Since my days at “Billboard” and “In Tune Monthly” magazines, I have written stories about the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus and The John Lennon Songwriting Contest. When I started “Un-Block The Music,” I reconnected with all the wonderful people involved with the experiences that allow student musicians and upcoming artists to learn about songwriting... Continue Reading →
Right before Broadway closed down on March 12th, “Un-Block the Music” had the great fortune be part of “Women’s Day On Broadway” (WomenOfBroadway.com) at the New Amsterdam Theater. The event, presented by Disney On Broadway, touted the success women have achieved in the theater community. I had conflicting emotions of hope and disappointment about women’s... Continue Reading →
How do you break into songwriting and producing? “Un-Block The Music” has been fortunate enough to hear a lot of amazing stories over the last two years. Songwriter/Producer, Joe Solo is the latest to share his journey and advice. What I love about Joe is his honesty. He won’t promise to make you a star,... Continue Reading →
Cover photo: That's me!!! Vernon Reid from the band Living Colour said, “Something like this (John Lennon Tour Bus) should be parked outside of every school in America.” “Un-Block The Music,” wholeheartedly agrees. I asked its founder, Brian Rothschild and Jeff Sobel, creative technology director, where they go from here/ Both said, bus goals for... Continue Reading →
“If you want peace, you won’t get it with violence.” That’s direct quote from John Lennon. What does that have to do with Un-Block The Music? Everything. Music has been and will always be a snapshot of society and a catalyst towards change. John Lennon spent a good part of his life writing about and... Continue Reading →
“Un-Block The Music” is a big believer in giving “creative” kids a chance to use their talents for the greater community good. The Prudential Spirit Of Community Awards is a middle school and high school award that honors volunteer service. Students in grades 5-12 are invited to apply for 2020 Award if they have made... Continue Reading →
Celebrate the holidays at Circle In The Square Theatre School in Manhattan. The song, "Happy HannuKwaanzMas" was written by Beth Falcone. That is Beth on the piano. Christine DeFrece is conducting. Both women are on the faculty at the theatre school which boasts amazing alumni including Lady Gaga and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Circle in... Continue Reading →
What do Next To Normal’s Jennifer Damiano and Dear Evan Hansen’s Noah Galvin have in common? Random Farms Kids Theater in Elmsford, NY. What “Un-Block The Music” loves about Random Farms Kids Theater is a theme of empowerment for all. While the group’s fabulous productions of of A Chorus Line, Les Miserables, and Urinetown are... Continue Reading →
(cover photo: Marc Tumminelli and Taylor Louderman) “Un-Block The Music” has been making it a point to report on all kinds of theater because,as Tony-winning Producer Ken Davenport told me, theater is cool again! Stage-loving kids have always existed, but shows like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen have encouraged even more kids to want to... Continue Reading →
“Un-Block The Music” had the great pleasure of speaking with Kathryn Bostic fresh off of her Berklee 2018-19 Film Scoring Artist Residency. She immediately expressed how exciting it was to mentor students in any way she could to “encourage their self-expression and their individuality.” Kathryn is a composer, singer-songwriter, pianist and vocalist. She is the... Continue Reading →
Un-Block The Music 