Life, Health & Prosperity Speaker and Author GJ Reynolds to Speak in Cedar Rapids

Accomplished author and entrepreneur, GJ Reynolds, will be the featured speaker at the ViSalus Health and Wellness meeting on Saturday, February 5, at 11:00 am. The meeting will be held at theAirport Country Inn and Suites, 9100 Atlantic Drive SW, just off I-380, and is free to the public.

Reynolds’ most recent book is entitled, “The Playful & Powerful Warrior Within YOU.” Scheduled to be released on April 4, 2011, the foreword is written by legendary LSU head basketball coach and mentor to Reynolds, Dale Brown. GJ Reynolds is a leading Ambassador of ViSalus, which stands for Life, Health and Prosperity. He was introduced to the company seven times and walked away, but the 8th time he decided to take a look. Reynolds will share his success stories in life and also give an overview of the company, it’s products and benefits, and what it means to serve and help people.

Also joining Reynolds onstage will be local minister Bill Nissen, ViSalus Presidential Director and National spokesman for the Faith and Fitness division working with churches and non-profit organizations to feed hungry children. National Director Mel Cerveny, Allied Health Department at Kirkwood Community College, will share her experiences on her exciting rise in the company.

This will be an opportunity to learn to take control of your health, your future, and learn about the world of network marketing.

For more information, visit What Have You Got to Lose?

Author Resource:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer. Contact: dianashores@gmail.com

Local Artist Natalie Brown Releases “Violin Crossings” CD

If a CD ever revealed the sheer talent of an artist, “Violin Crossings” fills the bill. Natalie Brown is a smashing success… dynamic is an understatement. She takes listeners on a journey around the world and leads them to an unfound discovery of the many dimensions of the violin and fiddle.  She captures listeners' attention at the beginning and carries it throughout the entire CD.

The album is composed of folk, Celtic, fusion, rock, blues, jazz., gypsy, and more. Nine of the recordings were written by Brown, and recorded with a number of talented local musicians including Rich Wagor, bass, Craig Erickson, guitar, Eric Douglas, drums, and more.

Brown is the featured artist with Craig Erickson, the Mayflies and the Trollies, and previously performed with blues players in San Francisco.

A local artist from Iowa City, Natalie Brown began playing violin and studying the Suzuki method at the age of five. Instruments she plays are violin, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, piano, accordion, dobro, lap steel, bagpipes, djembe, er-hu, and banjo.  She has a Masters of Music Education degree from UNI, and is the orchestra director at Washington High School where she has taught for the past seven years.

Natalie Brown credits Craig Erickson for his guidance and support in recording this CD. “Violin Crossings” is spirited, lively, upbeat, and fun.  This is a winner!  The album is available on iTunes, CDbaby, Amazon, and in local stores.

You can find her at nataliebrown@hotmail.com, or at http://www.nataliebrownviolin.webs.com.  Contact number: 319-530-7449.

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer Contact: dianashores@gmail.com
Web page: http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com
Copyright 2010

Mannheim Steamroller Performs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Mannheim Steamroller rolled into Cedar Rapids last night for a spectacular Christmas concert at the U.S. Cellular Center.  This year celebrates the 25^th anniversary of their Annual Christmas Tour.

Throughout the performance, various movies played in the background that were fascinating, yet at once highly distractible.  I would suddenly find myself caught up in the movies and then realize that I should be watching the performers; otherwise I might as well just be listening to their CDs.   It was a magical performance, with several of the performers having been with them since their first Christmas performance in 1985.

Mannheim Steamroller is known for their special take on music and dazzling lighting effects, both of which were seen and heard during the performance.  It was fascinating to watch the various performing artists and actually observe where all those fascinating sounds on their CDs actually come from.  I was astounded that the band was much smaller than I expected.  As it turns out, Mannheim Steamroller actually has two separate traveling troupes that will provide 90 Christmas performances in 77 cities this year.

Chip Davis, visionary, creator, arranger, and producer of Mannheim Steamroller, released a special 2-CD set, called “Mannheim Steamroller – 25^th Anniversary Collection” that features 25 of their famous holiday classics, many of which were performed during last night’s concert. It’s the perfect addition to your Christmas CD collection.  My personal favorite…..their rendition of “Joy to the World”.  Magnificent!.

You can find Mannheim Steamrollers on Facebook or at www.mannheimsteamroller.com.

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer Contact: dianashores@gmail.com
Web page: http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com
Copyright 2010

Blast From the Past with 4BOXOROCKS at Jersey's on 9/11/2010

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4BOXOROCKS at Jersey's 9/11/2010

By Diana Shores

Put four professional musicians together for an evening of rock music and, if you are lucky, you will find yourself in front of 4BOXOROCKS.  These seasoned performers just keep getting better as the night unfolds.

4BOXOROCKS performed last night at Jersey’s in Cedar Rapids and took the listeners straight back to the 60’s. They interacted with the audience and took special requests without hesitation. 4BOXOROCKS  plays music from the emerging rock era of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Pink Floyd. This band makes the grade.

Tommy Bruner’s rendition of Maggie May was a dead ringer for Rod Stewart, and Dan Johnson’s rendition of John Lennon’s “Revolution” was spot on.  When they belted out “Hard Day’s Night” and “She Loves You” by the Beatles, it was pure joy.

As the night drew to a close and the encore was performed, the audience was not about to let go. A sizeable tip was offered for one last request and it was a beauty – Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight”…  and it was.

4BOXOROCKS Contact Info:  danjohnsongs@gmail.com or on Facebook at Dan Johnson.

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS.  Copyright 2010

Contact: dianashores@gmail.com

Web page:  http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com

4BOXOROCKS band members include:

Eric Douglas - Drums / Vocals

Tom "T-Bone" Giblin - Keyboard

Dan “DJ” Johnson – Guitar/Vocals

Tommy Bruner - Bass / Vocals

Lauer has a devoted following and for good reason

Janelle Lauer’s energizing performance on the keyboard during “Rent” at Theatre Cedar Rapids amazed me, but her vocal performance at Jazz Under the Stars at Noelridge Park on August 19, 2010, was spectacular.  She brought the crowd to their feet and as the sun went down the dancing picked up. Lauer has a devoted following and for good reason.  Her singing styles cross a range from classics to rhythm and blues, soul, pop, rock, and jazz.  Music comes natural for her, having grown up with musicians from an early age.


She sings and plays guitar and keyboards and is at home on stage and theater.  Lauer is currently the music director for Theatre Cedar Rapids.  You can find Janelle Lauer on Facebook.

Janelle Lauer 

Gerard Estella-Keyboard; Greg Kanz-Drums; Billy Heller-Guitar; Dave Ollinger-Bass

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer.  Copyright 2010

Contact: dianashores@gmail.com  

Web page:  http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com

REVIEW: Broadway Star Kevin Worley Dazzles the audience at Brucemore’s Cabaret in the Courtyard

Kevin Worley

Kevin Worley

Cedar Rapids native Kevin Worley performed a three-night show in Cabaret in the Courtyard at Brucemore over the weekend. Worley’s performance at Brucemore was sensational, as he sang, danced, and gave a narrative of his trials and tribulations during his rise to stardom.

Worley said he was influenced at a young age by watching old black and white musicals on television.  During high school he sang and performed in chorus and the West Side Delegation. It was during this time period that he began to take tap lessons. His goal all through school, however, was not to pursue a musical career, but instead, to become an architect.  After attending Coe College for a period of time, he was drawn back into music, and never looked back.

Worley is currently performing in the 1^st national tour of Jersey Boys. Some of his credits include “A Chorus Line” and “42^nd Street” on Broadway, “Mame” at the Kennedy Center, “The Light in the Piazza,” and “White Christmas”. Brucemore was fortunate to bring Kevin Worley, a truly gifted professional, back to his native roots in Cedar Rapids for this three-day performance.

Talented local artists Tim Daugherty on keyboard, Richard Wagor on string bass, and Cassius Goens III on drums backed Worley during the shows. An added highlight was the announcement of the release of The Tim Daugherty Group’s new CD entitled “River of Promise”, with music composed by Tim Daugherty. All proceeds of the sale of the CD will be donated to the Flood 2008 fund, which supports the recovery effort of the devastating 2008 flood in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area.

Tim Daugherty, Richard Wagor,
Cassius Goens III, and Kevin Worley

Richard Wagor, Cassius Goens III,Kevin Worley and Tim Daugherty

Worley, a Jefferson High School graduate, is currently living in New York, NY, and can be found on Facebook at Kevin Worley.  

Kevin Worley

Brucemore is located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer Contact: dianashores@gmail.comWeb page: http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com

Copyright 2010

Gayla Drake Paul Performed with Eric Douglas at Java Creek Cafe 8/6/2010

Drake and Douglas

Composer, songwriter, columnist, writer, and performing artist Gayla Drake Paul, accompanied by Eric Douglas on drums, played acoustic guitar and sang her own compositions last night to a friendly and spirited crowd at Java Creek Café, 588 Boyson Rd, NE, Cedar Rapids.

Gayla has recorded 15 CDs, including one with percussionist Eric Douglas, entitled “Here in the Center of the World”.  She also produced a guitar instruction series, conducts songwriting workshops and guitar clinics, and is a member of the National League of American Pen Women.

Paul is a multitalented female artist. Co-founder of the PEC writers’ club in Cedar Rapids, she often brings her latest song writings to share with the group, and sometimes brings her guitar along to sing them.  She has performed with many of the local artists, and is nationally and internationally known.

For booking , contact Ivanhoe Road Music  410-16^th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. Email: gdrakepaul@gmail.comhttp://www.skep.com/gdpaul/

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert ReviewerContact: dianashores@gmail.com http://moonlitshores.blogspot.comCopyright 2010

Kantirocks performed to a packed house at Chrome Horse

Kantirocks performed to a packed house last night at Chrome Horse

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Already a full lounge at Chrome Horse Saloon, the onslaught of rain drove patrons waiting for the outdoor performance back inside to make it a packed house for Kantirocks on July 23, 2010. They started their performance ten minutes early to let the good times roll.

Kantirocks is an energetic band with a good beat.  They play to and engage with the crowd to make it upfront, personal, and fun.   Nikki (vocals/keyboard) belts out 80’s to current rock tunes with her rich, powerful voice. She says they “keep it clean” by changing out any off-color words, so their music is always family friendly.

Band members, in addition to Nikki D., include: Mike Davidson, guitar; Rick Clay, guitar, Larry Scott, drums, and John Baughman, guitar.  See them next (after RAGBRAI!!) at Cedar River Landing at 9:00 pm on August 7, 2010, 301 F Avenue, NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.

For Kantirocks bookings, call 319-431-3717.

http://www.kantirocks.com http://www.myspace.com/kantirocks   

Facebook:  http://bit.ly/ddGJhf

Chrome Horse Saloon is located at 1202 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA.

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS., Author, Ghostwriter, Book/Concert Reviewer

Contact: dianashores@gmail.com     http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com

Copyright 2010

Swinging and Swaying to Polyester Blend Last Night at Gatherings

As I entered Gatherings last night, I thought I had walked into a New York City nightclub. I was greeted by Dee Pittam’s velvety voice with people swinging and swaying to the phenomenal sounds of Polyester Blend.

Gatherings was filled to capacity as the crowd danced the night away to a blend of Big Band era, Rock and Roll, 60’s and 70’s, Country & Western, and Disco.  The mix went back and forth between eras and kept the energetic crowd on the dance floor.

It sounded like there was an entire band on stage the way Mark Vincent Pence played his superbly expressive keyboard. Dee Pittam has a glorious voice and marvelous range with a brilliant sense of rhythm.

Pence is a professional musician, songwriter, arranger, composer, and producer, and just released his new CD, “Piano Sketches”, a beautiful relaxation album.

Polyester Blend has played together for about five years and has quite a following.  They will perform the third Saturday night of each month at Gatherings for the remainder of the year, so put on your dancing shoes and head out to see them. Wherever they play, make it a point to call ahead for reservations and get there early.

Gatherings is located at 905 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids.

Mark Pence can be reached at dreamtracks2@mchsi.com , and you can reach Dee Pittam at polyesterblend@yahoo.com.

Author Resource and Photo Credits:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS. Author, Ghostwriter and Book/Concert Reviewer.

http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com Contact: dianashores@gmail.com

Copyright 2010

Janelle Lauer (Music Director/Keyboard) Keeps “Rent” Cast In Sync

What a talented and energetic cast at last night’s performance of “Rent” at Theatre Cedar Rapids (TCR). It amazes me to find so many brilliant singers right here in the area.  Special kudos go to Janelle Lauer (Music Director and Keyboard) who was instrumental in keeping this production in time throughout the evening.  She simultaneously played and directed, performed  constantly, and yet still had the stamina to jump up and sing with the rest of the cast for the finale.

DiAndre Neville as “Angel” was superb in both acting and singing, and his costume changes were fascinating.  Talented Alisabeth as “Maureen” really worked the audience with her MOO-ing and personality.

These young and talented performers, some still in high school, are not to be missed.  You will be glad you went.

Theatre Cedar Rapids is located at 102 3^rd Street, SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.   www. theatrecr.org 319-366-8593

Author Resource:  Diana Shores, MA, EdS. Author, Ghostwriter and Book/Concert Reviewer.

http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com Contact: dianashores@gmail.com

Copyright 2010

Flock of Funk Rocked on July 9, 2010

REVIEW: Flock of Funk rocked last night at Chrome Horse Saloon

Diana Shores/Community Contributor, 10 July 2010, No comments
Categories: arts, culture and entertainment, lifestyle and leisure
Tags: Billy Davis, Bruce, Bruce Chadima, Cedar Rapids (Iowa), Chrome Horse Saloon,Dennis McMurrin, Denny Ketelson, Facebook, Flock of Funk, Tim Razor, Ultimate Party

Flock of Funk performed before a packed house last night outside at the Chrome Horse Saloon.  The weather cooperated for a pleasant evening and as the sun went down, the dancing picked up.  People were moving and grooving as Billy Davis worked the crowd and had everyone on their feet.  It was hard to tell who was having more fun…. the crowd, or Billy.

The band members have years of performance to draw from and it shows.  They are professionals who feel at ease on stage with their instruments, and are in sync with each other and the audience.  Members of the band are:

Billy Davis (the front man) – sax and vocals

Dennis McMurrin – guitar and vocals

Bruce Chadima (The Governor of Funk) – drums and vocals

Denny Ketelson on Hammond B3, synthesizer, and vocals

Tim Razor – bass and vocals

Flock of Funk plays all types of music, with Motown and Rhythm & Blues being its forte. Although they primarily play for private parties and corporate events, they sometimes perform for the public.

You can find them on Facebook: Flock of Funk – The Ultimate Party Band. For bookings, contact Bruce (Gov) at 319-360-6449, or Billy at 319-364-4066.

Flock of Funk will be back at the Chrome Horse Saloon, 1202 3rd St. SE, on July 31.

Photo Credits and Author Resource: –> Diana Shores, Author, Ghostwriter and Book/Concert Reviewerhttp://moonlitshores.blogspot.com
Contact: dianashores@gmail.com

Christmas Day 2009 in Eastern Iowa

It was a typical ever-changing winter's day in Eastern Iowa today as the weather tried to make up its mind if it was spring or winter. After rain throughout the night, the day began with temperatures around 37 degrees and more rain, turning to snow in late morning. Temperatures then plummeted to 16 degrees leaving ice and snow covered roads and wind chill factor around 2 degrees.

A morning drive from Iowa City through Mount Vernon to Cedar Rapids provided an opportunity for some pretty winter photos.

Photo Credits and Author Resource: –> Diana Shores, Author, Ghostwriter and Book/Concert Reviewer
http://moonlitshores.blogspot.com
Contact: dianashores@gmail.com