34 The Queens Courier • april 4, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Photos Courtesy of Michelle Kawka Music series showcases talent BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO aaltamirano@queenscourier.com A new monthly series at the Gibson Guitar Studios is giving indie artists the chance to shine, thanks to the hard work of Connecticut graphic designer and musician Jon Landers. Landers, who owns the Creative Group marketing agency, started the Big Apple Indie Music Series in January. It has turned into a showcase for independent music artists to perform for music and entertainment industry executives. “I know what it is like to have to get your music out there,” said Landers, who has music available on iTunes from his album “A Man and His Music.” “It’s all about helping the independent artists, getting them out there.” The music series takes place at a venue that remains unknown to the public and is only disclosed to invited guests because of its current status as the rehearsal location for well-known music artists before they hit the big stage. Artists are given the time to perform three to four of their best songs. The first event in January featured two artists with more than 40 members of the industry in attendance. In February one more artist was added as the audience grew close to 65 people with representatives from Sony Music and Universal. By March, four artists took the stage, a segment of the show was taped for a Long Island station and close to 100 people attended. Once the series begins to have a good following and success, Landers hopes to take the event on the road to replicate it in major cities where Gibson has accommodating venues. “Everything has been very positive,” said Landers. “It’s all coming together very fast.” Landers says he is very critical in the quality of music that comes into the series, not allowing any acts performing pieces with explicit language. The series is being co-produced by Brian Jaccoma of TalentArmy.com who met Landers after the February event. The next event will take place on Thursday, April 11 featuring five artists, including the 12-piece band of Ric Mysterie, Broadway’s Amy Rivard, pop singer Cassandra, singer and actress Dianne Wesley and a submission from Sunset Island Music. Incredible Support That Will Never Be Forgotten Sinai Memorials respects all Jewish traditions and customs, has a compassionate staff that is second to none, and has three generations of experience serving New York’s Jewish families. Funeral Directors & Planners Dignified and comfortable chapel, located in Fresh Meadows, Queens Funeral services at locations throughout the New York Metro area Costs are reasonable and all family budgets are accommodated DVD and real-time webcast of chapel services, at no additional cost Our staff Rabbi is available to answer your questions Experts to guide monument selection or FDIC insured pre-planning Sinai Chapels Funeral Directors & Planners 162-05 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 718.445.0300 or 800.446.0406 We are here 24 hours, to serve your family. We offer FDIC insured pre-planning. www.JewishFunerals.com
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