Hello again and welcome to spring. Have your bodies gotten used to the time change yet? Ours neither. We, as usual, got around a bit last month. We reviewed one album and saw shows at three different venues.

 

            The album was by Donita Sparks, the co-founder of the all-girl band L7. They formed in 1985, but went their separate ways in 2000. Along the way they released six studio albums, a greatest hits collection and a live album. Their 1992 release, "Bricks Are Heavy," was listed as one of the essential albums of the '90s by Rolling Stone Magazine.

 

Sparks has managed to keep busy since the breakup. She writes a column called "The Spin I'm In" for the blog Firedoglake and contributed music to the 2007 documentary, "The Life Of Reilly," which was about and starred the late Charles Nelson Reilly.

 

Sparks also formed a new band. Rather than using a self deprecating name like L7 she uses the more positive moniker of Donita Sparks + the Stellar Moments. The new band sports two males, Sparks and drummer Dee Plakas from L7.

 

They have released an album on Sparks label SparksFly Records called "Transmiticate." Sparks says that transmiticate "is a made up word. Transmiticate means to communicate through transmission, pick up the signals and then send out your own."

 

There are 11 cuts on the album. The songs are very hook-laden and take a straight ahead rock route. The band takes few risks here. There are songs that are reminiscent of other bands. For example, "Dare Dare" reminded us of Joan Jett, while "My Skin's Too Thin" and "He's Got The Honey" reminded us of Courtney Love.

 

Sparks' lyrics are a bit simplistic and sometimes repetitive. She wrote all the songs and knows how to put in a good hook. The album has a lot of energy, but rarely rises above OK. There are no songs on the album that we could not listen to or would want to skip over. On the other hand, there are also no songs that particularly impressed us.

 

Co-producer Ethan Allan (Luscious Jackson, Daniel Lanois) sits in on a couple of cuts. On the punk-sounding "Need To Numb" he plays keyboards, which brings a lot to the song.

 

The liner insert has a picture of Sparks on the front. Inside are pictures of classic statues repeated over and over. The credits are also listed, including who played what on each track.

 

If you go to Sparks "My Space" page, www.myspace.com/donitasparks, you can listen to five of the cuts and see if you want the entire album. You can also check her out at www.cashmusic.org/donitasparks or at her Web site www.donitasparks.com. You can purchase the album or other paraphernalia (including L7 shirts) at any of these sites.

 

Sparks' musical hooks had us wanting to like her. Unfortunately, even though the music was far from the "square" that L7 implies, there were few stellar moments.

 

On the other hand, we quite enjoyed all of the shows we went to. It also did not hurt that they were at three of our favorite places. The first one was "Peter Pan" at the California Theatre in San Bernardino.

 

Back in the 1950s when television was still in its infancy and there were only three networks, children could look forward to seeing Mary Martin fly across their television screens as Peter Pan at least once a year. Years later the show was revived with gymnast Cathy Rigby in the starring role. Theatrical Arts International recently brought the current touring company of the same show to the Inland Empire.

 

 "Peter Pan" first appeared in several chapters of a 1902 novel titled "The Little White Bird" that was written by James M. Barrie. The play "Peter Pan" was first performed in London in 1904. The present musical comedy version first appeared in 1954 and starred Martin and Cyril Ritchard as "Captain Hook." The production starring Martin and Ritchard was the one presented on television for so many years.

 

To refresh your memory, the story centers around the Darling children and their chance encounter with Peter Pan one night in their nursery. Pan teaches them to fly and takes them to Never Never Land. Here they have to deal with the evil Captain Hook and his band of pirates and get to meet Tinker Bell, a sprightly fairy, as well as a band of Indians.

 

The score has a number of well known songs that have become standards today. These include "I Gotta Crow," " Ugg-a-Wugg," "I'm Flying" and "I Won't Grow Up."

 

Even though this is primarily considered a show for children there was one point where Wendy (the oldest Darling child) asks Tinker Bell to be her personal fairy and Tinker Bell calls Wendy a "silly ass." (Editor's note: Silly ass is an old English expression implying someone is a dumb as a donkey, but it definitely has a different meaning today in America).

 

There were a couple points in this production where the fourth wall was broken and the audience was made to be involved. For example, at one point Tinker Bell becomes depressed and her light starts to flicker and dim. The audience is encouraged to clap to show that they believe in fairies and save her. At another point "I've Got To Crow" is reprised and Peter Pan teaches the audience to crow. This reprise was not in the program.

 

Performing as Peter Pan was Brooke Stone, she has an infectious stage personality and a smile so bright it could light up a room. She came across as a cross between Bette Midler and Martha Raye. Many in the audience were heard to remark that they thought Stone was hysterical. Her theatrics while flying were quite impressive.

 

Performing the dual roles of Mr. Darling and Captain Hook was Gary Kimble. As Mr. Darling he was a bit stiff and bland. As Hook he bloomed as he brought the right amount of pomposity and buffoonery to the role. Performing as Hook's assistant Smee this night was Marc De La Concha. Though not having the strongest voice, De La Concha was quite fun and provided many entertaining moments.

 

The scenery was done well. All of the scenes from the Darling's children bedroom to Hook's ship were believable.

 

There was a live orchestra providing the music as opposed to the common practice nowadays of using pre-recorded music. The orchestra acquitted itself well.

 

The audience gave the show a strong response, but not a standing ovation. The show, though fun, has not been updated and sometimes comes across as a bit old-fashioned.

 

The next show that TAI will present at the California Theatre will be the Broadway hit "Cats" on the 4^th and 5^th and after that "The Music Man" on the 24^th through the 27^th. You can get tickets at the box office, over the telephone at (909) 885-5152, at TicketMaster or online at www.theatricalarts.com. TAI has also announced their 2009 season. It includes, in the musical series, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," Menopause, The Musical," "The New Mambo Kings," and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." The Broadway play series consists of, "Sylvia," "The Gin Game," and "The Diary of Anne Frank."

 

We went back to the Candlelight Pavilion in Claremont, this time to see "Music of the Movies." This original review covered the history of motion pictures going back to as far as "Gone With the Wind," but including recent movies as well. The show was written, staged and directed by the talented John LaLonde.

 

During the dinner portion of the experience instead of the usual music of Michael Ryan, two giant video screens showed silent movies featuring Buster Keaton. The show begins with the cast standing on a riser dressed in choir robes. Singing dah-dum or bah-bum they went through instrumental themes from such movies as "Jaws," "2001: A Space Odyssey" and James Bond just to name a few. The robes dropped and the cast started trading off songs.

 

Everything from classics to forgotten gems were covered. For example, not only were obvious choices like "New York, New York" and "Somewhere over the Rainbow" performed, but also "Ballad of Cat Ballou" and "Can You Read My Mind" (from the 1978 movie "Superman"). Whatever song was being performed the appropriate movie poster was shown on the video screens.

 

Candlelight also did a trivia contest during the show. There was a questionnaire on the dinner table with a pencil. Whenever the theme for "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" was played a trivia question got asked. At intermission the questionnaires were collected and the winner announced during the second half. The prize included popcorn and tickets to see a movie of the winner's choice.

 

The cast consisted of a veritable Candlelight Pavilion all-star ensemble. Heading the cast was Danny Michaels. Joining him was the always entertaining Victor Hernandez, Leslie Scott, Lisa Dyson, Jennifer Stratton and Gina Montes. Rounding out the cast were Orlando Alexander and Vonetta Mixson from Candlelight's presentation of "Dreamgirls."

 

Everyone appeared to be having a great time, as they teased each other and interacted with the audience. For example, they were doing a set of cowboy western songs and Scott sang "9 To 5". When it was pointed out that that movie was not a Western, she explained that Dolly Parton wrote the song and she is a country and western singer so it was appropriate.

 

Before the second act the cast came out into the audience to mingle.

 

The cast was supported by pre-recorded music and a live piano on stage. The pianist even got to sing a song.

 

Vonetta Mixson got the strongest response of all the cast members. Her rendition of "I Will Always Love You" received a partial standing ovation and she got the loudest applause during the curtain calls. The show itself received a standing ovation.

 

  "Smoke on the Mountain" is being performed for another week (through the 6^th). "Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story" starts on the 11^th for the remainder of the month. Performances will be Thursday through Sunday evenings with Saturday and Sunday matinees. Ticket prices range from $48-$75 and $25 for children on select performances. The price of admission includes salad, warm rolls, entrée, the show and sales tax. Appetizers, beverages, desserts and gratuities are extra. For tickets and/or more information call (909) 626-1254 or go to their Web site at www.candlelightpavilion.com.

 

San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino was the third of the three "old haunts" we returned to this month. We saw the Gipsy Kings. The Gipsy Kings have been playing music for most of their lives. The band has been performing since the early '80s. They formed when the sons of famed Flamenco singer Jose Reyes got together with the Baliardo brothers after Jose's death. They began by performing on the streets of France and at parties under the name Los Reyes. An American tourist told them that their name meant Gipsy Kings in English and they decided that it suited them better and kept it as their name.

 

Being true gypsies, they have traveled all over the world performing their music. In the process they have sold more than 18 million albums worldwide. Nicolas Reyes, who is considered the lead singer of the group, was asked how their success and popularity has changed their lives: "Now the cops are in front of us, not behind."

 

The Gipsy Kings are currently on their 2008 Tour, which brought them to San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland, California.

 

Their current configuration consists of six acoustic guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion and drums. Though they are primarily a guitar band, the keyboards and keyboard effects did play a major role in their sound when they performed at San Manuel.

 

Though Nicolas is the primary singer, lead vocals were passed around. Harmonies could often be heard during the choruses. The rigors of touring were starting to show as at times, their voices sounded hoarse.

 

Even though there are six guitars, lead guitar work was placed in the capable hands of Tonino Baliardo. Staying with a traditional flamenco beat, the beat of the music rarely changed from song to song. How songs were distinguished from one another was either in the style of strumming used and or the moving of the guitar capo up and down the guitar neck, thus changing the key a song was in.

 

There was little interaction with the audience outside of signaling to clap along or to give the name of the last singer or acknowledge one of Tonino's solos.

 

None of the songs were sung in English. The audience did not seem to care, as they were very familiar with the material and would cheer enthusiastically when the group started in to one of their favorites. The Gipsy Kings are proud of their heritage and this is obvious in their music and demeanor.

 

Upcoming shows at San Manuel include Artie Lang on April 3^rd, Live Boxing on the 17^th (with special guests Thomas "Hitman" Hearns and "Joltin'" Joe Frazier), the return of Carlos Mencia on the 24^th and Kickboxing on May 1^st.  Call the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino box office at (888) 777-7401 extension 2832 or go to their Web site at www.sanmanuel.com for more information.

 

Now, for what is ahead of us for this month. First, though, in case you have not figured it out, you can get tickets for most of these events through TicketMaster, as well as at the particular box offices.

 

A sampling of House of Blues venues in the Southland includes The Gibson Theatre at Universal CityWalk and the Anaheim and Sunset Strip House of Blues clubs. The Gibson will have Emmanuel perform on the 4^th, Artie Lang on the 5^th, Julio Iglesias the 8^th, Art Laboe and his cast of classic acts the 12^th and Alejandra Guzman on the 18^th. Others are the V100 Superfest with (among others) Bel, Biv, Devoe on the 19^th, Chris Rock from the 23^rd through the 26^th and a lectures presented by Bill Maher on the 28^th.

 

The Anaheim house of Blues is again showcasing Bad Religion. They will appear on the 3^rd through the 6^th. Following them are Project 86, Neon Horse and others on the 10^th, Supersuckers the 10^th, Super Diamond on the 12^th, The Maine and others the 13^th, Sean Healy the 16^th and Mest on the 17^th. Other shows there this month are RATT's 25^th anniversary show on the 19^th (on the 18^th they will be at the  Sunset Strip HOB), Club Lucky on the 23, Best of Both worlds #5 on the 24^th, Richard Cheese the 26^th and Voodoo Glow Skulls on the 29^th.

 

Sly and the Family Stone will be at the Anaheim HOB on the 25^th and Sunset Strip the next night. Other shows at the Sunset HOB include Throwdown with others the 2^nd, LaLa, Myra and others the next night and the final world tour of Ministry from the 4^th through the 6^th. Others are The Dan Band the 11^th, Yellowcard the 12^th, Symphony X the 18^th and Yonder Mountain String Band on the 25^th.

 

Tickets for these shows and all House of Blues or Gibson Amphitheatre shows can be bought and more information obtained at www.hob.com.

 

The Nederlander organization is a nationwide entity. Tickets for their shows and more information about them can be found at www.Nederlander.com. Here are some of their Southland offerings for the month of April.

 

The Grove of Anaheim starts the month with Kansas on the 3^rd, Don Rickles on the 5^th and the Fab Four on the 13^th. Following them are Dimmu Borgir with Behemoth and Keep of Kalessin on the 16^th, 3 Doors Down on the 17^th, Kottonmouth Kings the 20^th and Soulja Boy closes the month on the 30^th. You can get your tickets for these shows at www.thegroveofanaheim.com.

 

Broadway/LA, another Nederlander theatre, continues to present "Wicked" at the Pantages Theatre and from the 22th through the 27^th will be presenting "Whistle Down the Wind" at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills. For ticket information call (866) 755-BWAY (2929).

 

Nederlander's Music Box at the Henry Fonda Theatre is, as usual, a busy place this month. On the 9^th are RJDZ and guests, the 10^th is Sky Bombers, the 11^th The Head Cat, and Hotel Café on the 12^th. Morcheeba will perform on the 13^th, Ghostland Observatory the 18^th, MAD TV the 22^nd and Colin Meloy on the 28^th.

 

Live Nation is another countrywide conglomerate. They have quite a few venues in the Southland. Here are a few of them: The Hyundai Pavilion in San Bernardino, CA will present RBD on the 5^th, the Wiltern, the Avalon, Verizon Amphitheatre, the Staples Center, The Honda Center in Anaheim, and the El Rey.

 

The Wiltern will present Les Claypool on the 4^th, Tego Calderon and Moenia on the 11^th, Eddie Vedder the 12^th and 13^th, Seether the 18^th and Chelsea Handler on the 25^th.

 

The Verizon Amphitheatre in Irvine is housing the two-day Bamboozle Left on the 5^th and 6^th, dozens of artists will play each day. This is followed by Mary J Blige and Jay Z on the 18^th and Fish Fest on the 27^th. While over at the Avalon, you can see the Gutter Twins featuring Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan on the 2^nd and Louis XIV on the 4^th.

 

You will be able to see Live Nation present Bon Jovi and Daughtery at the Staples Center on the 9^th and again at the Honda Center on the4th and 5^th. Other Honda Center shows are Bruce Springsteen on the 7^th and 8^th and Elton John on the 19^th. The Cribs will be at the El Rey on the 4^th.

 

The Queen Mary in Long Beach continues to be a unique place to be entertained and spend the night. While there, take the time to check out Tibbies for dinner and a show or head to the VAMP Lounge for a burlesque type show. For more information go to www.queenmary.com or call (562) 435-3511.

 

We always enjoy getting our laugh on at the Ontario Improv. Appearing there this month are Gabriel Iglesias from the 3^rd to the 6^th and again from the 10^th to the 13^th,  Ralphie May from the 17^th through the 20^th and Ralph Harris from the 24^th through the 27^th. Other shows are Refried Wednesday on the 2^nd, Vagina Monologues the 8^th and The Dirty Show on the 9^th. Spicy Latino nights are on the 16^th and 30^th with the Super Duper Comedy Show on the 22^nd, Championship Comedy on the 23^rd and Geoff Keith on the 29^th. Call (909) 484-5411 or go to their Web site at www.improv.com for tickets or more information.

 

Caltech is located in Pasadena. On the 12^th they are presenting the rural Swedish music of Väsen and on the 18^th the Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli de Veracruz on the 18^th. For tickets or more information call (888) 222-5832 or go to www.events.caltech.edu.

 

The Lewis Family Center in Rancho Cucamonga will be home to the BFG (Big Friendly Giant) from the 11^th through the 26^th. Call the box office at 477-2752 or go to their Web site at www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com for tickets or more information.

 

For tickets for the Riverside Philharmonic on the 5^th or 6^th go to www.riversidemunicipalauditorium.com.

 

The Hollywood Bowl is a treasured part of L.A.'s entertainment history. Performing there this month, on the 16^th, are Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z. The box office is located at 2301 North Highland Avenue in the Plaza area of the grounds.

 

The National Orange Show is in San Bernardino. On the 19^th they begin this their 2008 season of Speedway Racing. From the 7^th through the 24^th is their annual Pacific Rim Wine Competition. On the 13^th you can attend the "Go Lo Show" and on the 24^th through the 20^th is the 47^th Annual Signature Headdress Ball. (If you are planning further ahead the 93 Annual National Orange Show Festival.) Call (909) 888-6788 or go to their Web site at www.nationalorangeshow.com for tickets or more information.

 

Back in L.A. you will find NOKIA, they are located at 777 Chick Hearn Court across from the Staples Center. This month you will be able to see Lupillo Rivera on the 12^th, STAX 50^th Anniversary featuring Isaac Hayes on the 13^th and Kanye West on the 21^st through the 23^rd. You can reach the NOKIA by calling 213-763-6000 or online at www.nokiatheatrelalive.com.

 

You can always count on the Cerritos Center , at 12700 Center Court Drive in Cerrritos, to have a monthly offering of great shows. This month Arturo Sandoval performs on the 4^th and is followed by Sonny Rollins the next night, a revue or John Denver's songs on the 6th and the Juilliard String Quartet on the 11^th. The 12^th will be Wu Man Pipa performing ancient dances while on the 16^th is the California Guitar Trio consisting of Bert Lams, Hideyo Moriya and Paul Richards. The Axis Dance Company will be in Cerritos on the 18^th which precede The Grass Roots and Lovin' Spoonful on the 19^th, "Dino Rock In" on the 20^th, "Sweet Honey in the Rock" on the 22^nd and "Green Eggs & Hamadeus on the 23^rd. The month comes to a close with John Byner and Lynda Carter on the 27^th and guitarist Robert Beliniæ on the 30^th. The ticket office phone numbers are 562-8818 and 562-916-8500.

 

Before the grand finale here are our two of our favorite "water" places (as if you did not already know). Catalina Island is having their Annual Rubber Ducky Derby on the 6^th, the Annual Conservancy Ball the 12^th, Earth Day is the 19^th, Spring Fest the 20^th, and Community Health Fair on the 24^th. If you have been on the island you already know that private transportation from the mainland is not something you will ordinarily see on Catalina. There is an exception to this on April 26^th and 27^th. This is when 200 motorcycles will be allowed on the island to celebrate the Catalina Island Grand Prix Motorcycle Race 50^th Reunion and Show. For more information on any of these events go to www.catalina.com.

 

SeaWorld is our other favorite water place. As we told you last month, they are adding to their family by bringing in the Sesame Street characters. The Bay of Play is where you will find them happy to pose for pictures. This will also be an area of family friendly rides and shows. Along with the S.S. gang, Sea World will have a new 4-D movie and opportunities for you to breakfast with the likes of Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Elmo.

 

Returning to SeaWorld is "Spring Into Night." This means weekends all month will feature extended hours, special shows and fireworks. Another reason to visit SeaWorld this month is that your ticket for the one day of admission doubles as a seasons pass. Yep, you can get in free with it all year! So hurry and get your tickets and more information by calling 1(800) 25 SHAMU (257-4268) or going to their Web site at www.seaworld.com.

 

The grand finale we mentioned earlier is news of the Van's Warped Tour. We will try to give you additional information each month. This month we will tell you that is going to be on June 20th in Pomona, California. Dozens of bands have already been booked. Her are just some of them: Gym Class Heroes, The Briggs, The Academy Is.., The Bronx, Reliant K, Every Time I Die, From First to Last, The Street Dogs, Reel Big Fish, Norma Jean, We the Kings, Devil Wears Prada, Pierce the Veil, The Color Fred, 3Oh!3, The Lordz, Katy Perry, Shw, and Gym Claayze. For more information and tickets go to www.warpedtour.com.

 

That is it for now. Have a good month and we will (hopefully) catch you again in May.