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Classical Pop: Melissa Manchester Debuts Serious Piano Piece This Week at NY Music Fest, Along with Neil Sedaka, Jimmy Webb Works

Roger Friedman
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Classical Pop: Melissa Manchester Debuts Serious Piano Piece This Week at NY Music Fest, Along with Neil Sedaka, Jimmy Webb Works

Neil Sedaka — we know him for “Laughing in the Rain” and “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.”

Melissa Manchester — she had huge hits with “Midnight Blue” and “Don’t Cry Out Loud.”

Jimmy Webb — “Wichita Lineman” and “Up, Up, and Away” are in his catalog of compositions.

But what else have they done? They have written classical compositions that will get showcased this weekend at the Endless Mountain Music Festival in upstate New York. Highly regarded pianist Jeffrey Biegel will take on the duties of debuting Manchester’s work and performing all three pieces.

“Nocturne,” a classical nocturne for orchestra and piano composed by Grammy-winning songwriter Jimmy Webb, is set for Friday, July 18, at Steadman Theatre on the campus of Commonwealth University at Mansfield in Mansfield. The word is Webb will be in the audience.

The next evening features the world premiere of “AWAKE!,” a five-movement concerto for orchestra and piano composed by Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Melissa Manchester on Saturday, July 19, at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning.

On the same program, the audience will hear Neil Sedaka’s “Manhattan Intermezzo.”

Manchester will be in the audience for AWAKE! There’s a rumor she’ll join Biegel after he performs for one or two of her hits.

Biegel — who commissioned the Manchester and Webb pieces — is ready for the two nights. He says: “Melissa Manchester, Jimmy Webb, and Neil Sedaka. These are wonderfully gifted, talented musicians that should be heard.”

Who could be next? How about Billy Joel or Paul McCartney? Carly Simon wrote a successful opera with her sister, Lucy. You know Stevie Wonder has a piece he’s hiding. Sting, definitely.

For more information on the Endless Mountain Music Festival, its 2025 season program, or to purchase tickets, visit endlessmountain.net.

Beyonce Dropping a Surprise Album Soon? Third Part of “Renaissance,” “Cowboy Carter” Trilogy May Be Ready to Go

Roger Friedman
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Beyonce Dropping a Surprise Album Soon? Third Part of “Renaissance,” “Cowboy Carter” Trilogy May Be Ready to Go

Beyonce.

The Queen of the Beyhive is about to wrap her sold, massively successful tour. She’s performing in Atlanta tonight, then has two final nights in Las Vegas 10 days from now.

Her last album, “Cowboy Carter,” has been a total hit. Beyonce won Album of the Year at January’s Grammy Awards for the country tinged record.

So what’s next? Insiders are saying that a new album is ready, or almost ready and could drop before the mid September 2026 Grammy deadline.

“Renaissance” and “Cowboy Carter” are supposed to be parts 1 and 2 of a trilogy. It would make sense to issue the final chapter coming off this tour, which may end up grossing over $300 million.

The new album is said to be more rock and roll after “Renaissance” was R&B, and “Cowboy Carter” was country. If that’s a success, Beyonce will likely record albums in all of the 80 Grammy categories including Hawaiian and yodeling, over the next few years.

And Adele? Who? Where is she? In November it will be four years since she released a record.

PS On Cowboy Carter, Beyonce covered other artists’ songs including the Beatles’ “Blackbird” and Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” What would she cover on a rock album? How about “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” or “Sweet Child o’ Mine”? Bring it on!

JFK Grandson Jack Schlossberg Attacks Obama: “Used to love you more than God — now you’re just lost and unhelpful”

Roger Friedman
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JFK Grandson Jack Schlossberg Attacks Obama: “Used to love you more than God — now you’re just lost and unhelpful”

It’s hard to figure out what Jack Schlossberg wants, or why we read it.

The son of Caroline Kennedy and grandson of President John F. Kennedy has become more and more contentious and officious in his online rants.

Initially eccentric, Schlossberg has veered into obnoxious, unproductive rants that take no prisoners. He is literally against everyone: his extended family, his parents’ friends and relations, political associates of the Kennedys. He’s become the kid who yells “fire!” in a movie theater, and makes no attempt to help anyone escape.

After vicious attacks against Trump, his whole ilk, and cousin Robert Kennedy Jr., Jack now turns his attention to former President Barack Obama.

In a screed today, Schlossberg comments on Obama’s words from a recent speech. The beloved former president advised Democrats to “tough up” in their fight against Trump.

Schlossberg’s response? He presents an emotional non sequitir, the deaths of Minnesota politician Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband. What is he talking about? He’s drawing lines from dot to dot that make no sense.

Obama said: “You know, don’t tell me you’re a Democrat, but you’re kind of disappointed right now, so you’re not doing anything. No, now is exactly the time that you get in there and do something,” he said. “Don’t say that you care deeply about free speech and then you’re quiet. No, you stand up for free speech when it’s hard. When somebody says something that you don’t like, but you still say, ‘You know what, that person has the right to speak.’ … What’s needed now is courage.”

Schlossberg’s retort: “Tell that to the 2 Dems murdered last month. Used to love you more than God,” he says, referring to Obama, “— n”now you’re just lost and unhelpful. Stick to Netflix , or have Clooney execute another coup.”

Your first reaction is to slap him silly. But of course Schlossberg has no interest in a political career. He’s not savvy enough to pull it off. He prefers being the outlier, a path he can take since has no job, but he’s got the family money. He can take pot shots randomly and run for cover. There’s no downside.

Schlossberg has embraced the AOC-Zohar Mamdani extreme leftist corner of the Democratic party. His grandfather is rolling in his grave. For a 32 year old who comes from such a serious background, Schlossberg comes off as naive. In this message, he’s asking Obama to ignore him. I’m sure the former president will oblige.

How Bad Are Record Sales? Last Week, Barbra Streisand Was Number 1 on Amazon with Just 4,262 Copies Sold

Roger Friedman
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How Bad Are Record Sales? Last Week, Barbra Streisand Was Number 1 on Amazon with Just 4,262 Copies Sold

I was going to write a story just about Barbra Streisand’s lagging album sales.

After two weeks, Streisand’s “Secret of Life: Partners II” has only sold about 25,000 copies. (Numbers are from Luminate.)

In its second week, “Partners II” sold 4,262 CDs and Vinyl on Amazon.com. And yet, it was number 1.

How bad are physical sales of albums? Pretty bad.

The number 2 album on Amazon is the Backstreet Boys’ “Millennium,” from 1999. It sold 2,626 CDs and vinyl. How did it even get up to number 2? The Boys are playing a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere.

The number 3 album is Led Zeppelin “IV,” the one with “Stairway to Heaven.” Physical sales were around 1,161. “IV” was released in 1974. I have no idea why anyone sought it out.

It’s summer, a time when music should be doing big business. But all the business is in streaming. Physical product is divided between new releases like the Streisand aimed to people too old to care about streaming, or reissues of older records. The rest of the Amazon top 12 or so is the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, and Taylor Swift from several years ago.

On iTunes, where it’s just downloads, Streisand has fallen to number 49. Despite having some of her best recordings ever with Sting, Paul McCartney, James Taylor and other stars “Partners II” is dead.

One reason might be that Barbra has done nothing to promote “Partners II.” We haven’t seen her on a morning talk show, a syndicated show, or a late night show. She doesn’t necessarily have to sing, just appear and look excited about the album. But without her personal push, “Partners II” is going to be a waste of a perfectly good record.

The irony of her absence, by the way, is that with a little marketing should could have had her seventh decade with a number one album.

Nothing is a given anymore. Having a “name” isn’t going to sell records in a vacuum.

Hamptons: Annual Art Auction at Serene Longhouse Reserve Raises $160K, 10 Year Old Boy Wins Private Yacht Charter for 10

Regina Weinreich
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Hamptons: Annual Art Auction at Serene Longhouse Reserve Raises $160K, 10 Year Old Boy Wins Private Yacht Charter for 10

The Hamptons are more than just $100 lobster salads and helicopter moms doing hot yoga.

One of the gems of the Hamptons is Longhouse Reserve, a celebration for nature enthusiasts who love the combo of gorgeously curated outdoor art in the aesthetically leafy setting. A who’s who of artists show up at the annual Summer Benefit every year.

Last night’s gala was titled “Luminosity,” honoring artist Vija Celmins and philanthropists Mary Jane and Charles Brock. As always there was an homage to late founder Jack Lenor. Alice Hope and Almond Zigmund attended, but many– such as Montauk artist Brent Richardson who donated a painting for auction– did not. Toni Ross whose furry squares may have been inspired by Jack Lenor Larsen’s textiles came to support the night.. Writer Paul Goldberger, who narrated the architectural video tour, attended too. You know it’s a party when Patrick McMullen arrives on the scene, which he did, photographing everyone, luminous or not.

“Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” costumer Donna Sakowska sipped rose near the jazz band with puppet artist Roman Paska, her husband. She costumed the series “Etoile,” produced and directed by the creative team, Daniel Palladino and Amy Sherman-Palladino, starring Luke Kirby, Lou de Laage and Charlotte Gainsbourg. Expensive to produce this transatlantic extravaganza of classic ballet art and rich storytelling, the series’ second season was cancelled. The multi-award winning Sakowska—whose work has been collected by the Smithsonian– said she created the leotards, tights and tutus worn by the dancers, not just the actors’ street attire.

Seated inside a see-through tent, guests dined on whipped lemon ricotta salad, pasta pesto served family style, and Parmesan crusted chicken, the handiwork of Hamptons Aristocrat caterers. Stars would have been visible if not for the overcast night’s drizzle. Auctioneer Jacqueline Towers-Perkins bellowed terms of endearment in her British accent as paddles raised for retreats in Palm Beach and the Hamptons. Lunch at Longhouse for 12 went three times at $7,500 each.

One lot, a private yacht charter for 10 sold to a 10-year-old named Harrison for $8,500. “Shake his hand,” finished the auctioneer.

A painting of a giant pink retro eraser appeared on the screen, a nod to pop art by awardee Vija Celmins who is also the creator of the upcoming Hamptons International Film Festival poster. Of course, the object had to be explained to the cut-and-paste crowd. “The great thing about an eraser,” she said, “is that it removes things. Now there are many things to use it on.” Everyone laughed as she segued neatly to, “Nature is not one of those things.”

Mary Jane and Charles Brock were introduced by their longtime magician Mark Mitton who performed sleight-of-hand. Overall, the auction raised $160,000. Guests applauded as they retreated to dancing and mountains of croissants, Danish, and Aroma espresso, for a misted after party on the lawn.

Follow the continuing auction here.

“Superman” Stunning Super Hero Weekend, Leaps Big Box Office: $220 Million Worldwide, $125 Million in the US (UPDATED)

Roger Friedman
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“Superman” Stunning Super Hero Weekend, Leaps Big Box Office: $220 Million Worldwide, $125 Million in the US (UPDATED)

MONDAY MORNING UPDATE: “Superman” actually took in $125 million according to Warner’s, $3 mil more than announced yesterday. Total worldwide is therefore $220 million.

James Gunn’s “Superman” had leapt the box office with a single bound.

The Warner’s/DC Comics revival scored $122 million over the weekend in the US alone.

Worldwide the total is $217 million.

A movie that vexed Warner’s for years is a hit. Two more sequels are guaranteed.

David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult are officially movie stars.

Gunn and Peter Safran are vindicated. So are Warner’s chiefs Mike DeLuca and Pam Abdy. They’ve had an incredible run this year, with “Sinners,” “Minecraft Movie,” and “Final Destination Bloodline” all ruling theaters.

They can also count “F1,” actually an Apple movie which they distributed in spite of Apple’s marketing.

“Superman” will push away through Labor Day with repeat customers all summer. And wait til it hits VOD, streaming, DVD, etc.

Now Gunn can make Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash movies, etc and build the DC Universe to match Marvel. It took a long time, but success is here.

Rosie O’Donnell Comes After Trump After Fake Citizenship Threat: “a criminal con man sexual abusing liar”

Roger Friedman
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Rosie O’Donnell Comes After Trump After Fake Citizenship Threat: “a criminal con man sexual abusing liar”

Rosie O’Donnell is not just accepting Donald Trump’s bizarre threat made yesterday.

Trump grabbed headlines by posting that he was considering the revocation of O’Donnell’s American citizenship.

Of course, he has no power to do that or to prevent her from traveling. She’s a 100% US citizen. The 14th Amendment of the Constitution protects and cannot be overridden.

Here’s what Rosie says:

the president of the usa has always hated the fact that i see him for who he is – a criminal con man sexual abusing liar out to harm our nation to serve himself – this is why i moved to ireland – he is a dangerous old soulless man with dementia who lacks empathy compassion and basic humanity- i stand in direct opposition all he represents- so do millions of others – u gonna deport all who stand against ur evil tendencies – ur a bad joke who cant form a coherent sentence

“Superman” Flies to $56.5 Million Thurs-Fri, Heading Toward $125 Mil Weekend, MAGA Resistance No Kryptonite

Roger Friedman
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“Superman” Flies to $56.5 Million Thurs-Fri, Heading Toward $125 Mil Weekend, MAGA Resistance No Kryptonite

“Superman” is the story of the summer.

James Gunn’s clever revival of the DC Comics chief hero is a bonanza at the box office.

Thursday previews plus Friday numbers came to $56.5 million.

Weekend predictions are for $125 million. Today’s numbers are going to be huge based on word of mouth. The movie has a 95% audience meter on Rotten Tomatoes.

DC Comics movies are saved, and so is Warner Bros.

Meanwhile, MAGA tried to be the movie’s kryptonite by saying it was “woke” or so much nonsense. No one took the bait. Also, timing is everything. New polls show that immigrants are sympathetic now, so saying Superman is an immigrant has proven to be very smart.

Also smart is the “Superman” marketing campaign. It’s relentless, and fun. The movie’s trio of stars — David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult — have come across in a most jolly way. They make you want to see the movie.

PS There will be two more of these “Superman” movies. I love it when they say the actors are “open” to sequels. In reality, they all signed deals for a trilogy in advance. Most of these franchise deals are built that way.

Rosie Responds To Trump’s Hollow Threat: “You lie, you steal, you degrade –
I nurture, I create, I persist”

Roger Friedman
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Rosie Responds To Trump’s Hollow Threat: “You lie, you steal, you degrade –
I nurture, I create, I persist”

Rosie O’Donnell has struck back at Trump’s hollow threat with Thunder.

“hey donald –
you’re rattled again? 
18 years later and I still live rent-free in that collapsing brain of yours.
you call me a threat to humanity –
but I’m everything you fear:
a loud”

“You lie, you steal, you degrade –
I nurture, I create, I persist,” she declares.

Trump has always feared Rosie. She fights back. She won’t be bullied. She’s 10 times smarter and more articulate. She’s also literate. These are things he’s not.

Watch Trump try and do this. A California judge has just put his deportations on hold. The federal judges are not going to allow their legacies to be tied to his — well maybe his SCOTUS shills but not all of them.

Trump Epstein Fake Out: Says He Might Revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s Citizenship (Which He Knows He Can’t Do)

Roger Friedman
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Trump Epstein Fake Out: Says He Might Revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s Citizenship (Which He Knows He Can’t Do)

Trump is falling apart over Jeffrey Epstein.

The presidency is falling apart as the FBI’s quacky leaders Kash Patel and Dan Bongino are threatening to quit over Pam Bondi’s announcement that no Epstein files exist.

They existed a short time ago, of course, when binders were waved around reading “Epstein Files.”

MAGA is furious because they were hoping Bill Clinton and some of their hate targets would be mentioned. They don’t even think Trump is in files.

Elon Musk says Steve Bannon is in the files.

We can imagine Trump is since Epstein called him his best friend and there is plenty of video evidence of their hanging out together.

So what does Trump do? He announces this morning, apropos of nothing, that he might revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenship. Rosie has been living in Ireland just to get away from the madness here. She’s very much a US citizen, born in New York to American parents.

Trump knows he can’t do this, but it’s a misdirection, a fake out to get the press off the Epstein story. He also announced 30% tariffs on the UK and EU today. He’s trying to get away from the court ruling last night stopping ICE from acting like the gestapo. Trump is losing bigly.

Trump also lost his final appeal to not pay E. Jean Carroll $5 million in the sex abuse case.

Trump is rattled. Monday’s stock market will drop like a rock following Friday’s drop over Canada tariffs. There’s a new poll saying Americans are finally waking up to the immigration situation and are now in favor it — I guess watching Nazi type behavior rattled the sensible part of the public.

Can he strip Rosie of her standing? No. But it’s something to talk about all weekend. Whatever happened to Greenland and Panama, for example?

Rosie is and has been for 10 years a voice in the wilderness on Trump. She’s never wavered in her criticism. Trump worked on Barbara Walters to get her fired from “The View.” Rosie has been steadfast. Bravo! She’s a woman of principles.

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