Author n8monti Posted on May 15, 2019November 29, 2019Tags , , , , , , , , , ,

The Boiler House Jazz Series Champions Innovative Art

Waltham, MA. If you are looking for cutting edge music in the Boston area, you should be attending this season’s Boiler House Jazz Series concerts in Waltham. Hosted and sponsored by the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation, and programmed and produced by John Bechard and Ken Field, the series aims to support artists and program music that pushes boundaries. How fitting and exciting that an institution that celebrates technological innovation also actively supports artistic innovation! The first four … Continue reading “The Boiler House Jazz Series Champions Innovative Art”

Author n8monti Posted on March 30, 2019November 29, 2019Tags , , , , , , , ,

Artist Spotlight: Rokia Traoré

Rokia Traoré is an incredibly musical Malian singer, songwriter, and guitarist who transcends genre with her art. She is a member of the Bambara ethnic group, a culture that has deep traditions of music performance and oral story telling (specifically called griot  performance). Despite this fact, Traoré found American rock music to be more accessible to her while growing up. Traoré’s father was a diplomat and her family holds a noble title. Members of her social class are generally discouraged … Continue reading “Artist Spotlight: Rokia Traoré”

Author n8monti Posted on March 30, 2019November 29, 2019Tags , ,

Album of the Week: Friends and Neighbors – Ornette Coleman

In 1970, free jazz experimentalist Ornette Coleman, hosted an Impromptu concert for his friends and neighbors at his loft on Prince St. in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The beginning of the concert opens with a chant: “Friends and Neighbors, that’s where it’s at. Friends and neighbors, that’s where it’s at. Friends and neighbors, that’s a fact. Hand in hand, that’s the goal.  Hand in hand, that’s the goal. All the world, small, small, small.” What perfect words to … Continue reading “Album of the Week: Friends and Neighbors – Ornette Coleman”

Author n8monti Posted on March 18, 2019November 29, 2019Tags , , , , , , , , , , ,

Another Podcast Project Update!

Is community important to you? Do you you consume art or music or any form of media? I want to hear your voice! I am still accepting audio submissions for my podcast! Visit my project page on this website for more information. I want to generate a diverse and inclusive conversation about the value arts bring to improving our communities! The initial questions are: How do you choose to interact with your community? Is art important? Why or why not? … Continue reading “Another Podcast Project Update!”

Author n8monti Posted on March 9, 2019November 29, 2019Tags , , , , , , , , ,

Artist Spotlight: Norman McLaren

Can you see sounds? Some people can! Synesthesia is a condition where one sensory pathway directly affects another. The most well-known example may be the ability to see colors and other visuals when hearing sounds. Norman McLaren had this condition. He was also one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century.  McLaren is best known for his early experimental films, where he produced all images and sounds solely by drawing directly on film with pen. Abstract shapes dance … Continue reading “Artist Spotlight: Norman McLaren”