This week, the giant concert promoter Live Nation confirmed what most industry observers already knew: ticket sales in 2010 have been lousy. The company says this could lead to lower ticket prices, but it may not be that simple. My story aired on NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday.
Promoters and artists are blaming the sluggish economy for a 17 percent drop in revenue from concert ticket sales. But some say the industry itself deserves part of the blame for a rash of canceled shows this year. My story aired on NPR’s All Things Considered.
Roky Erickson is mostly famous as a cautionary tale: a rock singer who took too many psychedelic drugs, then struggled with mental illness. Now, Erickson is mounting an unlikely comeback with the help of Okkervil River, an indie-rock band he inspired.
This week, the Philadelphia Orchestra begins a tour of Korea, Japan and China. For the orchestra, it may be a welcome vacation from problems at home. Sagging attendance and ballooning deficits have raised the possibility of bankruptcy. My story aired on NPR’s All Things Considered.
After nearly a year of scrutiny, the Justice Department announced a proposed settlement that would allow Live Nation and Ticketmaster to merge — if certain conditions are met. My story aired on NPR’s Morning Edition.
The Internet has made it easier than ever to get out-of-print recordings back in circulation. But often, it’s fans — not record labels — who are doing the legwork. My story aired on All Things Considered.
With more than 80 commissions and a Pulitzer Prize to his name, George Walker helped blaze a trail for African-American composers. Now the 87 year-old composer is sharing the spotlight with his son, violinist Gregory Walker. My story aired on All Things Considered.
These days, you can make a decent-sounding record in your bedroom with a laptop computer. That’s meant hard times for many professional recording studios. My story aired on All Things Considered.
Forty years ago, the Woodstock Music and Art Fair was billed as three days of peace and music. Today, it’s being marketed as — well, let’s just say it’s being marketed. My story aired on NPR’s Morning Edition.
For 50 years, the Newport Folk Festival has been at the center of a debate over what exactly constitutes “real” folk music. My story aired on NPR’s All Things Considered.
