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Donald Trump Appoints ZERO African Americans to Kennedy Center Board, Installs Himself as Chairman

Roger Friedman
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Donald Trump Appoints ZERO African Americans to Kennedy Center Board, Installs Himself as Chairman

The new Kennedy Center?

Donald Trump has just installed himself as chairman.

The new board has got ZERO African Americans.

Not one of the new people has any experience in the arts at all.

It’s absolutely disgusting, like everything else Trump has done since January 20th.

The new board are all sycophants, Republican fundraisers, and so on. Some of them are really hilarious. Their first meeting should be filmed for a documentary.

One new member who should not be there is Pamela Gross. The second wife of failed online publisher Jimmy Finkelstein — he sold “The Hill” and launched the quickly dead “The Messenger” — is the Eve Harrington of the Republican party. Watch her quickly take the lead. I knew Gross when she published “Manhattan File” magazine, a Vanity Fair wannabe that never was. She kowtowed to advertisers in a brutal way.

What a tragic moment for the Kennedy Center. I’d say it’s in the hands of monkeys, but that would be insulting to monkeys.

  • The new Trustees Brian D. Ballard, Dana Blumberg, Pamela Bondi, Mary Helen Bowers, Hannah F. Buchan, Robert Castellani, Elaine Chao, Pamella Roland DeVos, Patricia Duggan, John Falconetti, Emilia May Fanjul, Jennifer Fischer, Lynette Friess, Sergio Gor, Pamela Gross, Lee Greenwood, Kate Adamson Haselwood, Michele Kessler, Mindy Levine, Allison Lutnick
  • Douglas Manchester, Catherine B. Reynolds, Denise Saul, Dan Scavino, President Donald J. Trump, Usha Vance, Susie Wiles, Andrea Wynn, Paolo Zampolli.

As I reported in my last story, today Richard Grenell dumped everyone who had history with the Kennedy Center. “Greys Anatomy” creator Shonda Rimes, opera star Renee Fleming, and composer Ben Folds also quit.

Meantime, Trump — who doesn’t care how scorned he is — wrote on Truth Social, referring to himself in the third person:

President Donald J. Trump was just unanimously elected Chairman of the Board of the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The President stated, “It is a Great Honor to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees. We will make The Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!”

UPDATED Kennedy Center Collapse as Everyone Is Out: Chief Officer Ousted, Shonda Rimes and Renee Fleming Exit, Ben Folds Quits National Symphony as Advisor

Roger Friedman
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UPDATED Kennedy Center Collapse as Everyone Is Out: Chief Officer Ousted, Shonda Rimes and Renee Fleming Exit, Ben Folds Quits National Symphony as Advisor

UPDATED Shonda Rhimes has officially quit the Kennedy Center board. She was the last holdover from the old regime still on the new list. But now she’s confirmed she’s out, along with everyone below and David Rubenstein, who steered the Kennedy Center back from financial peril.

Also Renee Fleming resigned today, too.

EARLIER

The Kennedy Center is in disarray officially.

New Trump appointed leader Richard Grenell ousted the chief, Deborah Rutter, who was staying until the end of the year.

Famed musician Ben Folds has quit as adviser to the National Symphony.

Everyone else from the board is gone.

Grenell is under orders to de-“woke” the Kennedy Center Honors and the whole place itself. He and Trump are set on burning down American culture and replacing with right wing, quote All American MAGA Christian garbage.

With everyone gone, the Kennedy Center as a theatrical venue is now in jeopardy if touring artists refuse to play there. That’s a possibility, at least until the Trump 2.0 admin is over and actual humans with taste return.

Ben Folds wrote on Instagram: “Given developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic adviser to the N.S.O. Mostly, and above all, I will miss the musicians of our nation’s symphony orchestra — just the best!”

The new Board, all appointed by Trump, are Republicans, fundraisers for Trump, etc. Some of them are so ridiculous a spit take is the only response.

Members Appointed by the President of the United States

  • Brian D. Ballard

    Dana Blumberg

    Pamela Bondi

    Mary Helen Bowers

    Hannah F. Buchan

    Robert Castellani

    Elaine Chao

    Pamella Roland DeVos

    Patricia Duggan

    John Falconetti

  • Emilia May Fanjul

    Jennifer Fischer

    Lynette Friess

    Sergio Gor

    Pamela Gross

    Lee Greenwood

    Kate Adamson Haselwood

    Michele Kessler

    Mindy Levine

    Allison Lutnick

  • Douglas Manchester

    Catherine B. Reynolds

    Denise Saul

    Dan Scavino

    President Donald J. Trump

    Usha Vance

    Susie Wiles

    Andrea Wynn

    Paolo Zampolli

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A post shared by Ben Folds (@actualbenfolds)

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A post shared by Ben Folds (@actualbenfolds)

Chubby Checker, 83, Finally Makes Rock Hall Nominee List with Cyndi Lauper, Bad Company, White Stripes, Joe Cocker

Roger Friedman
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0
Chubby Checker, 83, Finally Makes Rock Hall Nominee List with Cyndi Lauper, Bad Company, White Stripes, Joe Cocker

Chubby Checker has finally made the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees list.

He made “The Twist” a pop smash twice, in 1961 and 1963. But he was always snubbed in the old days because The Twist was a cover song. It’s the worst blight on the Rock Hall history.

But now it can be righted.

“The Twist” and “Rock Around the Clock” were originally recorded by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters. That group was inducted years ago. But Chubby aka Ernest Evans. And Bill Haley and the Comets, who had the respective hits, were denied induction.

This was absurd. Those singles helped create rock and roll musically and culturally.

Other nominees include Cyndi Lauper, Bad Company. The White Stripes, Phish, and Soundgarden plus less qualified acts like Billy Idol, Mariah Carey, the Black Crowes, Outkast, and Latin group Mana.

The other legacy nominee is Joe Cocker, who should absolutley be inducted. Cocker is responsible for key rock records, hsi gravelly voice is also one of the hallmarks of rock and roll.

Chubby Checker Finally Gets His Revenge: Billboard Names “The Twist” Number 1 Record of All Time

Paul McCartney, 82, Plays Surprise 22 Song Show at Tiny — 575 Capacity — NYC Club

Roger Friedman
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Paul McCartney, 82, Plays Surprise 22 Song Show at Tiny — 575 Capacity — NYC Club

Paul McCartney has an unending energy.

On Sunday he was in New Orleans at the Super Bowl.

Tonight, he played a surprise show at the tiny Bowery Ballroom way downtown. The 575 capacity room sold all its tickets in 15 minutes after an announcement at noon

McCartney plays another show Wednesday night and possibly one more on Friday night. On Sunday, he’s featured on the “SNL50” show on NBC.

Whew!

The 22 song set tonight lasted 90 minutes. McCartney opened with “A Hard Days Night” and closed with the “Abbey Road” medley.

In between there were 11 Beatles songs like “Hey Jude” and “Lady Madonna.” The others were from his solo career, There was even “Now and Then,” the ‘final’ Beatles song released last year, reconstructed from a John Lennon demo. But McCartney omitted “Band on the Run,” which itself was a surprise.

As a nod to the approaching Valentine’s Day, he sang “My Valentine.” I told you last week he recently collaborated with Barbra Streisand on a duet for her coming album.

But there’s so much you can do in half as long a show as usual. And don’t forget, this isn’t a seated event. Everyone stood. When I was there two summers ago to see The Pretenders, it was a sweaty but exciting event.

The whole shebang continues Wednesday night, more than likely at the slightly larger Irving Plaza. McCartney loves these impromptu club dates. He used to do them with Wings in the early 70s, just setting down at various small venues. It reminds him of he Beatles early days, and we are the better for it.

Kanye West’s Online Store Selling Nazi Merchandise Disabled by Shopify, Also Dropped By Agent

Roger Friedman
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Kanye West’s Online Store Selling Nazi Merchandise Disabled by Shopify, Also Dropped By Agent

Good news.

Kanye West’s website, Yeezy.com, is no longer functional.

It’s been disabled by Shopify.com after West sold t shirts with swastikas.

They were the only item remaining on the site, which previously sold generic t shirts and pants.

West should have taken notice that Shopify is owned by Harley Finkelstein, grandson of Holocaust survivors. Finkelstein is to be commended for taking swift action.

At this point, Yeezy.com is worthless, as is the Yeezy name after being associated with antisemitism. And extreme antisemitism at that.

West — who goes by the name Ye — has continually posted vile statements about Jews — and others — for the last couple of weeks.

Prior to that, his earlier antisemitic rants lost him contracts with fashion companies like Adidas.

West’s agent, Daniel McCartney, of 33 and West, has also dropped him, due to “his harmful and hateful remarks.”

His businesses are kaput. He also attacked Jewish record company executives in the last few days, guaranteeing that no music company will ever release his music again.

Now we wait for Spotify to follow Shopify and de-platform Kanye completely.

Trump Installs Stooge as Head of the Kennedy Center, May Prompt Buy Out of Current Chief’s Contract

Roger Friedman
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Trump Installs Stooge as Head of the Kennedy Center, May Prompt Buy Out of Current Chief’s Contract

Well. why not?

Donald Trump — on his rampage to destroy everything — has appointed one of his stooges as head of the Kennedy Center.

Richard Grenell, who has no experience in the arts, culture, or TV production, is now in charge.

The primary question now is what happens to Deborah Rutter, who runs the Center and has done a phenomenal job for years. Seeing the writing on the wall, Rutter tendered her resignation before Trump’s hostile takeover, effective at the end of the year. The Kennedy Center will have to buy her out if they want her to leave now. It’s a miserable situation.

Trump thinks he’s wiping out the “woke” world of the Kennedy Center, replacing sophisticated arts and culture with right wing Christian and country artists.

Many performers who’ve been waiting their turn — like Liza Minnelli or Denzel Washington — will likely be passed over or turn down the invitation. None of the mainstream Hollywood or Broadway players will ever go to Trump’s White House or sit in a box with him.

All that’s left now is for Caroline Kennedy to demand her family’s name be removed from the building. Then it will be re-named for some Trump or Trump himself.

It’s also only a matter of time before McDonald’s is served in the Kennedy Center restaurant.

PS Aside from the Kennedy Center Honors, the organization fills the theater every day with live productions including the National Symphony. If the whole culture changes overnight, watch for Arena Stage and other Washington DC institutions to pick up the slack.

The Weeknd’s Film “Hurry Up Tomorrow” Looks Like the Sequel to “Megalopolis” Crossed with “Idol”

Roger Friedman
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0
The Weeknd’s Film “Hurry Up Tomorrow” Looks Like the Sequel to “Megalopolis” Crossed with “Idol”

The trailer for The Weeknd’s “Hurry Up Tomorrow” came out a few days ago. It looks dreadful.

“Hurry Up Tomorrow” could be the sequel to “Megalopolis” crossed with Abel Tesfaye’s own horrible “Idol” TV series for HBO.

What’s going on here? That’s anyone’s guess.

The movie hits on May 16th along with an expanded version of the album that was released last Friday.

To paraphrase the 80s hit, “No one is waiting for the weekend.”

SOS: David Johansen of Seminal NY Dolls, Buster Poindexter Fame Has Stage 4 Cancer, Sets Up Fund on Sweet Relief

Roger Friedman
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0
SOS: David Johansen of Seminal NY Dolls, Buster Poindexter Fame Has Stage 4 Cancer, Sets Up Fund on Sweet Relief

David Johansen, aka Buster Poindexter, is in trouble and needs our help.

Known as one of the New York Dolls — the original, seminal punk band — Johansen’s wife, Mara Hennessy has revealed he has stage 4 cancer and must raise funds quickly.

The Dolls were part of the bedrock of NY punk along with the Ramones and other groups in the early 70s. By 1977, there were revered.

In the early 80s, Johansen created the personality of Buster Poindexter. His hit, “Hot Hot Hot” was a blockbuster. But he didn’t write it. So when it’s played on the radio or in commercials, he’s not getting a dime.

His daughter, Leah, writes on SweetRelief.org: “David has been bedridden and incapacitated. Due to the trauma, David’s illness has progressed exponentially and my mother is caring for him around the clock… he is physically debilitated and his care exceeds what we are capable of providing without specialized professional help…for the past five years, David has been unable to work as a performer.”

This is just rotten. Please donate. Click here for the donation page.

Lady Gaga Super Bowl Performance Sends “Hold My Hand” to Number 2, Sets Up Huge Album Launch

Roger Friedman
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Lady Gaga Super Bowl Performance Sends “Hold My Hand” to Number 2, Sets Up Huge Album Launch

Just as she “won” the Grammy Awards, now Lady Gaga taken the Super Bowl.

Gaga’s performance of “Hold Your Hand” from “Top Gun Maverick” has sent the 2022 single up the charts to number 2.

That gives Gaga three singles in the top 10 including “Abracadabra” and “Die with a Smile.” The latter two are on her new album, “Mayhem,” coming March 7th.

There are reports that “Mayhem” already has advance sales of 200,000. Amazon has it at number 14.

The new number 1 album this week is The Weeknd’s “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” with 450K in sales including 320,000 in actual albums.

But “Hurry Up Tomorrow” has no singles. The result is that it’s been toppled at number 1 by Kendrick Lamar. It’s already fallen to number 10. The Weeknd’s people should have gotten him on the Super Bowl. Big mistake.

But go go Gaga! She’s going to be the story for all of March at least. Nicely played!

“SNL 50” Special Adds Former Cast Members Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin– No Dan Aykroyd So Far

Roger Friedman
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0
“SNL 50” Special Adds Former Cast Members Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin– No Dan Aykroyd So Far

Lest anyone worry about who’s on this Sunday’s “SNL 50” live show on NBC…

Lorne Michaels just announced a ton of A list former cast members.

They include Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, and Garrett Morris from the original Not for Prime Time Players.

Also Eddie Murphy and more recent stars like Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Molly Shannon and on and on…

Curiously, Dan Aykroyd’s name isn’t in the announcement. Aykroyd recently posted two notes to social media:
“Cracking a Head for some Clean-Tinis as we hotly anticipate the SNL 50th milestone in our culture and an unparalleled comedy extravaganza to come. Hopefully this year’s outstanding cast gets to fuse with veterans. I’m so proud of being associated with my comedy alma mater and its Dean Lorne Michaels.’

also
“Cracking a Head for one solo cold shot to even my exuberance for the SNL 50TH when we will see one of the greatest nights in television and indeed American culture. The cameos and guest appearances from 50 years of SNL will have us agog. Forte? Ferrell? Martin? Martin Short?”

“SNL” Books All Star Guests for 50th Anniversary Show, Fans Choose All Time Fave Character in Brackets Game

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