By Alex Novakovich
Classical music DJ Rich Capparela brings his rock band, Otherwise Normal, to Santa Monica tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 15 for a summer party to benefit the Santa Monica Symphony.
The 60s Summer Benefit Bash takes partygoers back to the 60s with period food, drink and music. The event begins at 3 pm in the backyard of a beautiful private residence in Santa Monica and features Capparela and Otherwise Normal, his four-piece cover band that focuses on the music of the Beatles and other 60s British Invasion bands.
Santa Monica Symphony musicians will join Otherwise Normal at Saturday’s party.
“This is a unique opportunity to hear rock music enhanced with classical musicians the way the Beatles did it,” said Capparela. “Classical musicians give it panache and are the essence of what the Beatles were really doing.”
Santa Monica Symphony Maestro Guido Lamell will make a special appearance playing a rare instrument that was popular throughout Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries and was considered high art: the musical saw. Lamell is one of the few saw virtuosos in the country.
Capparela, one of the nation’s best known classical music radio personalities, is the mellifluous voice heard on radio station KUSC, programming anti-road rage music from 4 pm to 7 pm, during the evening rush hour. A longtime Santa Monica resident, Capparela broadcasts his Friday show, KUSC at the Beach, live from his studio right here in Santa Monica.
“We are grateful to Rich for his support and value his long standing relationship with the Santa Monica Symphony,” said Lamell.
Capparela, who regularly appears as the MC at Santa Monica Symphony concerts, calls rock music his “secret passion.”
“I love the feeling of channeling Lennon-McCartney,” said Capparela. “The music is inter-generational. It’s hard to find people who don’t like these great melodies and great lyrics.
“And,” continues Capparela, “I believe there is an allure to watching a classical music DJ trying to channel Lennon-McCartney in the same way a dog lover likes to watch a dog attempting to walk on its hind legs.”
Along with Capparela’s allure, the 60s Summer Benefit Bash features great food and drink. Brie and Chablis, Schlitz and Pabst will be served as well as Tab and Bubble Up.
Handmade sausages from Bob’s Market in Santa Monica are the stars of the food show with four different varieties being served. Food, drink, snacks and treats for all ages are included in the ticket price.
Since 1945 the Santa Monica Symphony has provided free classical music concerts to audiences of all ages, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. All proceeds from the 60s Summer Bash benefit the Santa Monica Symphony and its free programs.
Tickets for the 60s Summer Benefit Bash are available for $60 per person on the Santa Monica Symphony website below or at the door. Event time and place: Saturday, Aug. 15, 3pm at 210 25th St., Santa Monica. More information is available at www.smSymphony.org or by calling 310.395.6330.