By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

It’s a Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar EXCLUSIVE!

Union Station Kansas City welcomed an international exhibition just in time for its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  They are the hosts of the North American Premiere of The Berlin Wall. A World Divided.  

Presented by Chase, this exhibition offers a timely opportunity to reflect on freedom, division, and human stories of the Cold War that continue resonating worldwide. The Berlin Wall. A World Divided spans more than 45 years of global history, featuring over 200 original artifacts, including large sections of the wall, personal belongings, and artwork.

Before the exhibit begins, visitors can look at “On Alert: Kansas City in the Cold War.” (Photo property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)

Preparing to View History

The exhibition’s galleries are divided into four topics: A World Divided, Before the Wall, Division and Living with the Wall, and finally Global Transformation and the End of the Cold War.  

Before you enter the exhibition, visitors will begin by seeing how Kansas City was impacted by the Cold War. These include the Churchill Lectern, where the legendary UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered his “The Sinews of Peace” lecture at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri; needlepoint crests representing both the United States and the USSR logos; and “On Alert: Kansas City in the Cold War,” a collection of archived blown-up The Kansas City Star images that showed how the Cold War shaped residents’ lives.

Once, the Berlin Wall. In A World Divided, tourists cross a replica of Checkpoint Charlie’s entrance; they can pick up an audio tour guide, which will be extremely helpful throughout the tour.

The exhibit showcases how the global media covered the Berlin Wall’s collapse. (Photo property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)

History Unfolds

The Berlin Wall. In A World Divided starts with the brief explanation of Germany’s reunification, Hitler’s rise, Europe’s Jewish and Roma populations sent to concentration camps, and the Allied Forces (The United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia)’s successful defeat of the Axis Powers.

It also showcased how the United States and Russia became allies to rivals. The exhibit included a “Block Building in Europe – Military Alliances in 1955” map that showcased the division between East and West Berlin and depicted the Warsaw Treaty Organization and NATO.   Tourists also see the Berlin Wall’s beginnings with an original roll of barbed wire from the 1960s, cinder blocks from 1961, and a large four-language sign that says: “You are leaving the American Sector.”

As someone who has read about the Berlin Wall since my time at Indian Valley Elementary School, I was gobsmacked, and my lips trembled when I first saw it. (Photo property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)

Meeting the Wall

I was in awe when I saw the six pillars of the Berlin Wall that were part of the historic structure. As someone who has read about this massive historical artifact since my time at Indian Valley Elementary School, I was gobsmacked, and my lips trembled.  Around the area, attendees can also see photos of USSR guardsmen, a matchbox from East Berlin, and a graphic that showcases the 140 victims who met their end.

The End of An Era

The exhibit’s finale focused on entering the 1980s, highlighting the USSR’s technology and the events that led to the wall’s collapse and sparked protests worldwide. Artifacts highlighted in this portion include the Computer Robotron A7150, and the iconic Getty Images photo of a protester blocking tanks approaching Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Visitors can also see former US President Ronald Reagan’s iconic “Tear Down this Wall” speech and the “Girls Say No to the Bombs” banner that Thalia Campbell made in the 1980s. But there are no words to describe the footage that visitors see from November 9, 1989 that showcased the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

For more information about The Berlin Wall. A World Divided exhibit at Union Station Kansas City, visit their website.

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Welcome to the latest installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2026! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the first Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews of Summer 2026! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

Live at the Gorge 2023 is full of superb performances that showcase why the Highwomen are not only superb solo artists but, together, remain one of the strongest supergroups of the 21st century. (Album cover property of the Highwomen Records)

Live at the Gorge 2023 by the Highwomen

In 2023, the Highwomen (Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Natalie Hemby, and honorary member Brittany Spencer) traveled to the Gorge in George, Washington, to perform a concert. The quartet decided to record their concert, which led to the country music supergroup’s first live album, Live at the Gorge 2023. The Highwomen performed songs from their 2019 self-titled debut album, along with classic tunes that ranged from “Always on my Mind” and “Delta Dawn” (with Tanya Tucker herself) to “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” and their superb rendition of “The Chain.” Live at the Gorge 2023 is full of superb performances that showcase why the Highwomen are not only superb solo artists but, together, remain one of the strongest supergroups of the 21^st century.  A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Redesigning Women,” “Highwomen,” “Mona Lisa & Mad Hatters,” “Delta Dawn,” “My Church,” & “The Chain.”

Sir Paul McCartney’s The Boys of Dungeon Lane is a splendid listening experience. (Album cover property of Capitol Records)

The Boys of Dungeon Lane by Paul McCartney

Celebrated music legend Sir Paul McCartney released his twelfth solo record, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, on May 29! This album marks his first album in six years. He teamed up with one of my generation’s top producers, Andrew Watt, to co-produce The Boys of Dungeon Lane. While Watt co-wrote five songs, the “Queenie Eye” singer-songwriter wrote all the album. The Boys of Dungeon Lane features reflective songs such as “Days We Left Behind,” “Down South,” and “Home to Us,” which serve as a mini-Beatles reunion with Sir Ringo Starr. As always, an offering from Sir Paul is a splendid listening experience.  B+

 Tracks to Download or Stream: “Lost Horizon,” “Days We Left Behind,” “Down South,” “Come Inside,” & “Home to Us.”

As he celebrates his 70th anniversary in the music industry, Dream Chaser continues to expand Willie Nelson’s tapestry and legacy with superb songs. (Album cover property of Sony Music Entertainment)

Dream Chaser by Willie Nelson

Country music giant Willie Nelson dropped his 79^th (!) solo studio album, Dream Chaser. The “Always on my Mind” legend’s new record features 10 songs (Willie co-wrote six of them), including “I Can’t Read Your Mind,” which got co-writing assistance from fellow icon Bob Dylan. As he celebrates his 70^th anniversary in the music industry, Dream Chaser continues to expand Willie Nelson’s tapestry and legacy with superb songs. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Dream Chaser,” “We’d Make a Good Movie,” “I Can’t Read Your Mind,” & “Whiskey Wants Me To.”

“Hate that I made you love me” by Ariana Grande

Arianators rejoice! Ariana Grande is back in the music game! The “Thank U, Next” recording artist is launching a new era with Petal. “Hate that I made you love me” is the first single off the singer-actress’s upcoming eighth studio album. Ariana reunited with longtime collaborators, Max Martin and Ilya, to co-pen and co-produce the track. This song is the successor to “Thank U, Next” and showcases a softer side to the global powerhouse performer. A-

“I Hope I Made You Proud” by Frankie Zulfernino

Frankie Zulferino is one of the hardest-working recording artists that I have seen develop over the past few years. He has released his most personal song in his catalog yet – “I Hope I Made You Proud,” dedicated to his parents. The lyrics gave me goosebumps, and the outstanding instrumental and vocal arrangements were outstanding! “I Hope I Made You Proud” is Frankie’s “Mirrors.” A

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch focuses on up-and-coming and established recording artists who might have the opportunity to shake up the music industry!

Is This Heaven? EP by Stella Lefty

Pop country artist Stella Lefty is one of 2026’s most talked-about rising stars, thanks to her debut single, “Boston.”  Is This Heaven? EP showcases that Stella Lefty’s star will be shining for years to come, thanks to her superb, catchy lyrics and impeccable production. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Something to Lose,” “Why Wouldn’t We,” “Boston,” & “Thinking ‘bout You.”

“Appalachian Raised” by Cigarettes @ Sunset

Garrett Dellinger (rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist), Sarah Vann (violinist and vocalist), Wells Whitman (bassist and backing vocalist), Ethan Moore (drummer), and Ryland Bagbey (lead guitarist) formed Cigarettes @ Sunset in 2021.  The Boone, North Carolina-based quintet released a new song called “Appalachian Raised,” and Garrett’s vocals remind me of a combination of Bob Dylan and Randy Newman.  Cigarettes @ Sunset’s splendid “Appalachian possum rock” sound is what the Americana and indie-rock music worlds need right now. I cannot wait to listen to more of them in the future. B+

“Just Like That” by KIMIKO

Singer and actress KIMIKO (Kimiko Green) rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews. She has found success with appearances on Broad City, Orange Is the New Black, and by voicing characters on BoJack Horseman and the DuckTales revival. Now, she is expected to drop her debut EP, Modern Dance. Her latest single, “Just Like That,” could potentially be the child of “Put Your Records On” and “You Oughta Know.”  I am looking forward to listening to the rest of the extended play! A-

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The post Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of June 5, 2026 appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

America’s Got Talent (AGT) is back for its twenty-first season! Host Terry Crews and judges Simon Cowell (who celebrates ten years at the Judges’ Desk), Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B are looking for the next big act in America!  For the first time ever, the Season 21 Premiere handed out THREE GOLDEN BUZZERS! Which acts received the coveted life-changing present and will perform on the Season 21 Live Shows? Who began the road to join the ranks of Bianca Ryan, Terry Fator, Kenichi Ebina, Mat Franco, Darci Lynne, Brandon Leake, Dustin Tavella, the Mayyas, Richard Goodall, and Jessica Sanchez in the winners’ circle?  Listen on to find out!

Next week, AGT Season 21’s Judges Auditions Continue!

The post Jake’s AGT Take: The Season 21 Premiere Goes Golden appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

America’s Got Talent (AGT) is celebrating its 21st season. Judges Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B, alongside host Terry Crews, will return for the 21st search for the million-dollar talent on June 2 on NBC and Peacock.

To commemorate the 21st season, Jake’s take with Jacob Elyachar is taking a retrospective on the 21 auditions that changed the NBC talent competition forever:

1) Rapping Granny (Vivian Smallwood)* – Season One FINALIST

2) Terry Fator – Season Two WINNER

3) Nuttin’ But Stringz – Season Three FINALISTS

4) Barbara Padilla – Season Four RUNNER-UP

5) Prince Poppycock – Season Five FOURTH PLACE

6) Team iLuminate – Season Six THIRD PLACE

7) Kenichi Ebina – Season Eight WINNER

8) Mat Franco – Season Nine WINNER

9) Emil & Dariel – Season Nine FINALISTS

10) Drew Lynch – Season 10 RUNNER-UP

11) The Clairvoyants – Season 11 RUNNERS-UP 

12) Shin Lim – Season 13 WINNER 

13) Angel City Chorale – Season 13 SEMIFINALISTS

14) Kodi Lee – Season 14 WINNER

15) Voices of Service – Season 14 FIFTH PLACE

16) Brandon Leake – Season 15 WINNER

17) Nightbirde* – Season 16 PARTICIPANT 

18) Drake Milligan – Season 17 THIRD PLACE &  Chapel Hart – Season 17 FIFTH PLACE 

19) Mzansi Youth Choir – Season 18 FINALISTS

20) Ramadhani Brothers – Season 18 FIFTH PLACE

21) Jessica Sanchez – Season 20 WINNER

What are your favorite AGT auditions of all-time? 

*= Of Blessed Memory

The post Jake’s AGT Take – The 21 Game Changing Auditions appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

 May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which annually celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.

As JAHM concludes, I am very excited that singers, songwriters, and bandmates Max Bartos & Jake Kitchin are the final guests on this Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar special series!

Max is New York’s resident motherfolker! His folk and Americana music pairs introspective lyricism with anthemic folk-rock energy. As the frontman of Max Bartos and the Motherfolkers, the crafts songs rooted in storytelling and emotional honesty, with a modern acoustic sound shaped by influences such as Mumford & Sons and Noah Kahan. His latest release, Waiting At The Crossroads (2025) captures a defining chapter in his artistic evolution, expanding his folk and Americana foundation with richer dynamics and a more confident, fully realized identity.

Fresh off a 30-date U.S. tour with The Misfit Toys, he continues to build momentum on the road. This spring, he joined acclaimed singer-songwriter Brendan James as direct support on a 14-date national tour from March 11 through April 1, further cementing his reputation as a compelling and emotionally resonant live act. Recently signed with Noble Steed Music, Max is steadily carving out his place in the modern folk landscape through intentional songwriting, immersive performances, and a growing catalog that connects deeply with listeners.

Jake Kitchin has had a passion for the arts ever since he was young. Having grown up as a professional actor in New York City with a deep love for tap dancing, he has had the opportunity to work with people such as Steve Martin and Walter Bobbie. In 2023, he graduated magna cum laude with a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College. In 2020 and 2021, he was honored to sing on stage at Madison Square Garden during The Eagles’ Hotel California Tour.

In addition to performing as an actor, Jake is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. He plays guitar, mandolin, and bass, drawing inspiration from folk, blues, bluegrass, jazz, and classic rock. He currently plays mandolin live and in the studio for Max Bartos and the Motherfolkers, a folk/bluegrass-inspired project.

In Spring 2025, Jake released his debut album – a collection of jazz standards titled On a Clear Day. He is currently preparing to record and release an album of his original folk music.

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Max Bartos & Jake Kitchin shared how they met, how they deal with antisemitism and anti-Zionism in the music industry and on social media, and how they opened for Rita Wilson.

You can connect with Max Bartos and the Motherfolkers on social media! Visit their channels on Instagram & YouTube!

You can connect with Max Bartos on social media! Visit his Instagram, Threads & TikTok channels.

You can connect with Jake Kitchin on social media! Visit his Instagram & TikTok channels.

The post Jake’s Take’s JAHM: Max Bartos & Jake Kitchin appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar acknowledges Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM). Mental Health America was established this observance in May 1949 to increase awareness of mental health issues, reduce stigma, celebrate recovery, and provide resources for individuals and communities.

I am thrilled to welcome Sean Martin as this year’s MHAM special guest. Sean is the executive producer, guitarist, and vocalist behind the Quarantined. Singing in community choirs from the age of four in Fort Bragg, CA, and playing guitar by age twelve, Sean is a 2012 Musicians Institute alumnus with an A.A. in Guitar Performance and Music Industry Studies. An award-winning vocalist in high school, he placed in Regional and State Honor Choirs and earned a Lenaea Award as a writer and actor for the one-act play The Black Widow Project (Best Docudrama, 2003), directed by Meg Patterson.

Sean Martin served in the U.S. Army Airborne Infantry (3/509th PIR, 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division) from 2004–2007, deploying to Iraq from October 2006 to September 2007. He is now an outspoken advocate for veterans’ mental health and the therapeutic use of cannabis for PTSD. Independently owned and operated, The Quarantined continues to release music defined by substance, intensity, and purpose. In partnership with Free2Luv.org, the project pushes toward a more inclusive and conscious future—setting a new standard for DIY music on an international scale.

In 2010, Sean and several former students at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, began to perform music together as the Quarantined.  Throughout 2010 to 2013, the band blended raw musical force with vivid imagery, creating songs that confront politics, trauma, addiction, and the cost of modern life.  In 2013, the Quarantined released their self-titled extended play, and throughout the mid-2010s, the band’s music presence expanded with high-profile shows. In 2016, the band released another EP, Antiquate Hate, which earned international press coverage, radio play in 13 countries, and widespread rotation on US college radio.

Five years later, Sean Martin shifted the Quarantined into a solo venture. He traveled from Florida to Boston and back to Los Angeles, performing at numerous open mic nights in support of upcoming material and partnering with Plaid Dog Records with a successful crowdfunding campaign that led to the release of “One Last Chance” and “Instagram Hell.”  In 2025, Sean recorded, executive-produced, and released Aversion to Normalcy, which is a cathartic confrontation with trauma, resilience, and the illusion of “normal” in a fractured world. The release has generated international press, surpassed 1 million Spotify streams, and accumulated over 40 million views on TikTok—cementing Sean as a distinctive voice in modern rock.

On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Sean Martin shared the Quarantined’s origin story, the stories behind their most-streamed Spotify songs, and how he used his music to have mental health dialogues with his fans.

For more information about Mental Health America and Mental Health Awareness Month, visit Mental Health America’s website.

For more information about Sean Martin & the Quarantined, visit their website.

You can connect with Sean Martin on The Quarantined on social media. Visit his Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X) & YouTube channels.

The post Jake’s Take Mental Health Awareness Month: Sean Martin appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

I am very excited to launch a very special series for Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which annually celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.

It is a privilege to welcome Margarita Lyadova as the fourth guest on my JAHM special series. Margarita hosts the People Jew Wanna Know Podcast. The podcast features thoughtful, engaging conversations with remarkable Jewish voices, ranging from celebrity chefs and major Israeli tech leaders to Netflix personalities and post-October 7 communal voices. Previous guests include Andrew Zimmern, Ari Axelrod, Dara Horn, Kosha Dillz, Modi Rosenfeld and Leo Veiga, Rachelle Unreich, and Zach Sage Fox.

At a moment when Jewish stories, Jewish pride, and Jewish community-building matter more than ever, People Jew Wanna Know offers a thoughtful space for those who shape the conversation, challenge assumptions, and bring depth, humor, and humanity to Jewish life. Born in the Ukraine and a recovering child star, Margarita is a sought-after keynote speaker including engagements with American Jewish Committee (AJC), JDC, MyTechTribe, and MoCo Teens Against Antisemitism Fellowship.

On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Margarita Lyadova spoke about how her family accepted asylum in the United States, being the first Jewish podcast to speak to Shai Davidai, and some of her most memorable conversations with our mutual friend, Culture Quota founder Beatrice Levine, Jeremy Jacobowitz, and Shabbos Kestenbaum.

For more information about Margarita Lyadova and the People Jew Wanna Know Podcast, visit her LinkTree.

You can connect with Margarita and the People Jew Wanna Know Podcast on social media! Visit their Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube channels.

The post Jake’s Take’s JAHM: Margarita Lyadova appeared first on Jake's Take.

Welcome to the latest installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2026! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Happy New Music Friday, Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Family! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

While Oaks delivers some sturdy vocals, the Chainsmokers’ arrangements feel redundant, as some of the production sounds like it belongs to the mid-2010s. (Album cover property of Secondhand Happiness, Inc.)

Love is Kind – EP by The Chainsmokers & Oaks

Dance pop producers The Chainsmokers reteamed with frequent collaborator Winona Oak (now known as Oaks) for a new five-track extended play, Love is Kind. While Oaks delivers some sturdy vocals, the Chainsmokers’ arrangements feel redundant, as some of the production sounds like it belongs to the mid-2010s. C-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Echo” & “Five Past Three.”

BROWN offers some of Chris Brown’s best material of the decade so far and showcases that he is a master when it comes to blending R&B and hip-hop. (Album cover property of RCA Records)

BROWN by Chris Brown

R&B icon Chris Brown dropped his twelfth studio album, BROWN. It is the backronym of Break Rules Only When Necessary. The “Forever” recording artist recruited an all-star group of collaborators, ranging from featured artists Bryson Tiller, Leon Thomas, and GloRilla to producers and songwriters such as Alan Sampson, DJ Paul, Harvey Mason, Jr., Jermaine Paul, and Usher. BROWN offers some of Chris Brown’s best material of the decade so far and showcases that he is a master when it comes to blending R&B and hip-hop. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Leave Me Alone,” “Obvious,” “Fallin’,” “It’s Not You, It’s Me,” & “In My Head.”

While CINEMATIC features Josh Groban’s top vocal performances, I must dock him points for choosing songs that have already been covered numerous times. (Album cover of Reprise Records)

CINEMATIC by Josh Groban

The Los Angeles tenor is taking fans to the cinema! The “You Raise Me Up” singer-songwriter is tackling some of the movie industry’s top songs for his latest offerings. CINEMATIC features Josh Groban’s take on Disney anthems (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” & “When You Wish Upon a Star”), treasured franchises such as The Godfather (“Brucia la Terra”) and James Bond (“Skyfall”), and a duet with an EGOT icon – Ms. Jennifer Hudson (“Unchained Melody”). While CINEMATIC features Josh Groban’s top vocal performances, I must dock him points for choosing songs that have already been covered numerous times. B-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Skyfall,” “Brucia la Terra,” “Unchained Melody,” & “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”

Middle of Nowhere showcases a softer but confident side of Kacey Musgraves, with superb ear candy that I predict could play a role in the country music award season. (Album cover property of Kacey Musgraves & Lost Highway)

Middle of Nowhere by Kacey Musgraves

Country music sensation Kacey Musgraves dropped her seventh studio album, Middle of Nowhere. Variety reported that the “Rainbow” songstress’s seventh offering is focused on a period of reflection coming out of her divorce with fellow musician Ruston Kelly. She mainly co-wrote the record with top songwriters Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Luke Laird, Shane McNally, and Steph Jones. She also welcomed folk rocker Gregory Alan Isakov, bluegrass musician Billy Strings, and country music royalty – Miranda Lambert and Willie Nelson as featured artists.  Middle of Nowhere showcases a softer but confident side of Kacey Musgraves, with superb ear candy that I predict could play a role in the country music award season.  A

 Tracks to Download or Stream: “Middle of Nowhere,” “Dry Spell,” “Abeline,” “The Loneliest Girl in the World,” “Horses & Divorces,” & “Uncertain, TX.”

“Home to Us” by Sir Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr

The last living Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr, reunited for a single on the legendary singer-songwriter’s twenty-first solo studio record, The Boys of Dungeon Lane. I got instant goosebumps when Sir Paul first sang the tune’s first note. The combination of Sir Paul’s vocals, along with Sir Ringo’s drumming, will make music lovers and Beatles fans’ hearts pitter-patter with delight! A+

“In the Stars” by The Rolling Stones

Rock legends The Rolling Stones are about to make history! The celebrated rock music group will release their twenty-fifth (!) studio album, Foreign Tongues, this summer! Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood teamed up with super-producer Andrew Watt for the album’s creation process. Their first single, “In the Stars,” perfectly sets the stage for what is to come. This song is perfection and showcases that the legendary “Gimmie Shelter” band is still on top of their A-game. A+

“Dirty Rosie” by Shania Twain

One of country music’s queens, Ms. Shania Twain, will drop her seventh studio album, Little Miss Twain, on July 24! “Dirty Rosie” is Shania at her finest. The “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” songstress’s vocals and irresistible blues guitar hooks will sink their teeth into listeners as she transports them into her formative years.  B+

“Control” / “Dive” by Tori Kelly

Tori Kelly rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews with two new songs – “Control” / “Dive.” The Sing voice actress and singer dropped the new singles that will be a part of her sixth studio album, God Must Really Love Me. “Control” might have been a song that Tori “stole” from Alicia Keys’s songbook, while “Dive” could be the child of an 80s synth-pop and 90s R&B melody. Both songs are superb and an excellent start to a new chapter! A

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The post Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of May 15, 2026 appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

I am very excited to launch a very special series for Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar. May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which annually celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.

I am honored to welcome my dear friend and mentor, Joanne J-Bird Phillips, to the podcast. I first met J-Bird in New York City through our mutual friend and former guest, Beatrice Kimmel. She and I instantly bonded and became fast friends. I love her zest for life, and it was Beshert (Yiddish for “destiny”) that the stars finally aligned for her to come on the show for our third JAHM special.

Born in The Bronx and raised on Long Island, NY, Joanne Phillips grew up in a family of professional drummers and band leaders. Having a natural rhythm since childhood, Joanne’s father taught her to play drums with brushes when she was seven, and her first song was “Come Fly with Me” by Frank Sinatra. She grew up listening to Swing, Motown, Bossa Nova and Rock ‘n’ Roll, and honed her drum skills on a full orange sparkle drum kit that her family bought for her. At age sixteen, Joanne was asked to join a local garage band of teenage boys who needed someone to play their cover of “Wipeout” by The Surfaris correctly. She stepped in and nailed it.

Hence began Joanne’s lifelong love of music and live performance.

Fast forward to the late 70’s after Joanne had moved to Long Beach, NY and raised two children of her own in the arts — her son, an alumnus of Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NYCand one of the metro area’s popular freelance Improv coaches, and her daughter, a SAG-AFTRA TV actress and comedian/comedy writer working in LA. Over the years, Joanne witnessed how many music and arts programs were evaporating and eventually terminated, due to a lack of funding and/or support from the government, as well as certain folks with no interest in keeping arts programs alive, resulting in the arts being put on the back burner in the education system. Joanne remained an avid supporter of an arts education platform for children. She saw how it created positive experiences for her own kids (and many other youths) and witnessed how even a basic arts education enriched lives of youths on many levels for years into their adulthood.

In 2012, Joanne founded J-Bird Music for the Arts, Inc., with the vision of reviving arts programs by providing much-needed equipment, instruments, and resources to enrich the lives of youth through arts education. She wanted to bring that same joy, excitement, and creativity to youths everywhere, especially in areas that are underserved or underfunded.

Through J-Bird Music for the Arts, Joanne brings her vision alive. From her tireless efforts as a brain tumor survivor with a second chance to live and continue on this mission, she has provided much-needed equipment and support to music and arts programs throughout New York State, including Still Waters In A Storm in Brooklyn, Long Beach High School in Long Island, and Goshen Central High School in Orange County, NY.

On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Joanne Phillips spoke about her tenth anniversary of being associated with the US Press Association and revealed some of the J-Bird Music for the Arts’ top accomplishments.

For more information about J-Bird Music for the Arts, visit their website.

You can connect with Joanne Phillips on social media! Visit her Facebook, Instagram, & Threads channels.

The post Jake’s Take’s Jewish American Heritage Month – Joanne ‘JBIRD’ Phillips appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

I am very excited to launch a very special series for Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast. May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which annually celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.

There are no words to describe how ecstatic I am to welcome back Ethan Zohn for a third time! Ethan became a household name when he first appeared on Survivor: Africa, the third season of the legendary US reality TV competition. He won seven challenges and the title of “Sole Survivor.” He appeared on Survivor: All-Stars, where he won four challenges but lasted only 21 days, and returned to compete in the milestone season Survivor: Winners at War, where he only won one challenge and lasted 35 days.

Since Survivor, Ethan has become an influential social entrepreneur. With a portion of his Survivor: Africa winnings, he co-founded Grassroot Soccer (GRS). GRS is an adolescent health organization that harnesses the power of soccer to provide young people with the essential information, services, and mentorship they need to lead healthier lives. Since its inception, GRS has expanded to 60 countries in Africa and worldwide, graduated 13 million youth, and worked with scores of public— and private-sector partners.

He also raised his voice to fight cancer.  Cancer-free since 2012, Ethan Zohn has been a voice for fighters, survivors, and caregivers of all ages, even chronicling the gritty details of his entire cancer experience for People Magazine. While undergoing treatment, he ran and finished the New York City and Boston marathons to help spread messages of hope and resilience to the world.  Ethan is a champion for investment in new medical research and technology. He is an advisor to numerous hospitals and foundations, such as Cancer Buddy, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.

As demonstrated by his charitable work, tzedakah, and community involvement, Ethan believes that Jewish values can help create a better, healthier world. His inspiration to help heal the world stems from being taught at an early age the importance of community, a connection to the Jewish faith, and the preservation of Israel.  Ethan shares his deep bond to Judaism, his connection to the Jewish community, and his relationship with Israel by partnering with Jewish organizations that do critical work worldwide, such as BBYO, the Jewish National Fund, and Maccabi USA.

On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Ethan Zohn gave his take on Survivor 50, previews Grassroot Soccer’s 25^th anniversary, and how Grassroot Soccer is going to play a role with the World Cup coming to North America.

For more information about Ethan Zohn, visit his website!

You can connect with Ethan Zohn on social media! Visit his Facebook, Instagram,  Threads, & Twitter (X) channels.

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