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Just came back from a Pink Martini concert at Boston's Opera House.
WOW!
This was an awesome Christmas present from a friend who knows I'm a fan. Thank you, Steven.
I knew it would be fun, but when I opened the program, I couldn't believe my eyes: Ari Shapiro!
Being a daily listener of NPR, I have a secret crush on Ari. He is the NPR White House correspondent, and a real looker.
I had always liked his style on the radio; he enunciates so well. But, I had never seen him until this past election, when he was a commentator on PBS. Incredble eyes, and dimples, he just oozes confidence.
So, one night, whilst surfing youtube for Pink Martini clips, I saw one with him, and thought WTF? He can sing too??!!
I learned he was an occasional guest vocalist for the band. But, I never thought he would show up in Boston. I mean, I just heard him on the radio yesterday.
He started with a sweet Mexican ballad "Yo te quiero siempre" (I wiill love you always) which showed off his lovely tenor. Next, he did a first for the band--a Bollywood song! After intermission, he did an up tempo number called "But Now I'm Back" followed by a Pink Martini favorite, "La Soledad", much sweeter than the version on the album. Later, he asked all the Greeks in the audience to come onstage to join him in singing "Never on a Sunday" in Greek.
It seems he can do anything.
As an encore, lead singer China Forbes announced they would sing a song first done in 1964 with Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. And guess who is playing Judy? Ari minced a little, and they launched into the fab duet "Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again".I was in heaven.
Alas, he is married. To some guy. Oh well.
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The rest of the concert was just as good. Pink Martini is hard to categorize: they do mostly pop songs, but with an international flair. They sing in about 12 languages. Based in Portland, Oregon, the band was formed by Thomas Lauderdale and his Harvard classmate and lead singer China Forbes, who is originally from Cambridge; so this was home turf for her.
Incidentally, Thomas Lauderdale was the "gay activist" who was seated next to that idiot Ted Nugent at the recent State of the Union address.
(http://img.wonkette.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/nugent-sotu.png)
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(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxfmarOFMY1qzb4pmo1_400.jpg)
"This is Ari Sharpiro, NPR news, Boston"
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/f83df85384190215d78e92205b89e12c/tumblr_mg25qm6HsB1rg3180o1_500.jpg)
Dreamy Ari
(http://www.inspirethepossibility.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sSFC_0162.jpg)
Ari with Storm Large who was fillling in for lead singer China Forbes
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How fun! Thanks for sharing with us!
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa2uEqOrgLs[/youtube]
Ari Shapiro with Storm Large.
The first song written by Pink Martini is this: "Sympathique", by Thomas Lauderdale and China Forbes. They thought the melody sounded old-fashioned, and added words by the French poet Apollinaire, thinking this was in the public domain. Mais non. They were sued "in French". But it became a huge hit in France.
The chorus goes: "Je ne veux pas travailler,
Je ne veux pas dejeuner,
Je veux seulement oublier,
Et puis je fume."
Which means: "I don't want to work,
I don't want to lunch,
I only want to forget,
And so I smoke."
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84cRv9lC17E[/youtube]
Rehearsing "But Now I'm Back"
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SAzUGiRpOQ[/youtube]
Another favorite, albeit no Ari. "Donde estas, Yolanda" shows their musicianship pretty well.
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgFqdeEQYlM[/youtube]
Ari doing "La Soledad", piano intro by Chopin
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Sounds like fun, Paul!
I've never heard of Pink Martini before, but great music!
And yes, Ari Shapiro is a looker ;D
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(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/391454_10150931162667100_1967464605_n.jpg)
That is one shayna punim!
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(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/552036_10151032205187100_1204441709_n.jpg)
After a long day on Air Force One.
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(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/544789_10150596756182100_1673351395_n.jpg)
"I can't believe I have to cover this guy."
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(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/539841_10150893712237100_2016891833_n.jpg)
With Storm Large in Turkey
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(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/391454_10150931162667100_1967464605_n.jpg)
That is one shayna punim!
Oy gevalt!
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NOW I know why you so often listen to the radio, Paul! :laugh:
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Wow, I will never tune out during White House reports again! I'm glad to hear he is family.
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Just got back from my second Pink Martini concert, this time in Cape Cod.
A pretty last-minute decision to go, as tonight's other commitments disappeared. They played at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis on a revolving stage, as it's a 360-degree arena.
No Ari this time, cuz he's travelling with the President in Africa at the moment.
The band was great again. They played a few songs from their new album, to be released this September. There's always a Brokie connection: the new album includes a lush version of "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas"!
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Great to hear!
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Apparently, Ari will be NPR's London correspondent starting in January. I'm not sure I'm as happy as I should be for him!
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He has a strangely narrow face. Reminds me of the overexposed Benedict Cumberbatch.
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Ari just completed his last press conference...I'm crushed!
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I heard Ari on the radio yesterday filing a routine story on health care, just as always. I listened very closely...was there a bit of a choke in his voice? Was he developing a British accent? :-\
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Bumping this for Kelda since Ari is coming her way!
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Ari posted on fb a recent photo of him with the band in Athens. Smokin'!
(https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t1.0-9/10367822_686732934697936_3868383030183012793_n.jpg)
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I just heard that he would be performing with them at Hyannis, MA, on July 11!
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I just heard that he would be performing with them at Hyannis, MA, on July 11!
How did you hear this, Lee?
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How did you hear this, Lee?
OOps, just saw it. From Mr. Ari himself on fb! Getting my tix!
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Thanks, Lee!
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You're welcome! Hope you're able to go...wish I could!
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Now the name of the thread and the cutie remind me of a Logo show and cutie.
"Cocktails & Classics" with Michael Urie.
(http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/30th+Annual+Artios+Awards+4iE062KKnAWl.jpg)
Every Sunday he hosts a show with a panel of commentators, and they watch and discuss a classic film that appeals to the gay audience.
So far they've shown: Barbarella, Breakfast At Tiffany's, Caberet, Private Benjamin.
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Finally, I need be envious no longer!! I'm going to see Pink Martini opening for Diana Krall at Red Rocks Amphitheater next month!!
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enjoy the show!!
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Enjoy! And, report back!
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I realize that I never reported back. (That's cuz I did, but on facebook...)
Beautiful, warm night on Cape Cod on July 11.
I ran into a former coworker (who had retired) before the show and had some big laughs.
It was a sold-out crowd at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis--mostly older white folks. The band and singers made the best of the strange, revolving, in-the-round stage.
There was magic in the air, for sure! The band and the singers were ON! And the audience was super responsive.
Of course, the highlight was special guest ARI SHAPIRO, who, just that week, had been promoted from London bureau chief to co-anchor on "All Things Considered". He was in great voice, singing in several languages, including Spanish, Greek and Armenian. My favorite was his version of "La Soledad", but when he sang "Yo te quiero siempre" (I will always love you), I knew he was singing directly to me. ::)
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He was in great voice, singing in several languages, including Spanish, Greek and Armenian.
Armenian? ???
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Armenian? ???
Yes. Why the surprise?
Here are the lyrics:
(https://scontent-atl1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/988582_873957375975490_7239320569454259962_n.jpg?oh=66512da9b0cf5be5f8019c2c9c2e7922&oe=564FDB51)
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My favorite was his version of "La Soledad", but when he sang "Yo te quiero siempre" (I will always love you), I knew he was singing directly to me. ::)
Yes, I'm sure that he was. ::)
*runs from BBP*
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Armenian? ???
Yes. Why the surprise?
Was there a huge Armenian contingent in the audience?
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Was there a huge Armenian contingent in the audience?
I doubt it. It's just Pink Martini's "thing" to perform songs in many different languages.
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I doubt it. It's just Pink Martini's "thing" to perform songs in many different languages.
Ah! :)
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Why didn't they sing in Swedish? >:(
They should sing in Swedish!!! >:( >:(
Swedish is the best language to sing in!! Ever!!! >:(
8)
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Why didn't they sing in Swedish? >:(
They should sing in Swedish!!! >:( >:(
Swedish is the best language to sing in!! Ever!!! >:(
8)
No.
That's what the Swedish chef is for.
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPrwuqx32_I[/youtube]
8)
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bork bork bork!
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;D :-*
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bork bork bork!
Got a hairball, Chuck? ;)
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Nope, just my Swedish Chef imitation.
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It's spot on!
If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're the Swedish Chef, Chuckie!
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Well, I do try to cook, but I'm no chef!
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You're not Swedish either ;D
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But if you come for a visit, Chuck, I'll be happy to teach you to cook Swedish food, and say bork bork bork with the right accent!!
We have wonderful food, such as herring for example. I know you Americans love herring!
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::)
To get back on topic, how about some Pink Martini?
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZELwwWo_I0[/youtube]
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One more Swedish post, puleeze!? I like to make Swedish Meatballs. It's easy. You dump 5 lbs of frozen meatballs into a crockpot and pour over them a full jar of Heinz chili sauce mixed with a full jar of grape jelly! Cook for 4 hours on low! I have no idea why it's called Swedish meatballs...maybe because the meatballs are frozen??
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::)
To get back on topic, how about some Pink Martini?
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZELwwWo_I0[/youtube]
Oh, was there a topic in this thread? ::) ;D
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One more Swedish post, puleeze!? I like to make Swedish Meatballs. It's easy. You dump 5 lbs of frozen meatballs into a crockpot and pour over them a full jar of Heinz chili sauce mixed with a full jar of grape jelly! Cook for 4 hours on low! I have no idea why it's called Swedish meatballs...maybe because the meatballs are frozen??
I'm sorry, but that sounds disgusting! ;D
And, as you may have already guessed, it's nothing like Swedish meatballs.
Here's a recipe for traditional Swedish meatballs (which I don't particularly like and have never made):
500 gr minced meat, mixed beef and pork
1 egg
2-3 dl cream, milk and/or water
1 small onion
0,5 dl raspings
2 cooked cold potatoes
2 tablespoons butter
salt, pepper, allspice (yuck)
And for the sauce:
1 tablespoon flour
2 dl cream or milk
1 stock cube
salt, pepper
I can't however guarantee that this is exactly how IKEA's meatballs are made! ;D
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What are raspings, pray tell?
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Hmm...that's what my online dictionary told me to call it. But also bread crumbs, does that make more sense?
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I agree that the recipe does sound disgusting at first, but it's surprisingly good. The meatballs are coated with a syrupy tangy/sweet sauce. Now that I think of it, I surmise the reason it's called Swedish meatballs is because it originated in the Northern Midwest of the US where lots of Swedish immigrants located themselves and developed these easy "hot dishes" (in other places called casseroles) to take to their Lutheran potluck events!
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I agree that the recipe does sound disgusting at first, but it's surprisingly good. The meatballs are coated with a syrupy tangy/sweet sauce. Now that I think of it, I surmise the reason it's called Swedish meatballs is because it originated in the Northern Midwest of the US where lots of Swedish immigrants located themselves and developed these easy "hot dishes" (in other places called casseroles) to take to their Lutheran potluck events!
I have read that people who call them casseroles are considered uppity and are probably Episcopalians. ;D
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I agree that the recipe does sound disgusting at first, but it's surprisingly good. The meatballs are coated with a syrupy tangy/sweet sauce. Now that I think of it, I surmise the reason it's called Swedish meatballs is because it originated in the Northern Midwest of the US where lots of Swedish immigrants located themselves and developed these easy "hot dishes" (in other places called casseroles) to take to their Lutheran potluck events!
Well, that makes kinda sense in the way that many traditional Swedish dishes are sweet (which I hate), like the brown beans we talked about in some other thread a while ago.
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I have read that people who call them casseroles are considered uppity and are probably Episcopalians. ;D
(http://moacir.com/donkeyhottie/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/9781846462979.jpg)
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Can we get back on topic, please.
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Happy to oblige friend. Less than a week until I see Pink Martini in concert at Red Rocks! Oh, and of course there's the main attraction, Diana Krall, too. The guy I invited to come with me gave me the CD "Hey Eugene" but I haven't listened to it yet.
I had a moment of panic last night: What if Ari Shapiro doesn't come with the group to Denver? I'm sure his NPR schedule is very demanding. Oh well, I will still enjoy the concert.
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Sorry to say that I doubt Mr. Shapiro will be joining you.
He is slated to guest star with PM at the Hollywood Bowl in September, I believe.
In any case, you'll have a wonderful time with both PM and the lovely Diana Krall. Enjoy!
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Well, I just can't figure out why Ari doesn't put Red Rocks at the top of his list! It's in the news since it was named a national historic monument this week. Is the Hollywood Bowl a national monument? I think not! The Beatles performed there, I saw one of Stevie Ray Vaughn's last concerts there, and Crosby Stills Nash & Young. I'm also going to see Mark Knopfler there in September. And after our get-together at the Fort, Chrissi, Monika, Sophia and I drove by there! That's it, I have to get the message to him!!
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcOGbIBpH-I[/youtube]
More Pink Martini
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The concert was indescribable! Surely I'm not biased, but is there any venue in the world that is as beautiful and as acoustically perfect as Red Rocks Amphitheater in Golden, Colorado?? It was Pink Martini's first performance there and they were totally up for it with a big, but not overpowering sound. One of their first numbers was "Sympatheque" from their first album. Lead singer China Forbes described how some words in the song were taken from a French poem and later they were sued for copyright infringement, flown to Paris for a hearing, and afterwards the people suing them asked them for their autographs!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLaY4aksfRo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLaY4aksfRo)
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Lead singer China Forbes described how some words in the song were taken from a French poem and later they were sued for copyright infringement, flown to Paris for a hearing, and afterwards the people suing them asked them for their autographs!
Well, that's nerve! LOL
Glad you enjoyed the show!
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New show announced in the Boston area: "Och & Oy! A Considered Cabaret" with NPR's Ari Shapiro. October 24 at Symphony Hall. Get tickets >> https://cseries.org/3uuhhFC
and Alan Cummings! Too bad I'll be out of town on another trip.
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New show announced in the Boston area: "Och & Oy! A Considered Cabaret" with NPR's Ari Shapiro. October 24 at Symphony Hall. Get tickets >> https://cseries.org/3uuhhFC
and Alan Cummings! Too bad I'll be out of town on another trip.
I've seen something about that. I think it was in last week's Philadelphia Gay News.
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Even though I saw this show in Ptown a few years ago, I'm going!
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Great! I was hoping you would. It looks fabulous!
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Had to post this wonderful photo. What happened to their sleeves though? Oh, well, Ari's arms are worth showing off.