Music
Sound Body and Sound Mind
By Justin McKenzie
Staff Writer
Michael Franti not only preaches about the peaceful revolution through his poetry and music, but through his actions, i.e. traveling through the Middle East and other war torn nations. Franti is one of the few performers today that does have something to say, and will undoubtedly give the audience a message to only to move to but also to think about.
Irish Guitarist John Doyle Comes to the Empire
By Janie Franz
Staff Writer
His solo work and his collaborations with traditional fiddler Liz Carroll are where he shines. Unlike a lot of technical players who seem to stay in their heads and are confined by their technique, Doyle plays with his heart, feeling the music come out of him as a child at play.
Ben Sollee, Jazz Cellist
By Janie Franz
Staff Writer
Sollee is one of a handful of cello innovators out there. “I am a classically trained cat. At the same time, I’m coming from a songwriting, really diverse instrumental background. It’s not necessarily about playing the hot licks.”
Hannah Christianson to Play Winnipeg
By Matt Beshear
Staff Writer
What may be most impressive about the 2008 Shanley graduate are her unique vocals and her knack for writing pretty melodies and great hooks.
“Every song is different,” she says. “The most common is jamming out on a piano chord progression, which leads to another chord progression, which leads to a pretty song. Or sometimes I’ll sing something and I’ll have the melody first and then I’ll figure it out.”
Sometimes you forget you’re listening to a teenager when you hear songs like the sultry “The Day My Heart Stopped Singing,” the Spanish language comedy of “Tito,” and the hopeful, deep “Opportunity.”
HPR Music Blog
Rothbury Music Festival Day 2 by Justin McKenzie
An eclectic day 2 at Rothbury.
TONIGHT JULY 2 at the Aquarium: Colourmusic by Janie Franz
This Band Will Color Your World
Colourmusic is a very unexpected band. Though they have been known for their quirky stunts on stage when they toured the southwest, in a recent swing through the West and into Canada they realized that their carefree sound, even played straight, raised more eyebrows than their antics. There is a sweet naivety in their music as if you were transported back to the 60s and had just discovered a new British band. That feel is clearly intentional. 
continue reading TONIGHT JULY 2 at the Aquarium: Colourmusic
July 2 What’s Happening GF! by Janie Franz
It’s the Fourth of July weekend! Don’t forget to check out the two Sertoma events downtown. Party on the Third happens Thursday and has two bands playing in the evening. The 4 th of July Festival on Friday also offers two bands. If you aren’t into mingling with the whole town, mosey over to the Empire Arts Center on Sunday and bask in the Irish warmth of guitarist/singer John Doyle. 
