Latest news with #Avnet
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brian Avnet, Longtime Artist Manager and Music Executive, Dies at 82
Brian Avnet, the respected personal manager and music executive who discovered Josh Groban, collaborated with David Foster and helped The Manhattan Transfer to great success, has died. He was 82. Avnet died May 14 at his home in Los Angeles after a years-long battle with Parkinson's disease, a publicist announced. More from The Hollywood Reporter Ed Gale, 'Chucky' and 'Howard the Duck' Actor, Dies at 61 Shaboozey Defends Megan Moroney Amid AMAs Backlash: "Let's Not Twist the Message" Judge Quickly Rejects Mistrial Request at Sean "Diddy" Combs Trial The Baltimore native also worked closely with the likes of Johnny Mandel, Herb Alpert and Lani Hall, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Cyndi Lauper, Take 6, Jean-Luc Ponty, Eric Benét and Joshua Ledet. Avnet began working with The Manhattan Transfer in 1979, and two years later the vocal group became the first to win Grammys in the pop and jazz categories in the same year, earning trophies for 'The Boy From New York City' and 'Until I Met You (Corner Pocket).' 'Brian was an excellent manager and like a brother to me,' Manhattan Transfer founding member Alan Paul said in a statement. 'He was savvy, honest, funny and gifted with a heart of gold. I never met anyone personally or in business who didn't like him.' Added fellow founding member Janis Siegel: 'Brian got into the rough and tumble with us as we all negotiated the ups and downs of the music business. He was fiercely loyal, passionate about his opinions, smart and kind.' With composer and producer Foster, Avnet teamed on recording projects for Whitney Houston, Céline Dion, Toni Braxton, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Faith Hill, Brandy, En Vogue, Olivia Newton-John, the Bee Gees, Michael Bolton, All-4-One, Julio Iglesias and Smokey Robinson. Avnet discovered Groban through vocal coach Seth Riggs, who helped develop his career and became his manager. And in 1995, when Foster launched 143 Records at Warner Bros., he appointed Avnet to lead the label. The roster included Groban, Michael Bublé, The Corrs and Beth Hart. Avnet was born in Baltimore on July 16, 1942. His father, Duke, practiced law in the area for 54 years and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his defense of actor-singer Paul Robeson. His mother, Beatrice, was a social worker. At 15, Avnet landed a job at the newly opened Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mills, Maryland, and he would become the venue's youngest-ever manager. He also assisted Lee Guber at the Westbury Music Fair on Long Island. A graduate of Gettysburg College, Avnet completed an internship with Princeton's theatrical department. He worked in summer stock, shared a New York apartment with Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight and went on to produce A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Voight, at the Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo, New York. Avnet also collaborated with Bette Midler, starting when she was playing bathhouses in New York before becoming a Broadway sensation in the 1970s. He served as G.M. for her 19-show run at the Palace Theatre in New York in December 1973, for which she won a special Tony Award 'for adding lustre to the Broadway season.' In 1974, Avnet moved to Los Angeles to work with Lou Adler on the production of The Rocky Horror Show at The Roxy, and the success of that nine-month run led to the 1975 film adaptation. He also produced an L.A. stage production of Tommy and managed Jesus Christ Superstar at the Universal Amphitheatre, where he oversaw its first season. Avnet, who in 2017 was named Manager of the Year by Pollstar and inducted into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame, never signed a contract with any of his artists. 'It was a long career, and he was beloved. His word was his bond. And that's rare in the entertainment industry,' said his wife of 26 years, Marcia. Survivors also include his brother, Richard, and his nephew, Evan. A private memorial service will be held in L.A. in September. Donations in his memory can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Avnet India and NITK Surathkal Collaborate on AI-Powered Sustainability Solutions for Landslide Detection and Wildlife Preservation
BANGALORE, INDIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - Avnet India Pvt Ltd, a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, today announced its partnership with the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, one of India's premier academic institutions. This collaboration, an integral part of Avnet India's robust ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, focuses on leveraging Avnet's recognized expertise in AI-driven solutions for critical sustainability projects and biodiversity conservation efforts. Through this collaboration, Avnet India is working closely with the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at NITK, Surathkal, on three impactful sustainability projects, utilizing AI and machine learning technologies: AI-assisted Real-time Landslide Detection and Alerting System: This project uses AI techniques and Avnet's development boards to provide early detection and timely alerts for landslides, helping to protect lives and property in high-risk areas like the Himalayas and Western Ghats. Automated Bird Identification and Survey System: Using deep learning, this system automates bird species identification from audio and video recordings, streamlining data collection in challenging environments and supporting conservation research. Automated Bird Sound Identification for Tackling Illegal Wildlife Trafficking: This innovative system aims to detect and identify bird sounds to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. By integrating machine learning, the system enhances detection capabilities at checkpoints and contributes to preserving biodiversity by identifying bird calls in flight baggage. As part of this partnership, Avnet India is also supporting the significant upgrade of NITK's Electronic Systems Laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, including digital oscilloscopes and AI-embedded development boards, which will be vital for advancing these sustainability solutions. With over 100 years of experience in technology distribution, Avnet has built strong relationships with global suppliers, equipping customers with the tools they need to navigate complex design and supply chain challenges. Through collaborations like the one with NITK, Avnet fosters innovation by enabling the creation of scalable, AI-powered solutions aimed at addressing pressing environmental and societal issues. "Our partnership with NITK Surathkal highlights Avnet India's commitment to our global ESG strategy," said Suresh Kamath, Managing Director, Avnet India. "We are passionate about harnessing technology for environmental and community impact. The innovative solutions we are developing together—particularly in landslide detection and bird conservation—align perfectly with our goals of fostering a sustainable future and preserving biodiversity." Building on this, the HOD of ECE, NITK shared their perspective on the collaboration: "We are excited to collaborate with Avnet India on these groundbreaking sustainability projects. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies, we aim to address some of the most pressing environmental and conservation challenges, from landslide detection to wildlife preservation. This partnership enables our students and faculty to engage in impactful research while contributing to the broader societal goals of sustainability and biodiversity conservation. We look forward to the continued success of this collaboration, which underscores the importance of industry-academia partnerships in driving innovation for the future." The upgraded lab was officially inaugurated on April 16, 2025, by Sunil Kumar G, Senior Business Unit Manager (Xilinx) from Avnet India, along with other senior members from the company, and Professor Neelawar Shekar Vittal Shet from the Department of ECE, NITK. Professor Bhallamudi Ravi, Director of NITK, Surathkal, was also in attendance, along with some 60 faculty members and students. NITK, recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India, consistently ranks among the top engineering education institutes in the country. Avnet India's support of the NITK Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) department is part of its CSR program for 2024-25. Hashtag: #Avnet The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Avnet As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers' evolving needs for more than a century. Through regional and specialized businesses around the world, we support customers and suppliers at every stage of the product lifecycle. We help companies adapt to change and accelerate the design and supply stages of product development. With a unique viewpoint from the center of the technology value chain, Avnet is a trusted partner that solves complex design and supply chain issues so customers can realize revenue faster. Learn more about Avnet at Avnet Asia Pte Ltd
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Avnet India and NITK Surathkal Collaborate on AI-Powered Sustainability Solutions for Landslide Detection and Wildlife Preservation
AI-assisted Real-time Landslide Detection and Alerting System: This project uses AI techniques and Avnet's development boards to provide early detection and timely alerts for landslides, helping to protect lives and property in high-risk areas like the Himalayas and Western Ghats. Automated Bird Identification and Survey System: Using deep learning, this system automates bird species identification from audio and video recordings, streamlining data collection in challenging environments and supporting conservation research. Automated Bird Sound Identification for Tackling Illegal Wildlife Trafficking: This innovative system aims to detect and identify bird sounds to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. By integrating machine learning, the system enhances detection capabilities at checkpoints and contributes to preserving biodiversity by identifying bird calls in flight baggage. BANGALORE, INDIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - Avnet India Pvt Ltd, a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, today announced its partnership with the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, one of India's premier academic institutions. This collaboration, an integral part of Avnet India's robust ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, focuses on leveraging Avnet's recognized expertise in AI-driven solutions for critical sustainability projects and biodiversity conservation this collaboration, Avnet India is working closely with the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at NITK, Surathkal, on three impactful sustainability projects, utilizing AI and machine learning technologies:As part of this partnership, Avnet India is also supporting the significant upgrade of NITK's Electronic Systems Laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, including digital oscilloscopes and AI-embedded development boards, which will be vital for advancing these sustainability over 100 years of experience in technology distribution, Avnet has built strong relationships with global suppliers, equipping customers with the tools they need to navigate complex design and supply chain challenges. Through collaborations like the one with NITK, Avnet fosters innovation by enabling the creation of scalable, AI-powered solutions aimed at addressing pressing environmental and societal issues."Our partnership with NITK Surathkal highlights Avnet India's commitment to our global ESG strategy," said Suresh Kamath, Managing Director, Avnet India. "We are passionate about harnessing technology for environmental and community impact. The innovative solutions we are developing together—particularly in landslide detection and bird conservation—align perfectly with our goals of fostering a sustainable future and preserving biodiversity."Building on this, the HOD of ECE, NITK shared their perspective on the collaboration: "We are excited to collaborate with Avnet India on these groundbreaking sustainability projects. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies, we aim to address some of the most pressing environmental and conservation challenges, from landslide detection to wildlife preservation. This partnership enables our students and faculty to engage in impactful research while contributing to the broader societal goals of sustainability and biodiversity conservation. We look forward to the continued success of this collaboration, which underscores the importance of industry-academia partnerships in driving innovation for the future."The upgraded lab was officially inaugurated on April 16, 2025, by Sunil Kumar G, Senior Business Unit Manager (Xilinx) from Avnet India, along with other senior members from the company, and Professor Neelawar Shekar Vittal Shet from the Department of ECE, NITK. Professor Bhallamudi Ravi, Director of NITK, Surathkal, was also in attendance, along with some 60 faculty members and recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India, consistently ranks among the top engineering education institutes in the country. Avnet India's support of the NITK Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) department is part of its CSR program for #Avnet The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Avnet As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers' evolving needs for more than a century. Through regional and specialized businesses around the world, we support customers and suppliers at every stage of the product lifecycle. We help companies adapt to change and accelerate the design and supply stages of product development. With a unique viewpoint from the center of the technology value chain, Avnet is a trusted partner that solves complex design and supply chain issues so customers can realize revenue faster. Learn more about Avnet at
UPI
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Neal McDonough: 'Rodeo' is 'Rocky' on a bull, 'Justified' family reunion
1 of 5 | Sarah Jones and Neal McDonough star in the new family drama, "The Last Rodeo." Photo courtesy of Angel Studios NEW YORK, May 23 (UPI) -- Neal McDonough says his new family drama, The Last Rodeo, reunited some of his favorite people from the iconic TV series, Justified. Directed by Jon Avnet and in theaters Friday, the film follows widower and retired professional bull-riding star Joe Wainwright (McDonough) as he returns to the ring to compete for the money to save his beloved grandson Cody (Graham Harvey) from the same type of brain cancer that killed his beloved wife Rose (Ruve McDonough). Helping him get back in the game -- over the objections of his worried daughter Sally (Sarah Jones) -- are Joe's estranged friends Charlie (Mykelti Williamson) and Jimmy Mack (Christopher McDonald). "The guy who cut my arm off [in Justified] happens to be now my best friend in this movie," McDonough, 59, told UPI in a recent Zoom interview. "How does that happen? Because Mykelti Williamson, in real life, is one of my best, dearest friends on the planet. I love him. What a great actor! He's a thief. He stole every scene he was in with me. It was awful," McDonough laughed. Avnet said his relationship with McDonough and Williamson dates back more than 20 years to the crime drama, Boomtown. "That's when I cast Neal with [Justified writer-producer] Graham Yost and Mykelti and they got to know each other, so when we got to work together all on Justified, it was a reunion, and it gave us an economy of words and the ability to explore things," the filmmaker said. "These are real pros and they're just great." Even Jones guest starred on Justified in 2011. The only main cast member who didn't have some connection to the show was McDonald, but McDonough said he was quickly embraced by The Last Rodeo family. "He showed up swinging for the fences," McDonough recalled. "He walks in a situation, which he's never worked with Jon before and there's me and Mykelti in our own shorthand and then Jon and I have our own shorthand, and here he comes into this like, 'How do I fit into this party?' And you know what he did? He manned up and he crushed it. Chris McDonald is a beast." Avnet agreed. "He wants to make sure he knows the character," Avnet explained. "It's not like they walk in and they're fearless. They care and they worry and they work to overcome that because they want to be worthy of the characters, worthy of the friendship, worthy of the respect," Avnet said of his cast. McDonough wrote the film with Avnet and Derek Presley after he was away on a film shoot, missing his wife Ruve and wondering how he would survive if anything happened to the mother of his five children. "This idea from above came into my head -- write a film about Rocky on a bull, about a grandfather that has to save his grandson because he's dying of the same brain tumor that his wife died of," said McDonough, who is a devout Catholic. "I'm a pretty smart guy, but I didn't come up with that myself and, within a week, we had the first draft, within another week, Ruve helped me raise the financing and the distribution through the amazing Angel Studios," he added. "They said, 'Who do you want to direct it?' And I said, 'There's only one choice for me -- the greatest director I've ever worked with, a guy who has been a mentor to me, but, also, like a big brother to me for all these years, and that's Jon Avnet.'" Catch these two powerhouse actors in The Last Rodeo - a story about family, brotherhood, and rodeo! In theaters May 23! Get your tickets now at ️ The Last Rodeo Movie (@lastrodeomovie) May 22, 2025 Avnet -- whose credits include Risky Business, Less Than Zero, The Three Musketeers and Fried Green Tomatoes -- said the aspect of the story that most intrigued him was the loving, but tense relationship between Joe and his daughter. "I've got two daughters, two older sisters, my wife has two sisters, there are three women in her family, and [I know] dads don't do the greatest job often communicating with their daughters," Avnet noted. "It's hard to figure out how to fix that. So, that interested me very much, and I thought it's really universal message of the whole film." Avnet also wanted to take a closer look at the friendship with Charlie that Joe abandoned when he sinks into his grief over Rose's death and why Charlie forgives Joe after their long estrangement. "He's become a kind of narcissistic, self-involved character that really has gone inside and he's hurt so many people who love them and the sad circumstances that forces him to ride also gives him the opportunity to, perhaps, mend the friendship with Charlie and, perhaps, have a second shot with his daughter," Avnet said. The filmmaker also was happy to see his longtime friend -- who is frequently cast as villains on shows like Justified, Tulsa King and Yellowstone -- finally get to play the hero. "I believed he could be something he hasn't been in films before -- the leading man in the mold of Clint Eastwood or John Wayne or Gary Cooper or Jimmy Stewart," Avnet said. "I believed if i did my job well, the audience would see him the same way and because he has that gravitas and, what people don't know about him unless they're close friends with him, is he is so emotionally accessible. He's just there and I knew he could bring that out in this character in film." Avnet offers as an example an emotional scene in which thousands of people stand and pray for Joe's family when he walks into the bull-riding ring. "It's so moving and Neal says nothing," Avnet said. "You just see on his face this private guy, this tormented guy, this guy who never knew how to mourn the loss of his wife, standing there and seeing these strangers sending their prayers and love." But McDonough credited Avnet for polishing the script he handed off to him and weaving the whole story together through his thoughtful direction. "He pulled so many amazing things out of the actors and their performances and there's a trust that we have with Jon because he protects the actors," McDonough said. "More than anything, he wants the actors to have complete comfort on a set and the ability to do something different and to try things and to build characters and build moments." McDonough said he doesn't generally play heroes because he refuses to do intimate scenes with anyone but his spouse. Luckily for him, Ruve played his late wife Rose in flashback scenes, so McDonough finally gets to kiss the girl on screen. "I'm famous for one or two takes [filming a scene], but I think I got to 13 takes that day before my daughter London got so disgusted, saying, 'Dad, that's enough.' So, I had fun. This is my moment," he said. "I'm the most blessed dude that I know."
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Avnet Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend
PHOENIX, May 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avnet, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVT), a leading global technology solutions provider, today announced that its Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per share. The dividend will be paid on June 18, 2025, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 4, 2025. About Avnet As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers' evolving needs for more than a century. Through regional and specialized businesses around the world, we support customers and suppliers at every stage of the product lifecycle. We help companies adapt to change and accelerate the design and supply stages of product development. With a unique viewpoint from the center of the technology value chain, Avnet is a trusted partner that solves complex design and supply chain issues so customers can realize revenue faster. Learn more about Avnet at (AVT_IR) Visit the Avnet Investor Relations website at or contact us at investorrelations@ View source version on Contacts Investor Relations Contacts Joe Burke, Media Relations Contact Liam Creighton,
