Featured — The Suite 16

LA Fun with Kenny, Kathy, Bill and Graham

October 20, 2011 By Marilyn Leave a Comment

Though I’m a homebody and try to stay within approx 65 miles of the Jersey Shore (which will take me to Brooklyn and also Philly, generally satisfying my urban desires), my recent trip to LA to spend time with Kenny Chesney was just delightful. Kenny was in great voice when he made a rare acoustic appearance at the Clinton Foundation Concert at the Hollywood Bowl, where Bill Clinton thanked him onstage for his performance and for “being the only other person on the stage who doesn’t have an accent.” The weather was perfect in LA, and the open air concert on Saturday featuring Kenny, Usher, and Gaga was historic.

I got to hang out a bit with Kathy Kane, a brilliant woman who’s known in the music field for her work with Bonnie Raitt but whose interests and talents are very broad as befits the holder of a degree in International Economic Relations: The Developing Countries – from U of Michigan. With those credentials, no wonder Kathy fit in so well with the many other eggheads at the concert (see photo, Kathy’s the pretty lady with glasses right next to Bonnie Raitt.) I waved at the President when he arrived and though the secret service folks were asking everyone to move back, President Clinton walked right over to me and shook my hand, then proceeded to greet at least 25 stagehands who were working outside the VIP tent — what an impressive gentleman the former President is! Speaking of impressive gentlemen, it was an unexpected bonus to find myself in LA at the same time that the elegant and accomplished film producer Graham Leader was also visiting from the east coast. After rehearsals at the Hollywood Bowl, I met up with Graham at the Hotel Café to see singer Tom McBride, then joined Graham and a group of his filmmaker friends at the ultimate hipster hamburger joint Umami. Gee, if traveling were always this fun and interesting, I might be tempted….

Marilyn Laverty got a great seat for the show from Kenny’s management but you can’t see her here, this is a shot of Bono singing to Kathy Kane (and also Bonnie Raitt, Jane Fonda and of course the Clintons). Photo courtesy: Clinton Foundation

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Tagged With: Bill Clinton, Bonnie Raitt, Clinton Foundation, Graham Leader, Kenny Chesney

The Grey Lady Unveiled

October 18, 2011 By Kyle Leave a Comment

Anyone remotely interested in the business of media, politics, journalism – particularly at the New York Times – needs to track down ‘Page One: Inside the New York Times.’ The 2011 documentary spans the WikiLeaks saga, Comcast/GE deal, and bankruptcies at daily newspapers across the US, all while examining the rapid shift from printed word to Tweet.

It’s an unusually inside look at the NYT war rooms, particular the media desk, creating something of a meta “media covering media covering media” story that stays surprisingly clear and focused. Particularly compelling is David Carr, the straight-shooting reporter (and former crack addict) who ends up as the unlikely protagonist, defending the NYT while sparring with representatives from new media entities like Gawker.

Whether you’re a senior White House correspondent or aspiring music blogger, I’d highly advise you to set aside two hours for ‘Page One.’

‘Page One: Inside the New York Times’ trailer:

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: David Carr, documentary, Inside the New York Times, new york times, NY Times Doc, NYT, Page One

Sonic Garden Blooms at All Tomorrows Parties

September 13, 2011 By Marilyn Leave a Comment

We always look forward to Asbury Park’s exciting roster of weekend events, and are keenly anticipating Sonic Garden’s fringe festival of performances and talks at Café Volan, Thursday September 29 through Tuesday, October 4th. Event programmer and impresario David Spelman has truly outdone himself in concocting a line up of film and music events which reflect the creative interests of Asbury. Spelman’s festival coincides with All Tomorrow’s Parties, and is envisioned as a thought-provoking counterpoint and complement to ATP. Its scope will appeal to the spectrum of artists, musicians, writers, entrepreneurs, surfers, scenesters and scholars who make Asbury unique. If this festival is anything like David’s recent Ellnora Guitar Festival, which American Songwriter praised for its “extraordinary artistry, extraordinary diversity, and extraordinary generosity”, it is sure to please crowds and critics and will achieve Spelman’s goal of creative comingling of vibrant cultures here on the Jersey Shore.

Impresario David Spelman

I’m particularly looking forward to the screening of the documentary “Heartworn Highways,” followed by a Q&A with the film’s producer, Graham Leader, on Thursday, September 29th at 8pm. Directed by James Szalapski and scheduled for a much deserved, major DVD re-release in 2012, the 1975 documentary explores the contemplative side of country music as the director captures singers and songwriters outside the core of the Nashville establishment. The intimate performances and conversations with artists such as Townes Van Zandt, David Allan Coe, Guy Clark, and Rodney Crowell during the early stages of their careers will captivate country fans and general music lovers alike. This should really be a stand out event!

Can’t wait for this!

I am honored to take part in this festival by introducing the highly celebrated cartoonist and country-crooner Andy Friedman on Monday, October 3rd at 8pm. Andy has been described as an “erudite redneck” (Boston Globe) who has a “mastery of wordy self-loathing that many white dudes with guitars would kill for” (Nashville Scene). Although stories of his early mailroom days may have audiences roaring with laughter, his deep, scratchy vocals and crafty guitar melodies will have them swooning as well. I hope to give him the introduction he deserves because I know his appearance will be meg awesome.

Marilyn Laverty to introduce Andy at Café Volan

These events, plus appearances by director Aaron Schock, musician Vernon Reid, and filmmaker/photographer Ralph Gibson are all happening at Café Volan, 510 Bangs Ave., Doug Parent and Paul Cali’s hip addition to Asbury Park’s culinary and cultural community.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Tagged With: All Tomorrow's Parties, Andy Friedman, Asbury Park, ATP, Cafe Volan, David Spelman, Graham Leader, Heartworn Highways, Marilyn Laverty, Sonic Garden

Shore Fire South finds world-class coffee in NoCo, world-class fun in Belmar

July 25, 2011 By Marilyn Leave a Comment

This summer’s all about trying new things! We’re adding lots of new elements to our Shore Fire client campaigns, including more social media, contests, and lots of other goodies. And on vacation, I stayed in Ocean Grove (home of Shore Fire’s NJ office) and planned daily adventures including ‘firsts’ for me such as surfing, paddle boarding , and parasailing.

Marilyn and Margaret Laverty enjoy a refreshing dip courtesy of Belmar Parasails

Then recently, Ocean Grove-based music producer and generally cool guy David Spelman introduced me to a hip new cafe in Asbury Park. Cafe Volan (510 Bangs Avenue) is already attracting a who’s who of local artists, musicians, surfers, and entrepreneurs. Owners Paul Cali and Doug Parent offer a selection of teas and espresso drinks featuring coffee by Philadelphia-based roaster La Colombe, which is also served at top New York restaurants including Daniel and Le Bernadin.

Parent describes the owners’ intention as creating “an environment where people can come to meet a friend or make a new one. There’s zero pressure for customers to leave at any time, in fact the greatest pleasure we have is to introduce people and foster creativity.” In fact, I was only in the shop a few minutes when another creative Asbury resident, hipster and writer Tim Donnelly burst in, bubbling with excitement over a new free surfing clinic for Asbury’s Boy’s and Girl’s Club that’s being sponsored by some of the city’s community oriented entrepreneurs. BTW, Cali and Parent keep their surfboards at Café Volan, and regularly take surf breaks when the conditions cooperate.

Marilyn Laverty with Cafe Volan owners Paul Cali (left) and Doug Parent in front of their La Marzoco espresso machine from Florence, Italy

We’re still fans of the many wonderful businesses on Ocean Avenue and Cookman Ave, but are enjoying getting to better know this neighborhood some are calling NoCo (short for North of Cookman). In addition to Cafe Volan, this block of Bangs is also home to Chakra Salon & Spa, Rebirth Art Supply, Wood Shop Skateboards, M Studio Design & Marketing, and Sweet Joey’s (featuring vintage clothing and custom jeans).

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Tagged With: Asbury Park, Cafe Volan, first time, La Colombe, Ocean Grove, parasailing, summer, surfing

You Wanted The Best…Shore Fire Is Alive

June 1, 2011 By Lauretta Leave a Comment

You know we all love music. What you didn’t know is, the majority of our staff plays music regularly either in a band or at home with/to their cat or indoor plants. Some of my favorite memories here include walking into a colleague’s office and them picking up their guitar to play a Chuck Berry riff while we wax best practice, our favorite new bands and music blogs, and, of course, the merits of good bacon (in that order.) It’s important for us to know what we’re talking about; being music publicists, knowing the technical aspects of the craft is very helpful.

Also important: having fun.

In the spirit of fun, we decided to toss a party, a battle of the bands, as it were, during which all of the staffers with current bands showed their swag at Union Hall in Brooklyn. Shore Fire came alive! Here are the highlights:

Anthony D'Amato

First up: Anthony D’Amato. Armed with just a guitar, winning vocals and shining lyrics, Anthony really set the bar very, very high. He’s touring. He has a website. He has an album. You should buy it.

Ghost Bunny (with Chris Taillie, far left, on keyboards)

Second there was our very own Chris Taillie and his out harey outfit Ghost Bunny. I had a great conversation with the drummer about the various reincarnations of the band’s name after Ghost Bunny dies. My favorite was Jesus Hare: 33 years in the making. Ghost Bunny has an intricate, multi-layered sound that will appeal to fans of Muse and Nirvana.

Arvel (with Madelyn Frascella, far right, on bass)

And, I am SOOOO not playing favorites, but Madelyn!!!!! Ladies and Gentleman Madelyn Frascella can handle the bass. She is badass. MOVE OVER Gene Simmons, Flea, and Robert Trujillo. Her band Arvel is totally rocking and they brought serious fun to the stage with their alt-rock indie revival sound.

Firenza (with Chris Brudzinski, left, on guitar/vocals)

Another awesome thing about working with all of these stellar people is that we share iTunes and I’m constantly trolling for new music in my colleague’s iTunes library. Chris Powers has some the best Brit Pop, indie, Shoegaze. I knew I was going to love his band live and Firenza’s power pop delivered.

The Middle Eight (with David McTiernan, far left, on keyboards)

Last but certainly not least: THE MIDDLE EIGHT! The venerable David McTiernan spins his classical background into blissful neo-classical indie rock.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Tagged With: Anthony D'Amato, Arvel, brooklyn, firenza, Ghost Bunny, shore fire, The Middle Eight, union hall

Dan Reed, Radio Royalty at the Queen

May 20, 2011 By Marilyn Leave a Comment

It was hard going to the gym today after getting home at 1 a.m. from the Non-COMMvention in Wilmington, Delaware, but at least I was styling in this cute COMMvention T-shirt from Anti- Records:

What’s a publicist to do at a radio convention? Have a great time and hang with friends old and new! NON-COMM founder and WXPN producer Dan Reed [pictured below with Shore Fire's Marilyn Laverty] extended me an invitation to the 11th annual gathering of radio stations and promotions folk that was held for the first time at great new venue, World Café Live at the Queen.

Since WXPN hosts the 3-day fest, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s scribe Dan DeLuca [pictured below with his student sidekick Lauren DeLucca] was on hand to report on the highlights at the Queen.

The historic site has been renovated and is now home to a world class performance and production studio, and it was a great spot for artists and industry alike. I caught Glassnote’s Givers, my idol Todd Snider (with dashing manager Burt Stein) and was charmed by SubPop’s hot new act The Head and the Heart (sorry I missed saying hi, Matt Shay!). Q Prime’s Cliff Burnstein inspired the crowd with his brilliant comments on the non-commercial format, and I met new friends at a great dinner hosted by Sean Coakley and Melanie Shrawder of top promotion company Songlines.

At Songlines’ dinner at the Chelsea Tavern, I was delighted to schmooze with public radio deities Bob Boilen and Bruce Warren, and was tickled to hear great war stories from ATO’s Rick Brewer, RED’s Danny Buch, and my Songlines hosts. Other highlights: meeting KUT Austin’s Jeff McCord, chatting with KSMT Colorado’s Stacy Howar [pictured below with Sean Coakley], meeting new friends from fave labels such as Jagjaguwar and Six Shooter, and reconnecting with buddy LiveNation’s Harvey Leeds back at the Queen.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Tagged With: Delaware, non-commvention, Radio, WIlmington, WXPN

Shore Fire Seen at Kristen Ann Carr Fund’s Night To Remember

May 2, 2011 By Mark Leave a Comment

Mark Satlof, Madelyn Frascella, Matt Hanks, Elizabeth Lutz, Rebecca Shapiro

We got a chance to attend the annual Kristen Ann Carr Fund benefit A Night To Remember over the weekend. It’s an occasion to think of Kristen, who died of sarcoma in her early 20s, but also to celebrate the progress and success of the Foundation set up in her honor that provides grants for cancer research and seeks to improve all aspects of cancer patient life with an emphasis on adolescents and young adults.

The spouses: Dana Points, Courtney Banfield, Chris Zembower, Peter Shapiro

And here we are with our significant others in a rare night out together:

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Tagged With: Kristen Ann Carr, Sarcoma Awareness, shore fire events

Tropical Treats and Triumphs in Travel to Tampa

March 24, 2011 By Marilyn Leave a Comment

Wow, what a treat it was being on hand at the first stadium show on Kenny Chesney’s 2011 Goin’ Coastal Tour. The day began with an early morning expedition in a caravan of golf carts to the very last seat in the last row at the top of Raymond James Stadium, where Chesney viewed the stage from the vantage point of his fans and psyched himself for the show. Here’s the view from the very last seat:

And a shot of the gigantic pirate ship that adorns the Buccaneers’ stadium and is so appropriate given Mr. Chesney’s affinity for pirates:

Joining us at the top of the stadium were Sony/BNA execs CEO Gary Overton (in profile), Director of National Promotion Buffy Cooper and Vice President of Media Wes Vause:

Later I got to hang out backstage and hear photographer Danny Clinch and Kenny’s tour manager Robin Majors jam on their harmonicas a bit before lunch:

The tour catering was terrific (yum, Mexican food) but I’m sorry I ate so much because I didn’t have my typically robust appetite when I sauntered over to the Eat and Greet sponsored by Zac Brown Band for their fan club. Zac Brown Band are the featured guests on Kenny’s 2011 Goin’ Coastal tour, and I got to hang out with their team a bit while viewing their incredible new facility for feeding their fans, a gleaming bus-turned-kitchen that’s aptly named Cookie. Pictured here: Lynn Oliver of Zac’s label Southern Ground Artists, Southern Ground recording artist Sonia Leigh, me (Marilyn Laverty) and ROAR’s Director of Communications Liz Norris:

Many superstar athletes are fans of Kenny, and as a life-long Phillies fanatic I was grateful for the chance to meet and talk to Chase Utley and Cliff Lee (both photo’d here with me, Marilyn Laverty) while they gathered at Kenny’s tour bus to say ‘hi’ before the show:

What nice guys they were and they assured me that the Phils will dominate this year.

The day’s music started with Uncle Kracker and Billy Currington, then featured artists Zac Brown Band, and finally Kenny Chesney and his powerful band in a great set punctuated with a terrific encore in which they were joined by Zac Brown Band. The ’super moon’ illuminated Raymond James Stadium, adding a fairytale glow to a really fun day.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Tagged With: chase utley, cliff lee, goin coastal tour, Kenny Chesney, sonia leigh, tampa bay, zav brown band

Cornell Club + Rolling Stone + Atlantic Records + great weather = big fun in Big Apple

February 18, 2011 By Marilyn Leave a Comment

I admit I’m a bit Brooklyn and Jersey-centric these days, and usually venture into Manhattan mostly after dark, but Wednesday’s Big Apple foray was a special treat. The day was ushered in with spring-like weather and an interesting and elegant lunch at the Cornell Club with travel agent-to-the-stars Carol Green of Tzell Travel. We exchanged some great stories and discussed sales strategies, then I headed up to the bustling offices of Rolling Stone to pick up Issue 1125 with reviews of our own The Low Anthem and the Lemmy movie, as well as a Random Note on Elvis C. Creative director Jodi Peckman greeted me and introduced me to their new web whiz Alex Levy, and I was able to pop into a planning meeting with the powerhouse of Will Dana, Nathan Brackett, Jon Ringen, Andy Greene and Brian Hiatt. What a knowledgeable and personable group they are, and to me one of the best and brightest Rolling Stone staffs since I was a baby publicist and worked with Kurt Loder, Sheila Rogers, and other incipient legends. Rolling Stone recently announced a nationwide talent search in partnership with the Atlantic Records label, which coincidentally was my last stop of the day.

Thanks to Atlantic’s communications honcho Sheila Richman for welcoming me warmly despite her having just returned from an exciting Grammy weekend in LA. It was a pleasure hearing Sheila’s insights into current media trends and sharing her elation at Atlantic’s many wonderful Grammy appearances and the double win by last year’s Best New Artist and Shore Fire favorites, Zac Brown Band. Fueled by a small Coca Cola in a glass bottle (the only way to drink it) from midtown’s best gourmet grocer, Ernest Klein, I climbed into my pumpkin chariot, thanked my mice attendants, and rumbled off into the sunset and the NJ night.

Marilyn Laverty reads about The Low Anthem, the Lemmy movie and Elvis in the new Rolling Stone

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Tagged With: Atlantic Records, Big Apple, Cornell Club, NYC, Rolling Stone

From a Dream House to an Earth Room

January 31, 2011 By Mark 2 Comments

Nine-year old Leo and I took an imagination-expanding subway ride into the avant-garde on Saturday, visiting two long-running works of art, both of which have important relationships to the early days of the Velvet Underground (if you know of my VU obsession, you know why I was into seeing these two things!). First stop, La Monte Young and Marian Zazeela’s Dream House installation. Leo was intrigued enough by my description of what I thought it would be to come on this adventure willingly, and neither of us were disappointed. The Dream House is Young’s indeterminant music — low, truck-like rumbles and higher pitched electronics beeps, in quadrophonic sound – coupled with is wife Zazeela’s site-setting of purple and blue lighting, shades and shadows. You move around, and the sound changes. It’s pretty hip - all in a medium-sized, carpeted loft on Church St in Tribeca, a decidedly uncommercial remnant of avant-garde bohemia.

Then I remembered reading about Walter De Maria’s Earth Room, a fairly literal description of this installation dating from 1977: A large loft right on Wooster St., in Soho, in the midst of what’s now a street of expensive clothing and furniture stores, but in ‘77 must have been quite a bit more desolate. There’s a hallway, and and then a 8 or so foot wide opening that looks into the big loft room. A two foot high glass wall separates this room of dirt. This photo’s a bit of an optical illusion, but that’s the big expanse of dirt behind Leo in the photo below.

One common theme we noted and appreciated was the almost complete lack of description at each of these locations, they’re both basically presented as is for each person to experience/enjoy/puzzle over without pre-conceptions.

As for the Velvet Underground connections, Young’s drones were influential to John Cale (who performed in Young’s Dream Syndicate) and Lou Reed, while De Maria was in a band with Reed and Cale that eventually morphed into the Velvet Underground.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Tagged With: shore fire kids