Scottsdale, AZ – July 21, 2010 – Beamz Interactive, an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music entertainment products to enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music, today announced its sponsorship of Vinyl Station’s 10-city concert tour that opened July 16 in Scottsdale and runs through August 2010. Vinyl Station will be using the Beamz interactive music laser controller to add a unique visual playback element in their performances.

Vinyl Station is a five-piece “Roots Rock Vibe” band featuring drums, bass, acoustic guitar, lead guitar, B3 organ, accordion, piano and vocals. Formed in 2009, Vinyl Station was conceived and organized by drummer Scott Kusmirek, who has toured and recorded with the Multi-Platinum, Grammy-nominated, “Gin Blossoms,” and 80’s synth-pop sensation, “When in Rome.” Vinyl Station hails from Phoenix, Arizona and consists of an array of some of the best musical talent in the region, featuring songwriter Matthew Thornton (lead vocals, guitar), Scott Kusmirek (drums), Darell Colton (bass), Blake Thompson (touring lead guitar, vocals) and Ted Greenbaum (B3 organ, accordion and piano).

The Beamz is an interactive music system that triggers music by breaking laser beams, with each beam controlling a different pre-programmed instrument, rhythm or sound effect. Using the Beamz Studio interactive music editor software, musicians may easily use the Beamz as an interactive laser controller to trigger and playback their music, their way by playing light.

“The Beamz immediately draws you in when you see it…both from a visual and musical standpoint,” says Scott Kusmirek, drummer for Vinyl Station. “My first thought when I saw it was, ‘What is that?’ I was intrigued as I watched people playing the light. Their faces lit up as they put their hand through the laser beams and began making sounds. From the way it looked and triggered music, I immediately realized with our upcoming performance schedule that the Beamz would be a great addition to our show!”

Vinyl Station’s musical sound has been compared to Wilco, Ryan Adams, and U2 while at the same time they have created their own unique sound. With a combined 60 years of musical experience and talent, the individuals of this quintet have performed and recorded with the likes of Hootie and the Blowfish, When in Rome, Seal, Cowboy Mouth, Gin Blossoms, Bit O Jane, Disco Pimps, John Popper and many more… Vinyl Station combines its original songs with an array of cover songs performed with their own unique style to provide the audience with a memorable experience, leaving them wanting more.

“We continue to gain strong adoption of our interactive music products with prominent musicians and we are ecstatic to sponsor this up-and-coming band, Vinyl Station with their summer concert tour,” said Charlie Mollo, Beamz President and CEO.

Here are the dates and locations for Vinyl Station’s The Streets Tour:
• July 28, 2010 – Chicago, IL for a “Radio Industry Show”
• July 29, 2010 – Green Bay, Wisconsin at “Jimmy Seas”
• July 30, 2010 & July 31, 2010 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin at “Trinity Three Irish Pubs”
• August 1, 2010 – Richfield, Wisconsin for a “Private Music Industry Party”
• August 3, 2010 – Munising, MI to perform at “Concert in the Park”
• August 3, 2010 – Munising, MI “Concert In The Park AFTER PARTY”
• August 4, 2010 – Marquette, MI at “The Wild Rover”
• August 5, 2010 – Grand Mariais, MI at “Lake Superior Brewing Co.”
• August 6, 2010 and August 7, 2010 – Iron Mountain, MI at “Flip’s Greenleaf Bar & Grill”

Beamz interactive music products are used by musicians, DJs and consumers. The Beamz benefits musicians who are interested in a revolutionary way to make and create music with an interactive music controller; DJs and mobile entertainers looking for a new way to engage an audience and trigger music clips by breaking laser beams; consumers interested in recreational music making and a new way to interact with music; and educators who are trying to reach special needs kids or captivate any child interested in making music.

“We are excited about incorporating the Beamz into our performances and look forward to exploring ways to remix our own music into the Beamz so we can expand the band on stage with just one piece of equipment,” added Scott Kusmirek.

About Vinyl Station
Vinyl Station has currently sold in excess of 5,000 CD’s independently and continues to sell at an amazing rate. With newly recorded single “Confess,” written by Gin Blossom guitarist and songwriter Jesse Valenzuela for the upcoming Farrelly Brothers movie Hall Pass to be released in 2011. Supporting Vinyl Station on “The Streets Tour” is Australian singer songwriter sensation “Marta” from Melbourne Australia. Check out the link www.vinylstationband.com to learn more about Vinyl Station.

About Beamz
Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Beamz Interactive, Inc. is an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music entertainment products that enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music. Its premier product, the Beamz Player, is an affordable new musical instrument that allows people to make music by simply passing their hands through any of the laser beams that each triggers different streams of musical notes and sounds. Beamz players can access over a hundred songs, both originals and top hits, for inspiration to create their own music. Beginners and children can play with ease, while more experienced musicians will be amazed at its limitless possibilities to arrange, compose, produce and record music. Powered by a computer through a USB port, the Beamz is easy to install and begin using – reading music is not required. The interactive songs included with the Beamz Player and the additional songs available on the Beamz web site were created using the Beamz Studio software. Beamz Interactive’s technology portfolio includes multiple patents, patents pending and trade secrets covering interactive music, software, laser-based controllers, gaming applications, and related designs and devices. Beamz products can be purchased through www.thebeamz.com. Check out the Beamz video to see how it works or view the Beamz video gallery.

Nashville, TN – June 18, 2010 – Beamz Interactive, an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music software, today announced a software bundling agreement with Sony Creative Software at the 2010 Summer NAMM Conference in Nashville (Booth #405). In addition to demonstrating the new Beamz Player at the show, the company is also launching the Beamz Studio Premium Bundle Edition, which combines full versions of Sony’s ACID Music Studio 8 (which includes 3,000 high-quality royalty-free loops), plus Sony’s Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 with Beamz Studio Software for $149.95. The Beamz Studio Premium Bundle Edition is available for purchase at www.thebeamz.com or in selected retail outlets beginning August 1, 2010. Beamz created this Studio/Sony Software bundle to provide consumers, amateur musicians and DJs a comprehensive solution to make innovative music creations triggered by breaking the laser beams on the Beamz Player hardware.

Beamz Studio software transforms the Beamz Player device into an interactive laser controller for creating music with dynamic possibilities. Users can import music clips and samples from their songs into the Beamz Studio software, break them down into their basic components, then assign and trigger components by breaking beams of light.

“Sony’s ACID Music Studio 8 and Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 applications combined with Beamz Studio software in the Beamz Studio Premium Bundle Edition offer consumers a comprehensive suite of tools to get started in the world of electronic music making,” said Beamz CEO Charlie Mollo. “We are delighted to partner with Sony Creative Software to provide these powerful music making and editing tools for our customers to create extraordinary music, triggered by light.”

Comprehensive studio solution suite
The Beamz Studio Premium Bundle Edition includes full versions of Sony’s ACID Music Studio and Sound Forge Audio Studio to create a comprehensive studio solution suite for original song creation, audio recording, MIDI production, studio-quality mixing, effects processing and audio mastering. Beamz Studio Premium Bundle Edition offers users flexibility and gives them a diverse set of tools that expand with the users’ skill level. Users looking for even more advanced features can upgrade the bundled software to Professional versions directly from Sony Creative Software. ACID Music Studio and Sound Forge Audio Studio each retail for $69.95. However, when bundled with the Beamz Studio application, consumers receive a $140 value for an incremental $50. Beamz Studio Software is available now from www.thebeamz.com for $99.95. For the Beamz Professional model C6, which features 6 laser beams, you can purchase the Beamz Studio Premium Bundle Edition separately for $149.95, or bundled with the model C6 hardware for $349.95.

“Whether an amateur musician, music educator, adult or child, the Beamz brings true benefits in exploring music,” said Peter Erskine, Grammy-Award winning jazz artist. “The Beamz offers a very easy way for people to deconstruct and reconstruct compositions. I’ve enjoyed creating music with the Beamz and being a part of this phenomenon.”

About Sony Creative Software
Sony Creative Software inspires artistic expression with its award-winning line of products for digital video, audio, and music production, as well as industry-leading technology for DVD production and Blu-ray Disc™ authoring. Sound Forge™ Pro, ACID™ Pro, and Vegas™ Pro software have defined digital content creation for a generation of creative professionals. These signature product lines continue to advance media production by providing powerful, accessible tools. Today, there is a Sony Creative Software application for every level of expertise, including a full line of consumer software based on the company’s professional applications. In addition, Sony Creative Software produces the extensive Sony® Sound Series collection of royalty-free loops and samples, Sony Pictures Sound Effects Series exclusive sound effects, and Vision Series video creation assets. Further, the company provides the industry-leading tools for enterprise-level Blu-ray Disc™ authoring: Blu-code™ encoder, Blu-print® software, and on-Q Create® for Blu-ray Java. The company’s customers span the globe and include professionals in the film, television, video game, and recording industries, as well as students, educators, and hobbyists.

About Beamz
Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Beamz Interactive, Inc. is an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music entertainment products to enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music. Its premier product, the Beamz Player, is an affordable new musical instrument that allows people to make music by simply passing their hands through any of the laser beams that each triggers different streams of musical notes and sounds. Beamz players can access over a hundred songs, both originals and top hits, for inspiration to create their own music. Beginners and children can play with ease, while more experienced musicians will be amazed at its limitless possibilities to arrange, compose, produce and record music. Powered by a computer through a USB port, the Beamz is easy to install and begin using – reading music is not required. The interactive songs included with the Beamz Player and the additional songs available on the Beamz web site were created using the Beamz Studio software. Beamz Interactive’s technology portfolio includes multiple patents, patents pending and trade secrets covering interactive music, software, laser-based controllers, gaming applications, and related designs and devices. Beamz products can be purchased through www.thebeamz.com. Check out the Beamz video to see how it works or view the Beamz video gallery.

Nashville, TN – June 18, 2010 – Beamz Interactive, an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music entertainment products to enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music, today announced top music artists Euge Groove, Tommy Bolan and Jerry Riopelle (Beamz inventor) will be demonstrating the new Beamz Player at the 2010 Summer NAMM Conference in Nashville (Booth #405) from Friday, June 18^th through Sunday, June 20^th. At his noon demonstration on Saturday, June 19th, Jerry Riopelle will highlight how the Beamz is being used in the education market for the music educators at Summer NAMM. Relevant for today’s music classroom, the Beamz Player is one of the education products at NAMM considered for the “Best Tools for Schools” awards.

The Beamz Player is a new and improved interactive music system features a sleek, smaller-footprint design with four laser beams that trigger up to 12 different instruments, music clips, sound effects, or vocals as you pass your hands through the beams. Each beam controls a different pre-programmed instrument, rhythm or sound, so users can easily arrange and create their own music each time they play a song. The Beamz Player will be available for purchase at www.thebeamz.com beginning August 1, 2010 for $199.95. The system now comes with more than 50 top-hit “jam” and original Beamz songs including 5 popular music videos for users to watch and play simultaneously, and the ShadowBeamz interactive game which allows users to sharpen their playing skills. The video songs provide a rich experience for “Beamers” to interact with music. The Beamz Player is ideal for everyone regardless of musical background or age! Beamz also announced at NAMM today the new Beamz Studio Software Premium Bundle Edition which includes ACID Music Studio and Sound Forge Audio Studio from Sony, which is sold separately for $149.95.

NAMM Artist Demonstrations:
Jerry Riopelle – Beamz inventor/roots rocker – Fri 1:30pm, Sat Noon, Sun Noon
Euge Groove – Contemporary jazz saxophonist – Fri Noon/4:30pm
Tommy Bolan – Lead singer and guitarist for NYC – Fri/Sat/Sun 3:00pm

 “As the iPod helped to transform the experience of acquiring, storing, locating and listening to music, the Beamz Player helps listeners connect with music in a whole new way,” said Contemporary Jazz Artist Euge Groove. “Beamz is actually improving the listening experience by making it interactive. No one until now has moved beyond the listening of music to fundamentally improve the experience of music. It’s all been about passive improvements…better sound quality, faster downloads or bigger disc space for more songs. But in the end, it’s always the same thing – hit play, sit back and listen. Now with Beamz you can get your hands on the music and get inside the tracks even if you don’t know the first thing about music theory.”

 The Beamz benefits musicians who are interested in a revolutionary way to make and create music with an interactive music controller; DJs and mobile entertainers looking for a new way to engage an audience and trigger music clips by breaking laser beams; consumers interested in recreational music making and a new way to interact with music; and educators who are trying to reach special needs kids or captivate any child interested in making music.

“The Beamz is more fun and more educational than anything else I have ever brought into my classroom,” said Anne Martinez, an Occupational Therapy Educational Specialist from Phoenix Union High School District.  “It is a versatile tool and my kids love it!” Beamz Interactive shares NAMM’s ongoing commitment to music teachers and music education. Music educators at the Summer NAMM conference are invited to get their hands on the Beamz to experience firsthand the opportunities with “playing the light”. Within the last year, Beamz products are now in use in 15+ school districts and 80+ schools.  

As Chief Creative Officer, Jerry Riopelle leads the content creation for the Beamz Interactive team and product development. As the visionary and inventor of the Beamz, Jerry has taken his 40+ years experience as an accomplished musician, songwriter and producer, and funneled it into the creation of one of the world’s most innovative new products. After playing drums for the Hollywood Argyles he signed as a staff song writer for Screen Gems. Upon hearing a single Jerry had written and produced with Clydie King titled, “The Thrill is Gone,” Phil Spector hired Jerry as a staff writer and producer for Philles Records. Jerry soon produced a Top 20 hit, “Home of the Brave,” recorded by Bonnie & The Treasures. He also produced top 40 singles for recording artists April Stevens & Nino Tempo and The Parade. That success earned Jerry a job as producer at A&M Records as well as a staff writing position at Irving Music. During that time he wrote and produced for The We Five, Brewer & Shipley, The Parade, Shango, and had songs covered by Herb Alpert, Leon Russell, and later, Kenny Loggins, Rita Coolidge, Meat Loaf and many others. During his years in Hollywood, Jerry also wrote numerous songs and musical pieces for films and television shows.

Euge Groove is a smooth jazz artist. His album Born2Groove debuted at #1 and spent 18 months on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. He has had many Top 10 songs, several reaching #1 including B2G, Religify, SlamDunk, Rewind and Get Em Going. Euge toured with Joe Cocker, Tina Turner, Eros Ramazotti, Richard Marx, Tower of Power and Huey Lewis and the News. In addition, he has supported Paula Abdul, Heart, Elton John, Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt and David Benoit as a recording artist.

With over-the-top playing and riveting live performances, Tommy Bolan is described as “One of the Most Insane Shredders of All Time.” As lead singer and guitarist for NYC, Tommy plays slammin’, shreddin’, heavy groove-laden rock layered with fierce vocals. The band has finished recording their latest CD, Zyko. Tommy, who was born in Queens, New York, is best known for his Gold and Platinum selling work with the critically acclaimed metal band Warlock and Freight Train Jane. Catch Tommy Bolan on tour with NYC, and in his instructional DVD, Metal Primer. In between Touring and Recording, Tommy can also be seen at His Guitar Clinics Nationwide and always appearing and playing at NAMM shows!

About Beamz
Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Beamz Interactive, Inc. is an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music entertainment products that enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music. Its premier product, the Beamz Player, is an affordable new musical instrument that allows people to make music by simply passing their hands through any of the laser beams that each triggers different streams of musical notes and sounds. Beamz players can access over a hundred songs, both originals and top hits, for inspiration to create their own music. Beginners and children can play with ease, while more experienced musicians will be amazed at its limitless possibilities to arrange, compose, produce and record music. Powered by a computer through a USB port, the Beamz is easy to install and begin using – reading music is not required. The interactive songs included with the Beamz Player and the additional songs available on the Beamz web site were created using the Beamz Studio software. Beamz Interactive’s technology portfolio includes multiple patents, patents pending and trade secrets covering interactive music, software, laser-based controllers, gaming applications, and related designs and devices. Beamz products can be purchased through www.thebeamz.com. Check out the Beamz video to see how it works or view the Beamz video gallery.

Nashville, TN – June 18, 2010 – Beamz Interactive, an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music entertainment products to enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music, today announced top jazz musician Peter Erskine’s involvement in the development of original rich content for the Beamz Player Interactive Music System. Erskine contributed a series of drum sounds, rhythmic loops and beats that were composed into original Beamz songs that are packaged with the new Beamz Player Interactive Music System, which is being demonstrated at the 2010 Summer NAMM Conference in Nashville (Booth #405).

“I’m a dedicated Mac user, and felt a little like a stranger in a strange land when I first was introduced to the PC-based Beamz,” said Peter Erskine. “Within moments, I thought, ‘This is far out!’ I was instantly attracted to the immediacy that the instrument offers to everyone. The Beamz is a musical gateway or doorway that allows anyone to enter the world of sampling, loops and sound manipulation. For me the interest lies in reaching budding musicians who don’t necessarily have technical or musical instrument expertise, but who have music in their hearts. It’s one of the more user-friendly interfaces I’ve ever seen.”

For over 35 years, Peter Erskine has been delighting his fans with award-winning, world-class Jazz ensembles. He has earned two Grammy Awards throughout his career, one with the band Weather Report, and the other for the Randy & Michael Brecker album, “Some Skunk Funk.” Following his four years in Weather Report, he began to play with Mike Brecker, Mike Mainieri, Don Grolnick and Eddie Gomez in the group Steps Ahead. He has contributed to more than 500 albums and film scores, including work with Steely Dan, Diana Krall, Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, London Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic to name a few. Besides touring and recording, Erskine is composing for theater, dance, film and television. He has produced four instructional videos and eight books, and is currently the Director of Drumset Studies at the USC Thorton School of Music. He has won the Modern Drummer magazine Readers’ Poll in the “Jazz Drummer” category 10 times.

“With more top music artists embracing this new, interactive musical instrument, we continue to receive validation in the market for our product and overall vision,” said Beamz Interactive CEO Charles Mollo. “We are delighted to partner with such an amazing Grammy-award winning musician to elevate the sounds in our original Beamz songs library.”

“One of the biggest draws of the Beamz is its dynamic mapping system. Even through different harmonic progressions or chord changes, the Beamz offers the ability for people to explore the art of improvisation without fear of playing a bad or wrong note. They can develop an improvisational muscle without even knowing it. Whether a music educator, adult or child, the Beamz brings true benefits in exploring music,” added Erskine. “The Beamz offers a very easy way for people to deconstruct and reconstruct compositions using my real drum sounds, rather than programmed drum tracks. The Beamz composer I worked with brilliantly captured the rhythmic feeling from the music I created in Steps Ahead and with Steeley Dan into this interactive format. It’s been a neat opportunity to become a part of this phenomenon.”

How the Beamz Works
The Beamz is an amazing interactive musical instrument that anyone can play. It allows you to create music by passing your hands through laser beams, triggering streams of musical notes. Each beam controls a different, pre-programmed instrument, rhythm or sound. With the Beamz, anyone can enjoy the benefits of musical expression, regardless of musical background. Beamz software also includes the option to easily record your music performances – making your own songs for playback as a WAV or Windows Media File.

About Beamz
Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Beamz Interactive, Inc. is an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music entertainment products to enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music. Its premier product, the Beamz Player, is an affordable new musical instrument that allows people to make music by simply passing their hands through any of the four laser beams that each triggers different streams of musical notes and sounds. Beamz players can access over a hundred songs, both originals and top hits, for inspiration to create their own music. Beginners and children can play with ease, while more experienced musicians will be amazed at its limitless possibilities to arrange, compose, produce and record music. Powered by a computer through a USB port, the Beamz Player is easy to install and begin using – reading music is not required. The interactive songs included with the Beamz Player and the additional songs available on the Beamz web site were created using the Beamz Studio software. Beamz Interactive’s technology portfolio includes multiple patents, patents pending and trade secrets covering interactive music, software, laser-based controllers, gaming applications, and related designs and devices. Beamz products can be purchased through www.thebeamz.com. Check out the Beamz video to see how it works or view the Beamz video gallery.

Los Angeles, CA – June 15, 2010 – Beamz Interactive, an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music entertainment products to enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music, today unveiled the Beamz Player at the E3 Expo (Dynaflex Booth #5754). This new and improved interactive music system features a sleek, smaller-footprint design with four laser beams that trigger up to 12 different instruments, music clips, sound effects, or vocals as you pass your hands through the beams. Each beam controls a different pre-programmed instrument, rhythm or sound, so users can easily arrange and create their own music each time they play a song. The Beamz Player will be available for purchase at www.thebeamz.com beginning August 1, 2010 for $199.95. In addition, users may also purchase the new Beamz height adjustable stand, which provides an easy and convenient storage display option beginning August 1, 2010 for $49.95. And, Beamz is developing a software developer’s kit (available in Q3) so that software publishers may create gaming or any other applications to use the Beamz Player as a laser controller.

The Beamz Player system comes with 50 top-hit “jam” and original Beamz songs including 5 popular music videos for users to watch and play simultaneously, and the ShadowBeamz interactive game which allows users to sharpen their playing skills. The Beamz Player is ideal for everyone regardless of musical background from age 7 to 107, and kids even younger can have fun playing the Beamz with assistance because you can’t play a wrong note!

“We are excited to launch the Beamz Player and welcome more ‘Beamers’ into the interactive music revolution,” said Beamz Interactive CEO Charles Mollo. “The Beamz Player allows you to do things with music, videos and games that you have never been able to do before, especially if you have no prior music experience. Our interactive music song library gives users access to top hits, party favorites and original works from Grammy-award winning artists from all music styles such as rock, jazz, reggae, pop, blues, classical, dance and hip hop. The Beamz Player is also supported by an online community of Beamz players, who you can meet, interact with and share your Beamz creations with.”

New Video Jam Songs
The Beamz Player includes a whole new way to experience making music with the addition of 5 new video jam songs, which are interactive versions that use original master recordings and videos licensed from EMI Music. Beamz Interactive is also in dialogue with other labels and publishers to rapidly expand its video jam song library. Additional video jam songs will be available for purchase for $3.99 each from www.thebeamz.com beginning August 1, 2010. Interacting with video jam songs provides consumers a rich and unique music entertainment experience – this dynamic new content for the Beamz Player goes beyond traditional music gaming products.

How the Beamz Player Works
Powered by a computer through a USB port, the Beamz Player is easy to install and begin using. You can create and arrange the music differently each time you play a song by changing the way you play the light. Then, you can record your performances of Beamz songs right into the computer and save the music as a wave file (*.wav) or as a Windows Media file (*.wma) to share. In addition to receiving 50 songs with your system, the Beamz website offers a music library with over a hundred different songs, including original, top hits and kids songs for purchase. Once you select a song, you can choose to sit back and listen; re-arrange the song by interactively passing your hand through the laser beams you select; or actively experience music videos by adding a sound effect to a video while it’s playing. You can also choose to play the fun, interactive game ShadowBeamz, which challenges players to mimic prompted cues of when to break the beams. ShadowBeamz players can advance up three different levels and record and compare scores. Visit the Beamz Community to download more Beamz games and experience the next generation of gaming without a keyboard or mouse.

Leading the Way in Interactive Music – A New Approach to Making Music
Unlike traditional music, where a musician plays a song by reading and performing to a defined musical score, playing interactive music is spontaneous, dynamic, creative and free flowing — there is no musical score to follow. Whereas a traditional song pre-determines which instruments should be played, an interactive song is composed so that the player may select any instrument or combination of instruments at any time. Interactive music compositions consist of a selection of music clips that could possibly be played at any given moment during a song and are designed for players to perform interactive music with limitless possibilities.

About Beamz
Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Beamz Interactive, Inc. is an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music entertainment products to enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music. Its premier product, the Beamz Player, is an affordable new musical instrument that allows people to make music by simply passing their hands through any of the laser beams that each triggers different streams of musical notes and sounds. Beamz players can access over a hundred songs, both originals and top hits, for inspiration to create their own music. Beginners and children can play with ease, while more experienced musicians will be amazed at its limitless possibilities to arrange, compose, produce and record music. Powered by a computer through a USB port, the Beamz is easy to install and begin using – reading music is not required. The interactive songs included with the Beamz Player and the additional songs available on the Beamz web site were created using the Beamz Studio software. Beamz Interactive’s technology portfolio includes multiple patents, patents pending and trade secrets covering interactive music, software, laser-based controllers, gaming applications, and related designs and devices. Beamz products can be purchased through www.thebeamz.com. Check out the Beamz video to see how it works or view the Beamz video gallery.

Los Angeles, CA – June 15, 2010 – Beamz Interactive, an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music software to enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music, today announced a strategic partnership with Dynaflex International, a leader and innovator of fitness products, to begin distribution and market development of the Beamz product line into various retail and therapeutic channels. At this year’s E3 Expo in Los Angeles, Dynaflex and Beamz Interactive will be jointly displaying their products in the Dynaflex Booth #5754. Dynaflex and Beamz products are unique, fun and have a visual appeal that engages users to “play the lights.”

Dynaflex (Booth #5754) will be running a contest every two hours to challenge E3 attendees to a top speed play off. The top scorer of each challenge will receive a free Powerball (MSRP 49.95), the ultimate tool used by pro gamers to increase speed and dexterity. The leading daily scorer will take home a Powerball Gamer (MSRP $79.95). To sweeten the pot, Beamz will provide a beamz player (MSRP $199.95) to the top scorer of the expo.

At E3, Dynaflex will be demonstrating the Lighted Gyro Exerciser Powerball Gamer, created to give gamers an edge and help prevent against stress injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome. They will also display the new Platinum Powerball Fitness Gyroscope, which delivers up to 45 lbs. of dynamic resistance in the palm of one’s hands with an added glitz of light…the faster you crank the gyro, the brighter the LED light show. This product also comes with a PowerDock docking station to immediately engage the device. Both products give users a greater range of motion, and increased flexibility, grip strength and dexterity. Beamz Interactive will launch the Beamz Player, a newly designed interactive music system featuring four laser beams that trigger up to 12 different instruments, music clips, sound effects, or vocals as you pass your hands through the lighted beams. Each beam controls a different pre-programmed instrument, rhythm or sound, so users can easily arrange and create their own music each time they play one of the 50 pre-recorded songs that come with the system – even if they have no prior musical experience. The Beamz Player also comes with ShadowBeamz, a fun, interactive game that allows users to improve their Beamz skills by mimicking prompted cues of when to break each beam, and 5 video songs to broaden the Beamz interactive experience.

“We are very excited for the E3 show and our partnership with Beamz Interactive,” said Dynaflex President Tom Smith. “We share common target channels and have many synergies in the way we pursue innovation and develop products that have broad consumer appeal and therapeutic benefits. Our new PowerBall Gamer product will ready gamers for long play periods, giving them a precursor of fun before they even begin gaming; while the Beamz Player offers users a gaming component as well as the ability to interact with video and light to create and arrange a variety of music – bringing many benefits to people of all ages and with various music abilities.”

“Dynaflex has done a great job getting their products in the hands of key retailers,” said Beamz Interactive CEO Charlie Mollo. “We connected with Dynaflex at CES and recognized the many ways we could leverage both companies’ core competencies and expertise. With innovation the focus of both of our businesses, it made sense to storm the gaming market at E3 jointly with our newest products. We are pleased to announce a formal partnership with Dynaflex to leverage their distribution channels and showcase the Beamz Player for the first time in their E3 Booth. We hope to show gamers at E3 a richer music experience that goes beyond RockBand, GuitarHero or DJHero. One that allows you to interact with music in a new extraordinary way.”

About Dynaflex
Dynaflex International is a leader and innovator of fitness products. Whether you want to take your game to the next level, need to recover from a hand or arm injury, or simply want to sculpt, shape and tone your body, Dynaflex International has developed the Dynaflex Lineup of Gyros to get you physically where you need to be. If you’re a weekend warrior, play a musical instrument or spend hours battling for video game supremacy… Dynaflex offers the most effective, addictively fun hand-held fitness machine on the planet. Dynaflex patented products can be found at every major retailer across North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. Key customers include: Modells, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Fry’s Electronics, Bed Bath & Beyond, Sports Authority, Relax the Back, Gart’s Sports, Dicks Sporting Goods, Academy, and Roger Dunn Golf. For more information, visit www.Dynaflexpro.com.

About Beamz
Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Beamz Interactive, Inc. is an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music entertainment products to enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music. Its premier product, the Beamz Player, is an affordable new musical instrument that allows people to make music by simply passing their hands through any of the laser beams that each triggers different streams of musical notes and sounds. Beamz players can access over a hundred songs, both originals and top hits, for inspiration to create their own music. Beginners and children can play with ease, while more experienced musicians will be amazed at its limitless possibilities to arrange, compose, produce and record music. Powered by a computer through a USB port, the Beamz is easy to install and begin using – reading music is not required. The interactive songs included with the Beamz Player and the additional songs available on the Beamz web site were created using the Beamz Studio software. Beamz Interactive’s technology portfolio includes multiple patents, patents pending and trade secrets covering interactive music, software, laser-based controllers, gaming applications, and related designs and devices. Beamz products can be purchased through www.thebeamz.com. Check out the Beamz video to see how it works or view the Beamz video gallery.

Visit the Radio & TV page within the Buzz About Beamz section of the Beamz web site to listen to a recording of the broadcast.

TRANSCRIPT:

ROBERT SIEGEL, host:

Musicians and music fans gathered by the tens of thousands this past weekend in Anaheim, California. They were attending the Annual NAMM Show, that’s the National Association of Music Merchants. The show is the music industry’s biggest exhibition of new products.

Contributor Steve Proffitt has more.

STEVE PROFFITT: Acres and acres of booths, lots of long hair and soul patches. It seems like anyone whoever thought about being a musician was here. With over 1,500 exhibitors, there was something for virtually every musical taste and budget – at the lower end, apps for the iPhone.

(Soundbite of music)

PROFFITT: This is GrooveMaker, a little app that provides audio loops and beats to let you make your own grooves.

Ms. STAR ACCROMON(ph): GrooveMaker have been on the market for only four and half months now. But it has had over half a million downloads, making it one of the most popular applications on the market.

PROFFITT: GrooveMaker Star Accromon says there’s a version you can download for free.

(Soundbite of music)

PROFFITT: At the other end of the scale, the Eigenharp Alpha. It’s a $6,000 digital wonder made in Britain.

(Soundbite of music)

PROFFITT: Four inches wide, maybe three feet long, the Eigenharp has 128 programmable, touch-sensitive keys.

(Soundbite of music)

PROFFITT: Of course, it can do techno pop, but it also has a breath controller: a pipe the player blows in. This can help create some highly nuanced musical sounds.

(Soundbite of music)

PROFFITT: Eigenharpist David Kemp says having this instrument means he can perform live. Before it, he’d have to layer together sounds one by one using racks of equipment and computers.

Mr. DAVID KEMP (Musician): You’d have a bank of faders and you would be sitting behind a laptop, but now you can improvise a bit and it’s – kind of makes it a little bit more fun and spontaneous.

PROFFITT: The Eigenharp could easily take a lifetime to master. Fortunately, there are simpler and cheaper alternatives like the Beams.

(Soundbite of music)

PROFFITT: This thing looks like a big W. You put it on a table, you move your hands around in each U and laser beams trigger different sounds. At 200 bucks, the price was right for show attendee Joe Parker(ph) of La Jolla, California. He picked one up to take home.

Mr. JOE PARKER: I think it’s a great educational tool. And I’m looking forward to trying it out, having my daughter try it out. She is three and a half. I think this is a lot of fun.

PROFFITT: So, wait a minute. Did you buy it for yourself or for your three and a half year old?

Mr. PARKER: Yeah, the official story is it’s for my daughter, but everyone knows it’s for me.

PROFFITT: While it’s digital technology that seems to drive both sales and imagination, at least one item demonstrates there is still room for innovation in a product that has no LEDs or microchips.

(Soundbite of song, “Those Were the Days”)

Mr. MIKE STUART(ph): This is like a show that’s mostly about technology, but here you have an instrument which is completely analog. It’s the size of a child’s recorder. It’s a remarkable instrument. It has a reed upon it. And so, when you play upon it, you sound like you’re playing upon a reed, which is a rather remarkable sound indeed.

PROFFITT: That’s Mike Stuart playing the pocket-sized Pocket Sax: Fifty-nine bucks, batteries not included, batteries not required.

(Soundbite of music)

(Soundbite of laughter)

Unidentified Man: Pretty good, pretty good.

PROFFITT: For NPR News, I’m Steve Proffitt.

SIEGEL: This is NPR.

Written by Rich McComas

Beamz Makes Anyone Musical

Absolutely everyone dreams of making music — it is in our soul, but only a small number of us are truly gifted. That is where Beamz comes in, because this little device can make absolutely anyone musical, because the melodies are already preprogrammed and all you have to do is “conduct” the musicians.
When I was a child, I was in the marching band, the orchestra, and the guitar club. Quickly, however, I learned that while I could technically learn to play any instrument, I was simply NOT gifted. My teachers and band leaders didn’t need to tell me — it was obvious. I would play a piece flawlessly, and then another student with much less experience but who had “the gift” would play the same piece and it would speak to my soul.

Over my life, I revisited the piano maybe a half-dozen times, hoping that the music was somehow deep inside of me waiting to get out, and while I could use a keyboard to play any musical piece or even any instrument, there simply was no music there.

Then along comes Beamz, a musical instrument that makes me a musical conductor. Programmed into each of the six beamz of light is a different melody for each stanza for a different musical instrument. If I block the beam during the entire stanza the melody plays through quickly. But, if my fingers dance through the beamz, I control the pace and rhythm of the melody, orchestrating beautiful music in a way that speaks to me. I can flutter my fingers and create a syncopated rhythm, or just dance with the background rhythm and allow my hands to roam freely through the beamz. What I end up creating is an original piece of music that uses the same melodies as the original, but which emenates from my soul.

Next step — bring the Beamz to a party. First a MUCH more talented musician takes a stab, and he tweaks the program a bit, and then begins to use Beamz to create entirely new piece of music. Then, a self-described “musical misfit” starts to play, and after about one minute of discovery, the rhythm inside takes over and “music” comes out of the Beamz machine. Finally, a child, someone who knows know boundaries, decides to prove that it is indeed possible to create musical discord, and so he randomly and non-rhythmically runs his hands up and down both sets of beams as quickly as possible — it is obnoxious, and brings a smile to his face, but makes the rest of us who had a successful experience feel like we actually did create music.

Beamz is an amazingly simple device, just six laser beams, three for each hand, and when you break the beam, it creates a musical note. The next time you break the beam, a melodically correct note is played next. What you add is rhythm and pace. You can break the beam methodically with one finger four times a second, or you can dance through the beams like they are piano keys with all of your fingers.
About 20 or so pre-programmed songs come with beamz, each with a background rhythm section, and 12 instruments with pre-programmed melodies that change with each stanza. Additional songs can be purchased from the website for a few dollars as the company creates them.

The cost for Beamz is a bit high considering that it is just six door chime beams connected to a USB port, but the value of being able to create music is immeasurable.

Visit the Radio & TV page within the Buzz About Beamz section of the Beamz web site to watch “The Digital Beatles” video broadcast. This segment and other clips including the Beamz aired live on January 15, 2010 on KTLA in Los Angeles – and other live segments were broadcast to TV stations in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC and others throughout the nation.

*There were over 1500 exhibitors at the 2010 NAMM Conference.  Beamz was selected as one of six companies for Kurt the CyberGuy to include in his NAMM show broadcast.

Anaheim, CA – January 12, 2010– Beamz Interactive, an interactive music products company, today announced top music artists Craig Chaquico, David Ellefson and Euge Groove will be using the Beamz musical instrument to perform at the 2010 NAMM Conference in the Anaheim Convention Center (Booth #6110). Resulting from the release of Beamz Studio Software at 2009 Summer NAMM Conference, these artists have embraced the Beamz, creating interactive versions of their original music and performing them live at venues across the country. The new content will be marketed to all Beamz users through the Beamz website and artists will also become a sales channel for promoting Beamz songs and the Beamz instrument to their fan base, both online and at their live performances.

Beamz Performances at NAMM:
Jerry Riopelle will perform Thursday, January 14th at 11am
David Ellefson will perform Thursday, January 14th at 2pm
Euge Groove will perform Friday, January 15th at 10am
Craig Chaquico will perform Friday, January 15th at 3pm
Jerry Riopelle will perform Saturday, January 16th at 11am
Craig Chaquico will perform Saturday, January 16th at 3pm

“The Beamz is an extraordinary musical instrument that adds another dimension and fun to any performance – including an exciting visual laser element and the ability to jam solos on different instruments simply by waving my hands on stage through the lasers,” said Craig Chaquico, former Jefferson Starship guitarist and current #3 Smooth Jazz artist in the nation. “I am receiving an overwhelmingly positive response while touring with the Beamz, both live at my concerts and on the radio. Playing the Beamz engages audiences and adds a whole new flair to my performances. My fans are digging this new interactive electronic music experience.”

In addition, Beamz Interactive will provide a special NAMM take away DVD to present and showcase how artists are embracing the Beamz instrument with their music. The take away DVD will include the Beamz Player Software for users to test drive the Beamz software interface on their computers; interactive versions of new artists’ songs and artist videos from Craig Chaquico, David Ellefson, Euge Groove and the inventor Jerry Riopelle; and MP3 recordings of these artists playing the interactive Beamz version of their original songs.

Craig Chaquico has engaged and inspired two generations of pop music fans, first as the lead guitarist and prolific principal song writer for Jefferson Starship/Starship. With 20 Gold records combined between Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship and Starship, Craig was instrumental in making that combination one of the most successful bands in history. In the 1990s, Craig left the fast-paced pop world and reinvented himself as an award winning, million selling, Grammy nominated solo contemporary instrumental artist, songwriter, producer, and band leader again at the top of the national charts in a fourth decade and a new millennium. Winner of Guitar Player Magazine’s Readers’ Poll for Best Pop Instrumental Guitarists and JAZZIZ Magazine’s list of Top 100 Most Influential Jazz Guitarists of All Time, Craig has officially made Top 5 everywhere in the nation in smooth jazz radio with his most recent release SONGBIRD.

Electric bassist David Ellefson has become a mainstay in the rock and metal communities now for over 25 years. Internationally acclaimed, David’s work has garnered him seven Grammy nominations, multiple gold and platinum records originating from over 20 studio albums and countless world tours. He is currently active as a songwriter and performer, record producer, bass guitar clinician and recording artist with his own bands F5 and HAIL!

Euge Groove is a smooth jazz artist. His album Born2Groove debuted at #1 and spent 18 months on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. He has had many Top 10 songs, several reaching #1 including B2G, Religify, SlamDunk, Rewind and Get Em Going. Euge toured with Joe Cocker, Tina Turner, Eros Ramazotti, Richard Marx, Tower of Power and Huey Lewis and the News. In addition, he has supported Paula Abdul, Heart, Elton John, Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt and David Benoit as a recording artist.

“With our Beamz Studio Software musicians may easily assign their own sounds, effects, loops, rhythms and samples to each of the six laser beams and to begin composing their own original interactive music,” said Beamz Interactive CEO Charles Mollo. “Craig Chaquico, David Ellefson and Euge Groove are proving the benefits of Beamz Studio Software, which adds a whole new dimension to performances combining the Beamz instrument along with traditional and MIDI instruments. It’s been really exciting to see the buzz that these artists are creating with our product.”

About Beamz
Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Beamz Interactive, Inc. is an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music software to enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music. Its premier product, the Beamz, is an affordable new musical instrument that allows people to make music by simply passing their hands through any of the six laser beams that each triggers different streams of musical notes and sounds. Beamz players can access over a hundred songs, both originals and top hits, for inspiration to create their own music. Beginners and children can play with ease, while more experienced musicians will be amazed at its limitless possibilities to arrange, compose, produce and record music. Powered by a computer through a USB port, the Beamz is easy to install and begin using – reading music is not required. Beamz Studio software, a tool that gives users the ability to compose interactive music with the Beamz, is included with Beamz Professional at no extra charge along with a DLS collection of unique Beamz music clips. Beamz Interactive’s technology portfolio includes multiple patents, patents pending and trade secrets covering interactive music, software, laser-based controllers, gaming applications, and related designs and devices. Beamz Professional can be purchased through www.thebeamz.com for $299.95. Check out the Beamz video to see how it works or view the Beamz video gallery.