Francisca Valenzuela to Take Part in the Grammy Museum’s Mentorship Monday Program

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Francisca Valenzuela will be your guide…

The 33-year-old Chilean American singer, poet and multi-instrumentalist will take part in the Grammy Museum’s new Mentorship Monday program in partnership with Grammy U and former First Lady Michelle Obama‘s Reach Higher initiative.

Every Monday beginning next week through August 31, top-tier music industry professionals like Valenzuela will mentor college students and recent graduates via digital conferencing.

In addition to Valenzuela, mentors include artists Sam Fischer, Tikyra “TK” Jackson, Ledisi, three-time Grammy winners Little Big Town, Melanie Pfirrman and Sasha Sloan, as well as Recording Academy members.

The sessions will give students an opportunity to connect with established music industry professionals and creatives, and will serve as a valuable tool for information, advice and exploration within a wide variety of music careers and topics as they pursue their own careers.

“The Grammy Museum’s new Mentorship Monday program exemplifies the Museum’s mission to uphold music’s value in our lives through education and collaboration between professionals and aspiring creatives,” said Michael Sticka, president of the Grammy Museum. “I’d like to thank Reach Higher and Grammy U for helping make this program a reality.”

“Reach Higher is excited to partner with the Grammy Museum to bring mentorship to students this summer.” said Eric Waldo, Executive Director of Reach Higher. “Music helps us hear each other more fully and to share ourselves with one another authentically. Now more than ever is a wonderful time for professionals and artists to harness the unifying and uplifting power of music to support students as they explore and pursue educational and career opportunities in all facets of the recording industry,”

While the sessions are currently invitation-only, a selection will be released in the future as part of Reach Higher’s Beating the Odds Summit, and a selection of public-facing mentorship sessions will be available via Instagram Live.

Valenzuela released her latest album, La Fortaleza, in January.The album consists of 14 tracks, including the singles “Tómame,” “Héroe” and “Flotando.”

Carlos Santana to Give Keynote Address at the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA’s Commencement Ceremony

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Santana is preppin’ for a supernatural graduation…

The 72-year-old Mexican Grammy-winning guitarist and entrepreneur will be the featured speaker for the 2020 commencement ceremony at the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLAon June 19.

In a statement about the event, the school’s inaugural dean, Eileen L. Stempel, said that Santana’s “inclusive global sound and commitment to social justice are emblematic of our school’s core values,” adding, “I am deeply moved by his desire to share words of inspiration and encouragement with our graduates during this important time.”

“I feel honored to be speaking to young musicians and a new generation of music scholars,” said the Grammy-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer in a statement. “The class of 2020 is resilient and their voices are needed now more than ever. I want them to use their music as a platform to empower and unite as we seek justice and creative solutions during these challenging times.”

The 2020 commencement will take place online on June 19 at 4:00 p.m. PDT; it will also include music and remarks by graduating students and a performance by the Herbie Hancock Institute for Jazz Performance at UCLA.

This year’s graduating class at the school will feature 130 graduates from the departments of ethnomusicology, global jazz studies, music, music industry and musicology.

CNCO Celebrates Class of 2020 with Virtual YouTube Performance of Hits

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

CNCO is celebrating the Class of 2020 in a special way…

The Latino boy band got graduates dancing at home with their party-ready medley of hits on Sunday night (June 7).

CNCO — Christopher, Erick, Zabiel, Richard and Joel — synchronized their own moves, in separate video frames, as they performed “Honey Boo,” “Hey DJ” and “Reggaetón Lento” remotely during the after party following the “Dear Class of 2020” YouTube Originals graduation ceremony.

Earlier in the evening, in the midst of the actual ceremony, they also popped in to teach this year’s grads how to say “Congratulations to the class of 2020” in Spanish.

The virtual graduation ceremony, which started with Lizzo‘s powerhouse flute performance and was chock-full of all-star commencement speeches from the likes of Barack and Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, BTS, Lady Gaga and more, was capped off with a class of 2020 after party with CNCO, Megan Thee Stallion and BTS.

María Elena Salinas to Give Keynote Address During NAHJ’s Virtual Graduation Celebration

Posted on June 2, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

María Elena Salinas is hoping to inspire this year’s graduates…

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) will host a virtual graduation celebration on June 6 to commemorate the organization’s graduating college seniors, and the 65-year-old broadcast journalist, news anchor and author will give the keynote address.

Following social distancing recommendations dictated by the CDC, graduations across the country to date have been altered, canceled, postponed or held virtually.

The nation’s largest association for Hispanic journalists will honor NAHJ member college graduates on Saturday, June 6 at 1:00 pm ET.

Multiple commencement addresses will be given by industry leaders in the field to share advice and words of inspiration to the Class of 2020.

In addition to Salinas, who is considered the “Voice of Hispanic America,” students will also hear from Maria Hinojosa, José Díaz-Balart, Fin Gómez, Robert Hernandez, Obed Manuel-Estrada, Joy Diaz and more.

“Our mission is to help the professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry,” said Alberto B. Mendoza, NAHJ Executive Director. “We focus heavily on our students and are committed to being there from the beginning of their careers.

Young journalists play an essential role in the field. On June 6, NAHJ invites all community members to join and watch this memorable event.

Selena Gomez Celebrates This Year’s Graduating Immigrants with Heartwarming Speech

Posted on May 25, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez is honoring the graduating children of immigrants…

The 27-year-old Mexican American singer/actress filmed a special video message to this year’s graduates who are part of immigrant families, as part of the Immigrad 2020 Virtual Commencement on Saturday, May 23.

“I know that this is a virtual ceremony, but it is very real, and it’s very real to all the families and all of you and your communities,” Gomez said. “I want you guys to know that you matter and that your experiences are a huge part of the American story.”

Gomez then shared a bit of her own family’s history, saying, “When my family came here from Mexico they set into motion my American story, as well as theirs. I’m a proud third-generation American-Mexican, and my family’s journey and their sacrifices helped me get me to where I am today.”

“Mine is not a unique story,” she continued. “Each and every one of you have a similar tale of becoming an American. Regardless of where your family is from, regardless of your immigration status, you have taken action to earn an education, to make your families proud and to open up your worlds. So I’m sending all of my love to you guys today and congratulations, and I hope that you guys are set off to be everything that you want to be.”

The virtual commencement ceremony was hosted this weekend by Define American, FWD.us, United We Dream, I Am An Immigrant and Golden Door Scholars for graduating students across the country.

Jennifer Lopez to Appear as Part of YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” Global Virtual Commencement Ceremony

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez is ready to motivate this year’s graduates…

YouTube has added several speakers and musical performances to Dear Class of 2020, its global virtual commencement ceremony set for June 6, including the 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar.

In addition to Lopez, others joining Barack and Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga and more as part of the special event are Beyoncé Knowles-Carter— who will deliver an inspirational message to the graduates — La La Anthony, Andy Cohen, Lana Condor, Misty Copeland,Kevin Durant, FINNEAS, Bill & Melinda Gates, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Demi Lovato, Hasan Minhaj, Janelle Monáe,Antoni Porowski, Billy Porter, Phoebe Robinson, Yara Shahidi, Michael Strahan, Taylor Swift, Ciara & Russell Wilson, the casts of Euphoria and Riverdale, Today’s Jenna Bush Hager and Natalie Morales, and YouTub ecreators Emma Chamberlain, John Green, NikkieTutorials, and Mark Rober.

The multi-hour event premieres on Saturday, June 6 on YouTube. Other speakers and performers include BTS, Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, Kerry Washington, Chloe x Halle and Zendaya, among others.

Barack and Michelle Obama each will deliver commencement speeches – as well as a joint heartfelt message – to this year’s high school and college seniors who are missing graduation celebrations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, Michelle Obama’s Higher Reach Initiative will host a full hour of content to kick off the celebration.

“Graduation is a tradition that students and families look forward to and with the current state of the world, YouTube is lending some inspiration in the form of a virtual commencement,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Content for YouTube. “We hope bringing together noteworthy, influential speakers along with performances from some of their favorite artists will provide encouragement for the students who have worked so hard to get here.”

In “Dear Class of 2020,” people from around the world will join the class of 2020 as a singular community to celebrate their resilience, and the endless possibilities of their future, says YouTube.

“The festival-style line up combines classic commencement day themes with a diverse array of entertainment that will capture all of the emotions of graduation including pride, hope, optimism, and camaraderie.”

YouTube is working in partnership with Higher Reach, Born This Way Foundation, Malala Fund, TODAY, and Ideas United to showcase student stories and feature graduates around the world, including a crowd-sourced commencement speech. The special will be produced by Done + Dusted.

“Dear Class of 2020” can be streamed on the YouTube Originals channel and the Learn@Home site.

The full schedule of commencement events is available on the Learn@Home site.

Cardi B Celebrates Class of 2020 in Special Facebook & Instagram Virtual Commencement Ceremony

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Let Cardi B’s brilliant speechwriting commence…

Despite ending their year in quarantine, the Class of 2020 is getting some great advice from the 27-year-old half-Dominican American rap superstar and other celebrities.

Cardi B, Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey,Matthew McConaughey and more celebs have come together for #Graduation2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020, which kicked off on Friday, May 15 at 11:00 am PT / 2:00 pm. ET.

The event was co-hosted by Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak, with a commencement address by Oprah Winfrey and words of wisdom from Awkwafina, Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X, Simone Biles and others.

A preview of Cardi B’s speech was released on Thursday, showing the rapper offering her pearls of wisdom.

“It’s more than a diploma,” Cardi B says. “It’s more than graduation. It’s knowledge. It’s knowing that you took it… that you went through those hard nights studying. To this day, I just replay my high school memories in my head, and for the college ones… I didn’t finish college, but I went. I just want to say congrats. Now you’re about to start your life, you’re about to make some money!”

Http://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=250142263005997

#Graduation2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020 will be available on Facebook Watch and facebook.com/facebookapp.

Highlights and more will be posted to the @instagram account on Instagram and on contributors’ social media accounts.

Bad Bunny to Take Part in LeBron James’ “Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020” Special

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunnyis celebrating the Class of 2020…

The LeBron James Family Foundation announced that it’s paying tribute to the class of 2020 with a one-hour multimedia event called Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020, with the 26-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap singer joining the roster of participating artists.

James’ virtual graduation party for this year’s graduation class, who’s seen their school year cancelled because of the coronavirus, will take place on Saturday, May 16 at 8:00 pm ET simultaneously on NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox— as well as on the streaming platforms Complex Networks, Facebook app, Instagram, People TV, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.

In addition to Bad Bunny, the lineup includes Kane Brown, Lana Condor, David Dobrik, Dolan Twins, Karol G, Liza Koshy, Maren Morris, National Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson, Olivia Wilde, Zendaya, Charli D’Amelio, Dixie D’Amelio, Chika, YBN Cordae, Loren Gray, H.E.R., the Jonas Brothers, Brandan Bmike Odums, Ben Platt, Henry Platt, Jonah Platt, Megan Rapinoe, Yara Shahidi, Lena Waithe, Pharrell Williams, Malala Yousafzaiand many more.

Working with the XQ Instituteand The Entertainment Industry Foundation, the show will allow the companies to honor the more than three million high school seniors who’ll miss out on the annual rite of passage due to the national shutdown caused by the COVID-19pandemic.

“We learned early on in our work with students and families in Akron that education is so much more than academics,” said James in a statement.

“It’s about a shared experience, a journey we’re all on together—students, parents, educators, community members, and everyone around them. With that not being possible right now, we’ve been working to find ways to help families get through this really difficult time. These students have worked incredibly hard for this and there’s no way we can let that go unrecognized. While this won’t be the graduation experience they were supposed to get, we hope we can still give them something special because they deserve it.”

The commercial-free show will be curated by high school students and educators from across the country, with support from the American Federation of Teachers, highlighted by a collection of commencement addresses, celebrity performances and inspirational vignettes.

Students, educators, and families are encouraged to submit their videos and photos online for consideration to be included in the telecast using #GraduateTogether. Artist JR is also inviting seniors to share their portraits for a national virtual yearbook celebrating the entire Class of 2020.

Local TV stations will feature custom breakaways to celebrate the achievements of high school students in their communities.

Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020will be broadcast commercial-free on May 16 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Makes 10-Year $1 Million Commitment to National Theater Institute for Minority Scholarships

Posted on March 5, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Lin-Manuel Miranda is helping the next generation of theater stars…

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican composer, lyricist, singer, actor, producer and playwright’s Miranda Family Fund has made a 10-year $1 million commitment to provide scholarships for the National Theater Institute, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s six-semester program designed to prepare students for work in the theater industry.

The Miranda Family Fund supports scholarships to further the inclusion of artists of color across all disciplines of theater, and also has been active in post-Hurricane Mariarelief and rebuilding efforts in Puerto Rico.

“We see Lin-Manuel Miranda’s influence, inspiration, and artistry everyday in our classrooms,” said the Institute’s Artistic Director Rachel Jett. “The Miranda family’s decade-long commitment ensures that NTI’s unique multi-disciplinary training is available to everyone. And that our ensembles — and the audiences that support their work — represent the multitude of voices that will keep this ever-evolving art form vibrant, relevant, and revolutionary.”

According to the announcement, the 10-year commitment will ensure that the Institute will be able “to advance access, opportunity, and representation in American culture,” and that the Miranda Family Fund is “helping to actively and permanently transform and diversify the American cultural landscape through investment in young artists and with the shared belief that the stories told and the artists who tell them should represent the diversity of the nation.”

The Miranda Family Fund was established in 2017, and to date has supported the training of 40 students of color at the Institute.

In 2005, Miranda held a workshop of In the Heightsat the O’Neill’s National Music Theater Conference.

“My time at the O’Neill was integral to me learning how to tell my story,” the Hamiltoncreator said. “My family and I hope that this financial commitment will help the O’Neill to continue incorporating an increasingly diverse pool of creators and performers to their unique and impactful programming for years to come.“

Said Miranda, “Access is an obstacle for many people looking to pursue a career in the arts, particularly those of color.”

In addition to the playwright, the Miranda Family Fund is operated by his wife Vanessa Nadal, parents Luis A. Miranda, Jr.and Dr. Luz Towns-Miranda, sister Luz Miranda-Crespoand her husband Luis Crespo.

Aracely Jimenez to Speak on Climate Change at SXSW

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Aracely Jimenez is bringing a little Sunriseto the Lone Star State…

With SXSW just weeks away, the annual confab has added more featured speakers and keynotes to the 34th edition of its conference which takes place March 13-22, including a climate change talk featuring the Latina activist and member of Sunrise Movement, which mobilizes young people to take action to combat climate change.

Jimenez’s panel, entitled Climate Justice and Unlearned Lessons of the Day the Levees Broke, will also feature The Atlantic’s staff writer Vann Newkirk and CNN’s chief climate correspondent Bill Weir.

Here’s the full list of additions:

Newly-announced SXSW 2020 Keynotes include:

“5 Ways You’re Killing Your Creative Potential” — Keynote with Chief Creative Officer of TBWA\Media Arts Lab Brent Anderson(Convergence)
“Are You Ready for the Future of Space Exploration?” — Keynote with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli, Tyler N. “Nick” Hague, and CNN Business writer Jackie Wattles(Convergence)

Newly-announced Featured Speakers and Sessions include:

Comedian, actor, creator and host of Adult Swim’s hit series The Eric Andre Show, and star of Bad Trip Eric Andre has joined a conversation with Academy Award-winning filmmaker and director of Apple’s upcoming documentary feature Beastie Boys Story, Spike Jonze (Making Film & Episodics)
Performer and independent afrobeats artist Mr. Eazihas joined the Featured Session “The Path To Creative & Economic Freedom”, with CEO and Founder of Platoon Denzyl Feigelson(Future of Music)
Entrepreneur, fashion model and Kode with Klossy founder Karlie Kloss, and SAP Global Chief Marketing Officer Alicia Tillmanwith CNN Newsroom co-anchor and host of the CNN podcast BossFiles, Poppy Harlow(Tech Industry & Enterprise)
Journalist, writer, attorney and the host of MSNBC’s The Beat with Ari Melber, Ari Melberhas been added to a conversation with CEO and co-founder of 300 Entertainment and author Kevin Liles(Future of Music)
NBC News’ Today, co-host of The 3rd Hour of Today and anchor of MSNBC live Craig Melvin will be joining “Oxygen’s Kim Kardashian West: The Justice Project” with Kim Kardashian West, #cut50 Co-Founder and Senior Counsel Jessica Jackson along with Momolu Stewart
Wu-Tang Clan founding member, filmmaker and Cut Throat Citydirector RZA has been added to “The Black List Podcast” (Film & TV Industry), co-hosted by The Black List founder Franklin Leonard and Kate Hagen.
Entrepreneur, founder of Venture 4 America and former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang has been added to The Privacy Project at SXSW session with New York Times Opinion writer Charlie Warzel and contributing writer Kara Swisher.
The Big Picture Live: The Illusion of Identity with Frank Oz and Derek DelGaudio (Making Film & Episodics): RingerEditor-in-Chief Sean Fennessey sits down with filmmaker Frank Oz and writer/creator Derek DelGaudio.
Climate Justice and Unlearned Lessons of the Day the Levees Broke (Climate & Social Action): In this session, The Atlantic’s staff writer Vann Newkirk and CNN’s chief climate correspondent Bill Weir will share their reporting on issues of climate change, where vulnerable communities are increasingly on the frontlines. Joining the session is Aracely Jimenez of the Sunrise Movement, which mobilizes young people to take action to combat climate change.
A Conversation with the executive producers of Apple’s Little America with actor, writer, and producer Kumail Nanjiani; writer and producer Emily V. Gordon; Co-founder of Epic Magazine and film and television producer Joshuah Bearman in conversation with CNN anchor and host of At This Hour, Kate Bolduan (Making Film & Episodics)
The Next Big Bets: Optimists’ Take on the Media Landscape(Media & Journalism): Hear from three leaders who are navigating a fast-changing industry with partnerships, creativity, community building — and making big bets. A conversation with Vox Media co-founder and CEO Jim Bankoff; renowned journalist turned podcast host and founder of Katie Couric Media, Katie Couric; NYU Marketing professor, founder of section4, bestselling author, and co-host of the Pivot podcast, Scott Galloway; and moderated by Hollywood Reporter editor Natalie Jarvey
A Starting Point (Government & Politics): A conversation about “a new civics engagement project aimed at helping to demystify politics while bringing our elected leaders closer to the communities they represent. Hosted by the organization’s co-founders: actor/director Chris Evans; Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated filmmaker/actor Mark Kassen; media & technology entrepreneurJoe Kiani; and executive producer and host of theTamron Hall Show, Tamron Hall
Wondery Presents: The Success of Blood Ties and the Future of Scripted Drama (Making Film & Episodics): Wondery’s CEO and Founder Hernan Lopez and Chief Content Officer Marshall Lewy, and star of Blood Ties Gillian Jacobs in conversation with Hollywood Reporter Editor Natalie Jarvey

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