Elegant Oscars Party At Magic Castle Pleases Celebrities And Fans Alike

The Academy Awards are undoubtedly the culmination of awards season in Hollywood every year.  After the Golden Globes, the Grammys, and the plethora of other shows that honor those in the entertainment industry, the Oscars are seen as the last grand, exciting night for a red carpet extravaganza.  Maybe it’s because the movies are like the opera in that every art form comes to life in a single masterpiece.  Movies include everything, and so we save the best for last perhaps.  Or maybe it’s because people all over the world are eagerly waiting to see what their favorite actresses are going to wear with the vain hope that they will one day buy one of those expensive dresses for themselves.  Or maybe it’s because everyone is dying to determine just how bad the new Oscar host will flop no matter how hard he or she tries.  After all, everyone realizes that only Billy Crystal can pull this one off.  Right?

Well, regardless of what the many great expectations for the Oscars may be, one thing is for sure: EVERYONE needs a PLACE TO BE on Academy Awards night, and we don’t mean the traffic!  Such being the case, every year thousands of stars, fans and even media personnel are scrambling to find an ideal location to watch the show, get those nice photos, gain a little publicity for themselves or that upcoming project, or just have a good time.  Oscar parties in Hollywood could be exciting and crowded with celebrities or just an intimate gathering. Unfortunately, somebody needs to get those reservations for the more impressive parties, and getting a ticket is not always easy.  Stars and fans alike have to spend some serious time thinking about what ideal party they should be attending.  Inside the Dolby Theater?  Outside it? Elton John AIDS Benefit? Vanity Fair?  Beverly Hills Hotel?  Decisions, decisions…enough to sometimes drive one just as batty as navigating the many street closures plaguing the city.

Luckily, one group of entertainment industry professionals and movie enthusiasts have it all worked out - reserving the perfect spot for Oscar night.  Every year, right across the street from the historic Kodak Theater (now the Dolby), they gather at The World Famous Magic Castle to watch the celebration LIVE on plasma screen televisions at the Castle’s Annual Oscars Viewing Party, a tribute to the Academy Awards and a reward for the Castle's many members.  The elegant evening features a media covered red carpet, endless buffet dinner, viewing party of the Oscars, raffle prizes, giveaways, and, once the Oscars are over, the opportunity to travel upstairs in the venue and watch captivating magic shows well into the night.  Ever see "The Prestige" starring Michael Caine, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman? Well, over at the Castle, they do it "for real."

And this year was no different.  A crowd of celebrities gathered at the entrance to this year’s event, including Los Angeles Music Awards and Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards Founder Al Bowman, who congratulated the establishment for hosting a great party on Oscar night, as well as hosts Ben Roman and John Carvalho.  Each year, Carvalho, an advocate for the arts, music and entertainment in West Hollywood, collaborates with Latin recording artist Roman to invite music industry leaders such as Bowman, independent filmmakers, and Castle members to the Oscars Viewing Party.  Among those on the guest list over the years have included West Hollywood celebrities such as the multi-talented author, model and civil rights activist Ben Patrick Johnson, comedienne Shawn Pelofsky, Go Gay Today Executives Mike Westman and Ernesto Higuera, and the Grammy considered pop recording artist Kris Searle.  Some of the hottest "Andrew Christian" beauty boys have also attended in the past (fully clothed of course. The Castle has a strict dress code).  Other attendees have included the Honorary Mayor of Beverly Hills David Harrison Levi, the Peoples' Mayor of Hollywood Tony Boldi, actor/producer Tom Tangen, movie director Michael Donahue, stuntman Raynald La Rochelle, photographer Raul Esparza III, Inspire U Records President Rich Williams, and jazz artist Tom Slack.  This year, actor Said Faraj, actress Marlenne Castaneda, model Lucy Serrano, and recording artist Willie Ames were among those in attendance.

"I think this year's party has been an exciting one for us because we have had so many accomplishments from our guests.  In fact, one of our films has qualified for the Oscars," says Carvalho, referring to Suniil Sadarangani's short film "In Transit" (2011; Hanuman Media and Powersource Productions).  Aside from its Academy Awards qualification, "In Transit" was an "official selection" at the Palm Springs Film Festival and won 3 Angelino Film Awards, including Best Short Film, after having been nominated in 5 categories.  Sadarangani could not attend the event because he was in France filming his new short "Blind."  However, movie producer Mike Quiroga, actor Jimmy Dux, and publicists Favi Jaime and Carlos Rojas were in attendance.  Quiroga, Dux, and Fernando Gonzales of Sky Pictures collaborated with John Carvalho to submit Sadarangani’s film to the Oscars last August. Jaime and Rojas have been involved in the film’s publicity.

Among the other accomplishments was from actor and Guinness Book of World Records holder Bill Blair, who starred in this year’s Best Picture "Argo."  Blair has played more special effect make-up characters in a career than any other professional in the entertainment industry, such as a number of the Star Trek shows on TV.  It wasn’t clear if he would show up to the Magic Castle as himself or an alien from another planet that would scare security into letting him into the venue without needing to validate parking.  As it turns out he was dressed “human” - in the perfect suit for red carpet photos standing not next to a Klingon, but rather the charming Meli Alexander.  (Though it’s true he dawned a “Star Trek lapel” for show).

Gracing the red carpet this year were also Mikey Jayy, Executive Producer of the Artists in Music Awards and Hollywood actor and events promoter Nic Creznic.  Jayy and Creznic have just come off their successful Artists in Music Awards at the Key Club on Sunset that was the talk of the town right before the Grammys.  It is believed that the Magic Castle Oscars Party every year helps a number of recording artists collaborate on movie projects with film producers.

In fact, Ben Roman himself is one of those recording artists.  His songs, both originals and covers, have been a hit on MySpace and the World Wide Web and have been featured on original motion picture soundtracks.  Roman is also an experienced stage entertainer, having giving excellent performances at both Long Beach Pride, CSW LA Pride, and around Southern California.  Roman’s work has appeared on daytime television, reality TV programming, Bravo, A&E, and The Disney Channel.  In 2012, he debuted his first English album "Ben Roman" that is available on iTunes.  He is presently working on additional music and videos.  For more on Ben Roman’s music visit: http://www.benromanonline.com/ .

The elegant Oscars Party at the Magic Castle is expected to continue in upcoming years, pleasing stars and fans alike.

SOURCE WeHo Post PR

Winners of the 2nd Annual Artists In Music Awards Announced

Katie Cole, John Cassese, Glitter Rose, Beu Sisters, Melanie Taylor, “The Ground Above” Among Those Who Take Home Coveted Trophies

Winners of the Artists In Music Awards have been announced at the Key Club in West Hollywood, CA.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Hollywood, CA), February 7, 2013—The Artists In Music Awards (AIMA) has announced the 2013 winners in all categories at the world famous Key Club ahead of Grammys weekend.

AIMA trophies were given to some of the finest emerging music artists at the star-studded, red carpet event that included members of Quiet Riot, Patrick Kilpatrick, featured LIVE performances, and concluded with an energized after-party for the guests where the winners eagerly awaited for their trophies.  The highly publicized AIMA was executively produced by Mikey Jayy and hosted by Hollywood personality Nic Creznic and Los Angeles Music Awards founder Al Bowman.

This year’s LIVE performances at AIMA featured artists that are some of the most talented names in independent music, including Mike Ben Yami, Cheating Daylight, Haster, Ko-Lition, Leave It To Us, Travis Royce, The Controversy, and Glitter Rose. All of the performers were also nominated.

The 101 Distribution “Artist of the Year” was awarded to Katie Cole. Cole, originally from Melbourne, Australia, describes her own style of music as having flavors of Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac and Colbie Caillat. She calls it "Americana meets British Pop". Acclaimed Record Producer Howard Willing (Smashing Pumpkins, Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow) found her music on the web and reached out to Cole and eventually helped her to produce the successful EP “Lost Inside A Moment”, which received extensive radio play in the United Kingdom. Since then Cole has released a number of songs and has won many awards for her work including an AIMA in 2012.  Her song “Gravity” was featured on all major US Television networks including NBC, ABC, CBS, Bravo and Comedy Central.  Cole has just released her new single “I Can’t Wait” and is working on her new album "Lay It All Down", featuring Kris Kristofferson and Instant People.  At this year’s AIMA, she also carried the “Best Country Artist” category.

The multi-talented choreographer, singer, and producer John Cassese received “Come Back Album of the Year” for his “Never Too Late”.  Cassese is a nationally recognized dance instructor who has trained such celebrities as Adam Sandler, U2’s The Edge, Elizabeth Hurley, and Sir Ben Kingsly.  “Singing is always something I have focused on and has always been a big part of my life,” said Cassese, “but because I was dancing and teaching dance so regularly, I put my singing career on the back burner, though it was never, ever far from me. It has always been and always will be a great passion.”  Critics state that Cassese’s new album “Never to Late” features some of the most touching, emotional and romantic songs.

Glitter Rose, nominated for “Best Rock Artist” and “Album of the Year" for Dead or Alive, won big last night, carrying both competitive categories and giving another excellent stage performance.  “I just can’t believe that I also won Album of the Year tonight!” exclaimed Rose to the press, “This is such an honor for me.  I never would have expected it this year even though I put my heart and soul into this album production.  I am so thankful that AIMA recognized the music on this album.”  Glitter Rose’s career has been highlighted by many awards as she has also won the LAMA in the past.  “Many record labels wanted her to switch to pop, but she stayed true to her music and never gave in.  She loves rock music and will always excel in rock,” explains her manager.  Industry experts agree, stating that Rose feels comfortable in her musical genre and appears to be having fun with her work on stage.  Rose will be showcasing more of her music at an upcoming red carpet event at the Hardrock Café in Hollywood.

Beu Sisters took the award for “Best Pop Artist”. The sisters, Candice, Christie and Danielle Beu, came to the attention of award-winning songwriter Desmond Child (Kiss, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith), who introduced them to record producer Steve Greenberg and the sisters became the second act signed to S-Curve Records.  They released their debut album “Decisions” in 2002, which received rave reviews, and then went on to garner numerous movie and television soundtracks: “The Lizzie McGuire Movie Soundtrack”; “Home on the Range”; “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days”; “Because of Winn Dixie”; “Ella Enchanted”; “Smallville”; “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” among them.  They have also been featured on “The Disney Channel.”

Melanie Taylor took the award for “Best Dance Artist”, a category that some industry insiders felt that  she was an odds-on favorite for after her excellent performance at the Whisky A Go-Go during the AIMA voting party back in September. After releasing two singles, Taylor has just released her debut album, “All About Today”, with Sly Doggie Productions. Taylor is currently working on a brand new dance single that will be released internationally.

The Ground Above was nominated for 3 awards and won 2 including Best Electronica Artist.  Following their positive youtube debut, The Ground Above received airplay on Internet Radio stations like "Suck Free Radio" and "Indie 100" and have produced for some up and coming names including "Spencer Kane," which landed Avery Berman the second win in the “Producer of the Year” category.

Other winners included Reachback (Best Music Video) for their song "No One Else", Ill Funk Ensemble (Best R&B/Soul Artist), Static People (Best Punk/Post Punk Artist), Trevor Sewell (Best Blues Artist), Tom Slack (Adult Contemporary Artist of the Year), Alex Economou (Best Jazz Artist), Samy Gana (Best Latin Artist), Walla (Best Indie Rock Artist), Soren Bryce (Best Folk/Acoustic Artist), Ko-Lition (Best Urban/Hip Hop Artist), and the group In the Midst 777 (Best Christian/Gospel Artist). The only repeat category winner, In Air took home the Best Alternative Artist award for the second year in a row.

Four other awards were given:  “The Critics Choice Award For Breakthrough Artist of The Year” went to Lisa Panagos, Brad Mercer received the "Alan Freed Award for Lifetime Achievement”, and John Carvalho was honored as “LGBT Person of the Year” for entertainment advocacy to LGBT recording artists.

Executive Producer Mikey Jayy established the Artists In Music Awards (AIMA) two years ago in order to recognize and promote the finest emerging music artists from around the world. Artists are showcased throughout the summers and nominations are given out in multiple categories.

Among the sponsors of the event were 101Distribution, Independent Music Promotions, Greg Bennett Entertainment Group, KGUP 106.5FM "The Emerge Radio Networks" (the official radio station of the Artists in Music Awards), Advantage Distribution, John Cassese, and Tailfish Productions. Taylor Van Arsdale of Tailfish Productions helped publicize the event.

To view all of the nominees or get more information on the Artist in Music Awards and submissions for the awards, please go to: www.aimusicawards.com

Artists In Music Awards Emerges As New Contender In Independent Music Shows

Hollywood, CA), December 2, 2012—The Artists In Music Awards (AIMA) offered an exciting line-up of live performances during its red carpet nomination show at the historic Whisky A Go-Go on Sunset. The highly attended December 2nd event, produced by Mikey Jayy, was hosted by Hollywood personality Nic Creznic and benefited the PAIN Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness against domestic violence and child abuse.

“We are here tonight to present to you the nominees for the 2013 awards celebrating the very best in independent music while also serving an important charity,” said Nic Creznic at the beginning of the program.

Indeed, a number of highly acclaimed independent musicians are nominated for the AIMA this year. The LA Music Awards winner Willie Ames, hot off a trip from Australia and a U.S. tour, is up for Best Folk/Acoustic Artist. In the Midst 777, another LAMA winner, is receiving two nods for Best Christian/Gospel Artist and Best Metal/Hard Rock Band. Similarly, The Controversy is also having a good year, accepting nominations for Best Music Video and Best Alternative Artist, as is Jazz Artist Tom Slack, who won this year’s LAMA, and is competing in three AIMA categories including Best Adult Contemporary Artist. On December 5th, Slack will know whether his two hit songs “Missing You” and “Spend The Night With You” will carry one or both of the Grammy nominations they are being considered for.

Marneen Lynne Fields, who surprised the Whisky last September during the LA Music Awards Voting Party for her “James Bond” theatrical performance with International Actor Pierre Du Lat for her song “Shadows”, is carrying an AIMA nomination for Best Blues Artist. Derik Nelson, who could not attend the event because he was performing with pop star Katy Perry, is being recognized for Best Jazz Artist. Perhaps one of the most competitive categories could be Best Pop Artist, where Melanie Taylor, Amy Barbera, Beu Sisters, Cheating Daylight, and Jamie Alimorad are all vying for the award. Taylor gave a highly energized concluding performance at the show, which had the crowd thrilled, as well as Executive Producer Mikey Jayy. “I do enjoy a good, happy ending. Melanie Taylor put on a fantastic performance. That was a demonstration of why she's nominated for Best Pop Artist and Best Dance Artist”, said Jayy. Indeed, industry insiders believe that she could be a strong favorite for the award, but only at the final AIMA red carpet in February will fans know for sure.

Other nominees include Janice Whaley (Best Singer/Songwriter), Juan Francisco Zerpa (Best Latin Artist), Leave it to Us (Best Punk/Post Punk Artist; Best Alternative Artist; Best Rock Artist), Gus Summers (Best Radio Disc Jockey), and Katie Cole, Alex Cartwright, and Abi Ann (all of whom are competing for Best Country Artist). Abi Ann also performed on stage at the event.

Others who gave live performances aside from Melanie Taylor and Abi Ann were Glitter Rose, In Air, Deedub, Cheating Daylight, Andreas Desmond, and Soren Bryce. All of the performers were also nominated. Glitter Rose, who electrified the crowd with her set of three songs, received nods for Best Country Artist and Best Rock Artist and is an odds on favorite. In Air gains a nod for Best Alternative Artist, Deedub for Best Urban/Hip Hop Artist, Soren Bryce for Best Folk/Acoustic Artist, and Andreas Desmond for Best Adult Contemporary Artist. Cheating Daylight, the LAMA winner, is up for Best Alternative Artist and Best Indie Rock Artist.

Like last year, the Dec 2nd AIMA show also featured some nominations in other categories. Five individuals vied for “Producer of the Year” and two nominations were given for the “Lifetime Achievement Award” (one of which went to the radio icon Brad Mercer, who was in the news this past month for receiving the 6th Annual Hollywood F.A.M.E. Award). An “LGBT Person of the Year” nomination was also announced for individuals who have furthered the LGBT voice in the music industry. International pop sensation Adam Lambert, West Hollywood Arts, Music and Entertainment Advocate John Carvalho, and Singer/Songwriter Laura Vall (who was the recipient of the award last year) were among those mentioned.

Executive Producer Mikey Jayy established the Artists In Music Awards (AIMA) two years ago in order to recognize and promote the best independent music artists from around the world. Since then, AIMA has climbed into the top music awards organizations, competing alongside the Grammys, American Music Awards, Los Angeles Music Awards, Latin Grammys, and MTV Awards. In terms of its World-Wide Web presence on Google search for “music awards”, AIMA recently ranked 4th. “I suspect that like with the Los Angeles Music Awards, AIMA will be the prelude to the Grammys, whereby artists who have won either a LAMA or AIMA will place themselves in perfect position for a Grammy nomination consideration,” suggested John Carvalho on the red carpet. Indeed, a number of artists, such as Black Eyed Peas, No Doubt, Sugar Ray, Eddie Money, and Kris Searle, have done just that, and this year the Jazz Artist Tom Slack is in contention in two Grammy categories. “I am really happy with how far this awards show has come so far and the great attendance that we are getting at these events. I am looking forward to another exciting year for AIMA as it continues to grow,” said Executive Producer Mikey Jayy.

AIMA Artists have been showcased throughout the summers and nominations are given out in multiple categories. Executive Producer Mikey Jayy also founded the #1 ranked podcast music and talk show, “The Great Unknowns Presents” and is the Managing Editor of “All Indie Magazine.” His latest project, launched in April 2012, KGUP 106.5FM “The Emerge Radio Networks,” is a radio station created to promote and showcase worldwide emerging independent artists. Jayy’s work for the independent music industry also earned him a Community Service Award from The LAMA, which was presented to him by industry leader Al Bowman at the Dec 2nd event.

Among the sponsors of the event were 101distibution, Independent Music Promotions, Greg Bennett Entertainment Group, Music Xray, KGUP 106.5FM, The Emerge Radio Networks (the official radio station of the Artists In Music Awards), and John Cassese (one of the most recommended dance instructors on the West Coast who received a “Come Back Album of the Year” AIMA for his “Never Too Late”). Taylor Van Arsdale of Tailfish Productions helped publicize the event.

The Artists In Music Awards will hold a concluding red carpet show on February 8, 2013 during awards season at Whisky A Go-Go. At that engagement, the winners of the AIMA categories will be announced.

To view all of the nominees or get more information on the Artist In Music Awards and submissions for the awards, please go to: www.aimusicawards.com

The PAIN Foundation, also known as Prevention Awareness In Neighborhoods, is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness against domestic violence and child abuse through film. To make a donation or learn more about the organization go to: www.unmaskingthepainwithin.com

Stars And Fans Celebrate Best Of Independent Music And Movies At Annual LA Music And Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 (HOLLYWOOD, CA, November 15, 2012)—Hollywood celebrities, musical artists, and entertainment producers crowded into the Avalon nightclub on Hollywood and Vine Thursday to celebrate the nominees and winners of the 22nd Annual Los Angeles Music Awards and 6th Annual Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards. All in all, over 1,000 people attended the star-studded event, which featured a 40-foot red carpet that was inundated with media personnel and excited fans.

“Every year the organizers of the LA Music Awards and Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards put on a spectacular show. Tonight, with its large crowd and media frenzy, appears no different and continues the tradition of the great red carpets I witnessed at Paramount Studios two years ago and at the Avalon last year. We have a lot of attendees here from both the music and film businesses, and I believe that the artists and producers in both camps are benefiting from the opportunity to network for future projects,” said John Carvalho, an advocate for the arts, music and entertainment in West Hollywood. Carvalho was a panelist at the 2012 LAMA Voting Party held previously at the Whisky on Sunset where he spoke on the importance of social media for developing recording artists. “I think when you unite the promotion of an artist on social media with the publicity gained from red carpet exposure at LAMA, you have a real opportunity to bring a beginning artist to another level where he or she can perform his or her music full time while also making connections with more established artists and producers.”

Indeed, the Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards that are announced at the LAMA events every year honor leaders and visionaries in a variety of fields such as entertainment, music, sports, politics, television and film. Past recipients of the award have included former President Jimmy Carter, Filmmaker Stanley Kramer, Comedian Larry Hankin, U.S. Senator Max Cleland, The Jackson Kids, Jamie Hilfiger, James Brown II, and Producer Keith Olsen. Last year, Booboo Stewart, from the movie “Twilight” (starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner) received the award. This year his sister Fivel was honored, along with Madonna’s guitarist Monte Pittman, classic rock radio icon Brad Mercer, Kerris and Justine Dorsey (whose credits include “Moneyball” with Brad Pitt, “Walk the Line”, and “Brothers and Sisters”), and Olympic gold medalist Olga Korbut. There was an emotional moment this year when Jason Becker won the Hollywood F.A.M.E. Award. The virtuoso guitarist had triumphed over ALS disease even though doctors had only given him three years to live. Provided that both the LAMA and Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards are presented in one simultaneous show, beginning artists have the opportunity to network with industry icons that have already made it big.

The Los Angeles Music Awards, founded in 1991 by industry expert Al Bowman, honors the rising stars of independent music and gives them a platform to move towards commercial success by creating a Hollywood media event that generates high profile publicity. The red carpet reception on Thursday was covered by close to 150 media outlets and was followed by a dinner banquet, awards presentations, and live musical performances by a host of artists such as Cheating Daylight. Even David Osborne, the pianist who has performed at the White House for the past four presidents of the United States, including Barack Obama, attended the show.

Some artists traveled great distances to receive their award. “I came all the way from Louisiana,” said “Win The Day” whose song “Walk the World” won for “Rock Single of the Year.” Giusepinna Torre, who performed on stage and took away the recognition for best “International Artist or Band,” traveled even further having flown in from Rome, Italy.

In terms of practicality, Glitter Rose, one of the singers who also attended, claimed that the LAMA was doing a fantastic job of getting the word out for independent artists and offering them a spot to play at such an elaborate venue as Avalon. “I really appreciate what you guys have done,” she stated to the organizers.

“Now that was a great show,” beamed LAMA founder Al Bowman at the elegant after party on the roof and library of the Redbury Hotel, which was also highly attended following the live performances. Bowman has produced numerous, successful red carpets in the city, starting with his extravaganza at Paramount Studios three years ago that included Hollywood F.A.M.E. honors to former President Jimmy Carter. Now he has added another one to his repertoire that has allowed independent artists to showcase themselves and reap the rewards of publicity from the music media. Bowman’s long and distinguished career in music was the feature of a recent exposé in Examiner.

Among the winners at Thursday night’s LA Music Awards were Stevie Hawkins (Male Singer/Songwriter of the Year; Record of the Year), Sheyna Gee (Female Singer/Songwriter; Country Single), AKRON (Rock Album; Hot AC Artist), and Marirose (American Blues and Roots Artist). Mozaik won the “Pop Single” award for the song “Make it Rain”, Lisa Panagos received best “Electronica/Dance Artist”, and Sean Ward captured the award for “Country Artist of the Year.” Tom Slack, who is also up for two Grammy nomination considerations this year, walked away with “Best Jazz Artist.” Producer’s Choice recipients were also honored and included Monks of Mellonwah (International Rock Band of the Year), Black Raven (Instrumental Album of the Year), Stephanie K (National Vocal Performer of the Year), and Nicole Willard (Breakthrough Single of the Year for her song "Misery"). Longtime Hollywood photographer Bob Delgadillo, a stalwart at red carpet events around the city, received a Producer’s Choice Award for “Career Achievement in Photography”, and Myah Marie Langston won an award for her recording studio achievement for two Britney Spears albums. Langston was also a nominee in other categories. Mikey Jayy, Executive Producer of the “Artists In Music Awards”, also was recognized for his work with the independent music industry and his collaboration with the LAMA.

The complete list of the 2012 Ballot and Producers Choice recipients can be found at: www.lamusicawards.net/recipients.html .

The Los Angeles Music Awards has been a valuable asset for furthering the professional careers of musicians and artists for over two decades. For more information on the awards, visit: www.lamusicawards.net .

JOHN CARVALHO RECEIVES ARTISTS IN MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATION

John Carvalho, an advocate for the arts, music and entertainment in the city of West Hollywood, California, has received an Artists in Music Awards Nomination during a red carpet event in Los Angeles.

August 19, 2012 -- John Carvalho, an advocate for the arts, music and entertainment in the city of West Hollywood, California, has received an Artists in Music Awards Nomination for “LGBTQ Person of the Year” this past August 9, 2012. Executive Producer of the Artists in Music Awards Mikey Jayy presented Carvalho with the nomination during a red carpet event and party at the marvelous Bugatta Restaurant & Bar, 7174 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046.

Jayy said the nomination was being presented to Carvalho for the work Carvalho has done and continues to do for LGBTQ independent artists in the city of West Hollywood, his collaboration with Al Bowman, Susanna Griffie and the Los Angeles Music Awards, and his work in the area of LGBT civil liberties, especially with regards to furthering same-sex marriage.

Carvalho has been a long-standing member of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest civil rights organization in the United States working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. He was also a former Massachusetts Democratic Party delegate who voted for the adoption of same-sex marriage in the Massachusetts Democratic Party platform in 2005. Carvalho has advocated for civil unions and marriage equality in other states such as Rhode Island and California, and has pushed for employment nondiscrimination laws and safe school laws around the country.

“I am very honored to receive this nomination tonight from the Artists in Music Awards, and I thank Executive Producer Mikey Jayy and the organizers of AIMA. I also appreciate Mikey Jayy and the Artists in Music Awards for all that they do in helping independent artists in the music industry, especially here in Hollywood and in Southern California.”

John Carvalho first gained an interest in the independent music industry in 2010, after attending the “Local Celebrity Los Angeles” music competition that was held at the Eleven Night Club in West Hollywood. Since then he has been an advocate for the LGBT voice in the entertainment industry. In 2010, he lobbied You Tube and GLAAD to restore the pop video “Warning Signs” (Kris Searle, Ft. Darnell) to viewers on the Internet. Searle later went on to win the Los Angeles Music Award for “Best Electronic Dance” at Paramount Studios and receive a Grammy Nomination Consideration from the Recording Academy (being placed on the top 100 songs of the year alongside celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Eminem, and Rihanna). In the following year, Carvalho helped co-sponsor the song “Momentum” on Kris Searle’s “Dawn of Momentum” album.

In the past, in order to reward West Hollywood recording artists who were promoting a message of human rights and equality in their music, Carvalho distributed thousands of dollars in mini-grants to various performers in the city. Many of these performers went on to produce new albums, EPs, and singles, and have performed at numerous venues around the country. Some have also furthered their careers in the motion picture industry as well.

John Carvalho has been an ardent supporter of the Los Angeles Music Awards, and has attended the marquee red carpet events at Paramount Studios and Avalon. For his advocacy of the independent music world, John Carvalho was honored earlier in the year with an “Official Certificate of Appreciation” from The LAMAs and 6th Annual Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards on June 14, 2012 at the world famous Whisky A Go-Go.

The Artists In Music Awards (AIMA) promotes independent artists and was created to honor and recognize the best independent music artists from around the world in numerous musical categories. The Executive Producer, Mikey Jayy, founded the #1 ranked podcast music and talk show, “The Great Unknowns Presents.” Jayy is also the Managing Editor of “All Indie Magazine.” His latest project, launched in April 2012, KGUP 106.5FM “The Emerge Radio Networks,” is a radio station created to promote and showcase world-wide emerging independent artists.

The Artists In Music Awards has showcased various nominees this summer at the House of Blues−Voodoo Lounge and will feature another showcase on August 26. A red carpet event showcasing the 2013 Artists In Music Awards is scheduled for February at the Key Club.

For more information on the Artists in Music Awards and submissions for the awards, please go to: http://www.aimusicawards.com/ .

Event: 2012 Artists In Music Awards

Brought to you by The Great Unknowns Presents and TigerHeat.

Sponsored by SIX CHAMBERS, MUSIC XRAY, & 101DISTRIBUTION

Date of Event: February 10, 2012

Location: Key Club, 9039 West Hollywood, CA 90069

Schedule:

• 7pm to 8pm Red Carpet (Green Carpet)
• 8pm to 10:30pm Award ceremony and 7 live performances
• 10:30pm to 2am - Artists In Music Awards after party

Purchase tickets at: http://aimusicawards.ticketleap.com

Live performances by Monks of Mellonwah, Monte Pittman, Donny B. Lord, Katie Cole, Breaking Day, Twin Towers (92 Fam), & Nobody Gets Killed. After party with Z LaLa, Dayda Bass, DJ Ray Rhodes, and DJ Broadway & DJ True: 129.

Join the Red Carpet event and watch winners receive award trophies in 21 nomination categories:

- Artist of the Year
- Album of the Year (EP's are eligible)
- Alternative
- Blues
- Indie Rock
- Country
- Dance
- DJ
- Electronica
- Folk/Acoustic
- Hip Hop
- Latin
- Jazz
- Metal
- Pop
- R&B/Soul
- Rock
- Punk
- LGBTQ Person of the Year

Alan Freed honored as "The Alan Freed Award"

Los Angeles, CA – Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Radio Hall of Fame inductee, Albert James "Alan" Freed will be honored with the title of, "Alan Freed Award". This special recognition will be presented to the winner of the Life Time Achievement Award at the 2012 Artist In Music Awards that will take place on February 10, 2012 at the Key Club on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, CA. 

The Host and Creator of The Great Unknowns Presents and All Indie Magazine, Mikey Jayy, will pay a special tribute to the legend that will kick off the live event in honor of Alan Freed's accomplishments during the 1950's.

Freed will be honored not only as a radio disc-jockey and promoter of Rhythm and Blues; but, also as the father of Rock and Roll!  Alan Freed was the pioneer of independent music and helped pave the way for future music artists.

The 2012 Artists in Music Awards will be a three hour event dedicated to music genres in multiple categories represented around the world to give recognition with a prestige music award.

This new award show will host a red carpet event and a variety of live acts by award nominees. In this award show, the nominees will be determined by a special committee comprised of the entertainment industry, media and fans votes.

For more information, call (323) 218-0554 or email info@allindiemagazine.net.
Website: http://www.mikeyjay.net/ .