Musical theater giant Stephen Sondheim turned 90 on March 22, and Stevie Wonder—for my money, the greatest popular music composer of the last 60 years—turned 70 on May 13.
Concert Review: Sergio Mendes & Bebel Gilberto — 60th Anniversary of Bossa Nova
For Sergio Mendes, the captivating anniversary show was a chance to look back on the early years of bossa nova and its birthplace.
Theater Review: “Pacific Overtures” — A Civilization on the Brink of Change
Pacific Overtures offers a history lesson — but it is an entertaining, moving, thought-provoking, and timely one.
Jazz Album Review: Magos Herrera & Brooklyn Rider’s “Dreamers”—A Soulful Journey through the Americas
Magos Herrera teamed up with the Brooklyn Rider string quartet to create a collection of music that makes its case for life, love, and liberation through its sheer beauty.
Jazz Preview: Luciana Souza’s “The Book of Longing” & Yellowjackets
Why this team up? Other than that both Luciana Souza and the Yellowjackets have been nominated for multiple Grammys?
Theater Review: A Fabulous “Fun Home”
The SpeakEasy Stage production is intimate and emotionally satisfying, highlighting the musical’s strengths — its sharply witty book, memorable songs, and heartbreaking characters.
Jazz CD Review: Luciana Souza’s “Book of Longing” Tells a Compelling Story
With this album, Luciana Souza has created her own indelible “book” of songs that ache and celebrate, muse and regret, dream and mourn.
Theater Review: “The Wiz”: Not in Kansas Anymore
A delicious, comforting gumbo of a Wiz with all the right ingredients for an upbeat, entertaining evening (or afternoon) at the theater.
Theater Review: “Jagged Little Pill” — A Relevant and Rocking Brew
In the end, Jagged Little Pill manages to spotlight multiple modern problems while making us care about its characters.
Jazz CD Review: Kate McGarry’s “The Subject Tonight Is Love”
Kate McGarry’s latest release is a gorgeous seminar on the many facets of love.