Category: NYC Metro

NY Musicians “Lift Every Vote” Before Election Day

As Election Day looms closer, musicians and cultural workers across the country are taking part in Lift Every Vote 2020. A daily sunset series meant to inspire voters, LEV 2020 began on October 3 in New York’s Washington Square Park. Performers at the inaugural event included Carmen Rodgers, C. Anthony Bryant, and the Blacksmiths Band, with contributions from activist collective the Wide Awakes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF7dIrRJEuQ/

The idea for LEV 2020 came about after George Floyd’s murder, when The Blacksmiths and Wide Awakes organized peaceful rallies in New York City. Jazz musician and double bassist Russell Hall led a second line marching band, combining music and joy with activism.

Music has a magical way of bringing people together. We want this thing to really take off. We hope artists will take this challenge seriously, not only driving voter registration and turnout with the beauty of music, art and performance, but also energizing communities in all fifty states.
Russell Hall

Musicians, poets, dancers, and other artists are encouraged to share their sunset performances with the hashtag #lifteveryvote. The movement now has 80 ambassadors, including record producer Arthur Baker, actor Gina Belafonte, and visual artist Hank Willis Thomas. Besides the Wide Awakes, LEV 2020 is also partnering with Headcount, Black Rock Coalition, and Rock the Vote.

The name “Lift Every Vote” is a play on “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black national anthem. Composed by brothers James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson, it was performed during week 1 of this year’s NFL season for the first time in the league’s 100-year history. Considering its message of hope, liberty, and progress, it’s a natural choice for encouraging democracy.

“With the pandemic crushing live entertainment and performing arts, one critical step in its resuscitation is using the power of music and art to ensure that we can get back on track in our society,” said Simon Rentner, LEV 2020 co-founder. “We hope this challenge will motivate all creators — from any genre, medium, or creative sphere — to safely amplify the importance of a functioning democracy, not just through the echo chambers of our social media.”

For more information, visit LEV 2020’s website.

October 13, 2020
Kyle Stockman Finds ‘Solace’: A Chameleon Amongst Genres

Harlem-native, Kyle Stockman, has suffered through an unexpected 2020 along with many fellow Americans. After receiving buzz on singles “Opal” and “Sunday,” the Shooting Star singer believed it was best to combine his passion and interests by majoring in music at Hudson Valley Community College.

The curriculum was not as progressive as Stockman had hoped. He already self-taught much of the course. Out of that, came Solace. A multi-instrumental laden record that serves as a chameleon amongst the genres. Containing elements of folk, pop, rock and R&B.

With the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic making classes virtual, he decided this was the time to abandon ship and focus on his latest. Stockman’s retreat to the studio ensued, trying out new beats and entering his sound.

“That’s what my music is geared for, I love the dark rawness of songs that bring out emotion.”
Kyle Stockman

In it, Stockman croons about a breakup. First, he tries to find closure in a relationship’s end, dejectedly singing, “you left the heart baby, but you took my soul. It’s clear you don’t care about the way things go.”

He goes on hashing out his feelings towards his significant other. He searches for “solace” in the solitude that comes with life after a breakup.

“I make music for people who could be going through a break up, or lost someone close to them, [anything] that’s hard to deal with that at the moment,” says the indie crooner. Stockman is having fun making records and puts his soul into his music.

His brand of Indie-pop R&B is drawn from the likes of Frank Ocean. “Frank Ocean is who I’m into the most right now. I love his album Blonde for its simplicity [and] the rawness the emotion it incites. For me, that project was a masterpiece. I know that it got a lot of mixed reviews at the time but, the more I listened, the more I got what he was trying to convey. I try to make my music the same way, so you can feel the emotion.”

With contributions from Maxwell Amankwah

October 12, 2020
Watch Jack White Pay Tribute to Eddie Van Halen on SNL

Jack White filled in as musical guest for the second episode of the 46th season of SNL, hosted by Bill Burr. Called in last minute to replace country singer Morgan Wallan, White and his power trio including Dominic Davis (bass), and Daru Jones (drums) first performed a medley of “Ball and Biscuit,” “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and “Jesus Is Coming Soon,” and “Lazaretto” off White’s second solo album later in the show.

This was the fourth time Jack White performed on Saturday Night Live, going back to 2002. The first performance began with the infectious riff of “Don’t Hurt Yourself” from White’s collaboration with Beyoncé, before transitioning into “Ball and Biscuit” from The White Stripes’ fourth album, Elephant, which also featured a nod to Blind Willie Johnson’s “Jesus Is Coming Soon.”

As noted by Benjy Eisen on Twitter, “Jesus is Coming Soon” has a COVID-19 tie-in, as the original song was written about the 1918 H1N1 influenza that killed over 50 million people worldwide, and includes the lines “It was an epidemic/It floated through the air.”

“Lazaretto,” the title track of White’s GRAMMY-winning sophomore solo album followed as the second performance of the evening. Bassist Davis wore a shirt that read PRINE, a nod to the late singer/songwriter John Prine, on what would have been his 80th birthday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGLP0XmJuop/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

White gave a subtle nod to the late Eddie Van Halen during “Lazaretto,” using a model of guitar similar to Eddie Van Halen’s, but also playing a finger tapping solo mid-song, a signature move of Van Halen’s.

The White Stripes Greatest Hits arrives on December 4 on Third Man Records/Columbia Records.

October 11, 2020
Trey Anastasio Begins ‘Beacon Jams’ Residency

Phish guitarist and New York City resident Trey Anastasio kicked off his eight-week virtual residency at the Beacon Theater last night, delivering the kind of live music we’re all starving for right now. Appropriately named “The Beacon Jams,” this Friday night, and the next seven as well, will serve as a weekly musical oasis for a world currently deprived of massive live shows and indoor concerts. Broadcast by twitch.tv, Trey and friends delivered two-plus hours of music spanning the musician’s prolific career.

Photo: Jake Silco via Trey Anastasio Facebook

Tonight’s performance was essentially a stripped down version of the current Trey Anastasio Band configuration. Longtime stalwarts Tony Markellis and Russ Lawton manned the bass and drums, respectively. Cyro Baptista was behind the percussion kit, and delightfully present and high in the mix all night. And a spry Ray Paczkowski added his signature sound on keys for most of the night. Jeff Tanski, a friend, theatrical collaborator and fellow NYC resident, would also sit in on piano for a few songs.

One of the more interesting aspects of the show was that instead of a typical stage setup with the band facing the seats, the back of the stage was opened up entirely for the cameras and the band faced the opposite direction. With the majestic yet empty Beacon Theater as the backdrop, the night started off aptly with “Corona.” Making its first live appearance since a 4/27/18 Trey show in New Orleans, this set the tone nicely with a short but passionate outburst of a jam.

Photo: Jake Silco via Trey Anastasio Facebook

The “Blaze On” that followed carried things even further. Cyro and his wearable rub board gave it a nice percussive touch early. And the extended jam that ensued had everyone getting in on it courtesy of rotational solos before Trey put the finishing touches on it.

He had a noticeably fun time all night “breaking the fourth wall” after songs and mentioning/thanking the twitch chat room that was shown in front of him on a monitor. and mentions/thanks the chat room. After some playful banter, it was time for “I Never Left Home,” one of the many new Trey songs from his new Lonely Trip album that was recently produced and released while in quarantine. The echoe-y vocal effects and spellbinding dark and psychedelic jam that this evoked in its first live showing just oozes with Phish potential.

The ensuing “Soul Planet” featured another extended jam, this time fueled by Russ on drums. Trey then took a quick moment between songs to read some more chat room messages and also wish his Mom a happy birthday. Jeff Tanski then came out for “Shade” on piano with Ray moving over to the organ.

Photo: Angela Cranford/MSG Entertainment

“Dark and Down,” a classic TAB song then followed before the debut of another Lonely Trip song “A Wave of Hope.” The upbeat lyrics and positive sentiment noting “this too shall pass” carried right over into the next song, “If I Could See The World,” another new Lonely Trip number.

Things then shifted from inspirational to funky through the “Sand” that followed. With Ray heavy on the clav per usual. this one is given the full treatment with pulsating rhythm supplied by Russ and Tony and another passionate Trey solo on top of it all.

One of the true highlights of the evening was the “Stash” that immediately followed. This would be the only “old school” Phish song played tonight and it was anything but traditional. Trey was only accompanied by Jeff Tanski on piano and Cyro who added a mesmerizing percussive element simply by clapping along in various rhythms. This all served to create an acoustic “Stash” of sorts that is a must hear.

Photo: Jake Silco via Trey Anastasio Facebook

The Phish vibes were out once again in full force in the “Everything’s Right” that came later. Cyro began this one with what seemed to be percussive ping-pong paddles of some sort before a Russ shuffle beat steered the song into its familiar beginning.

Although he never left the stage, some true acoustic songs seemed to begin the unofficial “encore.” This included a tender rendition of “The Inlaw Josie Wales,” a song Phish hasn’t tackled in 20 years, although it does get some run through TAB. This also gave Trey a chance to talk about the rehabilitation house that proceeds from this residency are going towards, obviously a project near and dear to Trey’s heart.

“46 Days” saw the rest of the band then come out and finish things off in style. This marked the end of night one with another seven Friday nights of Beacon Jams lined up to follow. It’s fairly clear that each night will feature new guests, stories and interaction with Trey via twitch, and live music that’s good for the soul.

Trey Anastasio “Beacon Jams” Beacon Theater – New York, NY 10/9/20

Corona > Blaze On, I Never Left Home [1], Soul Planet, Shade [2], Dark and Down, A Wave of Hope[1], If I Could See The World[1] > Sand, Stash [3], When the Words Go Away [4], Everything’s Right > …And Flew Away[1], The Inlaw Josie Wales [5], Sunset Days [6], 46 Days

[1] Debut.
[2] Jeff Tanski on piano.
[3] Only Trey, Jeff Tanski on piano, and Cyro clapping.
[4] Debut; Trey solo acoustic.
[5] Only Trey on acoustic and Jeff Tanski on piano.
[6] Trey solo acoustic.

October 10, 2020
Broadway Stays Dark Until May 2021

On March 12, all Broadway theaters went dark due to the coronavirus pandemic. Theaters hoped on opening this January, but the shutdown has been extended through at least May 30, 2021.

A poster on Times Square advertises West Side Story at the Broadway Theater on February 7, 2020 in New York City. – Westside Story is returning to Broadway for the first time in more than a decade, directed by Belgian Ivo Van Hove. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP) (Photo by JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images)

On October 9, The Broadway League announced that Broadway will remain dark until next Summer. This shutdown is the longest ever in Broadway’s history. If theaters open as planned next May, shows will have been closed for 444 days, keeping thousands out of work for more than a year.

“With nearly 97,000 workers who rely on Broadway for their livelihood and an annual economic impact of $14.8 billion to the city, our membership is committed to re-opening as soon as conditions permit us to do so. We are working tirelessly with multiple partners on sustaining the industry once we raise our curtains again.”
Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League

Before the shutdown, 31 productions were running on Broadway, including 8 new shows in previews. 8 additional shows were in rehearsals with plans to open last spring. Hangmen, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Disney’s Frozen struggled greatly and closed permanently. Shows like Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster’s revival of The Music Man, American Buffalo, and The Minutes postponed their opening dates. The Music Man announced plans to open on February 10, 2022.

Photo by Kate Glicksberg

Needless to say, the Broadway community’s fans and workers are heartbroken. The Broadway League announced that although the current opening date is May 30, individual production’s reopening dates may differ. The League suggests that “theatregoers holding tickets for dates through May 30, 2021 should contact their point of purchase for details about exchanges and refunds.”

Amid this crisis, fans can still look forward to the 2020 Tony Awards. The show will be presented virtually, and the nominees for each category will be announced October 15.

October 10, 2020
Radial Park brings Broadway Theater to the Drive-in

Although the coronavirus pandemic has left Broadway shut down until next year, the Friends of Hallets Point and Stark Production have teamed up to introduce Radial Park, a drive-in theater in Queens with a Broadway twist.

Photo by Tricia Baron

Starting this month, Hallets Point Play has begun to offer Broadway experiences, from big screen movies to full scale live productions. Radial Park’s first show, a live production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, officially opened this month. An 11-piece orchestra brings this show to life along with talented actors Ali Ewoldt (Les Miserables National Tour and Broadway, The Phantom of the Opera Broadway, and The King and I Regional Tour and Broadway) and Derrick Davis (The Phantom of the Opera National Tour, The Lion King National Tour). Ice cold beverages and movie theater snacks are available.

Radial Park is taking extreme measures in order to maintain their guests’ safety. All have their temperature checked upon entry, and can choose a glow in the dark wristband to make others aware of his or her comfort level: green bracelets for go, yellow for being cautious, and red to tell others not to come near. Fans can enjoy the show from their own cars, but those without vehicles are welcome to rent a socially-distanced picnic table complete with a boombox for audio. There are COVID “lifeguards” on duty all night to ensure that everyone practices social distancing.

Ali Ewoldt as Christine in Phantom. Photo by Tricia Baron.

“The Durst Organization is thrilled to host such a creative concept from Stark Productions,” said Helena Rose Durst, Principal at The Durst Organization. “Radial Park will provide a unique live entertainment experience that we are all craving during these difficult times, but in a safe and responsible way.” The Durst Organization also holds 20 tickets each performance for Astoria Houses residents. A portion of sales goes to Friends of Hallets Point, a nonprofit organization that improves the community life and beauty of Hallets Point.

“As the saying goes, ‘The show must go on!’” commented Jeremy Shepard, Stark Production Group Founder and President. “We are thrilled to be able to be presenting Broadway at the drive-in and are grateful to our partners, Friends of Halletts Point and the Durst Organization, for making it all possible.” Radial Park is personal to Shepard, and he hopes that it can help lighten New Yorkers’ spirits during quarantine. “I chose Broadway because it has been a part of my life for the last 10 years,” he says. “It seems a shame it is shut down when we all need it the most. Can’t wait to see you at Broadway at the drive-in!”

Starting this weekend, a full screening of Purple Rain will run until October 25. Audiences will watch the film along with nine live numbers performed by the Radial Park Band, American Idol Finalist Aaron Marcellus, Broadway’s Nick Rashad, and Burroughs and Grammy award nominee, Lenesha “Sister” Randolf.

Tickets are available for Phantom of the Opera and Purple Rain now. Prices are per car (up to 5 people) or per picnic table (up to 4). Sign up for Radial Park’s mailing list and don’t miss news and exclusive offers.

October 9, 2020
Flashback: Phish at Nassau Coliseum, October 1999

Phish has a storied history at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, one highlighted by Island Tour performances in April 2 and 3, 1998, and one of their most notable performances of the ‘2.0’ era, February 28, 2003. The Uniondale venue has played host to Phish seven times, most recently on December 1, 2019. 1999

Phish would return to Uniondale on October 7 and 8, 1999, nearing the end of their Fall Tour, with two shows to follow in Albany that would close the tour. Newsday reviewed the first of the two nights, saying, “The Britney Spears of the world come and go, but Phish, the shaggy Vermont jam-band that has never had a hit on the radio or video, is proof that quality music can survive in a mass marketed world.”

The first set on October 7 was highlighted by three songs – an 18 minute “David Bowie,” a “Gotta Jibboo” with an ever-rare “Dave’s Energy Guide” tease, and to follow, a set closing “Fluffhead.” The second set would feature an inventive ‘Mike’s Groove,’ with a nearly an hour of music packed in between “Mike’s Song,” (featuring Trey on keys) “McGrupp,” “Prince Caspian,” “Golgi Apparatus” and “Weekapaug Groove.”

Also notable was the encore, which featured three songs – “Rocky Top,” “I Am Hydrogen” and “Julius” – the stand alone “I Am Hydrogen” being played outside of the typical “Mike’s Song” > ” Weekapaug Groove” for the first time since Halloween 1987, and almost as rare, being played in an encore slot.

October 7, 1999 Setlist via Phish.net

Set 1: NICU > My Soul, Dirt, David Bowie, Frankie Says > Possum, When the Circus Comes, Gotta Jibboo, Fluffhead

Set 2: Boogie On Reggae Woman, Heavy Things, Tube, Back on the Train > Mike’s Song[1] > McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters, Prince Caspian > Golgi Apparatus > Weekapaug Groove

Encore: Rocky Top > I Am Hydrogen > Julius

[1] Trey on keys.

Fall 1999 tour map via Todd Puckett

After the barn burner of the night before, October 8 would still have some tricks up its sleeve, particularly in Set 2. The first set was somewhat standard, beyond a “Meatstick” that brought Sofi Dillof to the stage for the dancing portion of the millennium tune.

Set 2 opened with “Halley’s Comet” and then ventured into a 20-minute “Tweezer” which featured a jam that was reminiscent of the Siket Disc tune “My Left Toe.”

After a fantastic mid-set “Harry Hood,” Phish began to play the opening notes of The Who’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” and appropriately brought to the stage Phish lyricist Tom Marshall, singing “My name is Tommy” to a rapt audience. The track from Tommy was played to perfection, as Phish is well versed in The Who‘s catalog, particularly Quadrophenia from their Halloween 1995 show at Rosemont Horizon in Illinois. Turning into the “Listening to You” portion of the song, the energy in the room can still be felt as Marshall belts out the remainder of Townshend’s lyrics and Phish tears through the rock n roll overture.

Even though Nassau Coliseum is shuttered for the time being, and may not reopen, the performances Phish and others have made there have secured the venue’s legacy for generations of music lovers.

October 8, 1999 setlist via Phish.net

Set 1: Piper, AC/DC Bag, Suzy Greenberg, Meat, Meatstick, Run Like an Antelope

Set 2: Halley’s Comet > Tweezer, Bug, Fee, Harry Hood, We’re Not Gonna Take It[1] > Chalk Dust Torture

Encore: The Squirming Coil, Tweezer Reprise

[1] Phish debut; Tom Marshall on vocals.

Phish Nassau 1999

October 9, 2020
Hearing Aide: Blue Öyster Cult ‘The Symbol Remains’

Blue Öyster Cult is back with their first album in almost 20 years. The Symbol Remains gets its name from a lyric from their 1983 song “Shadow of California,” off their Revolution by Night LP. First rumored in early 2017 and confirmed last year, this release contains 14 new tracks from the classic rock outfit.

Original members Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser and Eric Bloom still lead the group with help from bandmates Richie Castellano, Danny Miranda and Jules Radino. Whether you’re a die-hard BÖC fan or just a fan of classic rock in general, this album is sure to pique your interest.

Each song on this album is full of head-banging moments and plenty of shredding guitar solos as the band appears to have taken a deep-dive back into their expansive catalog to find inspiration and influence for this release. Long time BÖC collaborator John Shirley returns with lyrics for a number of songs and the album also features a track from co-writer Richard Meltzer, who has been contributing to the band since their Soft White Underbelly days, the band’s former moniker. Roeser and Castellano have six and seven writing credits respectively, and their guitar prowess is heard time and time again throughout this release, as is Bloom’s infamous “stun guitar.”

From start to finish, this record is a hard-rockin’ pleasure of an album to listen to. With catchy choruses and riffs, there’s something new, but nostalgic to find in each track. “Tainted Blood,” “Nightmare Epiphany,” and “Train True (Lennie’s Song)” will be stuck in your head for for days and behemoths like “The Alchemist” and “The Return of St. Cecilia” each require at least a second or third play-through, with each listen more enjoyable than the last. There is something for everyone on this record and in true Blue Öyster Cult fashion, founding member Albert Bouchard returns to contribute cow bell to the opening track, “That Was Me.”

BOC also released a few videos to accompany the roll out of the album. Watch “That Was Me” below and more here.

The Symbol Remains comes out on October 9 and will be available on all major streaming services, but you can also get it on Vinyl and CD as well. BÖC has released music videos for the first three tracks on the album and while the majority of their 2020 tour has been postponed, they are actively updating their website with tour dates and will hopefully be in Middlebury, NY on February 13, 2021.

Key Tracks: Tainted Blood, The Return of St. Cecilia, The Alchemist

October 8, 2020
Phil Collins Brings His 2019 ‘Not Dead Yet’ Tour to MSG
On October 7, 2019, Phil Collins brought his ‘Not Dead Yet’ Tour to Madison Square Garden for two nights. The tour was 97 shows total including legs in Europe, North America, South America and Australia. and named after his 2016 autobiography. Due to ongoing nerve damage with his hands, this is the first tour that Collins did not play drums. Instead he relied on his son, 18 year old Nicholas Collins to handle all the drum parts. He did an excellent job and I’m sure his father was proud.

Back surgery had also left Phil with a paralyzed right foot so he had to remain seated during this tour. His backup band included guitarist Daryl Stuermer, keyboardist Brad Cole, bassist Leland Sklar, percussionist Richie Garcia and featured Nicholas Collins on drums.

It was a bit awkward as Phil hobbled on stage assisted by a cane, but I don’t think he cared much and neither did the audience. You realize he is an absolute legend as he begins to play hit after hit spanning his 50 plus year career. He sounded fantastic. He even snuck in a few Genesis songs along the way and teased a Genesis reunion which is now supposed to take place sometime in 2021. They played for 2 and half hours, and still couldn’t possibly play every song everyone wanted to hear.

The 19 song setlist barely scratched the surface of even just his greatest hits. One of the highlights of the show was when Collins, his son Nicholas and percussionist Richie Garcia had a wild synchronized percussionist duel which culminated with both of them coming out to sit with Phil and play amplifies cajons. It really brought the energy up and was the closest thing we got to see him playing drums. Another highlight was when he brought his son Nicholas to accompany him on piano on “You Know What I Mean” which Collins said his son requested to be included on the tour.

Nicholas returned to the drums as Phil stood for the only time to perform “In the Air Tonight.” He kept the energy up with “Can’t Hurry Love” and “Invisible Touch” ending the show with “Easy Lover,” Sussudio” and “Take Me Home.”

The crowd, including myself was definitely pleased with the performance and went home happy. Weather or not he will ever play again solo or with Genesis will remain to be seen.

Setlist: Against All Odds, Another Day in Paradise, Hang In Long Enough, Don’t Lose My Number, Throwing It All Away (Genesis), Follow You Follow Me (Genesis), I Missed Again, Who Said I Would, Separate Lives, Drum Trio, Something Happened On The Way To Heaven, You Know What I Mean, In The Air Tonight, You Can’t Hurry Love, Dance Into The Light, Invisible Touch (Genesis), Easy Lover, Sussudio, Take Me Home
October 7, 2020
Sonia De Los Santos releases “¡Fiesta, Fiesta!” as Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close
Sonia De Los Santos, a Mexican born artist who now lives in New York, has released her new single “¡Fiesta, Fiesta!” Sonia De Los Santos wrote the song as a celebration of life and a thank-you letter dedicated to all the people who have inspired her musical journey. The release date of “¡Fiesta, Fiesta!” coordinates closely with Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S. that runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

photo by Mikel Melcon

During Hispanic Heritage Month, Hispanic Americans celebrate the contributions and histories of the Central American countries including Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Hispanic Heritage Month starts on Sept. 15. in the U.S. is to honor the anniversary of the five Hispanic countries who declared independence from Spain in 1821, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence day on Sept. 16 and Chile celebrates its independence on Sept.18.

“¡Fiesta, Fiesta!” tells Sonia’s story of her travels as an artist as she voyages to America. As Sonia looks back on her journey, she hopes to encourage listeners to be grateful for the years of life behind them.

The song is in the rhythm of cumbia which is dance music originating in Colombian and is similar to salsa. “¡Fiesta, Fiesta!” includes Sonia’s voice mixed with children’s voices and instruments including guitar, accordion, horns, congas, Afro-Colombian alegre drum, percussion, and double bass.

Here is the English translation of “¡Fiesta, Fiesta!”:
```
From a far away land, I came full of dreams
Crossed through the savanna, sharing my song
There are roads I have walked, and to all of those I’ve known
I dedicate the verses, that for them I’ve written

I came with my guitar all the way from Monterrey
Crossed rivers and mountains and up north I arrived
A winter welcomed me in New York
and from here I sing this Cumbia with love

To my friends; I am singing, we are playing everywhere
I go around the world on this journey
Collecting stories that I want to share with you

Drums are calling, with their beat they accompany us
Dance porro, move your skirt with your hat, dance this cumbia, hey
```
Sonia’s music has reached young audiences across the world with the release of her two-family music albums Mi Viaje: De Nuevo León to the New York Island and ¡Alegría!. Sonia won a Parents’ Choice Foundation Gold Award for Mi Viaje: De Nuevo León to the New York Island in 2015. ¡Alegría! was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2019 and received recognition from Billboard as the “Best Latin Children’s Music.”
October 7, 2020