Silver Spring, MD (SMROSENBERG & ASSOC.) - Have you ever heard Marcus Johnson, jazz artist extraordinaire, play live? If you have, then you already know how special one of his performances can be. Energy… pure energy! If you haven't, here's your chance to hear Marcus's amazing jams performed live, and in the process, invest in the community.
'In Concert for a Cause' is a collection of recent Marcus Johnson's live performances, released on his own Three Keys Music label, to benefit the area's YMCA 'Building Bridges' program. It will be available at most Borders Books and Music locations in Maryland, DC, and Virginia, begining August 1st, as well as at Marcus Johnson's live performance events, beginning August 1st.
'Contribution IS the foundation of Three Keys Music. To help the community through projects such as this is not an option; it's a responsibility,' said Marcus Johnson, jazz performer and Three Keys Music CEO. 'Everyday you hear stories about youth in trouble and my thought is - it's because their families can't afford the programs necessary to help further their dreams. With this project, my aim is to close that gap and give those in need a chance, through the YMCA's Building Bridges Campaign,' added Johnson.
According to Daniel Fromme, Borders District Marketing Manager, ' �In Concert for a Cause' is not only a collection of incredible live performances, but the by product of a collaboration of Three Keys Music, Borders, Gray Graphics Corporation and YMCA of Metropolitan DC. Through our collective efforts, we are all supporting the YMCA's Building Bridges Campaign.'
Steven Rosenberg, Marcus Johnson's publicist added, 'The plan is to have Three Keys Music donate one dollar from every CD sale, with a matching dollar donation from Borders to support this cause. Marcus will be performing live in select Borders stores in the beginning of August in support of the CD and the program. Dates and times TBA.' Also according to Rosenberg, "This is actually a test program. If all goes as planned, Marcus can and will release this CD in other markets upon request to benefit charities anywhere in the world."
The songs on 'In Concert for a Cause' were recorded live at three different venues: Juste Lounge, Bethesda, MD, 21st Amendment Bar & Grill at the Holiday Inn Capitol, Washington, DC, and Mirrors Lounge, also in Washington, DC.
Songs on 'In Concert for a Cause' are:
1. Intro Billie's Bounce 4:53
2. Maxin 7:59
3. 88 Ways to Love 4:49
4. Me, Myself & I 11:51 (Beyonce cover)
5. Just to Get By 9:39 (Talib Kweli cover)
6. On and On 5:40 (Erykah Badu cover)
7. Bag Lady 8:07 (Erykah Badu cover)
8. Sandy Point 16:43
'The Phoenix,' Marcus's much anticipated new studio album, is scheduled to be released this fall.
Marcus has been featured on Washington, DC's Fox 5 News segment, 'American Idol Chatter' where he sat on a panel of local Radio Personalities who commented weekly on the American Idol show. He is also a former host of the Washignton, DC, 105.9 Smooth Jazz morning show.
"Building Bridges" provides financial resources to help support children, families, adults, and seniors who may not have the means or the capability to pay for programs and services. In 2005, the YMCA of Metro DC was able to provide subsidies to over 20,000 individuals for child care, camp, and health and wellness memberships in 19 branches and program centers.
Visit Marcus's new MySpace page at www.myspace.com/marcusjohnsonproject. To schedule an interview with Marcus Johnson, or to arrange a Three Keys studio visit, contact Steve Rosenberg or Sean Barnes at (703) 658.1303.
