After recently being acquired by JAM Industries, Rhythm Tech is getting ready to begin the next great chapter in its 36-year history of pioneering meaningful innovations for modern drummers and percussionists.  According to company founder Richard Taninbaum, the best is still yet to come for the company that, among other things, introduced the now legendary crescent-shaped Rhythm Tech tambourine in 1980.

“Rhythm Tech is at a very exciting inflection point in its history,” Taninbaum said today. “As a JAM company we are now able to realize objectives that were previously out of reach for a company our size. New product areas, along with potential synergies with other brands under the JAM umbrella, open the future of the Rhythm Tech brand in many new and exciting ways. As the brand’s steward, I'm thrilled to continue to play an important role in this development and I look forward to contributing my efforts to help move the brand in these new directions.”

According to Taninbaum, creating something new, useful and accepted by an industry rooted in tradition is always very gratifying. Although the art of music is constantly evolving, the tools used to make music are mostly ‘old friends.’ Bringing something new and accepted into the process is what moves him to think about these tools in new ways.  “I feel the quality and value of the instruments being produced in today's MI industry are vastly superior to those of prior periods,” he emphasized.

“Due to advanced manufacturing techniques and materials, even budget instruments are more playable and less expensive, offering the greatest value to the armature and professional musician of any time in our history,” Taninbaum stated. “For this reason, it is more important than ever for companies working in this industry to bring something more to the market. Innovation is the way for a brand to differentiate itself in a crowed field and Rhythm Tech will continue to differentiate itself through innovation.  That’s the core of our DNA as a brand.”

Indeed, Rhythm Tech’s roots in the music performance and production community run deep, even as it stays true to its habits of ‘shaking’ things up.  Over the years, Rhythm Tech has introduced a number of classics, turning heads with the likes of the Trigger Triangle, EGGZ, and Canz, as well as its Stickball drumstick shaker and its HatTrick and HatShake G2 based shakers.

Looking to the future, Taninbaum noted, while not giving away too many details on new product plans, that, “Putting a unique slant on traditional drum and percussion instruments and accessories has always been Rhythm Tech's prime focus. In the next phase of the company's development I can see further expansion in this area creating useful tools for a changing music scene along with bringing our perspective to less traditional products as well, such as electronic and midi instruments. Additionally, the areas of home recording, DJ, and EDM are all exciting possibilities for product development integration of the Rhythm Tech esthetic and brand personality. Wherever there is a beat there is an opportunity for Rhythm Tech product development.” 
​
About KMC Music
Headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, KMC Music (www.kmcmusic.com) is the industry’s oldest and largest high value added distributor of musical instruments, related MI pro audio products, and accessories.  Part of the JAM Industries U.S. Music Group, KMC Music is dedicated to helping its 6,000 dealers to build their business profitably by offering more than 20,000 SKUs that are supported by in-field sales and merchandising support; the iconic 1 Stop Product Catalog; a powerful, easy to use online dealer portal; a 98% fill rate; same-day shipping, exemplary service — and the industry’s most competitive pricing.
 ​

HONOLULU, June 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to overwhelming demand and immediate sold out ticket sales for both Janet Jackson's scheduled Thursday, November 12 concert and the added Friday, November 13 appearances at Honolulu's Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, Live Nation, Rhythm Nation, producer Tommy Meharey and Bamp project are adding a third presentation of JANET JACKSON'S "Unbreakable World Tour" on the evening of Sunday, November 15. The unprecedented sellouts five months in advance reflect the same clamor acrossthe United States for the iconic star's return to concert performance and similar advance excitement and demand across the United States for the first (yet untitled) studio album for her new Rhythm Nation label to be distributed by BMG.

American Express Card members and anyone that pre-orders Janet's new album via JanetJackson.com will receive exclusive pre-sale access beginning Tuesday, June 30th at 10:00 am until Thursday, July 2nd at 10:00 pm.

Tickets for the third Honolulu show go on sale to the public on Friday, July 3rd at 10:00 am atTicketmaster.com.  Tickets will be available in person at the Neal S. Blaisdell Box Office beginning Saturday, July 4th.

Music icon, multiple GRAMMY® Award-winner and multi-platinum selling artist Janet Jackson sent her fans into social media frenzy when she recently announced details of her highly anticipated international tour and an upcoming studio album.  "No Sleeep," the first single from the upcoming album, debuted on Ms. Jackson's Twitter and website on Monday, June 22nd and immediately reached the top spot on Billboard Trending 140.  Currently, "No Sleeep" is one of the most highly requested singles on the radio.  

The UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR will return one of this world's most influential entertainers back to the live stage in support of her upcoming album due out this Fall on Rhythm Nation/BMG. The first leg, will take the legendary artist to cities throughout the U.S. and Canada starting Aug. 31 in Vancouver, BC with shows lined up in Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, San Diego, San Francisco, Honolulu and more. All dates are being co-produced by Miss Jackson's Rhythm Nation.  Additional worldwide concerts will be announced at a later date. 

"Moments after Miss Jackson's Ultimate Icon award from BET last night, we learned that Hawaii's conversations were heard by the Queen of Pop. We are being granted a third show! Thank you Miss Jackson.  Everyone: Get the new music and get your tickets! Hawaii, it's on! There will be No Sleeep until Miss Jackson leaves Hawaii. Let's keep the conversation going, " said Tommy Meharey, one of the producers for the Janet Jackson "Unbreakable World Tour."  Meharey, is the Oahu Marine, who dreamed of bringing Janet Jackson to Hawaiifor seven years.  After countless outreaches, the icon agreed and Meharey partnered with Live Nation, Rhythm Nation and Bamp Project on the shows.

Janet Jackson  is one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era. Her music has won her 6 GRAMMY® Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a nomination for an Academy Award along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, BET honoree, and Billboard Music Awards. She has received accolades as an actor as well including the NAACP Best Supporting Actor award.  Janet is a published author, choreographer, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist and one of biggest-selling artists in popular music history. With sales of over 160 million records worldwide, Janet Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. Her music and artistry has opened doors through which other top artists have followed, while acknowledging her impact on their musical perceptions.  

Tickets on Sale At: 
JanetJackson.com / Ticketmaster.com / Ticketmaster Outlets including the Neal S. Blaisdell Box Office / Walmart stores on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island / or Charge by Phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Details on the Shows:
Where:
Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96814
Show 1:
Thursday, November 12th, 2015 - SOLD OUT

Show 2:
Friday, November 13th, 2015 - SOLD OUT

Show 3:
Sunday, November 15th, 2015

Doors:
7:00pm (All ages)

Show:
8:00pm (All ages)

Prices:
$175.00 in advance plus applicable fees

$125.00 in advance plus applicable fees

$85.00 in advance plus applicable fees

$58.50 in advance plus applicable fees

$55.00 in advance plus applicable fees

$20.00 in advance plus applicable fees

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

SOURCE Live Nation Entertainment

LOS ANGELES, June 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-Award winning jazz, pop and R&B group TAKE 6 are more animated than ever!  In their new animated character form, the sextet is joining Reba, the main character of the book series and much anticipated app entitled "REBA TO THE RESCUE," which will be released imminently by Spoken Spices, LLC. Take 6, with a recording of the "ABC" song made just for Reba, will help children learn their alphabet. There are plans for at least two more songs to help preschoolers learn both academic and life lessons.

Cicely C. Mitchell created the children's learning series that combines elements of jazz, learning and love! Reba is a "pint-sized princess" who loves assisting others. From schoolwork to recycling, Reba is ready, willing and able to come to the rescue with assistance and encouragement. "And now the 'Kings of A Capella' are helping to teach kids their ABC's and more," said Ms. Mitchell.

"Reba" is a series of informative and encouraging stories geared toward preschoolers. Each story will feature a lesson about life and learning put to music and filled with fun-loving characters. The "Reba to the Rescue"© series is the result of over a decade of experience working as an educator, with K-12 children, to compile information about development objectives. The endeavor has been designed to help children develop solid foundations in reading, writing, comprehension, life skills and vocabulary. Additionally, it furthers pupils' awareness and interest in high quality literature as well as jazz, from an early age, with the aim of bettering their preparation for success in their higher education years. The series and app are appealing to diverse cultures, and are available thus far in English, Spanish and Japanese.

SOURCE Spoken Spices, LLC.

NAZARETH, Pa., June 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- NAMM, Booth 902 -- C. F. Martin & Co. continues to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the iconic Martin D-35 model with two commemorative limited-edition D-35 models at the 2015 Summer NAMM show in Nashville July 9th through July 11th.  The limited edition D12-35 50th Anniversary model and the HD-35 FM IV 60th will be among six other models showcased.

The HD-35 CFM IV 60th is Martin's unique 14-fret Dreadnought model celebrating Chairman & CEO Chris Martin IV's 60th birthday. The exclusive guitar is being made in a small batch of 60, and features a European spruce top with Martin's Vintage Tone System (VTS) and herringbone pearl inlay. The 3-piece back consists of siris wings with an East Indian rosewood wedge, while the fingerboard and bridge are ornamented with infinity hexagon outlines. Chris Martin has personally signed each guitar label as an added touch. MSRP: $9,999.00

The D12-35 50th Anniversary limited edition model is also being introduced at Summer NAMM. The commemorative guitar is a 12-string, solid headstock Dreadnought limited to a quantity of 183, the amount of the first 1965 production run. This special edition is a modern version of the original model and includes a European spruce top with Martin's Vintage Tone System (VTS) and 3-piece East Indian rosewood back and sides. MSRP: $5,999.00

More details on the innovative models featured at the Summer NAMM Trade show can be found athttp://www.martinguitar.com/new.

About Martin Guitar & Strings
C. F. Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) has been creating the finest instruments in the world for 182 years.  It continues to innovate, introducing techniques and features that have become industry standards, including X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the "Dreadnought" size. One of the world's leading acoustic instrument makers, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, who use a combination of new design and techniques, along with those introduced by the company founder.

The company is also known for producing high-quality, popular acoustic guitar strings.  These include the Martin SP® LIFESPAN™ line, the fastest-growing treated string in the industry, and the Martin SP line, which uses an industry leading core wire to hold tunings better.

Martin guitars and Martin strings are the instruments and strings of choice for musicians around the world, from the icons of rock, pop, country, folk and bluegrass to those just beginning their careers.  They can be seen across all segments of pop culture, from television to movies, Broadway, books, online, and gracing the covers of popular magazines on newsstands everywhere. Connect with Martin and Martin Strings on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and via www.martinguitar.com and www.martinstrings.com.


SOURCE C.F. Martin & Co.

NEW YORK, May 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Grammy-nominated singer, song­writer, and television superstar Tamar Braxton launches "If I Don't Have You," her lead single from the forthcoming album, Calling All Lovers, it was announced today by Antonio 'L.A.' Reid, Chairman and CEO, Epic Records. The release of "If I Don't Have You" coincides with the fourth season premiere of WE-tv's #1 rated reality series, Braxton Family Values (Thursdays @ 9pm). Listen to "If I Don't Have You" here and on iTunes.

Calling All Lovers, Tamar's hotly anticipated third studio album, arrives in stores on July 31st. Immediately following, Tamar kicks off her headlining summer tour, dates and ticket sales information to be announced in the weeks ahead. Also on Tamar's calendar for 2015—the second season of her #1 rated daily talk show, The Real (Warner Bros. Tele­vision), which returns this fall; and taping has begun for the fourth season of Tamar & Vince (WE-tv), her critically-acclaimed, highly-popular reality show with husband and producer, Vince Herbert.

"This is the most creative, fun, and busiest time of my life," said Tamar, "and I couldn't be happier. The release of my new single 'If I Don't Have You' along with working closely with Vince and my longtime friend L.A. Reid on my new album, plus a packed television production schedule, an exciting new tour, and raising our two-year-old son Logan—all keeps me going 24/7, just the way I like it!"

Calling All Lovers is the eagerly awaited follow-up to Love And War (September 2013), which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart (the year's highest debut by a female R&B artist), reached #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, hit #1 on the iTunes Top R&B Albums chart, hit 120,000 in first week sales and to date has sold nearly half a million copies. The album's lead single, "Love and War," rose to #1 on the Heatseekers chart, and was followed by the Top 10 "The One" and "All the Way Home." The video for "Love and War" boasts over 25 million YouTube views to date.

About Tamar Braxton:
One of R&B's reigning divas, with her instantly recognizable four-octave soprano range, Tamar Braxton is blessed with highly successful careers as a recording artist and television personality. Her most recent studio album, Love And War (September 2013, Streamline/Epic Records) generated Soul Train Music Awards for Tamar as Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, with "Love and War" winning Song Of the Year and honored as Record Of the Year with the third annual Ashford & Simpson Song­writers Award. Tamar has also received three Grammy Award® nominations, for Love and War as Best Urban Contemporary Album, and for "Love and War" as Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance.

In support of Love and War, BET Centric Award winner Tamar performed to packed houses on a 30-city cross-country U.S. tour with John Legend, and engaged in a whirlwind Euro­pean promo run as well. Tamar's first Christmas album, Winter Loversland, rose inside the Top 10 in 2013, on Billboard's competitive Top Holiday Albums chart.

On television, Tamar is a triple threat—as one of the stars of WE-tv's top-rated reality series, Braxton Family Values now in its fourth season; as one of the hosts of the #1 rated, syndicated daily talk show, The Real (Warner Bros. Tele­vision, over 150 episodes aired in Season One); and as the star of the popular reality show Tamar & Vince (WE-tv), co-starring husband Vince Herbert.

SOURCE:
Epic Records

On June 1, the founders of Keep Music Alive will launch Volume 1 of their new book series, 88+ Ways Music Can Change Your Life. 88+ Ways is filled with more than 150 inspirational stories, quotes and anecdotes from musicians, music educators and music lovers from all over the world; their stories are designed to make readers laugh, cry and remember the power of music.Contributors include more than a dozen Grammy-winning and platinum-selling artists, composers and songwriters. Among them are Rob Parissi (songwriter and vocalist for "Play That Funky Music" for Wild Cherry), Bobby Kimball (original vocalist for Toto with "Hold the Line," "Africa," "Rosanna" and more) and Vanessa Carlton ("A Thousand Miles" and "White Houses").

Keep Music Alive was founded last summer to help raise awareness of how important music is educationally, therapeutically and for the overall happiness of society. According to cofounder Vincent James, the organization was created in response to three changes that have made music less valued. They include cuts in music and arts education in schools, fewer venues available for musicians to perform live and the recent changeover to the streaming business model. The latter has affected how musicians and songwriters are paid, and effectively lowered their income potential.

James says, "I really felt we needed to do something to help turn this ship around a bit, so society as a whole will remember how important music really is in all of our lives."

88+ Ways Music Can Change Your Life will be available on Amazon.com beginning June 1 and on BN.com shortly thereafter. 88+ Ways was authored by KMA cofounders Vincent James and Joann Pierdomenico. 

For more information, please visit www.KeepMusicAlive.org, call (610) 812-5231 or e-mail.

SOURCE:
Keep Music Alive

April is National Stress Awareness Month and Casio America, Inc.is encouraging everyone to pick up an instrument and play to help alleviate stress. Whether you are practicing scales, playing a favorite song or improvising a tune, incorporating music into your daily routine can help improve physical well-being and shift moods.

Research from Michigan State University (MSU) indicates that listening to music and playing a musical instrument stimulates the production of opiates and endorphins, the 'feel good' hormones in our bodies, which can result in improved blood flow and blood pressure. Further studies from MSU show that listening to music and playing a musical instrument are frequent strategies used to deal with stress[1].

"Music can be an extremely powerful outlet for stress relief and can be used to improve emotional health, whether someone is playing, listening to, or singing along with their favorite tune," said Stephen Schmidt, Vice President of Casio's Electronic Musical Instrument Division. "Casio is proud to offer a variety of digital pianos and keyboards that can help reduce tension and facilitate relaxation. There is no better time than now to start playing an instrument and taking the time to unwind with music."

Casio's portfolio of electronic musical instruments offers a comprehensive feature-set geared to enrich the overall music experience for both beginners and experts. For example, Casio's Privia PX-150 digital piano features a combination of keyboard action and a powerful sound engine to provide a new level of detail, nuance and expression for a superior grand piano experience in the lightweight and stylish design that Privia is known for. Other features of the Privia PX-150 include the following:

• Casio's proprietary sound source, "AiR" (Acoustic and intelligent Resonator), which delivers unmatched realism and detail
• 88-note Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
• Ebony and ivory textured keys to reproduce the touch feeling of an acoustic piano
• 4 Layer Stereo Piano
• 18 built-in instrument tones including strings, organs, electric pianos and bass
• Duet Mode to split the keyboard into two equal ranges, allowing both student and teacher to use the piano simultaneously

To learn more about Casio's line of Privia digital pianos or full portfolio of electronic musical instruments, please visit www.CasioMusicGear.com. 

About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957,Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com.

About Privia
Casio's Privia line of digital pianos redefines the digital piano category with unprecedented sound quality and performance features in stylish, elegant designs that are supremely portable. Featuring superb grand piano sounds and a new Tri-Sensor 88 note scaled hammer action keyboard and some models weighing only 25 lbs., Casio's Privia digital pianos are versatile enough for any home, studio, or stage. The award winning grand piano sound in Privia has been dramatically improved and now utilizes more than three times the memory of the previous generation for a more natural piano tone. In addition, Casio's new proprietary sound source "AiR" (Acoustic and intelligent Resonator) provides unmatched realism, detail and seamless dynamics for a remarkably expressive and powerful performance. For additional information on Casio's Privia digital pianos, please visit www.CasioMusicGear.com.

Songwriter Karen Littman, Academy Award-winning Director John Korty, and Grammy Award-winning Producer Narada Michael Walden have teamed up to create a compelling and uplifting music video that gives a face to homelessness in America. In the spirit of helping one another, Littman is giving the video free to organizations that are improving the lives and futures of homeless people everywhere. Nonprofit organizations can use "A Little Help" as part of their own campaigns for awareness and fundraising.

Littman will customize the final frame of the video with each organization's message and contact information. Nonprofits typically don't have the resources to create ambitious marketing or video production. Littman and her team hope the video will help raise money and awareness for organizations providing "A Little Help" to get the homeless on their feet again.

"A Little Help" is an honest picture of homelessness: from people surviving on the streets to families in shelters and job training programs. Homelessness does not discriminate by age, ethnicity or background. 

"Millions of Americans experience homelessness at some point of their lives. The stereotypes of homelessness don't reflect reality," remarked Littman. "Every homeless person has faced unique circumstances and challenges and has a unique future left to live. My hope is that 'A Little Help' gives people pause and encourages them to support organizations in their communities working with the homeless."

"A Little Help" is pitch perfect for fundraising and awareness campaigns.

Karen Littman, composed and performed the song, Oscar winner John Korty directed the video, and Grammy-winning producer Narada Michael Walden produced the song.

Most of the footage in "A Little Help" was shot on location at Homeward Bound of Marin's (www.hbofm.org), programs for the homeless. A version of the video customized with Homeward Bound's message at the end can be seen here.

"In fundraising, as in life, we all need a little help sometimes," says Mary Kay Sweeney, Homeward Bound's executive director. "We're proud to work together with Karen Littman to send a message of love and positivity into the world."

About Homeward Bound of Marin

Founded in 1974, Homeward Bound (www.hbofm.org) serves an average of 1,200 people yearly in 15 residential programs ranging from emergency shelter to permanent supportive housing. Services include counseling, job training and workshops in "life skills" like parenting and budgeting.

About Morphonix LLC

Morphonix (www.morphonix.com) is an award-winning developer of learning games that teach children about neuroscience in fun and engaging ways. Founded in 1990 by Karen Littman, Morphonix™ LLC was created to research the educational value of new media and technology, and to apply this knowledge to the development of innovative programs that better educate and support children.

Source:
Karen Littman, President, Morphonix LLC
Email
415-331-5010