Here is a big deal in the music biz world
LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Justice Department cleared the way Monday for concert promoter Live Nation and ticket-seller Ticketmaster to combine after imposing major conditions meant to create stronger competitors and> lower ticket prices for consumers. Shares in both companies rose sharply in trading after reports surfaced that the merger would be approved. The rally continued following the afternoon announcement.
Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney said Ticketmaster would have to license its ticketing software to competitor Anschutz Entertainment Group Inc. and sell its subsidiary Paciolan to Comcast Corp. subsidiary Comcast-Spectacor. Paciolan sells tens of millions of tickets every year, she said. The conditions would result in two large, vertically integrated competitors – AEG and Comcast-Spectacor – that would vie for ticketing contracts with the merged entity of Live Nation Inc. and Ticketmaster Entertainment Inc. The merged entity would also be under a 10-year court order prohibiting it from retaliating against venues that choose to sign ticket-selling contracts with competitors. Consumer groups, ticket resellers and some politicians had expressed concerns that the combined company would control too much of the concert experience.
Varney announced the merger conditions on Monday, saying the deal as proposed would have been "anticompetitive." Both companies agreed to the conditions, but a U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., would need to approve the settlement. Canadian regulators and 17 state attorneys general also signed onto the deal. "It's going to benefit competition and benefit consumers," Varney said. "Generally when you see robust competition, you would expect to see prices coming down." Live Nation Chief Executive Officer Michael Rapino, who will be the CEO of the merged company, said that "with this resolution the playing field is competitive and broader. "We believe that this merger will now create a more diversified company with a great selling platform for artists and a stronger financial profile that will drive improved shareholder value over the long term."
Ticketmaster CEO Irving Azoff called the resolution "a great win for fans."Live Nation, which is based in Los Angeles, andTicketmaster, which has headquarters nearby in West Hollywood, have said the merger will streamline their operations, ensuring their survival. They say music fans also can benefit through lower ticket prices because the merged company can earn money in new ways. Shares in Ticketmaster rose $2.56, or 19.3 percent, to $15.86 in afternoon trading, while shares in Live Nation went up $1.67, or 18.2 percent, to $10.83.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
State Radio at The Boulder Theater
Team CMB's Steffanie Giesler and Stu Kennedy covered the State Radio show in Boulder. Here's some of Stu's pics. Video interview to be posted shortly.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Synthetic Elements Press Release
ROCK IN SOLIDARITY: A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI
Synthetic Elements With Guest Appearance Nathen Maxwell of Flogging Molly Holds Benefit Concert To Raise Money For Haiti
(January 23, 2010) Denver, CO - The recent Haiti devastation is giving musicians a new reason to sing. Denver’s very own Synthetic Elements is holding a benefit concert on February 5 at the Gothic Theater in order to raise money for Haiti. All proceeds made will be donated to Oxfam America, a humanitarian organization currently on the ground in Haiti, delivering water and sanitation services to tens of thousands of people in need.
Synthetic Elements is pleased to announce Nathen Maxwell of Flogging Molly will be performing on stage the night of the show. Other bands which will be included in the line-up are Denver locals Lola Black, Battleship Agenda, and Vegas Crimes. The event begins at 8 pm, 16+, with tickets available for $10 at the door or online at gothictheatre.com.
The goal of this event is to increase Denver’s awareness of the Haiti tragedy through music. Synthetic Elements intends to raise awareness by providing Denver with a night of live music, charity donation, and silent auctioning. The band has offered to donate all profits made from their CD sales for the evening as a sign of their support. In addition, the Gothic Theater, Synthetic Elements, and The Denver Chophouse/Sing Sing Dueling Piano Bar intend to donate one dollar each per every ticket sold. During the event, items will be available for auction, with minimum donations requested. The items being auctioned are as follows: Two VIP passes to Flogging Molly’s St. Patrick Day Show in Tuscon AZ, March 2010, minimum donation requested $300; Signed Nathen Maxwell Ernie Ball Stingray Bass Guitar, minimum donation requested $1,500; Autographed Flogging Molly CD, minimum donation requested $50; Autographed skateboard deck, signed by Flogging Molly, minimum donation requested $50; Gibson Les Paul Electric Guitar signed by Synthetic Elements, minimum donation requested $250; Four HD Radio Sangean Home Tuners, minimum donation requested $200 each; 100 signed Nathen Maxwell And The Original Bunny Gang debut CDs courtesy of SideOne Dummy Records, minimum donation requested $10 each. Note: Nathen Maxwell And The Original Bunny Gang CDs will be presented as merchandise, though all proceeds made will be donated. Separate donations will also be accepted during the evening. Please make checks payable to Oxfam America.
Locals Barbershop, located at 507 N. Lincoln Street Suite #102, will be displaying these auctioned items in store beginning January 29. Items, along with further information, will also be available online at localscut.com. The auction will continue at Locals Barbershop through February 20.
All proceeds made during this auction will go directly to the Haiti relief work sponsored by Oxfam America; no profits will be made. For questions regarding Oxfam America, please visit them online at oxfamamerica.org.
###
Contact Information
Mike Blecha
The House That Rock Built
PO Box 40173
Denver, CO 80204
(970) 420-2760
thehousethatrockbuilt@gmail.com
Synthetic Elements With Guest Appearance Nathen Maxwell of Flogging Molly Holds Benefit Concert To Raise Money For Haiti
(January 23, 2010) Denver, CO - The recent Haiti devastation is giving musicians a new reason to sing. Denver’s very own Synthetic Elements is holding a benefit concert on February 5 at the Gothic Theater in order to raise money for Haiti. All proceeds made will be donated to Oxfam America, a humanitarian organization currently on the ground in Haiti, delivering water and sanitation services to tens of thousands of people in need.
Synthetic Elements is pleased to announce Nathen Maxwell of Flogging Molly will be performing on stage the night of the show. Other bands which will be included in the line-up are Denver locals Lola Black, Battleship Agenda, and Vegas Crimes. The event begins at 8 pm, 16+, with tickets available for $10 at the door or online at gothictheatre.com.
The goal of this event is to increase Denver’s awareness of the Haiti tragedy through music. Synthetic Elements intends to raise awareness by providing Denver with a night of live music, charity donation, and silent auctioning. The band has offered to donate all profits made from their CD sales for the evening as a sign of their support. In addition, the Gothic Theater, Synthetic Elements, and The Denver Chophouse/Sing Sing Dueling Piano Bar intend to donate one dollar each per every ticket sold. During the event, items will be available for auction, with minimum donations requested. The items being auctioned are as follows: Two VIP passes to Flogging Molly’s St. Patrick Day Show in Tuscon AZ, March 2010, minimum donation requested $300; Signed Nathen Maxwell Ernie Ball Stingray Bass Guitar, minimum donation requested $1,500; Autographed Flogging Molly CD, minimum donation requested $50; Autographed skateboard deck, signed by Flogging Molly, minimum donation requested $50; Gibson Les Paul Electric Guitar signed by Synthetic Elements, minimum donation requested $250; Four HD Radio Sangean Home Tuners, minimum donation requested $200 each; 100 signed Nathen Maxwell And The Original Bunny Gang debut CDs courtesy of SideOne Dummy Records, minimum donation requested $10 each. Note: Nathen Maxwell And The Original Bunny Gang CDs will be presented as merchandise, though all proceeds made will be donated. Separate donations will also be accepted during the evening. Please make checks payable to Oxfam America.
Locals Barbershop, located at 507 N. Lincoln Street Suite #102, will be displaying these auctioned items in store beginning January 29. Items, along with further information, will also be available online at localscut.com. The auction will continue at Locals Barbershop through February 20.
All proceeds made during this auction will go directly to the Haiti relief work sponsored by Oxfam America; no profits will be made. For questions regarding Oxfam America, please visit them online at oxfamamerica.org.
###
Contact Information
Mike Blecha
The House That Rock Built
PO Box 40173
Denver, CO 80204
(970) 420-2760
thehousethatrockbuilt@gmail.com
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Matt Morris Video links to David Letteman and Ellen DeGeneres (look for our CMBer Dave Preston playing guitar!)
Matt Morris' Debut Album When Everything Breaks Open Lands On The Top 10
In its second week of release, musician Matt Morris' debut release When Everything Breaks Open has catapulted into the iTunes and Amazon Top 10 album sales charts. Music fans are reacting to his triumphant appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Second Cup Cafe and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. For Ellen, Matt was joined by a very special appearance from the album's co-producers, Justin Timberlake and Charlie Sexton.
The critical acclaim continues to pour in for When Everything Breaks Open. American Songwriter Magazine calls the album "Phenomenal...[Matt Morris] is a soulful singer and richly expressive...songwriter." Relix Magazine says Matt is an artist “on the verge”, and BlackBook declares, “[Matt Morris is] a name you're about to know.” “If you're interested in hearing some modern pop music that has some meat on its bones and some substance in its soul,” says The Buffalo News, “Morris is your man.”
When Everything Breaks Open is available on iTunes and Amazon.com. The album of original songs is a sonic tour de force that contains elements of rock, soul, pop and folk music and displays Matt's uncanny ability to connect with audiences, not only through passionate live performances, but also as a recording artist.
Matt Morris began his musical career at age seven when he joined his father, Broadway and country music star Gary Morris, onstage to perform "Blue Suede Shoes" to a crowd of 15,000. Stage-savvy since an early age, Matt was cast as a member of “The All New Mickey Mouse Club” from 1991-1995 and has written songs for Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire and Justin Timberlake. He signed to Justin Timberlake's Tennman Records label and has toured with Grammy award winners The Indigo Girls and Joan Osborne as well as performed at The Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits Music Festivals.
Watch Matt Morris' Late Show with David Letterman performance HERE
Watch Matt Morris' performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show HERE
In its second week of release, musician Matt Morris' debut release When Everything Breaks Open has catapulted into the iTunes and Amazon Top 10 album sales charts. Music fans are reacting to his triumphant appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Second Cup Cafe and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. For Ellen, Matt was joined by a very special appearance from the album's co-producers, Justin Timberlake and Charlie Sexton.
The critical acclaim continues to pour in for When Everything Breaks Open. American Songwriter Magazine calls the album "Phenomenal...[Matt Morris] is a soulful singer and richly expressive...songwriter." Relix Magazine says Matt is an artist “on the verge”, and BlackBook declares, “[Matt Morris is] a name you're about to know.” “If you're interested in hearing some modern pop music that has some meat on its bones and some substance in its soul,” says The Buffalo News, “Morris is your man.”
When Everything Breaks Open is available on iTunes and Amazon.com. The album of original songs is a sonic tour de force that contains elements of rock, soul, pop and folk music and displays Matt's uncanny ability to connect with audiences, not only through passionate live performances, but also as a recording artist.
Matt Morris began his musical career at age seven when he joined his father, Broadway and country music star Gary Morris, onstage to perform "Blue Suede Shoes" to a crowd of 15,000. Stage-savvy since an early age, Matt was cast as a member of “The All New Mickey Mouse Club” from 1991-1995 and has written songs for Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire and Justin Timberlake. He signed to Justin Timberlake's Tennman Records label and has toured with Grammy award winners The Indigo Girls and Joan Osborne as well as performed at The Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits Music Festivals.
Watch Matt Morris' Late Show with David Letterman performance HERE
Watch Matt Morris' performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show HERE
Mount Righteous, the 9-piece orchestral punk ensemble and choir from Grapevine, Texas, will be playing The Hi-Dive TONIGHT 1/20
Very cooooool band if you are out tonight....
<------------------------------------------->
Featuring mostly acoustic instrumentation, Mount Righteous have been known to perform without the use of amplifiers or microphones, relying on the thunderous rumble of sousaphone, trombone, trumpet, and marching drums, the melodic intricacy of piccolo, melodica, bells, and guitar, and the power of 8 harmonized voices lifted in jubilant abandon.
Mount Righteous has performed extensively across the United States. They have shared stages with the likes of The Octopus Project, David Dondero, The Gourds, the pAper chAse, Danielson, Cryptasize, Mucca Pazza, Baby Dee, and many others.
Their debut album, “When The Music Starts”, was produced by renowned engineer John Congleton (Polyphonic Spree, St. Vincent, pAper chAse), and has been hailed as “One of the year’s most impressive freshman efforts…” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram), and awarded trophy for “Big Album” by quickDFW Magazine in 2009.
In their home community of Dallas/Fort Worth, they have been nominated for multiple awards including Best Album in the Fort Worth Weekly, Best New Band in the Dallas Observer, Next Big Thing, and Big Song in QuickDFW magazine.
In September of 2009 they released their first EP “Open Your Mouth” to keep their national fanbase happy until their sophomore album is released in early 2010.
They are currently rehearsing and writing their second full length album and have began booking an extremely ambitious tour of the US in 2010.
<------------------------------------------->
Featuring mostly acoustic instrumentation, Mount Righteous have been known to perform without the use of amplifiers or microphones, relying on the thunderous rumble of sousaphone, trombone, trumpet, and marching drums, the melodic intricacy of piccolo, melodica, bells, and guitar, and the power of 8 harmonized voices lifted in jubilant abandon.
Mount Righteous has performed extensively across the United States. They have shared stages with the likes of The Octopus Project, David Dondero, The Gourds, the pAper chAse, Danielson, Cryptasize, Mucca Pazza, Baby Dee, and many others.
Their debut album, “When The Music Starts”, was produced by renowned engineer John Congleton (Polyphonic Spree, St. Vincent, pAper chAse), and has been hailed as “One of the year’s most impressive freshman efforts…” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram), and awarded trophy for “Big Album” by quickDFW Magazine in 2009.
In their home community of Dallas/Fort Worth, they have been nominated for multiple awards including Best Album in the Fort Worth Weekly, Best New Band in the Dallas Observer, Next Big Thing, and Big Song in QuickDFW magazine.
In September of 2009 they released their first EP “Open Your Mouth” to keep their national fanbase happy until their sophomore album is released in early 2010.
They are currently rehearsing and writing their second full length album and have began booking an extremely ambitious tour of the US in 2010.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Otherside of Clearview - Feb 20th
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2010
FT. COLLINS ROCKERS OTHER SIDE OF CLEARVIEW TEAM UP W/ DENVER’S VICES I ADMIRE FOR A 3-YEAR-ANNIVERSARY/NORTHERN CO CD RELEASE PARTY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!
Who: Other Side of Clearview (OSC), Vices I Admire (VIA) and Nautical Mile.
What: Other Side of Clearview 3-Year-Anniversary/ Vices I Admire Northern Colorado CD release Party. All ages, Pre-sale tickets available at www.hodishalfnote.com. Special surprises in store throughout the night!
Where: Hodi’s Half Note (167 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524)
When: Saturday, February 20, 2010 (Doors open at 8pm)
FORT COLLINS, CO- It’s an amazing feeling to get past “the terrible twos” that new parents often vehemently bemoan. Surprisingly the same growing pains apply for a fledgling rock band. Growing out of the toddler phase of a band is a milestone moment, overcoming the often painful “teething” phase of finding your authentic musical voice and seeking the right mix of individuals to complete the heart and soul of an ensemble. Passing that milestone means standing on your own proverbial two legs (albeit wobbly) and embarking on the path to band adulthood.
Other Side of Clearview (OSC) is celebrating their coming-of-age with their three-year-anniversary party Saturday, February 20th at Hodi’s Half Note; teaming up with the longtime cohorts of the music scene Vices I Admire as they celebrate the Northern Colorado release of their new album “The Politics of Apathy”, and special guests Nautical Mile (Top ten for 93.3FM’s 2009 “Hometown For the Holidays” competition).
Monday, January 18, 2010
Spools of dark Thread Allegations
ALLEGATIONS SURROUNDING CHRIS THOMAS
Denver, CO January 16, 2010: There have been many recent allegations circulating regarding former Spools of Dark Thread front-man Chris Thomas, mostly revolving around skimming money from bands through the course of his position as Talent Buyer for the legendary Herman’s Hideaway. These allegations were not made by any of the current members of Spools of Dark Thread or their management at Fury Artist Management, LLC.
Jamey Crow Bartley offered the following: “While Spools of Dark Thread members have had their share of issues like any other band, we would never slander anyone, especially one of our own.” Bartley goes on to say “The members of Spools and departed members maintain a professional and respectful relationship. I really can’t elaborate on this topic due to a lack of knowledge. What I do know is Chris Thomas is the most talented vocalist in Denver.”
The members of Spools and their management wish Chris nothing but the best through any of his endeavors. Lastly, we hope for a positive resolution for all involved.
For more information on Spools of Dark Thread, please visit www.myspace.com/arousetoanger. Spools of Dark Thread is managed exclusively by Scottie Flint, Senior Artist Manager, Fury Artist Management, LLC.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Emerging Pictures Highlights Rossini Rarity
The Harkins Theatres Northfield 18 was the site last Thursday of an important operatic cinecast, Gioachino Rossini's one-act comedy, Il Viaggio a Reims [A Trip to Rheims] as performed last spring at Milan's famed La Scala opera house.Emerging Pictures, a New York-based media company, has built a network of 60-plus theaters across the United States that show opera and ballet in high definition and Surround Sound from some of the world's most famous venues. They enjoy exclusive theatrical agreements with such places as the aforementioned La Scala, plus the Salzburg Festival, Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, La Fenice in Venice, and others.
Harkins Northfield, located at I-70 & Quebec in northwest Denver, is the metro area's sole purveyor of EP's "Opera and Ballet in Cinema" series. Here are some upcoming performances well worth your consideration:
Otello by Giuseppe Verdi (Feb 11) from Salzburg. The cast includes Aleksandrs Antonenko (Otello), Marina Poplovskaya (Desdemona), and Carlos Alvarez (Iago). The conductor is Riccardo Muti.
Il Trovatore by Verdi (April 15) from Barcelona. The cast includes Fiorenza Cedolins (Leonora), Marco Berti (Manrico), Luciana d'Intino (Azucena), and Vittorio Vitelli (Count Di Luna). The conductor is Marco Armiliato.
Other productions on tap for the rest of this season include the operas Carmen (Bizet) on March 18, Orfeo (Monteverdi) on May 20, and Falstaff (Verdi) on June 17. The ballet Don Quixote is scheduled for February 25, and Stravinsky and the Ballets Russes will be cinecast on March 25. All shows begin at 7:00 p.m.
For an in-depth review of Viaggio, please visit my Opera Blog.
Rejected CMB Shots
Steve Rizzari, an avid Cracker fan, posted some pretty funny takes on the NoCo cover by Summit Studios. My favorite is the bowling ball, as it's just ridiculous and I love how Johnny's hand fits perfectly there. Make sure you read his new captions and check out the one that Johnny put as his new profile pic on Facebook...
Friday, January 15, 2010
FOCOMX 2010
From Greta Cornett:
FoCoMA would proudly like to announce it's 2nd annual Fort Collins Music Experiment held in Fort Collins on the weekend of April 9th and 10th. We have expanded the festival to include 5 new venues this year in addition to the 12 we worked with last year.
We are looking for volunteers to help out with the event, so please let us know if you are interested. We are also looking to include the Colorado Music scene. Last year we offered up free passes to musicians in the other local scenes around the state and would like to extend that again, so please mark your calendar and come up to check out what all we have going on.
Last year was so much fun and was great to get everyone involved and working together and we look forward to building on that this year!~Greta C
http://www.focoma.org
Friday, January 8, 2010
CMB Writer Dave Preston on Letterman?!?!
Dear Friends and Family,
I hope everybody had a great holiday season and the start of 2010 is a quality one. I want to spread my love and good energy to you all at this time, as you have been doing it with me so frequently.
The reason I am writing this is to inform you all of some very VERY exciting national music business news. For those of who may not know, for close to a year, I have played guitar for Matt Morris (an extremely talented songwriter) locally, regionally, and nationally. It has been such an honor as well as an incredible learning experience. From the recording studio to live performances, I have seen a full-blooded musicianship among everybody involved creatively.
On Sunday January, 10th we depart Denver for a 10 day media tour on both coasts. This includes east coast show dates through TV and national exposure through radios and online streaming. Please set your Tivos and DVRs for recording on these dates:
Friday, Jan 15th-David Letterman
Saturday, Jan 16th-CBS morning show
Tuesday, Jan 19th-Ellen DeGeneres show
I will be playing the acoustic guitar and trying to appear cool and "rockstar-ish" in the back. :)
If all of this was not enough, Matt's record, "When Everything Breaks Open" features a song, "Just Before The Morning". This song is stemmed from "Be-Joy" off of my debut ambient album "BE", which did and is still doing a number of successful things. It was such an honor to be credited on this record, for the names on it are remarkable international artists. It is available on iTunes now and physical copies will be disrupted to stores very soon.
Thanks for your time reading this. I look forward to sharing experiences and laughter with you all soon. Please forward this email to whomever you may like to. I wish you all harmony and peace and I'll be seeing you soon.
All My Best Always,
Dave Preston
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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