Posted on by James Kampas

Mozart’s Requiem at the Hollywood Bowl

Sept. 4, 2025 - LA Philharmonic and LA Master Chorale on stage.
Sept. 4, 2025 – The LA Philharmonic and LA Master Chorale.

Last night’s concert at the Hollywood Bowl was an unforgettable evening. The Los Angeles Philharmonic, led by guest conductor James Gaffigan, delivered an awe-inspiring performance of Mozart‘s “Requiem in D Minor,” featuring the celebrated Los Angeles Master Chorale. The first half of the program was also impressive, with a new LA Phil commission by Ellen Reid titled “Body Cosmic” followed by Brahms‘s moving “Schicksalslied” (Song of Destiny). It’s a truly amazing venue for a concert under the stars, and it brought back great memories of my summer working there back in 1993. Nights like these are what make the Hollywood Bowl so special.

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R.I.P. Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithful Book Autograph
Autographed Marianne Faithfull Book

I met Marianne Faithfull in the early 2000s at the very cool Book Soup bookstore in West Hollywood, CA. Like many, I knew about her history with Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, but it was her raw, powerful 1979 album Broken English that made me truly appreciate her as an artist. I was also lucky to see her perform live at Numbers Nightclub in Houston, Texas, on October 7, 1983. I was awestruck to see this rock ‘n’ roll icon in such a small venue.

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An Exotic Encounter in San Marino

July 13, 2020 - A Red-whiskered Bulbul at Huntington Gardens.
July 13, 2020 – A Red-whiskered Bulbul.

While wandering through Huntington Gardens in San Marino today, I spotted an unexpected guest among the tropical foliage—a Red-whiskered Bulbul. With its striking black crest, white cheeks, and unmistakable red patch behind the eye, it was a vivid splash of color and character. These birds aren’t native to California—they come from Asia—but a small population has made a home in the Los Angeles area.

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David Bowie Alumni Tour

A Bowie Celebration - The David Bowie Alumni Tour
March 6, 2020 – “A Bowie Celebration – The David Bowie Alumni Tour”

“Bowie Celebration – The David Bowie Alumni Tour” brought key alumni musicians of Bowie’s bands together to perform the albums “Diamond Dogs” and “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars” in their entirety. It happened at The Rose in Pasadena, CA.

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Greystone Mansion

Greystone Mansion
March 8, 2011 – Exploring one of Beverly Hills’ best-kept secrets.

Tucked away in the hills of Beverly Hills, the grounds of Greystone Mansion and Gardens are a quiet gem—a serene escape where manicured lawns, stately architecture, and trickling fountains offer a rare sense of calm. When we lived nearby, I’d often find myself wandering its peaceful courtyards and shaded pathways. It quickly became one of my favorite respites from the noise and rush of the city below.

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The La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits
March 4, 2011 – Columbian Mammoths in the La Brea Tar Pits.

LACMA was closed when we went there on Wednesday, but there are interesting things to look at on the museum grounds, including the La Brea Tar Pits.

The La Brea Tar Pits are one of the world’s most famous Ice Age fossil sites, where natural asphalt has bubbled up from the ground for tens of thousands of years. Over time, the sticky tar trapped animals like mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and even ancient camels—preserving their bones in incredible detail. Visitors can explore active excavation sites, see fossils up close at the Page Museum, and stroll past life-sized replicas of prehistoric creatures caught in the tar. It’s a fascinating mashup of science, history, and a little bit of Hollywood drama right in the middle of L.A.

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Point Dume in Malibu

Feb. 24, 2011 - Point Dume State Preserve in Malibu.
Feb. 24, 2011 – Point Dume State Preserve in Malibu.

We went for a walk this morning at one of our favorite places around Los Angeles, Point Dume in Malibu. It was a little cool, but there were people at the beach. Point Dume, a dramatic promontory jutting into the Pacific on the western edge of Malibu, is one of Southern California’s most breathtaking coastal spots. On clear days, you can see Catalina Island in the distance and spot migrating whales offshore.

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An Extraordinary Sunset Strip Experience!

This show easily ranks among my all-time greatest rock & roll memories: Chester Bennington, Perry Farrell, Slash, Robbie Krieger, Ray Manzarek, and other phenomenal musicians came together at the iconic—and intimate—Whisky a Go Go in November 2006 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Doors. A legendary lineup in a legendary venue, it was an unforgettable night of pure musical magic.