Beach Life Festival Redondo Beach Is a Musical Feast

Posted on by Diversions LA

 

Maybe you grew up, as I did, going to the beach and bringing your favorite music along for under-the-umbrella tunes. Whether it was on your Walkman, Boombox, Ipod, or through speakers linked to your latest Spotify or Apple Music playlist, a little sunshine, a little sea breeze, and great sounds were the vibe you were after.

Beach Life Festival offers those vibes and all that great music from just about anyone’s playlist live. Running on four different stages this weekend, May 3-5, the performances are varied and eclectic, from big name mainstream acts like Sting to bands with a more local SoCal following like Dirty Heads and smaller acts such as Jordana or Surfer Blood. The end result is a well executed, mellow, and super fun festival with guests able to stand or sit to the sidelines on astroturf or sand, with VIP-level front row or upper level choices also available.

We wlll be attending all weekend, and judging by Friday’s strong set list, if you can snag tickets for this weekend’s performances, you should.

Even before the music started on Friday, we enjoyed the festival.

Kinecta Credit Union handed out free ice cream truck treats; Grillo’s pickles passed out free tasty dills with a dot of dill dressing along with pickle-logo baseball caps in exchange for “riding the pickle” the equivilent of a fun kid’s pony ride outside shopping centers past, rather than a bucking bronco ride. We won a purse at a Dakine-sponsored promo game booth, tried a bag of delicious HIppeas – nacho flavored chickpea puffs,  enjoyed a video walk through of surf sponsored by Gray Whale Gin, and posed for selfies at designated spots that ranged from giant Beach Life surfboards and deck chairs to a neon-lit arch telling us to “Bring the Aloha.”

Certainly the bands did. We started the day at the main stage for a jubilant, fun set by The Samples on the Hightide main stage. The band jubilant, engaging, and got the daytime attendees up and dancing with songs such as “Shine On, ” “My Town,” and “Taking Us Home. ”

The rock-pop band was a perfect, sunny-afternoon start to the day with touches of reggae in the mix.

Switching venues to the Lowtide stage – almost as big a venue as Hightide, but located close to the edge of the festival’s Seaside Lagoon location, with glimpses of the marina and a sandy audience space – we saw Bedouin Soundcloud. One of the newer acts on the roster of big stage acts, Bedouin Soundcloud is a staple of Sirius Radio’s alternative music channels.

The Canadian alt rock band played their radio hit “Mountaintop,”  along with cuts from their 2022 album release “We Will Meet in a Hurricane.” Sweetly, lead singer Jay Malinowski rocked out, along with a special appearance by his sweet son and two of the little boy’s female friends for a love-fest sing-along.

Over at the Main Stage, Donavon Frankenreiter and G Love offered rousing surfer rock tinged with a bit of cowboy and hip-hop style blues, in a strong set accompanied by video projection of dancing flames.

Things were starting to get crowded at the festival, and this was a vibrant set by an accomplished, tight band.

Riptide is one of the festival’s smaller stages, with a convenient Tito’s-sponsored covered area and bar. The diminutive size didn’t mean the musical offerings were small however. Jordana was a powerful singer with a tight back-up band.

Her intimate, evocative electro-acoustic pop was hard to leave to see other acts.  Her single “Safe House” was lovely. Expect to hear more from her.

City and Colour on the Lowtide stage drew a deservedly big crowd. The richly melodic Canadian act knocked it out of the ballpark with lovely, danceable songs like “Meant to Be” and the more hypnotic “Bow Down to Love” in a tight hour-plus set.

Their mix of folk and alt-rock sound is my “thing,” and although the act has been performing quite awhile, I was delighted to hear them for the first time. It won’t be my last. Lead singer/songwriter Dallas Green started the band in 2004.

Seal was a huge draw on the High Tide stage, and as sunset beckoned, this was probably the first fully packed venue. Seal remains a wildly engaging performer, bounding onto stage in a white ensemble, the jacket to which he quickly removed as he launched into hits like “Kiss from a Rose” replete with red lights and projected falling petals, and “Crazy.”

The British pop/glam rocker has deservedly won multiple Grammys, and brings joy to a stage.

The Dirty Heads over at Lowtide was equally dynamic. The SoCal favorite brought tons of fans to rock out to its reggae infused hip hop, rock, and rap.

Their hit “Vacation” was a big highlight, but darker, enigmatic rap sounds like “Medusa,” which opened the hour and 15 minute set were also strong.

Over at the Riptide meanwhile, the Florida-originated Surfer Blood rocked out on the smaller stage, serving up a harder edged version of surfer sounds with an occasional edge of metal.

The ultimate Friday act was of course headliner Sting.

With full darkness descended on the astroturf field of the Hightide main stage, the viewing area was body to body, and this was the one concert in which we were viewing close to the light booth rather than at the front. It was a vantage point from which we could see the folks in the VIP sections and sponsored and bar spaces from Jack Daniels to Skechers viewing from the elevated sidelines, and beyond them, the balconies of the Redondo Beach Sonesta Hotel jammed with viewers as well.

Sting began with tried and true favorites such “Message in a Bottle,” “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic,” and “Walking on the Moon.” It was Sting’s first performance in SoCal in some 20 years, and as such was memorable in of itself. Terrific back-up singers and big screens bursting in color and images of waves added to the fun, and while the nearly 90 minute set may have lagged a wee bit in the middle, the finish with “Roxane” and “Every Breath You Take” had the crowd singing along again.

A truly strong day of music, sunshine, and great vibes, this kid-friendly fest should be on every music lovers’ calendar. Tonight, Local Natives, DEVO, and Incubus will be rocking out; tomorrow, it will be a pleasure to see Atlas Genius and hear songs from their first new release in five years

Three-day GA and GA+ passes were listed at $399 or $549 with in and out, and VIP is available for $399 as well as single-day tickets set for $159 (GA), $229 (GA+) and $399 (VIP). If you’re looking to splurge a three-day Admirals pass starts at $995. Saturday is SOLD OUT. But Sunday is still up for grabs, and high recommends for doing so.

  • Genie Davis; photos by Jack Burke

Invertigo Dance Theatre Offers Rewarding Interior Design

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Always inventive, powerful, and intensely emotional, Invertigo Dance Theatre’s latest production, Interior Design, will be performed Saturday April 20th and Sunday April 21st at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City.  Using the vibrance of modern dance and the gift of extraordinary dancers and choreography, the production takes viewers on an interactive and deligthful journey through the relationship of a couple, as they move through moments of love, loss and transformation.  The work takes us into the world of Anna and Carlos, as they move into a new space together, where they are soon “navigating an ocean of boxes, waves of grief, tides of neighborhood drama, and the ultimate challenge in any relationship: assembling Ikea furniture.”

Artistic Director and Invertigo founder Laura Karlin choreographs in her exciting signature narrative style, as dancers
Hyosun Choi and Marco Palomino soar through an emotionally rich and kinetic narrative. The production features music by Diana Lynn Wallace and Eric Mason.

Since its inception in 2007, Invertigo Dance Theatre has presented original, dynamic, and emotional productions as well as programs that are commuinty centered and as joyous as they are interactive and inclusive.

Invertigo has created and performed more than 40 original choreographic works that invite viewers to dive deeply into the joy and wonder of dance. Along with its eclectic, mesmerizing performances Invertigo offers an inspiring community engagement program, Dancing Through Parkinson’s, which uses dance as the medium to connect and inspire those with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Invertigo productions are always a pure pleasure to watch – this weekends’ shows will be the fourth production I’ve seen from this company. The talented group offers a vital mix of dance, contemporary music, imaginative costumes and set design sure to bring a fusion of movement and magic to those fortunate enough to view the latest production.

This weekend performances take place at The Kirk Douglas Theatre, located at 9820 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA. Show times are Saturday, April 20 at 8pm and Sunday, April 21 at 5pm, and run 65 minutes without intermission.  Parking is free.

Both performances offer additional experiences: a VIP pre-show reception starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday with music, wine, hors d’oeuvres and a celebration of Invertigo’s past, present, and future productions; on Sunday,  from 3 to 4 p.m., a free workshop experience will be led by Karlin and composer Wallace, titled “A Neighborhood is an Orchestra.”  It will be followed by a meet and greet event.

Learn more about both performances and events, and purchase tickets, here.

And don’t miss the chance to view the art of dance in supple, sinuous, and superb form.

  • Genie Davis; images provided courtesy of Invertigo Dance Theatre

Carols By Candlelight – Pacific Chorale Offers Stunning Music and Setting

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Held at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach, the Pacific Chorale’s performance of Carols By Candlelight was the perfect embodiment of all that is beautiful about this holiday season.

Under the skilled guidance of artistic director and conductor Robert Istad and assistant conductor Kibsaim Escarcega, the twenty-four members of the Chorale presented a lovely, moving, and ambitious program that did not disappoint. Musical accompaniment by Jung-A Lee on the church’s magnificent organ and David Clemensen on piano were both perfect.

The 75-minute concert began with the Chorale positioned in the church center and side aisles, with the prelude “In dulci jubilo” and a medley of “Away in the Manger,” before moving to the performance space in the front of the altar.  From start to finish, the voices soared and spun their acoustic magic.

Live Performance

With the enormous organ pipes and soaring church ceiling as a backdrop, the chorale proceeded through a wonderfully varied set that included several musical choices that allowed audience sing-along on certain verses, including “The First Nowell” and “Silent Night.”

Live Performance

Among the many highlights were a delightful version of the traditional Scottish folk melody “Auld Lang Syne (1788),” featuring mezzo-soprano Emily Border, and a fabulously moving, serene piece Taylor Scott Davis’ “Solstice (2020)” followed by the haunting “Come Healing,” featuring sopranos Rebecca Hasquet and Joslyn Sarshad, mezzo-soprano Denean R. Dyson, and David Clemensen on piano.

The concluding “Dona Nobis Pacem,” featuring mezzo-soprano Stephanie Shepson and baritone Matthew Kellaway was truly memorable, soaring, emotional, and profound. The audience was appropriately reverent when listening to such a graceful rendition of a lustrous work.

While singling out these beautiful works, that is not to give short shrift to the rest of the fine program that included the joy of watching the entire program by candlelight; several works accompanied by Chorale members on guitar; and a bevy of musical works that also included Herbert Howells’ “A Spotless Rose,” a moving arrangement of “Angels We Have Heard On High” by Benjamin Harlan, Nico Muhly’s “Magnificat from First Service,” and Peter Phillips’ “Christmas motet O Beatum et Sacrosanctum Diem.” The entire program was a true delight to hear and see. The Chorale is both beautifully voiced and exudes palpable joy when performing the music.

Coming up this coming Monday the 18th, you have another quite different chance to see the Chorale perform this time a family-friendly program, Tis the Season! at Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Joining the choir for this performance will be the Southern California Children’s Chorus, members of Pacific Symphony, and The Man in Red himself, Santa Claus.

Carols By Candlight was an enormously uplifting and joyous evening of great music and visual beauty. Be sure to add this annual event to your must-do list in the future, and take in the Pacifc Chorale’s rich vocal oeuvre whenever and wherever you’re able.

  • Genie Davis; photos in gallery, Genie Davis; images throughout the story provided Courtesy of Pacific Chorale 

 

Boney Island Exudes – and Exhumes – Spooky Charm

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Skeletons tell your fortune…clever video card tricks invite you to play…optical illusions of disappearing blackbirds and mysterious snake-like rope tricks fascinate, while charming, yes charming displays of the recently departed depict fishing trips and pirate lore, cowboy life, and strange gardens.

Such is the world of Boney Island, returning after a 3-year hiatus due to Covid and relocation. Now happily positioned outdoors near the Exposition Park Rose Garden on the Natural History Museum grounds, this enchanting Halloween world is immersive, interactive, and alight with eerie illumination now through October 31.

We walked through the museum’s garden pathways at dusk and into a world that includes skeleton dinosaurs, carnival barkers, and even carnivorous plants. Both witty, amusing, and properly spooky, the attraction was originally created by Rick Polizzi, producer of The Simpsons, for his family. It was designed as a riff on the Coney Island amusement park, and over the course of 20 years, expanded from a front yard exhibit to a large-scale attraction in Griffith Park. And now, it’s found what appears to be its rightful bones – or rather, home at NHM.

The museum’s nature gardens are a great setting, allowing visitors to wind their way through various themed areas. The carnival barker/Coney Island-themed skeletal attractions are the first portion of Boney Island visitors will enjoy, and it would be just about impossible to walk through it without laughing delightedly at the illusions and tricks offered here. In a small clearing, a compact stage offers a lively information from museum staff about fiendish-looking fossils and creatures from the distant past, as well as magic shows.

Attendees will stroll among the skeleton horses and cowboys, pirates and their buried treasures in Deadwood Forest, view a skeleton orchestra in performance and the somewhat carnivorous appearing plants in Hauntington Gardens, and watch skeletal Teradactyls fishing for boney fish among the other prehistoric creatures in Prime Evil pass.

There’s also a Haunted Halloween Light Trail, and at the far end of the attraction, a large stage featuring a Haunted Mansion water and light show with musical amusements ranging from the classical to the Adams Family theme song conducted by a delightfully snarky skeleton host. And don’t forget your camera! Set pieces such as a Dias de la Muertes skull, massive pumpkins, and a tilted quarter moon are also on hand for photo ops that are perfect for the whole family.

In fact, the entire event is not only family-friendly, its adult-friendly, too. Kids will love the tricks and amusements, adults will revel in the old-time flavor, smart artisanry, and lively quips that abound.

Additionally, there are pop-up demonstrations conducted by the Natural History Museum’s Live Animals team, and a rotating selection of local food trucks and food vendors as well as the museum’s café, the Neighborhood Grill from Post & Beam, as well as both Boney Island and NHM-branded merchandise and light up toys for take-home fun.

This unique and super fun Halloween spooktacular is ticketed at $25 per person; $20 for NHM members. The event runs Thursday–Sunday, and on October 30 and 31st. Entry times are at 6 and 8 p.m.; doors open at 6 and guests are invited to stay until closing. Allow two hours to enjoy all the tricks and treats.

  • Genie Davis; photos by Genie Davis