It was a lavish, splendid, elegant and very, very grand garden party on Grand Avenue at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The overall theme was “California Cool,” as an impressive roster of Malibu music lovers (like Ginny Mancini and Eli Broad) showed their support to celebrate the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s 100th anniversary.
Gussied-up guests arrived to see the avenue blocked off and filled with lush green hedges, maidenhair fern, fresh orchids and oversized South African Protea.
This was not a typical black tie but a fancy, yet casual, California come-as-you-are.
It was time to give the Armani black tie a rest and break out the rhinestone-encrusted boots, proudly show your tats and let your purple and rainbow highlights flow. Some sported end-of-season lace dresses paired with cowboy kicks, or else stylish turbans, distressed jeans and diamonds, while others, like Malibu’s super, Sheila Kuehl, couldn’t be missed in her cherry red wool coat and comfy flats.
Servers made the rounds with the evening’s signature “California Dreaming” deep purple concoction composed of vodka, lemon syrup, crushed blue ice and club soda. They sipped and munched on beef carpaccio served on baby philodendron leaves and baked crostini with savory chutney.
Soon, it was showtime. The California Soul 2018 Gala kicked off with a celebration of the Golden State through the sounds and sights of local artists inspired by this once wild, wild piece of the West.
First came the famous theme from Robert Towne’s film noir “Chinatown.” It’s a sound play, telling the music of a 1930s murder mystery set against a scandal involving valuable Los Angeles area land and water rights.
John Adams’ “Harmonia” and “The Dharma at Big Sur” featured the Los Angeles Master Chorale and every percussion instrument you ever heard—and many you haven’t. The music of Frank Zappa riveted the audience.
Then it was on to Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who grabbed the show and never looked back. Martin is reportedly the proud new owner of a famous Lautner home and the Malibu Playhouse. After “Los Angeles Be Kind,” he delivered a mesmerizing rendition of “L.A. Woman” with the original Door’s drummer for back up. The Chorale was back with Corinne Bailey Rae for a soothing version of “California Soul.” Then, as a grand finale, Martin said he needed to get things a little more casual. Taking off his jacket, he got Gustavo Dudamel to remove his, he challenged The Dude to remove his black tie and he did, warning, “Oh please don’t take off your trousers!” They dove into the groove of the Beach Boys “Good Vibrations,” and were rewarded with a standing ovation.
After a sea of shiny confetti surfboards rained on an appreciative crowd, perfectly chilled Phil fans made their way to a feast of West Coast classics: end-of-season peaches and cream with wild flower honey, sea salt-roasted eye of rib eye and farmers market summer squash. It was enjoyed alongside stunning images projected against the hall’s weaving and wonderous skin.
Post party entertainment was provided by Phil favorite Pink Martini and famed LA DJ Jason Bently.
In the end, the Phil wowed its way into a remarkable new season with lots of good vibrations and Viva La Vida!