Latest news with #Burbridge
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Oteil Burbridge on touring with Dead & Company, and drumming with Bill Walton
'Oteil From Egypt' to fans (despite the fact he grew up in D.C.) has long struck me as being cut from the same cosmic-cloth as the late great Walton often Advertisement It's a vibe Burbridge, 60, gives off in spades. Grateful for the music, seer of the magic, a childlike passion in his bones, a believer of fairy tales. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up When I asked Burbridge about Walton, the Dead's biggest (at 6 feet 11 inches) Deadhead, he pauses. 'You know the movie ' I do. 'That's what my life with the Dead feels like,' Burbridge tells me. ' is true. It is magical. It is a fairy tale, and it is your real life. That's how Bill made me feel.' Advertisement Almost a year to the day since the death of the Boston Celtics' I called the two-time Grammy winner at his South Florida home. We talked giants, magic, fairy tales, goblins, devils — and that giant magic fairy tale of a cultural phenomenon: the Grateful Dead. Q. So you're A. Melvin Seals is so great, man. God, you see why Jerry had him for 18 years. Last September, [when] I was touring with Melvin, my mom was really sick. It was agonizing. Being with Melvin — it was magic. He's a magician. An actual magician. Anybody that can turn that kind of darkness around is doing magic, period. He's Albus Dumbledore. Q. You've played Boston with a few bands. A. I first played Boston back with [the first band I joined] Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit. It's a music town. There's a Boston audience for whatever you do. But Boston is the worst friggin' city to drive a tour bus through. But I'm sure you've heard that a thousand times, so I won't go on. Q. We have some narrow streets. A. You need to come in on a horse and buggy. Q. I saw on Instagram you played a replica of called ' Advertisement A. Oh, man, that was a trip. My nickname is 'Oteil from Egypt' — Col. Bruce Hampton gave me that because my name is Egyptian. I've always been into Egyptian iconography, history, religion. So that was cosmic: Oteil From Egypt Plays Osiris. In the pro-wrestling world, we call that a crowd Q. Crowds shout 'Oteil from Egypt,' I see it all the time online. Do you have any Egyptian connection? A. No. My parents are both American. They gave us all African names, because their names were super Wonder Bread. My [late musician] brother was Q. I love that. Can you remember first being drawn to music as a kid? A. I can't, because my parents were music fanatics. My dad's religion was music. My mom put headphones on her stomach when she was pregnant, so I heard Miles and Coltrane in the womb. When I wasn't even fully formed, that stuff was vibrating my cells . I have zero memories without Elvin Jones and Max Roach. Q. They were jazz drumming greats — you started on drums at age 5. A. Honestly, I think that's why I get hired so much on bass: I know how to play with a drummer. Q. You even got officially A. I was told about this 'Horning Ceremony.' I said, 'That sounds suspicious, bro.' When Advertisement Q. So as a kid, you acted, but you told me 'TV was icky business.' You also danced. A. I actually wanted to be a dancer, but Q. I had that as a kid. That's wicked painful. Is that why you switched to music? A. Exactly. I couldn't play drums because of Osgood-Schlatter, so I picked up my brother's bass. I was gunning to get in Kofi's band so I tried to musically assassinate his bass player [laughs]. I always say 'Music isn't a competition!' It's like, yeah, that's [expletive]. I should stop saying that. Q. Joining Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann's trio, BK3 was your first direct Dead connection. A. Mike said he thought I should play with Billy and get my feet wet in the Grateful Dead waters. It was so sincere. I was like, 'You know what? I'm down, man.' Q. I love that you connected with [Dead bassist] A. I wish I'd had more of a relationship with him, but I got some quality time. We had some extended private conversations, where I could ask things that would not leave the room. I'm super grateful for that. Q. It must have been special to see those guys get the A. Those are some of my Advertisement Q. Did you feel intimidated joining? A. Yes and no. I mean, the Burbridge family motto is 'We do it afraid.' Q. That's a good T-shirt. A. Walking out your door is intimidating. You just have to do your homework. When you have a band that's been together for 50 years, there's a lot of homework. You cut the pie up and eat one piece at a time. Q. Did Walton ever get to see Dead & Co at the Sphere? A. No, man. I was in the gym at the Sphere and [the news of his death] came on ESPN. Thank god I got to spend so much time with Bill. He'd say things like: 'Oteil, I was a far better person after I stopped competing. When I was competing, all I wanted to do was win.' Just really beautiful stuff. Q. I interviewed him and he had this innocent, childlike way of saying profound things. A. Yes! He loved to play drums. He'd say: 'Can I set up drums and play with you? You don't have to mic 'em.' I have pictures of him playing drums with Oteil & Friends, grinning from ear to ear. To have that joy and gratitude — it's inspiring. JERRY GARCIA SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION Featuring Melvin Seals, Jacklyn La Branch, Oteil Burbridge, Tom Hamilton, John Morgan Kimock, and Lady Chi. 7:30 p.m., June 3 and 4, Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, Interview was edited and condensed. Lauren Daley can be reached at ldaley33@ Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at Advertisement
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
East Providence health care worker launches US Senate primary against Jack Reed
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Democrat Connor Burbridge has announced he's running for U.S. Senate next year, setting up a primary challenge against longtime incumbent Jack Reed. Burbridge, 30, is an elder care worker in East Providence and also runs a tree nursery in Smithfield. His campaign manager, Christopher Woods, told 12 News Burbridge is running to 'rebuild the Democratic Party with fresh ideas and new energy.' 'As a working-class Rhode Islander, Connor was confronted by the reality that the system is broken,' Woods said. 'Income inequality has become unbearable. The middle class is disappearing. American politics are deeply corrupted by a slanted media and dark money in elections.' News of Burbridge's candidacy was first reported by The Boston Globe. Reed, 75, was first elected to the Senate in 1996, succeeding U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell. He has cruised to reelection four times since then, earning more than 65% of the vote each time. Polls have consistently tanked Reed as Rhode Island's most popular elected official, and he has enjoyed high job approval ratings during his time in office. READ MORE: Poll: McKee's job approval on the rise; Reed still tops Whitehouse Reed hasn't formally launched his 2026 reelection campaign and isn't expected to do so in the near future, though he has repeatedly said he plans to run again. He raised about $600,000 during the first quarter and now has $2 million cash on hand, according to his latest campaign-finance report, which was filed last week. Reed is now one of the most senior members of the Senate, and has a waiver from the Democratic caucus that allows him to serve simultaneously on two top committees: the Armed Services Committee, which he chairs, and the Appropriations Committee, which allocates federal money. Yet Burbridge's campaign argues Reed is 'missing the moment,' criticizing the senator for voting to confirm a handful of President Donald Trump's cabinet nominees and for 'still seeking bipartisanship.' 'While Senator Reed has served this state well, it is time for someone with more energy and innovative solutions to fight this democratic backsliding,' Wood said. Burbridge's primary challenge against Reed comes during a time where Democrats are soul searching after President Trump's victory in 2024, leading some observers to call for younger voices to lead the party. If Burbridge qualifies for the ballot next year, this will be Reed's first opponent in a Democratic primary since the late Chris Young in 2008. R.I. Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Beretta-Perik didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility of a primary or if she has spoken to Burbridge. David Hogg, the new vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, is scheduled to visit Rhode Island on Thursday for a high-profile fundraiser and a news conference on the proposed Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act. Hogg recently announced plans to spend $20 million on primary challenges against older Democrats he views as ineffective. Wood says Burbridge will focus on three areas during the campaign: rebuilding the social safety net, protecting the rule of law, and using every measure to counter the Trump administration. On the Republican side, Raymond McKay, who unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate last year, and Allen Waters, who Reed defeated in 2020, have both filed with paperwork with the FEC to run for Senate next year. Ted Nesi contributed to this report. NEXT: Who will succeed Ruggerio? Speculation swirls about next RI Senate president Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Business news: Crown Point hires new firefighter and Gary schools welcome tech officer
Dr. Muhammad Kudaimi, a gastroenterologist, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Crown Point, a release said. Kudaimi attended medical school at Damascus University in Damascus, Syria, and completed his residency and fellowship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. In addition to English, Kudaimi is fluent in Arabic, French and Spanish. He is accepting patients at Franciscan Physician Network Specialty Center, 12750 St. Francis Drive, Suite 410, in Crown Point. Call 219-769-8340. Mayor Pete Land swore in Crown Point's newest firefighter/paramedic during the Feb. 19, Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, according to a release. Mike Adams is a Munster native whose experience includes working as a cardiovascular technician at Southlake Methodist Hospital, the release said. He also serves as a part-time firefighter/paramedic with both the Lake Hills and St. John fire departments Adams is assigned to Turn 1 under the supervision of Battalion Chief Scott Abraham, the release said. The Gary Community School Corp. recently welcomed Alvin Richards as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), according to a release. Richards, a seasoned IT executive and digital transformation leader, brings more than 20 years of experience in driving technology modernization, infrastructure upgrades and digital equity initiatives in K-12 education, higher education, and government sectors, the release said. Richards has spearheaded several initiatives to bridge the digital divide, including one-to-one device programs and the expansion of broadband access for underserved communities, the release said. A new director of development has been named to the Valparaiso Family YMCA, a release said. Wende Burbridge, the Y's new director of development, is a seasoned fundraising professional with more than 20 years of experience. She will play a vital role in advancing the Y's mission to strengthen the spirit, mind, and body of the Valparaiso community through philanthropic support, the release said. In her new role, Burbridge will lead the development efforts of the YMCA, including fundraising strategies, donor relations, and grant writing. Burbridge has held similar leadership roles in nonprofit development at several organizations, including Lakeshore Public Media, Andrean College Prep and Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana, the release said For more information, visit or contact Burbridge at 219-462-4185, Ext. 351. The medical staff at Franciscan Health Michigan City is accepting scholarship applications through March 17 from LaPorte County high school seniors interested in healthcare careers, according to a release. The annual scholarship of up to $5,000 is funded by physicians on the Franciscan Health Michigan City medical staff in partnership with the Franciscan Health Foundation. Scholarship applications are available from guidance offices at all LaPorte County high schools. Questions about the scholarship can be directed to the Medical Staff Office at 219-861-8855. Industry professionals who prioritize workplace safety in their businesses are invited to a full-day conference, sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable (NWIBRT) from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 13 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, according to a release. The event lineup is packed with expert-led discussions and hands-on learning that will redefine how businesses approach safety, the release said. The conference kicks off with 'From Incident to Innovation: Lessons in Mitigation,' a keynote address from Jason Lammertin, CEO and President of Solid Platforms Inc. Attendees will learn about strategies for responding to crises, safeguarding company reputations and fostering a resilient safety culture, the release said. Sponsorship and tickets can be purchased at Prospective graduate students interested in going into the social work field and earning an advanced license-eligible degree can submit their applications to Purdue University Northwest's (PNW) Master of Social Work (MSW) program through April 1, according to a release. PNW's MSW program, which will enroll its first cohort in the fall, will prepare advanced generalist social workers who can make impactful change through social services needs in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland region. To learn more about PNW's MSW program, visit Additional information about PNW graduate studies is available at Dr. Jonathan T. Grossman, a physician specializing in neurology, has joined Northwest Health, 2000 Roosevelt Road, Suite 201 in Valparaiso, according to a release. Grossman received his doctor of osteopathic medicine from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and his bachelors of science in exercise science and environmental studies from Florida State University in Tallahassee. He completed residencies in neurology at the University of Chicago and at Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Florida. Call 219-476-7777 or visit
Chicago Tribune
02-03-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Business news: Crown Point hires new firefighter and Gary schools welcome tech officer
Gastroenterologist joins Franciscan in Crown Point Dr. Muhammad Kudaimi, a gastroenterologist, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Crown Point, a release said. Kudaimi attended medical school at Damascus University in Damascus, Syria, and completed his residency and fellowship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. In addition to English, Kudaimi is fluent in Arabic, French and Spanish. He is accepting patients at Franciscan Physician Network Specialty Center, 12750 St. Francis Drive, Suite 410, in Crown Point. Call 219-769-8340. Crown Point welcomes new firefighter Mayor Pete Land swore in Crown Point's newest firefighter/paramedic during the Feb. 19, Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, according to a release. Mike Adams is a Munster native whose experience includes working as a cardiovascular technician at Southlake Methodist Hospital, the release said. He also serves as a part-time firefighter/paramedic with both the Lake Hills and St. John fire departments Adams is assigned to Turn 1 under the supervision of Battalion Chief Scott Abraham, the release said. Technology officer announced The Gary Community School Corp. recently welcomed Alvin Richards as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), according to a release. Richards, a seasoned IT executive and digital transformation leader, brings more than 20 years of experience in driving technology modernization, infrastructure upgrades and digital equity initiatives in K-12 education, higher education, and government sectors, the release said. Richards has spearheaded several initiatives to bridge the digital divide, including one-to-one device programs and the expansion of broadband access for underserved communities, the release said. Valparaiso Family YMCA names development leader A new director of development has been named to the Valparaiso Family YMCA, a release said. Wende Burbridge, the Y's new director of development, is a seasoned fundraising professional with more than 20 years of experience. She will play a vital role in advancing the Y's mission to strengthen the spirit, mind, and body of the Valparaiso community through philanthropic support, the release said. In her new role, Burbridge will lead the development efforts of the YMCA, including fundraising strategies, donor relations, and grant writing. Burbridge has held similar leadership roles in nonprofit development at several organizations, including Lakeshore Public Media, Andrean College Prep and Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana, the release said For more information, visit or contact Burbridge at 219-462-4185, Ext. 351. Franciscan Michigan City accepting scholarship applications The medical staff at Franciscan Health Michigan City is accepting scholarship applications through March 17 from LaPorte County high school seniors interested in healthcare careers, according to a release. The annual scholarship of up to $5,000 is funded by physicians on the Franciscan Health Michigan City medical staff in partnership with the Franciscan Health Foundation. Scholarship applications are available from guidance offices at all LaPorte County high schools. Questions about the scholarship can be directed to the Medical Staff Office at 219-861-8855. Safety conference planned for March 13 Industry professionals who prioritize workplace safety in their businesses are invited to a full-day conference, sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable (NWIBRT) from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 13 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, according to a release. The event lineup is packed with expert-led discussions and hands-on learning that will redefine how businesses approach safety, the release said. The conference kicks off with 'From Incident to Innovation: Lessons in Mitigation,' a keynote address from Jason Lammertin, CEO and President of Solid Platforms Inc. Attendees will learn about strategies for responding to crises, safeguarding company reputations and fostering a resilient safety culture, the release said. Sponsorship and tickets can be purchased at Master of Social Work program offered at PNW Prospective graduate students interested in going into the social work field and earning an advanced license-eligible degree can submit their applications to Purdue University Northwest's (PNW) Master of Social Work (MSW) program through April 1, according to a release. PNW's MSW program, which will enroll its first cohort in the fall, will prepare advanced generalist social workers who can make impactful change through social services needs in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland region. To learn more about PNW's MSW program, visit Additional information about PNW graduate studies is available at Neurologist joins Northwest Health in Valparaiso Dr. Jonathan T. Grossman, a physician specializing in neurology, has joined Northwest Health, 2000 Roosevelt Road, Suite 201 in Valparaiso, according to a release. Grossman received his doctor of osteopathic medicine from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and his bachelors of science in exercise science and environmental studies from Florida State University in Tallahassee. He completed residencies in neurology at the University of Chicago and at Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Florida.
