Wednesday, March 12, 2025

MILCK Releases Deeply Personal Debut Album Mother Tongue, Celebrates with Exclusive Album Launch & Afterparty at Hotel Café. Listen to today's show featuring MILCK.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE





MILCK Releases Deeply Personal Debut Album Mother Tongue, Celebrates with Exclusive Album Launch & Afterparty at Hotel Café

February 20, 2025, Los Angeles, CA – Acclaimed singer-songwriter and activist MILCK released her highly anticipated debut full-length album, Mother Tongue, on February 14, 2025. To celebrate this landmark project, MILCK will perform an intimate album release show at Hotel Café in Los Angeles on March 6, 2025, followed by a special afterparty in partnership with the Women’s International Music Network (WiMN).

Tickets for the event are available now here.
Mother Tongue: A Deeply Personal Exploration of Home, Identity & Healing

For years, MILCK has been known for her powerful anthems of resilience and change, including her 2017 viral protest song Quiet, which became a global voice for the women’s movement. Her collaborative prochoice anthem "We Won't Go Back" spread like wildfire in 2022. Now, her latest battlecry "Sisters of Winter" is deeply resonating across Instagram, with over 250,000 views in the last 4 days.

With Mother Tongue the album, she turns inward, weaving together personal narratives of self-discovery, love, loss, and the search for belonging.

The album’s title track explores the longing for connection across generations, inspired by MILCK’s struggle to communicate with her grandmother due to a language barrier. Through a waltz-like melody and heartfelt lyrics, Mother Tongue reflects on how love transcends words—through touch, laughter, and shared history.

“This album allowed me to honor my sometimes misguided journey of searching for home and belonging in all the ‘wrong’ places—relationships, career, even unhealthy coping mechanisms—only to realize that my true home has always been within myself,” says MILCK.

The album balances deeply personal storytelling with universal themes, touching on everything from heartbreak (Power of the Heart), independence (I Do), and enduring love (I’m In).
Celebrate with MILCK at Hotel Café

MILCK will bring Mother Tongue to life on stage at Hotel Café on March 6, 2025. Fans can expect a transformational evening of music and storytelling, with opening acts Jenny Yang and Jason Chu, who will kick off the night with comedy and spoken word pieces exploring the themes of home and mother tongue. The performance will be followed by a special afterparty hosted by the Women’s International Music Network to celebrate Women’s History Month.

The afterparty will include networking, a cash bar, complimentary snacks, and a chance to connect with fellow music lovers and industry professionals. The afterparty is proudly sponsored by Venus Guitars, Korg, and Positive Grid.

Can’t attend in person? A livestream of the event will be available for fans worldwide. More info here.


Join the Celebration

What: MILCK Mother Tongue Album Release Show + WiMN Afterparty
When: March 6, 2025 | Doors at 6:30 PM
Where: Hotel Café, Los Angeles, CA
Get Tickets Here

For more information, visit milckmusic.com
About MILCK

MILCK is a singer-songwriter, producer, and activist whose music blends raw vulnerability with bold, unapologetic storytelling. Her song Quiet became a viral sensation and a defining anthem of the Women’s March, propelling her into the spotlight as a powerful voice for social change. As an independent artist, MILCK continues to push boundaries, using music as a tool for healing, empowerment, and connection.
About the Women’s International Music Network (WiMN)

The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) connects, inspires, and supports women in the music industry through events, mentorship, and advocacy. Best known for producing the annual She Rocks Awards, WiMN creates platforms that amplify the voices of women in music. More at thewimn.com

March 12th 9:00am - TEEN DEPRESSION GONE VIRAL: Why Kids Are More Vulnerable Than Ever & How You Can Protect Your Child’s Health and Happiness by Meredith Gansner, MD


Arguably the biggest epidemic among teens is depression, and social media only adds fuel to the fire. How can we navigate this? The monster is out of the box and we are struggling with what to do to help. Meredith E. Gansner, MD, is an attending child psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital and Instructor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Her award-winning research focuses on adolescent mental health and problematic digital media use.



TEEN DEPRESSION GONE VIRAL:

Why Kids Are More Vulnerable Than Ever & How You Can Protect Your Child’s Health and Happiness

by Meredith Gansner, MD



“This book is a ‘tell it like it is’ companion guide to the overwhelming experience that is tackling adolescent depression in our digitally-dependent age. Expecting that online search engines will be consulted multiple times along this journey, this guidebook teaches parents to think critically about online search results, troubleshoot online and offline obstacles, and focus on the big picture: their child’s recovery.” — Meredith Gansner, MD


Advance Praise for the Book:




“This is the only book you need if you are worried that your teenager is depressed.” —Jodi Gold, MD, author of Screen-Smart Parenting


“Expert guidance is here. Dr. Gansner provides trustworthy information and practical recommendations for how you can help your struggling teen.” —Christopher R. Martell, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst


“As a researcher who has studied the impact of digital media on adolescents, Dr. Gansner is uniquely suited to guide parents through this perplexing and complicated topic.”— Nancy Rappaport, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

What are the warning signs of depression in teens? When do social media and gaming habits cross the line into putting kids at risk? How can parents keep teens healthy and safe—without sledgehammering all their devices? This realistic, reassuring guide from adolescent psychiatrist and parent Meredith E. Gansner gives parents the latest information about depression in teens, with a special focus on digital media use. Filled with vivid stories, the book illuminates the warning signs of teen mental health problems and self-harm; what parents can do to help, including downloadable practical tools; and how to find effective diagnosis and treatment. Exploring myths and facts about internet addiction, dangerous viral trends, and cyberbullying, Dr. Gansner provides actionable steps for curbing them. Every chapter also identifies positive technology resources for both kids and parents, from supportive online communities to health-promoting sites and apps.



“Full disclosure: The foremost expert on your teen’s depression is probably your teen. But you and I both know that teenagers aren’t always great at talking about their feelings, especially to their parents. They do (sometimes) talk to me, a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has seen depression present itself within a wide variety of settings... The combination of my research and clinical experience has given me perspective on the management of adolescent depression in our screen-dependent society.” — Meredith Gansner, MD



About Dr. Gansner


Meredith E. Gansner, MD, is an attending child psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital and Instructor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Her award-winning research focuses on adolescent mental health and problematic digital media use. Dr. Gansner lives in the Boston area with her husband and two children.



Instagram: @mgansnermd

Twitter/X: @mgansner

LinkedIn: @Meredith Gansner





Dr. Gansner in the Press:

Slate: 13 Reasons Isn’t Enough

The Atlantic: Should You Delete Your Kid’s TikTok This Week?

WBUR: The Pandemic Left More Kids Feeling Suicidal. One Mass. Teen Found Her Way Out Of The Dark

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Power of One Foundation partners with IKEA Los Angeles LA wildfires. Andre Roberson Founder & CEO of Power of One Foundation joins Janeane on KUCI 88.9fm 2/26 9:00am


LISTEN
to today's show
featuring Andre Roberson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON February 13, 2024

Power of One Foundation partners with IKEA Los Angeles, LA County Supervisor Solis, Home Depot, and other community partners for the Kids First Campaign to Support Children Affected by LA Wildfires

Los Angeles, CA – January 31, 2025 – Power of One Foundation (POOF) is proud to announce its partnership with IKEA Los Angeles, LA County Supervisor Solis, Giving Children Hope, Home Depot, 211LA, United Way OC, Genesis for Good Foundation, and other amazing community partners for the Kids First Campaign, a community campaign dedicated to helping children affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. This initiative aligns with POOF’s mission to provide essential resources to anyone in need of them, without prejudice.

The wildfires left thousands of children displaced, depriving them of their homes, schools, and a sense of normalcy. To address these ongoing challenges, the Kids First Campaign has launched with an Essentials Drive that is collecting and distributing new school supplies, toys, hygiene products, books, and other vital resources to children ages 0-16.

The campaign will leverage the strength of community partnerships, with IKEA stores in Burbank, Carson, Covina, and Costa Mesa hosting donation hubs from January 31 to February 28, 2025. Customers and community members are encouraged to visit these stores to drop off new essential items that will directly support children in need.

The collected donations will be sorted and distributed through a collaborative effort led by Power of One Foundation in partnership with LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and local organizations. The campaign will culminate in a Kids First Resource Fair at the end of March at IKEA Burbank’s parking lot. This fair will connect affected families with much-needed resources, entertainment for children, and symbolic care kits to spark hope and joy.

"The partnership with Power of One Foundation reflects IKEA’s deep commitment to our community’s well-being," said Vanessa Pasillas, IKEA Loyalty Manager. "The power of community to come together and bring comfort, hope, and stability to children and families when they need it most is truly inspiring”. “Our hearts go out to every single Los Angeles family impacted by the heartbreaking wildfire devastation. As a foundation, we will continue to find ways to support Communities Caring for Communities and are grateful for IKEA always being ready to be on the frontlines with us” says Andre Roberson, POOF’s Executive Director.

About Power of One Foundation:

POOF’s mission is to provide basic human resources to every person in need, regardless of their country of origin, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. The foundation focuses on fighting poverty and hunger by providing food & resource assistance and free community enrichment events to underserved communities in Orange County, CA and surrounding areas. The organization’s purpose is to empower residents to become leaders in their communities.

For more information on Power of One Foundation, Website: powerofonefoundation.org, Facebook: @powerofonefoundation1 or Instagram: @powerofonefoundation

About IKEA:

At IKEA, the vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people by offering well-designed, functional and affordable, high-quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment. Ingka Group (Ingka Holding B.V. and its controlled entities) is one of 12 different groups of companies that own and operate IKEA retail under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. Ingka Group has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Ingka Group is a strategic partner in the IKEA franchise system, operating 389 IKEA stores in 32 countries – including 51 retail locations in the U.S.

For more information on IKEA U.S., see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

Media Contacts:

Shawnee Roberson

Operations Director of Power of One Foundation

(406) 672-9617

shawnee@powerofonefoundation.org

Andre Roberson

Founder & CEO of Power of One Foundation

(714) 856- 7602

andre@powerofonefoundation.org

Vanessa Pasillas
IKEA Loyalty Manager

626-428-9247


Vanessa.Pasillas@ingka.ikea.com



Tuesday, February 25, 2025

LA Strong Foundation has simplified how to contact over 100 organizations who are receiving grants from the LA Fires Concerts. Here's what you need to know!



LA Strong Foundation has just simplified how to contact over 100 organizations who received and are getting grants from the LA Fires Concerts totaling $50 Million Dollars.

Here is the List of Those Who Received Grant Money From the January 30, 2025 Kia Forum and Intuit Dome Music Concerts in Inglewood to support people and communities affected by the LA County wildfires.

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/california-wildfires/fireaid-la-fire-relief concert-grants/3635381/

We Recommend That You Reach Out to These organizations for Financial Support. Each group will receive $100,000 or more in first-phase distributions expected to be complete by the end of February. Ask for the person overseeing their fire relief efforts.

The Grants were issued by The Annenberg Foundation on behalf of the Concert Organizers.

https://annenberg.org/ or (310) 209-4560

Here is a Link to All of The Grantees

https://fireaidla.org/grants/

On February 18, 2025, FireAid announced the recipients of the first $50 million in grants from Los Angeles wildfire relief concerts of the estimated $100 million raised from its Los Angeles wildfire concerts will be distributed.

The first set of grants totaling $50 million will be gifted to individuals, including displaced residents, workers, small business owners and first responders, who were affected by the January wildfires. Community-based organizations on the front lines of fire relief were prioritized in this first round of grants, FireAid said in a news release.


More details about the financial aid list can be found on the LA Strong Foundation website.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

CEO Glenn Gray and Dr. Alissa Deming, VP of Conservation Medicine & Science, sat down with me to talk about the Pacific Marine Mammal Center




Today’s show is a little different. If you think you hear strange noises during the show, well they are not actually strange at all. They are seals and sea lions and mostly very young ones. For this week's show, I recorded a remote segment so I could share an authentic experience during my visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. Some of you might remember when it was called Friends of the Sea Lions. I had not been there in years and decided to learn more about their history, mission, and current renovations transforming this purpose-driven rehabilitation center for marine mammals.


I hope you enjoy today's show, and remember you are about to hear a lot of seals joining us in the background!



There is no better way to get out of a funk than to put yourself in a situation where you are helping others, and in this case, helping the environment, too. Getting involved with purpose-driven initiatives can be a game changer in your life and the lives of others. When you shift your perspective on how you can make a difference in this world, you not only lift yourself up by using your time and energy for good, but you help others and, in this case, you are addressing an environmental issue. If what you learn today sparks your interest, check out how you can get trained in becoming a volunteer at the Pacific Marine Mammal center. You will be glad you did.

During my visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center i learned how the staff rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine mammals; this also inspires ocean stewardship through research, education, and collaboration. This is the only center in Orange County, California, licensed to rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine mammals that strand on local beaches. PMMC is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization.


When I first moved here in 2000, I remember shortly thereafter visiting with my young kids. Pacific Marine Mammal Center first began as Friends of the Sea Lion in 1971

PMMC was the first marine mammal rehabilitation facility in California and was established before the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. They now share the responsibility for marine mammal rehabilitation with six other centers along California’s coastline

What began 53 years ago with a single injured harbor seal, PMMC is now recognized as a premier marine mammal rescue, research, and rehabilitation center. The center welcomes around 50,000 visitors annually from around the world to learn about current rescued animals and observe conservation efforts in action.

They teach more than 36,000 students from local schools how to be better ocean stewards, and their distance-learning programs educate students across the country. Finally, they have a team of more than two hundred volunteers providing approximately $1.2 million dollars of donated time, assisting in rescues, animal care, education, and retail locations.

As their website says, “PMMC runs on passionate people. “Their departments include Animal Care, Education, Development, Volunteer Engagement, Operations, and a compassionate Board of Directors. If interested in joining the team, check our careers page for opportunities or become one of our awesome volunteers! And now they are undergoing a major renovation thanks to support throughout our community, but you will hear more about that later.

And this brings me to my conversation with the CEO Glenn Gray and
Dr. Alissa (A LI-SUH) Deming, VP of Conservation Medicine & Science, who sat down with me recently to share details about the important work this center is doing with regards to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals. They are also currently under construction with an impressive expansion thanks to the late Bob Parker and his foundation. You can learn more about the center right here in Laguna Beach by visiting: Pacific Marine Mammal Center (pacificmmc.org)

Co-produced by Janeane Bernstein & Robert M. Korisky


 

Thursday, February 13, 2025

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS’ ‘BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN’ HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES WITH BIGGEST OPENING WEEKEND EVER FOR AN IMAX®-EXCLUSIVE MUSIC RELEASE


“Becoming Led Zeppelin” had the largest ever opening weekend for an IMAX-exclusive music release, according to a press released issued by Sony Pictures on February 10.

The release says the film grossed $3 million in its opening weekend, with $2.6 million coming from its release in the US.

Here’s the full press release published by Sony Pictures:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS’ ‘BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN’ HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES WITH BIGGEST OPENING WEEKEND EVER FOR AN IMAX®-EXCLUSIVE MUSIC RELEASE



The Documentary, Which Opened To A $3M IMAX® Debut, Is Enjoying A Whole Lotta Love Ahead Of Its Valentine’s Day Wide Release


NEW YORK (February 10, 2025) – Sony Pictures Classics’ BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN, the first-ever sanctioned film on the band in the almost 57 years since the formation of the notoriously private group, gave a record-breaking performance for its first weekend at the box office as it opened to an impressive $3M IMAX® debut across 16 countries and territories. Domestically, the film’s $2.6M start ($7K per screen average) represents the biggest opening weekend ever for an IMAX®-exclusive music release, as audiences nationwide flock to experience the exhilarating docu-concert on the largest screens available.

With its successful debut, BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN landed in the domestic top 10 chart at #8 this past weekend and saw particularly strong results from both coasts as well as markets including Toronto, Cleveland, St. Louis, and Dallas. The documentary, which was released exclusively in IMAX® this past Friday on 369 North American screens and held one-night-only early access screenings in eighteen markets earlier in the week, will expand nationwide across 1,000 screens on Friday, February 14, 2025.

BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN explores the origins of this iconic group and their meteoric rise in just one year against all the odds, providing an unparalleled look at the how the rock band came together as audiences witness firsthand the formation of their first two official tours and the creation of their history-making, self-titled debut and sophomore albums.


Powered by awe-inspiring, psychedelic, never-before-seen footage, interviews, performances and music, Bernard MacMahon’s experiential cinematic odyssey explores Led Zeppelin’s creative, musical, and personal origin story, with unprecedented access to the group and their archives that solidifies the film as the definitive Led Zeppelin documentary.


The hybrid docu-concert film also unveils a huge amount of rare and unseen Led Zeppelin performance footage. The result is a visceral musical experience that will transport audiences into the concert halls and musical lives of Led Zeppelin during their earliest tours, accompanied by intimate, exclusive commentary from the famously private band.


BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN is a movie that almost didn’t come to fruition – the filmmakers were up against epic challenges, including the fact that hardly any footage from the band’s early period existed. MacMahon and producer Allison McGourty embarked on a global detective search for material to illustrate the band’s story.


BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN is directed by the award-winning, Emmy® and BAFTA® nominated Bernard MacMahon (AMERICAN EPIC), and written by MacMahon and BAFTA® nominated producer Allison McGourty. It is produced by McGourty and Paradise Pictures in association with Big Beach, alongside executive producers Michael B Clark, Alex Turtletaub, Cynthia Heusing, David Kistenbroker, Duke Erikson, Simon Moran, and Ged Doherty. Editing is by Dan Gitlin, sound supervision is by Nick Bergh, sound restoration is by Grammy® Award winner Peter Henderson, with archival research from Kate Griffiths and Rich Remsberg.


Tickets are now on sale at www.becomingledzeppelinfilm.com.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992—which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 41 Academy Awards® (37 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 190 Academy Award® nominations (164 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for I’M STILL HERE, THE FATHER, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, and CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.


ABOUT IMAX CORPORATION
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you’ve never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX’s network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.


ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

If you lost your instruments or gear in the LA fires or even some of your beloved vinyl collection, Altadena Musicians Registry is free!

 


Register to replace your lost instruments
Altadena Musicians Registry is free – get started

If you lost your instruments or gear in the LA fires or even some of your beloved vinyl collection, we are so sorry. We’re here to help. Sign up for our registry here. Once your account is approved you will be able to submit a list of your instruments lost in the fire to share with donors who want to help.
Musicians Registration

You must show proof that your home was affected by the fires to qualify for this program.


About

Altadena Musicians was formed by Brandon Jay, joined by supporters and organizations seeking a way to help.

Brandon Jay and his wife Gwendolyn Sanford are music composers (Weeds/Orange is the New Black/Romy and Michele the Musical) who lost their home, their music studio and all but two of their instruments in the Eaton fire.

Altadena Musicians was formed by Brandon Jay, joined by a team of industry supporters and organizations seeking a way to help, and fiscal sponsorship by Creative Visions Foundation (501c3)

Read more about Brandon's story.


Musician’s registry

Here’s how it works:Musicians impacted by the fires apply for the registry. (Don’t worry, it’s free.)

Once verified, musicians will be asked to submit an itemized list of equipment and add it to the registry.

Donors can browse the registry and donate specific items or can earmark a donation of funds for them.

The Altadena Musicians platform connects donors with people who have lost instruments and albums.

Music is made, yet again.


Why We Do This

Any musician knows: losing instruments is a special kind of heartbreak. More than the sum of their parts, our instruments carry special memories, a lineage, and each has its own unique magic. Altadena Musicians was created to help mend the many broken hearts suffered by our fellow musicians who lost everything in the LA fires. We are with you.

The instruments we lost are irreplaceable, but we can help create new memories with our custom registry.

Together, we can make music.

Visit Altadena Musicians website to get started!


Help musicians – donate instruments & GEAR
Sign up today to donate to our instrument replacement program for musicians affected by the wildfires.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Donate Your Instruments to Young Fire Victims


Donate new or gently used instruments for youth impacted by the Los Angeles County wild fires. 

 

Music and Mental Health go hand in hand

Outside the Box has partnered with Musack.org, who has been giving instruments and grants to music teachers and music programs throughout the world. We are now accepting requests to replace musical instruments and equipment lost in the LA County wild fires. Donated instruments will be available for kids, young adults, families, music programs and schools. 

Please head over to the Musack form if you have a wish list. 

If you have instruments to donate, contact info@otbseries.com. We are setting up donation locations  throughout Los Angeles County.  Pick up is available in Orange County by one of our team members.

UPDATE 2/4/25

Outside the Box has also partnered with LA Strong Foundation to help coordinate donations of new and gently used instruments for youth impacted by the California wildfires.

#lastrong #lastrongfoundation 


Community service projects for students  in middle and high school are also underway. Students  lead donation efforts at their schools, collecting instruments from their peers for distribution to young fire victims. 

Contact info@otbseries.com to learn more.


 

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Drew Koven of The LA Strong Foundation featured on KUCI 88.9fm



The LA Strong Foundation was created by Philanthropists, First Responders, and Venture Capitalists Maxi Kozler Koven and Drew Koven. They provide and coordinate relief including food, essential supplies, services and emotional support to the victims of the LA Fires, the homeless, at risk communities, and youth.

Need supplies? Want to volunteer? Are you able to donate items needed?
Head on over to the LA Strong Foundation website and find out how to get involved.

UPDATE 
Shoutout to Kassatex for donating beautiful bedding and linens available now at the LA Strong Foundation locations in Malibu and Venice Beach.






ABOUT

Drew is the Co-Managing Director of LDR Ventures. He has successfully incubated, operated, turned around, transformed, advised and invested in Food, Restaurant, Fashion & Consumer Lifestyle Omni-channel brands worldwide for over twenty years.

He actively leads, co-leads, invests, consults to and advises companies, executives and entrepreneurs across the United States and internationally at multiple stages including Seed and Series A, in businesses that are part of the omni-channel food economy and restaurant ecosystem. He is an early stage investor in companies which include: Sweetgreen, Junzi Kitchen (+Advisor), Territory Foods, Thrive Market (+Advisor) and Court Buddy (+Lead & Board Member).

Drew’s investment, consulting and advisory experience includes: better, fast casual brick & mortar, mobile and digitally enabled restaurants, food, beverage, CPG, cloud kitchens, commissaries, pods/outposts, production automation, delivery/distribution/logistics, food tech, ancillary products and services, travel and legal tech, fashion, eCommerce and marketplaces.

He is widely regarded as a pioneering force in Internet Grocery, E-commerce, M-commerce, Omnichannel Retail and a thought leader for Innovative Technologies which support food, fashion and retail. Drew embraces diversity, impact, inclusion and female led businesses to build market leaders which address systemic and behavioral trend changes and have Impact.

Monday, February 3, 2025

THE SHE ROCKS AWARDS CONCLUDES THEIR 13TH YEAR OF HONORING WOMEN IN MUSIC AND AUDIO Sponsored by NAMM




THE SHE ROCKS AWARDS CONCLUDES THEIR
13TH YEAR OF HONORING WOMEN IN MUSIC AND AUDIO
Sponsored by NAMM



Left to Right: AIJIA, Amanda Palmer, Laura Whitmore, Jennifer Batten, Lindsey Stirling, Shantaia, Paula Cole, Alecia “Mixi” Demner of Stitched Up Heart, Samantha Fish, Theresa Hoffman, Rozanna Weinberger, Nurit Siegel Smith, Katie Daryl, Chris Schyvinck, Beth Heidt,
Download photos here.


ANAHEIM, CA January 27, 2023 – The She Rocks Awards concludes another incredible year of honoring groundbreaking women and innovators from across the music and audio industries with NAMM as the presenting partner.
The night started with an incredible performance by PRS Guitars artist Shantaia, followed by opening remarks from Women’s International Music Network and She Rocks Awards founder Laura Whitmore, which included acknowledging those affected by the recent Los Angeles fires. The show teamed up with NAMM’s Wildfire Relief Fund to collect donations at the event. The show also featured an exceptional performance of former honoree Starr Parodi and her daughter Isolde Maria Parodi Fair, who had just lost their family home in the fires in Pacific Palisades. Parodi was presented with a new She Rocks award to replace the one lost in the fires, and the two performed a mash-up of Fair’s song “Time Traveller” and Mama’s and Papa’s “California Dreaming.”

The She Rocks Awards have built a reputation for honoring women from all corners of the industry and genres, recognizing legends and up-and-comers. Honoree Alecia “Mixi” Demner of Stitched up Heart commented that this award was the first the band had received in their 15 years together, leading to a fiery performance where she was seen singing on tables in the crowd. 

Grammy winner and 2025 She Rocks Award Icon honoree Paula Cole moved the crowd with a stripped-down piano version of the multi-platinum-selling “I Don’t Wanna Wait.” In her profound acceptance speech, she spoke about the challenges of living the life of an artist and how, after seeing what she called an epidemic of low self-confidence in young women in the years she spent as a professor, she has now dedicated her life to empowering her girls and young women. She challenged the crowd to envision a world where girls are “shooting their hands up to ask the questions, express large opinions and taking their seat at the proverbial table, rocking boats and confidently ascending into leadership.”

Honoree Amanda Palmer gave a stunning speech about the power of volume in female voices, both loud and soft and the “freedom to be heard at any volume.” She also went to thank the female executives in the room who made gear and instruments that helped to amplify female voices. Her acceptance speech was followed by a moving performance of her powerful song “Voicemail for Jill.” Honorees from the C-Suite, such as Gibson Guitars CEO Beth Heidt and Chairman, President, and CEO of Shure Inc., Chris Schyvinck, spoke on the importance of mentorship and giving access to women in their speeches.
The night was rounded out by incredible performances by AIJIA, who performed with her husband, multi-platinum-selling artist Andy Grammer, and Lindsey Stirling, who was joined by up-and-coming violinist Christa. The night concluded with a bombastic performance by honorees Samantha Fish to close the night.
The full show can be viewed on the Women’s International Music Network YouTube channel.

Samantha Fish cr: Scott Mitchell

Full list of honorees:

AIJIA – Artist, songwriter, and vocal producer who has worked with Selena Gomez and Anderson .Paak and is an advocate for women’s equality.
Paula Cole – GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter known for "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?" and "I Don't Want to Wait." Her latest album Lo is her first collection of original songs in nearly a decade.

Katie Daryl – Rock journalist and former Vice President of Programming at AXS TV, known for developing shows like The Top Ten Revealed and Sounds Delicious.
Alecia “Mixi” Demner – Lead vocalist and founder of hard rock band Stitched Up Heart. Mixi has released three albums with the band, toured with legends like Godsmack and Halestorm, and is a passionate advocate for animal rescue. 
Hosted by Monster.

Samantha Fish – GRAMMY-nominated guitarist and songwriter known for her unique blend of blues, rock, and soul. Fish’s recent successes include performing at Eric Clapton's Crossroads LA Festival, gracing the cover of Guitar World with Slash, and touring with both Slash and The Rolling Stones. Her latest album, Death Wish Blues, topped the Billboard Blues Chart.

Beth Heidt – Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson Brands, leading global marketing, artist relations, and partnerships while driving philanthropic efforts through Gibson Gives.

Theresa Hoffman – Director of Custom Shop Sales at C.F. Martin Guitar & Co., she brings her extensive experience in sales, engineering, and leadership to drive growth and innovation. Known for her professionalism and dedication, Theresa holds two patents and has led significant projects in custom machinery development and international sales.

Amanda Palmer – A pioneering performance artist and musician, Palmer gained fame with The Dresden Dolls. Her solo career includes the fan-funded Theatre Is Evil, which debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and remains the top-funded music project on Kickstarter.

Chris Schyvinck – Chairman, President, and CEO of Shure Inc., leading the company to global growth and celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Nurit Siegel Smith – Executive Director of Music Forward Foundation, a charitable partner of Live Nation Entertainment, dedicated to fostering a more inclusive music industry.

Rozanna Weinberger - NAMM Female Entrepreneur of the Year + founder of Rozanna’s Violins

Co Hosts:Lyndsey Stirling - Ground-breaking electronic violinist, dancer, and artist and former honoree
Jennifer Batten - renowned for her groundbreaking guitar work, having toured the world as part of Michael Jackson’s solo tours for 10 years and with Jeff Beck for three years.

Opening ActShantaia, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, was named the 2023 SCMA Female Artist of the Year. Shantaia has toured with The Washboard Union and opened for artists like Kane Brown and Chris Lane, with millions of streams for her singles such as "Had a Good Weekend" and "Broke to Brand New." Her performance is sponsored by PRS Guitars.

The She Rocks Awards is proudly supported by our incredible sponsors,
 including our presenting sponsor NAMM, along with PRS Guitars, Freeman, Monster Energy, Positive Grid, Shure, M.A.C Cosmetics, Roland, dw, Boss, Seymour Duncan, Fishman, Berklee Online, Gibson, Sennheiser, Ernie Ball, Exploration.io, D'Angelico, Taylor Guitars, Reverb, 108 Rock Star Guitars, Venus Guitars, Ableton, Sweetwater, Rafter Marsh, Hudson Audio Works, Martin Guitar,The Hollywood Times, Guitar Girl Magazine, Music Connection, Guitar World, Guitar Player, MusicRadar, and AXS TV.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.sherocksawards.com.

#####
About The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN)
Founded in 2012, the Women’s International Music Network unites women working in all facets of the music and audio industries. With theWiMN.com as its hub, the WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking and sharing. Founded by music industry veteran Laura B. Whitmore, the Women’s International Music Network produces and hosts events such as, the WiMN She Rocks Showcase series, the She Rocks Awards, and a variety of workshops and panels throughout the year. For more information, visit www.TheWiMN.com.

For Media Inquiries Contact:
Nicole Poulos // nicole@sideways-media.com // 310-908-3812


Wednesday, January 29, 2025

January 29th at 9:30am - L.A.’s legendary retired meteorologist Fritz Coleman shares details about his current Residency at THE EL PORTAL MONROE FORUM - a special performance to benefit California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund



Fritz Coleman invites you to an afternoon of Comedy
at the El Portal Theatre February 23rd, March 30th, and April 27th


El Portal Theatre, in the intimate Monroe Forum, 5269 Lankershim Blvd.,
North Hollywood, CA 91601




WHAT/WHO: Unassisted Residency. Live comedy performance by beloved TV personality Fritz Coleman, with special guests.


WHERE: El Portal Theatre, in the intimate Monroe Forum, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601.


WHEN: Sundays at 3 p.m. on January 26, February 23, March 30, and April 27, 2025. Further 2025 dates to be announced.


ADMISSION: $40 general admission; $50 cocktail table seating.


ONLINE TICKETING: https://www.elportaltheatre.com/fritzcoleman.html


Fritz Coleman’s monthly engagements at the Monroe Forum in North Hollywood have consistently been selling out, and his run at the intimate venue is extending into 2025. Fritz Coleman’s Unassisted Residency is the El Portal’s longest-running attraction, and tickets to this show make a great holiday gift idea.


Coleman has accrued a base of devoted fans throughout Southern California thanks to his four-decade, Emmy®-winning career as a weatherman and newscaster for NBC and his designation as honorary mayor of Toluca Lake. But he also had careers as an actor, writer, and comedian.


Fritz has done live solo comedy shows before (The Reception; It’s Me, Dad!). His newest show, Unassisted Residency, gives him a platform to talk about those topics which emerge from his current perspective: that of a still vital seventy-something. His show for “woke boomers” will cover things like Zoom school, retirement, becoming vegan, pharmaceuticals, celebrating growing up, and growing old. The show will also feature some of his favorite stories and observations about modern life.


Fritz will share the stage with a special guest each month.


The shows are all matinee performances. Fritz says, “The show starts early…because I’m trying to be sensitive to the needs of my particular demographic….old people and their parents…I promise to have you home by dark.”

Plying his trade with a gentler touch than some of his contemporaries, Fritz performs clean comedy.

“Beguiling and very funny…Recommended.”---Stage Raw

“Coleman is always welcoming…We DO need a weatherman to know the way the wind blows.”---Showmag.com

“Each show will continue to have the audience reflecting on their own life, while rolling in laughter…Wonderful.”---L.A. Splash.

Please make your reservations early to avoid disappointment, as this show will continue to sell out. Fritz wants to welcome you.















Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Joining Janeane on Wednesday January 22nd at 9:30am is Mikey Latner Founder | Executive Director of Project: Camp


Project:Camp is a disaster response nonprofit that pops up free, trauma-informed day camps for children impacted by disasters. We're currently running multiple camps in and around Los Angeles to support families impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires.





Project:Camp’s MIssion

Care for children, relief for families, resilience for communities

Mikey Latner
Founder | Executive Director

A former camp director with two decades of camp experience under his belt, Mikey founded Project:Camp with the idea that camp and childcare professionals have critical skills to offer in times of emergency. In developing our pop-up camp model, Mikey sought to use the structure of camp as a vehicle to bring joy, safety and peace of mind to children and parents impacted by natural disasters. He hopes this work leads to a seismic shift in the disaster response ecosystem, creating a more holistic, trauma-informed and community-driven model that prioritizes the needs of families during emergencies.


Wednesday January 22nd at 9:00am - Dr. Linda Eckert, author of ENOUGH - Because We Can Stop Cervical Cancer, and internationally recognized expert in immunizations and cervical cancer prevention.


Dr. Linda Eckert, author of ENOUGH in the New Year. Internationally recognized expert in immunizations and cervical cancer prevention, Dr Eckert has worked as a consultant with the World Health Organization on global cancer prevention for the last fifteen years, facilitating policy development for the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening. She is a Professor of obstetrics and gynecology with an Infectious Disease Fellowship at University of Washington’s Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Global Health.

For over thirty years, Dr. Eckert has been based at Seattle’s Harborview Hospital, the largest public hospital in the Pacific Northwest, serving people from all over the globe who represent a broad spectrum of economic means and disease symptoms. 

She has also been able to work in multiple countries above and below the equator, seeing patients, doing policy development, and assisting health ministries to plan for cervical cancer screening, or HPV vaccine introduction – most recently in Pakistan.

Cervical cancer kills nearly 350,000 women globally each year. What’s more horrifying is that millions have died of this disease that's nearly 100% preventable.
 

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, an ideal chance to raise awareness of cervical cancer and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer. 

Reviews:

“Beautifully written, Enough is a searing call to arms, for too many women are dying of cervical cancer when we have the tools to save their lives. The unnecessary human cost of cervical cancer is a scandal, and one that Dr. Eckert is determined to fix.” Nicholas Kristof, Columnist, The New York Times and co-author of Half the Sky

“Eckert presents an urgent and powerful call to action to save lives, based on her decades of practice and research around the world. Enough is an essential resource for anyone concerned with public health, women's rights, and addressing racial and national inequities in healthcare.” Anjli Parrin, Director, Global Human Rights Clinic


Cervical cancer kills nearly 350,000 women globally each year. What’s more horrifying is that millions have died of this disease that's nearly 100% preventable. It's no secret that healthcare is full of inequities, with a severe lack of accessible screening programs. But women's health care is also impeded by cultural, gender, and political barriers, issues that have combined to create devastating consequences.

A leading expert in cervical cancer prevention, Dr. Linda Eckert takes her years of practice and weaves it together with the voices of the courageous women who use their own experience of cervical cancer to advocate for change in this passionate call-to-action. Publishing to coincide with Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, this heart-breaking yet hopeful book takes you through the world of cervical cancer, with evidence-based information, personal stories, and actionable outcomes, covering topics like:


The power of prevention

The deadly link between inequality and cervical cancer

Obstacles to vaccination, screening, and treatment

And how readers can help in their own communities.


Society flourishes when women have access to safe and affordable healthcare. Together we can make this need a reality and eliminate the world's most preventable cancer.


About the Author

Dr. Linda Eckert is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology with an Infectious Disease Fellowship at the University of Washington and an internationally recognized expert in immunizations and cervical cancer prevention. For over thirty years, Dr. Eckert has worked at Seattle's Harborview Hospital, treating people from all around the world. Frequently in the spotlight for her expertise in HPV vaccinations and cervical cancer screenings, Dr. Eckert is passionate in her drive to eliminate this deadly disease.

Information and resources for those impacted by the LA County Fires. Here is a partial list of where to get free food, resources and other care information.



Current Wildfire Information
latest updates on the fires, evacuation orders, shelters, and other essential services.
https://211la.org/LA-Wildfires

The following list will continue to be updated. You can find details about free meals provided by World Central Kitchen, resources, FEMA vouchers for rent, resources for finding a lost pet, and free items donated by communities far and wide.


9ThirtyLA: This event venue in downtown Los Angeles is offering free meals
to first responders and fire evacuees.
Until January 31, 2025, breakfast, lunch, and dinner
will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

---------------------------

Shoutout to My Modern Metfounded by California natives and based in Orange County, California. As a way to contribute to their own community, they pulled together a list of local resources to help anyone who may be in need of aid and essentials, whether it be clothing, shelter, food, or anything in between.
                  Local Resources to Help Los Angelenos Affected by the Fires

--------------------------------





Fellow Angelenos- If you're looking for a way to help out those affected by the fires, see below.

This week, Jimmy Kimmel Live is hosting a donation center at their backlot in Hollywood, where they are distributing essential items to those in need.
Jimmy Kimmel Live Donation Center
Monday, January 13- Friday January 17
10am - 6pm
6901 Hawthorn Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Accepted Items:
Bottled Water & Gatorade
Baby Food
Pet Food
Non-perishable Food Items – canned goods or individually wrapped snacks (like bags of pretzels or chips)
New Toiletries/Hygiene Products
New Socks/Underwear
Diapers
Baby Wipes

 













If you’ve lost a pet in the wildfires or were forced to evacuate without them, local animal organizations are here to help.
There are teams that have official approval to go into the burn areas to rescue animals that are injured, sick, trapped, or otherwise need help.
Here's a running list of resources:
- Pasadena Humane
- Cleo’s Critter Care
- Boomer's Buddies Rescue
Makenna Sievertson
David Ryder/Getty Images North America



FREE MEALS provided by World Central Kitchen

























Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network

Group Directory

A collection of mutual aid groups across the greater LA area



Here is a link to companies donating free items for those impacted by the horrific fires in the Los Angeles community:

MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources - Google Drive







MILCK Releases Deeply Personal Debut Album Mother Tongue, Celebrates with Exclusive Album Launch & Afterparty at Hotel Café. Listen to today's show featuring MILCK.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Play the podcast featuring MILCK.   MILCK Releases Deeply Personal Debut Album Mother Tongue, Celebrates with Exclusi...