Big Sky Motion Pictures is keeping up with a break-neck schedule while moving heaven and earth to see that both current projects become a huge success. With Sony Pictures handling the distribution of the “What Love Is” DVD, we’ve seen it do extremely well. All across America, it’s been a hard to get item in the new release sections of local Blockbusters, with multiple copies being rented out! According to videobusiness.com, the film reached number 6 on the independent film charts within the first week of release. It looks like the film is well on it’s way to being a cult classic, with lines being quoted at not only the water-coolers but even the hair salons by men and women alike!
Due to the buzz that has been created with the newfound success from DVD rentals, Big Sky Motion Pictures has attracted the attention of several major television networks who have expressed a fervent interest in developing “What Love Is” into a major television series. The concept would be somewhat of a male version of “Sex in the City” meets “Entourage” with the city of Los Angeles being a major focus of the plot which would follow our five main characters throughout the colorful and fast paced culture as they seek to find love, whatever that may mean to them. |
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In regards to “Spring Break 83”, Mars and the editors have been very busy trying to control their hysterical laughter as they cut together footage shot so far! The final week of shooting is set to be completed in July. Making a special guest appearance will be our humble leader, Randy Chortkoff. If you look closely, you might just be able to catch him behind the peyos and yarmulkes! The way this movie is shaping up, we fully anticipate it to be a launching pad for the careers of the cast members, much like “The Breakfast Club” and “American Pie” did for their casts!
We are extremely proud of all the hard work Big Sky Motion Pictures has been putting into these films and are honored to be a part of them. Additionally, we are so thrilled to have Eclecto Groove artists Ana Popovic and Mike Zito cast in “Spring Break 83” with Zito continuing to work on the music for the film! With Randy Chortkoff and Robert Fitzpatrick handling the music supervision, we should end up with one heck of a glorified 80s soundtrack!
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: www.BigSkyMotionPictures.com |
THE SOUL OF ECLECTO GROOVE RECORDS
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Eclecto Groove Records is pleased to announce the signing of yet another cutting edge, contemporary musician whose styles are grounded in the essence of the roots of African American music. The Soul of John Black is John “JB” Bigham, an adventurous artist who isn’t afraid to take risks while pursuing his musical vision. JB draws his influences from musical pioneers such as Leadbelly, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Jimmy Reed, Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, Earth Wind & Fire, Prince, Iggy Pop, Bo Diddley, Blind Boy Fuller, Al Green and so many others.
JB’s music is a true testament of the dynamic beauty of music, which he strips down to the core –guitar, instrumental funk, vocals and exposed human emotion all muddled together and spit out in attention grabbing performances wrought with raw and spontaneous power. Bigham’s mastery of the genre and its stylistic range is verified through his amalgamation of wailing, field hollars, Latin rhythm suggestive of the Caribbean sugar plantations, sanctified harmonies, uptown Memphis soul, playful, sexy style, hauntingly, swampy backbeat, and down home grit all polished together with the stroke of studios today.
The Soul of John Black is a name shrouded with an element of darkness and mystery, inspired by the 1976 cult film J.D.’s Revenge. JB declares, “I tend to like artists who lean toward the shadows and walk the edge and wanted my music to reflect that….There’s no one-way to play the blues, it’s just a feeling.” And JB’s music sure has left many with quite an impressionable feeling, earning rave reviews for his freshman and sophomore releases, the eponymous debut album, The Soul of John Black, and The Good Girl Blues from such publications as the Wall Street Journal, Interview, Blender, Billboard and New Yorker magazine. Rolling Stone magazine touts JB’s music as “amazing (the harbinger of)… a whole new brand of soul.”
In addition to rave reviews, JB boasts a mighty impressive resume. He’s written songs for Miles Davis, played percussion with the group, contributed the track “Jilli” to the trumpeter’s last studio album, Amandla, and appeared with Davis on the recently released DVD, Live in Paris, which was recorded at the 10th Annual Paris Jazz Festival. He played with the pioneering rock-funk-ska band Fishbone for eight years and went on to tour as a side man and session player with artists such as Eminem, Dr. Dre, Rosey, Joi, Nikki Costa, Bruce Hornsby, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Garcia and Everlast.
The Soul of John Black is back in the studios currently, recording the debut album on Eclecto Groove Records, with JB driving the machine, self-producing and writing the music. We are thrilled with the rough cuts and are confident that this impending album will further prove the eclectic nature of all roots music, which is contributory to the sole purpose of the formation of Eclecto Groove Records –to bring blues and roots music to the mainstream market. Stay tuned for more information on JB and The Soul of John Black. |
Retail: $17.99
Street Date_05/20/08!
NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $12.99 + s&h
BUY IT NOW!!!
"Mike’s soul shines brightly through his sweet bluesy guitar tone, rich vocals, and well crafted songs." - Aaron Lee (“Stone Blue” on XM’s Bluesville)
"Mike Zito is one of the best singer/songwriter/guitarists I have ever heard." - Walter Trout |
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NEW RELEASE - MIKE ZITO "TODAY"
“Zito’s voice is smooth and sexy, and yet his razor-sharp guitar licks are totally badass. He’s like a ninja assassin dressed up like Fred Astaire!” -- Michael Molenda, Editor in Chief, GUITAR PLAYER
Singer, guitarist and songwriter Mike Zito grew up in St. Louis, immersed in the gritty and soulful sounds of the city’s south side that would help provide the groundwork for his future in music. He began singing and performing at the age of five and has been touring heavily since the age of nineteen. But throwing himself headfirst into the pursuit of his art had a toll, and Zito paid it. The non-stop Rock ‘n’ Roll lifestyle led to a dark and dangerous period during which Zito came close to destroying all that he’d worked so hard to establish. It took time, but thankfully, with the help and intervention of friends and supporters in the music business, loved ones, and the woman who would become his wife, Zito regained his faith in himself and his music, cleaned up his act, and settled down in Southeast Texas to begin anew.
With a clean slate, a fresh outlook, and a new found dedication to his music, Zito now embraces a positive message of hope and redemption; illuminating his music with a deeper relevance and validity, while elevating his craft to all new artistic heights. Together with producers David Z and Tony Braunagel, Zito’s previously untapped potential is fully realized and complimented by an assemblage of world class musicians that can best be described as “The Dream Team.” Joining Zito on “Today” are bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker), keyboardist Benmont Tench (Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash), drummer Tony Braunagel (Eric Burdon, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal) and Michito Sanchez (Joe Walsh, Elton John, Crosby, Stills & Nash) on percussion.
“Today”showcases Zito’s music in a distinctly contemporary setting, without any gimmicks or artifice. The producers perfectly captured the earthy essence and intimacy of Zito’s voice and the driving intensity of his music, creating a recording that sounds simultaneously comfortable and familiar, yet urgently fresh and vital. With all the pieces now in place, the time is right for Zito to break through as a major voice on the contemporary music scene.
SPECIAL OFFER:
For a limited time Eclecto Groove Records will include the Ana Popovic CD single “Is This Everything There Is” free with the purchase of the brand new release “Today” by Mike Zito. This limited edition CD single is not for sale and only available with this exclusive offer while supplies last. |
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Zito’s Packing Up, He’s On the Move…He’s Coming Out to HOLLYWOOD!!!
Eclecto Groove Records is gearing up for the Los Angeles debut of Mike Zito! In honor of the May 20th release of Zito’s debut album,“Today”, Mike Zito will be coming out west for a week of performances in and around Hollywood. Zito has been working hard, touring non-stop and writing music for the soundtrack of the Big Sky Motion Picture release, Spring Break ’83. Says Mike Zito in his song, Hollywood, “I’m packing up, I’m on the move. I’m gonna live in Hollywood.” On Tuesday, May 27th, Mike Zito will be appearing in Los Angeles at The Mint. Wednesday, May 28th, Zito will be in Los Angeles at Genghis Cohen performing a solo/acoustic set. Thursday, May 29th, he’ll join the ranks of musical legends performing in the Foundation Room at the famed House of Blues on Sunset Blvd. On Friday, May 30th, Zito will be at Cozy’s in Sherman Oaks, CA where he may be joined by a who’s who of special surprise guests. And on Saturday night, May 31st Mike Zito will be performing in Hermosa Beach at Los Angeles’ best blues bar, Café Boogaloo. For all you local Mike Zito fans, please join us for a week of incredible music by a remarkable young, up and coming artist. If you’re not yet hip to Zito’s music, come check him out. It’ll be a night you won’t soon forget! Show your support by coming out to the gigs and having a great time! And for all you Zito fans who stay tuned through the radio waves, you can show your support by calling into the all the Triple A Radio stations and requesting that they play the new Mike Zito single, Love Like This from his debut album, Today. Click here for a link to all the Triple A radio stations serviced by Eclecto Groove Records. Help saturate the radio waves with the sounds of Mike Zito. Let’s make Zito’s music and his head spin!!
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LOS ANGELES DATES
Tuesday, May 27th
The Mint - 6010 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 / (323)954-9400
7:30pm / FREE! / Record Release PARTY!
w/ special guest Jim Hanft!
Wednesday, May 28th
Genghis Cohen - 740 N. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 / (323)653-0640
(45 minute set - Solo/Acoustic)
10:30pm / $7 Cover
Thursday, May 29th
The House of Blues - Foundation Room - 8430 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 / (323)848-5100
10:30pm / $15 Cover - $10 with Flyer - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE FLYER!
Friday, May 30th
Cozy’s - 14058 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 / (818)986-6000
9:45pm / $12 Cover / With special guests!
Saturday, May 31st
Café Boogaloo - 1238 Hermosa Ave. Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 / (310) 318-2324
9:30pm / $10 Cover
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SHOWS! |
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Mike Zito is pictured on the cover of the April edition of “A Taste Of Triple A” which features his first single “Love Like This.” The monthly CD sampler is serviced to 223 commercial and non-commercial Triple A Radio, satellite, cable and online outlets, along with three radio airplay monitoring companies, radio consultants, the editors of No Depression, Paste and Performing Songwriter and representatives of the 59 member stores of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores. Along side MIke Zito on this compellation is Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO: http://www.atasteoftriplea.com/liners41.htm |
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05/20/08: Austin, TX - Saxon Pub (RECORD RELEASE) www.thesaxonpub.com
05/27/08: Los Angeles, CA - The Mint (RECORD RELEASE - FREE)
05/28/08: Los Angeles, CA - Genghis Cohen (Solo/Acoustic)
05/29/08: West Hollywood, CA - The House Of Blues (Foundation Room)
05/30/08: Sherman Oaks, CA - Cozy's
05/31/08: Hermosa Beach, CA - Cafe Boogaloo
06/05/08: Huntsville, AL - Humphrey's
06/07/08: Marietta, GA – Darwin’s
06/08/08: Chattanooga, TN – Riverbend Festival
06/10/08: Nashville, TN - Bourbon St.
06/11/08: Grand Rapids, MI - Blues On Grand
06/12/08: Lansing, MI - Blues On The SQ.
06/19/08: Springfield, MO - Harlow's
06/25/08: Coumbia, MO - Summerfest
06/26/08: Des Moines, IA - Des Moines Arts Festival
06/27/08: Topeka, KS - Varsity Blues
06/28/08: Slater, MO – Bear Creek Blues Festival
06/29/08: St. Louis, MO - BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups
06/30/08: Nashville, TN - Bourbon Street Blues
07/10-07/13/08: Biloxi, MS - Bourbon Street Blues
07/16-27/08: Florida - TBA
08/03/08: Osage Beach, MO - Dog Days
08/16/08: Kansas City, MO - Boxcar Blues Festival
08/30/08: Freeport, TX - Summertime Blues Festival
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Intrepid Artists
Rick Booth (email)
1300 Baxter Street, Ste. 405
Charlotte, NC 28204
PH: 704.358.4777
FX: 704.358.3171
www.intrepidartists.com |
Delta Groove Music
Kristal Blue (email)
14602 Victory Blvd., Ste. 200
Van Nuys, CA 91411
PH: 818.755.4460
FX: 818.755.4469
www.deltagroovemusic.com |
THE
OFFICAL ZITO WEBSITE: http://www.mikezito.com/
THE
OFFICAL ZITO MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/mikezito5150 |
 
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NEW BLOOD DIARIES - PART 3:
Get your news direct from the source as Jason Ricci reports in with the trials and tribulations of life as a touring musician.
"I don’t have any idea where to start with this month’s diary entry. So many very heavy, sad, confusing and tumultuous things have happened since my last installment, many of which I’m not really sure if I’m ready or even want to write about but I’ll try...I have to write something.
First let me address the living: I’m so happy “The toughest girl alive” Candye Kane is still alive and well and winning her battle with “the Good kind of cancer” a term only someone as brave, optimistic and positive as Candye could embrace. Her rarely performed operation was apparently textbook perfect and although I have not spoken with her since the day before surgery, I hear she is doing great! Some benefits are in progress for including New Blood along with many others all over the country and talk of a Candye Kane red and white striped tolex HarpGear amp is already in the works. In the meantime, Candye has no health Insurance (like most of us musicians) and most likely after all the benefits, fundraiser and donations will live the rest of her life indebt from these medical expenses. Every little bit counts and can help. If you have even a dollar to spare go to www.paypal.com and make a donation to Candye’s health and future using her e-mail address candyekanetour@aol.com."
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE & VIEW VIEDO CLIPS! |
GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE NAMES SHAWN STARSKI ONE OF THE TOP TEN HOTTEST NEW GUITARISTS
Eclecto Groove Recording artist Shawn Starski has been named one of the Top Ten Hottest New Guitarists by the Reader's Poll in the June issue of Guitar Player Magazine. Starski plays lead guitar in Jason Ricci's New Blood and has wowed music fans, players and legends with an unforgettable performance every time he takes the stage. Check him out at all upcoming Jason Ricci & New Blood concert dates.
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05/09/08: Ground Zero - Clarksdale, MS - 3rd Annual Delta Groove All Star Blues Revue
05/10/08: Ft Madison, IA - Simply The Blues Festival
05/16/08: Jackson, MS - Martin’s
05/17/08: Jackson, MS - Private Event
05/18/08: Birmingham, AL - Magic City Blues Society event @ Phelan Park
05/29/08: Parkersburg, WV - Frontrow
05/30/08: Roanoke, VA - Blue 5
05/31/08: Morristown, NJ - Benefit
06/04/08: Hanover, PA - Kclingers
06/05/08: Levittown, PA - Bucks County Blues Society
06/06/08: Washington DC - Madams Organ
06/07/08: Erie, PA - Docksiders
06/08/08: Hughesville, PA – Blues Festival
06/11/08: Athens, GA – Melting Point
06/12/08: Marietta, GA - Darwin's
06/13/08: Chattanooga, TN – Riverbend Festival
06/14/08: Memphis, TN - Red Rooster
06/15/08: St. Louis, MO - BB's Jazz Blues & Soups
06/20/08: Jonesboro, AR – Brickhouse
06/21/08: Little Rock, AR – Sticky Fingerz
06/27/08: Lyons, CO – Oskar Blues
06/28/08: Winter Park, CO – Blues From The Top Festival
06/29/08: Winter Park, CO – Blues From The Top Festival
07/01/08: Topeka, KS – Varsity Blues
07/04/08: Minneapolis, MN – Famous Dave’s
07/05/08: Thunder Bay, ON – Bluesfest
07/08/08: Ottawa, ONT – Ottawa Blues Festival
07/10/08: Gravenhurst, ONT – Peter’s Players
07/12/08: Dayton, OH – Gilly’s
07/17/08: Osage Beach, MO - Dog Days
07/25/08: Prairie du Chien, WI – Prairie Dog Blues Festival
07/26/08: Prairie du Chien, WI - Blues On Grand
07/30/08: Bellingham, WA – Downtown Sounds Summer Alley Concert Series
07/31/08: Vancouver, BC - Yale Hotel
08/02/08: Seattle, WA – Highway 99 Blues Club
08/03/08: Deming, WA – Mt. Baker Blues Festival
08/07/08: Minot, ND – Minot St. University
08/08/08: Vergas, MN – Billy’s
08/09/08: Beausejor, MB – Great Woods Music Festival
08/12/08: St. Louis, MO - BB's Jass Blues & Soups
08/14/08: Auburn Hills, MI – Callahan
08/15/08: Cold Spring, KY – Duck Creek Country Club
08/16/08: Benton Harbor, MI – The Livery
08/24/08: Kempton, PA - Jambalaya Music Festival
08/30/08: Johnstown, PA – Johnstown Folk Festival
08/31/08: Johnstown, PA – Johnstown Folk Festival
11/01/08: Sarasota, FL - Sarasota Blues Festival
11/09/08: Ft. Lauderdale, FL - South Florida Int'l Blues Festival
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Intrepid Artists
Rick Booth (email)
1300 Baxter Street, Ste. 405
Charlotte, NC 28204
PH: 704.358.4777
FX: 704.358.3171
www.intrepidartists.com |
Delta Groove Music
Kristal Blue (email)
14602 Victory Blvd., Ste. 200
Van Nuys, CA 91411
PH: 818.755.4460
FX: 818.755.4469
www.deltagroovemusic.com |
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ANA POPOVIC IS STILL MAKING HISTORY
With the impending release of her remix album, Still Making History, Ana Popovic is gearing up for her next major US tour. She’ll be kicking off her tour in Kentucky on June 11th traveling all throughout the United States and Canada through the end of September before she heads back for her native Europe to continue with the gigs! We are very excited for Ana to return to the states as the last time she was here her album remained on the Billboard blues charts for 15 weeks!! We’re hoping we can break that personal record when she returns. For all of you who haven’t gotten the chance to hear Ana’s album, "Still Making History," now is the perfect time! For a limited time, we are including a FREE sampler of Ana’s label mate, Mike Zito with every purchase of "Still Making History!" Act now and get a double dose of Eclecto Groove artists!
ECLECTO GROOVE RECORDS WELCOMES IT'S NEWEST (AND YOUNGEST) MEMBER!
| Just days shy of her own birthday, Ana Popovic gave birth to her first child, an 8 lb baby boy named Luke, or Luka in her native Serbian!! Both mother and baby are doing great. Rumor has it he came out equipped with a guitar pick, strapped on Ana’s guitar and began strumming some Bukka White licks. I guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree! Ok, so maybe it’ll be a while before baby Luke starts making music with his mama but that won’t stop him from going on his very first US tour with her this summer! Ana’s guitar case will double as a diaper bag as she makes her way across the United States, rocking the socks off of audiences in every town she stops in. Ana, we’re thrilled to have you back on US soil and can’t wait to meet the newest member to the Eclecto Groove family! Congratulations Ana, Mark and Luke! We love you! |
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SPECIAL OFFER:
CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT "STILL MAKING HISTORY" |
Eclecto Groove Records will be offering a FREE 4-Track CD sampler featuring songs off the new Mike Zito release “Today” with every purchase of an Ana Popovic “Still Making History” CD. The sampler includes the songs “Today,” “Blinded By The Life,” “Slow It Down,” and “Universe.” Offer valid while supplies last.
This is a limited time offer and lasts only until supplies run out! Act now!
Retail: $17.99
New Discounted Price: $12.99 +
s&h
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CLICK FOR MORE ABOUT "STILL MAKING HISTORY" |
Ana Popovic’s latest CD “Still Making History” recently re-entered the Billboard Blues Chart once again at #15 bringing the number of weeks on the chart up to a total of 15! “Still Making History” peaked at the #4 spot 2 weeks in a row late last year and was initially selected by Billboard as a Top Heatseeker back in October 2007 where she quickly began her rise up the charts.
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05/31/08: Valkommen, Sweden – Monsteras Blues & Roots Fest
06/11/08: Henderson, KY – WC Handy Blues Festival
06/12/08: Chattanooga, TN – Riverbend Festival
06/13/08: Memphis, TN – B.B. King’s
06/14/08: Springfield, MO – Cartoons
06/15/08: Osage Beach, MO – Dog Days
06/17/08: St. Louis, MO – BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups
06/19/08: Ft. Wayne, IN – Ft. Wayne Rib Festival
06/21/08: Ft. Smith, AR – Riverfront Blues Festival
06/22/08: Kansas City, MO - Knucklehead Saloon
06/24/08: Indianapolis, IN - Slippery Noodle
06/25/08: Grand Rapids, MI - Blues On The Mall
06/26/08: Lansing, MI Blues - On The Square
06/27/08: Chicago, IL - Buddy Guy's Legends
06/28/08: Rochester, MN - Wisconsin Dells Blues Festival
07/01/08: Lincoln, NE – Zoo Bar
07/02/08: Des Moines, IA – Blues On Grand
07/04/08: Superior, IL – Bev’s Jook Joint
07/05/08: Thunder Bay, ONT – Thunderbay Blues Festival
07/09/08: Mont Tremblant, Quebec – Mont Tremblant Festival
07/11/08: London, ONT – Blues Fest London
07/12/08: Windsor, ONT – Blues Fest Windsor
07/14/08: Rockton, PA – Over The Mountain
07/16/08: Woonsocket, RI - Chan’s
07/17/08: Manchester, CT - Hungry Tiger
07/20/08: Riverhead, NY – Riverhead Blues Festival
08/06/08: Azores, Portugal – Festas De Praia Music Festival
08/09/08: Wheeling, WV – Heritage Music Festival
08/13/08: Omaha, NE - Murphy's
08/14/08: Minneapolis, MN – Famous Dave’s
08/15/08: Fargo, ND – Fargo Blues Festival
08/16/08: Wausau, WI – Big Bull Falls Music Festival
08/17/08: Bradley, IL - Legacy's
08/20/08: Angola, IN - Skip’s
08/29/08: Youngstown, OH - Michael O’Malley’s
08/30/08: St. Marys, OH – Riverside Blues Festival
08/31/08: Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Blues Festival
09/13/08: Fredericton, NB - Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival
09/17/08: Annapolis, MD - Ram’s Head
09/20/08: Roanoke, VA - Big Lick Blues Festival
09/21/08: Richmond, VA - River City Blues Society Event
10/03/08: Frankfurt, Germany – Sinkkasten
10/04/08: Koblenz, Germany – Café Hahn
10/25/08: Cham, Swiss – Live-In Cham
11/15/08: Lingen, Germany – Gruner Jager
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Intrepid Artists
Rick Booth (email)
1300 Baxter Street, Ste. 405
Charlotte, NC 28204
PH: 704.358.4777
FX: 704.358.3171
www.intrepidartists.com |
Delta Groove Music
Kristal Blue (email)
14602 Victory Blvd., Ste. 200
Van Nuys, CA 91411
PH: 818.755.4460
FX: 818.755.4469
www.deltagroovemusic.com |
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> CLICK HERE! |
Keep up to date with all the latest Delta Groove / Eclecto Groove news, releases, tour dates, reviews and more by visiting our website @ www.EclectoGroove.com
Until next month,
Your Delta Groove Family |
