I want to thank ALL of you for your support over the years. Some of you may know if you’ve been following me; after years of doing marketing, public relations and business development for artists and nonprofits, I realized, through my volunteerism at MaxFund, that I was ready for a change. Therefore, I have left the rat race of promoting awesome people and projects and have been working at a dog daycare for the last few months. I recently began a training program through Animal Behavior College to become a certified dog trainer; in spring, I will also be doing their veterinary assistant program.

The domain for Spunky PR will be active until it expires in spring but I am no longer taking on any new projects or clients so I am letting everyone know ASAP about this change. You can contact me at my email, lauramc719@gmail.com, and through my blog at http://spunkylife.wordpress.com/. My phone will remain the same, 303-550-5652. In 2012, I will be officially launching my new business, Delightful Doggies, offering pet sitting and dog walking services, and ultimately dog training services.

I do still plan to promote my husband’s work; I am also committed to helping market the film on which I have worked in other capacities, “Walk-ins Welcome.” But other than these commitments, my new business and my work as a volunteer with MaxFund, I do not plan to take on any new clients or projects in the foreseeable future under the Spunky PR banner.

If you have marketing/PR needs down the road, I am happy to try and find resources for you. I really value the relationship we have had and your support of my talent and abilities. I have really been fortunate to work with people and projects in which I really have a lot of passion and love, and all of you are very talented and wonderful people! I wish you all the best moving forward. Don’t hesitate to contact me for any help, regardless of the status of my former business!

All best and much love to all of you,
Laura, your Spunky One

(DENVER, Colo., Nov. 2, 2011) — Westword Showcase-winning funk/rock band the Demon Funkies are proud to announce the release of their newest CD, Back on the Monkey, to be officially released on Saturday, November 19 at the Soiled Dove Underground in Denver, Colo.

Back on the Monkey is the third CD from the Demon Funkies, and delivers their unique balance of funk and rock, and more. It also delivers a first: an outlaw country track, “Make One Right,” featuring band leader Ryan Chrys on antique banjo and the Burning Sensation on antique piano. The rhythm tracks for the album were all cut live, capturing the loose-and-fun performance atmosphere for which the Demon Funkies are well known. The band’s edgy balance of guitars, keyboards and saxophone, coupled with high-octane energy, are all there. Back on the Monkey is perhaps the best representation to date of the Demon Funkies’ unique sound.

“Demon Funkies have always had a monkey on our back, we’ve faded and re-surged, crumbled and rebuilt during our time in Denver, but this album is proof that we are alive and well,” said Chrys. “We’ve turned the tables and now we’re the back on the monkey. We’ve spanked the monkey back into shape and we’re excited for our fans to hear the results.”

The CD release party on November 19 is a joint release party with Backseat Dirty Lovers. Reno Divorce members Brent Loveday and Tye Battistella will open the show, and there will be special Denver music scene guests appearing throughout the evening. It will take place at the Soiled Dove Underground, 7401 E. 1st Ave., Denver, Colo. on Saturday, November 19 at 8 p.m. The show is for ages 21+ and will be filmed. Tickets are now on sale online, at the Soiled Dove Underground box office or Twist & Shout Records.

Visit www.demonfunkies.com and ryanchrys.bandcamp.com for more information and to hear tracks from Back on the Monkey. Physical copies of CDs for review are also available. Contact Spunky PR at spunky@spunkypr.com, 303-550-5652 or Spillout Music at spilloutmusic@yahoo.com, 303-489-7457.

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As I grew older, my life took other directions. I have been blessed to be able to have done a lot of things I always wanted to do–travel, promote great art, music and causes, and work on projects that create community impact. Since last fall I have volunteered time with MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center. I admit I was a bit timid to do this but I felt it was the right thing to do. I am sensitive about animals and it is sometimes challenging to be at a shelter, to wish for a better life for these homeless and “unwanted” souls among us, but it has been far more enriching than saddening, and it has really inspired a new path for me.

Therefore, Spunky PR is on hold…in a sense. I am no longer accepting new clients and I have taken a job at–of all places–a dog daycare facility! It’s a huge change of pace for me and it’s another step to developing a career working with animals to hopefully make an impact on their welfare and educate people for a more humane world.

FOUR MILLION cats and dogs–about one every eight seconds–are euthanized EVERY YEAR in shelters across the U.S. That’s a terrible statistic. We buy and sell animals as commodities and then toss them aside. This is wrong and while I know I won’t solve the problem overnight, I do want to try to be part of the solution. A dog daycare doesn’t directly equate to solving pet overpopulation but it does give me some experience dealing with dogs and learning more about their behavior. It is my goal to enter a training program this fall or winter to obtain certification as a dog trainer and veterinary assistant so that I can work with people who would otherwise relinquish pets to shelters to solve behavioral issues, as well as have a strong foundational knowledge to help with physical problems. Besides working with animals and their people, I would use these added skills to help area shelters and rescues.

This is my dream–and we all need to try and pursue our dreams. While I am not completely opposed to helping artists and nonprofits under the Spunky PR banner as I have for several years now, it has definitely taken a back seat to these pursuits. It’s been a pleasure working with so many to promote such great music, art and causes. Thank you and keep in touch–I’m not completely gone, just gone to the dogs!

All best,
Laura “Spunky” McGaughey
Spunky PR / Spunky Scribbles

Spunky and Jasper, Bear Valley Park, Memorial Day 2011

I am walking in the event and trying to raise at least $500. I’m right now 73% of the way there and I really need YOUR help to make it the rest of the way–or better yet–exceed my goal!

Would you please be willing to make a donation today to help me out? I know times are tough but if everyone of you gave even just five bucks, I’d definitely exceed my goal! No amount is too great or small and I would appreciate anything you’re willing to give. Even if you can just share this email or the link to my donation page with others you know via email, Facebook or any other method you have to widen my ability to raise funds for this great organization, I’d be SO grateful and appreciative of any way in which you can give!

Not sure what to give?

• $15 covers one day of cozy housing and good yummies & treats
• $45 covers the cost of vaccinations that EACH animal receives when they come to MaxFund
• $60 covers the cost of a spay or neuter
• $75 covers a routine medical exam
• $110 covers a routine medical exam including blood work

MaxFund has been rated as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator for seven consecutive years, meaning their fiscal management is top-notch and money goes directly to animals in need, animals who would otherwise be euthanized. They have a special mission to help animals with medical/behavioral needs, and operate spay/neuter programs statewide to control the pet population. They are the state’s largest no-kill group and Denver’s ONLY no-kill shelter.

Please help me out. A little goes a long way. My life has really been impacted by my volunteerism at MaxFund, and I know whenever I can give, I feel so good, not just for those whom I’m helping, but selfishly for myself. Giving makes people feel good and I am grateful for anything you can spare, even if it’s just posting my links on your Facebook pages.

Thanks for listening! You can donate by clicking here TODAY!
Laura, your Spunky One

This is Jasper, who came to us from MaxFund, and he's wondering why you haven't donated yet!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Denver Office of Cultural Affairs Presents 6th Annual Create Denver Expo Saturday, May 14, 2011
Part of Create Denver Week May 12-15

DENVER, CO – APRIL 28, 2011 – On Saturday, May 14, the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) will present its 6th annual Create Denver Expo. The program will be held at the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave., from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Webb Building will be open for registration at 9:00 a.m. with welcoming remarks at 9:30 by Kent Rice, Director of Arts & Venues Denver. The Expo is a program of Create Denver Week, May 12 – 15.

The Expo is a day-long event that provides creative individuals and business owners a “one-stop” opportunity to learn of various small business services and programs that can help stabilize their creative enterprise and plan for the future.

Registration for the Create Denver Expo and other events and programs associated with Create Denver Week is available online at http://bit.ly/CDWeekExpoRSVP. Registration is $5 (with lunch option from Mad Greens) and allows for access to an unlimited number of workshops. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, as capacity is limited. Those wishing to visit only the exhibition hall need not register. Advance registration closes May 11. Registration will also be available at the door on the day of the program (cash only). For complete details on the various activities taking place as part of Create Denver Week, visit www.denvergov.org/CreateDenver.

A sample of workshop titles includes:

• Grant writing for Artists
• Branding Your Online Identity
• The Artist’s Survival Guide (Fractured Atlas)
• Financial Literacy for Creatives
• DIA Art & Culture Master Plan Update & Round Table
• Working with the City: Building Code, Zoning & Permits
• Artist Portfolio Discussion & Individual Reviews (DADA)
• Introduction to Fiscal Sponsorship and Fundraising
• Media’s Role in the Thriving Music Community (DP REVERB)
• Public Art 101: From Application to Installation

More than 60 organizations will be participating as exhibitors and/or workshop presenters at the Create Denver Expo, including: Art District on Santa Fe; Artists Creative Agency; Boulder Digital Arts; City and County of Denver/Development Services; College In Colorado; Colorado Artist Network (CAN); Colorado Creative Industries; COMBO; Communication Training Consultants; Creative Connections; Creatives and Business; Denver Art Dealers Association (DADA); Denver Art Museum/Untitled; Denver Arts Society; Denver ComicFest; Denver Design Incubator; Denver Handmade Alliance; Denver Metro Small Business Development Center; Denver Musicians Association; Denver Office of Cultural Affairs; Denver Post/Reverb; Denver Public Library; Denver Writers Meet up; DOCA-Public Art; Fashion Denver; Fractured Atlas; Get Known, Get Big Marketing; Indie Arsenal; Jacqueline Webster Photography; Kickstand Magazine & The Denver Cruiser Ride; Leanne Goebel-Art Writer; Mod Space; New York Life; Parker Arts Culture & Events Center; Public Art Group; Public Art Programs; Reed Photo-Imaging; Replin, Rhoades & Ratner, LLC; Rocky Mountain Cultural Exchange; Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute; Silo Workshop; South Westminster Arts Group; Spunky PR; Stjamesmedia; The Art Institute of Colorado; The Creative Farm; The Other Side Arts; Thriving Artist Alliance; University of Colorado Denver; ZOArchitects.

Create Denver is an initiative of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA). Create Denver seeks to strengthen the overall health and vitality of Denver by supporting the growth and development of the creative sector, including creative enterprises such as film, music, art galleries, art districts, fashion and graphic design and individual artists.

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Many thanks to the following sponsors for their support of the Create Denver Expo:
Westword; Mad Greens; Thriving Artist Alliance; Art District on Santa Fe

Special thanks to:
Coffee Etcetera Espresso Bar
Public Office Buildings, City of Denver
Technology Services, City of Denver

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MaxFund's 15th Annual Lucky Mutt Strut

What: MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center‘s 15th Annual Lucky Mutt Strut to raise money for homeless animals!
When: Sunday, June 26
Time: 9 a.m. – registration starts at 7:30 a.m.
Where: Washington Park, Denver, Colo.
Register in advance: http://luckymutt.blacktie-athon.com/

My husband and I are both excited to be walking in this year’s Lucky Mutt Strut and we are competing to see who will raise the most money!

You, too, can also participate. If you can’t, please consider donating to our team, team Jasper. As I said, my husband and I are somewhat competing, so I hope you’ll donate through my profile!

To donate through my husband’s page, click here.

Teams are “walking for” dogs that have been with MaxFund for a while, or who have had special challenges along the way. There are 10 of these dog ambassadors. We are walking for Boogie, who is currently in a foster home and with whom I have had many walks and love dearly.

Boogie

Please donate today – I aspire to be a top fundraiser and these wonderful animals and this great organization are deserving. MaxFund is consistently rated at the highest level – four stars – by Charity Navigator, meaning their resources are used wisely to actually go to the animals in need!

(DENVER, Colo., March 15, 2011) — Surplus Cheaper Hands, a collective of musicians assembled by Russ Christiansen including Eric Shiveley and members of The Hollyfields, New Ben Franklins, Ten Cent Redemption and Three Miles West, and a Front Range cast of more than a dozen musicians, announces the release of their vinyl 12″ LP project, It’s Your Parade, at the Soiled Dove Underground on Friday, April 15 at 7 p.m.

“I believe songs exist outside us. We are a conduit. Surplus Cheaper Hands was a project designed to put my beliefs to the test,” says Christiansen, the songwriter for and mastermind behind the Surplus Cheaper Hands collective. Putting his beliefs to the test meant finding a group of talented musicians who wouldn’t mind coming in and cutting a record without any prior rehearsing and without even getting a chance to hear or read the material before entering the studio.

The result is seven one-of-a-kind tracks that capture a moment of musical truth born out of spontaneity, cut at Macy Sound Studios, all lovingly engineered by Nick Sullivan, with production input offered by guests from Eric Shiveley to David Devoe, and mastered for vinyl by the incomparable GRAMMY- and OSCAR-winning Larry Nix from Memphis. The energies caught on the record are never to be repeated exactly the same again, and the same holds true for the show. Christiansen’s remarkable lyricism, intimate and uplifting, will be supported by a new mixture of musicians for the live experience, adding new layers and outcomes for the music and those witnessing the magic.

The vinyl release party on April 17 will include support acts the Demon Funkies and The Mighty 18 Wheeler, and will take place at the Soiled Dove Underground. The show is for ages 21+. Advance tickets are $8 ($12 for premier reserved seating) and are on sale now online as well as at Twist & Shout. All pre-sale ticket buyers will also receive the vinyl release at no additional charge. Day-of pricing is $10.

Visit http://surpluscheaperhands.bandcamp.com for more information and to hear tracks from It’s Your Parade. Physical copies of the album for review are also available. Contact Spunky PR at spunky@spunkypr.com, 303-550-5652 or Russ Christiansen at russ.christiansen@gmail.com, 303-638-1422.

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(DENVER, Colo., March 3, 2011) — Ryan Chrys, guitarist/vocalist for the Westword Showcase-winning band the Demon Funkies, announces the debut of his solo CD, The Ambivalent Justice Of…, to be officially released on Thursday, April 7 at the Walnut Room in Denver, Colo. Tickets are now on sale.

The Ambivalent Justice Of… is a collection of all-original, genre-bending songs, all written by Chrys. Featuring guest performances from several outstanding Colorado-based musicians, such as Seth and Josh Larson of Something Underground, Brent Loveday of Reno Divorce, Kailin Yong (formerly of Boulder Acoustic Society), Aubrey Collins (now based in Nashville), Azma Holiday and Christian Teele (E-Town house band), the album officially marks Chrys’ emergence as a credited solo act and singer-songwriter. The music verges on a Santana-like format, with several songs featuring guest vocalists and musicians taking lead position behind Chrys’ guitar and songwriting work.

“I’m so happy with the way this album turned out,” Chrys says. “The amount of raw energy, love and camaraderie that was shared among all of the guest musicians was inspiring and lent a depth to this solo effort for which I am forever grateful. I can’t wait to hear what others think about it and to bring it to the live stage at the Walnut Room, one of the best-sounding rooms Denver has to offer.”

A longstanding name in the Colorado music scene, Chrys has performed as a guitarist for acclaimed bands as Aubrey Collins, Spiv and U.S. Pipe. Currently he is lead guitarist for the Demon Funkies and Angie Stevens and the Beautiful Wreck. In addition, Chrys has performed at premier venues and events such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Summerfest and the Fillmore Auditorium, and has opened for the likes of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, The Fray, and the Flobots.

The CD release party on April 7 will include Chrys backed by Something Underground (Westword showcase winners in both the “Best Pop Band” and “Best Rock Band” categories) and will feature myriad guests, including Angie Stevens, The Broken Everlys, Russ Christiansen (formerly of Three Miles West, now of Surplus Cheaper Hands) and more to be announced. It will take place at the Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St., Denver, Colo. on Thursday, April 7 at 8 p.m. The show is for ages 21+. Tickets are $6 and are on sale now.

Visit www.ryanchrys.com and http://ryanchrys.bandcamp.com for more information and to hear tracks from The Ambivalent Justice Of…. Physical copies of CDs for review are also available. Contact Spunky PR at spunky@spunkypr.com, 303-550-5652 or Spillout Music at spilloutmusic@yahoo.com, 303-489-7457.

First, they have a special mission to help animals who would otherwise be put down right away: medical problems or behavioral problems, they not only focus on rescuing these animals and giving them a place to stay, but giving them the loving, rehabilitating attention they need to be successfully adopted into fitting, responsible and loving homes.

Second, I have found many animal loves there, dog and cat. While I can’t take all of them home, I can help their lives for a while, giving them much-needed socialization and exercise. I can certainly use the exercise and love I receive back from them too! It’s mutually beneficial and a really fun, simple way to volunteer time there.

Lastly, I found my special boy there. When we lost Soup right before Christmas, I was devastated. I will never stop thinking of her or missing her dearly; she was a truly special, irreplaceable and precious dog love in my life. I went into MaxFund on December 26 to walk some dogs. There were several new puppies, but one caught the attention of my husband. His name was Micah and he was finally okay to walk, post-neutering, so we decided to take him out for a walk. He was such a cutie!

We returned him after his walk and took others out. I kept thinking about him. I told my husband, “You know, I’d take that dog…,” unsure of what he may think. He was thinking similar thoughts, so we decided after a little thinking together to fill out an adoption application. When we came back to the front, another lady was showing interest so I got very nervous. In the end, however, we were the lucky chosen ones and we took him home a few days later, December 29.

We rechristened him Jasper and he has been such a blessing. He is so loving, playful and a true star in our neighborhood. Everyone falls in love in an instant with him.

All this is a long story simply to implore you to help me spread the word about MaxFund and their upcoming Annual Chili Cook-off, Sunday, February 20, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Celtic Tavern. You can enter your chili here or you can simply come and taste, and have tons of fun! If you have items to donate for the silent auction (preferably chili or cooking-related), I’d be happy to arrange to get those from you so contact me.

There are many events MaxFund has and also many ways to help: volunteering, becoming a member or making a donation, and much more. MaxFund is the only no-kill shelter in Denver and has a four-star rating–the highest possible–from Charity Navigator, which means they spend their money wisely to go to the animals, not over-inflated salaries or advertising. They rely on word-of-mouth and their hardworking staff and volunteers.

Thank you for indulging me. I hope to see you on February 20! Tell all your friends.

MaxFund Chili Cook-off, February 20, 2011

(DENVER, Colo., February 10, 2011) — Denver-based recording artist Wil Key and Larimar Records have teamed up with GRAMMY-nominated engineer Ryan West (Beyonce, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z) to produce and record a new CD celebrating women in several different roles. Themes include mothers, daughters and lovers of all kinds.

“I wanted to do something musically that would allow me to share and explore my fascination with the female spirit – not just in a sexual sense – but to try to get next to a piece of the inspiration and compassion that they bring to this life,” reflects Wil Key on the new project, which is due out in mid-2011.

The upcoming project, entitled But A Woman, will enlist the GRAMMY-nominated talents of West for a second time and also feature a host of guest artists and musicians from New York, California and Italy.

In addition to writing and performing new music for the CD, artist Wil Key and company held a city-wide model search for a female model to appear on the cover on the fem-focused project. Response to the search was tremendous with more than 120 entries from models wanting to pose for the cover. A show featuring the top 15 entrants was held at the Crossroads Theater in Denver, Colo., on January 7, 2011 and three top models were selected that evening by audience text vote.

Larimar Records is officially announcing today that actor and model Bernadette Niblo has been selected as the cover model. The winner was flown to New York City this past weekend for an all-expense-paid award package that included a professional model shoot in Times Square and a visit to a Manhattan recording studio session with Ryan West and Wil Key.

More information can be found at www.wil-key.com.

Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FwnS66nv_Y.

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