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June 29, 2005
Opening Night at the Bowl baby!!!
Hollywood Bowl
June 24th, 2005
So it was finally here.. Ever since i heard about Opening Night with Joshua Bell and it wasnt official about Josh Groban doing anything with it. But man, yeah.. I wanted to use my press angle, which i been doing a lot lately. I called over there and spoke to Matt, where he told me to send a fax request. So i decided to hit up Russ, and do it right.
Anywho, ended up getting 2 tickets with no photo pass. I really wanted it bad since i purchased a Canon EOS 20D DSLR with a 70/200mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens for lets just say over 2500 dollars and thats not with out my bag, memory card, filters, and vertical grip.
Funny thing... i wanted to see if Emeline wanted to go, since Josh was going to be there. Yeah i know, im still talking to her. Surprising isnt it?? She couldnt go, but it was worth a try.
Headed on over to Hollywood and Highland Complex because parking at the Bowl is horrible so i didnt even want to try parking for my first time. I read up on the shuttles so i took it.
Ok so like i am in line for the bus. These old ladies in front of me, who i assume were Grobanites (hardcore Josh Groban fans) were all whining about how CPK had a sign that they will give you free shuttle passes to the Bowl. I mean cmon now, guess how much it was for a round trip there and back. 3 dollars!! cmon now!! you paid front either 30 to 80 bucks for these seats. Get over it!!
Behind us was a pretty group of people and i was like uhh wow ok. However one of them came over and bum a cigarette from my friend. So we just started chatting and what not. She was out taking out the Law school interns from a law firm somewhere in LA. General little chatter here and there, she was Korean, her name was Linda Kim. Of course she had to friggin ask me if i was Korean also. I just said i wasnt. Funny thing, some convo went down and then she was like i graduated high school in 89. 89!! dude i was barely 6 then. So i tried to do the math and she at that moment was 31. Goodness!!
Got off the bus, and wow. So many people all over the place. I had to go to the West Box Office. Dude it was friggin up a hill!!! Only good thing is that it was the backstage area where the artists park and walk into. Did i see anybody?? no because i was kinda late. The opening number which was the theme from Star Trek, however i did see Zachary Provost just chillin. He is Josh Groban's piano guy.
Got to my seats which were a whole lot better than i thought they were. I got a decent view and the sound was amazing!! I mean the Bowl fits 17500. That was soo crazy and there was about 3000 to 5000 in front of me. So yeah..
The night was in honor for Trisha Yearwood, Frank Sinatra, and Joshua Bell. Frank Jr sang a few songs with Quincy Jones conducting the orchestra. I cant say how much the sound is amazing there.
So intermission was right in the middle of it all and you know me. i cant sit in one spot. I then proceed to walk around while everyone else pulls out their picnic baskets and starts chowing down on strawberries and potatoes salad. I then go and walk all the way down as far as i can to find someone i knew that was going to be there. I used my art of persuasion to get as far down as i can while i outwit the ushers to let me go wherever i wanted.
I got pretty far down. About 15 feet from the stage and again it is soo amazing. I proceeded to rub elbows with all the rich white people who could have afforded the 3000 dollar table booth thingys, but it was going to charity so its all good.
After intermission, thats when Josh Groban came out. Well they did a little number for Swan lake. Thats when Josh Groban came out and made everyone laugh and what not and introduced Joshua Bell. He played an amazing number and John Mauceri kept looking back and forth at Josh it was quite humorous. It looks like Mauceri is a great guy and wonderful conductor.
Now for what i was waiting for. After another number by Bell, Josh came out, Groban that is and wearing this pink shirt with his signature blazer. I dont know, but it was wow because the last time that i know of, of Joshua Bell and Josh Groban performing "Mi Mancherai" was in the studio for his current album "Closer" So i got my chills and Josh hasnt been performing, so his voice isnt all strained and it was breathtaking. I also was doing the woooo and screamings, i cant help it and he rules!
Trisha Yearwood was next, seemed like everyone who was there was for her. She sand "How Do I Live" and "Over the Rainbow." It sounded so good. I have nothing much more to say about her because i was waiting for the fireworks.
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I dont care what age you are but fireworks ALWAYS make you smile and feel good. If not, it totally applies to me. I didnt know they were going to have a water show but before Trisha finished, they were lighting up like torches atop the bowl. The fireworks was being played along with the theme to "Hawaii" I wish i can describe the fireworks but all i have to say is that it was one of the best displays ive seen in a long time. It just had like pretty colors and amazing effect and yeah..
That ended the night, and i had to make the mad rush to the bus because i mean 17500 people trying to leave at the same time. You will get into some traffic and the parking situation there is just like the Greeks. Stacked. You cant leave if someone behind you and in front of you havent left yet.
Had Johnny Rockets when i got back to Hollywood and Highland. I swear the food tastes so much better in Hollywood. That was pretty much my night, i cant wait to come back for Sonheim's. Hopefully with better seats and a photo pass. If not, seats i can deal with. I am absolutely in love with this venue..
HURRAY FOR HOLLYWOOD!!!
Posted by Anh at 3:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 28, 2005
Ay dios Miyo!!! Senior Lopez.
George Lopez
Gibson Amplitheatre
June 12, 2005
He had like 6 shows back in Decemberish time at the Gibson and they all sold out. I didnt get a contact with the place until recently. So i was approved for a photo pass and 2 tickets.
Ok, i dont have much to say, so imma do a little commentary and input the article i wrote that was published. Thanks!!
Last time i was there was for a Hilary Duff concert. Yes, i know you are saying Hilary Duff? They were free and the homie Manny hooked it up. Plus i wanted to see how good of a performer she is and ive had her cd and listened to it for alittle bit. Anywho!!
Got some pretty good seats down in orchestra. It was a given because its always like that. However, i never shot at the Gibson and i didnt know how it worked. Generally there is someone on your back telling you what and when you can shoot.
I went up to the office, not before i watched a little of Dr. Kim. This korean comedian. Dude it was hella funny, i wished i coudl have seen his full show, but the person i took lagged it. I swear , peopel are soo undependable.
Headed up to the office and see if i needed to meet anyone there. While i was there, i didnt know so many people complained about things. I heard one about you couldnt hear anything in the mezziane, like the speakers werent on or anything. Another was that they were complaing about the people around her. She said she got second to the last row in Mezzaine. I mean duh, do you think people of class and manners sit in shitty seats?? Cmon now, but then again the snobby type will be sitting up front. Heres, the thing that was kinda sad, yet funny. The lady who was complaing about her seat, saying she was sitting in front of a large woman who was pushing against her seat and being loud. She said that she didnt pay 150 bucks not to enjoy the show. WOW, 150 for bad seats, and i was in orchestra about 12 rows from the pit. I always wanna know how much my tickets go for, for each event.
Anywho, i met up with Brian, the media man. He was a really nice guy and they are very unrestrictive about shooting photos. I mean upfront i had about the first 5 mins but at my seat, they werent regulating which is good. Anyways, i am done doing commentary... The following is my wrap up of the show.
Review: Lopez overcomes obstacles, delivers great comedy show
By ANH NGUYEN
"Why you crying?" This phrase may resonate if you watched George Lopez's Comedy Central special of the same name.
However, despite his great ability to make people laugh, Lopez has experienced much sadness in his life, including a painful childhood in which he was abandoned by his mother and father, and his grandmother took him in and raised him.
You would not even know he was living with a genetic kidney disease since birth, which became more of a problem recently.
With his 11th sold-out show at the Gibson Amphitheatre, Lopez was all smiles, running around on stage, doing push-ups.
On April 19, Lopez (whose ABC sitcom "George Lopez" is the longest running show in history with a cast made up of Latinos) checked into Cedar-Sinai Medical Center under the alias of Tom Ace, which was the name of Jim Carrey's character in the "Ace Ventura" movies. Ann Lopez, his wife, made the perfect kidney donor.
His ensuing return to stand-up comedy was terrific, with Lopez touching on subjects including his family, his wife, and the Mexican culture. There was never a dull moment in his show.
Things calmed down for a short time in the middle of his act as Bob Shea, the senior vice president of talent of the House of Blues, came out to honor him with a plaque for selling out the theatre 11 times. This plaque will be hung in the halls at the amphitheatre among with many other greats who have performed there.
The newly-elected mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa and his wife Corina, showed up to support Lopez. (Villaraigosa's feat was also impressive; he became the first Latino mayor of the City of Angels in more than 100 years.)
Lopez has earned his mark in many aspects of mainstream comedic entertainment. He even has a movie, "The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D," that broke into the top five in grosses in its first weekend.
Without kidney disease looming over him, Lopez is free to be creative without having to think about his next step.
What is his next step? He is planning to release another stand-up album, hoping for a Grammy. His sitcom was renewed and is heading into its fifth season, where his kidney transplant will take center stage.
Despite the adversity in his life, Lopez has found the good in everything and now he shares it in a humorous way that everyone can enjoy.
Afterwards we hit up Roscoes Chicken and Waffles. The wait is generally more than an hour even late at night and the middle of the week. It was all good though, it only took like 15 mins. The place is not really that big and it figures why there is always a long wait and what not. Of course had the chicken and waffles. I am telling you, it may not seem like a good combination, but its hella good. After it, rolled on home and it was a night.
Check out video of the healthy Lopez
Dont go to someone's show and offend them. Not a good idea
Sunday June 12th, 2005
Gibson Amplitheatre, Univerisal City, CA
Right-Click Here and Save As
on to your harddrive.
Posted by Anh at 5:08 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
This is how we do!! Act a fool up in the Club!
106 Powerhouse/How the West was One
Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, CA
May 21st
106 Powerhouse.. at the Pond. Which is called How the West was One everywhere else. I had a full day however, i was planning to cover KROQ's Weenie Roast at Irvine, then make it over to a wedding reception in Chino Hills, then off to Powerhouse.
I am glad that the chick at KROQ didnt get back to me in time. i really wanted to check out a few of the bands there but its all good.
Headed over to the Pond after the reception, i was kinda late, and didnt leave until 750 where i was going to leave at 7. I was sporting my black suit with a pink button up with my chucks.
Got there, picked up my photo pass cuz like i didnt get tickets because homegirl at Interscope who got me the passes didnt hear me when i said i needeed tickets. It was all good thought because it was a multiartist thing, so i was there until the very end until Snoop. Usually its the first 2 songs. I could have got tickets with my homie who was also working it but its all good.
Got there and was lead backstage to the photographers holding area which was soooo ghetto. It was just us sitting down and just staring at each other. Bone Thugs and Harmony were performing and we couldnt watch it but its all good..
Yeah.. so pretty much staring at each other. Again here i am with a little point and shoot digital camera while everyelse had these huge cameras. I kinda thought that sucked. Its all good, was planning to get a professional digital camera soon.
When Bone Thugs was done, Busta Rhymes was going on next. We were lead to the photo pit that was all the way in the front. Man there was some freaky chicks there. The stuff they were wearing, i was wow, hook it up!!!
Shot Busta Rhymes, he is still amazing and i didnt even know he was signed to Interscope. It just one of those things, when you into music its like a big deal because it was a big deal to me. He was up there with Lil Scrappy. I made sure i got a hold of some ear plugs because i was standing in front of the speakers. Its amazing to look back and see all the thousands of people. It was a packed house but i dont know how much it fills in. I think about 12000. Man, it made me want to be a performer and just looking at the crazy crowd.
The Game was next, he filled up the stage with what it looked like his entourage. All decked out in Red from head to toe. Red Chucks, Angels Jersey, Red Angel hat, and a red bandana. If you didnt know, The Game was, actually prolly still is a Blood.
When he got up, a group of guys rushed the front wearing purple, with purple bandanas holding up plastic purple grapes. i then was told it was the Grape Gang and what not. They were doing the whole signs and chanting. It was pretty interesting.
After shooting the 2 songs, we were lead back to the holding area however they let us watch from outside the door. Me and this dude said screw it and went all the way to the front were his homies were. Got to enjoy the show some and the chicks. Nate Dogg came on to perform a few songs. The Game was downing some liquer and even got high on stage. Thats how you do it it couldnt help to smell the chronic all through out the arena.
Just as you would expect, The Game was talkig a little head bout 50 Cent. It wasnt too bad, it was pretty tamed. Trust me, if you heard the mixed tapes, man they be talkinh mad head. Game brought out his kid for a song or 2. I really like this rapper, nice beats, but its expected since Dr. Dre produced his album.
So backstage, one of the chick grew up in Upland and we chatted a little about it. It was like 3 really nice white girls, who was running press at a black/rap concert. They were soo not into it. There were fireworks and they were getting freaked out.
Snoop Dogg was last on the bill. They were running about 30 minutes late. Nothing that isnt expected. Yes i know i used a double negative. He has this whole softcore porno show thingy. It was kinda wierd. Then he rolled on out with this blue jumpsuit. If you havent watched Starky and Hutch. Snoop is a lanky hella skinny dude..
After the two songs, we were escorted out and i just left. Wasnt much left to do.
Check out "Westside Story" Live
Cant wait until Anger Management w/ 50 Cent and Eminem.
Saturday May 21st, 2005
Arrowhead Pond Anaheim, CA
Right-Click Here and Save As
on to your harddrive.
Posted by Anh at 4:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
BET Award Nomiees..
So like, im just putting this up so yall can check out who i think is going to win. Ill have pictures up from the awards and media day after i post about Powerhouse with Game and Snoop, George Lopez show at the Gibson, Opening Night at the Bowl, and Dane Cook/Dave Attel at the Wiltern...
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP
1. Miri Ben-Ari
2. Jackie-O
3. Remy Martin
4. Shawnna
BEST MALE HIP HOP
1. 50 Cent 1.
2. Jay-Z
3. Ludacris
4. Snoop Dogg 3.
5. T.I.
6. Kayne West 2.
BEST COLLABORATION
1. Ciara f/Missy Elliott "1, 2 Step"
2. Destiny's Child f/Lil Wayne & T.I. "Soldier"
3. The Game and 50 Cent "Hate It or Love It" 2.
4. Jadakiss f/Anthony Hamilton "Why"
5. Snoop Dogg f/Pharrell "Drop It Like It's Hot"
6. Usher and Alicia Keys "My Boo" 1.
BEST FEMALE R&B wow, this gotta be a hard one
1. Amerie 2.
2. Mariah Carey 1.
3. Ciara 1.
4. Fantasia
5. Alicia Keys 1.
6. Jill Scott
BEST MALE R&B
1. Anthony Hamilton
2. John Legend 2.
3. Mario 2.
4. Prince
5. Usher 1.
BEST GROUP
1. 112
2. Destiny's Child 1.
3. Lil Jon and The Eastside Boys
4. The Roots
5. Terror Squad f/Fat Joe
BEST NEW ARTIST
1. Ciara 2.
2. Fantasia
3. The Game 1.
4. John Legend 2.
5. Omarion
BEST GOSPEL ARTIST
1. Fred Hammond
2. Donnie McClurkin
3. Ruben Studdard
4. CeCe Winans
5. Kanye West 1.
VIDEO OF THE YEAR (SONG TITLE)
1. Amerie "1 Thing"
2. Jay-Z "99 Problems"
3. John Legend "Ordinary People"
4. Snoop Dogg f/Pharrel "Drop It Like It's Hot" 1.
5. Kanye West "Jesus Walks" 2.
BEST ACTRESS
1. Halle Berry 1.
2. Kimberly Elise
3. Regina King
4. Queen Latifah
5. Gabrielle Union
BEST ACTOR
1. Don Cheadle 2.
2. Jamie Foxx 1.
3. Morgan Freeman
4. Mos Def
5. Will Smith 2.
FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
1. Laila Ali "Boxing"
2. Gail Devers "Track & Field"
3. Lisa Leslie "Basketball"
4. Serena Williams "Tennis" 1.
5. Venus Williams "Tennis"
MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
1. Allen Iverson "Basketball" 1.
2. LeBron James "Basketball" 2.
3. Donovan McNabb "Football"
4. Shaquille O'Neal "Basketball" 2.
5. Tiger Woods "Golf"
BET.com VIEWERS' CHOICE (SONG TITLE)
1. Ciara f/Missy Elliott "1, 2 Step" 1.
2. Destiny's Child f/Lil Wayne and T.I. "Soldier"
3. Mario "Let Me Love You"
4. Omarion "O"
5. Terror Squad f/Fat Joe "Lean Back"
6. T.I. " U Don't Know Me"
Watch the Red Carpet, youll see me chillin there taking mad ass pictures.
Posted by Anh at 9:05 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
June 3, 2005
Update: Josh USA Weekend Article
Just updating yall on the article that was ran on the weekend of May 22nd, where i had it up a few days early..
You can either scroll down and read it or Click HERE
Josh's Upcoming Schedule that i know of
June 24th
Opening Night at the Bowl
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood, California
John Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra host a star-studded celebration featuring 2005 Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame inductees Joshua Bell and Trisha Yearwood, a special induction tribute to Frank Sinatra hosted by Quincy Jones, our famous fireworks, and much more, all in support of Music Matters.
July 7
Cocktail reception in Honor of Stephen Sondheim
Alan & Marilyn Bergman Home
Los Angeles, California
An imtimate reception with ASCAP Foundation's President and Chairman who is also serving as Event chair. Dont be surprised if you rub elbows with Jason Alexander, Josh Groban, and other performers who will be performing the next day.
July 8
Stephen Sondheim's 75th: The Concert
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood, California
Artists:
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Paul Gemignani, conductor
Jason Alexander
Carol Burnett
Len Cariou
Barbara Cook
Jason Danieley
Josh Groban
Angela Lansbury
Marin Mazzie
Audra McDonald Listen
Brian Stokes Mitchell
Donna Murphy
Bernadette Peters
Emmy Rossum
Vanessa Williams
Paul Lazarus, producer/director
Program:
From West Side Story to Follies, from Gypsy to Sweeney Todd, the inimitable Stephen Sondheim has been at the forefront of American musical theater. An all-star guest list including Jason Alexander, Nathan Lane, Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters, and others join the Los Angeles Philharmonic and longtime Sondheim collaborator Paul Gemignani to celebrate five decades of work from Broadway’s most prolific, innovative and thought-provoking composer-lyricist. A once-in-a-lifetime birthday concert.
August 27th
Film Night at Tanglewood
Koussevitzky Music Shed
Lenox, MA
Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra
John Williams, conductor
Josh Groban, vocalist
John Williams makes his only appearance of the 2005 season when he returns for the always-popular Film Night at Tanglewood. With the Boston Pops, he will recreate some of the great moments in Hollywood history. This year's concert features a special guest appearance by musical phenomenon Josh Groban, the Grammy-nominated artist who has sold a staggering 13 million albums and recently completed a highly acclaimed U.S. tour.
September 10th
David Foster Charity Gala
The River Rock Casino Resort
Richmond, British Columbia
This special fund raising event is in support of The David Foster Foundation, a unique charity assisting families with children requiring life saving organ transplants. The exclusive, private function is limited to 1000 local corporate and private citizens with all proceeds going directly to the Foundation.
The evening begins when David welcomes you in the theatre lobby at 7pm for an out of this world cocktail party and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Your chance to preview the silent auction also begins at 7pm and the live auction will take place at 9pm. This is your chance to reward yourself with one of five truly Unique Experiences.
Following the auction, you will be entertained by Josh Groban and Renee Olstead as well as performances by surprise celebrity guests in River Rock’s magnificent new state-of-the-art theatre.
Im sure you are wondering if i am goin to these events.. Well keep your eyes to this site and im sure i will say something about it!
Posted by Anh at 10:14 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack