Acoustic Chicago

Acoustic Chicago- The first release in the Acoustic International series

Acoustic Chicago, the debut album from Stonecutter Records, brings some of Chicago’s most original singers and songwriters together in a collection of great performances to showcase their wide-ranging talents acoustically, while spotlighting the vibrant, musical energy that thrives in Chicago.

The CD / DVD Combo features recordings and videos that capture and celebrate the musical diversity of the musicians involved. From the sweet, sultry voice of Sarah Potenza, to the Chicago hometown rock and roll heroes Marty Casey & Lovehammers. From the swelling lush violin-infused rock of Mike Mangione, to harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy, the audience is presented with a much deeper sense of the word “acoustic” than they have known in the past.

The 13 artists selected, from over 5,000 submissions, deserve the chance to be heard. While they showcase different styles, musical backgrounds and influences, they are all uniquely Chicago and truly represent the diversity of the city’s music scene.

Acoustic Chicago Talent

The Andreas Kapsalis trio, Malcolm Palmer, Sarah Potenza, Mike Mangione, Micki Croisant, Jen Porter, Noah Gabriel, Tim Nagle, Scottish McMillan, Shannon Fortune and Mari Anne Jayme.

In addition to the 11 independent artists selected, the recording features key

Guest appearances by:

TV’s Rock Star INXS runner-up Marty Casey, and his internationally known band Lovehammers

World Renowned harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy

The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra

With supporting talent provided by some incredible industry stalwarts such as:

Jimmy Buffet’s award-winning percussionist Robert Greenridge

Grammy Nominated Sones DeMexico Harpist Zacbe Pichardo

Former Al Dimeola drummer Ernie Adams

Bill “the Buddha” Dickens

Acoustic Chicago Promotional Vehicles

Released on November 21, 2007, Acoustic Chicago has already generated many positive reviews and press coverage.

Worldwide sales including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan.

In May, June and July, artists from the Acoustic Chicago project performed live at Chicago Recording Company to audiences of 80-100 fans, local radio DJs, journalists and other industry professionals during 3 “Friday Night Sessions”. After the musical performances, Q&A sessions allowed intimate interaction between the audience and the artists, furthering the acoustic experience.

A Record Release Party at Joe’s on Weed St. showcased the artists on the album

to a crowd of 900 enthusiastic fans. One of the numerous reviews of the show

highlighted a few of the artists:

“Scottish McMillan, challenged people's concept of what "acoustic" sounds like with Primus-inflected songs. Sarah Potenza brought the house down with her bigger-than-life bluesAndreas Kapsalis captivated the crowd with his mind-boggling 8-finger tapping technique”

Continuation of the successful, live music events in February, 2008

“Women of Acoustic Chicago” & An Evening w/ Acoustic Chicago”

Acoustic Chicago Web Presence

State of the art, interactive web-site www.stonecutterrecords.com, allows users to preview the album through artist interviews and song videos. Fans can also purchase the CD / DVD directly from Stonecutter Records’ online store.

Strong web activity in months prior to release - August 2007 55,397 hits, indicates effectiveness of promotional activities.

Recording is creating a significant web community on My Space:

combined views of 405,346 and friends of 34,546.

Planning to develop a CRM (customer relationship management) program with interested targets. Combined e-mail lists of current alliances exceeds 250,000.

Primary Google and Yahoo search placements

Interviews and Podcasts on Cara’s Basement and the Kiki Vale show.

Acoustic Chicago Media Activity

Strong television presence ABC 7 Morning News, NBC 5 Evening News

Significant Radio Coverage WXRT ads, interviews on Q101 and WJJG

Release Party feature in Chicago Social Magazine

Various online media reviews and articles

Acoustic Chicago International Fan Testimonials

Wow!! The DVD is fantasticReceived it and popped it in right away, Mucho Gracias for my early Christmas present - Estoy Esperando

Thanks for producing such a wonderful array of musical talent.

Brenda Jess Toronto, Ontario Canada

Acoustic Chicago arrived in my letterbox today...in Christchurch New Zealand...

Chris - thanks for such an incredible experience. Thank you for introducing me to so many performers that I would otherwise have never known.