Home Blog Page 992

Dogs in a Pile Bring Extensive 2025 Spring Tour to 20 Cities

0

Dogs In A Pile (DIAP) have announced their 2025 Spring Tour, which includes a number of return trips to cities featuring larger venues.

The tour begins with their headlining debut at Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, NY, on March 28 and 29 – their first visit to the premier NYC venue since October 2021. The band will then make stops in Bethlehem, PA (April 3) and Buffalo, NY (April 5). In between those dates, they will play their largest indoor Western PA venue yet at Mr. Smalls in Pittsburgh (April 4). DIAP will follow with a string of Midwest performances in Ferndale, MI (April 8), Cleveland, OH (April 9), and Columbus, OH (April 11), before heading further west to Kalamazoo, MI (April 12), Madison, WI (April 13), and Indianapolis, IN (April 15). On April 16, the tour continues in Chattanooga, TN, at Barrelhouse Ballroom.

The spring run also includes several Southern shows, including Charlottesville, VA (April 18) – where a standout October 2023 performance at The Southern Café and Music Hall earned them a headlining slot at the Jefferson Theater. With several past sellouts in Raleigh, NC, the Dogs will invite the Dog Pound to join them at the Lincoln Theatre on April 19.

DIAP will then head down the coast to Wilmington, NC (April 20), Charleston, SC (April 22), and several Florida cities: debuts in Fort Lauderdale (April 24), St. Petersburg (April 25), Orlando (April 26), and a return trip to Jacksonville (April 27).

The tour wraps up with two shows in New Orleans, LA, during Jazz Fest at Chickie Wah Wah on April 29 and May 3, before the band heads to Mexico for Viva El Gonzo in San José Del Cabo on May 8, 9, and 10.

In addition to these new spring dates, Dogs In A Pile recently announced that they will support Greensky Bluegrass on March 8 in Chicago, IL, at the indoor stage of the Salt Shed. This will mark a quick return to the Windy City following a visit in November 2024 at the Chop Shop – where they debuted a fan-favorite tune appropriately named “Chop Shop.”

Formed in 2019 and hailing from Asbury Park, NJ, Dogs In A Pile consists of Jeremy Kaplan (keyboards/vocals), Brian Murray (guitar/vocals), Joey Babick (drums), Jimmy Law (guitar/vocals), and Sam Lucid (bass/vocals).

To view all tour dates and learn more, visit dogs-tour.com.

DOGS IN A PILE WINTER & SPRING 2025 DATES
1/9 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
1/10 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up
1/11 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
1/14 – Nevada City, CA – Crazy Horse Saloon & Grill
1/15 – Nevada City, CA – Crazy Horse Saloon & Grill
1/17 – San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Stop
1/18 – Chico, CA – Lost on Main
1/19 – Felton, CA – Felton Music Hall
1/21 – Arcata, CA – Arcata Theatre Lounge
1/24 – Seattle, WA – Nectar Lounge
1/25 – Portland, OR – The Get Down
1/26 – Portland, OR – The Get Down
1/28 – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room
1/29 – Basalt, CO – TACAW
1/31 – Denver, CO – Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
2/1 – Denver, CO – Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
2/3 – Davenport, IA – Redstone Room at Common Chord
2/4 – Springfield, MO – The Regency Live
2/6 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge
2/7 – Fort Worth, TX – Tannehill’s Tavern & Music Hall
2/8 – Austin, TX – Scoot Inn
2/11 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s
2/12 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
2/14 – Miami, FL > Cozumel, MX > Belize City, BZ – Jam Cruise 21
2/15 – Miami, FL > Cozumel, MX > Belize City, BZ – Jam Cruise 21
2/16 – Miami, FL > Cozumel, MX > Belize City, BZ – Jam Cruise 21
2/17 – Miami, FL > Cozumel, MX > Belize City, BZ – Jam Cruise 21
2/18 – Miami, FL > Cozumel, MX > Belize City, BZ – Jam Cruise 21
2/19 – Miami, FL > Cozumel, MX > Belize City, BZ – Jam Cruise 21
3/8 – Chicago, IL – Salt Shed (indoors)*
3/28 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
3/29 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
4/3 – Bethlehem, PA – Musikfest Cafe
4/4 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls
4/5 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works
4/8 – Ferndale, MI – Magic Bag
4/9 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
4/11 – Columbus, OH – Woodlands Tavern
4/12 – Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
4/13 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon
4/15 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI
4/16 – Chattanooga, TN – Barrelhouse Ballroom
4/18 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater
4/19 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
4/20 – Wilmington, NC – Bowstring Wilmington
4/22 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Pour House
4/24 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Revolution
4/25 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
4/26 – Orlando, FL – The Social
4/27 – Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits
4/29 – New Orleans, LA – Chickie Wah Wah
5/3 – New Orleans, LA – Chickie Wah Wah
5/8 – San José Del Cabo, MX – Viva El Gonzo
5/9 – San José Del Cabo, MX – Viva El Gonzo
5/10 – San José Del Cabo, MX – Viva El Gonzo
*Supporting Greensky Bluegrass

The Steve Martin Annual Banjo Prize Announces Two Winners for 2024

0

Steve Martin and the Board of The Steve Martin Banjo Prize have announced two winners for this year’s prize. Building on the Board’s mission to recognize excellence across the spectrum of banjo styles, this year’s recipients represent excellence in both clawhammer and 5-string bluegrass banjo styles.

Steve Martin will introduce viewers to the winners on December 17th at 5.30PM EDT on the Deering Banjo Company’s livestream show Deering Live broadcasting on their YouTube channel. Martin comments: “The acknowledgement of these unique and talented musicians continues to thrill me.”

The live stream will be co-hosted by board co-chair Alison Brown and will be co-posted on the Facebook pages of sponsors FreshGrass Foundation and Compass Records as well as No Depression, Folk Alley and the International Bluegrass Music Association. The program will include interviews and musical performances. Viewers can click HERE to watch the live stream.

The 2024 winners are Allison de Groot of Winnipeg, Canada and Tray Wellington of Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Each recipient will receive a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize.

Allison de Groot is one of the most highly regarded clawhammer banjoists on the North American folk scene. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada, she has deep roots in old time music and delights in bringing her own contemporary sensibility to the banjo tradition. Her playing is characterized by an ability to seamlessly navigate between delicate melodic lines and powerful driving rhythm adding an emotional depth to her sound. Allison is a frequent collaborator with notable musicians in the old-time and roots music scenes, including fiddler Tatiana Hargreaves with whom she recently received 2 Canadian Folk Music Awards and a Juno nomination. Along with performing and recording, teaching banjo has been a big part of Allison’s musical life, and the recent launch of her online teaching school on the ArtistWorks platform is a continuation of her educational pursuits. About the banjo, Allison says: “It still feels just as exciting as it did the first day I picked it up….I feel like I could live 100 lifetimes and explore the banjo.”

Tray Wellington is one of the most important new voices on 3-finger style banjo. He takes a forward-thinking approach to the instrument, subverting the whitewashed cultural touch points associated with the 5-string banjo by incorporating elements of jazz, bebop and hip-hop alongside his bluegrass roots. The result is an original vision for the instrument that blurs musical boundaries. Tray honed his skills playing bluegrass and old-time music in the southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. He won the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Award in 2019 and, upon the release of his debut album Black Banjo, earned critical praise from tastemakers including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. In his live shows and on recordings, he charts new territory for the instrument through his original compositions and incorporation of unlikely covers. He says “Exploring had always been part of my personality since I was a kid! Music is the same way for me. Since I started playing banjo at 14, I had ideas for how I could constantly expand my musical vision and make my personality shine through banjo. Every day I am still on that journey and cannot wait to continue this pursuit”

My Next Read: “Pure Innocent Fun” By Ira Madison, III

0

In this nostalgic and raucous collection of sixteen original essays, Ira Madison III—critic, television writer, and host of the beloved Keep It podcast—combines memoir and criticism to offer a brand-new pop-culture manifesto.

“This is the most fun I’ve had reading all year. Like Chuck Klosterman before him, Ira Madison III takes seriously and analyzes the pop culture detritus that took up hours of our lives.”—Lin-Manuel Miranda

You can recall the first TV show, movie, book, or song that made you feel understood—that shaped how you live, what you love, and whom you would become. It gave you an entire worldview. For Ira Madison, that book was Chuck Klosterman’s Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs, which cemented the idea that pop culture could be a rigorous subject—and that, for better or worse, it shapes all of us.

In Pure Innocent Fun, Madison explores the key cultural moments that inspired his career as a critic and guided his coming of age as a Black gay man in Milwaukee. In this hilarious, full-throttle trip through the ’90s and 2000s, he recounts learning about sex from Buffy the Vampire Slayer; facing the most heartbreaking election of his youth (not George W. Bush’s win, but Jennifer Hudson losing American Idol); and how never getting his driver’s license in high school made him just like Cher Horowitz in Clueless: “a virgin who can’t drive.”

Brimming with a profound love for a bygone culture and alternating between irreverence and heartfelt insight, Pure Innocent Fun, like all the best products of pop culture, will leave you entertained and surprisingly enlightened.

Christmas Chaos: The Sex Pistols’ Last UK Show (For CHILDREN!) Brings Punk Spirit to Huddersfield

0

Step back to Christmas 1977 with Julien Temple’s riveting documentary, blending unseen footage of The Sex Pistols with interviews and 70s archives. Witness their final UK show—a wild, irreverent celebration for the children of striking firemen. Punk never looked so festive.

Smif-N-Wessun To Release Highly Anticipated Album Infinity, Feb. 21st. 2025

0

Brooklyn, NY-Iconic duo, Smif-N-Wessun is preparing to release their latest album Infinity, February 21st., 2025. The album’s release will coincide with the 30th. anniversary of their stellar debut, Dah Shinin’. Always standing on business the Brooklyn duo has always stayed true to their roots. Never faltering or curving to conformity Infinity is a testament to their staying power and a gift to their loyal fans. The album will be released on Bucktown USA Entertainment/ Duck Down Music. The first single, “Infinity” will be released on January 10th. followed by “Elephant In The Room” both produced by Khrysis, February 7th. A third single, “Medina” featuring Pharoahe Monch produced by SND*TRK, to be released simultaneously on February 21st., 2025.

Fresh from the triumphant return of a successful domestic and international tour Smif-N-Wessun’s new album is a cumulative reflection of their life experiences. Executive Produced by college professor and world renowned producer, 9th Wonder and the Soul Council, 9th explains the thought process with the album. “I wanted to make sure that it didn’t sound dated. It sounds like them (Smif-N-Wessun) but it’s also new. They are our generation’s version of Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Donald Byrd.”

Illustrious MCs featured on the album include, Buckshot, Pharoahe Monch, Conway the Machine, legendary artists Sean Price and Prodigy, multi-platinum RnB legend, Ralph Tresvant along with rising stars, Sweta and Jalisa. Scheduled for release January 10th. 2025, Infinity cements Smif-N-Wessun’s status as creators of nothing but classics. This is their eighth album and the second collaboration with 9th Wonder and the Soul Council. Showcasing buttery beats from Council members, 9th Wonder himself, Khrysis, SND*TRK, Kash, Mu’aath and Nottz the album delivers a sonic smash that will satisfy everyone from the rap purist to new school connoisseurs.

This eighth studio album and second collaboration with 9th Wonder and the Soul Council has cemented Smif-N-Wessun’s place in Hip-Hop history as stalwart artists and champions of Hip-Hop culture. Available in multiple formats; cassette, CD, digital and double vinyl, Infinity is a musical masterpiece.

Hailing from Bucktown, a borderless place where otherwise warring Brooklyn neighborhoods find peace, Smif-N-Wessun, aka Tek and General Steele, are recognized and respected worldwide for their lyrical control.

Their presence commands with simple Timberlands, and since their debut on Black Moon’s Enta Da Stage, and an appearance soon after on Mary J. Blige’s “I Love You” remix, Smif-N-Wessun never once strayed. They’ve never gone pop.

“I think we keep each other grounded in that respect,” says Steele, “and yeah we stay on the block, our community, our neighborhood, our families. We go back home after the tour, we spread the love, we share merch with cats that probably never leave the block … That’s where our true riches come from.”

Infinity is more than an album—it’s a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the enduring legacy of Smif-N-Wessun.

April Dates Added for V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film

0

U2’s immersive concert movie at Sphere is extended. New dates added: April 20, 21, 23, and 29, making it 10 shows in April. Tickets are now sale here.

V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film is a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience shown exclusively at Sphere. The concert film, directed by Morleigh Steinberg and The Edge, showcases the history-making and future-defining U2:UV show that played to over 700,000 fans from 100+ countries across 40 sold-out dates from September 2023 through March 2024. V-U2 does not just capture U2’s epic run at Sphere, it allows audiences to feel like they are at the live shows.

V-U2 is the first film ever to be shot entirely with Big Sky, the groundbreaking ultra-high-resolution camera system developed by Sphere Entertainment. To create this larger-than-life concert film, a number of Big Sky cameras captured the band at extraordinary scale, sharpness, and clarity. V-U2 employs Sphere’s immersive technologies including the 160,000 sq. ft. display plane, which at 16k x 16k resolution is the world’s highest-resolution LED screen; Sphere Immersive Sound, powered by HOLOPLOT, which provides crystal-clear sound to every seat in Sphere; and haptic seats, which use vibrations so guests can ‘feel’ the experience. All of these technologies will be leveraged in V-U2 in new and different ways to reinforce the feeling of being there.

The Role of Makeup Courses in Building a Creative Career

0

By Mitch Rice

Pursuing a career in makeup artistry combines passion with creativity, offering endless opportunities for artistic expression. With the beauty industry continuously evolving, formal training plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the knowledge, techniques, and confidence required to thrive in this competitive yet rewarding field.

Unveiling the Importance of Formal Training

The art of makeup extends beyond mere application. It requires understanding skin types, facial structures, color theory, and hygiene standards. Makeup courses provide a structured environment to learn these fundamentals, ensuring a strong foundation for aspiring artists.

Rather than relying on trial and error, formal training offers insight into industry trends and professional standards. It enables students to develop a systematic approach to their craft while encouraging experimentation and innovation.

Nurturing Creativity and Technique

Creativity is at the heart of makeup artistry, and courses often include modules dedicated to cultivating this vital skill. Through hands-on projects and guided practice, students can explore diverse styles, from natural looks to avant-garde creations, unleashing their artistic potential. Courses also emphasize mastering a wide range of techniques, such as contouring, blending, airbrushing, and advanced application methods.

By practicing these skills in a supportive environment, learners refine their precision, adaptability, and artistic flair—qualities highly valued by clients and employers. Additionally, structured feedback from experienced instructors helps identify areas for improvement and encourages continuous growth. This constructive critique fosters confidence, innovation, and a deeper understanding of the artistry’s intricacies, equipping students to thrive in the dynamic beauty industry.

Building a Professional Portfolio

A well-curated portfolio is essential for any makeup artist aiming to showcase their expertise and creativity. Training programs often include assignments designed to create versatile looks, enabling students to build a compelling body of work highlighting their unique talent. From bridal makeup to editorial shoots, a diverse portfolio demonstrates an artist’s versatility and adaptability. It acts as a visual résumé, attracting clients, potential employers, and collaborators while setting the stage for future success.

Collaboration opportunities within these courses—such as working with photographers, stylists, and models—further enhance the quality of portfolio content. These real-world experiences mirror professional scenarios, building confidence, technical skills, and a readiness for the industry’s demands.

Connecting with Industry Experts and Peers

Networking is a critical aspect of building a successful career, and training programs provide ample opportunities to connect with seasoned professionals and fellow enthusiasts. Workshops, guest lectures, and collaborative projects foster meaningful relationships that often translate into mentorships or job referrals.

Learning alongside peers also creates a supportive community that can offer inspiration, advice, and encouragement throughout one’s career. These connections enrich the learning experience and help establish a strong foothold in the beauty industry.

Exploring Diverse Career Paths

Makeup artistry is a versatile field with numerous career paths. Graduates of training programs may pursue roles in film and television, theater, fashion, or bridal services. Others may venture into special effects makeup, body art, or education, blending creativity with precision. Formal training equips individuals with the adaptability to excel across these varied domains.

By exposing students to different specialties, courses allow them to discover their true passion and tailor their skills accordingly, fostering a deeper connection to their craft. Moreover, the growing demand for skilled makeup artists has opened doors in unexpected industries, such as corporate events, digital media, and virtual consultations. This versatility ensures that a career in makeup artistry remains dynamic, fulfilling, and future-ready.

The Value of Continuous Learning

The beauty industry thrives on innovation, with trends and techniques constantly evolving. Training programs encourage lifelong learning by instilling a mindset of curiosity and adaptability, inspiring artists to embrace change and stay ahead of industry demands.

Advanced classes and certifications keep artists updated on the latest products, tools, and ethical practices, enhancing skills and credibility. Continuous learning ensures relevance in a competitive market, aligning their work with contemporary trends and client expectations.

Empowering Creative Aspirations Through Online Makeup Education

Online makeup artistry programs provide aspiring artists with more than just technical expertise—they foster confidence, creativity, and a clear sense of purpose. By investing in professional training, individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to turn their passion into a successful career. These programs offer a transformative journey of self-discovery, continuous growth, and hands-on skill-building, empowering participants to navigate the challenges of the beauty industry with resilience and adaptability. With the flexibility of online learning, expert guidance, and access to a supportive network, these courses ensure that creativity meets opportunity, paving the way for lasting success.

Makeup courses serve as a bridge between talent and opportunity, transforming raw passion into professional expertise. They provide aspiring artists with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to carve a niche in the vibrant world of beauty. Whether it’s mastering the basics or exploring avant-garde artistry, these courses offer a pathway to success that is as rewarding as it is creative.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

 

5 Surprising Facts About Steely Dan’s ‘Aja’

0

When Steely Dan released Aja in 1977, they delivered a record that has stood the test of time. This album, blending rock, jazz, and soul with meticulous perfection, became a touchstone for audiophiles and music fans alike. Here are five fascinating facts about Aja that even the most devoted Steely Dan fans might not know.

1. “Peg” Took Perfectionism to New Heights

The sunny pop gem “Peg” wasn’t easy to perfect. Seven top-tier guitarists attempted the solo before Jay Graydon nailed it with his now-iconic take. It took six hours of relentless effort to get it just right, a testament to Steely Dan’s legendary pursuit of perfection.

2. An Album Made by Nearly 40 Musicians

Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were known for their rigorous standards, and Aja is a prime example. The album featured nearly 40 session musicians, including legends like saxophonist Wayne Shorter. They assembled this dream team to ensure each note met their exacting vision.

3. The Name “Aja” Has a Personal Backstory

The album title, pronounced “AeJa,” was inspired by a woman who married a high school friend of Donald Fagen’s. It’s a subtle nod to a personal connection, adding an air of mystery and sophistication to the record.

4. Michael McDonald’s Unmistakable Backup Vocals

Michael McDonald’s layered harmonies on tracks like “Peg” are instantly recognizable. His contribution added depth and richness to the album, solidifying his place as one of the most sought-after vocalists of the era.

5. The Missing Multitrack Masters Mystery

Despite the album’s pristine sound, the multitrack masters for “Black Cow” and the title track went missing, derailing attempts to create a surround-sound version. Steely Dan even offered a $600 reward for their recovery—an intriguing mystery that remains unsolved.

From its immaculate production to its blend of complex musical styles, it’s no wonder the Library of Congress deemed it “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

My Next Read: “Autonomy: Portrait of a Buzzcock” by Steve Diggle

0

From bass player to lead guitarist, singer and last remaining founding member, Steve Diggle has been the driving force keeping Buzzcocks alive since he first met Pete Shelley in 1976. Together they would ignite the Manchester music scene, kickstart indie and become one of the best loved and most influential punk groups of all time.

Following Shelley’s untimely death in 2018, Autonomy is Diggle’s definitive inside account of their shared musical legacy and complex friendship through the band’s rise, fall, and rise again – from their punk origins supporting Sex Pistols with original singer Howard Devoto to Top of the Pops, the excess of success, break-up, reformation and life beyond bereavement.

Funny, honest and touchingly philosophical, it is also Diggle’s very personal story of working class escape, dreams, redemption and loss – an ultimately heroic survivor’s tale from an irrepressible rock ’n’ roll spirit.

Little Big Town Receives Special Plaque During Nashville Homecoming Show at Bridgestone Arena

0

Little Big Town kept their 25th anniversary celebrations going on Friday night at their special sold-out Nashville homecoming show at Bridgestone Arena. Just before taking the stage for the closing night of their Take Me Home Tour with Sugarland, team UMG Nashville and Sandbox Entertainment showed up in full force and presented the band with a plaque celebrating their 25-year anniversary, as well as 29 million RIAA-certified units.

2024 has been a momentous year for the band with several groundbreaking firsts. Earlier this year, the band released their first-ever Greatest Hits album, paying tribute to their remarkable journey thus far. Consisting of 12 tracks that span the group’s genre-defining discography, the record features fresh collaborations with Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, and Sugarland.

Adding to the list of firsts, the band also released their first-ever holiday LP, The Christmas Record and performed a handful of them (“Santa Claus Is Back In Town,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and “Glow”) at this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting for the first-time ever. The 11-track record – produced by Dave Cobb – includes new interpretations of country classics and a stellar batch of original soon-to-be-classics.

Just in time for the holiday break, Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry airs tonight on NBC at 8:00PM ET/PT and will be available to stream on Peacock the following day. Hosting their first-ever holiday special, the two-hour star-studded musical extravaganza will feature a variety of Christmas favorites and holiday classics, including iconic duets and collaborations with Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Sheryl Crow, Kirk Franklin, Josh Groban, Kate Hudson, Orville Peck, and more. Watch a sneak peek of their performance of “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” with Josh Groban HERE.

25 never looked so good!