Latest news with #OhWhataBeautifulWorld
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
2025 Cosmic Songwriter Festival features Rodney Crowell, Tommy Prine, Elizabeth Moen
For the third year, Bloomington will experience four nights of live original music in a compelling structure: "the Cosmic format." In pairs, artists will take turns performing songs onstage at a variety of local locations and, between numbers, they'll talk about the stories that lie underneath their tunes. This year's Cosmic Songwriter Festival headliners include Rodney Crowell, Tommy Prine, John Baumann, Elizabeth Moen, Thomas Csorba and Sam Moss. This year's festival will be May 14-17 at four different locations. Maybe you've been to other Cosmic gigs, such as the monthly showcases called Cosmic Songwriters Club at the Orbit Room. In those, two songwriters take the stage simultaneously. One plays as the other listens; then they switch. It started in late 2021, and musicians and their fans have expanded it. Willie Nelson's record release "Oh What a World" came out April 25, and all its songs are written by Cosmic festival performer Rodney Crowell. The album is the latest in Nelson's focusing whole albums on one songwriter. Hear the title track, "Oh What a Beautiful World," wherever you stream. "This festival is cordial, noncompetitive," said co-founder Pablo "Oso" Fuentes, a musician who along with Shaun McDermott, organizes the Cosmic events. That in itself is refreshing, since getting music gigs as a performer often means elbowing out someone else to get a spot. "There's a lot of cooperation," Fuentes said. The festival is also a way to experiment with new material. For instance, he said, "Carrie Newcomer tried out some new songs at our Cosmic Showcase (a different, but related, event) in April at the Orbit Room." Get more Sunday Attractions Access Bloomington news anywhere with the Herald-Times app "This year's Cosmic Songwriter Festival is tighter," Fuentes said. It's a slight departure from previous years; there will be two pairings per night instead of three. "We are a listening-room event," Fuentes said, referring to the shows as concert-worthy, not barroom background music. He appreciates that "two hours is a long time for people to focus," but he hopes the audience will save their conversations for afterward. "When it gets a little rowdy — we do have signs up to please keep quiet — we have conversations. We encourage people to shush their neighbors." Fuentes has experience trying to maintain control among rowdies. He has 2-year-old twin boys. "They have ideas that I sometimes have to manage." Images from a past Cosmic event: PHOTOS: Bloomington Music Expo with Cosmic Songwriters Club performances at Switchyard Park Singer/songwriters are paired during the four nights of the Cosmic Songwriter Festival. For all the locations, doors will open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7. Here's this year's lineup: 7 p.m. May 14 at The Orbit Room, 107 N. College Ave, Suite 001: Thomas Csorba, Sam Moss, Reece Sullivan, Sarah Grain. $26 pre-show. 7 p.m. May 15 at The Bluebird, 216 N. Walnut St.: Tommy Prine, John Baumann, She Returns From War, TAE and the Neighborly. $24 pre-show. 7 p.m. May 16 at The Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.: Rodney Crowell, Laurel Lewis, Elle Hodge, Jesse James DeConto. $34 general admission, with prices increasing on day of the show. 7 p.m. May 17 at The Blockhouse Bar, 205 S. College Ave.: Cam Clark, Elizabeth Moen, Jordan Smart, Father Kentucky. $24 pre-show, with prices increasing on day of the show. After-parties at the Bluebird and the Buskirk-Chumley Theater offer special songwriter combinations and time to connect — and revel after all that hushed listening. Prices vary; go online to for tickets and more information. For a special 20% discount on the May 16 show, use code "COSMIC20." Cosmic went a step further and applied for a distinction: "Mayor Thomson declared May 16 Cosmic Songwriters Day." This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Cosmic Songwriter Festival Rodney Crowell Tommy Prine Bloomington Indiana
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Happy Birthday, Willie Nelson: An American icon turns 92
USA TODAY Happy Birthday, Willie Nelson! The country music icon turned 92 on April 29 (though Nelson celebrates two birthdays: he was born April 29, just before midnight, but his birth was recorded on April 30). His storied career from a young musician in Abbott, Texas, to American staple has been marked by a wide discography, having released an astounding 154 albums both solo and collaboratively – the most recent of which, "Oh What a Beautiful World," was released April 25 and reinterprets songs by fellow country musician and Texan Rodney Crowell. The outlaw country star is also known for his activism, as one of the leading celebrity voices in support of marijuana legalization and biofuels, and is a continued advocate of American farmers. Willie Nelson photos: From young country music star to American legend Willie Nelson health: Country musician still touring, wife blasts report on son caring for them Despite a number of health concerns over the years – including battles with emphysema, pneumonia and COVID-19 – Nelson has also continued to perform live, most recently at his annual Luck Reunion on his ranch outside of Austin. Nelson is again set to host his annual Fourth of July picnic concert this summer. Willie Nelson expected back on road for Outlaw Music Festival concert tour Nelson's wife, Annie D'Angelo, recently responded to a report stating their son Lukas Nelson was "taking care" of them. In a post from cable TV channel AXS TV on Instagram, the outlet posted a photo of the three and wrote that Lukas "makes sure mom & dad are comfortable," but incorrectly stated D'Angelo's age. "Hey @axstv why would you take a photo from someone else's feed (my friend @marthacasselbodell ) & then make stuff up?" she commented April 18. "I still take care of my husband (Lukas has always been there for us as has his brother @particlekid ) and love it. Then you claim our incorrect ages. Don't do that Just ask." D'Angelo, 68, and Nelson have been married since 1991.
Axios
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Willie Nelson celebrates 92
Willie Nelson celebrates his 92nd birthday Tuesday. Why it matters: Nelson, a cultural icon in his own right, has become a living symbol of Austin. He helped define the city's weirdness and progressive identity, and his influence was instrumental in shaping Austin's reputation as a hub for live music. Not to mention, his face is all over town. Earlier this month, a mural of Nelson returned to an East Seventh Street building after the original was torn down after a fire. A bronze sculpture of Nelson greets patrons of ACL Live and a portion of Second Street downtown was renamed in his honor 15 years ago. The big picture: As an original crossover star, Nelson "held the door open for the sorts of folks who had traditionally had a hard time breaking into country music," Jason Mellard, director of the Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University, wrote in 2023 on the occasion of Nelson's 90th birthday. Nelson supported Black artists, recorded the gay-themed " Cowboys are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other" in 2006, and championed female musicians, Mellard wrote. Catch up quick: Nelson was born and raised in Abbott, north of Waco, and has lived in the Austin area since 1972. He also has a home on Maui, Hawai'i. He appeared in the pilot episode of Austin City Limits in 1974 and he's played on the show that broadcasts Austin's musical identity out to the world more than any other artist. Zoom in: His 154th album and 77th solo studio album, "Oh What a Beautiful World," came out on Friday, focusing on the songs of Rodney Crowell. "He has long sounded ageless, but more than ever, Nelson sings like a sage. His reedy tenor can be a little whispery, but he displays surprising vocal range," Steven Wine wrote in an album review for the Associated Press. What's next: He has outlived some members of the Family Band, including sister Bobbie, but the music legend continues to perform. Nelson and his family band are set to play at the Outlaw Music Festival, which makes stops in Dallas and Houston, alongside Bob Dylan, Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow and others. And he'll bring his annual Fourth of July Picnic back to Texas this year at Austin's Circuit of the Americas. Tickets are on sale now.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A$AP Rocky Dodges Question About Album Release Date: ‘Don't Do Me Like That'
A$AP Rocky has once again addressed his long-awaited project Don't Be Dumb. This time, he was stopped by Instagram fashion account The People Gallery and asked directly when he was planning to finally drop the album. 'Don't do me like that,' he replied with a smirk on his face. 'A$AP. Listen, don't make me do that right now, man. You gon' get me beat up out here, bro. They on my head, bro, 'cause of questions like that. I can't even… I gotta go right now.' More from Billboard A$AP Rocky Gives 'Don't Be Dumb' Album Update: 'I Just Want to Drop It' Willie Nelson Spotlights the Songs of Rodney Crowell on 'Oh What a Beautiful World' Album How Doechii Could Have Two Different Hot 100 'Anxiety' Hits Next Week Back in June 2024, the Harlem rapper announced an Aug. 30 release date, even going as far as to release a trailer. However, he decided to delay the album, and although he didn't give an official reason, he was in the middle of preparing to stand trial after being charged for allegedly shooting a former friend Relli in 2021. While he eventually beat those charges after a three-week trial, there's still no official release date in sight, but he did tell GQ that he was putting the finishing touches on it. 'I'm in the mixing and mastering realm of it,' he said. 'But I think quite frankly, people are tired of hearing about updates about the album. They're just ready to get this sh–, you know what I'm saying? I don't think anybody wants to hear where I'm at with it, how far is it along and all that.' In other Rocky news, he was recently appointed as the creative director of Ray-Ban. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Space Ranger Brings First Taylor Swift Cover to ‘Masked Singer' Just Before His Exit: ‘They Only Cleared It Because of Me!'
The Masked Singer. Space Ranger made his debut on last week's Masked Singer, bounding out with his neon-tinged swagger and a silver space suit topped by a glowing, planet be-decked cowboy hat. It was a fitting 'fit for what came next: an electrifying performance in which he bounced around, dropped to his knees and flashed finger guns with so much rizz that judge Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg was convinced he must be a famous comedian. More from Billboard 'The Masked Singer' Winners: Which Mystery Musician Won Each Season? Willie Nelson Spotlights the Songs of Rodney Crowell on 'Oh What a Beautiful World' Album How Doechii Could Have Two Different Hot 100 'Anxiety' Hits Next Week If you were paying any attention at all, the clues (and his one-of-a-kind voice) made it pretty obvious: He's futuristic, lives on his own planet and a childhood report card included an A+ in, ahem, 'PE.' Oh, also, sometimes, he said, you have to show them all that you're 'worth the hype,' as he showed off a belt that appeared to have a clock face on it. His debut performance, of a track by his 'bestie,' was a spirited run through Taylor Swift's 'Bad Blood' that left judge Ken Jeong dumbstruck, while host Nick Cannon knew right away that it was one of his 'favorite people' on the planet. Both Robin Thicke and Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg agreed that it could be comedian/actor Tracy Morgan, while always-wrong Jeong — who said he's opened for Morgan on the road — thought the space case was retired boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Rita Ora suggested a showman like actor/comedian Marlon Wayans. Wednesday night's Ghostbusters-themed episode was back with more super obvious clues, including one about his gig 'schlepping furniture' in New York as a young man before he and his partner came up with a crazy idea for a career change with help from a 'beastly band of boys' who boosted their career. For his second song, he went in another direction with the swinging Busboys' Ghostbusters soundtrack album tune 'Cleanin' Up the Town,' which further showcased his showmanship and vocal dexterity. The second performance made Jeong think it was DJ Jazzy Jeff, even as Thicke doubled down on his Morgan guess, while Ora and McCarthy-Wahlberg totally figured out that it was none other than Public Enemy hype man rapper Flavor Flav. Before his elimination, Billboard spoke with Flav, who described the joy of getting the special dispensation to cover Swift, his shock at the judges' guesses, and why he wanted to hang around just a bit longer. You said being on the show has been on your bucket list for years. Why? What took you so long? I don't know what took it so long 'cause I've been wanting to do this show for years! So when I was asked to be on the show, I said, 'Wow! Finally? OK, let's go!' One thing about me is I love surprising people, I love amusing people, and I love keeping people in suspense. So this show put me on that platform to do all of these things. People know you as the hype man from PE, but were you nervous to try singing on national TV, especially a Taylor Swift song? One thing about Flav — Flav is never, ever nervous. I always love being the center of attention. I love being the most positive, talked-about. I'm the biggest hype man, I'm the original hype man, so I could not wait to get out there on that stage and hype up the world. You are the self-proclaimed 'King Swiftie' and there's never been a Taylor song on . Was that an extra layer of pressure? Nah, I wasn't nervous at all, and I was honored that Taylor Swift and them did clear the song for me to do. Because Masked Singer been trying to get a Taylor Swift song cleared for years and they could not get one cleared, until Flavor Flav, King Swiftie, came on their show. [A spokesperson for the show confirmed that it was the first-ever Swift cover on the series.] They cleared it for King Swiftie. I'm honored and proud that Taylor Swift and them cleared me to do 'Bad Blood.' I said, 'I'm gonna have fun with this song and I know I'm gonna do a good job with it.' I ain't gonna lie, I am my biggest fan and I do amuse myself and I love watching me on TV. Did she approve it because she knew you were going to do it? They knew I was going to do it, that's why the song got cleared. They only cleared it because of me! They weren't clearing it for nobody else! And you know what? I don't think they're gonna get another Taylor Swift song after this. You have an iconic, signature look. So how did it feel to be in that ridiculous costume? Did it help you relax to be covered up? It was real fun jumping in and out of that costume. When I first seen the costume, I was like, 'Wow, how am I gonna pull this off?' But, you know, I can make anything work, I can pull this off. I really had fun… but it was a little hot and muggy up in there and I was running out of fresh air. But I said, 'Keep it going. KIM — keep it movin' Flav, you got this!' Not gonna lie, I've been covering you for 30 years and so this was the easiest mystery to guess in the history of the show. From the way you walked out , to the super obvious clues and your one-of-a-kind voice it seemed almost too easy. What do we say when we pick up the phone? 'Heloooooooo?' C'mon now, it was the biggest, easiest giveaway! My voice is distinctive like James Earl Jones, like Samuel L. Jackson, like Morgan Freeman. I have the most sampled voice in the history of music and my voice is very, very recognizable. So when you take my voice and match it up with them easy-ass clues… the easiest clues! The first one was 'PE.' C'mon now, everybody knows Flavor Flav is Public Enemy! Everybody knows that I'm famous for my hardware that I wear around my neck [holds up giant clock pendant]. It's clocks. And also the other easy giveaways was the clock belt and they showed the belt twice! I'm like, 'C'mon man, everybody knows that's Flav!' I was trending number 3 on Twitter [after his first episode] and everybody on Twitter was like, 'Man, that was the most easiest giveaway ever!' I think they should have did me better. Be honest: Did you want to win? I didn't go on that show to win. I went on that show to have fun. Did I expect to win? No. But I did want to last a little longer than I did and last as long as I can. At least I could say I had fun. At least I could say I was onstage with one of my favorite people on the planet too, Nick Cannon. I've always been a Nick Cannon fan and when Nick said 'I know who this is! This is one of my favorite people on the planet!' When he said that, you don't know how honored I was and how proud I was to hear those words come out of his mouth. 'Cause before Nick Cannon was Wildin' Out, I was wildin' out first, since 1986! The surprising thing was when the judges were trying to guess me… where the hell did they get Tracy Morgan from? [Laughs] The weirdest one was Floyd Mayweather. What in the world is Floyd Mayweather going to be doing in a costume? Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
