You know all those numbers in your cell representing people you never talk to? Sometimes you wonder how they are and sometimes you wonder WHO they are. Well, Those Mockingbirds frontman, Adam Bird, is on a mission to say “hello” and possibly ask “who are you?” to the 600 contacts stored in his iPhone. And he’s launched a blog, The Last Time We Spoke, to document it all. We like to call it a the docu-blog because it keeps us coming back daily. Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry.  Other times we feel bad because the situations are so awkward (imagine when he has to call his ex-girlfriends!) However, one thing remains the same as we reach the end of every entry- we can’t wait ’till he dials our numbers.

*By Joelle, who is wondering how many phone conversations she has had with Adam over the past decade or so.

Planet Verge & Sweet Avenue Bakeshop present Cupcakefest 2011 to benefit Bloomfield, NJ’s John A. Bukowski Shelter for Animals. Go behind the scenes and watch performances by Monday Night Bear Claw, Fairmont, Those Mockingbirds, The Front Bottoms, Bern & the Brights, The Nico Blues and Gary Bender.

View Planet Verge’s photo recap of Cupcakefest 2011.

Just some of the generous donations.

Gary Bender kicked off the event.

In between bands, the shelter introduced dogs available for adoption.

Monday Night Bear Claw took the stage next.

This True Feel shirt was our favorite fashion on display.

Jeff Coltenback, trainer, pit bull advocate and owner of Paradise Pets spoke in support of shelters.

Adam from Those Mockingbirds joined The Nico Blues on stage for a song.

We’ll be teaming up with Maintenance Clothing and The Beauty Chateau for a beauty and fashion event. Stay tuned!

Cupcakefest veterans Those Mockingbirds played acoustic this time around. Big shout out to Adam, who joined our event planning team and coordinated the bands this year!

The cupcake eating contest!

THIS is what Cupcakefest is all about!

You’ve heard Fairmont on episodes of PV TV’s Beauty 101 segments.

The Front Bottoms starting the new backwards drummer trend.

Bern and the Brights concluded the night.

PV staffers Nicole, Joelle, and Carly at the end of day-long filming. Watch the recap, featuring interviews and performances with all the artists, coming soon!

Taking the stage will be:

The Nico Blues

The Front Bottoms

Those Mockingbirds

Bern & the Brights

Fairmont

Monday Night Bear Claw

Gary Bender

Cupcakefest 2011 will benefit Bloomfield’s John A. Bukowski Shelter for Animals. Taking place June 18 at Rutherford’s Lincoln Park Bandshell (176 Park Avenue), this daylong celebration of music and cupcakes includes a cupcake eating contest, raffles and the opportunity to meet animals available for adoption.

“As vegan small business owners and animal rights advocates, we feel strongly about our obligation to give a voice to those who have none,” says Danielle Vance, owner of Sweet Avenue Bakeshop and founder of Cupcakefest. “We started Cupcakefest to be able to use our influence in the community to help some of the countless animals in shelters across New Jersey.”

Cupcakefest 2011 is free to attend. Pet supply donations are encouraged. Now four years in, Cupcakefest has raised thousands of dollars in cash and supplies for local shelters.

John A. Bukowski Shelter for Animals was chosen this year due to the challenges the shelter has faced this past year, including lack of funding and attempts to buy out the property: the shelter has been in the crosshairs of township officials for years as Glendale Cemetery, right next to the shelter, has wanted the land the shelter sits on for expansion. If the shelter is closed, all homeless or stray animals will likely be brought to Associated Humane in Newark, which is already overwhelmed. Animals can be put down in as little as seven days by state law, and it happens frequently at AHS.

“Planet Verge is honored every year to join Sweet Avenue in the planning of Cupcakefest,” states Joelle Caputa, president, Planet Verge. “Our staff is dedicated to raising awareness for important causes and feel it’s necessary for people to know that there are millions of amazing animals sitting in shelters right now, waiting to love you,” she said. This year’s Cupcakefest is extra special to her, as John A. Bukowski is her hometown shelter. “The shelter volunteers go above and beyond. When I adopted my dog a few years ago, my other dogs didn’t adjust well to the situation and the shelter’s trainer worked with us for months,” Joelle says. “Now, we couldn’t be happier!”
Cupcakefest 2011 will be filmed for Planet Verge TV. Watch Cupcakefest 2010 festivities.

ABOUT SWEET AVENUE BAKE SHOP
Sweet Avenue Bake Shop is a gourmet vegan cupcakery located in Rutherford, NJ. All cupcakes are 100% dairy and egg-free, cholesterol-free, and delicious. Sweet Avenue is dedicated to life, liberty and the pursuit of cupcakes! Visit SweetAvenueBakeShop.com, Facebook.com/sweetave, and Twitter.com/sweet_avenue

ABOUT PLANET VERGE
Planet Verge is an all-female run media network. In 2001, Planet Verge launched as a music ‘zine in New Jersey. Today, Planet Verge takes on a farther-reaching form as a music and indie lifestyle Web site and Internet TV show (Planet Verge TV). Planet Verge reports on “what’s hot” and “what’s important” on the scene from our latest music and beauty obsessions to causes close to our hearts. Visit PlanetVerge.com, Facebook.com/PlanetVerge, and Twitter.com/PlanetVerge.

ABOUT JOHN A. BUKOWSKI SHELTER FOR ANIMALS
The John A Bukowski Shelter for Animals is located in Bloomfield, NJ. Managed by the township of Bloomfield, the shelter’s animal control serves the towns of Bloomfield and Caldwell. It has been in existence for 40+ years. The shelter is an extremely low-kill shelter. The majority of the animals are adopted into permanent homes or transferred to rescues or sanctuaries to live out their lives. No animals were put down in 2009, amazing for a municipal shelter and a testament to the dedication of the volunteers. In 2010 only two dogs were put down, both for serious health reasons. Visit Facebook.com/stbbs, Twitter.com/SaveTheShelter, and Petfinder.com/shelters/NJ517.html

The Advice Panel:

Jonathan Devoto, Bird By Bird, (ex- the Matches)

Tory Daines, Those Mockingbirds

David Reed, The Private Life of David Reed

Andy Bell, The After Party

Todd Bogin, Whale Belly

Rocky Catanese, Let Me Run

Brian Alaburda, We Are! The New Year

All these bangers in Love Automatic (left to right: Nick Goncalves, Michael Glita, Brent Carpentier, PJ DeCicco)

DJ SRIMIX

Jean Paul Makhlouf, Cash Cash

Mark Rose

Richard Jackson, Enation

Laura Jansen

Break-Up Advice:

“Just go on and pull the band-aid off already. There’s no use beating around the bush or staying with somebody because you’re afraid of hurting them, or yourself.” -Jonathan Devoto

“Cry a lot in public.” -Tory Daines

“It’s like a band-aid.  It’s gonna hurt!  Just make it quick and get it over with.” – Brent Carpentier

“Don’t talk to them for a month or two.  Whether or not you break up with them or they break up with you, don’t talk to them!” – Michael Glita and PJ DeCicco

“My philosophy on relationships is to stay honest and open with your partner is how to succeed. Unfortunately when things go sour, it get’s harder to stick to that philosophy, but you have to! Just tell someone how you’re truly feeling, knowing that they might not accept it, or react rationally, and potentially throw something at you. So be open, and bring something to shield your sensitive areas!

If you end up being on the dumped side, or going through some mutual split, the best thing to do is just let things go, and be as understanding as possible. There might be some lingering feelings, but just acknowledge that at this point things aren’t supposed to work out as a relationship, and just be as nice and calm as possible. Over-thinking, whining, and making crazy plans will get you nowhere.” – Rocky Catanese

“Be honest. If you know what you want or what you don’t want, don’t waste anyone’s time. It makes the situation even more worse in the end.” – David Reed

“Let it fizzle down and then ask for nude pics.” – Brian Alaburda

“Just be honest.” – SRIMIX

“When you’re breaking up with someone, or if someone breaks up with you, you have to let them go completely. Put away anything that reminds you of them. Don’t text them, call them, or even write on their Facebook wall because you are going to drag out the breakup and it will ultimately be a lot harder on you. You need a clean cut so that you can heal faster.” – Andy Bell

“I’ve not had too many long term girlfriends. I recently had one and she broke-up with me, so the only advice I can give is based on my own experiences on how I dealt with it: Spend the first few months in a complete depressed alcoholic stupor while writing her songs and other failed attempts of poetry that are not quite good enough to win back her love. Continue avoiding dealing with real issues and emotions through drunken stupor/poetry/songs/cartoon drawings. And repeat.” – Todd Bogin

“Cut ‘em cold turkey! It’s the only way to keep your sanity. Trust me, I learned the hard way! Doing the whole ‘on and off’ thing leads to one (or both) of the people in the relationship playing games with the other… And that will just totally mess up your chances of ever coming out of it as friends. Plus, giving each other the space is the only way to actually get the other one back, because going over the top trying to get the person back makes you look desperate and it rarely works. Also, giving space cold turkey is a double win because if you end up not getting back together you’ll have a much easier time getting over the person because a lot of time will have already passed, making it that much easier to move on. So, straight up, try your best to just ‘cut em cold turkey’!” – Jean Paul Makhlouf

“Just remember, even if you’re no longer somebody’s Valentine–you’ll always have Skeeter Valentine.  Love is complicated– but Doug Funnie’s blue best friend is in it with you for the long haul.” – Mark Rose

“Try and end the relationship with love and respect, even if it’s difficult. If you know it’s over, cut ties and don’t drag it out. Once it’s over, if you know it’s over, don’t go back like a teeter-totter just because it’s comfortable. Take a breathe, look ahead, and start fresh. Know you are worth loving.”- Richard Jackson

“Ultimately heartbreak was the best thing for me. It put everything into sharp focus and I got back in touch with myself. I learned a lot about things I’m not good at, things I want to keep working on. It forced me to focus on myself and to work really hard on the things that made me happy. I also learned that what you feel during a break up might not be the best thing for you. I wasn’t really supposed to end up with that guy, but I only learned that long after we had split. I was supposed to go through all that to learn more, to grow. Life is a pretty unpredictable thing and I always believe we are exactly where we are supposed to be, even when it sucks.  I’m even grateful for it these days. Figuring out the stuff that really was important to me and filling in my time with the things I love ultimately got me to where I want to be so that the right person would come into my life. I really do believe that.” – Laura Jansen

Love Tip:

“Nod, smile, and say, ‘You’re right, baby.’ Works every time!” – Jonathan Devoto

“Sign a prenup!” – Tory Daines

“Treat her like a princess.” – Brian Alaburda

“Like I said before, you should always be open and honest. Also know that if you have to rationalize something at the beginning of seeing someone, that little problem you may have will probably still be there later.” – Rocky Catanese

“Find someone who can laugh at themselves.  And find someone who splits the bill instead of expecting it to be paid for everytime!” – SRIMIX

“Live your own life outside of your relationship.  Have your own life!” – Brent Carpentier

“It’s corny, but you know Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus? If you’re wondering why a guy is doing something, it’s because he’s from another planet.  You’re different creatures.  You won’t get upset or try to understand it.” – Michael Glita

“So I guess the secret to true love is comparing women to aliens?” – Nick Goncalves

“Be one with your lover. Let the moon and stars guide you through the process; for the making of love is spiritual. Anything less is uncivilized.”- David Reed

“Guys, girls absolutely love massages. Nothing makes a girl feel closer and more comfortable with you than a good back rub! Girls, same goes for you- just make sure you don’t go too soft!” – Andy Bell

“I’m single, which means I’ve failed at all my relationships. So really, the only advice I can give is make sure your partner is pleased before you get your pleasure. For extra advice, I decided to ask my lovely ex-girlfriend and here’s what she told me: ‘Don’t be super neurotic, don’t be broke, don’t have random mood swings, don’t wear the same clothes four days in a row, don’t make vulgar sex jokes in front of her friends you just met, and don’t wear the same Chicago Blackhawks shirt 12 days in a row, even if they just won the Stanley Cup. Do be their best friend and do learn how to cook, at least a sandwich.’” – Todd Bogin

“Don’t be afraid to mix passion with perversion! I call it P² (p-squared). If you’re a sicko like me, you grew up watching way too much porn and feel like if those dudes are doing this shit, maybe you should be too. The truth is, you should be! Regular sex gets boring.  The thing is this: With a partner you’re really into and care about, you need to give them the balance between passion and your kinky desires. Make them feel sexy and loved! (Yes, you can have both!) You just have to always respect the other partner’s boundaries and limits. You never want the other person to feel uncomfortable about the sex, so make sure you keep communication at a good level and tell each other what turns you on and what doesn’t. Also always keep it fresh and alive… Having sex in the same place every time, the same way, at the same time will get boring! Spice it up here and there and bring her to the kitchen table, boys!!!” – Jean Paul Makhlouf

“Quote lyrics from various 98° songs and pass them off as your own poetry and insights regularly.  You can take almost any passionless situation from ice cold to red hot–near instantly.” – Mark Rose

“I’m a firm believer in head over heels. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does I can really lose sense of myself. It has lead to some fantastic experiences, but in the end I always felt like I’d been away from my own life and path and it took time to get back to that. It sure does sound romantic, but I’ve learned in my own life that when I can be firmly rooted in who I am, the right person comes along. I’m not willing to lose myself completely anymore for anyone. At the same time, it is really about creating the room in your life where someone else can fit. You can’t be too rigid about the way you want things to go. Life is far is surprising and magical for that kind of planning. The stormy, head over heels in love thing makes for great songs but I’m learning how to fall head over heels without losing my head or my heels.” – Laura Jansen

Most Romantic Song Ever:

“‘When A Man Loves A Woman.’ The Michael Bolton version. Seriously. Gets me every time.” -Jonathan Devoto

“R. Kelly ‘Trapped In the Closet Parts 1-4′” -Tory Daines

“‘We Can Do It Anywhere’ by 112.” – David Reed

“‘Glosoli’ by Sigur Ros.” – SRIMIX

“This is tough, but one that immediately comes to mind is ‘Come To My Window’ by Melissa Etheridge. I’m a big fan of hers despite what people might guess, and I think this is a song that just completely expresses the connection you can have with someone and how you are willing to fight for that love and that connection.” – Rocky Catanese

“‘Let’s Get It On’ by Marvin Gaye.” – Andy Bell

“‘2 Weeks’ by We Are The New Year!” – Brian Alaburda

“Ginuwine’s ‘Those Jeans.’” – Brent Carpentier and Nick Goncalves

“‘I’ll Make Love To You’ by Boys II Men.” – Michael Glita

“That one BeeGees song.  Not ‘Stayin’ Alive’, one of the slow ones.  ‘How Do You Mend A Broken Heart’.” – PJ DeCicco

“’The Power of Love’ by Huey Lewis and the News off the Back to the Future soundtrack. A combination of the greatest movie and band of all-time.” – Todd Bogin

“Hmm, probably Nirvana – ‘Rape Me’. But, if I had a second choice it would probably be ‘The Power of Love’ by Celine Dion.” – Jean Paul Makhlouf

“‘She’s Like the Wind’ by Patrick Swayze.  No description required.” – Mark Rose

“There are a lot. If I had to pick one, maybe, ‘You Are So Beautiful’ by Joe Crocker.” -Richard Jackson

“That’s a tough one. There are so many gorgeous love songs out there. I love ‘My Old Man’ by Joni Mitchell, ‘First Day of My Life’ by Bright Eyes,  anything by Edith Piaff, ‘No One’s Gonna Love You’ by Band of Horses…the list goes on.” – Laura Jansen

Best Song to Cry Your Eyes Out While Listening To:

“The entirety of Dashboard Confessional’s record The Places You Have Come to Fear The Most.” -Jonathan Devoto

“‘No Children’ by The Mountain Goats.” – Tory Daines

“Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt – PJ DeCicco

“‘Screaming Infidelities’ by Dashboard Confessional.” – Brian Alaburda

“Man, this is hard.  I don’t cry!” – Brent Carpentier

“‘A Silver Mount Zion’ by Could’ve Moved Mountains.” – SRIMIX

“This is a three way tie between ‘Turn of the Century’ by Pete Yorn, ‘You Can Sleep While I Drive’ by Melissa Etheridge, and ‘Lullabye’ by Billy Joel. They all just hit that nerve of love and loss, and when tied with the somber music, it just kills me.  If you haven’t listened to them, find them and do yourself a crying favor.  Aside from that I must shamelessly plug Let Me Run, and just say be on the lookout for new music and massive touring in the next few months.” – Rocky Catanese

“‘I’m All Out Of Love’ by Air Supply.  But I mostly cry over stuff that’s artistically or musically moving.  Or some Bryan Adams cheesy song.” – Michael Glita

“Diana Ross–’We Can Hold On Together,’ at the end of The Land Before Time.  It makes me cry every single time.  That or a Justin Bieber song.  I’d cry because I listened to it.” – Nick Goncalves

“‘3 Libras’ by A Perfect Circle or ‘Evaporated’ by Ben Folds Five.” – David Reed

“‘I’m Already There’ by Lonestar.” – Andy Bell

“’Cool Waves,’ by Spiritualized, while eating Cap’n Crunch out of a zip-lock bag and crying into an old t-shirt she gave you.”- Todd Bogin

“Dashboard Confessional’s – ‘This Bitter Pill’.” – Jean Paul Makhlouf

” ‘Lover, You Should Have Come Over’ by Jeff Buckley. For real, what an emotional masterpiece.” – Mark Rose

“I think Ray Lamontagne’s first album is a start to finish cry your eyes out record. I had that on repeat for weeks. ‘The World Spins Madly On’ by The Weepies. Also, ‘I can’t make you love me’ as sung by Bonnie Raitt. There isn’t a better break up song than that.”- Laura Jansen

And in case you missed this Planet Verge TV episode last Valentine’s Day:
Breakup Advice from Aimee Allen

James from The Gay Blades takes over Planet Verge TV and gets Adam from Those Mockingbirds to reveal the naked truth about the band’s “Honest? Honest.” music video.

Camera: Mavrik Studios
Editing: Joelle

The Gay Blades’ James Wells reveals his favorite Halloween costume when Adam Bird from Those Mockingbirds takes over Planet Verge TV.

Camera: Mavrik Studios
Post Production Editing: Joelle

How often does Adam from Those Mockingbirds wash his hair? What inspired Tory’s new look? These are the important topics discussed in this impromtu interview at The Meatlocker backstage at the band’s show with The Gay Blades.

Host & Post Production: Joelle
Camera: Mavrik Studios

Watch Those Mockingbirds perform “Poor Excuse” and “We Are the Antidote” at Cupcakefest 2010.

Cupcakefest 2010 is presented by Sweet Avenue Bakeshop and Planet Verge. It’s a celebration of music and cupcakes to benefit the Passaic Animal Shelter. Watch interviews and performances featuring Val Emmich (as seen on 30 Rock and Ugly Betty), Those Mockingbirds, Washington Square Park and Alchemy & the Queen. Plus, witness the Cupcake Eating Contest, meet the biggest dog at Cupcakefest, learn about shelter animals from Dr. Cantamessa, and get the Cupcakefest 411 from Sweet Ave. Planet Verge TV and Maverik Studios captured it all.

GET DETAILS: www.CupcakeFest.com and www.SweetAvenueBakeshop.com

Sweet Avenue Bake Shop Holds Cupcakefest 2010!

Saturday June 26th 2pm – 8pm

New York, NY. May 24, 2010 – Sweet Avenue Bake Shop is proud to announce Cupcakefest 2010 in partnership with Planet Verge & Big Picture Media, scheduled for Saturday, June 26th from 2pm to 8pm at Rutherford’s Lincoln Park Bandshell (176 Park Avenue). Cupcakefest is an annual celebration of music and cupcakes with several bands playing outdoor sets to raise money and donations for an honorable charity. In addition to free mini cupcakes for all comers, there are raffles and cupcake-eating contests all afternoon.

This year, Cupcakefest is jam packed with musical talent from the NY/NJ area. Some of the artists and bands include: Val Emmich (as seen on 30 Rock and Ugly Betty), Those Mockingbirds, Washington Square Park, Alchemy & the Queen, Young Squire (former members of Gaslight Anthem and And Then There Were Machines), Right as Rain and The Worms.

Besides eating cupcakes and listening to great music, Cupcakefest is held to raise money and donations for a different charity or organization each year. This year, Sweet Avenue is partnering with the Passaic Animal Shelter of Passaic, NJ. All of the proceeds from the raffles and cupcake-eating contest will be donated to this needy nearby shelter. Cupcakefest is free to the public, but all attendees are strongly encouraged to bring at least one item to donate to the animal shelter, such as pet food, litter, old blankets or towels, pet toys, etc.

This year, raffle prizes include donations by: Activision (Band Hero), Harmonix (Rock Band), Whole Foods, Rutherford Pancake House, Beauty by Nicole, Merrick Pet Care, Paradise Pet, Garden State Rollergirls, A Doghouse Bakery, Doggie Paradise and many more!

Last year alone, over $5,000 was raised in cash and pet supply donations for the Liberty Humane Society, and we hope to double that amount this year for the Passaic Animal Shelter! Please come and show your support! Besides, what’s greater than cupcakes, live music, and animals?

For more information, please go to: www.cupcakefest.com.

Val Emmich – www.myspace.com/valemmich

Those Mockingbirds – www.myspace.com/thosemockingbirds

Washington Square Park – www.myspace.com/washingtonsquarepark

Alchemy & the Queen – www.myspace.com/alchemyandthequeen

Young Squire – www.myspace.com/youngsquireband

Right as Rain – www.myspace.com/rightasraininpa

The Worms -

About Sweet Avenue Bake Shop: Sweet Avenue is a gourmet vegan cupcakery located in Rutherford, NJ. They are 100% dairy and egg-free, cholesterol-free, and delicious. Sweet Avenue is dedicated to life, liberty and the pursuit of cupcakes! www.sweetavenuebakeshop.com

About Planet Verge: The all-female staffed music network has established a reputation for making an impact on the world–one indie rocker at a time–by bringing its audience “What’s Hot” and “What’s Important” through various forms of media (zines, blogs, Internet-TV episodes). www.planetverge.com

About Big Picture Media: Big Picture Media is a full service entertainment public relations agency based in NYC. BPM specializes in national television, print magazines and newspapers, syndicated radio and new media. www.bigpicturemediaonline.com

For press inquiries, please contact:

Christina Reynier | Big Picture Media
1133 Broadway, Suite 733 | New York, NY 10010
O: 212.675.3103 | C: 732.447.6985
aim: ummmhelllooo | christina@bigpicturemediaonline.com