Latest news with #SomethingDifferent
Business Upturn
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Chuck Mangione passes away at 84: A look back at his legendary life and career
The music world mourns the loss of jazz legend Chuck Mangione, who passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Rochester, New York home on July 22, 2025, at the age of 84. Known for his virtuosic flugelhorn and trumpet playing, as well as his iconic compositions, Mangione leaves behind a remarkable legacy that spans decades, genres, and generations. His signature hit, 'Feels So Good,' remains one of the most recognizable jazz-pop anthems of all time. This article celebrates his extraordinary life, career, and contributions to music. Early Life and Musical Roots in Rochester Born Charles Frank Mangione on November 29, 1940, in Rochester, New York, to Italian-American parents, Chuck was immersed in music from a young age. His father, Frank Mangione, a passionate music enthusiast, frequently hosted jazz musicians at their home, exposing young Chuck to legends like Art Blakey and Carmen McRae. At age 10, Mangione began playing the trumpet, and by his teenage years, he was performing in a jazz combo with his pianist brother, Gap Mangione, while attending Benjamin Franklin High School. Mangione's early exposure to jazz shaped his musical path. After graduating high school in 1958, he pursued a bachelor's degree in music education at the prestigious Eastman School of Music, graduating in 1963. His time at Eastman not only honed his technical skills but also laid the foundation for his innovative approach to blending jazz, pop, and classical elements. Rise to Fame: The Jazz Brothers and Beyond Mangione's career began to take shape in the early 1960s when he and his brother Gap formed the Mangione Brothers Sextet/Quintet, later known as the Jazz Brothers. The group recorded three albums for Riverside Records, showcasing Chuck's burgeoning talent as a composer and performer. One of his compositions, 'Something Different,' caught the attention of jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, who recorded it on his 1961 album African Waltz . In the late 1960s, Mangione joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, filling the trumpet chair previously held by jazz giants like Clifford Brown and Lee Morgan. This experience sharpened his skills and deepened his understanding of jazz's improvisational roots. He also served as director of the Eastman Jazz Ensemble from 1968 to 1972, further cementing his connection to his alma mater. 'Feels So Good': A Jazz-Pop Sensation Chuck Mangione achieved international stardom in 1977 with the release of his album Feels So Good . The title track, a smooth, melodic instrumental, climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart—a rare feat for a jazz composition. The album itself went double-platinum, becoming one of the most successful jazz records of all time. Its breezy, accessible sound appealed to both jazz purists and mainstream audiences, solidifying Mangione's place in music history. Mangione's success with Feels So Good was no fluke. His ability to craft memorable melodies and fuse jazz with pop and orchestral elements resonated with listeners worldwide. The song's enduring popularity is evident in its frequent use in media, including references on the animated series King of the Hill , where Mangione voiced himself as a recurring character and spokesperson for Mega Lo Mart. A Prolific Career and Grammy Wins Over his career, Mangione released more than 30 albums, showcasing his versatility as a composer, performer, and bandleader. His 1977 composition 'Bellavia' earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition, while the 1978 soundtrack for The Children of Sanchez won him a second Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. The latter, a nearly 15-minute piece featuring a wind section theme, highlighted his ability to create expansive, cinematic works. Mangione's music also graced global stages. His composition 'Chase the Clouds Away' was featured at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, and 'Give It All You Got' served as the theme for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, where he performed live during the closing ceremonies. These milestones brought his music to international audiences and underscored his knack for capturing the spirit of major events. In the late 1970s, Mangione's ensemble, featuring saxophonist Gerry Niewood, guitarist Grant Geissman, bassist Charles Meeks, and drummer James Bradley Jr., became a staple of his live performances and recordings. Their chemistry shone on albums like Fun and Games and the live An Evening of Magic , recorded with a 70-piece orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl in 1978. Contributions Beyond Music Mangione's influence extended beyond the recording studio. In 2009, he donated significant memorabilia to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, including his signature brown felt hat, sheet music, photos, albums, and an animation cell from King of the Hill . His recurring role on the show introduced his music and persona to new generations, blending his jazz legacy with pop culture. A private individual, Mangione kept his personal life out of the spotlight. He was married with two children, and his commitment to family and music remained central to his life. His signature felt hat became an iconic symbol of his unique style, and his contributions to Rochester's music scene earned him induction into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame in 2012. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Indianapolis Star
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
'Love Island USA' watch parties have reached 'Super Bowl' levels of 'excitement'
"America has been voting," and decided: "Love Island USA" watch parties have reached "Super Bowl" status. In Washington, D.C., on July 8, fans gathered at the tropical-themed Royal Sands Social Club to enjoy food and drinks while watching the latest episode. The sold-out watch event was hosted by local event group Something Different. "If you look inside the bar, it's ironically, very 'Love Island' themed, in a way, they have what looks to be like a villa of their own," co-founder Chance Albury told USA TODAY. "Being able to provide that atmosphere makes it an automatic draw." Something Different hosts game nights, skate parties, and other community-focused events as an alternative to the city's robust nightlife scene. The bar exploded during Episode 32's dumping when Taylor and Clarke were sent home after receiving the fewest votes. When Something Different dropped their initial flyer for the "Love Island" series, it was met with a good reaction. "People love it. I remember the first one that we hosted. I was very shocked to see the outcome and the way that people engage with the show," Albury said. "I think that was incredible. It felt like a sports game." 'Love Island USA' Season 7 cast: See every islander so far Triniti Lemmons, 25, said she felt a similar feeling during a watch party at Texas Live!, a bar in Arlington. The show was plastered on multiple jumbo screens inside the establishment. "I'm a huge sports fan, so it honestly gave me the same excitement of watching an intense football game with a group of people," she stated. "I knew that going to the watch party, I'd get the chance to talk about what was going down in the episode in real time with my friends." Lemmons decided to attend the event after seeing how "Love Island" watch parties were gaining traction online. The reality dating series centers around a group of contestants looking for love in a Fijian villa. The show airs six days a week on Peacock, keeping fans entertained and invested throughout the summer. "This is my Super Bowl," tennis star Coco Gauff cheered in a recent TikTok video after fan favorites Nic and Olandria re-coupled up on the show. The drama-filled Season 7, which premiered on June 3, has become a massive hit on the streaming platform. From viral moments to the growing fandom's in-depth discourse, it's hard to escape "Love Island" content on the timeline. "Getting to watch it on such a big screen, as if I were at a movie theater, was just top tier," Lemmons added. Craft and Yap founder Tiffany Menzies' "Love Island" watch party at Driftwoods Sports Grill, based in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 26, attracted an estimated 170 people. "We filled the patio, and we even had some, like, overflow in another room where we put some TVs in case there was a demand for it, but people loved it," Menzies said. "Everybody was chatting and watching it, and screaming and having reactions to the different scenes and challenges, so it was really fun." The party featured specialty bites fitting for the occasion, like calamari rings called "Tentacles of Temptation" and "Love Triangles & Loaded Lies" waffle fries. Whether attending solo or with friends, Menzies said people are seeking genuine community. "It's just reality TV, but I think the bigger picture within it is that people just want to all be involved in something and chat with each other," she added. "It's nice to see people just relax and be silly and yell at the screens together over stupid stuff. Sometimes we need that." There's no centralized place to search for "Love Island" watch parties, but social media has served as a bulletin board for many bars and restaurants hosting them across the country, capitalizing on local fans' interest. And many organizers are getting creative. For instance, Something Different partnered with a medical spa to give attendees a "bombshell giveaway." They are offering winners a custom glow facial, two free lip fillers, and a tox sprinkle. "Whether you're a bombshell looking to turn heads or just want to feel a little more muggy-season ready, we got you covered," the event group posted. Although the watch parties are not as romantic as Huda's "dream" beach date, it is still a "cute" idea for Sunday's season finale.
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Love Island USA' watch parties have reached 'Super Bowl' levels of 'excitement'
"America has been voting," and decided: "Love Island USA" watch parties have reached "Super Bowl" status. In Washington, D.C., on July 8, fans gathered at the tropical-themed Royal Sands Social Club to enjoy food and drinks while watching the latest episode. The sold-out watch event was hosted by local event group Something Different. "If you look inside the bar, it's ironically, very 'Love Island' themed, in a way, they have what looks to be like a villa of their own," co-founder Chance Albury told USA TODAY. "Being able to provide that atmosphere makes it an automatic draw." Something Different hosts game nights, skate parties, and other community-focused events as an alternative to the city's robust nightlife scene. The bar exploded during Episode 32's dumping when Taylor and Clarke were sent home after receiving the fewest votes. When Something Different dropped their initial flyer for the "Love Island" series, it was met with a good reaction. "People love it. I remember the first one that we hosted. I was very shocked to see the outcome and the way that people engage with the show," Albury said. "I think that was incredible. It felt like a sports game." 'Love Island USA' Season 7 cast: See every islander so far 'Top tier' Triniti Lemmons, 25, said she felt a similar feeling during a watch party at Texas Live!, a bar in Arlington. The show was plastered on multiple jumbo screens inside the establishment. "I'm a huge sports fan, so it honestly gave me the same excitement of watching an intense football game with a group of people," she stated. "I knew that going to the watch party, I'd get the chance to talk about what was going down in the episode in real time with my friends." Lemmons decided to attend the event after seeing how "Love Island" watch parties were gaining traction online. The reality dating series centers around a group of contestants looking for love in a Fijian villa. The show airs six days a week on Peacock, keeping fans entertained and invested throughout the summer. "This is my Super Bowl," tennis star Coco Gauff cheered in a recent TikTok video after fan favorites Nic and Olandria re-coupled up on the show. The drama-filled Season 7, which premiered on June 3, has become a massive hit on the streaming platform. From viral moments to the growing fandom's in-depth discourse, it's hard to escape "Love Island" content on the timeline. "Getting to watch it on such a big screen, as if I were at a movie theater, was just top tier," Lemmons added. People are seeking community, organizer says Craft and Yap founder Tiffany Menzies' "Love Island" watch party at Driftwoods Sports Grill, based in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 26, attracted an estimated 170 people. "We filled the patio, and we even had some, like, overflow in another room where we put some TVs in case there was a demand for it, but people loved it," Menzies said. "Everybody was chatting and watching it, and screaming and having reactions to the different scenes and challenges, so it was really fun." The party featured specialty bites fitting for the occasion, like calamari rings called "Tentacles of Temptation" and "Love Triangles & Loaded Lies" waffle fries. Whether attending solo or with friends, Menzies said people are seeking genuine community. "It's just reality TV, but I think the bigger picture within it is that people just want to all be involved in something and chat with each other," she added. "It's nice to see people just relax and be silly and yell at the screens together over stupid stuff. Sometimes we need that." 'Love Island' watch party flyers are flooding social media There's no centralized place to search for "Love Island" watch parties, but social media has served as a bulletin board for many bars and restaurants hosting them across the country, capitalizing on local fans' interest. And many organizers are getting creative. For instance, Something Different partnered with a medical spa to give attendees a "bombshell giveaway." They are offering winners a custom glow facial, two free lip fillers, and a tox sprinkle. "Whether you're a bombshell looking to turn heads or just want to feel a little more muggy-season ready, we got you covered," the event group posted. Although the watch parties are not as romantic as Huda's "dream" beach date, it is still a "cute" idea for Sunday's season finale. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
Egypt Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Amal Maher Teases Bold Comeback with Star-Studded Album ‘Haga Geir'
Amal Maher. Acclaimed Egyptian singer Amal Maher announced on her Instagram account that her much-anticipated new album, Haga Gheir (Something Different), is coming soon. She's already filmed several music videos in preparation for its release. Amal promised that Haga Gheir would surprise her fans and mark a fresh, different return to the music scene. She also revealed that the album brings together a powerhouse team of creative lyricists and composers. Among the collaborators are renowned poets Ayman Bahgat Amar, Nader Abdallah, Ahmed El Maleky, Aleem, Amr El Masry, and Nour Abdallah. On the composition side, she's working with talents like Ahmed Ibrahim, Ahmed El Zaeem, Madian, Mostafa El Assal, Amr El Shazly, Mohamed Anwar, and Nour Ezz El Arab.
