by Lorie Lewis Ham
Ramin Karimloo is an actor and singer best known for his performances on London’s West End and Broadway. He has played the leading male roles in both of the West End’s longest running musicals: the Phantom and Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, and Jean Valjean, Enjolras, and Marius in Les Misérables. Ramin made his Broadway debut as Jean Valjean in the 2014 revival production of Les Misérables, for which he received a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical nomination.
by Lorie Lewis Ham
Multi talented performer Seth MacFarlane released his new album, Once In A While, in April of this year. It was released by Verve and Republic Records. It features the music of great composers such as Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hart, and Johnny Mercer.
by Sarah Peterson
Since her 2008 launch as One of the Boys, Katy Perry has been evolving.
The flippant sexual experimentation of “I Kissed A Girl” and the relationship rollercoaster that was “Hot N Cold” gave way to full-blown Willy Wonka status on 2010’s Teenage Dream, a candy-coated Pleasure Island featuring party anthems “TGIF” and “California Gurls.”
by Jesus Ibarra
My only reaction to finally being able to listen to Garbage’s Not Your Kind of People, announced late last year, is FINALLY! Garbage is back, baby, and they are in perfect form. After a seven year break from the band, Shirley Manson, Butch Vig, Duke Erickson and Steve Marker reformed to break out on their own, Trent Reznor style, forming their own label, releasing their album on their own terms, and setting their own tour schedule.
by James Garcia Jr.
One of my favorite bands, Train, just came out with a new album, entitled: California 37. It doesn’t rank up there with important works like Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, the first Boston album or Prince’s Purple Rain, but for Train fans like myself, it’s just what that proverbial doctor ordered, and I have been listening to it steadily since its release.
by Jesus Ibarra
Evanescence comes roaring back after a near six-year break with their self-titled record that sees them move into a more cohesive direction. Following the end of their last tour, Evanescence went into hiatus in 2007 with no indication when they would be back. What followed were dabbles out of Evanescence until, in 2009, front woman Amy Lee announced the new lineup of the band with the only other constant Terry Balsamo, and had gotten together to begin writing new material for an album.
by Stephanie Barnett
Many bands write about life experiences, past experiences, and the relationships you make along that path. River Blind does more than just that. They write songs about their journey in life and all the unexpected twists and turns that everyone experiences.
by Toni Sandoval
Many can certainly say that growing up has definitely taken a toll on the family shaped band, Eisley. Composed of siblings Chauntelle (guitar), Sherri (vocals/guitar), Stacy (vocals/keyboard), Weston (drums), and cousin Garron (bass), the DuPree family has come far away from not only playing in their home environment of Tyler, Texas to sharing a stage with major bands such as Coldplay and Say Anything, but have also come a long way with the music that they have sung over the past decade.
by Jacob Alvarado
Sara Bareilles first graced our ears when she wrote us a love song. Then she captured us when gravity of a man wouldn’t keep her down. She is one of the most gifted songwriters of our generation. Her sophomore album Kaleidoscope Heart is a real treat.
by Cara Martin
From the vocal tones to the guitar levels, from the thickness of the bass lines to the pleasant, tight sound of the kit, the mix is superb and the CD is rockin’. Local band A Current Affair has done it again with their new CD entitled The Real Devastation.
by Anthony Polanco
Shiver Fox’s latest record, Ride It!, released independently September 11th, 2010 is a rock n’ roll masterpiece. From beginning to end, this album is so vivid that you can almost see them playing, recording, and living it.
by Kaiti Ray
Kingsburg’s musical community is a great environment for anyone looking to better themselves through their music. Artists out of Kingsburg definitely have talent and know how to use it. Kingsburg band, This Side of Light, has come a long way from the junior high kids that wanted to be in a band to the young men who now put everything they do into their faith.
by Jesus Ibarra
With number one singles like “The Catalyst”, Linkin Park’s newest record is set to become one of their best ever. Debuting at the number one spot on Billboard, A Thousand Suns is a departure from their established sound, yet very much an organic evolution into what I think is a very natural step for this amazing band.
by Jacob Alvarado
She had us when she kissed a girl and liked it, and when her relationship was hot and cold. Katy Perry has become one of the biggest music sensations of this generation. Her latest album Teenage Dream spent three weeks as #1 on iTunes and has two singles that have gotten Katy many nominations for music awards. Her greatest success on the album is the hit song “California Gurls”.
