Now is the time most of us begin to think about all the things we are thankful for and reflect back upon the past year that is now coming to a close. Did we spend enough time with our family? Did we show enough gratitude to the people we work with or serve us each day through the year? As we look back upon the year, one hopes that our souls were also served in a positive way with artistic events that seemed to be flourishing in Culver City and throughout the Westside.
Living in a fast-paced metropolis can take its toll on us emotionally and physically, but there are many positive aspects that come along with it that cannot be found in many other locations. One of those positives is the abundance of cultural events going on in close environs. As you look back upon this year, I hope you’ve taken the time to take advantage of at least some of the artistic events that have taken place in our community.
If you haven’t, you still have a few more chances before the year is over. One such event is the CD-release party for independent artist and singer/songwriter Yael Mayer, happening on Thursday, Dec. 8. Mayer’s angelic soprano vocals, along with deft production and strong, melodic songwriting skills make for a very pleasant combination that should make for a great night out.
Mayer was born in Santiago, Chile and moved to the United States when she was 19. She studied classical piano from the age of five and in 2000, received a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music. She then started collaborating with other songwriters and on this current record, worked with noted producer Bill Lefler, who has worked with Ingrid Michaelson, Miranda Cosgrove and Avril Lavigne.
The release party will take place at the Blythe Projects art gallery in Culver City, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the music starting at 8 p.m. Mayer will perform with her full band. The event is open to all ages and it’s recommended that you RSVP to Dani@yaelmusic.com. Blythe Gallery is at 5797 Washington Blvd.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is getting ready to deck the halls this holiday season with some inspiring musical events in the next couple weeks. On Dec. 19, the Klezmatics make their way to downtown L.A., mixing Jewish tradition with eclectic influences like gospel, jazz and Arab, African and Balkan influences. On Dec. 20, the L.A. Phil presents A Swingin’ Christmas with jazz guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli and his wife, actress/singer Jessica Molaskey.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will present a free chamber music concert this Sunday, Dec. 11, featuring the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra. The show takes place at 6 p.m. at the museum’s Bing Theater and requires no reservations.
The folks at Typhoon Restaurant at the Santa Monica Airport are getting ready to take off on a very jazzy December. On Monday, Dec. 12, the Emil Richards Big Band will hold forth with their innovative and swinging charts in a big band setting. Vibes master Richards has played with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Nat King Cole over his long career and continues to surround himself with top-notch musicians. The cover charge is $10 and music starts at 8 p.m.
For those who weren’t lucky enough to see Poncho Sanchez close out the Culver City Summer Concert Series, you’ll have another chance on Dec. 20, when he brings his stellar Latin jazz lineup to Typhoon. Poncho is a Los Angeles- and world-renowned conga master, who came up under the tutelage of vibes king Cal Tjader back in 1975. The cover is $20 – a bargain to see Poncho in this kind of intimate beautiful setting, so don’t miss your chance. Kudos to Typhoon owner Brian Vidor, who continues to keep jazz alive on the Westside. For more information on the concert series, go to typhoon.biz/.
Jonathan Weiss is a Los Angeles-based music supervisor for film, TV and advertising. Email him at jonjaz@aol.com.
