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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
I’ve written about Graham Reynolds, the virtuoso pianist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, arranger, and jokester. That last bit is new to me as I discovered his wit as a raconteur at his show How to Ruin the Holidays, performed at the Rollins Center for a two-night engagement. Now in its 7th year, […]
By definition a synesthete experiences synesthesia, a condition in which usually separate senses are intertwined. For instance, a person with synesthesia might see colors when they hear music, associate specific tastes with certain words, or perceive numbers and letters as having distinct colors or personalities. This blending of senses is involuntary […]
This year’s Swan Songs Serenade, in its 14th year, was a testament to the power of community. Held at the Four Seasons, a crowd of over two hundred and fifty donors, friends, supporters, and musicians showed up, each playing a crucial role in raising funds to provide musical last wishes to […]
As part of KMFA 89.5 Classical radio’s Offbeat series, Inversion Ensemble performed Fire, Water, and The Air We Breathe for two days at the Navasota Street studio. Inversion is a professional choir who perform unconventional new works by local musicians and U.S. composers. Art, visuals, dance, — in other words […]
Bokyung Byun, born in Seoul, Korea, was a child prodigy who began playing guitar at six and quickly gained recognition in Korea. At twelve, she moved to study under various master classical guitar players, first in China and then at fourteen, in the U.S., to study at The Juilliard School. […]
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Private reflections and publishing insight.