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Over 600 opera aficionados - including Honored Guests Martina Arroyo, Candice Bergen, Kristin Chenoweth, Marilyn Horne, James Morris, Diane Sawyer and Teresa Stratas - attended the 83rd Annual Metropolitan Opera Guild Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street on Thursday, December 7th. This year's honoree, Ren e Fleming, was acknowledged for her immense contribution to opera and music. BroadwayWorld has photos from the event below...

Double feature are sequels to In The Family, The Grief Of Others.

Patrick Wang and Vanishing Angle announce don Tuesday that Tyne Daly, Janeane Garofalo, James Marsters, Nana Visitor, and Brian Murray have joined the cast of double feature project A Bread Factory (Parts One and Two).

The two films are currently shooting in Hudson, New York and are sequels to Wang’s In The Family and The Grief Of Others.

Matt Miller and Daryl Freimark are producing A Bread Factory (Parts One and Two).

Wang wrote the screenplays and directs the comedic dramas set in a small-town community arts centre, which he said created a good setting “for thinking about many big themes: art and commerce, globalization, gentrification, changing social institutions, and new technology.”

Additional key cast members include Glynnis O’Connor, Jessica Pimentel, Amy Carlson, and Trevor St. John, and opera star Martina Arroyo and real-life couple Taiwanese television personality Janet Hsieh and Singapore star George Young...

Tyne Daly and Janeane Garofolo are set to topline The Bread Factory (Parts One & Two), the latest feature from writer-director Patrick Wang.

James Marsters, Nana Visitor and Brian Murray are also set to star in the features, which are dramedies set at a community arts center.

The ensemble cast also includes Glynnis O’Connor, Orange Is the New Black's Jessica Pimentel, Blue Bloods' Amy Carlson and Trevor St. John, as well as opera singer Martina Arroyo, Taiwanese television personality Janet Hsieh and Singapore star George Young.

Matt Miller and Daryl Freimark will produce the sequels, which are currently filming in New York.

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The Kennedy Center Honors aired Sunday night, and while we’re still waiting for someone to put Snoop Dogg’s portion of the tribute to honoree Herbie Hancock on YouTube — he had the black-tie crowd standing and chanting! — some highlights have surfaced. Watch a few below from the tributes to Shirley MacLaine, Billy Joel, and Carlos Santana.

Anna Kendrick belted for honoree Shirley MacLaine, and now we want to see the 1998 Tony nominee come back to Broadway:

Rufus Wainwright was the perfect choice for “New York State of Mind” and “Piano Man” during the Billy Joel tribute. The “Piano Man...

"Don't ask me why."

One of Billy Joel's own lyrics might answer anyone baffled that he hasn't been recognized by the Kennedy Center Honors until now. As the 40th-anniversary year of his seminal album "Piano Man" draws to a close, the singer-songwriter of numerous hits of wide-ranging styles is among those saluted for his contributions to the performing arts as CBS airs the 36th annual special Sunday, Dec. 29.

"I was surprised," six-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joel recalls to Zap2it. "I honestly, really thought there were a lot of people who were deserving before I was going to get this ... jazz musicians, classical musicians, just other people. I've had so much fun, it's like I'm getting an award for doing something I love. Which is an award in itself."

Taped Dec. 8 in Washington, D.C., the Glenn Close-hosted event sees four...

On TV this Sunday: Treme comes to an end, Billy Joel, Shirley MacLaine and others receive Kennedy Center Honors, Call the Midwife’s holiday special drops a bomb and Showtime serves up many Episodes. Here are 10 programs to keep on your radar.

Noon Breaking Bad (AMC) | The penultimate salvo in the cabler’s every-episode marathon continues, airing the Season 3 finale through the second episode of the final season.

2 pm Episodes (Showtime) | With Season 3 now just two weeks away, catch up on all 16 episodes… of Episodes… from the first two cycles.

Related | Save the Dates! Your Guide to More than 75 January Premieres,...

Opera singer Martina Arroyo, pianist, keyboardist, bandleader and composer Herbie Hancock, pianist, singer and songwriter Billy Joel, actress Shirley MacLaine and musician and songwriter Carlos Santana received honors at The 36Th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, to be broadcast tonight, Dec. 29 900-1100 Pm, Etpt on the CBS Television Network. Below, check out performances by Broadway vets Patina Miller, Sutton Foster and more as they pay tribute to this year's honorees...

The 36th Annual Kennedy Center Honors will air at 9pm Et Sunday, Dec. 29, on CBS. The five honorees for this year’s awards, which recognize people for their lifetime contribution to American culture by elevating the performing arts, are opera singer Martina Arroyo, musicians Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Carlos Santana, and actress Shirley MacLaine. Showing that this is no ordinary awards show, the honorees will be received by no less than President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, and will be seated next to the couple during the ceremonies. The evening will include heartfelt tributes from a variety of … Continue reading →

The post Kennedy Center Honors 2013: Date, time, TV channel, preview and more appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.

It was one of the hottest tickets in town, and Anna Kendrick was lucky enough to score a spot at the 36th Kennedy Center Honors Gala last night (December 8) in Washington DC.

Joined by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, the “Up in the Air” actress looked gorgeous as she posed outside The Kennedy Center in a ravishing red sleeveless dress.

During the ceremony, Anna paid tribute to Shirley MacLaine, one of the night’s honorees, by singing “It’s Not Where You Start” from MacLaine’s Broadway days.

Other honorees included opera singer Martina Arroyo, jazz great Herbie Hancock, guitarist Carlos Santana, and singer/songwriter/composer Billy Joel.

President Barack Obama celebrated this year's Kennedy Center honorees with their awards at the White House in Washington DC on Sunday ahead of the ceremony that night. Michelle looked glamorous in a Marchesa gown while the President went black tie in a tuxedo. The 2013 recipients included Carlos Santana, Shirley MacLaine, Billy Joel, musician Herbie Hancock, and opera singer Martina Arroyo. The prestigious award acknowledges people who have made outstanding contributions to American culture through the performing arts. After they were recognized at the White House reception, the group attended the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony at the Kennedy Center. The president and First Lady Michelle Obama dressed up for the occasion, enjoying another picture-perfect night after the national Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday, where they were joined by their daughters and Mariah Carey. Along with the iconic Kennedy Center honorees, there were also several famous faces at the gala, including Anna Kendrick,...

Billy Joel, Shirley MacLaine, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock and Martina Arroyo were honored for their lifetime of contributions to American culture at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday during the star-studded 36th annual Kennedy Center Honors gala, preceded by a reception at the White House. “The fact is that the diverse group of extraordinary individuals we honor today haven’t just proven themselves to be the best of the best,” President Barack Obama said during the reception. “Despite all of their success and their fame, they’ve remained true to themselves — and inspired us to do the same” Also.

Michelle Obama took a bit of a beauty risk on Dec. 8 at the Kennedy Center Honors. Are you loving her big, ’70′s inspired hair? Tell us!

The First Lady rocked wild curls and tons of body in her hair at the prestigious awards, held in Washington, D.C. on Sunday night. Wearing a stunning, off-the-shoulder green gown, she was glowing!

Michelle Obama’s Hair At Kennedy Center Honors — Gorgeous Volume

Gone are the bangs that made headlines around the world when she cut them in January 2013! For the event, Michelle was smiling ear to ear while holding hands with her husband, President Barack Obama.

Reed Krakoff On Michelle Obama's Style Take Our Poll

Her hair was parted in the center with big curls and lots of volume. We thought her hair looked amazing and we loved that she wore it down, rather than in a tight updo for the fancy awards show.

Stars came out tonight for a special celebration at the Kennedy Center. Luminaries of jazz and opera, rok and more were lauded by the president. Singer songwriter Billy Joel, actress Shirley MacLaine and guitarist Carlos Santana were celebrated on Sunday at the Kennedy Center Honors, the capital's annual celebration of the arts.Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and opera singer Martina Arroyo rounded out the list of honorees at the country's prestigious awards ceremony for stars of the stage, screen and concert hall."The diverse group of extraordinary individuals we honor today haven't just proven themselves to be the best of the best," President Barack Obama said at a White House ceremony before the show, according to Reuters."Despite all their success, all...

Washington — The "Piano Man" who became one of the world's best-selling artists of all time with such hits as "Just the Way You Are," ''Uptown Girl" and "Allentown" was awarded the nation's highest honor Sunday for influencing American culture through the arts. Billy Joel joins Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, opera star Martina Arroyo and actress Shirley MacLaine in receiving the Kennedy Center Honors. All of them have been playing music, dancing or singing since they were children — and they have never stopped. Joel said the honor stands apart from his six Grammys. "This is different. It's

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The 36th annual "Kennedy Center Honors" celebrates the careers of opera singer Martina Arroyo, jazz man Herbie Hancock, rock and pop star Billy Joel, actress Shirley MacLaine, and rock guitarist Carlos Santana. The special was taped in Washington Sunday night and will air on CBS December 29. Santana was first up and was feted by Harry Belafonte, Juanes, Tom Morrello, Buddy Guy, Sheila E., and Steve Winwood. Arroyo was then honored by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, tenor Joseph Calleja, and soprano Sondra Radvanovsky. Bill O'Reilly introduced the Hancock segment which included Snoop Dogg and Mix Master Mike. Kathy Bates began the MacLaine tribute with Sutton Foster, Patina Miller, and Anna Kendrick performing. The final tribute for Joel featured Tony Bennett, Don Henley, Garth Brooks, and Rufus Wainwright. USA Today. The Santa Barbara Film Festival taps seven stand-out performers for their Virtuosos Awards. Daniel Bruhl ("Rush"), Adele Exarchopoulo...

The “Piano Man” who became one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time with such hits as “Just the Way You Are,” “Uptown Girl” and “Allentown” is being awarded the nation’s highest honor Sunday for influencing American culture through the arts.

Billy Joel joins Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, opera star Martina Arroyo and actress Shirley MacLaine in receiving the Kennedy Center Honors. All of them have been playing music, dancing or singing since they were children – and have never stopped.

Joel said the honor stands apart from his six Grammys.

“This is different. It’s our nation’s capital,...

Washington (AP) — Acclaimed actress Shirley MacLaine and four musicians spanning rock, jazz and opera — Billy Joel, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock and Martina Arroyo — will receive this year's Kennedy Center Honors, considered the nation's highest honor for those who influence American culture through the arts. The honorees were announced Thursday. In December, President Barack Obama will host the recipients at the White House, and Secretary of State John Kerry will host a dinner for them at the State Department. Top entertainers will salute the honorees in a gala performance Dec. 8 to be broadcast Dec. 29 on CBS....

Billy Joel, Shirley MacLaine, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock and Martina Arroyo will be honored at the 36th annual Kennedy Center Honors, which will air on CBS on Sunday, Dec. 29 from 9-11 p.m. The honorees, who will be seated with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, will be saluted by performers from Hollywood and the arts capitals. “The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world,” said Kennedy Center chairman David M. Rubenstein. “In addition to recognizing some of the world’s most

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The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced this year's recipients of the prestigious and fancy Kennedy Center Honors: opera singer Martina Arroyo; musicians Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel, and Carlos Santana; and actress Shirley MacLaine will all be recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture. But who will admiringly and humorously fête them at the ceremony in December? That is the real question, Kennedy Center.

The 36th annual Kennedy Center Honors will fete actress Shirley MacLaine, pianist/singer/songwriter Billy Joel, musician/songwriter Carlos Santana, opera singer Martina Arroyo, and pianist/band leader/composer Herbie Hancock, CBS announced this morning. The annual event at Washington’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been broadcast on CBS every year since its debut 36 years ago; this year’s broadcast will air Sunday, December 29, from 9-11 Pm. From today’s announcement: “The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world,” said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. “Martina Arroyo has dazzled the world with her glorious soprano voice and continues to share her artistry with a new generation of opera singers; Herbie Hancock has established himself as one of the most innovative musicians in the world, constantly breaking musical barriers and redefining the art...

The Kennedy Center Honors will be celebrating the careers of four musicians and an actress known for music herself. The 2013 honorees are opera singer Martina Arroyo, pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, pop and rock star Billy Joel, actress and dancer Shirley MacLaine, and rock guitarist Carlos Santana. Medallions will be presented to these five artist on December 7 at a dinner hosted by Secretary of State John Kerry. A star-studded celebration will then be recorded on December 8 with President Barack Obama attending. That 36th annual special will air on CBS December 29. Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said, "Martina Arroyo has dazzled the world with her glorious soprano voice and continues to share her artistry with a new generation of opera singers; Herbie Hancock has established himself as one of the most innovative musicians in the world, constantly breaking musical barriers and redefining the art of jazz; Billy Joel's mel.

Martina Arroyo, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel, Shirley MacLaine and Carlos Santana will receive the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Thursday. CBS, which has aired the ceremony since it began, will air the 36th Annual Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 29. President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama (pictured at last year’s honors) will welcome the honorees. The event will be taped on Dec. 8. “The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world,” said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein.

When I was growing up, New York 's best (now long-defunct) classical radio station, Wncn, played only American composers' music each Fourth of July. With the classical world dominated by Europeans, this was a welcome and educational corrective. In the history of American music, independence wasn't achieved until the 20th century; 19th century composers such as John Knowles Paine and George Whitefield Chadwick studied in Europe and blatantly imitated European models. Listening to their music "blind," few would guess they were Americans. There was Revolutionary War-era vocal writer William Billings, but his originality was more a lack of proper technique. Continuing Wncn's tradition, here's a look at true American classical. music. 

There is a bit of chauvinism in this article, as "American" here refers not to all the Americas (North, Central, and South) but rather the colloquial usage in the United States to mean that country's residents (hence, the Mexican Carlos Chavez,...

Anyone who loves opera and classical music was stunned by the announcement this morning of the death yesterday of the opera singer Shirley Verrett at the age of 79.

One of the truly great singers from the 50′s until the mid-80′s Verrett along with other African-American opera singers such as Leontyne Price, Grace Bumbry and Martina Arroyo broke through opera’s “color line” and was known for her uniquely fiery intensity and powerful voice. Truly one of the last of the great ones.

Among her many roles no doubt her signature role was as Lady Macbeth in Verdi’s opera of the Shakespeare play Macbeth. Here’s a clip of Verrett singing the role in a 1987 film version of the opera. One of a kind and truly irreplaceable.