Music Duo ASTR: Current EP Available for Download #MusicMonday

The music duo ASTR

#MusicMonday

The music duo ASTR just released their Homecoming EP and just wrapped touring with Ryan Weaver, ending in Washington, DC last week. It always feels like dusk when you listen to ASTR. Sometimes they take you to an after-afterparty on the Dead Sea. Sometimes they’ll find you alone somewhere in Iceland, lowering yourself into a natural hot spring. Wherever their music takes you, the sun just slipped under the horizon. The light is perfect and you’re probably near water. New York City’s ASTR is a two-person constellation: Zoe Anna on vocals and Adam Pallin handling production. After meeting in a Manhattan yoga studio, they started writing music together. Soon enough, with a shared love of deep house, 90s hip-hop, film noir and R&B, ASTR was born. In a few short years, ASTR has added to the realm of electronic/alternative/evolved R&B. ASTR has unique slinks between styles like a kid hiding in a department store clothes rack—just out of view, smothered in a carousel of textures. Ideal PR Media is digging this duo! To learn more about ASTR visit their website: http://astr.tv Listen to their EP here:

A special thanks to Lily for keeping us in the loop.

Holiday Gift: "Chamilia by Swarovski Group" Editor's Pick (Charmed Jewelry)

Chamilia by Swarovski Group recently released 12 new zodiac charms, just in time for the holidays. The collection is separated into categories representing the four classic elements of water, earth, air and fire. I love that you can create and customize your own design, starting with the style of bracelet. These zodiac charms are just a part of a large charm family by Chamilia.

Capricorn charm (front)

Why do I love this as a gift option? The double-sided charms are highly crafted in sterling silver and feature a symbol of the zodiac sign represented on one side and the image of an artistic interpretation of that symbol along with a banner bearing the name of the sign on the reverse. 

What is unique about this gift option? Each charm comes with messaging that offers Chamilia’s version on the charm’s meaning. For instance, The LIBRA charm includes the message, "Your balance and stability help you shine as a master negotiator, diplomatic connector and good partner. Add in an understanding nature and a love of peace—that’s compassionate Libra."


Cost: Each of the 12 Zodiac charms are available for $40 (US dollars) MSRP each and can be purchased on their website HERE  (http://www.chamilia.com)

Demographic: This is such a cute options that transcends age groups from pre-teens, teens, college students and women over 21. My sign is "Cancer" and I'm in the 30 and over group...and I definitely want one for myself and can see this as a perfect purchase for a few family members and friends. 

Cancer charm (back)

Think BIG on Shop Small Saturday November 28, 2015 (Get out and support your local small businesses)

The first-ever Small Business Saturday took place on Nov 27, 2010

It encouraged people across the country to support small, local businesses.

THE DAY BECAME OFFICIAL in 2011

From Washington D.C. to Washington State, governors, mayors,

senators, and even President Obama, all voiced their

support for Small Business Saturday.

 In 2012 American Express encouraged small business owners to take charge of the day, helping them promote their businesses with free

personalized ads, which appeared millions of times across the web and over 79 million people shopped small businesses on that Saturday

By 2014 an estimated 14 billion dollars was spent at small business on Shop Small Saturday

In 2015 this amazing necessity to the support of small businesses across America on Saturday November 28, 2015 can continue if we all remember to #ShopSmall and Think Big!

Don't forget about your local boutiques, bakeries, uniform stores, mom & pop shops and unique trinket shops.

CLICK HERE to find registered businesses if you don't know where to start

The WIZ LIVE on NBC December 3rd 8PM EST with Mary J. Blige as Evillene

Mary J. Blige as Evillene - Photo by Paul Gilmore/NBC

NBC embarks on its latest musical holiday tradition: a three-hour LIVE event production of the groundbreaking Broadway show that brought Oz to life in a funky sing-along journey down the yellow brick road.Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the original massive Broadway hit spawned a feature film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Now, an award-winning creative team, the imaginative Cirque du Soleil Theatrical and a diverse cast of showstoppers create an eye-popping new take unlike anything ever seen.

I am not sure if I am more excited to see Mary J Blige and how she is going to bring the grandstanding of Evillene or the special acrobatic effects by Cirque du Soleil. Having Queen Latifah as The Wizard will be interesting! I already know Ne-Yo is going to give us a great tin man with his smooth moves. It is exciting to see how the "Live" performance turns out...there are no retakes, no cuts and no voice overs. So we shall see just how fierce this noteworthy cast performs!

If you miss it live on December 3rd from 8PM-11PM EST, you can catch the reprise telecast on Saturday Dec 19th from 8PM-11PM EST.  

Today for Thanksgiving Try Cinnamon Pear Ginger Infused Water with Sixteen Water!

Stuffing your face and belly is a tradition today. It can be refreshing to have lighter beverage so you can fit more food in your belly!!! Or an even better reason, to have a light drink to help you recuperate. We came across this great recipe that uses 16 Water (SixteenWater.com)


Cinnamon Pear Ginger Infused Water not only sounds delicious, but making it with Jeju 16 water will give you and your party guests a refreshing, crisp and seasonal taste. This recipe only needs 1 sliced pear, 6 cinnamon sticks and fresh grated ginger. Mix all of these delicious ingredients together with 2 bottles of Jeju 16 Water and you have your perfect Thanksgiving beverage! It is great for those who do not want to consume, serve or have an alternative to an alcoholic beverage. Be sure to make enough for everyone. They will want more!

Thanks Alexandra!

Faith Hill in New IFC Film "Dixieland" (Video/Trailer Inside!) Releasing December 11th

Arletta (Faith Hill) in Hank Bedford’s DIXIELAND. Courtesy of Khaki Bedford. An IFC Films release.

One of our favorite country singers, Faith Hill, has a new IFC film releasing on December 11, 2015, and we are excited to see her and her cast members in this film. Be sure to watch the TRAILER below. Featuring explosive chemistry between rising stars Chris Zylka (The Leftovers) and Riley Keough (Mad Max: Fury Road) and impressive supporting performances from music legends Faith Hill and Steve Earle, Dixieland is an intoxicating portrait of life and love on the margins. 

Fresh out of prison, Kermit (Zylka), a mostly good kid mixed up with local drug dealers, returns home to his rural Mississippi trailer park. As he struggles to keep his nose clean, he falls for Rachel (Keough), his sultry neighbor who’s turned to dancing in a club to support her sick mother. Determined to overcome their inauspicious circumstances, the star-crossed lovers make a desperate, last-ditch effort to escape their dead-end town—but soon find themselves ensnared in a cycle of crime.

A special thanks to Danielle at IFC Films for keeping us in the loop!

CREED is Almost here...Watch VIDEO of Michael B Jordan Training for Role

The release of the new Rocky movie "CREED" is almost upon us. And I personally am super hyped for two reasons. The first...I have always loved the Rocky storyline since I was a kid, even Rocky V
 :-) (ok I didn't LOVE Rocky V but I understood its attempt.) The second...Michael B Jordan, I mean look at the picture...need I say more?  I am so proud of this young man, his career and the way he has conducted himself in public over the last 10 years that I have known him. I first met him when he was on the HBO hit show "The Wire" while I was working with two other characters on the show. Back in 2008 when our company still provided PR services (we are now strictly a media outlet), we had the pleasure of taking care of his PR services for the NAACP Image Awards (CLICK HERE TO SEE)

This video clip below  (and above image) is courtesy of EPIX and shows how he had to prepare for this role and the hard work it involved. But oh my goodness...the results of his new body is amazing!



CREED opens nationwide on Weds Nov 25, 2015 the day before Thanksgiving, and the buzz and chatter about this film is very positive. I am sure I am going to be biased and say it was one of the best films ever...and let me go on record now and say..."THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST FILMS EVER! MICHAEL B JORDAN KILLED IT." But seriously, the movie is supposed to be fantastic, and after watching this video clip below, you may have a new found respect for those who have to be a sports figure in a film. It is very demanding physically and there is no stunt man that can train for you.

PS...The cover of the new Men's Fitness magazine is HOOOOTTTT. Ouch Michael B...you are hurting us ;-)

In case you missed the documentary on EPIX last week:

FROM ROCKY TO CREED: THE LEGACY CONTINUES captures Sylvester Stallone and producers Irwin Winkler and the late Robert Chartoff sharing the franchise’s Cinderella story from the first film to the critically and commercially-successful sixth film, Rocky Balboa. Featured are Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed in Rocky I, II, III, IV) and Dolph Lundgren (Ivan Drago in Rocky IV), both of whom talk about the physicality and preparations to play their characters and how they landed the roles of their lives; Milo Ventimiglia (Robert Balboa, Jr. in Rocky Balboa) on playing Rocky’s son; and Academy Award®-winning director of photography and Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown  (Rocky I, II) recounts the challenges attached to shooting the boxing sequences and how his invention captured the most memorable scene in the movie which, in Stallone’s words, led to “the shot of my life.”

The documentary also offers multi-generational fans an inside look at the new chapter in the Rocky story, Creed. The upcoming film from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema is directed by award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station) and stars Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station, Fantastic Four) as Adonis Johnson, the son of Apollo Creed; Academy Award® nominee Sylvester Stallone in his iconic role; Tessa Thompson (Selma, Dear White People) as Bianca, a local singer-songwriter who becomes involved with Adonis; Phylicia Rashad (Lifetime’s “Steel Magnolias”) as Mary Anne Creed; and English pro boxer and former three-time ABA Heavyweight Champion Anthony Bellew as boxing champ “Pretty” Ricky Conlan. Coogler directs from a screenplay he wrote with Aaron Covington, story by Coogler, based on characters from the Rocky series written by Sylvester Stallone.  The film hits theaters on November 25, 2015. For more about Creed, go to http://creedthemovie.com.

A very special thanks to Freddie! Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

Martha's Trouble Releases Holiday Music "White Christmas" & "River" #MusicMonday

Jen and Rob Slocumb of Martha's Trouble

#MusicMonday

Martha's Trouble (comprised of Founding band/soul mates Jen and Rob Slocumb )  offers two digital  holiday  singles “River” and “White Christmas.”  The new singles follow  two independent holiday albums, Christmas Lights (2002) and This Christmas (2008).  Martha’s Trouble’s rendition of “River” (a cover of the Joni Mitchell song)  is a gorgeous melodic version that you can add to your  holiday collection. Along with the duo’s own take on the classic “White Christmas,” (made famous by Bing Crosby) you will have new and fresh sounds echoing through your speakers.

“The spin we put on this song is so relaxing, it will put everyone in the Christmas spirit and will keep you feeling this way for years to come,” shared Jen, who met her bandmate over 19 years ago.

Listeners will immediately recognize the Martha’s Trouble signature sound of folk and country twang, which has been praised by some of the most influential and well-respected music critics of our time. Martha’s Trouble has been listed and featured in Billboard Magazine, USA Today, AOL Music, XM Satellite Radio and Performing Songwriter. All of it is part of a dream that is still in the works – a dream that Jen and Rob keep on dreaming.

The name Martha’s Trouble comes from a story in the Bible about two sisters, Martha and Mary. Jesus came to see them one day, and Martha was running around, trying to clean up and prepare food while Mary was hanging out at Jesus’ feet. The story says Martha was “troubled” because Mary wasn’t helping. The story, the duo says, is a reminder to stop and smell the roses, to keep an eye on 

the bigger picture and the important things in life.

To learn more about the group and to download the digital release visit their website:

http://www.marthastrouble.com

Songs can be downloaded on iTunes and Amazon as well as the band's website

A special thanks to Krista of Skye Media for always keeping us in the loop! We look forward to interviewing this group in the future!

SAMUEL WAXMAN CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION: COLLABORATING FOR A CURE

John Fogerty

 (All images courtesy of Craig Barritt/Getty Images & Jared Siskin/PatrickMcMullan.com)

Recently, Ideal PR Media was invited to attend the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) ‘Collaborating for a Cure’ Benefit Dinner and Auction. This event honored fashion designer John Varvatos, and featured a special musical performance by legendary American Singer-Songwriter  at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. The annual event, now in its eighteenth year, raised $2.5 million to support the Waxman Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer.

Dr. Samuel Waxman

Notable attendees included Dr. Samuel Waxman (Founder and CEO, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Marion Waxman; Michael and Elin Nierenberg (18^th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Hosts);Chris Wragge (Co-Anchor of CBS 2 News This Morning); John Varvatos (Honoree; Fashion Designer John Varvatos); John Fogerty (Special Musical Guest); Spencer Waxman (President, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Cristina Cuomo (Presenter; Editor-In-Chief, Manhattan Magazine); Hugh Hildesley(Executive Vice President & Auctioneer, Sotheby’s); Kenneth Fishel (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); David Hinkelman (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation);Howard Kurz (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Robert Kantor (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Howard Shlafmitz (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Baron Silverstein (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Mary Kantor (Honorary Board Member, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Dena K. Weiner (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Ruth Finley (Founder, Fashion Calendar); Coppy Holzman (Founder & CEO, Charity Buzz); David Burke (Chef, The Wayfarer) and Jean Shafiroff (Philanthropist).

Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, John Varvatos, Chris Wragge

This year’s event was attended by more than 750 corporate executives, board members and their guests. The money raised will support the Waxman Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer by reprogramming cancer cells and to deliver tailored, minimally toxic treatments to patients. The scientists funded by the SWCRF have made significant breakthroughs in cancer research, including identifying pathways to deliver novel therapies to treat cancer.

Michael Nierenberg, John Fogerty and Wes Eden

SWCRF Chairman and Collaborating for a Cure host Michael Nierenberg gave opening remarks welcoming attendees to the Dinner & Auction and thanked the SWCRF’s many supporters for their continued efforts to raise funds for cancer research.  The evening’s Master of Ceremonies Chris Wragge then took the stage to introduce Dr. Samuel Waxman whose remarks highlighted the importance of investing in cancer research and developing less toxic therapies for cancer patients of all ages, which is a large part of the SWCRF’s mission. After dinner, Wragge introduced Cristina Cuomo, Editor-In-Chief of Manhattan and Beach Magazine, to present the SWCRF Fashion Cares Award to John Varvatos. In accepting his award, Varvatos lauded Dr. Waxman’s work and the research of the SWCRF. He also shared that his father battled leukemia, his sister underwent a double mastectomy and his brother recently received a prostate cancer diagnosis. 

Jean Shafiroff

The evening’s exciting live auction, which was led by Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President of Sotheby’s Auction House. Guests the opportunity to bid on exclusive items such as: a $10,000 shopping spree and lunch withJohn Varvatos which sold for $17,000; an America’s Cup Yacht Race experience captained by former America’s Cup Team Members, sold twice for $10,000; a private wine tasting at Italian Wine Merchants for $17,000; an exclusive opportunity to meet John Fogerty and receive a flannel shirt autographed by the legendary rock star, which sold to the highest bidder for $10,000. The highest bid of the night, $60,000, went to a five day, four night stay for 10 people at the Ian Fleming Villa at the GoldenEye Hotel in Jamaica via private jet. Other travel packages included a CMH 4-day Heli-skiing trip for 2 in Canada sold for $17,000; A Milwaukee Bucks experience including G4 flight to a game and team memorabilia, which sold twice for $20,000 and an Italian wine and truffle adventure in Italy donated by Palm Bay International, which went for $32,000.

Samantha Santiago and guest

Online auction items, which will be available for bidding online at CharityBuzz.com until November 24, 2015include: Private Suite for 24 People to See the NFL’s New York Jets vs. New England Patriots on December 27, 2015 at MetLife Stadium; 6-Day/5-Night Charter of the Lady Tatiana of London or Lady Alhena of London for up to 11 Guests; Victory: A Song of Thanksgiving, 1968 Signed Lithograph by Salvador Dali and 2 Tickets to the Tadashi Shoji Fall/Winter 2016 Runway Show​ at New York Fashion Week in February Plus a Dress to Wear to the Show.

After the auction, guests were treated to an exclusive, live performance by John Fogerty, who performed hits from his solo career and from his legendary run as lead singer of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Known affectionately by New Yorkers as “The Waxman,” the yearly fête is considered to be among the top fundraising events in New York City. In recent years, “The Waxman” has raised several million dollars to support the Waxman Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer. Past musical performers at the Waxman Gala have included the Warren Hayes Band, Kid Rock, Chevy Chase, Steely Dan, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh,Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley and Counting Crows.

Tiffany Denee Jones and Guest

The Event Chairs were: Lynn and Wes Edens, Katie and Scott Eichel, Kristen and Johan Eveland, Maria and Kenneth Fishel, Mary Henry and Howard Rubin, Diane and Adam Katz, Nancy and Howard Kurz, Randal Nardone, Elin and Michael Nierenberg, Mara and Baron Silverstein, Linda Taub, Sandy and Marc Taub, Bettina and Spencer Waxman and Lauren Zwak and James DeMare.

The Dinner Committee included: Eve and Brant Brooks, Sarah and Brian Chin, Tracy and Frank Collins, Staciand Andrew Friedwald, Samantha Santiago and Steve Jones, Andrew Sloves, Nicholas Smith, Laurie and Joseph Steffa, Charles Sorrentino, Marion and Samuel Waxman, M.D., Dena K. Weiner and David Rozenholc, Amy and Matt Zisette.

The Auction Committee included: Nancy Loving and David Hinkelman and Deborah and Howard Shlafmitz.

About Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation: 

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded approximately $90 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. 

For more information, visit: www.waxmancancer.org. Like SWCRF on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @WaxmanCancer.

A special thanks to Norah at the Lawlor Media Group for always keeping Ideal PR Media in the loop

Marie - Lou & D Salon & Spa...Beauty Goes A Long Way! (New NY based salon & spa)

Marie- Lou & D, a super chic, French inspired salon and spa is now open and ready to give you life!  Based in the heart of New York’s most fashionable neighborhood, Soho, Marie- Lou & D offers a fresh take on the salon experience. It is said that they have a team of top-level European hair and beauty experts from the finest salons around the world, offering the highest full service experience in an inviting & creative atmosphere. 

Marie-Lou & D offers hair services such as cuts, highlights, color and blow outs to nails services that range from manicures to pedicures to day spa services that include facials by Caudalie, waxing, and an assortment of luxurious massages from Swedish to Hot Stone to Aromatherapy based. You can find the full menu here: http://www.mldnewyork.com/menu.

I look forward to checking this place out the next time we are in NY. I hear it is an amazing one! Of course if you make it there before me, let me know how fabulous the experience was!

Ann Taylor and Free Hot Chocolate Monday (Nov 23rd)

On Monday, November 23 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., Ann Taylor will kick off this season’s holiday spirit with a Cashmere & Cocoa shopping event. Open to the public and in celebration of their new holiday cashmere collection, steaming cups of hot cocoa will be handed out directly outside of the DC Connecticut Ave. store (1140 Connecticut Ave. NW) with a special 20% off code. The code will be redeemable for cashmere purchases - ranging from sweaters to gloves - in store. 

A special thanks to Hafsa at MoKi Media for keeping Ideal PR Media in the loop!

Monica's Album "Code Red" Album Cover, Track list and Upcoming Performance Dates

Grammy award winning songstress, Monica reveals album cover artwork and track list for her highly anticipated eighth studio album, CODE RED , available for pre-sale on November 20 and in stores on December 18, 2015.  Fans who pre-order CODE RED will receive an instant download of her current single “Just Right For Me” featuring Lil Wayne and the album’s title track, “Code Red.” "Each time I complete an album it's a milestone that I in no way take lightly. CODE RED embodies my love for true music and an art form that has touched many over the years. As we move closer to its release, this cover speaks volumes as to how I feel. Empowered.  Motivated. Dedicated. I’m fully immersed in this necessary movement for R&B Music. There’s no greater feeling than doing what you love with authenticity. I give you CODE RED " CODE RED, executive produced by Polow Da Don and Monica, is a jubilant return to form for the iconic star. The lead single, “Just Right for Me,” featuring Lil Wayne is an updated take on a Smokey Robinson and the Miracles classic (Much Better Off), and serves as a perfect introduction to the album and is a bridge between Monica’s love of classic soul music, 90’s R&B and the sound of today. Missy Elliott returns to Monica’s musical journey on the supremely matched title track, “Code Red.” The tempo driven, high energy, effervescent, and lyrically captivating record couldn’t be a more unexpected yet perfect union for these music icons whom are also true friends. Other special guests on the album include Timbaland and Akon .

CODE RED track list: 01           Code Red feat. Missy Elliott & Laiyah                     02           Just Right For Me feat. Lil Wayne                             03           Love Just Ain’t Enough feat. Timbaland                04           Call My Name                                                                    05           I Know                                                                  06           All Men Lie feat. Timbaland                                        07           Deep                                                                      08           Hustler’s Ambition feat. Akon                    09           Alone In Your Heart                                        10           Suga                                                                       11           Ocean Of Tears                                                                 12           Saints & Sinners                                                                13           I Miss Music                                                       14           Anchor

In anticipation of the album, Monica hit the road on her 22-city “CODE RED Experience” tour with Rico Love on Nov. 12.  Upcoming tour dates include: 11.19.15 Dallas, TX House of Blues Dallas 11.21.15 Orlando, FL  Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 11.22.15 Memphis, TN  The New Daisy Theatre  11.23.15 Louisville, KY  Mercury Ballroom  11.25.15 Myrtle Beach, SC  House of Blues Myrtle Beach  11.27.15 Norfolk, VA  The Norva Theatre  11.28.15 Raleigh, NC  The Ritz  11.29.15 Charlotte, NC  The Fillmore Charlotte  12.01.15 Cleveland, OH  House of Blues Cleveland  12.02.15 Chicago, IL  House of Blues Chicago  12.03.15 Atlanta, GA Special Performance (www.Monica.com) 12.04.15 Cincinnati, OH  Bogart's 12.06.15 Detroit, MI  Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel  12.08.15 Philadelphia, PA  The Theatre of Living Arts  12.09.15 Silver Spring, MD  The Fillmore Silver Spring  12.10.15 Baltimore, MD  Baltimore Soundstage  12.13.15 New York City, NY  The Gramercy Theatre

For more information and the latest on Monica and CODE RED, visit: Website:              http://codered.monica.com/   Facebook:          www.facebook.com/monica    Twitter:               @ Monicabrown  Instagram:         @ Monicabrown

CODE RED pre-order links: iTunes: http://smarturl.it/iCodeRed Amazon: http://smarturl.it/aCodeRed Google Play: http://smarturl.it/gCodeRed A very special thanks to Tony at Schure Media Group for keeping Ideal PR Media in the loop! We can't wait to see her in the DC area on December 9th!