There's something intimidating or out-dated about orchestras. Or maybe it's because there's so…read moremany other things to experience here in Southern California that I forget their existence? Perhaps it's just me, but going to a see something in the classical music category is not the first inspiration that leaps to mind...
However, I'm really glad I did. I mean, I've been to the Hollywood Bowl, but not for classical stuff. And the H-Bowl has such a bigger reputation that I wasn't even aware of Cal Phil...until my boyfriend's mother decided to celebrate her wedding anniversary with one of their Festival on the Green concerts.
Firstly, since I am totally 100% adverse to traffic congestion and paying for parking, the parking situation for Festival on the Green (its last year at the Arboretum) was delightfully within my budget: FREE. I parked off one of the adjacent streets (watch out for free-range peacocks!), and (dangerously) jay-walked across Baldwin Avenue, under the watchful but non-ticketing gaze of a motorcycle cop (phew!). There, I met my party, and we sauntered off to wait in line for the gate to open. With us, we'd brought appropriate picnic gear: fold-out chairs, blankets, bags of supplies, drink, and food. Every other party in line also sported the same items.
Suddenly, I got really excited by the prospect of picnicking in the warm twilight, consuming large amounts of food at a leisurely rate, and being surrounded by nature and live music. All of a sudden, it dawned on me that I ought to do this MORE OFTEN!
Due to the large Asian population in the San Gabriel area, every volunteer was a local Asian teenager. That amused me for no real reason, other than the fact that I too am Asian.
As soon as the gates opened, people flooded in to the lawn. Being light on my feet and competitive, I scouted ahead of my party and staked us a place right smack in the middle with a good view. There we set up camp, as the jazz trio warmed the crowd up with their opening act. The sun was still out, and it was fun to see what other's had brought for food. I set about eating a gigantic tofu salad that took me all of 90 minutes to consume. I can honestly say this grazing was really, really enjoyable.
We had a little time before Cal Phil got started, and legged it to the porta-potties (very clean and non-smelly!), as well as explored the food booths (bought a huge slice of delicious carrot cake to be consumed in the dark).
What was most engaging to me was Maestro Victor Vener: even though he was binoculars-away, his manner and voice was so warm and personal, it felt like he was speaking to you, the crowd, directly. He made it comfortable to enjoy the music...it was not something obtuse or esoteric. I even found myself swaying along to the music, recalling pieces from my childhood, and absolutely being riveted by those well-known, beloved orchestral pieces.
I left feeling like I wanted to skip and twirl from the ambience and music! OK, so maybe I'm just easily moved, but I don't care...I definitely want to return for more enjoyable summer evenings on the Green! Thanks Cal Phil!!!
