Catch up on all the latest music from local artists and our program partners with this playlist of new releases! This playlist features a wide variety of genres, from funk to folk, to country, soul and rock'n'roll, these artists have you covered. Check out these new tunes from our amazing musical partners and stay up to date on the local music scene with this playlist of 2020 releases!
In 2020, our Programs Department was forced to cancel over 50 FREE concerts due to the public health crisis surrounding Covid-19, along with the cancellation of the other 400+ programs we had planned for the community this year. We are hopeful that in Spring 2021, Greensboro Downtown Parks will be able to return to in-person programming. In the meantime, we're bringing you this new blog series - Park Arts Playlists - a new playlist every week, featuring music from artists that either have performed at the downtown parks before or who would have performed this year.
If you're interested in helping us do more to support artists and creative engagement in our community, please consider becoming a donor and contributing to our $10K in 10 Weeks Campaign.
1. Just Love by William Nesmith: Carolina native, William Nesmith is a classically trained pianist with a passion for creating pop hits. From his inspiring ballads to bubbly bops, Nesmith features his impressive vocal range and a spectrum of emotions in every song.
2. The Hang-Up by Casey Noel: Young singer/songwriter, Casey Noel captivates listeners with her heartfelt music that 'beautifies sadness and gives wings to something tender.' Take a listen to this Americana-tinged song from Noel's debut album, Not Just Pretty Words.
3. New Orleans by Ranford Almond: Young singer-songwriter, Ranford Almond, is known for his raspy vocals and folksy tunes that show maturity beyond his years. New Orleans is from Ranford Almond's 2020 debut album "Back Burner."
4. I'll Be Fine by XOXOK: Keenan Jenkins began his musical career while studying for his Ph.D. at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he played open mics and local artist showcases. Jenkins now performs as XOXOK, creating atmospheric soul music with his incredible vocal range.
5. Always a Good Time by Funkelstiltskin: Funkelstiltskin considers themselves "a party band that grew up in the 90s" with a wide range of musical influences, from neo-soul and R&B to grunge and alternative. Funkelstiltskin was founded on campus at Appalachian State University, and the band currently resides in Boone, NC. Enjoy this song off of Funkelstiltskin's 2020 album, Big Chungus.
6. Somewhere by J Timber: J Timber is a pop, rock, and soul artist, originally from Queens, NY, but now residing in Greensboro. This latest release from J Timber's has a fun tropical groove and an atmospheric beat to transport you to somewhere else as you listen.
7. Blueish Green by Scott Marvill: Scott Marvill is a talented jazz bassist/guitarist, originally from Philadelphia. In Blueish Green, Marvill creates the perfect smooth jazz piece for some easy listening.
8. Fulton County Night by Whiskey Foxtrot: Whiskey Foxtrot is an Americana/Rock'n Roll band based in Winston-Salem, NC that is steeped in the traditions of American music. Whiskey Foxtrot has an extensive range, playing everything from hard-hitting rock and soulful blues, to country waltzes and tender folk ballads. Fulton County Night is a song from Whiskey Foxtrot's 2020 debut album, Hard Lines & Headlights.
9. Finger on the Button by Blue Cactus: Blue Cactus is a country duo based in Chapel Hill, NC. Led by Steph Stewart and Mario Arnez, Blue Cactus creates songs ranging from 'gritty honky-tonk to heartbreaking balladry.' Blue Cactus is known for their impressive vocal harmonies and dynamic twang which characterize the band's unique sound. Enjoy Blue Cactus's latest single, Finger on the Button.
10. Make It Out by Reliably Bad: Reliably Bad is an 8-member Funk Pop band based in Greensboro. "Make It Out" is the first single release from the Reliably Bad band's upcoming album, which is to be released later this month!
Happy listening! Don't forget to check back next Sunday for more songs by local artists and GDPI partners!