EDITORIAL

Starlight Bowl gives us another superb concert season

 

Congratulations to the city of Burbank for another wonderful summer concert season at the Starlight Bowl.

The variety of performers has been outstanding, beginning with the Fourth of July concert, which cast the spotlight on the Music of Glenn Miller played by the Tex Beneke Orchestra. The music -- "Pennsylvania 65000" and "Moonlight Serenade" -- stirred memories for the baby boomer generation and beyond, and gave youngsters a lesson in what great music really sounds like. Then, the spectacular fireworks show followed and was enjoyed while concertgoers listened to patriotic ballads and marches. A real inspiring evening all around.

Great music continued with the kick-off concert for the bowl's Sunday series featuring Steve Tyrell, who sang the fabulous standards from the Great American Songbook. He introduced himself to a whole new group of fans who hadn't already heard him sing on the soundtrack to the "Father of the Bride" films starring Steve Martin.

Subsequent Sunday slots were filled by The Original Boogie Knights, singing music from the 1970s, Mark Wood and the Parrot Head Band delivering a Jimmy Buffet tribute, which was followed by a tribute to the Eagles by the group, Hotel California.

The final cover band, The Fab Four, which plays songs by the Beatles, rocked the stage Sunday and left the crowd begging for more. Opening the concert was Burbank-based Blue Light Band, featuring former mayor Michael Hastings on drums. It's always nice to see a familiar face in the band.

During intermissions throughout the season, prizes were given, and on Sunday two rounds of bingo added to the fun of the evening.

While traffic moves quite smoothly leaving the venue, the only challenge is finding your car in the dark parking lot following the show. Perhaps the city can look into affixing glow-in-the-dark markers and better temporary lighting.

The final concert this Sunday shows a lot of promise as the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra will be mixing pops and jazz with help from guests artists Cheryl Carter and the Steve Trytten Trio.

Thanks to Garth Nelson, deputy director of Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services, and his staff for creating another season of superb talent and fun. It's a beautiful venue perfect for a Sunday night out with the family.