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DC5m United States music in english 20 articles, created at 2016-12-06 18:17 articles set mostly positive rate 8.8
(13.99/14) 1 5.9 Grammy noms: 9 for Beyonce, 8 each for Drake, Rihanna, Kanye
The Grammy Awards are sipping all of Beyonce's lemonade. 2016-12-06 10:51 5KB www.cbs46.com
2 3.8 2017 Grammy Awards: A list of the nominees in top categories (12.99/14) A list of nominees in the top categories at the 59th annual Grammy Awards, announced Tuesday by The Recording Academy. — Album of the year: 2016-12-06 10:44 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk
3 0.0 Grammys Set Beyonce-Adele Showdown as Voters Embrace Pop Over Rock in Top Categories (2.40/14) The true heavyweight showdowns will come between perhaps the two most unanimously venerated figures in contemporary music, Beyonce and Adele. 2016-12-06 10:22 5KB feedproxy.google.com
4 3.3 Roper Technologies to buy software firm Deltek in $2.8 bln deal (2.31/14) Dec 6 (Reuters) - IT services provider Roper Technologies Inc said it would buy business software company Deltek from private equity firm Thoma Bravo in a ca... 2016-12-06 08:47 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk
5 2.3 Mariah Carey's new beau Bryan Tanaka speaks out: 'I love her so much'
(2.06/14) Mariah Carey's rumored boyfriend Bryan Tanaka couldn't help but gush about the singer while attending her "Mariah's World" premiere. 2016-12-06 10:50 2KB www.upi.com
6 0.7 The Grammys have finally embraced Justin Bieber. But is this progress? (1.17/14) In December 2012, Ellen DeGeneres had Justin Bieber on her talk show to discuss the pop star’s latest tattoo (a wise owl), what he likes to do on his days off (sneak into movies) and whether he was bummed not to have been nominated for a Grammy Award. 2016-12-06 10:40 4KB www.latimes.com
7 4.5 PICS: Sfiso Ncwane's final performance Gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane performed for the very last time at the Thobela FM Praise and Worship Gospel Festival. 2016-12-06 08:00 1KB www.channel24.co.za
(1.09/14) 8 1.2 Theresa May aims for 'red, white and blue Brexit' Theresa May has tried to quell tensions in Government over whether the UK
(1.05/14) negotiates a hard or soft Brexit, by insisting she wants a 2016-12-06 10:21 5KB www.dailymail.co.uk
9 2.1 Three N. C. college presidents paid more than $1 million (1.02/14) Three North Carolina college presidents are among the top-paid private university leaders in the nation, the News & Record reported. This trio — Richard Brodhead at Duke University, Nathan Hatch at Wake Forest University and Nido Qubein at High Point University — are three of... 2016-12-06 06:52 1023Bytes myfox8.com
10 0.0 Sophie Monk claims she 'never' fought backstage at the ARIAs with Sandilands Sophie Monk has insisted she and Kyle Sandilands 'never' fought following their ARIA award presenting, despite radio host saying they did because he mocked her musical career. 2016-12-06 10:52 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk
11 3.1 Mariah Carey, Teyana Taylor light up the stage for VH1's 'Divas Holiday' Mariah Carey, Teyana Taylor, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan and more got into the Christmas spirit Monday for VH1's music special, "Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night. " 2016-12-06 10:34 2KB www.upi.com
12 4.0 Grand Rapids Symphony president, CEO takes Baltimore Symphony appointment He will begin work with the BSO, one of the 20 largest orchestras in the United States, on Feb. 1. 2016-12-06 10:00 3KB www.mlive.com
13 2.9 Paloma Faith welcomes first child with boyfriend Leyman Lahcine The Picking Up The Pieces singer and her long-term boyfriend Leyman Lahcine have welcomed their first child into the world and the couple are totally 'in love' with their new arrival. 2016-12-06 09:27 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk
14 1.0 Geordie Shore's Sophie Kasaei shows off assets as she soaks up sun in Dubai The reality show star flaunted her ample assets in the racy lilac one piece as she enjoyed some rest and relaxation after the wild antics of her MTV show. 2016-12-06 09:08 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk 15 4.8 Meghan Trainor and boyfriend Daryl Sabara celebrate anniversary Pop star Meghan Trainor and boyfriend Daryl Sabara celebrated their 5-month anniversary by going on a dinner date together. 2016-12-06 08:24 1KB www.upi.com
16 2.8 DSO to make 1st trip to China as part of 2017 Asian tour Detroit Symphony Orchestra's 3-week trip to Japan and China in 2017 will trumpet recovery of the orchestra and the city -- and maybe sell Ford vehicles 2016-12-06 08:20 9KB rssfeeds.freep.com
17 0.6 Lorraine Kelly teases Ore Oduba over friendship with Strictly partner Joanne Clifton Joking about the infamous Strictly curse and the hours he puts in at rehearsals, Lorraine quipped to Ore: 'There are three people in this marriage right now!' 2016-12-06 08:20 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk
18 1.6 Mighty Marchin' Trojans keep their music alive with passion, pride A Saginaw band director and her musicians their unique flair and school pride to Saginaw. 2016-12-06 06:48 14KB www.mlive.com
19 0.0 Buzz Aldrin Recovering In New Zealand The ex-astronaut is being treated by Dr. David Bowie. Not the late pop star. A real doctor named David Bowie. 2016-12-06 06:15 982Bytes www.npr.org
20 2.5 Smile! Jaden Smith shows off his new gleaming grillz as he collects award at the British Fashion Awards Arriving at The Royal Albert Hall on Monday, the 18-year-old singer and actor added an attention-grabbing edge to his tailored look by donning a pair of gleaming grillz. 2016-12-06 06:03 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk Articles
DC5m United States music in english 20 articles, created at 2016-12-06 18:17
1 /20 5.9 Grammy noms: 9 for Beyonce, 8 each for Drake, Rihanna, Kanye (13.99/14) NEW YORK (AP) - The Grammy Awards are sipping all of Beyonce's lemonade. The pop star leads the 2017 Grammys with nine nominations, including bids for album of the year with "Lemonade," and song and record of the year with "Formation. " The singer, who already has 20 Grammys and is the most nominated woman in Grammy history with 62 nods over the course of her career, is also the first artist to earn nominations in the pop, rock, R&B and rap categories in the same year. Behind Beyonce are Drake, Rihanna and Kanye West, who scored eight nominations each. Like Beyonce, Adele is also nominated for album, record and song of the year. For album of the year, "Lemonade" and "25" - which has sold 10 million copies in a year - will compete against Drake's multi-hit "Views," Justin Bieber's redemption album "Purpose" and surprise nominee "A Sailor's Guide to Earth," the third album from respected and rebellious country singer Sturgill Simpson. Beyonce's "Formation" and Adele's "Hello" are up against Rihanna and Drake's "Work," twenty one pilots' "Stressed Out" and Lukas Graham's "7 Years" for record of the year. "7 Years" is also up for song of the year - a songwriter's award - battling Bieber's "Love Yourself," co-written with Ed Sheeran, Mike Posner's "I Took a Pill In Ibiza," as well as Beyonce and Adele's songs. Beyonce's nine nominations include best rock performance ("Don't Hurt Yourself" with Jack White), pop solo performance ("Hold Up"), rap/sung performance ("Freedom" with Kendrick Lamar) and urban contemporary album ("Lemonade"). "Artists are feeling emboldened and courageous and just wanting to step out of the predictable boundaries of what they have done. Of course, (Beyonce) is the poster child for that," Recording Academy CEO and President Neil Portnow said in an interview with The Associated Press. Adele, who has five nominations, is up for best pop vocal album ("25") and pop solo performance ("Hello. ") The Grammys will be presented in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, 2017. David Bowie, who died from cancer in January, earned four nominations for his final album "Blackstar," including best rock performance, rock song, alternative music album and engineered album, non-classical. "I think this is beyond sort of the sympathy vote, because sometimes you'll see those kinds of things happen just 'cause people feel sorry about it. But listen to (his) album - it's quite extraordinary," Portnow said of Bowie. This year the Recording Academy allowed streaming-only recordings - released on paid-subscription platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal but not for sale on iTunes - to be eligible for nominations, giving Chance the Rapper a fair chance. The breakout performer scored seven nominations including best new artist, pitting him against country singers Maren Morris and Kelsea Ballerini; singer-rapper Anderson Paak; and pop-EDM duo the Chainsmokers, whose recent hits include "Closer" and "Don't Let Me Down. " Chance the Rapper earned three nominations for best rap song: His hit, "No Problem," is nominated, and he has writing credit on the Kanye West songs "Famous" and "Ultralight Beam. " West will compete with himself in three categories: best rap song, rap performance and rap/sung performance. Chance's "Coloring Book" and West's "The Life of Pablo" are nominated for best rap album along with Drake's "Views," De La Soul's "And the Anonymous Nobody," DJ Khaled's "Major Key" and Schoolboy Q's "Blank Face LP. " Sturgill, who had been nominated for best Americana album at the 2015 Grammys, also sees his nine-track album nominated for best country album. Sturgill was in a bit of controversy this year when he posted on Facebook that the Academy of Country Music Awards should not have created an award named after Merle Haggard when he felt they never showed true love to the country outlaw, who died this year. He closed his long post saying: "(Expletive) this town. I'm moving. " Sturgill's album is up against Loretta Lynn's "Full Circle," Keith Urban's "Ripcord," Morris' "Hero" and Brandy Clark's "Big Day In a Small Town. " Lori McKenna, who won a Grammy this year for co-writing Little Big Town's "Girl Crush," is nominated for best country song for penning Tim McGraw's "Humble and Kind. " She also scored nominations for best Americana album, American Roots performance and American Roots song for her own work. Acts tying McKenna and Bowie for four nominations include Bieber, Morris, Kirk Franklin, engineer Tom Coyne, and producer-songwriters Max Martin, Greg Kurstin, Benny Blanco and Mike Dean. Tyler Joseph, the lead vocalist of twenty one pilots and the duo's main songwriter, scored five nominations for "Stressed Out" (record of the year, pop duo/group performance) and "Heathens" (best rock song, rock performance and song written for visual media); twenty one pilots, which includes drummer Josh Dun, earned three nods. Some well-known acts scored their first Grammy nominations Tuesday, including Solange, Blink-182 and Demi Lovato, who will compete against Adele, Bieber, Sia and Ariana Grande for best pop vocal album. Amy Schumer earned two nominations, including best spoken word album and comedy album. Deceased nominees include Joey Feek of the duo Joey + Rory (best gospel roots album for "Hymns"). About 13,000 Recording Academy members voted in the 84 Grammy categories from 22,000 submissions. Songs and albums released from Oct. 1, 2015 through Sept. 30 were eligible for nomination. ______Online: Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The snubs, surprises and Beyoncé leads Grammy Beyonce leads Grammys Beyonce leads Grammys oddities among this year's nominations with 9 nominations; 8 nods with 9 nominations; Drake, Grammy nominations nypost.com for Rihanna, Drake, Kanye Rihanna, Kanye West each latimes.com dailymail.co.uk score 8 article.wn.com
Beyoncé leads Grammy Grammy nominations 2017: Beyoncé, Drake, Kanye Beyonce and Adele compete noms with 9; Kanye, Adele vs. Beyonce West lead 2017 Grammy in top 3 Grammy Awards Rihanna score 8 rss.cnn.com nominations categories ocregister.com rssfeeds.usatoday.com presstelegram.com
2016-12-06 10:51 www.cbs46.com
2 /20 3.8 2017 Grammy Awards: A list of the nominees in top categories (12.99/14) A list of nominees in the top categories at the 59th annual Grammy Awards, announced Tuesday by The Recording Academy. — Album of the year: "25," Adele; "Lemonade," Beyonce; "Purpose," Justin Bieber; "Views," Drake; "A Sailor's Guide to Earth," Sturgill Simpson. — Record of the year: "Hello," Adele; "Formation," Beyonce; "7 Years," Lukas Graham; "Work," Rihanna featuring Drake; "Stressed Out," twenty one pilots. — Song of the year (songwriter's award): "Formation," Beyonce, Khalif Brown, Asheton Hogan and Michael L. Williams II; "Hello," Adele and Greg Kurstin; "I Took a Pill In Ibiza," Mike Posner; "Love Yourself," Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran and Benjamin Levin; "7 Years," Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Pilegaard and Morten Ristorp. — Best new artist: Kelsea Ballerini; The Chainsmokers; Chance the Rapper; Maren Morris; Anderson Paak. — Best pop solo performance: "Hello," Adele; "Hold Up," Beyonce; "Love Yourself," Justin Bieber; "Piece by Piece (Idol Version)," Kelly Clarkson; "Dangerous Woman," Ariana Grande. — Best pop duo/group performance: "Closer," The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey; "7 Years," Lukas Graham; "Work," Rihanna featuring Drake; "Cheap Thrills," Sia featuring Sean Paul; "Stressed Out," twenty one pilots. — Best traditional pop vocal album: "Cinema," Andrea Bocelli; "Fallen Angels," Bob Dylan; "Stages Live," Josh Groban; "Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin," Willie Nelson; "Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway," Barbra Streisand. — Best pop vocal album: "25," Adele; "Purpose," Justin Bieber; "Dangerous Woman," Ariana Grande; "Confident," Demi Lovato; "This Is Acting," Sia. — Best dance/electronic album: "Skin," Flume; "Electronica 1: The Time Machine," Jean-Michel Jarre; "Epoch," Tycho; "Barbara Barbara, We Face A Shining Future," Underworld; "Louie Vega Starring... XXVIII," Louie Vega. — Best rock album: "California," Blink-182; "Tell Me I'm Pretty," Cage the Elephant; "Magma," Gojira; "Death of a Bachelor," Panic! at the Disco; "Weezer," Weezer. — Best alternative music album: "22, A Million," Bon Iver; "Blackstar," David Bowie; "The Hope Six Demolition Project," PJ Harvey; "Post Pop Depression," Iggy Pop; "A Moon Shaped Pool," Radiohead. — Best urban contemporary album: "Lemonade," Beyonce; "Ology," Gallant; "We Are King," KING; "Malibu," Anderson Paak; "Anti," Rihanna. — Best R&B album: "In My Mind," BJ the Chicago Kid; "Lalah Hathaway Live," Lalah Hathaway; "Velvet Portraits," Terrace Martin; "Healing Season," Mint Condition; "Smoove Jones," Mya. — Best rap album: "Coloring Book," Chance the Rapper; "And the Anonymous Nobody," De La Soul; "Major Key," DJ Khaled; "Views," Drake; "Blank Face LP," ScHoolboy Q; "The Life of Pablo," Kanye West. — Best country album: "Big Day In A Small Town," Brandy Clark; "Full Circle," Loretta Lynn; "Hero," Maren Morris; "A Sailor's Guide to Earth," Sturgill Simpson; "Ripcord," Keith Urban. — Best jazz vocal album: "Sound of Red," Rene Marie; "Upward Spiral," Branford Marsalis Quartet With Special Guest Kurt Elling; "Take Me to the Alley," Gregory Porter; "Harlem On My Mind," Catherine Russell; "The Sting Variations," The Tierney Sutton Band. — Best jazz instrumental album: "Book of Intuition," Kenny Barron Trio; "Dr. Um," Peter Erskine; "Sunday Night at the Vanguard," The Fred Hersch Trio; "Nearness," Joshua Redman & Brad Mehldau; "Country for Old Men," John Scofield. — Best compilation soundtrack for visual media: "Amy"; "Miles Ahead"; "Straight Outta Compton"; "Suicide Squad (Collector's Edition)"; "Vinyl: The Essentials Season 1. " — Producer of the year, non-classical: Benny Blanco; Greg Kurstin; Max Martin; Nineteen85; Ricky Reed. — Best music video: "Formation," Beyonce; "River," Leon Bridges; "Up&Up," Coldplay; "Gosh," Jamie xx; "Upside Down & Inside Out," OK Go. — Best music film: "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead," Steve Aoki; "The Beatles: Eight Days A Week The Touring Years," The Beatles; "Lemonade," Beyonce; "The Music of Strangers," Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble; "American Saturday Night: Live from the Grand Ole Opry," Various artists. ____ Online: http://www.grammy.com
So who is this Grammy Beyoncé, Adele, Mike Kelsea Ballerini, the Rihanna, Adele, Beyoncé, breakout Lukas Graham? Posner and more nominated Chainsmokers, Chance the Lukas Graham and Twenty latimes.com for song of the year Rapper and more nominated One Pilots nominated for Grammy for best new artist Grammy record of the year Grammy latimes.com latimes.com latimes.com
This winter's first major Grammys Best New Artist: South Africans score 2017 2017 Grammy nominations: Grammy surprise? James Which 2017 Nominee Should Grammy nominations complete list, Beyoncé top Corden Win? channel24.co.za nominee; Breakout nominee latimes.com variety.com Lukas Graham latimes.com
2016-12-06 10:44 Associated Press www.dailymail.co.uk
3 /20 0.0 Grammys Set Beyonce-Adele Showdown as Voters Embrace Pop Over Rock in Top Categories (2.40/14) 6:22 AM PST 12/6/2016 by
Andrew Unterberger, Billboard
The nominations for the 59 Annual Grammy Awards were announced Tuesday, and as the experts predicted (and as the show's producers no doubt prayed for), it's a battle of the biggest. The list of the most nominated artists doubles as the list of the artists who have dominated conversation for the last 12 months: Beyonce, Drake, Rihanna, Kanye West, and even Chance the Rapper. Despite Taylor Swift essentially taking the year off — nope, no nominations for Nils Sjoberg either — and Frank Ocean declining the pleasure of being nominated, the star power on display in this year's Grammy crop is blinding.
Of course, the evening's true heavyweight showdowns will come between perhaps the two most unanimously venerated figures in contemporary music, Beyonce and Adele. Long thought to be the evening's likely frontrunners, the two planetary pop talents will indeed be squaring off in four separate categories, including the marquee three: album of the year, record of the year and song of the year. Though smart money will never go against an artist who laps a depressed sales landscape by going diamond in a single year, early indicators seem positive for Beyonce, not just in the number of her nominations (nine to Adele's five), but in their variety — The Queen is recognized not only in pop and R&B, but in rock as well, suggesting her support is well- balanced among the voter pool's many factions. (Of course, no matter who wins between the two superstars, CBS triumphs for the ensuing drama — as does Columbia Records, home to both artists.)
Speaking of rock, though, Beyonce's Jack White-assisted undercover deployment into best rock performance underlines the music's own relative absence in the major categories. Excepting the presence of Twenty One Pilots as song of the year nominees — double agents to some degree themselves, with their "Stressed Out" also nominated for best pop/duo group performance — rock is shut out of the big four categories this year, with potential Grammy favorites like Radiohead, Coldplay and the late David Bowie either consigned to their home genre or not recognized at all.
Instead, the Grammys have recognized with their nominees this year what the rest of the music- listening world has long accepted: that both its commercial and critical center lies with pop, hip- hop and R&B. Tellingly, the four albums with the four biggest first-week sales of the voting period are all up for album of the year: Adele's 25 , Beyonce's Lemonade , Drake's Views and Justin Bieber's Purpose. That last artist would have seemed about as unimaginable an album of the year hopeful as Cannibal Corpse just a couple of years ago, but Purpose being acknowledged for the evening's most prestigious honor serves as validation not only for Bieber — the final disavowing of his supposed bubble-gum disposability — but for Top 40 entire. It's proof that pop no longer needs to dress up as rock to be invited to the party; having Skirllex and Diplo as your plus-2 is good enough.
Whatever room remains for guitar-based music at the Grammys, this year's nominations would indicate that future real estate may be occupied less by rock than by country. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Maren Morris was an expected contender for best new artist, but she's also joined in that category by fellow CMA Awards performer Kelsea Ballerini. And if there is a Beck- type artist poised to play spoiler this year, it's veteran Kentucky song-slinger Sturgill Simpson, whose acclaimed major-label debut A Sailor's Guide to Earth is the outlier fifth nominee in album of the year, and who may end up rallying what's left of the "How can they be real artists if they don't write all their own songs? " crowd.
Even with Sturgill's presence, this year's nominees show that the Grammys appear to be moving in the right direction toward relevance, by acknowledging the music that actually moves the cultural needle in 2016, and mostly avoiding the kind of head-smacking nominees that bring Kanye's sense of righteousness to a boil. (Though with The Life of Pablo predictably snubbed for album of the year and "Ultralight Beam" shut out of song and record of the year, he may end up with cause for complaint this year just the same.) The pop-leaning proceedings may not save the Grammys' plummeting numbers among millennials, but at least they'll demonstrate that the Academy indeed recognizes that young people are out there, and that their perspective isn't being totally dismissed. And with an Adele-Beyonce showdown at the night's core, their parents might still get sucked in, too.
This story first appeared on Billboard.com. Beyonce and Adele compete Adele, Beyonce each in top 3 Grammy Awards nominated in three top categories Grammy categories presstelegram.com dailymail.co.uk
2016-12-06 10:22 Andrew Unterberger feedproxy.google.com
4 /20 3.3 Roper Technologies to buy software firm Deltek in $2.8 bln deal (2.31/14) Dec 6 (Reuters) - IT services provider Roper Technologies Inc said it would buy business software company Deltek from private equity firm Thoma Bravo in a cash deal valued at $2.8 billion. Roper said it expected Deltek to generate $535 million in revenue and add $80 million to its cash flow in 2017. The deal would be funded by cash on hand, borrowings under existing credit facility and new debt, Roper said on Tuesday. Reuters had reported in July that Thoma Bravo was exploring a sale of Deltek. Thoma Bravo took Deltek private in an all-cash deal valued at $1.1 billion in 2012. Herndon, Virginia-based Deltek provides enterprise software to the majority of the top 100 U. S. federal contractors, as well as some of the world's largest engineering, architectural, accounting and consulting firms. The transaction is expected to close before the end of this year, Roper said. (Reporting by Aishwarya Venugopal in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza and Anil D'Silva)
Thoma Bravo Enters Into Roper Technologies to shell Roper Technologies to Agreement to Sell Deltek to out $2.8 billion to buy Acquire Deltek, Leading Roper Technologies software firm Deltek Provider of Software and prnewswire.com cnbc.com Solutions for Project-Based prnewswire.com
2016-12-06 08:47 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk
5 /20 5 /20 2.3 Mariah Carey's new beau Bryan Tanaka speaks out: 'I love her so much' (2.06/14) NEW YORK, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Mariah Carey 's new beau Bryan Tanaka is breaking his silence on their rumored romance.
The 33-year-old dancer and choreographer couldn't help but gush about Carey while attending the singer's Mariah's World premiere Sunday in New York.
"I've always had a thing for Mariah. I love her so much," Tanaka told E! News. "Just make sure you tune into the show and you'll see kind of how everything happens. "
"We've been friends for a long time. I do a little dance move here and there, and we have a good time. we have fun," he added.
"Something connected for us back in the day, and there was just a mutual admiration. She saw something in me that I actually didn't recognize at first, and from that, it was over. It was set in history that we were going to be connected someway, somehow," the dancer said.
Sources told Entertainment Tonight that Carey and Tanaka got cozy at the premiere, which took place at Catch NYC in Manhattan. The rumored couple reportedly share a "subtle" but "undeniable" chemistry.
"It is the way they communicate. They seem so happy in each other's presence. They are on the same page -- their laughing and the glances between them. You can see it in the photos," an insider said.
Carey and Tanaka were first linked in October following the singer's split from fiancé James Packer, and were spotted kissing in Hawaii over Thanksgiving weekend. The debut episode of Mariah's World revealed that Carey postponed her wedding some time prior to her split from Packer.
Mariah Carey and Bryan Mariah Carey’s rumored Tanaka hold hands onstage boyfriend Bryan Tanaka pagesix.com finally opens up about their relationship: ‘I love her so much’ feeds.nydailynews.com
2016-12-06 10:50 Annie Martin www.upi.com
6 /20 0.7 The Grammys have finally embraced Justin Bieber. But is this progress? (1.17/14) In December 2012, Ellen DeGeneres had Justin Bieber on her talk show to discuss the pop star’s latest tattoo (a wise owl), what he likes to do on his days off (sneak into movies) and whether he was bummed not to have been nominated for a Grammy Award.
“It’s definitely something that I was looking forward to,” he said of being recognized for his blockbuster album “Believe,” which failed to pick up a nod that year for music’s highest honor. “But I know that it’ll happen one day. I’m so young.”
Four not-so-long years later, Bieber is tasting sweet vindication with Tuesday’s announcement of nominations for the 59th annual Grammys. The polarizing singer whose manufactured sound and tabloid shenanigans once put him beyond consideration is up for four awards, including the coveted album of the year with “Purpose.”
And at 22 he made it happen while still a baby, at least by Grammy standards.
Indeed, Bieber may be the most surprising nominee in a category crowded with young artists. The Recording Academy is notorious for giving its flagship prize to past-their-prime veterans like Steely Dan and Herbie Hancock.
Yet this time all of Bieber’s competitors are under the age of 40. Also nominated for album of the year are Beyoncé’s “Lemonade,” Adele’s “25,” Drake’s “Views” and “A Sailor’s Guide to Earth” by the roots-music maverick Sturgill Simpson.
Youngsters dominate other major categories too, such as record of the year (with nominees including Rihanna’s “Work” and Twenty One Pilots’ “Stressed Out”) and song of the year (in which Bieber’s “Love Yourself” will battle Mike Posner ’s “I Took a Pill in Ibiza,” among others).
But if the famously fusty Grammys appear to be aging down, perhaps as a way to attract new viewers to a telecast whose ratings keep sliding, it’s not quite the case that the academy has shaken its old loyalties.
Think of Bieber: While the sound of “Purpose” very much reflects the state of dance pop in 2016 — gleaming synthesizers and throbbing, sometimes harsh beats — the album uses those edgy textures to sell a classic confessional narrative. In songs like “Sorry” and “Mark My Words” he’s apologizing for his public misbehavior over the last few years; several tracks even invoke God as a sure sign of his penitence.
Which means the grown-ups at the Grammys have finally embraced Bieber not because of who he is but because he’s promising to change. That seems only clearer with the nod for “Love Yourself,” an outlier of a folk-pop ballad that Bieber co-wrote with Ed Sheeran , an established Grammy favorite.
And the same goes for Posner, recognized for his clever top 5 hit about a drug-fueled meditation on the disappointments of fame. Look closely, though, and you see his nomination isn’t for the popular club remix that makes “Ibiza” so funny; it’s for Posner’s lower-impact acoustic recording.
So: Welcome at last, young pop stars, to the prestigious Grammy club!
Now please hurry up and turn into James Taylor.
Kenneth Turan reviews the Jacqueline Kennedy biopic "Jackie," directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Natalie Portman, who shows us aspects of the first lady we might not have known before. Video by Jason H. Neubert.
Justin Chang reviews "The Comedian," a likable enough movie with terrific supporting performances but an unconvincing lead turn from Robert De Niro. Video by Jason H. Neubert.
Director Michael Dudok de Wit explains why "The Red Turtle" has no dialogue.
For her role as Jackie Kennedy, Natalie Portman says, "It's not a fashion story," but the clothes do tell a story.
Emma Stone discusses working with choreographer Mandy Moore on "La La Land. "
Emma Stone discusses working with choreographer Mandy Moore on "La La Land. "
Beyonce, Adele, Justin Bieber, Drake, Sturgill Simpson nominated for Grammy album of the year washingtontimes.com
2016-12-06 10:40 Mikael Wood www.latimes.com
7 /20 (1.09/14) 4.5 PICS: Sfiso Ncwane's final performance Cape Town - Gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane performed for the very last time at the Thobela FM Praise and Worship Gospel Festival on Saturday.
Drum reported that Sfiso announced to the crowd that he was not feeling well that evening but out of respect for his fans he honoured his booking.
Family spokesperson Sipho Makhabane confirmed the news of his passing to The J uice saying, "Yes, I can confirm that he passed this morning at about 09:00 at the hospital, they're still investigating, but it looks like kidney failure. " Here are the pics from his final performance on Saturday at Thobela FM Praise and Worship Gospel Festival in Limpopo:
(Photos: Thobela FM/ Godfrey Thoma)
Sfiso Ncwane's sons WATCH: Winnie Mashaba in promise to their 'hero' dad tears following the death of timeslive.co.za Sfiso Ncwane timeslive.co.za
My last interview with gospel sensation Sfiso Ncwane timeslive.co.za
2016-12-06 08:00 www.channel24.co.za
8 /20 1.2 Theresa May aims for 'red, white and blue Brexit'
(1.05/14) Theresa May has tried to quell tensions in Government over whether the UK negotiates a hard or soft Brexit, by insisting she wants a "red, white and blue Brexit". Speaking during a two day visit to Bahrain, the Prime Minister said that getting a good deal which left Britain operating within a single European market was the key thing, rather than being hung up on labels. "These terms that have been identified: hard Brexit, soft Brexit, black Brexit, white Brexit, grey Brexit. Actually, I think what we should be looking for is a red, white and blue Brexit. That is the right deal for the United Kingdom. "What is going to be the relationship for the UK with the European Union once we have left the European Union? That's what we are about and that's what we will be working on. "When people voted on June 23 they voted for us to take control of our borders, they voted for us take control of our laws, and take control of our money, and how we spend our money. We want to get the best possible deal in trade," she told reporters. In a round of TV interviews aboard the Royal Navy's flagship HMS Ocean, Mrs May told Sky News: "We also want to get the best possible trade deal for trading with, and operating within, a single European market. But I'm ambitious as to what we can achieve in that trade deal. I'm ambitious for that trade deal because I think it's important for Europe as well as being important for the UK. " Mrs May has in the past drawn ridicule from political opponents over her "Brexit means Brexit" slogan which critics have branded meaningless. With the Supreme Court deciding on whether Parliament will have the whip-hand on triggering Article 50 which formally launches divorce proceedings from the EU, Mrs May pointedly referred to the will of the British people being expressed in the referendum. The PM told the BBC: "We wait to hear what the Supreme Court judgment is going to be. But I'm clear that what the Government will be delivering, and what Parliament will be delivering, is on the will of the British people. "Parliament gave the vote to people in the referendum on the 23rd of June, overwhelmingly Parliament voted for the British people to make their choice. They have done that. They have said we want to leave the European Union, the Government will deliver on the vote of the British people. " Asked if she was prepared to give Parliament more details of the Government's negotiating stance as Labour launches a Commons push on the issue, Mrs May said: "I have always said to Parliament, that Parliament would have many opportunities to have their say on these issues. But that also, when it is possible for me to set out more detail then I will do so. That's why I have already said we will be triggering Article 50 by the end of March. "I'm going to keep some cards close to my chest, I'm sure everybody would realise that in a negotiation you don't give everything away. It's important that we are able to achieve the right deal for the UK. " Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: "The Prime Minister has surpassed herself with this statement. It's jingoistic claptrap. "It doesn't matter what colour she tries to paint this, her plans to leave the single market will wreck the economy. "If this Conservative Government cared about Britain and what makes our country great, they would not be running headlong towards a hard Brexit that will blow a £220 billion black hole in the budget. "The Union Jack represents an open, tolerant, multicultural Britain, not the narrow-minded vision of Ukip and Farage. " Liberal Democrats also pointed out that red, white and blue were the colours on the flags of seven other EU nations - France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. And wags on Twitter noted that they were also the colours of Norway, whose close relationship with the EU is taken as the best existing example of "soft Brexit", and of Schleswig-Holstein, whose disputed status provoked a notoriously protracted and complex European diplomatic wrangle in the 19th century. Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, who is leading Labour's push for Mrs May to give more clarity, said: " There needs to be a degree of certainty. The uncertainty at the moment is affecting businesses, it's affecting politics and so we need the basic direction of travel. " Responding to Mrs May's comments on giving Parliament more detail "when it is possible", Sir Keir told BBC Radio 4's World At One: "If she is true to that, that means that she won't resist the motion tomorrow because a decision has to be made about direction of travel before Article 50 is invoked. "They can't invoke Article 50 without having a basic plan. " He said he understood there were "a number of Conservative MPs who are considering voting for the motion".
Theresa May: ‘I want a red, Theresa May calls for 'red, white and blue Brexit’ – white and blue Brexit' video theguardian.com theguardian.com
2016-12-06 10:21 Press Association www.dailymail.co.uk
9 /20 2.1 Three N. C. college presidents paid more than $1 million
(1.02/14) Three North Carolina college presidents are among the top-paid private university leaders in the nation, the News & Record reported.
This trio — Richard Brodhead at Duke University, Nathan Hatch at Wake Forest University and Nido Qubein at High Point University — are three of the 39 private university presidents paid more than $1 million in 2014.
See which Michigan private colleges pay their presidents the most mlive.com
2016-12-06 06:52 Greensboro News myfox8.com
10 /20 0.0 Sophie Monk claims she 'never' fought backstage at the ARIAs with Sandilands Kyle Sandilands claimed Sophie Monk snapped at him backstage following the ARIAs after he publicly mocked music career. But now, the former singer has busted the shock jock for lying. During an appearance on The Project , the busty blonde insisted she and the 45-year-old 'never' fought following their award presenting. 'He [Kyle] said there was a fight after and I'm like, "I didn't remember the fight",' she explained. 'We never fight. Kyle is one of my best friends and I don't remember ever having a fight with him.' She cheekily added: 'You know when you're on radio, they write everything you say without the LOL or the Haha. I think it came off harsher than what it was.' During the interview with the Network 10 evening show, Sophie said she 'would do' a Bardot reunion despite shutting down the idea during the awards ceremony. The day after the ARIA Awards earlier this month, Kyle revealed on KIIS FM radio that Sophie had attacked him backstage after he made fun of her music career. The 45-year-old breakfast host presented an award with the blonde on the night and while on stage, he threw shade at her by asking how many ARIAs Bardot had won and whether they were considering a comeback. On his breakfast show, Kyle explained that Sophie had saved her retort for when they were off the stage. 'Sophie went mad at me after that,' he said, adding: 'She’s like: "Put me on the spot about putting the girls back ... we never got on! "' He went on to say it came as a shock to find out that the girl band never liked each other. 'We all thought they were loving each other,' Kyle said. 'I thought they were doing pillow fights.' Co-host and former Popstars judge Jackie 'O' Henderson agreed, adding: 'I was in the show and I didn’t even know they hated each other ... I wasn’t aware until after.'
2016-12-06 10:52 Bianca La www.dailymail.co.uk
11 /20 3.1 Mariah Carey, Teyana Taylor light up the stage for VH1's 'Divas Holiday' NEW YORK, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Mariah Carey , Teyana Taylor, Patti LaBelle , Chaka Khan and more got into the Christmas spirit Monday for VH1's star-studded music special, Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night .
The event , which took place inside Brooklyn's Kings Theatre, also featured performances from JoJo, Serayah and Bebe Rexha, Remy Ma, Diana Gordon and Vanessa Williams who sang her 1991 hit ballad "Save the Best for Last. "
Carey who was seen rocking a red and gold nutcracker inspired outfit, brought out her beloved 1994 holiday classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You" alongside a red sleigh she arrived on and a number of dancers dressed as toy soldiers.
"I'm thrilled VH1 asked me to return to the Divas stage this year," Carey said previously about joining the event in a statement. "The Divas special offers a wonderful opportunity to perform for my fans over the holidays, which is my favorite and most festive time of year. "
Teyana Taylor meanwhile performed Eartha Kitt 's 1953 holiday staple "Santa Baby. " The special also featured footage of Taylor and her NBA star husband Iman Shumpert along with their daughter Junie as the family showcased how they celebrate the holidays.
The most legendary moment came when Patti LaBelle and Chaka Khan shared the stage together for a special duet of Aretha Franklin 's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" followed by Khan's "I'm Every Woman" at the tail end of the show.
2016-12-06 10:34 Wade Sheridan www.upi.com
12 /20 4.0 Grand Rapids Symphony president, CEO takes Baltimore Symphony appointment GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Grand Rapids Symphony has announced its president and CEO, Peter Kjome, has been named the new president and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
He will begin work with the BSO, one of the 20 largest orchestras in the United States, on Feb. 1. He has been with the Grand Rapids Symphony for 16 years.
Related: Grand Rapids Symphony president Peter Kjome honored with national award for orchestra management
Kjome served eight of those years as a musician, from 1990 to 1998, and then served as president and CEO beginning in 2008.
Kjome led the orchestra through its international search for a new music director as well as its $40 million Legacy of Excellence Campaign , according to Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk, the Grand Rapids Symphony's senior manager of communications.
"Our community was delighted when Peter returned to the Grand Rapids Symphony as president in 2008, and his leadership provides a strong foundation for our next president," said GRS board chairperson Kate Pew Wolters.
During Kjome's time as president and CEO, the symphony reached s everal collective bargaining agreements with its musicians , allowing it to attract new, diverse audiences.
"Eight years ago, we set out a number of ambitious goals, including continuing to elevate artistic excellence, expanding our education programs and launching and completing an endowment campaign," said Kjome. "With the support of our community, we have made great progress. The symphony is ready to move forward toward a bright future with new leadership. "
Kjome was with the symphony during the search process to appoint the new music director, Marcelo Lehninger, in June.
"I am happy for Peter and congratulate him on his appointment as the president of the Baltimore Symphony," said Lehninger. "It is wonderful that Peter has continued to lead the GRS during this time of transition. "
The Grand Rapids Symphony has a 40-week season and employs 80 musicians full- and part- time with a budget of $9 million. About 200,000 people enjoy the orchestra each year.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has a 52-week season with a budget of over $27 million. The symphony celebrated its centennial in 2016 and reaches over 350,000 people per year. "I will conclude my tenure in Grand Rapids with a spirit of gratitude for the wonderful support of many people in our community who care deeply about our symphony," said Kjome. "It has been a tremendous inspiration to work with our board, musicians, staff and visionary community leaders like Richard and Helen DeVos as we continue to develop our extraordinary orchestra. I know that my work here has prepared me to contribute as I begin the next chapter of my career. " Grand Rapids Symphony's Board of Directors has named its chairperson-elect, Charles Frayer, and its vice chairperson, Mary Tuuk, to lead the search for the symphony's next president.
2016-12-06 10:00 Maddie Forshee www.mlive.com
13 /20 2.9 Paloma Faith welcomes first child with boyfriend Leyman Lahcine Paloma Faith has given birth. The Picking Up The Pieces singer and her long-term boyfriend Leyman Lahcine have welcomed their first child into the world and the couple are totally 'in love' with their new arrival. Paloma announced the joyous news by posting a photo of a handwritten letter in which she revealed she endured a 'difficult labour' and required an emergency caesarean. Scroll down for video Captioning the image of her note 'God bless the NHS!' Paloma's letter read: 'After a difficult labour resulting in an emergency caesarean I gave birth to my first child with whom I am over the moon, in love and delighted. 'What a trip! It was all with the help of some incredible doctors, midwives and nurses at UCH NHS Hospital. 'The devotion, kindness and commitment shown by all of them was second to none and I am humbled by the whole experience. 'I really believe the NHS to be one of the greatest achievements of this country, and it should be respected and protected by all. 'I am humbled by the unfaltering dedication I witnessed and received there. 'So thank you to the NHS, Melissa Whitten, Georgia Seiti, Wendy Hill, all in the Fetal Assessement Unit and the Maternity Care Units. And god bless the NHS! (sic)' Former The Voice mentor Paloma didn't reveal the gender of her newborn baby in keeping with her vow to not raise her child in the public eye, which she made when she announced she was pregnant in August. During her pregnancy, Paloma, 35, kept a relatively low profile and didn't share any updates or bump photos. Earlier this year, the vocal powerhouse revealed the big news in a post on her website, telling fans she's taking some time out as she prepares to be a mum. In a lengthy post, Paloma wrote: 'I have spent my whole life wanting to be a mother and now the time has come for me to do so I feel so lucky.' She started her statement by chatting about progress on her new album before dropping her major news. The post read: 'So the good news is my 4th album is well underway and I am very excited about it. It's actually nearly finished as I type! 'I have been working with the amazing Jesse Shatkin on it as producer and it has been a real honour. It is called "The Architect" and is very aptly named as it leads me on to my next announcement.' 'I am so delighted to tell you I am going to take a short while off to have a baby. I have spent my whole life wanting to be a mother and now the time has come for me to do so I feel so lucky.' The star has been dating Leyman for a few years, confessing in 2015 in an interview with The Telegraph that she had never been happier. 'I enjoy working hard but I’ve never been in a relationship before that’s made me as happy as I am now', she enthused. The singer was previously wed to budding taxidermist Rian Haynes, following a 2005 ceremony at Hackney Town Hall in East London. But the marriage lasted less than a year before Paloma's pursuit of stardom saw her ask for a divorce.
2016-12-06 09:27 Kate Thomas www.dailymail.co.uk
14 /20 1.0 Geordie Shore's Sophie Kasaei shows off assets as she soaks up sun in Dubai She embarked on a weight loss mission to shed the pounds before heading back to the Geordie Shore house. And Sophie Kasaei was looking noticeably slimmer as she soaked up the sunshine in a skimpy swimsuit in Dubai. The reality show star flaunted her ample assets in the racy lilac one piece as she enjoyed some rest and relaxation after the wild antics of her MTV show. Sophie chose a cut-out swimsuit in a snakeskin print for her day by the hotel pool, which showcased her tanned curves. She left her dark locks loose and rocked her usual full face of makeup for her day of relaxation. The Geordie Shore star recently admitted that being labelled a 'whale' on social media was the final straw that prompted her to lose a stone. The 27-year-old former hairdresser slimmed down from 10 stone 9lbs to 9 stone 9lbs in just a week after receiving 'constant grief' when she piled on the pounds while filming the MTV reality show. Speaking to Femail, the 5ft 1in star says the extra weight from 'two months of constant partying' went straight to her tummy and she found herself at the receiving end of cruel comments about being 'lardy'. Keen to get back in shape ahead of the latest series, Sophie checked into celebrity weight loss retreat, No 1 Boot Camp in Norfolk. Sophie had previously slimmed down to just 8 stone 7lbs - matching the weight loss feats of her co-stars Holly Hagan and Charlotte Crosby. But her hard work was all undone after she was 'locked away' for six weeks with the Geordie Shore hell-raisers. Sophie put on 1 stone 7lbs bingeing on junk food 24/7 and partying hard - and her weight shot up to more than 10 stone. She said: 'I love filming Geordie Shore but it totally wrecks your diet. I was in great shape before we starting to filming the last series but that all went out of the window by the end of the series. 'It is party central for almost two months and there is no time to go to the gym. You need so much discipline to stay in shape and I lost it big time. 'It does take its toll on the girls in particular and a few of us do start to feel insecure about our bodies by the end of the filming. Then all the trolls see pictures of you on Instagram and you get called a whale and a lardy.' Last month it was reported she'd been kicked off Geordie Shore for a second time after becoming embroiled in a fight with Chloe Ferry and new girl Zahida Allen. The 27-year-old star is said to have intervened in the argument which saw Chloe allegedly ejected from the house for kicking the newbie in the head. 2016-12-06 09:08 Joanna Crawley www.dailymail.co.uk
15 /20 4.8 Meghan Trainor and boyfriend Daryl Sabara celebrate anniversary LOS ANGELES, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Pop star Meghan Trainor and boyfriend actor Daryl Sabara celebrated their 5-month anniversary by going on a dinner date together.
"[We went to] our favorite sushi place we love that's real close to the house because we're lazy to drive far away," she told People magazine.
The couple is planning to spend their first Christmas together with her family at her place in Los Angeles.
"He's invited, for sure," she said. "The family loves him, so thank God! "
She spoke of Sabara again in an interview with Billboard for their Women in Music issue. She told the magazine that her boyfriend really seems to get her.
"My boyfriend knows what it's like to be on a red carpet, to be super hot for a second with everyone talking about you. It's nice to have someone who actually understands. "
The singer/songwriter often posts photos of the couple on social media and recently posted a pic of the pair kissing with a heart background.
In an interview with Chelsea Handler on her Netflix show Chelsea in October, Trainor said that she knew Sabara was the one for her early on.
"We were dating for like three months and I was like, 'He's the one,'" Trainor said.
2016-12-06 08:24 www.upi.com
16 /20 2.8 DSO to make 1st trip to China as part of 2017 Asian tour The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is going where no DSO has gone before — China.
DSO officials will announce on Tuesday that music director Leonard Slatkin and the orchestra are headed to Asia in July 2017 as part of a landmark three-week tour that will include 11 concerts in Japan and China. Budgeted at about $1.8 million, the trip marks the DSO's first international tour in 16 years and its first visit to China. For the DSO, which has been rebuilding its finances, community profile and ensemble ranks since the 2010-11 musicians' strike, the trip symbolizes growing confidence about its future and an important reaffirmation of its major-league artistic aspirations. The DSO's high-profile return to Carnegie Hall in 2013 was a step toward re-establishing a national presence for the orchestra. The Asia tour represents the next step up the ladder.
►Related: DSO family grows with new training orchestra for adults ►Related: DSO brings jolt of jazz age syncopation, blues to concert ►Related: DSO opens season with stars, Beethoven, nods to pop culture
"I do think it's important for an orchestra of this stature," said principal clarinetist Ralph Skiano, who joined the orchestra in 2014. "When we’re looking for a place to call home, we’re looking for an orchestra that is recording and attracting the best talent, and touring is part of all that. Touring puts us on the world stage, and it's good to know the DSO is still committed to that. "
More broadly, the tour promises to trumpet a two-pronged comeback story — that of the DSO and post-bankruptcy Detroit — to not only the wider classical music world, but also important business markets for metro Detroit companies, particularly key sponsor Ford, which has growing concerns in China.
►Related: Tantalizing music gift suggestions for the holidays ►Related: Your guide to holiday entertainment in metro Detroit
"We can carry a message about the health of the city and state that needs to be delivered," said DSO president Anne Parsons. "The city has a recovery story, and we have one, too. "
Beyond the alignment with the interests of corporate sponsors, a tour specifically to Asia made sense for the DSO on a variety of other fronts. Slatkin has a significant commercial profile in Japan and China, where he has often conducted, and the DSO's high-definition live webcasts from Orchestra Hall have found a fan base in both countries, which combine to make up about 8% of the international viewers for the concerts. Japan has long boasted large and passionate audiences for Western classical music, and interest in China is in the midst of monumental growth spurt.
The tour, scheduled for July 11-30, will take the orchestra to some of the most populated urban areas in the world, including Tokyo (38 million people) and Shanghai (22 million people). Even some of the smaller cities on the itinerary in China boast enormous populations. Changsha, China, for example, has an urban population of about 5 million.
Plans for an Asian tour have been in the works for years, though DSO leaders were wary about going all-in on the venture until they were confident they could raise all of the orchestra's out-of- pocket costs before the plane took off from Detroit Metro Airport.
So far, the DSO has commitments for $1.5 million (including concert fees) of the projected $1.8 million cost of the tour. Parsons said the orchestra was still soliciting funds, and she expressed confidence that the money would be raised to close the $300,000 gap. The total budget might also come in lower, depending on final tallies for airfare and cargo.
The largest philanthropic support is $500,000 from the William Davidson Foundation — whose late namesake believed passionately in DSO touring and whose company, Guardian Industries, provided leadership gifts to the DSO's European tours in 1998 and 2001. Ford is also a leading sponsor of the Asian tour, ponying up $250,000. The company's nonprofit charitable arm, the Ford Motor Company Fund, contributed most of that, with the rest coming from the car company. Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, said that Ford's motivation was rooted in both traditional philanthropic notions of good corporate citizenship and brand building in China, where Ford sold more than a million vehicles last year.
China has become the largest market for new vehicles in the world across the industry. Ford has 10 plants in China, five of which are in Chongqing, one of the stops on the DSO itinerary. The orchestra concludes the tour with a concert in Shanghai, the home of Ford's Asia Pacific headquarters.
"We are building a culture in some of our newer markets like China, and part of that culture is: How do we engage not only our business partners but our communities? " said Vella.
In a twist of fate, the DSO's Asian tour comes on the heels on a contentious U. S. presidential election in which President-elect Donald Trump's rhetoric on trade took aim at China and Japan. The controversy that arose late last week — when Trump broke with decades of diplomatic protocol by speaking on the phone with the president of Taiwan — angered China and suggests that U. S. relationships with the Far East are likely in for a bumpy ride.
While no one would expect a symphony to solve the world's geopolitical problems, Vella does see a positive role for an institution like the DSO to play.
"You can go anywhere on this planet, whether it's China, India or Africa, and one of the common things about humankind is that everybody loves music," he said. "It brings people together. I think things like the Detroit Symphony tour can help connect people. "
In addition to the Davidson Foundation and Ford, a number of other corporate partners, foundations and other nonprofits and individuals have provided support, among them Shinola, Toyota and the Japan Business Society of Detroit.
The Asian tour will be the DSO's sixth international sojourn and its first since a two-week European tour in October 2001, when it became the first American orchestra to travel overseas after 9/11. (Due to illness, then-music director Neeme Jarvi was replaced on the tour by conductor Leif Segerstam.) The only previous trip to Japan came in 1998, when the DSO played five educational concerts and three public concerts in two smaller cities, Toyota City (a sister city to Detroit) and Otsu in the Shiga Prefecture, a sister state to Michigan.
Chronic financial problems have kept the DSO from traveling internationally in the past 16 years, though Slatkin's Detroit tenure has included two week-long trips to Florida. Slatkin, who is in his final full season as music director, said he did not see the Asian tour as a valedictory. But he said it was an important morale builder for the orchestra and reminder of what is possible.
"We endured the worst of times, and even though there are obstacles and hurdles to overcome, we are back on the radar as an international ensemble," he said.
A stalwart champion of American music, Slatkin has programmed a big chunk of homegrown music for the tour, including works by Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin and Cindy McTee (Slatkin's wife). Music by Tchaikovsky, Erich Korngold and Toru Takemitsu is also planned. Soloists announced so far are Makoto Ozone and violinist Akiko Suwanai (both Japanese-born) and Hong Kong-born cellist Trey Chui-yee Lee. The Chinese-born musicians in the DSO — there are nine of them, or about 11% of the total — are especially excited about the opportunity to return to their homeland with their American orchestra. Assistant concertmaster Hai Xin Wu, who joined the DSO in 1995, said that he was inspired to play the violin as a kid in his hometown of Shanghai by seeing the Boston Symphony on television performing in China in the 1970s.
"This is a very proud moment for me," said Wu. "A lot of my classmates and teachers will be there. I hope something more can come out of the DSO's reach into China. "
Contact Mark Stryker: 313-222-6459 or [email protected]
July 11-30. Eleven concerts, including six in Japan and five in China.
(DSO will also perform a free send-off concert at Orchestra Hall on July 9),
JAPAN
1. July 14: Tokyo Seitoku University (Kawanami Memorial Hall), Kita (metro Tokyo)
2. July 15: Toyota City (Toyota-Shi Concert Hall)
3. July 16: Osaka (Symphony Hall)
4. July 17: Tokyo (Bunkyo Civic Hall)
5. July 19: Tokyo Nippon Festival (Tokyo Opera City, Concert Hall)
6. July 20: Fukui (Harmony Hall Fukui)
CHINA
7. July 22: Suzhou (Suzhou Kunshan Poly Theater)
8. July 23: Wuhan (Qintai Concert Hall)
9. July 25: Changsha (Poly Concert Hall)
10. July 27: Chongqing (Chongqing Grand Theatre)
11. July 29: Shanghai (Oriental Arts Center)
Music director: Leonard Slatkin
Soloists: Makoto Ozone, piano; Akiko Suwanai, violin; Trey Chui-yee Lee, cello; additional soloist to be announced.
Repertoire: Aaron Copland, Symphony No. 3; Samuel Barber, “Adagio for Strings”; Leonard Bernstein, “Candide Overture”; Cindy McTee, “Double Play”; George Gershwin, “Rhapsody in Blue”; Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4; Erich Korngold, Violin Concerto, Toru Takemitsu, “Far Calls. Coming, Far!”
2016-12-06 08:20 Mark Stryker rssfeeds.freep.com
17 /20 0.6 Lorraine Kelly teases Ore Oduba over friendship with Strictly partner Joanne Clifton He's made it to the semi finals thanks to his impressive moves and chemistry with dance partner Joanne Clifton. And Lorraine Kelly couldn't help but tease Ore Oduba when the sports presenter appeared on her show Tuesday with Joanne. Joking about the infamous Strictly curse and the hours he puts in at rehearsals, Lorraine quipped to Ore: 'There are three people in this marriage right now!' Ore married his gorgeous wife Portia last year, and he insisted to Lorraine that it's him who feels like the outsider as his wife and Joanne get on so well. 'There's mainly two,' he told Lorraine, adding: 'I am the one on the outside of it! Portia and Jo get on so well, and that's something I've been really blessed with. I would never want to enter this adventure without Portia being a part of it.' Portia is in the Strictly audience every Saturday to watch the couple perform, while she and Ore are often pictured on double dates with Joanne and her boyfriend Joseph Edward-Bader on the foursome's Instagram accounts. Ore admitted he was a bag of nerves over the weekend, which saw him and Joanne in the dreaded dance off for a second time, where they beat Judge Rinder to win the judge's vote. 'I've never felt so scared, I didn't talk that much before,' he admitted. Despite the nerves Ore said he couldn't wait to start the BBC show, gushing: 'I knew I would love the show before I started.' 'I had no dance experience except for in the club,' he added, with Joanne agreeing that Ore still gets nervous every week when they start training for a new dance. 'He looks at me like a lost little boy every day,' she said, with Ore adding: 'Every week I still have the same nerves that I might not get better by Saturday.' Ore has previously admitted that a combination of gruelling rehearsals and impressive live performances on the BBC juggernaut has affected his sex life with stunning wife Portia. The former Newsround presenter, 30, says he is inevitably exhausted following his weekly routines with Joanne, and has little energy. He told The Sun: 'Everything is fatigued, the body is working a little less efficiently than it was at the start of this journey, tiredness is kicking in. I’ve not felt this tired and been so happy at the same time. 'Every day I wake up and it’s harder to get out of bed. It’s really taking its toll on the body. 'A couple of times in the last week I’ve found myself in bed and my body is telling me to stay horizontal for as long as possible.'
2016-12-06 08:20 Joanna Crawley www.dailymail.co.uk
18 /20 1.6 Mighty Marchin' Trojans keep their music alive with passion, pride SAGINAW, MI - It's a Wednesday night and the halls of Saginaw High School are quiet, except for the rhythmic pounding of distant drums coming from the third-floor band room. The room is a cacophony of laughter, conversations and students getting a head start on learning their new music.
It's rehearsal time for one of Michigan's most well-known high school marching bands - the high steppin' Mighty Marchin' Trojans. Their unique flash, their marching dances and their music are anticipated and applauded wherever they perform.
Their school is in a poverty-stricken part of town in a neighborhood once named Saginaw's most dangerous in a 2013 MLive investigation. I t is regularly a part of school- closing talks. With reduced budgets, the band can't afford to travel everywhere it's invited to perform, and some of its members come from families struggling to make ends meet.
The Mighty Marchin' Trojans have nearly everything stacked against them. Despite this, they rise above it and perform with pride and heart.
"Everything that we do, we have to do 10 times harder than everyone else to get the same recognition, but that's what makes us Trojans," Band Director Jeannine Coughlin tells her students. "We can do it. "
That's the attitude that keeps the band going.
Back at practice, instruments emerge from their cases and are reunited with musicians' hands to make music with the flair that only the Mighty Marchin' Trojans can bring. Amid the chaos, Coughlin, sits on her director's chair, answering never-ending questions from students before practice starts.
The Trojans have intense pride in the music they play and the sound they create. Ms. J. C., as she is called by faculty and students alike, is the energetic force that drives the band's success. The bond between student and teacher is vital and influential, as she believes in every member of the band.
Passionate players
Coughlin's feelings for the band aren't passive. They're passionate.
"I have a passion for the success of these kids and of this program," she said. "From day one to the day I walk out. "
The students sense that, and they strive to represent Saginaw and their school the best they can, and not to let their beloved Ms. J. C. down. In reality, she doesn't want them to let themselves down.
The clock strikes six and drum major Trevaundre Evans plays a sharp "tweeeeet tweet! " on his whistle. The band members scurry to their spots and practice begins. The band and drumline fill the room with a powerful sound and presence.
Between songs, the room occasionally dissolves into a series of side conversations to which Coughlin calls out, "Hey! " just like a mother silencing her unruly children.
Coughlin recalled a practice before her first homecoming at Saginaw High School where nothing seemed to be going right. The students weren't running the show correctly and Coughlin said she is embarrassed to admit she lost her cool with students and threw a ladder across the football field.
On the walk back into the school, her drum major walked up to her and she expressed her disappointment in herself. The drum major took her by the shoulders and said, "You need to understand that we are just looking for someone to make us do it right. Until you, nobody cared. "
Coughlin has never stopped caring for the band members -- her "kids. "
"I will do anything for them and they know that," Coughlin said. "The band is built like family. I am going to look out for all those kids. "
As several students shared, Coughlin's passionate care for her kids is not merely words.
Evans explained the maternal protection she demonstrates for her band members.
"When someone speaks badly about us, she immediately defends us and there is no question about her loyalty to us," Evans said. "She never left us. "
Jaleeah Lee is a senior and the clarinets' section leader. This year marks her seventh with the band.
"She (is) the mother and we're all her little chicks," Lee said.
Jamaica Simmons has been in band since eighth grade and plays the baritone.
"This band is a family," Simmons said. "You don't walk out on your family. "
But walking out was once tempting for Terry Fifer, co- captain of the cymbal section. As a freshman, he didn't like it at first.
"But I stuck with, and I'm glad I did it," Fifer said. Now, "Band is everything to me. "
"J. C. (Coughlin) just lives and breathes the band," Saginaw High School Principal Janice Davis said. "She makes them want to be at Saginaw High and be in the band. "
Country girl in the city
Coming from the rural community of Standish, about an hour north of Saginaw, Coughlin admitted she never imagined herself a leader of inner-city students, but it's a role she has come to embrace.
Following graduation from Saginaw Valley State University with a degree in music education, Coughlin immediately started at Saginaw High School as a substitute teacher. Coughlin returned in the fall of 1993 as a band teacher at Saginaw High and the former Webber Middle School.
The first day of school brought Coughlin to the third-floor band room that would become her second home for the next 26 years.
Sitting in front of her were her first students at Saginaw High School, one student bravely raised his hand and asked how Coughlin felt about all the students being black and her being white.
"I would be worried if you were green-and-purple plaid," Coughlin responded.
Performing
The band delivers a message in every performance. Their language is pounding bass drums and loud brass. In every note there is a message of pride and heritage.
"There is a lot of pride at Saginaw High School and (as a result) the band has a lot of pride," Davis said, "Our band is a group of enthusiastic students who represent our school. "
"It's more than playing an instrument," Saginaw Mayor Dennis Browning explained, "They get involved emotionally and physically. A lot of things are going on when the Saginaw High band plays. "
Saginaw School Board Treasurer and former elementary school music teacher Ruth Ann Knapp sees the band's performances as an outlet for the students.
"Though everybody is doing the same steps and the same dance moves and performing he same songs, they still get to put part of their personality into it and it does allow them opportunity for self-expression," Knapp said.
Creation of the shows are a group effort of Coughlin and the band. They work together to pick the music and put together dance mixes and the band "has a sense of ownership of the show" as Coughlin explained.
Just like Coughlin, Knapp sees the value in the collaboration between band director and students.
"Kids who are allowed to create and put part of their heart and soul into something get a lot more out of it. " Knapp explained.
The ownership the band has in their music and pride of who they are and where they come from comes through in their performances.
Traveling to learn
Being in band is more than simply an activity for students to be a part of.
"It drives me crazy when people call it 'extracurricular,'" Coughlin said, "Because, through band, I teach all of the core classes: math, science, the social studies ... and there is vocabulary in music. Then you think about the physical activities involved in playing an instrument, and it's an art. Through music, all of the subjects are covered. "
Coughlin said life skills such as responsibility, self-discipline, teamwork and accountability are fostered in band and all come together to create a Mighty Marchin' Trojan. The traits of a Trojan - - a sense of community, pride, tradition and strength are what Coughlin fosters in her students.
Parents have repeatedly told Coughlin that band helped keep their kids out of trouble. The band provides a sense of belonging and that belonging binds students together. The bonds that students make in band continue past graduation. Alumni have said that their best friends today were made in band.
The Mighty Marchin' Trojans grew from a small marching band of 13 when Coughlin started teaching in 1993 to a record 227 members in the 1999-2000 academic year.
The incredible growth of the program was unexpected.
"It was a big surprise to some people and it was a great joy to the rest of us," Knapp remembers.
The pounding drumline and loud brass section announce their presence at local events. Everyone stops and stares because they know who's coming.
The band is a community favorite as they appear at local parades such as the Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day and Holidays in the Heart of the City Christmas Parade in Saginaw and other events such as the opening gala for the Saginaw Spirit Hockey team and subsequent games for the team.
Jeanne Conger is the director of Positive Results Downtown, which organizes several community events such as Holidays in the Heart of the City and the Saginaw Christmas parade where the Mighty Marchin' Trojans annually perform.
Conger remarked that she has witnessed the band's following.
"There is a crowd of people who show up just to see them perform. "
At this year's Holidays in the Heart of the City event on Nov. 18, the Trojans were just about to perform when storm clouds let loose with a downpour. The band members chose to continue on and played through the nighttime thunderstorm, not letting the rain get in the way of their performance.
Conger was surprised at their determination of the band and the support from the community.
"Even with the pouring rain, there were people standing out there watching them. "
Beyond the Saginaw area, the Mighty Marchin' Trojans have traveled the country, representing Saginaw and sharing their music. The band brought their music to Washington, D. C., for President Barack Obama's first inauguration ceremony in 2008, to New Orleans for the All-State Sugar Bowl in 2008 and 2012, to Florida for the Tax Slayer Bowl in 2015 and to Indianapolis for the Indy 500 Festival of Parades.
"Once they leave our city, they are young ambassadors for Saginaw," Browning said.
The band's notoriety has even crossed international borders -- they were invited to play in the opening ceremony for the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing. However, due to funding, the band was unable to go.
They are not just trips, but also educational experiences her students won't soon forget, Coughlin said. "It is my belief that the classroom can really come alive when one is allowed to travel from the classroom to experience live situations," she wrote to the Saginaw Board of Education to support the band's first trip to a Sugar All State Sugar Bowl game in New Orleans in 2008.
As the former music coordinator for the school district, Knapp helped secure grants for the band to travel and even chaperoned a few of the trips.
"I think kids need to know that there is something more than their side of the river or their neighborhood and there are other things and other opportunities and things to experience," Knapp explained.
Struggles
Saginaw Public Schools had struggled financially for two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015. Students and teachers had no idea if they would return to the school at 3100 Webber the next school year.
"It was hard to pump the kids up, as your heart is breaking that they are threatening to close their school. " Coughlin confided, "I used to have to sit up here and tell them, 'We're closing, but we're not closed yet.' That was always my response. "
In addition to the threat of a closing school, Saginaw High's students face challenges just getting to school each day.
Saginaw High School is located in a struggling area with 35.5 percent of the shrinking population living in poverty, according to the 2010 Census.
"Some of them you know are going home to solid homes... (and) there are others that you know are struggling," Coughlin said.
Some of the struggles students face include having a place to stay, food to eat and sometimes lack of warm clothing.
Coughlin responds to this with, "You do what you can. "
She explains how she keeps a stash of sweatshirts in the band room from when she cleans her closet.
When Coughlin was young, her father lost his job when it was relocated overseas and her family struggled as she grew up.
Chuckling, Coughlin said she remembers having to eat "government cheese" and peanut butter from a large, white bucket when she was growing up.
"In many ways, we struggled just like they do," she said. "So, I know their struggle, I know their pain... I can relate more to the kids and the struggles they are going through. Though, I realize, too, that their struggles are much bigger than my struggles. "
"Everybody has their own story, their own struggles, and their own triumphs," she said.
The band plays their last song for the night and Coughlin tells everyone to take a knee. She runs through announcements for the upcoming appearances and stresses the importance of wearing enough layers of clothing for a late-fall parade outdoors.
The students pour out of the band room while Coughlin puts the room back in order, resetting the chairs in their rows of arcs - ready for the next day of classes.
It's nearly 9 p.m. when Coughlin leaves. This is typical. She puts in long, hard hours to keep the band going.
Her job can be hard, but the answer to what keeps Coughlin climbing the three flights of stairs to her band room every day is simple.
"(It's) the kids," she said. "Despite the frustrations, it's the kids. Because you know they're there and you know they're expecting you to be there. It's being the pillar for them sometimes, that go- to person.
"I consider myself to be very blessed to have been put in the situation I was put in and to still be here 26 years later and to have learned as much as I have learned. "
2016-12-06 06:48 Josie Norris www.mlive.com
19 /20 0.0 Buzz Aldrin Recovering In New Zealand David Greene
Ground control to Buzz Aldrin!
The Apollo 11 astronaut is reportedly recovering well in a New Zealand hospital, after being evacuated with medical problems from Antarctica last week.
And he's being helped by none other than Dr. David Bowie. Not the late pop star David Bowie, whose 1969 Space Oddity song was released just days before Aldrin walked on the moon.
His doctor is named David Bowie. Aldrin's manager posted a photo of the astronaut and his doctor on Twitter, noting, you can't make this stuff up.
2016-12-06 06:15 David Greene www.npr.org
20 /20 2.5 Smile! Jaden Smith shows off his new gleaming grillz as he collects award at the British Fashion Awards He's emerged as one of the most stylish young men in the world. And Jaden Smith once-again showed that he's not afraid to step outside of the box when it comes to fashion, as he arrived at the British Fashion Awards, on Monday. Arriving at The Royal Albert Hall, London, the 18-year- old singer and actor added an attention-grabbing edge to his tailored look by donning a pair of gleaming grillz. Scroll down for video Wearing his dreadlocked hair tied up into his now signature 'up do', Jaden looked every inch the emerging fashion guru. Jordan was at the prestigious event to collect the New Fashion Icons award, which was presented to him and his sister Willow. After receiving his gong from W Magazine's Edward Enninful OBE and grim sensation Skepta, Jaden had a run-in with another style icon from the music world, Marilyn Manson. The teen and the Gothic metal king, 47, looked to hit it off, and the pair were seen enjoying a conversation backstage.
2016-12-06 06:03 Jj Nattrass www.dailymail.co.uk
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Created at 2016-12-06 18:17