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Music Commission to Meet in Albuquerque

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2018

Contact: Thomas Goodrich, New Mexico Music Commission Administrator
Phone: 505-827-6454
Thomas.Goodrich@state.nm.us

New Mexico Music Commission to Meet in Albuquerque February 13, 2018

Santa Fe – The New Mexico Music Commission will hold a meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 from 10 am to noon, in the Board of Directors Room, Old Brick building, at The Menaul School, 301 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM  87107. The meeting is open to the public.

Copies of the agenda will be available at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at the Commission’s website, www.newmexicomusic.org. Copies of the agenda also may be obtained by contacting New Mexico Arts at 505-827-6490; or statewide: 800-879-4278; or fax: 505-827-6043.

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The New Mexico Music Commission is an advisory body made up of Governor-appointed volunteers who are specialists and leaders in the state’s diverse music industry. Their mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the musical traditions of New Mexico, to foster appreciation of the value of music, and to encourage the educational, creative and professional musical activities of the residents of New Mexico. The commission is administratively attached to New Mexico Arts, the State Arts agency and a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

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Seeking Nominations: 2018 Platinum Music Awards

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Seeking Nominations: 2018 New Mexico Platinum Music Awards Honoring New Mexico’s Music Legends’ Lifetime Achievements

Nominations Are Now Officially Open for the 2018 Platinum Music Awards Honoring New Mexico Music Legends

Santa Fe, N.M. – February 1, 2018 –  The New Mexico Music Commission Foundation (NMMCF) will present the second annual Platinum Music Awards (PMA) ceremony and show on August 30, 2018, at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe.  At this gala event, six of New Mexico’s music legends will receive the Platinum Music Award for lifetime achievement.  The honorees will accept their awards in person and receive tributes by some of the state’s top musical talent at this event.  Proceeds of the 2018 Platinum Music Awards ceremony and show will benefit the Music Commission’s Music Education initiatives, most notably its Music in the Schools and ART2ART projects.

New Mexico residents are invited to nominate musicians, bands, music teachers, producers and any person or organization based in the state that have contributed significantly to our musical culture.  The nomination form and instructions can be downloaded from www.newmexicomusic.org.  Nominations are accepted between February 1 and March 15 and will be reviewed by a jury of music industry experts chosen by the New Mexico Music Commission.  The honorees will be announced April 19.

The nomination and selection process is managed by the Music Commission and the award ceremony and show, scheduled for August 30, is produced by the Music Commission Foundation, its partner organization.  “Last July the NMMCF produced the inaugural Platinum Music Awards event and it was a resounding success.  To begin the evening, six honorees were feted at an exclusive awards presentation followed by the PMA show which featured performances by several of our state’s top talent and oratory tributes by music industry colleagues,” stated Melissa Sanchez, commissioner for the New Mexico Music Commission.  “We are again reaching out statewide to New Mexico residents for nominations from which the 2018 PMA honorees will be selected.”

In addition to the awards ceremony, sponsorship opportunities are available.  “Sponsorship is a great opportunity for businesses, organizations and individuals to show support for New Mexico’s active and diverse music community,” said David Schwartz, president of the New Mexico Music Commission Foundation and producer of the Platinum Music Awards show.  “This important event recognizes some of the people who have built New Mexico’s musical culture for decades, and the proceeds benefit the Music Commission’s Music Education initiatives.”  Sponsorship levels between $500 and $10,000 are available with many benefits including advertising, promotional mention, and tickets to the show and its exclusive events.

Current 2018 PMA $3,500 Platinum Level sponsors include Cisneros Design, Hutton Broadcasting, Berardinelli Family Funeral Service, Brookdale Senior Living, Quezada Jacobs Allstate, and SunPower by Positive Energy Solar.  A wide range of sponsors have also joined at the $1,500 Gold Circle including The Lensic Performing Arts Center, Los Alamos National Bank, Candyman Music, Lectrosonics, Daniel Quat Photography, and Graphic Sky Printing.  $500 level sponsorships are also available.

“We applaud the efforts of the foundation in organizing this important and beneficial event.  The 2017 show was amazing and 2018 promises to be even better,” said Michael Delello, deputy cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.  “This is a fitting way for the foundation to galvanize the music community to provide support for Music Commission projects especially in music education.”

For more information on the Platinum Music Awards ceremony and show, please visit www.platinummusicawards.org.

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Contact: Stephanie Strahl, James Korenchen Public Relations, at (505) 797-6688 or sstrahl@jameskorenchen.com

About the New Mexico Music Commission

The New Mexico Music Commission is an advisory body made up of Governor-appointed volunteers who are specialists and leaders in the state’s diverse music industry. Their mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the musical traditions of New Mexico, to foster appreciation of the value of music, and to encourage the educational, creative and professional musical activities of the residents of New Mexico. The Commission is administratively attached to New Mexico Arts, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. In 2017, the New Mexico Music Commission adopted the Platinum Music Awards ceremony and show as their annual signature event and primary fund raiser, per their strategic plan, and charged their Foundation with production, media, and sponsorship of these events.

About the New Mexico Music Commission Foundation

The purpose of the foundation is to serve at the discretion of the Music Commission in two key areas: Development, by sponsoring fundraisers, seeking donors, sponsors, and benefactors, writing grants, and serving as a fiscal agent for the Music Commission; and, Volunteerism, by providing volunteer support to assist in the execution of Music Commission events and projects. Key Foundation projects include: Platinum Music Awards: The Music Commission has entrusted the Foundation with production, media, and sponsorship of the Platinum Music Awards ceremony and awards show. Music in the Schools: The Foundation has taken the lead on developing a pilot Visiting Artist program with the Santa Fe Public Schools on behalf of the Music Commission. Proceeds from the 2017 Platinum Awards show are used to partially fund the pilot, for which professional musicians are hired to deliver assemblies, master classes, clinics, sectionals, and lessons to SFPS music students. It is the hope of the Commission and Foundation that this pilot program will expand to other school districts around the state with the continued growth and success of the Platinum Music Awards ceremony and show.

About the Platinum Music Awards

“The Platinums” are an evolution of the New Mexico Music Commission’s Platinum Achievement Awards established in 2013 to celebrate the role that the music industry plays in the cultural life and economic success of New Mexico. Six Platinum Music Awards (PMA) are presented annually to living musicians and music supporters who have demonstrated lifetime achievement in their musical idiom or have made significant or distinguished contributions to music in New Mexico. A diverse and prestigious list of musicians and other outstanding individuals will be honored. The Platinum Awards will continue to evolve with the state’s ever-changing music industry so that the impact and relevance of the awards persist.

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Music Commission to Meet in Bernalillo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2017

Contact: Dan Stoddard, Vice Chair | Interim Chair, New Mexico Music Commission
Phone: 575-791-3393
dandjstoddard@gmail.com

New Mexico Music Commission to Meet in Bernalillo

Santa Fe – The New Mexico Music Commission will hold a meeting on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 from 10 am to noon, at the Sandoval County Administrative Offices, 1500 Idalia Road, Building D, 2nd floor, Bernalillo, NM 87004. The meeting is open to the public.

Copies of the agenda will be available at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at the Commission’s website, www.newmexicomusic.org. Copies of the agenda also may be obtained by contacting New Mexico Arts at 505-827-6490; or statewide: 800-879-4278; or fax: 505-827-6043.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for special needs. Please contact New Mexico Arts, 407 Galisteo Street, Santa Fe NM 87501, 505-827-6490; or statewide: 800-879-4278; or fax: 505-827-6043, at least one (1) week before the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Please contact New Mexico Arts if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.

# # #

The New Mexico Music Commission is an advisory body made up of Governor-appointed volunteers who are specialists and leaders in the state’s diverse music industry. Their mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the musical traditions of New Mexico, to foster appreciation of the value of music, and to encourage the educational, creative and professional musical activities of the residents of New Mexico. The commission is administratively attached to New Mexico Arts, the State Arts agency and a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

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Music Commission to Meet in Albuquerque

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 5, 2017

Contact: Dan Stoddard, Vice Chair | Interim Chair, New Mexico Music Commission
Phone: 575-791-3393
dandjstoddard@gmail.com

New Mexico Music Commission to Meet in Albuquerque

July 5, 2017

Santa Fe – The New Mexico Music Commission will hold a meeting on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 from 10 am to noon, in the Board of Directors Room, Old Brick building, at The Menaul School, 301 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM  87107. The meeting is open to the public.

Copies of the agenda will be available at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at the Commission’s website, www.newmexicomusic.org. Copies of the agenda also may be obtained by contacting New Mexico Arts at 505-827-6490; or statewide: 800-879-4278; or fax: 505-827-6043.

# # #

The New Mexico Music Commission is an advisory body made up of Governor-appointed volunteers who are specialists and leaders in the state’s diverse music industry. Their mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the musical traditions of New Mexico, to foster appreciation of the value of music, and to encourage the educational, creative and professional musical activities of the residents of New Mexico. The commission is administratively attached to New Mexico Arts, the State Arts agency and a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Categories
press releases

Music Commission to Meet in Santa Fe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2017

Contact: Daniel Stoddard, Interim Chair, New Mexico Music Commission
Phone: 575-791-3393
dandjstoddard@gmail.com

New Mexico Music Commission to Meet in Santa Fe

May 9, 2017

Santa Fe – The New Mexico Music Commission will hold a meeting on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 from 10 am to noon, in the Meem Auditorium at the Laboratory of Anthropology on Museum Hill, 710 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87504. The meeting is open to the public.

Copies of the agenda will be available at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at the Commission’s website, www.newmexicomusic.org. Copies of the agenda also may be obtained by contacting New Mexico Arts at 505-827-6490; or statewide: 800-879-4278; or fax: 505-827-6043.

# # #

The New Mexico Music Commission is an advisory body administratively attached to New Mexico Arts, the State Arts agency and a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The commission is made up of fifteen Governor-appointed volunteers who are specialists and leaders in the state’s diverse music industry. Their mission is to stimulate opportunities for musicians, music organizations, and other groups for activities or projects, to provide musical services and support to the state, to maintain and encourage musical excellence, and to promote awareness of and access to the music industry for all of the people of New Mexico.

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2017 Platinum Music Awards Honorees Announced

Platinum Music Awards – 2017 Honorees Announced!

The New Mexico Music Commission and its Foundation announce six music legends to be honored at the inaugural Platinum Music Awards. The gala event will celebrate the lifetime achievements of the six honorees through presentations and performances taking place at the Lensic Performing Arts Center on July 21, 2017.

The inaugural Class of 2017 Platinum Music Awards honorees are:

Arlen Asher — Multi-woodwind maestro, Arlen Asher, is one of New Mexico’s long-standing jazz luminaries. He has performed on major recordings and at numerous jazz festivals, as well as a producer and on-air personality for KNME-TV, KOB-TV and KHFM radio. His private woodwind studio has taught woodwind fundamentals and jazz improvisation to hundreds of students for more than 50 years. At 87-years old, Asher remains active as a performer while hosting “The Jazz Experience” on KSFR, Santa Fe Public Radio station.

Fernando Cellicion — Fernando Cellicion is an accomplished musician playing many contemporary instruments and the ancient Native American flute for which he has developed his own style and sound. His efforts in defining a Native American music genre have created Native American songs that could be shared publicly (outside the Pueblo) and helped shape the unique Native American music and performance genre. Fernando is a solid leader in the New Mexico Native American music genre, representing New Mexico Indigenous People throughout the world.

Bill and Bonnie Hearne — Texas transplants, Bill and Bonnie Hearne, became an institution in New Mexico’s musical landscape beginning in 1979, with their unique blend of Southwest Americana, bluegrass, country and swing music that influenced many artists including Lyle Lovett, Jerry Jeff Walker, Nanci Griffith and Eliza Gilkyson. After Bonnie quit touring in 2003 due to health issues, Bill formed a trio and quartet and continues to play and record his music. Bill’s most recent release, “All That’s Real” shows him as an inspired performer who has travelled many miles down the honky tonk road.

Al Hurricane — Alberto Nelson “Al Hurricane” Sanchez is a key figure in the history of New Mexico’s music scene having released more than thirty albums, reflecting his unique blend of Norteño and Tex-Mex musical styles. His musical roots trace back to 5-years old when he and his guitar began developing a unique approach combining country music, old Mexican rancheras and rock. Through the years, he has performed alongside Fats Domino, Marvin Gaye, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Clanton, and Chubby Checker.

Dr. Dale E. Kempter — Dale Kempter is one of the Southwest’s most outstanding and beloved music educators and conductors who has been at the helm of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program (AYSP) for more than 50 years, where he continues as Music Director Laureate. He also served as supervisor of fine arts and instruction coordinator for Albuquerque Public Schools for many years. Kempter was honored in 1989 as “Music Educator of the Year” by the New Mexico Music Educators Association, and won the 1991 American String Teachers National School Education Award as well as the New Mexico Governor’s Arts Award in 2002.

Catherine Oppenheimer – The Lee Berk Award — A former professional dancer with the New York City Ballet, Catherine Oppenheimer has provided opportunities for talented young musicians throughout the state to receive top-quality music education. In 1994, she co-founded the National Dance Institute of New Mexico, a statewide organization annually teaching nearly 10,000 children throughout the state. In 2010, she was also the driving force behind the creation of New Mexico School for the Arts, the state’s first residential high school for the performing and visual arts.

“These six distinguished honorees were selected from a diverse set of nominations of all musical genres from all parts of New Mexico. The selection committee, appointed by the Music Commission, was tasked with picking five recipients from the public’s nominations for this year’s awards ceremony,” said David Schwartz, producer of the Platinum Music Awards and president of the New Mexico Music Commission Foundation. “With this diverse group, the show at the Lensic promises to be entertaining and eclectic.”

Musicians, celebrities and distinguished guests will be featured with musical performances and personal tributes. Joe West with his band, the Santa Fe Revue, will be the master of ceremonies in support of the many musical tributes. In addition, Solace Crisis Treatment Center’s 2017 Person of the Year will be announced and many local and national acts and presenters will provide entertainment during the show.

The Platinum Music Awards is also a benefit to provide funding for the New Mexico Music Commission’s “Music in School” programs and for the Solace Crisis Treatment Center, a non-profit agency that provides support and services to individuals who are in crisis or suffering from trauma.

“We would also like to thank our many sponsors that have generously contributed funds and support that helped make this event possible, including our presenting sponsor Allstate Insurance,” said Ned Jacobs, co-producer of the PMAs. “Our co-producing sponsor AMP has been instrumental in helping to coordinate talent and other events surrounding the show. Platinum Level sponsors Cisneros Design, 4LEET, LANB, Hutton Broadcasting and, of course, the Lensic have also provided crucial support, along with our Gold Circle and Sustaining sponsors.”

Prior to the event at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, the music legends will be honored at a private ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion.

Tickets for the event are available March 21, 2017 at the Lensic Box Office or call (505) 988-1234.

For more information on the Platinum Music Awards, visit www.platinummusicawards.org or email info@platinummusicawards.org.