Friday, May 25, 2012

Bonsai competition coming to Portland!!


The delicate art of Bonsai is something that is unfamiliar to a majority of the United States. To gain more interest and appreciation for the art, Portland, known for being a city of natural beauty, will embrace Bonsai through an exciting event taking place in October of 2013. Two of the world's leading experts; Michael Hagedom and Ryan Neil are proud to be the creators of the First Annual Artisan Cup of Portland Bonsai Exhibition.

This is the only one Bonsai competition in the US and it will be held at the prestigious Portland Art Museum.  Submissions are open to all and will consist of photographs with detailed descriptions of the trees chosen. Once selected, 5 qualified Bonsai professionals will be evaluating based on a number of criteria.  Then the top 3 trees with the most votes will be awarded cash prizes ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 dollars.

The Artisan's Cup will definitely be a huge tourist attraction, as well as another great reason for residents of Portland to love the city they are living in.

The Artisan Cup of Portland Bonsai Exhibition will take place October 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2013 at The Mark Building inside The Portland Art Museum, 1219 Southwest Park Ave. Portland, OR 97025. Donations for this nonprofit event are currently being accepted.  Please contact us for more information and support this incredibly universal, beautiful and green art form!

For more information on the event, visit www.artisanscupofportland.com




Thursday, May 17, 2012

LA Music Awards nominates Grit artist Justine Dorsey!!!


May has been quite a busy month for the Grit team, but we’re working hard and lovin’ every second of it!

So did you hear the incredible news? Grit artist Justine Dorsey has been nominated by the LA Music Awards in two very competitive categories; Female Singer/Songwriter of the year and Hot AC Single! This is Justine’s second time being nominated; the first time she was the youngest person ever to be nominated in the Singer/Songwriter category. The prestigious event takes place at the famous Whisky-a-go-go on Thursday, June 14th, 2012, so mark your calendars. We’re rooting for you Justine!



 Below you can read a little Q&A with the glorious Justine Dorsey:

1. How does it feel to be nominated a 2nd time for the LA Music Awards?

To be honest, I’m rather surprised! My dad had submitted me on a whim, and I just found out about the nomination. I’m flattered- there are so many people that submit- and also proud. It feels good to be recognized for my work on this level.

2. What does it mean to you to be nominated in two categories and what do you think of those categories?

I’m nominated in both Best Female Singer/Songwriter and Hot Adult Contemporary Single. I’m just honored to be nominated in both categories! Female Singer/Songwriter is, in my eyes, one of the harder categories, so it feels good to know that someone thinks I stand out from the crowd! As for Adult Contemporary Single… It’s kind of funny to me because I’m technically not an adult- but hopefully that shows people that my music is really relatable not just to teens but to adults too.

3. LA is probably the most competitive music scene next to NYC.  What do you think the market/industry sees in you that makes you stand out?

I don’t know if that’s something I can really answer… I guess it’s the fact that my music comes from an honest place. I’m not going to write about things that don’t affect me, or moments I haven’t experienced. And when your music truly affects you, listeners can feel that.

4. Do you know the criteria for judging?   Can you share anything with us?

I don’t know much about the criteria, but I do know that there are over 600 applicants!

5. Any quotes from Randy or Steve on your nominations?

“It’s rare that an artist can share their musical take on the world, in a completely believable, unaffected and infectious way.  Justine does that. Her songs are clearly reflective of an American teenager’s angst, humor and innocence, but somehow ….she does it with the wisdom and polish that accomplished songwriters, many times her age, are still searching for.   It’s great when the award shows get it right.”  -Randy Sharp

6. Do you have that competitive desire to win or are you happy with simply being nominated?

Well of course winning would be great, but mostly I’m just happy to be nominated! There are a lot of applicants in these particular categories, so when I say it’s an honor just to be nominated, I really mean it.

7. Your EP is due out in a couple of weeks.  The timing couldn’t be better.     Was this sheer coincidence?

It is good timing, huh? Really just sheer coincidence. We picked the release date for the EP without even thinking about the LA Music Awards. My dad remembered that they were picking the artists to be nominated around now, and like I said, just submitted me on a whim! So it was really perfect timing, but not planned at all.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

GRIT gratitude!


GRIT PR & Promotion has always prided itself on the motto of ‘strength in diversity’ and 2012 is turning out to be quite an amazing adventure for all of us!
We are stepping up our game to provide services to not only some of the hottest rising stars in the music biz, like singing sensation Justine Dorsey, powerhouse LexRox, and management of Emmy Nominated Hip Hop artist T.O.N.E-z and more! Grit is also creating avenues to promote a variety of exciting events, such as the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Independent Music Conference 2012!    







For all you boxing fans, we’ll be launching Grit Boxing Promotions by 2013!
At Grit, we’re dedicated, enthusiastic and professional. Relying on automated services is not our style. Instead we’re all about “human” automation, which gives our clients the best opportunity for a dynamic campaign with successful results.
There’s never a better time to express gratitude and so thanks to everyone for making Grit what it is today!
Stay tuned to see what we’re up to next!!!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Indie Mad MP3 Radio presents: The Biz!

Just when you thought that you knew everything about Grit's very own founder and president, Laurena  Marrone, you better think again!!

On Friday, May 4th, at 4 pm EST, Laurena is pumped up to be hosting her first of many shows on Indie Mad MP3 Radio called "The Biz."

Every other week, tune in for valuable tips about how to market, publicize, promote and be successful in the music industry!

Not only that but you'll get to hear some of the hottest Indie artists that are climbing the charts.


So what are you waiting for? You gotta tune in and get in on the Biz!!

Follow the link here: http://indiemadmp3.ning.com/

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Get ready for battle --with Tommy the Clown!

One more day to go…. LA is buzzing with excitement as Tommy the Clown’s battle night happens tomorrow night!
WE WANT TO SEE EVERYONE THERE TO SUPPORT THIS EVENT!!

Date: Friday, April 27, 2012

Location: JUST2GRAND Warehouse, 135 W. 155th St. Gardena, CA

Times: 6 pm start till ???

All ages welcome

ONLY $10.00 at the door!

Friday, April 20, 2012

New GRIT website...coming very soon!

The time has finally come and we’re getting ready to launch the new Grit website!



We’ll have an ongoing blog with tips about PR, Marketing, Grant Writing, Promotion and more, so keep checking back for updates!!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Battle it out Tommy the Clown style!

9 days to go until Battle Night in LA!

Tommy and his crew are ready for a night you'll never forget!!

I know we're totally excited, how about you? =)

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Tommy the Clown's Battle Night in LA returns!

Got plans for Friday April 27th, 2012? Now you do!

Get ready for some fierce auditions, followed by an exciting night of face-off battles, involving all styles from clowning, krumping, flexing, break dancing, popping and more!


Plus, you heard it here… a special guest will be making an appearance, so you definitely don’t want to miss out!

JUST2GRAND Warehouse, 135 W. 155th St. Gardena, CA

6 pm start till ???

All ages welcome

$10.00 at the door.

SEE YOU THERE!

GRIT is back!

Did you miss us?

We had a short hiatus & now we're back and ready to go!

Sign up for our mailing list & get 5 free mp3s from Grit artists!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

GRIT PR & Promotion Celebrates Three Years of Client Advocacy!

GRIT PR & Promotion Celebrates Three Years of Client Advocacy
and One of the Most Diverse Rosters in the Business!



Formed in 2008, Laurena Marrone is the President of Grit PR & Promotion, a well-known and respected company that provides publicity, radio promotion and marketing to a diverse set of clients. As a Brooklyn, NY native, she has been highly involved in the music, arts entertainment and sports industries since 1985.

GRIT PR & Promotion is a collective team of professionals who work remotely from various locations together via video conferences, telephone and the Internet. This business model enables them to offer a wide variety of services at extremely competitive prices, everything from publicity (traditional and Internet), marketing, radio promotion to product launches, social media, and more. GRIT is active in both traditional approaches as well as the vast online culture, and understands how they both relate and enhance campaigns for musicians, athletes, performing artists and creative business visionaries.

More than anything, they consider themselves “client advocates” who make the client part of the team while leaving egos and preconceived notions about the PR and Promotion business far behind. Strength lies in their diversity, enabling them to seamlessly and successfully work with a diverse set of clients in many genres, fields, and businesses. As a highly dedicated group who can easily adapt to dozens of different dynamics or unpredictable situations, the GRIT team is are always ready to go for whatever exciting opportunity lies ahead!

One of the most unique things about working with Laurena is that she has firsthand knowledge and experience as a working artist as well as an entrepreneur. Laurena’s passion to exceed client expectations and to persevere during uncertain times in the global economy have definitely been traits that others admire and appreciate. When asked about the diversity of the company, Laurena’s reply never waivers: “Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness.” For example, her work with the Father of Krump, Tommy the Clown, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. And while he may not be in the spotlight right now, this dance pioneer is set to bring his infamous Battle Zones back to Los Angeles this fall. Stay tuned!

GRIT CELEBRATES WITH THE RELEASE OF THE NEW SINGLE BY EMMY NOMINEE T.O.N.E-z
As the only Rapper ever Emmy-nominated For A Hit TV Drama Series, you’d think T.O.N.E-z would take some time to relish in the glory of it all. Well, not possible for one of the hardest working artists in Hip Hop. Since the Emmy nom for the theme song for the hit FX series, Justified, which has been penned for its third season, T.O.N.E-z has recorded three CD’s and is ready to release a single destined for greatness. The newest track, “EZ Come EZ GO” features T.O.N.E-z’s trademark flow and lyrically mastery but also rocks the listener with the sounds of the incomparable voice and guitar of Queen’s Freddie Mercury and Brian May, respectively. Music lovers across the board will savor in the sounds of one of the greatest Rock bands of all times paired with one of today’s best Rappers, while younger fans will be blown away by the combinations of the two. “EZ Come, EZ GO” is set to hit the streets by August so keep your ears to the ground and your eyes right here for more details…

Friday, July 15, 2011

David Hodges "3D" Featured on Front Page of Hot Stepz Site!

Check it out here!!

http://www.hotstepzmagazine.com/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=605:david-hodges-&catid=83:musc-artist-rab&Itemid=63

Friday, June 17, 2011

David Hodges (3D) Releases Debut Single ?Angel? Distributed by Island/Def Jam Digital worldwide

“Angel” from the forthcoming album “S.O.O.N” (Something Out Of Nothing) is released;
A move that has thrilled an army of fans across the world

New York, NY-- David Hodges (3D) is preparing to release his debut single on June 14, 2011, marking a huge stage in the career of the multi-talented singer-songwriter & Producer. David, who lives in between Washington, DC & New York City, NY, has just put the final touches on the single, and is now preparing for the much anticipated release that will build his fan base and get his music heard by more people than ever worldwide.

The single, titled “Angel”, is the first track from his forthcoming release titled “S.O.O.N” (Something Out Of Nothing), which consists of eleven original songs. Angel was chosen as the single by management because it is based on a true story and it also reflects the season of summer when love seems to bloom. The song tells a story of falling in love, laced with David’s melodic vocals and heartfelt lyrics and a rhythmic beat punched throughout with a strong pop, hip-hop sound.

The theme of his upcoming album, which is about enjoying live and to never cry about what you don’t have but make the most of what you do have, underlies the changes that David has gone through over recent years, the biggest of which being the ‘switch’ from DC to NY and working with and around Grammy award nominees and winners. It was this that allowed him to thrive off the new opportunities presented to him, to explore fresh sounds and develop his musical style.

He began to gain recognition in venues throughout US, always wanting to bring something unique to a traditional sound. For this reason, his emphasis on rhythmic vocals has been enhanced by renowned opera coach Maria Fattore, and he can now to combine his new vocal ability with the myriad instruments he plays such as the piano, guitar & drums.

Recently, he was invited to do a live television performance on BronxNet -OPEN with Host Rhina Valentin which aired March 18, 2011 and again on May 9, 2011 with Host Dr. Bob Lee of WBLS, an unforgettable experience that just goes to show how far he has already come to make a name for himself. As well as that, he has also appeared on radio interviews on WPFW 89.3 FM (Washington, DC), TOUCH 106.1 FM (Boston, MA) WERS 88.9 FM (Boston, MA) and WCUW 91.3 FM (Worcester, MA). Catch his upcoming Interview with Black Hat Ron from “On The Record” which Air’s the end of June 2011 and many more stations in the works. It is clear that his appeal is growing fast.

David has said of his work: “I was brought up in a very supportive family. My Mom and Dad have a minister, and through this ministry I’m able to grow. My parents would always expose me to a wealth of music as a child and although I learned a lot of the instruments by the self-thought method as I was growing up, it wasn’t until I was about age 9 that I actually attempted to play the piano which then led to the drums then guitar, and that was a real changing point for me.
Since then, my style has developed and I’ve incorporated other sounds and genres which have all made their way into “Angel”. The single is influenced by a personal experience and the changes that I’ve experienced recently in my life.”

With a CD collection that takes up an entire room, David refuses to restrict his influences to one genre. Instead, he has been influenced by numerous artists and genres of music from across the globe, including Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Usher, Ray Charles, Chris Brown and Stevie Wonder amongst many others.

David does not shy away from including his desire to succeed by references in his music, reflecting one of his other long-term interests: inspirational writing.

Visit David’s Website to learn more: www.iwant3dnow.com

For further information contact Laurena Marrone at info@grtitpr.com or MOOMediaGroup at pr@thelevpprgroup.com
Management and booking contacts: info@camnyc.com, or phone (212) 729-5051or 212-537-6225 Ext:211.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Just Breathe to Air on Top Internet Country Station This Saturday!

Shellie will be spinning Just Breathe by Richard Burr on Saturday during her 3PM (est) show on CATZ Radio http://ping.fm/yx0ac

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Andrew Jackson Named Indie Artist of the Week

Andrew Jackson named Indie artist of the week by Angel Records
05/03/2011
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Angel Records Canada has named Andrew Jackson as Indie artist of the week. There's also a very favorable review of Another Day Of Misery: http://ping.fm/k02sH Check it out!
In Honor of Zombie Awareness Month Be sure to check out; Andrew Jackson's "Enough Blood To Keep 'Em Coming" video on YouTube
http://ping.fm/ohcYM