The Late Jerry Garcia & His Grateful Dead Band Mates Named MusiCares’ 2025 Persons of the Year

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

The late Jerry Garcia is getting a special posthumous honor…

The half-Spanish American singer/songwriter/guitarist and his Grateful Dead band mates have been named as the 2025 Persons of the Year by MusiCares, with the band’s original members due to be feted at the organization’s annual gala concert and dinner on January 31, two days prior to the Grammys.

The honor will effectively kick off what may turn out to be a yearlong celebration of the 60th anniversary of the group’s founding. As always, the fundraiser for this charitable arm of the Recording Academy will culminate in a series of all-star performances covering the honoree’s catalog.

The evening will take place in its usual location in a vast ballroom at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

In the 33-year history of MusiCares events, this marks only the third time that a superstar group has been selected for the honor instead of an individual. The previous bands chosen were Fleetwood Mac in 2018 and Aerosmith in 2020.

It’s the first time that someone no longer among the living will be officially celebrated as part of the tribute. Garcia, who died in 1995 at the age of 53, will get his posthumous due during the evening, along with the four living Dead members from the original lineup — Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir.

The four musicians have played in spinoff groups since Garcia’s passing, with Weir and Hart continuing to be active as mainstays of Dead & Company.

That outfit officially retired from touring after a 2023 outing, but went on to play a ravenously well-received residency at Sphere in Las Vegas from May through August of this year.

Fans are hoping for a return engagement or some other live commemoration in the coming year to help mark the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead.

Don Was, who just served as musical director of last week’s Robbie Robertson tribute at the Kia Forum, will take up MD duties again for this event. Returning as producers are Lewis & Clark, a live event broadcast outfit made up of Joe Lewis and R.A. Clark.

Laura Segura, executive director of MusiCares, said in a statement that the Dead’s legacy “transcends music, having built a community of fans and collaborators that embody the spirit of connection and support, something that is deeply aligned with MusiCares’ mission.

The band’s passion for the arts and philanthropy, along with their enduring commitment to social causes, has made a lasting impact that goes beyond the stage. It is a privilege to celebrate their contributions to both music and humanity.”

The Dead will be following in the footsteps of MusiCares’ 2024 honoree, Jon Bon Jovi, and a three-decade-long list of previous recipients that includes Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Bono, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Billy Joel, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young and Paul Simon.

Hart, Kreutzmann, Lesh and Weir collectively issued a statement that said in part, “We are deeply honored to be recognized as MusiCares Persons of the Year. This honor is truly a testament to the legacy of the music, which has always been bigger than us — it’s about the connection between us, the crew, and all those who’ve been on this long strange trip. It’s not just about what we create, but about making sure the people behind it, behind us every night, the ones who quietly make it all happen, get the support they need to keep going, no matter what life throws at them. We’re grateful to stand with MusiCares and hope everyone continues to support this vital mission to ensure music thrives in perpetuity.”

MusiCares cited the group’s charitable efforts as one reason for their selection, noting how “Garcia’s involvement with the Rex Foundation, Hart’s work in music therapy and brain health, Weir’s advocacy for addressing climate change and combating poverty, Kreutzmann’s ocean conservation efforts, and Lesh’s Unbroken Chain Foundation underscore the band’s commitment to making a difference beyond the stage.”

MusiCares’ mission is to offer musicians in need a network of preventive, emergency and recovery programs.

José Feliciano Officially Honored with National Medal of Arts

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

José Feliciano is officially a medalist…

Following a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 77-year-old Puerto Rican musician, singer and composer has finally received his 2021 National Medal of Arts prize.

President Joe Biden doled out medals to the National Medal of Arts recipients, as well as the 2021 National Humanities Medal honorees.

The White House hosted a livestreamed East Room ceremony on Tuesday for the recipients, who included Mindy Kaling, Gladys Knight, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bruce Springsteen and fashion designer Vera Wang. Feliciano was unable to attend the event as he’s in Hawaii after performances on the West Coast.

Feliciano was born blind as a result of glaucoma. His family moved to New York City’s Spanish Harlem when he was five years old, and he fell in love with music and playing the accordion and the guitar. While in high school, he played as a regular at a Greenwich Village coffeehouse. He eventually dropped out of high school and moved to Detroit to take a more permanent singing gig, and soon after was signed with RCA Records. He is most known for his bilingual Christmas song, “Feliz Navidad” which has been named among the most popular holiday songs of all time.

According to Billboard, Feliciano has two top-10 hits in his career and 11 top-100 songs. Feliciano is also a seven-time Grammy award winner.

The NEA website writes the decision to honor Feliciano came from his tenure in the music industry, saying “Over 60 years, 60 albums, and 600 songs, Jose Feliciano has opened hearts and built bridges — overcoming obstacles, never losing faith, and enriching the goodness and greatness of the Nation.”

The honorees received their awards about two years late due to a backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

First lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris also attended the ceremony, which Biden opened with a speech filled with quips about the honorees.

The recipients of the National Medals of Arts – the highest honor from the United States government for advancing the country’s arts – include actors, comedians and singers. Other recipients were artist-activist Judith Francisca Baca, philanthropist Fred Eychaner, Puerto Rican painter Antonio Martorell-Cardona and film producer Joan Shigekawa.

The Billie Holiday Theatre and The International Association of Blacks in Dance also received medals.

The National Humanities Medal honors those who have improved Americans’ understanding and engagement with history, literature, philosophy and more humanities subjects.

The 2021 recipients are poet Richard Blanco, anthropologist Johnnetta Betsch Cole, author Walter Isaacson, social historian Earl Lewis, Native American studies academic Henrietta Mann, novelist Ann Patchett, activist Bryan Stevenson, novelist Amy Tan, memoirist Tara Westover and novelist Colson Whitehead, as well as the organization Native America Calling.

Juanes Returns to Rocker Roots with New Album “Origen”

Posted on May 29, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Juanes is sharing his origenes story…

The 48-year-old Colombian musician has returned to his rocker roots with the new album Origen.

Beginning with a fast-paced rock ‘n’ roll version of Joe Arroyo’s “Rebelión,” Origen pays homage to the songs that shaped Juanes’ life and career.

The set, produced by Juanes with Sebastian Krys and featuring no loops or samples, is a refreshing sonic journey that includes iconic tracks like Carlos Gardel’s “Volver” –reimagined as a bachata/tango—and unexpected gems like “Todo Hombre Es Una Historia,” originally recorded by Medellín rock band Kraken.

There are also English-language covers: Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing In The Dark,” which morphed into a soft rock ballad, and “Could You Be Loved,” now a syncopated vamp set over a medley of guitars.

Juanes has said that after experimenting with urban beats in his past two albums, Origen is his return to his true self.

Juanes to Perform on PBS’ New Year’s Eve special “United in Song: Celebrating the Resilience of America”

Posted on December 29, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Juanes will be helping celebrate the United States’ resilience in a special way…

The 48-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter and musician will take part in PBS’ New Year’s Eve broadcast event United in Song: Celebrating the Resilience of America.

Juanes, who has won a combines 26 Grammys and Latin Grammys during his career, will take part in several performance and interview segments filmed at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, including a special Spanish-language rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing In The Dark.

Other artists participating in the special include Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle, Yo-Yo Ma and Audra McDonald.

United in Song: Celebrating the Resilience of America will premiere on Thursday, December 31, 2020 from 8:00-9:30 pm ET and again from 9:30-11:00 pm ET (check local listings) on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS Video App.

The star-studded performance—filmed at George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts—encourages the nation to come together and celebrate its irrepressible strength as the world welcomes the New Year. Despite the enormity of COVID-19 and the significant presence of social injustice, this special evening of wide-ranging music is part of the ever-present pursuit of uniting America as one.”

Jennifer Lopez & Shakira Rock the Super Bowl with Their Epic & Latin Proud Halftime Show

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira are celebrating an epic night at Hard Rock Stadiumin Miami.

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar and the 43-year-old Colombian superstar teamed up for an electrifying Super Bowl halftime show.

J.Loand Shakimade history at Super Bowl LIVon Sunday as the first two Latina women to co-headline the coveted halftime show gig, and they each brought their unique styles to a worldwide audience, performing a combined 20 songs in 14 minutes. (Gloria Estefanwas part of the 1992 and 1999 halftime shows, and sent her support for Lopez and Shakira, both of whom she has written songs for.)

Shakira kicked things off with her hit “She Wolf,” then seamlessly transitioned into her track “Empire,” where she showcased her ability to shred on the guitar.

After a brief dance interlude, Shakira — who rocked a sparkly red two-piece — broke into “Whenever, Wherever” and a cover of Cardi B’s “I Like It,” with an assist from Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer Bad Bunny, who appears on the original singer.

Shaki, who celebrated her 43rd birthday on Super Bowl Sunday, then showed off her dancing skills once again before singing “Hips Don’t Lie,” during which she crowd-surfed atop a group of enthusiastic fans.

Then, Lopez took over the program, taking the stage atop a skyscraper-like pole for a high-energy performance of “Jenny from the Block” and “Ain’t It Funny,” and then transitioned into “Get Right.”

After shedding her studded black leather bodysuit for a sparkly silver one, Lopez showed off her Hustlersmoves own on a stripper pole, while singing “Waiting for Tonight.”

J.Lo was then joined by J. Balvin, who assisted her on “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.”

Lopez continued to flaunt her moves to “Mi Gente” before moving on to a high-octane version of “On the Floor.”

The performance then transformed into a family affair as Lopez brought out her 11-year-old daughter Emme, who hit the stage singing a slowed-down rendition of “Let’s Get Loud” — with Shakira on drums — before her mom came back out wearing a large jacket made of feathers that featured the American flag on one side and the Puerto Rican flag on the other. It was a show of support to the territory, which has been affected by natural disasters in recent years, including Hurricane Maria and a recent damaging earthquake.

Emme briefly sang Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” while the set design featured glowing cages housing child performers, a marked gesture of solidarity toward the Latin community and those impacted by anti-immigration policies.

Then Shakira joined Lopez to sing “Let’s Get Loud” together.

The duo then moved on to Shakira’s hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” before switching back to “Let’s Get Loud,” at which point they closed out their set with impressive synchronized shimmiesas fireworks went off behind them, before wrapping their historic performance with a hug.

Louis C.K. to Perform at This Year’s Stand Up for Heroes

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Louis C.K. is taking a stand…

The 49-year-old Mexican American comedian, actor, writer, producer, director and editor will take part in this year’s Stand Up for Heroes on November 1 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Presented by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and the New York Comedy Festival, it will mark the 10th anniversary of the annual event that’s raised more than $33 million for wounded, ill and injured veterans, service members and their families.

Louis C.K. joins an all-star roster that includes Jim Gaffigan, Jerry Seinfeld, Bruce Springsteen and Jon Stewart.

“We look forward to Stand Up for Heroes each year not only because it’s grown into New York’s biggest night of comedy and music, but because a decade of laughter has translated into a lifetime of immeasurable support for our nation’s injured heroes,” said Bob Woodruff, co-founder and ABC News correspondent. “As we commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11 and the wars that have followed, it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that a small percentage of our population stood up for us — it’s now our turn to stand up for them.”

Woodruff and wife Lee established the Bob Woodruff Foundation after the then-recently installed co-anchor of ABC News was critically injured in 2006 by a roadside bomb in Iraq. The Woodruffs partnered with the New York Comedy Festival founders Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox to stage the first Stand Up for Heroes event in 2007.

“We could not be more proud to partner with the Bob Woodruff Foundation to celebrate such an incredible milestone as the 10-year anniversary of Stand Up for Heroes,” says Caroline Hirsch, Bob Woodruff Foundation board member and founder of the New York Comedy Festival and Carolines on Broadway. “The organization’s remarkable perseverance, passion and contribution to wounded soldiers and their families is outstanding. Nothing would be possible without the time and dedication from all of the performers and supporters of the organization over the years.”\

After its start at New York’s Town Hall and, later, the Beacon Theatre, the event moved to MSG in 2013.

Miguel to Perform at “Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America”

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Miguel is ready to shine a light on race issues in America…

The 30-year-old part-Mexican American Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is set to perform at “Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America.”

The concert will be broadcast across more than 135 countries on Lifetime and A&E Network beginning November 21 and continuing through December 15.

A+E and IHeartRadio are partnering to bring together Miguel, the Zac Brown Band, Eric Church, Jamie Foxx, Rhiannon Giddens, Tori Kelly, John Legend, Pink, Jill Scott, Ed Sheeran, Sia, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Pharrell Williams for the concert sparked by tragic shootings in Charleston, Baltimore, Chicago and Ferguson.

Performances will include a once-in-a-lifetime series of duets, focused on reconciliation and positive change around the world.

Additional performers will be announced in coming weeks.

The concert will be recorded at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 18th. The event will kick off A+E Networks’ worldwide campaign to confront issues of race, and to promote unity and progress on racial equity.

The concert and its ancillary programming will help raise money for the Fund for Progress on Race in America powered by United Way Worldwide. The fund will provide grants to individuals and organizations as well as provide support to Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in South Carolina and the broader A.M.E. denomination. The fund will support efforts to address racism and bias through public policy change, individual innovation, and community mobilization.

In the U.S., the two-hour special event will air across A+E Networks’ brand portfolio, including A&E, History, Lifetime, H2, LMN and FYI, as well as on iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations and the iHeartRadio digital platform.

Immediately following the concert broadcast, A&E Network will air the one-hour special, Shining a Light: Conversations on Race in America, (tentative title) featuring artists engaging a diverse group of residents in local communities at the center of the national conversation on racial inequality and violence.

Tickets for the November 18 concert are available through AEG Live at AXS.com and shrineauditorium.com.

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Fund for Progress on Race in America powered by The United Way Worldwide.

Espinoza Leads American Pharoah to Victory in First Post-Triple Crown Race

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Victor Espinoza continues his winning ways…

The 43-year-old Mexican jockey, who was named Best Jockey at this year’s ESPY Awards, gave American Pharoah a slight nudge to take control and lead the majestic colt to victory at the Haskell Invitational, delivering an encore performance in his first race since winning the Triple Crown.

“This horse, he just keeps bringing it,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He’s just a great horse.”

With a record crowd of 60,983 cheering him on Sunday at Monmouth Park, American Pharoah came out of the final turn with a clear lead and cruised to a 2¼-length victory while Espinoza barely moved a muscle.

“He ran like a champ,” Espinoza said.

After winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes to become the 12th Triple Crown winner and first in 37 years, American Pharoah’s return was greatly anticipated.

Fifty-seven days after the Belmont, the 3-year-old son of Pioneer of the Nile looked better than ever in his eighth consecutive victory.

“That was nerve-racking,” Baffert said after his eighth win in the Haskell, five more than any other trainer. “I was getting pretty nervous.”

“No clue,” owner Ahmed Zayat said when asked about his colt’s next race. “We’re going to enjoy this moment.”

If all goes according to plan, American Pharoah will run his final race in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 31. Then he’s headed down the road to the breeding shed at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.

A few minutes after Bruce Springsteen‘s “Born to Run” blared over the speakers as the horses walked onto the track, American Pharoah broke well from post No. 4. But it was Competitive Edge who took the lead. Espinoza kept his horse in second until the far turn. And then, American Pharoah took off and was all alone in the stretch.

The final margin was deceptive because Espinoza never asked American Pharoah to run any harder than necessary.

“It was pretty easy,” said Espinoza, who is unbeaten in eight races as American Pharoah’s jockey. “For me the key was just coming out of there running. I knew that other horse would want to take the lead, so I sat back just a little bit. I never like to go head and head with another horse, so I sat back maybe half a length behind. He did everything by himself. It was pretty easy, pretty impressive.”

American Pharoah followed many of his Triple Crown colleagues by winning his first start after three grueling races in five weeks. Of the 11 others, seven won in their return and one, Count Fleet, was retired after the 1943 Belmont with an injury.

American Pharoah opened his career with a loss before reeling off eight in a row — seven of them Grade 1 races. With the $1.1 million payday in the Haskell, his career earnings soared to $5.6 million.

Louis C.K. to Headline the Eighth Edition of “Stand Up for Heroes”

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Louis C.K. is ready to take a stand (up)…

The 47-year-old Mexican American standup comedian/actor and Emmy-winning creator/star of FX’s Louie, will headline the eighth edition of Stand Up for Heroes, which is being held on November 5 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Louis C.K. joins fellow headlining acts Bruce Springsteen, John Mulaney, John Oliver and Brian Williams.

Presented by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and New York Comedy Festival, the music and comedy event honors returning service members, veterans and their families. Stand Up for Heroes has raised more than $21 million to help post-9/11 injured service members and their families.

Tickets for Stand Up for Heroes are currently on sale. Other performers will be added to the bill.

“Each year the show gets bigger and better, demonstrating the unwavering support of all those involved,” said Bob Woodruff, ABC News journalist and co-founder of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “We, as well as the show’s talented performers, want to show our appreciation for and give back to the brave men and women who served our country and have come home injured.”

Stand Up for Heroes is one of the centerpiece events of the 11th annual New York Comedy Festival, running November 5-9 at venues throughout New York City with more than 200 comedians performing.

Carey Reportedly Being Eyed to Replace Celine Dion at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum

Posted on August 30, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey is reportedly in the running to take over the Palace for a time…

The 44-year-old half-Venezuelan American Grammy-winning singer is reportedly being eyed to replace Celine Dion at the Colosseum at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace, according to TMZ.

riah Carey

Dion will soon be taking an indefinite hiatus from her longtime residency at the resort and casino. And, TMZ says that the Colosseum is interested in signing Carey for “a very lucrative weekend engagement.”

They have reportedly offered the soon-to-be-single superstar $750,000 for two shows at the legendary venue.

Carey isn’t the only star wanted to play shows there. The Coloseum operator, AEG, is also targeting other big names like Adele, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Prince and Bruce Springsteen.

Earlier this month, Dion announced she’d put her Las Vegas residency on hold and canceled her remaining tour dates indefinitely to focus on her ailing husband, Rene Angelil.

“I want to devote every ounce of my strength and energy to my husband’s healing, and to do so, it’s important for me to dedicate this time to him and to our children,” she said in a statement.

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