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"The world is your stage. The Indiestry is your spotlight."

Weekend Hangover (09/03-09/06)

Below are some indiestry events that you are sure to enjoy this (extended) Labor Day weekend. This should hang you over until Tuesday

Seattle, Washington

Bumbershoot—Sept. 4-6, is Seattle’s music and arts festival. http://bumbershoot.org

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philly Fringe Festival—kicks off Friday, Sept. 3 and runs through Sept.18 at various venues in the city. It is an internationally recognized presenter of performing arts. This year, 15 Live Arts Festival shows will be presented. www.livearts-fringe.org/.

Baltimore, Maryland

Art & Soul exhibit— Sunday Sept. 5, 6-8 pm at An Die Music, 409 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201. Featuring the work of a select group of photographers that have worked with Gypsy Soul on several projects and events, capturing the essence of the Gypsy Soul team, the musical artists they work with, and the audience all engaged in being...Rebeliously Beautiful. During this event over 20 pieces will be showcased to the sounds of Calvin Richardson's new album Americas Most Wanted (an exclusive preview for Art & Soul guests) and a performance by emerging artist Amber Mimz showcasing her new album Urban Romance Sessions.

Yummy treats will be provided by Kute Kakes by Von. Tickets: $15 or $25 for two

**Tickets will not be sold at the door. Buy your ticket today: http://septartandsoul.eventbrite.com/

Arlington, Virginia

Eilen Jewell—Saturday, Sept. 4, 9 pm at Iota, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA. The Idaho native, brings classic country music to Iota. Don't miss this singer in action! The cost is $12. Call (703) 522-8340 for more information.

Select Cities

The Tillman Story—Director Amir Bar-Lev tells the story of American hero Pat Tillman, who gave up a multi-million dollar football contract and ultimately, his life, for the country that he loved. This indie film is a must see! Check your local listings to find out if it is playing in your neck of the woods.

Brooklyn, New York

Sleepy Sun—On Monday, September 6, the San Francisco-based rock band will perform at Knitting Factory Brooklyn. The venue is located at 361 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211. The all-ages show will begin at 8 pm. The cost is $12 in advance and $14 at the door.

Posted by The Indiestry Execs at 9/3/2010 11:55 PM | Add Comment

Christopher K. P. Brown @ Spit Dat Tonight!

Spoken word artist Christopher K. P. Brown performs at the Spit Dat open mic TONIGHT! The show will also feature Fat Boy Sean. The show starts at 8:30 pm, so hurry!! The cost is only $1. You can't beat recession prices. The venue is located at 733 Euclid St. NW, Washington D.C.

Posted by The Indiestry Execs at 9/2/2010 6:42 PM | Add Comment

Free Download: Foreign Exchange new single "Maybe She'll Dream of Me"

+FE Music presents "Maybe She'll Dream Of Me," the first single from The Foreign Exchange's upcoming third album, Authenticity. New album drops October 12, and The Indiestry cannot wait!

Produced by Nicolay and Phonte for The Foreign Exchange Music, LLC

Vocals by Phonte

All Instruments by Nicolay

Piano by Zo!

Recorded and Mixed by Phonte at The Peanut Gallery and by Nicolay at The Beach House, Wilmington, NC

Listen:

Download:
http://www.theforeignexchangemusic.com/the_foreign_exchange-maybe_she'll_dream_of_me.zip

Posted by The Indiestry Execs at 9/2/2010 8:01 AM | Add Comment

Kia Bennett takes a ride on the Soulacoaster

It is very rare that you come across an artist who has the talent and skill to fuse jazz, soul, R&B, hip-hop...and just about everything else into a masala that makes you actually "listen" and not just "hear" the words. Kia Bennett is this type of singer.

“I want you to feel high without the feeling of a superficial one. Through my music, I want to create and redefine an atmosphere of love and beauty in all forms and on all levels—embracing you as you embark upon a 'new but classic feeling,'" said Bennett, on her musical mission.

A native of Richmond, Va. and a product of Howard University, Bennett has been grinding her way to success for a number of years. While in Washington, D.C., she became a member of ENTYME, a group that featured other indie artists such as Yahzarah and Geno Young.

Since that time, Bennett has become a member of the new school RAMP (Roy Ayers Music Production), whose musical contributions provided samples for hits like A Tribe Called Quest’s “Bonita Applebum,” Mary J. Blige’s “My Life,” Erykah Badu’s “America’s Promise” and lots more.

"My music is universal and for all seasons. You can make love to my music, clean the house, cook, entertain, drive, sleep, smoke to my music, get motivated and even get lost in it and be vulnerable,” said the indie artist.

The singer has two features on producer Soulpersona's album, Soulacoaster. Listen to one of her featured tracks, "Lifetime":

On October 7, Bennett and a number of the artists featured on Soulacoaster, will perform tracks from the album at Cargo. The venue is located at 83 Rivington St., Shoreditch, London EC2A3AY. See below for more information:

Posted by The Indiestry Execs at 9/1/2010 10:13 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Three-day novel contest (must submit registration by Friday!)

Can you write an entire novel in just three days? Well put your skills where your mouth is!

About the contest:

For more than 30 years, hundreds of writers step up to the challenge each Labour Day weekend, fuelled by nothing but adrenaline and the desire for spontaneous literary nirvana. It’s a thrill, a grind, a 72-hour kick in the pants and an awesome creative experience. How many crazed plotlines, coffee-stained pages, pangs of doubt and moments of genius will next year’s contest bring forth? And what will you think up under pressure?

Prizes

1st Prize: Publication* (Check out the previous winners of the 3-day novel contest, here! )
2nd Prize: $500
3rd Prize: $100

The 33rd Annual International 3-Day Novel Contest takes place over the 2010 Labour Day Long Weekend (Sept. 4-6, 2010). . Must register by this Friday, Sept. 3, 2010.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Posted by The Indiestry Execs at 9/1/2010 8:55 AM | Add Comment

Enter an original play for a chance at publication and $1000 royalty advance

In tribute to Pioneer Drama Service founder Shubert Fendrich, who died December of 1989, the company holds the annual Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest to encourage the development of quality theatrical material for educational and community theatres.

Emerging playwrights, here’s your chance to win $1,000 and publication!

What:

Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest

When: ongoing competition; winner announced June 1 each year
How: A completed Contest Application must accompany each submission. Send entries to:

Playwriting Contest
Pioneer Drama Service, Inc.
PO Box 4267
Englewood, CO 80155-4267

Individuals currently published by Pioneer Drama Service are not eligible for this contest. Pioneer Drama Service employees and their families are also excluded.

Posted by The Indiestry Execs at 8/31/2010 1:43 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

On Location: Yahzarah's Video Shoot for "Cry Over You"

Washington, D.C. native Yahzarah (pronounced yah-zah-rah),has performed with artists such as Erykah Badu, Raheem DeVaughn and The Foreign Exchange. The singer, songwriter, producer and entrepreneur endured early record deals that left her questioning the business side of the music industry. However, like a caterpillar emerging from its chrysalis as a butterfly, Yahzarah has triumphantly, risen from her hardships as Ms. Purple St. James. (Read Yahzarah's feature story in The Indiestry Magazine ).

Yahzarah dropped her fourth album, The Ballad of Purple Saint James on May 4. The highly-anticipated album was released through The Foreign Exchange Music. The first single from the album, "Why Dontcha Call Me No More", is a tale of a woman scorned. The second single, "Cry Over You", is something different.

More from director Matt Koza: "[The video] starts out with her in the living room and she is anticipating [her boyfriend's] call. He doesn't but she says 'forget about it, I'm going out with my girls.'"

The Indiestry Exec Donisha A. caught up with Yahzarah in Washington, D.C during the last scene of the video for "Cry Over You"...(which also featured a barbecue with Phonte of The Foreign Exchange Aka "The KAng of the Grill" flipping the burgers.) Also in attendance were indie artists Kia Bennett, Carolyn Malachi, Deborah Bond, Alison Carney and lots, lots more.

Yahzarah on the evolution of her musical themes and personal growth:

...I was in school, I was coming of age, and I was in love for the first time so I wrote songs about love. But, at some point a woman starts to assess what is her definition of love, definition of success and definition of true happiness. I'm not defined by who I catch, carry, and marry, I'm just defined by the decisions I make.

The Ballad of Purple Saint James reflects those years I spent in retrospect looking back at that time and wanting to be better. I feel like I'm at my best...better than I've ever been in my life...music or no music. Because, at the time I was defining myself only by you all loving me, but then when the phone stopped ringing in '04...you have to reassess what you are in love with and why. And I will love [my fans] whether you guys love me or not. The added icing is that you recognize my work, but ya'll still don't love me. You recognize the songs, but I hope that this record will bring you guys one step closer to loving me.

...On the video for "Cry Over You"

Have you ever not given a damn? Like, he didn't call, so whatever. I get into me now, before I can get into someone else. [This video] is about sistahs getting into themselves.

Why is the video set in Washington, D.C.?

I'm a Washingtonian and I've never done a video at home and it was really important to me to come home and pay honor to the things and places that make me happy. [We shot at] Ben's Chili Bowl...Foreign Exchange... we wanted to go to Yums, but we didn't have enough time. D.C. has been really good to me. Growing up, I had my highs and lows, but this is still my city, this is still where I'm from.

Stay tuned for the video. Yes, we know...we can't wait either...

Special thanks to Gypsy Soul for coordinating this interview!

Posted by The Indiestry Execs at 8/30/2010 9:27 PM | Add Comment

On Tour: Julia Easterlin

Friend to The Indiestry Julia Easterlin has new tour dates posted! Check her out at the following venues (Trust us, you will not be disappointed):

Sept. 4 - Club Passim 8:15pm Cambridge, MA

Sept. 16 - Kendall Square 12pm Cambridge, MA

Oct. 2 - Cafe 939 w/ Emily Elbert 8pm Boston, MA

Oct. 22 - Bowery Poetry Club 7pm New York, NY END SHOWS SECTION

Easterlin won second place in the annual SongCircle songwriting competition for her original song “Go Straightaway.” The Circle is currently accepting submissions for this year’s contest. Go here for details: http://www.songcirclemusic.com/#/contest/.

Watch the video for her award-winning song “Go Straightaway” and check out an acoustic version of one of latest songs “Render” below.

Posted by The Indiestry Execs at 8/30/2010 11:57 AM | Add Comment

Weekend Hangover (8/27-8/29/2010)

Below are some indiestry events that you are sure to enjoy this weekend. Check back for updates. This should hang you over until Monday

NEW YORK

Rebel Art fundraiser – Satuday, August 28, 7 pm at House of Art Gallery, 373 Lewis Ave.,Brooklyn, New York. Featuring poet Ainsley Burrows and rock band Gingy and the Gun. Proceeds benefit the gallery.

VIRGINIA

JB Live is Remembering The Dream— Saturday, August 28 marks the 47th Anniversary of Dr. King's momentous "I Have a Dream" speech. Indie soul artist Jon Bibbs is celebrating this speech, the man who delivered it, and spirit of the dream on his interactive website: JB Live. When you log in, you'll see a special theme dedicated to Dr. King, enjoy a great playlist of music with songs (both old and new) that reflect the spirit of Dr. King's speech. Additionally, there will be two online discussions in the video chat rooms to open dialogue and thought about what Dr. Kings lived, spoke and wrote of so eloquently.

The two discussions in this series are:

12 noon - Barack Obama and The Dream
3 pm-America and the Moral Void: Who takes Dr. King's place as our moral leader

To participate in our video discussion, you can either use your webcam and chat live, or you can simply chat using the interface within our video chat room.

Visit JB Live at: jonbibbs.ning.com

Mike Phillips & Friends concert— Sunday, August 29, 7:30 pm at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA. 22305. Featuring Frederic Yonnet and Trina Broussard. Costs $29.50. www.birchmere.com.

Posted by The Indiestry Execs at 8/27/2010 11:48 AM | Add Comment

Spotlight: Poet Lady Lee Andrews of San Juan, Puerto Rico

Poet Lady Lee Andrews, of San Juan, PR

While vacationing in Puerto Rico, Indiestry Executives Donisha A. and S. Ann Johnson discovered the works of an incredible poet: Lady Lee Andrews, of San Juan, Puerto Rico. She and her French painter husband Nicolas Thomassin own an amazing shop called The Poet’s Passage , where you’ll find poetry books, crafts, and paintings of poetry. The image below was our favorite painting/poem!

The walls of The Poet's Passage are adorn with original works by founder/poet Lady Lee Andrews and her husband French painter Nicolas Thomassin.

If you’re ever in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico be sure to stop by on Tuesday night at 7pm for Poetry at The Passage open mic (unfortunately, we returned to the States a day too soon). Tell them The Indiestry sent you!

Indiestry Executives S. Ann Johnson and Donisha A. outside of The Poet's Passage in Old San Juan, PR.

The Poet's Passage is a Living Museum and Resource Center, founded by poet Lady Lee Andrews. It is located in the heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, near La Plaza de Armas. For more information call 787-721-0564 or go to http://mipequenosanjuan.com.

Posted by The Indiestry Execs at 8/26/2010 2:35 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

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The Indie Daily
"The world is your stage. The Indiestry is your spotlight."

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Weekend Hangover (09/03-09/06)

Christopher K. P. Brown @ Spit Dat Tonight!

Free Download: Foreign Exchange new single "Maybe She'll Dream of Me"

Kia Bennett takes a ride on the Soulacoaster

Three-day novel contest (must submit registration by Friday!)

Enter an original play for a chance at publication and $1000 royalty advance

On Location: Yahzarah's Video Shoot for "Cry Over You"

On Tour: Julia Easterlin

Weekend Hangover (8/27-8/29/2010)

Spotlight: Poet Lady Lee Andrews of San Juan, Puerto Rico

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