Halloween is just 3 weeks away. Every store is jam-packed with decorations, candy and costumes for the second-biggest holiday of the year?!? Retail sales prove it: According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend this year nearly $7 billion on Halloween costumes and decorations. Despite the sluggish economy and high unemployment rate, $7 Billion is twice what we spent just six years ago.
...and this poor guy is one of the few that actually was hoping the economy would worsen ;)
If you remember last year, I was given the wonderful honor to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Artist for Air event raising money for the American Lung Association and for an inspiring young man (and ALA Ambassador), Carey Poidexter who battles with severe Asthma on a daily basis and was not expected to live past his 10th birthday. Carey has surpassed all odds.
His story has inspired another. Carey's story has gained him and the ALA with a new 'teammate.'Larry English, starting Linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, Chairman of the Board of the L.E.A.D. Foundation and partner to the American Lung Association was diagnosed with asthma as a child.
Both Larry and Carey will share their amazing testimonies on how they have battled lung disease in an effort to encourage others to pursue their dreams at an all-star gala fundraiser, An Evening of Champions, held Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the San Diego Hall of Champions.
In addition to gala host Larry English and Carey Poindexter, anticipated to attend An Evening of Champions VIP meet & greet are invited NFL players and musicians. The concert features highly acclaimed recording artists including: Gene-O Cole, Earl Johnson Jr,
Check out all the information and reserve your spot today at www.AnEveningofChampions.com.
If you haven't heard, the city of Chicago recently unveiled a 40 foot tall statue of Marilyn Monroe that has created quite a stir with residents. But after a recent thunderstorm that hit the city, some residents are seeing some benefits of paying tribute to her iconic pose.
Forget the port.... any 'skirt' in a storm ;-)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!
I am hugely honored to be serving as one of the judges for the music portion of this year's Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival coming up September 14-18th!! I'll be your host Friday & Saturday for the MusicFest at the Tower Plaza and don't forget to check out over 200 films submissions from 20 different countries.
And if that's not enough, come rub elbows with Hollywood elite like Connie Stevens & Virginia Madsen on Sunday at Pechanga Resort & Casino for the Closing Night Black Tie Awards Gala & Celebration!!!
FOR ALL THE INFO, CALL 951-699-5514 or VISIT WWW.TVIFF.COM
For those that tuned in during the week, you joined me in a conversation with legendary guitarist Craig Chaquico. We talked about everything from his teenage days with Jefferson Starship, San Fran in the 70's, his amazing artwork and the celebration of 20 years in this crazy world we call Jazz!!
But then again,
he did make mention of extraterrestrials during the show..haha
(photo credits to KMYT listener Rudy Shabec)
Some of the AMAZING sound effects from the evening were created with BEAMZ technology, which you've seen such artists as Eugue Groove utilize. You can experience it as well, just check out the information below!!!
HERE'S A LITTLE SAMPLE OF THIS AMAZING INVENTION
If I haven't mentioned it, I am honored to serve as the track announcer at Orange Show Speedway as they celebrate their 65th consecutive year of racing! Every once in awhile I get to put my money where my 'mouth' is and invite fellow on-air personalities to enjoy this amazing fraternity. Yes, that's me in the black race suit and the #90 car.
People who haven't attended a Jazz Concert here in town don't realize that artists love to perform live, engage with the audience and the audience in turn enjoys the chance to 'let loose.'
So enjoy some of the 'fun' we have courtesy of loyal listener, beautiful lady and great friend Holly Humphreys at 951 Fitness
This is a live performance of Peter White song "Midnight In Manhattan", originally recorded by him in and Grover Washington, Jr. in the album Perfect Moment, back in 1998. This show was Just weeks after Grover passed away.
This show was scheduled to be performance by both of them at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards in Fort worth, Texas. Sadly the show must go on and Peter paid tribute to Grover's memory inviting 4 four of the best contemporary tenor sax players, like Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Richard Elliott and Dave Koz.
Here is the live performance version of Midnight In Manhattan with Peter White And Friends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlCCZYmbDj4
Another fantastic weekend of music at beautiful Thornton Winery for the latest installment of their 23rd Annual Champagne Jazz Series. This weekend featured an evening of great weather and one of the original founding members of Fourplay - LEE RITENOUR!!
With such a incredible catalog of music that spans over 25 albums and four decades, he raised the bar even higher by bringing in good friend and fellow Grammy Winner Patrice Rushen on the keys as well as debuting the newest 'reincarnation' of her classic 'Forget Me Nots' with the help of Lee and an incredible South African flair!!!
Not to be outdone, one of the Smooth Jazz Sirens of the Saxophone, Jessy J brought her already growing list of hits while giving a special performance for her friends and family who attended from Hemet, where Jessy grew up and shared the influences for her latest project 'Hot Sauce' due on shelves in September.
And as a thank you to the friends, family and fans in attendance... AND for our KMYT listeners, she shared a chance for you text a link to pick up a FREE download from her latest album, Hot Sauce, BEFORE it is released to the public!!!
Text HOTSAUCE to 66937
(Message and data rates may apply)
Check out
for all the information concerning all the upcoming shows including George Benson & Chris Botti!!!
© 2012
