Wednesday, March 23, 2016

2016 Burlingame On the Avenue Boasts New Vendors and Exciting Entertainment

Save the date for one of the Peninsula's premiere summer arts and entertainment festivals, returning to Burlingame Avenue on August 20-21, 2016. 

Burlingame On the Avenue will fill the streets of downtown Burlingame with hundreds of unique artisans displaying hand-crafted products, delicious foods and beverages, and exciting performances.

Burlingame On the Avenue is proud to once again offer three entertainment stages throughout the festival which boast a variety of unique musical and dance performances. 

The expanded, interactive Children's Playland area will be open to children of all ages, offering family friendly rides, carnival style games and much more. 

"Burlingame On the Avenue" is hosted by the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce and is free to the community. The festival runs from 10am-6pm on Saturday, August 20th and Sunday, August 21st. For additional information, visit http://www.burlingamechamber.org or call 650-344-1725. 

Friday, March 18, 2016

Orchid Prints Paired With Matching Live Orchids at This Year's Pacific Orchid Exposition

Past met present at the front entrance area of this year's Pacific Orchid Exposition, as Arader Galleries provided beautiful nineteenth-century orchid prints and watercolors to line the entryway.

Each painting was accompanied by matching live orchids and each were a distinct species--not hybrids. The displays were the perfect interpretation of this year's show theme, "A Legacy of Orchids," which explored the history of these amazing plants. Orchids fascinated audiences hundreds of years ago just as they still do today. POE attendees were able to see in person just how well each artist captured the flowers' likeness.


Paphiopedilum lawrenceanum hyeanum and chamberlainianum

Odontoglossum crispum



Paphiopedilum charlesworthii


Paphiopedilum venustum


Friday, March 4, 2016

The Larose Group/PR Magic Receives 2016 "Best of San Mateo" Award














The Larose Group, also known as PR Magic, has been selected for the 2016 "Best of San Mateo" award in the category of Public Relations and Publicity by the San Mateo Award Program.

The Larose Group/PR Magic has been in operation for over 25 years and publicizes numerous companies, non-profit organizations and events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

The PR Agency has worked with important Peninsula clients over the years, including the San Mateo Public Library, the Downtown San Mateo Association, Episcopal Senior Communities including St. Paul's Towers, San Francisco Towers and Webster House, the Peninsula Youth Ballet, the Lifemark Group, the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce, the San Mateo Harvest Festival and the College of San Mateo's Jazz on the Hill event. 

"We are thrilled to be recognized for this award," said Frances Larose, CEO of the Larose Group. "San Mateo is such a thriving community full of innovative businesses. To be named as the best in the PR and Publicity sector is truly an honor for our company."

Each year the San Mateo Award Program identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and the greater community. 

Winners are determined based on information gathered both internally from the San Mateo Award Program and data provided by third parties.
                                                                                     
About the Larose Group/PR Magic
The Larose Group/PR Magic is a full service PR Firm located on the San Francisco Peninsula. It specializes in publicizing small to mid-size businesses and offers services in public relations, advertising, marketing, promotions, social media and event planning. For additional information, please visit www.prmagic.com or email info@prmagic.com

About the San Mateo Award Program
The San Mateo Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the San Mateo Area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long term value.

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Wednesday, February 17, 2016

PR Magic Welcomes LOCZIdesign as New Client!

Welcoming the LOCZIdesign Group!

The Larose Group/PR Magic is delighted to begin work with a new client, San Francisco-based interior design company LOCZIdesign. LOCZI's mission is to create spaces that balance and inspire, with a focus on fulfilling each client's specific needs and aesthetic vision.

LOCZIdesign was started by Paige Loczi in 2005. The firm's unique and innovative approach has continued to surprise designers and clients alike. Their studio (shown below) with its revolving art and event space offers continual inspiration within the design community.



Each member of the LOCZIdesign team brings their expertise and critical eye to every project. Paige, the founder and creative director, is a visionary with the ability to connect different elements, take risks and ultimately arrive at a unique and inspiring product. Catrina is LOCZIdesign's senior project manager; she is the analytical and technical expert of the group, who ensures that all materials are installed properly. Mike, the operations director, manages the business side of the firm, using a structured approach to find solutions and streamline the process. Associate designer Margo has a creative eye and is especially gifted in designing custom pieces and utilizing new and innovative products. Nina, a designer, is an expert in spacial planning who works through problems and smooths bumps in the road with her can-do attitude. Lastly, Mennlay is the blogger and social media maven for LOCZIdesign who connects the group with the community.

We could not be more thrilled to work with such a talented and passionate group of people. Their renovations and designs constantly blow us away (check out some before-and-after pictures of some of the projects on their website!). We are excited to bring more media attention and exposure to LOCZIdesign so that the entire San Francisco Bay Area can be as impressed with this firm as we are!



Head over to LOCZIdesign's website to take a look at some of their fantastic work!

Thursday, December 3, 2015

San Jose Harvest Festival Delights Shoppers Over Black Friday Weekend


The San Jose Harvest Festival, which took place November 27-29 this year at the San Jose Convention Center, brought in large crowds eager to shop with their families after Thanksgiving. The festival took place on Black Friday weekend, encouraging Christmas shoppers to buy from small businesses and local artisans instead of flocking to major malls.

The Harvest Festival, one of the top rated craft shows in the United States, featured over 24,000 handmade items. Attendees were able to meet the makers face to face while browsing unique art, jewelry, clothing, toys, home decor, and more. On Saturday, November 28, the San Jose Harvest Festival was specially featured by KTVU Fox 2 News. For three and a half hours, KTVU toured the area, interviewing vendors and granting viewers an inside look at the Harvest Festival's diverse handmade crafts, art, and specialty foods.

KTVU highlighted a number of vendors, including Bruce Lanham Scrimshaw, which specializes in beautiful engravings in swordfish bone. Another shop, Cherry Country from Oregon, showed off delicious dried fruit, jams, and chocolate covered cherries. KTVU also spoke to Frank Vigneri of Candle Opera, who displayed his beautifully designed candle holders created from thin wood veneer. Personalized home decor and ornaments were available from Mosaics by Sharice, a new vendor to the Harvest Festival, and Mississippi Miracle Clay even gave the KTVU reporter an on-air facial using their unique southern face mask.

The Harvest Festival wasn't only about the products for sale, though. Le Jazz Hot Trio supplied lively music for the Festival, delighting attendees and continuing a tradition of fine French Gypsy Jazz. James Garner's Tribute to Johnny Cash also charmed audiences, faithfully recreating Cash's biggest hits. Sausages, salads, sandwiches, coffees, and more were available for attendees to enjoy a delicious lunch while enjoying the entertainment.

For more information about the Harvest Festival, visit http://harvestfestival.com/

Friday, September 4, 2015

Pleasanton Harvest Festival to Open at the Alameda County Fairgrounds

The Pleasanton Harvest Festival, happening September 18-20 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, is ringing in the fall shopping season by offering attendees thousands of unique, handcrafted gifts in a fun and festive setting. 

The Harvest Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that offers shoppers the chance to browse thousands of American handmade arts and crafts, including original art, clothing, blown glass, ceramics, photography, specialty foods and more. Guests can visit hundreds of booths, getting their purchases personalized and meeting the artists who individually made each product.

For the first time ever, the Harvest Festival will offer a free admission to the first 100 people in line each day, so be sure to get there early!

Throughout the weekend there is fabulous, continual live entertainment at the outdoor stage. John Park will be performing his popular "Funny Waiter" show where he spins plates and has the audience participating in his hilarious tricks, and the Hot Rods Band will get the crowd on their feet and dancing with their tribute to early rock and roll hits of the 50's and 60's. Plus, strolling entertainers wander the grounds, entertaining and  interacting with festival attendees. 

This year, the Pleasanton Harvest Festival is proud to welcome its new official charity, the Crown Monarchs Youth Cheer and Dance Team. The Crown Monarchs are a non-profit competitive cheer team from Brentwood whose purpose is to promote athletic participation in cheerleading and dance, as well as foster the physical, mental and moral development of young girls. The organization will receive half of the proceeds from all shopping bags sold at the event and will also be hosting the interactive KidZone this year.

The Pleasanton Harvest Festival® is once again supporting the Alameda County Community Food Bank by offering $2 off admission to anyone who brings a monetary donation or non-perishable food items to the show. The Alameda County Community Food Bank serves 1 in 5 residents living throughout Alameda County and distributes enough food for 380,000 meals each week.

The Harvest Festivals were recognized as one of the top craft shows in the United States by Sunshine Artist Magazine and are the largest indoor arts and crafts show on the West Coast.

What:    The Pleasanton Harvest Festival®
When:   September 18-20, 2015
Where:  Alameda County Fairgrounds (4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566)
Hours:   Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm
Tickets:  Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Kids 12 & Under: Free (Tickets valid for re-entry)
Info:       Call or visit www.harvestfestival.com or 800-346-1212
Press:    Contact the Larose Group at 650-548-6700  


Wednesday, June 3, 2015

KCSM Presents Jazz on the Hill --FREE concert






KCSM Presents Jazz on the Hill
Local Radio Station Thanks Community for Support with Free Jazz Festival

On June 6th, KCSM will host Jazz on the Hill at the newly renovated College of San Mateo campus from 12pm-6pm. Jazz on the Hill is a​ non-profit  jazz music event​ which benefits the college and the community supported radio station, KCSM FM. It​ is free to all who attend and this year it ​will feature ​two stages designed for nonstop entertainment and a great lineup of professional Jazz artists, including Grammy award-winning artist Poncho Sanchez. 

Dedicated to enriching the community, there will be a special "community stage" where talented local middle and high school students who showcase their talent by covering many genres of jazz from straight-ahead, blues, Latin, and more.
Jazz on the Hill returned in 2013 after a nine year hiatus due to the CSM building renovation project.  Now, the school is ready for visitors and eager to show off the campus, architecture and amazing views. 

KCSM’s television and radio stations, licensed to the San Mateo County Community College District, made their broadcast debuts in 1964. KCSM FM and TV were originally established by the College of San Mateo as training facilities for radio and TV broadcasters.

Many well-known media personalities were educated at the College of San Mateo, including tabloid TV reporter Steve Wilson, ESPN sportscaster, San Francisco Giants announcer, Jon Miller and K101 On-Air Personality, Jeff Serr. Today, the stations have professional staffs operating full service public television and radio and continue to serve as learning laboratories for students enrolled in the College of San Mateo Broadcasting Arts Department.

“This event is our way of thanking the community for the incredible support they provide year round,” said Dante Betteo, KCSM’s Station Manager.  “We wouldn’t be the unique radio station we are today if it weren’t for our listeners and supporting members.”
Jazz on the Hill will feature many of the favorite components from the previous year, including an area featuring vendor booths, food trucks, a BMW car raffle, and wine provided by Domenico Winery, located in San Carlos.

The BMW raffle is being conducted by San Francisco Jazz with the grand prize being a BMW i3 from BMW of San Francisco.

Tickets for the raffle will be on sale at Jazz on the Hill and the car will be on-site.  For more info about the raffle, go to www.sfjazzraffle.com.

WHO:             KCSM's Jazz on the Hill

WHAT:           A free day-long jazz concert celebration to thank the community for their support of KCSM 91.1 FM.       

WHERE:        College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402 

The Main Stage will be located on the lower mezzanine in front of the library steps with breath taking views of the Bay. The Youth Stage will be located in CSM's Little Theatre building.

WHEN:          Saturday, June 6th, 2015 from 12pm-6pm.

INFO:             For more information and details about the lineup, visit  www.jazzonthehill.org

PRESS:         Contact Frances Larose at 650-548-6700 or via email at Flarose@prmagic.com