Music

One of my favorite cultural destinations is The Soraya on the campus of CSU Northridge, a beautiful and welcoming state-of-the art performance complex that’s host to an extraordinary variety of music, theatre and film events. This fall brings such riches as the London Philharmonic Orchestra (Oct 10) featuring American violinist Randall Goosby performing an American classic never before heard at The Soraya- Samuel Barber’s Violin Concert; the “Queen of Ranchera Music” and six-time GRAMMY© nominee Aida Cuevas in a mariachi spectacle (Oct 12) celebrating Mexico’s bestselling artist, Juan Gabriel; and a fabulous Onstage Sessions (Oct 23) featuring master of the upright bass and five-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Edgar Meyer joined by two like-minded artists to pluck and bow original contemporary compositions by Meyer paired with Bach favorites. The whole family can choose from two matinees (Oct 26/27) of Disney Pixar’s heartwarming film Coco shown on screen while the film’s award-winning score is performed live by Orquesta Folclórico Nacional de México. Inspired by the autumn Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, the film follows 12-year-old Miguel on an unforgettable and enlightening journey through the Land of the Dead, as imagined by Disney’s magical creatives. November 2 brings MUMMENSCHANZ to celebrate its 50^th anniversary in a production filled with imagination, poetry, the most beloved sketches from the company’s five-decade repertoire and legendary characters such as the Clay Masks and the Toilet Paper Faces, the delicate, air-filled Giants, the Pipe Creature and other fantastical creations.

For all the details for these events and more, click here. 

SHAWN the eponymous project from Shawn Mendes debuts October 18, 2024. The released singles, “Isn’t that Enough,” and “Why Why Why” tease for the release.

Mendes has been open about his challenges with mental health. After cancelling his 2022 world tour, he’s stepping forward, reflecting on his personal growth and experiences.

A heartfelt post accompanied the singles’ release where Mendes opened a window into his mind, “Music can be medicine,” he wrote. “Two years ago, I felt like I had absolutely no idea who I was. A year ago, I couldn’t step into a studio without falling into complete panic. To be here right now with twelve beautiful songs feels like such a gift.” He credits close family and friends as his support.

Mendes thanked his fans for their unwavering support and patience throughout his journey. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I really hope you love this album as much as I do. I hope it makes you feel warm and close to the Earth like it does for me.” For the album’s release, he’s shooting around the country on a short tour. There are rumors that his plan is to showcase the album top to bottom, giving an embrace to his fans by making this and intimate tour. The 5-city tour hits L.A. on October 22, 2024 at the Ford Theatre.

For tickets and more, click here.

Reefer Madness: The Musical has lit up the stage at The Whitley in Hollywood. This immersive production, inspired by the 1936 film, invites theatergoers into a world where the perils of marijuana are exaggerated to comedic extremes.

With Kristen Bell (The Good Place), Christian Campbell (Big Love), and Alan Cumming (The Good Wife) as producers, this revival brings fresh energy to a beloved cult classic. The musical follows what happens in small-town Middle America when the evils of marijuana take hold. Watch as clean-cut kiddos Jimmy and Mary spiral into madness under the influence, hilariously derailing their lives and leading to comedic raunchy escapades.

The show encourages audience participation from the moment they arrive. At the venue, guests enter the “Reefer Den,” a lively atmosphere filled with themed cocktails, munchies, and jazzy tunes (and brunch on select dates), setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. 1930’s character cosplay is also encouraged, adding to the selfie-worthy environment. There’s even cool merch!

The theatrical show first premiered in Los Angeles in 1999, later moving to Off-Broadway in 2001. It was subsequently adapted into a made-for-TV movie musical released in 2005 (the production and film starred Bell, Campbell, and Cumming).

Critics have called the show “laugh-out-loud funny and sexy.” With limited performances running through October 6, 2024, don’t miss your chance to join the fun of this buzzy smoking-hot show while you still can.

For tickets and more, click here.

The dichotomy of life on the road — quiet and solitary one moment, standing tall on a stage before tens of thousands of screaming fans the next — is known by very few … be it the wind-up and wind-down, enjoying while also surviving the road, and keeping things fresh with only slightly varied scenery between venues. One must find a way to keep things fresh when facing fans that know your music inside and out. 

This dichotomy is the subject of Road Diary, a documentary about Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The film takes audiences not only backstage but down all the backstreets with the band as they delve into the creation of the live performances, showing the rehearsal process required even after decades of performing. Also included is archival footage and Springsteen’s personal reflections. This is not the first behind-the-scenes film the band has put together, and one hopes it will not be the last. 

Despite his introverted nature, no one can sell it better than Springsteen himself. He will be sitting down with George Stephanopoulos on ABC on Sunday, October 20. Road Diary will begin streaming the next day on Hulu and Disney+. Come rediscover Born in the USA, recall that it was preceded by Born to Run, and you won’t leave without remembering the Streets of Philadelphia … and so much more.

For more, click here.