Bravo Gustavo!
Things are buzzing over at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as music fans get ready for the much-anticipated debut of conductor Gustavo Dudamel. The celebrated Venezuelan makes his first appearance as music director on Oct. 3 with “Bienvenido Gustavo,” a kick off concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
The special line up has something for every musical taste. The first half of the program will feature young local ensembles, rising stars and well known artists. The evening features Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez as well as Andrae Crouch and a gospel choir with singers of all ages. Flea, the bassist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, will appear with the Silverlake Conservatory Ensemble. Herbie Hancock will jazz it up with the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Jazz Band. We’ll also hear from David Hidalgo, Taj Mahal and Los Cenzontles.
The program wraps up with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and a crowd-pleasing performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, led by Dudamel and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
The 2009/2010 season at Walt Disney Concert Hall begins the following week with the Inaugural Gala and the world premiere of John Adams’ “City Noir.” So let the music begin!
TV time
The fall television season is here and you can tune into lots of local faces. David Duchovny returns as troubled novelist Hank Moody in “Californication,” while Courteney Cox is on the prowl in “Cougar Town.” Cox stars as a 40-year-old mom who is newly single and forced to reenter the dating scene.
Sitcom king Kelsey Grammer has a brand new gig as “Hank.” Playing a downsized New York City executive, Hank Pryor goes off to greener acres. He relocates to a sleepy hamlet in Virginia and takes on the challenges of a small town. And it’s a reality check that means back to school for Tony Danza. Tony tries his hand at public education in “Teach.” He’ll be instructing 10th graders in English at Philadelphia High School as part of a new reality show for A&E.
Also on tap, fat and flab will tip the scales on “Biggest Loser.” “The Office” is open for business, “Gossip Girl” is spreading the word and it’s time to mix it up on “Melrose Place.”
They’re grooving once again in “Dancing with the Stars” and it seems like this year’s lineup couldn’t be more diverse. There’s Grammy winner Macy Gray, Iron Chef Chairman Mark Dacascos, Super Bowl champ Michael Irvin, Ozzie offspring Kelly Osbourne, Sports Illustrated cover girl Kathy Ireland, former teen heartthrob Donny Osmond, extreme snowboarder Louis Vito and heck, what can one say about the GOP’s Tom Delay? The show got a local connection when Malibu’s Brooke Burke waltzed off with the winning disco ball on season seven. Jane Seymour also took a memorable turn. Stay tuned.
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.