Holiday Film A Heart Full of Hope Premieres at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills

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Produced by Nicole Mendez (MNITF) and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions
BEVERLY HILLS, CA (November 10, 2025) — The spirit of the holiday season came alive last week at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills as cast, crew, and special guests gathered for the red carpet premiere of A Heart Full of Hope, the latest uplifting film produced by the Nicole Mendez (MNITF) and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions.

The premiere drew an enthusiastic crowd, with attendees enjoying a festive evening of holiday cheer, heartfelt storytelling, and cinematic celebration. A Heart Full of Hope delivers a heartfelt message of compassion, perseverance, and the gift of second chances — themes that align beautifully with MNITF’s mission to advance organ donation awareness and support transplant patients and their families.

In attendance were the film’s stars, Chelsea Rose Cook, Juliah Taylor, and Sebastian Armani, as well as director Dale Fabrigar, and producers Nicole Mendez, and Suzanne DeLaurentiis.

Guests at the premiere walked on the red carpet, posed for photos, and shared warm holiday wishes as they enjoyed the debut screening. Following the film, an intimate reception, with sandwiches by Fat Sal’s, cannoli by Bug & Bears, and drinks by Booze & Brews, gave attendees the chance to celebrate the production team’s efforts and the film’s message of perseverance and hope.

“A Heart Full of Hope is more than a holiday movie—it’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, kindness and faith can light the way,” said Nicole Mendez. “We’re proud to collaborate with MNITF to highlight a message that resonates far beyond the screen and will bring awareness to the importance of living kidney donors,” added Suzanne DeLaurentiis.

The film recently had success on the film festival circuit, winning at the Cannes World Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Awards, and the Accolade Global Film Competition. It was also a finalist at the Bright Light International Film Festival and an official selection of the Glendale International Film Festival. A Heart Full of Hope is now available to watch on multiple streaming platforms.

The 2025 MNITF Holiday Gala Shines Bright at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

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An elegant evening produced by Nicole Mendez & Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions celebrates philanthropy, entertainment, and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation’s life-saving mission
Beverly Hills, CA – November 6, 2025 – The 2025 Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) Holiday Gala, held at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 2nd, and produced by Nicole Mendez, and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions, was a dazzling evening of entertainment, inspiration, and generosity.

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning actress Eva LaRue, best known for CSI: Miami and her acclaimed work in daytime television, the gala brought together Hollywood talent, donors, and advocates to support MNITF’s mission of advancing organ transplantation through research and education.

The evening’s program featured a lively tap dance routine produced by Shannon Beach, a mesmerizing hand-balancing act, and a festive finale by The Satin Dollz, who performed a 1940s-inspired holiday medley.

Among the many notable guests were Eric Roberts, Michael Paré, and Stepfanie Kramer, who joined attendees in celebrating the foundation’s continued impact and outreach.

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors. Corporate sponsors included: Parking Company of America, Natera, TFS Financial Insurance Services & Total Financial Solutions, Inc., Fiduciary Trust International, Galpin Motors, Dukes Wealth Management, and Midwest Railway Services.
Guests walked the red carpet, enjoyed handcrafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, bid on exclusive auction items, and departed with elegant gift bags—all in the spirit of giving.

Gift bag sponsors included: Ellovi, Beez Gone Natural Skincare, Velvet Sunglasses, Foskaris Wellness, Skanties Anti-Shapewear, Mr. Stew, B!atch Tequila, Capaquarius Media, and Booze & Brews #2.
The 2025 MNITF Holiday Gala was truly a night to remember, honoring the compassion and commitment that drives the foundation’s mission forward.

Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation Wrap Filming on Heart Full of Hope, a Holiday Feature Raising Awareness for Kidney Disease

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Los Angeles, CA – April 10, 2025 – Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) are proud to announce the completion of principal photography for Heart Full of Hope, their second Christmas holiday film dedicated to raising awareness about kidney disease. This poignant feature, produced by Nicole Mendez and Suzanne DeLaurentiis, tells an inspiring story of resilience, love, and the transformative power of kindness while shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals battling renal failure.

Written by Tricia Aurand and directed by Dale Fabrigar, Heart Full of Hope is a tender holiday film starring Juliah Taylor, Chelsea Cook, and Sebastian Armani. With its themes of perseverance and hope, it promises to be a moving addition to the holiday season lineup.

Heart Full of Hope follows Whitney, played by Juliah Taylor, a determined woman in her 30s who refuses to let renal failure or the demands of regular dialysis stand in the way of her dream to earn a college degree. Supporting her is her vibrant younger sister, Lynette, played by Chelsea Cook, whose unwavering love masks the heartache of knowing she isn’t a match to help Whitney through a kidney transplant.

The story takes an uplifting turn when Whitney forms a unique bond with Sebastian, played by Sebastian Armani. Sebastian is a charismatic teacher who has recently returned home to teach at her college. As Whitney introduces Sebastian to Lynette, sparks fly between them, bringing unexpected joy into their lives.

Meanwhile, Lynette’s boss, Kaya, a Native American woman, played by Cree Armstead, reveals that her grandfather is battling kidney failure and struggling to find a donor. Through Kaya’s heartfelt story, Lynette gains insight into the broader impact of kidney disease within Native American communities and begins understanding the systemic challenges many face in finding treatment.

Heart Full of Hope will be released during the 2025 holiday season. For updates on the film and information about kidney disease awareness initiatives, visit MNITF.org.

About the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF):
MNITF is a public non-profit organization that adheres to its mission of advancing the science and practice of organ transplantation and end-stage organ disease therapies through research, education, and innovation. MNITF’s commitment to education and outreach has resulted in successful, community patient education programs that target underserved populations to increase awareness and access to transplantation.

For more information on MNITF, please see https://mnitf.org/. For more information on Suzanne DeLaurentiis, please see https://suzannedelaurentiisproduction.com/. For media needs, including interviews with talent or producers, or production stills, please contact Susan von Seggern at susan@susanvonseggern.com or 213-840-0077.

Noah Solt Navigates Inner Luminosity with New Single “Old Star” Out Today

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San Francisco, CA – January 29, 2025 – Indie-folk artist and sea captain Noah Solt releases his enchanting new single, “Old Star,” today. This soulful track serves as the first glimpse into his upcoming album, The Flight of Fallen Leaves, and reflects the serenity and wisdom gained from life at sea.

“Old Star” invites listeners on a journey to introspection through gentle, hymn-like melodies and poetic lyrics. Inspired by Solt’s sailing adventures, the song captures the unpredictability of navigating one’s inner search for belonging. “Old Star reminds me of sailing offshore, where the light of the stars serves as a quiet reassurance—guiding me home,” Solt explains.

This release marks a significant evolution in Solt’s artistry, showcasing a more intimate and ethereal folk sound. The single distills his experiences into a deeply personal space of less sound and deeper resonance, reflecting his artistic journey of bold exploration and intentional reduction.

From Berklee to the High Seas
Noah Solt’s path to “Old Star” has been one of unconventional twists and turns. After a year at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Solt boldly pursued his lifelong dream of sailing worldwide. This three-year maritime adventure catalyzed an outward journey and an inward one, shaping the introspective nature of his music.

Anchored in San Francisco
Now based in San Francisco, Solt lives aboard his sailboat, drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant creative energy and diverse culture. His unique background as both musician and sailor infuses his work with rare depth and authenticity, positioning him as a rising star in the indie folk scene.

“Old Star” and the forthcoming album, The Flight of Fallen Leaves, promise to deepen Solt’s musical evolution. By blending poetic songwriting with the quiet wisdom gained from life at sea, his music creates a space for listeners to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their inner luminosity in an often chaotic world.

“Old Star” will be available on all major streaming platforms today.

About Noah Solt
Noah Solt is an indie-folk musician and sea captain whose music navigates the tension and release found in a journey of return. His artistic path has been one of bold exploration and intentional reduction, distilling his work into a more intimate form. Solt’s unique experiences sailing the world’s oceans have given him time to reflect on what matters, creating an introspective and expansive sound that resonates deeply with audiences.

Shining a Light on An Untold WWII Tale. Jeep Shows Were Front Line Entertainment by Entertainment Soldiers in the Morale Corps

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Jeep Show Author and Expert Robert B. O’Connor Available for Coverage Leading Up to VE Day’s 80th Anniversary, May 8

Memphis, TN – February 6, 2025—As the 80th Anniversary of VE Day approaches, there are precious few stories of World War II in the European Theater of Operations that have not been told, told, and told. However, Memphis-based author Robert B. O’Connor has found and extensively researched such a story.

His book, Jeep Show – A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge, was released in late 2024 for the 80th Anniversary of that monumental battle, where much of the action takes place. Jeep Show tells the never-before publicized story of the enlisted entertainers of the Army’s Morale Corp. The book follows Private Jim Tanzer and his squad leader, Mickey Rooney, Hollywood’s top box office star from 1939 to 1941, as their Jeep shows tour the front lines where the USO and the Red Cross could not go. The action ramps up when the Germans attack in force, and Private Tanzer inadvertently becomes part of Team SNAFU, the unit of irregulars supporting the 101st Airborne Division in the heroic defense of Bastogne.

O’Connor notes, “When I heard that Jim Hetzer, the WWII Veteran who inspired my main character, entertained combat troops at the front, my first thought was: enlisted men were entertainers? Like most people, I thought there was just the USO’s civilian celebs entertaining the troops in the rear echelon. But, with their Jeep shows, the brave men of the Morale Corp brought a bit of home and humor to the front lines. Due to the fog of war, some of these men ended up in combat. An irresistible story.”

Jeep Show has become a popular book in military and veteran communities, with O’Connor appearing on many vet podcasts, including Veteran’s Radio, Veteran’s Breakfast Club, and more. Don Abernathy of What’s The Scuttlebutt notes, “I can count on two hands the number of fiction books I’ve read in my life. I’ve read hundreds of books, but I don’t devote time to fiction at all. I did 80 pages last night, and I’ve been thinking about it all day. I have been looking so forward to getting back into it. There’s no better compliment.”

The book has been well-reviewed:
“Although a work of fiction, Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge brilliantly draws upon real people, places, and events drawn from the European theatre of World War II. A fun and fascinating read from start to finish, one that rises to an impressive level of literary excellence.” – Midwest Book Review

“It seems odd to call a World War II novel ‘delightful,’ but that’s exactly what you get with O’Connor’s mix of history and fiction as battles rage on and enlisted men entertain the troops.” – Kirkus, Starred Review

“This refreshing take on military fiction masterfully balances the gravity of war with unexpected moments of fun and camaraderie.” – Publisher’s Weekly BookLife, Editor’s Pick

“Band of Brothers meets Forrest Gump.” – Amazon Reader Review

Interviewers find Robert O’Connor an excellent interview with these and many other noting:
“You will not be able to find any time when that dialogue does not fit the time and the place, and the circumstance. Where the history doesn’t match the exact history.” – Jon Hagadorn, 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries Podcast

“You were amazing. It was an honor.” – Joe Dimino, Famous Interviews Podcast

“Your insights brought such depth to the conversation, and your passion for sharing this important history was both engaging and inspiring.” – Jorge Loza and Wesley Reynolds, Two Motrin and Water Podcast

Jeep Show author Robert O’Connor will make a fantastic guest or expert for the 80th anniversary of VE Day coverage needs. This never-before-told tale is a perfect way to celebrate America’s victory over fascism with the heart and soul of the US Army’s Morale Corp. And couldn’t we all use a little morale in 2025?

Grammy Nominated, Long Time Spiritual Music Leader Jai Uttal Releases His Version of the Hanuman Chalisa

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Fairfax, CA – November 14, 2024 – Jai Uttal’s majestic musical setting for the ancient Hindu prayer, the Hanuman Chalisa, is a tour-de-force of devotional musical artistry. The 16-minute composition moves dynamically through myriad moods, bringing to vivid life the epic story of the shape-shifting Hindu monkey deity Hanuman—avatar of Shiva and embodiment of universal love (bhakti) and service (seva) to one’s fellow beings.

The Hanuman Chalisa text was composed by the 16th-century Indian poet and saint Tulsidas. He adapted earlier Sanskrit sources to sing Hanuman’s praises in the vernacular Awadhi language—the language of his people and time period. The Hanuman Chalisa is a life-affirming prayer for all times and places.

“Now, in this time of global crisis,” says Jai, “I offer you my version, entitled Hanuman Chalisa for World Peace.”

Jai Uttal first learned the Chalisa at the feet of his gurus, Neem Karoli Baba and Sri Siddhi Ma, in India in the 1970s. It has been a part of his daily, personal spiritual practice ever since. He decided to share the Chalisa with a wider audience when theater director David Kersnar approached Jai about turning it into an opera for the stage. Early GarageBand demos—Couch Potato Productions as Jai calls them—soon blossomed into a gloriously rich studio recording with longtime Jai Uttal collaborators, the Pagan Love Orchestra and producer Ben Leinbach.

The result is a work of multi-hued, many-faceted splendor. A wistful Doha, or invocation to the gurus, gives way to jubilantly melodic verses—40 in all—punctuated by resplendent recurrences of the root mantra “Jay Sita Ram, Jay Sita Ram, Jay Jay Hanuman.” The music moves with the story—through major and minor modes, deeply-rooted grooves, and moments of floating timelessly in space. A stirring sense of pageantry informs Peter Apfelbaum’s triumphant horn arrangements. Backing vocalists Sandy and Natalie Cressman and Prajna Vieira evoke the feminine energy of Sita, the divine heroine of the saga. Their voices lend an angelic glow to the music.

And throughout, the voice of Jai Uttal—imbued with a lifetime of devotional chanting—guides us deep into the Hanuman Chalisa’s many subtle shades of Divine Love.

“I wanted to make a musical arrangement that expresses the dynamic and brilliantly shining personality of Hanuman,” says Jai, “and something that also reflects the many facets of my long musical, human, and spiritual journey.”

With its joyful, uplifting artistry, the Hanuman Chalisa for World Peace is a balm for our troubled times.
– Alan DiPerna, October 2024

Liminal Shade Releases Cover of David Lynch’s “In Heaven”

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Liminal Shade has released their rendition of “In Heaven,” the song from David Lynch’s film Eraserhead.

Vocalist Mar Boreal has always loved the song and frequently sings it during live soundchecks. Bonding over their love of Lynchian cinema, the band decided to record their electronic postpunk version.

“In Heaven” first appeared in Lynch’s surreal 1977 debut feature film. With music composed by Peter Ivers and lyrics penned by Lynch himself, the song serves as a haunting motif throughout the film, perfectly encapsulating the film’s unsettling atmosphere.

Since then, “In Heaven” has been covered by many artists, from the Pixies to Bauhaus to Devo to the Weeknd. Liminal Shade’s take honors the original while adding their signature darkwave sound. Mar’s enchanting vocals blend with John von Seggern’s shoegaze-y guitar parts (played on Chapman Stick) and Benjamin Thompson’s beats and electronic soundscapes.

This release showcases Liminal Shade’s innovative approach to darkwave, weaving together elements of postpunk, gothic pop, and electronic music. It is also a testament to the enduring power of Lynch’s bizarre artistic vision.

Stream “In Heaven” now on major platforms, and let Liminal Shade be your guide through the Lynchian labyrinth of dreams.
#Darkwave #Experimental #PostRock #LiminalShade

Wandering in Time Productions, Known for the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire and the Oregon Renaissance Faire, announces Inaugural Festival Lineup for the Oregon Celtic Festival

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New Fest Takes Place September 13-15 in Canby, OR

Canby, OR – Pack your kilts, gather your clan, and dance the night away! Wandering in Time Productions and the Washington Renaissance Arts & Education Society, the noted Pacific Northwest event team behind the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire and the Oregon Renaissance Faire, are thrilled to announce the initial lineup for Oregon Celtic Festival 2024! The new fest occurs at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds, 694 NE 4th Avenue, Canby, OR, September 13-15. Tickets are available at orcelticfest.com/ticket-info/.

Festival founder David Day notes, “We are thrilled to feature an extraordinary lineup of Celtic musicians from around the world, ranging across the spectrum of genres and giving us a glimpse into both the traditional and contemporary sounds of modern Celtic music. From rock to pop, jam, bluegrass, and even electronic influences, there is something for all musical tastes at the Oregon Celtic Festival.”

Headliners for this family-friendly 3-day music festival include:
The Elders remain one of the top Celtic-rock bands in the US after 26 years because of their timeless sound. Their passion, great melodies, unique harmonies, unparalleled musicianship, and strong songwriting keep them connected. Known for their unique storytelling, full of love, loyalty, and Irish feistiness, their ability to bring together elements both musically progressive and rooted in tradition has won them a broad international fanbase and critical acclaim.

Screaming Orphans is a chart-topping all-sister Celtic folk and pop band from Donegal, Ireland. They are known worldwide for their award-winning sound, which combines original pop songs with a unique take on traditional Irish music. From an early age, the Diver sisters entertained international audiences around Ireland, accompanying their mother, legendary céilí singer Kathleen Fitzgerald. The sisters’ trademark spine-tingling four-part harmony, instrumental mastery, and highly energized performances take audiences on an exhilarating and emotional musical journey.

Alasdair Fraser is “the Michael Jordan of Scottish fiddling” with a concert and recording career spanning 30+ years, a long list of awards and accolades, including induction into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, radio and television credits, and feature performances on top movie soundtracks including Titanic. He will take the stage with many Friends at this year’s festival, including his son, Galen Fraser, who is also on this year’s lineup as one half of San Miguel Fraser – a dynamic duo that combines dynamic fiddling and string arrangements with the soaring, life-celebrating singing of the other half of the duo – Maria San Miguel.

Tempest is celebrating 36 years of Celtic Rock! Formed in 1988, they deliver a globally renowned hybrid of high-energy Folk Rock, fusing Irish reels, Scottish ballads, Norwegian influences, and other world music elements.

Wake the Dead is a romp that flows seamlessly from rock grooves to hot Irish reels and from haunting airs to achingly beautiful melodies familiar to Deadheads everywhere. Seven of the best-known and most respected players in the West come together to create jams that keep the tie-dye swirling and vocal harmonies that float like clouds. These are worlds meshing, coalescing ­ creating a whole new realm of possibility, true to the spirits of the Grateful Dead and the eternally hopeful Celts.

Other performing artists continue the who’s who of the top Celtic acts touring today, including Reverie Road, The Jeremiahs, TRÚ, Hanneke Cassel Trio, Colin Cotter & Sumaia Jackson, Elias Alexander, Adams, Martin & Linahon, Tradmill, and The Unipiper!

Festival founder Tracy Nietupski adds, “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the inaugural Oregon Celtic Festival! Prepare for an unforgettable weekend brimming with enchanting music, spirited dance, and delectable food and drink. Tap your toes, lift a glass, and revel with us at the Pacific Northwest’s premiere Celtic music celebration!”

In addition to the music, guests can visit the “Fairy Realm,” home to children’s events and activities designed to be an experience for kids and kids-at-heart. Hosted by the Wyldewood Fae, it is home to costumed fairies and many magical experiences, including bubbles, crafting, songs, games, storytelling, and more!

A bustling marketplace filled with merchant and artisan vendors will showcase their unique crafts and wares, while a diverse selection of food vendors will offer delicious Celtic fare and modern treats. The Oregon Celtic Festival encourages camping on-site in classic West Coast Festival style, with tent and RV options available.

For Celtic music and culture fans who are 21+, the festival also offers an add-on experience—the “Bard’s Tour of Whiskey” tasting event. A connoisseur will guide guests through a collection of global whiskeys, and all participants will receive a commemorative whiskey glass and light snacks to accompany the tasting!

The new Oregon Celtic Festival invites Celtic music fans, families, and festival aficionados to the beautiful Clackamas County Fairgrounds from September 13 to 15 for this music-forward Celtic jamboree. Tickets are available at orcelticfest.com/ticket-info/.

In closing, Tracy notes, “Set in the mystical pine forest of Oregon, our festival offers a unique blend of breathtaking setting, world-class performances, and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect destination for a fall adventure in the Pacific Northwest.”

The Stratos Ensemble’s Freeing Form Out

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Los Angeles – April 12, 2024 – Dean De Benedictis’ Stratos Ensemble, the improvisational/jazz outfit he’s led that has been officially expanding the margin between electronic soundscapes and full-band sensibilities since 2004, releases its first full-length album since 2016, Freeing Form today. Freeing Form is available now at https://open.spotify.com/album/4qrifbTIVI9lBZhzZyprkn?si=Y6Yu_E3XROek7f-aN3dc8g and all digital platforms.

The Stratos Ensemble approaches their music from an ambient, progressive style base rather than the traditional, non-idiomatic, free-jazz school of thought. They focus on textured audio exploration as much as musicianship, and their performances often extend into epic, long-form sets of sonic and melodic exploration, moving through peaks and valleys of intensity and emotional dynamics.

This latest LP by the Stratos Ensemble, entitled Freeing Form, is more versatile than any of the band’s previous releases. It covers a selection of work from 2013-2023, focusing mainly on the last two years of material performed by the band’s most current lineup of players. Various vocal elements are also introduced, a development following the arrival of a lead singer, Nichole Michelle Jones, in 2022. The music of Freeing Form, much like the rest of the Stratos Ensemble’s work, began as complete improvisations tracked at various studios. Later, De Benedictis mixed and edited these recordings to make them sound more like a production, supplementing the esoteric audio abandon typically associated with improvised music recordings.

The title of Freeing Form is a play-on-words to the term free-form and is a comment on the world of free and improvised music. One of the ideas it intends to suggest is that true freedom comes in many forms, even binding ones, and can be thought of in that way rather than always being considered a product of uncompromising will or whim.

The current lineup of musicians in The Stratos Ensemble are:

TJ Sammut — guitar
Robert Gross — bass
Nichole Michelle Jones — vocals, improv lyrics
Coco Roussel — drums, drum pads, additional synth
Dean De Benedictis — piano, synths, samplers, melodica, secondary vocals
Shaunte Palmer — trombone

Information about the individual tracks on the album follows:

Together In Flames
This piece, the album focus track (aka second single) coming out with the album today, in a slightly shorter single version here, was part of a longer recorded set. It was improvised and tracked live at Clear Lake Studios in 2022. Some post-production was done later by Dean. The title answers the mood in contrast with the lyrics.

Brand U New
This exciting and dense Eno-harkening piece was part of a more extended set improvised and recorded live at Clear Lake Studios in 2022. There was an error during recording, and Dean’s vocal parts were not tracked, so he redid them during minor editing in the post. The title is a play on words from Nichole’s improvised lyrics, some resembling known sayings.

Dunn
This piece, the first single of this album, released on March 25, was a group interpretation of a rough vamp sketch with no entirely premeditated parts (in Stratos’ tradition). The band also played along with a pre-programmed sequencer during the intro, comprised mainly of whispered consonants. The entire piece was improvised and recorded live at Clear Lake Studios in 2019 by Brandon McGregor (guitar), Coco Roussel (drums), Robert Gross (bass), and Dean De Benedictis (piano/synth /lead voice sample). The title is a hat-tip to the band’s fun-but-short-stint guitarist, Brandon.

Ray Of Night
This extended but moody jam was part of a longer recorded set. It was improvised and recorded live at Clear Lake Studios in 2022. Some post-production was done later by Dean. The title answers the mood in contrast with the spontaneous lyrics.

Up Tyner
This piece was also part of a longer recorded set. Dean began playing an old McCoy Tyner riff variation in slow swing, and the band soon joined. The title is a dedication to that moment. As always, the lyrics were improvised. The piece was improvised and tracked live at Clear Lake Studios in 2022.

We Hope AI Will Have Moments Like This
This cheekily titled piece was part of a more extended set improvised and recorded at 4th Street Studios in LA on the coldest day of 2023. Dean later did some post-production.

Nev
This piece was improvised live at Multi Media Studios in 2015 by Dean De Benedictis (melodica), Shaunte Palmer (trombone), Coco Rousell (drums), Rod McDowell (bass), and Daniel Coffeng (guitar effects). Some post-production was done later by Dean.

No Stranger
This piece is part of a more extended set. It was improvised and tracked at Amp Rehearsal Studios in 2013 by Dean De Benedictis (keyboards/embellishments), Rod McDowell (bass), Brock Bowers (drums), and Angelo Alonte (electric violin / 12-string guitar). Dean later did some post-production.

When Reminded Of Arcadia
Another extended jam was improvised and tracked at the bassist’s art loft in Arcadia, California, in 2014. The musicians were Dean De Benedictis (intro synth/lead synth), Brock Bowers (drums), Carl Royce (upright electric bass), Jim Goetsch (backup synth / mock piano), and Daniel Coffeng (guitar). Dean later did some post-production.

Lighthouse
This piece was part of an extended set improvised and recorded live at 4th Street Studios in LA during the coldest day of 2023. Dean later did some post-production. The title answers the spontaneous lyrics and mood, as it feels reverent and upbeat while simultaneously resembling lament and release. We thought it a fitting album end.

Exiled Chart Topping Russian Electronic Duo AIGEL Announces Debut US Tour

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Berlin — April 23, 2024 – AIGEL, the trailblazing, now in-exile Russian electronic duo, has announced its first-ever US tour this June. Fresh off the viral success of its Tatar-language single “Piyala,” AIGEL will bring its signature blend of electro, rap, psychedelic electronica, and Tatar lyrics to stages in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the band made an anti-war statement, was banned in Russia, and left the country. Before the US tour, they are performing at a June 4 birthday remembrance for Alexei Navalny in Berlin. Currently, singer/songwriter Aigul Gaisina is based in Berlin, while producer Ilya Baramiia resides in Montenegro. The duo creates and performs primarily in Russian and Tatar, with a bit of English.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring our music to the US finally,” says AIGEL singer Aigul Gaisina. “This tour is a dream come true for us. We can’t wait to connect with our amazing American fans who have shown us so much support online over the years.”

AIGEL is known for its unique mix of Tartar, Russian, and English lyrics with high BPM electronic tracks, evocative songwriting, solid rapping, and intense, quality-produced music videos that focus on the challenges of life in Russia.

Their latest smash hit, “Piyala,” has 44 million YouTube views (mostly from when it exploded in late 2023 due to use in a popular TV show), topped the global Shazam charts, and snagged the #1 spot on Apple Music and Spotify charts across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Their single “Tatarin” has amassed 120 million YouTube views, while other popular singles, including “Prince on White” and “You’re Born,” have generated millions of YouTube views as well.

The music video for the song “You’re Born” was released two days after Putin’s presidential terms were ‘zeroed out’ in 2020. The video depicts an old figure of authority becoming young through an ancient Russian Orthodox ritual of diving into an ice-hole. Many considered the video prophetic. It gained massive media attention, earned the Silver Lion award at the Cannes Lions Festival, and won over 15 awards at festivals worldwide, including the Berlin Music Awards.

Take advantage of this rare chance to catch AIGEL’s hypnotic live show on their first US tour:
June 7 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
June 11 – Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
June 13 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
June 14 – Los Angeles, CA – Echoplex
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