A well-known Bronx television personality who has documented the borough for three decades recently celebrated the debut of a borough-based music podcast.
Earlier this month, longtime BronxTalk host Gary Axelbank launched the Bronx Music Podcast in a live recording session on City Island.
The debut episode of the Bronx Music Podcast, which was recorded on Sunday, Feb. 4, took place in front of a live audience at the City Island art and music venue “The Artist” — previously known as “The Starving Artist” — located at 249 City Island Ave.
The first Bronx Music Podcast episode featured Elliott Glick, the co-owner of the Artist as well as a longtime singer and songwriter.
Glick originally opened the Starving Artist Gallery on City Island in 1997, featuring his own handmade jewelry, as well as the fine art and craft work of local artists, with pieces such as handmade boxes, pottery, paintings and photographs.
In February 2004, Glick recognized the need to provide a scene for local artists that needed a forum, so he designed a space for an audience, musicians and songwriters and moved the Starving Artist a block away from its original location, which has been the site of the venue for the past 20 years.
In additional to discussing his musical experience and varied career, Glick also performed two original songs on his acoustic guitar in the inaugural Bronx Music Podcast episode.
“There are talented musicians playing all types of music in every Bronx neighborhood,” Axelbank said. “Our intention is to reach out and give them a chance to speak, sing and play.”
In the 30 years that he has been on BronxNet, a borough-based public and education cable and television network, Axelbank has hosted more than 1,400 editions of BronxTalk, which has included political debates and programs on housing, education, healthcare, arts and culture, crime and policing and more local issues.
BronxTalk is regarded as the borough’s flagship talk show since 1994, according to the BronxTalk Facebook page.
He says that monthly podcast will feature various musicians from the borough, with the variety of artists representing all genres.
“It’s a bit of an artistic challenge to do a podcast in front of a live audience, but that’s what makes this so unique, interesting and fun,” Axelbank added.
Axelbank, who has been broadcasting for nearly 50 years in total, is also the longtime host of the Bronx Buzz, which features journalists, artists and artists from the borough.
The first episode of the newly launched Bronx Music Podcast is available for streaming on Spotify as well as Youtube.
The Bronx Music Podcast will be recorded in front of a live audience on the first Sunday of each month, beginning at 1 p.m., with each podcast episode taking place at the Artist on City Island.
Next month’s episode of the Bronx Music Podcast, will feature Elissa Carmona, lead singer of the Morrisania Band Project.
The technical crew for the Bronx Music Podcast includes videographer George Williams and production assistant Sydney Hyatt.
To register for a performance, call 718-885-3779 or email Glick at elliott@starvingartistonline.com.
Reach Steven Goodstein at sgoodstein@schnepsmedia.com or (718) 260–8326. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
