Website: http://www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/
Join us for the second annual Asheville Percussion Festival on June 14th-16th, 2013 at the Odyssey Community School in Asheville, NC. The mission is to provide a creative environment where percussionists of all traditions, from around the globe, gather to explore, create and innovate. The festival will be hosted by Ashevilles beloved ambassador of rhythm River Guerguerian. There will be workshops Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Workshop topics for all levels will include performing, improvising, and composing taught by world-renowned performers such as Layne Redmond, Kevin Spears, Edwina Tyler, Billy Jonas, Casey Driessen, and other national and regional teachers.

The concerts will be held on Friday & Saturday evenings at 8pm. Saturday evenings concert will be a Master Concert featuring the visiting and local performers and teachers.

After the huge success of the First Annual Percussion Festival, this years event is gearing toward a very affordable way to experience profound learning, sonic diversity, along with building relationships constructed upon the foundation of the love and necessity of creating and exploring music, the tribal joy of percussion and the rhythmic force of our rising percussive community.

Long-running, Grammy nominated prog rock outfit, Voodoo Monkey Child, have been hard at work recording their latest full-length album, "Coast of Dreams". The band hopes to promote the new release beyond sweet home Chicago.

Dateline: Schaumburg, IL, May 7, 2013 - It's been a long and winding road for Voodoo Monkey Child. When keys player, R. Scott Allen, formed the band back in 1990, the music world was a very different place.

Hair metal reigned supreme, as did pop rap acts and boy bands. Grunge was just starting to make some rumblings and Nirvana was about to change everything. Fast forward almost 25 years and many of those musical styles, and the bands that played them, have been relegated to the dustbins of history. Voodoo Monkey Child survives. Playing their own style of progressive rock music that has roots in the blues-based guitar bands of the 60s and prog rock pioneers of the 70s, VMC keep the fires of the past burning, but with eyes on the future.

Voodoo Monkey Child is an offspring that has matured into adulthood, but not without some growing pains. Bass players and singers have come and gone over the decades, but today Voodoo Monkey Child stands as a solid and tight five piece.

The band includes Jana Hurdesova on lead vocals and acoustic guitar; R. Scott Allen on the keyboards; Michael J. Ferguson playing guitar and providing backing vocals; Tim Rogers on bass and backing vocals and Scott Hume playing drums and doing double duty as the band's producer in the studio. Together these seasoned musicians have enjoyed recording and gigging in support of their records, including a gig opening for electronic, folk (and everything else) band Poi Dog Pondering at Otto's in DeKalb.

VMC were also fortunate enough to have two songs from their sophomore album, "Under a Crescent Moon" nominated in 11 categories for the 2009 Grammy Awards, including Unique Artwork and Song of the Year.

Released in 2008 on the Little Pond Records label, "Under a Crescent Moon" was recorded by the band and Scott Hume. Like their previous effort, 1998's "A Taste of the Afterlife", the songs on the album were influenced by a few bands you may have heard of: Yes, Rush, Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Evanescence, Genesis, The Who and Iron Maiden.

Those are certainly not underground bands. VMC gets compared to their heroes and prog rock progenitors like Yes and Genesis and Jana's presence at the forefront draws comparisons to Heart.

With a professional sound by seasoned musicians and great songs written and arranged by lovers of rock music, Voodoo Monkey Child is closing in on the completion of their third record. Engineered and produced again by the band, with Scott Hume at the helm, "Coast of Dreams" is slated for a Fall 2013 release, at which time the band hopes to be beaming out on international airwaves.

"Under A Crescent Moon" is currently available from CD Baby, iTunes and Amazon.

Check out Voodoo Monkey Child's video for "Eyes of Love" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ITAh4WLAEw

Voodoo Monkey Child has recently signed with (Wifi PR Group) as a client. Company Info: WiFi PR Group, Los Angeles, CA. http://www.wifiprgroup.com

About VMC Music:
A Taste of the Afterlife, Released: 1998 (Little Pond Records, Inc.)
Under a Crescent Moon, Released: April 2009 (Little Pond Records, Inc.)

Official Website: www.voodoomonkeychild.com
Official Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/voodoomonkeychild
Official Twitter Page: www.twitter.com/www.voodoomonkeychild
Official YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/vmc1453

It was just announced that The Como Brothers Band will be opening for The Wallflowers on June 20th 2013 in Stamford Connecticut's Alive@Five. Alive@Five is held in Columbus Park in Stamford Downtown. Gates open at 4:30pm, and music starts at 5pm. Long Island's Como Brothers Band has been busy on a radio tour promoting their sophomore EP Still Waters (March 14, 2013). This original 5-song EP has been garnering plenty of positive reviews and is a follow-up to their well received debut The Speed of Sound EP (January 2012). The Como Brothers, Matt and Andrew Como, are singer-songwriters that lead the band. Their music has a distinctively original sound with influences from rock and blues.

A Year of Accomplishment
The past year has been filled with many exciting accomplishments for the band. The Como Brothers music been placed on the soundtrack of E! Entertainment's Keeping up with the Kardashians, MTV's The Real World St. Thomas, The Real World Portland, and Oxygen Channel's Best Ink. Their music has also been placed on the sound track of the indie film Wingman, Inc which will be out later in 2013. In 2012, the Como Brothers played at the NY Warped Tour at Nassau Coliseum, The Highline Ballroom in Manhattan, Jones Beach Nikon Theatre, The Hard Rock Caf? Times Square and many other great venues. The Como Brothers Band brings an energy, excitement, and originality to the stage that leaves fans wanting more and more of them. The band is very personable and accessible to fans.

Future Plans
Currently The Como Brothers Band is finishing up their first full length album, Baby Steps, at VuDu Studios (NY) with their longtime producers Mike Watts and Tom Flynn (As Tall As Lions, The Dear Hunter). The album will include 11 new songs. The group will be filming two music videos in June 2013 for this upcoming album. As well as seeing them at Alive@Five on 6/20 you can see them on WTNH 8 MyTV CT style 5/23, The Bitter End 5/31, The 16th Annual Long Island Music Festival, 6/1 and in the Make Music NY Festival 6/21. Check their website for details.

Visit The Como Brothers websites:
www.comobrothersband.com
www.Twitter.com/ComoBrosBand
www.facebook.com/comobrothersband
http://www.stamford-downtown.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=154

Unlike most artists today, Australian metal band KUNVUK goes hard and doesn't just push the boundaries. They absolutely destroy it. Once again, KUNVUK brings their own brand of insanity and chaos to the music video of "Teeth Swallower", recently released through the band's Youtube account. This one will surely be a delight for any metal fan.

Staying true to their style, KUNVUK delivers 6 minutes of pure anarchy. Reminiscent of a low-budget slasher film, the video features ominous shots of alleyways, basements, and abandoned garages. The cinematography is shaky and constantly responds to the hard-hitting bits of the song. "Teeth Swallower" is like a highlight reel of horror movies, with shots of water torture, hooded figures, and lots and lots of running interspersed with shots of the band rocking out. One of the most memorable images is a close-up of the lead singer's bearded mouth Bombarded with images, the audience cannot help but feel pulled in.

As we go deeper and deeper into the band's psychotic world, we also close in on the song's climax, a breakdown in which the lead singer's rant in an almost poetic fashion. At this pivotal moment, the chaos dies down a little and we are led to a roof where a sole figure is sitting. When the lead singer moves in, he realizes the figure is himself, and the chaos returns.

With a surprising amount of effort and passion placed into the film, "Teeth Swallower" is any metal fan's dream. Be prepared to be gunned down by six minutes of mayhem.

Website: http://www.kunvuk.com
Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_TbuJZs9BQ

Website: http://www.mandelmusic.net/
Music: http://www.mandelmusic.net/clip.mp3

R&B Singer MANDEL will release his first EP "Payback" May 10 2013 on ITUNES and all other digital formats. New Album coming later late summer 2013. Mandel brings the sound of soul back to the music genre. An accomplished singer and songwriter, Mandel has sang since the age of 4 and professionally since 13years old. He has achieved 3 recording contracts the last with his boy band(VA) early 2000 on Dreamworks Records skg.

Mandel is stepping out on his own with a catchy tune "Payback" that he has written with sound association in New York. Mandel is sure to capture audiences with his natural ability as a vocalist and performer in the coming future.

Leopard Green Records
244 Fifth Avenue k288
New York, New York 10001
212-252-3348
CONTACT INFO: INFO@LEOPARDGREEN.COM

Up-and-coming Producer/Dj L-Nize teams up with Miami's chart-topping R&B/Dance artist Qwote for the house/electro anthem "Blowin My Mind". Dedicated to all the mind-blowing ladies on the dancefloor, the energetic hook of the song invites you to sing along. The mixture of L-Nize' cutting- edge production combined with Qwote's unique vocal range makes "Blowin My Mind" one of the freshest club releases of summer 2013. Qwote is best known for his hit single "Throw your hands up" ft. Pitbull & Lucenzo (Ultra Music) which entered the UK single charts at Nr. 13.

"Blowin My Mind" is the first release on L-Nize' newly founded boutique label Veyron Entertainment, based near Frankfurt/Germany. Veyron Entertainment focuses on worldwide single releases in the dance genre, however what makes the label stand out from its peers is that only the world's best voices are featured on Veyron Entertainment releases.

Website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9mu0TbPyOuQ

(New York, NY) Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Hines is ready to take the U.S. folk-pop scene by storm once again—this time with his new album, How We Fly, which will be available in limited edition colored vinyl, CD, online and limited edition illustrated picture book on June 25th, 2013 - with a performance at The Cutting Room in NYC benefiting the Red Cross. This will be the first of many shows on Justin's Vehicle of Change Tour - supporting local charities across the country.

The follow-up to his 2011 U.S. debut Days To Recall, his forthcoming release How We Fly features awe-inspiring songs that are not only representational of his profound songwriting, but are also the music of a generation that refuses to be divided by race, language and geographical barriers— from Africa to America, he’s gained admirers wherever he goes. A stunning amalgamation of pop, country, folk and rock, Hines’s music is introspective and heartfelt, his story, touching and inspirational. In How We Fly, he reminds us that we are unified in our fervor to overcome the struggles of life.

In the album’s opening track, “Maybe When the Morning Comes” Hines is in search of a better tomorrow. He concludes with the retrospective lyric, “Maybe I’ve failed to see there’s more to this world than me.” He projects a similar sense of selflessness with the euphoric anthem, “We The People” (feat. Sierra Noble) while maintaining his tranquility in “If We’re Wrong” and “In My Quiet Hour.” His gift with words and rich, smoky, raspy voice echos Cat Stevens and James Taylor, with a subtle hint of Waylon Jennings and Woodie Guthrie. Whether reflecting on a love gone wrong (“Don’t Mean Nothing”) or capturing the bare beauty of lovers in the Dylanesque love song (“Love You That Way”), Hines wears his heart on his sleeves. His candor is manifested in “Lay My Burden’s Down” a track that features thrilling percussion and string work alongside an entrancing chant that unveils his own aspirations: “I want to live like I’m not bound/Break my shackles down/Lay my burdens down.”

Hines has had some burdens of his own. With a rare genetic joint condition called Larsen's syndrome, a disease that dislocates the joints and confines him to a wheelchair, he almost didn’t record How We Fly due to the progression of his condition. With the help of medical professionals and massage therapy, which helped relieve pressure from his spine pressing on his diaphragm, he has prevailed. The experience is the inspiration behind the new album. “I kind of feel like everybody’s kind of given me the foundation to metaphorically fly,” Hines says of the support he’s received. “The making of it truly was a very sort of beautifully challenging thing.”

This summer, Hines will be traveling across North America performing in support of How We Fly, and dozens of local charities. This tour will be non-profit, where any money raised will go directly to the charities he is teaming up with. Check out his amazing story: http://ala044.wix.com/howwefly#!paulaamato/cs30

Justin was also recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning. View: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7392060n

Here's what they are saying about Justin Hines:

"This wonderful artist is an inspiration to all of us." People (South Africa)

"Justin Hines is on top of the world" CBS Sunday Morning

"A Star is Born" Toronto Sun

Giving Back:

Over the years, Justin he has helped raise millions of dollars for charities internationally - including repelling down a 33 story building in a wheelchair in San Diego, for a local children's charity. His personal campaign, the "Say What You Will" initiative, is in support of renovating schools in South Africa - where 22,000 children have been recipients.

For all media inquiries (US), contact:
Paula Amato, paula@paimedia.com
PAI Media
212.206.1598

Website: http://www.jmusiz.net
Music: http://soundcloud.com/jmusiz-production/dubstep

Jmusiz's work can be heard on TV shows like Real World San Diego, Access Hollywood, VH1's 40 Most Shocking Hip Hop Moments, MTV When I Was 17 Common T Pain And Alex Meraz, 40 Winningest Winners Of 2011, What Not To Wear, Bad Girls Club, Lens On Talent, and Ogilvy & Mather (Sydney Australia) KFC - The Boss 2012, Big Easy Brides,and more. In addition to writing hot original material in the Hip Hop, Pop, Rock, RnB, Dance, Electronic, and Funk genres, he has also been producing other artists for over a decade.

Lynne Taylor Donovan will release her new single "Turn To Stone" to all radio/media in Canada and Australia May 12. A perfect follow-up to Lynne's hit "Sugar Lake","Turn To Stone" was originally recorded as an album track and released to a limited number of stations. It has now been re-mixed and re-mastered as a single. "Turn To Stone", in a departure from the more traditional one-instrument solo, features harmonica, percussion, and fiddle in a series of mini-solos.
The album version is already on radio across New Zealand on the New Zealand Country Music Network (TLC). "Turn To Stone" hit #8 on the EU/UK charts.

LYNNE TAYLOR DONOVAN TO RELEASE VIDEO
"Turn To Stone" video will be in general release within two weeks of the single. CMC in Australia and Channel Zero TV in Canada already have video for the song.

"Excellent material...If I could give it 12 (out of 10) I would!...Wonderful!..."
BBC Radio Newcastle, UK

"Very strong song - provocative vocals...great fiddle and guitars"
Radio Ariane, Belgium

"...atmospheric and nicely arranged...."Country Music and More Magazine ? UK

"Very original and well produced" - Country Music Roundup magazine, UK

"Incredibly good record"
Radio Osttirol, Austria

"The phones are already lighting up - It sounds so much like Martina meets Faith with a European ambient sound. I can tell why it did so well in Europe."
PD - WCTO Pennsylvania, USA

http://www.lynnetaylordonovan.com

The deadline for the 18th Annual USA Songwriting Competition is fast approaching. Winning songs of the 17th Annual USA Songwriting Competition will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program "Acoustic Caf?" as well as Sirius XM Satellite Radio. This is the first Songwriting Competition that gives airplay to the winning songs, giving deserving bands, songwriters the recognition and exposure they deserve. Entrants stand to win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash and music gear from sponsors, making this the largest prize in the songwriting competition. Sponsors of the 2013 Competition are: New Music Weekly, AirplayAccess.com, Loggins Promotion, Sony, Audio-Technica, D'Addario Strings, Presonus, iZotope, Propellerheads, Notion Software, Recording Magazine, Acoustica, Sonoma Wireworks, Acoustic Caf? Radio Program, LivewireMusician.com, Reverbnation, Broadjam, Sirius XM Radio and Sonicbids.

SUCCESS AFTER WINNING
USA Songwriting Competition has a long history of having winners getting recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television. The top two winners of 2011: Nenna Yvonne and Alexander Cardinale have been signed to Interscope Records after their win.

2009 First Prize winner (country) was signed to Universal Records. 2005 First Prize winner (Pop) Kate Voegele was signed to Interscope Records the year after she won and had her winning song hit top 40 on the Billboard Charts, her latest album hit Top 10 on the Billboard 200 Album charts this summer. 2007 Overall Grand Prize Winner Ari Gold had his winning song "Where The Music Takes You" hit #10 on the Billboard Dance Charts. Darrell Scott, winner of the country category of the 2005 USA Song writing Competition had his winning song cut by award winning country singer Faith Hill. The 2010 winner in the instrumental category, Christopher Tinn won two Grammy awards in 2011. Mike Schmid (Pictured) is a professional keyboard player and he has performed on hit TV show "American idol" as a backing keyboard player. He has also toured with hit artists Miley Cyrus and Jessica Simpson.

Nenna Yvonne (Overall Grand Prize Winner, 16th Annual USA Songwriting Competition) has been signed with Thump/Universal Music Group. Sally Nyolo (2012 USA Songwriting Competition First Prize Winner, World category) is signed to RCA Victor/Sony Music. Alexander Cardinale (2011 USA Songwriting Competition First Prize winner & Overall 2nd Prize) won Hollywood Music in Media Award for "Best Song in a TV Show" on "90210" with the same song he won for USA Songwriting Competition "Traffic Lights". Judges include A&R managers from record labels such as Warner, Capitol Records, Universal, BMG/SONY Music.

Songs may be entered in 15 different categories including Pop, Rock/Alternative, R&B and Country. Entries are accepted from now through May 31, 2013. For more information, visit: http://www.songwriting.net

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"If there was ever proof that the lines between Rock & Roll and Country have been inextricably blurred, this is it!" - Jon Lindquist

Hollywood, CA, April 28, 2013- The Honorifics prevailed at the 2013 Indie Music Channel Awards in Hollywood, winning the award for "Best Country Band " for the song "Ain't Gonna Try Anymore" A panel of music industry professionals chose the winners. The Honorifics were also nominated for "Best Album of the Year".

West Hollywood came alive at the famed House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard April 28, 2013. Complete with nominee red carpet interviews and paparazzi, a packed house of independent music artist nominees from around the world, international press and entertainment industry professionals, the 2013 Indie Music Channel Awards event was a huge success. Emmy award winner Christopher Ewing, creator of the Indie Music Channel, presented The Honorifics award.

Ewing says, "Take the fun beat of rockabilly and mix it with a little bit of country, a little bit of pop, and a whole lot of cool, and you get the band, "The Honorifics."…I am so very proud of you guys!!"

The Honorifics are fresh, fun, and catchy as hell!

If you would like more information about The Honorifics or this topic, please contact Annette at 702-483-7565 or 208-691-5727 or email at thehonorifics@thehonorifics.com.

After years of recording and performing, Christine Ben-Ameh offers her debut album titled 'Life Under Construction', a revisited effort which justifies the title in every single way.

The year ahead promises a vast unveiling of this new treasure as she promises even better releases and plans to tour the world and Europe in the summer of 2014.

'Life Under Construction' is now available on all digital stores worldwide (digital distribution via JTV Digital).

Christine is currently preparing the release of a cover version from Rihanna's world hit 'Stay', and various remixes and collaborations are to come.

Stay tuned!

For more details on Christine, please visit http://www.christinebenameh.com

Hollywood, CA - On Thursday, April 25th, just prior to her show in the hotel's rock venue Vinyl, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas unveiled a display honoring the work of platinum selling solo artist and Australian guitarist Orianthi. Several hours later, Orianthi along with Glen Sobel (drummer for Alice Cooper) and Vivi Rama (bassist for Macy Gray, Jordin Sparks) performed to a packed house at Vinyl.

Prior to her show a crowd filled with fans, Hard Rock Hotel executives and media gathered for the unveiling ceremony of a glass display case, designed by Warwick Stone, honoring the young guitarist's work. Paul Davis, VP of Entertainment for the Hard Rock Hotel kicked off the ceremony by discussing Orianthi's accomplishments as a guitarist and solo artist. Max McAndrew, Booking and Operations Manager of Vinyl, followed with a brief interview with Orianthi about working with Michael Jackson, touring with Alice Cooper and her latest album Heaven In This Hell, produced by Dave Stewart (of the Eurythmics). A beaming Orianthi commented this was "a very surreal moment" before she and Paul together pulled the black cover to unveil the display which includes her signature Scarlet Red PRS model guitar, the April 2013 Guitar World issue with Orianthi on the cover, the Jimi Hendrix tee she wore for the cover shoot, along with a video (on continuous loop) of her performing. For an indefinite period, the display will live in a high-traffic area of the main casino near the entrance to The Joint and Club Vinyl.

Following LA-based rockers Future Villains, Orianthi took the stage for a 80-minute show. Fans were treated to a set list that included tracks off her latest album Heaven In This Hell, as well as a few of her previous hits.

Set List:
"Heaven In This Hell"
"Frozen"
"Filthy Blues"
"You Don't Wanna Know"
"How Do You Sleep"
"Fire"
"What's It Gonna Be"
"Think Like a Man
"According To You"
"If You Think You Know Me"
"Sex E Bizarre"
"Voodoo Chile"

Orianthi: www.OrianthiMusic.com
Follow Orianthi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Orianthi?ref=ts&fref=ts
Twitter:@Orianthi

For more information or to schedule an interview with Orianthi, please contact:
PR Squared Public Relations
Karen Webb
323)375-6376 /info@prsquaredpr.com

Right at the heart of one of Vienna's oldest amusement parks ('Boehmischer Prater', established in 1883), 29 and 30 June 2013 will see 6 folk and blues acts take the stage at Tivoli in what Wickerl Hapta, spokesperson of promoter 'Kulturverband Boehmischer Prater', tagged '1. Acoustique Festival'. Says Wickerl Hapta, 'It was high time to finally have current developments in music - a re-discovery of singer-songwriter and acoustic blues styles - reflected in Tivoli's programming. Given that we can do open air events, we will be able to put on a well-deserved showcase of the acoustic music scene of Vienna and beyond.'

Which takes us right to the festival bill of '1. Acoustique Festival': Saturday, 29 June 2013 will have Vienna's 'Die Blues Buam' (translates to 'The Blues Boys') churn out their swamp blues-flavoured blend of Afro-American and Viennese tradition, adding to a unique luna park experience.

Talking of the 'beyond': singer-songwriter Stefan van de Sande from The Netherlands will be next to hit the stage, in for another stint of accomplishing his mission of what Scottish newspaper 'Aberdeen Monday' recently called 'sharing his songs with people'.

Headlining a truly inspiring Saturday's bill will see us go even further beyond, experiencing the soulful vocals and guitar playing of one of the godfathers of Austrian blues, Rudi Biber from Vienna and Ft. Myers, USA, with his congenial musical mate Tonci 'Mr Nylon' Marincic from Split, Croatia, fretting away on his acoustic axe at breathtaking speed.

A - hopefully - sunny - Sunday summer afternoon, and time for two strong women - Martina Baumann & Claudia Fenzl, musicians and actresses from Vienna - to take us closer to the meaning of power and how to give works by Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt, Kate Wolf and Tom Russell an entirely new face.

Next to hit the stage are 'sparse and powerful' (says Mike Lidskin of Twirl Radio in Sacramento, California) acoustic blues duo Runway 27, Left from Vienna sporting their deep connection with roots music and original material from their first album 'Weekend Warriors' (2011), having already gathered radio airplay in the UK, the USA, Spain, The Netherlands, Australia, Germany, Austria and Macedonia.

Back to the bedrock of Austrian blues and folks: Johann 'Zappa' Cermak (having been the frontman of the legendary 'Bluespumpm' for 36 years) and Judith (having been the voice of the 'Wild Irish Lasses' for 22 years) will be headlining the second day of '1. Acoustique Festival' with their eclectic mix of blues, Irish folk and country, providing the final highlight of two days of acoustic music delight.

1. Acoustique Festival - festival bill:

Saturday, 29 June 2013
Rudi Biber (AT, USA) & Tonci Marincic (HR)
Stefan van de Sande (NL)
Die Blues Buam (AT)

Sunday, 30 June 2013
Zappa & Judith (AT)
Runway 27, Left (AT)
Martina Baumann & Claudia Fenzl (AT)

To get your ticket and festival passes for '1. Acoustique Festival', call 0043-650-7178204 or go to http://www.tivoliwien.at/. Advance ticket sales: Fridays through Sundays.

New Orleans - Like a leaf on a barren branch, Crix Green emerges and has defiantly thrown his crown in the hip hop ring of champion spitters. Virgin Island born, but dirty south bred in New Orleans, this contender plans to not only knock out the competition, but stomp all over them. His newly released mixtape, "Keepin It Ben Franklin," hosted by DJ Scream, from his Clear Vision Entertainment label, has already put naysayers on alert, because like the title of his single release, "I'm On It," Crix Green is all over it, under it and through it.

His bravado didn't come cheap though. A real hustla who has been in the streets since early childhood, Green had to actually lay low before he could get behind a mike. "Waiting on a statute of limitations to run its course is real talk when you rapping real game and not fake believe like the 'boss rosses' in the game," he will tell you.

"Keepin It Ben Franklin" is 12 tracks that roll deep through the dirty dirty and emerge unscathed, much like his own personal trials and tribulations in life. "My mixtape is uncensored pages out of my life. I love hip hop but hate what it has turned into. Anyone can drop a release about 'da life and get a hit now, whether its their story or the story of someone next to them. My lyrics were born from not only my blood but the blood of my brothers. I represent for the underworld that's still unda because though I have survived, it is not about my sole success. It's about sprouting more green and blazing a path for others."

"Keepin It Ben Franklin" puts the listener on immediate blast with the "Intro" track that bangs beats like bullets firing past the haters. Green keeps it 'G'd' up with "Get It" but softens his blows with "Playa Ways" rappin over a R&B rhythm with a smooth flowing chorus laced by a honey flavored female vocalist. The artists takes it a step further when he mixes up his swag on the jazz tinged, saxophone trimmed "Real Talk." The current single however, "I'm On It" makes is plain though, Crix's last name is "Green" for a reason.

The sheer personification of his unyielding confidence, relentless determination and focused vision will propel Crix Green to the head of the rap game. From his perspective, when you have survived bullets, the Feds and snitches, everything else is a pretty easy.

Roll with Crix Green at www.CrixGreen.com

May 1 is the final deadline for the opportunity for female musicians in all styles of music to apply for an official showcase at MEOW Con ? the inaugural international three-day music conference on the state of women in music.

Produced by Musicians for Equal Opportunities for Women (aka MEOW), the conference will be held October 24-26, 2013 at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin, Texas. There is a total of 100 available performance slots and artists in all genres of music are encouraged to apply. Selected artists will receive complimentary registration for the conference.

Keynote speaker for MEOW Con is legendary "rock chick" Suzi Quatro (pictured left). Since beginning her career as a bass player 50 years ago, Quatro has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide. She will also receive the prestigious Woman of Valor Award at a dinner in her honor on October 24th. Past Woman of Valor Award recipients are Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart (2000), Patti Smith (2005) and Fanny (2007).

MEOW Con is the only conference of its kind. Not only will it feature panel discussions, workshops, performances, a trade show and networking opportunities, but it will also examine the cultural impact of how women in music are perceived through the lens of film, literature, blogs and traditional music journalism.

Showcase applications will be taken in three ways, through Sonicbids, PayPal and through the mail. All entries must be postmarked or completed by midnight on May 1 to be considered. Applications will be selected by a team of industry experts.

"Our goal is to elevate the state of women in music in every way," explains MEOW Director Carla DeSantis Black. "We want to ensure that women have opportunities to achieve success on their own terms, and that artists at every level of their career have a voice. MEOW Con is the place for everyone to strategize ways to end sexism in this industry."

The cost to attend MEOW Con is $200 through June 30th. Women of Valor Dinner tickets are $125 and sold separately through www.meowcon.eventbrite.com.

To apply to perform or for more information, visit the official MEOW Con web site at www.meowcon.com.

For the fourth year running, custom guitar builder Jay Lichty has painstakingly crafted an heirloom quality guitar and donated this treasure to the Western North Carolina based non-profit LEAF for a fundraising raffle. Lichty has crafted over 100 instruments (guitars and ukuleles), and professional musicians from Japan to Nashville are playing and praising Lichty's handcrafted instruments.

LEAF is an organization established to build community and enrich lives through the arts and music, both in North Carolina and internationally. Given the tremendous success of the first guitar raffle, Lichty decided to make this donation an annual tradition. The LEAF staff "is thrilled with the amount of money raised through the annual guitar raffle and with the generosity of both the Lichty and LEAF communities." To date, over $10,000 dollars have been raised by the annual Lichty Guitar Raffle.

The 2013 Lichty raffle guitar was crafted by Jay Lichty in his Tryon, North Carolina shop. Every guitar Jay builds is a one-of-a-kind, and this year's raffle guitar is no exception. It is a dreadnought-sized acoustic guitar with beautifully figured Ambrosia maple wood for the sides and back, Englemann spruce top, a cherry burl rosette and camel bone nut and saddle. Ambrosia Maple is the result of a beautiful collaboration in nature. Maple trees, environmental conditions, tiny beetles, and fungus create just the right palette and the result is a stunning foundation for a guitar, both visually and acoustically. The list price for this guitar is $4,200.

Raffle tickets are $10 each and may be purchased via phone at (828) 686-8742, online at http://leafticketsales.org (online sales include a $5.99 processing fee) or at the Lake Eden Arts Festival. Total sales are limited to 500 and the winning ticket will be drawn at the fall 2012 LEAF Festival in Black Mountain, NC on October 20th. The winner does not have to be present.

Learn more about the raffle, see images of the guitar, and hear sound bites at:
* http://lichtyguitars.com/2013/03/13/win-a-guitar-2013-guitar-raffle-leaf/
* Learn more about LEAF, an amazing non-profit providing quality programming both in Western NC and globally and purchase tickets at http://www.theleaf.org.

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Handcrafted and built-to-order by North Carolina luthier Jay Lichty, Lichty instruments combine the highest quality materials with premium exotic and domestic tonewoods for heirloom quality custom-crafted acoustic guitars and ukuleles. Lichty single-handedly builds each of the 25 instruments he produces a year - creating award-winning works of art played and praised by professional musicians from Japan to Nashville. http://www.lichtyguitars.com.

PRESS RELEASE ? (BIRMINGHAM, MI) ? April 25th 2013 ? Xeinge Group, the parent company of Venzo Digital, the state-of-the-art distribution technology platform has reported substantial growth in music sales to date. Venzo Artists has generated over $1.5 Million in gross music sales since its official launch in January 2012. More than 3.5 million units generated from digital content.

Venzo Digital is an online music platform that helps people sell their music online to stores like iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and eMusic for free. Artists using the service are able to sell unlimited music while earning 80% royalties on their music sold.

"Venzo Digital has shown great promises for us as a barrier to entry into the new music business. To be able to generate over $1.5 million and 3.5 million units in one year since its launch without any venture capital funding is truly unprecedented. More than 90% of our gross sales milestone came from iTunes, 5% coming from Spotify, and the other 5% coming from the rest of our digital partners. We look forward to reproduce these kind of results from this business with our app business by the end of 2015." Says Kevin Rivers, Founder/CEO of Xeinge Group.

Venzo Digital was recently awarded the "Top 25 Companies to Watch in 2012" from AlwaysOn. Apart from its digital music business, Xeinge Group wholly owns NZOD, Rivers Bank, and its upcoming business AvertizeMe. Each businesses focus on iOS apps, investments, and marketing respectively.

About Venzo Digital
Venzo Digital is a web platform that enables users to sell music online to stores like iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and eMusic for FREE! Users are able to deliver unlimited music, music videos, and ringtones while earning 80% royalties from their music.

http://www.venzodigital.com/

Hollywood, CA - On Thursday, April 25th, just prior to her show in the hotel's rock venue Vinyl, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas unveiled a display honoring the work of platinum selling solo artist and Australian guitarist Orianthi. Several hours later, Orianthi along with Glen Sobel (drummer for Alice Cooper) and Vivi Rama (bassist for Macy Gray, Jordin Sparks) performed to a packed house at Vinyl.

Prior to her show a crowd filled with fans, Hard Rock Hotel executives and media gathered for the unveiling ceremony of a glass display case, designed by Warwick Stone, honoring the young guitarist's work. Paul Davis, VP of Entertainment for the Hard Rock Hotel kicked off the ceremony by discussing Orianthi's accomplishments as a guitarist and solo artist. Max McAndrew, Booking and Operations Manager of Vinyl, followed with a brief interview with Orianthi about working with Michael Jackson, touring with Alice Cooper and her latest album Heaven In This Hell, produced by Dave Stewart (of the Eurythmics). A beaming Orianthi commented this was "a very surreal moment" before she and Paul together pulled the black cover to unveil the display which includes her signature Scarlet Red PRS model guitar, the April 2013 Guitar World issue with Orianthi on the cover, the Jimi Hendrix tee she wore for the cover shoot, along with a video (on continuous loop) of her performing. For an indefinite period, the display will live in a high-traffic area of the main casino near the entrance to The Joint and Club Vinyl.

Following LA-based rockers Future Villains, Orianthi took the stage for a 80-minute show. Fans were treated to a set list that included tracks off her latest album Heaven In This Hell, as well as a few of her previous hits.

Set List:
"Heaven In This Hell"
"Frozen"
"Filthy Blues"
"You Don't Wanna Know"
"How Do You Sleep"
"Fire"
"What's It Gonna Be"
"Think Like a Man
"According To You"
"If You Think You Know Me"
"Sex E Bizarre"
"Voodoo Chile"

Orianthi: www.OrianthiMusic.com
Follow Orianthi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Orianthi?ref=ts&fref=ts
Twitter:@Orianthi

For more information or to schedule an interview with Orianthi, please contact:
PR Squared Public Relations
Karen Webb
323)375-6376 /info@prsquaredpr.com

Jaga has always had a deep appreciation of music. A few of her early projects have been with the La Jolla singers, where she enjoyed the classical music repertoire, and with the Cedros Jazz Trio, as their lead singer, playing at venues such as the San Diego Polo Club; the San Diego Faculty Club and local clubs and restaurants.

Jaga continues to be a prolific singer/songwriter, with 4 more pop singles released this year, always with more on the way!

Jaga has just returned from shooting a music video of her pop single, "lying in bed", with the great memphis producer, Joe Spike Gotti! Look for the release of this video soon!

http://www.mediafire.com/file/vb4hs9527xtgrx9/ComeOnDown_MASTER.FINAL_1.mp3