Press Releases Archives - Page 47 of 89

January 20, 2022

JACK KEROUAC Centennial Birthday Event Schedule Announced via THE JACK KEROUAC ESTATE & KEROUAC @ 100 COMMITTEE

DT: JANUARY 20, 2022
FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

Shape Description automatically generated with low confidence

THE JACK KEROUAC ESTATE AND KEROUAC @ 100 COMMITTEE
SHARE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR
CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
FOR FAMED NOVELIST, WRITER, POET AND ARTIST
JACK KEROUAC
TAKING PLACE IN HIS LOWELL, MA HOMETOWN
STARTING IN MARCH

EVENTS TO INCLUDE RETURN OF ORIGINAL
‘ON THE ROAD’ SCROLL
ON LOAN FROM THE JIM IRSAY COLLECTION, GUIDED BUS TOURS, MUSICAL EVENTS, READINGS, ART GALLERIES & MORE

To mark the centennial birthday anniversary of world-renowned “Beat Generation” pioneer, novelist, writer, poet and artist JACK KEROUAC, THE JACK KEROUAC ESTATE and the Kerouac @ 100 Committee have planned an array of events and happenings to take place in his Lowell, MA hometown starting in his birth month of March. See a full list of happenings and details below.

“March 12^th, 2022 will be the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lowell, Massachusetts’ favorite native son, Jack Kerouac, and folks the world over are weighing in on the enduring legacy of his work,” states Jim Sampas, Literary Executor of the Estate of Jack Kerouac. “The celebration of his centennial this March in his hometown will include important artifacts, such as an exhibit of the original ‘On the Road’ scroll manuscript, and for the first time ever in one place, all the photographs of Kerouac taken by one of his dearest friends, Allen Ginsberg. There will be readings, film screenings, and musical performances, all paying tribute to one of the most important authors of our time, and the versatility and openness of Kerouac’s work.”

Kerouac has been praised and cited as an influence for several of the most well-known public figures in music, entertainment, literature, fashion, and politics ranging from President Barack Obama to David Bowie to Francis Ford Coppola to Hunter S. Thompson and many more. Kerouac was recently the inspiration for DIOR HOMME creative director Kim Jones’ 2022 fall show with a collection that nodded to the Beat Generation style and featured an 80-meter-long facsimile of Kerouac’s generation-defining literary classic ‘On The Road.’ See photos from the show in London via Vogue HERE.

The upcoming festivities will feature the return of a portion of the original 120-foot-long ‘On The Road’ scroll–which Time Magazine included as one of the best novels of the last 100 years—on loan from The Jim Irsay Collection as part of the exhibit ‘Visions of Kerouac’ which will be free to the public on Friday, March 18 at the Lowell National Historical Park’s Boott Cotton Mills Gallery. Further details are included below.

“The ‘On the Road’ scroll manuscript is one of the most important and fascinating manuscripts in American literary history,” proclaims Michael Millner (Director, UMass Lowell Kerouac Center). “American literature and American culture more broadly were never the same after ‘On the Road,’ and this is rare opportunity to experience the manuscript–and it is certainly an experience.”

JACK KEROUAC CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY EVENT SCHEDULE

FREE ADMISSION FOR ALL EVENTS

MARCH 4 – MAY 1: “Reflections from the Road” Art Exhibit

Arts League of Lowell Gallery – 307 Market St. (Lowell), All Ages

An art exhibit featuring regional artists who create works of art inspired by specific passages of Kerouac’s writing. Held in Greenwald Gallery, paintings by Judith Bessette, photography by Paul Bessette.

FRIDAY, MARCH 11: “Kerouac Night of 100 Poems: Blues & Haikus”

Pollard Memorial Library – Ground Floor Meeting Room Lowell

6:00-9:00 PM, All Ages

Join us on the eve of Kerouac’s 100^th birthday as we read aloud 100 of his musical blues choruses and American haiku poems. Light refreshments and musical accompaniment. For further info and reader signup, please visit LowellLibrary.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12: JACK KEROUAC CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY

“Kerouac Sites of Lowell Tour”: Guided bus tour of the Jack Kerouac sites of Lowell. 1:00-3:00 PM

“Kerouac Biographers Panel”: Featuring Dennis McNally and Holly George-Warren, moderated by Todd Tietchen. Academic Arts Center – 240 Central St. (Lowell) – 4:00 PM, All Ages

“Poetry Reading”: An evening of poetry with Anne Waldman, Scarlett Sabet and Paul Marion. Academic Arts Center – 240 Central St. (Lowell) – 7:00pm, All Ages

“Musical Event”: A night of music with Frank Morey and Willie Loco Alexander. Warp And Weft – 197 Market St (Lowell)- 9:00 PM (directly following Poetry Reading), 21+ event

“Music was important to Jack Kerouac as Jack was to countless music makers,” says Chris Porter, President of the Jack Kerouac Foundation Board of Directors. “Both Willie Loco Alexander (who released his well-known song ‘Kerouac’ in the 1970’s) and Frank Morey have been significantly touched by Jack’s writings and their respective performances will be perfect finales to a special day of talk, poetry, and song celebrating Kerouac’s 100th birthday.”

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

“Kerouac Sites of Nashua Tour”: Guided bus tour of the Jack Kerouac sites of Nashua, NH. 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, starts & ends in Lowell

“Jack Kerouac’s Road – A Franco-American Odyssey” film screening

Luna Theater at Mill No. 5 – 250 Jackson St., Lowell

2:00 PM

Part documentary, part drama, this 1987 Canadian Film Board production weaves reenactments, archival film and photographs, and interviews with French-Canadian and American writers and artists of the 80’s (including Allen Ginsberg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti) to paint a portrait of Lowell’s thoroughly Franco-American novelist and poet.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15: “Tribute to Jack Kerouac: 100 Years, Still Alive”
Virtual Panel, 6:00 PM (ET)

A virtual bilingual panel on Jack Kerouac moderated by cultural journalist Tanya Beaumont (Radio-Canada) with panelists Herménégilde Chiasson (director of the film ‘Le grand Jack,’ based in New Brunswick), Susan Pinette (Director of Franco-American Studies at Canadian-American Center & Professor of Modern Languages at University of Maine, based in USA), Jean-Christophe Cloutier (Author La Vie est d’hommage and Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literature at University of Pennsylvania, based in USA)

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 – Week of APRIL 25: “Visions of Kerouac” Special Exhibit

Lowell National Historical Park – Boott Cotton Mills Gallery – 115 John Street, Lowell, MA 01852

12:00 – 5:00 PM daily

This unique special exhibit will include the return of a portion of the original “On The Road” scroll. The scroll in its entirety stretches to 120 feet and is one of the most extraordinary and highly valued manuscripts in American literary history. It will be on loan from The Jim Irsay Collection. Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has a renowned collection which includes historic and iconic artifacts from rock music, American history and pop culture. The 24-foot portion will be available for viewing along with archival books, writings, personal objects, and photographs including never-before-seen images of Jack Kerouac taken by fellow Beat Generation pioneer Allen Ginsberg. There will also be a collection of photographs by John Suiter. More details on the exhibit location can be found here: www.nps.gov/lowe/planyourvisit/boott-cotton-mills-museum.htm

SATURDAY, MARCH 19: “An Evening with David Amram”

Luna Theater at Mill No. 5 – 250 Jackson St, Lowell (Time TBA)

Acclaimed composer and jazzman David Amram–now in his 92nd year–will reflect on his days with Kerouac as he recounts them in his book ‘Offbeat: Collaborating with Kerouac.’ He will also show the film ‘Pull My Daisy,’ in which David appears and Jack Kerouac narrates.

APRIL 8 & 9: “The Town And The City” Festival”

This two-day music and arts festival produced by Chris Porter will take place in various event spaces, bars, cafes and galleries throughout downtown Lowell, MA. The festival is named after Jack Kerouac’s earliest novel which was primarily set in this historic mill city. More info at www.thetownandthecityfestival.com

OCTOBER 6-10: “Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Festival”

Location & times TBD.

The October Festival features tours of Kerouac’s Lowell places–including many sites described in his Lowell-based novels-panel discussions, reading, jazz and folk music, films, open mike events, as high poetry competition, book signings, and more. Kerouac fans and scholars from across the United States and around the world travel to Lowell for the festival. More info at www.lowellcelebrateskerouac.org

Some additional events transpiring around the centennial celebration will include:

– Famous quotes from Kerouac’s works being made as banners and hung on light poles in downtown Lowell, MA

– The Jack Kerouac Foundation has been created to establish a Jack Kerouac museum and performance venue in Lowell, MA. Their first initiative will be funding to pursue the establishment for the museum and performance center in the magnificent St. Jean Baptiste Church where Kerouac was an altar boy and the site of his funeral in 1969.

– Adventure Lab is a new app and platform in development from the team at Geocaching HQ that allows you to play and share unique outdoor scavenger hunts, experiences, and games. The free Adventure Lab® app guides players through the process of finding clues, solving puzzles, and completing adventures one location at a time. Jack Kerouac‘s Adventure Lab has between 5-8 points located in Lowell which will allow visitors to discover places important to Jack Kerouac‘s story while having fun!

– DIY Lowell will work with Kerouac @ 100 Committee on various historical markers, a “little library” and chalk walk.

– Unreleased works of Kerouac, as well as authors who were inspired by Kerouac, will be published via Sal Paradise Press—the content development arm of The Jack Kerouac Estate formed by Sampas and music industry veteran Sylvia Cunha (Director of Marketing and Development for The Jack Kerouac Estate).

– Launch of the Kerouac And Me podcast/audio project which will see stars of music, film/tv, literature, politics, sports and business share stories of how their work was inspired by Kerouac and was created by Sampas and Cunha for Sal Paradise Media and New York Times bestselling authors Dave Wedge and Casey Sherman for Fort Point Media.

About the KEROUAC @ 100 Committee:

The Kerouac @ 100 Committee consists of The Kerouac Center at UMass Lowell, Lowell Celebrates Kerouac, Lowell National Historical Park, Lowell Office of Cultural Affairs, the Pollard Memorial Library, Lowell’s Franco-American Day Committee, and Québec Delégation of Boston .

KEROUAC @ 100 is funded in part by The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, The Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kerouac Center at UMass Lowell, Allen Ginsberg Estate, Massachusetts State Senator Edward Kennedy, City Of Lowell, Pollard Memorial Library Foundation, Lowell National Historical Park, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, George Duncan/Enterprise Bank, Lowell Cultural Council, Greater Lowell Health Alliance, Québec Delégation of Boston, and Moses Greeley Parker Lecture

Series.

A person with his arms crossed Description automatically generated with medium confidence Credit: Tom Palumbo

For more information on THE JACK KEROUAC ESTATE, please visit: https://jackkerouac.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KerouacEstate
http://www.instagram.com/KerouacEstate
https://twitter.com/kerouacestate

###

For press inquiries regarding THE JACK KEROUAC ESTATE, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

January 13, 2022

THE BLACK MOODS Reveal “Saturday Night” Video Teaser; VIP Upgrade Added for 2/19 Headlining Show @ Talking Stick (Scottsdale)

DT: JANUARY 12, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

ARIZONA’S
THE BLACK MOODS
TEASE NEW TRACK “SATURDAY NIGHT”
IN ADVANCE OF VIDEO PREMIERE
@ TALKING STICK RESORT (SCOTTSDALE) SHOW
FEBRUARY 19

LISTEN TO A PREVIEW HERE

VIP TICKET UPGRADES INCLUDING PRIVATE ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE NOW AVAILABLE
TICKETS & UPGRADES ON-SALE HERE

Tempe, AZ modern classic rockers THE BLACK MOODS are excited to hit the stage on Saturday, February 19 for a headlining hometown show at Talking Stick Resort where the band will premiere the music video for their anthemic new track “Saturday Night” in advance of its February 25 digital release. The song is the second sampling of new music from their anticipated third full-length album due out this spring via Wit Hustle / The Orchard / Steelhorse Entertainment following its debut track “She Gets Out” which premiered via Loudwire last November. Listen to a teaser clip of “Saturday Night” HERE.

THE BLACK MOODS have also announced a limited run of VIP upgrades for the 2/19 show which are on-sale today and include:

A private acoustic performance from the band following soundcheck
Invite-only screening of the “Saturday Night” music video with the band
Socially distanced meet & greet and photo opp + exclusive VIP laminate
An exclusive VIP merch item
Priority entry into the venue
Early access to merchandise before general admission doors open.

For tickets, please visit: https://www.talkingstickresort.com/phoenix-scottsdale-concerts-entertainment/entertainment-listing/the-showroom/the-black-moods, for VIP upgrades, please visit the band’s website: www.theblackmoods.com.

Vocalist/guitarist Josh Kennedy, drummer Chico Diaz and bassist/backing vocalist Jordan Hoffman have continued to “lead(ing) the charge in bringing back melodic rock here in the 21st Century” (Loudwire) despite the onset of a global pandemic attempting to halt their momentum. The trio released their critically acclaimed sophomore album SUNSHINE in 2020 which saw them grace the cover of their hometown weekly paper Phoenix New Times (May 7, 2020) and achieve radio success with their first-ever Top 20 Billboard Active Rock single, title track “Sunshine,” as well as land four of the records previous singles in the Top 30.

Unable to tour due to the halt of the live entertainment industry, THE BLACK MOODS, kept writing new material and temporarily moved their makeshift home studio from AZ to Kennedy’s hometown of Wheaton, MO (population 690) to remotely record the new songs with Sunshine’s Grammy award-nominated producer Johnny K. (3 Doors Down, Disturbed, Pop Evil). They also enlisted legendary Grammy award-winning producer Eddie Kramer (Led Zeppelin, The Beatles) who worked with the band completely virtually as he was based in Canada using new, state-of-the-art computer technology. Stay tuned for details on the new album in coming weeks.

A picture containing text, person, net Description automatically generated Lineup (l-r): Josh Kennedy, Jordan Hoffman, Chico Diaz
Photo Credit: Jim Louvau

For more information on THE BLACK MOODS, please visit:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

SRO PR Assets + Releases: http://sropr.com/portfolio/the-black-moods/

###

For press inquiries or review ticket requests, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

January 12, 2022

Dave Navarro And Billy Morrison Offer Thanks For December Sold-Out “Above Ground” Benefit Concert; Organization Makes $50,000 Donation To Musicares®

DATE: JANUARY 12, 2022

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN/KELLY WALSH

A picture containing text, sign Description automatically generated

DAVE NAVARRO AND BILLY MORRISON
OFFER THANKS FOR DECEMBER sold-out “ABOVE GROUND”
BENEFIT CONCERT; ORGANIZATION MAKES $50,000 DONATION TO MUSICARES^®

IN ONGOING EFFORT TO
PROMOTE AWARENESS AND RAISE FUNDS
FOR THE TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH

As Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction) and Billy Morrison (Billy Idol) look forward to the fourth “ABOVE GROUND” benefit concert later this year (date TBA), the guitarists and “ABOVE GROUND” co-founders want to thank the artists who supported the third event last month (December 20) at The Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, CA, the fans who attended and the team involved in putting together another successful benefit. Following the sold-out event, ABOVE GROUND made a $50,000 donation to MusiCares^® (the leading music charity that acts as a safety net for the music community) in ongoing effort to promote awareness and raise funds for the treatment of mental health. (See full set list below.)

A couple of men playing guitars Description automatically generated with medium confidence Photo credit: Jane Stuart

“When you are fortunate enough to do something you love, and simultaneously spread a positive message and raise much needed funds at the same time, it can never be called work,” Billy Morrison says. “Above Ground has become just such an event for Dave and I. Our third show exceeded all my expectations, both in terms of the incredible musical performances by our core band and all of our guests, and in the amount of love and support we got from our audience, our partners and our sponsors. I’m proud of what Above Ground is achieving in the mental health space and urge us all to keep the dialogue flowing. Roll on Above Ground 4!”

“This year‘s Above Ground event has to have been my favorite so far,” Dave Navarro says. “Not only were we able to create an environment to share our love of music with the people closest to us in our lives but we did it for such an important cause. Spreading awareness and raising funds in support of mental health makes these events so fulfilling for us. On a personal note, I never thought in 1 million years I would share the stage with Perry Farrell and Anthony Kiedis in the same night. A lot of healing took place on that stage as well. None of that would have happened had we not had the honor of participating in this annual event. Being in a position to offer support and help to others while simultaneously walking away enriched and full of gratitude is a very special, magical thing. I will never forget Above Ground 3 and cannot wait for Above Ground 4.”

Hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky with an art installation by Risk Rock, the evening featured performances of two musically/culturally seismic albums: Lou Reed’s Transformer (1972) and Sex Pistol’s Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols (1977). The all-star line-up–led by Navarro and Morrison–featured special guests (alphabetically) Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Chris Chaney (Jane’s Addiction), Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Courtney Taylor-Taylor (The Dandy Warhols), Dave Kushner (Velvet Revolver, Sons Of Anarchy), Dexter Holland (The Offspring), Donovan Leitch, Franky Perez, Jason Aalon Butler (Fever333), Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads), Josh Freese (The Offspring, A Perfect Circle, Danny Elfman), Laura Mace, Mark McGrath, Mickey Avalon, Otep, Perry And Etty Lau Farrell, Piggy D (Rob Zombie) and Steve Stevens (Billy Idol).

The ABOVE GROUND 3 set list is as follows:

Lou Reed’s Transformer
“VICIOUS,” Corey Taylor
“ANDY’S CHEST,” Courtney Taylor-Taylor
“PERFECT DAY,” Billy Morrison
“HANGING AROUND,” Mark McGrath
“WALK ON THE WILD SIDE,” Anthony Kiedis
“MAKE UP,” Mickey Avalon
“WAGON WHEEL,” Laura Mace
“SATELLITE OF LOVE,” Perry and Etty Farrell
“NEW YORK TELEPHONE CONVERSATION,” Donovan Leitch
“I’M SO FREE,” Corey Taylor
“GOODNIGHT LADIES,” Franky Perez
**“SWEET JANE,” Billy Morrison

**Bonus track

Sex Pistols’ Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
“HOLIDAYS IN THE SUN,” Corey Taylor
“BODIES,” Corey Taylor
“NO FEELINGS,” Mark McGrath
“LIAR,” Jason Aalon Butler
“PROBLEMS,” Billy Morrison
“SEVENTEEN,” Franky Perez
“SUBMISSION,” Jason Aalon Butler
“ANARCHY IN THE U.K.,” Perry and Etty Farrell
“NEW YORK,” Mark McGrath
“GOD SAVE THE QUEEN,” Dexter Holland
“PRETTY VACANT,” Dexter Holland
“EMI,” Billy Morrison/Mark McGrath

Here’s some critical feedback on ABOVE GROUND 3:

It doesn’t take long for the concert to begin when, almost quietly, Dave Navarro calls the first super-guest of the evening to the stage: and it’s none other than Anthony Kiedis. The amazement of the public, but also of us photographers placed at the foot of the stage, is tangible. No one had any idea that the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman had been invited to sing ‘Walk on the Wild Side,’ the most iconic track on Lou Reed’s album and career. The presence of Kiedis, the melancholy atmospheres of the song and the soft lights make the moment magnetic, at the end of which Kiedis and Navarro embrace and the latter reaches the microphone to remind everyone that they had not been on stage together for 25 years.

“With the second set the pace is definitely changed. The introspective and minimalist sounds of Transformer give way to the cheeky ones of the Sex Pistols. Corey Taylor is back, and after him also Perry Farrell, the ‘usual’ McGrath and a real stage animal like Jason Butler of Fever 333, who devours that same stage on the notes of ‘Submission.’”

“Nowadays, the mere fact that these kinds of events are still a reality should cheer us up. And all the better if they are linked to an important cause. Maximum support, therefore, to Dave Navarro and Billy Morrison. The world of rock needs people who believe in it. People like them.”

–Rolling Stone Italy, 12/22/21

“Navarro and Morrison took turns introducing vocalists for each of the songs throughout the evening. Corey Taylor led the evening off as he covered Lou Reed’s ‘Vicious.’ The next highlight and first surprise of the night came during ‘Walk On The Wild Side’ as Navarro welcomed Anthony Kiedis, the Red Hot Chili Pepper frontman and former bandmate. After giving Navarro a big hug, he brought life to the classic song that was easily the biggest hit off this iconic album. Perry Farrell and his wife Etty later joined the party on ‘Satellite Of Love.’”

“A confetti blast kicked off the second half of the show with Corey Taylor again on-stage, this time representing the Sex Pistols 1977 release, Never Mind The Bollocks. The punk rock vibe was alive and well as Mark McGrath, Jason Butler, Billy Morrison and Franky Perez all took turns covering songs from the album.”

“Together Navarro and Morrison have created a solid platform and great annual tradition. Partnering with MusiCares, this benefit show has quickly proven itself and continues to improve with each iteration.”

– Live Music Today , 12/22/21

“Billy Morrison blew the crowd away with his beautiful rendition of ‘Perfect Day,’ and we couldn’t have been happier as it is a favorite among Lou Reed fans.”

“Singer Franky Perez was the album closer and was dressed in his late-night crooner attire with fitted suit pants, button-up shirt, and undone tie. Perez sang “Goodnight, Ladies” and left the crowd and other musicians in utter shock of his immeasurable voice.”

“To bring it all home, Morrison invited all the musicians that had been on stage that night to join Mark McGrath in singing ‘EMI.’ It was a lovely evening, all in the name f helping others and knowing you and the people onstage were joining together to do good things and help people struggling with mental wellness.

Sometimes, big events don’t live up to the hype. On December 20th, Above Ground definitely lived up to all expectations. It was an event we won’t forget any time soon.”

– OC MUSIC NEWS, 12/25/21

ABOUT ABOVE GROUND
Founded in 2018, by Dave Navarro, Billy Morrison and manager Rick Canny, Above Ground is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to raising funds for and awareness to the issues of mental health.

ABOUT MUSICARES
MusiCares helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world. Offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 as a U.S. based 501(c)(3) charity, MusiCares safeguards the well-being of all music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts. For more information please visit: https://www.musicares.org/

For ABOVE GROUND press inquiries, please contact SRO PR:
Marcee Rondan, marcee@msopr.com
Mitch Schneider, mschneider@msopr.com
Kelly Walsh, kwalsh@msopr.com

###

January 11, 2022

Watch Kaskade And Chandler Kimball Foundation’s Founder Jason Kimball Talk About This Month’s “Life’s Big Win” Benefit Concert For Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Awareness

DATE: JANUARY 11, 2022

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN

KASKADE AND
CHANDLER KIMBALL FOUNDATION’S FOUNDER
JASON KIMBALL
TALK ABOUT
THE SATURDAY, JANUARY 15
“LIFE’S BIG WIN”
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR
CHRONIC TRAUMATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (CTE) AWARENESS
AT TEMPE, ARIZONA’S SUNBAR

Text Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Multi-Grammy Award-nominated musician, DJ and record producer Kaskade is the confirmed headliner for “Life’s Big Win” benefit for the Chandler Kimball Foundation for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Awareness. He recently sat down to talk about the event–taking place this Saturday, January 15 at Tempe, Arizona’s Sunbar–with Chandler Kimball Foundation’s Founder Jason Kimball. Watch the clip here.

The event will also include performances from chart-topping reggae band The Expendables and live electronic artist Bardz, along with appearances from the renowned forensic pathologist and neurologist, Dr. Bennet Omalu (the subject of Sony Pictures’ 2015 film Concussion), who will be speaking about youth tackle football and the risks of developing CTE, and former Arizona Cardinal and 12-year NFL veteran, Eric Hill.

The Chandler Kimball Foundation was founded in honor of Arizona native Chandler Kimball to raise awareness of (CTE), a brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head including concussive and sub-concussive hits. Kimball, who played tackle football from the age of nine, began to develop CTE symptoms in his early twenties and as his condition began to rapidly decline, his family sought treatment with therapists and specialists. Despite these efforts, Chandler succumbed to this preventable disease and took his own life on January 15, 2019. Read more here.

Tickets are on sale here. All of the event’s net proceeds will go directly to the Chandler Kimball Foundation to help educate and inform parents about CTE, and to provide family members tools and guidance they can utilize to support their decision to find alternative and safer sports for their children.

Website
Facebook
Instagram

About the Chandler Kimball Foundation

The Chandler Kimball Foundation was founded in 2021 with a mission to raise awareness of CTE and share medical evidence and personal stories of families devastated by Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) caused by youth tackle football. Chandler Kimball, a talented Arizona athlete loved all sports, but his passion was football–exclusively playing tackle football at an elite level since the age of nine and winning the Arizona State Championships at the Pop Warner and High School levels. Kimball graduated from Arizona State University in 2017. Minor symptoms of CTE began manifesting in Kimball around the age of 22 and continued to gradually worsen over the next three years. Kimball succumbed to this preventable disease and took his own life on January 15, 2019. The Chandler Kimball Foundation aims to educate and inform parents about scientific studies showing that enrolling their child in youth tackle football significantly increases the risk that their child may eventually develop CTE, and to provide family members tools and guidance they can utilize to support their decision to find alternative and safer sports for their children.

###

January 6, 2022

Nashville Singer-Songwriter MACKENZIE GRANT Shares Video for Motivational Country Track “Putting Down Some Things”

DT: JANUARY 6, 2022

FM: KELLY WALSH, MITCH SCHNEIDER/ SRO PR

MACKENZIE GRANT
–NASHVILLE SINGER, SONGWRITER AND MUSICIAN–
RETURNS AFTER 15 YEARS WITH NEW ALBUM
‘WONDER WORLD’
DUE MARCH 18 VIA
BLACKBIRD RECORD LABEL

SHARES VIDEO TODAY FOR THE ALBUM’S MOTIVATIONAL FIRST SINGLE
“PUTTING DOWN SOME THINGS”
OUT THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 7

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

A picture containing person, wall, indoor Description automatically generated

Photo Credit: Ashley Hylbert

Nashville-based singer, songwriter and classically trained pianist MACKENZIE GRANT has returned to music after a 15-year break with the upcoming release of her sophomore full-length album WONDER WORLD due March 18 via BlackBird Record Label. Produced and engineered by Phil Dubnick, the album was inspired by GRANT’s time away from music working as a school counserlor in a high-poverty and high-trauma preschool covering themes suchs as self-reckoning, feminine empowerment and overcoming negative mindsets.

WONDER WORLD features songs written by MACKENZIE plus a cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Borderline.” The album’s first single is “Putting Down Some Things,” the video for which was premiered yesterday by Americana Highways. Beautifully written and sung by MACKENZIE, the song is a moving and infectious country song about self-renewal which Americana Highways praised, stating that “Grant’s songwriting is informed by witnessing a wave of these elements of the human experience, and the gentle easiness of her vocals helps to soothe the soul.” Watch the music video streaming below or HERE.

“Putting Down Some Things” will be released digitally this Friday, January 7 and can be pre-saved at this link: https://linktr.ee/mackenziegrantmusic.

“As a former counselor, I worked with children affected by poverty, marginalization, domestic violence, generational trauma–all things that were not their fault or theirs to carry as innocents,” shares GRANT. “I tried to foster resilience and self-compassion in them. When I took a break from this work, I found I was crippled by many of the mindsets they lived with on a daily basis: shame, self-blame, fear, criticism, etc. I knew I had to give the same allowance and self-compassion to myself that I had encouraged in them.”

She continues to share the meaning behind the track, stating that “‘Putting Down Some Things’ is born of the idea that the way so many of us treat ourselves, the mental self-degradation, is ultimately just our brain trying to stay safe and protected. But that’s the big lie; that we have to beat ourselves up in order to find motivation and growth. I had to start putting down that self-criticism because it no longer worked. We’re all connected in our suffering and with the events of the past couple of years, we’ve experienced it exponentially. But for most of us it’s our own inner voice doing the most damage. It’s accepting ourselves and giving our suffering compassion that is needed to heal us, individually and collectively.”

Text Description automatically generated with medium confidence

As a naturally gifted musician, GRANT has been writing and singing for as long as she can remember. A native of Syracuse, New York, and the daughter of two classically trained musicians, she effortlessly blends the clarity of her singing voice with the raw emotion in her lyrics. After three years at the University of Michigan, she transferred to Berklee in Boston, where she received positive feedback on her songwriting from her professors and peers alike. GRANT relocated to Nashville in 2000 after visiting the city with friends on spring break and discovering that it immediately felt like home.

Just before moving, she’d made an independent album that attracted the attention of a hit songwriter in Nashville, who invited her to write and record together if she ever came to town. That connection helped open the doors to the city’s songwriting community, as she developed an audience through playing writers rounds and releasing the 2006 album, The Laundry Room Glamour Hour. Around this same time, she also married and started a family, but gradually she became disillusioned with the music industry and her first marriage ended.

Now remarried and raising three children (a high schooler, a middle schooler, and a preschooler), she is once again using music as a way to connect with others and herself.

Shape Description automatically generated with medium confidence

For more information on MacKenzie Grant, please visit:
WEBSITE | IG | FB | TWITTER

###

For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com
Mitch Schneider – mschneider@sropr.com

December 22, 2021

Kaskade Set As Headliner For CHANDLER KIMBALL FOUNDATION’S “LIFE’S BIG WIN” Benefit Concert For Arizona-Based Nonprofit That Raises Awareness Of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) In Youth

DATE: DECEMBER 22, 2021

FROM: MARCEE RONDAN

KASKADE–
MULTI-GRAMMY AWARD-NOMINATED MUSICIAN,
DJ AND RECORD PRODUCER–
SET AS HEADLINER FOR
CHANDLER KIMBALL FOUNDATION’S
“LIFE’S BIG WIN”
BENEFIT CONCERT
AT TEMPE, ARIZONA’S SUNBAR ON
SATURDAY, JANUARY 15

PROFITS WILL GO TO ARIZONA-BASED
NONPROFIT THAT RAISES AWARENESS OF
CHRONIC TRAUMATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (CTE) IN YOUTH

LINE-UP FOR THE EVENT
TO ALSO INCLUDE PERFORMANCES
FROM THE EXPENDABLES AND BARDZ,
ALONG WITH APPEARANCES FROM DR. BENNET OMALU
AND FORMER ARIZONA CARDINAL ERIC HILL

Text Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Multi-Grammy Award-nominated musician, DJ and record producer Kaskade has been confirmed as the headliner for “Life’s Big Win,” a Saturday, January 15, 2022 benefit for the Chandler Kimball Foundation for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Awareness. The event at Tempe, Arizona’s Sunbar will also include performances from chart-topping reggae band The Expendables and live electronic artisty Bardz, along with appearances from renowned forensic pathologist and neurologist, Dr. Bennet Omalu (the subject of Sony Pictures’ 2015 film Concussion) who will be speaking about youth tackle football and the risks of developing CTE and former Arizona Cardinal and 12-year NFL veteran, Eric Hill.

The Chandler Kimball Foundation was founded in honor of Arizona native Chandler Kimball to raise awareness of (CTE), a brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head including concussive and sub-concussive hits. Kimball, who played tackle football from the age of nine began to develop CTE symptoms in his early twenties and as his condition began to rapidly decline, his family sought treatment with therapists and specialists. Despite these efforts, Chandler succumbed to this preventable disease and took his own life on January 15, 2019.

From winning a Pop Warner state championship in 2005 with the Scottsdale Apaches to leading the Gilbert Lonestars to an undefeated regular season and appearance in the 2006 Pop Warner state championship game, Kimball continued on to excel in high school football for the Desert Vista Thunder where he started at strong safety and won the 2011 Arizona Football State Championship. In the years that followed, his parents saw drastic changes in the young athlete.

After the loss of their son, his family wanted answers and enlisted the help of renowned forensic pathologist and neurologist, Dr. Bennet Omalu, who confirmed that Chandler suffered from CTE. Upon the confirmation of Chandler’s CTE, his father Jason Kimball founded the Chandler Kimball Foundation to raise awareness of CTE and the inherent risks of youth tackle football. Research has shown that enrolling children in youth tackle football significantly increases the risk they may eventually develop CTE. A study by the Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus found “significant and surprising amount of CTE in males who had participated in amateur contact sports in their youth.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Kaskade for headlining the first annual Life’s Big Win event and for helping us to raise awareness of CTE and the dangers of youth tackle football,” Jason Kimball said. “Chandler was a big Kaskade fan and saw his shows and met him multiple times. Chandler’s love for music and his connection to Kaskade make this a perfect fit for this event and our cause.”

Website
Facebook
Instagram

About the Chandler Kimball Foundation

###

December 8, 2021

Arizona Rock Trio THE BLACK MOODS Announce Hometown Show Feb. 19 at Showroom @ Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale

DT: DECEMBER 8, 2021

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

THE BLACK MOODS
ANNOUNCE HEADLINING HOMETOWN SHOW
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19
AT
SHOWROOM @ TALKING STICK RESORT
IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ

TICKETS ON-SALE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 @ 10:00 AM MST

“SHE GETS OUT”
–DEBUT TRACK FROM ANTICIPATED SPRING 2022 ALBUM–
OUT NOW

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO HERE

Born in the Arizona desert and reared on stages across North America, rock and roll trio THE BLACK MOODS “are currently leading the charge in bringing back melodic rock here in the 21st Century” (Loudwire) which they will prove as they bring their blazing live show to the Showroom at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, AZ on Saturday, February 19. The concert will see the band perform hit tracks from their critically acclaimed 2020 release SUNSHINE and preview material from their forthcoming album due out via Wit Hustle / The Orchard / Steelhorse Entertainment in spring 2022. General admission tickets go on sale this Friday, December 10 at 10:00 A.M. MST HERE. See a video message from the band below.

THE BLACK MOODS were last seen on tour this fall across the U.S. with The Dead Daisies along with a few one-off shows with hard rockers Royal Bliss and an appearance at Aftershock Festival. Scholastic Perspectives praised their performance in Cedar Rapids, IA stating, “Chico Diaz is so sleek behind the kit, Jordan Hoffman grooves the audience into submission on bass and Josh Kennedy wails on vocals and makes his guitar talk.” (9/4/21).

The first track from their as-yet-untitled third album, “She Gets Out,” was released across digital platforms on November 26 in conjunction with the release of its music video via Loudwire. The song acts as a sequel to their Top 20 Active Rock radio single/title track “Sunshine” continuing the storyline of the video’s troubled main character. Watch/stream “She Gets Out” here: https://orcd.co/shegetsout.

THE BLACK MOODS’ upcoming album was recorded at a makeshift home studio in the Ozarks (hometown of KENNEDY) with SUNSHINE’s Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (Disturbed, 3 Doors Down) and includes a remotely recorded track with legendary Grammy award-winning producer Eddie Kramer (Led Zeppelin, The Beatles) who was based in Canada. Stay tuned for further details in the coming months.

A picture containing text, person, net Description automatically generated Lineup (l-r): Josh Kennedy, Jordan Hoffman, Chico Diaz
Photo Credit: Jim Louvau

For more information on THE BLACK MOODS, please visit:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

SRO PR Assets + Releases: http://sropr.com/portfolio/the-black-moods/

###

For press inquiries or review ticket requests, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

December 8, 2021

Industrial Rockers CONTRACULT COLLECTIVE Reveal Grotesque NSFW Music Video for New Single “Meek”

DT: DECEMBER 8, 2021

FM: KELLY WALSH, SRO PR

INDUSTRIAL ROCK OUTFIT
CONTRACULT COLLECTIVE
REVEAL GROTESQUE NSFW MUSIC VIDEO FOR LATEST SINGLE
“MEEK”
FOLLOWING REVOLVER MAGAZINE PREMIERE

WATCH HERE

Vice [n.] – 1) an immoral or evil habit or practice 2) a moral flaw or weakness 3) a minor or bad habit
Meek [adj.] – 1) quiet, gentle and easily imposed on; submissive 2) enduring in patience and without resentment 3) deficient in spirit and courage

Los Angeles industrial/hard rock outfit CONTRACULT COLLECTIVE deliver an uncompromising message of taking control of one’s vices in their recent single “Meek,” produced by Arthur Rizk (Ghostemane, Power Trip) which was released digitally on November 26. The band yesterday (December 7) premiered a shocking, NSFW music video for “Meek” via Revolver Magazine who described the song as “an industrialized hard-rock banger,” while stating the video “basically functions as a mini-horror movie with some awesome music soundtracking the scares.”

Directed by Steven Anthony Roe at Media City Studios in downtown L.A., the “Meek” music video shows each band member being forced to confront a terrifying manifestation of their vices, played by contortionist/pole dancer Brynn Route (Kat Von D, Lucha VaVOOM). Watch it streaming via YouTube directly below or HERE.

“Industrial music has always tried to push the envelope of shock and horror, both lyrically and visually,” CONTRACULT COLLECTIVE vocalist SVART states. “Contracult does the same, but with purpose and humility. The song ‘Meek’ is about the vulnerability of addiction and mental health with the lack of accountability for one’s actions within this mental state.”

He continues: “Since there is nothing more horrific than one’s own personal demons, the band and director Steven Roe wanted to present a narrative which visually displayed ours. You will see our friend and talented contortionist/dancer Brynn Route force us to enact our vices of novelty and overconsumption of food and alcohol in a vacant motel room. While the content is triggering, we hope it proves to be as equally provocative as it is grotesque. You’ve been warned…”

CONTRACULT COLLECTIVE was formed by SVART and guitarist CULTPRIT and includes BX on synth/backup vocals. The band—whom MetalSucks lauded as “your new favorite industrial band”—were originally signed to Roadrunner Records and in 2020 self-released two EP’s, A Cult of Opposition and Follow, in addition to being featured in The Pit’s mini-documentary series What Burns in the Soul discussing the relationship between BDSM subculture and heavy music.

The trio recently appeared at Aftershock Festival and Welcome To Rockville, where they first introduced recent singles “Plunge” and their cover of Bad Brains’ “Sacred Love”—both of which are set to be featured alongside “Meek” on their forthcoming debut full-length album due in summer 2022.

For more information on CONTRACULT COLLECTIVE, please visit:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website |Tik Tok

###

For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

December 8, 2021

Additional Guests Announced For Dave Navarro & Billy Morrison’s “ABOVE GROUND 3” Concert Benefitting Musicares® in LA on 12/20

DATE: DECEMBER 8, 2021

FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/MARCEE RONDAN/KELLY WALSH
SRO PR

A picture containing text, sign Description automatically generated

DAVE NAVARRO AND BILLY MORRISON
ANNOUNCE EXPANDED LINE-UP FOR THIRD
“ABOVE GROUND” BENEFIT CONCERT
DECEMBER 20
AT THE FONDA THEATRE IN HOLLYWOOD, CA

JERRY HARRISON (TALKING HEADS),
JASON AALON BUTLER (FEVER333),
OTEP
AND OTHERS ADDED TO BILL THAT INCLUDES
PERFORMANCES FROM
NAVARRO AND MORRISON,
BILLY IDOL,
PERRY FARRELL AND ETTY LAU FARRELL
(KIND HEAVEN ORCHESTRA),
COREY TAYLOR,
TAYLOR HAWKINS,
MARK MCGRATH,
STEVE STEVENS AND FRANKY PEREZ

EVENT TO BE HOSTED BY
DR. DREW PINSKY
WITH ART INSTALLATION BY
RISK ROCK JUST ANNOUNCED

CONCERT WILL PROMOTE AWARENESS AND RAISE FUNDS FOR THE TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
WITH ALL PROCEEDS BEING DONATED TO MUSICARES^®

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

In just under two weeks, the third “ABOVE GROUND” benefit concert founded by guitarists Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction) and Billy Morrison (Billy Idol) will take place on December 20 at The Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Newly added special guests Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads), Jason Aalon Butler (Fever333), OTEP, Mickey Avalon, Josh Freese (The Offspring, A Perfect Circle, Danny Elfman), Chris Chaney (Jane’s Addiction, Miley Cyrus), Piggy D (Rob Zombie), Dave Kushner (Velvet Revolver, Sons of Anarchy) and Donovan Leitch join an all-star bill that includes Billy Idol, Perry Farrell, Etty Lau Farrell, Corey Taylor, Taylor Hawkins, Mark McGrath, Steve Stevens, and Franky Perez. Look for the event to also feature host Dr. Drew Pinsky and an art installation by Risk Rock. Tickets are available now HERE.

Following previous successful events in 2018 and 2019, while sitting out in 2020 due to Covid, the evening will celebrate the vinyl album as an art form, with the performance of two seminal albums in their entirety, while at the same time raising awareness and funds for the treatment of mental health. Throughout the event there will be an art installation from multi-talented fine artist, sculptor and graffiti pioneer RISK ROCK.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to MusiCares^®, the leading music charity that acts as a safety net for the music community. “MusiCares has literally saved more than a few of our friends from dying,” share NAVARRO and MORRISON. “Their role cannot be overstated, and we have precious few organizations that actively step in to help people on the brink. On the frontline, finding and paying for beds in treatment, arranging therapy and counseling, and actually speaking up on a public level about the importance of mental health are all reasons why we continue to do what we can to draw attention to this subject.”

Navarro and Morrison, with an array of special guests, will perform two musically/culturally seismic albums: Lou Reed’s Transformer (1972) and Sex Pistol’s Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols (1977). As in previous years, they have kept trend of featuring one American artist and one British artist with former installations featuring Kings Of The Wild Frontier by Adam And The Ants and The Velvet Underground & Nico (2018) and David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and the Stooges’ self-titled debut album, on which the world was introduced to Iggy Pop (2019). Read a Q&A with Navarro and Morrison about the event, and why they chose these albums to perform, here.

Click here to watch NAVARRO and MORRISON discuss the event.

###

For ABOVE GROUND press inquiries, please contact SRO PR:
Mitch Schneider, mschneider@msopr.com
Marcee Rondan, marcee@msopr.com
Kelly Walsh, kwalsh@msopr.com

MUSICARES CONTACT:
Jenn Kerr for MusiCares
jennifer.kerr@porternovelli.com

###

December 3, 2021

Hollywood Rockers BUDDERSIDE Tackle Mental Health Issues in New Single “Too Far”

DT: DECEMBER 3, 2021

FM: KELLY WALSH / SRO PR

HOLLYWOOD HARD ROCK GROUP
BUDDERSIDE
SHOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THINGS GO
“TOO FAR”
IN NEW SINGLE/MUSIC VIDEO

WATCH HERE

BAND TO JOIN L.A. GUNS FOR TWO SHOWS
THIS WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS
12/3 & 12/4 @ COUNT’S VAMP’D BAR & GRILL

A picture containing map Description automatically generated

“Sick of the excuses
Everybody gives
And all the expectations
Not living up to them
I just want to be happy
Always something in the way
Don’t feel like living
One more day”
–BUDDERSIDE, “Too Far” Lyrics

Hollywood, CA rock outfit BUDDERSIDE share their latest single, “Too Far,” available today across all digital platforms. The track is taken from their upcoming summer 2022 record via oneRPM and was recorded with producer Matt Good (Asking Alexandria, Hollywood Undead). The song gives a harrowing look into what can happen when people are pushed to the edge and things go ‘’too far.” Its music video, filmed at several iconic locations on the famed Sunset Strip including the Whisky a-Go-Go and The Rainbow Bar & Grill, premiered yesterday (12/2) via antiMusic. Directed by Vicente Cordero (Industrial Films LA), it shares a visually graphic dramatization tackling mental health issues and triggers.

“We are all so close to the edge,” says vocalist Patrick Alan Stone. “Saying something kind could save a life. It’s easy to be reckless, but what we do and say can push people too far. Hollywood is the city of dreams, where they are born and die every day. I’ve seen good people murder over infidelity. I’ve lost my sister and my two closest friends to suicide over broken hearts, others to overdose–all just trying to ease the pain of a cruel world.”

“‘Too Far’ is about the struggle I’ve gone through with depression and suicidal thoughts after being f*cked over by people around me. I took that depression and turned it into rage to create a song that strips away all of the b.s. It’s a reminder to others to not push people too far, because they can snap and hurt themselves or even others. Just an honest cry for the world to do the right thing. If someone you know is in need of help, you’re not alone. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) or 911, there is help.”

Stream “Too Far” here: https://onerpm.link/248279409136

BUDDERSIDE will join glam metal group L.A. Guns for two shows at Count’s Vamp’d Bar & Grill in Las Vegas: tonight, December 3 and tomorrow, December 4. Their set list will include singles from their recent album SPIRTUAL VIOLENCE, released earlier this year via Mötorhead Music/Silver Lining Music, along with previews of new material from their upcoming effort. The band appeared at Rocklahoma festival this year and previously have toured with the likes of Slayer, Anthrax and Motörhead in addition to appearing overseas at festivals including Wacken Open Air, Malmö Festival and on cruises (Motörhead’s Motörboat and Monsters Of Rock).

BUDDERSIDE was formed by STONE following his stint as vocalist of Adler’s Appetite, after receiving encouragement from the late Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead who he worked for as part of his infamous ‘road crew’ and was also a close friend. Lemmy signed them to his own label, Motörhead Music and they released their self-titled debut album in 2016.The group is rounded out by guitarists Sam “Bam” Koltun (Dorothy, Faster Pussycat) and Logan Nikolic, drummer Jeff Dewbray and bassist Gabe Maska—who is currently appearing as Kurt Cobain in the Las Vegas show ’27.’

A group of men walking down a sidewalk Description automatically generated with medium confidence Photo Credit: George Reed

For more information on BUDDERSIDE, please visit:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

SRO PR Assets: www.sropr.com/portfolio/budderside

###

For press inquiries, please contact:
SRO PR
Kelly Walsh – kwalsh@sropr.com

« First ‹ Prev 44 45 464748 49 50 Next ›Last »

Follow Us