Growing up, I used to hurry home from school so I can make it on time for MTV. MTV and the 80s music were a big part of my teenage years and Hall and Oates were part of that too.
So when Mijo and I learned that Hall and Oates will be at the Mountain Winery, we didn't waste time and bought tickets. We had a great time.
Can you believe that I saw Smokey Robinson and Patti Austin perform live and I didn't pay a single penny? This was possible thanks to the wonderful people and sponsors behind the Stern Grove Festival.
I always look forward to this summer festival because it is good entertainment. Isn't summer in the city amazing?
What can top being surrounded by grapevines in the middle of a vineyard sipping a well balanced California cabernet sauvignon or merlot and watching Duran Duran live in concert while reminiscing on your life 20 years (or more) ago?
It is probably a lot to ask but that is what we did just recently.
I had a blast! Thank you, D&D.
I love 80s music. Some people may say it is cheesy but I don't care. I try to see any 80s band in concert when they are in town and, of course, I drag Mijo or a few friends with me in the process. Petshop Boys, checked. U2, checked. OMD, checked. Sting and The Police, checked.
So when Mijo saw that Tears for Fears are in town last week, I didn't waste any time and bought the tickets right away. I just had to see them. Tears for Fears, checked!
Mijo scored promotional tickets to Ricky Martin's Musica+Alma+Sexo tour on Wednesday at the HP Pavillon. ¡Que suerte la de nosotros!
I usually prepare to see a music event. When I say prepare, if it is a music concert or opera, I generally listen to the artist's songs one week before the date. If it is a ballet, I listen to the accompanying music tracts. Now if it is a Spanish or non-English and non-Tagalog speaking artist, I try to familiarize myself with the lyrics so I can sing with the crowd.
With Ricky Martin's concert, I was totally not ready. We learned about the free tickets four hours before the concert. Before Wednesday, I've only heard three or four of his songs. I was never a fan of the artist, although I like him enough that I would see his concert if the tickets were free.
The crowd was mostly Latin. The concert was short which is not surprising at all since he does not have a big repertoire of songs. He's got a great set wardrobes to complement his sexy body. I noticed that he really has a nice manly voice that is pleasing to listen to. Another plus is that he dances while he sings, and he moves quite well. The man is a good dancer. I guess not a lot of male singers can do this except for a few like the late Michael Jackson, and several boy bands.
In my opinion, he and his music sound better in Spanish and he should just stick with salsa or romantic music - porque las tienen mucha alma, mas profunda.
My favorites were Bella, Maria and the Cup of Life. I went with mijo to the concert during a weeknight expecting nothing but came back home happy - nos hemos gustado mucho. This concert made me a fan of the man! Great job Ricky Martin!
While waiting for the concert to start, we started playing a little game. We made a bet which song the OMD will open with. I thought they would open with something upbeat so I said 'Electricity', he said 'Messages'. The friendly couple sitting next to us joined in the game and bet 'Tesla Girls' will be the first song.
At one point during the concert, my mind drifted so far away to the point where the music and the crowd started becoming just a background noise to me. Their songs brought back a lot of memories. I was taken back to the days in highschool. Maybe early highschool? It was summertime in my hometown when one of their hits became popular. It reminded of my terrible crush who only lived in the neighborhood for a short time. Maybe I should Facebook-search him?
I grinned and then poof! My mind was back to the concert.
I guess I was not the only one whisked to memory lane. I overheard someone behind me said His dance moves are so 80s. Another one said I feel like I am nineteen again!
None of us won the bet because OMD sang something out of their latest album in the opening. They performed 'Electricity' last and 'Messages' second.
The photo above was taken during the OMD concert at the Fox Theatre in Oakland, Ca.