SONGCHECK LIVE PRESENTS ‘THE BROOKLEDGE SESSIONS’ DEBUT CONCERT TO BENEFIT THE MOSAIC PROJECT ON JUNE 8; BRETT DENNEN TO HEADLINE

May 13, 2007 (PRLEAP.COM) Entertainment News
Laguna Beach, CA – There is a new grass roots movement taking place that has the potential to galvanize the songwriting community. Here comes…SONGCHECK LIVE with ‘THE BROOKLEDGE SESSIONS’. Creator/producer, Matt Russell has created a live music and video forum that offers intimate, acoustic performances and insightful interviews with the artists by the artists from singer/songwriters on the rise, alongside established artists, to create musical portraits that are entertaining and inspiring for the audience. In essence, SongCheck Live is all about the artist.

Opening up for John Mayer this summer, headliner Brett Dennen (Dualtone Records), and friends come together for an unforgettable celebration for the first annual ‘The Brookledge Sessions’ benefit concert presented by SongCheck Live. This event is set for Friday, June 8, 2007 from 8:00 PM-1:00 AM at the exclusive [Seven-Degrees] at 891 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92561. Doors open at 7:30 PM with a special mystery band at midnight. Proceeds to benefit The Mosaic Project (www.mosaicproject.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching peace is possible through tolerance to fourth and fifth graders.

As the creator of The Mosaic Project’s musical curriculum, Dennen turned Russell on to the organization. “I hope anyone who considers contributing to this event doesn’t just look at it as an endeavor that supports artists, but one that represents an opportunity to help build a more peaceful future,” notes Russell.

Award-winning film composer and music producer, Steve Wood (IMAX® films, Sting, George Harrison, Kenny Loggins) will mix and master the recordings from the night’s performances. Indie Rock, Indie Folk, Pop – just some of the styles well-represented by the singer/songwriters performing. The main stage will present Brett Dennen, Tom Fruend, and Matt Hopper and The Roman Candles. Martin Guitars has sponsored a Martin Guitars Acoustic Stage to feature VIP artists Jay Buchanan, Sally Jaye, Meiko, Marianne Keith, and Alec Bridges.

Martin Guitars will auction off a custom, Martin acoustic guitar autographed by previous performers from ‘The Brookledge Sessions’. “SongCheck Live maintains a reverence for the performance that is appropriate for artists such as these,” says Chris Thomas of Martin Guitars.

In addition, known for his 70s surf style designs (Quiksilver, Billabong), artist Jesse Miller is designing a special tee shirt to commemorate the concert with proceeds to go to The Mosaic Project. Artwork by local Laguna Beach artists will also be for sale.

SongCheck Live has already garnered critical praise from respected professionals within the music industry:

“SongCheck Live delivers a performance so intimate, it’s like having a candle-light dinner with your favorite songwriter.” –J.P. Plunier, Manager to Ben Harper

“SongCheck Live is a reliable reference source for me. Showcasing the best new artists on the rise, it’s a “one-stop shop” for new talent.” –Chris Morris, Atlantic Records

“SongCheck Live is what’s been missing in the industry. A platform that showcases real talent in their true light. The only strings are on the instrument, and all our eyes are on them like they were sitting in your living room. Now that’s awesome!” –B.J. Kaplan, Geffen Records

This year’s sponsors include XS Energy Drink, Laguna School of Music, Martin & Co. EST. 1833, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Sageman Drums, Clean Fun Promotional Marketing, and eVocal Apparel.

Tickets include hors d'oeuvers are limited to only 300 attendees. Tickets are now available for purchase through eVocal at: (949) 642-4548. General Admission prices for the all ages show is $40.00 and $100.00 for VIP. $10.00 discount for pre-purchased tickets until May 27. Limited tickets at the door will be priced at an additional $10.00 on the day of event.

Founded in 2004 by Matt Russell, SongCheck Live is dedicated to give singer/songwriter’s a platform to express their music in many facets. According to Russell, “SongCheck Live is the root note, a one-line Picasso drawing, a live painting in motion, a true showcase for artist performance. The audience will come away from these unique and archival portraits with a renewed sense of faith in the power of a voice, a song, and a guitar.”

Featuring Brett Dennen, the first show of ‘The Brookledge Sessions’ was privately filmed in late 2006 at the historical Brookledge Theatre (1932), the original “Magic Castle” - a place for Orson Wells and old Hollywood’s elite to fraternize. To view a trailer of SongCheck Live and for previous recordings of ‘The Brookledge Sessions’ at the Brookledge Theatre, log onto: www.songchecklive.com and/or www.myspace.com/songchecklive

For media inquiries on SongCheck Live including interviews with Matt Russell, artist(s), and for press passes and credentials, contact: Diana Karaca, Publicist at (818) 378-5648 or DianaKaraca@yahoo.com
[Assignment Editors: Camera crews and photographers welcome. Please RSVP]
Photos/Logo/Flyer may be taken and printed given with proper credit at: www.myspace.com/songchecklive
The Mosaic Project inquiries, contact: Lara Mendel at 510-530-3377 or info@mosaicproject.org
Sponsorship inquiries, contact: Matt Russell at (949) 338-1658 or Matt@SongCheckLive.com

###