Articles by Vinson Valega
Guide to Choosing a Band: Elements to Consider When Booking Jazz for an Event
by Vinson Valega
The most important element of jazz is the warm, natural sound of the acoustic instruments that comprise the ensemble. Most groups consist of either piano or guitar complemented by bass and drums (with additional horns or vocalists added when desired). The repertoire is wide-ranging and the musical language common to all Just Jazz musicians. No matter the size or make up of the group, the long heritage of our jazz vocabulary creates an elegant, smooth sound that enhances ...
Continue ReadingVinson Valega: Biophilia
by Vinson Valega
Biophilia We are in love with life and can't get enough of it! Life forms fascinate us and nature beckons with its mind-blowing “Wow!" factor as we experience first-hand its every possible shape, size, color, smell, and feel. We contribute money to preserve it and we even watch it on TV. This elemental human phenomenon was described eloquently in a 1984 book by the great socio-biologist, E.O. Wilson, entitled “Biophilia," where he details our “innate tendency to focus on life ...
Continue ReadingGet Involved!
by Vinson Valega
'Tis the season... the election season, of course. That's right... it's almost that time again where we enter the polling booth to either affirm what a swell job our elected officials have been doing, or we pull the lever to “kick-the-bums-out!" In either case, our choice employs our representatives for the next term, where they get to decide how to divvy up the money and figure out how best to use the people's tool, also known as our government. This ...
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