W♥M (Archive)

MLK Day 2016

Read More Mavis Staples Not originally on their 12-date "Sweet Harmony Soul" tour, the two headliners Patty Griffin and Mavis Staples decided to add Minnesota to their itinerary with a stop over at the Weesner Family ....

It's Dr Martin Luther King Jr day today! Let's celebrate with these artists.

Also: Don't forget that Chuck D (from Public Enemy) is speaking at Augsburg College in Minneapolis for FREE. It is at 1pm, but show up early for a good spot.

MAVIS STAPLES
livinonahighnote.com

American R&B/gospel soul singer Mavis Staples will be releasing her latest Livin’ On A High Note on February 19, 2016, via Anti- Records. If you cannot wait for the official release date, she's allowed the lead single "High Note" and "MLK" to be downloaded now.

If you didn't know, MLK is the abbreviation for Martin Luther King... and in fact, songwriting credit is also credited to MLK and M Ward (who also produced the album).

Livin’ On A High Note Songwriting Credits

Take Us Back (Benjamin Booker)

Love And Trust (Ben Harper)

If It’s A Light (The Head & The Heart)

Action (Tune-Yards)

High Note (Valerie June)

Don’t Cry (M Ward)

Tomorrow (Aloe Blacc/John Batiste)

Dedicated (Justin Vernon/M Ward)

History Now (Neko Case)

One Love (Son Little)

Jesus Lay Down Beside Me (Nick Cave)

MLK Song (M Ward/ Martin Luther King)

Read More Saul Williams CX Kidtonik & Tchaka Diallo basically warmed up the audience with two or three songs before Saul Williams joined them on stage with the rest of the touring band. For those who aren't familiar with Williams ....

SAL WILLIAMS
facebook.com/public/Sal-Williams

American rapper, writer, and poet Saul Williams will be releasing MartyrLoserKing album, via Fader Label, on January 19th. The title is clearly a nod to Martin Luther King.

In a recent installment of his mini-video series in conjunction with Tribeca Films called "The Announcement", Saul delivered the message of MLK's death.

Saul also previously mentioned that his goal for MartyrLoserKing was "to skim global issues, throw them into my drum machine and see what polyrhythms formed." And that the first single from MLK, "Burundi" would "coincide with democratic unrest in Burundi as their president attempts to re-write their constitution to run for a 3rd term. My hope is that this song & songs like it give the protesters the fuel they need to overcome over-militarized police & power hungry politicians. I want the politicians, police, and all who stand in the face of democracy with over-zealous self-interest to know that their candle is burning at both ends and that the collective WE will never be silenced and the more they try the more our voices will be heard. The technology of awareness is solar powered and cannot be turned off."

Read More Martin Luther King Jr In honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day, here are some songs about change. King wanted change for the equality of everyone... making it possible for Barack Obama to become ....

KYLE DEVINE
kyledevine.com

In 1980, Stevie Wonder released a song honoring Dr. King called, “Happy Birthday,” and Kyle Devine hope that his work with BJ The Voice on "Sad Smiles Happy Blues" would be on the same level as Stevie.

The song is a positive message of love and peace. As MLK said, "Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

BJ add, "I’m a part of the generation that is fed up with white supremacy. It’s real, as well as white privilege. This song is a rage and pain reaction to 549 years of oppression. I’m an awakened sheep that refuses to settle for the flock’s condition."

Credits

Produced/Mixed by Kyle Devine and written/sung by BJ The Voice.
PJ Tabron (Piano), Zak Austin (Guitar), and Rey Holliday (Organ, Guitar).
Photography by Kyle Devine.
Artwork designed by Duane Lawrence.
Recorded at Flatline Studios in Portland, OR

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Minneapolis/St Paul 2016 Events

Read More John Mark Nelson We last saw John Mark Nelson at his CD release show, and that was a lot of fun. Although it lacked the guest singers, congo line of brass, and confetti, it was still no less just as exciting. …

THE LOWERTOWN LINE
lowertownline.org

I have some exciting news: The Lowertown Line will be filming local bands on the Twin Cities PBS stage in St Paul. Already tickets for Poliça are sold out.

Their first film is for John Mark Nelson next week, January 14th. We've seen him a few times when he was doing promotional shows for his album Sings the Moon. Nelson's latest I'm Not Afraid is out now on GNDWIRE Records via Thirty Tigers.

The Lowertown Line filming details:

It’s time to gear up for another season of live music tapings of The Lowertown Line!

After a year of traveling around the Twin Cities filming concerts in music venues, we’re excited to return home to our newly-renovated building to host an exciting lineup of concerts at Twin Cities PBS.

Our cameras will be there to capture it all. And with genres ranging from rock to country to soul, there will be something for everyone. We’re thrilled to welcome local acts John Mark Nelson, Poliça, The Cactus Blossoms, Sonny Knight & The Lakers and Davina and The Vagabonds into our Lowertown studios.

All shows are FREE admission – but make sure to reserve a ticket through the designated Eventbrite link!

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with music starting promptly at 8 p.m.

Come be a part of this live music experience and stay tuned for when the episodes will air on TPT at a later date. RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW:

January 14: John Mark Nelson | Reserve tickets here

February 4: POLIÇA | SOLD OUT

March 10: The Cactus Blossoms | Reserve tickets here

April 14: Sonny Knight & The Lakers | Reserve tickets here

May 12: Davina and the Vagabonds | Reserve tickets here

*Limited space is available in studio. Tickets do not guarantee entry. Please arrive early to ensure a spot in the audience at the show.

Read More Public Enemy Public Enemy's incredible 20 hour soundcheck was filled with "ai'ight" and "cd and dvd for $10". The soundcheck was so long, the press photographers, possibly bored out of their mind started taking pictures …

RACE, RAP, AND REALITY
augsburg.edu

Come celebrate Dr Martin Luther King Jr with Public Enemy's Chuck D at 1pm on January 18th at Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center, at Augsburg College Campus.

The event is completely free, but if you want a good seat, I suggest you show up early.

Details:

Chuck D is the leader and co-founder of legendary rap group Public Enemy, author of two critically acclaimed books, and a political activist, publisher, radio host, and producer.

Chuck D redefined rap music and hip hop culture with the release of Public Enemy’s debut album in 1987, Yo! Bum Rush The Show, which delivered a powerful articulation of the realities facing black people in the late twentieth century. With an unprecedented lyrical eloquence, Public Enemy has continued to stress the importance of history and self-determination in the forward movement of all who have been oppressed. Between 1987 and 2009, with Chuck D at the helm, Public Enemy has released 13 albums, toured 63 countries, and influenced hip hop communities, social justice struggles, and political activism throughout the world.

Chuck D has been named one of the “50 most important performers in rock and roll history” by Rolling Stone magazine; one of the “100 Most Influential Black Americans” by Ebony Magazine; and in 2013, Chuck D and Public Enemy were elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has been featured and/or interviewed in more than 50 documentaries and has appeared in numerous public service announcements for national peace and the Partnership for a Drug Free America. He has also been a national spokesperson for Rock the Vote, the National Urban League, Americans for the Arts Council, and the National Alliance for African-American Athletes.

Chuck D continues to make music and to write prolifically on technology, politics, rap and soul music, and race in the United States.

—-
This event is open to the public. For information or special requests, call 612-330-1104.

W♥M239: June is the new... (73 mins) Read More Rock the Garden The second Rock the Garden music festival on Sunday saw a seemingly bigger crowd, particularly near the front of the stage. …

ROCK THE GARDEN
walkerart.org

The Walker Art and The Current's annual summer festival Rock the Garden will return on June 18th, 2016. Tickets goes on sale April 5th for Walker and The Current members. General public will get their chance to buy tickets April 6th.

We love the festival, it is usually the highlight to our summer, as a special bonus, listen to John and Vu talk about Rock the Garden and how incredibly busy June 2015 was for us.

NOTE: The event will be held at Boom Island because of the construction to the Walker.

Here is the details about Rock the Garden 2016:

The Walker and The Current’s annual summer festival returns Saturday, June 18, 2–10 pm. Due to construction at the Walker, this year’s concert will be held at Boom Island in Northeast Minneapolis. The bands will be announced on Tuesday, April 5, beginning at 9 am on The Current. Tickets to Rock the Garden go on sale Tuesday, April 5 at 10 am, to Walker and The Current members and to the general public on Wednesday, April 6, at 10 am.

“We are so pleased to have secured Boom Island as a temporary location Rock the Garden ’16” said Philip Bither, Director and McGuire Senior Curator for Performing Arts at the Walker. “This beautiful setting will allow for a one-day, multiple staged event sure to carry the same great spirit and inspired mix of music that Rock the Garden has been so noted for in the past. We look forward to returning to the gorgeously re-designed new Walker campus for Rock the Garden ’17.”

“We’re really excited to venture into a new location and experiment with the staging and format of Rock the Garden this year,” adds Jim McGuinn, program director for The Current. “Attendees can expect the same level of playful creativity and sonic adventurousness that have been hallmarks of all the previous lineups, along with a chance to explore a new neighborhood and hang with friends at Boom Island for a celebratory summertime kick off!”

Become a Walker Art Center member at walkerart.org
Become a member of The Current/Minnesota Public Radio at mpr.org

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Change

Ben Sollee - A Change is Gonna Come

Stevie Wonder - Happy Birthday

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day, here are some songs about change. King wanted change for the equality of everyone... making it possible for Barack Obama to become the first black President.

MLK Day is a fairly recent holiday, it only came into existence in 1983 when Ronald Regan signed it into law.  What you probably didn't know was that some states didn't call it Martin Luther King Day.  Utah called it Human Rights Day, while Virginia combined a bunch of people into the Lee-Jackson-King Day.  It was only recently in 2000 did all the 50 States decided to call it the same thing.

Either way, enjoy your Monday off work!

Also, please also check out Ben Sollee's A Change is Gonna Come and Stevie Wonder's Happy Birthday (Martin Luther King Jr).

MANZE DAYILA & THE NAGO NATION manzedayila.com ♥ myspace.com Manze Dayila and the Nago Nation-Change Manze Dayila & The Nago Nation-That Feeling Manze Dayila & The Nago Nation's "Change" is about Barack Obama and how he is our president. The music has its roots in African beats and rhythm, much like all their songs from their Solé album. Although "Change" isn't on their (debut?) album, the song is a free download on their website. According to Dayila's biography, she was a refugee from Haiti (she was 19 when she rafted into Miami Beach!). The Haiti would explain why some of their songs have a Carribean, with just a dash of Reggae, in them. Half of the album are also traditional Haitian Folk song ("Kwi", "Miseye Rigaud", "Kafe", "Papa Loko", etc). The stand-out track for me is one of the few English songs on Solé called "That Feeling". The song also features an additional singer/rapper called Bennchoumy Elian, who also sung on the other English song "I Want to Be Free". Other stand-out track is the song "Solé", which although I do not understand the lyrics - I feel it is a sad song, as if a mother is weeping for her child. With the absent of music on this song, it made for an even more powerful emotional connection. Since most of the album is not in English it gives it a Worldly touch. If you enjoy World music, especially Afro-Pop or Afro-Hip-Hop, this album is worth checking out. You can purchase Solé via cd baby ($14) or download via itunes ($10) or amazon ($8).		THE BRILLIANT MISTAKES thebrilliantmistakes.com ♥ myspace.com The Brilliant Mistakes-Good Year For A Change The Brilliant Mistakes are an indie rock/Americana-esque band from Brooklyn, New York. Their music also have great catchy melodies, unlike banging pot/pans and quirky sound of indie music these days (don't worry, I have a few of these experimental albums for review - so fans of this sound will be happy). Between the two singers, keyboardist Alan Walker and bassist Erik Philbrook, I would have to say that I like the Walker songs - they sound vaguely like Ben Folds. The Philbrook vocals sounds more alt-country. I'm more drawn to their upbeat songs like "The Circle's Not Broken" and "The Day I Found My Hands". Even though I didn't know the words to their songs, I feel like I could probably make up words to rhyme with their lyrics. Their "change" ("Good Year For A Change") has nothing to do with politics, but you can read what you want in it.... 2009 will be a great year for a change, right? Anyway, the song sounds a little subdue, but it shows off the Folds-vocals as I mentioned earlier. I think the song may be about changing your life, a fresh start, and finding someone new. Possibly not looking back.... but the song seems to reflect on the past. You can find out details on how you can purchase their album on their website. The page also lets you download "The Circle’s Not Broken" - the upbeat song that I liked, so check it out.
DESCRIBE AND Y-LOVE myspace.com/describeylove ♥ ylovemusic.com Y-Love and Describe - Change I've previously written about Y-Love, so I was kind of interested in seeing what he's up to. His latest release is a collaboration with fellow Jewish songwriter Describe. Much like the "Change" song by Manze Dayila, this "Change" song is the excitement of a new political change in the White House. The song has some auto-tuning vocals, with that distinctive Yiddish sounds of the H sound like in "hhhheh". The lyrics comes in fast and furious and Describe's lower vocals slows down the song when it needs to be. As described by the press material, The Change EP consists of four songs. But instead of releasing the EP in one release date, they are dropping each song per month, starting tomorrow (January 20th). The other scheduled release are February 24th for "Make It", March 31st, and April 28th. All details will be updated over at shemspeed.com/change, which contain links of how you can buy the song(s).		MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD michaelfranti.com ♥ myspace.com Michael Franti & Spearhead-Obama Song There's no "Change" in title, but if there was an alternate title to the simply titled "Obama Song", it would be about change and the message that we can make a difference. This toe- tapping, hand- clapping, feet- dancing song by Michael Franti & Spearhead is very catchy. The song features many vocals, Best of all, the song is free to download via ilike.com/franti. CORY CHISEL corychisel.com ♥ myspace.com Cory Chisel - A Change is Gonna Come We've previously mentioned Cory Chisel before, and here is a live version of the Sam Cooke's classic "A Change Is Gonna Come". I think the song was recorded at the Lawrence Memorial Chapel in Appleton, WI (Aug 15th, 2008), it comes as a break for Chisel to do his solo acoustic-thing.

 01/19/2009 07:18:34 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥podcast.weheartmusic.com♥news.weheartmusic.com