Author: ArtsJournal2

Top AJBlogs For The Weekend Of 06.17.18

Meeting Jamie Shew

Having heard an advance CD by Jamie Shew, a singer new to me, I asked the trumpeter Bobby Shew if she is related to him. He followed his answer—No— with a question … read more

AJBlog: RiffTidesPublished 2018-06-15
Engagement is Everything
Tina Mion’s Stop-Action Reaction – Jacqueline Kennedy, King of Hearts. 1997. I was immediately and profoundly moved upon encountering it at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC years ago. “Perfect moments.”That’s the beautiful … read more
AJBlog: Audience WantedPublished 2018-06-15
Almanac: William Haggard on reading for pleasure in old age
“And at last he had time for what he privately called educating himself. He had discovered the Victorian novelists but had decided that not all were divine. Or at least not divine all the time. … read more
AJBlog: About Last NightPublished 2018-06-14
When Language Is Incorrect
Mokusatsu Asked what he’d do first if called upon to rule a nation Confucius replied, “I’d correct language. If language isn’t correct Then what is said is not what’s meant And what ought to be … read more
AJBlog: Straight|UpPublished 2018-06-13

Arundhati Roy Sounds A Clarion Call For Writers

The novelist and essayist says it’s not the job of a writer to be an activist – but that writers are always political, and now that is deeply necessary. “Individuals are being turned into micro-fascists by so many means. It is the mobs and vigilantes going and lynching people. So more than ever, the point of the writer is to be unpopular. The point of the writer is to say: ‘I denounce you even if I’m not in the majority.'”

Southern Baptists Say They’re Calling Off The Culture War, But Can Artists Trust That Claim?

There’s a newly elected Gen-X leader, and he has no time for the culture wars of the past. “Greear has promised to lead the denomination down a different path, which, he has said, must include efforts both to repent of a ‘failure to listen to and honor women and racial minorities’ and ‘to include them in proportionate measures in top leadership roles.’ If the meeting in Dallas is any indication, his vision is resonating with a large number of the next wave of Baptist leaders.” But many artists and, indeed, the arts in the U.S., have been burned. What’s that path again?

Royalties Lawsuit Against Blue Man Group Ends With A 3 Million Dollar Payout

Ian Pai “was closely associated with members of Blue Man Group in its early days. He said that he helped compose many of the show’s wordless songs and came to view the original members as friends, joining them on vacations and attending one of their weddings.” But he figured out in 2014 that he wasn’t being paid industry standard for royalties – and he sued.

No Thank You: Hanif Kurieshi Isn’t Having Any Of Lionel Shriver’s Whining About Diversity In Publishing

Novelist Kurieshi is not holding back: “It is not coincidental that at this Brexit moment, with its xenophobic, oafish and narrow perspective, the ruling class and its gatekeepers fear a multitude of democratic voices from elsewhere and wish to keep us silent. They can’t wait to tell us how undeserving of being heard we really are. But they should remember this: they might have tried to shut the door on Europe, refugees and people of colour, but it will be impossible for them to shut the door on British innovation. We are very insistent, noisy and talented.”

Yvette Horner, Star Accordionist Of France, Has Died At 95

Before Horner played in countless nightclubs and was made over by fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier, “her considerable legend was rooted in the years she spent as a distinctive part of the grand caravan that accompanies the Tour de France, the sprawling French bicycle race. For more than a decade in the 1950s and ’60s she played for the crowds from atop one vehicle or another as the caravan made its way along the tour route ahead of the cyclists.”