MI Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Announces FY14 Funding Increase

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA)  announced its grant program workshop schedule in anticipation of projected funding increases for Fiscal Year 2014 program.

“We are very excited about the support we have received from Governor Rick Snyder, his administration and the legislature,” said MCACA Executive Director John Bracey. “The confidence they have shown in our agency and the additional dollars represented in the appropriations bill will allow us to expand funding to our current programs as well as create a new Artist in Residence program for K-12 schools.”

MCACA will be conducting free informational workshops on grant guidelines and the application process for potential applicants throughout the state and online throughout the rest of the summer. Workshop attendance is not required for grant applicants; however, updated guidelines and application process changes will be reviewed at each meeting, so attendance is encouraged. Pre-registration or RSVPs are not required.
Schedule

July 29, 2013 – 10 a.m.
Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo with ONEplace @KPL
315 S. Rose Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan

July 30, 2013 – 10 a.m.
Saginaw Arts and Enrichment Commission
120 Ezra Rust Drive
Saginaw, Michigan

July 31, 2013 – 1:00 p.m.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
300 N. Washington Square
Lake Michigan Conference Room
Lansing, Michigan
Or connect to us online at http://medc.adobeconnect.com/mcaca

August 1, 2013 – 1:00 p.m.
Holland Area Arts Council
150 E. 8th Street
Holland, Michigan

August 2, 2013 – 1:00 p.m.
Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
15801 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn, Michigan

August 7, 2013 – 10:00 a.m.
Gaylord Area Council for the Arts
125 E. Main
Gaylord, Michigan

August 7, 2013 – 4:00 p.m.
Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning & Development Commission
Bayliss Library
541 Library Drive
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

August 8, 2013 – 2:00 p.m.
Copper Country Community Arts Council
126 Quincy Street
Hancock, Michigan

August 9, 2013 – 1:00 p.m.
William Bonifas Fine Arts Center
700 1st Avenue South
Escanaba, Michigan

MCACA will offer grants through five programs:

Program for Operations and Project Support – Provides specific operational support to arts and cultural organizations only. Municipalities, schools and non-arts nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply in the Projects Support category. MCACA defines arts and cultural organizations as those organizations whose primary mission is to provide an experience, including a learning experience that is based in a specific arts or cultural discipline.
Capital Improvements – Provides funding assistance to Michigan nonprofit arts organizations and municipalities for the expansion, renovation or construction of cultural facilities; upgrade of equipment and furnishing to provide a competitive and up-to-date environment; equipment and instrument acquisitions that are integral to the implementation of events and services.
Arts in Education Residency – provides funding assistance to K-12 educational institutions for arts education residencies designed to introduce or enhance student knowledge of and participation in a particular art form such as: dance, theatre, music, creative writing, storytelling, visual arts (including video and graphic design), or traditional folk arts, by bringing a professional teaching artist into the educational setting for a designated amount of time.
Mini-grants – A partnership between the MCACA and 19 regional re-granting agencies throughout the state. There are two components of the Mini-grant program, Arts Projects and Professional Development grants. These are special opportunities to address local arts and cultural needs as well as increase public access to arts and culture.
New Leaders – Provides funding assistant to support projects and/or collaborations focusing on the engagement, retention and mentoring of young people in Michigan.

Michigan nonprofit organizations, schools and municipalities are eligible to apply for projects that would take place between January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2014. Information about specific grant programs as well as the guidelines is available on the web at www.michiganadvantage.org/arts.

MCACA serves to encourage, initiate and facilitate an enriched artistic, cultural and creative environment in Michigan. For more on its initiatives and programs, visit www.michiganadvantage.org/arts.

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Pure Michigan is a brand on the rise, representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead agency for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org.

MEDC Seeks Proposals for Official State Travel Guide Fulfillment Services

LANSING – The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to fulfill consumer requests for travel information, including data entry services related to those requests.

“With the Pure Michigan Official State Travel Guide being extended to three publications annually and visitor interest in Michigan growing, it is critical that we ensure we are responding to consumer information requests in the most efficient, cost-effective manner,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney.

The RFP seeks a contractor for information packet fulfillment and inquirer data entry services for all consumer requests for Michigan travel information, including the Pure Michigan Travel Guide and a state highway map.

According to the RFP, it is designed to provide potential bidders with sufficient information to submit a proposal that meets the MEDC minimum requirements, but the minimum requirements contained in this RFP are not intended to limit the proposal’s content or exclude any information the bidder feels is relevant or essential to their bid.

RFP Timeline

· June 11, 2013 – RFP released.
· June 18, 2013 – Applicant questions due via email (3:00 p.m. deadline).
· June 28, 2013 – Q&A posted to MEDC website.
· August 9, 2013 – Electronic proposal submission deadline.

Questions regarding the RFP should be sent to: contracts&grants@michigan.org. Please note: The MSF will not respond to questions that are not received by the above date in time. In addition, questions that are phoned, faxed or sent through regular mail will not be accepted.

Pure Michigan is a brand on the rise, representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead agency for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org.

Iron Mountain, Michigan Veterans Recovery Festival August 24th

All military Veterans are invited to the beautiful Pine Mountain Resort in Iron Mountain, Michigan to participate in the Veterans Recovery Festival, put on by various Veteran organizations and sponsors from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on August 24, 2013.

Veterans will have an opportunity to showcase their arts, crafts and/or talents that have helped them to move along in their journey to recovery. There are no booth rental fees; however Veterans must bring their own table to display their crafts. The deadline to sign up to participate is Monday, July 1.

Already scheduled to perform their musical talents are Iraq Veteran Jason Moon and Vietnam Veteran Lem Genovese. Friends and family of participating Veterans are encouraged to come and support their Veteran Artisans during the festival.

For more information, or to sign up please contact Karen Krebsbach, Recovery Coordinator at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center at 1-800-215-8262 Extension 32777, or email: Karen.Krebsbach@va.gov

Learn CPR and Relax into Summer Fun

The summer season means sunshine and lots of outdoor fun and activities, like swimming. But before you let your kids jump in, take a few moments to prepare yourself and your family by taking a CPR course.

During June, the American Heart Association is strongly encouraging Americans to learn proper CPR training by taking a course. Anyone can learn CPR – and everyone should! Sadly, 70% of Americans may feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they either do not know how to administer CPR or their training has significantly lapsed.

This alarming statistic is heightened during the summer months with the threat of drowning while swimming. According to the Center for Disease Control, every day about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. In fact, drowning ranks fifth among leading causes of unintentional injury death for people of all ages, and about 1 in 5 people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger.

The Heart Association offers a quick online Hands-Only CPR instructional video available at www.heart.org/CPR, but taking an actual class and getting certified in being a heart saver through the Friends and Family CPR course, will change your life! Actually knowing what CPR feels like and being able to administer the technique can provide a sense of relief and even confidence for parents and friends.

“Drowning happens quickly and can leave the heart in an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation,” said use Katie Connelly, Community CPR Manager at the American Heart Association. “I can’t stress enough that bystanders must call 911 immediately and start CPR. Do not stop chest compressions until emergency personnel arrive.” According to the Heart Association, for every minute that CPR is not performed on a sudden cardiac arrest victim, chances of survival drop 10 percent.

The Heart Association recommends the following water safety tips:

· Be prepared to perform CPR. Drowning is a leading cause of fatal injuries in infants, children and adolescents.

· Watch infants and children who are swimming at all times. Drowning can occur in minutes even in shallow water.

· No child is “drown proof” and the ability to swim does not prevent drowning. The drowning child often sinks quietly without screaming for help or thrashing in the water.

· Put life vests on your children. Children should wear life vests when swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. Children easily can be swept away by river currents and are very difficult to spot if they become submerged in lakes.

After learning CPR you can go to the beach or lounge by the pool with a bit more confidence in knowing you can save the life of your child if you had to.

The Heart Association encourages everyone to find a CPR training center. You can visit www.americanheart.org/CPR or call the American Heart Association at 1-877-AHA-4CPR to find a class near you.

“Shake The World” by Finding Favour

“Shake The World”

by Finding Favour

Shake The World by Finding Favour

Shake The World by Finding Favour

The follow up to the top 25 AC hit “Slip On By”

“We were inspired to write this song because we believe that as one body, one community, one voice we can change this world. We truly hope when people hear this song on the radio, they will feel encouraged that they can live in freedom from their past and together make a difference for the future!”

- Blake Neesmith (lead vocals, guitar)

Read the lyrics:

http://media.gotee.com/FindingFavour/publicity/FindingFavour_Lyrics.pdf

“Gotee Records’ newest artist Finding Favour is making a name for themselves in a big way. TobyMac has got it right – Finding Favour is a band to watch out for.”
- Christian Music Zine

 “Finding Favour tugs at the heartstrings.”

- AOL Music’s The Boot

 “Finding Favour is a band that boasts songwriting abilities far beyond their years. There’s no doubt they will be bringing something credible to the table. [Finding Favour] is not to be missed… take my word for it.”
- New Release Tuesday

 “On Finding Favour, the songs deliver catchy beats and encouraging lyrics with tried and true messages.”
- Jesus Freak Hideout

  “Sure to be my frontrunner pick for the New Artist of the Year at the 2014 Dove Awards”

- Indie Vision Music

Comprised of Blake Neesmith (lead vocals/ guitar), Dustin Daniels (bass/guitar/vocals), Josh Duckworth (drums), and Allen Dukes (guitar/vocals), the south Georgia group made an impressive debut with their emotionally powerful single, “Slip On By.” The band just wrapped up the Give Me Jesus Tour with Building 429 & Rhett Walker Band.   

See Finding Favour this fall on the United We Stand Tour with Building 429, The Afters & Hawk Nelson!

Cary Nokey

Cary Nokey

Cary Nokey

Cary Nokey

Genre
Pop, Alternative, Dance, Rock, Adult Contemporary

Location
United States

Label
Last quarter records

Website
Click Here

Biography:

You probably heard that the ‘80s are back…         

 Maybe…. But not quite…  Sure, bands like She Wants Revenge, Shiny Toy Guns and the Killers brought us a taste of that Robert Smith (The Cure) crying out, distressed, dark melodic vibe… Because, of course, Rock n Roll is supposed to be dark and mysterious, right?  But the ‘80s weren’t all that dark, now were they?  Times were good, people wanted to have fun, and not since Woodstock did we feel something exciting brewing in the airwaves again.

 Cary Nokey is not about over the top vocals, slick stage theatrics, or trying to get in the mainstream radio lane with some old world major label shot in the dark creative marketing plan. Instead it’s about what we have been missing since the end of an era, and it’s about being entertained again… Not being sung to but being part of the experience.

 Picking up the pieces from where artists like the Cars, Thomas Dolby, ABC, and Rick Astley left off, Cary Nokey puts 2013 into the carefree, looseness of major chords, funky bass lines, sing along hooky lyrics, and melodies as if you have already heard the songs a thousand times before.

Ali in Da-City was born the illegitimate son of Roland Gift (Fine Young Cannibals). Although he never met his father, Ali obviously took on the funky blood line and quirkiness, bringing back “left of center” pop vocals. To say Ali has the “gift” would be an understatement. If Fine Young Cannibals did a record with Bowie producing, and Roger Waters and Lou Reed were writing the tunes, it might help paint the picture. Co-writing all the songs on the first Cary Nokey record, Ali brings us back to that simpler time and feel, when music was about music.

 8|Bit has been programming synths on some of the most recognized records of the last decade. Working under greats like Babyface, Rob Fusari and Timbaland, 8|bit has been developing a production style headed straight for the rock history books.  Although shying away from being called a “genius,” 8|bit puts his money where his mouth is by challenging any producer out there to a “drum off.”  3 minutes and the drum machine of your choice, 8|bit promises, no matter who you are or what you have done, he will put you to shame.  Although most don’t want to accept the challenge, the few that did gave up long before the clock started running for their turn.

Website: www.CaryNokey.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaryNokey

FB: https://www.facebook.com/CaryNokey

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/carynokey

Instagram: http://instagram.com/carynokey

It’s Time to burn down everything we know and believe. Today we blur the lines between the past and the future; the black and the white, the right and the wrong – 8bit

We didn’t choose BURN as the first single. It was chosen for us. Not by a record label or a manger or any being residing on this planet we call “The Earth ” . I’ve finally started to listen  to what the universe had to say to me .” Burn baby burn” -Ali

Sheila Raye Charles

Sheila Raye Charles

Sheila Raye Charles

Sheila Raye Charles

Genre
World, Christian, Adult Contemporary

Location
United States

Label
Musik and Film

Website
Click Here

 

Biography:

Sheila Raye Charles, is the electrifying vocal that sings with spirit and up lifting inspiration Sheila, the daughter of musical legend the late Ray Charles, noted for her many music releases selling over 100,000 singles in her last recording ‘Behind The Shades.’
She had been a guest on many talk shows her latest being the 700 Club sharing her story and her vision as she travels to enlighten and inspire others.
Coming together on a collaboration with Conscious Music Entertainment, and Songwriter Milliea McKinney, under the Jandar Record label with CEO Marsha Brown.
For the recording of ‘We Are Hope’ backed by award winning choir James Gear Company.
The song was written by Milliea McKinney, to use as a theme song for her conscious company and to inspire humanity that in spite of the violence and tragedy we see in the current times we still have love, faith, grace, hope, and charity. Sheila delivers the message with her spirited voice and her caring heart. ‘We Are Hope’ available on all music outlets on the web..

Upcoming Michigan Travel Events

Christian Recording Sensation Kima Charysse To Release Highly Anticipated Follow-Up Single On June 25th

Atlanta, GA (June 13, 2013) – Get ready to TRAVEL THE WORLD on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 with Christian award nominee and NFluential Music Group recording artist, Kima Charysse. The Contemporary Christian singer will kick off the summer with the title track from her forthcoming 2013 debut EP, TRAVEL THE WORLD.

In 2012, Kima broke onto the Christian music scene with her debut single, Possible, which garnered international radio support and more than 44,000 lyric video views on YouTube, ultimately leading to the successful prevention of several teen suicides.

TRAVEL THE WORLD is an upbeat track that will appeal to both saved and unsaved listeners who enjoy such artists as Janet Jackson, Katy Perry, and Rihanna. Kima’s new single embodies her signature style of powerful vocals set to fresh contemporary music, and lyrics that take each listener on a journey toward faith, hope and redemption in Jesus Christ.

“Travel The World is for those who have been looking for love in everything and everyone except Jesus. It’s also a reminder for believers to not get sucked back into the world’s view of what love and success are,” says Kima.

Kima Charysse will be featured in the July/August issue of I Am Entertainment Magazine as part of their “Love Thyself” campaign promoting positive self-esteem in women and young girls, and she is currently booking performance dates to support her new single. TRAVEL THE WORLD is going for radio adds beginning June 18th, with a lyric video and official music video to follow.

 

Connect with Kima Charysse:
Website: www.KimaCharysse.com || Twitter:
www.twitter.com/KimaCharysse
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Kima.Charysse.Music

Mom Was Right; Eat Your Peas And Carrots (And Grapes And Oranges).

Fresh, filling and heart-healthy, fruits and vegetables are an important part of your overall healthy eating plan. They contribute important nutrients for the human body, vitamins, minerals and fiber – and they’re low in calories! Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help with weight management and blood pressure.

Yet, most Americans still don’t eat enough of them. The American Heart Association recommends eating eight or more fruit and vegetable servings every day. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Michigan adults and adolescents consume below the low national average of 1.1 servings of fruits and 1.6 servings of vegetables a day.

The prevalence of obesity in both Michigan and the U.S. has risen steadily since the year 2000. The Michigan Public Health Institute reported in 2009 stated that approximately 30.3% of adults in Michigan were considered obese, while 35.2% of the adult population was overweight.

Several factors may directly influence the daily intake of fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods.

Better access to stores that sell fruits and vegetables and other healthier foods may increase their consumption among adults. Improving access can include expanding access to stores that stock an affordable selection of fresh produce, improving availability in smaller convenience stores and utilizing community approaches like farmer’s markets.

Improving access for children and adolescents can include encouraging the consumption of fruits and vegetables at school events and opportunities outside of school meal programs. According to the CDC, only 28.3 percent of Michigan schools currently offer fruits and vegetables at celebrations and events.

By increasing the number of healthier food options at such events, schools can promote better eating and support of a food environment that aligns more closely with current dietary guidelines.

Through the purchase of produce from local/regional farms, the implementation of salad bars, training services for food providers, teachers, and parents, fruit and vegetable intake may help increase among children as well. Experimental learning opportunities such as school garden programs and farm visits for youth and staff can support nutrition awareness and better personal choices.

The American Heart Association’s Teaching Gardens program fights childhood obesity in schools by teaching elementary school students how to plant seeds, nurture growing plants, harvest produce and understand the value of good eating habits.

In 2011, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics revealed that 82 percent of U.S. adults cited not wanting to give up foods that they like as a reason for not eating healthier.

The Heart Association offers the following tips to make eating more fruits and vegetables an easy choice.

For students:

· Try apples with peanut butter, carrots and humus, or bananas and yogurt. These double as a quick grab-and-go breakfast to wake up the mind and body for the day’s activities.

· At school, take advantage of the salad bar and serve yourself at least a half a plate of your favorite fruit and veggie options.

For adults:

· Keep it colorful and mix them up! Challenge yourself to try fruits and vegetables of different colors. See if you and your family can consume a rainbow of fruits and vegetables during the week.

· Add it on. Add fruits and/or vegetables to foods you love. Try adding peas to mac’n cheese, veggies on top of pizza and sliced fruit on cereal or ice cream.

For more information, visit the American Heart Association’s Nutrition Center at www.heart.org/nutrition.