The Story of Ethan Bortnick

Ethan Bortnick is one inspiring individual with a true passion for music along with being an eye opener to the wonderful world of music. “At only nine-years-old, Ethan Bortnick is already achieving accomplishments that many musicians work towards for an entire career.” He is well known for mimicking any music he hears, whether on the radio or while listening to the popular Baby Einstein series. Ethan began learning how to play the piano at the early age of three. Currently at the age of nine along with a talent beyond his age, he has the ability to play almost any song by ear.

At the age of five, his talent was outstanding and was already starting to compose his own music. “Ethan appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in May of 2007, making his national television debut.  Since then, he has returned to the show three times as Leno’s guest, including an appearance in May 2009 where he presented Jay with a special gift – a song titled “The King of Late Night” which Ethan wrote as a tribute to the talk show host.  He has appeared on national shows on every major network including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart Show and Yo Gabba Gabba.”

 Ethan has appeared in front of crowds as large as 20,000 people. He has also performed in concerts and televised specials both nationally and internationally. His first concert stage debut was opening for Nelly Furtado in Hollywood, FL in May 2007 after meeting her on the set of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has also taken the stage with both the Orlando and Naples Philharmonic Orchestras. He is currently the youngest piano soloist to ever perform with these ensembles. Through charity events and concerts, he has also taken the stage with legendary artists including Elton John, Natalie Cole, Smokey Robinson, Beyoncé, Reba McEntire, Gloria Gaynor and many more.

“On February 1, 2010, Ethan joined music’s biggest names as the youngest member of the all-star “We Are The World 25 For Haiti” line up.  Produced by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie, the track featured superstars including Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Kanye West and Miley Cyrus and made its debut during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.”

As one of the world’s youngest philanthropists, Ethan had made a name for himself along with using his talent to express his desire to help people, especially children. “By performing, inspiring and educating, he has helped raise millions of dollars for charities around the world.” These charities include the Miami Children’s Hospital, the Boys & Girls Club, the American Heart Association, the Starkey Hearing Foundation and many others.

Ethan is currently on the road with his show along with lighting up the stage in his first national headlining tour. He brings some of music’s biggest hits and classics to life for crowds both young and old in over 50 cities across the country. Ethan arrives in Orlando, Florida on Friday, March 4, 2011 at the Plaza Live Theatre, 425 North Bumby Ave., Orlando, FL. Doors open at 6:30pm with showtime at 7:30pm. Tickets are $29.50 plus service fees and can be purchased at the Plaza Live Theatre, online or by calling the box office at 407-228-1220.

Ethan is truly an inspiring person to me along with an amazing musician. True talent is hard to find at this age, but clearly this proves that it’s possible. Ever since I’ve seen Ethan on TV, I think he is beyond talented and can’t imagine where he’ll be further on in his career. My hopes are that Ethan’s story inspires more parents to want to make music a part of their children’s life. I am a true believer that music is one of the most important talents out there and is one that is repeatedly overlooked in schools. I believe music should be a top priority, and through music, anything is possible.

All information taken from Ethan Bortnick.

Boyce Avenue at The Plaza Theatre on Feb. 27th

Boyce Avenue, a Florida-based band popular for its strong acoustic roots and melodic rock sound, consists of the three brothers Alejandro, Fabian, and Daniel Manzano.

“In 2007, in an effort to share their music and ideas with the world, the band decided to start filming and posting videos on YouTube of their own songs and some of their favorite songs by other artists. Some of the first few videos they posted included acoustic versions of songs such as Justin Timberlake’s “LoveStoned”, Rihanna’s “Umbrella”, and Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida”, among many others. The videos began to resonate instantly with YouTube viewers.”

Boyce Avenue have been an inspiration to me since I’ve discovered them on YouTube. While studying to receive my masters in Entertainment Business, I’m always on the search for “Inspiring YouTube Stars.” They are that breath of fresh air and through their passion for music, they have recorded some of most creative and unique acoustic covers and mixes.

“Currently, the band is touring Europe and preparing its next nationwide headline tour of the United States. Launching with this U.S. summer tour, the band will remain on the road through the end of the year, with repeat touring in Europe, and plans to enter new international territories, including Canada, South America, Asia, and Australia.”

Boyce Avenue will be making an appearance in Orlando, Florida on February 27^th at 8p.m. at The Plaza Theatre, 425 N. Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL, 32803. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or through their box office at 407-228-1220. “The Plaza Theatre is Orlando’s premiere live concert venue offering a wide range of concerts, comedians, and cultural events. In the early 1990’s, the theater was converted into a live-performance hall which opened the doors for many new artists and talent, while also acting as the 3rd largest seated venue in Central Florida.” I’m really looking forward to this event and have already seen how excited others are on Facebook to see them live. It’s one thing watching your favorite artists on YouTube, but it’s always an experience of a lifetime to see them perform live. I am also a huge supporter the arts and appreciate what people like Boyce Avenue and The Plaza Theatre do to keep the entertainment and music industry alive. Feel free to check out further information and upcoming events at The Plaza Theatre HERE.

All information taken from Boyce Avenue and The Plaza Theatre.

NCIAA - National Club Industry Association of America

“The National Club Industry Association of America (NCIAA) was founded in 1989 and is the official advocate and trade association of Professionals in the Nightlife & Club Industry. The only recognized Professional Club DJ Licensing Bureau in the world resolving DJ name use disputes. The NCIAA needs your help and support to keep our nightlife culture alive and combat unjust laws.”

Some of their responsibilities consist of dealing with laws being threatened by special interest groups against them. They protect member's intellectual, property and First Amendment rights and promote responsibility. They serve as federal, state, municipal "legislative watchdog" to review laws, regulations and policies. They respond to proposals impacting the industry through policy consensus from experts in our field. They also protect, represent and educate their members to serve the industry through coordinated activities along with educating their members, media, elected officials, civic and community leaders on industry issues.

MISSION STATEMENT: “NCIAA's mission is to represent, preserve, protect, educate, promote and support the economic, social and cultural contributions that provide a safe and vibrant nightlife & club industry community.”

Their Members and Alliances consist of Advocates, Community, Development, Entertainment, Establishments, Hospitality, Marketing, Media, Research, Safety, and Suppliers. 

The NCIAA is the main organization that takes care of all legal aspects and to provide them with guidelines to follow to protect your business to keep your doors open. A benefit to their website is the tools to share news, information, issues, legal developments and anti-club activity. They use this program to allow members to list interactive profiles and messaging features. They also allow members to access media, artwork, website, newsletter, and publications and informal services. It provides access to project leads, jobs, fellowships, internships, experts and professional businesses along with networking opportunities with fellow professional peers, colleagues and recognized experts. It also provides access to award shows, conferences, meetings, symposiums, workshops, seminars and tours.

As a possible nightclub/venue owner in the future, it wouldn’t even be a question to join this website… I would greatly consider this organization and what they have to offer. They offer you everything there is to know and give you the ability to be flexible and open to new ideas through networking. Networking is key and is one way to help make your business successful!

All information taken from NCIAA - National Club Industry Association of America

Jose Abreu - kids transformed by music | Video on TED.com

Jose Abreu is a very inspiring person in my eyes. His dream was to be a musician and was determined until his dream came true. His goal was to give back to his country in hopes that the children would have the same opportunities that he had. From his first rehearsal, he saw a bright future for the program that he started, however only eleven students showed up. He was forced to decide, “Do I close the program or multiply these kids.” He decided to fight the challenge and promised those eleven children that he would turn their orchestra into one of the best/leading orchestras in the word. And he did. He was recognized as the 5th World Orchestra, he attends to 300,000 lower to middle class children along with targeting poor children, encourages the younger generation to be role models for their family and their community, and was also awarded the TED prize.

Through his story, he shares knowledge about his life experiences and how he accomplished his goals. To me, he is inspiring because I support the music programs in schools and is one program that has always been sadly looked upon. Schools don’t understand the importance of music in an individual’s life. I saw the music program wither away in my own school and we could have really used someone like Jose to motivate, inspire, and teach children one of the most important talents in the world… to make music.

His strategy is to never give up on something that has so much potential. My goal is to be as inspiring as he was, so someday I can give back to my community for the opportunities it has given me.

“The music becomes a source for developing the dimensions of the human being, thus elevating the spirit, and leading man to a full development of his personality.” –Jose Abreu

Ellen Explains Her New eleveneleven Record Label

“Everyone is talking about Ellen's big announcement that she's starting a record label called eleveneleven. A lot of people have been asking where the name came from, so today she has the explanation.”



After signing her first artist, Greyson Chance, she just recently signed 16-year-old Tom Andrews all the way from the UK. She discovered him on YouTube and is always looking to introduce talented individuals. Tom has only been singing for 3 years and already won over, not only Ellen, but also thousands of YouTube fans out there. He currently just made his first debut on live TV on September 16, 210 performing “It’s A Mans World,” originally by James Brown.



“Ellen just announced that she's starting a brand new record label called eleveneleven -- and she's always looking for new talent. If you think there's someone she should know about, write in and tell us. Be sure to include a link to a video.”

After visiting her website, Ellen started a new page called “Do you think you’ve got what it takes? Prove it!” where selected favorites will be posted and viewers can vote for their favorite submitted video. There are currently four posted favorites, but one in particularly stuck out to me.

At first instinct, many viewers would immediately click the “X” because of his broken English, but I really wanted to see how he sounded and always willing to give everyone a chance. Language barriers can be a huge issue in the United States just simply because most don’t speak other languages and others get frustrated when we don’t understand. Huu’s English is very hard to understand, but as soon as he started singing, I was amazed and had no idea where that came from. It’s amazing how someone can listen to a song like that and sing it almost flawless hardly being able to speak English. I think it’s great that people like him are brave enough to cover a song like this and the talent that comes from all around the world. I love what Ellen does for the Entertainment Industry and the opportunities she gives to talented individuals. I hope to see her record label grow, find more unique talent like Huu, and really wish I could be part of her label someday.

Information taken from: Ellen

Black Eyed Peas - The Time (Dirty Bit)

The Black Eyed Peas  just recently released their new album, The Beginning, on November 30, 2010. The album is already the number one album on iTunes according to popularity. Their hit, The Time (Dirty Bit) is already number four on iTunes top charts along with receiving over seven million views during the first week the music video was posted on YouTube.

“I'm not sure there is any particular significant meaning to be attached to the Black Eyed Peas first single from the album The Beginning, but it does sound like they are having a whole lot of fun, and that probably is the point. Stutter and echo effects welded to one of the most instantly recognizable songs of the late 1980s played out over a skeletal electronic dance beat is all likely to stick in your mind, and this does. Black Eyed Peas songs are not to be judged on their depth. They are best judged on how they make you feel, and "The Time (Dirty Bit)" does make me feel good,” according to About.com.

After listening to this song, the memories flashback to the original by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes along with the 80’s well-known favorite “Dirty Dancing.”

 I think the original is a memorable piece that just brings a smile to our faces, but the new cover takes an old classic and puts a brand new spin on something great. It also keeps the music of my generation alive. I think this is a brilliant piece. The first time I heard this song, I was in a club in Orlando and couldn’t wait to get home to search for it. Little did I know, it was just released and already a top chart on iTunes and wasn’t hard to find.

Pros

•                Clever use of echo and stutter

•                Fergie's singing

•                Atmosphere of pure fun

Cons

•                Patchwork approach leaning on past hits

Description

•                Written by William Adams, Allan Pineda, Damien LeRoy, Franke Previte, John De Nicola, and Donald Markowitz

•                Produced by will.i.am and DJ Ammo

Released November 2010 by Interscope

Information taken from: About.com

Firework & Grenade MASHUP - Sam Tsui

Sam Tsui's NEW YouTube upload, which are his current 3 favorite songs! Please subscribe: HERE! :)