Jackie Evancho...PBS Special lacked "essence"! Promising talent on rise!

Music-lovers - and fans of PBS - were treated to a vastly entertaining live! concert by an enormously talented songbird by the name of Jackie Evancho over the weekend.

Armchair critics may recall that the little "Angel" - with the golden tresses - appeared on ever-popular "America's Got Talent" last year and scored a prestigious No. 2 slot with discerning Judges who raved about her stellar talent.

In fact - on the heels of her success - Simon Cowell's Syco Label signed the pretty vocalist to record a debut album which was titled "Dream With Me".

Ms. Evancho truly captivated the audience during the course of the fabulous sold-out concert on PBS on Sunday Night - in part - due to the fact that she demonstrated a range that was quite phenomenal.

In addition, haunting unexpected musical transitions - not only took fans by surprise - but underscored the 11-year-old has been blessed with a God-given gift to reckon with!

Unfortunately, Evancho's handlers have steered the innocent young performer in the wrong direction in many respects and by virtue of the fact that a handful of tunes selected for the concert were beyond her ability to interpret.

For instance, when Evancho attempted to perform  the hit - "Arms of an Angel" - the "essence" (the true meaning) of the song eluded her.

Sometimes, it is important that a poignant tune be sung simply and in a straightforward manner if it is to truly touch!

In this instance case, the number was too over-the-top - and thus - missed its mark.

In fact, on occasion, Evancho sounded like she was warbling with a few marbles in her mouth!

The phrasing was poor, too.

Likewise, when Opera-style singer (by way of the magic of special effects) sang a duet with Barbra Streisand, the end result was a disaster.

Up against a seasoned pro like La Streisand (who was bang on, by the way), Evancho didn't have a chance!

Her vocalization was forced, over-the-top, and devoid of any common sense idea of what the tune was all about!

In the final analysis, Jackie Evancho has a long way to go before she is recognized as a polished professional performer worth her salt on the Concert circuit or in the recording studio.

Sorry, Jackie!

http://www.thetattler.biz





Evancho's PBS Performance lacked "essence"!

Barbra Streisand...bombs @ Grammy Awards! Rusty pipes distract!

 

Studio "sweetening" for Babs in future?

 

As Christina Aguilera recovers from the humility of screwing up big time with the lyrics of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl last weekend, "Babs" is forced to reconcile the fact that her once-golden pipes have lost their silky-smooth tones!

Uh-huh!

When La Streisand wafted onto the stage at the Grammy Award celebration last night in Los Angeles - gussied up in a dowdy purple frock (with frightful frizzy out-of-style "do") - it was evident to all within earshot that the funny gal was straining to hit the high notes of the tune she attempt to croon.

Even still, the nostalgic crowd was inclined to send off the Pop Diva in grand style, with a standing "O".

The fact there were no "close-ups" - said it all - in my estimation.

Barbra Streisand gave one of her last bows, without doubt, so cherish it folks!

http://www.thetattler.biz/



President Obama...State Dinner for President Hu! Barbra Streisand comment offensive to Chinese?

Handshakes across the water!

President Obama toasted Chinese President Hu, the 1st Lady looked stunning in a red silk organza gown with delicate black flourishes, and the tony elite nibbled on a five-course dinner (before saunering off for an evening of live entertainment) under a distinguished-looking three-quarter-length portrait of President Lincoln who stared down on the goings-on from a far wall.

The occasion?

Why - a State dinner at the White House in honor of Chinese President Hu who is currently visiting these shores - of course!

There was a lot of pomp and circumstance throughout the course of the heady evening, too!

President Obama saluted the people of both Nations on the auspicious occasion, for starters.

"May they (the Chinese & the Americans) grow together in friendship. May they prosper together in peace. And may they realize their dream of the future for themselves, for their children and for their grandchildren," he stressed with great poignancy.

The glittering affair was attended by the "Who's Who" of American Society.

Well, supporters of the Democrats, to be sure!

Former Presidents Clinton and Carter were spied mingling among a host of celebrated luminaries who dressed-to-the-nines for the dazzling don't-miss event.

Mainstays on the political scene - Henry Kissinger and Madelaine Albright, for instance - put in appearances, too.

Not to be outdone, the Hollywood red-carpet-crowd turned out in full force to get up-close-and-personal with power brokers on Washington Hill.

The guest list included - Barbra Streisand, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, Cellist Yo-You Ma, film star Jackie Chan, Fashion Designer Vera Wang, and Walt Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger  - to name a few.

The rarefied uppercrust who attended supped on a menu featuring mouth-watering entrees such as Maine Lobster and dry-aged rib-eye.

"Typically American," according to White House officials.

In spite of growing controversy in recent years over China's use of dangerous lead in children's toy exports, the shameful shunning of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a tendency to use real animal fur in fashion offerings to the dismay of animal activists, and allegations of unfair competition by U.S. Lawmakers - most scrambled at the opportunity to sashay into the tony affair.

When Barbra Streisand was asked how she wangled an invite, she allegedly quipped to a reporter:

"I used to work at a Chinese restaurant."

Ooops!

I wonder how the Chinese feel about the stereo-type and being slighted by big-bucks-bab?

I expect there will also be an outcry later in the week when an investigative journalist turns in on a report on the cost of the Hu dinner during  these tough economic times.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/



Chelsea Clinton...paparazzi swarm in frenzied build-up on Wedding Day!

Chelsea's big day thanks to Daddy!

Slick Willy approves of son-in-law!

The celebrity sightings started last evening in the tony enclave of Rhinebeck, New York - as guests who were invited to Chelsea Clinton's much-ballyhooed nupitals - began arriving to attend a well-planned rehearsal at an estimated cost of $250,000.00.

Bill Clinton, casually dressed in a black "t'" and slacks nabbed a lot of attention - for instance - when he stepped out of a chauffeured limo and proceeded to stroll through the throngs all smiles into one of the many quaint local establishments that dotted the picturesque main street.

In his wake, the locals kibbitzed and chatted each other up about the high-profile celebrity guest list.

In the mouths of many?

Gossips tittered about  Barbara Streisand and Sarah Jessica Parker - surely two of the most highly-visible celebs - to saunter into their little neck of the woods in recent years



When a shot of Babs filled the TV screen in my hospital room this morning,  alongside a report on her invite to the wedding, a big bouncey nurse voiced her blatant disapproval.

"Why did Chelsea invite her to the wedding?"

I pointed out that the Diva was one of slick Willy's big financial backers in his last bid for the Presidency.

At which point, I noted that Barbara once slept overnight at the White House.

"I think she had the hots for Bill, don't you," I was inclined to tease from the comfy confines of my hospital bed.

The nurse let out a belly-laugh at this juncture.

"I just betcha!"

One local was sure she caught sight of fashion designer Vera Wang.

That little tidbit added feul to the speculation that Chelsea would sashay down the aisle in one of her exquisite creations.

"The Bridesmaids will be wearing Wang, too," another asserted from the sidelines.

But, Hillary - it's been rumored - has remained loyal to long-time pal - Oscar De La Renta - in that fashion regard.

Big "O" sightings abounded around town, too. 

Was Oprah Winfrey really in their humble midst?

Gifting shiny new cars - left, right and center - no doubt.

No Steadman in sight, however.

At dusk, after rehearsal broke, there was a flurry of activity as guests shuffled off  to an old Historic Inn for cocktails with the Clintons.

"Oh, look. There's Madeleine Albright," cried out one excited bystander.

Meanwhile, media hounds jockeyed for position, and mused about the details.

After all, it's all about the details!

Although most struggling American couples (first starting out) shell out approximately $24,000.00 for their special day at the local chapel, the scuttlebutt persists that the Clintons have gone way over the top with a spiffy  "once-in-a-lifetime" ceremony expected to run up receipts in the neighborhood of 2 to 3 million smackeroos.

In retrospect, it appears that staggering sums of moolah the former President drummed up from speaking engagements around the globe in recent years (emoted at an estimated $100,000.00 a pop) may come in handy when the well-turned-out Barista presents the bill.

In one respect, the Clinton's may have lucked out.

Insiders whisper that the menu will be predominated by Vegan dishes, in view of the fact, Chelsea is a big fan of Vegetarianism.



American voters may recall press clips of Ms. Clinton nursing bumper crops in the organic garden on the White House roof, and later shuffling around the state-of-the-art kitchen, whipping up nutritious Vegan meals for the1st family.

How much could a few lousey vegetables (and tofu) cost in the grand scheme of things?

The wedding march is expected to strike up at 6 p.m. this evening.

But, invited guests may not be beaming in the church aisles, unless they first pass muster with a security detail that is handling the evening's blessed event with military-style precision.

At the door of the Church, armed guards will scan guest lists and photos, to ensure there are no gate crashers at-the-ready to hitch a joy ride on the High Society event of the year.

Pssst!

See 'ya at the kitchen door!

Madeleine ready to catch the bouquet!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Justin Bieber...PEOPLE cover goofy! Pop star cries foul...

When a artist graces the cover of PEOPLE magazine, they’ve arrived in many respects.

But, in view of the complaints emanating out of the Justin Bieber camp, mainstream images beaming out to the masses is not always a palpable one, welcomed with open arms by the subject.

Shortly after Pop Culture’s “Bible”of  celebrity tattle released a promo on their new darling - Justin Bieber - he roared his disapproval by way of the almighty tweet.

If fans read between the lines, it was obvious.

Bieber hates the squeaky-clean - almost scary - photograph that stares out goofily from the popular weekly on the newstands around the country.

The mouth, for example, is so pepsodent!

Also, it appears that PEOPLE facilitated some photo-shop magic to effect the image of a wholesome all-American pop star (in spite of the fact he’s Canadian).

Ah, it’s the nature of the beast.

Once fame has knocked on a celebrity’s door, the perceptions of the individual become twisted and distorted (triggered by a ravenous press out to manipulate - and eventually devour - their latest caged animal).

I expect that in the near future, Bieber’s handlers will start requesting editorial control, choice of pics, you name it.

Like Streisand, before him, there may be clandestine efforts to protect and promote the persona that fits their vision of the sizzling hot pop star in the early throes of his career on talk shows and at high-profile celebrity events.

If you recall, Barbra Streisand demanded Oprah Winfrey rearrange the furniture on her set, so the Diva's  better side (is there one?) was facing camera.

Antics like that earned La Streisand the title of “Super C**t”.



For good reason, celebrities lay down a lot of cold hard cash to snap up a bevy of expert handlers to usher them up the ladder of success without any burps (or nasty gaffes) causing stumbles along the way.

Superstars are not immune to fatal missteps in the fickle arena - otherwise known as the Hollywood Dream Factory - though.

When Tom Cruise took a dive from his lofty perch (in part due to the infamous couch-jumping scene on Oprah) foes clucked with glee.

No wonder!

Just months prior, Cruise parted ways with the all-powerful well-connected Hollywood public relations team,  once watching over him with hawk-like precision.

Cruise has never recovered from the fallout.

As to Bieber, well it’s not all roses, by any means.

For some inexplicable reason, TMZ has  chosen to knock the kid marvel (with a  No. 1 hit record and a posse of adoring fans "following"  every move).

On one segment, Harvey &  the kids gleefully referred to Bieber as a gruesome virus spreading around the Nation.

The mischievous gossip mongers tend to broadcast off-the-wall embarrassing photos, too, whenever they're offered up by a watchful paparazzi quick on the uptake.

For example, one cynical photog captured a shot of a Bieber billboard captioned - “My World” - atop a strip joint known as “Crazy Girls”.

I caught the whiz kid slip - and reveal  a cocky ill-mannered side - when he plunked his foot down on the coffee table during an appearance on the Jay Leno show.

Right about now, the industry is panting at the mouth, for a delicious Bieber scandal.

If God smiles on me, I may be the lucky one to break the news first.

Eat your heart out, Harvey!
 

http://www.thetattler.biz

Barbra Streisand...practices a bit of Buddhist philosophy! Gives to charity...

How many mouths would that necklace feed?

Ooops!

There I go again, as Reagan would say!

A few weeks back, I penned a critical post on Barbra Streisand, on the heels of an in-depth interview she granted for a night-time talk show.

During the course of the gab fest, the celebrated chanteuse played-up her extravagances and nit-picky hard-nosed style (which some assert stems from early potty-training and an anal-retentive personality disorder accordingly) including - but not limited to - boasting about the fact she hand-sorted fish to match up with the color schemes reflected in her meditation pond.

But, the "Funny Lady" - in what was being touted as an honest and insightful peak into an ultra-private corner of La Streisand's little world - stepped in deep do-do (in my humble opinion) when she exalted her vulgar lifestyle in spite of the fact thousands of Americans have struggled to make ends meet in these tough economic times.

Okay, so I was a little harsh, but the truth of the matter?

As mankind heads down a slippery road towards an uncertain future, I think it's of paramount importance, that the citizens of the world look out for (and have compassion on) each other.

According to facts I have gleened from various reputable sources, a handful of rich and powerful men control about nine-tenths of the wealth on the planet.

Scary thought, when you consider the high-profile corporate raiders (for the most part)  are prone to toy with the markets at whim, while the madding classes are forced to starve and struggle daily to make ends meet.

In my humble opinion, a distribution of wealth among the peoples of the world, is long overdue.

Revolt, shall we?

Needless to say, I was quite impressed - elated actually - when I picked up the morning newspaper one day recently and spied an article which reported that Streisand held an auction (consisting of memorabilia, clothing, and furniture) with the specific aim of donating the monies to charity.

"Let someone else enjoy it (the eclectic collection) now."

Is it possible that the songbird stumbled upon the Buddhist philosophy and found enlightenment at long last?

The practice of "letting go" and shooting for a tranquil state of "beingness" (where possessions don't weigh the individual down) sure worked for me.

Instead of craving for an exquisite piece of art or longing for an expensive antique I may have caught sight of in an eye-catching display window - I am capable of appreciating the collectable from afar in its resting place without the need to "own" it or spirit it away to my own private digs.

Barbra without an "A" (as Patty Mooney corrected noted in a comment early this eve) has undoubtedly mellowed over the years - or just maybe - that handsome actor husband of hers has something to do with it.

Either way, I say, kudos!

Obviously, a smiling Universe is paying her back in kind, with a No. 1 album, appropriately titled "Love".

http://www.julianayrs.com

Barbara Streisand...self-indulgent excesses vulgar? The gal with the gold pipes...

Barbara's nose for money
&
the sweet smell of success

Some may have been a trifle offended by Barbara Streisand's lofty self-indulgent excesses when they came to light in an at-home interview just published in Parade Magazine over the weekend.

In view of the troubling economic downturn in recent months, I expect that a few Americans (down-on-their-luck and in dire straits) were pi**ed when it was revealed - by the Diva herself - that she hand-picked a select school of black & white fish to match the color scheme of her pool.

And, talk about horseshoes up the a**!

One day the pampered little fu**ers started flipping out gold fish.

In addition, Streisand was inclined to expound on the finer points of decorating etiquette.

At a time when quite a few homeowners are struggling to meet their mortgages and avoid eviction, Ms. Streisand had the audacity (lack of sensitivity?) to chat about the importance of carrying-over the color schemes "blossoming" in the garden to the interior environs of the home.

Babs, just be thankful you have one!

Your vulgar displays of wealth are disgusting.

Epictetus said it best:

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants."

The house of excess!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Shoshana Bean...A Happening @ the Ford Theatre! Official kick-off night-out event for LA Pride 2009!

Singing Sensation - Shoshana Bean - will be appearing at the local Ford AmphiTheatre on Thursday, June 11th.

Christopher Street West and LA Pride are billing the dazzling one night (two-part) performance as the Pride Night kick-off event for LA Pride 2009.

You are invited to rub shoulders with her adoring fans, and witness the evolution of a young Diva, as she climbs from relative obscurity to the heights of superstar status.

Bean will perform tunes from her album - Superhero - which debuted as #5 on iTunes in December (2008).

In addition, Ms. Bean will no doubt wow the rapt audience with her dazzling tribute to lengendary Barbara Streisand.

The talented chanteuse is no stranger to the stage, though.

Shoshana Bean garnered a lot of attention when she performed in the off-Broadway production of Godspell in 2001, at which point, there was no looking back.

The "Wicked" star also landed rave reviews for her show-stopping warbling alongside the original cast of "Hairspray" in NYC.

Notwithstanding, her Thursday night performance will be bolstered up by the considerable talents of recording star - Billy Porter (Stage Director) - and Music Directors Gerald Sternback & Matt Curson.

Music presented by Chris Isaacson & Shane Sheel.

Tickets: http://www.fordtheatres.org

Discount Tickets

(excluding VIP seating)
40% off sale price

Available by telephone only (323) 461-3673) with discount code: EqualityPal

VIP Tickets
Best seats & post show Artist Meet & Greet with drinks courtesy 10 Cane.
*Rum & tasty Hors D'oeuvres courtesy of Vermont Restaurant & Bar.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Jewish Film Festival (Las Vegas)...Fanny Brice doc a highlight!

Years ago I met a pretty young lady in Manhattan who was the great niece of actress Fanny Brice.

In her NYC digs, she prominently displayed a couple of antiques once owned by the legendary stage performer who appeared in the Ziegfeld Follies.

Of course, her uncle was Ray Stark, the producer who brought the intriguing Brice story to the silver screen starring Barbara Streisand.

This week, the Jewish Film Festival kicks off on Saturday January 17th - with the documentary "Making Trouble" - which focuses on Jewish women who broke comedy barriers in theatre, film, and and television - of which - Ms. Brice was one

Tickets: 702-341-7512

The festival is produced annually by the Desert Space Foundation as well as the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada.

Funding is also raised through grants from the Jewish Federation in Las Vegas, the Nevada Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Cinemark Theatres is also a generous sponsor.

According to the Festival organizers:

"The Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival utilizes the art of film to provide cultural enrichment, promote community collaboration, engage the unaffiliated, and offer educational education outreach to the Jewish and non-Jewish community by enhancing awareness and appreciation of Jewish identity, history and culture.

In addition to the "Brice" documentary, there are several other celluloid offerings worth catching for those who aren't inclined to trundle off to colder climbs to take in the Sundance film fest underway back east.

Some highlights include:

January 18th (1 p.m.)

Praying with Lior
The acclaimed doc focuses on Lior , a rabbi's son with down syndrome, preparing for bar mitzvah.

Valley Outreach Synagogue
Info: 702-869-0190

4 p.m.

My Mexican Shivah
In Mexico city, a dysfunctional Jewish family observes a seven-day mourning period for their patriarch, by sharing stories, secrets, conflicts and rivalries.

Chabad of Southern Nevada
Info: 702-804-1333

January 19th (1 p.m.)

Au Revoir Les Enfants
Director Louis Malle's award-winning 1987 drama - inspired by his own experience at a Catholic Boarding School during World War II - focuses on a friendship between two boys (one French and the other Jewish) who are hidden from the Nazis by the friars who run the school.

Adelson Educational Campus (free)

JANUARY 22 (7 p.m.)

Strangers (South Point)
At the World Cup finals in Germany, an Israeli man and a Palestinian women meet and find themselves drawn into a passionate love affair.

Congregation Ner Amid
Info: 702-733-6292

January 24th (7 p.m.)

Nina's Journey
An award-winning fact-based Swedish drama about a woman who - imprisoned with her family in a Warsaw Ghetto - escapes to the Aryan side and masquerades as a gentile.

Nevada Governor's Advisory Council on Education (Free)

The festival runs through January 25th (with one screening on Feb 1st) at various venues around Las Vegas.

Tickets are $10 except for those advance-posted as free.

Info: http://www.desertspace.org/film_festival/index.html

http://www.julianayrs.com