I often say that there's nothing better than being Cuban at Christmas. Click here to read 10 Things That Are Awesome About Being Cuban At Christmas for the definitive proof that I'm right. I was delighted to learn that El Maestro, Arturo Sandoval and his Big Band will be Decking the Hall - the Walt Disney Concert Hall - next week. Do you hear ...
Concerts
A Very Cuban Picnic – “en cajita”
Summer and outdoor living just go hand in hand, don't they? It seems that since the weather has warmed up we are spending much more of our time outdoors. Sometimes that just means serving dinner out on the patio, but often it means packing a picnic and enjoying it somewhere... out there. Because we live in Southern California, one of my very ...
We Did the Conga at the Hollywood Bowl. Thank you, Gloria.
Eric and I went to see Gloria Estefan perform at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday night. Let me just tell you how beautifully our Southern California weather performed as well. It was that magical kind of summer night - Not too hot. Not too cold. A slight Summer breeze. Seriously, So Cal. You sooo won. Of course, you know how much I love the ...
What I Love About Summer Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl
ATTENTION: Today I have a Public Service Announcement from the Hollywood Bowl and the LA Phil. Because I love you. Also, you can just call it 'The Bowl' like us cool kids do, but that's not important right now. Summer is rapidly approaching (yay!) and that means it's time to start making Summer Bucket List plans. Read about how ...
Thirty.
My girl is 30 years old today. Let me tell you about her... She is the real deal. She has the most beautiful blue eyes you have ever seen. She doesn't like to hear the word, "no." She has a raucous, distinctive, infectuous laugh. She feels things deeply. She is a fiercely loyal friend. She is tenacious. She is oh-so-very ...
Ahora Si!
*The title of this post, "Ahora si." translates literally to "Now yes!" It's an idiom we Cubans like to use when something is REALLY happening. As in "this is really going down right now." It's also the title of a song sung by Andy Garcia and the Cineson All Stars, but that's not important right ...
La Virgen de La Caridad – A Personal History
September 8, 1961. My family had been in the U.S. for seven long months. There was still a longing for anything or anyone that reminded us of "home." We eagerly waited for news that the revolution had failed and that the new regime had fallen and that we would soon be heading back to all things familiar. The Catholic Archdiocese of ...
Kikita, the Luckiest Girl in the World, Sees Ruben Blades in Concert
I very well may be the luckiest girl in the world. I'm sure there are other girls that think that, but I bet I can make a pretty good case for being the luckiest. (This is Kikita, by the way, Marta's eldest daughter. <-- That alone makes me pretty lucky, but that's not important right now ;-D) A little over a week ago, my timbales ...
On the stage of the Hollywood Bowl (Pinch me.)
I'm going to write about the Hollywood Bowl today. Just as a warning - this post may get all emotional and gushy (<--is that a word?) because I LOVE the Hollywood Bowl. I love it so much I want to marry it. There's going to be gushing. And photos. And videos. And more gushing. Yes. It's uber-nerd heaven. The Bowl is just so ...
What Mom Taught Me
In case you missed last year's surprise Mother's Day post, here is the link. Also: Mom. You really should change your password once in awhile... - - - Mami taught me how to have great adventures. We have driven to Vegas together more times than I can count.Today, I love driving and am always ready to take a road trip. We saw the ...
Classic.
My dad and most of the Verdés side of the family grew up playing multiple instruments. He loved, loved, loved any kind of music, but was an afficionado of classical and played both the piano and the cello. As much as I love my salsa music, oldies, and classic rock, I love listening to classical when I'm working on an art project. I think it ...
The EPIC Mr. Don’t Touch the Banana
The following post was written by Kikita, whose appreciation for bananas has led to endless laughter and entertainment. I can't tell you where or how it all started, but it started. I can only guess it happened on facebook because that's where most things happen these days.Let me be clear about something . . . I am not particularly fond ...
He Danced With Me
The following post has been brought to you by the lovely and talented (and oh-so-humble) Kikita. About 10 years ago, when I was an adorable teenager who didn't remember much of the Spanish she'd spoken as a child, I saw the movie "Dance with Me." It was magical. There was a beautiful Puerto Rican guy (Chayanne) who was playing ...
Mixing business with pleasure
We're back on the road to Vegas this weekend, but let me tell you why... My blog-pal, Amy Arnaz, wife of my pastelito-loving friend, Desi Arnaz Jr. invited us to come and enjoy a special tribute concert this coming weekend at their beautifully renovated Historic Boulder Theatre. Yes, of course we're going. For three reasons: 1) The ...
Jimmy Smits is Stalking Me.
Kikita here. You know, the Center of the Universe? =D I'm here to tell you that Jimmy Smits is following me around Los Angeles.Never mind that I live in Orange County. When Mami and I were sitting front row at the Andy Garcia concert, we saw Mr. Smits come in the side door. (Yes, he IS a part-owner of the Conga Room where Andy was playing, ...
Magical Summer Moments
Sunday, September 6, 1970. My very first concert. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Their opening act was Little Stevie Wonder who had just had a big hit with "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." This was my very first concert. I found the ticket tucked away in my high school photo album. Thirty-nine years ago ...
