Music In The Air

This weekend has been loaded with amazing and eclectic music in the Hudson Valley. Phan Media has been mixing it up. From mid-Hudson's underground hip-hop scene in Middletown to a set of diversified, energetic musicians rocking out in Beacon and ending with lovely, youthful and strong voices of Newburgh's Got Talent held at the renowned Ritz Theater.

Friday night in Middletown was brisk but got heated up whence inside the now Skyline venue (formerly Sound Asylum). About a half dozen emcess took the stage at the Rock The Mic show hosted by artist/producer, Supreme Da Almighty. It was set off by a cypher of freestyles by the various rappers then individual sets from Prometheus, MC Ol Sol, Mindset with King Odin, Decaf Black and a collaborative group called. ...Dry Cereal. It was a good show. The DJ's were dope. DJ Papi Blaze and DJ King James.  Not much of a crowd but they all did their thing.

Saturday night, we set out the Southern Dutchess Bowl, a bowling alley in Beacon. It facilitates a bar and stage area for artists. This night, 2 great acrs set the stage. First up was a young, eclectic and stylish female soloist, kidaudra. She's dope! She makes her own beats, sings and loops her own sing while live playing her funky fusion for us to enjoy. She's a mix of the 80's Madonna, Depeche Mode , Flying Lotus and the fun era of music with all it's creativity. I really enjoyed her and became an instant fan. Looking forward to more of her works and collaborating with her on some creative visuals. She opened up for Pontoon. An instrumental trio that is nore explosive. Comprised of synth keyboardist and vocals, Cary Janks a drummer, Tom Pontoon and a trombonist, synth player, Chris Janks. Their 4th element is the visual effects playing behind them on a screen projected playing some funky colors, shapes and imagery that adds a total elevated and mind scaping atmosphere to the whole show. Very energetic. Great musicianship and performance. They are definitely something this area needs. The brought Brooklyn to Beacon.

And finally, it ended in Newburgh with Newburgh's Got Talent. A talent show for the youth which had a variety and diversity of ages, backgrounds and talent. All were vocalist with the exception of 1 dancer and 1 of the singers wrote her own song. I, along side Newburgh's own, great gospel vocalist, Ralph Williams and Safe Harbors Jenn D'Andrea were the judges. The participants were all great and we some have great potential in our nect generation of artists. 2 of the top were siblings. The top 3 won prizes but all were winners. 1st place winner was Jada Oglesby, who has a strong voice and bright future ahead. Her sister, Jamilee, won 3rd, with a little powerful, operatic Mia Martinez placing 2nd. Great crowd and support for this whole reception. Glad I was part of it.

Phan Media is getting started and looking forward to soon bringing you all the visual episodes in the very near future.