Ludacris was the featured performed for UM Homecoming Events. Allison and a team from Hurricane Productions presented a tremendously successful packed house show at the Bank United Center on the UM Campus in Coral Gables, Florida.

Shannon Komisarchik , graduating from Nautilus Middle School on Miami Beach, has been selected as a winner of the established honor, popularly known as “The Bob Novack Music Awards”. Shannon is a classical pianist who has also trained and performed in Jazz and been a member of the Nautilus Jazz Band under the direction of Ray Modia. Shannon has achieved excellence in music performance, and has presented numerous recitals and concerts for her school and community. Her excellence has earned widespread acclaim.

Srivishnu Ramankutty, graduating from Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 and preparing to enter the New World School of the Arts, is an outstanding musician focusing on the viola and violin. He has been the Concertmaster of the school orchestra, has attended All State Orchestra as one of Florida’s finest young musicians, and he performs in the South Florida Youth Symphony. Music educator Nicolas Repetto at the school has been enormously impressed with Srivishnu and his continuously rising talent.

Each year the Bob Novack Music Award is presented at both Nautilus Middle School and Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 School to outstanding music students chosen by the schools’ music departments. The award is given in memory of the late Bob Novack, a life-long musician, band leader and music educator. Mr. Novack performed with famous bands throughout the United States including the Glenn Miller Band, and he led the Bob Novack Orchestras in South Florida for four decades. The awards are presented by his son, Paul Novack, former Mayor of Surfside. For more information, background, and a list of award winners, see the Archives.

Allison Novack receives the District's Outstanding Student Volunteer Award from Superintendent of Schools Alberto Carvalho

Allison Novack has been named as the Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year for the entire Miami-Dade County Public School System. At a gathering of over 1,200 people at Jungle Island on April 15, 2010, the award was announced after a panel of judges had been reviewing nominations for the past several weeks.

Allison’s volunteer work in many capacities, including as President of the Junior State of America (MB Chapter), as Producer for the non-profit 1308 Productions organization, as organizer of youth voter registration projects, as host to a Congressional visit to Beach High, as an integral part of Sky News’ global coverage of US elections, as creator of Rock the Vote concerts and shows, and as an energetic student leader on the local, national and international level, all created positive results for her school and community.

The Miami-Dade County Public School District thanked Allison for her devotion to public service. On hand were Superintendent of Schools Alberto Carvalho, School Board Vice Chair Perla Tabares Hantman, and School Board Members Dr. Lawrence Feldman, Dr. Wilbert Holloway, and Augustin Barrera. Also in attendance were corporate and business leaders, civic organizations, educators and public administrators.

Allison’s efforts have been spotlighted by Voice of America Radio, global television network Sky News, the United States Congress, Teen Voices “18 under 18″, and many other media and civic recognitions.

1308 has presented and supported events for educational and charitable causes in Miami Beach, Miami, St. Louis, and soon to come: in New York City.

Allison combines her passion for music with writing and leadership by producing teen-friendly concerts with 1308 Productions, a non-profit that she and her family created to bring emerging bands to youth at an affordable cost in the Miami area. The shows have since become officially endorsed by MTV’s Rock the Vote organization and encourage teens to get involved with politics. Not only are rising bands getting great exposure with new audiences, but teens who help Allison organize and promote the events receive community-service credit.

When asked how she feels about being on this list, Allison says: “It amazes me that I’m recognized in a list of only 18 students. It really is an honor, since the reason [for getting involved] was not to be recognized. I did it because I enjoy it, and I’m glad for all of the positive results that are created.”

Clark Douglas Burris, director of Rock Ensemble, Sound Engineering and Guitar Studies at Miami Beach Senior High School, says: “By taking the unusual initiative, as a teenager, to provide these special events for her fellow teenagers to display their musical talents, Allison has set the example for others to follow. This is only one of the ways in which Allison, in her own unique fashion, has improved the world.”

View all of the “18 Under 18″ winners here http://www.jvibe.com/Real_life/18Under18.php

Indie-rock sensations Ex Norwegian are receiving an uproarious reception to their debut album, Standby, being declared the “next big indie thing” by Revue magazine. Performing at New York’s CMJ Music Marathon mere months after their formation, the band has become the new buzz band of the year seemingly overnight. College radio led the charge with over 140 stations spinning them regularly now and the music blogosphere quickly followed with the band receiving rave reviews critically, cover stories, and featured spots on some of the most popular music sites. All the while the band’s fanbase continues its rapid growth since the release of their two singles, the Shins-styled folk-pop “Something Unreal” and the irresistibly catchy “Dance Trance Pants.”

Visit their website and catch them on their upcoming dates!