Davenport, IA

For the eleventh year in a row, I traveled to Davenport, Iowa for the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival. This makes about 15 Bixes that I have attended, starting intermittently in 2001. One change in the format that was introduced last year and which I appreciated, was extending sets from 45 minutes to one hour (except Thursday evening, when they were 45 minutes). Also carried over from last year’s premiere was a three-hour (optional at extra cost) luncheon cruise on the Celebration Belle on the Mississippi, where one of the festival bands performed. This year it was the Jazz-O-Maniacs led by multi-instrumentalist TJ Muller.

From the 2024 Bix Fest

I’m a little too young to have experienced the philanthropic musical phenomenon that was Live Aid. Organized by Bob Geldof in 1985, the iconic charity concert raised over $100 million to help relieve a devastating famine in Ethiopia. One year earlier the pop supergroup Band Aid—composed of Boy George, Sting, George Michael, and other eighties idols—recorded “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” which was, sadly, a staple of every single Christmas party I attended throughout my childhood.

The Reunion Jazz Band and The ‘Band Aid’ of Jazz

George Bruns (1914-83),no relation to George Brunies, was the musical director and a major arranger for Walt Disney Studios from the mid-1950s until his retirement in 1976, composing music for many Disney films. While he played as many as 15 different instruments, he is best known in jazz for playing...

George Bruns • Deep In The Heart Of Dixieland

This is in all ways an astoundingly good album of timeless jazz. I am primarily impressed by the pure musicianship, but also the stylistic vision, arrangements, and a choice selection of titles that gives the album a broad appeal. Ricky Alexander knew what he was going for and brought it together.

Ricky Alexander • Just Found Joy

Barneveld, NY

Beloved teacher, clarinetist, and bandleader Don Cantwell celebrated his 100th birthday with 100 friends, family, and past and current students at Unity Hall in Barneveld, New York. His jazz band, the Clef Dwellers (a group including his alumni students and other prominent local musicians), accompanied Don on the clarinet as they performed traditional jazz tunes and other old favorites. Don was featured soloist on “Memories of You” and “When You’re Smiling.” He introduced “Memories of You” with a personal story about hearing Benny Goodman play the tune in New York in 1942. It was a life changing experience for him. Ever the teacher, Don couldn’t help giving those assembled a lesson in “Diaphragmatic Breathing,” his key to being a top musician and performer.

Musician Don Cantwell Plays Hot at his 100th Birthday Bash

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

writer

Emily Standley Allard

Have you ever been with someone that you seem to butt heads with over every little thing? Sometimes no matter what you do or how much you love someone your relationship seems to be more like a UFC fight than a comfort zone. Your zodiac sign can offer some hidden reasons why some pairings are just plain toxic, why they clash so often and how to potentially find some middle ground.

The 7 Most Toxic Zodiac Pairings - When the Stars Don't Align

Community Voices represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program but not yet verified their accounts. Community Voices are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

community_voice

NewsNinja

They can’t believe the employee’s response. An attempt at reviewing desserts from Crumbl Cookies took an awkward turn for two TikTokers who weren’t happy with the Oreo cheesecake.

‘They’re doing something wrong’: Crumbl customers ask for a refund after ordering Oreo cheesecake.

Saint Louis, MO

The traditional jazz world pays homage to the blues, but often in a narrow way. There are glimpses of famous streets in fabled cities, tin roofs, and royal gardens. But few musicians in that world now seem to have given themselves wholly to the blues and the music of that often overlooked city, St. Louis. And no one is doing what the singer Valerie Kirchhoff (perhaps known to some readers as “Miss Jubilee”) and her husband, pianist Ethan Leinwand, are doing right now. This musically impassioned pair offers repertoire rarely heard, with joyous playfulness.

Meet Them in St. Louis: Valerie Kirchhoff and Ethan Leinwand

Herbie J Pilato

It's been eight years since former TV child star Sawyer Sweeten, best known from Everybody Loves Raymond, died tragically by suicide at only 19 years old. Sawyer Sweeten, his twin brother Sullivan Sweeten, and their older sister Madylin, played Ray Romano's TV children on Everybody Loves Raymond, the Emmy-winning sitcom that originally aired on CBS 1996 to 2005.

The Tragic Suicide of Former TV Child Star Sawyer Sweeten ('Everybody Loves Raymond'): 9 Years Later

New Jersey State

There were several recording stars in the 1890s and early 1900s who were known for performing ragtime songs, but one of the most famous of these was Len Spencer. His history as a ragtime singer is rather unusual, and actually includes some unexpected approval from black listeners of his recordings. While he wasn’t technically the best of these ragtime singers, his energy and style in the genre are notable.

Len Spencer: Ragtime and the Dawn of Recording

Massachusetts State

Dianna Carney

Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a foster-based rescue in Massachusetts, has recently introduced a tiny six-pound dog named Alistair who is looking for his forever home. At only one year old, this little boy is a sweet dog who is thought to be a Maltese, "but we can’t make any guarantees that he would be suitable for those with allergies," explains the nonprofit animal rescue.

Meet The Tiny 6lb Dog Looking For Love

Total Apex Sports & Entertainment

Lavender marriage is a term and practice that's been around for decades. The practice began in the early 20th century and was often associated with LGBTQ+ film stars of the time. The marriage is one of convenience between two people, often one or both of who are LGBTQ+.

Lavender Marriages Are Becoming More Popular

Los Angeles County, CA

As the star of TV's Dr. Kildare (NBC, 1961-1966), Richard Chamberlain was a heartthrob for millions of female fans in America and the world. Decades later, the actor transformed into the charismatic king of TV-mini-series with acclaimed productions like the originalShogun (NBC, 1980), and The Thorn Birds (ABC, 1983, in which he played a sexually repressed priest).

The Once Secret Gay Life of Actor Richard Chamberlain ('Dr. Kildare'): 21 Years After He Came Out

Declutterbuzz

Are you tired of your kitchen utensils jamming the kitchen drawer? Do you have to hunt for the roll of aluminum foil everytime you need it? If you are ready to live with a well-organized kitchen it is time to organize your kitchen drawers!

Easy Ideas To Declutter & Organize Your Kitchen Drawers

Julie Gaeta

It was 8:30 at night — it seemed like my husband’s work hours were stretching longer and longer. Taking in a long, deep breath I bit the inside of my cheek. Frustrated with his ongoing lack of presence, I pulled out my phone to call him, wanting to know why he still wasn’t home.

The Lie He Hid From Me (and Our 9 Children) For Over A Year

Charles Edward Anderson Berry was born on October 18, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up in a vibrant musical environment, Berry was influenced by blues, jazz, and gospel music, which would later shape his revolutionary sound. His early interest in music was complemented by a love for performing, and he began playing guitar during his teenage years.

Retro Blast: Chuck Berry's Cause Of Death

Linda Ronstadt, a powerhouse vocalist and genre-spanning artist, has left an indelible mark on the music world with her extraordinary range and emotional depth. From rock and country to pop and Latin music, Ronstadt’s ability to infuse each song with authenticity and passion has earned her a place among the most celebrated singers of all time. Her career, which began in the 1960s and flourished through the following decades, is marked by numerous chart-topping hits and Grammy Awards. This article highlights the top 10 best Linda Ronstadt songs of all time, showcasing her versatility and the timeless quality of her music. These tracks not only capture the essence of her vocal prowess but also reflect the diverse musical influences that have shaped her career. Whether belting out a rock anthem, delivering a heartfelt ballad, or embracing her Mexican heritage with mariachi-inspired tunes, Ronstadt’s songs continue to resonate with audiences across generations. Join us as we explore the iconic tracks that define Linda Ronstadt’s illustrious career and celebrate the enduring legacy of one of music’s most beloved voices.

10 Best Linda Ronstadt Songs of All Time

Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a foster-based rescue in Massachusetts, has recently introduced a tiny 8lb dog named Bingo who is looking for her forever home. Bingo is a 3-year-old Shih Tzu mix with an adorable appearance and a sweet disposition. However, she needs a patient and understanding owner who recognizes that "dogs are not toys, and not all dogs love to be picked up right away," explains Sandy Paws Rescue Inc. This little lady requires some decompression time upon arriving at her new home to settle in comfortably.

Meet The Sweet Little Lady Looking For Love

For many people, music is not just about the tunes; it’s about the thrill of collecting. Whether it’s the tactile feel of vinyl, the artwork, or the hunt for rare editions, collecting records has always been a passionate hobby for music lovers. This excitement reaches its peak when we talk about the rarest finds in the world of classic rock. These aren’t just any records; they’re pieces of history that command jaw-dropping prices today.

10 Rare Classic Rock Records and Their Crazy Prices Today

Love and romance. It's that magical, inexplicable force that drives us all, whether we’re swiping through dating apps, sharing late-night texts, or simply daydreaming about that perfect someone. But what if some of us are just naturally better at this whole mushy love and romance thing? In the world of astrology, certain zodiac signs seem to be hardwired for love, effortlessly navigating the highs and lows of romance with grace and passion. Curious to know if your sign made the list? Let’s dive into the cosmos and explore which zodiac signs are the ultimate love and romance magnets.

The 5 Zodiac Signs That Are Hardwired for Love and Romance

NewsBreak

Sweet Megg • Bluer Than Blue

Don’t let a review where I keep my word count in check fool you. This is a remarkable album from one of our best female vocalists....

Sweet Megg • Bluer Than Blue

Comments / 0