• Classicalite Q&A with Violinist Itamar Zorman

    Israeli violinist Itamar Zorman, winner of the 2011 Tchaikovsky International Violin Competition, has been furthering his stellar young career with new recordings, prestigious bookings, and recognition, having received a 2014 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award and a 2013 Avery Fisher Career Grant. As he prepares for his "Distinctive Debut" concert at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall on November 5, he took some time to speak with us about his background and career.

  • Twin Cities Opera and Choral Composer Stephen Paulus Dies at 65

    A leading figure in Minnesota's classical composing circle and an author of nearly 60 orchestral scores, 10 operas and 150 choral pieces, Stephen Paulus has died. He was 65. The Twin Cities composer, who might be best known for his 1982 opera "The Postman Always Rings Twice," suffered a stroke last year that had been affecting his health up until he died Sunday, Oct. 19.

  • Oscar Pistorius Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Valentine's Day Killing of Reeva Steenkamp

    Just two years ago, Oscar Pistorius was best known for being an Olympic track-and-field star most commonly referred to as "the blade runner." Now that same man has been sentenced to five years behind bars for the Valentine's Day 2013 killing of Reeva Steenkamp. Judge Thokozile Masipa is known for delivering harsh sentences, so many were surprised when she tossed out a murder charge in favor of culpable homicide, but from the start of this morning's proceedings in South Africa it was clear Pistorius was going to prison.

  • Little Kids Rock Benefit NYC 2014: Founder David Wish Explains Why Music Education Is Vital To The Future

    This Thursday (Oct. 23), Little Kids Rock will bring together Alice Cooper, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, Cheap Trick, Tommy James, Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill) with Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz (Beastie Boys), Darlene Love, Glen Hansard, Mike Ness (Social Distortion), Jesse Malin, Brody Dalle and Jake Clemons (E Street Band) to pay tribute to Joan Jett, who is being honored as "Rocker of the Year," at their sixth annual Little Kids Rock Benefit. The event takes place at New York's iconic Hammerstein Ballroom at 6:30 p.m. and will also honor Guitar Center CEO Mike Pratt for his support as well as Jake Clemons, who will receive the "Big Man of the Year" Award, a prize originally named for his uncle and former E Street Band sax player Clarence Clemons.

  • Cold War Kids Frontman Nathan Willett Talks New Album 'Hold My Home,' Tour Plans, PledgeMusic Campaign And More Prior To CMJ Show

    Cold War Kids drop their fifth studio album, Hold My Home, tomorrow (Oct. 21). Serving as the follow-up to 2013's Dear Miss Lonely Hearts, the album explores the notion of "home" and features production from guitarist Dan Gallucci and frequent collaborator Lars Stalfors (Mars Volta, Matt & Kim). We chatted with frontman Nathan Willett about the inspiration behind the new effort, how the band has evolved, their tour plans, and the special memorabilia available to fans on their PledgeMusic campaign.

  • CMJ 2014: 12 Annoying Band Name Trends

    An eye-catching name is one way to get people to remember and pay attention to your band, especially in a festival as massive as the CMJ Music Marathon. But when there are six other bands that have a similar name as you, it is probably time to rethink it. Here are 12 annoying band name trends in the CMJ 2014 lineup.
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