Lap steel band Velocihamster have released a tribute to 80s band Mr. Mister with a cover of their #1 hit, “Broken Wings.”
Cover artwork by Steven Bossler
Velocihamster has been dubbed the worlds only lap steel metal band showcasing the external limits of steel guitar landscape and inspires the limits of the instrument. This single marks the first entirely solo effort in instrumentation with the exception of fretless bass played by longtime collaborator and friend Matt Turner (Static Chicken, Greg Koch). The tribute track honors Mr. Mister’s biggest hit “Broken Wings” released in 1985.
Mr. Mister was an American pop rock band from Phoenix, consisting of Richard Page on lead vocals and bass guitar, Steve George on keyboards/backing vocals, Pat Mastelotto on acoustic and electronic drums/percussion and Steve Farris on guitars/backing vocals.
“I’m hell-bent on extending steel guitar to musical eras, styles and genres you probably wouldn’t expect to hear the instrument, I’m proud to add this ’80s classic to an already diverse catalog of metal inspired lap steel mania. With this track, I’ve also earned my first credit as a drummer.”
– Sean Williamson
“Broken Wings” was the leading single on Mr. Mister’s second album release Welcome to The Real World, the song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is a mix of synth, digitally delayed guitar, bass and drums. Velocihamster took a lap steel spin creating a unique version and an electric adaptation.
Legendary musician Graham Nash, known for his iconic journey through the British invasion with the Hollies, his involvement in the legendary Laurel Canyon scene with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and his enduring solo career, is set to be honored with the prestigious 2023 “John Lennon Real Love Award.”
The honor will be presented at the 43rd Annual John Lennon Tribute hosted by Theatre Within, a non-profit organization that has been curating the Annual John Lennon Tribute since 1981. This much-anticipated event will take place on Saturday, December 2, at The Town Hall in New York City.
In recognition of this esteemed award, Graham Nash, a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, will not only graciously accept this accolade but also share his musical talents with the audience. He will perform renditions of his favorite John Lennon and Beatles classics, promising an enchanting night for all in attendance. Joining him will be a lineup of renowned artists who will also grace the stage.
Among the featured performers, Judy Collins, the folk legend, will make her first Tribute appearance in over a decade. Rosanne Cash, a seasoned performer, returns for the third time, having previously received the John Lennon Real Love Award in 2018. Bettye LaVette, the beloved soul queen and fan favorite, will make her sixth Tribute performance. Rich Pagano, a founding member of the Fab Faux, will serve as the Music Director for the 15th consecutive year, ensuring a stellar musical experience.
Graham Nash expressed his gratitude for this recognition, stating,
This is a very special award. I thank Yoko and the Theatre Within for thinking of me. Over many years, I watched John and Yoko ‘fight the good fight’ for many whose voices were not being heard, a fight that Yoko continues to this day. I’m proud to be associated with the many fine artists who were previously honored with the John Lennon Real Love Award.
Theatre Within, known for its joyful Annual John Lennon Tribute and John Lennon Real Love Project, is actively advancing the vision that John Lennon and Yoko Ono shared for a better world. This event’s proceeds will support Theatre Within’s free workshops in creative expression and mindfulness. These workshops encompass the John Lennon Real Love Project’s songwriting program, benefiting the cancer community, elementary and middle schools, and youth in crisis.
The John Lennon Real Love Project’s educational initiative, presented to elementary and middle schools, continues to expand its reach. The program introduces students to John Lennon’s life, music, and his values of peace, love, and equality. Students then craft new lyrics for “Real Love” and record their rendition with John Lennon’s original vocal and piano track. ABC News recently featured the 2023 project.
Tickets for Theatre Within’s 43rd Annual John Lennon Tribute are available for purchase at LennonTribute.org.
When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney is coming to Corning’s Museum of Glass on October 28 as part of their upcoming national tour. The tour will also make a stop at Newark, NJ’s Victoria Theatre at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
The show features musical direction by Sean Mason and the brand new house band of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, as well as Kim Nalley and Sasha Dobson as vocalists.
Director Sean Mason leads the touring show, as one of the premier talents of his generation. Mason has performed and toured with jazz legends including Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, and Herlin Riley, and as a recent Julliard graduate, he is rolling out his upcoming debut album The Southern Suite. As a native North-Carolinan turned New Yorker, the record explores his southern roots from his current vantage point at the heart of the NYC music scene.
Credit: Martina DaSilva
Philanthropist and vocalist Kim Nalley will join the show, boasting a 3½ octave range and stunning performances. As the “Most Influential African American in the Bay Area,” Nalley has performed with greats such as Rhoda Scott, David “Fathead” Newman, and the San Francisco Symphony. In addition to Nalley, Sasha Dobson will join the show on vocals. A critically acclaimed performer, she is one-third of the hit triop Puss n’ Boots, alongside Catherine Popper and Norah Jones.
Together with band members Ahmad Johnson on drums, Corentin Le Hir on bass, Alicyn Yaffee on guitar and Anthony Hervey on trumpet, the musicians will bring the jazz arrangements of Disney’s popular soundtracks to the stage on the nationwide tour this fall.
As shown in their vast collection of animated feature film soundtracks, Disney has always had an affinity for jazz music. In 2009, Disney released an album of reimagined songs based on their soundtrack catalog. With over 600 songs to choose from, the album features some of the most talented contemporary jazz stars of the age, as well as rising up-and-comers. This fall, the new generation of emerging talent will perform the live touring version, titled When You Wish Upon a Star – A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney.
Although not associated with Disney, When You Wish Upon A Star will feature fan favorite tunes from iconic movies such as Snow White, Lady and the Tramp, Mary Poppins, and Toy Story. The reimagined songs have been arranged and recorded by Disney music fans such as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Dianne Reeves.
The touring band personnel is Sean Mason (piano, bandleader), Kim Nalley (vocals), Sasha Dobson (vocals), Ahmad Johnson (drums), Corentin Le Hir (bass), Alicyn Yaffee (guitar), and Anthony Hervey (trumpet).
Upcoming Tour Dates
Sept. 29, 2023 –Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, Livermore, CA
Sept. 30, 2023 – Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, Tracy, CA
Oct. 1, 2023 – Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA
Oct. 3, 2023 – Brigham Young University Performing Arts Series, Provo, UT
Oct. 4, 2023 – College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID
Oct. 6, 2023 – CU Presents – University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
Oct. 7, 2023 – SF Jazz, San Francisco, CA
Oct. 8, 2023 – Carpenter Performing Arts Center at CSU Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Oct. 10, 2023 – Numerica Performing Arts Center, Wenatchee, WA
Oct. 12, 2023 – Pepperdine University, Smothers Theatre, Malibu, CA
Oct. 14, 2023 – Fox Tucson Theatre, Tucson, AZ
Oct. 15, 2023 – Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler, AZ
Oct. 17, 2023 – Traverse City Opera House, Traverse City, MI
Oct. 18, 2023 – Michigan State University, Wharton Center, Pasant Theatre, East Lansing, MI
Oct. 19, 2023 – Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Oct. 20, 2023 – Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Bloomington, IL
Oct. 21, 2023 – College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn, IL
Oct. 22, 2023 – Door Community Auditorium, Fish Creek, WI
Oct. 24, 2023 – The Grand Theater, Wausau, WI
Oct. 27, 2023 – Millersville University, The Ware Center, Millersville, PA
The infamous singer of “Peace Train,” “Father & Son,” and “Wild World,” Yusuf / Cat Stevens has shared an endearing cover of “Here Comes The Sun” in tribute to George Harrison. With a gorgeous cover art designed by Yusuf’s eight-year-old granddaughter, the release marks the anniversary of what would have been George Harrison’s 80th birthday this week.
Speaking about George Harrison’s profound influence on his own musical and spiritual journey, Yusuf says, “George Harrison was beginning to explore Eastern mysticism around the time I was hospitalized with TB, in 1968. Lying in bed, I had a lot of time on my hands and ended up reading a Buddhist book called The Secret Path. That was the beginning of my own search for the light.
While most of my generation were just into the music, I was a bit like George, where music became the key to something much higher. Following the rages of the 60’s, his consciousness was awakened, and George transcended to levels not many people ever get to experience. You can hear it in his lyrics, and see it in the way he lived and dealt with the material world – looking for a way out. George was one of the first to put on a charity concert for the poor, at the time millions of Bangladeshis were fleeing from conflict and becoming refugees. It was a brave thing to do, and against all establishment rules. I’m happy to sing one of his songs, especially as it represents the returning of light and hope to a seriously dark and broken world.”
Cat Stevens is one of the most influential musical artists of all time. His signature, era-defining sound places him amongst a golden generation of British singer-songwriters whose music continues to resonate and inspire to this day. Yusuf’s line of hits include “Peace Train,” “Father & Son,” “Where Do The Children Play?,” “Wild World” and many more.
Yusuf’s music reflects a quest for spiritual enlightenment, inner development and a passion for the natural world that continues to resonate with fans globally. Alongside his music career, Yusuf / Cat Stevens dedicates his energy to philanthropy and education. “Here Comes The Sun” is the latest in a new lineage of cover versions and closely follows Tea For The Tillerman, which saw the classic album re-imagined for a new age.
Looking forward on new music, Yusuf / Cat Stevens continues to use his unique gift for songwriting to build cross-cultural bridges and spread his message of peace. Currently, he lives in Dubai, where he continues to record music and coordinate a charitable initiative called Peace Train.
To listen to “Here Comes The Sun,” click the link here.
