News & Updates — metal

Back when it was virtually banned by the government, Iván Fariñas took a stand to play the music he loved   In November 2014, Pablo ‘Bongohead’ Yglesias visited Cuba for the first time on a legal educational tour. The following month, in an unprecedented move, the United States eased some restrictions between the two countries after decades of frosty relations. Although the trip was for personal reasons, Yglesias – who has contributed music writing to the likes of Wax Poetics and co-manages the Peace & Rhythm record label – stumbled onto a story in the form of Ivan Fariñas, an...

"Peace & Rhythm Presents" is a weekly eclectic music series every Wednesday night at The Root Cellar, downtown Greenfield's newest music venue. This premier season features bands and performers of various genres and styles, including funk, world music, jazz, reggae, rock, folk, DJs and more. Every Wednesday is FREE ADMISSION, 21+. Doors open at 8, music starts pumping at 9 and goes until 1230. ---Wed, July 27...The Boogalistics (soul-jazz/funk) and Doctor Thing (freak-out psychedelic jazz-funk) - The Boogalistics bring fresh energy to the classic sound of soul jazz. Boogaloo, soul-jazz, funk, this brand new group out of Northampton will satisfy...

Among the many beautiful things about sound & music is that it can supplement your life's routine in so many different ways. Whether you look at (or hear or make) music as artistic expression, ritual, relaxation, protest, celebration, dance release, mathematical composition, entertainment, fashion, comedy or even as background sound, there is no wrong way to appreciate music. It fills our lives with joy or aggression, songs about love and hate, constructions of rhythm and noise, harmony or disruption. Only a high-minded snob will pooh-pooh somebody's artistic creation. (Although they are certainly out there, usually in the form of talentless...

(photo by focalchrome) This is the highly publicized Black Sabbath tribute from members of Brownout and Grupo Fantasma. I have seen both of those bands several times and have been continually amazed by their tight live shows with swingin' horns and rippin' grooves. Intrigued further, I decided to gain access into their world and tried to find out what makes them so sick. I was told to meet them in some late night Texas heat (I took a left at the longhorn, vultures circling). When I arrived on the scene there was a wicked feeling that came over me. The...