Sawyer Brown fills Starlight Bowl with new and favorite releases
48 HOURS
Sawyer Brown’s program at Sunday’s Starlight Bowl concert will be a
creative mix of its country hits along with songs from its CD “I’ll
Be Around,” released this week, said keyboard player Gregg Hubbard.
From the upbeat “Step That Step” and “Betty’s Bein’ Bad” to the
thought-provoking “Used to Blue,” the group has endeared itself to
fans since its chart debut in 1984 with “Leona.” Many of its songs
have reached the Top 5 on the country charts, and the band was named
Top Vocal Group by the Academy of Country Music.
When deciding what songs to play, Hubbard said, they kick around a
few selections during the sound check before the show. Not such a
chore as four of the five guys have been with the group for 21 years.
The fifth member has been with them for 11.
“It’s been a great ride from pretty early on,” Hubbard said. “If
you don’t take yourself so seriously.”
The band’s longevity, he said, is attributed to the band members
focusing more on what really matters -- performing great live shows
and doing solid work in the studio and leaving egos by the wayside.
With performing live comes the opportunity for the unexpected. One
of the funnier incidents was when Hubbard’s keyboard stand broke,
sending the keyboard out into the audience.
Over the years, the group has answered some pretty unusual
requests. Topping that list was the time a fan mailed them a toilet
seat to autograph.
Hubbard said, no questions asked, they signed it and mailed it
back.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking, and the concert begins at
6:30. Tickets at the gate are $7, $4 for seniors 60 and older, $4 for
children 3 to 12 and free for children 2 and younger. Parking is $5.
The Starlight Bowl is at 1249 Lockheed View Drive in Burbank. For
more information, call 525-3721 or visit the Web site
www.StarlightBowl.com.
SPECIAL EVENTS
JAMES INTVELD JOINS CRUISE NIGHT LINEUP
James Intveld will feel right at home performing tonight during
the Cruise Night in Glendale.
“I grew up around cars and motorcycles,” he said. “I have had
classic cars, a 1951 Chevy pick-up, a 1946 Indian Chief motorcycle. I
love all that stuff, but in order to buy a house, I had to sell the
stuff.”
Intveld bought a home in Burbank four years ago. His hobbies, he
said, have taken a back seat because of his busy music tour schedule
and his acting career.
Last year, he went to New Zealand and Holland and returned two
months ago on a music tour to Norway.
The singer/songwriter says his more popular songs are based on
heartbreak.
“I’ve been burned a lot,” he said. “The songs reflect the feelings
I have. A lot of my stuff hits those kind of places.”
But other songs have been uplifting for other fans, he said. The
highest compliment he received was from a couple on his “Wild
Places.”
“They told me, ‘We met at one of your gigs and for our wedding
song we played “Wild Places.” You brought us together,’ ” he said.
His acting career is reaching new heights as this weekend he
begins shooting for the new film, “Panic in Motion,” starring Dick
Valentine.
Fans can catch his show tonight at the city of Glendale’s 10th
annual “Cruise Night” from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. along Brand Boulevard
from Broadway to Doran.
Car collectors will be showing their pre-1973 classic cars and hot
rods.
A retro 1960s California surf band, The Torquays, perform at 5:30
p.m. followed by Intveld at 7 p.m. on the stage at the corner of
Brand and Wilson Avenue. Jan and Dean, whose hits include “Dead Man’s
Curve” and “Barbara Ann,” are the headliners and take the stage at 9
p.m. This is one of the final concerts of their 2003 farewell tour.
For more information, call 548-6464.
MUSICIAN SHARES HER JOY AT POPS CONCERT
Karen Han is having major success playing her unique instrument,
the Er-Hu, for films like “The Joy Luck Club,” but her most cherished
accom- plishment was to play for families of soldiers serving in
Iraq.
“I was the first Asian American to visit a U.S. Army base in
Germany, in May,” she said. “I gave them a speech and I performed. I
wanted to show them how much we support them.”
She also visited the schools and played for the students.
“It was so emotional to be there, while our men are in Iraq
fighting,” she said.
She will be a featured soloist for the “Fit for a King” concert
tonight performed by the Pasadena Pops Orchestra at Descanso Gardens
in La Canada Flintridge.
Han began her early study of the Er-Hu with her father, who also
plays it. She originally wanted to become a singer and dancer, but
her father told her playing a musical instrument would be a more
enduring career choice.
Her work is featured on “The Last Emperor,” which won an Oscar for
Best Original Music.
The Er-Hu has a haunting quality that prompts a lot of emotion
from its listeners, she said.
“It makes a lot of people, male or female fans, have goose bumps,”
she said. “And brings tears to some. It touches the deepest feelings
of people’s hearts.”
Music Director Rachael Worby will conduct the orchestra in
selections from “Anna and the King,” “King Lear,” “King Kong,”
“Excalibur,” “The Lion King” and others. The highlight of the evening
is a performance by “King of Rock” Elvis impersonator Raymond
Michael.
Sha Wang will be the piano soloist, and the Occidental-Foothill
Master Chorale, directed by Jeffrey Bernstein, will sing.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking. The concert is at 7:30.
Tickets range from $19 to $55. For reservations, call (626)
792-7677. Descanso Gardens is at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada
Flintridge.
CRAFTS FAIR HIGHLIGHT OF BOOK SALE
The Associates of the Brand Library and Art Center in Glendale is
sponsoring an Arts & Crafts Fair along with the Annual Book and Music
Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.
Original works by some 20 local artisans will be on sale,
including ceramics, jewelry, glasswork and handmade textiles.
Admission and parking are free. Meyer Coffee Company of Kenneth
Village will sell refreshments during the show.
Brand Library is in Brand Park, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale.
Twenty-five percent of the proceeds go to events sponsored by The
Associates. For more information, call 548-2051.
ROAD’ERS CAR CLUB HAS MEMBERS NIGHT
The Road’ers Car Club will host its monthly Cruise In from 6 to 9
tonight at Bob’s Big Boy, 1407 W. Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale.
This is Road’ers Night and club members get to participate in the
raffles and the 50/50 opportunity drawing and are eligible to receive
trophies in the car show. D.J. Jim will be playing all the great
oldies-but-goodies. All classic, hot rod and muscle cars can compete,
and eight trophies will be awarded to the top cars in their
categories.
For more information, call Rick Fox at 240-9461.
HAWAIIAN MUSIC PLAYED AT DESCANSO
Music of Hawaii will be performed by George Kahumoku Jr. at 2 p.m.
Sunday at Descanso Gardens. Kahumoku’s music, played on a slack-key
guitar, generates the sound of many guitars from one.
This is one of six Sunday concerts playing “Music of America” at
the gardens. The concerts continue through July 27, and are free
with gardens admission.
Descanso Gardens is at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge.
The gardens are open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Parking is free.
Admission fees are $6 for adults; $4 for seniors and students; $1.50
for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children younger than
5. For information, call 949-4200.
ACTION/REACTION THEATER RETURNS TO BRAND PARK
As part of its third annual summer season, the Action/Reaction
Theater Company presents the musical comedy “The Fantasticks,” with
book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, at 7:30
tonight in Brand Park in Glendale.
When it closed in New York in 2002, “The Fantasticks” set a record
as the world’s longest-running musical with more than 17,000
performances spanning a 42-year run. Beyond New York, “The
Fantasticks” has played in every state of the U.S., as well as 67
countries. With memorable songs such as “Try to Remember,” the
musical tells a story involving two fathers who instigate a mock feud
to inspire their children to fall in love.
The company will also produce Paul Osborn’s romantic comedy “The
Vinegar Tree,” at 7:30 p.m. July 25 and 26 and Aug. 1 and 2.
Admission is free, however, due to budgetary constraints, a $10
donation would be gratefully received.
Michael Holmes directs the Equity productions, with musical
direction by Ghadi Shayban, choreography by Alex Pevic and costumes
by Don Nelson. Brand Park is at 1601 W. Mountain S., Glendale.
Productions are staged in front of the historic Doctor’s House
Museum. Guests are welcome to bring picnics and refreshments. For
preferred seating and more information, call 786-1045.
‘THE JOURNEY’ CONTINUES AT GLENDALE CINEMAS
“The Journey,” winner of the Audience Choice Award at the Milan
International Film Festival, is being shown at the Glendale Cinemas,
501 N. Orange St., Glendale.
It is directed by Edwin Avaness and Emy Hovanesyan. It stars Sona
Tatoyan as Eve, a photojournalist assigned to document the 1991
independence movement of Armenia.
For more information, visit www.evesjourney.com.
OPEN HOUSE AT CASA ADOBE DE SAN RAFAEL
Members of Glendale Beautiful are sponsoring an open house with
free tours from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Casa Adobe de San Rafael, 1330
Dorothy Drive, Glendale.
Glendale Beautiful members maintain the state historic landmark,
which was built in 1870 for Tomas Sanchez, the first sheriff of L.A.
County. The adobe contains period furnishings and historic artifacts
and photographs.
The Casa Adobe also will be open July 27. For more information,
call 246-3634.
ON STAGE
‘TONS OF MONEY’ AT CENTRE THEATRE
Alan Ayckbourn’s “Tons of Money” is in its opening weekend at
Glendale Centre Theatre. It is directed by Burbank resident George
Strattan.
Tickets range from $14 to $17. For reservations, call 244-8481.
Glendale Centre Theatre is at 324 N. Orange St., Glendale.
AGA-BOOM PROMOTING LAUGHS AT FALCON
The Falcon Theatre kicks off its new annual Falcon Family Summer
Theatre series with the comedy “AGA-BOOM.”
From the veteran clowns of Cirque du Soleil’s record- breaking
shows, “O” and “Alegria,” “AGA-BOOM” is a unique theatrical event for
the family. Rooted in the unique style and universal language of
clowning, “AGA-BOOM” cuts through the barriers of language and
culture with the art of slapstick, the humor of physical comedy and
the excitement of childhood.
Performances are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 4 to 7
p.m. Sundays through Aug. 24. Tickets are from $15 to $25. The Falcon
is at 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank. For reservations, call 955-8101.
ALLIANCE REPERTORY COMPANY PRESENTS ‘HOSTAGE’
The Alliance Repertory Company is presenting “The Hostage,”
written by Brendan Behan, directed by Stephanie Shroyer and starring
Morlan Higgins.
A handsome British soldier captured by the IRA will be used as
exchange for the release of an IRA soldier condemned to be hanged the
next morning. He is taken to a rowdy house of ill repute and is
introduced to song, drink, dance and love by this hilarious group of
bawdy boarders. But it’s only a matter of time before the world
outside catches up with the life inside.
Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m.
Sundays through July 27. Ticket prices are $20. For reservations,
call (800) 595-4849. The Alliance Theatre is at 3204 W. Magnolia
Blvd. in Burbank.
‘RAPUNZEL’ CONTINUES AT THE FALCON THEATRE
“Rapunzel,” written by Lori Marshall and directed by Joseph Leo
Bwarie, is continuing at The Falcon Theatre in Burbank.
Based on the classic fairy tale of love and deception by the
Brothers Grimm, Rapunzel and friends look high and low for happiness
in a magical forest, only to find that it was right in front of them
all along.
Performances are 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays through
Sept. 7. Tickets are $10. The Falcon is at 4252 Riverside Drive,
Burbank. For reservations, call 955-8101.
ART EXHIBITS
PENELOPE’S CAFE DISPLAYS ART
Penelope’s Cafe Books and Gallery is showing Jim Jordan’s
landscape photography and George Cook’s nature photography until July
29.
Penelope’s Cafe is at 1029 Foothill Blvd. La Canada Flintridge.
For information, call 790-4386.
SETSU DISPLAYS ‘PORTRAITS AND PANORAMAS’
The Art of Japanese American artist Setsu is featured at The
Forest Lawn Museum in Forest Lawn, Glendale through Aug. 3.
“The Art of Setsu Portraits and Panoramas” represents the journey
one has on the path of life as well as experiences that touch the
lives of Angelenos each in a unique and personal way. Setsu
specializes in portraits capturing the story her subjects have to
tell and reflecting on her experiences as a Japanese American
citizen. All of her paintings bring together the influence she has
felt, from her background to the painting styles of Van Gogh and
Renoir.
The exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Aug. 3.
Forest Lawn Museum is at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, 1712 S.
Glendale Ave. Admission is free. For more information, call (800)
204-3131, ext. 4545.
ARTISTS SHOW AT DESCANSO GARDENS
Nature, seen through the eyes and in the works of four artists,
will adorn the walls of the Boddy House Gallery at Descanso Gardens
in La Canada Flintridge through July 31.
John Drake exhibits a collection of one-of-a-kind ceramics and
clay bowls.
Chris Hogan shows gourds decorated with all-natural materials and
designs reflective of pre-pottery vessels used for centuries for
utility and ceremony.
Kendra Page, named 2002 Artist of the Year by the Verdugo Hills
Art Assn., will exhibit oil paintings of the California landscape.
Patricia A. Wiley displays still life and florals in vibrant hues
of watercolor.
Many artists who exhibit also bring reproductions, greeting cards,
boxes and other items featuring the images of the originals. All are
available for purchase.
The Boddy House Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and
accessible by foot path or, in the afternoons, by tram. Admission is
free with admission to the Gardens.
Descanso Gardens is at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Parking is free. Admission fees
are $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and students; $1 for children 5 to
12, and free for members and children younger than 5. For more
information, call 949-4200.
POTTERY ARTIST SHOWS AT ARTS CENTER
“Then & Now,” an exhibit of works by award-winning ceramicist
Ricky Maldonado, are on display throughout July at the Creative Arts
Center Gallery in Burbank.
Maldonaldo, a master coil builder and multiple-award winner, is
known for his geometrically detailed pottery. His work is included in
many public and private collections and has been shown in numerous
publications, including “Ceramics Monthly.” He is also this year’s
recipient of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts,
Emerging Artists.
Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday
through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
The Creative Arts Center is at 1100 W. Clark Ave., Burbank.
For more information, call 238-5397.
PORTRAIT ARTIST SHOWING AT LIBRARY
A retrospective exhibit by Mary Heussenstamm is on display through
July 31 at the La Canada Library, 4545 Oakwood Ave., La Canada
Flintridge.
A resident of La Crescenta, Heussenstamm is known mainly for her
watercolor portraits, but the exhibit includes papier-mache masks,
collages and still lifes never seen by the public.
For more information, call 790-3330.
ABSTRACT PAINTINGS SUBJECT OF ART DISPLAY
Abstract paintings by Armenian artist Alexander Sadoyan are being
shown at Patrick’s Cafe in Glendale.
The exhibit continues through July 31. Patrick’s Cafe is at 6320
San Fernando Road in Glendale. For information, call 246-8170.
A LITTLE JAZZ WITH DINNER
RESTAURANT OFFERS MUSIC FROM ‘20s, ‘30s, ‘40s
The Oceanview Bar and Grill offers live entertainment six nights a
week for diners.
Entertainers perform a combination of piano and jazz guitar
pieces, and some accompany with vocals. Musical selections include a
mix of music from the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s to opera to Celine Dion.
Some entertainers also perform their original pieces and invite
diners to sing along with them.
Jennifer Russell and Michael Gayle sing jazz while playing piano
and guitar from 7 to 10 tonight. Singing behind the piano the rest of
the week are Bill Howe on Monday; Travis Warren, Tuesday; Mary Ekler,
Wednesday; Alexandra Caselli, Thursday; and Bob Fetherolf, Friday.
The Oceanview Bar and Grill is at 3826 Ocean View Blvd., Montrose.
For more information, call 248-2722.
JAX OFFERS SUPPER, JAZZ EVERY NIGHT
Jax Bar and Grill is a supper club offering live jazz every night
of the week.
Show times are 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 p.m.
to 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Sunday. Happy Hour Jazz is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through
Saturday.
Tonight, the spotlight shines on the Laurie Melan Quartet. Preston
Smith & the Crocodiles perform Sunday. The schedule for the week is
Lloyd Hebert Trio on Monday; Bruce Lofgren Trio on Tuesday; Benn
Clatworthy on Wednesday, Jack Sheldon on Thursday; and Karen
Hernandez Quartet on Friday.
Jax is at 339 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. For more information, call
500-1604.
* If you have press releases for the 48 Hours column, please call
JOYCE RUDOLPH at 637-3241 or e-mail joyce.rudolph@latimes.com or fax
them to 241-1975.