News

Beatnik Castle to Perform for Metropolitan Ministries Charity Benefit!

Beatnik Castle featuring Francillia

Bay Area psychedelic dance/pop duo Beatnik Castle featuring Francillia and local artist Phantom will perform a private performance for Metropolitan Ministries’ Outreach Convention Services Friday, December 18 at 1:00 pm at Morgan Park. Two days later, Sunday, December 20 at 8:00 pm, Beatnik Castle will be Phantom’s special guest at “Local Artists Who Care” – a non-profit charity musical event at La Sonrisa Cantina at 5016 East Busch Blvd, Tampa, Fl 33617. Co-sponsored with Metropolitan Ministries, La Sonisa Cantina (formerly Beer Belly’s Cafe), Bullzeye Entertainment, and Phantom Presents.

Beatnik Castle released their stunning debut cd maxi-single “Will U B Mine?” in summer 2009. Released on Tampa independent label Mad Monk, Ltd in Summer 2009, the CD features remixes from internationally known remixers Cato K, Lenny B and, of course, Quincy B. The single is currently getting airplay on over 100 dance/mix radio stations across the country, including XM/Sirius BPM and 18 radio stations in Europe, including the UK and Germany, as well as Australia and South America. The Bay Area’s hottest musical duo was recently added to Clear Channel’s New Discover/Uncover nationwide artist roster, including local station 95.7 The Beat and the single has over 18,000 spins.  The single made its national broadcast debut on Logo Network December 2009 and has been added to MTV, VH1, Spike TV, Music Choice and other audio and video outlets worldwide.

Since signing with promoter DJ Harry F. Towers of DEET Promotions in March 2009, Francillia and Quincy have been extremely busy – performing at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, Urban Music Awards in New York, the grand opening of Club Q-S.I.N.Y. in Staten Island, as well as personal appearances at local dance clubs, art exhibits, fashion shows, sporting and charity events, as well as performing their unique dance/club songs “unplugged” at coffee shops and private parties as well. The Tampa Bay Area’s most talented musical duo were placed on the Official Grammy Ballot in three categories, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for the 2010 Grammy Awards.

Phantom, an extremely versatile Bay Area musician who recently released his Island/Def Jam distributed debut single “Just Another Day,” (produced by Law). In lieu of a cover charge, Cash, food, or toy donations will be accepted and all proceeds will go to Metropolitan Ministries, a nonprofit organization that has served the Tampa bay homeless population for over 35 years.

For further information on Beatnik Castle, please contact  beatnikcastle@tampabay.rr.com or go to www.beatnikcastle.com. For further information on Phantom, please contact Chella at Phantom Presents 813 789-0708 or chellabullzeyeent@gmail.com or go to www.audiojammusic.com.

Steve Vaclavik CD Release “The Roof Needs More”

CD Release Party for Steve Vaclavik will be held at ProStar’s Stage on Friday, October 23rd.

Tampa resident Steve Vaclavik is a troubadour in the tradition of Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zant. His songs are full of the truth as seen by ordinary people. These people often tend to be life’s underdogs, and Steve has the special gift to capture their perspectives on the world with genuine understanding. His words, full of humor and insight, are the essence of his music, but his Dylan-esque vocals and guitar playing provide a fitting framework that rings true and clear. He’s been in the studio this past summer recording a full CD. He plays several stringed instruments on it guitar, banjo, mandolin, and dobro slide and PRO STAR Chief engineer Jody Grays rounds it out with his complimenting drums and bass playing. Opening the show are The Mary’s and Richard Maclemale.

http://www.myspace.com/stevevaclavik
http://www.myspace.com/richardmaclemale
http://www.myspace.com/freighttrainannie

Steel Magnolia Wins Season 2 of Can You Duet

PRO STAR is proud to announce that Jody Gray chief engineer recorded 28-year-old Joshua Scott Jones, from Charleston, Illinois, this past April at the studio when another aspiring artist from Nashville Jessie St. James was recording some of her originals in our studio in St. Petersburg. He played guitar and bass for Jessie. Congratulations Joshua and thank you Steele Management for choosing our studio to record your artists.

August 9, 2009 – After watching thousands of hopefuls audition and judging weekly performances in front of a live audience, the judges of the second season of the CMT music competition series CAN YOU DUET, have picked a winning duo with hopes of becoming country’s next great duo. Announced in last night’s finale episode of CAN YOU DUET, the winning duo is Steel Magnolia – Meghan Linsey of Ponshatoula, La. and Joshua Scott Jones, of Charleston Il., who leave the competition with a recording contract from Big Machine Records.

PRO STAR recording artist Mojo Gurus Get signed and distributed by Universal Records

PRO STAR recording artist Mojo Gurus GET SIGNED to a multi-album deal with True North Records home of such artists as Bruce Cockburn, Pam Tillis, and Catherine Mac Lellan. The first album, entitled Let’s Get Lit With…The Mojo Gurus, was recorded at PRO STAR Recording Studio in St. Petersburg, Florida. and Produced by the band and Chief Engineer Jody Gray Owner of PRO STAR.

The album will be released in March, 2009 with tour dates in the US and Canada to follow.

Listen to one of their tracks here:

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PRO STAR Recording Artist The Mighty Sons of Zion Have Been Nominated for Male Quartet Group & Album Of The Year

NATIONAL & INDEPENDENT GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION

RHYTHM OF GOSPEL AWARD NOMINATIONS
Male Quartet Group Of The Year

Chuck & The Guiding Clouds – Huntsville, TX
The Sensational Six – Lake Providence, LA
The Mighty Sons of Zion – St. Petersburg, FL
New Chosen Disciples – Red Springs, NC
New Consolational – Hazlehurst, GA
The Faithful Servants – Beatrice, AL
The Concert Supremes – Natchitoches, LA

THE RHYTHM OF GOSPEL AWARDS
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
JULY 10-12 2009

This Televised Award Show recognizes outstanding churches/pastors, choirs and independent gospel music artist of all genres, for their outstanding contributions toward the betterment and advancement of their communities.

Listen to one of their track here:

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Tampa Bay’s Best Small-Scale Live Music Venues Julie Garisto, Times Correspondent Jan 21, 2009

It might surprise some that the Tampa Bay music scene thrives, despite the accessibility of music in the digital age. If anything, My Space and other Web sites have helped spread the word to get more folks out and ordering CDs. The area has several top-notch music acts. Concert halls and venues pack crowds without the anchor of a national headliner, just by booking the bay area’s most reputable bands.

These are the places to see Tampa Bay’s live music acts, where you can enjoy a rich and often overlooked cultural resource – and become part of a friendly community.

NEW WORLD BREWERY – CROWBAR – SKIPPER’S SMOKEHOUSE – THE ORPHEUM – DUNEDIN BREWERY – KELLY’S PUB -
YEOMAN’S ROAD PUB – DAVE’S AQUA LOUNGE – THE GLOBE – RINGSIDE

HONORABLE MENTIONS

PRO STAR SOUND STAGE: A venue run by recording studio professionals featuring folk and Americana artists. 3220 28th St N , St Petersburg (727) 526-0446.

Jody Gray runs live Sound at John Madden’s Super Bowl Party

Jody Gray owner of PRO STAR Recording was asked to run live sound for John Madden’s Super Bowl Party at the Ala Carte’ Pavilion in Tampa.

Performing as a quest artist with the band Synchronicity (PRO STAR Recording and Video client) was Guitar Virtuoso Nils Lofgren from Bruce Springsteens E Steet Band, Neil Young’s Band Crazy Horse and Ring Starr and The All Star Band.