Amy Winehouse Found Dead at 27 & Locally, Britton's celebrates "Christmas in July" with a Fish Fry!

You'd have to be living under one heavy rock to not hear about the sudden death of R&B crooner Amy Winehouse. It is being speculated that the songstress, who was no stranger to publicly battling substance abuse, rehabing and relapsing, overdosed on a combination of drugs - cocaine, ecstacy and ketamine, allegedly. Just hours before being found in her Camden home by her bodyguard, Winehouse spoke with both her security and record label.

Well before her death, her addictions withered away the curvy body of a healthier looking Winehouse

Metropolis Music, Amy's management company, released a statement Sunday saying: "We are trying to come to terms with the death of a dear friend and colleague, the most amazing artist and talent. We will always remember Amy as a vibrant, funny, caring young woman who made everyone around her feel welcome. We have lost a very special person, part of our family."

Her soulful sound was compared to some of the legends of Jazz and Blues that Amy herself admired: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Shirley Horn, but to name a few. Winehouse was also credited as spearheading the British wave of female talent to wash upon American soil of late: most notably Duffy, Corrine Bailey Rae and Adele.

Many of her fans flocked to her home to see if the news was true, turning her home into a memorial ground littered with flowers, photos, cigarettes and alcoholic paraphernalia.

Her debut album "Frank" was a large success in the UK, but it wasn't till the release of her "Back to Black" album that her talent "hopped the pond" and became recognized in a large and rather fickle music market like the U.S.

In a recent strange twist, Winehouses death has sent fans into a second frenzy for the album released in 2006 that garnered her five out of six Grammy nominated wins in 2007. Sales increased a staggering 37-fold between Friday and Saturday, propelling the album onto the U.K. official charts at 59.

Amy joins another group of artists known as the "27 Club". The group includes artists Janice Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Brian Jones who all died at the age of 27.

Russell Brand and many of Amy's closest friends have shared what this experience has done to them and the lessons it should teach us all about addiction. Amy may be gone but her memory will never fade to black.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 26.

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In local news:

"‘Twas the night before Fish Fry, and all through the store,

Not a person was stirring, no one stood at the door.

All the clothes were out, displayed with great care,

No wall could be spotted, no mannequin was bare.

There were Skipjacks and Whales everywhere one looked,

You could smell the aroma of fish being cooked..."

This past Saturday, Britton's of Columbia held its 3rd Annual "Christmas in July Fish Fry ".

This event was a fundraiser for Harvest Hope Food Bank from 10:00AM – 6:00PM. Every customer who donated 5 canned goods or made a $10 donation to Harvest Hope was given 10% off their purchase.

If you were lucky, you got a discount card from St. Nick himself.

As promised, fried fish was served, along with hors d'oeuvres and beverages.

A "Charlie Brown Christmas" inspired tree

The event not only seemed to be a success in sales but also for donations. We hope to see you - and Santa! - this same time next year for another Christmas in July Fish Fry!

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Rock 'N' Roll Out for Fashion

From the dawning of rock 'n' rolls popularity in the late 1960s, music and fashion have been intermingling. During the summers, people are ready to let loose and sway to the rhythms of their favorite artists. Because of this, there are concerts and music festivals all over the world that bring an assortment of people, culture and fashions together. The problem is many of us want to stay trendy and cool during these hot and crowded concerts so the question is: what do you wear? Here is a look at some celebrities rocking the festival scene attire and where you can get similar looks.

Kate Bosworth is no stranger to the music scene and after being spotted at the Coachella Music Festival this summer, she definitely has an element of “hippie-chic” to her style. She tends to go for lightweight fabrics to stay cool and comfortable.

Here is a dress similar to the one she is wearing in the middle picture from Banana Republic.

Diane Kruger, Joshua Jackson, Ian Somerhalder, and Nina Dobrev (t to r) also attended the Coachella Festival this summer. Although their looks are very different (Diane doing more of a resort look where as Nina is more sporty with a pair of sneakers), they are both wearing soft cotton black tank tops that look great with what they're wearing.

This tank top from Forever 21 is a great summer closet staple. The complete outfit on the model would be great to wear all day.

Vanessa Hudgens is definitely channeling the 70’s with this outfit. The sheer pants convey a relaxed yet stylish look.

A good alternative to those pants is a long printed skirt by Joie from Shop Bop. It's similar to the pant not only because of its print but also its overall relaxed aesthetic.

Joe Jonas was spotted at the Coachella Festival as well this year and this rocker look is perfect for any guy wanting to attend a music festival. Layering makes it easier for you to go from day to night with ease.

This jacket from Banana Republic is similar to the one above in that it can go from music festivals to a date night on the town.

Here is a list of accessories that festival goers should have to make the experience that much more enjoyable:

ONE by Collina Strada is a great bucket bag. It can carry a multitude of items and looks fit to be carried to a festival.

These Jeffrey Campbell boots will look great with shorts, skinny jeans, or a summer dress.

K. Jacques make these gladiators and their neutral color can be paired with just about any summer ensemble.

Converse Allstars have been around for decades and are still a great sneaker to have in your closet because of their comfort and cool appeal. These shoes can be great for guys and girls at a concert or just to own for their versatility.

With these suggestions you will be able to stay cool and comfortable in the summer months while listening to your favorite artists live.

Long live Peace, Love, Fashion & Rock 'n' Roll.

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