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DAVID ZEE WINS GRAND PRIZE IN MUSIC TO LIFE SONG COMPETITION AT KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL

2001 - David Zee wrote a song with his [former] wife Ashley Pound called "Children of Conflict" that was chosen as one of ten finalists in the "Music To Life" song competition sponsored by the Public Domain Foundation. PDF was founded by Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary in the early 70s to receive and distribute the royalties from THE WEDDING SONG to public charities, and has given almost $2 million to family and children's organizations worldwide.

This year the foundation invited songwriters to submit compositions that speak of social and/or political issues of concern. An esteemed judging panel of well-known songwriters including Len Chandler, Tom Chapin, Christine Lavin, Tom Paxton, Mary Travers, Cheryl Wheeler, and Peter Yarrow chose the winners. David and the nine other finalists played a concert on Saturday afternoon, June 2, in Texas at the Kerrville Folk Festival, one of the biggest annual folk music gatherings in the U.S.

As grand prize winners, Ashley and David received a donation of $1,000 for Seeds of Peace, the organization that inspired the lyrics. David also had the honor of giving the opening performance on the Kerrville Main Stage Saturday night.

The second runner up, Eileen Hemphill-Haley received a charitable donation of $250 for her song THE BEGINNING OF THE END; she will allocate her award to the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric Aids Foundation. First runner up was Michael Veitch whose PLEDGING ALLEGIANCE received $500 which will be donated to various organizations.

A compilation CD of the finalists' live performances will be available later this month on the PDF site (www.pdfoundation.org) and through the NEWORLD MULTIMEDIA store. All proceeds support Public Domain and its charitable activities. "Having heard them, I can highly recommend these thought-provoking songs from talented and committed writers," David said.

The original recorded version of "Children of Conflict" is included on the CD "Absolutely," available only by mail order on www.davidzee.com 

"Ashley and I are very grateful to the Public Domain Foundation for the award, as well as Rod Kennedy and the Kerrville Folk Festival for hosting the event," David said.  

"We congratulate Noel Paul Stookey, Elizabeth Stookey Sunde, and PDF for creating this forum for songs of social relevance. We also commend Seeds of Peace, a non-profit, non-political organization for bringing teenagers from regions of conflict together to learn the skills of making peace."

For more information on the Public Domain Foundation song contest, go to www.pdfoundation.org

Info on the Kerrville Folk Festival, www.kerrville-music.com

Info on Seeds of Peace, www.seedsofpeace.org

 David Records for Crabs

In 1981, veteran DC-area announcer David Deboy sold thousands of copies in Maryland of a hilarious song called "Crabs for Christmas." In 2001, Deboy released a 20th anniversary CD version this fall to include some new songs with a distinct Baltimore accent. David Zee provided accompaniment for several tunes on piano, bass, and drums. Other contributing area musicians included Tracy Tiernan on vocals, Nancy Krebs on fiddle, and Pete Baden on pedal steel. Ty Ford handled recording and mastering. Info: www.daviddeboy.com/crabs.html

 DAVID ZEE COMPOSES MUSIC FOR MPT VID TECH

David has composed music for a new spot publicizing Emmy award-winning comedian Bob Heck's Maryland Public Television character Bob the Vid Tech, featuring the actor in various roles playing harmonica, rubboard, and a jug. David's music also supports the Vid Tech live show which plays in malls and public spaces throughout Maryland. If you have small children you already know who Bob is; for more data check out www.mpt.org/kidsfamily/vidkid/bio_heck2001.shtml

 David Zee records keyboards for Certain General

David has completed tracks for Certain General, an innovative New York-based band. Founded in 1980, the group earned a very special place in French culture when they were named France's band and album of the year in 1984. David contributed keyboard parts for Certain General's 8th studio album, "Closer to the Sun." Rock & Folk Magazine called Certain General "the bridge between Television and Radiohead," and the band is "one of the greatest voices of this young century," according to Guitar Parts Magazine.

David also played keyboards on a recording of the classic French duet, Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birken's "La Decadanse," sung by Certain General singer Parker Dulany and Julee Cruise of "Blue Velvet" and "Twin Peaks" fame. This single will be released Spring 2001 in France for Fantastica Records.

For more info Certain General, log on to www.alive-totalenergy.com/general.html