Walking up the stairs of the Ford Amphitheater, the venue reminds you of Catalina Island. The colors, the soothing feel, the relaxed company. Only you’re in Hollywood. Nestled away in cafe pockets and stairwell coves people chit-chat and pass along glasses of Pinot as the evening builds up.
And that’s the charm of The Ford. Much like the Hollywood Bowl, and to a degree the Disney Concert Hall, it’s not just the event, it’s the full experience.
Chris Isaacon and Shane Scheel of the Upright Cabaret greeted the crowd with an open arms hug. It was that kind of night. Happy, cheerful and everyone was ready for it.
Audra Mae
Audra Mae opened up. New to my world, but highly recommended. Within minutes, I understand why. She slinks across stage in a glittery little black dress. But despite her bloodline ( Judy Garland’s niece), she doesn’t feel “Hollywood”. Her Oklahoma origins still show through the cracks -- and that’s a good thing.
“Milk and Honey” was her sexy opening. Seductive lyrics and breathy delivery brought me to attention. By her second song “Joey, Joey, Joey” I saw past her veneer and the talent was evident. This small town girl has everyone’s attention. Including obviously the night’s star Eden Espinoza.
Eden Espinosa
After a short intermission, Eden perched on stage without fanfare. She doesn’t need it. With confidence beyond her youthful age, she quickly reminded Los Angeles how much we’ve missed her.
During a brief pause she mingled with the audience, showing off her true stage presence. Many acts can cull your attention while they sing the songs the audience came out to hear. But when you’re holding time on stage -- just being your self -- well, it’s a sink or swim moment and Miss EE proved herself.
Shortly after she brought friend Ty Taylor out front for a surprisingly tender cover of Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Stop Lovin’ You”. The two have great chemistry, grooving along together in an “old friends” kind of way.
Paula Cole
A nice edition to the evening was Paula Cole. Looking slender and vivacious, she only made me miss her more. And always the crowd-pleaser, she brought out her old favorite “I Don’t Want to Wait” for an audience who sang along.
The evening ended with Eden Espinoza and Audra Mae dueting on Audra’s song “Ruby Shoes”. Charming and classy. The audience swelled into a standing ovation and I’m sure many karaoke drive home’s.
For more information on Eden Espinoza, check out her unofficial website here, and follow her on Twitter.
To find and follow Audra Mae, click her for her myspace and here for her Twitter.
To have more fun and hear more about upcoming Upright Cabaret’s, find the boys here and their Twitter here.
Published on Aug 03, 2009
