entertainment – Page 2 – Journo James's Journal

Santa Monica City Council & S.M. Civic Auditorium Report

Post author:journojames
Post published:February 10, 2012
Post category:News

Originally published Mar. 14, 2011

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Santa Monica City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to work with one of the nation’s top concert producers in an effort to revitalize the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium despite serious concerns about the projected $45 million commitment in renovation.

smpatch — Santa Monica City Council, Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Patch

City Council members and citizens were enthusiastic about partnering with the Nederlander Organization, which has produced successful musicals like “Wicked” and “The Lion King” as well as presented such headlining music acts like Paul Simon and U2.

Nederlander would take over and manage the neglected 3,000-seat historical landmark that has either sat empty or been relegated to hosting occasional gem and cat shows. In better times, the Civic Auditorium was home to the Academy Awards ceremony and to popular concerts like Bruce Springsteen. (more…)

Olin And The Moon & Or, The Whale Concert Review

Post author:journojames
Post published:February 4, 2012
Post category:Entertainment & Culture Feature

Originally published Mar. 15, 2011

LOS ANGELES – Alternative country rock bands Olin And The Moon and Or, The Whale sang about love and heartache on Mar. 13 at the Satellite in Silver Lake, offering bittersweet stories with gritty guitars and warm harmonies.

lebreldavid — Lead singer David Lebrel, Photo courtesy of whenyouawake

“Let’s hang out and get weird,” lead singer David LeBrel of Olin And The Moon told the small crowd. He and the band then launched into “Terrible Town,” a foot-tapping country rocker with dirty-sounding guitars. The song sounded like it belonged in every small-town tavern jukebox.

The night didn’t get weird like LeBrel wanted, but it was somewhat odd and notable how often the baby-faced and undersized frontman — who was just a little bigger than his guitars — kept offering Olin And The Moon beer koozies that were for sale. (more…)