Each and every week the JME team handpicks the juiciest new tunes from local, regional, national and international artists to add to the rotation on The Independent 89.9 HD4 (and to our tasty, tall-glass-of-a-listening-experience that is our monthly Fresh Squeeze playlist). Each song is chosen with intention. And so we often feel like they are worthy of a broader discussion (or …
Here’s What to Expect from The Independent 89.9 HD4, Our New Music Discovery Station
Today, WJCT Public Media and the Jacksonville Music Experience officially unveiled The Independent 89.9 HD4, our new music discovery radio station. Folks of a certain age may be wondering: What’s a radio station? Well, long before subscription music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal) made available the entirety of recorded music for a flat monthly fee, radio stations provided the connective …
Go | Mighty Oak, the Cummer’s first-ever music festival, is this weekend
How old is too old for a music festival? It’s a question I couldn’t fathom when I was in my early twenties. And one I began giving more thought to as I crossed the midline of my thirties. Certainly, for some, the crowds, the humble accommodations, the late-nights (the mind-altering substances, if you’re into that) never get old. The Cummer …
Two Stages, Projected Sets and Studio 54 | Stage director Gregory Keller on Jax Symphony’s performance of ‘La Bohème’
The Jacksonville Symphony will pull out all the stops when they bring opera back to Jacoby Symphony Hall with two performances of Giacomo Puccini’s lush four-act tale of starving artists: La Bohème. Along with a star-studded cast, the Symphony has called upon longtime Metropolitan Opera stage director Gregory Keller, who has helped reimagine the late 19th-Century opera for Jacoby Symphony …
Local Spotlight | 3 great tracks by Jax artists out now
New music from Lost Club, Cearrow Muri and Freddy Bricks
We’re always keeping our ear to the ground in order to put the spotlight on the beautiful noise emerging from Northeast Florida. This week, Jacksonville Music Experience contributors share three new songs by local artists that we think you’ll really dig. Let’s dive in. “Beach Fuzz” by Lost Club Jax multi-instrumentalist Nick Garcia (AKA Lost Club) rides high and tight …
Go | The best concerts in Jax this week
Houndmouth, Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Billy Strings and the Mighty Oak Music Fest
Each week, the JME team looks long and hard at the concert calendar to identify the best shows in Jacksonville. Our weekly Go recommendations are updated every Monday morning and are always available on jaxmusic.org. Here’s the rundown of what JME contributors want to see and hear in and around Jacksonville this week. Indie Rock Houndmouth – Thursday, April 28 Ponte Vedra …
Recovering and reclaiming Black women’s place in music history
In her forthcoming book, Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop, Danyel Smith writes, “Who else but a Black woman would lead me, or at least take me on trial runs?” That question is an acknowledgement of the countless Black women who have shifted and shaped American popular music, and whose influence on Smith makes up …
Fresh Rotation | 3 new songs we really dig
Buddy shares the “Coolest Things,” Daniel Villarreal and co. are all in and warrior poetry from Yezdin
Each and every week the JME team handpicks the juiciest new tunes from local, regional, national and international artists to add into our tasty, tall-glass-of-a-listening-experience that is our monthly Fresh Squeeze playlist. Each song is chosen with intention. And so we often feel like they are worthy of a broader discussion (or at least a bit of context). Here are three …
How the late jazz great Chick Corea is being remembered — in concert
Chick Corea is known as one of the most powerful pianists, composers, and bandleaders in the history of jazz. He earned 27 Grammy awards and blazed trails across bebop, straight-ahead, free jazz, fusion and Latin jazz over the course of nearly 6 decades. When he died unexpectedly last February from a rare form of cancer, he left dozens of musicians …
Go | The best concerts in Jax this week
Brett Dennen, Jax River Jams goes country and the JME Showcase Series
Each week, the JME team looks long and hard at the concert calendar to identify the best shows in Jacksonville. Our weekly Go recommendations are updated every Monday morning and are always available on jaxmusic.org. Here’s the rundown of what JME contributors want to see and hear in and around Jacksonville this week. JME Showcase Series L.O.V.E. Culture, Huan, Bad Madonna & …
Go | JME Showcase Series at Underbelly
Catch five emerging Jacksonville acts on one stage
WJCT Public Media and the Jacksonville Music Experience are putting the spotlight on the artists making noise in Northeast Florida with the JME Showcase Series (Stop #2) at Underbelly in Downtown Jacksonville On Thursday, April 21, we’ll bring another eclectic, all-local lineup to the stage, with singer-songwriter Bad Madonna, indie-folk artist Howdy, new wave band Seagate, indie-pop standout Huan and hip-hop collective L.O.V.E. Culture. Doors are …
Local Spotlight | 3 new tracks by Jax artists out now
New music from L.O.V.E Culture and Ebony-Payne English feat. Ulysses Owens Jr, plus Jawberry’s debut
We’re always keeping our ear to the ground in order to put the spotlight on the beautiful noise emerging from Northeast Florida. This week, Jacksonville Music Experience contributors share three new songs by local artists that we think you’ll really dig. Let’s dive in. “Growth” by L.O.V.E. Culture Duval hip-hop ensemble L.O.V.E. Culture stay prolific with their latest, a single …
Go | The best concerts of the week in Jax
Luna Luna, Drive-By Truckers, Boyz II Men, Bon Iver and more
Each week, the JME team looks long and hard at the concert calendar to identify the best shows in Jacksonville. Our weekly Go recommendations are updated every Monday morning and are always available on jaxmusic.org. Here’s the rundown of what JME contributors want to see and hear in and around Jacksonville this week. Alt-Country Drive-By Truckers – Tuesday, April 12 Ponte Vedra …
Just Announced | Robert Glasper added to Jax Jazz Fest lineup
The celebrated pianist and in-demand collaborator brings 'Black Radio' to Jax
Celebrated pianist Robert Glasper will perform at the 2022 Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Glasper joins a lineup that already included legendary artists Herbie Hancock and George Benson. Best known for his star-studded collaborations across his series of albums –– Black Radio, Black Radio II, Black Radio III –– Glasper is one of the most sought after composers in contemporary music, writing and …
On ‘Eureka Springs’ Cory Driscoll Chronicles a Physical and Emotional Journey
Jax singer-songwriter on how a road trip to America's heartland inspired his latest concept album
In an era in which music streaming services seem to encourage consumption of singles, Jax-based singer-songwriter Cory Driscoll writes tunes based around a theme in order to create an entire body of work –– it’s called an album, kids. Driscoll’s been in several musical projects over the years, but his first record under his given name, 2018’s Tropical Depression, was …
Fresh Rotation | 3 new tracks JME Contributors think you should listen to
The Stroppies make uncool cool, Mark Turner turns jazz on its ear and Angel Olsen soars above the fray
Each and every week the JME team handpicks the juiciest new tunes from local, regional, national and international artists to add into our tasty, tall-glass-of-a-listening-experience that is our monthly Fresh Squeeze playlist. Each song is chosen with intention. And so we often feel like they are worthy of a broader discussion (or at least a bit of context). Here are three …
Watch Jacksonville Artists’ Tiny Desk Contest Entries
Jax's got talent
The Tiny Desk Contest is back for 2022, with a new (and stacked) panel of judges and another opportunity for unsigned artists to earn an invite to perform on the revered, improvised stage in front of Bob Boilen’s desk at NPR Music HQ. Listen to our interview with Tiny Desk creator Bob Boilen from First Coast Connect. Over the past …
Buffalo Nichols Pushes the Blues into its 21st-Century Phase
The buzzed-about musician believes the blues is, generally, not cool
When it comes to performing his music to an unfamiliar, new audience, Carl “Buffalo” Nichols has no expectations. While his music might be framed within the blues expression, Nichols is being rightfully lauded for his inventive personal approach to taking the music out of any rigid confines. After 12 years of performing as solo artist or with his early Americana-style …
New Mix | A musical journey from the Electro Lounge to parts unknown
The Electro Lounge lets Bogie and Bacall and Minus 8 take us to “Elysian Fields.” Then Slow Train Soul brings us back to earth “Naturally,” Mo‘ Horizons –– the DJ duo from Hannover Germany –– play their special brand of downtempo trip hop with “Soho Vibes.” And Curtis Harding sings “I Won’t Let You Down.” Plus there’s lots of fresh nu jazz, lounge and independent music, as well as classic Electro Lounge staples to enjoy –– …
Go | The best concerts in Jax this week
Buffalo Nichols, Jax River Jams, Cory Driscoll album release, Samantha Fish
Each week, the JME team looks long and hard at the concert calendar to identify the best shows in Jacksonville. Our weekly Go recommendations are updated every Monday morning and are always available on jaxmusic.org. This week, emerging blues master Buffalo Nichols, rock-and-roller Samantha Fish and world renowned pianist Jonathan Biss visit Jacksonville. Meanwhile, local musician Cory Driscoll celebrates the release of …
On ‘Melt My Eyez See Your Future,’ Denzel Curry’s ambitions get the best of him
Let’s be honest about South Florida’s rap scene: The region is full of creative talent, most of it unheralded. The Haitian hairstyles, Trick Daddy’s dirty grimaces, Miami Hurricanes jackets and “The U” hand symbol that dominates Miami’s hot blocks are pillars of the South. And yet, the melodic stylings of Atlanta and Louisiana draw most of the region’s attention, even …
New Mix | Fresh Squeeze
Discover the best new music by local, regional, national and international artists
Each month, JME contributors pick the juiciest noise emanating from Northeast Florida and beyond for our Fresh Squeeze playlist. Featuring a few dozen new tunes from local, regional, national and international artists, there are no rules or genre restrictions; just songs we thought were worth a share. This month we’ve got a ton of great new music in rotation, including …
Fresh Rotation | 4 songs the JME team is listening to right now
New music from Guerilla Toss, Big K.R.I.T. and Wiz Khalifa, The Chats and Harkin
Each and every week the JME team handpicks the juiciest new tunes from local, regional, national and international artists to add into our tasty, tall-glass-of-a-listening-experience that is our monthly Fresh Squeeze playlist. Each song is chosen with intention. And so we often feel like they are worthy of a broader discussion (or at least a bit of context). Here are four …
Who’s Playing Jacksonville in April?
The best concerts in Jax this month
The 2022 concert calendar is filling up fast. And April looks to be a great introduction to about the quantity and quality of live music on tap for Northeast Florida this spring and summer. Down in St. Augustine, The Amp recently kicked off their 2022 season in early March and they’ll look to build off that strong start in April with …
Madi Diaz | Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music’s Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It’s the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space. Fitting many people into a small space has been key to the Tiny Desk formula since its …
Local Spotlight | 3 fresh tracks from Jacksonville artists
New music from Leo Sun, Ducats and Left on High
We’re always keeping our ear to the ground in order to put the spotlight on the beautiful noise emerging from Northeast Florida. This week, Jacksonville Music Experience contributors share three new songs by local artists that we think you’ll really dig. Let’s dive in. “Tomorrowland” by Left On High Duval punk overlords Left On High have wasted no time in …
Koffee, already a Grammy-winning globetrotter, is in full control for ‘Genius’ debut
At the 2018 edition of the Jamaican reggae festival Rebel Salute, legendary singer Cocoa Tea interrupted his set to introduce a petite, teenaged female artist, excitedly telling the audience of more than 10,000: “This little 17-year-old from Spanish Town is Jamaica’s next female sensation; come in Koffee.” Although relatively unknown at the time, Koffee’s rapid-fire, patois-heavy vocals on that first …
Tiny Desk Meets SXSW | Maxo Kream
Every year, NPR Music participates in the SXSW music festival, whether it’s curating a stage or simply attending hundreds of shows at the annual event in Austin, Texas. In 2020, the festival was canceled due to the pandemic, but it returned last March as an online festival. We programmed a virtual “stage” of Tiny Desk (home) concerts in 2021 in …
Go | This week’s best concerts in and around Jax
Iron & Wine, Taylor Alxnder, Kenny G, Springing the Blues, Tonstartssbandht and more
Each week, the JME team looks long and hard at the concert calendar to identify the best shows in Jacksonville. Our weekly Go recommendations are updated every Monday morning and are always available on jaxmusic.org. This week, singer-songwriter Iron & Wine, smooth-jazz maestro Kenny G and popular ambient Orlando duo Tonstartssbandht will visit Jax. Meanwhile, celebrated local multi-hyphenate GeeXella returns, …
Just Announced | Alt-country band American Aquarium at PV Concert Hall
Purveyors of anthemic alt-country, North Carolina-bred American Aquarium has announced a summer tour of the East Coast with a stop at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, returning to Northeast Florida for the first time since their November 2021 performance at Jack Rabbits. The brainchild of bandleader BJ Barham, the group’s latest iteration is touring 2020’s critically lauded, Shooter-Jennings-produced Lamentations. In 2021, …
Fresh Rotation | 3 new songs we really dig
A sonic trip with Lala Lala, a pipe-organ-fueled ride with Anna von Hausswolff and Alex Cameron's solitary "K Hole"
Each and every week the JME team handpicks the juiciest new tunes from local, regional, national and international artists to add into our tasty, tall-glass-of-a-listening-experience that is our monthly Fresh Squeeze playlist. Each song is chosen with intention. And so we often feel like they are worthy of a broader discussion (or at least a bit of context). Here are three …
Tiny Desk Meets SXSW | KAINA
Every year, NPR Music participates in the SXSW music festival, whether it’s curating a stage or simply attending hundreds of shows at the annual event in Austin, Texas. In 2020, the festival was canceled due to the pandemic, but it returned last March as an online festival. We programmed a virtual “stage” of Tiny Desk (home) concerts in 2021 in …
With ‘Americancer,’ the Legend of the Late Paten Locke Grows
The auditory footprint of the late-and-eternally-great Duval hip-hop artist is still being measured
The death of Duval hip-hop artist Paten Locke is still a sore subject among his friends and fans, over two years after the man was felled by lung cancer. But, at the same time, those same friends and fans have been aggressive about pushing to keep his name and his legacy alive. This is possible largely due to Locke’s own …
Local Spotlight | 4 new tracks from Jax artists out now
Daddy’s infectious debut, Ashton Chase kicks off MVP Season, Cory Driscoll sets off for 'Eureka Springs' and Paten Locke offers oodles of posthumous style
We’re always keeping our ear to the ground in order to put the spotlight on the beautiful noise emerging from Northeast Florida. This week, Jacksonville Music Experience contributors share four new songs by local artists that we think you’ll really dig. Let’s dive in. “Oodlesofnos” by Paten Locke PL004 – Americancer by PATEN LOCKE This prime cut from Americancer, the …
Go | The best concerts in Jax this week
Country star Charley Crockett, an album release show, electronic trio Joywave, a Patsy Cline cover band and Widespread Panic X 3
Every week, the JME team looks long and hard at the concert calendar to identify the best shows in Jacksonville. Our weekly Go recommendations are updated each Monday morning and are always available on jaxmusic.org. This week, vintage-country aesthete Charley Crockett, indie-electronic-dance trio Joywave and beloved jam band Widespread Panic all visit the First Coast. Also this week, local singer-songwriter …
Just Announced | Herbie Hancock will headline Jacksonville Jazz Fest
George Benson, Christian Sands Trio, Jazzmeia Horn and John Lumpkin also announced
Headliners for the 2022 Jacksonville Jazz Festival have been announced. Back is guitar-phenom George Benson. Youngsters like 30-year-old vocalist and songwriter Jazzmeia Horn, as well as 32-year-old pianist and composer Christian Sands are on the bill. Local drummer and bandleader John Lumpkin will performa as well. But the big news: Herbie Hancock. A multi-instrumentalist and architect of post-bop best known …