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Message to ALL Presenting Organizations
Welcome to the Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band's online press kit. Find everything you need right here from educational programs to press and marketing materials. Just scroll down. Please contact us if there is anything else you need.
Message to Florida Presenters
Great news! The Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band has been selected for the 2008-2010 Florida State Touring Roster. Present the Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band to your community! All Florida non-profit organizations and any units of city, county, or state government, including school boards, are now eligible for fee support to present State Touring Program artist "Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band."
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
May 1, 2008 for performances between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.
May 1, 2009 for performances between July 1, 2009 and Julne 30, 2010.
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Sonic Bids
We have much more content right here in our online Press Kit
than we have in our Sonic Bids EPK (due to the limitations of Sonic Bids).
Just scroll down further to see all that we have to offer.
However, if you prefer to use Sonic Bids, just click on the their logo below. |
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2008-2010 Florida State Touring Program
Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band has been selected for the 2008-2010 Florida State Touring Roster.
2006 and 2007 "Artist Enhancement Grant" Recipient
Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, The Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. |
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Sheila
Kirsten Hughes:
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Piano, Cello,
Violin
Chris Hughes:
Upright Bass, Hand Percussion, Electronic Percussion,
Sequences, Sound Engineering
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Click
on any photo below for download options and instructions. |
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Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band - YouTube Videos
Choose from 8 videos using the YouTube video player below. Performances range from full production with band to duo to solo raw acoustic. |
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CD Review - Perspectives - "...an artful project..."
Music Connection (California)
"…a unique brand of mostly acoustic folk-oriented material, spiced with interesting audio treatments…Key to the band’s sonic weave is Hughes’ soulfulness, which lends a consistently moody mien to the proceedings…Hughes and company have mounted an artful project that aims for something unique; judging by this CD they are almost there."
-Jessie Stehlik |
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CD Review - Perspectives - "Thumbs definitely up!"
Music Business Radio (Nashville, TN)
"Thumbs defnitely up! I really like this a lot. First of all, the artwork on this is great. . . really interesting arrangement approach. I tell you what, I think this is really good. Thumbs up for Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band out of Tampa, Florida. A great track. I wanted to hear more of it. It got my attention. The arrangements were great, the vocals were great, well-produced - everything about it was great - the artwork on the record. Obviously they've spent a lot of time, money, and effort in this and it shows." |
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CD Review - Perspectives - "...impressive..."
The Tampa Tribune
"Hughes is an earnest singer-songwriter who should appeal to fans of Jewel and Sarah McLachlan. 'Perspectives' is an impressive recording thanks to glossy production, Hughes' dramatic vocals and some fine and subtle use of string arrangements."
–Curtis Ross |
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Live-Performance Review - "...pure genius..."
Tre Amici @ Ybor Bunker
"In what can only be described as pure genius, the Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band took the stage at around 8p.m. Sheila is a wonderful person whose natural style and fun personality led her into involving the crowd even before they began playing and throughout the set. Her "song-that-should-have-a-story-behind-it", Madison Street, took our collective breaths away and we're excited to hear them perform again tomorrow night at the opening for Michael Schuhmann's photo exhibit."
We knew that we were on to something special when they came out and they played. They were just absolutely phenomenal and her voice is haunting. They've got one of those personas – she's hilarious and sweet and she's like the full package – she's got the talent, she's got the voice and she's got a really great presence when she deals with the audience. She interacts with them and it just makes you feel so much more close to her and her music. It's amazing. We're very lucky to have them locally." |
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CD Review - Perspectives - "...excellent music..."
The Music Review, www.themusicreview.net
"Strong and smooth vocals stand out and accent this production of excellent music from this Tampa Bay artist. Best Tracks 'More Than This', 'Let It Rain Down', 'Madison Street' and 'I Will Not Go Down'." |
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Live-Performance and CD Review - Perspectives - "...beautiful, raw emotion in audio form..."
WBSP Internet Radio
"Beautifully orchestrated, sonic imagery, haunting lyrics, angelic vocals and compelling subject matter amid swelling strings and great production.
This best describes the Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band's newest release "Perspectives" Every song is a heartfelt lyrical and melodic journey that takes you exactly to the emotional content of the song.
Madison Street is a haunting ballad that takes you emotionally away from beginning to end…another of my favorite cuts is Lay It Down. Both of these songs have been featured on our radio show and we will continue to feature them in future shows. I've also had the pleasure of seeing Sheila perform Madison Street live in an acoustic version pre-release format and it was, simply put, beautiful, raw emotion in audio form…a story that you want to see through all the way to the end…as you will with most every cut on this self-produced CD. As an added perk: not only is the production, songwriting and musicianship top notch but the CD jacket, design and artwork (all done by Mrs. Hughes herself!) are TOP of the line. Absolutely beautiful.
In a world of cookie-cutter new rock acts and singer/songwriters, Sheila and Chris Hughes offer up something truly unique…a fresh flavor of musical style and songwriting that will definitely make you see their Perspectives."
– Cindy Lucas, Co-Host of "Internet Radio Playground" |
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CD Review - Perspectives - "This is truly Great American Music..."
Great American Music Hour
"I recently discovered the music of Sheila Kirsten Hughes and fell in love with this album the first time I heard it. This is a very well-produced pop rock album that's atmospheric and interesting. Probably the best time to listen to it is late at night, when songs like 'Let It Rain Down' and 'I Will Not Go Down' really make sense. My favorite track, though, is 'Madison Street,' with its plaintive [cello] and piano instrumentation. This is truly Great American Music; I highly recommend it."
–Jerry Jodice, Host |
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CD Review - Perspectives - "...solidly accomplished and engaging..."
Creative Loafing
"Hughes excels at writing and singing…Her liquid voice is perfect for the quiet-but-clear verses that build to comparatively stately crescendos…solidly accomplished and engaging…"
–Scott Harrell |
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CD Review - Perspectives - "...absolutely FANTASTIC!!"
WGAD Independent Internet Radio, www.wgad.net
"…GREAT music…absolutely FANTASTIC!!" |
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Track Review - Madison Street - "...excellent performances and production..."
TAXI
"The track sounds lovely…Your vocal is impressive…the cello lines are especially well arranged and performed. The intimate, chamber music character sharpens the impact of the gritty lyric…excellent performances and production…your instrumental abilities are a distinctive plus…Keep up the good work." |
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Live-Performance Review
PeaceMaker-Web Internet Magazine
"The neatest package of dynamite to explode on our Tampa Bay music scene...Stunning and exciting!" |
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Internet Feature (March - April, 2003) - "...extraordinary..."
Jewel's Soul City Café
"A voice that's both powerful and delicate, incredible
range both vocally and stylistically – what's not
to love?…We absolutely must let the world know about
this extraordinary individual!"
–Jewel's Soul City Café (featured artist 03/13/2003
- 04/11/2003) |
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Live-Performance Review
WMNF 88.5FM (Tampa)
"Oh wow! Beautiful voice, beautiful songs!"
–Cheryl Mogul, DJ |
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Live-Performance Review
A and R Production, LLC
"Sheila is a hot performer singer/songwriter who holds the stage and her audience like a pro!...You guys are gonna be blown away."
–Al Alvarez |
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Live-Performance Review - "...haunting and surreal..."
Balentine Productions
"Armed with a voice as sweet and pure as honey,
Sheila Kirsten Hughes takes the listener on a melodic
journey of interwoven themes. Some haunting and surreal
and others based on real life issues, all delivered with
a consistent professional quality in performance and showmanship!"
–Carl Beckler |
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Live-Performance Review - "...her emotion captivates you..."
Robin McNamara, Platinum-Selling Recording Artist & Broadway Star
"Sheila has the most amazing talent. Not only does she play guitar, piano and violin masterfully, she also writes and sings some of the most heart felt songs I have ever heard and she sings them with the voice of a 'blues angel' – her emotion captivates you…a shining star. 'Madison Street' is a smash!" |
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Live-Performance Review - "...an artist whose messge must and will be heard..."
Pete Gallagher, WMNF 88.5FM DJ & Florida Producer
'…a championship voice…there is only one
Sheila Kirsten Hughes! I'm sure there are those who would
prefer to catalogue her in the narrow "folk"
idiom, but make no mistake about it, she is beyond that
— an artist whose message must and will be heard
in this rapidly changing musical landscape!" |
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Live-Performance Review
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
"We
got great response on you. Many thanks."
–Pat Fenda, Strictly Entertainment |
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Live-Performance Review - "...such magnificent talent..."
Third Thursday Café
"Ya'll sound just marvelous, and as I sat there
watching, I just couldn't believe that such magnificent
talent was singing in this café in Lutz just for
us."
–Joy Katzen-Guthrie, Program
Coordinator |
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Live-Performance Review - "...always brings a great response..."
Elevate, www.elevates.net
"I am proud to say that Sheila Kirsten Hughes
and her husband Chris have played multiple times at our
venue. Sheila's music always brings a great response from
our people. She has a wonderful voice and is very talented
on multiple instruments. On top of her musical gifts,
Sheila has a very joyful spirit and is a pleasure to work
with. "
–Luke Langston |
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Live-Performance Review - "I have heard many positive comments..."
Largo Cultural Center - Heart of Largo Festival
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank
you for being an entertainer at our Heart of Largo 'Celebrate
America' Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2002. I have
heard many positive comments and you helped place smiles
on all the faces of the people attending the event."
–Krista S. Pincince, City of Largo Special Events
Coordinator |
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| Click to view the press articles below. (PDF format) |
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Inspired by the courage with which people maintain the struggle against overwhelming odds, Sheila and Chris, the husband-and-wife team that comprises the Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band, deliver empowering tales of triumph over adversity—some haunting, some surreal, others based on real-life issues—in a wondrous multimedia formatAccent on Tampa Bay cover. Knobs, buttons, switches, and lights glisten as hi-fi equipment remits the sound. Organic instruments unite with technology to produce a rich and mesmerizing blend of music. The band calls it “ambient, soulful, jazz-tinged rock.” Sheila’s stunning, soulful voice cuts through the mix with an emotional intensity that’s absolutely captivating. Their riveting live performance has been described as “beautiful, raw emotion in audio form.” (-C. Lucas, WBSP). It’s a feast for the eyes, the ears, and the soul. Join the Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band for this unforgettable evening of sight and sound in celebration of the human spirit.
Ideal for adults, teenagers, and even some children.
* Note: loud percussive sounds used in show may scare small children.
» Download
printable PDF of Our Show (415 KB)
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Letter
from Al Alvarez, Concert Promoter
A and R Productions/Just Plain Folks Tampa Chapter
Coordinator
www.aandrproductions.com
www.justplainfolks.org
(PDF format, 508 KB) |
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Letter
from Robin McNamara
60s/70s Platinum Selling Recording Artist and Broadway
Star
http://lpintop.tripod.com/robinmcnamara
(PDF format, 453 KB) |
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Here is a brief description of the educational programs, residencies, and master classes the Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band has to offer.
(You will need the Acrobat
Reader plug-in to view PDF files.) |
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EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM/RESIDENCY:
RUMBLE'S FARM™
Duration:
1-hour presentation, can be extended to 5-day residency w/presentation
Age Group:
Grades K-3
Level of Participation:
Light to moderate for presentation
high for residency
Synopsis: Rumble, a “fuzzy-worm” farmer (caterpillar farmer) from Jelly Bean County, carries out the day-to-day tasks on his farm. Determined to do something extraordinary with his life, his adventures, successes, and mishaps are chronicled in this adorable tale known as Rumble’s Farm™.
A simple-minded dog, Rumble often struggles to believe he can achieve great things. But Rumble’s future is about to change. He discovers a relic in an old abandoned barn on his farm. It turns out to be a time machine! He uses it to summon inspiring role models (played by Chris) from distant, and not-so-distant, times and places.
With the help of the children in the audience, along with some inspiring songs by the Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band, and words of wisdom from Rumble’s favorite heroes, Rumble finds he can do the very things he thinks he cannot.
Rumble’s Farm is presented in giant story-book format. It is delightfully illustrated and voiced by Sheila, who created Rumble, and the many other adorable characters that adorn the pages of these tales, when she was merely 9 years old. The main mission of this program is to instill a “can-do” attitude in children as they discover the little things they do each day can lead to great things. It also demonstrates ways children can help to take care of our environment, while lightly reviewing essential math, vocabulary, and
critical-thinking skills.
» Rumble's Farm™ Sample Study Guide
(PDF format, 2.2 MB) |
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EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM:
ORDINARY PEOPLE, EXTRAORDINARY LIVES
Duration:
half-day Residency
Age Group:
Middle School, High School, and Adult
Level of Participation:
High - lecture/discussion group
Synopsis: “We are all ordinary people, but even an ordinary secretary, or housewife, or teenager can, within their own small ways, turn on a small light in a dark room.”
(-attributed to Miep Gies who hid Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis)
The purpose of this course is to communicate to each participant that the ability to do extraordinary things lies within ordinary people. Chris and Sheila explore the amazing ideals, actions, and achievements of many inspiring role models and their rise from ordinary to extraordinary. This empowering new program blends the compelling words of some of the most influential historical figures,
entertainers, coaches, athletes and humanitarians of our time with riveting songs by the Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band. Great for middle school, high school, college, and adults!
» "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives" Sample Study Guide
(PDF format, 1.2 MB) |
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EDUCATIONAL RESIDENCY:
PERSPECTIVES FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SOUNDBOARD
Duration:
3-4 day Residency, 1 hour each day
Age Group:
Middle School, High School, and Adult
Level of Participation:
High. . . this program is interactive and
hands-on.
Synopsis: The objective of this course is to bridge the gap between the performing artist and sound engineer. It is an interactive, hands-on experience that puts the sound engineer in the shoes of the performer, and the performer in the shoes of the sound engineer. Sound engineer Chris Hughes and performing artist Sheila Kirsten Hughes team up to demonstrate to participants how to have the best presentation possible. This programs is ideal for all students involved in the performing arts.
» "Perspectives from the Other Side of the Soundboard" Program Summary
(PDF format, 448 KB) |
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EDUCATIONAL MASTER CLASS:
FOREVER WE SHALL BE
(Under development for Fall 2008)
Duration:
1-week Residency Master Class with Evening Performance
Age Group:
Advanced High School Chamber Choirs (SATB), College Choirs (SATB or SSA), Master Chorales, and Advanced Community Choirs (SATB)
Level of Participation:
High.
Synopsis: With her extensive experience in high school chamber choirs and college master chorales, both as a singer and student director, Sheila briefly explores the history of Renaissance music with the choir, then reviews the 7-part acapella piece she composed, “Forever We Shall Be.” Sheila will assume the roll of choir director during this one-week residency, working to perfect the performance of the piece. The choir will join Sheila and Chris on stage at the end of the 1-week residency to perform “Forever We Shall Be” as part of a Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band concert.
» "Forever We Shall Be" Program Summary
(PDF format, 504 KB) |
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One of just 25 artists chosen for the 2008-2010 Florida State Touring Roster by the Divisioin of Cultural Affairs
2007 Singer/Songwriter Awards - Honorable Mention for "Let It Rain Down"
2007 Independent Music World Series Semifinalist
State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs - 2007 & 2006 Artist Enhancement Grant Recipient
3 Certificates of Recognition - Tampa Chapter of Just Plain Folks (2004-2006)
2004 Old Time Music Championships “Beginning Fiddle” - 4th Place
1998 Florida Press Association Awards - Special Publication Cover Design
Winner (2 awards)
"Most Talented" 1994
Awarded by student body of Lakewood Senior High School
"Most Talented" 1994
Awarded by Choir Director of Lakewood Senior High School
"National School Choral Award" 1994
Awarded by Choir Director of Lakewood Senior High School
"Excellence in Choral Music" 1994
Awarded by the Faculty of Lakewood Senior High School
"Superior" in Vocal Solo Performance
1994 Florida Vocal Association District MPA
"Superior" in Vocal Solo Performance
1993 Florida Vocal Association District and State MPA
"Oustanding Musical Achievement in Chorus" 1989
Awarded by Faculty of Riviera Middle School |
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WTSP Tampa Bay’s 10 News
Tampa Bay Community Network |
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Performing Arts Exchange Independent Showcase
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - TECO Theater
City of Clearwater
City of Largo
University of Tampa
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Pasco Arts Council
Tarpon Springs Cultural Center
Gulf Coast Museum of Art
Catherine Hickman Theatre (“Hot Acoustic Nights” series; “Keeping Company with Donna Klein” series)
Skipper's Smokehouse
The Bank
Camp Good Days
Tampa Bay Business Journal (corporate events)
Mandalay Beach Resort
Cotee River Bikefest
Fuel (Nashville)
Debi Champion’s Writers Night - Spotlight Act (Nashville)
Crossroads (Nashville)
The French Quarter (Nashville)
Tre Amici @ Ybor Bunker |
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Music Connection (California)
The Tampa Tribune
St. Petersburg Times
Creative Loafing
Accent on Tampa Bay
the Gabber |
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WMNF 88.5FM (Tampa)
KVNF (Colorado)
WTAN 1340 AM (Clearwater) |
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Jewel’s Soul City Cafe
The Music Review, www.themusicreview.net
The Great American Music Hour
PeaceMaker-Web Internet Magazine
Music Business Radio (Nashville)
Radio Anydaynow (Italy)
Nefarious Bovine Radio (New York)
Back Stage Pass Internet Radio (Florida)
WGAD.net Independent Internet Radio (New York)
The AntiFederalist Radio Network |
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Technical
requirements vary based on venue. Below is our most extensive
list of requirements, ideally suited for performing arts
centers and theatres where our requirements will be greatest.
If you are unsure about what our technical requirements
will be for your venue, please call. Requirements will
change from time to time as our show builds, so please
check back frequently for the most up-to-date information.
(You will need the Acrobat
Reader plug-in to view the document.)
»
Sheila
Kirsten Hughes Band Technical Requirements (PDF Format,
130 KB)
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Chris Hughes
Nubzilla Records
813-760-1829
Year round availability for booking! Contact us by email or phone for the fastest response. Special pricing is available for block booking.
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