Blues/rock guitarist Shannon Curfman has been hired by rock and roll superstar, Kid Rock, to be a singer and guitarist for his band. Curfman has been playing to sold-out, 80,000-person crowds with Kid Rock as part of Bon Jovi's "The Circle" tour. Since Curfman joined the band, she has performed with Rock on the CMT Awards, The Isle of Malta MTV Festival in the Mediterranean, Fan Fair in Nashville, a week-long stint at the O2 Arena in London, and a private show for Spike TV.

Mod music seekers flocked to Al Borde's free Acoustic Sessions on Friday, July 23rd for an unprecedented evening that showcased the artistry of local female talent including the musicianship of headliner Pilar Diaz and songstress Carla Morrison. The female exposé, which was held at El Gallo Plaza in East Los Angeles, reaffirmed Al Borde's continued support and avant garde approach to the evolution of the Los Angeles music and arts community. Captivating the nearly three hundred in attendance, headliner Pilar Diaz performed songs from her self-titled album release and kicked off her set with her ukelele-heavy “Piñata” single. With uke in hand, the Spanish-pop/indie rock performer also charmed the animated crowd as she was accompanied by guitarist Gloria Estrada of L.A. indie favorite La Santa Cecilia.

The Grip Weeds are a critically acclaimed Psychedelic Rock /Power Pop quartet consisting of brothers Kurt and Rick Reil (on drums and guitar respectively), Kristin Pinell (guitar) and Michael Kelly (basses) and their fifth studio album: Strange Change Machine, is a double CD/LP is a 24-song tour de force that sees the band perfecting their classic sound while also diving into uncharted musical territory. While the debate regarding the validity of the double album continues, the format has allowed the Grip Weeds to deliver the boldest recording of their career.

Enigmatic rock and pop star Prince, who soared to the top of music charts in the 1980s with the album "Purple Rain," received the Lifetime Achievement honor at the BET Awards on Sunday. “Words are too weak to describe just what he means to our culture," said Stephen G. Hill, president of programming, music and specials for BET. The proof is in the purple pudding; just ask the 20-year-old singer/actress Ezrah who reigns as the new poster child borrowing from Prince’s fashion closet. “First it was Vanity, then Apollonia, I think. There’s been Sheena Easton, Carmen Elektra and so many others in between. They say I’m next, but Bernadette Peters might take my spot,” Ezrah jokes.

Some of the most iconic photographs in rock-and-roll history come together with the fun and fast-paced world of slot car racing at the Petersen Automotive Museum on July 24, in the one-day-only ROCK FOR MS event to benefit non-profit MSFriends. As seen through the lens of the late Jim Marshall, widely considered the greatest rock photographer, the rare images to be auctioned are a partial grouping of original prints from a collection held by Nissan North America. They include signed, original photos of the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and The Who, along with a series of images that document the behind-the-scenes development of the Nissan GT-R sports car – shot at venues in Japan and at the famed Nürburgring motor complex in Germany, and donated by Nissan.

SCHOOL OF ROCK, the national brand leader in music education for kids, is offering a chance to live one’s rock and roll dreams as a franchisee. Channeling the energy of rock & roll, the SCHOOL OF ROCK music program is available to entrepreneurs who are looking for a way to grow a viable business while providing today’s youth with music education, guidance, inspiration and a creative outlet. Already in 58 locations in 26 states and Mexico, SCHOOL OF ROCK has developed an aggressive growth strategy and is actively seeking franchisees throughout the United States.