Welcoming The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco to the Bay Times – Page 4
April 3-April 16, 2014 | www.sfbaytimes.com
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Singer/Songwriter Audra Mae Has Judy Garland’s Genes and Her Own Show-stopping Style Audra Mae’s talent is so raw and real that she literally can stop you in your tracks. She is the powerful voice heard in Avicii’s “Addicted to You,” now playing in San Francisco clubs. The song received a fashionable boost from designer Ralph Lauren, whose team co-produced the video for the song that is now running on Vevo.com. Audra Mae is not shown in that video, but you will remember her nonetheless. Born in Oklahoma, Audra Mae is the great grandniece of Judy Garland and is the latest powerhouse performer to come from that impressive musical dynasty (see page 17). Her great grandmother Virginia was a member of the Gumm Sisters, whose youngest member Francis Ethel Gumm grew up to be Judy Garland. Virginia was quite a performer in her own right, and later changed her name to “Jimmie.” This is a family of strong women who continue to defy stereotypes while charting their own unique course. Audra Mae certainly carries on that legacy. On Elvis’ birthday, with just $20 in her pocket, Audra Mae moved to California seven years ago. One of her first gigs here was performing at a Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation benefit. Leave it to brilliant executive director Ken Henderson to once again discover a budding talent. Since then, she has signed a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell. She recorded Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young,” heard on the hit F/X series Sons of Anarchy. Audra Mae also has written songs recorded by Susan Boyle, Celine Dion and other wellknown artists. But we want to know more about Audra Mae, who is now recording her third album. (Check out her acclaimed debut, The Happiest Lamb, and her follow-up, Audra Mae & The Almighty Sound.) She generously took time for a rare interview.
Audra Mae: Yes, I did! It was my “Divine Roots Pilgrimage.” As far as Rock and Roll goes, I learned that it happened because people from different forms of folk music were inspired by each other’s stories of oppression. Especially “The (continued on page 17
PHOTO BY J BRENT K YLE
Bay Times: We heard that you recently went on a 4-month, cross-country pilgrimage to find out where and why rock and roll came about. What did you find out? Also, please share any memories/anecdotes from the trip.
Creating Community Through Music By DJ Lamont Young (Editor’s Note: Legendary Bay Area DJ Lamont Young has been spinning music for over three decades, helping to provide the soundtrack to our lives. In addition to his own impressive work, he mentors young DJ’s and has taught over 350 private DJ lessons since 2008 from h is music st ud io in the Mission District. We love the range of his musical choices, and the masterful way that he mixes different genres together. A set could include 1940’s early jazz, soul, funk, disco, smooth and sexy house music, the latest electronic and pop hits, and more. Whatever the mix, they all represent DJ Lamont’s soulsatisfying and distinctive, stylish approach.) Music connects me to people. Being a DJ, I am able to share a moment or experiences with folks that I may never know personally or intimately, even though we spend countless hours
in the same environment. Choosing the right song at the right time is based on trust, musical knowledge, musical history, and a great deal of internal instincts in order to cause the response that is anticipated. I have been playing with records for 43 years, ever since I was given my first Close N’ Play record player at the age of 5. Although I now use the latest DJ technologies, such as DJ apps, software, and computers, the basic process for me of selecting music remains unchanged. Music has remained a constant, major force in my life. Maybe you met me at Mecca Restaurant & Bar, where I was the music director and DJ from 1997 to 2007. The first year I spun music at Mecca, I was promoted from part-time status to full-time director. It was one of the first places where I was told to put down my playlist and express myself based on my passion in the moment and the vibration of the environment. In addition to my work as a DJ, I have strived to create a musical community beyond the night(continued on page 12)
Top 10 Tax Tips for Legally Married Same-Sex Couples Courtesy of Nanette Lee Miller, CPA
2. Non-taxable Fringe Benefits
1. Married Tax Status
Consider amending income tax returns to exclude previous taxable income that was used to purchase job-related benefits for your spouse, such as health insurance, life insurance, and other fringe benefits. Employers may be entitled to a refund of matching FICA payments on fringe benefits that are now non-taxable. The Statute of Limitations for refund claims also applies.
Determine if there is any benef it to f iling amended income tax returns using “married” status. Marr ied tax status, as compared to single or head of household status, could result in a lower joint tax liability because of the netting of income and deductions, eligibility for certain tax credits, and income exclusions. It could also result in an increased tax liability due to the marriage penalty tax or because of limitations on deductions based on combined adjusted gross income. File amended returns as soon as possible. Amended returns must be filed before the Statute of Limitations runs—generally 3 years from the filing of the original return or 2 years from when the tax was paid, whichever is later.
3. Employer Spousal Benefits Save current tax dollars by contacting your company’s Human Resources Department for a list of marital benefits available. Take advantage of all non-taxable fringe benefits available to your spouse. Also, look for a benefit that may pay you a buy-back amount if you no longer need employer-paid benefits (because you are now covered under your spouse’s plan). (continued on page 22)