Erin Stack, Making a Difference

 If artists like Erin Stack get her way “Green” will paint the new color of art.  Some people build solar panels, some put together sustainable buildings, and others like Erin Stack put a whole new spin on art and activism. 

Erin is an artist and her medium is trash.  She takes her passion for the environment, couples it with her natural artistic abilities and, voile! Something magical happens…she makes, ordinarily sleepy people, aware. 

Erin writes poetry and blogs to us in order to engage us in more healthy behaviors, but where she has, truly made a difference is in her development of the Green Artists League.  As she describes her baby, The Green Artists League is a collection of contemporary artists that explore art and ethics in as era of ecological degradation and create public art that addresses the global, environmental crisis.

Her words are as strong as her belief that she, along with other artists like her, can make a difference.  Working the streets of Newburyport, Massachusetts, Erin and her fellow artisans put on interactive productions, with impactful results. 

The group works in schools, as well raising awareness of younger generations as to the footprints they could leave behind.  Her work is admirable and it’s really refreshing to watch someone follow their passion, do what they do best…and succeed at it.

Technorati Tags: art, Artist, Erin Stack, Green Art

Gabriel's album is creative and unique

Peter Gabriel’s new album “Scratch My Back” looks great on paper, but is getting some pretty rough reviews.  The legendary musician’s vision was to put together an album of covers, with songs from artists who will, on the next album “I’ll Scratch Yours” cover Gabriel’s songs.  This is a pretty cool, collaborative experience.  So what went wrong?

Well, first of all, getting those same artists to reciprocate may be a bit of a stretch. There are reports that some have backed out and may be unhappy with Gabriel’s interpretations of their songs.  “Scratch My Back” demonstrates Gabriel’s creative genius, but may not be for everyone’s taste.

The album “Scratch my Back” uses no guitar or drums, thus completely changing the mood of these works.  The tempo of the slower music seems to drag and may get a bit boring.  

As for me, I respond better to song when I get the words.  There are times when blaring guitars and banging drums get in the way of the message.  I think Gabriel is showing that he is still a thriving, creative, innovative artist and I commend him.  I’m not alone in my opinions…Peter Gabriel will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this month,  joining many other legendary musicians. 

Peter Gabriel has been surprising us with his talent for many years, and at 60…it’s clear that he may still have a few tricks up his sleeve.

Technorati Tags: album, music, Peter Gabriel

The Magic is in the Touch

Virtual music I’ve heard of, but virtual musicians?  What’s this world coming to?  If Zenph Sound Innovations, out of North Carolina sees their vision come to fruition…we may soon be listening to Elvis singing Lady Gaga.  It sounds crazy, but what Zenph is trying to do will change the face of music, forever. 

The old days of artists selling their recordings may be on the way out, due largely in part to changing technologies.  Zenph’s dream is to capture the feel and style of the artists, and license that.   Yep, license their personality.  Thus creating a virtual musician.
The company has begun this journey by taking outdated recordings and re-vamping them with today’s technology, to produce re-recordings of musicians long gone.  But the ultimate goal is to infuse the style of those musicians, into new songs that they never performed.  To create recordings of new music, with the sound and feel of legendary musicians.  Futuristic!

The virtual musician revolution has a long way to go.  Today Zenph is concentrating on the music.  The company has robotic pianos, which they plan to take on tour.  The pianos, through High Resolution MDI files, recreate the classical styles of amazing performers such as Rachmaninoff, and have already caused a stir at Carnegie Hall.

 performers

Now, I certainly can appreciate the loss we all feel when a great musician passes, but I think this innovation is a bit like cloning.  I guess I could sit in the audience, close my eyes, and imagine Art Tatum playing on stage…but at some point, my eyes will open, and when they do I want the whole experience.  The sight, the sound, the magic.  I think I must be old-fashioned…I bet there’s a lot of us out there.

Technorati Tags: music, performers, virtual musicians

Aerosmith, Still Making Music

Aerosmith is planning a 2010 tour in Europe, after four decades and a nasty fall from center stage last year, you might think you’ve seen the last of Aerosmith.  I did…I had tickets and was eagerly awaiting the Aerosmith concert, when the news came that Steven Tyler, lead-singer and front man for the band had taken a spill and reportedly really injured himself.  So much so, that the tour was cancelled and my hopes of seeing them in concert were dashed.  

Apparently, Tyler’s accident wasn’t the only cause of stress in the band.  Rumors were that Tyler asked for a 2-year hiatus, to do his own thing, and band members were not willing to wait.  In fact, it’s said that they were actively auditioning singers to step in for Tyler.  Steven Tyler has adamantly denied these statements, and claims to be writing and collaborating with the band, and will be singing with them on tour.  Whew! That’s good, because I, personally believe that Tyler IS Aerosmith, and I wouldn’t want to see anyone else try and fill his shoes.  

The tour’s catchy title is “Cocked, Locked, Ready to Rock”.  They will begin this summer in Europe.  On June 10^th, the band will take the stage, performing at Sweden’s Rock Festival and after all the turmoil in 2009, it should be a phenomenal show.  Whatever took place behind the scenes, there seems to be renewed energy between the band members, and that can only equal an exciting stage presence.  

In the end, maybe it’s a good thing I missed that concert…the next one I catch should be even better than the last!  

Concert Dates June 10- Sweden, Rock Festival 

 June 13- UK, Download Festival 

 June 15- London, UK London 02 Arena 

 June 18- Bucharest, Romania 

 June 20- Athens, Greece, Olympic Stadium 

 June 23- Holland, Nijmegen Goeffert Park 

 June 25- Belgium, Graspop Festival 

June 27- Barcelona, Spain, St. Jordi Arena  

June 29- Paris, France, Bersy Arena July 1- Prague, Czech Republic, Prague 02 Arena 

 July 3- Venice, Italy Venice Festival

Technorati Tags: Aerosmith, Aerosmith tour dates, Concert Dates

Cagefighting is a Growing Business

Mixed Martial Arts is becoming more and more popular in the states.  There is even talk of making it an official Olympic sport.  Of course, that’s just talk.  There are enough of us who happen to think that MMA, or Cage-fighting is too dangerous.  This type of no-holds-barred wrestling combines a variety of traditional and non-traditional Martial Arts methods of fighting.

The MMA was established in 1993, and the intent was to develop the ultimate technique for fighting, between unarmed opponents.  No padding or headgear is worn in the cage.  Little care is shown for the safety of the fighters and, seemingly few rules apply.   I’m no expert, but it seems rather barbaric.

We’ve all seen what boxers look like after, one too many, blows to the head…I can’t imagine the damage these guys brains are taking.  I think there must be too much testosterone running through some of these guys and that may have clouded their better judgment.

Putting my personal opinions aside (for a minute), there is, reportedly, some serious money in this business.  There are schools popping up all over and Ultimate Fighting Championships are making loads on pay-per-view.  This week, the biggest pay-per-view payoff, shot down a chance to offer MMA to the audience of Ontario.  Canada is not enthusiastic about the UFC, and have sanctioned against the sport of mixed martial arts within its boundaries.

Toronto viewers, reportedly, spend more money per capita, purchasing pay-per-view, and the UFC would really like a piece of that.  In fact, they are currently working on changing legislature to support them. 

With so much controversy surrounding the UFC and oodles of money to be made…the fight is on.  On Saturday the UFC makes its debut in Sydney, Australia.  I wish them luck, but I sincerely hope that the dollar sign doesn’t take precedent over common sense.

For me, the real dilemma lies in the motives behind the promoters of this sport.  Martial Arts have been passed down through the centuries.  It is in the heritage of some of us…and I, for one, believe that ancestry and heritage plays an important role and should be honored.  I firmly believe that the cream will rise to the top.  The right decisions will be made and we will all be better for it. 

In case I’m wrong…Please, keep your eye on this sport and any danger it might present to our children.  Vote appropriately, use your best judgment, and most of all keep the well-being of the participants above the profits, when you decide to attend one of these events.

Technorati Tags: Mixed Martial Arts, MMA

Let’s face it, we all love…love.  Every Valentine’s Day we attempt to make our sweetie melt with flowers, a romantic dinner, or a beautifully worded card.  How about a love song?  This Valentine’s Day, how about something really special?

Sure, the flowers smell great and the dinner was delicious…these are wonderful ideas, and before you say it…I know, you’re thinking, I can’t write a love song.  Well, you’re off the hook.  No need, with incredibly talented writers and performers out there, you just have to assemble.

The trick is in knowing your partner and the goal is to capture this moment in time.  You want to choose songs that will cause a stir in her heart.  That way, every time that music is played, those feelings will come back.

Just think about how hearing music you used to rock to in high school makes you feel 16 again, or how you remember every word of some obscure song from the 70’s.  Putting together music for her (or him) can create that type of intense reaction.

Now, I wouldn’t say this is, exactly, a new trick, but what you need to remember (especially if you’re a guy) is that the songs are for her.  Please don’t include anything from The Who or Pink Floyd.  I love these bands, but you have to be discerning when embarking on this project.  You want to target musicians that know how to speak to lovers.  Be diverse…for example you could match up John Mayer, Keith Urban, Leona Lewis, Matt Kearney, Joss Stone and Carrie Underwood.  You could even throw in some vintage tunes, make it interesting.  Take your time and put the music in some kind of order that tells a short story.

Falling in love is always intoxicating, keeping that sizzle, takes a bit more creativity.  This Valentine’s Day show her you remember who she was when you fell for her.  Make some memories and make her heart stir.  I guarantee that you will reap the rewards of a happy lady…maybe the two of you will make sweet music, together!

Technorati Tags: love songs, music, valentine's day

After 30 long years, the Bolshoi Ballet returns to Cuba.  The Russian troop will perform along with the Cuban National Ballet at the Havana International Book Fair.  The event will include Russian artists, as well as writers.

This performance is a clear sign that the relationship between Russia and Cuba is on the mend.  The two countries were once allies, but those times ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union.  The three decades since the split have seen much change in the world, and it seems as though the old friends are in the process of making up.

The Cuban Ballet is led by Alicia Alonso, a legendary ballerina, who has trained many Cuban dancers now performing around the world.  Alonso, now nearly blind, still infuses her passion for dance in her students.

In a country like Cuba, where art is regarded as necessary as food…sustaining a reputable ballet troop has been tough.  Poverty is a big issue and has been so since the school’s beginning in 1959.  Yet, Alicia Alonso and the Cuban National Ballet persevere.

Politics and economic issues kept these two old friends from each other for 30 years.  It’s refreshing to watch as they reunite, dancing together as if no time had passed at all.  Art is a universal language and a gift to be treasured.  Maybe if we spent more time dancing…we would have less time to fight.

Technorati Tags: ballet, bolshoi ballet, cuban national ballet, dance

Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, is more than the fantastical outfits she wears on stage.  The 23 year old musician has been on quite a ride, so much so, that at her young age…she has enough material to write a biography!  Lady Gaga’s, soon to be published book, highlights her road to celebrity.

The drugs (she claims to have spent years consuming, in her words, bags and bags of cocaine), the sex ( Gaga is a self-proclaimed bisexual), and the rock-n-roll, have apparently led Stefani down a crooked, yet successful path.  The Brit’s just love her, and Gaga seems to be gaining popularity, rapidly in the states.

Broadening her popularity and notoriety, Gaga teamed up with Cyndi Lauper, for an ad campaign put on by M.A.C, to fight Aids.  The two ladies are from different generations, but both share a passion for spreading awareness of this devastating disease.

After her tour winds down, Lady Gaga plans to collaborate, in the studio, with long-time mentor, Britney Spears, and recently recorded with, super-star, Beyonce.  Hooking up with these powerful forces can’t be a bad thing for a girl’s career.

Drawing inspiration from musicians such as David Bowie, Madonna, and Freddy Mercury has proved to be a smart move for Lady Gaga.  With 6 Emmy Award nominations under her belt, the little girl from the upper east side appears to have made it big.

Lady Gaga may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but one thing is for certain…she’s found her niche!

Technorati Tags: female musicians, lady gaga, mac

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