Stephen Fay's serial brush stroke performances, conducted in simply
fabricated color collages, are frequently staged. It is an accomplishment
that the resultant images have imbued notions of the Surrealist uncanny;
that sensation mixed with total strangeness with vigor and renewed
creepiness.
Stephen Fay engages the language of the porous and paroxysmal body in
cheerful colors and seemingly innocent materials. Movement is also
successfully conveyed by color. I am pulled toward its center with a
dizzying centripetal force driven by the carefully controlled concentric
circles of reds, purples, and blues.
Even decay can be conveyed with the effective use of free-motion as shown by
Stephen Fay's Ancient Forms: Lost and Found. Here, the artist has used color
to delineate abstract or glyphic-like shapes dyed in the color he has
created in an organic effect that can only be described as aging in the
way of ancient architecture or rock formations.
Stephen Fay's playful interpretations of traditional patterns is
interesting. As a beadwork artist who works on a palm-size scale, I envy
these artists and their medium¹s ability to proclaim color, shape and
concept and be gloriously visible from a long and wide distance. These
pieces command visual space and well-deserved attention.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Stephen Fay Artist Review
Masks and PBS
MASKS AND PBS
My name is Henri Boll, and I am the president of a company called Masks Exhibition. Masks Exhibition is a cause marketing and fundraising company that produces an exhibition of clay masks designed by a variety of high profile celebrities. The masks are auctioned off and the proceeds are given to charitable causes. Our partnership with events heightens publicity and raises $100k to $500k for associated charities. At the same time we build branding and create exposure for our sponsors. We currently have over 60 original celebrity designed masks from the likes of Liza Minnelli, Sean Penn, and Bill Cosby.
Masks Exhibition has collaborated with PBS on a campaign to raise over $200,000 for the channel, and provided our sponsor with a minimum of 160 primetime TV spots of :40 seconds each. These sponsor-branded spots can either appear spread out across any of PBS’ 61 affiliates or can be concentrated on saturating certain key areas.
The concept behind this idea was to take a preexisting and successful PBS auction sponsorship program and integrate our Masks as a way to generate more publicity, help the channel’s fundraising efforts, and provide sponsors with a truly unique opportunity to align themselves with an important American institution in a meaningful way. This initiative allowed sponsors to create an instant national buzz with a relatively minimal cost.
How did it work?
1. The sponsor selects a distribution of geographic markets to place their primetime spots.
2. Masks Exhibition provides 20 original Masks to the PBS affiliates from high profile celebrities such as Liza Minnelli, Sean Penn, and Bill Cosby as well as 30 blank Mask kits to be given to celebrities with an affiliation to PBS.
3. The sponsor provides Masks Exhibition with an upfront fee which is significantly lower than the $180,000 dollars worth of product usually associated with this sponsorship package.
4. The sponsor works with PBS as well as Masks Exhibition to produce a spot which will build the branding of the sponsor and adhere to the station’s sponsorship guidelines.
5. The sponsor provides direction on any printed or web related material.
The sponsor received:
∑ A minimum of 160 primetime TV spots of :40 seconds each, spread across 61 markets at the sponsors’ discretion.
∑ Inclusion of donated item and donor acknowledgement in all print and web promotion, which may include station program guides, auction preview publications, possible newspaper advertising, email blasts and newsletters*.
∑ Each station will provide a web page featuring the package, with links to donors.
∑ Each station will furnish, in the summer following the event, a complete evaluation report (provided to the donor in the fall), including:
-a VHS of the on-air spot
-copies of all print promotional materials
This was a truly unique and exciting opportunity. We believed it provided the best value to our sponsor of any event we have produced in the past 10 years.
My name is Henri Boll, and I am the president of a company called Masks Exhibition. Masks Exhibition is a cause marketing and fundraising company that produces an exhibition of clay masks designed by a variety of high profile celebrities. The masks are auctioned off and the proceeds are given to charitable causes. Our partnership with events heightens publicity and raises $100k to $500k for associated charities. At the same time we build branding and create exposure for our sponsors. We currently have over 60 original celebrity designed masks from the likes of Liza Minnelli, Sean Penn, and Bill Cosby.
Masks Exhibition has collaborated with PBS on a campaign to raise over $200,000 for the channel, and provided our sponsor with a minimum of 160 primetime TV spots of :40 seconds each. These sponsor-branded spots can either appear spread out across any of PBS’ 61 affiliates or can be concentrated on saturating certain key areas.
The concept behind this idea was to take a preexisting and successful PBS auction sponsorship program and integrate our Masks as a way to generate more publicity, help the channel’s fundraising efforts, and provide sponsors with a truly unique opportunity to align themselves with an important American institution in a meaningful way. This initiative allowed sponsors to create an instant national buzz with a relatively minimal cost.
How did it work?
1. The sponsor selects a distribution of geographic markets to place their primetime spots.
2. Masks Exhibition provides 20 original Masks to the PBS affiliates from high profile celebrities such as Liza Minnelli, Sean Penn, and Bill Cosby as well as 30 blank Mask kits to be given to celebrities with an affiliation to PBS.
3. The sponsor provides Masks Exhibition with an upfront fee which is significantly lower than the $180,000 dollars worth of product usually associated with this sponsorship package.
4. The sponsor works with PBS as well as Masks Exhibition to produce a spot which will build the branding of the sponsor and adhere to the station’s sponsorship guidelines.
5. The sponsor provides direction on any printed or web related material.
The sponsor received:
∑ A minimum of 160 primetime TV spots of :40 seconds each, spread across 61 markets at the sponsors’ discretion.
∑ Inclusion of donated item and donor acknowledgement in all print and web promotion, which may include station program guides, auction preview publications, possible newspaper advertising, email blasts and newsletters*.
∑ Each station will provide a web page featuring the package, with links to donors.
∑ Each station will furnish, in the summer following the event, a complete evaluation report (provided to the donor in the fall), including:
-a VHS of the on-air spot
-copies of all print promotional materials
-a color print out of web pages
-thank you letters to donors
-a full report on television exposure, high bid information
-thank you letters to donors
-a full report on television exposure, high bid information
This was a truly unique and exciting opportunity. We believed it provided the best value to our sponsor of any event we have produced in the past 10 years.
Masks Marketing
MASKS MARKETING
MasksExhibition.com provides fresh thinking and creative new ways to help you achieve your marketing goals. The Masks Exhibition is artistically powerful and highly successful as a branding and marketing tool. We produce a sponsored exhibition of clay masks designed by a variety of high profile celebrities from the world of film, music, and sports. The masks are auctioned off and the proceeds are given to charitable causes. The use of celebrities, art, and charity ensure a wide range of media coverage in television, radio, newspapers, and on the internet. We provide an integrated marketing and PR campaign specifically designed to target the branding and sales objectives of our corporate sponsor. Our Masks Exhibition program has proven highly successful in raising money for charity and creating publicity for important causes. Our staff is eager to begin working with you to craft an event that raises a lot of money, and creates unmatched buzz and exposure for the sponsor, charity, and all others involved.
We live in a celebrity society and star power is incredibly effective in creating public interest and media coverage. Because our events raise thousands of dollars for associated charities, celebrities are eager to offer their endorsement and participation. Our sponsors receive exposure and branding that is otherwise impossible to achieve at our cost. We leverage our sponsor’s investment to create regional and national buzz across all media for roughly the price of a full-page newspaper ad.
In today’s bustling marketplace, organizations distinguish themselves from the competition by associating with positive concepts. By affiliating yourself with a popular charity, your company effectively becomes the consumers’ ambassador to that charitable organization, a commitment that consumers will ultimately reward with their continued loyalty. Adopting a charitable cause allows your organization to gain access to new markets and a wide variety of communications media. By capitalizing on an emotional bond that will ultimately be formed with your new consumers, we can help you turn that new consumer attention into positive, long-term relationships and elevate the image of your company. We can quickly affiliate your company with the benevolent characteristics of that charity, consequently causing your brand to shine. Through socially responsible positioning, your organization inevitably becomes elevated in the minds of your consumers, creating a positive image for your organization. These strategic maneuvers carry numerous financial benefits and social respect. Companies that can see the altruistic value of philanthropy receive benefits that are both socially and financially responsible, such as charitable tax deductions. Furthermore, we can help you navigate the legal requirements of your
company’s charitable participation in order to maximize the benefits of your involvement. Build a positive image for your business while simultaneously helping a charity gain much needed visibility on an international scale.
Licenses were established in 1994 for the Masks Project. The Masks/Art Project has 9 years of very prosperous history, which will stimulate traffic and generate customers to your establishment. By using traditional and Internet marketing techniques we will be able to create a buzz never seen before. We have done it successfully for Ebay, Lexus, Arts & Antiques and many more fortune five-hundred companies. We will drive customers to establishments that are participating in our program. We will also promote dining certificates on auction sites to better market establishments of our partners.
Today's marketing environment is more challenging than ever. This is especially true for the restaurant/hotel owners who are facing powerful forces of competition. They need some kind of advantage that would put them ahead in the game; this is where we come into play. The Masks/art Project can get you that comparative advantage. With 9 years of proven track record in creating a mega blitz, we will give your business an added value. We offer a mixed media approach which is the most effective way to market in today’s fast changing environment. You will be part of the following:
∑ Promote using traditional media. We will include your URL in any display or classified ads you purchase in trade journals, newspapers, etc. direct mail, classifieds, post cards, etc.
o News Releases and Press Releases
o Television Public Relations
o Print Public Relations
o Media Public Relations
o Special Events
o Radio Public Relations
o Specialty Topics In Public Relations
o Promoting Your Business
o Internet/Web Public Relations
o General Publicity
o Media Kits
o Pitching Your Story
o Authors and Speakers
∑ New Media promotions:
o Smart Email Auto responder
o HTML Email Marketing
o Create, Deliver & Track e-Newsletter Easy, Fast, Affordable e-Marketing
o www.HTML-Email-Marketing.com
∑ Viral Marketing w/ Photos
o Create a buzz and capture leads with kiosk & event and photo solutions
o Mail Marketing
o Site Promotion
o Ads & Affiliates
o Odds 'n' Ends
o Local Marketing
o Affiliate Program
Your charity will be part of our many successful years of media blitz campaign created by Masks/Art. You will be in our promotion materials, such as leaflets, brochures, and presentations. This process can be used to engage consumers and implement Masks/Art at any point in a brand's lifecycle such as to launch it, to reposition it, or to maintain awareness for it in a crowded marketplace. Masks/Art Marketing includes Business Advantage Marketing since its multi-step process will showcases to customers and prospects -- the full value associated with your charity spectrum of products or services. This systematic approach helps a restaurant/hotel increase sales, drive market share, enhance customer loyalty, and strengthen its competitive position.
The celebrity art that makes up MASKS creates a blockbuster show for any occasion. It creates a level of buzz that can only be brought to your company with the right combination of celebrity and art via both traditional and internet marketing. MASKS have the potential to bring you more traffic and better exposure than any other advertisement from newspaper, yellow pages, radio, and television. We will target upscale clientele who have the ability to invest in good product.
The charities of your choice would benefit from the funds raised, and we would help contact celebrities with whom your company would like to align itself.
Mask/art Project gets cooperation’s that comparative PR and marketing advantage, creating a mega blitz and added value to there PR and marketing, we offer a mixed media approach, which is the most effective way to market in today’s fast changing environment. Our overall business strategy is to combine successful Old Economy production and distribution systems with New Economy.
List of clients: We are proud to have featured MASKS/art at the People's Palace in London with HRH Prince Charles, the Field Museum of Chicago, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Lexus cars, Ebay and Sotheby's. MASKS has the potential to bring cooperation’s more traffic and better exposure than any advertisement on TV, radio, or print.
MasksExhibition.com provides fresh thinking and creative new ways to help you achieve your marketing goals. The Masks Exhibition is artistically powerful and highly successful as a branding and marketing tool. We produce a sponsored exhibition of clay masks designed by a variety of high profile celebrities from the world of film, music, and sports. The masks are auctioned off and the proceeds are given to charitable causes. The use of celebrities, art, and charity ensure a wide range of media coverage in television, radio, newspapers, and on the internet. We provide an integrated marketing and PR campaign specifically designed to target the branding and sales objectives of our corporate sponsor. Our Masks Exhibition program has proven highly successful in raising money for charity and creating publicity for important causes. Our staff is eager to begin working with you to craft an event that raises a lot of money, and creates unmatched buzz and exposure for the sponsor, charity, and all others involved.
We live in a celebrity society and star power is incredibly effective in creating public interest and media coverage. Because our events raise thousands of dollars for associated charities, celebrities are eager to offer their endorsement and participation. Our sponsors receive exposure and branding that is otherwise impossible to achieve at our cost. We leverage our sponsor’s investment to create regional and national buzz across all media for roughly the price of a full-page newspaper ad.
In today’s bustling marketplace, organizations distinguish themselves from the competition by associating with positive concepts. By affiliating yourself with a popular charity, your company effectively becomes the consumers’ ambassador to that charitable organization, a commitment that consumers will ultimately reward with their continued loyalty. Adopting a charitable cause allows your organization to gain access to new markets and a wide variety of communications media. By capitalizing on an emotional bond that will ultimately be formed with your new consumers, we can help you turn that new consumer attention into positive, long-term relationships and elevate the image of your company. We can quickly affiliate your company with the benevolent characteristics of that charity, consequently causing your brand to shine. Through socially responsible positioning, your organization inevitably becomes elevated in the minds of your consumers, creating a positive image for your organization. These strategic maneuvers carry numerous financial benefits and social respect. Companies that can see the altruistic value of philanthropy receive benefits that are both socially and financially responsible, such as charitable tax deductions. Furthermore, we can help you navigate the legal requirements of your
company’s charitable participation in order to maximize the benefits of your involvement. Build a positive image for your business while simultaneously helping a charity gain much needed visibility on an international scale.
Licenses were established in 1994 for the Masks Project. The Masks/Art Project has 9 years of very prosperous history, which will stimulate traffic and generate customers to your establishment. By using traditional and Internet marketing techniques we will be able to create a buzz never seen before. We have done it successfully for Ebay, Lexus, Arts & Antiques and many more fortune five-hundred companies. We will drive customers to establishments that are participating in our program. We will also promote dining certificates on auction sites to better market establishments of our partners.
Today's marketing environment is more challenging than ever. This is especially true for the restaurant/hotel owners who are facing powerful forces of competition. They need some kind of advantage that would put them ahead in the game; this is where we come into play. The Masks/art Project can get you that comparative advantage. With 9 years of proven track record in creating a mega blitz, we will give your business an added value. We offer a mixed media approach which is the most effective way to market in today’s fast changing environment. You will be part of the following:
∑ Promote using traditional media. We will include your URL in any display or classified ads you purchase in trade journals, newspapers, etc. direct mail, classifieds, post cards, etc.
o News Releases and Press Releases
o Television Public Relations
o Print Public Relations
o Media Public Relations
o Special Events
o Radio Public Relations
o Specialty Topics In Public Relations
o Promoting Your Business
o Internet/Web Public Relations
o General Publicity
o Media Kits
o Pitching Your Story
o Authors and Speakers
∑ New Media promotions:
o Smart Email Auto responder
o HTML Email Marketing
o Create, Deliver & Track e-Newsletter Easy, Fast, Affordable e-Marketing
o www.HTML-Email-Marketing.com
∑ Viral Marketing w/ Photos
o Create a buzz and capture leads with kiosk & event and photo solutions
o Mail Marketing
o Site Promotion
o Ads & Affiliates
o Odds 'n' Ends
o Local Marketing
o Affiliate Program
Your charity will be part of our many successful years of media blitz campaign created by Masks/Art. You will be in our promotion materials, such as leaflets, brochures, and presentations. This process can be used to engage consumers and implement Masks/Art at any point in a brand's lifecycle such as to launch it, to reposition it, or to maintain awareness for it in a crowded marketplace. Masks/Art Marketing includes Business Advantage Marketing since its multi-step process will showcases to customers and prospects -- the full value associated with your charity spectrum of products or services. This systematic approach helps a restaurant/hotel increase sales, drive market share, enhance customer loyalty, and strengthen its competitive position.
The celebrity art that makes up MASKS creates a blockbuster show for any occasion. It creates a level of buzz that can only be brought to your company with the right combination of celebrity and art via both traditional and internet marketing. MASKS have the potential to bring you more traffic and better exposure than any other advertisement from newspaper, yellow pages, radio, and television. We will target upscale clientele who have the ability to invest in good product.
The charities of your choice would benefit from the funds raised, and we would help contact celebrities with whom your company would like to align itself.
Mask/art Project gets cooperation’s that comparative PR and marketing advantage, creating a mega blitz and added value to there PR and marketing, we offer a mixed media approach, which is the most effective way to market in today’s fast changing environment. Our overall business strategy is to combine successful Old Economy production and distribution systems with New Economy.
List of clients: We are proud to have featured MASKS/art at the People's Palace in London with HRH Prince Charles, the Field Museum of Chicago, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Lexus cars, Ebay and Sotheby's. MASKS has the potential to bring cooperation’s more traffic and better exposure than any advertisement on TV, radio, or print.
The Masks Project
"BENEATH OUR MASKS WE ARE ALL THE SAME."
"BEHIND EVERY MASK LIES THE BEAUTY WITHIN,"
"THE MASKS PROJECT CELEBRATES INNER BEAUTY AND HEALTH"
The Masks Project is a not-for-profit organization classified by a status given by the Department of Treasury 501c3. and as such the Project is exempt from taxes and can support exclusively children's causes. It all started with a simple white clay mask created by a young child during 1994 in a workshop for the mentally challenged children. From this humble beginning sprang the idea for a truly unique special charity event: Masks.
The result after four hours of work was a fascinating array of masks. The Masks Project chose an abstract mask with minimalist features. The mask was duplicated in white clay and sent to 300 famous personalities in the fields of entertainment, music, arts, sports, and fashion. These people were asked to paint and decorate their masks, giving free reign to their imaginations. The masks were then to be returned to The Mask Project to be displayed for the public to see and to be auctioned for the benefit of a variety of children's charities. Beneficiaries from the mask projects are The Prince's Trust, the Advancement of Mentally Challenged Children, The National Children's Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald Houses, and now the Make a Wish Foundation. By now, over 1000 masks were decorated on behalf of the Masks project. The project was so successful, it raised over 1 million dollars and received an enormous publicity campaign coverage, which attracted the attention of Buckingham palace and Prince Charles. The Masks Project was asked to collaborate with Prince Charles for another exhibition and auction fund-raiser in London and New York, raising an additional 320 thousand pounds for the Prince's trust. Over 100 exhibitions and auctions have taken place in the last ten years, benefiting various children charities. Currently, these masks have been viewed by over 20 million people worldwide, and have raised approximately 2 million dollars for charity, all while creating extremely positive buzz and branding for companies. As a result, Masks has become a highly anticipated, high profile annual event.
ArtsOrigin, an art publisher in New York and a leader in the field of art reproductions is a major supporter of The Masks Project, underwriting and sponsoring most of the expenses accrued in handling The Masks Project endeavor. We are developing a promotion and fundraiser around the themes: "BEHIND EVERY MASK LIES THE BEAUTY WITHIN," "THE MASKS PROJECT CELEBRATES INNER BEAUTY AND HEALTH," and "BENEATH OUR MASKS WE ARE ALL THE SAME."
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join the entire Masks family and myself by becoming a sponsor for our future exhibitions and auctions. The benefits are many: global media exposure for you and your company, association with world-renowned leaders, and personalities through their creations; all specifically customized to cater the needs of your company.
I invite you to view our website at http://www.masksexhibition.com or to contact me directly if I can answer any questions whatsoever at (866)-415-3341 or Henri@MasksExhibition.com. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your time and consideration!
Henri Boll
President, ArtsOrigin
"BEHIND EVERY MASK LIES THE BEAUTY WITHIN,"
"THE MASKS PROJECT CELEBRATES INNER BEAUTY AND HEALTH"
The Masks Project is a not-for-profit organization classified by a status given by the Department of Treasury 501c3. and as such the Project is exempt from taxes and can support exclusively children's causes. It all started with a simple white clay mask created by a young child during 1994 in a workshop for the mentally challenged children. From this humble beginning sprang the idea for a truly unique special charity event: Masks.
The result after four hours of work was a fascinating array of masks. The Masks Project chose an abstract mask with minimalist features. The mask was duplicated in white clay and sent to 300 famous personalities in the fields of entertainment, music, arts, sports, and fashion. These people were asked to paint and decorate their masks, giving free reign to their imaginations. The masks were then to be returned to The Mask Project to be displayed for the public to see and to be auctioned for the benefit of a variety of children's charities. Beneficiaries from the mask projects are The Prince's Trust, the Advancement of Mentally Challenged Children, The National Children's Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald Houses, and now the Make a Wish Foundation. By now, over 1000 masks were decorated on behalf of the Masks project. The project was so successful, it raised over 1 million dollars and received an enormous publicity campaign coverage, which attracted the attention of Buckingham palace and Prince Charles. The Masks Project was asked to collaborate with Prince Charles for another exhibition and auction fund-raiser in London and New York, raising an additional 320 thousand pounds for the Prince's trust. Over 100 exhibitions and auctions have taken place in the last ten years, benefiting various children charities. Currently, these masks have been viewed by over 20 million people worldwide, and have raised approximately 2 million dollars for charity, all while creating extremely positive buzz and branding for companies. As a result, Masks has become a highly anticipated, high profile annual event.
ArtsOrigin, an art publisher in New York and a leader in the field of art reproductions is a major supporter of The Masks Project, underwriting and sponsoring most of the expenses accrued in handling The Masks Project endeavor. We are developing a promotion and fundraiser around the themes: "BEHIND EVERY MASK LIES THE BEAUTY WITHIN," "THE MASKS PROJECT CELEBRATES INNER BEAUTY AND HEALTH," and "BENEATH OUR MASKS WE ARE ALL THE SAME."
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join the entire Masks family and myself by becoming a sponsor for our future exhibitions and auctions. The benefits are many: global media exposure for you and your company, association with world-renowned leaders, and personalities through their creations; all specifically customized to cater the needs of your company.
I invite you to view our website at http://www.masksexhibition.com or to contact me directly if I can answer any questions whatsoever at (866)-415-3341 or Henri@MasksExhibition.com. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your time and consideration!
Henri Boll
President, ArtsOrigin
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Celebrity Art
Many people are enamored with masks. Maybe it’s the thrill of becoming a whole new person for a while and dumping the dissatisfaction of the loser that you really are. Or maybe it’s just hiding your not so attractive face from the public and sparing them the horror. But let us get on to the real issue… Masked balls remain a staple of charitable events, and although we are not throwing balls, we did the next best thing – Celebrity art. The concept is simple but potent. We produce an exhibition of clay masks designed by a variety of high profile celebrities. The masks are shown along with paintings and prints from some of the most prominent artists in the world. All the artwork is auctioned off and the proceeds from its sale are given to charitable causes. The charities we support benefit from the sale of the masks and other artwork and their corporate sponsors enjoy the publicity and brand building generated by the event. We have had over 1,000 celebrities create masks in the past 10 years. These masks give the viewers a brief but powerful insight into the personalities and gifts bestowed upon the individuals who painted and decorated them. Whether their artistic renderings were designed to conceal, reveal, or empower their creators is part of the challenging guessing game for those who travel through our exhibitions. Below is just a snap shot of some of the celebrities who have brought forth their artistic sides for us.
STING
Sting, or Sir Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (for those of you who prefer a more syllable intensive workout) has been quite the busy Englishman as of late. But first, let us take a brief trip back to the self-aimed social activism of the 70s and the infectious and often ridiculed pop culture madness of the 80s. This time saw the rises of Lamborghini Countaches, mobile phones the size of cucumbers, and other stuff like… uh, the Carbon allotrope fullerene! But in the midst of all this wonderment, there arose a little new wave band called the Police. With Sting embedded in the fun, they released five chart-topping albums and won six Grammy awards. Like a RV family, they drifted from Punk, to Reggae tinged rock, and even walked the roads of minimalist Pop. While never formally breaking up, the members began their own solo projects. As the sands slipped through the hourglass, it seemed as if the Police were decommissioned and the possibility of reuniting seemed as likely as Pac-Man chomping himself to a miserable flop.
However, the seemingly impossible was warped into something possible. On February 11, 2007 the Police, almost like flakes of snow being commingled together into a firmly packed ball, reunited and hurled itself into the face of the music world once again giving it a healthy smack leaving its powdery goodness adhered. But the excitement didn’t end there, as the band announced its Reunion Tour in which the first concert was held in Vancouver on May 28th in front of 22,000 delighted fans whose cheers could have drowned out the noises of Howler Monkeys having an orgy. The Police will be on tour for approximately a year, beginning with North America and eventually spreading the lovable infection into Europe.
Barry Manilow
Everyone rejoice! It’s the almighty Copacabana! Not even his hip surgery can put a stop to his, dare I say… Hipness. Adults, youths, even single celled Amoebas can’t resist the fantasm. Well, okay… there was one time when Australian officials played his music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in order to drive loitering youths away, but Manilow skillfully released a tongue-in-cheek statement suggesting that perhaps the youths might like his music, and I bet they sure did! Yeehaw!
All you Manilow Maniacs out there, you may find this giant of a man working on his Manilow Fund for Health and Hope which supports a number of great organizations that focus on cancer, AIDS, children’s issues, victims of abuse, the homeless and music education. And if that’s not enough, he’ll be at the house show over at the Las Vegas Hilton, which just so happens to be one of the few hotels to not suffer from Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13) by having a 13th Floor. If that doesn’t draw you in, then I don’t know what will. Go, go, go! Oh yeah, if you haven’t sampled Manilow wine, you have not lived yet.
Elton John
Yes, Sir Elton John. What makes this man great? Is it because his middle name is Hercules? (Yes, that’s true. Its officially part of his name) Is it because he is a five time Grammy and one time Academy Award winning pop/rock singer, composer, and pianist? Is it because he has sold more than 250 million albums? Hmmm, the choice is hard… Let’s pick them all!
In addition to the previously mentioned highlights of his resume, John has long been associated with AIDS charities raising large amounts of money and using his public profile to raise awareness of the disease. More recently in 2006, Elton donated the smaller of two bright-red Yamaha pianos from his Las Vegas show to auction on eBay to raise public awareness and funds for the foundation. For his AIDS charity, John has hosted annually a glamorous White Tie and Tiara Ball, to which many famous celebrities are invited. (1) I guess mine was lost in the mail. Don’t worry John. I’m sure there’s a sensible reason.
On top of that, every year since 2004, he has opened a shop selling his second hand clothes. Called "Elton's Closet" the sale this year of 10,000 items was expected to raise $400,000. Buy something while you still can! I myself have my eye on a purple and orange polka dotted leather suit with a picture of an Ostrich on the backside. Okay, I made that not-so-funny statement up… But only to highlight my enthusiasm, which I hope you’re absorbing too!
1. http://www.chopard.com/worldwide/fl/eltonjohn07/eltonjohn2007.htm
George Michael
George Michael, as I’m sure you all know, (if you don’t, shame on you!) is an English singer-songwriter and pop star who performs soul influenced pop. Personally, I like his full original name: Georgios-Kyriacos Panaylotou. Sounds catchy, doesn’t it? It wasn't until he formed the duo Wham! (Yet another superb name) together with Andrew Ridgeley in 1981 that success came for Michael.
In more recent happenings, he began the “25 Live Stadium Tour 2007” on May 12, which will tour throughout Europe and will end on July 26th, 2007 in Athens, Greece. Due to an overwhelming response by fans to his recently announced tour celebrating 25 years in the music industry, Michael, as stated by his publicist, is considering a North American tour as well. To coincide with the tour, a new greatest hits collection, Twenty Five, was released on 9 November 2006, including four new songs. George Michael also stated that he, and his former Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley have recorded 2 songs, with George doing the vocals, and Andrew playing on guitar. George hopes that these new songs will appear on his new album, planned to be released in late 2007. (1)
He also confirmed his intention to form a civil partnership with long-time partner Kenny Goss, breaking the hearts of people everywhere… Mine included. He stated that they would perform the legal ceremony and then hold a party. He also said that none of them would be donning a dress. Yet another disappointment for me again!
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_michael
Phil Collins
Philip Collins is an English singer, songwriter, drummer, and actor, and best known for his membership in the rock group Genesis.
Unfortunately, Collins reported losing his hearing in one ear, and in 2003 announced his last solo tour. Even though that was years ago, flowers are still withering from the news till this day! He called it the "First Final Farewell Tour", a tongue-in-cheek reference to the multiple farewell tours of other popular artists. Collins wanted to complete one last large-scale tour internationally before spending more time with his family. Outside of the tour, he has only performed occasionally. (1) However, just like my stomach rumbling from a semi-digested lunch, I have a gut feeling that he’ll make a comeback. If my gut is wrong, then I’ll take some Pepto Bismol.
The best part about this guy’s resume (at least in my opinion) is that he made an appearance as himself in the 2006 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. He appears in three missions in which he must be saved from a gang that is trying to kill him. After, the player is given the opportunity to watch a performance of 'In the Air Tonight.' Absolutely priceless. When you’ve been digitized in video game entertainment, you know you’ve made it.
More recently, Phil also has a new DVD called The Long Goodnight: A Film About Phil Collins. So why are you still sitting there for? Waiting for life to shower you with meaning and happiness? Well, you can get it with the DVD.
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Collins
STING
Sting, or Sir Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (for those of you who prefer a more syllable intensive workout) has been quite the busy Englishman as of late. But first, let us take a brief trip back to the self-aimed social activism of the 70s and the infectious and often ridiculed pop culture madness of the 80s. This time saw the rises of Lamborghini Countaches, mobile phones the size of cucumbers, and other stuff like… uh, the Carbon allotrope fullerene! But in the midst of all this wonderment, there arose a little new wave band called the Police. With Sting embedded in the fun, they released five chart-topping albums and won six Grammy awards. Like a RV family, they drifted from Punk, to Reggae tinged rock, and even walked the roads of minimalist Pop. While never formally breaking up, the members began their own solo projects. As the sands slipped through the hourglass, it seemed as if the Police were decommissioned and the possibility of reuniting seemed as likely as Pac-Man chomping himself to a miserable flop.
However, the seemingly impossible was warped into something possible. On February 11, 2007 the Police, almost like flakes of snow being commingled together into a firmly packed ball, reunited and hurled itself into the face of the music world once again giving it a healthy smack leaving its powdery goodness adhered. But the excitement didn’t end there, as the band announced its Reunion Tour in which the first concert was held in Vancouver on May 28th in front of 22,000 delighted fans whose cheers could have drowned out the noises of Howler Monkeys having an orgy. The Police will be on tour for approximately a year, beginning with North America and eventually spreading the lovable infection into Europe.
Barry Manilow
Everyone rejoice! It’s the almighty Copacabana! Not even his hip surgery can put a stop to his, dare I say… Hipness. Adults, youths, even single celled Amoebas can’t resist the fantasm. Well, okay… there was one time when Australian officials played his music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in order to drive loitering youths away, but Manilow skillfully released a tongue-in-cheek statement suggesting that perhaps the youths might like his music, and I bet they sure did! Yeehaw!
All you Manilow Maniacs out there, you may find this giant of a man working on his Manilow Fund for Health and Hope which supports a number of great organizations that focus on cancer, AIDS, children’s issues, victims of abuse, the homeless and music education. And if that’s not enough, he’ll be at the house show over at the Las Vegas Hilton, which just so happens to be one of the few hotels to not suffer from Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13) by having a 13th Floor. If that doesn’t draw you in, then I don’t know what will. Go, go, go! Oh yeah, if you haven’t sampled Manilow wine, you have not lived yet.
Elton John
Yes, Sir Elton John. What makes this man great? Is it because his middle name is Hercules? (Yes, that’s true. Its officially part of his name) Is it because he is a five time Grammy and one time Academy Award winning pop/rock singer, composer, and pianist? Is it because he has sold more than 250 million albums? Hmmm, the choice is hard… Let’s pick them all!
In addition to the previously mentioned highlights of his resume, John has long been associated with AIDS charities raising large amounts of money and using his public profile to raise awareness of the disease. More recently in 2006, Elton donated the smaller of two bright-red Yamaha pianos from his Las Vegas show to auction on eBay to raise public awareness and funds for the foundation. For his AIDS charity, John has hosted annually a glamorous White Tie and Tiara Ball, to which many famous celebrities are invited. (1) I guess mine was lost in the mail. Don’t worry John. I’m sure there’s a sensible reason.
On top of that, every year since 2004, he has opened a shop selling his second hand clothes. Called "Elton's Closet" the sale this year of 10,000 items was expected to raise $400,000. Buy something while you still can! I myself have my eye on a purple and orange polka dotted leather suit with a picture of an Ostrich on the backside. Okay, I made that not-so-funny statement up… But only to highlight my enthusiasm, which I hope you’re absorbing too!
1. http://www.chopard.com/worldwide/fl/eltonjohn07/eltonjohn2007.htm
George Michael
George Michael, as I’m sure you all know, (if you don’t, shame on you!) is an English singer-songwriter and pop star who performs soul influenced pop. Personally, I like his full original name: Georgios-Kyriacos Panaylotou. Sounds catchy, doesn’t it? It wasn't until he formed the duo Wham! (Yet another superb name) together with Andrew Ridgeley in 1981 that success came for Michael.
In more recent happenings, he began the “25 Live Stadium Tour 2007” on May 12, which will tour throughout Europe and will end on July 26th, 2007 in Athens, Greece. Due to an overwhelming response by fans to his recently announced tour celebrating 25 years in the music industry, Michael, as stated by his publicist, is considering a North American tour as well. To coincide with the tour, a new greatest hits collection, Twenty Five, was released on 9 November 2006, including four new songs. George Michael also stated that he, and his former Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley have recorded 2 songs, with George doing the vocals, and Andrew playing on guitar. George hopes that these new songs will appear on his new album, planned to be released in late 2007. (1)
He also confirmed his intention to form a civil partnership with long-time partner Kenny Goss, breaking the hearts of people everywhere… Mine included. He stated that they would perform the legal ceremony and then hold a party. He also said that none of them would be donning a dress. Yet another disappointment for me again!
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_michael
Phil Collins
Philip Collins is an English singer, songwriter, drummer, and actor, and best known for his membership in the rock group Genesis.
Unfortunately, Collins reported losing his hearing in one ear, and in 2003 announced his last solo tour. Even though that was years ago, flowers are still withering from the news till this day! He called it the "First Final Farewell Tour", a tongue-in-cheek reference to the multiple farewell tours of other popular artists. Collins wanted to complete one last large-scale tour internationally before spending more time with his family. Outside of the tour, he has only performed occasionally. (1) However, just like my stomach rumbling from a semi-digested lunch, I have a gut feeling that he’ll make a comeback. If my gut is wrong, then I’ll take some Pepto Bismol.
The best part about this guy’s resume (at least in my opinion) is that he made an appearance as himself in the 2006 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. He appears in three missions in which he must be saved from a gang that is trying to kill him. After, the player is given the opportunity to watch a performance of 'In the Air Tonight.' Absolutely priceless. When you’ve been digitized in video game entertainment, you know you’ve made it.
More recently, Phil also has a new DVD called The Long Goodnight: A Film About Phil Collins. So why are you still sitting there for? Waiting for life to shower you with meaning and happiness? Well, you can get it with the DVD.
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Collins
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