SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
Like a hot barbeque and a cool brew, nothing says summer like the Hollywood Bowl. The festivities kick off tomorrow night with the 2010 Hall of Fame program.
Disco legend Donna Summer tops the bill. The diva first appeared on the Bowl stage in 1979 when she was topping the charts with mega hits like “Last Dance” and “Hot Stuff.”
With everyone from The Who’s Roger Daltry to country crooner Garth Brooks, the inductees are always an eclectic bunch and this year is no different.
World-renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet will join Ms. Summer on the bill, along with bubblegum pop icons The Carpenters. The brother-sister act first appeared at the Bowl in 1966 when 16-year-old Karen and 19-year-old Richard won a “Battle of the Bands” contest. The two went to record a string of hits like “We’ve Only Just Begun,” which became a mainstay for weddings and graduations all over the globe. Presenters include legendary trumpet man Herb Alpert.
The glitzy opening night gala will benefit Music Matters, the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s program to keep music in public schools.
The Phil’s popular conductor Gustavo Dudamel, also known as “The Dude,” will make three appearances during the season. He’ll delight classical fans with a concert version of Bizet’s “Carmen.” The performance features Natascha Petrinsky in the title role. The Dude will also take on Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Ravel’s “Bolero.”
Nicholas McGegan takes the podium for an all-Mozart program in July, and Pablo Heras-Casado assumes the conducting duties for an evening called “Heroic Beethoven.”
From classics to Broadway, there’s something for everyone this summer. Local music maker Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin will bring their soothing sounds to the stage, joining Taj Mahal and Dianne Reeves. Fans of the Fab Four can groove down memory lane and even Penny Lane with “A Beatles Celebration.” There will be plenty of poodle skirts, saddle shoes and shades for the “Grease Sing-A-Long,” and “Mamma Mia!” ABBA Fest is back with a 140-member choir.
The popular Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular will be held not just one, but three consecutive nights, so there’s no doubt that Independence Day weekend is going to be a blast.
GOLDEN GIRL
After her acclaimed appearance as host of “Saturday Night Live,” no one seems hotter than 88-year-old Betty White. But in addition to her love of one-liners, the media darling is crazy for critters. So it’s only fitting that the longtime Los Angeles Zoo supporter and trustee will be honored at the 40th Annual Beastly Ball.
The bash takes place on the zoo grounds on Saturday. Expect some of Betty’s famous friends to turn out for the occasion. Co-chairs for this year’s event include Sir Elton John, Jane Goodall, Jay Leno, Sandra Bullock, Alex Trebek and Michael Feinstein.
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.