The LA Shows (Recap)

Fresh off the Honolulu trip, I headed out for my routine work trip for Paris then flew into LAX the following day to rehook-up with Jer. I arrived at the Wilshire Theatre before he did so I settled in to the dressing room while the tech staff were setting up stage. This was to be the biggest event yet in Chris Botti's career, filming a live DVD with most of the guests from his latest album, To Love Again. Chris had been building up to this for several weeks, eating healthily, practicing yoga daily, abstaining form drinking/late nights of any kind and culminating in performing with his pal Sting to honor Trudie Styler at the Unicef Snowflake Ball the night prior to the first show at the Wilshire.

Jer soon arrived at the theatre with the guys and the excitement throughout the venue could be felt as the rehearsals began. About 50 or so people were present for the rehearsals, all impressed by the performances of each of the guests one after the other. Mark Silag was in the front of the venue, frantically attending to ticket allocations and Jer was all over the place doing his thing and making sure that all the details were being seen to.

The make-up guys were set up in the dressing room next to Chris' and were in limbo until the celebs were ready to be made up. Kevin offered to do my hair and make up while he waited to get to work so I was treated to a professional makeover. Gabe was looking so swanky in his newly acquired black suit as the showtime approached. Backstage started to heat up with loads of celebs, PBS crew and Sony execs milling all over the place. Even Tom Cruise and pregnant Katie Holmes dropped in to surprise Chris. Jeanne didn't get there until close to showtime as she had to work until 5.30 pm. She and I were seated together in the front row which was truly a treat. Cara ended up a few rows back and seemed a bit miffed about it, but she ended up being next to TomKat and actually said that she was happier there than in the front when all was said and done.

The show didn't go so well though. Between technical problems and musicians' errors, it was basically a disaster in Chris' eyes. I could tell he wasn't happy, but the audience absolutely loved the entire show, most of them unaware of any slips. Turns out that some of the footage may end up being used but basically the whole project was now hinging on the second and final night.

What a night that was!!! After an extremely focused and serious rehearsal, with no audience members, on the second afternoon, every single person nailed it. The guests included Renee Olstead, Jill Scott, Paul Buchanan, Burt Bacharach, Paula Cole, Gladys Knight and of course Sting. Everything seemed perfect and Chris was beaming as he took his final bow with everyone. Maggie had come in for that show so she and I hung out for a while after the show. I really wanted her to be able to come out with us for the after party but I knew that that simply couldn't happen. I waited until some of the hubbub had died down and took her backstage for a while. She at least got to see the mammouth vase of flowers that Tom and Katie sent to Chris and she got an idea of the goings on behind the scenes!

Everyone eventually headed to the pub next door for a "private" Sony party. Seems as though a lot of random fans managed to sneak in and the place was essentially mobbed. Gil Goldstein and I stayed on the edge of it all with our drinks, until Jer phoned me and beckoned me out to meet him at the car. He, Chris and I headed in Chris' car to a club across town where Sting and Trudy had reserved a table. They had gone there ahead of us and so were well-relaxed by the time we got there. I had such a fun time there. The mood was energetic and hot. Chris was in his element and finally Jer and I got to relax/dance/drink/smile together. I really enjoyed that night.

We headed back to the Sunset Marquis with only 3 hours 'til we had to be at LAX. Needless to say we didn't sleep at all. Just on the flight back home ... in first class (thanks Jer).

This time, I'm REALLY back!!

OK, so months go by after I tell the world that my blogging's resumed. But this time it's for real--I'm really back (and promise to try to blog regularly).

What's been going on then? Well, for starters, Jer has propeled himself into the world of super-busydom (i.e. he works all day, every day--but loves it) and I have become one of those wives that sits at home pining for my hubby and combing the cat--NOT!!! I too have been quite busy, albeit with social things as much as work. Jer's job has taken him all over the US and Europe over the last few months and I have reveled in the fruits of his toils more than once.

Most recently, Chris Botti was in Honolulu for Thanksgiving for a two-night peformance with the Honolulu Symphony. This after a 5-night stay at the Halekulani hotel on the lovely Waikiki Beach. Not too bad, except that this hotel was rather slow and stuffy for all of us. We wanted a little more hip and trendy, but the Halekulani was indeed accomodating. One of the highlights of the trip for me (and of the year, might I add) was that we had private yoga instruction daily from the famed Danny Paradise (instructor to Sting, Madonna and many other world celebs). Danny and his angelic partner Reema were so patient and motivating for us. I had never tried ashtanga yoga but I know that I will do it for the rest of my life now. So invigorating and rewarding--made me feel high and healthy at the same time.

The shows at the Blaisdell Center went very well, and were received by the audiences accordingly. Jer didn't have a lot of free time as he was planning all the LA stuff to follow, but he managed to get a little R and R in with me. Meanwhile, I was loving life with drinks at sunset, hikes up Diamond Head and numerous dips in the crystal clear ocean throughout our stay. On that trip I finally met Jeannne (Chris' new singer) and Gabe. They are the coolest couple--gorgeous, young, talented and totally charming. I hope to hang with then loads in the future.

After the entire treat of Honolulu, I had a swift kick back to reality and a trip to Paris. My wonderful Jeremy treated me to a full-fare first class ticket for this trip so no worries for me about getting home. And thank heavens--as all flights were oversold for days on end! What a treat for me to walk straight to the aircraft and board, in my Miss Sixty jeans and sandals, without worrying at all ... amd even better knowing that I wouldn't have made it out of there as a standby for at least two more days.

Off to Paris I went after a quick hug and a kiss with Patois (our cat) after returning to Houston. Jer and the band went on to LA for the stint there--including The Snowflake Ball and the recording of Chris' DVD. More to follow .... :)