Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Josh Pawlik
Grammy nominations 2025 review
The biggest snubs and surprises ahead of music’s biggest night The 67th annual Grammy Awards are slated to take place in Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 2, 2025 and nominations were released this past Friday, Nov. 8. A-list musicians from Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter to newer up-and-coming artists such as Benson Boone and RAYE landed nominations. Leading the pack with 11 total nominations, is Beyoncé.
‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Review
This past weekend, the highly anticipated film, “Joker: Folie à Deux” starring Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix, hit theaters. Unfortunately, the film had an underwhelming opening weekend at the box office, bringing in $40 million. $40 million seems like a great debut, but compared to the $100 million debut of its predecessor movie “Joker” in 2019, this is clearly an upset for Warner Bros Studio. To put this into perspective, the film cost nearly five times its $40 million earnings to create.
The influence of celebrity endorsements on elections
The 2024 presidential election is five weeks out, and the race for the White House is neck-and-neck with both candidates within just a few points of each other in most national polls. With that being said, can an endorsement from Hollywood’s biggest stars influence voters? It’s easy to idolize artists and creators, but many care where they stand on contemporary issues. For some, it is important that their favorite artist’s views align with their own, and for others, it doesn’t matter at all.
The Grapevine
From concerts, to shows, to exhibits, there is something for everyone this semester. Here are some events to look forward to this fall: Almost, Maine Sept. 27 - 28, Katharine Cornell Theatre The show explores themes of friendship, love and heartbreak, and is sure to take viewers on a humorous and heart-stopping roller coaster ride of emotions. Prices range from $7 for UB students to $22 for an adult ticket, with a deal of $17 for veterans and UB faculty and staff.
Sarah Jane Barry showcases grief, vulnerability and resilience in new exhibit
Barry presents “The Dragons in Our Lives” at Buffalo Arts Studio “The Dragons in Our Lives,” an exhibit by Sarah Jane Barry at the Buffalo Arts Studio, showcases grief, vulnerability and resilience in the midst of dark times like the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed media artist from Buffalo, Barry reflects on these difficult emotions through the “meditative process” of creating paintings and sculptures.
A friend for everything
The other day, I was driving around with my little cousins in the backseat, when one of them asked me: “Who’s your best friend?” It seemed silly to me, but it's a very serious question to be answered for a ten year old. It’s strange. Because when you’re young, the goal is to have the ultimate “best friend.” It's been portrayed in TV Shows from the time we’re little. From Miley and Lily in “Hannah Montana” to Cory and Shawn in “Boy Meets World,” we’re taught that we’re supposed to have one person.
Money doesn’t grow on trees. Should we act like it does?
Don’t stress about money or the future — you’ll break out Growing up, I always thought that there was only one path. You go to high school, then continue onto college. Then, if you’re fortunate enough, start work in a career of your choice and make a bunch of money. Not once when I thought about the aforementioned timeline did I think about the struggles that may come before reaching that dream career. I remember checking my bank account one day shortly after I graduated high school.
UB’s mystery piano
James Sheppard, a musician and one of the first piano sellers, traveled from England to Buffalo. Like many musicians, he was attached to his instruments and couldn’t stand the thought of leaving his pianos back in England, so they made the long voyage across the Atlantic with him, up the Hudson river and across the then-new Erie Canal to Buffalo. Now, nearly 200 years after Sheppard’s intercontinental trip, one of those pianos might’ve found its way to North Campus.
Review: ‘9 to 5: The Musical’ brings laughs and stellar performances
Astoundingly amazing performances took place for two weekends worth of shows. Tumbling out of bed, I stumbled right into the Center for the Arts (CFA) for a performance of “9 to 5” presented by UB’s Department of Theater and Dance. The show had stellar numbers, including outstanding vocal performances and dances and comical moments that had the crowd roaring with laughter.
Review: UB’s CFA hosts ‘Spring into Art’ event
Hundreds of art flocked to the Center for the Arts (CFA) for “Spring into Art” last Tuesday. Students sold their work at several tables, and a slew of performers took to the stage in what turned into a spectacular, art-filled night. Upon walking in, the visitors were greeted with numerous signs and posters directing them to everything that was happening. To find the student art exhibits, follow the blue tape. To see the exhibit by Wuon-Gean Ho, follow the orange tape.
Club mural design competition shows off students’ artistic talents
The EDM Club, Classics Club and Latin American Graduate Student Association took home the top three prizes in UB Student Engagement’s “Colors in Construction: Student Organization Art Showcase.” Dozens of student groups painted murals on the temporary drywall in the Student Union, competing for $500 or more in extra funding for their club budget.
Review: ‘COWBOY CARTER’: A bombastic, genre blending, career triumph
“Ladies, and gentlemen: This particular tune stretches across a range of genres, and that’s what makes it a unique listening experience. Yes, indeed,” Linda Martell announces on the track “THE LINDA MARTELL SHOW.” “It’s called ‘YA YA.’” While Martell is talking about one singular track, the same could be said for the entire album. Beyoncé’s eighth studio album and highly anticipated sequel to 2022’s “RENAISSANCE,” “COWBOY CARTER” is finally here.
The best spots in Western New York for outdoor activities
If you’re anything like me, you’re ready for the end of another long, Buffalo winter and eagerly the opportunity to bask in some warm outdoor air. With spring right around the corner, a lot of us will be looking for new things to do outdoors. Keep reading for my guide of the greatest — and most affordable — spring activities in the Western New York area. Hiking and Nature Trails If hiking is your thing, head to the Niagara Falls Gorge trails for the greatest views — and a decent workout.
Review: Phyllis Thompson takes over Buffalo Arts Studio
The artist shares stories about her ‘Evolving Memories’ on closing day of exhibit The room is quiet, the lighting is bright and crisp. Phyllis Thompson sits front and center, ready to chat with guests about how she created her latest exhibition, “Evolving Memories.” The exhibition, which ran from Jan. 26 to March 2 at the Buffalo Arts Studio, showcases the whimsical and creative interpretations of Thompson’s life and family, both past and present.
Beyoncé goes country
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Beyonce Knowles Carter clearly knows a thing or two about country. She first dipped her toes in the genre with the track “Daddy Lessons” off her 2016 album “Lemonade” and even performed a version of it with The Chicks at the Country Music Awards. Now, nearly eight years later, she’s released two new country singles with a whole album slated for release next month.
Review: ‘Funny Girl’ explodes on stage at Shea’s
Comedic moments and a stellar lead performance made up for pacing and technical issues Singing, dancing, confetti and excited guests filled Shea’s Buffalo Theater for days as the Broadway musical “Funny Girl” touched down in Buffalo from Feb. 13-18. “Funny Girl” originally opened on Broadway in 1964, and many famous faces — from Barbara Streisand to Lea Michelle — have played Fanny Brice, the show’s lead character.
Meet Melissa White: UB professor and Grammy winner
Before UB professor Melissa White was a Grammy winner, she was a 4-year-old in a family of non-musicians. She recalls watching an episode of “Sesame Street” where Itzhak Perlman, the episode’s special guest, was playing the violin. She loved how his chin rested perfectly on the instrument. “I want to be doing that,” she remembers thinking. Immediately, she asked her mom if she could play. Her mother was reluctant at first.
Tate McRae’s album may ask you to ‘Think Later,’ but you should listen now
The 20-year-old’s sophomore album has lots of sympathy for the infamous college situationship Tate McRae’s sophomore album, “Think Later,” starts off with a bang and ends with a fizzle as she experiences the emotions that come with the end of a relationship. McRae got her start in the world of dance on the hit show “So You Think You Can Dance,” but her singing career took off when her single “you broke me first” went viral on TikTok.
The 2024 Grammy nominees are here… Time to make predictions!
No matter who wins, 2024 looks primed to be the year of the woman Taylor Swift, SZA, Billie Eilish and many other A-list celebrities will be lining the red carpet on Feb. 4 for the 2024 Grammy Awards. SZA leads the pack with nine nominations, the most of any artist for this year’s show. Following closely behind are Victoria Monet and Phoebe Bridgers, who both have seven nominations.
The influence of my favorite TV characters
If you’re anything like me, you have a character from a TV show that makes you feel seen. When you watch it, you feel a sense of comfort, feel included in something much bigger than your own life and most importantly — you see yourself. The following is a list of the TV characters that I see myself in the most: Lorelai Gilmore, ‘Gilmore Girls’ I instantly saw myself in the character of Lorelai Gilmore from “Gilmore Girls,” portrayed by actress Lauren Graham. She talks a lot, and fast.
Why ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ hits different
How “1989” became the soundtrack to my life as a middle schooler The year is 2014. I’m exploring the hallways of middle school for the first time. I see bland lockers. I hear kids using words I’ve never heard before. I smell various odors from numerous sources. I have one earbud in, and Taylor Swift’s 2014 blockbuster album “1989” is guiding me through this first glimpse at a new “adult” life. Flash forward to the same date, but nine years later. I’m no longer 13 years old; I’m 22.
Review: ‘Stars with Guitars’ shine at Center for the Arts
A sold-out crowd, five famous country musicians and good old-fashioned storytelling are a few things that fans got to experience at UB last week. The annual “Stars with Guitars” event, presented by Country 106.5 WYRK and Transitowne auto group, took place at UB’s Center for the Arts on Wednesday. Country music stars Chase Rice, Hailey Whitters, Randy Houser, Joe Nichols and Brian Kelley took the stage for a two-hour acoustic extravaganza.
UB Swifties need a ‘Taylor Swift Night’
Why students are waiting for the chance to ‘Shake it Off’ together Taylor Swift | Eva Rinaldi, Wikimedia Commons Anyone who walks into one of Buffalo’s “Taylor Swift Nights” will find the same things: glitter, costumes, screams of “f—k the patriarchy,” and a whole lot of dancing. Most commonly hosted in Buffalo by Rec Room on W. Chippewa Street, these events are full of Swifties. They rose in popularity as COVID-19 restrictions loosened but before artists like Swift were back on tour.
Maren Morris vs. country music
Why the singer wants to ‘burn it to the ground and start over’ The country music genre, and its artists, have long been praised for feeling like family. But now, artists are leaving because they feel the community has become more hostile and insular. Maren Morris is the latest country music giant to raise her voice.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Josh
Contact Josh, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack