Yesterday's concert was absolutely fabulous! One favorite piece was the world premier of "April in Santa Cruz" by Javanese composer Nano S. Though it sounded traditional to us, it is apparently considered "modern" in light of the fact that the roots of Gamelan music reach so far back in time, they even predate Indonesia’s Hindu-Buddhist culture. I couldn’t get enough of it, literally, so I'm determined to attend the next Gamelan concert on May 10th, which is also the last for the academic year. I might have to skip movie with the movie group again, but the show should be very interesting. It’ll feature a longer "modern" work by the same composer, and a traditional Balinese Gamelan performance including dancers!
For our other favorite piece, John Cage surprised us with an extremely enjoyable work called “Credo…” something-or-other. I forgot. I have to look it up. It involved a stereo, a buzzer, various tin cans, as well as more traditional instruments, e.g. piano. It was very, very cool.
My German ladies and I had so much fun at Saturday's fireworks that we decided to come back to the boardwalk for the first of the Summer Concerts. Friday night will feature the The Romantics. If you don't remember the name of the band, you probably remember "That's what I like about you." Blast from the Past! There are some Eighties bands in the line-up that could be great fun. I will miss the Gin Blossoms and The Tubes. They both play in August when I'm in Germany. I will be able to catch Blue Oyster Cult July 25th, and I might stop by to check out some of the other bands, too. It's only a short walk from my house, it's for free, and I often appreciate the energy even if the music isn't exactly my favorite kind. I always enjoy the atmosphere, the color palette when the lights on stage and wharf come on while the sun sets slowly over the ocean.
