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Dick Gregory protege pens powerful Occupy Movement Song Oh-No! Anthem to inspire Occupy protestors during Chicago’s NATO Summit

Posted by admin On May - 15 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

Oh-No! Anthem to inspire Occupy protestors during Chicago’s NATO Summit

Chicago, Illinois - A young musician whose activism and devotion to the Occupy Movement mimic that of his mentor and hero Dick Gregory, has composed a powerful song and video that has energized protestors at past rallies. Since the video captures dramatic footage of confrontations between Occupiers and law enforcement, protestors will utilize it during the upcoming NATO Summit as a reminder to be vigilant and to deploy nonviolent tactics in dealing with police.

The song and video have won acclaim from Gregory, Occupiers and generated over 1 million downloads because it powerfully captures the message of the Movement.

Titled “Oh-No,” and written by Chicago native William “Wril” Brown, the spirited, poignant, rhythmic video and edgy in-your-face tune can be viewed and downloaded at http://www.ohnorevolution.com

A dynamic young lyricist, Brown penned the tune while in jail after being arrested – along with Gregory – during an Occupy protest against BP.

Described as “Music from the Heartbeat of the Revolution,” Malik Yusef, a Grammy-Award winning songwriter and producer has joined other music critics in praising the tune and comparing its power to “We Shall Overcome” and the other call-to-action music from the Civil Rights Movement.

Embodying the frustrations of the 99%, “Oh No!” eloquently captures the passion and message of the Occupy Movement and features Wril, Dick Gregory and hip-hop artist Truth.

Since first being introduced, the video has galvanized youth Occupiers and other protestors during rallies in Greensboro, North Carolina and in Atlanta. With over 100,000 private views, the videotune is quickly emerging as the anthem of the Occupy Movement.

Dick Gregory, who is hailed as “the original Occupier” because of his legacy of protest during the Civil Rights Movement, t has been trumpeting the video for its dynamism and its powerful message.

“Wril’s video highlights the breadth, depth and heart of Occupy Wall Street and other Oh-No movements across the country,” declared Gregory.

It was on the strength of his admiration of Dick Gregory that Wril immersed himself deeper in the protest movement. When he first met Gregory he developed a deep connection with the legendary comedian-turned-activist. He joined Gregory in his protest against BP for not providing financial compensation to the poor Gulf residents who were victims of BP’s gross negligence — though BP had earned billions of dollars in profits. Wril was arrested alongside Gregory when they staged a protest at British Petroleum’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The goal was to focus attention on the plight of the many lives and businesses that were devastated by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oilrig explosion.

Singer/songwriter Wril was so stirred by the injustice surrounding the crisis that, similar to the epiphany that sparked Dr. King to write his letters from a Birmingham jail, Wril was also inspired to pen the song “Oh No!” while in jail following the BP arrest.

The quick-paced video captures the passion, angst and overall message of the Occupy Movement in dramatic footage. Among the scenes captured in the four-minute “docutune” are the arrests, the hauling off to jail of members and the highly-controversial pepper spraying of young innocent protestors who were silently voicing their protests during a sit-in at the University of California – Davis. Pictured silently sitting while being sprayed, the act elicited worldwide outrage and symbolized the force that authorities have wielded in the face of non-violent peaceful protests.

In the video, Wril intersperses scenes from the protests with the refrain: Oh No!

In compelling musical snippets, the video dramatically spans the country depicting the outrage of the Occupy Movement. The video underscores the energy and the transformation from despair to defiance of the 99% who see the banking policies as being destructive of the aspirations and hopes of those considered outside of the power network and who are victimized by the policies of the 1%.

“I have always wanted my music to express who I am as a person, to reflect my strong feelings about injustice and inspire others to take action to better our lives,” says Wril. “This song and video ‘Oh-No’ embodies the frustrations of many Americans and captures the passion of the Occupy Movement.”

Says legendary activist Dick Gregory: “The gifted young songwriter and vocalist Wril has a spirit of activism and social consciousness that harkens back to those revolutionaries and freedom fighters from the ‘60 and ’70s whose brave sacrifices helped bring about the landmark changes of the Civil Rights Movement.

“With strong and committed activists like Wril acting as drum majors for justice, freedom and equality,” Gregory continues, “the Occupy Movement will achieve all of its lofty goals and mirror the success we enjoyed during the Civil Rights Era.”

About Dick Gregory:
Dick Gregory is a legendary comedian and entrepreneur known for his extended fasting to protest injustices and his Bahamian diet. His renown as an entertainer and businessman is matched by his social activism. He has been outspoken about hundreds of human rights issues since the 1960’s and recently staged a protest against BP for the fraudulent and callous way they handled the BP oil spill. An icon from the Civil Rights Movement, he has become active in the Occupy Wall Street movement and finds parallels between the protests of the ’60s and the outrage against banks and corporations of today. He says that the issue in both Movements revolves around justice and equity -two principles that are dear to him and for which he continues to fight.

About William “Wril” Brown:
William “Wril” Brown is a singer/lyricist whose talent has won admiration and praise from the legendary duo Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, as well as that of literary icon Maya Angelou, for his song “Forever and Ever I Do,” which he wrote and delivers with exceptional musicality. Wril’s depth, breadth and scope are dramatized by his versatility as a vocalist, songwriter and musician.

As a musician, he has a love affair with the piano that goes back to his church roots. As a vocalist, Wril boasts a falsetto that falls in love with every note. The passion that he brings to every tune makes his delivery memorable and captivating. As a songwriter, he digs deep into the core of his soul to capture the emotions of a tune.
The themes that dominate his writing revolve around his love and admiration for women and the sentimentality of family. His respect for women is mirrored in the acronym of his name: Wril stands for Women Really Inspire Love.

For more information, contact Melody M. McDowell – 312-371-8917

Musical Notes

Habakkuk Music and Blackgospelpromo.com partner for New Gospel CD Series

Posted by admin On May - 3 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

The Best Indie Tracks, Yesterday, Today & Forever; Got Gospel?

Fourteen Track Compilation Features Tunes By Vickie Winans, Lisa Page Brooks, Youthful Praise, Marvin Winans, Canton Jones, Rance Allen And Others

Nationwide (BlackNews.com) — For a decade now, Veda Brown’s BlackGospelPromo.com marketing e-blasts have served as one of the most effective and popular online marketing methods to reach the black gospel consumer. They reach nearly 200,000 people daily and advertise everything from Tyler Perry movies to Marvin Sapp’s CDs. For a few years now, Brown has had the desire to create a compilation CD of gospel songs to market via her firm and now the time has finally come.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for years,” says Brown, who is based in Philadelphia, PA. “So many of my friends in the industry have stepped up and allowed us to use their songs for this project and I’m grateful,” she continues. “Indie labels and artists have become a major force in music so we’ve selected some of the best indie tracks to create a must-have CD compilation.”

Habakkuk Music has signed on to release, not just one installment, but a series of compilation CDs with BlackGospelPromo.com. The first CD is entitled, Got Gospel? The Best Indie Tracks, Yesterday, Today & Forever. The project hits stores June 5, 2012 and features this exciting mix of both evergreen and future classics:

1. God is Great – Ricky Dillard and New G
2. Lord, You’re Mighty – Youthful Praise featuring J.J. Hairston
3. I Want To Say Thank You – Lisa Page Brooks
4. Window – Canton Jones
5. No Looking Back – Damita
6. I Give Myself Away – William McDowell
7. You That I Trust – The Rance Allen Group
8. The More I Seek You – Gail Holmes
9. Big – Valencia Lacy & Unquenchable Worshippers
10. Send Your Rain – Clint Brown featuring Marvin Winans
11. Alright – Gerald Scott
12. Mario Winans’ “Overcomer” Remix – Vickie Winans
13. Be Like You – Cheneta Jones
14. The Best Time of My Life – Bryan Wilson

The set is the second release in Habakkuk Music’s Got Gospel? Six Sounds of Summer marketing campaign that launches with Cheneta Jones’ debut CD, Transformed, on May 22nd. Other CDs in the summer series include new albums by Clint Brown, Gerald Scott & Company, Lisa Page Brooks and Valencia Lacy & Unquenchable Worshippers. To learn more about Habakkuk, visit www.habakkukmusic.com for more information.

Photo Caption: CD Cover

Musical Notes

Free concert of Mexican and Polish music

Posted by JB On April - 30 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

The well-known Lira Singers and Cuerdas Clasicas String Ensemble will perform a concert of Mexican and Polish music on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 4pm at St. Bruno Church, 4751 South Harding in Chicago . Admission is free; a free-will collection will be taken.

The concert celebrates two important ethnic holidays — Cinco de Mayo and May 3^rd/Polish Constitution Day.

The concert features the Lira Singers, the core group of the Lira Ensemble which specializes in Polish music and dance, and the Cuerdas Clasicas String Ensemble of men and women who play traditional Mexican stringed instruments as well as sing. The program includes Mexican, Polish and American folk and patriotic songs as well as Marian hymns performed by the two companies.

Reverend Antoni Bury, pastor, invites all to this concert which honors the Polish immigrants who created and built St. Bruno Church as well as the many Mexican Americans who now are parishioners.

The event is produced by the Lira Ensemble, artist-in-residence at Loyola University Chicago, and is part of a series of Mexican/Polish performances presented by Lira since 1990. The series has been praised by audiences, community leaders, as well as critics. A reviewer in the Chicago Tribune described these joint concerts as “a joyous explosion of song and ethnic traditions” which “proves the power of music.” The Lira Ensemble won the City of Chicago 2001 Human Relations Award for its inter-ethnic concerts with Mexican Americans, African Americans, and its outreach to American Jews – many of whom have roots in Poland .

Mexican Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo (the 5^th of May) to commemorate the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 against the French. This was part of the Mexican fight against Napoleon’s invading armies. Polish Americans celebrate May 3^rd as Polish Constitution Day to remember the signing of the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791. This was the second written constitution in world history, second only to the United States Constitution, on which it was partially based.

The May 3rd concert will be narrated in English by Lucyna Migala of WCEV Radio/1450am, who is co-founder, artistic director, and general manager of the Lira Ensemble. In 2007, she received the Sor Juana Award of the National Museum of Mexican Art in recognition of her cross-cultural initiatives. The Cuerdas Clasicas String Ensemble will perform under the direction of Rodolfo Hernandez, founder of the group. The concert will be conducted by Mina Zikri, resident conductor of the Lira Ensemble.

Admission to this Mexican-Polish concert is free, but the audience is asked to make a contribution when the free-will collection is taken. Free parking is available adjacent to the church.

The concert is funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency and the CityArts Program of the Chicago Department of Tourism and Culture.

For more information, call the Lira Ensemble at 773-508-7040.

Musical Notes

DJ’s pushing positive music for peace

Posted by admin On April - 24 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

By Chinta Strausberg

Two on-air personalities Sunday said they are using music to help stem violence that has taken the lives of scores of children and they urged their peers to join in on a crusade of replacing negative and degrading music with love and peace.

Al Greer, who played dusties and old school music at Josephine’s Hardtime Cooking Restaurant, 436 E. 79^th St., Chicago, IL, and V-103’s Ramonski Luv, said they are proud to play positive music including rap songs that don’t promote violence. They are all about spreading love rather than violence.

Interviewed at Josephine’s Hardtime Cooking Restaurant, Luv said, “DJ’s have a voice and we have music. I think music soothes the savage beast…the savage spirit that people have. It’s a spiritual war that’s going on out there. If parents are teaching their children to respect and have a regard for life and respect authority, when they leave the house they will be in a right frame of mine.

“If the parents are not in a right frame of mine, then how can you teach your children? At 8:30 p.m., when we come on air, we ask, ‘Do you know where your children are? We’re not trying to tell parents how to parent, but it’s a friendly reminder because we get caught up with two or three jobs; so you got latch key kids where they are home with no supervision or teaching. All we are is that friendly reminder, that friendly voice being positive,” said Luv.

When asked how can DJ’s collectively help to reduce violence, Luv said, “I do not play violent music; so I can’t speak for another DJ only for me and my partner, Joe Soto do. We play old school music that has lyrics that came from and reach the heart. We are almost like teachers as well. We teach that they can listen to that (music that promotes and glories violence), but that’s only entertainment, not real life. Listen to some music that’s real music” and does not contain pro-gun and pro-violence lyrics.

When asked if positive rappers can come on his show or his station as an incentive to youth, Luv said, “It’s not up to me. Radio has changed tremendously, but I’m into anything that is positive. If the station decides to do something like that, it’s fine. It’s up to the programming department.”

When asked how can DJ’s help to end the violence, Greer, who is an air personality at WSNR.US “For The Grown and Sexy” and president/CEO of AG Entertainment & Sound, said, “DJ’s can help stop the violence by stopping the (violent) music.

“Back in the day when I worked at WGCI, Elroy Smith had this great idea to stop about the senseless violence that was going on. That is what we need to do. Less music and more talking about stopping and doing something to stop the violence is more important.”

Saying he in favor of playing positive music, Greer said, “They don’t want to hear any positive music on the radio, and kids don’t really listen to radio anyway. They listen to their downloads, their Rhapsody, iTunes or anywhere they can download free music….”
If there was some positive rap out there, I think more people would listen. I think that is what we need, positive rap. I feel if you play it, they’ll come…,” said Greer. He said Christian and positive rappers can send their samples to him at the following e-mail address: Lpgreer@gmail.com.

Greer will be back to Josephine’s Hardtime Cooking Restaurant on Sunday, May 20, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. playing his collection of dusties, old school, Steppin, house music and R&B music. As he signed off, several couples were still dancing.

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.

Musical Notes

Music Institute of Chicago celebrates a decade at Nichols Concert Hall

Posted by admin On April - 5 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

Tenth Season Includes Rachel Barton Pine, Lincoln Trio, Pacifica Quartet,

Billy Strayhorn Festival with Terell Stafford and More

Celebrating a decade at Evanston’s Nichols Concert Hall, the Music Institute of Chicago presents a season of 10 stellar musical performances for its 2012–13 Faculty and Guest Artist Series.

Highlights include the September 23 opening concert by the award-winning Lincoln Trio, a Billy Strayhorn festival featuring jazz great Terell Stafford in late October, the internationally acclaimed Pacifica Quartet in February, and pianist Sergei Babayan in April. Noteworthy annual events include Family Concerts in December and March; the Martin Luther King, Jr. concert with the Brotherhood Chorale in January; the Four Score Festival of contemporary music in March; and the third annual Emilio del Rosario Distinguished Alumni Concert, this year featuring violinist Rachel Barton Pine and pianist Matthew Hagle in May.

The complete schedule, including both the special 10th anniversary events and annual programs, includes:

1. Sunday, September 23, 3 p.m. Lincoln Trio

The season opens in parallel celebration with Lincoln Trio, also celebrating its 10th anniversary season. Winners of the 2008 Masterplayers International Competition in Venice, Italy, the trio is known for its polished presentations of well-known chamber works as well as its ability to forge new paths with contemporary repertoire.

2. Sunday, October 21, 3 p.m. 2012 Fischoff Grand Prize winners

Complementing its numerous medalists in the junior division of the prestigious chamber music competition, the Music Institute is pleased to present this year’s Grand Prize winners in the senior division, to be determined at the 2012 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in May.

3. Friday, October 26, 7:30 p.m. Terell Stafford and Music Institute Jazz Faculty

Hailed as “one of the great players of our time” by the legendary pianist McCoy Tyner, Grammy-winning trumpeter Terell Stafford collaborates with the Music Institute’s acclaimed jazz studies faculty, including trumpeter Victor Garcia and percussionist Ernie Adams.

4. Saturday, October 27, 7:30 p.m. Terell Stafford Quintet: This Side of Strayhorn

Inspired by his own recording of the same name, jazz trumpeter Terell Stafford and his ensemble pay tribute to one of the 20th century’s greatest jazz composers and collaborators—Billy Strayhorn. The quintet also features Tim Warfield Jr., saxophone; Bruce Barth, piano; Peter Washington, bass; and Dana Hall, drums.

Sunday, October 28, 3 p.m. Film: Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life, Panel Discussion

As Duke Ellington’s longtime collaborator from the 1940s to the 1960s, Billy Strayhorn penned some of the world’s most definitive jazz standards, including “Take The ‘A’ Train,” and the widely recorded “Lush Life.” This highly acclaimed documentary uncovers the mystery behind the complex life of this pioneering African-American composer, arranger and pianist. Panelists include Strayhorn biographer David Hajdu and filmmaker Robert Levi.

5. Saturday, November 17, 7:30 p.m. WarnerNuzova

World-renowned American cellist Wendy Warner and eminent Russian pianist Irina Nuzova have earned critical acclaim for their riveting performances as the duo WarnerNuzova. The two performers’ contrasting cultures and traditions are at the core of the energy and insight of their interpretations.

Saturday, December 8, 9 a.m. Family Concert: The Nutcracker

Families begin this morning of music with the Music Institute’s Instrument Petting Zoo, followed by a 10 a.m. performance of “Duke it Out” – Ellington/Strayhorn vs. Tchaikovsky. Music and dance take the stage as resident ensembles Axiom Brass and Quintet Attacca perform classical and jazz versions of the popular Nutcracker Suite. The Ellington/Strayhorn arrangements are by Jim Stephenson. This performance is presented in conjunction with Dance Chicago. Admission is only $10 per family.

Sunday, January 13, 5 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Concert

The Music Institute’s annual concert features the Brotherhood Chorale of the Apostolic Church of God. Free admission!

6. Saturday, February 16, 7:30 p.m. Pacifica Quartet

Recognized for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and often-daring repertoire choices, the Pacifica Quartet has gained international stature as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today. Recently named quartet-in-residence at Indiana University and Ensemble of the Year by Musical America, Pacifica received the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance.

Sundays, March 3 and March 10, 3 p.m. Four Score Festival

The Music Institute’s annual celebration of contemporary music; highlighted composers will be announced later.

Friday, March 8, 7:30 p.m. Generation Next/Composer’s Lab Concert

This concert features works by the winners of the Music Institute’s 2013 Generation Next Young Composer’s Competition, which encourages and promotes the development of young composers.

Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. Family Concert: Evanston 150: Day of Music

Families begin this morning of music with the Music Institute’s Instrument Petting Zoo, followed by a 10 a.m. performance featuring Music Institute ensembles-in-residence celebrating Evanston’s 150th anniversary. Admission is only $10 per family.

7. Saturday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. Opus 10 Faculty Extravaganza

The impassioned virtuosity and artistry of more than 20 of the Music Institute’s violin and piano faculty shine in this concert featuring performances of 10 of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances and Chopin’s Études, Op. 10.

8. Sunday, April 7, 3 p.m. Lincoln String Quartet

Featuring musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Since its founding in 1997, The Lincoln String Quartet has been a staple of the Chicago music scene. Comprising current and former Chicago Symphony Orchestra members, the renowned quartet includes violinists Lei Hou and Qing Hou, violist Lawrence Neuman, and cellist Stephen Balderston.

9. Sunday, April 21, 3 p.m. Sergei Babayan, piano

Pianist Sergei Babayan performs the Bach’s Goldberg Variations in a joint celebration of the 10th anniversary of Nichols Concert Hall, the 40th anniversary of the Bach Week Festival, and the 150th anniversary of the City of Evanston. Babayan studied in Moscow with Mikhael Pletnev before settling in the U.S. in 1989. Within a span of three years, he took first prize in four top international competitions, including the Robert Casadesus International Piano Competition. Currently Artist-in-Residence at the Cleveland Institute of Music, he performs regularly with Valery Gergiev, Yuri Temirkanov, and Neeme Järvi. Co-sponsored by the Bach Week Festival in Evanston.

10. Saturday, May 18, 7:30 p.m. Rachel Barton Pine, violin; Matthew Hagle, piano

Third Annual Emilio del Rosario Distinguished Alumni Concert

Violinist Rachel Barton Pine has captivated the music world as one of the most musical and inspiring artists on today’s concert scene. She has performed and recorded with some of the top orchestras, conductors, composers, and performers of our time. Equally at home on an electric violin or on the Joseph Guarnerius del Gesu known as the “ex Soldat,” she is renowned for her masterful interpretations of a wide variety of musical genres from Baroque to classical, from contemporary to rock.

About Nichols Concert Hall

Noted architect Solon S. Beman designed the architecturally and acoustically magnificent First Church of Christ, Scientist, located at 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston, in 1912. In 2003, the building was sensitively restored to become Nichols Concert Hall, a state-of-the-art, 550-seat performance space and music education destination, easily accessible to numerous restaurants, on-street and metered parking, and the Davis Street CTA and Metra stations. The converted building, featuring a fully restored, 1914 E. M. Skinner pipe organ, received the Richard H. Driehaus Award for best adaptive use by the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Each year Nichols Concert Hall reaches approximately 15,000 people and hosts a world-class chamber music series, workshops and master classes, student recitals, and special events.

About the Music Institute of Chicago

The Music Institute of Chicago believes that music has the power to sustain and nourish the human spirit; therefore, our mission is to provide the foundation for lifelong engagement with music. As one of the three largest and most respected community music schools in the nation, the Music Institute offers musical excellence built on the strength of its distinguished faculty, commitment to quality, and breadth of programs and services. Founded in 1931 and one of the oldest community music schools in Illinois, the Music Institute is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Each year, the Music Institute’s world-class music teachers and arts therapists provide the highest quality arts education, reaching more than 10,000 students of all ability levels, from birth to 102 years of age, at campuses in Evanston, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Winnetka, and Downers Grove and through its longstanding partnership with the Chicago Public Schools. The Music Institute also offers lessons and programs at the Steinway of Chicago store in Northbrook and early childhood and community engagement programs throughout the Chicago area and the North Shore. The Music Institute offers lessons, classes, and programs through four distinct areas: Community School, The Academy, Creative Arts Therapy (Institute for Therapy through the Arts), and Nichols Concert Hall.

All concerts take place at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. Tickets, except where noted, are $25 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students, available online or 847.905.1500 ext. 108. All programming is subject to change.

Musical Notes

New Milliyon album “Live Milliyonic” to be released June 26 with a new brand of Christian Rap, Pop, Rock & Soul

Posted by admin On March - 16 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

Debut Rap Single “A-Milliyon” Available On iTunes and Soundcloud April 10

Preview Now on YouTube: True Story Of A Robbery Gone Right In Special “I Am Milliyonic”

Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) — Live Milliyonic (www.livemilliyonic.com), the new album from Milliyon and produced by Randy “Big Ran” Hairston (Outkast, Mase, Cam’ron, V.I.C, Canton Jones) and Brandon “Black Knight” Peavy (Lecrae, Flame, Melinda Watts) is set to be released on June 26, 2012.

The album is a true fusion of rap, pop, rock and soul with the authentic sound and feel of southern hip hop. This album sets to defy the status quo tag that in the past has unsuccessfully put Christian hip hop, R&B and pop music in one box. The first rap single, “A-Milliyon”, available on iTunes and SoundCloud on April 10, is an effective mission statement. Lyrically, “A-Milliyon” is infectious with big bass and 808’s. The song presents the metaphor of living “milliyonic,” an effort to get the message of living for God to millions upon millions.

Milliyon is no stranger to the hip hop or gospel music scene. In the past he has shared the stage with artists such as Rick Ross, T-Pain, Jazzy Phae, Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary. He was formally introduced to the gospel world while on the “Cajo Family” and “Kingdom Business” tours with gospel artist Canton Jones. Most recently he was featured on a song entitled “Bended Knee” on Deitrick Haddon’s “Church On The Moon” album which debuted at #1 on the Gospel Billboard charts. He also wrote the hit song, “Holy Ghost Holiday” on James Fortune’s record “Encore” which debuted at #2 on the Gospel Billboard chart.

On Live Milliyonic, the song “Good Day” pulls from Milliyon’s past challenging experiences and translates those emotions and triumph into an encouraging anthem. “My Everything” is the switch up. It’s a pop song that bridges the feel of this album all together. Live Milliyonic is arguably a palate of music that doesn’t sound forced while striving to be authentically appealing to everyone.

“Every song is a reflection of my personal influences in music from Jay-Z and Kanye West to All American Rejects, Canton Jones, Family Force 5 and Leon Timbo,” says Milliyon. “It’s eclectic like me and truly reflects me, not just as a Rap/Pop artist but as a Christian Culture Artist. What that means is, as a Christian I live in this world but the way I live my life, even if I love hip hop, rock or pop music, it’s different because of my commitment to God.”

The True Story – “I AM MILLIYONIC”
Milliyon is more than a catchy stage name. It stems from his personal definition of ‘MILLIYONIC’ — a movement described as a culture of passionate young people living their lives for God. “It’s not about religion. Its our flow, from the way we walk, to the way we live, from the things we say, to the love we give. Everything we do is out loud,” says Milliyon. “I AM MILLIYONIC” is something that is growing virally online via YouTube. Preview the first video featuring Milliyon as he tells the true story of robbery gone right, and demonstrates what it means to live “Milliyonic”.

Catch Milliyon on the Radio-One, One Love Cruise featuring Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Tye Tribbet and Marvin Sapp among others, March 18-23rd.
Preview the new Single “A-Milliyon” – www.soundcloud.com/iammilliyon/a-milliyon

Preview a video from “I am Millyonic” – www.youtube.com.gr/watch?v=hF5qL0FTD2s

Preview music from the debut album Live Milliyonic – www.livemilliyonic.com/milliyon/music

Photo Caption: Milliyon

Musical Notes

Dr. Kenneth Love’s (AKA kenny Love’s) music takes a chance

Posted by PMac On February - 27 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

Detouring slightly from his normal Jazz element and his recent “cAsE sEnSiTiVe” CD release, Dr. Kenneth Love (aka Kenny Love) slams the 2012 dance floor with his new high energy dance single titled “Chance.”

CD cover

Dallas, TX (BlackNews.com) — Detouring slightly from his normal Jazz element, groove, and on the musical heels of his recent “cAsE sEnSiTiVe” CD release, Dr. Kenneth Love (aka Kenny Love) slams the 2012 dance floor with his new high energy dance single titled “Chance.” The ever pulsating single can be experienced firsthand on Dr. Love’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/jazzman795

The aforementioned “cAsE sEnSiTiVe” compilation release that featured ten modern Jazz selections garnered a number of respectable compliments from the music industry, deejays, and fans alike, of which can be viewed at www.kennylovejazz.com/Comments.html

Likewise, the compilation spurned an ongoing dance floor hit appropriately titled “Let’s Dance!” which is available for review at www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTuaVvzE9M0M

Airplay Direct member radio station personnel, disc jockeys, and deejays may also download both a radio edit version and a longer dance floor version of “Chance,” as well as download both versions of the “Let’s Dance!” single at www.airplaydirect.com/music/KennyLove

About Dr. Kenneth Love
Dr. Kenneth Love began his studio recording career in 1982 after having served four years in the military. He produced and released several singles independently during an eight-year period (1982-1990) before spending the following twenty years (1990-2010) representing other independent musicians and recording artists as an international radio/video promoter and media publicist. He retired from promotion and publicity in 2010 to return to his musical artistry. Dr. Kenneth Love holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education, a Master of Business Administration degree in Business Marketing, and a Ph.D./Doctorate degree in Business Marketing. For more details and information, please visit his website at www.kennylovejazz.com

Musical Notes

African-American/Polish-American Concert to be held at DuSable Museum of African American History

Posted by PMac On February - 20 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

The Lira Ensemble, which specializes in Polish music, presents its highly praised African-American/Polish-American concert performed by the NGOMA Group of African-American performers and the Lira Singers, Sunday, March 4, 2012, 3 p.m., at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 East 56^th Place, Chicago (at 57^th Street and south Cottage Grove in Washington Park ).

Admission is free – to both the museum and the concert

The concert is presented in celebration of DuSable Day, honoring the memory and legacy of Jean Baptiste Pointe Du Sable – the “Father of Chicago” – the city’s first settler and businessman. The Museum will celebrate the day with performances and special events from 12PM through 5p.m. Admission is free for all.

This is the fifth performance of Lira’s African-American/Polish-American concert at the DuSable Museum . For the past 20 years, the Lira Ensemble has produced cross-ethnic concerts with African Americans and Latinos that have been lauded by community leaders. In 2007, the National Museum of Mexican Art presented its Sor Juana Award to Lucyna Migala, Lira’s artistic director and general manager, in recognition of this work. In 2001, Lira won the Human Relations Award of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations for this series. At the award presentation, the Commission commented: “Combining social responsibility with artistic excellence, Lira produces and performs joint concerts with artists of other racial and ethnic groups, viewing art as a universal language with the power to confront prejudice and misunderstanding.”

The Chicago Tribune praised Lira’s African-American production in a color photo feature article, calling it “…an afternoon of unusual entertainment…of two musical worlds…of blacks and whites together.”

The concert features Polish folk and patriotic music as well as various forms of African-American music, including blues, spirituals, and gospel. It includes narrations that point out surprising similarities between the histories and experiences of African Americans and Polish Americans in Chicago . Marcia Berry, director of NGOMA, and Lucyna Migala will serve as narrators. The Lira Singers will be conducted by Mina Zikri, resident conductor of the Ensemble.

The NGOMA Group consists of artists from throughout the black community of Chicago.

The Lira Ensemble is the nation’s only professional performing arts company specializing in Polish music, song, and dance. The Lira company is artist-in-residence at Loyola University Chicago.

This African-American/Polish-American event is funded in part by Kraft, by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency and the CityArts Program of the Chicago Department of Tourism and Culture.

Admission to both the DuSable Museum and the concert are free on March 4^th and free parking is available adjacent to the museum. For more information about this cross-cultural event, please call the Lira Ensemble at 773-508-7040  www.liraensemble.org

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Music Institute of Chicago students win big at National Sphinx Competition

Posted by PMac On February - 17 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS

CHICAGO, IL – The Music Institute of Chicago has swept the 15th annual national Sphinx Competition in Detroit, Michigan. Music Institute Academy violinist Adé Williams (14, Chicago/Bronzeville) won First Place Laureate in the Junior Division, and Music Institute cello alumnus Gabriel Cabezas (19, Philadelphia, attending Curtis Institute of Music)—winner of the Junior Division in 2006—was named First Place Laureate in the Senior Division. Two additional Music Institute Academy students advanced to the semi-finals: Caitlin Adamson (16, viola, Evanston) and Mira Williams (14, viola, Chicago/Bronzeville).

During the competition week February 8–12, semi-finalists received coaching and master classes from a distinguished jury and rehearsed and performed in chamber groups.

The Junior Division Honors Concert featured the three Junior Division finalists competing for final placement, accompanied by the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra on February 10. The Finals Concert, hosted by the Detroit Symphony at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, Michigan on February 12, featured the top three Senior Division finalists competing for placement, accompanied by the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra.

First place laureates receive significant cash prizes as well as performance opportunities with major orchestras, and all semi-finalists in both divisions may be eligible for full scholarships to attend a wide variety of top summer education programs, camps, and festivals. In addition, all semi-finalists in both divisions receive a Sphinx Music Assistance Fund scholarship in partnership with the League of American Orchestras, which each student can apply to his/her musical development.

Music Institute and Sphinx

The Music Institute of Chicago has a history of achievement in the Sphinx Competition. Music Institute students have won the Junior Division in four of the past seven years:

* 2012 – Adé Williams, violin

2011 – Alexandra Switala, violin
2008 – Clayton Penrose-Whitmore, violin
2006 – Gabriel Cabezas, cello

All Music Institute students who competed in the Sphinx Competition have been students at the Music Institute’s prestigious Academy for gifted pre-college musicians.

About Sphinx

Founded in 1996 by Aaron P. Dworkin, the Sphinx Organization has grown from an annual competition for young black and Latino string players to a national arts and youth development organization. In 2010, Dworkin was President Obama’s first nominee to the National Council on the Arts. Sphinx programs reach more than 30,000 students, as well as live and broadcast audiences of more than 2 million annually. The Sphinx Competition, presented by DTE Energy Foundation, is held every year in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan and is open to junior high, high school (under 18), and college age (18–27) black and Latino string players residing in the United States. The Sphinx Competition offers young black and Latino classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to perform with established professional musicians in a competition setting. Its primary goals are to encourage, develop, and recognize classical music talent in the black and Latino communities.

About the Academy

Founded in 2006, the Music Institute of Chicago Academy has established itself as one of the most respected pre-collegiate conservatory programs in the United States. The Academy’s internationally recognized faculty, rigorous curriculum, and instructional model, as well as the program’s highly gifted students, have solidified its preeminent reputation. Students in this prestigious program have come from throughout the United States, as well as from Central and South America, Europe, Japan, China, and Korea. The very selective program focuses on providing an intensive and comprehensive musical education and significant performance opportunities for developing musicians. The carefully assembled faculty represents teachers and performers with a passion for developing young talent and an established reputation for student achievement.

Approximately 50 young musicians participate in all aspects of the curriculum, including private lessons with Academy artist faculty, a rigorous chamber music component, a stimulating chamber orchestra, and accelerated music theory classes. Pianists additionally study keyboard literature, skills, and improvisation in an intimate group setting. A hallmark of the Academy is the Enrichment program offering regular master classes, discussion panels, lectures, and workshops with internationally recognized visiting artists, masterful pedagogues, and professional experts in the field. The Academy introduces students to a vast music community of peer musicians, pedagogical styles, and the rigors of conservatory training. The nation’s most elite college and university music conservatories, including The Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, the Eastman School of Music, and the New England Conservatory, actively pursue graduates of the four-year program.

About the Music Institute of Chicago

The Music Institute of Chicago believes that music has the power to sustain and nourish the human spirit; therefore, our mission is to provide the foundation for lifelong engagement with music. As one of the three largest and most respected community music schools in the nation, the Music Institute offers musical excellence built on the strength of its distinguished faculty, commitment to quality, and breadth of programs and services. Founded in 1931 and one of the oldest community music schools in Illinois, the Music Institute is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Each year, the Music Institute’s world-class music teachers and arts therapists provide the highest quality arts education to more than 5,000 students of all ability levels, from birth to 101 years of age at campuses in Evanston, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Winnetka, and Downers Grove. The Music Institute also offers lessons and programs at the Steinway of Chicago store in Northbrook and early childhood and community engagement programs throughout the Chicago area and the North Shore. Nichols Concert Hall, an education and performance center in downtown Evanston, reaches approximately 14,000 people each year. The Music Institute’s community engagement and partnership programs reach an additional 6,500 Chicago Public School students annually. The Music Institute offers lessons, classes, and programs through four distinct areas: Community School, The Academy, Creative Arts Therapy (Institute for Therapy through the Arts), and Nichols Concert Hall.

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