New Years Eve Live Music! The Love Dogs, Cherrie Bomb and the The Felix Brown Band!

New Years Eve Live Music! The Love Dogs, Cherrie Bomb and The Felix Brown Band!

By: Doug Ruffin

      President,

      Boston Music Coalition

Get Ready! Grab that Special Someone or a friend or whomever, pick a designated Driver, and get your Christmas Dollars 'cause its time for the biggest party of the year! New Years Eve, 

Live Music is at the heartbeat of the New Years Eve Celebration! Here are just a few of the many live bands playing on New Years Eve in Boston. 

                                                                   The Love Dogs 

THE LOVE DOGS Are dogs for Live Music. That's not their tagline; I just made that up. But when you see them, hear them and dance to this bands music, you will get what I mean. New Orleans Style, R&B or Rock n' Roll and Top 40 Dance Hits; The Love Dogs just Go, Go Go!  So, go ahead, Just try to keep up with them. The Love Dogs Play Live at the Back Bay Gala Event in Boston New Years Eve.

The Music:     The Love Dogs

The Venue:     Back Bay Gala Event st the Sheraton Hotel, 39 Dalton Street, Boston, MA 02199

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 31 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM  

Tix & Info:     http://bostoneventguide.com/back-bay-gala  

Many of us will be counting down to 2014. Why not Countdown To The 80? Get your 80s atire .. Oh God no! ... Really? Yes Really! It'll be great! What was your favorite MTV video?

The Music:   Cherie Bomb
The Venue:   Countdown To The 80s @ the Constitutional Ballroom, Sheraton Hotel, Dalton Street, Boston

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 31 8:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tix & Info:     http://bostoneventguide.com/countdown-to-the-80s


                                      

Did you make your New Years Resolution Yet? If you have not done so, no worries. You still have time. But do make a plan to attend the The Resolution Ball on New Years Eve. The Felix Brown Band will be there Live!. You'll want to be there too.

                                A short tease of the, "Felix Brown Band". Want More? See 'em Live!

     

The Felix Brown Band will perform Live on New Years Eve at the Resolution Ball. in Boston. Powerful, Strong and engaging without being too loud. This band Rocks and Hip Hops all over the stage. If you have not seen this band; You probably heard about them. If this will be your fist, "Felix Brown Band" Experience, you're gonna wonder what took you so long to see this band! Make the New Years Resolution to see this band on New Years Eve at the Resolution Ball


The Music:     The Felix Brown Band
The Venue:     Resolution Ball at the Sheraton Hotel, 39 Dalton Street, Boston, MA 02199
Date & Time:  Tuesday, December 31, 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Tix & Info:      http://bostoneventguide.com/resolution-ball 

New Years Eve around Boston offers an abundance of fun and Live Music. Enjoy, play safe and oh yes, See You in the New Year! 

A Live Music Experience

By Doug Ruffin

    President,

    Boston Music Coalition

You know those people who have their tree and holiday lights up and have nearly completed Christmas shopping? I know, they make you sick. Don't they? Even worse, I'm one of them. I am almost done with my Christmas shopping. As proud as I am about that; many options still remain for the rest of my Christmas list.

A good business friend once told me that sometimes, the best gifts don't have to be wrapped in a box. Instead, consider giving an experience. If you love live music. This way of thinking will come easy.

Live music during and beyond the holidays offers an amazing experience. And unlike that ugly sweater, its likely to create a positive memory never to be forgotten. 

Keep in mind the style of music and / or bands the person you are getting tickets for as a gift actually likes. For example. Just because someone like country music, doesn't mean they like Taylor Swift. Make sure the gift is age appropriate. Your 18 year old may love to catch that new electronic dance music band, but will be too young to attend a venue that only admits people over the age of 21. Last but not least, keep the location in mind. If the people you are planning this magnificent music experience for depend on public transportation and do not drive a car; Perhaps a venue local and easy to get to by public transportation would be a better fit. 

With that in mind. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

Live Jazz and more at the Arsenal Center for the Arts. (T Accessible) in Watertown, MA. Our friends at the Arsenal Center for the Arts tell us that the 2013 - 2014 season is on. The American Songbook: The Jazz view is going on now. But the center offers more. including family activities and music events in several genres throughout the year.

Symphony Hall (T Accessible) in Boston offers the best in classical music and more. How about a little swing? The Boston Pops Swing Orchestra plays New Years Eve Night. Other music events can be gifted in a three ticket flex plan to keep enchantment of the holiday season alive all year around.

How about some dinner and dancing to go a long with that live music experience? To gift this one, look to the top. The Top of the Hub offers dining gift certificates. It's fun, classy and offers a great view of Boston and beyond. Many nights are filled with great music for listening, tappin' your foot at the bar and dancing. "T" And Elevator accessible.

Right outside North Station on the Orange, Green and Purple line of the T is The TD Garden, offering everything from sports to live music concerts. Beyonce performs Live in Concert on December 30th. Since the Holidays are a, "season"; Why not start gifting early? Beyond the Holiday season, The stage lights up for Jay Z, Lady Antebellum, Paul Simon and Sting. 

The Berklee performance Center, also T accessible, in Boston, is a powerhouse of name and student performances a like. For the holiday, catch Jim Brickman perform in his, "Magic of Christmas" concert later this week. After the Holidays, catch the spirit with, "The Clark Sisters" Gospel music concert. Just on of many musical events at the Berklee performance center going on in every season of the year.

Give your self an early Christmas present and enjoy, "A Christmas Carol" at the Boston Center for the Arts. the show for the entire family is running now through December 21 with live theatre, music events and learning opportunities throughout the year Thank Goodness the Boston Center for the arts is also T Accessible. Because just like all of these ideas listed. You may find your self living the live music experience all year 'round.

RESOURCE:

Arsenal Center for the Arts: 

 http://arsenalarts.org/ 

Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall:

 http://www.bso.org/ 

Top of the Hub:

http://www.bso.org/Performance/Detail/60206 

TD Garden:

www.tdgarden.com 

Berklee Performance Center

www.tdgarden.com 

Boston Center for the Arts

 http://www.bcaonline.org/ 

How About, "Music Tuesday"?

By Doug Ruffin     President,     Boston Music Coalition  Was all that cybering on Monday as good for you as it was for me? I am, of course, referring to "Cyber Monday" and all that on line shopping people did on Monday. but lets not forget, "Black Friday", "Small Business Saturday" And; What's all this talk about a, "Brown Thursday" on Thanksgiving Day?  All these days and colors have got me thinking about what could be missing. How about, "Music Tuesday"? It could be the day after Cyber Monday and offers blockbuster savings on Music CDs / Downloads, Tickets for live bands, Live Musical Theatre and the Arts.  Launching a yearly, "Music Tuesday" could be a win win for all. Retail can sell quality surround sound systems, Musical Instruments and more; Bands, venues and promoters can sell tickets to performances and music-related events for shows coming up during and after the holiday season. Technology can sell the music benefits of the latest mobile device and individual musicians can even sell Music lessen packages to those who made a new years resolution to learn to play an instrument in the year ahead. Music and the arts win because instead of preaching to the same audience choir, The arts can be introduced to those who love music but have not attend a performance in the arts with this new kind of gift under the tree. Consumers would win with low cost saving on the examples above, And music? Well then ... Music Tuesday is the song everyone in music industry would want to hear. Right?  Honestly, I'm not too sure about the answer to that questions. Business, consumers and the music industry would win. But with all the harmonizing, jamming, mixing and remixing that goes on in music; When it comes to ideas like "Music Tuesday", The cooperation it would take for the music industry to actually work together would only render ... the sound of silence. On that note, Let's hope I'm wrong.

This Weekend: Feast On Live Music!

By Doug Ruffin     President,         Boston Music Coalition  Everything is heated up and the venues are more than ready to serve. indulge in drum sticks, a healthy choice of stylings' with a bounty of good times. It's Thanksgiving weekend and greater Boston is serving up a huge helping of all natural live music.     Okay, you get the metaphor; Here is a list of just a few of the live music choices you have during this Thanksgiving.  Wednesday, November 27, '2013 The Music:      Boatyard Resin, Four on The Floor, The Horntz The Location:  Church 68 Kilmarnock Street, Boston, MA Or, The Music:     The Throughdown band The Location:  Maris Place, 35 Washington Street, Quincy, MA  Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, November 28, '2013 The Music:     Dub Down The Location: Bull McCabes Pub, 366 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA  Or,  The Music:     T-Vice The Location: Wonderland Ballroom, 1290 North Shore Road, Revere, MA Friday, November 29, '2013 The Music:     Arturo Sandoval The Location: Scullers Jazz Club, Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA Or, The Music:     Foreigner The Location: Twin River Events Center, 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI                          Saturday, November 30, '2013   The Music:     Blue James Band The Location: Brew'd Awakening Coffeehaus, 61 Market Street, Lowell, MA Or, The Music:     Adam Ezre Group The Location: Brighton Music Hall, 158 Brighton Avenue, Boston, MA                       (Adult Unedited) Music Video From The Adam Ezre Group Sunday, December 1, '2013 The Music:     Megadeth, Nonpoint, Fear Factory The Location: House Of Blues, 36 Lansdowne Street, Boston, MA Or, The Music:    Yo Mamas Big Fat Booty Band The Location: 77 Daniel Street, Portsmouth NH                               NOTE: Please remember to check with each venue for performance times and last minute changes. Please also check to see if the show is for all ages, or not.  Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Enjoy the Live Music!

Elton John: This a Boston Music Coalition Live Music Review

By: Doug Ruffin

     President,

     Boston Music Coalition

Elton John performed last week at the TD Garden here in Boston. The nearly three hours of great classics and new songs too was one of the best music experiences I had in a long time.  My expectations were high for an Elton John performance. But Elton surprised me. First, his band played like no tomorrow and the back up singers (including Tata Vega) Sang out from the heart and contributed to Elton John's performance by surrounding the TD Garden with voice and song without competing with the star of the show. The light show was fantastic and always interesting. What surprised me the most was what Elton John did with the piano. Each Classic Elton John song was revitalized with slick, jazzed up piano performances that changed the face of each song. You know that song, "That's Why they Call it the Blues"? It's a catchy little adult contemporary number we have all heard somewhere before. But when Sir Elton performs it live ... Well... now its a Gospel song ... with piano playing that will make you believe in music all over again! Not all of Elton John's music is designed to fill a dance floor. Although I'm happy to learn in recent interviews that he personally prefers Electronic Dance Music. Yeah! Me too Elton. That said, all of us who are fans of Elton John know he writes beautiful songs of love. Remember, "Our Song"? Therefore, the live performance genius knew that thousands of people may not stay awake for three hours of slow songs. Instead he mixed it up. and while introducing a new song honoring the troops, he realized he may have performed a few too many slow songs in a row. So, he asked for a little patients from the audience and said, "I know these songs are a bit slow but please stay with me here .. only two more .." The audience of multi generations politely laughed a long with his request and collectively settled back to enjoy some beautiful music. Captain fantastic took the audience up and down the yellow brick road and beyond. It's amazing how a living legend can still perform beyond expectations. RESOURCES People Are Talking About the Elton John Diving Board Tour. Find Out What was Really Said http://www.eltonjohn.com/ Get to Know the Elton John Band http://www.eltonjohn.com/about/eltonJohnBand/  Think you know ALL of Elton Johns' Songs? You may want to click to make sure.  http://www.eltonjohn.com/about/eltonJohnBand/  Get Some Cool Elton John Photos and Videos http://www.eltonjohn.com/gallery/photos/

My Friday Night with Rhythm and Pearls

By: Doug Ruffin      President,      Boston Music Coalition.  Imagine this; You interview singers, write blogs about live music in Boston and still hip enough to check out world class DJs who spin at Boston area clubs. Yeah, that's me. Add to the image that I am wearing my signature top hat and my hot, beautiful lady is on my arm. So then; What do you think I'm doing on a Friday Night? Partying with Pete Tong (one of the worlds greatest Club DJ / Producer / Dance Music Radio announcers) spinning at a club in Boston? No, not me. Last Friday Night I was in a church basement having dinner. And if you could just stop laughing for just a minute ... You are gonna wish you were there too. Dinner and the opportunity to network with fellow worshipers in a cool relaxed fashion was topped off with live music from a trio of great ladies known as Rhythm and Pearls. Not knowing what to expect .. I mean .... its Church. But I gotta tell ya' They blew me away! Rhythm and Pearls is made up of musical sugar, spice and everything nice who's members include Allison, Barbara and Sara. with a pianist, Neil to company the vocals. If you are thinking, "Wilson Phillips" Think again and give them a listen. You will hear great harmony, strong voices and the unique ability to bring a soulful sound to each and every word in each and every song they perform. To see Rhythm and soul is to be treated to dance moves reflective of the decade the song is from. Rhythm and Pearls is a group that solutes the girl groups. They could have done that with a focus on ..lets say .. Motown. But they perform songs from several eras including some pop from today. This group had me up on the dance floor with several others in the mood to party with some good wine in the mix. Yeah that's where you could find me Friday Night. Good Food, a Good Bar and even greater Music from the group Rhythm and Pearls in the basement at Trinity Church. Whatever you did on Friday ... I'll bet you wish you were me. RESOURCES Who is this DJ? Pete Tong? Click and find out. www.petetong.com  Get More Live Music Events from Trinity Church in Boston  http://trinitychurchboston.org/worship-and-music/music  Think You Know Rhythm And Pearl? Get Music, video and more info http://rhythmandpearls.com/About.html  Get Music News, Blogs and videos from the Boston Music Coalition www.BostonMusicCoalition.com

You Know Hugh Laurie; Now Meet Sista Jean

By: Doug Ruffin      President,      Boston Music Coalition  This is a great time to be in Boston. The Red Sox, The Live Music and perhaps, a Casino. Add a visit from the President, and Boston is the center of attention for the world to see Boston as the world class city that it has always been.  Many live music performers from around the world often hit the many stages in Boston only to be received by enthusiastic audiences. Hugh Laurie took to the stage in Boston for a phenomenal concert event on Tuesday, October 29th at the Wilbur Theatre. One of the lead singers with Hugh Lauries' tour is Sista Jean. That's right, "Sista".  And let me be the one to tell you. Sista Jean can not only sing. She can Sang!  To experience a performance with Sista Jean is to hear music performed professionally and from the heart. She seems to have so much fun performing that it all appears effortlessly. Sista Jean has the gift of song and enjoys sharing it with us all. Sporting a new blues CD, "Back To The Root"; Sista Jean can likely perform nearly every music genre with heart, soul and more.  The Hugh Laurie tour is moving on. If you missed the show in Boston and can catch the tour, do so. You will love Hugh Laurie and will be more than pleased to meet Sista Jean. Resources:  More to Know about Hugh Laurie http://didntitrain.hughlaurieblues.com/us  Sista Jean & CB Take you, "Back To the Root"  http://www.reverbnation.com/sistajeancb  Get Music News Now www.BostonMusicCoalition.com

This Weekend!

THIS WEEKEND  By: Doug Ruffin      President      Boston Music Coalition I am such a big kid. Particularly my youthful spirit rises to the occasion during Christmas and it will also happen this weekend during my birthday. As I'm writing this; I'm blasting Evolution 101.7 since they are playing the new song from Fatboy Slim, "Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat". Yeah, I'm such a big kid. But who can blame me. In addition to the Red Sox; a lot is going on this weekend!  Just a few examples of great live music throughout greater Boston this weekend.  Friday - Boston Horns perform at Ryles 212 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA.   Don't be fooled by the Jazz location. Yes, Boston Horns is a Jazz band. They do, in fact, have this cool 70s funk Party Jazz fusion thing going on. Just try saying that three times. Trust me; it works! This is a great way to forget about this past week and jump start the weekend!  Saturday - BB King, Robert Cray Live at the North Sure Music Theatre Beverly MA. Blues is truly an American Music Art form. It tells the story of real people with real situations. That said; How does BB King make the Blues so uplifting? He has this way of telling you that his baby done left him and simultaneously reminds us that everything is gonna be alright. Its cool. Even cooler than that; Robert Cray will get your Grandmother up from "outta-that-Chair" and politely ask her and everyone for that matter, to get up and dance! If you want to hear great live music performed from the heart, get on up to Beverly MA at the North Sure Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road. (It Ain't too far) And this music will drive your entire weekend.  Sunday - Wynton Marsalis, Symphony Hall 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA  Not only do I love live music; I also appreciate great music arrangement in a song. The best classical arrangements can be found in many places around Boston. One of the best is the Boston Symphony Orchestra and not just a Christmas time. So its fitting that Wynton Marsalis will be performing his well arranged music at Symphony Hall in Boston on Sunday. Wynton Marsalis blends classic sounds with new themes with several instruments blended in at the right time to make jazz a pleasuring experience. This is the perfect way to top off a great weekend of live music. And the Music continues after the weekend.  Monday - Capital Cities performs at the House Of Blues in Boston And ... Tuesday - Hugh Laurie at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston  Wow! are you out on a Tuesday? I am. Besides; its my birthday this weekend and I'm a big kid.  Resources Think You Know Everything About the Boston Horns? Check and Make Sure www.bostonhorns.com  whats Going Down at Hampshire Street? Get the low down from Ryles Jazz Club www.rylesjazz.com  Who"s The King of Blues? BB KING www.bbking.com Get Tours and Music from Robert Cray www.robertcray.com What's Happening at the North Shore Music Theatre? Find out Now! www.nsmt.org  Discography, Biography and much for about Wynton Marsalis www.wyntonmarsalis.com  Get Performances and more taking place at Symphony Hall http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_Hall,_Boston

Music People Should Attend the Small Business Expo By Doug Ruffin President Boston Music Coalition Sometimes, for musicians, it seems that a good song is nothing more than product to sell and distribute. Sometimes, its seems, that marketing is more important than the art of music. It also seems, at times, that licencing is more important than the joy of hearing your song played on the radio. If it seems that way to you; Good! As a musician; You Get it! The art of the song is still the key but marketing your art IE "product", understanding the value of licencing is all part of the music business. The operative word here is indeed, "business". Debate if you will about when did music become a business but while you are doing that; many others in the music business ... we hope ... are realizing the business realities required to succeed in the music business. Oh ...see? I used the "B" word again. Today, Thursday, October 17 is not a day for a music gathering. However, all serious minded people in business are attending the Small Business Expo in Boston at the Hynes Convention Center Halls A & B 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA. The Expo starts at 10:00 AM and runs until %:00 PM with after party networking opportunities.   If this is not a music business expo, why should music people attend? Your efforts to get work and perform is similar to a small business looking for contracts to perform a duty, task or skill. If you are in music, your skill may be performing, writing or teaching music. What ever you have to offer as a musician, its long been time to think like a business person. Several topics are discussed and can easily be adapted to the music business. Networking is abound with banks offering business loans so you can plan out your next tour. Legal services to protect your art. Presentational skills to get that pain-in-the-ass club manager to make a final decision on weather you can play at the venue, get a residency or, not.  Actively attending .. And yes, its during the day; can, perhaps, move your music efforts forward. Take note musicians. A little business can't hurt. Resources Music People Should Attend the Small Business Expo in Boston By Doug Ruffin President Boston Music Coalition Sometimes, for musicians, it seems that a good song is nothing more than product to sell and distribute. Sometimes, its seems, that marketing is more important than the art of music. It also seems, at times, that licencing is more important than the joy of hearing your song played on the radio. If it seems that way to you; Good! As a musician; You Get it! The art of the song is still the key but marketing your art IE "product", understanding the value of licencing is all part of the music business. The operative word here is indeed, "business". Debate if you will about when did music become a business but while you are doing that; many others in the music business ... we hope ... are realizing the business realities required to succeed in the music business. Oh ...see? I used the "B" word again. Today, Thursday, October 17 is not a day for a music gathering. However, all serious minded people in business are attending the Small Business Expo in Boston at the Hynes Convention Center Halls A & B 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA. The Expo starts at 10:00 AM and runs until %:00 PM with after party networking opportunities.   If this is not a music business expo, why should music people attend? Your efforts to get work and perform is similar to a small business looking for contracts to perform a duty, task or skill. If you are in music, your skill may be performing, writing or teaching music. What ever you have to offer as a musician, its long been time to think like a business person. Several topics are discussed and can easily be adapted to the music business. Networking is abound with banks offering business loans so you can plan out your next tour. Legal services to protect your art. Presentational skills to get that pain-in-the-ass club manager to make a final decision on weather you can play at the venue, get a residency or, not.  Actively attending .. And yes, its during the day; can, perhaps, move your music efforts forward. Take note musicians. A little business can't hurt. Register Now https://smallbusinessexpoboston.eventbrite.com

The Joshua Tree Band Performs Live at Suffolk Downs Thursday

The Joshua Tree Band

By: Doug Ruffin
       President,
       Boston Music Coalition

The challenge of a tribute band is getting it right. Thankfully, The Joshua Tree Band gets it right. Honoring U2 enough to tribute them as a band must not be an easy thing to do. The band needs to poor its heart in to each song while respecting (not copying) each U2 song they perform.

Band members; Mike Golars (vocals, guitar), Mike Courcy (guitar, keyboards), Joe Wilson (bass) and Bob Pimental (drums) perform well together. Each talent blended as if the tribute experience was ment to be.  While Boston Based, The Joshua Tree Band is well known nation wide.

Today, October 3rd, 3013, everyone has a chance to catch Joshua Tree perform live at Suffolk Downs Revere, Mass. Its all part of a special day at Suffolk Downs, the planned site for a casino.

The Boston Music Coalition endorses the Casino plans at Suffolk Downs because it offers more opportunities for musicians to perform in venues on and off the casino site throughout greater Boston. In addition, Thousands of job opportunities will be available for residence of Revere and Boston.

Joshua Tree will perform today at the entrance to Suffolk Downs starting at 2:00 PM today as many people will be taking advantage of the job opportunities that are likely to be provided once the Casino is opned.

It's not my business to know if any musician is for or against a Casino in the Boston / Revere area. What ever your thoughts on a casino, keep in mind that The Joshua Tree Band has added a gig to its schedule that it may not have had should a casino not be planned. - Just a thought.

Resources

Get Bio and Performance Schedule from Joshua Tree
www.joshuatreeband.com

Want more information on the Casino in Boston / Revere Mass? Click Here
 http://friendsofsuffolkdowns.com

Need the Latest Music News? Visit the Boston Music Coalition
www.BostonMusicCoalition.com

 

 

Recap: The Mayoral Arts Forum in Boston at the Emerson Arts Center on September 9^th

By: Doug Ruffin

       President,

       Boston Music Coalition

Mondays’ Mayoral arts forum was well attended to full capacity at the Emerson Paramount Center on Monday evening. Many of the Boston Mayoral candidates participated and answered tough questions from those active in the Boston Arts community.

Joyce Kulhawik moderated the event and asked the candidates to answer questions with specifics.

All the candidates expressed a personal interest in the arts as well as ideas to grow the arts in Boston based on the value it has for education, small business and how arts places Boston in the eyes of the world stage.

A few of the ideas for the arts in Boston from the candidates included …

• Allocating 1 per cent of the Boston City Budget to arts programs throughout the city
• Creating a cabinet level board of active arts professionals to advise the Mayor on arts issues and planning
• Extended school hours that includes many areas of arts study in all Boston Schools
• Working with Higher Education to move arts forward in Boston.

Many other ideas and proposals were voiced by the candidates.

All of us at the Boston Music Coalition support efforts like these events from “Create the Vote”.

We will ask the Mayoral Candidates to participate as a guest blogger here at the Boston Music Coalition to answer tough questions about Music, venues and the arts in Boston. We'll keep you posted. 

  

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!