See the full article here:

CHARU SURI, award-winning pianist and composer, embarks on a sonic journey that bridges sounds of both East and West, as well as introduces listeners to the art of the songbook. Joining her onstage are others (see program below). The event, ‘Charu Suri: The Art of Raga Jazz & American Songbook’ takes place on Friday, April 5, 2024, 8 PM at the Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York City.

CHARU SURI treads fearlessly between genres, pulling global influences that range from the mood-anchoring Indian ragas, Sufi music, to the trio. Her ground-breaking albums, ‘The Book of Ragas,’ and its sequel, ‘The Book of Ragas vol. 2’ have often elicited the response, “I’ve never heard this type of sound before.”

One of the few female composers from India to perform work at Carnegie Hall, Charu has lived in four continents, and writes music that reflect her journey as both a traveler and her training as a classical music piano prodigy. She has been playing the piano since the age of five, and performing since the age of nine, and one of her best memories is winning an international piano competition at the age of 15.

Hear Charu play the Verona Waltz – youtu.be/nT74c9rgI5M

Verona Waltz (‘RAGAS & WALTZES’ by Charu Suri), recorded at Preservation Hall Jazz Band in New Orleans. Dedicated to the beautiful town of Verona, New Jersey.

What started purely as an experiment with her ‘Book of Ragas’ has turned into a niche that she is now increasingly becoming known for. Her latest album is ‘RAGAS & WALTZES,’ a first collaboration between her and Preservation Hall’s jazz drummer, Joe Lastie. Her previous album, ‘RAGAS & WALTZES’ has received a lot of praise from critics. JAZZIZ Magazine (jazziz.com) has praised its classic reinvention of the European waltz, and Dan McClenaghan’s ‘All About Jazz’ said, “These are all Suri originals, with which she creates a mood that is a mix, tune-by-tune, of longing and solemnity, then of a lilting and uplifting beauty, segueing into tender reverence that shifts gear into a segment of lively swing before drifting back to loving respect. And that swing is surely inspired by New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s drummer, Joe Lastie, Jr., sitting in the recording session’s drummer’s chair.”

Her recent album, ‘RAGS & RAGAS,’ with bassist John Patitucci, drummer Joe Lastie, drummer Steve Gadd, and pianist Kobi Arad was released in September 2023.

Charu has performed at Lincoln Center and other prestigious concert halls around the world, including St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She often performs with her band, and sometimes as a soloist. Her work will be performed by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra for the first time on May 13, 2024 at NJPAC.

Learn more about Charu Suri at charusuri.com.

PROGRAM

‘CHARU SURI: THE ART OF RAGA JAZZ & AMERICAN SONGBOOK’

Performers

Charu Suri, Piano

Max ZT, Hammered Dulcimer

Joe Lastie, Drums

J.Brunka, Double Bass

Ri Wolf, Vocals

Cassandra Kubinski, Vocals

Danielle Erin Rhodes, Vocals

Umer Piracha, Sufi Vocals

Kobi Arad, Piano

For Official Release:

Jimmy Allgood, two-time winner at the 2023 ISSA Awards in Atlanta is releasing a new single, “Fooling Myself” under the ISSA Record Label. ISSA Records is a label dedicated solely to providing distribution for Gold Winning artists to release new music and to keep 100% of their royalties. ISSA is proud to be able to provide this service to our very talented members. This new single will be available for purchase on New Year’s Day.

About Jimmy:

Jimmy’s Website

Bio: Jimmy Allgood  is a soulful R&B singer with a vocal range that allows him to bring sincere emotion and feeling to his songs. JAG’s album brings back the R&B sound that make the women fall in love. His album is also one that will let the men show their romantic side to the ladies. JAG also has the upbeat songs that can definitely make you work your body. JAG started his singing career at the age of 10 and he has been going strong since. at the age of 21 JAG got an album deal whit an independent label out of Chattanooga TN his birth place in 1993 the album “touch It “was released to a regional market and the first single “special” quickly reached the number 2 spot in several markets to include number 1 in Chattanooga.in 1994 the single “one Eye watching” you was released whit a video debut on BET, JAG’s video was played for 79 straight days to a nationwide audience During this time JAG also performed with such artist as celo, lo key and xscape, he would also open for Usher in Chattanooga and Ginuwine, Howard hewitt and Keith Washington in Atlanta. Now in 2018 Jimmy Allgood released his second single let me be the one on March 8th Jimmy has open up for Lenny Williams MC Lightfoot the comedian also he performed at the teachers awards red carpet event in Atlanta Georgia and also in Las Vegas on Sherry Gordy Motown takes the stage and also Jimmy Allgood will be performing  Riverbend 2018 June 16th in Chattanooga  Tennessee 

COLUMBUS, Ind.—Dawn Rix continues to shine in her musical career, most recently accepting the Who’s Hoo Country Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. Who’s Hoo highlights top independent artists, with this year’s ceremony taking place in Columbus, Indiana.

Founded by Matt Lee, member of the Night Owl Country Band, Who’s Hoo offered recognition to singers and songwriters at the later October event.

Rix, who was named Female Vocalist of the Year last year, was humbled to be recognized with the Lifetime honor, although she said in a recent interview that she wondered if the nomination and selection was some kind of sign that she is done with her career. She said as much in her acceptance speech at the awards presentation.

“My first thought was, ‘Oh dear heaven, do they know something I don’t know?’” she laughed, adding that she wondered if it was a hint that she should move aside for younger artists.

But Rix is far from finished with her musical career, or with any other number of goals and dreams she has set for herself.

“Every year I set goals, some are short term and some are long term,” the West Virginia native said, adding that in just the past few months, several of her goals have been reached. Among those is the release of two Christmas songs as well as the publication of her first children’s book, “Yes, Yes You Can.”

When speaking to the Lifetime Achievement recognition, Rix pointed out that it’s not about the win, but more about the nomination that resonates with her.

“It is the acknowledgement of the work,” Rix said. “What a nice thing it is for someone to think about me,” she added as she explained that she hopes that she is an encouragement to others.

“My dad used to tell me, ‘There’s nothing in this world you can’t achieve,’” Rix said in her acceptance speech in Indiana, adding that he told her, ‘Just do it.’ She went on in her comments to tell those gathered to never throw in the towel.

“Your gift is from God,” she told those entertainers in the room. “To withhold that would be selfish and none of us is selfish,” she continued. “Whether you are the underdog or the old lady in the house, you matter,” she said.

Having such faith in herself has led Rix to achieve one thing after another in her life. Her song “Worlds Collide,” recently earned the silver place as Single of the Year by the International Singer-Songwriter’s Association (ISSA).

Rix also recently collaborated across the world with Greece artist Dimitris Nezis, who recorded Rix’s song, “All That Matters.” She shared that he traveled to Atlanta for the ISSA awards, where she was able to meet him in person and share with him a billboard promoting the song.

Rix continues to move forward reaching goal after goal, and always setting additional ones for herself. When the recognition of her efforts comes from fans, friends or organizations, she accepts it with grace and love.

“It’s a big deal for me,” she said at the Who’s Hoo awards. “We don’t know what tomorrow holds for us and if someone says that their life is better because you were in it, that’s an ultimate achievement,” she said.

See the full article on Dawn here: Rix honored with Lifetime Achievement Award | Journal-news | journal-news.net

Check out Dawn Rix at http://www.DawnRix.com.

WALTER FINLEY SECURES THIRD MALE COUNTRY ARTIST OF THE YEAR WIN AT 17TH QUEEN CITY AWARDS Charlotte, NC —

November 13, 2023 —

Last Saturday night at the 17th Annual Queen City Awards in Charlotte, Walter Finley claimed his third consecutive Male Country Artist of the Year title. The dazzling event, held at 918 Nine Studio Gallery on North Tryon Street, celebrated local talent across genres. Finley’s win underscores his exceptional musical prowess and enduring connection with audiences. Notably, he previously clinched the Country Duo of the Year at the CCMA twice with April Dawn and is currently nominated for Duo of the Year and Single of the Year with the Carolina Country Music Association. The duo also bagged the International Singer Songwriters Association’s Duo of the Year award. The Queen City Awards, organized by The Konnected Foundation Inc., not only recognizes excellence but also gives back. A portion of the proceeds funds the Konnected To Excellence Scholarship Program, supporting aspiring talents in the entertainment industry.

photo credit: Lisa Crates Photography

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[ NC October 20, 2023] — Distinguished country music duo Walter Finley and April Dawn continue to light up the music scene as they secure their fourth consecutive nomination for “Duo of the Year” at the prestigious Carolina Country Music Awards. In a thrilling turn of events, the talented pair has also been nominated for “Single of the Year” with their debut co-written song, “Lean To,” adding a new dimension to their growing list of accolades.

Walter Finley and April Dawn have consistently captivated audiences and critics alike with their harmonious blend of voices, lyrical storytelling, and undeniable stage presence. Their steadfast dedication to creating music that resonates with fans has solidified their place in the heart of the country music scene. Notably, this dynamic duo has clinched the CCMA “Duo of the Year” award twice before, in both 2020 and 2021, making this their fourth consecutive nomination in the category.

In 2022, Walter Finley and April Dawn’s exceptional talents and live performances earned them the prestigious CCMA “Country Tour of the Year” award, a testament to their commitment to delivering outstanding and memorable shows to their fans.

Adding to the excitement, “Lean To,” their very first co-written song, has earned them a well-deserved nomination for “Single of the Year.” The song is actually about the all American dream, & showcases their evolving songwriting prowess and the deep connection they share. “Lean To” has quickly become a fan favorite and underlines the depth of their musical journey.

Walter Finley and April Dawn expressed their gratitude for the nominations, stating, “We’re humbled and thrilled to receive these nominations, especially for ‘Single of the Year,’ which means so much to us as it represents our very first co-written song. We’ve poured our hearts into our music, and to be recognized in this way is truly an honor.

As the date for the Carolina Country Music Awards approaches at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC, fans and industry insiders eagerly await the announcement of the winners. Walter Finley and April Dawn, already winners of “Duo of the Year” twice and “Country Tour of the Year” once, are well-poised to continue their winning streak and captivate the hearts of fans worldwide.

With four consecutive nominations for “Duo of the Year,” two previous wins for the same category, a “Country Tour of the Year” win, and the exciting addition of a “Single of the Year” nomination, Walter Finley and April Dawn continue to prove that they are a dynamic duo on an extraordinary musical journey. Their fans, affectionately known as “BYOBoaters,” eagerly await their next chapter and the prospect of seeing their beloved artists shine at the Carolina Country Music Awards.

About Walter Finley and April Dawn: Walter Finley and April Dawn are a dynamic country music duo celebrated for their soulful harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and captivating performances. With a strong presence in the country music industry, they have received multiple nominations and awards, including “Duo of the Year” at the Carolina Country Music Awards in 2020 and 2021, and “Country Tour of the Year” in 2022. Their first co-written song, “Lean To,” has earned them a nomination for “Single of the Year,” adding a new dimension to their illustrious career.

For more information about Walter Finley and April Dawn, please visit their website at www.walterfinley.com or follow them on social media.

See the full article here: WALTER FINLEY AND APRIL DAWN RECEIVE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE NOMINATION FOR DUO OF THE YEAR AND SINGLE OF THE YEAR AT CAROLINA COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS | Music | yesweekly.com

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See the article in CURRENTS MAGAZINE here: Lake Norman CURRENTS Magazine October 2023 by Lake Norman Currents – Issuu