By Bill Vaughan
Entertainment Writer
The icon born Quincy Delight Jones Jr. might have turned 90 in March, but details for the huge party the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association is planning for him are now beginning to surface.
“Quincy Jones’ 90th Birthday Tribute: A Musical Celebration” is set for two nights July 28-29 at the Hollywood Bowl.
Initial performers confirmed to appear include George Benson, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Angélique Kidjo, Patti Austin, Ibrahim Maalouf, Sheléa and Siedah Garrett, with many more to be announced.
Grammy-winning conductor, arranger, curator and composer Jules Buckley, who in 2016, led the Metropole Orkest in a stunning tribute to his long-time collaborator, will conduct the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra for the celebration.
“It’s an honor to be able to celebrate my 90th year on this planet with all-a-y’awl at the Hollywood Bowl, with some of my most treasured friends, musicians and songs,” Jones said via social media. “Thank-Q for keeping the music playing with and for me, and I can’t wait to see you all there!”
With hits like “P.Y.T.,” “Give Me the Night” and “Fly Me to the Moon” performed by an all-star lineup, Jones’ illustrious body of music will be on full display. It’s a chance to take in some of the best-selling songs of all time, from the best-selling producer of all time.
Over seven decades, Jones’ career has encompassed the roles of composer, record producer, artist, film producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, TV producer, record company executive, television station owner, magazine founder, multimedia entrepreneur and humanitarian.
As producer and conductor of the historic “We Are the World” recording (best-selling single of all time) and Michael Jackson’s multi-platinum-certified solo albums “Off the Wall,” “Bad” and “Thriller” (the best-selling album of all time, with over 100 million copies sold worldwide), Jones stands as one of the most successful and admired creative artists/executives in the history of the entertainment world.
A Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical for the Broadway production of “The Color Purple” completed the rare “EGOT” set for Jones, an exclusive distinction belonging to artists who have received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. He will next serve as producer, along with Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, for the forthcoming feature film of the critically acclaimed musical.
Tickets for “Quincy Jones’ 90th Birthday Tribute: A Musical Celebration” are available at hollywoodbowl.com, by phone at 323-850-2000 or at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office.
SCREEN STUFF: “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” is this week’s blockbuster opening in theaters around the world. In addition to the Autobots, Decepticons and Maximals, the film features Dominique Fishback (“Swarm”), Anthony Ramos (“Hamilton”) and the voices of Michelle Yeoh, Ron Perlman and Pete Davidson.
Also at the movies, Sinqua Walls follows his work in “White Men Can’t Jump” and “Nanny” with “Mending The Line,” an uplifting drama about troubled war veterans recovering through fly fishing. Brian Cox (“Succession”), Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), Irene Bedard (“Pocahontas”) and Academy Award-winner Wes Studi co-star.
“The Flash” has its Hollywood premiere June 12 at TCL Chinese Theatre. Expect to see Ezra Miller, Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, Michael Shannon and more about 5:30 p.m.
CLIPPETTES: Diana Ross – The Music Legacy Tour stops June 9 at the Pechanga Resort & Casino (before a date June 13 at the Santa Barbara Bowl). Also June 9, guitarist Al Di Meola plays the Coach House, Soulja Boy is at The Observatory, and Renee Elise Goldsberry begins a two-night stand at the Segerstrom Center …
June 10 is Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl with Janet Jackson, and rap night at the Saban Theatre with Warren G, DJ Quik, Mack 10, Tha Dogg Pound, Suga Free and Amanda Perez …
Catalina Bar & Grill presents “Norm Lewis: Moonlighting” (from his run starring in “A Soldier’s Play” at the Ahmanson) on June 12 …
Jane Fonda and David Fenton are presented in conversation June 13 at The Ebell’s New Roads School in Santa Monica as two nights of “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” starts at the Pantages Theatre …
Elvis Costello & The Imposters play the Majestic Ventura Theatre June 14 as Film Independent presents “An Evening with Patrick Stewart” at The Wallis …
Julian Marley is at the Coach House June 15, while Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band grace The Greek, and Poncho Sanchez brightens the Muckenthaler Cultural Center.
TASTY QUIP: “After much soul-searching I have made the difficult decision to leave ‘Top Chef.’ Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely proud to have been part of building such a successful show and of the impact it has had in the worlds of television and food.” –PADMA LAKSHMI announcing her departure from the Bravo series after 17 seasons
TC ON TV: June 9 – “Flamin’ Hot” (Hulu/Disney+): Eva Longoria directs the true story of Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia) who, as a Frito-Lay janitor, disrupted the food industry by channeling his Mexican-American heritage to turn Flamin’ Hot Cheetos from a snack into an iconic, global, pop-culture phenomenon. With Dennis Haysbert, Tony Shalhoub and Pepe Serna. “Renfield” (Peacock): Streaming premiere of the horror-comedy, featuring Nicolas Cage as Dracula. “Tribunal Justice” (Freevee): A new series, created and executive produced by Judge Judy Sheindlin, featuring a panel of three judges adjudicating real and compelling cases, followed by a lively and spirited deliberation. Her old bailiff, Petri Hawkins Byrd, fills the role on this show. “Live with Kelly & Mark” (ABC): Mary J. Blige “The View” (ABC): Common “Tamron Hall” (Syn): Jay Ellis, Angélique Kidjo
June 10 – “Inspiring America: The 2023 Inspiration List” (NBC): A new event co-hosted by Lester Holt, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, honoring those who have impacted communities. This year’s awardees include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bubba Wallace, Becky Hammon and José Andrés of World Central Kitchen. “Mary J. Blige’s Real Love” (Lifetime): The Queen of Hip Hop Soul is executive producer of this first of two movies based on her hit songs. Ajiona Alexus (“Empire”) and Da’Vinchi (“BMF,” “All American”) are leads. “53rd Annual L.A. Pride Parade” (Hulu)
June 11 – “The 76th Annual Tony Awards” (CBS): Hosted by Ariana DuBose. “Prince: The Final Secret” (Reelz): Explores the true scope of the icon’s lifelong philanthropy after his untimely death – from supporting local charities and community organizations to quietly donating money to individuals in need.
June 12 – “Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts” (PBS): A documentary sharing the rich history of the six all-Black military regiments created after the Army Reorganization Act of 1866, with particular emphasis on the settling of the American West.
June 13 – “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” (VH1): With Rasheesa Frost, Karlie Redd, Yung Joc, Renni Rucci, Erica Mena and more as they make music, build businesses and juggle their relationships.
June 14 – “The Wonder Years” (ABC): Opens the season in 1969 with Dean (Elisha “EJ” Williams) and Bill (Dulé Hill) experiencing new walks of life in New York City.
June 15 – “Gabrielle Union: My Journey To 50” (BET+): The actress, her family and friends take a celebratory epic, continental journey of discovery from the island of Zanzibar to the streets of Ghana, Namibia and South Africa. “Jagged Mind” (Hulu): Maisie Richardson-Sellers (“DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”) and Jimmy Jean-Louis (“The Gray Man”) star in this thriller about a woman plagued by blackouts and strange visions that lead her to discover she’s stuck in a series of time loops. “Outchef’d” (Food): Eddie Jackson returns to challenge amateur home cooks to go head-to-head against acclaimed celebrity chefs. “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” (Paramount+): The further adventures of the crew before Kirk’s U.S.S. Enterprise with Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn and Ethan Peck and Celia Rose Gooding as younger versions of Spock and Uhura. “60 Days In” (A&E): The eighth season focuses on everyday citizens who volunteer to go behind bars at the Pitt County Detention Center. Led by Sheriff Paula S. Dance, the state’s first female African-American sheriff, the program strives to help unearth problems within the facility and bring about positive change. Followed by the new “Booked: First Day In,” which takes viewers through America’s booking process from the point of view of the arrestee.
END QUOTE: “I think that we, as a society, love to watch stuff to judge folks. I’ve always thought that the beginning of the downfall of society was with [‘American Idol’]. Once we gave people the ability to judge other people, I think we ran amok with it, and it’s gone out of control. They invited the public to decide who that person was and I feel once we did that, it began us in a cycle …” – WHOOPI GOLDBERG on ABC’s “The View”
As featured in the Los Angeles Wave and Independent, Tasty Clips is one of the leading entertainment columns in the nation, serving nearly 1 million weekly readers. Bill Vaughan may be reached at tastyclips@yahoo.com, via Twitter @tastyclips, or Instagram @tasty_clips.
