Exciting Weekend Open Thread: Vern in HB Saturday, Bernie in Irvine Sunday!

By
Admin
– May 20, 2016Posted in: "The OC", 2016 Presidential Election, Bernie Sanders, Fresh Juice, huntington beach, irvine, music, vern nelson

.

.

.

vern on jumping music background

This came over our transom and appears to be legit:  Apparently Orange Juice publisher and editor Vern Nelson is giving “the Best Concert Ever,” tomorrow – Saturday May 21, 5 to 7 pm – at the Huntington Beach Central Library (Talbert and Goldenwest.)

We feel compelled to point out that Nelson has claimed previously that he was doing the best concert ever – in fact, he has claimed that many times – but on the other hand, it is not impossible that each one is a little better than the previous one, is it?  We report, you decide.

In any case, the program is allegedly as varied as ever, although this time it includes nothing from before 1900 – the classical composers represented being Bartok, Debussy and Ravel.  We have managed to unearth some “YouTube videos” of Mr. Nelson playing two of those pieces he’ll be doing tomorrow – a Bartok Rumanian Dance and the Prelude from Debussy’s Suite Pour le Piano:

If we are to believe Mr Nelson’s press release, it would appear that this is not merely a solo performance;  rather he will be joined by his old friend and co-conspirator Perry Van Dran to premiere two or three numbers from their original rock opera-in-progress “R&R Earwig,” as well as five-year old Bree Wareh (daughter of Huntington Beach anti-High Density Activist Bruce Wareh) who will be singing two Disney songs of all things:  “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid and “Let it Go” from Frozen.  Searching the YouTube some more, we managed to locate a video of this same Bree performing “Roar” at last February’s “Surf City Got Talent” competition:

Is that all? No, don’t be silly.   Mr. Nelson also promises to play “Blue Rondo a la Turk” (as it was recently Dave Brubeck Day), a repeat performance (by popular demand) of his dark holiday favorite “Dirty Snow,” several pieces and songs which he is keeping as surprises, and by special request of Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait (who will be there with his lovely wife Julie) the historic ditty “When the Kleptos Caved.”

And even THAT’s not all.  Our research indicates, that, as each of our favorite rock musicians of the 70’s and 80’s shuffles off this mortal coil to that Great Gig in the Sky, Mr. Nelson has worked in a tribute to them at his concerts – from a lengthy David Bowie singalong in January, to ELP’s “Welcome Back My Friends to the Show that Never Ends…” in March when Keith Emerson died.  So naturally at THIS concert he will be doing a couple of songs by PRINCE.  (Prince Rodgers Nelson, that is, possibly a distant relation?)  First, the very enigmatic, colorful and catchy “Computer Blue”:

And in closing, the beloved “When Doves Cry,” during which everyone will be asked to sing along with the refrain as best they can:

How can you just leave me standing
Alone in a world that’s so cold?
Maybe I’m just too demanding,
Maybe I’m just like my father, too bold!
Maybe you’re just like my mother,
She’s never satisfied.
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like when the doves cry…

According to what came over our transom, this show costs $10, although there’s a note specifying $5 “for kids, the indigent, and the perplexed.”  Whatever that means.  Sounds pretty good actually.  We believe we’ll go!

And if THAT’s not enough excitement…

Twenty-two hours later – Sunday at 3 – Bernie’s in town, at the Irvine Amphitheater!

bernie crowd

A Future to Believe In Irvine, California Rally on 5/22

Join Bernie Sanders for a rally in Irvine, California.

This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are strongly encouraged. Admission is first come, first served.

For security reasons, please do not bring bags and limit what you bring to small, personal items like keys and cell phones. Weapons, sharp objects, chairs, and signs or banners will not be allowed through security. Limited parking available on site for a $10 cash only fee, carpooling is encouraged.

Doors Open: 3:00 p.m.
Date: Sunday, May 22, 2016
Host: Bernie Sanders
Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine CA 92618
RSVP HERE!

So.  We’re gonna for sure do that too.  And report from there as well.

This is your Exciting Weekend Open Thread.  Discourse on this that or the other, within “broad bounds of decency, decorum … dignity…” you know the drill.  GO!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

About Admin

"Admin" is just editors Vern Nelson, Greg Diamond, or Ryan Cantor sharing something that they mostly didn't write themselves, but think you should see. Before December 2010, "Admin" may have been former blog owner Art Pedroza.