University of Washington’s Verónica Quintero Crowned Miss Hispanic Seafair 2011

Seattle, WA / March 26, 2011 - The Miss Hispanic Seafair Scholarship Program crowned and awarded scholarships to their queen and her court last week during a special ceremony at the Fisher Plaza Studio.   Veronica Quintero will serve as Miss Hispanic Seafar 2011 - 2012 and her court includes: Isabella Figueroa (First Runner-Up), Viviana Peñaranda (Second Runner Up) and Brenda Barrios (Third Runner Up).

As Miss Hispanic Seafair 2011-2012, University of Washington’s Veronica Quintero will receive a $5,000 college scholarship and will be expected to represent the Hispanic Community at the Miss Seafair Scholarship Program for Women, attend various Hispanic events & festivals throughout the year, serve as a mentor to future candidates for Miss Hispanic Seafair 2012 and beyond and as a positive role model for all communities alike.  She will also continue to grow her platform "Veronica's Challenge: 11 Years of Hope."  Ms. Quintero’s inspiring community platform represents the one year she underwent cancer treatment and the ten years she has been cancer free;  Miss Quintero will have completed eleven community service projects at the end of this year.  In addition to being crowned, Miss Quintero was also awarded for the Best Community Service Platform, Best Interview and Social Media Maven, as well as placed in the top three for Best Creative Expression.  

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Studio Seven

“Winning the Miss Hispanic Seafair title is an incredible blessing that I plan to utilize to educate, inspire and inform my community about the issues that need to be addressed. One of the main topics I plan on addressing is that of the importance of pursuing a post-secondary education,” says Veronica Quintero.



Isabella Figueroa, a senior at Interlake High School in Bellevue, was crowned 1st Runner Up and will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Blanca Torres Memorial Fund.  Ms. Figueroa also won the Highest GPA Award for High School Students and the People's Choice $100 award.  

Second Runner Up, Viviana Peñaranda who attends Highline Community College, will receive $200 from an anonymous donor and additional $200 for Winning People's Choice Awards, and also received the Creative Expression award, the HSO Spirit Award, and was in the top 5 for the Social Media Maven.

Third Runner Up, another University of Washington student, Brenda Barrios also received a People's Choice $100 Award, and was a guest weather anchor on Univision KUNS-TV Seattle for one week.   

Other award recipients include:

Dulce Zamora - Top 8 & Won Highest GPA for College/University Level
Brenda Arellano - Miss Congeniality & People's Choice $100 Award
Maria Laura Parra - Social Media Maven Top 5, People's Choice $100 Award
Michelle Pinales - Top 8
Victoria Sifuentes - Top 8
Danae Del Rio - Top 8 & People's Choice $100 Award
Aileen Mata - Social Media Maven Top 5

“I was honored to be able to work with and mentor twelve outstanding young ladies.  They have been working hard for months and I am proud of them all, but most of all I'm proud that they each left with a smile on their face, and happy for the winner,” says Michelle Font, who is the director of the program and knows first hand the benefits of scholarship pageants as she served as Miss Washington 2008 while attending the University of Washington, which has led to a career as an engineer at Boeing.   

The entire Miss Hispanic Seafair court will be in attendance at the Hispanic Seafair Festival on Sunday, July 31st at the Seattle Center and the winner and runner up of the Creative Expression Award, Miss Peñaranda and Miss Barrios, will be perform for the crowd.


About Hispanic Seafair Organization

The Hispanic Seafair Organization (HSO) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the advancement and education of Hispanic women and representing the Hispanic community during Seattle's Seafair celebration and throughout the year.

HSO provides college scholarships to qualifying young women, and has celebrated Seafair the Latin way at the annual Hispanic Seafair Festival at Seward Park, since 1980.  This year's festival will be held July 31, 2011 at the Seattle Center.  It is a free event, which includes a full day of Latin music, dance, and arts and crafts, and an opportunity to sample diverse regional cuisines.

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Media Contact:

Amalia Martino
BlueShoes Media
(425) 361-2754 office
amalia@blueshoesmedia.com

Seattle’s R&B/Pop Duo Steelo Release New EP Neon Grey and Promotes with California Shows over Cinco de Mayo Weekend

Seattle, WA /May 3, 2011 – Seattle-based R&B/pop/hip-hop duo Steelo releases a new collection of original music in the new EP Neon Grey and follows with shows in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle.

Neon Grey includes the intra-continental collaboration “My Queen”, which was recently heard on KUBE 93.3’s Sound Session, Chicago's KISS 103.5 and New Jersey's Mix 1620; “Roller Coster” produced by Happy Perez whose noted for his work with Baby Bash and Miguel's "Sure Thing"; as well as three other R&B influenced urban and pop tracks.   Steelo will hit the road to promote the new EP with shows in San Francisco and Los Angeles, including 330 Rich, Horizon’s and Ecco Lounge, and return to Seattle for a Japan Benefit show on May 15th at Fremont’s White Rabbit.

Steelo is comprised of MC A.Uno, who is Iranian and Mexican and is known for delivering rhymes in English, Spanish and Farsi, and singer Bobby K, who’s noted for his musical range and smooth delivery.  Steelo released their debut album “Music” in 2009, which was recently signed to Toyko-based P-Vine records and re-released in Japan.  The group has appeared on the National Sneaker Pimps Tour, the largest traveling hip hop lifestyle and sneaker exhibition in the world, sponsored by Xbox and Verizon Wireless; at Seattle Fashion Week, and a BMI showcase at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood, which aired as part of a special on NBC Mun2’s “One Nation Under Hip Hop.”  

Learn more at www.steelomusic.com

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Media Contact:

Amalia Martino
(425) 361-2754 office
amalia@blueshoesmedia.com

Miss Hispanic Seafair Scholarship Program Crowns Their Queen, Saturday, May 21st at Fisher Plaza Studio in Seattle

Miss Hispanic Seafair Promotes Academics, Community Service and Leadership;  Provides Collegiate Scholarships

Seattle, WA / March 5, 2011 - The Miss Hispanic Seafair Scholarship Program will announce their queen and her court as well as speciality awards, and present college scholarships at the 2011 Coronation Event, Saturday, May 21 at Fisher Plaza Studio, located at 140 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98109.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and ceremony runs 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

This evening is open to the public and tickets are $20.00 - $35.00 and available at http://hispanicseafair.eventbrite.com/.  All funds raised from ticket sales will be added to the scholarship fund.

“We have twelve young ladies who have been working hard for months and are very much looking forward to the coronation.  They are all exceptional and well deserving.  The program will have the traditional evening wear as well as interview portion, and finally our queen will be decided by the judges,” explains Michelle Font, director of the program.  Ms. Font knows first hand the benefits of scholarship pageants, she served as Miss Washington 2008 while attending the University of Washington, which has lead to a career as an engineer at Boeing.   

Annette Morecraft, publicist at biscuit 8; Angelina Kayyalaynen, Miss Washington USA 2011; Chelsea Rogers, Miss Washington DC USA 2008 and founder of Brains & Beauties Pageant and Lifestyle Consulting; Jeff Lang, former Sony Music Producer; and Albert Torres, CEO and publisher of Tú Decides Newspaper, will judge and decide the queen.

About Hispanic Seafair Organization

The Hispanic Seafair Organization (HSO) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the advancement and education of Hispanic women and representing the Hispanic community during Seattle's Seafair celebration and throughout the year.

HSO provides college scholarships to qualifying young women, and has celebrated Seafair the Latin way at the annual Hispanic Seafair Festival at Seward Park, since 1980.  This year's festival will be held July 31, 2011 at the Seattle Center.  It is a free event, which includes a full day of Latin music, dance, and arts and crafts, and an opportunity to sample diverse regional cuisines.

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Media Contact:

Amalia Martino
BlueShoes Media
(425) 361-2754 office
amalia@blueshoesmedia.com

Daughter of the California Sun and Scholar of Music, Jessica Felman Releases Debut EP “Starting Over,” Available on iTunes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Amalia Martino, BlueShoes Media
(425) 361-2754 / amalia@blueshoesmedia.com

Los Angeles, CA / April 4, 2011 - Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Jessica Felman, who played an EP release show at the Cat Club on the Sunset Strip last week, releases her professional debut EP “Starting Over,” which was recorded with Juvenal Juarez at J2 Studios in Sherman Oaks, CA and is available on iTunes.

“I'm proud to say I've poured my heart and soul into this EP, and I'm excited to be sharing this life changing experience. The music and lyrics take you through the ups and downs of life, providing the hope and inspiration of Starting Over.” says Jessica.  

Daughter of the California sun and a scholar of music, Jessica Felman creates folk music that incorporates elements of rock and pop to produce a raw sound that’s all her own. Guitar in hand, she’s reminiscent of a youthful Sheryl Crow and at the piano; she displays the sultry purr of Norah Jones; paired with the raw strength and sentiment of Alanis Morrisette and charm of Michelle Branch.

Jessica attend the University of Miami where her carefully crafted music career started with a degree in voice and music business.  

“I chose to postpone my music career in order to finish school and was very serious with my studies.  So much so that I graduated with honors.  I’m at a point that I’m very proud of the work and passion I put into my music,” shares Jessica.

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Media Contact:

Amalia Martino
BlueShoes Media
(425) 361-2754 office
amalia@blueshoesmedia.com

DJ Hevan Adds More Venues to Spring Schedule, Spinning at 11 Clubs in the Greater Boston Area

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Amalia Martino
amalia@blueshoesmedia.com / (425) 361-2754


Boston, MA / March 11, 2011 - DJ Hevan, who is the national contributor to Clubplanet.com’s “The Needle”, announces Spring schedule that expands his nightlife influence to eleven Boston-area venues.  March and April have DJ Hevan spinning at eleven different clubs including:  District, Market, Venu, Cure, Boiler Room, Whiskey Park, Greatest Bar, Revolution, Saint, Umbria and West End Jonnies.

“I’m happy with my new management and the way things are progressing!” Says DJ Hevan.

For the most up to date information, vist www.DJHevan.com.

About DJ Hevan

DJ Hevan is a Boston-based DJ who can be seen and heard at many of the city’s most popular nightclubs, special events and major concerts.  He has shared the stage with Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Nas, Cassidy, Gangstarr, KRS-One, Chingy, Asher Roth, Jim Jones and Fabolous, as well as Clinton Sparks, DJ RIZ and DJ Scene; spun at events for Shaquille O’Neal, Vida Guerra, DMC (of Run-DMC), David Ortiz and the Boston Red Sox, Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics, and the New England Patriots.  Sponsored vitiminTHICK clothing, DJ Hevan recently penned a College Nightlife Guide (with a twist) for clubplanet.com, was recently featured on clubdistrict.com, vinnykumar.com and appeared on on the BBC Radio 1 show “In DJ’s We Trust” with DJ Jaguar Skillz.

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Media Contact:

Amalia Martino
BlueShoes Media
(425) 361-2754 office
amalia@blueshoesmedia.com

Fashion Network-Seattle Launches New Travel Section; Travel Chic Reviews Destination Properties for the Style Maven, Starts with Cedarbrook Lodge

“As an interior designer that is now heavily involved in the fashion world, the inspirations often cross, and I wanted a space devoted to highlighting the harmony between the two.”

-Shalonne Foster, CEO and Creative Director

Seattle, WA / March 1, 2011 - Fashion Network-Seattle launched a new travel and hospitality-inspired section to the blog called "Travel Chic," which reviews destination properties in the Pacific Northwest through a fashionista’s lens and is written by CEO and creative director, Shalonne Foster.  Obsessed with linens, textures, colors and design, Fashion Network-Seattle’s Travel Chic, draws parallels between fashion collections and the design aesthetics of the overall venue as well as individual rooms.  Featured reviews also offer information on nearby shopping destinations and packing tips based on the property.

SeaTac, Washington’s Cedarbrook Lodge is the first property featured in Travel Chic.  The property’s hidden luxury with a Northwest flair inspired Ms. Foster to write, ”just to be clear, when you hear the word ‘Lodge’ think less Chevy Chase digs a la National Lampoon’s Vacation and more Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2010 Collection.  With an overall color scheme of tone on tone browns with pops of ruby, green, yellow and blue the similarities are apparent. The beauty in the RL Collection as well as Cedarbrook is the texture.”

An editorial endeavor close to Ms. Foster’s heart, she explains that “people always want to know about great places to stay, shop and what they should pack before visiting and as an avid traveler who extensively researches destinations before departing, I realized I sometimes had trouble finding all the answers, so I really hope that Fashion Network-Seattle readers find this useful.”

About Fashion Network-Seattle

Fashion Network-Seattle is an online platform with the dual purpose of both exposing, educating and empowering the Seattle fashion industry, a $8.6 billion industry in 2009, and informing the local industry on international trends and resources.  Launched in 2009, Fashion Network-Seattle has grown to average 60,000 visitors and 200,000 page views per month with hyper-localized focus and its blog section was named best fashion blog by Seattle Magazine in 2010.   

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Media Contact:

Amalia Martino
BlueShoes Media
(425) 361-2754 office
amalia@blueshoesmedia.com

Black Stax Debuts “I Love My Life” Music Video, Celebrates Love, Life and Positivity Through Urban and Soul Influenced Track

Seattle, WA / February 15, 2011  - Black Stax, whose debut album, “Talking Buildings” was released last month on iTunes, today releases their first music video for the single, “I Love My Life,” which celebrates life, gives appreciation to heritage and demonstrates the positive, home-grown vibe of Black Stax and this urban and soul influenced song.

“We transformed a space use for welding and made it into a family BBQ.  Literally.  Added some cameras, lighting, good friends and some talented people and walked away with a music video,” says Jace of Black Stax.

The music video is directed and edited by Seattle’s Chris Parker and was shot in the industrial and artsy  Georgetown neighborhood.

“ ‘I Love My Life’ is about making the most of every day and recognizing those that came before you.  We are huge on family and were able to share the experience of recording our first music video with those who mean the most to us.  We hope everyone likes the result!,” added Felicia Loud of Black Stax who is the main feature of the video.

The video can be viewed on Youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCHTAFjE3Sg

About Black Stax

As the avant-garde of Seattle hip-hop and “displaying soulful depth and thought-provoking messages like modern-day prophets,” according to the Jazz Music Examiner, Black Stax makes creative, challenging and emotional music with an injection of hip hop and 70s-era soul.  The group is comprised of MCs Silas Blak and Jace ECAj and vocalist Felicia Loud and they’ve been featured in The Stranger, The Examiner, Publicola.com and national publication DEFT Magazine for their recently released debut album Talking Buildings,  which is an eclectic, urban mix.  

A collaboration that works, Black Stax successfully blends musical genres and attracts a varied and supportive following.

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Media Contact:

Amalia Martino
BlueShoes Media
(425) 361-2754 office
amalia@blueshoesmedia.com