MARCH 29, 2012 - WARM 106.9 FM's Sean Michaels interviews Vicci Martinez who will be performing with Synergia Northwest Orchestra for Music Matters "LIVE!" 2012, Saturday May 12, 2012, The Paramount Theatre, Seattle Washington.
Vicci talks about recording her new record, Cee Lo Green, her music influences, playing Music Matters "LIVE!" and more!
Music Matters "LIVE" 2012 TICKETS:
Starting at $21.25 VIP Golden Circle Tickets $67.25
(Golden Circle seats are a reserved seat in the first 5 rows and will have access to a pre-show meet and greet with musicians, a poster for autographs and a photo opportunity.)
Youth tickets (17 and Under) are available at a 50% discount (excluding VIP Golden Circle). Military Discount enter SALUTE in the discount box.
Tickets are on sale now at Tickets.com, in person at the Paramount Theatre box offices (M-F 10am-6pm), 24-hour kiosks located outside The Paramount & Moore Theatres, charge by phone at 877-784-4849 or online at STGPresents.org.
Although he looks preternaturally young, Bell has been working the music scene for decades. In 1978, he and his friend Casey James formed the duo Bell and James. They went on to write and record the funky disco hit, “Livin’ It Up.”
Bell would go on to compose songs that became hits for other artists - including a couple of singles for Elton John, from The Complete Thom Bell Sessions - produced by Leroy’s uncle. The record was released in 1979. Elton John’s version of “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” eventually became a top ten hit.
Although Bell seemed to disappear from the national scene, his passion for music never subsided. He continued writing and performing steadily. Last year, the Tacoma native auditioned for the American version of The X Factor, and was selected for the Final 16.
Bell made a very respectable showing, but was eliminated after the fifth live episode. Still, the soul crooner finished eighth overall. Most importantly, his appearance on the show brought this talented singer / songwriter and musician back into the spotlight.
In another quirky connection to Elton John, a special musical addition to this year’s Synergia Northwest production include selections from Sir Elton John'srock classic, “Madman AcrossThe Water.” The original orchestral scores were donated to Synergia Northwest especially for this event, on behalf of Sir Elton John.
Other artists for this year’s show include Yes drummer and Grammy award winning artist AlanWhite, plus his band, White;Heart guitarist Howard Leese; and a first time dance and musical performance by Dora Oliveira's Samba Reggae Revolution. Other special guests will be announced in the near future.
Synergia Northwest presents Music Matters “Live” is coming Saturday, May 12th, at The Paramount Northwest. SMI is a proud supporter of this event, because not only is it a spectacular concert, but proceeds benefit music education programs in public schools.
Last year, Queensryche performed a stunning set with the Synergia Northwest Orchestra. You can hear an exclusive live track, ”Rhythm of Hope” with the Synergia Northwest Orchestra from last year’s concert by clicking here.
To learn more about Synergia Northwest and past shows, check out the following links.
Michael McMorrow, a long time Edmonds resident and Seattle musician and producer conceived the idea to blend classical, contemporary, professional and student musicians in one concert, unifying cultures, ages and musical genres. The reason behind this conception is to benefit school music programs throughout Washington State. This show is called Music Matters LIVE!
Music Matters LIVE! Is scheduled for May 12, 2012 at the Paramount Theatre. What is Music Matters LIVE!? It’s a concert, more like a 2 hour all out production featuring the Synergia Northwest Orchestra alongside of some of the Pacific Northwest’s most high profile rock and pop recording artists and selected student musicians.
McMorrow grew up in Edmonds, in the “Bowl” and played music as a child, quickly finding his passion for anything music. He attended Holy Rosary, College Place Middle, and Seattle Prep. His career has involved him in indie and major labels, radio, and is currently a member of the Recording Academy of Arts and Sciences, a voting member of the Grammys and is an advisory board member of Music Aid Northwest. His music productions have included top bands in the area such as Alice In Chains, members of Soundgarden, Queensryche, the Posies as well as Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart among many others.
Being a father who loves music, it’s only natural that McMorrow’s son was going to be curious about music and want to get involved. One of his sons struggled in school with subjects such as reading and math. He wanted to try out the violin around the 4th or 5th grade. By the 5th grade, his son was playing in the school orchestra. Quickly, McMorrow noticed that his son’s grades were improving and his social circle had expanded. He was now an honor student. McMorrow said, “The evidence is clear, music boosts the brain development. Music and melodies can make connections in the brain.”
McMorrow who has served on the board of Music Aid Northwest, took interest in their Music Matters license plate campaign. With 5th grade music on the chopping block, he decided to jump on board and do what he could to get the word out that the money raised from the Music Aid Northwest license plates sold, the music programs could be saved. Music Matters LIVE! concerts have helped Music Aid Northwest in raising the capital needed to create a music-themed license plate that helps support school music programs through its sales. You can purchase one of these license plates through the Washington State Department of Licensing.
McMorrow talked about this huge event in the works, Music Matters LIVE! and his passion for it. From his description, it’s a 2 hour performance piece and the orchestra is “unbelievable”. So far, they have announced a few of the performers who will perform along with the Synergia Northwest Orchestra. These include, performances by Vicci Martinez, from The Voice; Yes's Grammy award winning Alan White and White; Heart guitarist Howard Leese; gritty Americana-laced Star Anna and The Laughing Dogs; and a first time dance and music performance by Dora Oliveira's Samba Reggae Revolution. Martinez will debut two brand new songs from her upcoming Universal Republic release "Vicci " with The Synergia Northwest Orchestra.
Wait, there’s more! There will be performances of selections from Elton John's rock classic Madman Across The Water. The original orchestra scores have been donated to Synergia Northwest especially for this event on behalf of Sir Elton John. Other very special guests will be announced soon. McMorrow said there are some amazing big names about to be announced.
What is the Synergia Northwest Orchestra? It was formed for the debut Synergia Northwest concert and is comprised of some of the area's finest professional classical musicians and selected players from Washington State All-State groups and regional youth and public school orchestras.
How do you get tickets to this amazing event? Tickets start at $21.25 (VIP Golden tickets are $67.25 which include preferred seating in the first 5 rows, pre-show meet and greet with the artists, and an autographed poster and photo opportunity). There are plenty of ways to order tickets, the Paramount Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 8pm, 24 hour Kiosks are located at the Paramount and Moore Theatres. You can call the box office at 877-784-4849 or order online through STG. Youth tickets (17 and under) are available at a 50% discount. Military discount is available by entering SALUTE in the discount box. (Discounts exclude VIP Golden Circle tickets.)
Stay tuned, we’ll be announcing the next artists soon who are joining the line-up of Music Matters LIVE! (Last year, Blues Traveler was on board so you know it’s going to be someone good!)
Being the Edmonds kind of guy, McMorrow is, he's also utilizing the Edmonds Center for the Arts for their technical week and final rehearsals.
Last year Pacific Northwest native Vicci Martinez, gained national attention with some soulful and show stopping performances on season one of NBC’s The Voice. The Universal Republic recording artist who now makes her home in Los Angeles will return to the region to join Yes drummer and Grammy award winning artist Alan White and the band White.
Also on the bill will be former Heart guitarist Howard Leese;Star Anna and The Laughing Dogs; and a first time dance and music performance by Dora Oliveira's Samba Reggae Revolution. These world-class artists will join forces for a magical evening to celebrate musical diversity, music education and community. Other special guests will be announced in the near future.
Like past Synergia Northwest shows that took place in 2010 and 2011, the special concert will feature theSynergia Northwest Orchestra alongside of some of the Pacific Northwest's most high profile rock and pop recording artists and selected student musicians.
Synergia Northwest concerts have helped contribute to Music Aid Northwest in bringing its “Music Matters” license plate fundraising proposal to fruition by raising capital and awareness to create a music-themed license plate. Via sales of the plates, school music programs receive the assistance needed so that current and future generations will have the opportunity to participate in music programs.
Martinez will debut two brand new songs from her upcoming Universal Republic release "Vicci "with The Synergia Northwest Orchestra. Another special musical addition this year will be performances of selections from Elton John'srock classic Madman Across The Water. The original orchestra scores have been donated to Synergia Northwest especially for this event on behalf of Sir Elton John.
Star Anna recently released a new single, "Keep on" with Pearl Jam's Mike McCready. The Pacific Northwest singer and songwriter has wowed audiences and critics with her gritty, Americana style and sound.
On the next episode of SMI Radio,We will feature a conversation with Music Matters Live artist, Star Anna as well as my past interview with Vicci Martinez and Michael McMorrow. About Synergia Northwest and Music Matters"Live"
Music Matters “LIVE” is the brainchild of producer and creative director, Michael McMorrow, he says, “This all really started for me because of one of my sons. Through him, I saw first-hand the powerful role music education plays in our kids’ academic success. It lit a fire in me to help save our school music programs and one of the first steps was joining with Music Aid Northwest’s efforts to help create and bring attention to a permanent source of funding for our school music programs like the Music Matters license plate campaign.
Not only is Michael the driving force of Synergia Northwest, he is an accomplished musician and songwriter. Michael with the band, Stolen Ogre has produced some amazing music. The group has featured Blues Traveler’s Brendan Hill and John Popper, both of whom participated in Synergia 2011.
It pretty much goes without saying that McMorrow is excited about this year's lineup. McMorrow told us earlier this week, "Obviously we are excited to have the addition Vicci and Star Anna. Vicci had a big year last year and there is a lot of anticipation regarding her new record on Universal. It is great that a couple of those songs will make their debut at the concert. We have some big announcements regarding the show's line up coming very soon."
Recently, the organization announced its sponsors and partners in Seattle... Bartell Drugs, the Puget Sound region’s premiere family owned and locally operated pharmacy for over 120 years, has signed on as the Title Sponsor of the event. Supporting Sponsor BECUis offering special promotions and discounts for its employees and members. And this year’s Media Sponsors are award-winning NBC affiliate King 5 TVand one Seattle’s top music radio stations, Warm 106.9 FM. Meeghan Black,host of KING 5′s Evening Magazine, now in its 25th year of serving the Seattle area, will emcee the evenings events.
Music Matters “LIVE!” marks the third annual benefit concert for Washington State Youth Music Education.
Over the past few years Synergia Northwest concerts have helped contribute to Music Aid Northwest in bringing its “Music Matters” license plate fundraising proposal to fruition by raising capital and awareness to create a music-themed license plate. Via sales of the plates, school music programs receive the assistance needed so that current and future generations will have the opportunity to participate in music programs.
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 9th at 10:00 and can be purchased at: www.tickets.com
Detailed Ticket Information...
Paramount Theatre Box office (M - F 10am - 8pm)
24 Hour Kiosks located at Paramount and Moore Theatres
