Brickman Blog

An Evening of Texas Swing & Song ...benefiting the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation!

 

Taking Care of Customers - Customer Appreciation Day at Del Monte Shopping Center

FREE FUN CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAYAT DEL MONTE SHOPPING CENTER ON SATURDAY, MARCH 17TH

Do you have the luck ‘o the Irish? Del Monte Shopping Center will be holding afree Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, March 17th from 11:00 AM– 4:00 PM.  Free cookies and lemonade will be available at the Guest Services Center.   Free St. Patrick’s Day Derby Hats will be givenaway for good luck (while supplies last) for new Rewards Card Member sign upsduring the event.   The popular local Irish band, The Reel Deal Band, will perform at 12:00 PM. Bring the whole family for a great day of fun!

Del Monte Shopping Center features more than 75 unique shops, restaurants andeateries, plus Macy’s, Whole Foods Market and Century Theatres.  The spacious, open-air shopping center offers comfortable seating, beautiful landscaping, and ample parking for its shoppers.

For more information on store listings, movie times, weekend entertainment, andspecial events, please call the Guest Services Center at 372-4540 or visit www.shopdelmonte.com.

Turf Club Concerts Debut! Mardi Gras Celebration with Persephone's Bees on February 18th!

Check out this upcoming series of great concert celebrations that also benefit the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation. See you there!


TURF CLUB MUSIC SERIES AT THE MONTEREY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS TO BENEFIT THE MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR HERITAGE FOUNDATION

TURF CLUB MUSIC SERIES LAUNCHES WITH MARDI GRAS PARTY FEATURING PERSEPHONE’S BEES ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH

January 17, 2012, Monterey, CA. The Turf Club Music Series at the Monterey County Fairgrounds is being launched to benefit the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation (a 501c3 non-profit organization). The Turf Club Music Series will provide an intimate new venue for professional live music events with top nationally and internationally known entertainers. It is also designed to publicize and bring the community to the beautiful Monterey County Fairgrounds and the Turf Club, located at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey.  Publicist Wendy Brickman and concert promoter, Lenny Leon, have teamed up with Kelly Violini, CEO of the Monterey County Fairgrounds, to hold a series of exciting live music events at least once a month in 2012. The first event will be a Mardi Gras Celebration on Saturday, February 18th from 7:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight.


The first show will feature live music with the internationally renowned Persephone’s Bees (www.persephonesbees.com)
featuring former Monterey residents, Tom Ayres and Angelina Moysov. Persephone's Bees' songs have been featured in movies and TV, including "Weeds" and "The Sopranos". After 10 years in the Bay Area, Persephone's Bees recently relocated to NYC and they're bringing their edgy pop sounds to Monterey for your enjoyment. The vocals of Russian-born lead singer Angelina Moysov fall somewhere between Feist and Pink, according to the Onion A/V Club -- who also described their music as "instantly likeable." Also performing is The Amazing Refrigerators featuring Tom Ayres and friends performing good time rocking Mardi Gras music, plus many more surprises to keep you in the Mardi Gras/Carnival spirit. Let the Good Times Roll/Bon Ton Roulet! Come in costume to win great prizes! There will be complimentary delicious Red Beans and Rice, Creole Gumbo and Mardi Gras Drink Specials! Tickets at the door (age 21 and over) are $15/adults and $10/military/students. For more information and to be added to the upcoming concert email list, contact Wendy Brickman at (831) 633-4444 or email brickman@brickmanmarketing.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS!
Saturday, March 17th  - St. Patrick’s Day Party with Wake the Dead, (www.wakethedead.org) a Celtic Tribute to the Grateful Dead, on. 

Saturday, March 31st is singer/songwriter and country fiddle player, Amanda
Shires (www.amandashires.net)

May 5, 2012 - Cinco de Mayo Party

About Lenny Leon

A longtime music industry professional and concert promoter, Lenny Leon, was involved with booking Doc’s Night Club on Prescott near Cannery Row in Monterey at its peak period from the mid-1990’s – 2001 before Doc’s moved to downtown Monterey. Some of the more well-known acts that Lenny booked included Eric Burdon (Animals), Dave Wakeling (The English Beat), Missing Persons (“Walking in LA), Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross (Lambert, Hendrix and Ross – Clint Eastwood and Diana Krall attended), Dave Alvin (The Blasters), Los Lobos, and many others.  He also booked the successful Monterey Live Festival at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. He has been in the music industry for over 30 years and worked in management and marketing with Concrete Marketing in New York City in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Lenny worked with Ozzie Osborne, Bob Dylan, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, AC/DC, and many others. He also did music marketing promotion for Black Olive Records, a local record label that had much national success.  Lenny’s longtime experience in the music industry has enabled him to acquire many valuable contacts so he can professionally book the bands and create a successful music concert series. Lenny is dedicated to filling the live music void that many will agree exists in Monterey.

About Wendy Brickman

Wendy Brickman serves on the Monterey County Fair Heritage Board and has handled the publicity/marketing/sponsorships for the Monterey County Fair for four years. She also helped to produce a series of concerts at the Turf Club with Mike Beck and the Bohemian Saints for several months in 2010. She has had an award-winning marketing and public relations firm since 1990 that represents a wide array of clients including the Monterey County Fair, Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, and hundreds of other for-profit and non-profit organizations. She is a big fan of music and has continually attended concerts in all musical genres since she was a teen. She worked for the Tour Manager of the Doobie Brothers at Studio Instrument Rentals and for Michael Nesmith of the Monkees. She also worked at Paramount Home Video before moving to Monterey. She holds an MBA in Marketing/Management, an MA in Broadcast Journalism and a BA in English from UC Berkeley.

About Kelly Violini

Involved with the Monterey County Fairgrounds since she was a child, Kelly Violini has held the position of CEO at the Monterey County Fair for the past four years. Prior to being named CEO, Kelly was the Deputy Manager for five years.  In her position, Kelly is responsible for overseeing the Monterey County Fair, the Monterey Bay Race Place, and all interim activities that are held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds.

A 4th generation Monterey County native, Kelly has nearly 20 years experience in the Fairs & Expositions industry. She is currently the Central Coast Area Director of the Western Fairs Association and served as Chairperson for 4 years. She serves as the Northern California Board Chair for California Authority of Racing Fairs and is a member of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions. Under her leadership, the Monterey County Fair has won numerous awards within its industry and from local organizations including the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

Kelly also has an extensive background in the agricultural industry. She is a Director for Monterey County Cattle Women and the Cloverbud Leader for Spring 4-H. In 2005, she was voted “Cattle Woman of the Year” by the Monterey County CattleWomen Association.

Kelly is very active in the business community and recently served on the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Monterey County Hospitality Association Board of Directors. She is currently President of the North Fremont Business District of Monterey.  The Fairgrounds is a member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce,  Carmel Chamber of Commerce, the Monterey County Hospitality Association, and the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Kelly is also a Council Member of the Monterey Business Association. She is a graduate of the Leadership Monterey Peninsula Class of 2003. Kelly Violini grew up in Salinas off of River Road and attended Notre Dame High School. Kelly has a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and a Teaching Credential from Sacramento State, and a Master's Degree from Chapman University in Education and Curriculum Development. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade for 6 years and in her last year of teaching was a K-6 Reading Specialist and Reading Recovery Teacher.

About Larry Viales

As owner/operator of Monterey Bay Sound (www.montereybaysound.com), Larry has been an audio professional since 1987. He was head engineer at Dock Ricketts Lab on Prescott (Cannery Row) for 12 years and was head engineer at Planet Gemini (Cannery Row) for 5 years. Larry has worked with hundreds of national and international performers, and worked hundreds of shows with Monterey Bay area bands. He is dedicated to providing professional, reliable service, and the best possible sound for every event.

About The Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation

The Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation supports the functions of the Monterey County Fair and its mission. Primarily, the Heritage foundation funds capital improvements at the Fairgrounds in addition to special projects such as School Tour Day and Special Friends Day. The program benefits Monterey County through increased ag literacy by educating school children about where their food and fiber comes from, encouraging health, nutrition and fitness. For more information, go to www.montereycountyfair.com or call (831) 372-5863.

Turf Club Music Series

Anyone who reads this blog knows how much I enjoy live music. So why not team up with the talented Lenny Leon and Kelly Violini, CEO of the Monterey County Fair, and start a Turf Club Music Series. Can't wait for the first one - it'll be great fun!! Check it out!

 

TURF CLUB MUSIC SERIES AT THE MONTEREY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS TO BENEFIT THE MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR HERITAGE FOUNDATION

TURF CLUB MUSIC SERIES WILL LAUNCH WITH MARDI GRAS PARTY FEATURING PERSEPHONE’S BEES AND MORE ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH

January 3, 2012, Monterey, CA. The new Turf Club Music Series at the Monterey County Fairgrounds is being launched to benefit the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation (a 501c3 non-profit organization). The Turf Club Music Series is designed to publicize and bring the community to the beautiful Monterey County Fairgrounds’ Turf Club, located at 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. It will provide an intimate new venue for professional live music events with top nationally and internationally known entertainers. Publicist Wendy Brickman and concert promoter, Lenny Leon, have teamed up with Kelly Violini, CEO of the Monterey County Fairgrounds, to hold a series of exciting live music events in 2012. The first event will be a Mardi Gras Celebration on Saturday, February 18th at 7:00 PM that will feature live music with the internationally renowned Persephone’s Bees (www.persephonesbees.com)
featuring former Monterey residents, Tom Ayres and Angelina Moysov.

Sound and lighting will be done by Larry Viales of Monterey Bay Sound. There will be complimentary delicious Red Beans and Rice and Creole Gumbo. There were also be Mardi Gras Drink Specials Tickets at the door (age 21 and over) are $15/adults and $10/military/students. For more information and to be added to the upcoming concert email list, contact Wendy Brickman at (831) 633-4444 or email brickman@brickmanmarketing.com.

About Lenny Leon

A longtime music industry professional and concert promoter, Lenny Leon, was involved with booking Doc’s Night Club on Prescott near Cannery Row in Monterey at its peak period from the mid-1990’s – 2001 before Doc’s moved to downtown Monterey. Some of the more well-known acts that Lenny booked included Eric Burdon (Animals), Dave Wakeling (The English Beat), Missing Persons (“Walking in LA), Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross (Lambert, Hendrix and Ross – Clint Eastwood and Diana Krall attended), Dave Alvin (The Blasters), Los Lobos, and many others.  He also booked the successful Monterey Live Festival at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. He has been in the music industry for over 30 years and worked in management and marketing with Concrete Marketing in New York City in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Lenny worked with Ozzie Osborne, Bob Dylan, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, AC/DC, and many others. He also did music marketing promotion for Black Olive Records, a local record label that had much national success.  Lenny’s longtime experience in the music industry has enabled him to acquire many valuable contacts so he can professionally book the bands and create a successful music concert series. Lenny is dedicated to filling the live music void that many will agree exists in Monterey.

About Wendy Brickman

Wendy Brickman serves on the Monterey County Fair Heritage Board and has handled the publicity/marketing/sponsorships for the Monterey County Fair for four years. She also helped to produce a series of concerts at the Turf Club with Mike Beck and the Bohemian Saints for several months in 2010. She has had an award-winning marketing and public relations firm since 1990 that represents a wide array of clients including the Monterey County Fair, Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, and hundreds of other for-profit and non-profit organizations. She is a big fan of music and has continually attended concerts in all musical genres since she was a teen. She worked for the Tour Manager of the Doobie Brothers at Studio Instrument Rentals and for Michael Nesmith of the Monkees. She also worked at Paramount Home Video before moving to Monterey. She holds an MBA in Marketing/Management, an MA in Broadcast Journalism and a BA in English from UC Berkeley.

About Kelly Violini

Involved with the Monterey County Fairgrounds since she was a child, Kelly Violini has held the position of CEO at the Monterey County Fair for the past four years. Prior to being named CEO, Kelly was the Deputy Manager for five years.  In her position, Kelly is responsible for overseeing the Monterey County Fair, the Monterey Bay Race Place, and all interim activities that are held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds.

A 4th generation Monterey County native, Kelly has nearly 20 years experience in the Fairs & Expositions industry. She is currently the Central Coast Area Director of the Western Fairs Association and served as Chairperson for 4 years. She serves as the Northern California Board Chair for California Authority of Racing Fairs and is a member of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions. Under her leadership, the Monterey County Fair has won numerous awards within its industry and from local organizations including the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

Kelly also has an extensive background in the agricultural industry. She is a Director for Monterey County Cattle Women and the Cloverbud Leader for Spring 4-H. In 2005, she was voted “Cattle Woman of the Year” by the Monterey County CattleWomen Association.

Kelly is very active in the business community and recently served on the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Monterey County Hospitality Association Board of Directors. She is currently President of the North Fremont Business District of Monterey.  The Fairgrounds is a member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce,  Carmel Chamber of Commerce, the Monterey County Hospitality Association, and the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Kelly is also a Council Member of the Monterey Business Association. She is a graduate of the Leadership Monterey Peninsula Class of 2003. Kelly Violini grew up in Salinas off of River Road and attended Notre Dame High School. Kelly has a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and a Teaching Credential from Sacramento State, and a Master's Degree from Chapman University in Education and Curriculum Development. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade for 6 years and in her last year of teaching was a K-6 Reading Specialist and Reading Recovery Teacher.

About Larry Viales

As owner/operator of Monterey Bay Sound (www.montereybaysound.com), Larry has been an audio professional since 1987. He was head engineer at Dock Ricketts Lab on Prescott (Cannery Row) for 12 years and was head engineer at Planet Gemini (Cannery Row) for 5 years. Larry has worked with hundreds of national and international performers, and worked hundreds of shows with Monterey Bay area bands. He is dedicated to providing professional, reliable service, and the best possible sound for every event.

About The Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation

The Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation supports the functions of the Monterey County Fair and its mission. Primarily, the Heritage foundation funds capital improvements at the Fairgrounds in addition to special projects such as School Tour Day and Special Friends Day. The program benefits Monterey County through increased ag literacy by educating school children about where their food and fiber comes from, encouraging health, nutrition and fitness. For more information, go to www.montereycountyfair.com or call (831) 372-5863.

 

Referring websites - Furthur to Monterey County Fair Website!

Isn't it wonderful in this world of social media and the Internet how web traffic can drive visitors and potential customers to your own website. Here's a great recent example...

 

MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR WEBSITE RECEIVES 122,000 HITS THIS YEAR INCLUDING OVER 5,500 HITS FROM FURTHUR FANS IN ANTICIPATION OF CONCERTS TO BE HELD AT FAIRGROUNDS ON OCTOBER 7-8, 2011

September 20, 2011, Monterey, CA. The Monterey County Fair has announced that its website, www.montereycountyfair.com, has received over 122,000 hits this past year. It was recently learned by Kelly Violini, CEO of the Monterey County Fair, that over 5,500 hits on the website were from Furthur Furthur fans who were purchasing tickets for long-awaited performances by two of the Grateful Dead founding performers, Phil Lesh and Bob Weir. Lesh and Weir had not appeared on the Monterey County Fairgrounds stage since Jimi Hendrix burned his guitar at the legendary Monterey Pop Festival at the Fairgrounds in 1967.

Furthur fans used the Monterey County Fair website to purchase tickets to the two upcoming concerts that will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 7 and 8, 2011 in the Pattee Arena of the Monterey County Fairgrounds. There are millions of Grateful Dead fans around the world and they even have their own satellite channel on Sirius XM Channel 23. The legions of tye-dye-clad “Dead-heads” of all ages will surely be dancing at the Monterey County Fairgrounds at the two concerts in early October.

Over 73,000 community members enjoyed the wide array of great entertainment and educational displays featured at the 75th Annual Monterey County Fair.  The Monterey County Fairgrounds is a premiere event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is home of the annual Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility. The Monterey County Fair is the 7th District Agricultural Association of the State of California and is located at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey.

For more information or to book an event or party, contact the Monterey County Fair by calling (831) 372-5863 or check out to www.montereycountyfair.com.

Upcoming Fun in Monterey County!

Summer may be over but here in Monterey County, there's on-going fun for the whole family! Here's just a few events that locals and visitors will love!

SEAMUS KENNEDY RETURNS!

Don’t miss the Seamus Kennedy show at the Monterey Elks Lodge Friday, Sept. 30!  Get a corned beef & cabbage dinner 5-6, and see the 7 pm show for just $27.  If you’re an Elk, a guest of an Elk, or love an evening of good food, good music and laughter… call now for reservations 373-1285

Seamus has been entertaining audiences all over the United States for almost four decades. An accomplished guitarist originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, he makes folks laugh, sing and forget their cares for a while.  Kennedy’s ability to combine a total command of the music with humor makes him unique in the industry and his strong interactive entertainment skills and audience participation songs have helped him create an exceptionally loyal fan base.  If you missed him at the Highland Games, here’s another chance!

15TH ANNUAL MUSICAL MARKETPLACE AT DEL MONTE SHOPPING CENTER CONTINUES EVERY THURSDAY IN SEPTEMBER

 

Enjoy great Fall Musical Fun that benefits Special Kids Crusade, a non-profit

organization that develops resources, raises awareness and provides

support for children with disabilities and their families.

 

Beginning Thursday, September 1, 2011, Del Monte Shopping Center will host the popular 15th Annual Musical Marketplace for five sequential

Thursday evenings in September, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M, featuring great music, wine, food, giveaways, and shopping. Delicious food and wine will be provided by mall restaurants and wineries. The 2011 Musical Marketplace events will be held around the Sunken Garden and the Fountain area at Del Monte Shopping Center, and entertainment includes:

 

Thursday, September 1 – Dennis Murphy Band

Dennis Murphy, a popular vocalist, bassist, and guitarist, has

appeared on over 30 albums and is known for his smooth jazz sound.

 www.dennis.smoothjazz.com

 

Thursday, September 8  The Chicano All Stars Band

The Chicano All Stars is a complete eight piece band based on a great

mix of Latin Rock, Old School, Classic Rock & Roll and Santana tunes.

www.chicanoallstars.com

 

Thursday, September 15 – 8 Second Ride

8 Second Ride is an entertaining, energetic variety band that has

performed country, rock, oldies and much more for over 30 years.

 

Thursday, September 22   The Firefly Band

Firefly is a classic rock band whose dance rock repertoire spans three

decades and includes hits from Van Morrison, the Doobie Brothers and

James Brown.

fireflybandpg.com

 

Thursday, September 29 – The Bornia Boys Blues Band

The Bornia Boys Blues Band is a 6-piece band consisting of a vocalist,

lead/slide guitar, key boards, bass, drums, and harmonica’s.

www.eyebone.com

 

A $10 donation directly benefits Special Kids Crusade and allows

guests to sample cuisine from Del Monte Shopping Center restaurants,

award-winning wines with experts on hand to talk about the specific

wines each week.  A complimentary wine glass will be given to all

guests. More information is available on the website:

www.shopdelmonte.com

 

Del Monte Shopping Center features more than 75 unique shops,

restaurants and eateries, and a luxury spa and fitness center, plus

Macy’s, Whole Foods Market and Century Theatres.  The spacious,

open-air shopping center offers comfortable seating, beautiful

landscaping, and ample parking for its shoppers. For more information

on store listings, movie times, weekend entertainment, and special

events, please call the Guest Services Center at 372-4540 or visit

www.shopdelmonte.com.

 

THIS EVENT LOOKS GREAT!

A SPECIAL “ART ON THE WHARF” EVENT TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011 AT HISTORIC OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF IN MONTEREY

September 14, 2011. Monterey, CA. Don't miss a free fun interactive event for all ages that showcases the work of talented artists from Monterey County and inspires new artists, too! ART ON THE WHARF will be held at Old Fisherman's Wharf located at #1 Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California on Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This event will dovetail with the Art in the Adobes event that is held nearby in downtown Monterey on September 30, October 1 & 2.

ART ON THE WHARF promotes and showcases the artistic community of
the Monterey Peninsula by giving them an outlet to showcase their talent while at the same time inspiring the next generation of artists. There will be many fun activities for attendees of all ages that will include helping to paint murals, a scavenger hunt, squid cleaning, fish and squid painting, beach debris clean up and art creation, chalk art, musical performances, a raffle and much more! There are also a wide array of delicious restaurants and great shopping on Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
 
ART ON THE WHARF continues the tradition of honoring professional and aspiring local artists of all ages in a multitude of artistic mediums who will offer their work for sale: painting, pottery, papercuts, metal work, sculpture, photography, video and performing artists. Artists will showcase their work in several areas of Old Fisherman’s Wharf as well as on the causeway between the Wharf and the Monterey Museum. There will be some displays inside two “galleries” on the Wharf which will be juried. 10% of the gross sales of the art will be donated to the historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf Association for helping to pay for the costs of future events. 

Schedule of Events:

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Artwork displayed and for sale on The Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Causeway

10:00 AM -7:00 PM Artists performing their art, painting, creating, and more.
Squid Cleaning Demonstration.

10:00 AM -12:00 PM Beach Clean Up - Registration at Head of Fisherman’s Wharf. Participants in the Beach Clean Up should bring their own gloves and buckets to collect the debris. Plastic gloves and plastic bags will be provided, but it is much greener if plastic is not used. Participants will be asked to complete a data card for a variety of ocean study organizations.

3:30 PM - Concert on the Wharf with Barbara Joy Howard and The La Mesa School Children's Chorus, accompanied on keyboards by Nick Peter Fettis and percussion by Doug MacKinnon.

The Pacific Grove High School Breaker Band and the Pacific Grove Middle School Jazz band will be performing on the wharf throughout the day.

Artwork by the public and other activities:

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Create Art from Marine Debris collected at the Beach Clean Up at the Finger Pier

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Chalk Art in front of Rappa's Restaurant

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM  Murals at three locations:  public will write and draw concepts for three bare walls

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Create art with poster paints on The Finger Pier

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Raffle sold at the beginning of the Wharf with Registration for Beach Clean Up

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Scavenger Hunt Registration at Head of Wharf with Beach Clean Up

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Fish and Squid Painting on the Finger Pier


3:30 PM - Concert on the Wharf with Barbara Joy and The La Mesa School Children's Chorus   at the Wharf Theater, accompanied on keyboards by Nick Peter Fettis and percussion by Doug MacKinnon. Barbara Joy and the children will perform a number of songs including the recently recorded original song by Barbara Joy, "Don't Let Us Go" - a song devoted to marine wildlife. There will be limited seating. Concert donations will benefit the children's chorus program at La Mesa Elementary School in Monterey.

Barbara Joy is a singer/songwriter/guitarist and recording artist. She performs in concerts and on stages across the country. She also writes musical themes for nonprofits and performs in concert with children and choruses at fundraising events. Contact: joybarbara@netscape.net.

For more information about Art on the Wharf, to volunteer or to become a participating artist, call Bob Massaro at (831) 649-6544 or email  bmassaro@bostrommanagement.com and
check out the website at www.montereywharf.com.


 

A Celtic Musical Bouquet at the 44th Annual Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival

Just reflecting on the past two days at the 44th Annual Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival. I hated for the festival to end! We had gorgeous cool weather and the festival ran smoothly and professionally. Great dancers, musicians, crafts, clans, pipers, drummers and much, much more. I enjoyed every moment!

This year, the combination of entertainment was exceptional...a true musical cornucopia that featured Seamus Kennedy, Brother, Sligo Rags, Scott McDonald and Shannon Miller. All were outstanding and I enjoyed hearing Seamus' new cowboy songs, too.

The special musical surprise for me this year was the Australian band, Brother. I had heard of them over the years as I have attended dozens of Celtic festivals here and throughout the Bay Area. As someone who has handled the PR for the Monterey Games for over a decade and as a wanna-be-nearly made it bagpiper (well, I actually could play the pipes a bit but then got injured ... still love the sound)...anyhow, I am especially partial to bands that feature a talented bagpiper.

It's been that way for years! I love Aaron's piping in the Wicked Tinkers, John Allen's in Stand Easy, David Brewer's in Molly's Revenge, Lorne Cousin, Finlay McDonald, and others, and even just recently discovered the pipes in AC DC's "It's a Long Way to the Top" (thank you, You Tube ). For me, bagpipes add something so special to a group - they should be in every great band, don't you think? Also, when I helped to launch a bagipe school in Pebble Beach for several years, it brought me closer to gold medal pipers who I continue to admire.

But as a true longtime lover of rock music, for me, seeing a band blend a skilled piper and an electric guitarist successfully applied to interesting original music is such a complete musical treat! 

After hearing Brother's four performances this past weekend with many friends and fans, I simply want to urge everyone to go out and catch a live performance of Brother - or just obtain their CDs and get a feel for what they're doing. They're creative, intuitive and best of all, feature some bagpiping prowess. I love their blend of didgeridoo and bagpipes which are two "exciting" instruments that don't always meld well together. 

Here's more information about the Brother...

Chances are you’ve seen BROTHER on NBC’s ‘ER’, maybe heard their music on the classic ‘Baraka’ soundtrack. The band has shared stages with Joe Walsh, John Entwhistle, Linkin Park, and Alicia Keys and are the only independent band to have played the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fusing signature vocals, guitar and keyboards with the deep pulse of the didgeridoo, the soaring highs of the bagpipes and tribal percussion, BROTHER is wholly original. The band’s powerhouse live performances are an energetic celebration, captivating and engaging the audience from the first song to the last. BROTHERmusic.com

Check them out!

A Musical Life Celebrated - Bill Graham - Concert Promoter Extraordinare!

It's always a huge treat for us to go up to San Francisco to see its beauty and history. Yesterday was no exception!

We were honored to meet Peter Fitzsimmons and Claudia Polley of the Jazz Heritage Center at the Lush Life Gallery and see the not-to-be-missed exhibit highlighting the life of concert promoter, Bill Graham, which was produced and curated by the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation.

Due to my proximity to San Francisco while attending college at UC Berkeley, it was inevitable that our paths would cross. I have memories of watching Bill "operate" at several concerts, interacting with the attendees or making announcements in his not to be forgotten special New York accented voice.He worked with many of the most gifted musicians of the times...

Fom Tina & Mick...

...to Neil Young and hundreds of other top performers! He also did many fundraising concerts which revealed his huge heart and dedication to making this a better place for all of us. 

Bill also got involved in his concerts as a performer...from his memorable Father Time persona for New Year's Shows to other special costumes! He pushed the envelope in his profession and will never be forgotten! He was also quite an amazing marketer - there hasn't been anyone quite like him since in the music industry and it's unlikely there ever will be. 

Bill Graham was simply a very special person who left a huge mark on the music tapestry of San Francisco. Congratulations to the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation and also the Jazz Heritage Center (conveniently located in the Yoshi's San Francisco building so catch a show there, too) for taking the time and effort to create this thoughtful exhibit. Check it out soon! 

Here's the press release for more details...

PRESENTING: BILL GRAHAM – THE LIFE AND TIMES
 OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST ROCK IMPRESARIO
- AN EXHIBIT OPENING THURSDAY, MAY 5^TH  
AT THE LUSH LIFE GALLERY IN SAN FRANCISCO

 

San Francisco, CA – April 15, 2011 – The Bill Graham Memorial Foundation is very proud to announce the upcoming photo exhibit Presenting: Bill Graham - a journey through the astonishing life and times of Bill Graham, rock 'n' roll's greatest impresario. The month-long free exhibit at the Lush Life Gallery at the Jazz Heritage Center in San Francisco will open to the public on Thursday, May 5.

In his own words, (in caption form, as chronicled in his biography Bill Graham Presents: My Life Inside Rock and Out, which he co-authored with acclaimed rock journalist Robert Greenfield), the exhibition follows Bill from his childhood in war-torn Germany to a new life in New York City, his emergence as a concert promoter in psychedelic San Francisco, his enduring influence on the way rock music is still presented, and his life-long passion to bring about social change by raising money for an endless variety of good causes. 

All of the images come from Bill's family with the exception of some on loan from the extraordinary photographers of the era, and various collectors in the rock and roll community, including Bill's archivist James Olness. Bill personally had many of these items framed and then determined how they were to be displayed in the Bill Graham Presents offices, venues, and even his homes. Some of these frames either survived the 1985 fire at Bill Graham Presents or were restored following the fire, with a few still showing signs of that event. More than 100 images will be on display; many never before seen by the public.

"As an organization committed to telling the diverse history of San Francisco's Fillmore neighborhood, the Jazz Heritage Center is pleased to join with the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation on this important exhibit," says Peter Fitzsimmons, Executive Director of the Jazz Heritage Center. "There could be no better place to tell Bill Graham's life story than in the heart of the Fillmore District. This is an exhibit that anyone who cares about the history of San Francisco and the importance of the Fillmore District should see. While growing up in the Fillmore during the summer of love, I witnessed the exciting psychedelic fusion of jazz and the emerging San Francisco rock sound in the early days of Graham's Fillmore Auditorium concerts."

 

The Lush Life Gallery, located at 1320-1330 Fillmore Street in San Francisco, is the artistic heart of the Jazz Heritage Center. The gallery specializes in jazz- and Fillmore District-themed art, including paintings, photographs, posters, sculptures and mixed-media presentations created by nationally-known and local artists, and is one of the only non-profit galleries of its kind in the country.

 "While working as a deejay at KSAN-FM in the 70s, I had the great pleasure of interviewing Bill at length many times (all for the small price of a bologna sandwich or a plate of chopped liver) and then also worked for him at Bill Graham Management. Better than anyone I have ever known, Bill understood the music, the artists who made it, and, most importantly of all, how to present all this to an audience safely and with enormous flare. As I worked on this exhibit, I was constantly reminded of the lessons Bill taught us all and of his remarkable, unstoppable spirit. I am very happy to be able to help bring this story of an amazing man and his extraordinary times to everyone," says Bonnie Simmons, Executive Director of the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation,

Presenting: Bill Graham will be unveiled on Thursday, May 5 and run for one month. The Lush Life Gallery is open Wed. – Sat. 3pm - 10pm, Sun. 2pm - 8pm and Mon. & Tues. by appointment only. The Jazz Heritage Center's Koret Heritage Lobby is open daily 10am - 11pm.  For more information please visit www.jazzheritagecenter.org/lushlife or call (415) 255-7745.

 

This incredible exhibit is presented by the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation
& created in part with the generous support of the Koret Foundation.

The Bill Graham Memorial Foundation was formed in January of 2008 in memory of Bill Graham. The Foundation is a public charity that is funded through individual and corporate contributions and grants, and is guided by a broad-based group which includes Bill's sons, several former long-time employees of Bill Graham Presents and other community leaders.

A mission of The Bill Graham Memorial Foundation is the giving of grants primarily in the areas of music, the arts and education, while also supporting social work, environmental protection, and spiritual and compassionate projects in our community. In this spirit, The Bill Graham Memorial Foundation seeks to assist those whose needs are oftentimes not served by larger philanthropic organizations. The mission includes education and outreach programs, as well as the creation of an annual community award, "The Bill Graham Awards." For more information please visit www.billgrahamfoundation.org

The Jazz Heritage Center (JHC) is the only permanent cultural and educational complex dedicated to the long history of jazz in San Francisco and the Fillmore District. Located within the new Fillmore Heritage Center in the heart of the Historic Fillmore Jazz Preservation District, the non-profit Jazz Heritage Center is part jazz museum, part jazz cultural center, and part jazz art gallery. By showcasing art and historical exhibitions, concerts, films and youth programming, the JHC's mission is to preserve and promote jazz, an American national treasure, while celebrating the multi-cultural history of the Fillmore.  

 

He was the chief Deadhead, you know. He was the mambo king, but he also loved the Grateful Dead and that whole scene.  – Mickey Hart

Big booming voice… more of a performer than a lot of the acts he promoted. In the early years, a great guide. We fought with him - I'm sure a lot of people did. But we'll miss him. He was fun. Rock and Roll has lost another great…actor. - Bono

 

# # #

For more information please contact:
JHC at info@jazzheritagecenter.org or 415-255-7745

 

"Cowboy Day at the Monterey County Fairgrounds"...A Great Collaboration!

NOTE: NEW DATE OF SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2011!!!

Here's a brand new special free fun event that reflects an outstanding collaboration between the Monterey County Fair and the Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival. Here's what we're talking about...
 

 
“COWBOY DAY AT THE MONTEREY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS” TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH
 
Find your inner or outer cowboy…or cowgirl! Come celebrate our Western and Vaquero traditions in Monterey County! The Monterey County Fair and the Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival are “teaming up” and co-sponsoring a new free event, “Cowboy Day at the Monterey County Fairgrounds” that will be held on Saturday, June 4th from Noon to 6 PM at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey (831) 372-5863. There will be great entertainment, contests, kids activities, horse demos, and delicious food, snacks and beverages available from the Monterey County Fair and the Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival.

Bring the entire family and learn more about the Cowboy Way of Life and Western history and traditions. This very special event for all ages will include many fun cowboy-themed kids activities, including hat shaping, leather stamping and tooling, branding wood blocks, roping bales of hay, scarf tying, and more. There will be exciting roping and horse demonstrations in the Pattee Arena. Volunteers from several 4H clubs, FFA clubs, Monterey County Fair and the Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival will help coordinate all of these fun activities. Every child will also receive a free Cattle Country Activity Kit created by the California Cattlewomen.


In addition, contestants for the beautiful and talented Miss Monterey National Horse Show Contest (ages 16-21) will be participating at the event, with demonstrations of their horsemanship abilities, scholastic ability, poise and personality. The coronation of the Miss Monterey National Horse Show will take place during the Monterey National Horse Show (July 7-11, 2011).

During Cowboy Day at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, there will also be live Cowboy music as well as Cowboy poetry. A contest for the best-dressed cowboy and cowgirl (youth and adult) in both traditional and Mexican attire will include many prizes. All attendees who wear a cowboy hat will receive an extra ticket for the free drawing to win great prizes.


In a great community collaboration, Cowboy Day at the Monterey County Fairgrounds was created to provide a sneak preview of some of the great events to be held in 2011 including the return of the Monterey National Horse Show at the Fairgrounds (July 7-10, 2011), Monterey County Fair with its theme of “Horse ‘N Around” (August 31-September 5, 2011) and the 13th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival at the Monterey Conference Center (December 2-4, 2011).
 
The Monterey County Fairgrounds is a premiere event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is home of the annual award-winning Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility. The Monterey County Fair is the 7th District Agricultural Association of the State of California. . The 2011 Monterey County Fair, "Horse 'N Around!" will be held on August 31-September 5, 2011. For more information, call (831) 372-5863 or www.montereycountyfair.com.


The 13th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival and Christmas Art & Gear Show (www.montereycowboy.org) will be held from Friday through Sunday, December 2, 3 and 4, 2011 at the Monterey Conference Center located at One Portola Plaza in downtown Monterey, CA. This popular annual event for all ages celebrates Monterey's contribution to our western heritage with cowboy poetry, song and a first class Christmas Western Art and Gear show. The festival brings together people from all over the United States to enjoy and learn more about the "cowboy way of life," including its history, current values and culture. The festival has many shows scheduled over the three days plus a Jam Session on Friday and Saturday nights, a Christmas Art & Gear Show, Silent Auction and its special Sunday morning Cowboy Church, which benefits The Salvation Army and features many of the top performers of the weekend. The Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival also coordinates the popular Cowboys in the Schools Program. During the school year volunteers work with local educators to introduce the concept of Cowboy Culture and the influence of the vaquero to a diverse group of elementary school students. This "Cowboy Way of Life" program helps to teach youth self-esteem, ethics, values, writing, art and history.   Young people also participate in the "Open Mic" event during the Cowboy Festival weekend  For more information, check out www.montereycowboy.org or call 1-800-722-9652.










 

-- 
Wendy Brickman, MBA, MA
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center, #250
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 633-4444 phone
(831) 633-4499 fax
(831) 831-594-1500 cell
www.brickmanmarketing.com
 
Winner of 2009 One of the 8 Top Women in Monterey County – Monterey County Commission on the Status of Women
 
Winner of 2008 Woman of the Year – Professional Women’s Network

Winner of 1999 Small Business Advocate of the Year – California Chamber of Commerce

Winner of Four Business Excellence Awards (2010, 2007, 2003, 1998) & Robert C. Littlefield Award – Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce 

Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival & Event Planning

This is my 5th year helping with the marketing of the Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival and we're a few weeks away from its 3-day event on December 10-12, 2010 at the Monterey Conference Center. Can't wait to hear the great musicians and poets on the ine-up from Ian Tyson to Juni Fisher and over a dozen other talented folks.

I am amazed by the hard work of the volunteer Board to put on this complex event which has world class musicians, great volunteer Barbecue, an amazing Christmas Art & Gear Show with dozens of skilled artisans, a great Silent Auction and Live Raffle, and much more. We have been planning this festival all year long and it's going to be fabulous! Led by "not a problem" Frank Pinney, the Board has put in hundreds of hours to thoughtfully plan each detail. It is so helpful to have "veterans" who can anticipate issues that may arise and skillfully avoid the pitfalls and problems that may have come up a dozen years ago. The sponsors are critical of course to the overall success as well as the thousands of attendees who come large distances to enjoy this event in beautiful Monterey, along with our locals who can stroll down the street to the Monterey Conference Center in a weather-proof comfortable theater in December.

I love doing the marketing, advertising and publicity for this event for five years and it is a pleasure to work with a quality Board of Directors who roll up their sleeves and "git it done." The beautiful artwork that was created by the Wecker Group only helps to brand this event that brings back its fans year after year (see below).

From a marketing lesson perspective, before you take on planning an event for your organization, you want to be sure you have a core of hard-working people to help you so that things flow smoothly. You want to have agendas for your meetings and doublecheck follow through ... especially on new participants who may be unfamiliar with the intricacies of the event itself or the role they're playing on the Board or event committee. Be sure you all are dedicated to the organization and the event itself because you can't "assume" that things will get done like I've witnessed on other events over the past two decades. It's those little details that add up to create a very special event that is now in its 12th year! Hope you'll bring some friends and family and check it out this year! Lots of details at www.montereycowboy.org. See you there!