The Valley Line: La Cañada family chairs this summer’s Hollywood Bowl opening
It was a welcome return to summer evenings under the stars when the Hollywood Bowl recently opened its 96th season with a concert featuring the Moody Blues.
I, for one, will never forget what I believe are the band’s greatest hits, “Tuesday Afternoon,” “Nights in White Satin,” “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band.)”
This British group set the music world on fire during the 1960s and they have never stopped. On opening night, the group presented their landmark album, “Days of Future Passed” in its entirety alongside the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, led by principal conductor Thomas Wilkins. It was a celebration of the album’s 50th anniversary.
The evening also included a special performance with members of YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), the L.A. Philharmonic’s initiative to provide access to free, high-quality instrumental and orchestral education to promote youth development.
The opening night at the Hollywood Bowl benefit concert raised more than $1.5 million for the Philharmonic’s many educational and community programs. This is the largest figure raised at opening night, quite a feather in their cap, I would say.
La Cañadans Doug Martinet, his wife Teena Hostavich and their son Michael were opening-night committee chairs.
Prior to the concert, patrons attended a VIP cocktail reception in the box office terrace, above the newly renovated Bowl’s main plaza.
Guests took advantage of special photo opportunities provided by opening-night title sponsor Kaiser Permanente.
Following the reception, patrons enjoyed dinner served in their boxes. The table décor featured a crisp look this year: white and khaki linens, with splashes of rosemary, mint and lavender as the centerpieces, inspired by Kaiser Permanente’s healthy-eating initiatives.
The Lucques Group designed a custom menu that featured a first course plate of fava bean and chickpea hummus with zatar lavash, spiced carrot salad and labneh with olive oil, parsley and three seeds. The main course of Moroccan Chicken Tagine was complemented by saffron cous cous, harrisa, apricots and toasted almonds. The dessert course offered a bittersweet chocolate torta with mascarpone and caramel hazelnuts. Wine for the evening was provided by Winc, official wines of the Hollywood Bowl.
It was a beautiful evening that concluded with fireworks bursting above the stage — always an exciting end to a concert.
JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.