New Music Underground
Artists have always inhabited the fringes of New York. In the 60's, it was SoHo; in the 80's, Williamsburg and DUMBO. Now, the locus for young artists – especially musicians
Cut and Run
Dear Monsieur Mortier, I've just read Dan Wakin's Times story about your decision to resign as the incoming director of City Opera. While this news fills me with great sadness
The Best
“(Toni Morrison) is the best writer in America. Jazz, for sure; but also Mozart.” — John Leonard (1939-2008)
Change I Can Believe In
The Election Night party at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe had much in the way of politics and dissonance – the two often seem indivisible – referencing everything from the Constitution
Freedom of Noise
How does one spend Election Night 2008? Sure, there will be lots of parties happening in taverns across the city tonight as everyone roots for their favorite presidential candidate. But,
Manhattan Project
"My soul floats on words the way other mens' souls float on music." (Oppenheimer, Doctor Atomic,Act I) It is still a mystery exactly why Met Opera director Peter Gelb decided
Return of the Heavy Organ
Once upon a time, organists seemed on the verge of a musical revolution. In the 70's, Virgil Fox used to hold rock-style "heavy organ" concerts with psychedelic lights and smoke machines, and
Who Let in the Pigs?
I haven't had much occasion to visit Carnegie Hall for non-classical events, but Wednesday night was a notable exception. Mandolin master (and former Nickel Creek frontman) Chris Thile and bassist