Interesting Tidbits in the Audio World

[Paul R]

Universal Music Group Appoints Dan Morales To Chief Information Officer

Silicon Valley veteran who transformed eBay's technology operation to oversee UMG's global technology systems and lead initiatives to support advanced analytics and data platforms SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced Dan Morales, a highly regarded technology and finance executive, has been appointed Chief Information Officer (CIO), overseeing UMG's global technology platforms and developing new systems to expand the company's advanced analytics and data platforms.

[Paul R]

LiveXLive Updates Key Performance Metrics, Achieves more than 50 Million Livestreams

LiveXLive monthly active users and subscriptions increase as global livestreams and content volume grows WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif., March 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- LiveXLive Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIVX) ("LiveXLive"), a global digital media company focused on live entertainment, today reported new record results across all key viewing and content KPIs.

Following cross-platform streams of EDC Mexico and Weezer's Record Release Party at the iHeartRadio Theater in NYC, LiveXLive exceeded 50 million livestreams for the fiscal year to date and set new benchmarks for all the company's significant KPIs. Highlights included: More than 50 million livestreams through February 28, 2019 Monthly active users increased by more than 8%, growing to 1.3 million, attributable in part to LiveXLive livestreams on the Slacker platform  Surpassed 660K subscribers, representing over 47% annual growth  Completed 25 livestreamed events including EDC Mexico, Rolling Loud, Life is Beautiful, EDC Las Vegas, Rock on the Range, Country 500, Rock in Rio Lisbon, Montreux Jazz Festival, Sziget Festival and LiveXLive Presents events for the Grammys and CES  Introduced a new brand partnership at EDC Mexico with Dos Equis  EDC Mexico exceeded 3 million livestreams  Streamed more than 425 artists across nearly every genre of music, including Post Malone, Wiz Khalifa, Travis Scott, Nas, T-Pain, Shawn Mendes, Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Jessie J, The Killers, Jack White, Muse, Deadmau5 and hundreds of others who reached a combined social audience of 2.5 billion  Launched more than 300 pieces of original content  "With 50 million livestreams, we have exceeded all expectations," said Robert Ellin, Chairman and CEO of LiveXLive. "This fiscal year, we've delivered 25 marquee events, including two shows in partnership with iHeartMedia.  The metrics reflect our increased content offering, the Slacker integration, and the success of our cross-platform initiatives as we continue to build a next-generation funnel for original and archival content."  About LiveXLive Media, Inc. LiveXLive Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIVX) (the "Company") is a global digital media company focused on live entertainment. The Company operates LiveXLive, one of the industry's leading live music video streaming platforms; and Slacker Radio, a streaming music pioneer; and also produces original music-related content. LiveXLive is the first 'live social music network', delivering premium livestreams, digital audio and on-demand music experiences from the world's top music festivals and concerts, including Rock in Rio, EDC Las Vegas, Hangout Music Festival, and many more. LiveXLive also gives audiences access to premium original content, artist exclusives and industry interviews. Through its owned and operated Internet radio service, Slacker Radio (www.slacker.com), LiveXLive delivers its users access to millions of songs and hundreds of expert-curated stations. The Company also operates a social influencer network, LiveXLive Influencers. The Company is headquartered in West Hollywood, CA.For more information, visit us at www.livexlive.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @livexlive.

[Paul R]

And now for something completely weird... Go Fish! 

-Paul

 

Long John Silver's Launches Record Label, Issues Audio Coupons for Lent

Fish Yeah! Records Produces Music to Set the Mood for Seafood LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Long John Silver's is offering more than just tasty seafood this Lent season. The nation's largest quick-service seafood restaurant company is now offering — one could say — dinner and a show for its most loyal followers. The company recently launched its own record label, Fish Yeah! Records, and signed the DC-native "surfgaze" band, the Coral Benders, just in time for the busy, fish fest season of Lent.

In celebration of the new venture, Long John Silver's is today releasing audio coupons for stores nationwide. The coupons can be redeemed by playing one of the ocean-themed songs from the freshman record dropped on #NewMusicFridays on Soundcloud. "Throughout the Lent season, our fans and followers will be treated not only to delicious and craveable fish offerings, but also a weekly song and audio coupon drop from our house band, the Coral Benders," said Stephanie Mattingly, vice president of marketing, Long John Silver's.  New songs from the freshman album, complemented by original artwork, are announced via Twitter, can be heard on Soundcloudeach Friday, and will be trailed by a new audio coupon the following week.  "Partnering with the Long John Silver's team to crank out these tunes has been nothing short of a dream come true for us Benders," said Matt Ciferri of Coral Benders. "Our alignment on various nautical themes has allowed for some truly stellar creative synergies." Fans can follow @longjohnslvrs for new music, album art, and fish friendly deals each week through April 19.

[Paul R]

'Country Daze' Debuts on FYI Channel Next Month, an Entertaining New Reality TV Show That's Fun

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- With hilarious moments and memorable characters, "Country Daze" is destined to become a habitual staple with viewers. Come find out what it takes to run EverythingCountry.com, a member of the Country Music Association, (CMA).

"Many times the staff and I would look back on our day and say, 'wow, we would make a great reality show. And here we are,'" says the show's Executive Producer and cast member, Salvatore Verini. "We are naturally so off-center and fun, it makes us very relatable. Everyone is very unique in their own way." Viewers will go behind-the-scenes with the staff as they come up with story ideas and witness their antics both in and out of the office. This place is anything but normal. You'll meet Sal, the irregular, business-savvy CEO, as he keeps the company glued together with the assistance of Big Mike, part body guard, part right hand man and part flat earth theorist. In reality, these guys are mostly in search of the best way to entertain themselves and their staff of close friends. Thankfully for viewers, this always blurs the line between work and play as the staff constantly embarks on crazy adventures to interesting locations in search of their next great story idea. Country Daze is sure to fill the void left by the departure of popular country-themed reality shows such as Duck Dynasty and Country Buck$.  If you liked those shows, you are sure to like Country Daze.

[Paul R]

Make Music Day 2019 Returns On Friday, June 21

5,000+ Live, Free Outdoor Music-Making Events to Launch Summer in Over 80 U.S. Cities NEW YORK, March 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Make Music Day, the annual global celebration of music occurring on the summer solstice, returns this year on Friday, June 21 with over 5,000 free outdoor concerts, music lessons, jam sessions and other magnificent music-making events being held in more than 80 U.S. cities. A worldwide phenomenon observed by hundreds of millions of people in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries, the daylong musical free-for-all on June 21 brings musicians of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels together to make, enjoy, perform, teach and learn music. Among the U.S. cities hosting major celebrations are New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Buffalo, Hartford, Madison, Miami, Nashville, Phoenix, Salem (OR) and San Jose – as well as the entire state of Vermont. Additionally, as part of the celebration, iconic buildings and landmarks in participating U.S. cities will glow orange for Make Music Day. Completely different from a typical music festival, Make Music Day celebrates and promotes the natural music maker in all of us, regardless of ability. Reimagining their cities and towns as stages, every kind of musician – young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion – pours onto streets, parks, plazas, porches, rooftops, gardens and other public spaces to celebrate, create and share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers.  Launched in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique, Make Music Day is presented in the U.S. by The NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the nonprofit Make Music Alliance. In addition to massive citywide celebrations, Make Music Day will also include smaller festivities in other communities nationwide. Returning highlights of Make Music Day in the U.S. will include Street Studios in New York, Los Angeles and Stamford, where world-class DJs and producers set up their gear on sidewalks and engage passersby and musicians to join in an entirely improvised music creation session; Sousapaloozas in Chicago, Hartford and Fullerton will bring together hundreds of brass and wind musicians to play the music of "March King" John Philip Sousa; and over 250 Mass Appeals that gather large groups of musicians to participate in impromptu performances using single instruments such as guitars, harmonicas, accordions, ukuleles, bucket drumming, double basses, kazoos, choral singers, and pBuzzes. New national Make Music Day highlights will include: Bands Undercover – Bands from dozens of U.S. cities, including New York, Long Beach (CA) and Montclair, will take to the streets to cover each other's music, and live stream their performances to each other in a unique musical exchange. The program will connect musicians in distant places through the power of songwriting. All creators of original music are invited to register by April 15 at makemusicday.org/bu-register.  Drum Set Duos – In Boston, Rochester (MI), St. Petersburg (FL), Salem (OR) and elsewhere, local drum shops will place two full drum sets on the sidewalk or parking lot in front of their store, and have a facilitator sit at one of the sets and invite passersby, students, and professional musicians to take a seat at the other set to join in a spontaneous drum set duo.  Heart Chant – In Chattanooga (TN), Hartford (CT), New York, Philadelphia, Fullerton (CA) and Appleton (WI), people will come together to perform the Deep Listening® meditation, an offering of sonic healing for all beings through vocalization and listening. The Heart Chant was written by Pauline Oliveros in response to the Sept. 11 terror attacks.  Other events around the U.S. will showcase the musical history and ingenuity of each city including: The Industrial Music Roadshow – In Hartford, participants will use artifacts from the New Britain Industrial Museum to create sounds and ultimately music with objects that tell the story of the state's industrial past.  Shower Singing – In Portland (ME), participants can embrace their powerful shower singing skills right in the middle of a busy downtown park, where a claw foot tub with a shower curtain will be set up. Inside the shower will be a microphone and amp for people to belt out the lyrics to their favorite songs.  Macon Downtown Boogie – In Macon (GA), an outdoor showcase of live local talent on stage at 3rd Street Park – including an open mic hour and giveaways – will spotlight the city's rich musical heritage.  My San Jose Song – The San Jose Chamber Orchestra is soliciting the submission of original, one-minute musical works of all genres, written by community members and inspired by San Jose as part of the My San Jose Song project. Submissions will be curated by the Chamber Orchestra and performed by a variety of musical groups in the San Jose City Hall Rotunda throughout the day on June 21.  The Youth Music Summit – In Miami, a daylong gathering of young musician ensembles combines educational workshops with an evening showcase concert.  World's Largest M – On the site of the world's largest "M," built out of limestone on a hillside in Platteville (WI), participants will play a variety of percussion instruments on each of the 266 steps leading to the top.  Silent Disco – In Salem, participants will wrap up the local festivities with a silent disco in the city's downtown alleys. Many other countries around the world are deepening their Make Music Day involvement in 2019. On June 21, over 1,600 musical events are planned in the U.K., along with 3,000 concerts across 150 cities in China, events in over 1,000 cities and towns in Italy, and the first-ever celebration in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. Also, famed buildings and landmarks in participating cities worldwide will join their U.S. counterparts in shining orange in honor of Make Music Day. All Make Music Day events are free and open to the public. Participants who wish to perform, or to host musical events, may register at MakeMusicDay.org. A full schedule of events will be posted on the website in early June. For editorial photos of past Make Music Day events, please visit https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/make-music-day?mediatype=photography&phrase=%22make%20music%20day%22&sort=mostpopular. About Make Music Day Held annually on June 21 to coincide with the summer solstice, Make Music Day is part of the international Fête de la Musique, taking place in more than 1,000 cities across 120 countries. The daylong, musical free-for-all celebrates music in all its forms, encouraging people to band together and play in free public concerts. This year, over 80 U.S. cities and the entire state of Vermont are organizing Make Music celebrations, encompassing thousands of music making opportunities nationwide. Make Music Day is presented by The NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the nonprofit Make Music Alliance. For more information, please visit www.makemusicday.org. Participating U.S. Make Music Cities in 2019 Allen (TX), Altoona (PA), Appleton (WI), Bethlehem (NH), Boise (ID), Boston (MA), Bridgeport (CT), Buffalo (NY), Cedar Rapids (IA), Chattanooga (TN), Chicago (IL), Cincinnati (OH), Cleveland (OH), Columbia(SC), Danbury (CT), Davis (CA), Denton (TX), Detroit (MI), Durham (NC), East Granby (CT), Federal Way (WA), Fullerton (CA), Greenwich (CT), Hartford (CT), Hastings (MN), Hebron (CT), Iowa City (IA), Issaquah(WA), Ithaca (NY), Kitsap County (WA), Land O' Lakes (WI), Liberty (MO), Long Beach (CA), Los Angeles (CA), Macon (GA), Madison (WI), Miami (FL), Milwaukee (WI), Mentor (OH), Middletown (CT), Milford(CT), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN), Montclair (NJ), Nashville (TN), New Haven (CT), New York (NY), Nicholasville (KY), Northwest CT (Torrington), Norwalk (CT), Ossining (NY), Philadelphia (PA), Phoenix (AZ), Pittsburgh (PA), Platteville (WI), Portland (ME), Provo (UT), Rapid City | Black Hills (SD), Reedsburg (WI), Ridgefield (CT), Rochester (NY), Roselle Park (NJ), St. Louis (MO), Salem (OR), San Diego (CA), San Jose (CA), Seattle (WA), Southeastern CT (New London), Spokane(WA), Stamford (CT), Stratford (CT), Suwanee (GA), Syracuse (NY), Tucson (AZ), Vermont (statewide), Washington (DC), Waterbury (CT), Wheaton (IL), Wichita (KS), Williamsport (PA), Woodbury (CT), and Worcester (MA). Additionally, Ontario, CA (Toronto) will be participating.  About The NAMM Foundation The NAMM Foundation is a non-profit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 10,400 members around the world. The NAMM Foundation works to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.

[Paul R]

HazelFest 2019 to feature headliner Jeremy Messersmith, "The Voice" all-stars

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation celebrates 70th anniversary with seventh edition of its annual outdoor music festival north of the Twin Cities CENTER CITY, Minn., March 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Indie pop artist Jeremy Messersmith, one of Minnesota's most celebrated songwriters and performers, will headline the one-of-a-kind sober music festival HazelFest, which—in its seventh year—doubles as the 70th anniversary party for the host Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.

Chris Kroeze, Jesse Larson, Kat Perkins and Nicholas David—popular Twin Cities-area artists who share the unique distinction of finishing in the top 5 on NBC's hit show The Voice—will be among the other main-stage performers at the feel-good outdoor festival, to be held Saturday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Hazelden Betty Ford campus in Center City.  "Jeremy Messersmith is unquestionably one of the most talented and innovative songwriters to emerge from our vibrant Minnesotamusic community in the past decade. He's the perfect headliner for HazelFest," said David Campbell, the former Twin Cities radio DJ who now works for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and will emcee HazelFest for the sixth time. "Always sweet, sometimes deceptively dark, and often very funny, Jeremy's songs are unceasingly imaginative and interesting. More McCartney than Lennon with a little Harrison too, he has crafted soaring orchestral pop songs but can also charm you solo with just his guitar or ukulele. Jeremy loves to find a way to make each of his performances unique and special. I can't wait to see what he cooks up for HazelFest."    Two new features to this year's celebration are a three-act comedy-and-recovery-show featuring a trio of comedians, Miss Shannon, Will Spottedbear and John Deboer; and a mainstage conversation with one of the nation's top-rated radio hosts, Tom Barnard of KQRS-FM. Presented by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and sponsored by 89.3 The Current, HazelFest brings together people affected by addiction and the general public to celebrate recovery, spread hope, and smash the stigma associated with substance use disorders and mental illness. Once a year, the quiet campus of the nation's leading nonprofit provider of addiction treatment and recovery services transforms into a spirited summer bash. It is now one of the biggest highlights on Minnesota's summer concert calendar. "Seven years in, HazelFest continues to change and grow, and I think that's because of its powerful ability to warm even the coldest of hearts and bring hope to the hopeless," Campbell said. "There's nothing like being fully present and connected in the moment with a few thousand others who are having sober fun together. It's a very special kind of community vibe that resonates with people touched by addiction and mental health concerns, but also with people who are just doing their best navigating through the everyday challenges of life." Campbell will be joined for part of the festival by Jana Shortal—co-anchor of NBC-affiliate KARE 11's "Breaking the News" in Minneapolis—who will make a cameo appearance as co-emcee during the run of four former The Voice finalists. It will be a second HazelFest appearance for Nicholas David, who headlined the inaugural event in 2013 after finishing third and inspiring millions with both his music and his recovery journey during Season 3 of The Voice. "We are excited to have Nicholas back and to bring together for the first time on one stage all four of the Twin Cities area's top finishers on the prime time television institution that is The Voice," said event producer, Woody McBride, himself a local DJ legend of First Avenue lore and now a Twin Cities event producer. "These are unbelievable artists who all share the rare, surreal experience of having rocketed to national acclaim in a few short weeks, thanks to their immense talent and the power of reality TV. This will be a special treat for everyone, especially folks who are fans of great music by seasoned musicians and fans of the show." This summer's lineup will be HazelFest's most diverse, with more than 20 performers, including comedians, inspirational speakers and musical acts spanning indie rock, bluegrass, pop, hip hop, jazz, soul, blues and more. Among the many highlights will be a music and storytelling panel curated by Dissonance, a Minnesota nonprofit that facilitates community and conversation around wellness and the arts. Moderated by writer and radio personality John Moe, host of the popular national podcast The Hilarious World of Depression, the panel will feature iconic Twin Cities rocker Mark Mallman, who recently found time to write a book called The Happiness Playlist,which is getting high praise;  London-native Katy Vernon whose raved-about new album Suit of Hearts chronicles recovery and a life-changing trip back home; and Laura Hugo, a singer-songwriter originally from the Navajo Nation in Arizona, who writes honest songs about loss, depression, anxiety and heartbreak.  Joining Messersmith and The Voice all-stars on the main stage will be the bluesy Corey Medina & Brothers Band, best-album award winner at the Native American Music Awards; the soulful Annie Mack Trio, named one of First Avenue's Best New Bands of 2018; teenage prodigy Lydia Liza, whose burgeoning success as a young adult has landed her in the New York Times and on stages with everyone from the Goo Goo Dolls to Dessa; folk duo Dusty Heart, back for a second year with their gorgeous harmonies; and a unique Q&A with KQRS radio personality Tom Barnard.    Dissonance will host a more intimate 500-seat LifeTake2 Stage featuring the music and storytelling panel, along with Journeyman Ink, an inspiring spoken word/musical duo from Dallas; a trio of highly regarded Midwestern comedians—Miss Shannon, Will Spottedbearand John Deboer; Tim Patrick and His Blue Eyes Band; a young artist named Taryn; cameos by several of the main stage acts; and more. "HazelFest is a family-friendly event where all are welcome, and this year, we have woven together an ultra-talented lineup that truly offers something for everyone," McBride said. "We also found good people with good hearts—most, if not all, with a personal, family or friendship connection to the beauty of healthy living and recovery. As usual, HazelFest is poised to quench the soul as well as the ears on what we hope is a beautiful summer day." Yoga will serenely kick off the event, which will also include kids' dance parties; comedy and magic shows; some of the area's best food trucks; many recovery-focused and art exhibitors; a petting zoo; and other fun, family-friendly activities. Tickets are just $20 in advance and available now at www.HazelFest.com. They will be $30 at the door, and children 12 and under can attend for free. For more information, please visit the HazelFestwebsite.

[Paul R]

Innovative Company C-Hear to Make Audible Impact at Dallas Startup Week

DALLAS, March 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh off its successful debut at South by Southwest in Austin, visionary tech company C-Hearis honored to be featured in a significant panel discussion at prestigious Dallas Startup Week. Leaders and partners from the Dallas-based, innovative group will further unveil its unique software that produces unfakable documents, unbreakable contracts, unstealable images and the advent of secure, portable, talking pictures.

C-Hear founder and CEO Adena Harmon will speak Thursday April 4th, 12-12:45 pm at Basecamp, Ross Tower, 14th floor, Second stage in a "Startups That Change Our Lives" panel also scheduled to include renowned Ob-Gyn Dr. Lyndsey M. Harper, MyndVR CEO Chris Brickerand Dr. Lara Ashmore of the University of Texas at Dallas. A Texas-sized business collaboration, DSW is expected to connect 10,000 entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders. "After years of development and sweat equity, we're proud and excited to showcase C-Hear at prestigious events like Dallas Startup Week," Harmon says. "We started with a simple idea and a single destination: Provide an image with sound in a single file, without the need for a big, cumbersome video. We're confident the reaction to our software will be enthusiastically positive." At SXSW, C-Hear's technology was hailed as an Internet disruptor destined to change how consumers hear pictures and transfer data. C-Hear's revolutionary and proprietary Codec allows images to include audio annotation, deleting the need for long, slow-loading video files or insufficient static photos. Contracts and wills sealed verbally, images containing audio watermarking and friends simply sharing images with sound – eliminating additional texting – are only some of the C-Hear benefits to be highlighted. C-Hear's services will benefit not only the seven million visually impaired Americans using the Internet, but also clinical workflows in the healthcare industry, teachers, lawyers and anyone that – until now – has toiled sending separate video, audio and photo files. ABOUT C-HEAR A Dallas-based company launched in 2015, C-Hear was created for the purpose of delivering a small digital footprint file containing both image and sound. C-Hear's revolutionary Codec will help the seven million visually impaired Americans "hear" images on the Internet, while also allowing health-industry companies and their patients a smooth transition into the age of ADA compliance. Recognizing that more than 30 percent of all websites (more than 87 million) use WordPress as their primary framework for the administration of content, C-Hear is developing a WordPress plugin set of widgets and templates. Having found its space snuggled between static images and fast-moving videos, C-Hear is proud to be a disruptive enabler of talking pictures. ABOUT DSW Dallas Startup Week 2019, powered by Capital One, is a free, 5-day event from April 1-5 that impacts and mobilizes 10,000 North Texasentrepreneurs and change-makers. The event will include more than 150 sessions across 16 tracks, the launch of the Women of Innovation Summit, a new Corporate Startup Innovation Summit, a series of headline speakers and the annual State of Entrepreneurship. Featuring keynote speakers Mayor Mike Rawlings and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban, #DSW19 is dedicated to connecting and uniting startups, founders, corporate and social innovators, investors and community leaders.

[Paul R]

Downtown To Acquire AVL Digital Group

Acquisition Positions Downtown As Leading Global Provider Of End-to-End Services In The Music Industry NEW YORK, March 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Downtown Music Holdings, the parent company of Downtown Music Publishing and Songtrust, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire fast-growing AVL Digital Group and its portfolio of industry-leading music distribution, rights management and artist services businesses, including AdRev, CD Baby, DashGo and Soundrop.  Having first pioneered digital distribution for independent artists as a launch partner for iTunes in 2003, AVL's diverse client base now includes over 900,000 artists, labels and other rights holders, representing the largest independent sound recording catalog in the music industry. Collectively, AVL's portfolio companies distribute and monetize over 10 million tracks across popular content streaming services, including Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube. AVL will be led by CD Baby's highly-regarded CEO Tracy Maddux, based in Portland, Oregon.  "Tracy and his team have built a portfolio of music businesses operating at unmatched scale. AVL's technology, diverse offerings and artist-first approach are well-positioned to power some of the fastest growing segments of the industry," said Downtown Founder and CEO Justin Kalifowitz.  "This transaction will allow us to take the services we offer the independent music community to the next level," added Maddux. "We are excited to continue to build leading platforms that help artists release, promote and monetize their music all around the world."  As a result of this acquisition, Downtown will be the leading provider of end-to-end services to artists, songwriters, labels, music publishers and other rights holders. Its global footprint will include over 300 employees spanning fourteen markets in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America.  "Beyond shared values, the acquisition of AVL expands upon our existing portfolio and represents Downtown's strategy of developing and investing in preeminent music businesses serving the full spectrum of music creators," added Kalifowitz.  Established in New York in 2007, Downtown has quickly emerged as a global leader in the modern music industry. The company's publishing division is home to some of the most iconic songs in the world including Gershwin & Heyward's "Summertime" and John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Imagine." In 2019, its contemporary songwriters have been nominated for 18 Grammy Awards and scored multiple #1 hit singles including Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's"Shallow." Its Songtrust division, a global royalty collection provider, is one of the most widely used applications in the industry, serving over 170,000 songwriters and music publishers across 1.6 million song copyrights.  Following the acquisition, which is expected to close in early April and is subject to certain customary closing conditions, AVL Digital and its portfolio companies will continue to operate as a separate subsidiary of Downtown Music Holdings.  AVL's physical product divisions, Disc Makers, BookBaby, and Merchly, will be acquired in a separate transaction by the Disc Makers executive team as part of the newly-formed DIY Media Group. Disc Makers and AVL's digital distribution businesses will maintain their strategic partnership so artists can continue to easily offer their fans both digital and physical products.  Downtown was advised by Perella Weinberg Partners and McDermott Will & Emery. Advisors for AVL included Stephens Inc., The Raine Group and Offit Kurman.  Downtown website: https://www.downtownmusic.com

[Paul R]

BitTorrent Begins User Testing on Live Streaming Service

Creators and Consumers Come Together Via BitTorrent Live Service SAN FRANCISCO, March 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- BitTorrent, a leader in peer-to-peer technology, today began offering early access to its new BitTorrent Live streaming service, which lets consumers create live content and connect on mobile devices to people who share common interests.

BitTorrent Live will provide a social media platform for people to express their creativity and connect with others around the world through live video. The service will allow for continuous live streaming anywhere users can get internet access. "Imagine chatting with your favorite athlete, becoming immersed in a music festival, or meeting new friends to share your passions - all by simply firing up the BitTorrent Live app," said Justin Sun, CEO of BitTorrent. "Our strong foundation of decentralized technology will allow us to fulfill our vision of a boundary-free internet while being at the forefront of a new content experience." Users initially will be able to search for subjects that interest them, and then engage directly with the broadcasters to give instantaneous feedback and likes. In the coming months, BitTorrent Live also will incorporate blockchain technology that returns privacy and ownership to users while also enabling cryptocurrency to be used as a new payment option.  BitTorrent Live will be rolled out globally in phases. It will be available for beta testing download in Q2 2019. People interested in enrolling in the early beta program can sign up at https://www.bittorrent.com/live. About BitTorrent, Inc. Founded with a leading peer-to-peer sharing technology standard in 2004, BitTorrent, Inc. is a consumer software company based in San Francisco. Its protocol is the largest decentralized P2P network in the world, driving 22% of upstream and 3% of downstream traffic globally. Its flagship desktop and mobile products, BitTorrent and µTorrent, enable users to send large files over the internet, connecting legitimate third-party content providers with users. With over 100 million active users, BitTorrent products have been installed on over 1 billion devices in over 138 countries worldwide.  About TRON Founded in September 2017 by Justin Sun, TRON is dedicated to creating a boundary-free internet that inspires innovation across industries. TRON and its subsidiary BitTorrent give users direct access to applications, content and media by combining best-in-class blockchain approaches with innovations in peer-to-peer sharing and other technologies. The TRON Protocol, one of the largest blockchain-based operating systems in the world, offers public blockchain support of high throughput, high scalability, and high availability for all Decentralized Applications (DApps) in the TRON ecosystem, with average daily transactions of more than 3 million. The July 2018 acquisition of BitTorrent further cemented TRON's leadership in pursuing a decentralized ecosystem.

[Paul R]

"Between War & Here" Features Ensemble Galilei With NPR War Correspondents Neal Conan & Anne Garrels

Wounded Warriors and their Communities Find Healing in Ensemble Galilei's Music, Poetry and Memoir LOS ANGELES, March 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- National Public Radio war correspondents Neal Conan and Anne Garrels team up with the iconic chamber group, Irish, Scottish, & Early musicians, Ensemble Galilei to explore their experiences in war with Between War and Here, http://www.egmusic.com/between-war-and-here/. Music...theater...memory all merge for an East Coast tour in Maryland, Philadelphia, Connecticut, Washington D.C. and Massachusetts.  A powerful new collaboration between journalists and musicians exploring honor, courage, loss and hope as top-tier war correspondents' experiences are intertwined with music, poetry and memoir, this extraordinary work of art is as mesmerizing as it is timely. Between War & Here benefits Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

The tour's companion (same-titled) poetry book and also the new CD, The Flowers of the Forest is available for purchase at http://www.music.egmusic.com/music/the-flowers-of-the-forest. Inspired by the 100 Fridays of performing weekly for veterans at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. The CD boasts traditional Scottish, Irish and American music along with several brand-new original compositions by the Galilei artists themselves. QUOTES: Founder of Ensemble Galilei Carolyn Surrick says, "Neal and Anne have spent years covering wars. They have heard the explosions, seen men fall, and they have dreamt in the echoes of their memory. They know clearly the things that only the people who have been in battle will ever understand."  "Each story is like a postcard, letting people on the outside see what I was able to see on the inside."  "These days we're not talking as much about our fellow citizens who are in combat. Some of them come back with injuries that are profound. We need to remind people that this conflict is still going on every day." – Neal Conan Surrick says, "The Flowers of the Forest, which both opens the show and is the title track of this CD was written for the thousands of Scottish soldiers who died in battle on September 9, 1513.  It is a tune that is played today when a soldier from England or Canada is killed in Afghanistan. They live on in the music and in our performances."         Ensemble Galilei musicians: Carolyn Surrick / viola da gamba; Ryan McKasson/fiddle; Jackie Moran/bodhran and banjo; Sue Richards / Celtic harp; Preston Wilde/uillian pipes, Irish flute.   Neal Conan (NPR's All Things Considered; NPR's Talk of the Nation) During the Gulf War, Neal was captured and detained for a week by the Iraqi Republican Guard. Conan currently produces & hosts Truth, Politics and Power, a podcast for public radio. Anne Garrels (NPR, ABC News, NBC News) is a George PolkAward winner for Radio Reporting in Iraq and she has published the memoir, Naked in Baghdad and a second book, Putin Country: A Journey into the Real Russia. TOUR SCHEDULE: http://www.egmusic.com/calendar/ Between War & Here – Ensemble Galilei in concert–Featuring NPR's Neal Conan & Anne Garrels: March 30/7:00 pm: Baltimore, MD – The Church of the Redeemer  March 31/3:00 pm: Philadelphia, PA – St. Paul's Episcopal Church  April 3/7:00 pm: Norfolk, CT - The Church of Christ Congregational  April 4/7:00 pm: Hartford, CT – Infinity Theater  April 5/7:00 pm: Washington, D.C. – St. Mark's Episcopal Church  April 6/ 7:00pm: Cambridge, MA – First Parish in Cambridge Unitarian Universalist Church Contact: Vanessa Butler; 213-446-0774; [email protected]

[Paul R]

Mötley Crüe's The Dirt Debuts To Better Audience Reviews Than Black Panther

THE AUDIENCE HAS VOTED! LOS ANGELES, March 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The long-awaited Mötley Crüe biopic, The Dirt based on the 2001 New York Timesbestselling autobiography debuted last Friday, March 22. The band immediately became the top searched topic on Google Trends with a 4300% spike in searches.

DOWNLOAD PRESS KIT HERE Streaming partners have been quick to support the film's soundtrack and Mötley Crüe's catalogue with the Global Marquee feature on Spotify, and Apple Music building a dedicated Mötley Super Room. The pay back was instant with a 570% stream increase on Spotify, a 900% stream increase on Apple Music, and Apple iTunes downloads growing 2027%. Amazon, with triple digit streaming growth is benefitting from sales of the book being back at #1 music book, and Mötley's Deezer streams are up 669%.  The Mötley Essentials playlist is now charting higher than Drake Essentials on Apple Music. The effect is being felt globally in 150 markets with top 10 iTunes charts around the world.  Early returns show the movie at 85% audience score at Rotten Tomatoes, on par with Bohemian Rhapsody's 87% and ahead of Black Panther's 79%. It is changing perceptions too, as women are enjoying "The Dirt" just as much, if not more than men, giving it a higher grade (7.4/10) than their male counterparts (7.1/10), according to an IMDB survey. The cautionary tale aims to deglamorize the sex, drugs and rock n roll lifestyle led by the notorious rockers. It unflinchingly portrays domestic violence, drunk driving and drug addiction to a mass audience. The Guardian's Stephen Snart writes "Real-life manager and producer Allen Kovac has said in interviews that the mission of the movie is to deglamorize the rock'n'roll lifestyle. That does come through."    Further critical acclaim has come from global media outlets;  "Fresh and fast-paced." The Guardian "We Finally Got a Mötley Crüe Movie and It Was Worth the Wait." NATIONAL REVIEW "Crüe biopic dishes`The Dirt' and heart" USA Today "The Dirt - both the book and the movie - is wildly entertaining." Entertainment Weekly "The wait for "The Dirt" to come to the screen … was worth it." Variety "It's a funny, foul-mouthed, whirlwind ride through one of the last great eras in rock history." - Newsday Queen's Roger Taylor, who appears in the book, was similarly awed at a preview screening, exclaiming: "Wow, that took me back! Brilliant." The film's stars, Douglas Booth (Nikki Sixx), Game of Thrones' Iwan Rheon (Mick Mars), Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly) (Tommy Lee), Daniel Webber (Vince Neil), David Costabile (Doc McGhee) and Pete Davidson (Tom Zutaut) have all been getting critical kudos. "They possess similar abilities to navigate between charm and repulsion, all working together to create such a chummy group that their power as an ensemble elevates the material. Just like their real-life counterparts," wrote The Guardian. Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx says, "In the film we show painful examples of domestic violence, DUI, manslaughter, drug overdose and the loss of a child. We couldn't possibly have crammed everything from a 430-page book into an hour and 50-minute movie, but we felt we achieved our objective of showing the downside of sex drugs and rock and roll."  Nikki Sixx hopes to use the message of the film to draw attention to the USA's opioid crisis. Sixx, a recovering addict himself, has established a music program for kids at Covenant House in Los Angelesand is instrumental in drawing attention to the root causes of addiction. A personal mission, Sixx is collaborating with the U.S. Surgeon General to fight opioid addiction, and will bring his best-selling Heroin Diaries book to life with a musical of the same name, due to debut in 2019 with partners including Live Nation Ticketmaster, 11-7, Scott Borchetta, and Downtown Music.  Meanwhile, on the music side, The Dirt Soundtrack on Mötley Records and Eleven Seven Music immediately reached #1 on the iTunes All Genres Chart and currently stands at #4 US and #5 worldwide. The Greatest Hits album currently stands at #2 in the US on iTunes and at #11 worldwide. The soundtrack features four new songs including the first single, "The Dirt (Est. 1981) (feat. Machine Gun Kelly)" and their unlikely cover of Madonna's "Like a Virgin." In addition, Spotify garnered an 8-fold increase in daily streams, from approximately 400,000 to 3,600,000, and still increasing.  "Our strategy was to use both the film and music algorithmic echo chamber to have a virtuous circle, each propelling the other to greater heights. The new song is 'The Dirt feat Machine Gun Kelly,' the film is titled 'The Dirt,' The Book is 'The Dirt.' And the audiences have voted on the music streaming platforms and on social media, critics are a thing of the past as Bohemian Rhapsody has shown," said Kovac, who served as a producer on the film. Kovac gave kudos to Eleven Seven Music senior management and Mötley Crüe Managers at 10th Street Entertainment, "I want to tip my hat to Chris Nilsson and Konstanze Louden, and the rest of the 10th Street Management team, Eleven Seven Label Group COO Steve Kline, GM Rose Slanic, VP Mary Thayer, Europe MD Dan Waite, CFO Dan Lieblein, and their teams who are some of the most innovative and progressive marketers in entertainment today. The success of the music and this film comes from their efforts." After almost two decades since the ground-breaking publication of "The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band" by HarperCollins in 2001, the film version has come to life, causing just as much controversy as the book did when it was all the talk of bands on the rock festival circuit, where copies were strategically placed. From the film's overall buzz, the book landed at #1 on several of Amazon's book charts.

[Paul R]

Superstar Pianist Lang Lang Makes History

Celebrates World Piano Day with inspiring new album Piano Book NEW YORK, March 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today is World Piano Day and who better to celebrate with than global superstar pianist Lang Lang. He's already inspired millions of children to play the piano through his performances, method books, recordings and educational programs – and now he's releasing his new album Piano Book, a collection of pieces he has loved and played from a young age.

The repertoire reflects Lang Lang's commitment to music education and his desire to encourage young people to learn the instrument. In that vein, the Lang Lang Foundation today announces their donation of $5MM to U.S. Public Schools over the next 5 years to continue Lang Lang's commitment to music education. This means in five years, the Lang Lang Foundation will be supporting and working with over 140 public schools across the US, reaching over 56,000 students.  In more piano news, last week at Steinway Hall in NYC, Lang Langand his friend bandleader/pianist Jon Batiste got together to do what they love – play piano. Watch these two superstars at the top of their game in classical and jazz have fun with "Chopsticks": https://youtu.be/8SdZINPY4ew It has been a whirlwind few weeks for Lang Lang: he's joined Chinese virtual idol Luo Tianyi for a special hologram concert, he's enjoyed international chart success with Beethoven's Für Elise having reached No.4 on the official Chinese pop single charts, and he's even set a new Guinness World Record for the biggest simultaneous four-handed piano performance. Lang Lang's record-breaking performance took place in his native China, where 777 pianos were packed into the Xiamen Center Sports Stadium and 1554 pianists gathered together to play Schubert's Marche Militaire No.1. The project recruited 777 pairs of 'piano messengers' from schools in five major regions of China, including children from Taiwan. Lang Lang took the helm for the awe-inspiring display, showcasing his gifts as charismatic performer, communicator and educator, as well as his fun-loving personality. Lang Lang scored another world first in Shanghai when he became the first classical artist to collaborate with the holographic singing sensation Luo Tianyi, China's most popular virtual idol. The stadium performance wowed a capacity crowd with a mix of classical hits, popular songs and delightful interaction between its two stars. The event is testament to Lang Lang's extraordinary ability to cross between genres and champion the piano worldwide, no matter how experimental. Today is an important day for Lang Lang. Not only is it Piano Day, a worldwide celebration on the 88th day of the year for the 88 keys on the piano, but it also marks the release of Lang Lang's eagerly-anticipated new album 'Piano Book' on Universal Music Group and Deutsche Grammophon – his first new album in three years. 'Piano Book' is an essential recording of piano works that aims brings classical music to a global audience and spread the message that classical music is universal. The hashtag #LangLangPianoBookMarch29 has been viewed over 30 million times in China already. Lang Lang is determined to share the joy of making music and inspire people from all backgrounds to fall in love with the piano. To this end, he will be giving a Facebook Live tutorial to mark Piano Day. His last live stream – from a press conference in Beijing – was viewed 1.5 million times in 1 hour and his online performance at the Weibo Gala ceremony has now reached over 100 million views. With 'Piano Book', Lang Lang reflects on how he started playing the piano, what fired his imagination and how he might pass on what he's learned to a new generation. His work with his own Lang Lang International Music Foundation (www.langlangfoundation.org), which was set up over 10 years ago and has raised millions of dollars to support young musicians, has given him a unique insight into music education. He has inspired 40 million children to learn the piano and has developed hugely successful educational programmes including Keys of Inspiration, 101 Pianists, Young Scholars and Play It Forward. He has also opened his own music school, Lang Lang Music World, in Shenzhen. His partnership with independent British music publisher Faber Music has resulted in the Lang Lang Piano Academy series of piano books to inspire the next generation of pianists.  Lang Lang's belief that "Music makes life better. It heals, unites and inspires, and it makes us better people" underpins everything he does. "With 'Piano Book' I'm going back to my first love, to the pieces that made me want to become a musician in the first place." – LANG LANG ABOUT LANG LANG A globally celebrated piano virtuoso, Lang Lang has sold millions of albums around the world, topping classical charts and achieving simultaneous mainstream success. He was nominated in 2007 for a Grammy Award, becoming the first Chinese artist nominated for Best Instrumental Soloist, and he was named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME magazine. During the past decade Lang Lang has performed for music fans, world leaders, monarchs and dignitaries including President Barack Obama, Pope Francis and Queen Elizabeth II. He has given sold-out performances at concert halls around the globe, with all the world's top orchestras and conductors. Lang Lang has reached televised audiences of billions, performing at the opening ceremony of the 2008 BeijingOlympics and the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Rio de Janeiro. His performances at the Grammy's with Metallica, Pharrell Williamsand jazz legend Herbie Hancock were hailed by millions of viewers. The scale of Lang Lang's musical achievements are mirrored by an unrelenting commitment to charitable causes, most notably through his Foundation. He was designated in 2013 as a Messenger of Peace by the Secretary General of the United Nations, focusing on global education. He has served as a UNICEF Global Goodwill Ambassador since 2006. Recorded at London's Abbey Road studios and in Beijing, 'Piano Book' is Lang Lang's very personal playlist for everyone who loves the piano. It's also the fruits of an astonishing career that has taken him from child prodigy to virtuoso at the very top of his profession. Equally happy playing for billions of viewers at the Olympics or just for a few hundred children in the public schools, Lang Lang is a master of communicating through music and his new album is a testament to that. www.langlang.com

[Paul R]

The Source launches Beats Studio3 Wireless, Raptors edition, from the NBA Collection

BARRIE, ON, March 29, 2019 /CNW/ - The Source, Canada's largest tech retailer, today announced its partnership with Beats by Dr. Dre to launch Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones, Raptors White, in Canada. The special edition over-ear headphones are now available at The Source and thesource.ca. "We're proud of our long history of exclusive partnerships with Beats and are excited that they chose The Source for the Canadian launch of the special Raptors edition of the Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones NBA Collection," said Andaleeb Dobson, Vice President Merchandising at The Source. "As the destination for top brand audio, The Source welcomes these iconic Beats headphones to our extensive lineup of audio offerings." Product Description Beats Studio3 Wireless, worn by some of your favorite players, feature the Toronto Raptors authentic colours and iconic logo.  Key features include: Pure ANC that actively blocks external noise  Up to 40 hours of battery life  Apple W1 chip for Class 1 Wireless Bluetooth® connectivity and battery efficiency  Fast Fuel, a 10-minute charge gives 3 hours of play  Take calls, control music and activate Siri with multifunction on-ear controls Pricing and Retail Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones NBA Collection in Raptors White are available for $399.99 ($400.74 in NB; $400.24 in QC with EHF) at The Source stores and thesource.ca. About The Source

[Paul R]

Sapphira Releases 'Dark Angel' in Tribute to The Prodigy's Keith Flint

"He motivated me to be fearless in expressing my fiercer side through music which had an immense cathartic effect in my life," - Sapphira LONDON, March 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Singer-songwriter and burlesque artist, Sapphira, is joining the tributes and fundraisers across the country to late frontman of the UK band The Prodigy, Keith Flint, by releasing her single Dark Angel and donating all proceeds from MP3 sales in 2019 to leading independent charity Help Musicians UK who offer a mental health support line for the whole music industry. Sapphira has been passionately campaigning for mental health causes for many years following her own successful recovery from severe psychosis and bipolar and was, in fact, supported by The Prodigy's singer Maxim, who donated his artwork to one of Sapphira's fundraisers to help raise £1,500 for charity. Since releasing her autobiography Burlesque or Bust last year, Sapphira has bravely shared her mental health story, alongside the strong influence the band has had on her musical development, which was highlighted by chapters of the book being song titles from The Prodigy's hits over the years. "I am utterly devastated to learn of Keith's passing," Sapphira says. "His persona and songs made him seem invincible and he motivated me to be fearless in expressing my fiercer side through music which had an immense cathartic effect in my life. To realise a man I admired so much was struggling to the point of taking his own life has shocked me completely. It shows that even with the heights of success in the entertainment industry no-one is immune to being affected by depression and facing a mental health crisis. It has made me more resolved to keep speaking out to reach others before it's too late." The song Dark Angel has been produced by Tonestepa, who is also Sapphira's husband, and is being released to coincide with World Bipolar Day (March 30th). It has already gained the support of leading drum and bass DJ Kenny Ken, who hopes to incorporate the track into his set for a Keith Flint Tribute this weekend.  Sapphira, who is an unsigned artist, is using Universal music's platform, Spinn-up to self-publish her song. All sales from the MP3 will go to the Music Minds Matter helpline. Whatever you are going through right now you can contact Music Minds Matter on 0808 802 8008 which is free and confidential and is accessible 24/7.  To buy, stream or listen to Dark Angel visit: https://sapphiramusic.bandcamp.com/track/dark-angel To read Sapphira's autobiography visit: http://sapphiramusic.com/burlesqueorbust

[Paul R]

Frank Zappa's Beloved Live Double Album 'Zappa In New York' Celebrated With Suite Of 40th Anniversary Releases Including Deluxe 5CD Box Set, Expanded 3LP Vinyl And Digital

AVAILABLE TODAY, MARCH 29 VIA ZAPPA RECORDS/UMe LOS ANGELES, March 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of its recent 40th anniversary, Frank Zappa's classic 1978 album Zappa In New York, was released today as a suite of expanded anniversary editions. Overseen by the Zappa Family Trust and produced by Ahmet Zappa and Vaultmeister Joe Travers, the versions include a deluxe 5 CD box set, 3 LP on 180-gram audiophile grade vinyl, and digitally. The 5-disc collection, which is housed in a limited-edition metal tin shaped like a NYC street manhole cover and complete with a replica ticket from one of the shows, consists of the main album in its original mix, newly remastered by Bob Ludwig in 2018 and available for the first time since its debut. The four additional discs are loaded with relevant Vault nuggets and more than three hours of unreleased live performances from the NYC Palladium concerts, representing every composition played during the concerts and the best alternate performances of every tune Zappa picked for the original album, all newly mixed in 2018. To achieve the highest-level sound quality, the audio team went back to the original two-inch 24-track multi-track master tapes and transferred every reel at 96kHz 24-bit wavs. Order Zappa In New York now: https://ume.lnk.to/ZappaInNewYork40

"We are excited to bring you this new Deluxe version of Zappa in New York: an opportunity to re-examine and celebrate the source material of a great album while exploring the events of Frank's life in late December 1976, Collections like these really show of the work ethic of a musical genius," exclaims the Zappa Family Trust in the album notes.  In 1976, Zappa played four historic sold-out concerts at The Palladium in New York City the week between Christmas and New Year's. These thrilling shows – described by band member Ruth Underwood as "theatrical, outrageous and raucously funny, but also filled with startling and gorgeous music, dating from Frank's 1960s output to literally the moment the curtain went up"— served as the source material for the live double album Zappa In New York which was constructed from the best-played performances with overdubs later recorded in the studio. Originally slated for release in 1977, the album was delayed for a year due to record label censorship issues, mostly over the controversial song "Punky's Whips," and finally released in 1978. One of Zappa's most beloved collections of songs, the now revered album included a sensational live version of "Sofa" alongside nine new compositions, including the complex percussion-based piece "The Black Page," which has become infamous in the drum community as the ultimate challenge, the Devilish comedic sendup "Titties & Beer," and the notorious aforementioned "Punky's Whips" about Punky Meadows, the flamboyant guitarist for the band Angel.   Zappa In New York includes expanded packaging which features previously unseen live photos by Gail Zappa alongside extensive liner notes by band members Ruth Underwood and Ray White (who were part of Zappa's band for these shows) as well as an insightful essay by Joe Travers with Australian writer Jen Jewel Brown. Underwood also contributes a solo piano version of "The Black Page" that has been newly recorded for this special edition. "'The Black Page' has proven to be one of Frank Zappa's most intriguing and enduring compositions. It is performed in many kinds of venues all over the world. It is taught and studied in schools. Perhaps most exciting is that it is adaptable and lends itself to a variety of orchestrations and re-workings, as FZ himself demonstrated. I am proud that after forty years, mine is finally among them. It is my love letter to Frank and Gail," Underwood writes in the liners. The 3LP set, pressed at Pallas in Germany, features all-analog mastering of the original album mix, unavailable since first issued. Plus, an additional LP of select bonus content from The Vault. The digital release marks the debut of the original mix.  Zappa In New York capped off a terrific year for the ever-prolific and always-moving musician which included shows around the globe including his second Australian tour and one and only Japanese jaunt, the release of his album Zoot Allures and Grand Funk Railroad's record Good Singin' Good Playin, which he produced, a string of Halloween shows and a performance on "Saturday Night Live" which ended up having a profound impact on the Palladium shows. Following an on-air collaboration with SNL's announcer Don Pardoand the show's house band, Zappa invited them to be a part of the shows after three of the horn players so loved playing with Zappa that they asked if they could be involved. As Travers and Brown write in the illuminating liner notes: "Out of nowhere, the concept of adapting horns to the scheduled concerts became a reality. Frank was immediately swept up in the pleasure and challenge of writing and arranging parts for the existing material." The collection showcases some of Zappa's most masterful guitar playing and electrifying arrangements as he leads an exceptional band featuring Ray White on vocals and guitar, Terry Bozzio on drums and vocals, Eddie Jobson on keyboards and violin, Ruth Underwood on percussion and synthesizer, Patrick O'Hearn on bass and vocals and David Samuels on timpani and vibes. Don Pardoprovided "sophisticated narration" and the brass section, featuring jazz duo the Brecker Brothers with Randy Brecker on trumpet and Michael Brecker on tenor saxophone, was rounded out by the SNL players: Lou Marini on alto sax, Ronnie Cuber on baritone sax and Tom Malone on trombone. This Record Store Day, Saturday, April 13, the Zappa Family Trust and UMe will continue their tradition of releasing a unique vinyl pressing to celebrate the bi-yearly indie record store extravaganza. The rare 1987 guitar-centric compilation, The Guitar World According To Frank Zappa, originally available only on cassette through Guitar World magazine and Barfko-Swill mail order, will receive its first-ever vinyl pressing. The album features unique mixes and edits by Zappa and a selection of solos that were released the following year on the Guitar album. Mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, this RSD First release, limited to 8000 worldwide, is numbered and pressed on 180-gram clear audiophile vinyl by Furnace MFG.  ZAPPA IN NEW YORK – 5CD DELUXE EDITION DISC 1 – THE ORIGINAL 1977 VINYL MIX 1. Titties & Beer 2. I Promise Not To Come In Your Mouth 3. Big Leg Emma 4. Sofa 5. Manx Needs Women 6. The Black Page Drum Solo/Black Page #1 7. Black Page #2 8. Honey, Don't You Want A Man Like Me? 9. The Illinois Enema Bandit 10. The Purple Lagoon DISC 2: BONUS CONCERT PERFORMANCES – PART ONE 1. "The Most Important Musical Event Of 1976" 2. Peaches En Regalia 3. The Torture Never Stops 4. The Black Page #2 5. Punky's Whips Intro 6. Punky's Whips 7. I Promise Not To Come In Your Mouth 8. Honey, Don't You Want A Man Like Me? 9. The Illinois Enema Bandit 10. "Two For The Price Of One" 11. Penis Dimension 12. Montana DISC 3: BONUS CONCERT PERFORMANCES – PART TWO 1. America Drinks 2. "Irate Phone Calls" 3. Sofa #2 4. "The Moment You've All Been Waiting For" 5. I'm The Slime 6. Pound For A Brown 7. Terry's Solo 8. The Black Page Drum Solo/Black Page #1 9. Big Leg Emma 10. "Jazz Buffs and Buff-etts" 11. The Purple Lagoon 12. Find Her Finer 13. The Origin Of Manx 14. Manx Needs Women 15. Chrissy Puked Twice 16. Cruisin' For Burgers DISC 4: BONUS CONCERT PERFORMANCES – PART THREE 1. The Purple Lagoon/Any Kind Of Pain 2. "The Greatest New Undiscovered Group In America" 3. Black Napkins 4. Dinah-Moe Humm 5. Finale DISC 5: BONUS VAULT CONTENT 1. The Black Page #2 (Piano Version)  2. I Promise Not To Come In Your Mouth (Alternate Version)  3. Chrissy Puked Twice 4. Cruisin' For Burgers (1977 Mix) 5. Black Napkins  6. Punky's Whips (Unused Version) 7. The Black Page #1 (Piano Version) ZAPPA IN NEW YORK – 3LP 40th ANNIVERSARY EDITION LP 1 / Side 1 – Original Album Mix Remastered 1. Titties & Beer 2. I Promise Not To Come In Your Mouth 3. Big Leg Emma LP 1 / Side 2 – Original Album 1. Sofa   2. Manx Needs Women 3. The Black Page Drum Solo/Black Page #1 4. Black Page #2 LP 2 / Side 3 – Original Album 1. Honey, Don't You Want A Man Like Me? 2. The Illinois Enema Bandit LP 2 / Side 4 – Original Album 1. The Purple Lagoon LP 3 / Side 1 – Bonus Vault Content 1. Black Napkins   2. Cruisin' For Burgers (1977 Mix) LP 3 / Side 2 – Bonus Vault Content 1. The Black Page #2 (Piano Version)  2. I Promise Not To Come In Your Mouth (Alternate Version) 3. Punky's Whips (Unused Version) 4. The Black Page #1 (Piano Version) THE GUITAR WORLD ACCORDING TO FRANK ZAPPA TRACK LISTING Side 1 1. Sleep Dirt 2. Friendly Little Finger 3. excerpt from Revised Music For Guitar And Low-Budget Symphony Orchestra 4. Things That Look Like Meat Side 2 1. Down In De Dew 2. A Solo From Heidelberg 3. A Solo From Cologne  4. A Solo From Atlanta zappa.com facebook.com/zappa twitter.com/zappa

[Paul R]

To Thee We Sing - K of C to Host Pre-Concert Event at K of C Museum

(For planning purposes only) WHAT: The Knights of Columbus will host a pre-concert event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Marian Anderson's historic 1939 performance at Lincoln Memorial. It will be held a few days prior to the New Haven Symphony Orchestra's (NHSO) April 4 concert, highlighting Anderson's significant contribution to civil rights in the U.S. The K of C is a sponsor of the NHSO concert.  WHEN: Monday, April 1, 2019 at 12 noon WHERE: Knights of Columbus Museum | 1 State Street, New Haven, CT REMARKS BY:    K of C Chief Executive Officer Carl Anderson New Haven Mayor, Toni Harp President of the Chapter of the Greater New Haven NAACP Doris Dumas Reverend Keith King, Ret. Capt. & JAG of U.S. Marine Corp; CT & U.S. District Court Attorney Dr. Keith Churchwell, Senior Vice President, Operations and Executive Director of Yale New Haven Hospital's Heart and Vascular Center and Transplantation Center Cardiovascular Services and Clinical Service Coordinator for the Department of Medicine and NHSO Board Member PERFORMANCE & PRESENTATION BY: Soprano Kristin Renee Young accompanied by local New Haven Pianist William Braun on Keyboard Peabody award-winning and Emmy nominated, broadcaster, producer and visual artist Elliott Forrest MARIAN ANDERSON BACKGROUND: Marian Anderson (February 27, 1897 – April 8, 1993) was a diplomat, internationally renowned singer and civil rights activist. She performed extensively in Europe as opportunities in the U.S. were denied to her because she was black.  Eighty years ago, on April 9, 1939, after being denied concert space for an Easter Sunday performance at Washington's Constitution Hall as a result of her race and ethnicity, Marian Anderson, with the support of Eleanor Roosevelt, performed a concert for 75,000 people on the steps of Lincoln Memorial. The performance began with an inspiring rendition of "My Country 'Tis of Thee." She returned to sing at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 when Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.  K of C BACKGROUND: This event marks a historic chapter in the history of the local New Haven community, where key community leaders will come together under the roof of one of the historic buildings in New Haven to recognize, celebrate and discuss civil rights, art, music and our nation's history. We celebrate the essential relationship shared between religion and liberty – a relationship similarly embodied in the teachings, sermons, speeches and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event continues the work of the K of C, which played a significant role in fighting the KKK in the 1920s and their racist, nativist beliefs, which permeated that time. K of C's role in that era was also culminated by its partnership and support of the great work of American Sociologist W.E.B. DuBois, who shed light on the African-American experience of this time.

[Paul R]

Walt Disney Records Releases Dumbo Original Motion Picture Soundtrack With Score By Danny Elfman

Featuring End Credit Song "Baby Mine" Performed By Arcade Fire BURBANK, Calif., March 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Walt Disney Records releases the digital soundtrack for the Walt Disney Pictures film "Dumbo" today, with the physical album to follow on April 5.  Directed by Tim Burton and featuring a score by composer Danny Elfman, as well as the iconic song "Baby Mine," "Dumbo" flies into theaters today.

Perhaps the most memorable moment in Disney's 1941 classic film is the poignant lullaby, "Baby Mine."  The soundtrack and film feature new versions of the iconic song.  Sharon Rooney, who plays Miss Atlantis, performs the song in the film, and Grammy®-winning group Arcade Fire performs a touching acoustic rendition the end-credit version. Elfman's score was performed by an 85-piece orchestra and choir in London.  For more than 30 years, four-time Oscar® nominee Danny Elfman has established himself as one of the most versatile and accomplished film composers in the industry. He has collaborated with directors such as Tim Burton on 17 films, Gus Van Sant, Sam Raimi, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro, Rob Marshall, Ang Lee, Rob Minkoff, Brian De Palma, James Ponsoldt and David O. Russell. Beginning with his first score on Tim Burton's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," Elfman has scored over 100 films, including "Milk" (Oscar nominated), "Good Will Hunting" (Oscar-nominated), "Big Fish" (Oscar-nominated), "Men in Black" (Oscar-nominated), "Edward Scissorhands," "Batman," "To Die For," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Alice in Wonderland," "Silver Linings Playbook," "American Hustle" and "Avengers: Age of Ultron." More recently he has provided the music for Warner Bros.' "Justice League" and "The Grinch."  Elfman is currently scoring "Men in Black: International." About "Dumbo" From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure "Dumbo" expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former circus star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets. Directed by Tim Burton ("Alice in Wonderland," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger ("Ophelia," "Dream House"), and produced by Justin Springer, p.g.a. ("TRON: Legacy"), Kruger, Katterli Frauenfelder, p.g.a. ("Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," "Big Eyes") and Derek Frey, p.g.a. ("Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," "Frankenweenie"), "Dumbo" flies into theaters on March 29, 2019. The Dumbo original motion picture soundtrack digital album is now available and the physical album  is set for release on April 5. For more information on Walt Disney Records releases, follow us at Facebook.com/Disney, Instagram.com/disneymusic, Twitter.com/disneymusic and our Disney Hits Playlist at http://disneymusic.co/DisneyHits.

[Paul R]

Korean Cultural Center New York presents avant-rock band Jambinai in partnership with Brooklyn Bowl and Outer Ear Projects

"Young Korean Trio's elegant, energetic fusion style was thrilling, unexpected and perfectly controlled" - The Guardian NEW YORK, March 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY), a branch of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea, is proud to present experimental post-rock band Jambinai on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 8:00 pm at the Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY), ranked the #1 busiest club in NYC (Pollstar) and boasting a sound system that "no other local rock club can offer" (The New York Times). This performance is presented in association with Brooklyn Bowl and Outer Ear Projects.

Jambinai sound less like a band than a force of nature, fusing the full dramatic range of post-rock dynamics to Korean folk roots to create an exhilarating, vivid and unique range of sounds. Their instrumental music is coloured by Bomi Kim's fiddle-like haegeum, Ilwoo Lee'sguitar and piri (a Korean flute made of bamboo) and Eun Youg Sim'sgeomungo, a Korean zither.   "Traditional Korean tones and rhythms are a big part of what makes Jambinai sound so refreshing to listeners new to those sounds, but it's their energy and inventiveness that make them one of the most exciting rising bands in the realm of avant rock." - Beverly Bryan, Noisey   The founding members met studying traditional music at Korea's National University of Arts, and found they were united by a desire to present such music in a new way, "to communicate with the ordinary person who doesn't listen to Korean traditional music," says Ilwoo Lee, the band's principal writer. This makeover, eschews previous Korean modernists, who Lee says have used western classical music or jazz, for a molten fusion of metal, rock and experimental sound. Jambinai's sound is influenced by bands such as Black Sabbath and Metallica, but with definite deep roots in the Korean traditional.  With hundreds of shows under their belt, Jambinai has been reaching audiences all over the world at performances and international festivals including SXSW (US), Glastonbury (UK), Primavera (Spain), WOMAD, and more. In 2018, they closed the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. This March, they have played at SXSW at the Korea Spotlight showcase and will be playing both weekends of Coachella in April. Artists: Ilwoo Lee (Guitar/Piri/Taepyeongso/Saenghwang) Bomi Kim (Haegeum) Eunyoung Sim (Geomungo) B.K. Yu (Bass) Jaehyuk Choi (Drum) About the Korean Cultural Center New York  Inaugurated in 1979, the Korean Cultural Center New York is a branch of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea. Under the authority of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, KCCNY works to promote cultural arts exchange and stimulate interest in Korean culture through diverse activities. 2019 marks KCCNY's 40th Anniversary.  For more information and tickets, please visit www.koreanculture.org