Picture yourself on a sun-soaked beach in Malibu, a margarita in hand, as waves crash rhythmically to a reggae-infused beat. If any musician could embody that feeling, it’s LA-born artist and musical innovator, Eddie Witz. But don’t mistake him for just another reggae or island rock artist—his sound is an Read more…
Austin Classical Guitar outdid itself, yet again. This time, Austin audiences had the extreme delight of hearing the modest William Kanengiser, one of the world’s most dynamic and influential classical guitar figures. A virtuoso performer, a visionary arranger, and a dedicated educator, he has shaped the landscape of the instrument Read more…
Graham Reynolds’ “Mountain” LP Listening Party In the soundproofed sanctuary of The Equipment Room — a hidden audiophile’s paradise tucked inside downtown Austin’s M Hotel — composer, musician, bandleader, and performer Graham Reynolds hosted a vinyl listening party for his latest release, Mountain. It was less an event than a sonic immersion: Hans Read more…
Flamenco India is not something one hears about every day. In fact, it is so uncommon that this writer wondered why she hadn’t ever heard about the origins of Gypsy music. I thought incorrectly, the Romani, otherwise known as Gypsies or Roma (especially in Europe) came from Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Read more…
ATX Chamber Music & Jazz has outdone themselves! The organization is less than three years old and has successfully wooed and wowed Austin’s classical (and jazz) music lovers to broaden their engagement by participating in the experience ATX Chamber creates: one of music + food + drinks + conversation. A Read more…
During SXSW, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Keith Gildart, a leading authority on the UK working class and the role of music in its culture. Gildart is professor of Labour and Social History at the University of Wolverhampton. Our discussion at the UK House on 6th Street in Read more…
It is disheartening to learn that Spectrum Theatre Company, one of Austin’s most significant and vibrant theatrical organizations, has remained a hidden gem for over twenty years. This could be because the company produces only one or two shows annually. I find it puzzling how they manage to keep their Read more…
What comes to mind when you hear the word tango? Tango music has been closely linked to its traditional forms, characterized by dramatic rhythms, distinctive melodies, and an unmistakable longing that captures the passionate, often melancholic culture of Buenos Aires. Audiences generally expect to hear the iconic orchestration of the Read more…
Classical music has long been perceived as a domain of quiet, formal concert halls, where hushed reverence and stiff seating dominate the experience. But a groundbreaking approach in Austin is challenging these norms, weaving high artistic quality with social connection to create a vibrant, engaging atmosphere for a new generation Read more…
Pamela and Kevin Hart, an iconic couple empowering jazz vocalists by entertaining Austin audiences with the best female jazz musicians, have done it again. The holiday concert that took place on December 8 at Chez Zee featured Swanda Birch has graced the stage with Kris Kristofferson, amongst others), Pamela Hart, Read more…
