Santana Brings Latin Flavor To Forest Hills Stadium

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

The legendary Carlos Santana made his way onto the iconic Forest Hills Stadium stage, donning a fedora hat, a black shirt, and white pants, and an approximate 10,000 concertgoers cheered. On August 14, as part of Santana’s Corazón tour, the venue was transformed into a large scale dance party under starlit skies, which was complemented by a multi-colored lighting spectacular which accentuated his audience. With a guitar in hand, he fused rock and Latin American music, and his sophisticated rhythms electrified the audience. His repertoire featured a mix of longtime favorites and new hits, which included “Oye Como Va,” “Smooth,” “Maria, Maria,” “Saideira,” “Black Magic Woman,” “Tequila,” “Jin-go-lo-ba,” and “Corazon Espinado.” 

Carlos Santana accompanied by Santana Band

Back in the 1970s, Santana called Queens home, and now his concert marked his first appearance in the borough. Another first is that “Corazón,” which was released in 2014, is an exclusively Latin album which merges diverse rhythms borrowing from cumbia, mambo, rock, and reggae, and the tracks are predominantly played by Latin artists. Concertgoer Cristina De Leon said, “I love how Santana can blend so many genres into his music, and his playing seems so effortless. I also love how he resonates with today’s artists.” She expressed much pride in introducing quality music to her daughter in an easily accessible and unique setting. “I wanted to give her the experience of seeing a living legend!”

Carlos Santana was born on July 20, 1947 in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico. He achieved 100 million record sales since the 1960s, is the recipient of ten Grammy awards and three Latin Grammy awards, and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. “What is distinguishable is his ability to use his guitar as an extension of his soul, as if he is singing and speaking through it, and there are only a few artists who can master that,” said Forest Hills resident Nick Dell’Anno. He referenced Jimi Hendrix and David Gilmour. “Santana transcends guitar playing into something much more primal and integral,” he continued.

Talent runs in Santana’s family. One of his concert’s many highlights was his 32 year-old son, Grammy winner Salvador Santana’s singing, rapping, and playing the keyboard for a few numbers from his album “Fantasy Reality,” set to be released this month. Santana gracefully referred to his son as “My teacher.” The Santana Band included vocalists Tony Lindsay and Andy Vargas, David K. Mathews on keyboard, Paoli Mejias on conga drum, and Jeff Cressman on trombone.

Pat Lannan displays his Santana collectible

Pat Lannan, an avid concertgoer at Forest Hills Stadium said, “I've never seen such an enthusiastic audience, where the whole audience was dancing throughout.” One of his favorite numbers was” Black Magic Woman,” which was made additionally memorable due to a chorus of concertgoers. Lannan marveled over how this concert was scheduled close to the eve of Woodstock's 46th anniversary, which Santana was a part of. “They sounded as exciting now, as they did back in 1969 at the Woodstock festival,” he said.

“Viva Santana!” said Nidia Menasche, who attended 14 Santana performances, which she views as an opportunity for quality family time. She explained, “His compassion for people, which shows as he plays his guitar is what makes Santana a true artist.” Then she commended him and his family for establishing The Milagro Foundation, which benefits underserved children worldwide by issuing grants to community tax-exempt organizations that assist children with health, education, and the arts. 

Alabama Shakes on September 19 will wrap up the summer of 2015 concert season, which featured notable artists such as The Who, Ed Sheeran, James Taylor, and The New York Pops with Sutton Foster and Pink Martini. Event Manager Brian Vinikoor stated in an interview, “Our goal for the summer of 2016 will be to continue to bring world class talent to Forest Hills and continue to enhance the fan experience.”

Ed Sheeran & The Who Opens 2015 Concert Season at Forest Hills Stadium

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Building on the tradition of the hallowed ground at Forest Hills Stadium, where every act from The Beatles to Frank Sinatra to Bob Dylan was witnessed mostly in the 1960s and 1970s, the summer 2015 concert season opened with Grammy-nominated singer Ed Sheeran on May 28 and May 29 and The Who on May 30.

Reflecting on definitive moments, concert promoter Mike Luba pointed out, “Ed Sheeran said the Forest Hills Stadium was one of the coolest places he ever played at. The Who returning for the first time since 1971 was absolutely crushing it. They loved it too.” Luba described the community’s response to the opening weekend’s concerts as positive. “Combined with the amazing time both Ed Sheeran and The Who had at their shows, makes me really encouraged about what the future holds for this adventure.”

On May 29, Sheeran opened the evening with “I’m A Mess,” surprised fans with the new track “Sweet Mary Jane,” performed mash-ups, covered classics such as “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Feeling Good,” and led up to a grand finale of “Sing,” where 14 screens featured fans, clips of Sheeran, and music videos. With only a guitar in hand, a soulful voice, and a hip hop hook, he is a one-man dynamo. Roaring screams from a packed audience, dominated by teenage girls led to shout-outs such as “You have the voice of an angel” and “How could you be so cute and so talented at the same time?”

“The stadium is large but is also intimate,” said Sheeran fan and musician Kevin Revis of East Brunswick, New Jersey. “I want to be famous and play here,” he continued. Another fan, Niky King, said “We’ve come all this way from England, and it was brilliant!”

On May 30, punk/hard rocker Joan Jett and the Blackhearts commanded their audience with much energy, and was the ideal opener for the legendary rock band, The Who. Jett still delivered her classics with much energy, and that included “I Hate Myself For Loving You” and “I Love Rock N’ Roll.” “The Who Hits 50!” tour, which featured two of the original members, Roger Daltrey and Pete Towshend, proved how to rock a packed stadium half a century later. They performed their mid-1960s to 1970s classics, which included “I Can’t Explain,” “I Can See For Miles,”  “Pinball Wizard,” and “See Me, Feel Me.” This concert attracted mostly a middle-aged energetic crowd.

Michael Mastrobuoni of Wantagh, NY had a front row seat and shared some memorable moments. “Roger Daltrey shhhhh'd me since I yelled out to Pete Townshend about how good they still sounded. Also, Pete threw a guitar pick, which I actually caught and was patted on the back by those around me.”

“Some of my favorite bands played here, and being able to see two of those bands at such an iconic site was amazing,” said Forest Hills filmmaker and musician Andrew Akler. He then explained, “Joan Jett’s set really fit the theme of ‘through the years,’ which The Who continued when they came on. Their performance of ‘Love, Reign O'er Me’ was absolutely incredible.”

Forest Hills resident Pat Lannan said, “Rock N’ Roll pioneers Joan Jett and The Who provided concertgoers with the true spirit of what playing live is all about. No computers were needed.” Lannan also addressed a most memorable moment. “Roger Daltrey turned to Pete Townshend and asked for a big round of applause for ‘the man who wrote all of this fantastic music.’ Then I thought, all this brilliant music from one person is a true gift.”

Since the stadium’s restoration and renovation in 2013, season 1 and season 2 have proven to be a great success. Luba said, “We aim for world class artists. We’ve made a bunch of progress with the stadium, and this weekend we saw the magic happen.” Looking ahead, he welcomes a diverse concert program for this third season including The New York Pops. “New York deserves a world class summer venue for orchestral music, with most tickets starting at only $10 and kids are free.”  

Drake vs. Lil' Wayne: A Success Despite Concert Concerns

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Drake, Courtesy of Suzan Causey

Lil Wayne, Courtesy of Suzan Causey

The iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium has hosted “Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne” on August 19, which marked its third concert for the summer 2014 season. It proved to be a success, despite hearing a buzz in prior weeks over a scheduled rap concert, increased noise levels, and rowdy crowds in a residential area.    

    

Sometime between the August 9^th Modest Mouse & Brand New concert and the Drake and Lil’ Wayne concert, a vague email from a small local group addressed from “concerned citizens” was circulated to some stadium neighbors in a vicinity that includes the Forest Hills Gardens and 69^th Avenue.

An excerpt read: “After the last two concerts, we heard complaints about the noise levels inside peoples’ homes. One person on 69^th Ave. told us she was forced to leave her house on the night of the last concert because it was so loud. Others have described their homes shaking from the bass levels. We have conveyed these concerns directly to the promoters, our elected officials, and the city’s Department of Environmental Protection, which is responsible for enforcing the city’s noise code.”

The letter then read: “After the last concert (Modest Mouse), we also received complaints about the sound check that went on from 6 PM to 8:30 PM the day before the performance. We spoke to the promoters about that issue during a meeting this past week. They told us that for Drake and Lil’ Wayne, they will test the p.a. system on Monday, but promised us that it will not be an extended rehearsal like last time.”

In an interview with concert promoters Jon McMillan and Mike Luba, they issued a joint statement after the concert: “Drake and Lil' Wayne are world-class performers at the top of their respective games, and they put on an unforgettable performance. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric. We continue to work closely with city agencies, local officials, community groups, and individual neighbors to improve the overall concert experience for our patrons and residents in the areas surrounding the Stadium. We're looking forward to hosting the legendary Replacements on September 19, and Phil Lesh and Friends on September 21.”

Local residents inclusive of concertgoers also praised the concert experience. “The 10 PM concert curfew is more than reasonable, and we're talking only about six shows a year spread out of over the summer months,” said Pat Lannan. “I walked around our neighborhood not long before the Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne concert, and the restaurants and pubs were packed. Our police department has done a wonderful job to make sure these concerts are orderly, so by allowing them to happen, we’re showing support for our businesses and the neighborhood.”

BarbaraAnn Balzaretti Flannery agreed. “There are no safety issues, and the concertgoers and the cops have been great. The concerts not only bring revenue to the neighborhood, but inspire budding young artists to follow their dream.” She added, “Music is food for the soul, so let’s embrace it!”

“I’m sorry that some people are complaining about noise, but the concert ended at 10 PM sharp,” said Matthew Mandell, who has attended the Zac Brown Band and Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne concerts with his family. He explained, “The concert had a young and high energy crowd. The stadium has a historic feel, it's a good size, and it’s awesome to be able to walk to concerts in our neighborhood. There's nothing like an outdoor concert in the summer, and I am looking forward to next year.”

On the contrary to the predictions by a small group of locals, the performers applied their creative vision to an organized and interactive concert experience. On August 9, Drake’s Twitter feed read, “Everybody coming to the show, download the Drake vs. Lil’ Wayne app free and put the power in your own hands! You decide who STARTS the show, who WINS the show, and of course what side you are on! Just choose your city, and from there it’s on YOU.”

Opening the concert in unison, Drake and Lil’ Wayne were ready to energize their fans. “Blunt Blowin” was first performed by Lil’ Wayne, and then a comeback was delivered by Drake with “We Made It” and “Draft Day.” Independent numbers followed, along with a face to face rap battle. A climactic moment was witnessing Drake being hoisted 20 feet above Forest Hills. According to the app, the fans pronounced Drake as the winner, but then the artists proved that the fans made a mid-summer’s night in Forest Hills one to remember.

Zac Brown Band Opens Summer 2014 at Forest Hills Stadium

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Forest Hills knew how to celebrate the first day of summer. On June 21^st, the three-time Grammy winner, two-time CMT winner, and Multi-Platinum Zac Brown Band took the Forest Hills Stadium stage, and launched the summer 2014 concert series. The southern country-rock band, known for their albums “Uncaged,” “You Get What You Give,” and “The Foundation,” has sold an excess of six million copies. It was a sunny and mild summer night, and at 5 PM, crowds began filling the venue which accommodates an estimated 16,000 concertgoers.        

America’s first concrete tennis stadium, dating to 1923, has undergone additional restoration work and upgrades which include numbered metal benches on the upper levels, seats with backings on the lower level, improved ADA accommodations, widened aisles, handrails, and easier access to food and beverages. A new stage was transported from a Toronto tennis center, and erected in Forest Hills Stadium in May. To address last summer’s public safety concerns, where concertgoers speculated that the stadium was overbooked, a reserved seating system was implemented and fewer tickets were sold.

  

In August 2013, the stadium reopened with Mumford & Sons, which became the first major musical act at the stadium since the 1980s. It struck a chord for patrons who recalled the annual Forest Hills Music Festivals of the 1960s through the early 1980s. Memorable summers featured music greats including Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Peter, Paul, & Mary, Donna Summer, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, and the Rolling Stones.

Zac Brown Band specials were offered by local restaurants, and some erected concession stands near the stadium. Among the restaurants which experienced an increase in patronage were Banter, Bareburger, Forest Hills Station House, and Austin Public. Earlier this month, some local organizations played a role in concert promotions, such as the 112^th Precinct which raffled front row tickets to their Twitter followers.

Air personality Jesse Addy of Nash FM 94.7 opened the concert and asked, “Has anyone come for a tennis match? Who is here to see the Zac Brown Band?” With much enthusiasm, that was followed by “Country is back in New York City!” A Zac Brown Band documentary was screened around 6:30 PM, and as it approached 7 PM, some patrons chanted “We want Zac!”

The band began performing at 7:30 PM, and then announced, “Everyone who bought a ticket made a donation to help kids with Autism and ADD.” Fans enjoyed a wide range of numbers for two and a half hours. That included “Jump Right In,” “Chicken Fried,” and “As She’s Walking Away.” In between songs, “USA” chants were heard. As the sun set over Forest Hills Stadium on the longest day of the year, fans continued dancing, while laser beams contributed to a dance club feel. The band highly interacted with fans by throwing tennis balls into the audience and stepping off the stage to shake hands.

Concertgoers, some of whom wore country western clothes, mostly commuted from the tri-state area. “I kept thinking, it's really incredible to know some of the big names that performed at the stadium, and how close you feel to the performers,” said Manny Morelli of Jersey City. “I've seen the band before, and they always look like they are having a blast, which the audience feeds off of.”

Amie Valois of Rockland County agreed, and referred to the band as energetic and interactive. She said, “In addition to their own songs, they covered an eclectic range of classics from Billy Joel to Metallica, which I loved. Also, the sound in the stadium was great, as well as the stadium’s history, charm, and size.”

However, she complained about the beer line setup. She said, “It may be the number of taps or the staff, but for $8 a beer, they should be able to offer more and better of both.” Referring to the porta potties, she said, “I am not sure why there are no restrooms.”

“My concert experience was excellent,” said Jeannine Barr of Center Moriches, NY. “Once our train arrived, I was quite taken by the charm of Forest Hills. I could appreciate that this was no modern structure, and I felt safe with the layout. The staff was excellent in showing us our way, and I felt good knowing where the exits were.”

Barr is a huge Zac Brown Band fan, and saw them perform at MetLife Stadium and Mohegan Sun. She explained, “The Forest Hills venue was much smaller and more intimate. One of the highlights was when they covered Billy Joel's “Piano Man” …some way to woo a Long Island crowd!”

Stay tuned for more summer 2014 concerts. Recently announced bookings are Modest Mouse and Brand New on August 9^th, Drake vs. Lil Wayne on August 19^th, and The Replacements on September 19^th. Visit www.foresthillsstadium.com for more information. 

Doug Leblang: A Local Artist Who Rises Beyond The Canvas

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Art Spiegelman, Evelyn Enola Rockwell, Joseph Cornell….and now Doug Leblang! Those are a few of the names of notable artists who came from Queens.

Meet four-year Forest Hills resident Doug Leblang, a commercial designer, illustrator, and art director who was raised in Middle Village, which was where his family first called home in 1912. Leblang is accredited with over 200 paintings which incorporate various forms of media, inclusive of pastels, colored pencil, collages, and the computer. Diverse audiences can take inspiration by exploring his online portfolio and acquiring a thematic painting which may range from nostalgia to nature and Judaica to portraits. All works are printed on fine paper, signed, and matted. 

Audiences can appreciate the craftsmanship of historic synagogues such as the restored “Eldridge Street Synagogue,” which first welcomed a new wave of Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the late 19^th century, or venture internationally to the “Great Synagogue in Plzen,” which is considered the third largest synagogue worldwide. One can become a nature enthusiast by discovering his “Central Park Rainbow” or by experiencing his “Cape Cod Vision.” Longtime or newly transformed fans will want to acquire his vision of “Theodore Bikel,” who played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, or encounter “Bob Dylan” who performed at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. 

Eddie's Sweet Shop in Forest Hills, 2005 painting by artist Doug Leblang

At the Queens Library in 2005, he coordinated the “Middle Village of Old” exhibit, which reflected his neighborhood’s simplistic charm he always embraced. He memorialized sites such as the famous trolley stop, Neiderstein’s, the Arion Theatre, and his father’s business, Leblang’s Pharmacy, which opened in 1924 and not only offered first aid, but ice cream sodas. Just beyond Middle Village, he painted other unofficial landmarks such as Eddie’s Sweet Shop and the NYS Pavilion.

    

Local volunteers joined Transportation Alternatives for a Winter Wander march along Queens Boulevard on December 14, calling for a safer and aesthetically-pleasing revitalization of a banal thoroughfare. That inspired Leblang, who will soon release a proposal. He explained, “Queens is one of the most diverse places in the world, and with at least 138 languages, there are more languages spoken here than in any other area in the United States.” He envisions placing signs on Queens Boulevard’s central median between Woodhaven Boulevard and Hillside Avenue, which would read “Welcome To Queens” in the most commonly spoken languages. He would then direct sculptors from those countries, who would carry out his vision, and an ethnic sculpture would stand alongside each sign.

 Leblang’s artistic skills made him a humanitarian, a lecturer, and a teacher, and he is applying his touch citywide. Some of his diverse accomplishments include teaching a painting class at FEGS in the Bronx, working with psychiatric patients in Queens, and directing a sixty-foot group painting depicting seasons at the Bronx’s Morningside House. Two of Doug’s works were selected by the City Health and Hospital Art Collection for the "JAZZ and the Visual Arts" exhibit at the Queens Hospital Center.

Leblang’s passion for art originated as a child. He said, “I didn’t want toys, but had an infatuation with paper and shirt cardboards. I wanted a pencil, so whenever my mom’s friends came over, I would draw their portraits.” He continued, “In day camp, I won a brotherhood contest where I showed different colored hands shaking each other’s in a square.”

   

He pursued his studies as an art history major at Boston University, and received a BFA from the School of Visual Arts. He expressed much gratitude to its president, Milton Glaser, a famous artist who he studied with. He recalled his teachings, and said, “In order to become an artist, you have to be really passionate about your work and take criticism.” After college, he became a professional musician for 5 years, but could not help himself from sketching portraits of his band. In 1974, he realized art was his calling. 

Art is therapeutic. “On Facebook, someone commented on my work, and said they see a light at the end of the tunnel. A good painting people will be drawn into, and escape their environment to be in the environment of the painting.” He believes everyone is an artist, and the artist within should be embraced. He explained, “An artist creates things that weren’t there before. Everyone decides what to wear each day, and if someone lives in a humble place, how they style it is their creation.”

In response to today’s graduates facing a harsh economy, he stated, “Keep your day job, and do your art after you come home. If you feel it, do it, but don’t expect to make a living as an artist right away.”

Iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium’s Comeback With Mumford & Sons

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

Mumford & Sons under starlit skies

Forest Hills, synonymous with tennis and music history, regained a bit of its glorified musical past on August 28th, as the iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, dormant and neglected since its last major concerts in the 1980s, reopened after undergoing eight weeks of repairs totaling an approximate $1.5 million. An estimated 16,500 fans began standing on long lines on Burns Street as early as 5 AM, eager to enter the historic stadium archways to see the U.K. folk rock band, Mumford & Sons, as well as opening bands, Bear’s Den and The Vaccines. They took center field on a newly constructed stage and the fans cheered, reminiscent of the days of Forest Hills Music Festivals. They picked up from where The Beatles landed in a helicopter and performed 49 years ago to the day, or when other musical greats such as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, The Doors, and Donna Summer made summers memorable. 

Dating to 1923, the stadium is recognized as the first concrete tennis stadium countrywide and the first home of the U.S. Open. It is also noted for National Championships, and where tennis players such as Bill Tilden, Don Budge, and Billie Jean King made headlines, and Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson broke racial color barriers when tennis was a segregated sport.

After the U.S. Open moved to Flushing Meadows Park in 1978, major music festivals gradually declined at the stadium. Neighbors then complained how music lingered all night and their properties were parked on and trashed. The stadium fell into disrepair with patchy concrete, and the wrecking ball narrowly missed what was deemed as “hallowed ground.”

Just three years ago, West Side Tennis Club (WSTC) members rejected a bid by Cord Meyer Development to purchase and demolish the stadium for a condo, which followed Rego-Forest Preservation Council’s grassroots preservation and creative reuse campaign, led by Chair Michael Perlman. WSTC President Roland Meier played an instrumental role in bringing the private club away from its wallflower status by looking outside the club for ideas for the stadium’s future. Notable 100th anniversary events recently transpired, including a flag raising ceremony and a tennis carnival. This played homage to the club’s past and influenced club members and the greater community to support the stadium’s rebirth.

Last winter, concert producers and partners Mike Luba and Jon McMillan began a dialogue with the club, and founded WSTC Events. Their shared vision was to hold 18 concerts over the next 3 summers and 1 this summer as a trial. “We want to justify the faith of the community. We had to earn the trust of everyone involved,” stated McMillan. Key stakeholders included members of City Council, Community Board 6, the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation, the 112th Precinct, the Mayor’s Office, and members of the West Side Tennis Club. The Department of Buildings approved a 17,000 seating capacity, and the producers worked with the 112th Precinct to approve an approximate 150 safety officers and street closures near the stadium.

To place a damper on neighbors’ concerns over noise and overcrowded residential blocks, WSTC Events set a 10 PM concert curfew and created a new stadium entrance on Burns Street. Tickets were $74 with no additional fees, and patrons were advised to take mass transit, in order to ease congestion and the stadium’s lack of parking.

Engineering assessments proved the stadium was sound. It withstood hurricanes, an earthquake, and a macroburst. “Based on historic drawings, surveys, and meetings with the DOB, we’re doing everything we can to make the stadium safe,” said McMillan. Luba’s first observation of the stadium was “a crumbling mess, which could turn into a priceless jewel.”

From June 20th through August 17th, Construction Manager Carl Dogali had the feat of completing structural work on a site he newly encountered. He explained, “We removed the weathered wooden benches from the grandstands. Then I power-washed the stadium’s topside and patched the concrete. Phase two addressed falling concrete on the bottom side and the archways. Phase three was the new entranceway.” The producers also financed new flagpoles above the eagles overlooking the stadium, replicated portal signs, and removed the windscreen from the stadium’s base to reveal roundels and pilasters. During the restoration, a 1923 Coke bottle and a safe was uncovered.

“We have a history of coordinating shows in small communities, and part of our vision is to drive local economies,” said McMillan. Increased business was witnessed before and after the Mumford & Sons concert along Austin Street. That held true for the newer businesses such as Forest Hills Station House, Banter, The Flying Pig, and Martha’s Country Bakery, as well as old-time favorites such as The Irish Cottage. Some increased their hours and offered live music and specials. Forest Hills Station House served English pub fare and played Mumford & Sons’ music.

Mumford & Sons energized their fans who sang along and danced to multi-platinum numbers such as “I Will Wait,” “Little Lion Man,” and “The Cave,” while colorful lasers and dangling lights enhanced the mood. Marcus Mumford stated, “This has been a unique day for us. We are really proud that we got to revitalize this venue with you all.” Ben Lovett on the keyboard said, “Yes, Forest Hills, Queens, New York. We just can't believe you all came. This is amazing. Are you sure you can invite 17,000 people to a tennis court? It hasn't happened in a long time!” Mumford & Sons commemorated the stadium by throwing tennis balls into the audience, and alternating between a racket, a banjo, and a guitar.

Patrons explained their experience. Patrick Lannan of Forest Hills stated, “The stadium is the jewel in the crown of Forest Hills, and to tear it down would rip the identity so closely associated with tennis and this historic neighborhood. Mumford & Sons fully understood the connection, which they referenced throughout the show. Mumford and Lovett are from Wimbledon, where tennis is also prevalent.”

All the way from Connecticut was concertgoer Cheyenne Kerekes, who explained, “You could feel the history in the stadium. It was even more powerful because the bands have such respect for the greats that came before them. Someday people will be talking about Mumford, Vaccines, and Bear's Den, the same way they did for Dylan, Hendrix, and The Beatles.” She continued, “When all the bands came on stage for ‘Awake My Soul,’ that was one reason I adore Mumford & Sons so much. Everything they do music wise becomes a community experience, and we're all there to jam along with them.”

Songs of Love Heals Our Youth

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

A harmonious chorus echoes from Forest Hills, and resonates in the hearts of children and their families countrywide.  This chorus has played an influential role by healing and boosting the emotions of children and teens with some chronic and terminal diseases.  One man’s heart pumps in the direction of our youth, to instill their hearts with hopeful visions of tomorrow. His name is John Beltzer, a Forest Hills resident who founded the Songs of Love Foundation in 1996.

As of June 2013, 23,900 children spanning age 1 to 21 have received their Song of Love, which is an original composition orchestrated by diverse songwriters and singers, commissioned by Songs of Love. Most often, brochures are mailed to hospitals nationally, and a child’s parents complete a profile sheet with their child’s name and information on their hobbies, special interests, pets, friends, and family members. Then the child receives the gift of a personalized song to rejoice their life. Songs are composed in the child’s favorite genre, such as pop, kids, R&B, rock, alternative, rap, classical, or jazz.

Songs of Love is situated at 107-40 Queens Boulevard, and consists of three full-time staff members who work with 40 songwriters nationally. To date, songs have been composed in at least thirty languages, so every culture can be included. As a result of Songs of Love’s great success locally and nationally, Beltzer expanded his operation to Brazil, where hundreds of children have received their Song of Love.

A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Beltzer settled in Brooklyn at age 8 and moved to Forest Hills at age 15. He convinced his father to buy him a drum set, and taught himself how to play the drums, followed by piano and guitar. His fraternal twin brother Julio played guitar. They collaboratively composed songs and then formed the top 40 band, “Cameon.” In 1984, 2 months before Julio died at age 24, he composed a song called “Songs of Love.” In January 1996, after John Beltzer came off a record deal which did not materialize, he experienced “an epiphany to create a national non-profit organization,” which he named “Songs of Love” in his brother’s memory. 

   

Songs of Love inspires children experiencing diseases such as Leukemia, brain tumors, heart conditions, Cystic Fibrosis, Autism, Liver Disease, as well as physical disabilities. “We use songs as tools of healing on a mass scale,” stated Beltzer, who estimated that 70 percent of children who received their Song of Love are alive today. If a child dies, their song is played at their funeral. “This keeps the beauty and spirit of the child alive forever in song,” he added.

Throughout history, music has proven to be therapeutic. Songs of Love has received thousands of letters of gratitude. Beltzer explained, “A typical story involves a child undergoing chemotherapy and hearing their song during the treatment. This helps alleviate their pain, fear, and trauma, and builds self-esteem. When you hear a song you like, it promotes feelings of wellness, and the brain releases feel-good chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins.” He further explained, “Parents tried to share many things with their child, but nothing worked. Only a ‘Song of Love’ made them smile.”

    

Songs of Love receives many letters of gratitude from children and their families. In an October 2012 interview, 12 year-old Makayla Redmon of Arverne, NY explained how Songs of Love serves as her beacon of hope. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in January 2012 and underwent chemotherapy and radiation. “I got my Songs of Love disc during Chemo in March 2012, and each time I listened to it, I felt happier and better. It made me feel like people actually cared. On all the long trips to and from the hospital, my family and I would sing along. The song was a rap, and I called it ‘Makayla's Song.’ It was sung by a church choir in Texas.”

 Redmon explained how she played it for her family in California and North Carolina, and her friends. Her mother posted it on Facebook. She skyped with her Grandma Sherry, Aunt Aimee, and Cousin/Best Friend Hailee. At Long Island Jewish Hospital, she also shared it with her social worker Ingrid, her doctor Sandra Cohen, P.A., her child life specialist Faye Brick, and nurses in P.A.C.T 4, where she received her treatment. Makayla also starred in a Songs of Love commercial. Redmon received her PET and CAT Scan, to determine if she has fully recovered. With utmost gratitude, she stated, “I hope that any kids that Songs of Love helps after me gets at least half the enjoyment that I did.”

Recently, one letter read, “Music is one of Keely’s greatest pleasures. Her face lights up when she hears music, and while listening to certain songs, she vocalizes in her own special way.” The parents of Nicky Lesniak wrote, “To think that other people know of our son and wrote a one of a kind song makes us feel comforted and not so alone.” The mother of Dominic Ayala explained how her son’s personalized song made him grin from ear to ear. “What great natural medicine of love for a child to hear and sing along,” she wrote. 

Songs of Love’s success is evident in media coverage including EXTRA, CBS News, 60 Minutes, The Today Show, Dateline, NBC News NY, ABC World News, BBC, CBS Early Show, Hallmark Heroes with Regis Philbin, NY Times, People magazine, and USA Today. In 2001, Britney Spears attended a special performance at her Massachusetts camp, where her campers wrote, recorded, and performed a Song of Love for a sick child.

    

Songs of Love engaged thousands of Black Eyed Peas fans at their concert to mark the 10,000^th recording. Sesame Street’s Bob McGrath and 15,000 Mets fans recorded the 12,000^th song at Shea Stadium. For their 20,000^th song, Jason Mraz recorded “Love Is All Around.” Other celebrities 
included Billy Joel, Nancy Sinatra, and Jamie Lynn-Sigler.

Most recently, Songs of Love developed a Bitcoin page on their website. Bitcoin is the first form of currency which uses cryptography to control its creation and management. “The Songs of Love Foundation is proud to be the first nationally recognized 501(c)(3) to accept donations of Bitcoins, which is the currency of the future,” stated Beltzer.

Beltzer explained his vision for the future. “We want our organization to grow, so we can reach out to as many children as we can, to help alleviate their stress, fear, and pain through our medicine of music. Now we are producing songs for 1,000 children annually, but before the economy crashed, we were helping 3,000 children annually.” Beltzer established a goal of assisting another 1,000 children with their “Song of Love.”  

   

Songs of Love has a wish list of artists they hope to collaborate with. “It would be fantastic to have American Idol’s Adam Lambert work with us,” said Beltzer, referring to Lambert’s multi-octave range, charismatic performances, and congenial nature. “His stardom would bring greater awareness and funding for our charity to help more children,” he added. Lambert has a history of fundraising for charitable causes such as classroom supplies through DonorsChoose.org, Red Cross, The Trevor Project, and Charity:Water.

Beltzer also visualizes turning Forest Hills’ MacDonald Park into a live recording studio through their program, “Raising Funds, Raising Voices.” He stated, “We would teach our audience a song over a pre-existing track and record their voices. I would like to invite all businesses, politicians, and the public, since it would be wonderful to have the whole community behind our cause. Let’s cover Forest Hills with a blanket of healing melodies.”

Last February, Songs of Love raised $10,000 at the Jackie Greene Band Charity Concert Series, which was held at MexiCali Live in Teaneck, NJ. Also in February, “An Evening With Ben Taylor” took stage at Symphony Space in Manhattan. Ben Taylor, the son of James Taylor and Carly Simon wrote and recorded a Song of Love for 8 year-old Greta Halton, who has a rare disease. Beltzer then explained a success story. “We showed a video of 8 year-old Danielle Duggan in Central Park in 2004, as 400 park-goers sang along with her pre-recorded Song of Love. At that time, she had stage 4 cancer. After showing the video, I proudly introduced a very healthy 18 year-old, Danielle, who stepped out on stage to say a few words.”

The public can anticipate more fundraisers. The 15^th Annual Swing And Sing Golf Outing will take place on September 16^th in Wayne, NJ, and another golf outing will follow in October. Songs of Love is also offering sponsorship opportunities. On November 2^nd, Lynn Hoffman of A&E Private Sessions will host a benefit concert, “An Evening With Blues Traveler” at Manhattan’s City Winery.

   

To help a sick child, the public can donate to Songs of Love and purchase event tickets by visiting www.songsoflove.org. The public can also call 1-800-960-SONG or “Like” their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SongsOfLove