Ragtime Revelry At The Alex Theatre
April 6, 2011
Ragtime dancing
I am constantly amazed by the quality and caliber of artists and musicians who create an entertaining and educational experience for young and old minds. Last Sunday, we were invited to see the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s Ragtime Xylophonia at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California. This was the first time we had been at any event at the Alex Theatre or for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Our time at Ragtime Xylophonia was immensely enjoyable because of the variety of pre-show activities and, of course, the show itself.
As soon as we entered, to the right, was an art station by Kidspace Children’s Museum. They were using recycled materials to create Earth-friendly art projects. On the left, was Louise Reichlin teaching children and any adult who wanted to participate, Ragtime dance moves. Mishy got into the spirit and danced away – first by watching and slowly trying, and then by dancing her own way, with Ragtime flair.
Mishy trying some ragtime dance steps in her own space.
After her dance lesson, we headed upstairs where there was an instrument petting zoo. The instruments were provided for by Metzler Violins and the students of Central Los Angeles High School #9: School for Visual and Performing Arts volunteered for this program.There were line ups that felt slower because it was crowded – crowded because every child or every parent wanted their child to pet an instrument. Mishy picked up a violin, which was a bit too big for her. Nevertheless, she was fascinated by the sound she made when she moved the bow across the strings. There were smaller violins to pet as well as a cello. I am told the variety of instruments change and at every concert, they are different. We will be going to see their next concert on May 1st – Whimsical Winds – I’m looking forward to seeing which instrument my daughter would like to pet then.
Mishy trying the violin during the Instrument Petting Zoo.
We next headed downstairs to the tent which was set up on the side of the Alex Theatre. REMO Recreational Music Center had set up a drum circle activity by offering different drums to beat. Mishy and Babba beat drums to their own beat and then Mishy helped put away the drums as the ushers told us it was time to head inside for Ragtime Xylophonia.
Drumming with Remo.
The program started with Wade Culbreath on the xylophone. Mr. Culbreath has a loyal adult following. There were hoots and hollers after his solo performance. There was also a great deal of applause. Alan Chapman then walked on stage and hosted the performance, starting with a short interview with Mr. Culbreath. Mr. Chapmans’s voice via the microphone is as smooth as it is on radio. We listen to him every morning on Los Angeles’ only classical radio station, KUSC 91.5FM on his program, Modern Times. Mr. Chapman gracefully introduced the musicians and at the end of the show moderated the questions with an expert’s flair and great comic timing.
Ragtime Xylophonia featured the compositions of George Hamilton Green, who was simply the greatest xylophonist in the world. He elevated the xylophone to the position of it being seen as a legitimate musical instrument. We were privy to five of his works as well as the work of his brother, Joe Green.
Tickets are still available for Whimsical Winds on May 1st at 2PM. One hour prior to the performance, they offer a variety of fun and educational children’s programming.
Details:
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
Press release for Whimsical Winds
George Hamilton Green
http://georgehamiltongreen.com/
Alan Chapman
http://www.kusc.org/Hosts/AlanChapman.aspx
Kidspace Museum
REMO Recreational Music Center
Bonus Photo:
After the show, we walked around Glendale and found a Japanese restaurant which had terrific lunch specials until 4PM. Mishy and Babba played with the Benjamin Franklin statue outside the restaurant.
Mishy and Babba hanging out with Benjamin Franklin
Bill Frisell Trio Takes On Keaton
April 3, 2011
Yesterday, we were privy to a sophisticated, unique, challenging, and unexpected concert for families as part of ULCA Live! at Royce Hall. Bill Frisell Trio performed music they composed specifically for two Buster Keaton short films, High Sign and One Week, as well as two animated shorts called The Whim Grinder by Jim Woodring Animation.
The show opened up with a series of shapes and images which explored themes of spirituality, the evolution of consciousness, and the contrast between horror and beauty while Bill Frisell Trio played. Mishy was fascinated by the shapes. I was fascinated with how the images and music complemented each other. My husband was amazed by the quality of the music. The opening sequence was an abstract sensation for the ears and eyes which set off the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
I had never seen a Buster Keaton film before. I had heard about Mr. Keaton’s greatness. Yesterday afternoon, I was introduced to Buster Keaton in a very special way. Bill Frisell Trio took me on a journey into the classic comedic films of Buster Keaton by playing music which enhanced what was seen on-screen. The music complimented the story and added to the overall pleasure of watching comedy that was intelligent, not just farcical. Sometimes it was a simple tap-tap on the drums or a beautiful, sweeping audio landscape of breathtaking music. When the show was over, we reluctantly left our seats, wishing for more. Much more.
The Bill Frisell Trio is Bill Frisell on guitar, Tony Scherr on bass, and Tony Wollesen on drums. This was their only stop in Los Angeles. They will be returning to the Village Vanguard in New York for an extended run, starting on April 17th.
UCLA Live! offers quality shows for adults and families including Arlo Guthrie on April 8th at 8PM. UCLA Live! also offers special programs for underprivileged children and are looking for donations to their program, Design For Sharing.
Details:
Bill Frisell Trio
UCLA Live!
Design For Sharing
http://www.uclalive.org/community/design/
Gem of A Singer Visits California
March 21, 2011
Charlotte Diamond in concert
(Our camera was lost and now it’s been found so this is being posted a bit late.)
On a Monday, a couple of weeks ago, we returned from Northridge, where we were invited to hear Charlotte Diamond perform to a completely sold out audience of children, teachers, mothers, and grandmothers, fathers and grandfathers. For those who are unfamiliar with Charlotte Diamond, she is a Canadian gem of singer who has devoted her professional life to children’s music. She has won numerous awards including several Junos, the Canadian equivalent to the Grammys. Her craftmanship, sense of humor, comfort, and ease is evident seeing her perform live. While we watched, she sang, blew bubbles, played her guitar, invited children to walk around on stage and even had someone dress up as a pizza slice – not all at the same time, of course. She will be returning to the Southern California area in August and will be performing at the South Coast Botanical Gardens as part of their summer concert series on August 28th, 2011. I can’t wait!
A preschool joins Charlotte Diamond on stage
Catching bubbles
Audience clapping first of many times
Mishy dancing with a concert souvenir
Details:
Charlotte Diamond
http://www.charlottediamond.com/
If you would like to hear Charlotte Diamond sooner rather than later, her CD, 10 Carrot Diamond, features her greatest hits. Here is a link to Amazon.com for the CD:
Mishy loves this CD, particularly, the songs, Four Hugs A Day, and I Want To Be A Dog. I really like listening to this CD too because it’s fun and loving towards children and animals.
Mishy holds her unicorn bubble wand and streamer
Bonus Photos:
Mishy told me to take this picture
Mishy wanted me to take this picture too
She continued to ask me to take pictures. Here's another one.
And another requested photo by Mishy
Last requested photo taken
Ragtime Xylophonia Giveaway
March 19, 2011
Starts at 2:00 PM
Wade Culbreath, percussion
Alan Chapman, host
GH Green Triplets
GH Green/Becker Jovial Jasper
GH Green/Becker Cross Corners
GH Green/Becker The Humming Bird
J Green/Cahn Xylophonia
GH Green/Cahn Fluffy Ruffles
LACO “goes Green” with an entire program of percussive fun with works by composer and xylophonist George Hamilton Green and his brother Joe. Get into the groove as you learn about rhythm and beat in this fun, kid-friendly concert. Be there!
Pre-Concert Program Drop in anytime from 1 to 2 pm
LACO’s Instrument Petting Zoo – where children can pet/touch instruments.
Other fun activities with LACO’s Family Concert Partners
Box Office Info
Subscriptions: for 3-concert series: $39, $24
Single tickets: $16, $10
Order by phone: Call Jacquie, Marcella or Laura in the box office at 213 622 7001 × 215.
Groups of 12 or more get a 15% discount off single ticket prices. Celebrate a birthday or bring the Scout troop, dance class or soccer team! Call for details.
Name: Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
http://www.alextheatre.org/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=393&month=03&year=2011
Sunny Days With The Battersby Duo
March 15, 2011
After a long day of adventures with Mishy and then being stuck in traffic, I play, Sunny Days, the Grammy nominated CD by The Battersby Duo. Listening to their songs instantly reminds me of the sunny day I just had with my daughter. We are based in Los Angeles and while traffic in Los Angeles doesn’t rival Cairo’s, it still gets crunchy. I breathe and sing along as sometimes a car tries to cut in front of me before I look in the rear view mirror to see my daughter dancing in her car seat, clearly enjoying the music too.
Mishy’s favorite song from Sunny Days is, “Bubbles.” After she heard it once, she knew the chorus instantly. Now, she gets this fun smile on her face, runs up to me, and starts singing, “I love bubbles…” I love Mishy’s voice. I love Laura and Tim Battersby’s voice, melodies, and lyrics. Their songs remind me of all the fun songs I wished I had when I was younger, when I hoped the world was a wide world of fun, charm, and constant springtime where flowers continue to bloom and there is a freshness in the air.
Their opening song, “Sunny Days,” makes me think I am on a family vacation with Mishy every day because truth be told, I am so lucky I am able to spend my days with her. “Proud To Be Me,” is a genuinely enjoyable song about silly things we all do and how it’s fine to sing, “I am proud to be me…” It feels it has a history to become an anthem for children of all ages, including those who like being childlike, at times.
Sunny Days, reminds me of all the great summer camps I attended and the campfires and the dances I had with the boys I had crushes on – they were some of the highlights of my years growing up. I didn’t always date the boys I had crushes on, but I usually got to dance with them at least once.
Yes, the CD’s genre is kids music, but it doesn’t mean it’s just for kids. Sunny Days is for anyone who was a kid and sometimes yearns for that innocence again and also for those who don’t have the baggage of life to yearn for that lost innocence. Most importantly, the music is fun to listen to over and over again, with an educational twist.
Details:
The Battersby Duo – Sunny Days CD
http://www.battersbyduo.com/SunnyDays.htm
Want to see The Battersby Duo in concert? They are embarking on a substantial tour this spring which reaches deep into summer. Their first stop is in London, and then on May 29th, 2011, they will be headlining the The Des Moines Family Music Festival (Every Family Rocks) along with Justin Roberts and They Might Be Giants. http://www.everyfamilyrocks.org/
They will be continuing their tour to New York, Washington, DC, and Chicago by mid June and then continuing on southwards to Naples and Fort Myers, Florida, before working their way up along the east coast through Jacksonville, Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC and end up in Northern Virginia, right outside DC by the beginning of August. Want to keep a track of their tour? Follow them on their website: http://www.battersbyduo.com/
(Full disclosure: This CD was gifted to us. I was under no obligation to review it. I chose to because after seeing The Batterby Duo perform a short set when they were in Los Angeles for the Children’s Grammy Nominee concert, I became a fan and I really love, Sunny Days.)
Groovy Itsy Bitsy Spider
March 9, 2011
My daughter loves the song, Itsy Bitsy Spider. She knows this song well. We all do, yes? My daughter was first exposed to Itsy Bitsy when she was 2 months old. It was a song the swimming instructor, Liz, sang when we went swimming at the YMCA. The parents sang the song while they held their child and walked around the edges of the pool, in the water, to help learn the beginnings of water safety. When Mishy and I took a break from the lessons and then returned with us alone in the pool, Mishy instantly smiled when I sang to her, Itsy Bitsy Spider, as she now held onto the edges of the pool.
Itsy Bitsy Sipder was one of the first songs Mishy sang by herself and she sings it proudly. She sings a few songs proudly, including- Allouette – a French Canadian folk song about a bird getting it’s feathers plucked. (I didn’t really listen to the words of the song until after we sang it together and by then, it became embedded in her head.) I do prefer the relatively positive message of Itsy Bitsy Spider – determination, skill, and necessity of time sometimes, and the power of practice. While she doesn’t likes to me sing now – “Momma, don’t sing!” she loves to sit in my lap and have me wrap my arms around her. That is how we sat while watching the newly launched video of “Itsy.”
This video is produced by Groove Kid Nation – the brainchild of Santa Monica resident and father, Rodney Lee. He will be having a CD launch party and benefit this Sunday, March 13th at 4PM in Santa Monica at Capoeira Basoura. The CD sales benefit CARE and the concert benefits the soon to be YWCA Preschool. The video features simple graphics of a female spider walking up a water pipe and then falling out of the pipe, the sun comes out, dries the rain, and Itsy goes up the spout again. What was fun for Mishy was the spider’s solo on the piano. It opened up the conversation to how many legs does Itsy have – eight and the difference between arachnids and insect. Most insects have 6 legs. Also, how come in this video she plays “bad piano” and that’s a “good” thing? We talked about the use of colloquial terms. A cute detail in this video if you’re not a fly? The fly band caught in the spider’s web.
Details:
“Itsy” video by Groove Kid Nation posted on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvlEs6rKJoE
Groove Kid Nation: www.groovekidnation.com
Groove Kid Nation
CD Release Party
The Groovy Way to Learn About Musical Instruments
Sunday, March 13 at 4 pm
(Doors open at 3:30pm)
Capoeira Besouro Studio
2901 Ocean Park Ave. #103
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.314.2617
1 FREE CD with minimum suggested donation of $25/family
$15/single person including CD
Additional CDs available for $15 each.
100% of proceeds benefit
The YWCA Family Cooperative Preschool
at the YWCA Santa Monica/Westside
Featuring: Rodney Lee on keyboards, Fred Clark on guitar, Katisse Buckingham on sax and flute, Andre Berry on Bass, Satnam Ramgotra on percussion, and Jeff Robinson on vocals.
Ozomatli – oZoKidZ Concert Review
March 6, 2011
Go. Just go and see this concert with your children. Go. They are fantastic, fun, delightful, amazing, creative, unique, entertaining – every complimentary word I can think of right now. I had so much fun at the concert because of their blend of music – they rap, salsa, funk, hip hop, ska, latin and more, more, more. Somehow this blend makes magical music which makes me want to dance and jump and shout for joy.
During the concert, Mishy and I danced and danced and danced. I had her in my arms the whole time because it was packed. There was a roped off area for children under 11 years of age to dance on, though the parents weren’t allowed to join them. Did I mind carrying Mishy in my arms and jumping up and down for sixty minutes? Not at all. It made the experience more fun because we were so close to each other and laughing and screaming in delight. It also made my arm muscles stronger. They are getting stronger every day.
If you had previously attended this Grammy Award winning group’s concert and feel it might be too loud for your children, they put the volume really low. It only got loud towards the end when one of the band members played the trumpet and then you just move back a little more.
More importantly, these musicians know how to put on a show! With simple props as a sheet, or wigs, or a Nacho Libre mask, the band and audience get into the groove. They featured some of their classic songs, some new songs and some crowd favorites. Some of their children even came up on stage and sang solos.
As I said before, go – go and hear them with your children and just enjoy being a parent who can continue to go and see amazing musicians playing.
Ozomatli will be playing at McCabe’s on March 13th at 11AM.
http://www.mccabes.com/condata.html
Want to know more details about Ozomatli oZoKidZ concerts? Check out my interview with Will-Dog
https://mjmiaoren.wordpress.com/2011/02/23/ozomatli-answers/
And here’s their website for even more information about them – with upcoming dates:
We heard Ozomatli perform at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. While it is a little far for us, I love this space because it’s a real club. My husband and I used to attend concerts at The Canyon Club when we had friends playing. I remember clapping and screaming and dancing before parenthood. It was so wonderful to share that same excitement with my daughter and I love that they are starting a Saturday matinee series for kids concerts. I am looking forward to their next one! Thank you for thinking of the kids and the adults who still like to dance with their children, who are still minors.
The Canyon Club
The Pop Ups – Pasta! A Puppet Musical Review
March 4, 2011
If you want to see a show that is well produced in a fun, child friendly way, full of energy and contains silly silly songs, The Pop Ups – Pasta! A Puppet Musical is the show to take your preschool aged children to. This Sunday, Mishy, Babba, and I
attended the morning show of The Pop Ups at The Highway Performing Arts Spaces in Santa Monica. This was our first time at The Highway Performing Arts and I hope they host more and more family theatre because it’s a charming space – with
a lovely tree covered in knitted wear near the entrance. Mishy wondered if the tree was cold.
The Pop Ups is the brain child of two Brooklyn based musicians, Jacob Stein and Jason Rabinowitz who have endurance triathletic endurance. They made a smash appearance last year locally, and they recently made an appearance in the Los Angeles area over the Thanksgiving holidays. This time, they were in town for a four performance showcase. They would love to be signed up to do a television show – hint hint. They have the makings of being incredibly successful children’s performers. Why? Because they love children and it’s so clear they love what they do.
What makes The Pop Ups special? Their energy and exuberance at being surrounded by children. They include all
audience members in their journey of finding ingredients to make the best pasta sauce in the world so they could get their chef’s hats. The story is of them journeying to various places in Brooklyn by different modes of transportation and their encounters with new friends. The plot is simple. The puppetry is fun and silly. Their songs are contagious and some songs are reminiscent of Coldplay – if Coldplay were Muppets.
If there were to be a sequel – The Pops Pasta! A Puppet Musical Two, or a title much more creative which I am sure they could come up with, I would love for them to go deeper and further with their message of fun and perhaps, add in some elements of education in a non pandering way. Of course, there is a place for just laughing and watching two grown men entertain
and win the hearts of children. Mishy loved this show. My husband did too.
Details:
The Pop Ups
For my East Coast readers, they will be performing at The Soho Playhouse from March 5th 2011 to mid April. They are performing every Saturday at 11AM.
For my Los Angeles based readers, The Pop Ups will be returning in the summer! I’ll keep everyone posted.
Toyota Symphonies for Youth
March 2, 2011
If you want to take your children to a concert which is entertaining, spirited and educational, please bring your children to see the world-famous Los Angeles Philharmonic perform as part of the Toyota Symphony of Youth Series at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles. Mishy and I had the pleasure of being part of the audience this Saturday where we witnessed Joshua Weilerstein conduct the L.A. Philharmonic, joined by legendary jazz pianist John Beasley and his band. They were talking about jaaaazzzzz. That’s how John Beasley told the audience to pronounce it – “With a little bit of funk. Jaaaazzzz.”
This concert series is geared for children aged 5-11 years old. Mishy is 3 years old and she was enthralled as were older members of the audience who attended with no children at all. They simply came for the desire of hearing great music and great music we heard! The performance was seamless. The musicians tuned their instruments, then there was a pause as the first violinest walked on stage. I love this procession. The audience members clapped and then Joshua or Josh, as he was referred to during the concert, walked on stage to more claps and immediately the philharmonic played Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, Finale. My soul was in bliss. As Josh Weilerstein introduced himself, the audience member heard some scatting growing increasingly louder as John Beasley walked on stage and was happily introduced.
John Beasley entertainingly talked about jazz – and then his band members came on stage to play. Different sections of music was played in jazz style and then in classical style and vice versa. It was fascinating to hear the same piece of music played in different styles. Mishy asked if it was the same piece or different, if it was being played by the same instruments or different, and what instrument was being played. This was music to my ears because I thought – yes, she gets it! She’s interested and intrigued.
The concert ended with two versions of Itsy Bitsy Spider – and this included audience participation. We were to sing the lyrics as John Beasley’s band played. Mishy sang with gusto and clapped with the same excitement once the concert was sadly over.
Every parent deserves to take their children to see the Toyota Symphony of Youth concerts – so they can hear world class music in a beautiful space while their children are wonderfully exposed to the power of music. Next year, as soon as tickets are available, we are subscribing to all of the concerts in this series.
Details:
http://www.laphil.com/tickets/performance-detail.cfm?id=4426
The last concert for this season is on April 23rd and 30th, 2011 at 11AM. It is: The Hero Composer, conducted by David Afkham, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. One hour prior to each concert, there are various art, music, and dance activities in the lobby of the Music Center.
(We were given press tickets to attend the concert.)
Ozomatli Answers!
February 23, 2011
Ozomatli
Ozomatli has declared 2011 to be the year to focus on oZokidZ! They will be performing at The Canyon Club on March 5th at 3PM, doors open at 2PM. They will also be performing at McCabes on March 13th at 11AM.
Here is our interview with Wil-Dog. His answers are italicized.
Because it’s fascinating how the band formed, please let us know in your own words and how the original band members met and came to play so many different types of music.
Each band member has their own unique experience of running into other future band members prior of us becoming Ozomatli in the LA City school system. Whether it be in a music summer program or some kind of band settings or school band meetings. When we got together it started with one person calling one of our friends and that person calling another friend and so on and so forth. We invited musicians to come participate in a benefit concert for a youth center in Downtown LA that we started called “The Peace and Justice Center”. When we had our first rehearsal, we had such an eclectic mix of musicians with so many styles of music that we each took turns showing each other the music we were into at that time. We created our own songs out of those styles. We were pretty much open to anything as long as it made people dance.
Why and when did you start OzoKids?
Mario, our drummer now of 8 years, thought it would be cool about two years ago to do an Ozokidz record. At that point it was just an idea, no one saw much of it. Then February 2010 we were playing at the House of Blues Chicago on a Monday or Tuesday night. We have always been fortunate at the HOB Chicago and never had a problem selling tickets there, but this specific night was different. I didn’t know why we weren’t selling tickets so I went on our Facebook and asked people in Chicago if they wanted to come to our show for free – basically giving them tickets. I received so many responses back saying, “I’d love to come but I can’t get a babysitter”. We realized that a lot of our fans now are having children themselves so we decided to develop a concert that Ozo fans can bring their children to. Now that we started to do these children shows we’re realizing that we need to actually create a whole different show that really engages children. That this isn’t for parents necessarily but parents can enjoy it as well. We realize that we really need to start with the kids and entertain them and give them something to walk away with.
Do you play different music at an OzoKids show?
Yes we play some of Ozomatli classics that are high energy that children will enjoy but we also have a whole slew of songs that are just for kids shows that we don’t play at regular Ozomatli shows. We explain to the kids how to put on a show and the kids in the audience become Ozokidz stage crew members.
Are any special effects toned down for the children’s concerts or will there still be a big truck?
Well the difference is that we keep the volume very low at the kids show and there’s no acoustic sounds coming off the stage. It’s all being controlled by the sound person at the front of house. Kids of all ages can enjoy it without hurting their ears.
Do any of the members have kids themselves?
Yes, many of us have children and we learn from our children what works and what doesn’t prior to bringing it to a concert setting. Our children also develop different ideas that have been implemented into the show such as a VIP kids only section, other characters in the show that we use, as well as Asdru’s daughter is actually singing lead on one of the songs.
A fan seems to remember the group occasionally performing under a pseudonym – how did that come to be and why?
The reason why we use pseudonyms is because sometimes we don’t have everyone in the band performing or contractually we cannot use the name Ozomatli during that time period.
The groups has changed group members several times – is there a policy in the band regarding this change – how are new members incorporated?
I think how it started was, we started with 10 people in the band with our first album. During the 2nd record we had 4 members leave the band at the same time. For many years we tried to fill those spots with other people. That eventually wouldn’t work out so we would try to fill it again with someone else. The further away we got from the original line up, we realized that those people were irreplaceable to begin with so we decided to move on with the group we had. Now we have the original 6 members plus Mario, who has been on drums for 8 years.
What was it like to become cultural ambassadors for the State Department under the Bush Administration? What were your experiences being cultural ambassadors during that time period?
In the beginning we were really concerned with working with the State Department during that time, but after doing those trips we realized that there are a lot of different individuals working in the State Department. In a way I think, some of those people asking us to participate in these tours was their way of protesting against the Bush Administration by bringing us. It was a great experience – learning more about the world and being able to exchange music and art with so many different cultures and also playing for thousands of children. We took away lots of inspiration and energy and put that into our music.
How did the decision come to be to continue promoting your second album, Embrace The Chaos, after September 11th, 2001?
I don’t think it was necessarily about promoting our album anymore. Our album was pretty much done and no one was buying anything, but we thought it was important to continue to play. Actually, one of our first stops was in NYC just 14 days after September 11. Pretty much everyone in the audience knew someone or had a family member die in the world trade center. During that show, we realized that our music brought some healing to those people. Everybody in the audience thanked us for coming and not avoiding the city. So after that experience, we knew we were doing the right thing.
Details:
Ozomatli
The Canyon Club
McCabes Concert Listings
http://www.mccabes.com/condata.html
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