music – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Beautiful – the Carole King Musical

I saw this (previously On Broadway) Musical the other night and really, really enjoyed it. Fabulous songs we all know (or should) performed by talented actors/singers/musicians. How can anyone not love Carole King?

Unveiling the Tapestry of her life…the good, the bad, the incredible…

There’s comfort in the familiar. This is one of the least pretentious album covers of all time.

“All I needed to do was sing with conviction, speaking my truth from the heart, honestly and straightforwardly, and to offer my words, ideas and music to the audience as if it were one collective friend that I’d known for a very long time.” – Carole King

Kaylee Harwood did a superb job as Carole King. Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

Carole King started out her humble beginnings as Carole Klein (she’s claimed it would take her five decades to appreciate her surname and the history that came with it) living in a Brooklyn apartment with her separated piano teacher mother, but ended up living her dream of becoming a master song writer and as we all now know; a music legend.

The pianist/song writer had a strong conviction in her ability to write great songs and enough chutzpah to walk into a music producer’s office in Manhattan with her sheet music and no appointment and ask for an audition. She was lucky. The producer happened to be there and she left getting hired on the spot to write music at the age of 15. Having already skipped two grades, she was a smart cookie and her determination paid off. She signed her first contract with ABC-Paramount that same year.

From there she grew up pretty fast.

Kirk Smith, Kaylee Harwood, Kamyar Pazandeh, and Daniela Fernandez. Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.

She met lyricist Gerry Goffin while still a teenager and by the age of 20 she was a married mother of two. Together they co-wrote many singles that made it to top charts for stars like The Shirelles “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” and Aretha Franklin’s (you make me feel like a) “Natural Woman.” Hope they don’t ban that song or change the words – don’t get me started! “You’ve Got a Friend” became a No. 1 hit for James Taylor and he was apparently too nervous to speak to her on the first night they met.

It was these pop standards that led John Lennon to remark that, when he and Paul McCartney first got together, they wanted to be “the Goffin-King of England.” It was those songs that were given to Randy Newman in demo form as examples of perfect writing (he has called King his hero).

“I only wanted to be a songwriter. I never wanted to be a singer. And I never wanted to be famous.” – Carole King

Ivy Charles, Dawn Pemberton, Maria Fernandes, and Ali Watson as “The Shirelles.” Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.

For the purpose of this post I prefer to focus on King’s musical accomplishments and not so much on her personal life, however I should point out that she suffered some emotional abuse when Goffin couldn’t stop his cheating heart with women they knew and worked with. King tried to stick it out chalking the infidelities up to the fact that they got married so young. But there was only so much she could take and she ended up moving on.

And move on she did…

The day before Tapestry came out Carole King turned 28, by which time she had been in the music business for more than a decade. The only thing she wasn’t confident about was her own singing voice, but since the album was very personal and she wasn’t sure who she could get to sing it, she decided to do so.

Tapestry was one of my all time favourite albums and of course I’m not alone. like so many others, I knew all the words to every song . Tapestry has been certified 14× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in the US, and has sold an estimated 25 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Shaquan Lewis, Hal Wesley Rogers, Andrew J. Hampton, and Tenaj Williams Lynch as “The Drifters.” Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.

One of her proudest accomplishments was playing Carnegie Hall in 1971.

It was the first time she played in front of a live audience with a roster that formerly included Tchaikovsky, George Gershwin, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland and The Beatles. A music-making honour roll of artists representing the finest of every genre has filled Carnegie Hall throughout the years. Carole King was now among them. It was moving when Goffin showed up and surprised her and said “I’m Sorry.”

King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2021.

I highly recommend this production showcasing unforgettable classics by King and her contemporaries—“The Locomotion,” “One Fine Day,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman,” and many more.

Some cast members. Photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

Where is she now? Inquiring minds want to know

After moving to Los Angeles and living in Laurel Canyon for a spell, she relocated to Idaho after retiring from actively making music in 2012. Although she still attends various events and award shows, in recent years, King has focused on her personal life and philanthropic endeavors. She is a strong advocate for environmental and political causes, and has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for various organizations. She has 4 children and is now 81 years old and still looking good.

You’ve got to get up every morningWith a smile on your faceAnd show the world all the love in your heartThen people gonna treat you betterYou’re gonna find, yes you willThat you’re beautiful, as you feel – lyrics from “Beautiful” by Carole King.

Playing until August 6^th at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage – An Arts Club Production.

https://artsclub.com/shows/2022-2023/beautiful-the-carole-king-musical

It’s a Beautiful show.

Art & Culture

Bard on the Beach: As You Like It

You know when you’re on the fence about going to a Shakespearean play after a long days drive coming back from the Okanagan?

We’re so lucky to be within 5 minutes walking distance. Photo: d. king

But you already have tickets for opening night and you know there’s something different about this show but you’re not completely sure if it will be hit or miss? And you don’t even realize that the Okanagan will play a big part in this production?

Well…don’t miss this presentation of “As You Like It” if you live in Vancouver or you just happen to be visiting. Get thee to the Bard on the Beach to see something unique, uplifting, professionally done and so much fun. I haven’t enjoyed a show this much since I saw Cirque de Soleil’s “Love” in Las Vegas.

If you’re a Beatles fan it will be especially fun because this is a twist on the original. This adaptation features the music of the Beatles – performed by professional musicians who are also actors in the play. And they’re very good.

The Company of As You Like It (2023) – Photo by Tim Matheson

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” – Shakespeare

The Story (taken from the program):

Wrestling for Power

It’s the 1960s in Vancouver. Dame Frances, a powerful business owner, has taken control of the family firm and forced her sister, Dame Senior, to leave town. She permits her sister’s daughter, Rosalind, to stay because of Rosalind’s close friendship with her own daughter Celia.

The action begins at a wrestling match. Oliver de Boys, who manages a champion wrestler named Charles, argues with his younger brother Orlando. Orlando is angry that Oliver has mistreated him and held back his inheritance since their father died. Orlando decides to wrestle for his fortune. At the match, he meets Rosalind and they fall instantly in love.

The Great Escape

Dame Frances orders Rosalind to leave Vancouver, as she no longer trusts her. Rosalind and Celia decide to run away to the Okanagan forest. Rosalind disguises herself as a young man, Ganymede, and Celia becomes Aliena, his sister. Touchstone, a family employee, goes with them. Meanwhile, Adam, a longtime de Boys employee, warns Orlando that Oliver plans to have him killed. They also escape to the Okanagan. In the forest, Ganymede (Rosalind) and Aliena (Celia) meet Silvius and Corin, two local farmers, and arrange to buy a farm. Nearby, Orlando and Adam stumble upon Dame Senior, the exiled sister of Dame Frances, and her companions, who take them in.

Love Blooms in the Woods

Orlando leaves love notes about Rosalind throughout the forest. He meets Ganymede (Rosalind), who proposes that Orlando treat “him” as Rosalind, so he can practice his wooing. Elsewhere, Silvius pines for another farmer, Phoebe, while Touchstone meets Audrey and they pair up. In Vancouver, Dame Frances is furious that the girls and Orlando have disappeared. She demands that Oliver bring his brother back or else she will ruin him. But when Oliver shows up at the young women’s farm, he announces he has reconciled with his brother after Orlando saved him from a mountain lion. Oliver and Aliena fall in love.

Help!

Orlando grows tired of Ganymede’s game and believes his love for Rosalind is hopeless. Other relationships are also complicated: Silvius is still in love with Phoebe, but she’s smitten with Ganymede. Claiming “he” can work magic, Ganymede invites everyone to gather the next morning, when all will be resolved. Could it be true that “all you need is love”?

JUNE until SEPTEMBER 30 · BMO MAINSTAGE

For Tickets:

https://bardonthebeach.org/whats-on/discover-our-2023-season/

FUN

Shania Twain: “Queen of Me” Concert Tour

Let’s go Girls!

This will give you an idea of **the fan base**. Photo: D. King

Can’t beat the energy of a crowd of crowd pleasers at an uplifting concert with an outstanding performer with a story to tell. Such was last night’s gathering of dressed up girls and the dazzling performance by one Shania Twain and company at her “Queen Of Me” Tour.”

It takes a village. Aside from the obvious fact that Shania is beautiful and extremely talented, she is surrounded by world class musicians and a stage production staff who set up what can best be described as a glittery Las Vegas style production. Not surprising, as she had a prior residency in Las Vegas.

Rock, Country, Country Rock and bridging the gap in between:

Twain received the Music Icon award at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards. As the top-selling female country pop artist of all time, Twain was honoured for her record-breaking career which has spanned over four decades. With enormous hits like “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!,” Twain has expertly bridged the gap between country and pop music, leaving an everlasting impact on the music industry and pop culture.

Shania and Live Nation have announced that $1 of every ticket purchased to Shania’s “Queen Of Me” Tour will be donated to SKC. Established in 2010 by Shania Twain, SKC provides services that promote positive change in children’s lives in times of crises and economic hardship. SKC provides children with one-on-one consultations, academic support and group activities, as well as nutritious snacks and meal programs where needed, all while in the safe, confidence-building environment that is the Shania Kids Can Clubhouse. These children are learning the skills to cope with and overcome family hardships which, in turn, improves their ability to succeed in school. For more information about Shania Kids Can, please visit: www.shaniakidscan.com

Watch her Documentary: Shania was not without family hardship. Her life story and what it took for her to own her power and rise above adversity and despair is as heart breaking as it is compelling. She is so deserving of her fame and fortune. She works hard for the money. And she’s generous.

Photos: D. King

Film Reviews

Whistler Film Festival

On the heels of the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) comes the Whistler Film Festival (WFF). Not that anyone needs an excuse to go to Whistler; but while you’re waiting for ski season to start (soon enough) film buffs might want to take in this unique little (but getting bigger) festival. Also; while there, make sure to check out the Audain Art Museum (housing the private art collection of Michael Audain) which is amazing in itself.

Art, Music, Movies, Documentaries….it’s all here!

Whistler Film Festival (WFF) has announced the full lineup for its 22nd edition taking place in-person from November 30, to December 4 2022 in Whistler, BC, and online from December 5 to January 2, 2023.

Selected from over 2,000 submissions, the lineup includes 86 bold and inspiring films curated into nine program strands. There are 41 features and 45 shorts from 19 different countries, including award-season contenders, new breakthrough Canadian features, heart-stopping extreme adventure films, and previously unseen projects from around the globe.

”With a particular emphasis on Canadian content creators and distinct and emerging voices, Whistler Film Festival continues to fill a valuable niche within the film festival ecosystem,” says Paul Gratton, WFF’s Director of Programming. “WFF has evolved into a premium showcase for exciting new motion pictures not previously shown at other film festivals. With our strongest lineup ever of Canadian gems, coveted international festival titles, and an inspiring selection of award-hopefuls, our 22nd edition hums with the energy and creativity that result when new voices mix with established filmmakers in one of the most awe-inspiring settings for a film festival.”

WFF is pleased to present an exciting line-up of documentaries, with a strong focus on sports and music.

A little sneak preview:

Acclaimed actor and director Jason Priestley returns to WFF for the World Premiere of OFFSIDE: THE HAROLD BALLARD STORY. Big money, big headlines, and a long list of enemies – Harold Ballard made them all during the two decades he owned the crown jewel of Canadian sports – The Toronto Maple Leafs – down the road to ruin. This not-to-be-missed feature-length documentary explores one of the most controversial figures in Canadian sports history. Directed by Priestley, this world premiere marks the star’s return to the festival for the first time since the release of his critically-acclaimed film Cas and Dylan – the opening night selection at WFF in 2013.

Music has a large presence in the WFF doc mix this year. A special screening of BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE: CARRY IT ON, with a live-streamed and in-theatre Zoom conversation with the iconic singer, songwriter, and activist, takes place on December 2. The documentary is directed by Madison Thomas, an alum of the Whistler Film Festival Indigenous Filmmaker Fellowship (2017).

WFF will screen the too-crazy-to-be-believed behind-the-scenes concert doc REVIVAL ‘69: THE CONCERT THAT ROCKED THE WORLD. Coined “the second most important event in rock & roll history,” the Toronto Rock & Roll Revival was a one-day event held at Toronto’s Varsity Stadium.

It features John Lennon in his first post-Beatles appearance, as well as Yoko Ono, Klaus Voorman, Eric Clapton, Alice Cooper (and the infamous chicken incident that put him on the map), Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and The Doors, plus a couple of hundred bikers used to provide Lennon with a motorized escort from Pearson Airport to Varsity Stadium to make the concert in time. A must-see for any rock historian.

Music fans will love BOY CITY, a funny throwback to the era of boy bands and those who loved them, directed by Sean Cisterna and featuring Jonas Chernick. Chernick is also the co-lead in the comedy THE END OF SEX directed by Sean Garrity, a sort of spiritual successor to MY AWKWARD SEXUAL ADVENTURE which won the Audience Award at WFF in 2012.

This all sounds amazing!

For tickets + info:

Home

music

All I Wanna Do

Is have some fun What I really wanna do is introduce you to exciting new recording artist Austin Jay and his debut single which is climbing up the Worldwide Hits 2022 charts!I met Austin Jay in Palm Springs just before covid hit and he immediately made an impression on me with his personable manner and good looks. I didn’t realize the scope of his talents until later. We were part of a group for an impromptu wine tasting at local hangout Bouschet where he was sitting with a woman whom I misidentified as his girlfriend. Turns out it was his mom. It’s not the first time I’ve put my foot in my mouth. But Oh well…she looks young so it was an understandable mistake and hopefully a compliment, and since then she’s become a friend. So getting back to Jay…

I’ve since become very impressed with his resume. Austin Jay writes music, has studied classical piano and voice, has done community theater, and can act. He’s on his way to being signed by a record label.

His song “All I Wanna Do” is taking off on Spotify. After 3 1/2 weeks, it has over 30,000 streams! There are 17,000 monthly listeners and thousands of followers with almost the same numbers as the top recording artists Lizzo and Justin Bieber’s monthly stats. Austin has also debuted on the public playlist Top 50 in the UK, was featured in Crowns – the industry Music Magazine (see below).

Speaking on ‘All I Wanna Do’, Austin Jay says:

“This is the song that got me through the pandemic, the reason why I kept on pushing and continued with my music. I believe in it with my whole soul. I want this to be my introduction to the world stage.”

Have a Listen:

https://austinjay.lnk.to/alliwannado

Good work Austin Jay! Look forward to tracking your success and listening to lots more HITS!

FUN

Feel Good Feelin’ Music

I’ve been meaning to post something about my talented, beautiful singer/songwriter friend Jenni Doyle ever since I first met her in Palm Springs the last time I was there. She and her husband live in Vancouver and also have a home in Palm Springs.

I feel like I’ve known Jenni a lot longer than I have because I’ve heard so much about her through two friends that we’ve both known forever, although these two other friends have never met. Our mutual friend Susanne has written lyrics to some of Jenni’s songs, while our other mutual friend Michael, wrote music for her album “Night Angles.”

Talk about a small world and having something in common aside from our love for dogs and Palm Springs.

Her single “**Only One Cook**” was filmed at philanthropist Joe Segal’s breathtaking waterfront mansion in Vancouver and directed and edited by Dave Benedict. Jenni’s make-up by Safina Kataria. Photo from her website.

Jenni has been entertaining people since the ripe age of two, when she donned her first pair of tap dancing shoes. After her early years in musical theatre and dance, she was accepted into Canterbury High School for the Arts in Ottawa, which then led her to Vancouver where she studied acting at Vancouver Film School. In the years to follow, Jenni was one of the top 25 finalists out of 4,000 girls, to make it onto the Global T.V. reality show “Popstars.”

This experience propelled her into the music industry, where she worked with producer/songwriter John Dexter (Carly Rae Jepsen, Bif Naked, D-Cru). She recorded two songs on the D-Cru album “Into the Future” which was released in stores across Canada. She went on to sing in a duo called “JeLL” where they performed their “Night Angles” songs and “The Star Spangled Banner” live on ESPN in Los Angeles.

Jenni has also had the honour of singing “Oh Canada” and performing her Shania Twain act in front of thousands of people at B.C. Place.

With **Gloria Macarenko**, longtime host of CBC Vancouver’s supper-hour television newscast at 6:00, and **Tina Turner and George Michael lookalike** performers. Jenni does a **tribute to Shania Twain**. That’s her up on the screen.

Jenni also shared a heartwarming story about meeting her cute little Shih Tzu named Bella. This is her second Bella. Her first Bella passed away from cancer at a fairly young age. Jenni loved the dog and was completely heartbroken. About two years after Bella’s passing a friend suggested it was time Jenni get another dog. She wanted another Shih Tzu. When she went to look at a litter of pups one got very excited, ran right up to her and jumped into her arms. The owner said the dog’s name was “Bella.” On her birth certificate was written “Bella Comes Back.” True story!

I just heard this song Feel Good Feelin’ for the first time yesterday. I thought since the title has Feel Good in it, how appropriate for an uplifting Friday note. Hope you enjoy it even if you’re new to country music. Be sure to check out the Kelowna, B.C. scenery (and the tattoo on her arm in the very beginning).

Have a great weekend! The last one before Christmas.

https://www.jennidoyle.com/

Film Reviews

Feel-good Friday: Echo in the Canyon

This is the most feel-good I’ve felt ALL WEEK

(left) **Tom Petty** gives his last film interview to **Jakob Dylan** (son of Bob) in **“Echo in the Canyon”**, (right) **David Crosby** recalls the neighborly “social network” that made **Laurel Canyon** special – images **The Argonaut** (by Bliss Bowen).

This is music history in the making with a loving look at Laurel Canyon and the California Sound back in the day. ENTERTAINING to say the least.

This NETFLIX rocdoc is a must for all music and rock fans in general. It’s a well thought out documentary about the history of music in L.A. with interviews going back and forth with some of music’s greatest. Uplifting, funny and most of all, fantastic music. You won’t want to miss it.

Art, Architecture, Culture

“Amazing Grace” – Amazing Aretha

The Gospel according to The Queen

Imagine uncovering lost footage of a young Aretha Franklin making a live recording of gospel music which turned out to be the best selling gospel album of all time? Music that was deeply rooted, because of her upbringing with having a baptist minister father.

And then finding out that Director Sydney Pollack (Out of Africa, Tootsie, The Way we Were, etc.) was the director of a two part evening filmed before a live audience at the New Missionary Baptist church in Los Angeles in 1972. But for technical reasons the film was never released. That is, before now.

Finally unveiled, I was excited to view “Amazing Grace,” at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, watching a 29 year old Aretha at the peak of her vocal powers. You can see Mick Jagger amongst the audience members clapping away and getting everybody to stand. They call it a documentary but this was more likely a musical of a soul-stirring experience. A powerhouse, Aretha certainly earned her title “queen of soul.”

Gospel music is unlike anything else. It’s not for the faint of heart. I wanted to experience gospel in person. So on my first visit to New Orleans I made sure to visit a Baptist church on Sunday for the sole purpose of listening to a live gospel choir. My two friends and I were the only Caucasians in the church. I’m not religious but I enjoyed immensely a room so alive and full of spirit that you rarely, if ever get to witness. It was moving.

The bottom line is that the purpose of this music is to uplift and preach the Gospel through music with the hope of bringing salvation to non-believers; and entertain all people with positive messages and values.

Uplifting and Entertaining with the most incredible voices, it was.

Art, Architecture, Culture, Girl Who Would be King

Music/Culture: OPERA in the PARK

Opera unites music, poetry, drama, and spectacle in the most elaborate of all art forms.

So it was an absolute pleasure to finally attend “Opera in the Park“, the Palm Springs premier cultural event in April . This is the first time I’ve stayed here this long. Usually I’m gone by the end of March because it gets too hot here, but this time I decided to stay a little longer. The event takes place at Sunrise Park which is a very short drive from where I live (part-time of course).

I originally had a spot reserved under the big white tent but decided to sit on the grass just outside it in a shady area with my lawn chair and the lunch I packed because I wasn’t sure they’d have food. But they did have food and drinks. And souvenirs. Most people were sitting outside the tent. It was lovely.

This live concert with arias from operas by Bizet, Delibes, Donizetti, Gounod, Mozart, Puccini, Rossini and Verdi draws thousands of people from all over Southern California every April in a celebration of great music with a professional orchestra conducted by Valery Ryvkin. In addition, a special tribute to Leonard Bernstein’s Centennial featured music from West Side Story and Candide. It also marked the 20th Anniversary of Opera in the Park. Oh, did I mention that it’s free?

The Palm Springs Opera Guild Orchestra performed from 1-4 pm with famous operas including Carmen, Rigoletto, Madame Butterfly, La Traviata, Faust and more.

There were food vendors from well known establishments offering delicious sandwiches, salads, platters, wine, beer, and cocktails. You could even pre-order online from Trio restaurant.

Presenting Sponsors: The Augustine Foundation and

*Newman’s Own Foundation

Using the power of philanthropy to transform lives*Newman’s Own Foundation is all about supporting people doing great things. People whos stories inspire us.

This month there’s also Coachella, a more famous and enormously profitable music festival with a great long lineup. A lot of musicians whom I’m familiar with and many I’m not. But it was actually Opera in the Park that I really wanted to go to. Coachella maybe another time.

Have you been to either?

Opera in the Park: Music Director: Mona Lands. Artistic Director: Andrew Eisenmann.

Art, Architecture, Culture, Girl Who Would be King

Monday Mood Board #12

ART Immortal – the Holy Grail of art rediscoveries to be auctioned at Christie’s. If only I had an extra 100 million dollars to spare….

Leonardo da Vinci’s “**Salvator Mundi,**” unveiled recently at Christie’s. Credit: Jewel Samad/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

In something of an auction coup, Christie’s has secured two blockbuster works for its November Contemporary sale: the last known Leonardo da Vinci in private hands, “Salvator Mundi” or “Savior of the World,” and Andy Warhol’s final silk-screen, “Sixty Last Suppers.” – The NY Times

Andy Warhol’s “**Sixty Last Suppers**,” at Christie’s New York. Credit: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Christie’s Auction House

The Leonardo da Vinci work is estimated at $100 million and the Warhol at $50 million. Each has been guaranteed by a third, undisclosed party.

Read the whole New York Times article here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/arts/design/christies-leonardo-da-vinci-and-warhol.html

PICASSO’S OLD ART SCHOOL

At the unchanged atelier of L’Académie de la Grande Chaumière, you might find yourself sitting in the very same chair where Pablo and a few of his friends, such as Manet and Cezanne, sat sketching their model a century ago. It’s open to the public for sketching workshops in the afternoon, Monday to Saturday, except on Wednesday when there’s an evening session from 7-10pm. No reservations are necessary, just show up with paper and pencils, no teacher, just the model. (14 rue de la Grande Chaumière, 6eme; See the ‘Free Workshop’ and ‘School’ sections of the website for all prices and timetables: grande-chaumiere.fr/en). Oh by the way, this is in Paris.

Channel Gabrielle, the eternal rebel (new Chanel perfume teaser) with a message

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxYRrb7nJ9M

It’s madness out there

“The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four people is suffering from a mental illness. Look at your 3 best friends. If they’re ok, then it’s you.” – Rita Mae Brown

There is no great genius without some touch of madness – someone said.