City to Country Magazine May/June 2017 Issue

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THE DOLLYROTS RISING STAR – MODEL/ ACTRESS

ELLIE LAYTON ISBN 978-1-365-58375-9

90000

9 781365 583759

AYERWAVES

MUSIC FESTIVAL A MODEL’S JOURNEY

CHRISTOPHER

JAMES

BRIAN WILSON

PET SOUNDS TURNS FIFTY

May / June 2017 Issue

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CONTENTS 26

FILM

MUSIC

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48Film Project Announces 2016 Winners

AyerWaves Music Festival Splash Into The Dollyrots

SPORTS

ARTS

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AllSportsMarket – The World’s First (And Only) Sports Stock Market

COVER STORY 26

Brian Wilson – Pet Sounds Turns Fifty

SUE’S COFFEE TALK 35

Finding Your Light

Ylenia Mino

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Christopher James Rising Star – Model/Actress Ellie Layton

MEET THE TEAM

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President & Owner LISA SNYDER citytocountrymagazine@aol.com Director of Operations/Business Adviser TAMMY KC HEGYES tammykchegyes67@gmail.com Executive Editor & Managing Editor TERRI R. BASSETT terrirbassett@yahoo.com Creative Director & Head of Layouts AMY PAYCANA ESPALDON amyespaldon@icloud.com Journalists Head Writer & Advice Columnist Arts & Entertainment Columnist Interviews (Owner/CEO at Wings By The Flock) Freelance Writer, Owner/Founder of Chasing Your Dream Radio Freelance Writer Contributing Writer

SUE MCGAUGHEY JAY LUSTER CAMERON HOLDER TOM KELLY ROBYN WEISS LEAH REISE

PR Contributors MG Agency CA SUE MCGAUGHEY October Coast CLINT MORRIS Wickid Pissa Publicity JOSH MITCHELL

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FILM PROJECT ANNOUNCES 2016 WINNERS CONTRIBUTED BY JOSH MITCHELL

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he 48Film Project, a leading, online short-film competition, has created one of the largest grand prizes in the genre’s history – a $100,000 production budget to film a feature film. The 48Film Project producers will be awarding the collective of winners (best in each category) with a production budget of $100,000+ to make a feature film in the calendar year. Shooting will commence this summer in Greece.

“We have seen a new level of excellence this year that is a testament to the unsung, skilled artists around the world. Our winners are a diverse cultural community, and we are looking forward to seeing how their talents translate into feature filmmaking – longform storytelling,” said Executive Producer Chris Siametis. “The 48Film Project was created to provide a unique and powerful platform for creatives to showcase their work, while the grand prize was initiated to take that skill set to a new, commercially-viable level.”

The United Kingdom captured three top awards with Choke (London, UK), taking home Best Short Film, Best Directing for Nancy Paton, and Best Cinematography for Liam Iandoli. Victoire (France) nabbed Best Music (Original Score) for Matthew Morgan and Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Julia Robert. The USA’s Morning Wood won Best Writing (Original Script), and Gergana D. Angelova won Best Film Editing for Insight (Bulgaria). Canadian actor Oliver Price won Best Actor in a Leading Role for The Wanderer (Canada), and Tyler Derench won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for A Night @ Cagney’s (USA). Shannon Beeby received Best Actress in a Leading Role for Apples (USA). The People’s Choice Award was won by The Nursery (USA).

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48FILM PROJECT 2016

WINNERS Choke (London, UK) – Best Short Film, Best Directing, Best Cinematography Morning Wood (Nevada, USA) – Best Writing (Original Script) Insight (Bulgaria) – Best Film Editing Victoire (France) – Best Music (Original Score), Best Actress in a Supporting Role The Wanderer (Montreal, Canada) – Best Actor in a Leading Role Apples (Texas, USA) – Best Actress in a Leading Role A Night @ Cagney’s (California, USA) – Best Actor in a Supporting Role The Nursery (California, USA) – People’s Choice Award

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OFFICIAL SELECTION (In alphabetical order) A Night @ Cagney’s (California, USA) Apples (Texas, USA) As I Saw Her (Michigan, USA) Choke (London, UK) Covenant (Canada) Francis (California, USA) From Life (Russian Federation)

Insight (Bulgaria) Morning Wood (Nevada, USA) Pagan Party (California, USA) Panda (Italy) The Wanderer (Canada) The Haircut (Greece) Titolo (Italy) Victoire (France)

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The festival is made possible by the generous support of leading sponsors, Drink UVO, MAGIX Software, VEGAS Pro Creative Software, and Angelopoulos Hair Company. His Highness, Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe of Germany, hosted the 8th Annual 48Film Project Awards.

“The 48Film Project is a unique opportunity for filmmakers to express creativity. Whether a novice, professional, or veteran, all submissions are judged equally. Beyond the competition, the 48Film Project is a festival of opportunity. Selected works are presented to industry decision-makers,” said Francesco Vitali, 48Film Project Executive Producer. He continues, “We understand that the explosion of streamed entertainment created a seemingly unlimited need for quality entertainment. Concurrently, production has evolved. Theatrically-released films are being filmed on mobile phones. Virtually everyone is now able to create from the very devices they use on a day-to-day basis, like mobile phones and computers, making it possible for anyone to participate. The barriers to entry in the filmed entertainment arena are all but gone. Over the years, our winners have taught us new levels of ingenuity and shown us true creativity, which is why we encourage corporations and individuals alike to view the winning entries. You may find your next feature film/commercial/industrial director, writer, or actor amongst our entries.”

From beginner to professional and from all nations, the online 48Film Project festival is open to everyone. The competition opens in January and closes in late November. Once registered, a competing team selects a genre and when to start the clock.

48Film Project provides three elements that are required to be included: a character, a line, and a prop. Filmmakers then have 48 hours to create a short film in English, or with English subtitles, that is four to seven minutes in length and upload it at www.48filmproject.com/competition/2017/register. Creators retain the rights to their own intellectual property.

48FILM PROJECT 2016

JURORS With entries from more than 130 countries, the festival attracted some of the industry’s top decision-makers: SCOTT ADLER – Award-winning producer of The Taking of Deborah Logan and The Vault.

RYAN CARNES – Award-winning actor and producer known for Letters from Iwo Jima, directed by Clint Eastwood, Doctor Who, and Desperate Housewives.

ALEX CUTLER – Producer of Pig, Henry Barrial’s award-winning feature, Don Peyote with Anne Hathaway, and Untogether starring Ben Mendelsohn and Jamie Dornan.

LUKE DANIELS – Award-winning producer of a string of Hollywood hits, including Yoga Hosers, Outlaws and Angels, Punching Henry, and The Tiger Hunter.

BRANDON K. HOGAN – Producer of Half Past Dead and The Three Little Stooges also granted “Additional Thanks” for his contribution to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

MICHAEL HOTHORN – Award-winning casting director and producer known for Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Minority Report, and Planet of the Apes.

JOEY PAUL JENSEN – Casting director of The Three Little Stooges and Beautifully Broken, nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Casting for Soul Surfer, and Outstanding Casting winner for That’s So Raven.

FRANCESCO VITALI – Producer and director for Gates of Hades, as well as founder and executive producer of the 48Film Project Festival.

For more information, please visit the following sites: www.48filmproject.com www.twitter.com/48FilmProject www.twitter.com/48Filmfestival www.facebook.com/48FILMPROJECT

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FRANKO VITALI CO-FOUNDER OF THE 48FILM PROJECT

QUESTION: Where were you born?

FRANKO VITALI: I was born in Athens, Greece, and I had a very close and loving family.

QUESTION: Where do you currently live?

VITALI: I live in Los Angeles.

QUESTION: Tell us about the 48Film Project.

VITALI: 48Film Project festival is the original international short-film competition for every budding filmmaker who has access to the Internet. Participate anytime, anywhere, and get planet Earth’s attention.

We’re multicultural. We welcome filmmakers from all backgrounds to contribute to the rich diversity of entries we receive each year. 48Film Project is a filmmaker’s chance to break into Hollywood. You can participate from any place, anytime you want during the year, and shoot your film in any genre you feel.

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CHRISTOPHER

JAMES PROVIDED BY CHRISTOPHER JAMES

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hristopher James was born on April 28, 1994. He was raised in the suburbs of Boston, where he grew up without a father. His mother was single and raised three other children. He grew up in harsh conditions, with neglect and abuse from his mother.

Ultimately, he had to take on the father role for his three little brothers.

From a young age, Christopher always wanted to be an actor. In high school, he attempted different ways to pursue acting. However, he lacked confidence and support from family or school, so he stopped. At the age of 16, Christopher walked into a local boxing gym.

At that moment, his life changed abruptly. He found a sense of purpose and dedicated the rest of his life to martial arts.

After being discouraged, because his mother rejected the idea of paying for boxing lessons, Christopher dedicated his time to teaching kids how to box and defend themselves to give back to those in a situation like his.

He believes no child should be kept from following their dreams because of financial conflict. In 2012, he became the New England Golden Gloves Boxing Champion.

On Christopher’s first day of college, the theater department assumed he was in the wrong classroom, proceeded to inform him the fit wasn’t right for him, and told him he should pursue another degree. He went to college for one day. He later went on to study Krav

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Maga, Kempo Karate, Muay Thai, and Taekwondo and to become two-time World Martial Arts Federation Champion.

After Christopher was hired as a boxing trainer by Entertainment Manager Jackie Lynn Logan, with whom he later developed an unbreakable bond, her influence and support pushed him to reach his true potential and, ultimately, follow his heart. In 2015, he quickly became known for his charm and wit outside of the ring.

With no experience, Christopher James landed his first modeling job in May 2016 in New York City. He was one step closer to his ultimate goal of acting on the big screen. He was awarded Boston Male Model of the Year in 2016 and has walked in over 15 fashion shows in Boston, Atlanta, New York City, and more. He became a brand ambassador for several of the companies he’s walked for.

He has also been featured in local advertisements for D’Angelo’s and Rip It Energy Drinks, to name a couple.

Christopher’s persistence, dedication, and hard work have lead him into the acting world. Already starring in local independent films as a lead action actor and being scouted for two major action movies, he’s well on his way to becoming the next all-American story. Keep your eye on his success and career. He can be followed on Instagram and Facebook as Christopher James Green.

Jonathan Route, Photographer

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WRITTEN BY JAY LUSTER

BRIAN WILSON PET SOUNDS TURNS FIFTY

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“People in England appreciate American music more than Americans.” ~ Brian Wilson

By May of 1965, The Beach Boys were a worldwide phenomenon. Their record sales were counted in the millions, and they routinely played to sold-out audiences all over the world. The Beatles were the only band that bragged bigger record sales and audience size. Since charting at #2 in January 1964, the “Fab Four” had released seven records that reached either #1 or #2 on Billboard’s album charts in both the UK and US. During the same period, The Beach Boys had five albums in the Top 10 in America, and all of them were in the Top 5 in the UK. Brian Wilson, the primary songwriter and producer for the band, felt the competition keenly and wanted to find a way to equal or outdo their British rivals. He believed The Beatles were getting ahead of his band and felt driven to beat them. To Wilson, that meant something other than record sales success. He was referring to artistic achievement.

The Beatles were the original “boy band.” With their moptop hairdos and buttoned-up suits, they were putting out catchy songs that, ala Justin Bieber, drove throngs of screaming, young girls into a frenzy. However, with their December 1965 album, Rubber Soul, The Beatles began challenging themselves both lyrically and musically. The new sound was more mature, and Wilson took notice.

Scott Frieman, perhaps the most knowledgeable Beatles historian on the planet, says, “I think Brian was listening to the expansion of the lyrics and of their sound pallet.”

The Beatles were getting away from simple love songs and becoming more diverse and experimental with both the words and the music. Frieman continues, “‘In My Life,’ ‘Norwegian Wood,’ and even a song like ‘Drive My Car,’ which had a sense of humor about it, were probably things he picked up on.” The Beatles were growing artistically, and Wilson saw it and was inspired by it. Brian said, “I listened to Rubber Soul, and the songs all sounded like they had come from the same place.” It wasn’t just that, because he also noticed the songs were consistently great. At that time, the recording industry was driven by singles. Bands would have one or two releases and maybe one or two decent songs, and the

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rest of the album was filler. It would rise up the charts, based upon the success of the singles, but the album itself would be mediocre and, therefore, have no staying power or true sales muscle. Wilson continues, “Rubber Soul blew my mind, and I said, ‘I’ve got to do that with The Beach Boys.’” He immediately went to the piano and began composing songs. In early 1966, he recorded “Caroline No,” which would become the closing song for the album that would eventually be called Pet Sounds.

Having toured, written, and recorded nearly continuously since November of 1962, Brian Wilson reached the breaking point and had what has been described as a probable panic attack. In December of 1964, the band was on a plane heading to Hawaii, when he suddenly complained of chest pains and shortness of breath. The plane immediately returned to Los Angeles, and the 22-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where he was treated and released. It was assumed that Brian would return to touring after he rested, but it was not to be. After meeting resistance from the band and, most importantly, his overbearing father, Murray, it was agreed that he would stay home and work in the studio, writing songs and recording the music. The idea was novel and untried, but the record company reluctantly agreed. About coming off the road, Wilson said, “I came off touring, because I had the feeling that I was going to record Pet Sounds.” However, before he got to that project, he needed to finish and release the album The Beach Boys Today!. Next, he composed the music for the album eventually titled Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!). When the band returned from touring in Japan and Australia, they immediately went into the studio to lay down the vocal tracks for the new songs.

Showcasing real signs of Wilson’s evolution towards the Pet Sounds style, Today! was an artistic leap forward. Up to this point, the band’s best music had been Chuck Berry knock-offs, like “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “Fun, Fun, Fun,” or romantic ballads, like “Surfer Girl” and “Warmth of the Sun.” The fun and sun theme dominated their early music, as did songs about hot rods. Whether it was revving engines in “409,” a great song about a mediocre Chevy motor, or harps and cymbals approximating crashing waves in “Catch a Wave,” Wilson wasn’t afraid to try new and innovative sounds. Nevertheless, the

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band’s real stock-in-trade was their incredible vocal style.

Similar to the best of the late-‘50s street-corner Doowop bands and the Jazz quartet The Four Freshman, The Beach Boys’ close harmonies practically leapt out of the radio and grabbed the listener by the throat. The harmonies featured lead singer, Wilson’s cousin, Mike Love singing from baritone all the way up to midrange tenor, Wilson up top ranging from middle tenor into stratospheric falsetto, with his brother Carl and friend Al Jardine filling in the middle. Wilson and Love would seesaw back and forth on lead lines, while Carl and Jardine acted as the fulcrum. They presented an image as American as cheeseburgers and apple pie. If the Hollywood studios glamorized California, The Beach Boys sexualized it with their sun-soaked images of bikiniclad hotties, gnarly surfer dudes, and macho gearheads in leather jackets drag racing tricked-out muscle cars on city streets.

With The Beach Boys’ Today! album, Wilson’s compositions finally began matching the complex vocals. Their last studio record, other than the Christmas

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album, was called All Summer Long, and it closed with the swaggering Surf rocker “Don’t Back Down.” Today! opened with a blistering cover of Bobby Freeman’s “Do You Want to Dance.” It’s the kind of guitar attack Punk Rock bands, like The Ramones, would emulate more than a decade later. As the song progresses, Wilson adds three saxophones, two mandolins, an organ, and tympanies.

The last third of the short, but powerful, song pauses to catch its breath as the guitars and mandolins work their way up through the chords, then with the saxes, organ, and tympanies returning, it slams home beneath drummer Dennis Wilson’s husky vocals. The second side of the record opens with “Please Let Me Wonder,” which is an absolute jewel. It features Carl’s soft, soulful, romantic voice, which would eventually become famous for a Pet Sounds classic, “God Only Knows.” Despite its stellar production and amazing vocals, the spoken “I love you,” near the end of “Please Let Me Wonder,” gives it an unfortunate touch of bubblegum. Pointing the way forward is a Burt Bacharach-influenced song called “She Knows Me Too Well.” While it features no exotic instruments, it is more Baroque than the Rock on side

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The Beatles released 70. Unless you lived through that era, it’s hard to imagine what it would have been like to hear a new Beatles or Beach Boys song once every three weeks for nearly four years. AM radio was king, and it was driven by teenage consumers buying singles on vinyl called 45s, which denoted the speed, revolutions per minute, of the turntable the record was played on.

The kids demanded new music with the appetite of a ravenous lion, and the record companies, struggling to feed that lion, pressured bands for a constant stream of original music. Truly talented artists, like Brian Wilson, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney, pushed themselves as hard as they could to meet those demands. To find inspiration, artists listened to each other to hear what was new and what was selling.

one, yet more mature than the sappy Pop fare offered at the end of “Please Let Me Wonder.” Moreover, the album made it all the way to #2 in America and #4 in the UK. Finally, The Beach Boys were competing with The Beatles in both substance and sales. The real problem is that Wilson’s artistic growth was an expense of the singles market. A couple of the songs did okay, and the album did great, but radio stations and record companies wanted singles, and Capitol Records demanded more.

It’s hard to fathom the amount of music The Beatles and The Beach Boys recorded between 1964 and 1966. Back then, it was seen as incredible by their peers and would be impossible to imagine happening today at all. An artist like Bruce Springsteen, who is considered relatively prolific, has put out more than one album in any single year only twice in his whole career. Since 1973, he’s released 17 albums, which averages out to one record every two and a half years. By contrast, between October 1962 and May of 1966, The Beach Boys and The Beatles combined to release 23 albums. The Beach Boys released an incredible 19 singles, and in that same timespan,

With the pressure on the band to produce more singles, Brian worked feverishly with his cousin/lyricist, Mike Love, to come up with them. For the new record called Summer Days, Wilson composed the song “California Girls,” which he says, “…is The Beach Boys’ main anthem for their whole career.” The song, which is instantly recognizable by anyone between the ages of 8 and 80, is another signpost along the road to Pet Sounds. The album also featured the #1 single “Help Me Rhonda,” sung with gusto by Al Jardine. Perhaps the two most underrated songs are “Let Him Run Wild” and an instrumental called “Summer Means New Love.” “Let Him Run Wild” feels like the logical successor to “She Knows Me Too Well.” Another Bacharach-inspired tune, it features a group of studio musicians called The Wrecking Crew.

They had worked with Wilson before, on songs like “Do You Want to Dance,” adding the tympanies, mandolins, and such. “Summer Means New Love” is a song that, perhaps as much as any other, illustrates the musical evolution Brian Wilson was experiencing. Most Beach Boys’ albums featured instrumentals. These were mostly filler, but some of them were pretty good. The best of the bunch was a song that didn’t actually appear on a Beach Boys’ record. Brian recorded a couple of songs with a group he called The Survivors. They were just some friends who came together in the studio and recorded a couple of songs that were slapped onto 45 and released by the record label. The A side was the truly forgettable “Pamela Jean.” The B side was a romantic instrumental

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Records, just like it did with “Little Girl” and “Barbara Ann,” pulled the rug out from under The Beach Boys and, after only six weeks, released a greatest hits collection. In the UK, it was a completely different story.

The album sailed up to #2 and stayed in the charts for several months. In addition to “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “Sloop John B,” the songs “God Only Knows” and “Caroline No” charted strongly. Back home in the US, things weren’t as rosy. “God Only Knows” barely broke into the Top 40, and “Caroline No,” weirdly released as a Brian Wilson solo record, was completely ignored.

When asked to explain the American disconnect and England’s enthusiasm, Wilson said, “I don’t know why that is, but for some reason, they just seem to be more into the music.” Even at Pet Sounds 50th anniversary, Britain seems more accepting than America. Wilson continues, “I’ve noticed that when we’re in London, the people over there clap a little louder than Americans and seem to appreciate our music more.” It is notable that the quintessential, modern American composer recently sold out the Sydney Opera House in Australia for three straight nights and Royal Albert Hall in London for five, yet only had one night at Carnegie Hall.

For the next few years, despite lower record sales than The Beatles, when polled, British Rock music fans continuously claimed to like The Beach Boys better than The Beatles. In America, Pet Sounds would be the last time a Beach Boys’ album would reach the Top 10 for a decade. The next couple of albums The Beatles released were heavily inspired by Brian Wilson and Pet Sounds. Their producer, Sir George Martin, said, “The Beatles were going their way, and Brian was going his.

And they were kind of looking over their shoulders and seeing what was coming up on the outside rail.”

Lennon and especially McCartney found inspiration by what their American rival was doing. Their next album, Revolver, included music that can only be understood by understanding Pet Sounds. The strings in “Eleanor Rigby” were inspired by “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder),” and Scott Frieman

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said, “Paul wrote ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ after being inspired by ‘God Only Knows.’” He got an early listen to Pet Sounds, and he wanted to try to get some beautiful vocals like Carl Wilson. A few months later, after The Beatles landmark recording, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, changed Rock music forever, Martin said, “Without Pet Sounds, Sgt. Pepper never would have happened. Pepper was an attempt to equal Pet Sounds.”

Trying to explain the irony of how the most American of American Rock bands became bigger than The Beatles, at least for a little while in England, while The Beatles conquered America, Wilson said, “You just come to grips with what you are, what you can do, and what you can’t do, and you learn to live with it.” Nearly forgotten about in the US, each of The Beach Boys’ next four studio albums reached the Top 10 in Great Britain. A few years later, Capitol Records would release the greatest hits collections called Endless Summer and Spirit of America, and The Beach Boys would be resurrected as an American cultural force. Eventually, the US would catch up with the rest of the world and embrace Pet Sounds, rewarding Brian Wilson with the acceptance by audiences here that he always enjoyed everywhere else, but most especially in the UK. At 74-years-old, Brian Wilson and his band are on what is presumed to be the final leg of the Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary Tour.

Special thanks to Beatlesologist Scott Frieman.

Without his insight, this article would not have been possible. Scott’s latest film, Deconstructing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, is in select theaters right now, and Deconstructing Revolver will be out soon. For more about my friend Scott, please check out his website at www.beatleslectures.com/.

For more information about Brian, please see the movie Love and Mercy, starring Paul Dano, John Cusack, and Elizabeth Banks. Also, see the autobiography I Am Brian Wilson and visit www.brianwilson.com.

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WRITTEN BY SUE MCGAUGHEY

FINDING YOUR LIGHT

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ne thing we know for sure is that change is constant. Every day that we are blessed to wakeup is a chance for change. We don’t always consciously think about making changes, but they occur every day. We grow older, our jobs become more demanding, relationships struggle, kids get sick, bills increase, and the list goes on, depending on your circumstances. A lot of people tend to go through life robotically, just ignoring what’s happening around them.

Stop that! Take time out of your day to get in touch with you!

Living in times of many societal pressures, as well as underlying stressors, it’s often difficult to find that light at the end of the tunnel. Days become so packed with things that have to get done, you forget to take time for yourself. We find ourselves daydreaming about when we

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can take that next nap, take a vacation, or find an escape.

We find ourselves glancing at the clock, waiting for work to be over, so we can have some downtime, provided you don’t have to stop at the grocery store, make dinner, do homework with the kids, have bath time, and/or get things ready for tomorrow. Sometimes, it seems like the rat race never ends and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. That’s why you need to find your own light.

What do I mean by finding your own light? I’ll put it to you simply. Find things that make you feel good, things that make you feel happy, calm, or at peace inside.

Finding these things doesn’t have to cost money or take a lot of time or even effort. Let me explain. Starting your day off with a simple 15-minute meditation can change your perspective on your whole day. Set your alarm to wakeup 30 minutes earlier than you usually do. Before

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you get out of bed in the morning, do a short meditation. If you have a cell phone, you can download an app to walk you through it, or you can simply close your eyes, take five deep breaths, and exhale slowly. Try to empty your mind of all the negatives and just be in touch with you. End your meditation with a thank you to God or the universe, whichever you believe in, then get out of bed. Recognize how you feel right in that moment and refer back to it throughout the day when you are feeling stressed.

Meditation is just one way to start your day on a positive note. You can alternatively take 30 minutes, break it down, and do this little exercise I like, but first, you have to shut off all electronics: - - -

10 minutes of stretching 10 minutes of reading 10 minutes of positive affirmations out loud

The point is to start every day with a positive feeling. It’s so easy to dwell on the negatives. From the moment we rise, most people start thinking about all the things they must get done, what time they have to be somewhere, and what they have to do later in the evening. It all becomes so stressful. You must break your routine once in a while. Do something for YOU! Do something that makes you feel good inside. Plan an outing with friends, setup a date night, or make time to take a bubble bath Yes, men, even you can take a bubble bath. Set time on your calendar and call it “Me Time.” “Me Time” is very important. We have to learn to pamper ourselves every now and then. Find the things that you like to do, whether it’s going for a walk, having a movie marathon, starting a hobby, going to the gym, or eating that piece of cake from time to time. If it makes you feel good inside, do it. I have a lot of ideas I can share with you, but I think you get the picture.

Lastly and most importantly, you must learn to rid yourself of negativity around you. In the high-tech world that we live in, it’s very easy to have the TV on endlessly, listening to the news that pops up every few minutes, reminding us of all the bad things happening in the world. It’s easy to get sucked into social media and read countless posts about how people’s lives suck, how bad things happen, and how a whole bunch of negativity is going on. Force yourself to step away from the tech world at some point in your day. Put your cellphone down for an hour and turn the TV off for the night. Instead, read a book or listen to some music.

Try to end your night the same way you started your day…with a positive in mind before your head hits the pillow. Your goal is to wake up with light and go to sleep with a warmth and light feeling in your heart, mind, body, and soul.

Finding your light is easy. You just have to allow yourself to shine!

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WRITTEN BY JOSHUA AYERS

AYERWAVES

MUSIC FESTIVAL CITY TO COUNTRY MAGAZINE LLC

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ucked away in the mountains of East Tennessee, the AyerWaves Music Festival will show you why Scott County is called “The Adventure Tourism Capital.” The festival’s main stage, situated on top of Possum-Trot Mountain, is under the stars and amidst the sprawling campground and old western-themed town. While visitors explore the 191-acre property, they will find wildlife, miles of trails, multiple stages, and scenic views. In addition to the postcard scenery and outdoor adventures, AyerWaves Entertainment throws in a music festival, fun-runs, mountain bike races, and beer. They want to encourage every adult to let go and be a kid again. Also, AyerWaves encourages you to bring the whole family for a vacation destination everyone can enjoy!

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By offering exciting outdoor adventures, the AyerWaves Music Festival is a unique experience at an affordable price. Guests are encouraged to participate in hiking, mountain biking, campfire jamming, and other activities with the bands and artists. Nowhere else can fans watch live music on Friday night, mountain bike with the band on Saturday, enjoy another amazing set of music Saturday night, then do it all again on Sunday.

Thanks to the old western-themed town, equipped with Saloon, Bunk Houses, Sheriff’s Office, Pavilion, and staff on horseback, AyerWaves is even more appealing. The Mystic Forest Stage, hidden in the woods, is reserved for intimate, acoustic performances and late-night dance parties.

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Meet the team making small music festivals the place to be: Joshua Ayers– Founder/Head of Operations; Dylan Ayers–Talent Booking/Production Manager; April Broussard–Vendor Relations/Marketing Director/Production Manager; Robert DeSalvo– Web Design/Production Manager; Dominic Vita– Visual Entertainment Director/Stage Design/Production Manager; Laura Kelly– Entertainment Coordinator; Robert Biehn– Video Coordinator/Creative Team Director

This year’s event will entertain with over 50 performers on four stages. Friday night kicks-off with Home Grown Head playing a crunchy groove of Blues and Rock music. Brother Man, Juke Skywalker, and Andi Marie also rock the Possum-Trot grounds that evening.

A legendary, American singer/songwriter, Darrell Scott, headlines on Saturday night, playing some of his classic songs from the past decades. The day’s lineup is laced with underground, indie, and famous stars alike, all on one mountain. The Voice contestants, Dan O’Rourke and Kata Hay, will beam on stage, as they showcase original songs they have been creating over the past year.

Ira Wolf, who has become the newest Folk sensation, will fill the night with her whimsical lyrics and soft

melodies. Memphis Wilcox and The Muddy Mountain Men will captivate you with their outlaw Country sound, grappling songs of struggles of today and visions for a better tomorrow, while last year’s headliner, Zac Joseph, will create a low-key mood with his acoustic serenade. Sugar Lime Blue, last year’s Americana and Rock standout, are back this year with their catchy lyrics and high energy!

Whether guests come to the second annual AyerWaves Music Festival to hear and see famous acts, like Darrell Scott, Kata Hay, and Ira Wolf, or to hear underground artists, like Joe Van Dyke, Boy Named Banjo, and Andi Marie, they will leave with the experience of both. The AyerWaves Music Festival truly has something for every guest to enjoy.

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SPLASH INTO

THE DOLLYROTS WRITTEN BY LEAH REISE

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Whiplash Splash wonderfully demonstrates the evolution of their six albums, from the raw talent on their debut album, Eat My Heart Out, to hit songs like “Because I’m Awesome,” which officially launched them into the spotlight. Sung and crafted with a sweet and sassy pizazz, the lighthearted lyrics and dynamic tunes make every track on Whiplash Splash enjoyable. And it just so happens that the musical couple did it all with their second child on the way.

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he husband and wife Punk Rock team, Kelly Ogden (bassist/ singer) and Luis Cabezas (guitarist), The Dollyrots, have released their vibrant album, Whiplash Splash. Their boisterous songs, inspired by some of our favorite ‘70s and ‘80s tunes, will not only liven your mood, but also take you back to the past.

“Jump Start,” which has a softer, kicked-back beat and is a great example of Kelly’s velvety vocals, incorporates a similar melody to “Waiting for a Girl Like You” by Foreigner. Then, there’s the classic Pop hit, “Walking on Sunshine.” While capturing the energy of Katrina and The Waves’ original, The Dollyrots’ modern version is fresh and powerful, the perfect track to be left for last.

To add even more color to their sonic collaboration, Kelly and Luis invited a few other skillful artists to play along.

Their hyper Rock track, “Just Because I’m Blonde,” features guest vocals by Kay Hanley of Letters to Cleo, and their snarky Pop song, “Other Trucker,” sauces in old friend Jaret Reddick from Bowling for Soup. You can really appreciate the album’s diverse use of styles and genres, with these two songs illustrating the paradigm of Punk Rock tunes and a new take on Alternative Pop.

Also admirable are the most prominent lyrical themes on this album: growth and transformation. Like a wave, the idea of learning from the past, while embarking on the future, rolls throughout the music. In “Mermaid,” the words, “Can’t survive if you take me out of water,” and “I’m still finding my place,” spill of our need to hold onto our nature in the face of life’s everchanging journey.

With a hint of Heavy Metal, “City of Angels” also speaks of one’s growth from experience, giving us images of taco trucks, old loves, and leaving small-town kids behind.

In “Jump Start,” the plea, “Take me back to the stars,” speaks of reigniting passion, the yearning always to feel the flame of love’s connection, regardless of how life wears on us.

Perhaps the most significant notion of all is embracing one’s true self. The album’s tone of self-empowerment is so very important for our youth, and The Dollyrots rock the message with style. “Just Because I’m Blond” encourages women to fight against the stigmas often applied to one’s image and to prove that their intellect is much more important than beauty. Kelly’s words convey this beautifully. “Not an airhead. Superficial just a riddle.

I’ll never be a damsel in distress.” Last, but not least, “Dance Like a Maniac” reminds us we don’t have to be “normal” with the catchy phrase “Don’t cool me down.”

There is comfort in adhering to society’s image of what is right or what is beautiful, but there is more power in being who we are.

All in all, The Dollyrots have created a melodic Punk masterpiece that embodies all the things we would hope for in an album: meaning, movement, memories, and merriment!

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WRITTEN BY YLENIA MINO

YLENIA MINO

CITY TO COUNTRY MAGAZINE LLC

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BIOGRAPHY Y

lenia was born at the foot of the Italian Alps in the small town of Ivrea. Since she was little, she had a significant interest in art. Every spare moment she had was dedicated to drawing or painting.

During childhood, Ylenia attended classes with an extraordinary Egyptian painter who specialized in oil painting. In the following years, she also concentrated on classical studies, such as Ancient Greek, Latin, Philosophy, and History of Arts, and graduated with a classical diploma. During this same time, she developed a great passion for dance, acting, and modeling.

In March 2011, Ylenia debuted as a solo artist at International Artexpo New York. In the following year, she exhibited worldwide in such places as Austria, London, Italy, California, and again in New York. Ylenia has collaborated with the Lali Roberts Gallery in San Francisco and with New York online T.S. Poetry Press’ Every Day Poems. She is listed as an artist on Art World. Her paintings have also been featured in many newspapers and magazines, such as i-Italy, Descubra New York, The New York Optimist, and Southern Sass Magazine, and have won competitions. Ylenia travels all around the world to show her creations and is currently based in the United States.

Ylenia’s desire as an artist is to provide pieces of sky that people can take home and enjoy the peace coming out of them. She has been painting for over 21 years, and her dream is to exhibit in all countries of the world.

Because Ylenia believes in helping, encouraging, and supporting people, she supports different charities, fundraisers, and causes. She sponsors a child from Brazil through Compassion Organization. She hopes this support will help to improve life conditions, give people a chance to develop their full potential, and allow others to reach their destiny in their society. As well, she desires that the creativity inside each person be set free.

Mino’s contribution to the world goes beyond the frames of her paintings. It touches hearts. Her donations to charities and money raised from the sales are converted to social work.

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CITY TO COUNTRY MAGAZINE LLC

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AUTOBIOGRAPHY I’m a fine artist, and I create mainly oil and acrylic paintings. I enjoy painting, and I am so delighted that my passion has become my job and career.

I started painting when I was a little girl, about 23 years ago.

Every spare moment I had from school was spent drawing and getting immersed into my creative and imaginary world that I was making become real on paper. I was drawing my favorite cartoons, landscapes around me, my family, etc…everything that was captivating my eye. My parents noticed my natural inclination, and around the age of seven, my parents brought me to a private school run by an amazing Egyptian painter. I learned from him for about 10 years. It was only later on, in my very early 20s, that I realized being an artist was what I was meant to do in my life.

I grew up at the foot of the Italian Alps in a little village, Chiaverano.

There is not much to do in a little village of 3,000 people, so I was not distracted by things around me. I spontaneously dedicated myself to drawing and painting, immersed in the heart of nature.

After I studied with the Egyptian master, I got a diploma in classical studies and languages (Latin, Ancient Greek, Arts, Philosophy, etc.). I studied and performed as a Caribbean dancer for a while, and as well, I dedicated myself to acting for a short period of time. In March 2011, I debuted as a solo artist at the International Artexpo New York. In the following year, I exhibited worldwide in such places as Austria, London, Italy, California, and again in New York. Today, I keep traveling for my work, and I have been featured in many magazines, on local TV, and on radio.

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I love beauty. I believe humans can lose themselves while looking at something so beautiful and powerful like art that it makes the soul emotional and touches the depths of the living being. I love strong and vivid colors that are full of joy, but I also love cold and relaxing colors, like blue, that bring a deep sense of rest and peace. As an artist, one of my desires is to give peace and joy to people. Everyone can enjoy and lose themselves looking at a piece of sky and have a painting in their home that gives that concentrate of serenity that allows them to unwind and take a mental dream. It is almost like the approach to sublime in English literature and art.

Every person sees something different in my paintings: peace, joy, or just a painting. It depends on the disposal of the heart and mind at that moment.

To learn more about Ylenia Mino, please visit the following: www.yleniamino.com Instagram @theartofyleniamino Twitter @YleniaMino My practice has been changing over time, and it will keep changing. It is like a metamorphosis of my inner self. As I mature as a woman, my art and the message behind it evolve as well. The lifestyle and place where I live influence the practice and the results too.

My paintings are often very close to reality, but sometimes, they have a touch of impressionism and an allegorical feel. I paint landscapes, portraits, still lifes, allegorical landscapes, abstracts, and cartoons. Oh, I love cartoons!

They remind me of my childhood drawing time.

The colors in my artwork are strong and lively. They are an expression of my joie de vivre. The inspiration for my paintings comes from direct observation, photographs, free creation, life, and faith in God. As an artist, my desire is to create a deep sense of hope and peace within my artwork that is not influenced by materialism, but shares and expresses the love I feel within my heart.

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Get Tickets @ http://www.michaelemmanuelcouture.com

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llie Layton, age 15, has a passion for all things artistic. She spends most of her free time working with various mediums, including acrylics, oil pastels, and, most notably, makeup. Her work with makeup led her to a desire to work in front of the camera, not just behind the scenes. She hopes to be a part of the exciting world of modeling as a further expression of her art.

In addition to art, Ellie also has a great love of music. She taught herself how to play the ukulele, now plays guitar, and has plans to tackle other instruments in the future.

She also is an ardent animal lover and rides horses, both for fun and in competitions.

Jonathan Route, Photographer

PROVIDED BY ELLIE LAYTON

RISING STAR – MODEL/ACTRESS

ELLIE LAYTON CITY TO COUNTRY MAGAZINE LLC

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