Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Sweet Honey in the Rock Set for Australian Concert Tour and Headlining Engagement at Festival of Voices July 8-17 2015

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism

New York, NY, July 01, 2015 - SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism, social justice, equality and freedom are returning to Australia for a mini-tour July 8th - July 18th. The tour will be highlighted by their special guest appearance at the 12th Annual Festival of Voices scheduled for July 2-12 in Hobart, Tasmania. The Festival attracts thousands of singers throughout Australia who learn new repertoire and skills, work with exceptional teachers, meet fellow vocalists and choristers and perform at the host venue, the Music Recital Hall in Hobart. Sweet Honey will be hosting workshops from July 8th - 12th. They will headline their own concert at the Music Recital Hall on July 10th and deliver an abbreviated performance with some of featured choir participants as part the Festival's finale concert on July 12th.


Sweet Honey will also perform major concerts at the Princess Theatre in Launceston, Tasmania, July 14th, City Recital Hall in Sydney, July 16th and the Melbourne Recital Hall in Melbourne, July 18th. The ensemble last toured Australia in 2013 which was highlighted by their performance at the internationally renowned Byron Bay Bluesfest.

"We're truly honored and excited to be invited by The Festival Of Voices to share the power of our unique musical offerings and global experience," stated Carol Maillard, one of the group's founding members. "We're looking forward to collaborating with all the choral ensembles in the workshops and performing concerts for our loyal Australian and Aboriginal fans in Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne and Sydney."

Sweet Honey will be jetting to Australia fresh from the recording studio in their home base of Washington, DC. The ensemble has been putting the finishing touches on their first album comprised of primarily original songs since "Go In Grace," (released in 2008 as the soundtrack for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company's 50th Anniversary theatrical piece of the same title). Their new album will also feature several notable cover songs from their live show of which they are recording for the first time. The album is set for release this fall on Appleseed Recordings.

Last month the group completed their fourth international US Embassy tour this year in Swaziland. They were previously invited by the US Embassies in Ethiopia, Peru and Jamaica in February to help them honor and celebrate Black History Month.

They performed several major concerts and contributed to community programs sponsored by the Embassy in each respective country. Last year, Sweet Honey made their premiere US Embassy tour (August 27- 31) as part of the Arts Envoy program to Belize. The Arts Envoy Program is a longstanding outreach program and initiative sponsored by the US State Department.

One of the major highlights of their visit to Swaziland was their debut appearance at the MTN Bushfire Festival (May 29-31) which featured a special collaboration on two songs (one by each artist) with noted songwriter/singer Floewe (real name Fikile Dhladhla) a native of Swaziland. CNN recently noted the Festival is one of the top seven "must attend music festivals" in Africa.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, which celebrated their 40th Anniversary last year is comprised of vocalist's Louise Robinson, Carol Maillard, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil and Shirley Childress (American Sign Language Interpreter). The ensemble also features special guest bassist (acoustic upright and electric bass) Romeir Mendez.

For further information about SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK go to: www.sweethoneyintherock.org

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com/

Legendary Singer-Songwriter and Producer Bunny Sigler Releases New Single “Buttermilk and Cornbread” Featuring Instant Funk out July 7

Remix Produced by Joe Gallagher, Saint Man, Bunny Sigler, and Instant Funk

Los Angeles, CA, July 01, 2015 - Four-time Grammy winning producer-singer-songwriter Bunny Sigler releases his second single, “Buttermilk and Cornbread” from the brand new, critically acclaimed album Bundino. The prolific songwriter who produced the “Philly Sound” intrigues his audience once again by showcasing his classic R&B sound going back to his roots with the funky, stand-out track as his follow-up on the R&B driven album featuring disco band, Instant Funk.


Complete with soulful ballads honing in a contemporary sound, Sigler pushes his vocals on this upbeat and lighthearted tune.“Buttermilk and Cornbread,” Bunny describes is a “blues track that reminisces of southern cooking and sweet country memories.” Sizzling with that down south sound, “Buttermilk and Cornbread” has a catchy chorus and a sensory smorgasbord of lyrics.

This feel good song recalls relaxing times and nostalgic jam sessions – uninhibited sing-alongs with friends that seem endless. The six minute song’s highlight is the unexpected trumpet solo that cuts in between at the halfway mark and the blend of unison backup vocals.

Backed by longtime collaborators, Instant Funk, the band has teamed up once again with Sigler. Currently in the studio working on new material, they’re ready to hit the road again and bring their live performances worldwide.

“…Sigler has no problem with shaking things up, and he demonstrates his comfort with envelope pushing through Bundino.” –Soul Tracks

Along with the original mix of “Buttermilk and Cornbread,” Bunny will also release a special remix version of the song – an upbeat rendition of the standout single produced by Joe Gallagher, Bunny Sigler, Instant Funk, and Saint Man. The remix will have listeners wanting more and radio hosts playing the track on repeat. A music video to accompany the single featuring Instant Funk will also be released in July.

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com/

Holman Ranch’s 87th Annual Fiesta de los Amigos to be Held on September 10th

The Ranch’s Birthday Celebration will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

Carmel Valley, CA, July 01, 2015 - Holman Ranch will be celebrating its birthday on September 10th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with its Annual Fiesta del los Amigos and a benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Fiesta de los Amigos – a part of Holman Ranch’s history! The popular Fiesta de los Amigos which began in 1928, the Ranch’s birthday celebration, was an annual highlight, often attracting more than 2,000 guests. In the 1960’s – 1980’s the Ranch was known for its rodeos and horse shows, daily trail rides, barbecues, and fiestas filled the calendar.

This year, the celebration will be filled with flavorful food, Holman Ranch estate wines to sip, lively entertainment to enjoy and more! Capture the moment of the Fiesta in our own photo booth or head to the game tent and enjoy games for the entire family.

In addition, attendees can sign up to support the Holman Ranch team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The walk will be held on September 26, 2015 and depart from Custom House Plaza in Monterey. Attendees can sign up to join the team or pledge their support!

The event will cost $50 per person or wine club members get 2 free tickets and all additional wine club member tickets are $35 per person. If the event is not sold out, tickets will be available at the door for $60.00 per person. Five dollars from each ticket sale will be donated to the Alzheimer Association. RSVP is required. RSVP by September 2nd to (831) 659-2640. Upon confirmation by Holman Ranch of your RSVP, you will be provided a gate pass to Holman Ranch.

Holman Ranch Vineyard and Winery Background:
Located at the north eastern tip of the Carmel Valley Appellation, the family-owned Holman Ranch resides approximately 12 miles inland from the Pacific Coast. Immersed in history and romance, the ranch has not only proven to be an excellent growing location for our vineyards but also for the Tuscan varietal olive trees which have flourished under the temperate climate.

Holman Ranch estate-grown wine varietals are planted on approximately 19 acres of undulating terrain. The wines produced are unfined and crafted to deliver the true varietal of the grape from harvest to bottle. The climate and terroir of the appellation has played a critical part in the success of their wines. The warmth of the inland valley coupled with the cooling marine layer has proven to be an ideal microclimate for the production of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The vineyards' Burgundy Clones have thrived from the perfect blend of ideal climate, southern exposure and thin rocky soils.

The estate wines of Holman Ranch include: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé of Pinot Noir. Carefully hand-harvested, cold pressed and bottled, the Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced from the fruits of our trees has a delightfully distinctive flavor.

Holman Ranch Background:
Holman Ranch: Where the Past is Always Present. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley, historic Holman Ranch provides a unique and memorable setting for weddings, special events, family gatherings, corporate retreats, and team-building events. With its charming gardens, stunning mountain views and serenity, this private estate affords old-world charm while providing modern day conveniences. This stunning Property includes a fully restored stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards, olive grove, horse stables and more.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
http://www.holmanranch.com