Sunday, September 12, 2010

MTV, ASCAP, VMA, JERMAINE DUPRI AND OCEAN'S 7 WEEKEND KICKOFF PARTY A LONG WALK HOME

   

ASCAP, Jermaine Dupri and Ocean 7 MTV VMA kickoff party sponsored by Belvedere Vodka rocks a Beverly Hills manson


The media wait continues for celebs who are always late.

Kickoff party sponsored by Belvedere Vodka
ASCAP, Jermaine Dupri & Ocean 7 MTV VMA

A cold dark one mile+ walk down from the mansion
Sponsored by Belvedere Vodka for the night, there were about 500 people attending the mansion party on the hills of Beverly Hills. The road so narrow the LAPD closed the entrance and made attending celebs walked down the dark, dangerous, winding road to safety where shuttles, which were 90 minutes late picking people up at the start of the bash. 
The ASCAP, Jeramine Dupri, Ocean's 7 - minus MONICA (No show) MTV VMA event included musicians Usher, who did NOT walk the red carpet, Jesse McCartney, Kandic Melonakos, actress/recording artist, Ayden Mayeri, actress, Anthony Hamilton, Miss Issa, TIONNE,  Flo Rida, Nelly, New Boyz in their sports attire, Johnnyh Gill,  Actors Kweisi Gharreau, Tristan Wilde, Evan Ross, Quinton Aaron, Shantie O'Neal,  Model Brie among other top models. 
The talented Anthony Hamilton talks to the media at MTV party in Bev. Hills
This was the first time I have attended a red carpet event with NO continuous spot lights on the red carpet for the stars. The person in charge told me "We're relying on media TV lights to provide red carpet lighting." That's fine, however there were very little TV media and the few that had TV camera lights turned their lights off, which explains why some of the celebs such as Usher walk past the dark red carpet area onto the sidewalk and into the house. We were lucky we got any pictures at all.


Jermain Dupri, one of the party sponsors also escaped into the vast crowd, and if he hadn't taken a phone call in the kitchen, where I spotted him, I not sure we would have his photo either. The food was good, the music was awesome, and so loud you could have danced on the dark road a mile down the hill. 


The VMA event honor ASCAP's 2010 VMA nominees was fun once you got to the mansion. Leaving the media in the parking for more than an hour (some left) and treating us like gardeners or house servants doesn't make the greatest impression.


Even some of the celebs attending said as they waited and left the party, "No more mansion parties." By the way the group Ocean's 7 includes Usher, Nelly Trey Songz (who was also a no show), Brian Michael Cox, Johnt Austin and Tyron Davis.
I was invited to another party, but since I caught a terrible cold chest walking down the dark road leading up to the mansion, I opted to pass. 

Airing live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, the 2010 VMAs promise to be the biggest and best in the show's history, featuring performances by Eminem (who will kick the show off), Kanye West, Drake, Justin Bieber, Paramore, B.o.B, Linkin Park, Florence and the Machine, Usher and in-house music provided by deadmau5 (and a handful of special guests). Plus, all of your favorite stars will be in the building, including Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, 30 Seconds to Mars, the casts of "Glee," "Jackass" and "Jersey Shore," Rick Ross, Selena Gomez and dozens more. They'll all be in the house celebrating the year in music and competing for the coveted Moonman, the only entertainment award designed after a a guy who has a crater named after him on the moon.
The action begins with a live red carpet (sorry, white carpet) celebration at 8 p.m. Eastern. MTV News' Sway and Tim Kash will be welcoming the stars, keeping track of the surprise arrivals and throwing to Nicki Minaj and will.i.am for an early performance. You can keep track of everything live on MTV, stream it live here or stick around here for the live blog below.


Monday, August 9, 2010

Will Ferrell and the Other Guys Dethones Inception at Box Office


- 1hr 47min‎‎ - Rated PG-13‎‎ - Comedy‎ - Action movie


Director: Adam McKay (also cowrote script)- Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton, Derek Jeter


Hollywood, CA - "The Other Guys," the cop buddy movie starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg from Sony Pictures beat "Inception" at the box office this weekend. The comedy pulled in $35.6 million and put to ease any concerns over Ferrell's box-office duds after the disaster that was "Land of the Lost." There's still enough interest surrounding "Inception" to drive the Warner Bros. movie to second place with $18.6 million. The "Step Up 3D" didn't make anyone want to dancetaking in only $15.5 million in its first weekend.

 If you think some cops are cocky or a little wierd, these guys define both terms in the new movie The Other Guys, now in a theater near you.

The Sony Pictures flick, starring Will Ferrell, and Mark Wahlberg, sped to the top of the daily boxoffice rankings with an around $13.2 million from its first day in movie theaters on Friday. and it will tickle your funny bone and then some. 

It is not your ordinary shootem' Up copy movie like Bruce Willis, who survives gun blasts and exposions, and steps on broken glass barefoot. No, this is a comedy about a day in the life of two mismatched New York Detectives trying to take a bite out of crime. There are so many stars and so many action scenes, it's unstoppable.

Photo by Macall Polay – © 2010 Columbia TriStar Marketing Group, Inc.
Terry Hoitz's past mistakes in the line of duty and Allen Gamble's reluctance to take risks have landed them the roles of the "Other Guys", disgraced New York City police detectives relegated to filling out paperwork for cocky hero cops Danson and Highsmith. The mismatched duo must look past their differences when they take on a high-profile investigation of shady capitalist David Ershon and attempt to fill the shoes of the notoriously reckless officers they idolize. Written by The Massie Twins
NYPD Detectives Christopher Danson and P.K. Highsmith (Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson) are the nastiest and most beloved cops in New York City. They don't get tattoos - other men get tattoos of them. Two desks over and one back, sit Detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg). You've seen them in the background of photos of Danson and Highsmith, out of focus and eyes closed. 

They're not heroes - they're "the Other Guys." But every cop has his or her day and soon Gamble and Hoitz stumble into a seemingly innocuous case no other detective wants to touch that could turn into New York City's biggest crime. It's the opportunity of their lives, but do these guys have the right stuff? Written by Sony Pictures

MAYO PR - "We don't guarantee media, we just get it!"

MAYO PR -"We don't guarantee media, we just get it!"

Thursday, August 5, 2010

The true life of Kung Fu TV Legend David Carradine revealed in new book by exwife Actress Marina Anderson



Actress Marina Anderson held her first book signing at the Book Soup in West Hollywood, CA, July 23, 2010. About the Late TV Series Kung Fu Legend David Carradine as told by Actress Marina Anderson: David Carradine - a world icon, had a volatile, dark and brilliant personality. His acting career spanned four decades on stage, television and cinema. He became an international sensation as Kwai Chang Caine in the ‘70s hit television series Kung Fu.
Further cementing his icon status, he starred in the classic movies Death Race 2000, Bound for Glory and Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, which vaulted Carradine back onto the Hollywood A-list. David Carradine died in a Bangkok hotel room, on June 3, 2009, an apparent victim of autoerotic asphyxiation. 
Amid sensational media speculation, Marina launched her own investigation into the death of her ex-husband. Suicide? Foul play? A sex act gone wrong? Was he alone? Was there a cover-up? Her conclusions are startling. MAYO PR exclusive TV interview at first book signing. 

For your charity celebrity event contact George 
Mc Quade, Publicity@MAYOCommunications.com or call 818-340-5300. We would love to help create a buzz for your next event. Our last charity event raised money for Breast Cancer Research with a MAMMOJAM 2010.




Book Soup says:

Publisher Comments: Accomplished American actor David Carradine was both an enigma and a chameleon. As the eldest son of legendary character actor John Carradine, he appeared in over a hundred feature films and was nominated four times for a Golden Globe Award. On June 4, 2009, Carradine was mysteriously found dead in his hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand. He left many unanswered and disturbing questions behind...
Dividing her time between Toronto, Canada and Los Angeles, Marina Anderson is an established actress with an extensive background in journalism as a professional freelance writer.


MAYO PR - "We don't guarantee media, we just get it!"

Thursday, July 1, 2010

NBS Nuttin' But Stringz features in The Empowerment Initiative Online Newsletter - Publication of The Umoja Network

Nuttin' But Stringz is capturing the hearts of America with their brand of Hip Hop Classical Music
     By Abari Sankofa

                                   Nuttin' But Stringz
      Brothers Tourie and Damien Escobar are two dynamic young violinists who have captivated the America's music scene. Together, they are Nuttin’ But Stringz (NBS). NBS combines the classical sound of the violin with Pop, R&B and Hip-hop. The result is an unique and uplifting fury of modern emotion and harmony, intensity and rhythm. Their mission is to bridge the gap between Popular and Classical music.
     NBS has been playing the violin for over 15 years and at the tender ages of 7 and 8 they knew what inspired them. They grew up in a rough area of Jamaica, Queens; where it wasn’t safe to walk the streets especially if you have a violin in your hands.  
     At age 10 both were the youngest to attend the legendary Juilliard School of Music in New York City. They played in New York City's subways for pocket change. They raked in over $300 each in 2 hours, and did it 3 times a week.
     In 2005, they entered a local talent contest at the legendary Apollo Theatre and won! As a result of the media attention surrounding the event, they have appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Today Show with Katie Couric and have even been featured in major motion Pictures such as STEP UP. They have performed on show bills with legendary artists such as Al Jarreau, Patti Labelle,Chaka Khan, The Isley Brothers and Yolonda Adams. They have even been invited to perform for the President Barack Obama at the White House.


     NBS debut CD, Struggle from the Subway to the Charts, was released through KOCH Entertainment in October 2006 on NBS Entertainment Inc./KOCH Entertainment. This spectacular CD is blended with an array of classical and hip hop music. Also, the CD focuses on their life's experiences and the best songs are:ThunderStruggle, Egyptian In The NightNu Day, andDance With My Father.  
     In 2009, NBS made an appearance on America's Got Talent, and made to the top three. Since that time, they have been touring the country and worldwide.  

    TEION interviewed Damien and Tourie Escobar of NBS via email about their experience on America's Got Talent; keeping music programs alive in schools; their influence on Black children; and favorite artists.  
   TEION: Did you both have the idea -- after excelling but failing to capture the top spot on America's Got Talent -- that your career will take off? What other things (besides the recordings and the "DWTS" appearance)  have happened for you since AGT?
   DAMIEN: We were disappointed, but it was natural, since were in the top three, and American voted, but we did not win. We knew there would be more and bigger opportunities ahead, we just had to keep the faith and move on.
   Shortly, after AGT, we hired a new manager, Nadia Over, who helped us scored some very big and high profile where we could perform before a larger audience. ABC's Dancing with the Starsis the most watched live TV show, and we made TV history, because Nuttin' But Stringz is the first instrumental in the 10 year history of the program to perform live on the popular show. Even Chelsie Hightower, and several dance contestant like Kate Gosselin thought were sensational.
   TEION: How important it is for county and urban school boards across the country to keep arts and music programs in elementary, junior high and high schools (especially in predominately Black schools) alive?

   TOURIE: It's critical. I was the first [of the two of us] to pick up a violin at age 10. We recently performed a benefit concert to keep the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music from closing. They helped youth and inspired our musicians of the future. We were inspired by their work and have become their spokesman. We don't have $100,000, but we hope to raise it for the music school.
   TEION: What influence have you made on Black children (6-17) who are in music programs by being violinists? How many of them want to become violinists?
   DAMIEN: Everywhere we go, parents are coming up to us and saying how much NBS has influenced their son or daughter in music.
   TOURIE: I look forward to the day when the guitar will be replaced by the violin. Kids of all ages from 5- 15 are picking a violin and basketball and playing both, and they don't get called a 'sissy' like I was teased in school for play violin music.
   TEION: Do both have a program that teaches Black children how to play the violin, or teach them about classical or other types of music? (R&B, Jazz, Blues, etc.)
   DAMIEN: Right now we are too busy on the road performing in various places, and this most recent assignment to keep Opus 118 Harlem School of Music open will surely keep us busy. They're teaching black children, Hispanic and Asian children how to play the violin, and all are learning about classical music, along with the R&B, Jazz, Blues and Hip-Hop music they hear on the radio.
   TEION: What famous musical artists (for example:NajeePamela Williams, MaxwellMary Mary, Mary J. BligeTake 6, etc.) would you like record a CD or perform live? Who are some of your favorite musical artists?
   TOURIE: We would love to work with Justin Timberland,JAY-Z, Stevie Wonder or any other great artists. When we were on MTV Unplugged last month, it was so cool to collaborate and play violin live for Trey Sonz.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Nuttin' But Stringz To Champion Benefit Event for Opus 118 Harlem School of Music

Host Nuttin’ But Stringz To Rock The House at Opus 118 Harlem School of Music’s Opening Honors Recital in New York

Opus 118 Harlem School of Music
The fundraising event kicks off their concert campaign to raise $500,000 to keep the Opus 118 music program running
New York, NY May 11, 2010 — The powerful sound of urban rock music will come alive on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at El Museo Del Barrio in New York City, when internationally renown violin duo Nuttin’ But Stringz host the opening Honors Recital for Opus 118 Harlem School of Music. The platinum selling violinists, who were recently featured on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and MTV Unplugged with Trey Songz, have become the champion spokespersons of the non-profit organization.
Opus 118 transforms the lives of students and their families of the Harlem community, through access to quality music education while fostering teacher development and introducing musical performance to new audiences. “Opus 118 has experienced significant challenges in securing the funding needed to sustain the organization” said Damien Escobar, Nuttin’ But Stringz.  Damien noted he was inspired by the efforts of Roberta Guaspari who co-founded the non-profit organization to inspire the youth of Harlem.

Opus 118 Harlem School of Music
In 1991, public school budget cuts eliminated arts programs, but Guaspari and her students fought for their program. They rallied community support and held a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall, with some of the world’s finest musicians to raise funds to keep the program open for nearly 20 years. Unfortunately, the program faces the same struggles during these economic times. With the help of Nuttin’ But Stringz, Opus 118 will kick of their Concert Campaign to raise half a million dollars and hopefully keep the program open for another 20 years.
“Opus 118 has seen a fair share of challenges through the years, but struggle parallels our humble beginnings,” said Robert Gondola, director of external relations.  “This year marks Opus 118’s 19th year and with the help of generous donors, we will not only make it to a 20th year, but [Opus 118] will be in a position to sustain for many more years to come.”
“Our mission is far from accomplished,” explained Gondola. “There is so much left to do, and we need people to lend a hand to preserve the educational treasure that is Opus 118 in a neighborhood that needs it more than ever.”
Unfortunately, after more than a decade, Opus 118 finds itself in the same predicament battling through turbulent economic times. “Sometimes passion and drive are all you need.” said Tourie Escobar, “When my brother and I heard [Opus 118] was facing closure we felt motivated to help.”
Tourie Escobar (in driver’s seat) and brother Damien Escobar, Nuttin’ But Stringz check out the Batmobile on display at USA Chevy Camaro “Spirit” Premiere during their last visit to Hollywood and a performance on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. (MAYO image)
Nuttin’ But Stringz is no stranger to giving back to the community. They brought music lovers to their feet last month (April 26, 2010) at the American Heart Association’s Power to End Stroke movement. The initiative took place at the Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall in Houston, and empowered people to reduce their risk for stroke and educate communities on the importance of its prevention.
The Opus 118 Honors Recital on Thursday May 13, 2010, will begin at 6:00 pm with a cocktail hour, followed by a 7:00 pm performance. The newly renovated museum galleries will also be open exclusively for Opus 118 supporters. For more information on registration and tickets to the event contact Robert Gondola, Director of External Relations for Opus 118, Harlem School of Music at (212) 831- 4455 ext.105.
Damien Escobar and Tourie Escobar, Nuttin’ But Stringz 
About Nuttin’ But StringzBrother Tourie Escobar and Damien Escobar, who grew up in Queens, NY, are a true phenomenon of our musical age. Together, they are Nuttin’ But Stringz(NBS). NBS combines the classical sound of the violin with Pop, R&B and Hip-hop. The result is a unique and uplifting fury of modern emotion and harmony, intensity and rhythm. At age 10 both were the youngest to attend the legendary Juilliard School of Music in New York City. Their mission is to bridge the gap between Popular and Classical music. For more information about NBS visit: www.NuttinButStringz.com and NBS Blog: http//nuttinbutstringz.wordpress.com.
[Editors: For media interviews with Tourie Escobar or Damien Escobar, Nuttin’ But Stringz, or images contact Aida Mayo or George McQuade, MAYO Communications, Los Angeles,
818-340-5300 or 818-618-9229. Email:  Publicity@MayoCommunications.com.]

MAYO PR - "We don't guarantee media, we just get it!"

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Trey Songz Gets Sexy For MTV Unplugged Concert Collaborating with Nuttin’ But Stringz


















NUTTIN' BUT STRINGZ
Tourie Escobar (l) and Damien Escobar
Nuttin' But Stringz play during the historical
concert on MTV Unplugged April 23rd. NBS
peformed with Trey Songz for the much talked about
concert.

Nuttin' But Stringz Collaborates with Trey Songz



According to Songz's management, the singer's ongoing tour (Blueprint 3) with Jay-Z will be the focus of an as-yet-untitled reality series set to premiere in June. "The first show airs on BET on June 27, the night of the BET Awards," music vet, Kevin Liles told MTV this week. "The show comes first, and then right after that, the BET Awards."
MTV's Grammy® award-winning series, MTV Unplugged premieres its latest installment featuring the prince of  R&B, Trey Songz on Monday, April 26 at 6:00am ET/PT on MTV.com.  Trey Songz, known for giving his fans the ultimate show will perform songs from his critically acclaimed album, Ready, including hit singles "Neighbors Know My Name" and "Say Aah."  The performance will also include a special rendition of "Let's Get It On" by the legendary Marvin Gaye.  MTV will also air highlights from the special across its multiple on-air platforms on-air including AMTV, mtvU, MTV Hits and MTV Jams.
New York, NY - Trey Songz, who's about to release a new album in September performed a special, historical concert series on MTV Unplugged this month collaborating with Damien Escobar and Brother Tourie, Nuttin' But Stringz (NBS). NBS peformed a double header on April 23rd, Friday. A Houston benefit concert for the American Heart Assn. and MTV Unplugged. Check out the three videos below. You can the platinum selling violin duo playing right behind Trey Songz.
         Trey Songz with Nuttin But Stringz -MTV Unplugged. NBS collaborated           with Trey Songz on the April 23, 2010 concert. (NBS photo)
According to Songz's management, the singer's ongoing tour (Blueprint 3) with Jay-Z will be the focus of an as-yet-untitled reality series set to premiere in June.

MUSIC WITH TREY SONGZ & NUTTIN BUT STRINGZ (More)
"The first show airs on BET on June 27, the night of the BET Awards," music vet, Kevin Liles told MTV this week. "The show comes first, and then right after that, the BET Awards."

MTV's Grammy® award-winning series, MTV Unplugged premieres its latest installment featuring the prince of  R&B, Trey Songz on Monday, April 26 at 6:00am ET/PT on MTV.com.




Trey Songz, known for giving his fans the ultimate show will perform songs from his critically acclaimed album, Ready, including hit singles "Neighbors Know My Name" and "Say Aah."  The performance will also include a special rendition of "Let's Get It On" by the legendary Marvin Gaye.  MTV will also air highlights from the special across its multiple on-air platforms on-air including AMTV, mtvU, MTV Hits and MTV Jams.
Nuttin' But Stringz recently performed on Dancing with the Stars, making history of their own as the first instrumental on the TV's most watch TV show on ABC.

About Nuttin’ But Stringz



Teenage brothers, Tourie Escobar and Damien Escobar, who grew up in Queens, NY, are a true phenomenon of our musical age. Together, the Escobar brothers are Nuttin’ But Stringz (NBS). NBS combines the classical sound of the violin with Pop, R&B and Hip-hop. The result is a unique and uplifting fury of modern emotion and harmony, intensity and rhythm. Younger brother Damien says, “We play our violins so hard and with such force that we destroy a bow a show!” Tourie describes their urban rock compositions this way, “Our music is based on emotion not lyrics. We tell stories and the violin is our voice.

Nuttin' But Stringz peformed live while Tiler Peck, NY principal ballerina and TV's 
So You Think You Can Dance
 dancers hit the stage with a powerful historical performance, that even the DWTS were still talking about after the night's competitive ballroom dancing show. NBS is on a tour, next stop, Kentucky.

At age 10 both were the youngest to attend the legendary Julliard School of Music in New York City where they were able to hone their craft and find their place. Their mission is to bridge the gap between Popular and Classical music. Nuttin’ But Stringz debut CD and most recent composition, Struggle from the Subway to the Charts by KOCH Entertainment and NBS Entertainment Inc. features their first single “Thunder,” showcasing their raw talent and digs into the soul. Other tracks include “Broken Sorrow” and “Dance with my Father.” For more information about NBS visit: www.Nuttinbutstringz.com and NBS Blog: http//nuttinbutstringz.wordpress.com.
Just in case you are trying to remember what Trey Songz sounds like on the radio or in concert PLUGGED IN:

For more about Nuttin' But Stringz visit: www.Nuttinbutstringz.com