History of live performances and things to note

Today I was learning about live performances and it's development in the US. It moved on from purely a music love performance to a song, dance and engaging live performance. 

The O'Jay made it big, and till today they do perform from time to time. Amazing!

They had a signature dance choreography that includes twirls, finger snaps, swaying of the body and even the expressions on their faces looked perfectly synchronized and rehearsed. Well, a performer should give quality performance of that standard. Visual effect adds to the atmosphere and perceived value of that concert performance anyway. Why not give it their all? 

Here is a few clips of them back in the days and a couple from the past few years. 

O'Jays Backstabbers performance back in 1970s.

Fantastic! I'm starting to love their songs. It's quite timeless. I could listen to these all weekend. Notice the way the group dance in synchrony and play with the mike stand. Classic! 

Another clip of then in 1977. For the love of Money. 

I really like the bass guitar's melody. It's a signature. Interesting how tunes and specific melody and beats can immediately remind you of certain things. 

http://youtu.be/UmSwLl0L-3Y

2003 - Awesome medley. I don't know all the songs but everyone should be able to recognize "Money, money, money" <em>For the Love of Money </em>at 2:03, popularized by the reality tv show staring Donald Trump - The Apprentice.

http://youtu.be/dkFGyN9qy9k

Without any slightest dance movement and audience engagement, I'm easily bored by the performer. Like how most of us will fall asleep in a classical music orchestra concert. No engagement, no interesting dance movement, no unique experience, you probably get bored audience. 

Hope you learned much too.

Superstar LANG LANG LIVE in Singapore at the Esplanade! (28 Nov 2013)

Lan Shui, conductor
Lang Lang, piano
LIADOV The Enchanted Lake
PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64

Celebrated pianist Lang Lang returns to Singapore in a gala concert performance of Prokofiev’s coruscating Third Piano Concerto, a work of great virtuosity and lyricism that has been a staple of the pianist’s repertoire since its rapturously-received premiere in 1921. Music Director Lan Shui will also conduct Tchaikovsky’s much-loved Fifth Symphony.


28 NOV 2013
7.30pm
Esplanade Concert Hall

——– ——–

Had the chance to listen to Lang Lang on the piano together with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
Absolute delight to watch him. His tendency to linger in the slow movements and then race ahead in the finales highlighted extremes in contrasts. Tingles our ears and makes me yearn for more! Never felt seduced and teased by classical music pieces in this manner before.

Exaggerating accents and phrases in unexpected places was ear-catching, providing the twists and turns one would expect in a roller-coaster.

We all marvelled at how relaxed and composed Lang was. He played seated far from the keyboard and leaned backwards a lot. He played with prose and ease. His free hand would theatrically command a life of its own, as if conducting an imaginary orchestra in the air. Piano playing was without doubt another form of show business.

In his free time, he listens to hip hop and jazz, naming Kanye West, Herbie Hancock and Alicia Keys among his favourite performers. He occasionally tunes in to heavy metal such as Metallica and the Rolling Stones whenever he feels down. From listening to Italian and German opera, he has learnt new words in those languages.

 

Chinese musician Lang Lang poses for photographers on the red carpet at the 50th Golden Horse Film Awards in Taipei on Nov 23, 2013.

 

Miley Cyrus concert antics prompt parent complaints, calls for cancellation [repost]

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Some parents put in calls to Cyrus’ management and record label, saying the singer went ‘too far’ on her tour, according to TheFIX.

At this point it's expected that a Miley Cyrus show might include a bit of shock value.

But after being subjected to more skin, salacious moves and surprising stunts than they bargained for — some parents are apparently calling for the "Wrecking Ball" singer, 21, to pull the plug on her "Bangerz" tour.

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The ‘We Can’t Stop’ singer kicked off her show on Valentine’s Day in Vancouver.

Cyrus's management has reportedly been "flooded" with complaint calls from parents saying the "We Can't Stop" star went too far with the sexual innuendos during her 2-hour-long concert, according to TheFIX.

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Cyrus begins her stage show by sliding down a giant inflatable tongue sticking out of a projected image of her face.

"Her team, including management, record label execs and the entire tour staff including the director, costume department and choreographers — have been called for an emergency meeting as arenas across the U.S. threaten to pull out of the show," a source told the website.

The pop star’s tour kicked off on Valentine's Day in Vancouver, and right off the bat Cyrus made clear that bringing mom and dad might have been a bad idea.

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Some parents reportedly labeled Cyrus’ concert a ‘porn show.’

She broadcast a "parental advisory," warning explicit content, before going on to ride an oversized hotdog, simulate a sex act on a dancer dressed as Bill Clinton and wear a costume printed with cannabis leaves. Souvenirs from the experience include $40 gold-embellished rolling papers for the pot enthusiast.

PHOTOS: MILEY CYRUS KICKS OFF 'BANGERZ' TOUR

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Cyrus wears a leotard decorated with cannabis leaves on stage.

Some have even branded it a "porn show," TheFIX reports.

"The problem is Miley loves to shock so she decided to take it to the extreme for her Bangerz tour, but this time she may have taken it too far," the source added.

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Cyrus’ concert antics may be affecting her ticket sales, according to a Forbes magazine report.

The antics may be negatively affecting Cyrus' ticket sales.

RELATED: MILEY CYRUS GOES TOPLESS IN COVER ART FOR ‘ADORE YOU’ REMIX

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The singer is now known for her scantily clad stage show.

Demand for tickets has softened, according to a Forbes magazine report.

Interest in Cyrus peaked the week of Aug. 25, following her scandalous VMA performance, the money magazine notes, citing Google trends.

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The singer’s concert graphics include a ‘parental advisory’ sticker.

"By the time tickets actually went on sale for her 38-city Bangerz tour, 'Miley Cyrus' searches has dropped by 80%, to the same level it had been at over a year ago," the mag reports.

PHOTOS: MILEY CYRUS' MOST ATTENTION-SEEKING MOMENTS

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At least one magazine lauds Cyrus’ singing chops: Rolling Stone’s review said the music was ‘front and center,’ though some parents disagree.

However, concert promoter Live Nation is disputing the claims of issues concerning ticket sales. 

“There is no truth whatsoever to any stories or rumors of venues pulling out of the Bangerz Tour. Miley has created a tour that’s big, spectacular, entertaining and everything you would expect from Miley Cyrus," the statement, obtained by the Daily News, read.

"Reviews have been amazing and most important, fans are loving the show and having a great time."

Last month Cyrus previewed her stage show in a televised MTV “Unplugged” special, which the singer said was an opportunity to showcase her vocal talent. 

While much of the “Bangerz” tour news involves what Cyrus has been doing on stage, several reviews — like one by Rolling Stone magazine — laud the pop star’s singing chops.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/miley-cyrus-concert-antics-prompt-parent-complaints-report-article-1.1620838#ixzz2txPc5O00