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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Don McLean plays the Coach House Dec. 14

Capture the beautiful and timeless music of American music icon of Don McLean on Sat, Dec. 14 at The Coach House.

The first time I heard about Don McLean when I was about 10 years old. I was just testing some Long Playing Vinyl records from my uncle’s collections and when I played it, I instantly loved it. I would usually skip the tracks if I didn’t like a specific song but I played the whole album of “American Pie.” Of course, American Pie was a monster hit but my absolute favorite is “Vincent.” Being a 10-year old you still don’t understand the lyrics of the song but it was the catchy tune that made me fall in love with the song and also encouraged made to play the hit on the piano.

Don McLean who is defined by his perennial hit “American Pie” also became part of an American pop culture. The eight-and-a-half-minute folk-pop inspired by the tragic death of Buddy Holly reached number-one in 1972 for four weeks in the US. And the song “Vincent” is a tribute to Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, which describes Van Gogh’s famous painting “Starry Night.” “Other songs that I really enjoy in McLean’s magnum opus album,” American Pie” are “Till Tomorrow” and “Empty Chairs.”

Described as a skillful storyteller and an icon of his generation, McLean was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. The American Pie has even been recorded by Madonna in the year 2000.

My opinion is that Don McLean’s timeless songs should also be included in some music history classes. McLean’s lyrics are exquisite and you can feel his emotions through his words. Today’s youth should be exposed to his music because it is a true treasure. His enigmatic lyrics can be interpreted in many ways.

Known for her raspy voice, outlandish sense of style, contemporary R&B genre and massive hit “I Try” is going to groove The Coach House on Sun, Nov. 10.

In 1999 she released her first album “How Life Is.” The album reached multi-platinum which included her first single “I Try.” Gray won a Grammy in 2001 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance knocking over Christina Aguilera (What a Girl Wants), Madonna (Music), Aimee Mann (Save Me), Joni Mitchell (Both Sides Now) and Britney Spears (Oops!… I Did It Again).

The eccentric artist and soulful singer has collaborated with some of music’s greatest talents including Justin Timberlake, Carlos Santana, and will.i.am, to name a few. She has also appeared in films like “Training Day” and “Spider Man” and danced her way in the ninth season of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Born in Canton, Ohio Gray studied classical piano for seven years and been highly influenced with the music of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and old school hip-hop. Gray’s genre has appealed to audiences of all colors because of her funky beat and unusual voice. Lezlee Murrey, a fan of Macy Gray’s music says, “She’s funky and marches to the beat of her own drum.. Love her unique jazzy, raspy sound and crazy look! Makes me get out of my work-week and party like a rock star all weekend long!”

Aside from “I Try” my favorite track and video is “Beauty in the World” from the fifth album “The Sell Out.” The song is such a positive and feel good lyrics and the video reminds me of the 1981 Mickey video of Toni Basil. “Beauty in the World” was also featured in the finale series of the popular tv show “Ugly Betty.”

With her funky beat and get out of your seat show, Grey will help you get back that good ol’ feelings and groove you all night long.

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America live at the Coach House Oct. 12

America has been entertaining us for more than three decades. Relive the hits we all know on Sat, Oct. 12, at The Coach House. Their collection of songs will surely be enjoyed by all.

America is best known for their folk rock staples of the 70s. An English-American band formed in London in 1970, the group originally consisted of Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek. They became a music chart sensation in 1972 and won a Grammy award for Best New Artist. The band was barely out of their teens when they charted a number of top ten hits including the number one hit “A Horse with No Name”. To this day, America is loved by many fans. In 2012, they were recognized as a Walk Of Fame honoree.

I grew up in a family of music enthusiasts. My uncle owned a jukebox business in the 70s. My baby boomer cousins listened to AM radio when FM was not mainstream yet, and my mom who just generally loves music gave me a lot of exposure to 70s music including the hits from America. I remember those days when my uncle Radie repaired juke boxes. He used worn out 45 vinyl record to test juke boxes were working and ready for pick up. Having that business, we would have not just hundreds of single 45 records but thousands stacked in a cabinet. My cousins would play “A Horse with No Name,” “Sister Golden Hair,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Lonely People,”, and “Tin Man” on our humongous wooden stereo. We invited our friends over just to listen to the songs. These songs were so memorable they stayed in your head all day. Of all America’s songs, my favorites are “Sister Golden Hair,” “Ventura Highway” and their 80s hit “You Can Do Magic.”

Cora Gallardo, who looks forward to watching America at the Coach House on Oct. 14 recalls, “In college (an all girls school), one of my classmates would bring a guitar to class. When our professors were running late, we would sing A Horse With No Name which eventually became our class song.” Ben Villanueva, another fan of America, commented, “Their songs are classics. We would play guitar and sing the songs whenever we would go camping. Their music was always playing in the car when we would go on long drives”.

America’s songs are beautifully crafted. The guitar riffs are soothing and you can tap your feet to them. I was about six years old when I was introduced to this excellent music. Now I’m 44 and have 3 boys and their music still stands up well after several decades.