TOMORROW!

Anna Fermin 

Hey friends, just a reminder about the big TG Holiday show this Friday, Dec 3rd, at FitzGerald's in Berwyn. With special guests Matt Spiegel and Scott Ligon & Casey McDonough. And my very own mommy's home cooking will be tempting your tastebuds–as long as you get there early, only while it lasts. Doors at 7pm, show starts at 9pm. See you there!

Andon Davis, a native Springfield musician formerly of Cats on Holiday will be playing with Trigger Gospel as well.  

Click on Anna's name to link to her FaceBook fan page and join to follow her status.

Wish Anna a happy 4-0 at the gig tomorrow!

Anna Fermin featured in newly released book- join her Monday

NBC cameraman points lens at musicians in new book

BOOKS | NBC’s Azzato goes from ‘Today’ to still photos in three-year labor of love

November 20, 2010 

BY DAVE HOEKSTRA dhoekstra@suntimes.com

For Stephen Azzato’s beautiful book Their Love of Music, the 117 color photographs were shot in a portable studio instead of concerts, fancy hotels and the back seats of limousines. So Dave Alvin, Luther Dickinson, Buddy Guy and other distinctive musicians appear in relaxed settings, giving the coffee-table book a sense of accessibility.
A book release party is set for 6-10 p.m. Monday at SPACE, 1275 Chicago in Evanston. SPACE co-owner and fine blues guitarist Dave Specter also is featured in the 252-page book ($65, Quiet Light Publishing; quietlightpublishing.com). Some of the subjects of the book, including Anna Fermin and Nora O’Connor, will be on hand.

» Click to enlarge image

Pinetop Perkins, the 97-year-old iconic blues pianist, was photographed at the House of Blues by Stephen Azzato. He landed on the cover of Azzato’s book Their Love of Music, which will be unveiled at a party Monday at SPACE.

RELATED STORIES

Blog: For more photos and stories

RELEASE PARTY

6-10 p.m. Nov. 22 at SPACE, 1275 Chicago Ave. in Evanston.

Azzato comes at the music with a different perspective than better-known music photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Chicago’s Paul Natkin and the late Jim Marshall.
A Libertyville resident, Azzato is an NBC cameraman for the “Today” show and “NBC Nightly News With Brian Williams.”
“I’m not an established photographer,” said Azzato, 52. “This project started three years ago as a passion to see where it would go. I knew people in the music industry doing interviews for NBC, but not [at] the level of these people. It wasn’t until I got people like Aaron Neville and Steve Miller involved in the book that other people jumped on board. But then I didn’t want the book to be filled with famous people. I wanted people who were out there every night, giving the audience everything, but not filling huge stadiums.”
Azzato carried his muslin backdrop to venues such as FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, the House of Blues (where blues pianist Pine top Perkins, who appears on the book’s cover, was photographed), SPACE and others. He shot digitally with a Canon high-resolution camera. Each photo is accompanied by a few lines of text in the artist’s own words.
For one photo, Azzato grabbed singer-songwriter Alice Peacock before a show at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Sitting down for a portrait is the last thing most artists want to do before a gig.
“You’re in a head space to perform,” Peacock said. “He went snap, snap, snap and that was that. He didn’t want you to pose or get stressed out. He wanted to take people as real people, and looking through the book, that’s what I was struck by. They are candid portraits.”

Mark Your Calendars: December 3, 2010

HEY CHICAGO (or those wanting an excuse to visit Chicago):


Join Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel at Fitzgerald's Nightclub, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, Illinois for an evening of holiday cheer and amazing Roots Rock.


Fitzgerald's is an awesome nightclub and has hosted many greats, including AFTG (Anna Fermin- "One of Chicago's most treasured voices." Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune).


The kicker?  Anna's turning 40 and this is her Birthday Gig.  Get there early and you will enjoy some exquisite Filipino food made by the amazing woman that birthed this amazing woman! 


Come see Chicago lit up for the holidays and the magic of Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel light up the stage at Fitzgerald's.  ("This Chicago country-rock band evokes the emotions and honesty of classic country while keeping its sound fresh and original. And Fermin's voice is just phenomenal.” Rob Thomas, CapitalTimes/Wisconsin State Journal)


As always Anna will be advocating for CARE International so bring a little Change For Change!


Get your tickets now at http://www.ticketweb.com/ .


See you there!

The Contender- Anna Fermin | Music Reviews

Check out a preview of Anna Fermin's upcoming album.

And check out chic mom magazine.  They did a great spread on MOMSthatROCK! in their inaugural print  magazine (summer 2010).  We are extremely impressed with the relevant articles for wise and compassionate parenting.

The Contender | Music Reviews

World Humanitarian Day 2010

Today is World Humanitarian Day

Click HERE to see a message and video from CARE regarding World Humanitarian Day.

Anna opening for Steve Forbert this weekend

Hey Hey Chicagoland!

Come out this Friday, August 20th to SPACE in Evanston, Illinois to see Anna open for the great Steve Forbert. 

See you there!

Anna previewed in Chicago Tribune

Read a Chicago Tribune story about a show Anna was in HERE

Anna Fermin's LIVING ROOM featuring HAYSEED

	Saturday, July 10, 2010
	8:00pm - 10:00pm
	The Fulton Street Collective
	2000 W Fulton
	Chicago, IL "Hayseed's music is roots music. Not from just one tree but a whole grove: bluegrass, old-time, country, gospel, folk, rock, soul..." - Miller Williams (Presidential Inaugural Poet, father of Lucinda Williams) www.hayseedsings.com for more on Hayseed. $15 suggested donation. Once again, ten percent of the proceeds will benefit CARE International, a humanitarian organization with programs in over 60 countries world wide, fighting poverty and defending dignity by empowering marginalized women and girls, as well as on-going, long term Haiti relief and rebuilding.  Folks are also encouraged to bring any food or drink to pass around. My chocolate chip cookies were such a hit at the last show, I think I might have to whip some more up for this one...See you there!

Join Anna this Saturday

(if this is small press command and + to zoom in for better reading)

It's Navy Pier time again.

Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel will be playing a free show at Chicago's Navy Pier Beer Garden on Sunday, May 30th.  Come join us!  It's always a good time.

See you there!

Love and Peace,
Anna

Don't forget: this SATURDAY

Join Anna and kick off her Living Room Concert Series.  Enjoy this intimate setting and great music with Anna Fermin of Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel. 


The show takes place in the gallery space of The Fulton Street Collective at 2000 W. Fulton, Chicago.  She'll be joined on keyboards by her  friend and accomplished music man, Alton Smith.


See more details on the blog entry below.


We look forward to seeing you Saturday, May 15th at 8:00 pm.  Give us a shout at momsthatrock@me.com if you know you are coming!  


See you Saturday!

A letter from Anna~

Dear friends,

It’s been a busy winter for me. During the cold months I’ve been writing new songs, recording with Doug McBride at Gravity Studios, and taking care of a houseful of boys! It’s been fun, albeit exhausting at times. But now that spring is finally here and the sun is hanging in the sky a bit longer, I am drawn to do some of what I love to do best: sing for you.

I’m inviting you to join me for a small and intimate “living room” concert on Saturday, May 15 at 8pm. I will be performing many of my tried and true Trigger Gospel songs (some of which I haven’t visited in a while) as well as a handful of new originals (which incidentally are featured on both of my forthcoming solo CD’s.) I might even try out a couple that I’m working on right now, to see how you like em.

The show takes place in the gallery space of The Fulton Street Collective at 2000 W. Fulton, Chicago. I’ll be joined on keyboards by my friend and accomplished music man, Alton Smith. My hope is to capture the intimacy of a true living room or house concert, so space is limited, and there may not be enough couches to go around. So let me know if you’re coming so I can get a good idea of how much room we’ve got left.

There is a suggested donation of $15 at the door and if you’d like to bring along some food or beverage to share, that would be very nice. I’ll have some treats to pass around as well. Also, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to CARE International, a humanitarian organization with programs in 60 countries around the world, including on-going, long-term Haiti relief & rebuilding. For more on CARE, please visit www.care.org. You can also read more on the movement I started with one of my BFF’s Becky Aud- Jennison at www.momsthatrock.com.

It’s also my hope that you’ll return to my living room, as I feature local and regional acts on a monthly basis. Next month, singer/songwriter Mark Anderson, and soon to come: country songstress Joy Lynn White, the indie musings of The Astronomer, and my friend, folk singer, Hayseed...

And for your visual pleasure, some of the talented resident artists at the collective will have their work featured on the walls of the gallery. So, you see, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in my living room. Music, art, food & conversation. What could be better? 


I do hope you’ll join me...

All ways...Anna

www.triggergospel.com

Team Zumani makes their Goal!

We just want to say a BIG thank you to all of you who participated in the Join My Village project.  Team Zumani-- our village-- was the first to reach their team goal.  YAY!!!  


Now, they can still use help unlocking funds so feel free to continue with this for Malawi women and girls, but from our competition stand point: YOU ROCKED IT!!!!


Big kudos to you all and to General Mills for coming up with this innovative project that combines increasing awareness about Malawi and CARE's plight to improve the global economy by empowering girls and women in impoverished countries.  


Women and girls ARE the answer.  If you need a reminder of WHY then click HERE. 

Join My Village: Team Zumani on home stretch-- help us bring it home

Team ZUMANI has almost reached our team goal of $35,000.

As of this moment we are at $34,413.

We need to unlock a final $852 to reach our goal.

We are only $300 away from recapturing the lead.

If just 85 of our 679 team members unlocked their funds today we would be finished!

Remember, you are unlocking funds that General Mills has already donated to CARE's projects in Malawi.

What you can do:

Log on to JOIN MY VILLAGE today 

If you are already a member unlock your $10 today and every day until we reach goal.

If you aren't a member, join our Team Zumani:

It's free, you can opt out of getting any emails-- it's hassle free but you are greatly helping women and girls of Malawi.

Here is a video overview of the program if you need to learn more about it or need a reminder:

www.joinmyvillage.com

Please spread the word. . .

Learn how to CARE effectively: join us.

From Here to Uncertainty

Here's a little winter-itis escape.  Becky first wrote this for www.thevoiceofmom.com.   Check out this Mom-Rocker and her family adventures:

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to quit your job, sell everything, put your finger on the globe and take off for a year seeing where the wind might carry you?   Throw a family of four in the mix with two school-age children and you have the Redpath family.

Bob and Brenna Redpath and their children Owen and Eleanor are seven months into their globetrotting adventure and have been documenting their journey on their most delightful blog, From Here to Uncertainty.

Bob is an Emmy-nominated sound guy who left Warner Bros. and turned down a season's worth of work for the trip. Brenna is a singer-songwriter who homeschools their kids. Owen is an 11-year-old card-carrying member of Green Peace and RPG fan. And, last but not least, Eleanor is a seven-year-old who loves to bake and create "special things." Together, this family is on a most extraordinary adventure. (Learn more about them on their About page.)



The easy to navigate blog shares their journey with the world. You can see where they've been, and learn what they are experiencing, thinking and planning ... One wintry day when my five-and-a-half-year-old was home sick we read through the entire blog and looked at all of photos; he was simultaneously educated and exquisitely entertained.

Whether you are a parent, teacher or just someone with wanderlust, check out this blog. It's an amazing story of bravery, travel and experience. And don't worry: your envy won't poison you . . . the Redpaths and their adventures are far too wonder-full to hate.
Photos courtesy of the Redpath family.

Climate Cycle . . . solar-warming Chicago- one school at a time.

Last night Anna and Becky along with their DADSthatROCK! went to a fundraising event for an organization called "Climate Cycle" in Chicago.   A great time was had by all!  (thanks for the invite!)

Congratulations to Joey Feinstein who had a vision and has seen it to fruition.  We wish you much success on this meaningful mission.

You must check their website out and learn more about the good work they are doing.  Here is a brief description from their website:

Climate Cycle is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers youth to be leaders in the clean energy movement and the new green economy. We have installed solar panels on one local public school and have plans for five more solar installations in the coming year. Every solar system is accompanied by dynamic supportive curriculum to maximize hand-on learning. The selected schools share a vision of climate solutions and energy independence from the students, faculty, administration, and beyond.

Volunteers and community alliances are at the heart of our organization-- our partnerships include Motorola Foundation, the Chicago Public Schools, local schools, government, green businesses and individuals. Our inaugural bike-a-thon last May raised $67,000 and shows the impact we can have when working together for just one year.

Joey Feinstein founded Climate Cycle in 2008 out of a concern that youth didn't have the tools necessary to respond to global warming or benefit from the emerging green economy. Climate Cycle utilizes renewable energy because it is an available technology that provides tangible learning opportunities, while saving taxpayer money. Joey found that many share his passion and he now works with a dedicated team.

Here's information about the ride in May:

Climate Cycle's May 15th, 2010 Solar Schools Ride is a family and fan friendly fundraiser in which riders garner pledges in advance of the ride. Proceeds go to install solar energy systems in local public schools.

Cyclists select from a 4, 10, 20 or 62-mile course along picturesque Lake Michigan. All starting and end points are in downtown Chicago, with the exception of the 62-mile "metric century" course, which begins at the Indiana Dunes and ends in downtown Chicago.

A post ride celebration follows the ride. This festive event includes music, free lunches for all riders, sustainability showcases, goody bags, a raffle and kid friendly activities.

To register PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Hmmmm, maybe we should get a MOMSthatROCK! team together for this ride.  Drop us a line at momsthatrock@me.com if you are interested!

                                                               www.climatecycle.org

Thanks Kenosha and Sommelier Wine Shop

In the fall Anna hosted a wine-tasting at a great wine shop in Kenosha, WI called Sommelier.  It was a fun event with a nice turnout as well as a great opportunity for folks to learn more about MOMSthatROCK!  Special thanks to Anna's cousin, Leah Blough, for creating the wonderful MTHR! display at the event.  And a big thanks to all who came out and donated to our Change for Change campaign!

http://sommelierwineshop.com

Partying with a twist of Philanthropy-- Dig It

 
We had two great events last November that helped boost our Change for Change fund for the Arc Orphanage in Thika, Kenya.  


The first was a really special 50th birthday party that was hosted by Chicago restauranteur Kathie Romines and Chicago-based landscape designer Will Spiegelberg.  Together with their guests they raised over $350 at this small but lively party which featured Anna Fermin and Trigger Gospel as musical guests.  


THANK YOU, Kathy and Will, and to all your friends, for making meaningful activism so much fun!!!  

The next event was a concert by Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel at SPACE in Evanston, IL.  Anna and her crew collected over $60 in the Change for Change canister on the merch table.  Way to go guys!

Please visit the websites of the fine folks and business owners who support MOMSthatROCK!

Will Spiegelberg, Landscape Design, www.landscapechicago.com

RPlace Eatery
21 Romines Drive
Morris, Illinois 60450
Phone: (815) 942-5690
Fax: (815) 942-4371
www.rplaceeatery.com
Email:  info@rplaceeatery.com

Talk to MOMSthatROCK! if you'd like to combine "THE 2 P's":

Philanthropy and Partying

Contact us at momsthatrock@me.com for more information

Hey Kenosha:

Come see Anna Fermin's solo acoustic performance at the Winter Market (indoor farmer's market) this Saturday, January 23rd from 9am - 12:30pm in the lobby of the Rhode's Lakeside Player Theater (514 56th St) in Kenosha, WI.  

And bring some Change for Change!

The Aftermath

This is this week's article Becky wrote for a website she contributes to- The Voice of Mom:

Today I’m having a difficult time writing a review or waxing lyrical about my latest ah-hah moment.

My mind keeps going to Haiti.

I’m an advocate for the global humanitarian organization CARE that has been around since the 1940’s and coined the term “care packages” providing aid in World War 2, press HERE for that history. CARE has been in Haiti since 1954 and most of the staff workers that live in Port-au-Prince lost their homes. So in the midst of being traumatized, themselves, they are lining up aide for those in need: read a first hand observation HERE.

Since I follow CARE on Face Book and get e-updates from them I, like most of you, have been inundated with the ongoing news. I have a friend that has gone to Haiti on mission trips 11 times and had been set to fly out to Port-au-Prince Saturday for another mission trip, but with the aftermath of the earthquake, ironically, the journey to provide aid has been delayed until January 25th..

There is a local organization, The Haitian Development Fund that has been doing some phenomenal work in Haiti for several years. I am so pleased to see that members of our community have such amazing global projects going on, but very sad that I had to learn about it under these circumstances.

So my message to you this week is to take a moment and send positive and healing energy to all the families in Haiti whose lives have been disrupted and may never be the same. As difficult as it is, take a moment to imagine what it would be like to have your family, friends, neighbors buried alive and wondering and hoping about their survival, and if they did not, praying that they did not anguish for hours and die an agonizing death.

My work with a project a musician mom-friend and I started MOMSthatROCK!, among other things, reaches out to a small orphanage of girls in Thika, Kenya where my daughter spent a month this past summer. There is a very strong commonality between them and the folks in Haiti: one dollar goes a very long way.

This is a time that giving even a very little will mean so much. Haiti will have years of rebuilding in their future– including buildings and emotions and families and lives. I implore you to find a reputable organization such as CARE that is known for not just throwing dollars at problems but developing culturally based programs that grow into self sustaining projects.

The last thing Haiti needs for the long haul is financial aid that comes in a burst to band-aid then disappears leaving a nation more dependent on outside help– and even more helpless.

Press HERE to learn more about CARE and make a donation.

No matter how large or small: just do it.

It will feel good knowing that you have done one of the only things you can do in the aftermath of such devastation– besides sending hope and positive energy and prayers.


And do that too.


(one way to know that you are not letting Haiti and it's future struggles be forgotten after the initial influx of interest and support would be to set up an affordable ongoing donation to CARE.  check their track record: CARE isn't going anywhere and they have a strong history of successful intervention)

Washington Post reporter on travel to Haiti with some CARE workers

Message from CARE about HAITI

photo: Reuters/Reuters TV, courtesy www.alertnet.org Dear becky, I'd like to share with you an update on Haiti from CARE workers on the ground. "Roads are blocked, and fuel will be hard to come by. Electricity is a real problem. Reports are that there is no water or food in Port-au-Prince. That will be CARE's first priority for the emergency response," says Hauke Hoops, CARE's regional emergency coordinator. The immediate needs for survivors of the Haiti earthquake include first-aid supplies, clean water, body bags and emergency food rations — and we need your help to rush lifesaving aid to Haiti now. Even a small gift can make a big difference. For example: $10 can provide 1,000 people with clean water for a day $35 can provide a high energy meal for a family of five Your donation of $10, $35 or more can help CARE deliver emergency aid as soon as possible. CARE has been working in Haiti since 1954, when we helped survivors recover from Hurricane Hazel. After the earthquake struck, CARE was among the first to respond. Remember, clean water and emergency food rations are urgently needed. Please give now to help CARE deliver emergency aid to the people of Haiti as soon as possible. Thank you for your compassion at this dire time. Sincerely, Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH President and CEO, CARE

Our Post Holiday Wish for Your

When the song of the angels is stilled, 


When the star in the sky is gone,


When the kings and princes are home, 


When the shepherds are back with their flock, 


The work of Christmas begins: 


To find the lost, 


To heal the broken, 


To feed the hungry, 


To release the prisoner, 


To rebuild the nations, 


To bring peace among others, 


To make music in the heart.


-Howard Thurman

Giving with meaning . . . and it costs you nothing

Are you tired of the commercialism of the holiday season?  Want to make a meaningful difference in one of the world's poorest countries . . . without having to spend a cent or move from in front of your computer?


Join us at the Join My Village project and for no investment except a few minutes of your time, you can unlock $5/day to go to micro-financing projects for the poorest of the poor in Malawi.


Click HERE to see our original post about this project and view a great short video clip that explains more.


Check out our village, Zumani's, progress here at the link below. We've been steadily in first place bringing those funds in but our second place village is closing in on us.
Progress Overview

This is Zumani's village Mzati on this project-- 14 year old Agnes.  Help us show her we care.

Join us at Zumani today.  Please.  Go to Join My Village now.

Report Finds Girls' Schools in Afghanistan Face Highest Risk of Violence; Suggests Steps for Preventing Attacks

Report Finds Girls' Schools in Afghanistan Face Highest Risk of Violence; Suggests Steps for Preventing Attacks

Festive Social Action: Living Room Concerts

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to host a

private music concert in your very own home for all your

friends and family, and at the same time raise awareness

for a great cause?

MOMSthatROCK! is currently looking for people interested in hosting

house concerts for a cause. This season, make your holiday event even more

special with this one of a kind experience!

For more information please contact Anna Fermin or Becky Aud-Jennison

at momsthatrock@me.com

Shopping this weekend? Support CARE at the same time!

Click HERE to get your coupon.

Springfield, Illinois 350 International Climate Day's Activities

BIKE! : Biking into Clean Energy

On 10/24, the International Day of Climate Action, there were thousands public events throughout the world. Springfield held two of events: a faith focused program with activities for children at Jubilee Farm; and BIKE!350: Biking into Clean Energy, a bike ride and rally at the Old State Capitol. Around twenty bikers circled the downtown area to illustrate the joy of sharing a communal bike ride while emitting zero carbon gas. Afterwards, over fifty people gathered to hear rally speakers UIS Professor Stefano Longo emphasize the importance of social movements in making significant change in the world and the potential of the voice of the people in calling for strong environmental positions from their leaders; union activist Al Pieper relate the importance and power of green jobs; and Wes King address the reality of 350: the amount of carbon emissions in parts per million that is compatible with human life (currently that level is at an incompatible 389 ppm), and individual and community ways to get involved in reducing our carbon footprint.

Voices are still needed to apprise our leaders of the public urgency for more dramatic policies, including those that put a high price on carbon emissions while ensuring that poor countries have an opportunity for development.

You can still join with thousands calling on leaders for a clean energy future!

Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3 1 2 1
Ask for your Senators' and Representative's offices.
Tell them to represent you by contacting
President Obama & supporting policies
that will lower carbon emissions to 350 ppm or below

Call the President's comment hotline at 202-456-1 1 1 1
Say that you want him to represent you
at the December UN Climate Conference
in Copenhagen with proposals that
reduce carbon emissions below 350 ppm.

Here are Some Tips to take you to the next level in reducing your C02footprint…
To idle or not to idle: Ten seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting. Parking or in line for more than 30 seconds? Turn off the engine! www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/idling.html

A room with a (warmer) view: Window films can cut energy costs up to 10%. See www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/buildings/homes/windows/films.htm

Decisions, decisions: Uninformed? Read The Consumer’s Guide to Effective Environmental Choices: Practical Advice - Union of Concerned Scientists, Brower & Leon (copy soon to be available at Lincoln Library)

Hold the C02: Contact the CWLP Energy Services Office for info on local carbon credit purchasing: www.cwlp.com or 789-2070; and for general info on carbon offsets: http://www.co2offsetresearch.org/ consumer/index.html

Thanks to Diane Lopez-Hughes for the 350 update and photos. Way to ROCK it Springfield!