Based solely on musical and lyrical merit, both albums have excelled in their respective markets this year, reaching the top of the radio charts and receiving critical acclaim and exceptionally high praise from prominent press.

It is with pride that we announce Gary’s following recordings are currently under consideration for two Grammy Award categories in the American Roots field:

Best Contemporary Blues Album
Gary Allegretto
MANY SHADES OF BLUE

“Gary Allegretto is one of the classiest acts in the music business today, working only with the best backup musicians and taking the time to craft music noted not only for its quality but for its authenticity. If someone complains to you that they don’t make “real” blues records anymore – albums that sound like lost classics yet retain the freshness of an individual – play Many Shades of Blue for them.”

- Blues Revue Magazine

Also under consideration:

Best Traditional Folk Album
Gary Allegretto
HARMONICOWBOY

Both albums are comprised of primarily original songs written by Gary and co-produced with Lenise Bent, featuring notable guest musicians including Ivan Nevilleand the late, great National Heritage Fellowship Award winning Bluesman, John Cephas.

If you are a Recording Academy member and would like to listen to either recording for voting consideration, we invite you to visit: www.garyallegretto.com

For bar, club, corporate, or festival bookings and all inquiries please contact Big Fiore Records: bfrecords@earthlink.net or call 323-605-8742

Gary’s Webpage: www.garyallegretto.com
Press Kit: www.sonicbids.com/garyallegretto
Myspace: www.myspace.com/garyallegretto
Harmonikids Website: www.harmonikids.org

http://www.100poundsblog.com

And finally, I’m beginning a six-eight week run of stand-up comedy at the Healthy Bean, Wednesday Nights at 6:30 PM, getting back into the game that I love so much after an almost 1 year break to get my business off the ground.

I‘ll do 5-7 minutes a week at my buddy Eric’s warm show.  Come see it someday soon. http://www.thehealthybean.com/locations/westhollywood.html

It all leads up to a showcase benefit for EQCA on November 17th at the Ontario Improv!

Debbie and I go WAY back to the good old days of ‘abs, thighs and buns’ and I am especially thrilled to reconnect with her. Talk about a resume! Check this:

Debbie’s Specialities: Designing fitness programs that work for an individual’s lifestyles and goals, Rubberband resistance training, Butt/Thighs with the women and Abs/Butt with the men. Indoor training available at Train. Outdoor workout 6 am, 7 am (times available) at Runyon Canyon H.I.T.S.(Hiking Interval Toning Stretch). Skype video call coaching at dlkgala@sbcglobal.net

Certifications: ProCPR, Spinning by Johnny G, Massage Technician by IPSB, Medical Assistant by Elkins Institute, Therapeutic Exercise by Dr. Joyce Jones, Body Mind Stretch therapy by Doreen Rivera, Dynamic Body Stretching by LLynn, Katami Bar & Foam Roller by Paul Katami, Muscle Toning progarms and Treadmill Training by MHFS, The following are thru Fitour Primary Personal Trainer, Advanced Personal Trainer Specialized Prescriptive & Conditioning, Pilates Primary Classic Matwork, Pilates Advanced Matwork & Apparatus, Pilates Modern Matwork Apparatus and Reformer, Group Exercise Instructor and Primary Yoga.

Training experience in: Gyrotonic Transformer, Elvis Pelvis Multifunctional Device, TRX system, Workout 180 and the Ultra Flex.

Muscles Galore!

There’s no bigger, stronger he-man at the gym than Big Jon Jordan! He has been on a mission defying the aging process. Not bad for 20!

This newsletter’s headliner has to be the news of our newest bambino cycler . Emily and Tevia are preggers! Take a gander at this beauty already rocking out in perfect form. We cannot wait! When you see the glowing mom, Emily, be sure to rub her belly good wishes and give Tevia a giant hug.

Here’s Tevia’s update: “We got scanned last week from our friend who is a gyno/perinatologist. She spent so much time with us! She even did a 3d scan. She said she can tell us the sex in 2.5 weeks. We heard the heart beat!!! It was beating at 170 bpm. The baby was moving like crazy. She said the baby looked PERFECT!! We saw the brain, spine, fingers, toes. It was amazing!!!”

Janet will be going over: Form, Music, Marketing, Ride flow, Inspiring dialog and much much more!!!

The cost of this 2 day workshop is $185. If you have the desire to participate but find yourself feeling a little of the “summer squeeze” please speak with Janet and y’all will work something out. Follow your desire first and the money will come! That’s so Janet!

Anyone who wants to sub Janet’s class in the future will need to have completed this course. O-kay??! Already, the biggest names in our town are already signing up. Truly, teaching CYCLING at TRAIN is becoming the ‘it’ part-time gig!

Support our local cyclers with the upcoming Bike MS on October 3rd and 4th. Here’s a heartfelt message from Lori Leve, a die-hard cycler, and might I say, a fierce wordsmith, my lexulous foe.

“As most of you know, I will be participating in my 3rd Bike MS on October 3rd and 4th.

Team e-ryde is a group of cyclers led by my best friend Tevia Celli. Diagnosed with MS 4 1/2 years ago, at 45 she is in the best shape and health of her life. Tevia’s encouragement gets us up early for her group cycling classes and her inspiration has raised over $600,000 to fight MS.

Over the last 2 years, I raised $25,000 and was one of the top fundraisers. For the last 3 years, my team has been #1 with last year’s efforts raising over $180,000.

Please help me meet my goal of $10,000 by clicking here.

Whether you donate $5, $10, $25, $50, $100, $150, $500, $1,000 …No amount is too small or too large. Whatever it is, I am truly grateful for my health and ability to ride the 150 miles. And so appreciative for anything you can give.

Thank You.”
— Lori

“Without Music, Life Would Be A Mistake” — Nietzsche

Tevia, of course, will be riding too! Here’s her message:

“As you know the MS ride is a very important event for me since being diagnosed with the disease 4 1/2 years ago.  I know that times are tough for everyone so even a $10 amount helps me raise money to help find a cure via the very important research work that the national MS Society is doing.

Thank you SO much!!”
— Tevia

“UTTERLY UNRELENTING” – ERIK VAN DER WOLF, DREAD CENTRAL

“LIKE ROCK AND ROLL ON FILM” – DANA R. DAVIDSON, FATALLY-YOURS

“THIS ONE KICKS A** ” – JEFF STRAND, GLEEFULLY MACABRE, FREAKFEST

“SHOCKING AND BRUTAL” – TALES FROM THE HORROR CHAMBER

“A HORROR MOVIE MAY IMPRESS YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A WHILE” – OMAHA WORLD HERALD

Another multi-talented trainer, Gary Allegretto, rocks out tonight! Start your long weekend righteously by kicking back with Gary and his band for an evening of acoustic music with guitar virtuoso IAN ESPINOZA

Tonight! Sept 4th, 8:00 PM
The Coffee Gallery Backstage
2029 N. Lake Altadena, CA.
For more info: Reservations
www.coffeegallery.com
Reservations: 626-398-7917

The unique, smart, targeted campaigns always win out.  My personal fave is this recent postcard:

At 24 years old, Sean Hetherington lost 100 pounds in 13 months throughout 2003. He has written and performed about the before-and-after experience of weight loss both online (FreshYarn.com, LiveJournal, AfterElton) and live at the San Jose and Hollywood Improvs, Idaho Comedy Festival, Michigan Comedy Festival, and Punchline Comedy Clubs.

After being certified as a personal trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, he was cast on an extreme weight-loss edition of NBC’s American Gladiators. After his inspired appearance, he gained national media attention for his personal training in the pages of US WEEKLY, Sirius Satellite Radio, MTV and E!

Sean is a regular humorist on nationally syndicated radio shows and also appears occasionally on CNN Newsroom. He is currently writing his first memoir about losing 100 pounds, and still performs stand-up comedy whenever he can. He lives in West Hollywood with his boyfriend, Aaron, their two dogs, and RalphCricket, and stays at his goal weight only by being of service to others.

www.hetheringtonfitnessinstitute.org

Sean is beloved by his clients on both coasts!

“Sean makes me giggle through plank & laugh through lunges! He is helping me meet my goals & focus on new ones!”
- Kayla Cagan, West Hollywood, Writer and Sexpot

“Exercising always felt like a chore to me, but Sean’s routines have made me actually crave the gym!”
- Sarah, New York City, University Student Services Coordinator

As you can see, they all had a great time and the kids were delighted with their new found talent!

The joy of music… is just under a child’s nose.

“I am heartily supportive of Harmonikids… we have seen the power of music in transforming young lives. Gary Allegretto and his work are most worthy of support.” ~ Dan Aykroyd

You can help Harmonikids by donating through their new Paypal account at: www.harmonikids.org