After many years, our routine is always the same. However, our experience there, never is. Preparations begin an hour before we leave. In charge of food and drinks, Robert first fills our MIER cooler with freshly made sandwiches. Sometimes, homemade or Rhineland Deli subs with the works. Mayo, mustard, thinly sliced onions, ripe juicy tomatoes, Swiss cheese, salt, and pepper. His preference: roast beef on sourdough. Mine: turkey on rye. Next, in goes a container of macaroni or potato salad, my contribution. And if we’re lucky, Robert’s apple lemon bars find a place in there, too. Last, but certainly not least, the beverages are added.
Overseeing the necessities and accessories, is my job. I stuff my Emma Bridgewater “Take An Old Bag Shopping” tote with plates, utensils, cups, small Ziploc bags of popcorn, a blanket, a scarf and sweaters. After packing the car with these items and our overnight bags, we hit the road at 5:30 pm, knowing our trek will take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. Jumping on the 101S freeway in a few minutes we get on the 23N, then the 118E, to the 170S, then back on the 101S getting off at Exit 12B Vineland Avenue, then finally turning left onto Ventura Boulevard.
Two minutes later, we stop to check into the BLVD Hotel in Studio City. Once our bags are in our room, we carry the cooler and tote across the street to board a shuttle bus bound for our destination. About 15 minutes later, we’re through security and make out way to the main promenade, climb four levels of stairs, turn right and locate our box #1634. When the table in our box is latched and level, and folding chairs are arranged the way we like, it’s time to unpack.
Clinking glasses we nod and say, “Cheers!” Then the noshing begins before the sun sets and the musicians take to the stage at the Hollywood Bowl.
From my journal, August 8, 2024, Newbury Park, California
“Amazing concert last night! Only 25 years old, she is definitely an old soul. What a voice and musician…she already has won a Grammy!”
We knew this concert, the second in our summer jazz series, was going to be different, even before we reached our seats. On the way, we noticed three things. First, many women were wearing mid-length white or black dresses, sandals or high heels, and bows in their hair. Some men wore bows, too! Second, it was the demographics. We were, by far, among the oldest folks there. It appeared most concert goers were under the age of 30. And third, when our shuttle bus pulled into the parking lot we saw the marquee. On it were the words SOLD OUT. That meant 17,500 tickets were purchased! I can’t recall any time, since we’ve had season tickets, that the venue was entirely sold out. Wow! Although we were not familiar with her music, it was apparent that most, if not all, (but us) were.
When the Icelandic Chinese American singer, musician, songwriter named Laufey (LAY/Vay) first appeared on stage clad in a knee length black dress and white go-go boots, with her string quartet, and sang her first note, we understood what the fanfare was all about. It’s then we were transported to the 1950s. Think Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Jazzy, swoony, and clever, Laufey sang songs from her first EP released in 2021. Two young couples sitting in the box to our right, quietly sang…every…single…word to “Everything I Know About Love” and “Dear Soulmate.”
Laufey entertained us with her singing and instrument playing, as well as her story telling. She relayed the origins of each song, doing so with a witty sense of humor. And when she talked about the meaning of her tune called “Slow Down,” I couldn’t help but laugh – softly. A mid-20-year-old telling herself to slow down because life seemed to be moving too fast seemed something a person twice her age might reflect on. Perhaps she’s just wise beyond her years. Not only were her pitch-perfect vocals amazing, but we also couldn’t get over how quickly she rotated between the electric guitar, cello, and piano, never missing a beat. And when she asked her twin sister, Junia who plays the violin to join her for “Best Friends,” everyone sighed. A very sweet treat indeed.
The second half of the show was just as impressive as the first. After intermission, Laufey appeared in a long flowy pink dress. So elegant. So classy. Backed by Thomas Wilkins and L.A. Philharmonic woodwinds, Act II included a few covers such as Jimmy Van Heusen classic “It Could Happen to You”. What struck me the most about this concert was how quiet the audience was. Maybe out of reverence or just the nature of her compositions, whatever the reason, I appreciated not hearing people talking or hollering out from their seats during the show. So hush in fact, I didn’t even have to wear my ear plugs! Honestly, you could have heard the proverbial pin drop throughout both sets, except once. When Laufey sang “From the Start” her fans joined in on the “blah-blah-blah” chorus with her. Fun and funny. I was also astonished that her jazz inspired music had been so well received by this younger crowd. It makes me happy to know this genre that I love so much, will be shared and enjoyed over multiple generations.
On that warm summer night, relaxing outdoors, listening to the pleasant music and heartfelt songs that seemed to emanate from another era, we were mesmerized. What a magical concert it was. While the stars were shining brightly against the dark sky that evening, there was one star shining brightest of all. That was the one performing, front and center, before us, on stage.
A Journal Journey 