Latest news with #Showboat
RTÉ News
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
In tune - Evening Song with Shirley Keane comes to RTÉ lyric fm
Evening Song with Shirley Keane is an hour of beautiful song from the greatest singers, airing each Sunday evening on RTÉ Lyric FM from the end of July to the end of September - listen to the first show above. Presenter Shirley Keane, a singer and an actor by trade, tells us about how her love of song came about and what to expect from her new show. I am really excited at the chance to turn a spotlight on the world of song. Evening Song will cover quite a wide range of styles. Song of course in a classical sense brings composers like Schubert or Faure to mind but I promise there will be some interesting tangents. Performing has been my profession for a long time. From a very young age I was drawn to singing and particular singers, especially in the old musicals. Singers like Barbra Streisand or Doris Day were mesmerising. I loved Ava Gardner in Showboat or Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Dolittle, only to learn years later their voices were dubbed in those films by opera singers Annette Warren and Marni Nixon. I hope listeners will find themselves transported, memories triggered, new favourites discovered, as you make the dinner, take a walk or relax on an early Sunday evening. As my own performing career developed in theatre and opera there was a natural parallel interest in the performances of the great recitalists, I realised how vital is the collaboration between instrumentalist and singer, the challenges for singer and orchestra, and to not overlook the simple purity of a singer on their own. The art of song is in how much can be conveyed in 3 or 4 minutes. Sometimes it is an intense expression of anger or grief, but there is also wry musical comedy which can drop in a sudden surprise. Interestingly, the song repertoire shows off many women composers from Renaissance times to today. Often kept out of the concert hall and certainly ignored by opera companies, many women composed songs for their own convent, church or the salon. It was a calling card of sorts and a way into the world of composition. Today, many composers will create works for smaller numbers as the cost of staging a new opera production is prohibitive, but a singer and piano or small ensemble can tell wonderful tales and entertain audiences in a unique and powerful way. It is a little like comparing a play with a poem in the first instance, and on Evening Song we follow it, like a river as the song becomes a short scene or is developed for orchestra. Irish songs, singers and composers will feature right across the ten weeks of Evening Song. Lyric plays an important part in continuously highlighting the musicians, the orchestras and composers who are an essential part of the Irish music scene. For centuries, we could be rebellious in our songs, if not in our everyday lives, we could express love or sorrow through impromptu performances by firesides or at wakes, not forgetting the ghost stories and creepy old ballads. These songs continuously reappear, in schools, at rugby matches and on the recital stage. I couldn't watch a horror film, but I enjoy the shivers, the heartbreak, the thrills of these sung stories. You don't have to look too far to find similar stories run through even the most classical of concert hall programmes. I hope listeners will find themselves transported, memories triggered, new favourites discovered, as you make the dinner, take a walk or relax on an early Sunday evening. These songs could take you anywhere.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Marty Small wins 2025 mayoral race in Atlantic City
The Brief Marty Small won the mayoral race in Atlantic City Tuesday night. FOX 29's Steve Keeley was live in Atlantic City, where the mayor spoke with voters Tuesday night. ATLANTIC CITY - The mayoral election in Atlantic City has taken a dramatic turn as current Mayor Marty Small claims a re-election victory while facing criminal charges of child abuse. What we know Mayor Marty Small declared victory, stating that 19 of the 21 voting precincts were in, giving him a near two-to-one margin of victory over his Democratic challenger, longtime casino union leader Bob McDevitt. Small plans to celebrate at the Showboat, a former casino now a hotel along the boardwalk. The election marks a historic moment in Atlantic City, as it is the first time a mayor under indictment has won a primary for re-election. Despite facing criminal charges, Small received support from voters who believe he is doing a good job as mayor. Though his trial is set to begin in July, and he remains confident in his legal defense. "It's a great day here in the city of Atlantic City. I'm humble, I'm honored. The voters overwhelmingly chose our leadership," Small said. "We will get it all together, and I will remain the mayor of Atlantic City to keep the progress going." Small's victory in the Democratic primary sets the stage for the general election in November, where he will face a Republican challenger and some independents. Despite the charges against him, Small and his supporters are optimistic about his chances in the upcoming election. As the celebration continues, Small remains focused on his legal battle, confident in his attorneys and the evidence they have yet to present. "When it's all said and done, we will all be fine," he assured. With unofficial numbers showing a victory, Small's win is considered a landslide in political terms. As the city of gambling celebrates, the mayor's future remains uncertain, but his supporters are hopeful for a positive outcome. The Source The information in this story is from Mayor Marty Small.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kobe Bryant put together his first scouting tape as a nine-year-old: "I had to wait for the tapes. I used to wait for the mail guy to drop them off"
The late Kobe Bryant was much more than an incredible athlete — he was a true student of basketball. While most fans remember his legendary moments on the court, not everyone realizes how his deep understanding of the game set him apart from even the greatest players. Of course, his sharp basketball mind didn't just appear overnight. So, where did it all begin? Advertisement As Roland Lazenby explains in "Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant," Kobe's early years in Italy played a key role in his development. Removed from the American basketball scene, the future Hall of Famer — still just a kid at the time — spent countless hours watching game footage, analyzing plays and studying NBA stars with an almost scientific focus. "It was the beginning of a career-long focus on studying game recordings, normally the domain of the Xs and Os wonks who serve as assistant coaches," wrote Lazenby. From Philly to Italy When Kobe was just six years old, his life took a sharp turn. His family left the United States and relocated to Italy. Advertisement This move was due to his father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, deciding to continue his basketball career in Europe after several seasons in the league, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets. Joe, a towering 6'9" power forward and former NBA draft pick from 1975, signed with multiple Italian teams over the years, which meant the family frequently moved to follow his contracts. Their journey began in the quiet town of Rieti, where they lived for two years before moving to other Italian cities as Joe's career took him to AMG Sebastiani Rieti, Reggio Calabria, Pistoia and Reggiana. Although far from home, the Bryants stayed closely connected to American culture — thanks to Kobe's grandparents, who regularly sent VHS tapes filled with NBA highlights, American TV shows and family comedies like NBC's "The Cosby Show." Advertisement It's easy to guess what type of content the family's only son enjoyed most. "What I looked most forward to getting was the basketball games," remembered the "Black Mamba." Kobe waited by the mailbox for NBA tapes Many might wonder why Bryant didn't simply watch the games live on TV. The main challenge was the significant time difference between Europe and the U.S., which meant that games often aired very late at night, sometimes well past midnight. This is a common problem for NBA fans all around Europe, but it's especially tough for kids who have school the next day — just like Kobe did back then. Advertisement "I had to stay up to three in the morning to see these games, and I had school the next day. That wasn't happening," remembered the five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead, he relied on taped recordings sent to him by his grandparents. Each season, Kobe's collection grew to nearly forty tapes, which became his lifeline to the NBA and something he eagerly awaited with every new delivery. "I had to wait for the tapes. I used to wait for the mail guy to drop them off all the time," recounted the 2008 Most Valuable Player. Related: Coach Isiah Thomas surprisingly praised Michael Jordan while comparing him to Kobe Bryant: "I don't know if there's really been anyone else" Basketball analysis Kobe's passion for the game was obvious, but just as important was his father, who helped him move beyond just playing and start analyzing every detail of the game. Advertisement After subscribing to a service that sent them game videos directly, Joe — who already had deep basketball knowledge from his own high-level career — and his son really started to dig in. According to Lazenby, they watched NBA tapes together, not just for fun but to learn. They would pause, rewind and slow down the action to study footwork, spacing, timing and defensive moves. "Jellybean" pointed out details that most people missed. And when his dad was away, Kobe kept going on his own. "When Joe was away, Kobe pursued his studies alone, virtually memorizing entire sequences, especially those that revealed player tendencies. By age nine, he had put together his first scouting tape, a look at relatively obscure Hawks guard John Battle," wrote the 73-year-old. Studying the all-time greats Throughout all the game analyses by Joe and Kobe, one player stood out: Magic Johnson. Advertisement The 6'9" point guard was at the heart of the Lakers "Showtime era." Watching his and his dad's favorite player, a young Kobe sat glued to the family TV, replaying Magic's passes and playmaking over and over again. But it didn't stop there. As Bryant later recalled, his obsession also extended to legends like Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins — all dominant figures of that era who went on to become all-time greats. Kobe didn't just watch their moves — he studied them and added them to his own game. This approach brought him great success and, more importantly, deepened his understanding of basketball down to the finest detail. The iconic 6'6" swingman showed this sharp feel for the game not only during his legendary 20 seasons with the Purple and Gold but also long after his playing days. Advertisement A perfect example is "Detail," his film breakdown series on ESPN+, launched in 2018. Until Bryant's tragic death in late January 2020, each episode featured his high-level analysis as he broke down games and individual performances from the NBA, WNBA, and college basketball. Related: Kobe Bryant on how he crafted his "Detail" episodes: "I typically pick a player who I believe is going to have some serious challenges"
Miami Herald
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Las Vegas Strip casino closes country star's residency
Some of the biggest names in country music have performed long-running, sold-out residencies on the Las Vegas Strip. Some of the residencies are continuing, while several have closed. Big-name country stars have a long history of performing in Las Vegas. Western swing star Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys performed at the Showboat Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas back in spring 1959, and country legend Patsy Cline was the first woman country star headliner in Las Vegas in the early 1960s with a 35-day engagement at The Mint downtown. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Willie Nelson, who wrote Cline's huge hit "Crazy," played the Golden Nugget in downtown Vegas in 1963 and returned to Vegas several times, including more recently in October 2019 at the Venetian Theatre at the Venetian. Related: Las Vegas Strip casino signs another superstar singer residency Other country icons who performed in Vegas over the years include Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and more recently, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn with Reba McEntire and George Strait, and Lady Antebellum, now known as Lady A. Country star Luke Bryan ended an engagement at Resorts World on Jan. 6, 2024, and Miranda Lambert closed her "Velvet Rodeo" residency at Planet Hollywood on April 6, 2024. Keith Urban recently finished a residency at Fontainebleau's BleauLive Theater after five nights in October 2024 and another five shows in February 2025. Legendary country singer Garth Brooks wrapped up his sold-out 54-show Plus One residency at Caesars Entertainment's Colosseum at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip on March 8. Brad Paisley extended his "One Man Six Strings" residency at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas for two more shows on May 9 and 10, 2025. Kenny Chesney signed on to be the first country residency at Sphere Las Vegas, as he brings his "full-tilt brand of American music" to the spectacular entertainment venue adjacent to The Venetian, for 15 shows in May and June country superstar Carrie Underwood concludes her long-running "Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency" engagement at the Resorts World Theater at Resorts World Las Vegas after 71 shows, wrapping up with performances on April 9, 11, and 12. Related: Las Vegas Strip casino brings back iconic rock band for residency Tickets for the remaining shows range from $38 to $250, while the best resale tickets for closing night are about $1,500. More Las Vegas: Las Vegas Strip Sphere signs another superstar band residencyLas Vegas Strip casino closes country superstar's residencyLas Vegas Strip casino signs global superstar singer to residency Underwood's residency, which began Dec. 1, 2021, has included 100-minute shows featuring 20 of the singer's hits, including nine No. 1 songs. Many of the shows in the 5,000-capacity venue have been sold out. "I have absolutely loved performing in Las Vegas over the past three years," Underwood said in a statement when she extended the residency for the final time. "I am so proud of the Reflection production, which is truly one of my favorite shows to perform. It's been so special to reflect on the greatest hits that have defined my career so far and to get to share them with the fans that come to Vegas from all over the world." The eight-time Grammy Award winner has sold 85 million records worldwide, recorded 29 No. 1 singles, and is the most-awarded woman country artist for singles in RIAA history. Related: Las Vegas Strip Sphere signs rock legends for longer residency The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
