Friday, October 30, 2009

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/

Thursday, October 29, 2009

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-

Friday, October 23, 2009

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-

Monday, October 19, 2009

"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.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

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.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

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-

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

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

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

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

Thursday, October 1, 2009

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.