Home Blog Page 45

My Next Read: “JAZZ REVOLUTIONARY The Life & Music Of Eric Dolphy” by Jonathon Grasse

Jazz Revolutionary is the first full biography of Eric Dolphy, passionately tracing his creative life from Los Angeles clubs of the late 1940s and 50s, to New York in the early 1960s, and on to Paris, where he died in 1964 from complications of undiagnosed diabetes. It presents an engaging examination of this innovative musician and composer, from his family background to posthumous memorials, and provides insight into his recordings both as sideman and leader.

Dolphy emerged at the frontiers of post-bop and free jazz, collaborating with John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, Ornette Coleman, and Gunther Schuller, among others, during the early 1960s. This book accounts for his successes, trials, and tribulations. His critical reception is presented as an element of his career’s ups and downs, ultimately leading to an attempt at a new life in Paris.

The albums on which he appears are interpreted title by title, track by track, without unnecessary musical terminology or musical examples; instead of cold discographic charts, readers are brought into each recording with a descriptive prose framework reflecting Dolphy’s performances on alto saxophone, flute, and bass clarinet.

Eric Dolphy was perhaps jazz’s first true multi-instrumentalist and a pioneer of avant-garde technique. He is also widely remembered by those who knew him as a kind, gracious human being. In Jazz Revolutionary, his artistic accomplishments, his friendships and family life, and his timeless music are brought together in one place for the first time.

The Life and Music of George Michael Will Play Toronto’s CAA Theatre November 1-3, 2024

The North American tour of The Life and Music of George Michael that will visit more than 25 cities through this fall is set to make a stop in Toronto this November. The Life and Music of George Michael will play Toronto’s CAA Theatre from November 1-3, 2024 for four performances only.

Tickets will be available at 10am on Thursday July 18, 2024 at mirvish.com or by calling 1.800.461.3333

The brand new concert-style show chronicles the amazing journey George Michael had with music and his fans while capturing the performance and sound of the musical sensation with concert style staging and lighting. Audiences are invited to join the party and listen to early hits from Wham! and Michael’s illustrious solo career that made him a legend.
“Get ready to relive the magic of George Michael’s music in a way you’ve never experienced before,” says Writer and Director Dean Elliott. “The Life and Music of George Michael will take fans on a captivating ride through the incredible musical legacy of a pop culture icon while dancing in the aisles to the biggest music hits of a generation.”

The Life and Music of George Michael celebrates the performance and sound of one of the biggest international stars of our time. The show will have fans on their feet dancing and singing along to blockbuster hits including “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go,” “Freedom,” “Faith,” “Careless Whisper,” “Father Figure,” and many more. Michael sold over 115 million albums spanning four decades and rose to fame as a member of Wham! in the early 80’s. He went solo in 1987 with “Faith,” one of the biggest albums of all time. The album had four number one hits including “Faith,” “Monkey,” “Father Figure,” and “One More Try.” He won two Grammy Awards, three Brit awards, three American Music Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards.

Lego Icons Retro Radio Is The Must Have For Any Music Fan

Get ready to dive into a nostalgic building experience with this incredible LEGO set that masterfully recreates a vintage 1960s radio! With 493 pieces, you’ll enjoy every minute of assembling its detailed and authentic retro design, complete with a tuning dial, volume control, and even a removable case to reveal the intricately crafted interior. Measuring approximately 8 x 8 x 6 inches, this set is not just fun to build—it’s a stunning display piece that will catch everyone’s eye. As part of the LEGO Icons series, it’s a must-have collectible celebrating classic objects and pop culture in style! You can get it here.

My Next Read: “1967: How I Got There and Why I Never Left” by Robyn Hitchcock

1967: HOW I GOT THERE AND WHY I NEVER LEFT explores how that pivotal slice of time tastes to a bright, obsessive-compulsive boy who is shipped off to a hothouse academic boarding school as he reaches the age of thirteen—just as Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited starts to bite, and the Beatles’s Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band explodes.

When he arrives in January 1966, Robyn Hitchcock is still a boy pining for the comforts of home and his family’s loving au pair, Teresa. By December 1967, he’s mutated into a 6’2? tall rabid Bob Dylan fan, whose two ambitions in life are to get really high and fly to Nashville.

In between—as the hippie revolution blossoms in the world outside—Hitchcock adjusts to the hierarchical, homoerotic world of Winchester, threading a path through teachers with arrested development, some oafish peers, and a sullen old maid—a very English freak show. On the way he befriends a cadre of bat-winged teenage prodigies and meets their local guru, the young Brian Eno.

At the end of 1967, all the ingredients are in place that will make Robyn Hitchcock a songwriter for life. But then again, does 1967 ever really end?

ONE Musicfest, presented by Procter and Gamble, Celebrates its 15th Anniversary With A Star-Studded Lineup

ONE Musicfest (OMF), presented by Procter and Gamble (P&G), in collaboration with Live Nation Urban (LNU), is excited to announce its eagerly awaited lineup for its 15th anniversary of music, culture, and celebration. The annual two-day festival, founded by Jason “J” Carter, is set for Saturday, October 26th, and Sunday, October 27th, 2024, at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, GA.

Please find the ONE Musicfest map, schedule, and full lineup on the website.

OMF has always catered equally to both R&B and Hip Hop lovers, and this year is no different. For those who enjoy soulful tunes, you can expect to sing along to new hits and timeless classics from artists like headliners Jill Scott, Victoria Monét, and Earth, Wind & Fire, with other performances by Dru Hill, Fridayy, Destin Conrad, Fantasia, Jeremih, Gospel singer Koryn Hawthorne and more. Rap fans are in for a treat as well, with performances from headliners Cardi B and Gunna, along with performances by Sexyy Red, Glorilla, Nelly, BigXthaPlug, Young Nudy, T.I., Bossman Dlow, Method Man & Redman, and both DJ Mustard and DJ Drama, who will be bringing along a few of their friends. Usher’s longtime DJ, and well-respected Atlanta transplant, DJ Mars, will also curate a set of thrilling performances to keep the crowd moving.

For the eclectic ears, new wave country artist and recent LVRN Records signee Tanner Adell will likewise grace the stage at OMF, her first Black festival performance. This year’s lineup was selected especially with the fan first in mind, offering everything from a meet-and-greet experience with Method Man to surprise pop-out performances from special guests.

Nicknamed the greatest homecoming on earth, festival-goers will enjoy a smooth entry process and a variety of stages showcasing continuous music, the festival is celebrating bigger than ever with exciting new activations, partnerships, and energetic performances. Fans can expect special social media experiences, never-before-featured health, and fitness initiatives and pop-ups curated by Atlanta creatives.

In addition, OMF will feature top local food vendors with new enhancements, custom merchandise,  special social media experiences, and a vendor village highlighting Black-owned businesses. Bars scattered throughout the festival and VIP sections will offer a range of beverages, including craft cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options.

Over the years, ONE Musicfest has been filled with landmark events and notable firsts. While past headliners have included Kendrick Lamar, Usher, SZA, Ice Cube, Brent Faiyaz, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Pharrell, and Megan Thee Stallion, OMF had the honor of hosting the final festival performances of DMX and Young Dolph before their untimely passing and witnessed some of the biggest reunions in Hip Hop, including Gangsta Boo rejoining Three 6 Mafia, the platinum-selling group with both an Academy Award and Grammy Award, in their first festival performance ever before her passing. Additionally, we saw members of the formidable multi-platinum-selling, award-winning group Outkast, Big Boi, and Andre 3000, come together with The Dungeon Family founded by Southern Hip Hop pioneers Rico Wade, Ray Murray, and Sleepy Brown of Organized Noize, for their only performance in a decade.  Furthermore, highly heralded NYC rapper,  Nas‘ 25th anniversary of his debut album Illmatic was celebrated on OMF’s stage.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the fifteen-year mark. We’ve grown into the longest-running and largest Black independently owned festival in the country and this journey has been a blessing. Our commitment to the community remains steadfast as we continue to bring the biggest and brightest performers in music and the best activations with amazing partners,” states ONE Musicfest Founder, J Carter.

With P&G leading as the festival’s title sponsor, OMF also partners with Toyota, Sprite, Hennessy, and other top-tier brands.

ONE Musicfest tickets are available here and range from general admission entry @ $219.00 to Titanium packages @ $5500.00. Please go to ONE Musicfest’s website for details on packages.

Skullcandy Announces Limited-Edition Nora Vasconcellos Collaboration

Skullcandy announced an all-new collaboration with American professional skateboarder and Skullcandy athlete, Nora Vasconcellos. The limited-edition collection will include Crusher Evo True Wireless Headphones and Smokin’ Buds True Wireless Earbuds, featuring Vasconcellos’ original “Party Hat” artwork, allowing devoted fans exclusive access to Nora’s Happy Place. The new collab will begin selling August 6 ranging from $29.99–$209.99 MSRP on Skullcandy.com and at select boardsport retailers.

Known for her prowess in flipping into lip tricks, her fierce determination, and her signature color lavender, Vasconcellos has not only risen to the top echelon of skateboarders but has also captured the hearts of fans worldwide. In 2017, she clinched 1st place in the Vans Park Series World Championships, cementing her status as a dominant force in the sport. Thrasher Magazine honored Vasconcellos by ranking her 4th on their prestigious Top 10 Women and Non-Binary Skaters of 2019 list. Her magnetic charm and powerful skating style have inspired countless young enthusiasts. Vasconcellos made history as the first woman to join the Adidas skate team, launching multiple shoe collections. She is also an ambassador for JuneShine, a successful beverage company.

The fan-favorite Crusher Evo features a one-of-a-kind immersive bass experience with Skullcandy’s patented Sensory Haptic Bass, and a wide range of features to meet the everyday lifestyle demands of today’s audio consumer. Smokin’ Buds delivers a full range of features and stellar audio experience including expertly tuned drivers and EQ modes – the earbuds deliver clear, full range sound backed by impressive bass depth. Smokin’ Buds are also thoughtfully designed with a consolidated part count, mindful battery capacity, and 50% certified recycled plastics, minimizing the stress on the environment.

Tech specs tied to the Skullcandy x Nora Vasconcellos include:

Skullcandy x Nora Vasconcellos Crusher Evo Wireless Headphones – $209.99 MSRP

  • 40 Hours Total Battery Life
  • Rapid Charge – A quick 10 minute charge gives you 4 hours of playtime
  • Adjustable Sensory Bass – Skullcandy’s patented bass technology is provides experiential bass for ‘Music You Can Feel’
  • Personal Sound – Tune your audio experience to your unique hearing ability by taking a real-time audio test to create a Personal Sound Profile for optimized audio levels
  • Call, Track and Volume Controls – Full suite of media controls directly from the headphones
  • Built-In Tile Finding Technology – If headphone is misplaced, simply “ring” it from the Tile app
  • Flat-Folding and Collapsible Design for easy portability

Skullcandy x Nora Vasconcellos Smokin‘ Buds True Wireless Earbuds – $29.99 MSRP

  • 20 Hours of Battery Life – Up to 8 hours in the earbuds and an additional 12 hours in the charging case
  • Rapid Charge – A quick 10 minute charge gives you 2 hours of playtime
  • IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistant – Go on any adventure without missing a beat
  • Music, Movie & Podcast EQ Modes – Delivers best audio quality for music, movies or podcasts
  • Noise Isolating Fit – Ergonomic, ovalized design provides all-day comfort and a noise-isolating fit
  • Call and Media Controls via Capacitive Touch – Control volume, calls, EQ modes and activate your device’s local assistant with a tap.
  • Microphone in Each Earbud – Allows use of either bud solo without losing the ability to take calls
  • Auto On/Connect – Enjoy automatic turn on and pairing with the last device used

5 Gum Partners with Zedd to Host Pop-up Rave in One of New York City’s Bodegas, Found Only Through a Series of Clues

Today, 5 gum is inviting fans to experience the thrill of the beat drop at an exclusive, first-of-its-kind rave inside one of New York City’s bodegas, featuring a performance by GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Zedd. The catch? The rave, hosted on August 22, will only be available to 25 lucky fans who are the first to find the secret location. The event aims to deliver against 5 gum’s ongoing mission to stimulate all 5 senses, fuel adventure and encourage fans to live in the moment.

To find the secret location of 5 gum’s epic in-store rave with Zedd, fans will have to follow a series of hints dropped on 5 gum and Zedd’s social media channels, as well as decipher clues hidden in plain sight to gain access to the exhilarating show. Fans that figure out the location will need to be one of the first 25 people to visit the bodega in advance on August 22 to secure a glow-in-the-dark 5 gum x Zedd pack as their ticket into the rave that evening. The performance will include new tracks from Zedd’s first upcoming album in nearly a decade, TELOS, allowing the lucky attendees to be amongst the first to hear them before the album drops on August 30.

“I love to deliver the unexpected at my shows, and performing at what will be one of my most intimate and unique venues yet – an actual New York City bodega – certainly aligns with that,” said multi-platinum, award-winning artist, DJ and producer, Zedd. “Partnering with 5 gum to deliver this amazing experience will definitely be one for the books. I cannot wait for this unforgettable night and to play some of my new music for fans!”

Fans who aren’t able to secure an exclusive ticket to 5 gum’s Bodega Rave with Zedd in New York City can still join in on the thrill by entering for a chance to win $500 for tickets to Zedd’s upcoming tour or exclusive event merch at www.5gum.com/Zedd, starting on August 26 through September 6. To follow along and see hints dropped in real time, visit www.5gum.com and follow 5 gum on Instagram and TikTok.

Camp Snoopy Gets Bigger, Better, And Snoopy-er In 2025

 Carowinds’ Camp Snoopy will unveil two new family-friendly attractions in 2025 as part of the largest investment in family attractions in the park’s history: a new family launch roller coaster and an interactive raft ride. These additions, alongside splash play zones and a meet-and-greet experience with Peanuts™ costume characters, offer more spots for families to cool off and new character experiences. The new attractions promise endless adventured fun for guests of all ages, making Camp Snoopy a must-visit destination for family fun in 2025.

New Attractions:

  • Snoopy’s Racing Railway: Guests can join Snoopy as he races to deliver root beer and pizza to Camp Snoopy’s Mess Hall, where Woodstock and his yellow bird buddies are causing quite a ruckus. This family-friendly steel launch coaster accelerates from 0 to 31 mph in seconds, providing an exhilarating adventure for all ages. Riders will experience exciting dips and wild turns, ensuring the delivery arrives safely and on time. Riders get double the fun as they race through the course twice.
  • Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast: Families can hop aboard an eight-seater boat at Snoopy’s swimming hole for a splish-splash adventure with family and friends. Equipped with on-board and onshore water cannons, riders can engage in friendly water skirmishes with other boats, spraying each other as they navigate the river channel. With their trusty water cannon mounted on the side, they can join in the excitement with other campers. Throughout their journey, riders will encounter their favorite Peanuts characters swimming, floating, and splashing—all eager to drench them in fun!

“We’re excited to introduce the latest adventures in Camp Snoopy in 2025,” Manny Gonzalez, vice president and general manager for Carowinds, said. “Our re-imagined Camp Snoopy will allow families to ride and play together, immersing them in a summer camp experience with the Peanuts gang. From the thrilling twists of Snoopy’s Racing Railway to the splashes at Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast, our focus is on family fun. These new features will transform Camp Snoopy into more than just a place to play and cool off; it will become a destination for creating family memories.”

New Enhancements:

  • Splash Play Zones: Families can beat the heat in Camp Snoopy’s brand-new splash play zone areas. Featuring enhanced shade and refreshing water features, these areas are designed to ensure everyone stays cool and has fun. The ample shade and water make it the perfect relaxing spot on a hot Carolina summer day.
  • Camp Store Meet-and-Greet Experience: Guests can enter the newly remodeled Camp Store to meet Peanuts costume characters at their interactive, camp-themed meet-and-greet area. Complete with rustic log benches around a cozy firepit, this air-conditioned environment offers ideal photo opportunities and memorable interactions with favorite characters.

Unlimited Family Fun:
Unlimited access and visits to Camp Snoopy for the rest of 2024 and all of 2025 are available with a 2025 Gold Season Pass, now on sale at the lowest price of the season. A Gold Season Pass includes unlimited visits to Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark, admission to seasonal events like Tricks and Treats, SCarowinds and WinterFest, free parking, exclusive discounts, and eligibility for two Pre-K Passes.

BIC and Charlie Puth Host “BIC’s Creativity Camp” To Support Music & Arts Education

BIC, a world leader in stationery, is partnering with GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter and producer Charlie Puth to emphasize the importance of music and arts education with “BIC’s Creativity Camp” to spotlight BIC’s 4-Color Ballpoint Pen. While research shows that music and arts education have an overwhelmingly positive impact on student wellbeing, these programs are often the most underfunded. This back-to-school season, BIC is dedicated to deepening its commitment to education by investing in the future generation of bright young minds.

On Wednesday, August 7, in New York City, BIC and Charlie Puth are hosting an invite-only Creativity Camp for students and teachers from local tri-state area high schools. Guided by the talented artist, attendees will explore and express every side of themselves through four dynamic activities, each inspired by BIC’s iconic 4-Color Ballpoint Pen: 1) journal writing to recognize individuality and encourage self care, 2) beat-making to create captivating rhythms, 3) album cover designing to bring imagination to life, and 4) dazzling performances to show off students’ hard work. The event space will draw attendees in with vibrant colors, oversized musical instruments, life-sized areas to doodle, and a plush lounge – all meant to encourage participants to explore their creativity.

To further champion music and arts education and extend their impact to more classrooms, BIC is also partnering with Save The Music Foundation. BIC is making a donation and providing writing instruments to Save The Music’s NYC Music Education Project. Additionally, Creativity Camp attendees will walk away with backpacks brimming with BIC school supplies, ensuring they start the 2024-2025 school year fully equipped and ready for success.

“As part of our long-standing commitment to education, BIC is dedicated to encouraging creativity and improving learning conditions for students of all ages,” said Gonzalve Bich, Chief Executive Officer at BIC. “This back-to-school season, we’re proud to team up with Charlie Puth and Save the Music to shine a light on the importance of music and arts programs. Much like our iconic 4-Color Pen, music and arts not only provide an outlet for self-expression, but also stimulate creativity and support academic achievement.”

“Music and the arts have always been such a huge part of who I am, and I believe it’s vital to give students the opportunity to explore and be creative,” said Charlie Puth. “I’m thrilled to be partnering with BIC to host this Creativity Camp experience with the BIC 4-Color Ballpoint Pen and team up with Save the Music to further champion music and arts education.”

“BIC’s Creativity Camp is a unique opportunity for our students and teachers from the tri-state area to learn from and be inspired by Charlie Puth in a very cool setting,” said Henry Donahue, Executive Director of Save The Music. “Charlie and BIC’s creation of this camp and their generous contribution to Save The Music’s NYC programs going forward also mean that many more students will have a chance to join the next generation of young creators.”

A popular and iconic pen that is recognized around the world, the BIC 4-Color Ballpoint Pen offers four colors in one long-lasting pen – black, red, green, and blue – in multiple smooth and sleek barrel designs. Ideal for capturing thoughts and ideas, color coding study notes, or just doodling, the 4-Color Pen helps unleash creativity and passion through writing. It’s available on BIC.com, as well as at your favorite online and in-store retailers during the back-to-school season and beyond.

My Next Read: “Mud Ride: A Messy Trip Through the Grunge Explosion” By Steve Turner And Adem Tepedelen

A down-and-dirty chronicle of the birth and evolution of the Seattle grunge scene—from backyard skateboard ramps and underground hardcore clubs to worldwide phenomenon—as told by one of its founding fathers and lead guitarist of legendary alternative rock band, Mudhoney.

In the late 80s and early 90s, Steve Turner and his friends—Seattle skate punks, hardcore kids, and assorted misfits—started forming bands in each other’s basements and accidentally created a unique sound that spread far beyond their once-sleepy city. Mud Ride offers an inside look at the tight-knit grunge scene, the musical influences and experiments that shaped the grunge sound, and the story of Turner’s bands, Green River and Mudhoney, which went from underground flophouse shows to selling out stadiums with Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Including stories about the key moments, musicians, and albums from grunge’s beginnings to its come-down from the highs of global success and stardom, this is the first account of the musical phenomenon that took over the world from someone who was there for it all.

Written by Steve Turner, lead guitarist of Mudhoney, a foundational grunge band that inspired musical icons from Kurt Cobain to Sonic Youth, Mud Ride features a foreword by Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard and never-before-seen photographs and grunge memorabilia throughout. Take a seat and ride through the messy and muddy grunge scene that grew from the basements of the Northwest and went on to circle the globe. MUST HAVE FOR FANS: For cult fans of Mudhoney and all things Seattle grunge, this is the perfect book to add to your collection.

Turner helped put Sub Pop Records on the map, a label that launched bands like Soundgarden and more. Mudhoney was also one of the first American grunge bands to tour Europe and the UK, laying the groundwork for the worldwide explosion of grunge. Learn more about the ins and outs of the birth of grunge and immerse yourself in ’80s and ’90s Seattle.

1...444546...2,061Page 45 of 2,061
That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Copyright That Eric Alper