INSIDER
Jon Batiste's 'Beethoven Blues' transforms classical works into unique blues and gospel renditions
Read full article: Jon Batiste's 'Beethoven Blues' transforms classical works into unique blues and gospel renditionsWhen Grammy-award winner Jon Batiste was a kid, say, 9 or 10 years old, he moved between musical worlds.
Civil society groups nudge and cajole world leaders from the sidelines of United Nations week
Read full article: Civil society groups nudge and cajole world leaders from the sidelines of United Nations weekEvery September, a crush of events unfold on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the annual high-level meetings of world leaders in New York.
Lured by historic Rolling Stones performance, half-a-million fans attend New Orleans Jazz Fest
Read full article: Lured by historic Rolling Stones performance, half-a-million fans attend New Orleans Jazz FestAn extra day and the lure of an appearance by the Rolling Stones pushed attendance at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to a half a million people.
New Orleans Jazz Fest 2024 kicks off Thursday and The Rolling Stones to headline next week
Read full article: New Orleans Jazz Fest 2024 kicks off Thursday and The Rolling Stones to headline next weekIt looks like the third time will be the charm as the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival prepares for The Rolling Stones.
Tommy Hilfiger takes over the Oyster Bar in Grand Central for a joyous New York-centric fashion show
Read full article: Tommy Hilfiger takes over the Oyster Bar in Grand Central for a joyous New York-centric fashion showTommy Hilfiger threw himself a welcome home party Friday night at Grand Central’s Oyster Bar for a New York Fashion Week bash.
Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish help Grammys reach its largest audience since 2020
Read full article: Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish help Grammys reach its largest audience since 2020An average of 16.9 million viewers tuned in to watch Taylor Swift make history at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, the largest audience for the telecast in four years.
SZA, Swift and Bridgers top the Grammy list. AP writers predict who will win on music's big night
Read full article: SZA, Swift and Bridgers top the Grammy list. AP writers predict who will win on music's big nightWomen lead the major categories at the Grammys this year, with names like SZA, Taylor Swift, Victoria Monét, Phoebe Bridgers, Olivia Rodrigo and Brandy Clark topping the list.
Diane Warren and past winners Mark Ronson and Billie Eilish react to 2024 Oscar music nominations
Read full article: Diane Warren and past winners Mark Ronson and Billie Eilish react to 2024 Oscar music nominationsThe often-nominated Diane Warren and past winners Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt and sibling duo Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell are among the nominees for music awards for the 2024 Oscars.
Chris Stapleton, Foo Fighters, Queen Latifah to join The Rolling Stones at 2024 Jazz Fest
Read full article: Chris Stapleton, Foo Fighters, Queen Latifah to join The Rolling Stones at 2024 Jazz FestCountry music singer Chris Stapleton, Foo Fighters, Queen Latifah and New Orleans’ own Jon Batiste are among the star power set to join The Rolling Stones as headliners of this year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Oscars shortlists revealed: Here are the films one step closer to a nomination
Read full article: Oscars shortlists revealed: Here are the films one step closer to a nominationThe “Barbie” power ballad “I’m Just Ken” and AP and Frontline’s documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” just got one step closer to an Oscar nomination.
What's streaming this weekend: Indiana Jones, Paris Hilton, Super Mario and 'Ladies of the 80s'
Read full article: What's streaming this weekend: Indiana Jones, Paris Hilton, Super Mario and 'Ladies of the 80s'This week’s new entertainment releases include albums from Dove Cameron and Peter Gabriel, Harrison Ford’s last hurrah as Indiana Jones swings onto Disney+ and Elvis will be honored with a starry special “Christmas at Graceland” featuring Post Malone, Alanis Morissette, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves and Kane Brown.
Balloons, bands and Santa: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushers in holiday season in New York
Read full article: Balloons, bands and Santa: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushers in holiday season in New YorkBeloved cartoon characters like Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants are taking to the skies above New York City in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Jon Batiste announces first North American headlining tour, celebrating 'World Music Radio'
Read full article: Jon Batiste announces first North American headlining tour, celebrating 'World Music Radio'Oscar- and Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste will embark on his first North American headlining tour in 2024.
Jon Batiste goes galaxy-building with ambitious new album 'World Music Radio'
Read full article: Jon Batiste goes galaxy-building with ambitious new album 'World Music Radio'How do you top a five-time Grammy Award-winning album that had critics applauding its rich blend of R&B, hip-hop, swing, jazz and pop.
Louis Cato, TV late night bandleader, offers 'Reflections,' a new album of 'laid bare, honest' songs
Read full article: Louis Cato, TV late night bandleader, offers 'Reflections,' a new album of 'laid bare, honest' songsLouis Cato’s remarkable musical gifts are on show this summer with his second album, “Reflections,” a way to express himself while his regular day gig as bandleader of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” is quiet because of the Hollywood strike.
Biden taps Gaga, Clooney, Garner, others for arts committee
Read full article: Biden taps Gaga, Clooney, Garner, others for arts committeeThe White House has announced a star-studded slate of members for the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, a panel of artists, museum professionals, academics and philanthropists that serves as an advisory board to President Joe Biden on culture issues.
Biden, Macron vow unity against Russia, discuss trade row
Read full article: Biden, Macron vow unity against Russia, discuss trade rowPresidents Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron have vowed to maintain a united front against Russia amid growing worries about waning support for Ukraine in the U.S. and Europe.
Jon Batiste to sing for Macron at Biden's 1st state dinner
Read full article: Jon Batiste to sing for Macron at Biden's 1st state dinnerThe White House says singer Jon Batiste has been chosen to perform at Thursday's state dinner that will highlight long-standing ties between the United States and France and honor President Emmanuel Macron.
Celebrities go online to voice support for Ukraine
Read full article: Celebrities go online to voice support for UkraineA group of inter-generational stars from film, TV, sports and music — including Bruce Springsteen, Hugh Jackman, Elton John and Jon Bon Jovi, Jonas Brothers and Billie Eilish — have signed up for a social media campaign to show support for Ukraine.
Meet Jon Batiste, new Grammy winner with plenty going on
Read full article: Meet Jon Batiste, new Grammy winner with plenty going onJon Batiste wears so many hats he may need a closet for them all — recording artist, bandleader, musical director, film composer, museum creative director and scion of New Orleans musical royalty.
Jon Batiste tops Grammys; Silk Sonic soars, Rodrigo crowned
Read full article: Jon Batiste tops Grammys; Silk Sonic soars, Rodrigo crownedJon Batiste won album of the year honors for “We Are” at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, giving him five trophies on a night that saw the ’70s funk of Silk Sonic take record of the year and song of the year and newcomer Olivia Rodrigo take three awards.
Generations sing to Joni Mitchell in pre-Grammys tribute
Read full article: Generations sing to Joni Mitchell in pre-Grammys tributeGenerations of artists paid tribute to the five-decade career of Joni Mitchell, who was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year at a gala two days before the Grammys.
Piano phenom shares his story
Read full article: Piano phenom shares his storyMatthew Whitaker is a pianist that has been mentored by the likes of Stevie Wonder; Jon Batiste has called him one of “the greatest” at this moment, and he’s already played in front of a sold-out crowd at the Apollo. Whitaker also happens to be just shy of 21 years old and blind.
Trevor Noah says Grammys can entertain, tackle world issues
Read full article: Trevor Noah says Grammys can entertain, tackle world issuesThe Grammy Awards is a festive vibe celebrating music’s best, but host Trevor Noah says the show may touch on some serious topics such as the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Khan, Lauper, Beck to play MusiCares Joni Mitchell tribute
Read full article: Khan, Lauper, Beck to play MusiCares Joni Mitchell tributeChaka Khan, Cyndi Lauper and Beck will be among those performing in tribute to Joni Mitchell when she’s honored as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year by the Recording Academy.
Grammy Awards move ceremony to Las Vegas site in early April
Read full article: Grammy Awards move ceremony to Las Vegas site in early AprilThe 2022 Grammy Awards will shift to an April show in Las Vegas after recently postponing the ceremony due to growing concerns with the rise of the omicron variant.
Macy's Thanksgiving parade returns, with all the trimmings
Read full article: Macy's Thanksgiving parade returns, with all the trimmingsGiant balloons once again wafted through miles of Manhattan, high school and college marching bands from around the country were back, and so were the crowds at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Musician Jon Batiste leads Grammy Award nominations with 11
Read full article: Musician Jon Batiste leads Grammy Award nominations with 11Jon Batiste might be the Grammys biggest surprise: The multi-genre performer and recent Oscar winner made such an impression on voters that he scored the most nominations with 11 on Tuesday.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to pre-pandemic shape
Read full article: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade returns to pre-pandemic shapeThe Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will return to its pre-pandemic form this year, with its route restored through Manhattan, high-flying helium balloons once again pulled by handlers and crowds welcomed back to cheer them on.
Oscars invite Steven Yeun, Issa Rae, others to join Academy
Read full article: Oscars invite Steven Yeun, Issa Rae, others to join AcademySteven Yeun, Nathan Lane, Issa Rae, Robert Pattinson, Janet Jackson, Leslie Odom Jr. and Laverne Cox are among the artists being invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Carnegie Hall reopens in October after 19-month closure
Read full article: Carnegie Hall reopens in October after 19-month closureCarnegie Hall will resume performances in October following a 1 1/2-year closure caused by the coronavirus pandemic but with a limited schedule of recitals and small ensembles until large orchestras return in January.
After top Grammy win, singer H.E.R. is heading to the Oscars
Read full article: After top Grammy win, singer H.E.R. is heading to the Oscars(Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)NEW YORK – A night after winning the top Grammy Award for songwriting, R&B singer H.E.R. Leslie Odom Jr. will also compete for best original song with “Speak Now” from “One Night in Miami...," which he wrote with Sam Ashworth. AdSongs by John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Janelle Monae and Robert Glasper were shortlisted for best original song but didn't make the final cut. The duo of Reznor and Ross have won a number of awards for their scoring work, including an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Golden Globe. Terence Blanchard (“Da 5 Bloods"), Emile Mosseri (“Minari") and James Newton Howard (“News of the World") round out the best original score nominees.
Louisiana high school boasts 4 best-album Grammy nominees
Read full article: Louisiana high school boasts 4 best-album Grammy nomineesA New Orleans high school is celebrating Grammy nominations for four of its graduates. St. Augustine High School alumni PJ Morton, Timothy Thedford, Jonathan Batiste and Luke James are each up for best album in different categories at the awards show Sunday, March 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans high school is celebrating Grammy nominations for four of its graduates. St. Augustine High School alumni PJ Morton, Timothy Thedford, Jonathan Batiste and Luke James are each up for best album in different categories at the awards show Sunday, The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate reports. The school congratulated the four nominees on a billboard along the Pontchartrain Expressway in New Orleans.
Odom Jr., H.E.R., Andra Day score Golden Globe music nods
Read full article: Odom Jr., H.E.R., Andra Day score Golden Globe music nodsThis combination photo shows Leslie Odom Jr. posing for a portrait on Nov. 8, 2019 in New York, from left, H.E.R. On Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, Leslie Odom Jr., H.E.R. and Andra Day were announced along with Celeste and Diane Warren as the Golden Globe nominees for best original song. Day and Odom Jr. follow the footsteps of Mary J. Blige, Lady Gaga and Cynthia Erivo, who all recently scored acting and music nods in a single year. However, the tracks can compete for best original song at the Oscars.
Kevin Bacon brings music back to venues for charity concert
Read full article: Kevin Bacon brings music back to venues for charity concertNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Musician and actor Kevin Bacon is bringing live music back to venues that have been shuttered this year with an all-star concert TV special. The charity concert airing on CBS on Dec. 15 will raise money for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and WhyHunger. All these independently owned venues were closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The joy that you see among the people that are playing, I think, is very infectious in our show,” said Bacon. Although he also hasn't been able to perform in front of fans this year, Bacon has been singing and playing to a smaller audience of sorts.
New York City curfew lifts early following peaceful protests
Read full article: New York City curfew lifts early following peaceful protests(AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)NEW YORK New York City is lifting its curfew spurred by protests against police brutality ahead of schedule, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday morning. At protests in Manhattan earlier Saturday, volunteers handed out snacks, first aid kits and plenty of water bottles on a muggy afternoon. But Mayor Bill de Blasio has insisted the curfew will remain in place throughout the weekend. She added she thinks protests could continue next week, even as some will go back to work when New York City begins its reopening. I think as long as we stay organized, thats exactly what can and will and should happen, Henry said.
Winfrey, Pitt part of Grammys special for essential workers
Read full article: Winfrey, Pitt part of Grammys special for essential workersFILE - This May 28, 2019 file photo shows Singer Harry Connick Jr. with his daughter Georgia at a special screening of "Pavarotti" in New York. The Grammys is putting together an event featuring Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Herbie Hancock and Harry Connick, Jr. to honor essential workers across America. It will follow host Connick Jr. and his filmmaker-daughter Georgia on road trip celebrating and thanking essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK The Grammys is putting together an event featuring Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Herbie Hancock and Harry Connick, Jr. to honor essential workers across America. Winfrey, Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Queen Latifah, Rene Zellweger and Drew Brees will also deliver special messages to workers.