benefit

REVIEW: Boston Lyric Opera celebrated Morris Robinson and a revered love story with Verdi and Ghislanzoni’s stunning ‘Aida’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

For one night only, a revered love story caught between impossible choices took shape set in a war-torn country.

With over 200 artists involved including the Back Bay Chorale as well as Boston Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus, Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) presented Verdi and Ghislanzoni’s stunning Italian opera, Aida for one gala benefit performance during Veteran’s Day weekend on Sunday, November 10 at 3PM at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts.  All funds raised benefited Boston Lyric Opera’s education, youth and community programs.  Part of BLO’s You’ll Never Walk Alone themed season, this epic production ran 2 hours and 50 minutes including one 20-minute intermission.  Click here for more information.

David Angus conducts the BLO Orchestra and BLO Chorus (Brett Hodgdon, Chorus Director) including members of Back Bay Chorale) Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Prior to the start of the production, the Boston Lyric Opera celebrated a milestone for renowned bass-baritone opera singer Morris Robinson.  Twenty-five years ago to the day on November 10, 1999, Robinson debuted onstage in the role of the King for Boston Lyric Opera’s Aida.  Not only was he named the 2024 Artistic Honoree, but Mayor Wu named November 10th Morris Robinson Day.  The honor was presented to him by his mentor Sharon Daniels.  Once a Boston University college football player, a clearly moved Robinson delivered an inspiring and relatable speech about career pivoting and the stellar chance he received from Boston Lyric Opera.

Morris Robinson as Ramfis in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Robinson’s charismatic presence as well as his rich, deep and commanding vocals as Ramfis in the following production depicts why Morris has had a lasting presence with Boston Lyric Opera.

Having never seen Aida performed as an opera but twice before as the Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical, it was amazing to see Verdi’s version which is the foundation in which this story was told. With the Boston Lyric Opera orchestra center stage and the chorus situated behind them, Aida was treated as a gala event enlivened by Aja M. Jackson’s atmospheric lighting in pinks, reds, blues, and gold backdrop weaving in images and symbols from the Egyptian Book of the Dead.  Jackson’s lighting had an encompassing effect creating a semi-panoramic view of images of multicolored Egyptian animals moving along the back of the theatre.

BLO Music Director David Angus leads the BLO Orchestra in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios

With trumpet accompaniment from the balconies, BLO conductor David Angus with Annie Rabbat, Brett Hodgdon, and Back Bay Chorale Music Director Stephen Spinelli navigates this complex orchestration of music to enrich this bold and compelling love story. Even with a brief pause during the production, Boston Lyric Opera handled the situation efficiently.

A fictional tale surrounding historical events, Aida explores a number of conflicted characters deliberating on love and loyalty during the Egyptian and Ethiopian war.  Tenor Diego Torre delivers an impassioned performance as Radamès, an Egyptian commander in love with soprano Michelle Johnson as Ethiopian slave Aida while Aida’s father Amonasro, portrayed by baritone Brian Major, is a war prisoner.   Mezzo-soprano Alice Chung delivers a multifaceted performance as resourceful Egyptian princess Amneris who wonders what it will take to win the love of Radamès .

Diego Torre as Radamès in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Adorned in gala attire rather than costumes, the cast’s powerhouse vocals exude despair, passion and desperation into characters facing impossible choices.  Decked out in coat and tails, Torres evokes sympathy through his torment and soaring vocals as commander Radamès torn between his love for Aida and loyalty to his people.  In a distinctive multicolored gown, Michelle Johnson illustrates the gravity of Aida’s rage, passion and despair over her decisions, torn between her secret love for Radamès and her own people.  Johnson as Aida is bold, charming, and audacious while always carrying a heavy heart.

Michelle Johnson (l.) as Aida and Alice Chung as Amneris in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios

However, Alice Chung as shrewd and privileged Amneris has plans of her own and strategizes how to get what she wants.  With dynamic range in a jeweled accented gown, Chung brings her own psychological warfare in a stunning duet with Johnson.  Their intense and melodic vocals deliver gravitas in a suspenseful stand off as romantic rivals.  Chung is confident and manipulative catching Aida at her most vulnerable, but also brings sympathy to her character in the looming fear of losing what she holds most dear. 

(L.-r.) Stefan Egerstrom (King of Egypt), Brian Major (Amonasro) and Morris Robinson (Ramfis) in Boston Lyric Opera’s AID

Johnson’s Aida also shares a powerful scene with Major as Amonasro.  Major is eloquent and stealthily convincing in a pivotal scene in which Aida is faced with the consequences of her decisions.  This weighty exchange is filled with raw emotion and distress as she is backed into a corner.

The riveting harmonies, the fervent declarations, and the deeply romantic lyrical context of this production demonstrate why Boston Lyric Opera has returned to this memorable show over the years since first performing Aida at the Hatch Shell in 1981.  Its rich exploration of passion, torment, war, and loss always has something new to say in a classic tale where love transcends everything.

Cast members and BLO Chorus (with members of Back Bay Chorale) in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) presented Verdi and Ghislanzoni’s stunning Italian opera, Aida for one gala benefit performance during Veteran’s Day weekend on Sunday, November 10 at 3PM at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts.  All funds raised benefited Boston Lyric Opera’s education, youth and community programs.  Click here for more information.

REVIEW: Arlekin Players Theatre divulges vivid, twisty and gripping ‘Just Tell No One’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Arlekin Players has multiple secrets to tell.

Arlekin Players ‘Just Tell No One’ Benjamin Evett Photo credit to Arlekin Players

In a world saturated by news, war, and strife, Just Tell No One shares a few conflicts up close and personal and each are a matter of life and death.  Magnified by multiple television screens while a script lies among the tattered and charred papers littering black film on the floor, Arlekin Players reaches into Natal’ya Vorozhbit’s Bad Roads translated by Sasha Dugsdale, Natal’ya  Vorozhbit’s Three Rendezvous translated by John Freedman with Natalia Bratus, and Just Tell No One from Oksana Savchenko’s full-length play Night Devours Morning translated by John Freedman to illustrate a number of brutal revelations with a sort of abandon.

Arlekin Players ‘Just Tell No One’ Anne Gottlieb Photo credit to Arlekin Players

In Partnership with Worldwide Ukrainian Play Readings which is part of CITD’s Hope Initiative, The Arlekin Players (zero-G) Lab reaches into the dark recesses of the human condition with staged reading benefit Just Tell No One  live and in person at the Arlekin Players in Needham Heights, MA through October 14.  This show has adult themes, explicit language and graphic imagery. The show runs 65 min without an intermission and without a bad seat in this intimate, theatre in the round setting.  Click here for more information and for tickets that are selling fast.

Arlekin Players ‘Just Tell No One’ Gene Ravvin and Polina Dubovikova Photo credit to Arlekin Players

With ruefully clever direction by Igor Golyak, Just tell No One is a raw, intense, and unyielding journey with moments of grim humor stemming from mysterious motivations.  No ordinary staged reading, Just Tell No One latches onto the audience through its powerful cast consisting of Lucas Boniface, Irina Bordian, Daniel Boudreau, Polina Dubovikova, Benjamin Evett, Rimma Gluzman, Anne Gottlieb, Alexander Petetsky, Gene Ravvin, Julia Shikh, and Robert Walsh.  Gene Ravvin as He is crude, menacing, and frightening as he circles alert, calculating, and shrewd Polina Dubovikova as She in a fight for their lives in the shadows of a dank basement as Eric Dunlap’s immersive video and multi-media effects with Tyson Miller’s eerie blue lighting punctuate the filthy and isolated atmosphere.  Dunlap and Miller’s innovative skills later generate a fantastical and notable icy setting.   Lines become blurred as they both struggle for power over the situation.  Alex Petetsky as Vasya the farmer and Julia Shikh as Vasya’s wife make amusing conspirators hinging onto a naïve and young girl’s guilt, depicted impressively by Irina Bordian. Bordian’s anxiety is palpable as she faces the couple.

Arlekin Players ‘Just Tell No One’ Irina Bordian as The Girl Photo credit Arlekin Players
Arlekin Players ‘Just Tell No One’ Alex Petetsky as Vasya the farmer and Julia Shikh as Vasya’s wife Photo credit Arlekin Players

Benjamin Evett depicts sympathetic and humble The Man with questionable motives and Anne Gottlieb introduces the chill in the air as she opens the show with masterful and thought provoking prose as The Woman.  Each vivid, suspenseful and unflinching scenario tells so much and yet so little and now it’s best to say no more.

Arlekin Players ‘Just Tell No One’ The Women Photo credit Arlekin Players

The Arlekin Players (zero-G) Lab reaches into the dark recesses of the human condition with staged reading benefit Just Tell No One live and in person at the Arlekin Players in Needham Heights, MA through October 14.  This show has adult themes, explicit language and graphic imagery. The show runs 65 min without an intermission and without a bad seat in this intimate setting.  Click here for more information and for tickets that are selling fast.

REVIEW: New England Dance Ensemble presents evocative ‘A Child’s View of the Holocaust’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

New England Dance Ensemble founder Barbara Mullen knows that if people do not know history, they are doomed to repeat it.

On Sunday, April 16, the New England Dance Ensemble (NEDE) performed A Child’s View of the Holocaust at Temple Beth Abraham in Nashua, NH.  The show was free and a benefit for the nonprofit organization. The temple generously served lunch prior to the production.  This ballet was 40 minutes with no intermission followed by a brief Q and A session and the show is currently streaming online.   The audience was encouraged to pause in quiet reflection rather than applaud.  Click here for more information.

A Child’s View of the Holocaust presented by New England Dance Ensemble Photo credit to NEDE

Barbara Mullen, NEDE’s Artistic Director, first produced A Child’s View of the Holocaust in 1990 and it has become an educational tool for thousands of audiences in its over 30 year history.  Its purpose is to memorialize the youngest victims of the Holocaust to ensure society will never forget and these horrors will not ever be repeated.  Few survived to tell their story, but relatives of a few of the victims were present in the audience on April 16.

Set in 1939, A Child’s View of the Holocaust is a depiction of how insidiously and methodically the new Nazi regime darkened the world and lured millions of victims.  One million out of six million victims of the holocaust were children.  It shows the progression of once innocent school children in braids and plaids as they wave at their friends shortly before a new and harrowing reality unfolds.  The panic, the shame, the indignation, and the implied brutality are difficult to watch, but the discovery and final understanding is the most poignant piece in the production.

The Nazis, led by Anya Petravicz, snake like a menacing train.  Stiff, militaristic, and linear, the dancers invade with expressions vacant and unyielding.  Coordinated by ballet master Andrew Matte, the production has a wealth of physical engagement that implies violence, but is no less powerful. 

Students in ‘A Child’s View of the Holocaust’ Photo credit to NEDE

A Child’s View of the Holocaust is a collaborative and stirring production delivered with careful grace, skill, and sensitivity by these young performers.  However, Harrison Conellier as the Holocaust’s first victim and Ipeksu Yucel as a Jewish mother offer powerful performances in evocative surprise, anger, and anguish as they are forced into impossible decisions in this journey to find light in the depths of loss.

New England Dance Ensemble continues to offer this important production to different institutions for educational purposes.  NEDE will next present The Lorax followed by The Nutcracker in the fall.  Click here for more information.

REVIEW: Led by powerhouse vocals, SpeakEasy Stage Company’s engaging ‘Songs for a New World’ a memorable musical experience

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

We are all hearing soon.  Soon we will be back together in the theatre for a wonderful live theatrical experience.  How it has been missed! 

However convenient it is sitting in front of a computer for a virtual show, there is nothing quite like the anticipation of live theatre in person with an audience in a shared experience.  SpeakEasy Stage Company’s remarkable concert musical benefit show, Songs for a New World, accomplishes quite a bit in its hour and a half runtime.  Through clever cinematography that still adheres to Covid guidelines, SpeakEasy Stage Company recreates the thrill of seeing actors together onstage and it is easy to see each cast member’s excitement through their own extraordinary performances.  We’re not quite there yet, but this is getting ever closer.

‘A New World’ featuring the entire company Video courtesy of SpeakEasy Stage Company

Directed by Paul Daigneault and musically-directed by Jose Delgado, SpeakEasy Stage Company continues their 30th anniversary season with John Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World streaming through June 8.  The show was filmed onstage at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information and tickets.  Discount tickets are also available.  Click here for more information on SpeakEasy Stage Company’s recently announced 2021-22 season.

It is difficult to describe the anticipation of seeing SpeakEasy Stage Company’s concert musical benefit, Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World.   The last Jason Robert Brown musical I witnessed was a film adaptation of The Last Five Years.  It was a glorious, resonating tear jerker featuring reliable talents Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick. 

Songs for a New World explores a variety of characters that are faced with the ultimate, sometimes humorous and other times harrowing life-changing decisions and deciding what to do next.  With simple staging and an onstage band conducted by Jose Delgado, Songs for a New World has humor and heartache enhanced by some of Boston’s most recognizable vocal powerhouses.

Rashed Al Nuaimi sings ‘She Cries” Video courtesy of SpeakEasy Stage Company

From the inspiring, tremendous, and relatable opening number, A New World featuring powerful, upbeat harmonies between Dwayne P. Mitchell, Davron S Monroe, Mikayla Myers, Rebekah Rae Robles, Alexander Tan, Victor Carillo Tracey, Laura Marie Duncan and Rached Al Nuaimi, this production proves to be something to behold.  A New World/Time to Fly gives the audience a glimpse into the shared experience of what each character is feeling and the hope their decisions will turn out right.

Songs for a New World is full of powerful performances and each song is as strong as the last, but here are a few highlights.  One standout performance is a tender and stirring rendition of On the Deck of a Spanish Ship, 1492 as Monroe exclaims, “Have Mercy Lord” while the cast embarks on a harrowing, life-changing journey.  Dressed in a long fur coat, Laura Marie Duncan is wildly entertaining as a scorned woman in an extreme situation in Just One Step.  Duncan’s expressive personality and her sheer energy drive this amazing performance. 

‘I’d Give it All for You’ Jennifer Ellis and Dwayne P Mitchell Video courtesy of SpeakEasy Stage Company

Jennifer Ellis performs some vocal gymnastics as Mrs. Claus for Sweabaya Santa, reimagining Santa as an absent, judgmental husband whose love is as fleeting as his sleigh.  Dwayne P Mitchell literally rises from the ashes of his childhood in this boastful, self-assured rendition of The Steam Train.  Ellis and Mitchell have sweet chemistry in a beautiful duet about the complexity of love in I’d Give it All for You.

Rached Al Nuaimi demonstrates zany, emotional turmoil and building frustration in She Cries and Jennifer Ellis delivers a bold and anguished performance in The Flagmaster, 1776.

SpeakEasy Stage Company’s Songs for a New World also boasts an incredible finale not to be missed with Hear My Song.  Glad to add John Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World as another memorable musical experience. 

SpeakEasy Stage Company continues streaming Songs for a New World through June 8. Click here for more information, tickets, and how to support the SpeakEasy Stage Company.

REVIEW: Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston captures virtual musical magic with ‘Entr’acte’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Like many of us, I miss theatre.

When not working on the next house project, the last few months have brought many opportunities as an avid television and film fan to stream from home.  From Knives Out to the Netflix hit, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, settling into the living room has been convenient and strongly advised.

However, theatre belongs in a separate category.  It’s not only the buzz of anticipation from an exhilarated crowd as the lights dim, but live theatre begins a journey into a different world upon a unique and dynamic stage as I let the new setting settle into my psyche.   Whatever may come of theatre over the next months or year, a live venue and the slow murmur as the curtain goes up has become more valuable to me than it ever has before.

Theatre has survived everything in history from World Wars to disasters to pandemics.  It has transformed and overcome every obstacle it has faced.  This time will be no different.  Ah, but that glorious feeling.

In the meantime, virtual streaming broadcasts have made their way to center screen.  New content seems to be popping up every day from theatre to music groups that are hoping to keep things afloat and longing to perform for an audience – even if it is one they cannot hear or see.   Some are short, some are interactive, and some don’t translate well.  Virtual award shows have also popped up in the last few months.

Perhaps I’m feeling more nostalgic than usual because each summer, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston sets the stage for a trio of summer musicals ranging from classic to contemporary.  This time last year, Sleepless Critic reviewed Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s musical classic, The Sound of Music.  It was a glorious production flanked with sprawling sets and an enchanting cast that left you humming the timeless soundtrack long after the show’s moving finale.  Click here for the full review.

Reagle Music Theatre The Sound of Music So Long, Farewell

Mark Linehan as Captain von Trapp, Aimee Doherty as Maria and the Von Trapp children

A few of The Sound of Music’s promising talent lent their voices to Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s live, theatrical fundraiser Entr’acte that premiered on Sunday, June 28 and is still available on Reagle’s website.   Hosted by Reagle veterans JT Turner and Mark Linehan and directed by Marisa Diamond, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston lifted the virtual curtain and offered a glimpse of summer musical magic featuring a showcase of musical favorites, familiar local and renowned talent,  and some interactive fun while delving into Reagle’s rich history.

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston La Cage aux Folles J.T. Turner as Georges

J.T. Turner as Georges Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Among the many highlights were Jennifer Ellis who reprised her award-winning role in My Fair Lady with a soaring, blissful rendition of I Could Have Danced All Night.  The Von Trapp children from The Sound of Music delivered their own number and youth performer Kimora Yancey delivered a powerful rendition of I Know Where I’ve Been from Hairspray. Pier Lamia Porter, who has been doing her own wonderful charity work for Covid 19, also shared her flourishing vocals for If I Loved You from Carousel, Reagle’s premiere musical in 1969.  Scott Wahle brought his usual charisma for Music Man’s 76 Trombones, Leigh Barrett reprised her role for It’s Today from Mame, and Dwayne Mitchell sang, I am What I Am from last year’s La Cage Aux Folles.  Found Robert Eagle also shared some of Reagle’s vivid history.

Reagle Music Theatre Entracte performers

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s ‘Entr’acte’ performers Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Beloved musical duo Sarah Pfisterer and Rick Hilsabeck were among the many presenters that popped up during the musical benefit.

Reagle's Rick and Sarah

Rick Hilsabeck and Sarah Pfisterer Photo courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston

Reagle Music Theatre recently celebrated its 50th season and Sleepless Critic has cheered their outstanding work for musicals over the years such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, La Cage Aux Folles, Wonderful Town, Me and My Girl, and their annual show, ChristmasTime, which has become a traditional favorite.  Without these musical productions though the summer season and the live shows they put on throughout the year, Reagle needs support in order to keep going.

Virtually, they are all singing to that man, woman, or child behind the computer screen, phone, or on television.  While this is flattering, it also makes me a bit sad.  I miss hearing them sing while I quietly sing along, upstaging my performance in every way.  How I have missed most steps in the dance…but can’t see their feet.

From the heart thumping 42nd Street to the cool cats in Guys and Dolls to Singin’ in the Rain to their annual, stunning production of ChristmasTime, their shows must simply go on and spark another 50 years.

Click here for more on Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston located at 617 Lexington Street in Waltham, Massachusetts.  Their virtual youth theatre workshops are happening now and their second workshop session will start on July 20.

 

‘Boston Radio for Zumix’ benefit boasted Boston DJ’s dancing, live performances, and a peek inside the radio studio

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Zumix Radio DJs

Photo courtesy of Zumix

Just across the East Boston fire station sits a youth haven for music and much more.  Zumix, East Boston’s non-profit organization geared toward empowering youth through music, has to offer.  On Friday, June 8, music lovers united to celebrate Zumix’s 11th annual benefit, ‘Boston Radio for Zumix’ featured a long list of Boston DJ’s past and present, live performances, silent auction, food, refreshments, and much more.  Hosted by Morning Guy Tai and Adam Klein, this sensational benefit will be held at Zumix, 260 Sumner Street in East Boston.  Click here to learn more about opportunities at Zumix.

Zumix Tune in

Courtesy of Zumix

As a hanging portrait of a boom box perches overhead, announcers and Zumix staff took the stage as they broadcast live on their local youth inspired radio 94.9 FM Zumix.  The evening had many humorous and heartfelt moments as members performed excerpts from their comedic shows, music, and an excerpt from their local Wednesday noon news program, ‘What’s Up Eastie’ featuring a person recounting their experience of the devastation in Mexico City in 2017 from a massive earthquake.  Zumix features all kind of music, comedy, and real life stories translated into radio. Zumix also offers a Sprouts program for the younger generation.   Zumix students, some who have performed with Sting, have gone on to do great things, keeping music in their lives.

 

 

Co-host Tai Irwin and Gregg Daniels Photo courtesy of Zumix
Madeleine Steczynski, Host Adam Klein, and Adrian Madaro Photo courtesy of Zumix
Announcer Matt Shearer Photo courtesy of Zumix
Comedy routine
Members of Zumix Photo courtesy of Zumix

Marcus Evans, a member of Zumix, offered tours of the facility which boasted soundproof rooms, impressive digital equipment, music instruments, a radio station tour by DJ Psychedelic, and a particular highlight, a unique purple room named after Prince.  Plenty of food and refreshments were served including Bart’s ice cream (Try flavors Three Geeks and a Red Head or the ever popular Deep Purple Cow).  Zumix’s silent auction items included Sporty Spice featuring Red Sox tickets and a tour of the broadcast booth, Pirates of the Boston Harbor featuring Rum Tasting for 25 people as well as a cruise on the Spirit of Boston, VIP Experience which offers a VIP experience to a Blue Hills Bank Pavilion show, Eastie’s Finest featuring a sunset sail and dinner, Soup Guy featuring tickets to the Joel McHale Show at the Chavelier Theatre in Medford, 90’s Utopia featuring tickets to the Cowboy Junkies, DJ for a Day, The Tables Have Turned offering a Turntable, Daft Punk, and Vinyl Box set, and Mid Life Crisis featuring an autographed DVD from Alice Cooper, a variety of music lessons, and more.  DJ Nomadix included the night with music and dancing before announcing the silent auction’s big winners.

 

 

Gregg Daniels, Carter Alan, Chachi Loprete, John Shea, Brittany Thomas and Michael Cohen Photo courtesy of Zumix
Tayler Fernandes Nunez and Corey SantOne DePina Photo courtesy of Zumix
Richie Carvalho (JD Psychadelic) in studio
Bart’s Ice Cream flavors offered at Zumix event. Photo courtesy of Zumix

Having started as a songwriting program, Zumix students enjoy in-school and after school events throughout the year. Songwriting, radio, audio technology, and performance are among the renowned programs offered by Zumix for youth ages seven through eighteen and over 1,000 students attend classes. Click here for more information on their upcoming concerts, events, and festivals! Follow Zumix on Facebook and Twitter.

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Zumix will celebrate 25th anniversary on grand scale with ‘Boston DJs with Zumix’ benefit

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Music lovers unite!  Zumix, East Boston’s non-profit organization geared toward empowering youth through music, has saved the best for last.  Featuring 20 Boston DJs past and present, live performances, special guest sets, silent auction, and much more, Zumix brings their 25th anniversary year to a grand close with ‘Boston DJs for Zumix’ on Friday, March 31 at 8 p.m.  This sensational benefit will be held at Zumix, 260 Sumner Street, East Boston, Massachusetts.  Click here for tickets and more information.

Zumix radio

New radio station 94.9 FM Zumix Radio Photo courtesy of Zumix

After streaming online for 10 years, the evening benefit will also celebrate their new, growing community station, 94.9 FM Zumix, a station that serves a bilingual audience and features a wide range of programming.  All proceeds of ‘Boston DJs for Zumix’ support Zumix’s dynamic, free teen music programs in songwriting, community radio, creative technology, instrument instruction, and performance.  Click here to make a donation.

zumix radio

Youth DJ on the mic Photo courtesy of Zumix

The featured DJs are as follows:  Adam 12, Akrobatik, Baltazar, DJ Bean, Jim Braude, Julie Devereaux, Fast Freddy, Mike Gioscia, Lori Grande, Merilee Kelly, George Knight, Carolyn Kruse, John Laurenti, Dana Marshall, Jess Phaneuf, Matt Phipps, Morning Guy Tai, Nancy Quill, Neal Robert, Nomadik, and Zumix DJs.

Zumix White House

Zumix accepting an award from Michelle Obama Photo courtesy of Zumix

Winner of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Programs Award from the White House and providing music lessons and other technology to lower income families, Zumix’s mission is to empower youth to express themselves through music and make positive changes throughout their community and the world.  At first started as a songwriting program, Zumix students enjoy in-school and after school events throughout the year. Songwriting, radio, audio technology, and performance are among the renowned programs offered by Zumix for youth ages 7 through 18 and over 1,000 students attend classes.

Zumix Walk for Music

Annual Walk for Music community event Photo courtesy of Zumix

For tickets to ‘Boston DJs for Zumix,’ click here or call (617) 568-9777.  Click here for more information on their upcoming concerts, events, and festivals. Follow Zumix on Facebook and Twitter.

The Boston Pops perform at Boston Marathon film premiere ‘Boston’ on One Boston Day

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Conquering distance with each stride is easier said than done.  Hailed as one of the most demanding and beloved marathons since its inception in 1897, for many, The Boston Marathon encapsulates a lifelong goal.  It takes the utmost endurance, agility, stamina, and determination for some the fastest runners in the world to conquer and suffer during the awe-inspiring journey from Hopkinton to Boston.

In its 120th year, the Boston Marathon is getting its first feature-length documentary film, Boston.  It will explore the extensive history and the building momentum of the Boston Marathon over the years, the stories of its runners, and the devastating events of 2013.  Jazz instrumentalist and Emmy award-winning composer Jeff Beal, best known for creating the haunting score of the Netflix’s drama series, House of Cards, is composing Boston’s extraordinary soundtrack.  On Monday, February 13, Beal will conduct the BSO and record the soundtrack at Boston Symphony Hall.  He will then lead the Boston Pops for a live performance on One Boston Day on Saturday, April 15.

Hosted by WBZ-TV and anchors Lisa Hughes and David Wade, the Boston Pops orchestra performs Beal’s original Boston score live at the world premiere screening of Boston on Saturday, April 15 at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston.  Sponsored by John Hancock, a portion of each ticket sold to this special performance will support Martin’s Park, which is being built on Fort Point Channel.  The Martin Richard Foundation was founded to commemorate Martin Richard, the eight year-old boy who was killed five years ago during the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013.  The park is named after him, the youngest of the victims.  Click here to make additional donations to Martin’s Park.

Take a closer look at the upcoming film, Boston here.  Click here for ticket information or call 800-982-2787.  Follow the Boston Symphony Orchestra on Twitter, and like them on Facebook.