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Shakira Promotes Education in Colombia – Barefoot Foundation Builds 7th School

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:26:25 +0000

Shakira Promotes Education in Colombia – Barefoot Foundation Builds 7th School

Joins Forces with Philanthropist Howard Buffett to Promote Education in Colombia

April 12, 2011 – – Renowned Colombian born singer, songwriter, and philanthropist Shakira visited Cartagena, Colombia along with philanthropist Howard Buffett, the mayor of the city Judith Pinedo and members of her Pies Descalzos (Barefoot) Foundation to lay the first brick of what will be its new mammoth school in an area of high vulnerability and displacement in this coastal Colombian city.

The project is set to become an urban milestone, a motor of change for 1,500 boys and girls who will benefit directly and 58,000 residents of the community. Shakira expressed, “I know that the world, little by little will understand that wherever there is a kid who is hungry and can’t attend school…that kid should be a concern to all of us and our responsibility. I’m sure that this awareness will grow in each one of us, because the world has become a small neighborhood, and we should all be concerned about the issues that others have to face.”

The school and community center, designed by renowned architect Giancarlo Mazzanti, will be built on a site spanning 7,500 meters squared where students and parents will enjoy classrooms, laboratories, technology and audiovisual centers; multiple sporting fields, teachers and administration, as well as ample space for recreation, art and sports in accordance with the educational philosophy of Pies Descalzos.

This project attempts to initiate the transformation of its surrounding area to become an urban milestone, a symbol of the city that will generate pride and a sense of ownership in its residents.

Supported by the private sector and various partners the foundation has been laid for the Foundation’s sixth school in Colombia, the recently begun school in Haiti, and the future in South Africa to develop quality public education with nutrition and generation of funds, which are the pillars of the educational model of its founder.

With the commencement of this project, Shakira, in the company of great allies, partners and benefactors, continues to support children around the world in obtaining the opportunity to enjoy a dignified education, sustained by an innovative model of community centers that also benefit entire families within zones vulnerable to conflict.

The Pies Descalzos (Barefoot) Foundation currently provides education and nutrition to over six thousand impoverished children in Colombia and is expanding its work to other countries, including newly launched projects in Haiti and South Africa.

For more information about Shakira, please contact:
Joseph Carozza
Epic Records
Joseph.Carozza@sonymusic.com

Technorati Tags: shakira, colombia, education

Top 15 Independent Artists of 2010 – likeZEBRA Celebrates

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:50:59 +0000

likeZEBRA Celebrates the New Year with Top 15 Independent Artists of 2010

LOS ANGELES- January 3, 2011 -It has been an impressive year for the world’s largest independent music network, likeZEBRA.com. Having been host to top music exclusives from bands like Everclear, The Fold, Ozomatli, and The Wailers, it is safe to say that likeZEBRA’s Artists of the Week will continue to keep the independent music scene alive. In celebration of the New Year, likeZEBRA.com will feature the top 15 likeZEBRA artists of 2010, complete with streaming tracks.

likeZEBRA provides unsigned and independent artists with valuable music promotion tools to assist musicians in achieving success, without having to sacrifice creative control to a major label. The comprehensive suite of features allows independent artists to widen their fan-base, share music, and monetize their talent. In 2010, likeZEBRA not only solidified a name as the number one hub for fans looking to discover great independent music, but it is also becoming a major launching pad for the musical careers of emerging musicians and established independent artists alike.

“To cap off what has been a huge year for independent music, likeZEBRA will be revealing our top 15 artists, why we chose them, and links for fans to stream their music,” says Jon Taggart, Director of A&R for likeZEBRA. “It is so rewarding to witness how likeZEBRA’s promotional tools and our weekly featured artists inspire the careers of so many amazing independent musicians. What better way to pay tribute than a blog featuring the best of the best?”

As if music exclusives and giveaways from top independent artists weren’t enough, likeZEBRA also recently held the liveZEBRA 2010 concert, headlined by double-platinum, Grammy-nominated band, Everclear. The concert was held in association with Music Connection and benefited the charitable organization, Music Saves Lives. With a star-studded turnout and a monumental musical lineup, liveZEBRA 2010 was deemed the independent music event of the year.

“liveZEBRA 2010 exceeded everyone’s wildest expectations,” said Taggart. “The artists who played were so incredible. 2011 will be an amazing year for the liveZEBRA concert series. We have so many fresh ideas to get started on in the coming year: new features, new bands, and many more live showcases.”

Artists and music fans who would like to join the premier hub for underground and independent music can visit www.likezebra.com to create a free profile.

As the decade’s countdown begins, independent artists and music fans can look forward with confidence. likeZEBRA will be sure to keep in rhythm with their impressive past by promising even more opportunities for musicians in the year ahead. However, 2010 is sure to go down in music history and likeZEBRA has the top 15 artists to prove it.

Theta Music Trainer Offers New Online Games for Music Learning

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:16:58 +0000

Theta Music Trainer Offers New Online Games for Music Learning

Theta Music Trainer offers a complete set of new online games designed to teach the fundamental skills of music. Using the latest developments in music learning and ear training techniques, Theta Music Trainer is designed for musicians of all levels who desire a deeper understanding of music and a stronger ability to play music by ear.

Ear Training Games from Theta Music Trainer
Quote startmusic learning and ear training based on a set of fun and engaging gamesQuote end

(PRWEB) October 10, 2010

Theta Music Trainer (http://trainer.thetamusic.com) opened today, providing a complete set of online games designed to teach the fundamental skills of music. Using the latest developments in music learning techniques, Theta Music Trainer is designed for musicians of all levels who want to deepen their understanding of music and improve their ability to play music by ear.

Musicians of almost every level and style share a common desire: they would like to have a better ear for the music they play. Musicians with a ‘good ear for music’ are able to hear a song once and play it straight back from memory. They memorize music faster and with more accuracy. They can imagine melodies in their minds, and then quickly write them down or play them on an instrument. These players are often described as ‘gifted’, and their playing can appear magical, as if they are using some kind of supernatural force.

In reality, however, the ability these musicians display is based upon specific skills that can, in fact, be learned. Some of these skills have traditionally been included in music theory and ear training courses. Others are covered in books, usually with a CD of drills and exercises. The challenge for many students, though, is that the material is often a bit dry, requires extensive practice, and can seem overly academic and disconnected from actual music making.

Theta Music Trainer was created with the purpose of injecting an element of fun and excitement into a musician’s daily ear training routine. Rather than simply doing the same drills over and over, the training is based around ten different games, each designed to strengthen a particular area of musicianship. For example, one game helps the student become familiar with the tones of major and minor scales, while another game trains the student to recognize different types of chords. During a workout session, players move quickly from one game to the next, somewhat like exercising on different machines at a fitness club.

The games are classified into four categories: melody, harmony, rhythm and sound. Each game is divided into twenty levels of difficulty. The games start with simple problems and gradually increase in complexity. Subscribers may enroll in a 30-day course which breaks the training into daily workouts of about 10-15 minutes, providing a balanced mix of ear training and music theory practice. All game scores are recorded and players may check their results and progress reports at any time.

Hindustani Vocalist Prasanna Gudi Enters Guinness World Records

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:13:17 +0000

Hindustani Vocalist Prasanna Gudi Enters Guinness World Records

The record attempt by Hindustani vocalist Prasanna Madhav Gudi of Dharwad, who presented the longest concert lasting 26 hours and 12 minutes in December 2008, has been considered as a record by the Guinness World Records Limited.

Prasanna Gudi, son of Hindustani vocalist Madhav Gudi, told press persons here on Thursday that he had received the certificate for the feat he completed on December 29, 2008.

An ecstatic Prasanna, accompanied by his family members, displayed the certificate proudly and attributed his achievement to hard work and constant support by family members and well-wishers.

On December 28, 2008, nonagenarian vocalist Gangubai Hangal had inaugurated the record attempt by Prasanna, which he had begun with a composition in Todi raga. Prasanna had concluded his “swara mahayaag” with a composition in Bhairavi raga on December 29, with the audience giving a standing ovation for his feat.

As many as 12 artistes accompanied Prasanna in his attempt. In between the Todi and the Bhairavi ragas, Prasanna sang compositions in various ragas, including Jeevanpuri, Goudasarang, Yaman Kalyani and Multani.

Apart from these, there were songs in Kannada and Hindi, Marathi abhangs and Dasara Padas. In accordance with the rules, Prasanna took a 15-minute break every three hours.

Subsequently, the organisers of the event, Kirana Sangeet Academy of Dharwad, submitted a complete recording of the concert to Guinness World Records Limited.

DHARWAD: Hindustani vocalist Prasanna Gudi, the son of renowned Hindustani musician Pt Madhav Gudi has set out with his much-awaited bid to create a Guinness Record.

He started a 24-hour continuous concert at the Mallikarjun Mansur Kalabhavan, Dharwad on Sunday. It is for the first time in the history of Hindustani classical music that such an attempt, especially by young musician, is being made in the country. Noted Hindustani vocalist Dr Gangubai Hangal who inaugurated his attempt, wished Prasanna luck.Seeking the blessings of Dr Gangubai Hangal and his parents, Pt Madhav Gudi and Rama Gudi, and also the blessings of his elders, Prasanna took position and began his concert by rendering Todi ragas around 9 am.

He will sing continuously for 24 hours and till Monday morning. As per the Guinness Book norms, there will be a rest period of 10 to 15 minutes after every three hours. About 8 sessions are expected to be completed during this day-long concert.

Prasanna underwent rigorous training of around 16 hours a day and also rehearsed 20 hours a few days before starting this feat.

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Bon Jovi Performance On “THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS – Fans Invited to Select Song

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:58:57 +0000

Bon Jovi Performance On “THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS – Fans Invited to Select Song

Fans Invited To Help Select Hit Song For Bon Jovi Performance On “THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS,” JAN. 31 On The CBS Television Network

One Of The World’s Biggest Rock Bands And Current GRAMMY Nominee Bon Jovi To Make Debut Performance On The GRAMMY Awards

For the first time ever, current GRAMMY® Award nominee Bon Jovi will perform on THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS, broadcasting live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Sunday, Jan. 31 (8:00-11:30 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. As part of the band’s performance, fans will have an opportunity to decide which hit Bon Jovi song the band will perform by casting their vote on www.CBS.com.

Beginning today, viewers can log on to www.cbs.com/grammys and vote in two phases for one out of six of their favorite hit Bon Jovi songs:

1.            “Always”
2.            “Bed Of Roses”
3.            “Have A Nice Day”
4.            “It’s My Life”
5.            “Livin’ On A Prayer”
6.            “Wanted Dead Or Alive”

There is no registration to vote, and fans may vote as often as they wish. Additionally, a 30-second clip of each song is available for listening. The deadline to vote on the first phase is Sunday, Jan. 24 at 11:59pm ET. The second phase starts on Mon., Jan. 25 when the list will be narrowed down to the top three songs and fans may again vote at www.cbs.com/grammys for which hit song the band should perform as part of their segment. Voting will continue up until Bon Jovi’s performance on THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS on Sun., Jan. 31.

GRAMMY winner Bon Jovi is up for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for “We Weren’t Born To Follow.”

Bon Jovi joins previously announced performers and nominees Beyoncé, The Black Eyed Peas, the Dave Matthews Band, Green Day, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Maxwell, P!nk, Taylor Swift and the Zac Brown Band. All five Album Of The Year nominees — Beyoncé, The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, the Dave Matthews Band and Taylor Swift — are set to perform on Music’s Biggest Night®. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced at a later date.

As previously announced on “THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! – COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC’S BIGGEST NIGHT” on Dec. 2, music fans can upload a 20-second video of themselves singing along to a portion of The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” for a chance to have their video appear as part of the Peas’ performance on Music’s Biggest Night. Videos may be uploaded to www.cbs.com/specials/grammys/upload/ through Jan. 15.

For more information on THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS, please visit http://www.cbs.com/specials/grammys/.

THE 52nd ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS is produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy®. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Louis J. Horvitz is director.

About The Recording Academy Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization’s social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/thegrammys, a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/thegrammys and a YouTube channel subscriber at www.youtube.com/thegrammys.

No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the US 18 or older at date of entry. Contest ends 1/15/10. Void where prohibited. See rules at www.cbs.com..
* * *

Press Contacts: Kate Fisher khfisher@cbs.com

Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i tiffany.smith@cbs.com

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Technorati Tags: bon jovi, grammy awards, fans

Sheila Dixit Says 2010 Commonwealth Games will be a historic success

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:02:54 +0000

Sheila Dixit Says 2010 Commonwealth Games will be a historic success

PRESS RELEASE Media Release – Sheila Dixit on Commonwealth Games – 2010 Commonwealth Games will Be a historic success - Sheila Dixit

29 September 2009: Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi has assured all arrangements for 2010 Commonweal Games in Delhi would be in place within schedule. She said, Delhi Commonwealth Games would be a historic success like 1982 Asian Games held in Delhi.’

Speaking in BBC Hindi’s radio programme Aap Ki Baat BBC Ke saath to be broadcast on Wednesday 30 September 2009, Sheila Dixit admitted making foolproof security for the games wil be challenge but her government is fully capable of ensuring safe games. Sheila Dixit said, ‘Delhi police forces are given special training to deal with the challenges, surveillance cameras and other high tech equipements would be in place. Security concerns would be taken into consideration even in construction of stadiums.’

Sheila Dixit said Delhi police ensured no untoward incident happened during hundreds of Ramlilas recently concluded in the city.

There have been concerns about shortfall in accommodations for visitors during the games. It has been estimated that around 40,000 rooms would be required of which only about 20,000 are in place. Shiela Dixit said, DDA (delhi Development Authority has readied additional 5000 flats which would be available for visitors. Besides I don’t think all the visitors would be staying in five star or three star hotels. Rooms will be available in smaller bread and breakfast type hotels. Delhi authorities a=have begun the process to ensure these hotels adhere to certain acceptable standards.’

Recently, P. Chidamaram, the Home Minister of India had urged Delhites to shed the tag of being ‘rude and indesciplined’. Chief Minister Sheila Dixit epressed confidence that, ‘Delhities would rise to the occasion’. She said traffic police and government would launch campaign to make driving in Delhi more disciplined and people more courteous. The campaign beginning in November would continue tilt run up to the Games.’

Sheila Dixit also said Delhi government is taking steps to meet demands for good transport system during the games. She said, ‘About 4000 air conditioned and non air conditioned buses would be procured. Besides the government would also hire taxi cars from private companies during the games.

Sheila Dixit said her government would also lay emphasis on showcasing Indian culture to the visitors during the games. Various cultural events would be organized and most of the city’s historic monuments would be repaired and spruced up.

Ends//

For more information please contact: Vidhu.Aul@bbc.com priyanka.banerjee@bm.com

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Technorati Tags: sheila dixit, commonwealth games, 2010, delhi