08 March 2009

4 great talks for International Women's Day

To celebrate March 8, International Women's Day, we suggest these four TEDTalks gems from some amazing speakers -- artists, scientists and economists who think deeply about the role of women.

Author and activist Isabel Allende discusses women, creativity, feminism -- and the power of passionate thinkers and doers:

The former Finance Minister of Nigeria, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, talks about one key opportunity to grow African economies -- by investing in women and the businesses they start:

(For more, watch Jacqueline Novogratz >>)

Scientist Nalini Nadkarni explores the world of the forest canopy -- and shares her findings with the world below, through dance, art and bold partnerships. She's working to inspire the next generation of women scientists:

The wonderful Nellie McKay sings "Mother of Pearl" (with the immortal first line "Feminists don't have a sense of humor") and "If I Had You" from her sparkling set at TED2008:

Find these four and many more astonishing women (including the legendary primatologist Jane Goodall, oceanographers Sylvia Earle and Tierney Thys, games theorist Brenda Laurel, Zipcar inventor Robin Chase ... ) on TED.com >>

Posted by Emily McManus | Permalink

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11 March 2008

Tonight in L.A.: Jill Sobule

The wonderful Jill Sobule is playing at Largo tonight in LA, then swings back to NY to play at Ethel's 10th birthday party on March 20, along with Rives. But honestly, we were mainly looking for an excuse to share this great photo of Jill (left), taken 10 days ago at TED@Aspen...

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20 September 2007

Jill Sobule and Ethel: Together in Central Park

Wednesday night, Jill Sobule (watch her TEDTalk performance) and the modern string ensemble Ethel (watch their TEDTalk performance) paired up to play a charming set together in Central Park, a preview of the upcoming album from this partnership that began at TED2006. Backed by Ethel's wall of sound, Jill's sweet, funny, wise pop songs -- including a knockout version of "I Kissed a Girl" -- take on a new richness. The bill, which also included the New Standards from Minneapolis and the evening's star, Lesley Gore, was assembled by Bill Bragin of Joe's Pub, who works with the TED team to help choose some of the musicians for each TED. At the show: Rives (watch his TEDTalks) and Majora Carter (watch her TEDTalk).
Photo: Jill Sobule and Ethel's Cornelius Dufallo. Courtesy Marla Mitchnick

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19 June 2007

The string quartet Ethel plays "Blue Room," on TED.com

Ethel is, perhaps, the first 21st-century realization of the classical string quartet. An all-star foursome, Ethel is Cornelius Dufallo (violin), Ralph Farris (viola), Dorothy Lawson (cello), and Mary Rowell (violin), a mixed bag of players from classical, rock and downtown new-music circles. On TED.com, they perform the third movement from Phil Kline's four-part suite "The Blue Room and Other Stories," recorded on the quartet's 2003 album Ethel (Cantaloupe). Searching, questioning melodic lines slide from instrument to instrument, in a piece that shows off each player's deep and emotional musicality. (Recorded February 2006 in Monterey, CA. Duration: 03:55) Read more about Ethel on TED.com

Watch this talk on TED.com where you can download it, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances.

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04 November 2005

Last night's TED Salon at Joe's Pub

Boy, what a magical night. Here's Thomas Dolby's review...
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Joe's Pub was the perfect venue to meet TED friends and enjoy three excellent bands. It's been a while since I enjoyed an evening of music so much. Joe's booker Bill Bragin is known as one of New York's greatest champions of new talent, and it was his recommendation that brought Ethel, Vishal Vaid, and Stew to TED's attention.

First up was Ethel, a modern string quartet that's been attracting a lot of attention from the likes of Steve Reich and Joe Jackson. All superb players, they have an intuitive rapport and plenty of resonance, effortlessly trading melodies between the two violins while 'cello and viola lay down a surprisingly groovy backdrop. A dark and unsettling composition by the impressive composer and TEDster Michael Montes was followed by a new piece composed by Ethel cellist Dorthy Lawson; this showed just how well the quartet are able to blend rock'n'roll rhythms with classical phrasing and harmonies.

Vishal Vaid is a master of the remarkable Indian ghazal folk style. A gifted vocalist, he improvised using just the syllables of notes of the ghazal scale, interlocked with his harmonium chords; layered over the accompanying six-string electric bass, acoustic guitar, and Rahis Khan's fine tabla, effect was truly mesmerizing.

Originally from L.A., Stew is a great performer that somehow funnels his varied skills as a standup comedian, political satirist and protest singer into short catchy songs with titles like "Rehab", "Kingdom of Drink", and "When Black Men Ski." Peering over his glasses, it's a bit like having your favorite college professor sing to you. I'm sure he'll be a smash hit in Monterey--though I couldn't help thinking that Tom Reilly will have a hard time spoofing Stew, because he's already so outrageous and hilarious.

A fun night, and what a joy to meet three fascinating new additions to TED's musical roster. The New York connection is going to turn out to be a fabulous source of new faces and inspiration!

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