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Connor McCormick
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HOW THE ORDER OF GUITAR STRINGS AFFECTS YOUR PLAYING
Many people play the guitar as a creative outlet—a way to relax, express themselves, and enjoy making music. Understanding how the order of guitar strings relates to playing technique reveals both the technical skills involved and the joy of mastering the instrument. This blog will explore how string arrangement shapes sound, technique, and overall performance….
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Highly Recommended CD and Tour: JOY TO THE WORLD (Chanticleer on Delos)
CHANTICLEER CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN The boys are celebrating their new album that rings, glows, and absolutely delivers The GRAMMY-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer rings in the season with Joy to the World, its luminous new Christmas album and first release on Delos, now available on CD and streaming worldwide. An elegant, glowing companion for…
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HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION: A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET
Movies without some horror feel like Christmas without lights. You can watch each and every genre. But the night doesn’t kick in until a scary film plays on the screen. And if I had to pick one film for that eerie build-up – it would be A Nightmare on Elm Street. Wes Craven’s 1984 classic…
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Highly Recommended Concert: AZARASHVILI, MOZART & ELGAR (Orchestra for People at Merkin Hall, Nov 18)
Experience a powerful evening of music as Orchestra for People presents Azarashvili, Mozart and Elgar on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:30pm at NYC’s Merkin Hall. Under the baton of conductor Hahnsol Kim, the program introduces a vibrant dialogue between Georgian and European masterworks, featuring acclaimed soloists Sandro Sidamonidze (cello) and Sam Boutris (clarinet) in a bold and moving…
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HOW “SINNERS” CALLS US BACK TO A TIME WHEN CINEMA DARED TO CREATE
It may be an understatement to say that the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 served as a paradigm shift for how we navigate our lives, forcing us to confront the world behind an HD screen. One of the many cultural shifts we’ve witnessed is how people value movie houses and the communal culture of watching films…
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Recommended Cabaret: THE ROOST REVUE (Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at The Roost Lounge)
Following the wildly successful, sold out premiere on August 27, The Roost Revue continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant celebration of song, story, and connection. On Wednesday, September 24, The Roost Lounge will once again come alive with the magic of cabaret, bringing another unforgettable evening to the Coachella Valley. Curated and hosted by…
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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AMBIENT MUSIC: CREATING ATMOSPHERE THROUGH SOUND
Ambient music has quietly revolutionized how we experience sound in our daily lives. From meditation sessions to creative workspaces, this ethereal genre transforms ordinary moments into immersive sonic landscapes. Whether you’re a content creator seeking the perfect background score or simply someone who appreciates atmospheric soundscapes, understanding ambient music opens doors to a world of…
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INSIDE THE SPOTLIGHT: A REVIEW OF NETFLIX’S THE BOYS IN THE BAND
Netflix’s The Boys in the Band steps under the spotlight with grace and emotion. The show opens a door to raw feelings and tight relationships. It explores the human heart in ways that feel both fresh and deeply honest. From the first scene, the tone feels intimate. It is a story about friends, old memories,…
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Jazz Music: SARAH VAUGHAN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ VOCAL COMPETITION (Registration Closes September 2, 2025)
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) continues to accept applicants for the 14th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. The search is on for the next great jazz singer! Solo vocalists from around the world are encouraged to submit their entries before September 2, 2025, by visiting Sarah Vaughan Competition. In the Fall, the Top Five…
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THE REVIVAL OF CLASSIC THEATER IN THE AGE OF STREAMING: IS THERE STILL A PLACE FOR THE STAGE?
In an era dominated by the convenience of streaming platforms, where movies, TV shows, and even live events are just a click away, the question arises: Can classic theater still hold its ground? With audiences increasingly drawn to the on-demand nature of digital content, the stage has faced mounting challenges in maintaining its relevance. Yet,…
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Highly Recommended Concert: THE 3Bs: BEETHOVEN, BEETHOVEN, BEETHOVEN! (Modus Operandi at Merkin)
CELEBRATING THREE BEETHOVEN MASTERPIECES In case you haven’t heard of them yet, Modus Operandi Orchestra (MOO) is comprised of some of the finest players in the New York City area. Led by internationally acclaimed conductor Justin Bischof, this truly is an awesome ensemble. At Merkin Hall on Wed March 12 at 6:30 (the perfect time…
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Album Review KHACHATURIAN (Jean-Yves Thibaudet, pianist; Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; LA Phil)
Jean-Yves Thibaudet Revives Khachaturian with Dazzling Virtuosity Jean-Yves Thibaudet is on a mission, and Khachaturian, his latest release on Decca Classics, proves just how passionately he champions overlooked repertoire. Anchored by a live recording of Aram Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil, this album is both a love letter to the…
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7 SMART SHOPPING HABITS EVERY MUSICIAN SHOULD ADOPT
Being a musician often comes with its fair share of financial considerations. From investing in gear to maintaining your equipment, the costs can quickly add up. However, establishing smart shopping habits can help mitigate these expenses significantly. Even if you are an amateur musician, adopting these practices can streamline your spending and maximize the value…
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Jazz Album Review: I WANT TO BE HAPPY (Liz Cole)
LIZ COLE WANTS TO BE HAPPY, MAKING US HAPPY SINGING ABOUT IT Liz Cole is having an album debut gig at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on January 29, and it was thrilling. Her standard-drenched debut album is also a winner. I Want To Be Happy is just the kind of unpretentious lounge jazz that…
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FROM PRACTICE TO PERFORMANCE: ESSENTIAL INSTRUMENTS FOR ASPIRING THEATRE MUSICIANS
Aspiring theater musicians play a vital role in creating the captivating atmosphere that enhances any performance. Choosing the right instruments is crucial to effectively bridge the gap between practice and live performance. Whether it’s capturing the audience’s attention with a powerful orchestral sound or creating subtle background melodies, the right selection of musical tools can…
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Music: THE ROLE OF STORYTELLING IN MUSIC: WHY VINTAGE SONGS CAPTURE OUR IMAGINATION
Music has always been more than just a combination of notes and rhythms—it’s a vessel for storytelling. The songs we cherish often tell compelling stories that resonate deeply with our experiences, dreams, and emotions. Vintage songs, in particular, have a unique ability to transport us through time, offering narratives that feel timeless and evocative. But…
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Highly Recommended Cabaret: MARILYN MAYE (Holiday Shows at Birdland Jazz Club in New York)
YES, YOU MAYE Adore, adore, adore her. You have to believe me — at 96, the great Marilyn Maye simply enchants, and holds the room in the palm of her hand. Very, very few cabaret performers have this ability (my top three are Eartha Kitt, Elaine Stritch and Ms. Maye). She recently had a sold-out…
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Highly Recommended Cabaret: MARVELOUS: AN EVENING WITH MARILYN MAYE (Hollywood’s Catalina Bar & Grill, Palm Springs’ The Purple Room, NYC’s Birdland)
Adore, adore, adore her. You have to believe me — at 95, the great Marilyn Maye simply enchants, and holds the room in the palm of her hand. Very, very few cabaret performers have this ability (my top three are Eartha Kitt, Elaine Stritch and Ms. Maye). She recently had a sold-out show at Carnegie…
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VINTAGE MEETS VIRAL: HOW PMJ HAS MASTERED THE ART OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN A RETRO STYLE
Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ) has carved out a unique corner of the internet, skillfully merging the sounds and aesthetics of bygone musical eras with the digital reach of modern-day social media. Founded in 2010 by jazz pianist and arranger Scott Bradlee, PMJ began as a grassroots project in a basement apartment, reimagining contemporary pop hits in…
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Highly Recommended Screening: MUSIC BY JOHN WILLIAMS (West Coast Exclusive at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood)
GET READY TO BE INSPIRED Music By John Williams, an all-new documentary on the life and career of the legendary composer, will have a limited theatrical release, but beginning Friday, the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood will be showing a West Coast Exclusive in a limited engagement November 1-7, 2024. From his early days as…
Theater Review: HANGMEN (Long Beach Playhouse)
by Michael Landman-Karney | September 19, 2026
in Los Angeles, TheaterTheater Review: THE HUMANITIES (Victory Gardens Theater / Chicago)
by Croydon Fernandes | September 19, 2026
in Chicago, TheaterTheater Review: BEGIN AGAIN (World Premiere Musical / The Old Globe / San Diego)
by Milo Shapiro | September 19, 2026
in San Diego, TheaterTheater Review: JEKYLL & HYDE (Kokandy Productions / Broadway Playhouse / Chicago)
by Emma S. Rund | September 19, 2026
in Chicago, TheaterTheater Review: MARISOL (Open Fist Theatre Company / Los Angeles)
by Lawrence Lucero | September 18, 2026
in Los Angeles, TheaterTheater Review: THE VISIT (Pasadena Playhouse)
by Michael Landman-Karney | September 17, 2026
in Los Angeles, TheaterTheater Review: THE BIRTH OF THE PILL (TimeLine Theatre / Chicago)
by Croydon Fernandes | September 17, 2026
in Chicago, TheaterCabaret Review: JEFF HARNAR – THE 1959 BROADWAY SONGBOOK (Birdland / New York)
by Rob Lester | September 17, 2026
in Cabaret, New YorkTheater Review: A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD (Rogue Machine / Los Angeles)
by Michael Landman-Karney | September 17, 2026
in Los Angeles, TheaterTheater Review: DEAR EVAN HANSEN (Cygnet / San Diego)
by Milo Shapiro | September 17, 2026
in San Diego, Theater
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