Odds & Ends: fun., Tibet House Benefit, The Rockettes

While Jack Antonoff has been busy writing songs with Taylor Swift and touring with his side project, Bleachers, some fans have been wondering what’s going on with fun.

In a post on its website titled “A Message From Nate, Jack & Andrew,” the indie rock band address rumors about a split and also comment about requests for updates on new music.  

Fans have been waiting on a follow-up to fun.’s breakout album, 2012’s Some Nights. The track “We Are Young” earned the band a Grammy for Song of the Year. The act also took home the prize at the 2013 Grammys for Best New Artist. Besides a few appearances, including JAS Aspen Snowmass Experience and Global Citizen Festival, fun. didn’t do any touring in 2014.

“first and foremost to answer the question that has been raised most often: fun is not breaking up,” the band wrote in the joint statement.

“fun was founded by the 3 of us at a time when we were coming out of our own bands. one thing that has always been so special about fun is that we exist as 3 individuals in music who come together to do something collaborative. we make fun records when we are super inspired to do so. currently nate is working on his first solo album, andrew is scoring films and jack is on tour and working on bleachers music. the 3 of us have always followed inspiration wherever it leads us. sometimes that inspiration leads to fun music, sometimes it leads to musical endeavors outside of fun. we see all of it as part of the ecosystem that makes fun, fun.”

The band went on to say that its fanbase means “EVERYTHING” to the musicians. That being said, fun. said that it is committed to showing fans respect by only making music when the band is “fully ready to make it,” rather than putting out a record when it’s “good for business.”

To read the complete statement click here.

The Tibet House Benefit Concert has expanded its lineup that already includes Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson and The Flaming Lips.

After rocking the benefit last year, Patti Smith will return to Carnegie Hall next month for the 2015 edition. She’ll be joined once again by her band and her daughter, Jesse Smith. Sturgill Simpson has also joined the roster.

The 25^th annual benefit is set for March 5 at the New York venue.

Glass curated the lineup, which includes previously announced acts also include Tenzin Choegyal and Ashley MacIsaac. Honorary chairs include Chuck Close, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Uma Thurman and Arden Wohl.

Tickets are on sale now. Proceeds go to the NYC non-profit education instruction and cultural embassy, which was founded at the request of his Holiness the Dalai Lama to preserve Tibet’s culture. Visit TibetHouse.us for more information.

The 64^th NBA All-Star Game is the place to be to see a peek at The Rockettes’ all-new theatrical production, “New York Spring Spectacular.”

The high-kicking dance group will be showing off the opening number from the show, which was choreographed by Emmy-Award winning choreographer Mia Michaels of “So You Think You Can Dance.” Fittingly for the group synonymous with the Big Apple, the number was created to the orchestrated music of Taylor Swift’s “Welcome To New York.”

The NBA-All Star Game takes place at Madison Square Garden Feb. 15 and airs live at 8 p.m. EST on TNT.

Before the NBA All-Stars are introduced, The Rockettes will take the stage with Christina Aguilera for a performance featuring a New York-themed medley.

Produced by Madison Square Garden Entertainment and Weinstein Live Entertainment, the “New York Spring Spectacular” begins previews on March 12 and runs through May 3. Of course, the show takes place at Radio City Music Hall. Tickets are on sale now. Visit Rockettes.com for more information.