The innovative music executive founded Uptown Records and changed the sound of R&B and rap in the 1980 and 1990s. – The New York Times
Blog
Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater Pitches A 2021 ‘Mini Season’ Starting In March
The Guthrie’s leadership had envisioned various scenarios as lockdown orders arrived. But “now, as the ripple effects of the coronavirus health crisis are felt throughout the economy, and the eagerness of folks to return to large gatherings in enclosed spaces has understandably plunged, the Guthrie has announced a season start well after any of those alternatives and offered a stark budgetary forecast, amending earlier projections.” – American Theatre
At First, Hollywood Unions Praised Government Bill, But Six Weeks Later, They Say It Doesn’t Help Enough
After many members of SAG-AFTRA and other Hollywood unions were locked out of a bill that was supposed to help freelance and self-employed artists, the unions are calling for changes. “Musicians in particular have been affected. Those who work on location or perform on tour earn freelance income in multiple states, some of which does not come with a 1099, the entertainment organizations said in their letter.” – Los Angeles Times
Little Richard, Not The Inventor But The Architect Of Rock And Roll, Has Died At 87
Little Richard, the pianist and singer behind “Long Tall Sally,” “Tutti Frutti,” and many more, was the epitome of early rock and roll. His musical influence was massive, but his “stage persona – his pompadours, androgynous makeup, and glass-bead shirts — also set the standard for rock & roll showmanship.” – Rolling Stone
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Marabar?
Actually, Marabar, the million-pound granite sculpture, isn’t the problem: The National Geographic Society’s plan for expansion is the problem. Artist Elyn Zimmerman isn’t happy with the plan. “In 2017, when she was first told about the proposal, she said she did not take it seriously at first because so much work had gone into preparing the site for its installation. The plaza infrastructure below the pool and boulders was engineered to support Marabar, she said, and district officials had to reinforce sewer lines before trucks could drive over them to deliver the granite in 1984.’ – The New York Times
La Scala Launches Virtual Tours Of Its Opera House
The project includes virtual tours of the theater, backstage and museum, along with 240,000 archival photos and 16,000 documents, more than 40 digital exhibits and close-up views of costumes worn by stars such as Maria Callas. Performances of operas are available on another platform through Italy’s RAI state television. – Washington Post (AP)
The Poetry Foundation Has Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars. Should It Be Giving Away More Right Now?
The foundation has only pledged $25,000 for COVID relief. “The Poetry Foundation’s IRS filings between 2016 and 2018 suggest the Foundation averaged about $213 million in assets that weren’t tied up in real estate or restricted. In 2018, the Foundation reported that it spent about $4 million on education, public programs and prizes; nearly $1.5 million on its website; and $1.2 million on Poetry Magazine, after accounting for $703,000 in revenue.” – Chicago Tribune
Canada’s Finest Orchestra (What Does That Even Mean?)
Sir Thomas Beecham used to say that there are no good or bad orchestras, only good or bad conductors, and to an extent he has a point. – Toronto Star
An Engineering Perspective On Art’s Transformational Potential On Technology
Domhnaill Hernon: “I believe that the arts could be (should be) more transformational in the way they inform more human-centric design. I believe that the arts should be deeply integrated into all companies but especially technology companies. I believe it is critical that the voice of the artist be heard and taken seriously in the context of business and in understanding the role that technology can play in influencing humanity. It is the role of companies to understand and embrace the unique perspectives of the artists, and it is the role of the artist to better understand the needs of industry.” – Americans for the Arts
When Kirill Met Thomas
Pianist Kirrill Gerstein and composer Thomas Ades have been in a musical conversation of the sort that happens only when two people intrinsically seem to understand what the other is trying to say. – The New York Times