"Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast,
To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak."
–William Congreve
A glass of something sweet
The onset of spring, good music and good company all call for a celebration and Chateau Ste.-Michelle produces some of the finest bubbly on the market. Using methode champenoise — the in-bottle fermentation method used by Krystal and Dom Perignon — this Washington state vineyard delivers a satisfying sparkling wine for under $10, providing a cheap but posh accompaniment to any outdoor music experience. The Ventura Wine Company, 4587 Telephone Road, #103, Ventura,www.venturawineco.com, 642-9449.
A pest-free evening
An outdoor evening concert at the height of summer means warm, starry nights … and more than a fair share of pestering gnats and mosquitoes. If you want to keep the bugs away (but are looking for a bug spray that is a bit more holistic), try NeemAura Naturals. The company’s line of products gives you a way to repel in style. Its two-hour incense sticks combine natural ingredients such as citronella, lemongrass and neem, an all-natural insecticide, while leaving out the bad (like the pesticide DEET). irgin olive oil ideal for cooking or as a dipping sauce. Lassen’s, 4071 E. Main St., Ventura, www.lassens.com, 644-6990.
Intermission on-the-go
Stravinsky in the park is good. Stravinsky in the park with wine, cheese, hummus and pastries on demand is even better. Rains of Ojai offers the ultimate in portable feasting: A willow basket with a separate drawer for vino that comes outfitted with plates, napkins, glass goblets, tablecloth, cutlery, cutting board and a corkscrew.Rains of Ojai, 218 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. 646-1441. www.rainsofojai.com.
A tote with retro charm
We love this Melissa & Campana all-purpose, high fashion tote. Woven plastic strands bring fashion full circle in a design that reminds us of the classic LPs from days of yore. The bag is perfect for any musical outing, day at the beach or night spent sitting on the grass of an amphitheater. Tiki Lounge, 379 E. Main St., Ventura, 641-0515.
Grooves on the go
While searching for the necessary accoutrements for a midsummer night’s concert, we discovered a way to have an instant outdoor music performance anywhere: Lifepop’s Popblaster. Roughly the size of a CD case, this portable package includes a plug-in for your iPod, Zune or Walkman, as well as battery-operated speakers for maximum volume. Available in a variety of colors (shown here: woody), the Popblaster’s style meets function. Salzer's Records, 5777 Valentine Road, Ventura. 639-2160.
Anne Kerry Ford, Weill
The Ojai-based, golden-throated Broadway veteran shows her cabaret roots in this salute to composer Kurt Weill, the German genius behind hits like The Fall of the City of Mahagony and Street Scene. This live recording took place, fittingly, in Germany’s Philharmonic Hall in Cologne and showcases Ford’s dynamic balance of drama and sweet, seductive tones.Available at www.amazon.com.
Perla Batalla, Bird on the Wire: The Songs of Leonard Cohen
Ojai institution Batalla channeled her experience as a backup vocalist for Leonard Cohen to produce this loving album. Batalla showcases Cohen’s classics, including “Famous Blue Raincoat” and “Suzanne,” and brings lush vocalizing to songs previously filtered through Cohen’s endearingly gruff delivery. The CD liner is also interspersed with snapshots of Cohen and Batalla’s interactions. This exemplary album sets the gold standard for tributes. Available at www.amazon.com and www.cdbaby.com.
Hanna-McEuen, Hanna-McEuen
Cousins Jaime Hanna and Jonathan McEuen, whose fathers helped found the classic folk rock Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, come together to form a solid 12-track. The album is filled with edgy ballads and future rock standards. Infused with the best of all possible influences, the duo’s output proves that they’re on the same page.Available at www.amazon.com.
05-01-2007
