High Energy Country Star Singer Carla Jo Carr Keeps the Music Live.

By: Maggie Della Rocco - Griffin

Photos Credit: Darryl Carr

From Connecticut to Nashville, TN - being introduced to The Carla Jo Carr, grammy nominated Country Singer, through Phil Cartwright of http://www.horizonvumusic.com/ continues to be an absolute honor.

Thrilled to meet and speak to Carla direct, what a wonderful afternoon it was talking to her. Pure at heart, she is what defines a pure hit wonder - and one who gravels within her music roots, with energetic sounding that is above the expected as a music artist.

When I think of powerful vocals mixed with energy, I think of Carla, a small town girl from Nashville, Tennessee - who continues to fame the stage and loves delivering her music to all her fans across the United States. Born and bred with the given talent of music since she was a tot, and coming from a musical family, she certainly does extend her energy in all her performances, along with her up-beat personality. Most of all, you can feel the energy of her music through her CD's, listening to every verse and most of all deep meaning behind every song she sings.

Carla Jo has performed with other top country and gospel music artists such as Jimmy Dickens, Dale Reeves, Lee Greenwood, Robbie McDowell, Con Hunley, Jack Green, Chet Atkins, Confederate Railroad, Gold City, Jeff Steel, Perry Sisters, Heriline and Michael Combs. Prior to, Carla Jo sang in the Country Express Band that also included her father - Roy Leamon and her older brother - David Leamon "Bubba".

With so much more from a girl crowned 1981 Teen Tennessee talent winner. But in 1983 she took the crown in the National Title. Winning the Tennessee and National Teen Pageant afforded Carla Jo is when the journey for Carla performing throughout the country began. One special performance that continues to remain dear to Carla Jo was the time she performed at The International Special Olympics in Baton Rouge, LA. Today, she continues to perform the National Anthem at her hometown Special Olympics every year.

In 1984, Carla Jo recorded her first album "A Country Girl’s Dream", the same year she married her husband - Darryl Carr. Her family roots continue, being a Mom to two sons; Joseph and James. Holding titles of wife, mother, and the foundation of a home - Carla also performed gospel music expressing her spiritual and moral side she has and always will hold throughout her music career as professional music artists. And with a strong, energetic voice - Carla Jo has more insight of what music is - she brings it to light from all she is inside and out.

"I have a passion for the love of music. Every song I do, takes in the heart of someone's life" - Said Carla Jo. Carla Jo continues - "For example, the song I just recorded "You Will Survive" that delivered a message to the younger generation that things do change and when you get to that point - there is good in everyone and everything they do". There is no reason to be down all the time, it's important to remain positive in your life, spreading a little sunshine in your own life that is a positive influence on anyone's life and in the lives' of others."

Talking to Carla, nothing stopped her from pursuing her dreams. She takes the positive side of her and delivers it. Reaching through her faith, she can take a challenge and turn it into a beautiful experience for others and for her family. "If you have a dream, that dream never goes away. Stay on the right path and never take a detour - just move forward", said Carla Jo.
"My roots and my passion will always be within me, from Gospel to Country Music. Projecting my music to others is based on making a difference for others, to understand what the gifts God gives us, having faith in God is what leads me to continue to grow to make a difference for other people for all that I do, who I am and the songs I sing and perform, " said Carla Jo.

"God Is Still the One" is a gospel album in 1997, which ranked #5 in Country Gospel Music Group US Gospel News Charts. Following she signed with Turner Music Group and recorded another album called "Victory is Mine". Carla ranked the top 80 of the Singing New Charts. Carla Jo also performed at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY three years in a row. To conclude, Carla Jo recorded a list of her favorite songs, but one that remains to my memory is a Christmas song called "From Our House to Yours". Excited to hear this, I looked at the CD and saw Carla Jo's name, singing a song that also was sung by Barbara Mandrell - who is one of Carla's inspirations.
When Carla Jo signed with Morning Star Records and Century II Promotions in Nashville, she recoded and album through them called "Come Take My Hand." A single, "Because of Your Mercy" went to be nominated for a Grammy. At that time Eddie Crook was the producer of that project and known at that time as one of the top producers of Gospel Music. "Being nominated for a Grammy was of great honor to me", said Carla Jo.

The inside life of Carla Jo Carr is what faith and unity is all about too. She is a Wife and a Mother and as the music artist she is climbed to fame - she always will talk about the importance of family. "As my children grew into their teen years, I respected them as their mother that they wanted a life of their own. This meant, although I was traveling when they were teens, to my sons they preferred to have their teen years without a "Home-Schooled" atmosphere. They learned from Darryl and me, but also from interacting with their own piers. Family is first to me and I am proud to say that people who know me in my music career know my family is the core to my entire being", Carla Jo emphasized.

Currently, Carla is in the process of completing a new project with 78 RPM Music, Producer Bernie Faulkner (former member of Exile). Completing 12 tracks, the release date and title will be announced in May 2012. Today, Carla travels and performs with The Silver Wings Band, going strong performing LIVE, seeing her energetic performance at festivals and fairs. When I want to hear Carla Jo Carr, I go on http://www.carlajocarr.com/ and download her tunes - such as my many favorites, and a top Country Hit Song by Carla Jo Carr called "More Sunshine Than Rain" - Check it out:

http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_12000774

Download Carla Jo Carr Music at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/more-sunshine-than-rain/id500170967?i=500171255

CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/carlajocarr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlaJoandtheSivlerWingsBand
Website: http://www.carlajocarr.com/

Surf Music on www.GiveToTheGulf.org and help thousands in need along the Gulf Coast.

By: Maggie Griffin

Driven by the simple belief that we all need to pull together to help fellow citizens in times of crisis, a group of mostly Connecticut individuals set out to help their national neighbors over a 1,200 miles away.

“Give To The Gulf” www.GiveToTheGulf.org combines music and a spirit of collaboration to raise funds for a region of our country that has had a terrible run of luck over the last five years – starting with Hurricane Katrina.


The effort began with a simple idea by Farmington entrepreneur, Eric Knight, and was brought to life by the energies, talents, and resources of Paul Lombardo and Tom Russo, the principals of L&R Productions of East Hartford.

Knight initially submitted to BP an engineering solution to the oil flow problem, but, as with many creative solutions that were offered to the oil conglomerate, his approach got bogged down in red tape. But his brain was undeterred. Out of a deep sleep one night he awoke with four simple words that he wrote on a bedside notepad: “Give to the Gulf”. And this simple thought set into motion a very special project.

Knight and Russo, marketing industry friends and colleagues, chatted about the possibilities of creating a fund-raiser embodied by the “give to the Gulf” theme. The loosely formed idea sparked a series of brainstorming meetings between them and additional colleagues.

There was a universal feeling that the need was urgent and it was important to act quickly. After all, the Gulf situation was getting worse by the day -- for both the affected people and the environment.

A goal emerged: To create an online mechanism in which the sale of new music would generate funds for Gulf-relief efforts.

This simple mission literally became an around-the-clock effort for the team. Russo and Lombardo focused on the various music aspects of the project, including writing and producing the title song along with co-songwriter Bill Holloman “Give To The Gulf”. Knight worked to develop the Web site, as well as to bring on board additional talent to tackle key aspects of the endeavor.

For instance, artist John Parkinson volunteered his creativity to develop the “Give To The Gulf” logo. Audio engineer Mike Sokol helped make an important contact at Apple, ultimately enabling music to be distributed through iTunes. Marketing and public relations professionals also stepped in to volunteer their expertise, including Mary Ann Dostaler, of MAD Communications, and Nancy Wuennemann, of Video2People.

Bill Holloman, of L&R Productions, provided multiple skills -- from music engineering to vocals on the emerging songs. Film producer, Steve Sattler, crafted a “Give To The Gulf” music video.

And, finally, a company called TuneCore, headquartered in the Bronx, NY, provided the technology glue between iTunes and consumers wishing to download the songs of the “Give To The Gulf” music collection.

The entire team left no stone unturned in finding musical talent to donate original music to collection – which ultimately rolled out at 11 songs. It was a whirlwind effort.

Throughout the process, Knight worked the phones to put into place the final piece of the puzzle: the United Way as the recipient of the to-be-raised funds.

“From the inception of the idea to the full roll-out and launch of this national program was a blistering six weeks,” said Russo. “It was a non-stop process.”

The end result: www.GiveToTheGulf.org a slick online system that allows visitors to listen to all 11 songs of “Volume 1” of the music collection, and with just a click -- be transported to iTunes for easy music downloading.

When someone downloads music from the collection, revenue that would normally go to the artist is now channeled directly to the United Way and its “Gulf Recovery Fund”.

The Web site also makes it easy for artists, anywhere in the world, to participate in the “Give To The Gulf” project. There is a simple mechanism for artists to upload their .WAV files for review.

“By providing a way for musicians to directly upload music gives artists, anywhere and everywhere, the opportunity to be part of this great cause,” said Lombardo. “Every dollar counts to raise the bar and for reaching even more people in need. A fringe benefit is providing wide exposure for the artists who are contributing their music. It’s a win-win.”

Artists wishing to submit music for review should visit www.GiveToTheGulf.org and upload their music via the “Add Your Music” navigation link.

What’s next for the “Give To The Gulf” team? Volume 2 is already in the works, as well as contemplations for Volumes 3, 4, 5, and more. In fact, Parkinson has already designed iTunes artwork through Volume 7. Volume 2 is targeted for release on September 1.

If you’d like to “Give To The Gulf” and contribute to the relief effort, visit www.GiveToTheGulf.org and download a great selection of original music.



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The Music Machine of Irena Hart!

By: Maggie Griffin
Irena Hart is a combination of Pop Music and Dance that brings the message across of what a heart and care can do to make a difference. Born in the Ukraine, Irena moved to the United States when she was 12 bringing with her The European perspective, which as a song writer and music performer, she remains as a fresh influence to her audience. Being raised in a musically talented family, Irena is an example of keeping the treasures and gifts she is most grateful for in her life. However she took a turn in a career as an engineer, until she came face to face with a challenge on Bermuda Road. Today she made a stop at Maggie's Corner, inspired by our conversation, Irena Hart is a Music Machine that makes a difference! Through Irena’s experience, her challenge transformed the way she is making a difference through her music. She published a book called “Bermuda Road” dedicating this book to the homeless and the children, which is her mission on making a difference. Currently Bermuda Road is in the screen writing phase for an upcoming film. It is an amazing story of transformation and inspiration that Irene heard in a whisper when she came face to face with her challenge. “Everyone has a Bermuda Road in their life. Experience compelled me to take a different turn through my heart and my courage”, said Irena.


After Irena’s daughter was born, the gift of life gave her the inspiration and courage to begin the whisper in her ear that she always heard throughout her life. Through this, she took her talent as a singer and song writer, which makes her the performing artist she is today. “Life does equal risks, but in life, we have to have fun and passion for what we are called to do to make a difference. There is no back plan for me, it’s forward from here. I go with everything I have to make that difference”, Irena emphasized.

Irena’s daughter inherited her mother’s talent as she too wrote and performed a song to encourage and make a difference for other children as well. Irena tells me “I am like a kid in a candy store, feeling like the icing on the cake, when my daughter comes to sing with me. When I play my music, a glow is in me for days, knowing my performance on stage connects people who are inspired to participate with me when I perform.” There is no doubt that through Irena’s music, her messages are certainly uplifting and clear.

Irena visions the world as a better place when people like herself keep positive energy in anything they do or are challenged with, resulting in transformation through a positive change that will reflect and change the lives of many people in all walks of life. Irena’s mission has no end. She is flowing with positive electricity, bringing out the engineer of change through her music. She enlightens the threshold in those that stand beside her as she in her entirety will walk beside you as a guide in what an inner whisper, such as hers, can do to make a difference in one’s life and another’s. As Irena is about to go on tour, her energy, charisma and vocals speak a clear influence of positivity in the change she makes for others. She walks Bermuda Road and on that road are the footsteps of what transformation is through Irena.

Irena has a visible personality and brand. Through her steps, she has been a freelance reporter for Oasis TV, a Los Angeles based Time Warner Cable TV network. We also saw her floating around on our TV sets and radio stations, appearing as a musical guest on WPKN, WICC, WVOF, SIRIUS Radio, Alive with Clive; and many more. We saw Irena featured in the October 2008 issue of Better Health and Living Magazine as well as the Connecticut Post. She is the song writer for the theme music on a TV show called “Touchstones”, of which she also hosted. Irena also wrote and recorded the theme song “It’s Our Turn” for the Boltwic online community. Additionally, Irena composed and recorded the Harmony4Kidz theme song, “Save the World”.

Irena Hart wants the word out about her Summer Tour, beginning July 4th, called the Harmony 4K and what this tour means to her.

From the words of Irena:

The Harmony4K 2010 Summer Tour represents a unique platform that brings awareness about youth homelessness issues and social responsibility by spreading our simple, yet powerful, message nationwide, advocating for those who can’t speak up for themselves. Harmonizing4Peace at every show, encouraging youth to volunteer and promoting music and the arts presents a means for encouraging the transformation in the lives of many people.

The H4K 2010 Summer Tour is a nationwide tour starting on July 4,2010 in Montauk, NY stopping at universities, high schools along with appearances at music festivals, fairs, and venues every week, will present a series of many exciting events to raise awareness and create harmony and peace.

The creation of community participation by having the participants of every show for Harmonize4Peace emphasizes that together everyone is all in. Reaching out to help one another creates peace and harmony in thousands of lives, helping and caring will create a change for the better.

Events include: filming a documentary entitled “How To Save The World”, one or more professional speakers, featuring local bands, motivational speakers, and cultural performances, aligning socially conscious organizations.

Building upon the success of our previous Peace Concerts held since 2007, the first taking place on September 21st 2007 in Union Square Park NYC (see www.harmony4kidz.org for details), the H4K 2010 Summer Tour is gaining national recognition.

For Every $500 donated Harmony4kidz can send a homeless child to a summer camp for a week.

Irena Hart, the Founder and a singer/songwriter who plays all original music with her group, Heart Strings, is scheduled to begin the tour on July 4th, 2010. The tour will travel from Montreal to New Orleans. In August, the Midwest/West Coast of the tour begins in Jackson, Wyoming and will end in Los Angeles. To include this tour will be documented on film.

Visit www.IrenaHart.com and meet Irena!