Chicago Sinfonietta salutes legacy of Martin Luther King

The orchestra’s tradition of honoring the civil rights leader continues Sunday in Naperville and Monday in Symphony Center with a varied program, plus two acclaimed guest soloists: South Side native Anthony McGill, principal clarinet for the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and operatic baritone Eric Owens, in his conducting debut.

Justin Timberlake releases new song ‘Suit and Tie’

NEW YORK — Mr. “SexyBack” is back. Justin Timberlake released his new single, “Suit and Tie,” late Sunday night. It features rapper Jay-Z. The upbeat jam is the 31-year-old’s first musical offering since 2006’s critically acclaimed “FutureSex/LoveSounds.” His third solo album, “The 20/20 Experience,” will …

Riccardo Muti, now ailing, has our support, says CSO chief Rutter

Chicago Symphony Orchestra president Deborah Rutter fully supports about music director Riccardo Muti’s decision this week to cancel his winter residency: “I don’t think that any of us are in a position to judge what someone else does to try to manage his health or an illness. The chief thing is that I am very concerned that he get better.”

For the CSO, the show goes on, even without Riccardo Muti

Though music director Riccardo Muti dropped out, the show went on Thursday at Symphony Center, and in good order, too. Conductor Edo de Waart, replacing the flu-stricken Muti, led a “Leonore” Overture No. 3 that was as good, sprightly and engaging as most can get.

Chris Smither’s blues hide hope in tough topics

Chris Smither has traveled countless miles with his careworn blend of folk and acoustic blues. His hallmarks include the fingers of an effortless musician, a voice as craggy and deep as the earth, the soul of a philosopher and master poet, and the foot-tapping percussion …

Justin Timberlake hints at a return to music

NEW YORK — Is Justin Timberlake bringing his music career back? The 31-year-old superstar has concentrated almost exclusively on his acting career over the last few years. But on Thursday, he posted a video on his website that showed him walking into a studio, putting …

Destiny’s Child readies new song for compilation CD

NEW YORK (AP) — Destiny’s Child is back together — for a new song. The R&B; trio said Thursday they will release a new track called “Nuclear.” The song is the group’s first new offering since 2004. “Nuclear” will appear on the compilation album, “Love …

Behind Yaneisha Franklin’s smile is the gritty hip-hop of Sasha Go Hard

If her stage name were not evidence enough, Yaneisha Franklin, better known as Chicago hip-hop artist Sasha Go Hard, doesn’t take her music career lightly. The Hyde Park native is one of the few local female hip-hop artists to emerge with a national following.

Midtown Men celebrate songs of the ’60s

For Christian Hoff and the three other members of The Midtown Men, a group of four singers who performed on Broadway together in “Jersey Boys,” entertaining an audience is a bit like winning a ball game.

“There is satisfaction with the applause and the success …

Hip-hop artist evolves, finds wider audience

For Clinton Sandifer, life is all about doing what makes him happy. That he’s best known as Chicago hip-hop artist ShowYouSuck is beside the point. A former student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Sandifer, 27, is evolving into a new-age renaissance …

Chamber music fest warms up winter at NU

If it’s January, it must be time for the Winter Chamber Music Festival at Northwestern University. This is the 17th year chamber music fans will gather in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall to enjoy performances by local, national and even internationally acclaimed chamber musicians. “I started planning …

Black Keys, fun., Rihanna to perform at Grammys

NEW YORK — The Black Keys and fun. will make their debut on the Grammy stage next month. The Recording Academy announced Wednesday that the multiple Grammy nominees will perform at the awards, airing live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on …

David Bowie readies 1st album in 10 years

NEW YORK — David Bowie is celebrating his birthday by releasing new music. The English singer announced Tuesday, his 66th birthday, that he has released his first song in 10 years titled “Where Are We Now?” A new album, “The Next Day,” will be out …

His music grows up, but Wiz Khalifa won’t

ATLANTA — Rapper Wiz Khalifa says preparation for becoming a first-time father and husband has helped put him in a more mature musical state of mind. But that doesn’t mean Khalifa will refrain from his weed-smoking, rock star-like ways. “I’m at a different point in …

Jana Kramer riding wave of success

Nashville’s Music Row wasn’t impressed. Heck, they had seen it plenty of times before: Midwestern girl turned soap opera actress turned so-called country singer, looking for a chance to make her storyline complete. Jana Kramer knew what she was up against. After leaving the wildly …