On his 20th studio album, …this is not ok…, Austin-based guitarist, songwriter and producer Matt Smith brings the perspective of more than four decades in music to an increasingly unsettled cultural moment, examining what happens when disagreement becomes division while resisting outrage in favor of something more difficult and enduring: compassion, reflection and the willingness to keep listening. Photo courtesy of Matt Smith L ongevity can change an artist’s relationship with the present. After more than 45 years of writing, recording and p…
From multilingual theatre and improvisational comedy to international collaborations spanning continents, Anissa Naji is building an artistic career that demonstrates how contemporary performance can transcend language, cultural boundaries, and traditional creative expectations while placing authentic human connection at the center of every story. Photo courtesy of Anissa Naji © Credit: @ heclovisuals I n an industry where versatility is often celebrated but rarely mastered, Anissa Naji has quietly emerged as one of the most compelling multid…
As Gordon Goodwin's celebrated musical legacy enters a new chapter, Vangie Gunn-Goodwin honors his extraordinary vision through the landmark release of 25 Years of Phatness , the continued evolution of the Big Phat Band, and the launch of Big Phat Pod—ensuring his artistry, innovation, and educational influence continue to inspire audiences around the world. Photo courtesy of VANGIE GUNN - GOODWIN with Big Phat Band F or more than a quarter of a century, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band has stood among the defining forces in contempo…
In an era when holiday music often revisits familiar traditions, creating something genuinely original has become increasingly rare. Yet The Breakman Holiday Singers have found fresh creative ground with Boom Boom, a contemporary Independence Day anthem that transforms America's most celebrated summer holiday into a vibrant musical experience rooted in community, gratitude, and purpose. Photo courtesy of The Breakman Holiday Singers A t the center of the project is Connecticut songwriter, producer, and creative architect Terry Breakman , …
Blending the rich traditions of Americana and contemporary folk, Nancy Carey Johnson delivers a deeply personal collection of songs that explores hope, love, perseverance, and the quiet strength found in everyday human experiences. Photo courtesy of Nancy Carey Johnson T here is an unmistakable confidence in artists who understand that music does not need to shout to leave a lasting impression. Rather than chasing cultural trends or commercial formulas, they trust the enduring strength of thoughtful songwriting, emotional honesty, and authent…
As his acclaimed European summer tour unfolds, the GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Eric Gales continues to expand his global legacy through landmark performances, prestigious collaborations, and an uncompromising artistic vision that has firmly established him among the most influential guitarists of his generation. Photo courtesy of Eric Gales © Credit: www.ericgales.com T here are guitar virtuosos, there are celebrated blues musicians, and then there is Eric Gales—a singular artist whose career has continually defied convention while redefining…
Award-winning dancer, filmmaker, and multidisciplinary artist Yiran Shu is building a creative practice where movement, architecture, cinema, and cultural exchange exist in constant dialogue. As her work continues to gain international recognition, she is redefining how contemporary performance can connect memory, identity, and human experience through an interdisciplinary artistic vision. Photo courtesy of Yiran Shu © Credit: Joyce Lai S ome artists master a single discipline. Others spend years moving between creative worlds until those di…