Press Releases Archives
AUGUST 2006
INAUGURAL "FRIENDS OF AVALON BAY" BENEFIT CONCERT RAISES OVER $10,000
FOR CITY OF AVALON BAY WATER QUALITY PROJECTS
Avalon, CA – August 30, 2006: Framed by the crystalline ocean, waving palm trees and a cloudless blue sky, surfer/musician Donavon Frankenreiter entertained a near capacity crowd at the inaugural “Friends of Avalon Bay” concert at postcard perfect Descanso Beach on Sunday, August 27. Proceeds from the event totaled over $10,000 that the City of Avalon will be able to use towards Bay Water Quality Projects that will help guarantee that the waters remain clean for years to come for the enjoyment of visitors and residents alike.
“We thought Donavon was the perfect artist to kick off our fundraising efforts because of his career as a top professional surfer and musician,” said Bettina Breckenfeld of Plan B Events who produced the event for the City of Avalon. As Donavon stated “the ocean has provided me not only some of the best moments of my life, but a career and a way of life. I'm just glad that now my music can help raise money for such a worthy cause.”
Featuring songs from both his first self-titled album and his newest release “Move By Yourself” (Lost Highway), Donavon brought residents and visitors of all ages to their feet. For the encore Donavon and his band were joined by opener The White Buffalo for a powerful version of The Band’s “The Weight”. At the end of the show in a near symbolic gesture, Donavon stripped off his shirt and dove into the ocean.
A surprise guest was seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, who is a big fan of Donavon but had never seen him perform live and had never been to Catalina Island. Armstrong came over just for the show and sat among the crowd as everyone moved and grooved throughout the afternoon event.
“It’s so fitting that the concert was right on the beach and it was the perfect setting because it reminded everyone why they were here,” said Bob Lundblad of Plan B Events, who along with Breckenfeld produced the benefit concert. “We’re excited about where we go from here as we begin to build on our mission to raise awareness, educate and assist the City of Avalon with their efforts to improve Bay Water Quality in Avalon Bay.”
The best part of having the event so successful was having the final autograph seekers ask “when are we doing this again?”
For sponsorship opportunities and more information on the City of Avalon’s Bay Water Quality projects, go to www.planbevents.com or call Bettina at Plan B Events 951.674.8189
EVERY DROP COUNTS:
FIRST ANNUAL ‘FRIENDS OF AVALON BAY’ CONCERT BENEFIT TO LAUNCH AUGUST 27TH, 2006
AT DESCANSO BEACH CLUB CATALINA ISLAND - DONAVON FRANKENREITER PERFORMS
Avalon, CA --- Water. For surfers, it’s the perfect wave. For “The Friends of Avalon Bay,” (FAB) water is part of their industrious pro-active solution-oriented mission to improve water quality, conserve and maintain. On August, 27th, 2006, FAB will hold its first annual concert benefit presented by AbTech Pacific, supported by Monster Energy Drink from 2:00-5:00 p.m. to bring education to the crest of community awareness for all ages, as world class surfer and musician, Donavon Frankenreiter & The White Buffalo perform at Descanso Beach Club on Catalina Island.
“It’s fitting Donavon will be performing on picturesque Descanso Beach with the ocean as his backdrop because our mission is to guarantee that the waters remain clean for years to come for the enjoyment of visitors and residents alike,” said Bettina Breckenfeld, Event Producer, Plan B Events who joins forces with The City of Avalon to launch this concert benefit. “We know we cannot change everything overnight, but gradually building awareness, while continuing to educate and raise funds for research and implementation of Bay water quality projects, eventually we will make a difference.”
Catalina Island remains a popular destination for both residents and visitors. And this Summer’s concert benefit has Catalina calling to Southern Californians to ‘come on over’ to help promote progress and create change for a good cause. Located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, the city of Avalon has a year-round population of about 3,500. Summer and weekend population can rise to over 10,000 with visitors, with approximately 1 million visitors each year, including cruise ship passengers from all over. There are three boat companies that service the island from four conveniently located ports in Orange and Los Angeles counties, making it easy for a getaway in only one to one and a half hours by boat. Six passenger helicopters service the Island with daily departures from San Pedro and Long Beach. Travel time is only 15 minutes. The FAB Concert Benefit is a fun-filled day for attendees of all ages – great music for a cause, information and empowerment. Kids will get a special opportunity for fun at The City of Avalon booth –there will be sea life education with coloring including the Garibaldi (California’s State fish), educational materials, games and water quality monitoring test kits.
The City of Avalon ocean water quality has been regularly monitored for bacteria levels by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services since 1999. This monitoring is part of a California State Regulation known as AB411, which requires all beaches that have 50,000 visitors and year and a flowing storm drain to be monitored on a weekly basis between April 1st and October 31st. The City has used the results of the State implemented program to initiate additional initiatives to reduce the bacteria in the Bay.
Donating his talents for the concert is Donavon Frankenreiter (www.donavonf.com) A well-known surfer and musician, Frankenreiter is no stranger to knowing how important clean water is. “The ocean is the life line of our existence. Do your part to protect it, respect it, and keep it blue give back what it gives to you,” states Frankenreiter. From the surf waves of the ocean to the music waves he makes concert-goers will be entertained with songs from his new CD release “Move by Yourself” (Lost Highway Records). Donavon launched his musical career in a partnership with fellow surfer and now multi platinum artist Jack Johnson. Donavon’s recent album release and heavy touring schedule has caused a surge in his popularity as a professional musician, and his passion about water quality is as strong as the ultimate ‘channel’ to his ties of both music and surfing communities. “Being a surfer, I definitely feel a connection with Friends of Avalon Bay's cause. The ocean has provided me not only some of the best moments of my life, but a career and a way of life. I'm just glad that now my music can help raise money for such a worthy cause. I've always wanted to play a show on Catalina and can't imagine a better reason. I'm really looking forward to the show,” Frankenreiter explains.
The surfing tide and ties continue with this event as famed artist John Van Hamersveld created the exquisite event poster as a commemorative to the 40th anniversary of his renowned poster for the movie "Endless Summer". John's first major work was the 'Endless Summer' poster with it's surfer themes, and Donavon is also a world class surfer, so it was an ideal connection.
Concert doors open at 1 p.m. Tickets are $30 (all ages welcome) and may be purchased by telephone at 310-510-1520 or FAX your registration along with your credit card information to 310-510-7606 or in person at the Green Pier in Avalon. Day trip and overnight packages available at Catalina Travel Connection: Concert, Boat and/or Lodging packages: (800) 829-6999 Catalina Travel Connection
Tickets may also be purchased online directly through Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds will go to the City of Avalon to be used for Bay Water Quality Projects for Avalon Bay. Tickets are also available through VALLITIX: 888-825-5484 Vallitix.
For general event and sponsorship information, contact Bettina Breckenfeld, Event Producer at 951-674-8189 or online: www.planbevents.com/donavon.html
For all media inquiries, contact Stacey Kumagai, Media Monster Communications at 818-506-8675 or mediamonster@yahoo..com
NOVEMBER 2005
PHIL VASSAR CONCERT AT STAGE 1 IN CORONA SLATED TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR THE UNFORGETTABLES FOUNDATION
Corona, CA --- With the holidays quickly approaching, Stage 1 at Candlewalk offers yet another reason to start celebrating early – a concert on Thursday December 1st at 7pm for families and friends to enjoy at Corona’s newest state of the art venue. Phil Vassar, known for writing hits that Nashville headliners including himself are performing, is quickly being regarded as a quadruple threat - equally strong in writing, playing, singing and performing by media across the globe. The charity that will be gaining awareness and funds through the promotion of the concert is “The Unforgettables Foundation”. This dream of Timothy Evans is assisting families who deal with the many crises surrounding the death of a child-not in the least of which are crushing financial burdens facing families with limited resources
The two time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, and the Academy of Country Music’s “Best New Artist”, Phil Vassar went back to the basics to record his latest CD on Arista Records, “Shaken Not Stirred”.
“I’ve recorded up until now with great studio musicians, but this one I wanted to cut with my band. I wanted to take that camaraderie we’ve got from being together on the road and bring it into the studio.” Phil and his band will be performing songs from the new record, plus many of his well known hits. Opening the show will be Shevy Smith, a story teller who takes her songwriting themes from first hand experience growing up in rural America – country boys, beat up four wheelers and Saturday night get togethers.
STAGE 1 AT CANDLEWALK has emerged as Corona’s hottest new stadium seating concert venue. Located in Corona at 2331 Kellogg Avenue, STAGE 1 AT CANDLEWALK is the new hub for concerts and entertainment for the Inland Empire. Stage 1 utilizes the most advanced production available in its state of the art facility which seats 3200. Residents and visitors to the Inland Empire have been treated to superb talent such as Lonestar, Olivia Newton-John, Amy Grant, Delirious and SHeDAISY as Stage 1 at Candlewalk continues to deliver National talent in a phenomenal venue.
TICKETS: 1 877-8 STAGE1 or go to: www.stage1atcandlewalk.com
GENERAL EVENT CONTACT: Bettina Breckenfeld, Plan B Events 951-674-8189
SEPTEMBER 2005
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMBINE THE HOT RISING COUNTRY SISTERS "SHeDAISY” WITH THE PHENOMENA OF “Desperate Housewives”?
Corona, CA -- September 20, 2005: SHeDAISY, combined with other top stars, is featured on the newly released Desperate Housewives soundtrack. The appearance of SHeDAISY on Thursday Sept 29th in Corona will once again give the residents and visitors to the Inland Empire top rated entertainment. Following on the success of Amy Grant and Delirious, who kicked off the second series of concerts at the new Stage 1 at Candlewalk, the venue is pleased to announce the appearance of SHeDAISY. As with all previous concerts at Stage 1 a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit a local charitable organization. The Sept 29th SHeDAISY concert is focused on raising awareness and funds for “Alternatives to Domestic Violence”.
On Sept. 29th Stage 1 welcomes the three Osborn sisters, Kassidy, Kelsi and Kristyn, who head up the band SHeDAISY – one of the most exciting success stories in recent country music. Their debut album “The Whole SHeBANG” featured four top ten singles eventually going double platinum making it the fastest selling debut album since the Dixie Chicks. The band’s latest record “Sweet Right Here” which features the hit single “Passenger Seat” showcases another side of the Osborn sisters with an element of joy, freedom and happiness. Opening for SHeDAISY will be singer/songwriter and virtuoso guitarist Willy Porter. Willy has long been known for his innovative and expressive guitar playing which The Boston Globe has called everything from “startling” to “dazzling” to “killer”. Willy has been spellbinding audiences around the world opening for such diverse artists as Tori Amos, Jethro Tull and Jeff Beck.
The SHeDAISY concert is being produced by “Bill Miller Presents”. Bill a former Mayor of Corona and longtime Inland Empire resident wanted to get involved after seeing the success of the inaugural concert at Stage 1. “Bill Miller Presents” is committed to continuing the Stage 1 tradition of bringing top name talent to Corona that also raises funds for local charities.”
TICKETS: 1 877-8 STAGE1 or go to: www.stage1atcandlewalk.com
GENERAL EVENT CONTACT: Bettina Breckenfeld, Plan B Events 951-674-8189
BILL MILLER PRESENTS DELIRIOUS? AND SHeDAISY AT STAGE 1 IN CORONA
Corona, CA --- Following on the success of Amy Grant, who kicked off the second series of concerts at the new Stage 1 at Candlewalk, the venue is pleased to announce the appearances of Delirious? and SHeDAISY. As with all previous concerts at Stage 1 a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit local charitable organizations. The Sept 16th Delirious? concert will benefit the Corona Homeless Taskforce which works to better meet the needs of homeless and near homeless in the City of Corona while the Sept 29th SHeDAISY concert is focused on Alternatives to Domestic Violence.
Delirious? hails from Littlehampton, England where this underground secret has evolved into International anthem-makers. Through relentless International touring they’ve conquered audiences throughout the world with their positive message and dynamic songwriting. “Majesty” is a popular song on their latest album called World Service. They all knew that the song was good one, but the Christian Booksellers Association has just confirmed it, making it their song of the year for 2004. No matter how much true believers cherish this bands music, the real experience is hearing them live. Special guest will be The Kry - one of the hottest newcomers to the Christian Rock scene featuring brothers Jean Luc and Yves Lajoie from Quebec, Canada.
On Sept. 29th Stage 1 welcomes the three Osborn sisters, Kassidy, Kelsi and Kristyn, who head up the band SHeDAISY – one of the most exciting success stories in recent country music. Their debut album “The Whole SHeBANG” featured four top ten singles eventually going double platinum making it the fastest selling debut album since the Dixie Chicks. The band’s latest record “Sweet Right Here” which features the hit single “Passenger Seat” showcases another side of the Osborn sisters with an element of joy, freedom and happiness. Opening for SHeDAISY will be singer/songwriter and virtuoso guitarist Willy Porter. Willy has long been known for his innovative and expressive guitar playing which The Boston Globe has called everything from “startling” to “dazzling” to “killer”. Willy has been spellbinding audiences around the world opening for such diverse artists as Tori Amos, Jethro Tull and Jeff Beck.
Both the Delirious and SHeDAISY concerts are being produced by “Bill Miller Presents”. Bill a former Mayor of Corona and longtime Inland Empire resident wanted to get involved after seeing the success of the inaugural concert at Stage 1. “Bill Miller Presents” is committed to continuing the Stage 1 tradition of bringing top name talent to Corona that also raises funds for local charities.”
TICKETS: 1 877-8 STAGE1 or go to: www.stage1atcandlewalk.com
GENERAL EVENT CONTACT: Bettina Breckenfeld, Plan B Events 951-674-8189
JULY 2005
AMY GRANT SET TO HIT THE STAGE IN CORONA, CA.- WEEKS BEFORE
THE LAUNCH OF HER NEW TELEVISION CAREER
Corona, CA --- Following the tremendous success of the inaugural concert series that kicked-off with Lonestar and Olivia Newton-John, Stage 1 at Candlewalk is pleased to announced the second round in its concert series with five time Grammy award winning artist Amy Grant on August 13th, 2005.
By becoming the first Christian artist to have a platinum record, Amy Grant is widely regarded as the artist who put contemporary Christian music on the map. Yet perhaps her greatest accomplishment was to open the door for a flood of other artists in pop as well as rock to sing about faith, soul and family and still grasp mega stardom.
With all the success in her music career, the multiple Grammy-winning recording artist is certainly not resting on her laurels – Amy Grant has now announced she will be launching a new television series on NBC titled “Three Wishes”. Said Grant: “When I heard about this show, I was extremely moved by NBC and the production company’s concept to provide incredibly positive changes in the lives of different people. Seeing the initial prep work the producers had done for the pilot episode gave me reason to look at my own life -- and remind myself, once again, to never underestimate the impact that one life can have on another.”
Stage 1 provides the ultimate audio and visual experience as it continues to focus on the philanthropic element. “It was so exciting for us to show that we could create this amazing venue from scratch and utilize it for charitable causes.” states Mark Gantt, Executive Pastor at Crossroads Christian Church. Following the template set by the inaugural concerts at Stage 1, Amy Grant’s concert will benefit Royal Family Kids Camp. Founded in 1985, Royal Family Kids Camp has grown to be an international organization, and the nation’s leading network of camps for abused, neglected and abandoned children.
TICKETS: 1 877-8 STAGE1 or go to: www.stage1atcandlewalk.com
GENERAL EVENT CONTACT: Bettina Breckenfeld, Plan B Events 951-674-8189
APRIL 2005
LONESTAR AND OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN TO PERFORM
AT CORONA’S NEWEST CONCERT VENUE, STAGE 1 AT CANDLEWALK
Corona, CA --- For those who live and work in the Inland Empire, the Corona area has lacked one significant element to mark its arrival as a major cosmopolitan community - a state of the art concert facility/entertainment complex to attract national talent. STAGE 1 AT CANDLEWALK (2331 Kellogg Ave, Corona, CA 92881) has emerged as Corona’s hottest new stadium seating concert venue and will host two multi-platinum national acts for its inaugural benefit concerts; country music mega stars Lonestar (April 17th,2005), and the renowned star of music and film, Olivia Newton-John (April 21st, 2005).
Stage 1 will be donating a large portion of its proceeds to local non-profits. The kick-off concert with Lonestar on April 17th, 2005 at 8 p.m. will benefit “Kids Rock Free” at The Fender Center for the Performing Arts in Corona, CA. Kids Rock Free music education program for children from 7-17 has benefited over 5,000 children from Corona and surrounding communities and still has thousands on the waiting list.
Stage 1 opens its doors again four days later with the Olivia Newton-John concert benefiting Breast Cancer Research on April 21stTH , 2005 at 8 p.m. Opening Act, Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist, Deborah Liv Johnson performs before Olivia Newton-John hits the stage.
The philanthropic catalyst behind the scenes is Crossroads. “We are a non-denominational church that is creating events bringing the communities of Corona and the Inland Empire together for some fun” said executive pastor Mark Gantt. “By providing a top quality performance venue to the Inland Empire that will also benefit several deserving non-profits in the area, we feel we are truly giving back to the community that has supported us for over 100 years.”
Stage 1 utilizes the most advanced production available in its state of the art facility which seats 3500.
FOR TICKETS CALL: 1 877-8 STAGE1 or go to: www.stage1atcandlewalk.com
MEDIA INTEREST/INTERVIEWS CONTACT: Stacey Kumagai 818-506-8675
GENERAL EVENT INFO. CONTACT: Plan B Events - Bettina Breckenfeld 951-674-8189
