newsmakers

newsmakers

Carlos Santana, wife to perform anthem at NBA Finals

OAKLAND, Calif.

Ten-time Grammy Award winner Carlos Santana and his wife, Cindy Blackman Santana, will perform the national anthem today before Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

With the Golden State Warriors leading the Cleveland Cavaliers 1-0, the Santanas have ties to both local regions.

Carlos Santana is from San Francisco and established himself on the Bay Area music scene with his Latin-rock sound before going on to sell more than 100 million records with hits such as “Oye Como Va,” “Maria Maria,” and “Smooth.”

Cindy Blackman Santana is a drummer and Ohio native who has worked with Lenny Kravitz and has 10 records to her credit.

Princess Charlotte’s 1st official photos issued

LONDON

Britain’s royal family has released the first official photos of month-old Princess Charlotte, photographed by her mother in the arms of elder brother Prince George.

Kensington Palace issued four images Saturday, taken by the Duchess of Cambridge in mid-May at Anmer Hall, the family’s home in eastern England.

They show Charlotte propped on a pillow, cradled by George, who turns 2 in July. Charlotte wears a white sweater, the prince a white top trimmed in blue.

Britain’s royals have been photographed by some of the world’s leading photographers. But Prince William and Kate are continuing a more informal tradition begun two years ago with the first official portrait of Prince George, taken by his grandfather Michael Middleton.

Charlotte was born May 2 and is fourth in line to the throne.

Tony show will feature stars, songs and a stunt

NEW YORK

When producers asked Alan Cumming to host the Tony Awards this year, his heart sank.

Then they said, “with Kristin Chenoweth” and he said, “Oh, all right!”

His partner in crime tonight said she had the same reaction: “I was like, ‘Hallelujah!’ It felt like I’d struck gold.”

Tony producers are hoping they’ve struck it too with the intriguing pairing of Cumming and Chenoweth, a break from the memorable shifts done in the past by the likes of Neil Patrick Harris or Hugh Jackman.

The addition of two hosts instead of just one actually is perfectly in step with a show that has amped up the number of musical numbers and celebrities to insane levels.

In addition to a hefty 11 performances and the handing out of 24 competitive Tonys, the three-hour telecast will feature appearances by a motley group of stars, including Jennifer Lopez, Sting, Jim Parsons, Amanda Seyfried, Larry David and Ashley Tisdale, and a stunt: Josh Groban will try to lead the most performers in a single number in Tony history.

Producers are hoping to beat last year’s average of 7.02 million viewers, a dip from 2013’s 7.24 million. Getting buzz from appearing on the telecast can dictate a show’s future, both on Broadway and on the road. But, as happened last year, Game 2 of the NBA Finals will compete against the Tonys.

Those tuning in will see musical numbers from the seven nominated new and revival musicals, including “Ring of Keys” from “Fun Home” and medleys from “The King and I” and “On the 20th Century.”

Associated Press