NSO with Pink Martini, et. al.

 Oh Children! What a night of fun was had by all! First of all, it is an amazing evening in the Capital of the United States. The weather was perfect, 72 with humidity around 60%, it doesn't get any better in mid-September. Next, any night at the Kennedy Center is a treat. But Combine the two as you stand on the patio near to the fountain on the banks of the Potomac River watching the sun set and burnishing the horse tail clouds a golden yellow to pinkish bronze as you watch the pleasure boats make lazy passes on the calm river's surface--and you know, if you don't just revel in this amazing life you have...I'm at a loss as to what else to say.

 With the stage thus set, you then enter the National Concert Hall and prepare for what can only be described as an experience. Just the fact that you are about to enjoy an internationally acclaimed symphony orchestra is worth the price of admission. Now, add to that this most amazing and eclectic jazz/fusion ensemble called Pink Martini from the hipster capital of the world, Portlandia. But wait, there's MORE---what's that you say? The Great-great-grandchildren of Maria and Georg van Trappe! More surprises still!? Stop! You're killing me! Soon to be revealed!

Highlights Little and Big: 


1) I bought a seat in the first level balcony for the first time. It was marvelous. With lots of audience participation, it was a great vantage point, AND it was an actual CHAIR with side arms! LIke I'm sitting in a comfortable chair at home, so not theater seating...I'm forever spoiled I fear. 

2) The evening included songs from Schubert to ABBA sung in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Farsi, Arabic, German, Japanese and Swedish! From Cuban love songs and Brazilian Samba to German Drinking songs and an impossible to characterize a cappella original written by the 18 year-old van Trappe prodigy, August (performed by him and his sisters). There were times the audience danced in the aisles and in the last number most formed giant conga lines and bounced all over the theater! All without the aid of alcohol, so far as I could tell. At one point the NSO conductor jumped into the crowd and started jitterbugging with some one in row 6!

3) The van Trappes--holy shit are they ADORABLE! Their harmonies are stunning and they are just beautiful. Three sisters: Amanda, Melanie and Sofia and their baby brother August. I know you're thinking of "The Sound of Music", right? Well the audience was, too. SO, imagine most everyone's surprise (it was nearly audible) when they first came out and August sported a toe-head blond gelled out hairdo worthy of any Japanese anime cartoon, complete with pink highlights and eye shadow!  

4) Surprises? How about NPR's London correspondent, Ari Shapiro, arriving in the second half to croon three numbers--and can that boy sing! A spicy latin number with Pink Martini's China Forbes, a sorrowful ballad of unrequited love from a 19th-century Cuban composer, and then a re-enactment of the "Get Happy/Happy Days are Here Again" 1962 duet between Barbara Streisand and Judy Garland sung again with China! China asked him which part he fancied playing, Barbara or Judy? Ari replied, "I've spent my entire life dreaming of being both of them!" complete with girlish heal kick to the utter delight of the audience! (Oh yah, "Family!").

5) There were THREE encores, and before the first one, Pink Martini's impresario, Thomas Lauderdale, gave homage to two things that have made Pink Martini possible: one, symphony orchestras like the NSO, and two, National Public Radio. Then, he referenced the recent interview with Scott Simon on NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday--and then he turned to the wings and invited Scott Simon to join everyone on the stage! The first encore was a version of "The Lonely Goat Herder" with Scott performing the roll of yodeler! I'm still catching my breath. WHAT JOY!