Long Island Singer / Songwriter / Producer Teddy Wender Releases “Peace Will Come” Single/Video

During these chaotic and uncertain days, the musicians and artists take to the forefront to deliver messages of hope and optimism. Long Island based singer/songwriter/producer and living legend Teddy Wender released a magnificent new song and video- "Peace Will Come" today! 

The tune offers lyrics about unity and positive vibes to calm and uplift your mood during these troubled times. What we need more of, are songs like this. A promise of a better future, hope that there will be more harmony and togetherness in the world, and the only way to get there is through love. Love always wins in the end.

"Peace Will Come" is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Apple Music and all major streaming services.



In six months, our world has irreversibly changed. An invisible virus has ravaged the globe, devastating families and changing the way that humans have behaved since the dawn of time.

Yet despite these isolating and threatening circumstances, millions have come together to remind us that real change comes when we unite during difficult times. The time for peace, safety and equality for ALL people is right now.

“Peace Will Come” is an anthem of love, peace, equality, and hope. The love child of native New Yorkers, Teddy Wender and Neil Rosengarden, co-produced by Chris “The Fourz” Brown. The result of decades of friendship and brotherhood that can only be sustained by empathy, acceptance, and ultimately love.

The song implores us to stand beside our brothers and help them out when they are down, and warns us that unless we show a little kindness, we’re setting up for our demise. An essential and pertinent message for our quickly evolving world.

"With the nation being at such crossroads, with over 200,000 deaths due to the pandemic, resulting in millions of jobs lost, and a dramatic rise in racial injustice not seen since the 60’s, political polarization is at an all-time high, peace, love and understanding is all we need now. It’s time to work together and this song says just that. Please join us to try to make a better world for our kids.” - Ted Wender



About Teddy Wender

Teddy Wender is a living legend in New York City and a lifelong keyboardist/singer/arranger/producer and songwriter. Teddy, founding member of the New-Wave band 3-D on Polydor Records, who appeared on Saturday Night Live when the cast still included Steve Martin and Bill Murray.

He’s toured alongside U2, The Ramones, The Cars, J. Geil’s Band, Eddie Money and South Side Johnny. Additionally, Teddy’s played keys for the likes of Ric Derringer, Dr. John, Odetta, Johnny Winter, Albert King, Gordon Waller, Ray Draper, Gary Stewart, Michael Powers and Loudon Wainwright III.

Teddy’s seen success as a pop songwriter, writing dance hits like, “What The Funk” and “Get Up And Dance” for The Memphis Horns / Doobie Brothers on RCA. He served as a label executive signing blues legend and guitarist Michael Powers and Pop singer Cyndi Phillips to Smooth Records.

Teddy designed, owned, and operated Data Bank / Big Noise / and Protown Studios, the infamous home to so many hip-hop / R&B and Indie Rock artist for over 30 years. Ted wrote song parodies on Howard Stern’s A&E show, and scored the music for the syndicated TV show Overhaulin’ currently on the Velocity Channel. Ted is currently the keyboardist for Long Island’s Red White & Blues Band.

Gold Coast Arts’ Eighth Annual “Your Big Break “ to Showcase Young Original Long Island Musicians For Top Music Executives - Submissions Now Open

Although it is generally well-known how difficult it is for a young musician to be heard by an important music executive, each year the Gold Coast Arts Center, Love Revolution Org., and the Rick Eberle Agency are able to give ambitious youth that exact opportunity. Presenting the Annual Your Big Break showcase held at the Gold Coast Arts Center’s Weinstein Playhouse; accomplished veteran music business professionals donate their time and resources to help identify and assist the new wave of aspiring stars to take the next step in their musical journey. https://goldcoastarts.org/your-big-break/

The 8th Annual Your Big Break semifinals will be held on March 14 and April 25, with the finals taking place on June 6, 2020. Young artists are judged in categories including stage presence, overall musicianship, and fan reaction.

OPEN CALL NOW for submissions from all musicians ages 15 to 25 living on Long Island (or in all five boroughs) who do not currently have a recording or publishing contract. Interested artists MUST be prepared to perform two original songs (with a band, or solo with an acoustic guitar/other instrument). Submissions are open now through February 23rd, 2020. There is no fee to submit.

Those interested can email the following information to yourbigbreakny@gmail.com: one MP3 song, one photo, and a short bio, or enter at Reverbnation here: https://www.reverbnation.com/submission/details?campaign_id=38532

Last May, YBB crowned the seventh winner, Arizona Lindsey. With her sweet-sounding voice, passionate vocal performance and heartfelt lyrics, Arizona has been captivating audiences attention worldwide. Since her YBB win, she has appeared in multiple live interviews and performances. Arizona has been featured on radio stations across the East Coast such as

Last-FM, Blast-FM, WUSB Homegrown Long Island, Granite Coast Entertainment Inc., and WHPC Rising Stars.



Past winners from prior years, All Types of Kinds, Paris Ray, Youth Be Told, Katie Zimmer, Annika and Matt Grabowski and finalists SEE and Zofolk have gone on to work with major producers, managers and agents. Past artists who have performed in the headline slots have included: Brooke Moriber, Lem Payne Jr. Iridesense, John Hampson of Nine Days, The Brady Brothers, Sir Cadian Rhythm- all of whom are local musicians who have since enjoyed success in the business. Be inspired by the next generation of New York talent presented at Your Big Break in 2020.


The Judges

Hosted at the Gold Coast Arts Center by founders Rick Eberle, Brian Viner and Eugenia Viner; judges take on a major role in the competition. Included have been some of the music industry’s elite such as: ReverbNation.com’s Lou Plaia, All Music Inc and Scatterbrain’s Guy Brogna, artist manager Randy Nichols, radio host and former pro wrestler Brimstone, songwriter and bassist Tara Drouin, producers David Caggiano and Donnie Klang, Good Times Magazine’s Rich Branciforte, musician Richy Petrello, club owner Pauline Damiani and label executives Stephen Marcuccio, Jill Morrison, Jerry Lembo, Linda Ingrisano, and Mark Ambrosino. Judges for 2020 will soon be announced.


The Mentors

Mentors will be assigned to the finalists. These mentors will work to help them hone their craft before performing in the finals. 2020 mentors are still TBD – while past years have included American Idol’s Robbie Rosen, Dream Recording Studio’s Jason Melker, Sojourn Records’ Mark Ambrosino, producer/songwriter and former VP of A&R at Atlantic Records Jimmy Bralower, singer/songwriters John Hampson of Nine Days, Ryan Star, Cass Dillon, and songwriter/producer Donnie Klang of MTV’s “Making the Band”, songwriter/producer Ido Zmishlany, among others.


Prizes

Prizes include: Show at Revolution Bar & Music Hall (Pauline Damiani, Judge), Recording time at The Sound Cellar (Dave Alini, Judge), PR campaign with the Rick Eberle Agency (Host) including an interview and airplay on WHPC “Rising Stars” on 90.3 FM, Gift Certificate from All Music Inc (Guy Brogna, Judge), Equipment from ZOOM North America (Stephen Marcuccio, Judge), ReverbNation.com Discount (Lou Plaia, Judge), Article in Good Times Magazine (Rick Branciforte, Judge)

For more information on how to submit, contest rules, prizes and more, visit www.goldcoastarts.org or call 516-829-2570.

British Rockers "The Babys" Rock Boulton Center in Bay Shore Thursday, June 21st

Its not many bands in history whose iconic music and live performances can truly stand the test of time, but as they embark on their 40th Anniversary Tour along with the pending release of their brand new album “Timeless: Anthology II”, The Babys are ready to bring a taste of the old and the the new to Bay Shore’s YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, June 21st at 8PM!

With their current lineup consisting of co-founders Wally Stocker (lead guitar) and Tony Brock (drums), along with lead vocalist/bassist John Bisaha, guitarist Joey Sykes, keyboardist Walter Ino and The Babettes - Holly Bisaha and Elisa Chadbourne -Stocker recently shared, "I personally think Timeless has a more distinctive sound to it production wise, mainly because the tracks all came from the same studio, unlike the first Anthology. I am very pleased that we managed to maintain that 'Babys' sound!"

Both Stocker and Brock are confident that this album will be well-received. "Some fans will never let go of the original versions, but I know a true fan will be open-minded enough to enjoy where we are now, especially with our incredible lead singer, John Bisaha (and other members)," Brock added. Bisaha's presence and enthusiasm are both powerful on stage and behind the scenes. "We all bring something new into the making of this record, even Tony and Wally. There's a 'live' feel to this record. We've brought all the glitz and glamour with the arrangements and orchestrations," Bisaha stated. Seasoned guitarist/songwriter Joey Sykes provides a new dimension and nuance, who shared, "The surprise is that The Babys actually recorded another greatest hits album. For hardcore Babys fans, and music fans in general, that's a great thing to have a few new ones that we put our stamp on."

The music of The Babys has withstood the test of time, with Bisaha concluding, "These songs are part of the storyboards of our lives. These songs are Timeless – and so – our album shall be titled as such."



Born in 1976, THE BABYS took on the classic rock world head first with a full stage musical experience, giving rise to what quickly came to be known as their 'signature sound'. Billboard chart-climbers like "Every Time I Think of You", "Midnight Rendezvous" and "Isn't It Time" helped to launch them into worldwide recognition while also helping to carve out their permanent place in music history. THE BABYS were the first band ever signed to a million dollar record deal with Chrysalis Records on the basis of a 'new' thing called 'video'. THE BABYS classic songs have withstood the test of time - with their hits still being played in rotation around the globe, and influencing bands of 'the day' and emerging artists respectively. Rock radio DJ/music enthusiast Paul Nicholls of Feel the Steel on Platinum Rock Radio UK echoed that sentiment during his interview with THE BABYS in August 2016, stating, "Without The Babys being around, music in the 80's would've been a lot different."Now, as they continue their 40th Anniversary Tour with upcoming stops in MD, NY, and MA - Long Island fans fans can get a taste of the nostalgic rock they love, mixed in with some BRAND NEW songs as they get ready to play Bay Shore’s Boulton Center on Thursday, June 21st at 8PM!

Gnarly Karma start up 2016 with new album and show at The Bitter End, January 23rd!

New York alternative rock band Gnarly Karma just debuted a fresh new album called "Classic Breeze" and play The Bitter End, Saturday - January 23rd.

Gnarly Karma is one of the most interesting bands on the New York City scene right now. They have a unique sound made up of guitar, bass, drums, sax, keyboards, harmonica and vocals. Mike Renert is an emotional singer with a dynamic range, full of classic rock influences and a grungy rasp. He has the lyrical wit of Neil Young, or similar to Adam Duritz on the softer songs, songs about 'love and life' from a storyteller's point of view. The more upbeat acoustic tracks are in the vein of the Dave Matthews Band and O.A.R.. There's always a great groove. There's always a solid pulse. The saxophone gives the music a transcendental vibe and contemporary jazz/rock feel that works with Renert's hypnotic songwriting style. They are an exciting act to catch live and always impress. Top notch musicians.. Check them out at The Bitter End, January 23rd!

"Classic Breeze" is now available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, and more.

Oogee Wawa and the age of modern medicine in music...

There have been few bands to mix multiple music genres over the past 20 years successfully. This was a ‘thing’ in the 1970’s after the breakout of The Beatles’ drug explorations of 1967. It is argued today that The Beatles may not have been the most original band, copying and inserting influences into their music to call their own, but The Beatles were the most famous band of their time so they were the ones to show the world new movements in pop rock culture. The 70’s brought on bands like Led Zeppelin or Yes, bands that could actually play blues and jazz to a progressive extent, thus forming the genre: progressive rock. 

By today’s standards, labels are not so important and the younger generation of musicians can play many styles more instinctively. Over the years, we’ve had bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane’s Addiction and Radiohead, bands that fuse different styles with ease commercially. The commercial part is the tricky part. How does one self indulge in whatever they want to do when it’s against the public norm and sell tickets to see it? Few bands try... some succeed, some don’t.

Oogee Wawa come from Long Island, New York, a place where everyone’s trying to ‘make it’ at what they want to do. Long Island has reggae bands, funk bands, jazz, rock, hip hop, blues, folk and any other kind of approach you can think of. Oogee Wawa (sounds like a Frank Zappa album title, no?) are mixing all of this into their trademark sound and drawing huge crowds to boot. They are exceptional musicians with ambitious hearts in a growing music scene where everyone’s competing for attention and the better gig. But they seem more focused on having a great time and making feel good tracks more than fame and fortune. Nevertheless, the grab bag of fame and fortune seem to be heading their way. This is how most great bands move ahead, by doing what they do and not trying to copy someone else for superficial purposes. 

When listening to their songs, I feel uplifted, like everything’s gonna work out and there’s no reason to stress about things. I get this feeling when I listen to Bob Marley. It works like an herbal supplement for depression. Their music is more than catchy pop tunes with a funky beat. It has a flow to get you through the day and each song has a simple clear message for the listener like “Go Your Way” and “Feelin Alive Today”. This was the essence of reggae pioneers- The Wailers. Poetry for the every man and grooves that put a smile on your face.

Not only have Oogee Wawa tapped into something the majority of New Yorkers seem to like, they are hard working players, performing every week and pumping out new material faster than anyone else as far as I can see. They won first place at the Indie Music Fest in Las Vegas, NV and racked up an impressive amount of shows, over 100 in a year, making them incredibly prolific to say the least. They headlined Long Island’s premiere venue The Paramount and continue to draw big crowds wherever they play. 

I love the fact that they combine such eccentric tastes from Eminem to The Beach Boys over beats Lee “Scratch” Perry would flip over. No one else is doing something so fresh and new, it gives a music journalist like myself a rush to the head when I listen. The band has also shared the stage with their predecessors like Slightly Stoopid and Sublime, but I gotta say, I think Oogee Wawa are better! Their jams are even more alive and thousands of people are reacting that way. It’s a party on stage and you’re all invited!

You can experience the Oogee Wawa sensation for yourself by checking their website for tour dates at a venue near you.

Remember what Bob Marley said: “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” There’s nothing truer in life and Oogee Wawa epitomize the talent to do so.