Members of VBHS Marching Band Alumni To Perform at 2012 London Olympics

January 16, 2012 by

Everybody knows that athletes dream of going to the Olympics, but not many people know that musicians do as well. The University of Florida Gator Marching Band is the only college band that has been invited to perform at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. An invitation to perform at the Olympic Games is an honor and the chance of a lifetime, especially for eight proud Vero Beach High School Marching Band alumni. These former VBHS band students are part of the 150 Gator Band members who are planning to attend the trip in July. Starting out on various instruments in 6th grade at Gifford Middle School, all eight students pursued music throughout high school in concert and marching band.

Sarah Piper and Amy Hiser graduated from VBHS in 2008 and have participated together in the Gator Marching Band all four years of college. Piper, an Education major and a trombonist, is currently one of three drum majors at UF. Hiser is an Elementary Education major and a tuba player.

Joshua Lamothe, who graduated from VBHS in 2009, is studying Aerospace Engineering and is a principle trumpeter.

The newest members of the Gator Band, Katherine DiSandro, Kelsey Grabach, Gwendi Lamothe, Samuel Lapeyre, and Gardner Reid all graduated from VBHS in 2011, and performed with the VBHS band at Carnegie Hall in 2010. DiSandro is studying Veterinary Medicine and plays piccolo. Grabach is a Business Administration major and a trombonist. Gwendi Lamothe (sister of Joshua Lamothe) is studying Biochemistry and plays the mellophone. Lapeyre is a Digital Arts and Sciences major and plays baritone. Reid is studying Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and is a trumpeter.
Despite the different majors of these students, they all have one thing in common: they feel blessed to call Vero Beach home. This community has been very generous in supporting student musicians, and these eight VBHS alumni are hoping for continued financial assistance in this new endeavor. The cost of the trip for each band member is $4100, some of which the university is underwriting. It is expected that the individual student will have to contribute $2500-$3500 out of pocket toward the trip expense.

James Sammons, band director at Vero Beach High School for over 30 years says, “I think the Gator Band going to London is absolutely wonderful. We here at Vero Beach High School traditionally have a lot of students in Gator Band, and it makes me very proud that these students have worked hard at the collegiate level and that they are getting this great honor. So not only are they doing the Gator Nation proud, they’re doing Vero Beach High School proud.”
These students will be proud to represent Vero Beach in the 2012 Olympics, and if you are able to assist them financially, please contact Kelsey Grabach at 772-559-2841 or send an email to vero2012london@gmail.com.

Filed Under: Community Voices, Entertainment, Featured, Florida, Local People, Music, Vero Beach Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Incredible World of STEMM Time is Ticking on the Release of Crossroads!

September 21, 2011 by

The Incredible World of STEMM

Time is Ticking on the Release of Crossroads!

As all of you readers know, this writer fell ‘head-over-heels’ for STEMM a few months back.  In fact, the very first article and contact I ever had with these three incredible men was a true highlight of my life…thus far.  This trio is astounding; their voices, beat, artistry, creativity – everything that goes into their pure rock-and-roll vibe, speaks to everyone who has ever even ‘liked’ the world of music.

We have spoken over the last few months about the incredible CD that STEMM had released called Blood Scent - that was composed of guitar riffs, drumbeats that made the audience feel as if they were a part of rock history, and vocals that raised rock-and-rollers to new heights, allowing them to become part of this truly incredible band.

We also spoke about how STEMM penned the UFC theme song, “Face the Pain” eight years ago, branding this amazing hard rock act as the stellar songwriters of, “The Soundtrack to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.”  After years of independent success, STEMM has returned with their sophomore effort, Crossroads (through Catch 22 Records).  This album, being waited on with sheer excitement in everyone‘s hearts, will appear on the market on September 13th, 2011, and is a true rock album which shows absolute perfection and amazing ingenuity for the STEMM audience to lose themselves in.

A taste of active rock/satellite radio success, and over 150 road shows supporting their previous release, Blood Scent, over time, made STEMM a true rock band that fans constantly wanted to hear and see.  As time went forward, STEMM’s songwriting process reached a brand new maturity level as they turned on an amazing blend of groovy guitar riffs, beats and vocal hooks with an intensity comparable to the biggest names in rock history.  As STEMM grew and found themselves able to transport and meld themselves into all different types of rock music, Crossroads was born, and the songs that will come from Crossroads will put STEMM at the top of the rock-and-roll charts!

STEMM has been around for a good long time, and other than the ‘flash-in-the-pan’ bands – STEMM has made sure to deliver song after song that is filled with emotion, talent, and sheer and utter artistic perfection. You might not know it to hear it but STEMM is a true labor of love. They are a true band of brothers who make their music to reach out and draw listeners into the STEMM world.  Music expression is the only thing STEMM knows how to do to get along, and when their dreams began evolving the members of the band found themselves at a “crossroads.”  Agreeing to stay together and move forward, Joe, Alex, and Dan decided that STEMM wasn’t ever going to be “out” of the music world, they were simply going to evolve with the times and go forward as a new, refined STEMM.

And, Crossroads, the new STEMM gift which is coming out to everyone in September is absolutely and truly incredible.  The redefined voices, lyrics, and beats are truly a new STEMM and a new delivery of rock and roll to all the die-hard fans.

There aren’t enough words to describe the absolute praise that this new CD deserves!  Crossroads is a prize – a true treasure – that three men worked their behinds off to conceive and create.  And you’ve gotten to listen to each and every one of these men through the fantastic interviews they gave to all of us over the past few weeks.  Joe, Dan, and Alex have opened up their hearts, minds and souls – not to mention, offered great senses of humor – to show their fans what an amazing group they represent.

As I have stated before, STEMM is certainly not a metal band – they are THE rock-and-roll band that is undeniably the best in the business!  And with STEMM’s reinvention, they bring to the rest of us the ultimate in rock music – Crossroads.  They bring the sense of true empowerment and entertainment back to a world that seems to be lacking enjoyment at every turn.

The rock genre is back…thankfully.  And the ambassadors of the most monumentally incredible music are called, STEMM.

September 13, 2011 is the day!  Crossroads will become available to us all!  But, as you know – and I will say again for those of you who are too busy listening to STEMM to read these articles – that the first four songs from Crossroads are available for one and all to hear…right now!

These four  Crossroads songs are currently streaming on this music player at: http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/3387028.  You have the opportunity to immerse yourself in what the world of rock has been missing – true and utter greatness!  Salvation, Fleur de Lis’, Dead Inside, and Left Behind have been offered to all of us by STEMM, and the gratefulness you will feel after listening to these songs will be overwhelming!  And the visual?  Astounding!  Over on You Tube, the video releases for these ‘lyrics of perfection’ can be found at: www.youtube.com/stemmtech

Get ready for the world of rock-and-roll to change for the better – as Crossroads comes to town!

Until Next Time, Everybody!

*****

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.stemm.net

MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/stemm

REVERB NATION:   www.reverbnation.com/stemm

TWITTER:   www.twitter.com/5temm

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/stemmband

YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/stemmtech

ISOUND: www.isound.com/stemm

BUY STEMM MERCHANDISE: stemm.bigcartel.com

Catch 22 Records

Buffalo, New York

www.facebook.com/catch22records

Vox Media Management LLC

(210) 464-2679

www.voxmediamanagement.com

rubenb@voxmediamanagement.com

Streamline Productions:

Booking Agent

streamlinebooking@yahoo.com

Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured, Music Tagged With: , , , , ,

Jason “Big Six” Estrada Is Ready To Rumble on The American Perspective

January 28, 2011 by

Live From Vero Beach, Florida: Judyth Piazza chats with Jason “Big Six” Estrada (click here to listen to audio interview)

2004 United States Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, one of the most decorated amateur boxers in U.S. history, rated among the world`s best super heavyweights for several years, has yet to reach his potential as a professional.

Jason`s most impressive performance as a pro arguably was six fights ago, when “Big Six” won a one-sided 10-round decision from former NABO/NABA/WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion Lance “Mount” Whitaker (32-5-1, 27 KOs) in their April 4, 2008 ESPN2 FNF show headliner.

Providence native Estrada has fought anybody put in the ring with him, never turning down a fight, and none of his opponents has had a losing record (311-101-15 combined record of his opponents) when they fought “Big Six.”

His three losses were all on the road in the backyards of former world champion Tomasz Adamek, 2004 Olympic gold medalist Alexander Povetkin and Travis Walker. Estrada has never been floored, never mind stopped, in his pro career.

His much-anticipated pro debut December 10, 2004 ended in a unanimous four-round decision in his favor against Joseph Kenneth at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Four months later, Jason put Jerry Simpson to sleep at 2:35 of the opening round, throwing a devastating knockout punch that resulted in Simpson being taken out of the ring on a stretcher and evaluated at a nearby hospital (he was okay).

He followed June 17 with a unanimous four-round decision against Demetrice King (7-6), in which, King`s corner tried to stop the fight by throwing in the towel. Only the referee can stop a fight in Rhode Island, however, and Demetrice managed to last the remainder of the fight.

Jason floored Earl Ladson (10-6) three times en route to a unanimous six-round decision (60-51, 60-51, 60-51) on August 26, 2005 and followed that (Nov. 23) with a six-round decision against highly respected veteran Najee Shaheed (21-10-2) in back-to-back Providence-based matches.

In February of 2006, Estrada stepped into the ring at the Dunkin` Donuts Center in Providence on “The Contender Special – East Coast Pride” card against his toughest and most experienced opponent, Yanqui Diaz (13-3), who had registered victories against previously unbeaten Juan Carlos Gomez (37-0) via a shocking first-round TKO and former world title challenger Vaughen Bean (44-4). The fight, however, was stopped in the first round due to a cut on Diaz` head from an unintentional head-butt and ruled a “no contest.”

In only his sixth pro fight, Jason went 10 rounds against veteran Robert Wiggins (20-6-1), pitching a shutout (100-90 three times) in complete domination of his cross-town Providence rival, who has beaten Derek Bryant, Courage Tshabala, Eric Kirkland and Cisse Salif, as well as been in with world heavyweight title challengers Monte Barrett and DeVarryl Williamson.

Jason extended his perfect winning rounds streak to 39 on Sept. 23, 2006, easily defeating Maurice Wheeler (10-7-1) by unanimous eight-round decision (80-72 three times) in Hartford.

On November 17, 2006, Estrada injured his arm and was unable to extend his vaunted jab, resulting in an eight-round majority loss (76-76, 75-77, 74-78) on ShoBox to Travis “Freight Train” Walker (21-0-1), who Jason has beaten three times without a loss in the amateurs.

Trimmed down to 239 pounds and in his best condition of his pro career, Jason returned to the ring March 6, 2007 at Mohegan Sun Arena, where he pitched a shutout, winning a six-round decision (60-54 three times) against upset specialist Zack Page (13-11-1), who had beaten former world champion Lou Del Valle, on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights.

On May 11, 2007, Estrada weighed in at a pro career low of 238 pounds, and he easily won a six round decision (60-54, 60-54, 59-56) versus former IBU heavyweight title-holder Robert Hawkins (21-7), who went on to upset Dominick Guinn.

Jason closed out 2007 with a devastating knockout of James Northey (11-1, 8 KOs), former NABC title-holder, in the fourth round of their fight in October. Estrada easily won a unanimous 10-round decision (99-91, 99-91, 98-92) against former world title challenger Charles Shufford in January, 2008 at Foxwoods.

After Jason`s win by 10-round decision in April, 2008 versus Whitaker, Estrada registered a victory by seventh-round TKO against Moultrie Witherspoon (14-1) last May in Rhode Island and came back three months later to win an eight-round decision versus Texas State champion Domonic Jenkins (13-9) at Mohegan Sun.

Big Six” came within a single point on one judge`s scorecard of pitching a complete shutout November 29, 2008, winning an eight-round decision (80-72, 80-72, 79-73) against Philadelphia veteran Derek Bryant (20-4-1) at Twin River.

This past April, Estrada accepted the challenge to fight No. 1 IBF contender Povetkin (16-0), who won the gold medal in the super heavyweight division at the 2004 Olympics, in Povetkin`s German home base. Estrada and Povetkin were supposed to have fought two times in the amateurs, but they never did as Estrada won gold at the 2003 Pan-Am Games and Povetkin took top honors in the 2003 World Championships. Estrada went the full 10-round distance against Povetkin, who won a unanimous decision that was much closer than the final scoring (99-94, 98-92, 97-93).

Estrada bounced right back September 2 in Syracuse (NY), stopping veteran Zuri Lawrence (24-14-4) in the seventh round.

In his last fight (Feb. 6, 2010), Jason went into the lion`s den – Prudential Center in Newark before 10,000 Polish fans – to take on Adamek for the IBF International heavyweight title. Estrada extended Adamek the full 12 rounds and lost a 12-round decision that was much closer than the final scores indicated (115-113, 116-112, 118-110).

The 29-year-old Estrada was one of the most highly decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record in U.S. competition, as well as the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. The highlight of his amateur career was representing the United States in the 2004 Olympics, although physical problems hampered his training and performances.

During his extraordinary amateur career, Estrada defeated some of today`s leading professionals, including former world title challenger DaVarryl “The Touch of Sleep” Williamson (26-6, 22 KOs), unbeaten Malik Scott (32-0, 11 KOs), Donnell “The Real Touch of Sleep” Holmes (32-1-2, 28 KOs), Malcolm “The Showstopper” Tann (23-4, 12 KOs), and Felix “Bad News” Cora, Jr. (22-3-2, 10 KOs).

Jason Estrada, now promoted by Boxing 360, is managed and trained by his father, Dr. Roland Estrada.

JASON “Big Six” ESTRADA
Pro Record: 16-3 (4 KOs) 1 NC
Age: 29
Born: November 30, 1980 in Providence, Rhode Island
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Height: 6` 0″ Weight: 240 lbs.
Pro Record: 16-3 (4 KOs)
2004 U.S. Olympian
2003 Pan-American Games, Gold Medallist
3-time U.S. Nationals, U.S. Challenge & National PAL Champion

Photos by Emily Harney

Filed Under: Entertainment, Featured, Florida, Local People, Music, Sports, Vero Beach Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

90′s Music Sensation, Sophie B Hawkins to Perform in Vero Beach

January 20, 2011 by

A performance by Grammy-nominated artist, Sophie B Hawkins, will be held Wednesday, March 16th in Vero Beach, Florida at the 32nd Annual Firefighters’ Indian River County Fair. Sophie, best known for her hit songs “As I Lay Me Down” and “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover”, is a platinum selling recording artist who has sold more than 9 million records worldwide and released five successful albums.

Sophie is a remarkable artist with fans around the country. She recently finished work on a new album, and has some exciting projects coming up including work on a new musical with actress Kristin Chenoweth.

Venue: Firefighters Indian River County Fair
Address: 7955 58th Ave. Vero Beach, FL 32967
Showtime: 8pm
Tickets: Adult $4, Child $2 (6-12) – This is for general admission to the fair
Buy online: http://firefightersfair.org/tickets.html
Phone: 772.633.8616
Press Inquiries: Joanna Scholtz @ 203 228-5090 or scholtz@lisalori.com/ Susan Kriskey @ kriskey@lisalori.com

Filed Under: Community Events, Entertainment, Florida, Music, Things to do, Vero Beach Tagged With: , , , ,

“Forever Plaid” Broadway Show Sweeping Through Florida

January 5, 2011 by

Experience the beautiful four-part harmonies of “The Plaids” in Forever Plaid when the musical extravaganza comes to The Sunrise Theatre, historic downtown Fort Pierce, on Saturday, January 15, at 3 and 8 PM.

Join Jinx, Sparky, Francis and Smudge in this musical comedy that centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash on the way to their first major concert, and now miraculously revived for second chance to fulfill their biggest dream and perform the show that never was.

Forever Plaid showcases the upbeat music made popular in the 1950s by artists and groups such as Perry Como, Eddie Fisher, The Four Lads and The Ames Brothers and includes such hits as “Catch a Falling Star,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Crazy ‘Bout Ya Baby” and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.”  This hilarious production is fun for the entire family.

Written and originally directed and choreographed by Stuart Ross, Forever Plaid is directed by Robert Randle, who has been the associate director for Ross on many productions around the world, including the holiday hit and sequel Plaid Tidings. “When most of us think of the 1950s, we think of Rock n’ Roll, greasers, hot rods, Elvis, Annette, Fabian, D.A. haircuts and teenage rebellion. But there was a ‘flipside’ to this era – the side of harmony, innocence and the sincerity of dreams. It was a time when every family worked hard to fulfill the American dream,” remarked Randle.

Three of the stars of Forever Plaid made their Barter debut in Barter Theatre’s 2009 production and are reuniting for this national tour. With numerous Broadway, regional theatre and television credits, Kevin Greene (Francis), Steven Douglas Stewart (Sparky) and Chris Vaughn (Smudge) lend their incredible vocal and performing talents that will have you singing along. Joining them will be Byron DeMent (Jinx) along with Scott Guthrie (swing), Lee Harris (piano) and Garrett Jones (bass).

You won’t want to miss this fun-filled American musical performed by a classic American theatre. During the Great Depression, Barter Theatre opened its doors in Abingdon, Virginia proclaiming, “with vegetables you cannot sell, you can buy a good laugh,” beginning a grand experiment that has not only survived, but thrived.  In 1946, the theatre was designated the State Theatre of Virginia.  Two years later, Barter’s founder Robert Porterfield received a Tony Award for his contribution to the development of America’s regional theatre movement.  Currently celebrating its 77th anniversary, Barter is one of our country’s last theatres with a year-round professional resident repertory company and boasts an annual attendance of over 163,000 theatergoers — an astounding figure considering the theatre’s rural Appalachian location. Famous Barter alumni include Academy Award winners Ned Beatty (Network), Ernest Borgnine (Marty), Patricia Neal (Hud) and Gregory Peck (To Kill a Mockingbird); Tony Award winner Hume Cronyn (Hamlet); and Wayne E. Knight (Seinfeld), to name a few. Today patrons pay with cash, but on two selected days during the summer, non-perishable food items are accepted for admission with all proceeds donated to the local food bank. Find out more about Barter Theatre at www.bartertheatre.com.

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The Brown Sisters, Vero Beach

July 11, 2010 by

Three sisters singing at the waxlax – tear drops on my guitar by taylor swift, Fly away by sugar land, and Bubbly by colbie callait.

Trio of Vero Beach sisters – the Brown sisters – is reminiscent of that earlier group, which extolled family unity and love in their song. And they are getting up and singing very well.

Abby, 14; Sarah, 12; and Audrey, 10, the daughters of Mitch and Angela Brown, have locally made quite an artistic impression with their musical skills

Filed Under: Entertainment, Local People, Music Tagged With: , , ,

Music Cruises For Music Lovers

April 26, 2010 by

There are so many types of cruises these days. There are the traditional cruises with parties and good food; but there are also cruises that offer you something special, themed cruises, if you will. One of these is music cruises.

If you are a Beatles fan, you will surely like to spend 7 days on the sea, basking under a beautiful Caribbean sun and listening to good Beatles music from the best names in music. There will be all sorts of Beatles fans on board, including musicians, authors, historians, collectors and others.

You will have a wonderful time, sharing memories and paraphernalia with likeminded people. You may even discover someone special in the gathering. That is just one of the so many good things of music cruises.

Every year, dozens of music themed cruises set sail in all the oceans of the world. You can have cruises in the Mediterranean, in the north Atlantic, in both north and South Pacific; there are also music cruises in the friendly Indian Ocean.

There are fabulous music cruising available in the Caribbean, and if you are into Spanish music, or any other special music, check around for cruises themed on these music styles. Here, for 7 days, you will have nothing but the sea, and the music you love, along with hundreds of similar minded people.

Every year, hundreds of people fall in love with these cruises and with each other, because the setting is peculiarly romantic for love to blossom. Listening to your favorite music under a full moon light, out in the deep ocean, the softer emotions will naturally come to you to stay. You will always retain fond memories of such music cruises, especially if you find someone you can be fond of.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Music, Vero Beach Tagged With: , ,