Concerts

I Love the Hollywood Bowl

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Gigi in Concerts Comments Off

Hollywood Bowl (Photo credit: srd515)

The Hollywood Bowl season is well under way. One of my favorite things to do on a warm summer night is to pack up a picnic basket and spend an evening under the stars listening to some of my favorite artists. I love the Hollywood Bowl. I have been going to the bowl for over twenty, maybe thirty years.

Reggie and I saw Fela Kuti at the bowl when we were dating, and I know that was 25 years ago. My college roommate Alana and I used to sell our counterfeit homemade buttons at the bowl. We took our son to see India Arie when he was about 6 or 7 and I remember we were sitting in a box in the center of the garden section, India was doing a beautiful acoustic set when my son shouted out in a loud whiny voice “She already sang that song”. Everyone in the area turned around and looked at us. So many memories from so many evenings spent at the bowl.

When my kids were little we spent many a summer morning at the bowl’s music program for kids. I have also been fortunate to have had lunch on the Hollywood Bowl stage, as a member of the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts.

Tonight’s program was a tribute to Ray Charles. A stellar line-up concert co-produced by Phil Ramone and Gregg Field. The 2012 Raelettes included: Patti Austin, Lynne Fiddmont, Siedah Garrett and Monica Maneini. Other performers included Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Martina McBride, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bebe Winans and our host for the evening Tavis Smiley. An all star band with George Duke on piano, Dave Koz on alto Sax, two of my favorite musicians were playing with a host of other fabulous artists. The Count Basie Orchestra was in the house. The title of the show “Genius + Soul = Jazz”. What a night!

Hollywood Bowl

Beautiful evening at the bowl tonight. A perfect summer evening was had by all.

Picnic

Our picnic lunch was a delicious assortment salads.

Friends

Molly and Lamar, we always run into friends at the bowl.

Plan an evening at the Hollywood Bowl. The shows are rarely sold out and tickets start at $12.00. Maybe I’ll see you Sunday at Ziggy Marley.

xoxo,

Gigi

Hip Hop at LACMA

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Gigi in Concerts 4 Comments

LACMA

Last night my kids and I arrived at LACMA to an eclectic scene, all walks of life gathered with one common interest hip hop.

The Scene

This was not your typical club banger, rather three diverse underground artists performed their own version of hip hop illuminated by Chris Burden’s Urban Light sculpture. Gizzle, Dumbfoundead and headliner Medusa were tonights rappers for the second installment of Through the Mic. “In the world of underground hip hop, Medusa has been called the high Priestess, Godmother, Queen, and Gangsta Goddess.”

Reggie, Gigi & Medusa

The diverse crowd was a mixture of young, old, tatted, pierced, suited, heeled, buzzed, all bopping their heads, and waving their hands in the air to the bass-thumping.

Everyone was there

While walking to the ladies room, a young lady complimented me on my outfit. Later when we were leaving the restroom the same girl told me that I looked so much like her “Auntie” I then realized that she was my niece! We laughed and caught up, and she quickly scanned the crowd to find her cousins.

My niece Courtney, Amani, Reggie & Gigi

“Urban Light”

At the end of the night we were reminded that hip hop is no longer the kid from the other side of the “tracks” that can’t come over. The night was sold out and I predict the upcoming shows will be as well. So get your tickets early for the July 19th show.

Through the Mic at LACMA Hosted by Co-Curator MURS

Tickets 10.00 for members 15.00 General Admission

Amani, Gigi & Reggie

xoxo,

Gigi

Concerts

I Love the Hollywood Bowl

Related articles

Hip Hop at LACMA

Follow