The years around 1850 that brought California into the Union were also a time of burgeoning American musical identity. The “melting pot effect” that permeated most aspects of American life had an equally powerful impact on the melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic qualities...
While much of traditional Mexican music draws influences from Europe and Africa, there is no question that this bright, joyful music — with multiple sub-genres, from Son Jarocho to Musica Norteña — is, ultimately, the creation of Mexico’s indigenous...
Big, bulky and, well, challenging to carry much less play, the double bass is considered by some to be less glamorous than other instruments, adding harmony and texture but rarely capturing the spotlight of playing the melody. Xavier Foley is turning that rather...
That Brighton Thomas is establishing a successful career in music should surprise no one who watched her grow up in Burbank, and hearing her sing nearly as often as she spoke. But that, at age 23, this engaging singer-composer should have not just an affinity but a...
Bona and Larry were married for nearly 50 years. They were generous contributors to dozens of nonprofits and charities in Ventura and across the nation — most notably the New West Symphony Harmony Project, Temple Beth Torah, Ball State University, Genesis Sober Living...
