Shenzhen TV recently announced it will stage four New Year's concerts in 2011's final months.
The performances will feature more than 30 A-listers, including mainlanders Zhang Ziyi, Na Ying, Chen Chusheng and Shang Wenjie; Mai Meng and Fei Yu-ching from Taiwan; and Sammi Cheng and Andy Hui from Hong Kong. Pianist Lang Lang will also perform. Three other "mystery guests" will take the stage, too.
The first concert was recently held in Jilin's provincial capital Changchun. The show will head to Liaoning province's Dalian city on Nov 27 and Beijing on Dec 10, with the final performance to be staged in Guangdong province's Shenzhen city on New Year's Eve.
Led by Simon Rattle, the Berlin Philharmonic opened its 2011 Asia tour with two concerts at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing on Nov 10 and Nov 11.
The program on Nov 10 included Ravel's Alborada del Gracioso and Japanese composer Toshio Hosokawa's concerto for horn and orchestra Moment of Blossoming. On Nov 11, the orchestra performed Mahler's Symphony No 9, as part of a concert series staged by the National Center for the Performing Arts to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the composer's passing.
The Berlin Philharmonic also performed in Shanghai on Nov 13 and will perform in Taipei on Nov 18 and Nov 19.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Rihanna cancels second Swedish show
The 'We Found Love' singer was due to perform in the country's capital city Stockholm but a doctor deemed her unfit to perform an hour before stage time, as she had a bad case of flu.
A statement from concert promoters Live Nation said: "Unfortunately, we need to report that the concert with Rihanna tonight at the Ericsson Globe [venue] has been cancelled due to illness.
"Rihanna is exhausted and sick. Unfortunately we have once again been forced to make a difficult decision at the last minute."
The 23-year-old pop star was later transported from the hospital to her hotel, accompanied by two minders, wrapped in a big grey wool coat and looking withdrawn.
On Monday (31.10.11) Rihanna had to cancel another date in her 'Loud Tour' in Malmo after being hospitalised and placed on a drip. She posted a picture of the tube feeding into her arm on twitter with a caption reading "Sorry, Malmo!"
She also later released a statement to apologise to fans, which read: "I am sorry to everyone who was coming out to my show in Malmo, Sweden. I was so excited to perform for you all.
"It would have been a great time ... so much better than being sick with the flu, ugh! I'm really disappointed I couldn't be there."
Earlier this week, it was reported doctors had told Rihanna to curb her partying to stay healthy on the road.
A statement from concert promoters Live Nation said: "Unfortunately, we need to report that the concert with Rihanna tonight at the Ericsson Globe [venue] has been cancelled due to illness.
"Rihanna is exhausted and sick. Unfortunately we have once again been forced to make a difficult decision at the last minute."
The 23-year-old pop star was later transported from the hospital to her hotel, accompanied by two minders, wrapped in a big grey wool coat and looking withdrawn.
On Monday (31.10.11) Rihanna had to cancel another date in her 'Loud Tour' in Malmo after being hospitalised and placed on a drip. She posted a picture of the tube feeding into her arm on twitter with a caption reading "Sorry, Malmo!"
She also later released a statement to apologise to fans, which read: "I am sorry to everyone who was coming out to my show in Malmo, Sweden. I was so excited to perform for you all.
"It would have been a great time ... so much better than being sick with the flu, ugh! I'm really disappointed I couldn't be there."
Earlier this week, it was reported doctors had told Rihanna to curb her partying to stay healthy on the road.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Stevie Wonder headlines NYE in Vegas
LAS VEGAS — Music legend Stevie Wonder plans to headline in Sin City on New Year's Eve, playing to a ballroom crowd at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and to thousands of revelers on the Las Vegas Strip by video.
Casino officials said the 25-time Grammy winner known for top hits including "Superstition" and "You are the Sunshine of My Life" will be its top performer one year after an exclusive grand opening bash that featured Jay-Z and Coldplay.
This year's party is slightly more accessible than last year's invite-only affair — a limited number of tickets start at $250 and include an open bar.
The New Year's Eve show caps a year of entertainment at the Cosmopolitan that featured top acts including Adele, the Flaming Lips and Deadmau5.
Wonder's concert will stream to partiers on the Las Vegas Strip, which will shut down to vehicle traffic and fill up with tourists.
Lisa Marchese, the Cosmopolitan's chief marketing officer, said Wonder has proven over several decades of performing he can appeal to audiences young and old.
In June, the former child prodigy was honored at the Apollo in New York with induction into the Legends Hall of Fame, joining Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald.
But Wonder, who has seven Billboard No. 1 singles, got top billing in September at the Austin City Limits music festival, which featured dozens of acts including Coldplay, Kanye West and Arcade Fire.
"He's gotten cool again in a whole different way with a young group of people who didn't grow up with his music," Marchese said. "He's legendary, he's an impresario, he's contemporary but old school in this really unexpected way."
Casino officials said the 25-time Grammy winner known for top hits including "Superstition" and "You are the Sunshine of My Life" will be its top performer one year after an exclusive grand opening bash that featured Jay-Z and Coldplay.
This year's party is slightly more accessible than last year's invite-only affair — a limited number of tickets start at $250 and include an open bar.
The New Year's Eve show caps a year of entertainment at the Cosmopolitan that featured top acts including Adele, the Flaming Lips and Deadmau5.
Wonder's concert will stream to partiers on the Las Vegas Strip, which will shut down to vehicle traffic and fill up with tourists.
Lisa Marchese, the Cosmopolitan's chief marketing officer, said Wonder has proven over several decades of performing he can appeal to audiences young and old.
In June, the former child prodigy was honored at the Apollo in New York with induction into the Legends Hall of Fame, joining Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald.
But Wonder, who has seven Billboard No. 1 singles, got top billing in September at the Austin City Limits music festival, which featured dozens of acts including Coldplay, Kanye West and Arcade Fire.
"He's gotten cool again in a whole different way with a young group of people who didn't grow up with his music," Marchese said. "He's legendary, he's an impresario, he's contemporary but old school in this really unexpected way."
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Mahler Is banquet
A Feast for Eyes and Ears involves a cultural dialogue transcending time and space, between Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) poet Li Bai, late-Romantic Austrian composer Gustav Mahler (1860-1911), contemporary Chinese composer Ye Xiaogang, and Chinese theater director Li Liuyi. Playing on Sunday at the Poly Theater, it is a project of the 14th Beijing Music Festival, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the death of Mahler. Conducted by Yang Yang, China Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth) and Ye's work of the same title. At the same time, under the direction of Li, a group of dancers and actors will perform against the backdrop of a video interacting with the performance.
"The performance will try to visualize the abstract images from the musical works, in the hope that we may 'see' music," says Li, who is best known for his collaborations with composer Guo Wenjing on innovative Peking Operas and a ballet adaptation of The Peony Pavilion with the National Ballet of China.
Nine performers, including ballet, contemporary and traditional Chinese dancers, as well as Peking Opera actors, will take the stage of The Song of the Earth, alongside vocalists Yuan Chenye, Xu Xiaoying, Warren Mok and Liao Changyong.
An actor, at times an alienated outsider and then a more involved character in the performance, will recite Tang Dynasty poems in both Chinese and English.
It was in 1908 that Mahler conceived The Song of the Earth, after being inspired by a compilation of translated Tang Dynasty poetry by German poet Hans Bethge.
At the time, Mahler had just resigned the artistic directorship of the Vienna Court Opera, and was suffering from his eldest daughter's death and his own congenital heart defect.
The collection of Chinese poems, depicting various stages in life, resonated with Mahler's increasing awareness of mortality, and he chose seven of them to be lyrics for The Song of the Earth, which he termed "a symphony for tenor and alto (or baritone) voice and orchestra".
Mahler's use of pentatonic scales in the third movement Of Youth (Von der Jugend) is an example of musical "Chinoiserie" - a recurring theme in European artistic styles that reflect Chinese artistic influences.
"The performance will try to visualize the abstract images from the musical works, in the hope that we may 'see' music," says Li, who is best known for his collaborations with composer Guo Wenjing on innovative Peking Operas and a ballet adaptation of The Peony Pavilion with the National Ballet of China.
Nine performers, including ballet, contemporary and traditional Chinese dancers, as well as Peking Opera actors, will take the stage of The Song of the Earth, alongside vocalists Yuan Chenye, Xu Xiaoying, Warren Mok and Liao Changyong.
An actor, at times an alienated outsider and then a more involved character in the performance, will recite Tang Dynasty poems in both Chinese and English.
It was in 1908 that Mahler conceived The Song of the Earth, after being inspired by a compilation of translated Tang Dynasty poetry by German poet Hans Bethge.
At the time, Mahler had just resigned the artistic directorship of the Vienna Court Opera, and was suffering from his eldest daughter's death and his own congenital heart defect.
The collection of Chinese poems, depicting various stages in life, resonated with Mahler's increasing awareness of mortality, and he chose seven of them to be lyrics for The Song of the Earth, which he termed "a symphony for tenor and alto (or baritone) voice and orchestra".
Mahler's use of pentatonic scales in the third movement Of Youth (Von der Jugend) is an example of musical "Chinoiserie" - a recurring theme in European artistic styles that reflect Chinese artistic influences.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Escapades in sound from DJ Spooky
He should know. The Washington DC-born Renaissance man is a universally renowned storyteller who first created a splash in the mid-1990s with influential work on Illbient music - an experimental form of hip hop that fuses digital media and soundscapes. The DJ, VJ, composer, multimedia artist, writer, scholar and music professor has collaborated with diverse personalities including Yoko Ono, Kronos Quartet and Steve Reich, as well as Chinese musicians DJ Wordy, Min Xiaofen and Jing Zhou.
In 2004, he unveiled DJ Spooky: Rebirth of a Nation, commissioned by New York City's Lincoln Center Festival; after acclaimed performances, it was released as a film in 2009. The seminal work is DJ mix applied to cinema with D. W. Griffith's 1915 black and white film Birth of a Nation providing thought-provoking imagery for a multisensory experience.
Rebirth of a Nation has previously performed at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art, Athen's Acropolis and London's Tate Modern. The two shows in Hong Kong follow a DJ workshop, seminar and master class held in late September and early October.
"Film is a tool which is an extension of economic and political processes," says DJ Spooky. "Film speaks to all people. We respond to images in a different way than sound. With Rebirth of a Nation, I wanted to figure out some ways to get people thinking about DJ'ing images and figuring out the ways in which stories have evolved over the past 100 years. My motto for this project is director as DJ.
"Birth of a Nation was the first film to really tap the emotional logic behind how people perceive 'the other'. With the rise of 'black faces' and the minstrel show, we saw a century rise of the entertainment-military-industrial complex.
"I wanted to figure out a way to look at the film through the prism of conflict and perception: We live in an information economy and film is a kind of information. That means it can and should be changed. That's why I wanted to remix it."
In 2004, he unveiled DJ Spooky: Rebirth of a Nation, commissioned by New York City's Lincoln Center Festival; after acclaimed performances, it was released as a film in 2009. The seminal work is DJ mix applied to cinema with D. W. Griffith's 1915 black and white film Birth of a Nation providing thought-provoking imagery for a multisensory experience.
Rebirth of a Nation has previously performed at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art, Athen's Acropolis and London's Tate Modern. The two shows in Hong Kong follow a DJ workshop, seminar and master class held in late September and early October.
"Film is a tool which is an extension of economic and political processes," says DJ Spooky. "Film speaks to all people. We respond to images in a different way than sound. With Rebirth of a Nation, I wanted to figure out some ways to get people thinking about DJ'ing images and figuring out the ways in which stories have evolved over the past 100 years. My motto for this project is director as DJ.
"Birth of a Nation was the first film to really tap the emotional logic behind how people perceive 'the other'. With the rise of 'black faces' and the minstrel show, we saw a century rise of the entertainment-military-industrial complex.
"I wanted to figure out a way to look at the film through the prism of conflict and perception: We live in an information economy and film is a kind of information. That means it can and should be changed. That's why I wanted to remix it."
Red bright and true
Wearing a casual white T-shirt paired with navy blue jeans and trendy sneakers, pianist Li Yundi looks every bit a Mando pop star. The 29-year-old is a star, a huge celebrity, but moves in very different musical circles within the world of classical performance. Last month he launched his new album Red Piano, the first in which he focuses only on Chinese folk music masterpieces.
Li says the recording is a milestone turning point in his musical career. After years of playing Western classical music Red Piano reveals the young man's desire to look for new inspiration by returning to his own cultural roots.
"I hope Red Piano opens a new gateway for music lovers in the West. They may better understand the folk features of Chinese music and it may spark their interest to know more about China, the place where I come from," Li says.
Li knows the power of music and its global reach. "Music is the best communication tool that does not need language and can bring people from different cultures together. My new album is an opportunity to win glory for Chinese music."
Li also knows about the glory of music.
When Li was just 18 he walked onto the international stage and was rocketed to fame when he won the International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 2000. He became the youngest winner of this prestigious prize.
After the victory, Li studied in Hanover, Germany, with Israeli classical pianist Arie Vardi. Since then Li has dedicated himself to the works of Chopin, and proved himself a stunningly talented pianist with his masterly techniques and wondrous colorings of many Chopin recitals.
"I prefer Chopin's elegant and artistic music style and admire his persistent spirit of musical creation. I want to capture the inner world of Chopin and also ponder my own feelings when I play his music."
Li says the recording is a milestone turning point in his musical career. After years of playing Western classical music Red Piano reveals the young man's desire to look for new inspiration by returning to his own cultural roots.
"I hope Red Piano opens a new gateway for music lovers in the West. They may better understand the folk features of Chinese music and it may spark their interest to know more about China, the place where I come from," Li says.
Li knows the power of music and its global reach. "Music is the best communication tool that does not need language and can bring people from different cultures together. My new album is an opportunity to win glory for Chinese music."
Li also knows about the glory of music.
When Li was just 18 he walked onto the international stage and was rocketed to fame when he won the International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 2000. He became the youngest winner of this prestigious prize.
After the victory, Li studied in Hanover, Germany, with Israeli classical pianist Arie Vardi. Since then Li has dedicated himself to the works of Chopin, and proved himself a stunningly talented pianist with his masterly techniques and wondrous colorings of many Chopin recitals.
"I prefer Chopin's elegant and artistic music style and admire his persistent spirit of musical creation. I want to capture the inner world of Chopin and also ponder my own feelings when I play his music."
Friday, November 23, 2012
Adele cancels US dates due to vocal hemorrhage
British singer-songwriter Adele is canceling the remainder of her sold out U.S. tour due to a hemorrhage in her vocal chord, her record label said on Tuesday.
The Grammy-winning singer pulled out of 10 dates, starting with Atlantic City in New Jersey on October 7 and finishing with three gigs in Texas two weeks later, on the back of her bestselling album "21" that has produced hits such as "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You."
"I have absolutely no choice but to recuperate properly and fully, or I risk damaging my voice forever," the 23-year-old singer said in a statement on her website. "I have great confidence in believing you know how much this upsets me, how seriously I take it and how truly devastated and annoyed I am by this."
Adele was already forced to postpone several U.S. dates earlier this year due to vocal chord issues and was finishing up a tour in Britain when her illness reappeared and she decided to cancel the remaining U.S. dates, said a statement by Columbia Records.
"My voice is weak and I need to build it back up. I'm gonna be starting up vocal rehab as soon as, and start building my overall stamina in my voice, body and mind," the singer said. "I will be back and I'm gonna smash the ball out the park once I'm touring again. I apologize from the bottom of my heart, sincerely I do."
The Grammy-winning singer pulled out of 10 dates, starting with Atlantic City in New Jersey on October 7 and finishing with three gigs in Texas two weeks later, on the back of her bestselling album "21" that has produced hits such as "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You."
"I have absolutely no choice but to recuperate properly and fully, or I risk damaging my voice forever," the 23-year-old singer said in a statement on her website. "I have great confidence in believing you know how much this upsets me, how seriously I take it and how truly devastated and annoyed I am by this."
Adele was already forced to postpone several U.S. dates earlier this year due to vocal chord issues and was finishing up a tour in Britain when her illness reappeared and she decided to cancel the remaining U.S. dates, said a statement by Columbia Records.
"My voice is weak and I need to build it back up. I'm gonna be starting up vocal rehab as soon as, and start building my overall stamina in my voice, body and mind," the singer said. "I will be back and I'm gonna smash the ball out the park once I'm touring again. I apologize from the bottom of my heart, sincerely I do."
Rock and Roll Hall unveils nominees for 2012
Trailblazing women in rock such as Joan Jett and Heart's Wilson sisters, as well as iconic rappers the Beastie Boys were among 15 music acts nominated on Tuesday for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
"From vocal groups to hip-hop, from singer-songwriters to hard rocking artists, this group represents the spirit of what we celebrate at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," president and chief executive Joel Peresman, said in a statement.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, whose "I Love Rock N' Roll" became an anthem of the musical genre fame, and "Crazy on You" singers Heart, led by Ann Wilson and her sister Nancy Wilson, are both first-time nominees.
They are joined by rockers Guns N' Roses, The Cure, The Small Faces/The Faces and R&B artists The Spinners, Rufus with Chaka Khan, bluesman Freddie King and 1980s rappers Eric B. & Rakim among those nominated to the Hall for the first time.
Repeat nominees who failed to make it into the institution in previous years were the Beastie Boys, funk rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers and War, as well as disco-era songstress Donna Summer and 1960s artists Donovan and Laura Nyro.
The 27th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in Cleveland on April 14.
Acts are eligible for induction 25 years after their first release. This list of nominees all put out first albums in, or prior to, 1986. Inductees will be decided by 500 voters who include previous inductees and record industry insiders.
Days prior to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the institution will celebrate the grand opening of it's new Library and Archive -- the world's largest collection of materials dedicated to rock 'n' roll.
"From vocal groups to hip-hop, from singer-songwriters to hard rocking artists, this group represents the spirit of what we celebrate at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," president and chief executive Joel Peresman, said in a statement.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, whose "I Love Rock N' Roll" became an anthem of the musical genre fame, and "Crazy on You" singers Heart, led by Ann Wilson and her sister Nancy Wilson, are both first-time nominees.
They are joined by rockers Guns N' Roses, The Cure, The Small Faces/The Faces and R&B artists The Spinners, Rufus with Chaka Khan, bluesman Freddie King and 1980s rappers Eric B. & Rakim among those nominated to the Hall for the first time.
Repeat nominees who failed to make it into the institution in previous years were the Beastie Boys, funk rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers and War, as well as disco-era songstress Donna Summer and 1960s artists Donovan and Laura Nyro.
The 27th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in Cleveland on April 14.
Acts are eligible for induction 25 years after their first release. This list of nominees all put out first albums in, or prior to, 1986. Inductees will be decided by 500 voters who include previous inductees and record industry insiders.
Days prior to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the institution will celebrate the grand opening of it's new Library and Archive -- the world's largest collection of materials dedicated to rock 'n' roll.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Mick Jagger dances to keep fit
The 68-year-old Rolling Stones frontman keeps fit for the sake of his career, but insists he has no specific diet or exercise regime as he thinks training too hard would be bad for him.
He said: "I have very good genes and I don't put on weight. I still have a drink. I am not a fanatic about being in the gym for hours or pounding the pavements as that's detrimental.
"If you are not doing shows then you have to keep up a certain level of fitness or there's no going back. Five times a week you have to do half an hour biking or in the gym.
"But dancing is really good and more fun than being in a gym. I go out clubbing."
Even if Mick - who has been dating designer L'Wren Scott since 2001 - finds himself in a place where he is unable to go out, he makes the most of where he is and is happy to dance alone at home.
The father-of-seven added in an interview with the Daily Mirror newspaper: "If you are in the country with nowhere to go, you just clear the furniture away and have a dance. That's as good for you as going out to the gym and working out on a bike.
"You put the music on, blast out a few of your favourite tunes and have half an hour dancing. But no stopping.
"You do have to take the missus out as well, of course."
He said: "I have very good genes and I don't put on weight. I still have a drink. I am not a fanatic about being in the gym for hours or pounding the pavements as that's detrimental.
"If you are not doing shows then you have to keep up a certain level of fitness or there's no going back. Five times a week you have to do half an hour biking or in the gym.
"But dancing is really good and more fun than being in a gym. I go out clubbing."
Even if Mick - who has been dating designer L'Wren Scott since 2001 - finds himself in a place where he is unable to go out, he makes the most of where he is and is happy to dance alone at home.
The father-of-seven added in an interview with the Daily Mirror newspaper: "If you are in the country with nowhere to go, you just clear the furniture away and have a dance. That's as good for you as going out to the gym and working out on a bike.
"You put the music on, blast out a few of your favourite tunes and have half an hour dancing. But no stopping.
"You do have to take the missus out as well, of course."
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
R and B singer Vesta Williams found dead in Calif
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Big-voiced R&B diva Vesta Williams, perhaps best-known for her 1980s hits "Don't Blow A Good Thing" and "Congratulations," has been found dead of a possible drug overdose in a Southern California hotel room, coroner's investigators said Friday. She was 53.
Williams was found dead at 6:15 p.m. Thursday in an El Segundo hotel room, Los Angeles County coroner's Capt. John Kades (KAY'-dihs) said.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death. A toxicology examination will take six weeks to be completed, Kades said.
Born Mary Vesta Williams on Dec. 1, 1957, to a disc jockey in Coshocton, Ohio, she had hits with "Once Bitten Twice Shy," "Sweet, Sweet Love" and the torch song "Congratulations," where she emotionally bids goodbye to her ex, about to marry someone else, on his wedding day.
Williams also appeared in movies and on television.
She was a saloon singer in the Mario Van Peebles movie "Posse" and she had a recurring role on the television situation comedy "Sister, Sister," playing actress Jackee Harry's best friend Monica.
Harry tweeted her condolences: "...just received truly devastating news: R&B great, and my friend of many yrs, Vesta Williams ((at)vesta4u), has passed away. (hash)RIPVesta"
Williams diminutive frame belied her powerful, soulful pipes. Her initial success in the music industry came as a background singer for artists ranging from Chaka Khan, Anita Baker and Sting. But she would eventually establish her career with release of her first album, "Vesta," in 1986.
Over the years, she had hits including "Once Bitten Twice Shy," "Sweet, Sweet Love" and her signature torch song "Congratulations."
Williams was found dead at 6:15 p.m. Thursday in an El Segundo hotel room, Los Angeles County coroner's Capt. John Kades (KAY'-dihs) said.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death. A toxicology examination will take six weeks to be completed, Kades said.
Born Mary Vesta Williams on Dec. 1, 1957, to a disc jockey in Coshocton, Ohio, she had hits with "Once Bitten Twice Shy," "Sweet, Sweet Love" and the torch song "Congratulations," where she emotionally bids goodbye to her ex, about to marry someone else, on his wedding day.
Williams also appeared in movies and on television.
She was a saloon singer in the Mario Van Peebles movie "Posse" and she had a recurring role on the television situation comedy "Sister, Sister," playing actress Jackee Harry's best friend Monica.
Harry tweeted her condolences: "...just received truly devastating news: R&B great, and my friend of many yrs, Vesta Williams ((at)vesta4u), has passed away. (hash)RIPVesta"
Williams diminutive frame belied her powerful, soulful pipes. Her initial success in the music industry came as a background singer for artists ranging from Chaka Khan, Anita Baker and Sting. But she would eventually establish her career with release of her first album, "Vesta," in 1986.
Over the years, she had hits including "Once Bitten Twice Shy," "Sweet, Sweet Love" and her signature torch song "Congratulations."
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Fresh air
Feel the love for guitarist, singer and songwriter Graham Russell and vocalist Russell Hitchcock as they return to The Venetian for their third concert as Air Supply.
The multi-platinum award winning Australian crooners, who defined 1980s love ballads, was the first group to tour Chinese mainland.
Their harmonies soar stronger than ever, capturing new audiences with their distinctive soft rock easy sound.With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time for turkey, trimmings and a taste of Old Blue Eyes.
Nothing brings back Frank Sinatra and the glory days when the Rat Pack ruled quite like Pete Moore's Martini Nation Big Band Deluxe. Billed as lounge and swing with a rock 'n' roll twist, vocalist Moore is joined by a 10-piece band featuring pianist Joao Mascarenhas, drummer Cameron Reid and others.
The multi-platinum award winning Australian crooners, who defined 1980s love ballads, was the first group to tour Chinese mainland.
Their harmonies soar stronger than ever, capturing new audiences with their distinctive soft rock easy sound.With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time for turkey, trimmings and a taste of Old Blue Eyes.
Nothing brings back Frank Sinatra and the glory days when the Rat Pack ruled quite like Pete Moore's Martini Nation Big Band Deluxe. Billed as lounge and swing with a rock 'n' roll twist, vocalist Moore is joined by a 10-piece band featuring pianist Joao Mascarenhas, drummer Cameron Reid and others.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Orchestra brings both history and music appreciation
Young musicians, aged 18 to 25 from the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan have been asked to take part in a concert series commemorating an important moment in Chinese history.
So, for the past two weeks, starting Aug 7, the Macao Youth Symphony Orchestra has joined the Central Conservatory of Music's chorus, for concerts in Macao, Taipei, Shanghai, Wuhan, Nanjing, and, for the finale, Beijing's Forbidden City Concert Hall the night of Aug 19 - all for the 100th anniversary of China's Xinhai Revolution of 1911.
These included an opera piece, Song of Eternal Lament, adapted by musician Zhou Ye, the Song of Fate, of Brahms, and Dvorak's Symphony No 9 (From the New World).
This was in fact the debut of the operatic Song of Eternal Lament, which was originally created in 1932, by Huang Zi, one of the most important Chinese composers of that time.
Huang was responding to the 'Sept 18 Incident' of 1931, when Japanese forces occupied northeastern China in the first stage of their invasion of China. He used the opera to express both his anger over the war and love of the motherland, through a tale of the Tangminghuang emperor, of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).
Jimson Hoi Kin Wa, president of the Macao Youth Symphony Orchestra Assoc, described the reason behind the recent event, "We share a period of important history that's hardly known by youngsters these days. The music acts as a bridge to let them learn more about the history of that period.
"We're honored to be a part of this meaningful tour and were careful with our music selection, considering well-known songs and some Chinese operas to fit the celebration."
Hoi went on to comment by saying, "It was also a great experience for the young members of the orchestra and for me to travel and perform in these cities, bringing musical enjoyment to local audiences and communicating in the universal language of music."
So, for the past two weeks, starting Aug 7, the Macao Youth Symphony Orchestra has joined the Central Conservatory of Music's chorus, for concerts in Macao, Taipei, Shanghai, Wuhan, Nanjing, and, for the finale, Beijing's Forbidden City Concert Hall the night of Aug 19 - all for the 100th anniversary of China's Xinhai Revolution of 1911.
These included an opera piece, Song of Eternal Lament, adapted by musician Zhou Ye, the Song of Fate, of Brahms, and Dvorak's Symphony No 9 (From the New World).
This was in fact the debut of the operatic Song of Eternal Lament, which was originally created in 1932, by Huang Zi, one of the most important Chinese composers of that time.
Huang was responding to the 'Sept 18 Incident' of 1931, when Japanese forces occupied northeastern China in the first stage of their invasion of China. He used the opera to express both his anger over the war and love of the motherland, through a tale of the Tangminghuang emperor, of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).
Jimson Hoi Kin Wa, president of the Macao Youth Symphony Orchestra Assoc, described the reason behind the recent event, "We share a period of important history that's hardly known by youngsters these days. The music acts as a bridge to let them learn more about the history of that period.
"We're honored to be a part of this meaningful tour and were careful with our music selection, considering well-known songs and some Chinese operas to fit the celebration."
Hoi went on to comment by saying, "It was also a great experience for the young members of the orchestra and for me to travel and perform in these cities, bringing musical enjoyment to local audiences and communicating in the universal language of music."
Friday, November 16, 2012
Rock Hall to honor Aretha Franklin with series
NEW YORK — Aretha Franklin is already a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but this fall, she'll be honored by the hall once again, as part of its American Music Masters series.
The Queen of Soul will be the subject of a week-long celebration by the hall and Case Western Reserve University. It kicks off Oct. 31, includes an all-day symposium and ends with an all-star tribute concert on Nov. 5. Performers for that show have yet to be announced.
In a statement released Tuesday, the 69-year-old Franklin said she was "thrilled and delighted" to be honored and planned to take part in the festivities.
Franklin returned to the concert scene this year after surgery for an undisclosed condition.
Past honorees include Bessie Smith, Les Paul, Janis Joplin and Woody Guthrie.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Rapper Machine Gun Kelly charged amid flash mob at mall
Cleveland rapper Machine Gun Kelly was cited with disorderly conduct after he was accused of refusing to get down from a food court table during a flash mob he organized at a suburban mall, police said on Sunday.
Police in Strongsville, Ohio, received a tip on Saturday of a possible flash mob planned for 5 p.m. local time by the rapper, who recently signed a recording deal with rap mogul Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' music label.
As the event began, mall management asked a group of people including the rapper not to stand on a table located next to a second-floor railing, according to a statement issued by police.
The 21-year-old rapper, whose real name is Richard C. Baker, and two others who failed to comply were removed from the mall, police said. They were charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and released.
Video footage posted online shows the event drew a large crowd. Some chanted "MGK! MGK!" as the heavily tattooed rapper tussled with officers.
"If havin fun with my fans and bringin the rage back to my hometown means I have to be arrested...then keep pullin the cuffs out," read a message posted on the rapper's Twitter account.
Police in Strongsville, Ohio, received a tip on Saturday of a possible flash mob planned for 5 p.m. local time by the rapper, who recently signed a recording deal with rap mogul Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' music label.
As the event began, mall management asked a group of people including the rapper not to stand on a table located next to a second-floor railing, according to a statement issued by police.
The 21-year-old rapper, whose real name is Richard C. Baker, and two others who failed to comply were removed from the mall, police said. They were charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and released.
Video footage posted online shows the event drew a large crowd. Some chanted "MGK! MGK!" as the heavily tattooed rapper tussled with officers.
"If havin fun with my fans and bringin the rage back to my hometown means I have to be arrested...then keep pullin the cuffs out," read a message posted on the rapper's Twitter account.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Hand of God guides rock singer Is new album
His skin-fit purple jeans, black T-shirt, that hangs loosely on his strong frame, leather bracelets, and huge finger ring scream the rebellious spirit of a rock singer. But when Vanness Wu begins to talk about his new pop-rock album, C'est La V, his first in three years, he is seriousness personified.
"The title of the album borrows from the French phrase 'c'est la vie', which means 'such is life'. My name has a 'v', which is pronounced the same as 'vie'. So the title is meant to say 'this is Vanness, this is me'," he explains.
The old Wu, a handsome, arrogant playboy, is still coming to terms with the new Wu, earnest and modest.
"It took me three years to finish this album, but it feels like 10 years - of growing and maturing," says the 32-year-old American-born-Chinese singer.
My family is my top priority. I am now a happy mother and wife," she says. "No matter how glamorous I look on stage, I am an ordinary mother who reads bedtime stories to her children and cooks for them."
As to the new singers, she says that she is not afraid of or worried about the competition, but concedes the music market has changed dramatically.
"When I turn on the TV and watch singing programs, I am shocked by today's young singers, who are not just good singers, but can also dance and play various instruments. But so what?" she says.
"I am getting old and I can't carry off dazzling costumes or dance fiercely. All I have is my voice. I don't worry about my career because it's already there. All I want to do now is enjoy life, be myself and follow my feelings."
"The title of the album borrows from the French phrase 'c'est la vie', which means 'such is life'. My name has a 'v', which is pronounced the same as 'vie'. So the title is meant to say 'this is Vanness, this is me'," he explains.
The old Wu, a handsome, arrogant playboy, is still coming to terms with the new Wu, earnest and modest.
"It took me three years to finish this album, but it feels like 10 years - of growing and maturing," says the 32-year-old American-born-Chinese singer.
My family is my top priority. I am now a happy mother and wife," she says. "No matter how glamorous I look on stage, I am an ordinary mother who reads bedtime stories to her children and cooks for them."
As to the new singers, she says that she is not afraid of or worried about the competition, but concedes the music market has changed dramatically.
"When I turn on the TV and watch singing programs, I am shocked by today's young singers, who are not just good singers, but can also dance and play various instruments. But so what?" she says.
"I am getting old and I can't carry off dazzling costumes or dance fiercely. All I have is my voice. I don't worry about my career because it's already there. All I want to do now is enjoy life, be myself and follow my feelings."
Monday, November 12, 2012
Sinatra estate steps to plate in Dodgers Chapter 11
The estate of Frank Sinatra, a long-time Los Angeles Dodgers fan, has joined four other season ticket holders to ask a bankruptcy judge for an official say in the baseball team's future.
Nancy, Frank Jr. and Tina Sinatra and the other ticket holders are seeking recognition as an official committee to advocate on behalf of Dodger fans who generally blame team owner Frank McCourt for its financial problems.
They did not specify their concerns or motives in a filing with the Delaware bankruptcy court. But an official committee would speak on behalf of all season ticket holders, and would have some or all of its expenses for lawyers and advisers paid by the Dodgers.
The family of the singer known for such standards as "My Way" and "New York, New York" and for acting in films such as "From Here to Eternity" has held season tickets since the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles from Brooklyn, New York for the 1958 season, according to court documents.
"The season ticket holders are the voice of all fans and therefore deserve a seat at the table," said Anthony Sabino, a law professor at Tobin College of Business at St. John's University. "One could even say they are the lifeblood of a franchise."
In a statement, the Dodgers said there is no need for an official committee of ticket holders because their interests "will not be affected by the Chapter 11 cases."
Bankrupt companies generally work hard to get the support of official committees in order to successfully reorganize.
Sinatra, who died in 1998, was known for dropping by the team's clubhouse.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
From evergreen to the latest hits
Not many people in China know David Foster as a performer, but they are familiar with the songs he wrote and the stars he discovered.
The Canadian composer, music producer and arranger will make his debut in Shanghai, with a concert named David Foster and His Friends.
The show will take place at Shanghai Grand Stage on Nov 13, featuring veteran singers such as Chaka Khan, Peter Cetera and Babyface (Kenneth Brian Edmonds).
Foster, 63, was the producer and arranger of I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston, and composer of Tell Him, the duet by Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand. So many singers and performers have worked with Foster that he has been recognized as an integral part of the music industry since the 1990s.
He has won 16 Grammy Awards, and been nominated 47 times. He was also nominated three times for the Oscar for best original song and won the Golden Globe award for The Prayer (sung by Andrea Bocelli and Dion) from the movie Quest for Camelot.
Still, Foster says: "I don't know what to expect in Shanghai, whether they know anything about my music, whether they will be excited or disappointed by it."
One of the most famous stars discovered by Foster was Dion. Foster used to travel hundreds of miles to hear her sing in Montreal, a young woman of 19, speaking no English and singing in French.
The Canadian composer, music producer and arranger will make his debut in Shanghai, with a concert named David Foster and His Friends.
The show will take place at Shanghai Grand Stage on Nov 13, featuring veteran singers such as Chaka Khan, Peter Cetera and Babyface (Kenneth Brian Edmonds).
Foster, 63, was the producer and arranger of I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston, and composer of Tell Him, the duet by Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand. So many singers and performers have worked with Foster that he has been recognized as an integral part of the music industry since the 1990s.
He has won 16 Grammy Awards, and been nominated 47 times. He was also nominated three times for the Oscar for best original song and won the Golden Globe award for The Prayer (sung by Andrea Bocelli and Dion) from the movie Quest for Camelot.
Still, Foster says: "I don't know what to expect in Shanghai, whether they know anything about my music, whether they will be excited or disappointed by it."
One of the most famous stars discovered by Foster was Dion. Foster used to travel hundreds of miles to hear her sing in Montreal, a young woman of 19, speaking no English and singing in French.
Friday, November 9, 2012
From Murrieta to Beijing
Though the band didn't anticipate success so soon, they keep moving forward and are now about to play their first concerts in China, two nights in Beijing and Shanghai.
"We kind of found out at the last minute that we were being added to the bill, and so we took the opportunity. I didn't know the rock show was still happening, so we're just happy to be playing," says Tyler Glenn, the lead vocalist and keyboardist.
For the 75-minute shows, the band will perform 15 songs, including the hit song Animal and some new tunes. They promise a gig full of energy.
"It's such an eye-opening opportunity, to see that our music travels to places we didn't think it would get to," says Glenn in an interview with China Daily.
Not so long ago, Glenn and Chris Allen, the band co-founder and guitarist, who are in their late 20s, attended Coachella Festival as fans. But in April they were part of the lineup, with big names like Arcade Fire, Kanye West and Duran Duran.
Their dream started in Murrieta, California, where their fathers worked together. Named after the sign that sits atop the US hamburger chain In and Out, the two started making music as Neon Trees in 2005.
"We had a joke that 'Neon Punk Trees' would be a cool band name. So we kind of went from there, the joke always stayed and eventually led us using it for the band," Glenn recalls.
When they moved to Utah, they met drummer Elaine Bradley and bassist Branden Campbell.
Their big break came when they played on The Killers' national tour. Their fan base grew by opening for the band, 30 Seconds to Mars.
"We kind of found out at the last minute that we were being added to the bill, and so we took the opportunity. I didn't know the rock show was still happening, so we're just happy to be playing," says Tyler Glenn, the lead vocalist and keyboardist.
For the 75-minute shows, the band will perform 15 songs, including the hit song Animal and some new tunes. They promise a gig full of energy.
"It's such an eye-opening opportunity, to see that our music travels to places we didn't think it would get to," says Glenn in an interview with China Daily.
Not so long ago, Glenn and Chris Allen, the band co-founder and guitarist, who are in their late 20s, attended Coachella Festival as fans. But in April they were part of the lineup, with big names like Arcade Fire, Kanye West and Duran Duran.
Their dream started in Murrieta, California, where their fathers worked together. Named after the sign that sits atop the US hamburger chain In and Out, the two started making music as Neon Trees in 2005.
"We had a joke that 'Neon Punk Trees' would be a cool band name. So we kind of went from there, the joke always stayed and eventually led us using it for the band," Glenn recalls.
When they moved to Utah, they met drummer Elaine Bradley and bassist Branden Campbell.
Their big break came when they played on The Killers' national tour. Their fan base grew by opening for the band, 30 Seconds to Mars.
McCartney recalls fear after 9/11 helps heal with music
LOS ANGELES - Paul McCartney on Thursday recalled the shock and fear that engulfed New York in the aftermath of the Sept 11 attacks and what he called the magical power of music in helping to heal those wounds.
Speaking ahead of the television broadcast of his 9/11 documentary The Love We Make, the former Beatle said that the concert he helped organize after the attacks was one of the most worthwhile moments of his career.
Shot in black and white, The Love We Make chronicles McCartney's personal journey in the devastated city immediately after the attacks on the World Trade Center, and preparations for the Concert for 9/11 six weeks later.
It will be broadcast on cable channel Showtime on Sept 10 as part of a slew of US television programs marking the 10th anniversary of the attacks.
"The whole mood of the world, of America and New York had changed. There was fear in the air and I had never experienced that in New York," McCartney said.
He added that he organized the concert in a bid to help New York let out the fear.
"We were emerging from the fearfulness of the immediate impact, and now you were seeing the emotion releasing through music it's one of the reasons I am in music."
"It was a great feeling. We actually felt like we were doing a bit of good," he said.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, McCartney was in New York on a plane on the tarmac, which was grounded when hijacked planes were flown into the World Trade Center towers. He spent the next few days stranded on Long Island and immediately came up with the idea of staging a concert for the city.
Speaking ahead of the television broadcast of his 9/11 documentary The Love We Make, the former Beatle said that the concert he helped organize after the attacks was one of the most worthwhile moments of his career.
Shot in black and white, The Love We Make chronicles McCartney's personal journey in the devastated city immediately after the attacks on the World Trade Center, and preparations for the Concert for 9/11 six weeks later.
It will be broadcast on cable channel Showtime on Sept 10 as part of a slew of US television programs marking the 10th anniversary of the attacks.
"The whole mood of the world, of America and New York had changed. There was fear in the air and I had never experienced that in New York," McCartney said.
He added that he organized the concert in a bid to help New York let out the fear.
"We were emerging from the fearfulness of the immediate impact, and now you were seeing the emotion releasing through music it's one of the reasons I am in music."
"It was a great feeling. We actually felt like we were doing a bit of good," he said.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, McCartney was in New York on a plane on the tarmac, which was grounded when hijacked planes were flown into the World Trade Center towers. He spent the next few days stranded on Long Island and immediately came up with the idea of staging a concert for the city.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Macao recruits ambassadors for int music festival
MACAO -- Macao's Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) is recruiting for the first time so-called "Music Festival Ambassadors" for its annual Macao International Music Festival, which is set to kick off in October, the Macao Post Daily reported on Tuesday.
The newspaper quoted a statement by the Bureau as saying that the "ambassadors" campaign was aimed at "enriching the musical knowledge and enhancing the artistic qualities of selected entrants" through different training schemes.
The training period will run from September to October and all Macao ID card holders aged at least 16 may have the chance to participate in it. Those selected as "Music Festival Ambassadors" will provide different services at exhibitions held during the event, introduce residents and tourists to the festival's history and provide information about the festival as a whole.
In addition, the "Ambassadors" may have the opportunity to participate in arts exchange activities and visit various arts and cultural facilities in "neighboring regions in an attempt to broaden their horizons and enrich their knowledge in arts and culture", according to the statement.
The Macao International Music Festival, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, will take place from October 7 to November 5, featuring nearly two dozen programs covering a wide range of music including folk, pop, fusion, jazz.
The newspaper quoted a statement by the Bureau as saying that the "ambassadors" campaign was aimed at "enriching the musical knowledge and enhancing the artistic qualities of selected entrants" through different training schemes.
The training period will run from September to October and all Macao ID card holders aged at least 16 may have the chance to participate in it. Those selected as "Music Festival Ambassadors" will provide different services at exhibitions held during the event, introduce residents and tourists to the festival's history and provide information about the festival as a whole.
In addition, the "Ambassadors" may have the opportunity to participate in arts exchange activities and visit various arts and cultural facilities in "neighboring regions in an attempt to broaden their horizons and enrich their knowledge in arts and culture", according to the statement.
The Macao International Music Festival, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, will take place from October 7 to November 5, featuring nearly two dozen programs covering a wide range of music including folk, pop, fusion, jazz.
Composer, Pulitzer winner Carter dies in NY at 103
Classical composer Elliott Carter, whose challenging, rhythmically complex works earned him widespread admiration and two Pulitzer Prizes, died Monday at age 103.
His music publishing company, Boosey & Hawkes, called him an "iconic American composer." It didn't give the cause of his death.
In a 1992 Associated Press interview, Carter described his works as "music that asks to be listened to in a concentrated way and listened to with a great deal of attention."
"It's not music that makes an overt theatrical effect," he said then, "but it assumes the listener is listening to sounds and making some sense out of them."
The complex way the instruments interact in his compositions created drama for listeners who made the effort to understand them, but it made them difficult for orchestras to learn. He said he tried to give each of the musicians individuality within the context of a comprehensible whole.
"This seems to me a very dramatic thing in a democratic society," he said.
While little known to the general public, he was long respected by an inner circle of critics and musicians. In 2002, The New York Times said his string quartets were among "the most difficult music ever conceived," and it hailed their "volatile emotions, delicacy and even, in places, plucky humor."
His music publishing company, Boosey & Hawkes, called him an "iconic American composer." It didn't give the cause of his death.
In a 1992 Associated Press interview, Carter described his works as "music that asks to be listened to in a concentrated way and listened to with a great deal of attention."
"It's not music that makes an overt theatrical effect," he said then, "but it assumes the listener is listening to sounds and making some sense out of them."
The complex way the instruments interact in his compositions created drama for listeners who made the effort to understand them, but it made them difficult for orchestras to learn. He said he tried to give each of the musicians individuality within the context of a comprehensible whole.
"This seems to me a very dramatic thing in a democratic society," he said.
While little known to the general public, he was long respected by an inner circle of critics and musicians. In 2002, The New York Times said his string quartets were among "the most difficult music ever conceived," and it hailed their "volatile emotions, delicacy and even, in places, plucky humor."
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Janis was in tears as she examined the flowers
The singer's mother, Janis, was in tears as she examined the flowers, candles, vodka bottles, flags, drawings and handwritten cards left by neighbors, fans and well-wishers. Many of the offerings expressed the same sentiment: "What a waste."
"I'll remember her as a troubled soul," said fan Ethna Rouse, who brought her 4-year-old son to leave a bouquet. "Like many artists in the world — they are tortured souls, and that's where the talent comes from."
The singer had battled her demons in public, too often making headlines for erratic behavior, destructive relationships and abortive performances.
But she was remembered fondly by her neighbors in Camden, the creative but gritty neighborhood where she lived on and off for years.
"She was too young to die and too talented, and too beautiful," said Peggy Conlon, landlady of the Dublin Castle pub, where Winehouse occasionally stopped for a drink. "She's sorely missed by everyone, not one person had a bad word to say about that kid."
Last month, Winehouse canceled her European comeback tour after she swayed and slurred her way through barely recognizable songs in her first show in the Serbian capital, Belgrade. Booed and jeered off stage, she flew home and her management said she would take time off to recover.
Her last public appearance came three days before her death, when she briefly joined her goddaughter, singer Dionne Bromfield, on stage at The Roundhouse in Camden, near her home.
"I'll remember her as a troubled soul," said fan Ethna Rouse, who brought her 4-year-old son to leave a bouquet. "Like many artists in the world — they are tortured souls, and that's where the talent comes from."
The singer had battled her demons in public, too often making headlines for erratic behavior, destructive relationships and abortive performances.
But she was remembered fondly by her neighbors in Camden, the creative but gritty neighborhood where she lived on and off for years.
"She was too young to die and too talented, and too beautiful," said Peggy Conlon, landlady of the Dublin Castle pub, where Winehouse occasionally stopped for a drink. "She's sorely missed by everyone, not one person had a bad word to say about that kid."
Last month, Winehouse canceled her European comeback tour after she swayed and slurred her way through barely recognizable songs in her first show in the Serbian capital, Belgrade. Booed and jeered off stage, she flew home and her management said she would take time off to recover.
Her last public appearance came three days before her death, when she briefly joined her goddaughter, singer Dionne Bromfield, on stage at The Roundhouse in Camden, near her home.
Winehouse autopsy inconclusive parents thank fans
LONDON — An autopsy on singer Amy Winehouse Monday failed to determine what killed the 27-year-old star, leaving fans and family with a weeks-long wait for the results of toxicology tests.
Winehouse's devastated parents visited mourners outside her north London home to thank them for their support, ahead of a private family funeral that could be held as early as Tuesday.
The singer, who had struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for years, was found dead Saturday at home by a member of her security team, who called an ambulance. It arrived too late to save her.
The Metropolitan Police said Monday that a forensic post mortem "did not establish a formal cause of death and we await the results of further toxicology tests." Those are expected to take two to four weeks.
An inquest into the singer's death was opened and adjourned at London's St. Pancras Coroner's Court. During the two-minute hearing, an official read out the name, birth date and address of Winehouse, described as "a divorced lady living at Camden Square NW1."
"She was a singer songwriter at the time of her death and was identified by her family here at St. Pancras this morning," said coroner's officer Sharon Duff.
Duff said the scene of Winehouse's death "was investigated by police and determined non-suspicious."
In Britain, inquests are held to establish the facts whenever someone dies violently or in unexplained circumstances. Assistant Deputy Coroner Suzanne Greenaway said Winehouse's inquest would resume on Oct. 26.
Winehouse's devastated parents visited mourners outside her north London home to thank them for their support, ahead of a private family funeral that could be held as early as Tuesday.
The singer, who had struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for years, was found dead Saturday at home by a member of her security team, who called an ambulance. It arrived too late to save her.
The Metropolitan Police said Monday that a forensic post mortem "did not establish a formal cause of death and we await the results of further toxicology tests." Those are expected to take two to four weeks.
An inquest into the singer's death was opened and adjourned at London's St. Pancras Coroner's Court. During the two-minute hearing, an official read out the name, birth date and address of Winehouse, described as "a divorced lady living at Camden Square NW1."
"She was a singer songwriter at the time of her death and was identified by her family here at St. Pancras this morning," said coroner's officer Sharon Duff.
Duff said the scene of Winehouse's death "was investigated by police and determined non-suspicious."
In Britain, inquests are held to establish the facts whenever someone dies violently or in unexplained circumstances. Assistant Deputy Coroner Suzanne Greenaway said Winehouse's inquest would resume on Oct. 26.
Friday, November 2, 2012
A Minute With Rapper RZA putting on Iron Fists for new movie
Rapper and music producer RZA is best known as the leader of the hip-hop group the Wu-Tang Clan which also includes such popular members as Method Man, Ghostface Killah and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard.
RZA branched out into film, taking on small acting roles and scoring music, including the soundtrack for Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill: Vol. 1".
Now, nearly a decade later, 43-year-old RZA has combined his childhood love of martial arts movies to co-write with Eli Roth the feature film "The Man With the Iron Fists," which he also directs and acts in the title role.
Shot on location in China, and co-starring Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu, Iron Fists is set during the 19th century and sees several groups of warriors and assassins descend on a village in search of gold. The quiet and unassuming local blacksmith (RZA) ends up being the village defender.
RZA, whose real name is Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, sat down with Reuters in Hollywood to talk about the film and the future of the Wu-Tang Clan.
RZA branched out into film, taking on small acting roles and scoring music, including the soundtrack for Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill: Vol. 1".
Now, nearly a decade later, 43-year-old RZA has combined his childhood love of martial arts movies to co-write with Eli Roth the feature film "The Man With the Iron Fists," which he also directs and acts in the title role.
Shot on location in China, and co-starring Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu, Iron Fists is set during the 19th century and sees several groups of warriors and assassins descend on a village in search of gold. The quiet and unassuming local blacksmith (RZA) ends up being the village defender.
RZA, whose real name is Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, sat down with Reuters in Hollywood to talk about the film and the future of the Wu-Tang Clan.
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