On Tuesday, July 5, at 4 pm, the late Onaje Allan Gumbs will have a street sign co-named in his honor in the Bronx.
Gumbs passed away in April 2020, but the late artist influenced jazz music for nearly five decades as a pianist, composer, arranger, and educator. To remember that legacy, “Onaje Allan Gumbs Way” will be erected in his honor at the intersection of De Kruif Place & Dreiser Loop located in section one in Co-op City Bronx NY, where Gumbs lived.
Born in Sept. 1949, Gumbs had a life-long passion for music, starting piano lessons in Queens at the age of 7. Some of his favorite musicians around that time included Henry Mancini and the jazz great Horace Silver, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and McCoy Tyner.
After graduating from LaGuardia High School Of Music & Arts and the Performing Arts, and the State University of New York at Fredonia, one of Gumbs’ first commissions was a composition for The David Frost Show, where Billy Taylor was the Music Director.
Since that moment, the musician continued to work with talented jazz artists, including Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Betty Carter, and Lenny White. In the seventies, Gumbs adopted the name “Onaje,” meaning “the sensitive one,” from the book of African names by Amiri Baraka. His seven albums as a leader include Onaje (Steeplechase), That Special Part of Me (Zebra/MCA), Sack Full of Dreams (18th & Vine), and Two, the Top, Featuring Nem Mahadr (Commercial Free Jazz).
Gumbs’ legacy did not stop with his life as a musician. As an educator at The New School in NYC and at the Litchfield Jazz Camp in Connecticut, Gumbs became a role model for many. He told Down Beat’s Eric Harabadian, “It’s important to talk to students about why we do this … our mission is to heal.”
The foundation is happy to announce the street co-naming of Onaje Allan Gumbs … We are all the better for Onaje’s contribution to music. His music will live on forever.
– The Onaje Allan Gumbs and Sandra Gumbs Community JazzArts Foundation
The Onaje Allan Gumbs and Sandra Gumbs Community JazzArts Foundation preserves Gumbs’ legacy through an arts education program and collaborates with multiple art-based institutions to extend his memory.
City Councilman Kevin C. Riley, District 12, along with the foundation, will officiate the ceremony on July 5. Many guest speakers and notable musicians will be in attendance in order to honor the memory of the jazz great.
DJ Mickey D recently spoke with Liam Sweeny of RadioRadioX.
When you think of a DJ, you might think of turntables and scratching, record skipping and beat tracks and all kinds of bending of time and space. But DJing, in its simple reality, is providing a soundtrack for an experience. We might think that DJs play music tracks, and the good ones are talented, but maybe it’s more to the point that DJs play the crowd itself.
DJ Mickey D has a wealth of experience playing different crowds, from “Rocking New Year’s Eve” with Ryan Seacrest to DJing for Mary J. Blige. And with a show called “The Spice of Life”, he shares with his crowd a special little mix of his own.
RRX: On your website, you talk about DJing never being a job, but a passion. And you’ve DJ’d for such people as Mary J. Blige and Jay Z. So, most people would see your resume as a dream come true. When you talk about it being your passion, there is also a job in there. How do you keep it a passion when there is so much work involved?
MD: I started DJing when I was 13. It gave me such self-confidence which I needed because I had low self-esteem due to being born with a cleft-lip and palette. I found that I was able to connect to people through music and make them smile. Over the years I have always volunteered to DJ for all sorts of worthy causes like Operation Smile fundraisers, Boys & Girls Club, the list goes on. I always make sure to give back and my gift to give is music. I think that’s how I stay passionate about music. It always gives me confidence like nothing else in my life, and I always make sure to play gigs that are changing the lives of others.
RRX: When you open for a superstar, when you open for a Jay Z, it’s probably not the same as when you open up for your cousin Mark. There are, I imagine, requirements, conditions you have to navigate through that you wouldn’t on a smaller gig. And I’m not talking state secrets; just a different level. What might be some differences?
MD: I created the opportunity to open for Jay Z as well becoming Mary J Blige’s tour DJ. That’s the first and most significant difference. Jay Z was on his “American Gangster” tour and when we hit the Hammerstein in NYC the dream gig presented itself. Funk Master Flex was opening the show and had to leave early while Jay Z has been delayed and was coming in late. I approached the tour manager and told him that I was an awesome DJ and wanted to play. It turned into an unbelievable 40-minute set of old school NYC hip hop in front of a sold-out crowd. It was a similar situation with MJB. The front of house engineer was playing boring music at the top of the show so I approached the tour manager and asked if I could DJ. I had researched Mary’s influences and put together a sample playlist of what I would play. The next day I auditioned in front of the tour manager as well as Mary’s manager and the gig was mine. It’s important to note I didn’t get paid extra to DJ and I still had to perform my stage-managing duties. But I knew the experiences would be amazing and pay off in the long run.
When creating these amazing opportunities, it’s important to stay humble and true to the task at hand. Just because you have a massive sound system to play on and thousands of people to play for doesn’t mean that’s your opportunity to become DJ number one and create an energy that is not conducive to the opening acts or headliner taking the stage. My name was not on the marquee or the flyer. My job was to play music that set the crowd up for the show to take them on their journey.
If I could offer someone one piece of advice to a DJ that finds themselves in the position of opening for an act of any caliber, don’t play their tracks during your set!
RRX: You have a show, called the “The Spice”. I saw that you had Whoopi Goldberg on the show for the season two finale. And also, climatologist Ginger Zee. It’s a diversity that speaks to a show called the “The Spice”. Can you tell me a little bit about the show, how it started? Who was an interesting person you’ve had on that surprised you?
MD: When the pandemic began, and we went into lockdown I quickly became bored with livestreams. There was no connection between the performer and the audience. And we needed to connect to one another. I started throwing Zoom dance parties and that evolved into the virtual events company Uru Connects with my partners Chris and Kerstin. My role is director of events so I began experimenting with different ideas for music centric virtual events. This is when The Spice was born. A show where friends gather each month to tell stories and share memories that remind us how essential music is to our lives. The first season was completely virtual. The second season was streamed live from a private social club in Brooklyn called Club Curious. This club is a creative space created by my friend and the owner of the craft nonalcoholic beverage Curious Elixirs. Having the guest in person with a small feast of friends gave the show such amazing energy that I decided to take The Spice on the road this summer. First stop is Arlington, VA on 6/12 with Meghan McCain and Kyra Phillips.
MD: During my NYC DJ Series I had Catori from Bespoke Musik as guest. Catori is an accomplished actress and musician who fell in love with DJing while working at The Boom Boom Room in NYC. Under the tutelage of my friend DJ ObAH (Oldskool Beats and Harmonies) who was also a part of the DJ series (at the time of booking I didn’t know about this connection). I learned that Catori has only been DJing for four years and she was already playing massive events such as Burning Man as well as headlining consistently in NYC, LA, and Miami. If I remember correctly, I told her she was a rocket ship.
RRX: There’s something about variety shows, like what I feel Spice of Life is, and correct me if I’m wrong. It’s all in the pattern. Like if you look at something up close, it’s yellow and blue dots; step back, it’s green. So, if you step back from all different types of guests you’ve had on Spice of Life, what do you see?
MD: When I step back and look at the guests that I’ve had on The Spice the first thing I see is friends and family. For the first season this is literal the only people I could convince to come on my show were friends and family. Now that I’m booking more well-known guests and the list grows longer (23 total so far!), I still see friends, but more so I see an entire spectrum of life perspectives that can all be related to music. And that’s the beauty of my show. No matter social or economic status, everyone has the song that reminds them of their mother. Everyone who loves music can relate to every question of every show because we all have soundtracks to our lives. I can ask you what song makes you smile the same way I can ask everyone from a movie star to the guitarist from a heavy metal band (shout out Joey Z LOA!). I mention smile because I am starting an initiative through The Spice to raise funds for Operation Smile, an organization that is near and dear to my heart.
RRX: “Rocking New Year’s Eve”, with Ryan Seacrest, I have to ask about that. Something like that is an intersection between an entertainment event and a historical event. And as a DJ, you have a huge responsibility for stoking the crowd in between segments. It’s high pressure, I imagine, but also high fun. Any neat facts about RNYE?
MD: Every New Year’s Eve for the past nine years I’ve worked as Ryan Seacrest’s audio handler. I run through Times Square with Team Ryan all night making sure he sounds good, can hear what he needs to hear, as well as managing communications for the others in our group. I’ve always said you could never get me to go to Times Square on New Year’s Eve unless you paid me. Be careful what you wish for. It can be a grueling gig with the endless rehearsals and terrible weather (a few years ago it was the coldest New Year’s Eve in 100 years, that sucked). But no matter the challenges, the energy of the show is always amazing and Ryan is awesome to work with. He really sets the bar for energy and professionalism and when it’s cold and wet, he is suffering the same as his crew. But he always pushes through with a smile and so do we because like they say, the show must go on.
RRX: You do a lot of events and play in a lot of places. You’re constantly being put into new situations and having to adapt. So, if you have a choice between a big, huge show or festival, or a small, intimate gathering, is it an easy choice on its face, or does it depend on who’s there? Do you have a ‘sweet spot’ for places to perform?
MD: For me at this time in my life it’s not about the size of the crowd or the venue. It’s all about whether or not I can play the music I want to play. My father passed last year from cancer and this was a very difficult and transformative period in my life. My dad was a DJ also and even though he moved to South Carolina when I was 12 and we didn’t have the closest relationship, we always had music and DJing. So many times he would be at a wedding and hit me up for music to play. We couldn’t talk sports, but we certainly could talk music. When he died, I thought about the amount of anxiety I go through when preparing for gigs such as weddings and corporate events, the panic attacks on the way to the show, and I realized I was having these problems because I wasn’t staying true to myself. I was continuing to endure pain because the money was great. Not to say I didn’t enjoy these gigs; I always rocked the party and have only five star reviews. But when I decided to get real with myself and stop taking gigs because of the money, so many amazing opportunities opened up for me. Now I’m a Love Prophet with Dr. Jah & The Love Prophets as well as the DJ and color commentator for an MMA promotion in Rockland County. I don’t make nearly what I did before but I don’t care. I have so much fun and only play music that I love.
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear new music from Precious Metals, Gordon St., and Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band, and many more.
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Precious Metals – “Jacqueline”
Precious Metals is a solo endeavor led by Troy singer-songwriter J Lee White, features a rolling cast of contributors. The band’s high energy alt-rock sound pulls from the early 2000s emo explosion and 2010s indie rock revival.
Schenectady based rock combo Gordon St. is made up of veteran Local 518 musicians Dan Noonan (lead vocals, bass), Ritch Harrigan (vocals, guitar), and Jason Nowak (drums, vocals) and have been recording and performing in New York’s Capital Region for over a decade. On this week’s EQXposure, Gordon St. will preview “Hey Dan,” their next single, due out July 1.
Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkilll Band – “Family Owned”
Born in Florida to a Danish immigrant and a blue blooded American girl, Kristain’s family moved to New England where his father worked as a fisherman. He lived with his grandparents and began singing in the church choir where his voice was recognized by his Reverend, a former professional tenor. Kristian realized the impact his voice had upon people once he opened his eyes after singing the Lord’s Prayer and seeing the silent tears fall from faces he had never met.
Outside of church Kristian sang shanties,Celtic and Scandanavian songs at local bars and told stories of fisherman coming home from sea. Over time he progressed as a songwriter and ultimately developed a following, He joined several rock bands through the years where he won awards for his voice. While a member of a metal band, Kristian was nominated for the Boston Music Awards for best male vocalist. He however, did not feel like this genre was a good fit for him. He wanted adventure, so he traveled to Nicaragua to perform on television in Managua. While there, he was photographed sitting around a table relaxing in the capital with an AK-47 in his arms; as if this was war torn country was just another place to find stories for his songs.
This experience awoke something in Kristian, he found a freedom that only his ancestors had known. He began taking his music back to his father’s homeland, where it was received like a son coming home to his family. Although his intentions were to bring music to the world; after starting a family in the US, it was at the dinner table where he truly found home. A divorce inevitably threw Kristian back into performing. He was jailed after fighting for equal rights for fathers in Massachusetts. Having lost everything, he began to rebuild his life. Upon release from prison he began work on The Gravel Church. He wrote about his experiences in prison, starting over and how he found hope.
Playwright James Rado, best-known as the co-author and lead actor in iconic, counter-culture Broadway musical, Hair, has passed away in a Manhattan hospital. His reported cause of death was cardiorespiratory arrest, said his publicist and longtime associate, Merle Frimark.
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Rochester, NY, Rado began his journey as a playwright and actor at the University of Maryland. He starred in a production of “Romeo and Juliet,” while acting and helping write several other plays. Thereafter, he spent two years in the U.S. navy before returning to D.C. for graduate study at the Catholic University of America. Following his studies, Rado made his way to New York City where he studied with acting coach Lee Strasberg and, in the early 1960s, formed a singing group called James and the Argyles.
Furthermore, Rado acted in numerous Broadway and off-broadway productions during this period — which included a part in Marathon ’33, and the original Broadway production of The Lion in Winter — but after meeting Gerome Ragni in 1964, his breakthrough would come during the counter-culture hippie bubble of the 1960’s. In a time of social and political unrest, James Rado and Gerome Ragni embraced the hippie ideals where race, sexuality and identity were merely options and not pre-determined.
The plot revolves a group of hippies called the “Tribe,” who are on a journey of self-discovery. Their leader, a sensitive young man named Claude, who grapples with his place in the world. He and the Tribe find their way while trying to escape the grasp of what they considered a flawed system. Between draft-card burnings, love-ins, bad LSD trips and a parade of protest marches, drugged-out hippies and outraged tourists who don’t approve of the world’s goings-on. Rado and Ragni wrote the the play’s dialogue and the song lyrics.
“We were very serious about studying these new theater techniques for the actor and the playwright. And we became aware of what was going on around us in the streets,” Rado said in a 2014 interview with Broadway World.
There [were] protest marches in the village and in the parks. There was this manifestation of this new person called the Hippie. We found so much excitement in the real world that we felt wasn’t experienced by your average theatergoing, Broadway audience. We thought that we could somehow take the excitement that we experienced ourselves, what we felt the Hippie thing was about, and that basic peace and love message that they were living and breathing, and bring that to the stage. We thought we could share our excitement and our experience, and I think we achieved that.
Hair won a Grammy in 1969 and was made into a hit-film in 1979. The Broadway show ran for nearly 2000 performances in both London and New York. Songs from Hair have been recorded by numerous artists, including Shirley Bassey, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross and Liza Minnelli.
After a split with Ragni in the early 1970’s, the duo reunited to co-write the audio movie, Sun and the musical, Jack Sound and His Dog Star. Despite not reaching the same success with other productions, Hair remains a seminal work that still resonates today. Subtitled as “The American Tribal Love Rock Musical,” hair presented same- sex kissing, a multiracial cast and nudity as every day happenings. While the values around identity and anti-war sentiments remain relevant.
James Rado was survived by his brother, he was 90-years-old.
Capital District electronic music producer and DJ, Atlas.B, has released First Launch EP today, Friday, June 24. Heavily inspired by ‘60s/’70s funk, soul, and blues music, the 15-minute EP brings a lot of character over the course of the 5 tracks. The EP relies all on the high creativity of the instrumentation and layering of beats, with the occasional sampled phrase here or there.
Originally from Albany, Atlas.B worked on the EP over the course of a few months, with the final project finished with 5 tracks full of addictive rhythms. For his first EP, Atlas.B sampled dozens of vinyl records, overlaying drums, synths, keys, and other instruments which he recorded live from his own studio.
The track “Someday Soon” offers a mix of soul and electronic beats, alongside sampled music, which blends seamlessly together. “Midnight Run” begins with a bass track underlying most of the piece, incorporating keys and building with electronic synthesis as it continues.
Atlas.B first released music in October 2021 and has since played at shows and festivals across the capital region. With performances including Empire Live, Photo City Music Hall, Bowery Ballroom, and Funk N Waffles, the DJ’s live sets embody all of the music that influences and inspires him.
Fans of artists like Pretty Lights, Griz, Gramatik, Manic Focus, and Marvel Years may find their next favorite artist with Atlas.B’s First Launch EP out on June 24.
Brooklyn-based artist stevexcooper has just dropped his new single “Water Wings,” sharing open-hearted tales of human connection in all its glory, from romance, awkwardness, and uncertainty.
stevexcooper by Pete Gibson
Recognized by Wonderland Magazine, stevexcooper has embossed within the music business for nearly 20 years. He earned credits in writing, recording and performing, as well as collaborated with Grammy nominees. He has also previously co-produced London’s ATO (MCMXCV) alongside platinum artist EDEN, which garnered on-air support from pop star Tom Grennan and multiple BBC Radio 1 DJs.
stevexcooper
Influenced by the artists Aphex Twin and Squarepusher, stevexcooper expressed his fond of “capturing the sound of worlds breaking”. His works are also described as left-wing pop and rap, his music bends stereotypical genres, creating dynamic beats and a uniquely exclusive sound.
The recently unveiled “Water Wings” feat with Rothstein is off of the pair’s upcoming collaborative EP, What Are You Made Of?, which was written in Brooklyn over the course of a year and a half. The uptempo “Water Wings” demonstrates Rothstein’s polished pop songwriting over Cooper’s off-kilter anthems. Delicate chiming synths and syncopated beats provide the backdrop for Rothstein’s glossy vocals, as he sings “It’s contagious, the way that you’re so sure we’ll be alright.”
This is my first producer project release that’s about relationships. I’m excited about the prospect of not only switching genres with abandon, but also switching message and content. They’re pop tracks but without straight up pop sounds. The structures are familiar, but the guts of the place are new.
Marco Benevento and family held applause for the positive at the cozy single day music festival Follow the Arrow, held at Arrowood Farms Micro Brewery and Distillery in Accord, NY. The full embrace of creative expression combined with an organized yet relaxed atmosphere made for an ideal pre-solstice celebration.
Marco Benevento and Friends – photo by Em Walis
Deciphering The Map
The landscape for live music is changing. Many that have remained sheltered are beginning to emerge. Bigger festivals lure us in with extensive setlists at locations worthy of wanderlust. Despite the inviting notion of clear air and open spaces, logistics like shuttles and multiple stages converge with the perception of crowd density might all just be too much for some at this time. The push and pull of compulsory desire for experience, the reality of life circumstance and anchors which prevent last minute flights. The consolation prize of a livestream. Like many loves in life, our relationship with music we have had and what the evolution might look like can get complicated.
So many rails, so little time – photo by Em Walis
Which Way?
Wouldn’t it be nice to have an oracle appear to gently guide in the direction towards a more positive relationship with live music? A figure that shares family values and the importance of grounding might be the answer. There has got to be some all-knowing upbeat individual that knows where to enjoy music that does not require a post-binge sense of shame for kicking responsibilities to the curb in order to experience that one night of euphoric, attention consumption of music; the paralysis of decision.
Marco Benevento – photo by Em Walis
This Way!
Cue Marco Benevento: artist, musician, family man and Hudson Valley resident arriving like cavalry to the rescue on Saturday, June 18. His inaugural “Follow The Arrow” [FTA] festival could not have been more aptly named. Meaning in the name dives far beyond the venue being located at Accord’s Arrowood Farms. Those that followed the arrow were guided to an oasis filled with reminders of all that is valued.
Hudson Valley Kid – photo by Em Walis
Arrowood Farms provided a pseudo-lagoon in the form of a beautiful field filled with delicious beverages brewed and distilled on site. Attendees wearing merchandise featuring geese and goats blended perfectly with the actual chicken coup to the left of the stage quite well. Despite the production of intoxicants, the survival instinct never kicked in that anyone was behaving out of line or taking things too far. One stage, one corral. Security presented with an upbeat, passionate attitude without sacrificing professionalism or sense of safety provided. This presence combined with the ability to see the entire production within one field of view allowed for families to attend with young kids worry-free.
Hudson Valley Serenity
The weather happened to fall on what is jokingly referred to as one of the four days in the year where the Hudson Valley is the best place on earth to enjoy a day outside.
Karina’s hair moving in rhythm with the trees – photo by Em Walis
Karina Rykman brought the energy to the point where it seemed the breeze-swept trees behind the stage rocked out as hard as the crowd.
Cheers for the sun – photo by Em Walis
Dark clouds and afternoon sun mesmerizingly dipped in and out of the crowd at rhythms mimicking the swaying upbeat ambiance pulsing from the stage with Antibalas.
Sunset bubbles – photo by Em Walis
Nature’s light show built up to a colorful golden sunset during Marco’s set. Illuminated bubbles glowed as they floated gently during their precious and short lifespan. These micro crystal balls provided a reminder of how delicate these precious moments are, and those we experience them with can be.
Coat game strong – photo by Em Walis
Royal Potato Family
The well-established culture surrounding FTA and the Royal Potato Family (RPF) record label lived in the details. Expressive up-cycled fashions worn; accessorized by jewelry that held a story. Excellent coats appeared as the temperatures dropped.
Family values by Em Walis
The Benevento family band hosted three generations. While The Slip played, the drummers son could be seen with drumsticks standing behind his dad, rocking out. Most importantly, as the day progressed, chosen family members made appearances on stage, as well as converged in the crowd.
Hudson Valley Kids Pt. 2 – photo by Em Walis
Quintessential “Hudson Valley kids” held a space in such a way that can only exist when New York City influences a worldview , outlook and attitude earlier than most. The atmosphere was family friendly without sacrifice of artistry or musicality. FTA was a place to celebrate values and emphasize the importance of self expression for generations to come.
Happy to support by Em Walis
Joyful Tokens
Merchandise sold included records, CDs, cassette tapes. Shirts screen printed and produced at home by Marco’s wife were the big hit. The only top obviously showing Marco’s name is one that started boldly, “Who The Fuck Is Marco Benevento?” This spoke to the low key tip of the hat that will occur out in the world between those that know. In true pseudo-sibling satirical spirit, harpist Mikaela Davis proudly displayed her “Who the Pluck is Mikaela Davis?” shirt right next to Marco’s after her beautiful set entranced us all.
One for my head – photo by Em Walis
The love and support not only felt, but shown by attendees spoke volumes for the relationship RPF has with those involved. The merchandise was reasonably priced and attendees were cleaning house by acquiring three and four shirts at a time, returning for more later and after the show being sure to leave with a stack of records. It was clear that everyone not only wanted to support, but celebrate.
A little helop from friends – photo by Em Walis
Arrow Explorations
Target identified. Aim set. Redirecting an arrow after it has been released would be a tall order. Non-negotiable direction. The relief that comes when deliberation ends and movement begins. Occasionally presenting as a cairn or colored dot on trees and stones, arrows act as trail markers and remind us that we are on the correct path. Arrows scribbled on top of class notes or in books provide emphasis on the important and worthy to be logged as memory. When arrows appear, a sense of calm washes over because scrutiny and sifting of all information can be skipped, time saved and getting to the point of it all arrives quickly.
Moments in time by Em Walis
Bubbles Filled With A Moment In Time
Arguably, and in true RPF spirit, the bubble machine was the ultimate target of the arrow Marco had us follow. To take a moment and appreciate the child-like joy that emerged in attendees of all ages from such a simple sphere held the power to make all of the distress experienced over the last segment in time disappear with a single pop.
Bring the light by Em Walis
Marco Benevento Setlist: At The Show, Dropkick, At The End Or The Beginning, Send It On A Rocket, Intro: The Story Of Fred Short ->Seven Twenty Two ->Walking With Tyrone, The Shape I’m In (The Band), Such A Night, The Real Morning Party, Right Down The Line, The Catskills Stole My Heart, Limbs Of A Pine
Radio Free Brooklyn, NYC’s globally-reaching freeform streaming radio network, is releasing its first-ever compilation album featuring previously unreleased tracks from some of the station’s favorite acts.
Titled Sonic Resource Kit, the 17-track compilation is designed to support a new fundraising effort by the listener-supported station. The tracks were compiled and curated by music director Rachel Cleary after an extensive search and represent international acts including SUSS (US), Mikal Amin (US), Bodoni (Italy), Early Remains (UK), Pallbearer Industry (CA) and Suns of Southern Ulster (Ireland). The breadth of artist contributions attests to the international following of this “hometown” streaming freeform radio network.
Founded in 2015 by NYC underground performance scene veterans Tom Tenney and Robert Prichard, Radio Free Brooklyn provides a platform for independent musicians and activists of all stripes. It has grown from a small Internet radio station operating from the basement of a Bushwick bike shop into a community organization with over 75 shows, streaming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Radio Free Brooklyn also functions as a community organization providing a radio platform for the diverse cultures that comprise the borough of Brooklyn, with a focus on music, local politics, LGBT rights, gentrification, gender issues, food, and more. As their motto says, “It’s what Brooklyn Sounds like!”
The bands have graciously donated their tracks and time to support this effort and all proceeds from the sale of the Sonic Resource Kit album will go to directly support the ongoing operations of Radio Free Brooklyn. The cover art was created by Kosmo Vinyl with additional graphics by Lisa Levy.
Hip-hop artist Mikal Amin opens the compilation with his track “Icon,” a hard-hitting stomper that asks the question –“Do you have what it takes to be an icon?” Grunge-era fuzz and distortion highlight “Sala Must Be A Great Place to Visit” from Italy’s Bodini, while “Shadow” by Lovehoney is an update on the bluesy psychedelia of Hendrix. The band Death Trap provides an exciting live track called “Stole Your Rock and Roll,” while “Cheyenne” by SUSS provides a taste of their critically-acclaimed fusion of ambient and country.
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic embarked on their One Nation Under A Groove tour on Wednesday, June 15 in Central Park’s Summerstage. Bands including Dopapod, The Motet, & Pimps of Joytime performed ahead of the legendary funk band, a part of Blue Note Jazz festival.
Dopapod played an incredible yet much shorter set than the excited fans were used to, but regardless it was a super tight set and the band all seemed hyped for their stacked summer tour.
Shira Elias stole the show when she joined in with The Motet and The Horn Section, all of them former members of Turkuaz, with Elias’ vocals and stage presence nothing short of amazing. As the show went on, the funk meter increased until it was finally time for P Funk who brought an intensely funky, fun, and freaky time.
On Friday, June 24 at 4:00 pm and 7:15 pm, Grammy-nominated Latin singer Sonia De Los Santos will perform her bilingual songs at Flushing Town Hall, as part of the Hall’s month-long Queens Rising celebration which highlights the borough’s cultural and creative diversity.
Photo Courtesy of Hyphen Photography
The performance will feature Sonia De Los Santos (vocals, guitar, jarana), Sinuhé Padilla-Isunza (leona, jarana), Elena Moon Park (violin, trumpet), Erica Kika Parra (drums), Berta Moreno (sax, clarinet), Fernando Brindis (bass), and Argelia Arreola (zapateado, jarana).
Both performances are family-friendly, and the group shares uplifting messages with Latin rhythms, body percussion, and traditional, Mexican folk dance demonstrations. The concert will offer parents and children a chance to celebrate the end of a long school year, and all that they have accomplished.
Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Sonia De Los Sonto’s music career took off when she began touring with Grammy-winning kids’ music troubadour Dan Zanes in 2007. In 2015, she released her first solo family music album, Mi Viaje: De Nuevo León to the New York Island to rave reviews. The album received the Parents’ Choice Foundation Gold Award and reflects on her experiences growing up and preserving her own heritage in a different country.
In 2019, Sonia De Los Santos was nominated for a Latin Grammy with her second family music album, ¡Alegría!. She and her band have since performed throughout the country, including at the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, The Getty Museum, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and many more.
Santos’ recently released third album, Esperanza,is a bilingual collection of songs about hope, cherishing home, being grateful, dreaming of a better future, marveling at nature, and finding the light within ourselves. The musician and band are sure to make audiences smile with their encouraging messages and community pride.
Flushing Town Hall is excited to welcome families to celebrate our city’s school children with this fun concert. We are all so proud of their resilience and accomplishments this past school year! It’s time to kick off summer with these amazing and engaging performers.
Flushing Town Hall Executive & Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek
Flushing Town Hall has advocated for arts equity since 1979 and supports local, immigrant, national, and international artists with their programming. The Hall is also a proud member of the Cultural Institutions Group which is a collective of 34 non-profits committed to serving all New Yorkers.
Flushing Town Hall is accessible by car, bus, train, and foot. Access for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility is also available.
