Not an direct arranger topic, but I wanted to let you all know where I'll be this week-end

On Saturday Night, we will be at the John F. Kennedy Center for the performing arts in Washington DC

The event we are attending is the National Symphony Orchestra Pops: Happy Holidays!
Marvin Hamlish is the conductor.
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

We are lucky enough to have "Box Seats". I know what box seats are at a baseball game, but not sure of a Symphony Hall. My grandaughter said "It's where the rich people sit" Yea right..that's me NOT!

I have never been to the Kennedy Center, or anyplace similar for that matter. Has anyone ever been there? What can I expect? How about other Symphony Halls around the Country and World? How does the Kennedy Center compare to other symphony halls?

Well as you can tell, I'm excited and can't wait, as it will be something new for me.
What do I wear? ...


Happy Holidays
Larry

LA ... do it up right ... rent a limo ... go formal !!! ...
t.

It's a neat place, but parking is a premium and I highly recommend taking a cab--this is DC, the nation's crime capitol.

Enjoy yourself, but play it safe,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Jeez, I thought for a moment you were playing there :-) I would think the money's good.

Just wanted to submit a mini review on the JFK Center and the Concert.

First the JFK Center:

If you ever have a chance to go, don't pass it up. You don't need a ticket to any of the venues to take in the view of this magnificent building. One is free to walk the flag red carpeted floors of the spectacular lobby, with the 60'(est.) ceilings and nearly as high windows with drapes that hang ceiling to floor. Un- believable.

The site of the Kennedy Bust is quite remarkable in that if you stand close to the sculpture, it appears to be a mass of "nothing". But stand back 10" feet or so, and the unmistakable face of John is exactly as I remembered him. Really cool.

The building sits along the famous Patomic River, and is just the most impressive site viewed from the Exterior as the Interior.
I could have spent more time marveling at this building, but we were pressed for time for the Concert with Conductor Marvin Hamlish...

The Concert

Starting out with Jingle Bells. Jingle Bells as I have never heard it played. The flow of the song was incredible, and hard to describe, except, it was a haunting beautiful rendition of this alltime Christmas song.

The 2 hour concert featured a "childrens choir", special guests included Santa, who was actually a world famous tenor, who sang perfectly, despite the beard and costume. During the year he sings Opera, but sets aside a few days to perform for this special Christmas Pops at JFK. His interaction with the kids in attendance was amusing to all.

The orchestra was outstanding and the surprise performers were all very entertaining, but in my mind the highlight of the evening was the the Violin Soloist.
She was a petitie gal who maybe was 80 pounds. She started playing Violin at the age of 4! She seems to be in her mid 20's now, is is already considered a World Class violinist. I couldn't begin to describe her rendition of Ava Maria. It brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful! She recieved a standing ovation.

There was so much more, but I just wanted to share a bit with you all our special night.

With the JFK Center, the concert, and the dinner at Blacky's, all courtosy of my brother-in-law, my wife and I felt like King and Queen for a night. In the box seats overlooking the orhestra, for a few hours we lived like only a select few can.

It was a night We'll never forget..


Larry Hawk

Larry,

sounds like you folks had an incredible evening on the town. Great report of the festivities and if you ever have the opportunity, take the time to visit the Smithsonian Institute--it's beyond your wildest imagination.

Cheers,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Larry ... so glad you had what was obviously a GREAT time ...
Good for both of you ...
t.
Washington DC is a tourist's dream ... there is sooooo much to see ... I have no idea how long it would take to REALLY see the Smithsonian ....
t.

Larry,

Awesome review. I'm so jelous. It must be coold to be in our nations capital during the holidays.

I've had the good fortune of seeing the Boston Pops perform a Holiday Concert at West Point in New York. There is nothing like a huge orchestra performing Christmas songs to really get you in the holiday spirit. This same can be said for the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City in New York. The Nativity Scene during this show will give you goose bumps with the music, lighting, real animals; I get chills just thinking about it.