Additional Press for The Capitol Steps

The Cambridge Performances (November 28)

***Boston Globe (11/05/09) "Mark Your Calendars": http://www.boston.com/ae/events/articles/2009/11/05/mark_your_calendar/

***Boston Globe (11/27/09): Weekend
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2009/11/27/a_capitol_idea/

***Panorama Boston Guide: http://www.bostonguide.com/current_events/current_event.aspx?event=comedy

Lebanon, NH Performance (November 15)

***Hanover NH Chamber of Commerce: http://hanoverchamber.org/calendar/show_event.php?id=546&o=2&c=1&m=11&a=19&y=2009&w=1

Northampton, MA Performance (November 14)

***Westfield on Weekends: http://www.westfieldonweekends.org/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=23591&month=11&year=2009

Capitol Steps / Lebanon. A Rave Review

From Kerry Trotter at the Valley News:

http://www.vnews.com/11162009/6164381.htm

Capitol Steps / Northampton. Successful performance!

The MGAPR/Mike Thornton Agency co-producing venture of "The Capitol Steps" Obama Mia Tour performance in Northampton, our first independent production since our WFCR days, was a success. Mike and I had co-produced The Capitol Steps for seven seasons at Mount Holyoke as a WFCR benefit. We'd both worked together on other Capitol Steps performances (he as producer, me as publicist) in Vermont, Cambridge, and Orlando. This was our first shot doing it on our own.

The Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton was the ideal venue. Theatre director Debra J'Anthony and general manager Matt Meers were great to work with, as was Mark Florence at the Northampton Box-Office. Communication Angle provided great marketing materials. We also had great support from our sponsors, The Valley Advocate, Daily Hampshire Gazette, and 88.5FM/WFCR and 640AM/WNNZ.

I always like to thank the people behind the scenes who make collaborations successful, so an appreciative shout-out to: Patty Desroches, Mark Iacuessa, Vanessa Cerillo, Chris Daly, and Michael Kusek.

Some of the great media features generated here:

***Amherst Bulletin and Daily Hampshire Gazette interview with Elaina Newport, co-founder of The Capitol Steps: http://www.amherstbulletin.com/story/id/159796/
***Springfield Sunday Republican interview with Bari Biern, a member of The Capitol Steps: http://www.masslive.com/springfield/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-25/1257495358325930.xml&coll=1

Recent Publicity for Mark G Auerbach Public Relations Clients

We're doing PR for The Mike Thornton Agency for the Capitol Steps tour (we're co-producing the Northampton performance with Mike)


Albany, NY (The Egg, October 17)

***Empire Page: http://www.empirepage.com/2009/10/8/the-capitol-steps-bring-their-political-musical-satire-obama-mia-to-albany-s-egg-on-saturday-october-17
***Bennington VT Banner: http://www.benningtonbanner.com/entertainment/ci_13564225
***WAMC Website: http://www.wamcarts.org/capstepsategg.html
***Albany CBS6: http://events.cbs6albany.com/albany-ny/events/show/88306824-the-capitol-steps

Cambridge/Boston, MA (Sanders Theatre, November 28 at 5PM & 8PM)

***Culture Mob: http://culturemob.com/events/6049035-the-capitol-steps-the-obama-mia-tour-ma-cambridge-mid-cambridge-02138-sanders-theatre
***Sonic Living Blog: http://sonicliving.com/event/1464843

Lebanon, NH (Lebanon Opera House, November 15 at 7:30PM)

***Eventful.com: http://eventful.com/lebanon_nh/events/the-capitol-steps-/E0-001-025639568-9
***New Hampshire.com: http://calendar.newhampshire.com/calendar/venues/Lebanon_Opera_House/14.aspx
***Leave No Trace Blog: http://leavenotracecabin.com/leavenotracecabin/blog/
***The Laker Guide: http://www.thelaker.com/whatsup/november.html

Northampton, MA (Academy of Music. November 14 at 8PM)

***Mass Live (Springfield Republican) Listings: http://www.masslive.com/events/index.ssf?/cgi-bin/mae.cgi/mass/events/results_advanced.ata?start=70&domain=event&search=advanced&city=Northampton&date=&pov=&x=44&y=12
***Mass Live 2: (Springfield Republican)-Northampton events: http://mass.live.advance.net/events/index.ssf?/cgi-bin/mae.cgi/mass/events/results_advanced.ata?start=80&domain=event&search=advanced&city=Northampton&date=&pov=&x=44&y=12
***Linked In (Springfield area listings): http://events.linkedin.com/springfield-massachusetts
***Facebook: http://af-za.facebook.com/event.php?eid=157079621489&index=1

Blast From The Past: Jim Bernhard

Thanks, Google!

I got an email the other day from one of my former supervisers at the Houston Ticket Center. Jim Bernhard, performing arts Renaissance Man, former head of Houston's Society for the Performing Arts, and arts administrator, playwright, actor and author, has a new book. He was googling about the public radio quiz show "Says You!" and my name came up.

In the performing arts world, Jim's done it all. The Society for the Performing Arts brought the world's best orchestras, ballets, and soloists to Houston; Jim also ran Theatre Under The Stars and the Alley at different times, plus some international trade groups for arts administrators. He hosted an arts show on public TV, and wrote plays and musicals and acted.

Last time I saw Jim was in the 90s, where he was playing opposite Juliet Prowse in a touring production of "Mame" that played Hartford's Bushnell. Another colleague of mine from my Houston days was the show's press rep. So, I managed to see the musical twice and hang out with Jim some (and meet Juliet Prowse who was a fabulous "Mame").

His new book, "Words Gone Wild" (coming out in Spring 2010 from Skyhorse Publishers) is a zestful book about words--their histories, and sometime hilarious examples of puns, double entendres, tongue-twisters and more. It's a follow-up effort to his book "Porcupine, Picayune, & Post: How Newspapers Get Their Names".

Jim's blog: http://www.wordsgoingwild.blogspot.com/

Press Release: Capitol Steps Add 2nd Cambridge Show

DATELINE: October 29, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Mike Thornton, The Mike Thornton Agency
(C) 703-597-4441
thorntonis@yahoo.com
Mark G. Auerbach, Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations
(O) 413-733-7095 or (C) 413-427-7352
mgauerbach@gmail.com

THE CAPITOL STEPS ADD SECOND SHOW FOR THEIR RETURN TO METRO BOSTON WITH THEIR POLITICAL MUSICAL SATIRE "OBAMA MIA". PERFORMANCES AT 5PM AND 8PM AT CAMBRIDGE'S SANDERS THEATRE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28.

Cambridge, MA:The Capitol Steps, America's award-winning political musical satirists, have added a performance for their return to the Boston area with their new tour "Obama Mia". A second performance at 5PM has been added along with the 8PM performance on Saturday, November 28 at Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall, Harvard University, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA.

Famous for putting the "mock" in democracy, the Capitol Steps have become an annual area tradition The irreverent group charms audiences on both sides of the aisle with its unique brand of political humor set to popular music. While the Capitol Steps are renowned for poking fun at occupants of the White House, no one is safe from their satirical barbs, from Democrats to Republicans and from Congress to the Supreme Court.

The Cambridge performances will feature "Officer Crowley", based on the"West Side Story" tune "Officer Krupke" which shows lessons learned from the Gates arrest in Cambridge, and some seasonal favorites from the Capitol Steps' new holiday CD "Baracking Around The Christmas Tree". Other Obama Mia favorites include: "We've Got A Lot of Livers", an ode to the newly-proposed government-sponsored healthcare programs; and "Help Me Honda", the tale of the Big Three auto executives and a government bailout.

Since they began performing in 1981, the Capitol Steps have recorded 29 albums. They've been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard 4 times a year on NPR stations nationwide during their "Politics Takes a Holiday" radio specials. The Cambridge program includes songs from
their new album "Obama-Mia", as well as melodies spoofing the current issues in the news. The show hits both sides of the aisle, and the songs change with the scandal of the day. So, if something big happens in the news, you can run to the Capitol Steps show and find out exactly what rhymes with it!

The Capitol Steps have twice won the Washington Area Music Association's "Wammie Award" or outstanding cabaret and musical theatre performances; a New York Drama Desk nomination for "outstanding lyrics", and other national accoloades.

To preview some of the Capitol Steps materials and download selections from "Obama-Mia", visit their website (www.capsteps.com) or find The Capitol Steps on MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Tickets or both performances, 5PM and 8PM: $38.00, $34.00, $29.00 are on sale at the Harvard Box-Office, Telephone: 617-496-2222 Online at: http://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/boxoffice/

The Cambridge performance of The Capitol Steps is produced by the Mike Thornton Agency.

                -30-

Press Release: Capitol Steps Return to Cambridge

Shortly after we sent this out to Boston media, we learned that The Capitol Steps would add a second show at 5PM on the 28th. Ticket prices are the same.

DATELINE: October 22, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Mike Thornton, The Mike Thornton Agency
(C) 703-597-4441
thorntonis@yahoo.com
Mark G. Auerbach, Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations
(O) 413-733-7095 or (C) 413-427-7352
mgauerbach@gmail.com

THE CAPITOL STEPS RETURN TO METRO BOSTON WITH THEIR POLITICAL MUSICAL SATIRE "OBAMA MIA" WITH ONE PERFORMANCE AT CAMBRIDGE'S SANDERS THEATRE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28.

Cambridge, MA:The Capitol Steps, America's award-winning political musical satirists, return to the Boston area with their new tour "Obama Mia" for one performance, Saturday, November 28 at 8PM at Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall, Harvard University, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA.

Famous for putting the "mock" in democracy, the Capitol Steps have become an annual area tradition The irreverent group charms audiences on both sides of the aisle with its unique brand of political humor set to popular music. While the Capitol Steps are renowned for poking fun at occupants of the White House, no one is safe from their satirical barbs, from Democrats to Republicans and from Congress to the Supreme Court. The Capitol Steps are the only show to feature North Korean leader Kim Jong Il singing show tunes ("How Do You Solve a Problem Like Korea?") and Vladimir Putin showing his 'soul' in "Midnight Raid to Georgia."

Since they began performing in 1981, the Capitol Steps have recorded 29 albums. They've been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard 4 times a year on NPR stations nationwide during their "Politics Takes a Holiday" radio specials. The Northampton program includes songs from
their new album "Obama-Mia", as well as melodies spoofing the current issues in the news. The show hits both sides of the aisle, and the songs change with the scandal of the day. So, if something big happens in the news, you can run to the Capitol Steps show and find out exactly what rhymes with it!

The Capitol Steps have twice won the Washington Area Music Association's "Wammie Award" or outstanding cabaret and musical theatre performances; a New York Drama Desk nomination for "outstanding lyrics", and other national accoloades.

To preview some of the Capitol Steps materials and download selections from "Obama-Mia", visit their website (www.capsteps.com) or find The Capitol Steps on MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Tickets: $38.00, $34.00, $29.00 are on sale at the Harvard Box-Office, Telephone: 617-496-2222
Online at: http://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/boxoffice/

The Cambridge performance of The Capitol Steps is produced by the Mike Thornton Agency.

                -30-

"Says You!" California-Bound

"Says You!" will tape before a live studio audience on February 13, 2010 at Pomona College, Claremont, CA. Tickets ($22/$30) now available at www.saysyou.net

Says You / Halloween Horripilation Shows Sold Out

The "Says You!" tapings of "Halloween Horripilation", October 24-25 in Milton, MA (outside Boston) are sold out.

Says You's Holland/Belgium Trip Featured on Travel Website

The "Says You!" trip to Holland and Belgium, organized for the public radio show by Cross-Culture Journeys, has been featured on the Visit Flanders travel and tourism website.

http://www.visitflanders.us/index.php?page=special

The early bird discount on this trip has been extended into November.

Press Release: Capitol Steps Bring "Obama Mia" to Lebanon (NH)

DATELINE: October 12, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Mike Thornton, The Mike Thornton Agency
(C) 703-597-4441
thorntonis@yahoo.com
Mark G. Auerbach, Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations
(O) 413-733-7095 or (C) 413-427-7352
mgauerbach@gmail.com

THE CAPITOL STEPS BRING THEIR POLITICAL MUSICAL SATIRE "OBAMA MIA" TO NEW HAMPSHIRE'S LEBANON OPERA HOUSE ON NOVEMBER 15.

Lebanon, New Hampshire--The Capitol Steps, America's award-winning political musical satirists, come to the Upper Connecticut River Valley with their new tour "Obama Mia" for one performance, Sunday, November 15, at 7:30PM at The Lebanon Opera House in downtown Lebanon.

The Capitol Steps performance is sponsored by Vermont Public Radio.

Famous for putting the "mock" in democracy, the Capitol Steps have become an annual area tradition The irreverent group charms audiences on both sides of the aisle with its unique brand of political humor set to popular music. While the Capitol Steps are renowned for poking fun at occupants of the White House, no one is safe from their satirical barbs, from Democrats to Republicans and from Congress to the Supreme Court. The Capitol Steps are the only show to feature North Korean leader Kim Jong Il singing show tunes ("How Do You Solve a Problem Like Korea?") and Vladimir Putin showing his 'soul' in "Midnight Raid to Georgia."

Since they began performing in 1981, the Capitol Steps have recorded 29 albums. They've been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard 4 times a year on NPR stations nationwide during their "Politics Takes a Holiday" radio specials. The Lebanon program includes songs from
their new album "Obama-Mia", as well as melodies spoofing the current issues in the news. The show hits both sides of the aisle, and the songs change with the scandal of the day. So, if something big happens in the news, you can run to the Capitol Steps show and find out exactly what rhymes with it!

The Capitol Steps have twice won the Washington Area Music Association's "Wammie Award" or outstanding cabaret and musical theatre performances; a New York Drama Desk nomination for "outstanding lyrics", and other national accoloades.

To preview some of the Capitol Steps materials and download selections from "Obama-Mia", visit their website (www.capsteps.com) or find The Capitol Steps on MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Tickets: $25.00 / $35.00 / $45.00 are on sale at the Lebanon Opera House Box-Office, 51 North Park Street, Lebanon; by telephone at (603) 448-0400 and online at: www.lebanonoperahouse.org

For information on and directions to The Lebanon Opera House: www.lebanonoperahouse.org

The Lebanon performance of The Capitol Steps is produced by the Mike Thornton Agency.

                -30-

Press Release: Capitol Steps Bring "Obama Mia" to Northampton (MA)

DATELINE: October 12, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Mike Thornton, The Mike Thornton Agency
(C) 703-597-4441
thorntonis@yahoo.com
Mark G. Auerbach, Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations
(O) 413-733-7095 or (C) 413-427-7352
mgauerbach@gmail.com

THE CAPITOL STEPS BRING THEIR POLITICAL MUSICAL SATIRE "OBAMA MIA" TO NORTHAMPTON'S ACADEMY OF MUSIC ON NOVEMBER 14.

Northampton, Massachusetts--The Capitol Steps, America's award-winning political musical satirists, return to the Pioneer Valley with their new tour "Obama Mia" for one performance, Saturday, November 14, at 8PM at the Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main Street, in downtown Northampton.

The Capitol Steps performance is sponsored by The Valley Advocate, The Daily Hampshire Gazette, and 88.5FM/WFCR, NPR News and Music for Western New England and 640AM/WNNZ, WFCR's AM Broadcast Station.

Famous for putting the "mock" in democracy, the Capitol Steps have become an annual area tradition The irreverent group charms audiences on both sides of the aisle with its unique brand of political humor set to popular music. While the Capitol Steps are renowned for poking fun at occupants of the White House, no one is safe from their satirical barbs, from Democrats to Republicans and from Congress to the Supreme Court. The Capitol Steps provide the only show to feature North Korean leader Kim Jong Il singing show tunes ("How Do You Solve a Problem Like Korea?") and Vladimir Putin showing his 'soul' in "Midnight Raid to Georgia."

Since they began performing in 1981, the Capitol Steps have recorded 29 albums. They've been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard 4 times a year on NPR stations nationwide during their "Politics Takes a Holiday" radio specials. The Northampton program includes songs from
their new album "Obama-Mia", as well as melodies spoofing the current issues in the news. The show hits both sides of the aisle, and the songs change with the scandal of the day. So, if something big happens in the news, you can run to the Capitol Steps show and find out exactly what rhymes with it!

The Capitol Steps have twice won the Washington Area Music Association's "Wammie Award" or outstanding cabaret and musical theatre performances; a New York Drama Desk nomination for "outstanding lyrics", and other national accoloades.

To preview some of the Capitol Steps materials and download selections from "Obama-Mia", visit their website (www.capsteps.com) or find The Capitol Steps on MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Tickets: (Reserved Seats). Orchestra: $47.50, Loge: $45.00 and Balcony $40.00 (Prices include a $1.00 Academy of Music Facility Charge) are on sale at the Northampton Box-Office, 76 Main Street, Northampton; by telephone at 413-586-8686 or 800-THE-TICK and online at www.nbotickets.com

For information on and directions to The Academy of Music Theatre: http://www.academyofmusictheatre.com/

The Northampton performance of The Capitol Steps is produced by the Mike Thornton Agency and Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations

                -30-

Capitol Steps Bring "Obama Mia" to Albany's Egg on October 17

itol DATELINE: October 7, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Mike Thornton, The Mike Thornton Agency
(C) 703-597-4441
thorntonis@yahoo.com
Mark G. Auerbach
Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations
(O) 413-733-7095 or (C) 413-427-7352
mgauerbach@gmail.com

THE CAPITOL STEPS BRING THEIR POLITICAL MUSICAL SATIRE "OBAMA MIA" TO ALBANY'S EGG ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17.

Albany, New York--The Capitol Steps, America's award-winning political musical satirists, return to the Capital Region with their new tour "Obama Mia" for one performance, Saturday, October 17, at 8PM at The Egg at the Center for the Performing Arts at Empire Plaza. Albany.

The Capitol Steps performance is a co-production of WAMC, Northeast Public Radio, and the Mike Thornton Agency.

Famous for putting the "mock" in democracy, the Capitol Steps have become an annual area tradition The irreverent group charms audiences on both sides of the aisle with its unique brand of political humor set to popular music. While the Capitol Steps are renowned for poking fun at occupants of the White House, no one is safe from their satirical barbs, from Democrats to Republicans and from Congress to the Supreme Court. The Capitol Steps are the only show to feature North Korean leader Kim Jong Il singing show tunes ("How Do You Solve a Problem Like Korea?") and Vladimir Putin showing his 'soul' in "Midnight Raid to Georgia."

Since they began performing in 1981, the Capitol Steps have recorded 29 albums. They've been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard 4 times a year on NPR stations nationwide during their "Politics Takes a Holiday" radio specials. The Northampton program includes songs from their new album "Obama-Mia", as well as melodies spoofing the current issues in the news. The show hits both sides of the aisle, and the songs change with the scandal of the day. So, if something big happens in the news, you can run to the Capitol Steps show and find out exactly what rhymes with it!

The Capitol Steps have twice won the Washington Area Music Association's "Wammie Award" or outstanding cabaret and musical theatre performances; a New York Drama Desk nomination for "outstanding lyrics", and other national accoloades.

To preview some of the Capitol Steps materials and download selections from "Obama-Mia", visit their website (www.capsteps.com) or find The Capitol Steps on MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Tickets: $36.00 and $43.50 are on sale at the Egg Box-Office, Empire Plaza. Telephone: 518-473-1845. Online: http://www.theegg.org/events

For information on and directions to The Egg: www.theegg.org.

                -30-

NOTE TO THE MEDIA:

For general information on The Capitol Steps: (includes news, downloads, etc for the general public): www.capsteps.com
For the Capitol Steps Media Kit (which includes photos): http://www.capsteps.com/live/bookings.html and http://www.capsteps.com/live/pr.html
For a Capitol Steps CD, to interview one of the Capitol Steps, or additional information: Mark G. Auerbach at Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations. Phone: (O) 413-733-7095 or (C) 413-427-7352
Email: mgauerbach@gmail.com

The Cranky Concierge: A Great Travel Idea

I'm a regular reader of Brett Snyder's The Cranky Flier website/blog (http://crankyflier.com/). Brett, who became a travel agent at age 12, is an airline dork. His website/blog covers airline news in an informative and entertaining manner. He's scooped some big stories and has also gained the respect of major travel writers. The airlines, from legacy carriers to start-ups, take him seriously.

Now, Brett's created The Cranky Concierge, a travel program for frequent flyers where he and other airline folk look after your travel needs like a hotel concierge looks after the hotel VIPs. He'll plan your flights, monitor your itinerary, and assist with itinerary changes and assist with disputes. You pay by the ticket. http://crankyconcierge.com/

Says You Holland Trip: Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended Again to October 31

Says You! Holland Trip
Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended Until October 31.

The early bird discount deadline for this trip has been extended until October 31, 2009. The trip has already met its minimum numbers to proceed. For information on the trip and to download an itinerary, look at previous blog postings, or visit www.saysyou.net or www.ccjourneys.com

My Road Show Returns

I'll be teaching my first marketing/public relations seminar for the 2009-10 year on Wednesday, October 14, at 1PM at Western New England College in Springfield, MA. (For those who want to attend, it's in Emerson Hall 101A).

The class is a communications/public relations class taught by Brenda Garton, a media colleague, and a former TV anchor at Springfield's NBC affiliate, WWLP-TV22. Brenda has brought media professionals in for years to talk with her students. I'm always glad to help her out.

Since I opened my business in 1986, I always thought that it was important to share my expertise and experiences with others considering marketing and PR. In previous positions, I've mentored interns. A couple have become quality contributors to broadcast and print journalism.

In recent years, I've done marketing and PR seminars for WNEC, Indiana University's Arts Administration Program and other programs. It's a small, yet fulfilling, way to give something back to those who mentored me along the way.

Some of the Websites and Blogs We're Following

Terminal Man. The story of a guy who lives in airports (mostly in the airside portion of terminals). http://www.wired.com/autopia/tag/terminal-man/

Bobby Derailed. A Metro North conductor's blog about life on (and off) the commuter rails north of Grand Central. http://bobbyderailed.blogspot.com/

Boarding Area. A compilation of blogs for the business traveller. http://boardingarea.com/

"Says You!" Presents "Halloween Horripilation" Live Shows in Metro Boston on October 24-25

DATELINE: September 23, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mark G. Auerbach
Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations
413-733-7095 or 413-427-7352
mgauerbach@gmail.com

CALENDAR LISTINGS

Pipit & Finch presents:
SAYS YOU!
the popular public radio quiz show
taping future broadcasts before a live studio audience

HALLOWEEN HORRIPILATION
The goose-pimply Halloween celebration in Greater Boston

Saturday, October 24 at 7PM
Sunday, October 25 at 3PM
Ruth King Theatre
Kellner Performing Arts Center
Milton Academy
170 Centre Street
Milton, Massachusetts

These performances will be taped, edited and aired later this fall on over 120 public radio stations coast-to-coast.

Tickets: $30 and $22 are available online at: www.saysyou.net

For directions to Milton Academy: www.milton.edu

"Says You!" is the popular public radio quiz show, independently produced by Pipit & Finch in Boston, MA. First  broadcast in 1997, it is carried on over 120 stations coast-to-coast. Show creator Richard Sher has been its producer and  host since its premiere. In 2009, "Says You!" broadcasts were taped before live audiences in Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Maine and Tennessee.

"Says You!" airs on the following Massachusetts public radio stations: 89.7FM/WGBH (Boston), 88.5FM/WFCR (Amherst), 640AM/WNNZ (WFCR's AM broadcast service), 90.1FM/WCAI (Woods Hole), and 91.1FM/WNAN (Nantucket).

For a backgrounder on "Says You!" and a list of stations that air the program, visit their website at www.saysyou.net.

-30-

NOTE TO THE PRESS:

For media kits, press tickets, or interview opportunities, please contact Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations. 413-733-7095.

Recent Publicity for Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations Clients

Cross-Culture's Public Radio Travel Programs including the "Says You!" Holland cruise
as it appeared in the September issue of PRIME Magazine from Reminder Publications. http://www.resultspublishinggroup.com/primeonline/travel/cruiseegyptholland/

The Capitol Steps Northampton performance as profiled in a great Western Massachusetts arts newsletter. Gail Burns, its editor, has always been supportive of every arts client I've worked with. http://gailsez.org/2009/09/the-capitol-steps-obama-mia-comes-to-northampton/

Additional Capitol Steps/Northampton publicity:
Academy of Music (Performance venue) website: http://www.academyofmusictheatre.com/tickets.html
Valley Art Share Calendar: http://www.valleyartshare.com/profile/AcademyofMusicTheatre

Capitol Steps / Lebanon, NH publicity:
Lebanon Opera House (performance venue website): http://www.lebanonoperahouse.org/calendar.php?month=11

The Capitol Steps return to Cambridge/Boston

The Mike Thornton Agency presents The Capitol Steps' "Obama Mia Tour" on Saturday, November 28, 2009, at 8PM at Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall on the Harvard University Campus, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA.

Tickets: $38.00, $34.00, $29.00 are on sale at the Harvard Box-Office. Telephone: 617-496-2222
Online at: http://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/boxoffice/

Tickets are now on sale.

The Capitol Steps Perform in New Hampshire

The Capitol Steps Perform in New Hampshire

The Mike Thornton Agency presents The Capitol Steps' "Obama Mia Tour" on Sunday, November 15, 2009, at 7:30PM at The Lebanon Opera House, 51 North Park Street, in Lebanon, NH.

Tickets are now on sale.

Prices: $25, $35, an $45

For tickets: Phone: (603) 448-0400. VISA or MasterCard accepted.
Online: http://lebanonoperahouse.org/tickets.php

For program information: www.capsteps.com

The Capitol Steps Return to Western Massachusetts

Capitol Steps Return to Western Massachusetts

The Mike Thornton Agency and Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations are co-producing The Capitol Steps' "Obama Mia Tour" on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at 8PM at The Academy of Music Theatre, Main Street, in Northampton, MA.

Tickets are now on sale.

Prices: $46.50 orchestra, $44 loge, $39 balcony (plus $1.00 Academy of Music Historic Preservation Charge)

For tickets: Northampton Box-Office. 76 Main Street, Northampton. Phone Orders: 413-586-8686 or 800-THE-TICK. Online ticket orders: www.nbotickets.com

For program information: www.capsteps.com

Fundraiser for Ronni Gordon.

My colleague and friend Ronni Gordon has been fighting leukemia for a while now. She's quite stoic, and her blogs and articles about her illness, her remissions, her setbacks, and her recoveries are both blunt and inspirational.

I've known Ronni since the mid 1980s, when I was the publicist for a local regional theatre (and she was the features reporter assigned to cover it). I was an arts and features reporter for another media source, and we became friends as we went to cover shows and catch coffees.

It's been a tough summer for Ronni. She got laid-off from the Springfield Republican, and along with the absence of a paycheck was the news that her health benefits were now history. She's a single mom with three kids in school.

A fundraiser has been planned to give Ronni a needed hand. The August 18 request is below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

August 18, 2009
 
Dear Friends, Neighbors and local Business owners,
 
How would you feel if you were battling leukemia for almost 6 years and you recently became unemployed?  You were about to lose your health insurance and you had three children, one still in high school.  As a single mother, Ronni Gordon of So Hadley, is faced with these issues.
 
I am writing to you with a plea for help.  We are putting together a fundraiser in her honor.  It’s scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 6pm to midnight, at the Holyoke Country Club, near the Delaney House in Holyoke. There will be a buffet, music and dancing.  We are also planning on doing a raffle. This is where you come in.  We would like you to donate something of interest to raffle off.  We’d appreciate any assistance that you can offer, whether it be a monetary donation, an interesting raffle item or a gift certificate of some sort. Perhaps this would be the perfect way to thank your employees and give them each a ticket to the event.
 
All gifts will be acknowledged with a card next to the donation unless requested otherwise.
 
If you are interested in attending the party, the price is $20.00 per ticket and you can obtain tickets by contacting either myself or Pat Holtz. I can be reached by my cell phone-335-2377.  Pat can be reached at home-533-2534.  You can also get tickets at my place of business, which is Ahimsa Yoga Center, So Hadley in the Village Commons.   We are shooting for a deadline date of October 16th.
 
We ask that you take some time to consider how you might help make this event more successful.  It’s in times like these that it’s important to join forces to help someone in need. Let’s make this a powerful and successful community outpouring of support.
 
Thank you,
Erin Kelly
Ahimsa Yoga Center
123 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040
________________________________________________________________________________

Hope everyone can help.

Here's an article Ronni wrote for the New York Times about her battle:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/03/magazine/03LIVES.html?n=Top%2FNews%2FHealth%2FDiseases%2C%20Conditions%2C%20and%20Health%20Topics%2FLeukemia

Here's Ronni's blog with ongoing recaps of her ups and downs.

http://www.runnerwrites.blogspot.com/

"Says You!" now on Facebook

"Says You" now has a fan page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Says-You/152023436417

Says You Holland Trip: Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended

Says You! Holland Trip
Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended

The early bird discount deadline for this trip has been extended until September 30, 2009. For information on the trip and to download an itinerary, look at previous blog postings, or visit www.saysyou.net or www.ccjourneys.com

"Says You" in Tennessee

"Says You" taped performances in Nashville last weekend. A blogger who attended one of the tapings wrote an entry about being part of the audience. http://joy-babbleon.blogspot.com/2009/08/says-you.html

Also, "Says You" heads for Memphis on 3/19-3/21/10. Performances will be held at the Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary's School. For performance information: http://www.artsmemphis.org/event/detail/31749

People We're Glad We Know: Jane Scheckter

Jane Scheckter is a Springfield, MA born-and-raised talent. Her dad was a well known harmonica player. Her mom was my 4th grade teacher. Jane was one of the first free-spirits I knew growing up in the area. When I worked for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, we had a summer pops concert series at Stanley Park in Westfield. I recommended a series that showcased local talent who had moved on. Jane performed an evening of pops standards before 5,000 people. She won the crowd over. I've seen her subsequently in a cabaret venue where she belongs, because she's dazzling to watch and hear in an intimate setting. If you're in NYC, she's worth a listen. The Metropolitan Room is a great club.

JANE SCHECKTER

PLAY A SIMPLE MELODY

A Tribute to Irving Berlin

“Invaluable musical skill. A bright, clear voice with a brassy edge and a luscious, rounded vibrato. Meticulous phrasing, a sultry lower register...and she swings!”

Stephen Holden, NY Times, May 9, 2008

Metropolitan Room at Gotham

Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7:00

Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7:30

Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7:00

Sunday, Sept. 13 at 7:00


Tedd Firth, Musical Director

Tom Hubbard, Bass

Peter Grant, Drums

New York: Acclaimed jazz stylist Jane Scheckter will make her Metropolitan Room debut with her all new show, “Play A Simple Melody — A Tribute to Irving Berlin,” with four shows only on Tuesday, Sept. 1, Wednesday, Sept. 2, Tuesday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, Sept 13. All shows are at 7:00 except Sept. 2 which is at 7:30. Tedd Firth will be musical director with Tom Hubbard on bass and Peter Grant on drums. Metropolitan Room at Gotham is located at 34 West 22nd Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues.) There will be a $20 music charge and a two drink minimum. Discounts for MAC, NYSMS and Cabaret Hotline. Reservations: (212) 206 0440.

As in the past, Jane Scheckter will not be doing a biographical show. Her new show will focus on the music and lyrics; songs that have special meaning to her. Along the way, she will share a bevy of anecdotes from Irving Berlin's amazing career and personal life. She said, “The title is totally misleading because nothing about the man or his music was simple. As Jerome Kern wrote, “ Berlin has no place in American music; he is American music.”

The program will feature many popular Berlin hits as well as some surprises gleaned from Broadway, Hollywood musicals and his lesser know works such as “The Best Thing For You,” “Fella With An Umbrella” and “Falling Out Of Love Can Be Fun.” Ms. Scheckter also noted, “ The fascinating thing about Irving Berlin is how a school dropout (at thirteen,) could emerge as one of our greatest composers ranking alongside Gershwin, Porter, Kern and Rodgers in sophistication, style and versatility.” It will all be enhanced to the fullest by Tedd Firth's swing arrangements with his trio which has been referred to as, “ ... one of the strongest trios in cabaret.”

Starting in New York, Jane Scheckter has performed in many leading night clubs and concert halls around the world including Los Angeles, Paris and regularly on the French Riviera. She appeared in “Our Sinatra” with Peter Cincotti and was a guest soloist with the Springfield (Mass.) Symphony Pops Orchestra with Mike Renzi and Chip Jackson. She regularly headlines at Hotel Majestic at Cannes in their “Jazz Nights” series. She began her career singing backup vocals on Barry Manilow's first album and was a regular at Reno Sweeny's and Grand Finale. She was honored with a Back Stage Bistro Award as Outstanding Female Jazz Singer in 1996 and has recorded three albums, “I've Got My Standards” and “Double Standards” with Mike Renzi for DRG. Her 2003 CD, “In Times Like These” features Tedd Firth, Jay Leonhart, Joe Cocuzzo, Grady Tate and Scott Kreitzer.

On the web, www.singjanesing.com.

For information or press reservations, please contact Donald Schaffer at (212) 946 1265 or DSPR@nyc.rr.com.

Two Clients Partner: Cross-Culture Journeys Develops Springtime Holland/Belgium Tulip Cruise for "Says You!"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2009
CONTACTS:
Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, 413-733-7095 or MGAuerbach@gmail.com

"Says You!" Presents "Tulip Time in Holland and Belgium" a Springtime Cruise with Host Richard Sher

Boston, MA---"Says You!", public radio's popular game with words, has organized a 9-day/7-night, fully-escorted journey to Holland and Belgium with a Tulip-time cruise of the rivers and canals of the Low Countries from April 17-25, 2010.  Richard Sher, creator and host of the Boston-based show, will join the travelers for the voyage. 

The trip was developed by Cross-Culture Journeys, an Amherst, MA travel company that produces specialized travel programs for public radio stations, alumni organizations and the public.

Travellers begin their tour in Amsterdam, where they board the brand new MS Amadolce to begin their cruise through the Dutch and Belgian countryside. With the ship serving as home base, travellers will discover the Amsterdam of vanGogh and Rembrandt, the medieval cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, and savor the region's world-famous cheese, pastries, and chocolates. The ship is equipped with bicycles for those who choose to experience the blossoming tulips and flowers of the spring countryside on wheels. On two evenings, Richard Sher will host games of "Says You!" for fellow travellers.

Prices begin at $2,995 per person, double occupancy. Airfare, which can be arranged from any North American city, is extra. Cross-Culture Journeys will provide free transfers from the airport to the ship for those who book flights through the company. A complete itinerary is available at the "Says You!" website at www.saysyou.net or by calling Cross-Culture
Journeys at 800-491-1148 or 413-256-6303.

"Says You!" is the popular public radio quiz show, independently produced by Pipit & Finch in Boston, MA. First broadcast in 1997, it is carried on over 120 stations coast-to-coast. Show creator Richard Sher has been its producer and host since its premiere. In 2009, "Says You!" broadcasts were taped before live audiences in Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Maine. For a backgrounder on "Says You!", visit their website at www.saysyou.net.

Cross-Culture Journeys has been offering individual and customized group tours for over 20 years. They specialize in all-inclusive, small-group, in-depth cultural travel programs to over 40 unique destinations from Antarctica to Zagreb by air, land and small-ship. Over the last decade, Cross-Culture Journeys has developed travel programs for alumni associations and numerous public radio stations, including NPR member stations in Western New England, Washington, DC; Virginia, Ohio, Utah, and Texas.  For information and itineraries,visit Cross-Culture Journeys' website at www.ccjourneys.com or call 800-491-1148 or 413-256-6303.

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Where Has Mark Been? Chapter 2:

July 24, 2009: Script Outline #3 Approved

To see Chapter 1: either click on "Client: The Writing Project" or http://mgauerbach.blogspot.com/2009/06/where-has-mark-been.html

All of us Yankees know that 2009 has not been the summer for natural tan-enhancement, as my somewhat pale body attests. (Take my word for it, don't investigate. The Michael Phelps' swimmer's body of years ago has morphed into more Shelley Winters as Belle Rosen look). So, being indoors working on this writing project has not been too difficult. No pool distractions. No lazy summer days beckoning through the windows. From so much rain, my patio looks like "Grey Gardens". Weeds and grasses are growing fast and furiously from the sand spaces between the bricks. I'm torn between letting nature take its course and modern technology: Green vs. Round-Up! I imagine myself garbed as Little Edie, repeating the words "honestly" and "staunch" while furiously spraying every weed and grass blade within view. Another personality takes over as Big Edie, the matronly environmental activist pleading "Stop, Edie. Stop!" I put the Round-Up down (cussing "Honestly, Mother darling" under my breath) and remove the weeds the old-fashioned way, bending over and uprooting them one weed at a time. Ah, the somewhat idle brain is the devil's playground here on the condo flood plains in River City.

When I last did a project update on June 29, the research had been about 75% completed, and I had drafted Outline #1. Outline #1 was critiqued by multiple parties and revised into Outline #2 , which was again critiqued by the same multiple parties and revised into Outline #3, which was submitted on July 17. There are more revisions to come. I know it.

Some of the scenes outlined play over and over in my head. I'm personally attached to some of them. It won't be difficult to lay them out on the page when it comes time to write the actual script, but I don't know how I'll react if my favorites are rejected or revised to the point that they're completely different than they are at present.

The waiting game has been tough. Thank god for simple distractions.

Distraction #1: Johnny Depp announced that he'd like to play Carol Channing in his next movie. I imagine my writing project transformed. In my project, one setting is New Orleans. Now, I imagine Johnny Depp sitting there as a club patron. A sudden shower hits the French Quarter and Carol Channing darts in to dodge the rain. The rest is history. He sings "I'm Just a Little Girl from Little Rock" from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". She swoons. She responds with a medley from "Sweeney Todd". They encore together with something from "Hello, Dolly!". He now wants to play Patti LuPone and rushes to find a script to "Evita". Curtain.

Distraction #2: The Long Island Lolita, Amy Fisher, provided headlines as she announced her two-performance only run at The Mardi Gras, my hometown's famous strip club (now turned "cultural center" for one night). Now, I imagine her starring in my project, which is now set on Long Island (change at Jamaica). She does her pole dance to the music of "The Five-Fifteen" from "Grey Gardens" (the only showtune to mention the Long Island Railroad's Montauk Line). My project now plays strip clubs from Times Square to the Tenderloin to the Chicken Ranch. Amy, who doesn't do matinees, relinquishes the role to Varla Jean Merman (one of my favorite impressionists), who forges a new career as a plus-size pole dancer. Curtain.

Distraction #3: When I'm not being script-writer, I'm still PR dude. There is client work to be done. My clients need the same attention and dedication that the script is getting. The curtain doesn't fall.

I fast learn that the art of making art is not a solo gig. Besides the producers to answer to, there is the subject of the theatre piece, who will also perform it. The subject has final approval. We get along well, so there have been little difficulties in communicating. Soon, there will be a director and a designer (s), musicians, perhaps a choreographer, and management, publicists, etc. etc. I like the collaboration and the feedback.

Nonetheless, this part of the writing is the lonely part. I'm not at liberty as yet to discuss the initimate details of the project, so I have to be careful as to what I divulge--and to whom.

I share my project challenges with my first professional mentor, an international arts administrator who has worked globally with some of the finest performing and visual arts festivals. I was a young marketing guy at Wolf Trap, when he discovered my abilities and forced me to exceed other people's expectations. He, as he always does, provides encouragement, unconditional support, and sound advice.

I share some details with the "boys", (two colleagues from my WFCR days, one of them's partner, and a mutual friend of the group). Over regular lunches they keep me laughing and grounded. I won't be able to get too carried away with them around--on the other hand, smash hit or infamous flop, they'll be there for me. One, a theatre dude, will be my sounding board. He used to work directly with me, so he knows how to phrase his criticisms and commentaries so I react positively. (He also knows how to push my buttons, which he might do for the amusement of the other boys). Another, who's a PR and marketing guy, will take on some of my client work, when I need an extra hand.

And, there's my pool buddy of many years, a neighbor, with whom I'm close. Theatre is quite the unknown to him. He's been to live theatre once--an outdoor Shakespeare performance which left him preferring a root canal without anesthetic to another theatre trip. (In fairness, he's a Red Sox junkie, and I can hardly sit through a game). He checks in with me constantly to make sure I'm OK. I couldn't ask for more from someone who will likely only attend my opening night under extreme duress (provided that the performance doesn't conflict with a regular Red Sox game, playoff, World Series, spring training game, or someone's DVD of Red Sox highlights).

Then, there are the unknowns: 1) an unknown 12 year old kid, who taught me how to text message on a layover in the Atlanta airport. I wish I'd known his name; and 2) an unknown kid of the same vintage, who taught me some computer skills at the local library when some research put the filters into use. He showed me how to over-ride the filters. Thanks, guys.

Fast forward: Friday afternoon, July 24--we're on !!! I get the encouraging e-mail from the lead producer. The third outline has been approved by both producers and the subject of the musical! No more outline revisions!!! The next step is 1) producers pulling together a funding prospectus and a production budget -- thankfully, not my job and 2) the script coming together in time for a rehearsal and backer's audition to be held on October 1--my job under extreme pressure.

Friday night, the lead producer (the guy who got me into the project) calls. He updates me on the meeting the two producers had with the subject of the project. Producer #2 will give me guidelines on the next part of the process. I also hear from the subject; we'll be chatting on Tuesday.

The next chapter begins....

Client Event: Mike Thornton and Thad Wilson Jazz at Bangkok Blues in Falls Church, VA on July 31

DATELINE: July 14, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Mike Thornton
Mike Thornton Agency
703-597-4441
thorntonis@yahoo.com
Mark G. Auerbach
Public Relations
413-733-7095 (W)
413-427-7352 (C)
mgauerbachpubrel@aol.com
mgauerbach@gmail.com

MIKE THORNTON AND THE THAD WILSON JAZZ ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM AT BANGKOK BLUES ON JULY 31

Jazz musicians Mike Thornton and the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra combine forces for the first time to salute the great classic and contemporary singers of the big band era on Friday, July 31 at Bangkok Blues, the Falls Church restaurant and club. Showtime is 7PM.

Thornton and Wilson, two of the area's finest jazz musicians, salute classic big band singers like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Johnny Hartman, Joe Williams, and Bobby Darin, along with contemporary stylists like Al Jarreau, Joe Jackson, Donald Fegan, Joe cocker and Elvis Costello.

About Mike Thornton

Mike Thornton, a regular performer with The Capitol Steps, has been a featured jazz vocalist at the Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, Bohemian Caverns; and many New York City jazz venues such as 55 Club, Arthur's Tavern, Cleopatra's Needle, The Garage, Red Blazer, Augie's, and Torch. Mike has been featured soloist with Hartford (CT) Symphony Pops, as well as the NPR-based variety show "1990’s Radio Hour". Mike has extensive acting credits; he was featured in "Shear Madness" and other New York productions.

Jim Santella of Cadence Magazine recently wrote: "Thornton electrifies. He has the energy to lift any audience for hours on end. He's unique. Twisting each vowel and consonant into a series of related musical tones, he gathers the best of both worlds: the dexterity of an instrumentalist and the lyrical passion of a singer...Thornton shows his deep love for fun-loving Swing, soulful ballad interpretations and uptempo romps with a clear, baritone voice and vibrant expression.” For details: www.mikethorntonjazz.com/

About The Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra

Thad Wilson is a fixture on the Washington, DC jazz scene, as composer/arranger for over twenty years and as trumpeter for thirty years. Thad's energetic and engaging approach unearths memories of Louis Armstrong, but his music always reflects a personal style that blends progressive elements such as Blues, Funk, Gospel and a touch of Hip-Hop. His various projects include: The Thad Wilson Quintet, Inner Urge, a collaborative project; Kindred Soul, his electric group; Kako Se, an acoustic duo, Ugetzu, a 10-piece Jazz Orchestra and the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra, his 16-piece big band.

The Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra became the only big band in the DC area to land a permanent residence at the esteemed One Step Down. Previous performances also include H-R 57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues and the Jazz in the Garden series. The band currently performs every Monday night at Bohemian Caverns. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra. For details: http://www.myspace.com/thadwilsonjazzorchestra

Bangkok Blues, a Thai restaurant and music club, is located at 926 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA. For reservations and information: http://www.bangkokblues.com/calendar/musicJuly09.htm

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More Trip Details: "Says You!": Tulip Time in Holland and Belgium

Savor Tulip Time in Holland and Belgium with "Says You".
Join "Says You!" creator/producer Richard Sher for A Springtime Cruise.
April 17-25, 2010. (9 nights / 7 days)
Produced for "Says You!" by Cross-Culture Journeys

There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe the colorful palettes of springtime in Holland and Belgium. The fields of the “Low Countries” are carpeted in tulips, and spring flowers line the waterways. Learn about Dutch and Flemish cultural traditions, and taste world-famous cheeses, pastries and chocolates. Discover vibrant Amsterdam and visit Belgium’s great medieval cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges.

Your home is the brand new MS Amadolce, launched earlier this year. It’s a river cruise ship small enough to stop at villages along the canals, yet large enough to offer deluxe accommodations and fine international cuisine. The ship has an abundant supply of bicycles for those who wish to ride along the canals. On two evenings, you’re invited to test your own verbal agility by playing some of the "Says You!" word games with Richard Sher.

Day 1: 4/17/10: Depart for Amsterdam.
Day 2: 4/18/10: Arrive Amsterdam and embark on the MS Amadolce.
Day 3: 4/19/10: Tour Amsterdam canals, Volendam and Edam (say cheese).
Day 4: 4/20/10: Arnhem and into Belgiuim.
Day 5: 4/21/10: Antwerp with optional trip to Brussels.
Day 6: 4/22/10: Ghent with optional trip to Bruges.
Day 7: 4/23/10: Willemstad, Dordrecht, Kinderdijk and Zeeland
Day 8: 4/24/10: Utrecht, Keukenhof Gardens, Amsterdam.
Day 9: 4/25/10: Disembark and transfer to airport for flight home.

Trip includes

• Seven-night cruise accommodations in outside stateroom
• Private airport-ship transfers (if purchasing trip with airfare and arriving/departing with the group
• Twenty meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners including Captain’s Gala Dinner
• Unlimited high-quality red and white wines from Europe’s great wine regions with dinners aboard
• Two evening sessions of "Says You!" word games with host and producer Richard Sher
• Lectures and regional entertainment on board
• Comprehensive program of shore excursions as listed in the itinerary
• Services of a Cross-Culture tour manager and site guides
• Use of bicycles to explore on your own

Prices begin at $2,995 per person, double occupancy, cruise and land only. Port charges ($133) are extra.

Prices with round-trip air from Boston, New York (JFK/EWR) begin at $3,795 per person, double occupancy. Port charges ($133), airline taxes and surcharges (approximately $395 are extra).

Call for airfares from other cities.

***Early Bird Savings ! Register and pay in full before August 30 and save $500 per person / $1,000 per couple.

Go to http://www.saysyou.net/tapings/trip to download an itinerary in PDF format.

Call Cross-Culture Journeys at 800-491-1148 for information and to reserve by phone.

Websites and Blogs of Interest: 7/02/09

We Surf. We Discover.

***The Cranky Flyer. I landed here by accident when clicking on the wrong thing. The best accident that's happened to me in a while. Brett Snyder, a former airline employee, has a blog that recaps trips, airline news, and airline issues. (He's really not that cranky). http://crankyflier.com/

***Andy Propst did a great job cataloguing and condensing theatre news from the USA, Canada and the UK for American Theatre Web over the last 11 years. He's moving his show, an excellent one at that, to TheaterMania. His new news condensations begin there after 7/13/09. www.theatermania.com.

***Ketzel Levine, former NPR gardening guru, has closed her blog "Ketzel Uprooted" (www.ketzel.com). It was a great read while it lasted.

Upcoming Client Event: "Says You!" Goes to Nashville

"Says You!" will tape programs before live audiences on Saturday and Sunday, August 22-23, at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, TN. Nashville Public Radio is the presentor. Saturday's performance is at 7PM. Sunday's performance is a 1PM matinee. Tickets for both performances are still available. For information, visit the Says You website at: www.saysyou.net or http://wpln.org/?page_id=1732.

Sneak Preview: Says You! Goes to Holland

"Says You!" will host "Tulip Time in Holland and Belgium", a Springtime Cruise. April 17-25, 2010. Join host Richard Sher for a leisurely trip along the waterways of Holland and Belgium. Organized by our client, Cross-Culture Journeys (who has developed travel programs for many public radio stations and alumni associations), this trip includes: Kinderdijk’s lush green countryside dotted with windmills; Dutch and Flemish cultural traditions, and the world-famous cheeses, pastries and chocolates in Amsterdam, inspiration to van Gogh and Rembrandt, and Belgium’s great medieval cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. Itinerary and PDF brochures available later this summer. Email me for a preview copy of the brochure after July 10.

Where Has Mark Been ?

My Linked-In profile hasn't been updated in a while.

My Facebook Status Updates have been somewhat misleading. 96% of them make reference to caffeine (Starbucks hot or iced, home-brewed hot or iced); the number of days until the condo pool officially opened, and subsequently, and the amount of time spent tanning (3 days worth since Memorial Day because of the never-ending rains). There are even occasional references to writing and work. (Yes, I still do both).

In reality, I've embarked on a theatrical literary adventure. A former client and current friend (of two plus decades, but as eternally youthful as I) invited me to collaborate with him on a project (details being blogged and stored for release here when the time is right). He and his business partner want me to take one of their client's programs and turn it into a performance piece.

The Backstory

I majored in theatre in undergraduate school, and I studied theatre administration in graduate school. I've worked for arts organizations and media groups that cover them. I've covered theatre as a print and radio journalist. I've done my share of shows and I've seen hundreds of other people's shows. So, it seemed like a golden opportunity to jump back into the world on the other side of the footlights and to plunge back into a little showbiz.

I've scripted events, benefits and radio specials. But, in all of this, I'd never written a play. In fact, I'd taken but one playwrighting class for which the assignment was to write a 15 minute, one-scene, one-set, two-character non-musical, which would be staged, performed and designed by fellow students. We were told "write of what you know".

Well, some classmates wrote of love, anger, anguish angst, etc. etc. I, having procrastinated on the assignment until the weekend before it was due, returned to school on the train, seated behind two middle-aged suburban Jewish women who bragged about their successful children and their fabulous grandchildren, while dissing their husbands and their childrens' spouses. It was shortly after the moon walk.

OK. Fifteen minutes. How about the first two Jewish women to land on the moon ? (Never mind that I couldn't figure out how they got there...OK, one's son worked for NASA and they went on a tour and got lost). OK. They could diss the silver mylar costumes, the view from space ("I can't see Larchmont"), and so forth. I couldn't quite find the right ending, so I ended it with NASA son rescuing them and bringing them back to earth with moon rocks as souvenirs for the grandchildren. "Moon Yentas" is born, played out, and dead in one afternoon.

I was chastised after the playlet was staged. The audience laughed. The professor said I had taken situation comedy to a new low. I was advised to "channel my creative writing in other directions".

Anyway, the current project is daunting--it taps my theatre experience, my imagination, my journalist's skills, and my writing expertise. There are perameters to be observed, producers and others to answer to, and all kinds of rules and regulations that answer less to art and more to the bottom line.

It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm taking the work very seriously. I've had to discipline myself to write carefully and quickly. (unlike the copy for brochures, press releases, advertisements, proposals and grants, and the other wordsmith activities which I can polish off with distractions and interruptions galore). Phone calls, emails, instant messages, and the web itself provide easy distractions, where I lose my concentration completely. I used to be able to work with radio news or showtunes in the background. On this project, news distracts me and showtunes send me into a Broadway fantasy world which is alluring but somewhat dangerous to flirt with until this project is farther along.

On the fantasy high end, I imagine that I win a Tony Award (which is presented before the awards show begins on TV, so I don't have to buy a new tuxedo). I pose for photos with Marian Seldes and Cheyenne Jackson. The show is picked up for film and TV and my retirement is enhanced by royalty checks. People refer to me as "the writer" instead of as "the PR dude". I become a philanthropist.

On the nightmare low end, it could all be in vain. Ben Brantley's #3 pinch-hitter pulls out WebMD's list of symptoms to describe the audience's response. (I think it was in the play "Butterflies Are Free" when someone describes a piece of writing as having "feverish passages and fluid movements" while the other character drolly replies "so does diarrhea, but I wouldn't call it entertainment". I'm invited to be guest speaker at the Longmeadow Senior Center and no one shows up.

But, if I don't pursue this, I'll always have regrets.

The Process Begins...

I'm finding it easiest to write in the early morning, fueled by coffee and morning chill. But, as the official 9-to-5 "work day" begins, I've found a quiet escape place to write, and use the high-speed internet at the town library.

Now that the initial project research is underway, and drafts #1 and draft #2 (complete revision of draft #1) of the project's outline have been submitted, I can begin to merge this project better with other work and play. I've emerged from the world of inaccessibility and unavailability.

In planning for this experience, I had to revamp and retool Mark G Auerbach Public Relations in the short term. I've added a couple of clients and new projects this year. I've said farewell to a longtime client, in order to fine tune the kind of work I'd like to do (and should be doing). I am also looking for new projects in marketing, public relations, media buying and occasional special events production that will compliment and enhance my experiences and my client roster.

I'll be visible more often.

Now, back to work...I thank my colleagues, clients, and friends for their understanding and flexibility.

Web Sites of Interest. 6/05/09

We surf. We discover.

Boarding Area. A new portal for the business traveller, leading to some of the best websites and voices in business travel. http://boardingarea.com

Coach Class. Jeanne LeBlanc used to write for The Hartford Courant. Now she's travel blogging, and she's a great information source. I first found her blog when surfing for information on Bradley international Airport. http://coachclassblog.com/

Who knew there was an award for America's Best Restroom ? Jeanne LeBlanc scooped this one. I wonder if the Larry Craig Rest Room at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport has been rated on amenities as opposed to its tourist attraction status. http://www.bestrestroom.com/

Ketzel Uprooted. Ketzel Levine was the doyenne of dirt with her gardening spots on NPR's Weekend Edition with Scott Simon. The offbeat gardening guru and radio producer/host of many a unique tale finished a series on people laid off for NPR, when she was laid off herself. Her blog runs the gamut from what's in bloom to Ketzelisms. (I produced an appearance by Ketzel for WFCR. She was a charmer). http://www.ketzel.com/

Now this Boy Can Text !

A couple of months ago, Iwas looking at I-Phones and Blackberry devices. The Verizon sales rep looked up my account and told me I'd text-messaged but twice in the last 18 months. He then asked if I "was ready for a big boy phone".

Thanks to my pool buddy Chris Bizon who taught me Text Messaging 101 over Memorial Day Weekend and a high school kid that gave me a Texting Tutorial at Gate D4 at the New Orleans Airport, I'm proud to say I can both send and respond to text messages. (slowly, I might add)

In a month or so, when my Verizon contract expires, I'll be ready for a Big Boy Phone.

Musings on Being Wired

Musings on Being Wired (and not from caffeine)

On a snow day last winter, I succumbed to the lure of Facebook--Partially, because I'm my high school class secretary; Partially, because I know it has marketing opportunities for my clients; Partially, because I was getting pressure from friends and colleagues. One of my clients used Facebook to promote a performance given by another client. Another client promoted a series of performances to its Facebook network. I was also able to connect fellow classmates and gather information for class notes.

Then, I joined Linked-In. I was able to post my company's profile and my resume, connect with current contacts and reconnect with others.

In both instances, it's been a good tool for making contacts, restablishing contacts, and networking. In both cases, one must be savvy with their status reports. I realise that 96% of my status reports on Facebook involve references to caffeine, the condo pool, tanning, and showtunes.

I'm too exhausted from both to consider other networks. AOL, my occasional client, dropped member profiles for Bebo, yet another networking site. Twitter has become the network-du-jour.

I ask myself: "Why not be old-fashioned and email someone for a coffee date and meet face-to-face ?"

Upcoming Client Events and Programs:

***Cross-Culture Journeys has a great 15 day/14 night trip to Egypt and The Nile on a cruise through antiquities. Next departure: October 27. For information: www.ccjourneys.com.

***The Capitol Steps bring their new touring show, "Obama-Mia" to Orlando's Plaza Theatre on Friday, June 5th. For information: http://www.theplazatheatre.com/0809_showdetail.asp?EventID=53

***Says You! comes to Nashville for two performances on August 22-23 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center/Polk Theatre, presented by WPLN, Nashville Public Radio. For further information: www.saysyou.net

"Falsettos" Ticket Discounts This Weekend May 8-10

There are several ticket discounts in place for the P.A.C.E. production of "Falsettos" this weekend at The Academy of Music in Northampton, MA. You can see copies of the Falsettos press releases on this blog.

Student rush tickets are $10.00 each at the door before performances on Friday and Saturday at 8PM and Sunday at 2PM.

Moms get in for half price on Mother's Day. there's a 2PM matinee.

For details: www.pacetheater.com.

Current and Upcoming Client Events

***PACE, Performing Arts Center of Easthampton, presents the William Finn and James Lapine musical "Falsettos" at the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton, MA through May 10. For tickets: www.pacetheater.com

***"Says You!" performs in San Francisco at the Presentation Theatre, on the University of San Francisco campus on May 15-17. For tickets: www.saysyou.net.

***The Mike Thornton Agency is producing a performance of The Capitol Steps on Friday, June 5th at the Plaza Theatre in downtown Orlando, FL. The program will be based on their latest CD, "Obama-Mia". For tickets: 407-228-1220 or www.theplazatheatre.com.

Press Release: PACE presents "Falsettos"

DATELINE: April 5, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
David Fried Oppenheim
P.A.C.E.
413-320-5422
david@pioneerarts.org
Mark G. Auerbach
Public Relations
413-733-7095
mgauerbachpubrel@aol.com

P.A.C.E. PRESENTS THE WILLIAM FINN & JAMES LAPINE MUSICAL "FALSETTOS" ON MAY 1-10 AT NORTHAMPTON'S ACADEMY OF MUSIC THEATRE

Easthampton, MA--P.A.C.E./Pioneer Arts Center of Easthampton, presents the musical
Falsettos with music and lyrics by William Finn and book by Finn and James Lapine for six performances on Fridays through Sundays, May 1-3 and May 8-10 at The Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton, MA. Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 8PM. Sunday matinee performances are at 2PM.

Falsettos is directed by David Fried Oppenheim. Musical Director is Marnen Laibow-Koser and musical staging is by Joseph Rich. Vocal coaching is by Dan Inglis.

Falsettos is two one-act musical tragicomedies from "The Marvin Trilogy" by William Finn with James Lapine. The first one-act, "March of The Falsettos", opened Off-Broadway in the 1980-81 season. The second, "Falsettoland" (where Lapine collaborated), opened Off-Broadway a decade later. They were combined into one evening at Hartford Stage; that revision, with a different cast and director, moved to Broadway in 1992, where the musical won two Tony Awards. It ran on Broadway for over 480 performances and toured nationally.

Composer/lyricist William Finn grew up in Natick, MA and majored in music at Williams College. In addition to Falsettos, he's known for his autobiographical musical "A New Brain" (about a man's dealing with a brain tumor); the Tony Award-winning "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (which premiered at Barrington Stage in the Berkshires); his "Elegies: A Song Cycle" commemorating lost friends and loved ones, performed at Lincoln Center with Betty Buckley; "Make Me A Song" a revue of his music which launched at TheaterWorks in Hartford.

Collaborator James Lapine, a frequent theatre partner with Finn, won the Pulitzer Prize for "Sunday in The Park With George", his collaboration with Stephen Sondheim. Lapine won Tony Awards for that production, his other Sondheim musical "Passion", and Falsettos.

Both tragicomic musicals in Falsettos deal with the same characters: Marvin, a gay Jewish man (played by Michael Holt of Westfield, MA); his ex-wife, Trina (played by Nikki Wadleigh of Holyoke, MA); their pre-teen son, Jason (played by Noah Loving of Amherst MA (with Sam Lev of Florence, MA as understudy); Mendel, the family therapist (played by Ed Ryan of Westhampton, MA), Marvin's lover Whizzer (played by Andrew Gilbert of Springfield, MA); and Dr. Charlotte and Cordelia, the lesbians next door( played by Stephanie Devine of Springfield, MA and Rebecca Rose-Langston of Florence, MA). Marvin and his unconventional extended family and friends are planning Jason's Bar Mitzvah, as Whizzer deals with HIV/AIDS (which is never mentioned by name in Falsettos).

Tickets, priced from $20-$40, are currently on sale at Pride & Joy, Crafts Avenue, Northampton, MA and PACE, 41 Union Street, Easthampton, MA; by telephone at 800-595-4TIX and online at: www.pacetheater.com. Student, senior citizen, and P.A.C.E. member and Group (10+) discounts are available.

Falsettos sponsors to date include: Baystate Health, The Valley Advocate, The Daily Hampshire Gazette, WGBY, 88.5FM/WFCR, NPR News and Music for Western New England and 640AM/WNNZ, WFCR's AM Broadcast Station. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Amherst and Northampton Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

The Pioneer Arts Center of Easthampton (P.A.C.E.) educates and engages the public in the full life cycle of the creative process in the performing arts from concept through completion. Its mission is to make this process and product accessible to the entire community both as audience and participants; to inspire and encourage artistic expression through education, performance, and craftsmanship; and to broaden the cultural horizon of the individuals and the community. P.A.C.E.'s production of "Falsettos" follows on the heels of their critically acclaimed and hip-hop restaging of "West Side Story" in 2008. For information: www.pacetheater.com

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Additional Background on Falsettos

***For a TIME Magazine backgrounder on composer/lyricist William Finn: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,975502,00.html
***For a William Finn website: http://www.falsettos.net/
***For Frank Rich's New York Times review of the Hartford Stage production of "Falsettos": http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CEEDA123FF936A25753C1A967958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=1

People We're Glad We Know: Margaret Ward at the Mike Thornton Agency

New Hire: Mike Thornton Agency

The Mike Thornton Agency has hired Margaret Mascelli Ward of Falls Church, VA to help streamline operations and to grow the business. An accountant, litigation attorney and special education teacher, Margaret brings expertise to the agency that will help to serve current clients more efficiently and to build the client base without sacrificing personal service and hands-on support.

Margaret received her Juris Doctorate from Catholic University in 1988, and her Bachelor of Science, Accounting from Wilkes University. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Special Education from University of Virginia, Curry School of Education. 

My Dad's 90th Birthday

I was honored to participate in my Dad's 90th birthday party, given to him by his friends on Marco Island, FL. It was a terrific event; he has great friends and buddies. He's alert and active because of his friends.

Two local Marco Island FL newspapers feted my Dad on his 90th birthday. (The recession has hit the newspaper industry, so fact-checkers and spell-checkers at both papers have apparently been laid-off.)

http://marcoislandflorida.com/articles/2009/03/27/columns/meet_your_neighbor/0040_myn.txt
http://www.marconews.com/news/2009/apr/02/eagle-i-marco-tennis-community-celebrates-90th-bir/

Way to go, Dad !

Calendar Listings: PACE presents "Falsettos"

P.A.C.E./Pioneer Arts Center of Easthampton
presents the musical
FALSETTOS
Music and lyrics by William Finn
Book by William Finn and James Lapine

Friday, May 1, 2009 at 8PM
Saturday, May 2, 2009 at 8PM
Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 2PM
Friday, May 8, 2009 at 8PM
Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 8PM
Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 2PM
Academy of Music
274 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts

The P.A.C.E. production of "Falsettos" is directed by David Fried Oppenheim. Musical Director is Marnen Laibow-Koser and musical staging is by Joseph Rich. Vocal coaching is by Dan Inglis.

Performance sponsors to date include: The Valley Advocate, The Daily Hampshire Gazette, WGBY, 88.5FM/WFCR, NPR News and Music for Western New England and 640AM/WNNZ, WFCR's AM Broadcast Station.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Amherst and Northampton Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

P.A.C.E.'s production of "Falsettos" follows on the heels of their critically acclaimed and hip-hop restaging of "West Side Story" in 2008.

"Falsettos" is two one-act musicals from "The Marvin Trilogy" by William Finn with James Lapine. The first one-act, "March of The Falsettos", opened Off-Broadway in the 1980-81 season. The second, "Falsettoland" (where Lapine collaborated), opened Off-Broadway a decade later. They were combined into one evening at Hartford Stage; that revision moved to Broadway in 1992, where the musical won two Tony Awards. It ran on Broadway for over 480 performances and toured nationally.

Both musicals in "Falsettos" deal with the same characters: Marvin, a gay Jewish man, his ex-wife, their son, the family shrink, Marvin's male lover, and the lesbians next door. There are multiple themes, but the major one deals with HIV/AIDS (which is never mentioned by name in the musical).

Ticket Prices:
General Admission by Section
Patron Seating $40.00 (first two rows of loge)
Orchestra: $30.00
Balcony and Loge: $20.00
Students, Seniors, and PACE members: $2.00 OFF above prices
Groups of 10+ are $5.00 OFF above prices with advance reservation
Telephone Orders: 800-595-4TIX
Ticket information: www.pacetheater.com
Tickets also on sale at Pride & Joy, Crafts Avenue, Northampton, MA and PACE, 41 Union Street, Easthampton, MA

About P.A.C.E.:

The Pioneer Arts Center of Easthampton (P.A.C.E.) educates and engages the public in the full life cycle of the creative process in the performing arts from concept through completion. Its mission is to make this process and product accessible to the entire community both as audience and participants; to inspire and encourage artistic expression through education, performance, and craftsmanship; and to broaden the cultural horizon of the individuals and the community. PACE is now in its seventh year of operations and has produced 6 musicals, more than a dozen non-musical theatrical productions as well as hundreds of concerts. PACE runs classes in theater performance and production. It has produced two professional CDs that are used as fundraisers including a limited edition recording of Godspell to which writer/composer Stephen Schwartz granted the rights from PACE's acclaimed 2007 production at the Academy of Music. Recently PACE was the higher bidder at auction for the purchase of a 125,000 mill building in the middle of downtown Easthampton. The facility has the opportunity to serve as a functional endowment through rental income while providing arts facilities currently not available in the Valley. For information: www.pacetheater.com

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Top of The Charts

My Connecticut Ballet colleague of years gone by and longtime friend, Carol Kroesche, sent me an email with a game. One's supposed to look up the #1 song on their date of birth and forward it along to their friends.

The website for this important information is: http://joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

I learned that The Theme from "The Third Man" (Anton Karas) was hot on the date of my birth. So, I thought it easier to change my birthdate to a better song. I rolled back the clock to The Young Rascals' "Groovin" and knocked 17 years off my life in seconds. Now, I look like I've aged poorly, but hey, I know my new birth date song by heart.

Advance Press for Says You ! in Camden, ME

Advance Press for Says You ! Performances in Camden, Maine

Village Soup's (Belfast, ME) Arts & Entertainment News: National Public Radio's Says You Featured in Time Magazine: http://waldo.villagesoup.com/aande/story.cfm?storyID=151169

Village Soup's (Belfast, ME) Says You Announcement: http://waldo.villagesoup.com/AandE/story.cfm?storyID=150607

For tickets to the performances: www.saysyou.net

Event: P.A.C.E. Presents "Falsettos"

Event: P.A.C.E. Presents "Falsettos"
May 1-3 and 8-10, Northampton, MA

P.A.C.E./Pioneer Arts Center of Easthampton will present the double-bill musical "Falsettos" on May 1-3 and May 8-10 at The Academy of Music in Northampton. "Falsettos" features music and lyrics by William Finn, and book by William Finn and James Lapine.

"Falsettos" is two one-act musicals from "The Marvin Trilogy" by William Finn with James Lapine. The first one-act, "March of The Falsettos", opened Off-Broadway in the 1980-81 season. The second, "Falsettoland" (where Lapine collaborated), opened Off-Broadway a decade later. They were combined into one evening at Hartford Stage; that revision moved to Broadway in 1992, where the musical won two Tony Awards. It ran on Broadway for over 480 performances and toured nationally.

The P.A.C.E. production of "Falsettos" is directed by David Fried Oppenheim. Musical Director is Marnen Laibow-Koser and musical staging is by Joseph Rich. Vocal coaching is by Dan Inglis.

P.A.C.E.'s production of "Falsettos" follows on the heels of their critically acclaimed and hip-hop restaging of "West Side Story" in 2008.

P.A.C.E. hopes to follow each performance with a "Talk-Back", where audience members can chat with the cast and the production team about the musical. It's my hope to incorporate an HIV/AIDS awareness component into the talk-backs, and we're approaching some HIV educators to provide that service. Talk-Backs will be free.

Ticket Prices: "Falsettos":

General Admission by Section
Patron Seating $40.00 (first two rows of loge)
Orchestra: $30.00
Balcony and Loge: $20.00
Students, Seniors, and PACE members: $2.00 OFF above prices
Groups of 10+ are $5.00 OFF above prices with advance reservation
Phone Orders: 800-595-4TIX
Ticket information and to order online: www.pacetheater.com
Tickets also available at Pride & Joy, Crafts Avenue, Northampton.

Event: "Step Back": Mike Thornton with the Jay Cooley Quartet

"Step Back": Mike Thornton with the Jay Cooley Quartet
April 17, Yorktown Bistro, Arlington, VA

Washington-based jazz vocalist Mike Thornton and The Jay Cooley Quartet will perform selections from their CD "Step Back" at a jazz/dinner concert on Friday, April 17, at the area's new jazz venue, The Yorktown Bistro, 5171 Lee Highway, in Arlington, VA. The first dinner seating is at 7:00PM. The performance begins at 8:30PM. Thornton, best known for his performances with the nationally-acclaimed comedy/satire group "The Capitol Steps", will be joined by Jay Cooley on keyboards, Bruce Swaim on saxophone and flute, John Pineda on bass, and Dominic Smith on drums. The group will perform selections from "Step Back", Thornton's recording with The Jay Cooley Quartet.

For additional information on Mike Thornton: www.mikethorntonjazz.com

The Yorktown Bistro has developed a special menu for this jazz concert dinner. A portion of the proceeds benefit "Relay For The Cure" (The TJ High-Rollers Team). A three-course dinner, soft drinks, and concert admission is $36.00 per person. Advance reservations are recommended and tickets are available at The Yorktown Bistro, by telephone at 703-532-6060 and online at www.yorktownbistro.com.

New Client: Pioneer Arts Center of Easthampton / P.A.C.E.

New Client: P.A.C.E.

Pioneer Arts Center of Easthampton, best known locally as P.A.C.E., provides a variety of arts programs for local performing and visual artists. In addition to performance opportunity, P.A.C.E. offers classes or teens. The non-profit organization is also developing space at the Green Mill Project at 15 Cottage Street in Easthampton (which will become P.A.C.E.'s new home).

P.A.C.E. will present the Tony Award-winning "Falsettos", the William Finn / James Lapine musical double-bill at The Academy of Music in Northampton on May 1-3 and May 8-10. Performances coincide with Northampton PRIDE. You'll find performance and ticket information soon at www.pacetheater.com or 800-595-4TIX

New Client: Says You!

Pipit & Finch, producers of public radio's "Says You!", have asked us to partner with them on some marketing and tour promotion activities. The program is a witty word game heard coast-to-coast on public radio stations, and the cast often tapes performances for broadcast in front of live audiences.

I produced a live taping of "Says You!" as part of WFCR's Special Events Series in 2006. It was a pleasure to work with host Richard Sher and company; I became a fan of the weekly show immediately. It will now be a great opportunity for several of my colleagues and me to partner with the "Says You!" team to bring live shows coast to coast.

The Says You! troupe kicked off 2009 with a New Year's Eve performance in Seattle; they recently returned from Valentine's Day performances in Los Angeles. Upcoming performances on the schedule include: Camden, Maine in March and San Francisco in May.

Details on those performances, including ticket information, are available at the show's website:
www.saysyou.net.

Says You! has a Facebook page. Anyone can join, if they're a member of Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42156535838&ref=ts

It will be a great opportunity for my colleagues and me to partner with the "Says You!" team to bring live radio coast to coast. If you're interested in bringing "Says You!" to your town, let me know.

People We're Glad We Know: Photographer Michael Zide

Michael Zide, the Amherst MA-based photographer, has been shooting photos for WFCR's Special Events for over a decade. Finally, he gets some long-overdue kudos in a profile by Kathleen Mellen from Northampton's Daily Hampshire Gazette.

For a link to the Gazettenet article: http://www.gazettenet.com/2009/02/26/lightheaded?CSAuthResp=%3Asession%3ACSUserId%7CCSGroupId%3Asuccess%3ANJ8G4GsaDzbVfhO0olbzCQ%3D%3D&CSUserId=39278&CSGroupId=7

Recent Press Placements:

Some of our recent press placements for clients.

4/20/06: Springfield (MA) Republican and MASSLive: Interview with Paul Winter Consort's cellist Eugene Friesen for Academy at Charlemont benefit: http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/republican/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/114543243964420.xml&coll=1


5/18/06: USAToday: Cross-Culture Journeys: Europe by the Book: The DaVinci Code Tour. http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2006-05-18-da-vinci-tours_x.htm


5/20/06: New York Times: Cross-Culture Journeys: Europe by the Book: The DaVinci Code Tour. The article reprinted in several other newspapers which used NYT syndicated columns. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/20/business/media/20code.html?th&emc=th


4/26/07: Springfield (MA) Republican and MASSLive. Interview with Jazz Mandolin Project for Academy at Charlemont benefit. http://www.masslive.com/living/republican/index.ssf?/base/living-1/11774880955150.xml&coll=1


10/18/07: Valley Advocate (Cover Story): A Bigger Band. Feature on David Sanford, The Pittsburgh Collective, and Matt Haimovitz for a WFCR Special Event: http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=3663


2/18/08: Reminder Publications: Cross-Culture's 2008-09 Ecotours.
http://www.resultspublishinggroup.com/primeonline/travel/ecitourisneuropehi/


5/15/08: Valley Advocate (Cover Story): A Wolf At The TurnTable / Profile of author Augusten Burroughs who did a reading/booksigning benefit for WFCR: http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=7662


6/17/08: MassLive: UMASS/Amherst Blog: Augusten Burroughs Benefit Reading/Booksigning for WFCR: http://blog.masslive.com/umassamherst/2008/06/reading_by_author_augusten_bur.html


August 08: Reminder Publications PRIME Magazine: Cross-Culture Journey's customised Italy Art Tour for the Mount Holyoke College Museum of Art.
http://www.resultspublishinggroup.com/primeonline/travel/localexperttoguide/


10/29/08: EDGE Boston. "Capitol Steps to perform at Harvard". Feature also ran in EDGE Provincetown and EDGE Providence/Rhode Island. (for Mike Thornton Agency). http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=entertainment&sc=music&sc2=news&sc3=performance&id=82610


11/29/08: Boston Globe. "Capitol Idea" Feature on the Capitol Steps (for Mike Thornton Agency). http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/comedy/articles/2008/11/29/capitol_idea/


12/04/08: Springfield (MA) Republican and MASSLive. "Capitol Steps" to offer comic relief (Feature for WFCR) http://www.masslive.com/republican/stories/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1228292490311590.xml&coll=1


1/30/09: The Washington Post: Cross-Culture Journeys' Belgium Tours. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013001746.html

Ronni Gordon Update: The Fight Continues

Back on January 12, I posted a short entry about my colleague, journalist Ronni Gordon. Although sidelined from covering features and theatre for the Springfield (MA) Republican, she turned her
focus to chronicling her journey (as runner and tennis player) with leukemia.

She'd profiled her journey in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/03/magazine/03LIVES.html?_r=1&n=Top%2FNews%2FHealth%
2FDiseases%2C%20Conditions%2C%20and%20Health%20Topics%2FLeukemia

She also keeps a daily blog, which just won the major award that I asked people to vote for last month: http://runnerwrites.blogspot.com/

The blog and her Facebook entries have been silent this last week. She's had some complications from a stem-cell transplant. On the plus side, her transplant seems to be taking. On the minus side, it's a tough journey.

Hopefully, those of you who know Ronni from work in the local media, and those who know Ronni merely through her writings, can summon up some good thoughts for her as she wages an incredible battle.

Late Night Musings: 2/12/09

Late last night, I was working on newsletter copy for a client, and it was showtune time on the boom box. I was listening to the under-appreciated Marvin Hamlisch/Craig Carnelia score to the 2002 Broadway musical "The Sweet Smell of Success". The musical, a tale of a ruthless newspaper columnist (like Walter Winchell) and an ambitious PR guy, resonates for me--because the movie on which the musical is based was so film-noir. It also resonates because I'm an ambitious PR guy, (although I think the days of the powerhouse columnists are somewhat passe). It's kind of cool to hear Brian D'Arcy James sing a lyric which recaps my job description in a jazzy line: "I can do the five Ws: who, what, when, where, WOW".

Starbucks is introducing an instant coffee, called Via, according to published reports. Does that mean that high-priced, organic, hand-crafted Mountain Dew will soon be available at chic formerly FEMA trailers on every street corner ? I'm the first to admit it. I'm a coffee house snob. For the Seattle Post-Intellegencer report: http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/devouringseattle/archives/161870.asp

Anna Nicole Smith will be the subject of a new opera, scheduled for performances at The Royal Opera in the UK somtime down the road (possibly 2011). What's next on the opera stage ? Here's the USAToday announcement: http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/02/britains-royal.html

Gone High-Tech

***As of February 1, our entire press list has been computerized, and all of our media advisories and press releases with accompanying photos are now sent electronically. (Upon request, we occasionally send media kits by priority mail). In a moment of nostalgia, I recalled my first job at the American University Theatre, when sending out a press release involved typing on a form which then ran through a mimeograph machine (with its medicinal ink smell). Then, the folding, the envelope stuffing, addressing, stamping, and sorting by zipcode...everything had to be banded in batches and taken to a special post office. Now, it's type, proof, point, click, send. Wow !

***A few years ago, I discontinued cable, because I wasn't watching enough TV for the price I was paying, or I was watching too much TV for the price it was costing me in terms of wasted time. A dish doesn't work well in my neighborhood, so I restrict my TV viewing to rabbit ears atop the set. If there's something important on cable, I record it at my dad's house.

So, in preparation for America's switch from analog to digital, I picked up a converter box. I was surprised to find some of the additional channels available, particularly on PBS. I've really enjoyed the Create network on PBS--food, cooking, wine, and travel shows 24/07.

***The office fax is now officially "inactive", going the way of the rotary phone, the VHS player, and the tape deck. We seldom send nor receive faxes anymore. In the heyday of faxes here (during the Butch years), friends and colleagues would send faxes to keep Butch jumping up on the fax machine. But, since Butch moved on to that communications center in the sky and we've moved on to PDFs, that dedicated phone line will get scratched from the budget. I plan to keep the fax here, just in case someone needs to communicate "the old-fashioned way".

A Few of My Favorite Things (Websites) -- Part Deux

A Few of My Favorite Things, Part Deux

Some of the places I've been surfing of late...

Amtrak Stations Database: There are over 530 Amtrak stations past and present in the USA and this website has photos of all of them. Interiors as well as platform shots. Some are architectural treasures; some are trailers and shacks. http://www.trainweb.org/usarail/stationlist3.htm

The Man in Seat Sixty One. A blog and information site for rail travellers and rail buffs. Mark Smith, its creator, has travelled globally by rail, from The Eurostar to Amtrak to train routes in Syria, Albania, and Zimbabwe. http://www.seat61.com/index.html

Old and Abandoned Air Terminals. I'm not sure if ever there was a heyday of air travel with terminals to rival Grand Central or Washington's Union Station. But, some of the airports in days of yore were kind of interesting. This site profiles some terminals built prior to the 1970s (many of which were torn down after their more modern replacements were built). To me, Houston's Hobby Airport is the aviation equivalent of Grand Central. http://oldterminals.topcities.com/index.html

MIR Corp. I develop travel programs for clients which utilize travel programs as a way to steward and cultivate donors. I was first attracted to MIR by a tour they were eveloping for Johns Hopkins' alumni program--a Trans-Siberian rail adventure. I emailed for a catalogue. Their tours, although pricey, are off-beat but elegant excursions that offer glimpses of parts of the world, from Siberia to Iran, that are definitely off the beaten track for most tourists. http://www.mircorp.com/rail_journeys.asp

The Laurel. A new blog about media happenings in Connecticut, started by Duby McDowell, long time political reporter in the Nutmeg State. It's a who's who and what's happening inside the newsrooms of CT newspapers, radio stations, TV studios and more. http://thelaurel.wordpress.com/

Part One was published on 1/18/09

People We're Glad We Know: Gerry LeBlanc

I reconnected with an old friend and colleague, Gerry LeBlanc, who is an internetologist. Years back, Gerry, as webmaster and designer for the Daily Hampshire Gazette newspaper in Northampton, MA and I (wearing my WFCR hat), collaborated on what was then considered a pioneering effort: web banner advertising.

Now, the web is an essential part of any marketing effort, and Gerry has opened his own shop to help clients utilize web-based technologies to build cost-effective and targeted marketing strategies.

We hope to partner with him on some of our client work.

www.gerryleblanc.com

Save The Date

"Everything I Learned About Management, I Learned from Rock and Roll"
Wednesday, April 15 at 7PM. Breck Suite, Wright Hall
Bay Path College, Longmeadow, MA

A panel featuring: James M. Wilson III, assistant professor of business at Bay Path College and Gregory Jones of Cannes Associates concert production management. Wilson and Jones discuss how event management (specifically about rock & roll concert management) contributes to organizational theory.

Greg Jones and I have worked together for over ten years producing special events and consulting for various clients including 88.5FM/WFCR and The Academy at Charlemont. We've worked with a variety of artists, NPR authors, and NPR programs. Among the roster: "A Prairie Home Companion", "This American Life" and "Says You!"; authors Scott Simon, Terry Gross, Andrew Weil, Augusten Burroughs, and musicians the Paul Winter Consort, Jazz Mandolin Project, The Pittsburgh Collective with Matt Haimovitz.

Greg offers some cool insights, and this is an unusual opportunity to hear him speak.

Cross-Culture Journeys Featured in Washington Post

A 1/30/09 article in the Washington Post's Travel section featured Cross-Culture Journey's barge tours to Belgium.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013001746.html

WFCR Travel Programs: 2009

***Venice, Verona and Vicenza
with WFCR General Manager Martin Miller
June 25-July 3
produced for WFCR by Cross-Culture Journeys

***Santa Fe Opera Tour
with WFCR Classical Music Host John Montanari
August 10-14
produced for WFCR by Tours of Distinction

both itineraries online at: http://wfcr.org/WFCREVENTS/index.php

Facebook: Better Late Than Never

I signed up on Facebook months ago, and the account lay dormant, until a friend posted photos of a friend's wedding, and I had to log in to capture the images. Well, after a recent snow day, I surfed Facebook, reactivated my account, and found that my list of friends grew rapidly overnight. It's such a distraction. But, I see its marketing potential. It certainly will make my life as Northfield Mount Hermon '68 Class Secretary easier.

And my Facebook comment for Inauguration day: "The end of an error". Seriously, I was so impressed by the majesty of the Inauguration, the panoramic photos of the millions of well-wishers, and the stature of Obama. I feel an amazing amout of optimism and patriotism, something missing in my life in the last eight years.

Two Clients Partner: Cross-Culture Journeys Develops Venice Biennale Tour for WFCR

WFCR/WNNZ presents
VENICE, VERONA, VICENZA
THE HISTORY AND ROMANCE OF THE VENETO
With WFCR General Manager Martin Miller
June 25 – July 3, 2009
9 days, 7 nights

WFCR General Manager Martin Miller and a small group of WFCR travellers head to Italy for an in-depth visit to the Italian region called the Veneto, between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. Travel partner, Cross-Culture Journeys, has designed an itinerary that captures the essence of Italy's arts, history and cuisine. Welcome to the Veneto, or Venetia, and four of its cities, each a treasure trove of art and fine living. Venice, with its signature palaces, canals and squares is a focal point of contemporary arts this year during the Biennale exhibitions. Verona, home to Romeo and Juliet, has the world's largest opera stage in its 2,000-year-old-arena, where you’ll attend the sumptuous Zefferelli production of "Carmen".  Vicenza is graced with master architect Palladio's villas that still set the standard for elegance and harmony. Padua houses some of Giotto’s loveliest frescoes.

The itinerary and pricing information will soon be online at: http://wfcr.org/WFCREVENTS/venice.php

For a complete, in-depth itinerary, registration forms, and terms and conditions, contact Christopher Daly at WFCR, 413-545-3372 or csdaly@wfcr.org.

A Few of My Favorite Things. (Websites)

No, not raindrops on roses nor whiskers on kittens...

I can't get through the day without surfing through several places on the web. These are some current bookmarked favorites.

Airliner Routes Updates: I don't know who manages this blog, but that person should get free air tickets for life. It's an up-to-the-minute report on which airline has inaugurated new routes, new aircraft, etc. A good resource for frequent flyers and people who market travel. http://airlineroute.blogspot.com/

All That Chat: A message board for Broadway drama queens and amateur critics, fans of theatre, and theatre community. Some of the posts are passionate; some are snarky, but it's a good barometer of what real theatre fans are thinking. This year: lots of Patti-chat, Liza-swoons, and mentions of others beloved (often first name only). http://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/

Law & Order SVU: Show by Show: Whoever keeps this site up gets a personal Emmy Award from me. It lists all of the episodes, a one sentence plot summary, and the casts. And, I never knew that specific episodes had titles...http://www.geocities.com/lawandordervictims/

Skytrax: Frequent flyers from around the world rate their most recent airline, airport, airport lounge, experiences. We all know customer service globally is at an all-time low, but it's fascinating to see some reactions. http://www.airlinequality.com/

Today in the Sky: Everything one could want to know about US commercial aviation scene, compiled by USAToday's reporter Ben Mutzabaugh. On Wednesdays at 1PM ET, Ben hosts a chat for frequent flyers. He posts the transcripts for those who can't get there in time. http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/

Towleroad: One of the BEST sites for news of interest to the gay community and a 2008 Weblog Award. Andy Towle has guest columnists covering music and theatre, and he and his colleagues got it right with indepth coverage of the Democratic convention and the Campaign. And, he uses some incredible photos to create a homepage banner. http://www.towleroad.com/

Grand Opening: WFCR in Springfield

It was a long time in coming, but worth the wait. WFCR held a ribbon cutting for its Springfield Broadcast Center, to be named in honor of local philanthropists Peggy and David Starr, on January 14. the new digs are in the broadcast studios of public TV station WGBY on Hampden Street in downtown.

I first worked on the Capitol Campaign back in 2000. The dream of WFCR at that point was a new tower (done), digital broadcasting (done), and a new station (now almost done in a different format than originally dreamed of).

It was nice to see some old friends and faces among the celebrants, and nice to see the Starrs step to the plate in helping to fund the new center.