Nature as The Ultimate Matchmaker

THE NORTH WIND WAS A WOMAN, comprised of three intriguing chamber works by DAVID BRUCE, features stirring mandolin work by AVI AVITAL. Review by ROBERT HUGILL.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Music of Nature

Writing in 1878, author JAMES M. TROTTER, in his essay 'The Music of Nature,' observed what 'the great Author of harmony' had wrought in the natural world.
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Fisk Jubilee Singers: Working On a Building

In 1871 the JUBILEE SINGERS of Nashville toured the northern states in hopes of raising funds to build a college. Bucking daunting odds against them, they succeeded and made Fisk University possible.
by David McGee
 

 
 

A Visit with Author/Illustrator Kristi Valiant

JULES chats with author/illustrator KRISTI VALIANT, whose new book PENGUIN CHA-CHA is picking up rave reviews everywhere.
by David McGee
 

 

 

This Very Tree, The Survivor Tree & A Hundred Thousand Welcomes

On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America, our acclaimed kids' lit blogger, JULES, finds fresh perspectives for young readers in three new books, two specifically addressing the World Trade Center attacks, another ...
by David McGee
 

 
 

After 30 ‘Bizarro’ Years, Dan Piraro Is Going…Somewhere Else…Maybe…Who Knows?

After 30 years, DAN PIRARO is retiring his popular syndicated comic 'Bizarro,' which has often reflected his interest in animal rights. DUNCAN STRAUSS gets the lowdown on what's next--and when.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Our Shrinking Woods

In his essay 'Our Shrinking Woods,' guest columnist GREG KIELBACK considers how 'industrialized corporate farming techniques have altered the structure of agriculture and therefore our communities.'
by David McGee
 

 
 

LURED (1947)

LUCILLE BALL, GEORGE SANDERS, BORIS KARLOFF, GEORGE ZUCCO and CEDRIC HARDWICKE head a stellar ensemble cast in DOUGLAS SIRK's semi-comedic film noir gem from 1947.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Overqualified?

Feeling boxed in and in need of new challenges at age 30, LEONARDO DA VINCI relocated from his native Florence to Milan, and promptly wrote to the Duke of Milan, touting 'certain of my secrets' he felt the Duke would find usefu...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Tribes Nix Nugent

Placing principle above profit, two Native American tribes have cancelled concerts by TED NUGENT at Tribally-owned venues over the washed-up extremist rocker's racist, hate-filled remarks.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Big Brass Ones for Christmas

On its fifth holiday album, CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE, CANADIAN BRASS honors the music of animated Yule favorites and the arrangements of LUTHER HENDERSON and BRANDON RIDENOUR.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Christmas in All Hues of Blues

CHRISTMAS IN ALL HUES OF BLUES, an updated review from 2012, spotlighting four classic blues-oriented Yuletide collections: DEATH MIGHT BE YOUR SANTA CLAUS and tBLUES, BLUES CHRISTMAS, Vols. 1-3
by David McGee