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Saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh’s “Heart,” Debut Recording for His New Label Analog Tone Factory, Due on CD, Vinyl, and Reel-to-Reel August 30, Digital October 11

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Paris-born, Brooklyn-based saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh’s 10th album as a leader and first for his new label, Analog Tone Factory, is an elegant, creative trio session with bassist Joe Martin and drummer Al Foster. Martin has been Sabbagh’s go-to bassist for more than 20 years, while Foster is his “favorite living drummer”; the saxophonist has sat in with Foster on gigs over the last 12 years, developing a special rapport that finally came to fruition with this album.

RICHMOND, Calif., May 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Analog Tone Factory proudly announces the release of “Heart,” tenor saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh’s tenth album as a leader and his first on the newly formed label he runs with pianist and engineer Pete Rende. “Heart” is due on CD, vinyl, and reel-to-reel August 30, with digital downloads available October 11. Three singles are planned as well: “ESP,” on July 19; “Lead the Way,” August 30; and “Heart,” October 11.

To me, standards and original music are complementary, and I’ve worked hard to connect both sides of my playing. Now I have a deeper understanding of how I want to play the saxophone, and play those tunes.

A consequential, galvanizing presence on the New York scene since the early 2000s, Paris native Sabbagh is a compelling tenor and soprano saxophonist, bandleader, and producer. “Heart” documents an elegant, creative encounter with the iconic drummer Al Foster and esteemed New York bassist Joe Martin.

“Al is my favorite living jazz drummer, and I’ve been trying to record with him for a long time,” says Sabbagh. “Over the last 12 years I’ve sat in on gigs with him and developed a rapport that finally came to fruition with this album.

“Joe and I started playing together around 2003, and I’ve played with him more than any other bassist over the years. He can do anything, but his priority is to make the band sound great, to ensure everything is locked in on every front.”

The music on “Heart” and “Vintage,” its immediate predecessor (which featured a quartet including Kenny Barron), diverges from all but one of Sabbagh’s first eight records. Released on labels like Sunnyside and Bee Jazz, they featured, in his words, “original music that doesn’t always sound like standards.”

In contrast, on “Heart” and “Vintage,” Sabbagh tells his stories with the vocabulary of the swinging mainstream jazz that nourished his early development, in the company of two masters who fueled his imagination at the time.

On “Heart,” recorded in June 2022, Sabbagh engages in an album-length dialogue with Foster while Martin triangulates within the flow, displaying the warm sound, facile ear, and harmonic flexibility that have attracted such frequent employers as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Chris Potter, and (on four previous albums and several hundred gigs) Sabbagh.

Sabbagh recorded “Heart” 14 years after his first tenor-bass-drums album, an all-standards recital titled “One Two Three,” with drummer Rodney Green and bassist Ben Street. “I find records featuring original music easier to make than those with standards, because the originals define the direction,” he says.

“To me, standards and original music are complementary, and I’ve worked hard to connect both sides of my playing. Now I have a deeper understanding of how I want to play the saxophone, and play those tunes.”

On the opening track, Ellington’s “Prelude to a Kiss,” Sabbagh intones the melody deliberately, almost sotto voce, while Foster functions as the soloist, coloring with well-calibrated cymbal interpolations. Although the tempos are slightly brighter, Sabbagh, Martin, and Foster bring a similarly melody-first, no-wasted-notes attitude to “Gone with the Wind,” “When Lights Are Low,” and “Body and Soul,” and medium-up treatments of Wayne Shorter’s “ESP” and “Heart,” Sabbagh’s soulful waltz that titles the album.

The mutual trust and intuition between the members are palpable on the two scratch improvisations. “‘Lead the Way’ is a groove, and ‘Right the First Time’ is a freer, improvised piece,” Sabbagh says. “Al told me he’d never played completely improvised music before. Afterwards he said, ‘Now I understand why people want to do this. I really like it.'”

The production values on “Heart” are highest-level, befitting the involvement of hifi high-end companies Stenheim and darTZeel as Executive Producers of the project. Iconic engineer James Farber recorded “Heart” direct to two-track tape to a custom 1/2-inch Ampex 351 tube tape machine at 30 IPS, with all the musicians playing in the same room. No edits or overdubs were necessary. The legendary Bernie Grundman mastered the proceedings, and the 180g vinyl pressing was cut all analog, as will all future Analog Tone Factory productions. Every sonic detail of the three masters functioning synchronously comes through with three-dimensional presence and transparency.

Sabbagh adds: “I am proud that this record is the first one on my own label and I hope that, at a time when recorded music can feel disposable, audiophiles and regular listeners alike will band together to support the creation of new music, recorded all analog, so that this can be a sustainable way to document some of what’s happening today, in jazz and beyond!”

The Jerome Sabbagh Trio will perform an album release show with Joe Martin and Al Foster on Wednesday, September 18, at Bar Bayeux, 1066 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn; sets at 8:00 and 9:30pm.

Media Contact

Terri Hinte, Terri Hinte Public Relations, +15102348781, hudba@sbcglobal.net, http://www.terrihinte.com

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SOURCE Analog Tone Factory

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NASA Johnson Invites Proposals to Lease Vibration Test Facility

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November 14, 2024

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HOUSTON, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NASA’s Johnson Space Center is seeking proposals for the use of its historic, but underused, Vibration and Acoustic Test Facility. Prospective tenants must submit facility walk-through requests by Monday, Nov. 18.

Final proposals are due by 12 p.m. EST Monday, Dec. 16, and must promote activities that will build, expand, modernize, or operate aerospace-related capabilities at NASA Johnson and help preserve the historic and iconic building through preservation and adaptive reuse.

NASA plans to sign a National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) lease agreement for the facility, also known as Building 49, for a five-year base period and one five-year extension to be negotiated between NASA and the tenant. To request a walk-through, send an email to hq-realestate@mail.nasa.gov. 

“This historic facility has been used for decades to ensure the success and safety of all human spaceflight missions by putting engineering designs and hardware to the ultimate stress tests,” said NASA Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche. “For more than 60 years, NASA Johnson has been the hub of human space exploration and this agreement will be a vital part of the center’s efforts to develop a robust and durable space economy that refines our understanding of the solar system and space exploration.”

All proposals must adhere to the guidelines detailed in the Agency Announcement for Proposals describing concept plans for development of the property, including any modifications proposed to the building; a statement of financial capability to successfully achieve and sustain operations, demonstrated experience with aerospace-related services or other space-related activities, and a detailed approach to propelling the space economy.

The nine-story building complex has a gross square footage of 62,737 square feet and consists of a north wing measuring 62 feet long, 268 feet wide and 106 feet tall, and a central wing about 64 feet long and 115 feet wide. Building 49 currently houses five laboratories, including the General Vibration Laboratory, Modal Operations Laboratory, Sonic Fatigue Laboratory, Spacecraft Acoustic Laboratory, and Spacecraft Vibration Laboratory. The south administrative portion of the building is not included in the property offered for lease. 

As the home of Mission Control Center for the agency’s human space missions, astronaut training, robotics, human health and space medicine, NASA Johnson leads the way for the human exploration. Leveraging its unique role and location, the center is developing multiple lease agreements, including the recently announced Exploration Park, to sustain its key role in helping the human spaceflight community foster a robust space.

In the coming years, NASA and its academic, commercial, and international partners will see the completion of the International Space Station Program, the commercial development of low Earth orbit, and the first human Artemis campaign missions establishing sustainable human presence on the Moon in preparation for human missions to Mars.

Johnson already is leading the commercialization of space with the commercial cargo and crew programs and private astronaut missions to the space station. The center also is supporting the development of commercial space stations in low Earth orbit, and lunar-capable commercial spacesuits and lunar landers that will be provided as services to both NASA and the private sector to accelerate human access to space. Through the development of Exploration Park, the center will broaden the scope of the human spaceflight community that is tackling the many difficult challenges ahead.

Learn more about NASA Johnson’s efforts to collaborate with industry partners:

https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/frontdoor/ 

NASA Johnson Space Center news releases and other information are available automatically by sending an Internet electronic mail message to listserv@listserver.jsc.nasa.gov.  In the body of the message (not the subject line) users should type “subscribe hsfnews” (no quotes). This will add the email address that sent the subscribe message to the news release distribution list. The system will reply with a confirmation via E-mail of each subscription.  Once you have subscribed you will receive future news releases via e-mail.

 

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SOURCE NASA

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Cabana Partners with Virginia Department of Veterans Services to Provide Comprehensive, Free Mental Health Support for Veterans, Guard/Reserve Members, and Their Families

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November 14, 2024

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RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Cabana, a modern mental health provider offering confidential, tech-enabled support, has partnered with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) to provide free, comprehensive mental health resources to Virginia’s veterans, Guard and Reserve members, as well as their spouses and caregivers. This collaboration expands access to Cabana’s digital mental health services, including live peer support groups moderated by Virginia-certified Veteran Peer Specialists.

Originally developed through research and development initiatives with the U.S. Air Force, Cabana’s services are designed to meet the unique needs of military and veteran communities. With this partnership, eligible Virginia users gain full access to Cabana’s digital suite, which includes the full range of virtual, professionally facilitated groups offered by Cabana, as well as dedicated Virginia Veteran peer-led support groups. Participants can connect discreetly on topics such as transitioning to civilian life, managing family relationships, and coping with stress, all within a secure and confidential environment accessible from any device.

David Black, Founder and CEO of Cabana, underscored the mission behind the partnership: “We’re honored to work with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to offer a holistic mental health solution for Virginia’s military-connected community. With Virginia-certified Veteran Peer Specialists and our full array of live support groups, we’re providing a powerful, confidential resource that veterans and military families can rely on, whenever and wherever they need it.”

Key Features of the Partnership:

Comprehensive Access to Support: Virginia veterans, Guard/Reserve members, and their families will have unrestricted access to all live virtual groups available through Cabana, in addition to specialized peer-led groups run by Virginia-certified Veteran Peer Specialists.Support for Families and Caregivers: The initiative includes spouses and caregivers, addressing the unique mental health needs of military-connected families through sessions tailored to issues like family dynamics, stress management, and the transition to civilian life.Confidential and Flexible Access: Cabana’s services are available on mobile and desktop devices, providing Virginia’s veterans and their families with an easily accessible, cost-free solution for mental health support.

This collaboration highlights Cabana’s commitment to supporting the mental well-being of those who serve and their families. By joining forces with the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Cabana seeks to strengthen the resilience and wellness of Virginia’s military community.

For more information on the partnership between Cabana and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, please contact:

Nick Armstrong, Ph.D.
Head of Public Sector, Cabana
nick@cabanahealth.org

About Cabana™
Cabana is a leading, modern mental health provider offering confidential, tech-enabled support solutions tailored to the needs of diverse communities. Through live, professionally moderated group sessions, evidence-based content, and adaptable wellness tools, Cabana helps individuals proactively manage their mental health. Our mission is clear: to make mental health care more accessible through technology and human connection.

About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 50 locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia. DVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral health, housing, employment, education, and other programs. The agency operates long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, dementia/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; and provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.

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SOURCE Cabana

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East Side Games Group Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

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November 14, 2024

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Revenue of $21.4M in Q3 2024 and $62.8M Year to DateA-EBITDA of $2.56M in Q3 2024 and $9.2M Year to DatePOWER RANGERS: MIGHTY FORCE launched globally

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 14, 2024 /CNW/ – East Side Games Group (TSX: EAGR) (OTC: EAGRF) (“ESGG” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars on an IFRS basis unless otherwise indicated. Building on the momentum from Q2, the company achieved its first growth quarter of the year, reporting a top-line revenue of $21.4 million, a 4% increase quarter-over-quarter and a 3% increase year-over-year.

The company’s adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $2.56 million, representing a 12% margin and marking the eighth consecutive profitable quarter above $2.5 million. East Side Games Group continues to demonstrate strong performance metrics across its core portfolio, with an average daily user count (DAU) of 236,000, a stickiness rate of 24%, and an average revenue per daily active user (ARPDAU) of $0.99.

“Our focus on profitability within our existing portfolio has paid off, and we are excited to further enhance our user acquisition strategies,” said Jason Bailey, CEO of East Side Games Group. “With $8.3 million in cash—our highest balance since Q2 2022—we are well-positioned to invest in our future game launches and bolster our share buyback program.”

One of the key drivers of growth this quarter was the launch of POWER RANGERS: MIGHTY FORCE in August, which quickly garnered nearly 30,000 daily active users and demonstrated impressive return on advertising spend (ROAS) figures.

In Q3, the company also enhanced its revenue generation through innovative strategies. The introduction of bi-monthly season passes for popular titles like Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money and Cheech and Chong: Bud Farm resulted in a remarkable 40% increase in season pass revenue.

In a major collaboration, East Side Games Group partnered with BBC and Paramount to create the Intergalactic Friendship Day crossover event between Star Trek Lower Decks: The Badgey Directive and Doctor Who: Lost in Time, generating substantial organic traffic and setting new ARPDAU records.

Looking forward to Q4, East Side Games Group is excited to introduce team-based cooperative and competitive play features into titles such as Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money and RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar, anticipating a significant boost in player engagement and monetization.

Moreover, the company is preparing to launch Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money on the Epic Games Store, expanding its reach in a new mobile marketplace with favorable revenue-sharing terms. This is a very exciting opportunity, only being afforded to a few game studios.

Finally, East Side Games Group is thrilled to announce our upcoming title, RuPaul’s Drag Race Match Queen, developed in partnership with Funkitron and World of Wonder. Slated for a 2025 release, this hybrid match-3 game combines beloved gameplay elements with captivating fashion and character features, catering to the passionate fanbase of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Mike Edwards will be stepping down from the ESGG Board of Directors to focus on other pursuits, effective immediately. ESGG thanks him for his invaluable guidance over the past 12 years and is currently in discussions with several highly qualified candidates for his replacement.

Three Months Ended Sep 30, 2024 Financial highlights

For the quarter ended September 30th, 2024, revenue was $21.4M.Q3 2024 a-EBITDA of $2.56M and 12% a-EBITDA margin.Cashflow for the Company for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased by $700k, ending at $8.3M.Daily Active Users in Q3 were 236k, with an ARPDAU of $0.99On November 14, 2023, the Company announced a renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (“NCIB”) authorizing the Company to purchase 4,076,819 of its shares. Through September 30, 2024, the Company purchased 1,540,719 shares at an average price of $0.76. The company continues to buy back stock as restrictions allow.

Certain information provided in this news release is extracted from the consolidated financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) and Management’s Discussion & Analysis (“MD&A”) of the Company for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and should be read in conjunction with them. It is only in the context of the fulsome information and disclosures contained in the Financial Statements and MD&A that an investor can properly analyze this information. The Financial Statements and MD&A can be found under the Company’s profile on SEDAR and EDGAR.

Earnings Call Video

ESGG will release its third-quarter 2024 financial results and business outlook on its investor relations website https://eastsidegamesgroup.com/investors/financial-information on Thursday, November 14th, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

ABOUT EAST SIDE GAMES GROUP

East Side Games Group is a leading free-to-play mobile game group, creating engaging games that produce enduring player loyalty. Our studio groups entrepreneurial culture is anchored in creativity, execution, and growth through licensing of our proprietary Game Kit software platform that enables professional game developers to greatly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of game creation in addition to organic growth through a diverse portfolio of original and licensed IP mobile games that include: The Office: Somehow We Manage, Star Trek: Lower Decks – The Badgey Directive, Bud Farm Idle Tycoon, Doctor Who: Lost in Time, RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar, AEW: Rise to The Top, Cheech and Chong Bud Farm, and Trailer Park Boys: Grea$y Money.

We are headquartered in Vancouver, Canada and our games are available worldwide on the App Store and Google Play. Additional information about the Company continues to be available under its legal name, East Side Games Group Inc., at www.sedar.com.

Forward-looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the proposed transactions described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management’s current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including factors beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release.

SOURCE East Side Games Group Inc.

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