City Stars marks Aquino's second release as a solo musician. The songs on the album explore themes and adventures of growing up in an urban landscape and all of the "stars", actual and metaphorical, that become visible and become a part of who we are. Michael Aquino is a Cuba-Rican musician and performer born in the urbanlands of northern New Jersey. His debut, solo album, Giants Will Fall, was released in October 2015. He has played at the Cape May Singer-Songwriter Festival, Madison Holiday Arts Festival, Hillside Cafe, Montclair State Centennial Celebration, Boro 6 Music Festival, and the Glen Ridge Arts Festival, among others. Michael has written over 100 original songs and was nominated for a 2013 Jersey Acoustic Music Award (Top Male Songwriter category). He created and facilitated 14 Songs in 14 Days, an intensive online songwriting workshop. He was also the creator and host of Indie Music Circus, a showcase for independent musicians. Acclaim for Giants Will Fall: “Giants Will Fall sports a wide range of sounds, textures and a relentless creative streak that keeps it from being one of those “12 versions of the same song” collections.” – Bob Cannon, The Montclair Times “There is a connectivity running through the songs that is held together by excellent musicianship and Aquino’s emotional and honest delivery.” – Ed Magdziak, You Don’t Know Jersey “This is Aquino’s debut album…and it’s a keeper.” – LMNOP aka dONW7, babysue.com