In the dynamic tapestry of hip-hop and cultural influence, one name shines brightly: Jon Hope. A multifaceted force hailing from the streets of Providence, this multimedia personality has woven together a remarkable career as a lyricist, performer, host, educator, mentor, and keynote speaker. Hope’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of authenticity and […]
On Monday night, March 19, Motif threw the RI music community’s version of the Oscars, the 2024 RI Music Awards. A record crowd of over 600 musicians and music lovers came and went throughout the evening, which was filled with live performances and awards for over 50 different categories. Food from Burrito Bowl formed a […]
Patsy Decline – Self-Titled (75orLess Records) Patsy Decline is composed of Ray Memery, George Sullivan, Jack McKenna, and Bill Gorman – veterans of some pretty legendary bands including Backwash, Mother Jefferson, Von Doom, and Ether. Patsy Decline sounds like members of Television and Wire started a tribute band to the indie days of R.E.M.. I […]
Okee dokee folks… Today I was thinking about substance abuse in the music community. I know that big rock stars have always been famous for getting on stage smashed but that is so passé. A lot of folks may never admit to having a problem with substance abuse or even want to discuss it. When […]
Jazz in the Ocean State has seen a myriad of tough times, including, COVID aftershocks, digital streaming, stubborn inflation, and changing demographics. But, just like the changing tides of Narragansett Bay, local jazz is here to stay. Live music venues and great jazz musicians have come and gone, but jazz lovers should not despair. While […]
I’m finally on the mend after a month of pneumonia. I imagine this is what a resurrection must feel like. Meanwhile, since I last wrote another legend has left us in “Brother” Wayne Kramer of the MC5. MC5 were a revolutionary band that in the late sixties fused the guitars of the British Invasion, the […]
It was the ’90s and I loved being in clubs. It was common to be among folks who had made it while I was seeing and playing shows. The Big Three (“The Godmothers” as I like to call them) were at their height — signed to major record labels, touring the country, playing on the […]
If there was a Mount Rushmore for music legends, Smokey Robinson would surely be on it. Robinson, who with lifelong friend and fellow music trailblazer Berry Gordy, literally changed the musical landscape, modern society, and profoundly and positively affected race relations in the United States and around the world. Robinson and Gordy did it by […]
Lots of new music for the month that begins like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Some is ferocious, some is mellow, but all of it is good! Here are some picks: Caitlyn Mitchell – “Pawn”The debut single by Caitlyn Mitchell is a massive ballad. Atop a sea of strings and vocal harmonies, […]
Okee dokee folks… The other day someone mentioned that they were reaching a milestone birthday and they were dismayed that they hadn’t achieved as much as they would have liked in their life. Having reached many age milestones myself, I let them know that all you can really do is give it your best shot. […]