Switchboard Music Festival...experimental rockin' classical! Huh? San Francisco March 28th!

Zoe Keating

(tattoos & all)

The Switchboard Music Festival has been touted as genre-crossing, convention-breaking, innovative, definition-defying, and downright experimental.

For starters!

And, unlike a rash of festivals that dot the musical terrain - staggered over a few days duration, usually - Switchboard concerts  are packed tight into an 8-hour hard-hitting slate that will probably knock the tube socks off most die-hard music lovers.

"We created the Switchboard Music Festival because we felt there was nothing in the Bay area that brings all those different groups together . We don't think of ourselves as as a new musical festival. We instead think across many different genres," founder  Ryan Brown stated matter-of-fact from his headoffice back east.

Some of the artists have a lofty esoteric appeal.

Sabbaticus Rex, for instance, is rooted in the supremacy of sound over music and the triumph of tone over time and thought, according to the organizers.

In some cases, the live gigs will rustle up a rich muti-media rich experiences.

In that regard, concert savvy aficiandos may be wise to snap up ticktets for Billygoat, which offers up live original scores boostrapping up stop-motion animated shorts conjured up by band members - David Klein  & Nick Wooley.

Zoe Keating - a pretty model-type with classic looks - will layer cello with electronics (with expert attention to a foot pedal).

Thorny Brocky, is expected to rev up strains of music from the art song/pop band "Floating World".

And, there is so much more - enough so, in fact - to appeal to every unique discerning taste.

Ready to hunker down on Sunday March 28th at the Dance Mission Theatre in San Francisco?

Venue
Dance Mission Theatre
3316 24th Street
San Francisco, CA

Date
March 28th (2010)

Showtime
2 p.m. - 10 p.m

Contact:

http://www.switchboardmusic.com/



 

Luciano Chessa to appear!

 

http://www.thetattler.biz

Chris Botti...PBS Boston concert dazzling! Steven Tyler electric! Sting low-key...

Unable to sleep at the crack of dawn, I turned on the television and channel-surfed a bit.

A dazzling concert (captured for posterity on film in Boston) - featuring popular horn player Chris Botti and a roster of high-profile talent - was being broadcast on San Francisco's KTEH (9) as part of a fundraising effort for the Public Network (PBS) which focuses primarily on the fine Arts.

The well-rounded concert featured jazz, pop, and classical selections by leading minstrels of the day.

"The greatest aspect of the Boston concert is the variety. In essence, it's a gem," the handsome musician with the shock of blond lustrous hair underscored with pride.

"When an artist is on stage, it shouldn't be a performance only. The occasion should draw in the audience," Botti asserted to the rapt host.

Although the performers in this concert hailed from different strains of the musical arena, there was  a lot in common with each, Botti underscored n so many words.

"They're all showmen with unbelievable artistry. The level they've reached in their careers is similar."

When Steven Tyler strode out on stage, the atmosphere became electric, as the memerizing rocker broke into one of his memorable chart-toppers.

And, of course, the sold-out house roared their approval.

An appearance by Sting was surprisingly low-key. 

Is the headling front-man slowing down, or was he just clued into the fact that the Tyler show-stopper would be difficult to top?

Uh-huh!

It was smart not to go there!

Josh Groban's appearance - while entertaining - appeared to be a bit experimental in nature.

The curly-haired pop tenor warbled a tune that was somewhat free-form in style (to his disadvantage).

Mr. Groban is better suited to song material that is more structured - in particular, musical compositions that build and arc and single out his range (and richness of voice) - with greater emotional intensity.

Botti's instrumentals on the horn were pure magic, on the other hand, and prone to uplift the spirit throughout the course of the glittering concert.

The closing number - "Time to Say Goodbye" (backed by a glorious full orchestra) - was performed so eloquently that shivers literally ran up and down my spine at one point.

Bravo!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Walt Disney Concert Hall...Handel's Messiah Sing-a-Long! Tonight @ 7 pm...

Last week, Hanel fans rejoiced in the opportunity to attend a Christmas celebration at the Walt Disney Concert Hall - which included - participation in a Handel's Messiah sing-a-long.!

On the 250th Anniveersary of Handel's death it was a precious way to end the year.

If you missed it, you have a second shot at it.

Tonight, there will be a repeat performance @ 7 pm at the dazzling Hall which was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.

Although tickets may be sold out, there is a slim chance there may be last-minute rush seats at the door.

The Master Chorale production is headed up by musical director Grant Gershon.

So, if you are an adventurous music lover, you may throw caution to the wind and dash downtown and try your luck!

One of my favourite renditions of the Messiah may be heard at the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnHksDFHTQI

Happy Holidays!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Andrea Bocelli...Vegas PBS offers VIP tickets for donations! MGM concert December 12th...

Last night, Vegas PBS aired a vastly entertaining outstanding live! special of an Andrea Bocelli concert filmed in Tuscany for posterity a few months ago.

But, there was a surprise treat, too.

In conjunction with their fundraiser efforts, PBS offered up 2 VIP tickets for Bocelli's upcoming December 12th concert in Las Vegas (@ MGM) for a paltry donation in the sum of $400.00.

As you can well imagine, within one hour,  all the prestigious Bocelli  seats were snapped up!

In addition, there were a few $500.00 packages, which included 2 VIP tickets (Gold Circle), a DVD set, and Bocelli memorabilia.

Check with PBS, there may be a handful of the precious collector keepsakes left.

The concert (though interrupted ad nauseam by volunteer staff in a bold-faced effort to raise funds for PBS)  was a stellar high-quality "outdoor" presentation.

During the course of the evening, Mr. Bocelli delighted fans with a far-reaching set of half-a-dozen-or so of  his best-known hits.

In addition, the "rock star" of the classical arena, introduced a couple of spanking-new compositions, unveiled for the first time to a live audience.

There were a number of surprise musical guests, as well.

For instance, ever-popular musician - Kenny G - played a few of the opening notes for one piece.

Unfortunately, that tune was a bit beyond Mr. Bocelli's range.

Actually, on occasion,  the celebrated crooner struggled through musical transitions that once were a breeze for him.

In some instances, musical arrangements were not suited to his unique voice, either.

The audience looked the other way, nonetheless.

The camera-work just about drove me to distraction, though.

The erratic lens was inclined to pan wide, flow in, zoom across a great vista sideways, then sweep out again.

I felt like I was viewing an Italian real estate commercial  for Tuscany!

At times, the production was also a bit over-the-top.

Bocelli made a dramatic entrance in a chic black tuxedo with scarf wrapped elegantly around his neck (with two handsome male escorts in tow).

At another serene moment during the performance, a posse of young  children wafted in gracefully with lit candles, causing my inerds to all mush-up inside.

I expect a few middle-aged housewives in the audience - munching on bon bons - were dabbing their eyes wiith perfumed lace hankerchiefs, too.

Truth of the matter is, Bocelli doesn't need the props or the gimmicks to buttress his remarkable talent.

The distractions only take away from the purity of his voice!

http://www.julianayrs.com

SUNDAYS LIVE...classical concerts free! LACMA

Each week LACMA presents, SUNDAYS LIVE, a free classical music concert series.

For example, in recent weeks the Capitol Ensemble - a unique group of musical artists dedicated to the performance of an eclectic range of repertoire from Baroque to 21st Century - were well-received by an enthusiastic audience.

On that occasion (October 28th) the musicians captivated music-lovers with 5 pieces for 3 violins and 1 piano - which consisted of a Prelude, a Gavotte, two Waltzs, and an Elegie by the remarkable, celebrated composer, Dmitri Shostakovich. (1906-1975)

The ongoing concerts, an hour in length, continue throughout the year.

No reservations required.

Because SUNDAYS LIVE is recorded, classical music fans unable to attend the performances in person may tune in the following Wednesday when the concerts will be broadcast on KCSN at 12 noon.
(arts & roots radio)

streaming on www.kcsn.org