LA, CA John Williams - Hollywood Bowl - August 28 - Saturday

(Gees you people get up early!)
Ok, here is my rundown of events...

Picture it? August 28th 2004 Los Angeles California Hollywood Bowl. The Los Angeles Fan Force gathered to witness the great John Williams perform many of his works ranging from the Olympics to Hollywood movies.

In attendace were:
The Darth Haskett Clan
Jundland Jay and his lovely wife
Jedi Bith, Bernie Solo, and son of Bernie Solo
ValedaKor
JediRacer and his good friend Mark
Silent Bob West and the charming April
Elensara
JediDevi in Jedi robes
We were also honored to have with us two new friends from New York, ObiWill and Benae Quee.
Oh and yes, me, Skyryder.

The first order of business was eating. There was a wide range of food from elaborate picnic baskets with breads and olive oils to Asian cuisine to my stupid Subway sandwich, because I ain?t got that kind of time ok.

After that we enjoyed a variety of conversation topics and some of us showed off our Light Sabers.

At about 8 p.m., we all took off to find our seats. We had really good seats, thanks VK for your efforts in getting the tickets. Mr. Williams began the concert with many of his Olympic works. Olympic decathlon winner Bruce Jenner spoke and introduced around 30 Southern California Olympians. They even lit a small Olympic Flame. And while he played showed clips from past Olympic victories.

Then he performed many of his movie works from Superman, Amistad, Wuthering Heights, Harry Potter, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the most important of all Star Wars. All the songs were great. I think ?Something Wicked this Way Comes? from Harry Potter was a big hit because of the choir. I was getting worried that Star Wars wasn?t going to be played at all but then during the encore he performed Yoda?s theme, Darth Vader?s theme, and the main theme. There was no Duel of the Fates as we were all hoping, but maybe next year. It was also very nice to see the crowd with glowing Light Sabers.

After the show we all seemed to take off quite fast to find our different forms of transportation. It was a great evening, and I?m very happy that we were able to attend.

pictures can be found here photos

Skyryder Out!

 

Kris and I had a wonderful time last night. Thanks to everyone for welcoming us... it's always great to get together with other FanForce members.

The "Viandante del Cielo" was a perfect Merlot, with notes of oak, dark berry fruits, and geekiness. I also liked the Charles Shaw, fruity and fresh with just a slight hint of "chuck." I wish Trader Joe's sold wine in New York.

The concert was spectacular. "Superman" (which I've never heard live before) blew us away. Kris and I got all emotional during the "Star Wars" encores (it's the movie that brought us together ).

MTFBWYA!

Will & Kristin

 

I'm glad to hear that it was a great event, wish I could've been there. I need to get last year's tape back from Marshal so I can make everyone tapes from last year's show.

 

cool sounds and looks like you guys had fun... glad you enjoyed it all

 

I forgot to mention the wine!!!!!!! Skywalker Merlot to Two Buck Chuck!!!! (of which I had three glasses)

 

Yes, the concert was very nice, with many amusing moments with friends (cough*cellphone*cough). After the realization, during the encore, that there was indeed a choir onstage, and "Duel of the Fates" may be next, I was a little disappointed that the choir wasn't utilized...but I'm very happy that three SW pieces were performed. I was thinking we were gonna get one, the main theme, at most. Thanks for the treats, Claudia, Matt, & Liz/Bernie, and thanks for taking care of the tickets, Helen!

 

We had a great time. Sorry we took off so quickly. Mr. DH likes to go quickly to get to the bus quickly and so we dashed off before I could say proper goodbyes or goodbyes in general.

Special thanks to J_J and Mrs. J_J for sharing their treats especially the Skywalker Merlot which was wonderful. I haven't seen the pictures yet but I am sure there are a couple of me (the group lush) and my glass.

Thanks to Will and Kris for spending time with us. I'm sorry I did not get to speak with you guys much but am looking forward to seeing you guys again in Indy.

I'm glad you got back safely, Skyryder. I was worried that the redline was not running by the time you got to Hollywood and Highland. After we parted, we saw a shuttle that went to Hollywood and Highland. I wish I were able to stop you and get you on the shuttle.

The whole show was great and CSUF chorale was fantastic. All the music was beautifully played but the encores were the best! It was so much fun to hang out with everyone.

 

Let the record show, that JR's camera doesn't like me at all! In the group shot with my camera, my eyes are opened, though the picture is fuzzy but I blame the photographer because the other shots came out clear (sorry Mark). However, in JR's group shot my eyes are closed as usual! It is because it is non Sony and it wants to bring my company down! Evil Camera!

 

Actually your eyes are open in my photo too Skyryder. It's just the dang red eye makes it look like they are closed, and the fact that the picture has been reduced in resolution.

 

Well, I feel better now.

 

BernieSolo, his padawan and I had a terrific time! The shuttle was so easy and we got there early and snagged the last good picnic spot. We spread out two blankets and fought off non-LAFFers until our group arrived. I am not used to drinking wine, though, and got a bit groggy. But that Skywalker wine was tasty! It was great to meet our visitors and new LAFF friends and family. JJ's wife can sure cook, and was quite the trooper! Luckily I was revived for the concert by water and chocolate, but I forgot my new cell phone was still on until a few pieces into the evening. Sara had to point out that it had a "power" button to get it to turn off...somehow, I thought it would be more complicated! Doh! But Sara saved the day! And it provided a pretty good chuckle for our row.

Of course the highlight for me (besides my alma mater providing the choir) was...."Yoda's theme" as the first piece for the encore! Looking around and seeing all the lightsabers swaying all over the bowl...It was really magical.

Like everyone else we disappeared (got absorbed) into the crowd afterward, and only got to say "bye" to Helen as she got into her shuttle line, and we got into ours.
Thanks again, Helen, for organizing this, and to all our friends for coming and making it so fun! Great pics and review, Scott (does he get his "board title" yet???)!

Looking forward to next year, hopefully, and since it may be a really big Star Wars concert, Sara and I were thinking it might be fun to buy up a whole row of boxes! I know we'll have to wait and see...but is anyone interested in a "grand-finale celebration" of the concert during the final Star Wars year? Assuming there is one, of course...

I'm going to start saving my pennies right now...

MTFBWYA,
JediBith


EDIT: and BTW, TK, "BeSo" seems to have stuck! THX for the tip!