September 14th promises to be an exotic adventure at Brooklyn’s Pete’s Candy Store when singer/songwriter Maya Solovey hits the stage to take the audience on a journey to the land of Saudade, the theme for the evening. Be prepared for a night of reminiscence, love and passion as you let your thoughts go and flow while Solovey romances you with Brazilian and Latin music. To complete the experience, Solovey is bringing arepas and plantains to seduce your sense of taste prior to the performance, while you pamper yourself with the purchase of your favorite drink from the bar.

“The theme for the night — Saudade — is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Solovey said. There’s not usually enough time in a normal night for me to play all of my songs in Portuguese and Spanish, and my hope is that this will allow a new kind of fluidity to the evening. It’s a different thing when you listen to music in a language you don’t understand, because then, you listen to what the voice is saying. “Saudade” is one of the most important themes to Brazilian music and culture, and while it is said to be indescribable, the closest description is “the love that stays” when someone goes away. With this music and with this entire night, I hope to carry that theme in a way that envelops and enraptures the heart, as well as the senses.”

Solovey will perform at 10:00 p.m.
Pete’s Candy Store
709 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Williamsburg)
(718) 302-3770
http://www.petescandystore.com

Brazilian/Latin Night
A Escultura
Como Yo Lloro Por Ti
Queimar
Eu Vi
Beleza
Na Distante (?)
Leite
Canta
Coraçâo Americano (Milton Nascimento)
A Vida
Aquas de Marzo (Jobim)

As an international artist and a trilingual songwriter, Maya Solovey has merged the acoustic/folk songwriting tradition into the territories of pop, bossa nova, and even the high drama of cinematic scoring. Her music is a surprising, yet rational marriage between many cultures as she sings in Portuguese, Spanish and her native English tongue. Her new self-titled album, Maya Solovey, released July 15th, has already gathered notice from journalists and music critics. Her song “Eu Vi” was featured in a Ralph Lauren runway video for winter fashion week, while her song “Como Yo Lloro Por Ti” will be featured on a in a FIFA World Cup compilation, and another 3 songs will be featured in an upcoming shark documentary called “Shark Allies”. Tom Moon, on air critic for NPR, and journalist for Rolling Stone and Spin Magazine said, “Here’s a rarity: An original voice who really is original! Drawing inspiration from all over the map, Maya Solovey has developed a deep, enchanting sound that’s unlike anything else out there right now.” Bassy Bob Brockmann, a multiple Grammy winning producer/mixer said, “Maya Solovey is an exceptional songwriter, possessed of a voice that is haunting, soothing, and erotic all at the same time. Her music, I’m sure, will change the world.”
Website: http://www.mayasolovey.com
Music: http://listn.to/mayasolovey

CONTACT:
Eric de Fontenay
MusicDish, LLC
18-14 Astoria Blvd.
Astoria, NY 11102
ecfont@musicdish.net
718.278.0662

A new type of art gallery called “Arte Hispano” has emerged at Gonzalez y Gonzalez, one of downtown Manhattan’s hottest destinations. The NoHo-based, Mexican restaurant, bar & nightclub is putting a different spin on New York’s art scene by featuring the works of local, up-&-coming Latino artists. Open to the public, Thursdays through Saturdays in the live music room, Arte Hispano will be exhibiting the works of a different artist every three months. The gallery is curated by salsa music historian Jose Abando (salsasight.com).

“We view the Arte Hispano gallery as an ideal way to support and provide exposure for Latino artists while giving our clientele the ability to enjoy beautiful works of art,” said Sounni de Fontenay, General Manager for Gonzalez y Gonzalez.

The inaugural launch of Arte Hispano features the work of El Salvadorian artist Zoila Minaya, whose five woodcut prints are based on folklores & mythologies from her home country.

“The work in this series of woodcuts sprang forth from my interest in my culture’s rich history and legends,” explained Zoila. “I was born in El Salvador and always have had pride in my culture. Most of my work including my present efforts reflects my cultural heritage. My current woodcut prints are based on well known Salvadoran mythologies. The literary works of the famous Salvadoran author Dr. Efrain Mendez proved to be a valuable source.”

ABOUT GONZALEZ y GONZALEZ
Located just steps from Soho and great shopping, Gonzalez y Gonzalez serves authentic, South-of-the-Border cuisine in a festive downtown location. NYC’s longest bar is always buzzing with happy hour specials and great music. Thursdays through Saturdays, Gonzalez features some of the best local salsa bands as well as DJs spinning Latin hits and free salsa lessons; all the while charging no cover. The last Wednesday of every month, the venerable establishment also hosts a comedy night with some of NYC’s funniest talent. Open since 1989, Gonzalez y Gonzalez has become an indispensable destination for a diverse community hailing from the New York metro area to enjoy delicious Mexican food, refreshing drinks, grooving salsa dancing and Latino culture.
http://www.gonzaleznyc.com/

ABOUT ZOILA MINAYA
Zoila Minaya was born in El Salvador in 1983. She studied Visual arts at Herbert Lehman College from 2001 to 2006 and in the spring of 2010 obtained her graduate degree in arts at Herbert Lehman College. Zoila began exhibiting in the mid-to-late 1990s and in 1999 she created a mural painting for the Crayola company who was apart of a high school program, New York City. Since then she has been showing her artwork in different galleries.

Zoila textile work was shown at The High School of Fashion Industries Gallery, New York, New York . In the year 2000 she obtained the tittle of president of the art gallery in The High School of Fashion Industries. For three consecutive years she showed oil painting and ceramic art pieces at the Herbert Lehman College Gallery, Bronx, NYC. In 2004 she became the Vice-president of the Herbert Lehman College Gallery, Bronx, NYC. In the Spring of 2009 she exhibited a Woodcut print at Herbert Lehman College, Bronx, New York. During the Summer of 2009 Zoila performed as a face painter and exhibited a mural in the Hacia Afuera Festival coordinated by Art for Change. Further more, during the Fall of the same year Zoila donated a Woodcut print for the Art for Change a Nonprofit Foundation who took place in Julia de Burgos Cultural Art Center.

During the Spring of 2010 Zoila was part of the 25th Anniversary Salon show at Lehman College Art Gallery in which she sold one of her paintings; Zoila was also part of the MA/MFA Thesis Exhibition Diverse Vocabulary in Lehman College. During the Summer of 2010 Zoila volunteer as face painted in Figment New York City Zoila also donated a woodcut print to Beach Ball Boys and Girls Club of the Bellport Area.
http://www.zoilaminaya.webs.com

Global soul musician Tomas Doncker has been invited to perform the American Pavilion at the World EXPO 2010 Shanghai on September 29 and 30 as part of his “Small World” tour. Presented by online media site MusicDish*China and St. Barths-based BAZ BAR, the tour opens with performances at the first International New Folk Music Festival and 12th China Shanghai International Arts Festival Performing Arts Fair (SPAF).

“We are very pleased with how the tour is coming together,” Tomas noted. “To be selected by the Chinese Ministry Of Cultural Affairs to represent the U.S. at the first New Folk Music Festival, and now to receive an invitation to perform at the American Pavillion, are opportunities we are so grateful for. It is an honor and a privilege for us to be musical/cultural ambassadors at the Shanghai World Expo this year.”

Tomas and his band will perform an outdoor performance on Sept. 27th at Shanghai’s Century Square, marking the opening of the first International New Folk Music Festival, to be followed by a full concert in Shanghai Center Theatre that evening. Tomas will then be performing a joint gala concert the following evening at the Shanghai Concert Hall for SPAF delegates from China and abroad as well as high-ranking officials from China’s arts and culture circles. On September 29-30th, Tomas will be playing 30 minute sets at the America Square at the Shanghai World Expo site.

Producer, Singer, Songwriter & Guitarist Tomas Doncker has been a mainstay on the New York music scene for over twenty years. He cut his teeth hanging out downtown in the fertile punk-funk explosion of the 1980s. He quickly found himself among the ranks of New York’s groundbreaking musical elite. Tomas has amassed performance and recording credits with a diverse list of musical luminaries including: Bootsy Collins, Ivan Neville, Yoko Ono, Amp Fiddler, Bonnie Raitt, Meshell Ndegeocello, Corey Glover, folk-pop-diva Morley, Japanese saxophonist Sadao Watanabe, Grammy winner Prince Charles Alexander’s City Beat Band and Pulitzer prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa. In 2009, he released his Global/Soul CD titled “Small World” with guest appearances from world music legends Bill Laswell, Gigi, Selam Woldermariam,and Martha Redbone.

The China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) is a state-level international arts festival hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and undertaken by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. The SPAF is a major sector of the CSIAF. Every year, delegates of world mainstream famous performing arts organizations, agencies, companies and arts festivals of over thirty different countries and regions are in attendance.
http://www.chinaspaf.com/

Launched at MIDEM 2010 in Cannes, France, MusicDish*China is the latest online brand from MusicDish LLC, a digital music company, focused on the transforming music market in China. Leveraging its various online properties and growing network of Asian partners, MusicDish*China capitalizes on the growing interest in the Chinese market to educate and influence music executives and professionals worldwide. MusicDish*China also co-produces a monthly podcast in association with Hong Kong based Metal Postcard Records that covers the music and artists shaping the independent scene in China and Mandarin-speaking Asia.
http://china.musicdish.com

Jean-Marc Lefranc, the owner of Baz Bar, has hosted singer songwriters over the past twelve years. His passion for music has brought the club to become the leading venue of the island of St Barthelemy in the French West Indies, jewel of the Caribbean. Most bands that come to perform originate from the Boston area, music capitals like Chicago, Nashville and New Orleans, as well as New York City of course. Over the years, our goal has been to introduce new talent to an international clientele visiting the island. During 8 months in the year, Bazbar has a 3-week rotation program that includes dozens of amazing bands such as KJ Denhert and the NY unit, Adam Falcon, Evan Goodrow and Martha Redbone.
http://www.bazbar.com/

Website: http://china.musicdish.com
Music: http://www.tomasdoncker.net

On September 7th, Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn will be transformed by singer/songwriter Maya Solovey into an ambiance and experience entitled “Indian Summer/Harvest Moon”. Enjoy the tranquility of summer’s transition to fall, and celebrate the beautiful full moon as it nears its equinox — romantic and soothing. Not only will Solovey perform that night, she will be bringing her own home cooked food. Both the music and delicacies will relate to the “Indian Summer/Harvest Moon” theme. Solovey’s menu will include cornbread, her grandmother Babushka’s plum jam, and lemonade - all served up on a red and white checkered table cloth.

Solovey will perform at 10:00 p.m.
Pete’s Candy Store
709 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Williamsburg)
(718) 302-3770
http://www.petescandystore.com/home2.html
RSVP for the event

Commenting on how she selected the theme for that night, Solovey said, “At that time, we’ll be holding on to the last grains and cornstalks of summer before we head into fall, so I wanted that night to have a sentimental lazy late summer feel to it. The mood will be soft, soothing, and warm with good old American traditions. And, this will be an opportunity for me to play a lot of songs that I don’t usually get to play as all songs performed will be in English.” Solovey writes and records in three languages - English, Spanish and Portuguese.

English/Americana Night Songlist
Summer
Heartache Blues
Under My Skin
Further West
The Most
Susannah
Better
Come Home Soon
Fine As You
American Song
Touch

As an international artist and a trilingual songwriter, Maya Solovey has merged the acoustic/folk songwriting tradition into the territories of pop, bossa nova, and even the high drama of cinematic scoring. Her music is a surprising, yet rational marriage between many cultures as she sings in Portuguese, Spanish and her native English tongue. Her new self-titled album, Maya Solovey, released July 15th, has already gathered notice from journalists and music critics. Her song “Eu Vi” was featured in a Ralph Lauren runway video for winter fashion week, while her song “Como Yo Lloro Por Ti” will be featured on a in a FIFA World Cup compilation, and another 3 songs will be featured in an upcoming shark documentary called “Shark Allies”. Tom Moon, on air critic for NPR, and journalist for Rolling Stone and Spin Magazine said, “Here’s a rarity: An original voice who really is original! Drawing inspiration from all over the map, Maya Solovey has developed a deep, enchanting sound that’s unlike anything else out there right now.” Bassy Bob Brockmann, a multiple Grammy winning producer/mixer said, “Maya Solovey is an exceptional songwriter, possessed of a voice that is haunting, soothing, and erotic all at the same time. Her music, I’m sure, will change the world.”
http://www.mayasolovey.com
Music: http://listn.to/mayasolovey

CONTACT:
Eric de Fontenay
MusicDish, LLC
18-14 Astoria Blvd.
Astoria, NY 11102
ecfont@musicdish.net
718.278.0662

California-based songwriting and publishing partners Marilyn Music have released a third track from their debut album Pure Rock. “Take a Ride in My Car,” is now available for digital download as a single or as part of the “Pure Rock” CD.

Take A Ride In My Car is a guitar-driven ode to automotive flirtation, enticing the object of affection to indulge in some hot times in a cool car. The lighthearted lyrics combined with the rhythmic riffs make this a genuinely fun track. You can stream “Take a Ride in My Car” at http://www.reverbnation.com/marilynmusic

MarilynMusic’s debut EP, Pure Rock, is a whirlwind tour through rock and roll history. Each song offers different timbres and seems to draw influence from a different place. With sound ranging from the Beatles to Steve Miller, these tracks are unique and definitely all rock.

MarilynMusic is the partnership of musicians/composers Michael Gaines and Casey Conrad. Gaines and Conrad created MarilynMusic to marry their love and knowledge of a broad range of musical genres with the tastes of today’s pop audience. The prolific duo has numerous tracks recorded and produced, with new material constantly coming down the pipeline. Gaines and Conrad collaborate on every aspect of the music from the writing to the finished product, but the two have distinct roles in the process. Gaines is primarily responsible for lyrical composition and Conrad produces the recordings. Both write the music and play on the recordings – Conrad on bass and drums and Gaines on guitar.

“Pure Rock” is available for purchase through iTunes at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/burning-man/id369891016?i=369891031&ign-mpt=uo%3D6

Listen to, read more and follow MarilynMusic at:
http://www.reverbnation.com/marilynmusic
http://www.myspace.com/hearmarilynmusic
http://www.facebook.com/hearmarilynmusic
http://fairtilizer.com/users/MarilynMusic

Contact:
Eric de Fontenay
MusicDish
18-14 Astoria Blvd.
Astoria, NY 11102
ecfont@musicdish.net
+1-718-278-0662

Award winning singer/songwriter Maya Solovey has been invited to do a residency at Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn, New York. Maya will perform every Tuesday throughout September at 10:00 p.m. Bringing a new spin to the residency format, each performance will have a theme for the night, from Indian Summer/Harvest Moon to Instant Grati. To complement and theme, Maya will personally serve the audience with her own homemade finger foods, and mingle with the attendees prior to each show.

Solovey stated, “Being able to do this residency is very exciting for me. Having themes for each night with respect to both the music and food gives me the opportunity to share more of myself, my heritage and my music with the audience. It allows me to explore more deeply the facets of what I do and am capable of doing as an artist.”

Solovey will perform at Pete’s on September 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th at 10:00 p.m. Themes include:
* September 7th - Indian Summer/Harvest Moon
* September 14th - Saudade Night
* September 21st - Heartbreak Hotel
* September 28th - Instant Grati

Pete’s Candy Store
709 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211 (Williamsburg)
(718) 302-3770
http://www.petescandystore.com

As an international artist and a trilingual songwriter, Maya Solovey has merged the acoustic/folk songwriting tradition into the territories of pop, bossa nova, and even the high drama of cinematic scoring. Her music is a surprising, yet rational marriage between many cultures as she sings in Portuguese, Spanish and her native English tongue. Her new self-titled album, Maya Solovey, released July 15th, has already gathered notice from journalists and music critics. Her song “Eu Vi” was featured in a Ralph Lauren runway video for winter fashion week, while her song “Como Yo Lloro Por Ti” will be featured on a in a FIFA World Cup compilation, and another 3 songs will be featured in an upcoming shark documentary called “Shark Allies”. Tom Moon, on air critic for NPR, and journalist for Rolling Stone and Spin Magazine said, “Here’s a rarity: An original voice who really is original! Drawing inspiration from all over the map, Maya Solovey has developed a deep, enchanting sound that’s unlike anything else out there right now.” Bassy Bob Brockmann, a multiple Grammy winning producer/mixer said, “Maya Solovey is an exceptional songwriter, possessed of a voice that is haunting, soothing, and erotic all at the same time. Her music, I’m sure, will change the world.”

Website: http://www.mayasolovey.com
Music: http://www.facebook.com/maya.solovey

CONTACT:
Eric de Fontenay
MusicDish, LLC
18-14 Astoria Blvd.
Astoria, NY 11102
ecfont@musicdish.net
718.278.0662

On the last Wednesday of every month, Gonzalez y Gonzalez presents their comedy night, a showcase of some of New York City’s funniest comedians. Hosted by Kenny Ortega of Urban Latino Radio, Comedy @ Gonzalez brings together five stand-up comics for an evening of great laughs, along with delicious Mexican food and drinks.

On Wednesday, August 25th, the featured performers include Jason Andors (P. Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy), Aldo Marachlian (SiTv Comic Quikies), Osei Caleb (Comedy Time), Marc Theobald (Chappelle show) and host Kenny Ortega (MTV Tr3s). Gonzalez y Gonzalez opens the room for comedy night to the public at 6pm. After 6:30pm, there is a $5 admission with no drink minimum. The show starts at 7:30.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
Room opens at 6pm
$5 admission after 6:30pm
No drink minimum
Show starts at 7:30pm

GONZALEZ y GONZALEZ
625 Broadway (bet. Bleecker & Houston Streets)
New York, NY 10012
tel: 212-473-8787
www.gonzaleznyc.com

ABOUT THE COMEDIANS

JASON ANDORS has made a name for himself with his groundbreaking and hilarious physical comedy. His brilliant true-to-life storytelling has audiences around the country calling him “the Larry David of hip hop comedy (with hair).” Jason’s reputation and his love of performing in front of diverse audiences has led him into venues throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.
http://www.jasonandors.com

ALDO MARACHLIAN was born in Uruguay to Armenian and Italian parents. He always amused the crowd and was allegedly chastised by the nuns who did not spare the rod… Aldo has survived and lived to tell it all… You’ve seen him on Telemundo Commercials Rocking Scrubs… He has been seen performing his antics at Comedy Clubs around the Melting Pot of New York City and has appeared in spots all over the East Coast… Aldo brings you his playful banter, and just when you think you are safe he whips it to ya and leaves you in stitches.
http://www.aldolaugh.com

MARC THEOBALD has performed in a number of New York’s hot spots, including the “New York Comedy Club,” “Catch a Rising Star,” “Stand-Up New York,” and “Uptown Comedy Club.” He also has been featured on “Comic View” and “The Chappelle Show.” True to form, Theobald keeps the crowd in stitches with his sketch artist talents and physical style. His comedy has been inspired by Flatbush native Chris Rock and Richard Pryor.
http://www.myspace.com/marctheobald

KENNY ORTEGA born and raised in New York’s Spanish Harlem. Kenny has many talents among those talents is the ability to make people laugh. He has been making folks laugh professionally since 1997, It’s been a great ride so far, Especially when traveling the globe doing something he loves so much. Kenny has performed along side greats like Dave Chappelle, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock just to name a few. You can also catch him every Monday through Friday from 1pm-4pm eastern time on www.UrbanLatinoRadio.fm as the Host of his own shows One2Quatro and Lounge206.
http://www.myspace.com/comedyken

ABOUT GONZALEZ Y GONZALEZ
Located steps away from SoHo and great shopping, Gonzalez y Gonzalez serves authentic, South-of-the-Border cuisine in a festive downtown location. NYC’s longest bar is always buzzing with Happy Hour specials and great music. Thursdays to Saturdays, Gonzalez features some of the best local Salsa bands, DJs spinning Latin hits and free Salsa lessons; with no cover at the door. The last Wednesday of every month, Gonzalez hosts a Comedy Night with some of NYC’s funniest talent. Most recently, Gonzalez has established Arte Hispano, a gallery displaying works of art from independent Latino artists. Open since 1989, Gonzalez y Gonzalez has become a landmark destination for a diverse New York City community. Come in to enjoy delicious Mexican food, refreshing drinks, grooving salsa dancing and Latino culture.
http://www.gonzaleznyc.com
http://www.facebook.com/gonzalezygonzalez

Email: chinasounds@musicdish.com
Website: http://www.chinaspaf.com/

The 12th China Shanghai International Performing Arts Fair (SPAF) will launch in the Shanghai Grand Theatre from Sep. 26 to Sep. 29 2010. With the World Expo 2010 Shanghai currently being held in this modern and international metropolis, the festival will welcome colleagues from the culture and performing arts fields around the world.

Delegates of mainstream performing arts organizations from more than 30 countries will gather to share the latest performance information by the beautiful Huangpu River, including the USA ,Belgium, Germany, Poland, France, Czech, Lithuania, Latvia, Italy, Australia, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, the UK, , Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Iceland, Denmark, Nigeria, Venezuela, Sweden, Finland, Holland, South Korea, Japan, Cuba and China, will gather at the Shanghai International Performing Arts Fair this September. .

SPAF is a major brand event of China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF). Every year, delegates from famous art festivals, mainstream performing art organizations, agencies, companies and artists from over thirty countries and regions, as well as various delegates and organizations from provinces and cities in China, come to attend the event.

Every year, SPAF is highly acclaimed by colleagues from home and abroad for its extensive network of international communication, establishment of friendly and productive cooperation, widely shared professional expertise, and constant pursuit of high qualities. People love to call it “Big Dock SPAF” as SPAF created a congenial atmosphere for cooperation and received an amazingly high number of attendees from various countries.

Online media site MusicDish*China is joining St. Barthelemy-based BAZ BAR in presenting the Tomas Doncker Band “Small World” Shanghai Word Expo 2010 Tour. Tomas Doncker and his band were invited to unveil the release of his successful Global/Soul CD “Small World Pt.1 Deluxe Edition” during the 12th China Shanghai International Arts Festival Performing Arts Fair (SPAF) in late September at the World Expo.

On September 27th, Tomas Doncker will be playing songs from his World Soul album during a full concert at SPAF. Distributed worldwide by Sony/Red, “Small World” features guest appearances by world music legends Bill Laswell, GIGI, Selam Woldermariam, Ayib Dieng, and Martha Redbone. The Tomas Doncker Band will also be joining other international bands for joint performances during the New Folk Music Festival on September 28th and 29th.

Tomas Doncker live at NY’s City Winery featured on MOGO, China’s only online music TV channel

“We are so pleased to be working with such a world act as Tomas Doncker on our first China tour,” said Eric de Fontenay. “I could not think of a better MusicDish*China brand ambassador for the world’s largest and grandest stage ever.” Tomas will be performing for an expected audience of 50,000 to 70,000 persons. The Expo has attracted up to 500,000 visitors per day, for an expected total of 70 million over the six months.

“Small World Pt.1 Deluxe Edition” was designed as a love letter to the planet,” explained Tomas”. The first leg of the tour took us to St. Barth’s in the Caribbean where we performed at the prestigious BAZ BAR. With their support, and an exclusive invitation from the Chinese Ministry of Cultural affairs, we are able to bring the 2nd leg of the tour to China. The final Piece of the puzzle was promotion. We are very fortunate to have MusicDish*China as our media sponsor for the tour. With the help of both, we are looking forward to sharing our message of peace, love and unity with the Chinese people.”

“New singers enter our circle every year, as Tomas Doncker did last season,” noted Baz Bar owner Jean-Marc Lefranc. “Very few of them though are indisputable gems. Tomas is definitely one! Bazbar takes pride and honor in helping such talent in many different ways. This year we are happy to bring Tomas Doncker Band to the Shanghai Expo 2010 in association with MusicDish*China.”

Producer, Singer, Songwriter & Guitarist Tomas Doncker has been a mainstay on the New York music scene for over twenty years. He cut his teeth hanging out downtown in the fertile punk-funk explosion of the 1980s. He quickly found himself among the ranks of New York’s groundbreaking musical elite and in such groups as: James Chance & The Contortions, James White & The Blacks, Defunkt, Latin-groove-meisters Konk and New York’s absolute 1st hip hop group, J. Walter Negro & The Loose Joints (featuring Grammy-nominated pianist Arturo O’Farrill).

Tomas has amassed performance and recording credits with a diverse List of musical luminaries including: Bootsy Collins, Ivan Neville, Yoko Ono, Amp Fiddler, Bonnie Raitt, folk-pop-diva Morley, Japanese saxophonist Sadao Watanabe, Grammy winner Prince Charles Alexander’s City Beat Band & spoken word / hip-hop pioneers Sonya Sanchez & Toni Blackman.

The China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) is a state-level international arts festival hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and undertaken by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. The SPAF is a major sector of the CSIAF. Every year, delegates of world mainstream famous performing arts organizations, agencies, companies and arts festivals of over thirty different countries and regions are in attendance.

Launched at MIDEM 2010 in Cannes, France, MusicDish*China is the latest online brand from MusicDish LLC, a digital music company, focused on the transforming music market in China. Leveraging its various online properties and growing network of Asian partners, MusicDish*China capitalizes on the growing interest in the Chinese market to educate and influence music executives and professionals worldwide. MusicDish*China also co-produces a monthly podcast in association with Hong Kong based Metal Postcard Records that covers the music and artists shaping the independent scene in China and Mandarin-speaking Asia.

Jean-Marc Lefranc, the owner of Baz Bar, has hosted singer songwriters over the past twelve years. His passion for music has brought the club to become the leading venue of the island of St Barthelemy in the French West Indies, jewel of the Caribbean. Most bands that come to perform originate from the Boston area, music capitals like Chicago, Nashville and New Orleans, as well as New York City of course. Over the years, our goal has been to introduce new talent to an international clientele visiting the island. During 8 months in the year, Bazbar has a 3-week rotation program that includes dozens of amazing bands such as KJ Denhert and the NY unit, Adam Falcon, Evan Goodrow and Martha Redbone.

Website: http://musicdish.com

The “JugendEventClub” (JEC) in Kapfenberg, Austria, attracts the attention of a nationwide public sector stakeholder in establishing the underground scene. How is it possible to do this kind of work without much money, only with hope in mind and ambition in heart? We asked Daniel Graf and Stefan Schaffer of JEC in Kapfenberg about their plans and promoting concerts in the heart of Styria, just a few miles away from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s hometown.

Please let our readers know about the concept behind “JugendEventClub”.

The “JugendEventClub” is a community effort. Our purpose is about consistently following this idea. In fact, our members take the decisions. It makes them more responsible. If there is a suggestion for an event by one of our members, we try to implement this idea. Each member knows about upcoming dates through our newsletter infrastructure.

When it comes to subsidized youth culture, Kapfenberg is a sleepy town in Upper Styria. How did taking a step into the direction of music underground in the “City of Böhler” (the steel and welding corporation) come to mind?

We know that it is very tough to get gigs as a newcomer band. We decided to take it into our own hands, so we turned our rehearsal room into a concert location. In fact, we were successful. We planned gigs for local bands, and with pleasure, we had the infrastructure in place and learned quite a lot. All of the income we gained through our concerts we re-invested in the show. So, it was possible to book some national “big players” for our concerts. We took a huge step, making night life in Kapfenberg grow. Our club provides newcomers with opportunities to expose themselves in front of considerable crowds. There are some critical aspects in terms of municipal development we have to explain. We “own” the only opportunity of doing shows and planning events on the municipal territory without hurdles of red-tape.

What can the audience expect from JEC in Kapfenberg? How often are concerts staged at the venue?

Our visitors will be overwhelmed by the family-like atmosphere. We are doing everything we can to make the crowd enjoy their visit. While the visitor at a big event assumes the role of spectator, at the JEC he will become part of the event. We always try to use any slot available, so it is possible to organize live performances once a month.

Are there any preferred genres you are staging? Are there any local bands involved?

We always try to provide some kind of mixture in our events. Most of the time, it is highly guitar-driven; from rock to ska to punk, metal is another genre we highlight. Local bands play an important role at the JEC. This is due to our past. We know how hard it can be to get gigs. Many famous acts from the local scene have good memories of the JEC.

The venue is an old place near the city of Kapfenberg. What’s the capacity? What are the conditions bands should expect?

Our events are well-visited, but it is very difficult to increase audience figures without any support. We are trying to keep the family-like atmosphere at the JEC, and so our capacity is 200. We follow the increasing trend to organizing private parties. Conditions are very flexible. It depends on the artist.

What about sponsoring? Is there any financial support by the City of Kapfenberg, the Styrian funds or by private-sector patrons? Are there any media co-operations and how important is that kind of co-operation in this region of Austria?

We receive an annual subsidy by the Secretary of Youth in Styria. The “Pot” administered by the City of Kapfenberg is something we don’t have access to (don’t ask me why not). Sometimes we receive “subsidies” by them, like a bit of motivation or words. We are not scared about it, and so we’re trying to find some private-sector sponsors. This kind of sponsoring is not that easy to find, but with good communication, everything is possible. Media co-operation is something, we are into. But there truly is some development work to do. Still, we’re optimistic about it, because the 21st century gives us the tool of the Internet, so we are able to find different channels, to distribute our message.

Between the late 1990s and the beginning of the new century, Kapfenberg sported venues like the “Bunte Fabrik” or an annual festival called “CityRock”. What happened to those “monoliths of cultural expression” in Styria?

Like before, the “Bunte Fabrik” is a spot for young people to meet and do workshops or learn about prevention of abuse. Only rarely are concerts organized, let alone pull a crowd. CityRock is a great event on May 1. Many people visit this spectacle of underground music. Only one event a year is quite lousy for a city like Kapfenberg when it is about satisfying those interested in culture. Much more should be done!

Both the gastronomy sector and nightlife are growing in Kapfenberg because of some kind of local stimulus program initiated by the City of Kapfenberg. What are your plans for turning Kapfenberg into an entertainment hot spot?

We are strict advocates of the ideas in terms of the stimulus program at the “University Kapfenberg”. There are some good ideas which have gone unnoticed but have been initiated autonomously by city dwellers. The JEC prepared a catalogue of innovations and presented a dossier. We try to turn a grayish, archaic city into a green, future-oriented biotope. We try to initiate this through our events.

Are booking agents invited to learning about the meaning of your inventions in terms of event culture? How are they able to get in touch with the JEC?

Sure, we try to answer every single request. Because of our reduced financial clout, we can’t fulfill all wishes in terms of co-operation. But we can try if the opportunity will make both of us happy.