30pm, $20-35
"COVER ME: BEST OF THE JERSEY BAR BANDS" - Best of the Eagles, CSN Songs, Bob Burger's Tom Petty Tribute, Bell Bottom Blues, Carl Gentry Band - Stone Pony, All Ages, Doors 2pm, $18
LOD ROCKLAND - Penguin Rep Theatre, Stony Point, NY, 3pm, $30-$50

Wednesday, JAN 16
LOD NEW YORK CITY - Steve Forbert & Band, The Weeklings, John Eddie & His Dirty Old Band, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan - The Cutting Room, Doors 6:30 p.m.; Show 7 p.m., $45

Thursday, JAN 17
WINTERFEST 2019 BADLANDS KICK-OFF - Remember Jones; Marc Ribler's Red, White & Brit Tribute to The Who feat. Little Steven's Disciples of Soul members Andy Burton, Jack Daly, Rich Mercurio; Williams' Honor; Johnny Piasano's Rock 'n Roll Pizzeria; Thurs.,18+, 7pm, $20adv/$25dos
FIRST NOTE, The Saint, 18+, 6:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, Fri., All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/ Show 8pm, $TBA
SANDY MACK's WONDER JAM - Karmic Juggernaut, Kevin Hill, Waiting on Mongo, Peter Tonti, Dogs in a Pile, Strumberry Pie, Cosmic Jerry, Resurrextion, Predator Dub Assassins, Stu Coogan (90.5 The Night) - Wonder Bar, 21+, 7pm, $12
MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY'S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS, Langosta Lounge, All-Ages, 7pm, FREE ADMISSION

Friday, JAN 18
ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION - The Ventures, The Weeklings, Black Flamingoes, Billy Walton Band, Milly, Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son - Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages, Doors 7pm, $28adv/$33dos
NIGHT OF COVERS - Silverball Museum, $TBA
ACOUSTIC CAROUSEL WITH PETER SCHERER - Langosta Lounge, 21+, 8pm, FREE ADMISSION
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE - Dramarama, The Grip Weeds, The Easy Outs - House of Independents, All Ages/21 to Drink; $20 adv/$25dos
ROCK HEAVY, The Saint, Fri.,18+, 8pm, $8adv/$12dos
TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/ Show 8pm, $TBA
SOUND BOOTH - Jackson Pines, Sam Sims Band, The Burns - Asbury Hotel, 9 p.m., FREE ADMISSION
MAKIN' WAVES WITH BOB MAKIN - Little Vicious, Molly Rhythm, Erotic Novels, Rachel Ana Dobken - Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime TBA, FREE ADMISSION

Saturday, JAN 19
BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH - Paramount Theater, Sat, All Ages, 6pm, $43-$205
THE WEIGHT BAND - Featuring songs from The Band's treasured catalog, plus original tracks that complement The Band's legacy; Illegally Blind; The Unknowns - Stone Pony, $25 adv/$32dos
A NIGHT OF FUNK & SOUL WITH QUINCY MUMFORD AND THE REASON WHY - Very Special Guests: Colossal Street Jam - House of Independents, Doors 7 p.m.; Show 7:30 pm., $18 advance; $20 day of show.
DOWNTOWN - ASBURY UNDERGROUND, curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Noon - 7PM Over 20 venues! FREE ADMISSION
WOMEN OF SONG - The Saint, Noon, $TBA
FULL TILT BOOGIE BASH - Popa Chubby, Billy Hector Band, Christine Martucci, - Wonder Bar, Sat., 21+, 7pm, $TBA
ASBURY BLUES - Joe Bonanno, Mary McKrink, Wonderful Winos, Norman Seldin, Sharon Lasher Trio, RBN3, Pappa John Bug - Wonder Bar, 21+, Noon, $12/$15
TBA, House of Independents, evening, 18+, 8pm, $TBA
TBA, House of Independents, afternoon TBA., 18+, $TBA
JEFFREY GAINES - Special guests Miss Emily, Kiyomi with Lisa Bianco on guitar - McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, Noon, $15-$25
TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, Sat., 18+, 7pm, $TBA
ROCK HEAVY, The Saint, Sat., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
LANGOSTA LIVE - Levy & The Oaks, Lowlight - Langosta Lounge, 21+, 9pm, FREE ADMISSION
MAKIN' WAVES WITH BOB MAKIN - Nalani & Sarina, American Trappist, Avery Mandeville and the Man Devils - Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime TBA, FREE ADMISSION
LOD SOUND BOOTH - Virago, Pam Flores, Hideaway - Asbury Hotel, 9 p.m., FREE ADMISSION

Sunday, JAN 20
KID'S ROCK - Indigo Mane, Vendetta Rose, Ham by the Pound, Marel Hidalgo, Avery Rose, Radioactive, Jake Sfraga, School of Rock, The Nobodies, Julia Fleming, Dress Code 50, Double A, Rock'n Music Academy, Evan Rotella, Rockit - Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15
MUSICIANS ON A MISSION - Dan Amato & The Sentimental Gentlemen, High Season, The Well Wish, The Extensions, Sonic Blume - The Saint, Sun., 18+, Noon, $10
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #1, Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #2 - Bruce Tunkel, Lisa Bouchelle, Pat Guadagno, Sams Sims/Kyle Ward, Frank Lombardi, Steve Delopoulos, Deirdre Forrest, Colton Kayser - Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 3pm, $15
SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #3, McLoone's Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, 6pm, $20
ASBURY MUSIC HALL - Dez & the Swagmatics, Shady Street Show Band - Asbury Hotel, 2 pm, $TBA
LAST NOTE, The Saint, Sun., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos

Monday, JAN 21
GOODBYE BRUNCH, McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, 10:30a-1:30p.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

Tickets go on Sale SATURDAY, Dec. 1 @ NOON EST

"To rock, and to raise money for the Light of Day, and they do a hell of a job at both. And that's pure poetry." - Elmore Magazine

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Nov. 29, 2018) - With a goal of reaching the $5.5 million mark in its ongoing battle against Parkinson's disease, LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2019, presented by the Asbury Park Press, the 19th anniversary edition of the anchor event for the world-renowned Light of Day Foundation, will bring over 150 music acts to 30 venues over 10 days in two New Jersey cities, New York City, Philadelphia, and Rockland County, NY, in January, following a holiday season European tour that kicks off today.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, Dec. 1 at NOON EST for the Asbury Park portion of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2019, where the bulk of the action will occur, being held Jan. 11-21, 2019 at such fabled rock venues as the Paramount Theater, the Stone Pony, the Saint, the Wonder Bar, House of Independents, McLoone's Supper Club, and the Asbury Hotel, among others. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, and all Ticketmaster outlets. A wide variety of combination ticket packages - as well as single tickets to each show - will be available.

The Ventures, Steve Forbert, Albert Lee and Band, Popa Chubby, Willie Nile and Band, Jesse Malin, James Maddock and Band, Jeffrey Gaines, Marc Ribler's Red, White & Brit Tribute to The Who featuring members of Little Steven's Disciples of Soul, Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers, The Weeklings, John Eddie, Remember Jones, Williams Honor, Bruce Tunkel, Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan, Christine Martucci, Nalani & Sarina, Taylor Tote, Pat Guadagno, and the Billy Walton Band are among the first wave of acts to be announced for LIGHT OF DAY 2019. More acts will be announced as the festival approaches.

Concert goers can purchase tickets for individual shows, on an a la carte basis, including BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH, at the Paramount Theater, scheduled for Jan. 19, 2019. Tickets for Bob's Birthday Bash range from $33 to $375, and tickets for the other club shows range from Free to $30. Concert goers can purchase a LIGHT OF DAY COMBO TICKET PACKAGE to gain admission to all Asbury Park events (approximately 50 EVENTS) at five different levels, starting at $140. The packages GUARANTEE a reserved seat for BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH at the Paramount Theatre, along with admission to all shows, capacity permitting, first-come, first-served basis. Ticket prices DO NOT include any fees and/or service/convenience charges.

The complete festival schedule and array of ticket packages are below:

Ticket packages include (all seat descriptions are approximate):

On Stage "All Access" package: $375 - On-stage seating, private on-stage cash bar, laminate, T-Shirt to "Bob's Birthday Bash," including pit seats and first 10 rows at the Paramount. Also includes a commemorative Light of Day New Jersey 2019 VIP laminate; a Light of Day New Jersey 2019 T-shirt, and a L'Oreal gift bag worth more than $200, plus admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2019 events.

Platinum "All Access" package: $275 - "Very best" orchestra seats to "Bob's Birthday Bash," including pit seats and first 10 rows at the Paramount. Also includes a commemorative Light of Day New Jersey 2019 VIP laminate; a Light of Day New Jersey 2019 T-shirt, and a L'Oreal gift bag worth more than $200, plus admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2019 events.

Platinum Paramount Only Ticket: $185 - "Bob's Birthday Bash" reserved seats in first 10 rows, with Light of Day New Jersey 2019 VIP laminate and T-Shirt.

Gold "All Access" package: $225 - "Bob's Birthday Bash" reserved seats in rows 11 to 16 and the loge, or closer seats on the left and right sides at the Paramount. Also includes admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2019 events.

Gold Paramount Only Ticket: $135 - Same as Gold "All Access" package except it DOES NOT INCLUDE admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2019 events.

Silver "All Access" package: $180 - "Bob's Birthday Bash" reserved mid, rear and lower side orchestra seats at the Paramount, plus admission to all Light of Day Asbury Park 2019 events.

Silver Paramount Only Ticket: $99 - Same as Silver "All Access" package except it DOES NOT INCLUDE admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2019 events.

Bronze "All Access" package: $140 - "Bob's Birthday Bash" reserved rear orchestra and lower balcony seats at the Paramount, plus admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2019 events.

Bronze Paramount Only Ticket: $70 - Same as Bronze "All Access" package except it DOES NOT INCLUDE admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2019 events.

Super Savers - $43 and $33 - Upper balcony seating for "Bob's Birthday Bash" only.

***Ticket prices do not reflect Ticketmaster and venue service/facility/convenience charges.

****Please note: All combo tickets guarantee your seat at the Main Event. However, admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park events is subject to capacity restrictions at their respective venue.

Individual event ticket prices:

Friday, JAN 11
LOD "NORTH JERSEY" Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair, NJ, 7pm

Saturday, JAN 12
LOD "PHILADELPHIA," The World Cafe, Downstairs, Philadelphia, Pa., 7pm

Sunday, JAN 13
LOD TBA McLoone's Supper Club, 21+, 7:30pm
LOD "COVER ME: BEST OF THE JERSEY BAR BANDS", Stone Pony, All Ages, 2pm
LOD "ROCKLAND" - Penguin Rep Theatre, Stony Point, NY, 3pm

Wednesday, JAN 16
LOD "NEW YORK CITY," The Cutting Room, 18+, 7pm

Thursday, JAN 17
LOD "WINTERFEST 2018 KICK-OFF" - House of Independents, Thurs., 18+, 7pm
LOD "FIRST NOTE", The Saint, 18+, 6:30pm
LOD TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/Show 8pm
LOD "SANDY MACK's WONDER JAM" - Wonder Bar, 21+, 7pm
LOD "MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY'S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS," Langosta Lounge, All-Ages, 7pm

Friday, JAN 18
LOD "ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION" Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages, 6:30pm
LOD "OPEN MIC" Hosted by Rob Dye - Wonder Bar, Fri., 21+, 6pm
LOD TBA Paramount Theater, All Ages, 8pm
LOD "NIGHT OF COVERS" Silverball Museum
LOD "ACOUSTIC CAROUSEL WITH PETER SCHERER" Langosta Lounge, 21+, 8pm
LOD TBA House of Independents
LOD "ROCK HEAVY" The Saint, Fri., 18+, 8pm
LOD TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/Show 8pm
LOD SOUND BOOTH Asbury Hotel, 9 p.m.
LOD MAKIN' WAVES WITH BOB MAKIN Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime TBA

Saturday, JAN 19
LOD "BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH" Paramount Theater, Sat, All Ages, 6pm, $33-$375
LOD "DOWNTOWN - ASBURY UNDERGROUND," curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Noon - 7PM Over 20 venues!
LOD "WOMEN OF SONG"
LOD "FULL TILT BOOGIE BASH" Wonder Bar, Sat., 21+, 7pm
LOD "ASBURY BLUES" Wonder Bar, 21+, Noon
LOD TBA, House of Independents, evening, 18+, 8pm
LOD TBA, House of Independents, afternoon, 18+
LOD TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, Noon
LOD TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, Sat., 18+, 7pm
LOD "ROCK HEAVY", The Saint, Sat., 18+, 7:30pm
LOD "LANGOSTA LIVE" Langosta Lounge, 21+, 9pm
LOD MAKIN' WAVES WITH BOB MAKIN Asbury Yacht Club, Showtime TBA
LOD SOUND BOOTH Asbury Hotel, 9 pm

Sunday, JAN 20
LOD "KID'S ROCK" Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Noon
LOD "MUSICIANS ON A MISSION" The Saint, Sun., 18+, Noon
LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL" Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Noon
LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL" Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 3pm
LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL" McLoone's Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, 6pm
LOD ASBURY MUSIC HALL Asbury Hotel, 2pm
LOD "LAST NOTE" The Saint, Sun., 18+, 7:30pm

Monday, JAN 21
LOD "GOODBYE BRUNCH" McLoone's Supper Club, All Ages, 10:30a-1:30p.

* * *

In 2018, Light of Day WinterFest raised over a half million dollars for the fourth straight year, catapulting its 18-year cumulative total past the $5 million mark. Light of Day WinterFest 2019 is expected to push the 19-year total past $5.5 million. The festival has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of its 18 years, including his most recent appearance, in 2015.

Aside from Springsteen, previous LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST performers have included Michael J. Fox, John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Darlene Love, Ed Kowalczyk (Live), Jakob Dylan, Suzanne Vega, Max Weinberg (E Street Band), Jake Clemons (E Street Band), Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez (E Street Band), Lucinda Williams, Mike Peters (The Alarm, Big Country), David Bryan of Bon Jovi, The Verve Pipe, Greg Kihn, David Bromberg, Alejandro Escovedo, Pete Yorn, The Smithereens, Peter Asher, Chuck Prophet, Joey Molland (Badfinger), Peter Himmelman, Gary U.S. Bonds, Southside Johnny, Dramarama, Garland Jeffreys, LaBamba's Big Band, and actor/musician Vincent Pastore (The Sopranos). Michael J. Fox starred with Joan Jett in the 1987 film titled after the Springsteen song (and live concert favorite) of the same name, which Fox and Jett sang in the movie.

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2019 also will include shows in New York City (Jan. 16 @ The Cutting Room), North Jersey (Jan. 11 in Montclair), Philadelphia (Jan. 12, @ World Café Live), and Rockland County (Jan. 13 @ Penguin Rep Theatre, Stony Point, NY). They are the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day event in Asbury Park and grew in the U.S. to a 10-day festival in the New Jersey/New York/Philadelphia metropolitan area.

On the radio side, longtime LOD concert host Tom Cunningham will host his Sunday morning "Bruce Brunch" program on 105.7 "The Hawk," live from the Anchor's Bend restaurant, in the Convention Hall/Paramount Theatre complex, with very special guests, on Jan. 20, starting at 9 a.m.

The Light of Day Foundation grants money to organizations which fund specific research initiatives, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation, CurePSP, the Parkinson's Foundation (formerly the Parkinson's Disease Foundation), and the Parkinson's Unity Walk. The Light of Day Foundation also supports "boots on the ground" programs designed to help people with these diseases live better lives on a daily basis, including co-sponsored projects with Joan Dancy & PALS, with a mission to help New Jersey residents in nearby Monmouth and Ocean Counties afflicted with ALS by providing a better quality of life for them and their families.

This fall, the Light of Day Foundation made a $100,000 donation to the Parkinson's Foundation to launch the Come Out In The Light Of Day educational initiative, a pilot program to be tested in New Jersey for patients who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson's, and the first newly diagnosed educational resource program in America, according to Tony Pallagrosi, executive director of the Light of Day Foundation.

In 2017, Gold's Gym in Howell, NJ, became the second location for Boxing for Bob classes, FREE to Parkinson's disease patients, with participation fully funded by the Light of Day Foundation. The full-body, non-contact boxing therapy workout ? which also utilizes strength training, flexibility and balance drills - continues at its original location, Gladiator's Gym in Forked River, NJ, as well. The two locations combine to serve over 100 Parkinson's patients with thrice weekly instruction, while Boxing for Bob continues to expand through the Light of Day Foundation.

In 2016, the Foundation was able to proudly establish a $150,000 grant to the Parkinsons Disease Foundation, as well as host an incredibly successful matching grant drive with CurePSP which raised an additional $200,000. This year, the Foundation gave an additional $50,000, which raised $112,000 to support "The Hope Initiative," a newly co-sponsored program with CurePSP, the foremost organization working toward curing and preventing Parkinson's related diseases such as CBD and PSP.

More significantly, Light of Day has expanded into an internationally recognized tour, through a true grassroots effort of musicians, music fans and benefactors. Light of Day shows now take place around the world on three continents, this year including the 12th annual European tour - a 17-day holiday run in 11 countries (Nov. 29-Dec. 17). And for the fifth consecutive year, a two-day Light of Day event was held over the summer in Australia, always taking place in the Australian city of Ocean Grove, Victoria, a sister city to Asbury Park neighbor Ocean Grove, NJ. Portions of proceeds from all shows are donated to local Parkinson's organizations.

Light of Day also fields a team in the annual Parkinson's Unity Walk in New York's Central Park.

Complete information on all Light of Day activity can be found at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook.. Donations to the Light of Day Foundation can be made through the main website as well.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jeff Ross

Fundraising Music Festival Spreads to 6 Cities in 3 States, Jan. 11-21, 2019

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Nov. 19, 2018) - LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST, the annual marquee event in the world-renowned Light of Day Foundation's global battle to defeat Parkinson's Disease and the Parkinsonisms - ALS and PSP - through the awesome power of music, today announced that the 19th edition of the 10-day fundraising festival will be held in six cities across three states, Jan. 11-21, 2019.

Over 150 acts will be performing at more than 50 shows in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia. Light of Day WinterFest is primarily based in Asbury Park, where the action will occur Jan. 13 and Jan. 17-21. The festival will kick off Jan. 11 in Montclair, NJ, followed by Jan. 12 in Philadelphia and for the first time, Jan. 13 in Stony Point, NY and Jan. 15 in Staten Island, NY. WinterFest returns to New York City Jan. 16. A ticket on-sale announcement is forthcoming.

In 2018, Light of Day WinterFest raised over a half million dollars for the fourth straight year, catapulting its 18-year cumulative total past the 5 million mark. Light of Day WinterFest 2019 is expected to push the 19-year total past $5.5 million. The festival has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of its 18 years, including his most recent appearance, in 2015.

Light of Day WinterFest began as a one-day affair in Asbury Park and is now the culmination of an annual worldwide series of shows. Light of Day Europe, the final event in the series leading up to Light of Day WinterFest each year, is once again preparing to take the Foundation's global initiative overseas in the fight against Parkinson's Disease with a holiday run Nov. 29 in Dublin and ending in Dorphof, Germany (already sold out). Guy Davis, Anthony D'Amato, Joe D'Urso, Jeffrey Gaines, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame former E Street Band drummer Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez, and Rob Dye will be joined by other guest musicians during the three-week trek. Together, they'll perform 17 dates in 11 countries, including multiple cities in England, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Sweden, as well as Ireland, Scotland, Liechtenstein, Belgium, and Denmark.

The Light of Day Foundation regrants money to organizations which fund specific research initiatives, including, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, CurePSP, the Parkinson's Foundation (formerly the Parkinson's Disease Foundation), and the Parkinson's Unity Walk. The Light of Day Foundation also supports "boots on the ground" programs designed to help people with these diseases live better lives on a daily basis, including Joan Dancy & PALS, with a mission to help New Jersey residents in nearby Monmouth and Ocean Counties afflicted with ALS by providing a better quality of life for them and their families.

This fall, the Light of Day Foundation made a $100,000 donation to the Parkinson's Foundation to launch the Come Out In The Light Of Day educational initiative, a pilot program to be tested in New Jersey for patients who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson's, and the first newly diagnosed educational resource program in America, according to Tony Pallagrosi, executive director of the Light of Day Foundation.

Complete information on all Light of Day activity can be found at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook. Donations to the Light of Day Foundation can be made through the main website as well.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

PHOTO CAPTION: Light of Day co-founder Bob Benjamin, who has been living with Parkinson's since 1996, thanks the sold-out audience during the annual Bob's Birthday Bash. Holding the microphone is singer-songwriter Joe D'Urso. Credit: John Posada

Clockwise from upper left: Guy Davis, Anthony D'Amato, Joe D'Urso, Jeffrey Gaines, Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez, and Rob Dye will be joined by special guests during the Light of Day Europe 2018 holiday run.

Light of Day Europe 2018 to star Guy Davis, Anthony D'Amato, Joe D'Urso, Jeffrey Gaines, Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez, Rob Dye, and Special Guests

3-Week, 11-Country Tour Kicks off Nov. 29

ASBURY PARK, NJ (November 8, 2018) - Having raised $5 million overall as it enters its 20th year battling Parkinson's disease, the world-renowned Light of Day Foundation is once again preparing to take its global initiative overseas in the fight against Parkinson's Disease overseas with the launch of its annual LIGHT OF DAY EUROPE holiday run.

Guy Davis, Anthony D'Amato, Joe D'Urso, Jeffrey Gaines, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame former E Street Band drummer Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez, and Rob Dye will be joined by other guest musicians during the three-week trek. Together, they'll perform 17 dates in 11 countries, including multiple cities in England, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Sweden. LIGHT OF DAY EUROPE 2018 will also visit Ireland, Scotland, Liechtenstein, Belgium, and Denmark. The tour kicks off Nov. 29 in Dublin and ends with a show in Dorphof, Germany, already sold out.

Light of Day Europe is the final event in a worldwide series of show each year leading up to Light of Day WinterFest, the 10-day fundraising festival held every January in multiple cities throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, culminating in a multi-day series of shows in Asbury Park, NJ. Light of Day WinterFest 2018 pushed the 18-year total past $5 million. The festival has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of its 18 years, including his most recent appearance, in 2015.

The Light of Day Foundation regrants money to organizations which fund specific research initiatives, including, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, CurePSP, the Parkinson's Foundation (formerly the Parkinson's Disease Foundation), and the Parkinson's Unity Walk. The Light of Day Foundation also supports "boots on the ground" programs designed to help people with these diseases live better lives on a daily basis, including Joan Dancy & PALS, with a mission to help New Jersey residents in nearby Monmouth and Ocean Counties afflicted with ALS by providing a better quality of life for them and their families.

This fall, the Light of Day Foundation made a $100,000 donation to the Parkinson's Foundation to launch the Come Out In The Light Of Day educational initiative, a pilot program to be tested in New Jersey for patients who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson's, and the first newly diagnosed educational resource program in America, according to Tony Pallagrosi, executive director of the Light of Day Foundation.

Complete information on all Light of Day activity can be found at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook. Donations to the Light of Day Foundation can be made through the main website as well.

LIGHT OF DAY EUROPE 2018
Thursday, November 29th - Dublin, Ireland - LOD Ireland
Friday, November 30th - Lochwinnoch, Scotland - LOD Scotland
Saturday - December 1 - Leicester, England - LOD England
Sunday - December 2 - London England - LOD London
Monday, December 3 - Zurich, Switzerland - LOD Switzerland
Tuesday, December 4 - Fürstentum, Liechtenstein - LOD Liechtestein
Thursday, December 6 - Lugano, Switzerland - LOD Lugano
Friday, December 7 - Muggia, Italy - LOD Trieste
Saturday, December 8 - Lugo, Italy - LOD Lugo
Sunday, December 9 - Figino Serenza, Italy - LOD Como
Tuesday, December 11 - Edegum, Belgium - LOD Belgium
Wednesday, December 12 - Melle, Germany - LOD Germany
Thursday, December 13 - Sarpsborg, Norway - LOD Norway
Friday, December 14 - Jonkoping, Sweden - LOD Jonkoping
Saturday, December 15 - Copenhagen, Denmark - LOD Denmark
Sunday, December 16 - Malmo, Sweden - LOD Malmo
Monday, December 17 - Dorphof, Germany - LOD Dorphof - SOLD OUT

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

The Era's Biggest Artists Come Together for One Unforgettable Vacation Experience
Including
KC and The Sunshine Band (special appearance 2/17/19), Kool & The Gang, The Spinners, Gloria Gaynor, Village People, Tavares, Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson & Luci Martin (formerly of Chic), Rose Royce, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Thelma Houston, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Yvonne Elliman, Musique, France Joli, The Australian Bee Gees Show � A Tribute to The Bee Gees, The Urban Guerilla Orchestra, Boogie Wonder Band, Keith & Leslie Ferguson, Comedian Kivi Rogers ... and more!

Cruise Hosted by Deney Terrio of "Dance Fever"
Featuring Music Host Bob Pantano, host of the Saturday Night Dance Party

With Music Presented by Sirius XM

Luxury Cruise Sails February 14-February 19, 2019
From Fort Lauderdale to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico

Fort Lauderdale, FL (November 7, 2018) - StarVista LIVE, the leader in nostalgia-based music cruise experiences, will be reliving the magic of the infamous Studio 54 and the glorious New York dance club scene it epitomized by adding the world renown "Hallelujah Disco" gospel choir spectacular and its mastermind, pioneering disco DJ Nicky Siano, to an already unprecedented superstar lineup for its newest uniquely themed voyage, the 2019 Ultimate Disco Cruise.

Nicky Siano and "Hallelujah Disco" combine to join a phenomenal gathering of pioneering musical artists who helped make dance music a lasting part of all of our lives: KC and The Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang, The Spinners, Gloria Gaynor, the Village People, Tavares, Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson & Luci Martin (formerly of Chic), Rose Royce, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Thelma Houston, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Yvonne Elliman, Musique, France Joli, the Australian Bee Gees Show - a Tribute to The Bee Gees, and just added, the Boogie Wonder Band, Keith & Leslie Ferguson and comedian Kivi Rogers - with more coming! Together, they'll "rock the boat" for five incredible nights, with live concerts anchoring a cruise that brings the cultural phenomenon of the 1970s from the dance floor to the high seas on a luxury ship that will wind its way through the Gulf of Mexico from February 14-19, 2019.

Disco was a social and cultural revolution, and Nicky Siano was there from the beginning as it all bubbled up from the New York underground in the early 1970s. In bringing his world-renown multi-media event "Hallelujah Disco" to the Ultimate Disco Cruise, Nicky tells the story of the NYC dance music scene from the Stonewall riots to Studio 54, where he was one of the primary DJs who provided the soundtrack to a litany of incendiary experiences, night after night. "Hallelujah Disco" features a six-person gospel choir singing danceable gospel songs, interwoven with the story as told through pictures, video and interviews with such notables as "Godfather of House" Frankie Knuckles and David Mancuso, the DJ legend behind The Loft. "Hallelujah Disco" is a celebration of New York City, The Seventies, and Gay Rights, written and directed by Nicky Siano, and produced by Siano with Rebecca Lynn. Learn the history of NYC Nightlife, while the Disco Gospel Classics are performed live. In addition to "Hallelujah Disco," Siano will also be on hand to host special "Studio 54" inspired dance nights on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, too!

"To be able to continue to make the Ultimate Disco Cruise an extraordinary experience by adding Nicky Siano and his "Hallelujah Disco" multimedia spectacular to an already unprecedented lineup of classic dance music superstars is a privilege that we couldn't be prouder to share with our Ultimate Disco Cruise customers," says Alan Rubens, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President of Entertainment/Executive Producer of the Ultimate Disco Cruise. "Dance Fever will be running higher than we ever could have imagined as we boogie on the high seas together!"

As someone who came of age in the 1970s, Rubens remembers the Disco explosion as a "simply unforgettable" lifestyle and musical phenomenon.

"Boogie Fever" is guaranteed to run rampant day and night from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West to Cozumel, and back, turning a luxury ship into one glorious "Disco Inferno." Throughout the voyage, guests will also have the opportunity to attend special events to get up close and personal with the artists onboard, including live game shows, behind the music Q&A sessions, panel discussions, pool parties, and unforgettable themed costume gatherings. It all takes place aboard the luxurious Celebrity Infinity, renowned for excellence in dining, deluxe cabins and stunning showrooms. Celebrity Cruises represent modern luxury in cruise lines, through sleek cruise ships and top-of-the-line amenities.

Cabin fares start at $1,849 and include admission to all shows produced by StarVista LIVE, most meals and major events. For further information on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, please call 844.296.3472 or visit www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com.

About StarVista LIVE:
StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include, the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Flower Power Cruise, '70s Rock & Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, Ultimate Disco Cruise, and Abbey Road on the River Festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista / Time Life brand, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity. Additional information about StarVista LIVE can be found at: www.StarVistaLIVE.com.

Huff and Rydell presented with Lifetime Music Achievement Awards at Philadelphia RowHome Magazine Blue Sapphire Award Ceremony

L-R: Leon Huff, Dee Dee Sharp, Bobby Rydell and Kenny Gamble reunite to share honors at the RowHome Magazine Blue Sapphire Awards. Credit: Randex Communications.

PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 2, 2018) - In a historic reunion that traced the roots of the Sounds of Philadelphia and 60 years of world-renown Philly Soul, Philadelphia International Records co-founders and R&B pioneers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff arrived last night to reunite with a pair of Philly's Cameo-Parkway Records "Bandstand" legends, Bobby Rydell ("Wild One," "Volare") and Dee Dee Sharp ("Mashed Potato Time"), as Huff and Rydell each received Lifetime Music Achievement honors at the annual Philadelphia RowHome Magazine Blue Sapphire Awards.

Kenny Gamble presented the award to Leon Huff, partners for over 50 years, and recounted joyfully how blessed they were to have fatefully met on an elevator in the old Shubert Building offices, so successfully and prolifically blending Gamble's lyrics to Huff's melodies to create over 3,000 songs, including R&B #1 hits, pop #1 hits, gold and platinum records, multiple Grammy and BMI songwriters' awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

"Huff is one of the best keyboard players I've ever known and worked with," said Gamble. "I'm proud to still call him my production and writing partner for the past five decades."

Leon Huff, in accepting the award from Gamble, gave thanks for the tremendous catapult that meeting Gamble gave to his career, the pivotal moment in a musical journey which began as a youth playing his mother's upright piano in the family's Camden, NJ living room.

"Meeting Kenny Gamble in Philadelphia," said Huff, "was the best thing that happened in my life."

While primarily known for all his worldwide mega-hits with Gamble, Huff also is highly accomplished solo artist, starting in 1964 with co-writing "Mixed-Up, Shook-Up Girl" for Patty & the Emblems, and in 1980, the popular dance track, "I Ain't Jivin', I'm Jammin'," from his solo album, Here to Create Music.

Dee Dee Sharp, in presenting the award to Rydell, commented on how much she feels he's one of the all-time "greatest guys" and reminded the more than 400 attendees at the black-tie affair how honored she was to have sung background vocals on all of Rydell's Cameo-Parkway hits while still a teenager. Sharp became the nation's first black female teen idol at Cameo-Parkway, where Rydell was groomed as a massively popular early teen idol as well.

Gamble has long credited the writers at Cameo-Parkway, where Rydell and Sharp became stars, for inspiring him and Leon Huff in the earliest days of their legendary partnership as songwriters, producers and record company executives. The roots of Gamble & Huff date back to the early 1960s, when they backed Sharp and Chubby Checker on tours as members of Kenny Gamble and the Romeos. The Cameo-Parkway office building eventually became the Philadelphia International Records hit factory following its purchase by Gamble & Huff in 1971.

ASBURY PARK, NJ (October 11, 2018) - Having raised $5 million overall as it enters its 20th year battling Parkinson's disease, the world-renowned Light of Day Foundation has made a $100,000 donation to the Parkinson's Foundation to Launch the COME OUT IN THE LIGHT OF DAY educational initiative.

Come Out in the Light of Day is an educational/resource pilot program to be tested in New Jersey for patients who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson's, and the first newly diagnosed educational resource program in America, according to Tony Pallagrosi, executive director of the Light of Day Foundation. Pallagrosi and fellow Board members presented the donation at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park, just prior to the recent "Cats On A Smooth Surface & Friends Reunion - A Tribute To Butch" (original co-owner of the Stone Pony) fundraiser.

"We're very proud to be a part of this historic new enterprise," said Pallagrosi. "We're very confident this will be very beneficial to those newly diagnosed with Parkinson's, in pointing them in the right direction for treatment, care, and other things which have always been very scary questions in their minds."

Added Asbury Park Councilwoman Eileen Chapman of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music at Monmouth University: "We are thrilled that the Light of Day Foundation has found a home in Asbury Park and grateful for all it does for Parkinson's patients and research. I was privileged to be at the very first Light of Day fundraiser on (founder) Bob Benjamin's birthday 20 years ago and have watched the Foundation continue to grow and expand its outreach to include not only funding for research but outreach and programs to assist patients. It's gratifying to see thousands of music fans descend on Asbury Park for the Light of Day series of events in January and for the Asbury Underground events that take place throughout our city and know that while they're all here to support Parkinson's research they also support our local restaurants, shops and hotels in the off-season."

Complete ticket and additional information for all LIGHT OF DAY events at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

PHOTO CAPTION: The Light of Day Foundation presents a check for $100,000 to the Parkinson's Foundation to kick off the new Come Out in the Light of Day partnership. L-R: John L. Lehr, CEO Parkinson's Foundation; Jean Mikle, board member, Light of Day Foundation; Tony Pallagrosi, executive director, Light of Day Foundation; Kelly Austin, National Director of Development, Parkinson's Foundation.

After decades performing or recording with Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, The Who, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Cheap Trick, The Ramones, and dozens more, THE HIT MEN have become a Supergroup like no other

"The Hit Men are musicians in a class all their own" - M Music & Musicians Magazine.

NEW YORK (Oct. 2, 2018) - True to the name of their latest album, Don't Stop, THE HIT MEN, classic rock's unique Supergroup of legendary side men, are back on the road this month with an extensive U.S. tour aimed at delivering the hits they first played with the original superstars.

The Fall tour kicks off Oct. 12 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, and continues through the Northeast, Midwest, and further west into Utah and Texas through the holiday season, before wrapping over New Year's Eve with a three-night celebration at the Black Bear Casino in Carlton, MN.

After decades performing or recording with classic rock superstars Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, The Who, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Cheap Trick, The Ramones, and dozens more, THE HIT MEN have become a Supergroup unlike any other. What the Wrecking Crew meant to the pop music revolution of the '60s, THE HIT MEN have meant to some of the most indelible hits of the '70s, '80s and beyond. It's only now that the evolution of THE HIT MEN'S story - fueled, in part, by their countless first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history - has become a revelation.

As the Associated Press recently noted, "Nostalgia Fades but the 'Hit Men' Play On."

THE HIT MEN recently took another major step toward stardom on their own terms, with the release of their first original music video from their first original single, "You Can't Fight Love," off the DON'T STOP album.

New this fall to THE HIT MEN's recorded arsenal is Lee Shapiro Plays the Greatest Hits of Frankie Valli (Mink Mitten), a solo piano tribute to the iconic Jersey Boy, interpreted for the very first time as instrumental easy listening music. Shapiro, THE HIT MEN's co-founder, was Valli's musical director/arranger and Four Seasons member through the 1970s, and originally arranged two of Valli's biggest Four Seasons mid-'70s hits: the No. 1 smash "December, 1963 (Oh What a Night)" and "Who Loves You" (#3).

From transistor radios, vinyl, 8-track tapes and cassettes to the Sony Walkman, CDs, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, THE HIT MEN - Jimmy Ryan (lead guitar/vocals, and Carly Simon's longtime musical director), Lee Shapiro (keyboards/vocals, and Frankie Valli's former musical director), Jeff Ganz (bass/vocals), Russ Velazquez (vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist), and Steve Murphy (drummer/vocalist) - have seen and heard it all. And they have the stories to go with it! The Don't Stop U.S. Tour, having already criss-crossed the U.S. with an all-new production featuring the most recent chapters in THE HIT MEN's "Hits-tory," resumes in August.

THE HIT MEN continue to recreate their classics while proving again and again that you absolutely can teach old dogs new "tracks."

THE HIT MEN "DON'T STOP" 2018 TOUR DATES
October 12: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
October 13: State Theater, Easton, PA
October 20: Vinegar Hill Music Theater, Arundel, ME
October 27: Honeywell Center, Wabash, IN
October 28: The Holland Theater, Bellefontaine, OH
November 10: GSU PAC, University Park, IL
November 15: Cox Performing Arts Center at Dixie State Univ., St. George, UT
December 2: Katherine Hepburn Theater, Old Saybrook, CT
December 8: Glenrose Auditorium, Glenrose, TX
December 29-31: Black Bear Casino, Carlton, MN

More dates to come!

Heatwave, BT Express, Meli'sa Morgan, The Dazz Band and
Minister/Award-Winning Entertainer Clifton Davis
Join
Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, George Clinton and More
January 20-27, 2019
From Ft. Lauderdale to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Half Moon Cay

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla (September 26, 2018) --- The 2019 Soul Train Cruise adds five legendary entertainers to its superstar lineup as Heatwave, BT Express, Meli'sa Morgan, The Dazz Band and Clifton Davis join Smokey Robinson (in a special appearance on 1/23/19), Gladys Knight and more when it sails through the Caribbean from January 20-27, 2019. George Clinton, in one of his final performances before he retires, The Ohio Players, Stephanie Mills, Morris Day & The Time, The Chi-Lites featuring Marshall Thompson, Bloodstone, New Birth, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Ray, Goodman & Brown, Al McKay All Stars performing the music of Earth, Wind & Fire and Jacob Lusk (a tribute to Luther Vandross), along with Cruise Host Tony Cornelius, The Urban Guerilla Orchestra, co-host Angela Stribling of Pillow Talk, co-host Jerry Wells, original Soul Train Dancer Cheryl Song, The Soul Train Cruise comedy club presents A.J. Jamal and Kivi Rigers and music executive Chuck Gamble will also spend the week with fans, delivering the vacation experience of a lifetime. In all, over 50 concerts will play throughout the Soul Train Cruise as it departs from Ft. Lauderdale and sails to the Dominican Republic, San Juan, and the beautiful private island of Half Moon Cay on Holland America Line's luxurious Nieuw Amsterdam.

"When we were invited to join the 2019 Soul Train Cruise, we were just as excited about performing for fans as we are about watching all of the other concerts onboard," says Eugene Phillips of Heatwave. "The amount of star power on this cruise is 'mind blowing.'" Formed in 1975, Heatwave are best known for their string of funky dance hits, "Boogie Nights," "The Groove Line," "Mind Blowing Decisions" and the classic ballad, "Always and Forever."

Singer, producer, actor and longtime Christian minister Clifton Davis will also join the Soul Train Cruise to lead a series of special gospel and worship events, including:

• A praise and worship concert honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• A gospel service backed by The Urban Guerrilla Orchestra
• A tribute concert honoring the Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin

"Gospel music is such an integral part of our lives, and the Soul Train Cruise producers have taken great steps to make sure the voyage is enriched with the music and the messages of faith," says Davis. "I am grateful and humbled to be a part of bringing this experience to everyone on the ship."

The ultimate experience for classic R&B and soul fans, The Soul Train Cruise brings seven days of nonstop Love, Peace and Soul through more than 50 live performances and over 25 celebrity interactive events including parties at the pool, a Gospel Hour, live interviews, cocktail receptions, Q&A sessions, dance classes with the original Soul Train dancers, wine tasting, costume parties and so much more. The cruise will take place aboard the Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam, a luxurious ship that features an array of premier dining, lounges surrounded by panoramic views, a world class spa and salon and elegant staterooms.

Cabin prices start at only $1,900 per person and include access to all of the major concerts, gourmet meals, 24-hour room service and daily events. Further information is available at www.soultraincruise.com or by calling 844-266-7685.

About StarVista LIVE:
StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, The Flower Power Cruise, the '70s Rock and Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, the Ultimate Disco Cruise and Abbey Road on the River festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista / Time Life brand, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity.

The Era's Biggest Artists Come Together For One Unforgettable Vacation Experience
Including
KC and The Sunshine Band (special appearance 2/17/19), Kool & The Gang, The Spinners, Gloria Gaynor, Village People, Tavares, Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson & Luci Martin (formerly of Chic), Rose Royce, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Thelma Houston, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Yvonne Elliman, Musique, France Jolie, The Australian Bee Gees Show - A Tribute to The Bee Gees, The Urban Guerilla Orchestra and just added: Boogie Wonder Band, Keith & Leslie Ferguson, Comedian Kivi Rogers ... and more!

Cruise Hosted by Deney Terrio of "Dance Fever"
Featuring Music Host Bob Pantano, host of the Saturday Night Dance Party

With Music Presented by Sirius XM

Luxury Cruise Sails February 14-February 19, 2019
From Fort Lauderdale to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sept. 19, 2018) - StarVista LIVE, the leader in nostalgia-based music cruise experiences, is adding a pair of classic dance music's legendary divas - Yvonne Elliman and France Jolie - to an already unprecedented superstar lineup for its newest uniquely themed voyage, the 2019 Ultimate Disco Cruise.

Yvonne Elliman and France Jolie join a phenomenal gathering of pioneering musical artists who helped make dance music a lasting part of all of our lives: KC and The Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang, The Spinners, Gloria Gaynor, the Village People, Tavares, Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson & Luci Martin (formerly of Chic), Rose Royce, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Thelma Houston, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Musique, the Australian Bee Gees Show - a Tribute to The Bee Gees, and just added, the Boogie Wonder Band, Keith & Leslie Ferguson and comedian Kivi Rogers - with more coming! Together, they'll "rock the boat" for five incredible nights, with live concerts anchoring a cruise that brings the cultural phenomenon of the 1970s from the dance floor to the high seas on a luxury ship that will wind its way through the Gulf of Mexico from February 14-19, 2019.

Famed choreographer and "Dance Fever" TV host Deney Terrio, the man who taught John Travolta his Saturday Night Fever dance moves, hosts one of the greatest lineups of classic disco stars ever assembled - and so much more - aboard the award-winning Celebrity Infinity.

By the time she sang her #1 hit "If I Can't Have You" in Saturday Night Fever (and included on the GRAMMY-winning soundtrack) - written specifically for her by the Bee Gees - Yvonne Elliman had already launched a career that included releasing four albums and early fame as the original Mary Magdalene on Broadway in Jesus Christ, Superstar, and then earning a Golden Globe nomination for reprising the role in the 1973 film version. She had been touring as a backup vocalist for Eric Clapton when the Bee Gees, who had written her a pair of Top 20 hits ("Love Me" and "Hello Stranger") brought her to Saturday Night Fever. The Bee Gees had initially written "How Deep Is Your Love" for Yvonne, but the producer ultimately had the group record it. Instead, Yvonne sang "If I Can't Have You" and it rose to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

On July 7, 1979, an unknown, 16-year-old French Canadian female vocalist named France Joli performed her new single "Come to Me" for the first time before a throng of 5,000 on Fire Island at a benefit now infamously known as Beach '79. She left the stage a star and became a media darling who appeared in all the popular publications and on all the hot TV shows of the day. "Come to Me" became a smash hit that sold 3 million copies globally, rose to number one on disco charts around the world, and reached number 15 on Billboard magazine's pop chart. Joli still performs "Come to Me" and subsequent hits such as "Gonna Get Over You," "The Heart to Break the Heart," and "Feel Like Dancing" on the dance music circuit throughout the world. She draws a crowd at every performance. Even those of a younger generation - who may not know her by name - realize they're fans of "Come to Me" once they hear Joli's first few bars.

"To be able to continue to add essential artists of the caliber of Yvonne Elliman and France Joli to an already unprecedented lineup of classic dance music superstars is a privilege that we couldn't be prouder to share with our Ultimate Disco Cruise customers," says Alan Rubens, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President of Entertainment/Executive Producer of the Ultimate Disco Cruise. "Dance Fever will be running higher than we ever could have imagined as we boogie on the high seas together!"

As someone who came of age in the 1970s, Rubens remembers the Disco explosion as a "simply unforgettable" lifestyle and musical phenomenon.

"Boogie Fever" is guaranteed to run rampant day and night from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West to Cozumel, and back, turning a luxury ship into one glorious "Disco Inferno." Throughout the voyage, guests will also have the opportunity to attend special events to get up close and personal with the artists onboard, including a wine tasting, live game shows, behind the music Q&A sessions, panel discussions, pool parties, and unforgettable themed costume gatherings. It all takes place aboard the luxurious Celebrity Infinity, renowned for excellence in dining, deluxe cabins and stunning showrooms. Celebrity Cruises represent modern luxury in cruise lines, through sleek cruise ships and top-of-the-line amenities.

Cabin fares start at $1,499 and include admission to all shows produced by StarVista LIVE, most meals and major events. For further information on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, please call 844.296.3472 or visit www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com.

About StarVista LIVE:
StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include, the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Flower Power Cruise, '70s Rock & Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, Ultimate Disco Cruise, and Abbey Road on the River Festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista / Time Life brand, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity.

Four Seasons 1970s Musical Director and THE HIT MEN Co-Founder Arranges Unique Instrumental Tribute to His Longtime Friend and Mentor - Due Sept. 28

"I was 19 when Frankie threw me in the water and required that I swim. Fortunately, I swam." - Lee Shapiro

NEW YORK (Sept. 19, 2018) - Who loves you, Frankie Valli? Your former musical director, Lee Shapiro, and he's releasing a tribute album to salute you for 45 years as a friend and mentor.

Though he's been playing the greatest hits of Frankie Valli on the world's stages since he helped make them hits as his fellow Jersey Boy's 1970s musical director and arranger, Shapiro brings an entirely new twist to the iconic vocalist's music with the Sept. 28strong> release of Lee Shapiro Plays the Greatest Hits of Frankie Valli (Mink Mitten), a solo piano tribute, interpreted for the very first time as instrumental cocktail music.

Shapiro, who originally arranged two of Valli's biggest Four Seasons hits in the mid-'70s, the No. 1 smash "December, 1963 (Oh What a Night)"" and "Who Loves You" (#3), continues to play Valli's best across the USA these days with THE HIT MEN, his unique Supergroup of classic rock's legendary side men.

"I always knew his music would be effectively adaptable to a piano solo format,"" says Shapiro. "The songs are so harmonically clever and melodically interesting. Although it's taken 45 years, the time is right."

With fellow THE HIT MEN band member Jeff Ganz producing, Shapiro came up with a 10-song collection that reflects the set list from the first time they played Las Vegas together, with a big orchestra, at the original Aladdin Hotel & Casino in 1974. The selections span the 10-year period leading up to that moment, from early hits "Dawn" to later classics "Swearin' to God" and "My Eyes Adored You,"" with fan favorites such as "Marlena" and "Silence Is Golden," and of course, the mid-'60s ode to Sinatra, "I've Got You Under My Skin."

Valli launched Shapiro's career as an unsuspecting 19-year-old Jersey Boy. He would go on to work alongside the likes of Barry Manilow, Cher, Tommy James & The Shondells, Chuck Berry, Tony Orlando, and many other superstars, before forming THE HIT MEN to forge the latest chapter.

"Frankie threw me in the water and required that I swim," Shapiro recalls. "Fortunately, I swam."

Shapiro had been writing arrangements for an 18-piece jazz band in Garfield, NJ, when opportunity knocked. Valli was looking to replace Bob Gaudio in the Four Seasons and got a tip to check out Shapiro at a Jersey jazz club with the big band. That led to his audition in the banquet room at the Fountain Restaurant in Belleville, NJ, where the Four Seasons were rehearsing.

"Frankie came in, they put music in front of me, and said. 'Play this,'" says Shapiro. "The song was 'Dawn.' I played the first chord, Frankie started singing, and I froze. He says, 'What's the matter? Why aren't you playing?' And I said to him, 'Man, you sound just like the radio,' and that cracked up everybody in the room. I felt foolish, but I continued, and the rest is history. They hired me despite my young age.

"As I look back on it, Frankie believed in me before I did. He provided the vehicle for me to learn everything I know about recording and performing, having put me in the studio with the likes of Bob Crewe, Bob Gaudio, Charlie Calello, and Artie Schroeck, as well as top session cats like Steve Gadd, Gordon Edwards, Richard Tee, Georgie Young, and singing stars Patti Austin, Darlene Love, and Donna Summer.

"The last time I saw Frankie it occurred to me that this album concept was more valid than ever, especially now that 'Jersey Boys' has brought his music back to the forefront. This is my thank you."

TRACK LISTING: LEE SHAPIRO PLAYS THE GREATEST HITS OF FRANKIE VALLI

1. Can't Take My Eyes Off of You
2. Dawn
3. My Eyes Adored You
4. Fallen Angel
5. I've Got You Under My Skin
6. Save It for Me
7. Our Day Will Come
8. Marlena
9. Swearin' to God
10. Silence Is Golden

* * *

Shapiro and THE HIT MEN are back on the road this Fall with an extensive U.S. tour aimed at delivering the hits they first played with the original superstars.

Following a final warm-up date at Friends of the PAC in Middleton, WI (Sept. 29), the Fall tour kicks off in earnest Oct. 12 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, and continues through the Northeast, Midwest, and further west into Utah and Texas through the holiday season, before wrapping over New Year's Eve with a three-night celebration at the Black Bear Casino in Carlton, MN.

What the Wrecking Crew meant to the pop music revolution of the '60s, THE HIT MEN have meant to some of the most indelible hits of the '70s, '80s and beyond. It's only now that the evolution of THE HIT MEN'S story - fueled, in part, by their countless first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history - has become a revelation.

From transistor radios, vinyl, 8-track tapes and cassettes to the Sony Walkman, CDs, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, THE HIT MEN - Jimmy Ryan (lead guitar/vocals, and Carly Simon's former musical director), Lee Shapiro (keyboards/vocals, and Frankie Valli's 1970s musical director), Jeff Ganz (bass/vocals), Russ Velazquez (vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist), and Steve Murphy (drummer/vocalist) - have seen and heard it all. And they have the stories to go with it! The Don't Stop U.S. Tour, having already criss-crossed the U.S. with an all-new production features the most recent chapters in THE HIT MEN's "Hits-tory."

THE HIT MEN "DON'T STOP" 2018 TOUR DATES

September 29: Friends of the PAC, Middleton, WI
October 12: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
October 13: State Theater, Easton, PA
October 20: Vinegar Hill Music Theater, Arundel, ME
October 27: Honeywell Center, Wabash, IN
October 28: The Holland Theater, Bellefontaine, OH
November 10: GSU PAC, University Park, IL
November 15: Cox Performing Arts Center at Dixie State Univ., St. George, UT
December 2: Katherine Hepburn Theater, Old Saybrook, CT
December 8: Glenrose Auditorium, Glenrose, TX
December 29-31: Black Bear Casino, Carlton, MN

More dates to come!

Jimmy Ryan of The Hit Men, left, and ABC's new teaser for The Conners, sans Roseanne.

'Real Deal' Musicians to Classic Rock Superstars Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, The Who, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, dozens more, Ready Fall Leg of 'Don't Stop' Tour

"The Hit Men are musicians in a class all their own" - M Music & Musicians Magazine.

NEW YORK (Sept. 4, 2018) - You've seen ABC's new TV teaser for the October premiere of The Conners, the new Roseanne-less Roseanne spinoff, released to kick off Labor Day weekend, using Carly Simon's "Anticipation?"

Well, true to THE HIT MEN's new hashtag, #TheHitMenAreEverywhere, lead guitarist Jimmy Ryan was integral to seeing the creation of that iconic 1971 recording from the inside. He was Carly Simon's musical director for two decades, including her classic period. And he was all over "Anticipation," not only as a player, but as the song's vocal arranger. Ryan's "Anticipation" experience perfectly exemplifies what makes THE HIT MEN the popular "real deal" musicians who've separately delivered dozens of hits to the classic rock superstars of the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s.

"Yep, that's me, Andy Newmark on drums, Paul Glanz on piano, and Carly on acoustic guitar," says Ryan, who also reminds us of the song's unforgettable inclusion in a classic 1979 Heinz ketchup TV ad. "We did the track as a band and overdubbed the vocals, though Carly gave us a guide vocal as we did it."

Ryan played bass on "Anticipation" and worked closely and carefully with Newmark to make a solid groove between the bass and the bass drum. In the end, he reverted to being a guitar player and started playing guitar riffs on the bass in the last verse which, he says, you can hear on the record.

"I used my Dan Armstrong clear plastic bass," he says. "It was designed by my old boss Dan Armstrong, who introduced me to Carly in the first place."

True to the name of their latest album, Don't Stop, THE HIT MEN, classic rock's unique Supergroup of legendary side men, will be back on the road this Fall with an extensive U.S. tour aimed at delivering the hits they first played with the original superstars. Following a final warm-up date at Friends of the PAC in Middleton, WI (Sept. 29), the Fall tour kicks off in earnest Oct. 12 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, and continues through the Northeast, Midwest, and further west into Utah and Texas through the holiday season, before wrapping over New Year's Eve with a three-night celebration at the Black Bear Casino in Carlton, MN.

After decades performing or recording with Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, The Who, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Cheap Trick, The Ramones, and dozens more, THE HIT MEN have become a Supergroup unlike any other. What the Wrecking Crew meant to the pop music revolution of the '60s, THE HIT MEN have meant to some of the most indelible hits of the '70s, '80s and beyond. It's only now that the evolution of THE HIT MEN'S story - fueled, in part, by their countless first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history - has become a revelation.

From transistor radios, vinyl, 8-track tapes and cassettes to the Sony Walkman, CD's, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, THE HIT MEN - Jimmy Ryan (lead guitar/vocals, and Carly Simon's former musical director), Lee Shapiro (keyboards/vocals, and Frankie Valli's 1970s musical director), Jeff Ganz (bass/vocals), Russ Velazquez (vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist), and Steve Murphy (drummer/vocalist) - have seen and heard it all. And they have the stories to go with it! The Don't Stop U.S. Tour, having already criss-crossed the U.S. with an all-new production features the most recent chapters in THE HIT MEN's "Hits-tory."

THE HIT MEN recently took another major step toward stardom on their own terms, with the release of their first original music video from their first original single, "You Can't Fight Love," off the DON'T STOP album.

The Hit Men, L-R: Jeff Ganz, Russ Velazquez, Jimmy Ryan, Lee Shapiro, Steve Murphy (credit: Bobby Bank)

THE HIT MEN continue to recreate their classics while proving again and again that you absolutely can teach old dogs new "tracks."

THE HIT MEN "DON'T STOP" 2018 TOUR DATES
September 29: Friends of the PAC, Middleton, WI
October 12: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
October 13: State Theater, Easton, PA
October 20: Vinegar Hill Music Theater, Arundel, ME
October 27: Honeywell Center, Wabash, IN
October 28: The Holland Theater, Bellefontaine, OH
November 10: GSU PAC, University Park, IL
November 15: Cox Performing Arts Center at Dixie State Univ., St. George, UT
December 2: Katherine Hepburn Theater, Old Saybrook, CT
December 8: Glenrose Auditorium, Glenrose, TX
December 29-31: Black Bear Casino, Carlton, MN

More dates to come!

Louisville Doom Rocker's Sophomore EP due for Release Aug. 24

"It's rare to hear a band as strong and passionate as Daeodon. ... And they are only just beginning their rock odyssey! - Anita Gevinson, Music Connection Magazine Podcast

LOUISVILLE, KY (Aug. 23, 2018) - DAEODON (day-o-don), the broad-ranging, post-grunge rockers named for the pre-historic creature which roamed North America over 19 million years ago, delivers music with "teeth" on its sophomore EP, Media Mask.

Due for release TOMORROW (Aug. 24), Media Mask spans across multiple genres and follows no traditional music conventions or formulas, drawing influence from Zeppelin and Sabbath to Soundgarden, Deftones, A Perfect Circle, Mastodon and Faith No More.

Anita Gevinson, co-host of the Music Connection Magazine Podcast, said after a recent session with the Louisville rockers: "It's rare to hear a band as strong and passionate as Daeodon. ... And they are only just beginning their rock odyssey!"

Rife with hard-driving, precision riffs, spacious, ethereal moments, extreme highs and lows and passages ranging from blaringly loud to calmingly soft, the five-song EP is the strongest representation to date what DAEODON sounds like in live performance. Tighter songwriting and clean, precise production clearly signify the band's evolution just since the release of its early 2018 debut EP, No Time To Die, a considerably more raw affair produced by a young engineer at Steve Albini's (Nirvana) Chicago studio.

Media Mask was produced by DAEODON - John Torstrick (guitars), Sam LeMay (vocals), Rob Edwards (drums) and Greg Livingston (bass) - and recorded at Early Grayce in their hometown of Louisville.

"We were definitely harder on ourselves this time around when it came to the songwriting," says Torstrick. "We were really trying to find our voice."

Together, DAEODON has indeed stabilized its sound and found its voice on Media Mask, but not without surviving its share of creative tension. Fortunately, these strong-willed individuals have been able to channel their differences into an irresistible energy that surges throughout the new EP.

"There's a bit of a destructive energy in DAEODON, and part of our success is being able to cope with that," says Torstrick. "I think part of the reason that our sound is a little crazy and all over the place is because everybody has their own issues they're trying to deal with.

"We've been walking a tightrope for a while. Like, can we get over this hurdle, or is this going to be the end of the band? But I think that's kind of the crux of the project, that we've been able to deal with some very tough situations and capitalize on it. Sometimes when you have a fight with someone close to you, it strengthens the relationship. In the long run, it's made all four of us a stronger unit - it's made us trust each other more."

MEDIA MASK Track Listing
1. Media Mask
2. The Man
3. Cobra
4. Signal
5. Satellite

PHILADELPHIA - Legendary Philadelphia International Records co-founders and R&B pioneers Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff released the following statement mourning the passing of the undisputed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin:

"We not only admire Aretha Franklin for her singing ability, but we appreciate what she did to uplift the community. We have always been honored and elated - and are still on 'Cloud Nine' - for having her cover two of our songs: 'A Brand New Me' and 'Christmas Just Ain't Christmas without the One You Love.' While we never got the opportunity to work directly with Aretha, she was our dear friend.

"We send our deepest and sincere condolences out to her family. She was truly the best!"

Louisville Doom Rocker's Sophomore EP due for Release Aug. 24

LOUISVILLE, KY (July 26, 2018) - DAEODON, the broad-ranging, post-grunge doom-rockers named for the pre-historic creature which roamed North America over 19 million years ago, delivers music with "teeth" on its sophomore EP, Media Mask. Due for release Aug. 24, Media Mask spans across multiple genres and follows no traditional music conventions or formulas, drawing influence from Zeppelin and Sabbath to Soundgarden, Deftones, A Perfect Circle, Mastodon and Faith No More. Rife with hard-driving, precision riffs, spacious, ethereal moments, extreme highs and lows and passages ranging from blaringly loud to calmingly soft, the five-song EP is the strongest representation to date what DAEODON (day-o-don) sounds like in live performance. Tighter songwriting and clean, precise production clearly signify the band's evolution just since the release of its early 2018 debut EP, No Time To Die, a considerably more raw affair produced by a young engineer at Steve Albini's (Nirvana) Chicago studio.

Media Mask was produced by DAEODON - John Torstrick (guitars), Sam LeMay (vocals), Rob Edwards (drums) and Greg Livingston (bass) - and recorded at Early Grayce in their hometown of Louisville.

"We were definitely harder on ourselves this time around when it came to the songwriting," says Torstrick. "We were really trying to find our voice."

Together, DAEODON has indeed stabilized its sound and found its voice on Media Mask, but not without surviving its share of creative tension. Fortunately, these strong-willed individuals have been able to channel their differences into an irresistible energy that surges throughout the new EP.

"There's a bit of a destructive energy in DAEODON, and part of our success is being able to cope with that," says Torstrick. "I think part of the reason that our sound is a little crazy and all over the place is because everybody has their own issues they're trying to deal with.

"We've been walking a tightrope for a while. Like, can we get over this hurdle, or is this going to be the end of the band? But I think that's kind of the crux of the project, that we've been able to deal with some very tough situations and capitalize on it.

Sometimes when you have a fight with someone close to you, it strengthens the relationship. In the long run, it's made all four of us a stronger unit - it's made us trust each other more."

MEDIA MASK Track Listing
1. Media Mask
2. The Man
3. Cobra
4. Signal
5. Satellite

The Hit Men, L-R: Jeff Ganz, Russ Velazquez, Jimmy Ryan, Lee Shapiro, Steve Murphy (credit: Bobby Bank)

After decades performing or recording with Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, The Who, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Cheap Trick, The Ramones, and dozens more, THE HIT MEN have become a Supergroup like no other

"The Hit Men are musicians in a class all their own" - M Music & Musicians Magazine.

NEW YORK - True to the name of their latest album, Don't Stop, THE HIT MEN, classic rock's unique Supergroup of legendary side men, will be back on the road this Fall with an extensive U.S. tour aimed at delivering the hits they first played with the original superstars.

Following some late summer warmup dates at the Jersey Shore, in the Thousand Islands, and elsewhere, the Fall tour kicks off in earnest Oct. 12 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, NY, and continues through the Northeast, Midwest, and further west into Utah and Texas through the holiday season, before wrapping over New Year's Eve with a three-night celebration at the Black Bear Casino in Carlton, MN.

After decades performing or recording with classic rock superstars Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, The Who, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Cheap Trick, The Ramones, and dozens more, THE HIT MEN have become a Supergroup unlike any other. What the Wrecking Crew meant to the pop music revolution of the '60s, THE HIT MEN have meant to some of the most indelible hits of the '70s, '80s and beyond. It's only now that the evolution of THE HIT MEN'S story - fueled, in part, by their countless first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history - has become a revelation.

As the Associated Press recently noted, "Nostalgia Fades but the 'Hit Men' Play On."

THE HIT MEN recently took another major step toward stardom on their own terms, with the release of their first original music video from their first original single, "You Can't Fight Love," off the DON'T STOP album.

From transistor radios, vinyl, 8-track tapes and cassettes to the Sony Walkman, CD's, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, THE HIT MEN - Jimmy Ryan (lead guitar/vocals, and Carly Simon's longtime musical director), Lee Shapiro (keyboards/vocals, and Frankie Valli's former musical director), Jeff Ganz (bass/vocals), Russ Velazquez (vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist), and Steve Murphy (drummer/vocalist) - have seen and heard it all. And they have the stories to go with it! The Don't Stop U.S. Tour, having already criss-crossed the U.S. with an all-new production featuring the most recent chapters in THE HIT MEN's "Hits-tory," resumes in August.

THE HIT MEN continue to recreate their classics while proving again and again that you absolutely can teach old dogs new "tracks."

THE HIT MEN "DON'T STOP" 2018 TOUR DATES
August 9: Clayton Opera House, Clayton, NY
August 15: Cape May Convention Center, Cape May, NJ
August 18: West End Cruise Night & Classic Car Show, Long Branch, NJ
September 29: Friends of the PAC, Middleton, WI
October 12: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
October 13: State Theater, Easton, PA
October 20: Vinegar Hill Music Theater, Arundel, ME
October 27: Honeywell Center, Wabash, IN
October 28: The Holland Theater, Bellefontaine, OH
November 10: GSU PAC, University Park, IL
November 15: Cox Performing Arts Center at Dixie State Univ., St. George, UT
December 2: Katherine Hepburn Theater, Old Saybrook, CT
December 29-31: Black Bear Casino, Carlton, MN

More dates to come!

Jimmy Ryan of The Hit Men, left, and Cat Stevens.

'Real Deal' Musicians to the Classic Rock Superstars Resume 'Don't Stop' Tour in August

"The Hit Men are musicians in a class all their own" - M Music & Musicians Magazine.

NEW YORK (July 20, 2018) - As Yussuf Islam, aka Cat Stevens turns 70 this weekend (July 21), Jimmy Ryan of THE HIT MEN, who played guitar on 1974's multi-platinum Buddha and the Chocolate Box album, recalls how Stevens' voice back then had a "transformational" ability in the recording studio to turn a track into "instant magic."

A primary example of Stevens' wondrous studio flow, Ryan explains, was during the session for the song "Sun-C79". Ryan wanted to write out a rough chart of the song's multiple chord and mood changes.

Stevens had other ideas.

"He wouldn't have it," recounts Ryan now lead guitarist of THE HIT MEN, the popular "real deal" musicians who've separately delivered dozens of hits to the classic rock superstars of the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s. "He kept saying 'just follow along,' as he loosely wandered from half singing/speaking it, sometimes with a guitar, often while holding a guitar and not playing. His approach was for us to 'get' the song emotionally first, then work out the details later."

After quite a few rounds of this, recording began and a coherent track eventually emerged. Not amazing, by Ryan's standards, but OK. Ryan discretely whispered that opinion to Jean Roussel, the keyboardist, who knowingly smiled back and said to just "wait for it." Stevens then stepped up to the mike, the track started rolling, the engineer pressed "record," and ...

"... I was a witness to instant magic," says Ryan. "His voice brought the song up to a whole new and unexpected level, creating that amazing sound and sung story telling he is so famous for. I've never seen a track transformed so quickly and thoroughly by anybody since! For me, that summed up the artistic genius that is Cat Stevens... and the Billboard charts agree."

In the ensuring months, Buddha and the Chocolate Box was Certified Platinum (over 1 million units sold), and the artist known now as Yusuf/Cat Stevens cemented his place in music history as a Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer!

After decades performing or recording with Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, The Who, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Cheap Trick, The Ramones, and dozens more, THE HIT MEN have become a Supergroup unlike any other. What the Wrecking Crew meant to the pop music revolution of the '60s, THE HIT MEN have meant to some of the most indelible hits of the '70s, '80s and beyond. It's only now that the evolution of THE HIT MEN'S story - fueled, in part, by their countless first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history - has become a revelation.

From transistor radios, vinyl, 8-track tapes and cassettes to the Sony Walkman, CDs, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, THE HIT MEN - Jimmy Ryan (lead guitar/vocals, and Carly Simon's former musical director), Lee Shapiro (keyboards/vocals, and Frankie Valli's 1970's musical director), Jeff Ganz (bass/vocals), Russ Velazquez (vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist), and Steve Murphy (drummer/vocalist) - have seen and heard it all. And they have the stories to go with it! The Don't Stop U.S. Tour, having already criss-crossed the U.S. with an all-new production featuring the most recent chapters in THE HIT MEN's "Hits-tory," resumes in August.

THE HIT MEN recently took another major step toward stardom on their own terms, with the release of their first original music video from their first original single, "You Can't Fight Love," off the DON'T STOP album.

The Hit Men (credit: Bobby Bank)

THE HIT MEN continue to recreate their classics while proving again and again that you absolutely can teach old dogs new "tracks."

THE HIT MEN "DON'T STOP" 2018 TOUR DATES

August 9: Clayton Opera House, Clayton, NY
August 15: Cape May Convention Center, Cape May NJ
August 18: West End Cruise Night & Classic Car Show, Long Branch, NJ
September 29: Friends of the PAC, Middleton, WI
October 12: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
October 13: State Theater, Easton, PA
October 20: Vinegar Hill Music Theater, Arundel, ME
October 27: Honeywell Center, Wabash, IN
October 28: The Holland Theater, Bellefontaine, OH
November 10: GSU PAC, University Park, IL
November 15: Cox Performing Arts Center at Dixie State Univ., St. George, UT
December 2: Katherine Hepburn Theater, Old Saybrook, CT

More dates to come!

The Hit Men

NEW YORK - Members of THE HIT MEN, the popular "real deal" musicians who each helped deliver dozens of hits to the superstar artists of the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s, offered the following comments on the impact of the passing of longtime Elvis Presley drummer DJ Fontana.

Said keyboardist/musical director Lee Shapiro, Frankie Valli's "kid" musical director in the '70s:

"DJ Fontana influenced the way I write for a rock rhythm section - he was solid, steady, and sparse. Most drummers were intent on displaying their technique and mastery of the instrument. DJ played his role perfectly. The heartbeat of Elvis' show, the anchor, and the battery who powered it. I learned from DJ that it doesn't take a million notes to be a great rock drummer. It takes feel, and he had it."

Said drummer Steve Murphy, whose credits include Elton John, Jack Bruce (Cream), Dave Mason and Todd Rundgren:

"It's indisputable that his drumming laid the foundation for rock and roll. He's the one who started it all. Even though John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Jeff Porcaro of Toto influenced me while I came of age in the '70s and '80s, knowing that Robert Plant was the biggest Elvis fan on the planet when he and Bonzo were previously in Band of Joy together, I can't imagine that Bonham was not a huge DJ fan, too. I would bet my family on it."

Drummer Steve Murphy of The Hit Men

Lee Shapiro, former music director Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, recalls Manilow as "a true professional and mensch. ... one of the most versatile and generous talents of anyone I've worked with."

Lee Shapiro of the Hit Men with Barry Manilow when they co-produced "Barry Manilow Presents Copacabana" exclusively for Caesars in Atlantic City from 1990-91.

"The Hit Men are musicians in a class all their own"
- M Music & Musicians Magazine

NEW YORK (June 12, 2018) - Barry Manilow's highly anticipated return to Las Vegas this week to premiere his exclusive new stage extravaganza, "The Hits Come Home!," reminds THE HIT MEN'S musical director of their experience together co-producing another residency, "Barry Manilow Presents Copacabana," the original early '90s stage production derived from Manilow's signature hit song, "Copacabana," exclusively for Caesars in Atlantic City.

The hour-long stage show ran from 1990 to 1991 in Caesars' Circus Maximus Theatre with a cast of 20 singers and dancers. It played to over 100,000 people in its first six months to rave reviews as the "must-see casino show" in Atlantic City. Manilow's Vegas show opens Thursday in the International Theater at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Lee Shapiro, who ignited his considerable show biz pedigree 15 years earlier as Frankie Valli's "kid" musical director and Four Seasons member during their 1970s resurgence, recalls Manilow as nothing short of "a true professional and mensch. ... one of the most versatile and generous talents of anyone I've worked with."

Shapiro is now musical director and keyboardist of THE HIT MEN, the popular "real deal" musicians who each helped deliver dozens of hits to the superstar artists of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. He got his first taste of Manilow's unique abilities when they went into a New York studio to create a live recording session with two dozen musicians for a soundtrack album that, 27 years later, remains unreleased. Shapiro still marvels at how deftly Manilow delegated roles even though "he could have done anyone's job."

"He's well versed and proficient at orchestration, arranging, recording, songwriting, and playing piano on a level I've never experienced," Shapiro notes. "At one point he wanted to hear a change in the orchestration from me. This is how he handled it: 'Would everyone please leave control room except for me and Lee?' And then he said 'Lee, open the score.' I opened it and he pointed directly to the bar. 'You see this right here? I'd really like it to be brought down an octave.' He could have said that in front of everybody, but he didn't want to embarrass me by drawing questions to my choices. And that's typical of how he collaborated with those on his support team. I wish him good health and success in his Vegas residency. 'Copacabana' was one of the best experiences of my career."

After decades of helping deliver dozens of hits with the likes of Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Carly Simon, THE HIT MEN have taken their next major step toward stardom on their own terms, with the release of their first original music video from their first original single, "You Can't Fight Love," off the new album, DON'T STOP.

The Don't Stop U.S. Tour, having already criss-crossed the U.S. with an all-new production featuring the most recent chapters in THE HIT MEN's "Hits-tory" from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, resumes later this summer.

The Hit Men (credit: Bobby Bank)

What the Wrecking Crew meant to the pop music revolution of the '60s, THE HIT MEN have meant to some of the most indelible hits of the '70s and beyond. It's only now that the evolution of THE HIT MEN'S story - fueled, in part, by their countless first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history - has become a revelation.

From transistor radios, vinyl, 8-track tapes and cassettes to the Sony Walkman, CDs, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, THE HIT MEN - Shapiro, Jeff Ganz (bass/vocals), Jim Ryan (lead guitar/vocals), Russ Velazquez (vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist), and Steve Murphy (drummer/vocalist) - have seen and heard it all. And they have the stories to go with it!

THE HIT MEN intersperse their stories - and many more - with lighthearted affection on stage, engaging audiences of all ages in self-deprecating fashion as they continue to sign up new members of THE HIT MEN "faithful" wherever they've played since coming together in pristine harmony hundreds of shows ago.

THE HIT MEN bring the hits on stage - and in the studio - with astounding vibrancy, from so many rock greats ... and legends. Aside from the previously mentioned Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Carly Simon, THE HIT MEN also count Lou Reed, Foreigner, Sting, Barry Manilow, Carole King, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Cheap Trick, Chicago, and yes, even LL Cool J, in their collective canon. Combined, THE HIT MEN have played on some 85 albums, many of them gold and multi-platinum.

Indeed, THE HIT MEN are hardly steeped in the past. But thanks to their illustrious pasts, they sure know good songs when they hear 'em, and are especially attracted to well-written songs with great melody and hooks. No wonder the members share a fondness for contemporary stars like Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, John Legend and Jason Mraz.

As the Associated Press recently noted, "Nostalgia Fades but the 'Hit Men' Play On."

THE HIT MEN continue to recreate their classics while proving again and again that you absolutely can teach old dogs new "tracks."

THE HIT MEN "DON'T STOP" 2018 TOUR DATES

August 9: Clayton Opera House, Clayton, NY
August 15: Cape May Convention Center, Cape May, NJ
August 18: West End Cruise Night & Classic Car Show, Long Branch, NJ
September 29: Friends of the PAC, Middleton, WI
October 12: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
October 13: State Theater, Easton, PA
October 20: Vinegar Hill Music Theater, Arundel, ME
October 27: Honeywell Center, Wabash, IN
October 28: The Holland Theater, Bellefontaine, OH
November 10: GSU PAC, University Park, IL
November 15: Cox Performing Arts Center at Dixie State Univ., St. George, UT
December 2: Katherine Hepburn Theater, Old Saybrook, CT

More dates to come!

Jeff Ganz of the Hit Men with Donna Summer at an early '90s charity event they played.

"The Hit Men are musicians in a class all their own"
- M Music & Musicians Magazine.

NEW YORK (June 5, 2018) - Members of THE HIT MEN, the "real deal" musicians who each helped deliver dozens of hits to the superstar artists of the '70s, '80s, and '90s could not genuinely be happier to see their former collaborator, Donna Summer, posthumously enter the Tony Award spotlight this Sunday with a pair of nominations for "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical."

"This is so well-deserved. She was truly one of the nicest people I've ever worked with, and one of the best singers ever," says HIT MEN bassist Jeff Ganz, whose stellar resume includes sessions or live work with Cheap Trick, Lou Reed, Dr. John, Johnny Winter, and many more. "It's such a shame she's not here to enjoy it. She would have loved to have seen it."

To illustrate his point, Ganz recalls asking the Disco Queen about performing his all-time Summer favorite, "There Will Always Be You," a deep track ballad from the Bad Girls LP.

"Her eyes got real big with amazement, as she says, 'Oh my, that was the first song I ever wrote!,'" Ganz relayed. "She could not have been more excited to hear how much I loved it."

The HIT MEN keyboardist and musical director Lee Shapiro got a quick sense of Summer's sweetness when Franke Valli and the Four Seasons shared the bill with her on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve in the mid-'70s. Shapiro was Valli's "kid" musical director and keyboardist during that resurgent decade of his career.

"She was generous with the spotlight, musically perfect, and a true star while remaining unassuming," IN the fainale of the TV show, I played the bass part of "Love to Love You Baby and she spun around and gave me a big hug and said, "That's my song."

After decades of helping deliver dozens of hits with the likes of Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Carly Simon, THE HIT MEN have taken their next major step toward stardom on their own terms, with the release of their first original music video from their first original single, "You Can't Fight Love," off the new album, DON'T STOP.

The Don't Stop U.S. Tour, having already criss-crossed the U.S. with an all-new production featuring the most recent chapters in THE HIT MEN's "Hits-tory" from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, resumes later this summer.

The Hit Men (credit: Bobby Bank)

What the Wrecking Crew meant to the pop music revolution of the '60s, THE HIT MEN have meant to some of the most indelible hits of the '70s and beyond. It's only now that the evolution of THE HIT MEN'S story - fueled, in part, by their countless first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history - has become a revelation.

From transistor radios, vinyl, 8-track tapes and cassettes to the Sony Walkman, CDs, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, THE HIT MEN - Ganz, Shapiro, Jim Ryan (lead guitar/vocals), Russ Velazquez (vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist), and Steve Murphy (drummer/vocalist) - have seen and heard it all. And they have the stories to go with it!

THE HIT MEN intersperse their stories - and many more - with lighthearted affection on stage, engaging audiences of all ages in self-deprecating fashion as they continue to sign up new members of THE HIT MEN "faithful" wherever they've played since coming together in pristine harmony hundreds of shows ago.

THE HIT MEN bring the hits on stage - and in the studio - with astounding vibrancy, from so many rock greats ... and legends. Aside from the previously mentioned Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Carly Simon, THE HIT MEN also count Lou Reed, Foreigner, Sting, Barry Manilow, Carole King, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Cheap Trick, Chicago, and yes, even LL Cool J, in their collective canon. Combined, THE HIT MEN have played on some 85 albums, many of them gold and multi-platinum.

Indeed, THE HIT MEN are hardly steeped in the past. But thanks to their illustrious pasts, they sure know good songs when they hear 'em, and are especially attracted to well-written songs with great melody and hooks. No wonder the members share a fondness for contemporary stars like Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, John Legend and Jason Mraz.

As the Associated Press recently noted, "Nostalgia Fades but the 'Hit Men' Play On."

THE HIT MEN continue to recreate their classics while proving again and again that you absolutely can teach old dogs new "tracks."

THE HIT MEN "DON'T STOP" 2018 TOUR DATES

August 9: Clayton Opera House, Clayton, NY
August 15: Cape May Convention Center, Cape May, NJ
August 18: West End Cruise Night & Classic Car Show, Long Branch, NJ
September 29: Friends of the PAC, Middleton, WI
October 12: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
October 13: State Theater, Easton, PA
October 20: Vinegar Hill Music Theater, Arundel, ME
October 27: Honeywell Center, Wabash, IN
October 28: The Holland Theater, Bellefontaine, OH
November 10: GSU PAC, University Park, IL
November 15: Cox Performing Arts Center at Dixie State Univ., St. George, UT
December 2: Katherine Hepburn Theater, Old Saybrook, CT

More dates to come!

The Era's Biggest Artists Come Together For
One Unforgettable Vacation Experience
Including
KC and The Sunshine Band (special appearance 2/17/19), Kool & The Gang, The Spinners, Gloria Gaynor, Village People, Tavares, Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson & Luci Martin (formerly of Chic), Rose Royce, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Thelma Houston, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Musique, The Australian Bee Gees Show - A Tribute to The Bee Gees, The Urban Guerilla Orchestra and more!

Hosted by Deney Terrio of "Dance Fever"
Featuring Music Host Bob Pantano, host of the longest running radio dance party in the nation

Luxury Cruise Sails February 14-February 19, 2019
From Fort Lauderdale to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico

Fort Lauderdale, FL (May 30, 2018) - StarVista LIVE, the leader in nostalgia-based music cruise experiences, is adding a pair of multi-platinum artists - The Spinners and Rose Royce - to an already unprecedented superstar lineup for its newest uniquely themed voyage, the 2019 Ultimate Disco Cruise.

The Spinners and Rose Royce join a phenomenal gathering of pioneering musical artists who helped make dance music a lasting part of all of our lives: KC and The Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang, Gloria Gaynor, the Village People, Tavares; Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson & Luci Martin (formerly of Chic); Evelyn "Champagne" King, Thelma Houston, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Musique, the Australian Bee Gees Show - a Tribute to The Bee Gees, and more! Together, they'll "rock the boat" for five incredible nights, with live concerts anchoring a cruise that brings the cultural phenomenon of the 1970s from the dance floor to the high seas on a luxury ship that will wind its way through the Gulf of Mexico from February 14-19, 2019.

Famed choreographer and "Dance Fever" TV host Deney Terrio, the man who taught John Travolta his Saturday Night Fever dance moves, hosts one of the greatest lineups of classic disco stars ever assembled - and so much more - aboard the award-winning Celebrity Infinity.

The Spinners have six Grammy nominations and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination. They've been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and have received the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Award. The group has performed for Presidents, received a star on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame," and has appeared in numerous TV specials paying tribute to the music of the '70's. And their impact on that decade - and dance music overall - has been indelible, with chart-topping smash hits like "The Rubberband Man," "I'll Be Around," "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love," "One of a Kind (Love Affair)," "They Just Can't Stop It (The Games People Play)" and with Dionne Warwick, "Then Came You."

Rose Royce exploded to international fame with its debut single, "Car Wash," thanks to the movie of the same name and its multi-platinum Grammy-winning soundtrack. Many major stars have covered Rose Royce's classic songs, such as Seal ("Love Don't Live Here" and "Wishing on a Star"), Mary J. Blige ("I'm Going Down") and Beyonce ("Wishing on a Star"), while the group has never stopped performing to standing room only crowds all over the world.

"To be able to add artists of the caliber of the Spinners and Rose Royce to an already unprecedented lineup of classic dance music superstars is a privilege that we couldn't be more proud to share with our Ultimate Disco Cruise customers," says Alan Rubens, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President of Entertainment/Executive Producer of the Ultimate Disco Cruise. "Dance Fever will be running higher than we ever could have imagined as we boogie on the high seas together!"

As someone who came of age in the 1970s, Rubens remembers the Disco explosion as a "simply unforgettable" lifestyle and musical phenomenon.

"Boogie Fever" is guaranteed to run rampant day and night from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West to Cozumel, and back, turning a luxury ship into one glorious "Disco Inferno." Throughout the voyage, guests will also have the opportunity to attend special events to get up close and personal with the artists onboard, including a wine tasting, live game shows, behind the music Q&A sessions, panel discussions, pool parties, and unforgettable themed costume gatherings. It all takes place aboard the luxurious Celebrity Infinity, renowned for excellence in dining, deluxe cabins and stunning showrooms. Celebrity Cruises represent modern luxury in cruise lines, through sleek cruise ships and top-of-the-line amenities.

Cabin fares start at $1,499 and include admission to all shows produced by StarVista LIVE, most meals and major events. For further information on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, please call 844.296.3472 or visit www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com.

About StarVista LIVE:

StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include, the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Flower Power Cruise, '70s Rock & Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, Ultimate Disco Cruise, and Abbey Road on the River Festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista / Time Life brand, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity.

Franke Previte, Composer of Iconic "Dirty Dancing" Smash "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," Helps Audience Discover "A Star in All of Us" Through Hit-Filled Journey of Four Extraordinary Women

Exclusive Preview set for June 7 the Theatre at St. Jean in NYC

NEW YORK (May 24, 2018) - Academy Award-winning songwriter Franke Previte (Dirty Dancing) has teamed with world-renowned live show specialist Michael LaFleur (Las Vegas, Disney, Universal, Celine Dion, Sarah Brightman) and Broadway and music producer Dennis D'Amico (Sir Paul McCartney) to premiere CALLING ALL DIVAS, a joyous celebration of music, friendship and the power of sisterhood, in a unique "concert musical" format.

Directed by Michael LaFleur and executive produced by Dennis D'Amico, CALLING ALL DIVAS makes its "Exclusive Preview" performance Thursday, June 7 at the Theatre at St. Jean in New York City and is ready to tour. The show stars four very different and remarkable women, years apart in ages and backgrounds, but whose talents have no division. Together, they reveal "there's a star in all of us," as they bring audiences to their feet through an inspiring journey of musical empowerment jam-packed with timeless hits of the past five decades. From Etta James to Pharrell, it's a pop, rock, soul, and country hit parade, transporting audiences on a magical musical journey as these women compete to become the world's next female singing superstar in a last-ditch effort devised by a music industry hopeful, desperate to save a legendary nightclub.

Frank Dicopoulos, best known for his 22 years on The Guiding Light soap opera (Frank Achilles Cooper Jr.), plays the club owner, and also is a CALLING ALL DIVAS producer. The "unforgettable" Divas are led by Broadway performer and Radio City Rockette Lisa Sherman, R&B vocalist Carol Riddick (Jill Scott, Will Downing), Nashville siren Trenna Barnes (Cowboy Crush, Ring of Fire) and 19-year-old newcomer Brittneyann Accetta as the blossoming subway singer.

"I wanted to develop a hybrid - a concert that morphed into a play with a thread of a storyline that empowers these girls in ways that allow the audience to relate to each of them," says Previte, Academy Award and Golden Globe winning composer of the Dirty Dancing smash hits, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" and "Hungry Eyes." We have a Broadway girl, a country girl, a gospel singer, and a young subway singer, and it's just incredible to watch them seamlessly meld together into a group we call The Un4gettables. Each one is at the top of their own game, even this little subway singer. What blows me away, is the combination of their instant sisterhood and individual and collective power."

"I am so excited about the amazing singers you will all see and hear and the platinum songs they will deliver with such passion," says D'Amico, who has produced a wide variety of concerts, theater, film, and recordings throughout the U.S. and the world. "It has been an honor working with Franke Previte, one of the nicest guys in the biz, our director, Michael LaFleur, and my other partner, Frank Dicopoulos, not to mention these four incredible women, as they find a wonderful common denominator, that together they are stronger, joyous and unforgettable! Be prepared for an uplifting experience."

CALLING ALL DIVAS is co-created and produced by Franke Previte. Director is Michael LaFleur. Executive producer is Dennis D'Amico. Musical director is Henry Aronson. Official website: www.callingalldivas.com.

THE OHIO PLAYERS, STEPHANIE MILLS, MORRIS DAY & THE TIME, THE CHI-LITES featuring MARSHALL THOMPSON, BLOODSTONE, NEW BIRTH, EVELYN "CHAMPAGNE" KING, AND RAY, GOODMAN & BROWN ALSO TO PERFORM

Voyage Sails January 20-27, 2019 from Ft Lauderdale to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Ft Lauderdale, FL (May 22, 2018) - The Soul Train Cruise welcomes back Gladys Knight to the "Hippest Trip at Sea" for its 2019 voyage, highlighted with a special appearance on 1/23/19 by Smokey Robinson and exclusive onboard concerts by George Clinton, The Ohio Players, Stephanie Mills, Morris Day & The Time, The Chi-Lites featuring Marshall Thompson, Bloodstone, New Birth, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Ray, Goodman & Brown, Al McKay's All Stars performing the music of Earth, Wind & Fire, and Jacob Lusk (a tribute to Luther Vandross), along with Cruise Host Tony Cornelius, The Urban Guerilla Orchestra, co-host Angela Stribling of Pillow Talk, co-host Jerry Wells, original Soul Train dancers, a Soul Train Cruise comedy club and music executive Chuck Gamble.

Last month, George Clinton announced he'll retire from touring next May, making January's cruise one of the last opportunities fans will have to see the legendary performer. "There's so many of us (artists) - we'll be all over the place, so it's going to be a really rocking joint, a good time," says Clinton. "It's going to be fun."

"Soul Train is such a part of my life," adds Smokey Robinson. "When we come on the cruise, we don't just do the show, all the fans are part of the show too. We're all having a party together. I'm excited. I'm looking forward to it." "The star power that we're bringing to our guests on the 2019 Soul Train Cruise is absolutely amazing and represents the very best of what Soul Train really was and stood for," adds Alan Rubens, Executive Producer of The Soul Train Cruise. "With Smokey, Gladys, George Clinton and over a dozen more R&B icons, there truly is nothing else like this anywhere - on land or sea."

Guests aboard the 2019 Soul Train Cruise will experience seven days of nonstop Love, Peace and Soul, spending their days and nights with the stars during more than 50 live performances and over 25 celebrity interactive events. The vacation of a lifetime includes parties at the pool, a Gospel Hour, live interviews, cocktail receptions, Q&A sessions, dance classes with the original Soul Train dancers, wine tasting, costume parties and so much more.

The cruise will take place aboard the Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam, a luxurious ship that features an array of premier dining, lounges surrounded by panoramic views, a world class spa and salon and elegant staterooms.

Cabin prices start at only $1,900 per person and include access to all of the major concerts, gourmet meals, 24-hour room service and daily events. Further information is available at www.soultraincruise.com or by calling 800-758-7685.

About StarVista LIVE:
StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, The Flower Power Cruise, the '70s Rock and Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, the Ultimate Disco Cruise and Abbey Road on the River festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista / Time Life brand, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity. Additional information about StarVista LIVE can be found at:

www.StarVistaLIVE.com
https://www.facebook.com/StarVista-LIVE
https://www.linkedin.com/company/starvista-live

World's Foremost Mentalist Proclaimed in 2012: 'In six years Facebook will not exist the way it does today' and foresaw 'a dramatic new turn'

NEW YORK (April 12, 2018) - This week's House and Senate committee testimony by Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg precisely parallels a prediction made six years ago by the world's foremost mentalist, THE AMAZING KRESKIN. The revelation arrives just as his new off-Broadway show, "The Amazing Kreskin LIVE," is opening tonight.

In 2012, in a flurry of media coverage that included interviews in Forbes and New York Magazine, Kreskin issued a dark prediction for the future of Facebook and its billionaire founder. The bottom line of Kreskin's prediction, he told New York, was that "in six years Facebook will not exist the way it does today." He further elaborated "I do not see Facebook's future being in the same condition, state or with the same image or persona that it possesses today... I predict a dramatic new turn which may not have the same face or recognition as we know it now."

Bear in mind that Kreskin stated this prediction in 2012 and specified that it would see its fruition in six years. In other words, 2018.

While his prediction originally caught the media's attention while Facebook was experiencing a lackluster IPO performance, Kreskin has on many occasions publicly stated: "I'm not a financial expert by any means." Yet his comments on government activities, social movements, etc., have drawn attention all over the world. Scores of media outlets have shown interest in Kreskin's perspective on Facebook. But it was only because of a constant barrage of questions dealing with Facebook that Kreskin decided to take on the scenario surrounding the development of Zuckerberg's baby at the time. Kreskin credited the billionaire founder as a young man of "staggering success."

Kreskin wants to assure everyone that he was not consulted, nor did he offer the questions and interrogation that Zuckerberg received in the government hearing this past week.

"The Amazing Kreskin LIVE," opens tonight runs through Sunday, April 28 at Theatre Row - Lion Theatre, 410 W. 42nd St., NYC 10036. Tickets, at $37.25 & $52.25, on sale at www.telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200.

BOOGIE DOWN! FREAK OUT! GET DOWN TONIGHT! BURN, BABY, BURN!

The Era's Biggest Artists Come Together For One Unforgettable Vacation Experience Including:

KC and The Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang, Gloria Gaynor, Village People, Tavares; Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson & Luci Martin (formerly of Chic); Evelyn "Champagne" King, Thelma Houston, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, The Australian Bee Gees Show - A Tribute to The Bee Gees, and more!

Hosted by Deney Terrio of "Dance Fever"

Featuring Music Host Bob Pantano, host of the longest running radio dance party in the nation

Luxury Cruise Sails February 14-February 19, 2019 From Fort Lauderdale to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico

Fort Lauderdale, Fla (April 3, 2018) - StarVista LIVE, the leader in nostalgia based music cruise experiences, announces its newest uniquely themed voyage, the 2019 Ultimate Disco Cruise. This cruise brings the cultural phenomenon of the 1970s from the dance floor to the high seas on a luxury ship that will wind its way through the Gulf of Mexico from February 14-19, 2019. Live concerts by the pioneering superstars who made dance music a lasting part of all of our lives will "rock the boat" for five incredible nights, with KC and The Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang, Gloria Gaynor, the Village People, Tavares; Norma Jean Wright, Alfa Anderson & Luci Martin (formerly of Chic); Evelyn "Champagne" King, Thelma Houston, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Musique, the Australian Bee Gees Show - a Tribute to The Bee Gees, and more. Famed choreographer and "Dance Fever" TV host Deney Terrio, the man who taught John Travolta his Saturday Night Fever dance moves, hosts one of the greatest lineups of classic disco stars ever assembled - and so much more - aboard the award-winning Celebrity Infinity.

"I don't know when you will ever see a group of these great dance music phenoms ever again in one place," says Deney Terrio. "I've never seen a better lineup."

"We're going to have a blast," adds Harry "KC" Casey, who'll be leading a very special KC & The Sunshine Band appearance. "You're going to have music just practically 24 hours a day, you're going to see all of your favorite artists all in one place, and you're going to have the best time of your life. ... I can't wait to get on this cruise, to have fun with you and to do what I love doing. That's making music and sharing good times with you."

As someone who came of age in the 1970s, Alan Rubens, StarVista LIVE Senior Vice President of Entertainment/Executive Producer of the Ultimate Disco Cruise, remembers the Disco explosion as a "simply unforgettable" lifestyle and musical phenomenon.

"Disco created an entirely new social scene for people of all different backgrounds to come together and share that dance fever worldwide," says Rubens. "The music had a beat and message that made us get out on the dance floor and kept us there all night. We're constantly hearing from our guests that their favorite theme nights on our cruises are the Disco/Funk nights. Those dance parties bring back the fantastic memories of the Disco era - the clothes, the clubs, the dances, our old friends, our romances, and that fabulous musical revolution heard and enjoyed worldwide. We can't wait to recreate that dance fever and era at sea."

"Boogie Fever" is guaranteed to run rampant day and night from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West to Cozumel, and back, turning a luxury ship into one glorious "Disco Inferno." Throughout the voyage, guests will also have the opportunity to attend special events to get up close and personal with the artists onboard, including a wine tasting, live game shows, behind the music Q&A sessions, panel discussions, pool parties, and unforgettable themed costume gatherings. It all takes place aboard the luxurious Celebrity Infinity, renowned for excellence in dining, deluxe cabins and stunning showrooms. Celebrity Cruises represent modern luxury in cruise lines, through sleek cruise ships and top-of-the-line amenities.

Cabin fares start at $1,499 and include admission to all main stage shows, meals in main dining options and major parties. For further information on the Ultimate Disco Cruise, please call 844.296.3472 or visit www.UltimateDiscoCruise.com.

About StarVista LIVE:

StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include, the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, Flower Power Cruise, '70s Rock & Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, Ultimate Disco Cruise, and Abbey Road on the River Festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista / Time Life brand, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity. Additional information about StarVista LIVE can be found at:

www.StarVistaLIVE.com
facebook.com/StarVista-LIVE
linkedin.com/company/starvista-live

East Coast Leg to Celebrate Mounting Cultural Influences From Singer-Songwriter's Most Recent World Travels

"[Ryan Tennis] gets straight to the heart of the music."
- Philadelphia Inquirer

"Ryan Tennis and the Clubhouse Band have a community vibe, riffing full-tilt on a rootsy chord progressions with vocal harmonies, trumpet and bongo percussion."
- 88.5 XPN The Key

PHILADELPHIA (February 19, 2018) - Global music sensation RYAN TENNIS is returning from a monthlong tour of Colombia this week to launch the East Coast leg of his long-awaited U.S. tour behind his brand-new studio EP, Two Days on the Fence. True to his reputation as a cross-cultural sponge, the soulful Philly singer-songwriter will be bringing more of what he and his percussionist, Joseph Keim, most recently absorbed throughout Colombia to these upcoming shows in New York, Boston and Washington.

The East Coast tour will feature Tennis and Keim in the same unique duo format (Tennis on guitar, voice and foot percussion; Keim on backing vocals and his one-of-a-kind full body percussion/dance style) and culturally energized rhythmic cohesiveness they've gained at over 120 shows in nearly 50 cities through eight countries across three continents.

"There's a kind of deep relaxation of the soul that comes after you've spent a few weeks in a place where people are so warm to each other and where they put so much value on friends, family, fun, and flow," says Tennis, "There are just things that chemically change in your brain and your body when you're getting so many smiles and hugs and dances and warm greetings. I've spent more time dancing in the last month than in the previous six months combined, and I've heard some destructive salsa bands that reach a depth of groove and rhythmic energy that you just don't encounter so much back home where the winters and the people are colder. Colombia has had some really tough things going on inside the country for a long time, but the spirit and the social intelligence of the people of this country is just so powerful and advanced. I'm continually learning when I'm here about how to really connect with people and enjoy my time spent with the people around me."

Two Days on the Fence finds Tennis and his virtuosic Clubhouse band, the aforementioned Keim (drums), Shaun Hennessey (percussion), Brahm Genzlinger (bass), Maxfield Gast (sax), Nate Graham (keyboards), and Christopher Farrell (guitar) - locking in with telepathic precision on five luminous new cuts that draw heavily on sounds and rhythms Tennis absorbed during prior travels throughout South America and his performances with legendary South African musicians Bakithi Kumalo and Morris Goldberg, both of whom performed on Paul Simon's historic Graceland album.

Before departing for his latest South American adventure, Tennis completed a triumphant pair of knockout 30th Anniversary All-Star Graceland tribute shows with Kumalo, one of Simon's original Graceland musicians, in Philadelphia and Washington. Tennis has, in fact, been compared to Paul Simon, as well as artists such as Ben Harper and Bill Withers.

Co-produced by Tennis and Tom Spiker (Calvin Weston, Sun Ra Arkesta, G. Love) and recorded at the expansive Rittenhouse Soundworks studio in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Two Days on the Fence contains five tracks that Beehive Candy hails as "rich with musical quality and Ryan Tennis's engaging and vibrant vocals. Funky and soulful tunes rub shoulders with more gentle acoustic moments, the musical arrangements are superb and the diversity of ideas remarkable." The songs range from soul-enriching ballads to exuberant, body-moving groovers, and they see the inveterately creative singer-songwriter spreading the waters of his influences ("a lot of folk, soul and Afro-Caribbean sounds") while micro-targeting his lyrics to soothe today's information-overloaded society.

The upcoming live music video for the title track of Two Days on the Fence was filmed in Paris during Tennis' most recent European tour. Having won over audiences in Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Ireland, Colombia and Argentina, he's looking forward to expanding his global reach in 2018.

"When you come to one of my shows, you're going to get an explosion of funky soul music mixed with Afro-Caribbean beats and textures," Tennis enthuses. "It's a welcoming environment, so come on and shake off your troubles. We'll have you moving in no time!"

Two Days on the Fence is available on iTunes and Spotify.

RYAN TENNIS 'TWO DAYS ON THE FENCE' U.S. TOUR DATES
Wed. Feb. 21: Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY
Fri. Feb. 23: Pearl St. Warehouse, Washington, DC
Sat. Feb. 24: Club Passim, Boston, MA

More Dates to Come ...

'The Amazing Kreskin LIVE' opens April 12 at Theatre Row

Tickets on sale THURSDAY, Feb. 22

NEW YORK (February 15, 2018) - "Astounding." "Flabbergasting." "Incredible."

These are just some of the adjectives guaranteed to be flying around New York City in the Spring when THE AMAZING KRESKIN debuts his off-Broadway production, "The Amazing Kreskin LIVE" Thursday, April 12 at Theatre Row - Lion Theatre, 410 W. 42nd St., NYC 10036. Tickets, at $37.25 & $52.25, on sale Thursday, Feb. 22 at www.telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200.

The three-week residency will showcase the legendary mentalist's you-gotta-see-'em-to-believe-'em abilities as a reader of people's thoughts which have mesmerized - and yes, amazed - fans of all ages around the world for some six decades. Marvel as Kreskin ascertains the suit and value of cards selected randomly by audience members. Watch in wonder as he displays his unprecedented mental powers by reciting information written in secret by those in attendance.

And, of course, Kreskin will climax each performance of "The Amazing Kreskin LIVE!" with his signature piece, in which he requests that his check be hidden somewhere in the venue. If he fails to find it, he will forfeit that show's fee.

To confirm the legitimacy of this and his other awesome feats of psychic literacy, Kreskin now offers the sum of One Million Dollars to anyone who can prove that he employs paid secret assistants, or confederates, or utilizes hidden, secret, electronic devices to accomplish his mental presentations. Not surprisingly, the bounty never has been claimed.

As for the upcoming off-Broadway run, Kreskin counts it among his numerous career highlights (which include late-night TV stints with Jimmy Fallon and David Letterman, as well as 88 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and his own hit TV series, The Amazing World of Kreskin).

"I've spent my entire adult life travelling the world performing for presidents, kings and the elite of dozens of nations, but never have I been more excited about an engagement than this one," says Kreskin. "To have the opportunity to perform for New York audiences on an extended basis is one of the great honors and privileges of my career."

WHAT: "The Amazing Kreskin LIVE!" starring THE AMAZING KRESKIN

WHERE: Theatre Row - Lion Theatre, 410 W. 42 nd St., New York, NY 10036

WHEN: April 12 through April 28, 2018
Show times: 7:30 p.m., Thursday-Saturday

TICKETS: $37.25 & $52.25 on sale Thursday, Feb. 22 at www.telecharge.com or by calling 212-239-6200. More info at www.theatrerow.org

PRESS CONTACT: Randy Alexander / Randex Communications
856.596.1410 office / 609.280.6140 mobile

Safe and Lockbox Opened This Morning at NJ Lexus Dealership to Correctly Reveal the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES as Super Bowl LII Champions ... and more!

WHIPPANY, NJ (February 5, 2018) - THE AMAZING KRESKIN officially extended his decade-long streak of predicting the correct winner of the Super Bowl this morning, when a safe containing his forecast was opened at a New Jersey car dealership to reveal the Philadelphia Eagles as the new World Champions.

Also found inside the safe was paper on which Kreskin had written the number 8. That number, of course, turned out to be the difference in the final score, as the Eagles beat the Patriots by eight points, 41-33.

"I had a hunch at the time that the number 8 was going to have an important significance in the game but that's all I knew, so I wrote it down even though I had no idea what that hunch meant," said Kreskin. "It turned out that number ultimately represented the final point spread!"

Kreskin's prediction was revealed at 9 a.m. this morning here at Lexus of Route 10 in Whippany, the dealership owned by 77 WABC RADIO/New York personality Tom Maoli. Kreskin personally delivered his prediction Saturday afternoon to Maoli at the dealership, where it was immediately sealed in a steel lockbox inside the dealership's safe.

"I risked losing $10,000 with this prediction, because I always like to back up my intuitions monetarily," said Kreskin. "This is not unlike what I've become famous for doing at every one of my shows around the world, when I have my paycheck hidden within the venue and risk forfeiting my fee if I don't find it. I'm not playing games - I'm only predicting their outcomes!"

PHOTO CAPTION: The Amazing Kreskin, right, reveals his Super Bowl prediction this morning with 770 WABC RADIO/New York personality Tom Maoli, left, at Lexus of Route 10 in Whippany, NJ. Credit: Randex Communications.

'YOU CAN'T FIGHT LOVE' VIDEO PREMIERES ONLINE IN M MUSIC & MUSICIANS MAG AS STELLAR 'MUSICIANS TO THE STARS' LAUNCH ALL-NEW 'DON'T STOP' U.S. TOUR

"THE HIT MEN are musicians in a class all their own"
- M Music & Musicians Magazine.

NEW YORK (Jan. 22, 2018) - After decades of helping deliver dozens of hits with the likes of Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Carly Simon, THE HIT MEN - the music industry's "youngest senior citizens" - have taken their next major step toward stardom on their own terms, with the release of their first original music video from their first original single, "You Can't Fight Love," off the new album, DON'T STOP.

No other group of sidemen from rock's golden era - not even the revered Wrecking Crew - can make such a bold claim.

Premiering exclusively today through M Music & Musicians Magazine, the music video arrives as the stellar "musicians to the stars" announce their Don't Stop U.S. Tour with an all-new production featuring the most recent chapters in THE HIT MEN's "Hits-tory" from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. The excitement began here in New York last week with a pair of standing-room-only industry preview showcases at the APAP (Association of Performing Arts Professionals) Conference.

"THE HIT MEN'S new show takes you back to the time when hit songs were on vinyl, lyrics were memorable, melodies were singable, and life was a rock 'n roll celebration," says Lee Shapiro, the group's keyboardist/founder and '70s member of Frankie Valli's Four Seasons. "The real guys you saw in concert and heard on the radio in the '70s and '80s, are still rocking the house today... and making everyone who comes to the theater feel like they are 23 years old again!"

The Don't Stop U.S. Tour officially kicks off in the Philadelphia market (Feb. 17) before THE HIT MEN head to Florida for the next month, with a dozen shows throughout the Sunshine State, followed by shows in Alabama and Louisiana, along the East Coast, in the Midwest ... and more to come!

Jimmy Ryan, THE HIT MEN'S lead guitarist/vocalist/founding member (and Carly Simon's musical director for 21 years), produced, directed, and edited the music video for "You Can't Fight Love," and tapped students from the Maharishi University of Management film school in Fairfield, Iowa, to help achieve the feeling he was seeking: "I wanted to create the same romantic angst as the lyric," he says, "without necessarily acting out every single word." Ryan's son, Ian, appears in the video with his then-girlfriend, Rachel Raymond.

What the Wrecking Crew meant to the pop music revolution of the '60s, THE HIT MEN have meant to some of the most indelible hits of the '70s and beyond. It's only now that the evolution of THE HIT MEN'S story - fueled, in part, by their countless first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history - has become a revelation.

From transistor radios, vinyl, 8-track tapes and cassettes to the Sony Walkman, CDs, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, Shapiro, Ryan, and the rest of THE HIT MEN - Russ Velazquez (vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist), Steve Murphy (drummer/vocalist) and Jeff Ganz (bassist/vocalist) - have seen and heard it all. And they have the stories to go with it!

THE HIT MEN will be interspersing their stories - and many more - with lighthearted affection when they hit the road, engaging audiences of all ages in self-deprecating fashion, as they continue to sign up new members of THE HIT MEN "faithful" wherever they've played since coming together in pristine harmony seven years and hundreds of shows ago. Watch what the fans say here.

THE HIT MEN bring the hits on stage - and in the studio - with astounding vibrancy, from so many rock greats ... and legends. Aside from the previously mentioned Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Carly Simon, THE HIT MEN also count Lou Reed, Foreigner, Sting, Barry Manilow, Carole King, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Cheap Trick, Chicago, and yes, even LL Cool J, in their collective canon. Combined, THE HIT MEN have played on some 85 albums, many of them gold and multi-platinum.

Indeed, THE HIT MEN are hardly steeped in the past. But thanks to their illustrious pasts, they sure know good songs when they hear 'em, and are especially attracted to well-written songs with great melody and hooks. No wonder the members share a fondness for contemporary stars like Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, John Legend and Jason Mraz.

As the Associated Press recently noted, "Nostalgia Fades but the 'Hit Men' Play On."

Indeed, THE HIT MEN continue to recreate their classics while proving again and again that you absolutely can teach old dogs new "tracks."

THE HIT MEN "DON'T STOP" 2018 TOUR DATES
February 17: The Broadway Theater, Pitman, NJ
February 19: Ocean Reef Theatre, Ocean Reef, FL
February 20: Century Village, West Palm Beach, FL
February 21: Century Village, Pembroke Pines, FL
February 22: Century Village, Boca Raton, FL
February 23: The Sunrise Theatre, Fort Pierce, FL
February 24: Century Villages, Deerfield Beach, FL
March 2: The Flagler Auditorium, Palm Coast, FL
March 3: Coral Springs Center for the Arts Coral Springs, FL
March 4: Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL
March 5: Artis PAC, Naples, FL
March 10-11: Lake Sumter State, Leesburg, FL
March 13: Polk Theater, Lakeland, FL
March 15: The Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge, LA
March 16: Oxford PAC, Oxford, AL
March 24: Wild Rose Casino, Emmetsburg, PA
April 13: The Paramount, Peekskill, NY
April 28: The Playhouse on Rodney Square, Wilmington, DE
May 11: Diamond Jo Casino, Dubuque, IA
May 12: Sondheim Center, Fairfield, IA
June 2: Downtown Cabaret - 2 shows!, Bridgeport, CT
Aug. 9: Clayton Opera House, Clayton, NY
Oct. 13: State Theater, Easton, PA
Oct. 20: Arundel Music Theater, Arundel, ME
Dec. 2: Katherine Hepburn Theater, Old Saybrook, CT
More dates to come!

Thursday, Jan. 25
The Cutting Room
44 E. 32nd St.
New York, NY
212-691-1900
Doors: 6:30 pm / Show: 7:30 pm
Tickets $20 Advance/$25 Door

New Music Video Coming Soon from Follette Films as Title Track Gains Adds at Triple A for NYC Guitar Rockers, led by British Rock Titan and Shakespearean thespian Ted Zurkowski of The Actors Studio

"One of my favorite albums of 2017" - Goldmine

"A mix of AOR and gentle prog riding a strong rock 'n' roll heart. ... The music is a pure joy." - Fireworks Magazine (UK)

NEW YORK (Jan. 16, 2018) - Following year-end Top Album list nods by Goldmine and WFUV's Darren DeVivo, HONEY WEST, the NYC guitar rock outfit featuring Foreigner/King Crimson co-founder Ian McDonald, emerges for its first gig of the new year amid increasing airplay for its latest single, "Bad Old World," Thursday, Jan. 25 at The Cutting Room, 44 E. 32nd St., New York City.

"Bad Old World" is the second single and driving title track from the band's acclaimed debut album, BAD OLD WORLD (Readout Records). The upcoming "Bad Old World" music video, to be directed by Follette Films (Patty Smythe, John Doe of X), is due in February. It follows the groundbreaking lyric video for the first single "Dementia," which premiered exclusively in Billboard.

Goldmine proclaimed BAD OLD WORLD "one of my favorite albums of 2017."

The fiery new single, crafted by McDonald and his "odd couple" songwriting partner, Shakespearean thespian Ted Zurkowski of The Actors Studio, is indicative of an album, says The Vinyl District, whose songs "flow with spunk and real-world-rebellion. ... The overall exuberance that comes through encourages a resounding 'yes.'" Fireworks Magazine (UK) calls BAD OLD WORLD "a pure joy" and Glide Magazine declared the album "full of just good, fun, crisp-sounding, non-overproduced songs, and it's very much worthy of a listen." Short & Sweet (NY/LA) deemed it "truly perfect." "Bad Old World," the single and album, are gaining increasing traction at commercial and Non-Comm Triple A stations.

As a British rock titan who has figured prominently on four of the biggest-selling albums of the 10-year period from 1969 through 1979, encompassing two completely different rock genres, McDonald proudly tells interviewers BAD OLD WORLD, the album, is "some of the best work I've ever done." Indeed, noted Billboard, "It merits some attention when Ian McDonald gets excited about something. BAD OLD WORLD has earned additional notice from Parade.com, Huffington Post, Modern Drummer, M Music & Musicians, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Digital First Media, Premiere Radio Networks, and Fireworks Magazine (UK), among many others.

Bad Old World is filled with memorable melodies and clever and sophisticated lyrics served on a bed of guitar-driven rock 'n' roll played by top-shelf musicians, including guest appearances by drummer Steve Holley, whose credits include Paul McCartney & Wings and Graham Maby (Joe Jackson, They Might Be Giants) on bass. While it's a modern sound stamped by McDonald's world-class musicianship and production, it also bears an instant familiarity, thanks to a sonic blueprint recalling such Brit-rock greats as The Move, Mott the Hoople, the Kinks and Rockpile.

Bad Old World is available for download at all major online destinations, also accessible through the band's all-new official website, HoneyWestMusic.com.

Triumphant All-Star 'Graceland' Tribute Shows with Bakithi Kumalo to be Followed by Monthlong Tour of Colombia Before U.S. Tour Begins

"[Ryan Tennis] gets straight to the heart of the music."
- Philadelphia Inquirer

"Ryan Tennis and the Clubhouse Band have a community vibe, riffing full-tilt on a rootsy chord progressions with vocal harmonies, trumpet and bongo percussion."
- 88.5 XPN The Key

PHILADELPHIA (January 12, 2018) - Having wrapped a pair of knockout All-Star Graceland tribute shows here and in Washington DC, and a triumphant six-week tour of Europe, global music sensation RYAN TENNIS celebrates the release TODAY of his brand-new studio EP, Two Days on the Fence.

Next week, Tennis heads to South America in for a month-long tour of Colombia. He returns to the U.S. in February to launch an East Coast tour, which includes an appearance at Folk Alliance International.

Co-produced by Tennis and Tom Spiker (Calvin Weston, Sun Ra Arkesta, G. Love) and recorded at the expansive Rittenhouse Soundworks studio in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Two Days on the Fence sees Tennis and his virtuosic band - Joseph Keim (drums), Shaun Hennessey (percussion), Brahm Genzlinger (bass), Maxfield Gast (sax), Nate Graham (keyboards), and Christopher Farrell (guitar) - locking in with telepathic precision on five luminous new cuts that draw heavily on sounds and rhythms Tennis absorbed during his extensive travels throughout South America and his performances with legendary South African musicians Bakithi Kumalo and Morris Goldberg, both of whom performed on Paul Simon's historic Graceland album.

"I wanted to explore more powerful rhythms than you get with the usual acoustic singer-songwriter thing," Tennis explains. "My band can play a lot of incredible grooves, so I know I can throw anything at them and they'll turn it into genius stuff that makes people move. I'm flat-out amazed at what they did on the new EP."

Over the years, Tennis has been compared to artists such as Paul Simon, Ben Harper and Bill Withers. The songs on Two Days on the Fence range from soul-enriching ballads to exuberant, body-moving groovers, and they see the inveterately creative singer-songwriter spreading the waters of his influences ("a lot of folk, soul and Afro-Caribbean sounds") while micro-targeting his lyrics to soothe today's information-overloaded society.

"I wrote these songs with the intention of giving people hope and positivity in their lives," Tennis says. "In general, we're inundated with negativity - from the news to Facebook, it's so easy to get bogged down. I'm not one to write protest songs, but in a way I did that by writing songs to make people feel good. There's a lot of power in that message, the audacity it takes to feel joyful in tough times."

The upcoming live music video for the title track of Two Days on the Fence was filmed in Paris during Tennis' most recent European tour. Having won over audiences in Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Ireland, Colombia and Argentina, he's looking forward to expanding his global reach in 2018.

Earlier this month, he sold out a pair of all-star Graceland 30th Anniversary shows (featuring original "Graceland" bassist Bakithi Kumalo) in Washington, D.C.) and Philadelphia.

"When you come to one of my shows, you're going to get an explosion of funky soul music mixed with Afro-Caribbean beats and textures," Tennis enthuses. "Everybody in the band sings backing vocals, so it's a loud and joyous sound. It's a welcoming environment, so come on and shake off your troubles. We'll have you moving in no time!"

Two Days on the Fence is out TODAY on iTunes and Spotify.

Two Days on the Fence - Track Listing
1. Down & Up
2. Two Days on the Fence
3. Strange How It's Changing
4. From the Water
5. Segundo Piso

RYAN TENNIS U.S. TOUR DATES
Sat., Feb. 17: Folk Alliance International, Kansas City, MO
Wed., Feb. 21: Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY
Sat., Feb. 24: Club Passim, Boston, MA

More Dates to Come ...

10-Day Festival Hits Stride Midweek in NYC, Then Settles into Asbury Park for 4-Day Weekend as Thousands Descend Upon Jersey Shore Resort

LaBamba's Big Band & Friends, Gary U.S. Bonds, Greg Kihn, The Verve Pipe, Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, James Maddock, Dramarama, Guitar Army featuring John Jorgenson, Lee Roy Parnell and Joe Robinson; Jeffrey Gaines, Ben Arnold, Remember Jones, The Doughboys, The King Sings The Boss among 150 Acts Performing NOW through Jan. 15

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

"This is destination event, folks... To rock, and to raise money for Light of Day, and they do a hell of a job at both. And that's pure poetry." - Elmore Magazine

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Jan. 8, 2018) - With three incredible concerts taking place over the weekend in Philadelphia, Montclair, and here in Asbury Park, LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2018 is officially under way and closing in on its goal of raising $5 million over its 18-year battle against Parkinson's disease and the Parkinsonisms through the awesome power of music.

The 10-day festival hits stride starting Wednesday night (Jan. 10) in New York City at the Cutting Room, then returns to Asbury Park Thursday (Jan.11), as the WinterFest 2018 Kickoff concert at the House of Independents formally ignites a four-day stretch of more than two dozen shows in this world-renowned Jersey Shore town, led by the main event, "Bob's Birthday Bash," starring LaBamba's Big Band & Friends, Featuring Special Guest Gary U.S. Bonds, Saturday at the Paramount Theater. "Bob's Birthday Bash" honors artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, co-founder of the Light of Day Foundation, who has been living with Parkinson's disease since 1996.

Other artists slated to appear in Asbury Park during the four-day stretch include Greg Kihn, The Verve Pipe, Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, James Maddock, Dramarama, Guitar Army featuring John Jorgenson, Lee Roy Parnell and Joe Robinson; Jeffrey Gaines, Ben Arnold, Remember Jones, The Doughboys, Led Zeppelin and Prince tribute concerts, and dozens more acts, as thousands of music lovers from all over the world descend upon Asbury Park to experience live music in every venue imaginable, including the fabled stages of the legendary Stone Pony, the Wonder Bar, the Saint, and McLoone's.

Tickets for ALL shows during LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2018 - including "Bob's Birthday Bash" - are on sale NOW. Complete ticket and additional information for all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST events at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook.

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST, presented by the Asbury Park Press, has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of the previous 17 years. Last year's event raised $555,000 - a record amount - to combat Parkinson's disease, topping the previous year record of $525,000, with the 17-year total approaching $4.5 million.

Here's the complete and final list of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2018 shows to date:

Wednesday, JAN 10
LOD "NEW YORK CITY" - Gary U.S. Bonds, Dramarama, Johnny Pi's Punk Rock Pizzeria, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, The King Sings The Boss -The Cutting Room, 18+, 7pm, $75 VIP Reserved Seating, $45 GA Reserved Seating, $25 GA Standing

Thursday, JAN 11
LOD "FIRST NOTE" - The Double Negatives, Dentist, Lemats, Zaritza, JAHK, Special Mats, The Saint, Thurs.,18+, 7pm, $8adv/$12dos
LOD "SANDY MACK's WONDER JAM" - Karmic Juggernaut, Keith Kenny, Waiting on Mongo, Joe Miller, Mack Jamily Allstars, Strumberry Pie, Secret Sound, Acoustic Juggling Suns, Predator Dub Assassins, Stu Coogan (90.5 The Night) - Wonder Bar, Thurs., 21+, 7pm, $12
LOD "WINTERFEST 2018 KICK-OFF" - Bobby Bandiera Tribute to Tom Petty, Dramarama, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, The King Sings The Boss - House Of Independents, Thurs.,18+, 7pm, All Ages, $20
LOD "MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY'S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS" - Vini Lopez (E Street/Upstage Jams), Dan Amato and the Sentimental Gentlemen, Zach Sandler and Bobby Mahoney, Ernest, Nicole Govel, Antonio Gonzalez, Olivia Rohlfs - Langosta Lounge, Thurs., All-Ages, 7pm, FREE ADMISSION. Sponsored by Leon Hess Business School at Monmouth University

Friday, JAN 12
LOD "ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION" - Willie Nile, The Verve Pipe, Boccigalupe & the Bad Boys, Miss Emily, Laura Crisci, Bobby Mahoney, Ten Ton Mojo, Pat Toner, Bob Polding Band, Miss Emily, Mad Kings, Peter Hogklint, Mike Rocket - Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages, 6:30pm, $25adv/$30dos
LOD KASHMIR - The Live Led Zeppelin Show with Colossal Street Jam, Bitter Crush - House Of Independents, Fri.,18+, 7pm, $20 adv/$25 dos
LOD "A NIGHT OF COVER SONGS" - Moroccan Sheepherders, Billy's Fault, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan with Guests, Tim Donahue & TMU Band - Silverball Museum, Fri, 7:30 p.m., FREE ADMISSION with LOD Combo Ticket.
LOD "ROCK HEAVY" - Uncrated, Lower The Veil, Dead Fish Handshake, Ropetree, The Walk Arounds -The Saint, Fri.,18+, 7pm, $8adv/$12dos
LOD "OPEN MIC" - Larry Bee, Bobby Syvarth, Carnival of Shadows, Mark Arsenault, Random Notes, Danny Van Orden,Jim Ferrante and the Starlites, Swamp Eddy, Deb and Paul, Cook Smith, Adam Bro, Jonathan Tea, Dan Hall, Roberta Rinocchiearo,Bruno Lucarelli, David Vargo, Jenny Barnes Great Unknown, Kevin Horn, Ken K. Brian McGlynn, Vynt Edge, Pat Foran, Helen O'Shea and Shanakee, Kenny Brown, Brian Gilett, Thomas Murphy, Out of Bounds, Ron Maletich, Cigar Box Stompers, Jeff McPherson, Glenn Lykes, Mary Ann Conway, Flatleaver (Ray Hurley), Rony Clark, Just Six Hours, Fred Rcks, Barbara Paskin, Bente, Ken Lippowitz - Wonder Bar, Fri., 6:30 p.m. $15
LOD AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH ALBERT LEE BAND, Special Guest Bobby Bandiera Band - McLoone's Supper Club, Fri., All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/ Show 8pm, $TBA
LOD "ACOUSTIC CAROUSEL" - Rick Winowski, Sofia Khorosh/SØF, Peter Scherer, The Maydarlings, Helen O'Shea, Reagan Richards & Gordon Brown aka Williams Honor, Paul Whistler, Eryn & Matt O'Ree, Renee Maskin, Colton Kayser, Ray Anderson, Lauren Patti & Kyle Ward, Ashley DeLima, Dana Rae, Caisy Falzone, George Wirth, Hosted by Peter Scherer (Highway 9, Mr. Reality) - Langosta Lounge, Fri, All Ages, 8:30pm, FREE ADMISSION
LOD "APYC" - Cranston Dean Band, Jessie Lee Herdman, American Trappist feat. Joe Michelini, Fri, 9pm, FREE ADMISSION
LOD "SOUND BOOTH" - Acoustic Couch Concert with Bobby Mahoney, Dark City Strings, Sam Sims Band, Ashley McKinley - Asbury Hotel, Fri, 9:30 p.m. FREE ADMISSION

Saturday, JAN 13
LOD "BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH" - LaBamba's Big Band, Featuring Special Guest Gary U.S. Bonds, Willie Nile Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, James Maddock Band, Garland Jeffreys, Remember Jones, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, Jeffrey Gaines, John Easdale, Rob Dye, Ben Arnold, Emily Grove, Luke Elliot, Isabella Rose - Paramount Theater, Sat, All Ages, 6pm, $43-$205
LOD "ROCK" - Guitar Army featuring John Jorgenson, Lee Roy Parnell and Joe Robinson - The Saint, Sat., 18+, 7pm, $25
LOD "ROCK LATE NIGHT" - Hank and Bezzy - The Saint, Sat, 10pm, $8
LOD GREG KIHN, Special guests the Ben Arnold Band, McLoone's Supper Club, Sat., 18+, 7pm, $22.50-$30
LOD "LATE NIGHT LIVE" - The Doughboys (garage rock legends) - Langosta Lounge, Sat., Jan. 13, 21+, 9pm, FREE ADMISSION
LOD TRIBUTE TO PRINCE, STARRING QUINCY MUMFORD & THE REASON WHY, House Of Independents, Sat., 18+, 8pm, $15 adv/$20 dos
LOD "ASBURY BLUES" - Billy Walton Band, Karen Phillips, Tony Tedesco & Full Fathom 5, James Dalton, Chuck Lambert, Pam McCoy, Normin Seldin, Joe Whyte, RB3, String Bean, Papa John Bug & The Jam Band - Wonder Bar, Sat., All Ages, Noon, $12/$15
LOD "FULL TILT BOOGIE BASH" - Billy Hector, Laura Crisci, Christine Martucci, Colton Kaiser, Des & the Swagmatics, Mike Miz, Slyders, Sharon Lasher, Dawg Whistle, Strumberry Pie - Wonder Bar, Sat., 21+, 7pm, $12/$15
LOD "WOMEN OF SONG" - Layonne Holmes, Tara Elliott, Maureen McCrink, Rosemary Conte, Jo Wymer, Pam McCoy, Debbie Gangemi - The Saint, Fri, 12:40pm, $10.
LOD "WOMEN WHO ROCK" - Rene Maskin, Tara Dente, Mack, Pamela Flores - Asbury Yacht Club, Sat, 8:30pm, FREE ADMISSION
LOD "DOWNTOWN - ASBURY UNDERGROUND," curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Various performers throughout Downtown Asbury Park restaurants, galleries and stores. Sat, Noon - 7pm Over 20 venues! FREE ADMISSION
LOD "SOUND BOOTH" - Stringbean & the Boardwalk Social Club, The Haven - Asbury Hotel, Fri, 9pm, FREE ADMISSION

Sunday, JAN 14
LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL" - Roberta Finicchiaro, John Sonntag, Taylor Tote, David Vargo, Jersey Budd, Hans Ludviggson, Arlon Bennett, Rachel Dobken, Luke Elliot - Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15
LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL" - Bruce Tunkel, Karen Mansfield, Pat Guadagno, Sams Sims/Kyle Ward, Frank Lombardi, Joshua, Scott Elk - Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 3pm, $15
LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL" - James Maddock, Joe Grushecky, Joe D'Urso, John Easdale, Peter Elkas, Emily Grove, Joe Rapolla, Williams Honor, Ben Arnold, Mary McCrink, Miss Emily, Vini Lopez, Rob Dye - McLoone's Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, 6pm, $20adv/$25dos
LOD "ASBURY HOTEL MATINEE (Music Hall)" - British Invasion Years, Brother John Band, Sun, 2pm, FREE ADMISSION
LOD "KIDS ROCK" - Calling Avery, Sonic Blume, Jake Sfraga, Slapjack, Lauren Gill, Lakehouse Hand Drawn Owls, Lakehouse Junior Pros, Sophia Montalbano, Marel Hidalgo and the Stone Feathers, Radioactive, Indigo Mane, Georgia Owen, Julia Yolanda, School of Rock Red Bank, Amanda Conti, Rock'N Music Academy, Rockit, more - Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15adv/$20dos
LOD "MUSICIANS ON A MISSION" - The Wag, The Cucumbers, Downstream, Nick Ryan Band, Ty Mares & The Running Dog Band -The Saint, Sun., 18+, Noon, $10
LOD "LAST NOTE" - Random Test, Funktion, Dez & The Swagmatics - The Saint, Sun., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
LOD "BRUCE BRUNCH LIVE BROADCAST" - Longtime LOD concert host Tom Cunningham hosts his popular Springsteen program on 105.7 "The Hawk," live from the Anchor's Bend restaurant, in the Convention Hall/Paramount Theatre complex, with very special guests. 9 am. FREE ADMISSION

Monday, JAN 15
LOD "GOODBYE BRUNCH" - Kristian Rex & Friends - Robinson Ale House, Mon., All Ages, 10:30am-1:30pm

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

East Coast Trek to Include Pair of All-Star 'Graceland' Tribute Shows with Bakithi Kumalo

"Ryan Tennis and the Clubhouse Band have a community vibe, riffing full-tilt on a rootsy chord progressions with vocal harmonies, trumpet and bongo percussion." - 88.5 XPN The Key

PHILADELPHIA (December 19, 2017) - Having recently wrapped a triumphant six-week tour of Europe and a knockout homecoming pre-holiday show in his beloved Philadelphia, global music sensation RYAN TENNIS and his seven-piece Clubhouse Band will release a brand-new studio EP, Two Days on the Fence, on January 12.

Co-produced by Tennis and Tom Spiker (Calvin Weston, Sun Ra Arkesta, G. Love) and recorded at the expansive Rittenhouse Soundworks studio in the Philly suburb of Germantown, Two Days on the Fence sees Tennis and his virtuosic band - Joseph Keim (drums), Shaun Hennessey (percussion), Brahm Genzlinger (bass), Maxfield Gast (sax), Nate Graham (keyboards), and Christopher Farrell (guitar) - locking in with telepathic precision on five luminous new cuts that draw heavily on sounds and rhythms Tennis absorbed during his extensive travels throughout South America and his performances with legendary South African musicians Bakithi Kumalo and Morris Goldberg, both of whom performed on Paul Simon's historic Graceland album.

"I wanted to explore more powerful rhythms than you get with the usual acoustic singer-songwriter thing," Tennis explains. "My band can play a lot of incredible grooves, so I know I can throw anything at them and they'll turn it into genius stuff that makes people move. I'm flat-out amazed at what they did on the new EP."

Over the years, Tennis has been compared to artists such as Paul Simon, Ben Harper and Bill Withers. The songs on Two Days on the Fence range from soul-enriching ballads to exuberant, body-moving groovers, and they see the inveterately creative singer-songwriter spreading the waters of his influences ("a lot of folk, soul and Afro-Caribbean sounds") while micro-targeting his lyrics to soothe today's information-overloaded society.

"I wrote these songs with the intention of giving people hope and positivity in their lives," Tennis says. "In general, we're inundated with negativity - from the news to Facebook, it's so easy to get bogged down. I'm not one to write protest songs, but in a way I did that by writing songs to make people feel good. There's a lot of power in that message, the audacity it takes to feel joyful in tough times."

The upcoming live music video for the title track of Two Days on the Fence was filmed in Paris during Tennis' most recent European tour. Having won over audiences in Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Ireland, Colombia and Argentina, he's looking forward to expanding his global reach in 2018. On the heels of the EP's release, Tennis heads to South America in mid-January for a month-long tour of Columbia. Prior to his departure, Tennis will lead a pair of all-star "Graceland" 30th Anniversary shows (featuring original Graceland bassist Bakithi Kumalo) in Washington, D.C. (Jan. 5) and Philadelphia (Jan. 6). He returns to the U.S. in February to launch an East Coast tour, which includes an appearance at Folk Alliance International.

"I can't wait to get back out there and play," Tennis enthuses. "When you come to one of my shows, you're going to get an explosion of funky soul music mixed with Afro-Caribbean beats and textures. Everybody in the band sings backing vocals, so it's a loud and joyous sound. It's a welcoming environment, so come on and shake off your troubles. We'll have you moving in no time!"

Two Days on the Fence is out January 12th on iTunes and Spotify.

Two Days on the Fence - Track Listing
1. Down & Up
2. Two Days on the Fence
3. Strange How It's Changing
4. From the Water
5. Segundo Piso

RYAN TENNIS U.S. TOUR DATES
Sat. Dec. 23: Dogtooth Bar & Grill, Wildwood, NJ
Fri., Jan. 5: Pearl Street Warehouse, Washington, DC**
Sat., Jan. 6: Ardmore Music Hall, Ardmore, PA**
Wed. Feb. 21: Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY
Sat. Feb. 24: Club Passim, Boston, MA

**Graceland All-Star 30th Anniversary Tribute

More Dates to Come ...

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Dec. 13, 2017) - The Light of Day Foundation today mourns the loss of one of its own, Pat DiNizio of legendary New Jersey power-pop band The Smithereens, as the charity organization prepares to launch its annual Light of Day WinterFest without his participation for the first time since he came aboard in 2015.

WinterFest is the primary fundraiser for the Foundation, now in its 18th year of raising money and awareness through the awesome power of music in order to defeat Parkinson's Disease and the Parkinsonisms, ALS and PSP, in our lifetime. DiNizio, vocalist-guitarist-songwriter for the Smithereens who died yesterday, performed twice at WinterFest as a solo acoustic artist, and in January 2016, with the Smithereens as headliners of "Bob's Birthday Bash," the marquee event of the 10-day charity festival. The next WinterFest will be held Jan. 5-15.

"Pat was a powerful vocalist with one of the most distinctive voices in rock, a brilliant songwriter, a great cook, a proud Italian, a lover of America's favorite pastime and the and most importantly, a sweet and bright human being," said Tony Pallagrosi, Light of Day Foundation executive director. "Once he started working with us, he was here to stay. This is a tremendous loss to the Light of Day family, and the music community overall."

The Smithereens headlined at WinterFest's "Sweet Little 16" to kick off a yearlong 30th anniversary of the release of its multi-platinum major label debut, Especially For You. To mark the occasion, the band highlighted their jazzy baroque stylings by adding horn and string sections to the presentation.

"I played Light of Day for the first time last year as a solo acoustic act and it was one of my most memorable performing experiences in that I've seldom seen an audience that responsive to virtually every performer," said DiNizio in anticipation of the 2016 Smithereens show. "It was simply electric.

"We're honored that we're headlining WinterFest. It's some sort of acknowledgement that what we did over the past 35 years as a rock 'n' roll band from New Jersey meant something, and that it had some sort of impact on a lot of people who love rock 'n' roll.

"Parkinson's disease could happen to anybody at any time. We know people and have supporters of the band who are stricken with this disease who come to the shows. Obviously, we have a lot of empathy for anyone who's suffering. This is one of the good events for a good charitable cause."

PHOTO CAPTION #1: Pat DiNizio performs solo acoustic at Light of Day WinterFest's "Bob's Birthday Bash." Credit: Mark Weiss.

PHOTO CAPTION #2: L-R - Willie Nile, Tony Pallagrosi (LOD executive director), Richie "LaBamba" Rosenberg, Pat DiNizio, and John Eddie join in a show of NJ musician brotherhood at WinterFest's "Bob's Birthday Bash." Credit: Mark Weiss.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996. More info at www.lightofday.org.

PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 12, 2017) - JOE ZAHM is a successful international businessman with considerable creative energy that manifests itself charitably through music. As a singer-songwriter, performer, and producer, the Philadelphia-based entrepreneur, a real estate leader in the Turks & Caicos Islands, uses the power of music and video to bring people together and raise funds and awareness for worthy issues and causes. Most recently, his 2017 "What U Do" campaign, "the Music Mission to Crush Cancer," was crafted to support Coaches vs. Cancer, the nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

For the holiday season, Zahm wants people to know that, as a family guy, he's a "Christmas Kinda Guy," too. Among the "buckets of songs" he's written and recorded the last few years, his lone holiday tune, CHRISTMAS KINDA GUY, is his holiday gift to cap his year of "giving through music" in 2017. CHRISTMAS KINDA GUY finds Zahm tapping his inner Burt Bacharach, enlisting popular Philadelphia singer-songwriter Ben Arnold to help craft a much more lush pop production than can be found on Zahm's numerous other recordings, backed here by his durable and highly accomplished Joe Zahm Band - U.S. Rails members Matt Muir on drums, Scott Bricklin on guitar, and Arnold on guitar and keyboards; plus Adam Flicker (Sensamotion, American Babies) on horns, and Phil D'Agostino (Get the Led Out) on bass (subbing for Pete Donnelly of the Figgs & NRBQ), with string support from Sarah Larsen and Rachel Icenot.

The video for CHRISTMAS KINDA GUY was directed by another popular Philadelphia singer-songwriter, Emily Zeitlyn, also known throughout the music community as singer-guitarist for soulfully forceful rockers the Arc Divers (formerly just Divers) and prior to that, the Weeds. She also runs a video production company that has taken her from Ecuador to Spain to record and produce video. Back in Philadelphia, Zeitlyn pays homage to Zahm and his family, and the hometown they both love and cherish, with this music video for CHRISTMAS KINDA GUY.

Watch for a succession of more original issue and cause-related music videos from Joe Zahm in 2018.

Happy Holidays!

Tickets go on Sale SATURDAY, Nov. 25 @ NOON EST

"To rock, and to raise money for the Light of Day, and they do a hell of a job at both. And that's pure poetry." - Elmore Magazine

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Nov. 22, 2017) - With a goal of topping last year's record-breaking $550,000 raised in its ongoing battle against Parkinson's disease, LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2018, presented by the Asbury Park Press, the 18th anniversary edition of the anchor event for the world-renowned Light of Day Foundation, will bring over 150 music acts to 30 venues over 10 days in two New Jersey cities, New York City, and Philadelphia, in January, following a holiday season European tour.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, Nov. 25 at NOON EST for the Asbury Park portion of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2018, where the bulk of the action will occur, being held Jan. 5-15, 2018 at such fabled rock venues as the Paramount Theater, the Stone Pony, the Saint, the Wonder Bar, House of Independents and the Asbury Hotel, among others. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com), Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, and all Ticketmaster outlets. A wide variety of combination ticket packages - as well as single tickets to each show - will be available.

Albert Lee and Band, Greg Kihn, Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers, Willie Nile and Band, Garland Jeffreys, James Maddock and Band, Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan, Billy Hector Band, Kashmir: The Live Led Zeppelin Show, Bobby Bandiera and his popular Tom Petty tribute, Jeffrey Gaines, Christine Martucci, Bruce Tunkel, the Slyders, Sandy Mack Allstars, Kyle Ward, Billy Hector Band, Colossal Street Jam, Tara Tote, and the Billy Walton Band are among the first wave of acts to be announced for LIGHT OF DAY 2018. More acts will be announced as the festival approaches.

Concert goers can purchase tickets for individual shows, on an a la carte basis, including BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH, at the Paramount Theater, scheduled for Jan. 13, 2018. Tickets for Bob's Birthday Bash range from $43 to $209.50, and tickets for the other club shows range from Free to $35. Concert goers can purchase a LIGHT OF DAY COMBO TICKET PACKAGE to gain admission to all Asbury Park events (Approximately 50 EVENTS) at five different levels, starting at $159.50. The packages GUARANTEE a reserved seat for BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH at the Paramount Theatre, along with admission to all shows, capacity permitting, first-come, first-served basis. Ticket prices DO NOT include any fees and/or service/convenience charges.

The complete festival schedule and array of ticket packages are below:

Ticket packages include (all seat descriptions are approximate):

Platinum "All Access" Combo package: $325 - "very best" orchestra seats, including pit seats and first 10 rows at the Paramount. The ticket package also includes a commemorative Light of Day New Jersey 2018 VIP laminate; a Light of Day New Jersey 2018 T-shirt, and a L'Oreal gift bag worth more than $200, plus admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2018 events.

Platinum "Bob's Birthday Bash" Paramount Only Ticket: $209.50 - same as Platinum "All Access" Combo package except it DOES NOT INCLUDE admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2018 events.

Gold combo package: $249.50 - includes great front and mid-orchestra in rows 11 to 16 and the loge, and closer seats on the left and right sides at the Paramount. The ticket package also includes a commemorative Light of Day 2018 laminate, plus admission to all Light of Day Asbury Park 2018 events.

Gold "Bob's Birthday Bash" Paramount Only Ticket: $159.50 - same as Gold "All Access" Combo package except it DOES NOT INCLUDE admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2018 events.

Silver combo package: $199.50 - includes great mid- and rear orchestra and lower side orchestra seats at the Paramount. The ticket package also includes admission to all Light of Day Asbury Park 2018 events.

Silver "Bob's Birthday Bash" Paramount Only Ticket: $119.50 - same as Silver "All Access" Combo package except it DOES NOT INCLUDE admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2018 events.

Bronze combo package: $159.50 - includes rear orchestra and balcony seats at the Paramount, plus admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2018 events. The best seats for the dollar!

Bronze "Bob's Birthday Bash" Paramount Only Ticket: $89.50 - same as Silver "All Access" Combo package except it DOES NOT INCLUDE admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park 2018 events.

Super Savers - $53 and $43 - Rear upper balcony seating for "Bob's Birthday Bash" only.

***Ticket prices do not reflect Ticketmaster and venue service/facility/convenience charges.

****Please note: All combo tickets guarantee your seat at the Main Event. However, admission to all other Light of Day Asbury Park events is subject to capacity restrictions at their respective venue.

Individual event ticket prices:

Friday, JAN 5
LOD "NORTH JERSEY" Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair, NJ, 7pm, $TBA

Saturday, JAN 6
LOD "Philadelphia," The World Cafe, Upstairs, Philadelphia, Pa., 7pm, $TBA

Sunday, JAN 7
LOD "COVER ME: BEST OF THE JERSEY BAR BANDS", Stone Pony, All Ages, 1pm, $TBA

Monday, JAN 8
LOD "HAPPY MONDAYS", Wonder Bar, Mon., 21+, $TBA

Wednesday, JAN 10
LOD "NYC", The Cutting Room, 18+, 7pm, $75 VIP Reserved Seating, $45 GA Reserved Seating, $25 GA Standing

Thursday, JAN 11
LOD "FIRST NOTE", The Saint, Thurs., 18+, 6:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
LOD "SANDY MACK's WONDER JAM", Wonder Bar, Thurs., 21+, 7pm, $12
LOD "WINTERFEST 2018 KICK-OFF", House Of Independents, Thurs., 18+, 7pm, $20adv/$25dos
LOD "MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY'S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS", Langosta Lounge, Thurs., All-Ages, 7pm, FREE ADMISSION

Friday, JAN 12
LOD "ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION", Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages, 6:30pm, $25adv/$30dos
LOD TBA, House Of Independents, Fri., 18+, 7pm, $TBA
LOD "ROCK HEAVY", The Saint, Fri., 18+, 8pm, $8adv/$12dos
LOD "OPEN MIC", Wonder Bar, Fri., 21+, 6pm, $12
LOD TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, Fri., All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/Show 8pm, $TBA
LOD "LATE NIGHT FRIDAY", Langosta Lounge, l, Friday, 21+, 9pm, FREE ADMISSION
LOD "TBA", Paramount Theater, Fri., All Ages, 8pm, $TBA

Saturday, JAN 13
LOD "BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH", Paramount Theater, Sat, All Ages, 6pm, $43-$205
LOD "ROCK", The Saint, Sat., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos
LOD TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, Sat., All Ages, Noon, $TBA
LOD TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, Sat., 18+, 7pm, $TBA
LOD "LATE NIGHT SATURDAY", Langosta Lounge, Sat., Jan. 17, 21+, 10pm, FREE ADMISSION
LOD "TBA", House Of Independents, Sat., 18+, 8pm, $TBA
LOD "ASBURY BLUES", Wonder Bar, Sat., All Ages, Noon, $12/$15
LOD "FULL TILT BOOGIE BASH", Wonder Bar, Sat., 21+, 7pm, $12/$15
LOD "DOWNTOWN - ASBURY UNDERGROUND," curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Noon - 7PM Over 20 venues! FREE ADMISSION

Sunday, JAN 14
LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL", Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15
LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL", Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 3pm, $15
LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL", McLoone's Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, 6pm, $20
LOD "KID'S ROCK", Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15
LOD "MUSICIANS ON A MISSION", The Saint, Sun., 18+, Noon, $10
LOD "LAST NOTE", The Saint, Sun., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos

Monday, JAN 15
LOD "GOODBYE BRUNCH," Toast, Mon., All Ages, 10:30am-1:30pm

* * *

Light of Day WinterFest has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of the previous 17 years. In his recent autobiography, Born to Run, which topped the New York Times Best Sellers List as well as in several countries worldwide, Springsteen revealed that his father suffered from Parkinson's Disease.

Last year's event raised $555,000 - a record amount - to combat Parkinson's disease, topping the previous year's record of $525,000, with the 17-year total approaching $4.5 million.

Aside from Springsteen, previous LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST performers have included Michael J. Fox, John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls), Darlene Love, Ed Kowalczyk (Live), Jakob Dylan, Suzanne Vega, Max Weinberg (E Street Band), Jake Clemons (E Street Band), Lucinda Williams, Mike Peters (The Alarm, Big Country), David Bryan of Bon Jovi, David Bromberg, Alejandro Escovedo, Pete Yorn, The Smithereens, Peter Asher, Chuck Prophet, Joey Molland (Badfinger), Peter Himmelman, Gary U.S. Bonds, Southside Johnny, LaBamba's Big Band, John Eddie. Michael J. Fox starred with Joan Jett in the 1987 film titled after the Springsteen song (and live concert favorite) of the same name, which Fox and Jett sang in the movie.

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2018 also will include shows in New York City (Jan. 10 @ The Cutting Room), North Jersey (Jan. 5 in Montclair), and Philadelphia (Jan. 6, @ World Café Live). They are the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day event in Asbury Park and grew in the U.S. to a 10-day festival in the New Jersey/New York/Philadelphia metropolitan area.

On the radio side, longtime LOD concert host Tom Cunningham will host his Sunday morning "Bruce Brunch" program on 105.7 "The Hawk," live from the Anchor's Bend restaurant, in the Convention Hall/Paramount Theatre complex, with very special guests, on Jan. 15, starting at 9 a.m.

These are heady times indeed for the Light of Day Foundation. In October, Gold's Gym in Howell, NJ, became the second location for BOXING FOR BOB Classes, FREE to Parkinson's disease patients, with participation fully funded by the Light of Day Foundation. The full-body, non-contact boxing therapy workout - which also utilizes strength training, flexibility and balance drills - continues at its original location, Gladiator's Gym in Forked River, NJ, as well. Combined, the two locations are serving over 100 Parkinson's patients with thrice weekly instruction.

In 2016, the Foundation was able to proudly establish a $150,000 grant to the Parkinsons Disease Foundation, as well as host an incredibly successful matching grant drive with Cure PSP which raised an additional $200,000. CurePSP is the foremost organization working toward curing and preventing Parkinson's related diseases such as CBD and PSP.

More significantly, Light of Day has expanded into an internationally recognized tour, through a true grassroots effort of musicians, music fans and benefactors. Light of Day shows now take place around the world on three continents, this year including the 11th annual European tour - a 16-day holiday run in 9 countries (Nov. 24-Dec. 11). And for the fourth consecutive year, a Light of Day event was held over the summer in Australia. The two-day festival always takes place in the Australian city of Ocean Grove, Victoria, a sister city to Asbury Park neighbor Ocean Grove, NJ. Portions of proceeds from all shows are donated to local Parkinson's organizations.

Light of Day also fields a team in the annual Parkinson's Unity Walk in New York's Central Park. Over the years the Light of Day team has raised over $275,000.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jeff Ross

Noted Recording Artist MARCUS GOLDHABER Opens Window Into Lives of Veterans Through Story-Based Songs

ALBUM ARRIVES TO LAUNCH VETERANS DAY WEEKEND VIA KRIAN MUSIC GROUP/UNIVERSAL RECORDS

GOLDHABER TO PERFORM SATURDAY AT NEW YORK CITY VETERANS DAY PARADE FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

MAJOR VETERANS DAY WEEKEND RADIO INTERVIEWS INCLUDE THE JOE PISCOPO MORNING SHOW AND NPR's MILWAUKEE PUBLIC RADIO

NEXT CARRY YOU ON SHOW: SUNDAY, DEC. 3 @ ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL, NYC

50% of Proceeds from Physical Album Sales to Support Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

"A big thanks to Marcus Goldhaber for his notable work to help bridge the divide between Service Members, veterans, and families and the broader American public. Marcus' steadfast commitment to this mission is an inspiration. ... Keep it going, Marcus!"
- Major Dan McSweeney (US Marine Corps), President of the United War Veterans Council

"This is important. Sharing your story, and having a real storyteller offer it to the rest of the community in a way that maybe you as a soldier, a sailor or a Marine can't, there's real power in that. This community needs to know that they're not living in isolation, and that there's a broader country that stands behind them. And I think that Marcus's story is empowering as a vehicle to do that."
- Ilario Pantano, Marine Veteran of Desert Storm and Iraq

NEW YORK (Nov. 10, 2017) - With notable coverage including Parade Magazine, NPR's Milwaukee Public Radio, and The Joe Piscopo Morning Show, CARRY YOU ON, the unique benefit "Album for Action" from noted recording artist MARCUS GOLDHABER to #BridgeTheGap between civilians and military veterans through the power of music, is OUT TODAY on Krian Music Group/Universal Records.

CARRY YOU ON is a uniquely compelling collection of story-based songs told to Goldhaber-first-hand by veterans. Created to open new windows into the everyday lives of veterans and their families, the songs are the culmination of an ongoing mission by Goldhaber that started five years ago to deepen the discussion beyond "Thank You for Your Service."

Goldhaber began celebrating its arrival earlier this week with an Album Release Event and Talkback Panel with notable veterans officials at the famed Cutting Room in New York City ("informative, moving and ... perfect." -The MAC Wire). The celebration continues this weekend with Goldhaber's third consecutive appearance performing his veterans-inspired songs tomorrow at the New York City Veterans Day parade, and major radio interviews today on Milwaukee Public Radio's Lake Effect, and Monday on The Joe Piscopo Morning Show on 970 AM The Answer in New York. Goldhaber's noble efforts also are featured in a three-page spread in this month's Innovative Health Magazine.

Half of the proceeds from physical sales of CARRY YOU ON directly support Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), a non-partisan, non-profit which similarly seeks to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans, while strengthening the civilian-veteran bond. The album was entirely funded through a Kickstarter campaign that the marquee crowdfunding site declared a "Project We Love," in raising nearly $70,000.

Propelled by the swirling B-3 organ of Todd Caldwell (David Crosby, Stephen Stills), and the earthy soulfulness of Marc Cohn, with the effortless bounce of Barry Manilow, "SONG FOR PEACE" lifts Goldhaber's hopeful message of peace and unity through music while deepening the understanding of what many military families endure ("Every soldier needs a shoulder, don't fear them, just hear them").

"'SONG FOR PEACE' is meant to deepen the understanding of what a military family goes through," says Goldhaber, "and bring people together around a hopeful message of peace."

Goldhaber aims to fortify the civilian-veteran dialogue and broaden the national conversation about veterans with CARRY YOU ON. As the album illustrates, the discussion hardly ends with "Thank you for your service." Furthering that conversation between civilians and military veterans is the true challenge.

Known for his vivid songwriting and intimate approach to the American Songbook, Goldhaber makes a bold departure from his jazz roots, and charges beyond stars-and-stripes patriotism to achieve a greater conversation of nuance and individuality. With music as his vehicle to drive the conversation, Goldhaber blends a variety of styles and special narratives that summon the timeless sensibilities of classic singer-songwriters, from James Taylor to the Lumineers. All original lyrics on CARRY YOU ON were inspired by conversations Goldhaber has had with civilians, active-duty service members, veterans and their families during a five-year journey that began with one like-minded song, the anthemic "Come Home America," which has been newly arranged for CARRY YOU ON.

Goldhaber has been performing these songs on military and patriotic stages, from Super Bowl and Fleet Week events to the nation's largest Veterans Day Parade and Independence Day celebration. The impact he's witnessed and reactions he's received along the way became the impetus to record the full album with producer Thad DeBrock (Duncan Sheik, Ari Hest) and a stellar group of studio musicians whose credits include David Bowie, Paul Simon, the Black Crowes, Bon Iver, Joni Mitchell, Cassandra Wilson, Suzanne Vega, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Among the other Goldhaber originals, "That's My Dad" surveys the generational shift in perspective of the veteran-civilian relationship with a Sgt. Pepper's vibe. "Cassandra Knows," in classic troubadour style, explores a woman's struggle to accept her decision to join the Marines after losing family on 9/11. And "Sometimes I Wish" applies an American folk-rock tapestry to introduce survivor's guilt amid veterans who struggle to move on without those who've served by their sides, wishing sometimes "that it were me instead of them."

"There are themes in all the songs that are much bigger than one subject," says producer DeBrock. "And in times like these, it's good to have anything that brings people together as opposed to taking them apart. Marcus has done a great job in creating songs like that."

Adds Goldhaber: "It's really exciting to see how audiences mixed with civilians and military folks connect through this message at our shows. It's beautiful and inspiring to witness them truly engaging with each other and bonding as they leave the performance. We all have the power to help eliminate the US/THEM culture that unfortunately still plagues our communities."

From Cameo-Parkway to Philadelphia International Records, Historic Reunion of 'Sound of Philadelphia' Co-Founder Kenny Gamble with Philly Dance Craze Legends Chubby Checker and Dee Dee Sharp Traces Roots of World-Renown 60-Year Philly R&B Legacy at Philadelphia RowHome Blue Sapphire Awards

PHILADELPHIA - In a historic reunion that traced the roots of the Sounds of Philadelphia and 60 years of world-renown Philly Soul, Philadelphia International Records co-founder and R&B pioneer Kenny Gamble arrived last night to honor a pair of Philly "dance craze" legends, Chubby Checker ("The Twist") and Dee Dee Sharp ("Mashed Potato Time"), as each received Lifetime Music Achievement honors at the Philadelphia RowHome Magazine Blue Sapphire Awards.

Gamble has long credited the writers at Cameo-Parkway, where Checker and Sharp became stars, for inspiring him and Leon Huff, in the earliest days of their legendary partnership as songwriters, producers and record company executives. The roots of Gamble & Huff date back to the early 1960s, when they backed Checker and Sharp on tours as members of Kenny Gamble and the Romeos. The Cameo-Parkway office building eventually became the Philadelphia International Records hit factory following its purchase by Gamble & Huff in 1971.

At last night's awards ceremony, Gamble credited Sharp, especially, for introducing Gamble & Huff to Cameo-Parkway Records and become an essential figure in launching their legacy in making Philadelphia the capital of soul music in the Seventies with a catalogue that includes dozens of worldwide hits and multiplatinum records.

"If it wasn't for this young lady," said Gamble, "I don't know if me and Huff would be where we are today."

Noted Recording Artist MARCUS GOLDHABER Opens Window Into Lives of Veterans Through Story-Based Songs to Further Discussion Beyond 'Thank You for Your Service'

ALBUM TO ARRIVE VETERANS DAY WEEKEND VIA KRIAN MUSIC GROUP/UNIVERSAL RECORDS:

Album Release Event to be Live Streamed Nov. 6 from New York City

50% of Proceeds from Physical Album Sales to Support Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

"After talking with Marcus on my show about this project, I realized how passionate and caring he was, and that his intentions came from a true place of Love, Honor and Valor as a Voice for Veterans!"
- Holly Stephey, Red Velvet Media

"Rousing and unifying."
- AXS.com (AEG Live)

"A big thanks to Marcus Goldhaber for his notable work to help bridge the divide between Service Members, veterans, and families and the broader American public. Marcus' steadfast commitment to this mission is an inspiration. ... Keep it going, Marcus!"
- Major Dan McSweeney (US Marine Corps), President of the United War Veterans Council

"This is important. Sharing your story, and having a real storyteller offer it to the rest of the community in a way that maybe you as a soldier, a sailor or a Marine can't, there's real power in that. This community needs to know that they're not living in isolation, and that there's a broader country that stands behind them. And I think that Marcus's story is empowering as a vehicle to do that."
- Ilario Pantano, Marine Veteran of Desert Storm and Iraq

NEW YORK (Oct. 10, 2017) - "SONG FOR PEACE," the soulful first single from CARRY YOU ON, the upcoming benefit "Album for Action" from noted recording artist MARCUS GOLDHABER to #BridgeTheGap between civilians and military veterans through the power of music, is OUT TODAY on Krian Music Group/Universal Records.

Set for Veterans Day Weekend release (Nov. 10), CARRY YOU ON is a uniquely compelling collection of story-based songs created to open new windows into the everyday lives of veterans and their families, and the culmination of an ongoing mission by Goldhaber that Joseph Brooks, President & COO of Liberty USO, has declared "the start of a movement!"

The Album Release Concert for civilians and military veterans will be live streamed from the Cutting Room in New York City during Veterans Week on Nov. 6.

Half of the proceeds from physical sales of CARRY YOU ON directly support Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), a non-partisan, non-profit which similarly seeks to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans, while strengthening the civilian-veteran bond. The album was entirely funded through a Kickstarter campaign that the marquee crowdfunding site declared a "Project We Love," in raising nearly $70,000.

Propelled by the swirling B-3 organ of Todd Caldwell (David Crosby, Stephen Stills), and the earthy soulfulness of Marc Cohn, with the effortless bounce of Barry Manilow, "SONG FOR PEACE" lifts Goldhaber's hopeful message of peace and unity through music while deepening the understanding of what many military families endure ("Every soldier needs a shoulder, don't fear them, just hear them").

"'SONG FOR PEACE' is meant to deepen the understanding of what a military family goes through," says Goldhaber, "and bring people together around a hopeful message of peace."

Goldhaber aims to fortify the civilian-veteran dialogue and broaden the national conversation about veterans with CARRY YOU ON. As the album illustrates, the discussion hardly ends with "Thank you for your service." Furthering that conversation between civilians and military veterans is the true challenge.

Known for his vivid songwriting and intimate approach to the American Songbook, Goldhaber makes a bold departure from his jazz roots, and charges beyond stars-and-stripes patriotism to achieve a greater conversation of nuance and individuality. With music as his vehicle to drive the conversation, Goldhaber blends a variety of styles and special narratives that summon the timeless sensibilities of classic singer-songwriters, from James Taylor to the Lumineers. All original lyrics on CARRY YOU ON were inspired by conversations Goldhaber has had with civilians, active-duty service members, veterans and their families during a five-year journey that began with one like-minded song, the anthemic "Come Home America," which has been newly arranged for CARRY YOU ON.

Goldhaber has been performing these songs on military and patriotic stages, from Super Bowl and Fleet Week events to the nation's largest Veterans Day Parade and Independence Day celebration. The impact he's witnessed and reactions he's received along the way became the impetus to record the full album with producer Thad DeBrock (Duncan Sheik, Ari Hest) and a stellar group of studio musicians whose credits include David Bowie, Paul Simon, the Black Crowes, Bon Iver, Joni Mitchell, Cassandra Wilson, Suzanne Vega, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Among the other Goldhaber originals, "That's My Dad" surveys the generational shift in perspective of the veteran-civilian relationship with a Sgt. Pepper's vibe. "Cassandra Knows," in classic troubadour style, explores a woman's struggle to accept her decision to join the Marines after losing family on 9/11. And "Sometimes I Wish" applies an American folk-rock tapestry to introduce survivor's guilt amid veterans who struggle to move on without those who've served by their sides, wishing sometimes "that it were me instead of them."

CARRY YOU ON also features fresh interpretations of Johnny Mercer's "GI Jive," David Friedman's "We Can Be Kind," and "America the Beautiful."

DeBrock was initially drawn to the heart that Goldhaber brings to veterans with this music, but as the recording process unfolded, the producer noticed something much broader going on.

"There are themes in all the songs that are much bigger than one subject," says the producer. "And in times like these, it's good to have anything that brings people together as opposed to taking them apart. Marcus has done a great job in creating songs like that."

Adds Goldhaber: "It's really exciting to see how audiences mixed with civilians and military folks connect through this message at our shows. It's beautiful and inspiring to witness them truly engaging with each other and bonding as they leave the performance.

"We all have the power to help eliminate the US/THEM culture that unfortunately still plagues our communities," he continues. "We can push beyond the barrage of media sound bites and create a new conversation that does more than begin and end with 'Thank you for your service.'"

NYC Guitar Rockers, led by British Rock Titan McDonald and Shakespearean thespian Ted Zurkowski of The Actors Studio, to play Mercury Lounge THIS SUNDAY (Oct. 15)

Above, left and right, Ian McDonald reunites with Foreigner last weekend in Detroit for a theatrical multi-media live concert spectacular taping. Photos courtesy Rock Fuel Media.

NEW YORK (October 10, 2017) - Direct from his triumphant Foreigner reunion theatrical multi-media live concert spectacular taping in Detroit last weekend, and gearing up for the T Rex All-Star anniversary event later this month, Foreigner & King Crimson co-founder IAN McDONALD brings his acclaimed new band, HONEY WEST, back to New York City for a rare club show THIS SUNDAY (Oct. 15) at the Mercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St. Showtime 6 p.m. Tickets $10 and on sale NOW at www.mercuryloungenyc.com.

Last weekend's Foreigner reunion event, the very first Foreigner concert ever produced for theatrical and television release, brought McDonald back together with his old band mates for "the first time" since the initial reunion show in July at Jones Beach in Wantaugh, NY. On Oct. 22, McDonald will reprise his iconic sax breaks from the T Rex classic rock staple, "Get It On (Bang a Gong)" at City Winery for the sold-out "20th Century Boy" all-star celebration of Marc Bolan's 70th anniversary, and 40th of the glam rock icon's untimely passing.

At the Mercury Lounge this Sunday, McDonald will team up with his "odd couple" songwriting partner, Shakespearean thespian Ted Zurkowski of The Actors Studio, and the other members of HONEY WEST - son Maxwell McDonald on bass and Tom Curiano (Garland Jeffreys) on drums - as acclaim continues to mount for the band's debut album, Bad Old World (Readout Records). This is HONEY WEST's second New York appearance since their triumphant CD Release Event in May, and first show in Manhattan since July.

Billboard.com, in its exclusive premiere of the groundbreaking lyric video for "Dementia," the "infectious" (ABC News Radio) self-deprecating 1st single drawing comparisons to revered British pub rockers Rockpile, said, "It merits some attention when Ian McDonald gets excited about something." Indeed, as a British rock titan who has figured prominently on four of the biggest-selling albums of the 10-year period from 1969 through 1979, encompassing two completely different rock genres, McDonald consistently tells interviewers Bad Old World is "some of the best work I've done in ages, and maybe ever."

Bad Old World also has earned notice from Parade.com, Huffington Post, Modern Drummer, M Music & Musicians, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Digital First Media, Premiere Radio Networks, and Fireworks Magazine (UK), among others. Goldmine is scheduled to publish a spotlight feature/album review package, as well.

Bad Old World is available for download at all major online destinations, also accessible through the band's official website, HoneyWestMusic.com.

Bunny Sigler remembered as "one of the most talented, creative, and great songwriters and music producers."

Jerry Ross recalled as "key to the beginning of the Gamble, Huff and Bell legacy"

PHILADELPHIA - Legendary Philadelphia International Records co-founders and R&B pioneers Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff released a pair of statements mourning the passing of two vital members of "The Sound of Philadelphia" family: Walter "Bunny" Sigler and Jerry Ross.

Sigler helped Gamble & Huff create the Philly Sound as a multi-faceted writer, producer, background vocalist and solo artist.

"I am truly and deeply saddened by the passing of my very dear friend Walter "Bunny" Sigler," said Gamble. "He was one of the most talented, creative, and great songwriters and music producers I have worked with. He contributed so many great songs to our PIR artist roster from the beginning. Bunny also was a great singer, and performed superbly on many of our hit song as a background vocalist. More importantly, he was like family to us. And he was the best!"

Added Huff: "Bunny was one of my favorite producers and writers. I was honored early on to introduce Bunny to the Philadelphia music community, and to producer and songwriter legends John Madara and Dave White. I was privileged to write and produce his first and biggest hit, 'Let the Good Times Roll.' I truly loved Bunny Sigler and will dearly miss him."

Sigler began hanging around the hallways of Gamble Huff Productions, singing, strumming guitar and practicing his newly acquired martial arts skills when Kenny Gamble suggested he try to write songs with Eugene Dozier. Sigler got his first break as a songwriter once Philadelphia International Records was formed, with "(You Are My) Sunshine," the followup single to the O'Jays' million selling "Back Stabbers," and one of many contributions to the Philadelphia International Records chapter of the vocal group's career.

Sigler's songs, productions, piano and background vocals are sprinkled throughout the Philadelphia International Records (PIR) catalogue. As a writer and/or producer, Sigler helped create one of Patti LaBelle's signature songs, "Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)," as well as her song, "Love, Need and Want You," famously sampled by rap artist Nelly and Kelly Rowland (formerly of Destiny's Child) on their Grammy-winning hit, "Dilemma." Sigler also wrote and for the Jones Girls, and Instant Funk, and Dexter Wansel. Sigler's background vocals can be heard on hits for numerous Philadelphia International acts, most notably the O'Jays, Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, and Archie Bell and the Drells. As a solo artist, PIR released the Sigler albums That's How Long I'll Be Loving You, Keep Smilin' and My Music.

A record producer, songwriter, publisher and record company executive, Jerry Ross is credited with discovering and mentoring Kenny Gamble early in his career, and later collaborating with Gamble & Huff on the Motown smash, "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me," recorded most famously by Diana Ross & the Supremes together with The Temptations. Ross' relationship with Gamble reaches back to the late 1950s, when he helped Gamble and Thom Bell record "Someday" as Kenny & Tommy for the Heritage label.

"Jerry Ross was instrumental in introducing Thom Bell and me to the music business, including signing me to my first recording artist deal with Columbia Records," said Gamble. "He mentored Thom Bell and me to write songs. He was our good friend and was key to the beginning of the Gamble, Huff and Bell legacy."

Ross also discovered, wrote or produced such million-sellers as "Sunday Will Never be the Same" (Spanky & Our Gang), "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" (Jay & the Techniques), "Sunny" (Bobby Hebb), "Venus" (Shocking Blue) and many more.

Noted Recording Artist MARCUS GOLDHABER Opens Window Into Lives of Veterans Through Story-Based Songs to Further Discussion Beyond 'Thank You for Your Service'

1st SINGLE, 'SONG FOR PEACE,' DUE OCT. 11

Album Release Event to be Live Streamed Nov. 6 from New York City

50% of Proceeds from Physical Album Sales to Support Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

"A big thanks to Marcus Goldhaber for his notable work to help bridge the divide between Service Members, veterans, and families and the broader American public. Marcus' steadfast commitment to this mission is an inspiration. ... Keep it going, Marcus!" - Major Dan McSweeney (US Marine Corps), President of the United War Veterans Council

"This is important. Sharing your story, and having a real storyteller offer it to the rest of the community in a way that maybe you as a soldier, a sailor or a Marine can't, there's real power in that. This community needs to know that they're not living in isolation, and that there's a broader country that stands behind them. And I think that Marcus's story is empowering as a vehicle to do that." - Ilario Pantano, Marine Veteran of Desert Storm and Iraq

NEW YORK (Oct. 3, 2017) - The discussion hardly ends with "Thank you for your service." Furthering that conversation between civilians and military veterans is the true challenge.

Noted recording artist MARCUS GOLDHABER aims to fortify the civilian-veteran dialogue and broaden the national conversation about veterans with CARRY YOU ON (Krian Music Group/Universal Records), a uniquely compelling collection of story-based songs created to open new windows into the everyday lives of veterans and their families. Set for Veterans Day Weekend release (Nov. 10), CARRY YOU ON is the culmination of Goldhaber's ongoing mission to #BridgeTheGap between civilians and military veterans through the power of music. The first single, "Song for Peace," is due Oct. 11.

The Album Release Event for civilians and military veterans will be live streamed from the Cutting Room in New York City during Veterans Week on Nov. 6.

Half of the proceeds from physical sales of CARRY YOU ON directly support Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), a non-partisan, non-profit which similarly seeks to connect, unite and empower post-9/11 veterans, while strengthening the civilian-veteran bond. The album was entirely funded through a Kickstarter campaign that the marquee crowdfunding site declared a "Project We Love," in raising nearly $70,000. As Joseph Brooks, President & COO of Liberty USO says, "it's the start of a movement!"

Known for his vivid songwriting and intimate approach to the American Songbook, Goldhaber makes a bold departure from his jazz roots, and charges beyond stars-and-stripes patriotism to achieve a greater conversation of nuance and individuality. With music as his vehicle to drive the conversation, Goldhaber blends a variety of styles and special narratives that summon the timeless sensibilities of classic singer-songwriters, from James Taylor to the Lumineers. All original lyrics on CARRY YOU ON were inspired by conversations Goldhaber has had with civilians, active-duty service members, veterans and their families during a five-year journey that began with one like-minded song, the anthemic "Come Home America," which has been newly arranged for CARRY YOU ON.

Goldhaber has been performing these songs on military and patriotic stages, from Super Bowl and Fleet Week events to the nation's largest Veterans Day Parade and Independence Day celebration. The impact he's witnessed and reactions he's received along the way became the impetus to record the full album with producer Thad DeBrock (Duncan Sheik, Ari Hest) and a stellar group of studio musicians whose credits include David Bowie, Paul Simon, the Black Crowes, Bon Iver, Joni Mitchell, Cassandra Wilson, Suzanne Vega, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Propelled by Todd Caldwell's swirling B-3 organ and the earthy soulfulness of Marc Cohn, "Song for Peace" bounces effortlessly to lift Goldhaber's hopeful message of peace and unity through music while deepening the understanding of what many military families endure. Among the other Goldhaber originals, "That's My Dad" surveys the generational shift in perspective of the veteran-civilian relationship with a Sgt. Pepper's vibe. "Cassandra Knows," in classic troubadour style, explores a woman's struggle to accept her decision to join the Marines after losing family on 9/11. And "Sometimes I Wish" applies an American folk-rock tapestry to introduce survivor's guilt amid veterans who struggle to move on without those who've served by their sides, wishing sometimes "that it were me instead of them."

CARRY YOU ON also features fresh interpretations of Johnny Mercer's "GI Jive," David Friedman's "We Can Be Kind," and "America the Beautiful."

DeBrock was initially drawn to the heart that Goldhaber brings to veterans with this music, but as the recording process unfolded, the producer noticed something much broader going on.

"There are themes in all the songs that are much bigger than one subject," says the producer. "And in times like these, it's good to have anything that brings people together as opposed to taking them apart. Marcus has done a great job in creating songs like that."

Adds Goldhaber: "It's really exciting to see how audiences mixed with civilians and military folks connect through this message at our shows. It's beautiful and inspiring to witness them truly engaging with each other and bonding as they leave the performance.

"We all have the power to help eliminate the US/THEM culture that unfortunately still plagues our communities," he continues. "We can push beyond the barrage of media sound bites and create a new conversation that does more than begin and end with 'Thank you for your service.'"

Donate NOW by pre-ording at www.marcusgoldhaber.com.

CARRY YOU ON is available NOW on iTunes, Spotify, and Deezer.

CARRY YOU ON TRACK LISTING
1. Earn This
2. That's My Dad
3. Carry You On
4. Cassandra Knows
5. A Soldier's Waltz
6. GI Jive
7. Come Home America
8. Sometimes I Wish
9. America The Beautiful
10. Song for Peace
11. The Difference You Make
12. I'm Coming Home
13. We Can Be Kind

Stellar Musicians to the Stars Leap from the Shadows to Release Original Track and Music Video

"You Can't Fight Love," the Single, due for Release Oct. 20; 'Don't Stop,' the Album, to Arrive Nov. 2

NEW YORK (Sept. 28, 2017) - After decades of helping deliver dozens of hits with the likes of Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Carly Simon, THE HIT MEN - the music industry's "youngest senior citizens" - have finally taken several large steps toward stardom on their own terms, with original music that bears no other names but theirs.

"You Can't Fight Love," the HIT MEN's first original single and music video, are set for release Oct. 20. The song will be featured on THE HIT MEN's upcoming album, DON'T STOP, slated to follow Nov. 2. No other group of sidemen from rock's golden era - not even the revered Wrecking Crew - can make such a bold claim.

What the Wrecking Crew meant to the pop music revolution of the '60s, THE HIT MEN have meant to the some of the most indelible hits of the '70s and beyond. It's only now that the evolution of THE HIT MEN'S story - fueled, in part, by their countless first-hand experiences as eyewitnesses to rock history - has become a revelation.

From transistor radios, vinyl, 8-track tapes and cassettes to the Sony Walkman, CDs, digital downloads and the Apple iPod, the members of THE HIT MEN - Lee Shapiro (keyboardist/founder), Jimmy Ryan (lead guitarist/vocalist/founding member), Russ Velazquez (vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist), Steve Murphy (drummer/vocalist) and Jeff Ganz (bassist/vocalist) - have seen and heard it all.

And they tell all about it, with lighthearted affection, in their new YouTube video series, "Stories from the Road":

• Jeff Ganz delivers a classic tale about his first rehearsal with Chuck Berry and how the recently departed rock 'n' roll pioneer prepped his back-up band for that night's show in Buffalo with just 19 words.
• Jimmy Ryan tells of two insanely memorable days at George Martin's AIR Studios in London, involving Paul McCartney, while recording with Carly Simon for her 1972 No Secrets album.
• Russ Velazquez recounts his meeting with David Bowie at the St. James Theatre in NYC.
• Jimmy Ryan offers a poignant tribute to Jim Croce, originally Ryan's college bud at Villanova, on what would've been Croce's 74th birthday.
• Lee Shapiro shares a comical tale of a show at Radio City Music Hall as one of Frankie Valli's legendary Four Seasons.

THE HIT MEN will be interspersing these stories - and many more - when they hit the road on a fall tour to support DON'T STOP that travels the East and West Coasts, with stretches in the Midwest, South and Southwest. Along the way, they'll be engaging audiences of all ages in light-hearted, self-deprecating fashion, as they continue to sign up new members of THE HIT MEN "faithful" wherever they've played since coming together in pristine harmony seven years and hundreds of shows ago.

"One main reason our singing and playing is so strong is that none of us ever stopped, so we didn't get rusty," says Jimmy Ryan. "Our voices have remained kind of young. We honestly don't sound like we look."

THE HIT MEN bring the hits on stage - and in the studio - with astounding vibrancy, from so many rock greats ... and legends. Aside from the aforementioned Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Carly Simon, THE HIT MEN also count Lou Reed, Foreigner, Sting, Barry Manilow, Carole King, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Cheap Trick, Chicago, and yes, even LL Cool J, in their collective court. Combined, THE HIT MEN have played on some 85 albums, many of them gold and multi-platinum.

Indeed, the HIT MEN are hardly steeped in the past. But thanks to their illustrious pasts, they sure know good songs when they hear 'em, and are especially attracted to well-written songs with great melody and hooks. No wonder the members share a fondness for contemporary stars like Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, John Legend and Jason Mraz.

As the Associated Press recently noted, "Nostalgia Fades but the 'Hit Men' Play On."

"We're the youngest senior citizens there are," proclaims fellow HIT MEN founder Lee Shapiro. And truth be told, with ages ranging from 52 to 70, most of the HIT MEN are not yet officially seniors.

They might be "old dogs" but, says Shapiro, "All of us are still living our dream."

THE HIT MEN prove you absolutely can teach old dogs new "tracks."

THE HIT MEN "DON'T STOP" FALL 2017 TOUR DATES

Oct. 7: The Franklin PAC, Franklin, IN
Oct. 13: The McAnnich Arts Center, Glen Ellyn, IL
Oct. 14: The Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
Oct. 15: The Shea, Wm. Patterson University, Wayne, NJ
Oct. 21: The Strand. Lakewood, NJ
Nov. 5: The Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown, MD
Nov. 11: The Harris Center, Folsom, CA
Nov. 12: The Redding Civic Auditorium, Redding, CA
Nov. 17: Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY
Dec. 15: The Cerritos PAC, Cerritos, CA
Dec. 31: The Texan Theater, Greenville, TX

Jill Scott, Sister Sledge, Labelle (Patti LaBelle, Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx), McFadden & Whitehead, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Soul Survivors, Chris Schwartz & Joe Nicolo (Ruffhouse Records), and WOGL's Bob Pantano to be Honored in Style at Grand Evening Gala Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the Fillmore Philadelphia

Hosted by FOX 29 Good Day Philadelphia co-host Alex Holley with Special Guest Appearances by CeCe Peniston, Schooly D, Melanie Fiona, Malina Moye, Kindred the Family Soul, Kenny Gamble, WDAS's Patty Jackson, "The Geator" Jerry Blavat, and More!

Additional Live Performances by the National Touring Cast of Calling All Divas, Rock to the Future, and the Urban Guerrilla Orchestra

Charity Auction to Include Billboard Music Awards Tickets, 'Soul Train' Cruise, and More High Profile Items

PHILADELPHIA (September 28, 2017) - For the first time in two years, the Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA) will be hosting a stellar evening gala to celebrate its newest group of inductees on the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame.

The PMA proudly presents the 2017 WALK OF FAME GALA on Wednesday, Oct. 4, honoring Jill Scott, Sister Sledge, Labelle (Patti LaBelle, Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx), McFadden & Whitehead, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Soul Survivors, Chris Schwartz & Joe Nicolo (Ruffhouse Records), and 98.1 WOGL "Saturday Night Dance Party" host Bob Pantano, returning to the glorious Fillmore Philadelphia, site of the momentous 2015 affair. The gala is set to begin at 6 p.m. A limited number of gala tables are still available at www.pmawalk.org.

Afternoon ceremonies inducting the Walk of Fame's Class of 2017 and unveiling its plaques will be held the same day, at Noon, along the Avenue of the Arts in front of the Kimmel Center, with live music by the School District of Philadelphia's All City Show Band.

FOX 29 Good Day Philadelphia co-host Alex Holley will be hosting the grand evening gala, with special guest appearances by CeCe Peniston ("Finally"), Schooly D ("the first gangsta rapper" - Ice-T), two-time Grammy-winner Melanie Fiona ("Fool for You"), Malina Moye ("The Female Jimi Hendrix" - Guitar World), Kindred the Family Soul, Sound of Philadelphia legendary co-creator Kenny Gamble, WDAS air personality Patty Jackson, "The Geator" Jerry Blavat, Senator Anthony Williams, City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, and more surprises to be announced. The array of live performers and presenters also will include the National Touring Cast of Calling All Divas, Rock to the Future, and returning as the evening's house band, the world-renowned Urban Guerilla Orchestra. All proceeds from the gala go toward the new PMA Music Education Fund.

"The 2017 honorees represent powerhouse vocals, signature anthems, soulful vibes, and production firsts within the R&B, pop and rock genres, with an emphasis on powerful and decorated women in music," said PMA vice chair Mia Tinari, in making the announcement.

"This year, we are fortunate to be able to illustrate, through our honorees, the soul of the city, and why Philadelphia continues to be the number one city in the nation for extraordinary and award-winning talent," added PMA executive Board member Randy Alexander.

"Our inductees, this year, span the decades, through the power of soul, from the 1930s to the present," added PMA Board Chairman Alan Rubens.

In addition, the PMA is honoring Anne Ewers with the Platinum Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Philadelphia Music Community. The Platinum Award is given to an individual, organization or company that has been a leader and champion in supporting the music making community in a significant way. As president & CEO of Kimmel Center, Ms. Ewers oversees operations of the Kimmel Center and the Merriam Theatre and manages the Academy of Music and launched the city-wide Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, drawing over 1 million attendees and driving $100 million into the region's economy.

The exclusive event, with catering by Wolfgang Puck, will include a charity auction with high profile items including:

• Two (2) tickets to the Billboard Music Awards 2018
• A veranda cabin for two (2) on StarVista Live's "Soul Train Cruise" starring Eddie Levert of The O'Jays, the Pointer Sisters, Jeffrey Osborne, the Spinners, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., and much more
• A veranda cabin for two (2) on StarVista Live's "Rock and Romance Cruise" starring Styx, Michael McDonald, War, Atlanta Rhythm Section, America, The Guess Who and many more

Major sponsors include Live Nation, FOX 29, Independence Visitor Center, Philadelphia Distilling, The Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation, All Nite Limo Service, and Vinedrea Wines.

About the Philadelphia Music Alliance
The Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame, recently proclaimed an official landmark by Philadelphia City Council, is a living tribute to Philadelphia's rich music history and a vital force unifying the city's diverse cultural communities along the Avenue of the Arts, with a renewed commitment to shed new light on the City's cultural legacy and incredible contribution to the world of music past, present and future as a major tourist attraction. This agenda to recognize more local music greats in all genres is part of the community based, non-profit organization's overall mission to encourage the creation, celebration and historical preservation of Philadelphia music, and the foundation of a renewed commitment to schedule induction ceremonies each year.

For more information, visit www.pmawalk.org.

3-Day Gathering of World's Most Masterful Prog Acts Draws Fans from Around the Globe to Rejoice in Rahway, NJ

Tickets on sale NOW!

RAHWAY, NJ (Sept. 7, 2017) - Enhancing its vow to "remember what brought us here," PROGSTOCK 2017, "North America's Newest International Progressive Rock Festival," is adding significant new connections between the modern and classic progressive rock eras as the three-day gathering prepares to land on the East Coast next month (Oct. 13-15) in Rahway, NJ.

Those connections arrive primarily through the addition of Dave Kerzner, who will double as the new Saturday night headliner with the Dave Kerzner Band, and the Sunday afternoon leader of the newly expanded Kevin Gilbert & Genesis Tribute to a festival lineup comprised of artists who began impacting the prog scene in the 1990s, as the next wave of progressive rockers was bubbling up from the underground.

Tickets on sale NOW for ProgStock 2017, a three-day gathering of some of the world's most masterful "prog" acts, Oct. 13-15 at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJ. Glass Hammer (Chattanooga, TN); Karmakanic and The Tangent (Sweden), and Francis Dunnery (England), are among the 18 artists rejoicing in the global passion for a special brand of rock as it regains its North American popularity. Three-day tickets are $135 (Mezzanine) and $195 (Orchestra), starting Aug. 23. Single-day tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. EST ($45 to $85). All tickets are available at www.progstock.com and www.ucpac.org.

The Dave Kerzner Band replaces Echolyn, which was forced to bow out of the festival due to medical reasons. A favorite return performer on Yes's "Cruise To The Edge" who counts original Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett among his collaborators, Kerzner will be celebrating the same day release that Saturday of his new album, Static, with a very special ProgStock appearance by longtime Pink Floyd vocalist Durga McBroom. Together, they'll perform several tracks from Pink Floyd's epic Dark Side of the Moon, as well as songs by his other band, Sound of Contact (SOC), featuring Simon Collins, son of Phil Collins, plus material from Static and his New World album.

McBroom will rejoin Kerzner as part of his Kevin Gilbert & Genesis Tribute to sing songs from Genesis' The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, as well as Gilbert band Toy Matinee, and solo work Thud, with special guest Francis Dunnery, and more to be announced.

"This year's festival is about showcasing prog that's been around since the supposed 'end' of prog," says PROGSTOCK 2017 promoter Thomas Palmieri. "There's no clearer way to show the connection between modern prog and classic prog than to show some of classic prog's most influential elements."

PROGSTOCK 2017 preceded its public ticket sales with a massively successful crowdfunding ticket drive that easily met its PledgeMusic goal for the festival to be underwritten, in part, by "Boarding Groups" on both sides of the Atlantic who purchased three-day passes at three different group levels. Donations are still being accepted at www.fracturedatlas.org.

PROGSTOCK 2017 is capturing a diverse international fanbase that includes teachers, physicians, engineers and other professionals who share an affinity for complex rock music. The genre is also attracting a growing number of young people who, largely through internet radio, are getting introduced to progressive rock's musicianship and complexity.

PROGSTOCK 2017's Main Stage will feature music that most rock radio programmers consider too long and intricate to add to their playlists. Terrestrial radio has not collectively embraced a wave of new progressive rock bands since the second British Invasion in the early 1970s made legends of Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, and their peers during the ensuing decade for elevating the genre to a higher commercial art form. Response to PROGSTOCK 2017 already is proving there's more room than ever in today's musical landscape for a resurgence in a genre of music that began migrating underground in the 1980s.

Based on a strong foundation of international appreciation and respect for music and its heritage, PROGSTOCK 2017 is an international music festival that strives to create, build and sustain a solvent and vibrant music scene.

As Palmieri sees it, the decade that has passed since the demise of the record industry created more opportunity for independent artists to be heard, opening new portals for progressive rockers to rise and flourish.

"The only thing we're up against is the corporate machine, much of which is excessive in terms of production rather than musicianship," he says. "If there was any time to bring prog back to the attention of the mainstream listening public, now is the time."

For more information, visit www.progstock.com. Union County PAC information is available at www.ucpac.org.

ProgStock 2017 is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of ProgStock 2017 must be made payable to Fractured Atlas only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

PROGSTOCK 2017 SCHEDULE:

Friday 10/13/2017
5:30pm-7:30pm - Rachel Flowers / Peter Jones / Francis Dunnery
7:30pm-9:00pm - break and meet & greet with Rachel, Peter, Francis
9:00pm-11:00pm - Glass Hammer 25th Anniversary Show
11:00pm - meet & greet with Glass Hammer
12mid - ProgStock Late Night Event featuring EchoTest

Saturday 10/14/2017
11:00am-12:00pm - The Tea Club
12:00pm-1:00pm - break and meet & greet with Tea Club
1:00pm-2:15pm - Resistor
2:15pm-3:30pm - break and meet & greet with Resistor
3:30pm-4:45pm - Circuline
4:45pm-6:00pm - break and meet & greet with Circuline
6:00pm-7:30pm - Aisles
7:30pm-9:00pm - break and meet & greet with Aisles
9:00pm-11:00pm - Dave Kerzner Band & Special Guests
11:00pm - meet & greet with Dave Kerzner Band & Special Guests
12mid - ProgStock Late Night Event featuring House of Prog's Progressive Coffeehouse, with Jason Rubenstein, Rani Chatoorgoon, and Simon Godfrey

Sunday 10/15/2017
11:00am-12:00pm - Cell15
12:00pm-1:00pm - break and meet & greet with Cell15
1:00pm-2:15pm - 3RDegree
2:15pm-3:30pm - break and meet & greet with 3RDegree
3:30pm-5:00pm - Dave Kerzner and Friends: Kevin Gilbert & Genesis Tribute
5:00pm-6:30pm - break and meet & greet with KG & Genesis Tribute artists
6:30pm-8:00pm - Karmakanic
8:00pm-8:30pm - brief break for equipment changeover
8:30pm-10:00pm - The Tangent
10:00pm - meet & greet with Karmakanic / The Tangent

3-Day Gathering of World's Most Masterful Prog Acts Draws Fans from Around the Globe to Rejoice in Rahway, NJ

Tickets on sale TOMORROW, Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. EST!

RAHWAY, NJ (Aug. 22, 2017) - PROGSTOCK 2017, "North America's Newest International Progressive Rock Festival," lands on the East Coast this fall amid encouraging signs of renewed appetite for a musical movement that continues to celebrate the technical wizardry of musicians over the studio prowess of producers.

Tickets go on sale TOMORROW, Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. EST for ProgStock 2017, a three-day gathering of some of the world's most masterful "prog" acts, Oct. 13-15 at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJ. Glass Hammer (Chattanooga, TN); Echolyn (Philadelphia); Karmakanic and The Tangent (Sweden), and Francis Dunnery (England), are among the 18 artists rejoicing together in the global passion for a brand of rock as it regains its North American popularity. Three-day tickets are $135 (Mezzanine) and $195 (Orchestra), starting Aug. 23. Single-day tickets ($45 to $85) go on sale Friday, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. EST. All tickets will be available at www.progstock.com and www.ucpac.org.

Supporting acts include A Kevin Gilbert Retrospective, with Nick D'Virgilio, Don Carr and Lloyd Landesman, Aisles, Rachel Flowers, Peter Jones (of Tiger Moth Tales), 3RDegree, Circuline, The Tea Club, Cell15, and Resistor. After-hours acts include EchoTest, Rani Chatoorgoon, Jason Rubenstein, and Simon Godfrey.

The public on-sale date for PROGSTOCK 2017 follows a massively successful crowdfunding ticket drive that easily met its PledgeMusic goal for the festival to be underwritten, in part, by "Boarding Groups" on both sides of the Atlantic who purchased three-day passes at three different group levels. Donations are still being accepted at www.fracturedatlas.org.

PROGSTOCK 2017 is capturing a diverse international fanbase that includes teachers, physicians, engineers and other professionals who share an affinity for complex rock music. The genre is also attracting a growing number of young people who, largely through internet radio, are getting introduced to progressive rock's musicianship and complexity.

PROGSTOCK 2017's Main Stage will feature music that most rock radio programmers consider too long and intricate to add to their playlists. Terrestrial radio has not collectively embraced a wave of new progressive rock bands since the second British Invasion in the early 1970s made legends of Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, and their peers during the ensuing decade for elevating the genre to a higher commercial art form. Response to PROGSTOCK 2017 already is proving there's more room than ever in today's musical landscape for a resurgence in a genre of music that began migrating underground in the 1980s.

All the artists at PROGSTOCK 2017 arose in the 1990s or later, setting the stage for a new wave of acts starting to bubble up from the underground.

"Prog never went away, it just went underground," says PROGSTOCK 2017 promoter Thomas Palmieri. "There are thousands of wonderful bands out there. Popular tastes change, but the authenticity and originality of progressive continues to flourish. The passion for this music is alive and well around the world."

Based on a strong foundation of international appreciation and respect for music and its heritage, PROGSTOCK 2017 is an international music festival that strives to create, build and sustain a solvent and vibrant music scene.

As Palmieri sees it, the decade that has passed since the demise of the record industry created more opportunity for independent artists to be heard, opening new portals for progressive rockers to rise and flourish.

"The only thing we're up against is the corporate machine, much of which is excessive in terms of production rather than musicianship," he says. "If there was any time to bring prog back to the attention of the mainstream listening public, now is the time."

For more information, visit www.progstock.com. Union County PAC information is available at www.ucpac.org.

ProgStock 2017 is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of ProgStock 2017 must be made payable to Fractured Atlas only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

PROGSTOCK 2017 INTERNATIONAL LINE-UP:

Echolyn (US)
http://www.echolyn.com/

Glass Hammer (US)
http://glasshammer.com/

The Tangent (Sweden/UK)
http://www.thetangent.org/

Karmakanic (Sweden)
http://reingoldrecords.se/index2.html

A Kevin Gilbert Retrospective (US)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/4402193846/permalink/10155360336763847/

Aisles (Chile)
http://www.aislesproject.com/

3RDegree (US)
http://www.3rdegreeonline.com

Circuline (US)
http://circulinemusic.com/

Rachel Flowers (US)
http://rachelflowersmusic.com/

Resistor (US)
http://www.steveunruh.com/resistor.html

Cell15 (US)
https://www.cell15.com/

Peter Jones (of Tiger Moth Tales)
http://www.tigermothtales.com/pete-jones

The Tea Club (US)
https://www.theteaclub.net/

Francis Dunnery (US, originally UK)
https://www.francisdunnery.com/

After Hours:

EchoTest (featuring Julie Slick and Marco Machera)
http://echotestmusic.com/

Rani Chatoorgoon
http://ranichatoorgoon.com

Jason Rubenstein
http://www.jasonrubenstein.com/

Simon Godfrey
http://simon-godfrey.com/

With Cancer in Remission, South African Superstar to Bid Farewell and Thank Fans in U.S. and Canada for Remarkable 35 Years Together

Nearly 40 years after he began one of music's most remarkable careers, iconic South African musician JOHNNY CLEGG is returning for one last round of concerts throughout North America this fall to thank his fans on "Johnny Clegg: The Final Journey," as he copes with the realities of his cancer.

Clegg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy treatment. He continued a busy worldwide touring schedule while coping with treatment. Currently, he is finishing an autobiography of his incredible life story and groundbreaking career, a multi-generational journey combining near matchless music success with sustained - and significant - social, political and cultural impact.

The limited 12-city North American leg of the "The Final Journey World Tour" is supported by Clegg's world-class live band and features an audiovisual element with highlights of Johnny's extraordinary career. His North American farewell follows a string of sold-out overseas performances in London, Dubai, and his native South Africa. The fall leg launches Oct. 14 in Boston and then heads to Canada for three dates before returning to the U.S. for just four East Coast stops (New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Concord, NH), one Midwest performance (Chicago), and two West Coast dates (San Diego and Seattle) before concluding Nov. 2 in Boulder, CO. Clegg's New York visit will be a special two-nighter at B.B. King's in Times Square (Oct. 23-24), the only multi-night run on the tour.

A live album recorded during the overseas portion of "The Final Journey" will be released during the North America trek.

A singer, songwriter, dancer, anthropologist and musical activist, Clegg exploded onto the international music scene while breaking barriers in his South African homeland by defying apartheid with two highly successful inter-racial bands, Juluka and Savuka. In the late 1970s, Clegg and Sipho Mchunu formed Juluka, South Africa's first mixed-race band, resulting in two platinum and five gold albums. In 1986, Clegg formed Savuka, whose debut album, Third World Child, went double platinum with sales of over two million. The second album, Shadow Man, was Grammy nominated for Best World Music Album in 1993, shortly before Savuka disbanded.

Clegg and Mchunu temporarily rebooted Juluka three years later, recording Ya Vuka Inkunzi (also released as Crocodile Love). Since then, Clegg has recorded several solo projects including One Life (2007), New Survivor (2002) and A South African Story (2003). In 2010, Human, his first North American release in 17 years, he celebrated 30 years as a performer. Clegg performed 45 shows in 67 days across North America in 2014, supporting his second Appleseed Records release, Best, Live & Unplugged at the Baxter Theatre.

Through Juluka and Savuka, Clegg pioneered a uniquely South African music hybrid during a time of cultural and racial segregation. His music always has offered a vision of how South Africans could find each other, and the possibilities of a non-racial future. "The Final Journey" is built around Clegg's unparalleled repertoire, beginning with the 1979 release of Juluka's Universal Man and continuing through the Savuka years and his solo work.

"I am immensely excited," says Clegg, "to be able to bring to my fans around the world an autobiographical, audiovisual and intimate account of my life through my music and The Dance."

Clegg's recorded output as part of Juluka, Savuka and as a solo artist has earned him millions of record sales, countless awards and nominations and multiple international releases, all eagerly consumed by a truly global audience.

He was the first to combine Western and African musical styles, sparking a revolution in South African music that still can be heard today through a number of artists.

Most potently, Clegg's ability to illuminate the connectedness of all human beings through his music makes him a pioneer of social cohesion in South Africa. He also provided a portal for international audiences to gain a deeper understanding of the anti-apartheid movement and the journey toward, and ultimately into, freedom. For this, Clegg has received many different honors including an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), the South African Order of Ikhamanga, and the French Chevalier des Arts et Lettres (Knight of Arts and Letters), as well as several honorary doctorates.

"Johnny Clegg: The Final Journey World Tour" presents the most powerfully emotional live shows of a truly singular South African - a dancer, anthropologist, singer, songwriter, academic, and activist like no other.

Johnny Clegg: The Final Journey North America 2017
10.14 Berklee Performance Center, Boston MA
10.16 Palais Montcalm (Raoul-John Hall), Quebec QC
10.18 Koerner Hall at TELUS Centre, Toronto ON
10.19 Salle Wilfred Pelletier, Place des Arts, Montreal, QC
10.21 Capitol Center for the Arts - Chubb Theatre, Concord NH
10.23 & 24 B.B. King's Blues Club and Grill, New York, NY
10.26 Keswick Theatre, Glenside PA (Philadelphia)
10.27 Warner Theatre, Washington DC
10.29 Park West, Chicago IL
10.30 Balboa Theatre, San Diego CA
11.01 Neptune Theatre, Seattle WA
11.02 Boulder Theater, Boulder CO

Clockwise from Top Left: Jill Scott, Sister Sledge, Labelle, McFadden & Whitehead, DJ Bob Pantano, The Soul Survivors, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Chris Schwartz & Joe Nicolo.

Honorees to be Inducted and Celebrated Oct. 4, 2017 With Afternoon Ceremony and Evening Grand Gala

PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 3, 2017) - The Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA) today announced that Jill Scott, Sister Sledge, Labelle (Patti LaBelle, Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx), McFadden & Whitehead, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Soul Survivors, Chris Schwartz (Ruffhouse Records), and WOGL air personality Bob Pantano will be added to the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame as members of its Class of 2017. They will be formally inducted together October 4, 2017 during afternoon ceremonies along the Avenue of the Arts, and celebrated that evening with a special grand gala event at the Fillmore Philadelphia.

Tickets for the 2017 Philadelphia Music Alliance Gala Dinner at the Fillmore are on sale NOW through the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-philadelphia-music-alliance-gala-dinner-tickets-35947866035.

"The 2017 honorees represent powerhouse vocals, signature anthems, soulful vibes, and production firsts within the R&B, pop and rock genres, with an emphasis on powerful and decorated women in music," said PMA vice chair Mia Tinari, in making the announcement.

"This year, we are fortunate to be able to illustrate, through our honorees, the soul of the city, and why Philadelphia has been and continues to be the number one city for extraordinary and award-winning talent," added PMA executive Board member Randy Alexander.

"Our inductees, this year, span the decades, through the power of soul, from the 1930s to the present." added PMA Board Chairman Alan Rubens.

The Class of 2017 is:

• Jill Scott is a three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, New York Times best-selling poet, and critically acclaimed actress. The platinum-selling triple threat began her career collaborating in the late '90s with Philly musical icons The Roots and Will Smith, as well as Common, and has garnered #1 albums that include The Light In The Sun and her most recent release, WOMAN.
• Sister Sledge formed in 1971 as a Philadelphia vocal group among siblings Kathy, Kim, Debbie, and Joni Sledge as symbols of strong family values, and achieved international superstardom at the height of the disco era with their 1979 breakthrough album, "We Are Family," and its No. 1 smash title track, the Grammy-nominated anthem of togetherness written and produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of the disco group Chic. Though the group scored several other hits into the next decade, the prevailing strength of We Are Family has enabled the sisters to perform for President Clinton to Pope Francis, while continuing to flourish on top stages around the world.
• Labelle (Patti LaBelle, Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx) formed as a funk-rock female vocal group in 1971 following the departure of Cindy Birdsong from the original group, Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, to join the Supremes. Adding glam-rock to their unique mix in the mid-'70s, Labelle's enduring proto-disco anthem "Lady Marmalade" propelled them to become the first contemporary pop group and first black group to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House and the first black vocal group on the cover of Rolling Stone.
• McFadden & Whitehead (Gene McFadden & John Whitehead) was a songwriting, production, and recording duo, best known for their signature anthem, the No. 1 Grammy-nominated smash "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now." They also wrote and produced some of the most popular R&B hits of the 1970s for Philadelphia International Records, including "Backstabbers," "Bad Luck," "Wake Up Everybody," and "I'll Always Love My Mama."
• Sister Rosetta Tharpe, is considered "The Godmother of Rock and Roll," for her highly significant role in the creation of rock as a guitar-playing gospel star from the 1930s to the '60s, with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Little Richard and Chuck Berry citing her as an inspiration.
• The Soul Survivors (Richie Ingui, Charlie Ingui and Kenny Jeremiah) were formed as a vocal group in New York, but they adopted Philadelphia as their home in 1967, when "Expressway to Your Heart," currently marking its 50th anniversary, became the first "Sound of Philadelphia" hit for its legendary architects, Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff.
• Chris Schwartz & Joe Nicolo made their hip-hop bones in the mid-1980s, as the manager and recording engineer respectively for pioneer (and future Walk of Famer) Schoolly D. But it was their label partnership, Ruffhouse Records, that brought them to hip-hop dominance in the 1990s, with a string of impressive signings and hits from Cypress Hill, Tim Dog, Kriss Kross, and The Fugees, which included the solo careers of Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean.
• Bob Pantano is the host of the Saturday Night Dance Party on 98.1 WOGL, the first and longest running radio dance party in the nation, now celebrating 40 years. Its top-rated, generation-spanning success has earned the South Philly native the moniker, "Mr. Saturday Night," as he continues to enthrall and entertain Delaware Valley audiences every weekend on his pioneering live broadcast.

In addition, the PMA is honoring Anne Ewers with the Platinum Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Philadelphia Music Community. The Platinum Award is given to an individual, organization or company that has been a leader and champion in supporting the music making community in a significant way. As president & CEO of Kimmel Center, Ms. Ewers oversees operations of the Kimmel Center and the Merriam Theatre and manages the Academy of Music and launched the city-wide Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, drawing over 1 million attendees and driving $100 million into the region's economy.

The announcements were made during a press reception hosted by the Independence Visitor Center and Live Nation - two of this year's major sponsors.

About the Philadelphia Music Alliance
The Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame, recently proclaimed an official landmark by Philadelphia City Council, is a living tribute to Philadelphia's rich music history and a vital force unifying the city's diverse cultural communities along the Avenue of the Arts, with a renewed commitment to shed new light on the City's cultural legacy and incredible contribution to the world of music past, present and future as a major tourist attraction. This agenda to recognize more local music greats in all genres is part of the community based, non-profit organization's overall mission to encourage the creation, celebration and historical preservation of Philadelphia music, and the foundation of a renewed commitment to schedule induction ceremonies each year. For more information, visit www.pmawalk.org.

NEW YORK (July 21, 2017) - Last night, one of rock's most desired reunions made history last night when IAN McDONALD of HONEY WEST joined fellow original Foreigner members Lou Gramm and Al Greenwood for an impromptu appearance with Foreigner on stage - for the first time since 1980 - at the Northwell Health Jones Beach Theatre for a memorable rendition of some of the band's biggest hits as part of its 40th anniversary tour.

McDonald, who co-wrote the Foreigner anthem "Long, Long Way From Home," is currently enjoying renewed acclaim in his own right, 38 years since leaving the group, with his new band, Honey West, and their debut album, Bad Old World. "Long, Long Way From Home" kicked off the reunion portion of last night's show, featuring McDonald recreating his indelible sax solo.

Says Mick Jones, "It was great to have Lou, Al and Ian join us on stage last night, and certainly brought back some special memories. All the original guys are out there playing live shows and working on studio projects. A performance by the entire original band for a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction next year would be a great way to cap off our 40th Anniversary celebrations."

Since the 1977 release of their first hit "Feels Like the First Time" and their self-titled debut album on Atlantic Records, FOREIGNER has been universally hailed as one of the world's most popular rock acts with 10 multi-platinum albums, 16 Top 30 hits, and worldwide album sales exceeding 75 million.

McDonald was on board for the first three Foreigner albums, Foreigner (1977), Double Vision (1978) and Head Games (1979), as a multi-instrumentalist proficient on reeds, winds, keyboards, and guitar, his primary instrument on stage. Combined with his significant contribution to the landmark King Crimson album, In the Court of the Crimson King, also as a founding member, McDonald has figured prominently on four of the biggest-selling albums of the 10-year period from 1969 through 1979, encompassing two completely different rock genres (pop rock and progressive rock).

In HONEY WEST, McDonald co-wrote, produced and played several instruments on their acclaimed new debut album, Bad Old World (Readout Records), which impacted at Triple A radio this week, and which McDonald says is "some of the best work I've done in ages, and maybe ever."

"Dementia," the "infectious" (ABC News Radio) self-deprecating 1st single drawing comparisons to revered British pub rockers Rockpile, is the focus track with commercial Triple A stations, while the full album, called "truly perfect" by Short & Sweet LA & NYC, heads to Non-Comm radio.

Billboard.com, in its exclusive premiere of the groundbreaking lyric video for "Dementia," said, "It merits some attention when Ian McDonald gets excited about something."

Bad Old World also has earned notice from Parade.com, Huffington Post, Modern Drummer, M Music & Musicians, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Digital First Media, Premiere Radio Networks, and Fireworks Magazine (UK), among others. Goldmine is scheduled to publish a spotlight feature/album review package, as well.

Vintage Rock called Bad Old World "a 12-song gem of wry lyrics, live sounding rollicking, and right-in-the-pocket production" and "a lively record from artists who sure know how to bring fun and smarts to rock and roll." Sea of Tranquility, in its four-star review, declared the album "unashamedly good fun [and] classy."

Honey West's next live appearance is Tuesday, July 25 at Rockwood Music Hall 2 in New York City. More dates to come!

PHOTO CAPTIONS:
LEFT: Ian McDonald recreates his indelible sax solo on the Foreigner anthem "Long, Long Way From Home," which he co-wrote, on stage with his old bandmates last night at Jones Beach. Credit: Karsten Staiger (MeinFotoland)

RIGHT: (L-R): Bruce Watson, Mick Jones, Lou Gramm, Kelly Hansen, Michael Bluestein, Chris Frazier, Al Greenwood, Jeff Pilson, Ian McDonald, Tom Gimbel, on stage at Jones Beach. Karsten Staiger (MeinFotoland)

Fundraising Music Festival Spreads to 4 Cities in 3 States, Jan. 5-15, 2018

ASBURY PARK, NJ (July 20, 2017) - LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST, the annual marquee event in the Light of Day Foundation's global battle to defeat Parkinson's Disease and the Parkinsonisms - ALS and PSP - through the awesome power of music, today announced that the 18th edition of the 10-day fundraising festival will be held in four cities across three states, Jan. 5-15, 2018.

Over 150 acts will be performing at more than 50 shows in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia. Light of Day WinterFest is primarily based in Asbury Park, where the action will occur Jan. 7 and Jan. 11-15. The festival will kick off Jan. 5 in Montclair, NJ, followed Jan. 6 by Philadelphia. WinterFest returns to New York City Jan. 10. Additional locations are expected to be announced.

In 2017, Light of Day WinterFest raised over a half million dollars for the third straight year, catapulting its 17-year cumulative total past the $4.5 million mark. Light of Day WinterFest 2018 is expected to push the 18-year total past $5 million. The festival has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of its 17 years, including his most recent appearance, in 2015.

Light of Day WinterFest is the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day affair in Asbury Park.

The Light of Day Foundation regrants money to organizations which fund specific research initiatives, including, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, CurePSP, the Parkinson's Foundation (formerly the Parkinson's Disease Foundation), and the Parkinson's Unity Walk. The Light of Day Foundation also supports "boots on the ground" programs designed to help people with these diseases live better lives on a daily basis, including Joan Dancy & PALS, with a mission to help New Jersey residents in nearby Monmouth and Ocean Counties afflicted with ALS by providing a better quality of life for them and their families.

The next scheduled fundraising event is Happy Together 2017, starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, The Association, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, The Box Tops, The Cowsills, and The Archies starring Ron Dante, Saturday, Aug. 5 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Foundation. Tickets are on sale now at www.countbasietheatre.org.

Also on tap is the Light of Day Foundation 3RD Annual Golf Outing, being held Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 9) at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune.

Complete information on all Light of Day activity can be found at www.lightofday.org. Donations to the Light of Day Foundation can be made through the website as well.

PHOTO CAPTION: Light of Day co-founder Bob Benjamin, who has been living with Parkinson's since 1996, thanks the sold-out audience during Bob's Birthday Bash at WinterFest 2017. Holding the microphone is singer-songwriter Joe D'Urso. Credit: John Posada.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

Nine-month, three-course series at both New Jersey locations to culminate in One River School regional film festival

Enrollment is open now!

ENGLEWOOD, NJ (July 18, 2017) - One River School of Art + Design moves its mission to transform art education into the fall by introducing one of the most ambitious curriculum additions in its innovative five-year history - an extensive Teen Documentary Filmmaking class that will culminate in One River School's very own New Jersey film festival next summer.

Enrollment is now open at One River School's Bergen County NJ locations, in Englewood and Allendale, for this unique nine-month, three-course series, which provides teen students with an immersive experience into the fundamentals of filmmaking and storytelling. The young filmmakers ultimately will screen their individual short documentary films in both a local movie theater, and globally in a branded online environment. The first session, "Pre-Production," starts in October.

World-renown award-winning filmmaker Raul Barcelona will lead a team of fellow documentary filmmakers in teaching students aged 12-18 the entire step-by-step process, from discovering how to identify a compelling subject for their documentary, through production and editing. Teen Documentary Filmmaking is an extension of the documentary film class Barcelona launched with One River School at its first summer camp in 2012. Barcelona is recognized for a vigorous and entertaining filmmaking style that exhibits his keen appreciation for political, cultural and social diversity.

"Documentary filmmaking is about observing the world, about looking at reality and sharing our experience of it. In this way, it is very much rooted in what is like to be human," says Barcelona. "Our Teen Documentary Filmmaking program is designed to sharpen students' perceptions of their surrounding world and I am incredibly excited to work with them as they discover their voice and express their unique worldview through the medium of film."

One River School's Teen Documentary Filmmaking is a deeply engaging experience across production, editing and screening. By the time the first session ends, students already will have created their own movie trailers for the films they plan to produce during the following production course. The second session, "Production," begins in January, 2018 and the third and final installment, "Post Production," starts the following April. The first annual One River School film festival premieres in July 2018.

Enrollment is open now at OneRiverSchool.com or by directly contacting the Englewood (201-266-5244) and Allendale locations (201-466-1372).

One River School of Art + Design, a company designed to transform art education across America while building the first national network of contemporary art schools. With franchise locations in New Jersey and Texas and more expansion scheduled across the country for 2018, One River School is developing what the New York Times recently called "the next generation of Basquiats and Warhols" through a new direction in art education for kids, teens and adults, providing exceptional, creative learning experiences accessible to all ages and abilities. Using proprietary teaching methods, world-class instructors and interactive processes, the schools deliver an experience that "changes people's lives," according to One River School founder and CEO Matt Ross.

As part of its commitment to being the voice of contemporary art in its communities, each One River School celebrates contemporary artists through exhibits, while providing great jobs for working artists and educating the next generation of artists.

For all info about One River School of Art + Design, visit www.OneRiverSchool.com, or at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OneRiverSchoolofArtandDesign/.

PHOTO CAPTION: World-renown award-winning filmmaker Raul Barcelona, shown here working with students at One River School's filmmaking camp, will be leading a team of fellow documentary filmmakers in teaching "Teen Documentary Filmmaking." The ambitious, three-part series will culminate in One River School's very own NJ film festival next summer. Photo credit: One River School.

Resolution Recognizes Philadelphia Music Alliance For Promotion of City's 'Unique and Outstanding' Music Legacy

PHILADELPHIA (July 13, 2017) - The Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame, the most impressive public monument to the people who have made Philadelphia an important music city, has been officially proclaimed a Philadelphia landmark by Philadelphia City Council.

With more than 130 commemorative bronze plaques embedded along the Avenue of the Arts Street, the Walk of Fame is one of the defining features of the Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA), the non-profit organization which was simultaneously recognized by City Council "for its promotion of the city's unique and outstanding musical legacy."

City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson of the 2nd District introduced the bill. Councilman Johnson has been a longtime champion of the Walk of Fame and has been a key figure at the Walk of Fame induction ceremonies and galas.

"This is a fantastic honor," shared Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. "Not only for the Philadelphia Music Alliance, but for all of the region's outstanding artists, writers, producers and music industry professionals whose accomplished bodies of work have been embraced by music fans around the world."

"Proclaiming the Walk of Fame a Philadelphia landmark firmly positions it as the tourist destination it was always intended to be. The Walk has been steadily expanding for 31 years, and there 'ain't no stoppin' us now!' added Alan Rubens, Chairman of the PMA.

The timing couldn't be better. Philadelphia City Council is recognizing the Walk of Fame just as the Philadelphia Music Alliance has begun accepting proposals to implement technology advancements that would bring the Walk to life as a tourist destination. This summer, the PMA will be announcing the next group of inductees to be honored as the Class of 2017 and celebrated at a star-studded Gala. Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Marian Anderson, and Dick Clark were among the first inductees in 1987 who contributed to the early significance of this Philadelphia landmark. And this month the PMA has expanded its Board by welcoming the additions of James J. Cuorato, president and CEO of the Independence Visitor Center Corp., and Joel Gibbs of Love the Arts in Philadelphia.

Last fall, the Philadelphia Music Alliance expanded its presence to Nashville as it oversaw the inductions of "Sound of Philadelphia" co-creator Thom Bell, the Sigma Sound Studio Rhythm Section, and Sigma Sound founder Joe Tarsia - all Walk of Fame honorees - into The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum™ in a ceremony and all-star concert at the Historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium featuring Garth Brooks, Ricky Skaggs, Bruce Hornsby and Russell Thompkins JR & the New Stylistics.

The Resolution also notes that the Philadelphia Music Alliance was founded in 1986 as a joint venture between music executives and devoted citizens to promote Philadelphia's "rich musical history" and preserve the city's status as "one of the oldest and most distinguished musical capitals" in America, while simultaneously supporting its current music scene. The PMA shows its support through its dedication to the maintenance of music programs in schools and communities, through musical instrument donations, piano competitions, music education scholarships and grants, and more.

The Resolution quotes Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter of The Roots, whose acceptance speech at the 2015 induction Gala, as reported by Rolling Stone, underscored the significance of the Walk of Fame by saying: "What better place to be immortalized in that way than on Broad Street, Philadelphia's main artery. Our equator. Our Mason-Dixon Line, so to speak. It's from these streets that we came, and now back to these streets that we return."

About the Philadelphia Music Alliance
Established in 1986, the Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA) is a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Philadelphia's rich musical legacy by increasing awareness of the city's great musical tradition and supporting the current music scene. For more information, visit www.philadelphiamusicalliance.org.

FOLLOWING BILLBOARD.COM PREMIERE OF GROUNDBREAKING LYRIC VIDEO, 'DEMENTIA' IS FOCUS TRACK AT COMMERCIAL TRIPLE A

NYC Guitar Rockers, led by British Rock Titan McDonald and Shakespearean thespian Ted Zurkowski of The Actors Studio, set July 17 as Radio Impact Date

NEW YORK (July 11, 2017) - As acclaim mounts for their debut album, Bad Old World (Readout Records), Triple A Radio is getting a full taste of HONEY WEST, the New York guitar-rock band featuring "odd couple" songwriter team of Foreigner and King Crimson co-founder Ian McDonald and Shakespearean thespian Ted Zurkowski of The Actors Studio. Impact date is Monday, July 17.

"Dementia," the "infectious" (ABC News Radio) self-deprecating 1st single drawing comparisons to revered British pub rockers Rockpile, is the focus track being serviced to commercial Triple A stations, while the full album, called "truly perfect" by Short & Sweet LA & NYC, heads to Non-Comm radio. "Dementia" is a tightly wound, foot-stomping, Saturday-night rocker highlighted by multi-instrumentalist McDonald's baritone sax - which originally left a memorable imprint on T. Rex's iconic "Get It On (Bang A Gong)" - and a perfect portal into the off-kilter world of HONEY WEST, so named after the groundbreaking 1960s TV series about a sexy female secret agent.

Watch the video for "Dementia"

Billboard.com, in its exclusive premiere of the groundbreaking lyric video for "Dementia," said, "It merits some attention when Ian McDonald gets excited about something." Indeed, as a British rock titan who has figured prominently on four of the biggest-selling albums of the 10-year period from 1969 through 1979, encompassing two completely different rock genres, McDonald consistently tells interviewers Bad Old World is "some of the best work I've done in ages, and maybe ever."

Bad Old World also has earned notice from Parade.com, Huffington Post, Modern Drummer, M Music & Musicians, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Digital First Media, Premiere Radio Networks, and Fireworks Magazine (UK), among others. Goldmine is scheduled to publish a spotlight feature/album review package, as well.

Vintage Rock called Bad Old World "a 12-song gem of wry lyrics, live sounding rollicking, and right-in-the-pocket production" and "a lively record from artists who sure know how to bring fun and smarts to rock and roll." Sea of Tranquility, in its four-star review, declared the album "unashamedly good fun [and] classy."

The high concept lyric video was conceived and directed by Ian's son, Maxwell McDonald, already his father's first-time bandmate as Honey West's bass player.

Aiding and abetting McDonald and Zurkowski on Bad Old World is a troupe of top-shelf musicians including drummer Steve Holley, whose credits include, among other notables, Paul McCartney & Wings. The album also boasts a special guest appearance by Graham Maby (Joe Jackson, They Might Be Giants), who plays bass on several tracks. HONEY WEST's full-time bassist is McDonald's son, Maxwell McDonald, and on drums, Tom Curiano (Garland Jeffreys).

Bad Old World is available for download at all major online destinations, also accessible through the band's official website, HoneyWestMusic.com.

Expansion into NJ Establishes Delaware Valley Regional Network For Foundation's Mission to Cultivate Tomorrow's Doctors

STRATFORD, NJ (July 5, 2017) - Thanks to the generous support of the Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation, 25 high achieving South Jersey high school students will have a unique opportunity to raise their academic game this summer at one of the region's premier medical schools. This expansion into New Jersey establishes a Delaware Valley regional network for the Foundation's longstanding mission to cultivate tomorrow's doctors in the Philadelphia area.

The newly established RAISE (Recognizing Achievement and Inspiring Student Excellence) at the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM) is a tuition-free, six-week science enrichment program that will give 11th and 12th grade students from nine South Jersey high schools a chance to get hands-on experience under the guidance of physicians, faculty and research scientists at the acclaimed medical school, which was recently named as one of America's best by U.S. News & World Report. The program begins Monday, July 10.

"We can only begin to express our gratitude to Kal and Lucille Rudman for providing us with the resources that enable us to offer this program," said Paula Watkins, assistant dean for Admissions at RowanSOM. "Only high-achieving, highly qualified students will be accepted into this program, which will give them a real taste of what it's like to pursue a career in medicine or advanced research in the biomedical sciences."

"We're extremely fortunate that Rowan has enabled us to expand our reach to New Jersey and create a truly regional network for our longstanding mission," says Kal Rudman. "Having found tremendous success jump-starting the medical education of tomorrow's doctors in Philadelphia for over 20 years, the RAISE program we've created with Rowan elevates our work to an entirely new level. Lucille and I have been based in South Jersey for decades, and thanks to Rowan, we're finally able to boost the futures of the best and brightest high school students in our back yard ... in style!"

The Rudman Foundation is a longtime sponsor of medical summer programs for deserving Philadelphia high school students at Drexel University College of Medicine in conjunction with Hahnemann Medical College, and more recently, Einstein Medical Center. The Foundation also provides annual university scholarships to graduating high school students through a mentorship program at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children - one of the oldest full-service hospitals in the United States totally dedicated to the care of children.

Representing a wide range of South Jersey area schools, the 25 students participating in the RAISE program at RowanSOM are current students at Cherry Hill East; Eastern Regional; Haddonfield Memorial; Kingsway Regional; Overbrook; Paul VI; Sterling; Timber Creek Regional; or Washington Township High School.

The RAISE program allows selected high school students to gain valuable understanding of medical research and health care delivery through:

• Shadowing of RowanSOM physicians in both the hospital and clinical office settings
• Instructions on advanced medical research techniques from the medical school's librarians
• Classroom lectures on anatomy, genetics and current research into chronic diseases
• Laboratory experiences that teach anatomical pathways through dissection.

Throughout the program, the high school students will be mentored by current Rowan medical students and graduate assistants. The mentors will assist the high school students in developing individual research projects that the RAISE students will present at the end of the program. The mentoring students will also chaperone field trips to science- and medicine related destinations.

To enhance team building, problem solving and leadership skills the high school students will also collectively participate in a group community service project. The project will involve a community organization and give the students the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the value of giving, empathy and compassion, all of which are essential skills for medical professionals.

Students and their parents will attend an orientation program on Friday, July 7, at 6 p.m., in the RowanSOM Academic Center, One Medical Center Drive, in Stratford.

About the Kal & Lucille Rudman Foundation
Kal Rudman is a music industry legend, former Today Show music expert, and noted philanthropist. His industry trade, The Friday Morning Quarterback, is invaluable reading for thousands of top music and industry professionals. Many artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Dolly Parton, have come to him for advice with their careers, and hoping to be featured in his magazine. Through the Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation, the Rudmans have offered full scholarships for many city fire fighters and police, built and funded the Emmy winning TUTV (Temple University Television), and sponsored medical summer programs for deserving Philadelphia high school students at Drexel University College of Medicine in conjunction with Hahnemann Medical College, as well as Einstein Medical Center. The Rudman Foundation also provides annual university scholarships to graduating high school students through a mentorship program at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children - one of the oldest full-service hospitals in the United States totally dedicated to the care of children.

About Rowan University
Rowan University offers bachelor's through doctoral programs to 17,360 students through its campuses in Glassboro, Camden and Stratford, New Jersey. In the past four years, Rowan opened the Camden-based Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and incorporated the School of Osteopathic Medicine and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, making Rowan only the second university in the nation to grant both M.D. and D.O. medical degrees. Rowan is collaborating with Rutgers-Camden to create degree programs in a College of Health Sciences in the City of Camden to meet the growing need for health professionals and contribute to the well-being and economic development of the region. One of only three state-designated public research institutions in New Jersey, Rowan comprises the William G. Rohrer College of Business; the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering; the colleges of Communication & Creative Arts; Education; Humanities & Social Sciences; Performing Arts; and Science & Mathematics; the School of Health Professions; the School of Earth & Environment; and the Division of Global Learning & Partnerships, as well as the medical schools.

DETROIT (June 21, 2017) - When Ted Nugent takes his rock 'n' roll to the masses on his annual summer tour, he'll be looking once again to his 22-year-old "budding master" to keep the indispensable beat that helps propel the guitar legend's Motor City Madness across the USA.

JASON HARTLESS already is a Ted Nugent Band veteran as he prepares to embark on his second straight summer tour with The Nuge. But the Detroit-born, Berklee-schooled phenom began drumming at six months old (!) and has been a road warrior of high-pedigree for a decade, since he started touring at age 12. Along the way, Hartless has toured as the support act for the likes of Motley Crue, Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool, Rev Theory, Mountain and Warrior Soul, and he's been mentored by some of classic rock's hardest hitting drummers, including Corky Laing (Mountain), Tommy Clufetos (Black Sabbath, Rob Zombie), Eric Singer (Kiss, Alice Cooper), and Todd Sucherman (Styx). It was through Laing that the industry first took notice of the young drummer - very young, in fact. Jason was just 9 years old when his Laing-produced solo album, First Division, was released with a band that included Richie Scarlet (Ace Frehley) and Jim McCarty (Cactus, The Rockets, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels).

Jason's influences range from Buddy Rich to Keith Moon, from Jeff Porcaro to Zak Starkey, from Stewart Copeland to Steve Smith.

"Playing with Ted has been such an incredible experience," says Jason. "Being a fellow Detroit native, it's really neat because Ted has always been a hometown folk hero. He's really embraced me, and he's been almost like a mentor. We always talk about how to really capture the full essence of a groove and how to hone that while playing his music. Sharing the stage with Ted every night is such an amazing experience. Being able to play all the legendary rock songs with the man who wrote them is a dream come true."

Nugent has nothing but a heap of praise for his young drummer. "He works like a dog and learns," says Nugent. "He's real. I have worked with some of the best drummers on the planet, and man, he's right up there." He adds that Jason locks in with Nugent Band bass player Greg Smith to become "the greatest, most throttling driving force in music today. We kill every song, every gig, every lick, every night."

Jason got right up there as Nugent's drummer after touring as his opening act in the Detroit band Pistol Day Parade while still a teenager. When Jason was looking for a new touring gig in early 2016, he contacted with Nugent's management and was invited to audition.

Away from the Nugent band, Jason is pursuing his bachelor's degree in Music Business at the Berklee College of Music. Since the fall, Jason has been managing partner of Prudential Music Group, where he oversees day-to-day operations of two record labels and a publishing company. Pistol Day Parade, who Jason toured with from 2012 to 2015, was a Prudential artist that hit #19 on the mainstream charts with their song "Rockstars Girlfriend." When not on tour, Jason teaches kids from ages 7-18 music at a School of Rock in Detroit, where as part of his drum lesson curriculum, he teaches Music Business 101. Jason released his first instructional DVD, Learn to Rock Drums with Jason Hartless & Friends, when he was only 16.

And the beat goes on.

See Jason Hartless on tour with Ted Nugent:
June 23 - Peppermill Concert Hall, Wendover, NV
June 24 - Nugget Casino Resort, Sparks, NV, United States
June 25 - Rabobank Theater, Bakersfield, CA
June 27 - Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
June 28 - The Canyon, Agoura Hills, CA
Jun 29-30 - The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA
July 1 - Sunset Station Outdoor Amphitheater, Henderson, NV
July 2 - The Rose, Pasadena, CA
July 3 - The Cave Big Bear, Big Bear Lake, CA
July 6 - Redneck Country Club, Stafford, TX
July 7 - The Cotillion, Wichita, KS
July 8 - Billy Bob's Texas, Ft. Worth, TX
July 11-12 - SanJan Theater, Bonita Springs, FL
July 13 - Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL
July 14 - The Plaza Live, Orlando, FL
July 15 - Iron City, Birmingham, AL
July 16 - Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, Montgomery, AL
July 19 - Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
July 20 - Star Plaza Theatre, Merrillville, IN
July 21 - Jefferson County Fair, Hillsboro, MO
July 22 - Fond du Lac County Fair, Fond du Lac, WI
July 23 - Lexington Village Theatre, Lexington, MI
July 24 - Lexington Village Theatre, Lexington, MI
July 27 - Effingham Performance Center, Effingham, IL
July 28 - Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, Bonner Springs, KS
July 29 - Ozarks Amphitheater, Camdenton, MO
July 30-31 - Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, IL
Aug. 3 - Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA
Aug. 4 - Wisconsin Valley Fair, Wausau, WI
Aug. 5 - Medina Entertainment Center, Medina, MN
Aug. 8 - B.B. King Live Blues Club & Grill, New York, NY
Aug. 9 - Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, NH
Aug. 10 - Aura, Portland, ME
Aug. 15 - Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe, PA
Aug. 16 - The Paramount, Huntington, NY
Aug. 18 - 20 Monroe Live, Grand Rapids, MI
Aug. 19 - Triple S Harley Davidson, Morgantown, WV
Aug. 20 - The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA
Aug. 23 - Packard Music Hall, Warren, OH
Aug. 24 - Foellinger Theatre, Ft. Wayne, IN
Aug. 25 - Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, Sterling Heights, MI
Aug. 26 - Fortress Obetz, Obetz, OH

Join 'Mr. Saturday Night,' the Delaware Valley's #1 Rated Saturday Night Radio Host of the First and Longest-Running Dance Party in the Nation:

Grand Marshal of North Wildwood Italian-American Festival, and host of a Tribute to The Trammps, THIS FRIDAY!

Saturday Night Dance Party Summer Simulcast LIVE from the VÜE on the Claridge Rooftop in Atlantic City, EVERY SATURDAY!

FREE Sunday Concert Series at Fox Park in Wildwood EVERY SUNDAY!

Sunday Night Dance Party at 2nd Street Annie's in Wildwood EVERY SUNDAY!

... And the Best Dancers at the Jersey Shore!

LIVE Radio Simulcast at the Jersey Shore on 96.1 WTTH and 93.1 WEZW
Continues Every Saturday Night from the Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford, NJ

From Atlantic City to Wildwood, "Mr. Saturday Night," BOB PANTANO, ushers his year-long 40th Anniversary Saturday Night Dance Party Celebration into the summer season by reaching the beaches at a 'Fever' pitch.

Starting this weekend, the Delaware Valley's #1 rated Saturday night radio host will have shore-goers dancing on rooftops, in the park, and as always, the hottest nightspots with his unique blend of Motown, '60s Soul, and the Dance Club Classics of the '70s and '80s - custom tailored for every audience he welcomes.

Already packing them in at the NEW 2nd Street Annie's in Wildwood this summer with his Sunday Night Dance Party, Pantano kicks off his expanded Jersey Shore presence this Friday (June 23) at 6 p.m. as Grand Marshal of the North Wildwood Italian-American Festival, leading the official Opening Ceremonies of the three-day gathering of great food, family fun, and Italian-American heritage along Olde New Jersey Avenue. But that's not enough for Pantano. He wants festival goers to dance, too, so he'll follow his Grand Marshal duties by hosting a tribute to The Trammps with Night Fever featuring Jimmy Lee at 7 p.m.

On Saturday (June 24), the Saturday Night Dance Party adds a second South Jersey location in Atlantic City for the summer, simulcasting live from the VÜE Rooftop Bar & Lounge at the Claridge over 96.1 WTTH Atlantic City and 93.1 WEZW Wildwood, while the pioneering live broadcast originates, as always, LIVE from the Adelphia Restaurant and Nightclub in Deptford over Pantano's flagship station, CBS-owned 98.1 WOGL-FM. Hosting the Atlantic City portion of the live broadcast will be fellow WOGL personality Nicky G, the station's weeknight host. Pantano will make a personal appearance at the VÜE on Monday, July 3 for a special Holiday Weekend Edition of the Dance Party.

Come Sunday (June 25), Pantano starts bringing free concerts to Wildwood with the Fox Park Amphitheater Concert series, at Burk & Ocean Avenues. The series kicks off with The Business, and will continue with The Jersey Pops Patriotic Show, A Salute to the Stars and Stripes by Linda Gentile (July 2), The Infernos (July 9), The Blue Notes and Richie Rosato (July 16), The Sensational Soul Cruisers (July 23), Chicago 9 (July 30), Jeremiah Hunter (Aug. 6), Jimmy Lee & Night Fever's tribute to the Sound of Philadelphia, and Rainere Martin's tribute to Donna Summer (Aug. 13), Reign (Aug. 20), and the First Ladies of Rock & Soul (Aug. 27). All Fox Park concerts start at 7:30 p.m. and FREE. Bring a blanket or beach chair. More info at 609.522.2444 or www.WildwoodNJ.org.

The SUNDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY starts at 8 p.m. each week all summer at the NEW 2nd Street Annie's, 3601 Pacific Ave. (at Schellenger), in Wildwood. More info at (856) 582-5006 or www.2ndstreetannies.us.

The Jersey Shore is the birthplace of the Bob Pantano Dance Party, beginning in Wildwood in 1973 at Phil and Eddie's Surf Club. It moved to the Oasis Club, and the Fairview and in 1976, launched the first discotheque in Wildwood at the Mansion on Garfield Avenue. Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. used to work the door at the Surf Club while Pantano was spinning there in the '70s. And going back to 1974, one of the regulars was Walter "Bruce" Willis, who would also hang with Pantano at his Wildwood dance parties at the Fairview and the Mansion. They played softball together in the bar league, as well, and remain friends to this day.

Pantano's celebrated role in Wildwood's music history was memorialized in 2007, when he was added to the Avenue of the Stars along Pacific Avenue, where inductees who have helped build the Wildwoods as an "Entertainment Capital" of the East Coast are permanently honored.

He's now #1 in his time slot "across the board" in the overall ratings as well and every age demographic - including the all-important 25-54 - in the latest Neilsen ratings book. Mr. Saturday Night is now the King of Saturday Night among Delaware Valley radio listeners.

The Saturday Night Dance Party is an award-winning Philadelphia tradition broadcast LIVE that originates on 98.1 WOGL and is hosted by the man who pioneered the Live Radio Dance Party in Philadelphia ... Bob Pantano.

Pantano started spinning at record hops in the late '60s and then nightclubs in the '70s, before taking the show to the airwaves in 1977 on 98.1 WCAU FM "Fascinatin' Rhythm." Over the decades, well over a million Delaware Valley residents remember dancing, meeting, and even falling in love to that special mix for which The Saturday Night Dance Party is so well known.

Complete schedule of all Bob Pantano events at the all-new www.bobpantano.com.

Oversees expansion of first nationwide network of contemporary art schools

ENGLEWOOD, NEW JERSEY: Katie Enna has joined One River School of Art + Design, a company built to transform art education, as Vice President of Strategy and Development. She is based at the school's headquarters in Englewood and reports to Founder and CEO Matt Ross.

In this new position, Enna leads development and strategy promoting One River School's unique franchise concept that provides an innovative business ownership opportunity in the arts to professionals across America. Launched in 2012, One River School of Art + Design opened its second company-owned school in Allendale, NJ and its first franchised school in Frisco, Texas earlier this year. The company plans to open 100 schools nationwide within the next five years.

Enna brings extensive experience driving fast-paced growth in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. As Executive Director of Gallim Dance in Brooklyn 2014-2016, Enna enabled the young dance company to double its educational revenue and grants income, and expanded its Board of Directors. She also developed the company's first interdisciplinary arts partnerships by collaborating with visual arts titans such as the Frieze Art Fair and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Previously, she oversaw strategic investments for the entertainment and restaurant industries at American Express in New York City.

After receiving a B.A. in Art History from Columbia University in 2005, Enna joined Christie's Old Master Paintings department, where she managed global client relations, logistics, and legal affairs, and optimized operations to enable a record-breaking $75 million sale. She then earned her MBA at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, where she was also an adjunct faculty member in the school's Strategic Leadership course.

Enna, a native of Kansas City, Missouri who currently lives in Manhattan, said her interest in the intersection of the arts, business and entrepreneurship has culminated at One River School, where she returns to her roots in the visual arts.

"Katie has the perfect blend of art and business sensibility, and she is well-positioned to advise our partners on how to open and scale a One River School in their communities," said Ross.

"I'm excited to partner with Matt Ross on our growth strategy because I'm inspired by his leadership and genuine commitment to the arts and artists," she says. "With the model and culture he has developed for One River School, we are building a network that is sustainable - and most importantly, a creative home for hundreds of thousands of students to develop their own artistic voices."

Since 2012, One River School of Art + Design has offered a new direction in art education for suburban kids, teens and adults, providing the kind of exceptional, creative learning experiences previously only available in major cities. Using proprietary teaching methods, world-class instructors and interactive processes, the schools deliver experiences that "change people's lives," according to Ross. Each school also presents exhibitions from emerging artists as part of its commitment to be the voice of contemporary art in its community.

More about One River School can be found at www.OneRiverSchool.com.

NYC Guitar Rockers to Host New York Album Launch Event May 24

Kanye West, T. Rex, Ozzy Osbourne, April Wine, Angela Bofill, Herbie Mann, Jerry Jeff Walker, Many Others, Add to McDonald's Legacy as 'Secret Sauce' Multi-Instrumentalist/Producer

"It merits some attention when Ian McDonald gets excited about something." BILLBOARD.COM (Exclusive Video Premiere)

"Infectious." ABC NEWS RADIO

"A strong rock 'n' roll album." M MUSIC & MUSICIANS

"A 12-song gem of wry lyrics, live sounding rollicking, and right-in-the-pocket production." VINTAGE ROCK

"A great moment in music history." Arroe Collins/iHEART RADIO

"Solid grooves, tight musicianship, and great songs that tell great stories. That rare kind of new music that got me into rock 'n' roll in the first place." Jacky Bam Bam/WMMR Philadelphia

"Pure musical bliss. All of the tracks have something new to offer." Brett Maybee/WGWE Buffalo

"Reminiscent of Harrison and Lennon at their best. ... A truly perfect album. ... Lively and Fresh. ... Wonderful listening indeed." SHORT AND SWEET (NYC & LA)

"Unashamedly good fun [and] classy. 4 STARS" SEA OF TRANQUILITY

NEW YORK (May 19, 2017) - This bad, old world gets exponentially better today, as HONEY WEST releases Bad Old World (Readout Records), an explosive collection introducing a remarkable and unusual songwriting collaboration between unassuming British rock titan Ian McDonald, founding member of both Foreigner and King Crimson, and noted Shakespearean actor Ted Zurkowski, a pillar of New York's theater community by way of world-renowned method acting haven The Actors Studio.

Though constructed on the fundamental foundation of two guitars, bass and drums, the mirthful music on Bad Old World - which multi-instrumentalist McDonald also produced - is sophisticated and multi-textured, thanks to the indispensable instrumental and compositional talents of McDonald, and the sly, knowing word craft of lead singer-guitarist and co-composer Zurkowski.

McDonald maintains that his songwriting partner's cunning way with words was his raison d'etre for joining HONEY WEST in the first place.

"Ted's lyrics are very smart," says McDonald. "I like smart lyrics, I like smart music. This ended up being a really good partnership."

Aiding and abetting McDonald and Zurkowski in HONEY WEST is a troupe of top-shelf musicians including drummer Steve Holley, whose credits include, among other notable artists, Paul McCartney & Wings, and McDonald's son Maxwell on bass. Bad Old World also boasts a special guest appearance by Graham Maby (Joe Jackson, They Might Be Giants), who plays bass on several tracks.

The Album Launch Event is set for Wednesday, May 24 at Bowery Electric in New York City.

Premiering exclusively on Billboard.com, the self-deprecating first single, "Dementia," is a perfect portal into the off-kilter world of HONEY WEST, so named after the groundbreaking 1960s TV series about a sexy female secret agent. "Dementia," the album's closing track, is a tightly wound, foot-stomping, Saturday-night rocker highlighted by McDonald's baritone sax - which originally left a memorable imprint on T. Rex's iconic "Get It On (Bang A Gong)." But Zurkowski's typically droll, self-deprecating lyrics elevate the song far beyond the typical party-hearty blueprint, and identify its creators as a rock 'n' force.

The high concept "Dementia" lyric video was conceived and directed by Maxwell McDonald, adding to his duties as the band's bass player. Calling the lyric video "inventive," Billboard.com said it "merits some attention when Ian McDonald gets excited about something."

While McDonald's formidable gifts as an instrumentalist, arranger and producer are front-and-center with HONEY WEST on Bad Old World, they represent a new role for the artist who for decades has been revered as a musician's musician - the one everyone else would check out ... and envy! His sterling rock legacy has been primarily forged in the background as the "secret sauce" if you will, for a wide range of recordings which further extends to the likes of Kanye West, Ozzy Osbourne, April Wine, Angela Bofill, Herbie Mann, Jerry Jeff Walker, Nash the Slash, and beyond.

When Zurkowski's intelligent and playful lyrics are blended with the musical aptitude of HONEY WEST's co-composers, sonic sparks can't help but fly. Not only is his background as a Shakespearean actor entrenched at The Actors Studio (unorthodox by music-world standards), it also indicates McDonald's propensity for driving a bulldozer through convention.

As such, Bad Old World by HONEY WEST has given rise to a new name in 2017 for peerless musicianship, a substantial, yet fun, lyrical point of view, and the kind of jump-from-the-speakers excitement which has always marked the best in rock music.

Bad Old World is available today on all major digital services, including iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, and Spotify. Here's the iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bad-old-world/id1223188582?ls=1&app=itunes.

HONEY WEST ON THE WEB:
www.honeywestmusic.com
www.facebook.com/honeywestmusic

Honey West: Bad Old World
Track Listing:

1. The September Issue
2. Brand New Car
3. Bad Old World
4. She's Not Your Life
5. Sylvia Strange
6. Generationless Man
7. California
8. Sailing
9. A Girl Called Life
10. Old Man
11. Terry & Julie
12. Dementia

1st SINGLE FROM NYC GUITAR ROCKERS FEATURING 'ODD COUPLE' SONGWRITING DUO IAN McDONALD OF FOREIGNER & KING CRIMSON AND SHAKESPEARE THESPIAN TED ZURKOWSKI OF THE ACTORS STUDIO

Groundbreaking Lyric Video Conceived and Directed by Maxwell McDonald, Son of British Rock Titan and Honey West Bass Player

Bad Old World Debut Album Due for May 19 Release via Readout Records

NEW YORK (May 9, 2017) - Following an exclusive premiere with Billboard.com, HONEY WEST, the New York guitar-rock band featuring the new "odd couple" songwriter team of Foreigner and King Crimson co-founder Ian McDonald and Shakespearean thespian Ted Zurkowski of The Actors Studio, today released the groundbreaking lyric video for DEMENTIA, the "infectious" (ABC News Radio), self-deprecating 1st single from the group's explosive debut album, Bad Old World, due May 19 on Readout Records.

Watch the video for "Dementia"

DEMENTIA, the album's closing track, is a tightly wound, foot-stomping, Saturday-night rocker highlighted by multi-instrumentalist McDonald's baritone sax - which originally left a memorable imprint on T. Rex's iconic "Get It On (Bang A Gong)." Zurkowski's typically droll, self-deprecating lyrics elevate the song far beyond the typical party-hearty blueprint, and identify its creators as a rock 'n' force. Calling the lyric video "inventive," Billboard.com said it "merits some attention when Ian McDonald gets excited about something."

DEMENTIA is a perfect portal into the off-kilter world of HONEY WEST, so named after the groundbreaking 1960s TV series about a sexy female secret agent.

The high concept lyric video was conceived and directed by Ian's son, Maxwell McDonald, already his father's first-time bandmate as Honey West's bass player. Furthering the band's cockeyed spirit as a first-time director as well, Maxwell used tarot cards to display the song's lyrics while a seemingly endless array of items from his father's apartment emerges, Lazy Susan style, on a rotating round table. Shot in just one take, the video's live prop-styling was choreographed by Maxwell's wife, production designer Lauren Bahr, a New York set designer and art director in the fashion arena.

"Coming up with the video was my way of contributing creatively to the band," says Maxwell. "It's a small art film that interprets and builds off the subject of the song. Honey West isn't your average rock band, so even something as simple as a lyric video was an opportunity to create something novel and evocative."

ABC News Radio called DEMENTIA "infectious," citing - you guessed it - McDonald's "rocking" sax solo. The track is available now as a single on all major digital services, including iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, and Spotify. Bad Old World, earned a 4-star review in Sea of Tranquility ("unashamedly good fun [and] classy"), and is currently available for pre-order on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play. Album pre-orders on iTunes come with "instant gratification" track of DEMENTIA included in purchase. Here's the iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bad-old-world/id1223188582?ls=1&app=itunes.

Aiding and abetting McDonald and Zurkowski in HONEY WEST is a troupe of top-shelf musicians including drummer Steve Holley, whose credits include, among other notables, Paul McCartney & Wings. BAD OLD WORLD also boasts a special guest appearance by Graham Maby (Joe Jackson, They Might Be Giants), who plays bass on several tracks.

Boxing and Voice Therapy Programs Top Light of Day's 2017 'Boots on the Ground' Agenda

ASBURY PARK, NJ (April 25, 2017) - For the third year in a row, the Light of Day Foundation has raised over a half a million dollars through its annual WinterFest fund raiser, catapulting its 17-year cumulative total past the $4.5 million mark in the global battle to defeat Parkinson's Disease and the Parkinsonisms, ALS and PSP, through the awesome power of music.

Though Light of Day WinterFest has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of its 17 years, fundraising momentum continues to flourish despite his absence at the two most recent festivals. Light of Day WinterFest 2017: The Beat Goes On, attracted 12,000 patrons from around the world to witness over 150 acts at more than 50 shows over a 10-day stretch in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia. Light of Day WinterFest is the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day affair in Asbury Park, where it still is primarily based. Among the artists who performed in 2017 were Peter Asher, Albert Lee, Jake Clemons, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Willie Nile, Chuck Prophet, Jesse Malin, Jeffrey Gaines, James Maddock, Joey Molland of Badfinger, and Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan.

The Light of Day Foundation regrants money to organizations which fund specific research initiatives, including, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, CurePSP, the Parkinson's Foundation (formerly the Parkinson's Disease Foundation), and the Parkinson's Unity Walk. The Light of Day Foundation also supports "boots on the ground" programs designed to help people with these diseases live better lives on a daily basis, including Joan Dancy & PALS, with a mission to help New Jersey residents in nearby Monmouth and Ocean Counties afflicted with ALS by providing a better quality of life for them and their families.

"As Maya Angelou once said, 'People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel.' I've always believed that at its essence Light of Day was a feeling," said Tony Pallagrosi, executive director of the Light of Day Foundation. "Every year that we produce Light of Day WinterFest, we hope folks come away with a feeling of community, joy, participation in something bigger than themselves, and the anticipation of and hope for what is to come. We utilize the awesome power of music to that end, to help us feel better and bring us together in the way that only music can as we battle to defeat Parkinson's, ALS and PSP in our lifetime."

Leading the Light of Day Foundation's 2017 agenda is the launch of a pair of new Parkinson's therapy programs, Boxing for Bob and the Parkinson Voice Project. Boxing for Bob, already underway in Forked River, NJ, is named for Bob Benjamin, the artist manager and music industry veteran who has been living with Parkinson's since 1996, two years before he co-founded Light of Day with Pallagrosi, whose mother, Dolores, died in 2002 from the effects of PSP.

The Light of Day Foundation subsidizes Boxing for Bob, modeled after the Rock Steady program founded in Indiana a decade ago, to enable Parkinson's and PSP patients at the Jersey Shore to participate at no charge. The Foundation is looking to open at least two more locations by the fall.

The Parkinson Voice Project, based outside of Dallas, TX, preserves the voices of individuals with Parkinson's and related neurological disorders through intensive speech therapy, follow-up support, research, education, and community awareness. Its use of music as one therapy to increase the volume and clarity of patients' voices, which deteriorate as Parkinson's progresses, is a natural fit for the Light of Day Foundation. As such, the Foundation is working toward bringing the Parkinson Voice Project to the Jersey Shore by the end of the 2017.

Also in the Light of Foundation's sights is the establishment of a Light of Day storefront location as a resource center "to host seminars, boxing, lectures, films - all having to do with Parkinson's and PSP," says Pallagrosi. "We hope to have programs for caregivers, too, because they're the unsung heroes. In their own way, they've suffered a great deal." Additionally, the Light of Day Foundation is planning a "Park on the Beach," modeled after JT's Grommet Island Park in Virginia Beach, VA, an accessible beach playground and park for children and adults with disabilities that allows everyone to "have their day at the beach."

The next scheduled fundraising event is the Light of Day Mini Golf Classic, Saturday, June 10 from 1pm-8pm at Barnacle Bill's Amusements, Route 35 North, Ortley Beach, NJ (Rain Date: June 11).

The Light of Day Foundation also is presenting Happy Together 2017, starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, The Association, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, The Box Tops, The Cowsills, and The Archies starring Ron Dante, Saturday, Aug. 5 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Foundation. Tickets are on sale now at www.countbasietheatre.org.

More fundraising events for 2017 will be announced.

Complete information on all Light of Day activity can be found at www.lightofday.org. Donations to the Light of Day Foundation can be made through the website as well.

"Even though my heart breaks for every year that goes by without a cure, I am humbled by the fact that we have been doing what we do for almost 20 years and that Light of Day keeps growing, raising more awareness and money for research and support programs every year," adds Pallagrosi. "I want to thank our sponsors, the venues, the production teams, the great City of Asbury Park, the Light of Day Foundation Board, the wonderful musicians who 'bring it on' year after year after year, all of the amazing folks who attend and support our mission and I want to especially thank Bob Benjamin, our founder and guiding light, who when diagnosed with Parkinson's at the age of 38 had a feeling to try to do something about it, a feeling that I believe enriches us, energizes us and resides in all of us who participate."

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION
The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

'Bad Old World' Debut Album Due for May 19 Release via Readout Records

"Infectious" - ABC News Radio

NEW YORK (April 12, 2017) HONEY WEST, the New York guitar-rock band featuring the new "odd couple" songwriter pairing of Foreigner and King Crimson founding member Ian McDonald, and Shakespearean thespian Ted Zurkowski of The Actors Studio, will be releasing DEMENTIA, the self-deprecating 1st single from its explosive debut album, Bad Old World (Readout Records), this Friday (April 14).

DEMENTIA, the album's closing track, is a tightly wound, foot-stomping, Saturday-night rocker highlighted by multi-instrumentalist McDonald's baritone sax - which originally left a memorable imprint on T. Rex's iconic "Get It On (Bang A Gong)." But Zurkowski's typically droll, self-deprecating lyrics elevate the song far beyond the typical party-hearty blueprint, and identify its creators as a rock 'n' force. DEMENTIA is a perfect portal into the off-kilter world of HONEY WEST, so named after the groundbreaking 1960s TV series about a sexy female secret agent.

ABC News Radio called DEMENTIA "infectious," citing - you guessed it - McDonald's "rocking" sax solo. The track will be available as a single on all major digital services, including iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, and Spotify. Bad Old World, due May 19, will be simultaneously available for pre-order this Friday on iTunes and Amazon. Those who pre-order the album on iTunes will receive an "instant gratification" track of DEMENTIA included in the purchase. Here's the iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bad-old-world/id1223188582?ls=1&app=itunes.

Aiding and abetting McDonald and Zurkowski in HONEY WEST is a troupe of top-shelf musicians including drummer Steve Holley, whose credits include, among other notable artists, Paul McCartney & Wings, and McDonald's son Maxwell on bass. BAD OLD WORLD also boasts a special guest appearance by Graham Maby (Joe Jackson, They Might Be Giants), who plays bass on several tracks.

Foreigner and King Crimson Founding Member Ian McDonald Relishes Fresh Chemistry with Shakespeare Centric Member of The Actors Studio

'Bad Old World' Due for May 19 Release via Readout Records

First single, 'Dementia,' available April 14

NEW YORK (March 30, 2017) - This bad, old world will get exponentially better May 19 when HONEY WEST releases Bad Old World (Readout Records), an explosive new collection that introduces a remarkable songwriting collaboration between unassuming British rock titan Ian McDonald, founding member of both Foreigner and King Crimson, and noted Shakespearean actor Ted Zurkowski, a pillar of New York's theater community by way of world-renowned method acting haven The Actors Studio.

Though constructed on the fundamental foundation of two guitars, bass and drums, the mirthful music on Bad Old World - which multi-instrumentalist McDonald also produced - is sophisticated and multi-textured, thanks to the indispensable instrumental and compositional talents of McDonald, and the sly, knowing word craft of lead singer-guitarist and co-composer Zurkowski.

McDonald maintains that his songwriting partner's cunning way with words was his raison d'etre for joining HONEY WEST in the first place.

"Ted's lyrics are very smart," says McDonald. "I like smart lyrics, I like smart music. This ended up being a really good partnership."

Aiding and abetting McDonald and Zurkowski in HONEY WEST is a troupe of top-shelf musicians including drummer Steve Holley, whose credits include, among other notable artists, Paul McCartney & Wings, and McDonald's son Maxwell on bass. Bad Old World also boasts a special guest appearance by Graham Maby (Joe Jackson, They Might Be Giants), who plays bass on several tracks.

The self-deprecating first single, "Dementia," due April 14, is a perfect portal into the off-kilter world of HONEY WEST, so named after the groundbreaking 1960s TV series about a sexy female secret agent. "Dementia," the album's closing track, is a tightly wound, foot-stomping, Saturday-night rocker highlighted by McDonald's baritone sax - which originally left a memorable imprint on T. Rex's iconic "Get It On (Bang A Gong)." But Zurkowski's typically droll, self-deprecating lyrics elevate the song far beyond the typical party-hearty blueprint, and identify its creators as a rock 'n' force.

While McDonald's formidable gifts as an instrumentalist, arranger and producer are front-and-center with HONEY WEST on Bad Old World, they represent a new role for the artist who has for decades been revered in the music industry as a musician's musician - the one everyone else would check out ... and envy! His sterling rock legacy has been primarily forged in the background as the "secret sauce" if you will, for a wide range of recordings which further extends to the likes of Kanye West, Ozzy Osbourne, April Wine, Angela Bofill, Herbie Mann, Jerry Jeff Walker, Nash the Slash, and beyond.

When Zurkowski's intelligent and playful lyrics are blended with the musical aptitude of HONEY WEST's co-composers, sonic sparks can't help but fly. Not only is his background as a Shakespearean actor entrenched at The Actors Studio (unorthodox by music-world standards), it also indicates McDonald's propensity for driving a bulldozer through convention.

As such, Bad Old World by HONEY WEST has given rise to a new name in 2017 for peerless musicianship, a substantial, yet fun, lyrical point of view, and the kind of jump-from-the-speakers excitement which has always marked the best in rock music.

Honey West: Bad Old World
Track Listing:
1. The September issue
2. Brand New Car
3. Bad Old World
4. She's Not Your Life
5. Sylvia Strange
6. Generationless Man
7. California
8. Sailing
9. A Girl Called Life
10. Old Man
11. Terry & Julie
12. Dementia

Honey West | Bad Old World
Readout Records
Release Date: May 19, 2017

PSA featuring "Big 5" Coaches and 'What U Do' fundraising campaign theme song by Joe Zahm Band makes March Madness debut at Coaches vs. Cancer Tipoff Breakfast

Concert Fundraiser set for April 7 at 'What U Do' Bandstand

"It's a great message to everyone, that you can be and do what you put your mind to."
- Heidi Hamels, The Hamels Foundation (and wife of Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Hamels)

PHILADELPHIA (March 23, 2017): A Philadelphia musician has emerged in the midst of March Madness to ignite his spirited mission to "crush cancer" through his favorite charity, Coaches vs. Cancer, with his own "What U Do" fundraising campaign.

Joe Zahm funds and produces inspiring videos based on his memorable song about overcoming obstacles, "What U Do With What U Got," to promote the charity, a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Coaches vs. Cancer works to empower college basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

Though Zahm has been working with the Philadelphia arm of Coaches vs. Cancer for the past couple of years, his ultimate aim is to start a "What U Do" movement by taking it national.

One such video, a public service announcement featuring Philadelphia Big 5 Coaches Jay Wright (Villanova), Phil Martelli (St. Joseph's), and Fran Dunphy (Temple), just made its March Madness debut during the Coaches vs. Cancer Tipoff Breakfast at the Palestra, the city's legendary college basketball shrine. The video features the "What U Do" campaign's anthem, "What U Do With What You Got."

Up next for Zahm is his annual "What U Do" concert fundraising event, which he'll host April 7 at the "What U Do Bandstand" in his suburban Philadelphia home, headlined by the Joe Zahm Band, featuring acclaimed musicians Ben Arnold, Scott Bricklin, Pete Donnelly (The Figgs, NRBQ) and Matt Muir.

(Donnelly was just featured this month in an episode of HGTV's Caribbean Life purchasing an island property in Turks & Caicos through the real estate company that Zahm owns there.)

Zahm's work with Coaches vs. Cancer has made quite an impact in the short time they've been aligned.

"Joe Zahm has generously supported the Coaches vs. Cancer program in a variety of impactful ways," says Lauren McShea, the American Cancer Society's Senior Director, Distinguished Events, East Central Division. "He opened up his home and hosted two beautiful and fun events benefiting the American Cancer Society. He has generously donated $10,000 after each fundraising event, in addition to spreading awareness about our mission and the Coaches vs. Cancer program. He generously funded, produced and performed in the 'WhatUDoWithWhatUGot' video, perfectly highlighting the work of our coaches and community in the fight against cancer. His video debuted at our annual Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer Basketball Gala, inspiring the room. He also donated an amazing Turks & Caicos vacation package to our Live Auction, which was auctioned off for $10,500. We are incredibly grateful for his personal commitment and passionate dedication to his art, to the mission of the American Cancer Society, to the Coaches vs. Cancer program, and to our community."

Zahm's passion to "crush" cancer stems from the deaths in consecutive years of his father and sister to cancer amid some financial challenges. Inspired by life success coach Tony Robbins, Zahm wrote "What U Do With What U Got," and through his friendships with Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Hamels and his wife Heidi, as well as former Comcast Sportsnet GM Stephanie Smith, was encouraged to connect the song to Coaches vs. Cancer.

"I know first-hand what it takes to support and watch a professional athlete, day in and day out, perfect their craft," says Heidi Hamels, co-founder of the Hamels Foundation. "'What U Do' brings awareness about athletes, kids, teens, and adults who are impaired in some ways, and have not only made the best out of their situations, but prove that even with a disability, pure courage and hard work, do persevere. It's a great message to everyone, that you can be and do what you put your mind to."

Those connections resulted in the premiere of Zahm's first music video for "What U Do With What You Got" at the Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer annual gala in April 2016, just after Villanova won its second national championship.

To date, Zahm has raised $30,000. And he's just getting started.

"We want to crush cancer, not just beat it (to quote Coach Martelli)," says Zahm. "I'd love to see anyone adopt the song as their personal anthem when they are facing obstacles, and for it to give them a sense of hope, support and perseverance. And of course, I'd love to have it connected to NCAA basketball (March Madness!), and any other appropriate venue!"

More about Joe Zahm, song lyrics, the fundraising campaign and all of the "What U Do" videos can be found at the campaign's new website: www.WhatUDoWithWhatYouGot.com.

Join Your Host, "Mr. Saturday Night" BOB PANTANO
The Delaware Valley's #1 Rated Saturday Night Radio Host
on the First and Longest-Running Dance Party in the Nation!

Special Guest Performances by TAVARES, THE BLUE NOTES, KENNY JEREMIAH, CECIL PARKER, JIMMY PHILLIPS, TRAMMPS TRIBUTE with Jimmy Lee, DONNA SUMMER TRIBUTE by Rainere Martin, and Many Other Legendary Radio and TV Personalities, Public Officials, and More Surprises

... And the Best Dancers in the Delaware Valley!

LIVE ON 98.1 WOGL from the Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford, NJ
and Simulcast at the Jersey Shore on 96.1 WTTH and 93.1 WEZW

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 23, 2017) - "Mr. Saturday Night," BOB PANTANO - the Delaware Valley's #1 Rated Saturday Night Radio Host - celebrates his milestone 40th Anniversary on FM radio as host of THE SATURDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY during his LIVE weekly broadcast Saturday evening, March 4, with special guest live performances by Tavares ("Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel"), The Blue Notes ("The Love I Lost"), Kenny Jeremiah (Soul Survivors original lead singer), Cecil Parker ("I Think I'll Tell Her"), Jimmy Phillips ("Got to Get You Back"), A Tribute to the Trammps by Night Fever with Jimmy Lee, A Tribute to Donna Summer by Rainere Martin, and a host of other surprises. As always, Pantano will be broadcasting LIVE direct from the Adelphia Restaurant and Nightclub, 1750 Clements Bridge Road, in Deptford, NJ. The party starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door, and available online at www.adelphiarestaurant.com. For more info, call (856) 845-8200 or go to www.bobpantano.com.

And the timing couldn't be sweeter.

Making the 40th anniversary celebration especially sweet, Pantano is now #1 in his time slot "across the board" in the overall ratings as well and every age demographic, including the all-important 25-54 - for the first time ever, in the latest Neilsen ratings book. Mr. Saturday Night is now the King of Saturday Night among Delaware Valley radio listeners.

In 2015, Pantano was presented the Person of the Year Award by the Broadcast Pioneers Hall, and inducted into its Hall of Fame.

The Saturday Night Dance Party is an award-winning Philadelphia tradition broadcast LIVE on 98.1 WOGL and simulcast at the Jersey Shore on 96.1 WTTH and 93.1 WEZW from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. And it's hosted by the man who pioneered the Live Radio Dance Party in Philadelphia ... Bob Pantano.

Also on hand to help Bob celebrate will be numerous legendary radio and TV personalities, public officials, and of course, the best dancers from all over the greater Philadelphia region.

Pantano, a South Philadelphia native started spinning at record hops in the late '60s and then the nightclubs in the '70, before taking the show to the airwaves in 1977 on 98.1 WCAU FM "Fascinatin' Rhythm." Over the decades, well over a million Delaware Valley residents remember dancing, meeting, and even falling in love to that special mix for which The Saturday Night Dance Party is so well known. Pantano plays great uplifting dance music - a unique blend of Motown, '60s Soul, and the Dance Club Classics of the '70s and '80s - custom tailored for Philadelphians. "The Rhythm of Your Life," every Saturday night from 7 p.m. till 2 a.m., originates exclusively on 98.1 WOGL and is simulcast on 96.1 WTTH Atlantic City and 93.1 WEZW Wildwood, NJ.

Live from Adelphia Restaurant and Nightclub in Deptford! Come celebrate the 40th Anniversary with all those who have made the Bob Pantano Saturday Night Dance Party the No. 1 Show and still the best on Philadelphia radio.

WHAT:
The Bob Pantano Dance Party 40th Anniversary Celebration & LIVE Broadcast

WHO:
Bob Pantano - Host
With Special Guest Performances by:
Tavares ("Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel")
The Blue Notes ("The Love I Lost")
Kenny Jeremiah (Soul Survivors original lead singer)
Cecil Parker ("I Think I'll Tell Her")
Jimmy Phillips ("Got to Get You Back")
A Tribute to the Trammps by Night Fever with Jimmy Lee
A Tribute to Donna Summer by Rainere Martin

WHEN:
Saturday, March 4, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

WHERE:
Adelphia Restaurant & Nightclub
1750 Clements Bridge Road, Deptford, NJ

TICKETS:
$25 in advance; $30 at the door, and available online at www.adelphiarestaurant.com. For more info, call (856) 845-8200 or go to www.bobpantano.com.

Group's Biggest Hit, 'Expressway to Your Heart,' Launched The Sound of Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - Legendary Philadelphia International Records co-founders and R&B pioneers Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff released the following joint statement today as they mourned the passing this weekend of Richie Ingui of The Soul Survivors, whose 1967 crossover classic, "Expressway to Your Heart," launched The Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP) as the first of dozens of hits for Gamble & Huff as songwriters and producers. Richie and his brother Charlie continued to perform and record together as the Soul Survivors, and were preparing to mark the song's 50th anniversary this year:

"We send our very sincere condolences to Charlie and Richie's families. Not only did they bring our Philly Sound and Gamble & Huff to the national spotlight first with the hit song "Expressway to Your Heart," but they were truly like Brothers to us. Richie was a true soul singer who sang from the heart. We will truly miss him, and the unique and mellow voice he brought to of this amazing group, the Soul Survivors."

"Expressway to Your Heart" became the first "crossover" hit for The Soul Survivors, reaching #3 on the R&B chart and #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. It also was ranked #18 on Billboard magazine's Top Hot 100 songs of 1967. Kenny Gamble has been frequently quoted saying he wrote the lyrics while he was driving on the Schuylkill Expressway, en route to visit his girlfriend at the time, teen pop sensation Dee Dee Sharp ("Mashed Potato Time"). Gamble & Huff loaded "Expressway to Your Heart" with honking horns and other automotive sound effects, but the record's principal strength lay in its soulful vocals and pounding beat.

The Ingui brothers last performed together in November at the Marian Anderson Awards at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. Charlie and Richie captivated the crowd with an extended Gamble & Huff medley, closing their set with a scording rendition of "Expressway."

The Soul Survivors first played together in New York as The Dedications before relocating to Philadelphia, where Gamble & Huff started working with them. "Expressway to Your Heart" was a #1 hit regionally in Philadelphia and New York in the fall of 1967, and wound up spending 15 weeks on the Billboard charts and selling over one million copies.

Once "Expressway" became a huge hit, the group toured extensively, appearing on the same bills with such diverse acts as Jackie Wilson, The Miracles, Sam and Dave, Janis Joplin, the Beach Boys and Sly and the Family Stone, among many others.

Subsequent hits for the Soul Survivors included, "Explosion In My Soul," "Mission Impossible (Impossible Mission)," and "City of Brotherly Love."

For the past few years, the Ingui brothers have supplemented their touring as The Soul Survivors as part of David Uosikkinen's "In the Pocket" project, an all-star collective of musicians who have contributed to the musical history of Philadelphia. Charlie and Richie also sang on In the Pocket's recent remake of "Expressway to Your Heart."

In 2013, The Soul Survivors were honored by Philadelphia International Records with the annual Phillies Gamble & Huff Community Partnership Award at Citizens Bank Park.

PHOTO CAPTION: Charlie Ingui, left, and his late brother, Richie, in a recent performance as The Soul Survivors. Credit: Courtesy Gamble Huff Entertainment.

Final 'Birthday Bash' Lineup Also to Include Joe Grushecky, Chuck Prophet, Willie Nile, Jeffrey Gaines, James Maddock, Bobby Bandiera, Jesse Malin, Ed Manion, at Sold-Out Paramount Theater as Worldwide Foundation's 17th Anniversary Festival Continues Global Battle Against Parkinson's Disease 'Through the Awesome Power of Music'

SNEAK PREVIEW OF NEW CLARENCE CLEMONS DOCUMENTARY ADDED IN ASBURY PARK TO INCLUDE Q&A WITH PRODUCER & DIRECTOR; OVER 150 MUSIC ACTS CONVERGING ON NJ, NYC AND PHILADELPHIA FOR OVER 50 SHOWS, JAN. 6-16, 2017

"What started as a private party on the Jersey Shore for Bob Benjamin has ballooned into one of rock music's most celebrated charity events." - New York Times

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Jan. 11, 2016) - With special appearances scheduled for tonight in New York City and Saturday here in Asbury Park, the Jake Clemons Band is officially on the Birthday Beat as a participant in LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2017: The Beat Goes On, as the 17th anniversary kicks into high gear this week in the global battle to defeat Parkinson's Disease and related illnesses through the awesome power of music.

Already committed to a special guest performance at the birthday celebration for his late uncle, Clarence Clemons, tonight at the Cutting Room in New York, the multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter and his band have added Bob's Birthday Bash, three days later (Jan. 14) at the sold-out Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, to their Light of Day Winterfest itinerary. Limited tickets remain for tonight's show at the Cutting Room. Doors open 6 p.m. Show is 6:45 p.m. Tickets $40-$75 at www.thecuttingroomnyc.com.

As Clemons told Billboard this week: "Considering how Clarence always loved performing on his birthday, and my aunt (his sister) recently passed away with ALS, I think this is exactly how he'd be celebrating his 75th, and I'm thrilled to be paying tribute to his incredible legacy while also honoring the loss in my family with this show."

On both days, that Clemons appears, Light of Day Winterfest will be hosting exclusive sneak previews of the upcoming Clarence Clemons documentary, Who Do You Think I Am, with never before seen clips. The first will be held tonight in New York as part of the Big Man's birthday celebration at the Cutting Room. The other, in conjunction with the Asbury Park Music & Film Festival, will be held Saturday morning in Asbury Park at McLoone's Supper Club and will be followed by a Q&A with producer Joe Amodei and director Nick Mead, hosted by SiriusXM E Street Radio personality Jim Rotolo. For the Asbury screening, doors are at 9:30am; show is 10:30am. All seats are $10 with tickets and further info at www.timmcloonessupperclub.com or by calling (732) 774-1155. The Asbury Park Music & Film Festival will be held April 20-23 in Asbury Park.

Between the two birthday events, Clemons, who's been splitting his time since his uncle's passing by touring the world as a solo artist and performing on tenor and baritone saxophone for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, will see the release of his highly anticipated new album Fear & Love.

Also confirmed to perform as Main Stage artists at Bob's Birthday Bash are Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Willie Nile & Band, Jesse Malin & Band, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, James Maddock & Band, Remember Jones, Bobby Bandiera, and Battery Electric. Those acts will be interspersed with acoustic performances by Jeffrey Gaines, Chuck Prophet, Ed Manion, Porter & Sayles, Emily Grove, Peter Elkas & Terry Lightfoot, Miss Emily, and Rob Dye, with entrance music by The Fireplaces. All are subject to change.

Bob's Birthday Bash, always held the final Saturday night of the 10-day festival, sold out in record time this year - less than a half hour. Springsteen has made surprise performances at Bob's Birthday Bash for 11 of the past 16 years. The Birthday Bash honors Bob Benjamin, the artist manager and music industry veteran who has been living with Parkinson's since 1996, two years before he co-founded Light of Day with Executive Director Tony Pallagrosi, whose mother, Dolores, died in 2002 from the effects of PSP.

In other LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST news:

"The Art Of The Protest Song" has been added for Saturday (Jan. 14) with a performance at McLoone's Supper Club at 2 p.m., headlined by Shannon McNally, along with Arlan Feiles, Joseph Alton Millerand series originator Bill Valenti. "The Art of the Protest Song" celebrates this important and influential role of music in our culture, combining classic anthems/covers with original songs on contemporary topics. During the past two and a half years, there have been a dozen "AOTPS" productions of around the country, all with overwhelmingly positive audience response. Doors are at 1 pm; show is 2 pm. All seats are $10 with tickets and further info at www.timmcloonessupperclub.com or by calling (732) 774-1155.

Complete ticket and additional information for all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2017 events at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook.

Light of Day WinterFest has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of the previous 16 years. In his new autobiography, Born to Run, which recently topped the New York Times Best Sellers List as well as in several countries worldwide, Springsteen revealed that his father suffered from Parkinson's Disease.

Last year's Winterfest raised $525,000 - a record amount - to combat Parkinson's disease, topping the previous year record of $500,000, with the 16-year total approaching $4 million.

In 2015, Billboard Magazine presented the Humanitarian Award to Bob Benjamin and the Light of Day Foundation at the Billboard Talent & Touring Conference & Awards "for their 15 years of bringing awareness and support for Parkinson's disease through live music events." Benjamin, an artist manager and music industry veteran, has been living with Parkinson's since 1996, two years before he co-founded Light of Day with Executive Director Tony Pallagrosi, whose mother, Dolores, died in 2002 from the effects of PSP.

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2017 already has presented sold-out shows in Montclair, NJ and Philadelphia - the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day event in Asbury Park, where it still is primarily based, and has grown to a 10-day festival in the New Jersey/New York/Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Here's the complete list of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2017 shows to date:

Wednesday, JAN 11

LOD "NYC", Celebrating the Life and Birthday of Clarence Clemons - Willie Nile, Jeffrey Gaines & Chuck Prophet, Soul Cruisers feat. JT Bowen (Clarence Clemons & the Red Bank Rockers),

The Weeklings, Hollis Brown, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan - The Cutting Room, 18+, 7pm, $75 VIP Reserved Seating, $45 GA Reserved Seating, $75 upfront VIP

Thursday, JAN 12

LOD "FIRST NOTE" - The Mercury Bros, Phoebe Nix, Baron Praxis, M.A. Tappan & The Dirty Shine, Geena & Dragster - The Saint, Thurs.,18+, 6:30pm, $8adv/$12dos

LOD "SANDY MACK's WONDER JAM DELUXE" - Waiting on Mongo, Jimmy Farkus, Turtle Soup, Chris Rockwell, Members of Shady St. Show Band with Deseree Spinks, Joshua Mark, Mack & Friends, Strumberry Pie, Moroccan Sheepherders, Russell Arcara & Mark Sleifer - Wonder Bar, Thurs., 21+, 7pm, $10 adv/$12 dos

LOD "WINTERFEST 2017 KICK-OFF" - Dramarama, Willie Nile, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, Remember Jones, Hollis Brown. Sponsored by Badlands, Hosted by WRAT/WDHA anything, anything's Rich Russo - House of Independents, Thurs., 18+, 7:30 pm, $20adv/$25dos

LOD "MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY'S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS" - All Star Jam, Bobby Mahoney & Zack Sandler, Sentimental Gentlemen, Nicole Govel, The Carousers, Subway Babes, The Emily Youth Project, Francesca Rose - Langosta Lounge, Thurs., All-Ages, 8pm, FREE ADMISSION

Friday, JAN 13

LOD "ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION" - Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Miss Emily, Glenn Alexander & Shadowland, RAZ Band with Joey Molland from Badfinger, Boccigalupe & The Badboys, Laura Crisci, Bob Polding Band, Pat Toner, Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son, Johnny Duk, Bitter Crush, Anthony Basso, Mike Rocket, Frank Get, Antonio Zirilli - Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages, 7:25 p.m., $25 adv/$30dos

LOD "KASHMIR - THE LIVE LED ZEPPELIN SHOW", with special guest the Matt O'Ree Band - House of Independents, Fri., 18+, 7pm, $20-$25

LOD "ROCK HEAVY", The Saint, Fri.,18+, 8pm, $8adv/$12dos

LOD "OPEN MIC", Wonder Bar, Fri., 21+, 7pm, $15

LOD "ALBERT LEE & BAND: Up Close and Intimate" with Tangiers Blues Band - McLoone's Supper Club, Fri., All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/Show 8pm, $20-$35

LOD "AT THE SOUNDBOOTH" - Ian Bamberger Trio, Sam Sims Band, Ashley McKinley, with a Late Night Acoustic "Couch Concert" hosted by Bobby Mahoney - Asbury Hotel, 9:30 p.m., FREE

LOD "LATE NIGHT FRIDAY: PETER SCHERER'S ACOUSTIC CAROUSEL" - Peter Scherer, Renee Maskin, The May Darlings, Arlan Feiles, Andy Bernstein, Keith Roth, Ray Andersen, Cranston Dean, Stringbean, Keith McCarthy, Leo Sawikin, Russell Arcara, Marc Nuzzi, The Gray Vines, Gregory Schwartz, Karen Mansfield, Steve Delopoulos, SOF, Paul Whistler, Eryn Shewell, David Vargo - Langosta Lounge, Friday, 21+, 9pm, FREE ADMISSION

LOD "REMEMBER JONES IN MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN" The Entire 1970 Joe Cocker Experience Tribute, Performed Live with a Band of 20 - Paramount Theater, Fri., All Ages, 7pm, $29-$49

Saturday, JAN 14

LOD "BOB'S BIRTHDAY BASH" - Jake Clemons, Jeffrey Gaines, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Chuck Prophet, Willie Nile & Band, Ed Manion, Jesse Malin & Band, Porter & Sayles, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, Emily Grove, James Maddock & Band, Peter Elkas/Terra Lightfoot, Remember Jones, Miss Emily, Bobby Bandiera, Rob Dye, Battery Electric, the Fireplaces - Paramount Theater, Sat, All Ages, 6pm, $43-$205 (SOLD OUT)

LOD "ROCK", The Saint, Sat., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/ $12dos

LOD TBA, McLoone's Supper Club, Sat., All Ages, Noon, $TBA

LOD "PETER ASHER: A MUSICAL MEMOIR OF THE '60S AND BEYOND" FEATURING THE MUSIC OF PETER AND GORDON. Special Guest: A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt starring Broadway Singer and Actress Rita Harvey - McLoone's Supper Club, Doors/Dinner 6 p.m./Show 7:30 p.m., $31.50-$45

LOD "LATE NIGHT SATURDAY" - Taylor Tote Band, Brielle Von Hugel Band, more - Langosta Lounge, Sat., Jan. 17, 21+, 10pm, FREE ADMISSION

LOD "IN CONCERT" - James Maddock & Band, Jeffrey Gaines & Chuck Prophet, Anthony D'Amato, Kiyomi Valentine with Lisa Bianco - House of Independents, Sat, 1 p.m., $25 adv/$30 dos

LOD "ASBURY UNDERGROUND AFTER-PARTY" - American Trappist, Jesse of Accidental Seabirds, Milly, Dentist, Porter & Sayles, The Sunday Blues - House of Independents, Sat., 18+, 8pm, $5 adv/$7 dos

LOD "WOMEN OF SONG" - The Saint, Sat, Noon, $10

LOD "ASBURY BLUES" - Billy Walton Band (Record Premiere), Cigar Box Stompers, Joe Bonanno and the Godsons, Mary McCrink, Mad Kings, Pam McCoy, Stormin' Norman Seldin, J Pat and Sandy Mack, Chuck Lambert, Poppa John, HP & His HOT Take-Out Band - Wonder Bar, Sat., All Ages, Noon, $12/$15

LOD "FULL TILT BOOGIE BASH" - Billy Hector Band, Christine Martucci, Colossal Street Jam, Scott Wolfson & Other Heroes, Harry Filkin Band, Dawg Whistle - Wonder Bar, Sat., 21+, 7pm, $12/$15

LOD "DOWNTOWN - ASBURY UNDERGROUND," curated by Pat Schiavino and Asbury Underground. Noon - 7PM. Over 20 venues! FREE ADMISSION

LOD "IN THE SOUNDBOOTH" - Stringbean & the Stalkers, DJ Music - Asbury Hotel, 8 p.m., FREE ADMISSION

LOD "TRANSPARENT: DANNY CLINCH PHOTO EXHIBIT" - Tangiers Blues Band - Asbury Hotel Gallery, 1 p.m.

LOD "THE ART OF THE PROTEST SONG" - Shannon McNally, Arlan Feiles, Joseph Alton Miller, Bill Valenti - McLoone's Supper Club at 2 p.m., $10

Sunday, JAN 15

LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #1" - Isabella Englert, Adam Masterson, Kent Nicholson, Mary McCrink, Hans Ludviggson, Arlon Bennett, Jesse Terry - Watermark, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15

LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #2" - Dean Friedman, Karen Mansfield, Bruce Tunkel, Sam Sims & Kyle Ward, Don Dilego, Pat Guadagno, Stella Mrowicki, Addie Wuensch - Langosta Lounge, Sun., All Ages, 2:45 pm, $15

LOD "SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA BOARDWALK CRAWL #3" - James Maddock, Emily Grove, Ben Arnold, Chuck Prophet, Anthony D'Amato, Willie Nile, Joe Gruschecky, Jeffrey Gaines, Jesse Malin, Peter Elkas. Hosted by Joe D'Urso and Joe Rapolla - McLoone's Supper Club, Sun., All Ages, Dinner/Doors 5 p.m.; Show 6 pm, $20 adv/$25dos

LOD "KID'S ROCK" - Avery Rose and the Thorns, RadioActive, Stone Bullets, Double A, Sound of Fury, Baelfire, Allie and Tristan, School of Rock, Olivia Howell, Blume, Kat Phunk, Victoria Quartararo, Rock'n Music, Amanda Conti, Rockit - Stone Pony, Sun., All Ages, Noon, $15 adv/$20 dos

LOD "MUSICIANS ON A MISSION" - Penque-Diomede Band, Downstream, Citizens Band Radio, Nick Ryan Band - The Saint, Sun., 18+, Noon, $10

LOD "SUNDAY, FUNKY SUNDAY" - Quincy Mumford & The Reason Why, Dez and the Swagmatics - Asbury Hotel, Sun, 2 p.m., FREE.

LOD "LAST NOTE", The Saint, Sun., 18+, 7:30pm, $8adv/$12dos

LOD "BRUCE BRUNCH WITH TOM CUNNINGHAM" - LIVE! on 105.7 The Hawk from The Anchors Bends in Convention Hall, Asbury Park, 9am - 11am with many surprise musical guests and performances. FREE

Monday, JAN 16

LOD "GOODBYE BRUNCH," McLoone's Grille, Mon., All Ages, 10:30a-1:30p.

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION

The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson's disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation's mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996.

LINEUPS FOR 10-DAY FESTIVAL'S MULTI-ACT THEMED EVENTS, SUCH AS MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN, ASBURY ANGELS, ANNOUNCED AS OVER 150 MUSIC ACTS CONVERGE ON NJ, NYC AND PHILADELPHIA, JAN. 6-16, 2017

"A stunning number of people raised their hands when an emcee asked the crowd if anyone flew into the event from overseas." - Rolling Stone

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Dec. 28, 2016) - A British Invasion is headed for the Jersey Shore to help LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2017: The Beat Goes On, fight the global battle against Parkinson's Disease with special concerts headlined by guitar god Albert Lee and legendary producer-performer-executive Peter Asher; a special guest appearance by Badfinger original Joey Molland; the nation's #1 Led Zeppelin tribute show, and a fully orchestrated "Mad Dogs & Englishmen" recreation saluting the late vocal great Joe Cocker.

Those are among the dozens of new acts added to the 10-day festival for its 17th anniversary edition, to either headline or partake in multi-artist concert events from Jan. 6-16, 2017.

Albert Lee, a.k.a. "Mr. Telecaster," makes his second Winterfest appearance when he returns with his band for an "Up Close and Intimate" performance Friday, Jan. 13 at McLoone's Supper Club. Tangier Blues Band, with renowned rock photographer Danny Clinch on harmonica and vocals, opens the show. Doors open for dinner at 6 p.m.; show time 8 p.m. Tickets to see the Grammy-winning "ultimate virtuoso" (so dubbed by Eric Clapton) range from $20-$35 at www.timmcloonessupperclub.com or by calling 732-774-1155.

The following night at McLoone's (Saturday, Jan. 14), Peter Asher makes his second Winterfest visit with "Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir of the '60s and Beyond" featuring the music of Peter and Gordon. Asher first came to be known through the global smash "World Without Love" as one half of the British Invasion duo Peter & Gordon. The two-time Producer of the Year Grammy winner brings a multimedia experience to the Light of Day stage, reflecting on his multi-faceted career and the era that spawned it. As former Asher protègè and paramour Linda Ronstadt is among the cast of characters, the evening begins with "A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt" starring Broadway Singer and Actress Rita Harvey. Doors open for dinner at 6 p.m.; show time is 8 p.m. Tickets are $31.50-$45 and Tickets are on sale at www.timmcloonessupperclub.com or by calling 732-774-1155.

Badfinger founding member Joey Molland, with his RAZ Band, will be part of the annual Asbury Angels Induction Show, to be held Friday, Jan. 13, at the legendary Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave., which honors and memorialize the lives and history of members of the Asbury Park musical community, "including but not limited to, musicians, tech support persons, DJs, journalists, club owners, record company personnel, managers and promoters. The show will feature Main Stage acts topped by Molland, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, and former Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes member Glenn Alexander & Shadowland. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Tickets $24 advance/$30 day of show at www.stoneponyonline.com, Ticketmaster, and at (732) 502-0600.

Kashmir, the nation's #1 Led Zeppelin tribute show, takes over the House of Independents, 572 Cookman Ave., on Friday, Jan. 13. The most authentic representation of Led Zeppelin on the modern national touring scene, Kashmir possesses the live stage show, sound and likeness to bring audiences and fans back to the days when the mighty Led Zeppelin ruled the musical landscape. Show. Doors 7 p.m. Tickets $20 advance; $25 day of show.

And at the Paramount Theater, 1200 Ocean Ave., on Friday, Jan. 13, Remember Jones recreates the entire 1970 Joe Cocker Experience Tribute, starring in Mad Dogs & Englishmen with a live band of 20 musicians. Jones, originally from Asbury Park, is a one-of-a-kind soul/pop singer with a throwback vibe and authentic energy known for bringing audiences to another time and place. Jones turned in one of the biggest buzzworthy performances at last year's Winterfest with his Amy Winehouse tribute revue, and he'll no doubt turn it up louder this year with "Mad Dogs." Doors are at 6 p.m.; show time is 7 p.m. Tickets $29-$49 through www.lightofday.org, www.ticketmaster.com, phone charge at 800.745.3000, the Stone Pony Box Office (732.502.0600) or any Ticketmaster outlet.

Complete ticket and additional information for all LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2017 events at www.lightofday.org and on Facebook.

Light of Day WinterFest has gained international notoriety for surprise performances by Bruce Springsteen in 11 of the previous 16 years. In his new autobiography, Born to Run, which recently topped the New York Times Best Sellers List as well as in several countries worldwide, Springsteen revealed that his father suffered from Parkinson's Disease.

Last year's Winterfest raised $525,000 - a record amount - to combat Parkinson's disease, topping the previous year record of $500,000, with the 16-year total approaching $4 million.

In 2015, Billboard Magazine presented the Humanitarian Award to Bob Benjamin and the Light of Day Foundation at the Billboard Talent & Touring Conference & Awards "for their 15 years of bringing awareness and support for Parkinson's disease through live music events." Benjamin, an artist manager and music industry veteran, has been living with Parkinson's since 1996, two years before he co-founded Light of Day with Executive Director Tony Pallagrosi, whose mother, Dolores, died in 2002 from the effects of PSP.

LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2017 also will include shows in Montclair, NJ (Jan. 6 @ Outpost in the Burbs), Philadelphia (Jan. 7 @ World Cafè Live), and New York City (Jan. 11 @ The Cutting Room). They are the culmination of a worldwide series of shows that began as a one-day event in Asbury Park, where it still is primarily based, while growing to a 10-day festival in the New Jersey/New York/Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Here's the complete list of LIGHT OF DAY WINTERFEST 2017 shows to date:

Friday, JAN 6
LOD "NORTH JERSEY" Artists Up Close and Personal - Willie Nile, Chuck Prophet, Jeffrey Gaines, Joe D'Urso, Ben Arnold, Christine Martucci, Rick Winow - Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair, NJ, 7pm, $35-$40

Saturday, JAN 7
LOD "PHILADELPHIA" Songwriters Up Close and Personal - Eric Bazilian, Willie Nile, Chuck Prophet, Jeffrey Gaines, Joe D'Urso, Ben Arnold, Soraia, Sharon Little - The World Cafe, Upstairs, Philadelphia, Pa., 7pm, $20-$25

Sunday, JAN 8
LOD "COVER ME: BEST OF NEW JERSEY'S BAR BANDS" - Bobby Bandiera & Friends, The Soul Cruisers, The British Invasion Years, Best of the Eagles, Pat Guadagno and Tired Horses performing the music of Bob Dylan, Rockinon, the B Street Band, and Guilty Pleasure - Stone Pony, All Ages, 1pm, $18

Wednesday, JAN 11
LOD "NYC", Celebrating the Life and Birthday of Clarence Clemons - Willie Nile, Jeffrey Gaines & Chuck Prophet, Soul Cruisers feat. JT Bowen (Clarence Clemons & the Red Bank Rockers), The Weeklings, Hollis Brown, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan - The Cutting Room, 18+, 7pm, $75 VIP Reserved Seating, $45 GA Reserved Seating, $75 upfront VIP

Thursday, JAN 12
LOD "FIRST NOTE", The Saint, Thurs., 18+, 6:30pm, $8 adv/$12 dos
LOD "SANDY MACK's WONDER JAM DELUXE" - Waiting on Mongo, Jimmy Farkus, Turtle Soup, Chris Rockwell, Members of Shady St. Show Band with Deseree Spinks, Joshua Mark, Mack & Friends, Moroccan Sheepherders, Russell Arcara & Mark Sleifer - Wonder Bar, Thurs.,21+, 7pm, $10 adv/$12 dos
LOD "WINTERFEST 2017 KICK-OFF" - Dramarama, Willie Nile, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan, Remember Jones, Hollis Brown, Hosted by WRAT's Rich Russo - House of Independents, Thurs.,18+, 7:30 pm, $20adv/$25dos
LOD "MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY'S BLUE HAWK RECORDS PRESENTS" - All Star Jam, Bobby Mahoney & Zack Sandler, Sentimental Gentlemen, Nicole Govel, The Carousers, Subway Babes, The Emily Youth Project, Francesca Rose - Langosta Lounge, Thurs., All-Ages, 8pm, FREE ADMISSION

Friday, JAN 13
LOD "ASBURY ANGELS INDUCTION" - Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Miss Emily, Glenn Alexander & Shadowland, RAZ Band with Joey Molland from Badfinger, Boccigalupe & The Badboys, Laura Crisci, Bob Polding Band, Pat Toner, Bobby Mahoney & The Seventh Son, Johnny Duk, Bitter Crush, Anthony Basso, Mike Rocket, Frank Get, Antonio Zirilli - Stone Pony, Fri., All Ages, 7:25 p.m. $25 adv/$30dos
LOD "KASHMIR - THE LIVE LED ZEPPELIN SHOW", House of Independents, Fri.,18+, 7pm, $20-$25
LOD "ROCK HEAVY", The Saint, Fri.,18+, 8pm, $8 adv/$12 dos
LOD "OPEN MIC", Wonder Bar, Fri., 21+, 7pm, $15
LOD "ALBERT LEE & BAND: Up Close and Intimate" with Tangiers Blues Band - McLoone's Supper Club, Fri., All Ages, Doors/Dinner 6pm/ Show 8pm, $20-$35
LOD "AT THE SOUNDBOOTH" - Ian Bamberger Trio, Sam Sims Band, Ashley McKinley, with a Late Night Acoustic "Couch Concert" hosted by Bobby Mahoney - Asbury Hotel, 9:30 p.m. FREE
LOD "LATE NIGHT FRIDAY: PETER SCHERER'S ACOUSTIC CAROUSEL" - Peter Scherer, Renee Maskin, The May Darlings, Arlan Feiles, Andy Bernstein, Keith Roth, Ray Andersen, Cranston Dean, Stringbean, Keith McCarthy, Leo Sawikin, Russell Arcara, Marc Nuzzi, The Gray Vines, Gregory Schwartz, Karen Mansfield, Steve Delopoulos, SOF, Paul Whistler, Eryn Shewell, David Vargo - Langosta Lounge, l, Friday, 21+, 9pm, FREE ADMISSION
LOD "REMEMBER JONES IN MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN" The Entire 1970 Joe Cocker Experience Tribute, Performed Live with a Band of 20 - Paramount Theater, Fri., All Ages, 7pm, $29-$49