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Singer/songwriter Vanessa Collier’s sixth album Do It My Own Way comes out September 13 via Phenix Fire Records. Recorded on analog gear with the musicians largely in one room, Do It My Own Way is sonically inspired by the classic Memphis soul sound of Stax and Hi Records, especially that of the Staples Singers. Second single “Wild As a Rainstorm,” which dives deep into soul territory, powerfully gives advice to women and people who feel left out to ignore the naysayers and “Be a tapestry of dreams.” The track been added to Spotify’s official Retro Soul playlist. The groove and horns would make Willie Mitchell proud, and indeed features legendary Hi Records organist Rev. Charles Hodges. The vocals are powerful, awe-inspiring, and undeniably soulful vocals. The songwriter/bandleader made her Chicago Blues Festival debut this year, in front of tens of thousands. Best known in the blues world – she’s a twelve-time Blues Music Award nominee and four-time winner, including for the monumental Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year, Horn Player of the Year, and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year this year – Do It My Own Way finds her influenced by soul artists like Mavis Staples, Sharon Jones, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin. Blues Blast Mag said, “Vanessa is an important part of the future of the blues.” Born in Texas, growing up in Maryland, launching her career in Philadelphia, and now residing in South Carolina, Collier grew up listening to an eclectic variety of music. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, she joined blues legend Joe Louis Walker’s band, going solo at his urging, and has become a notable artist “whose rise to the top is nothing short of meteoric” (Making a Scene). She has opened concerts for Blues Traveler. Her prior studio album, Heart On The Line, spent nine weeks in the Billboard Blues Album Chart top 15. Visit: https://artcenter.org/event/vanessacollier/ Vanessa Collier on Instagram and Facebook

Tyler Grant is a National Flatpicking Champion and renowned guitarist, singer, songwriter, storyteller, producer, and educator. His adventurous career has spanned the better part of thirty years, and has taken him from his roots in East County San Diego to sideman to bandleader and from young hotshot to mentor in the bluegrass, Americana, and jam band scenes. His sixth solo release, Tryin’ To Have A Good Time, captures the image of a life-long wanderer staking out musical roots which extend to a canopy of song, inviting the listener into a home long sought after. Tyler founded the Cosmic Americana band Grant Farm® in 2010. After five albums, a collaborative release with Fruition (the celebrated Meeting On The Mountain EP), eleven episodes of the Meeting On The Mountain LIVE Broadcast®, and hundreds of concerts and festival sets around the United States, the band called an indefinite hiatus, seeking new directions during the “Great Pause” of 2020. Those new directions included becoming a river rafting guide and hosting musical raft adventures. When not on the road, the stage, the river, or keeping up with students on ArtistWorks, Grant spends most of his time in Colorado and California, searching for that perfect combination of song and story, and practicing the heck out of his guitar. www.tylergrant.com Opening for Tyler, Travis Oliver is an acoustic guitarist, singer, and songwriter who specializes in flatpicking guitar and roots music. Currently based in Ocean Beach, he was raised between the mountains and swamps throughout the southeastern United States, taking in musical influences along the way. Those influences include Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Reno and Smiley, The Allman Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, and Phish. He began learning the art of acoustic roots music at an early age and spent many years honing his musical voice and style. As a tenth generation Appalachian, he comes from families rich in musical heritage, like his cousin and International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee Arthur Lee “Red” Smiley. Travis’ performances strategically balance fiery guitar picking, tone filled melodies, heartfelt ballads, and witty song selections to entertain the listener. Visit: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/tyler-grant-templars-hall-in-old-poway-tickets/13609584 Tyler Grant on Instagram and Facebook

Discounted admission to the cat cafés and adoption centers are being offered to people who've lost so much in the fires.

In their new book of photos and essays, San Diego-based authors and cat welfare advocates Hannah Shaw and Andrew Marttila delve into the different ways cats live and interact with humans around the world.

Civil War-era hobos hopped trains to find work. Content creators hop trains with their GoPros. Hitching rides on the railroad is an American tradition.

Art Scene West is exhibiting fine art photography of every genre and showcasing eclectic visual art captured by a camera. On December 14th, we will host an Opening Reception celebrating a collection of photographs highlighting the world's natural beauty, California scenery and incredible landmarks. Our gallery is located in Seaport Village of downtown San Diego, a beautiful attraction where tourists, convention goers, and locals gather to enjoy the seaside businesses, luxury restaurants, and beautiful Southern California weather. Join us in appreciating breathtaking photography as artists, photographers and San Diego creatives come together inside our gallery. Visit: https://www.artscenewest.com/ Art Scene West on Instagram and Facebook

Time is of the essence for a Brazilian neuroscientist who wants to study whale and dolphin brains before the brains decompose in the heat.

The website Rest of World got entries from 45 countries for a photo contest focusing on technology. Here are their top picks — from facial scans for migrants to kids in a Mongolian tent transfixed by a film.

The National Nuclear Security Administration is a semi-autonomous agency within the Department of Energy that oversees the U.S. stockpile of thousands of nuclear weapons. Officials were given hours to fire hundreds of employees.

A handwritten note left on a windshield changed everything for Martin and Laura. Twenty years later, their love story is still going strong — built on laughter, shared adventures and a simple promise to always ‘waste time’ together.