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| Free Concert "Voices Against Poverty" Human Rights Day will be celebrated in Orange County, Ca in a musical way on December 10, at Sutherland Auditorium on the Biola University Campus. Standing up for those who are unable to voice their feelings are some of the industry's greatest indie talents. The free concert is an attention awareness to those who would like to learn more of how to help and minister to urban brothers and sisters who are struggling. What better way to celebrate Human Rights day than to have a concert with Amethyst, Avion Blackman, Mike Barnet, Orange County's touted most popular band - Justice for Mary, and beautiful Melissa Marie to sing for you? Amethyst is the #1 Artist on www.Buzzplay.com but not so long ago she was "Just another Soldier", playing for thousands of our Soldiers in Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Quatar, Afghanistan and all the US camps in Iraq. She was inspired to use music to heal by her collective life experiences. She wears a necklace that embodies her commitment to God - Charms say, "Faith, Love, Heal, Inspire" and those are the what Amethyst stands for. In a word, "Inspired" could be taken to new depths in song writing. Singer/Songwriter, Amethyst, takes a step back in time to discover the dreams and aspirations of her Great Aunt Isabel, (from the song, "Miss Arizona") whom she believes inspires her to this day to write music for women who have a story to tell, a dream to live and a life from which to emerge victoriously. Where one person takes music and writes abstract lyrics, Amethyst often writes ballads with a story entwined. Any listener could exude a positive message to uplift one's spirit and apply it to their own life when listening to her music. Her feeling is that when one person takes the time to share what God has given them, others benefit from it somehow. Amethyst said, "I learn from others every day of my life. I hope that someday I can be that same kind of help for someone." She is looking forward to playing with these other Christian Artists as they sing out against Poverty. Another one of her songs, "All Outta' Quarters", inspires us to not forget those in need daily and especially during the Holidays. Reach out and gain the inspiration to dig deep and put a little in the cup of the the man around the corner....because he's all out of quarters and losing his faith in mankind. From the band Christafari comes Avion Blackman with a sound described as"Sademeets Norah Jones with world music Undertones." Avion is a native of Trinidad and daughter of the inventor of Soca and Jamoo music, Ras Shorty I. She began singing on stage at the age of four on tour with her father. In 2003, Avion moved to Los Angeles, CA, married Mark Mohr and joined Christafari as the bassist and a vocalist of the group. She became well-known internationally for her ethereal lead vocals on Christafari's "Hiding Place" and "My Sustenance" on the group's critically acclaimed Gravity release. In January of 2005 the recording began for Blackman's first album "Onyinye" (pronounced 0we-neen-yay). "Onyinye" means Gift in the Nigerian language Igbo. On this heartwarming gospel release, Avion sings tender songs about her love for God and man. This is an intimate album that contains a blend of reggae, R&B, jazz, jamoo, Indian and Africanrhythms. In promotion of "Onyinye", Avion and her band are currently traveling the world performing with Christafari, Solomon Jabby, and others on the Reggae Redemption Tour. Live on stage Avion sings of the greatest gift of all--Life eternal. Migrating from Seattle, Washington to Fullerton, California, Mike Barnet’s musical journey has been a few years in the making. Thought provoking and socially aware, Mike Barnet's lyrics contain a spirit that is missing in most songs written today. Blending elements of folk, groove and protest, Mike creates music to think and vibe to. In the vignette vein of artists as varied as Nick Drake, Nina Simone, Richie Havens, Johnny Cash, Ani DiFranco, Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, Barnet's music has a unique flavor, filled with soul-bearing honesty and hard hitting reality. The common thread woven through each of his masterful stories is a message of self-examination and hope. Armed with his acoustic guitar, Mike Barnet has the rare ability to create songs memorable enough to shake world views to the foundation. And if given the chance, he will capture the minds of anyone with in earshot. As accessible as it is eclectic, the self-titled debut from Mission Viejo-based Justice for Mary touches on styles such as modern agro-rock, '80s new wave and post-grunge without fitting snugly into any of those genres. "Overlife" could have been at home alongside any of U2's '80s hits but boasts the heavy, layered guitars of contemporary rock, while "My Life Disorder" blends reggae-tinged spoken word verse with explosive rock choruses in the spirit of 311. The material, Notably "Saturday, Ode to Mourning, " is powerfully delivered across the six-song disc. You might like if you enjoy: Evanescence, Smashing Pumpkins, 311." Robert Kinsler “Orange County Register” August 18, 2005. Melyssa Marie Foulk is a 22 year old graduate from Azusa Pacific majoring in Communications with a minor in Spanish. Better known to her music audience as Melyssa Marie, she has been involved in music her whole life, playing piano since the age of 5 and guitar since 18. All of her music is 100% original. Some of her inspirations include Fiona Apple and Ani DiFranco. Melyssa is from a big family born and raised in Carlsbad, CA. Besides music, Melyssa loves to travel, read and write. Melyssa Marie is currently working on her first CD with an independent company, "Bien Surf Industries". write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |