Articles about Music
Dallas Opera Taps Frenchman as Third Music Director in Company’s History
The Dallas Opera has only had two music directors since its founding 56 years ago. Graeme Jenkins just took his final bow with the organization after almost 25 years at the conductor’s stand. Today, his successor was announced, and yes, it’s another European to lead a local classical music organization (which had some music watchers grumbling about the Old World’s sustained dominance of top positions in American ensembles). We spoke to the new maestro, Emmanuel Villaume, and you can read that piece over on FrontRow. And to break up your midday, here’s Villaume conducting Anna Netrebko and the National Orchestra of Belgium’s performance of “Je veux vivre” from Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet.
Texans For West Benefit Concert Happening On Sunday
Plenty of more information here. Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. I will be involved in some capacity.
‘Thrift Shop’ Has Officially Become Ubiquitous
I can’t recall hearing another song played on both K104 and The Edge, but “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is in rotation on both stations. “It is really a song that appeals to everybody, no matter who they are,” said Ki Ki J, K104’s programming coordinator, “and it proves that good music is just that: good music.”
George P. Bush Removes Beyonce’s ‘Halo’ From Campaign Announcement
The Texas Tribune has the scoop this morning:
The video announcing Bush’s run for Texas Land Commissioner on Wednesday was set to a familiar tune: the back-track to Beyoncé’s hit 2009 single “Halo.” The campaign’s decision to use music from a prominent supporter of President Obama’s, someone who sang at his inauguration, attracted media attention from around the country.
As of Thursday morning, that video was no longer publicly available on YouTube; it’s now “private.” And on Bush’s campaign web site, the video was swapped out overnight with one featuring similar, but markedly different, music.
The Tribune quotes campaign spokesman Juan Roberto Hernandez as saying that the singer did not complain, and that the switch has made for “consistency” reasons. “Consistency” in this case meaning “Beyonce was probably going to say something at some point because she’s clearly not a fan of the Bush family.”
Programming Note: Artist Richard Patterson Unveils Rare Video Work at Texas Theater Tonight!
You may know the name of British artist Richard Patterson for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you were enthralled with his defense of the opening ceremonies of last summer’s London Games. Perhaps you’ve read his musings on FrontRow. Maybe you caught his exhibition at the Goss-Michael Foundation in 2009. More than likely, though, you know him because Patterson is an accomplished and renowned painter who has been residing in Dallas now for some time, a member of that pivotal generation of British artists that is known by the clumsy moniker “YBA.”
I said painter, but as you all know, Dallas does funny things to people who move here and stick around for a while. In Patterson’s case, he has been dabbling in video of late. The result is a series of video pieces Patterson is calling “Six Short Stories.” They are screening tonight at 8 p.m. at the Texas Theater for one night only. Admission is completely free.
Why can’t you miss this screening? Well, for one, because the work is hilarious, fascinating, moving, deeply intelligent, and beautiful. It is also likely the only chance you’ll ever get to see Patterson’s videos (in part because of all sorts of confusing copyright stuff that tends to give gallery dealers headaches).
So what to expect? Pushed to describe his work, Patterson calls the videos “dream-like vignettes” and feigns British self-deprecation:
[It is] A film with scant originality and little authenticity featuring fast cars, bare breasts, inflatable furniture, the music of Allegri and Michel Legrand, death, the Jaguar Mk2 and much, much more… Don’t bring your children.
Also, following the screening, I’ll be participating in an onstage conversation with Patterson, and after we gab, a DJ set by Wild in the Streets will take us all into the night. See you there.
Clive Davis Called Burleson Native Kelly Clarkson a ‘Sh*tty Writer Who Should Be Grateful For The Gifts That He Bestows’
Let’s go straight to the source, KellyClarkson.com:
So I just heard Clive Davis is releasing a memoir and spreading false information about me and my music. I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don’t have to cower to anyone – even Clive Davis.
First, he says I burst into “hysterical sobbing” in his office when he demanded Since You Been Gone be on my album. Not true at all. His stories and songs are mixed up. I did want more guitars added to the original demo and Clive did not. Max, Luke and I still fought for the bigger sound and we prevailed and I couldn’t be more proud of the life of that song. I resent him dampening that song in any way.
But, yes, I did cry in his office once. I cried after I played him a song I had written about my life called “Because Of You.” I cried because he hated it and told me verbatim that I was a “sh*tty writer who should be grateful for the gifts that he bestows upon me.” He continued on about how the song didn’t rhyme and how I should just shut up and sing. This was devastating coming from a man who I, as a young girl, considered a musical hero and was so honored to work with.
But I continued to fight for the song and the label relented. And it became a worldwide hit. He didn’t include that in the book.
Team Kelly, all day. Listening to Since U Been Gone on loop for the remainder of the day, in solidarity.
Leading Off (2/11/13)
Perry Goes to California to Poach Businesses: Rick Perry is on tour of California, where he hopes to swoop-in and woo businesses to Texas. It’s a trip that puts the epic state showdown in context:
In that corner, Athens. In this one, Sparta. Each serves as the other’s foil, the Ali to its Frazier, the Moriarty to its Holmes, the red to its blue. Each sees itself as the economic, cultural and political engine of the future.
Services to be Held Today for Chris Kyle at Cowboys Stadium: After today’s memorial at Cowboys Stadium, there will be a 200-mile funeral procession Tuesday as the former Navy Seal’s remains travel from Midlothian to Austin.
Kelly Clarkson Meets Miguel: Burleson’s Kelly Clarkson took home a Grammy last night for best pop vocal album, but during her acceptance speech, the singer was a little distracted by an earlier performance by the singer Miguel:
“Miguel, I don’t know who the hell you are, but we need to sing together. I mean, good God. That was the sexiest dancing I’ve ever seen.”
Here’s what she was talking about.
The Video Teaser That Doesn’t Announce Who’s Playing KXT Summer Cut
In the video above, you’ll recognize some of the faces (Hi Dirk!), maybe a voice (that’s Sean Bass?), and put faces to some of the bylines you see in the local music press. But what you won’t get is any info about who’s playing the next KXT Summer Cut concert. That’s the joke, of course. It’s cute. D’s music guru Christopher Mosley has the best line in the whole thing.
Musician Nadia Sirota and Artist Tania Bruguera Awarded 2013 Meadows Prize
Two new (temporary) local artists: musician Nadia Sirota and artist Tania Bruguera
Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts announced the two winners of its annual Meadows Prize today. Nadia Sirota is a musician and a founder member of the American Contemporary Music Ensemble, and her 2009 debut album was a New York Times album of the year; Tania Bruguera is a Cuban-born artist whose work was featured in Documenta 11.
So why is this award a big deal? Well, recipients of the Meadows Prize receive a $25,000 grant and participate in artistic residencies at the Meadows School. But what makes the prize both unique and efficacious is the extent to which past winners have led projects while at SMU that have had a wider impact on the Dallas community. For example, the art group Creative Time completed a (somewhat controversial) report of the state of Dallas’ art scene. Playwright Will Power’s time at SMU has now evolved into an extended residency with the Dallas Theater Center. What can we expect form this year’s winners? Hint: Think West Dallas. Jump for my thoughts and the full release:
Things to Do in Dallas This Weekend: Jan. 11-13
Nobody leaves without singing the blues.
We’re a couple of weeks into 2013, and I hope you’ve been able to keep on top of your resolutions. Especially if they include the daunting tasks of working out and eating healthier. It’s always interesting how busy the gym gets in the beginning of January, but I’m curious to see how this coming week is going to fare. I’m predicting far more available parking spaces.
Friday
If you’re in the mood to laugh, head over to The Texas Theatre tonight, where local booking group Parade of Flesh has brought together Tim Heidecker (The Comedy) and Neil Hamburger (an eccentric character played by Gregg Turkington) for a night of comedic genius. Also along for the ride is DJ Douggpound, who is not only a fitting third addition to the night, but has also somehow revived Devo’s incessant “Whip It” one-hit wonder into a more modernized version, entitled “Pound It.” I’ve never been a fan of Devo, but Douggpound’s take on their style strangely verges on the edge of cool.
Switching gears to a more serious occasion, this year will mark the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas. To honor his lasting legacy, broadcast journalist Charlie Rose is sitting down with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Rory Kennedy (two of Bobby Kennedy’s 11 children) at the Winspear tonight for a discussion of their family legacy in our country’s political history.
Things to Do in Dallas Tonight: Jan. 10
Wouldn’t it be something if Nicola Benedetti held her violin like this while she performed?
We’re finally getting some sun today, which can only work wonders for your Vitamin D intake and dreary mood. It couldn’t come at a better time, because there are a lot of options to make Thursday more exciting. Let’s get started, shall we?
Over at the Meyerson, the ever beautiful Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti joins the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for a night dedicated to Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. The accomplished 25-year-old is the recipient of a multitude of accolades, including the BBC Young Musician of the Year and honorary degrees from the University of Edinburgh and Glasgow Caledonian University. Coincidentally, FrontRow’s doing a giveaway for tonight’s show, so make sure to enter for a chance to win tickets.
Also, The Texas Theatre’s screening Roman Polanski’s 1965 psychological thriller, Repulsion, on a 35mm print tonight for your viewing pleasure. It tells the frightful tale of an awkward and out-of-sorts Belgian nail manicurist, Carol (played by Catherine Denevue), who quickly nosedives into a complete psychological breakdown when her roommates are away on holiday. Her transformation is complete with full-fledged hallucinations, a few murders, and a rotting dead rabbit to further emphasize her distress. I’m not sure when rabbits became the tell-tale sign of psychotic females, but Glenn Close further emphasized this point in Fatal Attraction. Silly rabbits, you just don’t stand a chance.
Things to Do in Dallas Tonight: Jan. 9
Telegraph Canyon urges you to just say no to free crack.
I’m not nearly as adept at writing a comprehensive guide to having fun in Dallas as is my fearless editor, Liz, but since she’s jetting off to enjoy a well-deserved vacation, I’ll do my best to keep things rolling.
It’s another mucky day outside with a dreary misting of rain, which means pondering strolls through Klyde Warren Park or leap frogging outside the Perot Museum is just not going to cut it today. A few convenient indoors options are available, though, so no worries.
The Latino Cultural Center is screening a documentary tonight about Fidel Castro and Che Guevara’s vision for an ambitious architectural and education project, called the National Art Schools, during the earliest years of the Cuban Revolution. Basically, they were envisioning five separate schools with free tuition for students, but the intended masterpiece fell into ruins. As part of the Dallas Center for Architecture’s Architecture Film Series, Unfinished Spaces features interviews with the three original architects of the schools and shows an insider’s look at the fascinating concept and its untimely downfall. Attendance is free, but an RSVP is required.
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Happy Metallica Christmas, everybody. This YouTube video was posted by someone named “SlayerBob” so you KNOW it’s legit. And here’s a game called Civiballs Christmas. It involves cutting, and ribbons, and has very dainty music. So grab yourself some egg nog, throw some bourbon in it, and ignore the family sitting around you.
D Magazine’s Holiday Spotify Playlist Melts Your Christmas Candy, and Your Faces
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We’ve seen a bunch of news organizations, locally and nationally, putting together their annual Christmas playlists recently. They were great! Bing Crosby, Wham!, more stuff you’ve likely wanted to off yourselves to while counting down the hours til you can leave Aunt Sally’s.
So Peter, Zac, Mosley, and I put our sad, Christmas-hating heads together and came up with a new playlist, one that will hopefully make you want to punch through a gingerbread house. Or at least make you drink enough so “A Britney Spears Christmas” doesn’t make you burn down Aunt Sally’s split-level ranch.
The whole Spotify playlist is embedded over on FrontRow. Hint: Black Flag, Tom Waits, the Flaming Lips, and Dipset.
Mexican-American Pop Star Jenni Rivera Feared Dead Following Plane Crash
Jenni Rivera, the multi-talented pop star/reality TV star/entrepreneur, is believed to have died in a plane crash in Mexico yesterday, 100 miles southeast of Monterrey. There are, of course, the insane Tupac-style rumors, which just come off as sad.
The star performed in Dallas as recently as September, at East Dallas’ Far West club:
She was also one of a bevy of performers who entertained guests before the 2011 Super Bowl in Arlington:
Jump for local fan reactions.