Who's in
Puerto Rican parade king Ricky doing it for kids
Ricky Martin reigned as king at the 50th anniversary of the Puerto Rican parade on Sunday as tens of thousands of people gathered to celebrate their homeland. In New York, the sexy singer joined Mayor Michael Bloomberg to cut a ceremonial ribbon, before climbing a float promoting the Ricky Martin Foundation. The charity is devoted to advocating child welfare around the world.
Fans screamed as the float made its way up Fifth Avenue. "We were about to pass out, we were so happy to see him," said Tania Ochoteco, 33, of the Bronx.
More screams greeted last year's grand marshals Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, who made a surprise repeat appearance on separate floats.
Indian stars climb aboard for Bollywood awards
Bollywood stars Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan pulled into York train station, northern England for the weekend's International Indian Film Awards (IIFA).
A fitting prelude for the gala world premiere of The Train, their arrival pumped star power into the gritty city of Leeds, which hosted the four-day film event.
At Saturday's glitzy award ceremony, Rang de Basanti (Paint it Saffron) bagged the most honors, including for best film. Aishwarya was one of two winners of a gong for the year's most glamorous star, while Abhishek delighted the audience with an impromptu jig from his latest film.
Held at the Sheffield Haram Arena, the eighth IIFA Awards saw Bollywood's big names gather for a night of glamour, emotion and atmosphere. The IIFAs kicked off on Wednesday but the official launch took place at Leeds on Thursday. The festival, celebrating the world's second largest cinema industry, was expected be watched on television by 500 million people worldwide.
Tribute for swing king Peterson
His doctor's orders prevented Oscar Peterson from attending a concert held in his honor at Carnegie Hall, where the legendary jazz pianist launched his international career nearly 60 years ago. Peterson's wife, Kelly, addressed the audience at the tribute concert on Friday on behalf of the 81-year-old master of swing, who was at home near Toronto, Canada.
"Even though he can't be here this evening and is quite disappointed about that, he sends his heartfelt thanks, his deepest appreciation and his love to all of you," said Ms Peterson, at the Fujitsu Jazz Festival, headlined by Wynton Marsalis.
Peterson's daughter, Celine, recalled that it was on the same stage that her father's "amazing career began." In 1949, jazz impresario Norman Granz invited a then-unknown pianist he had heard performing in a Montreal club to come to New York for one of his Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts at Carnegie Hall. Peterson was brought up from the audience as a surprise guest to play a duet with bassist Ray Brown, stunning those present with his dazzling technique and mastery of different jazz styles.
Agencies
(China Daily 06/12/2007 page18)
