Grassman Press Releases

Grassman Press Releases http://jennifergrassman.com/pressreleases.cfm Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:22:24 GMT http://bandzoogle.com 01/15/2010: Recording Artist Partners with High School to Give Students a Shot at their Dreams http://jennifergrassman.com/pressreleases.cfm?feature=724712&postid=162156 Recording Artist Partners with High School to Give Students a Shot at their Dreams Jennifer Grassman Teams Up with Carl Wunsche Sr. High School to Offer Kids a Unique Music Industry Internship Houston, TX – January 15, 2010 – Texas based recording artist Jennifer Grassman recently joined forces with <a href="https://academy.springisd.org/index.asp" target="_new">Carl Wunsche Sr. High School (CWHS) to offer students a unique opportunity – the chance to actively engage in a Music Industry Internship. Students, grades 10-12, are working with Grassman to launch a radio campaign, conduct an online social media marketing campaign, and organize the production of two music videos for airing on major internet venues such as <a href="http://www.youtube.com" target="_new">YouTube and <a href="http://www.mtv.co.uk/" target="_new">MTV-UK. Also partnering in the internship is Candace Runaas of <a href="http://www.RunaasResources.com" target="_new">Runaas Resources, a PR firm. "I'm really excited about my internship with Jennifer Grassman and Runaas Resources,” stated Cody, a CWHS senior. “It’s an outstanding chance for us to showcase our ideas and skills. I think it's great that Carl Wunsche offers its students such unique opportunities to expresses ourselves in ways we otherwise wouldn’t experience." In October, 2009, Grassman and Runaas gave a presentation at CWHS about the inner workings of the industry from a business standpoint, a side that the students don’t usually see on popular TV shows such as <a href="http://www.americanidol.com/" target="_new">American Idol. “When I originally went to meet the students,” said Grassman, “I wasn’t sure what to expect. Since then their intelligence, creativity, ingenuity and enthusiasm have become a source of continual inspiration and motivation for me.” The sentiment is reciprocated according to senior, Briauna, who said, “Meeting Jennifer was a big confidence booster in my pursuit of songwriting. She helped me realize that you have to leap out and take a chance. You never know what good may come of it!” Not only are CWHS students able to get first hand experience in the music industry, but Grassman is enlisting local businesses to offer the kids mini-master classes. One such company is BrightBox (<a href="http://www.BrightBox.com" target="_new">www.BrightBoxOnline), a Houston based marketing agency specializing in animation, video production, graphic design and corporate branding. “This internship opens a lot of doors in the industry,” said Leeann, a CWHS student. “It's also a lot of fun and very exciting.” Leeann also expressed excitement about their forthcoming tour of <a href="http://www.houstonpbs.org" target="_new">Houston PBS and <a href="http://app1.kuhf.org/main.php" target="_new">Houston Public Radio (KUHF), in late January. Businesses interested in offering further opportunities to the students, or who would like to be involved in the Music Industry intern project, may contact Candace Runaas at 281.257.4431 or <a href="mailto:info@runaasresources.com">info[at]runaasresources.com. About Carl Wunsche Sr. High School Carl Wunsche Sr. High School, a Career Academy in Spring ISD. Students choosing to attend the Academy have opportunities to enhance academic and career success through participation in workplace learning activities, internships, mentorships, and/or cooperative learning programs. Students will also be able to earn college articulated credit, therefore getting a head start on their post-secondary education. For more information please visit <a href="https://academy.springisd.org/index.asp" target="_new">https://academy.springisd.org/index.asp About Jennifer Grassman Jennifer Grassman is a classically-trained vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist, whose award-winning music video, Pretty Girls, produced by Houston’s own Zenfilm, premiered worldwide in 2009 and received Best Music Video at the 2009 Los Angeles film festival, Dances with Films. Grassman’s music effortlessly fuses diverse elements of classical, Celtic, gothic and rock styles into a beautiful, moving genre all her own. Grassman’s most recent CD project, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, is due for release in Spring 2010. She resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and two cats. To learn more, please visit <a href="./home.cfm" target="_new">www.JenniferGrassman.com About Runaas Resources LLC Established in 2005, Runaas Resources LLC is a virtual public relations agency located in Spring, Texas. Candace Runaas, company president, receives much recognition for her innovative PR methods and her involvement in the community. For more information, please contact Candace Runaas at <a href="mailto:info@runaasresources.com">info[at]runaasresources.com. Website: <a href="http://www.RunaasResources.com" target="_new">www.runaasresources.com Recording Artist Partners with High School to Give Students a Shot at their Dreams

Jennifer Grassman Teams Up with Carl Wunsche Sr. High School to Offer Kids a Unique Music Industry Internship
Houston, TX – January 15, 2010 – Texas based recording artist Jennifer Grassman recently joined forces with Carl Wunsche Sr. High School (CWHS) to offer students a unique opportunity – the chance to actively engage in a Music Industry Internship. Students, grades 10-12, are working with Grassman to launch a radio campaign, conduct an online social media marketing campaign, and organize the production of two music videos for airing on major internet venues such as YouTube and MTV-UK. Also partnering in the internship is Candace Runaas of Runaas Resources, a PR firm.

"I'm really excited about my internship with Jennifer Grassman and Runaas Resources,” stated Cody, a CWHS senior. “It’s an outstanding chance for us to showcase our ideas and skills. I think it's great that Carl Wunsche offers its students such unique opportunities to expresses ourselves in ways we otherwise wouldn’t experience."

In October, 2009, Grassman and Runaas gave a presentation at CWHS about the inner workings of the industry from a business standpoint, a side that the students don’t usually see on popular TV shows such as American Idol.

“When I originally went to meet the students,” said Grassman, “I wasn’t sure what to expect. Since then their intelligence, creativity, ingenuity and enthusiasm have become a source of continual inspiration and motivation for me.”

The sentiment is reciprocated according to senior, Briauna, who said, “Meeting Jennifer was a big confidence booster in my pursuit of songwriting. She helped me realize that you have to leap out and take a chance. You never know what good may come of it!”

Not only are CWHS students able to get first hand experience in the music industry, but Grassman is enlisting local businesses to offer the kids mini-master classes. One such company is BrightBox (www.BrightBoxOnline), a Houston based marketing agency specializing in animation, video production, graphic design and corporate branding.

“This internship opens a lot of doors in the industry,” said Leeann, a CWHS student. “It's also a lot of fun and very exciting.” Leeann also expressed excitement about their forthcoming tour of Houston PBS and Houston Public Radio (KUHF), in late January.

Businesses interested in offering further opportunities to the students, or who would like to be involved in the Music Industry intern project, may contact Candace Runaas at 281.257.4431 or info[at]runaasresources.com.

About Carl Wunsche Sr. High School
Carl Wunsche Sr. High School, a Career Academy in Spring ISD. Students choosing to attend the Academy have opportunities to enhance academic and career success through participation in workplace learning activities, internships, mentorships, and/or cooperative learning programs. Students will also be able to earn college articulated credit, therefore getting a head start on their post-secondary education. For more information please visit https://academy.springisd.org/index.asp

About Jennifer Grassman
Jennifer Grassman is a classically-trained vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist, whose award-winning music video, Pretty Girls, produced by Houston’s own Zenfilm, premiered worldwide in 2009 and received Best Music Video at the 2009 Los Angeles film festival, Dances with Films. Grassman’s music effortlessly fuses diverse elements of classical, Celtic, gothic and rock styles into a beautiful, moving genre all her own. Grassman’s most recent CD project, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, is due for release in Spring 2010. She resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and two cats. To learn more, please visit www.JenniferGrassman.com

About Runaas Resources LLC
Established in 2005, Runaas Resources LLC is a virtual public relations agency located in Spring, Texas. Candace Runaas, company president, receives much recognition for her innovative PR methods and her involvement in the community. For more information, please contact Candace Runaas at info[at]runaasresources.com.
Website: www.runaasresources.com

]]> Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:22:24 GMT 0F994CDB6C5131CEBB6BCA604521C90D Serpent Tales & Nightingales Harkens Back to The Great Depression Era http://jennifergrassman.com/pressreleases.cfm?feature=724712&postid=158274 Current Economy in Mind, Texas Songstress Harkens Back to Depression Era Music and Art with New Album Jennifer Grassman Draws on 1930’s Period Influences for Her New CD, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, in an Effort to Comfort Houston, TX – January 8, 2010 – Midst a global economic recession, Texas singer, pianist, and songwriter Jennifer Grassman decided to give her newest album, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, special historical and cultural relevance by selecting songs and designing artwork reminiscent of The Great Depression. “Our world is in a state of financial turmoil,” explained Grassman, “and I know first hand the desperate straits so many of our friends and family are in. I researched Great Depression era music and found that most hit songs of that period were either extremely depressing (like ‘Stormy Weather’) or defiantly silly (like ‘Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?’). I modeled Serpent Tales & Nightingales to feature songs from both extremes.” Grassman researched legendary musicians such as Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, and Frank Sinatra while composing and considering arrangements for her new songs. Guest musicians on her album include saxophonist Todd Oxford, whose virtuosity as a soloist and chamber musician has taken him across the globe. Grassman’s allusions to The Great Depression era do not stop at her songs; Grassman also designed the album packaging to be reflective of that period. “I have always admired Art Deco paintings,” stated Grassman, “and, when I came across this fabulous Polish painter named Tamara de Lempicka, I found the stylistic inspiration for my self-portrait on the CD cover; the jagged shapes, stark shading, and exaggerated proportions. It’s all thoroughly 1930’s.” In addition to the cover, the inner booklet features a number of fanciful and surreal illustrations by Grassman’s sisters, Lindsay and Kaitlin Grassman. RIGHT: The Brilliance, c.1932, by Tamara de Lempicka “It is my hope that if 1930’s era music got people through The Great Depression, my CD will help sustain people through this recession,” stated Grassman. Grassman’s desire to bolster her listeners is even reflected in the CD track order. She categorized her songs by topic according to The Five Stages of Grief; Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. In this way, the CD embodies an evolution from confusion, frustration and sadness into joy, peace and empowerment. In fact, the last words on the album are “My heart is at peace and finally resolved are my mind and soul. The scattered pieces of my self have combined to form a whole.” About Jennifer Grassman Jennifer Grassman is a classically-trained vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist, whose award-winning music video, Pretty Girls, produced by Houston’s own Zenfilm, premiered worldwide in 2009 and received Best Music Video at the 2009 Los Angeles film festival, Dances with Films. Grassman’s music effortlessly fuses diverse elements of classical, Celtic, gothic and rock styles into a beautiful, moving genre all her own. Grassman’s most recent CD project, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, is due for release in Spring 2010. She resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and two cats. To learn more, please visit www.JenniferGrassman.com Current Economy in Mind, Texas Songstress Harkens Back to Depression Era Music and Art with New Album

Jennifer Grassman Draws on 1930’s Period Influences for Her New CD, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, in an Effort to Comfort
Houston, TX – January 8, 2010 – Midst a global economic recession, Texas singer, pianist, and songwriter Jennifer Grassman decided to give her newest album, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, special historical and cultural relevance by selecting songs and designing artwork reminiscent of The Great Depression.

“Our world is in a state of financial turmoil,” explained Grassman, “and I know first hand the desperate straits so many of our friends and family are in. I researched Great Depression era music and found that most hit songs of that period were either extremely depressing (like ‘Stormy Weather’) or defiantly silly (like ‘Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?’). I modeled Serpent Tales & Nightingales to feature songs from both extremes.”

Grassman researched legendary musicians such as Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, and Frank Sinatra while composing and considering arrangements for her new songs. Guest musicians on her album include saxophonist Todd Oxford, whose virtuosity as a soloist and chamber musician has taken him across the globe.

Grassman’s allusions to The Great Depression era do not stop at her songs; Grassman also designed the album packaging to be reflective of that period.

“I have always admired Art Deco paintings,” stated Grassman, “and, when I came across this fabulous Polish painter named Tamara de Lempicka, I found the stylistic inspiration for my self-portrait on the CD cover; the jagged shapes, stark shading, and exaggerated proportions. It’s all thoroughly 1930’s.” In addition to the cover, the inner booklet features a number of fanciful and surreal illustrations by Grassman’s sisters, Lindsay and Kaitlin Grassman.

RIGHT: The Brilliance, c.1932, by Tamara de Lempicka

“It is my hope that if 1930’s era music got people through The Great Depression, my CD will help sustain people through this recession,” stated Grassman.

Grassman’s desire to bolster her listeners is even reflected in the CD track order. She categorized her songs by topic according to The Five Stages of Grief; Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. In this way, the CD embodies an evolution from confusion, frustration and sadness into joy, peace and empowerment. In fact, the last words on the album are “My heart is at peace and finally resolved are my mind and soul. The scattered pieces of my self have combined to form a whole.”

About Jennifer Grassman
Jennifer Grassman is a classically-trained vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist, whose award-winning music video, Pretty Girls, produced by Houston’s own Zenfilm, premiered worldwide in 2009 and received Best Music Video at the 2009 Los Angeles film festival, Dances with Films. Grassman’s music effortlessly fuses diverse elements of classical, Celtic, gothic and rock styles into a beautiful, moving genre all her own. Grassman’s most recent CD project, Serpent Tales & Nightingales, is due for release in Spring 2010. She resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and two cats. To learn more, please visit www.JenniferGrassman.com

]]> Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:35:00 GMT D3913D06A269F9AD7A566BB10F01E1FD ABC's 20/20 Covers 2003 Murder Case That Inspired Jennifer's Song "White Roses" http://jennifergrassman.com/pressreleases.cfm?feature=724712&postid=82082 Houston Recording Artist Interviewed by ABC’s 20/20 Regarding the 2003 Quadruple Murders of Clear Lake Teenagers Jennifer Grassman Recognized by 20/20 for her 2003 Crime Stoppers Benefit Concerts Houston, TX – September 18, 2009 – At the request of the parents of Rachael Koloroutis, 18, who was murdered in a Clear Lake, Texas, suburban home on July 18, 2003, Houston-based recording artist Jennifer Grassman recently interviewed with ABC’s 20/20 regarding the six year old quadruple homicide case. In addition to Grassman’s high school friend, Rachael, three others victims, Tiffany Rowell, 18, Adelbert Sanchez, 21, and Marcus Precella, 19, were also found bludgeoned and shot on that fateful afternoon. “I remember my Mom calling me up at work,” said Grassman, now 24. “She said, ‘Honey, I’ve got some horrible news. Rachael’s dead. She’s been murdered.’ At first I couldn’t process the idea that she was talking about Rachael Koloroutis. I got numb all over. It was a feeling of profound shock, disbelief, and horror.” Determined to bring comfort to the bereaved family and help the Houston Police Department apprehend the culprits, Grassman organized several memorial concerts to raise money for Rachael’s Crime Stoppers Reward Fund. With Grassman’s help, the Koloroutis family and Houston Crime Stoppers raised $100,000 for the reward fund, which at the time, was the largest reward in Crime Stoppers history. After four torturous years of minimal leads and no answers, friends and family of the deceased were finally given some closure, when Christopher Snider and Christine Paolilla were charged with capital murder. Snider committed suicide before he was captured. Paolilla was apprehended and sentenced to life in prison on Monday, October 18, 2008 in the court room of Judge Mark Kent Ellis. “I remember sitting in court not ten feet away from Christine Paolilla,” stated Grassman, “and wondering how someone who looked so small and miserable could have committed such a maliciously violent act. There can be no complete closure for anyone who knew Rachael, because nothing can fill the void that she left behind. Our only peace is in knowing that she is in Heaven, and God will avenge her death.” The episode of 20/20 featuring the Koloroutis case and Grassman’s interview is set to air on September 25, 2009, at 10/9 CT on ABC. An online memorial for Rachael Koloroutis will be posted on the front page of www.JenniferGrassman.com, along with a download of the song which Grassman wrote for Rachael, entitled White Roses. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Crime Stoppers in memory of Koloroutis. <a href="./musicstore.cfm">CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE. “I wanted to immortalize Rachael,” said Grassman. “She never got to attend college, get married, have kids, or do all the great things she dreamed of doing. I want everyone to know that Rachael is not just a statistic. Any parent would have been proud to have a girl like Rachael as a daughter, and she should still be with us today.” About Jennifer Grassman Jennifer Grassman is a vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist. Grassman’s music effortlessly fuses diverse elements of classical, Celtic, gothic and rock styles into a beautiful, moving genre all her own. She resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and two cats. To learn more, please visit www.JenniferGrassman.com or www.rainnoverhouston.org. About 20/20 ABC's second longest running prime-time series, 20/20 is a newsmagazine that mixes investigative pieces with human-interest and celebrity features. Hosted by John Stossel and Elizabeth Vargas, 20/20 airs in Houston every Friday at 9/10 CT on ABC. Houston Recording Artist Interviewed by ABC’s 20/20 Regarding the 2003 Quadruple Murders of Clear Lake Teenagers

Jennifer Grassman Recognized by 20/20 for her 2003 Crime Stoppers Benefit Concerts

Houston, TX – September 18, 2009 – At the request of the parents of Rachael Koloroutis, 18, who was murdered in a Clear Lake, Texas, suburban home on July 18, 2003, Houston-based recording artist Jennifer Grassman recently interviewed with ABC’s 20/20 regarding the six year old quadruple homicide case. In addition to Grassman’s high school friend, Rachael, three others victims, Tiffany Rowell, 18, Adelbert Sanchez, 21, and Marcus Precella, 19, were also found bludgeoned and shot on that fateful afternoon.

“I remember my Mom calling me up at work,” said Grassman, now 24. “She said, ‘Honey, I’ve got some horrible news. Rachael’s dead. She’s been murdered.’ At first I couldn’t process the idea that she was talking about Rachael Koloroutis. I got numb all over. It was a feeling of profound shock, disbelief, and horror.”

Determined to bring comfort to the bereaved family and help the Houston Police Department apprehend the culprits, Grassman organized several memorial concerts to raise money for Rachael’s Crime Stoppers Reward Fund. With Grassman’s help, the Koloroutis family and Houston Crime Stoppers raised $100,000 for the reward fund, which at the time, was the largest reward in Crime Stoppers history.

After four torturous years of minimal leads and no answers, friends and family of the deceased were finally given some closure, when Christopher Snider and Christine Paolilla were charged with capital murder. Snider committed suicide before he was captured. Paolilla was apprehended and sentenced to life in prison on Monday, October 18, 2008 in the court room of Judge Mark Kent Ellis.

“I remember sitting in court not ten feet away from Christine Paolilla,” stated Grassman, “and wondering how someone who looked so small and miserable could have committed such a maliciously violent act. There can be no complete closure for anyone who knew Rachael, because nothing can fill the void that she left behind. Our only peace is in knowing that she is in Heaven, and God will avenge her death.”

The episode of 20/20 featuring the Koloroutis case and Grassman’s interview is set to air on September 25, 2009, at 10/9 CT on ABC. An online memorial for Rachael Koloroutis will be posted on the front page of www.JenniferGrassman.com, along with a download of the song which Grassman wrote for Rachael, entitled White Roses. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Crime Stoppers in memory of Koloroutis. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE.

“I wanted to immortalize Rachael,” said Grassman. “She never got to attend college, get married, have kids, or do all the great things she dreamed of doing. I want everyone to know that Rachael is not just a statistic. Any parent would have been proud to have a girl like Rachael as a daughter, and she should still be with us today.”

About Jennifer Grassman
Jennifer Grassman is a vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist. Grassman’s music effortlessly fuses diverse elements of classical, Celtic, gothic and rock styles into a beautiful, moving genre all her own. She resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and two cats. To learn more, please visit www.JenniferGrassman.com or www.rainnoverhouston.org.

About 20/20
ABC's second longest running prime-time series, 20/20 is a newsmagazine that mixes investigative pieces with human-interest and celebrity features. Hosted by John Stossel and Elizabeth Vargas, 20/20 airs in Houston every Friday at 9/10 CT on ABC.
]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:40:00 GMT 0117C83F4351DA95151BB0EEA70DB7E0 Runaas Resources Wins Business of the Year Award http://jennifergrassman.com/pressreleases.cfm?feature=724712&postid=50332 Houston Area PR Agency Honored by the Spring-Klein Chamber of Commerce July 25, 2009 - SPRING, TX - <a href="http://www.RunaasResources.com" target="_new">Runaas Resources LLC announced today that the independent public relations agency received the Spring-Klein Chamber of Commerce’s (SKCC) Toni Award for 2009 Business of the Year. “I am so surprised and honored to receive this…,” said Candace Runaas, president of <a href="http://www.RunaasResources.com" target="_new">Runaas Resources, whose company focuses primarily on representing women-owned businesses. She has earned a reputation for her active support of the local business community and her altruistic involvement with non-profit organizations and anti-abuse causes. The SKCC Toni Award recognizes area businesses that contribute to the economic growth of the Spring-Klein area through active support of the Chamber and its member businesses. Namesake of the award, Toni Richard, chamber president and co-founder, and Assad Shorrosh, executive board member, presented the award to a tearful Runaas, during the chamber’s 2nd Annual Christmas in July Gala on Friday, July 24, 2009. The annual fundraiser also serves as a celebration of the one year anniversary of the young chamber. The first Christmas in July Gala was held only two months after the chamber’s inaugural luncheon in May 2008. This year’s event featured Commissioner Jerry Eversole as the guest of honor. “No one could have deserved this award more,” stated Jennifer Grassman, a Runaas Resources client. “I enjoy working with Runaas Resources because they are a creative, strategic and effective PR agency. Candace has such a big heart. She is a fierce advocate for small business owners and community causes. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does and I am honored to say that I work with her.” About Runaas Resources LLC Established in 2005, <a href="http://www.RunaasResources.com" target="_new">Runaas Resources LLC is a virtual public relations agency located in Spring, Texas. Candace Runaas, company president, receives much recognition for her innovative PR methods and her involvement in the community. For more information, please contact Candace Runaas at <a href="mailto:info@runaasresources.com">info[@]www.runaasresources.com. Website: <a href="http://www.RunaasResources.com" target="_new">www.runaasresources.com Houston Area PR Agency Honored by the Spring-Klein Chamber of Commerce
July 25, 2009 - SPRING, TX - Runaas Resources LLC announced today that the independent public relations agency received the Spring-Klein Chamber of Commerce’s (SKCC) Toni Award for 2009 Business of the Year.

“I am so surprised and honored to receive this…,” said Candace Runaas, president of Runaas Resources, whose company focuses primarily on representing women-owned businesses. She has earned a reputation for her active support of the local business community and her altruistic involvement with non-profit organizations and anti-abuse causes.

The SKCC Toni Award recognizes area businesses that contribute to the economic growth of the Spring-Klein area through active support of the Chamber and its member businesses.

Namesake of the award, Toni Richard, chamber president and co-founder, and Assad Shorrosh, executive board member, presented the award to a tearful Runaas, during the chamber’s 2nd Annual Christmas in July Gala on Friday, July 24, 2009.

The annual fundraiser also serves as a celebration of the one year anniversary of the young chamber. The first Christmas in July Gala was held only two months after the chamber’s inaugural luncheon in May 2008. This year’s event featured Commissioner Jerry Eversole as the guest of honor.

“No one could have deserved this award more,” stated Jennifer Grassman, a Runaas Resources client. “I enjoy working with Runaas Resources because they are a creative, strategic and effective PR agency. Candace has such a big heart. She is a fierce advocate for small business owners and community causes. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does and I am honored to say that I work with her.”

About Runaas Resources LLC
Established in 2005, Runaas Resources LLC is a virtual public relations agency located in Spring, Texas. Candace Runaas, company president, receives much recognition for her innovative PR methods and her involvement in the community. For more information, please contact Candace Runaas at info[@]www.runaasresources.com.
Website: www.runaasresources.com

]]> Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:13:18 GMT CEBCCCDCF86C960334349AA79D6F8CB2 Jennifer Grassman, The Southern Backtones, Zenfilm & TLM win at Dances With Films http://jennifergrassman.com/pressreleases.cfm?feature=724712&postid=46101 The results are in and a number of talented filmmakers have received jury awards at the 12th Annual <a target="_new" href="http://www.DancesWithFilms.com">Dances With Films Festival in Los Angeles. Out of a field of over 1500 films, about 90 were selected for screening this year. Of those 90, two <a target="_new" href="http://www.Zenfilms.com">Zenfilm projects were chosen; <a href="./home.cfm">Jennifer Grassman's "<a href="./prettygirls.cfm">Pretty Girls" and <a target="_new" href="http://www.southernbacktones.com">Southern Backtones "<a target="_new" href="http://www.vimeo.com/3485725">Slumber Party." Both projects were produced in conjunction with the artists' record labels TLM (Jennifer Grassman) and Rat Pak Records (Southern Backtones).   "<a href="./prettygirls.cfm">Pretty Girls" won the first jury award for music video in the 12 year history of the festival. Music video has been a category for non-juried screening in past years. Last year Zen's "<a target="_new" href="http://www.vimeo.com/362011">Forever" video for the Backtones won the audience choice award for music video at DWF. "The exciting thing about this years music video screenings is that the music videos ran movie trailer style prior to every screening at the festival", says Zenfilm director W. Ross Wells. "This ensured that a large percentage of attendees saw the entries throughout the festival." The Zenfilm music video project which has been going on for over a year and a half has attracted national attention, resulted in music videos that have been broadcast nationally (MTV networks) and internationally (Much Music and others). The goal has been to draw recording industry attention and business to the Houston market. As a result Zen, currently has two music video projects in development and two in post... all for East Coast record labels. The artists as well as the creative teams at TLM and Rat Pak are honored to have been selected for this years festival. Of course the entire team that worked on "Pretty Girls" is thrilled to bring home the DWF Star for music video. Pretty Girls was filmed at two historic locations in the Greater Houston area, at 69 year old SugarHill Recording Studios and the 158 year old Briscoe Ranch in Richmond. The video was produced by Andrew Amelang and Dan Workman for TLM and Merideth Melville and Jarrod Gullett for Zen. Cinematography duties were shared by <a target="_new" href="http://www.raulcasares.com/">Raul Casares (Richmond Unit) and <a target="_new" href="http://www.wayneforster.net/">Wayne Forster (SugarHill Unit.) <a target="_new" href="http://www.panavision.com/contact_us_contacts.php?Location_Id=95&continent=1&Location_Type_Id=1">Panavision Plus 8 Houston and <a target="_new" href="http://www.mclighting.com/">MC Lighting/The Lighting Zone helped make the productions possible through their support. A full list of credits is available on <a href="./prettygirls.cfm">this page. Unit photography by <a target="_new" href="http://www.everettt.com/">Everett Taasevigen. Congratulations and thanks to all that made this win possible. Rock on! Dances With Films Festival in Los Angeles.

Out of a field of over 1500 films, about 90 were selected for screening this year. Of those 90, two Zenfilm projects were chosen; Jennifer Grassman's "Pretty Girls" and Southern Backtones "Slumber Party." Both projects were produced in conjunction with the artists' record labels TLM (Jennifer Grassman) and Rat Pak Records (Southern Backtones).

"Pretty Girls" won the first jury award for music video in the 12 year history of the festival. Music video has been a category for non-juried screening in past years. Last year Zen's "Forever" video for the Backtones won the audience choice award for music video at DWF.

"The exciting thing about this years music video screenings is that the music videos ran movie trailer style prior to every screening at the festival", says Zenfilm director W. Ross Wells. "This ensured that a large percentage of attendees saw the entries throughout the festival."

The Zenfilm music video project which has been going on for over a year and a half has attracted national attention, resulted in music videos that have been broadcast nationally (MTV networks) and internationally (Much Music and others). The goal has been to draw recording industry attention and business to the Houston market. As a result Zen, currently has two music video projects in development and two in post... all for East Coast record labels.

The artists as well as the creative teams at TLM and Rat Pak are honored to have been selected for this years festival. Of course the entire team that worked on "Pretty Girls" is thrilled to bring home the DWF Star for music video.

Pretty Girls was filmed at two historic locations in the Greater Houston area, at 69 year old SugarHill Recording Studios and the 158 year old Briscoe Ranch in Richmond.

The video was produced by Andrew Amelang and Dan Workman for TLM and Merideth Melville and Jarrod Gullett for Zen. Cinematography duties were shared by Raul Casares (Richmond Unit) and Wayne Forster (SugarHill Unit.) Panavision Plus 8 Houston and MC Lighting/The Lighting Zone helped make the productions possible through their support. A full list of credits is available on this page.

Unit photography by Everett Taasevigen.

Congratulations and thanks to all that made this win possible. Rock on!]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:50:00 GMT CFFCCE4595F31E32269331886C040E60 May 9, 2009 Release Regarding New Music Industry Business Model http://jennifergrassman.com/pressreleases.cfm?feature=724712&postid=42346 Texas Based Independent Recording Artist Jennifer Grassman Flouts Traditional Music Industry Precedents Houston Based Recording Artist Jennifer Grassman Puts an Innovative New Twist on Album Production and Music Marketing with the help of Spring Fitness Centers May 9, 2009 – HOUSTON, TEXAS – Houston based recording artist Jennifer Grassman recently split from her record label of five years, Truth Love Music, and set out to produce and fund her third album as an independent artist in the purest sense of the term. With projected production expenses for the album approximating $10,000, Grassman needed an innovative way to raise funds and market her music. “I’ve always been an entrepreneur,” said Grassman, “so I did not find raising $10,000 to be particularly intimidating. Money is the oil that lubes the cogs of creative production. I view it as the means to an end, not as the end. Meaningful art is the ultimate end. Since the majority of my fans are diehard art and performing arts enthusiasts, I decided to offer them an opportunity that would appeal to their passion. In exchange for donations they can receive secret concert tickets, get their name listed in my album credits, and other such novel tidbits.” Grassman’s various sponsorship levels range from $25 to over $1,000, and “Thank You Gifts” for said sponsorships range from a free CD to a privately held house concert and dinner, for you and your friends, right in your home. Although these opportunities have only been available for a little over a week, several contributions have already been made, including one by area gym, Spring Fitness. Spring Fitness will be receiving credit in Grassman’s upcoming album, Serpents’ Tales & Nightingales, as well as on her website, www.JenniferGrassman.com, where a list of sponsorship opportunities can be found. “Spring Fitness is actually the gym that my husband Jason and I attend,” said Grassman. “I love their facilities because they have an exclusive women’s area and it’s not pretentious like a lot of the bigger chain gyms. Jason and I went in to work out recently and the owner, Tom (who is almost always there), informed us that he wanted to donate towards the album. That, as you can imagine, solidified my commitment to working out there. My abs have already improved!” This new business model which incorporates fan and corporate sponsorships is quite deviant from the traditional music industry model, in which a record label would provide the capitol to fund an artist’s projects. Given that in this case no record label is in play, Grassman decided to do what she does best; be creative. “My music is creative,” stated Grassman, “and that seems to fly pretty well. Why should my marketing or business practices be any different? If it’s ethical and inspired, I’m up for it. Besides, business should be fun, especially in regards to the arts.” About Jennifer Grassman Jennifer Grassman is a vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist. Grassman’s music effortlessly fuses diverse elements of classical, Celtic, gothic and rock styles into a beautiful, moving genre all her own. She resides in northwest Houston, Texas with her husband and two cats. To learn more, please visit www.JenniferGrassman.com or www.rainnoverhouston.org. About Spring Fitness Founded in 1994, Spring Fitness Center provides customers with “family style fitness.” While most gym facilities charge extra for personal training, child care, aerobics and tanning, Spring Fitness is special in that it incorporates these services into one low monthly fee competitive even with non profit centers such as The YMCA. Spring Fitness also has sister clubs in Tomball and off FM 1484. To learn more please visit www.NewSpringFitness.com. CONTACT: Candace Runaas 281-257-4431 <a href="mailto:info@runaasresources.com">info@runaasresources.com <a href="./files/Gym-Owner-Thomas-Kennison-Recording-Artist-Jennifer-Grassman-3.jpg" target="_new">DOWNLOAD HI-DEF PHOTO (shown) <a href="./sponsors.cfm">VIEW SPONSOR LEVELS <a href="./donations.cfm">VIEW PROJECTED ALBUM BUDGET <a href="./files/Jennifer-Grassman-Spring-Fitness-May-9-2009-Press-Release.doc" target="_new">DOWNLOAD WORD FILE Texas Based Independent Recording Artist Jennifer Grassman Flouts Traditional Music Industry Precedents

Houston Based Recording Artist Jennifer Grassman Puts an Innovative New Twist on Album Production and Music Marketing with the help of Spring Fitness Centers

May 9, 2009 – HOUSTON, TEXAS – Houston based recording artist Jennifer Grassman recently split from her record label of five years, Truth Love Music, and set out to produce and fund her third album as an independent artist in the purest sense of the term. With projected production expenses for the album approximating $10,000, Grassman needed an innovative way to raise funds and market her music.

“I’ve always been an entrepreneur,” said Grassman, “so I did not find raising $10,000 to be particularly intimidating. Money is the oil that lubes the cogs of creative production. I view it as the means to an end, not as the end. Meaningful art is the ultimate end. Since the majority of my fans are diehard art and performing arts enthusiasts, I decided to offer them an opportunity that would appeal to their passion. In exchange for donations they can receive secret concert tickets, get their name listed in my album credits, and other such novel tidbits.”

Grassman’s various sponsorship levels range from $25 to over $1,000, and “Thank You Gifts” for said sponsorships range from a free CD to a privately held house concert and dinner, for you and your friends, right in your home. Although these opportunities have only been available for a little over a week, several contributions have already been made, including one by area gym, Spring Fitness. Spring Fitness will be receiving credit in Grassman’s upcoming album, Serpents’ Tales & Nightingales, as well as on her website, www.JenniferGrassman.com, where a list of sponsorship opportunities can be found.

“Spring Fitness is actually the gym that my husband Jason and I attend,” said Grassman. “I love their facilities because they have an exclusive women’s area and it’s not pretentious like a lot of the bigger chain gyms. Jason and I went in to work out recently and the owner, Tom (who is almost always there), informed us that he wanted to donate towards the album. That, as you can imagine, solidified my commitment to working out there. My abs have already improved!”

This new business model which incorporates fan and corporate sponsorships is quite deviant from the traditional music industry model, in which a record label would provide the capitol to fund an artist’s projects. Given that in this case no record label is in play, Grassman decided to do what she does best; be creative.

“My music is creative,” stated Grassman, “and that seems to fly pretty well. Why should my marketing or business practices be any different? If it’s ethical and inspired, I’m up for it. Besides, business should be fun, especially in regards to the arts.”

About Jennifer Grassman
Jennifer Grassman is a vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist. Grassman’s music effortlessly fuses diverse elements of classical, Celtic, gothic and rock styles into a beautiful, moving genre all her own. She resides in northwest Houston, Texas with her husband and two cats. To learn more, please visit www.JenniferGrassman.com or www.rainnoverhouston.org.

About Spring Fitness
Founded in 1994, Spring Fitness Center provides customers with “family style fitness.” While most gym facilities charge extra for personal training, child care, aerobics and tanning, Spring Fitness is special in that it incorporates these services into one low monthly fee competitive even with non profit centers such as The YMCA. Spring Fitness also has sister clubs in Tomball and off FM 1484. To learn more please visit www.NewSpringFitness.com.

CONTACT:
Candace Runaas
281-257-4431
info@runaasresources.com

DOWNLOAD HI-DEF PHOTO (shown)

VIEW SPONSOR LEVELS

VIEW PROJECTED ALBUM BUDGET

DOWNLOAD WORD FILE

]]> Wed, 13 May 2009 22:05:00 GMT AA1A8A024EE497FB975B4B500F37EBDA April 27, 2009 Release Regarding Music Video Awards http://jennifergrassman.com/pressreleases.cfm?feature=724712&postid=42345 “Pretty Girls” Wins Gold at Worldfest Houston Film Festival Zenfilm and Jennifer Grassman’s music video collaboration continues to earn respect among artistic peers   Houston, TX – April 27, 2009 – Jennifer Grassman Music and Zenfilm clinch another award for their music video Pretty Girls. The Worldfest Houston Film Festival presented the artistic team, which includes TLM Productions, with the coveted Gold Remi. In February 2009, the video also received a Silver Addy from the American Advertising Federation. “This recognition means so much to me as an artist,” says Grassman. “It is a true honor to have Worldfest and The American Advertising Federation recognize our work with such distinguished awards.” Pretty Girls, Grassman's first music video, unveiled worldwide in December 2008, garnering significant US and international attention, including airplay on MTV-UK and festival screenings across the United States. The track single hails from her debut album At the Back of the North Wind and is described as a “surreal, dark and beautiful homage to women through the centuries and the joys and dangers that their beauty has drawn into their lives” by Zenfilm director Ross Wells. Filmed in and around a 150 year old rural farmhouse outside of Richmond, Texas, Pretty Girls captures dramatic and dangerous moments in the lives of attractive females throughout the ages. The narrative is intercut with dynamic performance footage of Jennifer Grassman filmed in Studio A of 'The Abbey Road of the South', historic SugarHill Studios, in Houston. The award-winning video is gaining a rampant online viral presence. To view Jennifer Grassman’s Pretty Girls music video, visit www.JenniferGrassman.com. About Jennifer Grassman Jennifer Grassman is a vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist. Grassman’s music effortlessly fuses diverse elements of classical, Celtic, gothic and rock styles into a beautiful, moving genre all her own. She resides in northwest Houston, Texas with her husband and two cats. To learn more, please visit www.JenniferGrassman.com or www.rainnoverhouston.org. About Zenfilm Zenfilm is a film production company and postproduction boutique founded by the award winning team of Executive Producer Merideth Melville and Director W. Ross Wells. The company has produced award winning music videos that have received international airplay and festival recognition in recent years. Zenfilm worked together with Dan Workman and Andrew Amelang of TLM Productions to bring this project to the screen. For additional information, visit www.zenfilm.com or http://wrosswells.com. CONTACT: Candace Runaas 281-257-4431 <a href="mailto:info@runaasresources.com">info[at]runaasresources.com <a target="_new" href="./files/JGrassman-12.jpg">DOWNLOAD HI-DEF PHOTO 1 (shown)   <a target="_new" href="./files/JGrassman-11.jpg">DOWNLOAD HI-DEF PHOTO 2 <a href="./files/Grassman-Music-Video-Win-Addy-Remi-Awards-April-2009.doc" target="_new">DOWNLOAD WORD FILE “Pretty Girls” Wins Gold at Worldfest Houston Film Festival

Zenfilm and Jennifer Grassman’s music video collaboration continues to earn respect among artistic peers

Houston, TX – April 27, 2009 – Jennifer Grassman Music and Zenfilm clinch another award for their music video Pretty Girls. The Worldfest Houston Film Festival presented the artistic team, which includes TLM Productions, with the coveted Gold Remi. In February 2009, the video also received a Silver Addy from the American Advertising Federation.

“This recognition means so much to me as an artist,” says Grassman. “It is a true honor to have Worldfest and The American Advertising Federation recognize our work with such distinguished awards.”

Pretty Girls, Grassman's first music video, unveiled worldwide in December 2008, garnering significant US and international attention, including airplay on MTV-UK and festival screenings across the United States. The track single hails from her debut album At the Back of the North Wind and is described as a “surreal, dark and beautiful homage to women through the centuries and the joys and dangers that their beauty has drawn into their lives” by Zenfilm director Ross Wells.

Filmed in and around a 150 year old rural farmhouse outside of Richmond, Texas, Pretty Girls captures dramatic and dangerous moments in the lives of attractive females throughout the ages. The narrative is intercut with dynamic performance footage of Jennifer Grassman filmed in Studio A of 'The Abbey Road of the South', historic SugarHill Studios, in Houston.

The award-winning video is gaining a rampant online viral presence. To view Jennifer Grassman’s Pretty Girls music video, visit www.JenniferGrassman.com.

About Jennifer Grassman
Jennifer Grassman is a vocalist, pianist, composer and recording artist. Grassman’s music effortlessly fuses diverse elements of classical, Celtic, gothic and rock styles into a beautiful, moving genre all her own. She resides in northwest Houston, Texas with her husband and two cats. To learn more, please visit www.JenniferGrassman.com or www.rainnoverhouston.org.

About Zenfilm
Zenfilm is a film production company and postproduction boutique founded by the award winning team of Executive Producer Merideth Melville and Director W. Ross Wells. The company has produced award winning music videos that have received international airplay and festival recognition in recent years. Zenfilm worked together with Dan Workman and Andrew Amelang of TLM Productions to bring this project to the screen. For additional information, visit www.zenfilm.com or http://wrosswells.com.

CONTACT:
Candace Runaas
281-257-4431
info[at]runaasresources.com

DOWNLOAD HI-DEF PHOTO 1 (shown)

DOWNLOAD HI-DEF PHOTO 2

DOWNLOAD WORD FILE

]]> Wed, 13 May 2009 22:00:00 GMT 24DFC65770AC46FEDC2F4130BF81255D