MONKEY CONVENTION 2013

You are invited to join fellow fans from all the world to mark the one-year anniversary of Davy Jones’ passing with a celebration of the former teen idol’s life, and his band, The Monkees at the The David T. Jones Memorial Monkees Convention, March 1-3, 2013 at The Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, 2 Meadowlands Plaza, East Rutherford, New Jersey.

There will be live concert performances, special guest interviews, autograph and photo opportunities, question and answer sessions; a mammoth Monkees music & memorabilia marketplace and rock & roll flea market, art exhibits, film and video showings, the “David T. Jones Message of Hope” book project, plus much more.

Headlining the memorial convention are former Monkees Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork. Other Special Guests of Honor includes actor Christopher Knight, who played Peter Brady in the Brady Bunch, on which Davy Jones appeared; TV personality Butch Patrick, who is best known as Eddie Munster from “The Munsters” – Butch appeared in one of the Monkees’ TV episodes; singer Ron Dante, who was the lead singer in the Archies and was one of Davy Jones’ record producers; singer Gary DeCarlo who was the lead singer in the band Steam (“Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”) and appeared with Davy Jones on Davy’s last PBS TV concert appearance; actresses Donna Loren and Arlene Martel, who each appeared in Monkees television episodes; and world famous rock & roll artist Shannon, known for her “7 Faces of Beatles” collection will be introducing her “7 Faces of Davy” collection specifically for this event. Other guests are being added.

Performing live over the three-day extravaganza will be members of Davy Jones’ touring band along with popular Monkees tribute bands including “The Characters,” who played many of the Monkees Conventions through the years and also backed up Micky, Davy and Peter; “The Blue Meanies,” who performed at a Davy Jones tribute at NY’s BB Kings club; and “Loose Salute” who specialize in Mike Nesmith songs. The very rare Monkeemobile will also be on display.

The David T. Jones Memorial Monkees Convention is being presented with the blessings of Davy’s family, and funds will be raised to support the former Monkees’ favorite charity, The Davy Jones Equine Memorial Fund. Jones was an avid horseman and this charity ensures the continuing care of the horses he so loved.

This event is open to all ages, and the hotel is offering special reduced convention rates for guests wishing to stay overnight. Join fellow fans and music lovers from all over the country and overseas as they take the Last Train To Clarksville (actually the Meadowlands) to be a Believer! The weekend guarantees fun-filled activities and attractions with Music, Memories, Monkees and much more. Tickets are now on sale, including special weekend passes.

The March 1-3, 2013 David T. Jones Memorial Monkees Convention is produced by Phyllis Paganucci of Then & Now Events in association with Liverpool Productions. Davy, Micky and Peter Tork, were all the special guests at the very last national Monkees Convention produced on the East Coast in 1987, and this production team has reunited after twenty-five years to bring fans the ultimate celebration possible in memory of Davy Jones.

For additional information, email djmemorialconvention@gmail.com, visit the website:www.monkeeconvention.com or call toll-free (866) M-O-N-K-E-E-S. To order tickets, visithttp://monkeeconvention.com/tickets.html

Beatles Music Festival to Take Place This Month

For Immediate Release:

Danbury, Connecticut: "Danbury Fields Forever" is a day-long festival of Beatles music which will "Come Together" on Saturday, July 28, at Ives Concert Park, 43 Lake Avenue Ext. in Danbury, CT featuring 10 bands over 10 hours.

Featured acts include. The Beatles Forever Band, One Sweet Dream, Fools On The Hill, MerseyBeatMania, Genetic Control, Pat Horgan & Thunder Road,  Roger Lipson's sitar show, Carlo Cantamessa's "In My Life" tribute to John Lennon, plus more. Throughout the day, the artists will play music from every era of The Beatles' group and solo careers.

This world-class music festival is open to all ages, and is expected to attract music lovers spanning the generations.

Gates open at 10am. Entire-day "ticket to ride" admissions starts at only $15. Tickets are now on sale from http://danburyfieldsforever.eventbrite.com, and there are limited VIP packages available. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and there will be inflatables and activities for kids.. Ives Concert Park is a non-profit organization.

After the "Danbury Fields Forever" Beatles Music Festival ends, Liverpool Productions' official Post-Festival Party kicks off at 9pm in the ballroom of the Maron Hotel on 42 Lake Avenue Extension in Danbury, just minutes from Ives Concert Hall. All ages welcome but over 21 with ID to drink. There is a cash bar, pool tables and more including live DJ, singalongs and other surprises.

For further info call (203) 795-4737, email LiverpoolTours@aol.com or visit www.ivesconcertpark.com or www.BeatlesMusicFestival.com.

As The Beatles sang, "...it's guaranteed to raise a smile!"

- end -

Media Contact: Charles F. Rosenay!!!, International Tours & Events,

315 Derby Avenue, Orange, CT 06477

(203) 795-4737 fax: (203) 891-8433 email: tourevents@aol.com

New Music from Grammy winning producer

To all who are fans of this blog, one new feature will be to showcase new music from local acts going forward.  To start this off, I am proud to let everyone know that my dear friend has got new music coming out on ITunes and here are the links for it.  It is a killer song and i urge you all to check it out

http://tlife1.bandcamp.com/

http://www.reverbnation.com/tlife

http://tlifemusic.com/     

 

Urging all to attend The Most Anticipated Monkees Convention in History planned

For Immediate Release:

E. Rutherford, NJ: Producers of the most successful Monkees Convention ever have joined forces again to mark the one-year anniversary of Davy Jones' passing with a celebration of the former teen idol's life, and his band, The Monkees. This 3-day event, The David T. Jones Memorial Monkees Convention, will take place March 1-3, 2013 at The Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, 2 Meadowlands Plaza, East Rutherford, New Jersey, and thousands of fans are expected to attend to remember the music icon and fan favorite.

The David T. Jones Memorial Monkees Convention is being presented with the blessings of Davy's family, and funds will be raised to support the former Monkees' favorite charity, The Davy Jones Equine Memorial Fund. Jones was an avid horseman and this charity ensures the continuing care of the horses he so loved. Davy Jones passed away Feb 29th, 2012 from an apparent heart attack. He was 66.

There will be live concert performances, special guest interviews, autograph and photo opportunities, question and answer sessions; a mammoth Monkees music & memorabilia marketplace and rock & roll flea market, art exhibits, film and video showings, the "David T. Jones Message of Hope" book project, plus much more.

Headlining the memorial convention are former Monkees Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork. Other Special Guests of Honor includes actor Christopher Knight who played Peter Brady in the Brady Bunch,on which Davy Jones appeared; TV personality Butch Patrick, who is best known as Eddie Munster from "The Munsters" - Butch appeared in one of the Monkees' TV episodes; singer Ron Dante, who was the lead singer in the Archies and was one of Davy Jones' record producers; singer Gary DeCarlo, who was the lead singer in the band Steam ("Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye") and appeared with Davy Jones on Davy's last PBS TV concert appearance; actresses Donna Loren and Arlene Martel who each appeared in Monkees television episodes; and world famous rock & roll artist Shannon, known for her "7 Faces of Beatles" collection will be introducing her "7 Faces of Davy" collection specifically for this event. Other guests are being added.

Performing live over the three-day extravaganza will be members of Davy Jones' touring band along with popular Monkees tribute bands including "The Characters," who played many of the Monkees Conventions through the years and also backed up Micky, Davy and Peter; "The Blue Meanies," who performed at a Davy Jones tribute at NY's BB Kings club; and "Loose Salute" who specialize in Mike Nesmith songs. The very rare Monkeemobile will also be on display.

This event is open to all ages, and the hotel is offering special reduced convention rates for guests wishing to stay overnight. Tickets are now on sale, including special weekend passes.

The March 1-3, 2013 David T. Jones Memorial Monkees Convention is produced by Phyllis Paganucci of

Then & Now Events in association with Liverpool Productions. Davy, Micky and Peter Tork, were all the special guests at the very last national Monkees Convention produced on the East Coast in 1987, and this production team has reunited after twenty-five years to bring fans the ultimate celebration possible in memory of Davy Jones.

For additional information or to order tickets, email djmemorialconvention@gmail.com, visit the website: www.monkeeconvention.com or call toll-free (866) M-O-N-K-E-E-S.

- end -

Media Contact: Chares F. Rosenay!!!, International Tours & Events,

315 Derby Avenue, Orange, CT 06477

Philadelphia Recording Community

Tonight I went to a meeting with the Philadelphia Recording Community. I went for the purpose of starting to advertise locally this website, and to try to get help in getting paid ads for the site. I mistakenly did not allow enough time to stay for the full meeting, but what part I did get to see, I was totally impressed with. Here is a bunch of individuals, getting together to discuss the business of music. How to promote it, record it, produce it, advertise it, and all in all get it done properly and out to the public to be enjoyed. There are singers , songwriters, producers, lawyers, musicians and more abounding with knowledge and passion for their craft and willing to discuss and disseminate freely hundreds of combined years of experience at the mere answer to a question. I do have a full time job that takes up a lot of my time, and that is another reason I had to leave early, but rest assured, I will plan more time for the next meeting night so I can get to experience more of the wisdom this group of professionals has to offer to those who are willing to attend and simply ask for help. The thing that grabbed me the most tonight was the discussion of Phila schools and the lack of arts programs, and how this group will be moving to fill in that gap from the stupidity of the school board to eliminate the arts in schools. I only wish that the program will be a major success and that it could become a staple in this and everyother city for the education of our children into the world of arts and music.

I had left a ton of business cards and I encourage all attendees to scope out this site and feel free to leavc comments. I strongly suggest that any and all local musicians get involved in this group and make it grow and prosper and become the base for a national reform for keeping the music alive and growing in this country.

Its RAIN ing in here

Well, here is one review that I am happy to write.

Dawn and I are big Beatles fans, I guess you can tell that from previous reviews. We have seen 1964 the tribute and the Fab Faux both several times and have given them both positive marks for their performances, along with the British Invasion Tribute. Each one being unique in their own way. For example, 1964 concentrates on the early group complete with costumes. The Fab Faux concentrate on exact duplication of the music with no costumes. The British Invasion covers not only the Beatles but all the British bands along with their American counterparts, capping off their show with a full album side of a Beatles set. RAIN is a combination of the two complete with multimedia presentation.

Until this past Sunday (thanks Danny got us out of a Superbowl party), my favorite was the Fab Faux because we know Will. Second would be the British Invasion as we know the entire band and they are all great guys. But after seeing RAIN on Sunday, I have to give the tribute award to them.

They put on such a great multimedia presentation of the 4 lads from Liverpool, that the audience is swept into a time tunnel back to the 1960's. Along with the giant displays showing the Beatlemania affected youth of the times, they come out dressed in garb duplicating the Ed Sullivan show clothes, the Sgt Pepper era clothes, the Abbey Road period clothes, and have all the instruments to match. Kudos to the production team that found all the old TV footage, especially the ridiculous commercials I remember seeing as a child. Who remembers DUZ laundry soap and their free stockings, and Fred and Barney hiding from Wilma and Betty hawking WINSTON smokes??? I had forgotten them both and all the other great visuals playing with my memories, and taking me back to a time when I had no cares, or responsibilities.

Being a musician, I am always mindful of the performance of the artist, and in this case I have to admit that these guys are more than consummate musicians with the ability to pull it off. The attention to detail in mannerisms and language is uncanny. From Ringo's floppy head to George's mini skiffle, this group of actors is top notch. As for musicianship, they are second only to the Fab Faux, in my opinion. Mark Beyer is a great add for a copy of Billy Preston and provides keyboard accompaniment when required in all the right places. Ralph must have spent months perfecting his Ringo head flops, and Joe the same on George's dancing while playing lead. Steve has just the right percentage of comedy to take on John and Joey's version of Paul is perfect. Musically, this group is as tight as the original 4 lads were on record, and when closing your eyes, you can just transport to a time and space of comfort and relaxation allowing you to immerse yourself in the thrill of BEATLEMANIA.

My hat is tipped to the band of merriment and nostalgia in helping Dawn and I to, if even so briefly, to relive a part of out lives that was special and meaning full. I strongly recommend if you havent seen the show, that when you can DONT MISS IT.

Saturday nite and the Fudge

Well, this is the first of this years posts and it starts off with a great night with Vanilla Fudge. I must say that it came as a total surprise to me that Tim Bogart had retired and is not touring with the VF any more. I was looking forward to his Jeykel/Hyde transformation pre and post show. Having met Tim several times, I can tell you he runs the gamet of moods before during and after a show. Pre show, he is all laid back, relaxed, almost semi-comotose, then the curtain call comes and out comes this MAD man running around, literally beating the hell out of his Fender bass, and hitting those magnificiant high notes, then post show again the laid back guy appears. Tim has been replaced by Pete Bremy on bass. Pete did a remarkable job and seems to have Tim's spirit down pat. Then there is the power behind the band in Carmine. Carmine has not changed at all, all this time I have known him. He is a true showman in every sense of the word. Great on the vocals, and untouchable on the drum solos, Carmine is truely the driving force for the band. Next comes the Vinny, in my opinion, highly underrated as a guitarist. Vinny is such a great guy both on and off the stage. Very approachable and down to earth. Doesnt let the 40 yrs in the business define him and will spend time to talk to a fan. His guitar playing does nothing but get better everytime I see him. And lastly we come to Mark. I have only met Mark once, I know his replacment better, Bill, but I have to admit that I was disappointed in both his vocals tonight, along with his refusal to join in the band meet and greet after their set. I was hoping for an autograph from the whole band and was only able to get the other three, as Mark never came out to sign anything or meet with anyone. Also, there did seem to be some tension between Mark and Vinny after a comment that Mark made referring to himself as a founding member of the Fudge. From where I stood, is seemed that Vinny took exception to that statement and gave the response of there are other founding members on this stage. Of all the songs on the set list, the stand out tonight were "You keep me hangin on" "Shotgun", and my all time favorite VF song, "People get ready". The harmonies the band has and the execution of the song, make this in my opinion the bands best song ever. It was, this time, for me, a bit different without Tim's great harmony, but still in my humble opinion their best song. It is my understanding that this performance is still part of the "Farwell Tour" and it will be a sad day in Music history when we can no longer hear that great driving beat of Carmine, fabulous guitar riffs of Vinny, and the magnificent harmonies of the first Pyschedelic Band this country ever had.

2012 A new year and more efforts to keep current

Welcome to my Blog. Happy new year to you all and with a new year comes the commitment to keep on top of this site more. I have people looking into helping me maintain this site and also will have some contributing writers and their opinions. I have some other people who are helping me to get some corporate sponsorship and some paid advertising for this site since I am reaching the 20 million mark. This year will not be like the last one and a half, that had little to no input. There are a few shows coming up in the next two months I will be working, as well as the last two years worth of shows not reported on. There is a new Beatlefest coming up in Mar that Dawn and I will be attending, and if all goes right and the show is not too far from home, a Beach Boys reunion show that I will be attending and reporting on. So Here is to a new year, a new renewal of comittment, and hopefully a lot of new readers and comments.

Hang in there you all, its going to be a great ride this year.