NextAid

NextAid, LIFEbeat, The Loud Minority, Dubspot,
Turntables on the Hudson, CityDeep, and Mixology
Present BEATS BUILD HOPE
At Miami’s Shore Club
During the 25th Annual Winter Music Conference
Friday, March 26, 2010

LOS ANGELES, CA – NextAid, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit harnessing the power of dance music to affect change in the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa, returns to the 25th annual Winter Music Conference (WMC) in Miami with a mega-benefit, “Beats Build Hope,” at the Shore Club on Friday, March 26, 2010. Partnering with LIFEbeat, The Loud Minority, CityDeep, Turntables on the Hudson, Dubspot, and Mixology, this official WMC event will run from 8:00pm Friday night to 6:00am Saturday morning and employ NextAid’s mantra of using the beats of our generation to provide hope for the next. Over twenty top international DJs have agreed to graciously donate their time and talent such as The Crystal Method (DJ Set), DJ Rap, and Mark Farina. Tickets for the fundraiser cost $15 pre-sale through Want Tickets or $20 at the door (FREE for WMC badge holders). The funds raised at Beats Build Hope will directly benefit NextAid, SOIL (Haiti), LIFEbeat and Green Wave. All four nonprofits are engaged in worthy causes, which help communities in need around the world (see additional details below). The Shore Club is located at 1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information please visit http://nextaid.org/beatsbuildhope and http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=299847426894&ref=ts. To purchase tickets: http://www.wantickets.com/EventDetail.aspx?e_id=103663.

A two-hour VIP Industry Mixer hosted by Mixology will precede the main event from 6:00 – 8:00pm in the Red Room of the Shore Club featuring Mark Lewis. Admission to the VIP Mixer will cost $40 (in advance or at the door). VIP attendees will gain early access to the whole event, as well as complimentary food, and a Love Fatigues canvas bag filled with t-shirts, CDs, and other goodies. The entire 12-hour benefit is an Official WMC event, as such, admission is FREE for those wearing a WMC badge. NextAid kindly requests that attendees consider making a minimum donation of $10, as this is a fundraiser and all talent have donated their time for free. Sponsors for this night of unforgettable beats include industry heavyweights Fusicology, Love Fatigues, M-Audio, and San Francisco lovEvolution .

Beats Build Hope will take over the Shore Club with 3 areas of music: on the Terrace, in the Red Room and Poolside. The musical styles will range from deep and tech house to Afro-Latin, broken beat, electro and drum-n-bass. The amazing lineup includes The Crystal Method (DJ Set), DJ Rap, Mark Farina, Heather, Colette, Ultra Naté, Andy Caldwell, Gene Farris, D:Fuse, Jazzanova, Anané, Chuck Love, Jay-J, Michael Anthony, Marissa Guzman (vocals), Adam Gibbons, Kervyn Mark, Brent Crampton, DJ Kamala and a very special appearance by the Queen of House Music, Barbara Tucker. The CityDeep Lounge – setting up shop in the Red Room – will feature Halo, Jamie Thinnes, and Luke McKeehan as well as South Africa’s Black Coffee and Culoe de Song. Out on the Terrace find Turntables on the Hudson with Nickodemus, DJ G OV, OBaH, Wiseacre, Jeremy Sole +Amon (percussion).

The evening is made possible with promotional support from AfrodesiaMP3, Agency Sounds, APT Entertainment, Electronic Music Alliance, Green Galactic, Groove Cruise, Morgan’s Hotel Group, The Melting Pot, The MML, Nitevibe, Outloud Agency Group, Roots Media, and suppperclub.

Dubspot will be conducting music and technology educational workshops from 12noon – 6:00pm with partners Native Instruments, M-Audio, Pioneer, Rane/Serato, Mono Cases and Ableton. Find more information at http://www.dubspot.com.

Beneficiaries:

NextAid
NextAid’s mission is to improve the lives of children and youth in Africa by promoting and implementing sustainable solutions. NextAid raises awareness for, and partners with, community-based projects and grassroots organizations in Africa and believes that an integrated approach is the best formula for establishing real and lasting change.

NextAid’s current priority project is the building of an ecological facility in Nairobi: The Kawangware Vision Center. NextAid has partnered with the inspiring community-based organization to build a “green” workshop and multipurpose facility for their youth programs and micro-business that strive to get youth off the streets by offering economic and performance activities, such as constructing gift bags to sell to the safari tourism industry. The profits enable the youth to support themselves, as well as, the vulnerable and orphaned children in the community. To learn more please visit www.nextaid.org.

LIFEbeat
LIFEbeat is dedicated to reaching America’s youth with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention. LIFEbeat mobilizes the talents and resources of the music industry to raise awareness and to provide support to the AIDS community.

LIFEBeat’s Outreach Programs and PSAs connect with approximately 70,000 young people in New York each year to raise awareness. Its Hearts and Voices Program provides live music and entertainment to patients in HIV/AIDS treatment facilities throughout the New York metro area every week. To learn more please visit http://www.lifebeat.org.

Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihood (SOIL)
Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihood (SOIL) believes that the path to sustainability is through transformation, of both disempowered peoples and discarded materials, turning apathy and pollution into valuable resources. They are empowering communities, building the soil and nourishing the grassroots in Haiti. SOIL attempts to nurture collective creativity through developing collaborative relationships between community organizations in Haiti and international academics and activists. Funds will go towards earthquake rebuilding efforts in Haiti. To learn more please visit http://oursoil.org.

Green Wave
Green Wave is a dynamic, environmental nonprofit organization founded and run by “Green Girl” guru, Janine Johnson, dedicated to establishing precedents for change and redefining activism. Green Wave’s mission is to inspire waves of change by creating living examples focused on living consciously, peacefully and harmoniously with the environment and with each other for the well being of our planet. Green Wave has partnered with NextAid to raise funds for the Green Wave Sanctuary in Kawangware, Kenya.

The Green Wave Sanctuary will be an earth-friendly, safe and loving facility fulfilling early childhood development needs (day-care, enrichment activities and health and nutrition programs) for orphaned and vulnerable children in the Kawangware community. To learn more please visit http://www.greenwaveent.org.

Partners and Sponsors:

The Loud Minority
The Loud Minority is a Miami-based, music-related lifestyle marketing and event company. Drawing on extensive experience working with progressive companies, brands, artists and publications, The Loud Minority helps clients big and small impact the cultural landscape. The company is built on a rich network of adaptive resources and partnerships, and designs a personalized hands-on approach to actualizing concepts. They are constantly pursuing fresh ideas in the fields of art, music, design, food and fashion. To learn more please visit http://theloudminority.net.

Love Fatigues
Love Fatigues is a humanitarian organization determined to bring our world together through its love camouflage clothing. Love Fatigues seeks to revolutionize camouflage fashion with infused images of Love and Peace, as opposed to traditional military camouflage patterns. The company’s innovative line of eco-friendly love camouflage clothing gives people a choice of a camouflage that offers a positive message. Love Fatigues is driven to empower individuals to make a choice and give new meaning to camouflage and change what it represents. Love Fatigues is an active supporter of a number of charities that promote love, awareness and progress for humankind around the globe. To learn more please visit http://lovefatigues.com.

San Francisco lovEvolution
San Francisco LovEvolution exists to produce a celebration of the highest forms of electronic music culture and technology, in the belief that dance promotes peace, love, unity and respect. Dance music has always had a special ability to bring people together in the shared beauty of a universal vibe.

The purpose of this organization is to serve the electronic dance music community by organizing public events, presenting electronic art forms, generating funds to support artistic development, advancing music education and production, as well as the right to dance and educating the public regarding the rights and contributions of our community. To learn more please visit http://www.sflovevolution.org.

CityDeep Music
Since its debut in 2004, CityDeep Music has enlisted some of the finest events and producers that represent dance music today and into the future. CityDeep is a label dedicated to urban dance music that ranges anywhere from deep house to AfroBeat, and souland techy rhythms. Join Halo and guest DJs/producers from around the world for vinyl and digital releases, weekly radio shows/podcasts and events – Mature Music for the Deeply Minded. To learn more please visit http://citydeepmusic.com.

Dubspot
Dubspot is an innovative electronic music production and DJ institute in New York City. As one of the first Ableton Certified Training Centers in the world, Dubspot has become the premier music school for both experienced and aspiring artists alike. Most importantly, Dubspot is a growing community of musicians, DJs, visual artists, audio technology professionals, industry veteran producers, and enthusiasts of all genres who all have one thing in common — a passion for music. They partnered with NextAid in 2009 to release Funk Aid for Africa, a charitable compilation mixed and compiled by DJ OBaH, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting children in Africa. To learn more please visit https://www.dubspot.com.

Turntables on the Hudson
When Nickodemus and Mariano started the Turntables on the Hudson (TOTH) parties in 1998 it was one of the first late night outdoor events in NYC. With the addition of Groove Collective founding member Nappy G on percussion, the party became an adventurous, young, free-spirited community known for its eclectic musical blend.

In the past ten years TOTH took its beats from parking garages, lofts and boats to residencies at renowned NYC clubs and venues like The Frying Pan, Opaline, Shelter, The Brooklyn Loft, Cielo, Element, Hiro Ballroom, SOB’s, and Spiegelworld. After ten years, the TOTH parties are now taking place Fridays at the Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City overlooking Manhattan and the East River. To learn more please visit http://turntablesonthehudson.com.

# # #

For more information, photos or interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn@greengalactic.com.

event details:

Friday March 26, 2010
6:00pm – Sat. 6:00am

BEATS BUILD HOPE
A Benefit for NextAid, LIFEBeat, SOIL (Haiti), and Green Wave
Presented by NextAid, LIFEbeat, The Loud Minority, Dubspot, Turntables on the Hudson, CityDeep, and Mixology

The Shore Club
1901 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Over twenty top international DJs have graciously donated their time and talent to raise funds for communities in need around the world!

Poolside Entertainment:
The Crystal Method (DJ Set), DJ Rap, Mark Farina, Heather, Colette, Ultra Naté, Andy Caldwell, Gene Farris, D:Fuse, Jazzanova, Anané, Chuck Love, Jay-J, Michael Anthony, Marissa Guzman, Adam Gibbons, Kervyn Mark, Brent Crampton, DJ Kamala
Special Appearance by The Queen of House Music – Barbara Tucker

in the Red Room:
The CityDeep Lounge with Halo, Jamie Thinnes, and Luke McKeehan as well as South Africa’s Black Coffee and Culoe de Song

on the Terrace:
Turntables on the Hudson with Nickodemus, DJ G OV, OBaH, Wiseacre, Jeremy Sole +Amon (percussion)

Main event – 8:00pm – 6:00am
$15 pre-sale / $20 door
Free with WMC Badge

VIP mixer – 6:00 – 8:00pm
Mixology VIP Mixer in the Red Room with Mark Lewis
$40 pre-sale & at door
Free with WMC Badge

Purchase Tickets: http://www.wantickets.com/EventDetail.aspx?e_id=103663

Beats Build Hope is an OFFICIAL WMC EVENT
NextAid kindly requests that attendees consider making a minimum donation of $10, as this is a fundraiser and all talent have donated their time for free

SPONSORS:
Love Fatigues / Fusicology / M-Audio / San Francisco lovEvolution

PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT:
APT Entertainment, AfrodesiaMP3.com, Agency Sounds, Nitevibe, Nordic Trax, Rootz Media, Supperclub, The Groove Cruise, The Melting Pot Global, The Outloud Agency Group, Green Galactic, The MML, Traxsource, Wantickets.com, Morgans Hotel Group, and Winter Music Conference

event page – http://nextaid.org/beatsbuildhope
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=299847426894&ref=ts

For Immediate Release: January 11, 2010

New Book from Award-Winning Filmmaker Jon Reiss
Think Outside the Box Office:
The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution and Marketing for the Digital Era
To Be Released in Print on March 15, 2010

LOS ANGELES, CA – Award winning filmmaker Jon Reiss is set to release his new book Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution and Marketing for the Digital Era on March 15, 2010. The book is a primer for filmmaking in the digital era covering distribution of all types of media content – feature films, shorts, webisodes, transmedia, vblogs, etc., and is the first to address the new distribution and marketing landscape facing filmmakers today. For more information please visit www.thinkoutsidetheboxoffice.com and the director’s blog, www.jonreiss.com/blog.

The book is a step-by-step, nuts and bolts guide to distributing and marketing a film. Each chapter addresses an essential aspect of a film’s release and offers specific techniques so filmmakers can take control of their distribution and marketing destiny.

Jon Reiss, an award-winning filmmaker himself, spoke with countless filmmakers, distributors, publicists, web programmers, festival programmers and marketing experts to create this ultimate resource of up to the minute information. Throughout the book, Reiss redefines the process from a filmmaker’s point of view empowering the reader to create unique strategies for their individual films.

“Open this book! Eat up every morsel Reiss provides. Internalize it and make it your second skin,” said Ted Hope, Producer (Adventureland, The Ice Storm, In the Bedroom, and 21 Grams).

Jon Reiss is a critically acclaimed filmmaker who has produced and directed feature films, documentaries, shorts and music videos in a career that spans nearly 30 years. Named one of the “10 Digital Directors to Watch” by Daily Variety, Reiss also teaches in the Film Directing Program at the California Institute for the Arts.

The independent film community continues to redefine itself with the collapse of the traditional independent film distribution model. Just as the digital revolution created a democratization of the means of production, a new hybrid approach to distribution has created a way for independent filmmakers to take control, combining the best techniques from each distribution arena, old and new.

Reiss will travel in the U.S. and to Singapore in the next three months. He will close out the Filmmaker Summit at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, UT on January 23, 2010. Other participants at the Summit include Steven Soderbergh, Brian Newman, Jamie King, Timo Vuorensola, Khavn de la Cruz, Lance Weiler and Peter Baxter. Reiss travels to NYU’s Singapore campus in February as well as to SXSW and Miami International Film Festival in March.

Jon Reiss’ Upcoming Appearances & Book Signings:

January – Park City, UT –

Sat. January 23, 2010
Slamdance Filmmaker Summit
Part V Workshop: Jon Reiss workshops an existing documentary and narrative film and creates new strategies for distribution in conversation with the filmmakers and the participants.”
11:00am to 2:00pm (US Mountain Time)
Treasure Mountain Inn
255 Main Street
Park City, UT 84060
Book Signing from 2:00 – 2:30pm
http://www.slamdance.com/summit

Sun. January 24, 2010
Book Signing
Dolly’s Bookstore Park City
510 Main Street
Park City, UT 84060
3:00 – 5:00pm
http://dollysbookstore.com/2010/01/sundance-2010-author-signings

February – Singapore –

Wed. February 17 – Thu. February 25, 2010
NYU Singapore Producing Workshop
Jon Reiss will be giving a ten day workshop on producing independent film with an emphasis on reel world survival skills, distribution and marketing.

March – Austin, TX –

Sun. March 14, 2010
SXSW Film Festival Panel
The Main Event: Finding an Audience for Your Film
Specific Location TBD
3:30pm
Book Signing Immediately After
http://sxsw.com/film/talks/panels

While in Austin and South East Asia Jon Reiss will be continuing production of Bomb It 2 for Babelgum (http://www.babelgum.com). Bomb It 2 will be a further exploration of graffiti and street art throughout the world in areas not covered in Bomb It. For Bomb It 2, Reiss will be exploring other U.S. cities such as Chicago, Austin, and San Francisco. In Asia he’ll be covering Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and perhaps Malaysia. In Europe, Denmark and Italy – both hotbeds of graffiti – will be included and a trip to the Middle East is in the works.

# # #

For more information, photos, or to arrange interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 and lynn@greengalactic.com.

CREDITS:

Author: Jon Reiss
Foreword by: Ted Hope
Title: Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution and Marketing for the Digital Era
Published by: Hybrid Cinema Publishing a division of Hybrid Cinema
Distributed by: SCB Distributors
Publication Date: March 2010
# ISBN-10: 098257620X
# ISBN-13: 978-0-9825762-0-5

Content: 354 black and white pages
Cover: Paperback
Size: 6” x 9”
Language: English
Subject: Filmmaking
Price: $24.95

First Printing: 2010
Copyright: c. Jon Reiss 2010 All Rights Reserved

Book Layout and Design: Will Hays
Cover Design: Justin Van Hoy
Book Title by: Susan Graves
Cover Photographer: Jay B Sauceda
Assistant Editor: Stephanie Bousley
Copy Editor: Jennifer Hoche
Website Programmer: Kazuha Torisawa

Online:
Book site – http://www.thinkoutsidetheboxoffice.com
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/ThinkOutsidetheBoxOffice
Author blog – http://jonreiss.com/blog
Twitter – http://twitter.com/Jon_Reiss
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Think-Outside-Box-Office-Distribution/dp/098257620X

Grateful acknowledgement is made for permission to reprint the following copyrighted works:
- Lance Weiler’s Culture Hacker column on Piracy and Torrent Sites and Lance Weiler’s Hope is Missing MIG both originally published in Filmmaker.

Cover photo is from a B-Side screening of Before the Music Dies, Republic Square Park, Austin, Texas June 5, 2006.

Photo credit: Eric Gillet

San Francisco-based multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer Mark Growden is set to release his ninth album, Saint Judas, through Porto Franco Records on March 16, 2010. The national record release party will take place in Los Angeles on the same day at Hotel Café in Hollywood. Saint Judas, an intoxicating mix of roots music with a postmodern aesthetic, features 13 tracks of ‘Americana noir’ with an overarching theme of redemption. For Immediate Release: February 12, 2010

San Francisco-Based Multi-Instrumentalist
Mark Growden
Set to Release Ninth Album
Saint Judas
Through Porto Franco Records
March 16, 2010
~
With National Record Release Party at Hotel Café in Los Angeles 3/16/10
+ Additional U.S. Southwest Tour Dates Scheduled – February, March, April

LOS ANGELES, CA – San Francisco-based multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer Mark Growden is set to release his ninth album, Saint Judas, through Porto Franco Records on March 16, 2010. The national record release party will take place in Los Angeles on the same day at Hotel Café in Hollywood. Saint Judas, an intoxicating mix of roots music with a postmodern aesthetic, features 13 tracks of ‘Americana noir’ with an overarching theme of redemption. Hotel Café is located at 1623 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028. Doors will open at 8:00 p.m., ages 21+ allowed. Tickets will cost $10.00 at the door or $7.00 in advance. For more information on the venue please call 323-461-2040 or visit http://hotelcafe.com. For more on the artist please visit http://markgrowden.org and http://www.myspace.com/markgrowden.

Growden’s eclectic body of work is a challenge to categorize, though, as a musician, he is often compared to songwriting icons Nick Cave and Tom Waits. Additionally, Growden has been described as a wordsmith on par with the legendary Leonard Cohen – who he fittingly covers on Saint Judas with a reworked version of “I’m Your Man.”

Recurring themes in the intensely personal new album include love and loss, sin and faith, perseverance, compassion, and, most significantly, redemption. There is a darkness that haunts Saint Judas, though not without a glimmer of hope. Growden explains that, for him, the resurrection theme that surfaces throughout the work isn’t of the magical rise-from-the-dead variety, but rather that, “it takes some grieving to get through to the joy.”

His soulful music reinterprets older, pre-rock forms such as blues, jazz, cabaret, gypsy, and folk with a contemporary edge. While Growden cites the likes of Howlin’ Wolf, Nina Simone, and Kurt Weill as influences, the new album should appeal not only to roots music enthusiasts, but also to fans of indie darlings DeVotchKa, Beirut, Rasputina, Devandra Banhardt, and Andrew Bird.

Growden is captivated with old American music, mainly African-American, recorded by ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax in the 1930s and 1940s; several tracks on Saint Judas are reworkings of these songs. Album opener “Undertaker,” based on a Lomax field recording of the prison work song “Rosie,” introduces the theme of resurrection. “Dig me a grave, in the open plain. Lower me down, and pull me up again,” sings Growden, over a howling guitar and trumpet. And the closing banjo-and-voice only “All the Pretty Little Horses” is a version of an old spiritual Growden calls “one of his favorite songs ever” which was written, according to legend, by a woman watching horses pull her child’s hearse through the streets.

The title track on Saint Judas – a cabaret rocker with its refrain of “bottoms up to you, buddy, ’cause somebody had to take the blame” – honors the biblical “Saint of Sinners” often vilified as the traitor who turned on Jesus. The song is a call to acknowledge and accept the worst that lies within everyone while finding the strength to forgive and carry on.

The biblical references that pile up throughout the album are no accident – Growden’s father was a preacher in the northern Sierra Nevada town of Pinetown, California, where he was raised. But Growden is less interested in religious iconography than he is in seeing biblical stories as universal themes. As an example, “Delilah,” with its plaintive accordion and cello, references the story of Samson and Delilah, but as a metaphor, he says, “of the death of ego, of the illusion of yourself, for love.”

In perhaps the most moving piece on the album, “The Gates/Take Me To the Water,” Growden asserts that “every soul is welcome,” in a line that sums up the overarching theme of Saint Judas, “be you a virgin, a whore, a sinner or a saint.” This adaptation of an old spiritual delicately builds from a percussive accordion-heavy opening to a rousing choir-fed climax before launching into a rollicking New Orleans-style version of the traditional song. “Everyone assumes that it’s about Katrina, says Growden of the track, “but it was written before Katrina. It’s about walking in Oakland and seeing the pain in people’s eyes.”

Saint Judas track listing:

1. Undertaker (6:20)
2. Delilah (6:13)
3. Saint Judas (3:25)
4. If the Stars Could Sing (3:48)
5. Been in the Storm so Long (7:05)
6. I’m Your Man (4:25)
7. Faith in my Pocket (3:58)
8. Everybody Holds a Piece of the Sun (2:29)
9. Coyote (7:20)
10. Handlebars (3:01)
11. Inside Every Bird (5:36)
12. The Gates/Take me to the Water (9:22)
13. All the Pretty Little Horses (3:57)

All songs on Saint Judas were written by Growden except track #5 (traditional as sung by Mary Pickney, adapted by Growden), track #6 (adapted from words and music by Leonard Cohen), track #9 (words by Deke Weaver, music by Growden), track #11 (words by Growden and Angus Balbernie, music by Growden) , track #12 (“Take me to the Water” – traditional with new words and music by Growden), and track #13 (traditional adapted by Growden).

Saint Judas is Growden’s first full-length studio recording of his own songs in eight years. The gap is significant and reflects a period of some turmoil in Growden’s life that surfaces in the themes of redemption and forgiveness that run through the album’s 13 songs. His extended break from music was largely due to a drug addiction that he needed time and space away from music to overcome. Now clean for over two years, Growden says the strength and perspective he has gained from kicking his habit have given him a renewed focus on music.

The album was recorded live, with almost no overdubbing, in the studio. Growden’s seductive vocals and accordion skills are showcased, with the voraciously talented musician also contributing on the baritone saxophone, banjo, and 10-speed bicycle handlebars. Guitarist Myles Boisen, acoustic bassist Seth Ford-Young, percussionist Jenya Chernoff, cellist Alex Kelly, and trumpeter Chris Grady (Boisen, Ford-Young, and Grady all long time Tom Waits sidemen) provide an energetic complement to Growden. The group, aka the Mark Growden Sextet, gathered at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center in Northern California for a 4-day rehearsal retreat to prepare for recording live in the studio with producer/engineer Oz Fritz (whose resume includes working with a range of folks from Waits to Caetano Veloso).

The resulting music on Saint Judas is an evocative set of sultry ‘Americana noir’ that matches the energy and intimacy of Growden’s live shows. “I want to touch people’s hearts instead of their heads,” says Growden when summarizing the ultimate goal for his creative efforts.

More on Mark Growden…
As a composer and performer, Growden has released several critically acclaimed albums and performed at venues such as the Fillmore and Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, and Tonic and The Knitting Factory in New York. He has performed and collaborated with a wide range of musicians and artists including members of The San Francisco Opera, Bob Weir, Hamza el Din, Kid Congo Powers, John Santos, Omar Sosa, Remy Charlip, Faun Fables, and Stan Ridgeway. He has composed original musical scores for a number of dance and theater companies including Joe Goode Performance Group, The Crucible, and Alonzo King’s LINES Contemporary Ballet with whom he and his collaborators won the Isadora Duncan Award for Best Original Score for a New Dance Piece. He has scored several films including 2005’s Blood Tea and Red String, which won Best Animation at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and at the Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal. Growden also co-produces San Francisco-based COVERT – a site-specific concert series with famed artist John Law.

After initially establishing himself as a jazz/new music winds player and composer in the mid-1990s, Growden began playing accordion and banjo when all his other instruments were stolen from a theater where he was accompanying a dance performance. He is currently writing an opera based on Saint Judas, is working on an educational film about how the harmonic series works, and leads singing workshops in various cities. In October 2009, Growden and Porto Franco Records signed the recording deal for Saint Judas. The team is now getting ready to produce two more albums to be recorded with his Los Angeles and Tucson ensembles, in those cities, respectively.

# # #

For photos, a copy of the album, or to request an interview, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn@greengalactic.com.

# # #

Calendar of Live Performances

Sat. Feb. 13, 9:00pm – Echo Curio – Los Angeles, CA
Wed. Feb. 17, 10:00pm – Redwood Bar & Grill – Los Angeles, CA
Fri. Feb. 19 2010, 7:30pm – The Steynberg Gallery – San Luis Obispo, CA
Sat. Feb. 20, 12:00pm – Secret Location T.B.A. – Gypsy Camp the Fourth – Los Angeles, CA
Wed. Feb. 24, 10:00pm – Redwood Bar & Grill- Los Angeles, CA
Thu. Mar. 11, 8:00pm – Porto Franco Art Parlor – San Francisco, CA
Fri. Mar. 12, 8:00pm – Porto Franco Art Parlor – San Francisco, CA
Sat. Mar. 13, 8:00pm – Porto Franco Art Parlor – San Francisco, CA
Sun. Mar. 14, 2:00pm – Porto Franco Art Parlor – San Francisco, CA
Sun. Mar. 14, 8:00pm – Porto Franco Art Parlor – San Francisco, CA
* Tue. Mar. 16, 8:00pm – Hotel Cafe – National Record Release Party – Los Angeles, CA *
Sat. Mar. 20, 7:00pm – The Kessler Theater – Dallas, TX
Sun. Mar. 21, 10:30pm – The Saxon Pub – Austin, TX
Wed. Mar. 24, 8:00pm – AvantGarden – Houston, TX
Thu. Mar. 25, 8:00pm – AvantGarden – Houston, TX
Sat. Mar. 27, 9:00pm – East Side Showroom – Austin, TX
Fri. Apr. 9, 8:00pm – The Screening Room – Tucson, AZ
Sat. Apr. 10, 8:00pm – The Screening Room – Tucson, AZ

Additional Artist Information
Artist site: http://markgrowden.org
Porto Franco Records: http://www.portofrancorecords.com/album/12
Press kit: http://markgrowden.org/press-kit

Social Networking
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/markgrowden
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Mark.Growden.Music
Twitter: http://twitter.com/markgrowden

Palette Recordings "Nothing But Love Songs"

John Tejada’s label, Palette Recordings, is proud to present its first digital-only compilation, Nothing But Love Songs, featuring a dozen exclusive new songs from the label’s talent. While firmly rooted in techno, the cohesive compilation incorporates experimental, dub, and glitch passages as it cycles through layers of sonic abstraction. The compilation begins with a track by Palette All-Stars (comprised of John Tejada, Arian Leviste, Justin Maxwell and Josh Humphrey), and also features solo material by Tejada as well as Maxwell, Humphrey, and Dave Hughes. Collaborations abound with all the Palette artists including Tejada’s 19-year collaborator Arian Leviste.

For Immediate Release: February 8, 2010

LOS ANGELES, CA – John Tejada’s label, Palette Recordings, is proud to present its first digital-only compilation, Nothing But Love Songs, featuring a dozen exclusive new songs from the label’s talent. While firmly rooted in techno, the cohesive compilation incorporates experimental, dub, and glitch passages as it cycles through layers of sonic abstraction. The compilation begins with a track by Palette All-Stars (comprised of John Tejada, Arian Leviste, Justin Maxwell and Josh Humphrey), and also features solo material by Tejada as well as Maxwell, Humphrey, and Dave Hughes. Collaborations abound with all the Palette artists including Tejada’s 19-year collaborator Arian Leviste. Find the compilation exclusively on Beatport for the first four weeks. In March, Nothing But Love Songs will also be available through additional digital outlets. To purchase or listen to samples of each track please visit https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/218460/Nothing%20But%20Love%20Songs.

The LA-based artists (with the exception of Maxwell who relocated a bit north in recent years) emphasize synthesis and hardware sound design, showcasing various methods throughout the compilation. Tejada and Leviste continue their “M Track” series, which focuses on live hardware modular synth workouts. Justin Maxwell once again proves he is the ultimate mad scientist following up on the sound of his last single “The Windey Man.” Josh Humphrey contributes a strange list of instruments to his work with Tejada including a Swarmatron Synthesizer, which was used exclusively in “YZZ.” And he contributes his first solo work, “P.O.L.R.,” to the compilation. Dave Hughes also contributes his polished sound to the mix.

Nothing But Love Songs track listing:
01.) Palette All-Stars (John Tejada, Arian Leviste, Justin Maxwell and Josh Humphrey) – “Action Section”
02.) Justin Maxwell – “Pocket Dial”
03.) John Tejada & Josh Humphrey – “YZZ”
04.) John Tejada & Justin Maxwell – “Crock Divider”
05.) John Tejada & Arian Leviste – “M Track 7”
06). John Tejada – “On The Double”
07.) Dave Hughes – “Listen To This Sound”
08.) John Tejada & Josh Humphrey – “Tern Style”
09.) John Tejada – “Vanguard”
10.) John Tejada & Arian Leviste – “M Track 6”
11.) Dave Hughes – “Paranoid”
12.) Josh Humphrey – “P.O.L.R.”

Palette Recordings was started by John Tejada in the fall of 1996. Over sixty releases later it is one of the most respected techno labels in the world. Palette became an exclusive outlet for Tejada to release his most prized music. Normally associated with his peers in techno from Detroit, Europe and elsewhere, Tejada has embraced electronic music as a personal frontier, expanding on his resume as a techno recording artist as producer, remixer, DJ, and label owner. Known for crafting a brand of subtle, musical techno, his recorded output ranges across tempo and genre lines, from chilled out affairs with spacious arrangements to pulsating, densely layered, deeply energetic tracks that work magnificently in the hands of DJs as well as on the home stereo. To learn more about Palette Recordings please visit http://www.paletterecordings.com.

Tejada is also in two-man band called I’m Not A Gun with classical guitarist Takeshi Nishimoto producing what Wired Magazine tried to identify as, “Post-rock? Chill-core? Tech-jazz?” A student of the classical tradition, Nishimoto has studied with some of the world’s premiere guitar players and counts jazz guitar legend Phil Upchurch as his mentor. Tejada plays drums and electronics in the band. The duo’s music is an organic combination of captured acoustic performances and experimental electronic compositions. They have four albums under their belt – Everything At Once (2003), Our Lives on Wednesdays (2004), We Think As Instruments (2006), and Mirror (2008) – their 5th album, Solace, is due in May 2010 from Berlin’s City Center Offices.

For more information, images or to set up interviews please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn@greengalactic.com.

Photo Credit: Helena Ruffin

Legendary interdisciplinary artist Rachel Rosenthal is set to introduce the world to her new improvisational theater group, TOHUBOHU! Extreme Theater Ensemble, with monthly performances starting the weekend of February 19, 2010. The name, loosely translated, means “collision or chaos” which Rosenthal describes as not what the Company does, but the process they go through to do what they do. Each monthly performance will span three nights during one weekend. All performance begin at 8:30pm. Tickets cost $20. Reservations are necessary to insure seats…For Immediate Release: December 21, 2009

Pioneering Interdisciplinary Artist Rachel Rosenthal
Introduces Her New Improvisational Theater Group
TOHUBOHU! Extreme Theater Ensemble

With Monthly Performances in Los Angeles
Premiering February 19 – 21, 2010

LOS ANGELES, CA – Legendary interdisciplinary artist Rachel Rosenthal is set to introduce the world to her new improvisational theater group, TOHUBOHU! Extreme Theater Ensemble, with monthly performances starting the weekend of February 19, 2010. The name, loosely translated, means “collision or chaos” which Rosenthal describes as not what the Company does, but the process they go through to do what they do. Each monthly performance will span three nights during one weekend. All performance begin at 8:30pm. Tickets cost $20. Reservations are necessary to insure seats and can be made by calling 310-839-0661 or online via Brown Paper Tickets at www.rachelrosenthal.org. The Rachel Rosenthal Company’s venue, Espace DbD, is located at 2847 South Robertson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90034. Street parking is available.

The Rachel Rosenthal Company TOHUBOHU! Extreme Theater Ensemble schedule
– start time for every performance is 8:30 p.m. –
- February 2010 – Fri. 19th / Sat. 20th / Sun. 21st
- March 2010 – Fri. 12th / Sat. 13th / Sun. 14th
- April 2010 – Fri. 9th / Sat. 10th / Sun.11th
- May 2010 – Fri. 7th / Sat. 8th / Sun. 9th
– June 2010 – Fri. 11th / Sat. 12th / Sun. 13th

The Rachel Rosenthal Company’s TOHUBOHU! Extreme Theater Ensemble, the latest offering in the 83-year-old Rosenthal’s remarkable career, is inspired by Jean-Louis Barrault’s concept of “Total Theatre” and Antonin Artaud’s “Theatre of Cruelty.” Echoing Barrault’s and Artaud’s revolutionary notions about theater, Rosenthal’s performance aesthetic integrates movement, voice, choreography, improvisation, costuming, lighting, and sets into seismic experiences. This genre of work, total free improvisation, is completely unique. Nobody knows in advance what will happen – not Rosenthal, not Company members, and certainly not the audience. This uncertainty makes the performances psychologically charged for all involved.

“Improvisational theater is the most difficult art form in the world. You can’t perfect your technique and there are no lines to rehearse,” says Rosenthal, “Everything happens in the moment.”

TOHUBOHU! total free improvisation pieces typically start in a similar manner; there is a group warm-up, then Rosenthal directs the group with a few words — sometimes only three or four. The words she selects reflect an idea she’s been thinking about, something related to a current event, a random verb, or perhaps instructions for the number of elements to include on stage. The studio space is darkened for a few moments. One of Rosenthal’s dogs might run by, wagging its tail, as colored lights and sound emerge from the darkness.

Sets are composed on the spot from lengths of bright fabric, boxes, and folding chairs. Props might be added in by Company members from a large backstage collection of objects that include items such as a dress form, telephone handsets, old books, a houseplant, a bird cage, an oscillating fan, fake plastic flowers, and paper bags. The Company stirs in recorded music, sounds, live music, or perhaps chanting.

These initial seeds germinate a piece. From here, the convulsive physicality of the Company begins. The members’ primal actions operate in concert with each other as well as the formal aesthetic elements of light, sound, props, and physical space. Text, which is primary, even tyrannical, in traditional theater, is absent in uniquely ephemeral TOHUBOHU! Through a mysterious alchemical process, the players act, react, and respond to surprises. They collaborate with each other, and everything around them, to create composition, form, and meaning. Since there is no established narrative to satisfy audience expectations, viewers are forced out of passive complacency as they digest what’s going on and anticipate what might happen next.

Performances function formally in space more like visual art than traditional theater, requiring the audience to actively interpret all the various elements. Results can be either abstract or realistic.

“When it’s good, it’s sublime. And when it’s bad, it can be a painful experience. Much like human existence,” says Rosenthal in a naked assessment of the art form, “Sometimes you walk away scratching your head wondering what the hell you just watched. We embrace that sort of uncertainty and chaos which is counter to highly processed culture.”

The Rachel Rosenthal Company members include visual artists, dancers, aerialists, a Cake Diva, and the operator of the Tyrannosaurus Rex model at the Natural History Museum, among others….

Franc Baliton is a performance and installation artist.

Nathalie Broizat is a French performance artist and actress. She has been featured as a soloist in Los Angeles venues such as MOCA, The Getty Center, REDCAT, Highways Performance Space, and the Electric Lodge. A former Fulbright grantee, she has been working with Rachel Rosenthal for the past five years.

Jarred Cairns is in the Studio Arts program at University of California, Irvine. He has been studying with Rachel Rosenthal for over a year.

Doug Hammett, who received an MFA from Art Center in Pasadena, blends the worlds of the visual arts and theatrical arts into works for the wall and stage. He is a past member of CoMMit, Invisible Theater, and Fauve Conspiracy, and a current member of TOHUBOHU! and YesAnd.

Alexis Hunt is a visual and performance artist currently living in Los Angeles.

New York native Nehara Kalev is a dancer, choreographer and co-founder of Catch Me Bird Dance Theater, a reality-based performance collaboration with her husband C. Derrick Jones. She has performed as an aerial dancer with Airealistic and has been featured in the acrobatic Diavolo Dance Theater. She has a BA from Oberlin College and an MFA from University of California, Los Angeles. Kalev has been working with Rachel Rosenthal for several years.

Josué Martinez has a BA in Theater Arts and Dance from Cal State Los Angeles, studying under José Cruz González, Tanya Kane-Parry, and Hae Kyung Lee. He has performed as part of the Teatro Nueva Alma Company, Danielle Brazell’s Queer Exchange Group, and Tim Miller’s Performance Art Group. Currently he teaches theater to children and conducts story times to promote reading at the Commerce Public Library. This is his first year working with Rachel Rosenthal.

Michael Morrissey has performed across the city, from Al’s Bar downtown (Ubu da King, Exeunt, Porno), to Highways on the Westside (Last Queer Taboo, Voluptuous Madness) to The Rachel Rosenthal Company (Timepiece, Ur-Boor, etc.) and beyond… (Last Waltz, Crook.)

Craig Ng has accumulated dozens of credits in film, television, and theater. He is an award-winning Foley artist (post sound film production) currently working in animation on several Disney projects. He also brings a history of dance and martial arts to his explorations with TOHUBOHU!

Dan Poirier is an illustrator, graphic designer, puppeteer, and performer. He has degrees in Illustration from Art Center College of Design, and Theater Arts from University of California, Los Angeles. His creative experience includes set design, live event production management, and storyboarding for animated films. Poirier has studied with Rachel Rosenthal for two years.

Pamela Samuelson has performed as a dancer, aerialist, actor, and musician in New York City, Puerto Rico, and Los Angeles since graduating from Sarah Lawrence College with a degree in Choreography and Religion. She has studied with Rachel Rosenthal for nearly four years.

Joan Spitler is an artist who has performed with Rachel Rosenthal for many years. She has studied with some of the originators of performance art including Eleanor Antin, Alan Kaprow, and Jerome Rothenberg. Her artistic talents as a performer and a renowned cake designer have been featured internationally in gallery settings, onstage, and in television and film.

Mike Steckel studied fine and performance art at the University of Northern Iowa under Jeffery Byrd. He now works at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, primarily as a dinosaur puppeteer. He has been studying with Rachel Rosenthal for two and a half years.

Interdisciplinary artist/arts educator Kate Noonan is the managing director, lighting designer, and sound designer for The Rachel Rosenthal Company. She was also a Company member in a previous incarnation of TOHUBOHU! She has worked in collaboration with Mehmet Sander, The Fabulous Monsters, John Fleck, and Susan Tyrrell, among many others in the Los Angeles theater community. As a performer, she was last seen in Bill Viola’s Dense Presence, a film installation that is part of his Passions series, which had its world premiere at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. She has taught theater arts and Performance from Scratch workshops across the United States.

Rachel Rosenthal, a leading figure from the Southern California arts movement in the 1960s and 1970s, has been inspiring audiences for decades. Born into an affluent Russian-Jewish family in Paris, Rosenthal’s father, Léonard Rosenthal, was a gem merchant widely known as “The King of Pearls.” During World War II, her family escaped France, moving to Rio de Janeiro by way of Portugal. After losing his material wealth to the Nazi’s, her father had to start over at age 65. In 1941, the family left Brazil to settle in New York where Rosenthal graduated from the High School of Music and Art and became a US citizen.

She studied art, theater and dance in Paris and New York after the war with such teachers as Hans Hoffmann, Erwin Piscator, and Jean-Louis Barrault. Her circle included Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Merce Cunningham and John Cage, whose Zen sensibility informed and influenced Rosenthal’s aesthetic. With this foundation, she moved West and began her theatrical career in Los Angeles in the mid-1950s as artistic director and performer for the ten-year run of the totally improvised and influential underground Instant Theatre which created Happenings that drew upon notions of chance.

In the past 25 years, Rosenthal has presented over 35 of her own original performance pieces – thought provoking works centered on humanity’s place on the planet. According to Artweek Magazine, “Rosenthal defines what differentiates quality performance art from mundane theatrical exercise…she took us into her reality, and for that brief and precious moment, she altered our vision of the world. This is what great art can and should do.”

Rosenthal has performed in over 100 venues around the world including documenta 8 in Kassel, Germany, The Helsinki Festival, ICA London, The Performance Space in Sydney, The Whitney Museum in New York City, and Museum of Contemporary Art here in Los Angeles. The Pompidou Centre recently included her in its 2006 show Los Angeles 1955-1985. Her pioneering performances have earned Obie, Rockefeller, Getty, NEA and CAA awards, among others.

In 1999, Rosenthal received an Honorary Doctorate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago; and in 2000 she was honored by the City of Los Angeles as a “Living Cultural Treasure of Los Angeles.” Critics have called her “a monument and a marvel” and Richard Schechner, editor of The Drama Review (TDR), put Rosenthal into the same category as Robert Wilson, Ping Chong, Richard Foreman, Meredith Monk, and Laurie Anderson.

She opened her studio, Espace DbD, on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles in 1980. From 1980 to 1983, Rosenthal presented performances by many emerging and established performance artists including Barbara Smith, Eleanor Antin, Cheri Gaulke, Alan Kaprow, John White, Joyce Cutler Shaw, Tom Jenkins, and many others. Rosenthal founded The Rachel Rosenthal Company as an educational non-profit arts organization in 1989.

Rosenthal’s new book, The DbD Experience: Chance Knows What It’s Doing!, was released this month by Routledge. DbD, or “Doing by Doing,” describes her signature method of teaching improvisational theater. In the 130-page book, Rosenthal explores improvisational theater and its relationship to life, offering a blow-by-blow account of what happens in her 34-hour DbD weekend intensive workshops (currently still happening on a bi-annual basis in Los Angeles). This mix of memoir, teaching manual, and manifesto was edited by Kate Noonan (ISBN 978-0-415-55102-1, www.routledge.com). For the full press release on The DbD Experience: Chance Knows What It’s Doing!, see: http://www.greengalactic.com/2009/dbd-experience/

“Chance is the core of improvisation,” says Rosenthal when crystallizing the point of her teaching methods which come to life in TOHUBOHU!, “It’s about breaking down borders, opening up to the givens, activating the moment, and paying attention to what is.”

# # #

For more information, to get on the press list for an upcoming TOHUBOHU! Extreme Theater performance, photos, a copy of Rosenthal’s new book, or to arrange an interview, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213.840.1201 and lynn@greengalactic.com

# # #

- event details –

The Rachel Rosenthal Company Introduces
TOHUBOHU! Extreme Theater Ensemble

Friday – Sunday night
Feb. 19, 20, 21, 2010
8:30 – 10:00pm

The Rachel Rosenthal Company
at Espace DbD
2847 South Robertson Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90034

$20
Reservations Required

310-839-0661
www.rachelrosenthal.org

]]> http://www.greengalactic.com/2010/rachel-rosenthal-tohubohu/feed/ 0 http://www.greengalactic.com/2010/nextaid-make-up-designory-red-rhino-orphanage/ http://www.greengalactic.com/2010/nextaid-make-up-designory-red-rhino-orphanage/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:24:07 +0000 lynn-hasty http://www.greengalactic.com/?p=734 Believing that everyone deserves a beautiful future, the nation’s leading make-up educational institute, Make-Up Designory (MUD), created the MUD Cares Palette of Eye Colors to benefit NextAid and one of its partners in Africa, the Red Rhino Orphanage Project (RROP). 100% of the sales from the limited-edition four-color eye shadow palette are being generously donated to NextAid to help RROP build a foundation for a better tomorrow. Once the specially commissioned palettes sell out the funds will provide construction of orphans’ homes in a poverty-stricken town 25 miles southeast of Nairobi, Kenya. Lovely superstars Colette, DJ Rap, Eve Falcon, and Samantha James have come on board to help spread the word. For Immediate Release: February 3, 2010

NextAid and Make-Up Designory
With Help from DJ Rap, Colette, Samantha James and Eve Falcon
Launch New Promo Campaign For
MUD Cares Palette of Eye Colors
To Fund Construction & Education for Red Rhino Orphanage Project in Kenya

LOS ANGELES, CA – Believing that everyone deserves a beautiful future, the nation’s leading make-up educational institute, Make-Up Designory (MUD), created the MUD Cares Palette of Eye Colors to benefit NextAid and one of its partners in Africa, the Red Rhino Orphanage Project (RROP). 100% of the sales from the limited-edition four-color eye shadow palette are being generously donated to NextAid to help RROP build a foundation for a better tomorrow. Once the specially commissioned palettes sell out the funds will provide construction of orphans’ homes in a poverty-stricken town 25 miles southeast of Nairobi, Kenya. Each of these eco-friendly structures will provide long-term shelter, food and medical needs for some of the most vulnerable orphans in the area. NextAid has increased efforts to sell the remaining palettes with the launch of an extensive online promotional campaign with the help of lovely superstars Colette, DJ Rap, Eve Falcon, and Samantha James. To help spread beauty from the inside out, purchase the palette online at http://shop.mudshop.com/mud-cares-palette or MUD retail stores located in Burbank and SoHo.

The MUD Cares Palette, retailing for $25.00, is a quad of eye shadows developed and created by Make-Up Designory. The four colors were hand-selected by members of NextAid to bring out the natural beauty of every skin tone. Stay grounded with Spanish Gold and Dulce de Leche, create a warm glow with Cashmere, or visualize a better world with vibrant Moss. The powders are soft and finely milled with just a touch of sheen. The shades work for most skin tones and complexions.

By selling only 1,000 palettes, MUD will raise $25,000 to fund the final construction and initial operations of two homes expected to house 16 children at Red Rhino Orphanage Project. Each of the timber-framed sustainable structures will provide basic necessities including medical supplies for rescued children, children at risk, and orphans in a safe, encouraging and healthy environment. The project also funds the children’s educational pursuits, from elementary school through secondary and university or trade school.

NextAid co-founder and director, Lauren Segal-Avenna explains, “The children Red Rhino Orphanage Project is caring for are some of the saddest cases in the region. These are kids that have absolutely nowhere else to go. These were once babies who were literally left on door steps, trash heaps… totally abandoned.”

In late 2009, four incredible talents from DJ culture came together for a MUD makeover and photo shoot at MUD’s Burbank studio to help NextAid spread the word to their combined global fan-bases. Los Angeles-based DJs and artists Colette, DJ Rap, Eve Falcon, and Samantha James, all generous supporters of NextAid, freed up their busy schedules and volunteered their time. Look for the NextAid/MUD web-banners featuring the four DJ beauties splashed around the internet this spring. Visit MUD’s blog to see the behind-the-scenes photo shoot http://www.mudblog.net/blog/make-up_designory_nextaid_building_a_foundation_for_a_better_tomorrow.

About RROP:
The Red Rhino Orphanage Project’s mission is to house and educate some of the most unfortunate children in Kenya, enabling them to become contributing members of society and leaders of the next generation. RROP is committed to providing the children it serves with a sanctuary from the immediate and pressing dangers of life, housing, food and medical needs. The orphanage will work in partnership with the surrounding community in ways that foster local commerce and positively impact the environment. The project also funds the children’s educational pursuits, from elementary school through secondary and university or trade school. Additionally, RROP sponsors the locally run rescued baby home Springs of Hope in the nearby town of Machakos. The completion of the homes will allow the overflow of older children from Springs of Hope to move to the newer RROP facilities. For more information on RROP please visit http://www.rrop.org.

About Colette:
With her disarming doe eyes and a heartwarming demeanor, Om Records’ Colette possesses the unmistakable voice of post-millennial house music. Her sweet-but-sultry, classically trained voice highlights any beat that flows behind it, making the former choirgirl-cum-Chicago-house-siren a mainstay in the global dance music scene. In the late 90s, Colette started the SuperJane troupe with fellow Chicagoan DJs Dayhota, Lady D and Heather, paving the way for women seeking equal time behind the decks as their male counterparts. In 2007, Colette released Push, the highly anticipated follow up album to her critically acclaimed Billboard Magazine No. 1 charting debut album Hypnotized. Inspired by her house music upbringing in the birth place of the beat, Push harks back to the days where electro, house, hip hop and freestyle music ruled the airwaves and does something few seem to do these days: create a complete album of hits that will grab anyone with a love for good music. Despite international acclaim, Colette continues to stay grounded in the Windy City with her monthly residency at the Metro/Smart Bar. For more on Colette please visit http://www.djcolette.com.

About DJ Rap:
Over her 15-year career, DJ Rap has moved effortlessly between genres, staking her claim on various styles within the electronic spectrum, while simultaneously pushing the limits of rock and pop. The First Lady of Drum ʻnʼ Bass and the undisputed Queen of the Turntables, her music has infiltrated club systems and car stereos worldwide, and her numerous forays into video game and motion picture soundtracks have solidified her pedigree as one of dance musicʼs most successful and prolific artists. In February 2010, DJ Rap will release Synthesis (Ministry of Sound), a brand new studio album that weaves together a full compliment of synthetic textures and organic moods, and paints a lucid picture of her journey as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Also, check out Metasyn, the spankin’ new by-product of DJ Rap and fresh up ‘n’ comer Chemical Hero dishing out a brand new drum&bass sound that is unlike anything this side of the moon. Learn more about DJ Rap here http://www.djrap.com.

About Eve Falcon:
Anyone watching E! Entertainment Television over the past year has no doubt seen internationally renowned DJ, producer and vocalist Eve Falcon heating up the decks on the channel’s “12 Sexiest Hollywood Jobs.” Known for her impeccably programmed DJ sets that transcend genre pigeonholing, Eve Falcon has once again brought her flair for music on a fresh new production with renowned DJ and producer DJ Rap. The result is the banging progressive house tune “Good Times,” a peak time floor-filler with uplifting vocals courtesy of Eve herself. The tune is slated for release on DJ Rap’s Impropa Talent imprint in the coming months. Also, Eve’s newest mix, “Bloom,” continues to raise eyebrows and garner accolades as another flawless audio journey. A perfect example of Eve’s unique signature style and energy, the mix has been described as “…sweet beats and smooth transitions make Falcon’s mixes long lived pleasures” – http://www.evefalcon.com.

About Samantha James:
Songwriter and performer Samantha James has spent the past seven years honing her estimable skills as a modern-day singer/songwriter within the dance/electronic/soul genre. Her sultry style, vocal cadences, and international rhythms are largely influenced by such artists as Sade, Basia, Amel Larrieux, Bebel Gilberto and Morcheeba. On her debut album Rise for San Francisco based indie label Om Records, Samantha teamed up with producer and co-writer Sebastian Arocha Morton (ROCAsound) who states, “talented, beautiful, passionate, and dedicated… Samantha James is the real thing – as both recording artist and stage performer. She is a welcome and beautiful new face in the world of dance-electronic music.” The soulful songstress, much to the pleasure of her adoring fans, is in the process of completing her highly-anticipated second album, with the first single due to be released in February – myspace.com/sammyjmusic.

About Make-Up Designory:
Founded in 1997, Make-Up Designory (MUD) is a private, post-secondary institution that provides rigorous training in the field of make-up artistry for film, television, fashion, and retail. At their two thriving campuses in Los Angeles and New York, students from around the world gain expertise in beauty make-up artistry, hairstyling, character make-up, special make-up effects, portfolio development and more. In addition, MUD develops and markets a line of professional-quality make-up products and precision tools, which are supported by expert tips and tested in challenging, real-life situations. MUD products are available through select retailers in the United States, Asia, and Europe, as well as online. For more information about MUD products, please visit: www.mudshop.com, or to learn more about the school, please visit www.mud.edu.

About NextAid:
NextAid’s mission is to improve the lives of children and youth in Africa by promoting and implementing sustainable solutions. NextAid raises awareness for, and partners with, community-based projects and grassroots organizations in Africa and believes that an integrated approach is the best formula for establishing real and lasting change. Through music events and public education initiatives, NextAid provides empowering opportunities for concerned individuals to make a difference – learn more at www.nextaid.org.

# # #

For more information, photos or interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn[at]greengalactic.com.

"Eyes Nose Mouth" - photo credit: Noemie Lafrance

Dance Camera West (DCW), recognized internationally for its month-long presentation and celebration of dance on screen, announces its Ninth Annual Dance Media Film Festival screening at venues throughout Southern California in June 2010. Dance on screen, or screendance, is a unique cinematic experience that focuses on the intersection of cinematography and choreography. The festival includes screendance as well as all forms of dance media. “The hybrid screendance medium is diverse, encompassing a broad range of cinematography styles, exhibition formats, and subject matter traversing global perspectives,” says Dance Camera West founder and director, Lynette Kessler… For Immediate Release: January 27, 2010

Dance Camera West
Announces Ninth Annual Dance Media Film Festival
Throughout Los Angeles – June 2010

LOS ANGELES, CA – Dance Camera West (DCW), recognized internationally for its month-long presentation and celebration of dance on screen, announces its Ninth Annual Dance Media Film Festival screening at venues throughout Southern California in June 2010. Dance on screen, or screendance, is a unique cinematic experience that focuses on the intersection of cinematography and choreography. The festival includes screendance as well as all forms of dance media. “The hybrid screendance medium is diverse, encompassing a broad range of cinematography styles, exhibition formats, and subject matter traversing global perspectives,” says Dance Camera West founder and director, Lynette Kessler, “The festival includes everything from experimental shorts to documentaries – ranging from surreal visual abstractions to strict narratives.” Once again DCW partners with the city’s most prominent venues in offering a host of screenings, installations, and panel discussions with visiting international artists. Please visit DCW’s website for continuous updates at www.dancecamerawest.org. See below for a preliminary schedule of events.

Dance Camera West’s Ninth Annual Dance Media Film Festival opens at the REDCAT Theater in downtown LA, with its celebrated opening night party on Friday, June 4, 2010. The opening weekend program, “ScreenDance: A New Visual Language,” will captivate audiences on Friday and Saturday night with three separate presentations of short films from around the world. The following weekend, DCW will present two days of programming at the Hammer Museum’s Billy Wilder Theatre on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13 (program TBD). On the evening of June 19th, DCW showcases work from Los Angeles-based creators in its “Local Makers” program with an entertaining outdoor, community event at the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center. For the first time, DCW’s “Local Makers” program will include student work. Look also for events in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, Los Angeles Film Festival, and American Cinematheque.

Known as one of the world’s premiere presenters of dance media, Dance Camera West aspires to awaken and infuse the public mainstream with critical creative programming. DCW has expanded the audience for dance in Southern California with the presentation of more than 1,000 dance films from 43 countries since its inception in 2002.

“Dance media is pushing art in a new direction,” says Kessler, “as choreographers and directors continue to stretch our imagination and change the way we think about dance.”

Dance Camera West founder and executive/artistic director Lynette Kessler is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and media artist with an MFA in Dance from the University of Michigan and a BFA in Dance from York University in Toronto. Known for her innovative collaborations and dance work for the screen that have been shown in film festivals worldwide, Kessler has received numerous awards including a Lester Horton Dance Award, Alden B. Dow Creativity Fellowship, and an artist residency at Headlands Center for the Arts. She is a founding member of Media & Dance Network (MAD), has served on dance film review committees for EMPAC (Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center), American Choreography Awards, Dance on Camera Festival in New York, Moving Pictures Festival of Dance on Film in Toronto, and is a guest lecturer at UCLA, UC Irvine, and Cal Arts. Kessler sits on the board of directors for the following organizations: Buckminster Fuller Institute, Dance Channel TV, and the California Ear Unit. She is an active member of the advocacy groups: Arts for LA, California Arts Advocates, and Americans for the Arts. And she’s also on the Media Arts Advisory Committee to guide the new Media Arts initiative creating a fifth arts discipline for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).

Dance Camera West is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering and promoting the vibrant art of dance media from around the world. DCW aims to bridge the unique mix of film and dance communities in Los Angeles through the exploration of this hybrid genre. DCW also strives to create a broader and more engaged audience for dance and dance media by merging both performance and cinematic aesthetics. DCW is one of only a handful of organizations in the world that present dance media and the only one of its kind on the West Coast. The 2008 and 2009 festivals were featured in FOX News segments, Los Angeles Magazine selected Dance Camera West as its “Pick of the Month” for the June 2008 issue, the Los Angeles Times selected the Dance Camera West Dance Media Film Festival as one of the “Ten Best” dance events in Los Angeles for 2006 and 2007, and DCW was voted one of the “Top 25 Dance Organizations to Watch” by Dance Magazine in 2005 and 2006.

In addition to the planning of the upcoming June 2010 festival, Dance Camera West is also preparing a special 10-year anniversary event for 2011. In celebration of this milestone, the organization will host an international Dance Media Symposium in downtown Los Angeles, bringing together artists, dancers, educators, and film/television industry professionals. With a working title of Dance Media: The Active Spectrum, conference participants from the dance and media worlds will come together for a conversation on the exciting opportunities for expansive growth, creative expression, and innovation offered by new media. In addition to a full program of evening screenings, the 2011 anniversary event will also include a unique series of daytime panel presentations, guest speakers, and networking opportunities. A steering committee for the conference is being formed with notable artists and leaders from the international dance media community.

This year’s 2010 Dance Camera West festival is supported in part by Mortimer Levitt Foundation, James Irvine Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

See below for DCW’s June 2010 Festival Schedule as of 1/27/10:

➢ Fri. June 4 [8:00pm] and Sat. June 5 [6:00pm & 8:00pm] at REDCAT [downtown LA]
“Screendance: A New Visual Language” (contains adult content) – Opening Night Friday!
Opening night screening and party on Friday followed by two different screening programs on Saturday. In three unique screenings over two days, this collection of innovative dance films from around the world explores the intersection between movement and cinema.
- Fri. June 4 – 8:00pm – Screening and Opening Night Reception
- Sat. June 5 – 6:00pm screening & 8:00pm screening (all three screenings different)

REDCAT, Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (Walt Disney Concert Hall Complex)
631 West 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213 237-2800; http://redcat.org)
- Tickets $15 opening night ($10 for CalArts or DCW members), $10 for other screenings ($7 for CalArts or DCW members)

➢ Sat. June 12 [7:00pm] and Sun. June 13 [2:00pm & 6:00pm] at the Hammer Museum [Westwood]
Programs TBD – Three Programs over Two Days at the Hammer

Hammer Museum – Billy Wilder Theater
10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310-443-7000; www.hammer.ucla.edu)
- FREE admission, no reservations required; seating is first come first served

➢ Sat. June 19 [8:00 – 10:00pm] at Cheviot Hills Recreation Center [West LA]
“Local Makers – LA Choreographers and Directors” – Outdoor Screening
Dance Camera West presents an outdoor screening event whereby the park will be transformed into a cinematic cross-cultural display with four different screening areas. Student work will be included for the first time. K – 12 students from LAUSD have been invited to submit work (the Call for Entries ends April 15, 2010).
Even though all the films have one thing in common – they were all created by Los Angeles- based choreographers and directors – they’re as diverse as the Southern California landscape itself. The program presents everything under the sun (or moon in this case) during this family-friendly evening. Bring a flashlight, something to sit on, and join in the fun under the stars.

Cheviot Hills Recreation Center
2551 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310-837-4233)
- FREE admission, no reservations required

➢ Wed. June 30 [time TBA] at Goethe-Institute [mid-Wilshire]
A new documentary by Anne Linsel will screen as part of a special Pina Bausch Celebration at Goethe-Institute, the German cultural institution (more info TBA).

Goethe-Institute
5750 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323-525-3388; www.goethe.de/enindex.htm)
- price TBD

More June dates, venues and programs TBA for Dance Camera West’s Ninth Annual Dance Media Film Festival. Please visit DCW’s website for continuous updates – www.dancecamerawest.org.

#                #               #

For more information, press passes, photos, or to interview DCW’s founder Lynette Kessler, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn [at] greengalactic.com.

Buddha Bark

Buddha Bark
Celebrity and Canine Style Lounge
Debuts During the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards
In Hollywood on Friday, January 15 & Saturday, January 16, 2010

Hosted by Actress Camille Guaty, Buddha Bark Founder
Madison Svensson, and Stylist to the Stars Chaz Dean

LOS ANGELES, CA – Buddha Bark is the premiere wellness, pampering and gifting lounge for celebrities, media, tastemakers and their dogs to primp and prepare pre-awards shows, debuting in January 2010 during the 67th annual Golden Globe Awards. Created by canine wellness expert, Madison Svensson, her Buddha Bark event series is the first to bring together top experts and brands from both the celebrity lifestyle world and the canine wellness community. Showcasing cutting-edge organic treatments, services and products for people and their pets, Buddha Bark will take place on Friday, January 15th and Saturday, January 16, 2009 from 11:00am – 5:00pm. Find refuge in an exclusive Zen-inspired garden oasis located in the heart of the awards show action zone complete with bungalows, a dog park, salon, art gallery, fashion runway, performance art, walking gardens and more. For additional information, please visit www.buddhabark.com.

Hosted by Buddha Bark founder Madison Svensson, hair stylist to the stars Chaz Dean, and actress Camille Guaty, this pre-Golden Globes weekend retreat will take place at the gorgeous, canine friendly Chaz Dean Studio located at 6444 Fountain Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028. The January event will feature a canine couture fashion show, animal communicators, art exhibit, silent auction, doggie talent showcase, hair salon appointments, canine mini-massages, mobile groomers, agility demos, and Frisbee dogs pet tricks. Refreshments provided by Coca Cola, Dasani Water, Hansen’s, Honest Tea, Synergy Kombucha, and Vitamin Water. The event will also feature celebrity dog lovers Elisabetta Canalis, Daryl Hannah, Kevin Connely, Molly Sims, Kristin Bauer (“True Blood”), Charlotte Ross (“Glee”), Jason Biggs, Daisy Fuentes, David Faustino, Kym Johnson (“Dancing with the Stars”), Corin Nemec, Rex Lee, Elaine Hendrix, Rachel Hunter, Rebecca DeMornay, and more.

Intended to be fun and relaxing for guests, each event will benefit and draw attention to serious animal rights causes. Buddha Bark is about extending the circle of compassion by educating and promoting a lifestyle of harmony and wellness between humans and their canine companions. Buddha Bark’s debut event will benefit Best Friends Animal Society and its campaign, “Puppies Aren’t Products,” which advocates supporting adoption and shelters rather than dishonest and inhumane pet retailers and breeders involved with puppy mills. Learn more here: http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/puppies_arent_products.cfm.

Celebrity and canine wellness experts will host a series of activities throughout both event days from 11:00am – 5:00pm. Dogs are welcome both days as are celebrities and VIP members of the media. This event is not open to the public. Appointments may be booked with animal communicators, dog groomers, canine and people masseuse/masseurs, and for mini facials, makeovers, and styling sessions with Chaz Dean Studio. Celebrity transport will also be available between Buddha Bark and the GBK Mondrian gifting lounge and/or to/from home.

Planned activities, events and entertainment during Buddha Bark’s pre-Golden Globes pampering weekend include:

Doggie Fashion Show presented by D.O.G. Pet Boutique -
A celebrity hosted doggie couture Spring 2010 fashion show featuring fun, themed outfits from the best dog fashion designers in the world. The show will run on both Friday and Saturday afternoon commencing at 3:00pm both days and will be presented by the world’s hottest pet boutique – D.O.G. Pet Boutique.

Art Gallery and Silent Auction to benefit Best Friends Animal Society -
The art gallery will showcase artistic expressions depicting man’s relationship with the canine world through photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, and mixed media. Both humorous and dramatic pieces regarding a dog’s perspective on life will be included. Featured artists to include Jesse Freidin Photographer, Nancy Levine, Andy Stolarek, Sam Price, Shaun Alexander, and Shine Pet Photos. Auction items include a limited edition Chién Vivant Couture “Nice” doggie bed (retail value $ 1,947), clothes by visionary couture and eco-designer Linda Loudermilk, artwork, jewelry, spa services, and much more. Proceeds from Best Friends Animal Society Silent Auction will benefit its “Puppies Aren’t Products” campaign.

Chaz Dean Studio -
Stylists from the salon will be pampering celebrities and media with salon appointments for blowouts, cleansing and styling.

Facials –
The Healing Rose will provide mini facials.

Canine Wellness Services -
Appointments are available for Animal Communicator sessions and Canine mini-massages. Canine mobile groomer Wizard of Paws is also available for appointments. Onsite pet sitting and walking provided by Healthy Spot.

Entertainment -
Agility Demonstrations, Frisbee Dogs, and Pet Tricks.

DJs -
DJ entertainment provided by Glenn Wiekert of ArcheDream for HUMANKIND, Brion Topolski of Zen Arts, Ken Hankins of ElectroBass, Ryan Jesena aka Bunny DJ Lu5h.

Living Sculpture -
Dancers, will add to the magic of this weekend oasis with movement that communicates universal ideas and emotions to promote understanding and compassion.

Events sponsors include Beasty Bling (http://www.beastybling.com), Buddha Dog Massage (http://buddhadog.webs.com), Chien de Nimes (www.chiendenimes.com), Chién Vivant Couture (www.chienvivantcouture.com), Dog Pet Boutique (www.dogpetboutique.com), Doggie Driving (www.doggiedriving.com), Kane and Couture (www.kaneandcouture.com), Maggie Bags (www.maggiebags.net), Modern Dog Magazine (www.moderndogmagazine.com), Pet Flys (http://www.petflys.com), Shine Pet Photos (www.shinepetphotos.com), The Pet Loo (http://www.thepetloo.com), Weider Pet Health (www.weiderpethealth.com), and Wellness Natural Food for Pets (www.wellnesspetfood.com).

About the Hosts:
Madison Svensson is the founder and spokesperson of the Buddha Bark canine lounge event series. She is a canine wellness trainer and consultant. She is certified in Canine Massage, a member of IAAMB (International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork), a member of The Animal Wellness Association, and the producer of DJ Doggie canine bioacoustic music therapy CDs.

Celebrity hair stylist Chaz Dean single-handedly transformed the beauty industry with the wildly successful WEN Hair & Body Care line. The all-natural line has replaced the harmful detergents and sulfates in soap and shampoo with nourishing botanical ingredients that work wonders on even the most dry, damaged and frizzy hair. When Dean is not focusing on developing new groundbreaking products and his personal clients, you’ll find him hiking with his dogs, who even have their own playground at the studio.

American actress Camille Guaty’s first big break came when she was a finalist on the WB’s reality show “Popstars,” which led to her film debut in the movie Chaos Theory and her television introduction as Maria, the maid in the sitcom “The Help.” Guaty has had major roles in the television shows “Raising Dad,” “Prison Break,” “Las Vegas” and in the Disney Channel original movie Gotta Kick It Up. She is currently starring on the hit ABC show “The Nine.” Of Buddha Bark founder Svensson, Guaty shares, “I am so supportive of Madison and everything she is doing for our furry four-legged friends. My two dogs were at a kill shelter and they’re the best decisions I have ever made. I support “Don’t shop, Adopt” and you should too!”

About the Event Venue:
Located in the heart of Hollywood, this private complex is a Zen-like refuge tucked away in a charming bungalow surrounded by bamboo and filled with the scent of eucalyptus and lavender. Chaz Dean chose to have no signage at his studio. Instead you’ll find ivy-covered walls, lush foliage, trickling fountains, calming sitting areas and hanging lanterns. The living room and parlor of this 1921 Craftsman home are filled with overstuffed velvet furniture in jewel tones and exquisite hand wrought iron surrounds the hanging mirrors at the stylist’s stations. The salon’s services include hair color and cuts, conditioning treatments and makeup application and lessons. Learn more at http://www.chazdean.com.

About Best Friends Animal Society:
Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit, membership organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets. The society’s leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah, headquarters, the country’s largest no-kill sanctuary. This work is made possible by the personal and financial support of a grassroots network of members and community partners across the nation. In 2009, Best Friends celebrates its 25th anniversary. More information at www.bestfriends.org.

About the Golden Globes:
This year, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s (HFPA) 67th annual Golden Globe Awards® will be seen in more than 160 countries worldwide with an estimated 14.5 million viewers and attendance by all major film and TV stars. HFPA members represent some 55 countries with a combined readership of more than 250 million. The Golden Globes is one of the few awards ceremonies that span both television and motion picture achievements. Today, the Golden Globes recognize achievements in 25 categories – 14 in motion pictures and 11 in television. Dick Clark Productions has produced the Golden Globes ceremony since 1983. All nominees will be invited such as Emily Blunt, Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Carey Mulligan, Gabourey Sadibe, Jeff Bridges, George Clooney, Colin Firth, Morgan Freeman, Tobey Maguire, Marion Cotillard, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Daniel Day Lewis, Robert Downey Jr., Joseph Gordon Levitt, and Michael Stuhlbarg. For more information please visit http://www.goldenglobes.org.

# # #

For more information, photos, interviews and media credentials, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at lynn@greengalactic.com or 213-840-1201.

The Huron SubStation

For Immediate Release: December 18, 2009

New Product Line Manifest Destiny
Debuts with Unique Line of Sumptuous Candles – Beautiful Relics
that Evoke the Past
Each with Its Own Mysterious Fable – Pure Intellectual Luxury
Online Store Launch – Friday, December 18, 2009
Found at Select Pasadena Retailers Now

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Huron SubStation, a historic 1906 Los Angeles trolley power station, recently launched its first line of candles under the helm of Manifest Destiny. The line, unique in concept, aromatics and visuals, creates its own genre within the candle market. Created by SubStation owner, Meike Kopp, the line debuts with a series of luxurious candles, each memorializing a time in history with an antique image and a vintage scent. The line utilizes such striking images as lost photos found in the attic to civil war daguerreotypes, pairing them with hauntingly evocative scents such as cognac, burning birch, and pouch tobacco. Adding yet another dimension to the line, the antique images on each of the candles inspires the creation of a character that is immersed in a mysterious fable. Written by Kopp, a teaser of the fable accompanies each candle and the fable in its entirety can be found on Manifest Destiny’s site www.manifestdestinyline.com.

In future series’ of the candle line, the fates of these mysterious characters will intersect, creating an intimate virtual world rooted in history, literature and imagination. Manifest Destiny will launch its online store on December 18, 2009 and will premiere its product at the California Gift Show in January 2010.

Two southern California retailers are already selling the beautiful relics:

Goldbug
22 East Union Street
Pasadena, CA 91103
626-744-9963

Little Flower Candy Company
1424 W. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-304-4800

With a suggested retail price of $36.00, the candles are made from a soy-based wax with 9% fragrance oil (a high ratio) and a lead-free wick. Each candle is 12 oz. and will burn for 80 hours. Beautifully boxed, the packaging includes an 8-page pamphlet about the line and a cover page that acts as a gift card.

The four debut fragrances include “Hunter’s Reign,” “Frolic,” “Ruins,” and “Vintage Velvet”:

- Hunter’s Reign – Waiting for the Moment, the Moment is Here
Aroma: Bourbon, Moss, Leather and Pouch Tobacco

- Frolic – An Evocative Romp into Your Childhood Senses
Aroma: Grass, Bees & Wind

- Ruins – The Only Noun to Follow the Verb of War
Aroma: Cedar and Birch Smoke along with Night Blooming Jasmine

- Vintage Velvet - A Vaudevillian Act in 5 Senses
Aroma: Cognac and Amber

Meike Kopp, is the owner of the Huron SubStation, a 103-year old historic monument, situated in Cypress Park (just north of downtown Los Angeles). Kopp followed her instincts when she bought the property and established a business in what is often referred to as a kind of Wild West area of L.A. In the modern era the building is well known for being a hub of creativity; hosting film and photo shoots for the likes of German Vogue, Puma, Chrysler, and most recently, Twentieth Century Fox’s feature film Date/Night, starring Tina Fey and Steve Carrell. The film shoot has transformed Kopp’s power station into the Central Park Boat House (with boats floating on water in what was the living room). In addition, re-known sculptor, Christopher Slatoff, has his studio on the compound and collaborates with the likes of Ray Bradbury there.

Born in Germany, raised in the United States, Meike Kopp, a single mother, has always taken a pioneer approach to both business and lifestyle. The debut product from the Manifest Destiny line is another “manifestation” of that approach; breathing new life and innovation into the world of candles, provoking both the masculine and feminine sensibilities in what was largely a feminine market. While the line’s name, Manifest Destiny, can be seen in a more apparent way of Kopp manifesting her destiny, at the root of Manifest Destiny is a more prolific, almost immigrant viewpoint of the American Dream, referring to expansion into unknown territories, conjuring up visions of pioneers, reinventing their lives and the lives of those around them.

In the current environment of economic uncertainty, Meike Kopp believes that products need to have more personal value. The candle line is well thought out, of high quality and carries a layered depth of intension: the fragrances are hauntingly evocative, and the images are striking, rooted in history and have a story to go with each.

Manifest Destiny is conceived and created within the United States. A majority of the vendors and products that are involved in the line come from within the greater Los Angeles area. Manifest Destiny intends to participate in its national and local economies and commits itself to being aware of the conditions and wages of those contributing to its line of modern relics.

For more information, photos or to set up interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn@greengalactic.com.

Photo credit Aaron Gautchi

When Lucent Dossier Experience started their new artist residency in the heart of Hollywood last month, they were presented with an unusual challenge: the h.wood space they now inhabit on Wednesday nights is a series of small, den-like chambers without a large, conventional stage. While this could have been a liability, the inventive troupe rose to the occasion by reconfiguring their show, conceptually transforming h.wood’s labyrinth of rooms into a modern day cabinet of human curiosities. Wednesdays through December 23, 2009, Lucent Dossier Experience opens h.wood’s doors every week at 8:00 p.m. with the troupe’s tantalizing performances from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, and DJs/dancing continuing until 2:00 a.m. The residency runs through December, culminating with their Orphan’s Ball on December 23rd which benefits Cuddle The World, Lucent’s charity project for disadvantaged children.For Immediate Release: December 6, 2009

Lucent Dossier Experience Transforms h.wood
Into a Modern Day Cabinet of Human Curiosities
With Performances On Wednesdays
Running Through December 23rd 2009

LOS ANGELES, CA – When Lucent Dossier Experience started their new artist residency in the heart of Hollywood last month, they were presented with an unusual challenge: the h.wood space they now inhabit on Wednesday nights is a series of small, den-like chambers without a large, conventional stage. While this could have been a liability, the inventive troupe rose to the occasion by reconfiguring their show, conceptually transforming h.wood’s labyrinth of rooms into a modern day cabinet of human curiosities. Wednesdays through December 23, 2009, Lucent Dossier Experience opens h.wood’s doors every week at 8:00 p.m. with the troupe’s tantalizing performances from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, and DJs/dancing continuing until 2:00 a.m. The residency runs through December, culminating with their Orphan’s Ball on December 23rd which benefits Cuddle The World, Lucent’s charity project for disadvantaged children. Admission to Lucent Dossier Experience is $15 on Wednesday nights. h.wood (formerly the Stork Lounge) is located at 1738 N. Orange, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Valet parking is available at the venue and self-parking is in the Hollywood + Highland Center complex (rates are $2 for 4 hours with validation, easy entrance to the parking on Orange or Highland). For information on the venue please call 323-871-2262 or visit www.thehwood.com. For more information on the event and to purchase advance tickets, please visit www.lucentdossier.com.

Historically, curiosity cabinets (aka wunderkammer or cabinets of wonder) were eclectic collections of artifacts including natural specimens, religious artifacts, art works, fantastical imaginary beings, historical relics, and other exotica. These rooms of wonder emerged in the sixteenth century and are considered the precursors to museums. They originally provided a retreat for contemplation and a view into strange new worlds with menageries of preserved fish, feathers, curious shells, stuffed reptiles, coins, coral, minerals, horns, tusks, skeletons, clocks, and a fascinating assortment of man-made objects. Often, the displays would contain a mix of fact and fiction, including mythical creatures. The Lucent Dossier Experience h.wood residency arouses a sense of awe similar to the static curiosity cabinets of yesteryear, but here the exotic specimen are in human form and operate in four dimensions (i.e., three dimensional physical space + the performative element of time.

The industrial vintage h.wood space, in the heart of Hollywood, with its two floors of dark nooks and crannies, perfectly houses Lucent Dossier Experience’s otherworldly spectacle into modern day wonder rooms. The club’s distressed leather couches, antique bookshelves, and old fashioned portraits echo the aristocratic library feel of the original wunderkammer.

Until Christmas, on Wednesday nights, Lucent Dossier Experience activates the h.wood maze of rooms into an exotic display of ethereal seductions with aerial artistry, soulful belly dancers, sleek other-worldy creatures, astral readings, decadent rose water foot baths, gypsies offering soul cleansing herbal elixirs, a post portal post office, temporary tribal tattoo parlor, and impish pranksters — all in fantastical haute couture costumes and makeup. Overhead, luminous aerial performers share the rafters with the antique chandeliers. A menagerie of exotic creatures add magic and mayhem including bizarre and alluring burlesque dancers, a bearded lady, spoken word poets, clowns, contortionists, elves, singers, jugglers, stilt walkers, and a sword swallower in a theatrical spectacle of feathers, chains, and lace.

Lucent Dossier loosely translates to a “collection of glowing light.” In the new residency, the interactive troupe provides a curious twist on the conventional, creating an experience that’s like stepping into a fractured Lewis Carroll dream. The result is a weird and wonderful funhouse where the performers activate the boho chic space, mixing with the local Hollywood flora and fauna, transforming Wednesday nights into a realm of new possibilities.

“All the different elements — the performers, the music, the space, the audience, and chance — come into play to create a very fluid, surrealistic wonderland where no two evenings are ever the same,” says Creative Director Dream Rockwell, “And we encourage guests to dress up in their finery, transform into exotic creatures, express themselves, and become part of the experience.”

A different DJ is featured each week along with live musical elements mixed in (that might including sitar, violins, drums, keyboards, guitar, vocals, or bass). On December 9th, Venice-based DJ, composer, and dance floor messiah KRADDY (founding member of the Glitch Mob) will hit the decks with a futuristic fusion of dubstep, hip hop, dance hall, and crunk all bumping together with his signature style of edits and remixes that make his sound super danceable and unique.

“The music is such an important part of the experience. We come from a very organized, and yet still underground, art and music scene. The sounds that came out of our scene 5-6 years ago are what’s being cultivated into the mainstream now,” says Rockwell, “The music makers, DJs, and producers around us are cutting edge and we are thrilled to be able to feature them. Many of them are now touring worldwide but they’re all still our friends. It’s great to have them come down and create musical magic for a night.”

DJs for December 16th and December 23rd TBD.

On December 16th, as a special treat, visual artist Jocelyn Marsh will show her work in collaboration with Lucent Dossier Experience, further enhancing that evening’s cabinet of curiosities. For ten years, Marsh has been collecting bones, insects, metal boxes, and various other interesting items — bringing them together into whimsical assemblages. She lives in Los Angeles with her cat skeleton, Whiskers. For more information on Marsh and her work, see: jocelynmarsh.com

The weekly residency will culminate with an Orphan’s Ball on December 23rd benefiting Cuddle The World. This Christmas Eve Eve-nt, a time to dance and celebrate with extended family, features a toy drive and other surprises. Guests are encouraged to bring something cuddly (new or gently used) for Lucent Dossier Experience to distribute at an orphanage this Spring when the troupe hits the road.

Cuddle the World is Lucent Dossier Experience’s non-profit organization that brings inspiration in the form of inter-active performance, musical instruments, clown noses, costumes, and fairy wings as well as sparks of love and security, in the form of teddy bears and snuggle blankets, to orphans around the globe. These children are in conditions where they receive very basic care but nothing more.

“We believe that we can help inspire these kids to think more creatively when they are dumped into the world at age 16 or 18 so that they will be able to make better choices for their lives as they are forced to fend for themselves with little or no support,” says Rockwell, “It’s the greatest project I have ever been a part of. I just love to see the little kids’ faces light up and know that what we are doing is worth every bit of time, money, and effort we have put into it.

Rockwell, in partnership with Shrine, a Pasadena-based artist, originally founded the troupe in December 2004 to nourish her love of the avant-garde in the form of dance, performance, music, and costuming. Now, five years later, the critically acclaimed Los Angeles-based tribe of inspiring artists has been featured in television commercials, print advertisements, music videos, and large-scale, live productions such as Coachella here in the US, Summer Sonic in Japan, and Electric Picnic in Ireland. Their h.wood residency follows up their hugely successful year-long run of sold-out shows at The Edison in downtown Los Angeles, which ran from April 2008 through April 2009. Also included in the group’s impressive resume is a photo spread in Italian Vogue (as captured by Steven Meisel); shows at top clubs throughout Los Angeles; and performances on MTV and at the official Grammy® Awards Party.

# # #

For more information, photos, or to arrange interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn@greengalactic.com.

Event Details:

Lucent Dossier Experience
- weekly artist residency -

h.wood
1738 N. Orange
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-871-2262
www.thehwood.com

8:00pm – 2:00am
- Doors: 8:00pm
- DJ & dancing all night
- Shows: 9:00pm – 12midnight

Admission $15
- Join their mailing list for discounts

- Valet parking available at the venue
- Self parking in Hollywood + Highland complex – $2 for 4 hours with validation

www.lucentdossier.com