Quick Takes: A ‘Latino Inaugural’ fete

Top Latino entertainers will perform at the Kennedy Center in a series of events ahead of President Barack Obama’s inauguration Jan. 21, after an election in which Latinos showed their growing political influence.

Eva Longoria, George Lopez, Mario Lopez, Chita Rivera and Rita Moreno are among a group of prominent performers who will gather Sunday, Jan. 20 for “Latino Inaugural 2013: In Performance at the Kennedy Center.” Longoria, a co-chair of Obama’s inauguration festivities, is hosting the event. Additional performers will include Jose Feliciano, Melanie Griffith, New York City’s Ballet Hispanico, Coro de Niños de San Juan (the San Juan Children’s Choir) and others.

“Latinos played a critical role in this year’s elections and helped tip the scales in President Obama’s victory. But we are not waiting another four years to make an impact on our country’s future,” Longoria said in a statement. “What better way to establish our presence at these inaugural celebrations than by showcasing the beauty and diversity of our culture at the nation’s premier performing arts center.”

Seventy-one percent of Latino voters supported President Obama to Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s 27%.

— Associated Press

Razzie nods for ‘Breaking Dawn’

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2” earned $813.9 million internationally at the box office, but it also dominated the 33rd annual Golden Razzie Award nominations.

The Razzies honor the worst accomplishments in film. The nominations were set to be announced Wednesday — the day before the Academy Award nominations.

“Twilight Saga” earned 11 nominations: worst picture, actor for Robert Pattinson, actress for Kristen Stewart (her nod is also for “Snow White and the Huntsman”), Ashley Greene for supporting actress, Taylor Lautner for supporting actor, Bill Condon for director, ensemble cast, screenplay, two for screen couple and worst remake, rip-off or sequel.

Vying with “Twilight Saga” for worst picture are “Battleship,” “Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure,” “That’s My Boy!” and “A Thousand Words.”

The awards will be handed out Feb. 23 — the evening before the Oscars.

— Susan King

Music Rising’s Sandy donation

Music Rising is reaching out to beleaguered musicians in the Northeast whose livelihoods have been disrupted by Superstorm Sandy.

The organization offered a similar program after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and after flooding in and around Nashville in 2010.

Music Rising has announced a $250,000 donation to help rebuild school music programs in the tri-state area hardest hit by Sandy.

U2’s the Edge, producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar Chief Executive and Chairman Henry Juszkiewicz started Music Rising in 2005.

It has since helped more than 50,000 instrumental and vocal music students, and gave a $250,000 grant to the Nashville community after the heavy floods.

— Randy Lewis

Armstrong to talk with Oprah

In his first interview since being stripped last year of seven Tour de France titles for alleged illegal doping, Lance Armstrong will talk to Oprah Winfrey for a special 90-minute episode of “Oprah’s Next Chapter” Jan. 17 on OWN.

“Armstrong will address the alleged doping scandal, years of accusations of cheating and charges of lying about the use of performance-enhancing drugs throughout his storied cycling career,” states a news release from OWN, promising a “no-holds-barred” discussion with Armstrong at his Texas home.

The Oprah interview could be a first step in the rehabilitation of Armstrong’s image. Winfrey, meanwhile, needs Armstrong to help boost her network, which has struggled with low ratings and executive missteps.

— Scott Collins

Santa Barbara set for film fest

The Santa Barbara Film Festival will present 13 world premieres and 32 American premieres in its 28th annual gathering Jan. 24-Feb. 3.

The festival will open with “Disconnect,” an ensemble drama starring Jason Bateman and Hope Davis, and close with “Wasteland,” a crime thriller featuring Matthew Lewis and Timothy Spall. “Argo” director Ben Affleck will receive the Modern Master award.

— John Horn