Tornado Relief Concert

Start your Holiday season with Kevin Chalfant (Journey/Storm), Don Barnes (.38 Special), Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent Band), Wally Palmar (The Romantics) and John Cafferty (Beaver Brown Band) will be "Rockin' Into the Night, at the concert that's the best deal you'll find in the C.I.T.Y. or anywhere else! Don't Stop Believin' in the Holiday Spirit - all tickets are $10.00! Seating is ...reserved on a first come first served basis and every seat is a GREAT seat! Five great artists (and maybe a surprise or two!) for $10.00?! Yes! What I Like About You is that right now, if you haven't already, you'll go towww.ticketmaster.com or www.thevenue-chicago.com and purchase your tickets today! There's going to be a live auction, silent auctions and so much more!

On October 23^rd, 2010 I had the privilege to attend a concert featuring Micky Dolenz and Hermans Hermits Starring Peter Noone at Star Plaza.

Micky Dolenz best known as a former member of The Monkees took the stage,at 8pm. The experience started smoothly with a song titled, “That Was Then, This Is Now”, written by Vance Brescia. The tune was an upbeat comeback song as a part of The Monkees’ 20th anniversary reunion tour in 1986. (Brescia was on Bass for Micky for this show and later took his regular spot on Guitar for Hermans Hermits Starring Peter Noone.) The show progressed rather effortlessly. Micky and Coco (Micky’s Sister) played off of each others vocals first-class on the greatHoward Greenfield and Carole King’s“Crying in the Rain" which is on Micky’s new CD King For a Day. I did rather enjoy Coco on the song “Different Drum”, written by Mike Nesmith and best known as a #13 Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1967 by the Stone Poneys who featured Linda Ronstadt . Moving to one of my favorites... the vocals and sound of Stepping Stone was actually very amazing I thought for sure there was going to be some sort of trick to get the harmonizing and “Stepping Stone Sound”... I was paying careful attention and I believe it is all 100% real vocal harmonies with little if any help on the tech end. I was exceedingly impressed. Sleepy Jean was the highlight... complete with waving arms and swaying in the seats... Just a little more “oomph” and it would have given chills. The stories about Hendrix opening for The Monkees in 1967 only to hear during his (Hendrix’s opening act) the crowd chanting “we want the Monkees” and the visit to Abbey Road to hang with the Beatles added a bit of humor and nostalgia to the show.

Then we come to Mr. Noone.

The Grand Entrance, you would have thought the Queen herself where visiting with a Rock Twist. The band marching, the fans on their feet with glow sticks,Union Jack shirts, flags, towels, and even phone cases! You name it; it was there. A great feature to a Peter Noone show is his Dedicated Fans!... The Noonatics! They were there in full force from all over the Nation and even in from Canada for this show. Peter seemed to enjoy every moment. He especially paid attention to the younger fans in attendance. Giving free CD’s throwing and kicking T-shirts out from the stage. Joking with the youngsters to make copies for all their friends. The younger crowd received a brief History Lesson on what “CD’s used to look like” and everyone else got a good chuckle out of it. The Age of Technology meeting the Golden Age of Pop Rock. A particularly funny part of the evening (though there were many!) was when he held an Album cover from the audience over his face and sang. He then began to walk back across the stage only to realize the picture of his head was backwards at that point. The music was great, covering the Hits such as “Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter”, “Heartbeat”, “Henry The VII” among others, and of course “There's A Kind Of Hush All Over The World”. The additions of brief stints of music from the Stones, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, along with Peters comedic emphasis and takes on portraying the mannerisms of such artists, kept all eyes on the stage. Over all the show was a sort of trip down memory lane with comedic flare and even some off stage adventure (which for a moment looked like he may not make it back onto the stage only to add more of a “in good fun” tone). Peter at one point stated he is “a 17 year old boy, in a 62 year old body” I know I, and many others were left feeling a bit younger after having such an amazing musical adventure. Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone is a show you should not miss.

This Concert Experience was definitely an Affirmation that Laughter is good for the soul, but Laughter and Good Music is even Better.

~ Michele Sweeney Abrams

Juma Sultan to appear at Beat Expo

Juma Sultan, Best known as percussionist for Jimi Hendrix at WoodStock.. . be appearing at the Beat Expo in Stamford, CT in November on the 28th from 12 - 8 pm.

To put the icing on the cake the day before or 11/27 is Jimi's Birthday. Hendrix was the First artist to cover "Sgt. Pepper" live onstage.

Juma is known for his part in Gypsy Sun and Rainbows at Woodstock and played the Dick Cavett show with Hendrix. He has been a part of numerous documentaries and interviews including "Jimi Hendrix; Live at WoodStock". Juma has also recorded with many Jazz greats including Archie Shepp and Noah Howard.

For more info on Juma Sultan you can visit... http://www.JumasArchive.org

and keep up with Juma on Facebook... at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Juma-Sultan/153000491392394

AMERICA brings its 40th Anniversary Tour to the historic ARCADA THEATRE

AMERICA brings its 40th Anniversary Tour to the historic ARCADA THEATRE in St. Charles, Thursday, Oct. 14 at 8:30 pm! Tickets are $49 and up..Great seats still available! Don't miss this iconic band...among their amazing hits are "A Horse With No Name," "Sister Golden Hair," "Ventura Highway," and "Tin Man." Visit www.oshows.com or call the box office at 16309627000 for tickets and ticket information. The Arcada Theatre is located at 105 E. Main Street in downtown St. Charles. GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!

It’s not often you see an autobiography appear from someone who’s been dead for eight years— especially when the work is as important to music fans as a first-hand account of the fatal accident that took the life of Eddie Cochran. So when “Summertime Blues: A True Rock & Roll Adventure With Eddie Cochran” as written by Eddie’s fiancé, songwriter Sharon Sheeley (Ravenhawk Books; ISBN: 978-1-893660-18-2) appeared, it was easy to be a little surprised— and excited.

The book is seeing the light of day now through the efforts of Sharon’s son, Shannon Burg, who told me the accounts came from Sharon’s journal, which she had intended to publish in book form before her death.

The main theme of the book is the love affair between Sharon and Eddie, whom she termed her “soulmate.” The first time she met Eddie (in the Everly Brothers’ hotel room), she said to herself, “One day, I’m going to marry that boy.” Sadly, it was not to be. While traveling to the London airport on Easter Sunday, 1960 for a return to the States during a break in his British tour, Eddie was killed when their car blew a tire and crashed into a lamppost. Headliner Gene Vincent, Eddie’s good friend, suffered a broken collarbone and ribs. Sharon's legs and back were broken and she credited her faith and a miracle that, despite doctor’s opinions to the contrary, she ever walked again. In fact, she was clinically dead herself for three minutes and had what she said was an out-of-body experience. Her painful efforts to come to grips with her husband-to-be’s death and her ultimate forgiveness of the driver responsible for the accident are poignantly expressed.

But while the two lovers set the tone for the book, there are countless other great tales in “Summertime Blues.” We hear how Sharon wrote “Poor Little Fool” after dating Don Everly, then being warned by Phil that his brother was married. She then conned Ricky Nelson into recording the song by claiming Elvis was planning to do so upon his return from the Army. Speaking of the King, Sharon recounts a date with Elvis to see the movie, “Pajama Game,” that ended abruptly when he was spotted by the theatregoers. The arrogant Paul Anka gets “tarred” (with cold cream) and feathered by LaVern Baker when “Little Miss Sharecropper” has enough of Paul’s antics. There’s also the story of how Eddie, Freddie Cannon and Jack Scott rescued Sharon from a lecherous hotel house detective. The book shows us the real Johnny and Dorsey Burnette, Buddy Holly and even a side of Chuck Berry most have never seen. Plus there are seventy pages of photographs and memorabilia.

Unfortunately, though there’s a small epilogue, the book ends shortly after Eddie’s death, leaving the reader craving more. For example, though disk jockey and “Shindig” TV host Jimmy O’Neill is a part of Sharon’s story, their five year marriage in the sixties is absent from the book, as is her songwriting collaboration with Jackie DeShannon on hits like “Dum Dum” by Brenda Lee. Sharon’s son tells me a sequel may yet see the light of day and, with the care he’s shown in preserving Sharon and Eddie’s story, I’m hopeful that will indeed happen.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=1893660184/ref=nosim/oldiesmusicA/

- RON SMITH
Http://www.OldiesMusic.com

TORNADO RELIEF CONCERT

Horseshoe Casino Presents WLS 890AM’s “Roe & Roeper Live Holiday Extravaganza” on December 10 Benefiting the USO followed by the "Voices of Rock Radio" Benefiting Illinois Communities Affected by Recent Tornadoes
“Roe & Roeper Live Holiday Extravaganza” live from The Venue from 2:00-6:00 p.m. and “Voices of Rock Radio” starting at 7:30 p.m.
Chicago, IL (August 31, 2010) – Join Horseshoe Casino for the ultimate evening on Friday, December 10 benefiting two wonderful charitable organizations at The Venue – the USO of Illinois and Illinois Communities Affected by Recent Tornadoes.
Enjoy a live WLS 890AM “Roe & Roeper Live Holiday Extravaganza” show at The Venue from 2:00-6:00 p.m. followed by Streator’s own international recording artist Kevin Chalfant with "Voices of Rock Radio" members Jimi Jamison, Derek St. Holmes, Wally Palmar and John Cafferty at 7:30pm.
“We’re thrilled to take the show on the road again now with Richard Roeper joining Jim, Christina, and me,” says WLS 890AM’s Roe Conn. “It’s truly an honor to partner with the USO for this holiday show. The USO is an organization that I have been intimately involved with for the last five years.”
The “Roe & Roeper Live Holiday Extravaganza” gives listeners a chance to experience the “The Roe Conn Show with Richard Roeper” live with the complete cast – including the famous Canarble Wagon. Since the show covers every aspect of pop culture, expect the unexpected when it comes to guests at this holiday themed event. Tickets to this portion of the day are free but are only available by listening to WLS 890AM.
The opportunity to support worthy organizations continues through the evening. On June 5th, 2010, a series of tornadoes hit several towns in a rural area 100 miles southwest of Chicago. Touchdowns in Peoria, Streator, Dwight, Elmwood and Kankakee left behind flattened homes, downed power lines and, in one instance, a derailed train. The communities affected by the devastation were left with the task of rebuilding their homes, their lives and their well being.
“Shortly after tornadoes hit Illinois communities this year, I decided to put on a “Voices of Rock Radio” benefit concert that would secure some much-needed funds to support rebuilding efforts and counseling needed to cope with losses,” says Kevin Chalfant. “Due to our commitment to significantly increase funds for the cause, we were thrilled to have WLS 890AM come on board to help support our cause and therefore rescheduled the show for December 10.”
Many parties have contributed efforts to support this event including the Horseshoe Casino, WLS 890AM, Talent Concepts Inc., Clique Productions and Dream Machines Car Club, who are proud to present this all-star benefit concert at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino (777 Casino Center Drive in Hammond, Indiana).
The “Voices of Rock Radio” will be donating their time performing at The Venue, a 2500 seat theater. Currently Kevin Chalfant is a member of “Voices of Rock Radio,” a group of national recording artists who tour together. He is a former lead singer for Journey and The Storm and was instrumental in the Alan Parsons Live Project and Shooting Star. Other "Voices of Rock Radio" members who will be performing along with Kevin Chalfant include Jimi Jamison (famous for several hits including "Eye Of The Tiger," “Can’t Hold Back,“ and "High On You"), Derek St. Holmes (vocalist and guitarist for the Ted Nugent Band known for such hits as "Cat Scratch Fever," "Stranglehold" and "Hey Baby"), Wally Palmar (lead singer for The Romantics who had a #1 hit with "What I Like About You" along with other hit singles such as "Talking In Your Sleep") and John Cafferty (who, along with The Beaver Brown Band, is best known for the #1 hits "On The Dark Side" and "C.I.T.Y." that were recorded for the popular 1983 movie, Eddie and the Cruisers). Together, they present an energetic concert filled with hit songs they made famous!
In addition to seeking corporate sponsors for the benefit, the website www.TornadoBenefit.com has been launched for individual donations. It contains photos of some of the devastation, information about the concert, and an area where you can make a donation. Kevin Chalfant is optimistic that, with the support of local corporations and citizens, the proceeds from the concert can bring some relief to the community.
Admission to the WLS 890AM “Roe & Roeper Live Holiday Extravaganza” is free and the “Voices of Rock Radio” ticket prices are $10 and available by calling The Venue at Horseshoe Casino box office at 219-473-6060 or www.thevenue-chicago.com. Buy your tickets now to help support these great causes.
A limited number of VIP Suites will also be available for the show, please call 630-373-3689 for VIP Suite inquiries.
Please check out the following web sites for added information: 　
www.thevenue-chicago.com
www.voicesofrockradio.com
www.TornadoBenefit.com
www.myspace.com/kevinchalfant
www.facebook.com/pages/Kevin-Chalfant/124217086915
www.wlsam.com


About WLS-AM: WLS 890AM is a 50,000-watt radio station reaching over 38 states from Chicago, IL with a mass-appeal talk format. WLS 890AM is the home of the Don & Roma Show, the Cisco Cotto Show, Rush Limbaugh, the Roe Conn Show w/Richard Roeper, and Notre Dame football/basketball. The legendary station has been on the air for over 80 years. WLS 890AM can be found online at www.wlsam.com
ABOUT USO OF ILLINOIS
About the USO of Illinois: For more than 67 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services for the troops. For more information on the USO of Illinois, please visit our Web site at www.uso.org/illinois
ABOUT HORSESHOE CASINO
The all new $500 million Horseshoe Casino, a Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. property, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago is the premier entertainment and gaming destination in Chicagoland. Where legendary gaming lives on, Horseshoe boasts more than 350,000 square feet with over 3,000 slot machines, over 100 table games, one of the largest poker rooms in the Midwest, and more. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino is proud to offer the ultimate concert and entertainment destination and premier experience in a flexible space that can hold up to 3,300 guests. Dining elegance is not overlooked and guests can choose from a variety of dining options including; Jack Binion's Steak House which overlooks Lake Michigan and recent winner of the 2009 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, around-the-globe variety at the Village Square Buffet, and a taste of Chicago at Benny's Pub and Eatery.
For more information, please visit: www.chicagohorseshoe.com.

Must be 21. Know when to stop before you start.® Gambling problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT.
©2010 Harrah's License Company, LLC.


MEDIA CONTACTS
Voices of Rock Radio: Deanna Lombardo, 630-373-3689, email Glad2meetu2@comcast.net
Voices of Rock Radio: Jeff Albright at The Albright Entertainment Group at 770-664-5977, email: RockStarPR@aol.com
Horseshoe Casino: Leah Eisenstein, The Experiential Agency, 312-239-2339,
email: leah@expagency.com

Rock And Roll Heaven

GOOD OLD FASHIONED WOLFMAN JACK Style Radio SATURDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHTS! 1-888-578-5579 jstklsx

Streaming radio and chatroom... Rock, jive, jam, and shimmy your way over to a heckuva good time!
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and come Chat with us here! http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/

Carl Bonafede — Chicago Radio's Screaming Wildman

Girl Supergroup Talent Search The Daughters of Eve—The Next Generation —

Now auditioning for... female lead guitarist, bass guitarist, saxophone, and horn players. If interested, contact Carl Bonafede at CarlBonafede@gmail.com
or RockumentaryMedia ph 312-675-8151.



Bonafede Box Set of Music Memories























To Order the Box Set write to CarlBonafede@gmail.com or visit http://www.carlbonafede.com/merchandise.html

Mr. Bonafede is also available for interviews. To arrange please call 312-675-8151

Johnny V has performed in Venues from Pubs to Casinos. But don't let small venues fool you... Johnny has an original Blues Folk sound and lyrics that compare to the likes of Shawn Mullins and Kris Kristofferson. Music is definitely in his veins.

Booking and Interview Info contact JohnnyVermilye@comcast.net

National Rock Con

How cool is it going to be to now say.. meet me at the corner of Dick Biondi Way !!!

What a Legendary day... and sooo many Legendary People... to Honor a Legendary Man.

Hey BO DIDDLEY fans,

Hey BO DIDDLEY fans,
BO DIDDLEY's daughter Tammi sat in on drums and vocals with Shelton Irwin's band
at the weekend for this rocking medley of her father's songs "I'm A Woman">"Bo
Diddley">"Who Do You Love">"Bo Diddley Put The Rock In Rock & Roll":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj7o-3nsaCw

The gig, staged at Cedar Key, FL, last Saturday (June 26th), was held to mark
"Hands Across The Sand", a global event calling for the protection of coastal
economies, oceans, maritime wildlife and the fishing industry:
http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/

David Blakey, Webmaster,
BO DIDDLEY

...
St Louis, MO solo artist Bud Summers will be playing a show at Goose Island Wrigleyville on Thursday July 1st as part of his summer 2010 tour. Summers is on the road promoting his 2nd independent album-- "Eons" which was released March 6, 2010. Other stops on this leg of the tour include Saugatuck, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Ludington, Rockford and Saginaw, Michigan.

"music lovers will fall in love with what they hear" (Isaac Davis -Junior's Cave)

“….played with a degree of passion and enthusiasm that you just don’t see….with feeling and artistry…. was a lot more than the same old same old.” (A.E. Hamberg - Southern Illinois Wine Trail)

The Goose Island show will feature Bud Summers at 9 pm, Matt Record at 10 pm and Hector Ancondo at 11 pm

website- http://www.budsummers.com

Girls Rock Chicago

http://girlsrockchicago.org/

Calling all DJs! Do you want help out GR!C? We need more DJ equiment, in particular 2CDJs, for donation or loan. We're also looking for more DJs willing to offer their services as counsoulers for the GR!C June camp (June 21st to 27th). Contact carlin@girlsrockchicago.org if you can help.

Girls Rock! Chicago relies on diverse and motivated volunteers from the community to lead workshops during camp week. Do you have an area of expertise to share? Consider proposing a new workshop, or sign up to teach one of our popular recurring workshops.

We are currently recruiting leaders to teach workshops on the following topics at the following times during camp week:

* Self-Defense
* Songwriting
* DIY Sound
* Recording Basics
* How to Perform Live! (Fri, 9:30-10:30am)

For detailed descriptions of workshops and how you can help, please contact our workshop coordinators via workshops[at]girlsrockchicago[dot]org

Jimi Jamison - Touring and Loving It!

Jimi Jamison - Touring and Loving It!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JIMI JAMISON HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES!
International Solo Recording Artist and former lead singer for the band Survivor is performing in a city near you!

The summer of 2010 is proving to be a busy one for Jimi Jamison; not that he minds at all! In fact, Jimi is enjoying a fresh approach to music and a new wave of popularity if bookings are any evidence. In between his appearances in the States, he will be performing for our troops in Iraq in June and releasing a new CD this Winter! He’ll also be touring Germany, Mexico and the UK!

Fans are looking forward to the yet untitled new release! The 2009 release of Crossroads Moment was called by critics one of the top AOR albums of the year! The title song, as well as Behind the Music, As Is and Lost were quickly added to his live set list joining his many other hits such as, The Search Is Over, Burning Heart, High On You and I’m Always Here, the theme from the TV hit, Baywatch.

Many of Jimi’s shows include other famous artists from the 1980’s and 90’s to the present. John Cafferty (the Beaver Brown Band), Wally Palmer (The Romantics), Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent Band) and Kevin Chalfant (The Storm and Journey) have performed most recently with him. Jimi enjoys sharing the stage with such a diverse group of talented musicians and friends and looks forward to doing much more of that in the near future. In fact, Jimi performed with Pride of Lions (Jim Peterik, Toby Hitchcock) at MelodicRock Fest in Elgin, IL in early May 2010. The next day, Jimi wowed the crowd when he appeared with the Voices of Rock Radio’s Chalfant, St. Holmes and Palmer. Afterwards he brought down the house with his own band featuring Chicago favorites Mike Aquino, Klem Hayes and Ed Breckenfield.

And still, Jimi finds the time to lend his talents to various charities. In February 2010, the first annual Jimi Jamison Benefit for St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital was held in Memphis. It was a success that he hopes to continue annually. He also supports Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House and the Make-A-Wish Foundation as well as several other charities.

For more information regarding Jimi, as well as concert dates please visit:

www.JimiJamison.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimi-Jamison/200684117324
http://www.myspace.com/jimijamison

Submitted by
Contact: Deanna Lombardo
Email: Glad2meetu2@comcast.net

book “Eleven Unsung Heroes Of Early Rock & Roll: Historic Contributions By Artists You Never Heard Of”

I’m not sure naming your book “Eleven Unsung Heroes Of Early Rock & Roll: Historic Contributions By Artists You Never Heard Of” (Dick Stewart; The Lance Monthly Press; ISBN: 978-1450585903) is such a good idea. Convincing readers that they want to know the stories of “nobodies” is a tough sell. But Dick Stewart (himself an “unsung hero,” having played with Albuquerque’s King Richard & the Knights to local success in the sixties) has really only given us two “unknowns”: Robert Kelly of the Expressions and guitarist Clyde Hankins. The rest are musicians you know— or should know. Guys like Jack Ely, who sang “Louie Louie” with the Kingsmen; Davie Allen of “Blue’s Theme” fame; one-time Cricket Sonny Curtis; Carl Bunch, the drummer on Buddy Holly’s ill-fated Winter Dance Party and Larry Knechtel of Bread and the legendary Wrecking Crew of Hollywood studio musicians.

What most of the artists have in common (Larry, Davie and Jack are the exceptions) is a connection with the Texas/New Mexico music scene in the ‘50s and ‘60s and links to Clovis, New Mexico producer Norm Petty and his most successful product, Lubbock’s Buddy Holly. The book includes interviews with members of the Crickets and the String-A-Longs as well as the Fireballs. There were times in reading the book, though, when I wished Stewart had combined his interviews with Petty’s artists into a comprehensive examination of the controversial producer. As it is, we get contradicting recollections on the String-A-Longs’ signing with Warwick Records from Keith McCormack and Jimmy Torres. To his credit, Stewart makes note of the conflicting stories, but 32 pages later.

And I do want to correct one error— Stewart says the Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand” “immediately supplanted” the Fireballs’ “Sugar Shack” at the top of the charts. Actually, two months and four other #1 tunes separated those songs. It was easy for “Sugar Shack” to outsell “I Want To Hold Your Hand” in 1963, as Stewart contends. The latter song wasn’t even released in the U.S. until December 26 of that year.

All quibbling aside, these are stories that need to be told. Larry Knechtel, who played bass on Elvis Presley’s “comeback” TV special and piano on Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” died earlier this year and his chapter is as fine a eulogy as he could have hoped for. Carl Bunch was hospitalized with frostbite from the conditions on the Winter Dance Party and gives a first-hand account of the good and bad times he lived through on the tour as well as the tragic fate of Ronnie Smith, who was brought in to replace the late Buddy Holly with the Crickets on the tour.

Sonny Curtis paints a fascinating portrait of the early days of Buddy and the Crickets and gives the real story behind his writing of the theme song for TV’s “Mary Tyler Moore Show.” We’re also treated to the never-heard second verse of “Walk Right Back,” written by Sonny too late for the Everly Brothers to record.

It’s certainly not dry history. Jack Ely tells how a Boston deejay’s attempt to ridicule “Louie Louie” backfired. Larry Knechtel pulls no punches in dissing the Beach Boys. And Davie Allen chronicles his years of conflicts with Mike Curb.

Yes, these are unsung artists. But unknown? No way. We may not know all their names but their accomplishments are definitely noteworthy.

On the book’s back cover, readers are enticed by a promise that “a subsequent release [is] currently in the works.” That’s good news. Let’s hope he gives us an equally prestigious group of musicians to spotlight and that they also get their due.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN= 1450585906/ref=nosim/oldiesmusicA/

Submitted by Ron Smith
http://www.oldiesmusic.com/

Festing

Check out Festing.com.
An interactive site built by "FestGoers" for "FestGoers"!

100 promo CDs or 50 promo DVDs for only $99!
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...first real biography of Stevie Wonder

It was hard not to get excited when I saw that the first real biography of Stevie Wonder was being released (“Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Soulful Journey Of Stevie Wonder” by Mark Ribowsky; John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; ISBN: 0470481501). Ribowsky is no rookie; having released bios on— among others— Phil Spector, Satchel Paige and the Supremes. His effort this time is a mixed bag.

The first test of any book about oldies is to catch the easy errors. If the writing and editing is that poor, it doesn’t bode well for the rest of the book. So it was with some trepidation that I read Ribowsky write that Motown’s Berry Gordy co-wrote songs for “Detroit homeboy Jackie Wilson after the flashy singer quit the Drifters to go solo.”

Of course he meant the Dominoes. But anyone who confuses Jackie Wilson with Clyde McPhatter— who sang with both groups— is probably not the best choice to write a Motown artist’s biography. The blurb on the back of the book says “Ribowsky
spends time on details other writers have taken for granted.” Those “other writers” however, probably never confused the release date of Stevie’s “Fingertips” with the day it was recorded (live in Chicago). And those “other writers” are probably aware that the Angels— not Lesley Gore— sang “My Boyfriend’s Back.”

Its dust jacket tries to sell the book with sensationalism, pointing to Stevie’s “long struggle with sexual addiction and suicidal depression.” But the actual book never really supports these assertions. In fact, Stevie is quoted as saying he’s “[n]ever gonna take my life.”

Like his book on the Supremes, which ends with Diana Ross’ departure, Ribowsky relegates Stevie’s life from 1984 on (26 years!) to the epilogue.

Heavy on detailing each of Stevie’s early albums with the major cuts on each, the book still manages to fill in the details of his life, many of which have gone buried over the years. But even more details— like where his mother came up with the last name of Morris for the pre-teen singer when her surname was Hardway and his father’s was Judkins— remain buried. With Stevie turning 60 and reluctant to open up about his life himself, a more definitive bio may never be written. Which is all the more frustrating.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=0470481501/ref=nosim/oldiesmusicA/

Submitted by Ron Smith
http://www.oldiesmusic.com/

Media News Release: For Immediate Release

Rock On at ROCK CON!
"WEEKEND OF 100 ROCK STARS"
FRIDAY, JULY 30th, SATURDAY, JULY 31ST & SUNDAY, AUGUST 1ST
SPECIAL GUESTS-LIVE INTERVIEWS-PANELS-PERFORMANCES-
UNPLUGGED SESSIONS-AUTOGRAPHS-AUCTIONS-FILM SCREENINGS
all to highlight "NATIONAL ROCK & ROLL FAN FEST"

"ROCK CON, the first annual Weekend Of 100 Rock Stars" is set to take place at the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel & Conference Center in East Rutherford, NJ on the weekend of July 30 - August 1 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), 2010.

Produced by Charles F. Rosenay!!! and Liverpool Productions, this "fan-oriented rock & roll celebrity show" is like no other. Usually, at a celebrity show, the special guests appearing number 5-10 or 20-50 at the most - never 100 stars all at the same time! ROCK CON models itself after Nashville's Country Music "original fan fairs" several days each year consisting of fan-driven concerts, autograph signings, photos, product giveaways and meet-and-greets.

In a similar fashion, fans attending the "Weekend Of a 100 Rock Stars" will be able to talk directly to, obtain signed autographs from and meet some of their favorite rock and media personalities on common ground. Those attending the three-day event can also browse through the world's largest rock & roll music and memorabilia marketplace - over 50 years of rock history. Thousands of fans of all ages are expected to attend.

According to producers, "an event of this magnitude is long-overdue. Country artists have their FanFair, there's ComicCon and baseball players and actors all have shows where they could meet their fans, but this will be the first time Rock & Rollers and music people will get together in such a unique environment."

Although the "Weekend Of A 100 Rock Stars" is months away, some very special guests of honor confirmed to appear include current and former members of such famed rock bands as:

The Hollies (2010 Rock HOF inductees), The Rascals (1997 Rock HOF inductees), The Cars, The Animals (1994 Rock HOF inductees), Jefferson Airplane/Starship (1996 Rock HOF inductees), The Go-Gos, Elephant's Memory, Vanilla Fudge, Tommy James & The Shondells, The Yardbirds (1992 Rock HOF inductees), Spanky & Our Gang, The Bay City Rollers, Utopia, The Smithereens, Porno for Pyros, The Stories and many others.

Also, expect to see radio and TV music personalities including legendary television DJ/MC Clay Cole, the only host to have had both The Beatles and the Rolling Stones on the same broadcast.

Producers are quick to point out that the planning has only just begun and "it's already having a snowball effect - musicians, composers and rock stars have started calling us to be part of the weekend celebration."

A comprehensive listing of all the "100 special guests" will be announced shortly.
Tickets are now on sale, starting at $20 general admission, through the website www.NationalRockCon.com.

For further info, email rock@nationalrockcon.com or call (203) 795-4737.

NEW MEMOIR BY BILL HALEY’S BASS PLAYER RECALLS BIRTH OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.

Marshall Lytle – the lively and often-imitated bass player who was an original member of Bill Haley & The Comets – has just released Still Rockin’ Around the Clock, available on Amazon.com, a unique first-hand account of the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
At the age of 76, Marshall is one of the last surviving stars of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s earliest days and still performs regularly throughout the United States and Europe. Marshall’s highly entertaining and informative memoir contains never-before-heard anecdotes about Elvis, DJ Alan Freed and many others, including, of course, the often erratic and always colorful Bill Haley himself. Of particular interest to long-time Rock ‘n’ Roll fans, the book details the inside story of recording Rock Around The Clock, widely known as “The National Anthem of Rock ‘n’ Roll” – a song which to this day is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest selling single by any group in history (with estimates ranging anywhere from 25 million to 80 million copies).
Marshall Lytle is a fascinating and lovable conversationalist, and is available for interviews. Please contact publisher Michael Rush to arrange for radio, television and print media coverage of this historic memoir or contact Marshall Lytle at marshall-tommy@suddenlink.net

The Tony Ocean Show hot remake of Big Twist and The Mellow Fellows "I Want Your Love"

Check out The Tony Ocean Show hot remake of Big Twist and The Mellow Fellows "I Want Your Love" http://www.reverbnation.com/thetonyoceanshow

As one of the hardest working performers in the industry with 297 performances in 1999, Tony is expanding his career into national exposure and is presently under consideration by several producers and directors for parts in television and films.

Tony Ocean's upbeat style embodies a time from the past that will be popular as long as we still enjoy the music of Sinatra, Martin, Darin, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones and others whose romantic songs and lyrics have affected so many of our lives through the years.

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Keep Rockin Magazine

Keep Rockin' is an exciting new 50’s & 60’s music and nostalgia magazine. Join us in a look back at the era of James Dean, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and the Beatles…the Jitterbug, the Bop, the Stroll and the Twist. That magical time of hot rods, cruisin’, drive-ins, record hops, drag strips, motorcycle races, greasers, car clubs, burgers & malts. Rock & Roll, Doo Wop, Rockabilly & Oldies Concerts - Hot Rod and Motorcycle Shows -Tattoo, Record Conventions & More!

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