Latest news with #MemorialAuditorium
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Kayamkulam Kochunni honoured with memorial auditorium in his hometown
ALAPPUZHA: More than 150 years after his death, Kerala's legendary outlaw Kayamkulam Kochunni often compared to Robin Hood has finally received a memorial in his hometown. A lakeside auditorium in Kayamkulam has now been officially named the Kayamkulam Kochunni Memorial Auditorium, marking the first formal recognition of the folk hero. Kochunni is remembered for stealing from the rich and helping the poor. He became a symbol of resistance against feudal landlords in 19th-century Kerala. Though he has long been celebrated in songs, ballads and folklore, there had been no public tribute to him until now. The auditorium's renovation was funded with Rs 65 lakh from the local development fund of Kayamkulam MLA U. Prathibha. 'The decision to name the renovated auditorium after Kochunni was met with wide public support, especially from those who feel his legacy deserves recognition beyond legend and stories,' Prathibha told TNIE. Kochunni was known for his skills in disguise, martial arts and black magic, which made it hard for authorities to catch him. He was eventually captured through deceit and died in prison in 1859 at the age of 41. Local legend says he was buried at Pettah Juma Masjid in Thiruvananthapuram. Interestingly, it is also believed that a deity worshipped at the Edappara Maladevar Temple near Kozhencherry, a Hindu temple, represents Kochunni, a Muslim, showing how deeply he was respected across communities.
Forbes
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Joni Mitchell Scores Her First Billboard Hits On Charts She's Never Seen Before
Joni Mitchell's 1976 US Tour debuts at No. 2 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and No. ... More 10 on Jazz Albums list, marking her first placements in the jazz genre. SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Joni Mitchell performing at "California Celebrates the Whales" at the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento, California on November 20. 1976. (Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael) Joni Mitchell is known as one of the most influential folk musicians in history. She helped popularize the genre during its resurgence in the 1960s and early 1970s, crafting deeply personal tunes that eventually redefined what confessional songwriting could look and sound like. But Mitchell's discography has never fit neatly into one category. After reaching superstar status, she began exploring new sounds, including pop, rock, and eventually jazz. Decades after she first ventured into that more experimental territory, Mitchell has scored a long-overdue chart win in the jazz space. Mitchell took part in Record Store Day this spring with a special release aimed directly at her most devoted followers. The newly-unveiled 1976 U.S. Tour was made available as a triple LP, and it features live recordings captured throughout her trek across America that year. The material, most of which had never been shared before, was selected from hours of tape and carefully assembled into a cohesive collection. As is typically the case with anything connected to Mitchell's name, the set sold well upon arrival. The project, which is officially credited to both Mitchell and the L.A. Express, the backing band that joined her on tour, immediately earned a spot on a pair of Billboard rankings. 1976 U.S. Tour launches at No. 2 on the Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. That's a huge win for Mitchell, considering that none of her past releases have ever been sent to this specific tally. It comes frustratingly close to the summit, though Mitchell is blocked from the top spot by Sade's The Best of Sade, a compilation that has long been a juggernaut on the ranking. That title debuted 38 weeks ago and has never left No. 1. While 1976 U.S. Tour misses out on a No. 1 opening, it does manage a second notable debut. The live set also opens at No. 10 on the Jazz Albums chart. That's a slightly more competitive space, as it includes all forms of jazz, not just contemporary material. Her latest offering may be the highest debut on the Contemporary Jazz Albums ranking, but on the all-genre jazz tally, it ranks as the fifth-best start of the week. Half the spots inside the top 10 belong to brand new entries, as Record Store Day was busy for the style. 1976 U.S. Tour gives Mitchell her first placements on both the Jazz Albums and Contemporary Jazz Albums charts. While she's landed on many Billboard rankings throughout the decades — including several genre-specific tallies — none of her previous work was formally categorized as jazz by the company.
