God only knows what the future holds, but Hanson’s bid to move out of the bubblegum leagues into real rock might just happen. The blond brothers have put their megahit ‘MMMBop’ behind them with their new serious rock album, ‘This Time Around’. The trio definitely took a giant step forward at the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremonies, singing the hymn-like Beach Boys song ‘God Only Knows’ for inductee Brian Wilson. By playing the House of Blues instead of a stadium, the band seems to be putting its money where its music is.
The Museum celebrates the acquisition of Dorthea Tanning’s magnificent self-portrait ‘Birthday’ with a special installation of her work. Painted in 1942, when Tanning was 32-years old, ‘Birthday’ was acquired from the artist in 1999. The paintings, sculpture, and drawings on display span five decades and explore Tanning’s lifelong fascination with the metamorphoses of the human body. ‘Birthday’ is a central icon of the surrealist era, as well as one of the great self-portraits of the 20th-century.
Leather is everywhere at Viking. The décor may depict vikings having a good time but the customers are bikers. Their bikes lean outside in a row on the pavement of Maroseika Street. Everyone seems to know each other at the club with vodka going down heavily but the natives don’t seem too unfriendly. Every now and again the club has parties where for a couple of hundred roubles customers can eat and drink as much as they like. The owner is a former paratrooper and has a beautiful red Honda Wing deluxe that sits outside the club.
Local dance fans are in for a treat as New York’s celebrated company comes to Tokyo with two programmes spread over four performances at one of the city’s premier arts venues. The first programme consists entirely of works choreographed by George Ballanchine, while the second is a triple bill which includes Jerome Robbins’ ‘West Side Story’ suite. Given the prestigious nature of the visitors, tickets are sure to sell out fast, so book early.
The continuation of the CCCB’s open-air concerts brings Javier Mas and Jordi Rullo to the Patí de les Dones. The duo are founding members of the instrumental group of Mediterranean music Meridiana, as well as key musicians for Maria del Mar Bonet’s back-up band. For their performances at the CCCB, they will be joined by the Hindu flautist Shyam Sunder. Also at the same venue, but on different nights, will be Palosanto, specialising in the rhythms of the ‘troba’ and other hot Cuban sounds.
