Alina Smith launches concert series "Alina & Friends" at the Mint in Los Angeles

Online, March 28, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Organizer Alina Smith: Being an artist is about community. As a child in Russia, I was in a choir that performed around Europe. It was a true group experience - we even slept on the bus! That was formative. So I'm always arranging duets with other artists at clubs. Starting Alina & Friends is an extension of that. It'll be about musical connections in performance and a whole evening full of amazing artists; shows worth going to in total, not just for a particular performer.

I'm inviting everyone to join me there for the first in a series of "Alina and Friends" shows on Wednesday, March 31 at the Mint, a really cool, comfortable LA club, with easy parking. Come down, meet me and the other artists, from 7 to 11. Each of my friends at this show is so talented! Check them out, I know you'll agree. Better yet, bring your own friends and discover them live!

Will Champlin (7:00 pm)

Born and raised in LA into a successful musical family (father a lifetime member of 'Chicago'; mother a songwriter and vocalist). Will and his band have toured throughout the U.S. along with Carlos Santana and The Los Lonely Boys. He won best R&B/Soul artist at the Hollywood Music & Media Awards. Working with top songwriters and artists; recently, Rascal Flatts, in Nashville. Any Will Champlin performance is a major treat - an artist with an R&B/Rock/Pop Style who is inspired by honesty and inspiration in his music and lyrics. http://www.willchamplin.com/

Keaton Simons (8:00 pm)

Keaton Simons's masterful songwriting and searing vocals have garnered a substantial presence on radio, network TV and film soundtracks and performances and the concert circuit. His deep experience includes work with such acts as the Black Eyed Peas, Medusa and Snoop Dogg. He won second place in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition. Currently, the title track off his Maverick Records debut EP, got heavy rotation on radio and won him fans around the country. We are very fortunate to have this passionate performer join Alina & Friends at the Mint on March 31, as Keaton will be playing songs from his eagerly anticipated, about-to-be-released debut album on CBS Records, Can You Hear Me. http://www.keatonsimons.com/

Alina Smith (9:00 pm)

Performing a few weeks ago on KTLA-TV's "Battle of the Bands", 22 year old Alina, supported by a new band, emerged atop a heap of Southern California artists with the most audience votes. A full musical lifetime preceded the moment: soulful vibrato steeped in classic R&B, harmonics honed as a child in a celebrated Russian choir. A prolific composer whose ethereal lyrical touch, combined with strong melodic and verbal hooks, has riveted international audiences. Credits include an upcoming J-pop (Japanese) single and a concert telecast last year in Beijing to kick off China's hosting of the 2011 Student Olympics. Super talented. http://www.alinasmith.net

Kandace Ferrel (10:00 pm)

Kandace Ferrel recorded her first album at 13. Now 22, she's played countless gigs in her home of Southern California and been recognized by The Los Angeles Music Awards, Orange County Music Awards, Southern California Music Awards, Inland Empire Music Awards (2006 Best Female Artist) and was one of the Starbucks Music Awards Top 10 Female Artists in 2007. Top writers have chosen her for co-writes and her music has placed in TV and film. Kandace's songs intimately share her experiences yet are moving to all of us. http://www.kandaceferrel.com/

For advance tickets to ALINA & FRIENDS at the MINT on March 31, please go to: http://www.themintla.com/show/detail/27597

For more information and details: www.alinasmith.net
or contact: David Graubert: [email protected]