Fall of 2010 is quietly turning into the season of John Lennon . This is due to the occurrence of two significant anniversaries falling within two months of each other. October 9th marked the 70th anniversary of Lennon’s birth in Liverpool and December 8th will be the 40th anniversary of his death at the hands of a gunman in New York City.

The influence that Lennon had as a member of the Beatles is undeniable. Each successive generation eventually finds their way to the groundbreaking music of the Beatles. The newest group of fans are discovering this music through unexpected sources. Both the production of Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles LOVE and The Beatles Rock Band game have brought the music of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr to the imaginations of hordes of new fans. With Halloween falling in the middle of this season of Lennon and Beatles resurgence, don’t be surprised to see a few Beatles Costumes pop up on October 31st.

Lennon’s music post-Beatles has received nearly as much critical acclaim as his work with the group. Iconic songs such as “Imagine” will get their fair share of airplay as radio programs, documentaries, concerts, and news features pay tribute to the fallen musician. His tireless work to encourage world peace is also remembered and carried on by the work of his widow, Yoko Ono , as well as countless individuals, famous and not-so-famous, who were and continue to be inspired by this legendary figure.

Remembering John Lennon is a post from: Mountain Monkeys

The origins of music are lost in the mists of prehistory. However, it is possible to trace the history of sheet music because, by definition, it is history of recording musical notation either by hand or by print.

Prior to the 15th century, western music to be notated is preserved in handwritten manuscripts . These were bound into large volumes and usually consisted of monophonic, or single part pieces. If multiple instruments or voices were required, they were usually written separately on facing pages. It was very rare to find multiple parts written simultaneously rather than sequentially. Manuscripts continued to be used through the 18th century.

Reproducing scores in print was more difficult, as the symbols and notations required three separate passes through a printing machine. The first known machine-printed music is dated to circa 1473. Early printing continued to print each part separately, usually in distinct books for each performer.

The late nineteenth century saw an explosion of piano sheet music being published in America. Until the introduction of recorded music, in the form of the victrola and phonograph, pianos were a common item in middle class homes and families purchased sheet music to provide in home entertainment.

Sheet Music History is a post from: Mountain Monkeys

Get ready, NAS is coming to Honolulu! This concert should be awesome! Click Here to find a hotel for your stay! Great atmosphere and a sure to be great performance from King of east coast rap! While there is much controversy as to who the king of east coast rap is, there is no denying that Nas is a top contender. His flow is out of control! With a well established career beginning in 1994, Nas has never failed to deliver. Since the tragic death of east coast rapper Notorious B.I.G. only two artists have risen up to proclaim his title: Nas and Jay Z.

Notorious B.I.G was murdered on March 9, 1997 as a result of an east coast west coast feud with rapper Tupac Shakur. Although Nas had a self proclaimed rivalry with Biggie, both artists were linked positively to him. Nas and jay Z started out as potential collaborators, but fate took another turn. Although the rivalry between Jay Z and Nas has been long, they have always made sure to keep the heat on the records and off the streets. With songs like “Ether” and “Stillmatic” Nas has used his lyrical talent to take jabs at Jay Z. Jay Z has answered back with “People talking”, and “The Takeover”.

Nas has seemed to be flying under the radar while his rival Jay Z has been flying high! With a new marriage to pop star Beyonce Knowels and pictures of them in the white house, Jay Z has been basking in the spotlight. Nas, on the other hand, has divorced his artist wife Kelis and been keeping a low profile. It is good to see Nas getting back into the mainstream. Mainstream media, that is. Nas has always prided himself with having an underground edge and not selling out to the masses. And, in true Nas form there will also be a tribute mural being painted during the concert. Nas will be performing with Shady Records Dj Green Lantern at the Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace on March 19, 2010!

Nas in Honolulu! is a post from: Mountain Monkeys