When people see The Lil Smokies setting up their acoustic instruments, they’re often unprepared for the electric energy they generate. The band captures that same dynamic presence on their new album, Changing Shades, delivering their exceptional songwriting and bluegrass roots with the punch of a rock band.

Guitarist Ike Willis appeared on countless albums and tours with the legendary Frank Zappa, and recently returned to the rock scene as the leader of the Ike Willis Project. Joining Ike on the tour is another extraordinarily talented guitarist, Grammy winner Micki Free, who will be opening the shows for the Ike Wills Project at the beginning of October.

The NJCU Alumni Jazz Big Band will perform a 100th Birthday Salute to Four Jazz Icons, featuring the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich, and Thelonious Monk on the J. Owen Grundy Pier, Exchange Place, in Jersey City on Friday, September 15 at 6:00 p.m. Conducted by recently retired NJCU Professor Richard Lowenthal, this free concert features the renowned trumpeter Jon Faddis and the acclaimed young jazz singer Cyrille Aimée.
 

Fans of Canada’s Terra Lightfoot know that the soulful rocker is an astonishing talent. That’s more obvious than ever with today’s reveal of a new video for the lead single off her forthcoming studio album. “Paradise” will be available for streaming and download stores as of today. Lightfoot’s full-length New Mistakes (Sonic Unyon Records) is set for release on October 13, 2017, with pre-orders available NOW.