Multi-percussionist Shiqi Zhong performs a solo percussion recital celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-US diplomatic relations. The event was presented by the Paulus Hook Music Foundation in the United States.

The program features works by Alexej Gerassimez, Mongo Santamaría, John Psathas, Jorge Cardoso and Per Nørgård. Two world premieres by Chinese composers Heng Liu and Lu Wang combine electronic music with live percussion and visual designs by Kjell van Sice and Yiyao Nie.

As of May 2018, there have been over 100 school shootings in 2018. In fact, the US has one of the highest rates of gun violence in the world; and the highest when compared to other developed countries. As a result, many Americas are calling for Congress to take action by creating legislation that would help restrict the use and ownership of guns. This poses a great question: Would getting rid of guns help reduce gun violence in America? BLEND met with Ben Rosenshine, owner and CEO of Blueline Tactical Supply, in Elmsford, NY, to discuss what he, a gun enthusiast, thought of the current state of guns in America.

On April 7th, the world saw yet another tragedy to strike Syria during it’s complex civil war. Two bombs were dropped, harmful chemicals plague the citizens, and world leaders are displaying conflicting perspectives to who was responsible. What is your take on the controversial issue?