5 minutes with The Rising…well one of them. » The Music Mag

5 minutes with The Rising…well one of them.

The Rising are a modern atmospheric-rock band all the way from Plymouth. The five boys currently unsigned, but are generating increasing interest within the industry. Fame Factor was lucky enough to catch up with the Guitarist Oli (Oliver Thomas to you) and ask him a few questions about their rise to success.

Band Members: 

Ryan Jenkins – Lead Vocals
Oliver Thomas – Guitar/backing vocals
Jamie Rowland ‘J-Row’ – Keys/Synths
Jamie Smart – Bass/backing vocals
Paul Blight – Percussion

Describe your music in three words?

Anthemic, Inspiring, Melodic

How did the band get started?

As in most bands we’ve had several member changes since we first started out three years ago, but in terms of our current members, 4 of us were in the original line up and J-Row our keys player joined the best part of a year ago. We’re all musically different but we seem to pull our differing influences together to create something quite unique.

Who are your musical influences?

They differ for all of us as individuals from Queen to ACDC but for me personally bands such as U2 and Coldplay are what drives me as a writer. Trying to build on what they’ve already achieved in music without trying to become them is a real challenge. Newer bands such as The Script are really trying to bridge the gap between an old anthemic sound and adding new age pop/rock twists and funky melodies shows that how it can be done!

Does the band have any pre-show rituals?

We don’t have any as such but as so far as our sound is concerned we like being precise with what we are putting out there. For a band that’s as wide sounding as we are, it boils down to the old adage ‘if you have good sound, you sound good’. Working with sound engineers to get the right mix is the only way to get what we truly wish to sound like out there.

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you in the last year?

The release of our second studio EP ‘Open The Floodgates’ is possibly the highlight of our year. It’s had some great reviews and from a personal perspective, it was just great to get some new tunes out there to the fans and show off just what we can do. We’ve also played some great live shows, including some really nice acoustic sets. They tend to be much more intimate and sometimes I find you can gage a better crowd reaction to your material in that setting.

What’s in the pipeline?

A summer of gigging and rehearsing ready to show off what we’re capable of! Check out facebook.com/therisinguk events tab to see when we’re close to you!

What’s the dream?

I’m fully aware that we’re entering the market at a time when it could be argued that our music doesn’t have a place. What keeps me going is the fact that once in a while a band will come along and really grab people’s attention, a bit like our influences did. I want it to be us. We work tirelessly to create our music and would love to play to packed out stadiums week in week out. Realistically however, a career in music some description would be fantastic whether it be song writing for others or whatever. Music is what keeps me going and if there was no such thing then I’d just be a frustrated musician!

How can fans follow you?

www.facebook.com/therisinguk

www.twitter.com/therisinguk

 
Courtesy of Fame Factor: www.famefactor.co.uk

Microsoft, Muzu, team up with competition for unsigned bands

Home  /  News  /  Microsoft, Muzu, team up with competition for unsigned bands

Bands can enter the competition via at www.facebook.com/unsignedandonline and use their newly created band channel on Muzu.tv to generate views towards winning the competition.

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Topics: Music , Muzu

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Article source: http://www.studentnews.ie/microsoft-muzu-team-up-with-competition-for-unsigned-bands-5709

City police and medical officials prepare, ahead of electronic music festival

Updated: Thu Apr. 26 2012 18:45:58

ctvedmonton.ca

Although promoters of the Elements Music Festival say every safety precaution is being taken, Edmonton police and health officials are preparing for anything, a day before the event is set to start.

The festival is being called a world-class event, with more than 30 headliners, taking to stages in four halls in the Expo Centre starting Friday afternoon. It’s estimated the event will create $20 million in economic spinoffs.

About 8000 people have already bought tickets for the event, and with thousands more expected, Edmonton police and medical officials are keeping an eye on the proceedings – similar events have become synonymous with illegal drug use and even overdoses.

“No drug is safe to take, we want anyone to be aware of that,” Sgt. Nicole Dechapdelaine said.

Edmonton police have committed to have a strong presence at the event, with officers and dog teams to sniff out drugs.

A local doctor said he thinks Edmonton hospitals will see an increased number of patients because of the 12-hour event.

“I think the [emergency rooms] and [intensive care units] are going to be hit up the hardest,” Dr. Brian Knight, chief anesthesiologist at the Misericordia Hospital said. “The last rave had 5000 people, and generated 10 critical patients,

“So we have 10,000 people, for two days, so you can do the math there.”

Dr. Knight said hospital officials have been meeting all week, going over an action plan for the worst.

“Some of the patients are going to be intoxicated, not just alcohol, but other drugs – those have anesthetic implications.”

Before the event, Northlands tried to stop alcohol from being served at the event, but event promoters Boodang and Connected, got a court injunction, and will serve alcohol at the event until midnight.

“I do think we are being treated unfairly,” Viet Nguyen with Boodang said. “I don’t think any other promoters have to go through the tape that we have had to go through to make this event happen.”

Spokespeople from both promoters said they, like the police and the mayor, are concerned about illicit drug use at such events.

“Like Mayor Mandel, [City] Council and EPS, we are concerned about drug use and its effect,” Justin Pandos with Connected said. “But the prohibition of events like Elements will not discourage this unfortunate reality.”

Alberta Health Services told CTV News there will be extra staff at Edmonton hospitals over the weekend, and paramedics and an emergency room physician will also be at the festival throughout the weekend.

Edmonton Transit said LRT Service will be extended to 3:30 am to handle the crowds at the event.

With files from Sonia Sunger

Article source: http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20120426/EDM_elements_festival_120426/20120426/?hub=EdmontonHome

MUSIC: Modern Faces

The Modern Faces are back with a Leicester gig and trying to “resurrect proper rock ’n’ roll.” Gemma Peplow grabs her guitar and listens.

Modern Faces are five indie rockers from Dunfermline, in Scotland, although here at The Week we like to think they’ve kind of adopted Leicester as their second home.

1. ​

After being hand-picked by Kasabian to support them for a few UK shows last summer, the unsigned rockers came here for their own show and gathered a bit of a following.

Now, they’re touring again, and have chosen Leicester to host the closing gig.

“There’s a buzz in Leicester that’s similar to what we’ve got in Scotland,” frontman Lee Montgomery tells The Week. “We’re really looking forward to finishing the tour there, it’ll be the last night so we’ll be up for it, it should be good times.”

The band, who exude confidence of Gallagher-style proportions, say they are trying to “resurrect proper rock ‘n’ roll”.

Double A-side single Pravda Scrolls/Cynical Brother was released earlier this month, and the are currently in the studio working on their debut album.

Rather than going down the independent route, the direction more and more bands are taking nowadays, Lee is confident of getting signed.

“Last year it was about putting the foundations down and getting our name out there,” he says. “We’ve got the single now, but we’re not releasing it on iTunes or anything like that, we’re keeping it hard to get hold of. There’s 100 limited edition vinyl copies and then from downloads from our website.

“I think it’s too easy for bands to release stuff independently now. Record labels are supposed to spot a good band and sign you, and do all the hard work for you.

“I just can’t be bothered with that self-release thing. I want to build a buzz and get signed, rather than release an album ourselves now, because we can.

“You may as well aim high rather than aiming for the middle of the road. There’s loads of good bands out there, but I think we’re doing something a bit different.

“We’ve always got the album in the back of our heads and we’re constantly recording.

“We’ve got this tour, festivals, get snapped up and then the album out at the end of the year. That’s the plan. We want to be one of those bands that’s around for a long time.

“Bands these days have one album out and that’s it. We want to have lots of great albums that people remember, that’s what rock ‘n’ roll music should be about.”

So being a proper rock ‘n’ roll band, we imagine it will be a pretty big party if they do get signed?

“I think we’d be on a nine-week bender and get everyone involved. We’ve got a great team around us so we’d get everyone together and get smashed and have one big party.”

It’s no surprise to hear the band cite Oasis as one of their biggest influences, as well as the likes of The Verve, The Music, The Stone Roses and, of course, Kasabian.

“They were massive and they were like our idols at the time,” says Lee, talking about getting the call from Tom Meighan asking them if they wanted the support gig.

“Tom’s just off his nuts, just really eccentric and hyperactive, but he’s a great guy. Serge is quite a presence.

“They all showed us a lot of support and have kept in touch.

“Hopefully it won’t be too long before we’re on the same bill as them again.

“Supporting them just shows we’re not too far away from hitting the peaks they have. It shows it’s achievable if you put the hard work in.

“We could be in their position one day.”

INFO

Modern Faces, with support from Jeff Randall, The Vanishing Point and FC20, are playing at Sumo, in Braunstone Gate, Leicester, on Saturday.

www.seetickets.com/Tour/MODERN-FACES

Article source: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/MUSIC-Modern-Faces/story-15919997-detail/story.html

Norwegians ‘face terror with music’ as 40000 take to streets to sing …

• 1970s song Children of the Rainbow sung in central Oslo
• Killer called song an example of ‘cultural Marxists’ infiltrating schools

By
Lee Moran

PUBLISHED:

09:47 EST, 26 April 2012

|

UPDATED:

12:02 EST, 26 April 2012

Thousands of Norwegians took to the streets today to sing a children’s song that deluded mass killer Anders Behring Breivik claimed was being used to brainwash youngsters.

Some 40,000 converged on Oslo’s central square to ‘face terror with music’ and sing the 1970s song Children of the Rainbow.

Just a few hundred metres away, Breivik continued to stand trial in the city’s courthouse for his July 22 bombing-and-shooting rampage that killed 77 people.

Scroll down for video

Peaceful protest: Thousands of people braved the rain to sing the popular children’s song that Breivik said was brainwashing Norwegian children

Grieving:Thousands congregated at the Youngstorget in Oslo to sing the song Children of the Rainbow

Memorial: Later the protesters, who came together through Facebook, laid roses on the steps of the courthouse in memory of those killed in the massacre

Last week he said the song, a Norwegian version of American folk singer Pete Seeger’s Rainbow Race, was an example of how ‘cultural Marxists’ are infiltrating schools.

Later the protesters, who came together through Facebook, laid roses on the steps of the courthouse in memory of those killed in the massacre.

Shocked by his lack of remorse for the slaughter, Norwegians have decided the best way to confront him is by demonstrating their commitment to everything he loathes.

In court, people who survived Breivik’s car bomb in Olso’s government district gave emotional testimony as he listened expressionless.

Tribute: Shocked by his lack of remorse for the slaughter, Norwegians have decided the best way to confront him is by demonstrating their commitment to everything he loathes

Memorial: Victor Herbert, professor at City University of New York (left) near Oslo Cathedral. Norwegian folk singer Lillebjoern Nilsen (right) took part in the mass sing-a-long

Deluded: Breivik said the song, a Norwegian version of American folk singer Pete Seeger’s Rainbow Race, was an example of how ‘cultural Marxists’ are infiltrating schools

Anne Helene Lund, 24, was just 23ft from the explosion. She was in a coma for a month, and when she woke up she had lost her memory, unable to remember even her parents names.

Her father, Jan Erik Lund, also took to the stand. Fighting tears, he described his mixed emotions at seeing his daughter with severe life-threatening brain injuries in the hospital.

He said: ‘It was like experiencing the worst and the best in the same moment. It was fantastic that she was alive, horrible that she was as injured as she was.’

Breivik says he was targeting the governing Labour Party, which he claims has betrayed the country by opening its borders to Muslim immigrants.

He has shown no remorse for the attacks, which he coldly described last week in gruesome detail. Since he has admitted to the attacks, Breivik’s mental state is the key issue for the trial to resolved.

Vicious: Anders Behring Breivik (right) took to the stand today as his trial of terror and murder charges continued

Chaos: The Oslo bomb killed eight people and injured around 200 more

Carnage: The aftermath of the Oslo car bomb planted by mass killer Breivik

If found guilty and sane, Breivik would face 21 years in prison, though he can be held longer if deemed a danger to society.

If declared insane, he would be committed to compulsory psychiatric care.

Yesterday a man injured in the devastating Oslo bomb blast described the terrifying aftermath as blood pumped out of his arm and panic started to set in.

Eivind Dahl Thoresen, 26, was hit by falling debris on the street outside the Norwegian government building in the July 22 explosion that killed eight.

Face to face with Breivik at the latter’s trial he said he only realised he was in trouble when, rushing to help another victim, he was told: ‘Are you going to help me? Look at yourself.’

With blood soaking through his jeans and T-shirt, he cried for help until two people arrived to bandage his wounds with clothes he was carrying in a bag.

He said: ‘I felt alternately cold and warm. At that point I was sure I would die.’

Thoresen, who was hospitalised for three weeks after the blast so doctors could surgically remove shards from his arms and legs, still needs crutches to walk.

His lawyer showed the court pictures of the grim scene.

Massacre: Police and rescuers recover the last remaining bodies from Utoya and the surrounding waters three days after the shootings on July 22 last year

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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2135582/Norwegians-face-terror-music-40-000-streets-sing-childrens-song-killer-Breivik-claimed-propaganda.html

Owjo speeds up with Roadrunner

The Irish Times – Thursday, April 26, 2012

JOHN COLLINS

OWJO, THE Dublin start-up specialising in simplifying ecommerce, has signed a partnership with Roadrunner Records, a subsidiary of Warner Music.

The deal will allow unsigned bands who use the SignMeTo Roadrunner service to use Owjo’s technology to sell music and merchandise from their pages on the site.

SignMeTo Roadrunner, through which the label discovers new talent as well as showcasing it, is used by more than 24,000 unsigned bands. A number of acts have implemented Owjo including Brazilian band Bad Salad, whose guitarist Thiago Campos said it had “been great so far”.

Owjo’s software plugs into any web page, including Facebook pages and blogs, and handles the ecommerce process from listing products to accepting payments.

Payments can be made in euros, dollars and sterling and the software supports a number of payment methods, including PayPal and credit cards.

Owjo charges a commission of 7 per cent on all transactions to provide the service, but users only pay if they make sales. Owjo was founded by David Johnston, a software engineer, in 2009, but he has been toying with the idea for a number of years before that.

Article source: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2012/0426/1224315187613.html

Latin music execs: Collaboration, creativity key

By LAURA WIDES-MUNOZ

MIAMI

More collaboration and more creative promotion for new artists are needed as the Latin music industry continues to grow and diversify, industry leaders said Tuesday at the opening of Billboard’s 23rd Latin Music Conference.

The nearly weeklong annual event gathers artists and executives from across the industry, culminating in Thursday’s awards show to be aired live from the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami.

Tomas Cookman, who heads the nation’s biggest independent Latin label, said during a panel session that labels can no longer just produce and promote records by their artists. They must be virtually full-service entertainment companies to survive.

“It’s the new definition of what record labels are, and the quicker people realize what we are, the safer we will be,” said Cookman, head of Nacional Records.

Cookman said especially with artists outside the mainstream Latin genres, producers and labels have to be more creative with their promotions.

Rebeca Leon called for more cross-pollination between Latin artists, similar to what’s being done in mainstream music. She cited Colombian pop star Juanes’ recent work with classic Spanish rocker Joaquin Sabina.

She later told The Associated Press she’d like to see more rock in Spanish played on the air, something she’s discussed with radio executives. She quipped, “I call it `Project Save the Guitar.’”

“Look I love urban music. I promote it, but I think there has to be a balance,” she added.

Meanwhile, Billboard’s head of Latin content Leila Cobo, serving as master of ceremonies, questioned Univision Radio President Jose Valle on why Spanish-language radio stations in general don’t play more new artists.

“And I don’t mean playing Juanes new song,” she added.

Cobo acknowledged the latest technology means losing a listener after a few seconds of a song can have a major impact in ratings but she added that radio is still one of the best ways for new artists to be heard.

“Can’t you see this as a nonprofit contribution to the arts?” she jokingly said of the possibility that playing new artists would cause a ratings dip.

“Ratings can’t dip,” Valle responded.

Universal Music Latin Entertainment President Victor Gonzalez said success these days is about contacts and relationships in the industry, but ultimately it’s also about creativity.

“Originality is key,” he said.

Article source: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-04/D9UBVO6O0.htm

Unsigned artist? Want to reach record labels? Music Week Presents May bookings …

16:02 | Wednesday April 25, 2012

Bookings for the May edition of Music Week Presents are now open – giving unsigned artists the chance to catch the attention of the industry’s tastemakers.

Music Week Presents is a series of CDs and digital playlists sent directly to key players across the music business including senior label execs, managers, promoters, agents, retailers and distributors.

To feature on both the CD and a monthly digital playlist, contact czaralee.anderson@intentmedia.co.uk

Comment on this story

Article source: http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1049335&c=1

The Wanted ‘Chasing The Sun’ music video: Max George kisses model in VERY sexy …

By
Alanah Eriksen

PUBLISHED:

03:32 EST, 25 April 2012

|

UPDATED:

09:55 EST, 25 April 2012

She probably wasn’t very happy when he announced very publicly via a radio station that their engagement was off.

And Max George may have some explaining to do to girlfriend Michelle Keegan when she sees his band’s latest music video.

Along with the other members of The Wanted, the 23-year-old is seen kissing a model in scenes for Chasing The Sun.

What will your girlfriend say? The Wanted’s Max George is seen kissing a model in a scene for their new music video, Chasing The Sun

Happier times: Max had proposed to the actress in June last year

The video was filmed at the beginning of the month, around the same time Max told Ryan Seacrest’s radio station KIIS FM he was no longer engaged to his Coronation Street star girlfriend.

He had proposed in June last year.

But Corrie fans will have seen 24-year-old Michelle’s character Tina McIntyre finally get together with Tommy Duckworth – although kissing co-stars comes with the territory in the soap.

Max’ bandmates Tom Parker and Siva Kaneswaran may also feel the wrath of their girlfriends over their latest video.

But Kelsey Hardwick and Nareesha Mccaffery have been pictured with their respective beaus as they tour the U.S. while Michelle has stayed in the UK.

The new video, shot in Los Angeles, show all five members, including Nathan Sykes and Jay McGuiness, singing at night.

It then cuts to Max who is leaning on a car, tapping away on his phone.

A scantily-clad model appears and the pair get close on the bonnet of the car.

She shows him her tattoo – a picture of a sun on her arm – and suddenly, the tattoo is transferred to his hand.

The woman then disappears.

The
other members also get hot and steamy with attractive models and the
five-piece group all go to a party where they meet up with the girls
again and share a snog.

Controversial: The scenes were shot around the same Max announced his engagement with Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan was off

Lucky boy! The girl had appeared as max sat on the bonnet of a car, taping away on his phone

Living the boyband dream! Tom Parker also got hot and steamy with a model, despite having a girlfriend, Kelsey Hardwick

As
the night draws to a close, it’s revealed the girls are actually
vampires who end up biting all the members of the band after kissing
them.

Earlier this month, Max phoned into Seacrest’s radio show.

When the presenter and his co-host Ellen K asked about his relationship status, Ryan told Ellen that the star was engaged.

Whatever Max can do… Siva Kaneswaran, who is also dating a woman back in the UK, is seen getting close to another model

And now for his turn! Nathan Sykes shares a snog with another model

But, Max quickly corrected them and replied: ‘No, no, no, not anymore.’

However, the singer was quick to
reassure fans that he and Michelle are still together, writing on his
Twitter page shortly after the interview: ‘Hey everyone, so just to
clear up any rumours, me and Shell are still very much together, just
there is no wedding.

‘The call got cut off…. And made it sound much worse.’

The look of love? The fifth and final member, Jay McGuiness stares passionately into his co-stars eyes on a couch

Hope it was worth it! The girls all turned into vampires after kissing the band members

But while most of his bandmates have
had their girlfriends Stateside, Max was snapped spending time with a
visit from his mother last week instead.

It is not clear when the boys will be jetting back to England, but they are due to begin concerts in Britain in June.

They have been living the boyband
dream while on tour and last week celebrated Nathan’s 19th birthday at
Hugh Hefner’s Playboy mansion.

On location: the video was shot in Los Angeles as the boys have been touring the U.S.

Are you glad you came? The boys’ single Glad You Came is number three on the U.S.’ Billboard chart

They had planned to keep it quiet as the birthday boy tweeted: ‘Gonna celebrate my bday in style!!’

But Hefner gave them away when he
took to his Twitter page and wrote: ‘The Wanted, a U.K. boy band, had a
BBQ poolside while the girls I were playing dominos.

‘We shot a few photos together.
Cristal Camden won tonight’s domino game with Amanda Streich, Caya
Ukkas, Shera Bechard, Anna Berglund, Trisha Frick me. A fun
night.’

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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2134820/The-Wanted-Chasing-The-Sun-music-video-Max-George-kisses-model-VERY-sexy-new-video.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Live Music Creates High Energy 5K “Rock & Run”!

Live Music Creates High Energy 5K “Rock Run” Presented by Saratoga Performing Arts Center and WEQX Radio

SUN, MAY 20 at 10:30 A.M. @ SPA STATE PARK

My Pet Dragon, Black Mountain Symphony, Headband Jack and The City Never Sleeps Highlight Lineup

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Nationally recognized, New York City-based alternative rock band My Pet Dragon is one of several top bands that will be performing live music for runners participating in Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s “Rock Run” 5K on Sunday, May 20 at 10:30 a.m. in the Saratoga Spa State Park. In total, the 5K will feature music by more than 10 top bands; a post-race party with entertainment and family activities follows. The run starts at SPAC at 10:30 a.m.; a one-mile Kids’ Race kicks off at 10 a.m. Online registration is available at www.areep.com. Proceeds from the event help underwrite SPAC’s Vivienne Anderson Program, an initiative which provides underserved children with the opportunity to attend classical performances.

“Our ‘Rock Run’ is the perfect, high-energy kick off to our season. The enthusiasm of local runners, families and residents from around the Capital Region has made this unique 5K and post-race party a huge success in each of the last two years. This year’s tremendous lineup of bands should translate into an even bigger turnout,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s President Executive Director. “My thanks go out to the members of SPAC’s Action Council for their hard work on behalf of this terrific event, which raises much needed funds for SPAC’s programming and education programs.”

Drawing comparisons to Arcade Fire and Coldplay, My Pet Dragon is known for its anthemic songs and powerful live shows led by singer/songwriter Todd Michaelsen and dancer/actress Reena Shah. They will be headlining the 2012 Breckenridge Beer Festival in Colorado in April. They are also a featured band on the Occupy Movement-inspired, Occupy This Album, along with Jackson Brown, Debbie Harry, Tom Morrello and other noted musicians. My Pet Dragon’s newly released LP, Mountains and Cities, is currently receiving airplay on radio stations all across the United States.

Other top regional bands participating for the first time in “Rock and Run” include:

• Headband Jack – Offering a new twist on a classic sound, Headband Jack blends trademark vocal harmonies with a backbone of folk, rock and Americana. A mainstay at Putnam Den and Bailey’s and a finalist in last year’s “Battle of the Bands” at SPAC, the band is a Capital Region favorite.
• Black Mountain Symphony — Evocative of artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Guster and The Dave Matthews Band, Black Mountain Symphony is an eclectic five-piece band that combines their live sets with everything from classical music to Motown, blues and jazz.
• Jenson Rhodes Band – A tribute band for Jenson Rhodes, considered by some to be the godfather of the alternative rock movement, this band’s music is cathartic rock with a punk twist.
• The City Never Sleeps – This Indie/Jazz Rock Band from Albany, NY was voted “Band of the Week” in June 2009 by GuerillaMagazine.com receiving praise such as, “The City Never Sleeps is a refreshingly hard to categorize rock outfit from [Albany, NY]… unsigned, relatively new on the music scene, but undeniably catchy.”

Back by popular demand will be several bands and musicians who have participated previously in the event including Garland Nelson, Lost Cantina, Tamer Lane, Dirt Cheap, Kemp Avenue Band, Betsy and the Bygones, John Donvito and Tracy Corey, who will sing the National Anthem at the start of the race.

WEQX’s acclaimed morning on-air personality, Jeff Morad, will emcee for the first time. “WEQX is among the Northeast’s top rock music radio stations, and a great partner to SPAC throughout the season,” said White. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome Jeff to the first event of our season.”

Other features of the Rock Run include:

• performance/moisture-wicking shirts for the first 750 pre-registered 5K runners
• tickets to SPAC’s Wine Food and Fall Ferrari Festival for the top male/female finishers
• tickets to SPAC classical performances for the top three male and female finishers in each age category
• finisher awards for all children participating in the Kids’ Race
• free, post race party with live music, refreshments and children’s activities

Early registration cost (postmarked by 5/14) for the 5K is $27 per person and $5 for the Kids’ Race. The general public may enjoy viewing the race or attending the post-race party free of charge.

About SPAC’s Vivienne Anderson Program

Proceeds from Rock Run benefit SPAC’s Vivienne Anderson Children’s Program, a special program which hosts underserved area youth at select matinee performances of the NYCB. The children visit the National Museum of Dance, meet with dancers from the company, and learn about a dancer’s life. They view the performance after having been introduced to the story line, choreographer, and composer. It is the goal of the program that experiencing the arts in such a meaningful way, often for their first time, will help these children foster a lifelong love of the arts. The program is named for former Action Council President Vivienne Anderson who was a tireless advocate for children’s education.

Article source: http://www.saratoga.com/broadcast/2012/04/24/rock-run/