MEDIA PING

The Shout Heard Round the World

johnleemedia — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:27:40 +0000

“ATH BHLIAIN FAOI MHAISE!”
“Boldog új évet!” “Shanah tovah!”
“BUON CAPO D’ANNO!”
“FELIĈAN NOVAN JARON!”
“Sun nien fai lok!” “S novim godam!”
“NAYA SAAL MUBARIK!”

in other words…

…HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hope all is well in your world in 2012

John Lee MEDIA

Rock the vote for Irish EU logo

johnleemedia — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:57:14 +0000

Logos were digital before there was digital–quick hits, with immediate impact and lots of message delivered in a tight, clean package. A powerful visual tweet designed “to aid and promote instant public recognition” a good logo can quickly communicate brand, image, backstory, aspirations and propaganda.

A new Irish logo is about to go prime time and you can help decide which of the four prototypes, created by Dublin’s Red Dog design consultancy, will become the official logo for Ireland’s European Union (EU) Presidency during the first six months of 2013…
…for complete story go to” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-lee/rock-the-vote-for-irish-e_b_1157722.html

Ireland ups flow of greatest resource-culture

johnleemedia — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:11:31 +0000

While economic storm clouds were joining all the other clouds that typically gather over Ireland, the government decided to increase the flow of its greatest export to its most significant market. Lacking much in the way of currently accessible oil reserves, rare earths, precious metals, athletic shoe factories or excessive amber waves of grain, the government placed a $5.2 million bet on something hard to quantify — culture — in an initiative called "Imagine Ireland, A Year of Irish Arts in America 2011," which is now drawing to a close with a flourish. (full story at Huffington Post – LINK)

Bravo for Banagher’s Boylan–Boffo at Breeders’ Cup!

johnleemedia — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:51:03 +0000

Mark Boylan Back from Breeders’ Cup Triumph

Fresh from performing his Breeders’ Cup tribute song Stateside before more than 65,000 people at Churchill Downs on the final day of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, 14-year-old singer/songwriter Mark Boylan and family returned home to to Banagher, County Offaly, today after three planes and about 24 hours of travel from Louisville, Kentucky.

Singing from a stand in the racetrack’s infield on Saturday, looking out at Churchill’s signature twin spires, Boylan delivered a spirited rendition of his Stateside on Saturday, electrifying the crowd which sang along with the official 2011 Breeders’ Cup Anthem from lyrics printed in the track program.

“Mark is such a talented kid and added so much enthusiasm to the Breeders’ Cup festivities,” said Peter Rotondo, Breeders’ Cup Vice President Media & Entertainment. “From doing media interviews to posing with fans, Mark was a great ambassador for the Breeders’ Cup and horse racing during his visit to Louisville this past week. We are all looking forward to what he’ll do in the future.”

Even before his memorable performance, Mark had become a Louisville celebrity thanks to enthusiastic coverage by local TV, radio, print and online media, racing media, national coverage in the New York Times and a free lunchtime concert at Louisville’s entertainment center, 4th Street Live. All week, his new fans stopped him for photos and autographs, including Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day and renowned film star Bo Derek, much to his amazement.

“Great to be home even though I really didn’t want to leave Louisville—it’s one of my favourite places in the world,” Boylan said. “This was the most amazing weeks of my life especially the two days of the Breeders’ Cup Word Championships. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this wonderful experience—all the people who welcomed and encouraged me, the folks at 4th Street Live and the Louisville Visitors and Convention Bureau, the media which covered me so kindly, everyone at Churchill Downs and especially the Breeders’ Cup and MOC Insurance who sponsored my trip.”

Mark’s performance on Saturday was the centerpiece of a great day for the Irish as it followed trainer Aidan O’Brien’s win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (Grade 1, $1 million) with the Irish-bred Wrote, Ryan Moore up, for the Coolmore team of John Magnier. Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. O’Brien would be back in the winner’s circle after Mark’s song with the same owners when the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Turf (Grade 1) went to Irish-bred St. Nicholas Abbey, with the trainer’s 18-year-old son Joseph O’Brien in the irons, the youngest rider ever to win a Breeders’ Cup race.

Stateside is available for download at iTunes for $1.29 with all proceeds going to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

Ireland’s “The Stinging Fly” Buzzes NYC, Lands in Three Venues

johnleemedia — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:57:23 +0000

Three Evenings Celebrating New Irish and International Writing

After nearly a decade and a half of publishing the best new Irish and international writing, Ireland’s leading literary magazine The Stinging Fly is coming to New York, staging three events on consecutive nights, Oct. 25-27, at three very different venues: Columbia University, The Center for Fiction and The Swift Hibernian Lounge

Part of Culture Ireland’s year-long Imagine Ireland initiative, the three literary evenings will celebrate the launch of a special New York-themed issue of The Stinging Fly, a journal of short stories, poetry, author interviews, essays and book reviews. The Stinging Fly also operates the successful book-publishing imprint The Stinging Fly Press, which has published titles by Sean O’Reilly, Kevin Barry (winner of the 2007 Rooney Prize) and Michael J. Farrell, as well as several highly acclaimed anthologies of short stories.

The Stinging Fly in New York details:

Tuesday, October 25, 7pm
Writing Dublin, Writing New York: a discussion moderated by Declan Meade, editor and publisher of The Stinging Fly. Nick Laird, Emer Martin, Sean O’Reilly and Keith Ridgway will discuss the literary and cultural connections between Dublin and New York, and share their experiences of writing at home and away.
Where: The Center for Fiction,
17 E 47th Street (between Fifth and Madison)
New York, NY 10017
Web: www.centerforfiction.org/calendar/writing-dublin-writing-new-york

Wednesday, October 26, 8pm
Reading at Columbia U. hosted by Columbia: A Journal of Literature and Art: Readings by visiting writers Aifric Mac Aodha, Sean O’Reilly and Keith Ridgway and Columbia PhD student Max McGuinness all of whom have contributed to the New York issue.
Where: Columbia University, Morningside Heights Campus
116th and Broadway, Dodge Room 501
New York, NY 10027
Web: www.columbiajournal.org

Thursday, October 27, 7pm
The Stinging Fly New York issue launch party at The Swift Hibernian Lounge: A night of readings and music to mark the official launch of the New York issue. Readers on the night include Ciaran Berry, Tim Dwyer Martín Espada, Emer Martin, David McLoghlin, Idra Novey, Jana Prikryl and Mark SaFranko.
Where: Swift Hibernian Lounge
34 E 4th Street
New York, NY 10003
Web: www.swiftnycbar.com

The Stinging Fly is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and Dublin City Council. New York events are supported by Culture Ireland’s Imagine Ireland, a year-long season of Irish arts in America in 2011, with funding from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

John Lee Appointed Faculty Member of FMC Connection Day, Oct. 27

johnleemedia — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:39:04 +0000

John Lee of John Lee MEDIA has been chosen to serve as a member of the faculty of the Fair Media Council’s annual Connection Day, the largest conference in the country that brings together media and social media with businesses and nonprofits for a day of open dialogue, story pitching and skills training.

FMC’s Connection Day takes place Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, N.Y. About 600 people are expected to attend the conference, which includes 18 breakout sessions, networking, an exhibition hall and a luncheon in the grand ballroom featuring Long Island Business News Publisher John Kominicki’s keynote address, “On Politics, Natural Disasters and Other Redundancies.” This event attracts an audience from the greater New York metro area.

Lee will be participating as a moderator in a breakout session titled, “Social Media – Best Practices.” He consults in public relations, crisis communications, social media, media production and media projects. He also blogs on media at Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-lee).

The Fair Media Council is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps organizations become part of the public conversation. Information about FMC and Connection Day registration information may be found at www.fairmediacouncil.org or by calling 1.855.432.4763.

Irish Teen’s YouTube song earns him Trip to Breeders’ Cup in Kentucky

johnleemedia — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:21:18 +0000

Gabriel Byrne to present Eugene O’Neill Lifetime Achievement Award to Irish Rep

johnleemedia — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:33:56 +0000

Gabriel Byrne to Present

Eugene O’Neill Lifetime Achievement Award to

Irish Repertory Theatre's Ciarán O'Reilly & Charlotte Moore

at an Evening of “Literary Libation” Hosted by Malachy McCourt

Gabriel Byrne will present the Irish American Writer's & Artists annual Eugene O'Neill Lifetime Achievement Award to Irish Rep founders Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O'Reilly, in an evening of "literary libation," Monday. Oct. 17, 2011 at the Manhattan Club, upstairs at Rosie O'Grady's, 800 7th Avenue and 52nd St., NYC starting at 6 p.m.

Opening its doors in 1988 with Sean O'Casey's The Plough and the Stars, the “Irish Rep” has consistently pursued its mission to bring works of the highest quality by Irish and Irish American masters and contemporary playwrights to American audiences.

Gabriel Byrne has a long association with Eugene O'Neill having won a Tony nomination for best actor in Moon For the Misbegotten and an Outer Circle Critics Award for his acclaimed performance in A Touch of the Poet.

Best selling author, actor, singer, raconteur and IAW&A Board member, Malachy McCourt will host a brief program that will include a short video send-up of the Irish Rep and its founders, narrated by Fritz Weaver.

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn will open the proceedings with the presentation of an official proclamation in honor of the Irish Repertory, its founders, and the Eugene O'Neill Award.

The celebration surrounding the O'Neill Award has a convivial, casual cocktail party atmosphere, with much conversation and mingling with guests both famous and infamous, live traditional Irish music, an extensive array of appetizers and desserts, and an open bar. The evening begins at 6 p.m and continues until 10 p.m.

Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended by ordering online at:

www.i-am-wa.org

or by mail to:

Irish American Writers & Artists, Inc.,

511 Avenue of the Americas #304,

New York, NY 10011.

($75 admission for members, $150 for non-members includes membership).

Founded and operated as a non-profit organization, Irish American Writers & Artists, Inc. celebrates the achievements of Irish- American writers and artists, past and present, and works to highlight, energize and encourage Irish Americans working in the arts. For more information about Irish American Writers and Artists, Inc, and to purchase tickets, please go to http://www.i-am-wa.org.

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For media inquiries and photo requests, please contact:

John Lee 917-475-6981 johnlee@johnleemedia.com

Irish Film New York Opens with Sold-Out Screenings

johnleemedia — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 22:00:44 +0000

Irish Film New York staffers knew it would be a busy opening night when they spotted an online posting from someone pleading to buy four tickets for the festival’s initial film Knuckle. The show was completely sold-out, with many turned away at the door.

“It was very gratifying to see the people cued-up for the first film of the first Irish Film New York.” IFNY organizer Niall McKay said. “There were many with Irish connections of course, but I was impressed by how diverse the demographics of the audience were—quite a cross section of New York City.”

A full house was also on hand for Saturday’s screening of 32A and when the Q&A with writer Director Marian Quinn and her husband, producer Tommy Weir concluded, many dashed to the adjacent theater to join the crowd already seated for the New York premiere of The Runway.

Irish Film New York concludes Sunday with three films.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Irish Film New York

johnleemedia — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 01:30:41 +0000

Fri., Sept 30 through Sun. Oct. 2, 2011

IFNY: a weekend of the best in contemporary Irish Cinema

What: Irish Film New York (IFNY) brings the best in contemporary Irish filmmaking to New York University’s Cantor Film Center for a three-day, six-film screening series.

The mix of four dramatic films and two documentaries kicks off Friday at 8 pm with Knuckle, a visceral look at the violent world of bare-knuckle boxing among Ireland’s Traveler community, opening in theatres in December of 2011. HBO is adapting the documentary into a new drama series. IFNY continues with two films Sat., and three on Sun. Each film will be followed by a Q&A with key participants.

Who: Filmmaker Niall McKay created Irish Film New York after success with similar events in San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition to documentaries Knuckle and Pyjama Girls, IFNY includes feature films 32A starring Aidan Quinn, Parked with Colm Meaney,, Sorcerer with Domhnall Gleeson of Harry Potter and True Grit and Weeds star Demián Bichir in The Runway.

When:

· Fri., Sept. 30, 4PM Industry panel on contemporary Irish Cinema with IFNY filmmakers (free)

· Fri., Sept. 30 6PM Reception at Glucksman Ireland House (for invited guests and media)

· Fri., Sept. 30 8PM Knuckle Q&A: Boxer James Quinn McDoonagh & director Ian Palmer

· Sat., Oct. 1 6PM 32A Q&A: Actor Aidan Quinn & Writer/Director Marian Quinn

· Sat., Oct. 1 8PM The Runway Q&A: Writer/Director Ian Power

· Sun., Oct. 2 4PM Pyjama Girls Q&A editor Paul Rowley

· Sun., Oct. 2 6PM Parked, Q&A: Writer/Director Darragh Byrne

· Sun., Oct. 2 8 PM Sensation, Q&A: Director Tom Hall

Where: All films screen at NYU Cantor Film Center, at 36 East 8^th St, New York, NY 10003. The Friday 4 PM panel will be at Dean's Conference Room, 12 Floor, NYU Tisch School of Arts, 721 Broadway, NY NY, 10003. (The 6 PM reception for invited guests & media is at NYU Glucksman Ireland House, 1 Washington Mews, NY, NY)

Story elements: The first Irish Film New York…IFNY is a David going up against NY Film Fest’s Goliath…organizer Niall McKay offers the do’s and don’t’s of creating a niche film festival on no budget….bare-knuckle Boxer James Quinn McDoonagh and director Ian Palmer discuss their violent world…Aidan Quinn on coming of age…and working for his sister.

For more information, schedule & tickets go to www.irishfilmnyc.com

MEDIA CONTACTS:

John Lee, John Lee MEDIA, 917-653-3444, johnlee@johnleemedia.com