Conductor Xian Zhang is starting her second season as the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra first maestra. One highlight is “America, Inspiring,” a festival featuring the works of composers who found inspiration while visiting the U.S. Zhang, a naive of China,…
Author: Natalie
More from a ship in the Atlantic Ocean
Speeding back to the mainland U.S. with more than 3,000 people, more than 80 dogs, at least three cats and one squawking bird. I wrote about how people are spending their time on-board, featuring the Martinez family. Such great people.…
Live from St. Croix
Cruisecritic.com sent me to Puerto Rico Thursday to be on board Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas ship as it picks up evacuees and stranded tourists and delivers aid supplies. It’s been fabulous, talking to people and hearing their survival…
Breaking Bread; Breaking Barriers — for the AP
“Breaking Bread; Breaking Barriers” was a yearlong program at Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market that brought people of different backgrounds together for a meal featuring their cultural favorites, bridging differences one plate at a time. I was thrilled to write about…
Talking to Bill Medley
Bill Medley’s speaking voice is as deep and smooth as it sounds when he sings. He was fun to speak to. Read this story to learn how the band got its name. Good story. The Righteous Brothers bring soul and…
Two of the funniest moms I’ve ever talked to
If you haven’t seen any of the imomsohard videos, do so now. I’ll wait. I recommend the bathing suit one. These two L.A. comedians will make you laugh. Here’s how my interview with them went: imomsohard
The hottest tours from the summer of 2017, featuring stars from six decades ago
When I was reviewing the list of summer concerts, I couldn’t help but notice how many so-called “oldies” were on tour. For me, “oldies” is Herman’s Hermits and that generation, while I find this summer’s “Retro Futura” tour to be…
The Village People — Still Going Strong in 2017
I’ve been writing entertainment stories for the (Newark) Star-Ledger for the last year. My hometown paper! I’ve had lots of fun with it, so expect features galore on this site for the next few months. Gotta catch up! villagepeeps
As the country debates the legitimacy of certain statues and monuments…
The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program’s latest installation is “Monument Lab.” MAP asked 20 artists to answer this question, ““What is an appropriate monument for the current city of Philadelphia?” These works are now in place at 10 city locations. Here’s…
“Walking Philadelphia” is now in book stores near you — if there are any left
(And by “if there are any left,” I was referring to the sadness of the loss of book stores, not a sell out of books. But I’d like to have that happen.) “Walking Philadelphia” — a guide with 30 city…