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:Thunder, Struggle, Egyptian In The Night, Nu 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:Najee, Pamela Williams, Maxwell, Mary Mary, Mary J. Blige, Take 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.

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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.]

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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

Trey Songz - New Music

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 - New Music 

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:

Trey Songz - New Music  

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

Nuttin' But Stringz to support Opus 118 Harlem School of Music in New York

URBAN ROCK VIOLIN DUO NUTTIN’ BUT STRINGZ TO BE SPOKESPERSON FOR OPUS 118 HARLEM SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Josh Kelly, Emma Montero (courtesy OPus 118)

“WE WERE INSPIRED BY ROBERT GUASPARI WHO USED HER GOD GIVEN TALENT TO INSPIRE OTHERS,” SAID DAMIEN ESCOBAR OF  NUTTIN’ BUT STRINGZ, WHO PLANS TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE FINANCIAL OBSTACLE FACED BY OPUS 118

NEW YORK, NY APRIL 28, 2010 — NUTTIN’ BUT STRINGZ, international urban rock violin duo brothers Damien and Tourie Escobar announced today that they have signed on as the spokespersons for Opus 118, Harlem School of Music, to help bring awareness to this program and prevent it’s closure during these economic times. 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. Since 1991 Opus 118 has helped more than 5,000 students achieve through quality music instruction.

“Opus 118 has experienced significant challenges in securing the funding necessary to sustain the organization” said Damien Escobar,NUTTIN’ BUT STRINGZ.  Damien noted he was inspired by the efforts of Robert Guaspari who entered the community of Harlem in 1981 with very little teaching experience and a lot of passion. She co-founded Opus 118 in hopes to inspire the youth of Harlem. In 1991, public school budget cuts eliminated arts programs, but Guaspari and her students fought for their program by rallying community support and held a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall where some of the world’s finest musicians were in attendance.

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.” NUTTIN’ BUT STRINGZ is no stranger to giving back to the community. They brought music lovers to their feet Friday night (April 26, 2010) at the Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall, in Houston for a benefit of the American Heart Association’s Power to End Stroke movement, an initiative that empowers people to reduce their risk for stroke and educates communities on the importance of its prevention.

Tourie Escobar and Damien Escobar, Nuttin' But Stringz.

As the spokespersons for Opus 118,NUTTIN’ BUT STRINGZ has made it a priority to continue to give back and now want to bring awareness to Opus 118 and its fight to stay open. Beginning May 13^th, at El Museo Del Barrio in New York City, NBS will host Opus 118’s Opening Honors Recital, which will kick off their concert campaign to raise $500,000 to keep the program running. Historically, Opus 118 has not had access to the resources that others may have had—“it has always been a fight for us to survive,” said Robert Gondola, director of external relations. “Opus 118 has seen a fair share of challenges through the years, but struggle parallels our humble beginnings. 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 somuch 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.”

The Honors Recital 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 AND TOURIE ESCOBAR, NUTTIN' BUT STRINGZ IN CONCERT IN HOUSTON, TX LAST FRIDAY, APRIL, 23RD.

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.”

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.

Nuttin' But Stringz brings nuttin' but joy and hope to American Heart Assn. benefit convert

Heart “Stringz” tugged at the American Heart Association’s Power of Legacy Soiree

HOUSTON – Nuttin’ But Stringz’ international urban rock violin duo Damien and Tourie Escobar brought music lovers to their their feet Friday night(April 26, 2010) at the Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall. The Emmy award-winning brother’s unique fusion of rock urban hip hop and classical music touched the hearts of nearly 300 people, who gathered in support of the American Heart Association’s Power To End Stroke movement, an initiative that empowers people to reduce their risk for stroke and educates communities on the importance of prevention. In between electrifying sets, the brothers shared their rise from the rough and dangerous streets of Jamaica Queens, NY, as well as their close connection to heart disease. The pair’s mother, aunt and grandparents have all suffered from various forms of heart disease and stroke, while Damien Escobar himself has a murmur that is checked regularly.

200-Damien Escobar, Event Chair Merele Yarborough and Tourie Escobar (Dmoreland Photography)

One hundred percent of the funds raised for the Power of Legacy Soiree, chaired by Merele Yarborough, will directly impact the health initiatives of the African-American community in Houston and increase awareness about the risks, signs and symptoms of stroke, the nation’s number three killer, which impacts African-Americans more than any other ethnic group.

Honorees that evening included: Ralph Holmes of Aetna,Kirk Franklin and Judy and Wayne McConnell, who were recognized for their support of the Power to End Stroke campaign since its inception four years ago. Each of the honorees encouraged the audience to lead by example, and to make a pledge to incorporate simple lifestyle changes into their daily lives, which could significantly reduce the risk of stroke. , “

200-Damien and Brother Tourie (glasses) Nuttin' But Stringz at Houston concert(Dmoreland PHotography)

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!”The older brother describes their urban rock compositions this way, “Our music is based on emotion not lyrics. We tell stories and the violin is our voice.”
 
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 Sorry” and “Dance with my Father.” For more information about NBS visit: www. Nuttinbutstringz.comand their blog @ http://nuttinbutstringz.wordpress.com.

The evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies was Deborah Duncan of KHOU Channel 11′s Great Day Houston. Others in the crowd included: Anita and Gerald Smith,Larry Payne, Cheryl Solomon, Ericka and Jeff Bagwell, Debbie and RudyFestari, Audrey and Wardell Gilbreath, Beverly and Jim Postl, Pam andNeil Tofsky, Charles Flournoy, Pam andMichaelStinson and Drs. Crystal and Randall Wright. 

About the American Stroke Association

The goal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is to reduce disability and death from stroke through research, education and advocacy. In its 2006–07 fiscal year, the association invested more than $152 million to fight stroke. To learn more, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit strokeassociation.org. The Power To End Stroke campaign is supported nationally by the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership.

[Editors: For media interviews or images contact Aida Mayo or George Mc Quade, MAYO Communications, Los Angeles, 818-340-5300 or Publicity@MayoCommunications.com.]

For more about the American Heart Assn. contact:

Tiffany Travis, Comm. Dir.
American Heart Association
South Central Affiliate

10060 Buffalo Speedway
Houston, TX 77054
713-610-5041♠

Ralph and Wanda Homes of Aetna, Corporate Honoree )200-Ralph and Wanda Homes of Aetna, Corporate Honorees. (DMoreland PHotos)

Anita and Gerald Smith at Benefit Concert in Houston for th e American Heart Assn. (DMoreland)

Wayne and Judy Mc Connell at benefit concert. (DMoreland Photography)

Looking for the right media buzz, the info is free here. And if you want entertainment publicity buzz about your movie, music or company call us the first call is free. 818-340-5300 or Publicity@may