Contact: Virginia Thompson
8316 6th St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
(727) 576-0166
email: thom.music@verizon.net

Saint Petersburg, Fl. – June 30, 2009

“The Best Summer Music Camp in Town ”

Thompson’s Music Studio will host the “A Major Summer Music Camp” at Pro Star Recording Studio in St. Pete., the week of July 13th and also at Arts on 9th July 20th in Ybor City for children ages six through teens.

It’s time to pull out your fiddle, keyboard, and guitar from underneath the bed and fulfill those dreams of musical desire. Beginners through intermediate students, age six through teens, will also learn basic music theory and have a toe tapping, finger snapping, hand clapping fun experience that makes learning music exciting and easy.

This week-long camp will end with an all inspired fun experience recording their own CD in a professional recording studio. There will be a grand finale recital and graduation party. Parents, family, and friends, are invited. This is a great way for children to learn music and make some new friends.

Please call Mrs. Thompson for early registration and discounted pricing at 727.576.0166. The cost for this camp is $175.00 with a $25.00 discount for early registration.

Registration for Pro Star Recording Studio in St. Pete is July 11 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The camp starts July 13th – 18th and is located at 3220 28th St. N., St. Pete., FL 33713 or call 727.526.0446

Registration for Arts on 9th in Ybor is July 18th 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Camp starts July 20th – 25th located at 1513 E. 9th Tampa, FL 33605 or call 813.436.8002

Overall, the symposium was a great success. Saturday opened with “Poets of Popular Song, The Lyrics and Lyric Writers of the Great American Songbook”. Featuring the piano work of Paul Wilborn and the 105 year old Rosa Rio. After their performance, many of the attendees broke for the lunch while the rest of us sat at our tables and handed out free swag and met with people.

As the day raged on, the crowd continued to morph. After noon, the rock kids all awoke and made an appearance, many to show off their demos and many more to attend seminars including “Marketing, Touring and Band Management” and “Alternative Media Promotion” with BrandTampa’s own Queen of Social Media Julia Gorzka. Classes on getting the most out of studio time, shooting a music video and a “meet the press” session provided even more value to those who came looking for help getting their music careers off the ground.

There was a good showing by all the key players at the vendor tables including Bay Area Beat, WMNF, Creative Loafing and Reax.

Here are some random photos from the event:

I went on Thursday night, met up with the piano men and got a front row seat while I was waiting for them to start. The place was pretty dead at 10PM, but people began trickling in as the set started. It’s important to note that this isn’t your granddad’s piano bar. The songs they play are all pop hits from the last forty years, and they draw on the crowd for suggestions.

Some of the songs are obvious choices, originally written for piano such as Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Jim Croce’s “Bad Bad Leroy Brown”. Others, such as their piano rock renditions of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” and Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” were stunningly powerful and funny renditions. Since this is an 18+ venue, the language took a turn for the blue during some of the songs, often parodying the lyrics of the pop song. Want a funny example? “I want to poke her face, pa-pa-poke her face.. with my weiner.”

You can thank Ty Chaney for that little ditty. His showmanship is nothing short of Vegas quality and his attention to detail and honest interactions make him the kind of performer that I wish I could see every night. His accompanying piano man, Dan Slyker, is all the wingman that a piano playing entertainer could ask for. When he’s not on the ivories, he would hop behind the drums to fill out songs as needed.

The fun of Howl at the Moon is being an engaged audience member. You’ll find yourself singing along at full volume. You’ll have a pile of song suggestions scrawled out and passed up to the piano men, who will gladly take tips to play your tune. You’ll most likely be surprised at exactly how much fun this all is.

I’m waiting for the two piano players to contact me for an interview, because I think their story needs to be heard. Anyone who can start out “White Rabbit” loud and get progressively louder only to follow with the most insane version of “Welcome to the Jungle” is worthy of both my praise and my attention.

Rich Whiteley’s Ruby Fizz CD

Bay Area guitarist/songwriter Rich Whiteley was born in Wilmington, DE but currently resides in Tampa. Good thing, too. It would really be a pitiful shame if Delaware – not Florida, was the soul-beneficiary of Rich’s groovey-styled musical offerings. Whiteley’s 2009 CD-release Ruby Fizz is chock-full-of swarthy, blues-laden riffs and grooves that bend the most sensitive ear for the purpose of pure enjoyment. He’s an extremely gifted songwriter and multi-faceted performer – he skillfully plays guitar, harmonica, banjo, and piano on Fizz, Whiteley’s fourth studio project since A Dog or a Bicycle in 2000.

Whiteley’s band history includes  Earth Bombs Mars, Uncle John’s Band, the Rich Whiteley Band, Magnolia Creek, Whiteley & Phillips, and countless others. He’s shared the stage with The Codetalkers, Oteil and the Peacemakers, New Monsoon, Jake Shimabukuro, Jerry Joseph, Beth Hirsch, Baye Kouyate, Melvin Seals, Tom Constanten, Leni Stern, Richard Drexler and many others.If you’re looking for great songwriting, poignant lyrics, and skillful musicianship mastery, then check out Ruby Fizz at www.richwhiteley.com

By Robin Tracy

So much has already been written about this all-female band. After winning the Battle of the Bands at Sawmill Campground in Dade City, FL, Karmic Tattoo continues to gain momentum at each and every show. They’re tight, professional, and fun. First of all, Lisa Noe has a world class voice. It’s that simple. Back that up with the intricate harmonies provided by Pam Green and Amy Black (and ,occasionally,  Stephanie Callahan of Halcyon) and you’ve got John, Paul and George and Ringo of that little known ‘60’s band the Beatles!

The combined members of Karmic Tattoo have been rocking the Bay Area for many years. Following its inception over five years ago when Texan Green, Kentucky girl Noe and native Floridian Black combined their separate talents into what is now known as Karmic Tattoo. When performing live, they do a spectacular version of Stephen Stills’s  “Love the One You’re With”. I was very impressed with their vocals on this one. A fun moment came when Lisa came out into the vast crowd to pull off a wonderful rendition of Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz”… everybody helped sing along! Then Stephanie Callahan helped out when the band performed Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car”. She fit right in and you’d never know she wasn’t a full-time member of KT.

Lead singer, Rhythm guitarist and songwriter Lisa Noe’s songwriting has been highlighted on NPR (National Public Radio) HOMEFRONT as well as Jewel’s Soul City Cafe’ web site. Self taught on guitar since age 4, her professional career began at age 13 on local radio shows. Noe’s writing style focuses on the emotional aspect of life with occasional world events thrown in. She has performed with many different musical styles, past and present, bluegrass, rock, country, folk and classical. Born and raised in Louisville KY at a very early age (a little humor!), Lisa started playing piano and guitar at age 4. Her first guitar was Silvertone Sears and Roebuk special 12-string, and she started singing and playing guitar professionally at 13 although her Mom will tell you about stories of her singing with hairbrush in hand at age 3! “I love all music. I think this world would be a sad place without it. My studies in music include but not limited to; opera, classical guitar, piano and theater. A “near” graduate of University of Kentucky, and participating graduate of the University of Life”.

Her major influences include Barbara Mandrell. “She was my idol growing up in KY, “says Noe. “She made you feel the song; I also like  Mary Chapin-Carpenter because of her storytelling skill.” Noe also cites The Carter Family, Statler Brothers, and Oak Ridge Boys for their harmonizing. “And, of course, Wynonna,” she excitedly exclaims. “Simply because, well, she’sWynonna!”

Pam Green has a background in classical guitar and has been performed in various bands and musical duets for many years. Her collaboration with diverse artists gives her a wide range of styles, making her a well-rounded professional musician. She is extremely musically versatile, playing percussion, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and bass, as well as singing. Pam records artists and bands in her studio, Lunar Tunes Productions, based in Seminole, Florida. Pam was Born in Detroit, Michigan and started playing piano at age 6 and guitar at 11.

Her major influences include Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Doobie Brothers, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Pretenders, The Police, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, and, of course, the Beatles.

            Amy Black is a percussionist extraordinaire. She has performed with the Florida Orchestra, the Southwest Symphony and was a percussionist in residence of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra for 18 years. Amy has accompanied such diverse artists as The Moody Blues, Lee Greenwood, Rosemary Clooney, Anne Murray, The Canadian Brass, Doc Severinson and Paquito D’Rivera. She has collaborated with several bay area bands, has provided back-up for local GALA Choruses and performed in theatrical productions of Pippin, Sound of Music and Sweeney Todd, to mention a few. A graduate of the University of South Florida’s, School of Music, her repertoire runs from classical to rhythm and blues, country to world beat, rock to jazz with a little folk to round it out.

Simply put,  Karmic Tattoo rocks! They’re taking the Bay area by storm, so get out and see them ASAP.

Lisa Noe

I remember as a child seeing my mother playing her Guild guitar and singing classic folk songs as well as songs she had penned.  I was touched by her passion.  I felt the music in the air.  It was magic.

As I grew my brother picked up the guitar and I would awake to the sounds of him playing the Star Spangled Banner, Hendrix style, on his electric guitar.  He was a teenager then and I could feel all his emotion in every note he played pouring out of his guitar.  It was magic.

I was eight and I wanted my brother to teach me to play the guitar like him.  He had me put my left hand around the neck of the guitar and told me to try to touch my thumb over the top of the neck with any of my other fingers wrapping around the bottom of the neck.  I couldn’t quite reach and he told me I’d have to wait until my hands were bigger.  I was disappointed.  I was even more disappointed when 2 years later my bother joined the Army.  It wasn’t till later that I would actually buy a guitar and take some lessons.  All the while I harbored dreams of singing and playing the guitar.  Dreams I would never tell anyone about.  Not then, hell, not till years after I had been playing and singing would I tell anyone that I had dreams of presenting my ideas and emotions to people through songs.

I’ve been writing poetry or songs since I was a punk ass.  Not a punk rocker.  Just a “Little Punk” as my bother would affectionately call me.  I’ve been trying to get out what’s inside my heart and head for a long time.  I want to get it out in a way that people understand what I am saying…  Feel it…  Know it.  Music is a powerful form of communication.  My chosen media.

I have been through quite a bit and I’ve seen a lot of tears and smiles, as we all have.  I guess one idea I hope to convey through the songs I write is that we all are human.  We all feel, sometimes intensely and although no one can know exactly how we feel, we all are united in the fact that we feel.  And even though we may feel completely alone, I am sure that someone can empathize with those feelings.  Every time someone says to me that a song I wrote perfectly explained the way they were feeling or what they thought, I feel gratitude that I could provide a positive outlet for another being.

My voice is my main instrument.  It tells the story of my heart and mind.  It solidifies ideas and emotions.  With it, I communicate ideas to the listener…  Ideas born in a nebulous zone, outside myself, to be filtered through my perspective and focused into more solid form.  There are many ideas to choose from and I try to choose ones that represent who I am.  I believe in presenting experiences in a way that leaves the truth of what they are in-tact.  Raw.  Some songs are fiction.  Some are direct personal experiences.  All are a part of me.

I thrive upon self-improvement.  I quest for understanding myself, this world and my place in this world.  I have categorized myself as a skeptical optimist…  Trying to find the balance that is right for me.  I dream of having a positive impact upon those I come into contact with, no matter how slight the experience might be.  I hope that a smile from me infects those that see it like all the smiles I have seen have infected me.  We all are faced with a choice each morning that we wake…  Are we going to be a drain on this world and those in it or are we going to add to it in a positive way?  Are we going fall in line with the sheep or be an advocate for positive change?  Are we going to be a part of the problem or a part of the solution?  Are we going to Fear or Love?  They are all the same question.  I will continue to live my dream and hope that I am playing my part and that it is a positive part in the unfolding drama.”

Check out Chucky Luv at www.chuckyluv.com

Unaslim

Unaslim: Electronica at its best!

Unaslim is the new age DJ of today, fully representing the lady DJs of the world with her innovative sound, her trend setting looks, and her cosmic attitude. She started DJing in early 2000’s in downtown Buffalo, New York at 16 years old, playing with artist like, DJ 3po, Dirwood, Twist, and DJ Pakman at after parties. DJing at such a young age gave her the ambition to go where the House music was more popular. She moved to Florida around 2005 and attended the International Academy of Design of Technology, majoring in Recording Arts and Digital Productions, all the while playing out at some of Tampa’s most popular electronic hotspots. Unaslim embodies the electronic sound and because of that, has worked with such international renowned acts such as Sweden’s own Zoo Brazil (”Lights” 2007 and “Like This” 2007) & J-Break of Cyberian Knights (Unaslim’s remixes of “Artificial Love” 2006 and “Electric Delusions” 2006, “Ghetto-Clash” 2006, and “Beauty in Darkness” 2007). With such hard work she’s earned her a spot on Hallucination Recordings with Three, Monk, Grumptronix, Bob Skies and Rabbit in The Moon, and her regular apperance at SNATCH in Tampa which is run by Hallucination Limited’s DJ Three (Hallucination Limited, Crosstown Rebels). Her popularity kept growing when she was interviewed by Tuesday in Closer Magazine

Pre- Winter Music Conference 2008, called “Women in Electronica- Una Slim.” Her fusion of minimal, tech, electro and progressive house into one, blended with her unique style, ended her with a chance meeting with Hypno-Traxx’s label owner/ producer St. Marc, and now has regular monthly releases on Beatport, and other digital downloading sites.

Look for “Ouroboros” and other remixes coming out during WMC. She is currently working on a live theatrical music performance. A cross between live electronica and earthy organics, performing her debut at Ultra Music Festival 2009. She’s a regular proton radio pioneer, playing on stations such as Balance Record Pool and Subminimal Sessions L8 Night Mix. Unaslim also has played with internationally renowned acts such as, Justin Martin, Junkie XL, Tommie Sunshine, Three, Lee Burridge, Laurent Garnier, Christian Martin, Marc Ashken, Worthy, Ryan Elliot, Kaskade, Sean Cusicks, Rabbit in the Moon, Pendulum, BT, Shiny Toy Guns, Grumptronix, Kevens, Dave Seaman, Noel Sanger, DJ Rap, Keoki, Bassbin Twins, Uberzone, Paul Sparks, John B, Granite & Funk, Jody Wisternoff. A future project in the works with Darren Mcfarland of past Buckethead, and engineer for bands like STS9.

Mixing organic instruments with analogue synths gives her a unique sound and another worldly presence. She’s dark by nature, intriguing, and her mixing is magic. Check out Unaslim at www.myspace.com/unaslim.

 It all started late 2006 when Josh MacFarland and Nate Jones decided to become “unmotivated” to simply hang out and make ceremonial noise. The lead singer Brian Adams (not THAT Bryan Adams!) joined the noise fest in late 2007. Bassist Zach Hendricks, percussionist Cansey Green, and lead guitarist Vidak completed the motivational seminar. The St. Petersburg-based musical six-pack started performing at local venues and, according to MacFarland, it’s been a “fun-filled journey of ‘unmotivated moments.”  
MacFarland states that Unmotivated has made a “pretty big name” in the local scene and currently enjoys a solid “motivated” local following since its inception three years ago..”The venues that support local bands have been great to work with and have been nothing but professional examples,” adds MacFarland. “We’ve hopefully formed good, healthy, long-lasting lasting relationships with the business that supports our music.” Unmotivated has been featured in several on-line magazines, including Underground Xpress, Skaflamagazine, and PCI Promotions.  
“Myspace has been a basic addition since the start of doing gigs and has provided an electronic ‘word-of’mouth’ so to speak,” he says. “We’ve played all over, including Gainesville, Orlando and other remote parts of Florida. We’re hoping to play more and more as we get confident about our abilities to continue to dazzle audiences throughout!” So, yes Unmotivated are, indeed, available for bookings and seeking sponsorship. “We’ve shared the stage with the likes of Dirty Heads, Supervillians, Iration, Outlaw Nation and Ballyhoo.” MacFarland insists that all wisdom seekers check out Unmotivated at www.myspace.com/unmotivatedband.

Unmotivated

Lorna Bracewell

Lorna Bracewell

The Pride of Tampa Bay

Embarks On Her Next Chapter and Journey…

by Jeannette Goldman

How is it humanly possible to write about Lorna Bracewell. How could I in any way come close to maneuvering the English language with such eloquent finesse as she can? That eloquent finesse and determination has extended into her songwriting, her stage performances, educational workshops, and benefits that have helped support local and national organizations.

Lorna is not your typical 25 year old. And this not a typical article. Not only am I a business associate, friend and fan, she has designated me as her JM (to clarify the acronym, “Jewish Mother” ) which, according to Lorna, I’m an “a nagging, overprotective, , controlling, smothering, and overbearing mother who persists in interfering in her children’s lives long after they have become adults.” I know I’m not that bad! I would like the Bay Area Community to take extreme pride in recognizing that Lorna was born and raised in Indian Rocks Beach. This article is far from the mechanical rantings of surrogate Jewish Mother surreptitiously reveling in her adopted progeny’s talent. It’s really for those in the Bay Area to acknowledge this young lady’s plethora of personal and professional accomplishments prior to her leaving the area and pursuing a career in academics. Hence our June Issue and subsequent showcase is dedicated to Lorna Bracewell and her Farewell Concert at ProStar Soundstage June 26.

Rather than listing her oodles of accolades, I’ve chosen relevant quotes and ancillary information pertaining to her wondrous musical journey over 12 years ago. Her discography – released through her independent label Braced Well Records, includes Don’t Stop Now (2001), Little Miss Oblivious (2003), God Forbid (2005), Live for CASA (2005 DVD), Flowers on the Chains (2007), and Released (2009). She’s performed over 100 concerts, benefits, engagements, including two European tours. She’s worked as a school instructor, including workshops exploring the relationship of music, history and culture. She’s a member of the Florida State Touring Program, as well as headlining concerts for local charity organizations On This Earth, YWCA, Habitat for Humanity, and local domestic violence shelters The Spring and Casa.

To adequately document her musical accomplishments will require another issue; as she dares to tread the hostile waters of academics it’s no secret Lorna will craftily navigate with little or no ebb tide. Be it told that Ms. Bracewell was our inspiration for creating Bay Area Beat.

Recently her close circle of family members, mentors and friends received the following e-mail from her:

LORNA- -“I’ll be studying political theory at the University of Florida’s department of political science in the fall. They’ve offered me an appointment as a Graduate School Fellow and I am enthusiastically accepting this offer! I also was accepted at the University of Virginia and the University of Colorado at Boulder, but, after much deliberation, the pull of the Sunshine State has proven the strongest”.