Jeffrey Evans

Following the Mystic Valley Band's recent reunion shows and a cover of his 2013 song “Dominos” on the critically acclaimed Better Oblivion Community Center album (which was the only one non-original Oberst/Bridgers composition), Taylor Hollingsworth's (Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band, Dead Fingers, The Dexateens) new LP Tap Dancin' Daddy is out August 2, 2019 on Flower Moon Records (the LA based label founded by Maria Taylor of Azure Ray).Today Taylor Hollingsworth shared the title track from the forthcoming release with PopMatters. About the song, PopMatters says, 'There's something beautifully fragile in Hollingsworth's performance on a song that calls to mind a '70s solo record from former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman or the country colors of Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance. And though it's a contemporary song, not a throwback, there is something about Hollingsworth's sincerity and the familiarity of the tale he tells that makes this a tune for any time.'

Following the Mystic Valley Band's recent reunion shows and a cover of his 2013 song “Dominos” on the critically acclaimed Better Oblivion Community Center album (which was the only one non-original OberstBridgers composition), Taylor Hollingsworth's (Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band, Dead Fingers, The Dexateens) new LP Tap Dancin' Daddy is out August 2, 2019 on Flower Moon Records (the LA based label founded by Maria Taylor of Azure Ray). Today Paste premiered 'Devil N Me' the first single to be lifted from the forthcoming release. About the song Paste says, “'Devil N Me' is thematic kin to Florence + The Machine's 'Shake It Off' but shares sound qualities with the latest from Gary Clark Jr.—that's to say, it's pure, hot blues. There's that sludgy guitar, smug harmonica and even what sounds like a washboard breakdown, but there's also weird pedal effects and a synthetic organ. Hollingsworth sings the blues in his gritty, old-school alto, repeating 'I've got the devil in me' until it sounds like he's finally expunged the evil from his insides.'

Today, the Recording Academy's Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion announced an unprecedented new initiative that aims to expand opportunities for female music producers and engineers. The Producer & Engineer Inclusion Initiative is the inaugural action of a larger strategy to address gender inequity in the music industry. According to a 2018 USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study, only 2 percent of music producers and 3 percent of engineers/mixers across popular music are women. This initiative is the first step in a broader effort to improve those numbers and increase diversity and inclusion for all in the music industry.

The Board of Directors for the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra has elected to shutter the venerable ensemble permanently. The decision follows a Board vote in April to suspend operations for the 2017-18 season, pending a review of the organization's prospects. The Chamber Orchestra presented its final concert of the 2016-17 season on May 16 at the Lobero Theatre.

In an effort to gauge the extent of financial support from the community, the Board of Directors for the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra has elected to suspend operations for the 2017-18 season, pending a review of the organization's prospects beyond its current season. A specially formed committee will complete a comprehensive assessment of SBCO budget and programming models within 90 days, after which the organization's leadership will decide on a course of action. Options include presenting next season's program in its entirety as planned, offering a reduced number of concerts, or shuttering the venerable ensemble permanently. The orchestra will present its final concert of the 2016-17 season on Tuesday, May 16, at the Lobero Theatre.

The Manatee Performing Arts Center presents Manatee Players' production of PHANTOM, running now through May 8th in Stone Hall. Directed by Steve Dawson, choreographed by Vanessa Russo, and musically directed by Aaron Cassette, this musical is a must-see. Watch as the Phantom reveals himself only by the strength of his love through beautiful music. Below, BroadwayWorld has an inside look at last night's opening reception!

On Thursday June 19, The Manatee Players, Inc.'s 2014-2015 Board of Directors was voted in at the Annual Membership meeting held at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. The new members elected are Eileen Hoffner and Nina Richardson. Returning members are Ron Allen, Steve Bayard, Linda Diem, Jeffrey Evans, Randy Hanson, John Hargreaves, Jack Hawkins, Ron Lennon, Jason Lipton, Tom Moseley, Fay Murphy, Patricia Pickelsimer, David Schrott, Arline Spino, Dr. Steve Tinsworth and Pat Whitesel. The offices nominated and elected are Chairperson: Arline Spino, Vice-Chairperson: Pat Whitesel, Secretary: David Schrott and Treasurer: Jeffrey Evans. Immediate Past Chair is Dr. Anthony Pizzo.