Category archives: Music

  • Saturdays late press and artist information.. Morning Fuzz: In 2011, the Brooklyn based band released their second EP titled, "Shadows in the Rearview" to rave reviews.  They recently performed at Spike Hill and have some dates coming up next month in the midwest. Thunda Vida: With four original albums released since the band formed in 2006, Thunda Vida has been bringing roots reggae to the masses across NYC for over 5 years. Mariami: She's been featured by Indie Music Universe and recognized by Skope Magazine as an "Artist to Watch."  The Georgian born soul, R&B, jazz artist Mariami, immigrated to NYC with her family when she was 7 years old. Caridad Sola: The Cuban-American multi-media visual artist has performed at several AFP events over the past year including Fountain Art Fair, Miami and New York as well as the "Brooklyn Beat Festival" in June.  Although you never quite know what to expect, Caridad always leaves you wanting more. Sindy Butz:  Sindy is a Berlin based visual and performance artist currently residing in New York City. Sindy likes to create discourse between fashion, science and technology in her conceptual work. Cat Del Buono: The daughter of Italian immigrants, Cat is a video installation artist  whose work focuses on how society defines beauty. She incorporates performance, interactive video, and humor as a way to engage her viewers. Andy Slate: Andy is a highly praised DJ/Producer currently residing in Miami Beach, Florida. His recent product[...]
  • Join Art for Progress on Saturday, July 21st featuring live music from Morning Fuzz, Thunda Vida and Mariami, performance art from Caridad Sola and Sindy Butz a video installation from Cat Del Buono DJ sets from Gatto and special guest Andy Slate more details coming soon! Doors 8pm. Music 9pm-2am. Cover $8 The Paper Box, 17 Meadow Street, Brooklyn, NY Directions:L train to Grand Street Stop (4 blocks from the subway)
  • Another exciting school year has ended and AFP's impact and our programs continue to grow. The Sansom Foundation recently awarded Art for Progress a $20,000 grant which was a thirty percent increase over last year's grant! We are ecstatic that the foundation has increased their support for the program.  Though the funds are very important we believe the vote of confidence from the Sansom Foundation is even more important as we focus on applying for more funds to expand our important work in the NYC Public Schools. A special thank you goes out to Barry Komitor who has been instrumental in the development of the program in many ways. His passion and dedication to the organization and the students is unwavering.  If we just had a few more Barry Komitors, we can do so much more! In the following video, Barry and some of our students at Bronxdale High School offer some insight into AFP's Music Program. Thanks to our intern Fred Hua for doing such a great job working on this video. http://youtu.be/8I7Drhip1JM
  • As we gear up for the launch of our new monthly at The Paper Box, we'd like to share some videos featuring some of the highlights from AFP's Brooklyn Beat Festival. The videos include performances from Ze Luis, Comandante Zero, Lachi, Minnie and Aya and other participating artists. The monthly event will also be a multimedia experience featuring live music performances, performance art from Caridad Sola as well as art and video installations from AFP artists. AFP's DJ Gatto will be the resident DJ with special guests each month. Confirmed dates and live music performances: Saturday, July 21st: Mariami, Morning Fuzz, more TBA Saturday, August 18th:  The Disappointment, Muj more TBA Saturday, September 15th:  Heavy Birds, Ellis Ashbrook, more TBA
  • Day 3 As some families started to arrive early Sunday afternoon, they were greeted with the sounds of John Coltrane and Joao Gilberto, but it wasn't long before Sindy Butz was ready for our first performance of the day. Sindy's piece titled "Moral Decay" was  an interpretation of how society's morals have deteriorated over time.  Sindy's strong use of   symbolism and association resulted in a gripping performance that left our guests with much to ponder. Our first musical performance of the day was from Jon Samson of CoCreative Music. Many of the kids joined Jon on stage as he sang his playful, yet educational songs for everyone to enjoy.  The kids were truly excited by Jon's performance, but as soon as they saw the organic mini-cupcakes from Francesca Cake they darted for the table filled with treats.  A few kids did stop on their way as they saw Allyson Jacobs interactive balloon dress, and they just had to add their own balloon to the growing skirt. Jewelry designer Paula Collins was also working on a very creative piece utilizing chains. Paula often works with metals in her line of beautiful accessories. Back on stage, blues singer/songwriter Inky Glass delivered the perfect Sunday afternoon of blues with a touch of soul. As Inky Glass finished her set, AFP's DJ Gatto dropped a classic house set to keep the energy flowing. The next performance art piece on Sunday featured White House entertainer and master of escape, Thomas Solomon.  Mr. Solomon challenged our guests wi[...]
  • Day 2 As we arrived on Saturday, we found our friend Gilf in the early stages of her impressive  Wall(Russ) mural in the art garden. We're so thankful for her hard work, as she completed the mural in about 6 hours! Saturday's musical festivities began with a set from DJ Jago. Jago is a young man who we've had the pleasure of seeing develop over the last few years after he won AFP's Clash of the Artists competitions at age 13.  Jake has developed a  forward, high energy sound that appeals to anyone who likes to shake it on the dance floor. Taking the stage around 7:30pm, Minnie and Aya delivered our first live music performance of the day, and they did not disappoint.  Their smooth, soulful sounds were the perfect start to a great night of music.  Next up, was long-time friend of AFP and talented DJ Sal Leone. Sal treated our guests to a mix of deep and classic grooves as we got ready for Lachi and Meridian Gold to perform.  In the art garden, Caridad Sola was preparing for her performance piece, "Deliver us from Eve-Il" which morphs the urban legend of razor blades in apples with the story of the forbidden fruit and original sin.  Caridad has a way of enticing people into her world, and then completely turning the tables on what's expected.  Sherri Aliberti's "Green Cocoon" performance piece was also a crowd pleaser, while Iliana Quander's interactive "Trash Couture" installation involved some unexpected additions. We'll just say that the takers likely puffed away as they st[...]
 
  • After some much-needed rest, we're back at work here at AFP, and we're more than ecstatic about this past weekend's Brooklyn Beat Festival! I'm not sure where to start, but the overall theme and feedback from the weekend was quality.  Personally, and this is something that is always a focus for us is diversity. Diversity is always a big part of what we do. One of the goals of AFP has always been to be inclusive and open to all art and artists.  Art for Progress is not only about providing opportunities and exposure for artists. AFP is also about providing access to the arts and turning people on to new art forms. In other words, expanding and growing the arts in the community. I think we achieved all of this over three days/nights at The Paper Box. Day One Friday's festivities began with an exceptional performance from El Pueblo.  I had the pleasure of talking to some of the members of the band, and they are also educators and involved in charitable projects.  I hope we have the opportunity to work with them again. Our next performance was from Redheadphone. We really enjoyed their international collaboration of sounds and world styles.  Speaking of which, the youthful and prophetic School ov Thought contributed to the increased energy in the room, as Brett from Boundless reminded us of Chuck Brown, go-go music and his eclectic style.  But, Push Method took the stage with a level of energy that was unmatched and their message came through strong, particularly when they perf[...]
  • As we approach AFP's big festival this coming weekend at the Paper Box, here is more info and site links for the live music you will be hearing. Sponsor eMusic will be there with up-to-the-minute tweets and social media reporting from their Editor in Chief, Joe Edward Keyes. You can see their Youtube channel for the fest HERE. The Paper Box will also be streaming the event live through their site. As we will be hosting some of the best emerging musical talent to be found in NYC, we will also have the honor of hosting some esteemed, well-established bands that you do not want to miss! Kicking off the 3-day festival on Friday, NYC's El Pueblo will perform their reggae, soul-infused music. Redheadphone will follow, with their funky, positive vibe. As the evening gets into full swing, School ov Thought will perform their blend of hip hop/reggae/acoustic, thought provoking sounds. Later in the evening, Push Method will take to the stage with their high energy level. Just after midnight, the last live music performance on Friday is by Brooklyn-based Argotec, with a heavy hitting blend of rap, techno, and rock. The evening will continue to the wee hours, when the DJs take to the decks. Saturday's live music will begin with the chilled-out sounds of Minnie and Aya, with Lachi taking to the stage at 9pm with her cathartic, not-to-be-missed performance. Electro-funk duo Comandante Zero and artist Oh10m1ke will also play a set that is sure to get the crowd moving! Just after 11:30, th[...]
  • When I hear Brett from Boundless, images of high-tops, Adidas and rope "dookie" chains flood into my mind, especially after listening to "Hip Hop Mix 1." This is not the only portal through time DJ Brett you take you through. Brett believes as a DJ he's, "a conductor navigating place to place to alter one's feelings with sound...[and] end up at a place called Boogie." After listening to a few mixes from his podcast, I've been to that land called Boogie, and beyond. Learn more and listen to Brett from Boundless here. -Heather Liggins
  • After a cold, snowy weekend, warm your soul up with DJ JP SOLIS. This New York based  10-year full-time DJ, creates curated tracks and mixes of pop music and oldies. Alongside of fusing sounds together, JP SOLIS is also the music director and founder of NOISE212, where "his ability to create a frenzied vibe out of thin air...combines feel-good pop with progressive underground sounds to create a type of sonic soup...." Below is a clip of one of JP SOLIS' sets, confirming his versatile mix of music.  Listen to more tracks by JP SOLIS here. -Heather Liggins