Monday, March 3, 2014

IT'S "FATS TUESDAY"WEEK LETS GO PARTY


by Dwight L. Quinn

With thousands of visitors celebrating the Mardi Gras in New Orlean, this week is the Big One Fat Tuesday it's the climax of this entire good time party that has turned into one of the biggest street-party in the world.

“Fat Tuesday,” which refers to the practice of eating and indulging in rich,
fatty foods before beginning the fasting season of Lent on the next day, Ash
Wednesday. It’s also called Shrove Tuesday in some places, which comes from the word shrive, which means “to confess.Mardi Gras, is a Frence word that means,"fat Tuesday".

Traditionally accepted as a Christian tradition, Mardi Gras actually began
as a pagan fertility celebration thousands of years ago.
When Rome accepted Christianity, church leaders decided to adopt the traditional Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia into the church calendar as a prelude to the 40 days of fasting that lead up to Easter.
The first Mardi Gras in the United States is thought to have taken place in 1699 in Louisiana, just south of what would become New Orleans.
The ritual was celebrated for several decades until the debauchery was banned when the Spanish took control of the city. Bans were lifted when Louisiana became a U.S. state in 1812, and Mardi Gras lives on.

Hundreds of thousands visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras and the buildup to the Fat Tuesday celebration each year, and estimates of the economic impact go as high as $500 million in a given year.

The Mardi Gras season is marked by parades every day through the French Quarter and other areas in and around New Orleans, as well as the expected food and drink for which the region is famous. It all ends, though, the minute the calendar says that Fat Tuesday is over. At midnight on the morning of Ash Wednesday, A line of New Orleans police officers on horseback start at one end of the French
Quarter and move through the area announcing that the party is over and everyone must clear the streets.
The season of fasting and repentance has begun. And the worlds biggest street-party  has come to a close,until next year.
 Those who readied for Fat Tuesday now see Mardi Gras end and the cleanup begin. The line of police officers is immediately followed by street cleaners, and life in New Orleans fast-track back normal.

By Dwight L. Quinn

Sources:
History
St. Louis Post-Dispatch



Friday, February 28, 2014

IN LOCAL HISTORY: LEO GOODEN "BLUE NOTE" CLUB, 4200 MISSOURI AVENUE,EAST ST. LOUIS,ILLINOIS


by Dwight L. Quinn


When I was growing up in East St. Louis, music was every
where, at night live bands was heard coming out of the
doors of almost every lil club or travern on a corner.
And don't let the club be close to a Church were they are
having night service,now you're getting it all. On radio
there's a Live, remote broadcast going a local band is 
jamming and people are having themselves a good time.
There were clubs like this on both sides of the wateri.e
as we would than describe the division of the Mississippi 
River. The Club that was getting popular than in the early
60's was the The Blue Note Club,located at 4200 Missouri
Avenue, in East St. louis,Illinois owned by the late Leo 
Gooden. Leo, as most people, who knew him would address 
him was an important local St. Louis mover-and-shaker 
whose ear for talent helped him assemble one of the best 
bands of its time, assembled initially to be the house 
band at Gooden's Blue Note Club.

A look into the mini-soul empire of Leo Gooden -- an tiny 
little enclave in East St Louis that was making some mighty 
hip music in the early 60s! Gooden wore many hats at the time 
-- politician, club owner, and local businessman -- but he 
also put together his own band and record label L. G. Records. 
He worked in a very hip mix of R&B and early 60s soul jazz modes! 
Through his nightclub, The Blue Note, Gooden came into contact 
with a variety of great musicians, both national and local -- 
and he brought their inspiration to play on sessions recorded here 
for his LG family of labels – he is featured on a handful of 
singles and two rare LPs.

Early 60s East St Louis jazz band. Originaly assembled to be the 
house band at Leo Gooden's Blue Note nightclub. The group, anchored 
by the Hammond B-3 playing of Don James, the dynamic drumming of 
Kenny Rice, and the tenor sax work of Charles "Little Man" Wright, 
pre-shadowed the organ-led jazz combos that appeared later.
Albert King would frequently set in with the Band and was given
the opportunity to play on several Leo Five recordings,"Worrisome 
Baby","Lonesome",and "You Threw Your Love On Me So Strong". Other 
local greats that worked with Leo and his L.G.Record Label was 
Ccharles Drain and Jamie Ross.

Members of Leo's Five:
Charles Wright, Don James, Fred Jackson, Leo Gooden

The 60's bands couldn't have been so widely recognized if it hadn't
been for the newer upcoming Radio personalities,bringing in a new
way of introducing music to the general listening public one of those
pioneering radio personalities of the time in the Greater St. Louis
was Spider Burks one of St. Louis’ first black disc jockeys, and 
he is remembered for giving jazz an urban identity in St. Louis market. 
He had graduated from Hampton Institute and began working at KXLW here 
in 1947. During his stint at that station, which lasted until 1956, 
Spider became a huge moneymaker for the station and himself.
He got the job initially when a radio shop owner on Easton Avenue 
sponsored a half-hour block of time and used Spider as his disc jockey.

Things went so well that the station hired him, and he would sell 
advertising to supplement his income.
He’d bring in his own records, and his two shows, “After School Swing 
Session” and “Down the Alley Behind My House” were huge favorites of the 
high school set. The record companies soon realized Spider Burks’ show 
could really “sell” their product.

Burks also worked as a disc jockey on KSTL, KADY/KADI-FM and KATZ, 
leaving the business in 1969.

St. Louis and East St. Louis histroically been a huge contributor and
weight station for all types of music,especially the sounds of blues,
gospel and jazz.Making St.Louis not only the Gateway to the West,but 
also the one of the Main birth places of the Blues.

Sources:Ace Records,East St. Louis Library Archives,Monitor and 
D.L. Quinn



Monday, February 24, 2014

IN HISTORY: Josephine Baker 1906-1975 Her Activist Side

by Dwight L. Quinn

Josephine Baker supported the American Civil Rights Movement during the 1950's while living in France. Mrs. Baker and her husband Jo when they arrived in New York she was refused reservations at 36 hotel because she was Black.She was so taken back by this racist treatment that she began writing articles on the segregation in the United States and held Public talks about this problem. Fisk University in Nashville, Tennesssee the all Black University was were she gave a talk, the subject was,"France, North America and The Equality Of The Races In France".
Mrs. Baker also went as far as to refuse to perform for segregated audiences this
couragous act by Mrs Baker later helped to intergrate shows in places like Las Vegas. She began recieving threats from the Klu Klux Klan after these accident but the threats didn't rattle the nerves of Mrs.Baker.
In 1963, Mrs. Baker spoke at the March on Washington at the side of Martin Luther King,Jr.
Mrs. Baker was the only official female speaker, she wore her Free French uniform
emblazoned with her medal of the Legion d'honneur she introduced the Negro Women for
Civil Rights. She acknowledged Rosa Parks and Daisy Bates who both later gave speeches.
Dr. Kings widow Coretta Scott King approached Mrs. Baker after the assassination of Dr.
King,to ask her if she would take her husband place as leader of the Civil Rights Movement,
but Mrs. Baker declined.
Josephine Baker's reputation as a Civil Right Activist grew to an extent that the NAACP
had Sunday May 20th,1951 declared as Josephine Baker Day. She was presented with life
membership of the NAACP by Nobel Peach Prize winner  Dr. Ralph Bunche. The honor she was
paid caused her to further speak out with the "Save Willie McGee" famous rally in 1948
protesting the beating of the furniture shop  owner in Trenton, New Jersey. As Mrs. Baker
became more and more outspoken  about the injustice against  Black in the United States of
America, some Blacks began to see Mrs. Baker as toublesome or to controversial and began
to avoid her,for fear she may hurt or derail their cause. Josephine Baker lived to see the
pillars of segregation in the United States of American crumble and calaspe under the      
weight of the work of stamping out injustice, in all of its forms,like her and so many
other Black leaders were doing.
Josephine Baker died April 12th,1975 at her home in Paris, France.

Visit us at: www.quinnrecords.net
Email us at: quinnrecords@quinnrecords.net
Follow us at: Twitter/quinnrecords
Like us at: Facebook/dwight l.quinn

Monday, December 23, 2013

CHECKOUT THE UPGRADE TO OUR COMPANYS EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

12/23/2014

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY


It is the policy of Quinn Records TM Company (the “Company”) to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment relative to all aspects of the employment relationship.
The Company has made a commitment to select the most qualified person for each employment position based on the individual’s demonstrated abilities, credentials, past performance, prior experience, and training.
No person will be discriminated against in any aspect of his or her employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Consistent with our People Basic Belief that every employee makes a difference, the Company embraces the unique aspects of each employee and the value that diverse backgrounds and viewpoints bring to the strength of our organization.
We value our employees and believe we must all embrace and take ownership of the Company’s commitment to diversity in the workplace. To that end, the Company embraces an equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) workplace as one of its
core principles and as a fundamental component of its Basic Beliefs, as follows:
This EEO policy applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment and all policies, procedures, and practices
of the Company.
While general oversight for implementing and enforcing this policy is assigned to the Human Resources Department and/or Dwight L. Quinn,Owner an effective EEO policy and program cannot be achieved without the support of all executives, managers, supervisors, and employees at all levels.
Consistent with our Basic Beliefs, we firmly believe that the highest business ethics require the highest personal ethics.
Accordingly, each individual is expected to understand the principles and values set forth in this EEO policy and to incorporate them into day-to-day work and interaction with all of our constituents.
Any communication from an applicant for employment, an employee, a customer, a government agency, or an outside attorney concerning any equal employment opportunity matter should immediately be referred to the Human Resources Department and/or Dwight L. Quinn,Owner.
Employees who believe they have been subject to, witnessed, or otherwise become aware of conduct that violates or may violate this EEO policy should immediately report such matter to their supervisor, a manager, or the Human Resources Department and/or Dwight L. Quinn,Owner.
All concerns raised regarding conduct that may be in violation of this EEO policy will be investigated promptly in as confidential a manner as possible and consistent with the Company’s need to conduct a thorough investigation.
The Company will take steps to ensure a timely resolution of any such concern and such resolution will be communicated to the parties involved. The Company prohibits any form of retaliation against employees for raising concerns, providing information, or cooperating in any other manner with an investigation of such reports about conduct that may potentially violate this EEO policy.
The Quinn Records TM Company expects its executives, managers, supervisors, and employees to work together to live the principles outlined in this policy and our Basic Beliefs, and, consistent with Our Commitment to Each Other, promote an atmosphere of mutual respect for one another.
Any individual may talk with any manager or Human Resources if they have any questions related to these principles.

Monday, December 16, 2013

-We're Hiring! We Have A Job Opening In Our St. Louis Office For A In-House Booking Agent

In-house Booking Agent                                     Pay: Commission only
Employer: Quinn Records TM                            15% of Artist fee
City, State: St. Louis, MO.
Duration: Career

About the job 
We are seeking a In-house Music Booking Agent.
Our office is located in St. Louis MO. This position is open to St. Louis and St. Clair County residents ONLY.
We are seeking a very special individual who is positive by nature, confident, hard working, self-motivated and driven for success. An individual with a vision in terms of their career goals in the entertainment industry who wishes to play a major part in working for a very successful entertainment company whose main focus is the music industry.
 We operate a highly successful a record company that is distributed in over 28 countries and a worldwide music publishing firm. We are expanding into the area of live music bookings on a regional and eventually a national / international basis.
 This exciting position has tremendous growth potential for someone who possesses the correct skills, persona and ability to move forward with a rewarding career in the entertainment industry. We do require a person with booking agent experience on either the local or national level.

 The following is a list of attributes we would find attractive in our potential employee.

 1. Must be mature, professional and disciplined and have a great love of music. Be familiar with the current trends in a vast majority of different musical genres. Be aware of which type of music is most appealing to various age groups and demographics. Have an in-depth awareness of what is necessary to successfully market a band or artist in the regional marketplace.

 2. You must be willing and able to attend artist's showcases, performances and auditions. To listen and review artist's material which is submitted to our company. You need to know and understand this is not an hourly position nor is it necessarily office work only, there are no established hours.

 3. Able to attend and represent our company at various seminars and conferences related to the live music industry.

 4. Must be able to work with others in a cooperative team environment, to take direction, be able to listen carefully, absorb information quickly and comprehend clearly.

 5. You must be computer literate enough to deal with your e-mail client, web site and social media research and possess basic computer use skills. Also, literate in terms of using the English language well in composing e-mail texts and letters. If you believe yourself to be a qualified applicant, please submit your resume, a cover letter sharing your thoughts about being a booking agent for our company, and professional references for consideration.





Please apply online at
https://quinnrecords.recruiterbox.com/jobs/28149
for a complete job description and application instructions
EOE/M/F/V/D
No phone calls please

Friday, December 13, 2013

We're Hiring! We Have A Job Opening In Our St. Louis Office For A In-House Booking Agent

In-house Booking Agent                                     Pay: Commission only
Employer: Quinn Records TM                            15% of Artist fee
City, State: St. Louis, MO.
Duration: Career

About the job 
We are seeking a In-house Music Booking Agent.
Our office is located in St. Louis MO. This position is open to St. Louis and St. Clair County residents ONLY.
We are seeking a very special individual who is positive by nature, confident, hard working, self-motivated and driven for success. An individual with a vision in terms of their career goals in the entertainment industry who wishes to play a major part in working for a very successful entertainment company whose main focus is the music industry.
 We operate a highly successful a record company that is distributed in over 28 countries and a worldwide music publishing firm. We are expanding into the area of live music bookings on a regional and eventually a national / international basis.
 This exciting position has tremendous growth potential for someone who possesses the correct skills, persona and ability to move forward with a rewarding career in the entertainment industry. We do require a person with booking agent experience on either the local or national level.

 The following is a list of attributes we would find attractive in our potential employee.

 1. Must be mature, professional and disciplined and have a great love of music. Be familiar with the current trends in a vast majority of different musical genres. Be aware of which type of music is most appealing to various age groups and demographics. Have an in-depth awareness of what is necessary to successfully market a band or artist in the regional marketplace.

 2. You must be willing and able to attend artist's showcases, performances and auditions. To listen and review artist's material which is submitted to our company. You need to know and understand this is not an hourly position nor is it necessarily office work only, there are no established hours.

 3. Able to attend and represent our company at various seminars and conferences related to the live music industry.

 4. Must be able to work with others in a cooperative team environment, to take direction, be able to listen carefully, absorb information quickly and comprehend clearly.

 5. You must be computer literate enough to deal with your e-mail client, web site and social media research and possess basic computer use skills. Also, literate in terms of using the English language well in composing e-mail texts and letters. If you believe yourself to be a qualified applicant, please submit your resume, a cover letter sharing your thoughts about being a booking agent for our company, and professional references for consideration.


Submit resume to Quinn Records TM,
 771693,St. Louis, MO. 63177-1693, 
or quinnrecords@quinnrecords.net
EOE/M/F/V/D
please, no phone calls

Friday, December 6, 2013

WANTED IN-HOUSE ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER

12/06/2013



Quinn Records TM is seeking a In-house Entertainment Manager to manage its artists touring and  event activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and managing company artists outside events, inhouse events and othe special touring and entertainment events. In accordance with the policies the label's Partners and under the direction of the President and CEO. Ideal candidate will possess at least ten (10) years in event management.

Description

Managing performances, events, artists and entertainers is the responsibility of the In-house Entertainment Manager. This professional will work extensively throughout the world. The job provides limitless opportunities to travel nationally or internationally. This is a stressful and demanding job, but your project management and people skills often assists you in managing sufficiently. This position requires the In-house Entertainment Manager to multi task effectively in a competitive, fast paced environment!! In-house Entertainment Manager will be required to identify, select, create, oversee,book and  manage thirty-three (33) venues with seating capacities not to exceed 3000 and not less than 500 seats on an ongoing and continue bases, with the expected minimum gross revenue earnings goal of approximately $330,000 annually  and develop an opened door communication with company artists, vendors, local radio stations, records stores, press etc.

In-house Entertainment Manager will be working with parks, lodges, holiday venues, international organizations, company artistes, hotels, and other companies involved in the entertainment industry. The In-house Entertainment Manager will create and have a team of professionals to manage and delegate responsibilities to. They include costume designers, makeup artists, sound and lighting technician, performers and other professionals.

The In-housEntertainment Manager will perform the following tasks:
• Booking venues
• Managing budgets
• Negotiating contracts and fees
• Booking Quinn Records TM’s performers
• Managing events
• Conducting research
• Handling publicity
• Working with agents

Skills
Expertise in the following areas is an asset:
• Being confident and assertive
• Networking
• Being persuasive
• People management
• Project management
• Being flexible
• Communication and listening
• Being focused and self motivated
• Being attentive and thorough
• Being able to multitask
• Working in a team environment
• Meeting deadlines
• Marketing and sales
• Generating innovative ideas
• Resolving problems quickly

Education

There are several degree specializations that are very helpful in getting the job as Quinn Records TM’s In-house Entertainment Manager. These include:

•    Event Management
•    Hospitality
•    Business
•    Management
•    Marketing
•    Public Relations
•    Communication
•    Event Planning


Persons with experience working in Journalism, Communications, Liberal Arts, Business and Public Relations are able to transfer their skills readily becoming competent professionals.


In-house Entertainment Manager 
 

·                                 Company: Quinn  Records TM
·                                 Compensation: Commission 21%/gross receipts /benefit package
·                                 Location: St. Louis, MO.
·                                 Job Type: Full Time




Submit resume to Quinn Records TM,
 771693,St. Louis, MO. 63177-1693, 
or quinnrecords@quinnrecords.net
EOE/M/F/V/D
please, no phone calls