fbpx
[additional-authors]
April 16, 2017
Composer Michael Abels at ASCAP EXPO 2017

Yesterday at the third day of ASCAP EXPO 2017 I had a wonderful time.  First I went to a workshop with Mick Guzauski about technical aspects of mixing a song or album.  Interesting stuff!  He has worked with Daft Punk, Prince, Talking Heads, and many others.  Then I attended the Master Session with Michael Abels.  He did the score for the film “Get Out.”  Although this was his first feature length film score, he contributed invaluably to the scary and unsettling effects of this highly successful film through his mastery of composition.  A fascinating story of how film music is composed and put together.

Lastly, I was at thrilled to see Stevie Wonder accept the ASCAP “Key of Life Award” for his remarkable achievements in music, producing, and making the world a better place.  Singer and actress Janelle Monae did an excellent job interviewing him through words and his music about his incredible career.  Stevie said that everyone there should express themselves through music but “do it with love.”  He was not afraid to get political, although he was warned it would hurt his career.  A child prodigy, with his first hit at age 12, music just pours out of him.  He also has a wonderful sense of humor.  A remarkable human being, and immensely talented.

For more information about ASCAP, visit their website here ascap.com.  For more photos, visit my Flickr page here:   flickr.com/photos/joybennett.

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

A Night of Gratitude Honoring Dennis Prager

Latest Articles

Riots in France, Balagan in Israel

Suddenly, after years of lecturing Israel about being “too violent,” Macron was calling in his army to deal with out-of-control rioters, declaring that “those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable.”

Up (and Down) In Michigan

A report on the Jewish nostalgia for a political home in the lead up to Michigan’s elections.

Democracy Is Built Before Election Day

This is where democracy is truly tested. Not at the ballot box on Election Day, but long before, in classrooms where educators decide whether to avoid controversy or help students learn how to engage disagreement with curiosity, respect, and a recognition of one another’s humanity.

Au Revoir, France

Like in many other Western countries, the center in France has capsized. All that’s left is the death-wish nihilism of the extremes—and an unhealthy dose of Islamist menace.

To Begin Again

No matter how long we have lived, no matter how far we have traveled, the most important part of our becoming may still lie ahead.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.