Hi all! I hope you’re having a great week so far! I wanted to let all you peeps know that I’m teaching voice and piano/guitar accompaniment out of The Music Center in Hickory. If you know anyone who might be interested in this sort of thing, I would appreciate it if you would please give ’em my contact info. 828-291-0509, mail@jshartman.com, jshartman.com or you can have them call The Music Center at 828-322-4366.

I’ve also put together an Acting curriculum for ages 13 and up called “Acting Up.” If you would like to know more or if interested in signing up for the workshop, just let me or Carol Anne know.

Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Thanks and God bless.

Hickory Theatre and Corning Cable Systems present the Tony Award-Winning musical Big River. Mark Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a black slave, escape to freedom. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful, and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from Twain’s novel. This Tony Award-winning score by Roger Miller is a toe-tapping, hand-clapping country-style musical for all to enjoy. Call 828-328-2283 for reservations and information or buy your tickets online! more

We are thrilled to announce that “The Blues,” track eleven off the latest studio album was recently featured in a promotional film for The Systems Depot, a low-voltage distribution company, at the International Security Conference and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada! ISC West draws together the entire security industry.

In Las Vegas, security professionals from around the world attend to see the newest products and latest technologies, see the latest trends that are impacting the security industry, and learn how to better serve customers. This is the largest ISC West event in history, with over 23,000 security professionals in attendance and over 1,000 exhibiting companies. Photos from the show floor and video clips were featured on ABC and FOX News.

During the standing room only opening keynote, Tom Ridge, the first Secretary of Homeland Security, discussed the state of security today and where security will be tomorrow.

The successful debut of Urban Security at ISC West is bringing together government and corporate security buyers to evaluate the latest products and services that are designed to protect or cities and commercial properties.

The Systems Depot is a low-voltage distribution company based in Hildebran, NC with a team of industry professionals committed to helping their customers become successful. The Systems Depot offers a wide range of products for burglary, fire, access control, surveillance, building/home automation, structured wiring, home entertainment, vacuum and intercom, along with the best service in the industry. more

HICKORY, NC – Hickory-based performer Jeff Hartman, also known as Scott Jeffrey of Scott Jeffrey’s Band, returns to entertain the walkers for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s 2006 Charlotte Walk to Cure Diabetes held on Saturday, April 8 at Paramount’s Carowinds. The four-mile walk will begin at 9 am with registration starting at 7:30 am.

“We have performed several Walk locations, including Lenoir-Rhyne College and Carowinds in an effort to help raise money and entertain the troops,” says Hartman.

Jeff Hartman is an ASU alumnus with degrees in advertising and theatre. Hartman’s been touring regionally with a variety of musicians as Scott Jeffrey’s Band for more than half a decade promoting the release of his albums. Jeff most recently acted in Hickory Theatre’s production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.”

“We’ve been able to tackle both Walks, but they’re being held at the same time this year. If we could be in two places at once, we would! It’s a cause near and dear to my heart and I like being involved as much as possible. We’ve enjoyed a beautiful relationship with the JDRF for several years and this year is no exception. Please register to walk!”

The 2006 Catawba Valley Walk to Cure Diabetes will be held on Saturday, April 8 at Lenoir-Rhyne College. The three-mile walk starts at 10 am. Registration will begin at 8:30 am.

The Walk to Cure Diabetes is a walkathon held in more than 200 locations throughout the year.

JDRF’s Walks are family-friendly, held at great locations, including Lenoir-Rhyne College, and feature plenty of entertainment, food, and fun. All are invited to become one of the 500,000 plus people at the 200 Walk sites nationwide this year who are making a difference in the lives of people with type one diabetes. Folks are guaranteed to have a great time, get some exercise, and most importantly be a part of the cure, one step at a time.

More information is available by visiting the JDRF and Jeff Hartman online at jdrf.org and jshartman.com or by calling 800-580-2873.