5 Reasons to be at the First Annual Blues & Brews Festival

If you haven't already heard the great news, Peak Events, a local Flagstaff event planning company that currently owns and produces Flagstaff Oktoberfest (now in its fifth successful year) is bringing yet another great festival to Flagstaff this summer.

The Blues and Brews Music Festival is taking place on June 29th at the Continental Driving Range in east Flagstaff.

Here are 5 reasons why you need to check out the festival in its inaugural year:

1) SWEET CHARITY
A portion of the festival's proceeds will be benefiting Ear Candy Charity. These funds will help support the placement of musical instruments into local music programs.

2) BEAT THE HEAT
When temperatures start rising in Phoenix, heading north for the Blues and Brews Festival is the perfect excuse to get out of the heat. Blues, brews, and sunshine? Sounds like the best way to spend a Saturday in June.

3) FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The festival is definitely family friendly -- kids 12 and under are FREE! There will be food vendors and a designated kids area sponsored by YMCA.

4)  BLUES, BLUES & MORE BLUES
Lineup includes two-time winner of the Blues Music Award Entertainer of the Year, Tommy Castro & the Painkillers and other major Blues favorites (full lineup HERE)!

5) WAYS TO SAVE

• Tickets are only $25 and are on-sale now at Ticketfly. Buy your tickets early and use promo code: EarCandy at checkout to save $5 off the early ticket price.*

OR

• Day-Of tickets will be sold at the gate for $35, but if ride your bike or take local transportation you can save $10 off the door ticket price. So, save some gas, skip parking, and choose to ride!

There you have it, 5 great reasons to be at the Blues and Brews Festival this summer. Stay cool, everyone!

-- 

For more information about the location, lodging, and lineup, visit www.flagstaffblues.com.
Festival tickets are on-sale now, get yours HERE.
*Promo code limited to first 100 users, so get your tickets early and save!

ROCK THE RUN 2013

Congratulations, Rock the Run team! YOU DID IT!

We couldn't be more proud of our Rock the Run team that trained hard for the P.F. Chang's mini, half, and full marathon. Leading up to the big day, they spent many early mornings and late evenings logging hundreds of miles and raised thousands of dollars in support of music education for Ear Candy Charity.

A big THANK YOU goes out to our many local supporters including Racelab for their support with training and clinics, Rigatony's for sponsoring our pre-race team dinner, Ideas Collide for our Rock the Run logo that our team proudly wore on race day, and the East Valley Spine Center for hanging out in our team tent providing post-race massages for the runners.

We're so very thankful to everyone who supported our team. To the friends, family, and colleagues of each our team members we thank you for supporting their journey to the finish line! It was the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon so with music at every mile, we're sure everyone was inspired as they ran for music education! Congratulations to our team's top two fundraisers, Rebekah Zeeuw and Tony Darling, who combined raised close to $5,000.

Thank you and congrats again to each of our Rock the Run team runners: you're all ROCK STARS! We hope that you are getting some much deserved rest and relaxation this week and we hope to see you again at the start line in 2014!

If you're interested in being a part of Ear Candy's Rock the Run team or for more information contact info@earcandycharity.org.

Put Down the Briefcase, Pick Up the Bass

Music lovers are everywhere. Many of them take on full-time work as doctors, lawyers, accountants, bankers, insurance brokers and yes, even as your company's IT professional. Starting this fall, Ear Candy is hosting, Weekend Warriors, a monthly Rock & Roll concert series at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Phoenix. The evening will bring musicians and music enthusiasts together for a night of fun and philanthropy. The featured bands playing each month are principally made up of working professionals in the valley who have happily traded in the corporate gear for musical instruments.
We spoke briefly to Vice President and General Counsel for General Dynamics, and band member of Retro Active, Devon Engel to ask him about his involvement with the Weekend Warriors event.


What's so special about music for you?
Why is it important to participate in events like Weekend Warriors?

In fifth grade, I was given the opportunity to learn to play the bass. Today, as a 46 year old General Counsel of a large company, playing rock and roll on the weekends provides a tremendous amount of stress relief and balance to my life.  

It is important to me that kids in our community who can’t afford their own instruments be given the opportunity I was given to make music a part of their lives.  That is why I volunteer and support Ear Candy and why my band Retro-Active is excited to be a part of Ear Candy’s inaugural Weekend Warrior Concert Series.

The first concert will take place on Saturday, October 13 and will feature Retro-Active (a 80s, 90s and 2K cover band) and Pearl Ridge (Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge tribute band).
There is a $5.00 suggested donation at the door.


Save the date and join us for our first Weekend Warriors Concert:

Saturday, October 13th, 2012 

7:00 pm - 10:30 pm Hard Rock Cafe (3 South 2nd Street #117 Phoenix, AZ 85004)

See our events pages on the Ear Candy website to learn more about the Weekend Warrior Concert Series and check out our event page on Facebook for a list of the bands performing and to RSVP.

SET ONE - 7:30pm Retro-Active 

SET TWO - 9:15 pm Pearl Ridge

MUSIC TO MY EARS Party!

THE PLACE TO BE LABOR DAY WEEKEND - Join us for an irresistible music-centric celebration! This exciting annual event will be a combination of Concert & Saturday Night Party featuring LIVE Bands, DJ, silent auction, raffle prizes, exhibitors, cocktail specials and delicious food menu at a beautiful 29,000 square foot multi-level venue. Created with a focus on discovering local talented musicians while benefiting a very worthy local non-profit music organization - Mix and Mingle in the Magical Moments of Music!

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT ON STAGE (Performing both cover & original music):

8:30 PM: LEA CAPPELLI – (www.leacappelli.com) – Combining the rich textures of Billie Holiday with the modern day quirky twists of Fiona Apple, Lea’s sound is unmistakably organic. Apart from her amazing music, with renowned acting abilities and a steady flow of high fashion modeling, Lea is an undeniable ‘triple threat.’ Lea truly is one of the more dynamic young performers to emerge in recent years.

9:45 PM: SCOTI*SLATE – (www.scotislate.com) - Aaron Scoti (Lead Vocals) and Lars Slate (Guitar) along with drummer Derek Upton is a sleek, funk rockin' power trio focused on songwriting and musicianship creating a uniquely familiar sound that is undeniably sexy, soulful even danceable. They add a refreshingly distinctive twist to the cover songs they select that complement their own fabulous originals.

All Night: DJ MASURU – One of the Valley’s favorites will be spinning a great blend of Classic & Current well loved music for your listening and dancing pleasure. He’ll be performing before, in between, and after the bands with his hard to find mixes, and out-of-the-box style, always presenting something new.

AMENTITIES:

• $5 Smirnoff Vodka Cocktail Specials

• Signature ‘EAR CANDY’ Vodka Cocktail (proceeds go to the Charity)

• Special Food Menu Available

• Silent Auction

• Vendors/Exhibitors

• Plenty of Self-Parking (street & parking structure across the street from the venue)

THE CHARITY:

Ear Candy Charity is a Tempe, Arizona based non-profit dedicated to fulfilling its mission of Providing Youth Access to Music Education.  Ear Candy impacts youth through three programs; Online Instrument Drives (a web-based service to place donated instruments in low-income music programs), Play it Forward (‘Instrument Drive in a Box’ service learning program for community groups), and BackStage Class (enlightening music based field trips).  To learn more, visit: www.EarCandyCharity.ORG.

SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE DRAWINGS:

We’ll have some very unique and exciting merchandise for guests to bid on or win. Many of them will be very diverse musical or entertainment treasures such as an Eric Clapton Package which includes DVD, CD, tour t-shirt, and limited edition litho from Crossroads, an autographed guitar from The Fray, a limited "Grease" poster signed by Olivia Newton John and John Travolta, a Jazz Package which includes CDs and tour shirts, Lady GaGa, Taylor Swift, and much more. The chance to participate in our auction and raffles will end at 10 p.m.

FEATURED EXHIBITORS: 

• Society for the Arts is a 501 (c) (3) membership organization established in 1986 for singles supporting theatre, music, arts and culinary in the Phoenix area. Funds are raised through social activities. To learn more, visit www.societyforthearts.org.

• Tri-City Audiology, LLC provides hearing conservation and protection for musicians. We specialize in custom fitted ear molds ad in-ear monitors. We can provide real time measures of sound exposure through dosimetry. To learn more, visit www.tri-cityaudiology.com

• Designated Drivers, Inc. offers business and individuals a sensible alternative to driving while impaired. Their services provide designated drivers to transport clients safely in their own vehicle. Designated Drivers also has a non-profit foundation that raises funds to provide free rides during special holiday seasons and events. To learn more, visit www.designateddriversinc.com

OUR SPONSORS:

Copy Rescue – Jim West – 602.708.0375

Brett Noe Productions - Event Videographer - www.brettnoe.com

Creamy Radio – From the Mainstream to the Indie Scene - www.creamyradio.com

Insight Management – Public Relations & Marketing – 480-951-1882

Kandid Moments Photography - Event Photographer - www.kandidmomentsphotography.com

One Louder Designs – Creatively unique Graphic Design - www.onelouderdesigns.com

THE VENUE:

The Venue of Scottsdale is 29,000 square feet of spacious multi-level, newly renovated live concert facility complete with retractable roof. The Venue is a great combination of elegance and fun and has played host to many national legendary musical artists for the past decade. Their sound system, lighting, staff and service make it one of the best places to rock out to your favorite band. To learn more, visitwww.thevenuescottsdale.com.

ADMISSION (Net proceeds to benefit Ear Candy Charity):

$10 per person with online Advance Tickets: www.ravenevents.com/musictomyears

$15 per person at the door

This event was created, produced, promoted and hosted by www.RavenEvents.com. For more information, call 480.664.0228. You must be 21 years or older to attend.

EVENT WEBSITE LINK: http://www.ravenevents.com/MonthlyEvents/09012012

Why I Chose to Run in 4/4 Time

This is a guest post from one of our Rock the Run participants, Tony Darling. Tony will be running in the P.F. Chang's Full Marathon on January 20, 2013. Support Tony as he trains & fundraises with Ear Candy Charity's Rock the Run Team.

This January I will be participating in my 7^th marathon.  I started running nine years ago as a way to lose weight and get healthy.  I ran a couple of half marathons and decided to move up to the full marathon.  I think my thoughts were similar to most beginner runners:  It should only be twice as hard to run a marathon as a half marathon.  WRONG!!  Well maybe “hard” is a little strong. “Challenging” might be a better word choice.  In 2007 I ran the Chicago Marathon in 90 degree heat and had a great time. (“Great” being a relative term.)  The crowd’s reaction to the 35,000+ runners taking to the streets was so amazing.  Chicago is the only marathon I have participated in that I did not raise money for charity.   I decided to run for charities because I wanted to make the 26.2 mile journey something bigger than myself.  I chose each charity because I personally knew someone whose family was affected by the disease or issue.

This year I chose to run for Ear Candy Charity because it supports an issue and cause that I am very passionate about:  Youth Music.  It allows me to combine two of my favorite things: running and music.  It seems hard to believe but I started playing trombone 38 years back in Aurora, IL.  I remember wanting to play the trumpet but my band director knew I would be getting braces in the future so he thought the trombone might be easier once they were on.  I remember playing “Mambo from the Congo” in my first concert like it was yesterday.  I attended music camps in Junior High and went on to major in Music Business at the University of Southern Mississippi.  

Music has always been a part of my life.  Instead of ringing bells as a kid, my family and friends played Christmas carols at the Salvation Army kettle.  It has allowed me to play before thousands of West Aurora and Southern Miss football and basketball fans as well as perform with my high school jazz band when we were the opening act for Buddy Rich and band.  I have walked in many a parade both in Junior High and High School as well as a member of Legion and community bands.  Most of my closest friends I have are the ones that I performed with during my time in school.

The joy that I get from performing, whether marching on the football field on a Saturday afternoon or in an auditorium is not something you can describe, you have to experience it. (just like running a marathon)  That is why I chose to run 26.2 miles for Ear Candy  I want to give someone else the opportunity to have a chance to make not only music, but memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. 

“Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of it’s virtue.”

-       Plato 

5th Annual San Tan Brewing OKTOBERFEST

Dust off your lederhosen, it is that time of the year again.

The 5th Annual San Tan Brewing Oktoberfest is happening on Saturday September 29, 2012 from 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm in downtown Chandler. The festival will be located in AJ Chandler Park across from San Tan Brewing Company at 3 S. San Marcos Place, between Arizona Avenue and Buffalo Street.

What better way then get into the festivities than by being an official Oktoberfest volunteer! You can help with event set up, help at the box office, or work a beverage table giving thirsty patrons their delicious craft beer.

For more details about how you can get involved see our info page on the Ear Candy website: Oktoberfest 2012

A portion of the proceeds raised from the Oktoberfest event will be donated to Ear Candy Charity. Helping out, having fun, and supporting a good cause are all in a day's work. Cheers!

Gearing Up to Rock the Run

I recently became the newest addition to the Ear Candy team. Fresh out of graduate school at ASU, I felt eager and excited to become a contributing member of the organization and was more than ready to hit the ground running. Well, I soon found out Ear Candy Charity became one of the official charities of the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & Half Marathon, taking place Sunday January 20, 2013. So what better way to hit the ground running than, well, to be literally running?

I have had every excuse in the book to not have run a half marathon in the past, obviously because "I'm not a runner." Oh, and you know, "I just don't have time." On top of which, "I'll never be able to fundraise that much". And my personal favorite, "I hate running!"

This time, I’m out of excuses because I’ve decided to run the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona half marathon not only for myself but in support of music education. As part of Ear Candy Charity's Rock the Run team, it will be 12 weeks of training combined with fundraising. I’ve never run a half marathon before, but knowing that all the funds I raise will be going towards helping Ear Candy’s programs to support youth have access to music education, just might be exactly what I need to help get me through all 13.1 miles.

If you want to join me and Rock the Run with Ear Candy, check out our web page for all the details about the race and program: Ear Candy Charity - Rock the Run. 

As part of the Ear Candy team, you'll get:

• 4-months optional race training
• Nutrition and hydration support to ensure injury free training
• An official Ear Candy Team Shirt 
• A Dri-Fit Ear Candy team jersey to wear on race day
• Invitation to a complimentary team pasta dinner two nights before the race

Throughout the 12 weeks of training, I'll be posting updates about the Rock the Run team. So stay tuned and follow along, and hopefully we'll see you at the start line!

CMAS Rocks Hard at the Hard Rock

In partnership with CMAS, the Contemporary Music and Sound Program at Arcadia High School and the Hard Rock Cafe, Ear Candy is proud to present the CMAS Rocks Hard at the Hard Rock concert series. This monthly concert series kicked off on July 29, 2012 and will continue every last Sunday of each month.

The next concert series will take place on Sunday August 26, 2012 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Hard Rock Cafe (3 South 2nd Stree #117 Phoenix, AZ 85004).

A donation of $5 is suggested at the door (but any students with a valid school ID are free!)

Be sure to like us on Facebook and look out for up-to-date event info: http://on.fb.me/NoKB3I