September 27, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

String Theory Returns to Reed

Summer was in full swing at Christine Emerson Reed Park, Saturday, July 14, as more than a hundred people gathered for the fifth concert in the ongoing Meet Me at Reed concert series. With picnic baskets, lawn chairs, blankets and cool drinks in hand, the attendees of the City of Santa Monica’s annual concert series spread across the acre-sized lawn. Returning for a second year was the hybrid performance ensemble, String Theory.

Photos: Michael Ray.

Prior to the featured performance, youth and parents met in the play stations arranged by the community recreation staff; this week, in addition to mini field hockey and oversized games, the staff brought large foam construction pieces. As String Theory finished their sound check, families, friends and neighbors made themselves comfortable and Joe Hernández-Kolski stepped onto the stage. “This July, Meet Me at Reed performances are every Saturday to celebrate Parks Month in Santa Monica. Throughout the Month all are invited to get outside and enjoy the City’s parks and beaches,” said Hernández-Kolski, adding “what you’re about to see is incredibly beautiful.”

The ensemble returned to the stage following Hernández-Kolski’s introduction. The eight-piece band kicked off their set with a rendition of Gene Autry’s “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine.” Holly Rothschild’s long-string harp stretched across the lawn and was fastened to one of the towering eucalyptus trees. Rothschild told the Santa Monica Mirror, “We were really happy to return to Reed Park this year. We are particularly fond of that space partly due to the fact that we have performed several times at the Miles [Memorial Playhouse].” Rothschild has choreographed multiple site-specific works throughout Santa Monica and worked with Justin Yoffe for their return performance during the Meet Me at Reed concert series.

“We were pleased to see so many people come out to enjoy the concert. It is important to have free arts events so that many different kinds of people have access to the arts. Performance tickets can be expensive so it’s great when there are free events for everyone to enjoy. Santa Monica does a fine job of providing a wide range of arts to the public,” Rothschild added.

As the band continued their repertoire of songs, pianist Danny Moynahan invited everyone to sing along to John Lennon’s “Imagine.” “The thing that struck me about Saturday’s concert (actually both our concerts at Reed Park) was how relaxed everything was. Kids were dancing under the harp and walking through our choreographed dance pieces. People were reclining on blankets, sharing picnic food. Audience members were singing with us on John Lennon’s Imagine. The imaginary wall that usually separates the audience from the performers was hardly there at all that day. That’s always a treat for us,” Moynahan said.

Throughout String Theory’s performance, a trio of dancers danced across the lawn wearing visually stunning costumes of various colors.

“We arrive at these events as strangers to one another and leave as community, having shared a unique experience together,” Moynahan added.

From Americana classics and classic rock renditions, to singalongs and original compositions, String Theory’s return performance at Meet Me at Reed transformed the lawn into an immersive environment of sight and sound for the community.

For more info, visit: www.smgov.net/reed

Related Posts

Women’s Surf Film Festival Making California Debut in Venice

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

With an Array of Storytelling From Both Artists, the Festival Spotlights Inspiring Narratives of Female Surfers. The Women’s Surf Film...

Free “Masters of Dance” Workshops and Classes Open by SMC

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

It Features a Lineup of Master Classes and Educational Workshops Led by Accomplished Dance Professionals The Santa Monica College Dance...

Samohi Orchestra Program to Host Annual Fall Benefit Concert

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

Audience Will Be Enchanted With Pieces From Movies Including Aladdin, Harry Potter and Howl’s Moving Castle The nationally recognized and...

Hollywood Twist: Writers Guild Strikes Gold with Extraordinary Deal

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

WGA Members To Vote On Ratification of the Tentative Contract  By Dolores Quintana  After The Writers Guild of America (WGA)...

Film Review: Amerikatsi

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

FILM REVIEWAmerikatsiUnrated117 MinutesReleased September 8, 2023 A storyline predominantly based on voyeurism is not a new cinematic concept, and here...

Film Review: Bottoms

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

FILM REVIEWBOTTOMSRated R91 MinutesReleased August 25th Welcome to a new generation of breakout stars of American comedy who make the...

Hotel Workers Go On Strike in Santa Monica Amid Negotiation Standstill

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

The Union Is Urging Hotels to Instantly Increase Hourly Wages By Zach Armstrong Santa Monica hotel workers at Fairmont Miramar,...

(Video) Retailer Gets Palisades Into Spooky Season With Skeletons

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

Skeletons are seen climbing onto the home goods retailer. @smmirrornews Retailer Gets Palisades Into Spooky Season With Skeletons. Skeletons are...

Another Burglar Hits Montana Avenue

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

Adding to Other Recent Incidents at Some of the Road’s More Than 150 Dining Spots and Retailers By Zach Armstrong...

Writers Guild and AMPTP Reach Tentative Agreement After 146-Day Strike

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

Picketing Is Suspended For Now, Contract Language To Be Finalized By Dolores Quintana Around 7:30 p.m. tonight, the Writers Guild...

40-Unit Mixed-Use Project Proposed for 26th Street Intersection

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

A Smaller Two-Story Structure Featuring Five Residences Is Also Proposed Plans for a mixed-use development set to grace the corner...

Lebanese Art Collectors List Renovated Santa Monica Estate for $33 Million

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

Constructed in the Early 1980s by Peter Choate, the Dwelling Is Nestled Within a Gated Parcel of Over Half an...

Join Heal the Bay for the Official Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 23

September 22, 2023

September 22, 2023

Make a Difference in Your Community by Removing Trash From Our Coast By Dolores Quintana On Saturday, September 23, 2023,...

COVIDTests.gov to Reopen for Free Testing Starting on September 25

September 22, 2023

September 22, 2023

HHS Invests $600 Million in Domestic COVID-19 Test Manufacturing By Dolores Quintana The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services...

Another Local Retailer Surrounding Palisades Village Closes Its Doors

September 22, 2023

September 22, 2023

Simultaneously, a Series of Luxurious International Clothing Brands Have Set up Shop in the Outlet Mall By Zach Armstrong Within...