GREAT CONCERT, BUT LIGHT ON ROCK
As part of its POPS series, always a fun and friendly way to enjoy an entertaining night out, Long Beach Symphony, now in its 90th season, welcomed guest conductor and renowned orchestrator Susie Seiter for its Women of Rock concert on February 22 at the Long Beach Arena, where you could listen (and rock-out) to three guest vocalists while sitting at 10-top tables on the dance floor, or from the upstairs loge level in a theater-style seat. The experience is very similar to summer outdoor concerts at the Hollywood Bowl but with fewer people, a lot less walking, and no bugs! But for a concert with ROCK in its title, it surprised that the programming had few high-energy dance hits, as the crowd was buzzing to ROCK the night away. The concert was mostly nostalgic classics and heartfelt ballads, many of which were so slow they flattened the energy in the room.
Kelly Levesque
Indeed, when film and TV soundtrack star Kelly Levesque took the stage, she said, “I’m more of a soft rock” singer (which to me sounded like “easy listening” really). Still, Kelly’s voice was well-modulated and crystal clear, perfect for the ballads she offered, including Carole King’s “So Far Away,” “I Feel the Earth Move” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” Joni Mitchell’s “Clouds” was lovely, but “Up on the Roof” was performed at the speed of a lullaby.
Katrina Rose
Of the three vocalists, the true rock star was Broadway sensation Katrina Rose, who opened the show with Janis Joplin’s “Little Piece of my Heart” which energized the audience into dance mode. Hard-rocker Katrina, with her purple hair and flashy dresses, let loose singing “What a Feeling” from Flashdance, but then scaled back for Pat Benatar’s “Love Is a Battlefield.” Even if the song was too slow, Katrina—acknowledging the difference—dazzled with her strong belt. But the rest of her solos got us on our feet again: Heart’s “These Dreams” and Pat Benatar’s rock anthem “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” during which she invited viewers to sing along.
Shayna Steele
Crossing the wide stage to ensure the crowd was rocking along with her, Broadway and solo artist Shayna Steele‘s R&B style was perfectly matched to rock with “Pink Cadillac” by Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It?”
The trio really shined together with stupendously performed rock classics, although Act 1’s finale “Natural Woman” was more of an acknowledgment of the importance of women who do it all—highlighted by Katrina’s strong belt—rather than a rock anthem. But the women did rock out later, as I had hoped would have been the case throughout the concert, with “I Love Rock and Roll” and the slow-starting, hard-rocking “Proud Mary,” which lifted the energy of the room to the max—and ended the concert just as abruptly.
I have attended many of the Long Beach Symphony Pops Series concerts, hosted by its President Kelly Ruggirello, and it’s always a swell night, so—even though tonight’s title was a bit misleading—do give it a go. Coming up is Sinatra, Elvis and MORE! by Matt Mauser on March 22 and Electric Avenue: MTV 80’s Dance Party on May 10.
photos courtesy of Long Beach Symphony
Long Beach Symphony POPS Series
Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach
onsite parking is available for a set fee
concerts start at 7:30; doors open at 6 for picnicking and socializing
bring their own picnic dinner and favorite libations
light concessions available for purchase
those at tables can order meals in advance
for tickets, call 562.436.3203 x 1 or visit Long Beach Symphony
also coming up: The Classical Series
Long Beach Terrance Theater (at the same location)
Musical Fusion with Arturo Sandoval on March 8
Tchaikovsky 4 and More! Love Stories on June 7
special events:
Crescendo on The Queen on May 17
Dance Around the World on June 8
