Web Wednesday

Web Wednesdays are new to me, but an exciting concept that brings together first-rate industry professionals and entrepreneurs. This past session was with the creators of Rotten Tomatoes, who have moved on to a new global social networking project based in Hong Kong, Alive Not Dead. Stephen and Patrick explain how they have created and sold the movie site and moved on to an artist-fan networking site. The video above is bookmarked at the point where I ask a question about how their Alive Not Dead can specifically help bands that wish to collaborate globally, like US-based Snarky Puppy. Stephen and Patrick were also very gracious to lead me to another networking event later that night called "Speak Up" which embraces the local arts community by providing a platform on which to share news, live performances and films.

The next Web Wednesday will feature Matt Mullenweg, one of the co-creators of Wordpress. Matt is one of the biggest players in internet culture today.

My Denton Music is now interactive!

My Denton Music is now a social-networking site in addition to the best location to find out about local Denton gigs and read informative reviews. This was the highly anticipated launch of their new site design and my feature (photography and writing) on Paul Slavens. This launch, along with the North by 35 (NX35) festival are making Denton music much more effecitively nationally and internationally recognized. See you at the Grammys - and the underground dives too!

Food for thought

'Food for thought' is a new business in Viet Nam out to empower street kids to become employees and leaders in the hospitality industry. Having done a very small amount of development work but being associated with those that do, I am especially excited about this particular project because it is one in which egos have been put aside to truly concentrate on the purpose of empowerment. Empowerment is the quintessentially important aspect of sustainable development and eventual self-development within a country. It is Abraham Lincoln's notion of "teach a man to fish."
On egos: It is much too easy within an business, NGO or aid program to see oneself as the great savior of an exotic people. To effect any real change, we must see ourselves as global citizens, put aside our egos, and help a friend in need. The world is your neighbor. Social groups as Rotary, Lions, and Optimist clubs usually are the best at using their skills to create positive change.
Respect.
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Here's more detail on the organization from their site, fftfoundation.org:
"'food for thought’ brings together 5 star luxury and street kid poverty. The hospitality industry needs well-trained, enthusiastic and committed staff. Street and disadvantaged young people need education, training, and a chance – a chance to fulfill their potential, a chance to build a career and a chance to embrace a brighter future. ‘food for thought’ provides comprehensive hospitality training in a real-life environment for young, marginalized and disadvantaged kids. When they complete the 18-month training programme and have perfected their skills in our ‘food for thought’ training restaurant, these young people graduate to find secure long-term employment in local 5-star hotels and restaurants, enabling them to lead independent, productive & successful lives."

NX35

*All images from North by 35 (NX35) festival site, though I wish I had taken (most of) them.


Denton, Texas. When I say those words in Hong Kong, I get a blank stare but when anyone hears the music from the wonderfully quirky town they say "who are these guys? They're great!" Denton is hosting a festival and conferette (don't fret Denton Arts & Jazz Fest!) and it's going to be the best thing since Bruce Lee. In synergy with (but no direct connection to) the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival, North by 35 (NX35) is hosting their "first-year music conference programming over 130 acts, multiple panels, Q&As, and a trade show in the heart of Denton, Texas — the other, smaller, music town in Texas." Take a look at the cheeky band portraits to get a feel for the fun in store.








It may be smaller, but it's juicier. Don't let anybody tell you that "juicy" is not a way to describe good music.

Grupo Fantasma

Before I start writing almost completely about the Hong Kong media and arts scene, let's do a blog post or two back in my home country of Texas. Grupo Fantasma in the past few months was nominated for a Grammy, and made a new music video. No Grammy, and by the music video they "ain't got no money" neither. But that doesn't stop them from continuing to tour throughout the US and on to the South by Southwest Music Festival (SXSW) on March 21. If you still haven't heard them yet, open your ears and prepare to be browned out!


Grupo Fantasma - "Gimme Some" from API Productions on Vimeo.

My Denton Music 2009 Marketing Packet

My Denton Music has a beautiful spankin' new marketing packet I did the photography for. This has come just before the release of their site redesign. The current site is functional a fun, but will be cleaned up and have social interactivity included. It's a very exciting time for Texas music, and I'm looking forward to sharing the music with the world.

You can download the marketing packet here and enjoy the photos in a larger format. I may also post a few images, but don't want to spoil the upcoming MDM feature on Paul Slavens!

(The picture at the bottom was the crazy cool shindig at Hailey's on New Years Eve)

Happy Valley

If you're ever feeling glum, take a look at this illustration by Jessica and it will make your day a little shinier. The process to happier daily life is simple. A true friend must eat the cloud over your head. They in turn, will digest the cloud's negativity and keep none if it in their body.
Yoga helps too.
Photo editing by Jeremy Stones (an amazing trombonist, now in the Netherlands!)