So I've been on sebbatical, but I'm back in the pink. Here are my recs from the past week.
My flatmate, Erin, had a great gig on Wednesday at the Mansion. She performed with the band formerly known as At Last (don't ask). I won't even pretend to be objective because I'm so proud of my Boo - move over stage moms. Still, I think anyone would admit that Erin's cover of Amy Winehouse's "I'm No Good" was a great opener, and her version of Jarabe dePalo's "La Flaca" was sung with just the right feeling. Our friend Andre, also known as Boy Wonder (again, don't ask), headlined, and as usual he brought a lot of personality to the stage. Both Erin and Andre will be singing again at World Cafe on December 23rd. I'd definitely recommend checking them out.
Later that night, in celebration, Erin and I went with some friends to the recently opened Belgian Cafe in our neighborhood. Now, I am not a beer lass, but even I enjoy the excellent libations at this joint. It has a great atmosphere - classy but still very relaxed. And may I just say that the bartenders are extremely goodlooking. And friendly. Aw-rite. One gripe is that it's a bit pricey. Again, may I recommend that you make friends with the bartenders.
Finally, I would like to put a word in for the fabulous Philadelphia Baroque group, Philomel. The parents of my friend Julietta comprise two of the group's members, so I was able to see their performance last night at Carpenter's Hall. It was amazing! To see a performance like that in such a space was a real pleasure. The music really put me in a trance, so that I felt like I was transported back in time. I particularly enjoyed Elissa Berardi's and Sandra Miller's flute duet in Lavaux's Sonata Sesta in G major, but the real coups of the evening was the concluding piece. Bruce Bekker explained before the song that it was a piece of religious music played in the French court during Christmas time. We all expected something quiet somber or at least pious, but instead were met with a Middle Eastern medley. It was supposed to represent the shepherds at the manger scene, and boy did they seem like some riotous guys. I thought it was very clever to end the evening with such an unexpected piece.
I'm in the throws of finals this week, but I will not stay away again for long. There definitely will be plenty to write up over the holiday season. I'm particularly looking forward to the newly choreographed (it's about time) Nutcracker this weekend. Perhaps my own dear friend soloist James (wouldn't you say we're friends after our last encounter?) will grace us with his presence once again. One can only hope.
