Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris

Well known concert pianist Kimball Gallagher has made a huge impact on the lives of countless young people through his global non profit "88 International" Kimball Gallagher recently wrapped a two-week U.S. tour with the Tunisia 88 Alumni Choir, a group of young musicians who helped build those clubs from the ground up to what eventually became 88 International. The tour moved through universities, community spaces, and cultural institutions along the East Coast, with collaborations at Yale, Princeton, Bowdoin, Duke, and others. Along the way, the choir shared the story of how a student-led movement grew into an international network, and the tour set the stage for what Kimball is building next. On April 13th, Kimball returns to Carnegie Hall for his first solo recital there in over a decade. The program will combine classical repertoire with music shaped by his experiences working with students across Africa and Asia, with members of the Tunisia88 Alumni Choir joining him on stage, bringing the exchange and energy of the tour back to one of the world's most iconic halls. Kimball's path also defies the traditional classical trajectory. Raised in Boston, he pushed back against a strict musical upbringing, rediscovered the piano on his own terms, and later studied at Rice and Juilliard. Early on, he questioned the narrow routes available to concert pianists and began experimenting with salon-style house concerts that emphasized connection over convention. His idea to fund a piano by asking 88 donors to sponsor 88 keys became a turning point, showing him how music could build community far beyond the concert hall. That experiment led to a seven-continent concert journey and eventually to the founding of 88 International. Supported by partners including the European Investment Bank, the German Federal Foreign Office, and the U.S. State Department, the organization has reached more than 200,000 students and helped spark programs across North Africa, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. With the Tunisia88 Alumni Choir's U.S. debut and his upcoming Carnegie Hall recital, Kimball is reconnecting his global work with his artistic roots. It's a full-circle moment for an artist who has spent the past two decades blurring the lines between performance and purpose. website www.kimballgallagher.com www.88international.org   social media www.instagram.com/kimball.gallagher www.instagram.com/88internationalmusic  YouTube Tunisia88 https://youtube.com/@tunisia88?si=vCabRnbVuxOKuL8q  About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh For inquiries, contact: [email protected] Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell  voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer    

Rick Morse is a Senior Financial Advisor along with being a Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Long Island, NY. In this episode Rick talks about music, your money, and planning your future! Rick graduated from Ithaca College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He earned his Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification and the Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ designation. He is a member of Investment Management Consultants Association, CFP Board of Standards and the Institute for Preparing Heirs. Rick grew up navigating two worlds with complimentary sets of values. One culture focused on achieving success while the other focused on enjoying success. His focus includes multi-generational wealth planning, business succession strategies and tax aware investment management. He advises high net worth families, corporate executives, foundations and profit sharing plans. His goal is to help clients bridge the gap between building wealth and preserving it and has his clients make thoughtful, unhurried decisions. Rick has the knowledge, experience, and access to fully capitalize on the extensive resources and global reach of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.  Website https://advisor.ml.com/sites/ny/melville-ny/morse-group Listed as Richard Morse on the website Location Melville, NY About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh For inquiries, contact: [email protected] Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell  voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer          

About Michael Hampton  After studying jazz guitar in high school, an impromptu backstage audition for George Clinton in 1974 earned 17-year-old Michael a seat on the Parliament mothership alongside the immortal Eddie Hazel, under the name "Kidd Funkadelic". Hampton has spent the past half-century playing nearly 400 shows with the band, in 25 countries across 6 continents. Highlights include multiple appearances at world-renowned festivals like Montreux Jazz, Glastonbury, Reading, Woodstock '99, Coachella, Bonnaroo, Roskilde, Lollapalooza, Fuji Rock, and Isle of Wight, and venues like the Apollo Theater, The Fillmore, Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Troubadour, Red Rocks, The Beacon, and Sydney Opera House. Among Hampton's Funkadelic writing credits are group staples like "Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!" and "Funk Gets Stronger", both released during the group's late-'70s/early-80s hit run. His lead guitar is also embedded in the DNA of 90s hip-hop's G-Funk movement-Dr. Dre's "Let Me Ride" samples Parliament's "Mothership Connection", Ice Cube's "Bop Gun" borrows elements of Funkadelic's "One Nation Under a Groove" Michael's latest album "Into the Public Domain" is available now on all streaming outlets.  Social Media: www.Instagram.com/michaelwhampton www.youtube.com/@MaWaHa Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Je4BDRuE01NHCoWlw5hG9?si=pECMNHHxT6-tUONc9pbi-g  About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh For inquiries, contact: [email protected] Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell  voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer        

Harmony Shay: Inside the Heart and Hustle of a Breakout Las Vegas Singer-Songwriter! Las Vegas singer-songwriter Harmony Shay is quickly emerging as a standout voice in modern alt-country. In her recent Rounder Magazine interview, she shared that her passion for music began at age three, inspired by her father's vocal impersonations and early encouragement with a microphone. Writing all her own songs, Harmony uses music as both expression and healing, crafting lyrics that reflect real emotions, personal challenges, and the desire to help listeners feel understood. Blending heartfelt storytelling with a fresh country sound, Harmony has built growing momentum through her live performances, expanding discography, and her recent Rounder Magazine cover feature. As her fan base continues to rise, she remains focused on creating music that resonates deeply and authentically. Website: https://harmonyshay.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonyshaymusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@harmonyshay Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ow353TU7ZCA4bjn2C5XYs?si=HEb6IsaZQCuWLhVQ1TQfJw  About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh For inquiries, contact: [email protected] Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell  voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer      

The Elvis phenomenon continues to captivate fans around the world, and in this episode we dive deep into its enduring magic with top Elvis festival producer Kurt Brown. From the cultural impact of Elvis Presley to the behind-the-scenes work that brings major tribute festivals to life, Kurt shares rare insights, unforgettable stories, and a firsthand look at why the King's legacy remains stronger than ever. Whether you're a lifelong fan or newly discovering Elvis, this conversation sheds light on the timeless appeal of an icon who changed music and show business forever!  Website www.brown-productions.com Social Media www.Instagram.com/kbrownpro All Shook Up website: www.allshookuptribute.com About Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris The Music Matters Podcast is hosted by Darrell Craig Harris, a globally published music journalist, professional musician, and Getty Images photographer. Music Matters is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Podbean, and more. Each week, Darrell interviews renowned artists, musicians, music journalists, and insiders from the music industry. Visit us at: www.MusicMattersPodcast.comFollow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/musicmattersdh For inquiries, contact: [email protected] Support our mission via PayPal: www.paypal.me/payDarrell  voice over intro by Nigel J. Farmer