Andrea Bocelli Visits Sesame Street

Andrea Bocelli visits Sesame Street to sing Elmo a lullaby based on "Time to Say Goodbye":

Planet in Peril

Coming in October - a CNN 360 special investigation on environmental issues affecting our planet. See the website for more information.

Artist Spotlight: Angélique Kidjo

With a powerful voice and astounding performance capabilities, Angélique Kidjo epitomizes world music at its best. This hard-working singer/songwriter was born in West Africa. She grew up listening to James Brown, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, and Santana. Her music combines traditional African beats with flavors she picked up from these artists and other artists from around the world.

I saw Angélique perform earlier this year, and her commanding stage presence impressed me immediately. After hearing the passion in her songs, the rhythm, the blending of musical styles and her magnificent voice, I immediately went out and got her latest album - "Djin Djin". I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Her music reaches beyond language barriers and invokes a sense of world unity and peace.

Angélique has released duets with many other popular artists such as Santana, Peter Gabriel, Dave Matthews Band, Ziggy Marley, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys & Joss Stone. Several of these appear on "Djin Djin".

You'll find a great blending of styles on this album. My personal favorites are "Salala" and the haunting rendition of Ravel's Bolero ("Lonlon"). The tracks are:

1. Ae Ae
2. Djin Djin (featuring Alicia Keys & Branford Marsalis)
3. Gimme Shelter (featuring Joss Stone)
4. Salala (featuring Peter Gabriel)
5. Senamou (C'Est l'Amour) (featuring Amandou & Mariam)
6. Pearls (featuring Carlos Santana & Josh Groban)
7. Sedjedo (featuring Ziggy Marley)
8. Papa
9. Arouna
10. Awan N'la
11. Emma
12. Mama Golo Papa
13. Lonlon (Ravel's Bolero)

Gimme Shelter:

Bald Eagle Comeback

After thirty years of intense conservation efforts, the US national bird soars off the endangered species list. Scientists estimate that there are now 9,789 breeding pairs of Bald Eagles.

Scientists blame the dwindling population in the 1970s on hunting, habitat destruction and food contamination.

While the removal is a tremendous victory for conservation, the bald eagle's habitat will no longer be protected.

For the next five years, the species will be closely monitored to insure it continues to thrive.

More info:

• American Bald Eagle Information
• Red List of Threatened Species
• Help Save Endangered Wildlife (WWF)
• Endangered Species Act (US Fish & Wildlife Service)

Manta Ray Born in Captivity

A baby Giant Manta ray was born in captivity yesterday at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan. The baby, the first ever in its kind to be born in captivity, stretched out to about 1.9 meters. The picture on the left shows a baby with her father.

This event gives researchers an excellent chance to study and learn more about this rare species.

• Watch the video! (click on the link in the CNN article)
  
• News Release from the Aquarium
  

Music For Relief

Music For Relief is a group of music industry professionals seeking to promote awareness and raise support for those in need. The organization began as a response to Tsunami relief needs by musical group Linkin Park. LP reached out to their musical peers and then to the community, forming Music For Relief. MFR has raised over 2 million dollars for victims of the tsunami and hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Not only does MFR respond to natural disasters, they also seek to bring awareness on global climate issues and the environment.

For more information, visit musicforrelief.org.

A Thought For Flag Day

Artist Spotlight: Lucia Micarelli

I first heard Lucia Micarelli at a Josh Groban concert earlier this year. She accompanied him on "Mi Mancherai". Her stunningly beautiful playing gave me chills. She did a solo cover of one of my favorite songs, "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin.

This artist exhibits a true passion for her craft, and she makes this obvious in every fluid move with the violin. The instrument becomes a part of her, and if you are lucky enough to be in the audience, you can prepare to be amazed.

Find out more about Lucia at her website, and grab a copy of her album, "Music from a Farther Room". Each piece on the album is fantastic, but I especially enjoy "Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody".

"Kashmir":

"Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody":

Five From My Playlist - 06/01/2007

1. "The Story" - Brandi Carlile. Brandi packs a lot of raw emotion into a simple song.


2. "Working Class Hero" - Green Day. This Lennon cover is a feature on Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur. Green Day's interpretation is right on the mark.


3. "First Time" - Lifehouse. This is a group that releases consistently good music.


4. "Wild Is The Wind" - Amel Larrieux. Amel's soothing voice alone makes the whole "Lovely Standards" album a must-have.


5. "Beautiful Flower" - India.Arie. Inspired by a school for girls in Africa, India wrote this song to empower young women.

Discovery & PlanetGreen!

Discovery Channel announced a rebranding of the "Discovery Home" network, creating the first all-green channel! The movement, titled PlanetGreen will bring environmental issues to the limelight, and will provide ideas and information on living the Green Life!

Here is the Press Release.