Schedule for the OC Music Awards Free Showcases & a chance to win $500 to Best Buy

For the first time ever in the ten year history of the OC Awards, fans have a say in which showcase artists advance to the finals. When fans vote online for their favorite showcase artist, they are automatically entered to win a massive prize pack from the generous Awards partners. OC Music Awards is proud to announce the 2011 anniversary Fan Vote prize pack which includes a $500 gift card from Best Buy, one year of complimentary Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, two tickets and one hotel room in Las Vegas for Red Bull’s SoundClash on March 12 (featuring Cee Lo vs. The Ting Tings), a free one year supply of pop chips, and a custom OC Music Awards guitar compliments of Ernie Ball.

Tonight, the OC Music Awards Showcase Series makes its fifth stop of the season at Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa for the third event in the Best Live Band Showcase category. All the OC Music Awards partners will be onsite. Bud Light will feature a special pour, team pop chips will be distributing tasty chip snacks and have their fan photobooth out in action, the Wahoo’s Fish Taco truck will again be giving away 50 free tacos to the first 50 takers and serve tacos throughout the event and KROQ’s favorite personality, Beer Mug, will play host to all the madness.

There are only two weeks left before the Showcase Series Finals! Fans can visit OC Music Awards FANVOTE online NOW through February 15 and enter to win the huge prize pack and help one artist in each category with the most votes automatically move onto the Showcase Series Finals.

2011 Showcase & Awards ScheduleTues. 2/15, 7:30pm – The Slidebar, Fullerton (Best Live Band, FREE, 21+)
Echo Echo (Santa Ana)
Stereofix (Costa Mesa)
Fiction Reform (Orange County)
We Are the Arsenal (Costa Mesa)
BLOK (Costa Mesa)

Event: 2011 OC Music Awards Best Live Band Showcase
Date: Tues. 2/1/11
Time: 7:30 – 12pm
Location: Tiki Bar
Address: 1700 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Details: FREE, 21+
Artists to Perform: She Screams Remedy (Anaheim), Entice (OC), Railroad to Alaska (OC), Pistolero (Costa Mesa), Seedless (Orange)
RSVP: FACEBOOK

Tues. 2/08, 7pm – The Gypsy Den, Santa Ana (Best Live Acoustic, FREE, All Ages)
Justin Soileau (Orange County)
Micah Brown (Dana Point)
Parker Macy Blues (Costa Mesa)
Danny Maika (Huntington Beach)
The Foxx & Da Hound (Tustin)

Thurs. 2/24, 6pm – Fullerton Museum - (Listening Wall Exhibit Opening, FREE, All Ages)
Thurs. 2/24, 7:30pm – Fullerton Museum – (Best Live Acoustic Finals, FREE, All Ages)
Fri. 2/25, 7:30pm – The Galaxy, Costa Mesa - (Best Live Band Finals, FREE, All Ages)
Sat. 3/5, 7pm – Grove of Anaheim - (OC Music Awards, $25, All Ages)

Visit OC Music Awards online by clicking here.

-Blythe
on my blip: Feist's "Sealion"

New FREE Music From Pithy Sweet

Every now and again you get that itch for some new music. Your iTunes starts to lose it's wonderment and like a fickle lover, you leave it in search of new and exciting pastures. I recently stumbled upon Fullerton based psychedelic rock three-piece, Pithy Sweet. They played Fullerton's Continental Room to a crowded house on January 13th in celebration of the release of their debut EP Hole In My Pocket.

Our lovely friend Ashley Eliot over at Across The Universe PR has given our OC Gazette readers an early Valentine's Day present. You can download "Fight To This Song," one of the four songs on Pithy Sweet's new EP, for FREE by clicking below!

FREE DOWNLOAD: "Fight To This Song" by Pithy Sweet

This is just one side to the diverse EP. From garage rock to hypnotic mellow jams, Hole In My Pocket covers the broad spectrum of emotions. Pithy Sweet is made up of Ben Kent on vocals and guitar, Evan Novorot on bass and Robert Burrison on drums. There are definite traces of The Black Keys, one of the boy's noted influences, as well as that classic New York grunge rock feel in the music of Pithy Sweet. It's clear these guys have been raiding their dads' album collections and taking diligent notes. 

You can find out more about Pithy Sweet by following them on facebook.

- Amy

Listening to: Pithy Sweet's "Stella"

Rock the Garden NAMM Concert Series

OC MUSIC AWARDS HOSTS ROCK THE GARDEN NAMM CONCERT SERIES AT GARDENWALK IN ANAHEIM

THREE NIGHTS OF FREE LIVE LOCAL MUSIC 1/13-1/15 
Anaheim GardenWalk and OC Music Awards host a three night concert series on January 13th, 14th and 15th from 6-10pm during the 2011 NAMM Show. Each concert features three local Southern California bands performing live. All concerts are outside under the stars at GardenWalk's "Gala Garden" and FREE. The venues of GardenWalk will be offering food and beverage discounts during each event. Spend a hectic day at NAMM and relax in the evening at GardenWalk! RSVP on FACEBOOK.

Rock the Garden Concert Schedule

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 6-10PM, FREE
BILLY KERNKAMP
BIG BAD WOLF
MICHAEL ROSAS
with DJ Velvet Touch

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 6-10PM, FREE
THE COLOR TURNING
TWO GUNS
THE RELATIVE STRANGERS
with DJ Daria

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 6-10PM, FREE
STONE AVE.
SOUL HUSTLERS
MARC B.
with DJ Velvet Touch

Visit OC Music Awards online, become a Fan, Friend, Follower, and Subscriber
2011 marks the 10^th Anniversary of OC Music Awards, Orange County’s premier annual music event acknowledging the best in local talent and providing opportunities to further the success of our musicians and the OC music scene.

2011 OC Music Awards

2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the OC Music Awards, Orange County’s premier annual music event, honoring the best and brightest in local talent. Over the past 10 years, the Awards has provided a platform for local artists to gain recognition and exposure in one of the nation’s most vibrant music scenes. Each year the Awards presents a season of live music starting with a free weekly Showcase Series running January through February, and leading up to the Awards night ceremony on March 5th, at the Grove of Anaheim, where the music industry comes together to honor the achievements of local artists in 26 category genres. Proceeds from the OC Music Awards benefit Music for a Cure, providing music therapy programs to children’s hospitals.


I was able to attend the 2009 OCMAs and one of the free showcases leading up to last year's Awards, and I can tell you first hand that if you have any interest in local music- or heck, music in general- you simply must go to this year's OC Music Awards night and/or as many of the showcases as you can manage. They're FREE, after all!

Over 500 artists submitted online at ocmusicawards.com to participate in the 2011 Showcase Series. 35 talented artists were selected to compete. It is always free to submit, participate and attend the Awards Showcases Series, supporting the Awards mission to provide further opportunities and exposure for local musicians within their own music community.

The Showcase Series allows bands and musicians to compete for the honor of the "Best Live Band" and "Best Live Acoustic" awards. Here is the complete list of the upcoming showcase nights, along with who is scheduled to perform:

Tues. 1/11, 7pm – District Tustin Legacy, Tustin (Best Live Acoustic, FREE, All Ages)

Skee (of Sunset Beach)

Honeypie (of Huntington Beach)

Headshine (of Huntington Beach)

Canvas (of Santa Ana)

Stacy Clark (of Costa Mesa)

Tues. 1/18, 7:30pm – The Gypsy Lounge, Lake Forest (Best Live Band, FREE, 21+)

The Gromble (of Laguna Niguel)

Strange Birds (of Costa Mesa)

May McDonough (of Orange)

Kiev (of Orange)

California Condors (of Orange)

Tues. 1/25, 7pm – The LAB, Costa Mesa (Best Live Acoustic, FREE, All Ages)

The Orange Effect (of Anaheim)

Brothers of the Castle (of Santa Ana)

I Hate You Just Kidding (of Costa Mesa)

Case Brothers (of Newport Beach)

Fast Forward Romance (of Orange)

Tues. 2/01, 7:30pm – Tiki Bar, Costa Mesa (Best Live Band, FREE, 21+)

She Screams Remedy (Anaheim)

Entice (Orange County)

Railroad to Alaska (Orange County)

Pistolero (Costa Mesa)

Seedless (Orange)

Tues. 2/08, 7pm – The Gypsy Den, Santa Ana (Best Live Acoustic, FREE, 21+)

Justin Soileau (Orange County)

Micah Brown (Dana Point)

Parker Macy Blues (Costa Mesa)

Danny Maika (Huntington Beach)

The Foxx & Da Hound (Tustin)

Tues. 2/15, 7:30pm – The Slidebar, Fullerton (Best Live Band, FREE, 21+)

Echo Echo (Santa Ana)

Stereofix (Costa Mesa)

Fiction Reform (Orange County)

We Are the Arsenal (Costa Mesa)

BLOK (Costa Mesa)

Thurs. 2/24, 6pm – Fullerton Museum, Fullerton - (Listening Wall Exhibit Opening, FREE, All Ages)

Thurs. 2/24, 7:30pm – Fullerton Museum, Fullerton – (Best Live Acoustic Finals, FREE, All Ages)
Fri. 2/25, 7:30pm – The Galaxy, Costa Mesa - (Best Live Band Finals, FREE, All Ages) Sat. 3/5, 7pm – Grove of Anaheim - (OC Music Awards, $25, All Ages)

Visit OC Music Awards online, become a Fan, Friend, Follower, and Subscriber

Happy listening!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Local Natives' "Wide Eyes"

The Gypsy Lounge Closing Soon

We all know it's raining harder than a cow peeing on a flat rock out there, and so, first and foremost, we want to say: PLEASE BE SAFE. Leave more than enough following and stopping distance, keep your hands on the wheel (hold steady if you fishtail), and turn your headlights on, even during the day! We want you all to stay safe out there! There's also a lot of flooding going on, so if you can, park on high ground if you're leaving your car for hours at a time.

Secondly, it is with sad, sad news that I write this post. Our beloved local venue, The Gypsy Lounge, which has been an established music hotspot for years and years in our own Lake Forest, will be closing its doors at the end of this month. It's rumored that the venue will be relocating to Los Alamitos, which is good news for the residents of Los Alamitos, but sad, sad news for OC locals. It seems there's a trend to new-ify OC- put in strip malls and Panera Breads and shiny new nail salons on every corner- which, in itself, isn't so terrible (who doesn't love Panera, after all?); but when it's at the expense of the businesses and venues that make OC unique and provide an outlet for art on all levels, I have to stop and wonder if we realize what sort of monster we're creating. Imagine, ten years from now, the streets of OC being nothing but pre-planned neighborhoods, Yogurtlands, Best Buys, Starbuck's, and Curves gyms. Again, there's nothing inherently wrong with those things (God bless the inventor of self-serve froyo!), but when every store and business is a nation-wide chain, we're robbing our county (the one our children will grow up in, and their children) and ourselves of culture. We're also wounding the entrepreneurial spirit of local residents and business owners. We're saying, "Entrepreneurs? Musicians? Artists? Mom and Pop Thai diners? No thanks!" We've got it all backward.

I didn't mean to get up on a soap box, and before I get off it, I should say that the views expressed are my personal views and The OC Gazette as a company cannot be held responsible for my opinions. Ok, now I'll get off it.

Would you consider joining Amy and I tonight at one of The Gypsy Lounge's last shows? It's going to be a good one, with a killer lineup of some rad local musicians:

9:15pm: Jay Buchanan
10:00pm: Chris Hanlin from The Dibs
11:00pm: Jameson
11:45pm: Chris Paul Overall
 
Don't miss one of your last chances to see great live music at one of OC's most loved music venues before it slips away from us!


-Blythe


on Grooveshark: "The Unicorn" by Dr. Dog

Things to do this weekend in OC: 12/16-19

Just wanted to drop you a quick note with some fun activities you can add to your weekend plans! Let's get to it, then:

Tonight, Thursday 12/16 through Saturday, 12/18: Andy Williams at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa. Still thrilling audiences more than 40 years after his debut, Andy Williams has crooned his way into the hearts of multiple generations. His quintessential interpretation of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" highlights our Pops Christmas special, which also features other Williams' hits including "Moon River," "Music to Watch Girls By," "Can't Get Used To Losing You" and "Days of Wine and Roses." Shows start at 8pm each night. Tickets start at $25. Call (714)755-5799 for more info.

Tomorrow, Friday, 12/17 & Saturday, 12/18: 36th Annual Boat Parade of Lights in Dana Point. Shows start at 7:30 both nights. Call (949) 923-2255 for more information. FREE.

Saturday, 12/18: Christmas at the Zoo at OC Zoo inside Irvine Regional Park from 10am-3pm. Santa, crafts, the holiday train, and more! $2/child. $5 to park. Call (714) 973-6847 for more info.

Saturday, December 18th at 2pm: Poker Fundraiser at Reign Training Center in Lake Forest. Complete with pro fighters as dealers, autographed shirts, shorts, hats, and boxing gloves (by Mark Munoz, Krzysztof Soszynski, Urijah Faber, Chad Mendes, Joseph Benavidez, Mayhem Miller, Kand many more) as raffle prizes, and delicious sandwiches catered by Mr. Pickles!  $25 pre-registered, $40 at the door. Call 949-916-9898 for more info.


Saturday, 12/18 at 2pm & 7pm: Maple Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Northwood Performing Arts Theatre in Irvine. Tickets start at $20. Call (949) 660-9930 for more info. If you can't make it on Saturday, there are also shows on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: "Let Me Go" by Cake

The Gypsy Lounge

The Gypsy Lounge is one of Orange County's musical gems. In a county overflowing with shopping and dining venues is an unfortunate 'underflowing' of music venues. The Gypsy Lounge is like a small bright light in an otherwise dark, semi-deserted 'musicscape.' It would be a sad, sad day indeed for local bands and music lovers alike, should the Gypsy Lounge ever close its doors.

We give the GL plenty o' blog lovin', but it's been awhile since we've done so; so, we thought we'd give you a healthy dosage right now:
"One of the greatest venues in Orange County, in our humble opinions, is the Gypsy Lounge in Lake Forest. It's personal with a bohemian feel, and there is no shortage of great OC bands on the monthly bill." 
[That quote is from us, btw, about a year and a half ago, on this blog]

Now's the part in this post when you're halfway out the door with your reignited enthusiasm about the Gypsy Lounge, right? But slow down turbo, you'll need to know what's going on there in the next few days before jumping on board- otherwise, how will you know whether to wear your studded wristlets for a metal show or your plaid shirt + suede vest for an acoustic show?

Coming this weekend:
Thurs, 12/9 - Rocco Deluca
Fri, 12/10 - Honeypie, Jameson, Melanoid, and The Trade
Sat, 12/11 - Plastick, Sean Murphy and the Rubber Band, Hell and Half of Georgia, The New York Ninjas
Tues, 12/14 - AJ DeGrasse

[Rocco Deluca]

[Honeypie]

 [Jameson]

There you have it- more than a couple reasons to get out of your house, drive down the street (or what, one exit down the 5?), and see some fine local (and not-so-local) talent. The Gypsy Lounge hosts local, growing talent as well as traveling acts from across the country. Local bands The Union Line and Local Natives, along with non-natives Dr. Dog and Golden Animals have all graced the Gypsy Lounge's stage. Additionally, the Gypsy Lounge has hosted shows for the OC Music Awards' showcase nights for years, bringing in a healthy serving of some of the best of local talent. They'll be hosting one such showcase next month (find out more info here).

If you've never been yet (or even if you have), I strongly encourage you to check out the Gypsy Lounge for a great night of live music, drinks, and friends. Say hi to owner Mike Concepcion for us!

Go with the suede vest.

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Golden Animals' "Try on Me"

This Weekend in OC

I realize it's only Tuesday, and this post is coming a little earlier in the week than most of our "Things To Do This Weekend in OC" posts, but I also know that with December comes a flurry of holiday parties, prep, shopping, wrapping, etc etc etc, so I want to give you as much time as possible to make room in your schedule for these cool upcoming events.

The first weekend in December promises to be a good one: we've got boat parades, tree lightings, concerts, Santa, candle dipping, pier lighting, and more! Check it out, in date order:

Friday, 12/3, from 4-8 pm: Holiday in the Harbor at Dana Point Harbor. Frosty the Sno-Man, Heebie & Jeebie, Holiday crafts tables, "people painting"- glittery paintings on hands, arms, and faces, Santa's workshop puppet show, and Jolly old Saint Nick will be in his sleigh out in front of Harpoon Henry's, ready for pictures and a visit with the kids. There will also be appearances by Dickens Carolers, Abbitt the Average, The Jack Straws, Zany Shoppers, and Balloon guy Andrew! Free admittance. Call (949)923-2255 for more info.

Saturday, 12/4, 10am-7pm: Tree Lighting & Holiday Village in Anaheim at Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street. Free holiday crafts for kids, free train rides, holiday music, free picture with Santa, free snow play (bring mittens and boots), international food fair, and unique gift shopping!

Saturday, 12/4, 4:15-9pm: San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting at Historic Town Center Park. San Juan Hills & Capistrano Valley High School Orchestras and our City's very own Ballet Folklorico dance group will perform on stage.   Students from a local Conservatory of the Arts have designed a stage production filled with song and dance.  The official lighting of our Christmas Tree takes place at 5:45pm after which a candle light procession will lead guests out of the park and over to the San Juan Capistrano Mission and downtown area for more festivities.  Additional activities taking place throughout the downtown area will include a free mechanical "Holiday Train" ride for the kids, photos with Santa in Los Rios Park, activities at the San Juan Capistrano Mission, Live Nativity, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo & Hayrides at ZOOMARS on Los Rios & River Street.  For more information call (949) 493-5911.

Saturday, 12/4, from 11am-3pm: Victorian Christmas at Heritage Hill Historic Park in Lake Forest. the park’s historic buildings will be adorned in turn-of-the-century holiday finery with costumed docents hosting. The Bennett House and the Serrano Adobe will feature quilt displays and weaving and spinning demonstrations. There will be handicraft vendors, festive holiday entertainment, free children's crafts, living history demonstrations, historical exhibits, tours through the decorated, historic buildings and visits with Santa Claus. Children can participate in old-fashioned, hands-on activities, including churning butter, candle dipping, decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus and making ornaments and crafts. Children of all ages can visit with Santa in the arbor area. Call (949) 923-2230 for more info.

Saturday, 12/4 & Sunday 12/5: Feast of Lights. A festive program just in time for the holidays brings together the chorale ensembles, under the direction of Dr. Scott Farthing, and the Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Carmen Dominquez, for a presentation of music of the season. Tickets are $20 general admission, or $18 for students and seniors. Call (949) 582-4656 for more info.

Saturday, 12/4 & Sunday 12/5, from 10am-2pm: Boat Rides with Santa at Dana Point Harbor. Free boat rides with Santa! Bring your camera and take a free picture with him. Call (949)923-2255 for more info.

Sunday, 12/5, from 4-7pm: Pier Lighting and Holiday Parade at Huntington Pier. Activities will include a children’s parade on Main Street, entertainment at Pier Plaza, Taste of Main Street and a snowflake lighting ceremony at the pier. The parade will start at Orange and Main St. and will end at the Pier Plaza. After the parade, the entertainment will begin at the Pier Plaza. While at the Plaza, Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be available for children to take pictures! Call 714-842-6600 for more info.

 

Sunday, 12/5, from 4:30-7:30pm: Winter Holiday Event in Aliso Viejo at Grand Park. Celebrate the arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus, the official Lighting of the Tree, live entertainment, complimentary cookies & hot chocolate, and visits with Santa after the formal program. Bring your camera to capture your child's special moment with Santa!Call 949-243-7750 for more info.

 

 

Sunday, 12/5, from 3:30-7pm: Orange Tree Lighting at Old Towne Orange Plaza. Festivities begin with Orange non-profit food booths and childlren's activities at 3:30 p.m. Then, the official musical program, inclduing a 350-voice choir and 60-piece orchesra led by Music Director Michael Short, begins promptly at  5;15 p.m. This year's program narrator is Dr. William Hall, Dean of Performing Arts at Chapman University. Please contact the Community Services Department's Special Event Hotline at 714-744-7278 for more information.

Sunday, 12/5, from 3pm: Menorah Lighting at Fashion Island in Newport. Celebrate Hanukkah with singing and festive traditions at the Menorah Lighting Ceremony, to be held at 3pm in the Atrium Garden Court near the lower level of Barnes & Noble. For more information, please call the Chabad Jewish Center Newport Beach at (949) 721-9800.

What did I tell you? So many great events! Happy planning! :)

-Blythe
on my blip.fm: Camera Obscura's "If Looks Could Kill"

Beauty & The Beast at OCPAC

"Little town, it's a quiet village, little town, like the one before. Little town, full of little people waking up to say-"
"Bonjour!"
"Bonjour!"

And thus begins the familiar, epic love story, Beauty and the Beast. Good news for kids, romantics, and Disney-lovers alike: the classic tale hit OCPAC's stage on Tuesday and is currently playing nightly, with two performances (afternoon and night) scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The only bad news is that the play's taking a short run- its closing night is this Sunday, November 21st. Amy and I were able to attend opening night, and the place was packed with enthusiastic people like us, so I advise you to plan a night and nab your tickets quickly! They start at just $20!

I think there's a bit of Belle in us all- aching for adventure, romance, and wanting a little more than what everyone says we ought to be content with. It's not that we're ungrateful, it's that, like Belle, we're dreamers. We have something in us that stirs us to pursue greatness. We have hope. 
Liz Shivener plays Belle, and along with her characteristically graceful optimism, Shivener adds a hint of sauciness- Shivener's Belle bites back a bit more than the colorful cartoon we're all used to, but she does so in a way that doesn't draw us away from the Belle we love; rather, her portrayal adds even more life and fullness to an already dynamic heroine. Picture classic Disney Belle with a sprinkle of Amy Poehler.

[Liz Shivener as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c) Joan Marcus]

Opposite Liz Shivener is Justin Glaser as the Beast. Arguably one of the most complex Disney "princes," the Beast is a tough role to play. Glaser tackles the role with gusto, portraying a Beast that is at times intimidating and unpredictable, and at times vulnerable and misunderstood. The Beast is like an onion, and Glaser makes himself the best sort of onion. Midway through Act II, we're a bit more familiar with the Beast, and ready to chum up to him, despite his little temper tantrums. It doesn't hurt that he has the voice of an angel. Picture He-Man mixed with Josh Groban and Will Ferrell as the Devil.

[Justin Glaser as the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c) Joan Marcus]

The play is filled with all the familiar Disney songs plus a few more new songs sprinkled into the mix. There were two show-stealing scenes, in my humble opinion; one of which was NETwork's renditions of "Be Our Guest" (in which golden-clad cutlery prances among elaborately decorated dishes and salt and pepper shakers in a beautifully choreographed number that ends with "champagne explosions" on stage and confetti streamers into the audience [who doesn't love confetti? The audience went wild]):

[Liz Shivener as Belle and the cast of Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c)Joan Marcus]

 The second of my two favorite scenes was the pub scene with the singing of "Gaston." I should back up to mention that Nathaniel Hackmann as Gaston stole the show. The man is brimming with talent and oozing personality- two traits that work well in his favor as he portrays the world's most lovable egomaniac, Gaston. Hackmann sprinkled his portrayal with freeze-frame sports/model poses, one-hand eye-brow smoothing, Elvis-like pelvic movements, and a brilliant use of chin. Picture John Travolta as Danny Zuko mixed with Uncle Jesse and add Elvis' hips. Got it? Good. 

In NETwork's performance of "Gaston," the 15 or so members of the pub crowd sing and dance in an impressively choreographed routine, complete with rhythmic metal beer stein clinking, stomping, and overall hoo-hawing. It was glorious. Words fail to fully describe it, so I will simply say this: see it.

[Justin Glaser as the Beast and Liz Shivener as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (c) Joan Marcus]

I've seen the Disney movie a thousand times, but NETwork's production still had me on the edge of my seat wondering if Belle and the Beast would fall in love before the last rose petal dropped- and anxious for a stage transformation of the Beast into a handsome prince.
SPOILER ALERT! The magical transformation did of course occur, and it was far from the cheesy, fog-machine, man-behind-the curtain swap scene from a high school drama that I half expected; the Beast's body rose into the air and swiveled by the use of what I can only assume was an invisible harness, lights flashed and twinkled (in a way that didn't interrupt the audience's perception of the scene), and truly, like magic, the Beast was transformed into a man. He and Belle have the moment of recognition, kissing ensues, warm feelings blanket the audience, and we have our ever-welcome happily ever after ending. Watch for Chip, the boy who was a teacup- he turns into quite possibly the cutest little red-haired boy imaginable. 

So, if you're in the mood for a little romance, a little magic, a little wit, and a lot of fun, grab a couple loved ones and head to OCPAC for a performance that won't disappoint. Remember: closing night is this Sunday, November 21st! So, plan a night and get your tickets now! Like I said, they start at only $20 per person!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Disney's "Gaston"

Idina Menzel Comes to Orange County!

For our 301st post here at the OC Gazette (we are quite the dedicated bloggers aren't we?) we are giving you big news. Like, New York City big. Literally.


All you Broadway fans, brace yourselves; Idina Menzel - the New York, New York native and Broadway's current reigning diva - is going to be in Orange County this weekend at OCPAC! If you're not a Broadway geek and you've never heard of the Tony Award winning performer, you've definitely seen her. She graced the silver screen with Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams in Enchanted and she recently joined the cast of the Fox hit show GLEE. Now you can see her LIVE, in person, performing all the songs she sings oh-so-well. Idina will perform everything from pop hits, to the musical numbers from all of her most notable musical performances (Wicked, Rent, and more), and also songs from her solo album I Stand. It's going to be a night you won't want to miss!


Get your tickets for the November 7th show at the Orange County Performing Arts Center here.


Check out the video below for a quick intro to the amazing performer.

- Amy
Listening to: Idina Menzel performing "Defying Gravity" from Wicked.

South Pacific at OCPAC

[ David Pittsinger as Emile de Becque and Carmen Cusack as Nellie Forbush. Photo by Curtis Brown ]

Rogers and Hammerstein are to musicals what Joel and Ethan Coen are to film. You’re hard-pressed to find a dud in their repertoire of work. Together they are a hit-making machine, Richard Rogers providing the music, and Oscar Hammerstein II providing the lyrics. South Pacific is a prime example of their creative prowesses combined to make sweet, sweet music… literally.

[The cast performing "I'm Going To Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair." Photo by Peter Coombs. ]

OCPAC is showing South Pacific right now. I attended opening night along with hundreds and hundreds of other musical lovers. Everyone was bustling and excited to see the reinvention of the classic musical produced by the Lincoln Center Theate. The production rode into Orange County on a wave of rave reviews and incredible success at the 2008 Tonys. The production took home seven Tonys including Best Musical! The anticipation of the audience to see this award-winning production was the equivalent of a bunch of giddy children awaiting Christmas morning. I even heard one elderly gentleman singing “Some Enchanted Evening” (the most well-known South Pacific hit) as I shimmied to my seat. As the lights dimmed, the music swelled from the orchestra pit, which was full to capacity on this night, holding a full orchestra of 26 members, the largest orchestra of any touring Broadway production.

[ Anderson Davis as Lt. Joseph Cable and Sumie Maeda as Liat. Photo by Peter Coombs. ]

South Pacific follows the lives of two pairs of lovers on an island in the South Pacific during the second world war as they struggle to keep their relationships intact amidst the struggles of war, the call of duty, and the pressures of a racially prejudiced 1940’s society. The starring roles of French plantation owner Emile De Becque and Nellie Forbush, USN are played by David Pittsinger and Carmen Cusack. The second pair of lovers, Lt. Joseph Cable and young Tonkonese beauty Liat, are played by Anderson Davis and Sumie Maeda.

[ Matthew Saldivar as Luther Billis and The Seabees of SOUTH PACIFIC. Photo by Peter Coombs. ]

The men stole the production, led fearlessly by stars David Pittsinger and Anderson Davis. Less than five minutes into the musical, Paulo breaks out into an amazing rendition of “Some Enchanted Evening” that would have made late great baritone (and original cast member) Ezio Pinza proud. Then the men continue to shine in “There Ain’t Nothing Like A Dame,” one of my favorite moments of the show. The song laments the side effects of going through withdrawals from women, and the cast members sell the song, moaning and groaning around the stage, commiserating with one another. Next we get introduced to my favorite character, Lt. Joe Cable. I had high expectations for this character, as I loved the version that John Kerr played in the 1958 film version of South Pacific. I was not disappointed. Anderson Davis played Cable as a strong, tortured (and did I mention handsome?) young marine officer torn between love and duty. The way he sings “You Have To Be Carefully Taught” and “Younger Than Springtime,” is so beautifully vulnerable that it could make a grown man cry, to use the words of Mick Jagger. David Pittsinger takes the reigns again with a moving version of “This Could Have Been Mine.”

One woman stood out amongst the men, and surprisingly it wasn’t the leading lady, but rather the sharp tongued, ill-tempered Tonkonese souvenir slinger, Bloody Mary, played by Jodi Kimura. The sailors’ ode to her, “Bloody Mary,” is almost as funny as the character itself. Settle provides many a laugh throughout the 2 hour and 40 minute production, which at times is much needed when the musical hits on the deeper subjects of race and war.

South Pacific had it all: love, romance, action, rib-tickling humor, and some amazing singing performances. South Pacific at OCPAC was nothing less than an “enchanted evening.”

- Amy

Don't miss the show! It plays through October 24th.

More details:

Orange County Performing Arts Center – Segerstrom Hall

October 12 – October 24, 2010

Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Orange County Performing Arts Center – Segerstrom Hall

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Tickets:            Start at $20

In person -       The Center Box Office

                        600 Town Center Drive

                        Costa Mesa, CA 92626

                        Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Online -            OCPAC.org

Phone -            714.556.2787

                        Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

TTY number -   714.556.2746

Group Services - 714.755.0236

The Steelwells Music Video Premiere at Anaheim Film Fest

At the 2010 OC Music Awards, local favorites The Steelwells took the award for Best Song with their single "El Capitan." Subsequently, the boys took home the coveted prize of a music video, compliments of OC Music Awards and the Awards visual production company, Akorn Entertainment. The music video for “El Capitan” is now wrapped and set to premiere at the opening night gala of the inaugural Anaheim International Film Festival TONIGHT at UltraStar Cinemas at Anaheim GardenWalk. The Steelwells will deliver a special acoustic performance in conjunction with the premiere of the video.

The video for “El Capitan” is said to bring to life the song's story of a greedy sea captain who causes his own personal demise. The video is also rich with political undertones alluding to the 2010 Gulf oil spill crisis. I'm told that all the characters are played by wire and cardboard doll-like figures with miniature sets and props designed from found objects, hand-constructed into oceanic scenes. Talk about artsy! I'm intrigued.

Tickets to opening night of the Anaheim International Film Festival including the special premiere of “El Capitan” and acoustic performance by The Steelwells are $50 and are available online at www.anaheimfilm.org. The “El Capitan” video can also be seen online at OC Music Awards Youtube channel starting tomorrow!

-Blythe 

on my iTunes: "Knife" by Grizzly Bear

Wooson K. Chang Coming to OC

If it's true that classical music makes you smarter, then my morning commute spent listening to Classical KUSC is like an early morning class. At the very least, it calms any potential road rage and puts me in an overall good mood. Sometimes I'll flip on the station and find that it's operatic music, and I'm not sure I can explain the mood this puts me in. There's something that's at once calming and inspiring about opera; the beauty and range of the human voice- whether or not you understand the words communicated- touches me on a deep, emotional level. I can remember radio opera music bringing me to tears more than once.
When I found out that International Soprano Woosoon K. Chang will be performing at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Irvine on Friday, October 15th, I made a mental note to pack Kleenex. With her most recent performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Ms. Chang hopes to bring her remarkable voice and talents to the local community and to make classical music more accessible to the younger crowd. With this in mind, the ticket price is only $5.00!

Spend Friday evening with Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi! If you're unfamiliar with the music, don't worry! Woosoon will draw you into the captivating world of opera and melt your heart with the emotion she brings to the score.

When: October 15th, 2010 at 7pm
Where: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Irvine
Tickets: $5.00 (can be purchased at the door)



-Blythe

on my iTunes:Claude Debussy's "Clair de Lune"