Stepping into the Pico Union Project space in Los Angeles, CA is like walking into a church, where pews for seats are flanked by stained-glass windows, and the long, large metal pipes of the organ in the gallery loom over the small stage. Originally built as a synagogue in 1909, the space was maintained by the Welsh Presbyterian Church until 2011, when it was passed on to the Jewish Historical Society. In 2013, it was founded by Craig Taubman as a multicultural center and house of faith. On the night of Thursday, March 14, 2019, the faithful fans of Rhett
Tag: singer
Saturday Night’s Alright – Elton John
One living legend. A bucket list experience. A space bursting with love. A visual feast. What more can I say about the experience of seeing Elton John perform at the Forum in Los Angeles, California? The reality surpassed my imagination. Elton John is traveling around the world on his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, supposedly his last tour, though I imagine he’ll still play some live events here and there. He’s brought with him some of his faithful backing-band members, his catalog of hits, a wardrobe of sparkling outfits, and a giant screen which smoothly switches between pre-recorded videos and
You May See the Meaning of Within – Jon Brion
Jon Brion at Largo at the Coronet on September 29, 2017. The show was opened by comedian Kumail Nanjiani who was trying out his monologue in advance of appearing on Saturday Night Live. There’s a nice round-up and link to the video of his monologue here courtesy of Vanity Fair. View this post on Instagram #KumailNanjiani opened for #JonBrion tonight! He's hosting SNL in a couple of weeks! Be sure to catch him then! ? 9/29/17 A post shared by Largo (@largolosangeles) on Sep 29, 2017 at 11:23pm PDT When Jon appeared on stage he noted “I’m going this
Tired of Facing All of This
Due to Thanksgiving, Jon Brion’s monthly Largo show fell earlier in the month than usual, taking place on November 18, 2016. It was just over a week after the US election that had many heads still spinning here on the left coast. Largo-owner Mark Flanagan introduced Jon by saying, “2017 is gonna be great.” I wondered what on earth he could be talking about until he carried on a moment later, “We’re going to have benefits for Planned Parenthood and the ACLU and celebrate Leonard Cohen.” As if I didn’t already have so much respect for that man just for
Beam of Light
Saturday, August 13, 2016 I was at the Troubadour to see Rhett Miller, lead singer of the band Old 97’s, perform a solo show. Trapper Schoepp was handpicked by Rhett to open the show. Trapper, a self-acknowledged Rhett wannabee, noted half-jokingly, half in vexation at the start of his set that night, “I can’t do all the stage moves I stole from him!” However, he had the talent to successfully assume the position of Rhett-lite, as well as demonstrate his own charm and talent for laying down some catchy, story songs and clever lyric phrases spun over straightforward chord changes.