 Review |
January 18th, 2007 |
Untitled Document
Bob Newhart
by lyle e davis
 After you’ve attended a performance by Bob Newhart you find yourself wishing you had a recording of what you had just witnessed . . . just so you could once again savor the fun, the humor, the laughter that you’ve just experienced.
We were part of the nearly sold out house last Saturday as Bob Newhart performed the second of two scheduled shows for that day.
At age 77, he’s still got the master’s touch. His now famous deadpan delivery, his set-up for his stories and jokes . . . all have that classic touch to them. So much so that even on jokes you’ve heard before, you wind up laughing simply because of the way Newhart tells them.
Yes, he did one of his trademark telephone bits, the Driving Instructor. Most of us had heard it several times, back in the 50’s and 60’s, but it brought back some pleasant memories of a then young comedian just starting out.
Newhart is one of those acts where you wish the show would never end . . . or perhaps have an intermission and then start afresh.
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, has booked some outstanding artists for this season, Newhart being just one of them.
As we entered the concert hall we bumped into Paul Williams, and had a chance to chat with him. Pop music lovers from the 50’s and 60’s will remember Paul Williams, the diminiutive one, for both writing and singing such famous hits as “We've Only Just Begun," "Rainy Days and Mondays," "Evergreen," and Three Dog Night’s "Just An Old Fashioned Love Song" Williams will be appearing one month from now on February 17.
We are delighted to see the caliber of artists California Center for the Arts, Escondido, brings to town.
Itzhak Perlman comes in next week (Thursday, January 25th), The Chieftains are here on Friday, January 26th, Bobby McFerrin with Voicestra comes in on Sunday, January 28th.
With artists such as these, we believe we’ll be seeing more and more seats filled at the concert hall and the financial success of the Center will continue to improve.
It’s our opinion that the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, is heading in the right direction.
Bravo!
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
340 N. Escondido Blvd.
Escondido, Ca. 92025
Ticket Office: 800.988.4253
Admin: 839.4138
Museum: 839.4120
Admin offices are open Tuesday through Friday 8-5pm.
Paul Williams, appearing
February 17th
San Diego Bluegrass Society Brings Special Concert to Carlsbad
Entertainment in a bit different genre comes to Carlsbad on Sunday, January 28th, at 5pm, at the Carlsbad Village Theatre.
The San Diego Bluegrass Society presents Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock in a special concert.
Michael Cleveland is the International Bluegrass Music Association's 2006 Fiddle Player of the Year, and his latest CD titled "Let 'Er Go, Boys!" is IBMA's Album of the Year. This band was the talk of the town at the recent World of Bluegrass convention in Nashville last month.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door, and can be purchased on line at www.summergrass.org and click on SDBS Concert Events. Advance tickets can also be purchased by calling Mike Tatar at 858-679-1225 or 858-386-8459. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
A Review
by lyle e davis
The Arrogant Bastard!
Relax. We’re not attacking someone. That’s the name of the ale that Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, co-founders of Stone Brewing, have given to their most popular ale.
These maverick entrepreneurs have turned the business world on its head, developing a micro brewery that steadily has seen a growth in market share and acceptance of a thirsty public, and without spending a dime in advertising (much to the dismay of we advertising types).
Their latest adventure is to move their expanding brewery to brand new, gleaming facilities in Escondido, and to also convert a good size chunk of the new building into a very artsy-craftsy type of restaurant. Huge ceilings, very nicely decorated hall, internal landscaping and decor, all designed to sell an atmosphere, accomplishes its task.
Clever, artistic menus, with a wide variety of rather pricey items, well trained wait staff, and a comfy, somewhat elegant, yet still rustic, atmosphere, puts one generally at ease.
Heavy emphasis on natural and local foods here: regional beers and wines, produce, meats, breads and cheeses. Carlsbad mustard, Carlsbad mussels and clams, all types of coffees, teas and spices.
I found the prices a bit steep. We were served a large plate, to be sure . . . but $14.75 for a Buffalo Burger? $12.50 for a BLT?
It might be okay for an occasional visit, when you felt like splurging . . . or doing something a bit different, and pricey . . . I wouldn’t make it a weekly habit.
They make great beer, their food is good (did I mention pricey?) and it’s a good clean operation.
To show you just how arrogant the restaurant is (and I mean that in a nice way) . . . they don’t even have any signage outside their business! They are located in an industrial park at 1999 W Citracado Pkwy, on the northwest side of Escondido. They say “once you find us you’re a member of the family. You’ll find us again.” You can call them if you wish at 294-7899.
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