Vol.9 Iss.5 The Beat Edition

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6 Making Magic Made Simple.

EDITOR’S NOTE

8 Lyric. BY DAVID J> MANNING

GAME DAY LIVE

11 Go, Fight, Win. PHOTOS BY EDDIE MELIKIAN & DAVID J. MANNING

MISS 1430 14 Raine Jade Crowned. PHOTOS BY DAVID SUAREZ

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14 STUDENT ATHLETES BANQUET 17 Celebrating Sports. PHOTOS BY DAVID SUAREZ EUREKA!

20 HIS Magazine Celebrates Another Issue.

PHOTOS BY DAVID J. MANNING & MIKE SCHWABENLAND

THE HEARTBEAT OF FRESNO 22 The Local Music Scene. BY HAMMER OF NEW ROCK 104.1

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MUSIC MAKES A DIFFERENCE 27 Finding Your Workout Groove. BY CALEB INESS

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MUSIC OF A GENERATION 30 The Beat Goes On. BY VIOLA MALONE SILENCE 44 Fresno’s Musical Stalemate. BY CIARA NORTON

VINO 101 50 Music And Wine. BY LAURA WINBERG RESTAURANT PROFILES 52 Fleming’s; A Look At Fresno’s Finest Cuisines

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BRINGING IN THE SOUND 55 A Musical Journey. BY SHANNON ASHLEY DE YOUNG PINS & NEEDLES

58 Fashion Trends With A Rock ‘N’ Roll Twist. BY DAVID J. MANNING

FINANCES 62 10 Steps To Composing A Complete Financial Portfolio.

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PUBLISER

Fat Dawgs Broadcasting LLC

MANAGING PARTNER

Chris Pacheco

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

David J. Manning

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shannon Ashley De Young Hammer of New Rock 104.1 Caleb Iness Viola Malone Ciara Norton Laura Winberg

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jeremy Avery Corby Cupp

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Onnie Chapman

Eddie Melikian David Suarez

TRAFFIC COORDINATOR

Jorge Soto

SALES MANAGER

Justin Cruz

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Nikki Cooper

Kris Tindle

PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR

Missy Peterson

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Shannon Standifer

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CONTRIBUTERS

Ciara Norton is a senior at California State University, Fresno majoring in mass communication and journalism and fashion merchandising. She is currently an intern for the City of Fresno and is excited to graduate this December. She enjoys running half marathons, reading and traveling. Ciara has worked with HIS over the past year and excels in human interest pieces.

She plans to move to New York to peruse a career in fashion editing.

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Shannon Ashley De Young grew up knowing she wanted to be in the spotlight. From the little girl performing the latest Top 40 hits at family gatherings to the serious student of voice and guitar to the confident singer/songwriter with a growing fan base, Ashley’s star is definitely on the rise.

Twenty three years old and ready to take the music industry by storm, Ashley is already accustomed to an active lifestyle, having competed in numerous statewide competitions as a former competitive cheerleader. Ashley graduated from California State University, Fresno in 2011 and majored in mass communications and journalism - advertising option. She now works with her family’s homebuilding business, De Young Properties, as Vice President of Marketing to help a variety of worthwhile nonprofit organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Ashley believes in giving back to the community that has always enthusiastically supported her.

Viola Malone is a senior at Fresno State majoring in mass communications and journalism. She is very excited to graduate in May of 2013. Viola is from South Central Los Angeles and is thrilled to have had the chance to attend college and experience a new world of opportunities. Viola is working hard on graduate school applications and furthering her education.

Look out for her in the near future doing something great in the world of journalism.

A regular performer in Central California lounges, bars, venues, cafés and other intimate restaurants, Ashley is exciting concertgoers with her musical proficiency and the power of her well-crafted lyrics – poetry written in the confident hand of one who has been journaling her insights and joy for a lifetime. With a total of four songs on her last EP album, Fantasy, and her new hit single, “Cheater”, Ashley is now working on co-writing songs in Nashville with top producers. With a sound clearly influenced by her favorite artists, Miranda Lambert, Paramore and Grace Potter, Ashley hopes to establish her own distinctive identity in this next exciting album. www.youtube.com/sasheymusic www.twitter.com/sasheymusic www.facebook.com/sasheymusic

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A Note From The Editor lyric [lirik] expressing the writer’s emotions, usually briefly and in stanzas.

Connection. Music makes a connection. It doesn’t matter what your mood is; there is always a song to fit it. I find myself doing this subconsciously. I’ll get in my car and scroll through my playlist and find one which really just represents my current emotional state.

I find it comical how lyrics you scream at the top of your lungs can seep into your brain and stay there for years. Often total recall comes into effect and I can pinpoint the specific time, place and context when I first heard that melody. Instantly I find myself transported. It can be surreal at times.

Music is also a very telling sign of someone’s personal life preferences. For instance, an eclectic listener of various beats and genres means that the person is generally more traveled, and has had a broader spectrum of life experiences. Individuals with music primarily from a set era or decade tend to be caught in a specific comfort zone from a period of their life which seemed to be a time of prosperity and fun (a peak in their life, if you will). These assessments hold true in a variety of situations and circumstances.

In this Issue of HIS we explore how popular music has evolved over time and how it has shaped our cultural landscape. I encourage you to flip through these pages and stories, and remember when you first were touched by the soft melodies or hard thrashing beats which represents this gift… the gift of sound.

David J. Manning Editor-in-Chief Mission Statement The mission of HIS Magazine is to enrich, inform and educate the population. We are fashion forward, politically active, socially aware and culturally diverse. We promise to be current, radical, and constantly evolving. We welcome a challenge, insist on excellence and always strive to be above the crowd. When you invest in HIS Magazine you are choosing a lifestyle, a brand which represents superiority in print and marketing; a solid choice for your future, your business and your family.

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Letters to the Editor: We want to hear from you. Please submit letters to: HIS Magazine, 351 W. Cromwell Ave. #108, Fresno CA, 93711 or e-mail to: hismagazine@1430espn.com. Letters must be signed and deemed appropriate for our readership to be considered for publishing.

Letters are subject to editing and may be cut for length.

Story Queries: Are you a writer? Please send story queries to hismagazine@1430espn.com. Please allow six to eight weeks for a response.

HIS Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited material.

HIS Magazine is published bi-monthly by Fat Dawgs 7 Broadcasting LLC, 351 W. Cromwell, Ste. 108, Fresno, CA 93711. Copyright 2008 by Fat Dawgs Broadcasting, LLC. All rights reserved. Every effort has been made to ensure the information within this publication is complete and accurate at the time of publication. HIS Magazine does not warrant such accuracy or the claims of its advertisers. All materials, articles, reports, original artwork, and photos published in this magazine are the property of Fat Dawgs 7 Broadcasting LLC and cannot be used or reproduced without permission in writing. Fat Dawgs 7 Broadcasting, LLC is not responsible for the opinions expressed within this publication. Prices quoted in advertisements are subject to change without notice.

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THE HEARTBEAT OF FRESNO

BY Hammer of New Rock 104.1 I think a big part of this is a little outside the box thinking. I’ve seen many businesses throughout the Valley use live, local music as a way to draw people to their businesses; from new venues, to various concert series, to beer fests, and other events of this nature. It has been encouraging as well, to see many of these events think even more outside the box, and present original live music, from some of the many local bands in the Valley. This gives them an opportunity to play and get in front of people, which is what every band wants, an opportunity to play for fans and hopefully pick up new fans which will continue to support their work, whenever and wherever they play. It really helps the community when this happens, and bands that take advantage of this, I think are always more apt to benefit from it. There’s a saying with bands, at least some I know of, who say they’ll “play anywhere for anyone”, and it’s a great saying. Obviously, that’s sometimes unrealistic, but it’s a great way to look at it.

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What defines a city’s culture? Sports teams? Local cuisine? To some people, yes, that is definitely criteria which help define a city. But being as I enjoy music, I am around music, and so forth; for me it’s always interesting what a city’s local scene is all about. I’ve brought this up in the past in a couple of articles, but this is a chance to really get a bit more in-depth. During this summer, the Valley’s local music scene has really exploded.

Two of the biggest factors in this, regardless of genre; A) there’s a band for you that you will really enjoy, and B) great venues providing an outlet for local music acts to play, from big places to smaller establishments, to everything in between. It is very encouraging to see places pop up and try to brand live, local music as part of what they’re providing for their patrons. Of course, this isn’t to say we haven’t lost a few venues as well.

Over the past year countless mainstay establishments have closed which traditionally have helped promote the music scene and community. The silver lining is when one place falls (for whatever reason), someone comes into their spot to pick up the slack.

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Rademacher

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Fierce Creatures

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Whisky Row

It always helps to have a place to play, and that audience, but without the talent there’s nothing. Maybe it’s just me, but in 2012 I’ve discovered so many new local bands that it seems to me, we’re just overwhelmed with talent right now. This is where I would give names, but with so many coming to mind, I would hate to leave anyone out.

Like I mentioned earlier, regardless of genre, there appears to be something for everyone. From great metal bands, to alternative, to local hip-hop and more, this is where the local music scene thrives. With a little bit of everything for everyone, along with a sense of togetherness (which is always refreshing) this cultivates so much more. The whole ‘it helps everyone’ is a great thing for fans and the community.

On a much more personal level, I’ve made it a goal in 2012 to see as many local shows as I possibly can. Whether I hear about it from where I work or a tip from a friend or tips from other bands. This is where it has really made a difference and where I can tell you how awesome local music is, especially the

stuff that is out there now. It is important for all of us to support these bands. Much as you support your favorite local eatery, pub/bar, museum, grocery outlet or what not, supporting a local music “scene” is vital to a thriving community. It shows what our community has to offer.

Let’s be honest, sometimes the Central Valley can get a bad rap, which can show that people really don’t know us outside of what they hear. This is why it is so important to show that support.

So, this weekend, if you hear of a local venue presenting live, local music, take a chance and check it out. You never know what you may hear or discover. When that “cool” family member or friend from the “big” city comes down and has an opinion on something, you can go, “well, hey, why don’t you check out this band, they’re from right here in the Central Valley.” You may be able to blow their mind… or at least show them what we have to offer right here in the Valley.

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FINDING YOUR WORKOUT GROOVE Music Makes a Difference BY: Caleb Iness

Sure, you’d never take the time to change your iPod during an emergency but imagine you could instantly have a song playing that would pump you up and make you able to channel all of your focus and energy into lifting the object and ignoring the impending discomfort that is sure to follow. Birds chirping or bar chords? Babbling brook or Metallica? We both know the answer.

Music style is also important. You probably shouldn’t be listening to a greatest classic love songs album while squatting.

It seems to be common sense to listen to upbeat music while lifting or doing cardio and science also supports the claim that this music is better than slower music for physical performance.

Studies don’t always agree that simply listening to music will enhance performance but it has been shown to improve enjoyment of physical activity. I’m sure most of you would be open to anything that can help you have a better workout experience.

Now that you are considering including music in your workout

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Working out at the gym is obviously a lot different than the example I mentioned but the same principles apply. You’re in an uncomfortable situation, both physically and mentally, and you have to perform strenuous tasks. Music can help you ignore how uncomfortable you are and can also inspire you to

continue on. Music can also take your mind to a pleasant state.

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routine, you should look at the options you have. Many people use their mobile phones with headphones at the gym. This is a great option because you can play exactly the kind of music you want. Personally, I like listening to metal when at the gym and use headphones to avoid annoying nearby gym members.

Headphones also double as a deterrent to gym members trying to trap you into conversations. They’ll see the headphones and it will be harder for them to get your attention so they’ll be less likely to try.

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If you have an iPhone or any other smart phone that can have apps, you should look into downloading Pandora radio or Spotify. These apps make listening to music a lot cheaper than buying all the songs. Your other music option is just listening to the music that is playing out loud in the gym. Most gyms will have a sound system that plays music out loud unless you’re at the Fresno State rec center, where there’s absolutely no music.

The music at the gym is usually upbeat enough to enable a good workout but it may not fit your personal taste. Gyms will play music that is currently popular and not offensive. If you don’t like the music at the gym, you can always ask the greeters at the front desk to change it. You’re the customer so they

should try to make you happy. At Fort Washington Fitness, the music style will change throughout the day depending on the crowd and will range from pop to hard rock to dance music.

Since you’re already exercising, why not listen to music and make the experience more enjoyable and speed things along?

After all, that boulder isn’t getting any lighter.

Caleb Iness I.S.S.A Certified Fitness Trainer, Trainer at Fort Washington Fitness Email: calebiness@sbcglobal.net Phones: 559-367-6386

http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/musicexercise.html

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MUSIC OF A GENERATION BY: VIOLA MALONE

As far back as I can remember music has consumed a major part of my life. At the age of four I can recall singing gospel in the living room of our two bedroom apartment. When I turned 16 I got a tattoo of a treble clef.

At the young age of 20 I had my first hands on experience working with local bands and artists, when I set up a concert series on the campus of the university I was attending. With an extensive playlist of over 1,200 songs on my iPod, and over 4,000 songs in my iTunes library, I still find myself making up beats and writing my own melodies.

With an instrumental name like Viola and a passion for playing the keyboard and drums, music is an essential part of my being. With over 500 genres and thousands of artists ranging from the legendary Beatles and Michael Jackson to today’s Chris Brown and Maroon 5, music has withstood the test of time. People from all over the world have united and connected through the universal language of sound.

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With artists contending for the number one spot on Billboard charts, there are still those everlasting priceless songs, which take us back to that one time or moment when you first recognized that familiar tune. In this series we profile the top 10 hits from the legendary Billboard Top 40 and examine the songs cultural relevance. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of these classic examples of contemporary music.

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JOHN LENNON “Imagine” 1971

There were many sides of Lennon. With a troubled childhood and fears of abandonment –which could be heard in his song titled “Mother”, Lennon went on in the arts with a Zen-like air about him. He was a very successful solo singer, songwriter, musician, artist, and actor. In addition to his talents he was also known as a very inspirational anti-war activist. He had lots to say about Americans participating in the Vietnam War. John Lennon himself stated that “Imagine” is as good as anything he wrote with The Beatles. The song remains one of the most powerful and distressing requests in song to imagine a peaceful world. It reached the top ten in both the U.S.

and the U.K. upon initial release. “ Imagine” is a call to idealism that has given peace and inspiration at every moment of social crisis.

His activism later created problems for him. The Nixon administration attempted to have Lennon deported. After years of legal battles, Lennon finally was awarded his green card in 1976. He continued in music with his wife Yoko Ono and withdrew from life in the public’s eye to focus on family.

In 1980 when he and Yoko Ono were planning a comeback, he was shot dead outside of his apartment building. The world lost an icon in physicality, but he forever lives on through his music.

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John Lennon is known for being one of the members of the number one rock band of all time, The Beatles. Known as the “smart Beatle”, he used his artistic skills to give life to the band’s music and its presentation. He made beautiful melodies that evoked a sophisticated, dreamlike state. Lennon helped redefine the rules of rock star behavior with his outspokenness, which also caused controversy within the band. Because of his whit and way with words, he became an important symbol of the burgeoning counter culture. After the 1970’s break-up of The Beatles the world was finally able to see John Lennon.

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BRUCE SPRINGTEEN “Born to Run” 1975 Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen has been on the music scene for over 30 years. The American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is known for his poetic lyrics, brand of heartland rock and energetic performances with concerts over 220 minutes long. He records and tours with the E Street Band and made a come back for success in the early 2000’s.

Springsteen’s works has included commercially accessible rock albums and somber folk-oriented pieces. His most successful studio albums, Born in the U.S.A. and Born to Run, showcase the struggles of daily American life. He once said that he wrote “Born to Run” as a last resort to becoming a true star. His first two albums had not sold well, and he was looking for redemption.

He has sold over 65 million albums in the United States and more than 120 million worldwide. He holds numerous awards for his work, which include 20 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, and an Academy Award. In 2004 Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him as the 23rd Greatest Artist of all time. Springsteen is considered one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century.

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Born to Run is basically a passionate, heroic love letter to a girl named Wendy. The imagery in the song is powerful with “kids huddled on the beach in a mist” and “highways jammed with broken heroes.” The song, along with the rest of the album Born to Run did help make Bruce Springsteen into a star. He appeared on the covers of Time and Newsweek and the album peeked at number three on the charts. Neither of his first two albums had placed inside the top 50. The song itself reached #23 on the pop singles chart in the US. At 62, today he’s still going strong and is currently on his Wrecking Ball Tour until September.

THE ROLLING STONES “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” 1965

The Rolling Stones are a well-known English rock band that topped the U.S. pop singles chart for the first time with “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”. This song has all of the components of a classic Rolling Stones hit including an arresting guitar introduction from Keith Richards as well as classic preening vocals from Mick Jagger. The song was seen as subversive and threatening due to its sexual suggestiveness and attacks on commercialism. It was the song that some say turned The Rolling Stones into superstars.

The group’s first line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals,

harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bassist) and Charlie Watts (drummer). Since 1993, the band was made-up of Jagger, Richards, Watts and Ronnie Wood on guitar. Darryl Jones on bass and Chuck Leavell on keyboard serve as regular contributors in live and studio performances.

With a host of award nominations ranging from Shockwaves NME Awards to Germany’s ECHO Awards, The Rolling Stones have won two Grammy Awards, a Juno Award, a MTV Lifetime Achievement Award, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Award and most recent a World Music Award for the World’s Greatest Touring Band of All Time.

They have released 55 albums of original work and compilations, and sold over 200 million records word-wide during their career straddling over 45 years. “The Stones” have played on all kinds of stages from small clubs to big stadium arenas. In 2007 they rocked the Tsar’s Winter Palace with fifty thousand fans in St. Petersburg, Russia, where the communist revolution took place. They gave more large-scale shows internationally than any other existing band in the world, culminating in their 2005-2007 A Bigger Band tour with 147 concerts, the highest grossing tour of all time with a gross of $559 million.

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JUDY GARLAND “Over the Rainbow” 1939

Frances Gumm, also known as Judy Garland, was an amazing singer and actress. She held the reigns of stardom for over 40 years as an actress in musical and dramatic roles and as a recording artist.

She was widely respected for her versatility and remains the youngest person to receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award at age 39 for lifetime achievement in the motion picture industry. She was signed to Metro-GoldwynMayer when just a teenager after being noticed in VAUDEVILLE with her two older sisters. It bloomed from there.

Under their management, she made more than two-dozen films including her most known role in the film The Wizard of Oz (1939). “Over the Rainbow” was specifically written for the movie, but was originally deleted from the film, then brought back after executive producer Arthur Freed lobbied for it. The version from The Wizard of Oz is most popular although there are numerous versions of the song. Fifteen years later she was released from the studio but began anew through record-breaking concert appearances. Just as any other human, she struggled and had issues in her personal life. She battled with drugs and alcohol, which lead to her death at age 47.

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The Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts listed “Over the Rainbow” as number one based on its historical significance on its’ “Songs of the Century” list.

Over her 40 year career span, Garland has been nominated for countless awards as well as taking home dozens including; Juvenile Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Grammy Awards and a Special Tony Award. In 1997, Garland was posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Several of her recordings have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 1999, the American Film Institute placed her among the ten greatest female stars in the history of American cinema.

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THE BEATLES “Yesterday” 1965

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The 1960’s English rock band The Beatles became a hit sensation all around the world. To this day, they are one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. The group utilized many genres with a wide range from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements. They started out as a 5-piece line-up with John Lennon

(rhythm guitar/vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar/vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar/vocals), Stuart Sutcliffe (bass), and Pete Best (drums). They toured together for years, but the group’s best-known lineup consisted of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Ringo Starr on drums and vocals.

They gained popularity in the United Kingdom after their first single, “Love Me

Do”, became a modest hit in late 1962.

They acquired the nickname the “Fab Four” as Beatlemania grew in Britain over the following year, and by early 1964 they had become international stars. The band toured greatly around the world until August 1966, when they performed their final commercial concert. In 1970 the Beatles broke-up and ventured off to pursue individual musical careers.

They also hold the record for most number one hits on the Hot 100 chart with 20.

They have received 7 Grammy Awards form the American National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and 15 Iyor Noyello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors. They were collectively included

in Time Magazine’s compilation of the 20th century’s 100 most influential people.

“Yesterday” was a number one hit in the U.K. and is claimed to be the only song to inspire numerous covers.

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In 1980 Lennon was murdered and in 2001 Harrison died of cancer. The Beatles continue to live through McCartney and Starr. The band is the best-selling band in history with over one billion units in sales estimated by EMI Records. They have more number-one albums on British charts and sold more singles in the U.K. than any other group. Recently, they have sold 177 million units in the U.S., according to the RIAA.

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THE BEACH BOYS “Good Vibrations” 1966 Formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California, the American rock band The Beach Boys was made up of three brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine. They began their music careers under the Wilsons’ father, Murry Management.

Brian Wilson was responsible for most of the band’s early singles and albums as he was the leader, composer, arranger and producer. In mid-1962 the Beach Boys signed with Capitol Records and Wilson wrote and co-wrote over two dozen Top 40 hits including; “Surfin’ Safari”, “Surfin’ USA”, “Surfer Girl”, “Help Me Rhonda”, “Fun, Fun, Fun”, “California Girls” and many more. These songs and the albums in which they are on were internationally popular and made The Beach Boys one of the biggest acts of their time.

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The band’s initial music expanded their popularity across the U.S. The close vocal harmonies and lyrics were a reflection of

Southern California youth culture, full of surfing, cars, and romance. Brian continued to grow and gain more creative energy, which dominated the musical direction of the band. The Pet Sounds album and single “Good Vibrations” were born under his creative ambition and strong songwriting abilities. “Good Vibrations” is considered to have broken entirely new ground in what could be done in the recording studio with splicing together a wide range of discreet recorded components to create the final

work. Brian would soon loose control of the band due to problems with his mental health and substance abuse.

Although they challenged The Beatles in terms of commercial and critical appeal, The Beach Boys weren’t able to reclaim their mid-1960s peak. On June 5th, The Beach Boys released their 29th studio album That’s Why God Made the Radio and a 50th anniversary reunion tour. The reunion album reached number three on the Billboard charts - their highest charting Billboard debut ever since 1974’s Endless Summer compilation.

THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS “Unchained Melody” 1965 not get along well with Spector personally and their contract was sold to Verve/MGM Records in 1965.

They worked with a few more producers and writers like Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann who had co-written “Loving Feeling” with Spector, and Medley who used the same arranger, Jack Nitzsche. That song

quickly became their second number one U.S. hit, but it failed to reach the Top 10.

After a few more top 40 hits, including “He” and “Go Ahead And Cry”, their popularity began to decline. In 1968 Hatfield and Medley called it quits for several years and each worked on solo projects. Six years later in 1974, Medley and Hatfield reunited, performing on the Sonny and Cher Hour.

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The Righteous Brothers, Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley, started their recording career on the small Moonglow label in 1963. Their first major hit was “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” in 1965 produced by Phil Spector of Philles label. Spector produced several other hit singles in 1965, including “Just Once in My Life”, “Unchained Melody” (originally the B-side of “Hung on You”), and “Ebb Tide”. However, the singers did

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“Maggie May” was Rod Stewart’s first number one pop single and is given credit for launching his career as a solo star.

It was Stewart’s tale of a manipulative romance with an older woman and is believed to be autobiographical. It brought a British folk-pop style and his trademark raspy vocals into the pop mainstream.

Although the song was a big hit, Stewart has said he’s not sure why it became such a big hit because it has no melody.

Rod Stewart gained celebrity in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his uniquely distinctive raspy voice with The Jeff Beck Group and then Faces. He started his solo acts in 1969 with his debut album An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down (The Rod Stewart Album in the U.S.). His work with The Jeff Beck Group and Faces influenced heavy metal genres of today.

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During Stewart’s iconic five decade-long career, he has sold over 150 million albums worldwide, achieved countless charting hits, had 18 Grammy nominations and two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is a Grammy Living Legend and in 2007 was bestowed the prestigious Commander of The British Empire title by the Queen of England.

ROD STEWART “Maggie May” 1971

CARLY SIMON “You’re So Vain” 1972 Carly Simon rose to fame in the 1970s with a chain of hit records. She has accumulated 13 Top 40 hits throughout her career including “You’re So Vain”, “Nobody Does It Better”, and “Coming Around Again”.

“You’re So Vain” is a great example of a confessional-styled song and is her only number one pop single. The actual subject of this piece of music is still unknown to this day, even with all of the speculation of who it could be.

Not only is Simon’s an American singersongwriter and musician, but also a children’s author. One of her first books, Amy The Dancing Bear 1989, was based on a story she used to tell her own children. She has since written several children’s books. Simon has won two Grammy Awards, an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. In 1994 she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

OutKast, originally known as Two Shades Deep, is a southern duo made up of Andre “Andre 300” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton both of Georgia. Their musical style was a mixture of G-funk and Dirty South. Since their start their style has branched out to soul, spoken word poetry, rock, jazz, blues, and electronic elements.

outer space-theme on their 1996 album ATLiens.

OutKast popped on the scene in 1994 with their debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, which gained popularity once the single “Player’s Ball” hit number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks charts. All albums following their debut up to the release of the duo’s double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, a double album containing a solo album from each member, they experimented with different styles and musical elements like an

Their 2003 single “Hey Ya!” was the lead of two singles to be released from Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. Following was the single “The Way You Move”, which like the rest of the albums was catchy. The uplifting pastiche of rock, pop, hip hop and R&B showcased on the album was instantly celebrated as brilliant work, although the double-disc had fans on edge about a break-up.

OUTKAST “Hey Ya!” 2003 Below. Along with their commercial success, OutKast has maintained an experimental approach in their music and are widely praised and respected for their originality and artistic content.

The song “Hey Ya!” reached number one on the pop singles chart and ended the year as a frequent mention in critics’ choices for the top single of the year. The video that accompanies the song references The Beatles historic appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Polaroid later used the song’s memorable line, “Shake it like a Polaroid picture,” in advertising. The group starred in and created the soundtrack for the 2006 musical film Idlewild. In 2007 OutKast was put on hold while both Andre 300 and Big Boi successfully pursued solo careers even with the duo’s move to Epic Records in September 2011.

The duo is one of the most successful hiphop groups of all time. They have won six Grammy Awards, sold over 25 million copies of OutKast’s eight releases: five studio albums, a greatest hits release, and the Grammy Award-winning (for Album of the Year) Speakerboxxx/The Love

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SILENCE Fresno’s Musical Stalemate

BY Ciara Norton For years, the sound that came out of the William Saroyan Theatre was harmonious, strong and proud. It was a clear representation of the artistic side of Fresno; both what it used to be and what it is quickly becoming.

Before fully comprehending the issues at hand, which mostly involve the Fresno Grand Opera and the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, a brief history, purpose and appreciation of each organization must first be understood.

But now, the music isn’t quite the same. Because of an ongoing feud and stalemate, the only sound coming out of the Theatre is the silence of two talented sides sitting, watching and waiting for the other to make the next move.

Both organizations, the FGO and the Philharmonic, share the William Saroyan Theatre. The Philharmonic has been a tenant since 1996 and the FGO since 1999. Home to other organizations such as Broadway in Fresno, Valley Performing Arts Council and Lively Arts Foundations, the 2,353-seat theatre is known to host comedy shows, musical attractions and a variety of other family oriented entertainment.

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While the show is still going on, tickets are still being sold and some artists are still lucky enough to be performing, the politics behind the scenes aren’t running as synchronically as they should be or as they used to be.

Some of the performances included in the FGO’s 2012-2013 season include Dancing with the Stars participant Katherine Jenkins, as well as A Life in 4 Seasons, which is a vivid and realistic journey into the visual and musical interpretation at the four seasons. Other shows included in the 2012-2013 season include Vino & Verdi, which is focused on Italian Romantic composer, Giuseppe Verdi’s greatest hits, and Christmas on Van Ness which features holiday favorites performed by the FGO. With such popular and unique shows and artistically gifted individuals, it is no wonder that spectators speak fondly of their experience at the Theatre.

“I’ve been to a few of the shows and each time I have really enjoyed myself,” said Mark Peters. “The shows have always seemed to be very organized and professional and the level of talent of the performers has always just blown me away. They are a very special group of people and I have always admired the work that they do.”

Another frequent spectator has been going to the holiday performances for nearly six years.

“Every year I try and take my family to the performances at the William Saroyan Theatre,” said Robert Grismar, a Fresno resident. “I would love to go to more of the performances throughout the year but my schedule doesn’t allow me too.

Christmas is the only part of the year that my family and I can

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really get together and enjoy ourselves in an artistic atmosphere.”

Even though both parties take pride in the ability to perform together for the same cause, the current disagreement has left both crews looking elsewhere. Performing in front of hundreds of people and lighting up the stage with their instrument and/ or voice are two things that have kept the musicians in Fresno alive. While times are tough and unemployment rates are high, Fresno musicians consider themselves lucky to be able to truly enjoy their job.

According to Larry Gardner, president of Local 12 of the American Federation of Musicians, the current issues faced by the FGO and the Philharmonic mostly revolve around respect.

Gardner has been playing with the FGO since 2000 when the FGO hired the Philharmonic to be their orchestra. Things were going smoothly until 2008 when the FGO decided that they wanted to make their own orchestra rather than hire one.

In 2008 a contract was made that basically set the standards between the FGO and the Philharmonic.

“It was a snapshot of the people that were doing the jobs in the philharmonic,” Gardner said. “It got tweaked in negotiations; not a lot, but some. Then the contract came up for renewal. It was a one year agreement.”

On Aug. 31, 2010 the negotiations began and the problems came out from behind the curtains.

“That’s when we found out that the [FGO] wanted to eliminate a lot of the members off of the roster,” Gardner said.

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The roster that the FGO has is basically a long list of musicians. When an event is scheduled, artistic directors and management go through the list and hire musicians.

“We are a union so we try not to make artistic decisions,” Gardner said. “We like to let management and artistic directors do that kind of thing. They want to eliminate 18 people from the roster and demote five others but it doesn’t cost them money to keep those people on the roster. They don’t have to hire them. It’s just a list; a call order mostly. It doesn’t matter how long the list is.”

Another issue between the FGO and the Philharmonic is scheduling.

An anonymous musician recalls being hired for a show only two days in advance which didn’t give him enough time to cancel previous arrangements and play for the show.

“In one instance I was hired on a Sunday night, the concert was on a Tuesday night and the next day they expected me to drop everything and go to Sacramento to play for Jackie Evancho,” Gardner said.

“That’s just one example of their late hiring practices.”

In an article written by Gardner that appeared in the Fresno Bee on April 19, 2012, Gardner explained that, “uncertainty concerning which musicians will be hired and late-hiring notice has become commonplace in the FGO.”

In his article, Gardner continued on to say that, “this is about an employer wanting to hire whom they want, when they want and how they want without regard to a bargaining agreement or industry standards. FGO has proposed to eliminate numerous musicians from the roster because ‘these musicians have refused too many offer of employment.’ Their refusal is due to the fact that the offers of employment have been outrageously late.”

These alleged late hiring practices done by the FGO aren’t benefiting the musicians, the organizations or the music

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“It’s really unfortunate that the FGO is hiring musicians so late because I enjoy playing and the money helps, but when they hire us so late it almost forces me to decline and it’s very disappointing,” said an anonymous musician based out of Fresno. “For the musicians this is a part time job and the only reason that we put up with issues like this is because we truly enjoy what we do.

It’s unfortunate that not everyone feels the same way.”

Gardner recalls a similar scheduling incident.

When confronted with these allegations, FGO board members and employees declined to answer any email or phone call.

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appreciation in the community. Eventually such management choices will force shows to be shut down because no musicians will be available. Shut down shows will lead to less awareness and appreciation for such artistic venues.

In a city that is striving to bring back so much excitement to downtown, surrounded and supported mostly by those of artistic decent, it will be nearly impossible to truly succeed unless all outlets are on board.

“I’ve always loved opera, theater and performances and it’s unfortunate that in many cities they are a rare entertainment venue,” Grismar said. “I hope that the FGO and the Philharmonic will work out their issues so that families and individuals can continue to appreciate the local talent that they showcase. It would be a tremendous blow to the Fresno community if such amazing artistic performances were no longer an entertainment option. I hope it never goes that far.”

An answer as to just how far things might go has yet to be produced by the FGO. The Philharmonic continues to fight back through a petition that can be found at http://www.change.org/petitions/fresnogrand-opera-reach-a-fair-deal-with-the-operamusicians-of-fresno-2, as well as picketing numerous shows and spreading the word to art appreciators in the local community.

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No matter who is to blame for the ongoing stalemate, soon one side has to take a stand for what both of these organizations are working for; the love and harmonious appreciation for all things artistic.

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VINO 101: music and wine BY: Laura Winberg

Ever notice how the words we use to describe wine are some of the same words we use to describe music?

Complex. Smooth. Dark. Oak-y.

Alright, maybe not oak-y, but there’s definitely some overlap in the terminology. and there may be a scientific reason why.

According to one theory, an area of the brain involved in judgment and music overlaps with an area that processes aromas, which greatly influence our tastebuds. This could explain how music can influence the taste of wine. A university study found that drinkers rated the change in taste by up to 60 percent depending what they heard and what they were drinking. Does anyone think there’s any truth to this? Can music enhance the taste of wine?

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The understanding and enjoyment of fine wine is a lifelong pursuit, and evolves much the same as our musical preferences.

Though we may all still occasionally listen to the same music we did in high school (80’s metal = guilty pleasures) and drink the same things we did in college (OK probably not...) most people would agree that we eat, drink, view and listen to more

varied, interesting and complex things as we move forward through our lives.

Our life experiences bring us a greater understanding of the world around us, and that in turn will continue to influence our evolving tastes in wine, music, as well as our other intellectual endeavors.

The connection between wine making and music is apparent. Many musician have tried to expand their creativity with wine making. Jason from the Central Valley’s Whisky Row band said “Making wine for me, is the same as making music. It truly is food for the soul.” He feels in making wine as well as music you must have a delicate balance between the the note and the lyrics in music as well as the balance between fruit and tannins in a great wine. Jason from Whisky Row further said “The original goal was to design a wine that could capture the essence of music’s effect on human emotion.

For instance, how would you describe the rush experienced when your favorite song comes on the radio, and the reflex as you reach for the volume? What causes the sadness when a love song brings back the memories of a long-lost romance? Explain the tingle on your skin during the finale of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, or the tear in your eye during Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.””

That connection, that feeling is Whisky Row’s “West Side Ride Red Wine”. Whisky Row’s goal is to capture that feeling and put it in their wine. Be it joy or sadness, they created a wine that will connect their music with an occasion for all you senses.

It is my personal goal to open a new door for you in your pursuit of all the world has to offer. So for this moment forget food and wine ( I know it will be hard). The greatest part about pairing wine and music is that everybody is correct in their own beliefs. Your favorite song is special to you for reasons unique to your life. It does not matter if some self-important music critic believes it is the “song of the year” or not.

These same thought processes apply to wine as well. So many ask me “what is a good wine?” and I respond “a wine you like!”

Again, it matters not if your favorite wine has a 90+ rating in some magazine. If you like it, then open a bottle with friends and create some memories. And if you REALLY like it, hide it away with an old CD to rediscover some years from now. Maybe even some 80’s metal...

So just for fun: Depending on the grape, here are some music recommendations from me.

Grab a glass and try it out: Cabernet Sauvignon: All Along The Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix and Honky Tonk Woman by the Rolling Stones Chardonnay: What’s Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner and Atomic by Blondie Syrah: Orinoco Flow by Enya and Chariots Of Fire by Vangelis

Merlot: Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding and Easy by Lionel Ritchie Pinot Noir: Anything by Adele Red Blend: West Side Ride by Whisky Row Sauvingnon Blanc: Walking On Sunshine

by Katrina and The Waves and Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys Zinfandel: You Shook Me by Led Zeppelin

and Closer by Nine Inch Nails Tempranillo: Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag

by James Brown and Feeling Good by Michael Buble Petite Sirah: Breath by Faith Hill and Drops Of Jupiter by Train Champagne: Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bob Marley and Love You Like A Love Song

by Selena Gomez

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www.tastingroomfresno.com

RESTAURANT PROFILES Fleming’s 639 E. Shaw Ave. Fresno CA (559) 222-5823

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Indulge yourself with the finest USDA Prime steak –aged to perfection, hand-cut daily and cooked to your specifications—as well as fresh seafood, innovative side dishes and decadent desserts. Fleming’s also offers 100 wines by the glass, a unique Wine Flight tasting program and a w orld-class list of reserve wines to complement your dining experience. Visit us online: www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Sushi ‘N’ Pop 1788 East Barstow Ave. Fresno, CA (559) 438-1690 Sushi ‘n’ Pop is where everyone goes to get the most authentic Japanese fusion cuisine, which is prepared with the freshest ingredients daily. The new menu offers a wide array of tasty treats to tantalize anyone’s taste buds. Try their refreshing seaweed salad or the newest style of sashimi, just to mention a few of the mouth watering selections at Sushi ‘n’ Pop. Stop in and join the friendly staff for happy hour every Monday through Saturday starting at 4:30 p.m. So why not make it fun, make it fast, make it Sushi ‘n’ Pop!

Richard’s 1609 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA (559) 266-4077 Richard Stockle opened Richard’s Prime Rib and Seafood in downtown Fresno in the summer of 1969. Richard’s quickly became a Fresno hotspot known for its juicy steaks and fresh seafood. Soft lighting and tasteful nude artwork decorate the restaurant.

There are many popular menu items like ‘The Something Good’, a New York steak wrapped in a flour tortilla with melted cheese. Another favorite is ‘The Something Special’, an open-faced New York steak sandwich. Also popular is ‘The Beef Eater’, which is deli-thin, sliced prime rib served as a French dip. Richard’s is a true family-run restaurant and even though it has undergone numerous changes over the years some things remain constant: great food, a wonderful atmosphere and a staff that welcomes its guests as if they were family.

Sushi Go Round 6497 North Blackstone Ave. Fresno, CA (559) 436-1698 Sushi go round is where everyone comes to get the most unique japanese cuisine.

The new menu offers a wide array of tasty treats. Try their infused korean barbeque or the newest style of sashimi, just to mention a few of the cool and innovative selections that sushi go round has to offer. So when you are craving something unique, fresh and mouth watering good, then come to sushi go round, and discover everything that you’ve been missing.

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BRINGING IN THE SOUND

BY Shannon Ashley De Young

By day, I work in the Marketing world and by night, I am a singer/songwriter. I enjoy performing and writing country/ rock music in venues around Central California. My name is Shannon Ashley De Young and I work at De Young Properties, as the Vice President of Marketing.

Since I was young, I always felt the need to share my creative, energetic and passionate personality. In my opinion, to have the ability to make someone feel something, good or bad, by listening to or viewing a piece of your work is the ultimate accomplishment as an artist.

In four days, each artist worked on one original song. On our first day, we focused on the lyrics with Robin Fredrick. Robin Frederick has written and produced hundreds of songs for television, music albums, musical theatre, and audio products.

Later that day, we worked with Steven Memel on conveying the emotion in our songs while performing on stage. This experience was intense and overpowering.

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Recently, I had the honor of being a part of Hollywood Immersive, a company that partnered with Los Angeles’ #1 Vocal Coach, Steven Memel, and developed a program for up-and-coming singer/songwriter artists called Music Immersive. A total of 15 artists were accepted from around

the world, including me, the only one from California! We moved into a Hollywood Hills home for one week and worked tirelessly with mentors from the Music Industry like producers, managers, songwriters, sound engineers, personal trainers, stylists/wardrobe artists, and social media managers all to have a better insight into the Music Industry. These mentors work with artists like Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, Jason Mraz, Madonna, and many, many more! We spent hours learning from each mentor with little to no time for rest – but that’s what the Music Industry is all about, right?!

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I wish you could have experienced it!

Many of us broke down into tears; however, these were tears of realization.

Steven has said to me that many times he teaches artists’ what their songs are about, rather than the artist teaching Steven. Until I was in front of the group performing with Steven by my side, stopping me after every line and quizzing me on the meaning, I didn’t realize how right he truly was.

Sometimes artists’ don’t realize what they have written until they spend time focusing on their lyrics, their story, and their emotion in each song.

After we composed our songs, we then had the opportunity to perform them live at the Music Immersive Showcase at EastWest Recording Studios. EastWest Studios is where Frank Sinatra recorded, “My Way” and “Something Stupid,” and other performers like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, The Monkees, Elvis Presley and many more, have recorded as well. What an honor and once in a lifetime dream for me to perform one of my original songs on that very stage!

If Music Immersive ended that night after the Showcase, I would’ve been beyond content, however, there’s even MORE! The professional band that helped us perform our songs at the Showcase learned each song in 15 minutes on the day of our Showcase! This means the band learned 15 different songs in less than 4 hours! The day after our Showcase was spent in the recording studio ALL day. We were able to inform the sound engineer what we wanted our songs to sound like and work with the band directly on putting together the best possible track. I was able to record guitar and lead vocals in my original song, “Cheater” which you can find on YouTube.

It was a productive and exhilarating day for all of us, but we couldn’t have done it without all the trips to Starbucks!

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When I returned home from Hollywood, I took a few months to let my experience with Music Immersive settle in. Music Immersive was so overwhelming, but overwhelming in the best possible way. I am so very fortunate to have experienced Music Immersive. It’s not every day that

you spend time with Maroon 5’s manager, Madonna’s social media manager, or one of Jason Mraz’ sound engineers in his own home, testing microphones, recording clips and learning straight from the music industry’s best. It opened my eyes to what I now realize is my future.

One of my favorite lessons learned from one of our Music Immersive mentors was: In order to accomplish your dreams or

your goals you need to ask yourself, 1) What do you want? 2) Is it attainable? And 3) Are you willing to pay the price? This quote has settled inside of me since Music Immersive and I am so excited for the rest of my music experience because I know that what I want is to write, record and perform original songs.

You can listen to my songs at www.Facebook.com/SasheyMusic or www.YouTube.com/SasheyMusic or follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/SasheyMusic! Thank you and… ROCK ON!

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PINS & NEEDLES: Fashion Trends with a Rock ‘n’ Roll Twist.

BY David J. Manning

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Edge, glamour and a little bit of grit… there are seven deadly sins to carry off any rocker ensemble. These must haves are the seasons trending report. Inspired by a resurgence of heavy metal paraphernalia; each item is key to achieving this look.

THE ESSENTIALS 1) Blackout Shades These sunnies have been a trademark of rock glamour since the beat was born.

Simple and clean, this iconic eyewear is normally shaped like a square or rounded on the bottom. Thick dark sides, opaque lenses with a matte finish frame, is the traditional hangover garb for many rock ‘n’ roll legends. Today designers like Versace, Ray Ban and RVCA are carrying on this tradition of sleek sophisticated eyewear.

2) Badass Boots There is a boot for every season.

Recently motorcycle boots, slouched vintage military boots and over-the-knee footwear have been picking up steam in today’s retail market. Designers like YSL, Cole Hann and Kenneth Cole have embraced this trend in modern fpootwear with a vintage twist. Thick metal buckles, large zippers and a classic heel are some things to look for when investing in this staple for your wardrobe.

3) Leather Accessories In years past leather and rock have been synonymous with jackets, vests and hats.

Today contemporary rock artists have been using leather in new ways. Some of the fall 2013 runway looks included leather corsets, scarves, wristbands, armbands and tailored blazers. Metallic crocodile skin has been used for bags, gloves and clothing accents like pocket square detailing and leggings.

4) Chunky Gothic Jewels

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Virgin’s, Saints & Angles has really exemplified this trend in rocker-chic glam.

From the simple adornments of various amulets and medallions, to their gothic resurrection collection which consists of rosaries and crucifixes; these baubles make for an excellent layering piece for any collection. For accessories with some extra volume the brand House of Gasoline Glamour has mastered the art of taking the unexpected and pumping up the volume.

From their chainmail stilettos, crystal embroidered eye patches, or full body jewelry; this type of exaggerated jewels adds something

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fabulous to any simple ensemble. If arm candy is more your thing then check out the detailed pieces by Chann Luu and YSL. 5) Gothic Eyes/Guyliner In the early 90’s, the classic slender build accompanied by dark sunken eyes was born. The fashion industry dubbed this trend heroin chic. Frail frames with a powerful presence seemed to be a natural fit for rock ‘n’ roll icons to emulate. Today several of young Hollywood’s elite are emulating this trend like Taylor Momsen, Pete Wentz and singer Adam Lambert. If you are looking to kick up your look and try something new why not dabble in some dark shadows or a classic guyliner. Many cosmetic companies specialize in this look as well as the classic smoky eye; two favorite brands are Urban Decay and MAC. 6) Back to Basics

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When achieving thWe rocker glam look it is important to remember to let the accessories do the talking. This means you need to keep the clothing basic. It’s important to stick with solids or pieces with limited graphics. Burnout tees are a fun option;

they add interest without pulling focus. Also for men look for shirts with a larger neckline. This will let your chains pop and keep the focus on your face. Some stores worth hitting up for these key items are Zara, H&M, and Forever 21. Remember keep it simple.

7) Pencil Pants Pencil pants, skinny jeans, tapered leg… they are all the same cut and concept. The Pencil pant was originally launched during the modern 60’s. The Beatles rocked this look until the late 70’s when bell bottoms were embraced. Today these skinny pants are prevalent when playing up the rocker chic look. Ashley Simpson, Kelly Osbourne and Steven Tyler all rock this must have trend in rocker wear. When looking for a classic pencil pant check out Levi, BDG and Lucky Brand Jeans.

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10 Steps to Composing a Complete Financial Portfolio Take Stock in Your Life

You have a dream about your life. You know where you want to live, what you want to drive, and the type of clothes you want to wear. Have you ever stopped to calculate exactly what it would cost you, in financial terms, to achieve that desired lifestyle? If you’re like most people, the answer is no. This step-by-step guide empowers you to take action by building a complete financial portfolio. What is a complete financial portfolio? It is a term we us to define an individual who has fullyfunded retirement accounts, is debt-free, has a six-month emergency cash reserve, ows diversified investments across different asset classes, and invests in themselves. The process of building a complete financial portfolio can take years. If you are dedicated and diligent, you will reach your goal, so don’t lose hope!

Many businesses match contributions employees make to their 401k accounts.

The amount of these matching contributions can vary from company to company; most providing an escalation in benefits based upon tenure. Yet, despite this free cash, some individuals do not take advantage either because they don’t understand the time value of money or they don’t believe they can afford to have their take-home pay reduced. The fact is you can’t afford not to contribute. If your employer matches $1for-$1 up to the first 5% of your contribution, you are immediately earning a 100% return on your investment. There is no investment in the world that can guarantee returns even close to that amount. When

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Contribute to Your 401k up to Your Employer’s Match

you consider these funds will also grow taxdeferred in your 401k for the next twenty, thirty, or forty years, the opportunity cost over a career can be millions of dollars! The bottom line: even if you are buried under a mountain of credit card debt, can’t pay your monthly bills, and have your telephone disconnected, you must strongly consider contributing to your 401k up to the amount of your employer’s match. If your employer doesn’t match, don’t contribute anything until you’ve completed the next several steps.

Pay Off High Interest Credit Card Debt

The next step in composing your complete financial portfolio is to develop a plan for paying down high interest credit card debt.

• Rank all of your debts by the interest rate you are paying; highest first.

• Decide how much you can afford to dedicate to debt reduction each month from your regular income. If you are making regular contributions to a mutual fund or investment account outside of your 401k match, temporarily stop and add that money to your “debt-reduction” funds.

• Pay the minimum balance on all of the debts except the highest ranked on the list The highest ranked card should receive all of the capital you can afford to part with until it has been completely paid off.

• When you’ve wiped out a balance, cross the card off your list and put it in a drawer (do not cancel the card; this will lower your

credit score and cause the interest rate you pay on variable rate and new debt to increase!) Do not charge to it again.

• Continue this process until all of your accounts are paid-in-full.

The process may take months, or even years. The key is to avoid making new charges and find extra money to pay down debt faster. This doesn’t mean you have to abandon your cards all together; they are not inherently evil. In fact, credit cards can be a valuable financial tool if used responsibly.

Open and Fully Fund a Roth IRA

The Roth IRA is the greatest financial account available to investors in the United States. The odds are good you qualify; as long as your annual income does not exceed $95,000 (single) or $150,000 (married), you can open a Roth IRA. Contributions (subject to annual limits) are made with after-tax dollars. All Roth IRA contributions can be withdrawn at any time without any penalty. Once you reach the age of 59 1/2 (subject to the five year rule), all withdrawals are absolutely, 100% tax-free! In other words, if you purchased $10,000 worth of the next-Microsoft through your Roth IRA and held it for twenty years, selling the stake at retirement for $5 million, you would owe Uncle Sam nothing.

Purchase a Home

The next step to composing a complete financial portfolio is to save for a down payment on a house. By owning your own home, you are converting what was previously an expense (rent) into equity. To sweeten the deal, not only is the interest paid on your mortgage tax-deductible, but you are permitted a lifetime capital gains tax exemption of $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married) if you sell your home at a profit. From an investment standpoint, this is particularly attractive. There is no other investment in the world that is practical, generates a comparable return, and diversifies one’s asset allocation into real estate at the same time.

Build a Six-Month Emergency Reserve

Now that you are a homeowner, it is more important than ever that you establish a six month emergency cash reserve to cover basic living expenses. This will help allow you to weather any unexpected storms including home repairs, unemployment, and medical bills. At the very least, the emergency cash reserve should be sufficient to cover up to six months of your mortgage payment, insurance costs, utility bills, groceries, fixed payments and minimum payments on credit cards.

Pursue Other Investment Opportunities

Great work! If you’ve followed the step-bystep for composing a complete financial portfolio, you have contributed to your 401k, paid off your credit card debt, fully

funded a Roth IRA, purchased a home, and established a six-month emergency fund.

Now, it’s time to turn your eye to additional investment opportunities by opening a brokerage account. A brokerage account will allow you to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit, real estate (via REITs), treasuries, and more

Invest in Yourself

If you’re thinking about starting a business, improving your professional skills, or making yourself stand out with your employer, you may want to consider investing in yourself by taking educational courses. Many colleges and universities offer professional certification programs such as NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies; certificates available include Financial Analysis, Accounting, Bookkeeping, Portfolio Management, French, German, Italian, International Affairs, Web Development, Marketing, Property Management, Real Estate Finance and Investment, Cinematography, and Product Design.

Save for Your Child’s

EducationMany financial advisors have finally let the dirty secret out of the bag: you have no obligation to put your child through school. Most parents obviously want the best life for their posterity but there are convincing arguments that you will do much greater good by requiring them to fund their own education. Perhaps the best solution is to wait until after graduation – evaluate the academic performance, the professional

drive, and the qualitative characters objectively. If you like what you see, offer to pay for all or a portion of the education.

That way, if little John takes seven years to graduate because he’s spending all of his free time at frat parties, he can bear the consequences while you enjoy your new Mercedes. Regardless of your opinion on the matter, it is vital that you save for your retirement before you put funds aside for your child’s education. If you are short on cash when it is time for the kids to go to college, there are numerous low-interest, highly-favorable loan options available in addition to scholarships, grants, and Federal aid; if you arrive with emptypockets at retirement, however, there is no one there to help fund your lifestyle.

Stay the Course

Congratulations! The hard work is done – you’ve laid the foundation. The key to success is making intelligent decisions and sticking to the basics of the complete financial portfolio. There is nothing magical about wealth building; it is achieve through a culmination of small, disciplined, choices. To borrow a line from The Richest Man in Babylon, you must keep your mind on the bigger goal to “protect your true wants from your casual desires.”

The Representatives of Thiesen Dueker Financial Consulting Group are registered with and securitied offered through LPL Finanical, member FINRA/SIPC.

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