Sunday, December 5, 2010

ONE click will help the Goodwill and Food Bank

A message from Jeremy Juhasz: Goodwill Industries of WNY and The Food Bank of Western New York.

"Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick"


As some of us know, we are currently in the middle of a national in-store Walmart food drive. The folks at Walmart have also set up a separate web site specifically for a complimentary Facebook competition among 100 markets spanning the nation.

Facebook users choose to “support” a region, and Walmart will distribute $1.5 million to hunger relief organizations in those regions that finish 1-5. The Food Bank of WNY is part of those organizations listed underneath the Buffalo/Niagara Falls umbrella.

Here is all you have to do. Click this link below

Then click on the “Like” icon just to the right of the orange arrow. By doing so, you may be redirected to Facebook to log in. Once you’re logged in, your vote is registered. I also urge you to spread the word on Facebook by updating your status and copying this link to your message.  Email friends of the food bank, tell your neighbors, do whatever you can to generate support from your network of relationships. Together we can finish at the top! Even if you’re not active on Facebook, find those in your family who are. You’re bound to know someone who’s affiliated.

Just to give you an idea as to where we stand currently. We sit right in the middle at 50/100 regions. The top vote getter to this point is a region in Florida at 300+ supporters. We have about 45. The competition, remember, only applies if you’re on Facebook. And the contest concludes December 31, 2010.

Thanks Everyone!  

Jeremy Juhasz
Social Media/Web Site Coordinator
Goodwill Industries of WNY and Food Bank of WNY
GW 854-3494
FB 852-1305


  

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Give Local: Call for Work, Preview and Event: Boys and Girls Club Buffalo

GIVE LOCAL 2010
We're seeking tiny gifts to make a BIG impact.
Donate your art to make a difference in our community.

GIVE LOCAL
$20 Art sale to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo Arts Programs
Hosted by WAM (Writers/Artists/Musicians). Over 70 pieces of original works from Buffalo artists, all for sale for $20, with a mini-gallery of artwork from teens from the B&G's art program. ALL money to the Boys & Girls Clubs!

FREE event, open to the public
Wednesday Dec 15th, 2010 7-10pm; The EIGHTS, 888 Main Street; 
Live music Provided by WAM; Featuring Foxangelica, finger food & drink specials offered by the EIGHTS

CALL FOR WORK
Seeking artists to donate a small piece of original art. Matted photographs, small paintings, drawings, poetry books, collages, jewelry, small sculptures... anything about 6"x6” or less. All work should be mounted or ready to hang for window display, as part of a large collection of small works. You may donate any number of unique pieces. All work will be on display in the street-facing windows of The EIGHTS, 888 Main Street.

DROP OFF WORK
By Wednesday 12/01 at either of the following locations:
- Hyatt's All Things Creative, 910 Main Street Buffalo M-F 9-6PM, Sat 10-5
- 464 Gallery, 464 Amherst Street Buffalo T-F 12-6PM, Sat/Sun 11-5PM

TICKET SALES
$20 tickets for the art will be on sale starting 12/03. At 8pm, ticket numbers will be called randomly and guests with tickets will be invited to select any piece of art; 1 per per ticket. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Gallery 464 (464 Amherst Street), or at The EIGHTS on preview night 12/03 or on the night of the event 12/15 , from 7-8PM.

PREVIEW NIGHT
This Friday Dec 3rd, 2010 7-10pm; The EIGHTS, 888 Main Street
Join us for First Friday's in Allentown & catch a sneak peek of the art that will be available for sale at Give Local! Purchase your presale tickets this night and enjoy specials offered by The EIGHTS.

Think fundraiser. But a fun, up-for-grabs holiday fundraiser that allows you to buy original artwork for just $20, with live music & great food, celebrating local talent for an incredible cause, keeping money in Buffalo... Be a part of the ART!


If any arts organizations or artists have multiple donations, we'd be happy to pick up. Contact nomadbuffalo@gmail.com
 

--
WAM Buffalo
Writers Artists Musicians Event
http://www.WAMBuffalo.com

Sponsored by:

NOMAD Art & Lit Magazine
http://www.nomadbuffalo.com

Free Henry!

http://www.FreeHenryBand.com

Friday, November 26, 2010

CNN 2010 Hero: Anuradha Koirala: Friends of Maiti Nepal


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Anuradha Koirala has won CNN Hero of 2010...

Watch the tribute show this weekend
from BRIGITTE CAZALIS-COLLINS and JOE COLLINS

www.friendsofmaitinepal.org

anu w. anderson cooper and hero award
Anuradha Koirala, CNN Hero of the year, with Anderson Cooper.

Anuradha the winner by popular vote
Dear Friends,

We know you share our joy in learning that Anuradha Koirala founder and chairperson of Maiti Nepal has won CNN Hero of the Year on CNN-TV. The tribute show aired first on Thanksgiving Day, and there are several more opportunities to see it.


Watch the tribute show with a very moving piece about Maiti Nepal Saturday 11/27 & Sunday 11/28 at 8pm ET/PT on CNN.
Check listings for even more repeat airings all this weekend.

For those outside the US, please check local listings for CNN. The Heroes 2010 Tribute show will be available worldwide in the coming weeks.

MN girls celebrate
The girls at Maiti Nepal are overjoyed!
Anuradha Koirala is our hero
Please share this great news with everyone!

Thank you, merci, dhanyibad!

Namaste,
Brigitte Cazalis-Collins
Joe Collins




PEACE, 

SUE 

anu-thankyou
CONNECT
For more event photos please see our facebook page. For more info. and video, visit our website.


Find us on Facebook

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Joseph Wooten and The Union: I Matter: Dec. 29th The Tralf


Music with a higher calling. 
 

That’s what 3 time Grammy nominated artist Mr. Joseph Wooten will be presenting to the Tralf Music Hall on December 29
th, at 8:00pm, when he brings his prodigious brand of soul, heart, and music to the stage.  



Joseph Wooten, no stranger to the bright lights, and international venues, will be performing for the first time with Buffalo’s gospel greats “The Union.” With songs such as “I Matter”, A Light in the Distance”, “My Final Tomorrow”, “I Dream in Color”, “I Pledge Allegiance to Unity”, and a vast collection of compositions that ring true to the human spirit of desires, and dreams, ambitions, and goals.
 

Wooten is the keyboardist for the legendary Steve Miller Band, taking him from Japan, to Europe, Hawaii, and throughout the United States.  When not on the road with Steve Miller, he performs with his brother Victor,  5 time Grammy recipient. Joseph also performs with an elite group of hand picked musicians called Freedom Sings, organized by the First Amendment Center in Washington, D.C, presenting a multi-media experience celebrating The First Amendment and free expression.  


Joseph is currently featured in the November issue of Keyboard Magazine as well as in the latest issue of Following Your Joy with Michelle Joy Stimpson.

 
Joseph’s career began at an early age, sharing the stage with Curtis Mayfield, War, and The Wooten Brothers.  In the 70's, Joseph shared the stage with The Temptations, Stephanie Mills, Dexter Wansel, Ramsey Lewis, and Maze. Joseph also sang back up vocals for Whitney Houston on her debut album, as well as Kenny G.  Joseph also contributed numerous compositions on two of Victor Wootens Grammy nominated CD’s.  

 

The Union has had a strong presence in Western New York, and the entire East Coast, for the past 25 years.  This gospel trio
has been featured twice on the Bobby Jones Gospel Hour, opened for the late Rev. James Cleveland, Delois Barrett Campbell, The Winans, Shirley Caesar, Keith Pringel, Vicky Winans, Douglas Miller, and Billy Preston. The Union performed background vocals for Phoebe Snow, CeCe Penniston, Sara Dash and Dorothy Norwood at the Apollo Theatre during a human rights benefit, sponsored by Reebok.  





They have appeared alongside Gregory Hines, Ziggy Marley, Susan Sarandon, Richard Gere, and Peter Gabriel.  The Union is active in community performing the American and Canadian Anthems for the NFL, and the NBA.  Their tight, clean, melodious, and impassioned voices bring a blend of voices that is rare, and a real joy to hear. 


 

Joyce Wilson Nixon of The Joyce Wilson Nixon Band and vocalist for Taylor Made Jazz will be your host for the evening. 
 

In Joseph's words, “We want to do good with what we have to work with in life; we have a chance to be the things that other people and ourselves are looking for . . . to inspire in a few different ways through lifestyle, music, how we conduct ourselves on stage, and afterward, and to inspire to move, to lead by example, to be able to present good music, from good musicians . . . we want to be able to expound goodness for the evening as best as we know how, so we can catch the next opportunity when it shows up.”  

 

This event is in support of The Food Bank of Western New York during the holidays so please bring non perishable food items to the show to support your community during the season. 



When the curtain goes down, on December 29th at the Tralf,  all will be able to say as the song “I Matter” suggests: 

“This is what I got to see, see that no one means more than me, and one day, when my days are numbered, headed to my final slumber, I’ll say that I was here, I was here, I was here, and I matter . . . and YOU matter too."





**Please visit Josephs website to listen to and download: "I Matter" HERE. You can submit who matters to you and find out who you matter to in this world. 

Wednesday, December 29th 2010
Soul Angel Management Presents:
featuring Buffalo's Own Premier Gospel Vocal Trio, "The Union"
7:00pm Doors | 8:00pm Show
$35 Presale | $40 Day of Show
Tickets on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000 or
*BUY NOW*

"AKA The Hands of Soul, Joseph Wooten is the fourth brother of the quintet The Wooten Brothers. Currently he tours with his brother Victor Wooten, and The Steve Miller Band."

Joyce Wilson Nixon of The Joyce Wilson Nixon Band will be your host for the evening.




Producing & Selling Music: UB North: Nov. 14 Free Seminar

Thanks to the generosity of the organizations sponsoring this event, it is presented at no charge. Building off of the success of the February 2009 and April 2010 “Producing & Selling Music” seminars, this workshop will dig deeper into some of the most important issues facing musicians today, with specific, practical advice that will help you reach your goals.


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There will be an interactive Q&A session where you will be able to get advice surrounding the issues you are facing in your career.

The workshop will be led by:


Susan Marie
A Freelance Journalist, Public Relations Executive as well as a Radio Producer, Engineering Technician, and published author. Susan’s work includes connecting artists with venues, business with community and people, as a whole, together to bridge the gap between all cultures through media.  http://www.susanmarie.info

Joseph Wooten:
Joseph is a 3-time Grammy nominated artist who has played for the past 18 years as keyboardist for The Steve Miller Band. He is also the keyboardist for his brother, 5-time Grammy Award winning bassist Victor Wooten.

Joseph has produced a CD of all original music titled “Joseph Wooten, Hands Of Soul” and is currently working on his 2nd album. Most recently, Joseph was featured in the international publication of Keyboard Magazine, and he will be one of the highlighted artists in their November 2010 edition.  http://www.handsofsoul.com

Alex Foote and Derek Presti from “Free Henry!”:
Free Henry! is a free-flowing rock n' roll jam-band that captures the spirit of pioneering and evocative jazz rhythms and melds it with their descriptive lyrics that catapults their listener into a unique experience. Within the past year this Buffalo, NY band has expanded from the Western New York music scene by playing the areas most famous outdoor music festivals and venues.

They were recently named "Best Original Rock Act" by the 2009 Buffalo Music Awards and "Best Rock Act", "Best Original Music Act", and "Best Male Vocalist" by the 2010 Artvoice Best Of Buffalo Music Awards.  http://www.freehenryband.com




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Topics will include:
• Recognizing the Right Promoters
• Practical Networking Advice
• Building a Fanbase for Success as an Independent Artist
• Using Technology to Your Advantage
• Being Noticed in the Digital Age
• Distribution Channels That Work
• Finding a Niche in the Music Scene
• Getting Paid for Your Music
• Website Do’s and Don’ts
• MySpace: Must-Have or Don’t-Bother

More on, “Producing & Selling Music III” can be found at our website:  http://www.producingandsellingmusic.com

The University at Buffalo Jam Club and The Buffalo/Niagara Just Plain Folks present this workshop from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 14, 2010 at the University at Buffalo's North Campus Student Union Theatre.

DIRECTIONS HERE 


 

Thank You To Our Sponsors


Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Food Bank of WNY Music Video

The Food Bank of WNY spent the last 10 months producing a music video to showcase the Food Bank, all of its programs and many of its supporters. 



With a grant from Walmart, we were able to include 54 WNY celebrities from the media, sports, music and other endeavors as well as hundreds of other folks in this splendid project which features a song written by 3 local musicians and recorded by 18 others.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

International Poet Tree Magazine Issue #44

As the year winds down, we would like to express how thankful we are to have met so many artists and art lovers with which to share our magazine. We thank each and every one of you who has supported Poet Tree Magazine and consider you part of our family. The love and encouragement that we have received has allowed us to maintain strength and focus, enabling us to complete another stunning issue.
What’s new in Issue #4:

• Poet Kelly Tsai: What you don't know about her.

• Which tattoo was artist Tom Sanford talked out of getting, and why?

• Was John Quincy Adams, the 16th president of the United States, a poet?

Find out where to pick up the book, “imaginary poems for my imaginary girlfriend named Anabel,” by Elizabeth Mariani, “knots” by Susan Marie and also a volume by Doc Dalton.

• Are libraries still appreciated as they were in the late 1930s? Find out what Eleanor Roosevelt had to say about libraries, and how her wisdom pertains to today.

    As always, Poet Tree Magazine features one of the most diverse compilations of  art, poetry and short stories that you will find in one magazine, with artists from around the world. As always, Poet Tree Magazine supports positive change across the globe.

    For this issue, we have partnered with a not-for-profit organization to help buy school uniforms for children in Haiti. When you purchase one of our Haiti Rebel Flag T-shirt/magazine combos, 100 percent of the funds go to the cause. (We've got 50 T-shirts we hope will sell out quickly with the help of our readers.)

    Thank you again for supporting our publication, and for supporting the arts.   
       
            Sincerely,
                     Vagner Revol, founder of Poet Tree Magazine
                                        (venum7@hotmail.com, 561-889-3119)
UPCOMING EVENTS!
Please visit us on Facebook for information on the 2nd annual I write poetry contest. 
Special thanks to everyone at www.artistIlove.com and www.lethalpoetry.com, as well as the following contributors: Sonya Pressly, Darren M. Grine, Cassandra Tribe, Irina Grisolle, Sarah Torribio, and Leah Goodwin.
   

Monday, October 25, 2010

Anuradha Koirala: CNN Hero (Please Vote, Stop Sexual Trafficking)



VOTE ANURADHA

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Anuradha Koirala
CNN Hero 2010
from BRIGITTE CAZALIS-COLLINS and JOE COLLINS


Voting for CNN Hero 201o
Anuradha Koirala has been selected as one of the 10 finalists for the CNN Heroes award. The winner will be chosen by worldwide popular vote. We would greatly appreciate you to vote for her and tell your friends to tell their friends.

Today, thanks to the international recognition of her work by CNN,  the world gets the chance to hear her voice - speaking on behalf of the young victims of sex trafficking, to whom she has dedicated her life. 

With your votes you can help us provide more financial resources for the victims of sex trafficking. The winner of this CNN Hero  Award will receive $100,000.00 for his/her cause.

anuraha portrait
Vote online for Anuradha Koirala
Voting is ongoing through November 18th, 2010 (6 pm ET). The winner will be announced on Thursday the 25th of November 2010, Thanksgiving Day in the US.

YOU CAN VOTE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WISH.
Please let family and numerous friends know.  Please share on Facebook, twitter, e-mails etc


Click here to VOTE.

[Once you get to the CNN page, click on Anuradha's photo, type in the "captcha" code at the bottom of the page and click vote. Then do it again!]
Please share this great news and opportunity 
with everyone!

Thank you, merci, dhanyibad!

Gratefully,
Brigitte Cazalis-Collins
Joe Collins

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Iqbal’s Eagle (shaheen) Yearns For Change

Allama Mohammad Iqbal (Poet of the East) ignites me to write.  He is among many whom  inspire me.   For me, he was a poet, philosopher, a revolutionary and a devout Muslim with Sufistic bent of mind.  He stirred up a revolution in the apathetic masses through his powerful poetry.  The most significant and dynamic symbol in his poetry is that of the Eagle (Shaheen in Urdu.)  To understand the Eagle motif in his poetry thus becomes essential to understand Iqbal’s  message.  Several times in his poetry, Iqbal refers to Muslim youth as  Shaheen.  Youth are the greatest wealth and strength of any nation that have immensely contributed to nation building.  There are several examples in past history.  The fresh minds have charisma to bring change.  That is why Iqbal motivated the youth of sub-Continent to bring revolution.  Why did Iqbal choose the eagle to motivate our youth?  Why not use a symbol of lion or tiger, or some other fast and furious animal?  What distinguishes the eagle from the other is its sharp vision, courage, daring attitude, love of freedom and action, struggle,  devotion, dedication, self-reliance and its ability to soar up into the air and rule the sky.


Last night I was watching a documentary on National Geographic about the life of eagles.  What I learned regarded an eagles’ ability to “Transform” or “Change” after certain periods of time and need.  An eagle can live more than 60 years but during its life period it has to face tough challenges.   During its 40’s, its long talon can no longer catch prey for survival and its sharp beak becomes bent.   The eagle then has only one option to exist to adapt to change.   In order to survive, the eagle  has to go through the transformation process, which is very painful, such as:  plucking its talon and waiting for the new to grow, and knocking its beak upon rocks.  After this painful process, it can fly again and hunt with the same dynamics.

~Nahi Tera Nasheman Qasar-e-Sultani Kay Gumbad Par
Tu Shaheen Hai Basaira Kar Paharon ki Chaton Par~



After learning of this transformation process, I realized why Iqbal preferred the eagle over other animals.  He wants Muslims to stop living a life of vulture (Karghis) and accept the challenges of life.   According to Iqbal’s view, Muslim Umma needed a change, particularly Muslims of sub-Continent.  He tells Muslim  youth to go back to their roots and become eagles again.  According to Iqbal, when a person forgets/neglects the tasks assigned to him/her, then God makes him/her forget himself as a result.  We (youth) need to bring back our lost history.  The real cancer is in our minds.  The only way to progress is to bring change within ourselves, families and societies.  It is time to take actions for our responsibilities.  Allah has given us freedom of choice so take responsibility for the outcomes of your choice.  The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) left us a responsibility to take heed to His message for continuous guidance

“ Every leaf of the tree becomes a page of the book , when once heart is opened and it has learnt to read.” Sa’adi~

~Parwaaz Hai Donon ki Usee Aik FaZaa Main
Kargas Kaa Jahaan Aur Hai, Shaheen Kaa Jahan Aur~



Let us not forget the message of Iqbal and focus on constructively using the power of the youth for the betterment of the nation.   Youth are the powerhouse of infinite energy.   Youth power is unbeatable and irrevocable.  All we need to do is direct the energy of our youth in constructive channels that lead to development and progress.  Let us frame such policies that aim at empowering our youth so that we are assured of a better future and brighter tomorrow.  After 63 years of independence, our country still faces hard times  such as:  suffering from poor governance, providing safety for citizens, Sufi shrines and other prayer places, an increase in sectarian violence, ignorance, dim strategy, cruelty and personal lust of power.  All of that causes me to speak for the “Change.”   The patriots of Pakistan are now geared up against all the traitors, looters, betrayers, and criminals.  The Eagles of Pakistan are yearning for change.

© Nooruddin Jalal 2010
@ WordPress 

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

An Interview with Sheniz Janmohamed: Bleeding Light: Ghazals

An Interview with Sheniz Janmohamed: Bleeding Light: Ghazals





Sheniz Janmohamed, poet, spoken word artist, parents born in Kenya, East Africa, Sheniz resides in Toronto Ontario. Sheniz has an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Guelph, is founder of Ignite Poets, and nominated for "Favourite Author" by Masala! Mehndi! Masti! People's Choice Awards.  

Sheniz reads ghazals from her recently published volume, in English, entitled, "Bleeding Light." She speaks of Kenya, India, Toronto, culture, diversity, Sufism, ghazals, writing and art. Purchase her book at TSAR BOOKS and talk to Sheniz on Facebook

To listen click here.for direct download right click here