Aretha Franklin News

With one night down in THE VOICE's Live Playoffs (read my review of last night's show here), the teams are taking shape, but, as of yet, no one has blown the doors off the joint. Tonight, rookie coaches Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams will send their singers to the stage to perform for a live national audience for the first time.

Based on the promotion of their new duo show, Revolution (a four-show run that ends at the Duplex tonight at 6:30), you might have gotten the impression that Dawn Derow and Kathleen France would be engaging in a zany bit of fluff poking fun at American military politics in a Bob Hope USO Show kinda way. But while there is definitely some frivolity and even some biting satire along the way, the women also convey a serious sense of patriotism and reverence for those who have fought and died in America's many wars. In fact, a portion of the audience cover charge is being donated to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriourproject.org).

A touching and unprecedentedly personal view of the only three-time heavyweight boxing champion in history, I Am Ali comes to Blu-ray and DVD today, November 11, 2014 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

The incomparable 'Queen of Soul' and eighteen-time Grammy© Award winner Aretha Franklin makes her Kimmel Center debut on Monday, December 29 at 8 p.m. in Verizon Hall in support of her recent album release, Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics (RCA Records, Oct. 21). Franklin will perform a range of greatest hits as well as selections from the new album.

DECADES OF DIVAS makes its world premiere ahead of a national tour tonight, Nov. 8, 2014 at the Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, NJ. Show time is 8 p.m. Tickets $59, $39, $29 and $19 on sale NOW at www.countbasietheatre.org or through the box office at (732) 842-9000.

Renata Braham, the director of Motown Sounds, loved to sing but never saw herself with a microphone in her hand in front of an audience. Her husband Darryl, who played in a band, thought otherwise, and 'pushed' her onstage. She was surprised that she loved it. Fifteen years later, she is still singing, but now she has a passion to help others who love the idea of performing -- but who may lack the confidence -- get up on stage.

Wetrock Entertainment presented performer/writer/jazz vocalist Andrea Frierson in 'me & ella,' at 54 Below last night. "me & ella," is a musical journey back to the beginnings of a young singer enamored with Ella Fitzgerald, set against a backdrop of New York City in the 1960's. Part memory play and part tribute, 'me & ella' is both a singer's coming of age story, as well as a valentine to the First Lady of Song. Written and performed by Ms. Frierson with musical arrangements and musical supervision by Ron Abel and direction by Murphy Cross and Paul Kreppel, 'me & ella'

Generously sponsored by Herb Chambers Toyota, FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS is coming to The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester tonight, November 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Wetrock Entertainment is pleased to present performer/writer/jazz vocalist Andrea Frierson in 'me & ella,' a musical journey back to the beginnings of a young singer enamored with Ella Fitzgerald, set against a backdrop of New York City in the 1960's.

As winter quickly approaches, top syndicated morning talk show “LIVE with Kelly and Michael” is heating up the month of November with appearances from Hollywood's hottest celebrities.

A collection of sheet music for the recent Broadway celebration of iconic rock n roll superstar Janis Joplin titled A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN is now available.

Renata Braham, the director of Motown Sounds, loved to sing but never saw herself with a microphone in her hand in front of an audience. Her husband Darryl, who played in a band, thought otherwise, and 'pushed' her onstage. She was surprised that she loved it. Fifteen years later, she is still singing, but now she has a passion to help others who love the idea of performing -- but who may lack the confidence -- get up on stage.

This November and December 54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54thStreet. For a detailed schedule of upcoming performances at 54 Below and to purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com.

Sabrina Duke sits at a raised table in her York City home. Engaging even after a long day of teaching, she is enthused and willing to talk about her music, her career, and the one thing I took away without mention: her sense of place.

Greg Demirjian has released his album Precious Wreck which was recorded in renowned Muscle Shoals, Alabama with a team of legendary musicians well known for working with iconic music artists.

SiriusXM today announced its holiday music lineup featuring eight commercial-free channels celebrating the festive season.

ExtraFood Executive Director, Marv Zauderer is thrilled to announce that Bay Area singer-songwriter Michelle Schmitt will bring her 6th annual holiday concert to 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 8:00 p.m.

The internationally acclaimed DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM is celebrating over 45 years of creating vivid and ingenious forms of expression, and bringing a contemporary flair to the ballet repertoire and to diverse international audiences. DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM, part of the Dance Series at Wharton Center and MSU's Project 60/50, will be featured on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 in the Cobb Great Hall. Tickets are available online at whartoncenter.com, at the Auto-Owners Insurance Ticket Office, or by calling 1-800-WHARTON.

Wetrock Entertainment is pleased to present performer/writer/jazz vocalist Andrea Frierson in 'me & ella,' a musical journey back to the beginnings of a young singer enamored with Ella Fitzgerald, set against a backdrop of New York City in the 1960's.

It's ladies night at SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2014! Today, CENTRIC announced that the Grammy Award-winning Queen Bee herself, Lil' Kim; Grammy Award-winning double platinum artist, Missy Elliott; and the first female solo rapper to ever go platinum, Da Brat, will join the list of all-star performers and presenters at this year's awards show.