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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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.

Iceland Volcano disrupts plane schedules and strands thousands including Nuttin' But Stringz

TMZ’s Harvey Levin asks “What is Pinot” in an interview with Nuttin’ But Stringz at Dancing with the Stars in a conversation about Kate Gosselin, one of the DWTS contestants

Tourie Escobar (Nuttin’ But Stringz), Kate Gosselin, Damien Escobar (Nuttin; But Stringz) and partner Tony Dovolani, Gosselin’s dance partner, after ABC’Dancing with the Stars.

Los Angeles, CA - Just got off the phone with the manager of Nuttin’ But Stringz, who is stranded along with thousands of airline passengers in Europe due to the Iceland Volcano eruption. Not since 9-11 or Mount Saint Helens (May 18, 1980, Washington State) have so many planes been grounded. TMZ got an exclusive interview this week with Tourie and Damien Escobar, brothers who make up the internationally renown Nutt’ But Stringz, who performed live at Dancing with the  Stars on ABC. Taking a break from the show TMZ caught the urban rock violinists just outside the DWTS studios.
When asked who they thought was the best dancer? Both replied in harmony, “Kate Gosselin. She’s a good woman, a good Mom and the most sexy,”  Tourie and Damien answered. TMZ’s Harvey Levin (shaking his head), back in the newsroom, was blown away when he heard Tourie Escobar tell the TMZ news cameraman that He’s ” in love with Kate Gosselin, and would love to date her.”
Nuttin' But Stringz talks about their live performance on Dancing with the Stars from George  S. Mc Quade III on Vimeo.






When they asked who’s the sexiest Dancer on DWTS, both replied Kate Gosselin. “Kate is even sexier than Pamela Anderson,”  said Tourie.  She’s “Pinot.” Levin, back in the newsroom said, “Now you’re losing me, what is Pinot?” Both violinists answer, “A fine wine.”

On April 23rd, they will be see on MTV Unplugged on cable, but if you are in Houston, Texas you can hear and watch them live.  It is a benefit event for the American Heart Assn. It will be held at the Hobby Center for Performing Arts in Zilkha Hall. According to the AHA Stroke is the number three  killer in America and the leading cause of disability. In fact, nearly 2600 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of one death every 33 seconds. Although the numbers are staggering, the power to change these statistics lies within all of us to make simple lifestyle changes that can reverse these numbers.

The American Heart Association’s Power To End Stroke initiative has been forging ahead to empower individuals through education and awareness about their risk for stroke and the choices they have in prevention.

(L-R) Tourie Escobar and Damien Escobar, Nuttin' But Stringz" interview with KABC-TV reporter George Pennaccio.

Funds raised by the Power of Legacy event will directly benefit research, education and outreach in Houston. The 2010 Power of Legacychair is Merele Yarborough. Honorees for the evening are Aetna, Kirk Franklin and Judy and Wayne McConnell. For tickets, contact the American Heart Association at 713-610-5010 or visit www.poweroflegacy.blogspot.com The Power To End Stroke campaign is supported nationally by the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership. 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 For updates on Nuttin’ But Stringz  visit:  www.MAYOPR.com click on “Clients in the News” Other Articles on NBS: Nuttin‘ But Stringz tapped for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ (exclusive) … Apr 14, 2010 … Nuttin‘ But Stringz , the amazing violin-playing duo of Damien and Tourie Escobar, has been tapped to perform on Dancing With the Stars www.examiner.com/x-24089-TV Examiner~y2010m4d10-Nuttin-But-Stringz-tapped-for-Dancing-With-the-Stars-exclusive-interview Latest Nuttin But StringzNews – Examiner.comLatest Nuttin But Stringz news stories at Examiner.com. www.examiner.com/Subject-Nuttin_But_Stringz.html ABDC Season 5: And the winner is…(video)Apr 15, 2010 … I loved Nuttin‘ But Stringz from when I first saw them on “America’s Got Talent.” Travis Wall choreographed this routine. TV ExaminerApr 10, 2010 … Nuttin‘ But Stringz tapped for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ (exclusive … Nuttin‘But Stringz, the amazing violin-playing duo of Damien and … www.examiner.com/x-24089-TV-Examiner~topic391726-Dancing-With-the-Stars