By Jules E. Beuck & Rose Botkin-Beuck  r&jbnotes@dabelly.com
Staff Photos by Rose Botkin-Beuck

Wow, two thirds of the year has just flown by. Well, you know the old saying, times flies and all that. We have definitely been having some fun. Let us start out with the best part of the last month. Our eleven year old nephew from Chicago came to visit and we went to a couple of Southland theme parks with him. It gave us a whole new perspective on the parks, as we saw them through his eyes.

The first park we took him to was Sea World in San Diego, which has been around since 1964. In those days it was composed of twenty-two acres of land. It featured four dolphins, a pearl diving demonstration and two "sea maids" who "frolicked" in a 160,000 gallon pool. Today, the venue encompasses 189½ acres (including parking and support facilities). The dolphin population has expanded and has been joined by assorted whales, sea lions, polar bears, otters, penguins and sharks, just to name a few (it appears that the sea maids and pearl divers have retired).

He enjoyed the Dolphin Discovery, Shamu Adventure and the Pirates 4-D film, but these were far from his favorites. One of his favorites was "Fools With Tools" at Sea Lion and Otter stadium, a take off on the television show "Tool Time." Two sea lions are hosting a home repair television show that is on the verge of being canceled. As they try to salvage the show, an otter, who is set to take over the time slot, keeps sabotaging all their efforts. Our nephew enjoyed the interchanges between the sea lions and their trainers a lot, but especially enjoyed the antics of the otter.

He liked the Wild Arctic motion simulator ride, but really enjoyed viewing the beluga whales and polar bears habitats that you see after getting off the ride. He also liked the Shark Encounter, as he is very fascinated by this creature. He especially enjoyed walking through the tube, as the sharks swam above us. The sculpture of the jaw of the great white shark at the exit fascinated him and moved him to make sure he had a photo to take home. The "Birds of Prey" show has been replaced by "Pets Rule," which features primarily sheltered adopted animals. Dogs, cats, birds and even a pig cavort over the outdoor stage and present a hilarious show as the "Pets Book Of Rules" is finally revealed. Having cats at home, our nephew was thrilled with the performance.

After being thoroughly doused at the Dolphin Discovery, we decided to skip Shipwreck Rapids this time. We have been on it before and we will be on it again, as it is a fun water ride.

Sea World's mission statement is: "To entertain, amaze and educate, creating memories to last a lifetime." We think they succeeded with our nephew. Park Prices are $42.95 for adults ($46.95 for two day ticket), $39.95 for seniors 55 and above, $32.95 for children ages 3 through 9 ($36.95 for two day ticket) and free for children 2 and younger. Call (800) 25 SHAMU (800-257-4268) for more information.

The day before going down to San Diego, we had to pick up our nephew at Los Angeles International Airport, so rather than get up early and drive to L.A., we went in the night before and stayed at one of our favorite hotels, the Furama Hotel. At the Furama, you can stay prior to flying out of LAX (or upon your return) and leave your car there while you are gone for no extra charge. They will take you to your flight and pick you up when you come back. The rooms are large, the beds comfortable and they have the usual amenities. Call (310) 670-8111 for more information.

The other theme park we took our nephew to was Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios has been evolving continuously since 1964, when it initiated tram rides around the movie lot. The ride through the back lots is always interesting, as we never get tired of seeing the Red Sea part or coming face to face with Jaws and King Kong.

As technology gets more sophisticated, so do the presentations. "Terminator 2-3D" has been around a while now, but we never cease to be amazed at how the live action and filmed segments are seamlessly combined.

Our nephew liked Back To The Future the Ride as much as we do. He is also a big fan of Nickelodeon and Spider-Man. Consequently we made sure to see "Spider-Man Rocks," the latest stunt stage show at Universal. The story of Spider-Man and his battles with the Green Goblin are played out on stage and set to rock music. He loved the show and really loved getting his picture taken with Spider-Man as Spidey walked through the crowd before the show. He avoided the Blast Zone (a popular area where water is blasted all over anyone who dares to enter), but loved the Wild Thornberry's Adventure Temple. Here, he got to throw, shoot, project and do any number of interesting things with lava foam balls, either by himself or with other kids. He also liked the "Rugrats Magic Adventure" a lot, which boasts music, magic and mayhem and appeals to the whole family.

The Mummy Returns: Chamber of Horrors was something Jules checked out while our nephew was in the Adventure Temple. There are a number of interesting effects, but frankly we expected more from it, although it would be a great haunted house for Halloween.

"Cinemagic" has been renamed the "Special Effects Show." Here, the special effects that are used in the movies are demonstrated with audience volunteers and scenes from recent movies, such as "Scorpion King," "Shrek" and "The Mummy." There is also a character created just for the show called Wolfy, who is supposed to be a robot wolfman, but he turns out to be a little more real than expected, as staff and volunteers are whisked off by him. Everyone shows up O.K. at the end and the bit is actually kind of cute. Old favorites like Backdraft, the Lucy exhibit and ET-The Ride continue to entertain us. It was very warm the day we went to Universal and many people were cooling off with Jurassic Park-The Ride (if they were not in the Blast Zone), as they rode through the waterfall at the end of the ride or stood on the side and waited to get splashed as the boats came down.

"Animal Actors" and "Water World" are still going strong and the "Blues Brothers" revue provides a fun respite. One show that was not there the day we went was the "Wild Wild West Stunt Show," which made us a little sad, as we always found this show very entertaining.

Universal Studios is one of the best ways to spend a day or two. Hours of operation vary, so please call (818) 622-3855 for times and ticket prices or visit their Web site at www.universalstudios.com .

Things were hopping in Devore as the Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion hosted two all-day festivals and a regular old concert. The concert was Tom Petty and Jackson Browne, which was sandwiched between "Ozz Fest" and the "Dangerously Low Dough Show -- Inland Invasion 2."

We will begin with the regular old concert. This summer, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Jackson Browne were touring together in support of new albums scheduled to come out this fall. Between them, there is over fifty years of musical experience and neither is ready to rest on their laurels. 

Browne's album should be out by the time you read this, while Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers will release theirs October 8th. The only Southern California stop on this tour was at the Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion, although on October 15th, Petty and the band will play a very special show at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, where they will perform the entire new album, "The Last DJ." The show will be videotaped and transmitted live via satellite to movie theaters around the United States and will be simulcast live on radio stations in the U.S. and Canada.

Opening the show was Jackson Browne. At one point during his set, Browne remarked that he thought he had never played in the area before and then someone backstage pointed out that the Pavilion is the former site of the "Us Festival." "I guess I did play here," he said and then peered out over the audience as if trying to match his memory of the "Us Festival" with the reality of the Pavilion today.

Browne mixed old favorites with cuts from his upcoming release, "The Naked Ride Home." He started with "Boulevard," other popular Browne tunes included "Doctor My Eyes," "Runnin' On Empty" and  "The Pretender." Audience members could be seen bopping their heads as they remembered old favorites. From the new album, he performed "Culver Moon," "Barricades Of Heaven" and his next single, "The Night Inside Me."

Browne was backed by a five-piece band and a female back-up singer. The band was very good. Guitarist Mark Goldenberg especially stood out, his leads were inventive and took Browne's songs in very interesting directions. Browne thanked the audience for getting there in time to see him. When he started, the crowd was a bit sparse, but had filled in nicely by the time his set was over. He received a strong response from the audience.

However, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were the headliners and that is for whom the crowd saved their strongest response. Browne received a standing ovation for "Doctor My Eyes," but the crowd was on their feet for Petty before he was even able to play a note. Petty and crew did not disappoint either, they also mixed in songs from the upcoming album with old standards. Petty told the crowd "This is a great night for rock and roll!"

From "The Last DJ," Petty performed "Have Love Will Travel" and "Lost Children." "Lost Children" was written in response to the rash of kids being kidnapped out of their homes lately and how we need to do more to protect them. Some of the old favorites he performed included "Runnin' Down A Dream," "I Need To Know," "I Won't Back Down," "American Girl," and "Mary Jane's Last Dance." He introduced "Here Comes My Girl" by saying: "This song is from that 1970s everybody likes so much. When men were men and women took quaaludes." He even did a couple of covers, such as "High Heel Sneakers" and "Gloria."

There was also a sign language interpreter for Petty's show. This is something we have only seen at the Orange County Fair. Standing at the foot of the stage, making the rest of the audience jealous, she signed all the lyrics and stage patter. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Jackson Browne both gave strong performances and demonstrated with their new tunes that, musically speaking, they are not runnin' on empty, but in fact are still runnin' down that dream.

Next let us tackle "Ozz Fest 2002." The concert had none of the complaints heard last year about parking and people not getting in. In fact, 50,000 people actually made it in. Between the health problems of Sharon Osbourne and the death of Dave Williams of Drowning Pool, "Ozz Fest" was due a break and seemed to get one in Devore. We did not get to see everyone, but we will tell you about who we did.

Let us start with the second stage (since it started at 9:20 a.m. and the main stage did not kick in until 4 p.m.). The first band we saw was Seether, who seemed to go over well with the crowd that gathered for early metal. Most were not familiar with Seether's songs, but appeared to want to get more familiar with them as the set wore on. Shaun Morgan, the band's lead singer and guitarist, dedicated a song to Dave Williams.

Mushroomhead was a band for which the crowd seemed to be waiting. This eight-piece group has a distinctive stage presence, the two lead singers have their faces painted, while the rest of the band wears ski masks and they all wear camouflage fatigues and black boots. During their set, cannons were placed on either side of the stage and shot confetti over the crowd. The crowd loved it, as they were very vocal and danced around a lot to Mushroomhead's music.

The next group we saw was the Apex Theory. They got started a little late due to equipment problems and got a mixed review from the audience. There were some that did not care for the band, but when singer Andy Khachaturian asked the audience if they could keep playing, the crowd applauded. In turn, Khachaturian thanked the crowd for being positive toward the band.

Chevelle made a quick entrance and got right into their set. Their bassist jumped off the stage and performed in the security pit. They played a strong set. Ill Nino was next and appeared to be the main reason that anyone was at the second stage. While the band was performing songs like "God Save Us" and "I Am Loco," the crowd started working themselves into a frenzy and got pretty rowdy.

Pulse Ultra displayed a lot of energy, as the band members jumped all over and off the stage while performing songs such as "Build Your Cages" and "Big Brother" from their album, "Headspace." Otep, the only band on the "Ozz Fest" tour with a female singer, was next. They are very much into anagrams, as Otep is an anagram for poet and the title of their album, "SevasTra," is one for art saves. Otep had a lot of energy. The lead singer had a pig's head on her mike stand. They had a moment of silence for Dave Williams instead of dedicating a song to him. Hatebreed also delivered with a lot of energy. This hard-core band from Connecticut had the crowd jumping around like crazy. One fan made it past security to join the band on stage but was soon removed.

Moving to the main stage, Switched and Andrew W.K. were the first two acts. Both had problems connecting with the audience. Kelly Osbourne joined Andrew W.K. to sing "She Is Beautiful," which the crowd seemed to enjoy. Osborne jumped on the shoulders of Andrew and he carried her off stage.

The next band we caught was Adema and the crowd was definitely into them. Hailing from Bakersfield, Adema's lead singer, Mark Chavez, is the half-brother of Jonathan Davis, lead singer for Korn. Performing such songs as "The Way You Like It" and "Giving In," the group gave an energetic performance that was a definite crowd pleaser. Tommy Lee joined "Ozz Fest" late this year, replacing Drowning Pool after the aforementioned death of their lead singer. Lee and the audience did not seem to connect, though he put his all into his performance.

P.O.D. was next. They decorated the stage with two giant lion heads that were on either side of the drummer. The eyes of the heads would flash red. The band gave a high energy show; singer Sonny Sandoval went out into the audience and was touched by a lot of fans. P.O.D. also dedicated a song to Dave Williams, "From now on before we play this song, we want to dedicate it to Dave, may he rest in peace!" The song was "Satellite" from their latest release. For the song "Youth Of A Nation," they brought up a youth from the audience to help out. Paul Hudson, frontman for the group Bad Brains, joined P.O.D. on stage for "Without Jah Nothin' ." These Christian rockers connected well with the audience.

Now it was time for Rob Zombie. Zombie decorated the stage with pictures of Frankenstein and the Wolfman and on the drum riser was written 666. As might be expected, Zombie and band made a wild entrance. They displayed a lot of energy as they cavorted all over the stage. The sun was setting during Zombie's set and he was heard to remark: "Thank God that the sun is gone and we are left in darkness." Never one to keep his opinions to himself, Zombie told the crowd that he had seen the 2002 music video awards and "It made me sick to be alive." He also seemed irritated by the bonfires on the lawn.

System of a Down was next and the crowd was ready too, giving the band a strong ovation as they took the stage. Guitarist Daron Malakian displayed a lot of energy as he danced and jumped all over the stage. Malakian also performed a solo number about drugs, with the basic message that everybody does drugs. Songs the band performed included "Chop Suey," "Toxicity," "Prison Song," and "Aerials." As they exited, the words "Think More" were flashed on the video screens above the stage.

Finally it was time for the festival's namesake. The "Prince of Darkness" turned (bleeeeep) television star gave forth an energetic performance in his own right. He also had the best sound of the day. There were the standard Ozzy antics, such as water cannons dousing the audience while he cavorted on the stage with a maniacal grin. Some of the songs he performed included "Iron Man," "Crazy Train" and "War Pigs," he even reached back for the seldom heard "Suicide Solution."

Still and all this was a different Ozzy than in years past, a kinder gentler Ozzy, if you will. He gave the audience updates on Sharon Osbourne's bout with cancer and thanked them for their support. He told the crowd that he loved them and advised them that if they were smoking pot and/or drinking, to please take a cab home so he could see them again next year. He thanked the crowd often and even told them "God bless you." It was different for Ozzy, but the crowd still thought it was great. So ended another jam-packed successful "Ozz Fest." There were the usual bonfires and obnoxious behavior by some of the audience, but overall it appeared to be a fun experience for most everyone.

The next festival we caught was the "Dangerously Low Dough Show - Inland Invasion 2." Los Angeles radio station KROQ brought the event back to the Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion and this year it ran for over twelve hours. "Dangerously Low Dough" referred to the price of the show ($35 for any seat to see 17 different bands) and was also a tie-in to an article of clothing that the corporate sponsor, Levi's, is coming out with shortly. This year's "Inland Invasion" celebrated twenty-five years of punk rock with new bands sharing the stages with bands that have been around for the whole era. Like last year, it was held in 100 degree heat, but this did not deter over 40,000 fans from all over the Southland from making their way to Devore to see their favorite bands. Like with "Ozz Fest," we were not able to get to every band on the bill, so we will tell you about who we did see. Also like "Ozz Fest," crowd behavior was a little over the top at times, with mosh pits and bonfires on the lawn keeping security busy.

There was the usual festival set up of two stages, a festival stage out in a grassy area and the main stage. The festival stage had music from 11 a.m. until 3:40 p.m., while the main stage kicked into action at 3 p.m. and ran until around 11:30 p.m. (or whenever the Sex Pistols decided to get off).

The only band we caught on the festival stage was The Vandals, who performed some songs from their latest album, "Internet Dating Super Studs," as well as reaching back into their catalogue for such chestnuts as "My Ex-Girlfriend," "Anarchy Burger," "Oi To The World" and "And Now We Dance." The Vandals had a lot of energy and their irreverence was fun, as they tried to teach the crowd proper punk rock attitude.

The first act we caught on the main stage was the Buzzcocks. They started their set with a song that appeared to have them singing about boredom. This seemed appropriate, as except for guitarist Steve Diggle, they seemed bored on stage. Their sound was still energetic, even if their stage presence was not.

Next up was Pennywise who had a lot of energy and a solid sound. Guitarist Fletcher Dragge kept encouraging the crowd to get up and move and he also encouraged the people on the lawn to rush the stage, but he seemed very frustrated by the controls set up by the venue, "This is awful strict for a punk rock show." By the end of their show, the stage was full of audience members who were dancing around and helping the band perform. They performed a number of their own tunes and covers of other punk bands such as the Ramones and Black Flag.

Pennywise was followed by Blink 182. For those not familiar with Blink 182, they are a power trio (guitar, bass and drums only). They seemed to be having an off day as they seemed kind of sloppy (even for punk music) and the audience did not seem to get into them. This was not the case with the next group, Bad Religion, as they had a solid stage presence and were very energetic. Songs like "American Jesus" and "The Defense" were big hits with the crowd.

Social Distortion got a mixed review from the audience, as some in the crowd thought they had gone too commercial. Most of the audience got into such old favorites as their cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire" and their own material "Don't Drag Me Down," "Bad Luck" and "Story Of My Life." While introducing the new song, "Angel's Wings," the band told the crowd that it was about people who have kids who have not yet "learned to wipe their own butts." Offspring was next and performed a solid crowd pleasing set that included "The Kids Aren't Alright," "Come Out And Play," "Staring At The  Sun" and "Self Esteem." They must have thought they had more time to play because Dexter suddenly announced that their time was up and they left without performing some of their most well known songs, such as "Pretty Fly For A White Guy."

As people were already starting to file out after Offspring's set, the Sex Pistols took the stage. Lead singer Johnny "Rotten" Lydon made sure to tell the crowd that the Sex Pistols had nothing to do with KROQ or Levi's. He then took a microphone stand and threw it offstage. Lydon was the only one in the band who had any stage presence and he was the only one who moved on stage. The rest of the group huddled around the drummer as if they were in a rehearsal. Lydon was very sarcastic and stand-offish to the audience. At one point, he asked the crowd, "Would you like some more?" When the audience responded affirmatively, he asked "What the #*%@ for?" Since we did not have a good response to his second question, we left. The "Inland Invasion 2" was a definite success. Here's looking forward to number three.

We also caught one stage show, the first show of the 2002/2003 subscription season for Broadway/L.A., "Blast," at Royce Hall on the campus of the University of California Los Angeles. There is a reason that it was placed there rather than one of Broadway/L.A.'s usual locations such as the Wilshire Theatre. "Blast" takes band or drum and bugle corps to places few could have envisioned. The show has been awarded the 2001 Tony Award for "Best Special Theatrical Event" and a 2001 Emmy Award for "Best Choreography." Its beginnings date back to 1984 with the forming of the drum corps Star of Indiana, which in its first year, placed in the top ten at the Drum Corps International World Championships. Artistic director James Mason kept working with the 128 member group until it evolved into what is now known as "Blast."

The touring version of "Blast" consists of 54 members, but they exhibit so much energy, you would think there were 128 people involved. Not only do cast members have to be excellent musicians, but they need to be excellent athletes also. The physical demands of "Blast" are intense. The performers either play brass instruments, percussion or are part of what is called the visual ensemble (twirlers). As the reviewer from the Boston Globe put it: " 'Blast' stands, blows, pounds, marches and whirls with panache."

This was literally a non-stop show. Even during intermission there were a handful of drummers performing in the theater foyer. When the show was over, the performers walked through the audience and led the audience outside, where the drummers continued to play for an extra ten minutes. It goes without saying that the percussionists were superb.

The twirlers were great as well. Their precision was unreal. They would often weave in and out among the band members. Even though they were on a small stage, they made it work and work well. The brass section was also fabulous. All the performers appeared to be having fun on stage, as they joked around with each other, adding a little comedy to each section. There was a lot of performing in the audience, as well as audience participation, which made it fun for all. Each section had its own style of costume; the styles were simple, but still colorful.

The musical selections covered a wide range of genres and styles. There was Ravel's "Bolero," as well as a piece from Aaron Copeland, "Simple Gifts/Spring." "Gee Officer Krupke" from "West Side Story" was given the "Blast" treatment and jazz was represented by pieces from Maynard Ferguson and Chuck Mangione. "Malaguena," a piece we are more familiar with on classical guitar, was transposed for brass and percussion. Corny as it sounds, "Blast" describes itself, for it truly was a blast.

Now for some stuff that is going to happen. The Greek Theatre will be presenting the Temptations, The Spinners and the Marvelettes on October 4th. Also on October 4th, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman will be at the Kodak Theatre (if you do not catch them at the Kodak, they will be at the California Theatre for the Performing Arts in San Bernardino on October 19th). Universal Amphitheatre will be presenting Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam on October 18th.

The last fair of the season, The Farmer's Fair and Festival in Perris, California, will run from Oct. 19- 27. The concert lineup on the main stage will feature Baha Men and LMNT on the 21st, Lee Greenwood the 22nd, Grand Funk Railroad the 23rd, Rockin' Roadhouse featuring Joe Diffie, Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Lawrence on the 24th and Jars of Clay the 25th. On other stages will be Little Joe y La Familia on the 20th, Jamie O'Neal on the 21st (for two shows), Jan and Dean on the 22nd and Switchfoot on the 24th. Country station KFRG will sponsor an all day battle of the bands on the 25th and there will be a hypnotist daily. Call (909) 657-4221 or go to their Web site at www.farmersfair.com for more information.

The Beckman Auditorium at Caltech in Pasadena will present the Reduced Shakespeare Company on the 12th. This troupe performs the "Cliff Notes" versions of some of the world's greatest books. On October 25th, the famed Vienna Choir Boys will be there. Caltech Presents can be reached at (888) 222-5832 or go to their Web site at www.events.caltech.edu .

Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Orange County has a little something for everybody. Taiko Drummer Eitetsu Hayashi will be there October 4th and 5th, Riders In The Sky come in on October 6th, Harry Belafonte will be there the 8th and 9th, Manhattan Transfer performs October 11th, on the 18th is the Swingle Singers, while Ahmad Jamal, Jim Hall and Charlie Haden bring jazz to Orange County on the 19th. Debbie Reynolds will be there the 20th, Lee Ann Womack drops in for two nights on the 25th and 26th, while Keb Mo closes out the month on the 30th. Kansas and America open November on the 1st, David Cassidy follows on the 2nd and the Capitol Steps bring their irreverent political humor to the Cerritos stage on the 3rd. Call (800) 300-4345 for ticket information. Their Web site is www.cerritoscenter.com .

Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater will be presenting their 100th production, "Annie." This play, based on the "Little Orphan Annie" comic character, will be presented through November 17th, look for our review in our next column. For tickets and/or more information call (909) 626-1254 or go to their Web site at www.candlelightpavilion.com . The price of admission includes salad, warm rolls, entrée, the show and sales tax.

If you are in the Temecula, California, wine country and want to catch a production of "Grease," you can do so at the Pechanga Performing Arts Center on the 18th and 19th. Call Theatrical Arts International at (909) 885-5152 for more information or go to their Web site at www.theatricalarts.com .

The Queen Mary in Long Beach starts putting the sunny days of summer behind her and begins her development into the most terrifying place in Southern California for "Shipwreck 2002, The Queen Mary's 8th Annual Halloween Terror Fest." The scary-fun event is open from 7 p.m.-midnight.  Preview nights (only $13) are October 4th and 5th.  Other evenings are Oct. 11-12, 18-20, 25-27 and 31st and Nov. 1-2.  Admission is $25 per mortal and includes unlimited entry to all seven haunted attractions, the Boiler Room Club, plus the huge dance party in the tri-level Queen Mary Exhibit Hall. More information is available at www.queenmaryshipwreck.com by calling (562) 435-3511.  The haunted Queen Mary!  When you board, it may be forever!

That is all for this month. Have a fun Halloween (let the little kids keep some of the candy) and we will talk to you again in "Turkey Month."

Valerie Pollard, Sam Stubbs, Derek Rindt, Linda Garber and Julie Beck contributed to this column.

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