By Eileen Lee
The big excitement of the week for me seems to be the announcement from Goldenvoice of ‘Desert Trip’ or my preferred pet name, ‘Oldchella’.
It’s a brand new festival held at the famous polo grounds in Coachella Valley. Fortunately it is going to be at a more dignified time of year, over a weekend in less hot October; cleverly avoiding the usual 100-110 degree temperatures, which us oldies tend to have little patience for. I am not sure I could endure that kind of heat even if Jimi Hendrix and Elvis were on the bill! Brits and Anglophiles were all abuzz as soon as the line up was announced, and why not: The Who, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Roger Waters all on the same bill!! Plus Stateside icons Bob Dylan and Neil Young, who certainly have the clout to keep the American music fans happy. Many of you thought it was a joke when I first posted it as it seemed too good to be true, but no folks, it is happening! It is so ‘grown up’ that they are even offering ‘floor seating’ and one day passes; which the regular Coachella festival used to offer in the good old days. And if you have $225 to spare you can even purchase ‘One four-course meal cooked by celebrated chefs. A welcoming cocktail, beer and wine are included’. Tickets go on sale May 9th but grab them quickly as they will probably be all gone before May 10th! Visit home.deserttrip.com for full details.
Talking of legends, I had the pleasure of seeing the play ‘Marilyn & Sinatra’ presented by BritWeek last weekend. Not many people can be referred to by one name unless they have reached a certain status that usually means the public is intrigued with their every aspect. So it was fascinating to learn something new about these two; the story of their romance was unbeknownst to me anyway. Multi-talented Sandro Monetti will be taking this production out on an international tour this summer, so watch this space to find out if it is coming to a city near you. Sandro certainly has his fingers in many pies, as he will also be hosting Brits in LA Pub Quiz at the Pikey on May 10th – always a lot of fun AND you might even win something. Lots of prizes plus the winning team takes the kitty home – so the more of you that attend the bigger the jackpot! His last one proved so popular it was standing room only – so get there by 7.30 if you need us to help you find a team. Or drop me a line at Eileen@britsin.la
Any fans of Ewan McGregor out there ? We have a giveaway for passes to see his latest film ‘Last Days in the Desert’. Email us at BritsinLA@gmail.com to enter. Winners will be chosen at random on Monday 9th May.
Don’t forget it is Mothers Day in the USA this weekend – stuck for ideas? If you are over on the Westside Ye Olde Kings Head has your mothers covered for both with a Mother’s Day Tea and a Sunday Roast Dinner, and for those of you in midtown or Hollywood I suggest you pick up the phone (or go on OpenTable) and make a reservation for afternoon tea at Wilde (aptly named after the mother of Oscar), a fabulous wine bar on La Brea. If you are a Brits in LA Key Member make sure to bring your fob for a 15% discount. and don’t forget to bring your mum (or mom)!
Cheers!
Eileen
