Category: Featured

A Modern History of Tiki Music

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, …

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Frank Armitage: Disney Artist and Mural Maestro

Born on this day September 5, 1924, Frank Armitage was an Australian-born American artist whose brush strokes brought magic to both the silver screen and theme park walls. His journey from Melbourne to the heart of Disney’s creative empire is a testament to the power of artistic passion and perseverance. Disney’s Background Wizard Armitage’s talent …

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Soviet Film Wednesday: Tenderness

Full of the vibrant energy of the outdoors and whimsical romance, Tenderness (Нежность, Nezhnost) was director Elyer Ishmukhamedov’s first major film, made in 1966-1967, and set in summertime in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. At its release, the film won awards at the International Week Of Asian Film Festival in Frankfort and at the Locarno Film Festival. Tenderness was …

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The Inspiring Journey of Eero Saarinen’s Architectural Marvels

Eero Saarinen, a Finnish-American architect, is globally renowned for his unique, futuristic designs and the significant role he played in shaping the architectural ethos of the 20th century. Saarinen’s career was marked by a great deal of exploration and innovation, breaking away from traditional forms and creating structures that combined functionalism with an artistic touch. …

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The Unique Charm of Bat Trang Pottery Village

Located on the outskirts of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, lies a picturesque village known for its centuries-old craft of pottery making. This village is none other than Bat Trang Pottery Village, a place that has preserved the art of ceramics and nurtured it for generations. Bat Trang Pottery Village is not just a …

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The Voice of Ronnie Spector in the Golden Era of Music

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing melodies and powerful voice of Ronnie Spector, the iconic voice of the Golden Era of Music. From her early days as the lead singer of the groundbreaking girl group, The Ronettes, to her illustrious solo career, Ronnie Spector’s talent and style have captivated audiences for …

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Rien Poortvliet: The Dutch Master of Nature and Folklore

A Brush with Brilliance Rien Poortvliet, a name that might not immediately ring a bell, but his art has likely touched your life in ways you never imagined. This Dutch artist, with his magical ability to capture the essence of nature and folklore, was born on this day, August 7, 1932, in Schiedam, Netherlands. From Advertising …

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The Geometric Wildlife of Charley Harper: A Modernist’s Vision of Nature

In the vibrant world of American Modernist art, few names shine as brightly as Charley Harper. Known for his highly stylized wildlife prints, posters, and book illustrations, Harper carved out a unique niche that continues to captivate art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From Farm to Fame: The Making of a Modernist Born in Frenchton, …

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Felix Leclerc: The Voice of a Generation and the Heart of Quebec’s Music Scene

Born on this day August 2, 1914, in La Tuque, Quebec, Felix Leclerc, a distinguished figure in the world of music, held a significant place in the hearts of Quebec’s music lovers. His unique style and engrossing storytelling ability made him stand out as a beacon of Quebec’s music scene. Known for his melodic voice …

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A Wandering Soul, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott

With a guitar in hand and a lifetime of stories to tell, Elliott has woven himself into the very fabric of folk music history. The Storyteller’s Journey Born Elliott Charles Adnopoz on this day August 1, 1931, Jack’s journey from a Brooklyn doctor’s son to a folk music legend is a tale worthy of one …

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