The Kennedy Center

The Opera House at the Kennedy Center in Washington,  D.C., may soon be named The First Lady Melania Trump Opera House. Approved by the House Appropriations Committee, it will come into effect if Congress approves the House GOP spending bill that funds the Department of Interior and Environmental Protection Agency. 

Republican Mike Simpson of Idaho sponsored the naming as Chair of the House Interior and Environmental Appropriations Committee. Simpson stated that the honor is well deserved, since it recognizes First Lady Melania Trump’s “outstanding leadership in promoting the Arts.” 

The Kennedy Center now has six times its usual budget, with $257,000,000 for the Center’s restoration, maintenance,  and security. Here is a link to the news:

Rep. Simpson Moves to Name Kennedy Center Opera House After Melania Trump | U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson – 2nd District of Idaho

Opera Philadelphia’s Pipe Up!

Opera Philadelphia General Director Anthony Ross Constanzo said that Opera Philadelphia will present a program at the Shuttered Macy’s Department Store from September through December called Pipe Up! 

While still in the planning stages, Mr. Ross Constanzo announced that BalletX, The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, Fringe Arts, and others will be part of Pipe Up! which is made possible by a million dollar grant from The Wyndcote Foundation. 

PipeUp! will begin on September 7, with an opening program, featuring the famed Wanamaker organ, entitled,  “Meet Me At The Eagle.” The eagle in question is the beloved eagle sculpture once occupying pride of place in the Wanamaker/Macy’s Department Store, not the venerable landmark Eagle Bar. 

Philadelphia’s Wanamaker Building to host performances this fall – WHYY