Author: Courtney Griffin

Lady Gaga Presents The Chromatica Ball 2022 Summer Tour With A Stop at Met Life Stadium

Academy Award, Golden Globe and 12-time Grammy-winner, Lady Gaga, is finally ready to provide fans with The Chromatica Ball tour of a lifetime this upcoming Summer. The tour will consist of stops at 14 cities worldwide including Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, of the Grammy winning album Chromatica, as well as fan favorites.

For this upcoming tour, Lady Gaga added 8 new shows in addition to her rescheduled shows in Paris (7/24), London (7/29), Toronto (8/06), East Rutherford (8/11), Chicago (8/15) and Boston (8/19). For these specific dates, tickets are on sale now and fortunately for fans who have already bought tickets, will still be set to use them for this Summer’s The Chromatica Ball. However, tickets for the newly added shows go on sale starting Friday, March 11 in Arnhem as well as London and on Monday, March 14 in all additional markets at Ticket Master.

Although Lady Gaga cannot wait to perform for her fans once again, some of her proceeds, specifically $1.00 from each ticket sold shall be donated to the Born This Way Foundation, an organization started on behalf of the singer and her mother to aide in the fight for the wellness of the youth.

For fans who would like a more access to amenities and add on to concert experience, VIP packages are available on Vip Nation. These packages may include premium tickets, VIP parking and exclusive access to a pre-show lounge, special entry and more.

On Citi Entertainment, Citi card members will have access to presale tickets from Tuesday, March 8 at 10 AM until Friday, March 11 at 5 PM through the Citi Entertainment program. More information about The Chromatica Ball are on Live Nation’s and Lady Gaga’s website.

Lady Gaga – The Chomatica Ball Tour Dates

7/17                             DÃ¼sseldorf. DE                                   Merkur Spiel- Arena

7/21                             Stockholm. SW                                   Friends Arena

7/24                             Paris, FR                                             Stade de France

7/26                             Arnhem, NL                                        GelreDome

7/29                             London, UK                                         Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

7/30                             London, UK                                         Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

8/06                             Toronto, ON                                        Rogers Centre

8/08                             Washington, DC                                 Nationals Park

8/11                             East Rutherford, NJ                            MetLife Stadium

8/15                             Chicago, IL                                         Wrigley Field

8/19                             Boston, MA                                         Fenway Park

8/23                             Dallas, TX                                           Globe Life Field

8/26                             Atlanta, GA                                         Truist Park

9/8                               San Francisco, CA                             Oracle Park

9/10                             Los Angeles, CA                                 Dodger Stadium

March 8, 2022
Get Ready For The Weeknd “After Hours Till Dawn” Tour Featuring Doja Cat, Stopping at Met Life Stadium Concert In July

World renowned R&B/Soul singer The Weeknd is set for an international tour of his albums After Hours and Dawn FM, beginning in his hometown of Toronto, Ontario this July. He will travel thereafter all across the U.S., including Met Life Stadium in Rutherford, NJ on Saturday July 16, 2022.

His first half of the tour will conclude this September in Los Angeles, California at Sofi Stadium before continuing overseas. Additionally, Pop and R&B/Soul singer Doja Cat, will join the stage during this tour.

Fans will be given the option of three different pre sales for The Weeknd’s Tour. On March 4, access to pre sale tickets will be granted to those who previously had After Hours arena tour tickets. Furthermore, fans who are Verizon Up loyalty program customers will have first access to purchase presale tickets for certain shows between March 7 at 10 AM, until Wednesday March 9 at 10 PM. Lastly, Spotify users who are also top streamers of The Weeknd, will be provided with the option of buying presale tickets starting March 8, as well as Live Nation presales in all markets.

After Hours Till Dawn will mark the first time The Weeknd tours his remarkable albums. Blinding Lights, a single on After Hours, was named the new No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 song of all time. Fans are in for a revitalizing concert that will reflect the creative journey of After Hours and Dawn FM.

The Weeknd did more than just sing, but developed an emotional story, not only musically, but visually through the use of his short films and music videos, which brought his words to life. In fact, Amazon Prime Video recently debuted The Weeknd x The Dawn FM Experience. This special is a theatrical performance of Dawn FM.

The Weeknd will represent Goodwill as their ambassador and team up with the United Nations World Food Programme, which is the world’s largest humanitarian organization fighting against global hunger. Together they will launch the XO Humanitarian Fund, which is administered by World Food Program USA. Although The Weeknd is a multi-platinum and diamond certified global superstar, he still desires to give back to those in need, specifically communities on the brink of starvation in countries like Ethiopia, Madagascar and Yemen. His philanthropic efforts do not stop there since the two-time Grammy winning artist will not only contribute $1 from each ticket sold from his tour within North America, but make a donation of $500,000.

Tickets for the North American dates go on sale beginning Thursday, March 10 at 10 am via TheWeeknd.com/tour.

THE WEEKND AFTER HOURS TIL DAWN TOUR 2022 NORTH AMERICAN DATES:

FRI       8-Jul     Toronto, ON                 Rogers Centre

THU     14-Jul   Philadelphia, PA           Lincoln Financial Field

SAT     16-Jul   East Rutherford, NJ             MetLife Stadium

THU     21-Jul   Boston, MA                  Gillette Stadium

SUN     24-Jul   Chicago, IL                   Soldier Field

WED    27-Jul   Detroit, MI                     Ford Field

SAT     30-Jul   Washington, DC           FedExField

THU     4-Aug   Tampa, FL                    Raymond James Stadium

SAT     6-Aug   Miami, FL                     Hard Rock Stadium

THU     11-Aug Atlanta, GA                  Mercedes-Benz Stadium

SUN     14-Aug Arlington, TX                AT&T Stadium

THU     18-Aug Denver, CO                  Empower Field at Mile High

SAT     20-Aug Las Vegas, NV             Allegiant Stadium

TUE     23-Aug Vancouver, BC             BC Place

THU     25-Aug Seattle, WA                  Lumen Field

SAT     27-Aug San Francisco, CA        Levi’s Stadium

TUE     30-Aug Phoenix, AZ                 State Farm Stadium

FRI       2-Sep   Los Angeles, CA           SoFi Stadium

March 4, 2022
Necronomicon Will Stop at Montage Music Hall During North American Tour

Canadian death metal group Necronomicon will arrive in North America for a tour this Spring. They will co-headline with a fellow metal group, The Convalescence between April and June.

This musical journey will embark on April 29 in Kalamazoo, MI at Papa Pete’s and will move throughout the states, making a stop in Rochester Montage Music Hall on June 1. Necronomicon will perform their latest album “UNUS”, which can be streamed or downloaded here.

I think I don’t need to mention how hard these last years have been for everyone, and it’s about time that we get back to a healthy music scene. We are more than happy to be back in the U.S. We really hope you guys will come and support us as we bring you ‘Vivus Verum’ on this run. Hail to all of you.
Rob The Witch

The music group was founded in 1988 by guitarist and singer Rob “The Witch”. Since their first full length album “Pharoah of Gods” dropped in 2002, Necronomicon has evolved over time. In 2019, they became the second band ever since VOIVOD to receive a certificate of honor for over 30 years of being in the music industry.

“UNUS” is a dark and black metal album that brings about darkness, brutality and elegance all in one. Along with machine like drums there is a special feature by Geirlioz (Dimmu Borgir) on Piano in ”From Ashes Into Flesh”. Necronomicon cannot wait to put on the performance of a lifetime for their American fans.

NECRONOMICON (w/ The Convalescence):
04/29: Kalamazoo, MI @ Papa Pete’s
04/30: Toledo, OH @ Main Street Bar & Grill
05/01: Chicago, IL @ WC Social Club
05/02: Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
05/03: St. Paul, MN @ Amsterdam Bar & Hall
05/04: Sioux Falls, SD @ Big’s Bar
05/05: Denver, CO @ The Venue
05/06: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Loading Dock
05/07: Boise, ID @ The Shredder
05/08: Spokane, WA @ The Big Dipper
05/09: Seattle, WA @ The Funhouse
05/10: Portland, OR @ Dante’s Theater
05/11: San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
05/13: San Diego, CA @ Brick by Brick
05/14: Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock Live
05/15: Gallup, NM @ Juggernaut Music
05/16: El Paso, TX @ Rockhouse Bar & Grill
05/17: Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live
05/18: Dallas, TX @ Amplified Live
05/20: San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
05/21: Houston, TX @ Acadia Bar & Grill
05/22: Crestview, FL @ Jimmy’s Jukebox
05/24: Tampa, FL @ Brass Mug
05/25: Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
05/26: Winter Park, FL @ The Haven Lounge
05/27: Jonesboro, GA @ Furnace 41
05/28: Knoxville, TN @ The Concourse
05/29: Wilmington, DE @ Bar XIII
05/30: Worcester, MA @ Ralph’s Rock Diner
05/31: Portland, ME @ Geno’s Rock Club
06/01: Rochester, NY @ Montage Music Hall
06/02: Mechanicsburg, PA @ Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
06/03: Fort Wayne, IN @ Rockstar Lounge
06/04: Chesterfield, MI @ Diesel Concert Lounge

February 28, 2022
Spa City Guitar Festival Takes Over Universal Preservation Hall this March

The first Spa City Guitar Festival will be held Friday, March 18 to Sunday, March 20 at Universal Preservation Hall. This debut will become an annual event in Saratoga Springs and will provide audiences with a three day guitar extravaganza full of concerts, masterclasses, workshops, guitar displays and vendors.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been cancelled.

The Performers

The first in line to perform is none other than Brazilian guitarist Badi Assad, whose specialty is to mix her culture’s music with ethnic sounds from across the world. Therefore, she defies the idea of sticking to one genre of music. Her singing is known to be vibrant, while as a guitarist she is known to be innovative, inspiring, and breathtaking. Assad has moved the masses not only with her unique voice, but her fingers as well. She will perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 18.

Next up on the itinerary is Germán López, who is known internationally as one of the most notable and outstanding guitarists. He adheres to Canary folk music traditions, Spanish Flamenco, West African rhythms, the flourishing spirit of jazz, as well as his own original approach to “island music.” Having performed nearly 100 times while on tours globally, the Spa City Guitar Festival will only elevate his career. He will take part in a Spanish folk performance featuring Antonio Toledo at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.

The festivals third performance is by Grammy-nominated guitarist Mark Lettieri. He has experience not only professionally playing the guitar, but as a composer, producer, and instructor as well. Unlike many, Lettieri does not stick to one style of music, but rather a multitude of them, whether he works with an independent or a major label artist. As a composer and producer, he creates original music of his own. Additionally, he is highly known to play in Snarky Puppy since 2008, a music group that combines jazz, rock, world and funk. His work with the group has resulted in four Grammy Awards. Lettieri will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.

Last but not least, is 21 album and chart-topping guitarist Gary Hoey, who will perform at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 20. With his hit for hit catalog, Hoey secured himself a spot as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time. He is known for his fiery vibe and amazing connection with his audience. Hoey was first discovered by Ozzy Osbourne in 1987 and has excelled ever since. He is known to perform thrilling solos that are comparable to Clapton or Stevie Ray at their peak.

Passes available consists of the $35 single day pass, $45 single day pass and masterclass, $75 festival pass, and the $150 VIP Pass. For more information about the passes, as well as to purchase them visit the Universal Preservation Hall website.

February 28, 2022
Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York Presents “The Light” at theREP

Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY has announced their latest production “The Light”, with performances at Lauren and Harold Iselin Studio at Capital Repertory Theatre (theREP), during March 3-6 and March 10-13, 2022.

BTTUNY was founded in 2009 by veteran actor Jean-Remy Monnay for the sole purpose of promoting communities of color. Monnay wished to foster understanding, appreciation and participation within the theater, as well as give a voice to the unheard.

Considering their headquarters is in the NYS Captial Region, a populated and industrialized region, the overall mission of the Black Theatre Troupe is benefited, since the audience reach is vast. The Lauren and Harold Iselin Studio at the Rep is located at 251 North Pearl Street in Albany. This will be BTTNY’s second show there since Monnay has been an Associate Artist.

“The Light” is about a relationship between a couple by the name of Rashad and Genesis. Unfortunately, all the love may come to an end after a marriage proposal does not go as planned. Buried accusations from the past are brought to life and lead to turmoil within their relationship. The million-dollar question is will their love prevail after the truth is revealed?

Tickets for this event are located on the BTTNY website. General admission is $20 and for students/seniors it is $15.

February 23, 2022
Electronic Latin Singer Federico Aubele Returns with Sixth Studio Album

After six long years, Federico Aubele is back with his sixth studio album, The Holographic Moon, which will be released Friday, May 27, 2022. Additionally, he has released the album’s first single, Pink Spray Painted Clouds, along with the official video.

Not only did Aubele reside in Buenos Aires, Berlin and Barcelona before moving to Brooklyn, but within each city, he fused the music of the cultures to find his own wave. In fact, Aubele blended a variety of genres from electronica to alternative and rock, as well as Latin. Considering his music career began at 11, he has great knowledge of the evolution from when he was a child up to present day.

Aubele’s 11-track EP stamps a footprint in his ability to be dynamic and multicultural with his music. He is known to join the Spanish and English language on songs, while his harmonious baritone voice and the soft sounds of his guitar captivate listeners. During his NPR Music Tiny Desk performance in 2014, he demonstrated these talents.

From constant turmoil with marital issues, to moving overseas, to falling in love again is what motivated Aubele to create The Holographic Moon.

I needed the long pause to make sense of things, discard what wasn’t needed anymore, appreciate what I was going to keep and make space for the new. I couldn’t do the same thing again, like a ghost, trapped in a moment. Like trying to keep a relationship that’s reached its end artificially going based only on fear of what’s next. I needed to shed several layers, on all levels. With my music I needed to start from scratch, from guitar arpeggios, vocal melodies and different lyrics. The only way to do the cleansing needed for the new songs to emerge was at home, not in the open. You can’t make sense of things if you’re constantly distracted by voices, color lights and mirrors.
Federico Aubele

This 11 track EP, which is now available for pre-order, was first 52 songs full of expression through all the different changes and obstacles Aubele faced. Throughout this period, he found hope, curiosity for what is next to come and reached his “7th stage” of the I Ching, which is a return home. This album prioritizes not only falling in love, but self-love.

I always feel like many artists prioritize the breakup song over the falling in love theme. Those first moments when you realize what’s going on are as powerful and intense as the end of a relationship. The song came to me very spontaneously at a time when my relationship with my partner was starting to bloom and we both felt like we were inside a beautiful film, or a cloud in the magic hour.
Federico Aubele

Aubele wishes to push boundaries of what traditional genres are supposed to sound like. Instead, he combines new sounds to develop new genres. He’s capable of doing so with his great sense of music and multicultural knowledge, along with the help of several guests on his album. In fact, on The Holographic Moon musicians and vocalists range from: from Mauro Refosco (David Byrne, Atoms for Peace) on percussion, Iain Cook (Chvrches) and Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto) on synths, Melissa Mary Ahern (Sulfjian Stevens) on vocal harmonies, the YMusic Ensemble (Paul Simon, Jose Gonzales) on orchestra arrangements and Kenny Wollensen (Tom Waits) on drums.

With the help of Audele’s Spanish guitar and baritone voice, along with poetic lyrics about love, hope and quiet perseverance, The Holographic Moon is born.

February 22, 2022
Kitchen Dwellers Announce ‘Wise River’ Release Date and Supporting Tour With NY Shows

The Bozeman, Montana-based band Kitchen Dwellers have a lot in store for 2022. In addition to dropping their latest single “Wise River” this month, their tour has begun and will make stops at New York CIty’s Mercury Lounge and Buffalo Iron Works. The neo-bluegrass band have also announced their third full-length album, also titled Wise River, which will drop on April 29.

Kitchen Dwellers create their own spin of bluegrass, folk, and rock through a perspective of the American West. The quartet, including mandolin player Shawn Swain, Torrin Daniels on the banjo, Joe Funk on the upright bass, and acoustic guitarist Max Davies, combine forces to turn homegrown stories, rich mythology, and psychedelic hues into music. With producer Cory Wong, the Kitchen Dwellers are ready to release their new album.

Considering all band members are from Montana, their album correlates to how life has been through their eyes lately. Wise River is known to be one of Montana’s natural wonders, considering its 30-mile stream that flows down the southwestern region of the state, from the mountains into the Big Hole River.

The town of Wise River is basically a forgotten spot on the map. It used to be a thriving place with many prosperous mines, but now it’s practically dried up. There’s a hell of a lot of melancholy. In our mind, it symbolizes the overall feeling of being in slowed-down Montana life.
Shawn Swain

Kitchen Dwellers are known for selling out shows, receiving credibility from well-known publications like the Huffington Post, and surpassing five million plus streams. Therefore, there is no doubt that their current tour will be a success and boost their status within the music industry.

Earlier this month, the quartet released the official music video of their newest single Wise River, along with their behind-the-scenes trailer, which can be viewed here.

In addition to going on tour in New York, Kitchen Dwellers will travel across the country, making stops along the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast. Furthermore, there will be numerous festival appearances including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, WinterWonderGrass, Sweetwater 420 Fest, Tuck Fest, Bear Shadow, Domefest, Summer Camp Music Festival, Peach Fest, Electric Forest, Northwest String Summit, FloydFest, RiverWonderGrass, and many more to be announced.

All tickets are available for purchase on the Kitchen Dwellers website.

Kitchen Dwellers 2022 Tour Dates

Apr 1-3 @ WinterWonderGrass Tahoe | Olympic Valley, CA

Apr 7 @ The Mint | Los Angeles, CA

Apr 8 @ WINSTONS | San Diego, CA

Apr 28 @ Charleston Pour House | Charleston, SC

Apr 29 @ Tuck Fest | Charlotte, NC

Apr 30 @ Sweetwater 420 Fest | Atlanta, GA

May 1 @ Bear Shadow | Highlands, NC

May 4 @ Richmond Music Hall | Richmond, VA

May 5 @ Virginia Arts Festival | Norfolk, VA

May 7 @ Pearl Street Warehouse | Washington, DC

May 10 @ Gateway City Arts | Holyoke, MA

May 11 @ Stageone | Fairfield, CT

May 12 @ Wonder Bar | Asbury Park, NJ

May 13 @ Mercury Lounge | New York, NY

May 14 @ XL Live | Harrisburg, PA

May 17 @ Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall | Pittsburgh, PA

May 18 @ Buffalo Iron Works | Buffalo, NY

May 19 @ Domefest | Thornville, OHMay 20 @ The Clay Center | Charleston, WV

May 21 @ Hi-Fi | Indianapolis, IN

May 26 @ Otus Supply – Parliament Room | Ferndale, MI

May 27 @ Rivers Edge Amphitheater | Hamilton, OH

May 28 @ The Livery | Benton Harbor, MI

May 29 @ Summer Camp Music Festival | Chillicothe, IL

June 2-4 @ Pine Creek Lodge | Livingston, MT

June 15-19 @ Telluride Bluegrass Festival | Telluride, CO

June 23-26 @ Electric Forest Festival | Rothbury, MI

June 30-July 1 @ Peach Fest | Scranton, PA

July 15-16 @ The Boogiedown Music Festival | Yuba, WI

July 21-24 @ Northwest String Summit | North Plains, OR

July 27-31 @ FloydFest | Floyd, VA

Aug 1-4 @ RiverWonderGrass | Jensen, UT

February 20, 2022
Marco Benevento’s Nostalgic New Single “Winter Rose” Out Today

Marco Benevento has shared his newest single “Winter Rose,” one that will make you want to get up and dance and is a breath of fresh air, something listeners can tune into while commuting, dancing, or just relaxing. This song is not age or gender specific, but rather provides a joyful essence for everyone. This single has five minutes of psychedelic soul that brings about a beacon of hope, celebration, Summer and more.

Winter Rose is not the only music MArco Benevento will provide for his listeners this year. He is currently finishing a studio album that will be ready for release this summer. Considering his latest single is a reminder of better times, the upcoming album may have the same vibe.

In the meantime, Benevento and his band members, bassist Karina Rykman and drummer Dave “DB” Butler, are set for tour, beginning this month. They will first stop in Philadelphia’s Ardmore Music Hall and end in Quincy, California’s High Sierra Music Festival in July.

Winter Rose is co-written by lyricist and poet Al Howard, who also played a role in Benevento’s single, “At The End Or The Beginning.” As of today, Winter Rose is now available through a variety of streaming platforms which can be found here.

Marco Benevento Tour Dates

February 25 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall
February 26 – Washington, DC – Union Stage
April 7 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
April 8 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
April 9 – Fairfield, CT – Stage One
June 26 – Rothbury, MI – Electric Forest Festival
July 1 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival
July 3 – Quincy, CA – High Sierra Music Festival

February 17, 2022
Broadway Musicals Aladdin, Waitress, and The Prom coming to Proctors Theatre

From Broadway to Proctors Theatre, musicals Waitress and Aladdin are set to launch in February and October of 2022, respectively.

Aladdin

Based on the Academy Award winning film, Aladdin is a well known musical that first appeared on Broadway back in March 20, 2014. This North American tour will begin this upcoming October in Schenectady at Proctors Theatre, marking the first time Aladdin will be shown outside of New York City in almost two years.

Aladdin‘s crew will consist of 75 professionals with an additional 40 locals in each city visited during the tour. These cities include Austin, Kansas City, and San Antonio.

Certainly we are thrilled to have Disney return to create a new national tour, but I have to say, Aladdin has been asked for by the people of the Capital Region of New York ever since it first opened on Broadway eight years ago! We are ecstatic to have it here.
Proctors Collaborative CEO Philip Morris

The full itinerary will drop at a later date, along with casting and ticket information. However, it has been confirmed for the tour to play in 36 cities. To be updated about future information regarding the tour visit Aladdin The Musical.

Waitress

Waitress is a musical that was developed by an all female creative team. It will play at Proctors Theatre from February 25-27. In addition to using original music, others lyrics were made by Sara Bareilles who is a six time Grammy nominee, author Jessie Nelson, choreography by Lorin Latarro and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus.

Waitress the musical, which is inspired by an Adrienne Shelly film, is about a waitress and an expert pie maker. The main character, Jenna wishes for a better life out of her small hometown and distraught marriage. Fortunately for her, a baking contest nearby and the town’s new doctor may be able to grant her wish for happiness and a fresh start.

It’s an empowering musical of the highest order!
Chicago Tribune

Ticket information is available through the Box Office at Proctors in person or through their website Proctors.

The Prom, is a musical where everyone can feel celebrated and now the producers and co-presidents of the Prom Committee are bringing the show to Proctors Theatre, from Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 6. This show features a book by Tony Award winner Bob Martin and Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin.

Not only has The Prom, won the 2019 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical, but Ryan Murphy (Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody Award Winner), transformed The Prom into a film for the popular streaming platform, Netflix. This movie event stars Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman and a variety of other notable actors.

Smart and big-hearted. Genuine joy rolls off the stage in this musical full of witty delights, irrepressibly energetic tunes, winking lyrics and a cheeky book. I seldom stopped laughing. It’s a damn good time! Did I shed several tears in The Prom’s final scene? Maybe I did.”
New York Magazine

The musical has a different cast compared to the film by Ryan Murphy. In fact these stars are: Kaden Kearney (they/them) as “Emma, High School Student, Banned from the Prom,” Kalyn West as “Alyssa Greene, Head of Student Council with a Secret,” Courtney Balan as “Tony Award Winner Dee Dee Allen,” Patrick Wetzel as “Drama Desk Award Winner Barry Glickman,” Emily Borromeo as “Angie Dickinson, Broadway Chorine,” Bud Weber as “Trent Oliver, Esteemed Julliard Graduate/Cater Waiter,” Sinclair Mitchell as “Mr. Hawkins, High School Principal,” Ashanti J’Aria as “Mrs. Greene, President of the PTA” and Shavey Brown as “Sheldon Saperstein, Broadway’s Press Agent with a Plan.”

To learn more information about the musical or to buy tickets visit Proctors.org or the Box Office at Proctors Theatre.

February 15, 2022
From The Shed To Transcending Ancient Music With New Technology, Vicente Hansen Atria and Mat Muntz Present “The Vex Collection”

Composers and instrumentalists Vicente Hansen Atria and Mat Muntz are set to release their new album “The Vex Collection”, releasing on Carrier Records February 18. With a grand combination of jazz, world, contemporary classical, and experimental rock, these two trendsetters have experimented with traditional instruments to devise unforgettable musical experiences.

Atria and Muntz grew straight out of NYC’s The Shed Open Call commissioning program. This establishment is a cultural institution that welcomes and molds 21st century art and ideas. The Shed cultivates creativity in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. Their mutual interest in double reeds, which are by far one of the most ancient musical technologies that produce intense ranging sounds, were intertwined with newly invented technology, known as live electronics that were developed through 3-D-printing.

In addition to the two composers, others joined the musical journey to mesh traditional and new sounds to produce “The Vex Collection”. Gamin, played the Korean double reed instruments the piri and taepyeongso, while Matthew Welch, specialized in the great highland bagpipe. Additionally, musician Neo, plays the carnyx, bombard, and dozaleh.

These instruments were deeply rooted in Korea and Scotland, some being one of the first to have a substantial impact in their respective cultures. Atria and Muntz made sure not to alter the natural sounds of the traditional music, but rather allowed it to clash with the live electronics on one song and flow smoothly on the next. The newer instruments that intertwined with the old, ranged from distorted guitars to aggressive synthesizers and detailed microtonality. Ultimately, the group proved that older music is still apart of today’s culture, just with an advanced technological twist.

“The Vex Collection” has pushed passed the social norms within the music industry, as we know it today. This album is full of improvisations of music between two distinct time periods, that go above and beyond what listeners could have imagined.

To check out their latest single “Fugue”, visit Foxy Digitalis. For more information about Atria and Muntz, as well as “The Vex Collection”, visit these sites: Mat Muntz, Vincent Hansen.

February 12, 2022