Many forms of
music originated as a form of expression meant to empower and educate its
listeners. As the music culture evolved and diversified it took various paths,
some positive and some negative, and many people today believe the core
foundation of positive music no longer exists. However, like most forms of art,
the music genre is steadily making a comeback to its original roots of positive
expression. By bringing regions together to showcase their wealth of cultures
through musical concerts, dance performances as well as arts and crafts
exhibits, The Peace Tour provides an avenue to celebrate the true essence of music.
Created as a
daylong festival, The Peace Tour was founded to extend positivity through
multiple platforms to reach the community, primarily focusing on uplifting our
youth. With our youth relying heavily on social media and other technology
mediums, it becomes undeniably difficult to navigate through this already
challenging period of life. As our youth face negative images via the media,
music, and surrounding communities, it becomes our responsibility to give them
ownership within their communities by creating opportunities for them to become
involved in. The Peace Tour contributes to the local youth and families by
providing internship, mentorship, and other opportunities for self-expression
throughout the festival. In addition, The Peace Tour will proudly donate a
percentage of the proceeds to not only local schools, but also organizations
designed to uplift our youth such as Pretty Intelligent, NFL YET, The Boys and
Girls Club and Upward Bound.
The Peace Tour
is not only a day filled with music, art and fashion, but also a unique
opportunity to celebrate the spirit of community. The Peace Tour will have
something for everyone with areas such as "What's Goin' On", inspired
by Marvin Gaye's powerful album which will feature artwork and photography from
students and artists depicting life through their eyes. This year’s production
is set to arrive in Nashville on June 29th at Shelby Park and will
feature nationally recorded artists, as well as local, independent performers
that will illustrate the true essence of music of all genres. Get your tickets
now!
There
is no such thing as a landlocked island, except the one where Sol Cat seems to
live. It’s like a place where the mind isn’t fully aware of its surroundings,
and confusion welcomes the creativity it inspires. Sol Cat’s eponymous
self-released de-but album doesn’t necessarily transport you to South Florida
from Nashville, TN, but that is an appropriate enough concept. If Music City
defines firm lines between genres, Sol Cat’s album champions redistricting,
creating challenging new sounds in this arena of the traditional.
Think
of a midnight drive somewhere warm, certainly the top is down, and yes, a
beauty is in the passenger seat. The six-piece band suggests you can take this
foggy, dreamlike scenario with you wherever you go. However, Sol Cat finds its
own contentment and happiness in the valleys of Middle TN, grateful for the
opportunity to tap into the mystical and spiritual musical foundation on which
the land is built. The Athens of the South has an appeal any artist can feel —
an enticing, drawing temptation.
Before
relocating, Sol Cat’s members spent their time across the country, Miami to Los
Angeles, New York City to The Gulf of Mexico. Musical influences span just as
wide, yet an eclec-tic and oceanic resonance remains prevalent in their sound.
Smooth grooves along the lines of George McCrae mix with semi-psych synth
layers, while the likes of The Talking Heads and Laid Back inspire bouncy bass
and slick guitar riffs.
With
such a range of cultural and artistic influence, the creative process is
equally interesting. Vocalist and writer Brett Hammann steers the musical direction
of the band while guitarist Johny Fisher leads the group into new and uncharted
territory. Drummer Ryan Usher provides the rhythmic backbone for bassist Aaron
Martin, who also acts as Sol Cat’s Art Director. Lead guitarist Jaan Cohan
brings catchy licks and skills to melt any face, leaving keyboardist and studio
engineer Jeremy Clark to play intuitively as the music essentially produces
itself. The group is now prepared and eager for the road, with its groundwork
set for the message to spread. The Sol Cat sound is not as unfamiliar as it is
forgotten; and those feelings and emotions poured into music past are ready to
gracefully wash over a new generation. And for that, we salute you!