Dengue Fever Opens
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2009 AT 7:00 PM
Media Sponsor: KCRW 89.9
A legend in her own time, Grace Jones makes her Hollywood Bowl debut and first Los Angeles appearance in over 20 years on Sunday, July 26, at 7:00 p.m. This one-night-only performance is part of “The Hurricane Tour” in support of Hurricane, her tenth studio album and first since 1989’s Bulletproof Heart. Completing the eclectic line-up is of Montreal and Dengue Fever.
An unforgettable figure, Grace Jones emerged from the age of disco to become an icon of the new wave and experimental scene of the 80s. She secured a record deal with Island Records in 1977, which resulted in a string of dance-club hits and three disco albums, Portfolio (1977), Fame (1978) and Muse (1979). Toward the end of the 70s, Jones adapted the emerging new wave music to create a different style, both in her music and appearance. In the 80s, she released the acclaimed albums Warm Letherette (1980), Nightclubbing (1981), Slave to the Rhythm (1985) and Bulletproof Heart (1989), and gave birth to the singular look for which she is now known as much as she is for her music. After a self-imposed hiatus, Jones emerged as part of last summer's Massive Attack-curated Meltdown festival in the U.K., a much anticipated performance that exceeded any comeback expectations. The concert was “mesmerising and magical” (The Telegraph), and Jones “proved herself to be not just a style icon but a living work of art” (The Guardian). Hurricane has also been critically embraced. "In revisiting the production of her ’80s records she paradoxically produces something that sounds timeless” writes NME, and Pitchfork notes that “Hurricane is classic Jones.” The Hollywood Bowl performance will include the natural combination of music, theatrics and fashion that define a Grace Jones concert. For this special performance, Jones will debut new costumes and hats in a bold and dramatic production.
With a shared approach of integrating music with a boundary-pushing stage presentation, of Montreal is perhaps one of the most appropriate acts to share the stage with Grace Jones. of Montreal’s singer and songwriter, Kevin Barnes, explores the deepest and darkest places of his psyche in both the complicated and catchy music of Skeletal Lamping, of Montreal’s 2008 release, and their over-the-top stagecraft. of Montreal’s eccentric theatrics, which will include performance artists for the Hollywood Bowl show, include provocative and outlandish sets and costumes - perhaps the only thing missing is Ziggy Stardust. While the unpredictability of their live show may leave audiences blissfully wondering what it all means, one thing is for certain - Skeletal Lamping is being critically praised, and of Montreal continues to gain cult-like status. Prefix magazine claims, “ ‘Epic’ is the only way to describe the balance of Skeletal Lamping – Barnes isn’t afraid to throw everything on tape.” Barnes isn’t afraid to throw everything on stage either.
Dengue Fever's psychedelic take on the Cambodian pop sounds of the 60s makes them a unique success story. Brothers Ethan (keyboards) and Zac (guitar) Holtzman started Dengue Fever in 2001 when they discovered they shared a love for the Cambodian pop music of the 60s. After adding sax man David Ralicke (Beck/Brazzaville), drummer Paul Smith and bassist Senon Williams, they went looking for a Cambodian singer. Enter Chhom Nimol, who performed regularly for the King and Queen of Cambodia. Her powerful singing, marked by a luminous vibrato and stage moves based on traditional dances, complemented the band's driving Cambodian/American sound. Venus On Earth is the third chapter in the band's continuing journey to create a unique fusion of Cambodian and American pop. This time out, the songs are more American and more Cambodian, a sound that honors both cultures while fashioning its own singular identity. Dusted magazine states “Venus on Earth proves that world-pop fusion needn’t be a pastiche of watered-down musical tropes, but rather something vital and soul affirming – a fever to embrace.” Dengue Fever recently released a DVD documentary film Sleepwalking Through The Mekong with an accompanying CD soundtrack. Sleepwalking follows the band to Cambodia in 2005 when they became the first Western band to perform Khmer Rock since the fall of the Khmer Rouge.
One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the HOLLYWOOD BOWL has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922, and is home to the best and brightest in all genres of music. The 2004 season introduced audiences to a revitalized Hollywood Bowl, featuring a newly-constructed shell and stage and the addition of four stadium screens enhancing stage views in the venue. To this day, $1 buys a seat at the top of the Bowl for many of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's concerts. While the Bowl is best known for its sizzling summer nights, during the day California's youngest patrons enjoy "SummerSounds: Music for Kids at the Hollywood Bowl," the Southland's most popular summer arts festival for children, now in its 42nd season. In January 2009, the Hollywood Bowl was named Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue for the fifth year in a row at the 20th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards; the Bowl's summer music festival has become as much a part of a Southern California summer as beaches and barbecues, the Dodgers, and Disneyland.
EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:
JULY 26, 2009 AT 7 PM
HOLLYWOOD BOWL, 2301 N. Highland Ave. in Hollywood
KCRW’s World Festival
GRACE JONES
of MONTREAL
DENGUE FEVER
Media Sponsor: KCRW 89.9
Tickets ($10 - $98) are on sale now at HollywoodBowl.com, at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office (Tuesday–Saturday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.), or by calling Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000, and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Groups of 10 or more may be eligible for a 20% discount, subject to availability; call 323.850.2050 for further details or group sales. For general information or to request a brochure, call 323.850.2000.
# # #