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 May 8, 2019November 29, 2019Tags , , , , , , , ,

Thoughts On Networking: Get Out There And Talk To People

Individualism is encouraged by screens. The internet is certainly an important resource that has made new forms of increasingly efficient communication possible, but our screens are mostly designed to operate for a single user. No need to ask for directions when we can just google them ourselves. And we can read reviews instead of asking people what their opinions are in person.  But studies show that people remember you better if you interact with them face-to-face. Nonverbal cues exhibited in … Continue reading “Thoughts On Networking: Get Out There And Talk To People”

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 28, 2019November 29, 2019Tags ,

Reflections On Writing for a Month

I am nearing the end of a month-long blogging challenge. It has been a great opportunity to focus on words and articulation.  Coming up with content on a daily basis has been an exercise in originality. I have been able to practice the process of having an idea and following through in communicating it, which is an important concept for all creators. Writing is like any other format of expression. To improve takes investment. Stretching my voice by using a … Continue reading “Reflections On Writing for a Month”

Author n8monti Posted on March 27, 2019November 29, 2019Tags , , , ,

Should Everyone Take Guitar Lessons?

There is much to be said for them. They are a prudent purchase. They will enhance your lifestyle. And we feel better when we live better.  A great many people want to learn a new skill. Guitars are bought and sold every day with the purpose of learning to play them. The most efficient way to learn is by paying for guitar lessons. What makes guitar lessons such a great investment? Consider these facts: Develop an expertise. Learn to learn. … Continue reading “Should Everyone Take Guitar Lessons?”

Author n8monti Posted on March 26, 2019November 29, 2019Tags ,

Mixcla Brings Passion and Virtuosity to Sculler’s Jazz Club

On Thursday March 21st, Sculler’s Jazz Club was filled with the infectious grooves and positive energy of Mixcla, who expertly crafted a fantastic set of Afro-Cuban jazz music. Mixcla is a play on word, melding the English word mix with the Spanish word mezcla (also meaning mix or mixture). This diverse group of musicians have a unique energy and have played all over the world together to bring new voice to Afro-Cuban jazz.  The trio is led by Cuban pianist … Continue reading “Mixcla Brings Passion and Virtuosity to Sculler’s Jazz Club”

Author n8monti Posted on March 25, 2019November 29, 2019Tags ,

How to Make Connections in a New City

Moving to a new place can be intimidating. How do you create a new life with a new network? I have been working on expanding my connections in the Boston area and here are a few suggestions: First connect to your existing network. Does anyone you know have a connection to where you are moving? Even the smallest connection can help. Find concerts and/or other events that interest you. Smaller events are sometimes better because it’s easier to talk to … Continue reading “How to Make Connections in a New City”

Author n8monti Posted on March 22, 2019November 29, 2019Tags , , , , ,

Album Release: Hello My Name is Porky’s Groove Machine

Nerd Funk. I hadn’t heard of it before I went to college but it’s pretty self-explanatory. A group of rhythmically-oriented, costumed goofballs making public service announcements about everything from their love for double dipping, to safe sex, to energy conservation, to Red Dog beer and excel spreadsheets. This is Porky’s Groove Machine. Formed in Appleton, WI and now based in Minneapolis, MN, the band has been energetically expanding their brand for years. I’ve lived with a couple of them, helped … Continue reading “Album Release: Hello My Name is Porky’s Groove Machine”