Who would have thought that in the early days of April, inspired by William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the composers Claude Debussy, Luca Lombardi, and Felix Mendelssohn-Barthony would come to NoHo in the hands of masterful and the world-renowned piano duo of Alessandra Ammara and Roberto Prosseda. 

Once again, we have the Athena Foundation for the Arts to thank for bringing internationally acclaimed musicians to NoHo.

The Ammara•Prosseda Piano Duo program started with Debussy’s iconic Clair de Lune and continued with Prelude No. 11 La Danse de Puck. Alessandra Ammara’s interpretation of this well-known piece convinced me that musical talent such as this can still surprise, taking something familiar and making it new again. 

Roberto Prosseda was up next with a highly unusual performance. Mr. Prosseda played Luca Lombardi’s Mendelssohn im Jüdischen Museum Berlin in unison with a video, some of which was shot at the Jüdischen Museum Berlin. What made this performance even more special was the magical melding of music and pictures to bring this powerful and important work to the forefront. Mr. Prosseda and Mr. Mendelssohn were as one, literally and figuratively. Incorporating images of Mendelssohn composing the score and Mr. Prosseda playing the piece at Jüdischen Museum Berlin, juxtaposed with heartbreaking images of the holocaust and, of course, the live performance.

If the first half of this program was the warm-up act, then the second half was the main event. As beautiful as these two pianists played solo, together they were astonishing. Four hands on a single piano, you could have knocked down the audience with a feather. Each selection of Mendelssohn, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, was played with such brilliance and exquisite timing that if I had not heard it with my two ears, I would not have believed it. It was soul searing and warmed the heart. My mind couldn’t get over the speed in which Madam Ammara’s hands moved over the right side of middle C. Signore Prosseda’s command of the other side of the piano was utterly sublime. 

Together, Ammara and Prosseda embody the meaning of “Piano Duo,” four hands, two minds, one heart. 

I am always impressed by the quality of the performances, the talent of the musicians, and most of all the intimacy of the venue in which an audience in the San Fernando Valley can experience like other audiences around the world. The Athena Foundation for the Arts brings these internationally renowned musicians to our humble community year after year. Bravo.

About The Athena Foundation for the Arts

Our Mission: Create. Culture. Community. The Athena Foundation for the Arts sets the stage, providing an annual world-class concert series, bringing stellar musicians from around the world to share their outstanding programs with our community. Your tax-deductible donations make these programs possible. Ask about our corporate sponsorship program, connecting culture with commerce. Help the Athena Foundation for the Arts by donating today! It’s a Sound Investment.

Donate at: https://athenafoundationarts.org/donate/

Facebook

Instagram

The post The Ammara•Prosseda Piano Duo appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

It’s not every day you can walk into a community auditorium and hear a piano trio. Let alone one of this caliber and virtuosity. The Elixir Piano Trio consists of internationally acclaimed musicians pianist Lucy Nargizyan, violinist Samvel Chilingarian, and cellist Fang Fang Xu. This particular concert was presented by the Athena Foundation for the Arts. The house was packed and the audience, including myself, was astonished, entertained, and brought to our feet after each piece was played.

The musical selections chosen by The Elixir Piano Trio were eclectic, diverse, and mesmerizing. The first half featured two women composers in honor of International Women’s Day.

The first composer, Clara Schumann, has been regarded as one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era. Schumann’s Piano Trio in G Minor, Op. 17 could not have been a better selection. The synergy between the musicians and the piece was so connected that it seemed to touch everyone in the audience. There was a little girl of about 7 or 8 that was as enchanted as I was. This little girl couldn’t take her eyes off the musicians. Great musicians and master works create magic.

The next composer was one I was not familiar with was Jennifer Higdon, and thanks to the Elixir Piano Trio, now it will never be forgotten. Pale Yellow was like gentle rain falling down from a sunlit sky. Whereas Fiery Red thundered in like a tempest. Both played beautifully and expertly. As the musicians left the stage, the audience had to be reminded that there would be a brief intermission. No one moved for a long moment. The music lingered after the musicians had left the auditorium.

The second half was met with great enthusiasm. The Elixir Piano Trio had won the audience over and next would come Rachmaninoff.  The rich orchestra colors of this composition danced around the auditorium. The Elixir Piano Trio not only played this piece lovingly, but each instrument brought its own tonal colors. It was like witnessing an aural painting. It was enchanting and emotional.

The final composer of the evening was Aram Khachaturian. The selection was Khachaturian’s best-known ballet music, Gayaneh Ballet. The Elixir Trio captures this piece with great care and musical sophistication. At times, I had to remind myself that this was a trio and not an orchestra. The sounds were so rich and lustful that they brought each note to life.

I just can’t say enough about the Elixir Piano Trio. Their interpretations of these carefully selected pieces show what a great talent and love of the music this trio embodies. I, for one, was completly present throughout this concert. As for the little girl who sat next to me, she seemed so happy and excited that I imagined her returning home to practice on the piano, violin, or cello.

About The Athena Foundation for the Arts

Our Mission: Create. Culture. Community. The Athena Foundation for the Arts sets the stage, providing an annual world-class concert series, bringing stellar musicians from around the world to share their outstanding programs with our community. Your tax-deductible donations make these programs possible. Ask about our corporate sponsorship program, connecting culture with commerce. Help the Athena Foundation for the Arts by donating today! It’s a Sound Investment. Donate at: https://athenafoundationarts.org/donate/

https://athenafoundationarts.org

Facebook

Instagram

The post The Elixir Piano Trio appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

The quintessential folk/blues/Americana band, with a pinch of Jazz, Kelly Zirbes and Perry Robertson bring their eclectic mix of styles together to tour all over the world, entertaining thousands and growing their huge and very loyal fan base with every mile on the odometer.

Last year they released their 17th album, The Blues Remind Me and what a wonderful collection of songs it is! Just gorgeous! You can check it out here: https://kellyslot.com/music

The longer I am on this planet the more I value creativity, longevity, loyalty, and artists that stay true to their roots and only get better with time. Kelly’s Lot has developed into a deeply valued member of the Southern California music scene and are loved nationwide and overseas and with good reason. 

Read on…and get to know them and Kelly’s Lot’s beautiful music!

Hi Kelly, you’ve been a band for more than 30 years now! How was the band first created?

In 1994 I was doing an acoustic project with Bass player Alex Rylance from ‘Precious Metal’ when she decided to put a band around me and get me on the LA circuit as a Folk Rock band. I probably would have kept doing the singer/songwriter folk thing if she hadn’t had that faith in me. Homero Chavez (Drums) , Greg Granieri (Bass) and David Walsh (Guitar) were my bandmates when we started and we played all over Los Angeles. In 1996 Perry Robertson joined the band, we moved to North Hollywood and started playing a lot in the valley. 

Tell me about the development of your music, what and who influences you.

After Perry joined the band he influenced me a lot with his Texas Tinged Southern Rock. Between the two of us, the Blues started to come alive in our songs. We loved the Blues audiences we played for and leaned into our love of that genre. My mother listened to a lot of Blues and Standards while I was growing up and all that came flooding in when we were writing. Her favorite artists were those with passion and I also carry that with me. Artists like Etta James, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Tom Jones, Della Reese. Too many to mention. But through all of it my biggest influence was Cat Stevens and his positive outlook remains with me today in my lyrics. So if Joe Cocker and Cat Stevens had a baby it might be me. 

What’s your songwriting process?

I like to pick up the guitar or listen to Perry play and I just hear a melody. Then I write lyric over the melody and create a song. Almost all my songs come in one hour. A few have taken years. Focus and work are the way to write. Inspiration is important but if you just start it will come. 

The music industry has changed so much over the years, how has this impacted you as a band?

We have always been a DO IT YOURSELF band so we didn’t feel the changes in the record industry. We record and produce our own records to this day. But the gig opportunities for original bands has really taken a blow with Cover bands and Tribute bands being the desired hire. Not complaining just stating a fact. People want to hear songs they remember. But hey, we’ve been a band for 30 years so there’s a lot to remember. 

How do you handle the business of music? It’s something so important but not often discussed, but up-and-coming musicians need to know this stuff! 

Keep creating the music and share!  Do your homework, there are lots of YouTube videos on equipment, production, marketing, distribution, finances, taxes and all the legal stuff like copyrighting and registering your songs. Streaming, Licensing and Merchandising is also covered on YouTube. Watch the videos. 

Looking onwards now, what are your plans for the band this coming year and beyond.

We will return to Texas and Europe to play some shows and keep playing in Southern California. We will release two albums to honor our 30 years having FUN! 

How has NoHo changed over the years you’ve been performing?

The gig opportunities just aren’t there like they used to be. But I’m hoping they come back. Maybe we’ll play some small theaters. I LOVE North Hollywood, it is my home. 

Do you have any advice for musicians starting out?

JUST DO IT! Or email me for a little advice and we’ll talk. 

kelly z
Kelly’s Lot

Thanks so much, Kelly! NoHo wishes you the best of luck with everything. Please keep the music coming!

KellysLot.com | Facebook.com/KellysLotMusic | YouTube.com/KellysLot

We’ve got more music reviews>>

The post Meet Kelly’s Lot appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

Charming, delightful, and a perfect blend of holiday cheer. The 55 Strings Trio is comprised of Violinist Phillip Vaiman, Harpist Ko-Ni-Choi, and Cellist Simone Vitucci. Each of these musicians on their own brings a musicianship to a Maestro quality, but together, they truly did bring the holiday spirit to an adoring audience and a whole lot of Paris in tow. The addition of masterful art pieces makes for a sublime artistic pairing that enhances our eye as much as these musicians enhance our hearing.

The musical selections for the evening were wonderfully arranged by Stefanie Fife and Ken Gist, and how they were presented added to the pleasure. The trio was beautifully balanced by the quality of each of the instruments. The heavenly musings of the harp coupled with the vibrato of the violin and the rhythm of the cello brought such joy and holiday spirit that I was hoping it would be snowing when I left the auditorium. 

The audience was very responsive and was motionless during the pieces. But, once a piece was finished, the audience roared with appreciation. I was caught off guard a few times when pieces by DeBussy, Bach, or Tchaikovsky were played, which I thought I knew so well, were played so distinctly. It was as if I had heard them for the first time. I must also mention that the Community Auditorium is an excellent venue for such artists of this world-class quality. 

The Athena Foundation for the Arts is responsible for bringing us such rare and beautiful talent to a local community and is furthering the cause of art to the masses.

I have been privileged to have been asked to attend these concerts and each time I am pleased to the hilt and enjoyment. Now it is your turn to attend these concerts that are held throughout the year. The concert series for 2025 will be another offering of internationally acclaimed musicians performing in your community for you. Do yourself a favor and attend these concerts. Your heart, soul, and mind will thank you. Cheers and Happy Holidays. 

About The Athena Foundation for the Arts

Our Mission: Create. Culture. Community. The Athena Foundation for the Arts sets the stage, providing an annual world-class concert series, bringing stellar musicians from around the world to share their outstanding programs with our community. Your tax-deductible donations make these programs possible. Ask about our corporate sponsorship program, connecting culture with commerce. Help the Athena Foundation for the Arts by donating today! It’s a Sound Investment.

Donate at: https://athenafoundationarts.org/donate/

Facebook

Instagram

The post The 55 Strings Trio Holiday in Paris Concert appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

The Athena Foundation for the Arts has brought another incredible artist to the San Fernando Valley in the guise of the internationally acclaimed Argentinian pianist, Daniela Salinas. I have been coming to these concerts now for about two years and every time I do, it is a special and memorable experience. And the performance given on October 13 by the master pianist Daniela Salinas keeps the Athena Foundation for the Arts’ reputation intact.

This concert, like all the others I have had the privilege to attend, was held at the Community Auditorium located at the Church of Scientology. The acoustics are grand. The lighting was succinct, and the performance was sublime. The virtuosity of Ms. Salinas’ playing is only matched by the grace and subtleties of the beautiful pieces performed. Among these pieces, there were selections from Heitor Villa-Lobos, Astor Piazzolla, Manuel Ponce, Radames Gnattali, and George Gershwin.

Ms. Salinas’ interpretations of said pieces are presented masterfully and with deep emotion. When you have the combination of great composers and musicians of this caliber, there is a magical sense of wonder and familiarity. Wonder from the beauty that comes from the playing and the familiarity is the connection from the artist to the audience. But, there is more. Ms. Salinas pays each note with such confidence and skill, but what struck me the most was the way she played the music inside the music. The silence in between the notes was just as stirring as the sounds we heard. She made me hear the silence between the notes. This is a first for me.

There was also a sense of fun and lightness and ease to the way she plays the piano. Her personality is evident in every selection. I had the sense that if I heard some of these selections by other artists, it wouldn’t be exactly the way I experienced her playing. Ms. Salinas plays the pieces and shows us a bit of herself with each selection. At times I found myself smiling as she finished a piece as if she was winking at the audience.

The Athena Foundation for the Arts has world-class musicians and each of these artists brings not only their talent but also themselves. Ms. Salinas is such an approachable artist that you feel like she would invite you to her table and share a glass of Argentinian wine with her. Do yourself a favor and catch the rest of the season. The concert series for 2025 starts March 9 and runs through September 7.

In case you missed the concert, here’s a glimpse of pianist Dianiela Salinas’ work.

About The Athena Foundation for the Arts

Our Mission: Create. Culture. Community. The Athena Foundation for the Arts sets the stage, providing an annual world-class concert series, bringing stellar musicians from around the world to share their outstanding programs with our community. Your tax-deductible donations make these programs possible. Ask about our corporate sponsorship program, connecting culture with commerce. Help the Athena Foundation for the Arts by donating today! It’s a Sound Investment.

Donate at: https://athenafoundationarts.org/donate/

Facebook

Instagram

The post Internationally Acclaimed Argentinian Pianist Daniela Salinas appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

Inanna is an L.A.-based activist singer originally from Italy who has been advocating for environmentalism since the start of her new music career, dedicating her music entirely to nature, animals and the future of planet Earth. Her growing fan base includes both alternative music lovers and environmentalists.

Inanna is at the forefront of the new wave of environmentalist and climate music. Her brilliant new single “Contagious” was released on Earth Day, April 22, 2024. 

This new anthem, launched under the London-based record label The Animal Farm, marks a milestone in the realm of eco-conscious music, bringing music and action together.

“Contagious” praises the transformative power of positive contagion, drawing a parallel between our recent pandemic and the uplifting propagation of ideas, environmental activism and awareness. Inanna’s evocative lyrics and melodious cross-cultural harmonies serve as an inviting rallying cry, urging listeners to embrace the collective responsibility of nurturing our planet, because “there’s too much to lose, and we can’t let them get away with it”.

Accompanying the release of “Contagious” is a visually stunning music video, created by Inanna herself and directed by Riley Nichols.

As the globe faces new challenges, Inanna’s poignant message resonates deeply, igniting hope and inspiring action. Her songs play an integral part in a growing environmental movement, reinforcing Inanna’s position as the vanguard of “eco-pop” activists from all over the world. 

“I wouldn’t be here -writing this kind of music or advocating for nature- if I hadn’t been contagiously inspired by other activists, artists and individuals who are working every day to make a difference,” says Inanna. “This song is for them, and it is an invitation to never give up. The future of everything we know on Earth is at stake, and the time to act -united beyond all our differences- is now.”

Inanna’s collaboration with the London-based Animal Farm record label underscores her commitment to promoting positive change through the universal and powerful language of music. Together, they are redefining the boundaries of what music can be and do, for the present time and for the future of the planet.

Music can change people, opening them to new ideas and emotions. It can inspire action and communicate across languages, borders and ideologies. In our current disparate and destructive world, we can surely agree on one thing…our planet is our home and we have nowhere else to go. Inanna’s dedication to reconnecting us to our natural global place in our world with the hope that we will all prioritize saving it and connect with each other. It is more than sane, it is the only way forward.

This deeply beautiful and gently motivational song should become our mantra…loved it!!

Follow Inanna:

www.inannaforearth.com

IG: @inannaforearth

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3RDodTQrBPvjIExcHv4X6K?si=dIDH3gWiQoKAt1WuXePyEQ

APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/inanna/1464962725

The post Inanna’s “Contagious” appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

Make no mistake, Veil Lifter is heavy…heavy in theme and heavy in sound. But what surprised me most about this really excellent and darkly soulful album was how from the depths of despair rises over and over in almost every track a visceral hopeful cry.

These fine musicians know how to create an atmosphere of doom that’s for sure. But it’s easy to plumb the depths without coming up for air. The emotional tempest created by these songs stirs up memory and sadness and regret, and don’t we all have that? But the caveat is that while this album percolated through the world’s own collective disaster of the pandemic, what breaks through is utterly transformative.

When you hit rock bottom, you either stay there or fight your way out. Veil Lifter feels like a righteous fight, not just for survival but for something better. Something beyond purely existing. There’s a vivid cinematic thread pulling us through every song and on to the next. You can see the spirals of colors created by the incredible guitar performances and the intense yet uplifting drums as you close your eyes and let the music meditate you. 

Steve Moore’s gorgeous vocals are the answer to the question posed again and again by the moving, spiritually questioning highly intelligent music. Each song presents another chapter in this quest to question everything. It’s a big album…huge but not at all overwhelming. Walls of sound with texture and nuance. Tough questioning lyrics with glimpses of the answers to everything. Veil Lifter really does live up to its name, giving you just enough of a look into the soul of the men who created it to feel included in their journey.

This is a truly artful album crafted in a time when we could have all lost everything…it’s a gift, an epic philosophical poem of fierce healing and powerful hope. Loved it!!!

The Team

Anniversary Remaster.Veil Lifter Credits: 

Stephen Moore: Vocals, Guitars, Lyrics 

Jon Ireson: Bass, Additional Guitars, Production 

Casey Lewis: Drums 

Engineered by Jon Ireson 

Drums recorded by Casey Lewis 

Mixed and mastered by Casey Lewis at Echo Base Studio

Follow Post Death Soundtrack

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

https://postdeathsoundtrack.bandcamp.com/music

The post Post Death Soundtrack’s Veil Lifter appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

Meet Linn Holmes

Linn Holmes aka Linn Holmstedt is a Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter. Known for her work as a session singer, performing and recording background vocals for a variety of bands and artists, Linn has become a growing name in the Los Angeles rock scene. Mixing the influences of her mother’s time singing gospel and her father’s love for rock n roll – acts such as the Allman Brothers Band, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt and Fleetwood Mac came to shape her sound. She is now embarking on her solo journey, with her first EP titled Introducing Linn Holmes released earlier this year and with her follow-up single Cruisin’ With You premiering September 6th. 

Cruisin’ With You – Releasing September 6th 

The song is a continuation of Linn’s portrait of love in a picture-perfect vintage daydream, that kind of uncomplicated and dream-like romance you only see in movies. Produced by Tom Chandler, the song is written by Linn herself alongside Tom as well as collaborator Marcus Lundqvist, featuring the talents of Daniel Jakubovic and Nikhil Koparkar. 

Keep in Touch

Website: linnholmstedt.com 

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

The post Linn Holmes appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

Mark Bram’s RubyTopaz returns to his glorious songbook with this anniversary edition of favorite picks from his musical canon. Although I’m sure it was difficult to pick, he’s  ended up with 14 unique and wildly diverse progressive glam rock songs.

It’s the brilliant musicality of these tracks that stands out to me. Walls of sound, gorgeous orchestration and deeply personal lyrics make for wonderfully evocative melodic interpretations of moments from a life. Songs of love, bluesy, funky and truthful with amazing guitar solos and heartfelt musical escapism. It’s Led Zeppelin meets The Who with a sprinkling of Bowie – but a sound that’s all Ruby Topaz.

This is a huge album, not just in the number of tracks but in the scope of these songs. Each of them feel epic and showcase Mark Bram’s skills as a lyricist as well and an excellent and passionate vocalist. Mark’s production skills are and his huge collection of authentic vintage and clone plugins and NOS parts amassed over the years are on full display. His skills a producer are theatrical and bold, but still detailed and honed from years of deeply committed work with the Rhode Island music scene. 

Ruby Topaz Again 23rd Anniversary Remaster is a brilliant glam rock album, full of sweet-sounding darkness with an extraordinary depth of sound and emotion. If you love prog rock, glam rock and heart-wrenching vocals you will love this album!

Musician/Instruments: 

Mark Bram – vocals, guitars, guitar synth, bass, keyboards, drums

Steve D’Andrea – Drums, Backing Vocals

Producer Name(s): Mark Bram

Socials:

Official Website: www.rubytopaz.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MrRubytopaz

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0fOhaRKRK7r3YTuG1chEkU

Bandcamp: https://rubytopaz.bandcamp.com/album/rabbit-hole

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@MrRubytopaz?si=Kf0Tl8opYPMURHUs

Artist Contact Email: mark@rubytopaz.com

The post Ruby Topaz Again 23rd Anniversary Remaster appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..

What do Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, Ernst Krenek, and Sergei Rachmaninoff have in common?

Some of their most masterful works were performed by the internationally acclaimed Russian pianist Mikhail Korzhev in front of a full house of eager attendees at the Community Auditorium. Maestro Korzhev brings drama, complexity, and a complete artistry to these carefully selected pieces.

 The atmosphere in the auditorium was one of bated anticipation. I felt that I was surrounded by fans of Maestro Korzhev and I was the only one who was not familiar with his virtuosity. I was soon to find out what all the excitement was about.

With the energetic selections from Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann, we were all exposed to the power and command of the pianoforte. Korzhev has a way of playing a piece with such dexterity that defies description. The sounds coming out of the piano are both subtle and powerful (piano-forte). His technique is precise, but the feelings he emits from his playing to a wanting audience are sublime. At times, I found myself holding my breath until the ringing out of the final chord. My exhalation came with the emotions of pleasure and gratitude. By the time he finished the first half of the performance with a selection from Ernst Krenek’s George Washington Variations, Opus 120, the audience was already more than satisfied.

After intermission, we all sat back down at our seats. There were two children, under 10 in front of me, each of them looking at a book they brought with them. But, once the Maestro began his playing selections from the Russian master, Sergei Rachmaninoff, the children stopped what they were doing and turned around to watch Mikhail Korzhev playing. It was astonishing to watch two young children be as mesmerized as I was by such beautifully played notes. Each of the final selections was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

Electricity filled the auditorium. Mikhail Korzhev had won his audience over and over with each piece he played and I, for one, was dazzled and filled with gratitude and admiration. The concert lasted about an hour and a half and I wished for more. As I exited the auditorium the two children and their parents that sat in front of me were chatting away. Then the little girl asked her father, “Can we come again next week?” I smiled to myself as they walked away and I realized how magical a thing music is. It transcends time, space, language and age. 

Bravo yet again to Athena Foundation for the Arts and of course to the brilliant Mikhail Korzhev.

The post Internationally Acclaimed Russian Pianist Mikhail Korzhev appeared first on NoHo Arts District - Theatre, Food, Bars, Shopping and a buzzing community..