Showing posts with label Gable Music Ventures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gable Music Ventures. Show all posts

Monday, June 18, 2018

Ladybug Festival Expands Its Wings for 7th Year in Wilmo

Delaware-based R&B singer Nadjah Nicole performs at Ladybug in 2017.
Photo courtesy of Gable Music Ventures.
 
This post content comes from a press release from Gable Music Ventures...
The annual Ladybug Festival, presented by Chase, has announced dates for its 7th consecutive year. Noted as the largest of its kind in the U.S., the two-day block party-style music festival will take place July 20-21, 2018 and feature over 75 acts, including emerging and established women artists.

“A number of studies show that female-fronted acts account for a little more than ten percent of festival lineups across the country. We are proud to present a lineup that celebrates and welcomes dynamic women-identified musicians,” said Gayle Dillman, founder of Gable Music Ventures and co-creator of The Ladybug Festival. “As a woman-owned business, our vision is to not only play a prominent role in the development of independent artists, but also to continue our work as a disrupter of the status quo and create a more inclusive culture.”

The Ladybug Festival was co-created by Gayle Dillman and Jeremy Hebbel of Gable Music Ventures as a response to the lack of representation for women-identified artists on festival stages in the region and across the country. Since its inception seven years ago, Ladybug has staged over 300 solo artists and bands for the annual celebration of women in music. The stage has previously seen notable acts such as Caroline Rose, Larkin Poe and Grammy-nominated Mary Lambert.

An addition this year, the event will be utilizing the historic Queen Theater, a Live Nation venue in the heart of downtown Wilmington. “As a woman working within a heavily male-dominated music industry, I really gravitated toward the concept of Ladybug and the goals that Gable Music Ventures set out to accomplish many years ago,” said Christianna Labuz of Live Nation. “I love that their mission rings true not only on stage but at front of house as well; Gayle and Jeremy hire the best female sound engineers and production staff to make sure the musicians sound their very best. Ladybug is always one of my favorite summertime events in Wilmington, and I couldn’t be more excited for The Queen to be involved this year and for many years to come.”

The first Ladybug Festival was attended by an audience of approximately 300. Since that time, the festival has witnessed tremendous growth, greeting approximately 10,000 attendees last year in downtown Wilmington. The 2018 Ladybug Festival will mark Chase’s second year as the presenting sponsor. The bank’s downtown Wilmington campus, where over 3,000 employees work, is just steps from the site of the event.

“We see this event as a great opportunity to bring vitality to the downtown Wilmington community which we’re part of and support a local business that celebrates women and their artistry,” said Kathy Witsil, managing director at Chase. “We’re truly proud to be a part of this festival and watch it grow.”

Additional information about the festival can be found online at theladybugfestival.com. Founded in 2011, The Ladybug Festival is the largest female fronted music festival on the country that takes place annually in Wilmington, Delaware. Each year, thousands come from all gender and cultures, cutting across age and socioeconomic boundaries, to join in this celebration of women and their contribution to music.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Ladybug Festival Announces Chase As Presenting Sponsor

This post content comes from a press release from Gable Music Ventures...

The sixth annual Ladybug Festival, celebrating women in music, is getting a boost from the local business community as Chase has agreed to serve as the presenting sponsor for the event.

Festival organizers Gable Music Ventures say the support is one of the reasons an expansion is possible for this year. “This support from Chase demonstrates their commitment to the revitalization of Wilmington. With this additional support we are able to expand the event to include a second day, which enables us to hire more independent artists and bring more business into downtown Wilmington,” says Jeremy Hebbel, co-owner of Gable Music Ventures. 

Gayle Dillman, founder and owner of Gable Music Ventures, says that this support from Chase speaks to the company’s direct support of the businesses on Market Street, independent artists, and other small businesses that participate in the event. “The support that Chase is putting into this event will allow us not only to physically grow the event, but will provide much needed advertising and marketing dollars so that more residents of the city of Wilmington know the event is happening, and that it is free for all to attend." 

“With more than 3,000 employees working in Downtown Wilmington, Chase is committed to supporting the city’s efforts to bring fun-filled cultural activities downtown,” said Jenn Piepszak, CEO of Chase’s credit card business. “We’re also thrilled to be able to be involved in such a diverse event.”

In addition to the support of Chase this year, other key players in the business community fund the event which allows for Gable Music Ventures to offer up so much entertainment at no cost to attendees.  Sponsors this year include previous funders ShopRite, City of Wilmington Mayor’s Office, the 2nd & LOMA neighborhood, Downtown Visions, Trellist, AAA MidAtlantic, and InWilmington.  

New sponsors this year include Chase, Capital One, ResideBPG, Lyons Insurance, and Lyft which is the exclusive transportation sponsor offering discounted rides to festival attendees.  
“The City is pleased to support this year’s festival because it provides an important entertainment venue for Wilmington residents and visitors to our wonderful City,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “My thanks to all of the musicians, organizers, sponsors and supporters who have helped to grow the Ladybug Festival each year.”

See theladybugfestival.com

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Ladybug Festival Hits Milestones, Announces Exciting Strides

Just over a month ago, something truly breathtaking happened in the 2nd & LoMa (Lower Market Street) area of downtown Wilmington (catch a glimpse of it all in the video at right) --- over 7,000 people from neighborhoods throughout our city joined with folks as far as Baltimore and New York City to celebrate women in music.  For readers unfamiliar with Wilmington's Ladybug Festival, here’s a quick rundown. 

Back in 2011, local entertainment company Gable Music Ventures wanted to produce an event to serve as a free, local alternative to the newly announced Firefly Festival. Why? Gable owners Gayle Dillman and Jeremy Hebbel had heard from musicians and fans alike a need for more presence for Delaware artists and an affordable musical festival option. 

2016 Ladybug Festival. Photo by Moonloop Photography.
Gable Music dove into action, delivering a free, live music "block party" in just six weeks, with 20 local female artists in five locations on Lower Market Street in Wilmington. The concept proved a hit, especially under its moniker of Ladybug --- the official state bug of Delaware. 

The Festival's popularity has grown each year, and 2016 was a groundbreaking year for Ladybug in attendance and scope: Ten stages of music ran throughout the day with headlining national acts Mary Lambert and Caroline Rose.  The generous outpouring of support from the community over the past 5 years has led to a pivotal decision from Gable: To expand the event into a two-day festival in Summer 2017.

The decision comes as a result of astounding response from artists across the country, notes Dillman, with nearly 3,000 artists showing interest.  Gable will take on the Herculean task of paring the list down to just 55 artists, when the event will take place on Thursday, July 20 and Friday, July 21.

The expanded footprint Gable will present also has plans for educational seminars on Friday, July 21, with music industry professionals coming together to mentor Delaware artistsFriday evening will be another musical block party, celebrating women at a yet-to-be-determined location.

Thanks to Drexel alumna Erica Dillman, who attended this summer's Ladybug Festival with associate Tristan Seyek, for capturing and sharing the wonderful video footage here! 

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Artist Terrance Vann & City Theater Company's Collaboration Lives On in Wilmo's Creative District

Photo courtesy of Terrance Vann.
City Theater Company (CTC) is proud to partner with Wilmington's Creative District to unveil the permanent "home" of artist Terrance Vann’s Hair mural on Friday, May 6, kicking off the district's monthly INSPIRE Lot Series with the official installation of the original mural. The piece was commissioned by CTC for its April production of Hair and presented as a vibrant backdrop during the show’s run. Its new home will be on West 7th Street in downtown Wilmington. 

The mural project is partially underwritten by the generosity of Wilmington City Councilwoman Dr. Hanifa G. N. Shabazz.
Wilmington artist Terrance Vann.

“It is inspiring to have collaborated with CTC for Hair and to have my piece live on in the City” says Vann, an up-and-coming Delaware artist whose work has been garnering notice all over the East Coast. “It was an awesome opportunity to be able to work with a group as passionate and talented as CTC,” he continues. “I love the creative energy they bring to their process, which makes my job much easier when coming up with ideas visually. And to have this project reach even more people with this permanent installation downtown is humbling and exciting.”

The INSPIRE Lot Series is held monthly as part of First Friday Art Loop through October from 5:30 to 8 P.M. The evening features food trucks, live music courtesy of GableMusic Ventures, and hands-on art activities.

The May 6 event also showcases original musicians Nalani and Sarina, two sisters whose distinctive blend of traditional soul-rock and modern pop was recently called “...some of the best music being made in 2016” by Sirius radio host and critic Dave Marsh.

CTC Board President Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, who worked with The Creative District to install the artwork, is thrilled to dedicate the mural at this kick-off event. “It’s a wonderful moment for the arts in town,” she says. “We have theater, visual art and music joining forces for the greater good. City Theater Company is lucky to partner so many wonderful people in order to create art. This is something that everyone should celebrate.”

DETAILS: Free admission. The INSPIRE Lot is located at 215-219 W. 7th Street between Orange and Tatnall Streets in Wilmington, Delaware. The May 6, 2016 event is the inaugural kick-off for the series. Terrance Vann and City Theater Company members will introduce the mural at 5:30 P.M. and be on hand to speak with attendees throughout the evening.

See www.creativedistrictwilm.com.
See www.city-theater.org.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Nadjah Nicole Brings Down the House at "The Voice'"

Photo: NBC
Huge congratulations to another Delawarean making her voice heard in the entertainment industry!

Singer Nadjah Nicole (aka Nadjah Nicole Pennington) wowed the celebrity judges of NBC's "The Voice" during her appearance last week, where she sang Janelle MonĂ¡e's song,Tightrope. The 23-year-old Claymont resident has regularly performed around the First State, in Gable Music Venture events like Ladybug Music Festival and World Cafe Live at the Queen singer-songwriter showcases.

She returns home this weekend to celebrate her slam-dunk performance. Nicole is headlining at the World Cafe Live at the Queen's downstairs stage on Friday, October 2 in a show by Gable Music Ventures. She'll be backed by her four-piece band and a pair of back-up singers. Tickets for that show are available HERE.

  • Check out a recent interview with Nadjah Nicole by Dominick 'King Dom' Draper in 55 Hours last weekend. 
  • Read Ryan Cormier's News Journal coverage of her appearance on "The Voice" here.
  • See her knock-out performance on "The Voice" HERE!

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Celebrate Wilmo's Creative District at the 7th Street Arts Bridge Kick-Off


Information taken from press release courtesy of Wilmington Renaissance Corporation...

Creative District Wilmington is excited to host 7th Street Arts Bridge Kick-Off on Friday, October 2 from 5:30-8:00pm at the new Inspire Lot located at 215-219 W. 7th Street between Orange and Tatnall Streets.

Music by Jea Street and JaE, hip-hop performance by Street Xpressions, food trucks, hands-on art projects and more! Be sure to add this to your schedule while enjoying the first Friday Art on the Town Art Loop! There is no admission cost for the 7th Street Arts Bridge Kick-Off. Performances run from 6:00-8:00pm. In case of inclement weather, a decision will be made by Noon on October 2. Music provided by Gable Music Ventures.

Live Performances
6:00-6:45pm - Jea Street
6:45-7:15pm - Street Xpressions (hip-hop dancers)
7:15-8:00pm - JaE

Sponsored in part by Christina Cultural Arts Center, Cityfest, City of Wilmington, Colonial Parking, Downtown Visions, Gable Music Ventures, Smashed Label, Street Xpressions Arts Organization, Inc., and Wilmington Renaissance Corporation.

Wilmington's Creative District is a part of a national wave of creative placemaking initiatives that seek to transform urban areas. This revitalization project encompasses the area bounded by 4th, 9th, Market and Washington streets. It's driven by collaborative partners: Chris White Community Development Corporation, Christina Cultural Arts Center, City of Wilmington, Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, Quaker Hill Neighborhood Association and Wilmington Renaissance Corporation. The Creative District is generously supported by Bank of America, Delaware Division of the Arts, Delaware State Housing Authority, Delmarva Power, JPMorgan Chase, Longwood Foundation, TD Bank Foundation and United Way of Delaware.

The Creative District is focused on creative production and consumption, a place where creative entrepreneurs - artists, musicians, designers, tech innovators, makers and manufacturers - and neighborhood residents thrive and where locally designed goods and original works are made and consumed. This revitalization will engage the community - current and future residents, as well as civic and business leaders - In a wide range of initiatives and programs that include; affordable housing, greening and streetscape projects, real estate development, programming and community engagement activities, public art and public performance projects, and centers for creative entrepreneurship.

See CreativeDistrictWilm.com.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Wowing Us on Wednesdays in Wilmo

By Guest Blogger, Ken Grant
Ken Grant has worked in Delaware media, politics and marketing for 25 years. He and his Lovely Bride enjoy Wilmington's arts and culture scene as much as they can.



Wilmo Wednesdays host Melissa Bernard
Here’s a solid Wilmo recipe: Start with a cool venue. Add one comedian and a variety of talented musicians in different styles, mix in an energetic crowd. When done correctly, this concoction yields one great evening of entertainment.

On August 5, Gable Music Ventures cooked up this eclectic blend of talent as part of Wilmo Wednesday at World Café Live at the Queen. Melissa Bernard does an excellent job of entertaining while the acts set up and tear down, making connections with the audience and keeping the evening on track.


Unskilled Labor
NOTE: This is not an open mic night — the evening is a curated showcase of talent from all over the mid-Atlantic  region.  Davey Dickens, Jr., sounds like a cross between Steve Earl and John Prine — an interesting blend of hard-edge country with laid-back folk.  Nave, on the other hand, brought a sophisticated hip-hop performance to the stage.  Gable's own Jeremy Hebbel went beyond his musical talent and shared a part of his soul with the audience.

Then there’s the talent of youth — from Unskilled Labor, consisting of high school students from Delaware All-State Band playing a fusion-rock sound 
Danielle Cuoco
that had many in the audience in awe, to Danielle Cuoco, a 15-year-old who seems ready to take on the music world with gusto — we saw a glimpse of what the future of music can look like, and it is good. Wilmo Wednesday is a place for musicians to connect with audiences in a casual, intimate setting and for audiences to enjoy a variety of talent, from the genres they already enjoy to some they are learning to appreciate.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Rock, Rap and a Guy in Sheep's Clothing. Just Another Night in Wilmo

By Guest Blogger, Ken Grant
Ken Grant has worked in Delaware media, politics and marketing for 25 years. He and his Lovely Bride enjoy Wilmington's arts and culture scene as much as they can.

We’re just over half way through Gable Music’s Singer Songwriter Showcase at World CafĂ© Live at the Queen when Rick Sabatini looks out at the audience and says, “You just watched a white guy in a sheep costume play a rap song with an acoustic guitar.”

Go ahead, re-read that statement.

Rick Sabatini was that performer, and he was one-sixth of the entertainment provided.

The format — gathering six quality performers to play two 15-minute sets each — has been used and perfected by Gable co-founders Gayle Dillman and Jeremy Hebbel over the past few years.

“The whole thing is a mix of meticulous planning with a good amount of serendipity,” said Hebbel, who has been reviewing applications from musicians from around the country trying to decide which performers to bring to the area for which venues. Hebbel says he and Dillman are now getting more than 50 serious applications a week.

As a prime example of serendipity — the fact that Rick Sabatini was booked at the last minute after another performer fell ill.s

All of the performers Friday traveled some distance to play for the Wilmington audience – Nelly’s Echo, Danny Whitecotton, Brian Dolzani, James Hearne and Stewart Lewis came from places like Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Texas.

Throughout the evening, we found ourselves entertained by a variety of musical styles, stories, observations and group dynamics as each musician seemed to be encouraged by the others.

What the audience gets from a Gable Singer Songwriter Showcase is a night of great entertainment from a mix of seasoned professionals and promising newer artists who all seem to be committed to providing a quality show for an appreciative audience.

The next Singer Songwriter Showcase is coming up on Friday, April 17. Do yourself a huge favor and get your tickets now