May 24, 2023 - Artist Weekly

Grammy Stars Unite for High Hopes Brain Injury Program, A Concert to Remember

Artist Weekly Staff on May 24, 2023

There are few moments in life when the world of music converges with a worthy cause to create something extraordinary. One such event is set to grace Newport Beach, California this summer. The 24th Annual Eric Marienthal and Friends Concert, benefiting the High Hopes Head Injury Program, is gearing up for its most significant fundraising event of the year on Sunday, July 16, 2023. It’s not just another concert; it’s a concert with a noble mission – to help those recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

The High Hopes Brain Injury Program, a non-profit organization established in 1975, has dedicated almost half a century to the rehabilitation and retraining of those affected by brain injuries. This year, the organization brings another reason to celebrate as they reveal that Grammy winner Lee Ritenour will be the guest performer for this annual fundraiser at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.

The Eric Marienthal and Friends Concert has been a critical catalyst for the success of the High Hopes Brain Injury Program for the past 24 years. The annual event’s contribution towards the program’s development is invaluable, and this sentiment is beautifully expressed by Mark Desmond, the program’s Director and Instructor.

There’s an excitement in the air at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, the grand venue for this year’s fundraiser. The hotel’s unwavering support has made a remarkable difference to the success of this event, and its picturesque setting will undoubtedly contribute to an unforgettable night.

But there’s more to this event than just incredible music. The Tulsa Rib Company will be hosting VIP guests with an array of delights, including a sumptuous dining experience, a hosted bar, and entertainment by the Ron Kobayashi Trio featuring the talented singer and songwriter Mary Desmond. Sirius XM Radio host Talaya Trigueros will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, joining forces with Mark Desmond to create a memorable evening.

Once the VIP dinner concludes, the outdoor amphitheater at the Hyatt will welcome all guests for a fantastic concert, complete with a generous spread of gourmet bites. And that’s not all. The evening will also feature a silent and live auction, adding another layer of excitement to the event.

This concert is more than a melody; it’s a beacon of hope. For the past 24 years, the Eric Marienthal and Friends Concert has served as the driving force behind the cause. It’s a testament to the strength of human resilience and the power of music in making a difference.

Tickets are accessible for everyone, priced at $150 for VIPs and $75 for General Admission, available through the High Hopes website or via phone. While the VIP Party kick-starts at 3:45 pm, general admission commences at 5:00 pm, followed by the music at 5:30 pm.

Join us in this remarkable journey as we continue to witness miracles in the lives of those who truly deserve it. For further information, visit High Hopes at www.HighHopes.ws, www.HighHopesBrainInjury.org, and follow them on Facebook at Highhopesheadinjuryprogram, Twitter @highhopes100, and Instagram at highhopesheadinjury.

Media inquiries and interview requests should be directed to Kelly Bennett of Bennett Unlimited PR at (949) 463-6383 or kelly@bennettunlimitedpr.com.

Versatile Composer TMX Sparks Revolution in the Music Industry by Breaking Boundaries Among Music Styles

Artist Weekly Staff on May 24, 2023

The music industry is currently going through a thrilling period of rapid innovation and emergence of new talent. To make an impact, it is necessary to fearlessly challenge conventions and venture into uncharted territories. TMX, Missillac-based French artist, is a living embodiment of this spirit of innovation and creativity. With her unconventional sounds and fresh perspective, she is breaking barriers among several musical genres and is leaving an indelible mark on the music world.

Born in the city of Paris in France and growing up listening to 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s music, this innovative musician was drawn to techno style music through a radio channel called Maxximum, and then there was no looking back. She began composing instrumental music by 1990 and eventually developed her own unique style under the name TMX in 1993.

Despite initially being focused on techno and creating captivating dance music, as time went on, TMX, a virtuoso in several instruments, expanded her repertoire and began blending different styles of music like orchestral, atmospheric, electro, and rock sounds, enhancing the depth and variety of her music.

An epitome of versatility, TMX, experimented heavily with a wide range of music. In 1996, she explored hardcore sounds with the song “Ecstasy” before composing her album “Revelation” between 1999 and 2009, which features the smashing hits “Heart and Soul” and “Givin’ to Me”. In 2010, she released her first rock-oriented album, “Change” and in 2013, her Dubstep album “Oppression”. In 2016, she introduced the “polyphonic chords” technique with her song “Embrace the Sunshine”; and then in 2019, she released the electro-rock song “Cry”. Her latest song, “Implosion”, came out in 2022.

According to this eclectic music composer and producer, music is her main passion. She finds it to be the best art form for not only expressing emotions, but also feeling them –

“Music makes me feel emotions like no other art. In music, I can express my feelings about my whole life between hope and despair. It’s a way to get away from my own problems just for a while.”

For TMX, music practically is her past, present, as well as future, as she wishes to continue on the same path, composing music that pushes the boundaries of music categories. Through her distinctive style, she hopes to inspire other artists to experiment with different styles and not limit themselves to one music genre.

In the coming years, this innovative maestro intends to release her first best-of album titled “Timeline: The Best of TMX” in June 2023, featuring 17 of her tracks between 2000 and 2023. In early 2024, she plans to release a new album called “Conundrum,” which will be primarily orchestra-based. She also plans to revisit an old album of hers called “Into the Space World,” originally released in 2002, and develop a new version aligned to orchestral and atmospheric styles. She also plans to revisit her 2010 album “Change” with a new approach by 2030.

Beyond the Classroom, Maftuna Tolipova and Her Innovative Journey as a Teaching Artist

Artist Weekly Staff on May 24, 2023

New York’s rising Teaching Artist, Maftuna Tolipova, possesses a unique blend of artistic talent, pedagogical skills, and a deep passion for creative and diverse program education. Maftuna’s exceptional teaching abilities have garnered praise from students and parents alike. One parent comments about her gift, “she inspires children with patience, humor, and exceptional musicality, leading to significant progress and self-motivation. She’s a star in music teaching.” Others agree that she is recognized as an innovative and creative thinker, constantly pushing the boundaries of music education.

Maftuna Tolipova ignites a lifelong love for the arts and music in her students. Nowadays, Tolipova finds herself more intentional about combining her passion for highlighting the enriching music from diverse cultures and teaching, and is keen to lend her talents on a grander scale – at the legendary Carnegie Hall. In addition to her role as a teaching artist, Maftuna is an integral part of the Learning and Engagement Program at Carnegie Hall. Along with the team, Maftuna helps to coordinate the Musical Explorers Program, which ‘connects students in grades K–2 to rich and diverse musical communities, enabling them to build essential musical skills while discovering songs from around the world.” The Musical Explorers team hosts at the end of the semester 10 concerts for almost 10,000 students around New York. January 2023, the vibrant, highly interactive concerts explored the unique traditions of Gullah music with Quiana Parler, two times Grammy Award winner, Malian traditional music with Yacouba, and hip-hop with Soul Science Lab. Maftuna, with excitement, shares that “It is so fascinating to see how one diverse program can bring all students together to sing/dance along and also give the students an opportunity to meet with their “idol” who they have been learning about for the whole semester. I think it’s breathtaking to share the same excitement you have with your peers in a venue like Carnegie Hall.”

Named “Top Teacher Of The Year” by Agape Music & Arts Center, Maftuna Tolipova has a great passion for teaching and sharing inspiration, diversity and inclusivity through music to the next growing generation. Additionally, as a Fellow Keyboard Teacher in 2021-2022 at Mannes School of Music, Maftuna was selected for her exceptional skills in guiding college students on their musical path. With nearly ten years of teaching experience, Maftuna has been awarded as “Steinway Educational Partner” in April 2023. From having a music education background from Uzbekistan, Philippines, Russian, China and United States of America, Maftuna has built a full package to share her diversity through music. Having taught more than 100 students, Maftuna shares that “I tailor the lesson based on each student as everyone learns in their own unique way and can have very different outcomes even though they are learning the same pieces. By advocating more diversity in music teaching, I not only provide music from composers of various countries and cultures but also blend different genres together, such as jazz, classical, pop and more, to open up options for my students to choose from. I think the vital part of being a teacher is to lead and structure the lesson in a way to help them build their own voice and space for it. Music is such a great power that can unite us, heal the broken parts of us, and create a feeling and emotions in us that no words can describe.”

Maftuna Tolipova received her Masters and Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance from Mannes School of Music. While pursuing her professional degree in New York, she has performed as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestra member in all prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Museum, Bohemian National Hall, Opera America, Steinway & Sons Hall, Williamsburg Music Center and many more. Maftuna Tolipova has performed across the globe, from the Philippines, Ukraine, Italy, China, Malaysia and Uzbekistan.