IN MEMORY: My Spirit Bro... DAVID CARRADINE... Friend O' Mine...
To my Dear, Brilliant, Talented, Barefoot Legend, David Carradine, Friend O' Mine...
Thank You DC, for taking Me on One Hell Of A Great Ride!
Love You forever Bro...
Your Light Saber & Spirit Sister, Sharon ;~)
Thank You Artist Connects, Dean Markley Strings, Michael "Magic Kerman & Bay Area Backstage, for taking such great care of Us and giving us so many wonderful gifts and memories! We All Love U!!!!! Peace, Love, & Blessings,
Sharon (David Carradine & Soul Dogs aka The Cosmic Rescue Team)
SOUL DOGS: Sharon Benson (Vocals, Violin, Guitar), Leslie Daniel (Drums), CJIII (Bass), Benjamin "Benji" Lein (Guitar)
http://www.souldogs.com
COSMIC RESCUE TEAM = David Carradine & SOUL DOGS: David Carradine (Guitar, Piano, Flutes - Bamboo & Traditional), Harmonica), Sharon Benson (Vocals, Violin, Guitar), Leslie Daniel (Drums), CJIII (Bass), Benjamin "Benji" Lein (Guitar) http://www.souldogs.com/presspages
Stephane Grappelli, Papa John Creech, Don "Sugarcane" Harris, Joe Venuti, Jean-Luc Ponty, David LaFlamme, Santana, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, Ani DiFranco, Chrissie Hynde, Grace Slick, Edith Piaf, Nina Simone, Bette Midler, Canned Heat, The Band, Jethro Tull, J.J. Cale, Grateful Dead, Jimmy Buffet, Jimmy Hendrix, Van Morrison and so much more.
Sounds Like
SOUL DOGS is: An alternative blend of Funk, Jazz, Rock, Pop, and Blues. A unique group, driven by the powerful vocals and lyrics of Sharon Benson; rock solid bass lines of C. J. III; steady, rhythmic drumming of Leslie Daniel; and the sensitive, melodic guitar of Benjamin Lein. This music is infectious.
THE COSMIC RESCUE TEAM: Previous incarnations of the band have featured a slew of musicians and exotic instruments. These shows however, offer a more standard lineup, with David Carradine's soulful vocals backed up by his guitars, piano, harmonica, and a thrilling interlude with the bamboo flute, which he grew, harvested, cured and made himself. The band includes Sharon Benson on electric violin, guitar and vocals; Clynell Jackson III on bass; Leslie Daniel on drums and percussion; and Benjamin Lein on guitar. This combination creates a sound reminiscent of a more intimate period when musicians played wrap-around porches and underground saloons, and then surprises you by exploding into serious full-on Rock & Roll. This is American music. You can dance to it, trance to it, or just kick back and enjoy the ride.
ZEPHRO is: World Music, Deep Blues, and an Eclectic Mix of Tantalizing Sounds. With the brilliant Vocals & Guitar of Michael Zephro, the sweet and sincere Bass, Yukelele & Vocals of Victor Patron and the haunting Violin & Vocals of Sharon Benson, this Power Trio will take You to another Dimension in Time & Space.
LAKE BALBOA Slide Show w/ZEPHRO's "Compliments"
This slide show was created in honor of protecting our precious Water & Wildlife. Lake Balboa was created out of farm land in the early 1990s in San Fernando Valley CA, as a recreational park, with abundant fish, birds, mature flowering trees and scenic open and covered picnic areas.The lake is supplied with water from the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, operated by the city's Bureau of Sanitation.
"THE UNIVERSAL FLAG" theme song, co-written & performed by Sharon Benson, and Michael Zephro, was written as a tribute to Brian McClure's Universal Flag Foundation (http://www.universalflag.org). The Flag is a Symbol for PEACE, Unity, Equality, Diversity and Harmony, which definitely rings true as a Tribute to the International Day Of Peace. The intention is to raise awareness, and help cultivate a culture of Peace for future generations on Peace Day and every day.
Join Us & Sing Along!
Music & Lyrics by Sharon Benson & Michael Zephro
THE UNIVERSAL FLAG
Theme Song for Brian McClure's Universal Flag Foundation
Music came easily to Sharon. Born into a musical family she started singing at the age of three, harmonizing with music on the radio. Formal music instruction began during her sixth year, first with piano and then, at the age of eight, with violin. She gave public performances during elementary school and has continued ever since. Her vocal training paralleled her instrumental work, beginning in elementary school and continuing from there.
Sharon's father, at one time a professional percussionist, also played a variety of instruments from ukulele to guitar to vibes. He reveled in all styles of music, and jam sessions were a common occurrence at her house. Jazz, Rock, Funk, Blues, Bluegrass, Classical and Country music were all part of Sharon's early life, and she took it all in as she was growing up.
In her teen years Sharon thought the violin was "square" and stopped playing for almost ten years, concentrating on her vocal work and her writing. Later influences, musicians like Stephen Grappelli, Papa John Creech, and John Luc Ponty found a new audience for strings so Sharon rosined up her bow; her violin once again singing out. A song by another major influence, David La Flamme, introduced her to the playing of Don "Sugarcane" Harris, and an even richer musical grab bag to pull from.
Sharon's vocal training started with classics and show tunes, but through a variety of vocal and performance teachers moved toward pop/funk. Her instructors included Seth Riggs, Lee Sweetland, and vocal therapist Arthur Joseph; who finally broke her out of her shell and helped her focus on her dreams of performing.
Her most recent vocal work is with Wenndy Leigh MacKenzie, whom Sharon credits with bringing her voice to where she always wanted it to be. Her vocal influences include Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, and Wynonna Judd. Grace Slick influenced her early vocals, and Bette Midler was always an influence on her musical theater work.
Arthur Joseph introduced Sharon to Ellen Geer, who helped her with her stage presence. Ellen improved Sharon's performance focus, giving her the confidence to be herself when she sings.
Geer's stage training also helped Sharon's acting. She appeared in Carrie, Deadman's Curve, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden and other movies; as well as musical theater and television. The acting has taken second place to the music, but has not been left behind.
Fulfilling another dream, Sharon was co-owner of Coffee Junction; a cabaret/coffee house in Tarzana, from 1990 to 2006. It was a throwback to the places she would hang out at when she was younger; places like the Bla Bla Cafe and others. She considered the Junction a musical oasis, since it allowed her to interact and perform with musicians of all styles; and gave both newcomers and seasoned veterans a place to perform to a more sophisticated audience than they might find at other small venues. It also led to some awesome jam sessions.
With her current bands, Soul Dogs, David Carradine & Soul Dogs (aka The Cosmic Rescue Team) and Zephro, Sharon continues to explore a variety of musical styles, and to expand her already considerable talents.
As Christmas approaches I would like to wish you and your family a very special Festive celebration.
"Beautiful is the moment in which we understand that we are no more than an instrument of God; we live only as long as God wants us to live; we can do only as much as God makes us able to; we are only as intelligent as God would have us be." Archbishop Oscar Romero, from his last homily, March 23, 1980.
I hope you like my Christmas card and poem and additional card / pictures. May your love “glow.”
Paul. X
“Candle in the window.”
“A light as pure as an Angels Glow A gentle breeze sparks a flickering light to Heavens Path. Through the open window flies a brown majestic Moth He dances round the table cloth Fluttering flirtatiously enticed to the flame Like water to a cloud and flowers in the rain.
An aura of starlight Glowing embers of radiance so clear You take away the darkness The hopelessness, the fear.
Calming, graceful, romancing, dancing on the window sill A light for my memories Inspiration for my dreams A candle by the open window God Bless the Grace you give me A moment so serene.”
Poem.Paul Weston. Artistic design.Chris loughlin and Paul Weston. Photograph.Chris Loughin.
Hi There, We started a Facebook site and wanted to let you know about it in you case you have one too and would like to join us there as well as at Myspace. For the link... Just Click here----->
FACEBOOK Urban Monroes Thanks a lot. Hope to see ya there!
Thanks so much for the kind words about my music, Sharon -- you made my day. And I enjoyed yours every bit as much -- it's incredibly emotionally powerful. Hopefully, we'll get the chance to play together someday.
I hope you have a “purfect” week Peace and love. Paul X
Paul Weston Arts web link coming soon!!
“My Cat.”
“My cat leaps around the garden fence Pouncing on anything that moves There’s no defence Sleeps for hours and sometimes days Bathing in the summer rays Hibernating in the winter cold Prowling, howelling meowing so bold My cat is quick, sleek, reactions unique If I ever return as a bird or a mouse then I am going to leave my house When I am due to travel away my cat sulks for days Moody before and then turns his back as I return to the door Feeding him food from a tin Is considered by my feline friend a cardinal sin He sits and looks at me in disgust This is not what I want for my breakfast. “Give me lean chicken, salmon or fresh beluga Or I’ll slash the side of your chair like Freddy Kruger My claws are sharp I will reduce your coat To the texture and look of an old Nanny goat I go to sit in my favourite chair In front of the fire and guess whose there! Asleep in my bed I awake with surprise As a purring nose pokes me straight in the eyes! I now understand the word perfection Is all about my cats affection Even when he wreaks the place I live A look from those saucer green eyes makes me forget and forgive. My cat has a spiritual link, a supernatural perception Something that humans have no connection I can only watch look and admire all of that Oh…I forgot to mention. My cat is An Acrobat.”
There is currently a search for two types of bands for record label consideration.
*** Note: PLEASE IDENTIFY IF YOU ARE IN GROUP 1 OR 2 IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF YOUR RESPONSE. Emails are being reviewed by different representatives.
1. A Pop/Rock/Commercial band with female lead. Band must consist of 2 guitars (Prefer both guitar players to be of lead caliber. However, one lead and one rhythm is acceptable), keyboard/piano, bass, and drums. Lead vocal, followed by backing vocals, in that order, is a plus as it relates to other members of the group. Average age of the band cannot exceed 28 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract of any type that is related to the music industry.
2. A Modern Rock band with male lead. Must be a complete band but there are no prerequisites as it relates to the make up of the band. Average age of the band cannot exceed 23 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract of any type that is related to the music industry.
XXX - If you meet the minimum qualifications as described above. Email a link for your MySpace Page and if applicable, a link for your website to: recordingartistsearch@gmail.com
Only send one email with your links. Due to the volume of responses normally received for these types of opportunities. After review of your material, you will only be contacted if there is an interest in attending one of your shows by a label representative. As such please to not send any follow up emails regarding selections. If you were not contacted back, there was not an interest.
We are excited to hear the Soul Dogs at 5:30pm 10/10 - along with all the other great bands throw down next weekend - Friday 10/9 5pm to 8:30pm acoustic vibes all night - then a movie on the lake.
Sat 10/10 from 10am to 8:30 pm great bands bringing it all day/night - good food - hot air balloon rides mid-day - rock climbing - lake fun - FREE EVENT (only pay for parking and activities)..
Online Now!
