CSUB Theatrefest presented ‘Evitathe Musical about Eva Peron put up by theater students. The lead characters, Che Guevera were sung very well. The set design was as good, if not better, than any other plays put on at the Dore Theater. The clip below is a performance of ‘Don’t Cry for me Argentina’ by Lea Salango. Enjoy.
STS9
Went to see Sound Tribe Sector 9 at the House of Blues in West Hollywood. STS9 is an instrumental band that plays a blend of different genres of music. Electronic music mixed in with Jazz, Psychedelic, Hip Hop, Southern Rock type of music. At times they remind one of Allman Brothers, especially the latter’s live concerts. STS9 is well known also for the light shows that are part of the performance; in addition to artists on stage who paint during the show. The art, also psychedelic in nature, at least at the show in LA, is then displayed at the end for anyone to see. The band played until just after 1 am. They went on stage about 10 pm. The HOB was packed with also an eclectic crowd, ranging from seemingly young to a few older faces. The all to familiar concert whiff was permeating through the air at times. Here is a clip from one of their past shows in LA.
La Boheme
Thursday, November 29th, the LA Opera had a matinee (1 pm start) performance of Puccini’s La Boheme at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion. The View from seat K-41 in front balcony B is not the most spectacular, but being towards the center is not bad. The acoustics in the theater, at least from this seat, are average. One does not have trouble hearing the orchestra, but at times voices may seem strained. This particular performance was conducted by Placido Domingo, with Massimo Giordano (Rodolfo), Maija Kovalevska (Mimi), Luca Salsi (Marcello), Laquita Mitchell (Musetta) et al. The audience seemed to enjoy the show. Some people were dressed up, but many were casual as well. The average age of the audience was probably in the 40s or 50s. The older men seemed to wear jackets, at minimum; some also wore ties. But one would have fit in if he wore a nice pair of slacks and a dress shirt. Some women wore dresses (cocktail), but most were in pants and sweaters/ blouses. There was a fifteen minute intermission, during which late-comers (who were placed in open seats) were allowed to go to their actual seats. There was also a five minute break in between acts. The set and costumes were quite visually pleasing. There was a large screen above the stage for super-titles. Parking was at a lot nearby, since the Music center lot was full by 12:30 pm. One could purchase a pre-paid parking pass ($8) for that lot, which was subsequently honored at the other lot (about a 1 minute walk from the center, on first street). The show lasted until 3:30 pm.
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is a great small location in Santa Monica for eclectic music. Friday night, the acts included Mojacar Flamenco Jazz, Latin Soul and Los Pinguos.
Doors opened a little after 8:30, with Mojacar taking stage a little after 9pm. They performed for about an hour. The performance was acceptable, not at all like a performance at El Tablao de Carmen in Barcelona . Would not pay to see Mojacar again though. Apparently the performer, Katrina Tomas, also gives lessons in Santa Monica.
Scheduled to perform were Sana Sana, but most of the members of the band could not make it, so the lead singer performed with his other band, Latin Soul. They were a marked improvement over the flamenco, the main reason for the drive down to Santa Monica from Bakersfield. The set was pretty good with decent grooving music.
The main act seemed to be Los Pinguos. They played an eclectic mix of music, ranging from ska to reggae. Reminiscent of Ozomatli, who had performed in Atlanta a few years back and at the Playboy Jazz Festival in 2006.
The food at the Temple bar is pretty good. The best dish is probably the Caribbean Shrimp, a spicy shrimp dish with rice, mango and some jerk-type spices. Also good is the shrimp cocktail, served with a corn type salsa and tortilla chips. Drinks are a little on the weak side. Entrees average between $13 – 15, which drinks range in the $9 -$12. Entrance fee is $10, with a minimum of $25 expenditure per person at the tables (standing is free). 18% gratuity on parties of 4 or more. Located at 1026 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica. Open 8 pm – 2 am everyday.
