On Canvas

Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.

Sarah Kaizar — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:25:50 +0000

Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. have enjoyed tremendous success through the years as recording artists, performers and authors. They have received 7 Grammy Awards and earned 15 gold and 3 platinum records, with such hits as "Wedding Bell Blues" and "Up, Up and Away". We caught up to this happily married couple at their Grand Opera House performance, as they celebrate 40 years in the entertainment business. In this episode, you will hear personal reflections from Marilyn and Billy, as they perform a selection of their major hits.

Ed Kowalczyk

Admin — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:32:25 +0000

Since leaving his role as former lead singer and main songwriter of the band "Live", penning such hits as "I Alone" and "Lightning Crashes", Kowalczyk has enjoyed a successful solo career. His vocal delivery and visceral lyrics communicate an energy of a full band. In this episode, Kowalczyk keeps the intensity of rock alive with an acoustic approach on this "I Alone" world tour.

Manhattan Transfer

Sarah Kaizar — Wed, 01 May 2013 04:01:03 +0000

It’s been nearly forty years since Tim Hauser, a former Madison Avenue marketing executive, paid his bills by driving a New York City cab while aspiring to form a harmony vocal quartet that could authentically embrace varied musical styles, and still create something wholly unique in the field of American popular song. With over a dozen Grammys to their name, this quartet continues to bring their stellar harmonies to stages throughout the world.

Mountain Heart

Sarah Kaizar — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:55:14 +0000

Mountain Heart is an American band which combines elements of rock, jam band, country, blues, jazz, folk and Bluegrass music into a high-energy sound. Critics now describe the band using terms such as "acoustic overdrive", "Folk rock on steroids", and "slam grass". Mountain Heart, or its members have won or been nominated for multiple Grammys, ACM, CMA, and IBMA Awards. They have appeared on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry over 130 times.

Marshall Crenshaw

Sarah Kaizar — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:31:14 +0000

Crenshaw's music has roots in classic soul music, British Invasion song craft, with influences from Burt Bacharach and Buddy Holly. Crenshaw is a noted guitarist who uses offbeat chord progressions and concise solos. He is best known for eponymous first album included the US hit Someday, Someway.

Los Lonely Boys

Sarah Kaizar — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:03:44 +0000

Los Lonely Boys, an American Chicano rock power trio of brothers from San Angelo, Texas, play a style of music they call "Texican Rock n' Roll," combining elements of rock and roll, Texas blues, brown eyed soul, country, and Tejano. The group's first single, "Heaven", reached No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and in 2005 the song won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Other songs nominated for Grammys include "More Than Love" and "Onda," both in 2006. The close relationship of these three brothers on and off the stage is the foundation to their ongoing flourishing musical talents.

Matisyahu

Sarah Kaizar — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:46:32 +0000

Matisyahu is an American Hasidic Jewish reggae musician. He is known for blending traditional Jewish themes with Reggae, rock and hip hop beat-boxing sounds. The live version of his song “King Without a Crown,” broke into the Modern Rock Top 10 in 2006. The accompanying video and album, “Youth,” was certified gold by the RIAA.

Duncan Sheik

Sarah Kaizar — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:09:25 +0000

As an American singer-songwriter and composer, he initially joined the Lisa Lobe Band after college. Duncan then released his self-titled debut album, Duncan Sheik, on June 4, 1996 to glowing reviews. He earned a four out of five star rating from the prestigious Rolling Stone. The single from it, "Barely Breathing," became the fourth longest running top 100 single in Billboard history after being listed for 55 weeks. His self-titled album later went gold. Duncan's second album, Humming, was released on October 6, 1998. The first single from it, "Bite Your Tongue," quickly became the most requested track in the country. Humming earned glowing reviews, earning Duncan the status of the most important new singer-songwriter of the decade.

Gerald Veasley

Sarah Kaizar — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:01:39 +0000

Gerald Veasley was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he played bass in R&B groups as a teenager. He worked with Joe Zawinul, Grover Washington, Jr., Teddy Pendergrass and shared a stage with Miles Davis and dizzy Gillespie. He began releasing his own records in 1992. He has also done extensive work as a studio musician. His 2008 release Your Move hit No. 12 on the U.S. Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, and has worked as a smooth jazz DJ on WJJZ in Philadelphia. He has earned varies honors including “Best Electric Bassist”, and “Best Jazz Band”.

Smash Palace

Sarah Kaizar — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 04:47:29 +0000

The story of Smash Palace is the real deal; a dedicated band that's paid its dues and continues to create some of the best melodic rock n roll you'll ever hear. The Butler brothers do what they do best, 60s jangle rock, 70s rock swagger, 80s power pop, 90s Brit rock all rolled into a contemporary style that's all their own. Inspired by the Beatles as youths they started writing songs together as teens.