In the hands of Noseda and the NSO, ‘Vanessa' is better late than ever
'There are moments when it's difficult to find the words,' he said from the stage, 'so I think music will serve this purpose.'
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Ben Folds, Who Stepped Down From Kennedy Center One Minute After Trump Took Over, Releases Defiant Live Album With National Symphony Orchestra
After announcing his resignation as the first-ever artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra in February, just one minute after President Donald Trump's administrative regime change took hold at the Kennedy Center, Ben Folds has surprise-released the album 'Ben Folds Live with the National Symphony Orchestra' — no doubt intended as a defiant rebuttal to the administration. Folds was named the NSO's first artistic advisor in 2017, and recorded the live album last October at the Concert Hall of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Months later, he handed in his resignation right before the Trump administration gained control of the Kennedy Center. Others affiliated with the organization including Shonda Rhymes and soprano Renée Fleming also stepped down from their roles. More from Variety Kennedy Center Director Slams 'Les Misérables' Actors as 'Vapid and Intolerant' for Threatening Boycott of Trump Performance: 'Will No Longer Fund Intolerance' Rhiannon Giddens on Her New 'Blackbird' Album, the Impact of Her Beyoncé Banjo Cameo, and Why She Canceled Her Kennedy Center Show: 'It's Important to Be Clear Where I Stand' Conan O'Brien Defends Attending Kennedy Center Mark Twain Event Despite Trump Controversy: 'I Felt Like It Was Important' 'Not for me,' Folds wrote on Instagram following his resignation. 'It's been a wonderful 8 years working with Kennedy Center President Deb Rutter, fellow artistic advisor Renee Fleming, and the entire NSO staff, encouraging thousands of fresh new audiences to appreciate symphonic music. Mostly, and above all, I will miss the musicians of our nation's symphony orchestra — just the best!' The live album was recorded over two nights at the Kennedy Center, where Folds performed his hits and new music with special guests Regina Spektor and Tall Heights. Described as 'part protest, part celebration' in a press release, the record is what Folds describes as a 'time capsule of the last moment before it all got torn down.' 'I still believe there's more good than not,' he told WKPK FM Louisville. 'But you must work for it. You have to say something. Especially now.' In addition to the live album, Folds will officially announce a tour this morning at Washington's Byrdland Records, his first appearance in the nation's capital since his resignation. He will be touring the United States through the fall, performing with various orchestras including the Colorado Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Louisville Orchestra. Best of Variety Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
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Acclaimed '90s Singer-Songwriter Makes Bold Political Statement With Surprise Album Release
Acclaimed '90s Singer-Songwriter Makes Bold Political Statement With Surprise Album Release originally appeared on Parade. is celebrating the Fourth of July with a bang! The acclaimed singer-songwriter dropped a surprise release, Ben Folds Live with the National Symphony Orchestra, recorded at his sold-out concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on Friday, July 4. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 A few months after the concert, Folds publicly resigned from his position as the first-ever artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) following 's decision to take over the Kennedy Center. Folds spent eight years as the National Symphony Orchestra's artistic advisor, but opted to resign at 1:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 12, 2023—exactly one minute after Trump's regime change at the Kennedy Center took place. 'I had my statement up by 2:01,' Folds said in an interview with , nationally syndicated radio host at WFPK-FM Louisville. 'The takeover was at 2. I wanted no part of what was coming.' 'We weren't using the orchestra as props,' Folds added. 'We were challenging them to bring new music to life, while giving the orchestra a one-size-fits-all role. Our experimentation was a beacon for other orchestras throughout the private sector.' Ben Folds Live with the National Symphony Orchestra serves as a document of Folds' time at the Kennedy Center working with the National Symphony Orchestra and includes such old favorites as 'Still Fighting It,' reworked with a full orchestral introduction. 'It works because it's not pretending to be something else,' Folds said. 'It's using the orchestra as it should be used. To elevate, not decorate.' The album includes a guest appearance by Folds' old friend on the duet 'You Don't Know Me,' as well as the song 'Capable of Anything,' with a bridge orchestrated by Jherek Bischoff, which Folds has called a warning shot. 'We're all capable of terrible things,' Folds said. 'But we're also capable of doing better. That's the choice.' In the wake of what's happened at the Kennedy Center, Folds said Ben Folds Live with the National Symphony Orchestra takes on added weight and importance.'This album suddenly now feels much bigger,' Folds said. 'I knew we were making something special with the NSO. I didn't know it'd be a time capsule of the last moment before it all got torn down. 'I still believe there's more good than not,' he added. 'But you must work for it. You have to say something. Especially now.' Folds announced the release of the album on Instagram, much to the support of his fans. 'You made the right choice at the right time. Until Trump is gone, the arts aren't safe. Can't wait to hear the new album!' one wrote. However, some also questioned the move. 'Brother, I wish you well. But, this is a rather cliche move. Could have been a stronger and more effectual [sic] voice had you stayed. Now you're just another artist stomping off.' Acclaimed '90s Singer-Songwriter Makes Bold Political Statement With Surprise Album Release first appeared on Parade on Jul 4, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
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'WWE SmackDown' Star Shares Devastating Personal News
'WWE SmackDown' Star Shares Devastating Personal News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The family of one top performer on "WWE SmackDown" has been struck by tragedy. On WWE TV, Alexa Bliss has a wave of momentum, having advanced in the Queen of the Ring tournament. She's set to face Asuka in the semifinals for a spot on the "Night of Champions 2025" card. The winner of the Queen of the Ring finals will be guaranteed a world title opportunity at "SummerSlam." Advertisement Outside of the ring, Bliss is in mourning. The former multi-time world champion has shared that her cousin, Vanessa, has passed away after a battle with cancer. Bliss shared two photos of her cousin, along with a farewell message to her loved one on X. "The strongest fighter & most positive girl I know," Bliss wrote. "My cousin Vanessa. I'll miss you & I love you. Until we meet again." Notable wrestling names such as fellow "SmackDown" star Charlotte Flair and AEW on-air personality Renee Paquette shared their condolences on social media. A slew of wrestling fans have also sent messages in support of Bliss amid her loss. Advertisement Bliss' performances on WWE TV have remained strong amid the personal news. She's been involved in a storyline with Flair. Dating back to the "Money in the Bank 2025" qualifiers, Bliss had been trying to align with "The Queen." Flair refused, but since that time, Bliss has one-upped her by taking spots in the MITB match and the Queen of the Ring. Bliss defeated Flair, Alba Fyre, and Candice LeRae in a fatal four-way match to advance in the tournament. Related: Popular WWE Superstar Suffers Serious Injury During 'Raw' Match This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
