The Shake Up

I can’t be your hero/I can’t save the day/I can’t catch you when you fall/I just feel so weak from this all - “Hero” by Spencer Hodge

Spencer Hodge may not consider himself a hero, but he proved he was worthy of top honors at the inaugural Kentucky State Fair Songwriter Contest last year. The contest returns for its second year, but with an exciting new addition. On three consecutive Saturdays in June, local music shop Mom’s Music and the Young Adult Project tent will join forces to offer Songwriter Workshops to allow contestants to polish their entries before the July 1 deadline.

Each session will begin with a panel-style discussion led by professional songwriters allowing participants to ask questions regarding the songwriting profession. Aspiring young writers will have the exclusive opportunity to pick apart the minds of leading names including the man behind the catchy Seinfield theme song. Jonathan Wolff will offer the expertise of his extensive television career that has led to an impressive rap sheet boasting household names such as Will & Grace, Who’s the Boss? and King of Queens. Phil Copeland, who has taken home Emmys for his music on both ESPN’s SportsCentury and the CBS soap opera, Guiding Light, will showcase his diverse talent and expansive knowledge of the field.

Participating songwriters may also perform select pieces, describing their creative process or revealing where the seed of a song idea originated.

Gregory Riggle, VP of Industry Relations & Business Communications at SESAC, an international performing rights organization, will wrap up each workshop with his “Music Business 101” presentation. This interactive session will lay down the basics of the industry and demonstrate the life-cycle of a song through today’s music marketplace. Those participating in the workshops will learn valuable information regarding copyright, publishing and licensing.

The Kentucky State Fair Songwriter Workshops are free, but pre-registration is required, by no later than 12:00 noon on the Friday before each workshop. To register, email Stephanie Darst at sdarst@ksfb.ky.gov or call 502.367.5496, leaving your name, age, email address, and telephone number.

Date:               Time:                          Featured Songwriters:

June 11            2:00 to 4:00 p.m.         Paul Moffett and Anthony Payton

June 18            2:00 to 4:00 p.m.         Jonathan Wolff and Phil Copeland

June 25            2:00 to 4:00 p.m.         kRi and Hettie, Peter Searcy and BJ Davis

Don’t forget to submit your entries by July 1! Guidelines for the 2011 Kentucky State Fair Songwriter Contest are available online: www.kystatefair.org/specialAreas/yap.aspx

What does Louisiville’s biggest rock star have in common with Steve Jobs? If you guesssed hair style, you’re dead wrong. Actually, they don’t really have anything in common, except for the fact that is he a downloadable App for Apple iPod touches, iPads and iPhones.

In just a little more than a month, Rockin Ted has taken the App Store by storm, and strummed and head banged his way into the hearts and electronic devices of fans everywhere.

Rockin Ted was given his big break by Louisville App creation company, 32 Leap. While this animated interactive guitar player has yet to make it onto the Billboard Charts, he has already graced the Top Paid iPhone Entertainment Apps List, as well as securing an impressive 23rd place in the What’s Hot segment of iPhone Entertainment Apps! Rockin Ted has already been downloaded in 20 countries, making him a world famous rock icon.

Even with all the media attention, Rockin Ted hasn’t lost sight of what’s important, and that’s the music. Unlike other performers in his genre, you can see Rockin Ted perform for just a $0.99 download at the App Store. Or, see him at the Kentucky State Fair Battle of the Bands competition in August. We have yet to confirm we can lock him down for a performance, but his people tell us he is pretty excited about the opportunity, as he is a huge fan of the Fair…