His name is William C. Ismer. everyone calls him bill or “The Piano Man.” He is 65, a Navy veteran, a retired cop. Most of the nurses know his story.

On this Thursday morning, he rolls his portable piano into the cardiac intensive care unit, turns into the last room on the right.

The room he almost died in, 13 years ago.

“Good morning!” he calls to a pale man in the railed bed. “I told you I’d be back. How you doing?”

The man shakes his head. He didn’t sleep last night. He’s struggling to breathe. He’s trying to hold on for a new heart, but doctors have no idea when the right one might be donated.

Ismer sets up his keyboard in the corner, then bends over the bed. “It’s okay to be scared,” he said. “I was scared too.

“Now just relax and I’ll play some music for you.”

For the first 54 years of his life, Ismer said, “I was pretty much a hard a–.”

He grew up tough in Pittsburgh and dropped out of high school to join the Navy. as a Broward County sheriff’s deputy, he never cut anyone any slack. “Talk about rigid,” he said.

When he had a heart attack in 1998 and a nurse asked him whom she should call, Ismer couldn’t think of anyone who would care.

“I had burned all the bridges,” he said.

In the hospital, Ismer started reading the Bible. He made a list of everyone he needed to ask for forgiveness. He called his son, who came home for Christmas.

Soon doctors told Ismer he needed a new heart.

For seven months, he waited in the cardiac unit while machines kept him alive. He had a long time, there on his back, to make plans for how he would change if he survived.

He confided in his favorite nurse, Debbie. she held his hand.

Six days after the surgery, Ismer was discharged — able to breathe easily for the first time in almost a year. He started taking long walks along Tampa’s waterfront. With Debbie. He started going to Sunday services with her at East Thonotosassa Baptist Church. on April 21, 2000, they got married there.

“I joined the praise band. one day, after the piano player retired, I sat down on that bench and just started playing,” Ismer said. “I didn’t know what I was doing. but my fingers seemed to.”

He stands behind his keyboard, light from the lone window spilling over his shoulders, and unzips the black three-ring binder filled with sheet music: Beethoven’s Grand Fugue Op. 133, Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Ismer is not sure how or when he learned to read music. the gift, he said, came with his new heart. He wonders if the donor was a pianist.

He feels an urgency, he says, to show his gratitude, to give back. Over seven years, Ismer has volunteered more than 2,000 hours at Tampa General.

Sometimes he plays hymns. sometimes country: Willie or Elvis. Billy Joel, the Beatles, whatever the patient might find soothing.

He played In the Presence of Jehovah for a mother whose infant twins died at birth. when he played what I Did For Love for a 40-year-old woman waiting for a kidney, she sang along.

<a href="http://www.theledger.com/article/20120512/NEWS/120519804/1002/SPORTS?Title=-8216-The-Piano-Man-Brings-Hope-to-Fellow-Transplant-Patients-at-Tampa-General-tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.theledger.com/article/20120512/NEWS/120519804/1002/SPORTS?Title=-8216-The-Piano-Man-Brings-Hope-to-Fellow-Transplant-Patients-at-Tampa-General-Sun, 13 May 2012 02:57:21 GMT”>’The Piano Man’ Brings Hope to Fellow Transplant Patients at Tampa General

Sometimes it’s barely noticeable, swerving in and out of the film unwittingly. But sometimes it’s altogether too noticeable, bombastic and booming. a film score can sometimes make or break a picture. it can heighten the action, and it can stand on its own, or it can distract and contribute to a poor experience.

Bill Mays has heard all that. He’s a jazz pianist, composer and Milford, Pa., resident, and he’s also partially responsible for hundreds of film and television scores. Among his credits are “The Hudsucker Proxy,” three seasons of “Happy Days,” “Hamlet” (and an attempt to capture Miles Davis’ style) and “Pooh’s Heffalump Movie,” and yes, those are just some of the H’s.

This weekend Mays will take residence at the Milford Theatre, as the Black Bear Film Festival hosts “Mays at the Movies.” The program works in tandem with Mays’ CD “Mays at the Movies,” and, as part of the program, the pianist will perform, plus discuss three scores in which he was a part: “Fargo,” “Where the Wild things Are” and “Terms of Endearment.”

Mays worked in Los Angeles studios during the 1970s and ’80s, contributing to scores for countless movies and television shows. He moved to New York in 1984 and has since done occasional work, specifically with composer Carter Burwell.

“I’m glad that I get the call,” Mays said. “When he scores in New York I’m the pianist that he uses.”

That’s how he took on “Fargo” and “Where the Wild things are.” The cold, cloudy opening scene of “Fargo” is complemented by two instruments: a violin and a piano, which Mays plays. The song is “Fargo, North Dakota.”

“And it’s a very eerie sound of violin, tuned in an unorthodox fashion,” he said.

For “Where the Wild things are,” the orchestra featured about 30 pieces of instrumentation — woodwinds, piano, harp and percussion.

“The score on that film was in the background,” Mays said. “It did not call attention to itself.”

Saturday night Mays’ trio will perform in a way that calls a bit more attention. They’ll play jazz interpretations of popular film music, including “Pure Imagination” (“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”) and “The Shadow of your Smile” (“The Sandpiper”).

And Mays is more than film scores. as a Milford resident, he enjoys the peace and serenity of Northeastern Pennsylvania, crafting music that calls attention to its trappings. In 2008 he released “Delaware River Suite,” a musical journey down the river, from Narrowsburg to the Delaware Bay.

For more on Mays’ music, visit billmays.net.

Ads by Google

<a href="http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120511/ENTERTAIN/205110304/-1/ENTERTAIN08tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120511/ENTERTAIN/205110304/-1/ENTERTAIN08Fri, 11 May 2012 06:16:12 GMT”>He knows the score: Jazz pianist talks films

Visitor numbers reached a record-breaking 2122 – an increase of 8.5% on 2011. In all, 2680 people attended the show over the two days and such was the confidence felt by exhibitors that an unprecedented number of exhibitors re-booked on-site for 2013.

As always, the combination of the Professional Development Programme which profiled the effective use of new products and explored areas of special interest through seminar and discussion, together with the dozens of new products for people to get their hands on proved a massive hit with visitors and exhibitors alike.

Among the many new products making their UK debut were Chauvet Europe’s latest products including the MVP 12 modular video panels, Legend 412 pixel-mapping moving yoke, Q-Wash 560Z-LED moving yoke, COLORado 2 Zoom Tour and COLORado 1-Quad Tour wash fixtures; from MIDAS, the new Generation-II Software and the new XL48 ‘digi-log’mic preamp; Martin Professional introduced the new Viper family of MAC moving heads, Studio Spares gave visitors the opportunity to experience their new M1000 studio headphones; FBT Audio announced its new Installed Sound division; entertainment lighting specialist White Light showcased lighting solutions from their exclusive product line; Hall Stage premiered the new, innovative Chaindrive system for T60 and T70 track systems; Highlite International presented the UK launch of over 200 brand new products including the Pipe & Drape range from Wentex; Ambersphere brought new products from Clay Paky and MA Lighting; Sennheiser unveiled the XS Wireless Series. Leeds also saw the UK premiere of the Yamaha CL Series Digital Consoles, and a new acoustic solution for stages and venues from PLASA Focus debutante Showtex, while ETC showed the new Source Four LED and the LUCAS Nano 300 made its UK debut courtesy of JHS and HK Audio.

The expanded and enhanced Professional Development Programme proved more popular than ever with sessions being divided into Special interest seminars and Exhibitor Driven training and demonstrations. the programme range extended from a six member panel of experts debating the future role of the lighting designer from the Association of Lighting Designers and Leeds University, to a demonstration of how and why loudspeakers produce what they do in ‘Can You Hear me at the Back?’ from d&b audiotechnik, where there was standing room only.

For once, the sun refused to shine but this failed to stifle the enthusiastic atmosphere among visitors and exhibitors alike. Tony Hamer, a retired lecturer from Leeds College of Music was enthusiastic about the educational benefits of PLASA events as he chatted to representatives from the Backstage Academy: “I’ve been coming to PLASA Leeds and London for as long as I can remember. It is the place where students can see the most bang-up-to-date equipment, talk to the most knowledgeable people and get a real feel for what’s actually going on.”

There was a strong representation from the education sector from institutions as far afield as the University of Glamorgan to colleges in Cumbria. Departmental technicians were all here in force: “We knew we could come here to try before we buy; you can’t do that online or talk to the experts at the same time,” commented Nick Smith and Martin Guppy, Performing Arts technicians from Haslingden High School. “Everyone is so friendly and helpful; it doesn’t matter if you are looking for a single radio mic or a whole PA system!”

This sentiment was echoed by freelance audio engineer, Ben Tarbard, enthusing about the special Leeds atmosphere, “There’s not a better place to check out new products and catch up with friends and colleagues.”

Exhibitors too, were clear about the benefits of travelling north to be here. Richard Morgan from JHS was a newcomer to the show: “this is my first visit to Leeds but it has a great vibe.”

As Roland Higham, a consultant in audio and control software declared, “You can’t over estimate the value of face time.”

PLASA Focus: Leeds 2013 will take place at the Royal Armouries Museum and Saviles Hall on Tuesday 30 April and Wednesday 1 may 2013.

Category: Industry Associations News

<a href="http://eventindustrynews.co.uk/?p=13845tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://eventindustrynews.co.uk/?p=13845Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:51:41 GMT”>PLASA Focus Breaks All Records

Six technicians are in Zurich on secondment

The assistant technicians, some in their 50s, included men previously employed with Malta Shipyards.

SR Technics’ facility, which was established in 2010, sits within the €17 million Safi aviation park inaugurated last week, and services narrow body aircraft.

Newly promoted team members reached the required academic and practical experience targets earlier this year. as technicians, they now bear full accountability for processes they oversee.

“Technicians sign off their own work procedures depending on their authorisation and in accordance with predetermined risk assessments,” general manager Jutta Trimmel told The Times Business. “All the new technicians reached the high grades required to complete their training. Six are currently working in Zurich on short secondment periods.”

Ms Trimmel explained SR Technics had no qualms about recruiting candidates aged 55-plus as they still brought a minimum five years’ service to the company.

As a start-up, SR Technics was keen to bring immediate experience to its Malta team to strike a maturity balance with the greenness of the younger members.

“The experience they bring while they are part of SR Technics’ team will give us time to plan succession for when they reach retirement,” Ms Trimmel added. “If all the team were young, there would be fewer opportunities for other young people to enter our workforce.”

Ivan Sammut, 41, is one of the newly promoted technicians. Previously employed with Enemalta Corporation for 12 years as a mechanical fitter and technician after three years’ apprenticeship, he resigned to pursue an ambition to start a catering business. He explained the business, however, made enormous demands on his time and a work-dominated lifestyle became unsustainable.

The opportunity to work at SR Technics enabled him to return to his mechanical and electrical background and gave him a chance to join a learning environment.

He is now relishing the added responsibility and challenges of his new role. in the longer term, he said, he hoped to be given further promotion opportunities.

SR Technics’ initial recruitment drive in 2010 was held in collaboration with the Employment and Training Corporation.

“We were lucky, in a way, that Malta Shipyards was laying people off , making technical expertise available,” human resources manager Mario Micallef explained. “most of the applicants were ex-Malta Shipyards but there were also people who had previously worked at Enemalta and ST Microelectronics among the applicants. All had extensive trade and technical skills. We recruited 30 in various trades in the first intake over six months. The more technical recruits were aged over 40; the oldest was 56.”

The new recruits immediately travelled to Zurich for nine-week programmes at SR Technics’ headquarters which included practical and academic training. on their return, all contributed to the infrastructure set-up of the new Malta facility before the operation kicked off.

Mr Micallef said the teams excelled in training – none had aviation knowledge and many had not sat in a classroom for years. Modules focused on aviation English, electrics and systems, and health and safety procedures.

All passed written exams and reached the required grades to proceed to further training. The intake returned to Malta with an industry-recognised qualification under its belt: SR Technics’ dedicated technical training facility in Zurich is used by other industry players to train aircraft maintenance teams.

In Malta, the team members were later enrolled in programmes designed for Airbus aircraft in which SR Technics invested significantly.

Ms Trimmel said SR Technics has been impressed with the Maltese recruits’ adaptability and by their initiative. Several technicians have enrolled in aviation maintenance evening courses at MCAST to broaden their knowledge and skills. SR Technics has supported them by offering flexible working hours. The added knowledge could improve their prospects whenever new promotion opportunities arise, she said.

SR Technics’ Malta team now numbers 150 people from nine countries, including 135 Maltese.

<a href="http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120517/business-news/Ex-shipyards-personnel-excel-at-SR-Technics.420159tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120517/business-news/Ex-shipyards-personnel-excel-at-SR-Technics.420159Thu, 17 May 2012 08:16:30 GMT”>Ex-shipyards personnel excel at SR Technics

iPhone andiPad users unhappy with their speakerphones may be treated to better sound in future models.

Apple has invented a new speakerphone system for iOS devices, according to a patent published yesterday by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. the patent application is filled with pages of the usual technical jargon.

But in a nutshell, Apple is redesigning and repositioning the traditional speaker and surrounding components to enhance the quality of the audio possible in a relatively small space. Though the patent doesn’t tout any specific benefits to consumers, “the new speaker positioning could provide iOS devices with generally superior sound, even when docked,” according to Patently Apple.

Speakers on mobile phones tend to offer weak sound due to their small size. even laptops andtablets don’t have enough space for high-quality speakers, a factor acknowledged by Apple in its patent application.

There is a range of consumer electronics devices that are not dedicated or specialized audio playback devices, yet can benefit from improved audio performance. for instance, smart phones are ubiquitous. these devices, however, do not have sufficient space to house high fidelity speakers. this is also true for portable personal computers such as laptop, notebook, and tablet computers, and, to a lesser extent, desktop personal computers with built-in speakers.

The redesigned speaker could be used in “relatively small back volume enclosures” and “may have improved performance,” the patent said.

Apple is creating the new speaker system for its own mobile phone and tablet. but the technology clearly would benefit a wide range of small devices, certainly one reason why the company saw fit to patent the invention.

<a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57437006-37/apple-creating-better-sounding-speakerphone-for-ios-devices/tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57437006-37/apple-creating-better-sounding-speakerphone-for-ios-devices/Fri, 18 May 2012 14:39:43 GMT”>Apple creating better-sounding speakerphone for iOS devices

The proposal will be presented Monday night to the planning and Transportation Commission by Colby Durnin, a representative of Kaleidoscope owner Crown Valley Holdings LLC, which bought the center in 2010.

The plan, which would require City Council approval, calls for a digital sign on the north side of the center, four on the west side, two on the southeast side and one on the east side. All signs would be framed so they blend into the building’s architecture.

“It takes a vertical retail fortress and moves some of the energy to the outside of our walls,” Durnin said.

Under the plan, the electronic signs could be used to advertise businesses, goods and services at the center or elsewhere in Mission Viejo. the plan also calls for 47 static wall signs of varying sizes to display tenants of the center.

Durnin first presented the idea in January to the City Council, proposing it as the next phase in the rebranding of Kaleidoscope as a vibrant destination in the vein of L.a. Live, the Grove in Los Angeles and Hollywood & Highland Center.

Kaleidoscope had suffered a series of setbacks prior to its purchase by Crown Valley Holdings, including operational problems with escalators, smelly restaurant grease traps, problematic parking and a reputation as a hangout for teens, not families.

Crown Valley Holdings set out to address those issues, bumping up security, encouraging guards to work with business owners to identify problems, and ensuring broken escalators – which previously would be out of operation for days at a time – were fixed quickly.

In May 2011, the initial phase of the center’s redevelopment was approved by the city. the proposal included bringing LA Fitness into the former Bristol Farms spot and expanding the center by nearly 30,000 square feet to give several tenants, including Island’s Restaurant, the Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar and Howie’s Game Shack, more space.

In addition, new furniture and interior landscaping was installed, an outdoor seating area was set up outside the Edwards Cinema and several aesthetic changes were made. in addition, tenants made improvements to their stores or moved into new spots.

Kaleidoscope’s owner is taking a unique approach with the new sign program, according to Chuck Wilson, Mission Viejo’s director of community development.

Since the city prohibits such signage, it would require an amendment to city code. Rather than take a one-off approach for Kaleidoscope or try to amend the sign code for all city businesses, the plan proposes establishing a Central Business Sign District.

The district would encompass the commercial zone along I-5 from just south of Alicia Parkway to just north of Avery Parkway, and it would extend about two blocks in from the freeway.

Such a district would help promote the city as a shopping and tourist destination, according to a draft of the ordinance.

“We’re in a little bit of uncharted waters here,” Durnin said. “We wanted to show staff, and even the council, that we were willing to go the extra mile and come up with something better that didn’t just apply to us.”

Durnin said there has been some pushback on the idea, which has gone through several iterations since it was first presented, including the elimination of a digital sign and reducing the size of several others. the largest signs – at 60 feet wide by 20 feet tall – are on the northwest corner of the center, facing the freeway.

The primary issue has been allowing such large, billboard-style signs in the city and the precedent it will set. in addition, some in the city have expressed concerns about what will be advertised on the signs.

Durnin said the plan uses wording from the city’s code that covers bus shelter advertising. Advertising that displays alcohol, tobacco, nudity or partial nudity, political campaigns, religious symbols or services, and anything to do with adult businesses or products would be prohibited.

Contact the writer: 949-454-7377 or cboucly@ocregister.com

<a href="http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-354181-center-signs.htmltag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-354181-center-signs.htmlTue, 15 May 2012 01:53:44 GMT”>Digital billboards proposed for Kaleidoscope center

Livermore Valley, CA –  For a second year, Wente Vineyards and Phillips Seafood have partnered in a cross-promotional program in the retail grocery channel.  Once again offering savings on Phillips products, this year the wine and seafood companies teamed up for their inaugural “East meets West Crab Challenge” to include custom wine and crab meat pairing recipes, retail coupons off the purchase of Phillips Seafood*and an online Sweepstakes*. Competing in the program were Wente Vineyards chef Owen Nattrass and Phillips Seafood chef Todd Weisz.  Both chefs were challenged to make two different dishes using Phillips Crab Meat paired with Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay and Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon.   Consumers could download these unique recipes online and enter to win a trip for two*to Wente Vineyards in the Livermore Valley, California.

one lucky winner, mr. Delano Jennings from Yakima, WA, will be visiting Wente Vineyards June 8-10, 2012 for a two-night stay at the Cottage at Wente Vineyards. Additionally, mr. Jennings and guest will enjoy a customized food and wine pairing dinner at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, and several private wine tours and tastings. 

Custom recipes developed by Wente Vineyards' Chef Owen Nattrass included Green Garden Gazpacho with Crab, Almonds and Avocado and Pan Roasted Sea Bass with Duck fat Fingerlings, Red Wine Crab Butter, Trumpet Mushrooms and Cabernet Jus. 

Phillips’ Chef Todd Weisz newly created dishes included Lemon Caper Crab Cake and Crab Farfalle Puttanesca.

Green Garden Gazpacho with Crab, Almonds and Avocado

Paired with: Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay (serves 4)

4 heirloom cucumbers peeled and cut into rough chunks (we prefer lemon or Armenian cucumbers)

1 c. green grapes 2 gypsy peppers (seeded) 4 cloves peeled garlic 1 c. yellow onion, roughly chopped 2 Tbsp. Slivered almonds 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar 2 Tbsp. chopped basil a pinch- chili flake to taste- salt

8 oz. Phillips Special Crab Meat 1 avocado cut into a small dice 1 heirloom cucumber cut into small dice 1 Tbsp. slivered almonds 4 large basil leaves cut chiffonade pinch flake salt 1 lemon 4 cucumber blossoms (optional) 1 bachelor button picked (optional)

Gazpacho: combine all the ingredients for the soup in a Vitaprep or other variable speed blender. Puree smooth for 3-5 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve and discard the pulp. Place in the refrigerator for one hour to chill

Service: in a small bowl combine the crab meat, avocado, cucumber and basil. Add a small squeeze of lemon juice. Spoon a small mound of the crab mixture slightly off-center in the well of four soup bowls. Garnish each of the mounds with slivered almonds, flake salt bachelor button pieces and a cucumber blossom. Carefully ladle the gazpacho around the crab mixture and serve.

Pan Roasted Sea Bass with Duck fat Fingerlings, Red Wine Crab Butter, Trumpet Mushrooms and Cabernet Jus

Paired with: Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon

For the Potatoes: 8 medium sized fingerling potatoes (cut in half lengthwise) 2 fl oz. of melted duck fat (or olive oil) 1 tsp. picked thyme leaves to taste- salt

For the Crab Butter: &frac14; lb – unsalted butter 8 oz. Phillips Special Crab Meat 1 fl oz. Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon &frac12; tsp. picked thyme leaves &frac12; tsp. minced oregano leaves to taste- Salt

For the Mushrooms: 6 oz. king trumpet mushrooms (cut into quarters lengthwise) 1Tbsp. grapeseed oil (or other neutral oil) 1 tsp. picked thyme leaves to taste- salt

For the Cabernet Jus:

6 oz. aged beef scrap 2 Tbsp. grapeseed oil (or other neutral oil) &frac12; c. large diced red onion 1 head of garlic (cut in half) 2 Tbsp. tomato paste 3 c. Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 1 fresh bay leaf 1 tsp. whole black pepper 2 thyme sprigs 8 c. veal stock

4 ea- 4 oz portions of skin on sea bass to taste- kosher salt to taste- black pepper 2 Tbsp. grapeseed oil (or other neutral oil)

As needed- micro Russian kale

Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wide sauce pan until it just starts to smoke. Add the aged beef scrap and let cook, stirring every couple of minutes until evenly browned (about 10-12 minutes). Add the red onion and continue stirring every couple of minutes until onions start to caramelize. Add the tomato paste and garlic. Pour in the Cabernet and allow to reduce by 2/3. Add the veal stock, bay leaf, thyme and black pepper. Reduce the heat and bring the sauce down slowly to 1/3 its original volume. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and skim any remaining fat off the top.

Crab Butter:  allow butter to soften at room temperature for half an hour. Combine the crab, butter, Cabernet and herbs in the bowl of a stand mixer. using the paddle attachment blend the butter at medium speed until fully incorporated. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Place compound butter in a plastic storage container and refrigerate until needed.

Potatoes: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine potatoes, duck fat, herbs, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl and stir until potatoes are evenly coated. Lay the potatoes on a parchment lined sheet pan and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.

Mushrooms: Combine mushrooms, oil, herbs, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl, and toss to until mushrooms are evenly coated. Spread mushrooms evenly on a parchment lined sheet pan and roast in the oven until well caramelized.

Fish: Liberally season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper. Place 2 tablespoons of oil in a large sauté pan and heat until the oil barely begins to smoke. Place the fish in the pan flash side down and let cook for 2 minutes. Carefully flip the fish over and gently press to make the skin lay flat. Cook on the stovetop for about 1 minute then place the pan in the oven and  let cook for 3-5 minutes or until fish is firm to the touch. Remove fish from the pan and let drain on a napkin.

Service: Place 4 potato halves in the center of each plate. Top with a small mound of roasted trumpet mushrooms. Lean the fish against the mushrooms and top with a small amount of the crab compound butter. Drizzle the cabernet jus around the plate and garnish with micro kale.

Lemon Caper Crab Cake

Paired with: Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay

8 oz. Phillips Crab Meat 1 egg 1 Tbsp. lemon Juice, fresh 1 &frac12; tsp. capers, drained 1/3 c. bread crumbs, plain, lightly toasted 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise, light/reduced-fat 1/8 tsp. garlic powder &frac14; tsp. lemon pepper seasoning &frac12; tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/8 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. butter 1 Tbsp. sweet yellow onion, minced

Preparation Instructions:

1 .In medium mixing bowl, beat egg until frothy. Stir in lemon juice, capers, mayonnaise, garlic powder, lemon pepper seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and salt, until well blended. 2. Melt 1 Tbsp. of the butter in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, approx. 3-5 minutes. Set aside to cool. 3. Fold cooled onions into mixture in bowl until well blended. Gently fold in bread crumbs, then crab meat. 4. Form mixture into 4 round or oval cakes. 5. Heat remaining butter in sauté pan over medium low heat. Cook each crab cake until golden brown on each side, approx. 3 minutes per side, turning cake gently during cooking. 6. Serve immediately with lemon or lime wedges, if desired

Serving suggestion: Serve with cocktail sauce, “spiked” with added hot sauce or horseradish, as desired.

Crab Farfalle Puttanesca

Paired with: Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon

8 oz. Phillips Crab Meat 2 Tbsp. virgin olive oil 2 tsp. garlic, minced 1 shallot, minced 14.5 oz. can petite diced tomatoes 1 Tbsp. capers &frac14; c. pitted and halved black olives, such as Gaeta or Kalamata &frac12; tsp. anchovy paste &frac14; tsp. dried basil &frac14; tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 8 oz. dry farfalle (bow tie) pasta, cooked al dente and drained optional: grated Parmesan or Romano cheese 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, minced, for garnish

Preparation Instructions:

1. Heat oil in large sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and shallot until translucent. do not brown. Add all remaining ingredients. lower heat to simmer and simmer, covered 20-25 minutes. 2. just before serving gently fold in crab meat and heat through. Toss cooked pasta in sauce and top fresh parsley and generous amounts of grated cheese, if desired. Serving Suggestion: For a thicker sauce add 1-2 tsp. tomato paste.

*Where legal

About Wente Vineyards

Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country; owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The winery draws from nearly 3,000 acres of Estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Wente Vineyards is distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide.  In 2010, Wente Vineyards was among the first wineries to receive the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing designation, and one of the only wineries to certify every aspect of its business. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California. Today, the Wente clone of Chardonnay is the most widely planted in California.

Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations. The property features wine tasting, world-class concerts, award-winning fine dining and championship golf. For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.

About Phillips Foods Phillips Seafood Restaurants and Phillips Foods, inc. is a family-owned business founded in 1956 with headquarters in Baltimore.  they are best known for their famous Maryland style crab cakes and seafood dishes bringing genuine Maryland style favorites to life served at more than 20 Phillips Seafood Restaurants throughout the Eastern time zone.  In addition, Phillips isrecognized as the leading importer and distributor of crab meat and other crab products in the U.S.   The company has additional lines of the highest quality seafood items for both retail and foodservice customers as well as company owned restaurants.  Owning and operating crab plants and seafood restaurants for over 90 years has placed Phillips in a unique niche in the food world.  Phillips Foods is making seafood a bigger part of life by producing and distributing the most delicious seafood products on the market today.  to find out more information about Phillips, call 1.888.234.CRAB or visit www.phillipsfoods.com

Source: Phillips Foods

<a href="http://www.perishablenews.com/index.php?article=0021952tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.perishablenews.com/index.php?article=0021952Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:46:38 GMT”>Wente Vineyards & Phillips Seafood Partner For “East Meets West” Crab Challenge – PerishableNews

Sun Valley tradition hits end

Leana Leach and Sun Valley Sunday Brunch synonymous no more

By JENNIFER LIEBRUMExpress Staff Writer

Leana Leach at her Elkhorn home giving a supportive shoulder to Tiger, who often sits beside students while they learn the piano. Courtesy photo

Most every Sunday for the last 14 years, Leana Leach has risen earlier than usual, put on a glamorous white dress and taken her seat at the grand piano in the Lodge Dining Room of the Sun Valley Resort to take a journey along the keys, performing a classical music concert, much of it her own.

When she does it this Mother’s Day, she will deliver the same with a million-dollar smile and indomitable spirit, but with a heavy heart knowing this could be the last time.

though the future is uncertain in the details, the resort has announced it will end the elaborate brunches with special holiday offerings still an option.

it seems to be time for a change at the resort, as evidenced by the farewell tour of "forever Plaid" in March after a 14-year run of the musical in the Sun Valley Boiler Room.

for Leach, a classy, willowy blonde with perfect teeth, enviable cheekbones and great hair, it’s been an avenue for expression for her inner entertainer, which is usually more formal in her role as a musical instructor, which she has been doing since she was 17 years old.

"It’s everything I’ve trained for," she said recently. "not everyone who studies wants to perform. for me, it’s been the perfect amount of professionalism without a huge amount of pressure."

for her, this ending is a time for reflection. this is not the first time a gig has shut down in this town since she came here in the early 1980s.

Leach was fresh out of school and her training had prepared her to be a college professor in classical music and dance who wanted to compose music for dance students and teach them how to understand music so they could better relate their movements. on the outside, she was every bit the Long Beach folk singer in braids and guitar and conga drum.

"cool plan, no jobs," she said. "That’s when I came here to teach with the Center for the Arts."

she spent her time teaching the conga in an improvisational setting. While exhilarating, it was also exhausting. But she also began to realize that rather than be limited to teaching, she had a need to entertain.

< "I made this shift from the academic and classical, which is very specific from the page to wanting to expand."

she became the first entertainer at the then Elkhorn Lodge, since leveled for condos, and it was there she played a lot of guitar, sang folk songs and took requests. she was there for 17 years, eventually getting back to her piano as well and evolving a style and range that got her noticed.

The Sun Valley Trio, with Jason Vontver and John Northrop was formed and they played at Sun Valley’s Duchin Lounge for 11 years where she played the drums and then gravitated back to the piano, which got her the solo brunch gig. she also played the organ and guitar and sang at St. Thomas Episcopal and Emmanuel Episcopal for many years.

"I fulfilled my calling," she said. "I will tell you that I am so grateful for having moved here. I was a big fish in a little pond, but I blossomed and I don’t know if any where else I would have been able to spread my wings."

Music has been her ticket to see the world as well. she has traveled the globe twice, and performed in Japan, Sweden, Norway, Europe and Greece. Travel both was her friend and helped her make friends. though she enjoys working together, she prefers traveling alone, having the freedom to snatch at any opportunity that affords itself without having to consider another opinion.

"it can be arduous," she admitted. "But I prefer it, maybe I was an explorer in another life."

she credits that characteristic with driving her outside of herself and affording her the chance to try a little of everything.

The middle daughter of three, Leach said she came from a very traditional home. she had a serious music teacher, was a school yell leader and joined a sorority. But at the center was always the piano.

"We had a grand piano and if we hadn’t, this would never have happened. I tried it and I took off."

though she played obsessively and read music until it became her native tongue, the night owl said once she had achieved near perfection, she knew there was more to learn, which is how she expanded her instrumentation to the drums and guitar and vocals.

she said her students are encouraged to play to their bliss, and she adapts their training accordingly. she also encourages staying active in other things.

"I’m living proof you don’t have to be that marshmallow-colored stay-in-the-music-room student to be good at your music," she said. "I tell them if they love it, they will make time."

for now, Leach said she is preparing to give the concert of her career this weekend and then packing for a trip to Myanmar for a month. it is there she will sort out what to do next. she will also finalize her third CD and step up the marketing to meet today’s style of music dissemination through the Internet. When she returns, the Trio will perform Sunday nights at the Duchin Lounge through summer starting June 17.

"I always feel like I flourished by letting things happen to me," she said. "and that we all are an amalgamation of what we’ve seen and heard. my ambition for greatness has never been high, I prefer quality of life over knuckling it out. But I’ve made it this far being creative and resilient."

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<a href="http://www.mtexpress.com/index2.php?ID=2005141980tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.mtexpress.com/index2.php?ID=2005141980Wed, 09 May 2012 03:22:55 GMT”>Idaho Mountain Express: Sun Valley tradition hits end – May 9, 2012

Niurka Gonzalez with the National Symphony Orchestra.

HAVANA TIMES, May 5 — Niurka Gonzalez is one of the greatest concert performers of merit today on the island.  As she commented, “We’ve been able to play almost all of the most important works in the repertoire for flute and piano.”

HT: what has Flauta Virtuosa been for you?NG: It has been a very important record in my career, with key works from the repertoire of the flute. It journeys through several epochs, because there are works by everyone from Sebastian Bach to Leo Brouwer – so it’s a good comprehensive overview.

I recorded it along with the pianist Maria del Henar Navarro, who I’ve been playing with for 14 years in a duo called “Ondina,” in homage to the great flutist Roberto Ondina, who was the performer of this instrument in the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Cuba. we wanted to remember and pay due tribute to him in this format.

When it came out, the album won the debuting prize at the Cubadisco music awards.

HT: What’s going to happen on the next album?NG: I can tell you that the next recording will focus on contemporary works by Cuban composers for flute and piano…original versions that in many cases are compositions made specifically for us – for the Ondina duo.

Niuka en gira por prisiones con Silvio Rodriguez.

HT: how many years have you been involved in concert music now?NG: Well, when I was in school I picked up very naturally on playing the instrument, so you could say that it’s been over 25 years.

HT: were there any influences from your family in determining your becoming a musician.NG: Not at all. my mother is a health care professional and my father was in the military. So no, there wasn’t any family influence. It was by my own determination, though they always listened to me and respected my wishes, supporting me in everything, which was instrumental in my development.

HT: So why did you choose the flute?NG: When I started school I began on the clarinet, since for other reasons I couldn’t find a group in which I could practice the flute, though I studied both specialties. So until junior high I did the two specialties, but in third year of high school I begin to focus on the flute.

I have to confess though that what attracted me most to this instrument was its vast repertoire. The clarinet repertoire, in contrast, doesn’t have the Baroque period. Also, the sweetness of the flute was a sound that I liked. I think it’s very expressive and close to the human voice, with many similarities to singing. You can find lots of colors in it. Among the wind instruments I think it’s one that’s extremely rich, and this allows one to tap much of its potential.

Niurka ensayando con Silvio.

HT: what brought about the creation of the Ondina duo?NG: When I returned from my studies in Paris, where I won first prize at the conservatory there, once back in Cuba I entered the National Center for Concert Music. I started looking for a partner to form a group that would allow for a repertoire of work that had continuity.

At that time Maria del Henar had stopped working with the saxophonist Miguel Villafruela. she was looking around for something to motivate her, so we decided to create “Ondina.” That was precisely in 1997, and since then we’ve been developing this musical group.

Today I can say that Maria del Henar Navarro is also an accomplished pianist who has achieved great expertise in the repertoire of the flute due to all this experience over time in the duo.

HT: what do you think has been the hallmark of the Ondina duo among the broad movement of concert music, especially chamber music.NG: I’d say we’re characterized by the great rigor of our repertoire. We’ve been able to play almost all of the most important works of the repertoire for flute and piano, with most of the music we play being from 1850 forward.

In the format of the Ondina duo, we’ve actually done little baroque music, since the creations of that period were written for harpsichord. When we include them, we prefer to do them like they were originally conceived – with the harpsichord or cello. in that sense we’ve played much of the repertoire written for flute that was composed following the date I mentioned.

We’ve also been defined by our executions of works by contemporary composers, performing them in depth, spending years studying them, finding new things each time and therefore always exploring and seeking out new things.

HT: So hasn’t the Ondina duo been somewhat nationalistic.NG: No, not at all. We’ve been completely international in our approach to music.

Niurka in concert con Leo Brouwer.

HT: how did your stay in Paris influence you in terms of your artistic training?NG: It influenced me significantly, because the French school of wind instruments has a great tradition and is very prestigious, as is reflected through its great teachers and performers. When I was in Barcelona I had the luck of meeting one of those great masters: Alain Marion. He was the one who wrote the letter of recommendation for me that opened the door to my getting the fellowship in Paris.

HT: how important was the work of Leo Brouwer in your work as a performer?NG: Without a doubt he has been crucial in my training as a musician. The first time I could play along with the National Symphony Orchestra was precisely under the direction of maestro Brouwer, and back then I was playing the clarinet.

I already knew his sonata for solo flute, which is a work I’d been playing since I was 15, and since then we’ve collaborated intensely. I think I’ve played almost all of Brouwer’s works; they only piece I haven’t is a sonata for flute and guitar called “Mitologia de las aguas” (Mythology of the Water), because it’s relatively recent.

I’ve had the immense pleasure of having Leo dedicate works and versions for the flute especially for me. I think he’s a genius in his manner of looking at music, in his understanding of it and in his songwriting. He has managed to be profoundly Cuban and at the same time international, which is to say that his music transcends that “Cubania” he possesses to become music for the world.

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<a href="http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=69233tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=69233Sat, 05 May 2012 15:06:29 GMT”>Niurka Gonzalez, A Cuban Flute Virtuoso – Havana Times.org

The songwriting duo received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for popular Song during a tribute concert in the East Room, featuring Stevie wonder, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett and others. wonder sang their tunes, “Make It Easy on Yourself” and “Alfie,” wowing the crowd on his harmonica.

Bacharach, 83, thanked Obama, saying the award for his life’s work topped even the Oscars and Grammys he won for individual projects. David, 90, could not attend because he is recovering from a stroke. his wife, Eunice David, accepted on his behalf.

Bacharach and David have written many unforgettable tunes—”Raindrops keep Fallin’ on my Head,” “Close to You” and “That’s what Friends are For” all come from their songbook. they produced dozens of top 40 hits, churning out hit music for movies, television and a variety of recordings artists in the 1960s and beyond.

More than 55 years after their first songs hit the airwaves, Obama said “these guys have still got it.” he noted Bacharach appeared in recent years on “American Idol” and “Dancing with the Stars,” and their music is still being recorded by such artists as Alicia Keys and John Legend.

“Above all, they stayed true to themselves,” Obama said. “And with an unmistakable authenticity, they captured the emotions of our daily lives—the good times, the bad times, and everything in between.”

The Library of Congress, which houses the world’s largest collection of sheet music and some of the earliest sound recordings, awards its Gershwin Prize as a lifetime achievement award to honor the legacy of the songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin. Bacharach and David truly reflected the Gershwins as a combination of composer and lyricist and have produced one of the world’s “most recognizable and richest multigenerational playlists,” said Librarian of Congress James Billington.

“This is music that has filtered through and survived not only their lifetimes, but people will go on discovering their tunes that aren’t as recognizable,” Billington said.

Past recipients of the Gershwin Prize have included wonder, Paul Simon and Paul McCartney. This is the first time it has gone to a songwriting duo.

Many lyrics and tunes from Bacharach and David are timeless, from “Do You know the way to San Jose” and “I say a little Prayer” to “What the World needs Now is love.” they produced dozens of top 10 hits that continue to resonate in pop culture. their music was recorded by legendary singers including the Beatles, Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond and their longtime partner Dionne Warwick.

At the White House, stars including Diana Krall, Mike Myers and Lyle Lovett were to perform in their honor. the private concert will be broadcast May 21 on PBS for the series “In Performance at the White House.” the library also hosted a concert Tuesday night featuring Warwick.

Bacharach told the Associated Press he wanted to hear the president sing a few lines “because the guy can really sing.”

“I heard him on YouTube sing ‘Walk on By,’ and it just blew me away,” Bacharach said.

In the YouTube video, a younger Obama told a crowd that when he was 15 or 16, he would slip in a Warwick cassette “to show you were real smooth,” before he sang part of “Walk on By.”

The White House ousted reporters from Wednesday’s concert before there was any chance to hear Obama sing again.

Bacharach said in an interview that he was influenced by a lifetime of experiences. he learned to play piano to please his mother but thought he’d be a football player. the sounds of classical music and tunes from Brazil stuck with him. he also would sneak into Manhattan nightclubs with a fake ID to hear Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker play.

Early in his career, Bacharach toured as the accompanist and conductor for Marlene Dietrich, and soon after he as writing R&B hits—two opposites in his life, he said.

David had been a newspaperman in new York before taking his word-smithing to music, Obama said.

“Soon, the football player and the journalist started writing songs, and they struck gold,” the president said.

Bacharach said he was sad to see David miss the honor.

“It’s a big one for him to miss,” he said. “I know this is as good as it gets.”

Most of Bacharach’s writing with David was defined by capturing the sensual side of music. David would usually write the lyrics first and then pass them to Bacharach to set to music because they had to help tell a story, often for film or stage. they produced film scores for “Alfie,” “A House is not a Home” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” among others and the musical “Promises, Promises,” which won a Grammy and was revived on Broadway in 2010.

Often they were writing songs for the female voice.

“They’re love songs … a lot of them deal with the heart and the lonely heart or heartbreak and taping into the romance of music,” Bacharach said. “I think you’re a sponge in your life. You go through your life and whatever you’re exposed to you take in, it gets into your system.”

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Library of Congress: loc.gov/about/awardshonors/gershwin/

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Follow Brett Zongker on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DCArtBeat

<a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_20581782/songwriters-bacharach-david-win-gershwin-prizetag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_20581782/songwriters-bacharach-david-win-gershwin-prizeWed, 09 May 2012 16:14:07 GMT”>Songwriters Bacharach, David win Gershwin Prize