Watch out Brooke Hogan; Looks like you’re not the only one who knows best when it comes to music. On October 31st, Glenn Douglas Packard, Vh1 star, released the video for his first official single "Love Dance.” This marks the first time that Glenn has produced a record, directed a video, & is being staged as the "center guy". The single features double platinum artist BEU SISTERS and is available on iTunes.  Glenn says, "As all of you know I released my first single "LOVE DANCE" it was something I told myself I would do this year, & I’m one of those types of people when I dream it, I make it into a reality. After I released it, a lot of people and fans asked if there would be a music video. So because "I CAN" is in my vocabulary I got right on it." 

The extended version music video for "Love Dance" begins as a mini-movie. It reminded me of the first time I watched "Thriller," back in 1984. I knew I was waiting for a music video to start but at the same time, I was anxiously wanting to know what happens to the five best friends on their road trip. Kudos on the production of the mini-movie itself, along with the sexy and provocative pop video packed with energy that makes you want to get up and do the "Love Dance!" 

Along with promoting and performing "LOVE DANCE" around the world, Glenn is the face and celebrity endorser for bullyingacademy.org. The Bullying Academy program was created to help students and educators recognize the dangers of bullying and cyber bullying. Their primary emphasis is to inform students of preventative measures related to bullying as well as to develop effective communication strategies. The program generates data, which can be compared by class, school, or district in an effort to monitor effectiveness of bullying prevention education. During conversations with Glenn, it was evident to me that he takes great pride in being able to share his experience about being from a small town where homosexuality was not discussed. Glenn shares the importance of talking with the kids face to face and how much of an impact it makes when the TV personalities that these children see as role models, actually come to their school.

Glenn Douglas Packard, proudly born and raised on a farm in Michigan, is an Emmy nominated Choreographer to the stars and TV personality. His choreography for some of the biggest artists in the industry, include; Michael Jackson, Ricky Martin, Usher, Missy Elliot & Pink. He recently finished working on two new films as an actor/choreographer in "LITLLE HERCULES" & "MOVE: The Film", as well as being internationally recognized for his role on Vh1’s hit show, "Brooke Knows Best." 

At the age of 19, Glenn suffered a tragic tractor accident that almost took his life. After recovering from a broken back, nearly losing
his leg, and spending over a year in the hospital, Glenn wasn’t about to let anything stop him from fulfilling his dreams. It is Glenn’s wish that not everyone has to suffer through a tragedy in order to find their passion and live the life they desire. Christie Beu noted, "I had never met anyone so driven, so inspiring, so lovable and full of life in all my years. Being around Glenn reminds you simply to live, to laugh, to love, and to dance!" 

Glenn developed an international following as the outrageous but real gay character that has inspired an audience to "live your adventures, be yourself, & never be ashamed of who you are". With nearly 400,000 YouTube views, Glenn has set his mark as an international gay entertainer. 
 
Search TattooedAngelsTube on YouTube to find Glenn’s latest release!  www.glenndouglaspackard.com

As featured on the cover of Connextions Magazine, Issue 5.

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Imani the Misfit, being dubbed as the bisexual rapper, is an internet celebrity, entrepreneur, record producer, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor and model from Maryland.  With a growing 59,000 friends, he may be best known for his internet presence on Myspace.

With his controversial rap artistry, Imani's latest release "Question Authority" has a tough exterior with explicit lyrics, he relays powerful messages such as:  "you deserve what you allow" and "if you want to make a change, you gotta be a born leader not a slave" "cuz every legend that this world has ever seen has been perceived as a threat to society."

www.myspace.com/misfitradioone
http://twitter.com/imanithemisfit

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 5.


Be sure not to miss future issues of Connextions Magazine!  Subscribe here to receive the digital edition,  FREE.

Purchase your copy of the latest issue in Barnes & Noble.  Click here for a list of available store locations.

Melissa Ferrick, with her impressive 20 year career in the music industry, released her latest album "Still Right Here" on September 13, 2011 via MPress Records.  "Still Right Here" is Ferrick's first studio record in five years, and boasts guest vocals from friend and often tour mate, Ani DiFranco and guitar work from the incredible Kaki King.

Melissa Ferrick's impressive career as a predominantly independent artist is virtually unheard of in today's industry and speaks to her talent and the world she has built for herself.  There is her expansive body of work, mapped out over the sixteen albums that comprise her career to date.

"I'm glad I've gotten as far as I have.  I'm glad I've survived the industry and its changes, that I can still make a living playing shows and making records.  And whenever I start to think maybe I shouldn't do this, I try to remember that it's no accident that I've written 150 songs, and people are still coming to shows.  I'll just keep doing this until I'm not doing it anymore."  states Melissa.

Listening to the tracks on her new release, brings on that familiar emotion and passion that Ferrick has always brought to her fans.  You can instantly relate to feelings of falling in love, breaking up, and recovering from broken hearts.  Album namesake and opening single, "Still Right Here" serves as the records mission statement.  "The track was inspired by a friend who walked away from a terrible car accident," Ferrick states.  Musically, the track showcases the signature guitar sound that Melissa is revered for, blending seamlessly with her lawless gritty vocals.

www.melissaferrick.com

Connextions Magazine featured Melissa Ferrick on the cover of Issue 4.

Lori Michaels - her music, her productions, her passions

Since 2006, when the nation began to take notice of this talented diva, Lori Michaels has been on an unparalleled journey.  She has graced the cover and/or been featured in several LGBT magazines, including:  Curve, GO!, SheMag, IN LA, San Francisco Bay Times, GirL, and PrideMag...to name a few.  Her music has been featured in films, TV shows, and radio stations across the Country, and her videos have been seen on such networks as TLC, Style, CW11 and here!

Lori's highly energetic and motivated personality shines not ony through her music and performances but also in her passion as an activist for causes that she truly cares about.  Lori is Founder and President of the non-profit organization, Reach Out, Inc.  This organization educates and promotes awareness about the perils of illegal drugs, alcohol abuse, tobacco, crime, violence, prejudice, and life threatening diseases such as AIDS and Cancer.  She has also contributed to such projects and programs as H.E.R.O (Help Everyone Reach Out), raising awareness and funds for breast cancer, A.N.G.E.L. (Awakening New Generations Enhancing Lives), an initiative promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention, Dance for Health (encouraging communities to get involved in positive activities to be healthy, and O.U.T. Proud! (Out United Together), promoting equal rights for all, helping in the opposition of human rights' violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

In May of 2011, Lori will give a legendary performance at the OUTMusic Awards in NYC.  She is also being nominated for her hit song "Rebound."

In June of 2011, Lori graciously accepted the honor of being Celebrity Host for the All Inclusive Chicago Gay & Lesbian Wedding event at the Stan Mansion in Chicago.  This event will celebrate the newly passed law (effective June 1, 2011) that allows same-sex civil unions to take place in the state of Illinois.  This is one "partay" not to be missed and as fate should have it, seems to be the perfect venue for her I want the RIGHT campaign, which launched in 2010.  The official music video for her hit song "THE RIGHT" was directed by Gabrielle Lindau (produced by Lori Michaels, Stephanie Stokes and Gabrielle Lindau.)

Connextions Magazine will certainly be keeping our eyes on this lesbian superstar, as she is sure not to slow down any time soon.  WE WANT THE RIGHT!

www.lorimichaelsmusic.com
www.facebook.com/iwanttheright

Lori Michaels was featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 3.

The Journey to Inner Freedom

In 2010, at age 37, Darragh accepts and admits openly that he is gay.

Finding the courage to ‘come out’ as a gay man, takes the support of special people. The first encounter with my best friend was a heartfelt, non-judgemental, two hour conversation with her (then a complete stranger), while she sat in the back of my taxi cab in 2009. From that night, our journey as friends began as did my personal journey to inner freedom.
 
I have had many relationships with women and while I do love women, I always knew something wasn’t right. I could never connect with a women, on that most intimate level. I loved to the best of my ability at the time. I tried to be straight. For my Mom, my family, and my friends...my fear of rejection was strong.

The final step in letting go and accepting myself as a gay man, came through music. It was during the recording of a song I had written about someone else, "Who Am I?" I realized that the time had finally come, when I had to stop running. I am gay.

The whole idea of "coming out" was not something I had given any thought about, but I also knew I could no longer bury that which I had now embraced. The realization and acceptance that I am gay is one thing, but telling others is a whole different ball game. Obviously, the first phone call made was to my best friend, who was, of course, excited and supportive. And much to my
surprise, as I shared my big news with other friends and family, I heard comments such as "it’s about time" and "we’ve been waiting to hear this since High School."

The weeks have now passed by and I am still amazed at the freedom I feel. My message is simple: Be proud of who you are and walk tall.   www.thesingingtaxidriver.com  

Darragh McGann comes from Ireland where he has built up a reputation and career as an Irish Lyrical Baritone and Singing Taxi Driver. In 1995, Darragh was hired to be a Stand-in and Screen Double for Hollywood Legend Marlon Brando on a movie filmed in Ireland. Darragh has been heard on radio interviews, held concert performances and has had apprearances on television, both in Ireland and in America.

Darragh McGann was featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 2.