My first trip to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

I’m pretty good with surprises. Though, by the time surprise time actually rolls around, I’m usually more excited about the surprise than the person who the surprise is for.

THAT SAID, I surprised Eric with a trip to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for his birthday.  Saturday evening, we got all dressed up and headed downtown.

Eric is a big fan of classical music, particuarly Mozart, and the Symphony has long been one of those things on our grand list of “Things we still need to do in Chicago.”  Without tooting my own horn (music joke, get it?) I have to say he was delighted with his surprise outing.

The program was conducted by Nicholas Kraemer, and consisted of four pieces -

1. Mozart – Selections from Divertimento in D Major.

2. Haydn – Symphony No. 88 in G Major.

3. Telemann – Selections from Tafelmusik II

4. Strauss – Metamorphosen

Though I enjoyed all the pieces, I have to say the Haydn Symphony was probably my favorite. I’ve been exposed to so much classical music in my life (Hello, I’m a two-summer Interlochen brat, which equates to probably over 20 concerts per summer) and have always found myself enjoying Haydn’s pieces tremendously. Maybe he’s my favorite composer, who knows?

The Strauss piece that concluded the evening was for twenty three solo strings, and was intense. For twenty-six minutes, the string players performed their hearts out and the music was stirring. Did it seem out of place with the other three pieces performed that evening? Yes. Was it emotionally stirring? Absolutely.

If you live in Chicago, and haven’t yet been to the Symphony, I think it’s something you should try. It’s not particularly expensive (at least as far as downtown entertainment goes – I got two second-row seats for less than one Orchestra seat at Jersey Boys) and it’s a pleasure to be surrounded by audience members who get it. These kind people took to heart the whole “turn off your cell phones and don’t talk during the performance” thing, and I have to say I appreciated it. Orchestra Hall is also simply beautiful, and I doubt there’s a bad seat in the house.

And – interesting tidbit – there are free cough drops available all over the lobby for those patrons who feel a cough coming on. Who knew?

It’s a classy way to spend an evening. I’d love to go back. (And since they’re doing some free concerts in the spring as well as  a Beethoven fest in June, I likely will.)

Classical music, for the win!

this holiday season

This holiday season seems more joyous than any I can remember. Maybe it’s because I’m engaged to a man I love, and settling into a happy domestic-ness. Who knows?

Below are my recommendations for your new favorite holiday things.

Enjoy.

Christopher Moore’s books bring me more joy than any other writer I can think of off the top of my head (though maybe Stephen King would rank high as well?) Moore’s crazy, anything-goes, writing style never fails to make me laugh, and The Stupidest Angel is one of the funniest books of his collection. It’s really a game of “the gang’s all here” from Moore’s other books, as the inhabitants of Pine Cove face a crazy Christmas season.  Theo Crowe, Molly Michon, Mavis the bartender, Tucker Case (and Roberto).. all are present as things get out of control. There’s murder, sex, angels, zombies, earthworm kings, mental breakdowns – all the things Moore holds near and dear. It’s a complete joy of a read, and I daresay it’ll be a holiday tradition of mine for years to come.

I don’t usually go for “holiday” music, as I sometimes find it a bit too… (forgive me) Jesus-y? So I was pleased as punch when I stumbled upon Tori Amos’ “holiday” album, Midwinter Graces. I use “holiday” loosely, as Tori is decidedly NOT going to deliver standard versions of religious holiday favorites. It’s lush and lovely, as she puts her own spin on familiar songs.  The highlights for me are “Star of Wonder,” “A Silent Night with you,” “Jeanette, Isabella,” and “Harps of Gold,” but I really don’t think there’s a disappointing track on the album.

Sam Adams Winter Lager is simply delicious. No joke. It tastes like Christmas, or Solstice, or whatever you celebrate. (I’ve no idea if it tastes like Hannukah, though I hope it does.;))

What are YOU enjoying this holiday season?

Flashback!

Erin Creighton and I performing “Bali Hai” at Davenports Piano Bar.

I’m much thinner now. But it’s still a fond memory.

Stephen Gately, RIP

While in high school, I was a pop music fanatic. It’s time to come totally clean about something that probably makes me totally uncool, but I don’t really care. I was head over heels for Swedish-produced dance pop along the lines of NSYNC, Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, etc, etc, etc… The American record companies were churning out pop acts as fast as they could to keep up with the appetites of young female consumers like me.

As I am a curious girl, my pop-loving wandering eyes ventured across the pond to European popstars. That’s where I discovered Five, Billie Piper (who FYI Is proving herself a better actress than she ever was a singer – I’m watching “Doctor Who” at present and she’s just grand!) and, the motherload of successful UK boybands, Boyzone.

Yes, it’s the dumbest name of a group ever.

But, they weren’t half-bad. I’m not saying they were genius, and they were obviously assembled by a studio looking for five photogenic young dudes to make cash off, but their singles didn’t suck and they were charming enough.

When I got back from my trip to Michigan this weekend, I learned that Stephen Gately, one of the Boyzone five, had died tragically – and mysteriously (cause of death still unknown) while on his own vacation, and it made me really sad.

Boyzone was not a collection of five great singers. Hardly. Ronan Keating has an interesting voice, but it was Stephen who could really belt it out. After Boyzone’s “break-up,” He proved himself in West End musicals and with a solo career.

He’s also the brave young man who came out at a time when everyone assumed that, as a member of a boyband, being gay would end your career. It didn’t. In fact, it made Stephen’s fans even more adoring than before.

(Stephen’s debut solo single – “New Beginning”)

(Stephen performing “Bright Eyes” live at the Point in 2000.)

The TingTings @ Metro

Oh, how I love music sometimes.

Eric introduced me to The Ting Tings a few months back as a band I would likely enjoy running to, and he was really super right about that. So, when we heard they were coming to Chicago for a show at the Metro on 4/5 – 6 days before my birthday – of course tickets were obtained.

FYI for those over .. 24? College.. whatever? An “All ages” show means that there are literally all ages.  From the middle-aged “Moms” in the front row dancing their fool heads off to the young kids leaning over the balcony with their parents (the kids were maybe 12.. probably younger) there was a very interesting vibe to the whole room. Lots of young teens, many of whom were clearly of the belief that they were the single most important person who had ever lived.

The opening act was called HOTTUB, which – according to the online research I found – is a “female rap trio from Oakland, California.”  Um, yeah. Basically, they appeared to be three bratty teenage girls drunk and/or high jumping around (and falling a lot) on the stage and yelling indistinguishable lyrics. Along with them was a young man who basically just danced wildly and kept jumping into the audience and onto people – including us at one point. I mean, I get that music is about energy, but looking around the venue, most of the audience (other than a few members singled out as being cousins of one of the members) weren’t feeling the energy and looked rather annoyed. Perhaps it’s because we weren’t all wasted.  For an all-ages show, they had songs called “Manbitch” and a song I’m guessing it called “This s%$t is f%$#$%g bomb.” Like I said, I couldn’t make out a single word.

Saving the day the second they hit the stage, The Ting Tings themselves put on an awesome show, performing songs from their debut album “We started nothing.” There are only two members of the band, but it feels like ten.  Katie White (the lead singer, who also plays guitar, keyboards, and drums and cowbell when needed) trots onto the stage looking like Sharpay from High School Musical, but with ever so much more grit and class, she’s a delight to watch. And Jules DeMartino (drums, guitars, vocals, everything else) keeps up with her every step of the way.  They played a good chunk of their album, as well as sampling some classics – “Walk this way” among others. It was a high-energy show, and they erased the memory of their appalling opening act by the end of their first song.

Check out The Ting Tings – their music is infectious.

True Colors – videos!

“True Colors” – Cyndi Lauper, Rosie O’Donnell, The Cliks, Tegan and Sarah, White Tie Affair, The B52’s and other band members.

True Colors Tour @ Chicago Theater

This was the gayest concert ever – and I mean that as the highest possible compliment. True Colors, the tour, was founded by Cyndi Lauper last year as a way to get out information and celebrate Unity, Diversity, and Equality. Being Cyndi Lauper, she was able to arrange a great line-up of acts, and this year True Colors returned again to bring a big colorful message of unity and celebration.

The Host: Carson Kressley. Who I expected to be mildly amusing, but was actually tremendously funny and campy and wonderful.

The Acts:

1. White Tie Affair – Chicago band, made up of five dark-haired little cuties. Brent and I dubbed them “Like Fall Out Boy, without the sucking and Ashlee Simpson connection.” We really dug them, and met the perky as can be lead singer post-shot briefly. Check them out.

2. The Cliks – We weren’t really sure who they were, but the lesbians all around us sure seemed to know and liked them a lot. They were really good – particulary their cover of Justin Timberlake’s “Cry me a river.”

3. Tegan and Sarah – Win the award for best banter, seriously. They’re so sisters. Adorable little Canadian pop/rock duo. Loved them.

4. Rosie O’Donnell – Did a mini-stand up routine which actually had some sweet and serious moments, and almost made me cry a little bit. She’s really truly a great speaker and endearing presence – and funny as hell.

5. The B-52s – I have loved this band on albums and singles for forever, but never seen them live, and it was interesting. They’re energetic and new wavey, and sound great and got people dancing, but .. it was a little like watching your parents dance. I don’t know if that’s positive. Love the new single “Juliet of the Spirits,” though.

6. Cyndi Lauper – Let’s take a moment here and pause and bow down. Because none of us are worthy. Cyndi was amazing, the showstopper, the highlight, and the best part of the show. She did tracks from her new album “Bring ya to the Brink” as well as some crowd-pleasing favorites like “She-Bop,” “Time after Time,” “I drove all night,” AND was joined onstage by Rosie for a lively version of “Girls just wanna have fun.” She still sounds exactly as amazing as she did back in the day, has tons of energy, and rambles her banter like a crazy woman. All in all, it’s a glorious effect.

For the grand finale, all the acts came back onstage and sang “Everyday people” and Lauper’s “True Colors,” which was touching and lovely. (Video to come soon..)

What a great and entertaining evening.

Check it out.

http://truecolorstour.com/

True Colors

Summer has begun.

I just bought tickets to the True Colors 2008 tour stop in Chicago.

Cyndi Lauper, The B-52s, The Cliks, Tegan and Sara, Rosie O’Donnell, and your special guest host…Carson Kressley.

Whee!

SCREAM!

I am a giant ball of stress right now. Like, stress that hurts. I might scream.

On that note – enjoy some Jacksons.

ituned in.

So, according to my ipod… my top played songs are:

*REHAB, Amy Winehouse
*SO SMALL, Carrie Underwood
*ITS YOUR WEDDING DAY, The Wedding Singer Broadway Cast
*THE LAST REAL RECORD STORE ON EARTH, High Fidelity Broadway Cast
*RADAR, Britney Spears
*ONE HEAVY FEBRUARY, Architecture in Helsinki
*STAY WITH YOU, Goo Goo Dolls
*LOST HIGHWAY, Bon Jovi
*HOW FAR WE’VE COME, Matchbox Twenty
*THEME TO THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

I don’t think there’s any question that my musical tastes are eclectic.