Desi's Random Thoughts

The Invisible Man to Perform at the 4th Annual Make Music Festival June 21

Local Musician Set to Perform Unique Musical Style for Festival Goers

“Mike jumps genres with ease, moving from a light samba to classical phrases played over frenetic breakbeats and although you may find that the stripped down tracks are on the minimal side, remember this is the unedited live product of a single person. Overwhelming skill almost too incredible to believe”—Scissor Kick, 2004

New York, NY (June 20 2011) — Brooklyn musician Mike Bennett (Mike B.)—known throughout NYC for his solo performances that infuses guitar, beatboxing and vocals– will bring his matchless musical style to the 4^th Annual Make Music Festival Tuesday, June 21 in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn. An intimate outdoor setting for local musicians like Mike B., Make Music New York, “the largest music event ever to grace Gotham” (Metro New York), is a unique festival of free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

With a sound and presence expected to shock festival goers, Mike’s musical repertoire introduces a unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, rock and roll, samba, salsa, soul, Djembe, etc. “I am thrilled to be performing at the Make Music Festival because their brand embraces out-the-box music,” said Mike. “My musical style doesn’t fit into any genre or category because my taste incorporates different elements and when it comes together its a beautiful reflection of my world.”

In 2007, Mike B. released his first album, The Invisible Man, which includes popular tracks “Angel,” “You Make me High,” “Awakening,” and “Ghost in the Kitchen.” Mike has performed at many venues in New York City such as Southpaw, Rockwood Music Hall, the Branded Saloon, Googies Lounge, Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop, and many more.

Media agents, bloggers, festival goers and local residents are encouraged to stop by the corner of 15^th ST and 5^th Ave in Park Slope Brooklyn from 6:00PM-9:00PM to witness the magic of the invisible man. For further information or interview requests, please contact Desiree Frieson at (718) 598-5294 or dfrieson@mahoganycommunications.com.

About Mike Bennett
Over the last few years Mike B. has been exploring a technique where he simultaneously infuses guitar, beatboxing , vocal and writing music that emphasizes every element to his fullest ability. Mike aims to capture the magic and mystery of all his idols; bring his music to people and bring people to him through his music. Visit: http://www.mikebmusic.com and Facebook for more information.

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June 20, 2011 1 Comment Short URL beatbox, Desiree Freison, entertainment, Googies Lounge, guitar, hip hop, mahogany communications, make music festival, mike b, mike bennett, music, park slope, Rockwood Music Hall, salsa, samba, singer, songwriter, Southpaw, the Branded Saloon, the invisible man, vocal Music, Uncategorized

Lucinda Cross to Speak at MomPreneurs Against Human Trafficking Charity Benefit

Critically Acclaimed MOMpreneur to Share Perspective on the Power of Women in Business

New York, NY (June 14, 2011)— Founder of Corporate Mom Dropouts, host of What’s Your Story on MomTV and Business Birthing Consultant, Lucinda Cross will speak at the MomPreneurs Against Human Trafficking Benefit for SCT NOW Tuesday, June 28 from 6:00-9:00PM at Pranna NY located at 79 Madison and E. 28th ST.

Hailed as the “Business Midwife,” Cross–a mom of three and resident of Westchester, New York— is a motivational and inspirational speaker teaching mommy owned businesses how-to achieve financial and operational success, marketing and branding techniques, and sustainability. A well-rounded leader and mentor, Lucinda authored the 2009 release of Corporate Mom Dropouts: Trading in the Life Sentence for a Profitable Lifestyle, a book guiding women through the process of leaving the 9-5 lifestyle and preparing for a life as a successfully MOMpreneur.

Cross has been featured on ABC News, NBC, NY1, LA Business week and recognized as one of Babble.com’s Top 50 MOMpreneurs. She will discuss the power of women in business and the freedom of creating and sustaining successful mommy owned businesses.

What is hailed to be an exciting evening for women in business, Cross will join Sheena Edwards, Founder/Designer of Lizzie Lou Shoes; Marianne Impal, Founder/Inventor of RaeCole products; Leslie Haywood, Founder/Inventor of Grill Charms by Charmed Life Products LLC; Ros Guerrero, Founder/Designer of Ficklets; Amy Sapirstein, Founder/Designer of Mommy Mitten; and Roberta Wagner, Founder/Inventor, Carry-Her doll packs.

100% of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit Stop Child Trafficking Now (SCTNow), a non-profit organization that exists to stop child trafficking by targeting the source of child trafficking: predators who drive the sex industry everywhere in the world, including in local communities.

The event is sponsored by The Work at Home Woman, Mad Chic Boutique, Hybrid Mom Bazaar, Honest Tea, Lusso Bags, Market Mommy, Entreprenette and OS Fashion. Tickets are available via: http://maht2011.eventbrite.com. Press may contact Desiree Frieson at press@mahoganycommunications.com.

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June 14, 2011 0 Comments Short URL Amy Sapirstein, business, Carry-her, charity, Charmed Life Products LLC, Corporate Mom Dropouts, desiree frieson, Entreprenette, entrepreneurs, EventBrite, Ficklets, Grill Charms, Honest Tea, human trafficking, Hybrid Mom Bazaar, Leslie Haywood, Lizzie Lou Shoes, Lucinda Cross, Lusso Bags, Mad Chic Boutique, Marianne Impal, Market Mommy, mentor, mommy bloggers, Mommy Mitten, MOMpreneurs, MomPreneurs Against Human Trafficking, MomTV, new york city, non-profit, nyc, OS Fashion, philanthropic, RaeCole, Roberta Wagner, Ros Guerrero, SCT NOW, sex industry, Sheena Edwards, The Work at Home Woman, WAHM, Women in business Events

Upcoming Events: MomPreneur’s Against Human Trafficking June 28

For Immediate Release

MOMpreneurs Against Human Trafficking to Launch in New York City June 28
Six MOMpreneurs Promote Women in Business and Charitable Giving

New York, NY (June 2, 2011) — Leaving corporate careers behind to start families, surviving breast cancer, braving a bear market and finding the courage to venture into entrepreneurial work, and honing in on superpowers; after years of consulting, rallying, and comforting each other on finding success as MOMpreneurs, on Tuesday, June 28, six MOMpreneurs will meet for the first time at Pranna NY at 79 Madison Ave @ E. 28th ST from 6:00PM-10:00PM for MOMpreneurs Against Human Trafficking. An event celebrating the power of women in business and raising the profile of anti-human trafficking efforts in the United States, six fearless women will journey to NYC to inspire other women to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit and take control of their lives, families and community.

Hosted by Desiree Frieson, President of Mahogany Communications, the event was created for women by women to bring attention to why women in business has grown 50% over 14 years, employ 7.7 million people and boast wealthy revenues amidst a bear market.

Featured MOMpreneurs include: Sheena Edwards, Founder/Designer of Lizzie Lou Shoes; Marianne Impal, Founder/Inventor of RaeCole Products; Ros Guerrero, Founder/Inventor of Ficklets ;Leslie Haywood, Founder/Inventor Grills Charms ™ by Charmed Life Products LLC ; Amy Sapirstein, Founder/Inventor of Mommy Mitten; and Roberta Wagner, Founder/Inventor of Carry-her Doll Carriers.

The event will include a fundraiser for Stop Child Trafficking Now, a non-profit organization that exists to stop child trafficking by targeting the source of child trafficking: predators who drive the sex industry everywhere in the world, including in local communities. 100% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to SCT NOW.

Sponsored by Honest Tea, guests will be treated to a cocktail hour, entertainment provided by DJ Mika, product previews/demonstrations conducted by featured MOMpreneurs, photo & video opportunities, raffles, and more.

Pre-registration is required to attend. To purchase tickets, visit http://maht2011.eventbrite.com. VIP Reception tickets are $40.00 and $25.00 for general admissions. Press may RSVP via dfrieson@mahoganycommunications.com. For interviews with featured MOMpreneurs or Desiree Frieson, please contact press@mahoganycommunications.com. Requests for sponsorships or raffle donations should be directed to sponsorships@mahoganycommunications.com.

About Mahogany Communications
Founded in 2010, Mahogany Communications LLC, is a New York City communications firm specializing in public relations, event planning, social media and marketing communications. Mahogany Communications works with non-profits, entrepreneurs, small businesses and entertainment executives. For more information, visit www.mahoganycommunications.com.

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June 2, 2011 0 Comments Short URL Amy Sapirstein, business, Carry-her, charity, Charmed Life Products, desiree frieson, DJ Mika, doll packs, EventBrite, Ficklets, fundraiser, Grill Charms, human trafficking, Leslie Haywood, Lizzie Lou Shoes, mahogany communications, Marianne Impal, Mommy Mitten, MOMpreneurs, non-profit, nyc, RaeCole Products, Roberta Wagner, Ros Guerrero, Sheena Edwards, Women in business, women issues Events, Uncategorized

Are Publicist in Trouble with Bloggers?

If you read my latest post, Brands Break Up with Bloggers, and reviewed the comment section, you probably got the feeling publicist are not welcomed in the wonderful world of blogging. As a publicist myself, I understand both sides of the argument. To understand both sides here is a PR 101:

It is the job of the PR professional to get media placement (print and online) for clients products, services, events, ideas, thought leadership, etc. The PR person is the link between the reporter, producer, columnist, editor, anchor, and blogger.
Every PR person must know their target market to be able to strategically pitch their clients “story.” With out a newsworthy or inspirational story, the media will not care. The PR person draws out the IT factor to glorify their clients products/services.
PR Professionals pitch the media to place reviews, interviews (on-air radio/TV, print and online),TV appearances, product placement, song placement on TV shows and commercials, etc.
It is the job of the publicist to also work as an image/brand consultant because it is important that the clients brand is aligned with what is portrayed and/or perceived in the public eye.
PR professionals are also tasked with event planning, celebrity endorsements, gifting suites, video and photo shoot productions, etc.

The life of a publicist is never boring and the main goal is to get eyeballs/attention to the clients product, service, brand (most celebrities are a brand) or idea. Publicist need to drum up buzz and the best way to do so is to work with buzz creators, media professionals.

Are Bloggers media professionals? Yes and no. From the blogger standpoint, here is a little media 101:

It is the job of the journalist to investigate stories that matter and make headlines. For example, the March 11 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami, the killing of Osama Bin Laden, 10th Anniversary of 9/11, Arnold Schwarzenegger infidelity, etc. Newsworthy matters.
Journalist write on the consumption factor, who will gobble up the news, spit it out via social media, comment, reblog, make an arugment for or against and to build on the news until it dies down.

We see point # 2 everyday on CNN, MSNBC, FOX, ABC, and every other morning news talk show and/or evening program; print newspapers and magazines, online news sites, online web shows, radio programs, and BLOGS.

Bloggers write their opinions based on the hottest headlines around the globe. Most bloggers are trained professionals in their area of expertise and we trust they know what they’re talking about. Bloggers have a special place in the world of media relations because bloggers are content crazed fanatics posting up to five times per day, have large devoted followers/subscribers, power to influence purchasing habits and spread news like wildfire.

Publicist look to bloggers to review products, services, TV programs, movies, album releases and more. Publicist pitch bloggers, follow up, ships items, wait for the link and that’s it! No relationship building here. Why? I gather most PR people look at Bloggers as on the bottom of the totem pole. At the top would be TV, Print, Radio, Online Media and then blogs (or at least in my minds-eye).

Why are bloggers beefing with publicist? Simply, it all comes down to respect. PR people don’t take the time to cultivate meaningful relationships with bloggers because even though having a notable blogger review a clients product/service, there is a stigma in our society–or at least the world of a PR professional–that ink is better than web resolution.

Thoughts?

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May 29, 2011 1 Comment Short URL ABC, anchor, blog, blogger, blogging, blogs, business, celebrity endorsements, clients products, CNN, columnist, desiree frieson, editor, event planning, events, FOX, gifting suites, ideas, MSNBC, PR, PR101, producer, public relations, publicist, reporter, services, social media, thought leadership Social Media, Uncategorized

Upcoming Events: DJ Battle & Artist showcase May 31

On Tuesday, May 31, Desiree Frieson, President of Mahogany Communications, will host the 1st Annual College Grad Night & DJ Battle at Odyssea Lounge at 286 Metropolitan Ave in Williamsburg Brooklyn from 7:00PM-11:00PM. Celebrating higher education and music, guests will enjoy a night of ear popping music, New York City premiere DJ’s, high-powered dancing, networking, and great libations.

New York City’s finest DJ’s will battle for the title of “Best Creative DJ of 2011.” Deejays will be judged on their level of skill, creativity, crowd motivation, music diversity, popularity and overall personality.

“Originally I wanted to create an event to celebrate recent college graduates because our current economic situation is depressing,” said Desiree Frieson. “I wanted to find a way to uplift recent college graduates with a night of positivity and fun. The event evolved into a DJ battle because some of the world’s biggest celebrations are realized through dance and music and I wanted to create the ultimate celebration with a phenomenon in which many people love…DJ Battles. This event is going to be sick.”

The DJ Battle will be judged by:

Shire, R&B/soul singer iMG/Universal Music Group Recording Artist;

FRESH, artist/producer/DJ currently producing a new project with Manny Perez(50 Cent/Def Jam), Deputy (Rihanna/Ludacris) and Detroit Red(Lil Wayne/50 Cent); and

DJ K.I.,Grey Goose Rising Icon, based out of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area is CEO of Powerhouse DJ’s and also has the honor of serving as a member of DJ QuickSilva’s highly esteemed Washington,D.C. based DJ coalition, Party Boys.

Battle participants include DJ K Styles, DJ FADE, DJ Esquire and DJ Sphere.

Guests will be treated to special performances by Shire, who will perform her new single “Exception” and FRESH who give the audience a sneak peek into his new project.

A must attend event, expected attendees include recent college graduates, music industry insiders, R&B/Hip Hop Artist, composers, producers, Deejays, music executives, public relations and marketing executives, and more. The first 100 guest will receive an exclusive swag bag.

A strict RSVP list will be enforced; please RSVP via http://cgdjbattle.eventbrite.com.

Press and media may contact Desiree Frieson at dfrieson@mahoganycommunications.com