CSUN fraternity has a surprising link to Elvis Presley
December 11, 2013
It all began with a dream of initiating someone famous as an honorary member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity at Arkansas State College in the fall of 1960. Chapter president Rick Husky came up with the idea of presenting Elvis Presley with an award. Due to Elvis' generous charitable contrib...
Brian Stokes Mitchell enchants the VPAC with memorable performance
December 9, 2013
When it comes to the most versatile, gifted artists in the world today, "Stokes" as he prefers to be called, is in a league of his own. He took center stage at the VPAC last Saturday and it's no coincidence that the New York Times dubbed him "The Last Leading Man" on Broadway. Armed with...
All things Hendrix: Sister Janie Hendrix opens up about her legendary brother
December 7, 2013
Experience Hendrix is the official company in charge of managing everything Jimi. The name, likeness, image and 100% of the music is managed by the family operated company. Jimi's father, James 'Al' Hendrix formed the company in 1995 and Jimi's sister, Janie Hendrix is the CEO of Experience Hendrix ...
All things Hendrix: Remembering the greats at Devonshire Downs
December 7, 2013
Whenever a documentary is released on the history of rock and roll showcasing countless festival performances, Woodstock is always a hot topic. But what about the Newport Pop Festival at Devonshire Downs in Northridge? For many, the thought of rock and roll royalty like Jimi Hendrix, Steppenwolf, J...
Classical accordionist, John Torcello, on playing under John Williams and the accordion’s rich history
December 6, 2013
Beginning to play the accordion at age 7, John Torcello went on to become an accomplished classical accordionist, playing venues including the Hollywood Bowl, Dorothy Chandler Music Center and the Walt Disney Concert Hall among others. Torcello often plays with orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The...
Brian Stokes Mitchell to perform at the VPAC with tunes from his album “Simply Broadway”
December 4, 2013
Brian Stokes Mitchell will take center stage at the VPAC Saturday Dec. 7 showcasing his tremendous range of talents for a memorable evening of broadway tunes. Audience members will be in for a real treat as "Stokes" plays the melodica, an organ-keyed instrument related to the harmonica on at least one...
CSUN partners with law school to offer accelerated degree program
December 2, 2013
California State University, Northridge recently signed a partnership agreement with Southwestern Law School that will allow students interested in the program to earn their law degrees in less time. The 3+3 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program will begin in Fall 2014 an...
Boston Pops prove orchestras can play “Bohemian Rhapsody” with memorable VPAC performance
November 29, 2013
Often referred to as "America's Orchestra," the world famous Boston Pops surprised first-time listeners at the VPAC last Thursday by mixing a variety of musical styles for an enjoyable evening. Audience members were taken back in time with iconic pieces including "Rhapsody in Blue," "Stars and Strip...
Monday Night Football, free prizes at The Pub
November 26, 2013
For some CSUN football fans, “Monday Night Football” at The Pub has become a weekly tradition and has become popular among the CSUN community. “The event draws 90 to 100 students depending on the teams playing,” said Elena Lomali, commercial services attendant for the event. As students b...
Turtle Island Quartet and Nellie McKay transcend musical boundaries with VPAC performance
November 15, 2013
For Turtle Island member Mark Summer, the city of Northridge holds a special place in his heart. The talented quartet along with special guest, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nellie McKay brought their unique talents to the VPAC last Thursday. As Summer greeted the audience, he shared...
The Oak Ridge Boys bring early Christmas spirit to the VPAC
November 14, 2013
Celebrating their 40 year anniversary, the Oak Ridge Boys are bringing their four-part harmonies to the VPAC for two shows in one on Friday, Dec. 13 at 8:00 p.m. The group will kick off the show by performing a medley of their hits and then following an intermission, the group will perform a complete...
Day in the life: Music Publicist, Anne Leighton
November 9, 2013
"I just love the media!" publicist Anne Leighton said. She is the owner of Anne Leighton Media, Music Services and Motivation in New York City and provides media outreach services to classic rock artists including Blackmore's Night, Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull and Grand Funk Railroad. She took t...