Caravan Palace at Grand Performances

One of the things to do before leaving Los Angeles?

Catching a (free) Grand Performances show at California Plaza on a warm summer evening. Hot bill on Friday evening was the Parisian sensation “Caravan Palace” … and I had no idea to what extend it was going to ignite the massive audience!

Its unique sounds combine flapper swing, gypsy/jazz arrangements and generous scoops of electro pop wrapped with weird, energetic lyrics all held together with virtuosic performances on guitar, violin, double bass, trombone, clarinet and electronics. Name it “electro-swing a la francaise”!

An amazing show this “troupe” gave. One couldn’t sit/stay still by its enticing, wacky vibes, they called for a dance party! Even I shaked my booty (see video below)!

In the midst of the second set the crowd was going completely wild.

Some overheated shakers and groovers were running barefoot through the ponds at the plaza … to dismay of the organizers who stopped the concert for a few minutes until these peeps had left the fountains. It couldn’t stop the amused “bande” to play and sing to mesmerizing tunes and make for a superb and memorable evening. Merci, Caravan Palace, you have me hooked!

ArtInsight

Last Sunday afternoon I joined artists Michael Baroff and Norma, curator Jacki Paddock and friends at ArtInsight for an informal conversation about their work. The venue on the Westside is currently showing a photography group show, featuring nature inspired photographs by Norma, video art by Michael Baroff, among others.

In the inspiring discussion similarities as well as differences surfaced.

Norma is persuaded that training and technical expertise makes for a great picture, and that there should be standards. Others think that “a good eye” is all it takes. Who will tell?

Michael, who presented his aesthetically unique “Movement Series” – eight short videos capturing unscripted in the moment physical movement and ambient sound in local public environments – pointed out some interesting and personal thoughts. “Creating art is a process. It reflects one’s view of the world, combined with attitude, and mastering one’s technique of choice. I find satisfaction in the process. The fun part is to share my work with other people and friends, and feel validated.”

Jacki added: “Being creative, in whatever medium you choose, allows you freedom to do something else, and can be very therapeutic.”

Writing it is for me.

Photo credit: video still from “Moving Sunset” by Michael Baroff

For more info on this creative community:

http://www.meetup.com/Art-InSight

Video: “Boardwalk Beat” (Michael Baroff 2010)