March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Molly Ringwald: All That Jazz at Casa Del Mar:

The audience at the restaurant/ lounge at Casa Del Mar had a special treat on the evening of July 29. The jazz combo who entertained featured a singer who is better known for her acting–Molly Ringwald, the iconic star of 1980s teen films like “16 Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” and “Pretty in Pink.”

Stepping up to the microphone, Ringwald gave the audience two sets of jazz and traditional pop standards, ranging from a French ballad in a bossa nova rhythm, to a moving version of “My Old Flame.” The set list also included musical comedy numbers like “If I Were a Bell” from Guys and Dolls and a unique arrangement of “On the Street Where You Live,” with Ringwald singing in counterpoint to the jazz inversion of the melody, an idea inspired by Rickie Lee Jones.

Ringwald’s stage presence was that of the seasoned professional that she is. Her charm and expressiveness put the songs over and she maintained poise in spite of the often noisy atmosphere of the lounge.

The evening at Casa Del Mar was Ringwald’s third appearance as a singer. She has been working with her band which includes pianist / arranger/musical director Peter Smith, bassist Hamilton Price, percussionist Rob Perkins, and saxophonist Alan Mezquida.

Between sets, Ringwald chatted with The Mirror about her new role as a singer, her musical interests, and her new book, which she signed after her show.

Were you always interested in jazz?

Always. My father [Robert Ringwald] is a jazz musician. I started singing with him when I was three and a half. I actually recorded an album with him [I Wanna Be Loved By You] when I was six. And then I got into acting and sort of put the jazz aside but it’s something that I’ve always kind of done.

Where did you find the musicians for your group?

It’s interesting. Peter Smith, my pianist and musical director is also an actor and we were in a play together in New York. Neither one of us had any idea that we were jazz musicians until, I think at the cast party, he sat down and started playing piano and I just about died because I had been looking for a pianist for so long. And then he moved to Los Angeles about a month later and in two years I followed, so he was the first person I called when I got to LA.

How did you and the band come up with the repertoire?

They’re mostly just songs that I love for one reason or another. I try to do songs that aren’t heard ad nauseam. There are so many wonderful songs, “Cry Me a River” and ‘Someone to Watch Over Me,” but I feel you’ve heard them so many times that unless I feel like I can bring something significantly different, I try to stay away from those and do American standards that aren’t heard as often.

Who are some of the singers who have influenced you?

When I was growing up my first entrée into jazz was Bessie Smith. My father was more of a traditional jazz musician so he introduced me to Bessie Smith and she was my idol, so when I was little, I would sing songs like “Give Me a Pig Foot and a Bottle of Beer.” I wanted to sing “I Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl” but they said “No, no, no. You’re a little young for that one!” (laughs). As I got older I got interested in Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn and now I think Blossom Dearie and Anita O’ Day are both huge.

What is your book?

It just came out a couple of months ago. It’s called “Getting the Pretty Back: A Guide to Friendship, Family and Buying the Perfect Lipstick.” It’s part memoir and part girlfriend-style guide based on my life, the lives of my friends and what it is to me to be a woman. And it’s illustrated.

And how about your album?

We’re still working on but it will probably be out some time in the fall. Haven’t quite decided [on a name yet]. We’re kicking around different titles.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...