Jazz Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Steven J. Horowitz Senior Music Writer The South by Southwest Music Festival has announced its initial lineup for its 38th annual event, descending on Austin, Texas from March 11-16. Organizers have revealed the first slate of 149 musicians set to perform during the festival, including Lo Moon (from Los Angeles), Cumgirl8 (New York), Omar S (Detroit), Rawayana (Caracas), Dry Cleaning (London), Hinds (Madrid) and Red Axes (Tel Aviv).

Lady Gaga and boyfriend Michael Polansky are checking out the shows in Las Vegas!

Caroline Brew editor The Savannah College of Art and Design’s 26th annual SCAD Savannah Film Festival, which will run from Oct. 21-28, has announced its film lineup. “Nyad,” a film based on the life of world-class athlete Diana Nyad, will open the festival on Oct.

Mark Sutherland Burna Boy is on fire. In September, the Nigerian singer created a little slice of U.K. chart history as his seventh album, “I Told Them…,” went straight to No.

Slauson Malone 1 is just about to release EXCELSIOR, the N.Y.C artist's third solo album and first under his new moniker (previously, it was just "Slauson Malone"). Out October 6 via Warp Records, EXCELSIOR will feature the Song You Need "Voyager," "New Joy," and now the newest single "Half-Life." Whereas "Voyager" continued to pull on the experimental jazz threads that Malone 1 relied on for his previous group Standing On The Corner, like "New Joy," "Half-Life" explores space-age, moody indie rock.

Lady Gaga dedicated a recent performance of ‘Born This Way’ in Las Vegas to the victims of a mass shooting that took place in the city in 2017.The pop star was performing in at the Park MGM in Las Vegas on Sunday (October 1) when she played a stripped back version of her 2011 hit, pausing to pay tribute mid-way through the song.“I just want to remind everyone here what a resilient wonderful city this is,” she said. “It has big hearts, and a lot of hope and believing in the future.

Laufey‘s new album ‘Bewitched’ has broken numerous records since it was released last month.The album broke a record on Spotify, recording the biggest first day for a jazz album on the streamer in history.It also debuted at Number 23 on the all-genre Billboard 200, marking Laufey’s first appearance on the chart, and is still comfortably sitting in the top 100 almost a month on from release.The album’s lead single ‘From The Start’ also proved massively successful, clocking up 1 million streams in less than 24 hours upon release and gaining a further 1.75million streams a day since. With that, it has become, currently, the most-streamed jazz song in the world.Speaking to NME The Cover earlier this year, Laufey explained why she was drawn to explore ideas about love, relationships and romanticising one’s own life on the album.““I think love makes everyone really silly,” Laufey says.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Record Store Day has announced a lineup of more than 170 exclusive titles for its annual Black Friday event this fall, with the “black” almost being a misnomer for this particular Nov. 24, 2023 rollout — given the amount of purple, gold, red, blue, green, marble, clear and splatter-colored vinyl variants on the list.

AP that Di Meola was seen clutching his chest while performing before managing to hobble off stage.The two other members of his trio continued to play music onstage for several minutes until it was announced that the concert would be coming to a close.Di Meola, who was formerly a member of the band Return to Forever, is a jazz fusion and Latin jazz guitarist. He won the ‘Best Jazz Performance By A Group’ Grammy award in 1976 for the song ‘No Mystery’ [via grammy.com].A post shared by Al Di Meola (@official_aldimeola)The guitarist is in stable condition and is now recovering from the attack.A spokesperson for the Bagdasar-Arseni Emergency Hospital where Di Meola was hospitalised confirmed to AP on Thursday (September 28) that the musician was admitted to a cardiology ward and was being treated for a segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Di Meola has since taken to his Instagram to update fans about his health.

told the Associated Press that Di Meola, 69, was performing alongside his band when he started grabbing his chest and experienced difficulty leaving the stage. Cristescu told the news outlet two members of Di Meola’s trio continued playing before giving up and calling off the show.

Jasmine Amy Rogers, who recently finished a run as the scene-stealing “Gretchen Wieners” in the national tour of Mean Girls, has been cast in the title role of the pre-Broadway world premiere of BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical.

A new bar and restaurant has been given permission to sell booze to punters despite residents’ fears it could turn out like its 'nightmare' predecessor.

EastEnders newcomer Jazzy Phoenix has made her debut playing the mysterious role of Nadine, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the late Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold). Jazzy who has been a professional actress for the past five years, made her first appearance on the hit BBC soap on Monday, 18 September when Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) returned to Albert Square after a night of insomnia and believed he saw his late wife Lola from across the square.

Sophia Scorziello editor Herbie Hancock and Erykah Badu are set to headline Penske Media Company’s second annual LA3C culture and creativity festival. The three-day event will take place from Nov. 10 to Nov.

The FADER’s “Songs You Need” are the tracks we can’t stop playing. Check back every day for new music and follow along on our Spotify playlist. People have been rapping over jazz since long before hip-hop’s official birthday half a century ago.

With its sandy beaches, areas of natural beauty plus historic squares and houses decorated with beautiful tilework façades, it’s no wonder Cascais is dubbed the “Charm of the Atlantic Coast”. It’s situated on the Portuguese Riviera, and is only 30 minutes from Lisbon. Cascais is still very much a working port and you’ll see fishing nets and lobster pots stacked up on the jetty and a thriving fish market.There’s also a swish marina with gleaming yachts and elegant shops.To the west of Cascais, you can marvel at Boca do Inferno, an amazing sea arch and cliff formation where the waves crash in dramatically during winter storms and the water erupts upwards like a volcano, giving the name the Mouth of Hell.

Ezra Collective have been experiencing a nearly 900 per cent increase in album sales and streams since winning the 2023 Mercury Prize.The London-based jazz group – consisting of drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso, bassist TJ Koleoso, keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi, and tenor saxophonist James Mollison – won the award with their second LP ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’, beating Loyle Carner, Olivia Dean, RAYE, Shygirl, Jockstrap and more.As The Line of Best Fit reports, according to BPI analysis of Official Charts Company data, ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’ has seen 859 per cent increase in its combined sales and streams. The jump occurred between September 8 -10.A post shared by Ezra Collective (@ezracollective)Physical album sales and downloads also saw an impressive jump with 6,012 per cent hike compared to the same three day period the week before and audio streams seeing a 1,960 per cent increase.Following the band’s win, Koleoso gave a passionate speech while accepting the award.“Most importantly, Ezra Collective represents something really special because we met in a youth club.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Jazz and animation make for strong bedfellows in “They Shot the Piano Player,” a film from Spanish directors Fernando Treuba and Javier Mariscal that represents an intriguing hybrid in all sorts of ways. It’s a love letter to the bossa nova movement that peaked in the 1960s, while at the same time it’s a sobering procedural that looks into the state murder of a musician that occurred as fascistic regimes rose to power in Latin America in the ’70s.

Amy Winehouse’s band have announced details of a special London show, set to celebrate the singer for what would have been her 40th birthday.The upcoming gig will be held at the KOKO venue in Camden this December and is set to celebrate the life and music of the late singer, as well as the legacy she left behind.The band set to headline the event are the same musicians who were working with Winehouse from the very start of her career, up until her unexpected death in 2011. This includes her long-term Musical Director and bass player Dale Davis – who is also working as the music consultant on the upcoming Amy biopic, titled Back to Black.Alongside the original band members, the show will also feature vocals by singer Bronte Shandé, as well as a variety of on-screen visuals and rare footage of the singer.The one-off special gig will be held in the late musician’s Camden hometown on December 22 – and will celebrate what would have been her 40th birthday this Thursday (September 14).

Van Morrison‘s 1968 album ‘Astral Weeks’. Other non-jazz albums that featured Davis’ playing include Bruce Springsteen‘s ‘Born to Run’ (on the track ‘Meeting Across the River’), Paul Simon‘s ‘There Goes Rhymin’ Simon’ (on ‘Something So Right’) and Bo Diddley‘s ‘Where It All Began’.Davis often served as bandleader within ensembles he performed in, which includes the band put together to record ‘Astral Weeks’ with Morrison. It is believed that Davis had over 3,000 album credits across his decades as a working musician.

Every Friday, The FADER's writers dive into the most exciting new projects released that week. Today, read our thoughts on Lil Peep & ILoveMakonnen's Diamonds, GAIKA's Drift, and Courtney Barnett's End of the Day.

The album Jimmy Buffett completed before the “Margaritaville” singer’s death on Sept. 1 will be released on the Sun label November 3, with three songs “Bubbles Up,” “My Gummie Just Kicked In” and “Like My Dog” available to hear now.

Lady Gaga and boyfriend Michael Polanksy enjoyed a rare night on the town on Thursday (September 7) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ezra Collective won the 2023 Mercury Prize for their album ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’ last night (September 7) – read their full acceptance speech below.The jazz collective were outsiders to clinch the prize going into tonight’s (September 7) ceremony beating off favourites Jockstap, Loyle Carner and Young Fathers at London’s Eventim Apollo.After the band were announced as winners by Jamz Supernova, bandleader and drummer Femi Koleoso then thanked their manager, fans and more, before extending thanks to the musical education instutitions around the UK that helped the members of the band, and thousands of others, begin a career in music.Watch and read the speech in full below.“First of all, let me thank god because, if a jazz band winning the Mercury Prize doesn’t make you believe in God, I don’t know what will. Secondly, there’s five of us represented right now, but Ezra Collective represents an entire family.“We need to make some noise for our super mum, our manager, Amy. I’m talking about Marco, Jeremy, Temi, the whole live crew. Big up every single mum and dad represented across the band.“Most importantly, Ezra Collective represents something really special because we met in a youth club. This moment that we’re celebrating right here is testimony to good, special people putting time and effort into [helping] young people to play music.“Right now, this is not just a result for Ezra Collective – this is not just a result for UK jazz – but this is a special moment for every single organisation across the country ploughing their efforts and time into young people playing music.“Big up Tomorrow’s Warriors, big up Kinetika Bloco, big up the BRIT School, big up ELAM (East London Arts and Music), big up Jubilee Youth, big up

Ezra Collective have spoken to NME about 2023 Mercury Prize and their impact on the jazz scene. Watch the full video interview above.Before they picked up the coveted prize for their second album ‘Where I’m Meant to Be’, the band caught up with NME and revealed the inspiration behind the record, and their unconventional plans to celebrate.The five-piece spoke with NME on the Mercury Prize red carpet yesterday (September 7), just before they took to the stage to perform their track ‘Victory Dance’ at London’s Eventim Apollo and be named as the winners of album of the year – beating off competition from the likes of Loyle Carner, Raye, Young Fathers, Arctic Monkeys, Lankum, Shygirl, Jockstrap and Jessie Ware.Here, drummer Femi Koleoso explained what it means for Ezra Collective to be representing the jazz community at the prestigious award ceremony, and how the members were caught off-guard by the widespread support they have received in light of their latest record.“I feel like it’s just wonderful to be a part of something so big and so special.

Ezra Collective‘s 2023 Mercury Prize victory for their album ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’.The jazz group were declared the overall winner of the prestigious award earlier tonight (September 7) after beating off competition from fellow favourites Jockstap, Loyle Carner and Young Fathers at a live ceremony at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith.Jazz FM were one of the first to congratulate the band as were Rough Trade who wrote: “Where you’re meant to be. Big up @EzraCollective, @MercuryPrize 2023 champions.

Simon Pegg has paid tribute to his late father, John Beckingham, who passed at the age of 77 away on Wednesday (September 6) following a short illness.A jazz musician, Beckingham was regarded as a legend on the Gloucester music scene, with Pegg describing him as “very much a Gloucester boy” and a “loveable man”.“It’s amazing in some ways how many lives he touched but not in others because it was kind of inevitable,” Pegg told BBC Gloucestershire presenter Dominic Cotter, as he phoned into the station to pay tribute to his dad.“He was such a lovable man. So loved by so many, and it’s really lovely for me and Michael and Stephen and the whole family to hear you guys talking about him this morning.”Pegg reflected on how music was an “important part” of his relationship with his dad, adding that he “always marvelled at his passion”.The Mission: Impossible star said: “For all three brothers, music was always around us.

Woody Allen received a three-minute standing ovation at the Venice premiere of “Coup de Chance” on Monday night, which would have gone on longer had the filmmaker not started to exit. After two minutes and 30 seconds of sustained applause once the film finished, Allen began to make his way toward the door, cutting the standing ovation short.

The Manchester Culture Awards are officially back for 2023, celebrating the city’s incredible talent, creativity and culture.

Lady Gaga had Tony Bennett and his wife Susan on her mind when she took the stage for the first performance of her returning Jazz & Piano residency in Las Vegas on Thursday night (August 31).

Lady Gaga returned to Las Vegas Thursday night to resume her “Lady Gaga: Jazz & Piano” residency, where she honoured her late friend, Tony Bennett.

Popular furniture retailer IKEA has shared the recipe for its iconic Swedish meatballs.

Lady Gaga kicked off a new run of her Jazz & Piano Las Vegas residency with a new haircut and a jam-packed setlist.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large This is it! This year’s Emmy voting is over, ending what was a rather muted Phase 2. We’ve noted the limited number of Phase 2 FYC events due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes (as well as the inability of nominated talent to participate in any press that they hadn’t already completed pre-strike).

Court will be back in session for “The Lincoln Lawyer”.

BreAnna Bell Netflix has renewed “The Lincoln Lawyer” for a third season which will consist of 10 episodes. Based on the fifth book in “The Lincoln Lawyer” series by Michael Connelly, “The Gods of Guilt,” Manuel Garcia-Rulfo will return as Mickey Haller.