Aretha Franklin News

Two giants of traditional Mexican music: Aida Cuevas, dubbed "The Queen of Mariachi," is an esteemed figure in Mexico, beloved for her devotion to traditional mariachi music and for her Grammy Award-winning mastery of its demanding vocal forms. On October 7, she pays loving tribute to the music of her dearest friend and greatest mentor - Mexico's bestselling artist of all time, Juan Gabriel, who passed in 2016 - two years ago yesterday. Ms. Cuevas, the only artist given permission by the Juan Gabriel estate to perform such a tribute, "is to Mexico what Aretha Franklin is to the United States: a powerful voice that encapsulates the essence of her nation's spirit" (Kansas City Star).

On Friday, October 19, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., Neil Berg will be returning to the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg, PA to present his outstanding show, “50 Years of Rock and Roll”! From the birth of rock 'n roll in in the 1940s, through the glory years of the '50s, '60s, and '70s, up until MTV in the early '80s, Neil Berg's 50 Years of Rock & Roll uses fascinating stories and groundbreaking music, with tributes to such important and iconic rock stars/groups/genres as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Frankie Valli, The Beatles, Beach Boys, Motown, Aretha Franklin, The Who, Janis Joplin, Woodstock, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Linda Ronstadt, Bruce Springsteen, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Disco, New Wave, Journey, and others!

The greatest family musical of all time, The Wizard of Oz, travels down the yellow brick road to The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts as part of the 10th Anniversary Broadway Series, Thursday, November 8 - Sunday, November 11. Tickets are now on sale to members and go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, September 4 at 10 am.

The Bounce television network and the Brown Sugar streaming service are teaming up to carry Aretha Franklin's farewell memorial service live this Friday, Aug. 31.

Legendary singer Gladys Knight is remembering her dear friend and fellow singer, Aretha Franklin. Read more about the story from Extra here.

From cutting edge technology to classical music and ballet, The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts partners with Music Worcester in presenting four spectacular performances this season, including Callas in Concert: The Hologram Tour, Bach's Goldberg Variations with Simone Dinnerstein, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: Visions from Cape Breton and Beyond and Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake performed by the Russian National Ballet. Tickets to all four performances are now on sale to members and go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, September 4 at 10 am.

Volkswagen presents Warren Miller's Face of Winter at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts on Friday, November 2 at 8 pm. Tickets go on sale Monday, September 17 at 10 am.

Audiences know the Broadway version, now they can see the original. The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts brings back the first silent film played at the theatre after it finished renovations a decade ago. The Phantom of the Opera: Silent film accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ returns on Sunday, October 7 at 2 pm. Tickets are on sale now.

The following acts are performing at City Winery Chicago (1200 W. Randolph St) throughout the month. All City Winery Chicago events are open to all ages and start at 8:00 p.m., unless noted.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 312-733-WINE (9463) or by visiting www.citywinery.com/chicago.

Experience the wonders of ancient Chinese culture with the world's premier classical Chinese dance and music company when Shen Yun returns to The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts for three performances on Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January 20. Tickets are now on sale.

Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and five-time Grammy Award winner Michael McDonald is set for the October 12 release of Season of Peace: The Christmas Collection on BMG. The album compiles McDonald's most beloved Christmas recordings including “White Christmas/Winter Wonderland” (feat. Jonny Lang), “Oh Holy Night,” “Christmas on the Bayou” and “Children Go Where I Send Thee” (feat. Twinkie Clark), as well as a new version of “Winter Wonderland” featuring special guest Jake Shimabukuro. The album art hails from an original painting by McDonald himself; see below for a complete track list.

A critically acclaimed singer-songwriter with one of the world's most distinctive voices, Michael McDonald makes his Cafe Carlyle debut October 23-November 3.

The Ensemble Theatre celebrated its 2018 Celebrity Black Tie Gala - Elevating the Arts! at the Hilton Americas-Houston, Saturday, August 18, 2018. Lead sponsors: H-E-B; Shell, BP America, Inc, United, Bracewell LLP, Frost Bank, Andrea and Jarvis Hollingsworth, Wendy and Vince Armstrong, were joined by a host of devoted corporations and individuals who continue to invest in the advancement of the theatre's mission to enlighten, entertain, and enrich diverse audiences. The Gala serves as the theatre's major fundraiser supporting its annual $2 million operating budget that includes six mainstage season productions, and its educational initiatives directed toward youth. The theatre's board of directors and staff welcomed more than 400 esteemed donors and supporters.

The Philly POPS will hold its Sixth Annual POPS Ball gala on September 13 at the Union League of Philadelphia. The Sixth Annual POPS Ball will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the POPS and its indelible impact on Philadelphia's cultural identity.

AARP just discovered an amazing Aretha Franklin song in their vaults, and for the first time, they're sharing the original song in honor and celebration of the admirable life she led.

Dixon Place Theater proudly announces the world premiere of 'The Culture of Now', a multi-disciplinary drama navigating the clash of familial and cultural morals. This one-night-only performance epitomizes what setting prices says about people's values.

L. Londell McMillan, Chairman of The Source Magazine and Northstar Charities has announced The 5th Annual SOURCE360 Conference and Festival will take place, once again, in Brooklyn, New York, September 6-9. The 4-day conference and festival is mostly free to the public. Selected ticketed events are now open and available on Eventbrite. All events offer to the general public a full spectrum of performances and activations that engage and educate the community about the culture of Hip-Hop, arts, culture, music, fashion, sports, business, technology and crucial public policy concerns such as criminal justice reform.

Hawaiian by birth, southern by sound: Kings of Spade's gritty, whiskey-soaked swagger is making its way to the forefront - and to the mainland this fall! After years of building a local buzz, the four-piece is excited to announce the release of their self-titled album produced by Dave Cobb, coming October 19via Soundly. The four-piece will be taking the show on the road in support of the album this October, with dates ranging from Phoenix to Atlanta to New York City -- more details can be found below.

To mark the passing of Aretha Franklin at the age of 76, PBS and WNET will present a half-hour remembrance special, Aretha! Queen of Soul tonight, August 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT in the PBS primetime schedule (check local listings). The program will be available to stream on PBS.org and PBS apps immediately following broadcast.

According to Variety, Ariana Grande had only been scheduled to perform a comedy skit during her appearance on The Tonight Show.