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GOOD NEWSLETTER PAUL SLADKUS & EARTH DAY ON SPECTRUM NY 1 TOMMOROW 4/20 1030AM AND 330PM

Austin Tang — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 02:01:31 +0000

Reverend Paul Sladkus on Spectrum TV NY 1 Sunday 10;30am, and 330 pm with Cheryl Wills
www.pausetheworldforpeace.org

55th ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY IN TIMES SQUARE

Free Live Concert & Environmental Exhibition | April 22, 2025

WHAT:

Join us in celebrating the 55th Anniversary of Earth Day and the 400th Anniversary of New York City with a dynamic free concert & sustainability exhibition in the heart of Times Square.

WHY:

Because the Earth—and New York City—deserve a party with a purpose. This Earth Day, we unite to honor our planet, amplify environmental action, and celebrate the good being done for Mother Earth in NYC and beyond.

WHO:

Presented by Good News Corporation (nonprofit) and OMMM, in collaboration with EarthDay.org and their global campaign “Our Power, Our Planet,”—which inspires over 1 billion participants annually.

Featured guests include:

Jarvis Smith, sustainability pioneer
Antonique Smith, Grammy-nominated artist, environmental activist, and ambassador for EarthDay.org
AY Young, UN Global Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals
OMMM’s “Love Your Mother” 2+ Hour Special Performance
Virtual appearances from global peace and planet champions: Ringo Starr, Dr. Jane Goodall, Leonardo DiCaprio, Stevie Wonder, and Shakira (for UNICEF)
Participation from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Equator Initiative, both advancing global sustainability and Indigenous-led climate solutions

Hosted by Reverend Paul Sladkus, Founder of Good News Corporation and producer of Earth Day Times Square, International Day of Peace, and Climate Week Kickoff events. Co-hosting is Mariya Spartalis – International Financial, Banking, and Sustainability Expert & Host.

Also Partnering is Sustainable: * Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine

NYC Commissioners from DOT (announcing Car-Free Earth Day on April 26), DCAS (Solar Schools Initiative/Fleets), and in cooperation with NY Parks, SAPO, Times Square Alliance, and Faith-Based communities
Talent: Giorgia Fumante, Katya Grineva, Barbara Nadis, Bruce Stephen Foster, Reid Stowe (World’s Longest Sailor at Sea), Blue Planet Foundation, Woodstock Forever: Peace, Love & HOPE Movie & Pop Nation Movie Trailers, Peace Parrots
Special guests to be announced

WHEN:

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Free & open to the public

WHERE:

Times Square Pedestrian Plaza

Between 46th & 47th Streets, along 7th Avenue

DONORS & SUPPORTERS:

Grateful thanks to: Good News Corporation, OMMM, Valley Bank, Swift Rails, American Oriental Arts Foundation, Hugg A Planet, Andronik Kardashev, PEP Real Estate/Tribeca Records, Necromantic Brew Co. and more to come.

BROADCAST LIVE ON:

YouTube.com/GoodNewsBroadcast

EarthDay.org

We Don’t Have Time

Rebroadcast via UNIFY.org, MNN, and more

CONTACT (Press & Interviews):

Paul Sladkus | paul.sladkus1@gmail.com | 212-647-1212

This is an upbeat, unifying Earth Day celebration. We’re all in this together—let’s do good for Mother Earth.

Run of Show for Earthday – Apr 22, 2025

Segment 1

11:30 AM

OMMM

Michelle Countdown Video

11:32AM

OMMM

Jarvis

Introduce Earth Day 55th Anniversary

11:34 AM

OMMM + Good News Corp/Producer Pause the World for Peace – Earth Day/Clergy for Safe Cities

Jarvis + Paul

Jarvis introduce Paul, If pastor is there, Paul introduce, Pastor Monrose who will do a Short Prayer TBD, thanks sponsors, Paul intro Mark Levine

11:39 AM

UN PEACE Messenger

Dr. Jane Goodall Video

Mother Earth No Peace, UN Peace Messenger Virtual

11:39 AM

Manhattan Borough President

Mark Levine + Jarvis

Discussion with Mark Levine, Sustainable President…

Segment 2

11:42 AM

OMMM

Jarvis

Intro OMMM, Love Your Mother, Sister Jenna, intro sister jenna

11:43 AM

OMMM

Sister Jenna

Brief Meditation, Love Your Mother – video?

11:53 AM

OMMM

Jarvis

Introduce Earth Day involvement intro Aidan and Founder video,

11:53 AM

EarthDay.org

Aidan Charron

Opening Earth Day comments

11:56 AM

EarthDay.org

CEO (in video)

CEO video Our PLanet Our Energy (talks about renewables)

11:58 AM

Hip Hop Caucus

Rev Yearwood

Intro himself and Intro Antonique Smith

12:01 PM

EarthDay.org

Antonique Smith (and Jarvis at end)

Perform Living For Love; Love Song To The Earth; Here Comes The Sun, Jarvis ask Q&A

12:16 PM

OMMM

Hope Water + Jarvis

Jarvis speaks with Hope Water- speaker tbc, video

12:19 PM

OMMM

Jarvis

Intro Geraldine & Xiye

12:20 PM

OMMM

Geraldine Patrick Encina & Xiye Bastida (video)

Video of Xiye, Love Your Mother, Intro Dr. Lyla June (G speakers 3-4min)

12:28 PM

OMMM

Dr. Lyla June

Speak and perform “All Nations Rise”

12:38 PM

OMMM

Jarvis

Intro Anna, Equator Initiative, UNDP, and Panel (part of 20 min below)

12:38 PM

UNDP / Equator Initiative

Anna Medri, 3-4 indigenous youth leaders (Maggie Musanje Bukowa, Dayana Blanco, Stanley Kimaren, Taily Terena)

Panel with 2 film screenings from Uru Uru Team and ILEPA

12:58 PM

OMMM

Jarvis

Intro Jason, The Arena and Rove

12:58 PM

The Arena/Rove

Jason Desimone

Intro Rove and THe Arena

1:03 PM

OMMM

Jarvis

Intro Belouga, discuss good work and content partnership

1:03 PM

Belouga/EarthDay.org

Evin Schwartz + Jarvis

Intro Belouga, Jarvis in convo, and Earthday.org kids’ video

1:08 PM

OMMM

Jarvis

Intro Cosmic Rhapsody, Jarvis stay on stage and intro Reachel Singh after video

1:11 PM

OMMM

Cosmic Rhapsody

video, set up Reachel’s platform

1:11 PM

OMMM

Reachel Singh

Sing “Warrior” and “Lev Tahor”. Jarvis to also talk to her about the Fivth.

1:21 PM

OMMM

Jarvis

Intro Ocean Bottles

1:21 PM

Ocean Bottles

Video

1:24 PM

OMMM

Jarvis

Intro Sweta Chakrborty, NorthAmer CEO WDHT

1:25 PM

WDHT

Sweta Chakrborty

Intro plus video.

1:30 PM

OMMM

Jarvis or Sweta

Intro AY

1:30 PM

Battery Tour

Perform

1:45 PM

OMMM

Jarvis

Intro John

1:45 PM

Earth Day NY

John Oppermann

Intro Earthday Initiative

1:48 PM

OMMM

Jarvis

Intro Mandy

1:48 PM

OMMM

Mandy Mayhem

Perform “Shine”

1:52 PM

OMMM

Jarvis Smith/Dan Bailey/Mandy Mayhem

3 Marley songs No Woman No Cry, One Love, Redemption Song TBD

2:05 PM

OMMM

Jarvis Intro Kunal Sood + Women

2:05 PM

Kunal Sood + Women

Kunal with women speakers, song to be played at end

2:25 PM

OMMM

Jarvis close

Segment 3

2:25 PM

Pause the World for Peace

Paul Sladkus

Paul, thanks OMMM over and Kunals’ women, and intro Georgia Fumante

2:26 PM

Georgia Fumante

2 Songs

2:34 PM

Pause the World for Peace

Paul Intro Corporate and Intro Mariya

thank sponsors, Intro Mariya

2:36 PM

Brooklyn Story Lab

Lance Gould

Lance Gould (TBD) Mention New Book, Intro Blue Planet Foundation

2:37 PM

Blue Planet Foundation

Blue Planet Foundation Video with Hank, (and Hello, Maybe Live Feed Dallas Earth X)

2:42 PM

Valley Bank

Video and speaker

2:46 PM

Swift Rail

SwiftRail + Video

Video and speaker

2:49 PM

Hugg a Planet

holds a hugg a planet, maybe throw some out to the audience?

2:51 PM

Andronik Yoga?

2:54 PM

Pep Reality/Tribeca Records/Soho Johnny

PEP Realty/Tribeca Records/Soho Johnny

Intro Tribeca Recods and PEP Realty

2:58 PM

Necromantic Brew Co

video?

3:00 PM

Ivy Ma Intro Alice

3:01 PM

American Oriental Arts Foundation

Alice Lui American Oriental Arts Foundation + Video

speaking + UN video and Peacetree times sq

3:05 PM

Pause the World for Peace

Paul Intro Govnt

Intro Govt, Paul into Louis Molino

3:07 PM

NYC Citywide Administrative Services

Commissioner Louis Molino

– Solar NYC Schools, Vehicles… , show video (1:54)

3:12 PM

Pause the World for Peace

Paul Sladkus

Paul intro Ydanis Rodriguez

3:13 PM

NYC DOT

Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez

video?, Car-Free Earth Day, No Cars Streets, All 5 Boroughs April 26. 2025

3:18 PM

Pause the World for Peace

Paul Intro Woodstock and Pop Nation Movie

Paul intro Richie Havens and Movie

3:19 PM

Peace, Love and HOPE Movie and Pop Nation Movie

Richie Havens from the 1989 Woodstock Forever: Peace, Love and HOPE Movie Video, Juma Sulton, Jimmy Hendrix Drummer and Pop Nation Movie

3:24 PM

Mars Space Odyssey – Maxine Hoover speaking for Reid

Longest Sea Voyage, Reid Stowe, world record, 1152 at sea. 5 times in ny times, London papers, Greatest Sailor ever Www.marsoceananalogs.org

3:25 PM

Pause the World for Peace

Paul/Mariya Intro Entertainers

Paul intro Mariya as cohost, Paul+Mariya intro Stephen Foster

3:26 PM

Bruce Stephen Foster

Performer, 2 songs

3:34 PM

Pause the World for Peace

Paul / Mariya Intro Entertainers

Paul and Mariya Intro entertainers

3:35 PM

Parrots

3:38 PM

Barbara Nadas

3:42 PM

Pause the World for Peace

Paul intro Katya

3:43 PM

Katya

Piano song

3:48 PM

Pause the World for Peace

Paul Sladkus

Thanks Katya

3:49 PM

UNICEF, UN PEACE

Stevie Wonder video, Shakira video, Annie video

Virtual message

3:55 PM

Producer Pause the World for Peace – Earth Day

Paul Sladkus closes

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Teaneck, NJ – Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik’s celebrated film ‘On Golden Years’ will be showcased at the prestigious Teaneck International Film Festival 2024 on Sunday, November 10, at 11:30 AM at Teaneck Cinemas (503 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ 07666).

Austin Tang — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 20:41:13 +0000

Along will be present for a special Q&A with the cast and Director; session following the screening at the Teaneck. Film Festival 2024.”

On Golden Years” is a romantic comedy/drama, which reminds us to “Shall we live every day like Valentine’s day?”

‘On Golden Years’ stars a cameo of Grammy award-winning singer “Falguni shah”, alongside a talented cast.

The screening of “On golden years” is proudly sponsored by David Nachman, Esq., Managing Attorney at Nachman, Phulwani, Zimovcak (NPZ) Law Group, P.C., New Jersey, a law firm.

Trailer:

You are invited as my VIP guest, please RSVP to me.

The post Teaneck, NJ – Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik’s celebrated film ‘On Golden Years’ will be showcased at the prestigious Teaneck International Film Festival 2024 on Sunday, November 10, at 11:30 AM at Teaneck Cinemas (503 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ 07666). appeared first on Good News!.

Thought of day…07/28/2023

Austin Tang — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:07:12 +0000

The post Thought of day…07/28/2023 appeared first on Good News!.

Chicago native, George Goetschel has emerged on the scene, not only as an accomplished musician, but as a talented improvisational actor as well.

Austin Tang — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 20:40:54 +0000

http://goodnewsplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/George-Goetschel-an-accomplished-musician-and-a-talented-improvisational-actor-as-well..mp3

Chicago native, George Goetschel has emerged on the scene, not only as an accomplished musician, but as a talented improvisational actor as well. His two passions came together, resulting in his Grammy Nominated CD, 21 in the Moment, a collection of 21 improvised musical poems composed and performed by Goetschel. And while the CD may have been recorded twenty years into his career, Goetschel’s musical talents date back to the 70’s.

Goetschel hit the road, touring for nearly two decades alongside of musicians who accompanied legendary jazz greats Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Ramsey Lewis. In addition, Goetschel performed with Metropolitan Opera tenor, Edward Ruivenkamp and in prominent jazz clubs throughout Chicago.

Goetschel’s immense piano and performing talents have captured the attention of major publications including The Chicago Tribune, The Sun Times and The Chicago Reader, all of whom have praised his skill and originality. Few musicians have mastered Goetschel’s command of piano and trumpet/flugelhorn. Fewer still have had their work acknowledged by the Grammy Association. Music critics are not the only ones taking note of George Goetschel. Many prominent medical professionals have recognized the healing and spiritual benefits of his music.

Goetschel’s gift as a powerful, charismatic performer led him to film and stage, working with director John Hughes and actors Jim Belushi, Chris Farley and Tim Meadows. And while his talent would have allowed him to pursue both disciplines, Goetschel’s main focus remains his first love, his music. In addition, Goetschel is an Emmy recognized actor, for the show Jerry Time and Tony nominated composer for an NBC special. Goetschel also holds eight (8) degrees certificates and endorsements. Most recently Goetschel has been offered four performance positions on top world cruise lines by Sumen Entertainment Group. He currently performs vocally with the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera Chorus members.

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Comedian Bill Engvall on Dealing With Men’s Health Issues

Austin Tang — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 17:43:38 +0000

http://goodnewsplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/bill_engvall_1.mp3
Comedian Bill Engvall. Bill is a Grammy nominated, multi-platinum selling recording artist and one of the top comedians in the country. He was recently awarded “Casino Comedian” of the year at the 2019 Casino Entertainment Awards in Las Vegas, NV. He is currently on tour and since 2016, Bill has hosted a weekly podcast “My 2 Cents” with PodcastOne which offers his funny, thought-provoking and unique perspective on just about everything.
He’s not afraid to talk about difficult topics including prostate health, frequent urges to urinate and sexual health. He discussed supplements and how they can help men as they get older
He’ll be joined by Urologist Joseph V. DiTrolio, M.D.
This is provided by Urinozinc.

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Grammy Award-winning Recording Artist Dan Reynolds

Austin Tang — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 17:42:40 +0000

http://goodnewsplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dan_reynolds_1.mp3
Uses His Voice to Help Others Like Him Who Struggle With a Chronic and Potentially Debilitating Disease

Dan Reynolds, lead singer of the multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning band, Imagine Dragons, has earned legions of fans worldwide with sold-out tours and a string of chart-topping songs including “Radioactive” and “Thunder.”

While the band dominates the charts, Dan has been living with ankylosing spondylitis (AS)—a painful disease that most people probably aren’t familiar with—for more than a decade. Dan was diagnosed with AS in his early 20s, and three of his brothers also have AS.

Dan continues his efforts to make a difference in the lives of others by supporting several causes, including his work as an advocate for the AS community. Recently, Reynolds has been working with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation to launch Monster Pain in the AS, a national campaign to raise awareness of unexplained back pain that may be AS.

For Dan, unexplained back pain is personal. After years of living with intense and unexplained back pain, Dan finally found the right doctor, a rheumatologist, who helped him find answers and a treatment plan that worked for him. He says this was “the greatest feeling in the world.”

This is why Dan is speaking publicly about his AS, in hopes of encouraging others living with persistent, unexplained back pain to seek diagnosis and care. Some 2.7 million people in the United States are thought to have AS and related conditions.1 But because it’s underdiagnosed, the numbers may be even higher.

Reynolds talks about his journey, the challenges living with unexplained back pain that may be AS, and how to find help. Reynolds will be joined by rheumatologist [Dr. Hillary Norton, who also has AS,] to share the signs and symptoms, her unique perspective on the disease, and the importance of getting a correct diagnosis.

Interview is courtesy: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
1 Spondylitis Association of America website. Overview of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Available at https://www.spondylitis.org/Ankylosing-Spondylitis. Accessed September 27, 2019.

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CLEVER LITTLE LIES, Marlo Thomas

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 19:07:19 +0000

NOW OFF-BROADWAY THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2016
FOLLOWING CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SOLD-OUT RUNS AT GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE (NJ) AND GUILD HALL (EAST HAMPTON)
Emmy, Grammy & Golden Globe Award® winner MARLO THOMAS returns to the stage in CLEVER LITTLE LIES, the outrageous new comedy of sex, love and secrets. For the first time since his acclaimed record-breaking run of I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, Tony Award® winner JOE DiPIETRO (Memphis) brings his newest comedy to the historic Westside Theatre, with direction by George Street Playhouse’s Artistic Director DAVID SAINT.
A mother always knows when something is wrong. When Alice (THOMAS) notices her beloved husband Bill (GREG MULLAVEY) has returned home on edge after a tennis match with their son, she grows suspicious and springs into action. Determined to piece together the puzzle, she invites her son, Bill, Jr. (GEORGE MERRICK), and daughter-in-law, Jane (KATE WETHERHEAD), over for drinks and dessert. Sidesplitting chaos ensues as Alice digs for the truth, resulting in even more honesty than anyone expected. Shattering and hilarious, CLEVER LITTLE LIES is a story of long-term love and marriage… for better… and for worse.

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Peak Mind Foundation hosts a talk with His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama

admin — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 16:59:53 +0000

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, JUNE 24, 2015 ¬ – His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will give a public talk on wisdom, love, and compassion on the 4th of July. The event will be a celebration of a lifetime devoted to spreading the message of the value of peace, kindness and universal compassion throughout the world.
Oscar winning actor, social activist and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, Forest Whitaker will introduce His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Grammy ¬nominee Aloe Blacc will pay tribute to the 14th Dalai Lama with a musical performance.“We are honored to host His Holiness the Dalai Lama at this crucial moment in history. With domestic and global challenges calling for newfound cooperation, we look for inspiration from His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a tireless advocate for compassionate action for our shared humanity. ” said Michael Trainer, Founder of the Peak Mind Foundation hosting the event.

“As His Holiness the Dalai Lama says, “Peace in the world depends on peace in the individual. Each of us has to make the attempts to find it,” quoted Kalden Lodoe, event co-chair. He further stated that, “His Holiness believes not only do we inherently possess the potential for compassion, but that the basic nature of human beings is gentleness.”

The event, co-¬created by Kalden Lodoe, Michael Trainer and Andrea Fennewald will be held at Rancho Los Lomas in Southern California. Tickets go on sale today starting at $50.
For interested parties that cannot attend the event, there will be a livestream available globally to tune into in cities around the world via www.dalailama.com starting at 1:30pm PST.

Hello everyone,

In case you are unable to join us tomorrow for the talk by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the event will be available to watch via Live Stream!

Tune in at live.peakmind.org at 1:30 PM Pacific Time to be a part of what is sure to be an inspirational afternoon!

If you are in Southern California and would like to join us live, act fast because there are only a few tickets left!

To learn more or purchase tickets you can visit www.peakmind.org
About Peak Mind Foundation
Peak Mind Foundation creates educational and inspirational content and experiences to support others in reaching their highest possibility. For more information visit www.peakmind.org
Contact
Michael Trainer
michael@peakmind.org
www.peakmind.org

Social Media Suggested Copy
Ambassadors

PEAK MIND’S HANDLES
HHDL’S HANDLES

Facebook: @Peak Mind
Facebook: @Dalai Lama

Twitter: @Peak_Mind
Twitter: @DalaiLama

Instagram: @Peak_Mind
Instagram: @DalaiLama

POST EXAMPLES
Official Hashtags: #HHDL0704 + #peakmind

On-Site Ambassadors
Spending my #4thofJuly with @Peak_Mind and @DalaiLama to celebrate wisdom, love, and compassion. #HHDL0704

It is an honor to celebrate the @DalaiLama with @Peak_Mind today. Developing a positive vision to create positive action. #HHDL0704 #4thofJuly

We are having an amazing #4thofJuly filled with wisdom, love, and compassion! Thank you @DalaiLama and @Peak_Mind!

Off-Site Ambassadors
Wishing I could celebrate the @DalaiLama with @Peak_Mind today, but grateful that I
get to tune into the live-stream: [LINK] #HHDL0704

Watching @Peak_Mind’s live-stream celebrating the @DalaiLama for the #4thofJuly. Join the fun: [LINK] #HHDL0704

EVENT INFORMATION
Full Event: 11:00AM – 3:30PM Small bites: 11:30AM – 12:30PM HHDL Speaking: 1:30PM – 3:00PM
Introduction of HHDL Forest Whitaker
Performance by Aloe Blacc

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Human Nature, Australia’s leading pop vocal group, Celebrates Apollo’s 80th Birthday.

admin — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:07:42 +0000

As Martha and the Vandellas once put, “They’re dancing in the street in Chicago, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore and DC now…can’t forget the Motor City…Across the ocean blue, me and you.” The music of Motown traveled around the globe, landing on the other side of the world in Sydney, Australia, where four high school students—brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney, Phil Burton and Toby Allen—were more interested in soul, gospel and harmony groups than their country’s usual obsession with “guitars, grunt and good old rock and roll.” Forming a singing group that began as a tribute to their love of a cappella doo-wop, the foursome was directed to the music of the legendary label by a music teacher. That was 22 years ago. Today, Human Nature are Australia’s leading pop vocal group, having released nine albums (many containing their own, self-penned original material), five of which went to #1 in their native continent, selling millions of records world-wide and garnering 23 platinum awards, 70 Top 40 hits and five Top 10 hits. The group has opened for Celine Dion and Michael Jackson in Europe and Australia. Their chart-topping Motown tribute, Reach Out, went five-times-platinum, attracting the attention of famed songwriter Smokey Robinson, who recorded “Get Ready” with them and presented them in an exclusive booking at Las Vegas’ Imperial Palace, where they have played five and six nights a week to sold-out crowds for the past two and a half years. Having inked a comprehensive worldwide deal that includes merchandise, sponsorships and endorsements, ticket/music bundling, touring and corporate gigs with Universal Music Group’s Universal Music Enterprises (they remain with Sony in Australia), Human Nature are ready to tackle America, and carry the legacy of Motown music for a new generation. The first release under the new agreement will be The Motown Record, featuring 11 soul classics plus a bonus track, including “Get Ready,” the band’s collaboration with Smokey Robinson, distinctive doo-wop versions of “Ooh Baby Baby” and “Just My Imagination,” as well as the Four Tops’ “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and “Baby I Need Your Loving,” the Temptations’ “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight,” Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street” and the Supremes’ “Stop in the Name of Love.” The versions are faithful, yet updated and freshened, everything we’ve loved about them renewed and revitalized, performed and arranged by four guys who clearly love to sing and harmonize on these particular songs. “There is such beauty in the original material,” says Phil Burton. “We didn’t want to make a carbon copy of the songs, but we didn’t want to change them into something they weren’t, either.” “We put our stamp on these songs by the way we sing them,” explains Andrew Tierney, who is the one with the highest pitch, with brother Mike and Phil in the middle, and Toby on the bottom, trading leads according to whose voice best fits the track. “We wanted to keep the magic by maintaining the energy and fun. It was a learning experience to immerse ourselves into the arrangements, like taking a lesson from the masters.” Human Nature Sings Motown, a special telecast of the group’s Las Vegas state show filmed by longtime Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich, will be at the center of PBS’ fund-raising efforts in December, featuring an appearance by Smokey Robinson. Ehrlich enthused about working with the band: “When you hear their versions of the great Motown classics, you’re not only reminded of the greatness of the originals, but you hear nuances that bring those originals up to date without tarnishing them in the least.” A DVD version of the show includes 40 minutes of bonus content featuring the band discussing Motown’s enduring influence with the label’s legendary songwriters Lamont Dozier, Eddie and Brian Holland, all of whom have given their blessings to Human Nature, as well as more than 20 minutes of performances not shown in the original broadcast. Both CD and DVD are exclusive to PBS subscribers through December before being available at retailers in March 2012. Smokey Robinson, who has nurtured the band and is actively working with them to reinvigorate the Motown brand, says: “The members of Human Nature are extraordinary vocalists who truly now how to entertain and I knew that they would be hugely successful….” “He’s such a big supporter and it’s just fantastic to have him give his stamp of approval for our take on his music,” says Michael about the legendary performer/songwriter/ producer. Adds Andrew: “Every time we do something with Smokey, we’re constantly reminded of how lucky we are to have him as a good friend and mentor. It’s been a career-changer for us.” “I’m still pinching myself,” admits Toby. “Smokey has no need to get involved with something like this if he doesn’t want to. He obviously loves the music, and that’s the greatest satisfaction for us.” “We were always concerned with what guys like Smokey, Lamont Dozier and the Hollands were going to think, but we’re doing this out of a pure love for the music,” adds Phil. “We’re going back to our roots, the songs we’ve been performing since we first started.” And now it’s time for Human Nature to conquer America with its own music. “It was a huge gamble,” reveals Andrew about their decision to come over for a two-week stint at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, where they saw first-hand that their Motown show connected with stateside audiences. “Why should people listen to four white Australians sing these songs when they’re ubiquitous on radio and TV? It just shows that this music is written for everybody, and that it has reached to every corner of the globe, including Australia. And it’s still influencing people, just as it touched us.” Human Nature’s many accomplishments include performing the Australian national anthem at the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000, and performing on Oprah last summer, when the show was taped before thousands in Australia, but nothing beats making it in America, the home of not only Motown, but much of the music they are most passionate about. “Our roots lie in American soul,” proclaims Andrew. “It’s the ultimate market for what we love. It feels like our options are endless. I’m looking forward to continuing our career, making great music, and playing our original songs.” Get ready… because here comes Human Nature. – See more at: http://www.humannaturelive.com/bio/#sthash.71hY2jcz.dpuf

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Miri Ben-Ari

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 20:10:31 +0000

Miri Ben-Ari, a critically acclaimed, GRAMMY Award-winning violinist, and producer who is world renowned as a musical pioneer. A classically trained violinist, who studied under the late classical master Isaac Stern, Ben-Ari has helped sell millions of records by collaborating with other GRAMMY Award-winning artists such as Kanye West, (co-produced Jesus Walks) Jay Z, Wyclef Jean, Alicia Keys, Wynton Marsalis, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, Patti Labelle, Brandy, Donna Summer, Janet Jackson, John Legend, Armin Van Buuren, and countless others. Miri is currently headlining her own spot date performances around the world, and featured as a special guest with Armin Van Buuren on his Armin Only Global tour. Miri Ben-Ari was named the Third Metric Musical Muse for Arianna Huffington, and is traveling to several cities in the United States to headline as a special guest performer. Miri Ben-Ari is also launching a global campaign this year with Scholastics, sponsored by her non-profit organization Gedenk to educate kids about tolerance. She was named one of 25 “Remarkable Women” in 2011 by First Lady Michelle Obama, an “Apollo Legend” by the famed Apollo Theatre in New York City, a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nation Associations for Brazil, and a recipient of the MLK Community Service Award by Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. Her captivating, show-stopping music earned her the moniker “Superstar Violinist.”

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