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Music News: ‘Hamilton’ wins 11 Tony Awards as music world decries hate

by Staff

June 13, 2016

Hamilton won 11 Tony Awards out of its record 16 nominations on Sunday night, in a ceremony dedicated to those affected by Sunday morning's terror attack in Orlando. "Love cannot be killed or swept aside," said Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the acclaimed show, as he accepted the award for best score.

Among Hamilton’s wins were a Tony for best new musical; as the New York Times reports, "One measure of its extraordinary stature: Its performance on the awards show was preceded by a videotaped tribute to the show from President Obama and the first lady, Michelle Obama." In a striking contrast to the Oscars, all four of this year's winners for performances in musicals (three Hamilton winners, plus Cynthia Erivo as leading actress from The Color Purple) are African-American.

Shock and sadness in Orlando

Along with the rest of the world, the music community is reeling in shock and sadness after a terror attack early Sunday morning left 50 dead and 53 wounded during a Latin dance night at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla.

The attack, by a lone gunman who pledged allegiance to ISIS and was killed by authorities three hours after the violence began, was the deadliest mass shooting in American history. Authorities are investigating whether the attack might have been motivated by anti-gay hate. (MPR News)

People around the world, including musicians, took to social media to express support and solidarity with the people of Orlando and the GLBT community.

In Minnesota, hundreds gathered in Loring Park for a vigil, and there was a moment of silence at the Golden Valley Pride festival. "The horrific act of hatred and terror in Orlando was an unfathomable attack upon all of humanity," said Gov. Mark Dayton, ordering flags in Minnesota to be flown at half-mast. (Star Tribune)

Christina Grimmie, 1994-2016

Less than 28 hours earlier, a separate shooting in Orlando took the life of singer Christina Grimmie, best-known for appearing as a contestant on The Voice in 2014. On Friday night, Grimmie performed a show and was then fatally shot during a meet-and-greet, by a man who targeted Grimmie in a premeditated attack and then immediately took his own life. (New York Times)

The venue where that shooting occurred has suspended all operations until further notice, and the many musicians who knew and performed with Grimmie shared their sorrow via social media. Onstage in Miami on Saturday night, Selena Gomez broke into tears as she paid tribute to the late singer, a friend of hers for years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m82Jyl6Eao8

Musical triumphs, tragic death at Bonnaroo

As expected, Bonnaroo was filled with unforgettable musical moments — several involving the busy Chance the Rapper, who wasn't a scheduled performer but guested with the likes of MiguelJ. Cole and Bryson Tiller, and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. (Pitchfork) Tragedy struck Bonnaroo, however, when 22-year-old festivalgoer Casey Young died while trying to cross a highway. (Rolling Stone)

Dylan covers "Freebird"

For a smile amid this great sadness, here's video of Bob Dylan’s band on Thursday night, honoring a shouted request for...yes, that song. (Rolling Stone)

Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.