Firesign Entertainment: News / Misc Info

Firesign Entertainment is expanding our services to include the entire Bay Area and ALL of Northern and Southern California and even Nevada (and beyond). Our focus and commitment is to provide the best entertainment for any occasion to a much larger geographical area. While staying true to our original company vision and philosophy, we are able to increase our presence to a much larger audience while maintaining our personal hands on approach to running the company. We expect to double our staff by the end of 2011 while still having the owners 'hands on' approach to every aspect of the business. Wheather providing the finest musicians, entertainers, or professional sound engineers and sound support, we can stay true to our proven reputation of being the best of the best in all of these areas. That is why we are consistently personally requested by many major corporations and celebrities time after time, and always strive to deliver the best service possible.

A very special show has been added to Firesign Entertainments Hot August Nights this year. Appearing August 5th will be Santanas front man 'Tony Lindsay'. A special Friday night version of the August series will feature Tony and his band. August 5th from 7-9pm. As always, this sries is free to the public!!
Some more about Tony Lindsay:

After 20 years as the lead vocalist for Santana, Tony Lindsay has garnered 11 Grammy awards, traveled on several world tours and recorded on seven CDs: Milagro (1992), Supernatural (1999), Shaman (2002), Ceremony (2003) and Food for Thought (2004), Ultimate Santana (2007) and Multi-Dimensional Warrior (2008). Their current tour involves Santana's First Rock Residency: an exclusive two-year deal for 36 shows with AEG at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino's concert hall "The Joint," which began May 27, 2009. When not on tour with Santana, Lindsay performs at various local venues and festivals. Also, in between tours he is currently recording the Fourth Solo CD.

Tony Lindsay also has quite an impressive curriculum vitae as songwriter: "Don't Be Late For Love" (The Whispers), "Look What We'd Have If You Were Mine" (Tevin Campbell), "Can't Get Over Your Love" (Howard Hewitt), "Just Because" (Nikita Germain) and various tracks for Johnny Gill, Howard Hewitt, Mica Paris, Shanice, Diatra Hicks, Jay Spencer and Diana Ross; background vocalist: "Everyday People" (Aretha Franklin), "Emotionally Yours" (O'Jays), "Glad To Be Alive" (Teddy Pendegrass), "Heaven and Earth" (Al Jarreau), "Passion," "Tango In Paris" (Regina Bell), "It's Supposed To Be Fun" (Lou Rawls), "People Make The World Go Round" (Marc Dorsey from the Spike Lee movie soundtrack Crooklyn), "Many Rivers To Cross" (Oletta Adams from the movie soundtrack Jason's Lyric), "Voyages" (Elliot Lewis), "Junction Seven" (Steve Winwood), "New World Order" (Curtis Mayfield), VH1 1997 Video Honors Award (Stevie Wonder, Steve Winwood, Chaka Khan, James Taylor, The Williams Brothers and George Michael) and Patti Austin & James Ingram under the direction of Quincy Jones and 18-piece orchestra, along with Jerry Hey for the Dick Clark Productions and the Lexus Corporation; jingle writer: various Taco Bell commercials, Gain, Northern California Chevrolet Dealers, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, El Pollo Loco, Hot Wheels, Long John Silvers, Pine-Sol, Jelly Belly, Wendy's, Mazda (national) Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Old Milwaukee Beer (national), Armor All, Dreyers Grand Ice Cream, Matchbox and St Joseph Aspirin; and solo recording artist: Different Moods (1995), The Message is Love (1997) and his current self-titled project Tony Lindsay (2005).

In 1980, Lindsay arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area from Kingston, New York, and continues to perform with the first band he formed Spangalang, who have opened for Curtis Mayfield, Tower of Power, Gerald Albright, Jr. Walker and the Average White Band. He is one of four singers who travels with "Dancing with the Stars," the road tour version of the popular TV Dance show, which began in 2005. Lindsay has joined three of the four seasons (he was on tour with Santana during 2007).

Firesign Entertainment Proudly presents 'Hot August Nights' 2011 at Santana Row's Park Valencia Stage. Every Saturday in August from 6:30-9pm Firesign Entertainment will present some of the best international touring, bay area based musicians. Including bassist extraordinaire -
'Stu Hamm' (featuring John Mader and Jude Gold), well known as the bass player of choie for Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.
'Soul Intention'
channeling the best of the old school R&B in the likes of Tower of Power and Earth Wind and Fire.
'Gypsy Tribe' - 'Music that passionately combines the
essence of Spain, Brazil,the Middle East, North and Latin America
and to wrap up the series -
'The Chad Tuckers ' - Internationally touring band performing some of the best pop and rock from the 80's,90's and today.
We have something or everyone. Come by after a day of shopping or fine dining and enjoy some of the bay areas finest music offerings courtesy of Firesign Entertainment.

Firesign Entertainment announces the second annual 'Sounds of the Row' summer music series to be held at Santana Row beginning Saturday June 26th and running every Saturday through August 14th, 1-4pm on the Park Valencia Stage (located in front of Maggiano's Restaurant in the main park area). This year Firesign's effort will be focused on raising awarenesss for the diminishing funding for music programs in our local schools. While we will not be soliciting or accepting donations during the events, we do strongly encourage you to make a donation to the school of your choice, and each school can determine the best way to utilize the funds specific to the needs of their music department.
Performers will include students from local schools at shows as a supporting or opening act for the headliner each week.
The complete lineup will be released in early May and we are excited about about all of the performers that will include the Robert Berry Band, Hush, and other local and international musicians. There is never a charge or admission for Firesign's shows at Santana Row and all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Most of the calendar is available online now!!
-Firesign Entertainment-

Firesign Entertainment would like to acknowledge and thank select local State Farm agents for their sponsorship of the 2nd annual 'Sounds of the Row' music series. As always, We encourage you to support our sponsors~

Individual sponsoring State Farm agents in the bay area include (in no particular order);

Pirie Jensen www.piriejensen.com (408) 985-2755 West Silicon Valley
Matt Gallaway www.mattgallaway.com (408) 260-3370 West Silicon Valley
Van Le www.vanle.biz (408) 259-8826 West Silicon Valley
Mike Keirstead www.mikekeirstead.com (408) 923-2073 West Silicon Valley
Donna DiLorenzo www.donnadilorenzo.com (408) 354-7250 West Silicon Valley
Curtis Ford www.Curtisford.com (408) 281-2911 South Silicon Valley
Mimi Lam www.mimilam.net (650) 237-9168 South Bay
Cheryl Ching www.cherylching.net (408) 777-9777 South Bay
Eva Martin Long www.evamartinlong.com (408) 973-0700 South Bay
Kristen Dorset www.kristendorset.com (650) 969-2871 South Bay
Catherine Chen www.catherinechen.com (408) 863-0000 South Bay
Suzette Elliott www.suzettelliott.com (408) 732-4100 East Silicon Valley

Firesign Entertainment is proud to present our 3rd annual 'Songwriters
Under the Stars' music series this year at Santana Row. Starting Thursday
May 27th and running through July 15th from 7-9pm we will showcase a
different musician known for their songwriting as well as being great
entertainers. This year we are bringing a diverse group of great
performers together for this series including Steve Kritzer, Robert Berry,
Mike Simpson, 'TBone' Ted Kastelic. See our calendar page for a complete
lineup available May 1st.

Firesign Entertainment presents: the Robert Berry Band and Hush –
A concert benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank.
Saturday, December 5, 2009 Santana Row
We will feature the 'Robert Berry Band' and 'Hush' - a free concert benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank. Join us on Saturday December 5th at Santana Row on the main stage (in front of Maggiano's restaurant) from 12:30 - 4:00pm. We will have free giveaways, and there will be collection barrels along with representatives from Second Harvest to accept your donations (canned food items, cash, or check). Please help us help those in need this holiday season. This is a very special concert and a great opportunity for you to get involved in helping your community while attending a great concert free to all ages. We recommend and ask that everyone bring at least 4-5 cans for the collection, but anything you can do will be appreciated. For more information visit us online at:
www.firesignentertainment.com

We are privileged to be working with Robert Berry this year and hope to make a huge impact in helping those in need this season and all year long. A lot of you on our mailing list are from the media (papers, radio, and television) and we hope that you will help us spread the word via PSA slots, printed media, spoken word or contact Darren or Kristina from Firesign for a personal interview. Robert's hires photo is available upon request. Those that are friends, musicians, or fans please feel free to share this with friends and family and as many people as you can and help spread the word.

About Robert Berry:
Firesign Entertainment presents: the Robert Berry Band and Hush –
A concert benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Saturday, December 5, 2009 Santana Row

Robert Berry has a long list of accomplishments. Besides being an award winning songwriter and record producer, he is a strong vocalist and certified multi-instrumentalist. Robert has recorded, played and toured with some of the biggest names in the music world, ask the likes of Steve Howe of Yes, Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer, Ambrosia, Sammy Hagar, Greg Kihn, and Boston. He has won a Bammie, been nominated for a Grammy, appeared on MTV and Good Morning America and sang the National Anthem at Candlestick Park. His songs have made the Top Ten and been featured on the silver screen.

Recently nominated for a Grammy Award for his latest solo effort, The Dividing Line, Berry has 6 previous solo releases to his credit and boasts a growing international following. Though he may be best known for sort-of-replacing Greg Lake in the ELP spinoff, 3, with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer, or admirably filling the seriously big shoes of David Pack during a stint with Ambrosia, or his work with his breakout group Hush, Robert is perhaps most at home as a solo artist and fronting the Robert Berry Band.

Performing at the event with Robert will be renowned guitarist Paul J. Keller, drummer Pete Adams and original Hush bassist, and founding member, Gene Perrault. The Robert Berry Band also includes guitarist Rob Fowler, keyboard wizard Jack Ortolani and vocalists Thom and Mary Ellen Duell.

Don’t miss this afternoon of melodic rock as Robert Berry performs with his band, and reunites Hush, at San Jose’s Santana Row for a special December 5, 2009 mid day concert to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.
www.robertberry.com

Thanks for your support, and we hope to see many of you on December 5th!

Firesign Entertainment proudly present 'The Robert Berry Band' along with 'Hush'. A concert benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank Silicon Valley. Grammy nominated recording artist, songwriter, producer and performing musician Robert Berry along with his band (and HUSH) will take the stage at Santana Row Saturday December 5th to support a wonderful charity. Please help us make this a successful event by bringing your canned / non perishable food donations to help those in need after an especially rough year for many. More details to come so please check back often.

Firesign Entertainment is auctioning off an autographed 'Sounds of the Row' cd, a compilation CD made exclusively for Santana Row by Firesign Entertainment and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society. The winning bidder will also receive a 'Sounds of the Row' T-Shirt. The autographed CD's are limited in quantity and one of the CD's signed by all of the musicians is being auctioning off this month (including Dean Markley of Dean Markley Strings). The winning bidder can make payment payable to the American Cancer Society directly. Please send your bids to info@firesignentertainment.com or simply reply to this email. The winner will be announced and posted on our site the first week of November. Also throughout the month of October, we are selling unsigned copies for $10 and $5 from each sale will go directly to the charity. Our goal is to exceed $1000 this month and Firesign Entertainment wqill be making a substantial donation as well as our goal is to match your donations up to $1000. Please help us fight this disease and find a cure. Firesign Co-Founder Darren Anderson's mother is a breast cancer survivor of over 15 years now so this is a special month and is very close to his heart. Please feel free to email any questions and thank you for your support. Look for a benefit concert coming soon as well!

Happy Anniversary Firesign!
Thank You(s)
May 2009 Special Events

May 2009 marks the 5th anniversary of Firesign Entertainment Group.

We will celebrate our 5 year anniversary in different ways, but here are a few highlights.

CD Release! – Firesign Entertainment has partnered with Santana Row to release a compilation CD of some of the artists that perform there on a regular basis.

‘Sounds from the Row’ (volume-1) (Produced by Firesign Entertainment) will be released in May and will be followed by a music series featuring the performers on the CD. It was difficult to select only 11 artists, but look for future volumes to follow.

The series will kick off on Thursday May 28th from 7-9pm and will feature ‘Dean Markley and Friend’s’. The series will continue at Santana Row on the Park Valencia stage every Thursday through July 30th. Performers range from classical piano to traditional Hawaiian and offer something for everyone. Santana Row offers a family friendly environment to shop, eat and enjoy some great entertainment.

(A full lineup is available online at www.firesignentertainment.com)



New website! Firesign has added an additional website specifically for entertainment at Santana Row. A micro site of Firesign Entertainment, the new site allows for a proprietary calendar of events and entertainment specific to Santana Row.

The new website is: www.santanarowmusic.com

This site is under construction, so look for a full, real-time ongoing calendar sometime next week!



Little Fox Theatre! – Redwood City Firesign is proud to present ‘Hit Songwriters in the Round’ at the Little Fox Theatre in Redwood City on Thursday May 14th at 7pm. This features award winning Singer-Songwriter’s Steve Krause, Kristina Sablan, and also features the acoustic guitar song writing duo of Darren Anderson and Travis Hogue performing some instrumental pieces. Look for more of these to come in the near future.



Thank You(s)-



Firesign has had the privilege opportunity to work directly and repeatedly with some wonderful charities such as the Make-A-Wish foundation, American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter, San Jose’s Mexican Heritage Plaza, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Children’s Hospital Oakland, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Second Harvest Food Bank, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Opera Institute of California, and many, many more. We thank them for their great humanitarian work and look forward to continuing to help even more in the future.



It remains the vision of Firesign Entertainment to continue to bring live entertainment and interaction with people in facilities that otherwise would not have the opportunity or ability to otherwise enjoy it.





Firesign has also had the opportunity to work with some incredible, amazingly talented musician’s over the past 5 years. There are simply too many to mention, but many thanks to you all. You have all helped us get where we are today and we thank you!



We have also enjoyed our corporate clients and partnerships and look forward to continuing to expand our client base and our mission to provide only the finest in live music and entertainment. From Cisco Systems and Apple Computers, to the Hard Rock Café and the various wineries throughout northern California, “thank you”, we appreciate your business!



We would like to extend a very personal thank you to Dean Markley and his great staff of folks at Dean Markley Strings for their continued support and faith in our company. (www.deanmarkley.com)



We look forward to seeing you all at a show soon! And we look forward to serving our community (and beyond) for the next 5 years and beyond!

We will be releasing our ‘Sounds from the Row’
CD (Volume-1) this spring that will include 11 performers of various musical flavors that have performed for Firesign at Santana Row. In conjunction with the release of this CD, there will be a Thursday night music series kicking off on Thursday May 28th from
7-9pm. Each week we will present a different performer featured on the CD through the end of July. From jazz, folk, traditional Hawaiian, classical piano, viola and much more, the CD is a good representation of the consistent great performers that Firesign Entertainment presents on a weekly basis at Santana Row. It was not an easy task to limit it to just 11 performers, but we expect that there will be many more volumes in the future.

We will be releasing our ‘Sounds from the Row’
CD (Volume-1) this spring that will include 11 performers of various musical flavors that have performed for Firesign at Santana Row. In conjunction with the release of this CD, there will be a Thursday night music series kicking off on Thursday May 28th from
7-9pm. Each week we will present a different performer featured on the CD through the end of July. From jazz, folk, traditional Hawaiian, classical piano, viola and much more, the CD is a good representation of the consistent great performers that Firesign Entertainment presents on a weekly basis at Santana Row. It was not an easy task to limit it to just 11 performers, but we expect that there will be many more volumes in the future. There are three music series (that we can speak of now) that we are hosting at Santana Row this coming spring/summer.
They are as follows:
1. 'Firesign’s Mid-Summer Music Series’
All Saturdays, June -July - August 'Park Valencia Stage' 1-4pm

2. ‘Sounds of the Row’ (All Artists from the upcoming CD) All Thursdays, May 28th - July 30th PV Stage
7-9pm *This will likely feature ‘Dean Markley and Friends’ on the opening night*

3. ‘Songwriters Under the Stars’ - The 2nd annual ~ All Thursdays, September - October 7-9pm -
Oak Tree Lounge

We will also be doing a school music program series probably in October, but we cannot confirm any dates until next school year. This series will encourage, promote, and benefit the music programs in our local schools.
Stay tuned for more details as they will be available soon.

We will also be launching a dedicated Santana Row Music website so stay tuned for details.

Firesign Entertainment would like to acknowledge Ultrasound Amplifiers and Dean Markley Strings for their generous support of the CD in progress.
Until next time, have a wonderful day and we always look forward to seeing you all soon.
In Light and Music,
Firesign Entertainment Staff

Firesign Entertainment will once again provide the live music for the two bay area charity walks for the The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America Northern California Chapter.
The dates are as follows:

1. May 30th - San Jose, CA
Cesar Chavez Plaza

2. San Francisco - San Francisco, CA at
Justin Herman Plaza
* 5pm registration
* 6pm walk start time.

Saturday December 6th
7pm
Brrittania Arms - Cupertino
1087 S De Anza Blvd, San Jose

Firesign Entertainment is proud to host a benefit concert for Toys for Tots featuring two amazing bands from the bay area.

Starting at 7:00pm we welcome '3-D' - a local band of kids ranging in age from 7 - 16 years old. The band is made up of Chamorro cousins from the Sablan family performing R&B and Funk standards. These kids are amazing!
See a clip on youtube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHRSj9J65uo
They will perform 90 minutes of material-

Headlining the night will be 'Soul Intention'.
www.soulintention.net
Also performing old school R&B, Funk and Soul favorites.
Fronted by vocalist and trumpet player Scott Kolodzieski, these guys have been performing together all over the bay area for 10 years. They are one of the best! They will start around 9:00pm.

We suggest everyone bring an unopened toy and we should have uniformed Marines at the door taking donations for 'Toys for Tots' This is a great charity, so please show your support.

More details will come in the next week, but mark your calendars for one of the best shows of the year!

For more information visit us online at: firesignentertainment.com

Firesign Entertainment's very own Kristina Sablan will be releasing her first full length studio recorrded CD tiotled ' A Prayer'. The release party is Sundaty October 5th The Little Fox Theatre in Redwood City starting at 7pm. We could really use your support by attending the show! For tickets please visit www.foxdream.net
or call us at 408-469-0251. There will be a complimentary CD handed out for very ticket purchased! What a great deal. Please support your local musicians, and the musicians that support local music! Thank you!
~Firesign Entertainment~

Happy Wednesday everyone!
Wehave some exciting shows coming up over the next couple of weeks.

Thursday night we will have our final performance of Firesign
Entertainment's 'Songwriters in the Stars' music series featuring a
Santana Row and California favorite Fred McCarty!
Fred will perform from 6-9pm at the concierge lounge.

On Friday at Santana Row 'The Stragglers' will hold their CD release
party on the main stage at Park Valencia (in front of Maggiano's).

Sunday September 28th from 5-7:30 'JONAH' will be holding a charity
concert for St. Judes Childrens Hospital on the Park Valencia stage.

With live entertainment from Thursday through Sunday every week, we
welcome 'Pam Page' 'violonist viruoso' on Sunday from 10am-3pm at
Santana Row Park (near the Left Bank' restaurant. Pam is amongst many
live performers that play each week. Always something new and
exciting!

Coming up on Sunday October 5th at The Little Fox Theatre in Redwood
City;
'Kristina Sablan' (our very own) will be holding her first CD Release
Party! Performing along with Kristina will be Travis Hogue, Darren
Anderson, and Randy Maher. Her CD titled 'A Prayer' will be given out
at the door with each ticket! Tickets are available now for only $12
at www.foxdream.com
-or-
contact Firesign Entertainment for additional details or tickets. We
would really appreciate the support in this historic event!
With 11 tracks on the CD, including a few favorite cover songs, it
was worth the wait!

Interested in performing? We are always seeking new talent for venues
throughout the bay area and beyond!
Visit us online for demo submission details.

Well music fans, we hope to see you all soon at a show!

Kristina will be releasing her first full length CD on Sunday October 5th at the Little Fox Theatre in Redwood City @ 7PM. Please come out and support her for this historic event!
Details avaible at the link below.
http://www.foxdream.com/foxdream/shopexd.asp?id=1285&bc=no

We will be hosting two different music series
outdoors at Santana Row this year. Beginning on Thursday June 5th we
will kick off ur 'Songwriters in the stars';
Singer ~ Songwriter
series. This will take place every Thursday evening at the Concierge Lounge area under the big Oak tree at Olin Ave and Satana Row. We will be working on finalizing some artists over the next few weeks, but you can look forward to a great line up of local acoustic based singer ~ songwriters

Also beginning in July will be 'Hot Summer Nights' a concert series taking place every Wednesday evening at Santana Row park area located at the fountain outside of the Left Bank restaurant. This series will take place every Saturday evening Through August. This series will consist of various local and touring bands of various music genres. We will also be confirming artists for this series over the next several weeks.

*Sponsored in part by Guitar Center.

We have a charity event coming up on May 10th at De Anza College. The 'Fast Lane Band' will be Performing for the Take Steps - Be Heard!
Silicon Valley - May 10, 2008
'The Fast Lane Band' will be performing for this walk.
De Anza College
May 10, 2008 starting at 5pm The walk to cure Crohn's and Colitis has changed its name, not its
goal! Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis is the nation's largest event
dedicated to finding a cure for digestive diseases. Join us in the
spring of 2008 as we walk to raise crucial research dollars for the millions of people fighting Crohn's and colitis. Bring the whole family and help us be heard across the nation. Together we can achieve a better quality of life for patients and
those who participate in their care. Better therapies and prevention
are only a few steps away.
Mission: To cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.

During this holiday season we want to say "thank you" to all of you
for your support throughout the year.
"Thank you" to all of the musicians for sharing your time and talents
with so many others. And "Thank you" to all of you who continue to
support 'live music' in the bay area. We couldn't continue to do what
we do without you all.
"Thank you" to the musicians that help us bring music to so many
people that would otherwise be unable to enjoy such a treat. Those in
local hospitals, senior centers, and other similar environments.

Firesign Entertainment is very proud to bring live music to those who
may not otherwise be able to enjoy it. We founded and have built our
company on this idea, and are very proud of our commitment to keep
this project going. If during this coming year, you know of a
hospital, retirement home, teen center, or other organization that
could benefit from some live music performances, please contact us or
forward us the contact information. We are looking to expand our
'Music For All' program and want to reach out to as many places and
people as possible. We welcome any suggestions, and are always looking
for more performers also.
Thank you for helping us help others.
Happy holidays to you all~

In Light and Music,
Firesign Entertainment Staff

The Mountain Winery in Saratoga has chosen
Firesign Entertainment to be their preferred provider for live music
for weddings, corporate, and private events.

The new winery brochures are printed and will be available to the
public in coming weeks.

Also in the South Bay,
Firesign Entertainment has agreed to manage the entertainment for
Santana Row in San Jose, as well as Old Town Shopping Center in Los
Gatos on a full time, ongoing basis.

We will directly book and manage the entertainment for these
locations.

Santana has live music Thursday through Sunday weekly at multiple
locations.