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catPR. Toronto Burlesque FestivalClient: The Toronto Burlesque Festival: MeTOPolis: The Future of Burlesque!

July 21-25th

w - torontoburlesquefestival.com

Service: Festival Media Relations

Background:

The Toronto Burlesque Festival is an exciting whirlwind of bump ‘n grind! Offering a unique opportunity to experience the best of burlesque and variety entertainment. Each performance features outstanding acts from Toronto locals, burlesque and variety artists from across Canada, and many international headlining acts that have earned top accolades in the Burlesque world and have hosted performers from Montreal, Vancouver, San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Key West Florida and even Paris!

Situation:

CatPR was hired for the second year in a row to do the publicity for the festival and 2010 marked the third year! “MeTOPolis: The Future of Burlesque!” The Festival went beyond the burlesque shows offering performers and fans the opportunity to engage in the exchange of ideas and resources. Artists from many different mediums came together at events and workshops held at popular Toronto venues. The Toronto Burlesque Festival included an Art Show (in partnership with Dr. Sketchy Toronto), a Photography Exhibit, and a Burlesque Bra Auction with all proceeds going to Boobalicious for the Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

Outcome:

The festival always receives rave reviews but this year they received major features in the Globe & Mail and Toronto Star, a Promotional Campaign with PROUD FM, a CBC News feature and documentary about the science of boredom as well as several film crews from local television programs that followed performers behind the scenes. The impact of the Toronto Burlesque Festival can be seen world-wide! Last year the Washington Past ran a cover story on the festival…..what will happen in the years to come? Stay tuned!

MEDIA COVERAGE

2009 PR

Client: Paintings Below Zero - Gordon Halloran - ICE GATE - 2010 Winter Olympics

Cat*PR - Gordon Halloran

Service: International Media Relations Campaign

Background:

Gordon Halloran is an artist from the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia who invented a form of art called Ice Painting, which has been shown all over the world. Halloran was inspired to invent this unique art form from his experience making backyard ice rinks as a boy, and is the only artist in the world creating these paintings in ice. He uses portable refrigeration technology: modular aluminum plates that efficiently conduct the cold. These tabletop-size plates assembled into different configurations help in crating, displaying and maintaining the ice works, regardless of temperatures.

Situation:

Gordon Halloran and his crew were commissioned by the City of Richmond to create, ICE GATE, a monumental installation of paintings in ice, for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. CatPR worked with Gordon Halloran / Paintings Below Zero when they were in Toronto in 2006 for Wintercity. They contacted CatPR to arrange an international media blitz surrounding the OPENING of ICE GATE.

ICE GATE opened in Richmond, City Hall on February 9th to a dance squad made-up of 65 Sunshine Coast RESIDENTS and a cheering crowd. It measured over 100 feet long and over 12 feet in height. Gordon Halloran and his crew worked for over 12 weeks pouring the ice paintings, building the wall structure, installing refrigeration equipment, adhering the ice pieces and lighting the massive structure.

Outcome:

Halloran's work has garnered international attention with features, interviews and segments on almost every major network including; NBC, CBC National, CTV, Global, The Discovery Channel and newspaper features in The Globe & Mail, Georgia Straight, Montreal Gazette, Vancouver Province, Vancouver Sun, Coast Reporter, Richmond Review and canada.com.

Bilingual Press Releases:

ICE GATE press release click here.

(Version Française). Gordon Halloran créera une installation monumentale à l’O-Zone de Richmond, le site officiel de célébration des Jeux olympiques et paralympiques d’hiver de 2010. Un Portail de glace accueillera les visiteurs à Richmond. cliquez ici.

Phases Of The Making Of "Ice Gate"

THE MAKING OF ICE PAINTINGS BEGINS in Richmond at Leader Cold Storage - Wed Dec 9, 2009. click here

THE COUNTDOWN TO ICE GATE BEGINS - Mon Dec 21, 2009. click here

THE RE-BUILDING OF THE WALL STRUCTURE BEGINS in Richmond - Jan 11, 2010. click here

THE REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT IS CONNECTED TO THE WALL - Jan 14, 2010.

THE PAINTINGS ARE INSTALLED on site (Richmond City Hall) - Feb 1, 2010 (originally Jan 18, 2010). click here

THE LIGHTING IS INSTALLED - Jan 28 to Feb 9, 2010

THE OPENING OF ICE GATE - Feb 9, 2010. click here for invitation (*.pdf)

ICE GATE TAKE-DOWN - Mar 1, 2010. click here

Media Coverage

msnbc News - msnbc.com

The Discovery Channel: Daily Planet VIDEO - discoverychannel.ca

Straight.com - straight.com

Calgary Herald / Edmonton Journal VIDEO - calgaryherald.com

The Star Phoenix - thestarphoenix.com

West Coast News - canada.com/vancouversun

Montreal Gazette - montrealgazette.com

CBC The National with Ian Hanomansing - cbc.ca

NBC Olympics Website - NBCOlympics.com

Globe & Mail - theglobeandmail.com

The Province - canada.com/theprovince

Coast Reporter - coastreporter.net

Richmond Review - bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta

Vancouver Sun - communities.canada.com/vancouversun

Global TV - globaltvbc.com




Client: The DOWNCHILD Blues Band

40TH Anniversary Celebration With Very Special Guest Dan Aykroyd Of The Blues Brothers!
National Tour

Service: Tour Publicity October - December 2009

Background:

The DOWNCHILD Blues Band is a Canadian blues institution with an international reputation. They have been rewarded with an array of awards from both the media and the music industry, including a 1991 Juno Award for "Best Roots and Traditional Album" and "Entertainers of The Year" at the 2007 Maple Blues Awards. A constant throughout, DONNIE "MR. DOWNCHILD" WALSH, the leader and founding member of the band, has kept the music live and alive in the world of blues today. Downchild band members include some of the most well respected musicians in the country, who have performed together for over 15 years. This includes silky smooth singer and harmonica player CHUCK JACKSON, tenor sax player PAT CAREY, MIKE FITZPATRICK on drums, rhythm captain GARY KENDALL on bass, and former American super-group rocker MICHAEL FONFARA (of Rhinoceros fame) on keyboards.


Situation:

Cat worked with the band while on contract with linus entertainment and was later contacted by their management about the opportunity to take on the 40th anniversary tour. The planning of the tour took well over a year of negotiation and bookings and once the tour dates were confirmed CatPR was ready to go! From BC, Alberta, Manitoba to Saskatchewan, Quebec, Niagara Falls and all over Ontario from Ottawa to Belleville to Kitchener and Toronto the band was on tour celebrating their 40th Anniversary. Opening on the tour was COLIN LINDEN who performed both solo and with the band. Special guests along the way included blues brother and movie icon DAN AYKROYD for the Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto shows as well as JAMES COTTON, WAYNE JACKSON OF THE MEMPHIS HORNS, JONAS, BOB WALSH and NANETTE WORKMAN who all made guest appearances.

Outcome:

DOWNCHILD always put on an amazing show but it was the show in Toronto that blew everyone away! Recorded for CBC Television and radio the show brilliantly showcased each talent on the stage. The show was sold out and jam packed and received rave reviews! Surprise guest Colin James added to the excitement making it a most memorable show. The DOWNCHILD Blues Band have definitely left a permanent mark in blues history "It's time for Canada to celebrate the legends of Blues! And when one thinks of blues music in Canada, the first name that springs to mind is DOWNCHILD"

CatPR maintained an interview schedule for the band while on tour which included print, web, television and radio, below are some press links and media confirmations:

TV:

RADIO:


Client: The Toronto Fringe Festival

CHEAP & EASY with 150 Productions in Every Style All for $10 or less
April-July 2009

Service: Full Publicity Services CONTRACT

Background:

The Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF) is the national association of 23 theatre festivals held across Canada and the US . CAFF members share the vision of creating the opportunity for both emerging and established artists to produce their work with artistic freedom, and of engaging members of the community by making productions as affordable and accessible as possible. The Toronto Fringe Festival is in their 21st year with affordable accessible theatre. They're not ashamed of a cheap and easy reputation...in fact, they're considered “well loved” with 1200 participating artists and 100% of ticketed box office earnings going back to the artists. As usual the festival is unjuried, unexpected and unforgettable!

Situation:

CatPR interviewed for the position and got it! She immediately felt a part of the team and began working. Throughout the festival there were up's and down's and a lot to communicate with over 150 productions at 30 different venues across the city.

Outcome:

The Fringe Festival had a record breaking year with over 60,000 Ticketed Patrons to the shows which is almost 3.5% increase in attendance from last years shows. Approximately 12,000 people attended the Free Fringe Club Parties (un-ticketed / late-night events & DJ/Dancing) which is almost a 15% increase in attendance at The Fringe Club for FREE events. In total, over $450,000 was returned to participating artists and as always, the Fringe operates as a non-profit organization which ensures that each year 100% of ticketed box office earnings go back to the companies. There were five COVER stories in Eye Weekly, Now Magazine and the Toronto Star along with over 70 articles, hundreds of web hits and radio and TV coverage. Definitely a record breaking year!

Press Links:

Client: Nia Technique Inc.

A 25th Anniversary CommUNITY Celebration ~ Nia Jam & Reception ~
July 2009

Press Release Distribution and Targeted Media Follow-up

Background:

The Business Behind the Magic...When Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas began creating Nia in the early 1980s, they had a dream. They envisioned Nia would change the way the world went about getting fit and finding wellness in body, mind, spirit and emotions. Today, Nia has approximately 2,000 Licensed Teachers in more than 37 countries worldwide - a testament to the power and versatility of this unique practice.

As a business, Nia Technique, Inc. provides classes, Workshops, Training, Education and support for Professional and Personal Growth practitioners, as well as workout DVDS , CDs, the NiaWear clothing line and more, all based in the Nia philosophy “Through Movement We Find Health.”

What is Nia? Nia is an energizing fitness and lifestyle program that blends Eastern and Western movements, concepts and philosophy derived from three main movement forms: Martial Arts (mindful precision), Dance Arts (personal expression) and Healing Arts (self-healing). The philosophy of Nia is based on the pleasure principle: If it feels good, keep doing it; if it hurts, stop and adapt what you do to feel better.

Who created Nia? Nia was created in the early 1980’s by Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas, then fitness professionals in Marin County , California , searching for a smarter and less painful way to workout and stay fit.

What type of movement does Nia involve? Nia movement integrates dynamic, expressive whole-body movement. It is based on thirteen foundation principles, 52 basic moves, and the energy of three arts: Martial Arts, Dance Arts and Healing Arts. A variety of speeds and styles, ranges of motion and energy dynamics are included.

What is the science behind Nia? Nia is based on The Body’s Way, which means, using the body’s design to improve function. The biochemistry, joint and muscle action are triggered using imagination, music, emotion and vocal sound. Movements work with and against gravity and include: abduction, adduction; flexion, extension; eversion, inversion; dorsal flexion, plantar flexion, pronation and supination; horizontal flexion, extension; rotation inward, outward, upward and downward, elevation, depression, and circumduction. Nia addresses the body’s five main sensations: flexibility, strength, mobility, agility and stability and focuses on conditioning the body and the nervous system.

Who takes Nia? People of all ages, from all walks of life and with varied interests participate in Nia. People who love to move and are passionate about change, people who desire a conscious, artistic, fun, expressive and pleasurable way to get fit, to heal and to personally grow.

Situation:

CatPR was introduced to Nia by her sister Heather who was taking classes in Burlington and after a few classes she was hooked! When instructor Anna Schantz mentioned that there was a 25th anniversary tour coming to Toronto in 2009 CatPR was on the job. Working with a team of volunteers, the Nia Community came together to create a fantastic history-making event.

Outcome:

CatPR drafted a MEDIA ADVISORY and got it out to key media. CP Press picked up the story and an interview was set up with co-founder Debbie Rosas. The story ran Nationally and was featured in daily papers across Canada including a cover story in the Hamilton Spectator. Today Nia has approximately 2,000 Licensed Teachers in more than 37 countries worldwide - a testament to the power and versatility of this unique practice. Visit nianow.com for details.

Press Links:

Client: Backroom Recording Studio

A Multi-Media Presentation by Legendary Record Producer/Engineer KEN SCOTT
February 2009

Service: PR services

Background:

The Backroom Recording Studio has professional accommodations immersed in the comforts of home. Run by brothers Anthony & Joe D'Avanzo, their 15 years experience as musicians, engineers and producers is evident in all recordings that are created in the studio. The passion here is the music. It definitely shows through their commitment to provide quality recordings for all genre's of music from rock, metal , reggae, pop or traditional. Backroom Recording Studio has hosted artists such as Big Sugar, Kim Mitchell, The Trews, Supergarage, Sass Jordan, Juno nominated reggae artists Truths and Rights, and Canadian Idol winner Kalan Porter, to name a few. KEN SCOTT is one of the biggest names in the music business. From his early years at Abbey Road working with acts like the Beatles, Jeff Beck, Pink Floyd, to Trident Studios where he garnered millions of record sales with such artists as Elton John, George Harrison, Harry Nilsson, America and The Rolling Stones. Ken has received gold and platinum awards from around the world.

Situation:

Leonardo Valvassori, who works with the studio, found KEN SCOTT online and asked if he would be interested in presenting at the studio. After much back and forth they decided to go ahead with a February date. Leo contacted CatPR to get the message to the media and target Long & McQuade along with other associated groups and schools who would be interested in this type of presentation.

Outcome:

This presentation was a once in a lifetime opportunity for both studio buffs and music fans alike. Through the use of audio clips KEN SCOTT broke-down the multi-tracks of classics such as George Harrison’s “What’s Life” and David Bowie’s “Life On Mars”. The audience heard these recordings in a way rarely heard. With the use of film clips and pictures, Ken explained how some of these classic records were made. The evening will also include a Q & A period which lasted for over an hour! The day of the presentation was a wurl-win starting with an interview at CBC Q with Jhian Ghomeshi (a huge David Bowie fan) along with thatradioshow.com, and an interview on CFRB Rock & Talk with featured listing in the Globe & Mail and many more…CatPR continues to work with Ken Scott on a series of speaking engagements across Canada. Visit komosproductions.com for details.

Client: Janelle Monique CD Release

January-April 2009

Service: CD Release

Background:

Vocalist Janelle Monique is known for her voice as part of bands Plan C (Latin-alternative), Methodology (R&B/funk), Babes In Jazzland (jazz), and once a part of King Sunshine (house), and KC Roberts & the Raw Blue (funk/rock/hip-hop). A soulful mixture of contemporary jazz and world music - Janelle Monique and her band electrify the stage with captivating rhythms and sizzling arrangements of breathtaking standards and originals. Singing in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Creole, her grand and dynamic approach grabs you until the very last note, rendering you inspired.

Situation:

Janelle and CatPR first met when she was a part of the Babes in Jazzland, her long-awaited debut album You Go To My Head had been completed for over a year but there had never been a publicity push for the album and now was the time. The release was set for Thursday, January 15th at Lula Lounge with Max Senitt Y Sus Amigos who combine a healthy balance of musical challenge with universal accessibility, incorporating a mix of Latin, Reggae, World, Funk, and Modern Jazz elements, producing an exciting and fresh sound that always leaves audiences wanting more.

It was a cold night in Toronto on the night of the release but Lula was packed with people. The opening band had already played a couple of numbers and now everyone was ready to hear Janelle. She hits the stage in style and belted out the first notes of a remix of Garota de Ipanema (Girl From Ipanema) and BOOM! The power goes out. Janelle tries to communicate to the crowd with a megaphone (pictured here) and then she and her guitarists walk through the crowds singing Bésame Mucho but eventually everyone was asked to leave. As it turned out, this was an entire west-end back-out which left thousands of people in the west-end of the city in the dark, some for over 24 hrs.

Outcome:

The show has been re-schedule for Thursday, April 2nd same time same place so don’t miss it!

Janelle’s CD caught the attention of the media right away starting with CBC air play along with a performance and interview on Metro Morning, Toronto Star CD Pick of the Week/REVIEW, JAZZ FM 91 Interview on Benmergui in the Morning, CKLN, CIUT and more to come...

Toronto Star – Flood cuts power, shuts part of subway in west end thestar.com

Toronto Star CD Pick of the week / REVIEW thestar.com

JAZZ FM: event listing Jazz.FM

Client: MEOW FILMS / Night at the Indies

Service: On-going publicity

Background:

~Night at the Indies~ is an independent, live multimedia event which happens once a month in Toronto and Vancouver. Established in 2005 as a non-profit artist collective in Toronto this event was founded by Gurbeen Bhasin of MEOW FILMS and the main objective is to showcase a combination of independent films, local spoken word performances, music, photography and other art forms, focusing on artists who are ethnic minorities, women, youth, people of colour, lesbian/gay/bi/trans, differently-abled, and from first nations and other marginalized communities. When possible artists attend the events to share their art and provide audience members with an opportunity to converse about their creative process, challenges, rewards, etc. Each event includes film and other art forms involving issues of homophobia, social concerns, oppression and human rights issues that have inspired artists to take a stance.

Situation:

CatPR works in partnership with MEOW FILMS on a variety of projects and when ~Night at the Indies launched CatPR jumped on board as an official sponsor for the event and added her services in order to get the word out to the media and public. CatPR also recommended the services of Xguru Inc to create a ~Night at the Indies newsletter which details the events each month.

To subscribe visit nightattheindies.com | For Artist Submissions click here

Outcome:

~Night at the Indies~ has expanded and launched in Vancouver in 2008 with hopes to spread to Montreal and Halifax in 2009 as well as Winnipeg in 2010 and intends to expand internationally by 2011.

"The expansion of ~Night at the Indies~ is an important step in this initiative's growth and will enable youth and filmmakers beyond Toronto to benefit from the unique opportunity to collaborate, share knowledge and experience, and to develop professional networks and mentor / contacts with other artists and filmmakers". "There really is nothing like ~Night at the Indies~ happening anywhere else in Toronto. This initiative fills a gap in existing community work and amongst artists by providing space for young and emerging artists to connect and collaborate while encouraging real grassroots development of arts communities."
~ Tia Dafnos, Chairperson, Youth Action Network

Client: MANIFESTO Festival of Music & Art

September 2008

Service: CONTRACT

Background:

Manifesto Community Projects is a non-profit grassroots organization working to unite, energize, and celebrate Toronto’s vibrant and diverse music and arts community and find innovative ways of working together towards common goals. The first ever Manifesto Festival was in September of 2007 and was a huge success going down as one of the largest and most unique hip hop festivals in Canadian history. The festival brought together over 100 artists and thousands of spectators for four days of art and music, culminating in a massive free outdoor event at Toronto’s civic heart, Nathan Phillips Square, where many of Canada’s revered hip hop pioneers shared the stage with some new blood in a celebration of our nation’s hip hop legacy and future.

Situation:

MANIFESTO was gearing up for their second year and were looking for PR representation. CatPR met with the organizers and set up a plan to take over the city of Toronto for five days with live musical performances from acclaimed artists, visual arts exhibitions, a mini film festival, Hip Hop Karaoke, $1500 street dance competition, multidisciplinary workshops, youth initiative pitch contest, the Governor General’s Urban Arts Forum of the Americas, and hundreds of individuals from across the Americas to support artists working to establish peace and solidarity in neighborhoods and communities. In particular they wanted to get their message and a photo they called ‘A Great Day in Toronto’ modeled after the famous 1958 photo ‘A Great Day in Harlem’.

Outcome:

The festival received a ton of coverage including; the cover of Eye Weekly and the Toronto Star CRITIC’S CHOICE which ran ‘A Great Day in Toronto’ for the festival chronicling the rise of hip hop in the city. The festival also received attention from MTV Canada, Much Music, City TV News and many more...

Selected Media Coverage:

Step in the arena. September 17, 2008. Del F. Cowie Eye Weekly | *.pdf format

CityNews Preview | Northern Touch: Manifesto Finale A Toronto Kind Of Thing. Monday September 22, 2008. Story & Photos Aaron Miller CityNews.ca

Critic's Choice: Entertainment - What's On. Toronto Star Thursday September 18, 2008. *.pdf format

Client: Josh Grossman / Terence Blanchard Concert

August 2008

Service: Media Release / PITCH

Background:

Trumpeter Terence Blanchard is a Blue Note recording artist who started his career with the Lionel Hampton band and then played for two years with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Since deciding to pursue a solo career in 1990, Terence Blanchard has earned six Grammy nominations as well as nominations for an Emmy and a Golden Globe award; he won a Grammy Award as part of the 2005 release McCoy Tyner's Illuminations. Terence Blanchard has earned acclaim as a composer and has written scores for over forty films including 13 collaborations with Spike Lee. He signed with Blue Note in 2003 and has released three critically acclaimed albums on the label, the most recent of which, A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina), a 13-track song-cycle written in reaction to Hurricane Katrina's destruction of New Orleans in 2005, won the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble.

Situation:

Terence Blanchard was in Toronto for the premiere of Spike Lee's new film Miracle at St. Anna at The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). When Terence's agent contacted Josh Grossman to see about booking the Terence Blanchard Quintet for a show in Toronto, Josh, working with partners Jeff Melanson (Melanson Arts Projects) and Chris Teeter (TIFF), booked the Quintet into Yonge-Dundas Square for a free outdoor concert, as part of TIFF's free programming. Josh had worked with CatPR for three years on the Markham Jazz Festival and called CatPR to send out a media release and make some pitches for the Terence Blanchard show.

Outcome:

Terence was featured in the Toronto Star mentioned in the Toronto Sun and had several interviews booked on JAZZ FM, 680 News and many more...

Selected Media Coverage:

Spike Lee's new film inspired trumpeter. Toronto Star September 8, 2008. Ashante Infantry. Pop & Jazz Critic torontostar.com

Client: Linus Entertainment - True North Records

July 2007 - September 2008

Service: CONTRACT

Background:

Linus Entertainment is a multifaceted music company providing a variety of services to Canadian music creators, and cultural products for the Canadian and international market. Linus encompasses a sound recording label, two music publishing companies, and it provides artist management and music supervision services. Linus Records is one of the top Canadian record labels, a FACTOR DBA1 company with over 50 Canadian albums and DVDs in its catalog, including titles by such high profile artists as Gordon Lightfoot, Ashley MacIsaac, Ron Sexsmith, Big Sugar, Quartetto Gelato, and the Canadian Brass. Linus is distributed by Universal Music in Canada, and Koch Entertainment in the USA, and licenses to a variety of labels outside of North America.

True North Records is Canada's oldest independent record label and one of its largest. Founded in 1969 and with over 450 releases, 40 JUNO Awards and 37 gold and platinum records to its credit, True North is a unique Canadian recording company dedicated to fostering creativity among its artists.

Situation:

The President and CEO of Linus, Geoff Kulawick, was looking for a new publicist and asked his long-time friend Jaymz Bee for recommendations. He had founded the company in 2001 following the most successful run in Canadian A&R history delivering four consecutive Gold and Platinum selling Juno Award winning artists to Virgin/EMI Canada. Prior to Virgin /EMI Kulawick was Creative Director at Warner/Chappell Music Canada, and Special Projects Manager at A&M Records (now Universal Music). Going through a number of other publicists, the company was having a hard time finding the "right" person, until they met Cat*PR.

Outcome:

Cat*PR negotiated a one year contract position as publicist for the company and worked on the publicity and marketing for artists; Sophie Milman - Downchild - Alannah Myles - Ashley MacIsaac - Gordon Lightfoot and Quartetto Gelato along with artists on True North Records; the Golden Dogs, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Stephen Fearing, Colin Linden, Tom Wilson, 54-40, Joel Kroeker, Lynn Miles, Hunter Valentine, Rheostatics, Howie Beck, Murray McLauchlan, Lighthouse, Rough Trade, Randy Bachman, NOJO and Michael Occhipinti. All distributed by Universal Music (Canada), Koch Entertainment (USA), Active (UK), ZYX (Germany/France), TMC Nordic (Scandinavia).

LINKS:

www.linusentertainment.com

www.truenorthrecords.com

ARTIST: Sophie Milman

Sophie Milman has already seen and done more than many people twice her age. Since her self-titled debut was released in 2004, it has sold almost 100,000 copies worldwide, hit the Billboard Top 5 in Canada and the Top 15 in the United States, and topped the iTunes jazz charts in five different territories. Meanwhile, Sophie has maintained a rigorous touring schedule – headlining sold-out shows in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Japan, and throughout Europe – and continued to balance her burgeoning music career with her commerce studies at the University of Toronto and just won a JUNO for best vocal jazz album of the year 2008!

Selected press clippings:

Chatelaine: Celebrating 80 years together - Collector’s Edition
SOPHIE MILMAN is listed first in the Arts & Culture section of 80 women to watch! chatelaine.com

FASHION Magazine fashionmagazine.com

Toronto Life torontolife.com

AND many more @sophiemilman.com

ARTIST: Alannah Myles

An inspiration to all recording artists around the world, Alannah Myles has hit the highest highs - winning a Grammy award and selling multi-millions of records. Alannah has met every challenge an artist can be hit with, facing them head on with the tenacity of one of the most determined artists in the history of the music business.

Selected press clippings:

CBC News Sunday - Feature interview - AIRED May 11th 2008
With her rock and roll hit song Black Velvet, Alannah Myles sold millions of records around the world. So how did she end up scrounging to keep a roof over her head? A feature interview with Myles as she releases her first recording in over a decade.
cbc.ca

Along with City TV/Star TV, MuchMoreMusic The Loop, ET Canada, eTalk/CTV, Sun TV, Rogers, CBC Morning, The Biography Channel (Fall 08) and more

CP PRESS: Article, video and still shots that ran across Canada in various news outlets including the Toronto Star, Canoe JAM/ Toronto Sun, METRO and many more...

Alannah Myles reclaims 'Black Velvet' with modern reworking canadianpress.com

For NEWS features / tour info visit alannahmyles.com

Client: TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival

April-July 2007

Service: CONTRACT

Background:

For the past 20 years, Toronto Downtown Jazz has produced the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival as well as many other events and programs to further develop jazz talent and audience appreciation. Toronto Downtown Jazz is a registered charity and over the years has come to be recognized as one of North Americas premier jazz festival producers, while the organization itself has been used by other arts organizations and festivals as a model for community involvement, artistic excellence and outstanding production standards.

Situation:

The festival was looking for additional help in their publicity department, former head of PR Debbie Rix had offically retired and publicist Anna Tom was looking for assistance. Familiar with working in the world of jazz, Cat*PR was approached.

Outcome:

Cat*PR was hired on contract from April-July along with an intern to help out with the festival. 10 days/nights were spent at the festival working media with great results including cover stories and features in every Toronto daily/weekly paper, show reviews and daily JAZZ FM91 interviews with the artists.

Selected Media Coverage:

www.thestar.com

www.eyeweekly.com

www.thelivemusicreport.com

www.citynews.ca

Client: Lula Lounge

May 2007

Service: MEDIA PITCH

Background:

Since it opened in 2002, Lula Lounge has been a favourite venue in the West-end to many. From its signature floor-burning live salsa nights to a wide range of jazz evenings with an ever-evolving lineup of musicians from all over the world; from CD releases to fundraisers of all kinds, Lula Lounge is a place where artists, promoters and event organizers create the real culture of our city.

Lula's reputation has been built on its visionary and diverse programming policy and the caliber of the music presented. Lula's difference is apparent from the moment one passes under the spectacular new script marquee designed by Lula owner Jose Ortega and through the doors into the warm and eclectic main room. Equal parts Havana and Sao Paulo with a splash of Mumbai thrown in, Lula is a warm and colourful throwback to a more glamorous era. The tropical fusion menu and drinks contribute to the feeling of being away in warmer climes.

Situation:

Lula Lounge celebrates their fifth anniversary in 2007 with Lula World running from May 3 to May 20, featuring 16 nights of music from across Canada and around the world; with over 25 countries proudly and distinctively represented. Cat*PR was working on a Tuesday night jazz series with Jaymz Bee and frequently visited the club. They started painting; changing the front sign etc. and when asked about the renovations, they said that it was for their Anniversary. Cat*PR immediately PITCHED out the story.

Outcome:

Full colour COVER Story in the ‘What’s On’ section of the Toronto Star with a cover news shot and an insert photo, with interviews with the owners and a schedule of events.

click here to read the Toronto Star article online | (*.pdf format)

Client: THE CHIN INTERNATIONAL PICNIC

On-going client of Cat*PR since 2005

Background:

The CHIN International Picnic is an international celebration during Canada Day weekend for families to enjoy a wide selection of Foods of the World, International Beer & Wine Garden and a wide variety of entertainment.

Situation:

CHIN was celebrating their 40th anniversary and it was Cat’s second year leading the PR campaign. Cat*PR developed a campaign that used past archived footage and quotes from the legendary Johnny Lombardi to add to the history of the event.

Outcome:

Appearances of BT, City Online with Anne Rohmer where they interviewed Lenny Lombardi and showed stock footage with clips of Johnny Lombardi and Trudeau, sports celebrities and more…a successful media campaign.


Client: Jaymz Bee

May 2007

Service: MEDIA PITCH

Background:

Jaymz Bee moved to the West end of Toronto in early 2006, along with JAZZ.FM91, and moved into a LOFT in Liberty Village this past January ’07. Jaymz has been a promoter, producer, MC and band leader for decades and has given back to the music scene in Toronto. After traveling around the world he always ends up back in Toronto and has lived in virtually every neighborhood and touched the lives of many people.

Situation:

When Jaymz and JAZZ.FM91 first moved to the West end – Cat*PR pitched a story to writer Kathryn Kates at the Star. At that time there was no room or time for any interviews, but I continued to pursue the story. After Jaymz moved into the LOFT, he bumped into the writer and they set a date for an interview. Jaymz was also getting media attention for his fundraising effort for JAZZ.FM91and the JAZZ SAFARI, which is an extremely successful campaign with over 600 people so far and counting...

Outcome:

The Star ran a story in the atHOME section featuring an interview and amazing photos of the LOFT. The story then ran in the Hamilton Spectator insert @home PEOPLE with a two-page full colour spread titled ‘Busy Bee buzzes in jazzy hive’.

click here to read the Toronto Star article

click here to read the Hamilton Spectator @home article

Client: Laughter Yoga Clubs

Ongoing

Background:

Laughter Yoga was founded in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, a family doctor in Mumbai, India and the first World Laughter Day was held in 1998. The phenomenon of Social Laughter Clubs exploded across the country and spread around the world. Now there are over 5000 laughter clubs worldwide on all 5 continents in public parks, offices, factories, schools, nursing homes, libraries and people's homes.

Situation:

The high park laughter club was celebrating their 1-year anniversary with a mass laughter yoga session in High Park. They asked me to help.

Outcome:

The Canadian Press picked up the story and it ran nationally. In Toronto there were feature articles in 24 HOURS including a cover story, a news feature in The Villager, an article in the Toronto Star, a cover story in METRO, feature in Glow Magazine and listings in all the local papers including the National Post Toronto TO DO section and interviews / coverage on CFRB, CBC, JAZZ FM 91 and CTV and this is just the beginning. Laughter Yoga has been featured Internationally on most major networks including CNN. ABC , BBC, NHK Japan, Channel 7 & 9 Australia, ZDF Germany and print publications including TIME Magazine, National Geographic, New York Times, London Times, LA Times, The Guardian, Wall Street Journals and was recently featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show on April 11th, 2007 bringing great exposure to laughter yoga all over the world. ALSO look for a feature in Readers Digest. World Laughter Day celebrations continue all over the world on the first Sunday of May.

For more information about World Laughter Day visit www.worldlaughterday.ca



click here to read the article in Glow Magazine

click here to read the article in The Toronto Star

click here to read the article in 24 HOURS Magazine

click here to read the article in 24 HOURS Magazine

click here to read the article in MetroNews

Client Update: Laughter Yoga – Burlington-Oakville Laughter Club - One-year Anniversary

August 2006

The Burlington-Oakville Laughter Yoga Club was celebrating their one-year anniversary. The local media immediately caught on to the story with a huge feature in the Burlington Post and an online feature in the Hamilton Spectator along with TV appearances on Cogeco Cable and The Green Room on CHTV with Matt Hayes and Lesley Stewart.

Hamilton Spectator - City Spotlight

Burlington laughter-yoga is a funny way to reduce stress

A weekly yoga class in Burlington instructs participants in a rather funny way to reduce stress — through laughter. Instructor Marja Pirie recently celebrated the first anniversary of the class. That's no joke.

http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/burlington_life/

Burlington Post

Laughter is the best medicine --just ask this group

Club offers unique way to reduce stress

Melanie Cummings, Special to the Post

http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/bp/story/3643774p-4212498c.html

Oakville Beaver

Laughter yoga is good medicine

http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/ob/story/3673817p-4247149c.html

Client: Chet Baker Festival / Foundation

September 2006

Background

The legendary Chet Baker was born in Oklahoma and died in Amsterdam, Holland in 1988. Few musicians have embodied the romantic, and ultimately tragic, jazz figure as totally as Chet Baker. A lyrical, self-taught improviser with a soft touch that seemed to kiss the notes as they flew by, Baker laid claim to Miles Davis' cool, laid-back approach early on and made it his, for life. With his wan, Hollywood good looks and bad-boy reputation, Baker became the poster boy for West Coast cool jazz. In a style that combined restraint with a certain nervous agitation and a strong dose of sentimentality, particularly on ballads, Baker captured the imagination not only of jazz lovers, but of a general public fascinated as much by his lifestyle as his music. Baker's high, whispered vocals, even more popular now than in his heyday, captured the same sleepy intimacy as his trumpet, particularly on such tunes as "I Fall in Love Too Easily," and "Everything Happens To Me."

Situation

Chet Baker’s third wife Carol Baker and their son Dean moved to Toronto to head the newly formed Chet Baker Foundation and start the Chet Baker Jazz Festival, an annual celebration which will spread to Europe in the next year. I was approached by Jhames Lee to do the PR for the festival and immediately got to work. The festival included two Concert Gala Fundraisers at the Music Hall. For the first show, they flew in; Harold Danko, Bob Mover, Curtis Fuller, Herb Geller, Nicola Stilo, Curtis Fuller, Hal Galper, Ray 'Bulldog' Drummond who all played with Chet Baker and Kevin Turcotte to play lead trumpet. The other concert featured Latin, samba, bossa nova and Brazilian music with multiple Grammy Award-winner Randy Brecker and Juno recipients Hilario Duran and Jane Bunnett along with Chet Baker's original sidemen, coming in from Europe: Riccardo Del Fra- Paris, Maurizio Giammarco- Rome and local favourite Brian Dickinson. Two shows were added at the Rex and Lula Lounge and the FREE festival was cancelled due to rain.

Outcome

A cover story in the Toronto Star, a Globe & Mail feature and NOW magazine preview along with interviews on JAZZ FM and many more... Both the press and the public enjoyed seeing this unforgettable once in a lifetime commemoration!

Toronto Star >> Click here for article

Globe & Mail >> Click here for article

NOW MAGAZINE >> Click here for article