Toby Keith, Dolly Parton: Business Beyond Music

One of the benefits of earning acclaim in country music is the ability to attract extra income through business deals that build on an artist’s fame even though those deals are not directly related to music. Artists probably turn down a lot more opportunities than they accept, but a few acts — including Toby Keith, Dolly Parton and Trisha Yearwood — have some ancilliary projects earning attention this week. Grand openings, a book release and — in the case of newcomer Danny Gokey — an endorsement deal are all part of the mix. Here’s some of the non-musical business currently going down in country music:

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ScienceOnline2010 - interview with Russ Williams

Continuing with the tradition from last two years, I will occasionally post interviews with some of the participants of the ScienceOnline2010 conference that was held in the Research Triangle Park, NC back in January. See all the interviews in this series here. You can check out previous years' interviews as well: 2008 and 2009. Today, I asked Russ Williams from North Carolina Zoological Society and the Russlings blog to answer a few questions. Welcome to A Blog Around The Clock. Would you, please, tell my readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you coming from (both geographically and philosophically)? What is your (scientific) background? I'm an English major from Northeastern Pennsylvania who works at the North Carolina Zoo (24 years executive director, N.C. Zoological Society). I try to stay somewhat current, despite my age (north of 60). For example, I am listening these days to music by Death Cab for Cutie, Arcade Fire, Flaming Lips, Radiohead and Pole Cat Creek, along with the oldies (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Hank [and Lucinda] Williams, Coltrane and Bach). Started personally blogging about zoo animals and issues about five years ago. (Took an intro course in blogging at UNC-Greensboro by G'boro blogfather Ed Cone (Word Up). Found I was learning much from Google searches, and then by following the blogs and tweets of certain science journalists and bloggers, conservation researchers, etc. (The blogs and tweets of Wild Muse/@tdelene and you, BoraZ, are favorite sources.) Flickr and YouTube have provided much for my blogs and tweets too. Tell us a little more about your career trajectory so far: interesting projects past and present? Had no idea I'd work for a Zoo. (Even named a son Noah; would never do that to someone by plan!) Growing up, I knew I would have a career in advertising, like my father. Did do some retail advertising (broadcast and newspaper) after graduation - early 1970's. Didn't like it. Backpacked in Europe for two months. Returned to work with weekly newspapers. This led to public relations/communications for non-profits. This led to fund raising. This led to North Carolina (United Way in Winston-Salem, 1980-85). This led to the NC Zoo Society - 1985-now. Result: accidental zoology tinkerer. What does it mean to be the Director of the NC Zoological Society? What does the job entail? Always remember that I have about 100,000 bosses, in about 27,000 NC Zoo Society member households. Our staff tries to provide excellent customer service to our members and to be their "champions" when it comes to getting a good return on their investments in the Zoo in general or a very specific program, like Field Trip Earth (recognized as a Landmark website by the American Association of School Librarians - one of 21, including Google Earth, Library of Congress, NASA and Smithsonian Education). What is taking up the most of your time and passion these days? What are your goals? Proud of my small role in how the NC Zoo and Zoo Society have grown and the creation of both Field Trip Earth (our educational website featuring journals and other media offered by conservation researchers around the world) and Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park (the largest such gathering, offering and breeding of rare and endangered ducks, geese and swans in the world). Really enjoy helping folks accomplish what they want to accomplish for the future of the NC Zoo through "The Lions Pride", a grouping of people who have made planned arrangements for their Zoo, mainly through wills. Capital campaigns, like Project: Pachyderms (African elephants and southern white rhinos) and Project: Polar Bears also meet my need to attain goals requiring some considerable preparation and effort. (I've also plodded through a few full, running marathons and to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, at 55). NC Zoo has something else unique about it - the Zoo School! Can you tell us more about it? A "magnet" Asheboro City high school, the Zoo School is right on site here. It uses the Zoo as a teaching tool not just to study biology and geography, but for all learning, making use of the Zoo for English composition and communications, mathematics, business and many other studies. What was the best aspect of ScienceOnline2010 for you? Appreciate your prodding, Bora, to demonstrate Field Trip Earth at ScienceOnline2010. The Charlotte Observer science editor attended our demonstration and the result was an 85-column-inch article in both the Observer and Raleigh News & Observer by T. DeLene Beeland, whose Wild Muse blog and tweets were already favorites of mine, introduced by your RTs, Bora. I want to take in more of the sessions the next time. Only got to one session (other than our own series of demos) and it was exceptional. It was so nice to see you again and thank you for the interview. I'll see you at the Zoo soon....and at ScienceOnline2011, of course! Read the comments on this post...

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Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort: Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Hotel

Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort is rated AAA 5-Diamond, and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. This resort offers a world-class Spa (winner of the Condé Nast "Most Excellent Spa Hotel" award 2009) and Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice award for “Best Luxury Hotel in the World”. An amazing 22,000-sq.ft. infinity swimming pool and Jacuzzi, tennis courts, beach volleyball and more. Located on the magnificent Banderas Bay, Grand Velas delivers the ultimate beyond all-inclusive vacation. Experience romantic weddings on the resort's beautiful, private beach. Indulge in a romantic vacation or honeymoon in breathtaking Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Treat yourself to a relaxing golf getaway on Mexico's golden coast. Enjoy water sports, whale watching, swimming with dolphins and deep-sea fishing. Rejuvenate your senses at the luxurious Grand Velas Spa. Savor fine cuisine and enchanting ocean views. All this is waiting for you with their beyond all-inclusive vacation packages to magnificent Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! ACCOLADES Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort, Nuevo Vallarta is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World AAA Five Diamond 
Conde Naste Johansens recommended Five Star Diamond award Distintivo H Certification 
Leading Spas of the World member TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award AMENITIES Choose from 267 luxurious 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom suites: Imperial Spa Suites; Presidential Suites; Governor Suites; Ambassador Grand Class Suites; Ambassador Suites; Master Suites; Parlor Suites.

 All suites feature these amenities: Private terrace with oceanfront view Bathroom with Jacuzzi and step-in shower Sitting area One king size or two queen size beds White goose down comforter White goose down pillows Pillow Menu LCD screen TV with digital cable Dual-line telephone DVD/CD/MP3 player High-speed wireless Internet (additional fees apply) Laptop safe Fully stocked mini bar Coffee Maker Vanity mirror Hairdryer Iron and ironing board Scale; Umbrella Individual climate control Daily turndown service Bathrobes and slippers Deluxe bath amenities ALL-INCLUSIVE AMENITIES Luxury Oceanfront Suite accommodations, taxes and gratuities Breakfast, lunch and dinner a la carte or buffet at ocean front restaurant A la carte dining in 3 renowned gourmet restaurants Waiter service at pool and beach area Aqua Bar Unlimited premium international and national liquor brands throughout hotel 24-hour In-Suite dining
· Mini-bar in suite including snacks All activities (listed below in Activities section) Live performances at amphitheater Live music at Lobby Bar and in specialty restaurants Parking lot & valet parking 24-hour Concierge service ADDITIONAL SERVICES The following services are available at an additional charge: Laundry & Dry Cleaning Beauty Parlor Spa Treatments & Services Art & Ceramic Workshop Excursions, Tours & Transportation Boutique Catering Service Meetings Special events Doctor special consultations & diagnosis Certified Scuba Diving Lessons Business Center Travel Agency Car rental Baby Sitting Services DINING Azul - Ocean front all-day casual dining restaurant offering an innovative take on traditional international cuisine such as Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and Italian. Meals can be ordered a la carte or as a buffet. Frida - A delightful mix of aroma, flavor and artful presentation makes every dish masterpiece of Mexican culture and heritage. Lucca - Savory Italian-Mediterranean specialties. An elegant atmosphere of Romanesque design adds to the flavorful meat, pasta and seafood dishes. Piaf - Classic French cuisine, such as Foie gras terrine and Chateau Briand. Selva del Mar - For informal dining overlooking Banderas Bay, serving hamburgers, hot dogs, pizzas, salads, ceviches and guacamole. Aqua Bar - swim-up bar. Lobby Bar - Live Latin music, appetizing edibles and the perfect evening atmosphere are what you can expect in the Lobby Bar. 24-hour Suite Service - included as part of your "Grand All-Inclusive" experience. LEISURE 22,000 sq.ft. Infinity swimming pool Infinity Jacuzzi
· Poolside activities program Children's pool & Kids activities program Tennis court (day & night) Paddle tennis court (day & night) Non-motorized water sports (kayaks, boogie boards, snorkeling) Scuba diving demonstration at pool Beach volleyball "Grand Velas Ritual" guided Hydrotherapy Circuit at the SPA Life Fitness Center Workout program with personal trainer Exercise classes such as yoga, pilates, capoeira, tai chi, and meditation Enjoy the Grand experience of playing in one of the most exclusive Golf Courses in Puerto Vallarta, host of the EMC2 World Cup 2002: Vista Vallarta Jack Nicklaus designed golf course Vista Vallarta Tom Weiskopf designed golf course Marina Vallarta Joe Finger Golf Course The Spa has 20 elegant treatment rooms offering over 80 spa favorites including: massage therapy body scrubs and peelings body wraps facials bath therapy hand and feet care Day Spa rituals. The aromas, products and service protocols to pamper, relax and rejuvenate you physically, mentally and spiritually are carefully selected. Meditation, Yoga and Pilates classes are held daily and private workout sessions, Spa concierge, and health and nutrition consulting programs are offered by appointment. ATTRACTIONS Beachfront resort located on spectacular Banderas Bay recognized as one of the top destinations on the Mexican Pacific Coast. 7 Golf Courses nearby the resort Adventure tours & excursions - Whale watching, deep-sea fishing, hiking, etc. Downtown Puerto Vallarta - 20 minutes by car OTHER POLICIES CHILD POLICY - Kids activities program included in rates; Babysitting available at an additional charge. PET POLICY - Pets accepted (US$60 per day includes pet food) SPECIAL NEEDS - Wheelchair accessible suites available on ground level. GETTING THERE AIRPORT: Puerto Vallarta (PVR) - 15 minutes. www.grandvelas.com Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort
 Paseo Cocoteros 98 Sur Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico
 Tel: 52-322-226-8000
 Toll-free in USA: 1-888-261-8436
 Email for reservations: contactcenter@grandvelas.com

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Musician/Studio Tech John Williams Lends Talents to Hat City Kitchen

Hat City Kitchen's event coordinator is a musical wizard and technical guru to South Orange and Maplewood's music scene. By Lois Cantwell March 12, 2010 If you are at all into the local music scene, you might know John Williams as the event coordinator for the new local hotspot Hat City Kitchen in Orange. However, with that role at HCK, Williams is deep into his second or third life re-invention. Born in Michigan, Williams's family moved around as his father's career at AT&T demanded, finally settling in Chester, N.J., which he calls his hometown (he attended Delbarton). After graduating, Williams migrated to Los Angeles, where he enrolled in the Guitar Institute of Technology (now the Musician's Institute), a place designed to teach working skills to musicians. He told Patch, "There was some culture shock going from Chester to Hollywood. It was a forward thinking place. There had never been a guitar school like that before. It was very creative, like an incubator for formal technique." He studied with Howard Roberts, a well-known Hollywood session player as well as other guitar luminaries such as Tommy Tedesco, Pat Metheney, Joe D'Orio and Pat Martino. "I came home thinking I could be a musician and I did have interviews but they were for cruise ships and Captain & Tennille tribute bands," Williams said. Instead, he went his own way and joined the punk band Ice Nine, eventually opening for Boy George and Culture Club at Madison Square Garden in the 1980s. "That was very exciting," he said. "The week before, we had played at a local club for 25 people and then on Thanksgiving night at the Garden we played for 18,000." Williams played many legendary New York City venues in the 1980s and '90s, including CBGBs, Danceteria, The Ritz and the Peppermint Lounge, as well as New Jersey joints like The Dirt Club in Bloomfield. Eventually he joined Hoboken-based The Cucumbers, led by local musicians Deena Shoshkes and Jon Fried (who are now involved with the Songs of the Spectrum project). "I played with them for five or six years," he told us. "We recorded albums in London and New York. At the time, Deena worked at Skyline Studio on 37th Street in the city. I had a background in electronics, I was always the guy who could fix the copier, and I translated that talent for business electronics into being a studio tech." Williams would repair equipment for the band: "When the console caught on fire, they would call me. I came in on the artist's side and went over to the studio side. First, I was the night guy, then the day guy and then I became management." At Skyline, Williams found himself rubbing shoulders with name acts such as Nile Rodgers, the B52s, David Bowie, Thompson Twins, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Diana Ross. In the early '90s, Williams snagged a studio dream job and left the two-room Skyline to go to the giant Sony Music Studios, which had 50 rooms and television shooting stages. "Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Jay-Z, Beyonce all recorded there," Williams told Patch. "Because Sony was so big, on any given day, we could have, say, Paul Simon, Nancy Sinatra and Aerosmith recording. I ran a staff at that point with 20 technicians working for me." Williams moved out here in 1993 and has lived in both Maplewood and South Orange. Today he teaches music, guitar and bass to local students and, of course, is the event coordinator at Hat City Kitchen. He became involved with HCK and the Valley Arts District through his acquaintance with Patrick Morrissy, HANDS Executive Director. "We got to talking about the Valley Arts District," Williams said, "and Pat asked for my help putting together the music venue that evolved into Hat City Kitchen. That's all my equipment in the building. I'm the guy that does the music, the events coordinator." Because he's so plugged into the music community, he was able to reach out to local bands who readily agreed to play the untried venue. Williams promotes Hat City Kitchen through the HCK Facebook page. He also started a thread on Maplewood Online and has used the e-mail contacts that he collected over the years. Behind the scenes there has been a huge community outreach effort, which has been successful by any measure—with the brand new place scoring five filled-to-capacity weekends since opening during a brutal recession. Williams is also one of the founders of Maplewoodstock. He told us the story of how the popular concert came to be. "About eight or nine years ago" he said, "I was talking to Jim Buchanan, Maplewood's Cultural Affairs supervisor, about the number of kids hanging out on Maplewood Avenue on Friday nights. We had the idea to start a concert and our first impulse was to hold it in the train station parking lot. Gary Shippy and Jamie Ross from Maplewood Online got involved, we became the seed of the project. The name Maplewoodstock just came from brainstorming." They later decided to move the concert to Memorial Park. "We wanted it to be a free concert and we invited three or four bands. I was able to borrow P.A. equipment from Sony Music—we brought it out on Friday and brought it back on Monday. Jim had a friend with a bulldozer trailer and that was the stage," said Williams. "We just had music at first and then later added vendors. This year Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk is the headliner. Competition for the 25 or 30 slots for local bands is fierce—there's a lot of talent." Anyone who's thinking about playing should act quickly since the application process is closing soon. Williams currently plays guitar with The Caterpillar Book and bass with New Day Dawn. His daughter Caitlin is at UNC and his son Caleb (a drummer) and daughter Ellie are both students at Columbia High School, where they play Ultimate Frisbee.

View original story : music+business Feed : South Orange Patch: Latest Articles

WBEN celebrates music with local schools - Radio Business Report

Children who have taken music lessons traditionally perform better in traditional curriculum courses like math,” said Robert Rinaldi, SVP/Merchandising and Customer Service for Jacobs Music. “We are proud to offer this program to engage children …

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Music Business Internship at Record Label at U-phonic Records (Philadelphia, PA)

but don't have much experience.Our Dance/Pop Music label has moved to Philadelphia via NYC, and we are looking for bright, energetic, resourceful people to work with/in our "In house recording studio", Promotion & Marketing department as...

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In Britain, Plan to Block Access to Sites With Pirated Music

Supporters of a proposal say it would give copyright holders the tools to tackle piracy at the supply and demand levels.

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San Diego, CA - Senior Business Planner - Sony Electronics

San Diego Every day, our products captivate the world-from the pristine sound of music to the brilliant picture of HDTV. As a consumer, you feel it across our products. But as part of our team, you'll experience the excitement of working for the most

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GBridgeTV Media Co. Launches a Dynamic and Diversified Business That Has Something for Everybody

Television(cable access and internet), video production and editing, copywriting, web design, music for all occasions, poetry book for sale and graphic illustrations

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Business Wire - JanSport® Hits the Road for SXSW with The Broderick & Launches its ‘Unzipped’ Music Blog

March 4, 2010 -- HASH(0x1ec6950) Follow JanSport’s 2009 Battle of the Bands Winners as They Blog from the Road at...

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