Michael Tilson Thomas, L.A.-born Maestro Who Led San Francicso Symphony, Dies at 81
Grammy‑winning conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, famed for his dynamic leadership of major orchestras, died at 81 in San Francisco from glioblastoma. His 25‑year tenure as music director of the San Francisco Symphony elevated the ensemble’s international stature and introduced innovative programming such as the American Mavericks Festival. He also co‑founded the New World Symphony, a postgraduate academy that cultivates diverse young conductors and musicians. Recognized with 12 Grammy Awards and a 2019 Kennedy Center honor, his legacy spans performance, composition, and mentorship.
At L.A. College Campuses, Punjabi Music Is Opening Doors to Heritage Long Kept Closed
Punjabi music is moving from private community gatherings to mainstream U.S. venues, with artists like Diljit Dosanjh performing at Coachella and appearing on national TV. Young South Asian Americans at colleges such as USC and UC Davis cite the genre’s blend of...
Bob Spitz Proves the Rolling Stones Are Rock's Greatest Band in Magnificent New Biography
Bob Spitz’s new 704‑page biography, "The Rolling Stones: The Biography," chronicles the band’s evolution from a 1963 London blues act to their 2024 "Hackney Diamonds" tour. The book revisits iconic moments like the creation of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"...
New Cheap Trick Album Shows They're Far From 'All Washed Up'
Cheap Trick, the 1970s‑era power‑pop band, released its 21st studio album “All Washed Up” in November, proving the group is far from retired. The trio of original members—Robin Zander, Tom Petersson and Rick Nielsen—continue touring, averaging 75 shows a year...
Their Secret Shows Jam Streets. One Caused a Riot. Dead City Punx Are the Last Dangerous Band in L.A.
Los Angeles’ most controversial punk outfit, Dead City Punx, has become a flashpoint for urban unrest, with their shows often ending in riots, police projectiles and even Metro train vandalism. A new documentary co‑produced by Zack de la Rocha debuted...
Felipe Staiti, Enanitos Verdes Guitarist and Vocalist, Dies at 64
Felipe Staiti, founding guitarist of Argentine rock icons Enanitos Verdes, died at 64 following complications from a bacterial infection and his long‑standing celiac disease. The band, famed for hits like “Lamento Boliviano,” recently celebrated that song crossing the 1 billion‑stream mark on...
10 Minutes Backstage with David Lee Roth at Coachella
David Lee Roth made a surprise appearance at Coachella, joining singer‑songwriter Teddy Swims to perform Van Halen’s 1984 hit “Jump.” The 71‑year‑old rock icon, dressed in a beaded vest and silver‑black trousers, gave a candid backstage interview that mixed quirky personal...
After Sold-Out Shrine Runs, Subtronics Takes Dubstep to Coachella's Biggest Stage
Subtronics, the Philadelphia‑born dubstep producer, will headline Coachella 2026’s Sahara Tent, becoming the festival’s highest‑billed bass‑music act. The slot follows a string of six sold‑out shows at L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium and a recent Las Vegas Sphere headline. His set will...
Coachella 2026: How Premium Brands Are Cashing in on a 'Consumer Wonderland'
Premium brands are pouring tens of millions into Coachella 2026, staging exclusive parties, pop‑ups and high‑end VIP experiences to capture Gen Z attention. Companies such as Guess, Rivian, Soho House and Ciroc are offering everything from luxury villas and IV drips to...
A Major Fail on Live TV Put a Target on This Pop Star's Back. Winning 'The Masked Singer' Might Erase...
Ashlee Simpson, now 41, captured the win on "The Masked Singer" as Galaxy Girl, finally shedding the stigma of her 2004 SNL lip‑sync fiasco. The anonymous format let her demonstrate vocal strength to a broad TV audience, while her husband...
Inside Ye's First Comeback Show at SoFi Stadium
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, headlined his first Los Angeles stadium concert in two years at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, debuting material from his new album “Bully.” The show followed the album’s release, which industry trackers predict will enter the charts...
Linea Personal Sprinkles R&B Soul in LP 'Todo Ø Nada'
Linea Personal, a Mexican‑American band from Stockton, released its sophomore LP “Todo ø Nada” on March 26, blending corridos tumbados with R&B, trap, blues and jazz influences. The three‑year project narrowed 50 recorded songs to a 13‑track album featuring a Future interpolation on...
At the Forum, Bad Omens Are a Good Sign for Heavy Rock's Future
Heavy‑rock has re‑emerged on mainstream charts, highlighted by Sleep Token and Ghost topping album lists and Deftones going viral on TikTok. Bad Omens’ sold‑out Forum show demonstrates that newer metalcore acts can convert streaming success into arena‑scale demand. Their 2022 album blended...
Peaches Cannot Be Squashed: The Shock-Pop Provocateur Still Thrives Onstage
Canadian shock‑pop icon Peaches, turning 60, has dropped her seventh studio album, “No Lube So Rude.” The record blends electro‑clash beats with unapologetic lyrics about sexuality, abortion rights, trans liberation and geopolitical unrest. Peaches continues her high‑energy tour alongside acts...
Barbra Streisand Honors Robert Redford During Tearful Oscars Performance
Barbra Streisand delivered a tear‑filled performance of “The Way We Were” at the 2026 Oscars, honoring the late Robert Redford. She recalled their collaboration on the 1973 film and highlighted Redford’s contributions to free press, environmental causes, and the Sundance...
One Stress-Loving Composer, 125 Nominees: What It Takes to Score the Oscars
German‑born composer Chris Walden, the lead arranger for the Oscars, crafts roughly 120 orchestral pieces each ceremony. He began the role in 2008 and now controls most of the musical programming, from nominee medleys to presenter walk‑ons. Walden balances the...
SXSW 2026: The De Los Showcase Will Be a Celebration of Latin Music. Here's Who's Performing
De Los, the Latino‑centric vertical of the Los Angeles Times, returns to SXSW 2026 with its showcase now embedded in a week‑long festival that includes film, TV and interactive programming. The event features a record‑setting lineup of Latin artists, highlighting...