I’m serious! You Need to Go Tonight!

By Doug Ruffin

     President,

     Boston Music Coalition

If you are a music professional, close the guitar case for a moment and take a good look inside your refrigerator. Need a gig? 

You are a strong supporter of the arts. Hate it when the opera stage goes dark?

The Stone Temple Pilots perform tonight at The House of Blues. Before you head out to Kenmore Square, please join music, arts fans and professionals at the Emerson Paramount Center.559 Washington Street, Boston MA. Monday September 9, starting at 7:00 PM sharp. To find out where the Boston Mayoral Candidates stand on issues related to the arts. Register Free www.mass-creative.org/createthevote  I’m serious, you need to go tonight.

You know how Roberta Flack performed a few weeks ago at City Hall Plaza? Can we be sure that the next Mayor will commit to a diverse mix of free summer concerts at City Hall Plaza And the Neighborhoods in the years that follow?  Will the next Mayor work with the State legislators to encourage the T to run later at night so that when you go to a concert or decide to stay for the second set of a live band you like; you can do so without having to keep one eye on the band and the other eye on the time in fear of missing the last train at 12:40? How would a casino affect existing music venues in Boston?

In one way or another, music fans and music professionals discuss this nearly every day. Well, now is the time to stop grumbling about it and let your voice be heard.

The Boston Music Coalition is working with others in music and the arts to get the arts community to a show our strength in numbers to let the Boston Mayoral candidates know that we have stopped grumbling and we have something to say! If you love music, the arts or need a gig; register free, www.mass-creative.org/createthevote

Yeah, I’m serious. You need to go! 

Resources

The Emerson Paramount Center

559 Washington Street Boston, MA

www.emerson.edu/about-emerson/campuses-facilities/boston/paramount-center  

Attend Free! Register Now!

www.mass-creative.org/createthevote

Get Joyce Kulhawiks’ Article Plus Updates

www.BostonMusicCoalition.com

Boston Music Coalition

www.BostonMusicCoalition.com

Love Live Music? Love The Arts? Please Read, Please Act and Go!

By Doug Ruffin

President,

Boston Music Coalition

Joyce Kulhawik wrote an important article on her, “Joyce’s Choices” web site. We got direct permission from Joyce Kulhawik to reprint the article. After you read the article, Please find an important update below. Click on our resources and help us fill the Paramount Center on September 9^th. 

From Joyce Kulhawik:

Joyce's Choices - Movies, Theaters, Reviews MAYORAL CANDIDATES: WHO WILL SHOW UP FOR THE ARTS? Posted: 27 Aug 2013 10:05 PM PDT

OUTRAGEOUS. Look what the HERALD, NECN, and SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY have done-- scheduled a TV MAYORAL DEBATE at exactly the same day/time that MassCreative's Mayoral Forum on the Arts, Culture and Creativity has been scheduled at the Paramount Center! Seven candidates have already committed to the Forum, organized 10 weeks ago by MassCreative's Create the Vote-- and we are asking those candidates to keep their promise. So far candidates Marty Walsh, Bill Walczak, John Barros, and Michael Ross said they would honor their commitment and attend--see Ed Siegel's splendid post today. The arrogant decision made by the above mentioned Boston Media Consortium to set the conflicting date is a truly nasty way to deal with the arts community in this town and further evidence of the low regard in which we are held in some quarters. The arts community needs your voice now! Please spread the word to friends, followers, arts lovers and ask for their support in encouraging all the candidates to attend the Arts Forum as promised!  Matt Wilson executive director of MassCreative has listed 3 things you can do right now to make our Forum a success: 1) Send an email or make a quick call to the candidates thanking them for committing to the Create the Vote Candidate Forum. (See below for contact info.) 2) Tweet your concern about the media consortium's decision to schedule their event at the last minute to conflict with our event.  Suggested tweets: Not happy that @NECN @BostonHerald @Suffolk_U r planning debate same day/time as #CreatetheVote #BosMayor forum! http://ow.ly/ojIwX Then follow it with this: Ask #BosMayor candidates to keep promise to attend #CreatetheVote forum! http://ow.ly/ojIwX #bospoli 3) Redouble our efforts to pack the Paramount (600 seats!) by sending out an email and social media alerts to recruit your constituents and audiences to the Forum.  Let's fill the Paramount and show the candidates that the creative community has the ear of the voters. Candidate Contacts: Arroyo 857-400-VOTE (8683) campaign@felixarroyo.com Barros 617-860-2832/617 936-7180 john@barrosforboston.com Conley 617-227-2013 – info@danconleyformayor.com (HAS NOT YET COMMITTED TO ATTEND) Connolly 617-942-0136 info@connollyforboston.com Consalvo 617-272-3041 field@robconsalvo.com (HAS NOT YET COMMITTED TO ATTEND) Golar-Ritchie 617-227-8087 scheduling@charlotteformayor.com Ross 617-652-0501info@mikeforboston.com Walczak 617-858-1242 info@billforboston.com Walsh 617-742-2103ckeohan@ckstrategies.com  Here is an Update With Good News: Mass Creative Reports that the media consortium showed flexibility and moved the televised debate to 8:00 PM. Plus; All seven Mayoral candidates have reconfirmed.  Editors Note: The most important next step is for you to attend, and encourage others to attend. Let’s show the candidates that all of us in the arts (Music and otherwise) have concern and can exercise those concerns with our votes. Many Thanks to Joyce Kulhawik for providing us with this article and update information.  Resources: Take Action! Click to RSVP Now! Attend The Create The Vote Arts Forum September 9th beginning 7:00 PM at the Paramount Theatre in Boston, MA. www.mass-creative.org/createthevote Get Articles and More from Joyce Kulhawik  http://joyceschoices.com Get information, directions and more about the Emerson College Paramount Center in Boston www.emerson.edu/about-emerson/campuses-facilities/boston/paramount-center Music and Arts News www.BostonMusicCoalition.com

Veronica Robles Performs at Boston GreenFest 2013

By Doug Ruffin

President,

Boston Music Coalition

The last music performer of the night at Boston GreenFest on Saturday was a Mariachi band and a singer, Veronica Robles.  No kidding. I had absolutely no idea what I was in for. I have been in the audience to see a Mariachi band before; but Veronica Robles left me and the rest of the crowd in aw.

Veronica Robles who later told me in a back stage interview that she hosts and produces for Telemundo – Boston. She has been hosting and producing for years. First in Mexico and now in on Telemundo.

Let me set the stage to describe her performance. The Mariachi band came out and performed a traditional Mexican standard. The crowd already up on their feet begins to dance. At the start of the second song, Veronica Robles takes command. She is young, beautiful and stands tall. Not just in height but in stature. Music, in of its self, is an international language. Veronica Robles sings in Spanish but her dramatic presents with every lyric in every song is dramonsterative enough for anyone to understand. Singing with passion and emotion; this woman can “sang”!

Holding notes like an opera singer, commanding attention like a rock star and yet humble and humorous at the same time; Veronica Robles won the hearts of everyone in the audience.

After a few photo ops back stage; a busy Veronica Nobles politely and professionally focused on our interview by turning to me and saying, “O’kay, I’m all yours”.

BMC (Boston Music Coalition): That was an amazing performance. How long have you been singing?

Veronica Robles: Oh thank you so much. I have been singing … well professionally; since I was fourteen years old.

BMC: In Mexico?

Veronica Robles: Yes but I also toured the US and other countries throughout the world.

BMC: When did you come to the US?  

Veronica Robles: I came to the US to do a tour while living in Mexico. I moved to the US eighteen years ago.

BMC: What were the highlights of your singing career?

Veronica Robles: Performing at Carnegie Hall, and in 1997 I performed at Lincoln Center.

BMC: That must have been an honor.

Veronica Robles: Oh yes.

BMC: And you have been working in Television? Tell us more about that.

Veronica Robles: I started hosting on a Mexican network inn 1997. The show as about Mexican Culture. I also started producing there and I continue to host and produce her on Telemundo.

BMC: Getting back to the music; where can I get your music?

Veronica Robles: You can visit my site. www.veronicarobles.com . Nobody wants to buy music anymore. It’s o’kay. I have songs on my site so anyone can download.

BMC: What about upcoming performances?

Veronica Robles: I will be performing at Roxbury Community College on Mexican Independence Day. September 14^th and I will be in the Columbus Day parade in Revere, Mass. 

NOTE: It was our pleasure to meet and talk with Veronica Robles. We look forward to more performances from her

Boston GreenFest 2013: Never Trash a Green Success Story.

Here’s The Recap.  

By Doug Ruffin

President,

Boston Music Coalition

I was introduced to a great lady, Karen Weber, who was, at the time I met her, working on an event I did not hear about. It was and is called, Boston GreenFest. I attended some meetings and saw volunteers come and go.

This year, as I disclosed last week, The Boston Music Coalition is a media partner of Boston GreenFest 2013. Covering this years’ event was not only exciting to do; but a chance to see how this yearly event has grown. More people seemed to have attended this year than ever before. Those attending got information about matters of what is truly green and purchased from venders in tents large and small throughout City Hall Plaza.

As for the music, the choices were more divers than in the past. No one music stage ever over powered another stage even though four stages offered live music and / or Eco- fashion shows and family fair throughout City Hall Plaza.

Each stage, including the main stage, offered continuous entertainment. I’m not talking about an on going schedule of bands. I’m talking about performers ready to jump on stage as soon as the previous band has completed. On the main stage, where each band had to set up equipment, the breaks between bands was always less than five minutes. All stages were well on schedule and the host on the main stage never had to say, “..now we have … oh are they ready? … o’kay …I think we’ll have .. oh no We have a change? … so what are weee??….. O’kay” Just like you see, at times, during many large events. But not here! The continuous flow of well planned entertainment permitted the host to present each performer with total confidence.

I am overflowing with notes, CDs and bios. Tomorrow, Look for an interview with  Telemundos’,“ Veronica Robles”. I had no Idea what we were in for when she arrived on stage. Let me tell you. This woman can “Sang”!   

Saturday Night Music at Boston GreenFest 2013.

You’re Not Gonna Want to miss A Single Green Beat!

By: Doug Ruffin

President,

Boston Music coalition

It’s just after 5:30 PM and the crowds attending Boston GreenFest continue to grow in anticipation of Saturday night at Boston GreenFest 2013.

Earlier today, Bob Bradshaw performed his brand of Irish / Americana music in the Eco lounge. The well attended performance was full of great sounds and lyrical humor. Bob told us back stage that he has been performing for thirty years. He is excited about his just released CD, “Home”.

I need to make a correction. We have reported in this blog about the Soul stage and called it incorrectly as the, “EcoSoul Stage”. It is, in fact, the Green Soul Stage. Please make a note of it when you go to GreenFest tonight.

Just about an hour or so ago at the Green Soul Stage; I talked with the band, “Viva La Hop”. (The name means ,”long live Hip hop” especially, Live Hip Hop performances) They have a sound of well written quality driven hip hop with a band- not a DJ; much like “The Routs. Viva La Hop is newly formed and met at Berklee School of Music. You know how every once in a while, you go out and hear a new band and you just know they are going to make it? That is the vibe you get from Viva La Hop.

Just a quick note: Non-live music events took place today. They deserve musical mention due to the use of music during such performances at GreenFest today. For example, a Belly dancer was featered today and the music she danced to was that of contemporary Middle Eastern Music. Wonna know what America? We are lagging behind in pop music. Today’s middle eastern music is better than our electronic dance music and far beyond the hip hop rythmic we are still playing here in the US.

Music has just played a part in a fashion show over at the main stage. The models generated excited in visual styles while we were all treated to some great house music at the same time. 

It all goes to show in both of those examples that when listening to music; don’t judge a book by its cover and be carefull; you just might learn something. 

We are about to get in to tonight’s music at Boston GreenFest 2013. Latin sounds and Rock n Roll rule the night at Boston GreenFest 2013.  You’re not gonna want to miss a single Green Beat!     

It’s Saturday and Boston GreenFest 2013 is Happening Now!

By Doug Ruffin

President,

Boston Music Coalition  

You are going to want to bring the entire Neighborhood to Boston GreenFest today at City Hall Plaza by the Government Center T Stop from now until 10: 00 PM. Boston GreenFest 2013 launched was a bang musically and the music explosion is still taking place. However, today is the last day. We are here live covering Boston GreenFest 2013 and the crowds are already making their way to City Hall Plaza. One thing we’ve noticed. The family crowds whom are attending this event during the last few days are orderly and the well planned out design leaves more than enough room for more people to get around the plaza.

To recap Friday we talked with a newly formed Jazz band in the EcoSoul tent. The NWA Soul Project formed in November and has already gained attention here in Boston. They write original music and hope to have a CD out soon. In addition, they are planning smart marketing strategies such as social media and E Newsletters.

Soon after, we heard some great acoustic sounds taking place in the Eco Lounge. RSO (that stands for Really Small Orchestra) offered up big sounds described by the band as, “Genre Bending Acoustic Music”. The band is busy with several gigs. When we talked to them at GreenFest, they were on their way to Bedford for a gig later Friday night. We asked RSO what the altermate goal is for the band and the lead singer, Grace Morrison, (no, not related to That Morrison answered),“To do this (perform) full time”. At this pace, their goals could indeed be realized.

The main stage at Boston GreenFest is always a buzz with activity and entertainment during Boston GreenFest 2013. The music powered the evening and well in to the night.

McAlister Drive performed at “Outside the Box” earlier this summer to rave reviews include from all of us at the Boston Music Coalition. They are the only acoustic band that positively sounds electric with an international sound that plays well to any local audience. When the band jumped off the stage, we jumped in to an interview.

BMC: You guys really got this crowd going.

McAlister Drive: Thanks, but by the looks of things, the next bands going on this main stage are about to explode.

BMC: How did you get involved with Boston GreenFest?

McAlister Drive: We’ve performed here at GreenFest for three years now. Our manger, Kyle is friends with Karen Weber, The person who puts this thing together. Kyle helped out with one of the stages and we were happy to perform all these years at GreenFest.

BMC: Is it a performance thing for you? Or, Are you in to the environment?        

McAlister Drive: We’ve always been concerned about the environment. Band member have in fact road a bike to this gig or took the subway.

BMC: Where are you guys from?

McAlister Drive: We’re from Arlington and all around Boston.

BMC: You seem to have an international sound. Have you performed outside the US?

McAlister Drive: We have done some international shows in England, Ireland and we are popular up in Toronto.

NOTE: McAlister Drive has a CD, “The Goddess” out now.  A new CD is in the works for a likely release in the early 2014.

Topping off the night was an R&B / Gospel Group that brought the croud to its feet. “Rayz” they told us back stage that the group was formed mostly by friends who attend church together. Raenya, the lead singer, is surrounded by her family on stage and back stage as well.  On stage performing, she has a strong enough voice to cover nearly any kind of music she sets her mind to do.        

Now that Boston GreenFest is underway for a Saturday full of Eco info and Great Music; we’ll be here live covering all the music. Visit www.BostonMusicCoalition.com for updates throughout the day. Better yet. Get you self over here to City Hall Plaza to see and hear Boston GreenFest 2013.

  

NOTE: Read below to get updates you may have missed. 

Afternoon Update at Boston GreenFest. Folk and All That Jazz

By Doug Ruffin

President,

Boston Music Coalition

What a great summer day weather environment for the first full day of Boston GreenFest 2013 at City Hall Plaza. The event, free for all and open until 10 PM tonight and concludes Saturday August 17^th us underway. Many exhibits, activities for kids, and great food. After the Mayoral EcoForum, it was time for some music.

When you go to the Boston GreenFest site, you will find a list of music and entertainment for the day. Several stages and tents emulate music without disturbing each other. With all that music and entertainment going on, this well planned event makes it easy to talk with one another.

I heard a guitar and a set of bongos and some fun eco lyrics emulating from the Eco lounge. I went in and enjoyed a set from writer; singer and recording artist, Mike Delaney. If you remember the song, “Love that Dirty Water”, you will not forget the fun Mike Delaney has with that song to send an important ecological message. Mr. Delaney has a day job at the NWA at the lab testing water. So we had to ask him the obvious.

BMC: How do you get away with writing, recording and performing songs about the environment while employed at the NWA for twenty years?

Mike Delaney: We have an agreement. I can continue to do this (perform) as long as they (the NWA) preview my work.

BMC: You could perform any music you would like. Why the environment?

Mike Delaney: I’m an environmentalist. That’s why I work at the NWA.

BMC: You have been performing for fifteen years; what was your biggest gig?

Mike Delaney: Playing the Boston Falk Music Festival. 

NOTE: Mike Delaney has a new CD out and will continue to perform. His CD, “Boston Harbor: No Longer Dirty Water” is out now.

We’ll have more on the other performers I talked to in our next update including a great jazz performance that was standing room only. 

An Eco Fashion Show is taking place now. Lot’s more music going on and we’ll have more updates as everything takes place.

We are live at Boston GreenFest 2013