Have you seen the new spot for Canon’s just-launched “Project Imagin8ion” initiative? The one starring Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard?

Well, if you haven’t, it’s premise is pretty straight-forward and cool:  Canon, with Howard’s help, is hosting an international photo contest, inviting people to submit photos, of which eight will be selected based on movie themes (mood, setting, time, character, for example). Howard will then select and, ultimately, use these eight photos as inspiration for a short film he will create. The film is scheduled to debut in New York next November.

The wonderfully animated spot, aptly titled “Parade” (and the brainchild of the creatives at Grey), features music by, you guessed it, one of our very own. That’s right, Comma LA composer Justin Hori is responsible for the cinematic sounds heard in the Howard-starring “Parade” spot. Hori also composed the upbeat, happy-go-lucky song featured in the current iPhone commercials. Our guy Justin is on a roll . . .

When the “Parade” spot debuted last week, Adweek crowned it its AD of the Day. Not bad, eh?

One more thing:  Camera-toting consumers – um, that means everybody! – have until June 14 to submit images. Get crackin’.

We want to introduce you to our producer of Onda, the newest edition to the Comma/Particle family. Coming from a (political) campaign background (yep, she worked on the 2008 presidential and 2010 midterm elections), Luz has a strong set of organizational skills that are greatly aiding Onda’s rise. As Onda’s fearless leader, Luz handles marketing within the Latin community and works directly with agency producers on the post-audio and music side of ads for the Hispanic marketplace. Simply put, Luz’s deft knowledge of Latin culture and community helped pave the way to Onda. Now, get to know Luz a little better (she’d like that!) . . .

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Hometown: Manizales, Colombia

Favorite Song: It’s a two-way tie between Café Tacuba’s “Eres” and Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You.” I get goosebumps every time I hear these songs.

Favorite Band: Impossible to narrow it down to one – for the past decade I can’t get enough of Rodrigo y Gabriela, Nina Simone and Cat Power.

Best Thing You Ever Ate: Kabocha Squash Ravioli from Girl and the Goat. No chewing required, it literally melted in my mouth. YUM.

Something  we didn’t know about you:  I LOVE thrift store shopping. It is safe to say that 75% of my wardrobe has belonged to someone else at some point. I get the biggest rush when I find something that I can somehow make my own and know that NO ONE else has it.

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Comma is all things music. We like the new. We like the old. We know you know this. But right now, we want to shed a little light on one of our (local) favorites — Umphrey’s McGee.

Hailing from Chicago, Umphrey’s McGee was formed at the University of Notre Dame in 1997. Guitarist/vocalist Brendan Bayliss began the band with Ryan Stasik (bass), Joel Cummins (keyboards) and Mike Mirro (drums). (In 2002, Mirro left the band to attend medical school.) These days, Bayliss, Stasik and Cummins are joined by guitarist Jake Cinniger, drummer Kris Myers as drummer and percussionist Andy Farag.

During its early years, the band maintained a hardcore cult-like following in its Chicago hometown as well as in South Bend, Indiana. In fact, Umphrey’s McGee was pretty much only available to die hard fans until 2002–when their music went public. That’s when the band released its first proper recording and second studio album (following two live sets), the aptly titled “Local Band Does OK.” Two years ago, the prog-rock outfit released its “sixth” studio collection (and 11th album overall), “Mantis.”

Now, though, it’s time to do yourself a favor and revel in all things Umphrey’s McGee:

Armed with ample SPF 30, ginger-haired/fair-skinned Comma New York executive producer Michael Paoletta tackled the three-day Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival music like a true Coachella virgin (which he was!). For three days (April 15-17), Michael traversed the grounds of the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif., making his way from one stage to another, doing his best to not miss a thing. Of course, with six stages vying for his attention, it became a matter of hearing two songs here, three songs there, always aware that another act was playing on another stage at the same time. “Even with the best scheduling intentions, it quickly became apparent that I would miss some acts I wanted to see,” Michael notes. “Simply put, at Coachella, you cannot do it all—and that’s okay. There’s always next year.”

Now, though, and in no particular order, Michael shares his Top 10 sights and sounds of Coachella 2011 . . .

Arcade Fire:  Five years after playing Coachella on a smaller stage during the day, Arcade Fire returned this year headlining the main stage. Now 100% arena-playing rock stars, the Canadian outfit treated fans to songs from its Grammy-winning album, “The Suburbs.” During the set’s last song, “Wake Up,” hundreds of big colored balls were unleashed into the crowd. Then came the encore:  “Ready to Start,” “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels),” “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains).” Consider Arcade Fire the poster children of Coachella.

Ms. Lauryn Hill:  In signature fashion, Ms. Lauryn Hill (as she is now billed) arrived late—though by only 20 minutes, which for her might be considered on time. Midway through her wonderfully funky and soulful (short) set, she asked, “How many Fugees fans are here at Coachella?” To adoring cheers, she launched into “Ooh La La La,” “Ready or Not” and “Doo Wop (That Thing).” Thirty-five minutes later, she wished us all well and walked off stage.

Sleigh Bells:  The M.I.A.-approved duo of Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss delivered one of the festival’s most in-your-face performances. It was a gloriously twisted mash-up of metal, cheerleader chants, guitars of distortion and pure noise. After seeing Sleigh Bells live, I (finally) get what all the fuss is about.

Crystal Castles:  One stage shy of playing the main stage (next year, perhaps?), the Toronto “techno” duo proved that acid house music—all dance music, in fact—has a home at Coachella. The thousands who turned out for this hypnotic performance could not take their eyes off front woman Alice Glass, who is as fearless as they come.

Robyn:  The consummate dance music artist, Robyn delivered on all fronts: music, voice and performance. The Mojave tent was packed to the rafters, and as the Swede sang fan favorites (“Indestructible,” “Dancing With Myself,” “With Every Heartbeat,” “Hang With Me,” “Be Mine”), we danced and danced and danced.

Yelle:  French electro-pop at its finest.

The Kills:  Oh my . . . American singer (and Dead Weather member) Alison Mosshart and British guitarist Jamie Hince are the Exene Cervenka and John Doe of today’s post-punk generation. Playing under a nearly full moon, the couple’s fierceness and sexy swagger were so very present, especially on the blistering duet, “Kissy Kissy.”

Fistful of Mercy:  The supergroup of Dhani Harrison, Ben Harper and Joseph Arthur revel in sun-soaked California sounds. During its tight set, the band focused on songs from its debut album, “As I Call You Down,” including “In Vain or True,” “Fistful of Mercy” and the title track. This is one band to keep an eye on.

Duran Duran:  As the closing night’s “opening act” to the Strokes and Kanye West, Simon Le Bon and crew deftly delivered their ’80s hits (“Planet Earth,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” Rio,”). Le Bon brought Scissor Sister Ana Matronic on stage for the cowbells-infused “Safe (In the Heat of the Moment).” Before launching into new song, “Girl Panic,” Le Bon noted, “The next song is about the effect girls have on boys, boys have on boys, and girls have on girls.”

Chromeo:  The ’80s dance vibe continued with the arrival of Canadian duo Chromeo, who effortlessly channeled Prince, Jody Watley, Zapp and D-Train. With stars and a full moon above, Chromeo wowed the packed audience with electro-funky-disco jams like “Don’t Turn the Lights On,” “Tenderoni,” Bonafied Lovin’,” “Night by Night” and “Needy Girl.” Oh, and Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig provided some nice sax, too.

The madness is over. Finally.  Our office Buckeye’s, office Jayhawks and even some UConn fans can now relax. Some have tasted defeat, while others have tasted victory.

As you (likely) know, Comma and Particle co-hosted a NCAA bracket for its clients, with the top winner receiving the ultimate prize:  an iPad 2!

More than 100 clients entered the contest. And we do have a winner. Drum roll, please . . .  The iPad 2 goes to Tracy Tran of Element 79.

Producer Tran had UConn winning it all. How did she know?

“During the pre-season—and even at the start of the season—nobody had Uconn on their radar,” Tran says. “But then I caught a few games during the Maui Invitational when they beat Washington, a then No. 2-ranked Michigan State team, and handled Kentucky, and I knew there was no way Kemba Walker was going to let them lose.”

Tran realized UConn stumbled a bit during conference play, however, “it’s the Big East; they all beat each other up.”

This is the first time, in many years, that no number one seed has played in the final four. With so many upsets like VCU’s win over Kansas, Duke’s loss to Arizona — it was hard to keep a bracket straight.

Tran says she made her picks with the help of her hubby. Regarding Kentucky, Tran notes that Calipari has a way of riding his freshman. “As for whether or not they came to Kentucky ethically,” Tran adds, “that’s something else.”

The Final Four came down to UConn vs. Virginia, and Butler vs. VCU. UConn went on to beat Butler in the Championship 53-41.

We’re so excited to give the prize away. Tran says she was shocked by the win. “I don’t ever win anything,” she says with a smile. Well, you’ve won something now, Tracy. Congratulations!

Click below to take a closer look at Tran’s bracket.

Hit Me (Baby) . . . One More Time

We’ve all got those songs we can’t stop playing. You just keep pressing play (again and again) to get one more hit of that gorgeous melody — or that big beat. Right here, right now, a handful of Commarticles give us a look into their very own first-week-of-April-2011 “mixtapes” . . .

Becca, Chicago producer –

“Everywhere I Go” (Lissie), “Rolling in the Deep” (Adele), “Rock N’ Roll Is Free” (Ben Harper), “Animal” (Neon Trees), “Bulletproof” (LaRoux”, “So In Love” (Jarvis),  “Fistful of Mercy” (Fistful of Mercy), “When the Night Feels My Song” (Bedouin Soundclash), “I Have Loved You Wrong” (The Swell Season),  “Free Bird” (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Matt, Chicago associate composer –

“Colours” (Graffiti6),  “Bang Bang Bang” (Mark Ronson & The Business Intl.),  “Bizness” (tUnE-yArDs), “The Girl” (City And Colour), “Hurricane Season” (Trombone Shorty), “Fire With Fire” (Scissor Sisters), “Fixin’ to Die” (G. Love), “Simple” (Mojo Magnet), “Rock It” (Little Red), “Lights” (Ellie Goulding), “I Need a Dollar” (Aloe Blacc)

Mark, Chicago associate composer –

“Fredag” (Dungen), “Kindergarten” (Faith No More), “Saturday Saviour” (Failure), “Git Up, Git Out” (OutKast), “Human Nature” (Michael Jackson), “The Martyr” (Cursive), “The Rain Song” (Led Zeppelin), “Wait a Minute” (The Seldom Scene), “Lonesome Tears” (Beck), “Boogie in Your Butt” (Eddie Murphy)

Michael, New York executive producer  –

“Good Intent” (Kimbra), “Am I Forgiven” (Rumer), “I Surrender” (Clare Maguire), “Searched Every Corner” (The Feeling), “Thing Called Love” (Wolfram feat. Haddaway), “Born This Way” (Elouise), “Above the Clouds” (Cyndi Lauper w/ Jeff Beck), “Put Your Hands Up [Pete Hammond Remix]” (Kylie Minogue), “All of This” (The Naked & Famous), “Get Over U” (Neon Hitch), “Hang With Me” (Robyn), “Someone Like You” (Adele), “Limit to Your Love” (James Blake), “With You” (Marsha Ambrosius), “Who You Are” (Jessie J)

Luz, Chicago producer –

“When It Hurts so Bad” (Lauryn Hill), “Young Folks” (Peter Bjorn and John), “Mediocrity Rules” (Le Tigre), “Chan Chan” (Buena Vista Social Club), “Big Poppa” (The Notorious B.I.G.), “I’ve Been Thinking” (Handsome Boy Modeling School feat. Cat Power), “A Little Respect” (Erasure), “Fade Into You” (Mazzy Star), “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas” (Nat King Cole)

One of the most intriguing projects we’ve been working on over the last few months has been the Happy Tales campaign for McDonald’s, via Leo Burnett — Chicago. The campaign takes a storybook approach to promote healthier choices on the McDonald’s kids menu. The ads (three of which have aired to date) feature beautiful animation and clever stories with quirky protagonists.

We weren’t too surprised then, when we learned that the first spot in the campaign, and one of our favorites–“Spaceman Stu”–just won an Addy in the Music with Lyrics category from the Chicago Ad Federation. Now the spot advances to the regional level. We give it good odds to take it all the way to nationals. (But we’re biased, of course.)

The song was composed and performed by our own Pete Schmidt, who was also heavily involved in crafting the sweet yet fun lyrics that personify ‘Stu.’ Once the commercial started airing, it was fun to watch the amazing feedback that it was receiving on Youtube. It has taken on a life of its own, becoming a viral hit, with remixes and arrangements by fans from all over the globe. This inspired Pete to crank out a full-length version of the tune, which you can hear at this link:

Special thanks to the entire team at Burnett, including creative directors/copywriters, Susan Credle and John Montgomery; art director whiz (and also creative director), Keith Hughes; and the always calm-under-pressure-producer, Eric Faber. Animation was handled by Duck/Kompost in Switzerland. Thanks also to our team at Comma, including executive producer Bonny Dolan, producer Becca Scampini, and creative directors Larry Pecorella and Bryan Rheude.

We’ve been listening to their music since last summer, when we received an advance CD of their debut album. Except for the name of the act, the disc arrived without much additional information. We liked the act’s name–The Secret Sisters–as well as their sound (a little bit country, a little bit rock-n-roll, a little bit alternative). After one listen, we were smitten by the music’s honesty, spirit and life. Several listens later, we knew this self-titled CD would become a soundtrack of summer 2010. Well, like a well-worn pair of shrink-to-fit 501’s, “The Secret Sisters” has become a part of our daily lives.

The Secret Sisters (Laura and Lydia Rogers) hail from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. So taken by the Sisters’ vocals and their love and respect for music and harmony, legendary producer T Bone Burnett signed the sisters to his new label, Beladroit, which he created for this release. Recorded at Nashville’s renowned Blackbird Studio, “The Secret Sisters” was produced by Dave Cobb (Waylon Jennings, Jamey Johnson) and executive produced by T Bone Burnett; it features a mix of classics (Frank Sinatra’s “Something Stupid”) and originals (the self-penned “Tennessee Me”).

At the same time, Jack White was also falling under the Secret Sisters spell. He produced their debut single, a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Big River” b/w the classic folk song, “Wabash Cannonball,” featuring My Morning Jacket’s Carl Broemmel on pedal steel.

These days, the Secret Sisters are on the road with Loretta Lynn, Amos Lee, Ray LaMontagne and Brandi Carlile. They’ll be stopping by Comma Chicago for an artist showcase on March 23.

Now, though, here’s a little “Secret” just for you:

We are still salivating from Iron and Wine’s intimate lunch-time showcase this past Friday (March 4) at Comma Chicago. Iron and Wine ringleader Sam Beam and entourage played some chestnuts from their classic Sub Pop days, as well as new songs from recently released major label debut, “Kiss Each Other Clean” (Warner Bros.).

While Iron and Wine’s earlier albums were sparse affairs, 2007’s “The Shepherd’s Dog” was infused with layered textures and rhythms. This sonic collage sensibility forms the lovely foundation of “Kiss Each Other Clean” (oh, the saxophone, the flute!).

During Iron and Wine’s Comma showcase, Sam entertained the agency creatives with not just music but anecdotes about his family. The man has five daughters. That’s right — five!

This was one of those artist showcases where everyone in the room was smiling in a state of blissed-out calmness. That is the power of Iron and Wine.

In less than two weeks, that annual music, film and interactive conference and festival held in Austin, TX — yes, that would be South by Southwest (or South by, for short) — will commence its nine days of schmoozing, deal-making and overall joie de vivre.  Two of Comma’s very own will very much be in the mix, doing their best to majorly enhance the round-the-clock party atmosphere that is SXSW.

That’s right, Justin Hori, creative director and composer, and Bonny Dolan, executive producer and artist liason, will share their knowledge and talent with SXSW attendees — and thanks to the Internet, the world at large. Our boy Justin, though, will be there in spirit and sound only. Turns out he is needed at Comma Los Angeles.

Justin’s original music is featured in the short narrative film, “Boobie,” starring Elijah Woods and Brian Pestos. The film’s characters, “William” and “James,” have a little too much time on their hands and one of them is particularly attached to a stuffed animal. So, who and/or what exactly is the “boobie” in “Boobie,” you ask? Watch and you shall know. (“Boobie” will be screened three times during SXSW; check sxsw.com for complete schedule.) You can also catch “Boobie” on HBO’s “Funny or Die Presents.”

On the music and advertising front, Bonny will participate on the March 17 panel discussion, the aptly titled “Cash For Your Songs: Getting Music Into Commercials.” This isn’t Bonny’s first time at the rodeo. She has appeared on numerous conference panels around the world, sharing her wisdom and insight on the relationship between advertising and music. Let’s face it: the woman’s been at the forefront of branded entertainment for a hot minute. When it comes to bands and brands, she knows what she’s talking about. Trust.

SXSWeek 2011 happens March 11 – 20. Bonny will surely have her ears and eyes opened to new films, bands and technology. Color the rest of us here at Comma jealous. Still, we couldn’t be more excited for them. Bonne chance.