“GUITARISTS WHO GIVE A DAMN” BENEFIT
FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS & FAMILIES
AT THE DERBY ON JUNE 2ND IN LOS ANGELES
TO INCLUDE RARE SILENT AUCTION ITEMS
* * *
Benefit spearheaded by Latin pop guitarist CESAR
will include silent auction items Schecter 9-11 Tribute Acoustic Guitar
and signed drumsticks by DOORS drummer John Densmore
LOS ANGELES, CA_ (May 31st, 2005) The "Guitarists Who Give a Damn" benefit at The Derby nightclub in Los Angeles on June 2nd will include rare silent auction items that will be available for inspection on the night of the benefit.
Schecter Guitar Research President Michael Ciravolo and the employees of Schecter have donated a very rare 9-11 Tribute Acoustic guitar. The guitar is a playing tribute to the brave men and women of the New York City Fire Department and the US Armed Forces in appreciation and rememberance for their efforts on September 11, 2001.
Only 125 9-11 Tribute Acoustic Guitars were manufactured and they were presented to the New York City Engine companies, Ladder companies and charities benefitting families of firefighters lost during 9-11. The guitars are emblazoned with the famous image of firefighters raising the flag with the verbage "We Will Never Forget." The guitars were never for sale.
John Densmore, the legendary drummer of THE DOORS has also signed a pair of drumsticks for the silent auction as well to benefit the Naval Medical Center San Diego Fisher House ™ that serves all of Southern California.
Latin Pop virtuoso guitarist CESAR (www.cesarmusic.com) has returned from performing for soldiers in Iraq and six other Middle Eastern countries as part of his month long “Gratitude Tour” where CESAR brought a “touch of home” to soldiers with his musical extravaganza of top musicians and dancers. While in the Middle East, CESAR also wanted to support the soldiers and their families who have returned home after suffering debilitating injuries and wondered how he could help.
Darque Records President Steven Dunning provided CESAR his answer in the Naval Medical Center San Diego Fisher House™ that serves all of Southern California (www.nmcsd.med.navy.mil/service/services_view.cfm?csid=88 ) and now CESAR is spearheading a benefit at historic Derby nightclub (www.the-derby.com ) on Thursday, June 2nd, 2005 in Los Angeles entitled “Guitarists Who Give A Damn.” The benefit will feature the Latin pop guitar virtuosity of CESAR, progressive rock's Marc Seal, shredder Taz Taylor, Brazilian guitarist Giorgio Pretti, songstress Megan Manoram and surprise special guests. All proceeds of the $10 donation will go to Naval Medical Center San Diego Fisher House™.
The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.
Argentine-born CESAR garnered media attention recently when his recent CD release Worlds of Change on Darque Records featured the vocals of ex-American Idol finalist Mario Vasquez who left prematurely under much speculation. CESAR, who was a McDonald's worker at Los Angeles International Airport when he came to the USA, met many soldiers coming and going when he penned his hit song “Soldier of Glory.”
CESAR has performed around the world with such notables as the London Philharmonic, Al Di Meola and while in his youth, Frank Sinatra.
LOS ANGELES' TOP GUITARISTS COME TOGETHER FOR
“ GUITARISTS WHO GIVE A DAMN ” TO BENEFIT WOUNDED SOLDIERS & FAMILIES!
* * *
Progressive Rock's MARC SEAL, Latin Pop's CESAR, “shredder” TAZ TAYLOR, Brazilian Guitarist GIORGIO PRETTI and songstress MEGAN MANORAM band together for FISHER HOUSE (www.FisherHouse.org) at The DERBY on Thursday June 2nd.
* * *
Special Guest performances by top guitarists expected throughout the evening * * *
WHO: Los Angeles area guitarists Marc Seal, Cesar, Taz Taylor, Giorgio Pretti, Megan Manoram
WHAT : “ GUITARISTS WHO GIVE A DAMN” benefit for FISHER HOUSE
WHERE: THE DERBY - 4500 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Angeles, CA (323) 663-8979
WHEN: Thursday. June 2nd, 2005, doors open at 6:00 PM – 21 and over
COVER: $10 donation at the door to benefit Fisher House
LOS ANGELES, CA _ (May 9th, 2005) The top Los Angeles area guitarists MARC SEAL , CESAR , TAZ TAYLOR , GIORGIO PRETTI , and songstress MEGAN MANORAM have come together for a night of guitar virtuosity and to support The Fisher House ™ in a benefit entitled “ Guitarists Who Give A Damn ” at The Derby nightclub on Thursday, June 2nd.
The Fisher House™ ( www.fisherhouse.org ) program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.
There is at least one Fisher House™ at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House™ program serves more than 8,500 families, and have made available more than 1,500,000 days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. Based on a comparison of fees at a Fisher House™ (the average charge is less than $10 per family per day, with many locations offering rooms at no cost) with commercial lodging facilities in the same area, it is estimated that families have saved nearly $60 million by staying at a Fisher House™ since the program began.
MARC SEAL ( www.marcseal.com )
Progressive rock guitarist Marc Seal guitar prowess is really showcased in his live show! His sell-out performances and glowing reviews from publications such as Music Connection tell the story why Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitarfest invited Marc and his band to perform at the guitar event of the year. Marc joined Clapton, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, and a dizzying array of guitar superstars. While at Crossroads in Texas, Marc filmed an interview for a feature documentary tribute to The 50th Anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster to be aired on a major national network and available on DVD. For the Fender documentary he performed an in-studio rendition of his "Strat Boogie" and that has become the official theme song for the program.
CESAR ( www.cesarmusic.com )
Argentine-born guitarist CESAR has been called “The next Santana” and has performed with the likes of Frank Sinatra (while in his youth), The London Philharmonic and Al Di Meola. The virtuoso Latin/pop guitarist is currently performing a month long tour for U.S. troops in Iraq as part of his “Gratitude Tour.” Cesar's new CD “Worlds of Change” on Darque Records drew national headlines when he featured ex-American Idol Mario Vasquez as a vocalist. His hit song “Soldier of Glory” and blistering blend of Latin and pop rock guitar caught the attention of Bob Hope's widow Delores and daughter Linda who tapped Cesar to perform at the re-dedication of the BOB Hope Hollywood USO at Los Angeles International airport.
TAZ TAYLOR ( www.taztaylor.com )
Just a handful of years ago, ex-Brit and San Diego resident Taz Taylor ( www.taztaylor.com ) remembers plugging in a portable amp while nestled in the cab of his eighteen wheeler, squeezing in practice sessions on his electric guitar at truck stops throughout the country. He enjoyed the solitude and lack of distractions that the trucking lifestyle afforded, but a bigger dream was slowly taking shape—to share his edgy instrumental rock with the world. Cut to 2005, which the British native affectionately dubs, “the year of Caffeine Racer,” the provocative title of his electrifying debut, recently released independently on No Hair Records.
GIORGIO PRETTI ( www.brasilianbeat.com )
When Brazilian-born guitarist Giorgio Pretti exclaims that he's the “luckiest guy in the world,” he's not simply uttering a typical musical cliché—the multi-talented, world-renowned singer, songwriter and guitarist is reflecting on his extraordinary life as a living and breathing medical miracle.
Forty some years after the best doctors in his native Brazil told him his polio would keep him from ever walking again, Pretti—though using crutches since electing to amputate his right leg in 1993--is still hitting festival stages, singing and jamming on his guitar with unerring confidence. Over the years, he's performed before thousands onstage and television everywhere from Russia to Italy to New Orleans.
MEGAN MANORAM ( www.meganmanoram.com )
Megan Manoram is a rapidly emerging and exciting pop/folk singer songwriter from Los Angeles California. The superbly varied vocal performance and rich instrumental arrangements within her highly-polished and eclectic debut album Brand New Dress has captured the imagination of broad audiences worldwide.
CESAR SET TO ROCK IRAQ!
* * *
GUITARIST LEAVES FROM LAX FOR MONTH LONG TOUR
WITH LATIN POP MUSICIANS AND DANCERS IN TOW ON MAY 2
* * *
Critically Acclaimed "Next Santana" Will Share Heartfelt Hit "Soldier of Glory" And Other Songs
From Indie Hit Worlds of Change With U.S. Soldiers On "The Gratitude Tour"
* * *
Guitarist Also To Host Benefit with Special Guests for Fisher House, Which Supports Wounded Soldiers and Their Families, at L.A.'s The Derby On June 2
WHO:
Los Angeles-based guitarist CESAR gained headlines recently when ex-American Idol finalist, Mario Vasquez sang on his new CD, Worlds of Change . Considered a virtuoso guitarist, CESAR has performed with the London Philharmonic, Al Di Meola and (while CESAR was a youngster) Frank Sinatra. CESAR worked at the LAX McDonalds when the guitar phenomenon came to this country and watched soldiers come and go to defend our country, now CESAR is
the one who is leaving to entertain and thank the troops for their
sacrifice.
WHAT:
Media Day with the opportunity to interview CESAR prior to embarking from LAX to entertain US and coalition troops in Iraq. CESAR leaves for Iraq on May 2 with musicians and dancers for his musical extravaganza in tow. CESAR will host benefit upon his return for Fisher House at The Derby in Los Angeles to support wounded soldiers and their families upon their return from combat. www.fisherhouse.org
WHERE:
Luck Media & Marketing, Inc.
8900 W. Olympic Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (310) 860-9170
WHEN:
Thursday, April 28th, 2005 - From 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
CESAR SET TO ROCK IRAQ!
Critically Acclaimed “Next Santana” Will Share
Heartfelt Hit “Soldier of Glory” And Other Songs
From Indie Hit Worlds of Change With U.S. Soldiers
On “The Gratitude Tour”
* * *
Guitarist Also To Host Benefit with Special Guests for Fisher House, Which Supports
Wounded Soldiers and Their Families, at
L.A.'s The Derby On June 2
Like a supercharged twist on the legendary USO tours of old, charismatic pop/rock guitar sensation Cesar is revving his amps and gearing up to rock our troops! The acclaimed musician—hailed by some critics as “The Next Santana”--is set to spend May sharing his blistering blend of dance/pop/R&B grooves and brilliant solos with thousands of soldiers from the U.S. and throughout the world in Iraq and later in six other countries throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa.
Dubbed “The Gratitude Tour,” the two hour extravaganza is slated to include many unforgettable musical moments, dancers, and a touch of home for the soldiers so far away from their loved ones. The centerpiece of the Argentinean born musician's show—and sure to become one of the great inspirational classics of all time—is his explosive career launching hit “Soldier of Glory,” a song which poignantly portrays a soldier in battle on the field, thinking longingly of a loved one and hoping for a letter from home.
A sampling of the lyrics--which are sung on Cesar's Worlds of Change album (released by Darque Records) by renowned pop session and touring singer Steve Real, over Cesar's inimitable guitar lines and colorful arrangement—speaks to the hearts of millions who sacrifice for their country: “I am courage, I have fears…A letter from home/Will Heal the Wounds I Feel…I am a Soldier of Glory and Hope!” The images of any newscast or epic film of war stir in the mind.
Cesar wrote “Soldier of Glory” several years ago while working his night job at the McDonald's in the Delta Terminal at LAX. Around the time of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, soldiers came into the restaurant on their ways in and out of town between stints overseas. “I got to meet all these soldiers and told them about my music and how I was just doing my best to make a living,” says Cesar. “This one soldier in particular, whose name was Jason, seemed kind of spacey, and he told me he had been injured in Kuwait and that the armed forces were sending him back home. We talked for a few minutes and he told me of his experiences there. The minute he left, I went into the bathroom with a pencil and paper and literally wrote the song in five minutes.”
Last September, months before the February 2005 release of Worlds of Change, the song got the attention of the late Bob Hope's widow Delores and daughter Linda, who invited Caesar to headline at the re-dedication ceremony of the Bob Hope Hollywood USO at Los Angeles International Airport—an event which featured celebrities from the golden age of Bob Hope's USO tours and members of each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The organization asked Cesar back to perform “Soldier of Glory” last December at a special holiday celebration for thousands of children and spouses of American servicemen and women at the Hollywood Park Racetrack.
Immediately upon Cesar's return from the month long tour, he is set to host “Guitarists Who Give A Damn”, a benefit concert for The Fisher House Foundation, a facility that supports wounded soldiers and their families, on Thursday June 2 at The Derby, 4500 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles. The event's other scheduled performers and celebrity guest guitar greats will be announced shortly.
Since 1990 Fisher Houses have been serving military families during times of medical crisis. These comfort homes are built by the Fisher House Foundation, Inc., and given as gifts to the military Services and the Veteran's Affairs. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines all benefit. The Fisher House Foundation was established by noted philanthropist and patriot Zachary Fisher and his wife, Elizabeth. Zachary passed away in June 1999, but his nephew Arnold Fisher, and his great-nephew, Ken Fisher, continue to build Fisher Houses and carry on Zachary's legacy of helping military men and women and their families. The Fisher House enables families to stay together, cook meals, do laundry, and relax in a "home away from home" atmosphere.
For more information about Fisher Houses, please visit www.fisherhouse.org .
RECORDING ARTIST/GUITARIST CESAR SETS
THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON MARIO VAZQUEZ
* * *
“NEXT SANTANA” SAYS FORMER AMERICAN IDOL
FINALIST RECORDED VOCALS ON HIS ‘WORLDS OF
CHANGE” DISC BEFORE APPEARING ON FOX HIT
LOS ANGELES—Clearing up the swirling speculation and ongoing controversy surrounding former American Idol finalist Mario Vazquez's sudden March 13 departure from the show, Argentine born, Los Angeles based pop guitarist and recording artist Cesar is setting the record straight about Vazquez's participation as a guest vocalist on Cesar's recently released pop/R&B recording Worlds of Change . The album, released in mid-February by independent label Darque Records , features three guest vocal tracks by Vazquez—“Save The World,” “EveryTime” and “God Is Like A Mirror.”
"There have been many rumors and inaccuracies in the media outlets since Mario left the show,” says Cesar. “My album was released a month before his departure, and it was recorded in 2003 and 2004, long before he was on American Idol. The timing of its release and Mario's being chosen as a finalist is purely coincidental.”
"I met Mario through mutual friends here in Los Angeles in 1998, and have been friends with him since that time,” he adds. “As one who greatly admired his talent, I hired him to sing on those three vocal tracks, and he did a wonderful job. His many fans who were disappointed with him leaving the show will enjoy his great work on Worlds of Change .”
Considered by many “the next Santana” for his energetic guitar amidst a blend of pop, rock and Latin influences, Cesar writes all music and lyrics, performs all guitars while others sing the lead vocals. Another prominently featured artist on Worlds of Change is renowned touring and session singer Steve Real.
Billed by well respected industry publication Music Connection as “an excellent guitarist (who) plays too fast for the human ears but is always in the pocket,” Cesar is riding an incredible wave of success due to his popular song “Soldier of Glory,” which pays homage to the courage of soldiers in battle as they long for a letter from home.
That caught the ears of the Pentagon, and in May, Cesar will embark on a month long tour to perform for troops in Iraq and a host of six other countries in the Middle East. The show is scheduled to be filled with great moments, dancers, and a touch of home.
Last September, Cesar was asked to perform at the re-dedication of the Bob Hope Hollywood USO. With the USO, he also appeared last December at a special holiday celebration for thousands of children and spouses of American servicemen and women at the Hollywood Park Racetrack.
Cesar was a world renowned guitarist even before moving to the U.S. in the early 90s, appearing throughout Europe at a young age as a solo artist as well as performing with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Frank Sinatra and Al Di Meola.
Both Cesar and Steven Dunning , President of his record label Darque Records, are available for interviews.
