Ian Villafana: News

Performing today at Cafe Istanbul with Michaela Harrison for the Grand Opening of the New Orleans Healing Center at 2372 St. Claude Ave. New Orleans.

Come and enjoy a Sunday Jazz Brunch at Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club with vocalist Michaela Harrison and guitarist Ian Villafana from 11:00 am-3:00 pm

Come spend an evening with Jazz Vocalist Michaela Harrison accompanied by guitarist/recording artist Ian Villafana at the New Orleans Jazz Cafe at 109 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans, La. from 6:00 - 9:00 pm Friday 10th June.

The September issue of the Guitar Player magazine (page 128), published the Boulder Creek Music ad with my photo and Solitaire guitar. I endorse Boulder Creek guitars, with their exclusive Suspended Bracing System. When the “SBS” bracing system is incorporated with the new Boulder Creek “Solitaire” design, the sustain and tone quality are even more prevalent. By not cutting a large hole in the front soundboard of the guitar, the soundboard area is increased.

Had lots of fun on my show at Vik's Wheelhouse. Both Dean and I showed everyone a preview of what they'll be listening to on the I-Jams 2011 Jazz Cruise. Met lots of fans and played songs from my cd Epiphany as well as a few cover songs with Miles on vocals.

---THE IAIRA REPORT---

CURRENT RELEASE: Epiphany  CIN: 20100267010 CHART POSITION:47

CURRENT RELEASE: Klueless   CIN: 20100266310 CHART POSITION:33

CURRENT RELEASE: Tavion     CIN: 20100265610 CHART POSITION:21

CURRENT RELEASE: Asil         CIN: 20100266210  CHART POSITION:31

 

The International Association of Independent Recording Artists, IAIRA, recognizes and honors artistic achievement, technical proficiency, and overall excellence in sound recording by monitoring chart activity as published in various reporting charts from around the world. According to our research, on 08/20/2010 the above referenced release; Lazy In Love, by Ian Villafana, had attained The Number 20 Position on at least one of the charts monitored and verified by IAIRA. On the basis of that research, IAIRA has qualified the aforementioned release as eligible for Certification as an International 'Top 20'.

On behalf of the entire IAIRA staff and the Recording Arts Community at large, please accept our most sincere Congratulations and Best Wishes for your continued success!  

Sincerely,

IAIRA Research Team

I'll be performing at the Wheelhouse in Vallejo, California on 27th August - an evening for the ladies, filled with romantic music, songs from my cd Epiphany. Showtime is at 7:30 pm till 9:00 pm.

Had a cool photo session with Joe Stewart (jazzartphotography.com) outside the House Of Blues in New Orleans for my endorsement agreement with Fusion Bags. It was fun as usual and the folks on the sidewalk were entertaining. We had lunch at the HOB before heading back home.

Had a great weekend sitting in with saxophonist Dean James and his talented musicians both at the Red Cat Jazz Cafe and at the Groove of Beaumont Jazz Club. The atmosphere was conducive to smooth jazz in all its elements and the audience was receptive and wonderful.

Received my new model Dreadnought Fusion Guitar Bag, orange and black, which I choose from their super line of bags. I couldn't believe how robust yet comfortable and adaptable this bag really is. I feel secure transporting my Solitaire guitar in this designer bag..excellent protection all around. The features are too numerous to mention, compartments everywhere. I can even attach accessory bags, laptop bags and back packs to it. The amazing thing is that it is lightweight and facilitates traveling around to my gigs. Visit www.fusion-bags.com for more.

Got great news today from Jeff Strametz, VP of Sales Artist Relations for Boulder Creek Music that the Guitar World buyers guide magazine hit the shelves last weekend with my photo with the Solitaire Guitar...a full page ad, page 89. I couldn't wait to get to Barnes & Noble to pick up a couple copies. This is so cool. Thanks to my super photographer Joe Stewart of jazzartphotography.com whose artistry speaks for itself and the folks at Boulder Creek Music with their great guitars.

My interview with Jeff and LaTesha Gonzales for InthekNOwla.com was published today. He did an excellent job with the Artist Spotlight feature. I couldn't wait to see it after reading his email that it was done. InthekNOwla.com has all the information about what's going on in New Orleans. Everything you need to know about local music, food, restaurants and cultural events is readily available in their magazine.

Had a cool interview with Jeff and LaTesha Gonzales for the next artist spotlight article in InthekNOwla.com

Just received information about my Starportrait review by Hans-Bernd Hülsmann of Smooth & Soul, the guide to the world of smooth jazz. It's on of the greatest resources for information about smooth jazz worldwide; more than 1700 pages.

Looks like I may be travelling to Houston to sit in with recording artist, saxophonist Dean James who will be on the 2011 I-Jams cruise with me. Most likely it will be at the Red Cat Jazz Cafe where he performs routinely.

Jeff Strametz, Vice President of Sales and Artist Relations at Morgan Hill Music Co.
Boulder Creek Guitars, informed me that my photo with the Solitaire guitar will also be used for their order sheet with dealer terms at the Summer NAMM show in Nashville,Tn.

Great news from Boulder Creek Music. They decided to submit a full page ad in the Guitar World magazine featuring one of my Solitaire guitar photos. If all goes as planned it should be coming out in the next September issue, hitting the news stands in late July. Wow!

Found out from DJ Triple J of Ozcat Radio, that I was selected along with other Indie recording artists to perform on the I-Jams Cruise 2011. This cruise will be on the Carnival Freedom leaving on 30th January from Fort Lauerdale, Fl. to San Juan Puerto Rico, St.Thomas USVI, Antigua, Tortola BVI, Nassau,Bahamas returning 6th February 2011. Visit http://www.thejazzyspot.com for details.

Another article about 'Epiphany' was published in the Trinidad Guardian today.

Epiphany was played for the first time in Trinidad by radio host and family friend Holly Betaudier on his show. Mom's been busy.

Had a one hour photo shoot this afternoon with my Jazzart photographer Joe Stewart. This was long overdue since I have to send photos to Border Creek Music as part of my artist endorsement agreement with my new Solitaire acoustic guitar. These photos will probably be used in their ads and website.

Had my interview published in the Trinidad and Tobago Sunday Express newspapers today. I'm yet to read it but it's already out and about the country and bringing lots of lost friends back to me.

Had a new ad for my cd in the Red Lime iCoupon website which went out on a blast to about 30000 subscribers, mostly in the northern part of the Dallas metroplex.

Red Lime Media is a marketing and advertising company that is always looking for interesting and unique ways to market their clients businesses.

Visit http://www.redlimeicoupon.com

First saw the L'Observateur article and video online then picked up a few copies on my way to the gym. It was a remarkable feeling pulling up alongside the newspaper stand seeing my photo on the front page. Dave did a superb job with the article. Later I posted a copy to my mom in Trinidad.