HEADLINES:
TNJ Achievement Award: “40 Under Forty”
For the past 13 years, The Network Journal (TNJ), a black professionals and small business magazine, has honored “40 Under Forty.” They have selected me as one of their 2010 honorees! According to TNJ, “winners of this prestigious award are chosen from nominations received by the 40 Under Forty Review Board…(I have) been selected for (my) outstanding achievement, contribution, leadership and influence in the corporate, non-profit, public of entrepreneurial arenas, along with (my) service to the African-American community.” I do take the business of being an entrepreneur seriously, but haven’t assumed that the business world itself has noticed. As an artist, it is truly an honor to be acknowledged by a non-music industry source for both my business and the community work I have done and continue to do in my career. I’ve been told that I am only one of five artists who have ever been selected for this list since its inception. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 17 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Times Square.
MDGFive.com & CHANGE.org Contest
The MDGFive.com project, the brainchild of Emmy-winning filmmaker and fellow activist Lisa Russell (Not Yet Rain), won third place in the Women’s Rights category of the “Ideas for Change in America” contest sponsored by Change.org. As you may know, the United Nations enacted Millennium Development Goals (MDG) to end world poverty by 2015. “Maternal Health” is #5 of the 8 goals. Unfortunately, Maternal Health has had the least amount of progress and attention since 2000 when the MDG’s were created, so the UN is making a special effort to make progress in this arena. Lisa enlisted me as her partner in constructing a MDGFive.com, which will be “an interactive website that will utilize cutting-edge, user-friendly technology to make global artist’s songs, poems, and film footage available in 30-60 second clips to be ‘mashed-up’ into custom Public Service Announcements by website users. This, in turn, can be used to raise awareness and resources for Women’s Maternal Health Needs, both within international communities and before policy makers.” Visit http://www.mdgfive.com for more details on this very important initiative that I am proud to be working on with Lisa. CONCERTS (Upcoming and Select Recap):
Hearts of Gold Benefit Performance (May 5)
I am thrilled to announce that I’ll be performing at a benefit for Hearts of Gold on May 5th. Hearts of Gold is an organization that serves homeless (and formerly homeless) moms and children. The festive evening, which coincides with Cinco de Mayo, will launch Hearts of Gold’s newest initiative, The Thrifty H.o.G. It’s a thrift store that will sell vintage and modern clothing, fashion, and home accessories. Revenue from merchandise sales will be allocated for Hearts of Gold’s various programs. Also on the bill: Rodney Kendrick & Rhonda Ross, Shonari Edwards, and The Masters School Jazz Band. Tickets available at www.heartsofgold.org
Wölffer Estate Vineyard Performance in The Hamptons (April 2)
The folks at Wölffer Estate invited me back to perform at their “Candlelight Fridays” series on April 2 after me, Christian, and Ivan entertained nearly 300 wine-tasters in January! Once again we got amazing press coverage in the three biggest local newspapers. Long Island’s NPR station (88.3 FM Peconic Public Broadcasting) also spun four cuts from Junkyard Jewel that morning on Bonnie Grice’s Eclectic Cafe show. It was just as packed as January, except this time it was warm enough for people to listen from the outside patio. I think it’s safe to say we’ll be back soon!
Nona Hendryx & UnFiltered Music Series (March 25)
Nona Hendryx invited me to host her monthly UnFiltered Music Series at S.O.B.’s on March 25th. I’ve performed and hosted at pervious UnFiltered shows but this one was extra special. I incorporated a song about sunshine between each act — “Let the Sunshine In,” “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” you name it! The talent on that stage was remarkable as I introduced Res, Russell Taylor, a duo called JohnnySwim, and Nona herself, who performed with Felicia Collins from the David Letterman Show. I was especially moved by JohnnySwim — Amanda Sudano is one of my new favorite vocalists. Turns out that Talib Kweli, Ben Taylor, and John Forte were also in the house!
On March 14th, I had the pleasure of performing at the Brooklyn Museum with DJ Elan Vytal and a quartet from the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Elan’s in the process of creating a “live” children’s book called The Prospect Bear. It’s almost completed and we debuted two excerpts from the book with the quartet. More information forthcoming soon! RADIO AND PRINT:
Ini Kamoze-Maya Azucena Duet on Sirius XM!
Big Up Radio called “Rapunzel,” my rack with renowned dancehall artist Ini Kamoze, “glorious.” Sirius XM must think so too — it’s now in heavy rotation! You cannot mistake that man’s voice: remember “Here Comes the Hotstepper”? His “World-A-Music” was also sampled on Damian Marley’s “Welcome to Jamrock.” We had a blast working together.
Shop In Zagreb (Croatian Style Magazine) Cover Story
Shop In Zagreb, a Croatian style magazine, will feature me on the cover of their first hard-copy issue! This week, I’m headed to Croatia for the magazine’s launch party promo event. http://www.shop-in-zagreb.com.hr/NEW INTERVIEW LINKS:
Soul Discoveries
“Maya Azucena Interview 09mar10″ http://souldiscoveries.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/maya-azucena-interview-on-facebook/
Icon Americana
“Style Profile — Maya Azucena” http://www.icon-americana.com/2010/03/style-profile-maya-azucena.html
Hue Knew It
“Get Glammed Up With Maya’s Beauty Faves” http://www.hueknewit.com/journal/2010/3/16/get-glammed-up-with-mayas-beauty-faves.html
Fame Games Radio (ABC Radio Networks)
“Why Isn’t She Famous Yet?” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u7ybJgWcMw