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 →
Women Wonders: Lucier & Rose Show Off Xena’s “Many Skills” In “The Lost Scroll” Sept 21
What I love so much about “Un-Blocking” the music is that I have found innovative projects I may have been deprived of if I was still only a part of the general media. Case in point; Xena: Warrior Musical, The Lost Scroll premiering at 3 Dollar Bill in Brooklyn September 21. If you were a... 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 →
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 →
“Girl From North Country’s” Dean Sharenow’s Career From Baez To Broadway
Photo by Susan Stava Nothing excites “Un-Block The Music” more than when my pop music past collides with my new found love of theater. And…that exciting mash up happened recently when I met Dean Sharenow, the music coordinator for Girl From North Country. If you don’t know…it is the play by Conor McPherson with music... Continue Reading →
Broadway Is Back, “Un-Block The Music” Celebrates At “Six”
Female empowerment at its best! Broadway at its best! New York City at its best! “Un-Block The Music” saw Six last night. I don’t do reviews, but I can’t help saying that this show is exactly what we all need. The “Six” wives of Henry VIII tell their side of the story in a rock... Continue Reading →
Lin-Manuel Miranda Teams Up With Broadway Cares To Help Entertainers Affected By COVID
Were you sipping champagne Sunday night watching the 74th Tony Awards and its subsequent special Broadway’s Back? After I figured out what the heck was happening with the Broadcast (only the second part was on CBS), “Un-Block The Music” was screaming with delight! And…when I watched Lin Manuel Miranda rap along with the cast of... Continue Reading →
Women Wonders: Kate Baldwin & Julianne Merrill Chat About Maestra, The Pandemic, Re-Opening Broadway & “An Enlightened New Normal”
Damn! If you are having a gloomy week with all of this crazy weather throughout the U.S. Or, are you just ready to finally get out in the world and celebrate, here’s a song to pump you up!!!“Amplify,” written by Lynne Shankel and featuring Shoshanna Bean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsMBm7jKVHM&ab_channel=MaestraMusic Wow!!! “Un-Block The Music” has been dragging along... Continue Reading →