Scottsdale, AZ, October 15, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– After a sold-out, kick-off concert on Sept. 28, The Scottsdale Philharmonic has announced the program for its next concert on Sunday, Nov. 16.
“We are excited to present the music from Antonin Dvorak, ‘The New World Symphony’,” says Joy Partridge, executive director of the Scottsdale Philharmonic.
Dvorak is considered a key figure in Czech musical nationalism, skillfully blending the folk music of his country into the symphonic tradition. He spent three years in the United States (1892-1895) as the director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York. During this time, he was inspired by American folk idioms, particularly African-American spirituals, leading to his Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.”
In addition to the Nov. 16 concert, The Scottsdale Philharmonic has set the following dates for its 2025-26 season—Sundays Dec. 7, Feb. 15, March 22, May 3 and June 28—as well as a new pops concert (Star Wars Saga and more) on Sunday, Aug. 2 and a full concert with chorale on Aug. 30.
All concerts for the 2025-26 Season will be held at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Rd., in Scottsdale, from 4-6 p.m.
“We have created a new program called the ‘Student Music Education Program’ to expand classical music to our youth through free ticketing, live streaming, free musical instruments to those in need, and musical scholarships,” says Partridge. “We are als0 planning a children’s concert program.
“We are excited to announce the debut of our Symphony Store, a donation-based store on our website supporting the Scottsdale Philharmonic,” Partridge explains. “Our Symphony Store is the official online donation center of the Scottsdale Philharmonic, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Here, you’ll find a unique selection of donated items and services available as thank-you gifts for your tax-deductible contribution to our symphony.”
Unlike many symphonies, the Scottsdale Philharmonic operates independently, without support from any city, town, or government. “Our ability to share beautiful music relies entirely on the generosity of individual donors and corporate sponsors,” explains Partridge. “Since ticket sales cover only one-third of concert costs, we need the unwavering support and dedication of our donors. If you’re passionate about classical music, please visit our website to donate and join our growing community of supporters.
“This past season showed us how much the community values the power of live classical music,” Partridge says. “As your Valleywide Symphony, we are proud to offer free live streaming for those who can’t attend in person, affordable ticket prices, free tickets to students and veterans, scholarships programs and easy parking. Our mission is to make classical music available to everyone.”
Individual concert tickets range from $20 to $35 and can be purchased online at www.scottsdalephilharmonic.com. For more information about the Scottsdale Philharmonic, to volunteer, or to donate, please visit www.scottsdalephilharmonic.com or call 480-951-6077.
Gaithersburg, MD, September 12, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– After a 15-year struggle, rock band Black Halo has released the debut single from their forthcoming first record, Utopia. The concept album follows two people dealing with the promise of the internet to bring us together with the reality of it tearing us apart.
The album began as one of guitarist Randy Ellefson’s solo records and the first with vocals, but that’s what started the trouble. Over seven years, six singers came and went without finishing their parts, forcing Ellefson to start over. And over. And over. In frustration, he finally gave up.
But the project was never forgotten, and six years later, he returned with singer #3, Atlanta’s Chase Breedlove, coming back to complete it. After adding some new songs, and with the rest of the original lineup long gone, Ellefson hired famed drummer Dirk Verbeuren to help finish it.
The lead single, “Upon Deaf Ears,” tackles a problem familiar to many—asking someone for help only to be told “hang in there” or “it gets better” instead of being listened to, or hearing actionable advice. “While there’s nothing wrong with these phrases,” says Ellefson, “sometimes they’re a copout to avoid getting involved.” His own experience with that led him to write the song.
“Upon Deaf Ears” is now available on all major streaming platforms, BandCamp, SoundCloud, and YouTube. Visit https://linktr.ee/blackhalometal for access to these and Black Halo’s social media, merch, and website hub.
For more information, send to blackhalo@randyellefson.com.
Durham, NC, September 14, 2025 –(CarryOnHarry.com)– Award-winning Southern writer, poet, and performing artist Dasan Ahanu announces the release of his new spoken word album, (STAW) + (REE) + (TEL) + (UH), Vol. 3, now available on all streaming platforms.
The third installment in Ahanu’s celebrated spoken word musical series, (STAW) + (REE) + (TEL) + (UH) continues his exploration of narrative as a vehicle for truth, reflection, and transformation. Produced by North Carolina based producer Mike Blayz, this latest project fuses dynamic lyricism with lush musical backdrops, weaving stories that hold up a mirror to our lives, our communities, and the challenges and triumphs we face.
“Stories have impact,” Ahanu explains. “They center truths. They are mirrors to the soul. They remind us of everything that we are, everything we go through, and everything we have overcome.”
(STAW) + (REE) + (TEL) + (UH), Vol. 3 showcases Ahanu’s commanding voice alongside guest appearances from a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Illpo, J. Melodik, Tamisha Waden, Osc Kelly, Shamika Chantae, Genesis Harris, and Shikeish. The result is a project that is as intimate as it is expansive, affirming Ahanu’s reputation as one of the most compelling storytellers in contemporary spoken word.
With this release, Ahanu once again demonstrates the power of storytelling as a cultural force—one rooted in southern traditions yet resonant across borders, fitting in with the current trend of spoken word albums gaining popularity. The album has been submitted for consideration in the Best Spoken Word Album category at the GRAMMY Awards®. More information on the submission process and the category can be found at https://www.recordingacademy.com/.
