What is it that has made rock and roll so eternal? “Un-Block The Music” is unwavering in that answer. It is it’s realness; it’s rawness. That is what makes me so excited to introduce readers to John Krupa and his upcoming show, Choices, A Rock Opera. John is a New York musician that toured with... Continue Reading →
Women Wonders: Steph Singer’s “Simon And His Shoes” Offers Optimism
Steph Singer, co-writer of Simon And His Shoes, and “Un-Block The Music”connected on an artistic level, but perhaps even more importantly on a “life” level during our interview. Experiencing and achieving a joyful life is on top of my bucket list goals. Not that I didn’t always want “joy” in my life, but it is... Continue Reading →
“Kite Runner’s” Tabla Player, Salar Nader Offers A Glimpse On World Music & Above All, Humanity
On Monday night, “Un-Block The Music” is going to see The Kite Runner on Broadway. In preparation I interviewed tabla player, Salar Nader. I know little about Central Asian music. If you don’t know, The Kite Runner is the story of a childhood friendship being torn apart. It follows one man’s journey to confront his... Continue Reading →
“Altar Boyz” Composer Michael Patrick Walker Proves Creative Careers Go Beyond The Obvious
If “Un-Block The Music” has learned anything from writing this blog, it is that schools need to educate their students about the many jobs there are in theater, especially in music and sound. It’s not just about being an actor or singer. Writer, Composer, Lyricist, Music Director Michael Patrick Walker can be the poster child... Continue Reading →
Curtis Craig Talks “The Hot Wing King” Sound Design Careers He Inspires At Penn State
“Un-Block The Music” often talks about sound design. Most of the time, I talk about it in regard to musicals, however, I want to clarify that there are sound designers for plays as well. Most of the time sound designers for plays and musicals are different. Then, there is Curtis Craig, who was recently sound... Continue Reading →
Musical Director David O’s Diversity Of Talent Led Him To “Mr. Saturday Night” & Yes…”My Little Pony”
Before “Un-Block The Music” was ever a possibility (there was no internet when I started my career!), two of my greatest mentors told me not to let any editor dictate my career to me. I was encouraged to come up with story ideas every day and to store them in the vault that is my... Continue Reading →
Helen Of Troy Aside, Peter Kellogg Talks About Giving Penelope Her Due In New Odyssey Show
Theater has finally begun to heat up. Despite CO-VID stops and starts, artists forge ahead and seem to generally be playing to strong houses. If you want attendance statistics, go to https://www.broadwayleague.com/research/grosses-broadway-nyc/. However, in addition to Broadway shows which grab the headlines, there are lots of off-Broadway and regional theaters ramping up as well. “Un-Block... Continue Reading →
Happy 4th Anniversary To Un-Block The Music
Happy 4-year anniversary to “Un-Block The Music”! I have certainly traveled “The Long and Winding Road” to get to where I am right now! Yes…I am still a Paul McCartney fan. Yes, Joan Jett is still my alter ego. HOWEVER, I not only hike the streets of Greenwich Village as I once claimed, I also... Continue Reading →
Jimmy “J. Keys” Talks About Sound Design, Hip Hop, “Confederates” & The New Broadway
When I secured the interview with Jimmy Keys for “Un-Block The Music,” I had a flashback to the days working at Billboard. At that time, did I ever expect to interview a rapper for a Broadway show story? I didn’t! But, “Un-Block The Music” is so excited to be on the front lines as theater... Continue Reading →
Tony Winning Sound Designer Rob Kaplowitz Talks About Bringing A Car Factory To Life
It always surprises me to find that so many “behind the scenes” theater artists start out in acting and later find their true passion is in other areas of creation. Case in point….Tony Award winning sound designer Rob Kaplowitz. “Un-Block The Music” got the chance to speak with Rob when he was working on Skeleton... Continue Reading →