'Outlaw Posse' Premieres at 32nd Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival

'Outlaw Posse' cast at the 32nd Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival screening premiere of “Outlaw Posse” at the Cinemark BHC in Los Angeles, California on February 18, 2024. Credit: Koi Sojer/ Snap’N U Photos/MediaPunch

The highly anticipated red carpet world premiere of Mario Van Peebles' latest cinematic masterpiece, “Outlaw Posse”, took center stage at the prestigious Pan African Film & Arts Festival Sun., Feb. 18. 

Held at the Cinemark Baldwin Hills & XD theaters in Los Angeles, California, the event drew a diverse and enthusiastic audience eager to witness the next chapter in Van Peebles' illustrious filmmaking career and the sequel to his hit film “Posse.”

“Outlaw Posse” starts in 1908 when Chief returns from years of hiding in Mexico to claim stolen gold hidden in the hills of Montana. In his quest, he reunites an ensemble of fresh and familiar faces – together they fight off Angel, whose rationale to the gold leaves a trail of deception and dead bodies.

With Van Peebles at the helm as director and starring in a lead role, the film captivated audiences with its blend of action, drama, and social commentary.

 "We can make Edutainment, we can make films that show our-story-- not just his-story, but equally important, are film festivals run by conscious people that reflect us and give our movies a platform,” said Van Peebles. “The Pan African Film Festival is our festival. It’s run by our folks! I am truly honored and excited to premiere 'Outlaw Posse' as the closing night film. This festival holds a special place in my heart for its commitment to diverse storytelling, and I believe 'Outlaw Posse' aligns perfectly with the spirit of this celebration.”

“Outlaw Posse” stars Mario van Peebles, Whoopi Goldberg, Cedric the Entertainer, John Carrol Lynch, Neil McDonough, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh, DC Young Fly, and Cam Gigandet. 

The atmosphere on the red carpet was electric as cast members, celebrities, and industry insiders gathered to celebrate the film's premiere. Mario Van Peebles, along with the talented ensemble cast, graciously greeted fans and posed for photos, exuding excitement and anticipation for the film's debut.

“Outlaw Posse” opens nationwide Mar. 1.

"Oppenheimer" Wins Big At EE BAFTA Film Awards

By Darlene Donloe

Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” continued its successful award season ride by being named the best film of 2023 at the EE BAFTA Film Awards, which took place Sunday, Feb. 18, in London. The film also won awards for director Nolan, actors Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr., and its editing, cinematography, and score, giving it seven wins to lead all films.

The film was the favorite going into the ceremony, where it led all films with 13 nominations, followed by Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” with 11. “Poor Things” won five awards, including Emma Stone’s victory in the Lead actress category.

Here is the complete list of nominees. Winners are indicated by *WINNER.

BEST FILM

“Anatomy of a Fall”

“The Holdovers”

“Killers of the Flower Moon”

“Oppenheimer” *WINNER

“Poor Things”

OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM

“All of Us Strangers”

“How to Have Sex”

“Napoleon”

“The Old Oak”

“Poor Things”

“Rye Lane”

“Saltburn”

“Scrapper”

“Wonka”

“The Zone of Interest” *WINNER

OUTSTANDING DEBUT BY A BRITISH WRITER, DIRECTOR OR PRODUCER

“Blue Bag Life”

“Bobi Wine: The People’s President”

“Earth Mama” *WINNER

“How To Have Sex”

“Is There Anybody Out There?”

FILM NOT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE

“20 Days In Mariupol”

“Anatomy of a Fall”

“Past Lives”

“Society of the Snow”

“The Zone of Interest” *WINNER

DOCUMENTARY

“20 Days In Mariupol” *WINNER

“American Symphony”

“Beyond Utopia”

“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie”

“Wham!”

ANIMATED FILM

“The Boy And The Heron” *WINNER

“Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget”

“Elemental”

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”

DIRECTOR

Andrew Haigh, “All of Us Strangers”

Justine Triet, “Anatomy of a Fall”

Alexander Payne, “The Holdovers”

Bradley Cooper, “Maestro”

Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” *WINNER

Jonathan Glazer, “The Zone of Interest”

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

“Anatomy of a Fall,” Justine Triet, Arthur Harari *WINNER

“Barbie,” Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach

“The Holdovers,” David Hemingson

“Maestro,” Bradley Cooper, Josh Singer

“Past Lives,” Celine Song

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

“All of Us Strangers,” Andrew Haigh

“American Fiction,” Cord Jefferson *WINNER

“Oppenheimer,” Christopher Nolan

“Poor Things,” Tony McNamara

“The Zone of Interest,” Jonathan Glazer

LEADING ACTRESS

Fantasia Barrino, “The Color Purple”

Sandra Hüller, “Anatomy of a Fall”

Carey Mulligan, “Maestro”

Vivian Oparah, “Rye Lane”

Margot Robbie, “Barbie”

Emma Stone, “Poor Things” *WINNER

LEADING ACTOR

Bradley Cooper, “Maestro”

Colman Domingo, “Rustin”

Paul Giamatti, “The Holdovers”

Barry Keoghan, “Saltburn”

Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer” *WINNER

Teo Yoo, “Past Lives”

Da'Vine Joy Randolph

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Emily Blunt, “Oppenheimer”

Danielle Brooks, “The Color Purple”

Claire Foy, “All of Us Strangers”

Sandra Hüller, “The Zone of Interest”

Rosamund Pike, “Saltburn”

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers” *WINNER

SUPPORTING ACTOR

Robert De Niro, “Killers of The Flower Moon”

Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer” *WINNER

Jacob Elordi, “Saltburn”

Ryan Gosling, “Barbie”

Paul Mescal, “All of Us Strangers”

Dominic Sessa, “The Holdovers”

CASTING

“All of Us Strangers,” Kahleen Crawford 

“Anatomy of a Fall,” Cynthia Arra 

“The Holdovers,” Susan Shopmaker *WINNER

“How to Have Sex,” Isabella Odoffin 

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Ellen Lewis, Rene Haynes 

CINEMATOGRAPHY

“Killers of The Flower Moon,” Rodrigo Prieto

“Maestro,” Matthew Libatique

“Oppenheimer,” Hayle van Hoytema *WINNER

“Poor Things,” Robbie Ryan

“The Zone of Interest,” Łukasz Żal 

COSTUME DESIGN

“Barbie,” Jacqueline Durran 

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Jacqueline West 

“Napoleon,” Dave Crossman, Janty Yates 

“Oppenheimer,” Ellen Mirojnick 

“Poor Things,” Holly Waddington *WINNER

EDITING

“Anatomy of a Fall,” Laurent Sénéchal 

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Thelma Schoonmaker 

“Oppenheimer,” Jennifer Lame *WINNER

“Poor Things,” Yorgos Mavropsaridis 

“The Zone of Interest,” Paul Watts 

MAKE UP & HAIR

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Kay Georgiou, Thomas Nellen 

“Maestro,” Sian Grigg, Kay Georgiou, Kazu Hiro, Lori McCoy-Bell 

“Napoleon,” Jana Carboni, Francesco Pegoretti, Satinder Chumber, Julia Vernon 

“Oppenheimer,” Luisa Abel, Jaime Leigh McIntosh, Jason Hamer, Ahou Mofid 

“Poor Things,” Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier, Josh Weston *WINNER

ORIGINAL SCORE

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Robbie Robertson 

“Oppenheimer,” Ludwig Göransson *WINNER

“Poor Things,” Jerskin Fendrix 

“Saltburn,” Anthony Willis 

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” Daniel Pemberton 

PRODUCTION DESIGN

“Barbie” — Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer 

“Killers of the Flower Moon” — Jack Fisk, Adam Willis 

“Oppenheimer” — Ruth De Jong, Claire Kaufman 

“Poor Things” — Shona Heath, James Price, Zsuzsa Mihalek *WINNER

“The Zone of Interest” — Chris Oddy, Joanna Maria Kuś, Katarzyna Sikora 

BEST SOUND

“Ferrari,” Angelo Bonanni, Tony Lamberti, Andy Nelson, Lee Orloff, Bernard Weiser 

“Maestro,” Richard King, Steve Morrow, Tom Ozanich, Jason Ruder, Dean Zupancic

“Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One,” Chris Burdon, James H. Mather, Chris Munro, Mark Taylor 

“Oppenheimer,” Willie Burton, Richard King, Kevin O’Connell, Gary A. Rizzo 

“The Zone of Interest,” Johnnie Burn, Tarn Willers *WINNER

SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS

“The Creator,” Jonathan Bullock, Charmaine Chan, Ian Comley, Jay Cooper “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” Theo Bialek, Stephane Ceretti, Alexis Wajsbrot, Guy Williams 

“Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One,” Neil Corbould, Simone Coco, Jeff Sutherland, Alex Wuttke 

“Napoleon,” Henry Badgett, Neil Corbould, Charley Henley, Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet 

“Poor Things,” Simon Hughes *WINNER

BRITISH SHORT ANIMATION

“Crab Day,” Ross Stringer, Bartosz Stanislawek, Aleksandra Sykulak *WINNER

“Visible Mending,” Samantha Moore, Tilley Bancroft 

“Wild Summon,” Karni Arieli, Saul Freed, Jay Woolley

BRITISH SHORT FILM

“Festival of Slaps,” Abdou Cissé, Cheri Darbon, George Telfer 

“Gorka,” Joe Weiland, Alex Jefferson 

“Jellyfish and Lobster,” Yasmin Afifi, Elizabeth Rufai *WINNER

“Such a Lovely Day,” Simon Woods, Polly Stokes, Emma Norton, Kate Phibbs 

“Yellow,” Elham Ehsas, Dina Mousawi, Azeem Bhati, Yiannis Manolopoulos 

EE RISING STAR AWARD (voted for by the public) 

Phoebe Dynevor 

Ayo Edebiri 

Jacob Elordi 

Mia McKenna-Bruce *WINNER

Sophie Wilde 

Los Angeles Philharmonic Announces 2024 Hollywood Bowl Summer Season

2024 Season Highlights Include:

Nine performances under the stars with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil, including two nights with 18-time Latin Grammy winner Natalia Lafourcade, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and a celebration with opera stars Diana Damrau and Jonas Kaufmann

Zubin Mehta’s highly anticipated return to the Hollywood Bowl after 30 years

The world premiere of Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience

The Hollywood Bowl debuts of Laufey, Mitski, Mt. Joy, and six-time Latin Grammy-winner Camilo

Stellar artists include Beck, Chaka Khan, Christopher Cross, Count Basie Orchestra, Gary Clark Jr., George Benson, The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes, and Herbie Hancock, India.Arie, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Maria Schneider Orchestra, Mt. Joy, Patti LaBelle, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Sylvan Esso, Toto, Trombone Shorty, Vance Joy and more

Classical superstars including Augustin Hadelich, Diana Damrau, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Jonas Kaufmann, Joshua Bell, Midori, Pinchas Zukerman, Ray Chen, Yunchan Lim and more

The first-ever Roots Picnic West Coast featuring The Roots, Queen Latifah, Common, Digable Planets, Arrested Development, The Pharcyde, Black Sheep and more

Juneteenth Celebration with T-Pain plus special guests and the Color of Noize Orchestra conducted by Derrick Hodge

The return of the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival with two days of jazz’s finest including Jodeci, Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper with special guest Yebba and more

100th Birthday Celebrations of the great Henry Mancini on Opening Night with Michael Bublé and a star-studded tribute to the legendary Sammy Davis, Jr.

July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Harry Connick Jr. and the LA Phil led by conductor Thomas Wilkins and the end-of-season Fireworks Finale featuring Boyz II Men

Herbie Hancock reunites for the first time since 1973 with the original players from the Head Hunters recording for a one-night-only jazz extravaganza featuring Harvey Mason, Bennie Maupin, Bill Summers, and Marcus Miller filling in for the late Paul Jackson.

The return of fan favorites including Maestro of the Movies featuring John Williams and the LA Phil, Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks, Reggae Night, Pink Martini with China Forbes, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long, and The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association today announces the 2024 Hollywood Bowl summer season with performances at the world-renowned amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills from June to September 2024. In 1924, Hollywood Bowl founders deeded the land to Los Angeles County to ensure it could be enjoyed by all members of the public. The Bowl became a County Park in 1959, operated in partnership with the nonprofit Hollywood Bowl Association, which later became part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. In 2024, the LA Phil will continue this century-long collaboration and stewardship of the iconic venue that welcomes visitors from across the county and beyond each summer. For the 2024 Hollywood Bowl season, the LA Phil continues its tradition of presenting classical concerts under the stars with LA Phil Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel conducting the orchestra and a roster of star-studded guest artists spanning classical, pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, Broadway and opera as well as celebrations of beloved film music.

The exciting lineup opens with a 100th birthday celebration for 20-time Grammy winner Henry Mancini. Special holiday performances will honor Juneteenth, with T-Pain and special guests, and the July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Harry Connick Jr.

Among the artists who make their Hollywood Bowl debuts this summer are jazz sensation Laufey performing with the LA Phil, singer-songwriter Mitski, and six-time Latin Grammy-winner Camilo. Returning to the Hollywood Bowl are audience favorites Pink Martini featuring China Forbes, The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes, Boyz II Men and violinists Joshua Bell and Augustin Hadelich, as well as LA Phil Conductor Emeritus Zubin Mehta, who will return for his first performance at the Hollywood Bowl in 30 years. Also coming back this season is the traditional Tchaikovsky Spectacular, as well as the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival co-curated by Kamasi Washington and LA Phil Creative Chair for Jazz Herbie Hancock, which returns for its third year.

Additional season highlights include LA’s own Beck, for a special one-night performance with the LA Phil; Natalia Lafourcade teaming up with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil for two unforgettable nights; a 100th anniversary celebration of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue; the very first West Coast Roots Picnic, a tribute to hip-hop, with The Roots, Queen Latifah, Common, Digable Planets, Arrested Development, The Pharcyde, Black Sheep, and more; a landmark collaboration with Mexico’s premier traditional dance company, Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández; an All-Beethoven evening featuring the virtuosic trio of Sunwook Kim, Clara-Jumi Kang, and Hayoung Choi in the Triple Concerto closing with Symphony No. 5; and composer and conductor John Williams’ Maestro of the Movies program, in which he will share the podium with accomplished composer and conductor David Newman for a memorable evening of music from Hollywood’s Golden Age as well as his own beloved film scores.

The season will also include the world debut of the highly anticipated Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience. Conducted by Dudamel, the concert will transport audiences on a cinematic journey through the franchise’s first 23 films, weaving together the legendary characters of the Marvel universe into one story from an all-new perspective.

Gustavo Dudamel said, “I celebrate my 15th summer at the Hollywood Bowl this year. The Bowl has always been a place that transports us to new and different musical worlds, and this season will take us on some truly wonderful journeys together. From Beethoven and Bernstein's musical explorations of joy to the farthest edges of the Marvel multiverse. From the whimsical march through the Carnival of the Animals to the deeply personal songs of Natalia Lafourcade, the Hollywood Bowl is a stage where the past and present come together to carry us toward a more beautiful future.”

The LA Phil will be led by Gustavo Dudamel, LA Phil Conductor Emeritus Zubin Mehta, and more than 15 outstanding guest conductors, including Teddy Abrams, David Afkham, Ryan Bancroft, Rodolfo Barráez, Lionel Bringuier, Elim Chan, Kevin John Edusei, François López-Ferrer, Carlos Miguel Prieto, Christian Reif, Steven Reineke, David Robertson, Dima Slobodeniouk, Otto Tausk and Xian Zhang. The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra will be conducted by its Principal Conductor, Thomas Wilkins, as well as guest conductor Sarah Hicks.

SEASON DETAILS

GUSTAVO DUDAMEL

LA Phil Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel returns for his 15th Hollywood Bowl season to conduct nine performances with the LA Phil, beginning August 29 with breakout pianist Yunchan Lim for Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto, along with Tchaikovsky’s passionate Fifth Symphony. Dudamel will lead the LA Phil through the Marvel universe for the evening-long Infinity Saga (Aug. 30 and 31) and then, on Sept. 3 and 5, joins brother-sister pianists Sergio Tiempo and Karin Lechner in Saint-Saëns’s Carnival of the Animals, and mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb singing scenes from Carmen and also leads Spanish dance music by Roberto Sierra. Dudamel will conduct alongside 18-time Latin Grammy winner Natalia Lafourcade in songs from her celebrated De Todas las Flores (Sept. 6 and 7). He conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Bernstein’s stirring Chichester Psalms with the Los Angeles Master Chorale on Sept. 10. Two of opera’s most highly regarded singers—soprano Diana Damrau and tenor Jonas Kaufmann—will join Dudamel on Sept. 12 in his final performance of the season for a night of aria and duet favorites and symphonic scenes of Italy.

CLASSICAL

Classical Tuesdays and Classical Thursdays return to the Hollywood Bowl this season with a robust program featuring emerging and established talents. Classical Tuesdays opens with rising-star conductor and Dudamel Fellowship alumna Elim Chan leading Rimsky-Korsakov’s fantastical Scheherazade and Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 with one of the greatest violinists of our time, Augustin Hadelich, in his long-awaited return to the Bowl (July 9). The series continues with David Afkham conducting violin soloist Ray Chen playing Tchaikovsky (July 16); Zubin Mehta returning after three decades to lead a Bowl tradition he started with Mozart Under the Stars, featuring violinist Pinchas Zukerman (July 23); and Kevin John Edusei conducting Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite and Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto with soloist Martin Chalifour (July 30). The program continues in August with pianist Denis Kozhukhin performing Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and conductor Ryan Bancroft leading Shostakovich’s Symphony No.10 (Aug. 6). An all-Rachmaninoff program featuring pianist Alexander Malofeev in the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini will be led by Dima Slobodeniouk, who also will conduct Symphony No. 2 (Aug. 13). Star violinist Midori performs Dvořak’s Violin Concerto and Christian Reif leads the composer’s Carnival Overture and Seventh Symphony on Aug. 20. September offers two Classical Tuesday performances conducted by Dudamel: scenes from Carmen, Carnival of the Animals and Spanish dance music by Roberto Sierra (Sept. 3) and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (Sept. 10).

Classical Thursdays begin with the 100th-anniversary celebration of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet conducted by Lionel Bringuier along with opera star Isabel Leonard in selections of Gershwin songs (July 11). Mexico’s premier traditional dance company Ballet Folklórico de México performs with conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto in music by Márquez, Moncayo, Revueltas, and more (July 18). Renowned conductor David Robertson leads the LA Phil on July 25 in performances of Beethoven’s exuberant Triple Concerto (with pianist Sunwook Kim, violinist Clara-Jumi Kang, and cellist Hayoung Choi) and Symphony No. 5. In August, Xian Zhang leads Wagner’s Overture to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Schumann’s Symphony No. 1, and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with violinist Karen Gomyo (Aug. 1). François López-Ferrer will lead the LA Phil in an evening of Argentine and Spanish dance–inspired symphonic music with violinist Blake Pouliot, leading up to Ravel’s Bolero with the company Flamenco Vivo Carlos Santana (Aug. 8). On Aug. 15, the LA Phil’s Assistant Conductor Rodolfo Barráez leads performances of Copland’s Mexican folk–inspired symphonic piece El Salón México, Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and The Elements, a collaborative work by five stellar U.S. composers, with violinist Joshua Bell as soloist. Teddy Abrams conducts Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Michael Tilson Thomas’ Agnegram on Aug. 22. Dudamel closes out the Classical Thursdays lineup conducting a performance of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky featuring breakout-star pianist Yunchan Lim (Aug. 29), selections from Carmen with Rihab Chaieb, Carnival of the Animals with pianists Sergio Tiempo and Karin Lechner and dance music by Roberto Sierra (Sept. 5), and a performance featuring two of opera’s most highly regarded singers, Diana Damrau and Jonas Kaufmann (Sept. 12).

WEEKEND SPECTACULARS

Throughout the season, Friday and Saturday evenings will offer larger-than-life performances in the Weekend Spectacular series. Legendary composer and conductor John Williams brings his nights of movie music back to the Hollywood Bowl in this series, sharing the podium with maestro David Newman for a program of Hollywood classics and his own beloved film scores (July 12–13). Sarah Hicks conducts the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in Disney ’80s-’90s Celebration in Concert with special guest vocalists performing songs from iconic Disney films of the 1980s and 1990s with clips shown on the big screen (July 19–20). The legendary Chaka Khan marks her 50th year in the music industry during her return to the Bowl (July 26). One of the Hollywood Bowl’s most thrilling summer traditions returns with Otto Tausk leading Tchaikovsky works, complete with a dazzling fireworks showcase (Aug. 2–3). Four-time Grammy-winning singer India. Arie returns to the Hollywood Bowl (Aug. 9). Grammy Award–winning hitmakers The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes return to celebrate the spirit of flamenco (Aug. 16–17). Pink Martini featuring China Forbes helmed by pianist Thomas Lauderdale returns with genre-defying songs that traverse time and geography (Aug. 23–24). Boyz II Men headlines the closing Weekend Spectacular of the season with a fireworks finale (Sept. 13–14).

JAZZ

A broad and dynamic range of singers, songwriters, rappers, instrumentalists, and more join T-Pain and the Color of Noize Orchestra led by conductor Derrick Hodge for a Juneteenth celebration honoring freedom, perseverance, determination, and creativity (June 19). Big Band Night showcases The Maria Schneider Orchestra and Count Basie Orchestra (July 17). Singer Laufey brings her unique songbook rooted in the classical stylings of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Chet Baker, joined by the LA Phil (Aug. 7). Herbie Hancock Head Hunters 50th celebrates the landmark album when Herbie reunites for the first time since 1973 with the original lineup of Harvey Mason, Bennie Maupin, and Bill Summers, with Marcus Miller standing in for the late Paul Jackson (Aug. 14). Modern day blues legend Gary Clark Jr. returns with The War and Treaty on Aug. 21. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue as well as Big Boi return for a New Orleans-style celebration (Sept. 4). An extraordinary ensemble of singers, dancers, and musicians will come together with conductor Thomas Wilkins and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra to celebrate the life and music of Sammy Davis Jr. in recognition of his 100th anniversary (Sept. 11). The duo of Rodrigo y Gabriela returns to the Bowl for another night of power, energy, and precision on Sept. 18.

KCRW FESTIVAL

The KCRW Festival, now in its 24th year, will bring performances highlighting diverse musical genres to the Hollywood Bowl. The series begins with a co-headlined concert of Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and Sylvan Esso (July 21) and will be followed by an all-star lineup celebrating the influence and legacy of Jamaica, in Reggae Night XXII (Aug. 4). Mt. Joy will debut at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 25, Vance Joy celebrates the 10th anniversary of his album ‘dream your life away’ (Sept. 8) and three of cumbia’s biggest-ever bands—Grupo Cañaveral de Humberto Pabón, La Sonora Dinamita, and Los Hermanos Flores—will play the Bowl together on Sept. 22.

SUNDAY SUNSET

The Sunday Sunset concerts include the return of the Grammy-winning Godmother of Soul Patti LaBelle (July 7), fan-favorite music from Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, and more, featuring Broadway classics by the legendary duo of lyricist Alain Boublil and composer Claude-Michel Schönberg sung by an all-star cast of special guests (July 28), as well as Toto and Christopher Cross performing their greatest hits (Sept. 1) and the Fireworks Finale with Boyz II Men (Sept. 15).

SPECIAL CONCERTS

The Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival returns with an all-star line-up including Jodeci, Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper with Yebba, Christian McBride, Cory Henry, Charles Lloyd, Baby Rose, The Soul Rebels with Seun Kuti, Mulatu Astatke, Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band, Alex Isley, Aneesa Strings, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble at UCLA and more (June 15-16). The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra under the baton of Principal Conductor Thomas Wilkins, along with special guests including Michael Bublé, Dave Koz, and Monica Mancini, raise the curtain on the Bowl’s 2024 season with a 100th birthday celebration of 20-time Grammy-winning composer and frequent conductor at the Hollywood Bowl Henry Mancini (June 23). The Roots, joined by their musical heroes and peers including Queen Latifah, Common, Digable Planets, Arrested Development, The Pharcyde, and Black Sheep celebrate hip-hop (June 29). Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Harry Connick Jr., the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and conductor Thomas Wilkins perform at the July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular (July 2-4). Eight-time Grammy winner Beck also joins forces with the LA Phil conducted by Steven Reineke (July 6). John Williams returns for a concert featuring some of the most memorable movie music complete with a selection of film clips (July 14). The annual mini-festival dedicated to smooth jazz returns, featuring George Benson (Aug. 18). David Newman will conduct the LA Phil in the score for Singin’ in the Rain, live to picture, on Aug. 27.

As the season begins to wrap up, Boyz II Men will take the stage Sept. 13-15, with a Fireworks Finale. The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA, performed by the world’s greatest ABBA tribute band, pays homage to the incomparable Swedish group (Sept. 20). Audience members are invited to don costumes for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long (Sept. 21), hosted by Melissa Peterman. Six-time Latin Grammy winner Camilo makes his Hollywood Bowl debut (Sept. 26), followed by Mitski coming to the Bowl in support of her “world-expanding record” The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We, along with singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten (Sept. 28).

TICKETING

Tickets for the Hollywood Bowl 2024 summer season will be available online at hollywoodbowl.com or via phone at 323 850 2000 on the following dates:

New subscriptions are available as of Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m.

Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival tickets are available as of Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m.

Group sales for select concerts began Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m.

“Create Your Own” packages available Tuesday, March 19 at 10 a.m.

The Hollywood Bowl Box Office opens for single-ticket sales on Tuesday, May 7, at 10 a.m.

Programs, artists, prices, and dates are subject to change. Ticket limits may apply.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/

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Matthew Bourne's Romeo + Juliet: A Review

By Darlene Donloe

The North American premiere of Matthew Bourne’s Romeo + Juliet has landed at the Ahmanson Theatre with high anticipation, and thunderous applause coupled with standing ovations. 

The show is a contemporary re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet featuring young dancers in a production focused on bringing youth and vitality, accompanied by a new orchestration of the Prokofiev score, which is the show’s melodic character. 

The opening night crowd that settled in to witness the dance revival of the classic Shakespeare story included Dule Hill, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Adam Shankman, and Melissa McCarthy. 

What everyone in that theater witnessed on opening night was nothing short of brilliant and hypnotic.

The show’s two stars, Paris Fitzpatrick (Romeo) and Monique Jonas (Juliet) are enchanting and symbiotic and in lockstep in their presentation of the star-crossed lovers.

This radical reworking of the classic offers a somewhat different story but maintains a powerful twist.  

Bourne effectively uses the body instead of words to tell the story. The moving and emotional journey he takes the audience along the way to the climactic scene is worth the wait.

The setting is Verona Institute, an asylum for young people. It’s a pretty sad place with vicious guards who freely rape and cause havoc to presumed disturbed inhabitants put there by their parents who had no clue about how to handle their child’s issues. 

The staging, which has prison bars, built-in ladders, and a walkway/balcony, doubles and triples for a place where the “inmates” sleep, do their morning exercises, and take their meds like good little Stepford Wives and Husbands. 

There is camaraderie among the institute’s residents who come to each other’s aid when confronted by the brutal authority figures. 

Juliet is already at the institute when Romeo is unceremoniously dropped off by his parents - who happen to be politicians.  Romeo doesn’t seem to fit into his parents’ picture of the politically correct familial bliss. 

When Romeo and Juliet meet – it’s fireworks.  Juliet, who is being pursued by a brute of a guard named Tybalt (Adam Galbraith) – finds comfort, solace, and safety in the arms of Romeo. 

The choreography between Romeo and Juliet is mesmerizing, luscious, and sexy as it tells their love story. 

The impressive choreography is also used to represent the angst of the youngsters through running, stomping, climbing walls, jumping on beds, and the usual horseplay that happens when young people’s hormones are trapped in one location.

This is a brilliant production with an even more brilliant cast. Romeo + Juliet makes for a wonderful night of theater. 

Bourne, a British choreographer, is known for his quirky interpretations and revivals of classic musicals and stories like ‘Edward Scissorhands,’ ‘My Fair Lady,’ ‘Swan Lake,’ ‘Mary Poppins,’ and ‘Sleeping Beauty: A Gothic Romance’. 

'Romeo + Juliet' includes music by Terry Davies and is based on the original score by Sergei Prokofiev. The show is directed and choreographed by Bourne. It was presented in association with Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center, the New Adventures creative team, Sadler’s Wells, and Arts Council England. 

'Matthew Bourne’s Romeo + Juliet,' directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, with music by Sergei Prokofiev, stars Paris Fitzpatrick, Monique Jonas, Adam Galbraith, Cameron Flynn, Jackson Fisch, Euan Garrett, Daisy May Kemp, Alan Vincent, Anya Ferdinand, Bryony Pennington, Kate Lyons, Blue Makwana, Tanisha Addicott, Kurumi Kamayachi, Matthew Amos, Eve Ngbokota, Leonardo McCorkindale, Adam Davies, and Hannah Kremer. 

Running time: 2 hours, including intermission. 

Matthew Bourne’s Romeo + Juliet, Ahmanson Theatre, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90012, 8 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sun. through Sunday, February 25, 2024, Thursday Matinee, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m., No performance Sunday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m.; tickets begin at $35; CenterTheatreGroup.org, Audience Services at (213) 628-2772, in person — Center Theatre Group Box Office (at the Ahmanson Theatre) at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012; groups - centertheatregroup.org/tickets/groups-and-corporate-offers

Access — Center Theatre Group - For more information, please visit CenterTheatreGroup.org/Access. 

Photos courtesy of CTG

On the DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t know), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (oh, yeah), and E (excellent), 'Matthew Bourne’s Romeo + Juliet' gets an E (excellent). 

 

 

 

 

 

CeCe Winans Releases New Single, 'That's My King'

CeCe Winans

Gospel artist, CeCe Winans, is once again gracing the music scene with her unparalleled talent. Her latest single, "That's My King," another PureSprings Gospel and FairTrade Services collaboration is the first glimpse into her upcoming album, More Than This, scheduled for release in the Spring.

A new song for the new year.  On the "That's My King" track Winans unleashes a powerful declaration to her King accompanied by an uplifting arrangement beautifully produced by Kyle Lee. This is the perfect song for worship leaders to share with church congregations around the world.

"This song brings me so much joy. You can't sit still while listening to 'That's My King' - It ushers in the power of God and puts us in the right posture of looking up and remembering that He is the King of kings!" says Winans.

Winans is now gearing up for a dynamic 2024. The Goodness Tour is set to kick off in Shreveport, LA on Wednesday, February 28, promising an unforgettable musical journey for audiences across the nation. Fans can anticipate being the first to hear some of the singer's new music long before it is available for public purchase.

For those looking to be a part of this extraordinary experience, it is advised to secure your seats early. Tickets are selling quickly! The second night of the tour in Mobile, AL on February 29, 2024, has already reached full capacity, with other tour dates closely following suit.

NEW DATES ADDED TO THE GOODNESS TOUR:

- 2/28 - Shreveport, LA - Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium

- 2/29 - Mobile, AL - Cottage Hill Baptist Church

- 3/1 -  New Orleans, LA - Franklin Avenue Baptist Church

- 3/6 -  Fayetteville, NC - Crown Theater

- 3/7 -  Greensboro, NC - Mt. Zion Church

- 3/8  - Hixson, TN (Chattanooga) - Abba's House

- 3/13 - Greenville, SC - Redemption Church East

- 3/14 - Richmond, VA - Liberation Church

- 3/15 - Columbia, SC -First Baptist Church

- 3/20 - Liberty Township, OH (Cincinnati) - Princeton Pike Church of God

- 3/21 - Detroit, MI - Fox Theater

- 3/22 - Chicago, IL - House of Hope

- 4/12 - Mesa, AZ - City of Grace Church

- 4/13 - Los Angeles, CA - Peacock Theater

- 4/14 - Tucson, AZ - Zion City Church

- 4/17 - Stockon, CA - Bob Hope Theater

- 4/18 - Visalia, CA - Visalia First Assembly of God

- 4/19 - San Jose, CA - Redemption Church West

- 4/24 - Carrolton, TX (Dallas) - Bent Tree Bible Fellowship

- 4/25 - Austin, TX - Austin Ridge Bible Bee Cave

- 4/26 - Houston, TX - Fallbrook Church

- 5/1  - West Melbourne, FL - Calvary Chapel Melbourne

- 5/2 -  Miami, FL - James L. Knight Center

- 5/3 -  Brandon, FL (Tampa) - Bell Shoals Church

GENERATIONS LIVE!  2024 Women's Conference

- 5/10 to 5/11:  Nashville, TN - Curb Event Center

Tickets are available for purchase at www.cecewinans.com<http://www.cecewinans.com>.

Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Recording of Thomas Ades' Dante Wins GRAMMY®

Gustavo Dudamel

LOS ANGELES (February 5, 2024) – Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s recording of Thomas Adès’ Dante won the GRAMMY® Award for Best Orchestral Performance yesterday at the 66th Annual GRAMMY® Awards.

Recorded live at Walt Disney Concert Hall in April 2022 during performances conducted by Los Angeles Philharmonic Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, Thomas Adès’ Dante is a ballet score in three acts – “Inferno,” “Purgatorio,” and “Paradiso” – inspired by the alternately chilling and sunlit landscapes of Dante Alighieri’s La Divina Commedia. This concert performance of the ballet score by the Los Angeles Philharmonic is the work’s world-premiere audio recording.

“Dante's legend is at the heart of Western culture. My dear friend Thomas Adès, together with the extraordinary musicians of the LA Phil, have captured the essence of this powerful journey through the underworld,” said Gustavo Dudamel. “It is a masterpiece and I am honored by this GRAMMY recognition of our work.”

This is the second year in a row that the LA Phil and Gustavo Dudamel have been nominated for Best Orchestral Performance. In 2022 they were nominated for “Dvořák: Symphonies Nos. 7-9.” This is also the LA Phil and Gustavo Dudamel’s fourth win for Best Orchestral Performance.

Thomas Adès (1971)

Adès: Dante

Los Angeles Philharmonic

Gustavo Dudamel

Los Angeles Master Chorale

Recorded voices in Purgatorio:

Khazan Gabriel A. Shrem, and the Khazan and congregation of the Great Ades Synagogue, Jerusalem

Wayne McGregor, Choreographer (The Dante Project)

Tacita Dean, Design (The Dante Project)

Side A: Inferno

I. Abandon Hope—

II. The Selfish—stung by wasps

III. The Ferryman

IV. Pavan of the Souls in Limbo—

V. Paolo and Francesca—the endless whirlwind

VI. The Gluttons—in slime

Side B: Inferno

VII. The Suicides—the bleeding trees—

VIII. The Deviants—on burning sand—

IX. The Fortune-tellers—facing both ways

X. The Popes’ Adagio—heads first—

XI. The Hypocrites—in coats of lead

XII. The Thieves—devoured by reptiles

XIII. Satan—in the lake of ice

Side C: Purgatorio

I. Dawn on the Sea of Purgatory—

II. Mount Purgatory—

III. The Valley of Flowers—

IV. The Healing Fire—

V. The Earthly Paradise—

VI. The Heavenly Procession—

VII. The Ascent

Side D: Paradiso

Paradise—Moon—Mercury—Venus—Sun—Mars—Jupiter (The Eagle)—Saturn (The Golden Ladder)—Fixed Stars—Empyrean

Release Dates: April 21, 2023 - Nonesuch Records

Dante is a co-commission of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and The Royal Ballet with generous support from the Lenore S. and Bernard A. Greenberg Fund. Inferno was co-commissioned by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam.

PAFF Announces Diverse 2024 Lineup

LOS ANGELES —The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is thrilled to announce the captivating and diverse lineup for its highly anticipated 2024 edition. As one of the premier events celebrating African and African American cinema and arts, PAFF promises to once again deliver a memorable experience for cinephiles, artists, and cultural enthusiasts.

Now in its 32nd year, PAFF continues to set the standard for showcasing extraordinary films, artistry, and cultural narratives from the African diaspora. The 2024 festival, scheduled for February 6-19, 202, in Los Angeles, will feature an exceptional selection of films that span genres, cultures, and stories.

“We are excited to present an incredible lineup for the 2024 Pan African Film & Arts Festival. This year’s films and artistic contributions showcase the richness of the African diaspora, celebrating its history, culture, and creativity,” said Ayuko Babu, Executive Director of PAFF.

PAFF is returning to the Cinemark Baldwin Hills and XD and the adjacent Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza to host its renowned fine art show featuring over 100 established and emerging fine artists and quality craftspeople from all over the Black Diaspora. This year’s film festival features over 200 films from 54 countries, in 28 languages, including 68 World and 25 North American premieres. Of the films selected for the Festival, 49% are helmed by female, queer or non-binary filmmakers.

For more information about the Pan African Film & Arts Festival, including film schedules, tickets, and event details, please visit paff.org.

The festival’s 2024 program will include:

World Premieres and Exclusive Screenings: PAFF will be the platform for world premieres and exclusive screenings of highly anticipated films, providing attendees with a first look at groundbreaking works.

Award-Winning Films: A selection of award-winning films from around the globe, recognized for their storytelling, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.

Documentaries: Insightful and thought-provoking documentaries that explore contemporary and historical issues affecting the African diaspora.

Short Films: A diverse range of short films, showcasing emerging talents and compelling narratives in a condensed format.

Art Exhibition: A stunning display of fine art, visual art, wearable art, photography, and more celebrating the creativity and talent within the African and African American art communities.

Panel Discussions and Q&A Sessions: Engaging discussions with filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals, offering unique insights into the world of cinema and the arts.

Special Events: Exciting events and performances celebrating African and African American culture, including music, dance, and spoken word.

Children’s Festival: Over 500 children, ages 4-12, and their parents enjoy free film screenings, storytelling, and interactive activities, all reflecting and rooted in the beauty and artistry of the culture of Africa and its diaspora.

Studentfest: Each year over 10,000 students and their teachers from the Los Angeles Unified School District and other surrounding school districts and cities attend this free program showcasing films dealing with issues important to youth, such as Coming of Age, Teen Pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+, Women’s Empowerment, Cultural and Racial Respect, Self Esteem / Mental Health, and Gang and Drug Prevention.

Senior Connections: Packed with retired and active seniors (ages 62+), this program offers free afternoon screenings of select festival films, and a chance to socialize, meet other seniors, and get valuable information on programs and opportunities.

LOL! Comedy Show: Each year PAFF produces one of Hollywood’s hottest comedy shows featuring a diverse selection of Black comedians.

The 2024 Pan African Film & Arts Festival invites film enthusiasts, artists, scholars, and the public to celebrate storytelling's magic through film and art. PAFF remains committed to fostering cultural exchange and promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.

For general information visit paff.org.

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