Heritage Properties presents The Houston Sound Spring Concert Series

SugarHill Goes Platinum in October

2011-09-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

SUGARHILL RECORDING STUDIOS GOES PLATINUM IN OCTOBER

(HOUSTON, TX) SugarHill Recording Studios will celebrate its 70th year this October with a co-branded party sponsored by the Producers and Engineers’ Wing of The Recording Academy, Texas Chapter. The public is invited to a special event including tours, refreshments and limited edition gift bags. Thanks extended to our sponsors D’Addario, Good Dog Hot Dogs, Bran Bakes!, Neuro, Houston Press, New Image Networks, Zenfilm, BackstageOL.com, Via Colori and more. Event details: Saturday, October 8, 2011, 4-7pm at SugarHill Studios, 5626 Brock Street, Houston, Texas 77023. FREE. RSVP to 713.926.4431 or gina@sugarhillstudios.com

Established in 1941 by Bill Quinn, the studio (named Gold Star Studios) was used for recording radio commercials and birthday greetings. By 1945, Quinn ventured into audio engineering, establishing Gold Star Records and a pressing plant. Despite shellac shortages due to the war, he continued, becoming the first independent label in Texas devoted to regional roots music.

The legacy began in 1946 when fiddler Harry Choates recorded the Cajun classic "Jole Blon". Quinn also worked with blues icon Lightnin' Hopkins during these early years. In the 1950s, the studio hosted Pappy Dailey's Starday & D labels, George Jones cut "Why Baby Why?" and immortalized the Big Bopper singing "Chantilly Lace”. Others included Willie Nelson, Bobby Bland and Arnett Cobb. The 1960s saw the debut of the Sir Douglas Quintet, Roy Head, and BJ Thomas. International Artists label recorded Texas psych legends The 13th Floor Elevators, The Red Krayola and Bubble Puppy.

Then, Crazy Cajun producer Huey P. Meaux bought the studios. Meaux, christening the studio with the name SugarHill, became famous for his work with Freddy Fender and Clifton Chenier. During this era, the studio also tracked notable artists such as Ricky Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, Kinky Friedman, Todd Rundgren and Lucinda Williams.

Modern Music Ventures purchased SugarHill in the mid-1980s and the studios became the home base for some highly successful Tejano artists, among them Little Joe y la Familia, Emilio Navaira, La Fiebre, Xcelencia and Johnny Rodriquez. The owners established a label called Discos MM and scored hit records with Elsa Garcia and The Hometown Boys.

In 1996 current owners, RAD Audio, purchased SugarHill, introducing a new business model, embracing the studios history and diversity. Since then, clients have included Destiny’s Child, Solange Knowles, Joe Sample, Brian McKnight, Jermaine Dupri, Smashmouth, Clay Walker, Johnny Nash, Li’l Wayne, Kermit Ruffins, Johnny Bush and Beyoncé.

Looking towards the future of music, SugarHill partnered with Zenfilm in 2008 to launch Live From SugarHill, a free iTunes video podcast highlighting emerging artists. In 2010, the studio became the subject of a book entitled House of Hits: The Story of Houston’s Gold Star/SugarHill Recording Studios, coauthored by co-owner, Andy Bradley, along with acclaimed music historian Roger Wood. The book was published and distributed by the University of Texas Press, chronicling the studios’ unparalleled legacy.
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Heritage Properties presents The Houston Sound Spring Concert Series at Market Square Park

2011-03-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Join us for an exciting, fun and FREE family event at Market Square Park on Friday, March 28 featuring Patrice Pike.

Market Square Park is located at 300 Travis, Houston, Texas 77002
For more info, visit www.marketsquarepark.com

Rare Willie Nelson documentary comes to Houston, 7.10.10

2010-07-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

Aurora Picture Show presents an outdoor screening of the rarely-seen documentary "Willie Nelson's 4th of July Celebration" in partnership with Buffalo Bayou Partnership and the Houston Area Alamo Drafthouse Cinema locations Saturday, July 10 at 8 p.m.. The 35 mm film screening will be held at a Buffalo Bayou Partnership property located across the street from Tony Marron Park, at 808 North York.

"Willie Nelson's 4th of July Celebration" flashes back to an open-air affair in College Station, Texas, in 1976. The documentary is available only on 35mm and was never commercially released. It was shot over the course of three summer days and nights at Willie Nelson's 2nd annual 4th of July bash. Drunken performers, crazy antics and heartbreakingly good music meld to create an incandescent record of a moment in American musical history. Artists like Waylon Jennings, Wolfman Jack, Leon Russell, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and many more musicians appear as part of this Willie Nelson concert film.

Acoustic performance by Robert Ellis precedes the screening. Ellis is a local country and western singer songwriter. His critically acclaimed debut album The Great Re Arranger, garenred Ellis rave reviews throughout the country and a reputation for impeccable live performances.

Patrons are invited to bring picnics or purchase treats from H-Town StrEATS, Banquet Depot and Lonestar Novelty Ice Cream. Lawn chairs or picnic blankets also recommended.

Special thanks to Saint Arnold Brewery and 29-95.com. Film print courtesy of American Genre Film Archives. Music curated by SugarHill Studios.

WHERE AND WHEN:
Saturday, July 10, 8PM
Robert Ellis Accoustic Performance 8 p.m.
Film Screening Begins at 8:40 p.m.
Location: Park at Tony Marron Park at 808 North York, Screening will be across the street.

TICKET INFO:
Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for Aurora members and Bayou Buddies. For tickets and information, visit www.aurorapictureshow.org or call 713-868-2101.

About Aurora Picture Show:
Founded in 1998, Aurora Picture Show is a non-profit micro-cinema that presents artist-made, non-commercial film and video. We are dedicated to expanding the cinematic experience and promoting the understanding and appreciation of moving image art. Aurora's human scale promotes a meaningful and community-oriented exchange between artists and audiences, and strives to not only be a launching pad for emerging artists but to create not-to-be-missed events for Houston.

Aurora Picture Show is funded by its stellar membership, Houston Endowment, Inc, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Brown Foundation, Texas Commission on the Arts, The City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, the Nightingale Code Foundation, the Oshman Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts. Aurora Picture Show is a proud member of Fresh Arts Coalition www.fresharts.org.

SugarHill burglary, 6.21.10

2010-06-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

(HOUSTON, TX) - June 21, 2010 - This morning, the SugarHill Staff arrived to find that our studio complex had been burglarized. Although we lost instruments and recording gear, all client tapes and files are secure. A list of serial numbers and descriptions of the stolen items follows. If anyone has any information regarding the theft, or comes across any of the items taken, we'd appreciate a prompt call to our front office.

I'm happy to report that the incident has not interrupted any of our sessions. As I write, I can hear The Champion Sisters in Studio A cutting basic tracks for their new album. While SugarHill has endured many challenges in it's time, the story of being burglarized will have to wait until volume two of our recent book. For now we are busy securing the property, and taking the steps to insure that we don't have a repeat of this problem for another 70 years.

Thanks for your support,

Dan Workman
President, SugarHill Studios

• Gibson Les Paul Custom Guitar (1975 Sunburst w/EMG pickups), indentifying marks: ‘Dan Workman’ truss rod cover, example http://tinyurl.com/39na43x
• Bass (Robin Ranger w/ EMG pickups and Badass Bridge, identifying marks: custom pen and ink graphic on the pick guard, example http://tinyurl.com/352kdqf
• Keyboard- Casio SK1 with soft case, with case, example http://tinyurl.com/35bfht4
• 320 gig Other World Computing FW800 drive, example http://tinyurl.com/5pkzwb
• Brenthaven Backpack, example http://tinyurl.com/2bsb8uq
• Acoustic Guitar (Drendnaught Martin 800 DM model w/pickup) 2004 Natural wood no finish http://tinyurl.com/22oj4cl
• Banjo-2007 Good Time Banjo/Grand Old Opry( pale wood) example http://tinyurl.com/2a27ed4
• Bass (1971 Gibson EB-0 Walnut finish) S#- 922996 example http://tinyurl.com/2d93h8x
• Bass (1976 - B50 Guild) example http://tinyurl.com/33yys4c
• Keyboard - Yamaha S90 S# - UALN01091 example http://tinyurl.com/2eyduae
• Keyboard - Yamaha PF70 S# - 4629, example http://tinyurl.com/23l9vqo
• Keyboard - Roland D50 S# - 854542H example http://tinyurl.com/29342fh
• Keyboard - M-Audio Radium 49 example http://tinyurl.com/2b82kzn

SugarHill Book Signing/Celebration Concert 4.10/4.11.10

2010-04-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

ONE FOR THE BOOKS - SUGARHILL STUDIOS CELEBRATES PUBLICATION
HOUSE OF HITS: THE STORY OF HOUSTON’S GOLD STAR/SUGARHILL STUDIOS
New book available from University of Texas Press, launch events scheduled April 2010

(HOUSTON, TX) 3.10.10 – The legacy of SugarHill Recording Studios is now documented for posterity with the release of the book, House of Hits: The Story of Houston’s Gold Star/SugarHill Recording Studios. House of Hits chronicles the past 69 years of ‘music making history’ at the legendary facility. The book was written by chief engineer Andy Bradley along with acclaimed music historian Roger Wood, and is already being sold in local stores including Sig’s Lagoon and Cactus Music.

Readers get a “behind the console” view, starting with the humble beginnings of founder, Bill Quinn in 1941 WWII Houston. Quinn--a recording engineer who pre-dated the home recording studio phenomenon by some 65 years--started a one-room operation that has survived to become the multi-studio facility that exists today. The book chronicles the growth and changes in the recording industry spanning seven decades of Texas music history.

Over the years the location has been known as Gold Star Studios and International Artists. In the 1970’s it purchased by hit producer Huey Meaux and renamed SugarHill Recording Studios. SugarHill became Meaux’s home base for his Crazy Cajun Music label where careers of Texas legends Freddy Fender, Doug Sahm and many more were launched.

SugarHill’s roster boasts luminary artists including Lightnin’ Hopkins, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Junior Parker, Clifton Chenier, Sir Douglas Quintet, 13th Floor Elevators, Freddy Fender, Kinky Friedman, Ray Benson, Guy Clark, Lucinda Williams, Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child.

Bradley, an employee since 1985 and current partner of SugarHill, took on the project as a labor of love and began his narrative at the urging of a friend, Sig’s Lagoon owner Thomas Escalante. Over the last decade, Bradley tracked down and recorded the personal accounts of over 100 recording artists, engineers, employees, label owners and music industry professionals to stitch together a comprehensive timeline of events at the famed studios.

In 2007, Roger Wood--the author of two award-winning books, Down In Houston: Bayou City Blues and Texas Zydeco--agreed to collaborate with Andy to transform the raw material into a book prospectus and eventually a complete manuscript. The duo contracted with Wood’s previous publisher, the University of Texas Press, to complete the project by the end of 2009. Wood notes, “Andy’s extensive research, combined with his firsthand knowledge of the recording business, laid the foundation for a narrative that I soon realized was epic in scope--covering seven decades, hundreds of musicians and studio insiders, and practically every imaginable genre of postwar American popular music.” Bradley added, “When I first heard they were going to publish the book I was exhilarated, but quickly realized that there was something more important than simply becoming a published author. He would have to become an historian as well: “I expect that House of Hits will serve to correct the many wrong perceptions of Houston and that people will begin to understand how important it is and has been to the livelihood of the Gulf Coast music scene. Moreover, the stories of so many wonderful artists who shared their talents have finally been told.”

A two day book-signing event and concert are planned in Houston on Saturday, April 10 & Sunday, April 11, 2010 at local record store, Sig’s Lagoon, 3710 Main Street, and The Continental Club, 3700 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. The concert will feature live performances by John Evans, The El Orbits, Allen Oldies’ Band, Umbrella Man and will include special appearances by Roy Head, Kenny Cordray, Paul English, Tommie Lee Bradley and more. The concert is free and donations will be accepted to benefit the Musicians’ Benevolent Society.

WHAT: SugarHill Recording Studios book signing and benefit concert

WHEN: Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Sig’s Lagoon 2 - 5p.m., 3710 Main Street, and Sunday, April 11, 2010 at The Continental Club 3 - 7p.m., 3700 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

MORE: For more information please contact Gina Miller at 713.926.4431 ext. 1102 or gina@sugarhillstudios.com.

LIVE FROM SUGARHILL – SPRING IS IN THE AIR(WAVES)

2010-03-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
LIVE FROM SUGARHILL – SPRING IS IN THE AIR(WAVES)
Episode XVII brings features Motion Turns It On and Autumn Owls

(HOUSTON, TX) 3.10.10 – Like the weather, change is in the air this Spring on Live From SugarHill Episode XVII. The show will feature prog-math rockers Motion Turns It On, the Dublin-based band Autumn Owls and the program welcomes producer Gina Miller as the new co-host alongside award-winning record producer, Dan Workman. Community guest and 'audience of one' is Ruben Dominguez, a founding member of rock group Toho Ehio and former freelance journalist for local rag Thorazine. Currently, he works as an entertainment anchor at KRIV-TV Fox 26 and was instrumental in the Fox Rocks local band segment among other music coverage. Live from SugarHill, Episode XVII airs on March 18, 2010 at 7pm and is a collaborative effort between Zenfilm, OutboundMusic.com and SugarHill Recording Studios.
Behind every great band lies a story waiting to be told. For Houston-based Motion Turns It On, a local trio that rollercoaster ride began, as stories of this nature often do, as misguided youth living in the suburbs. MTIO began in 2004 and the original members have transformed their nascent plonkings into something very cutting edge. Their debut E.P., Rima, garnered rave reviews from Houston Calling and Amplifier Magazine. Now MTIO is a seasoned band with a new album entitled Kaledioscopic Equinox and a remarkable live show that’s been called “schizophrenic, kinetic and controlled frenzy.”

Autumn Owls are a four-piece from Dublin. The band was one of the 10 selected by Hot Press to represent Ireland in the New York Tisch School of Arts 2007 Music Video Project. The song selected went on to feature on Dave Fanning's television program The Last Broadcast. After two EP releases, they began work with acclaimed producer Ciaran Bradshaw of Westland Studios. The band was nominated in the newcomer category "Hope for 2009 Award" in the Meteor Irish Music Awards. Autumn Owls are currently recording their debut album and on tour in the U.S. before a few shows at South by Southwest 2010.

Zenfilm is an EMMY award winning film production company and HD video post boutique based in Houston, TX. The creation of producer/director team Merideth Melville and W. Ross Wells, Zenfilm has experienced exponential growth and gained national recognition since founding in 2005. Zen works with agencies and record labels to create national TV commercials, music videos and viral media. They also develop and maintain sustainable social marketing initiatives.
Founded in 2001, OutboundMusic.com is an Internet radio and music retailer whose goal is to promote music produced by independent recording artists. They currently promote nearly 700 artists, both Texas based acts and many international talents.

The show is free and listeners can login for a live stream at http://www.outboundmusic.com/lfsh All episodes are available at at http://www.livefromsugarhill.tv or on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=301652186

WHAT: Live From SugarHill Episode XVII featuring Motion Turns It On & Autumn Owls
WHEN: Thursday, March 18, 2010 from 7 - 8p.m. CST - http://www.outboundmusic.com/lfsh
MORE: For more information contact Gina Miller at 713.926.4431 ext. 1102
For more on Motion Turns It On visit: http://www.myspace.com/motionturnsiton
For more on Autumn Owls visit: http://www.myspace.com/autumnowls
For more on Ruben Dominguez visit: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/about_us/Ruben_Dominguez
For more on Live From SugarHill visit: http://www.livefromsugarhill.tv
For more on Zenfilm visit: http://www.zenfilm.com
For more on Outbound Music visit: http://www.outboundmusic.com

About SugarHill Recording Studios
The oldest recording studio in Texas is nestled in a Southeast Houston neighborhood that over time has been home to legendary producers, record labels, and artists who've produced some of the most historically important and widely recognized musical recordings. Beginning in 1946, musician Harry Choates, with producer Bill Quinn, laid tracks for the Cajun classic "Jole Blon" for Gold Star Records. Blues icon Lightnin' Hopkins recorded soon thereafter. In the 1950's the studio hosted Pappy Dailey's D label, George Jones cut "Why Baby Why?" and the Big Bopper recorded "Chantilly Lace." Willie Nelson, Bobby Bland and Arnett Cobb recorded sessions. In 1960s, the Sir Douglas Quintet tracked "She's About a Mover." The mid-1970s introduced Crazy Cajun producer Huey P. Meaux and his work with Freddy Fender and Clifton Chenier. Since the 1980s, SugarHill has hosted Tejano artist Little Joe, country great Johnny Bush, and urban powerhouse Beyoncé.

Motion Turns It On

Autumn Owls

SUGARHILL'S STEVE CHRISTENSEN ENGINEERS

2010-02-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

Steve Earle album Townes earns a GRAMMY at the 52nd annual awards

SugarHill Recording Studios senior staff engineer, Steve Christensen had much to celebrate after the award announcements of the 52nd Annual GRAMMY© celebrations. Steve Earle's widely acclaimed album Townes (New West)-engineered by Christensen--was the winner of the coveted award in the Best Contemporary Folk category.

While searching for an engineer, mutual friend Chris Masterson (ex- Son Volt) gave Earle examples of Christensen's work on the tracks "Best Thing Ever" and "The Other Side of Love" from Tody Castillo's unreleased album Windhorse. One listen gave him enough confidence to hire Christensen to engineer the project.

Besides spending an initial ten days tracking album in Earles' Manhattan home, Christensen also played percussion on the disc. He later traveled to Nashville to continue the record at Sound Emporium, alongside Earle's longtime engineer Ray Kennedy. In the May 26 issue of Rolling Stone magazine (RS 1079), featuring the story "Steve Earle Chases Ghosts", Earle quoted Christensen in describing the experience of the recording process "..like he was 'listening to something I shouldn't be listening to' because it seemed so personal." The album debuted at number 19 on the Billboard Top 200 charts, the highest Top 200 debut of Earle's career and at number 6 on the Billboard Country chart.

Christensen is no stranger to the nominations process; he recorded vocals on Ann-Margarets' 2001 album, God is Love: The Gospel Sessions, which was nominated in the Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album category.

Townes faced tough competition for the award; the other nominees for that category included Neko Case's Middle Cyclone (ANTI), Tracy Chapman's Our Bright Future (Elektra), Shawn Colvin's Live (Nonesuch) and Elvis Costello's Secret, Profane & SugarCane (Hear Music). Houston Chronicle entertainment writer Andrew Dansby featured a piece on Christensen in the GRAMMY preview section of this week's Zest. Read the article here.

Special thanks to KIAH-TV Channel 39, KRIV-TV Fox Channel 26, Houston Press and Houston Chronicle for coverage of the event!

Steve Christensen. Photo by Everett Taasevigen.

[LFSH] Tyagaraja & Wild Moccasins Live! 1.21.10

2010-01-18T03:13:00.000-08:00

LIVE FROM SUGARHILL GETS SPIRITUAL!......... and CUTE?
Episode XIV features Tyagaraja and Wild Moccasins

(HOUSTON, TX) 1.18.10 - Live From SugarHill Episode XIV proves a continuum of eclectic music pairings featuring songwriter Tyagaraja and indie popsters Wild Moccasins. The program includes short sets and candid interviews with Rosa Guerrero and award-winning record producer, Dan Workman. Community guest and 'audience of one' is photographer Mark C. Austin. A self-proclaimed music fanatic, Mark has covered nearly every major music festival from Bonnaroo, Voodoo Music Fest to Coachella and Jazz Fest and his work has been featured in publications like SPIN, Paste, Rolling Stone and Village Voice Media. His images are currently on display in 5 different permanent exhibits at the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas. Live from SugarHill, Episode XIV airs on January 21, 2009 at 7pm and is a collaborative effort between Zenfilm, OutboundMusic.com and SugarHill Recording Studios.

Tyagaraja is a singer/songwriter from the Houston and Austin areas. His voice, songwriting and lyrical content display the teachings he has absorbed from pilgrimages to India and his travels across the United States. While those spiritual experiences are his inspiration, the sultry folk/rock music that he writes is accessible, personal and universally enjoyable. Tyagaraja's first band, Million Year Dance, won Album of the Year in the 2008 Houston Press Music Awards. His first full-length solo album, An Open Book, is due late March 2010.

Wild Moccasins are a quintet of 20-somethings with a sound that balances a musical guile beyond the band's years with a vibrant energy that flaunts its youth. Winners of Best EP in the 2009 Houston Press Music Awards, the band just returned from an East Coast/Midwest Tour which found them recording sessions with the likes of Daytrotter, My Old Kentucky Blog, WOXY, BreakThru Radio and If You Make It. The band is finishing up recording their first full-length release and getting ready to represent Houston at SXSW 2010.

Zenfilm is an EMMY award winning film production company and HD post boutique based in Houston, TX. The creation of producer/director team Merideth Melville and W. Ross Wells, Zen has experienced exponential growth and gained national recognition since founding in 2005. Zen works with agencies and record labels to create national TV commercials, music videos and viral media. They also develop and maintain sustainable social marketing initiatives.

Founded in 2001, OutboundMusic.com is an Internet radio and music retailer whose goal is to promote music produced by independent recording artists. They currently promote nearly 700 artists, both Texas based acts and many international talents.

The show is free. Listeners can login for a live stream at http://www.outboundmusic.com/lfsh. All episodes are available at http://www.livefromsugarhill.tv or on iTunes.

WHAT: Live From SugarHill Episode XIV featuring Tyagaraja & Wild Moccasins

WHEN: Thursday, January 21, 2010 7 - 8p.m. CST at http://www.outboundmusic.com/lfsh

MORE: For more information contact Gina Miller at 713.926.4431 ext. 1102
For more on Live From SugarHill visit: http://www.livefromsugarhill.tv
For more on Tyagaraja visit: http://www.tyagaraja.com
For more on Wild Moccasins visit: http://www.myspace.com/thewildmoccasins
For more on Mark C. Austin vistit: http://www.mcaphoto.com
For more on Zenfilm visit: http://www.zenfilm.com
For more on Outbound Music visit: h ttp://www.outboundmusic.com

About SugarHill Recording Studios
The oldest recording studio in Texas is nestled in a southeast Houston neighborhood that over time has been home to legendary producers, record labels, and artists who've produced some of the most historically important and widely recognized musical recordings. Beginning in 1946, musician Harry Choates, with producer Bill Quinn, laid tracks for the Cajun classic "Jole Blon" for Gold Star Records. Blues icon Lightnin' Hopkins recorded soon thereafter. In the 1950's the studio hosted Pappy Dailey's D label, George Jones cut "Why Baby Why?" and the Big Bopper recorded "Chantilly Lace." Willie Nelson, Bobby Bland and Arnett Cobb recorded sessions. In 1960s, the Sir Douglas Quintet tracked "She's About a Mover." The mid-1970s introduced Crazy Cajun producer Huey P. Meaux and his work with Freddy Fender and Clifton Chenier. Since the 1980s, SugarHill has hosted Tejano artist Little Joe, country great Johnny Bush, and urban powerhouse Beyoncé.

f

Tyagaraja

Wild Moccasins

[LFSH] Paul English & Peekaboo Theory Live! 1.14.10

2010-01-13T03:16:00.000-08:00

IT'S A NEW DECADE OF ROCK ON LIVE FROM SUGARHILL JANUARY 14, 2010

Lucky Episode XIII features pianist Paul English and experimental rock band Peekaboo Theory

(HOUSTON, TX) 1.4.10 - Live From SugarHill begins the decade on a high note, featuring jazz duo Paul English & Dennis Dotson and experimental indie rock band Peekaboo Theory. The program includes short sets and candid interviews with Rosa Guerrero and award-winning record producer, Dan Workman. Community guest and 'audience of one' - a 17 year veteran of creative direction and design whose work covers print, web design, video, photography and writing is Henry "von Wolffe" Davis, who also acts as the Live Music Examiner for Examiner.com. Live from SugarHill, Episode XIII airs on January 14, 2009 at 7pm and is a collaborative effort between Zenfilm, OutboundMusic.com and SugarHill Recording Studios.

Paul English is an established composer, producer and educator, is known to Texas audiences as a jazz pianist who has performed and recorded with such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Arnett Cobb, David Liebman, Mark O'Connor and Kirk Whalum. As a studio musician, he has appeared on over 350 recordings of various genres and has produced a number of mostly jazz and classical recordings including arrangements and orchestrations for country music legends, Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush and Ray Price.

Houston based Peekaboo Theory has been serving refreshing audible treats, slaughtering boundaries and stereotypes linked to their sound. The band has gained loyalty, respect and critical acclaim of fans and media alike with raw talent in the national music scene, boasting a resume of live shows everywhere from Albuquerque to Los Angeles to New York City.

Zenfilm is an EMMY award winning film production company and HD post boutique based in Houston, TX. The creation of producer/director team Merideth Melville and W. Ross Wells, Zen has experienced exponential growth and gained national recognition since founding in 2005. Zen works with agencies and record labels to create national TV commercials, music videos and viral media. They also develop and maintain sustainable social marketing initiatives.

Founded in 2001, OutboundMusic.com is an Internet radio and music retailer whose goal is to promote music produced by independent recording artists. They currently promote nearly 700 artists, both Texas based acts and many international talents.

The show is free. Listeners can login for a live stream at http://www.outboundmusic.com/lfsh. All episodes are available at http://www.livefromsugarhill.tv or on iTunes.

WHAT: Live From SugarHill Episode XIII featuring Paul English & Peekaboo Theory

WHEN: Thursday, January 14, 2010 7 - 8p.m. CST at http://www.outboundmusic.com/lfsh

MORE: For more information contact Gina Miller at 713.926.4431 ext. 1102
For more on Live From SugarHill visit: http://www.livefromsugarhill.tv
For more on Paul English visit: http://www.paulenglishmusic.com
For more on Peekaboo Theory visit: http://www.peekabootheory.com
For more on Zenfilm visit: http://www.zenfilm.com
For more on Outbound Music visit: h ttp://www.outboundmusic.com

About SugarHill Recording Studios
The oldest continually operating recording studio in Texas is nestled in a southeast Houston neighborhood that over time has been home to legendary producers, record labels, and artists who've produced some of the most historically important and widely recognized musical recordings. Beginning the legacy in 1946, musician Harry Choates, with producer Bill Quinn, laid tracks for the Cajun classic "Jole Blon" for Gold Star Records. Blues icon Lightnin' Hopkins recorded soon thereafter. In the 1950's the studio hosted Pappy Dailey's D label, George Jones cut "Why Baby Why?" and the Big Bopper recorded "Chantilly Lace." Willie Nelson, Bobby Bland and Arnett Cobb recorded sessions. In 1960s, the Sir Douglas Quintet tracked "She's About a Mover." The mid-1970s introduced Crazy Cajun producer Huey P. Meaux and his work with Freddy Fender and Clifton Chenier. Since the 1980s, SugarHill has hosted Tejano artist Little Joe, country great Johnny Bush, and urban powerhouse Beyoncé.

f

Paul English

Peekaboo Theory

[PR] SUGARHILL MOURNS LOSS OF LOSS OF FORMER ENGINEER MICKEY MOODY

2010-01-06T17:28:00.001-08:00

SUGARHILL SAYS GOODBYE TO ENGINEER MICKEY MOODY

(HOUSTON, TX) January 4, 2010 - Former SugarHill Recording Studios' producer-engineer, "Uncle" Mickey Moody passed away over the holiday weekend. He was 69 years of age and suffered from kidney failure, just a week and half shy of his 70th birthday.

Moody's employment at SugarHill under "Crazy Cajun" producer Huey Meaux began in the mid-70s. He immediately began working on Freddy Fenders' project, a re-release of his classics, "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights", Before the Next Teardrop Falls" and others for major label ABC/Dot Records. Those recordings earned Fender both aGRAMMY nomination and Country Music Awards' Male Singer of the Year award in 1975.

With an extensive body of work during his years at SugarHill Recording Studios, Moody engineered a vast number of important Texas artists. Past recording credits include: Asleep At The Wheel's Wheelin' & Dealin' (1975), Kinky Friedman Lasso from El Paso (1976), a few cuts including a cover of the Beach Boys' hit "Good Vibrations" for the Todd Rundgren Faithful album (1976), Lucinda Williams Happy Woman Blues (1980), Augie Meyers Through the Years (2008) and unreleased tracks for Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes.

Personal accounts of Mickey's work at the studios can be found in the upcoming book entitled House of Hits: The Story of Houston's Gold Star/SugarHill Recording Studios, a recorded biography chronicling the past 65 years of music making history. The book, co-authored by SugarHill chief engineer, Andy Bradley and noted music historian Roger Wood, is due out from University of Texas Press in Spring 2010.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

More: Read the Houston Chronicle story by Andrew Dansby here.

About SugarHill Recording Studios
The oldest continually operating recording studio in Texas is nestled in a southeast Houston neighborhood that over time has been home to legendary producers, record labels, and artists who've produced some of the most historically important and widely recognized musical recordings. Beginning the legacy in 1946, musician Harry Choates, with producer Bill Quinn, laid tracks for the Cajun classic "Jole Blon" for Gold Star Records. Blues icon Lightnin' Hopkins recorded soon thereafter. In the 1950's the studio hosted Pappy Dailey's Starday & D labels, George Jones cut "Why Baby Why?" and the Big Bopper recorded "Chantilly Lace." Willie Nelson, Bobby Bland and Arnett Cobb recorded sessions. In 1960s, the Sir Douglas Quintet tracked "She's About a Mover." The mid-1970s introduced Crazy Cajun producer Huey P. Meaux and his work with Freddy Fender and Clifton Chenier. Since the 1980s, SugarHill has hosted Tejano artist Little Joe, country great Johnny Bush, and urban powerhouse Beyoncé.

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Huey Meaux, Leo O'Neil & Mickey Moody. Photo property of SugarHill archive

SugarHill - Soundbytes e-Zine 2009 Vol. 5.1

2009-11-30T03:18:00.000-08:00

SugarHill Recording Studios Soundbytes eZine
2009 Vol 5.1

Baby, it's cold outside! We stay warm with our friends, family and fun. We're thankful for all of you this season and can't wait to ring in the new year in a few short weeks. May your holidays be happy and full of good cheer!

Best-
Dan Workman
SugarHill Studios

Come watch the GRAMMY nomination concert with us Wednesday 12.2.09 at Warehouse Live!

Join us for an UNOFFICIAL nomination concert viewing party, on Wednesday,
December 2, 2009. Doors at 7pm and the telecast starts at 8 pm. Come hang with fellow music lovers in the newly opened Greenroom of Warehouse Live! Admission is FREE.

"The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! - Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" is a live one-hour television special - once again will set the stage for the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast. The special will be broadcast from Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Dec. 2, 8 p.m on the CBS Television Network, and will announce nominations in several categories as well as feature performances by past GRAMMY winners and/or nominees.

Warehouse Live, December 2, 2009 - 7pm - ?
813 St Emanuel
Houston, TX 77002

Warehouse Live :: Houston TX

Twice the Live From SugarHill on 12.3.09 featuring
Something Fierce with The King Khan and BBQ Show
& Winter Wallace with Tody Castillo

IT'S A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER LIVE FROM SUGARHILL!
Two episodes cued up for December broadcast, Episode XI featuring Something Fierce and The King Khan and BBQ Show and Episode XII featuring Tody Castillo and Winter Wallace

(HOUSTON, TX) 11.30.09 - Live From SugarHill shows Houston its gratitude with two special broadcasts this month. Episode XI features pop punk trio Something Fierce and internationally loved garage rock legends, The King Khan and BBQ Show. In this episode, host Rosa Guerrero takes the lead while producer Gina Miller steps out from the shadows to join in the interview mayhem, including zany performances and a surprise striptease from community guest and 'audience of one' Matthew Wettergreen. Wettergreen is an educator, community architect and cofounder of Caroline Collective. He teaches at Rice University on the intersection of art and engineering. He develops community based education models and organizes forums for discussion including Bandcamp, Music Mentoring and Barcamps. See how the mice play when the cat's away by tuning into http://www.vimeo.com/livefromsugarhill on 12.3.09. Live from SugarHill, Episode XI airs on December 3, 2009 at noon and is a collaborative effort between Zenfilm, OutboundMusic.com and SugarHill Recording Studios.

Something Fierce (Dirtnap Records) started with a love for groups like The Clash, mining their punk/powerpop foundation. Their first full-length, Come For The Bastards, was released in the Summer of 2006 with Frenchie Smith of Young Heart Attack producing. The album served as an introduction to their mix of speedy punk with indie rock sensibilities, such as the dual vocals of Steven Garcia and Niki Sevven. Over the last four years, has released two seven inches and another full-length, There Are No Answers. Sara Cress of the Houston Chronicle wrote, "Something Fierce has always been on a mission: say it fast, say it loud, make it fun and make it mean something."

King Khan and Mark "BBQ" Sultan had collaborated as members of the Montreal-based Spaceshits from 1995-1999. During a European tour, Blacksnake (King Khan's moniker) opted to remain in Germany and the group disbanded. Sultan went on to start another popular Montreal-based band, Les Sexareenos, before venturing off on his own as a one-man band under the pseudonym BBQ. As BBQ, Sultan re-established contact with Khan, playing alongside his new band, King Khan & the Shrines. The two began writing songs and playing them live at sporadic shows around Germany and Spain.

Meanwhile, the broadcast of Episode XII will air live later that evening, get back to normal and feature homegrown talents Tody Castillo and Winter Wallace being interviewed by Rosa Guerrero, alongside award-winning record producer, Dan Workman. Local blogger, Eggs of Breakfast on Tour will be on hand as our audience of one for Episode XII.

Texas songwriter Tody Castillo's sound has been compared to Tom Petty, Ron Sexsmith, Ryan Adams and Rufus Wainwright with the vocal stylings of Jeff Buckley, Fran Healy and Jeff Tweedy. When Steve Earle first heard Tody's music while shopping for producers for his critically acclaimed album Townes, its claimed that one listen gave Earle enough confidence to hire Houston producer Steve Christensen for the project. Castillo's new album Windhorse was born out of personal tragedy, yet teeming with hope.

According to the Houston Press, Winter Wallace is a phenomenally genteel indie band that has a certain Ingrid Michaelson/Cat Power quality to them, with similarities stretching beyond similar song format or quirky clothing accessories or soft colors on their MySpace pages: they are legitimately talented. Their first EP, entitled Lisa, was produced by Dan Workman.

Live from SugarHill, Episode XII airs on December 3, 2009 at 7p.m. CST and is a collaborative effort between Zenfilm, OutboundMusic.com and SugarHill Recording Studios. Episode XII's video broadcast will follow on Thursday, December 17th in time for Christmas delivery!

The show is free and listeners can login for a live stream at http://www.outboundmusic.com/lfsh. It's available free within 48 hours on Vimeo at http://www.vimeo.com/livefromsugarhill or on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=301652186.

WHAT: Live From SugarHill Episode XI featuring The King Khan and BBQ Show and Episode XII featuring Tody Castillo and Winter Wallace

WHEN: Thursday, December 3, 2009 from Noon - 1p.m. and 7 - 8p.m. CST at http://vimeo.com/livefromsugarhill and http://www.outboundmusic.com/lfsh

MORE: For more information contact Gina Miller at 713.926.4431 ext. 1102
For more on Something Fierce visit: http://www.somethingfiercemusic.com

For more on The King Khan & BBQ Show visit: http://www.myspace.com/thekingkhanbbqshow

For more on Tody Castillo visit: http://www.todycastillo.com
For more on Winter Wallace visit: http://www.myspace.com/winterwallace
For more on Zenfilm visit: http://www.zenfilm.com
For more on Outbound Music visit: http://www.outboundmusic.com

Lost in Space Fest, 12.5.09 on the rooftop of Khon's!

The Mark Meyer Fund(raiser)

Our friend and fellow audio engineer, Mark Meyer of SoundWorks, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Show your support by stopping by a special fundraiser on his behalf. Hope to see you there!

[LSFH] Female Demand & Runaway Sun LIVE 11.5.09

2009-11-02T07:56:00.000-08:00

LIVE FROM SUGARHILL EPISODE X AIRS NOVEMBER 5, 2009

Episode ten featuring Female Demand and Runaway Sun set to air at 7 p.m. CST

(HOUSTON, TX) 11.2.09 - This month, Live From SugarHill features Female Demand and
Runaway Sun. Host Rosa Guerrero returns to interview guests alongside award-winning
record producer, Dan Workman. Community guest and 'audience of one' is JR Cohen. Cohen is the general manager of the Forbes and NY Times acclaimed lounge/coffee bar The Coffee Groundz. He utilizes community support and resources and is a founder of a movement entitled #SLGT, Support Local Grow Together. Live from SugarHill, Episode X airs on November 5, 2009 at 7p.m. CST and is a collaborative effort between Zenfilm, OutboundMusic.com and SugarHill Recording Studios.

Female Demand is a duo that takes a different approach to the term 'band'. They are Jonathan Perez and Bradley Muñoz, and their music broadcasts a complex, intricate wave of sound to be received by the ears. Their minimalist style of rock is both ambient and reminiscent of an instrumental Devo.

Runaway Sun's debut EP garnered them a Best Blues nomination in the 2009 Houston Press Music Awards and a slot at an official showcase at SXSW playing alongside GRAMMY nominee Diane Birch. Their live performances are a spirited yet introspective journey through a world of women, hoboes, whiskey, cars and late nights in the big city. The band moonlights as one of Houston's top do-gooders - playing a myriad of local charity events, including Walk Now for Autism and Empty Bowls Houston. The band recently released their 10-song LP The Bridge and will hit the road on tour supporting the release this February.

Zenfilm is a nationally recognized film production company and HD post boutique based in Houston, TX. The creation of long time producer/director team Merideth Melville and W. Ross Wells, Zen has experienced exponential growth and received numerous awards since founding in 2005. Zen works with agencies and record labels to create national TV commercials, music videos and viral media. They also develop and maintain sustainable social marketing initiatives.

Founded in 2001, OutboundMusic.com is an Internet radio and music retailer whose goal is to promote music produced by independent recording artists. They currently promote nearly 700 artists, both Texas based acts and many international talents.

The show is free and listeners can login for a live stream at http://www.outboundmusic.com/lfsh. It's available free within 48 hours on Vimeo at http://www.vimeo.com/livefromsugarhill or on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=301652186.

WHAT: Live From SugarHill Episode X featuring Female Demand and Runaway Sun

WHEN: Thursday, November 5, 2009 7 - 8p.m. CST at http://www.outboundmusic.com/lfsh

MORE: For more information contact Gina Miller at 713.926.4431 ext. 1102
For more on Female Demand visit: http://www.myspace.com/femaledemand
For more on Runaway Sun visit: http://www.runawaysun.com
For more on Zenfilm visit: http://www.zenfilm.com
For more on Outbound Music visit: h ttp://www.outboundmusic.com

About SugarHill Recording Studios
The oldest continually operating recording studio in Texas is nestled in a southeast Houston neighborhood that over time has been home to legendary producers, record labels, and artists who've produced some of the most historically important and widely recognized musical recordings. Beginning the legacy in 1946, musician Harry Choates, with producer Bill Quinn, laid tracks for the Cajun classic "Jole Blon" for Gold Star Records. Blues icon Lightnin' Hopkins recorded soon thereafter. In the 1950's the studio hosted Pappy Dailey's D label, George Jones cut "Why Baby Why?" and the Big Bopper recorded "Chantilly Lace." Willie Nelson, Bobby Bland and Arnett Cobb recorded sessions. In 1960s, the Sir Douglas Quintet tracked "She's About a Mover." The mid-1970s introduced Crazy Cajun producer Huey P. Meaux and his work with Freddy Fender and Clifton Chenier. Since the 1980s, SugarHill has hosted Tejano artist Little Joe, country great Johnny Bush, and urban powerhouse Beyoncé.

f
Female Demand

Runaway Sun photo by: Paul Galland

Don't Forget! Texas Big Beat is tomorrow! 11.1.09

2009-10-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

Don't Forget! Texas Big Beat 11.1.09

You're Invited! Latin GRAMMY Viewing Party 11.5.09

2009-10-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

You are invited to a special Latin GRAMMY viewing party!

Please join us for a special fundraising event benefitting
The Recording Academy Texas Chapter

Admission is $35/members and $50/non-members.
RSVP to SugarHill Studios 713.926.4431

Brought to you by:

SPONSORS
House of Dereon Media Center
Mamacita's Mexican Restaurant
Heineken Beer
Hennessy Liquor
Messina Hof Winery & Resort

HOSTS
Recording Academy Governors
Sunny Sauceda, Vice President, GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY Winner
Heather Wagner, Board Secretary and President, Juice Consulting LLC
Mathew Knowles, President and CEO Music World Entertainment, Inc.
Gilbert Velasquez, 8-time GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY Winning Producer
Paul Wall, GRAMMY Nominee and National Rap Artist
Joe Posada, 5-time GRAMMY Nominated Producer
Rodney Alejandro, Latin GRAMMY Nominated Artist/Producer
Gina Miller, SugarHill Recording Studios
David Acosta, CPA to the Stars

Recording Academy Members
Jerry Vann, Artist Relations
Rudy Rincon, Grupo Kache
Baby Jay, Roland Entertainment Teen Rap Artist

2009 Latin GRAMMY Nominees
La Mafia (2-time GRAMMY and 2-time Latin GRAMMY Winner) Best Grupero Album
Jaime y Los Chamacos (5-time GRAMMY, 2-time Latin GRAMMY Nominee) Best Tejano Album
Avizo (2006 GRAMMY Nominee) Best Tejano Album

Community Leaders
U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
Texas State Senator Mario Gallegos
Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia
Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia
Texas State Representative Carol Alvarado
Harris County Constable Victor Trevino
Houston City Councilman James Rodriguez
Oliver Luck, President and General Manager, Houston Dynamo
Daniel Bustamante, Director, Festival Chicano
Chris Gray, Music Editor, Houston Press
Rick Heysquierdo, KPFT Lone Star Jukebox
Nellie Gonzalez, Emmy and Telly Winning Television Host
Allen Hill and Andrea Greer, Allen Hill Entertainment
Mary Connealy Acosta, Attorney at Law

ADMISSION PRICE
$35.00 Members of the Recording Academy, Houston Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce, Houston CPA Society, AAMA and ALPHA
$50.00 Non-members

Intern(al) View

2008-05-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hello again from the interns,

Tonight, The Last Concert Cafe will be hosting SugarHill's second Music Industry Mixer, where industry professionals, musicians and friends come to enjoy eachother's company. After the larger then expected attendance at April's Music Industry Mixer, we are excited to see tonight's turnout.

The summer has brought a new intern into the fold. Miguel is a student from Dan's class at Houston Community College. He has already shown his diligence by sorting through hundreds of pictures for Andy's upcoming book. The yet untitled book will focus on SugarHill's history, and the many interesting characters who have graced the halls of the south's oldest continuously operating recording facility.

until next time,

-Interns

Intern(al) View

2008-04-23T13:40:00.001-07:00

Well guys, it has been over a month in coming but here is the latest in the studio. Andy has been busy with New Heart Ministries recording and now mixing their up-coming album. Today Andy has been mixing for the new Willie Nelson album and all the interns agree it is going to be amazing! On April fifteenth Dan Workman, Connie Mims, Bridget Bauer, Heather Wagner and John Lomax hosted The Music Makers Mixer. Over three hundred of Houston's musicians, performers, engineers and industry professionals came to enjoy the laid back atmosphere and make new friends. The next few months are going to be extremely busy. Studio A is booked full for the next month!! So if you don't hear from the Interns in a few weeks, it's because we are busy making level 18 coffee for worn out engineers.

Till then....

hello spring!

2008-03-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

things are heating up once again around the studio. many cool concert and community sponsorships are about to be announced. stay tuned. our current crop of interns are literally making things move at the studio. much spring cleaning being done, new paint and lots of fun sessions are being had. good times for all.

Intern(al) View

2008-03-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Spring cleaning continues with the painting of the main office. Everyone seems to love the "SugarHill Blue". In the last couple weeks the interns have been very busy. Brandon, Sam, and Adam shadowed Andy at the Houston Grand Opera at the Wortham Theater. All three of these interns were drooling over the selection of Neumans and Sennheisers used to record the Opera. Lindsay drove to Galveston to record The Rob Landes Trio with Andy. Lindsay was glad to get out of the studio and record in a new environment. Pyle, Chris L, and Adam helped out Three Fantastic with backgound vocals for their upcoming release entitled: Hot Fantastic featuring Captain Charles Peters the IV and Truman Cox the III, esq. MD.

Intern(al) View

2008-03-05T07:44:00.000-08:00

As the smell of paint lingers in the waiting room after the past week's spring-cleaning, a certain Congresswomen booked Studio A to record an endorsement for Democratic presidential nominee. Grammy Award winning artist Cynthia Clawson is recording her up coming album this week in Studio A. Intern Chris L. was here at the studio to see Cynthia's Steinway piano delivered and setup. In Studio B, The Rogues recorded bagpipes and bodhrán. Intern Chris P sat in on The Rogues' session, learning Andy's method to mic-ing bagpipes. Intern Adam will be receiving an album credit for background vocals on The Rogues' cover of "Centerfold" by The J. Geil's Band.

Next week - jazz, opera and answering phones, lots of phones

Intern(al) View

2008-02-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

With the advent of the spring semester, a new crop of interns come to SugarHill Studios to learn a thing or two about the day to day work involved in running and working in a recording studio. We have decided to give these interns a sounding board. A place where they can provide the lowdown on the current state of SugarHill Studios. The Interns will be posting a new blog once a week to give you a peek inside the studio.

Busy Work

2007-09-06T20:09:00.001-07:00

Studio A has been locked out by a company that trains executives to deal with public media opportunities. This is different day at the office compared to our usual day to day music sessions. The hallway and break room have been filled with rock-star execs. Even the guys teaching the course left in a white stretch limo. The corporate world never looked so,....well,... rockin! I think that the execs are having a great time hiding out in the vibe and tech heavy world of the music studio.

I guess I can use this forum to make some sort of public proclamation: that Gina Miller has been tearing it up lately. We've got some cool new SugarHill buttons, and we are involved in all sorts of concert series around town. Oh yeah, the vacuum cleaner. It actually rocks. It should for what we paid for it. But damn it looks nice around here. Got a new website too (thanks, Jeremy Osborne!)

Speaking of getting organized, Steve Christensen has the messiest desk in the whole building. I'm not sure, but the dumpster might be more logically arranged. Anyway, office-mate, John Griffin shamed Steve by cleaning up his half of the room. I completed the shaming by informing Steve that it has become embarrassing to drag my clients past the refuse mound of his desk.
Now I'm telling the world. Ha. Clean it up, Steve.

the phantom blogger

vacuums and reality shows.

2007-09-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

the studio has a new baby today. the DYSON Absolute. this vacuum cleaner is the mother of all of its kind and we love it. when i brought it in, all the engineers in the office gathered 'round the box like proud parents and of course -- checking out the features. they plugged it in and gave it a test run -- and i think there is some dust from the 70's that got sucked up in that chamber. anyway this piece of office equipment has become a celebrity around the office.

and speaking of celebrities - the daughter of a certain boxer came to the studio today to record herself singing the National Anthem for an upcoming Indy 500 race. Turns out he and his family are the focus of a new reality show being taped in Houston and the producers have asked to come in and shoot some scenes inside the studios.

not too bad for a wednesday.

There is a sucker bought every minute.

2007-09-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Today the big debate was whether our ancient vacuum cleaner had bitten the dust (and regurgitated it) once and for all. Our Operations Manager, Jimmy Jaymes had borne the brunt of trying to repair this old hoovey on more than a few occassions. Last night - in preparation a well-known client coming in at 7 a.m. this morning, the machine disrespected us for the last time. Now the search is on for its replacement machine. Any suggestions?