Frank Potenza to be honored in native Rhode Island
Frank Potenza, a member of USC Thornton’s Studio/Jazz Guitar faculty, will be inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. The Providence native lived in Rhode Island until the 1980’s and formerly taught at the Rhode Island School of Music. Potenza, who is an active performer, composer and arranger, has released 9 solo albums… Continue reading Frank Potenza to be honored in native Rhode Island
Támar Davis performs at MojaMoja Brunch & Benefit Concert
USC Thornton Music Industry alumna Támar Davis (’02) performed at the 9th annual MojaMoja Brunch & Benefit concert last month, celebrating the life and musical legacy of Prince. Davis, known professionally as Támar, competed on the hit NBC show “The Voice” and was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for the 2006 song “Beautiful, Loved and… Continue reading Támar Davis performs at MojaMoja Brunch & Benefit Concert
Thornton faculty member Dana Gioia defends the NEA in LA Times Op-Ed
California Poet Laureate and USC Thornton Arts Leadership faculty member Dana Gioia outlined the remarkable successes of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and challenged arguments to defund the organization in a recent Los Angeles Times Op-Ed. Gioia, who was twice unanimously confirmed by the Senate to lead the NEA, from 2003 through 2009,… Continue reading Thornton faculty member Dana Gioia defends the NEA in LA Times Op-Ed
Vince Mendoza releases album with WDR Big Band
The WDR Big Band will release an album of music by USC Thornton Jazz composer and alumnus Vince Mendoza, who is currently Composer in Residence and 1st Guest Conductor for the Cologne, Germany, based ensemble. Homecoming, which will be released March 3rd, features 7 original tracks composed especially for the band and recorded live at… Continue reading Vince Mendoza releases album with WDR Big Band
Alumnus Ray Zepeda presents a Milton Babbitt tribute concert
Saxophonist Ray Zepeda (MM ’98, Jazz Studies), founder and artistic director of the Bakersfield New Music Collective, recently organized a tribute concert for the serial composer, Milton Babbitt. The free event, entitled “Re-Imagining Milton Babbitt: A Centennial Celebration for an Exceptional American,” took place at The Mark in downtown Bakersfield and featured seminal pieces by… Continue reading Alumnus Ray Zepeda presents a Milton Babbitt tribute concert
Alumni arrange and score for Paramount’s “XXX: Return of Xander Cage”
USC Thornton Screen Scoring alumni Robert Lydecker (BM ’08, film scoring, GCRT ‘09, SMPTV), Kenny Wood (GCRT ‘09, SMPTV) and Harrison Lee (GCRT ’12, SMPTV) worked on the score for Paramount’s new film XXX: Return of Xander Cage, which was released this past January. Wood and Lee served as arrangers on the project, while Lydecker… Continue reading Alumni arrange and score for Paramount’s “XXX: Return of Xander Cage”
Alumna, jazz violinist Nora Germain authors new book
Jazz violinist and USC Thornton alumna Nora Germain (’14) recently authored a book entitled, Go For It… Surviving the Challenges of Becoming an Artist. Presented as vignettes from Germain’s professional life story, the book strives to encourage young artists to find their entrepreneurial spirit. In a video on her website, Germain said, “I discuss issues… Continue reading Alumna, jazz violinist Nora Germain authors new book
MUNA performs on Jimmy Kimmel Live
The band MUNA was featured on the February 6th episode of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, performing two songs from their latest album, “About U.” Formed by USC Thornton Popular Music alumni Katie Gavin (BA ’15) and Josette Maskin (’16), along with Naomi McPherson, the band caught the world’s attention with their 2016 single, “Loudspeaker.” MUNA… Continue reading MUNA performs on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Paul Jackson, Jr.
GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. is Adjunct Assistant Professor with USC Thornton’s Popular Music Program.
Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane to perform at Hotel Cafe
USC Thornton Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane will perform at Hotel Cafe’s Second Stage in Los Angeles as part of a spring residency. Crane, who was part of the Popular Music program’s inaugural class, is scheduled to perform February 2, March 2, April 6, and May 4. Best known for her single Psycho, which she… Continue reading Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane to perform at Hotel Cafe