All That Jazz
The World War II years of the ‘40s was wonderfully evoked when Montecito resident Christie Jenkins organized the Mercury Ballroom Supper Club for a six-day run at the Rockwood Woman’s Club to “bring happiness to the community.”
Elegantly garbed guests were welcomed with Bees Knee’s cocktails, a heady mix of gin and honey, and other retro drinks before watching the entertaining floor show starring Nathan Madden in white tie and tails, who starred in Chicago on Broadway and has recently returned from France where he was, appropriately enough, in An American in Paris.
The half-hour show, orchestrated by Christie around radio commercials of the era – KEYT-TV senior reporter John Palminteri featured in the opening broadcast – also included other dancers and singers, and a Andrews Sisters tribute.
After a delightful dinner of East Texas-smoked turkey and a butterscotch dessert, guests joined the cast on the floor to dance the night away to the 20-member Blue Note Jazz Orchestra from Citrus Community College in Glendora, playing classics from Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and many others.
A night to remember worthy of Fred Astaire…
Sibling Revelry
There were many strings attached with CAMA’s Masterseries Valentine’s Day concert at the Lobero with Sergio and Odair Assad guitar playing brothers from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The dynamic duo began playing Brazilian folk melodies, transitioning to classical guitar in their teens.
The impressive program featured works by Albeniz, Piazzolla, Giuliani, Rodrigo, Jobim, Gismonti, Villa-Lobos, and Sergio.
Gimme Five
The three-event Lobero Theatre Chamber Music Project wrapped up with its final concert at the historic venue with the talented quintet of pianist Louis Schwizgebel, violinists Benjamin Beilman and Ida Kavatian, cellist Clive Greensmith, and violist Heiichiro Ohyama, former conductor of the now defunct Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra.
The works included Beethoven’s sonata for violin and piano no. 2 in A major, Kodaly’s duo for violin and cello, and Brahms quintet for piano and strings in F minor.
It is planned to make the event an annual one…
