LEONARD COHEN’S SOLD OUT TOUR de FORCE at the NOKIA THEATRE.…

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

LEONARD COHEN’S SOLD OUT TOUR de FORCE at the NOKIA THEATRE.…

…..did not disappoint his 7,000 plus fans who were spellbound by this brilliant performer, singer of songs and poet of the ages. One can’t help but rhapsodize!!!

I’m soooooo excited!!!!

Love ‘The Nokia Theatre’!

Eager fans…..

Lines were endless for L.C. ‘stuff’…..

Had to do it! Popcornopolis Caramel Corn (Rose Nielsen got me addicted to this!)

Early, eager fans…..

Legendary Leonard Cohen, contemplative and self aware with that incomparable ‘golden honey’ voice and the ever present fedora….which he would doff in tribute whenever there was a vocal or instrumental solo. The two LED screens gave us up close and personal viewing. Singer, song writer and collaborator Sharon Robinson had a stunning solo as did the incomparable Webb sisters with their ethereal harmonies. The 12 string Spanish guitar solo by Javier Mas was mesmerizing.

During the brief intermission I had a delightful conversation with Freya. She’s a retired (recently) ‘Special Ed’ teacher & I told her she’s a saint!!!

The staging was simple and seemed intimate which is amazing considering the venue. It was awesome to watch as Cohen would drop to his knees during many of the songs.

SUZANNE

DANCE ME TO THE END OF LOVE was sung again for the benefit of dawdlers. A gracious handling of the tardy folks.

A treasure filled with poetry and drawings from this greatest of lyricists. Timely and meditative, this is by a master of language.

If you get just one, this would probably be the CD to have. It contains ‘Dance me to the End of Love’, ‘Bird on the Wire’, ‘Take This Waltz’, ‘Everybody Knows’, ‘Suzanne’, Hallelujah’ and ‘I’m Your Man’ among others.

I had to get the ‘Old Ideas Tour 2012 program….am I a groupie?????

After 3 1/2 magnificent hours, Leonard Cohen left us by skipping off the stage!

For more information:

www.leonardcohen.com/us

www.sharonrobinsonmusic.com

www.thewebsisters.com

www.myspace.com/maodeoro

Los Angeles Times ‘Calendar’ front page review ‘HALLELUJAH, L.A.’ by Pop Music Critic Randall Roberts

www.popcornopolis.com

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Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.