Music
Heart of Harmony to sing with Heart and Soul
The Hearts of Harmony singers can be thought of as a barbershop quartet group — times seven, and then some.
Instead of sporting the characteristic boater hats and striped vests associated with male barbershop quartets, the 30-plus female members of the Hearts of Harmony focus on the a capella, four-part harmony singing style popularized by barbershop groups. READ
The Steel Wheels roll with transition
Going from “weekend warriors” to full-time musicians happened at some undefinable point in the last couple of years for members of the Virginia-based band The Steel Wheels. READ
Elton John to perform solo concert in Red Deer
The man who wrote Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is about to say “hello” to Red Deer. READ
Country music shrine is renovated
Workers have begun stripping away history at Ryman Auditorium. READ
Springsteen to play jazz fest
The last time Bruce Springsteen performed in New Orleans it was less than a year after Hurricane Katrina hit, and “The Boss” moved thousands to tears at Jazz Fest by belting out such lyrics as “How can a poor man stand such times as these?” READ
RDSO ‘explodes’ with stories
New and old music was served up with the technicolour vibrancy of a Cecil B. DeMille movie by a baroque-style Red Deer Symphony Orchestra on Saturday night. READ
James ‘sang whatever was thrown at her’
On her last album The Dreamer, released just three months before her death, Etta James sings a mix of covers, from the R&B classic Misty Blue to the Ray Charles song In the Evening. READ
Music: the oldest therapy
Whether she’s belting out 500-year-old madrigals or Broadway show tunes, time stops for a moment whenever Enid Best sings with the Red Deer Chamber Singers. READ
On the whole, he’d rather win
When somebody awakened Tom Wilson to tell him the latest album by his group, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, made the Top 100 list for America’s national public radio, he felt like rolling over and going back to sleep. READ
Joyful Noise preachin’ to the choir
At the intersection of God and Glee, you’ll find Joyful Noise. READ
Rock Hall opens library, archives to public
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum opened its new library and archives to the public on Tuesday to give scholars and fans access to the stories behind the music through such “artifacts” as personal letters from Madonna and Aretha Franklin and 1981-82 video of the Rolling Stones tour. READ
Gord Bamford's big break
It isn’t like Gord Bamford is looking to be away from his young family even more than the 130-some days a year he already spends touring. READ
Jim Cuddy on his own, and opening himself up
Jim Cuddy’s never been afraid of wearing his heart on his sleeve, and about 400 Red Deer fans loved him for it this week at a concert that just wouldn’t quit. READ
Aretha Franklin to headline Essence Fest
Newly engaged queen of soul Aretha Franklin is headlining this summer’s Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, and its other top performers include Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Stephanie Mills, Charlie Wilson and Keyshia Cole. READ
Bieber working on new album, ‘Believe’
Beliebers, have faith: Justin Bieber says work has begun in earnest on his next album. READ
Nickelback announce 39-date tour with six scheduled stops in Canada
Nickelback has announced an extensive North American tour in support of its multi-platinum new disc, “Here and Now.” READ
Adele a strong contender to top Grammy nominations
She likely won’t get “21,” but Adele is poised to take the biggest share of nods when the Grammy nominations are announced Wednesday night. READ
Taylor Swift was wins artist of the year at the American Music Awards
Taylor Swift was crowned artist of the year at the American Music Awards for a second time. READ
Beyonce worried baby secret would be revealed at concert
It’s tough to keep a pregnancy a secret when you’re in the public eye, and for a while, Beyonce thought the jig was up. READ
All eyes on Gomez and Bieber at MMVAs
Lady Gaga won two awards and provided a double shot of her trademark edgy, eccentric stage theatrics at Sunday’s MuchMusic Video Awards — but it was a surprise appearance from beloved teen-pop star Justin Bieber that really sent fans into a frenzy. READ
