It is unfortunate, nevertheless sometimes true, when we think of orchestra music or Conductors we assume that the ‘class’ in classical music somehow equates to being pretentious or perhaps a bit elitist. Nothing can be further from the truth when it comes to the Sarasota Pops Orchestra and their newest Conductor, Ms. Robyn Wilkes.

Robyn Wilkes is the Director of Instrumental Studies at State College of Florida, and is also the first female selected to lead as Conductor of the Sarasota Pop…

Christina Martin, the owner of Backstage Artists’ Lounge, is a L.A., California based entertainment hosting business that tours with some of the best known, most prestigious entertainment industry clientele in the business, both in the U.S. and internationally. Her company has grown exponentially and is on its way to tour in with clients in Australia in 2012.

Christina is a phenomenon in the music industry today because she has created a business model and cultivated it in terms th…

Tommy Simpson is an “imaginist” who works in nearly every medium, including; woodworking, painting, printmaking, clay, woodcarving, bookmaking, jewelry, and even prose. In each work of art there is an identifiable style that “puzzles together” the artist’s personal and cultural references into a signature blend of joyfulness and subtle commentary.  “The ultimate goal,” Simpson says, “is to bring the artwork to life, so that the viewer can identify the human spirit behind the work, and experie…

As a singer/guitarist who performs over four hundred times each year in SWFL, I rely on quality equipment to consistently deliver for me performance after performance. I usually bring at least two guitars to each gig and sometimes as many as five. I have hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in the tools of my trade and with my heavy schedule, maintenance and repair are common necessities. Over the years I have picked up tricks and tips on how to care for my instruments but often find li…

Simon Chang is a man on the move, as he oversees his Canadian fashion empire from the heart of Montreal’s historic garment district. Virtually no design elements are delegated by this dynamic, dedicated and personable designer. Renowned for his savvy interpretation of the trends, he insists every item in every collection – women’s ready-to-wear, plus eyewear and other accessories – receive his inimitable touch.

There is no average day in his life. “I’m a creative person,” s…

Gina L. Battle is a freelance writer with a specialized ghostwriting service for publications, corporate businesses, individuals, seminars, and special events. For further information, visit www.ginalbattle.webs.com. She provides help with editing, proofreading and freelance writing for manuscripts, newspaper and magazine articles, web sites and her own blog which is designed to empower, motivate and inspire women. Dreaming in Colors is the name of the blog. The website is www.gbinspire.blogspot…

Pamela Durkin Designs was created by New Line Design founder, Pamela Durkin. Through a twist of fate, her path crossed with a company who has a patented process on leather, allowing her to create any pattern of her choosing. From there, a line of products have begun to develop.

About

The concept for this company has been in the back of my mind for many years. Ever since I can remember, I was always trying to “improve” items bought off the shelf. As a kid I would do things l…

It is with great sadness that we at Montegrappa note the passing of a friend on 7 November, one who joined the Montegrappa “family” so recently. It was only in February of this year that we proudly recounted Joe Frazier’s support for the “Thrilla In Manila” commemorative pen at the Philadelphia Pen Show.

Since we first had the opportunity and the honour of working closely with Joe, we grew to appreciate him as a person, not just as a boxing legend. His open warmth experienced…

Jenny Craig, one of the world’s leading authorities on weight management, announced today an exciting new direction for the brand, and an enthusiastic new Brand Ambassador, Mariah Carey, who has lost 30 pounds* on Jenny.

No longer referred to as Jenny Craig, people everywhere will get to know Jenny on a first name basis. With a perky, fun attitude and an easy, refreshing approach to physical activity and weight loss, the new Jenny is sure to be unlike anything anyone’s seen before. And n…

Danica Patrick will make her NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut in the prestigious season-opening 54th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26.

Patrick, who will compete full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with JR Motorsports in 2012, announced on Friday afternoon that her limited Sprint Cup Series schedule with Stewart-Haas Racing will kick off with “The Great American Race.”

“Each year, the Daytona 500 produces unforgettable moments that forever change the lives of fans and drivers,” Day…