2005

The Central Square Business Association in Cambridge, MA is hosting ArtsCentral, the FIRST EVER arts festival in Central Square on Sunday September 18th from 12PM to 6 PM (with many events occurring the evening of Saturday the 17th). The goal is to shine a spotlight on the many accomplished artists living and working in Cambridge’s Central Square. It will be an art-infused weekend with over 100 local artists and performers made possible by the support of area businesses, community organizations and property owners.

Mediate, a Digital Video and Multi-Channel Sound Installation by Brian Knoth and Theta State Collective #1 is a spiritually and sociopolitically charged thirty-minute looping multimedia installation intended for alternative art spaces will be displayed. Mixed-media sculptor Sharon LaFrenaye, performer/vocalist Kerry Schneider and video artist Ed Guild were Knoth’s collaborative partners.

Knoth is an artist specializing in the use of multi-channel sound and moving image in abstract works exploring the transformation of consciousness and perception. Brian considers nature

A long-delayed cell phone from Apple Computer and Motorola that can play iTunes music downloads is finally set to debut through Cingular Wireless, a research analyst said.

The new phone will be equipped with software that would allow it to play songs purchased at Apple’s iTunes Web site, according to Roger Entner, an analyst for research firm Ovum who said he learned of the plans from an industry executive.

Representatives from Apple, Cingular and Motorola declined to comment, but the three companies are expected to roll out the device at a Sept. 7 event in San Francisco.

It was unclear whether the new phone will allow users to download music directly over a cellular Internet connection or if they would have to download songs to a computer and then transfer them to the handset.

Just about every major cell phone maker has been working to launch a music phone that could compete with the iPod, Apple’s popular digital music player.

Motorola originally planned to unveil the iTunes phone at a trade show in February but the debut was scrubbed at the last minute with no explanation. Some observers speculated that the event was blocked by Apple’s famously secretive management. Others postulated that one or more wireless operators objected to the possibility that such a device would undercut their efforts to sell music to cell users.

Analysts have predicted that music-playing phones could threaten iPod’s grip on the market for digital music players.

Although battery life is a major impediment, tech companies have long vied to create an all-in-one product that would encompass all the utility of cell phones, handheld computers, music players, cameras and videogame machines.

The move into cell phones is seen by industry experts as a way for Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple to hedge its bets. “It’s a win for all three companies,” Entner said. “Apple gets into the wireless space, Motorola associates itself with a wow brand and Cingular aligns itself with an iconic music-device company.”

Source billboard.com.

Dave Matthews Band is the first act to come forward with a benefit show for Hurricane Katrina victims, Billboard.com has learned. It is expected to be announced tomorrow (Sept. 1) that DMB will add a fourth date to its Sept. 9-11 sellouts at Red Rocks near Denver, with proceeds from the Sept. 12 show to benefit Katrina victims. Tickets will go on sale next week.

Source: billboard

Since the release of his debut album, Tapestry, in 1970, Don McLean has had a singular career of incredible breadth and scope. He has over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide, including the number one hit, “American Pie,” which has become a bedrock recording in the history of American popular music. This was recently affirmed when it was voted the fifth greatest song of the 20th century in a joint poll done by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment For The Arts. “American Pie” along with other McLean hits, “Vincent,” “Empty Chairs” and “And I Love You So” have been played more than three million times on American radio over the last 35 years, while his songs have been recorded by the likes of Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Madonna, George Michael, Guns & Roses, Josh Groban, Perry Como and Fred Astaire to name but a few.

In 2005, Don McLean continues to steadily tour and record. This Fall will be no exception. In September, he’ll launch a string of U.S. tour dates that will stretch through the year’s end. And on October 11th, almost to the day of his 60th birthday on October 2nd, HYENA Records will release, Rearview Mirror, the first ever Don McLean retrospective of its kind. A stunning collection of Don’s timeless body of work, the album is comprised primarily of rarities and never before released recordings from his own personal archive. The 18 tracks on Rearview Mirror feature the original hit recording of “American Pie,” a previously unreleased “live” version of “Vincent,” studio tracks from Don’s self-produced “cowboy” albums, a duet with Nanci Griffith on “And I Love You So” and Don’s brand new song, “Run Diana Run.” Rearview Mirror is produced by Don along with Grammy Award-winning producer Joel Dorn, who previously worked with McLean on his 1974 album, Homeless Brother. Rearview Mirror will also include a bonus DVD that provides never before seen home video footage of McLean rehearsing with the legendary vocal group, The Jordanaires, for their annual Christmas Concert at Carnegie Hall in 1984. Also included on the DVD is the video for “Headroom,” the only video Don has ever made.

Don McLean’s concert appearances in Fall 2005 include:

September 9 / Utah State Fair / Salt Lake City, UT
September 10 / The Bosque River Stage / Waco, TX
September 24 / Central Missouri State University / Warrensburg, MO
October 1 / Lackawanna Junior College / Scranton, PA
October 6 / Ameristar Casino / Saint Charles, MO
October 14 / St. George Theater / Staten Island, NY
October 15 / Biggs Theater / Ada, OH
October 27 / Arcada Theater / St. Charles, IL
October 28 / Weill Center / Sheboygan, WI
October 29 / Edison College Lee Campus / Ft. Myers, FL
November 12 / Freemont Street Experience / Las Vegas, NV
December 3 / Paramount Theater / Peekskill, NY
December 16 / The State Theater / Falls Church, VA
December 17 / Bergen Performing Arts Center / Englewood, NJ

In anticipation of their new album Z, My Morning Jacket has announced a series of tour dates in support of the new album. Returning with their fourth full-length, My Morning Jacket has created a dazzling centerpiece with Z.

Guster has announced a two city four night run at Higher Ground in South Burlington, VT and the Nokia Theater in New York City November 15, 16, 18 and 19. Both New York Shows are sold out and the Higher Ground shows have just gone on sale through a presale.

For more information, please visit the band’s website.