Why Study Music Instead of Business? Ask TVK

Steve O'Bryan Career Advice, College, Conservatory, Liberal Arts, Music, Performing Arts, Performing Arts, Student Resources

The age old question of “Why music? Why not study business and get paid?” is answered by the one and only Drew Alexander Forde. Drew is ThatViolaKid, aka, TVK. Drew and Artzray are collaborating to try and answer a bunch of questions that he and other young artists get asked all the time. That’s how this series “Ask TVK” was …

Top 12 Music Venues for ArtNight Pasadena!

Steve O'Bryan Events, Music, Opportunities, Performing Arts

The Artzray staff pick 12 of our favorite musical performances for the upcoming ArtNight Pasadena. ArtNight Pasadena is a great example of how one city can get behind it’s cultural and artistic roots to make a special evening for the whole community. While many of the cultural organizations involved will host art exhibits (and they really are fantastic!) the Artzray …

Artzray Interview with Musician and Songwriter Sam Friend

Ben Muller Artist Profiles, Music, Performing Arts

Game of Thrones video takes the New Orleans Swamp Donkeys to the next level. It’s been a helluva a year for the New Orleans Swamp Donkeys, a jazz group that “recalls the New Orleans music of roughly a century ago, with youthful, high-spirited aplomb” (Nate Chinen, The New York Times). The traditional New Orleans jazz group toured Europe, released two …

The Kid Speaks: An Interview with Trumpeter Glen Marhevka

Jacqueline Bacino Artist Profiles, Music, Performing Arts

  Glen “The Kid” Marhevka is the trumpet player for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and a master trumpeter at that. Here is a story of personal drive, mentor relationships, disciplined training and cooperative band experiences over the past thirty years. It sounds a lot like the music he makes: collaborative, energizing and filled with those gorgeous brass instruments that make …

My Long and Winding Road to Music College

Avila Santo Artist Profiles, Beyond, Career Advice, College, Conservatory, Music, Music

As a recent music college graduate, I have found myself re-evaluating my transition from high school to college and the events that led me to pursue a life in music. Looking back, I could never have seen where this long and winding road would take me. My choice to go to music college literally changed the direction of my life …