Latest news with #SmokeyRobinson
Telegraph
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Smokey Robinson: The King of Motown is welcomed back with open arms
There appeared to be no elephants in the room when octogenarian Smokey Robinson took to the stage at the Love Supreme Jazz Festival. It was the King of Motown's first UK show in 15 years, but recent sexual assault allegations – met with denial and a defamation lawsuit: he has yet to be charged with anything – did nothing to dampen a crowd intent on enjoying their night and steadfast in their reverence for his songs. Robinson was the festival's Saturday night headliner. The weekend attracts those swept up in the recent UK jazz renaissance as well as local teens letting off steam after exams, which meant there was a surprisingly young slant to Robinson's audience. Performers of a certain vintage are often propped up with as many bells and whistles as possible, and indeed Robinson shared the modest stage with about 10 musicians. But this is a man adept at defying age with limber moves and a voice that shows only some of the wear of his 85 years. He made his entrance – 20 minutes late – in a shiny blue suit to sing 1981 solo hit Being With You, slow dancing with a backing vocalist. Age hasn't dimmed his appetite for all things raunchy: after all, he did release an album titled Gasms two years ago. Two hits with his Motown group the Miracles followed: I Second That Emotion and You Really Got A Hold On Me. 'We started Motown about 30 years before I was born,' Robinson joked. 'No, I was there from the very first day.' Like an elderly relative at a party, the stories began to flow. His early career is the stuff of legend: he grew up poor in Detroit with Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross for neighbours, and a meeting with Motown founder Berry Gordy in 1957 sent him on his way. He was one of the label's first acts and later its vice president, also penning hits for Mary Wells, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Marvin Gaye. Two Temptations songs, The Way You Do The Things You Do and My Girl, made the setlist, as well as The Miracles' hits Tears Of A Clown and Tracks Of My Tears, the latter losing some of its emotional heft. Though these songs stand up more than 60 years on, particularly when bolstered by a full band, a live festival performance can't live up to the magic of the records. It didn't help that Robinson's vocals were low in the mix, and occasionally plagued by feedback and sound bleed from other stages. The show's patchy pace didn't help either: 1975 solo song Quiet Storm was more quiet than storm, a cover of Fly Me To The Moon failed to lift off, and Cruisin' lingered far too long, Robinson bringing female fans onstage and engaging the crowd in an interminable singing battle. Seeing him on stage, it was almost hard to believe he was present at the birth of one of the most influential sounds of the 20th century.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Get ready for Rochester Jazz Fest 2025: Parking, tickets, headliners and more
This year will be the 22nd year of the annual Rochester International Jazz Festival. With over 285 shows across 18 stages in Downtown Rochester, here is what you need to know to navigate the nine-day festival. Opening night is set for Friday, June 20, and the festival will run through Sunday, June 29. Festival goers can find parking in a local parking garage (rates vary) or on pay for metered street parking until it is free after 6 p.m., and on weekends. Drivers can also find parking on privately owned lots in the East End area. Nearby parking garages include: East End Garage at Main and Scio streets Midtown Garage, with entrances on South Clinton Avenue, Court Street and Broad Street Washington Square Garage on Woodbury Boulevard South Avenue Garage, between South Avenue and Stone Street Sister Cities Garage, on North Fitzhugh Street Mortimer Street Garage, on North Clinton Avenue For those not driving, all public buses stop at the RTS Transit Center, located Downtown, and is within walking distance of the festival. View the schedule at Downtown residents can access VEO and HOPR E-bikes near the festival grounds. Designated bike racks for privately owned bicycles can be found by the Rochester Regional Health Big Tent on the corner of Main and Chestnut streets. Popular artists like Smokey Robinson, Thundercat and more will be performing at the festival. All headliner shows are ticketed and will be held at 8 p.m. at Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre: Friday, June 20 – Smokey Robinson Saturday, June 21 – Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (currently sold out) Tuesday, June 24 – The Wood Brothers Wednesday, June 25 – Rickie Lee Jones Thursday, June 26 – ThunderCat Free headliner shows will be held outside starting at 9 p.m., opening acts perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 21 – Chris Lane - the East and Alexander Avenue stage Wednesday, June 25 – Jesus Molina - Parcel 5 Thursday, June 26 – Los Lonely Boys - Parcel 5 Friday, June 27 – Lettuce - Parcel 5 Saturday, June 28 – Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue - Parcel 5 For ticketed headliner shows at the Eastman Theatre, go to or call (585) 454-2060. You can also purchase tickets at the RIJF Ticket Shop, 105 East Ave. starting June 17. Prices vary based on the show. You can also buy at the door of Eastman Theatre at showtime, if tickets are still available. Two types of Club Passes are available—a nine-day pass and a three-day pass. The nine-day pass is valid for the full festival, and the three-day pass grants access to three days of shows at the festival. These passes allow access to the Club Pass Series Shows and can be purchased online at You can also pay per show to attend any Club Pass show. Tickets cost $30 cash at the door, $35 cash at Kilbourn Hall. The 2025 event will feature over 285 shows by 1,750 artists. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets to the free headlining shows. Pets, coolers, tents, large umbrellas or any sort of shade structure are not permitted. Strollers are allowed, but wagons are not. Cell phone photos and video are permitted at the outdoor concerts. No cameras (cell phones, video or still) or recording devices are allowed at indoor concerts. Photography is permitted only to professional photographers in designated areas. All bags, purses, and backpacks will be subject to search upon entry to the festival. Children 17 and younger must be with a parent, guardian, or adult 25 years or older. An adult may only accompany two unrelated youngsters. As residents and visitors get ready to celebrate the 2025 International Rochester Jazz Festival, there will be street closures in preparation. Gibbs Street (from East Avenue to East Main Street) Monday, June 9 (7 am) through Wednesday, July 2 (midnight) Gibbs Street (Grove Street to Main Street) June 20 - June 28: Daily from 4 pm until Midnight East Avenue (from Scio Street to Chestnut Street) June 20 - June 28: Daily from 4 pm until midnight Chestnut Street (from Main Street to Broad Street) Wednesday, June 25 - Saturday, June 28: Daily from 4 pm until midnight Main Street (from Chestnut Street to Scio Street, not including Chestnut/Scio) June 20 - June 28: Daily from 4 pm until midnight Elm Street (from Clinton to Chestnut Street) June 25 - June 28: Each day 8 until midnight Cortland Street (from Elm Street to E. Main Street) June 25 - June 28: Daily from 2 pm until midnight Andrew Langston Way (from Elm Street to E. Main Street) June 25 - June 28: Daily from 2 pm until midnight Euclid Street (Chestnut Street to Andrew Langston Way) June 25 - June 28: Daily from 2 pm until midnight Atlas Street (Euclid Street to Elm Street) June 25 - June 28: Daily from 2 pm until midnight East Avenue (from Prince Street to Alexander Street) June 22 (6 am)-June 23 (2 am) East Avenue (from Alexander to Union) June 22: 5 pm until midnight Alexander Street (from University Ave to Park Avenue) June 22: 5 pm until midnight Lawrence Street (from East Avenue to Charlotte Street) June 22: 5 pm until midnight All accessible entrances can be found at these locations: Eastman Theatre: Located at 26 Gibbs Street, to the left of the Eastman School of Music letters on the building. Eastman School of Music, Ray Wright Room 120: Enter via the door on Gibbs Street. Hatch Hall: Accessible to wheelchairs from the main entrance at 433 East Main Street and directly via a ramp into the hall. Inn on Broadway: Enter through the door off the parking lot. A lift is available to help access the elevator to the second floor. Kilbourn Hall: Located at 26 Gibbs Street to the left of the Eastman School of Music letters on the building. Max of Eastman Place: Located in the main entrance at 25 Gibbs St. Merchandise Tent: Wheelchair accessible from the ramp on Gibbs St. Montage Music Hall: Doors open 30 minutes before shows for wheelchair access. Rochester Regional Health Big Tent: Wheelchair access can be found at the main entrance to the tent. The Duke: Located on the Sibley Building's first floor, through the Mercantile entrance. The Little Theatre: Enter through the main entrance on East Ave. The theatre, box office, concessions, and bathrooms are all at street level, without stairs. Visit for more information. Theater at Innovation Square: The sidewalk adjacent to the Theater on Broad Street is ramped for easy access. Elevators inside the main floor entrance will take patrons to the 2nd floor, where the main Theater lobby and auditorium are located. See more info at Guests with mobility issues may be dropped off on Main Street between Swan Street and Gibbs Street in front of Hatch Hall and Eastman Theatre. A portion of Main Street will close to traffic, however, individuals can be dropped off on East Avenue before the streets close. Access will change based on the street closing schedules. Guests can also find accessible bathrooms in these locations: Outside the Rochester Regional Health Big Tent on East Main Street At the end of the Kilbourn Hall alley on Swan Street Near Wegmans Stage on Parcel 5, available during nighttime shows only Near East & Alexander Street Stage Festival coordinators suggest that anyone needing assistance contact the Festival office at least two weeks before the jazz festival or a specific concert. Individuals needing assistance should see a volunteer at any venue entrance. The festival office can be reached at (585) 454-2060. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester Jazz Fest 2025 Parking, tickets, headline schedule and more
Business Upturn
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
The Mercantile On Main & The Duke at Sibley Square: Premier Event Space in the Heart of The Rochester International Jazz Festival 2025
Rochester, NY, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Mercantile On Main, a premier food court and event space in Rochester, NY, is thrilled to announce its prime position for 2025's Rochester International Jazz Festival. Located in the Sibley Building, a historical icon to Rochesterians, the Rochester International Jazz Festival at The Mercantile On Main takes place in the venue's newly renovated event, wedding, and intimate performance space, The Duke, and is a featured destination for all 9 nights (18 shows) of this incredible event. The Duke has also been chosen as one of the festival's bespoke Club Pass venues, with tickets available at the door for $30 on a limited basis. 'It's one of the world's leading jazz festivals – and the place to experience June 20-28, 2025, all genres of creative improvised music,' said a spokesperson for the festival. 'Explore the unique musical sounds from many countries, highlighting international artists' take on the only truly American art form—jazz. Our European-style format makes it easy to navigate. Park once and walk to and from all 18 venues.' With 18 Stages, 1,750 Artists, and 285+ Shows over 9 days, the Rochester International Jazz Festival brings the joy of music to Rochester, New York, and the opportunity to see legendary performers, familiar favorites, rising stars, and new discoveries in an immersive, memorable festival experience. Some of this year's Jazz Fest events include: Club Pass Shows: Boasting 171 shows at 10 venues, the festival's signature Club Pass Series features all styles of jazz by a collection of legends and familiar favorites to rising stars. Ticketed Headliners: From Smokey Robinson and JLCO with Wynton Marsalis to The Wood Brothers and Thundercat, the festival's ticketed headliners offer reserved seats to top industry names, along with access to mouthwatering food and beverages. Free Headliner Shows: Whether rain or shine, the opening shows start at 7 pm and feature a selection of unmissable international acts, such as Jesus Molina, Los Lonely Boys, and Lettuce, while offering access to a delicious array of food and beverages. Jazz Workshops: Available for students of all ages, the Rochester Jazz Festival's free series of five structured jazz workshops provide an unmissable opportunity for music enthusiasts to play, meet, and learn from professional jazz musicians performing at the festival. Late Night Jam Sessions: Starting at 10:30 pm until late and with no cover, as well as a selection of food and drinks available, the festival's late night jam sessions are led on Fridays and Saturdays by Ryan Johnson and Escape Terrain and Sunday thru Thursday by Bob Sneider. When the festival is over, The Mercantile On Main offers a stunning location for exquisite weddings and extraordinary events. The unique space has recently installed a new pizza shop in Rochester, NY, called Red Zone Pizza, offering a variety of mouthwatering slices. Other additions include Seasons' Noodle, which delivers authentic Chinese cuisine, and Rooteins, serving a range of delicious soups and salads. Whether visiting this year's International Jazz Festival or seeking the perfect location for a special occasion, this premier event and wedding venue in Rochester NY provides an unforgettable destination. About The Mercantile On Main The Mercantile On Main is a premier food court and event space in Rochester, NY, inside the Sibley Building, a Rochesterian historical icon. Going beyond simply offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the urban eatery has quickly become Rochester's newest and most unique event hub, catering to a diverse range of events for every occasion. More Information To learn more about The Mercantile On Main and its prime position for 2025's Rochester International Jazz Festival, please visit the website at Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Smokey Robinson makes dramatic move against former housekeeper accusing him of rape
Smokey Robinson claims four ex-housekeepers are stalling a rape lawsuit to sabotage his tour and force an 'extortionate' payout. The 85-year-old Motown legend's legal team filed a motion Thursday seeking to compel one of the anonymous accusers, known only as Jane Doe. 2, to sit for a deposition - accusing the women of blocking evidence collection while Robinson is on the road. Robinson, who vehemently denies the allegations and previously told he was 'appalled' by the lawsuit, has countersued for extortion, defamation, and elder abuse. His attorney, Christopher Frost, alleges the women's lawyer, John Harris, 'wants to delay all discovery' until a motion to strike Robinson's counterclaims is decided - a move that could stall the case for months. Frost argues the delay is a strategic attempt to damage Robinson financially during his 50th anniversary A Quiet Storm tour and strengthen the women's settlement demands. 'Plaintiffs have effectively conceded that their intention was to file a salacious lawsuit, do nothing to prosecute it, neuter the Robinsons' ability to defend themselves, and let the lawsuit linger publicly while the Robinsons have to live every day under the unfair specter of public opinion and while Mr. Robinson's tour is negatively affected,' Frost wrote. 'This plays into plaintiffs and cross-defendants' strategy to exact leverage on Mr. and Ms. Robinson.' 'The longer Mr. Robinson's livelihood is harmed, the more pressure there is for the Robinsons to give in to plaintiffs' and cross-defendants' extortionate demands.' Frost claims the women had previously demanded $100 million from Robinson and his wife Frances before filing the civil suit in May - and are now refusing to engage in discovery while letting the allegations fester in the public eye. He's asking the court to compel Jane Doe 2 to appear for a deposition at his Los Angeles law office within two weeks of the motion being heard - and to force the women to cover nearly $5,000 in legal fees Robinson has spent bringing the motion. 'If plaintiffs and cross-defendants are not sanctioned for their abusive behavior, they will expect that they can continue this behavior during the pendency of this case, which will only create more delays and more motion practice,' Frost wrote. 'The utilization of this strategy must be nipped in the bud.' But the women's attorneys blasted the filing Friday as an attempt to intimidate and silence them. 'This motion is a calculated effort to misuse the discovery process in a manner that is both retaliatory and chilling,' lawyers John Harris and Herbert Hayden said in a statement. 'By singling out Jane Doe 2 for a compelled deposition at this early stage, the defendant is engaging in a broader strategy of harassment and coercion - an attempt to retraumatize a survivor of sexual violence under the guise of lawful process.' 'This motion is not about truth-seeking; it is about exerting power. It should be recognized for what it is: a transparent attempt to chill participation in this case and deter other survivors from coming forward. 'We remain steadfast in defending her rights and will hold the Robinsons accountable for any effort to subvert those rights through abusive and vexatious litigation tactics.' His attorney, Christopher Frost, alleges the women's lawyer, John Harris, 'wants to delay all discovery' until a motion to strike Robinson's counterclaims is decided - a move that could stall the case for months The women have also filed a police report, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has launched a criminal investigation into their sexual assault allegations. When asked by about the claims, a visibly rattled Robinson said, 'I am appalled,' then began mumbling incoherently during a call on Wednesday morning. He did not sound well. He regained clarity a few moments later, ending the call with: 'I can't speak about this right now.' The civil suit, filed this week, accuses Robinson and his wife of a disturbing pattern of abuse and harassment spanning nearly two decades. The alleged victims - all Hispanic women - worked in his homes in Los Angeles and Las Vegas between 2007 and 2024. They say they were lured into private rooms where Robinson would allegedly expose himself or appear in just a towel before demanding sexual acts. One woman alleges she was raped without a condom at least 23 times beginning in 2016 - often in the laundry room or garage where there were no security cameras. She gave graphic detail, claiming Robinson would 'enjoy ejaculating all over (her) face' and threatened her by saying his wife would be 'mean' if she didn't comply. Another former housekeeper says she was assaulted at least seven times between January 2023 and February 2024. She claims Robinson would escort the dog, Shilo, out of his blue bedroom, lock the door behind her, and then attack her on his bed - 'causing her great pain.' She said she would try to resist but couldn't. She once shouted 'you're married' in desperation, but said Robinson would 'casually ignore' her. She ultimately quit in February. The same plaintiff also accused Robinson and his wife of failing to pay minimum wage and overtime. A third woman claims she was raped 20 times between 2012 and 2024 and was once offered $500 so Robinson could 'allow him to orally copulate her.' She accuses Frances Robinson of doing nothing to stop the abuse despite 'having full knowledge of his prior acts of sexual misconduct, having settled cases with other women that suffered and experienced similar sexual assaults perpetuated by him.' The fourth woman, who worked for Robinson between 2007 and 2024, said he 'never used a condom' while assaulting her in his home. Frances is also accused of enabling the assaults, allegedly screaming at staff in a 'hostile manner' and using 'ethnically pejorative words and language.' She was also allegedly driven to a nail salon weekly so Robinson could be 'home alone' with one of the plaintiffs. The women are suing for $50 million and allege sexual battery, assault, gender violence, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, failure to pay wages, and the creation of a hostile work environment. The shocking allegations come just weeks after Robinson released his new album What The World Needs Now, telling CBS Mornings: 'I want people to be inspired to care about each other and to love each other.' When asked about his legacy, he added: '(One) who recognized the fact that you don't get any bigger than being a human being. I don't care what your craft is, or what you do for your living and all that... So, I hope that that's my legacy.' Robinson is currently on tour celebrating A Quiet Storm's 50th anniversary — and is scheduled to take the stage in Huntington, New York, just hours after the women's press conference.
Glasgow Times
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Music legend cancelled Glasgow summer gig at SEC Armadillo
Smokey Robinson was set to perform at the SEC Armadillo in the city's West End on Thursday, July 3, 2025. However, it has been revealed that the legendary Motown recording artist's show at the venue will not go ahead. READ MORE: Rock band announced concert at beloved Glasgow venue On the SEC's website, a statement reads: "Smokey Robinson, originally scheduled to play the SEC Armadillo on July 3, 2025, has now been cancelled: "A message from the promoter: "We are writing to inform you of changes to SMOKEY ROBINSON's schedule. "His shows planned to take place at Cardiff Utilita Arena on July 9, 2025. and Glasgow Armadillo on July 3, 2025, have been cancelled. "The following shows will take place as planned: Birmingham Utilita Arena, July 8, 2025, London Eventim Apollo – July 11, 2025, and tickets are still available. "We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. "Refunds are available from the point of purchase." Image from the SEC'S website (Image: Google) It is unclear why the musician has axed his Glasgow and Cardiff shows. In March, we reported how the 85-year-old, from America, was bringing his Legacy Tour to the city. READ MORE: 'One of the UK's biggest bands' announced Glasgow gig The gig was set to mark 50 years since the release of his 1975 breakthrough album, A Quiet Storm. At the show, he was set to be joined by special guests Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri. Smokey, who rose to fame in the 1950s, is known for his hit tunes including, Cruisin', Being With You, Just To See Her, and The Agony And The Ecstasy.
