New year means new music! This playlist features all the latest releases from our GDPI program partners and local musicians. Kick off 2021 listening to some awesome and exciting new music!
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. Every Kinda People by Scott Marvill: Scott Marvill is a talented jazz bassist/guitarist, originally from Philadelphia. Enjoy his latest release, Every Kinda People!
2. Still 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.
3. All In byXOXOK: 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.
4. Summer by Reliably Bad: Reliably Bad is an 8-member Funk Pop band based in Greensboro. Really? features soulful vocals and a big brass tunes that will make you want to tap your foot and sing along.
5. Dude by Dropping Julia: Lead singer Emily Kresky exudes soulful sass through her storytelling songs. Combined with Sean Bracken (drums), Sam Passe (guitar), Alex Bragg (guitar) and Sebastian Nikischer (bass), Dropping Julia's style is a mixture of mellow and dreamy yet upbeat and funky music.
6. Better Now by DownTown Abby and the Echoes: With powerful vocals and hard-driving rock 'n' soul rhythms, DownTown Abby and the Echoes first came on to the music scene in Asheville, North Carolina. Better Now is the band's most recent single from 2020.
7. Quittin' Again 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.
8. Seasons 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.
9. Dog Days by Ranford Almond: Young singer-songwriter, Ranford Almond, is known for his raspy vocals and folksy tunes that show maturity beyond his years. Dog Days is from Ranford Almond's 2020 debut album "Back Burner."
10. Goodnight Sun 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.
Happy listening! Don't forget to check back next Sunday for more songs by local artists and GDPI partners!