Jazz Guitarist Mimi Fox and Bassist Jeff Denison at The 222

The 222 has a wide variety of performances but it has developed an especially strong programming for  jazz artists.  The final jazz performance for the 222 season featured Mimi Fox on acoustic and electric guitar with Jeff Denison on bass, baritone guitar and vocals.  Fox engaged in friendly banter with the sell out crowd and with her performing partner of "13 lucky years." The duo performed their opening number which Fox called "a well known standard".  It was unknown to me and went without being identified. The aesthetic was cool jazz with a rich, layered bass.  From there, Fox slid into Coltrane pieces which are standard, fan favorites (including for yours truly).  The 222 is an intimate setting which allows the audience to watch the musicians closely.  Being able to observe the intricate fingering and agility elevates the enjoyment of the event. Denison left hand moved swiftly up and down the neck of his bass while thumping rapidly on his strings.  Included in the program were compositions by Abbey Lincoln, known for her jazz vocals and for being out an outspoken civil rights advocate in the 60s. Denison lent his vocals on Lincoln's "Bird Alone" while playing bass. It was the first time I heard a bass player sing. His pleasant tenor worked well on this composition and Bonnie Raitt's mournful "I Can't Make You Love Me".   Fox, filling a void between numbers chanted"Jewish girls rock" and talked a little about her New York family.  Several of the numbers were from her just released album "Political" which she instructed us "to interpret as we will."  The music had a back and forth syncopation and a contrasting pitch between her acoustic guitar and Denison's baritone guitar.  Both artists hale from the Bay Area and perform often in San Francisco and the Sonoma. While the two are exceptionally talented musicians, and the close staging is pleasurable, the music from the duo fell short. The music needed a percussion or wind instrument to fill out the jazz compositions. 

Incite Insight SRJC Spring Dance Concert 2024

Santa Rosa Junior College's Dance Program is under the direction of Casandra Hillman. Hilllman's philosophy for the school's program is to establish a safe learning environment conducive to focusing on the discipline and art of dance. Hillman along with Tanya Knippelmeir, artistic director of Upside Dance Co., have been co-directing SRJC dance concerts together since 2017. Within the past eight years they have presented 13 performances. Lucky concert #13 last night was a mixed bag of modern dance performances that ranged from hip hop, a Color Guard flag dance, a romantic pas de deus, a solo danced to an orated theological poem, jive, jazz, theatrical and even a dance film with a 007 theme. It was a potpourri of plenty. On the program several works stood out, in particular "Babylon" by student choreographer Bri Holmes. Holmes also did the choreography for the dance film "Nothing to Lose," a sensual homage to James Bond and his vixens. But, "Babylon" exemplified an artistic eye for spatial composition, enhanced movement and musicality. The dance ebbed and flowed with strength and an ephemeral elasticity. Holmes wisely utilized two of the most robust dancers; Angelina Siu and Joshua Smith. Siu's exuberance and connection to the music made her a standout on stage. Her versatility and theatricality were superlative. Smith, one of the few male dancers, was captivating possessing both agility and technical proficiency.  "Ricochet" was another first rate piece choreographed by alumni/guest choreographers Thai Dang and Nika Kozlov. These alum's polished work captured a pulsating rhythm with the dancers that oscillated with electricity.  Again, Aneglina Siu added her artistry and passion to the piece. "Hand in Hand" was a top-rate work reminiscent of Bill T. Jones' aesthetic and also paid homage to Alvin Ailey's famous bird arm formations. Several of the works were choreographed and performed by the students as in "Jive Mania" and "This is Life." The skillful partnering flowed cohesively in both. The audience was invited to cheer boisterously during the dancing which fueled high energy and an infectious fun. Congratulations to the dancers and directors on all the hard work and collaborative creativity that went into this joyous celebration of dance at SRJC.  

SUGAR Series Stars Colin Farrell with too Much in the Mix

Colin Farrell stars as John Sugar, a private investigator who specializes in finding the missing for multi-millionaires. Farrell makes a sexy, convincing omnipotent hero in the Apple series SUGAR. He begrudgingly packs heat and takes his scotch neat. SUGAR is stacked with a talented cast including Amy Ryan and James Cromwell. Sugar is an unorthodox detective, a polyglot and "hates hurting people." In fact, he seems to overcompensate by being extremely magnanimous to the minions he comes in contact with. Furthermore, he's unflappable, debonair with expensive tastes and can drink without ever becoming inebriated.  Sugar has the makings for an irresistible and inscrutable character that should make the viewer savor him.  But, the case he's working on, finding the beautiful and beloved granddaughter of movie mogul Jonathan Siegel (Cromwell) is too convoluted and confusing it left a bad taste in my mouth.  Still, there is intrigue,  LA glamour and a private eye that is easy on the eyes with the promise of more than what meets the eye.  Is this enough to see you through eight episodes? I'll give you a clue Sherlock - if you like strange twists and can roll with the flow, this is your show.  For me, there's too much in the mix to swallow and it went sour. 

HACKS Is Back for Season 3-Anything New? We'll See

HACKS is back for season 3 after 2 outstanding seasons. The popular, award winning and critically acclaimed series HACKS has returned and taken up where it left off. Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is sailing high after a successful comedy special that sent her popularity skyrocketing. Ava (Hannah Einbinder) has been bemoaning being let go by Deborah after all they've been to each other.  Or was this just a one sided perspective on Ava's part. Regardless, Ava left her heart in Vegas although she and her girlfriend have moved in together in LA.  However, Ava's romance doesn't stand a chance should Deborah beckon Ava back. Welcomed returns to the cast include Deborah's faithful entourage with business partner Marcus (Carl Clemons-Hopkins), house manager Josefina (Rose Abdoo), assistant Damien (Mark Indelicato) and thankfully, Deborah's agent Jimmy (Paul Downs) and his hilarious sidekick Kayla (Megan Stalter). Both Downs' and Stalter's roles have wisely gone from guest spots to regulars. These two struck the jackpot as comedy goldmines and help keep the humor warm; a much needed reprise from the love/hate relationship between Deborah and Ava. The tension between this pair is wound so tight the levity from the supporting cast brings in refreshing, circulated air. Now is when the dreaded doldrums threaten to erode this clever and exceptionally well-acted show. Will it become predictable, then plodding and tiresome?  Is there new territory to traverse? Perhaps Deborah will finally obtain her long coveted, late night hosting job? If she does, will this turn into a watered down facsimile of a Larry Sanders/30 Rock, behind the scenes show? Let's hope Deborah's daughter DJ (Kaitlin Olson) will be around to be ignored or belittled by her. There's plenty of talent and mirth in this garrulous, cantankerous amalgamation of what goes into and beyond for the making and sustaining of a comedy legend. We've now seen Deborah without her facade and Ava without her clothes. But, will HACKS pack the proverbial punchlines we've all heard before or will Deborah and Ava score with new ways of delighting audiences? The sparring duo will have to learn new ways to live with and without each other. I'm betting that with the show's talented lineup, it's a safe bet that at least season 3 will be something special to see.  

OPERA SCOUTS at 222

Opera Scouts is a teen performing arts ensemble for ages 12-18 based in San Francisco for training in  performing opera and musical theater.  The eight ladies and two gentlemen sang a repertoire that included classical opera selections from Vivaldi and Bellini and popular show tunes from Gershwin, Porter and Rogers and Hammerstein. The ensemble began with a Fresh opera selection that they recently performed in Paris during their bi-annual trip abroad. The program was bookend at the finale with the ensemble giving a rousing rendition of Gershwin's "Fascinating Rhythm.". The young participants each  performed one or two solos.  One of the more theatrical numbers were "She Loves You" performed with showmanship style by Carl who is sure to garner leads in all his school musicals. Dolly Wu, a number to remember. Her Vivaldi operetta was sensational with her two octave range, strong vibrato and elegant phrasing. Her second solo was a selection from SHOWBOAT which demonstrated her versatility and ease as a performer. The gift of performing live has its rewards and challenges which can prove daunting. Much can be said for the courage and poise demonstrated particularly after faltering. A lot of credit must be given to all ten who sang for the audience at the 222. Coming out and supporting young artists benefits the performers and you just may catch a rising start. Miss Dolly Wu, I'm referring to you.  

TURTLES ALL the WAY DOWN Movie Based on John Green's Novel

John Green is a bestselling author of young adult novels.  Several of which have been made into successful films including "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Paper Towns".  His latest screen adaption is from his novel "Turtles All the Way Down" which is more ambitious and complex than previous works. In addition to teen romance, Turtles depicts the torment and anxiety intrinsic to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).  Green has been candid about his own battles with OCD and shares his experiences through his main character, Aza (sensitively portrayed by Isabela Merced).  Aza's obsessive thoughts of toxic bacteria overtaking her and making her violently ill are never far from her mind. Her struggles spiral out of control and are very disruptive and preventing her from feeling safe and at ease. The movie handles her obsessive thoughts with gravitas and compassion.  In an early scene with her therapist, Aza's tells her she would "kill to be normal."  More scenes with her therapist might've provided more insight into treating and coping with the disorder.  Fortunately, Aza has a support system with a loving mom and a supportive, zany best friend, Cree. Cree finds ways to talk Aza through her tormenting thoughts in a way that acknowledges an understanding while offering positive thinking.  There are kindling romantic relationships for both girls. But, the key relationship is between Aza and Cree. Their friendship is what steers the movie and keeps it afloat.  Both actresses give their roles depth, energy and credibility. Their connection keeps a serious film buoyant while treading through darker waters.  A Nancy Drew plot involving Aza's boyfriend's wealthy father whose gone missing under mysterious circumstances is convuluted in the novel. Here, it's thankfully pushed aside and the focus remains on high school relationships along with the understanding and coping of an afflicting anxiety disorder.  The movie now screening on Max, does an exceptional job of making an appealing teen movie which intelligently deals with a neurological disorder. I recommend this film for young adults and suggested viewing for those looking to gain an understanding for people coping with OCD or anxiety disorders,