spirit of success

Spirit of Success

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Spirit of Success

Spirit of Success


 
Anyone who knows me knows how much I believe in the power that we have within ourselves to change life for the better, even when challenges come our way. If all the tools, technology, experience and skill you accumulated were to be taken away overnight, like what happened to me, you’d still have 99.9 percent of what you need to move forward and make life a better place for yourself and those you care about. Looking back at what I learned, I believe we have only scratched the surface of our true potential as individuals and as a society. The source of that potential is not in knowing more things or having more money. It’s in the truth that becomes obvious once all those things are gone, when you finally pay attention to the person, the soul, who has been there all along.
For these reasons, and many more, I am looking forward to the Spirit of Success Summit, on October 17, when I will share the stage with some world-famous speakers who happen to live here in Minnesota. The Spirit of Success speakers include Harvey Mackay, Joan Steffend, Dave Horsager, Paul Scheele and me. Each of us has a powerful message to share about lessons we have learned from life, not books. Over the years, I have attended and presented to lots of business events. Often they focus on things like industry issues and trends, technical and economical subjects that change quickly. Spirit of Success is an event where we will talk about the one thing in life and business that is unchanging.
Along with the speakers you will meet that day, you will also meet some very special people who are inspired to attend this event. They are people who are looking for better ways to work and collaborate with others so that we can all get to where we want to go. Thinking about all that energy in one place and knowing the people who will be presenting at the Summit, I can tell you that, in addition to being inspired, we are going to have a lot of fun. If you want to join us, register at Spirit Of Success.
Local Emmy Award Presentation

Local Emmy Award Presentation

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Emmy Award
Minneapolis, Minn. —
On Friday, November 8, 2013, Billy will be presented with an Emmy Award by the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his PBS program Billy McLaughlin: Starry Night with Orchestra Nova. The Emmy, awarded for Outstanding Achievement, Musical Composition and Arrangement, will be presented to Billy on behalf of the academy by Master of Ceremonies Brian Turner.  At this local Emmy award presentation, Billy will perform a special concert, and fans will have a chance to purchase the DVD.
Come and share a champagne toast and a magical evening with Billy and friends!
Click here to read an article about the event.

Introducing SimpleGifts 2013

SimpleGifts – Announcing SimpleGifts 2013

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Announcing SimpleGifts 2013 – New CD WinterGrace

It’s been a busy off-season for members of SimpleGifts and our awesome staff and crew. Not only has a great tour been confirmed for the 2013 holiday season but there’s a new CD we’re just finishing up called “WinterGrace.” Like all the CDs that came before it, “WinterGrace” features traditional music that tells the real story of Christmas arranged and performed with a modern twist. Familiar classics include “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, and “Little Drummer Boy” while the lesser known title track provides a fresh but timeless melody from the hills of Appalachia. Celtic whistle, violin, bagpipes, piano and percussion combine with pristine three-part vocals and the signature sound of Billy McLaughlin’s acoustic guitar. “WinterGrace” continues to separate SimpleGifts from the pack of annual holiday artists by its creative arrangements, thoughtful song choices and lush recording engineering from co-producer Jeff Arundel. Listen to samples from WinterGrace here.

 

New band members join SimpleGifts for 2013 Tour

Introducing SimpleGifts 2013

SimpleGifts 2013

If you are a parent with young kids you can only imagine what it would be like to be gone for all of the holiday season not just one year but for eleven years in a row! SimpleGifts wishes all of our previous members and their families a blessed and peaceful 2013 holiday season! At the same time, we welcome new members Ashleigh Still, Torie Redpath and Amy Courts. These super-talented artists join returning members Heather Garborg, Billy O., Laura MacKenzie and Billy McLaughlin in a rotating sextet line-up for the busy 2013 “WinterGrace” Tour.

 

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About SimpleGifts

As long-time fans will tell you, SimpleGifts makes musical magic by bringing a modern flair to traditional Christmas carols and hymns. Staying close to the heart of Christmas by avoiding commercial and pop holiday repertoire has become the trademark of this award winning six-piece ensemble.
SimpleGifts combines violin, Celtic whistle and bagpipes, piano, acoustic guitar and percussion with angelic three part female vocals to create a “modern Old-World” sound. There is nothing ordinary about the arrangements this team delivers both in the studio and in concert. Seen by over 20,000 live audience members last season, this group continues to grow in popularity throughout the Upper Midwest and has successfully transitioned from their early days in coffeehouses and small listening rooms to prestigious performing art centers and larger churches.

Join the SimpleGifts Email List

 

Billy receives emmy award

Billy McLaughlin receives Emmy Award for “Starry Night”

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White Bear Lake, Minn. –
Music composer, guitarist and speaker Billy McLaughlin was awarded a regional Emmy by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Pacific Southwest Chapter (NATAS PSW) in the category Musical Composition/Arrangement for his performance of “Billy McLaughlin: Starry Night with Orchestra Nova.” The program first appeared on KPBS San Diego and is being televised on public broadcasting stations nationwide including Twin Cities Public Television. “Starry Night” director Donn Johnson, KPBS San Diego, also received an Emmy award in the category of Director-Post Production.  Winners were announced at the 39th annual NATAS PSW Emmy Awards ceremony, which took place Saturday, June 15, at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev. Information regarding the event is available at http://nataspsw.org.
Upon hearing about the award, McLaughlin commented, “So many people have helped to make it happen, especially Maura Daly Phinney, executive producer and Andy Trimlett, producer/editor, as well as the entire crew at KPBS.” He praised Jung-Ho Pak, conductor and “all the great players in Orchestra Nova.” He also paid special tribute to Eugene Toussaint, arranger, who had passed away last year. In addition, he acknowledged a long list of individuals who took part in creating and promoting “Starry Night” including Rick Gord, Nancy Dennison, Tim Snow, Marc Anderson, Jimi Englund, Nathan Wilson, Jacob Tews, TJ Jensen, Mike Forbess, Vicki Serreno, Hannah Dimond Day, and mentor and real estate mogul Gary Keller.
Of the many Facebook messages pouring into Billy, one person had said, “Congrats to Billy McLaughlin! He received his first Emmy this past weekend. Where was Billy? Mixing sound for his son’s first gig. Hats off to a great dad!” Unable to attend the ceremony in Las Vegas, McLaughlin had a prior commitment on the technical crew for his son’s first public guitar performance.
McLaughlin is recognized internationally for his award-winning music and inspirational message. In 1999, after having been named to Billboards Top Ten Chart, McLaughlin vanished from sight as his career crumbled due to a little-known neuromuscular disorder, focal dystonia, which destroyed the use of his fret-playing hand. After suffering several years without a cure, he embarked on an unlikely attempt to regain his career and succeeded in relearning his instrument, one note at a time, with the opposite hand. Since his comeback, organizations from around the world have asked McLaughlin to share his story. He inspires audiences to action as he demonstrates that it is possible to move forward, even when dealing with unexpected and extraordinary challenges. His soon-to-be-published book, “Road to Reinvention,” will be available fall 2013.
Additionally, McLaughlin brings awareness to the work performed by the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation where he serves as public ambassador. He is also the recipient of the American Academy of Neurology’s Public Leadership Award, whose previous winners included Paul Allen, Julie Andrews, Leon Fleischer, Michael J. Fox and Cuba Gooding Jr.
For more information regarding Billy McLaughlin, his concert series including “Starry Night,” as well as keynote speaking and booking opportunities, visit McLaughlin’s website: www.billymclaughlin.com or email office manager Hannah Day at Hannah@billymclaughlin.com.
Click here to read more Emmy posts.

Mark your Calendar for Spirit of Success Summit

Mark your Calendar for Spirit of Success Summit

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Mark your Calendar for Spirit of Success Summit

Spirit of Success


Every business begins with an idea inspired by someone who dreams of something better. The founder, whoever he or she is, has a passion to make it happen, no matter what. Eventually that dream turns into something bigger and more visible. Other people get involved, things are created and life is improved by the founder’s idea. As the business evolves, it becomes recognized for what it does and the people who make it happen while the passion that created the business continues to motivate it forward.
The better the idea, the more passionate and persistent the vision, the greater the number of people who connect with the business as it grows. While on course, a business hums along pretty well on its own. However, when something in life disrupts its progress, such as a shift in the economy or a change in needs, the business relies on its founder’s vision, passion and commitment to renegotiate its pathway to success.
The inspiration at the heart of business is a critical resource. It is a steadying force especially during changing times. Simply translated, the word “inspiration” means “in spirit”. Spirit is a renewable resource that fuels an organization’s ability to deliver on its promise into the future. In a time when the cost of employment is high and jobs are limited, there is far too much at stake to take business spirit for granted.
Spirit of Success was created for and by business owners and leaders who believe small business success is the solution to a stalled economy. They are ready to renew their passion for business and, in the process, align and inspire their teams. Billy McLaughlin, Harvey Mackay  and Joan Steffend are among a select group of spirited speakers who will be joined by hundreds of business leaders and entrepreneurs for the Spirit of Success Summit, which will be held Oct. 17 at the Doubletree in Bloomington, Minn. Register to attend, prepare to be inspired and discover how to:

  • Advance your business regardless of challenge or change.
  •  Practice the art of reinvention to avoid setbacks and eliminate roadblocks
  • Transform your vision and values into a company culture that inspires your team to achieve amazing results.
Billy McLaughlin Road to Reinvention

Worth the Wait

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Road to ReinventionBilly McLaughlin’s new book “Road to Reinvention” will soon to be available—first online and then at a bookstore near you. In it Billy describes his journey from being one of Billboard’s youngest rising stars to his sudden fall from fame when the onset of dystonia ripped away his career. It also explores his ultimate return to stage to as the successful presenter and musician he is today. Billy described, “The purpose of ‘Road to Reinvention’ is to share with people the experience of how it felt and what I learned as I worked my way through some of my darkest moments. Also, I want to share the exhilaration that even an unwanted experience like I had can provide. My challenge with dystonia was both the worst and the best thing that happened to me. I can say this now that I can look back upon my journey. I want others, especially those who have just begun theirs to know the infinite possibilities for discovery and joy that await them. I want them to have the encouragement and evidence they need to pursue what may be one of the most worthwhile endeavors of their lives.”
Billy’s journey to reinvention was brought about by an unexpected event that dramatically changed his life and set him on a new course for self-discovery. For some, like Billy, a sudden health crisis may be the event that triggers a new journey. For others, it may be the loss of a career, finances, relationship or a combination of factors. At other times, the journey may be one that is long awaited or anticipated—an unfulfilled dream or desire that requires a deliberate change in direction if it to be achieved. Regardless of the motivation, whether the journey is planned or unplanned, those who travel it will encounter similar thoughts, feelings and questions. “In many ways, ‘Road to Reinvention’ is intended to serve as a roadmap that will help readers maneuver through the challenges they face on their own journey as well as to recognize the milestones of their achievement,” Billy explained.
Those readers who are familiar with Billy McLaughlin will gain an even deeper understanding of and appreciation for the journey Billy has taken to bring his music back to the stage. The heart and soul of Billy’s music has a story attached, which will add new dimension to his well-known arrangements. In the same way that Billy’s music lifts your heart, reading “Road to Reinvention” will inspire your imagination and awaken your sense of purpose and adventure.
Originally planned for a September release, “Road to Reinvention” is currently in production. Billy says, “It may a little longer than originally anticipated to complete the editing and work within the publisher’s schedule.” In the meantime, if you’d like to reserve your copy of “Road to Reinvention” please sign up here.

Buffalo High School

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Billy will be joining the Buffalo High School community on Thursday, January 24, 2013 for a concert in their Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the Buffalo Book store and at the BHS Activity Center.

Billy McLaughlin SimpleGifts

10th Anniversary Holiday Tour

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Media Notice

IMMEDIATE NOTICE

Photos Available Online at www.SimpleGiftsMusic.net/press-photos

Contact: Martin Keller, Media Savant Communications Co.

612-729-8585/ kelmart@aol.com

10th ANNIVERSARY FOR RARE MINNESOTA ACOUSTIC ENSEMBLE AT THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS

 

SIMPLEGIFTS 2012 CONCERT SERIES ANNOUNCED, FEATURING ANGELIC VOCAL HARMONIES BEAUTIFULLY BLENDED WITH VIOLIN, GUITAR, PIANO AND PERCUSSION; HOLIDAY TOUR INCLUDES 10 TWIN CITIES METRO AREA AND 5 OUTSTATE CONCERT EVENTS

TWIN CITIES — What’s rare and worth celebrating at Christmas this year? The peaceful sounds of traditional Christmas carols and hymns sung in angelic three-part harmonies and played on acoustic instruments — and the 10th year anniversary of SimpleGifts (www.simplegiftsmusic.net).
The lovely six-piece ensemble with four Christmas albums over 10 years — and also featuring Billy McLaughlin — is playing 10 dates in the metro area and five concerts outstate this season, running from November 23 to December 23, 2012. SEE SCHEDULE BELOW.
Of all the bustling musical fare offered every holiday season, SimpleGifts stays closet to the heart of Christmas by avoiding commercial and pop holiday repertoire, a trademark of this award-winning group. The 2012 holiday concert season features music from all four SimpleGifts CDs, including Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, The Cherry Tree Carol, Wexford Carol and their most stunning original piece, the a cappella composition Oh Mary.
METRO AREA:

  • November 23:                       Bloomington Center for the Arts
  • November 30:                       Three Crows (Delano)
  • December-7-8                       St. Stephan Lutheran Church  (Bloomington)
  • December 15:                        St. Michael/Albertville High School of Fine Arts Auditorium
  • December 18:                        Lakeville Area Arts Center
  • December 20,21,22, 23:      Marine-on-St. Croix Town Hall

 
OUTSTATE AREA:

  • November 29:                       Newhall Auditorium, Shatluck St. Mary’s School (Fairbault)
  • December 1:                          Crossings at Carnegie (Zumbrota)
  • December 13:                        Historic Paramount Theatre (Austin)
  • December 14:                        Memorial Auditorium (Worthington)
  • December 19:                        Sacred Heart Music Center (Duluth)

As the holidays approach, the 2012 SimpleGifts Holiday Concert Tour includes your location.
PLEASE SEE THE SIMPLEGIFTS WEBSITE FOR TICKET PRICES AND TIMES FOR EACH CONCERT: http://www.simplegiftsmusic.net/concerts.html

Simple Gifts concerts feature music from the group’s four acclaimed albums:

  • 2010 — The Star Carol
  • 2009 —A Small Town Christmas
  • 2007 —  Of Shepherds & Angels
  • 2002 —  A Simple Gift
  • Video Sample of SimpleGifts in Concert: http://simplegiftsmusic.net/samples.html
  •  Sample the simplistic richness of the SimpleGifts Christmas:

      Songbook: http://simplegiftsmusic.net/samples.html

 10th Annual Holiday Season

There is nothing ordinary about the arrangements this inspired team of musicians delivers both in the studio and in concert.  Seen by more than 20,000 live audience members last season, the special group continues to grow in popularity throughout the Upper Midwest and has successfully transitioned from their early days in coffeehouses and small listening rooms to prestigious performing art centers and larger churches.
About Simple Gifts
SimpleGifts is made up of internationally recognized award-winning instrumentalists and vocalists with impressive resumes:
Billy McLaughlin (acoustic guitar/producer) is recognized internationally as a composer and virtuoso performer. He is a 5-time MN Music Award winner and 3-time NACA National Campus Entertainer of the Year (jazz/acoustic) with Billboard Top-Ten Chart experience. He recently made a remarkable comeback from a devastating neuro-muscular disorder called focal dystonia as captured in the award-winning documentary Changing Keys seen throughout MN on PBS. He is the 2010 AAN Public Leadership in Neurology Award-winner whose previous recipients include Michael J. Fox, Julie Andrews and Paul Allen.
Karen Paurus (vocals) is a MN Music Award winner for Best Female Vocalist and has been featured on Prairie Home Companion. She is a regular at the Fitzgerald Theater “Stage Sessions” and has been heard on MPR, Cities 97, Radio K and stations around the nation. She is a composer and recording artist whose latest CD Passion, Prayer and Poison is available on iTunes and CDBaby.
Laura McKenzie (Celtic whistles/bagpipes) With ardent mastery, Laura performs music from Ireland, Scotland, Central France, Galicia, Cape Breton and Minnesota on a splendid array of wind-powered instruments and voice. She has received an abundance of honors and awards in traditional music, including being selected for the original Cherish the Ladies series, featuring noted women in Irish music in America; recognition as a Master Folk Artist by the Minnesota State Arts Board; an Archibald Bush Foundation Fellowship in Traditional and Ethnic Performing Arts; and most recently, winner of a 2012-2013 McKnight Artists Fellowship for Performing Musicians. She can be heard on a multitude of recordings and on several documentaries.
Heather Garborg (vocals/piano/violin) was born into a musical family in Bloomington, MN and grew up participating in competitions on both piano and violin. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from St. Olaf College and recently returned from Nashville where she expanded her songwriting and recording credits. She is very active in the music ministry at Woodland Hills Church in the Twin Cities.
Carin Vagle (vocals/melodica) grew up performing music in a Minneapolis family with parents who were recording artists and touring musicians. Her study of healing voice led her to India and Brazil and she currently practices and teaches Yogic vocal techniques in the Twin Cities. Her first solo CD will be released soon.
Billy “O” Oehrlein (percussion) has shared the stage with everyone from The Oak Ridge Boys and Marie Osmond to Randy Travis and Alabama. He began performing on drums, percussion, and vocals in his teen years and has been a professional musician ever since touring nationally and across Europe. He decorates each song with his very own style of playing that he calls “ornamental-percussion”. Can you tell he’s having fun?
To schedule an advance interview — or an advance performance if possible — please contact Martin Keller, Media Savant Communications Co., 612-729-8585, kelmart@aol.com

 

25th Anniversary Concert

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Minneapolis, MN —

February 15, 2013

25th Anniversary Concert

“Come and enjoy guitarist and composer Billy McLaughlin with his special guests the Eclectric String Quartet at the O’Shaughnessy as he astounds audiences with the complex, rhythmic, music that he re-taught to himself against all odds. Billy had been playing for twenty years before being diagnosed with Focal Dystonia, an incurable neuromuscular disease that rendered him unable to play his own music. By 2002, he thought his career was over. But in 2006, he began doing the unthinkable–relearning his songs left handed. Now, McLaughlin is once again astonishing audiences with both his story and his music.”

-TPT

Click here to view photos from event.

Billy McLaughlin Road to Reinvention

Billy’s Book – Road To Reinvention

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Road to Reinvention

Coming soon,
a new book by Billy McLaughlin…

“Road to Reinvention: Reflections on Having, Losing and Receiving Infinitely More”

RESERVE YOUR COPY… Sign up today.
Travel with Billy on an unbelievable journey as he shares insights from being one of Billboard’s top-ranking performers to his overnight fall from fame as dystonia derails his musical career to his amazing return to the stage, where he proves that you must never give up on your dreams, no matter what.
This book is especially for you if…

  • You’ve faced life challenges, whether in your career, health, money or relationships
  • You are ready to push the limits of your potential, but not certain where start
  • You are seeking inspiration for pursuing your highest goal or dream.

Gain strength and guidance from someone who’s triumphed over the impossible.

Despite overwhelming odds, Billy maintains a perspective of love, understanding and even humor as he captures some of the most dramatic moments of his life in words. With an unrelenting spirit and clear sense of self identity, he proves that it is possible to achieve new heights in the face of defeat. Through it all he remains humble and deeply grateful for the adventure. RESERVE YOUR COPY…