Press

Pete Inspires Hundreds of East Chicago Students
On December 8, 2011, hundreds of East Chicago children received a special visit from Colorado-based singer/songwriter Pete Kartsounes. Traveling from Denver, Pete talked to the fourth grade students at Lincoln Elementary about the universal language of music, the connection between peace and happiness in music and nature, respecting each other, and the importance of giving to others and being around good people to continue excelling and improving in your life. Surrounded by many eager students, he explained the different genre of music and styles and how they can all work together to make something wonderful. He played his original music (by popular demand) while the students participated by snapping or clapping along.

Pete also meet with the kindergarten and first grade students at McKinley Elementary where he explained his guitar and harmonica, what they were made of and what they do. The students enjoyed singing along, clapping along, to Pete's original music and popular holiday songs. Three eager students asked if they could come to the stage and sing with Pete, which was accommodated, and very cute.

The students were very interested and asked great questions, from "what inspires you to write your music," to "what is the guitar made of," and "how does it make the sound," to name a few. And when one student asked if he was rich, he chuckled and gave the students great advice, "if you want to be rich, do not become a musician!"

It was a very rewarding experience for Pete. "I experience great joy by spending time with kids, opening their minds to different ideas about music, nature, the language of music, and how we can make a difference with that," he said. "I am thankful for the opportunity to give back to our youth, share the gift of music, and a positive message with the hopes of enriching their lives."

4th Annual Hike4Cancer Benefit Show
July 26, 2011

The 4th Annual Hike4Cancer Benefit Show will unfold at Oskar Blues in Lyons, CO on Thursday, July 28, 2011 featuring a rockin’ night of original music by PKB – Pete Kartsounes Band who will be joined by many special guests including Sam Grisman, Dominick Leslie, Kyle Ussery, and more. It is also a Rockygrass Festival kick-off show, so there are sure to be surprise musical guests along the way.

There will be an amazing collection of items for the silent auction and raffle donated by local artists, companies, and organizations. Hike4Cancer Founder, Pete Kartsounes, expressed much gratitude for the show of support from the community. “We are overwhelmed by so many local businesses, restaurants, and artists who have donated their time and items to the cause,” he said.

In 2011, Hike4Cancer is supporting ‘There With Care’ for a third year, and will be taking on a few special initiatives that have touched their hearts and desperately need financial support and awareness. One of these initiatives is providing support to place burial sight markers for children who have lost their battle with cancer and whose families may not be able to afford a grave marker. “We want to help grieving parents and families with a final piece of closure during an unimaginable time,” said Hike4Cancer Secretary Nicole Elmore.

A $10 donation is being requested at the door with additional contributions welcome. Donations may also be made to Hike4Cancer anytime online at www.hike4cancer.org. Every generous dollar donated goes to their beneficiary, ‘There With Care,’ who works directly with the families.

“This is our biggest event of the year, helping us raise awareness and much needed support for the families.” Pete said. “The last three years have been jam packed with community, family, and love for the cause. Together we are all making a difference one step at a time,” he concluded.

Don’t miss this special evening and opportunity to support this important, heart-felt cause. Let’s make this year’s benefit the best one yet!

Generating Hope for Children through Song: ‘A Home in Haiti’ Benefit CD
May 4, 2011

It’s been over a year since the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010; leaving the country in ruins and affecting the lives of an estimated three million people. But hope is still fresh in the minds, hearts, and souls of many around the world, including right here in Boulder, CO.

Pete is thrilled to be a part of the new benefit CD, “A Home in Haiti,” featuring his original song, “Sweet Surrender,” off his newest album, “The Only Way I Know.” The Floating Records production, in conjunction with “Collective Hearts for Haiti,” is generating hope for the children of Haiti and raising funds to build a new Children’s Center in Jacmel, Haiti, one of the hardest hit areas, through the gift of music.

From Country-Rock, Americana to alternative rock with “surf-guitar twang,” The CD is filled with great original music, some unreleased, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the children of Jacmel, Haiti.

Construction on the new Children’s Center begins in June 2011, and you can help! Head over to the Floating Records website right now and buy the music at the affordable cost of $10 for the MP3 download or $12 for the CD (includes shipping). It's a tax-deductible donation, and the music is great. Please check out the links on the bottom of the website for more information about Jacmel Children's Center, the partners in this project, and other ways you can help.

www.floatingrecords.com/ahomeinhaiti.com

New Inspirational Album by Pete Kartsounes, "The Only Way I Know"
January 1, 2011

BOULDER, Colorado – Set sail on an inspiring musical journey, fueled by the highly anticipated, self-produced new album, "The Only Way I Know," by singer/songwriter Pete Kartsounes. Featuring his band and many other talented artists, the soulful album is an eclectic fusion of folk and rock, accented by unique arrangements and a variety of instruments. Pete’s warm, consuming vocals convey the depth and raw emotion of his carefully-crafted lyrics, weaving a tail of hope through the songs, encouraging belief in our dreams, ourselves, and brighter days ahead.

The voyage begins with a haunting melody set on the island of Kauai at the shores of the Napali Coast, as "Sweet Surrender" leads the way to letting go and opening the heart. From there, the use of imagery brings listeners to the Colorado Rockies with the songs "Life Ain’t Always Easy" and "Takin’ Steps," inspired by Pete’s hikes through hundreds of miles on the Colorado Trail in support of his non-profit foundation Hike4Cancer. Accomplish dreams with the title track, "The Only Way I Know," about staying dedicated to life’s path. Each song has its own inspirational message and meaning, coming from experiences of yesterday to try and make a better "Tomorrow." The new album continues to push boundaries and blend genres to create captivating original music, inspiring listeners to live and love. It is the only way Pete knows.

Pete has been playing music professionally for the past 16 years, playing around 200 shows a year. In 2009, he earned his newest award as first runner-up in Telluride’s prestigious Troubadour Competition. He is a musical craftsman and truly limitless artist whose songwriting draws from a myriad of musical traditions, including blues, jazz, bluegrass, folk, and rock.

Be swept away from all the weight on your mind with the new album, "The Only Way I Know" by Pete Kartsounes, available now. For more information about Pete, his music, non-profit organization Hike4Cancer, and new album, please visit his web site at www.petekmusic.com.