The Heat Beat: Exploring Music’s Impact on Social Justice this August
Ask anyone about the importance of music for themselves or their families and friend groups, and they will likely be able to provide an immediate answer. Most of us have a favorite genre or...
Music: Talking Music with Ray ‘Pinky’ Velazquez
By Jess Szabo | Arts Writer
Utica resident Ray “Pinky” Velazquez knows musical talent when he hears it. Velazquez began working in music in 1972, when he started DJing for the Impanema at 240 West...
Culture: Meet the Gypsy Vanner Horse
By Jess Szabo | Arts Writer
On St. Patrick’s Day, most people decorate with images of leprechauns, shamrocks, and pots of gold. But for the Irish people of Romany/Gypsy descent, perhaps the most striking image...
The Heat Beat: Exploring Latin Jazz as We Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month this April
April is Jazz Appreciation Month. Although the month is dedicated to honoring and learning more about all forms of Jazz, each year has its own theme. For this year, the theme is “Latin Jazz and...
Feature: Exploring Various Scams and What to Do if You’re a Victim of One
By Jess Szabo | Arts Writer
Avoiding scams is important, but there are times when it is too late. Everyone has moments where we let our guard down. It was an especially hectic day at...
Feature: Scams—Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Scams and Fraud Thrive in 2022. Be Aware and Know How to Spot Them
By Jess Szabo | Arts Writer
Although the weather is still cold, March is the month we begin to think about refreshing...
Arts Feature: Add History to Your Business with Paul Parker
Photos from the Paul Parker Utica Trust Available at For The Good, Inc.
By Jess Szabo | Arts Writer
Artists’ workspaces are always pictured as colorful and inspirational. While we do not all fit that expectation,...
The Heat Beat: The Music of Phoenix Media and Beyond—The Men Who Taught Robert...
By Jess Szabo | Arts Writer
We all know the urban legend surrounding Robert Johnson. He had the desire to play guitar, but he played so badly, bar owners couldn’t let him take the stage....
The Heat Beat: The Music of Phoenix Media and Beyond: Heat Beat picks for...
by Jess Szabo',Arts Writer
In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are the Heat Beat picks for the top five love songs in Rap, R&B, Blues, Jazz. See the full column at www.uticaphoenix.net for five from...
Arts Feature: How Can Artists in Utica Fund Their Work?
By Jess Szabo | Arts Writer
Utica’s artists are called to their careers out of a love of their art form and a desire to use their talents to give back to the world. Most...