Alexandrina band @ Form Space in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Photo by Mike Long. The word “Transylvania” usually conjures up images of a giant castle, possibly some bats, a sickle-like moon and almost certainly a vampire or two. In fact, Transylvania is a diverse region in Romania about the size of Louisiana that’s full of vibrant scenery and dark music. Despite the fact that vampires are tied to the town of Braşov (where the Dracula-esque “Bran’s Castle” is located), the mystique

Budapest, Scenes from the Citadel. Photo by Mike Long. The crumbling architecture, overgrown parks and rough but welcoming vibe of Budapest embraced me as an old friend. First the city felt cool and distant, then warm and comfortable--as if it mean to welcome me all along. Both cities (Buda and Pest, which reside on either side of the Danube River), brought a me a surprising gift: eclectic jazz. It seems like everywhere you turn in Budapest you hear jazz music the most peop

In the Wiener Konzerhaus in Vienna rests a large frowning bust of Beethoven. He is not happy to see me or anyone else. In my time exploring the acoustic and musical waters of Vienna, I’ve found that the celebrated masters of classical Vienna still hold influence today, just not in the way you might think. What comes to mind when you think of Vienna? You might list composers, Mozart, Haydn, Strauss, Mahler, Schubert, classical music in general, opera, Sigmund Freud, okay Arno

Ireland’s musical pedigree is arguably one of the most influential and well-known in the world. Ireland has impacted modern music in ways that defy probability for such a small nation. From Irish folk tales to roving Irish ballads, there’s something astoundingly resonant and approachable about the heart of the Irish people. “Folk” is undoubtedly the word that emerges when exploring Irish music. It is like the artists who create it, unpretentious with a spirit of being for the

Copenhagen City Streets. Photo by Mike Long. Music is an integral part of almost every culture. It ties us to our past and connects us to our future. The earmarks of music, the rhythms, the melodies and harmonies may vary in arrangement but the impact music has on every aspect of culture is consistent--often without our knowledge. What would a wedding, a funeral, a festival, a parade or almost any occasion be without the music. Music is the unnamed conductor orchestrating th

The HMC is kicking off a new series called Acoustic Cities: Music and Travel. Correspondent Mike Long heads to Europe to turn over every stone in search of strange and beautiful melodies and the people and stories that craft them. Acoustic Cities will explore how the music of a city, village, country impacts the culture, the demographics, the politics and overall vibe of the community. The series kicks off in Copenhagen on April 10, 2017 through October 2017. He will be vis

In Carnival Corp's new television series “Good Spirits,” cocktail chef Matthew Biancaniello sails the globe in search of extraordinary everyday people, stories of spirits, and one-of-a-kind cocktail creations. Sarah Mason and Jake Essoe of The Harold & Maudecast sit down with Matthew in an upcoming episode "Setting Sail with Pure Imagination" to talk about his new show and the incredible people, places and fresh new ingredients he discovered for his legendary cocktails. If

The Harold & Maudecast spent some quality time in Salem, Massachusetts for the annual Haunted Happenings festivities! Stay tuned for all our podcasts and interviews! Here's a look at our spooky antics. Salem Haunted Happenings The 36th Annual Salem Haunted Happenings festival will feature a month of programs and events to suit Halloween enthusiasts of all ages. The October program, which always includes a scary dose of theatrics, will be enhanced this year by live music, gr

This week on The Harold & Maudecast, an interview with actress Alex Essoe star of the new thriller THE NEIGHBOR. Take a listen to her...

Get ready fellow nerds & fans! San Diego Comic Con is coming! And we will be there reporting on everything from the Invisible Jet sneak...

Three time Oscar Winning Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro (APOCALYPSE NOW, THE LAST EMPEROR, REDS) sits in the green room of the Paramount Theater about to speak before the first US screening of Woody Allen's new film, Café Society. Storaro not only brought his genius to the film as Cinematographer, he accomplished something no one else had done thus far -- got Woody Allen to go digital. Café Society was both Allen and Storaro's first full-length feature film shot on digital.

We got to spend some time at Monsterpalooza in Pasadena, California for this annual fest that celebrates horror, monsters, practical FX & makeup & More.

Here's a few pics for Abroadcast Ireland. Special #Shoutouts to - Aine & Aaron from the Guinness Storehouse Brian & Dympha from Cois Na hAbhann B&B, Doolin County Claire Jim from Peggy O'Neill's B&B, Cashel, County Tipperary Daphne from Stirabout Lane B&B Rathdrum, County Wicklow For more pictures visit our Irish Diaries Gallery

Matthew Biancaniello creating the never before seen, or tasted, Harold & MaudeTAIL ! It's official! We have a signature cocktail, The Harold & MaudeTAIL, thanks to our favorite Bar Chef, Matthew Biancaniello. The signature drink is part Scotch, part wine, and a whole lotta creative love, "The Laugh Factory meets Beacon Hill", according to Matt. That's about right on target. We got to sit down with this visionary vanguard as he prepped for his pop up at the opening of Avenu

Cocktail Chef, Matthew Biancaniello's passion for his craft is intoxicating before you even sip one of his masterful creations. This week we won the Golden Ticket as Biancaniello, described as Willy Wonka meets Leonardo Da Vinci, invited us into his world of pure imagination. Formerly of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Library Bar, Biancaniello, with only six year's of self-taught bartending under his belt, has become a leader in crafting cocktails based on farm-fresh organi