ION INDIE MAGAZINE July 2016, Volume 26 | Page 4

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Music by ASHLEY WINELAND “Red, White and Blue” The song that is streaming with this month’s Letter from the Editor, “Red, White and Blue”, is by CMT artist ASHLEY WINELAND. It depicts one military family’s loss of a loved one and honors our fallen heroes. As we present our July 2016 edition of ION Indie Magazine, let us remember what a truly great land we live in and also, keep in mind the price that many have paid for the freedom we enjoy. ION wishes America a very happy birthday! In more global news (or shall we say, “International” news?), this month we are featuring Hip Hop artist, model and actor INTERNATIONAL NOVA. This editor conducted the interview, while Senior Photojournalist and Managing Editor for ION, JB Bridges, performed the photographic honors. Also this month, International Nova debuts his program “The Nova Show” in ION. Read all about the very intriguing International Nova inside these pages. This edition of ION has enough stars (of the musical variety, that is) shimmering within its pages to rival any Fourth of July display. In this edition you will find BAD COMPANY and JOE WALSH (by Senior Photojournalist TIMOTHY SCHUMANN)—along with CYNDI LAUPER, BOY GEORGE and PETER FRAMPTON (by Senior Photojournalist LISA BOEHM)…all legendary names in music. You can view all the exceptional live concert photography in this issue! And our festival coverage continues with Senior Photojournalist MARK MYERS’ photography at this year’s ROCK’N DERBY and also, his and Senior Photojournalist DANIEL JOHNSON’S coverage of LACONIAFEST. Also, Mark will be sharing his first-hand account of what went WRONG at LaconiaFest, in his article titled “LaconiaFest--Front Row Seat to Failure”—read the inside scoop inside this issue! Also this month, Senior Photojournalist GARY CAROTA continues his report from CAROLINA REBELLION, with an interview with ION alum, MIXI from STITCHED UP HEART! Check it out! I am delighted to announce that our ION family has grown! Joining our valued network of broadcasters are: FISH CREEK RADIO, INDEPENDENT SHARE RADIO, THE CHRIS TOP PROGRAM, TWIN RADIO SYNDICATE and IMP INDIE RADIO. Welcome to all of these excellent radio stations. We appreciate all of their efforts and salute them for sharing our vision to get independent music read about, seen and heard! “Music isn’t what I do, it’s who I am. Music is a life force that beats within. It permeates the senses and encompasses the spirit. Music transcends. It heals the heart, purges the soul and provides refuge from pain. Music is immortal.” ~The Fairy Rock Mother Kiki Plesha CEO/Editor-in-Chief The Fairy Rock Mother ION Indie Magazine