Hidden Meanings–But His Gift is Obvious

Posted on April 4, 2014 by silvermic

tom1

For Vietnam veteran Tom Fontanes, there’s more to art than meets the eye..

And he’ll show you what that means, if you ask him.

Tom hides symbols and messages in his steampunk-style collages.  His symbols relate to his service as a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marines from 1968 to 1969.

Tom, who will be showing his work at tomorrow evening’s Veterans’ Art Show, in South Pasadena, talked about the pieces he’s exhibiting and the ways he’s grown as an artist  since our previous conversation.

The Spring 2014 Veterans’ Art Show takes place Saturday, April 5, from 7 to 11 pm at Swarthy’s Beard and Hair Design, on Fair Oaks Avenue south of Mission in South Pasadena.  Admission is free.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted in Featured Audio, Over Coffee | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honor, Freedom–and Talent

Posted on April 4, 2014 by silvermic

remi1

It’s one thing to know that “freedom isn’t free”.

It’s another to hear the stories of our veterans, as they live that reality.

Since July 4, 2011, the Veterans’ Art Show has been showcasing those stories.  Now, they’re just about to do it again–with their show, this Saturday evening, April 5, at Swarthy’s Beard and Hair Design in South Pasadena.

As a Southern California-based traveling exhibition, the Veterans’ Art Show has a dual purpose.  The shows allow veterans to make some money selling their art–and raise public awareness of the issues veterans face.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Pages: 1 2
Posted in Featured Audio, Over Coffee | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Down-to-Earth Environmentalism

Posted on March 23, 2014 by silvermic

bordeaux martin

How do we treat our planet?  How do we behave to our fellow human beings?

Bordeaux Martin sees a definite connection.

At Pasadena City College’s recent “Borders of Diversity” conference, Bordeaux presented his paper on “Healing For the Earth Community”, as part of a student panel on “Environmentalism For the People”.

Bordeaux talked about the ways in which he and his fellow students had grown and learned about our environment, as the end result of an honors English class, and about the ways our relationship with the earth reflects the way we relate to other communities.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted in Featured Audio, Over Coffee | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Celtic Celebration

Posted on March 13, 2014 by silvermic
(Photograph courtesy of David Safian, and used with permission.)

(Photograph courtesy of David Safian, and used with permission.)

Celtic rockers The Young Dubliners are coming to Anaheim tomorrow–and they’ve just done something they’d never done before!

The latter is no mean accomplishment.

“The Dubs”, as their fans call them, have been around since 1988.  They’re known for writing and performing original songs that can get audiences on their feet dancing–then sit them quietly back down to reflect on their lives.

On their ninth studio album, though, the Dubs have broken new ground–by asking their fans to crowdfund their first fully independently-produced project.  The resulting new album,  entitled Naoi (“Nine“), just released on March 4th, is a jubilant celebration of creative freedom–alternating uptempo numbers that sound like the best Saturday night at your favorite pub, with the slower, more contemplative explorations of love, endings and life in general.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Pages: 1 2
Posted in Featured Audio, Over Coffee | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Keith Roberts Interview, Part Two

Posted on March 13, 2014 by silvermic

Young Dubliners co-founder and lead singer Keith Roberts discusses the creative process behind some of the selections on the band’s new (and first independently-produced) studio album, Nine.

The Young Dubliners will be performing with The Humble Hooligans and BROTHER at The City National Grove, in Anaheim, at 8:00 pm on Friday, March 14th.   They’ll also be performing at The Big Irish Fair, in Long Beach, in June.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted in Featured Audio, Over Coffee | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

World-Class Singers Explore the World

Posted on March 8, 2014 by silvermic
(Photograph courtesy of Craig Schwartz, and used with permission.)

(Photograph courtesy of Craig Schwartz, and used with permission.)

“Extraordinary” is a word that’s often applied to the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus.

With seven progressively-experienced choirs, LACC is one of the nation’s leading children’s choral groups.  Participants, ages 6 to 18, are trained to become world-class singers in the bel canto style.   LACC members perform frequently with leading music ensembles including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, LA Opera, and Pasadena Symphony.

These young musicians have also toured internationally, performing in South Africa, China, Australia and throughout Europe.

Los Angeles Children’s Chorus Artistic Director Anne Tomlinson conducts LACC’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, and oversees the young singers’ artistic and educational development.  Anne talked about LACC’s current 28th season, their upcoming annual Spring Concert and an exciting international trip, coming up in July!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Posted in Featured Audio, Over Coffee | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment