Billy Bellino smiling through his set. (Haley Ramsey) The Curb hummed with the soulful energy of rhythm and blues during this year’s R&B/Hip-Hop showcase. Four Belmont acts, Kaitlyn Ji’hae, Billy Bellino, Chloe Chastain and Liam Law and Lance Magic competed for the chance to win and compete at the Best of the Best Showcase. Kaitlyn Ji’hae opened the show with songs inspired by ‘90s R&B and a performance that leaned into the sensuality of her music, she said. Kaitlyn Ji’hae singing with...

Dodie standing in the spotlight. (Zach Watkins) Bringing pride and grace with her, Dodie opened up her “Not For Lack Of Trying” north-american tour Friday at Nashville’s own Brooklyn Bowl. The album that the tour is named after explores themes from love to loss and delves deep into the grace one gives themselves while fighting to escape the depths of depression. Dodie, who has been vocal about mental health struggles, uses her music to express ideas that words alone may not fully convey. The...

Wall of Mighty Mike, an MIRC brand, guitar components. (Zach Watkins) A new guitar shop has opened on Eighth Avenue, promising to be a home for guitar modders looking to fine-tune their one-of-a-kind instruments. Filling the vacant building on the corner of Eighth Avenue and Douglas Street, 8th Avenue Guitar Works offers a wide variety of refurbished name-brand guitars, individual components, and custom instruments built by its technical team. With its close proximity to campus and its...