Saturday, June 27, 2009

Mystical Arts of Tibet: Unity Church July 2nd: Visiting Tibetan Monks

Lama Chopa: Sacred ceremony shared by Tibetan Monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery

On July 2, 2009, 7pm, Unity Church (1243 Delaware Ave. Buffalo, NY (716) 882-0391) will be hosting Tibetan Monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery to celebrate the Lama Chopa sacred ceremony.

Lama Chopa is perhaps the most popular practice in Tibetan Tantric world. It is traditionally performed on auspicious occasions for invoking the blessings of the enlightened masters for individual, communal, and environment healing. The ceremony involves chants, traditional musical instruments, and various offerings of light food and flowers. This practice was composed by the First Panchen Lama, Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen. The First Panchen Lama was the guru of the Fifth Dalai Lama, and perhaps the singularly most popular figure in seventeenth century Tibet. Today it is perhaps even more popular than ever, serving as something of a symbol of the endangered Tibetan civilization.

To purchase tickets: UNITY CHURCH and 716-882-0391.

Unity Church is in need of assistance for visiting monks:

a) Overnight lodging is needed for the monks. Hosts will take their guests home with them Thursday evening, July 2, after the Lama Chopa sacred ceremony at our church. Hosts need to provide one meal (breakfast) and return their guests to our church Friday morning, July 3.

b) We need help with providing food and serving a late afternoon meal at church on Thursday, July 2. Please contact us if you are interested in helping.

Blessings from your friends at Unity Church in Buffalo, 1243 Delaware Ave. Buffalo, NY 14209 (716) 882-0391, email: info@unitybuffalo.org

--
Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Have You Ever Been Hungry? (tunes4food.org)

I bet you have, millions of people in the entire world right now are starving, literally. In order to cause positive global change, you have to start in your own backyard.

1. Click Here To Watch Obama's call to action on June 22, 2009 on Community Service:

2. Go --> downtown Buffalo, Niagara Square anytime after 11am on Mon, June 22 to Tues, June 23rd at 1pm. 25 hours straight free music event on the steps of City Hall to support The Food Bank.

3. Check out this link to a Time Warner Donated Commercial:

NO EXCUSES:

Do you know why I say No Excuses? Because I did an MS Walk last month and severely disabled people walked further than I did, it humbled me immensely. Did I feel guilty? No, I did not. However, it woke me up to the FACT that I am BLESSED and it filled me with pride for the STRENGTH of the people who in my eyes have a difficult life, yet in their eyes, it is business as usual. Life humbles me every single day and makes me grateful for everything around me, including you. Am I laying a guilt trip on you right now? No. I would never do that. I am simply asking you to help.

We all have to work, go to school, have children, are sick and have stuff we have to take care of. Bring your family, friends, parents, pets, make this an incentive if you are an employer, if you are a business, please drop off some food, the musicians need to eat and drink too, stop over on your lunch hour and listen to local musicians who are doing this for free, donate time, volunteer the day of, perform in this event, stop by anyplace that has food or go into your own cupboard (you know you have cans of peas, cranberries and Ramen soup hiding in there and if you don't you are either one of the hungry I speak of or you have never really been truly hungry) as I have and bring some non perishable food downtown to support the Food Bank of Western New York. They will have a truck on site 25 hours.

If you cannot sleep at 2am and drive to the nearest NOCO to get a whopper extra caffeine and a milky way or a tub of ice cream, grab a canned good or ten, its about a buck each, then KEEP DRIVING to CITY HALL, where there will be live free music.

If you are up at 6am on Tuesday morning before work, grab non perishable foods first then GO HERE. If you get out of work and have to grab the kids or family, go BACK downtown, it will be SUNNY out. (Mon: sunny 79 degrees, Tues: sunny 80 degrees) then go to the Erie Basin Marina, or the library . . . make a day of it. If you live no where by the city then why haven't you been there yet? GO. Buffalo is full of treasures.

If you have no gas money, carpool, take the bus, bike it, roller blade, it's healthy.

Teach your children what it means to give so the madness in this world ceases with their generation.

Without the support of The Food Bank, the churches, chapels, pantries, food banks, missions, and all the children's activities will have NO FOOD. What does this mean if the Food Bank is not supported? It means that people will NOT BE ABLE TO EAT.

If you need their services and I know I have, they just might not be there anymore. What does that mean? That eventually, we all starve. I do not want to hear any excuses at all, because there isn't one that would fly with me and I am being frank here because this is important to me - it's OUR city, the people in OUR city and I am tired of people wishing change yet staying complacent.

Here is something ---> so change the world!

Bring some food, listen to music, toss some change in a guitar case but please, please . . . just go. It's 25 hours.

Don't forget to bring some food. You will hear great FREE music, in an uncrowded atmosphere, meet amazing people, possibly walk away with a new idea for a project and think of what you would be handing down to your children.

Man, we cannot make the world perfect, but we sure can strive towards a positive goal together.

SO?

Are you hungry right now?

So are millions of people in the entire world. In order to cause positive change, you have to start in your own backyard.

Tunes4Food is an alliance member with Serve.Gov and President Obama.

Volunteer registrations @ Project Serve (The White House):

Spread the word and bring food.

Peace,

Sue

I want to thank right now every single artist performing in this event
and all the media coverage and personal support we have gotten thus far.

Print this out, make up your own slogan, hand it out, forward the email (cheaper and saves paper),
support, perform, tell someone.

GO.
If you do any of that, I thank you, from my heart, truly.

The Food Bank of Western New York

--
Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA


Wednesday, June 17, 2009

WBFO: Tunes4food to Benefit Food Bank of WNY (2009-06-15)

WBFO: Tunes4food to Benefit Food Bank of WNY (2009-06-15)

Shared via AddThis

Tunes4Food: WUFO 1080 AM: The Spirit of WNY


WUFO’s promise: Over 45 years of serving the WNY community.

WUFO 1080 am “The Spirit of WNY.”


For Immediate Release: WUFO

Contact SheMisa Ali 89 Lasalle Ave.

(716) 834-1080 Office Buffalo, NY 14214

(716) 949-3276 Cell (716) 834-1080 Office

shemisaa@yahoo.com www.wufoam.com


What:

Support Tunes4food; WUFO Joins the Food Bank of Western New York for Historic Event

Where:

City Hall, Niagara Square

When:

Monday, June 22nd 12 noon until Tuesday, June

23rd 1pm

Your browser may not support display of this image.


Buffalo Stand Up!!

Tunes4food - A 25 hour “music extravaganza” on the steps of City Hall On June 22, 2009 at 12 noon at the steps of City Hall, Niagara Square, Buffalo musicians are tackling hunger issues on a grassroots level by providing a 25 hour FREE concert titled: Tunes4food. This event, that runs 25 hours straight, and is in direct support of The Food Bank of Western New York. Bring food, your friends, family and more food! You can make a difference . .Tune in to WUFO’s “Inspirations” morning show every Monday – Friday with James “Doc” Cornelius & SheMisa Ali 6a-9a during your morning drive for your community news and prize giveaways!



Thank You for your support!!!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Our Lady Peace: Burn Burn - Live Interview With Raine Maida



In 2009, Our Lady Peace produced their seventh album, Burn Burn released on Warner Music's Independent Label Group. 10 tracks will be available on July 21st, 2009. This album is their first since 2005, self produced by the band at Raine's home studio in L.A. Our Lady Peace surpassed Platinum sales status in Canada, sold over 5 million albums worldwide, won four Juno awards, The Much Music Awards and have shared the stage with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, The Rolling Stones, Van Halen, Faith No More, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Ramones, Stone Temple Pilots and Alanis Morrisette.

Our Lady Peace is: Raine Maida: vocals, lyricist, Duncan Coutts: bass, Jeremy Taggart: percussion, and Steve Mazur: guitar.

For years, music has been lacking acoustics, raw vocals, live instruments and pure driven rock and roll. The days of full bands performing with energy directed to the crowd, have been long gone. The monotonous subjection to the business of music and its lack of knowledge and experience with the subterranean has forced fans, as well as musicians, to revert to what they already know and like. Burn Burn is proof that music is indeed, still alive and thriving.

"I'm not for sale / but I've been sold", anthemic lyrics from the first track, All You Did Was Save My Life, intros Steve's aesthetic guitar to Raine on vocals, "You looked at me as you walked in the room / like a Red Sea you split me open / somehow knew these wings were stolen / All You Did Was Save My Life." The tune progresses with the addition of Jeremy, then Duncan, in brash harmony with "I'm not dying." All You Did Was Save My Life is an introspective self realization.

Dreamland is reminiscent of mid 90's sublime (the definition, not the band) interspersed with extreme positivity that can only be gleaned from being thrust into a world where morals and ethics are oftentimes difficult to maintain. Raine pleas: "In this dreamland the kids are alright / and the sky is blue / we all got wings / and know how to fly / I'm headed to the moon / the sun on my face / my head in the clouds / time on my side / my feet off the ground . . . I'm not comin' down."

Paper Moon is delicate elegance. Steve scorches throughout the track, as surreal as Raine's hypnotic vocal range: "I was thinking if you know a way out / then I'd like to go with you / and we can burn out like candles / under that paper moon / . . . they just don't know anything at all" All four of them (Raine, Duncan, Jeremy and Steve) annihilate the idealism of what "music" is today, bringing it right back to what works: simplicity. Raine ends: "There's a time that you get turned around / life itself just wears you out / you keep getting ready for that big parade." This tune is one for the stadiums.

To purchase Burn Burn on and after July 21st, 2009, Click Here - stocked with video, music, and studio sessions and on My Space. Our Lady Peace will be performing at Western New York's largest series on July 3rd, The Molson Park Canal Concert Series, 5:30 - 10:30pm.

To listen to an interview with Raine Maida and Susan Marie on Think Twice Radio, click HERE.

Our Lady Peace on Burn Burn transcends what is currently being sold and defined as music.

--
© Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA 2009


Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Music In Action: Be True - Be You June 22-23rd 2009 Niagara Square

In 2006, Bob James, Buffalo High School Students and Robby Takac of The Goo Goo Dolls began a program focused on youth leadership, music business skills and mentored training by industry professionals. The result of this program was the first Music Is Action CD, entitled: Be True, Be You.

Visiting professionals such as: Erin Roberts of The Juliet Dagger, Grammy - nominated producer, Anthony Casuccio, Biff Henrich and Grammy - winning designer from Brian Gunnert, teamed with Buffalo Public School #187 (Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts) to select artists out of 54 demos received to create a CD. The above team asked the submitting artists to fit the cause message: Be True, Be You.

Recording took place at Trackmaster Studios and Bob James' Cabin 5 Studio in Buffalo, NY. Several songs were selected and musical contributions were added by Robby Takac, Bob James, and Howard Wilson. The CD was released on GCR Records with a grassroots, anti - peer pressure call to action. Sales from this CD benefit H.E.A.R.T for Mental Health, serving Western New York Schools and features Grace Stumberg's original: Change The World.

The second Music In Action CD: Band: u pluribus unum, was released in 2008 featuring Buffalo Select Chorus. This CD was a collaboration with Buffalo Public Schools, Leadership Niagara and Lockport High School. Year two of Music is Action formed what is now - Music Is Art. The second CD proved to be successful and five common threads were discovered: Music is therapy before it becomes a career opportunity, loving and sharing music is simple; yet making music a business is complex and challenging, students and adults are looking for new ways to learn, everyone wishes to be included when it matters; but that is not always possible and the bigger vision survives when the little invisible details get covered.

Students featured on both CD's include: Grace Stumberg, Mar, Kev & Friends, Becca Montijo, Mar & Louch Productions, Ymaris Baez, Anthony Taylor, Vanessa Brown, Bethany Fonda, Miss.Interpretation, Jackie Perry, Dashuri, Marquez & Kalvin, Not Too Sure, Dan Covey, Annabelle & Zoe, and Buffalo Select Chorus.

On June 22 and 23rd, in Niagara Square, various students from both CD's, as well as many of the team members involved formed a new vision - Tunes4food. This is a 25 hour free event hosted by Buffalo musicians. This is continuous in Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY from 11am on June 22 to 1pm on June 23rd. The event is in support of The Food Bank of Western New York to aid hunger issues not only in Western New York, but all of America.

The mission statement behind this event is simple. Do what you say you will do. Please join our local artists, producers, students and community for two beautiful days in the city. A Food Bank truck will be on site for donations of canned goods and non perishable food items. Bring your pets, friends, family and children. Like the students and professionals above, the message behind both CD compilations is similar with Tunes4Food: It's a message of unity, but more a team or community sense than musical.

To perform, support, sponsor, become an alliance member (all you need to do is do what you say you will do) and simply enjoy some of our fine musicians while supporting those in need, get down to Niagara Square during two days and 25 hours.

We Can Help Stamp Out Hunger Together.

Tunes4Food: to perform, support, attend
Buffalo Rock Hall: to purchase the above CD's.
Food Bank of Western New York: to find out more about the Food Bank's involvement.
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame: to support our local musicians.



© Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA 2009

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Buffalo Musicians Host 25 Hour Food Bank Event

On June 22, 2009 at 12 noon at the steps of City Hall, Niagara Square, Buffalo musicians are tackling hunger issues on a grassroots level by providing a 25 hour FREE concert titled: Tunes4food. This event, that runs 25 hours straight, is in direct support of The Food Bank of Western New York.

Everyone faces tough challenges today, yet there is hope with the formation of a growing alliance hosted by student graduates of ‘Music in Action’ (an educational program sponsored by the local nonprofit, Music is Art), mentored by members of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, and Bob James, Director of Student Voices (a state-certified student leadership trainer).

ANYONE can join the “alliance” to support the event. All you need to do is promise to help spread the word and bring food to get your organization’s link on the website.

"A main message in Music in Action’s training is – ‘If you want to distinguish yourself from the crowd, just do what you say you will do. Keep the promises you make’", said James. "President Obama addressed the nation in the same manner speaking of grassroots community based service projects." Bob James, veteran of local groups such as The Restless, The Rain, Third Floor Strangers, Big Happy Family, and Ministers of Love, has used music to reach people in creative ways. His past projects include: This Is It – Greater Buffalo's Greatest 1977-1984 compilation CD's, War Is Over – musicians united for safe schools, Buffalo Classic Rock CD benefit for Music is Art, and Music In Action - a school based business curriculum co-authored with Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls & Music is Art).

Bob James went on to say that several Music In Action students have stayed connected to us since graduation, wanting more support and direction – like continuing education. “Students get inspired by our training module on ‘music activism’ and when I saw a recent news story on how the Food Bank is getting more calls these days, it all just clicked – ‘tunes4food’”, James continued. “And since I have been helping the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame develop an after-school program, their participation seemed a natural fit, knowing that veteran musicians would add decades of career skills and wisdom about activism – going back to the 1960’s.”

“We are overwhelmed by this generous offer to create a 25-hour awareness of hunger in our community through a live continuous music concert." said Marylou Borowiak, President and CEO of the Food Bank of WNY. "We hope people from throughout Western New York will come downtown during that time to enjoy some wonderful music while helping a great cause of feeding our hungry neighbors, especially the children and seniors. There will be a Food Bank truck on site throughout the 25 hours."

"The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is happy to be involved in such a wonderful event that will bring awareness and food for people in need. This concert will feature Inductees and Veterans of The Hall of Fame and is a great use of music as the social vehicle that will bring the community together.", said Anthony Casuccio, Vice President, The Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame.

Tunes4food is an historic event where everyone can help regardless of financial status or time constraints. It is 25 hours straight beginning on Monday, June 22 at 12 noon continuous through the night until Tuesday, June 23rd at 1pm. This is a chance to give back, to help create positive change, and to model a direct plan of action for other communities and the world. In Western New York, we are most certainly the City of Good Neighbors. Distinguish yourself from the crowd. Make a difference.

Tunes4Food.com

Alliance Leaders
:

StudentVoices.org
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame
MusicIsArt.org


Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA 2009

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Buffalo Select Chorus: Babeville: June 3, 2009

On June 3, 2009 7:30pm at Asbury Hall (Babeville), 341 Delaware Ave Buffalo, NY, Buffalo Select Chorus will host its 4th annual concert with a recording of their new CD. This is FREE and open to the public with a reception to follow.

Directed by Linda Appleby, Buffalo Select Chorus has been performing since 2005 for diverse Western New York audiences. The Chorus consists of Buffalo Public School students specializing in: gospel, jazz, classical, blues, baroque, chamber music and contemporary.

Linda Appleby, awarded "Linda Appleby Day" by City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown at the 2008 performance, is immensely dedicated to her students. Her vision began as having a dynamic chorus of students from all of the Buffalo Public High Schools to perform a mixed repertoire of music to provide professional recordings for the students college applications. She has gone far and beyond that vision with 4 CD's produced as of 2009. Linda has given the students opportunity to expand their vocal skills with certified music teachers and professional musicians.

This years special guest is Joseph Wooten, "The Hands of Soul." Wooten is the fourth brother of the quintet "The Wooten Brothers". He began organ at six and grew up playing music and opening for the likes of Curtis Mayfield, War and Stephanie Mills. Currently he tours with The Steve Miller Band, and his brother Victor Wooten.

Buffalo Select Chorus can be heard rehearsing at Babeville HERE: and HERE also, The 2008 International Youth For Human Rights Awards Ceremony HERE.

To contact Linda Appleby and purchase their music click HERE. Attend their 4th Annual Concert at Asbury Hall on June 3rd to witness the talent of our High School students. This is FREE and open to the public. Buffalo Select Chorus are undoubtedly, the most gifted teenagers I have come across.


© Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Noa Bursie: Familiar Addiction (NY)

In 2008, Noa Bursie recorded her 2nd CD, "Familiar Addiction", at Audio Magic Studios in Buffalo, New York. Vocalist, lyricist, guitarist, and testimony defining true art, Bursie melds all genres of music on this 13 track CD.

"Familiar Addiction" features a cavalcade of fine musicians: Jerry Livingston, John Bacon, Jr, Wendell Rivera, Ron LoCurto, Frank Grizanti, Emile Latimer, Mary Ramsey, Paul Kneis, Ken Kaufmann, Jim Whitford, Kevin Hall, Jim Bohm and Sparky (the Tibetan Monk chant on the track, "Familiar Addiction.")

"Faith Fiction", showcases Noa's gift as a lyricist within the chorus: "Grace and favor, faith and fiction, it all comes down to mercy. Mercy, mercy . . . .sweet mercy. Grant me the will to believe. Unlock this prison let me feel the faith of my fathers and . . . I will fall down on my knees, speak to me in the language of redemption, I shall be free."

"Letting go now . . . made up my mind", finds Bursie, beautifully haunting vocals, embracing the past while standing in the present. "Weightless" is one of those tunes you drive to and play over again.

"Altitudes" is a masterpiece. The guitars, all around, are impeccable, beyond perfection, as well as Noa's vocals. "Falling, falling, falling, you'd think we'd understand our plight. We're all just fools in flight, steady losing altitude, and not saving another soul in sight, but were flying still." "Altitudes" has that bluesy, brassy flavor of Hendrix and Joplin.

This album is spirit. It is passion, intellect, hurt, pain, growth, tears, smiles, and above all, the finest collaborations recorded in a long time. Noa can be reached at: MySpace and Her Website.

Bursie writes: "Each one [musician] inspired me to "rise the bar" for myself. What you hear is the sheer magic of these magnificent individuals giving their all in what was for us, and I hope will be for you, a truly spiritual experience." "Familiar Addiction" is "the result of creative energy at its peak and it is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and the passion that drives it."


© Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA 2009

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Buffalo Marathon for Cantor Susan Wehle: Flight 3407

On, May 24, 2009, Parker Gevirtzman, member of Temple Sinai, will run the 26 mile Buffalo Marathon in memory of Cantor Susan Wehle, who died in the crash of Continental Flight 3407 on February 12, 2009. This is his special gift to Susan, who was Cantor at Temple Sinai for 9 years, previous to her position as Cantor at Temple Beth Am.

Parker would like all pledges for his run to be sent to Temple Sinai, in memory of Susan Wehle. All funds will go to the "Etz Chayim" Torah Restoration Fund.

Cantor Susan Wehle loved her Judaism and the restoration of a Torah is a very appropriate way in which to honor her memory. Parker is an experienced marathon runner.

He has made this effort a focus of his life right now, and even posted his cause on "Facebook", urging the general public to contribute to this endeavor. As of this writing, 270 individuals and groups have pledged to support Parker in his run to remember Susan, including The Counseling Center of WNY and Terrie's Workout Center.

Here is the Cause on Facebook:

Those who wish to support Parker and honor Susan Wehle, can send their pledges to Temple Sinai, at 50 Alberta Drive, Amherst, NY 14226, c/o the "Etz Chayim Torah Fund".

It is requested that checks be made out to Temple Sinai, and that a note be attached indicating that this is to support Parker Gevirtzman's Marathon. Questions can be directed to Temple Sinai at 834-0708. All donations are tax deductable.

"Susan had an amazing spirit, which will be remembered always", says Parker. He intends to make her memory for a blessing.


© Susan Marie
Public Relations
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA