So it’s been awhile..In September alone I traveled to NYC, Las Vegas, Hawaii, and Seattle. In October I returned to New York and had a brief stop over to LA. But thankfully along the way I indulged in some concerts so continue reading for the quick recap…

Jazz Mafia Symphony Presents: “Emperor Norton Suite” at Yoshi’s San Francisco

Several months ago I bought a Google Offer so that I could apply the discount for a show at Yoshi’s SF. I’m so glad I took advantage of the offer for this show! The Jazz Mafia did not disappoint! Highlights were when the group brought up a few violin students to play some Stevie Wonder jams. One of the students looked terrified but broke out in a huge smile after the song was over. As a former music student I can certainly relate!

The Fray @ Angel Orensanz Center

Absolutely beautiful show and beautiful venue. Fun Fact: Sarah Jessica Parker got married here!

Charles Bradley @ Outside Lands

2011 was my very first Outside Lands. I’m not much of a all-day festival person. I enjoy sitting and enjoying a show in a dark theater but after I saw the line-up for this show I caved in. The highlight was Charles Bradley I loved his album “No Time For Dreaming” and his live show was truly emotional. At the age of 63 he has battled living on the streets, hitchhiking across the country for a better life, and losing loved ones. Seeing him live showed his true love for his fans and that was amazing to see.

Another highlight of Outside Lands was the amazing food. My favorite was the Chocolate forest that had chocolate treats from around the bay area. This tasty marshmallow and chocolate treat on  a stick was my favorite!

Until we meet again…

It is not often you can catch a legend in close proximity in an amazing venue such as Yoshi’s San Francisco but when you have that opportunity you just have to go for it. Somehow my boyfriend got front row seats to experience such splendor and we both full embraced it. Luckily for us it was at a bargain price.

While I fully admit I wasn’t fluent in her complete catalog the show spoke to everyone: those who knew her from her solo work in the 80’s, to others who knew her collaborations with Prince, or those who are more familiar to her famous family this show had something for everyone (not to mention fabulous Yoshi’s desserts). Sheila looked amazing in a gold sparkly dress, leggings, and platforms. Her band which included a few of her family members were all brought together for this special run of shows as a favor to Yoshi’s simply because the act originally set to play cancelled. As a percussionist I loved being close to feeling her energy and only then really understood how difficult it must be to play percussion, sing, and lead the band all at the same time. The band was truly in sync with her and even though Sheila E mentioned they never really performed together before they sounded as tight as a band that have been playing together for ages. The set mixed from hits like “Glamorous Life” to a new hit single from the E family that recently hit number 1 on local radio station KBLX. The highlight for me was Sheila E and her brother who is the biological dad of Nicole Richie (thanks to Wikipedia for that fun fact) shared the stage. They started with a simple beat repeating each other to a varying degree on different percussive instruments.  They moved on to the front row where they grabbed a tea kettle from an unsuspecting patron to drum on to finally tactful tapping a martini glass.

It was certainly a special night for bay area music too as the Yoshi (female) that started the two Yoshi’s Jazz Clubs in the bay area was in attendance. She spent the evening dancing in the aisles spinning as though she was fully embracing the music through her whole body. Shelia E and her family are a not to miss bay area music institution and seeing it at Yoshi’s is a match made in heaven.