Dylan Fest honors living legend
In a year when the musical world is still mourning icons prince, David
Bowie and Merle haggard, musicians of all genres and generations have been celebrating a still-active legend — Bob
Dylan — in an annual all-star concert series for 15 years.
This year’s two-day Dylan Fest, held in Nashville, includes classics like “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Tangled Up in Blue” and “All Along the Watchtower,” and performers such as Ann Wilson of Heart, Wynonna Judd, emmylou harris and Kesha. The festivities kicked off Monday and more performers were slated for Tuesday — Dylan’s 75th birthday — at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
The Dylan Fest started at a bar the Lower East Side with a small group of friends getting together to sing his songs on his 60th birthday. Since then, the concert series has expanded to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin and Chicago, raised money for charities and included musical celebrations of other icons including Tom Petty, George Harrison, Fleetwood Mac and the Beach Boys.
“It’s quite a trend when someone dies to try to pay tribute to them,” said Dylan Fest organizer Austin scaggs ,a music writer and musician. “I like to celebrate when these people ... are alive and I want them to know there is another generation behind them, or two generations now, that are feeling the same feeling about their music.”
Braxton exits ‘The Real’
tamar Braxton is no longer part of “The Real.” The singer and television personality has exited the talk show after serving as a co-host for two seasons, according to a statement from Braxton and the show’s producers.
The statement says that the decision was mutual and that Braxton intends to focus on her solo career. Braxton was part of a five-person group on the syndicated show, including loni love, Adrienne Bailon, Jeannie Mai and tamera Mowry-housley.
Next up for Jolie: teaching
Oscar-winning actress and activist
Angelina Jolie has been appointed a visiting professor at the London School of Economics, one of Britain’s most prestigious universities.
The school said Monday that Jolie will be working with students studying for a master’s degree in Women, Peace and Security.
“I hope other academic institutions will follow this example, as it is vital that we broaden the discussion on how to advance women’s rights and end impunity for crimes that disproportionately affect women, such as sexual violence in conflict,” Jolie said in a statement.