NAMM Foundation Steps in as Title Sponsor of the
2015 Spirit of Harmony Foundation Symposium
on the Moral Imperative of Music Education

Donation seeks to inspire fans of Todd Rundgren to support Spirit of Harmony Foundation

Chicago, IL - February 25, 2015 -The Spirit of Harmony Foundation (SOHF) is proud to announce the generous support of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation as title sponsor of the 2015 Spirit of Harmony Foundation Symposium on the Moral Imperative of Music Education. This national gathering about the role of music education in learning will be in collaboration with the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm http://spiritofharmony.org/symposium.html

The NAMM Foundation's $25,000 support of the April 18 Symposium is offered as a challenge grant to the Spirit of Harmony Foundation's network of fans of rock legend Todd Rundgren, and supporters of music education. The NAMM Foundation will match donations dollar for dollar up to $25,000 who wish to join with the Spirit of Harmony Foundation in supporting the April 18 Symposium and music education advocacy efforts.

The Moral Imperative of Music Education Symposium features researchers, educators and practitioners committed to ensuring access and availability of music education to all school age children in the U.S. The mission of the Symposium is to increase awareness of groundbreaking research indicating an inextricable link between music education and the neurological, social, academic, economic and emotional well-being of students. Donations can be made via http://www.gofundme.com/SpiritOfHarmony

"On behalf of our Members around the world, NAMM is proud to partner with the Spirit of Harmony Foundation" said Joe Lamond, NAMM president and CEO. "Under Todd Rundgren's leadership and in the spirit of President Clinton's long-term support of music and arts education, this collaboration will further our vision of a world in which every child has a deep desire to learn music and a recognized right to be taught"

Confirmed speakers for the symposium include: Margaret Martin, DrPH, MPH (Harmony Project, Los Angeles), Nina Kraus, PhD. (Northwestern University Brainvolts Lab), George Ford (Phoenix Center, Washington, D.C.), Carl Mouton (Maumelle High School band director, Arkansas), and Todd Rundgren, as well as Roger Clinton and NAMM's Mary Luehrsen. Performances by the Mabelvale Elementary Drum and Groove Line, Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra Brass Quintet, and Todd Rundgren with original members of Todd Rundgren's Utopia will round out the event which will be recorded in their entirety and aired on KAUR Little Rock Public Radio. A VIP reception will follow the event.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For information about sponsorships, contact Mark H. Cohen at mc@spiritofharmony.org or at 319 224 0432.

For more information about the Spirit of Harmony Foundation, please visit our website.

First Review of Todd Rundgren's GLOBAL

Review By: Thom Jennings in BackstageAxxess.com

Todd Rundgren’s “Global” opens with “Evrybody,” perhaps his best anthemic, feel good song since “Bang the Drum.” It sets the stage for what is easily his best effort since his 2004 release “Liars.”

“Global” is a fun album. It’s enjoyable and like “Liars” you hear elements of his entire career, and yet it does not sound dated, in fact it is so polished and so well mixed that even fans who did not like his last release “State” would be hard pressed to find fault in this album.

There are a number of standout tracks, including “Skyscraper” which combines Todd’s Philly Soul roots with electronica. The lead and background vocals are perfect, and it is a song that will likely be a crowd pleaser. There are dreamy elements, reminiscent of the “A Wizard a True Star” and “Todd” eras, “This Island Earth” is easily as good as anything that appeared on either of the aforementioned albums.
Songs like “Flesh and Blood” and “Rise” combine the best elements of “No World Order” and “State,” but it’s the fifth track “Blind” that is really special. Rundgren’s stellar vocals are supplemented with a blistering saxophone and Rundgren’s distinctly layered background vocals.

The album bears comparison to “State” in that it is not heavy on the guitar, but the real difference between to two releases is that “Global” has a lot more soul and funk elements. Vocally, it is amazing and one can only guess it’s because Todd kept up such a rigorous touring schedule that his voice is in top form. When you hear “Soothe,” a ballad that Todd fans will adore, you will know what I mean.

For those fans that are not part of the Rundgren nation, this is an album that all music lovers will enjoy, but for Todd fans who will have to wait until this album comes out in April, it will be well worth the wait, I just can’t imagine any Todd fan not loving this album.

Original Article:
http://www.backstageaxxess.com/backstage/CD-DVD_Review.php/Todd-Rundgren-2015