Heart “Stringz” tugged at the American Heart Association’s Power of Legacy Soiree
HOUSTON – Nuttin’ But Stringz’ international urban rock violin duo Damien and Tourie Escobar brought music lovers to their their feet Friday night(April 26, 2010) at the Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall. The Emmy award-winning brother’s unique fusion of rock urban hip hop and classical music touched the hearts of nearly 300 people, who gathered in support of the American Heart Association’s Power To End Stroke movement, an initiative that empowers people to reduce their risk for stroke and educates communities on the importance of prevention. In between electrifying sets, the brothers shared their rise from the rough and dangerous streets of Jamaica Queens, NY, as well as their close connection to heart disease. The pair’s mother, aunt and grandparents have all suffered from various forms of heart disease and stroke, while Damien Escobar himself has a murmur that is checked regularly.
200-Damien Escobar, Event Chair Merele Yarborough and Tourie Escobar (Dmoreland Photography)
One hundred percent of the funds raised for the Power of Legacy Soiree, chaired by Merele Yarborough, will directly impact the health initiatives of the African-American community in Houston and increase awareness about the risks, signs and symptoms of stroke, the nation’s number three killer, which impacts African-Americans more than any other ethnic group.
Honorees that evening included: Ralph Holmes of Aetna,Kirk Franklin and Judy and Wayne McConnell, who were recognized for their support of the Power to End Stroke campaign since its inception four years ago. Each of the honorees encouraged the audience to lead by example, and to make a pledge to incorporate simple lifestyle changes into their daily lives, which could significantly reduce the risk of stroke. , “
200-Damien and Brother Tourie (glasses) Nuttin' But Stringz at Houston concert(Dmoreland PHotography)
About Nuttin’ But Stringz
Teenage brothers, Tourie Escobar and Damien Escobar, who grew up in Queens, NY are a true phenomenon of our musical age. Together, the Escobar brothers are Nuttin But Stringz (NBS). NBS combines the classical sound of the violin with Pop, R&B and Hip-hop. The result is a unique and uplifting fury of modern emotion and harmony, intensity and rhythm. Younger brother Damien says, “We play our violins so hard and with such force that we destroy a bow a show!”The older brother describes their urban rock compositions this way, “Our music is based on emotion not lyrics. We tell stories and the violin is our voice.”
At age 10 both were the youngest to attend the legendary Julliard School of Music in New York City where they were able to hone their craft and find their place. Their mission is to bridge the gap between Popular and Classical music. Nuttin’ But Stringz debut CD and most recent composition, Struggle from the Subway to the Charts by KOCH Entertainment and NBS Entertainment Inc features their first single “Thunder,” showcasing their raw talent and digs into the soul. Other tracks include “Broken Sorry” and “Dance with my Father.” For more information about NBS visit: www. Nuttinbutstringz.comand their blog @ http://nuttinbutstringz.wordpress.com.
The evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies was Deborah Duncan of KHOU Channel 11′s Great Day Houston. Others in the crowd included: Anita and Gerald Smith,Larry Payne, Cheryl Solomon, Ericka and Jeff Bagwell, Debbie and RudyFestari, Audrey and Wardell Gilbreath, Beverly and Jim Postl, Pam andNeil Tofsky, Charles Flournoy, Pam andMichaelStinson and Drs. Crystal and Randall Wright.
Teenage brothers, Tourie Escobar and Damien Escobar, who grew up in Queens, NY are a true phenomenon of our musical age. Together, the Escobar brothers are Nuttin But Stringz (NBS). NBS combines the classical sound of the violin with Pop, R&B and Hip-hop. The result is a unique and uplifting fury of modern emotion and harmony, intensity and rhythm. Younger brother Damien says, “We play our violins so hard and with such force that we destroy a bow a show!”The older brother describes their urban rock compositions this way, “Our music is based on emotion not lyrics. We tell stories and the violin is our voice.”
At age 10 both were the youngest to attend the legendary Julliard School of Music in New York City where they were able to hone their craft and find their place. Their mission is to bridge the gap between Popular and Classical music. Nuttin’ But Stringz debut CD and most recent composition, Struggle from the Subway to the Charts by KOCH Entertainment and NBS Entertainment Inc features their first single “Thunder,” showcasing their raw talent and digs into the soul. Other tracks include “Broken Sorry” and “Dance with my Father.” For more information about NBS visit: www. Nuttinbutstringz.comand their blog @ http://nuttinbutstringz.wordpress.com.
The evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies was Deborah Duncan of KHOU Channel 11′s Great Day Houston. Others in the crowd included: Anita and Gerald Smith,Larry Payne, Cheryl Solomon, Ericka and Jeff Bagwell, Debbie and RudyFestari, Audrey and Wardell Gilbreath, Beverly and Jim Postl, Pam andNeil Tofsky, Charles Flournoy, Pam andMichaelStinson and Drs. Crystal and Randall Wright.
About the American Stroke Association
The goal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is to reduce disability and death from stroke through research, education and advocacy. In its 2006–07 fiscal year, the association invested more than $152 million to fight stroke. To learn more, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit strokeassociation.org. The Power To End Stroke campaign is supported nationally by the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership.
[Editors: For media interviews or images contact Aida Mayo or George Mc Quade, MAYO Communications, Los Angeles, 818-340-5300 or Publicity@MayoCommunications.com.]
For more about the American Heart Assn. contact:
Tiffany Travis, Comm. Dir.
American Heart Association
South Central Affiliate
American Heart Association
South Central Affiliate
10060 Buffalo Speedway
Houston, TX 77054
713-610-5041♠
Houston, TX 77054
713-610-5041♠
Ralph and Wanda Homes of Aetna, Corporate Honoree )200-Ralph and Wanda Homes of Aetna, Corporate Honorees. (DMoreland PHotos)
Anita and Gerald Smith at Benefit Concert in Houston for th e American Heart Assn. (DMoreland)
Wayne and Judy Mc Connell at benefit concert. (DMoreland Photography)
Looking for the right media buzz, the info is free here. And if you want entertainment publicity buzz about your movie, music or company call us the first call is free. 818-340-5300 or Publicity@may
