Sunday afternoon we attended “An Intimate Afternoon of Music with Randy Newman.” The event was a fundraiser for the Topanga Women’s Circle, an organization that Ellen helped start when we were living in Topanga.
“Topanga Women’s Circle (TWC) is committed to making a difference to homeless families as they move into transitional housing. By enhancing their lives at a crucial time, they are given a sense of dignity and self-worth.”
The event was held at the Rosewood of Topanga event center. When we were living here, it was called the Courage Center, and was a school for hairdressers.
For those who are not familiar with Randy Newman, here is the Wikipedia blurb: ”
Randall Stuart “Randy” Newman (born November 28, 1943) is an American singer-songwriter,[1] arranger, composer, and pianist who is known for his distinctive voice, mordant (and often satirical) pop songs, and for film scores.
Since the 1980s, Newman has worked mostly as a film composer. His film scores include Ragtime, Awakenings, The Natural, Leatherheads, Cats Don’t Dance, Meet the Parents, Cold Turkey, and Seabiscuit. He has scored sevenDisney–Pixar animated films; Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3, and Monsters University, as well as Disney’s The Princess and the Frog and James and the Giant Peach.
Newman has received twenty Academy Award nominations in the Best Original Score and Best Original Songcategories and has won twice in the latter category. He has also won three Emmys, six Grammy Awards, and the Governor’s Award from the Recording Academy.[2] Newman was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002, and as a Disney Legend in 2007.[3] Newman was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2013.”
The concert was great. He played many of his most popular songs, You Can Leave Your Hat On, Short People, It’s Lonely at the Top, and several new songs. He is an accomplished performer, and it felt as if he was having a conversation with us.
Food and wine was served after the concert. It was quite lovely, as those who have eaten at Lin’s house would expect. The most interesting item was the Caesar Salad on a Stick, where the romaine and crouton were served on a skewer. Very convenient.
Photos were not allowed of Randy, but I was able to use my phone camera to get a few of the venue. Apologies for quality issues.
Short people got no reason to live … (my anthem in puberty when I grew from 5-4 to 6-1 over two years, added another inch later)