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Muhal Richard Abrams (1930-2017) was a pioneering force in avant-garde jazz. From his humble beginnings in Chicago to his role as a revered elder statesman of jazz, Abrams’ journey is a testament to the power of musical exploration and community-building. The Early Spark Born on September 19, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, young Richard Abrams found …

Here’s a little treat for this Wednesday: a jam ad created for Russian Sugar directed by Yuri Norstein. It was one of a group of Russian Sugar commercials made by Norstein between 1994 and 1995 that used cutouts and drawings for the animations (a bit past the Soviet era but still delightful and created by …

The unique artistic style of Raymond White Skolfield, a renowned artist of the 20th century, emerged as a remarkable fusion of visionary realism. Skolfield’s work, primarily in the medium of lithograph, is imbued with a sense of realism that captures the essence of his subjects with striking precision and detail. Yet, there is an element …

Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor Ronnie Drew, best known as a founder of and singer for The Dubliners, was born Joseph Ronald Drew on this day September 16, 1934 in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland. The Dubliners, originally known as The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group, have been a significant pillar in the world of Irish folk music. Their unique blend …

Picture this: a dimly lit studio, filled with layers upon layers of intricately cut paper figures, and a man hunched over his work table, bringing life to these static images one frame at a time. This is the world of Yuri Norstein, often hailed as the greatest animator of all time. Born on this day …

In his essay of the “Cultures of Tiki,” Scott Lukas noted that in modern presentations of Tiki cultures that had little to do with Tiki of the past like the soft surf culture and the former car culture. These are now becoming a part of the Tiki culture. This is particularly true of surf music, …

Born on this day September 13, 1922, Yma Sumac, often referred to as the “Peruvian Songbird,” was a legendary soprano known for her extraordinary vocal range. Born in Peru’s high Andes region, she rose to international fame in the 1950s, captivating audiences worldwide with her unique voice and exuberant performances. Yma Sumac was not just …

Born on this day September 12, 1928 in Long Beach, California, Robert Irwin, a pioneer of the Light and Space movement, has been instrumental in redefining the field of installation art. His dedication towards creating immersive experiences that alter perception and challenge the boundaries of physical space has made a lasting impression on contemporary art. His …

From the heart of Havana, the captivating Cuban spirit has been melodiously echoed to the world by the enchanting Bola de Nieve. Born Ignacio Jacinto Villa Fernández on this day, September 11, 1911, Bola de Nieve, meaning “Snowball”, was a virtuoso singer, musician, and composer who left an impact on the world of Latin music. …

Israel Abramofsky was an embodiment of artistic brilliance, a painter who influenced the global art scene. Born in Russia on September 10, 1888, his journey to becoming a celebrated artist was marked by challenges, perseverance, and passion. His family’s migration to the United States when he was just 12 years old laid the foundation for …