The Texas Poker Store Announces New Poker Song ?I May Be Bluffin?? written by Randy Pavlock and Jim Paris Now in Production

College Station, Texas (PRWEB) May 21, 2012

It?s only natural that Jim Paris, owner and Chief Dealer of The Texas Poker Store, would eventually go back to his rock and roll roots. He recently stepped away from the poker tables and teamed up with Randy Pavlock to write and produce a Texas Poker song.

?It?s a collaboration made in heaven,? says Jim Paris, about his relationship with singer-songwriter Randy Pavlock. ?I produced the legendary Buddy Miles in the mid-1970s and early 1980s, and Randy not only called him his friend and mentor, but toured with Buddy on his farewell tour in 2007. Randy and I have been friends since we met at Buddy?s memorial in Austin."

?When I got the idea to create a new poker song, there was nobody better to call than Randy,? says Paris.

Pavlock jumped on the idea to compose a new song about poker. He immediately texted Paris some preliminary lyrics and Paris replied with continuation lyrics. Pavlock sent a rough acoustic version to Paris within days. Then Paris changed a few words, added another verse and a bridge and the two went back and forth until they were both satisfied that they had it right. ?I wanted the lyrics to be authentic for real poker players, but also have a broader appeal, Paris notes. Pavlock also wanted the song to cross over and appeal to country rock fans as well as to rock n roll, so he added a driving rhythm that could please both audiences."

Pavlock has called on his band, Twenty Four Seven to lay down the music tracks. They are now in the studio laying down drums, bass, rhythm and lead guitar and, to sweeten it up, some hot keyboards.

?I May Be Bluffin?? should be ready for release in a few weeks, after which Paris and Pavlock will follow with a music video.

?I knew I could bet all my poker chips on Randy and come up with a winner,? says Paris.

The Texas Poker Store was founded by Jim and Lynn Paris in 2011. Located in College Station - Bryan, Texas, the Texas Poker Store is a fully-stocked online poker store that offers 100 percent secured shopping. It features hundreds of poker supplies from poker cards, to the finest in luxury poker tables, folding poker tables and a variety of poker table tops. It carries poker chips and chip cases, poker novelties and collectibles, poker books and DVDs and the perfect gifts for any game room. You can find the Texas Poker Store's website at http://www.texaspokerstore.com, or visit their blog at http://www.texaspokerstoreblog.com Follow them on twitter and keep up with them on Facebook and Pinterest.

Magellan Releases Cover of Immortal Kansas Hit

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) May 21, 2012

Veteran progressive metal/rock group Magellan have just released a cover of the classic Kansas hit ?Dust in the Wind? as a digital only single. The song showcases Magellan?s interpretation of the iconic piece which was produced by Trent Gardner. Simultaneously, they have also released a full-length digital album entitled, "Innocent God".

The original song ?Dust in the Wind? was released by Kansas in 1977 and reached number six on the Billboard Charts. That made it the group?s only top ten hit. While Magellan?s version is certainly a new interpretation, both the vocal melodies and lyrical concepts are delivered expertly by guest vocalist Rob Lopez. Indeed, it was those lyrics, particularly "Now, don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky / It slips away, and all your money won't another minute buy" that inspired Trent Gardner to create a new version of the song.

Magellan was formed in the San Francisco Bay area in 1985. The Gardner brothers have been the core of the group since its inception. Guests on various Magellan albums have included Jethro Tull?s Ian Anderson, Tony Levin and Twisted Sister?s Joe Franco. Throughout the group?s history, one of the driving motivations in terms of musical direction for Magellan is to keep the ?rock? part of ?progressive rock? alive in their music. Like the explorer whose name the band took, Magellan strives to forge new and unexplored paths.

That explorative nature is also reflected in Trent Gardner?s other project, "Explorers Club.? With that group Gardner worked with such musical luminaries as Billy Sheehan, Yes? Steve Howe, Steve Walsh of Kansas, several members of Dream Theater (John Petrucci, James Labrie, John Myung) and Terry Bozzio (Missing Persons, Frank Zappa).

For more information you can check out Magellan on the web at http://magellansongs.com. The single can be downloaded from Apple?s iTunes and emusic - or the bands website. Legitimate media representatives can get a review copy of "Dust in the Wind" by sending an email to pr(at)musicstreetjournal(dot)com or magellansongs(at)gmail(dot)com. The same email addresses can be used to set up interviews or get any other materials needed for features. In addition, Magellan's "Innocent God" album can be streamed on the main page of the band?s website, magellansongs.com.

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Contact: pr(at)musicstreetjournal(dot)com, magellansongs(at)gmail(dot)com

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Announces Yearlong Tribute: Harvey Milk 2013: Living The Legacy

San Francisco, Ca (PRWEB) May 22, 2012

On the night of November 27,1978, reeling from the news that Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk had been assassinated, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (SFGMC) found themselves having their debut performance. Instead of their usual rehearsal, the newly formed group joined thousands of candle-carrying San Franciscans, singing Mendelsohn's a capella "Thou Lord Our Refuge" on the steps of City Hall.

Since that night in 1978, SFGMC has grown from a small chorus singing to a shocked city to become the world's premier gay men's chorus. Inspired by Milk's community values and neighborhood models, SFGMC is comprised of nearly 300 voices, tours worldwide, sells several albums, provides a social support structure via creative community for thousands, raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities and much, much more.

With the 35th anniversary of the assassinations approaching, SFGMC would like to focus on Harvey Milk as a legacy ? not as a tragedy. Milk's legacy has spread around the globe and lives in the stories of "Harvey?s children? in the generations that followed. These "children", including SFGMC, are proof that Milk's contribution to the world overshadows his murder. It is the intent of SFGMC to use part of their "iconic" 35th anniversary season to uncover and celebrate some of those stories with Harvey Milk 2013: Living The Legacy.

"The Chorus has been preparing for this since its very birth 34 years ago," says SFGMC Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig. We have been seriously planning for over two years. During that time, we have realized that so many of the things that Harvey loved and lived for are the very same things the Chorus exists to promote ? we are Harvey! Putting this story to music is one of the greatest joys and challenges we have ever faced. To say we are thrilled would be an understatement."

Starting in April of 2010 and gathering pace since then, SFGMC, along with several partners such as the Harvey Milk Foundation, has been planning for Harvey Milk 2013: Living The Legacy. Joining SFGMC to co-commission the work are the Atlanta Gay Men?s Chorus and the New York City Gay Men?s Chorus. This commemoration will include region-wide events and will culminate in a world premiere, multi-media concert and exhibition event presented by SFGMC in June 2013.

Included in the event will be the winners of a call for artistic submissions from the general public, as well as a commissioned work by Broadway composer Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family Musical). Harvey Milk 2013: Living the Legacy will proudly articulate the legacy of a man who changed the landscape for the generations who followed him.

SFGMC Executive Director Teddy Witherington describes the breadth of the project. ?Harvey Milk 2013 is a call to action, a call to participate and cause to celebrate. There?s a play, a film and a few books, but this will be the first full-length musical interpretation of Harvey?s Legacy. This epic endeavor is underway and folks can join the community that is growing around the work at http://facebook.com/harveymilk2013. From sea to shining sea, Harvey?s legacy will be glitter in 2013!?

Further information on Harvey Milk: Living The Legacy can be found on the SFGMC website at http://sfgmc.org/harvey2013, and will be updated periodically as 2013 approaches.

About Andrew Lippa
ANDREW LIPPA wrote the Tony-nominated music and lyrics for the Broadway musical The Addams Family, book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), which opened in April of 2010 and starred Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. Mr. Lippa wrote the music for the Broadway production of Aaron Sorkin?s (The Social Network, A Few Good Men) new play The Farnsworth Invention directed by Des McAnuff. Asphalt Beach (music and lyrics) was
premiered at Northwestern University by the American Music Theatre Project in October, 2006. The Wild Party (book/music/lyrics) was given its world premiere in 2000 at the Manhattan Theater Club in New York City. The Wild Party won the Outer Critics Circle Award for best Off-Broadway musical of the season and Mr. Lippa won the 2000 Drama Desk Award for best music. 2004 saw the premiere of A Little Princess (book and lyrics by Brian Crawley) at Theatreworks in Palo Alto, CA (recording will be released September 6, 2011). In 1999 he contributed three new songs to the Broadway version of You?re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (including ?My New Philosophy? for Tony-Award Winner Kristin Chenoweth) and created all new arrangements. He wrote the music and co-wrote the book (with Tom Greenwald) for john & jen, which premiered in New York City in 1995 at The Lamb?s Theater. Next up: A musical adaptation of Jules Feiffer?s book The Man In The Ceiling.

Mr. Lippa is proud to have been music director for Kristin Chenoweth since 1999 for many of her concerts. He conducted/played her sold-out shows at the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC in 2007, at Carnegie Hall in 2004, and at the Donmar Warehouse in London in 2002. He has conducted the San Francisco, Chicago, and St. Louis Symphony Orchestras for Ms. Chenoweth, among others.

Additionally, he is an accomplished singer having been heard in many venues in New York and, in 2005, as a guest artist at the Adelaide Cabaret Convention in Adelaide, Australia.Recordings include Julia Murney?s CD I?m Not Waiting (producer, 3 songs), The Wild Party (RCA Victor) which he also produced, You?re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (RCA Victor) which earned him a Grammy Award nomination, The Addams Family, A Little Princess (will be released September 6, 2011), and john & jen (Fynsworth Alley) which he associate produced. Jazz phenom Peter Cincotti recorded the song ?Raise The Roof? on his CD titled On The Moon (Phil Ramone, producer). In addition, Mr. Lippa produced the original cast recording of Bat Boy for RCA Victor and his singing voice can be heard on The Sondheim Album on Fynsworth Alley and If I Sing on PS Classics. Vocal selections from The Addams Family, A Little Princess, The Wild Party and john & jen are published by Hal Leonard and the shows are l icensed by Music Theatre International. Hal Leonard will also release The Andrew Lippa Song Book in Fall, 2011
Awards include a Tony and Grammy nomination, sharing in an Emmy for the Nickelodeon TV series ?The Wonder Pets?, the Gilman/Gonzalez-Falla Theater Foundation Award, ASCAP?s Richard Rodgers/New Horizons Award, The Drama Desk, The Outer Critics Circle and second place for the Alice B. Deucey Award for all-around outstanding fifth-grader (lost to Cynthia Fink). Memberships include ASCAP, Actor?s Equity and the American Federation of Musicians.A graduate of the University of Michigan, Mr. Lippa serves on the council of The Dramatists Guild. He was born in Leeds, England but grew up in suburban Detroit.

About San Francisco Gay Men?s Chorus
Founded in 1978, the San Francisco Gay Men?s Chorus was the world?s first gay-identified chorus, and inspired the formation of an international LGBT choral movement. The SFGMC commissions new music and develops repertoire for men?s choruses and LGBT choruses. SFGMC presents a home season of three productions, makes more than 30 appearances annually for diverse audiences, and has raised over $ 650,000 for community services.
Experience SFGMC online at http://www.youtube.com/SFGMCVideo

Chicago-based Jazz Vocalist Milton Suggs Releases "Lyrical, Volume 1? New CD on Skiptone Music Label, July 24, 2012

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 22, 2012

In 2010 with his debut album as a leader, Things to Come, vocalist Milton Suggs established himself as an artist to be aware of and watch closely. He cements that idea with a strong showing in 2012 with the first volume in an anticipated series of albums simply and appropriately entitled, ?Lyrical.?

Lyrical, Volume I was recorded in late 2011 and early in 2012 with some fine instrumental talent out of the midwest. Detroit pianist Michael Jellick, bassist Joshua Ramos, and drummer Greg Artry comprise the rhythm section while several talented horn players including trumpeters Corey Wilkes and Marquis Hill, as well as saxophonist Christopher McBride make strong statements as soloists.

True to its title, the album?s repertoire consists of arrangements by Milton Suggs of compositions from some of the most beloved musicians and composers in jazz all with original lyrics by Suggs. The album opens with three Wayne Shorter compositions: first, the powerful war-like anthem ?Before It?s Too Late? (originally called ?Armageddon?), followed by ?Walking Out? (?Footprints?), before winding down to a moving ballad in ?Jayme?s Song? (?Infant Eyes?), a father?s ode to his newborn daughter.

The musical as well as lyrical content of this album is an eclectic display of different styles as well as subject matter. With styles ranging from straight ahead swing, to bossa, to R&B influenced grooves, Suggs offers the diversity and accessibility that is coming to define his work. A self proclaimed romantic, he approaches the subject of love from many different angles; from laments of loss in songs such as ?Only A Memory? (based on Lee Morgan?s ?Ceora?) to praises of adoration in songs like ?Side by Side? (based on Benny Golson?s ever popular ?Stablemates?) his words go a long way in illustrating love?s complexity and vastness.

It has been two years since the release of Milton?s acclaimed debut album, Things to Come, and between now and then he certainly hasn?t been resting on his laurels. In addition to performing throughout the country in places such as The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Milton has been writing. Not only has he been building a catalogue of original music for later recording and release, but he has also spent much of his time crafting lyrics to the melodies of many of his favorite well known and lesser known jazz compositions to be released on subsequent volumes.

Writing is something for which Milton discovered a fondness at an early age. ?I was probably in the third grade, around eight years old, when I found a book of poetry at a family member?s house,? recalls Suggs. ?I read this one poem ?She Walks in Beauty like the Night? and I was mesmerized. From then on I was trying to write love poetry. When music came into the picture I began to understand how when great melodies are paired with honest and meaningful lyrics, the best of both worlds come together and create something new and special.? It is only fitting that an album like Lyrical is being released when it is. We were given a preview of Milton?s prowess as a lyricist on his previous album, and now it is being displayed on a larger scale.

??Things to Come? was my manifesto, a declaration of some of the directions I intend to go in my career. So I?ve really been taking to time to see those goals through to fulfillment,? Suggs says.
?There is so much great music out there that the possibilities seem endless when it comes to putting words to melodies. I really enjoyed the project because it gives me the opportunity to step away from writing music and really focus on my appreciation for these great tunes by other artists.?

While the elder statesmen such as Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, and Benny Golson have provided Suggs with much lyrical inspiration, he also shows appreciation for a younger generation of artists such as trumpeter Roy Hargrove. ?Joy Enough to Spare? is a lyrical treatment of Hargrove?s ?Joy is Sorrow Unmasked? from his 2008 album Earfood. Not only does Suggs provide a warm vocal on this track, but he also accompanies himself on piano.

While the influence of masters such as Eddie Jefferson and Jon Hendricks was apparent with his previous album, Suggs adds a new dimension to his vocal styling that reflects the influence of soul singers Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye and even groups such as the Chi-lites and Blue Magic. ?Of course soul is much of what I grew up listening to, so I wanted to explore possibilities of pairing some of those vocal recording techniques with the jazz standards,? Suggs says. On many songs from this album, Milton provides his own background vocal accompaniment, something that is not typically heard among jazz vocalists.

Milton?s soul music influence comes to life in the vibrant ?Will You Fly with Me?, an R&B style song based on Tadd Dameron?s ?Lady Bird? and Miles Davis?s ?Half Nelson? with a track from producer and vibraphonist Justin ?Justefan? Thomas. With a stunning solo from pianist Michael Jellick, this particular song offers what might be considered a more contemporary spin to an ever popular jazz classic.

When asked what possibilities might lie ahead within his career Suggs had this to say, ?I definitely intend to keep putting out volumes of the ?Lyrical? series, but for my next immediate project I would like to do an album of all original compositions. But for now I?ll just focus on making sure this album gets heard.? With a combination of great tunes, solid arrangements, exceptional vocals, and great lyrics accomplishing that goal should not be a problem.

Jess Turner Releases Her Debut Album, "Jess Turner"

Rye, NY (PRWEB) May 22, 2012

Jess Turner?s self-titled debut album combines the accessibility and broad-appeal of pop music with a trained compositional style uncommon to the majority of singer-songwriters of her young age. In addition to her clear aptitude for composing with small ensembles, Jess? lyrical themes are more inventive and thought-provoking than many of her contemporaries. With the bonding of her multi-instrumental abilities (piano, cello, and guitar) and soothing vocals, Turner?s talent as a performer becomes evident with the first listen of this album. "Jess Turner" showcases this young songwriter?s musical ability through her thoughtful compositions and raw ability as a performer.

?Drown in His River,? arguably the most soulful song of the album, starts with a gritty union of piano and upright bass met by Turner?s powerful voice. This song is well-composed and arranged without sacrificing any pop sensibilities for its melodic prowess. ?Drown in His River? is unique in that it blends a very bluesy feel with an unquestionable pop sensibility - two worlds of music that rarely cross paths. The album?s eighth track, ?Chesapeake,? appears to draw influences from Ingrid Michaelson?s jazzy voice, and acoustic guitar-dominated arrangements make it a very rewarding listen. The tactful placement of each track and the melodic tensions built by Turner?s compositional finesse make "Jess Turner" a polished debut for the young artist. On the surface, this album is simple pop - it?s easy to listen to and uses lyrical themes predominantly about love - however, "Jess Turner" is intricately arranged and very well thought out proving Turner isn?t just a ?simple pop? art ist, but a talented songwriter with depth beyond her years and the tools needed to succeed at her disposal.

"Jess Turner" was recorded with Wayne Warnecke (Grace Potter, Deep Purple, Panic at The Disco), mixed and produced by Tim Reppert (Sly Stone, Whitney Houston, Beastie Boys) and mastered by Ian Kennedy (Matisyahu, The Lemonheads, Juliana Hatfield, Susan Tedeschi, Lori McKenna, Portugal The Man) at Soundtracks in Boston, MA.

You can learn more about Jess Turner and see her latest show dates on her website at http://www.jessturnermusic.com.

For further information/interviews/exclusives please contact Melissa Zeigler (at) powderfingerpromo (dot) com.

Ex-Menudo Star Addresses Burning Man Crisis

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 22, 2012

May 2012 -- Ash Ruiz, ex-member of Latin-sensation band, Menudo, formally launches his solo music career Tuesday, June 12, 2012, with a controversial music video after 14 years touring with conscious pop band, Here II Here. Ash will release his debut EP album ?Electric Innocence? and a music video inspired by Burning Man and the ticket crisis currently facing the mega-festival in the desert. The video is directed by Mikki Willis, founder of Elevate Films, whose credits include Alanis Morissette and India Arie.

Despite Burning Man Festival?s efforts to create a smooth ticketing process for the 2012 late-summer festival after last year?s sold out festival crashed online ticket sales, this year?s lottery system instead created an unprecedented crisis. The massive desert lake-bed festival, capped at 50,000 people by contract with Nevada land management authorities, relies on experienced veteran attendees (called "burners") each year to create the extensive fusion display of art and music. The lottery system failed to account for that need, and thousands of essential veteran burners have been unable to secure tickets for the approaching sold-out festival.

Ash's Music Video for his original song, "Burn (One Love)", addresses this with an up-tempo invitation for those who cannot attend the festival to create the experience in their own homes and communities. Given that the Burning Man culture has always encouraged people to bring its ethos of joyful - and responsible - human expression out from the desert and into mainstream, Ash's video works to visually create what that can look like. Ash says, ?When people watch this video, I want them to be inspired to live everyday like the fabulous creative beings they are!?

Early feedback from some listeners, however, have suggested the chorus lyrics, if misunderstood, may prove controversial. With an invitation to "let Mother Earth burn ... in one love", some listeners don't get as far as "one love" and only hear references to letting Mother Earth burn. Regardless, Ash insists the real gift in all his songs is the invitation for listeners to go beyond the veil of intellectual understanding into the realm that 13th-century Sufi poet, Rumi, called, "the field beyond rightdoing and wrongdoing." The lyrics are available on his website.

Simultaneously with the video, Ash's Debut EP Album, "Electric Innocence", will be released worldwide. Featuring 7 original ?electro-ganic?, beat-driven pop songs, Ash?s lyrical themes range from playful spirituality and self-love through the eyes of another, to the 2012 "end-of-the-world" conversation and humanity?s innate ability to achieve whatever it dreams.

"These songs are the fruit of a rich soil. I like to dive deep and dance in that place where lines of separation are but a myth", says Ash of his new album.

The music video will be released on Ash?s youtube page, http://www.youtube.com/ashruiztv, and his debut album will be available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Ash?s Official Website, http://www.ashruiz.com on Tuesday, June 12, 2012.

For interview opportunities contact
Bryan Reeves, Artist Management
812-480-1504, bryan (at) ashruiz (dot) com

ABOUT ASH
Ash Ruiz was raised around the globe, traveling as a member of the Latin teen-sensation band, Menudo. At 16 he traveled to Machu Picchu for a video shoot. When he stepped off the helicopter and touched the ground, everything disappeared. There was no Ash Ruiz, no Machu Picchu, no llama, no Peru, no Earth, no Universe. All that was present was the ordinary radiance of clear, all-pervading awareness. The inspired mainstream music he began writing from that moment would eventually be featured on ABC Good Morning America, at the United Nations, and before tens of thousands of people across USA & Canada for the next 20 years. Learn more at http://www.ashruiz.com.

Welcome to The Blue Yonder; The Debut Single from Stefan Drechsel Out Now

(PRWEB UK) 24 May 2012

The Blue Yonder is an uplifting harmony of voice, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and piano that takes you on an imaginary journey to places otherworldly, yet always present. Stefan?s lyrics glide gently through quiet melodic memories to heart-soaring crescendos, soothing and reassuring the soul with a glimpse of what?s possible when we peel back the top layer of life. What will you see beyond The Blue Yonder?

The Blue Yonder is written, performed and produced by Stefan Drechsel and released on Moving Close Records. The single also includes bonus tracks The Tailwind, a fascinating improvisation, and the heart-touching A Fire in my Street. On the CD single, music fans can enjoy additional multimedia content and the atmospheric video for The Blue Yonder.

About Stefan Drechsel

Stefan Drechsel?s music will make you stop and listen.

Stefan has a unique ability to combine voice and guitar with equal passion and skill. His songs tell stories from the heart and have an undeniable ability to make you pause in the chaos, and listen. His warm and peaceful sound, carried by his beautifully layered voice will connect you with an inner sense of magic, reminding you why you love music.

Spontaneity and imagination are at the heart of Stefan?s music, be that in live performance, threaded through his lyrics or expressed through masterful, intricate exploration of the acoustic guitar. In the words of one fan:

?When Stefan performs I hear an orchestra of moving sounds, and even in his quieter songs I always hear more.?

Stefan incorporates his visual art (photography and video) into his music, creating a feast for the senses. Every single from his debut album Here and Now ? released July 2012 ? will be accompanied by video that will spark even the most reluctant imagination.

The European Here and Now album tour is planned for summer/ autumn 2012. Dates to be announced.

Stefan was born in Germany and lives in London and has been creating music as a solo artist and collaboratively since the early nineties.

The Blue Yonder is available on iTunes, Amazon (the single CD includes the video) and all major distributors. The quote on this press release is from a fan on facebook.

Country Music Artist Clay Walker Live in Concert At Buffalo Thunder

Santa Fe, New Mexico (PRWEB) May 29, 2012

Buffalo Thunder

Vocab Releases ?Grown Man Music? Mixtape

Miami, FL (PRWEB) May 29, 2012

Hip-hop artist Vocab recently released the mixtape, ?Grown Man Music.? The project is presented by Coast 2 Coast and is now available for free download. The mixtape features Vocab with appearances by Kady Kane, Luck One, Miz, Illa, T. Soprano, The Jacka, Roullette Del? Gato, Zito, Juma Blaq, Epik tha Dawn, and Brandy Lea.

Sean ?Vocab? Harvey was born in Toronto. He started making mixtapes with his cousin at 8 years old. It wasn?t until his high school years when he realized he was more than just a fan of hip-hop, he wanted to contribute to the culture. After moving to Portland when he was 15, he began not only making raps, but also writing them. With minimal knowledge of writing songs, he taught himself how to count bars, write hooks, create rhyme schemes and set up punch lines.

Now as a confident MC, he uses his lyrics and talent for writing to connect with his fans. ?Grown Man Music? is now available for free streaming and download.

About Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes
Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes are the most widely distributed mixtapes in the world, with over 100 million downloads/plays generated by over 200 volumes officially hosted by major artists. Coast 2 Coast has a solid reach in the new music industry with a digital magazine, DJ coalition, industry tips blog, yearly convention, and more. Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes represents a unique opportunity for artists of all urban genres, from major to indie. For more information, visit http://www.coast2coastmixtapes.com.

Rocket21 Songwriting Winner to Record with Rising Country Artist Ansel Brown and Nashville Producer Cliff Downs; A Portion of Proceeds for Shriners Hospitals for Children

San Francisco, Nashville, Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) May 30, 2012

Youth social network Rocket21, where kids connect with world class professionals, announced that Oregon high school student Moranda Rasmussen is in Nashville this week to record her winning song, ?Flying?, with country music artist Ansel Brown at the recording studio of Emmy Award winning Nashville composer and producer Cliff Downs.

Rasmussen, a junior at Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon, was selected by a panel of judges representing the music industry, NASA, and Rocket21, for her original song, titled ?Flying?, which encourages kids to dream big and reach for their goals. Ms. Rasmussen wrote the song for Rocket21?s ?Shoot for the Stars? songwriting competition. The lyrics were unveiled in April at the NASA OPTIMUS PRIME Spinoff Contest Awards ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Orlando.

?NASA?s legacy has been created by extraordinary dreamers and doers ? and Rocket21?s mission is to provide a new generation of kids with a place to dream, along with access to world-class experts and resources. Introducing Ms. Rasmussen and her song at the Kennedy Space Center event was amazing? said Jodell Seagrave, President & COO, Rocket21. ?And the opportunity for Moranda to collaborate as a working songwriter with the talented and generous Ansel Brown and his team is what Rocket21 is all about ? dreams, inspiration, learning, networking, role models and possibilities. Moranda is over the moon ? and so are we.?

Following the selection of Moranda?s original lyrics, Brown and his manager David Poindexter formed a co-writing partnership with Rasmussen, to finalize the song for recording. Behind-the-scenes work is being chronicled by Brown, Poindexter and Rasmussen in a series of videos. Click here to watch.

Ansel Brown commented, ?I am so glad to be involved with Rocket21 on such a wonderful project. Moranda is an old soul; this is going to be a fun and inspirational experience! The song will be BEAUTIFUL! ?

During the weeks leading up to the recording session, Ms. Rasmussen made the team aware of her desire to share the financial rewards that may be generated by the commercial release of her song.

Moranda noted, ?I?m excited for the opportunity Rocket21 has made possible - to visit Nashville and to be working with such amazing and supportive people. I can?t wait to check out the Nashville music scene ? such an amazing city.?

Regarding her plan to include a charity in financial returns for the song, Rasmussen added, ?I?d like to include Shriners Hospitals for Children. I?ve had several operations and leg braces from their hospitals, and they are very kind, caring, and compassionate about doing all they can to help kids with disabilities.?

?Flying? will be released on iTunes this summer. Record label is Wixom Records. Publisher is Rocket21 Enterprises LLC.

About Rocket21
Rocket21 provides unprecedented access to world-class experts and organizations while protecting them with a combination of state-of-the-art, real-time filtering and human moderation, extensive safety and security precautions, and a specialized infrastructure designed to keep kids safe.

To learn more about Rocket21, visit rocket21.com. LIKE Rocket21 on Facebook and Follow Rocket21 on Twitter at @rocket21.

About Ansel Brown
An unforgettable voice, an unerring ear for a hit, and a heart as big as all outdoors ? Ansel Brown has always possessed the attributes of the All American country star he was born to be. The fact that it took some living for him to figure it all out only makes his story ? and his music ? all the more compelling. Following a career path that has been anything but traditional, Brown is that rare artist who is simply incapable of singing something he doesn't believe and the kind of person for whom belief is everything.

To learn more about Ansel Brown, visit http://www.anselbrown.com. LIKE Ansel Brown at facebook.com/anselbrownfans. Follow Ansel Brown on Twitter at @anselbrown.