Musicians Rally to Victoria's Bushfire Appeal
by Jo Hogan ~ Director Vintrix Entertainment

February 7^th 2009 will be known in history for many reasons. On a personal note, my wonderful father, Lawrence passed away peacefully in his home town of Kerang, and the State of Victoria lost over 200 lives in the worst bushfires in our history. These fires have hit so many people. Many of us know someone who has been affected. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all concerned.

The true essence of the Australian spirit shines through in such devastating times. Despite the economic downturn many people and organizations have rallied together to support and give to the Bushfire cause. Vintrix is currently working towards the release a single for the cause, One Day at A Time performed by Garth Ploog, (stepping outside his genre.) Many thanks to Kristy Jackson for her support. In 2001, Kristy released her song Little Did She Know written specifically for the 9/11 fundraising efforts in New York. One Day at A Time is a song and a philosophy in life that my father shared with those around him.  We hope that our contribution will assist in the rebuilding of these communities, devastated by the fires and leave a sense of hope in the hearts of those recreating their futures.

Music is a tremendous healing resource for us all, when we are grieving the loss of loved ones and need to be able to acknowledge that pain, express it, reach out through it and use it to shape the lives we still must lead.

It is encouraging to see how many Musicians have rallied at this time. Roberta Flack interrupted her Australian tour to perform a benefit concert with the Australian Symphony Orchestra. Artists such as Pink, Keith Urban, Jimmy Barnes, Andre Rieu and Sony Music have also chipped in. Michael Chugg and Michael Gudinski are collaborating for a massive Sound Relief benefit concert to be held simultaneously in Sydney and Melbourne on Saturday, 14th March.

As my late father always used to say.......Give me the strength to do every day what I have to do…..One Day At a Time.

Watch This Space!
A message from Garth Ploog

It's been a busy few weeks, the highlight of which was performing with John Montesante's Cafe Society Orchestra. It was a huge night at the Regent's Plaza Ballroom and I had an absolute blast.

I even sported a white jacket, white bowtie and white cumberbund which helped me feel the part of a real 50's crooner. Singing the old tunes with 20 of Melbourne's best musos was fabulous. A huge thankyou to John and Paula and also to Jae Teasdale at Tonik Hairdressing.

I was also back at the Sebel for Valentine's day and again for Jazz at the Sebel in the Element Room. Keep an eye out over the coming months as that space is going to become one of the hottest jazz venues in town. It's a real class act. I have a ball wherever I perform and every gig at the Sebel has been no exception.

I will be returning to the Sebel doing my own jazz show in March, so keep an eye on MySpace for dates, You know you can always catch me performing some R & B with Grand Wazoo most Sundays at the Blue Diamond, 6pm-9pm; so come on down and have a dance and a glass of red!

Cheers G

If there's one city in the world I will never tire of, it's London. Whilst visiting over February, I went to a fantastic record launch last Tuesday night of a woman named Gil Manley, great jazzer who's been around for over a decade but has only just put out her second album. What a character; she's 300 pounds of sass and sizzle and Vauxhaul's new gay icon.

Also on the cards was Duet For One at The Almeida Theatre with the lovely Juliet Stevenson starring. The script is slightly dated now but the acting was faultless. Top it all off with great food, excellent company and it was a fab week all the way round. Viva Dolce Vita! In March I am off to France to do some writing for my new album of originals, lots of travel and good stuff in the works.

Catch you next time. Maria :-)

Join Maria's mailing list for her latest updates.

New recordings planned for 2009
Maria will be recording new material in 2009. This will add to Maria's canon of releases which include 2006's rapturously recieved Torch Song and 2003's All My Love.

Conceived in 1981, by Band Leader, Arranger & Jazz Trumpeter, John Montesante’s 20 piece Cafe Society Orchestra passionately pays tribute to the great names of the Big Band era from the very late 1930s.
Garth & CSO at the Plaza Ballroom - photo Paula DeBurgh (CSO)

Proudly recreating the style and opulence of bygone ‘good times’ and performed by Australia’s foremost Big Band, Swing & Jazz Musicians, the Cafe Society Orchestra provides a rare treat for anybody who delights in the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, Tommy Dorsey, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Nestico, Harry Connick Jnr, The Andrews Sisters, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Ray Charles as well as Nelson Riddle’s orchestrations.

Featured Upcoming Gigs

Garth Ploog at The Sebel - Albert Park - Melbourne, Australia - Tues 3rd March, '09
Garth continues to thrill all who see him perform at The Sebel on Queens Road, Albert Park. In 2009, you will be able to enjoy the contemporary jazz grooves of Garth in the newly refurbished, Atrium Bar & Lounge. Catch him on Tuesday, 3rd March between 5.00pm and 9.00pm. A perfect way to relax in the lush surrounds of the Atrium Bar after a day at the office.

Maria Tecce at The Island Arts Centre - Lisburn, Antrim, Northern ireland. - Sunday, 21st March '09
Maria will be performing her jazz/cabaret show Viva at the Island Arts Centre on 21st March. The vibrant Viva! builds on her Barcelona series, with Argentinian tango, Spanish ballads and swinging jazz moving seamlessly between the poetry of Spanish, master poet of love, Pablo Neruda. Promising an intimate evening of riveting performance in English, Spanish and Italian from this now Dublin-based singer, who is fast becoming one of Europe’s hottest jazz and cabaret artists.

Hanging Out With An Old Mate
Despite the striking contrast in appearances, Joe Laf and Garth shared a love of music in their teenage years and have decided to hang out again in the studio to explore and create their own sounds of jazz. In their younger days, the lads played together and toured with Jimmy Barnes, Normie Rowe and even played Elvis Tribute Shows with Dean Vegas. A far cry from the smooth, silky, vocals of Garth’s music today. Stay tuned to see what the old mates come up with.
Joe Laf & Garth performing together again at Jazz Trade - Prahran Market.

Songwriter's Profile
Larry Dvoskin
Larry Dvoskin is a four-time Grammy nominated musician, songwriter and producer who has worked with numerous Grammy winning artists. His songs have sold more than 27 million copies worldwide in recent years. Vintrix Entertainment engaged Larry on the Garth Ploog project.

In roles ranging from songwriter, producer to musician and A&R consultant, his credits include Van Halen vocalist Sammy Hagar, Chicago, Meredith Brooks, Bad Company, David Charvet, The Beach Boys, Cheap Trick, Ricky Martin, Brandy, David Bowie, MTV, VH-1, Columbia, Arista, Epic, Warner Bros, Sony, RCA, Atlantic, Elektra, Capitol, EMI, MCA, Universal Records.
Jo Hogan with Larry Dvoskin.

Larry is on the executive board of The UJA Federation’s Music For Youth Foundation, and is involved with numerous charitable causes including Musicians on Call, The Nature Conservancy, Live Out Loud and GLAAD.
He teaches songwriting at NYU for The School of Continuing Education and Professional Studies. He also presents How To Write Hit Songs workshops for The Learning Annex.

Fan of the Month
Sharon Grogan - Age: 30+ Professional.
Favourite GP song: She

Sharon discovered Garth at the 2008 Midsumma Carnival and caught up with Garth again at this year's Carnival, where Garth performed to a wildly, receptive audience.

To be eligible for exclusive invites to Garth's shows, nominate yourself for Fan of the Month. Send an email to entertainment@vintrix.com.au and let us know your favourite Garth Ploog song.

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