STATEWIDE FILM EVENTS URGE CONTINUED OPPOSITION TO OFFSHORE DRILLING AND SEISMIC TESTING

"Beginning Wed., Mar. 30 Working Films and a cohort of North Carolina-based environmental organizations will launch Shore Stories, a film series celebrating the exclusion of the Atlantic coast from the federal proposal for new offshore oil and gas leases. The six short films highlight the grassroots resistance that led to this outcome, as well as stories from past oil and gas exploration - including the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. A full list of films - including preview links - can be found at the end of this release.  

(Greensboro Showing)

April 12th, 7:00pm, Presbyterian Church of the Covenant

501 South Mendenhall Street, Greensboro, NC

Hosted by Sierra Club Greensboro Piedmont Plateau Group 

Conceived several months ago, Shore Stories events were originally planned to inspire participation in the public comment period for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s proposal for drilling leases. With the the Atlantic Coast eliminated from the proposal, the screenings will now bring residents together to celebrate, but also to keep up the pressure on a related topic - seismic testing for offshore oil and gas deposits - which is still a possibility in the region. 

Mike Giles, Coastal Advocate with the North Carolina Coastal Federation outlined how the Shore Stories events will address the good news of the no leasing program and the bad news that the seismic testing permitting continues to move forward. “While the administration made the right call on the leasing program it left the job half done by not canceling the permitting process for seismic testing. Communities all up and down the eastern seaboard as well as some of the most respected experts in the world oppose seismic testing due to the destructive impacts to marine mammals and fisheries. The Shore Stories screenings are opportunities to celebrate the victory against the leasing program and can serve as a call to arms against seismic testing. The reasons the leasing program was cancelled are just as valid for not permitting the seismic testing.”

Shore Stories events will be held in Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, Morehead City, Nags Head, Raleigh, and Wrightsville Beach. A full listing with details is at the end of this release. Additional events are being planned with locations, dates, and times to be announced in the coming weeks. Each Shore Stories event will include a discussion led by those who have been working to protect the coast. Events will provide an opportunity for audiences to find out how to stay engaged around seismic testing and offshore drilling, as it continues to be practiced in other parts of the country and the world.  

Working Films’ Co-director Anna Lee explained, “The Shore Stories screenings will provide an opportunity for coastal residents to learn about offshore drilling in a unique and interesting way. Seeing beautifully made, personal stories about the impact of oil and gas drilling on other communities will help North Carolina residents imagine the potential impacts. These events will demonstrate why we must continue to press for a permanent ban on coastal drilling and remain engaged for the long road ahead.”

Director of Environment North Carolina, Dave Rogers said, “There’s something special about the North Carolina coast, whether you love to swim, fish, or just sit on the beach. We’re committed to protecting our coast, and the marine life that thrives along it, for future generations. We hope that through Shore Stories, we can remind people of why we love our coast, what’s at risk, and then give them the opportunity to make a difference for the long term. “

The North Carolina Shore Stories events are part of a larger series being held in South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. 

Shore Stories is a project of Working Films, a national nonprofit organization based in Wilmington, NC. Recognizing the power of stories to inspire and transform, Working Films builds partnerships between documentary filmmakers, nonprofit organizations, educators and advocates to advance social justice and environmental sustainability. 

Partner organizations on Shore Stories include Oceana, Surfrider Foundation, Blue Frontier, Environment North Carolina, the Sierra Club North Carolina Chapter, North Carolina Coastal Federation, and a number of grassroots environmental organizations that are acting as hosts in each city. 

Shore Stories Screening Schedule:

Charlotte
April 28th, 7:00pm, WallerBears Surf Shop
8334 Pineville Matthews Rd
Charlotte, NC  28226
Hosted by Surfrider Foundation Charlotte Chapter

Durham, NC
March 30th 7:00pm, Motorco
723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, NC 27701
Hosted by 350 Triangle, Environment NC, NC Interfaith Power & Light, NC Sierra Club, and Southern Environmental Law Center.

Greensboro, NC
April 12th, 7:00pm, Presbyterian Church of the Covenant
501 South Mendenhall Street, Greensboro, NC
Hosted by Sierra Club Greensboro Piedmont Plateau Group

Morehead City, NC
April 19th 7:00pm, Carteret County Community College Auditorium
3505 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 28557
Hosted by Concerned Citizens of Carteret County, Oceana, Environment NC, NC Sierra Club, NC Interfaith Power and Light, Crystal Coast Waterkeeper, and Carteret County Crossroads

Nags Head, NC
April 7th 6:30pm: Waveriders Coffee and Deli
3022 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959
Hosted by the North Carolina Coastal Federation

Raleigh, NC
April 6th 7:00pm: Church of the Nativity
8849 Ray Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
Hosted by 350 Triangle, Environment North Carolina, NC Interfaith Power & Light, Sierra Club North Carolina Chapter, Southern Environmental Law Center, and Church of the Nativity’s Environmental Stewardship Committee.

Wrightsville Beach, NC
April 12th 5:30pm - Drinks and Appetizers, 6:30pm Films Start: Blockade Runner Resort
275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Hosted by the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Oceana, and Surfrider Foundation Cape Fear Chapter.


Shore Stories Films
1) Protecting the Atlantic - By Swell Productions for the Surfrider Foundation
2) After the Spill - (Excerpt) - By Jon Bowermaster
3) Sonic Sea - (Excerpt)  - By  NRDC & Imaginary Forces, with IFAW and Diamond Docs
4) Slow Season - By John Fiege
5) Spin Drift - By Bryan Harvey
6) Seismic Shift: East Coast Opposition to Offshore Oil - By Oce"

- A Press Release

SECU Features Student Art in Branches Throughout North Carolina!

"Raleigh, N.C. – In 2003, State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) launched a statewide artwork initiative that would provide art teachers with a community forum to feature their school’s art programs and the creative accomplishments of their students.  Twelve years later, this artwork partnership continues to delight the hearts of young students, their families and communities throughout North Carolina!

SECU branches have displayed a variety of art from participating schools ranging from pencil drawings and watercolors, to collages, clay sculptures and self-portraits.  Numerous branches across the state hold Art Gallery Days and receptions for students and their families, bringing a sense pride for students, art education leaders and local schools.

SECU’s Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard branch has a current exhibit from Central Park School for Children, which is first in the photo collage.  “The creativity is amazing!  Art really engages students, giving them an outlet to express themselves and interpret perhaps their dreams, a poem, a story or who inspires them,” said Warren Peacock, Senior Vice President of the Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard branch.  “We are happy to partner with our schools to feature the beautiful artwork; SECU members really enjoy the colorful and diverse creations!”

Central Park School for Children has been a partner in the initiative for approximately five years. Elementary Art teacher Lucia Marcus commented, “State Employees’ Credit Union provides an excellent way to highlight the creative work of our students within the community.  The exposure helps us showcase one of our core beliefs – that the arts should be integrated into a child’s learning to enrich all areas of their education.  The displays are a big hit with the students, helping build their self-esteem and giving them a chance to see their accomplishments beyond the classroom walls.  We appreciate the Credit Union’s continued support!”

Peacock continued, “What started out as small project twelve years ago has developed into community recognition statewide for school art programs and teachers who encourage their students to use their imagination and skill to create such unique artwork – and they certainly deserve the spotlight.”

About SECU

A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 78 years.  The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trusts, estate planning and investments through its partners and affiliated entities.  SECU serves 2 million members through 254 branch offices, over 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Contact Centers and a website, www.ncsecu.org."

- A Press Release

BRANTLEY GILBERT TO BRING HIS “LET IT RIDE TOUR” TO RALEIGH Special Guests Tyler Farr, Chase Bryant and Brian Davis

"Country rock singer-songwriter Brantley Gilbert is extending his “Let It Ride Tour” into 2014, playing in Raleigh on Thursday, Oct. 30. Special guests for the stop at PNC Arena are Tyler Farr, Chase Bryant and Brian Davis.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 and the PNC Arena Box Office.

Continuing to build on an already stellar year, Brantley strikes another career high-mark with the Gold-certification of “Just as I am” (The Valory Music Co.). His third studio album, which debuted at #1 on Billboard Country Albums Chart, also scored the third highest album debut of the year with over 212,000 copies sold in the first week. Brantley's latest project has already produced the Platinum-certified, #1 lead single “Bottoms Up,” whose music video has seen over 25 million views. Quickly climbing the Country airplay charts, the Top 20-and-rising follow-up, “Small Town Throwdown” features labelmates Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett.  

The Georgia native has racked up five #1 singles, impressive album sales, multiple award show nominations from the CMA, ACM, ACA & CMT Music Awards and was named 2013 ACM Awards New Male Artist of the Year. Brantley's previous project, the Platinum-certified “Halfway to Heaven Deluxe,” produced Platinum-certified #1 hit – “Country Must Be Country Wide” and Gold-certified #1 hit “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do." As a celebrated songwriter, Brantley has also penned #1 songs “My Kinda Party,” “Dirt Road Anthem” for Jason Aldean as well as his own “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” 

For more information visit www.brantleygilbert.com.
- A Press Release

HIP HOP LEGENDS CONCERT COMING TO PNC ARENA Featuring DMX, Ja Rule, Rakim, EPMD, Rob Base & Kool Moe Dee

"Fans can relive the glory days of hip hop as the “Hip Hop Legends” tour comes to PNC Arena on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014. The concert will feature some of the biggest names in the business. DMX will headline the show, followed by the 2000’s hip hop legend, Ja Rule, as well as the old school era’s finest including Rakim, EPMD, Rob Base and Kool Moe Dee. The tour is presented as a part of the HipHopLegends.com concert series, which also produced the 2011 “Salt-n-Pepa: Legends of Hip Hop Tour.” 

Tickets will go on sale Friday, Aug. 15 at noon through Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 and the PNC Arena Box Office.

In this new age of hip hop, we must not forget where it all began. The show will bring out New York’s finest legends in hip hop featuring songs such as “Party Up,” “Whats My Name,” and “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” from DMX, “Holla Holla,” “Put It On Me,” “Thug Lovin” from Ja Rule, along with “Paid in Full” and “Don’t Sweat the Technique” from Rakim, EPMD’s “Strictly Business” and “Crossover,” Rob Base’s dance club smashes “It Takes Two” and “Joy & Pain,” and Kool Moe Dee’s “How You Like Me Now” and “Wild Wild West.”

For more information visit www.HipHopLegends.com.

# # #

ARTIST BIOS

DMX- Following the deaths of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G., DMX took over as the undisputed reigning king of hardcore rap. He was that rare commodity: a commercial powerhouse with artistic and street credibility to spare. His rapid ascent to stardom was actually almost a decade in the making, which gave him a chance to develop the theatrical image that made him one of rap's most distinctive personalities during his heyday. Everything about DMX was unremittingly intense, from his muscular, tattooed physique to his gruff, barking delivery, which made a perfect match for his trademark lyrical obsession with dogs. Plus, there was substance behind the style; much of his work was tied together by a fascination with the split between the sacred and the profane. He could move from spiritual anguish one minute to a narrative about the sins of the streets the next, yet keep it all part of the same complex character, sort of like a hip-hop Johnny Cash. The results were compelling enough to make DMX the first artist ever to have his first four albums enter the charts at number one. His top hits include: X Gon’ Give It To Ya, Ruff Ryders’ Anthem, Slippin’, Party Up (Up In Here), Where The Hood At, Damien, Get It On The Floor, Already and Lord Give Me A Sign.

JA RULE- As the flagship artist for producer Irv Gotti's Def Jam-affiliated Murder Inc. label, Ja Rule became one of the rap industry's most commercially successful artists during the early 2000s, working closely with the hit making producer and his stable of talent. Born Jeffrey Atkins on February 29, 1976, in Queens, New York, Ja Rule established himself with Venni Vetti Vecci (1999), a hardcore debut album similar in style to the rugged thug rap then popularized by DMX and the Ruff Ryder collective. On his second album, Rule 3:36 (2000), he began collaborating with female R&B singers, and a string of radio-friendly hits resulted ("Between Me and You," "Put It on Me," "I Cry"). Pain Is Love (2001) followed the same template, serving up a few rap-R&B hybrids for the singles ("I'm Real," "Livin' It Up," "Always on Time," "Down Ass Chick") and filling out the album with hardcore rap. Throughout the summer of 2002, Ja Rule was at his most popular, featured on not only his own hits but also as a featured guest on Fat Joe's "What's Luv?" and Mary J. Blige's "Rainy Dayz." Near the end of the year, he released his fourth album, The Last Temptation (2002), which again paired him with R&B vocalists for its singles, this time with Bobby Brown ("Thug Lovin'") and Ashanti ("Mesmerize"). Exodus (2005), a best-of collection, brought Ja Rule's tenure with Def Jam to a close. His top hits include: How Many Wanna, Holla Holla, Between Me & You, Put It On Me, Livin’ It Up, Thug Lovin’, and Mesmerize.

RAKIM- Although he never became a household name, Rakim is near-universally acknowledged as one of the greatest MCs of all time within the hip-hop community. It isn't necessarily the substance of what he says that's helped him win numerous polls among rap fans in the know; the majority of his lyrics concern his own skills and his Islamic faith. But in terms of how he says it, Rakim is virtually unparalleled. His flow is smooth and liquid, inflected with jazz rhythms and carried off with an effortless cool that makes it sound as though he's not even breaking a sweat. He raised the bar for MC technique higher than it had ever been, helping to pioneer the use of internal rhymes -- i.e., rhymes that occurred in the middle of lines, rather than just at the end. Where many MCs of the time developed their technique through improvisational battles, Rakim was among the first to demonstrate the possibilities of sitting down and writing intricately crafted lyrics packed with clever word choices and metaphors (of course, he also had the delivery to articulate them). Even after his innovations were worshipfully absorbed and expanded upon by countless MCs who followed, Rakim's early work still sounds startlingly fresh, and his comeback recordings (beginning in the late '90s) only added to his legend. His top hits include: Eric B. is President, I Ain’t No Joke, I know You Got Soul, Move The Crowd, Paid In Full, Microphone Fiend, and No Competition.

EPMD - On the surface, the sample-reliant productions and monotone rapping styles of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith had little to recommend them, but the duo's recordings as EPMD were among the best in hip-hop's underground during the late '80s and early '90s. Over the course of four albums (from the 1988 classic Strictly Business to 1992's Business Never Personal), the group rarely varied from two themes: dissing sucker MCs and recounting sexual exploits. A closer look, however, revealed that the duo's rhymes were nothing less than incredible, simply undervalued due to their lack of intonation during delivery. EPMD also had a feel for a good groove, and created numerous hip-hop classics, including "It's My Thing," "You Gots to Chill," "Get the Bozack," "Strictly Business," and "Rampage." Their top hits include: Strictly Business, You Gots To Chill, So Wat Cha Sayin, Gold Digger, and Rampage.

ROB BASE- Best known for the multi-platinum 1988 hip-hop classic "It Takes Two," Rob Base and partner DJ E-Z Rock rode the hit into dance clubs and, eventually, the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, providing a touchstone for the style known as hip-house. After Base leapt several hurdles -- including vicious rumors about his personal life, and a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Maze's Frankie Beverly regarding the duo's third single, "Joy and Pain" -- he responded in 1989 with a solo album, The Incredible Base. His top hits include: It Takes Two, Get On The Dance Floor, Joy And Pain, and Break of Dawn ’96.

KOOL MOE DEE- Mohandas Dewese, better known as Kool Moe Dee, is an American hip hop MC prominent in the late 1970s through the early 1990s. He was one of the first rappers to earn a Grammy Award and was the first rapper to perform at the Grammys. In the late 1970s, Kool Moe Dee met Special K, DJ Easy Lee, and LA Sunshine to form the influential old school hip hop group the Treacherous Three on Enjoy Records. In 1985, the Treacherous Three disbanded. After leaving the group, Kool Moe Dee attended the State University of New York at Old Westbury, where he received a degree in communications. In 1986, he went solo, releasing a self-titled album that ranked 83 on Billboard. He co-operated with the young producer Teddy Riley which contributed greatly to the New Jack Swing movement that would gain popularity in the years to follow. Kool Moe Dee released his second album, How Ya Like Me Now which was his most successful album commercially, achieving platinum status. His top hit include: How You Like Me Now, Go See The Doctor, Let’s Go, Wild, Wild West, I Go To Work, They Want Money, All Night Long, God Made Me Funke and How Kool Can One Blackman Be?"

- A Press Release

Lorde coming to Raleigh Sept. 18

LORDE ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES FOR FALL 2014 SEPTEMBER 18

RED HAT AMPHITHEATER RALEIGH

PERFORMS NEW SINGLE “TENNIS COURT” AND TAKES HOME ‘BEST NEW ARTIST” & “BEST ROCK SONG” AT THE 2014 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS

"Two-time Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum New Zealand songstress Lorde has today announced she is returning to North America this fall. Her tour will commence in Philadelphia’s Mann Center on 09/15, making stops on the east coast, heading south, across the mid-west, and winding up on west coast at the prestigious Austin City Limits Festival in October.

LORDE with special guest Majical Cloudz will play Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh on September 18. Tickets go on sale Friday June 6 at 10am at Livenation.com, the Belk Box Office at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre and Duke Energy Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

Since her last North American tour -- which included stops at 2014’s Coachella Festival and an impromptu appearance on stage with Nirvana’s Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic at this year’s annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Awards -- Lorde’s critically acclaimed debut album “PURE HEROINE” [LAVA/Republic Records] continues to dominate U.S charts. Her quadruple platinum single “Royals” holds the record for "Longest #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 by a Female Artist in 2013." Her previous single “Team” was her second #1 on Adult Top 40, making her the first female artist in Billboard history to rule over the AAA Radio Airplay chart with two songs. "Team" also held the top spot for four weeks and landed at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 with over 1.7 billion in radio audience to date.

In January Lorde walked away with "Song of the Year" and "Best Pop Solo Performance" awards at the 2014 Grammy Awards and has since been nominated for an impressive 12 Billboard Music Awards and took home awards for “Best New Artist” and “Best Rock Song” for her debut single “Royals”

Lorde also performed her current single “Tennis Court” for the very first time on national television at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards, held in Las Vegas.

Since its release in September 2013, “PURE HEROINE” has reached PLATINUM status and has sold over 1.2 millions copies.

“Team” recently held the #1 spot on Top 40, Alt, Hot AC, and AAA, holding the crown across five formats, and becoming the number one pop song in the country.

Pure Heroine is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and stores nationwide.

For further details visit http://www.livenation.com."

A Press Release

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Steve Winwood coming to Raleigh

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS 

BRING

2014 TOUR TO PNC ARENA RALEIGH

STEVE WINWOOD WILL APPEAR

AS VERY SPECIAL GUEST

TICKETS GO ON SALE ON SATURDAY MAY 31 10AM

EVERY TICKET INCLUDES THE NEW ALBUM HYPNOTIC EYE TO BE RELEASED JULY 29

"(RALEIGH, NC) - TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS today announced their 2014 North American tour and the July 29 release of their first new studio album in four years on Reprise Records, Hypnotic Eye. The tour, featuring very special guest Steve Winwood, will begin in San Diego, CA on August 3. The tour includes already announced headline performances at San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival and at the Lockn’ Festival in Arrington, VA. On Labor Day weekend, for the first time ever, the band will also perform at Boston’s Fenway Park. On September 18, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers will take the stage at PNC Arena Raleigh. Every 2014 Tour ticket will include Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers’ highly anticipated new album, Hypnotic Eye.

Hypnotic Eye was recently described by Rolling Stone magazine as “maximum rock & roll” and “a decisive return to the concise Sixties-rock classicism of his first great New Wave era albums.”

Tickets will go on sale Saturday, May 31 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the PNC Arena box office, subject to availability.

Members of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers’ Highway Companions Fan Club will be able to participate in special ticket presales. Members will also receive a CD copy of Hypnotic Eye plus a digital copy of an exclusive new live album, Live 2013, that features eleven tracks recorded during the Heartbreakers' 2013 Theatre residencies in New York and Los Angeles, plus tracks recorded at the most recent Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival – all hand-picked by Tom Petty. For more information on the Highway Companions Club, please visit HighwayCompanions.com.

For more information on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers plus details of their new album Hypnotic Eye and upcoming North American tour, please visit www.tompetty.com.

--

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS released their debut album in 1976 and have since sold over 60 million records. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, their first year of eligibility, and in recent years have continued to build on their already legendary success. Their concerts are celebrated by fans and critics alike and their music has influenced numerous young bands and writers around the world. Between the Heartbreakers’ recordings, his solo work and his membership in The Traveling Wilburys along with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty has received 18 Grammy nominations and been honored with lifetime achievement awards including Billboard’s Century Award, ASCAP’s Founders Award, MTV’s Video Vanguard Award. Tom Petty’s SiriusXM radio show, Tom Petty’s Buried Treasure, now in its eighth season, is one of the most beloved and popular shows on satellite radio. It features Tom Petty spinning favorite tunes from his extensive private music collection. Tom Petty, with the Heartbreakers at his side, has become a rock and roll icon lauded by fellow musicians and music lovers worldwide.

Beginning with The Spencer Davis Group at age 15, extending through Traffic and Blind Faith to a landmark Grammy-award winning solo career, STEVE WINWOOD has remained a primary figure in rock 'n' roll for more than five decades. He is a respected innovator who has helped to create some of the genre's most celebrated achievements. As a multi-instrumentalist with unmistakable vocals, he continues to deliver inspirational performances of his diverse catalog."

A Press Release

THE AVETT BROTHERS TO PERFORM ON NEW YEAR’S EVE AT PNC ARENA

"Concord, NC natives The Avett Brothers, will be spending their New Year’s Eve 2014 with thousands of their friends and fans with a show at PNC Arena in Raleigh.

Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, May 9 at Ticketmaster.com, the PNC Arena Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, and by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Banjoist Scott Avett and guitarist Seth Avett formed The Avett Brothers with standup bass player Bob Crawford. Growing up in Concord, NC, the boys immersed themselves in their musician dad's record collection, falling in love with Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Since then, they've become genre stalwarts over the course of seven albums.

Check out their new album “Magpie and the Dandelion.”

For more information, visit: www.theavettbrothers.com"

A Press Release