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Former Hip-Hop Journalist Named White House Social Secretary

Social Secretary Deesha Dyer sits in Green Room of the White House, Feb. 11, 2014.

From Billboard:

A former hip-hop journalist who became a White House intern in her 30s was named on Thursday as the new White House social secretary. Deesha Dyer, a Philadelphia native, will oversee planning for everything from the annual Easter Egg Roll attended by tens of thousands of people to opulent state dinners for hundreds, along with numerous receptions, ceremonies and other events that take place daily at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Before starting her career in government, Dyer was an assistant at Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust and a freelance journalist covering East Coast hip-hop culture, often for the Philadelphia CityPaper.

Dyer returned to college at age 29 and earned a degree from the Community College of Philadelphia. She joined the White House in 2009 as a 31-year-old intern in the office of scheduling and advance. She was brought on full-time a year later, beginning as associate director for scheduling correspondence and working her way up to deputy social secretary in 2013.

Stream Dave Grohl’s Early Foo Fighters Demos

From Rolling Stone:

Dave Grohl rose to the occasion of being this year’s official Record Store Day Ambassador by putting out a special vinyl release: Songs From the Laundry Room, which collects four solo recordings he made while still a member of Nirvana. The tracks are raw-sounding, early versions of the Foo Fighters songs “Alone + Easy Target” and “Big Me” (recorded in 1992 and 1994 respectively), as well as a cover of Kim Wilde’s “Kids in America” from 1991 and the previously unreleased (and notably Nirvana-esque) “Empty Handed,” recorded the same day as “Alone.” Prior to its release, he told Rolling Stone that these recordings – which are streaming below – were the seeds for what would become Foo Fighters.

Side A: 1) Alone + Easy Target 2) Big Me
Side B: 1) Kids In America 2) Empty Handed

Canadian Arts/Media Job Posts For April 20, 2015

Coveo is seeking a passionate and experienced content marketer to lead their company’s content marketing strategy and marketing communications team.

Lightspeed is looking for a savvy Social Media Strategist to help build an effective social strategy, actively engage customers and influencers within the social media channel, and execute marketing projects (such as email campaigns) as required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate significant knowledge of social media including strategy, ad buying, social platforms, and proven experience developing and executing social/marketing projects as required.

Noise Digital is actively seeking a community manager to join their Toronto Office.

Rocky View County’s international-award-winning communications department is seeking a permanent, full-time Communications Advisor.

pt Health is seeking a creative, energetic and motivating Digital Marketing Specialist to join their Corporate Team in Hamilton, Ontario.

Are you a strong and confident leader who is passionate about enriching the lives of customers and delivering world-class service? Indigo Books is looking for an Events Specialist, Central Canada, responsible for supporting the day to day administrative and operational activities of the Indigo Events team, as well as participating in field and event marketing initiatives.

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation is looking for a Digital Coordinator with technical and creative skills to apply to existing and new digital strategies to propel fundraising revenues for Holland Bloorview.

Founded in 1998 in beautiful Vancouver, BC lululemon athletica creates components to live longer, healthier more fun lives.
They are seeking a community brand specialist, the interface and liason between what their get up to in tje communities and how they will bring these stories alive for their guests across the globe.

Hudson’s Bay Company is currently seeking a Social Media Director.

The City of Thunder Bay is seeking a Communications Coordinator to work on their online presence, and collaborating with web editors across the Corporation on the website, online tools, and internet to promote City of Thunder Bay services, programs, and initiatives.

For more than 100 years, Havergal College has provided girls and young women with opportunities to learn, to grow, to reach their potential and to make a difference in the world. They are seeking a Director of Communications and Marketing, a newly created position, to provide leadership in the creation, oversight and execution of all of Havergal’s strategic marketing and communications programs and activities.

Colliers is the leader in global real estate services, defined by our spirit of enterprise, and they have an opening for a Client Project Coordinator to join their Calgary office for a 12 month contract position.

As part of the L’Oreal Group, The Body shop is a major international beauty retail business. To bring our stores and products to life, they are looking to hire a Social Media Coordinator for a six month contract at the Customer Support Center in Toronto, Ontario.

Sun Life Financial has a need for a Visual Content Specialist to help take their digital strategy in an exciting new direction.

VIRGIN RADIO 96, CHOM 97.7, CJAD &TSN 690 in Montreal is seeking a Street Team Coordinator.

Corus Entertainment has an exciting 1 year contract opportunity for a Producer/Editor in their Toronto location.

Surrey Heritage Services has an opening for a Communications Co-ordinator.

Yellow Pages is the country’s leading digital and print media company, offering businesses comprehensive media solutions to meet their key marketing objectives and providing consumers with platforms to access reliable local business information. They have an opening for a Senior Advisor – Social Media & Communications.

TAXI in Toronto has an opening for a content strategist.

Are you a content champion? Do you know how to make the distinction between print and digital disappear? Spafax Canada, a leading global content marketing agency, is looking for a digital editor to join their team.

Hill+Knowlton Strategies is searching for a bilingual senior-level HR director in Ottawa with extensive experience in talent acquisition, onboarding programs, employee relations and experience with health and safety programs.

CBC Windsor is looking for a dynamic and experienced Host for their local television news programs.

Nextopia has an opening for a Marketing Manager responsible for the execution and management of all things marketing.

Aritzia in Vancouver has an opening for a Copy Director responsible for the development and delivery of all copy, ensuring all written assets published reflect the brand personality.

Mogo is bringing social responsibility, accessibility and even a little fun to financial services, and they are seeking a Communications Manager based in Vancouver.

If you’re working in a boring job that doesn’t interest you, then you should definitely consider working for a company like Canadian Outback Adventures & Events and becoming their next Marketing Assistant.

Tug requires an SEO Account Specialist to join their growing team. They practice White Hat SEO with an emphasis on results driven through relevant link building.

The University Of Waterloo has an opening for a Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator.

How does the idea of leading a team that creates B2B marketing content so helpful, clients would consider paying for it? That’s how good Softchoice wants to be. As their next Supervisor, Content Marketing, you’ll help them realize this vision.

Blast Radius in Toronto is looking for their next Digital Strategist.

The University of Guelph is looking for a Library Associate, Archival and Special Collections, McLaughlin Library.

IntelliResponse, a [24]7 Company, is a young, web-savvy, successful and award-winning software company located in downtown Toronto. They are looking for a talented up and coming digital marketer to join their team.

Music Doc Trailer: Ticket To Write – The Golden Age of Rock Music Journalism

Ticket To Write: The Golden Age of Rock Music Journalism explores the period 1966-81, from the founding of Crawdaddy magazine to the paradigm shift known as MTV. During this time, music magazines such as Rolling Stone, Creem, Hit Parader, Who Put The Bomp, Trouser Press, and others provided a compass to the counter-culture of the 60s and 70s. This 2-hour rock doc features period journalists Billy Altman, Ken Barnes, Robbie Cruger, Jim DeRogatis, Dave DiMartino, Robert Duncan, Ben Fong-Torres, Bill Holdship, Esther Korinsky-Woodward, Robert Matheu, Richard Meltzer, John Morthland, Sandy Pearlman, Richard Riegel, Ira Robbins, Gene Sculatti, Andy Shernoff, Mike Stax, Tim Stegall, Jaan Uhelszki, Ed Ward, Susan Whitall amongst many others. Ticket to Write is directed by Raul Sandelin (A Box Full of Rocks: The El Cajon Years of Lester Bangs) and produced by Edward Turner of Road Ahead Productions.

 

Neil Young And His New Band “Promise of the Real” to Headline WayHome. Lots Of Additional Artists Announced

Republic Live  and AC Entertainment announced earlier today that legendary rock icon Neil Young and his band Promise of the Real will be headlining the inaugural WayHome Music and Arts festival taking place July 24th – 26th at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds.  An additional 24 artists will also be joining WayHome’s already remarkable first year line up, including Brandon Flowers, Theophilus London, Manchester Orchestra, The Lone Bellow, Django Django, The Growlers, Rhiannon Giddens, Dwyane Gretzky, Tobias Jesso Jr, Chad VanGaalen, Broncho, Slow Magic, Highs, Brave Shores, Kevin Garrett, Weaves, Ascot Royals, The Beaches, Tomi Swick, Zorch, Amos the Transparent, Teen Violence, The Huaraches and Cross Dog.

“It’s a true honor to welcome a legend like Neil Young to the WayHome Music and Arts Festival, “ said Shannon McNevan, Executive Director, Republic Live.  “Our goal with WayHome has been to offer a line up that is rich in its breadth and depth, presenting legendary iconic artists along with some of the most exciting new emerging performers as well.   With headliners like Neil Young, Sam Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Alt-J, Modest Mouse, Hozier, along with more than another 60 musical acts, we know that fans will have an unforgettable experience at WayHome.”

“Today’s announcement further establishes WayHome Music and Arts as a major player among North America’s premiere music and arts festivals,” said Ashley Capps, CEO of AC Entertainment.  “Already the reaction to this first year festival has been extraordinary, with tickets selling in every province; throughout the United States, and internationally. And we’re just getting started.”

Weekend passes for WayHome went on sale in early February and include camping and parking for the festival.  They are currently priced at $229.99 exclusively at www.wayhome.com  Additional information will be announced in the coming weeks about the WayHome Music and Art Experience, including details about late night spectacles and experiences, original art installations, special international and local food offerings, an on site farmers market and much, much more.

Republic Live, in collaboration with AC Entertainment, co-founders of the Bonnaroo Music Festival, will be hosting WayHome Music and Arts at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, just ten minutes north of Barrie, July 24th – 26th 2015.   The festival will include headliners Neil Young + Promise of the Real, Sam Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Alt-J, Modest Mouse and Hozier with an additional 60 plus artists performing over the 3 days. Additional artists include include Bassnectar, The Decemberists, Passion Pit, Brandon Flowers, St. Vincent, Girl Talk, Vance Joy, Future Islands, The Sheepdogs, Run The Jewels, Odesza, The Gaslight Anthem, Walk the Moon, Kaytranada. Hey Rosetta!,G-Eazy, Sylvan Esso, Danny Brown, Cold War Kids, Theophilus London, Manchester Orchestra, Courtney Barnett, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Big KRIT, July Talk, Timber Timbre, The Lone Bellow, Django Django, Fucked Up, The Growlers, Thousand Foot Krutch, METZ, Alvvays, Yukon Blonde, Sloan, Delta Spirit, Broods, Rhiannon Giddens, How To Dress Well, SZA, Viet Cong, Com Truise, Dwayne Gretzky, Tobias Jesso Jr, Chad VanGaalen, Broncho, Slow Magic, Bear Mountain, Evening Hymns, Lowell, The Highest Order, Dear Rouge, Highs, Brave Shores, Kevin Garrett, Weaves, Ascot Royals, The Beaches, Tomi Swick, For Esme, Zorch, Saxsyndrum, Amos the Transparent, Teen Violence, The Huaraches and Cross Dog.  The festival offers 4 stages, a variety of late-night spectacles and experiences, original art installations, fine international and local cuisine, an on-site farmers market, and more.  WayHome Music and Arts will inspire fans to explore their own creativity while giving them a powerful, unforgettable, and eye opening experience using music and art as a catalyst.  All ticket offerings include tent camping or parking and are on-sale exclusively at www.wayhome.com

Bill Hicks’ brother Steve to host Reddit AMA in celebration of his brother on April 24

Comedy Dynamics celebrates the life of Bill Hicks with a Reddit AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) on Friday, April 24 at 5pm with Steve Hicks, brother and archivist of the Hicks estate. During the online interview, Hicks will answer fan questions about his brother’s historic legacy at www.reddit.com/r/IAmA

Steve Hicks is featured in Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks – a one night screening of Bill Hicks: Relentless + documentary in which Steve Hicks curates never before seen footage from the Hicks archives. The one night event will be held in participating Fathom Events movie theaters across the country on Monday, April 27 at 8pm local time.

Tickets for Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com, or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in nearly 350 movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the Fathom Events website.

32 Million People Attend At Least One Music Festival In The U.S. Each Year

For most of us, Memorial Day unofficially marks the start of summer. For music fans, summer starts when music festival season gets under way. And with SXSW happening last month and Coachella launching this month, the 2015 season is well underway. But there’s much more to come, with Lollapalooza, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Warped Tour, CMA Music Festival, Ozzfest, Summerfest, Austin City Limits and Burning Man among this year’s staples. So with such an impressive lineup of festivals each year, who goes to these grand events, and how do they factor into fans’ overall music consumption diets?

According to Nielsen Entertainment’s Audience Insights Report on Music Festivals, approximately 32 million people attend at least one music festival in the U.S. each year, and nearly half (46%) are aged 18-34, highlighting a huge opportunity for marketers to reach the coveted Millennial demographic. The festival audience is evenly split among men (49%) and women (51%), and festivals are more popular among Hispanics and African-Americans than they are with the general population.

So how dedicated are festival fans? Very. In fact, most are willing to travel great lengths to attend their favorite shows. On average, they travel 903 miles to attend a festival, and sometimes attending just one isn’t enough. A third of festival fans attend more than one festival in a year. They also spend more on music than general population-an average of $207 on live events, digital music and streaming.

True to their digital nature, Millennial festival fans rely on tech and social sources to engage with music. They’re almost twice as likely to use Facebook to access music than the U.S. average. Additionally, music festival fans are 98% more likely to discover new music on Spotify than the average consumer. And when they discover music on streaming services, they tend to purchase more digital music than the typical U.S. consumer.

Music festival fans also use social media more than the average American. In general, they’re more likely to use it three or more times a day, and they’re especially active across social networks while attending live events. Compared with the general U.S. population, they also show greater levels of engagement with social media channels like Snap Chat (67% more likely to use), Vine (69% more likely) and Tumblr (81% more likely).

Here are baby opossums enjoying a plate of freshly cut fruit

Young opossums having fruit at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Pennsylvania. Why? Why not?

Musical Mashup of Nearly 20 Different Video Game Theme Songs

The Peterson (previously) has returned with a new musical mashup of nearly 20 different video game tunes. The list of songs are listed after the video.

Resident Evil : Dead Aim – Intro Music
Super Mario Land 2 – Machine
Silent Hill 2 – Theme of Laura
Doom 2 – Level 1 Entryway
The Adventures of Batman And Robin – Main Title
Donkey Kong Country 2 – Stickerbush Symphony
Castlevania SOTN – Wood Carving Partita
Gran Turismo 2 – Moon Over the Castle
Final Fantasy VI – Decisive Battle
Silkworm – Intro
Ghouls n Ghosts – Intro
Chrono Trigger – Corridors of Time
F-Zero – Big Blue Theme
Ghosts n Goblins – Map
Castlevania – Bloody Tears
Streets of Rage 2 – Going Straight
Shinobi – Round 4
Lemmings 2 – Classic Tribe Theme
Gun Smoke – Hicksville Theme

Family Channel Greenlights Fourth Season of Fan-Favourite Original Series The Next Step

Following last week’s DHX Television rebranding announcement, which emphasizes a mandate to build on the success of the company’s strong original production slate, Family Channel has revealed its plans for a fourth season of the popular tween drama The Next Step. The commissioning decision for the series, which currently ranks as the #1 kids television series airing across all Canadian kids networks1, follows the mid-season finale of the third season and the conclusion of the sold-out two-month, cross-country The Next Step Live on Stage tour. Production on the season four order, from Temple Street Productions, is set to begin this summer in Toronto.

“With each new season, it’s remarkable to see the unwavering loyalty our viewers pledge to the series’ relatable characters, compelling storylines and extraordinary dancing. Plus, the opportunity to bring The Next Step to fans across Canada with the Live On Stage tour only further confirms just how well this series resonates with our audience,” said Michael Goldsmith, Director, Original Programming, DHX Television. “After watching The Next Step transform from a homegrown hit into a worldwide phenomenon, we are thrilled to work with Temple Street again to make more episodes of what has proudly become our flagship show.”

Since its premiere in March, season three of The Next Step drew in an impressive average audience of 281,400 viewers2, weeknights at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT, making it the #1 series across all specialty networks for the three weeks of premiere episodes, with its target demos of kids 7-11, 6-12 and kids 8-14.3 On average, 479,000 unique viewers tuned-in to The Next Step each weeknight, and the third season has reached over 1.8 million Canadians to date.4

“To get picked up for a fourth season is a milestone achievement and is a true testament to the quality of the series and we couldn’t be more proud of our team and the talented cast and crew,” said David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, Executive Producers and Co-Presidents of Temple Street Productions. “We’re looking forward to continuing this journey with creator, Frank van Keeken and Family Channel and to delivering more compelling episodes of The Next Step.”

The Next Step follows the lives of an elite group of dancers who train at The Next Step studio. The first half of season three saw the dancers compete against rival studio, Elite, and each other, in order to secure a spot on the Internationals team. Thursday night’s finale brought even more twists and turns as viewers were introduced to Ella (Ella Gilling), a mischievous exchange program dancer from England, and Amanda (Logan Fabbro) was sent packing. Episodes of The Next Step currently air Fridays at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on Family.

Commissioned by Family Channel, The Next Step is produced by Temple Street Productions and is executive produced by Frank van Keeken (Wingin’ It, Kids in the Hall, Billable Hours), Ivan Schneeberg and David Fortier (Orphan Black, Being Erica, Wingin’ It). BBC Worldwide has acquired international distribution rights. The Next Step is also produced with financial assistance from The Shaw Rocket Fund.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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