‘If music be the food of love, play on.’
That is the only quote from Shakespeare that I clearly remember from high school. I don’t have a musical bone in my body and learnt from Stephen Fry, that I am ‘tone dumb’, not tone deaf, meaning I can hear how I am supposed to sound but just can’t make it happen!
So it is very fortunate for me that I love listening to live music, as LA seems to be a mecca for touring bands and artists. As a Brit in LA, I think it is important to embrace American culture and music too – that is probably how I managed to enjoy living here for so long – I celebrated my 17 year anniversary just two weeks ago! I am sure you have all have met those Brits who arrive in LA and complain about everything from the weather, to the eggs, bread or bacon not tasting right.
One of the most common things I hear (and which annoys me immensely) is how there is not much cultural stimulation to be found here. The people who make these kinds of comments don’t last very long in Los Angeles – and often head back to the UK, reporting we are all too worried about keeping our cars and teeth clean or mingling with movie stars! This past month has been an exceptional one for me – I popped along to the Pantages Theater (in Hollywood) and caught the hilarious musical, Book of Mormon. It is here until May, so go along and see it if you can. I found discount tickets on goldstar.com. It is not for the faint of heart (it is written by the South Park guys!) so if you don’t know the backstory, perhaps read the reviews first!
I also snagged tickets to see The Watkins Family and Jon Brion , who both have monthly residencies at Largo at The Coronet (366 N. La Cienega, West Hollywood). The Watkins Family are Americana at its best, and often have surprise guests drop in. I first saw them perform about 15 years ago, when they were part of bluegrass band Nickel Creek, so it made me feel like a ‘proper LA native’ seeing them again so many years later. Jon Brion is a musical genius – every time I have seen him, it is an entirely different show – but whatever happens, I promise you are in for a real treat. This past show he played along with Eric Clapton (via an old black & white music video ), which sounds a bit odd but it was quite beautiful.
The Troubadour has a booker with very eclectic taste – I just saw upcoming British pop star ‘Laurel’ (who is under the same management as Ellie Goulding and Rita Ora), then the US super group The Hard Working Americans. Tom Jones has performed at the Troub as have Charlotte Church and the Proclaimers. The added bonus is that the venue is located right next door to my favorite Italian restaurant, Dan Tana’s (9071 Santa Monica Blvd. at Doheny).
Brits in LA member, Reg B curates a musical night every Tuesday at Hemingway’s (6356 Hollywood Blvd – between Cahuenga and Vine) – entry is free, and the library-themed bar is an amusing contrast to the live rock bands that perform there. I popped in after hosting our weekly pub quiz at the Pikey Tuesday night and saw local LA band Total Navajo, who were excellent – I think they are back there next month too, so catch them if you can! I balanced out all my American indulgences with a quick visit to the Kings Head for a shandy and a Guinness and steak pie – perfect example of the gloriousness of being a Brit in LA! They have a decent gift shop too – I quite fancy an England scarf.
Our weekly Pub Quiz is building up quite a following – Team Irish Wristwatch won this week’s grand prize – and two of the team members, Caroline Feraday and Sandro Monetti are going to be hosting next week (which means I get to play for once!) Come join us every Tuesday – 7.30pm at the Pikey in Hollywood. Questions are not all British based so it pays to have an American on the team. Don’t forget we have our annual short film competition The Toscars on February 26th. Visit our website TheToscars.com to get your tickets for the screening and awards ceremony which will be held at the historic Egyptian in Hollywood – it really will be a night to remember. Alex Newell from Glee is our Master of Ceremonies and we have some amazing judges lined up and even some very well known actors starring in our Toscar-nominated parodies. All will be revealed over the next few days……
Check our website Britsin.LA for details on all our other events, including weekly Brits Breakfast sponsored by Next Stop LAX.
See you soon!
Cheers, Eileen
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