Author: Alfredo Casuso

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com 

International Ocean Film Festival Present Bay Area Premiere 

Chasing the Thunder 

Thursday, August 23, 6pm -9pm at the Cowell Theatre

Controversial “Sea Shepherd” Ocean Activists Paul Watson & San Francisco’s Adam Meyerson are focus of documentary and will be on hand for Q &A

www.intloceanfilmfest.org 

26 July 2018 – San Francisco, CA: Like seafaring Spartans defying the invaders of Xerxes, Captain Paul Watson  and his Chief Officer Adam Meyerson have a similar message to ocean-going poachers: You Shall Not Pass. On Thursday, August 23, 6pm – 9pm at the Cowell Theatre, the San Francisco based International Ocean Film Festival (www.intloceanfilmfest.org) presents the Bay Area Premiere of Chasing the Thunder: an epic chronicle of the 110 day, 10,000 mile chase of the rogue fishing vessel Thunder by the controversial environmental activist ship Bob Barker. A Q&A with Captain Watson and Meyerson will follow the screening.

“Activism meets art meets ocean awareness in Chasing the Thunder” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director for the International Ocean Film Festival. “As a film, it is a breathtaking piece of cinematography. As activism, it is a gripping real-life drama of the battle being waged to preserve our ocean’s resources and shine a light on criminal behavior.”

Chasing the Thunder is a high-seas documentary about the Sea Shepherd’s epic 110-day, 10,000-mile chase of the Thunder, considered the world’s most notorious poaching vessel. Across two seas and three oceans, the marine activists hunted the fugitive fishing ship through massive ice floes, storm-tossed seas, a near collision and violent clashes until the Thunder dramatically sank, burying the evidence of its crimes on the bottom of the South Atlantic.  As the Thunder is about to sink at the hands of its own captain, a team of Sea Shepherds boards the vessel, racing to collect evidence of illegal fishing before the ship goes down. Following the dramatic events, the crew of Thunder is taken into custody by authorities São Tomé and Príncipe.

“In Chasing the Thunder we try to serve conservation as entertainment and not medicine,” says the film’s director Mark Benjamin.  “Sea Shepherd delivers direct action and that is what is needed to save the ocean, we believe.”

Chasing the Thunder production credits:

• BRICK CITY TV  /  VULCAN PRODUCTIONS  /  DISCOVERY
• Executive Produced by: Paul G. Allen, Carole Tomko, Rocky Collins, Mark Benjamin, Marc Levin
• Produced by: Katie Carpenter, Sam Sielen
• Directed by: Mark Benjamin, Marc Levin
• A trailer for the film may be viewed / shared here: https://vimeopro.com/user21783508/chasing-the-thunder

“Having Paul Watson actually take part in this screening is an incredible and rare opportunity,” emphasizes Blanco, noting that Watson has become ‘environmental celebrity’ in his own right as star of television’s Whale Wars. “As the co-founder of Greenpeace and the founder of Sea Shepherds, Paul is arguably one of the most recognized ocean conservationist on the planet.”

Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival has attracted thousands of spectators of all ages from around the world, including film enthusiasts, sea athletes, educators, and environmental supporters. Since then, the Festival has presented over 50 films from 15 different countries and featured post-film Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, special panel discussions with content experts, and the Annual Free Student Education Program. It was the first event of its kind in North America, inspired by the well-established ocean festival in Toulon, France, which has continued to draw large audiences for more than 40 years.

“Our mission is save our oceans one film at a time. Our films inspire people to appreciate and care for the ocean by revealing its wonders through the independent lens of filmmakers from around the world,” said Blanco, noting that the Festival is now recognized as the premier venue in North America for ocean-related films. “Our work is made possible by the spirit, passion, and hard work of numerous volunteers and artists dedicated to using film as a medium to increase public awareness of the environmental, social, and cultural importance of marine ecosystems and foster a spirit of ocean stewardship.”

The 16th Annual International Ocean Film Festival will take place March 7-10, 2019 at venues around San Francisco. The International Ocean Film Festival is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit.

 MEDIA ADVISORY – JULY 17th, 2018 

Irish community celebrates Rugby World Cup Sevens coming to San Francisco and welcomes the Irish Women’s and Men’s national sevens teams to the Bay Area 

WHAT: Media are invited to attend two events organised by the Consulate General of Ireland to Western USA, the Irish Immigration Pastoral Center and Irish Network Bay Area to celebrate Rugby World Cup Sevens coming to San Francisco in AT&T Park from July 20-22 and to welcome the Irish Women’s and Men’s national sevens teams to the Bay Area. These events are also part of the first official visit to San Francisco by Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Dan Mulhall. 

The first event is a “Family Sports Day” which will be attended by the two Irish teams participating in the Rugby World Cup Sevens. SF Firefighters Local 798 will be on hand with their BBQ truck to feed attendees and there will be face painting and games. 

The second event is business focused with a panel discussion on “Leadership in Sports” with well-known names from the world of Irish and US Rugby. The panellists are: 

• Joy Neville, World Rugby Referee of the Year 
• Jack Clark, Cal Rugby Head Coach 
• Conor Coyne, NYAC Rugby Player 
• Chris O’Brien, USA Rugby 
• Padraig Power, IRFU Executive Team 

The panel is being moderated by Brian Murphy (KNBR, Murph & Mac) 

WHERE: “Family Sports Day” to welcome the two teams – Marina Green Drive, @ Scott Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 

“Leadership in Sports” – Golden Gate Yacht Club, 1 Yacht Road, San Francisco, CA 94123 

WHEN: “Family Sports Day” – 4.30pm – 7.30pm – teams due to arrive at 6.00pm with a formal speaking element to begin shortly thereafter. 

“Leadership in Sports” – 7.00pm – 9.00pm – panel discussion beginning at 7.30pm. 

CONTACT: John Callaghan, Vice-Consul, Consulate General of Ireland 

Cell: 415 370 4440, Email: john.callaghan@dfa.ie 

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com 

Submissions Open for International Ocean Film Festival on July 9th

Filmmakers around the world encouraged to submit works that inspire people to appreciate and care for the ocean by revealing its wonders through independent films.

16^th annual celebration of features films about marine life, the ocean, coastal cultures and conservation takes place in San Francisco March 7 – 10, 2019

www.intloceanfilmfest.org 

2 July 2018 – San Francisco, CA: “It is a curious situation that the sea, from which life first arose should now be threatened by the activities of one form of that life,” said Rachel Carson author of the iconic and prescient book, The Sea Around Us. The warnings and wonder of that tome are brought to the big screen every year by the San Francisco based International Ocean Film Festival. Beginning on Monday, July 9, 2018, filmmakers from around the world are now encouraged to submit works that inspire others to a love – and respect – for our ocean home. The winning entries will be featured at the Festival’s 16^th annual celebration March 7-10, 2019. Entry details may be found online at www.intloceanfilmfest.org. 

“In this a crucial election year, we have many choices to make,” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director for the International Ocean Film Festival. “One of those choices is how we as a nation – as a planet – will continue to confront the issues of preserving our oceans. Our goal at the Festival is simple: saving our oceans one film at a time.”

Submissions may include films of all genres – documentaries, narratives, shorts, and animation films of all lengths. Subjects may focus on all oceanographic themes including but not limited to: ocean exploration, wildlife, environmental, conservation, oceanography, seafaring adventures, maritime issues, ocean sports and coastal cultures.

Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival has attracted thousands of spectators of all ages from around the world, including film enthusiasts, sea athletes, educators, and environmental supporters. Since then, the Festival has presented over 50 films from 15 different countries and featured post-film Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, special panel discussions with content experts, and the Annual Free Student Education Program. It was the first event of its kind in North America, inspired by the well-established ocean festival in Toulon, France, which has continued to draw large audiences for more than 40 years.

“Our mission is to inspire people to appreciate and care for the ocean by revealing its wonders through the independent lens,” said Blanco, noting that the Festival is now recognized as the premier venue in North America for ocean-related films. “Our work is made possible by the spirit, passion, and hard work of numerous volunteers and artists dedicated to using film as a medium to increase public awareness of the environmental, social, and cultural importance of marine ecosystems and foster a spirit of ocean stewardship.”

The 16th Annual International Ocean Film Festival will take place March 7-10, 2019 at venues around San Francisco. The International Ocean Film Festival is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit.

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc., David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival
Marries Gourmet Food & International Artistry
September 21, 22 & 23
www.musicamarinfestival.com 

First-of-its-Kind Effort by Violist Ruth Kahn and Chef Mark Furr at Old St. Hilary’s Chapel in Belvedere and St. Stephens Church Tiburon

18 June 2018 – San Francisco & Marin, CA: “There’s a friendly tie between music and eating,” opined Thomas Hardy. That tie is what binds together internationally-acclaimed violist Ruth Kahn and master chef Mark Furr: a culinary adventure given gourmet melody at the Inaugural Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival (www.musicamarinfestival.com)   Over three days, September 21, 22 & 23, Musica Marin will unfold in Tiburon and Belvedere at Old St. Hilary’s Chapel (201 Esperanza Street), St. Stephen’s Church (3 Bayview Avenue) and at an exquisite nine-acre private estate overlooking San Francisco Bay.

“Magical music paired with delectable dishes in unparalleled private settings with world-renowned international artists is what we’re all about,” says Kahn, a Juilliard graduate known to legions of fans for her performances both in the Bay Area and in Europe including 20 years with the New York City Ballet orchestra. “Mark and I believe we have created a unique experience, for a unique audience: people who appreciate world-class food and world-class music in world-class settings.” 

Founded in 2014 by Kahn, the nonprofit Musica Marin executes a vision to inspire, educate and cultivate appreciation and support for the classical arts. For the last four years,  as part of Musica Marin’s in-home concert series, scores of fans have been treated to concert events, including world premiere commissions, with renowned musicians in private residences and other intimate settings. With the Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival, the organization is expanding its artistic footprint.

“For the last several years I have been honored to participate in Ruth’s vision,” said Furr, for 20 years known to Bay Area foodies for his time at Radius, Broken Record and appearances on The Travel Channel. “My passion for creative cuisine with Ruth’s passion to create a music festival with global connections is even better than a marriage made in heaven. It’s a marriage made in Marin.”

The locale for Musica Marin is of equal importance to the artistry note both Kahn and Furr. 

“Belvedere-Tiburon is the ideal place for the Musica Marin Festival,” they said in a joint statement. “The area’s natural beauty, storybook neighborhoods, fine dining and breathtaking vistas provide an elegant setting for this first-of-its-kind experience. It is truly for those palettes both educated and curious.”

Musica Marin Festival attendees can choose from a variety of performances, food and wine options and ticket packages. In addition, for a limited time, Founding Festival Member packages are available with special VIP add ons. A portion of the proceeds benefit Musica Marin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving musical culture for all ages through unique music programs and concert events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

“This will be a unique international chamber music and culinary experience,” sums up Kahn. “It will be a weekend festival promising stunning settings, exquisite food and chamber music both intimate and profound.”

About Musica Marin:
Musica Marin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving musical culture for all ages through unique music programs and concert events that benefit young musicians throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The organization award grants to Bay Area schools and nonprofit organizations that promote musical education and culture and also offers world-class concert events with internationally-renowned musicians in intimate settings that cultivate and grow audiences’ awareness and participation in musical arts. Additional programs include the Young Artists Performance award, the Young American Composer’s Award, the Composer-in-Residence Program and educational fund. In addition, Musica Marin partners with such esteemed organizations as The Juilliard School, Mill Valley Film Festival, San Francisco Boys Chorus and Merola Opera Program.  

A detailed schedule of the Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival follows:

Friday, September 21
3pm
San Francisco Bay Yacht Cruise *

The Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival kicks off with a Festival Founding Members Yacht Cruise around San Francisco Bay. Guests aboard this intimate cruise will experience a private concert by celebrated German-Italian Baritone, Marco Vassalli. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres will be provided by elite “Best of the Bay” Chef Mark Furr along with perfectly paired wines.

5:30pm *
Pre-Concert Dinner

After the Bay Cruise, Founding Festival Members will enjoy a private four-course dinner with wine pairing prepared by one of our celebrated guest chefs.

7:30pm
Opening Night Concert
St. Stephen’s Church

World-renowned musicians will perform masterpieces from the chamber music repertoire including Mozart’s viola quintet in B-flat minor and Johannes Brahms sextet in G-major.

Saturday, September 22
1pm
Afternoon Symposium and Concert, String Trio Giacometti
Old St. Hilary’s Church

Festival guests are invited to take part in an informative discussion on the music to be performed this afternoon lead by our Festival master musicians from Europe. Trio Giacometti will perform Mozart and Sibelius.

5:30pm
Chef and Vintner Reception hosted by special guest
Liam Mayclem, KCBS “Foodie Chap”
St. Stephen’s Church

Award-winning chefs will present beautifully prepared food alongside select exceptional local wines while renowned harpist, Krista Strader, serenades with an auditory backdrop that will complement and enhance the exquisite dining experience. Our special guest host for the evening is Liam Mayclem, known to legions of fans as KCBS “Foodie Chap.”

8pm
Saturday Evening Festival Concert
St. Stephen’s Church

The last concert of the day will be held in St. Stephen’s magnificent sanctuary. We invite you to enjoy an informative Q&A with Musica Marin’s Composer-in-Residence Clint Borzoni and Baritone Marco Vassalli. Our esteemed guest Marco Vassalli joins our Festival strings in the inspired performance of Samuel Barber’s “Dover Beach”, and Clint Borzoni’s two songs for Baritone and String Quartet. The concert will end in grand style with Festival musicians performing Mendelssohn’s B-flat viola quintet.

Sunday, September 23
12pm
Garden Luncheon & Intimate Outdoor Concert

Our venue is a spectacular nine-acre Tiburon estate that has played host to many memorable events over the years, opening its gardens for a truly memorable afternoon. Founding Festival Members are invited to this special afternoon performance and al fresco lunch served on the grounds of this expansive estate. World-renowned Festival Cellist, Jeffrey Solow, will give a lively discussion and concert on the life and music of J.S. Bach and perform a selection his Cello Suites.

1:30pm
Wine Tasting on the Terrace

The terrace of this spectacular nine-acre Tiburon estate is the venue for an afternoon of fine wines and special performance given by Simple Harmonic Motion, an a cappella quartet performing a range of music from barbershop to pop.

3pm
Festival Concert Finale

The Festival concludes at a gorgeous Tiburon estate with a combined concert by all of the Festival musicians, concluding with the magnificent Mendelssohn octet.

4:30pm
Closing Festival Party

After the concert, guests will enjoy a festive soiree to celebrate, mix and mingle with fellow attendees, chefs, festival musicians and Founding Festival Members. Enjoy scenic views of the estate, outstanding wines, and delectable bites by Chef Randy Gardner.

*Founding Festival Members Only

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc., David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Tony Bennett Honored with Street in front of Fairmont San Francisco 

Famed Singer Will Unveil “Tony Bennett Way”
During Free Block Party – Saturday, June 2: 12noon – 3pm

30 May 2018 – San Francisco, CA: San Francisco’s singing ambassador, Tony Bennett, will unveil “his” street sign on Saturday, June 2nd in front of the storied Fairmont Hotel where his first public performance of the iconic classic “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” took place in December 1961. From 12noon – 3pm on June 2, a free-and-open-to-the-public block party with food, music, big-band dancing and a special interactive “Heart Salute” to the legendary crooner will take place on the 900 block of Mason Street, hitherto to be known as Tony Bennett Way.  The legislation renaming the street was passed unanimously by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in November of last year, and was one of the last official acts of the late Mayor Edwin M. Lee.

“Tony Bennet forever immortalized our great city with the legendary song ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco,’ so it is only appropriate that we return the favor by renaming a portion of Mason Street in his honor,” said Mayor Mark Farrell. “Throughout his iconic career, Tony has been a wonderful ambassador for our City, always eager to literally sing the praises of our home. It fills me with pride to formally recognize San Francisco’s longtime relationship with our great friend by announcing the unveiling of Tony Bennet Way.”

Scheduled to be on-hand for the event are U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, House of Representatives Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, former San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. Supervisor Aaron Peskin, Italian Consul General Lorenzo Ortona and San Francisco Director of Protocol Charlotte Shultz among other dignitaries.  Liam Mayclem, KCBS Radio’s “Foodie Chap”, will emcee the event.  Providing entertainment will be the Cosmo Alley Cats, Accordionist Suzanne Ramsey, the San Francisco Girls Chorus, the San Francisco Boys Chorus, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and The Dick Bright Orchestra. Shawna Ferris from Beach Blanket Babylon will lead the crowd in a sing-a-long of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”

“On any street in the world, you can hear San Francisco’s singing ambassador singing his signature song, our song,” said Charlotte Mailliard Shultz, San Francisco Director of Protocol and organizer for this weekend’s event. “So, it’s perfectly appropriate for us to now have a street named in his honor here, right in front of his statue. I promise, this Saturday will be a true love in on the streets of San Francisco.”

This weekend’s salute will include a number of free family-friendly activities including face painting, circus acts and a Cable Car “Bell Ringing Contest” for youth in addition to bringing two famous San Francisco landmarks into the streets from the Fairmont: the Tonga Room and the Venetian Room “outside” for one day.

“Fairmont San Francisco is thrilled to honor Mr. Bennett with this special tribute that offers  visitors a glimpse into our city’s history,” says Paul Tormey, Regional Vice President  & General Manager of Fairmont San Francisco (www.fairmont.com/san-francisco). “Our iconic property has enjoyed an incredible relationship with this legendary artist that has spanned more than five decades and included countless performances in the Venetian Room , a time capsule buried here in 1999, and the 2016 installation of a bronze statue of his likeness in front of the hotel to mark the celebration of his 90^th birthday.  We thank Mr. Bennett for always being there, as our ambassador for Fairmont San Francisco and  an enthusiastic promoter and friend of his City by the Bay.”

In honor of the occasion, Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream will be serving its unique flavor, “Duet,”  a Tahitian Vanilla ice cream swirled with Limoncello sorbet and house-made fennel biscotti. Inspired by his “Duets” album, the ice cream is an unexpected pairing of two classics with an Italian twist.  The ice cream was first served at the public dedication and unveiling of the Tony Bennett statue in front of the Fairmont to mark the singer’s 90^th birthday in August 2016.  

About Tony Bennett
Entering his seventh decade as a recording artist with over 100 albums and 15 Grammy Awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Bennett has earned his legendary status many times over. He remains the Columbia recording artist with the greatest longevity at the label. His 2007 prime-time special, “Tony Bennett: An American Classic,” won seven Emmy Awards and was directed by Academy Award winner Rob Marshall. He has performed for 10 U.S. Presidents, from Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr. and Obama. He also worked with and marched alongside Martin Luther King in his 1965 civil rights march and was honored with the Martin Luther King’s Salute to Greatness Award. In addition to performing, he is a visual artist as well, with three of his original paintings featured in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian, including his portraits of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. His humanitarian efforts are renowned and the United Nations honored him with their Humanitarian Award in 2007. He has published three books – his autobiography, “The Good Life,” and two books of his paintings, “Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen,” and “Tony Bennett In the Studio: A Life of Art and Music.” Bennett founded, in association with the Department of Education in New York City, the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts – a public arts high school in his hometown of Astoria, Queens. With his wife Susan, he established Exploring the Arts, a charitable organization which supports arts education in NYC public high schools. Exploring the Arts supports 14 public high schools throughout New York City. For more information about Tony Bennett, go to: www.tonybennett.com