Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/784242
Rufus Wainwright Friday, February 3, 8pm Sunset Center, Carmel Y ou might call Rufus Wainwright a modern Renaissance man. The son of renowned folk singers Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III, Wainwright is a singer/songwriter whose layered theatrical pop sounds draws influences from cabaret, theater, folk, Tin Pan Alley and opera. He's also an accomplished musician, actor and writes music for TV, film, opera, theater and ballet. Critically acclaimed (his self-titled debut landed on many "Best of 1998" lists), he recently performed an operatic version of Leonard Cohen's stirring "Hallelujah" and "Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall," a stun- ning recreation of Garland's legendary perform- ance at the famed New York venue from 1961. He continues to defy expectations, recently penning music to several Shakespeare sonnets. A truly original and mesmerizing talent. www.sunsetcenter.org. The Best of The Second City Thursday, March 2, 8pm Sunset Center, Carmel L et's face it, we could all use a good laugh these days, and The Second City certainly delivers that. Back by popular demand, this hilar- ious troupe digs into its roots with the best sketches and songs from its colorful 55-year his- tor y. Chicago's legendar y comedy troupe launched the careers of such iconic comics as Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, John Candy and many more. Fast, topical and side-splittingly funny, this show is just the tonic you'll need for these times. And who knows what future stars will emerge from this current crop of funny folk? And be forewarned, there will be some adult or mature content. www.sunsetcenter.org. Jazz Bash by the Bay March 3-5 Monterey Conference Center, Monterey T he Golden State Theatre and venues on the Monterey waterfront join the cabarets of the Portola Hotel & Spa at the 37th annual Jazz Bash by the Bay, second only to the vener- able Monterey Jazz Festival in continuity and popularity in the area. While Dixieland or "trad jazz" form the core of this festival, ragtime, swing, gypsy jazz, zydeco and blues are also rep- resented. Among the almost two dozen bands this year are festival faves Royal Society Jazz Orchestra, Crescent Katz, High Sierra Jazz Band, Blue Street Jazz Band, Titan Hot Seven, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Yve Evans Trio and Carl Sonny Leyland Trio. This festival is aptly named, because it's always a fun bash. www.jazzbashmonterey.com. An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt Saturday, March 11, 8pm Sunset Center, Carmel T wo of America's finest singer-songwriters, considered the elder statesmen of Amer- ican singer-songwriters, Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt, join forces for a warm, entertaining and compelling evening of iconic songs and rich sto- rytelling. Hiatt jokingly calls his pairing with Lovett "our little Smothers Brothers comedy show," but it's such an inspired pairing you'll wonder why it wasn't done sooner. Both artists beautifully meld American roots music, country, folk, gospel, blues, and rockabilly and make it their own. Over 30 years, four Grammy Awards and 14 albums, Lovett has emerged as a dynam- ic and captivating singer, songwriter and per- former. Although he's still recording and touring, Hiatt has become best known as one of the finest and most prolific of songwriters, whose songs have been covered by artists from Bonnie Raitt to Eric Clapton and B.B. King. www.sunsetcenter.org. 47th Annual Next Generation Jazz Festival March 31- April 2 Monterey Conference Center and Portola Plaza Hotel & Spa, Monterey W ith more than 1,300 of the country's best student musicians competing every year in big bands, combos, vocal ensem- EVERYONE LOVES A LIST, RIGHT? HERE ARE MY PICKS FOR FUN EVENTS WORTH CHECKING OUT IN MONTEREY COUNTY! ADMIT ONE W I T H M A C M C D O N A L D ADMIT ONE W I T H M A C M Rufus Wainwright will perform at Sunset Center on Feb 3 in Carmel. 102 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 7