Casting Call-Ben Hardt

A few months ago Ben Hardt put out a call for a female model to participate in a photo shoot for his upcoming trilogy of releases based on a WW2-era British couple. His inspiration was this photo below by Henri Cartier-Bresson.

Having run into Ben a few times since (as most recently as last night), he told me he hasn't chosen the right girl just yet. He went on to say that he's looking for someone under 5'7", with strawberry-ish blonde hair and in her early 20's. If you fit the bill and would like to be 'discovered' (with BTW-no acting experienced needed) send me an email at hughshows@comcast.net and I'll let Ben know.

Kickstarter-Ben Hardt

If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you will see a widget about Ben Hardt's campaign to produce his new album. He would like to release 3 albums in 9 months and is asking the public for donations to do so. As of now, there are only 6 days to go with a little over $2000 to reach the goal. I watched the video update from Ben and realized that if he doesn't reach that number, no money is collected. I would hate to see that happen. Ben is probably the biggest supporter of local music we have in the city. I cannot tell you how many times I have been at shows by local bands and Ben has been in the audience. Seriously, countless. He is a solid dude to boot and his debut album is so unique and great that I cannot wait to hear the new stuff. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you would realize that the main reason I put my time and energy into doing this is to promote music, mainly local, with any exposure I can. Without sounding too much like Sally Struthers (which might be too late), I am confident it can be done. Pledge here.

Update: Ben has reached his goal! You can still donate up to Friday if you wish.

Some updates for a Wednesday

Just posting a few mid-week updates.

• First off, I am offering a last minute ticket giveaway for a show at the Brillobox on Wednesday July 14 featuring two 'electronic' bands from Amsterdam (flyer above) and locals summer lungs. If you are interested in getting a pair of tickets at will call, be the FIRST to email me at hughshows@comcast.net with the subject line 'Pass The Dutchie' and you and a friend will be in on me. Contest ends on 7/14/10 at 2 p.m. when the winner will be notified. Like I said, last minute.

• I also want to remind you that my ticket giveaway for The Flaming Lips ends Saturday July 17th so don't be shy and keep those entries coming if you haven't done so already. Details here.

• Lastly, I have been tracking Ben Hardt's progress on raising funds for his next recording project (I have inserted a wiki on this main page-scroll down to the bottom of the blog) and I am excited to say that he's almost halfway home with 50 days remaining. You can help if you already haven't by going here.

Image Of The Day-"Come On Come On"

Ben Hardt and the Symphony
Hartwood Hometown Music Fest
Hartwood Acres
Sunday June 20, 2010
Hampton Township

This week I will be highlighting the incredible line-up from this year's Hartwood music fest. I really could not think of a better way to celebrate Father's Day. First up is my man Ben Hardt.
Amazingly, of the tons of shows I attend here in town, I have never seen Ben play a full set with his symphony. It's funny, because I have seen him dozens of times in the audience lending support for other musicians, more so than anyone else in town. He and the band sounded so good. There's a magical quality mixing strings with 'rock' music and no one does it better.
He is currently recording new material and could use a little help. I have done this a few times now, donating a couple bucks to help an artist reach their goal. You get the album anyway (in this case three of them), so why not pay for it now? Get more info here.

Image Of The Day-"Come On Come On"

Ben Hardt
Sardonyx Songwriter's Circle
Saturday May 30, 2009
Altar Bar
Strip District

This showcase was part of The Sardonyx Music Conference that was taking place all day at The Altar Bar. Several musicians performed three tunes in a round robin setting. Ben's stuff sounded extremely sweet unplugged. I especially dug a new tune he played.