Posts made in February 2019

Jamie N Commons “Won’t Let Go” Music Video

British singer/songwriter Jamie N Commons releases the video for his latest single “Won’t Let Go” today.   “Won’t Let Go” was written by Commons and produced by Sam De Jong and is available now at all digital retailers.  Commons is currently in the midst of a tour opening for Jacob Banks (see remaining tour dates below). 

Born in Bristol in the late 80s and following that with a stint in Chicago, Commons returned to England set on a music career studying at Goldsmiths in London, notorious for its host of luminary alumni.  Commons released The Baron EP in 2011 followed by his KIDinaKORNER/Interscope debut Rumble And Sway EP in 2013 showcasing his whiskey-laced growl.  Commons’ workmanlike approach has been fed further by the work he’s doing for others. Among his successes, he co-wrote the hit “Jungle” for X Ambassadors with Alex Da Kid and Sam Harris, and toured with the band. He also had a Beats by Dre ad, and was featured on Eminem‘s ‘MMLP2’ album. Commons won Music Week’s Sync Artist Of The Year in 2016. This past year Commons composed the music for the summer blockbuster “Skyscraper” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. These experiences opened his ears to a spectrum of genres, making him more interested in the path pop music is taking. 

Below is a list of remaining tour dates for Jamie N. Commons supporting Jacob Banks:

Feb 13   Orlando, FL   The Social
Feb 14 Atlanta, GA   Variety PlayhouseFeb 15   Nashville, TN    Exit/In   

Jessie Ware Releases “Adore You”

Jessie Ware begins the year as she unveils new track “Adore You,” co-written and produced by Joseph Mount (Metronomy) and mixed by James Ford. The song is available now via PMR Records / Friends Keep Secrets / Interscope Records.  Ware’s latest offering was lauded yesterday on Annie Mac’s Radio 1 show as “Hottest Record In The World.”  Listen to “Adore You” HERE.

“Adore You” is a continuous reminder of Ware’s ability to transcend the British clubbing scene in sophisticated fashion. Boasting an ethereal core and sophisticated vocals all round, “Adore You” is a fresh cut of classic UK house and dance music from the soul powerhouse. The tracks funk-infused and rhythmic production, thanks to Metronomy’s Joseph Mount, harmonises Jessie’s captivating sound, exciting a subtle essence of nostalgia to keep the spirit of clubbing music alive. 

Speaking of the track, Jessie said, “I’ve wanted to work with Joe for such a long time and this is the first thing we did in the studio together. This is ‘Adore You.’ It’s just a little something to tie you over with until my next release. It feels fitting to put this out when I’m about to become a new mum again and feel the most confident I’ve ever felt about my music. Happy Valentines, I adore you all.”

It’s been a transformative period for Jessie that has seen her reconnect with her roots. Jessie has been in the studio working on her next album and has released “Adore You” as a taster record for what’s to come.
 

GOING CUCKOO FOR SOUTHWEST GERMANY

SouthWest Germany’s Specialist Program for Travel Agents
Informs, delights and awards certificates and a trip!

In little over a few hours, travel agents and anyone interested in


SouthWest Germany, officially the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, is a beautiful part of Germany that offers green hills and valleys, caves of ancient art and forests, large and small rivers and lakes, as well as great cities, palaces, castles and medieval monasteries. The variety means that visitors can have a total, in-depth German experience in just one visit. And, it is easy for travel agents to help their clients create that dream vacation.
 
The specialist program has 11 modules each with a different topic. The modules introduce the visitor with basic knowledge courses about why to go covering the top highlights such as the famous cities and towns; how to get there by plane, train, bus or car; and the best time of year to go. The variety of modules lead the travel agent through the courses in a fun, interactive and engaging manner so time passes quickly.
 
In the heart of Europe, SouthWest Germany is the country’s sunniest region. Bordering on France, Switzerland and Austria, SouthWest Germany offers visitors the perfect European experience. Rail is the convenient alternative to flying and is often the quickest way of getting around Europe and South-West Germany. Long-distance and local train times are coordinated to ensure quick, easy connections. The ICE-Intercity Express high-speed service offers at least one train every hour between Germany’s major cities and neighboring countries. SouthWest Germany has an excellent network of highways (Autobahn) and there are seven international airports.
 
World-famous highlights include the beautiful Black Forest and the sophisticated spa resort of Baden-Baden, but there are also lesser-known treasures and ready-to-be-discovered small town gems. SouthWest Germany appeals to young and old alike, thanks to its combination of unspoiled nature, outdoor activities, unique historical palaces and castles and world-class natural spas. It also offers fun festivals, and award-winning restaurants and wines. Anytime of year is fun in SouthWest Germany because there are the Christmas markets, skiing and winter sports and the Carnival (Fas’nacht) celebrations in the Black Forest; fall is a perfect time for enjoying the wines and going hiking through the two luscious wine regions as well as raising a Stein at Stuttgart’s famous beer festival; summer is wonderful for visiting the luxurious and historic castles and palaces while spring is perfect for almost everything especially the gardens and the fruit trees and indulging in the annual treat of white asparagus which is on every menu. At every time of year, the cities and towns, museums, opera, dance and festivals entertain and delight with their regular cultural performances and displays.
 
SouthWest Germany offers charming villages going back in time, historic towns and luxurious getaways. The university cities of Heidelberg, Tuebingen and Freiburg are vivacious and historic, each has its own highlights such as the Chocol’Art chocolate market in Tuebingen at Christmas time or the music festival in Heidelberg where famous people perform in intimate places throughout the town in the spring. Freiburg has an amazing wine festival in July and yet, at any time of year, these towns offer museums, restaurants and fabulous charm. Baden-Baden is a luxurious getaway where highlights include the world class performances at the Spielhaus and the casino.
 
SouthWest Germany has the potential to absorb visitors so while it is possible to see the entire state in seven to 10 days, we recommend spending one month. Of course this may be difficult for people who don’t have so much vacation time so it is understandable if you have to limit your time to certain regions or routes all of which are content and activity rich so you can experience a lot in a short time.
 
The north provides the towns of Heidelberg, the castle road, the Technomuseum of Mannheim, the ZKM Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe and many castles and palaces such as royal palace and gardens of Schwetzingen and the asparagus route. The middle of the state is home to the capital of Stuttgart surrounded by the wine region of Wuerttemberg. Stuttgart has two world class art museums as well as museums for architecture and antiques. Einstein came from the town of Ulm in Swabia where there is also a fantastic bread museum and this is close to a great beer route and the town of Ehingen on the Danube as well as the baroque route and some of Europe’s most extraordinary cave art as well as the town of Ravensburg of puzzle fame. The Black Forest provides endless possibilities for hiking and biking and outdoor experiences. In the south, bordering Switzerland and Austria, Lake Constance is a paradise for families interested in the Bronze Age Village, the seaside castle of Meersburg, the UNESCO World heritage monastery island of Reichenau and the garden island of Mainau and the Zeppelin Museum to name a few.
 
Many travelers delight in that SouthWest Germay is a haven and heaven for car lovers. This is where the world’s first car was made and today the tradition of producing top notch cars of the future has not let up. Both Mercedes and Porsche call Stuttgart home. They have extraordinary museums and restaurants and interactive and changing exhibits. Stuttgart also is home to two car themed hotels and a world class car trading center where visitors can rent vintage cars, trade in their own vintage autos.. There are additional car museums in Ladenburg and Sinsheim and the Formula 1 racetrack at Sinsheim where visitors can complete test drives. So, whether you choose to do European delivery and picnic in a Porsche or you prefer to visit the work studios of Daimler and Maybach outside of Stuttgart and the museum dedicated to Benz in Mannheim, there are endless opportunities for gearheads.
 
Participants will learn about all of the above and more and those who complete all of the course modules earn a special certification that they can scan and upload to their websites and put in their signatures. It is a great way to start the year and give travel agents an opportunity to reach out to their clients with their new expertise and ideas. Those who complete eight of the 11 modules may be entered for a free trip to SouthWest Germany.

4 Ways A Great Smile Can Improve Your Life

We’ve all heard that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but the truth is we sometimes make quick judgments about people based on appearance.

One of the first things we see when meeting someone is their smile, and research shows that owning a pleasing smile can significantly influence a person’s life – from their self-esteem to job prospects and even romance.

“A smile is the gateway to your personality, and it also creates an immediate and often lasting perception,” says Steven J. Moravec, an orthodontist and author of Going The Extra Smile: Merging Technology And Expertise For A Lifetime Of Smiles.

“One of the most universal biases is toward pleasant-looking people. Those who smile easily and confidently are often perceived as happier, smarter, and healthier than those with misaligned teeth, who aren’t as comfortable smiling.”

Moravec says there are a number of ways having a consistent smile can improve a person’s life, including:

  • A boost in self-confidence. “Straight teeth are the physical foundation for a smile, which brings confidence personally and professionally,” Moravec says. An Invisalign-Harris Poll survey found 92 percent of adults who straightened their teeth said doing so had been good for their confidence. “Smiling also elevates your mood with the release of endorphins in your brain and creates an overall sense of well-being,” Moravec says.
  • Economic benefits. Crooked teeth can be a disadvantage when competing for a job with someone whose smile reveals straight teeth. Most Americans believe the latter person is more likely to get that job even if the skill sets and experience levels are similar. “Your smile is an investment that will increase in value through the years,” Moravec says.  
  • Enhanced social life. When it comes to attracting a possible mate on a dating site, those with a nice smile and straight teeth are seen as more likely than those with crooked teeth to get a date based on their picture. “Whether a person’s smile and teeth are straight or crooked can have a significant impact on his or her romantic success,” Moravec says. “Teeth play a major role in attractiveness, which also implies good hygiene, personal pride, and by extension a more together person.”
  • Overall health improvement. “Straight teeth are easier to clean,” Moravec says. “You can keep tartar at bay and prevent cavities easier than if you are dealing with overlapping teeth or wide gaps. And because you can control tartar better, this is huge for overall health, because then you can prevent gym or periodontal disease, which has been linked with heart disease, strokes and other chronic conditions.” Also, Moravec notes that realigned teeth and a repositioned bite can help people who have sleep apnea.

“We often take our smile for granted,” Moravec says. “But it’s a gift that leads to many good things in life.”

About Steven J. Moravec, DDS, MS, MA

Steven J. Moravec is the owner of Moravec Orthodontics and the author of Going The Extra Smile: Merging Technology And Expertise For A Lifetime Of Smiles. He graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and earned an MS in Orthodontics at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He’s a state-licensed  Specialist in Orthodontics and a guest lecturer for the University of Illinois Department of Orthodontics and SureSmile.

Truck Night in America

TRUCK NIGHT IN AMERICA: BATTLE OF THE BUSCH BROTHERS

A special episode of HISTORY channel’s Truck Night has two special guests! NASCAR Champions Kyle and Kurt Busch bring their driving skills — and trucks – to win $10,000 for charity. But these professional race car drivers first need to compete against amateur drivers and survive the Car Pull and Travel Trailer for a shot at the Green Hell.

TRUCK NIGHT IN AMERICA makes history with the toughest truck obstacle course ever built. America and trucks go together, and since 1925 when the first American factory-produced truck rolled off the line, American owners have been devising ingenious ways to make them faster, stronger, and more powerful.

On TRUCK NIGHT IN AMERICA, five truck owners compete in a series of grueling challenges that test their craftsmanship and driving ability in ways never before seen. The challenges culminate in The Green Hell, a 3-mile obstacle course which includes challenges that send trucks flying off jumps, over a mountain of crushed cars and even through a snake-infested swamp. Helping them along the way are four experts:  Desert racing champ “Pistol” Pete Sohren; extreme sports pioneer and dirt track racer, Glen Plake; truck builder and master fabricator, Abe Wine and rock crawling champion and master fabricator, Rob “Bender” Park. In each episode of this self-contained competition, five trucks will enter, but only one can win, driving away with $10,000 and the title of “Truck Night Champion.”

PREMIERE: Thursday, February 21 at 10PM ET/PT

Getting to the Heart of the Problem

Although it is well known that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability among all Americans, there is still a misconception that it primarily affects older, white men.

The truth is, the risks are even higher for African Americans. African Americans have higher rates of heart disease risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Currently, 44% of African American men and 48% of African American women have some form of heart disease in the U.S.

Experts say there are several reasons why heart disease disproportionally affects the black community ranging from genetic to environmental factors. There are simple ways to control certain risk factors to reduce your risk for heart disease – it can be as simple as changing your daily habits.

Lifestyle Changes Can Include:
-Healthy diet
-Be physically active every day
-Reduce stress
-Quit smoking

During Heart Health Month, Dr. Wayne Batchelor, an interventional cardiologist and member of the Association of Black Cardiologists, is available to explain what you need to know if you have a risk factor that’s out of your control, how to talk to your doctor and the latest advancements in treatment options.

Catfish And The Bottlemen Release New Song “Fluctuate”

Today, Catfish and The Bottlemen share a brand new song “Fluctuate.”

LISTEN HERE

The second new track from their upcoming album The Balance [out April 26 on Capitol Records], “Fluctuate” aired for the very first time today on long-time supporter Zane Lowe’s World Record on Apple Music’s Beats 1 and is now available as an instant download for fans who pre-order the album.

Before its official release, Catfish and the Bottlemen performed “Fluctuate” live throughout summer 2018 as a preview of new music to come, and the song quickly became a fan-favorite. Audiences can expect to hear more new tracks from The Balance during the band’s upcoming U.S. headline tour which kicks off March 12. Less than an hour after going on sale, their show at Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, NY on April 3 sold out. Tickets for the remaining shows are available HERE, and full routing can be found below.

“When I’m writing a new song, the audience is all I really see. I get a vision of them in my head before I properly hear the melody or anything like that,” explains front man Van McCann. “If we put three or four of these songs in the set, it’s going to be so strong. This run of shows we have coming up is just perfect timing, getting the chance to play new songs that go hand in hand with a wild night out.”

“Fluctuate” follows the band’s January single release: “Longshot,” which has amassed over 12.8 million global streams and is rapidly climbing Alternative radio charts. The song also scored Catfish and the Bottlemen their highest UK singles chart placing to date. Together with a string of sold-out UK arena dates, the wild reception to their first new music since 2016’s gold-certified The Ride brings renewed attention to the phenomena of the band’s unassailable ascent in the company of a youthful, ever-growing family of fans.

In the breaks between their electrifying outdoor and festival shows, McCann (vocals, guitars), Johnny Bond (guitars), Robert “Bob” Hall (drums), and Benji Blakeway (bass) recorded The Balance over a 12-month period in the company of Irish producer, Jacknife Lee. It was recorded in two, secluded studios; Grouse Lodge, in Moate, Republic of Ireland, and The Chapel in the countryside of East Lincolnshire. The album was mixed by Craig Silvey.

THE BALANCE TRACK LISTING:

1. Longshot

2. Fluctuate

3. 2all

4. Conversation

5. Sidetrack

6. Encore

7. Basically

8. Intermission

9. Mission

10. Coincide

11. Overlap

CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN ߝ U.S. TOUR DATES:

3/12 Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre

3/13 St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant

3/15 Houston, TX @ House of Blues ߝ Houston

3/16 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues ߝ Dallas

3/18 Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren

3/19 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues ߝ San Diego

3/22 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium

3/23 San Francisco, CA @ The Fox Theatre

3/25 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre

3/26 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo

3/28 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot

3/29 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre

3/31 Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre

4/2 Columbus, OH @ Express Live!

4/3 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel - SOLD OUT

Nicky Jam x 2019 Billboard Awards

Puerto Rican star Nicky Jam continues to win successes, awards and nominations. On this occasion, he has won more than 10 nominations for the most important awards night of Latin music: Billboard Awards 2019.

After an impeccable 2018, full of projects and unforgettable musical collaborations that will mark a milestone in Hispanic music, the world-renowned exponent of the urban genre Nicky Jam, reaches the incredible figure of 13 nominations to Billboard Awards 2019. Fruit of “explosive combinations” as the theme “X” with J Balvin, “Marry me” with the king of Vallenato Silvestre Dangond and of course, “Te bote remix”, simple that to this day does not stop sounding on the radios of a whole continent.

Only, the theme “X” accumulates more than a billion views on YouTube, and became the “anthem” of Latin culture during the year 2018.

Nicky Jam is one of the new nominees at the Billboard Awards 2019 night, in the most important and coveted categories of the night:

“Hot Latin Song”, Song of the Year / Hot Latin Song of the Year “Te Boté”

“Hot Latin Song”, Song of the Year / Hot Latin Song of the Year “X”

“Hot Latin Song”, Vocal Collaboration of the Year / Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event “Te Boté”

“Hot Latin Song”, Vocal Collaboration of the Year / Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event “X”

Song of the Year, Airplay / Airplay Song of the Year “Te Boté

Song of the Year, Airplay / Airplay Song of the Year “X”

Song of the Year, Digital / Digital Song of the Year “Te Boté”

Song of the Year, Digital / Digital Song of the Year “X”

Song of the Year, Streaming / Streaming Song of the Year “Te Boté”

Song of the Year, Streaming / Streaming Song of the Year “X”

Tropical Song of the Year / Tropical Song of the Year “Marry Me”

Song “Latin Rhythm” of the Year / Latin Rhythm Song of the Year “Te Boté”

Song “Latin Rhythm” of the Year / Latin Rhythm Song of the Year “X”

The Billboard Latin Music Awards gala will be televised from Las Vegas, Nevada on Telemundo, on Thursday, April 25.

Paola Hernandez Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2019

By Bob Cal

The performers transitioned gracefully through dozens of choreographed formations like moving architecture, all styled in Paola Hernandez’s latest collection. For their Fall/Winter 2019 collection, the Paola Hernandez fashion label decided to tell their story through an impressive two-hour modern dance performance, innovatively marketing all the goods of their latest designs. The dancers from the Elisa Monte Dance company showed the practically of Paola Hernandez through motion and the brand’s message of inclusivity through the diversity of shapes and sizes.

Practically and urban minimalism were major highlights from Paola Hernandez’s fashion instillation; the models looked nothing less than sharp wearing jeans, detailed white sweaters, knit black sweaters, large cardigans, unique black dresses, tights, jumpers and blouses. The quality of fabric and fabric details seemed to be a major emphasis. The color pallet consisted of all neutral colors like black, grey and white; sometimes simplicity, when done with chic flair, can be a cheeky fashion statement.

Born in Mexico City, Paola Hernandez now manages her fashion line in Brooklyn, New York. Prior to studying fashion at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London, Hernandez studied philosophy, an educational background she uses as inspiration for her symbolic and contemporary fashion brand.