What a beautiful and contemporary venue, and just a block in-between Wilshire and Santa Monica...who knew? Not me -- I've never seen it before. Pronounced "Brode", it has free parking, too. That's a nice first impression as compared to anywhere else you'll go to see a performance, let alone, grabbing a coffee anywhere in Santa Monica for that matter.
Outside: wood, metal, glass [http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/FRxImtYRRorEfXBWq9MYHQ?select=RVe0DQNzQzxMj0iaFkbjHg#RVe0DQNzQzxMj0iaFkbjHg]. Inside: a narrow lobby the width of the theater, with a small amount of appropriate books and CD's to fit the night. A small bar with coffee, tea, soft drinks, casual snacks, and then offset with a barrel of cheese with crackers ($8, feed a family).
On March 22, an event promoted by Westside Connections "2" with, none other than, special guest Jonathan Gold. I was most excited!
Billed as "The Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic joins concertmaster Margaret Batjer, who both curates and hosts the series, for an evening of delectable music and conversation." Food and music, together in one night? Actually, it was a 3-week series...I just missed the other two! Honestly, this combination of music and food together, is the most sweetest and tastiest as it's gonna get!
The Performers:
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Elissa Johnston, soprano; Timothy Andres, piano; Margaret Batjer, violin; Allan Vogel, oboe; Armen Ksajikian, cello; Patricia Mabee, organ; Jeffrey Kahane, piano; Sarah Thornblade, violin; Roland Kato, viola; Joshua Ranz, clarinet; David Everson, horn
The Program:
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* Bach "Ich esse mit Freuden" ("I eat with joy"), from Cantata No. 84
* Bernstein La Bonne Cuisine-Four Recipes for Voice and Piano
* William Bolcom Lime Jello Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise
* Timothy Andres Sorbet
* Dohnányi Sextet in C major for Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Clarinet and Horn, Op. 37
I don't think I've seen "Chamber Music" live before. It's romantic, and this venue is perfect for it. I loved it. And, this my friends, features AMAZING talent.
The seating area:
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Stunning. A perfect 499 capacity, it's intimate. With its amazing sound, and it is truly a wonderful place to see a musical performance. Having 3rd row tickets, center, didn't hurt my impression. Plus, it has the most beautiful wood floor [http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/FRxImtYRRorEfXBWq9MYHQ?select=RVe0DQNzQzxMj0iaFkbjHg#PhxjsuZSb_nq5ZXidf7XgQ].
Post-Performance:
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A Q&A with Jonathan Gold, Margaret Batjer (Violinist, Host), Jeffrey Kahane (LACO Music Director), it was really fun as they discussed, and answered questions on the idea of a themed night (such as this), and the love of both food and writing. [http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/FRxImtYRRorEfXBWq9MYHQ?select=RVe0DQNzQzxMj0iaFkbjHg#MmN1qpG224QxOeq72DpN2g]
I got a chance to meet Mr. Gold, tell him how much I appreciate and enjoy his writing, and had him endorse his new book, Counter Intelligence: Where to eat in the Real Los Angeles", he signed it "Tacos Forever, Jonathan Gold." Yep, love this guy.
Conclusion:
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I can't wait to go back! Encore! Encore! read more