Aretha Franklin News

Performance Artist and lover of tight jeans, James Jackson, Jr. has teamed with long time friend and hair-changing Diva-About-Town, LaDonna Burns (Rent Nat'l Tour, Seussical Nat'l Tour) for a show they've written based on the early years of their friendship and careers singing behind several New York City acts. The pair will bring THE BLACK UPS to Joe's Pub on Sunday, Aug. 10th @ 7PM (doors open at 6:00PM).

Vice President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, President pro tempore of the Senate Patrick Leahy, House Majority Leader Elect Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, National Security Advisor Susan Rice, actress Debbie Allen, members of Congress and other distinguished guests attended the Ford's Theatre Annual Gala the evening of Sunday, June 22, 2014, at Ford's Theatre (511 10th Street NW). The gala performance was followed by a seated dinner at the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum (750 Ninth Street NW). The evening included the presentation of the Ford's Theatre Lincoln Medal to actor James Earl Jones and the U.S. House of Representatives' longest-serving member, The Honorable John D. Dingell. The award was given in recognition of their extraordinary character, service, accomplishments and work reflecting Lincoln's legacy of humanity, wisdom, eloquence and vision.

The Marsh announces the return of THE SCION, a tale of privilege, murder, and sausage performed by award-winning performer Brian Copeland (Not a Genuine Black Man, The Waiting Period, The Jewelry Box). Written by Brian Copeland, developed by Brian Copeland and David Ford, and directed by David Ford, THE SCION plays July 19-August 23, Saturdays at 5pm at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street. For tickets ($30-$35, $60-$100 reserved seats) the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call 415-282-3055 between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

The all-new live show THE WIGGLES "READY, STEADY, WIGGLE" will come to The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester for one performance on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 6:30PM

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will present the fourth annual Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival (PJLIF) this weekend, June 20-22, 2014.

The Marsh presents a special opportunity for audiences to see award-winning performer Brian Copeland (Not a Genuine Black Man) in three of his acclaimed works in three days: THE WAITING PERIOD on June 30, THE SCION on July 1, and THE JEWELRY BOX on July 2, 2014. These shows are written by Brian Copeland, developed by Brian Copeland and David Ford, and directed by David Ford. All performances will begin at 8pm at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street. For tickets (individual shows: $30-$35, packages: $60-$100), the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call 415-282-3055 between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Electric Youth (EY), the international touring ensemble of singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), departs today, June 19th for a three-week concert tour of Austria and Italy. The group's 11th European tour will include a return Fourth of July engagement at Aviano Air Force Base to entertain U.S. Troops and families stationed abroad.

The music, humor, warmth and life of Marvin Hamlisch will once again grace the Heinz Hall stage when "Play It Again, Marvin! A Marvin Hamlisch Celebration" makes its world premiere with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on June 28 at 8 p.m.

The music, humor, warmth and life of Marvin Hamlisch will once again grace the Heinz Hall stage when "Play It Again, Marvin! A Marvin Hamlisch Celebration" makes its world premiere with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on June 28 at 8 p.m.

Performance Artist and lover of tight jeans, James Jackson, Jr. has teamed with long time friend and hair-changing Diva-About-Town, LaDonna Burns (Rent Nat'l Tour, Seussical Nat'l Tour) for a show they've written based on the early years of their friendship and careers singing behind several New York City acts.

Next Show: THE (pre) FOURTH OF JULY SPECIAL - CLASSIC AMERICANA

Electric Youth (EY), the international touring ensemble of singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), will perform at Showcase Live at Patriot Place in Foxboro today, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. The event is a Bon Voyage Concert for Electric Youth, coming just days before the ensemble departs on June 19th for a three-week concert tour of Austria and Italy. The group's 11th European tour will include a return Fourth of July engagement at Aviano Air Force Base to entertain U.S. Troops and families stationed abroad.

Fathom Events and Rhino Entertainment are excited to present the annual "Grateful Dead Meet-Up at the Movies: Beat Club 4/21/72" in cinemas nationwide on July 17 at 7:30 p.m. local time.

Melba Moore will play two shows at New York's Metropolitan Room on June 20, 2014, at 7pm & 9:30pm. Price $35.00 - $115.00.

Hotel Nikko San Francisco and Michael Feinstein will welcome star of stage and recording artist, Shoshana Bean, to Feinstein's at the Nikko for one night only - tonight, June 5 at 8 p.m.

Atlantic Records' 'THE FAULT IN OUR STARS - MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE' is fast proving the soundtrack success of the season.

Known around the world by her first name, the 'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin will return to The Fox Theatre, on Saturday, November 8th at 8 pm. Tickets start at $65 and will be available for purchase this Friday, June 6 at 10 AM at www.FoxTheatre.org, by calling 855-285-8499 or at The Fox Theatre Ticket Office.

Mesa Arts Center today announced its 2014-2015 Performing Live Season, which begins with Lyle Lovett & His Large Band on July 24, and includes performances with Tony Bennett, MythBusters, Bill Cosby, Joshua Bell, Evil Dead the Musical, Molly Ringwald, and many more. The shows unveiled today are in addition to the six series packages announced on May 1, including Broadway on Center, Classical, Dance, Jazz, National Geographic Live, and Spoken World.

American singer and musician Aretha Franklin, who received an honorary degree at Harvard University's 2014 Commencement, opened the Morning Exercises in Tercentenary Theatre with a rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' as she sang and played piano. Watch her performance below!