Get Your Boogie Down With Al Jarreau At A Local Celebrity Benefit

August 2, 2014 by
Al Jarreau

Al Jarreau plays a special benefit show at the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach Aug. 23

PopBuff
On Sat, Aug. 23, the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts/Pageant of the Masters celebrates the annual Celebrity Benefit Concert and Pageant. Al Jarreau will be headlining the concert and there will be beautifully exhibited original art. The event kicks off with red carpet arrivals, followed by the concert.

It was the year 1983 and I was 14 years young. That was the year I was introduced to the music of Al Jarreau. It was also one of the golden years of MTV back when they used to play just music videos. My introduction to Jarreau started with Boogie Down, a synth-funky-inspired fast tempo song that was one of his first most commercially successful songs. Boogie Down was part of the soundtrack of the 1984 Breakin’ movie. I choreographed a dance program in high school with some bustin’ funky moves to Jarreau’s scattin.

The critically-acclaimed performer who won seven Grammy awards is best known for his “After All” ballad. The song is a powerful ballad with a great message – no matter what…Love would prevail and survive. In my opinion, “After All” is one of the best love songs of my generation. The lyrics coupled with Jarreau’s distinctive voice really expressed the joys of romantic love. If you remember the video, the two professional dancers were just perfect for the song. They were so expressive with their moves and choreography. I just loved the story from how they met towards their relationship. It was unforgettable.

Jarreau’s vocal chords can spark many emotions – especially happiness and contentment. With so many accolades under his belt, it is hard to name just one. However, one of them is his own Star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was commemorated in 2001 as one of the best singers of his generation. In addition, the Chicago Tribune dubbed him as “the voice of versatility” and Detroit News called him “one of the world’s greatest natural resources”.

Dubbed as one of the hardest working men in show business, in 2009 Jarreau took a 6-week European tour visiting theatres and festivals in Germany, France, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and N. America. In the middle of all this, he found time to put together “The Very Best of Al Jarreau: An Excellent Adventure” which highlighted some of the his best known hits.

Marites Calagday, a regular attendee of Pageant of the Masters commented, “I am looking forward to being there and hearing Al Jarreau sing ‘After All’ the most. I love that song.”

The evening will culminate with the performance of the 2014 Pageant of the Masters “The Art Detective” hosted by cast members of CBS’s Criminal Minds. To purchase a ticket go to The Pageant of The Masters website.

Filed Under: Pop Buff

Kenny Loggins Performs As Part Of Local Summer Concert Series

July 1, 2014 by
Kenny Loggins

Kenny Loggins plays at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach July 11

PopBuff
Let’s hit that nostalgia road and see the Grammy Award winning, singer-songwriter, Kenny Loggins on July 11, at Back Bay Amphitheatre – Hyatt Regency – Newport Beach as part of the Hyatt Regency Summer Concert Series.

The ‘80s was the decade of Kenny Loggins movie soundtrack hits. The movies you loved in the 80s probably included one of many Loggins’ hits – “I’m Alright” from Caddyshack, “Meet Me Halfway” from Over The Top, “Danger Zone” and “Playing With the Boys” from Top Gun, and the number one hit “Footloose” from Footloose which by the way I also had in a vinyl picture disc. These were Loggins most notable hits, and this was the time I was entering my adolescent life.

One of pop world’s great singer songwriters had a stellar career starting in the late ’70s with Messina and Michael McDonalds. He launched his solo career in the 80s. The acclaimed artist won a Grammy Award in 1981 with the song, “This Is It” which he co-wrote with Michael McDonalds, beating out Christopher Cross, Kenny Rogers, Paul Simon and Frank Sinatra. In 1983, he released the song “Heart to Heart,” my absolute favorite because of the R&B feel and heartfelt lyrics.

“Vox Humana”, Loggins’ fifth solo album released in 1985 had a distinctive cover and video featuring him as a painting. The song “Vox Humana” has such a fast beat that you can ballroom dance the “jive” to it. The second hit was “Forever,” a sentimental ballad that continues to be a favorite among his fans especially in the Philippines. The song was so popular in the Philippines, which concert king Martin Nievera named his concert in 1985 “Martin… Forever” because of his popular version of the song. Loggins was also in the Philippines and had a duet with the concert king of the Philippines singing “Forever.”

In 1994, Loggins released a song “Return to Pooh Corner” that both parents and their children can enjoy listening together. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award. His track record proves that his music appeals to every generation. His excellent musicianship, beautifully written songs and melodic powerhouse has a personal feel to it.

Filed Under: Featured

Appearing Live At The Coach House, Vonda Shepard

June 4, 2014 by

PopBuff.com

Vonda Shepard

Vonda Shepard returns to the Coach House July 10

The year 1997 was an exciting time for me. I was pursuing an Internet career in the dotcom heyday and studying entertainment public relations. It was also a time when I was single and started watching Ally McBeal. I must admit, I watched the series religiously every week because I immediately connected to the main character Ally who was a career minded single woman seeking real love and acceptance in a confusing world.

Aside from the dancing baby, what made the show even more appealing was the music of Vonda Shepard. Shepard appeared as a resident performer at the bar where the characters would hang out after work. Shepard and Paul Gordon originally penned the opening song for the show “Searchin’ My Soul.”

Shepard’s fabulous version of the 60’s song “It’s in His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song),” the classic ballad “You Belong to Me,” I Only Want To Be With You,” “Hooked On A Feeling,” were songs that paralleled what was happening in the title character’s life onscreen which make a perfect match to a specific part on an episode that makes your emotion on a roller coaster ride.

Shepard’s fresh interpretation of many old songs such as “Tell Him,” “Ask the Lonely, “ “The End of the World,” and “Walk away Renee,” made every generation add it on their playlist. Although most of them are cover songs, her rendition touches your emotion and moods. She recreates oldies with lots of heart and soul.

You don’t have to be a fan of Ally McBeal to appreciate the Vonda Shepard’s music; you just have to like good music. The infectious artist has a distinctive voice and talent on the keyboard that draws fans to her presence on stage. I watched her for the first time at the Coach House a couple years ago and was impressed by the clarity of her voice and her charisma with her audience.

Stroll down memory lane and relive your old favorites on July 10 at The Coach House. As usual, Vonda Shepard and her piano will delight her audience again with her tremendous performance.

Filed Under: Pop Buff

The Bangles to Rock The Coach House

May 18, 2014 by

PopBuff.com

The Bangles

The Bangles play at the Coach House June 6

Almost everybody I know in the ’80s loved The Bangles. With their chart topping hits like “Walk Like an Egyptian,” “Manic Monday,” and “Eternal Flame” they will surely rock The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Fri, June 6. To be honest, I’ve never seen them live so this will be epic for me.

It has been 30 years since The Bangles was formed in a Brentwood, CA garage. The group’s genre in the earlier times was ’60s folk rock. They launched their first album in 1984, “All Over the Place.” Two singles were released from this album which were “Hero Takes a Fall” and “Going Down to Liverpool.” The latter’s video featured Leonard Nimoy.

In 1986, the second album was launched called, “Different Light”. In my opinion, this is the most popular album of The Bangles, which hit the main stream. “Different Light” earned a huge radio and MTV airplays during those days. One of my favorites from “Different Light” album was “Manic Monday” penned by Prince under the pseudonym “Christopher.” The song reached #2 in 1986 on the Billboard chart. And the reason why I dig this song is because I used to sing this song a lot on my mini karaoke machine my mom bought me. The pitch was just right for my voice.

“Walking Down Your Street,” and “If She Knew What She Wants” were also hits from the second album that had catchy tunes and concise arrangements. But “Walk Like an Egyptian” made The Bangles multi-platinum rock stars. It was the #1 hit from the album and nominated as Best Group video in the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.

In between “Different Light” and The Bangle’s third album, the song “Hazy Shade of Winter” was released and reached #2 on the national chart as part of the soundtrack of the cult movie “Less Than Zero” that starred Andrew McCarthy, Robert Downey Jr. and Jami Gertz. “Hazy Shade of Winter” was originally recorded and written by the ’60s duo Simon and Garfunkel.

It seems every two years The Bangles released a new album that generated a hit. In 1988, “Everything” was the group’s third album. It produced the hit “In Your Room” but they’re biggest success of their career was the song “Eternal Flame.” “Eternal Flame” became a chart-topper in almost every major chart around the world. It was Hoff’s breathy voice coupled with the band’s stellar harmonies. Up to this date, it still holds up against many of the rock ballad songs of today. In fact, in the CBS show “The Voice,” contestants” Amber Carrington and Danielle Bradbery” teamed up with the song “Eternal Flame” and it was their near pitch-perfect that gave me goose bumps.

Filed Under: Pop Buff

All Night Long with Lionel Richie at the Honda Center

May 13, 2014 by

PopBuff.com

Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie plays the Honda Center June 3

Lionel Richie is launching his most extensive tour in years and one of his concerts will be at The Honda Center in Anaheim on Jun 3. The title Lionel Richie: All The Hits All Night Long Tour speaks for itself. The show will feature a lot of throwback hits that you grew up with especially with the MTV generation during the dawn of the music video age.

I remember in the ’70s when my uncle used to do sell jukeboxes as his business he would play “Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady” and “Easy” by the Commodores on the machines. That was my first exposure to Lionel Richie.

The singer/songwriter was the frontman to the illustrious group called the Commodores in the late ’70s. If you are a Gen X’er or Baby Boomer and have not heard “Brick House” you must have lived in a cave.

Brick House has been one of the most popular songs of many generations that are being played until now at weddings, bar mitzvahs, clubs, fairgrounds and other events. In the ’80s, Richie launched a solo upward career trajectory, producing countless chart-topping singles such as “You are,” “All Night Long,” “Hello,” “Say you Say Me,” and “Dancing on the Ceiling” to name a few. I also recall his two popular videos, “Hello” and “All Night Long.”

In “Hello” Richie played an art teacher who had an unrequited love for a blind student who was sculpting the likeness of his face or head; and the other hit is “All Night Long.” I dreamed of being in that video because of colorful outfits and different types of dancing from hip hop to break dancing to funk to jazz.

One of my favorite years in the ’80s is 1984. It was the year of the Los Angeles Olympic games where Richie performed the song “All Night Long” at the closing ceremony. It was also the year Lionel Richie hosted the American Music Awards. I thought he did an amazing job as a host.

In 1985, the Grammy award winner also collaborated with Michael Jackson on the charity single, “We are the World” by USA for Africa that became #1.

Richie’s songs are timeless. His enduring global appeal continues to charm the audience of different generations. Whether it’s smooth and easy listening or funky or R&B, he’s got it whatever mood you are in.

Filed Under: Pop Buff

Reconnect with The Fixx at The House of Blues

April 14, 2014 by

Popbuff.com

The Fixx

The Fixx rock the House Of Blues April 25

I can say that if The Fixx ’80s new wave band released their two signature hit singles, “One thing Leads to Another,” and “Saved By Zero” today, they would still blend in with today’s alternative rock genre. I was 13 years young when their album, “Reach The Beach” was released. This was the height of their career when they ruled the MTV airwaves. This band set themselves apart with a unique musical style, creative lyrics, and insightful commentary on world events and social issues.

The first time I heard, “One Thing Leads to Another,” and “Saved By Zero”, from my favorite FM station, I loved them right away. The songs had the right elements, rock but not hard rock and catchy tunes that are easy to remember. The commanding voice of Cy Curnin, coupled with the band’s creativity equals a high quality new wave band. The Fixx other hits are “Are We Ourselves,” which has a danceable tune and the “Deeper and Deeper” track from the soundtrack “Streets of Fire.”

The English new wave band is 30 years old but their repertoire definitely does not age. Catch them live and reconnect with their music at The House of Blues, Anaheim on Fri, April 25.

Filed Under: Featured, Pop Buff

Jeff Bridges And His Abiders Play A Night At The Coach House

April 10, 2014 by
Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges plays at the Coach House April 24

popbuff.com

Jeff Bridges is “The Dude” who came from Hollywood royalty. You can see this amazingly talented “The Dude” perform at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Thurs, April 24 at 8 p.m.

Bridges is the son of the late Lloyd and Dorothy Bridges, and brother of Beau Bridges. I remember him in the movie “Against All Odds” and “Starman.” He was just so gorgeous and gifted in those films. But he was better known for these two cult classics flicks, “Tron,” and arguably his most famous and iconic role, “The Dude,” in the Cohen Brothers’ cult-classic film “The Big Lebowski.” In fact, “The Big Lebowski” has been included on lists such as Entertainment weekly and Total Film as one of the biggest cult movies of all time.

I have always known Jeff Bridges was a multi-talented actor but it had never occurred to me that he sings and is a skilled guitar artist. His lyrics are meaningful and poetic. His genre is country folk with a blue grass influence.

The first time I heard Bridges sing was on the song “What A Little Bit Of Love Can Do,” This song was released from Jeff Bridges album in 2011. I was drawn into it. It is a catchy tune with a country drawl that might just cause you to get up and dance with your significant other. The album Jeff Bridges was #10 in Top Country Albums and also appeared on the US Billboard at number 25.

The other songs I enjoyed are “Somebody Else” that has a Johnny Cash feel. “Fallin’ and Flyin’” is the typical country music where you just want to party and be part of a line dancing group or flash mob. Lastly, “Slow Boat” is a distinctive song, which makes you feel you are in a suspenseful Clint Eastwood movie.

Back to the “The Big Lebowski,” there is a “The Big Lebowski” Fest held every year where Bridges appears as “the dude” himself. He is also busy touring this spring/summer with his band The Abiders.

Filed Under: Featured

Tustin Native Liz Hill Gears Up For LA Show At Avalon

April 6, 2014 by

popbuff.com

Liz Hill

Liz Hill’s group Starling Glow plays the Avalon May 3

Liz Hill’s group Starling Glow is setting up to release their next big single. They have a show coming up in Hollywood on May 3 at the Avalon Theater to kick off promotions of the new song.

Liz Hill is an Orange County native who was born and raised in Tustin. They recently scored a Top 20 Billboard Dance Hit with their single “We Are Infinite” (Dave Aude Remix). Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter and musician Billy Mohler also worked with Smashing Pumpkins, Macy Gray, Liz Phair, Kelly Clarkson produced the record.

OC Concert Guide recently asked Liz Hill about her music and the meaning behind the group’s name “Starling Glow.”

OCCG: I am listening to your song “We are Infinite” and thinking your genre is EDM with a touch of Indie Rock. How would you describe your music?
LH: We have two versions of the single out- we first released a remix of the “We Are Infinite” done by Dave Audé, which definitely has that EDM feel! The album version of We Are Infinite is just going to radio now, and I would describe it as edgy pop with a sprinkling of indie rock. Both my producer and I brought our history of playing in rock bands into the studio, and I think that gives our pop track a unique edge!

OCCG: Who or what influence your music?
LH: I grew up in a house where music was a second language- mom would be playing at the piano and singing, my dad would be in the garage cranking his Marshall stack, my sister learned piano, then pipe organ, then drums at an early age… And we all sing. I’d like to think that if I had grown up in a different household, I would still be a musician, but I can’t say that for certain! I came up listening to a little bit of everything (and still do)- classic rock, pop, R&B, country, jazz, indie and alternative rock, but a really formative time for me was in my late teens and early twenties. I was playing bass in a ska band (haha how much more OC can you get?) and it really gave me an understanding for song structure… but it wasn’t until my college years when I started listening to more top 40 radio that I gained a love and appreciation for pop and a great melody and lyric. I always admired artists that were able to have songs that crossed over from the alternative stations to the pop stations and vice versa.

OCCG: Any artist you would like to collaborate with?
LH: I have a not-so-secret love for Eminem’s music. I would die to cut a track with him on it.

OCCG: What is the meaning behind the name “Starling Glow”
LH: I’ve always had an affinity for birds, feathers, and wings. I collect feathers and even have several feather tattoos, my favorite song is called “Silver Wings” by Thrice (another OC local) and the first song I learned on bass was “Little Wing” by Hendrix. When we were trying to come up with a name and my producer’s wife suggested “Starling Glow” it just seemed fitting, and so we ran with it!

OCCG: What is the latest concert you’ve seen. What is the most memorable concert you’ve ever been?
LH: The last concert I went to was for the OCMA’s to watch my friends’ band perform, and I think the most memorable concert I’ve been to is a three-way toss up between Prince at the Coliseum, Stevie Wonder at the Bowl, and Sting and the Police at the Honda center… Although Paramore and No Doubt at the Verizon Amphitheater was pretty awesome… And Heart at the Pacific Amphitheater too!

OCCG: Do you play any musical instruments?
LH: I play bass, guitar, and just enough piano to make it apparent that I have no idea what I’m doing haha.

OCCG: What can we expect from your show?
LH: Our live show packs a punch- the band and I put a lot of energy into the performance and I think the audience gets a nice blend of feeling like they’re at a rock show and a dance party!

OCCG: I see you grew up in Orange County, Where are you based now?
LH: Born and raised in Tustin! I just recently moved to LA, but I make trips back to OC regularly to visit with family and friends. It will always be home to me.

OCCG: Will you be touring this summer?
LH: Most definitely! We already have some summer dates coming up, and folks can find all of the information and more on our website http://www.starlingglow.com!

Filed Under: Buzz Bands

An Evening With Tom Wopat At The Curtis Theatre

March 11, 2014 by
Tom Wopat

Tom Wopat at the Curtis Theatre April 19, 2014

Tom Wopat, aka Luke Duke from the iconic TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard” will be performing at The Curtis Theatre in Brea on April 19, Saturday with two shows at 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

I remember vividly when I was 11 years old watching the show with my cousins in our living and there was no more space on the couch to sit on so the rest would sit on the orange carpet with their big pillows. John Schneider aka Bo Duke and Luke Duke dominated the rooms of tween and teen age girls in the 80s. My cousin and I who were already pop culture lovers during that time would go to Woolworth or Thrifty stores on our way back going home from school and browsed through those teen heartthrob magazines to check if there were pin ups of the Duke boys of Hazzard County.

After the cancellation of the hit series, Wopat reverted back to his true love which is music. His career in music continues to be in high gear. He recorded country songs, performed on Broadway and earned a Tony nomination in the popular revival of “Annie Get your Gun.” Wopat also appeared in Quentin Tarantino academy nominated movie “Django.”

It’s been more than 30 years since I started watching “The Dukes of Hazzard” on the boob tube. For the first time, I will witness Tom Wopat perform live and croon the audience with The Great American Songbook. “An Evening with Tom Wopat” will be a celebration of his third CD “I’ve Got Your Number” which showcases classic tunes from Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon and Judy Collin to name a few.

As I was listening to his third CD, “I’ve Got Your Number” which I describe as classy jazz cocktail music, I was impressed at how Wopat’s voice captured the music’s emotion. The tracks include the title track “I’ve Got Your Number,” “Here We are Again,” “I Won’t Dance” and other classic songs, but my absolute favorite is “The Good Life.”

All the tracks are a pleasure to listen to and he did an excellent interpretation of the songs. It will make your feet tap, shake your head and snap your fingers. Wopat is a truly legitimate jazz artist, a voice capable driving your mood and thoughts with romance and sweet emotions.

Catch a romantic night with Tom Wopat. You can order tickets online at curtistheatre.com. Curtis Theatre is located at 1 Civic Center Circle, (Birch and Randolph) Brea, CA.

Filed Under: Pop Buff

Don’t Miss the Missing Persons at The Coach House

January 2, 2014 by

PopBuff.com

Missing Persons

Missing Persons featuring Dale Bozzio plays at the Coach House Jan. 19

Missing Persons, the band that helped shape the “New Wave” genre in the early ’80s returns to The Coach House with all the original members. Dale Bozzio, the front woman of the band, was the Lady Gaga of her generation. Bozzio, an ex-Playboy Playmate beauty, is known for her sexy quirky voice, heavy make-up and provocative outfits. MP entered the music scene when disco had died and they dominated the MTV during the early ’80s when MTV actually played only music videos.

Their 1982 album, “Spring Session M” features the tracks “Words”, “Windows”, Destination Unknown”, and “Walking in LA”. Those titles made them a new wave icon. The original members consist of Dale Bozzio (vocals); Warren Cuccurullo (guitar, vocals); Chuck Wild (synthesizer, keyboard); Patrick O’Hearn (electric & synthesized bass, keyboards, synthesizers); and Terry Bozzio (vocals, keyboard, synthesizers, drums, percussion).

The first time I heard MP’s hit “Words” in 1982, I thought it was really catchy and had a danceable quality. And when I heard “Walking in LA”, I realized that it is true that nobody walks in LA. It was also the year of three of my favorite movies of all time “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial”, “Annie” and “Tootsie”.

After 30 years, who could have known that they would still be rockin’? Not to mention with all of its original members. This is too good to be true. I am so ready to recall my youth, get bouncin’ up and down and listen to wavering synthesizers, hear a nice dose of guitar, and Dale’s elegant distinctive voice. After all, I’m from the MTV generation.

Filed Under: Pop Buff
Next Page »