Café Tcvba to Perform During This Year’s Hollywood Bowl Summer Season

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Café Tcvba is bowled over…

The Mexican Latin Grammy-winning band will be taking the stage as part of the official 2023 Hollywood Bowl Summer Season.

The legendary band will reprise their electrifying collaboration with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, showcasing the catalog that led The New York Times to call them “the greatest rock band in Mexico” and “possibly even the world.”

Café Tcvba will perform on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22.

Janet Jackson will open the official summer season with a performance of her Together Again Tour on June 10.

In addition to Café Tcvba and Jackson, the season will include dates from Jill Scott, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, The Beach Boys, Kool & The Gang, Sparks, Café Tcvba, Portugal. The Man, Maggie Rogers, Louis Tomlinson and more.

Prior to the summer season, the Bowl will also see shows fromReba McEntire, Phish, Andrea Bocelli, Shania Twain and a special celebration for Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday.

The LA Phil has announced concerts and events running through September 24 with additional artists including Jacob Collier, Buddy Guy, Air Supply, Culture Club, Herbie Hancock, My Morning Jacket and Gladys Knight.

“As we look to the next hundred years at the Hollywood Bowl, I am honored and excited to share a season which, to me, speaks of a beautiful future ahead,” says LA Phil music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel in a release. “From timeless music by Mendelssohn, de Falla and Verdi, to modern-day classics by John Williams and Duke Ellington, to the soul-filling sounds of our Pan-American Music Initiative, to the singular energy of Café Tacvba, each of these programs takes us on the kind of magic journey that can only begin at the Bowl.”

The Bowl will also feature several films in concert including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and 2001: A Space Odyssey. There will also be a sing-a-long for Sound of Music and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Concert that will showcase the music and animation of Disney over the past century including highlights from Snow White to Encanto.

The famed Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival will take place June 17-18 with Kamasi Washington, Leon Bridges, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Digable Planets, The Soul Rebels with Big Freedia, Samara Joy, West Coast Get Down and more.

Dudamel will also conduct the LA Phil in Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and, alongside famed Hollywood movie composer John Williams, will share the podium for three special evenings of Maestro of the Movies: John Williams with the LA Phil including a selection of films clips on the big screens.

The LA Phil is also partnering with KCRW to present genre-spanning concerts: Reggae Nights XXI featuring Beres Hammond and Steel Pulse, Portugal. The Man with Chicano Batman and Say She She, Maggie Rogers with Alvvays, Los Auténticos Decadentes and more.

“There is no place like the Hollywood Bowl on a summer night, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for another unforgettable season of music led by the extraordinary vision of Gustavo Dudamel,” said LA Phil chief content and engagement officer Renae Williams Niles.

Check out the full schedule here.

Gustavo Dudamel Becomes Music Director of Paris Opera

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Gustavo Dudamel is set to bring the classical to the City of Lights…

The 40-year-old Venezuelan conductor and violinist will become the music director of the Paris Opera while continuing his commitment to the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

“Opera has long played a seminal role in my life — from sitting in my youth for untold hours at the feet of my Maestro José Antonio Abreu and my idols in Milan, Berlin and Vienna, to making this beautiful artform a staple in our programming in Los Angeles — and I couldn’t be more overjoyed to have found, in Paris, my spiritual home for opera,” Dudamel wrote.

Alexander Neef, general manager of the Paris Opera, described Dudamel as one of the world’s most talented and prestigious conductors.

“In the course of our numerous exchanges, I realized the extent to which he was the one who could share and transmit his love of opera to the widest possible audience,” Neef said in a statement.

The appointment begins August 1 and will last for six seasons.

“Alongside my continued commitment to the LA Phil and to the beloved musicians of El Sistema in Venezuela and around the world, I want to devote all my energy toward creating extraordinary musical moments for our audiences, and to make the Paris Opera ever more connected to the soul of the city and country that surrounds it, with inclusion and access firmly at the core of everything we do together,” he said.

Dudamel has been artistic and music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2009.

The Grammy-winning conductor will be the focus of a documentary from writer and director Ted Braun entitled ¡Viva Maestro! The film is slated for theatrical release later this year.

Greenwich Entertainment Acquires U.S. Rights to Gustavo Dudamel-Themed Documentary “¡Viva Maestro!”

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Gustavo Dudamel‘s life story is headed to the big screen…

Greenwich Entertainment has acquired U.S. distribution rights to writer and director Ted Braun’s documentary ¡Viva Maestro!, which shines a spotlight on the Grammy-winning Venezuelan conductor and violinist.

A theatrical release for the film, hailing from Participant Media, is planned for later this year. Cinephil is also repping foreign sales on the film at EFM.

¡Viva Maestro! explores the artistry, beliefs and determination of Dudamel, who serves as the music director of the Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The documentary is an exploration of Dudamel’s imagination and genius as he responds to the unexpected and daunting obstacles of social unrest in his homeland of Venezuela with powerful music-making and an innovative and triumphant concert that celebrates the power of art to renew and unite.

Braun followed Dudamel on a tour with the world’s greatest orchestras in Los Angeles, Berlin, Mexico City, Hamburg, Berlin and Santiago, Chile.

¡Viva Maestro! features the music of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Shostakovich and Mexico’s greatest living composer, Arturo Márquez.

Carlos Vives Performs 21-Minute Set as Part of NPR Music’s Tiny Desk At-Home Concerts

Posted on October 17, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Vives is putting his desk foot forward…

The 59-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter is the latest artist to appear as part of NPR Music’s Tiny Desk at-home concerts, bringing his Colombian flavors to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

During his 21-minute set earlier this week, during which he was joined by a seven-member band, including his longtime backup vocalist and gaita player, Mayte Montero, Vives kicked off things off with his 1995 hit “Pa’ Mayte,” showcasing the spirited champeta dance.

He then performed one of his newer records, “Cumbiana,” dedicated to the diverse community of Colombia, his Shakira-assisted bop “La Bicicleta,” and the infectious “No Te Vayas,” released earlier this year — all while dancing barefoot in the comfort of his own home.

“On this Tiny Desk during this quarantine, we have written most of the songs for our new album, Cumbiana Vol. 2, next to our producer Andres Leal and Martin Velilla,” says the six-time 2020 Latin Grammy nominee during his performance.

Vives is confirmed to speak at the 2020 Billboard Latin Music Week taking place October 20 to October 23. He’ll be joined by internationally renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, in an enlightening conversation on the power of music and the arts as a global agent of change for a better society.

The new Tiny Desk (home) concerts, which have featured special guests like Billie Eilish and BTS, are “the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.”

J Balvin to Take Part in Special “Mind & Music” Conversation at This Year’s Latin Music Week

Posted on September 13, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin will be talkin’ mind and music…

The 35-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer will sit alongside Deepak Chopra in a special Q&A conversation during the 30th anniversary Latin Music Week.

Balvin will participate in a first-of-its-kind Q&A panel with the well-being pioneer titled “Mind & Music: Finding Meaning and Fulfillment Through Mindfulness and Music.”

They’ll discuss what meditation means to them, its connection to music, and why they decided to start a 21-day meditation program together.

Meanwhile, Grammy-winning Spanish singer-songwriter Rosalía will join a Q&A session with Oscar nominated, 13-time Grammy winning musician and producer Pharrell Williams in an artist to artist discussion of their parallel lives as renaissance artists with multiple ventures, from music to fashion.

Colombian singer-songwriter and philanthropist Carlos Vives will be joined by internationally renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, Music & Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, in an enlightening conversation on the power of music and the arts as a global agent of change for a better society.

And superstar Ozuna, one of the top-selling artists in the world, will join Afo Verde, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Latin Iberia, to discuss the crafting, production and promotion of his hit albums and songs.

This year’s event will take place virtually on its new dates October 20-23, 2020 here.

Rodrigo y Gabriela Appear in KCET’s Series “In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl”

Posted on August 24, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Rodrigo y Gabriela are ready to bowl you over…

The Mexican acoustic guitar duo, composed of Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero, appear in the premiere of KCET’s six-episode series In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

“It’s one of the most beautiful venues,” says Quintero of performing at the Hollywood Bowl. “And it’s one of my favorite spots, which is the Hollywood Hills. And nearby is the Observatory. Also it has good acoustics and the audiences there are just so loving. It’s magical every time.”

In January — after around two decades as professional musicians —Rodrigo y Gabriela won their first Grammy award for their album Mettavolution.

“Oh my goodness, this year was going to be a very busy one. We had a full year [of touring] booked,” says co-founder Quintero. Instead — as concert tours around the world were cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic — the duo have spent the past few months in the Pacific coast Mexican town of Zihuatanejo.

Even though live shows are on hold, Rodrigo y Gabriela can be seen in action in a never-before-televised performance on In Concert at The Hollywood Bowl, which runs on PBS SoCal and which runs through September 23.

Produced in association with The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, the shows are a selection of some of the best performances at the iconic L.A. venue over the last 10 years, all drawn from the L.A. Phil’s archives. The Bowl itself closed this summer for the first time in its 98-year history.

The first episode — hosted, as all in the series are, by L.A. Phil Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel — is titled “Hecho en Mexico” and also features Los Angeles Azules with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) and Paolo Bortolameolli, La Santa Cecilia and Natalia Lafourcade.

“Even though we met for the first time at the rehearsal, it felt like he was an old friend,” says Quintero of working with Dudamel. “It felt so familiar. And then working with him, it was incredible to feel his energy and watch him with the Philharmonic. As a human being, he’s a really nice guy and very down to earth.

Upcoming episodes of the weekly series will feature performers like Kristin Chenoweth, Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Carlos Santana and ballet star Misty Copeland.

George Lopez Returning as Host of the Playboy Jazz Festival

Posted on January 8, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

George Lopezis back at the helm…

The 58-year-old Mexican American comedian/actor will host the Playboy Jazz Festival when it returns to the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on June 6-7.

It’ll be Lopez’s eighth anniversary as festival host.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association’s first wave of announced performers includes R&B/funk legends the Isley Brothers featuring Ronald and Ernie Isley, St. Paul and the Broken Bones; Terri Lyne Carrington and Social Science; Musiq Soulchild; Femi Kuti & the Positive Force; The Crosscurrents Trio with Dave Holland, Zakir Hussain & Chris Potter; Bokanté; all-star female jazz group Artemis with Renee Rosnes, Anat Cohen, Ingrid Jensen, Allison Miller, Noriko Ueda and Nicole Glover; Cimafunk; Incognito; Lean on Me: José James Celebrates Bill Withers; Azar Lawrence with the Azar Lawrence Experience and Mr. Sipp “The Mississippi Blues Child.”

The full talent lineup for the 42nd annual Playboy Jazz Festival will be announced on February 18, along with the complete schedule for the Hollywood Bowl’s summer 2020 season.

Presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the seventh straight year, the Playboy Jazz Festival is produced by FestivalWest Inc.

Order forms for Bowl subscription-holders have been released with single tickets going on sale on February 18.

For more information, visit https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/concerts-and-events/playboy-jazz-festival/.

Jennifer Lopez to Present at This Year’s Oscars

Posted on February 4, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopezhas a date with Oscar…

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the first round of presenters who will hand out prizes at this year’s 91st Academy Awards, with the 49-year-old Puerto Rican superstar making the list.

While the show remains host-less, viewers can still expect an A-list group of celebrity attendees.

In addition to J.Lo, the list of diverse talent set to present Oscars include Awkwafina, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Tina Fey, Whoopi Goldberg, Brie Larson, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Charlize Theron, Tessa Thompson and Constance Wu.

In addition to this star-studded list, Oscar producer Donna Gigliotti and co-producer and director Glenn Weissannounced that the Los Angeles Philharmonicand conductorGustavo Dudamelwill perform during the annual “In Memoriam” segment of the show.

“The Oscar nominees have generated tremendous worldwide attention through their captivating stories, achievements and performances,” said Gigliotti and Weiss. “We want to give the public an opportunity to once again experience the moments that have moved us all. It is a celebration of our universal love of movies.”

The announced names are only some of talent set to hand out the golden statues; the Academy will unveil more presenters in the weeks to come.

“This is an important moment in Oscar history,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “This year’s show maintains Oscar traditions, and is also evolving to reflect our global audience.”

The 2019 Oscars will air live Sunday, February 24, on ABCat 8:00 pm ET.

Dudamel to Conduct Europe’s May Day Celebration…

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Gustavo Dudamel is preparing to lead the May Day charge in Vienna next week…

The 31-year-old Venezuelan composer and violinist will conduct the Berlin Philharmonic during its traditional May 1 European Concert, which will be broadcast live from Vienna by several international networks, according to the Spanish Riding School.

The orchestra has selected the winter pavilion of Vienna’s Spanish Riding School as the venue for this year’s concert.

The prestigious orchestra—under the baton of Dudamel and where French cellist Gautier Capuçon serves as a soloist, will perform Johannes Brahms’s “Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn,” a Haydn concerto for cello and orchestra, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

The concert will be televised by a number of international networks, including Spain’s RTVE.

The Berlin Philharmonic started the May Day concerts in 1991 to mark the anniversary of its founding on May 1, 1882, and it selects a different European location relevant to the history of culture each year.

The orchestra performed at Madrid’s Teatro Real last year under the direction of principal conductor Sir Simon Rattle, with guitarist Paco de Lucia as a guest soloist.

Dudamel is concurrently serving as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Venezuela’s Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra.

He became famous for his dynamic performances with musicians from Venezuela’s National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras.

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