“I loved every minute of this concert and will hold this experience close to my heart for years to come,” said Karen Soroca, seen singing to the left of Bob Weir above. (L. to Rt. Bob Ziegler, Karen Soroca, Bob Weir, Eric Freeman, Seth Arnopole)

May 12, 2011 For Immediate Release:

KAREN SOROCA ROCKS OUT WITH GRATEFUL DEAD ROCK LEGEND BOB WEIR AND THE MARIN SYMPHONY

On Saturday evening, May 7, 2011, Karen Soroca had the incredible experience of singing with Grateful Dead rock icon Bob Weir, his rock group RatDog, Quartet San Francisco and the Marin Symphony in a concert that took place at the Marin Center’s Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael, California. She had been asked by the manager of the Marin Symphony to hand pick 12 back-up singers for this historic event entitled First Fusion.

 They performed Grateful Dead songs, which were orchestrated and arranged for the first time by noted composer-arranger Dr. Giancarlo Aquilanti of Stanford University and Bob Weir, to a sold out house.  The enthusiastic audience sang and danced to such Dead favorites as “West L.A. Fade Away”, “Birdsong”, “Playing in the Band”, “Uncle John’s Band” and “Jack Straw”.  “At times, it was as much of a show looking into the audience as it was on stage!” said Karen.

For the three encores, Bob Weir really allowed the singers to shine by bringing them center stage.  First they sang, “One More Saturday Night”, then “Ripple”.  For the third encore, Bob Weir stood in the middle of the 12 singers, conducting them as they sang an a cappella version of “Attics of My Life”. The once noisy crowd went completely silent, listening intently.  Quoted critic Paul Liberatore of the Marin Independent Journal, “the a cappella song was heart stopping.” Quoted Blair Jackson from her review on www.dead.net, “The capper to the evening was breathtaking: a gorgeous a cappella version of “Attics of My Life”, with Bob leading and conducting the singers. The crowd was completely pin-drop silent for the entire song, as the angelic harmonies filled the room. That was as close to a religious experience as I’ve had at a show in a long time.”

The proceeds of this concert will benefit the Marin Symphony and the Marin Symphony programs, including MSO Youth Orchestra and Symphony@School.

For further information about Karen Soroca, e-mail contact@danstarproductions.net.

References:

http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_18020731

Full Review by Paul Liberatore

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VOqnlPG-Xk

Karen is mostly hidden behind Weir, but here’s a YouTube video of “Attics” 

 

Karen Soroca interviewed on New York Talk Radio January 2010.

RADIO INTERVIEW Wednesday, Jan 6th, 2010 and January 11th, too!

Hi.  If you missed Karen Soroca’s interview by Joy Rose on http://nytalkradio.net, which featured airplay of two songs by Karen Soroca and Janet Marie (“Soroca & Allocca”), you can still hear it hear on the podcast at:

http://tribecaradio.net/wpradioblog/podcasts/dont-tell-me-to-shut-up-wjoy-rose/

Make sure you are in “Don’t Tell Me to Shut Up” Episode 24.  It’s at 7 minutes into the show. 

Joy Rose

*www.mamapalooza.com, Producer/Publisher
www.museumofmotherhood.org
 

ASCAP PLUS AWARDS

Soroca & Allocca, Songwriters, are proud to announce that they have been the recipients of the prestigious ASCAP Plus Awards for several years running!  The awards are given by ASCAP to writers who have demonstrable public performance and airplay of their collective works!

NEW in 2007 and 2008 - Danstar Productions, a film and TV music licensing and publishing company,  announces additional licensing representation with Crucial Music, ReelTracks, Production Source Music, and more!

NEW IN 2006 - Danstar Productions announces that its catalog has been selected for licensing representation by Pump Audio, a major licensor of music for the film and television industry world-wide.

AIRPLAY!  KINY broadcasts "Wise Woman" in Juneau, Alaska! Alabama, California and Texas stations follow. 

"Thank God for a Wonderful World" premieres at Unity Church; Soroca Honored

Acorn article : "Songwriting Team Creates Powerful Message"

Press Release: "Strategic Alliance Announced with Rebecca J. Hulem, "The Menopause Expert"

Review: "Wise Women Come Together with a Hit"

Soroca & Allocca record the Marin Children's Chorus at Skywalker Ranch

Press Release: "Wise Woman" selected for climax of U.S. Air Force-sponsored documentary about women in aviation

Other News: Soroca & Allocca placed 2 songs in the top 500 (4th Place) and 1 in the top 1500 (5th Place) in the 10th Annual Billboard Songwriting Contest. 

 

The Praise Team of the Unity-in-Marin Church (Left to right: Marie Carmichael, Carmen Coleman, Josh Holmes, Norlin Merritt, Carolyn Gauthier, Karen Soroca and Deborah Winters)

May 23, 2004, Marin County, California. "Thank God for a Wonderful World", an inspiring song written by Soroca & Allocca, premieres in the first live performance of the work at the Unity-in-Marin Church. Soroca was also asked to speak in the church ceremony which honored creativity in its many forms. For the text of her uplifting message, click here. Congratulations, Karen, and many thanks to Music Director Marie Carmichael and all the members of the talented Praise Team!

 

Thanks to writer Lori Porter, this article appeared on April 8, 2004 in the Acorn, an Agoura, CA newspaper.  Songwriting team creates powerful message By Lori E. Porter porter@theacorn.com    Karen Soroca and Janet [Marie] Allocca   Sometimes it takes something simple (like reading an article in a newspaper) that can alter a life. That’s what happened to songwriting partners Karen Soroca and Janet [Marie] Allocca of Danstar Productions after reading a feature story on Rebecca Hulem (a.k.a. "The Menopause Expert") in the March 11 Acorn. The songwriting team known as Soroca and Allocca believed that their most recent song, "Wise Woman," which they co-wrote, was a perfect fit for the lessons conveyed in Hulem’s book, "Feelin’ Hot." Hulem also teaches seminars on the topic. The songwriters sent a copy of the song to Hulem and arranged for a meeting. Hulem listened to and fell in love with the song. "It gave me goose bumps," she said. Subsequently, the women signed a deal. The song will now be featured at Hulem’s seminars and in her lectures on compact discs. "We're very excited about this strategic alliance," said Allocca. "The song is a powerful anthem for women that states, ‘You’re never too old to follow your heart.’" The pair’s unique approach to the music publishing business contains lessons about fusing creativity with commerce. The philosophy of Soroca and Allocca is based upon three principles. The first one is what Soroca calls the "right livelihood." Individuals should ask themselves, "What are you here for and what are you doing?" They should follow their hearts and work where their talents and gifts are needed. By doing this, the money will follow. The second principle is honing your craft or talent. Most people know that naturally gifted artists are rare. Talent usually must be developed through training and practice. Allocca said she spent years honing her craft––and it eventually paid dividends. The third and final principle is thinking and looking "outside the box." Unlike many songwriters whose sole goal is a billboard hit or major recording contract, Soroca and Allocca thought outside the box by using niche marketing. "We look for interesting projects and unique ways for our songs to be used," said Allocca. While it would be thrilling if a popular artist performed one of their songs, Soroca and Allocca remain open to all possibilities. That philosophy has paid off through the recent contract with Hulem but also in other business deals. "Wise Woman" was featured as the underscore song in a documentary film titled "Above and Beyond: One Hundred Years of Women in Aviation" as part of the Air Force Centennial of Flight Exhibit tour, which commenced last year at the Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. The professional backgrounds of Soroca and Allocca have certainly facilitated their success. Allocca has been  playing piano since she was 8. She pursued her passion for music by earning a bachelor of arts degree [in Theatre Arts] from prestigious Smith College and later earned a master’s degree from Pace University. Currently living in Calabasas, Allocca moved to Los Angeles after graduating from college. She embarked on a career in the entertainment industry. She was a production manager, organizing music videos for The Police (Sting’s former band), Rod Stewart and Earth, Wind and Fire. Allocca went on to work as a unit manager for ABC-TV. Her credits include "American Bandstand," "General Hospital," the Olympics and "Family Feud," among others. While working on a radio show for KIEV-AM in L.A., Allocca wrote the lyrics to the show’s theme song ("Love Patrol".) This led to an epiphany––she realized that writing lyrics was her passion. She began her new career in 1998 by teaming up with Soroca. Soroca, who lives in [San Rafael], Calif., began singing and playing music when she was little. She earned a degree in vocal music from Hofstra University and later a master’s in choreography and dance from New York University. Soroca sung professionally on TV specials, in commercials, in films, and in studios and on stages. She has also sung with choral groups (the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, the Marin Symphony Chamber Chorus and the Los Angles Chamber Singers). Her voice has been featured in films such as "Scrooged," "The Addams Family," and most recently, "Spy Kids." In addition, she’s worked as a singer on many TV shows (from soaps and morning shows to Christmas specials). Soroca and Allocca want to share their success. They’re in the beginning stages of forming The Wise Woman Foundation. It will, they said, provide scholarships for older women wishing to return to school. For more information, visit www.danstarproductions.net. The link to the Acorn for this article is http://www.theacorn.com/news/2004/0408/Community/035.html.

congratulations - fantastic foto - great article - and how ever did you find a partner who's name rhymes with yours??? love shel (Sheli Nan, Composer, Author, Harpsichordist and Teacher)

Rock on and Congratulations!!!   :-)  DM (David Martin, Musician)

Glad to hear you're having success with some of your songs. I'm more than happy to have contributed my little part in helping you realize this. Hopefully for the two of you, there will be more good things to come. (Kenny Meriedeth, 3MP Music Services)


Karen...we loved the article and are really thrilled for you. Ah, just another overnight success. Syd Morrison and Elaine Moe

Sincere congratulations, Janet! You know what we think of "Why Don"t You Love Me." We hope this excellent development leads to the success you both deserve. (Ernest Nagy)

Danstar Productions of Malibu, CA is proud to announce that its empowering song, “WISE WOMAN”, will be featured by Rebecca J. Hulem, R.N., “The Menopause Expert”, in seminars and CD’s across the U.S. and Canada. This strategic alliance will bring together songwriters Soroca & Allocca, who wrote “WISE WOMAN”, and Rebecca J. Hulem, the dynamic force behind RJH Communications of Agoura, CA. Songwriters SOROCA & ALLOCCA,  Karen Soroca (left) and Janet Marie (right) Ms. Hulem’s innovative books (Feelin’ Hot?), her seminars and her CD’s (“101 Questions Most Frequently Asked about Menopause”) all deliver an encouraging and informative message to women in midlife. That message is often punctuated with insightful humor, and now, that message will be underscored by the central theme of “WISE WOMAN” – “You’re never too old to follow your heart!”   Feelin' Hot? A Humorous, Informative and Truthful Look at Menopause   Rebecca J. Hulem, R.N. (http://themenopauseexpert.com) said: “I LOVE this song. I LOVE it. It gave me goose bumps!”   For further information about “WISE WOMAN”, and other SOROCA & ALLOCCA songs, please refer to our website at http://wisewomansongs.com Contact:  Janet Marie, Producer/Publisher contact@danstarproductions.net

Rebecca Hulem ("The Menopause Expert") and Janet Marie relax in Rebecca's beautiful garden

Next, our thanks go out to Publisher Cheryl B. of Women's Rising for posting this glowing review of our song, Wise Woman.

Wise Women come together with a hit The song "Wise Woman," that now underscores the climax to the documentary film "Above and Beyond: One Hundred Years of Women in Aviation," which is part of the U.S. Air Force Centennial of Flight Exhibit touring the U.S., was submitted to Women's Rising recently for review by its songwriting team, Karen Soroca and Janet Marie, Danstar Productions. Read the review . . . This exceptional track is performed by Los Angeles-based vocalist Teresa James, of [Teresa James and] The Rhythm Tramps. "Wise Woman," takes you down a road you weren't expecting to go, realizing the voice we all share. Eclectically done with unequivocal power. James’ vocal vitality is wholly invigorating and togther they have all brought us the wisdom and guidance we need today. It's about time. (WR). Soroca and Marie hope to establish a Wise Woman’s Foundation with a portion of the song’s proceeds to assist women who otherwise have not had the funding to pursue higher education. Listen to Wise Woman at http://www.broadjam.com/sorocaandallocca For more information visit their website at http://danstarproductions.net. Check out Teresa James at http://www.teresajames.com Posted on Sunday, February 22, 2004 @ 19:58:39 CST by womensrising