Malibu music fans like Ginny Mancini love summertime, especially when the hills are alive at the Hollywood Bowl. It was opening night and after a breezy VIP reception with a little wine and cheese on the patio, guests donning their best summer chic made their way to their boxes under the setting sun.
In keeping with tradition, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra conductor Thomas Wilkins opened the show with the national anthem, followed by an impressive performance by the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Vocal Ensemble.
The first part of the program started with Anderson Alden’s “Lift” followed by Katya Richardson’s “Fanfare for Orchestra” and wrapped up with the Vocal Ensemble’s enthusiastic take on Stephen Sondheim’s “Children Will Listen” from his hit musical “Into the Woods.”
The talented kids, appearing at the Bowl for the very first time in their young lives, received a rousing ovation.
Intermission gave the crew just enough time to reset for the rock and jazz that was to follow. Classic ‘70s band Steely Dan was ready to turn up the volume and the bowl orchestra wasn’t prepared to call it quits. Together they made favorites like “Aja” a classical gas.
What better way to end the evening than with a glittering fireworks show that turned a summer evening into one big blast!
DUDE NEWS
Malibu’s opera honcho Marc Stern has yet another reason to be wild about the man with a stand, Gustavo Dudamel. The famed music maker has not only made a splash at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, but he recently debuted as a celebrated conductor for Stern’s L.A. Opera. The opera recently showcased “The Dude” in two of its performances of La Bohème. Opera aficionados like Marc can only hope there’s more in store in the seasons ahead.
L.A. FOOTBALL FOR REAL
The long wait is finally over. Football fans are out of their misery. The Los Angeles Rams are celebrating their return to their old stomping grounds. What better way to ring in the return to Hollywood than with a reality show all their own? Reality king E! has given the go-ahead to a new show called “Hollywood and Football.”
The show zones in on six Rams players and their families as they make the physical, mental and emotional trek from St. Louis to Los Angeles.
The six-episode docuseries should be a hit, given all the hype surrounding the homecoming.
“We are excited to take the viewers inside the lifestyles of these top athletes and their families as they navigate a new city, new friendships and new schools,” said Jeff Olde, executive vice president for programming and development for E! And on top of all that, he said, they have the “inevitable Hollywood gossip.”
The six couples that will be profiled in the series include wide receiver Kenny Britt and wife Sabrina, offensive lineman Rodger Saffold and wife Asia, tight end Lance Kendricks and wife Danielle, running back Chase Reynolds and wife Kila, wide receiver Bradley Marquez and finance Melissa as well as fullback Corey Harkey and wife Bianca. So, coming this fall, get ready for some football with a dose of reality on E!