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Wednesday 31 December 2008

Kennedy Center Honors Aired

CBS aired The Kennedy Center Honors Show last night in the US. The award show is only ever aired once -- so if you missed it... here's a recap.

Glenn Close = Speech.
Indina Menzel sang Don't Rain On My Parade
Beyonce = The Way We Were
Ne-yo = Lover Come Back To Me
Kelli O'Hara / Nathan Gunn = Somewhere (with Choir)

Barbra's section of the show lasted a good 30 minutes... (longer than the other inductees). Queen Latifah talked about Barbra during a special Biography Video.

You can catch some of the segments on Youtube.com

BarbraNews will be putting some screen grabs up soon.

Tuesday 30 December 2008

Streisand: Perfection Is Imperfection

Legendary Singer & Kennedy Center Honoree Embraces Her Humble Beginnings

(CBS) At this point in Barbra Streisand's legendary career, no one can rain on her parade -- not even President Bush.

To add to her stellar list of accolades, Streisand has been given the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor.

"It's a recognition of your country in a sense towards you, the artist, and the recognition of the importance of the arts in general," Streisand told Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen.

Streisand has been a vocal critic of President Bush and many wondered if she would accept the award and attend the traditional White House gala.

"This is a weekend that celebrates the arts and artists, so I shall say that -- art transcends politics this weekend," she said.

On her official bio from the Kennedy Center, they list her job title as director, actress, singer, writer, composer and producer.

"You could add to that activist and environmentalist," Chen said.

Streisand grew up poor in Brooklyn, N.Y. Her father, a teacher, died when she was just 15 months old. The family continued to struggle. Streisand will never forget those early memories.

"My early childhood, we never had a couch. We never had a living room. We only had a dining room. And then my grandmother and grandfather lived in one bedroom and my mother, my brother and I slept in another bedroom, so we never had fancy things," she said. "We moved to another -- a project in Brooklyn and I remember the luxuriousness of this couch! Now I love couches. I never had a doll. I had a hot water bottle."

But those humble beginnings somehow helped Streisand find confidence in herself, even when her mother did not.

"My mother wanted me to join the school system. She kept saying, she was a school secretary, she kept saying 'You have free vacations, summers off and this is going to be good for you.' I kept saying, 'But, mom, I want to be an actress. No, you'll never make it. You're not pretty enough, you're not this enough, you're too skinny.' I was always very skinny. But I owe her a lot because, in a sense, I was proving to my mother that this skinny little girl, unconventional looking, I suppose, could be a movie star," she said.

Besides being a movie star, Streisand became a world class recording artist outselling the Beatles.

Despite the recognition, Streisand admits that her voice is far from perfect.

"I was gifted with a good set of vocal chords, I suppose. I believe in if you tell the truth or -- it comes from your heart, what comes from the heart goes to the heart. So it reaches people," she said.

She also can credit her deviated septum for her success as well.

"I think it helps," Streisand admitted.

Film Career

Streisand made her film debut 40 years ago and became one of Hollywood's leading ladies.

She won her first an Academy Award in 1968's "Funny Girl" and said she knew it wouldn't be her last.

"How do I say this? Belief inspires reality. Perception and belief creates reality. It's a vision. I don't know. I remember it was an awful choice I made wearing the dress I made for the first Academy Award, but I thought to myself, I'm going to win this again. Isn't that terrible to say? But that's the truth," she said.

Streisand was nominated for four more Oscars, and won again for writing "Evergreen," the love theme to "A Star Is Born." She was the first female composer ever to win an Academy Award.

In 1983, Streisand released her 15-year labor of love "Yentl." She was the first woman in Hollywood to star, co-write and produce a film. The film paid tribute to her father, who died when she was an infant.

"I had to become my own father in a sense. And I also had to be everyone else's parent. You know, when you direct, you -- they are your children in a way. So it brings out all those instincts that are dormant sometimes, you know?" she said.

Another big personal triumph for Streisand was "The Prince of Tides," which garnered her seven Oscar nominations.

"What drew you to the book?" Chen asked.

"How human beings can transform and heal through a search for the truth. That's the basis of this story, and understanding your childhood, understanding your parents, forgiveness," Streisand said.

But the film many called the most romantic of all time is "The Way We Were," her 1973 pairing with Robert Redford.

"He was wonderful to work with. I loved working with him. Always interesting. Always in the moment, you know? So we never knew what each other was going to do -- take to take," she said.

In the '70s and '80s, Streisand was visible on the silver screen, but absent from concert stages.

It was stage fright that kept her away from the stage. During her performance in Central Park in 1967, Streisand forgot the words before 135,000 people -- prior to that she never experienced stage fright.

"No stage fright. You know, it was scary. It was wonderful. But I remember it being a horrifying experience. Really embarrassing to forget the words, forget the words. That's why I didn't sing for a very long time until they invented Teleprompters. It still scares me to this day," Streisand admitted.

"What is the biggest misconception about you," Chen asked.

"One? Gosh, I don't know. What do they say? What do they say about me? I'm difficult. Oh, difficult. That's one. Right? I don't know. Maybe in the search for the -- striving for excellence, I think may be perceived as difficult. It's not perfection because there is no such thing as perfection. I remember writing in my journal when I was 15, observing an acting class, that perfection was imperfection. Because, otherwise, it's inhuman, you know? It's almost too perfect," she said.

Well, in the eyes of millions dedicated and adoring fans, she's pretty close to being perfect.

The 31st annual Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast tonight at 9 p.m. ET, on CBS.



© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday 24 December 2008

MGM Press Release: Yentl Extended Director's Edition

NOTHING’S IMPOSSIBLE
YENTL
EXTENDED DIRECTOR’S EDITION

Barbra Streisand’s Golden Globe Award-Winning Musical Odyssey Debuts on 2-Disc DVD for the First Time February 3 from MGM Home Entertainment


“Three cheers for chutzpah!”
Richard Corliss, Time

“…charming and moving...”
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

“Streisand gives Yentl a heart that sings and spirit that soars.”
People Magazine

“The best directing debut since Citizen Kane!”
Steven Spielberg

LOS ANGELES, CA – In turn of the century Eastern Europe, a Jewish girl disguises herself as a boy in order to pursue a religious education in Yentl, available on DVD for the first time February 3rd from MGM Home Entertainment and timed to the films 25th Anniversary. Starring multiple award winner* Barbra Streisand (A Star Is Born, The Way We Were), Golden Globe® nominee** Mandy Patinkin (“Chicago Hope,” The Princess Bride) and Amy Irving (Traffic, Crossing Delancey) in her Academy Award®-nominated role, Yentl is based on a play by Leah Napolin and Isaac Bashevis Singer’s original short story “Yentl, the Yeshiva Boy.” When Yentl’s (Streisand) father (played by Nehemiah Persoff), who secretly tutored her throughout her childhood in the Talmud – the primary source of Jewish religion law - dies, she faces a life of female drudgery with no hope of continuing her studies. Frustrated by her feminine destiny, feisty Yentl transforms herself into looking like a boy, renames herself Anshel, and heads for the nearest Talmudic academy where she hopes to pass as a male student. There she falls in love with fellow student Avigdor (Patinkin), who in turn is in love with Hadass (Irving). After numerous complications ensue, Yentl, determined to get what she wants, leaves Europe for America to pursue her dream of serious study without needing to hide her identity as a woman.

Incorporating humor and music to relate Yentl’s journey, the film won an Academy Award in 1984 for best original score and received four Oscar nominations including Amy Irving for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Art Direction/Set Direction, and Best Original Songs including “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” and “The Way He Makes Me Feel,” both sung by Streisand. Additional accolades include two Golden Globe award wins and four nominations, and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Album of Instrumental Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special.

The Yentl Extended Director’s Edition Two-Disc DVD set includes never before seen bonus features such as Barbra Streisand’s Original Concept Reel, rehearsal/final film comparisons, storyboard montages for musical numbers, deleted scenes, and much more, and will be available for a suggested retail price of $29.98 U.S./$37.98 Canada. Prebook is January 17th.

* Oscar Awards: 2 wins (A Star is Born, Funny Girl); Golden Globe Awards: 3 wins (Yentl, A Star is Born, Funny Girl)
** 1995: Best Performance by an Actor in a TV-Series - Drama, “Chicago Hope;” 1984 : Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical, Yentl

Synopsis
The legendary Barbra Streisand shines as producer, co-writer, director and star of this radiant film about a young woman who risks everything for her insatiable passion to learn. Masquerading as a young man, she enters the Yeshiva to fulfill her forbidden desire for knowledge. But in a place where even the strongest mind can be betrayed by the body, how long can she uphold her secret before her new friends – and the young man she’s come to love – discover the shocking truth?

Special Features
The Yentl Extended Director’s Edition DVD is presented in widescreen with English Dolby Surround 5.1 sound. Special features include:

Disc One:
· Streisand Introduction #1 (Anniversary & Collector’s Edition)
· Commentary with Barbra Streisand and Executive Producer Rusty Lemorande
(Anniversary & Collector’s Edition)
· 11 Deleted Scenes (Anniversary & Collector’s Edition)
Disc Two:
· Barbra Streisand’s Introduction to Disc 2 (Collector’s Edition)
· Barbra Streisand’s Original Concept Reel (Streisand Introduction included)
(Collector’s Edition)
· The Director’s Reed (Streisand Introduction included) (Collector’s Edition)
· Rehearsal/Final Film Comparisons (Collector’s Edition)
· Where is it Written? Rehearsal (Streisand Introduction included) (Collector’s Edition)
· Where is it Written? Rehearsal/Final Film Comparison (Collector’s Edition)
· No Wonder Rehearsal (Collector’s Edition)
· No Wonder Rehearsal/Final Film Comparison (Collector’s Edition)
· The Way He Makes Me Feel Rehearsal (Collector’s Edition)
· The Way He Makes Me Feel/Final Film Comparison (Collector’s Edition)
· No Wonder – Reprise Rehearsal (Collector’s Edition)
· No Wonder – Reprise Rehearsal/Final Film Comparison (Collector’s Edition)
· Tomorrow Night Rehearsal (Collector’s Edition)
· Tomorrow Night Rehearsal/Final Film Comparison (Collector’s Edition)
· Will Someone Ever Look at Me That Way? Rehearsal/Final Film Comparison
(Collector’s Edition)
· Storyboard Montages for Musical Numbers (Collector’s Edition)
· Deleted Number: The Moon and I (Streisand Introduction included) (Collector’s Edition)
· Deleted Number: Several Sins a Day (Collector’s Edition)
· Papa, Can You Hear Me? (Collector’s Edition)
· A Piece of Sky (Collector’s Edition)
· Tomorrow Night (Collector’s Edition)
· Teaser Trailer
· Theatrical Trailer
· Photo Gallery



Yentl
Price: $29.98 U.S./$37.98 Canada (Extended Director’s Edition)
Order Due Date: January 17, 2009
Street Date: February 3, 2009
Catalog Number: M111776 (Extended Director’s Edition)
Total Run Time: 133 minutes
Rating: PG
Screen Format: Widescreen
Subtitles: English/Spanish
Closed Captioned: Yes

Tuesday 23 December 2008

Barbra To Sing For Obama?

According to a new interview with Quincy Jones... Barbra is all set to perform 'Happy Days Are Here Again' at the Inauguration in January.

More soon.

Diana Krall Talks...

Diana Krall spoke with the Vancouver Sun and mentioned the Streisand album project:

She has also been in L.A. producing a new album for Barbra Streisand.

The collaboration with Streisand started when Krall was pregnant. “She’d come to some of my gigs and mentioned that she needed inspiration for her tour, so I started sending her CDs.”

Streisand surprised Krall at her Madison Square Garden concert in 2006 when she dedicated the song "Down With Love" to her. The shout-out turned the heads of audience members Oprah Winfrey and Rosie O’Donnell.

Krall shakes her head, incredulous. “I mean I’m just this girl from Nanaimo, and I’m pregnant, out to here with the twins. And then I got the phone call asking me to work with her.”

She was so stunned, she says she didn’t call back. At least not right away. She had to absorb it. But soon she was down at Streisand’s house, playing songs on her piano. Now she’s booking orchestra times, tracking budgets.

“Cool, eh?” says Krall, who is suddenly just the girl from Nanaimo again, as surprised as anyone at the thought.

“We speak to each other as women, as moms. She’s someone I really admire. We talk about art and architecture and design and clothes. The normal things.”

Friday 19 December 2008

Yentl DVD Details Unveiled...

BarbraNews can reveal it will be a TWO disc set... and we're the first to give you the details of what will be included. I'm sure you'll agree this is VERY special.

ORDER HERE: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JRYH2K?ie=UTF8&tag=barbranewsc02-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001JRYH2K

Disc One:

Streisand Introduction #1
Commentary with Barbra Streisand and Executive Producer Rusty Lemorande
11 Deleted Scenes

Disc Two:

Barbra Streisand’s Introduction to Disc 2
Barbra Streisand’s Original Concept Reel (Streisand Introduction included)
The Director’s Reed (Streisand Introduction included)
Rehearsal/Final Film Comparisons
Where is it Written? Rehearsal (Streisand Introduction included)
Where is it Written? Rehearsal/Final Film Comparison
No Wonder Rehearsal
No Wonder Rehearsal/Final Film Comparison
The Way He Makes Me Feel Rehearsal
The Way He Makes Me Feel/Final Film Comparison
No Wonder – Reprise Rehearsal
No Wonder – Reprise Rehearsal/Final Film Comparison
Tomorrow Night Rehearsal
Tomorrow Night Rehearsal/Final Film Comparison
Will Someone Ever Look at Me That Way? Rehearsal/Final Film Comparison
Storyboard Montages for Musical Numbers
Deleted Number: The Moon and I (Streisand Introduction included)
Deleted Number: Several Sins a Day
Papa, Can You Hear Me?
A Piece of Sky
Tomorrow Night
Teaser Trailer
Theatrical Trailer
Photo Gallery

ORDER HERE: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JRYH2K?ie=UTF8&tag=barbranewsc02-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001JRYH2K

New Interview with Barbra

The Kennedy Honors special will air on CBS on Tuesday, December 30.

The CBS Early Show interview with Barbra Streisand will be the concluding segment of the network's five day build-up to the airing of the Kennedy Honors special. Her segment will occur on the morning broadcast of Tuesday, December 30.

Tuesday 16 December 2008

2008 in Review.

Click here to read the new '2008 -- A Year In Review'.

Saturday 13 December 2008

Barbra talks about Kennedy Center Honor...

Last weekend, I was in Washington DC to accept the Kennedy Center Honors, and I noticed that the kiss between me and the “soon to be former” President Bush created quite a stir. The Today Show even proclaimed that it was a sign of the apocalypse. The timing is ironic. After eight years of President Clinton and on the cusp of at least four years of President Obama, I get selected to receive this prestigious award…during the Bush Administration. I have never met George W. Bush, but for the past eight years I have been blogging about him and his administration on my web site. I have relayed my frustration at the direction he has taken our country in no uncertain terms. So it was just as surprising to me as it apparently was to the press that upon meeting President Bush and extending my hand to him, he said to me, “Aw c’mon, gimme a hug and a kiss,” and then he proceeded to embrace me. I must say, I found him very warm and completely disarming…even though I think he was kissing me hello as I was kissing him goodbye…

During the White House ceremony, the President described each honorees attributes. After he listed mine, he added, “She’s also been known to speak her mind,” to which the audience first laughed and then applauded. I genuinely thought he was very funny and very gracious.

During the Kennedy Center Honors, President Bush gave me his signature wink (which he must have passed on to Sarah Palin) and mouthed, “We showed ‘em.” I guess in some small way, he and I proved that we could agree to disagree, and, for that weekend, art transcended politics.

Monday 8 December 2008

Barbra at the Kennedy Center Honors

WASHINGTON – Barbra Streisand is visiting the White House but says she'll play nice. Streisand, a vocal critic of President George W. Bush, was a guest Sunday at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue during one of Washington's few A-list events.

"Art," she said, "transcends politics this weekend."

The singer and actress this year is a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, along with Morgan Freeman, country singer George Jones, dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp and musicians Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who.

The honors recognize individuals who have had an impact on American culture through the performing arts, part of the living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

Jones said there were no strained moments between Streisand and Bush during the reception.

"Everything went so smooth," he said.

After the reception, the group traveled with the president and first lady Laura Bush to the performing arts center for a gala in their honor.

The gala will include the young singer-songwriter Ne-Yo singing Streisand's 1965 hit "Lover, Come Back to Me."

"Barbra Streisand is the epitome of emotion in music. You feel every word, that's something that artists in my day and age don't really pay attention to," he said






Sunday 7 December 2008

Barbra in Washington...







Kennedy Center Honoree Barbara Streisand and James Brolin arrive for the State Department Dinner for the Kennedy Center Honors gala Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 at the State Department in Washington.
(AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

Saturday 6 December 2008

Barbra talks to... The Washington Post.

A fantastic new interview has just been published with The Washington Post ahead of Barbra's Appearance at The Kennedy Center Honors tomorrow evening.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/05/AR2008120500947.html

Barbra Likely To Direct 'The Normal Heart'...

Most fans will have heard about this project on and off since the 1980s... Barbra has often talked about wanting to turn the play into a movie. Barbra mentioned it in today's Washington Post Interview.

Will she do it?

The Normal Heart is a play written by Larry Kramer, dealing with the rise of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City from 1981-1984, through the eyes of Ned Weeks, the gay Jewish founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group. It was one of the first plays to deal with the issue.

The Normal Heart was first performed at The Public Theater in 1985, produced by Joseph Papp, and has since gone on to be produced internationally.

Monday 1 December 2008

Barbra-Archives Relaunches.

Matt Howe has done an incredible job re-designing his website. Click here to visit the new website...

Barbra-Archives has been going since 2003!

Friday 28 November 2008

YENTL DVD Art Unveiled

Sunday 16 November 2008

Beyonce to perform for Streisand

From LA Times today....

Beyoncé clearly seeks out role models and thumbs through music history the way some people browse catalogs. She carefully channeled the icy perfection of Diana Ross in "Dreamgirls" and jumped at the chance to perform with Tina Turner at February's Grammy Awards ceremony. Now comes her turn as Etta James, and, on Dec. 7, she will seek out her hero, Streisand; Beyoncé will perform "The Way We Were" at the Kennedy Center Honors and she already has butterflies.

"It's amazing. It's beautiful," she said. "When you're a little girl you don't think you'll meet these people, these giants. You get to speak to them and ask them whatever you want. It makes you stand up straight too, absolutely. I have so many things to ask her."

Friday 14 November 2008

Barbra All Set To Record 63rd Album

Barbra will return to the recording studio on Monday to record her first studio album since Guilty Pleasures... which was released on September 20th, 2005 and subsequently went Gold within weeks of it's release. Barbra broke the news of the project to Radio listeners prior to the American elections. She will work along side Diana Krall for the first time.

It's not yet clear what Diana's role will be -- but we're pretty certain she'll be involved with the arrangements. This project will be Barbra's 63rd album. Barbra Streisand Live In Concert 2006 was her last non-studio album, which debuted at #7 in May 2007.

BarbraNews will be keeping fans updated throughout.

Saturday 8 November 2008

Pre-Order Yentl for $9.99

Yentl 25th Anniversary DVD will be released on February 3rd 2009. The DVD will include many deleted scenes, commentary, introduction from Barbra + more. Click here to pre-order now with Amazon and avoid disappointment.

Friday 7 November 2008

A New Day by Barbra Streisand.

November 5th…what a day… a new day….finally Dr. King’s words ring true that one day we will live in a nation where people “will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” After 2 stolen elections, this time, in this election over 57 million Americans made their voices heard. I am so proud of our country today…miraculously overnight we have regained the respect of the world. From England to Africa, people are celebrating Barack Obama’s victory…proof that he is the first truly global President.

Last night, Americans took this wonderful country back from the party and the leaders that have led us astray over the past eight years. So I thank each and every one of you for standing in line for hours to vote. Americans have regained their optimism and renewed their sense of hope ...and now we all look to a brighter tomorrow. Unlike most of the public, the pundits and the politicians, President-elect Barack Obama rejected the idea of an America comprised of blue states versus red states…and last night he proved to each and every one of us that we truly are the United States of America.

Tuesday 4 November 2008

Barbra To Record her 63rd Album.

Barbra will return to the Recording Studio next week to start work on her new album -- produced by Diana Krall.

BarbraNews will be keeping you informed on this project....

More later.

Tuesday Radio Times (with links to listen online)

For immediate release: BARBRA STREISAND TO DO AFTERNOON ELECTION DAY RADIO TOUR TO GET OUT FINAL VOTES IN KEY EASTERN SWING STATES

Barbra Streisand is scheduled to undertake a six station call-in radio tour to get out the vote before polls close in four key eastern swing states on election day (November 4 .) This follows a four state call-in tour by the artist activist on Monday. Following is a list of stations and times for listeners who wish to pose questions:

ALL TIMES PACIFIC DAYLIGHT TIME


3:00pm to 3:07pm
Florida West Palm Beach (FL) WJNO
http://www.wjno.com/main.html 561-881-1966 561-881-7956 Jim Edwards

3:10pm to 3:17pm
West Virginia Martinsburg (WV) WEPM
http://wepm.com/ 304-263-8868 x118 304-263-8868, press 0 ask for Hans Hans Vogel

3:20pm to 3:27pm Pennsylvania Pittsburgh (PA) AURN
412-456-4030 x1 and then hit 1 again Tene Croom
No link

3:30pm to 3:37pm Pennsylvania Erie (PA) WXKC-FM
http://www.classy100.com/Article.asp?id=939644 814-868-9100 Tony Jay

3:40pm to 3:47pm Florida Jacksonville (FL) WZAZ
http://www.wzaz.com/ 904-266-1400 904-635-4667 L-Michelle

3:50pm to 3:57pm North Carolina Raleigh-Durham (NC) WCBQ http://www.dralvinjones.com/ 919-693-1340 252-915-5797 Dr. Alvin Jones

Monday 3 November 2008

Barbra To Speak On Radio Shows MONDAY

4:00pm to 4:07pm
Missouri
St. Louis (MO)
KPRS http://www.kprs.com/

4:10pm to 4:17pm
Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh (PA)
WASN/WRBP/WGFT http://www.jamz1019.com/

4:20pm to 4:27pm
Missouri
St. Louis (MO)
KEZK http://www.kezk.com/

4:30pm to 4:37pm
Indiana
Other (indicate in Notes field below)
WIKY http://www.wiky.com/

4:40pm to 4:47pm
Nevada
Las Vegas (NV)
KPLV http://www.931theparty.com/main.html

4:50pm to 4:57pm
Indiana
Indianapolis (IN)
WYXB http://www.b1057.com/

Friday 31 October 2008

Barbra's PSA Video...

I encourage everyone to watch this brief video. (click)

YENTL COMING TO DVD 3 FEBRUARY 2009

YENTL COMING TO DVD 3 FEBRUARY 2009

Yentl will finally debut on DVD on 3 February 2009.

This is the only film from Barbra that has NOT been released on DVD (With the exception of Europe).

The DVD is currently billed as Yentl: 25th Anniversary Edition, and will feature 11 cut scenes, Commentary with Barbra Streisand and Executive Producer Rusty Lemorande, an introduction by Barbra and more.*

BarbraNews is hoping to bring Cover Art + more information to you soon.

*Bonus features will be confirmed soon.

Tuesday 14 October 2008

Barbra At The Dodgers Game....

Tuesday 7 October 2008

All About Barbra Magazine Press Release.

All About Barbra Magazine Set To Relaunch

After 24 years in publications, All About Barbra Magazine is about to be relaunched with an exclusive Q&A with Barbra herself. This is not the first time Barbra has participated. She has been extremely kind and giving with photos for publication and signed items used to raise money for various charities from Childline to Aids Benefits.

Editors of the magazine were invited backstage after her sell out concert in Manchester, England last year - where she kindly posed for photos and signed items, as we all as introducing us to her husband, Actor James Brolin -- and her beautiful pooch Samantha Brolin, said Lynne, Editor in Chief of the magazine. People should know that Barbra is extremely kind and wonderful to meet in person. She has always been kind to the magazine and always receives a copy of the latest issue.

A glossy, slick publication. 28 pages, dedicated to the first lady of Entertainment. It has been enjoyed by fans worldwide since 1984. 67 issues later we're ready to relaunch with a new look -- it will be a must have for any Streisand fan.

AAB Publications is hoping to publish Issue 1 by the holidays. To order your copy of the magazine (or any back issues, while they remain) - visit the website. www.allaboutbarbra.com

Lynne Pounder.
Editor.
England.

Barbra at W Premiere.



Noted guests included Brett Ratner, Bill Maher, Ed Zwick, Paul Haggis, Al Pacino, Martin Sheen, Diane Lane, Academy President Sid Ganis and Maria Bello. Proud father James Brolin and mother-in-law Barbra Streisand huddled in a corner of the Landmark wine bar at the after-party with her "Meet the Fockers" director, Jay Roach. Jodie Foster, Martin Sheen and Jonah Hill amiably chatted and posed for photos.

Thursday 25 September 2008

Lauren Frost's New Album

Dear Barbra Fans...

I just HAD to email you all about Lauren Frost's debut album -- 'Words for the Birds'. Lauren was kind enough to send me a copy of her album, and I LOVE it! How can someone's debut album be so great?

I sort of have a one track mind when it comes to music. BARBRA! As much as I want to like other artists, I often find myself comparing everything about the album to Barbra. Not just the singing, but the arrangements, liner notes... etc.

How would I describe Lauren's album?? Well -- I listened to the whole album on a Sunday afternoon (and even repeated some of the tracks). It was great to chill out, and listen Lauren's voice... it's very soulful. World's apart from Lauren dueting with Barbra on 'You'll Never Know' or 'A Piece Of Sky'.

Her voice glides effortlessly from one track to the next. If you like jazz... you'll love this album. Each song tells a story... Lauren is clearly talking about past memories and experiences. From a teenager, into an adult.

I don't want to spoil the surprise any further -- so please, log on to iTunes now. You can listen to song samples + and also download the album.

Watch out for my second interview with the wonderful Lauren Frost - very soon.

Wednesday 17 September 2008

Fan Report from Obama Evening...

Song Choices...

When The Sun Comes Out
Make Someone Happy
What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?
My Shining Hour


The event started at 7:30, but no performances until 9:00 when Raul Esparza (He starred in the recent "Company" revival) came out and sang America accapella. Then a singer named Ben Harper sang two songs.

Then 5 musicians came out, (piano, guitar, drums, base guitar and electronic keyboard that was used as a horn section). At 9:30 came a voice over introduction, and Barbra came out. Very blonde, in black pants and blouse with a sparkly black cardigan-type top, with a diamond necklace and a large square cut emerald.

She launched into When The Sun Comes Out. Her voice was a little husky in the midrange, but she was in good voice and hit the high notes. She talked about being a little girl in Hebrew school and learning that if you can help save one person, you can save the world.

Then into "Make Someone Happy". During the second half of the song she changed the lyrics to be about Obama: "We'll rally 'round him." She seemed happy with it and the pianist gave her a positive nod.

She then said she wasn't here to make speeches, but if you check her website in a couple days, you can see her vent.

She then sang What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life. Great job again.

She was next scheduled to sing Smile (I saw a technician's set list) but she dropped it and went on to the last song of the evening...

My Shining Hour. Big ovation and then she introduced Obama.

When he came out they hugged and whispered to each other for 20 seconds or so. Then he shook the musician's hands and started his speech.

A couple of other things, after the first or second song she had noticed all the flashes and said, "Are those cell phones or cameras? I was told that there wouldn't be reporters here. Or are you YouTube junkies?"

Her set was only about 20 minutes.

It wasn't reserved seating, although the first two rows were reserved for special guests. I was 7th row center. Very close and close to the end of the last song I went up the aisle to the front and was 15 feet from her.

Lots of celebs: Pierce Brosnan, Jamie Foxx, Sara Silverman, Laura Dern are the ones I saw.

Tuesday 16 September 2008

Streisand at Clinton Initiative (New York)?

From New York Times
McCain at Bill Clinton Event

By Katharine Q. Seelye

Former President Bill Clinton is welcoming a galaxy of international stars to the annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative later this month, including Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, whom Mr. Clinton has vowed to help Senator Barack Obama defeat in November.

The event, scheduled to run Sept. 23-26 in New York, is nonpolitical and has featured prominent Republicans in the past, including Laura Bush in 2006. Mr. McCain is to deliver the opening remarks; Mr. Obama, the Democratic nominee, is to address the participants by satellite.

"C.G.I. isn't about politics," said Matt McKenna, a spokesman for Mr. Clinton. "It's about improving lives and solving some of the world's most pressing problems. President Clinton is grateful that both candidates for president are taking time away from the trail to join in that effort."

Mr. Clinton began the initiative in 2005 to bring together influential people to help solve problems in areas like health, energy and poverty around the world. The members have made nearly 1,000 commitments valued at more than $30 billion to provide help in more than 150 countries.

Others scheduled to attend this year include Al Gore, Bono, Lance Armstrong, Barbra Streisand, Muhammad Ali, T. Boone Pickens and Tom Brokaw. Several heads of state are also coming, including Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, Gordon Brown of Britain and Silvio Berlusconi of Italy.

BarbraNews.com note: Barbra last attended in 2006.

Thursday 11 September 2008

Barbra on John McCain.

Click here to read a new statement from Barbra.

Wednesday 10 September 2008

Diane Lane Talks Barbra!

Diane Lane may have the world's most intimidating stepmother-in-law, but the star has nothing but good things to say about Barbra Streisand.

"[She] is an amazing woman," Lane tells Redbook magazine in its October issue. "I especially admire her gift for listening to people. If you go out for dinner with her, she'll interview everyone in the restaurant."

Tuesday 9 September 2008

Kennedy Center Honors...

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barbra Streisand, actor Morgan Freeman and country singer George Jones will be awarded the Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime achievement in the arts, along with choreographer Twyla Tharp and musicians Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who.
The performing arts center in Washington announced the 2008 honorees Tuesday.

Performers from New York, Hollywood and Nashville will salute the honorees at a Dec. 7 gala. President Bush and first lady Laura Bush will host the honorees at the White House before the performance.

The honors are awarded the night before at a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Monday 8 September 2008

Barbra To Sing For Obama...

Barbra Streisand will be among the headliners at a fund-raiser for Barack Obama on Sept. 16, where she will perform for the presidential candidate at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

The plans for the event were outlined this morning and Streisand confirmed that she would take the stage. The hotel ballroom holds an estimated 700 people. Obama's fund-raiser is expected to be his final visit to raise money here before the general election. Obama will start the evening with a 5 p.m. dinner event for about 250 people at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, the historic estate once owned by the legendary Doheny family. Tickets for the event are $28,500. Later, he will attend a reception at the Beverly Wilshire, followed by Streisand's special performance. Tickets for the event are $2,500 per person.

Co-hosts for event include the DreamWorks team of Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen, as well as political consultant Andy Spahn. It's also being organized with Obama's Southern California finance team. Streisand endorsed Obama after he secured the nomination in June. She had endorsed Hillary Clinton in the primary, and appeared and spoke at a fund-raiser for her in January. She also sang at a concert for John Kerry in 2004 and Al Gore in 2000. The timing of this Obama visit is giving new meaning to the words, "quick turnaround," as organizers have just eight days to put the fetes together.

Tuesday 2 September 2008

Lauren Frost Releases DEBUT album...



Remember Lauren Frost? She starred in all of Barbra's 2000 Timeless Shows. You can catch her on Barbra's Timeless DVD Special, in which she sings alongside Barbra on songs such as 'Something's Coming', 'Papa, Can You Hear Me?' and 'Somewhere'.

Well -- Lauren just released her debut album, and here's what Barbra had to say about it...

"She's the sweetest person, with the most beautiful voice. She's a very spiritual human being and very pure. She's a real person with a real gift…She's the Glorious-Voiced, Lauren Frost!"
- BARBRA STREISAND

To view the track listing and cover art and to order the album, follow this link: http://www.laurenfrost.com/music.html

Sunday 31 August 2008

Donations.

Dear Barbra Fans...

It's that time of year again. If any visitors to the website would like to make small donations to the website (to cover website costs, phone calls etc) - please use this link:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=barbranews%40aol%2ecom&no_shipping=0&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=GB&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8

Everything helps...

Thank you all for your continued support!

Craig
BarbraNews.

Saturday 30 August 2008

New Statement From Barbra...

McCain Doesn't Get It: Women are NOT that stupid

Maybe he was sick of the lack of media attention…maybe he had enough of the late night talk show hosts poking fun at his age…maybe he realized that belonging to a party that has been associated with rich, white men was not going to connect with voters in this historical election year. Or maybe he was just ready to take back some of the spotlight that has shined so brightly on Barack Obama and the Democrats since the beginning of the Democratic convention. Desperation can motivate people to make some pretty cynical and hypocritical decisions. Whatever the reason, John McCain’s Hail Mary-- in the form of Vice Presidential pick Governor Sarah Palin--sent a very clear message to America about how he views female voters. Women, he thinks, will vote another woman into office regardless of the candidate's values, experience and political positions.

No one can dispute that this decision was micro-targeted to the small percentage of Independent and Democratic women residing in the Rocky Mountain West, who strongly supported Hillary Clinton in the primary and still find themselves undecided as we move into the general election. Unfortunately, what John McCain failed to realize is that after eight long and destructive years of George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and their cronies, American voters will not fall prey to political ploys once again.

For months, John McCain and the Republicans went after Barack Obama for lacking the experience they felt was necessary in order to be commander in chief. Yet, on this day, an aging John McCain, who is the oldest Presidential nominee in history, chose a running mate—a person that is just a heart beat away from the Presidency—that has no foreign policy experience, no national experience and limited state government experience…. a virtual unknown who has only been Governor for a less than 2 years of a state with a population of fewer than 680,000 people…a woman who condemns a woman’s right to choose.

I believe John McCain chose Gov. Palin because he truly believes that women who supported Hillary—an experienced, brilliant, life-long public servant--would vote for him because his Vice President has two x chromosomes. McCain’s selection of Governor Palin is a transparent and irresponsible decision all in the name of trying to win this election.

John McCain has served this country. No one in this election is denying him that. But his selection of Governor Palin has demonstrated that he is willing to put his desperation to win this election above the welfare of the American people. As someone who has spent over 40 years advocating on behalf of women both politically and philanthropically, as someone who was a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton and as someone who cares deeply about the health and welfare of all women, hear me Senator McCain: “This calculated, cynical ploy to pull away a small percentage of Hillary's women voters from Barack Obama will not work. We are not that stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Monday 11 August 2008

15 Year Old Barbra Fan Passes -- One Year After Meeting Barbra

Craig, Could you please put a post on the board on behalf of all the members for 15 yr old Australian super-fan, James Hempenstall's family, his mother , father and sister.. He passed away on Thursday from an inoperable brain tumour.



James was invited to London to meet Barbra backstage at her last concerts there.
The following is from an earlier mag story on James:

Then the most biazrre email landed in Peter's ( his father) inbox. Streisand was peronally inviting James to her concert in London. If James could make it there-his father would have to pay for the flights himself - two front-row seats would be waiting for him.

James made it there, 25 hours across the world.

The seats were extroadinary. James looked along his aisle and saw Meryl Streep, Ralph Fiennes and John Lithgow. He was glad he was wearing his first suit. Backstage after the show, Erlichman said: " James, if you just turn around..." And there she was. She had no shoes on. She was shorter than he imagined. And she was stunning. " She blew my heart away out of my chest, " James recalls, his arms holding an invisible heart. " My heart went down into the ground and into the ocean and then through a shredder like she blew my heart away." He presented Barbra with a toy kangaroo. She wrapped her arms around the boy. " What an adorable koala, " she said. James laughed. Right then, there was nothing about his life that he wasn't thankful for.

P.S. this meeting was arranged thru Australia's Sony CEO , Denis Handlin who was an old friend of Erlichman's. James battled this condition his entire life. This all came about because James wanted to arrange a concert in Brisbane to raise $ 50,000 for the Childeren's Starlight Foundation. The concert is going to go ahead on August the 31st. He passed away 24 days short of his dream...

Friday 8 August 2008

New Date for Essential 3.0

The tracks on The Essential Barbra Streisand 3.0 album were also changed last week.

See the new track listing further down the page.

New date: 23 September 2008.

Monday 28 July 2008

A Rare Political Interview With Barbra

A Rare Political Interview With Barbra
by Jeffrey Ressner Mon Jul 28, 5:31 AM ET



"She sometimes answers questions by e-mail," said one of Barbra Streisand's trusted confidants, when asked if the star would consent to an interview with Politico. Streisand, who occasionally posts political statements on her own website, rarely does print Q&As and gave her last TV interview back in 2005 with Ellen DeGeneres.

So a month ago a dozen e-mail questions were sent off, nearly all regarding the presidential race. Late last week, we received her answers on shifting her support from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama (“immediate”), racism (“naïve to think [it] won’t be a factor”), how things might play out this year (“close”), and much more.

Here are our questions and her answers in full, minus one exchange that substantially overlapped with another.

You strongly supported Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic nomination. Was switching to Sen. Barack Obama difficult?

We had a very deep bench of Democratic Presidential candidates in the primary, and we were very lucky to finally have two capable, dynamic and intelligent candidates vying to be the nominee. Supporting Sen. Obama for President was an immediate decision for me after Sen. Clinton ended her bid for the Democratic nomination. Throughout this process, they challenged each other to be better. It was a historical race, with Hillary breaking through that glass ceiling for all women and Barack inspiring young kids that they can overcome their circumstances to reach greatness.

Will you be doing any concerts to support Obama and the Democrats before the election?

I would absolutely consider performing for Sen. Obama and for the Democratic Party.

What do you say to Hillary’s fans that might be moving to vote for McCain — a figure that’s been estimated to be as high as 15% of her supporters?

I would urge those voters to take a step back and realize that our country is at an extremely serious crossroad . . . . There is too much at stake right now to elect another George W. Bush to the White House. And John McCain is just that. He has stated that the issue of economics is not something he’s understood as well as he should. He does not support reproductive rights for women, increased veteran’s benefits and ending the war in Iraq. There is just no reason for Sen. Clinton’s supporters not to back Sen. Obama.

Have you spoken with Obama? If so, what did you talk about?

I have met and spoken to Sen. Obama, but I don’t discuss my personal conversations with the media.

Which Clinton policies do you think Obama should embrace, and what role would you like to see her have in his administration should he be elected?

I would like to see him embrace her universal healthcare policy. But it is ultimately up to the two of them to decide whether she will be more effective as a leader in the Senate or if she should work in the Administration. She has years of experience in public service and her work serving the needs of children and poor and working class Americans is incredibly admirable.

A lot of folks object to "Hollywood celebrities" participating in political discourse. Aside from pure disagreement over certain issues, why do you think there's such a backlash when you or other well-known performers speak your mind?

On a very basic level, many people think celebrities have too much already so we shouldn’t be entitled to our political opinions. Also, the other side objects to the fact that we might be listened to. But, I see myself first and foremost as a citizen of this country. And I am outspoken about the issues I care about like healthcare, global warming, the war in Iraq, energy independence, education, poverty and so on.

I think we are all lucky to live in a country where people have the constitutional right to voice their opinion and speak their mind without punishment or penalty. Everyone should exercise that right, because it engages people in the political process and forces our candidates to be clear about their stances on important issues affecting all Americans.

Do you have any friends or family members who are conservative and/or Republican?

I do have friends that are Republicans and we have very spirited conversations on a whole range of issues. I am often baffled by why they are Republicans, but I enjoy the dialogue and can move beyond politics to find common ground in my personal relationships.

How do you think the election will play itself out over the next four months? Do you think the subject of race will continue to be a factor?

As we head toward November, I think the race will continue to be close -- although I hope I am wrong. But this country likes tight races and I am afraid it will ultimately come down to which campaign turns out the most voters on Election Day.

I want to believe that our country can see beyond race as a factor in voting for a Presidential candidate…that instead, a candidate’s intellect, vision, political values and policies override any consideration of his skin color. But on some level, it would be naive to think that race will not be a factor. I do believe, however, that there is much less racism, sexism and homophobia among the younger generation and that we have come a very long way.

There's been a lot of discussion about Israel during this race so far. Should this issue have a major place in this year's election?

Issues of foreign policy have a place in every election for President. As a woman, a Jew, and a strong supporter of Israel, I am confident Sen. Obama is committed to Israel's safety and security.

Aside from the presidential contest, are there any other races around the country that you're following?

Yes, Yes, Yes! I am closely following the Senate races. We need to reach a 60-seat majority in the Senate. There are 35 Senate races, of which 5 are open challenges. Democratic strategists believe with varying degrees of probability that the following states are at least a possibility for turnover: Alaska, Colorado, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon and Virginia.

If the Democrats win the Presidency, we will need a strong mandate in the Senate to break the gridlock of filibustering that the Republicans have used over the past four years. For that to happen, Democrats need to capitalize on picking up key seats in states where Republican support is waning. I can’t imagine a Supreme Court with another judicial appointment like Scalia, Thomas, or Alito.

Sunday 27 July 2008

Updated Track Listing for Essential Streisand 3.0

Here is the correct list of the "extra" songs included on the upcoming "Essential" bonus disc. The other list was incorrect. At some point in the foreseeable future, Barbra's fans can expect a very special collection of rarities. Stay tuned!
________________________________________________________________________


1. Letting Go
(B. Gibb/G. Bitzer)
The Miami Symphonic Strings
conducted by Peter Graves
Produced by Barry Gibb and John Merchant
Executive Producer: Barbra Streisand & Jay Landers
[from the album, Guilty Pleasures (CK 93559), rel. 2005]

2. Love Like Ours
(D. Grusin/A. & M. Bergman)
arranged and conducted by William Ross
Produced by Barbra Streisand
Executive Producer: Barbra Streisand & Jay Landers
Publ.: Warner Bros. Music Corp./Threesome Music (ASCAP)
[from the album, A Love Like Ours (CK 69601), rel. 9/21/99]

3. At The Same Time
(A. H. Callaway)
arranged and conducted by Jeremy Lubbock
Produced by Walter Afanaseiff
Executive Producer Barbra Streisand & Jay Landers
Publ.: WB Music Corp./Halaron Music/Works of Heart Publ./
Emanuel Music (ASCAP)
[from the album, Higher Ground (CK 66181), rel. 11/4/97]

4. By The Way
(B. Streisand/R. Holmes)
arranged and conducted by Rupert Holmes
Produced by Jeffrey Lesser & Rupert Holmes
Publ.: Emanuel Music Corp./First Artists Music Co. (ASCAP) 1975
[record #3-10198, rel. 8/19/75]
[from the album, Lazy Afternoon (PC 33815), rel. 10/00/75]

5. Unusual Way
(from the B'way musical, Nine)
(M. Yeston)
arranged and conducted by William Ross
rec. 10/9/2006
Produced by Barbra Streisand & Jay Landers
[from the album, Streisand - Live In Concert 2006 (88697 70192 2), rel. 2/00/07]

6. Evergreen
(Love Theme from A Star Is Born)
(B. Streisand/P. Williams)
arranged and conducted by Marvin Hamlisch
rec. 6/21/94
Produced by Barbra Streisand & Jay Landers
Publ.: First Artists Music Co./Emanuel Music Corp./
20th Century Music Corp. (ASCAP) 1976
[from the album, Barbra - The Concert (C2K 66109), rel. 9/00/94]

7. Wild Is The Wind
(from the Paramount film, Wild Is The Wind)
(D. Tiomkin/N. Washington)
arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli
Produced by Barbra Streisand
Executive Producer Barbra Streisand & Jay Landers
Publ.: Chappell & Co., Inc. (ASCAP) 1957
[from the album, The Movie Album (CK 90742), rel. 2003]

8. On My Way To You
(M. Legrand/A. & M. Bergman)
rec. 4/00/88
strings arranged and conducted by Patrick Williams
Produced by Barbra Streisand
Publ.: F Sharp Prod. Ltd./Threesome Music (ASCAP)
[from the album, Till I Loved You (CK 40880), rel. 10/00/88]

9. After The Rain
(M. Legrand/A. & M. Bergman)
rec. 8/8/79
arranged and conducted by Lee Holdridge
Produced by Gary Klein for
The Entertainment Company
Executive Producer: Charles Koppelman
Publ.: Chappell & Co., Inc./Ennes Productions, Ltd./
Threesome Music (ASCAP) 1979
[from the album, Wet (FC 36258), rel. 10/00/79]

Click here to pre-order this set.

New Collection In The Works.

A source very close to Barbra has told BarbraNews exclusively:

At some point in the foreseeable future, Barbra's fans can expect a very special collection of rarities.

More soon.

Thursday 24 July 2008

Order your Albums + DVDs today.

You can order the forthcoming re-release of The Essential Barbra Streisand 3.0 Album, as well as any other DVD or Album by clicking here.

Wednesday 23 July 2008

Essential 3.0 Barbra Streisand is Due out on Aug. 26th.

Barbra's Essential 3.0 is a 3-CD set. The first two discs are the same as the original 2-CD release. The newly-created 3rd disc includes the following 7 songs:

Click here to pre-order



1. My Coloring Book

Written by Fred Ebb & John Kander

Produced by Mike Berniker

Arranged & Conducted by Robert Mersey

Taken from Columbia single #4-42648

Released November, 1962



2. Funny Girl

Written by Jule Styne & Bob Merrill

Produced by Robert Mersey

Arranged & Conducted by Peter Matz

Taken from Columbia single #4-43127

Released September, 1964



3. Before The Parade Passes By

Written by Jerry Herman

Produced by Wally Gold

Arranged & Conducted by Peter Matz

Taken from Columbia single #4-45072

Released December, 1969



4. Brezairola (Berceuse)

Written by Joseph Canteloube

Produced by Claus Ogerman

Arranged & Conducted by Peter Matz

Taken from Classical…Barbra

Released February, 1976



5. (It’s Gonna Be A) Great Day

Written by Vincent Youmans, Billy Rose & Edward Eliscu

Produced by Rick Chertoff

Arranged & Conducted by Peter Matz

Taken from Funny Lady

Released March, 1975



6. A Man I Loved

Written by Nicki Oosterveen & George Michalski

Produced by Gary Klein

Rhythms Arranged By David Wolfert

Horns Arranged by Bill Reichenbach

Orchestral Arrangement by James Newton Howard

Taken from Songbird

Released May, 1978



7. For All We Know

Written by J. Fred Coote & Sam Lewis

Produced by Barbra Streisand & James Newton Howard

Arranged & Conducted by Johnny Mandel

Taken from The Prince Of Tides

Released November, 1991




Click here to pre-order

Thursday 10 July 2008

Report on Barbra's Tribute to Warren Beatty...

BarbraNews has caught an early screening of the forthcoming US Premiere of AFI Tribute to Warren Beatty, which will air on USA Network on July 8th.

"We became friends because we had a lot in common... acting, politics, and health concerns! Some men ask for your telephone number... he asked for my cholesterol number..."

Barbra also recalled her missed opportunities of working with Warren...

"AFI is honoring him tonight because he's made some great movies... but what I think about is all the scripts he never sent me... Bonnie And Clyde he gave to Faye... Shampoo went to Goldie and Julie... Reds to Diane... BUT I did get to be in one Warren Beatty Production... The Concert for George McGovern in 1972. I wasn't doing live performances then, but Warren is very persuasive, and impressive as a matter of fact, he masterminded everything from the invitations... to getting famous people as ushers (like Jack Nicholson, Burt Lancaster, Cass Elliott I remember, and after all the insecurity and stage fright, I was really that Warren made me perform because it for a man I truly admire... Senator McGovern. America would have been so much better off the past 36 years if you had spent just a little time in the White House! So please stand up - and let us all thank you for all you've done for our country."

Click here to watch the video...

Wednesday 2 July 2008

New Statement From Barbra...

"OUT OF MANY, ONE"

‘Out of many, one’ It’s the sentiment he’s repeated since the moment the world was first introduced to Senator Barack Obama at the 2004 Democratic convention. It’s the idea trailblazers before him have used to inspire a generation of people to a call to action--to shake things up and remind us of what’s possible when the American people come together to help one another in achieving bigger dreams.

Barack has awakened in many of us the notion that we can again be hopeful, enabling us to believe that we are capable of lifting our brothers and sisters out of poverty, of providing quality education for all our children, of ending this unjust war in Iraq and bringing our troops home safely. He’s reminded us ‘yes we can’…we can make the transition from fossil fuels to green energy; we can take care of our elderly and make sure that good healthcare is not just a perk for a few, but a right for every man, woman and child. We are experiencing not just a presidential campaign, but a movement; a movement of inspired young people who have been cynical about politics for too long.

For Barack, hope, change, believe…they are not just words. They are tangible ideas that make up the blueprint to building a better America for all of us. He is committed to making the road stronger for those that come after and to leaving behind something that lasts longer than his own spotlight. It’s for all these reasons that I support Barack Obama for President and look forward to November when I can make my voice heard along with millions of other Americans. I hope you’ll join me.

Thursday 26 June 2008

Beatty Tribute Delayed.

2008: Warren Beatty

36th AFI Life Achievement Award


The American Film Institute's Board of Trustees selected Warren Beatty to receive the 36th AFI Life Achievement Award. The award was presented to Beatty at a gala tribute in Los Angeles on June 12, 2008.

USA Network will broadcast the tribute July 8 at 9:00 p.m.

Thursday 19 June 2008

AFI Tribute to Warren Beatty Will Air June 25th

You will be able to see Barbra's full video tribute to Warren Beatty on USA Network on June 25th. Check local listings.



AFI TRIBUTE TO WARREN BEATTY

Warren Beatty will receive the American Film Institute's (AFI) 36th Life Achievement Award in a special ceremony airing on Wednesday, June 25 at 9/8C on USA Network.

The event will feature tributes from a number of Beatty's friends and colleagues—including Halle Berry, Don Cheadle, Faye Dunaway, Jane Fonda, Dustin Hoffman, Diane Keaton and Barbra Streisand among others. In addition, there will be special tributes from Gene Hackman, Goldie Hawn, Harvey Keitel, George McGovern, Quentin Tarantino and others. The evening will also feature performances from Pras and Earl Scruggs.

The AFI Life Achievement Award is regarded as the highest honor for a career in film. As the first award in the film community to acknowledge career achievement, the honor has been bestowed upon many of the greatest film artists in history such as Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford, Dustin Hoffman, Sean Connery, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, Elizabeth Taylor, Sidney Poitier, George Lucas, Gregory Peck, Barbara Stanwyck, Billy Wilder, Fred Astaire, James Stewart, Alfred Hitchcock, Bette Davis, Orson Welles, James Cagney and John Ford.

Saturday 14 June 2008

Barbra's Tribute To Warren Beatty.

Barbra sent a pre-recorded video message to Warren Beatty's AFI Tribute on June 12th. Looking radiant in Green, Barbra said... "I would describe Warren Beatty as an incredibly gifted... gentile".

For Barbra's full speech -- tune into the The Afi Tribute to Warren Beatty on June 25th at 9pm (Eastern) on USA Network.

Thursday 12 June 2008

Barbra Backs Obama.

Barbra Streisand changes tunes from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama

Barbra Streisand, the famous singer who was being discovered by radio stations back when someone named Barack Obama was being born, confirms to The Ticket this afternoon that she's supporting Obama and has offered to help in his presidential campaign.

Streisand's personal spokeswoman, Marge Tabankin, says talks are underway with the campaign in Chicago to decide what exact role Streisand will play in the presumptive Democratic nominee's efforts to win the White House.

Obama’s Hollywood supporters are hopeful that she will sing for the senator, as she did for Bill Clinton during his presidential runs, at one of the many fundraisers in the works for this summer.

So far, Tabankin says, nothing definite is confirmed. But stay tuned. (Sorry, Streisand isn’t set to appear at the fundraiser/concert for Obama at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on June 24. Her schedule, at the moment, shows that she’s traveling that day.)

In addition to lending her legendary pipes, Streisand’s support is important to Obama for several reasons: She’s a woman, in case you hadn't notice and she’s a longtime friend of the Clintons, who lost. (remember, in case you're tracking these things, Streisand came out early for Hillary.)

And the singer is Jewish. So she could potentially help rally support among a number of Democratic constituencies.

People who need people may be the luckiest people in the world. But candidates with Streisand’s backing have hit the Democratic fundraising jackpot. West of La Cienega, anyway.

--Tina Daunt

Tuesday 27 May 2008

BARBRA STREISAND, MARTIN LANDAU COMMENTS ON THE PASSING OF SYDNEY POLLACK




Barbra Streisand: "He knew how to tell a love story. He was a great actor's director because he was a great actor. And he was a very good friend, someone I even shared secrets with."

Martin Landau: "Ever since we started together in New York, Sydney excelled at everything he set out to do, his friendships and his humanity no less than his extraordinary talents."

Martin Landau and Sydney Pollack were friends from their early acting days in New York, and, together with Mark Rydell, they head given leadership to the Actors Studio for a number of years.

Dick Guttman.

Director and actor Sydney Pollack dies at 73

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sydney Pollack, the Academy Award-winning director who collaborated with a long list of elite actors on films such as "Out of Africa," "Tootsie," "The Way We Were" and "Absence of Malice," has died. He was 73.

Pollack was diagnosed with cancer about nine months ago and died Monday afternoon, surrounded by family, at his home in Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, said his publicist, Leslee Dart.

Unlike many other top directors of his era, Pollack was also a film and television actor himself, and he used this unique position to forge a relationship with Hollywood's elite stars and create some of the most successful films of the 1970s and '80s.

Sydney was a lifelong friend of Barbra's -- he appeared on Barbra's Broadway Album in 1985 (Putting It Together Dialogue)... and appeared at many of her concerts, including the 2006 Staples concert in Los Angeles. You can see Sydney on Barbra's One Voice Concert DVD (applauding after 'Somewhere'). Barbra presented the Best Director Oscar for Out Of Africa... Barbra also mentioned Sydney during her 2000 Cecil B. DeMille Award Speech at the Golden Globes... and you can see Sydney's insight into the making of The Way We Were on the Special Edition DVD.





Monday 19 May 2008

Feature: Barbra Makes A Wish Come True...

I wanted to share this story with you all...



Meryl (aged 12) from Holland is a huge Barbra fan. She suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. Her one wish to meet Barbra came true last year after one of the London concerts in July 2007. This is another example of how Barbra doesn't need to publicize her charity work.





Sunday 18 May 2008

Support The Streisand Foundation

Barbra's Timeless Concert Outfit (From Act One) is for sale. All proceeds to benefit the Streisand Foundation.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BARBRAs-Timeless-Concert-Costume_W0QQitemZ280227791770QQihZ018QQcategoryZ104676QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Tuesday 13 May 2008

Tidbit on forthcoming TV Special + DVD.

Dear BarbraNews Readers...

Here is a copy of Army Archerd's Blog from yesterday. We presume Army is talking about the 2006 US Tour, and not 2007 tour as he stated.

BarbraNews would like to congratulate Gary and Maxine Smith (and of course Jake!).

Army Archerd's Blog.

"While Jenna Bush was walking up the aisle at the Bush ranch in Crawford, Texas to wed Henry Hager, in the garden of the Beverly Hills hotel, Brett Kassan, backgrounded by the record of Barbra Streisand singing "Nothing's Going to Harm You," joined Jake Smith for their religious wedding ceremony. They said their vows under a magnificent flower-filled chupah and they were applauded by the 300-plus black-tied guests of the bride's parents Ronnie and Michael Kassan and Maxine and Gary Smith. Inside the hotel's Crystal Ballroom guests were again treated to the sight and scents of botanical gardens at each table.of the civilian and showbiz guests. The bride's father, Michael is a world-renowned media consultant, the groom's is honored showbiz producer, Gary Smith. The bride and groom work for Conde Nast and Ogilvie respectively in New York.

Guests included Barbra Streisand and husband James Brolin. She'd known the groom, Jake Smith and his twin brother and Best Man, Zack Smith since they were -- three weeks old!, Jim Brolin had just arrived from the location of "Nailed" in which he plays the Speaker of the House. Brolin's no strarnger to the territory having played President Ronald Reagan. And now, son Josh B. is readying to star in Oliver Stone's biopic of George W. Bush. "I didn't want to play Reagan," Jim Brolin admitted to me, adding Josh also had negative feelings about playing Bush. However Stone was able to entice him to his office where a few touches of makeup convinced him to play Bush.. "It was amazing," Brolin, pere, told me. P.S. he also said the script is strong.

Gary Smith is also completing work as producer-director on the DVD version of Barbra Streisand's cross-country 2007 concert tour. It will first air as a TV special in Nov. followed by the DVD... Guests also included several members of SHARE. Maxene Smith is the group's Chairman of the Board. Gary again produces the show (May 31 at the Santa Monica Civic with Clint Holmes performing). Gary is also completing segs for the 11th AFI "100 movies" series, this one, "The AFI's 10 Top 10," toasting Animation, Fantasy, Romantic Comedies, Sci-Fi, Westerns, Gangsters, Sports, Courtroom Drama. Mystery and Epics -- with cohosts to match the categories. It airs June 17 on CBS and is the first big special under the AFI's Presidentcy of Bob Gazzale."

Monday, May 12, 2008

Saturday 10 May 2008

Full Length Video of Ascap Awards

You can view the full length (unedited) video of Barbra's speech at the Ascap Awards from Tuesday night by clicking here.

Thursday 8 May 2008

Photos from March 1 Fundraiser.

BarbraNews is proud to have the rights to publish these two photographs, which were shot at Barbra's Malibu Home on March 1st. Photograph number 2 is shown online for the first time.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Barbra Streisand photographed at her home which served as the setting for an Eco-salon fundraiser for Waterkeeper Alliance on March 1st. On more than 170 waterways around the world, Waterkeepers are on patrol - standing up to polluters and enforcing everyone's right to clean water. Waterkeeper Alliance connects and supports these grassroots advocates and fights for clean water worldwide. www.waterkeeper.org

It is kindly asked that these photographs are not copied, or displayed on other websites at the request of the photo owner.




Photo 1: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr; Barbra Streisand; Andrea Lim (Lexus)

Photo 2: Steve Fleischli (Waterkeeper Alliance); Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.; Barbra Streisand; Tom Ford (Santa Monica Baykeeper)

Barbra Presents Award...



Barbra made a rare appearance in Los Angeles on Tuesday night (May 6), for the 2008 Ascap Film and Television Music Awards which were held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. She presented the Founders Award to Alan and Marilyn Bergman.

The renowned songwriting duo, who have been married for 50 years and collaborated even longer, were honored with the ASCAP Founders' Award for their half-century of contributions to the Great American Songbook. Many of their songs have become standards, including "The Way We Were," "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life," "The Windmills of Your Mind," "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?," "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," "It Might Be You," "The Summer Knows" and many more.

The Bergmans have won three Oscars, three Emmys and a Grammy. Their many composer collaborators have included Michel Legrand, Dave Grusin, Quincy Jones, Marvin Hamlisch, Henry Mancini, John Williams, Elmer Bernstein and James Newton Howard.

Streisand appeared near the end of the 40-minute presentation following a film clip from The Way We Were that featured her vocal of the title song, one of the Bergmans' most memorable lyrics (with music by Marvin Hamlisch). Streisand recalled that she first met the team when she was 18 years old, adding that "they have been such an integral part of my life and career. Their words move me every time I sing them. Their gifts have enriched my life and all of our lives."












BarbraNews Shop + Review of 2006 Tour.

USA * Canada * UK/Europe
Click here for the European Tour Website from 2007
Click here to read our SPECIAL review of the 2006 Tour -- Excellent pictures.