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Night of Tori

Genre-shifting singer brings her ‘Hunters’ tour to D.C. Monday

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Tori Amos’s new album ‘Night of Hunters’ explores the demise of a relationship in a song cycle based on musical themes from the classical masters. (Photo courtesy Live Nation)

 

Tori Amos
‘Night of Hunters World Tour’
Monday at 8 p.m.
DAR Constitution Hall
1776 D St., N.W.
$46.50-$57.65
800-745-3000
toriamos.com
ticketmaster.com

 

Ahhhh Tori. How she likes to keep us guessing.

The creatively restless singer, who released current album “Night of Hunters” in September on the classical label Deutsche Grammophon, is touring the complex concept album now with a show that brings her Monday to Washington at her usual concert spot — DAR Constitution Hall, where she played for her “Sinful Attraction Tour” (2009) and “American Doll Posse World Tour” (2007) among other jaunts.

Tickets were still available as of Blade press time. Prior to leaving on the tour, which kicked off in late September in Finland and has found her in both Russia and South Africa in addition to her usual European stops (she opened in the U.S. this week in Philadelphia), Amos, 48, spent time by phone from her Florida home to talk about the album, the tour, her gay fans and how she maintains such precision at the piano.

WASHINGTON BLADE: After many years with Atlantic, you’ve recorded for several big labels in the last 10 years or so and now, rather unexpectedly, this new album is for Deutsche Grammophon. Is this industry tumultuousness, logistics, your choice or what?

TORI AMOS: A lot of people have common bonds who were at these labels and what’s funny, well, not funny, but Doug Morris who was running Atlantic when I was there, so he would say, “Tori, I didn’t leave, they forced me out.” He left this year to go to Sony, so I think people do jump around depending on who the people are at any given time. For me, I’d fulfilled my commitment to Universal and … Deutsche Grammophon kind of tracked me down and Dr. Alex Buhr said, “Look, I know you’re working on a musical, but I think you should consider a 21st century song cycle based on classical themes.” I was like, “Are you serious, that’s a very tall order.” He said, “Don’t you want a challenge, don’t you want to do something different?” I said, “Well nobody has approached me,” so he said, “Deutsche Grammophon wants you to try this.” I thought how many times in life do you get offered something like this with the support of one of the great classical labels of all time? I said, “OK, you’re going to have to send me lots and lots of good music, loads of classical music.” So “Night of Hunters” is really based on themes from classical music over the last 400 years.

BLADE: What kind of instrumentation will you use for the tour?

AMOS: We’re going out with a string quartet and that just seemed to make sense. They play with such a high caliber that it was really quite tempting. And yet they’re very young, in their late 20s and early 30s so they’re very passionate about their playing and I thought this would be a good balance. They’re so passionate about classical music and early 20th century music and they played on the record. So then I thought why not arrange some of the catalogue just for strings, piano and vocal and so we’re doing some of the older songs in that configuration. We’re just starting some of that now. Once we get to America, we should have more in our repertoire.

BLADE: You’re well known for varying your set list from night to night. When you have songs like the ones from this new album or, say, another concept album like “Scarlet’s Walk,” is it problematic sequencing them with others into a live show that will flow either musically or thematically?

AMOS: When I’m traveling, I think the key is that when you go into a city, you really have to take stock of the emotional temperature there, so for instance, when things have happened in the world like the Oslo tragedy and you’re playing a show there that night, the people are in absolute shock and grief at that level of violence so then there’s an opportunity for something healing to happen and to work through the shock of an experience like that together through music. Or if you’re not in that city but you might be close by, you might still form a connection with current events … I design the sets based on the energy of the city I’m in and what they’re responding to and if there’s something that seems especially appropriate, I mean except for like “Datura,” I can pretty much do a version alone at the piano even if it’s not something the band or in this case the string quartet has worked up. Or I can do a cover. I see all songs as part of the palette and it’s about changing something every night so that it’s unique. Some songs are just part of the basic repertoire and you’ll find I’m playing them at almost every show. They’re kind of our building blocks and we go from there.

BLADE: These songs are more classically oriented than anything else you’ve done. Is that dictated by the arrangements and instrumentation or is there something in their basic lyrics and chord progressions that makes them inherently classical in nature? Could they have worked with drums and bass in theory?

AMOS: With this project, I knew I couldn’t make it too obscure in dealing with classical themes. I didn’t want it to sound un-contemporary. I wanted people to listen to it and say, “Oh, that’s the Tori I recognize.” I didn’t want it to be “Tori goes classical.” And so while there are some ancient melodic elements here, it’s really worked into a 21st century framework and so it’s not that they aren’t really built in a pop structure, but I think there’s a fusion that is happening and I told somebody yesterday you have to approach something like this where you’re using a master classical work as a base, there’s a delicate ruthlessness you have to apply because a lot of these pieces are very beautiful in their original form, but for a lot of people, unless you’re really into the classical arena, they haven’t been exposed to it all. So I would say to the masters themselves and their energy, “OK look, if you want to be part of this, you’ve got to let me know.” And each one would hunt me down. I’d just be walking around and it was like popcorn, “OK, I’m the Chopin piece, I’m in.”

BLADE: Tori fans are known for their extreme devotion. Do some fans take it too far with the massive collections, tattoos, following you around on tour, etc. Does that level of fandom ever freak you out?

AMOS: I think to some degree, that isn’t really any of my business. People have their own relationships with the songs. What maybe gets confusing is when people start trying to read so much into the songs that they think that I’m leaving my husband and child and running off with somebody from the planet Saturn and joining a cult and that’s just not happening. And so the songs can have heartbreak and all kinds of emotions but especially if you’re a writer, you write about it but you also have a private life and some entertainers don’t hold their private life very sacred. I have to walk a delicate balance because you want to be open with your emotions and let that into the music on one level but also present it in a way that transcends the particulars of what’s going on in my own life.

BLADE: As your early career was taking shape, it was clear you weren’t accepting history and religion from a traditional Judeo-Christian perspective. Did you and your father (a Methodist minister) talk about such things? Did your parents consider your lyrics and imagery sacreligious?

AMOS: Yeah, there were some conversations years ago, like before the turn of the century, there were many discussions and he would say he thought I was being a little hard on the big G and I would say, “Well, you know Dad, writers have to be able to have their say and it’s important because it’s from a different perspective.” I would never tell another writer what to say or not to say. They have to have their own musical expressions. I don’t always agree with other writers or other theology, but it might really motivate me to ask questions on my own. I think that’s what a good writer does, motivating others to ask questions. Not to tell them something, but to find out what it is they believe.

BLADE: Why do you think gay people exist? Is it to fulfill some evolutionary or biological role? Does it matter?

AMOS: Well, different people have had different information over the years that I find very fascinating. I’m sure you’ve been reading. Some of it sounds very iffy but it sounds like the science is very supportive that this is not something you just choose and I think the religions really need to hear this from the scientific community. I do think the judgment that is against people who are gay is so misinformed and cold. I’ve met quite a few young people who have been really tormented by other teenagers and they’re not being accepted even in the 21st century. I think in some ways the world has become more judgmental. It’s almost a world of extremes and then you have the center, we see this even in Congress, trying to find some balance and logic amidst these extremes. I mean, I don’t know what it would be like to be a teen today and realize that I’m gay. I don’t know if it’s any easier than it was, if you’re in, say a very conservative household. I mean what happens when somebody in a tea party household realizes this?

BLADE: You play the piano with such precision. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you hit an obvious wrong note. Is this just from years of playing? How do you manage this? Don’t all pianists hit wrong notes sometimes?

AMOS: Well part of the whole thing is that my core is very aligned and it might not seem like I’m moving around much but my core is pretty anchored, I kind of balance myself on the high heel and it gives me a stance.

BLADE: So the heels aren’t just for the glamour? They factor into how you play?

AMOS: Definitely. If I have a flat foot, I don’t have the same kind of core or if it’s anchored too high, then I wobble, but if it’s just the right height on the foot, it’s a huge support to the core because you play from your core, not from your hands. It all comes from the center, your solar plexus.

 

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Miscellaneous

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Five easy tips to help you avoid common risks

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Be sure to install baby gates if you have stairs in your home with young children. (Photo by Kasia Bialasiewicz/Bigstock)

Your home is more than just a place to eat and sleep; it’s your safe haven. As much as you might cherish your home, you should probably also recognize the potential hazards within its familiar walls. Accidents can happen in an instant, yet with a little foresight and some simple adjustments, you can transform your house into a safer haven. 

Accidents can happen anywhere, and with a few simple tweaks, you can lower risks in your space. Below you’ll find five tips for each room in your home to help prevent injuries, falls, and other mishaps. In short, home safety. 

This article was inspired by a shower in a rental we managed that began leaking through the kitchen ceiling below. If only the landlord had installed grab bars, right!? Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to fortify your bathroom, making it a place of relaxation without the fear of slips and falls. Then, we’ll venture into the room where the magic happens, where proper planning can ensure great nights and peaceful mornings. We’ll show you how to prevent accidents while you experiment becoming the next Gordon Ramsey. And we’ll include a few surprising solutions for those other rooms that hold their own unique hazards, offering solutions to safeguard against unexpected mishaps.

Bathroom Safety

Install Grab Bars: Adding grab bars near the shower and toilet can provide essential support for family members of all ages. Not only can they help with getting in and out, but they can help provide stability when washing. Make sure they are securely anchored to the wall.

Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats inside the shower and bathtub to prevent slips. They’re a small investment that can save you from falls and head injuries.

Adjust Water Temperature:  Ensure your hot water is set to a safe temperature to avoid scalding. The hot water heater should be set to around 120°F (49°C)l, the middle setting on many water heater settings. 

Medicine Cabinet Locks: If you have young children, use childproof locks on your medicine cabinet to keep harmful substances out of reach.

Proper Lighting: Ensure there’s adequate lighting in the bathroom to avoid trips and falls during nighttime visits. Nightlights can be a simple and effective solution. 

Bedroom Safety

Clear Pathways: Keep pathways in the bedroom clutter free to prevent tripping. Ensure there’s enough space to move around comfortably, particularly getting around the bed.  Be aware where all furniture is when walking around to avoid stubbed toes, particularly at night.

Secure Rugs: If you have throw rugs, use rug grippers or double-sided tape to keep them from slipping. Loose rugs are a common trip hazard. 

Bed Rails: For anyone at risk of falling out of bed, consider installing bed rails to provide extra support and prevent falls.

Nightstands with Drawers: Opt for nightstands with drawers to keep essential items.  This reduces the need to get out of bed at night, minimizing the risk of falls, as you race to grab what you need and not lose a moment’s rest.

Fire Safety: Install battery-operated smoke detectors in the bedrooms if there are none. Make sure to install them 36 inches away from an air vent or the edge of a ceiling fan.  Also six inches away from the joint between the wall and ceiling.  And test smoke detectors regularly.

Kitchen Safety

Non-Slip Flooring: Choose slip-resistant rugs in the kitchen, especially in areas where spills are common. Mats near the sink and stove can also help and you can often buy them fairly cheaply at Costco.

Childproof Cabinets: If you have little ones, use childproof latches on cabinets and drawers to prevent them from accessing potentially hazardous items.

Anti-tip brackets: Install an anti-tip bracket behind the range. These are often used when children are in the home. Although they are less likely to open the oven door and use it as a step stool to get to the stove-top, adults can also benefit from installing these. 

Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial in the kitchen to avoid accidents. Under-cabinet lighting can illuminate work areas effectively.

Secure Heavy Items: Ensure heavy pots and pans are stored at waist level to prevent straining or dropping them from high shelves.

Sharp Object Storage: Keep knives and other sharp objects in a secure drawer or block. And handle all sharp items with extreme care, even when washing and drying. These steps reduce the risk of accidental cuts.  

Other Safety Tips

Furniture Anchors: Secure heavy furniture, like bookshelves and dressers, to the wall to prevent tip-overs, especially if you have young children.

Adequate Outlets: Check for damaged outlets and replace them promptly. Avoid overloading circuits with too many devices. Install placeholder plugs in outlets to prevent young curious fingers (or tongues?) from going inside an electrical outlet.

Stair Gates: If your home has stairs, install safety gates at the top and bottom to prevent falls, especially if you have toddlers or pets to keep them off of the stairs when you cannot monitor them.

Emergency Escape Plan: Develop and practice an emergency escape plan with your family, including a designated meeting place outside.

Carbon Monoxide Detector:  If your home burns any fossil fuels for heating or appliances, install carbon monoxide detectors in common areas of your home to detect this odorless gas. The D.C. building codes require this if you use a fireplace or if you have an attached garage. In essence, if there is any potential source of carbon monoxide in the home, be sure to install these detectors.

Remember, a safer home not only prevents accidents but also provides peace of mind for you and your family. Implement these simple tips to create a secure environment in every room of your house.

With these practical tips and a few adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and falls in your home. Enjoy peace of mind in your now much safer haven.

Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management.

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Celebrity News

Lizzo makes $50K donation to Marsha P. Johnson Institute

Singer is vocal LGBTQ ally

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Lizzo at the 65th Grammy Awards (Screenshot from the Grammy Awards)

When Lizzo sings “If I’m shinin,’ everybody gonna shine,” in her hit song, “Juice,” she means it. Proof of that came this week on Instagram when the LGBTQ ally announced the first winner of her annual Juneteenth Giveback Campaign is the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, a national nonprofit based in Richmond, Calif., dedicated to the protection and defense of Black transgender people. 

And she did so in song: “On the first day of Juneteenth, Lizzo gave to me,” she sang in her video, posted Tuesday, as she revealed her $50,000 gift to MPJI.

“That’s right, we know who Marsha P. Johnson is. We know what Marsha P. Johnson has done for the LGBTQ, emphasis on that ‘T,’ Q community,” said Lizzo to her 13.5 million followers. “Thank you so much to the people at the Marsha P. Johnson Institute. You deserve this, and I hope this helps you so much as you help protect our Black trans family.” 

“What the Marsha P. Johnson Institute does is protects and defends the rights of Black transgender people. They do this by organizing community, advocating for the people, and creating an intentional healing community, developing transformative leadership and promoting collective power,” she said. 

“We are overjoyed for the shoutout from Lizzo today, the generosity of her sharing her platform and the recognition of MPJI and its work,” said Elle Moxley, MPJI’s executive director. “The resources from this campaign will ensure the protection and defense of Black transgender people continue at a time where it is so vitally needed. We are so grateful for the support of Lizzo and her fans.”

As one of Time Magazine’s Persons of the Year for 2019 and a 2023 Grammy winner, Lizzo is more than a pop star but an inspiration to millions of fans for her body-positive attitude, her self-confidence on stage and in her videos, her empowering music and her activism. She’s also the founder of her own clothing line, Yitty. In 2021, she made headlines when she publicly corrected a paparazzo for using “she/her” pronouns and misgendering Demi Levato.

As part of her campaign, now in its 4th year, Lizzo recognizes Black-led grassroots organizations and businesses and encourages her fans to join her in supporting each of the five organizations she highlights this week. Fans who take action by donating are  entered into a drawing for an all-expenses paid trip to see her perform at Fuji Rock in Japan later this year. 

This week’s other nonprofits receiving gifts are: Black Girls Smile, Sphinx Music, the University of Houston and Save Our Sisters United.

Find out more about Lizzo’s 4th annual Juneteenth Giveback Campaign by clicking here.

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Celebrity News

Anne Heche dies after removal from life support

Actress dated Ellen DeGeneres in late 1990s

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(Screenshot/YouTube Inside Edition)

Actress Anne Heche died after she was removed from life support on Sunday, nearly two weeks after her Mini-Cooper crashed through a two-story house in Los Angeles’ Mar Vista neighborhood. Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department believe she was intoxicated at the time.

She sustained a severe anoxic brain injury along with severe burns and was being treated at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital, near Chatsworth in the San Fernando Valley.

The 53-year-old actress who was a star of films like “Donnie Brasco,” the political satire “Wag the Dog” and the 1998 remake of “Psycho,” had been declared legally dead under California law on Friday, however, her family kept her alive long enough to be an organ donor.

In a statement Friday, the LAPD announced that: “As of today, there will be no further investigative efforts made in this case. Any information or records that have been requested prior to this turn of events will still be collected as they arrive as a matter of formalities and included in the overall case. When a person suspected of a crime expires, we do not present for filing consideration.” LAPD detectives had previously made public that investigators into the crash found narcotics in a blood sample taken from Heche.

The actress’s family released a statement on Friday:

“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend. Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy. Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact,” the statement added.

Heche was married to camera operator Coleman Laffoon from 2001 to 2009. The two had a son, Homer, together. She had another son, named Atlas, during a relationship with actor James Tupper, her co-star on the TV series “Men In Trees.”

Laffoon left a moving tribute on an Instagram reel in which he also gave an update on how their 20-year-old son Homer Laffoon is coping with the loss of his mother.

“I loved her and I miss her, and I’m always going to,” he said adding: “Homer is okay. He’s grieving, of course, and it’s rough. It’s really rough, as probably anybody can imagine. But he’s surrounded by family and he’s strong, and he’s gonna be okay.”

“Rest In Peace, Mom, I love you, Homer,” the actor’s 20-year-old son, Homer, said in a statement after Heche was declared legally dead on Friday.“ My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom,” read the statement. “After six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness. Hopefully, my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom. Over those six days, thousands of friends, family, and fans made their hearts known to me. I am grateful for their love, as I am for the support of my Dad, Coley, and my stepmom Alexi who continue to be my rock during this time. Rest In Peace Mom, I love you, Homer.”

Tupper, a Canadian actor who starred alongside Heche in “Men in Trees,” had a 13-year-old son, Atlas, with her. “Love you forever,” Tupper, 57, wrote on his Instagram post’s caption with a broken heart emoji, which shared an image of the actress from Men in Trees.

Between 1997 and 2000, Heche was also in a relationship with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

“This is a sad day,” DeGeneres posted on Twitter. “I’m sending Anne’s children, family and friends all of my love.” The year after her break-up with the comedian, in September 2001, Heche recounted in her memoir “Call Me Crazy,” about her lifelong struggles with mental health and a childhood of abuse.

KTLA’s entertainment reporter Sam Rubin noted that over the past two decades, Heche’s career pivoted several times. In 2017, she hosted a weekly radio show on SiriusXM with Jason Ellis called “Love and Heche.”

In 2020, Heche made her way into the podcast world. She launched “Better Together” which she cohosted alongside Heather Duffy Boylston. The show was described as a way to celebrate friendship. 

She also worked in smaller films, on Broadway, and on TV shows. She recently had recurring roles on the network series “Chicago P.D.,” and “All Rise” and was a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars.”

People magazine reported that several of Heche’s acting projects are expected to be released posthumously.

These include “Girl in Room 13,” expected to be released on Lifetime in September, “What Remains,” scheduled to be released in 2023, and HBO Max TV series “The Idol,” created by Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.

In her Instagram post from earlier this year Heche stands between her sons Atlas, 13 and Homer, 20.

From KTLA:

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