Ray Chen at Luckman

I had the honor of going to see Violinist, Ray Chen, at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex in Los Angeles on Saturday. It had to be one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.

I am by no means a music critic, but I know good sound when I hear it. He plays with such spirit and conviction, feeling every note with his entire being. I sat mesmerized in the audience, my head bobbing with every dip of his bow.  It was absolutely lovely!

Born in Taiwan and raised in Australia, Ray Chen has won countless awards, including the Queen Elizabeth Competition (2009). His latest album, Virtuoso, is on sale now.

Visit Ray Chen's website for upcoming shows, maybe he will be coming to a city near you!  You can also follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.

I received free tickets to see Ray Chen from Flavorpill. I was not required to write a positive review, this is solely the opinion of Just Say I Told You So

The Funk Ark - bringing back real music

The Funk Ark is an incredible band from our capital, Washington DC. Bringing together African and Latin flavored funk music reminiscent of the 60's and 70's (when music was still created by humans using real instruments).

I had the pleasure of seeing The Funk Ark at Central S.A.P.C. in Santa Monica the other night.  I was completely blown away!  This band is ridiculously talented!  From the trumpet to the keyboard, these guys are phenomenal! 

The Band:

Will Rast - Keyboards
Greg Loman - Guitar
Rodney Richardson - Guitar
Marc Blackwood - Bass
Joe Herrera - Trumpet
Matt Rippetoe - Tenor Saxophone
Josh Kay - Percussion
Jeff Franca - Drums & Percussion

I am not at all musically talented, so I have a tremendous respect for musicians of all kind. Now that I'm older I appreciate live music so very much. I love to vibe with the crowd and feel the music completely (mind, body, and soul).  Listening to The Funk Ark was an EXPERIENCE. 

The band's schedule is pretty full right about now:

• Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center - Berkley CA - 8/5
• The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas NV - 8/8 - 8/11
• Club DeVille - Austin TX - 8/13
• Kastles Stadium at the Wharf - Washington DC - 8/20

If they're ever in your area, do yourself a solid and check them out! 

The Funk Ark's latest album "From the Rooftops" is available on ESL Music.

Check out The Funk Ark on Myspace, stop by their website, and like them on Facebook.

I received two tickets to this show from FlavorPill. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are those of Just Say I Told You So!

Tragic Magic - Joshua Jay at Skirball Cultural Center

I was the lucky winner of two tickets to "Tragic Magic" at the Skirball Cultural Center from my new favorite website FlavorPill.

Magician Joshua Jay gave a wonderful lecture on some of the magic's greatest tragedy. Since its inception, people have been drawn to the allure of magic and magicians have been equally drawn to its danger.

He discussed how the line between life and death can often appear blurred, that's the illusion.  But many magicians have crossed that line and lost their lives.  Thirteen known magicians have died performing the "Bullet Catch," including Chung Ling Soo whose death exposed his greatest illusion, his true identity.

Joshua Jay also talked about the most famous magician of all, Harry Houdini, who many speculate to have died performing one of his famous escape routine, but who actually died from a ruptured appendix.

Joshua Jay is not only a magician, he's also a lecturer and author of Magic: The Complete Course.  He performs and lectures around the world (in over 50 countries to date).  The next time he's in your town, I recommend you take in a show!

www.joshuajay.com

Visit Joshua's official website, like him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter.

The Skirball Cultural Center is located in Los Angeles, CA, and features changing exhibitions, a brilliant museum, as well as musical events and lectures.

It was a fascinating evening!  I learned about magicians I'd never even heard of and I got to see a few cool tricks too.  It was fabulous - thanks again FlavorPill!

I received two free tickets to this event from FlavorPill. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are those of Just Say I Told You So!

Gelaskins - Totally Cool!

iPhone Gelaskin

GelaSkinsI won $50.00 in Gelaskins bucks from Mom Central.  Of course I love to win stuff (which is one of the fabulous perks of blogging by the way) but I had never even heard of Gelaskins...which is where my teenager comes in.  My daughter seems to know about anything that is even remotely related to technology and the web. So when I told her that I had she was geeked because that meant she could get a Gelaskin for her iPhone!


Gelaskins are covers (skins) for portable devices.  The graphics are awesome and there is so many to choose from, you can even create something original with your own pictures or artwork. They stick on with 3M adhesive and they don't leave any residue when you take them off. What's more is Gelaskins protect your device from scratches and UV rays - how cool is that?

iPod Touch Gelaskin

You can get Gelaskins for your phone, iPod or MP3, laptop, tablets or readers, and cell phones. They'll also send you the matching wallpaper via email with every purchase. I don't own a Kindle, but if I did I would totally put a Gelaskin on it, talking about personalization!

iPod Touch Wallpaper

Visit the Gelaskin store.  Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

I won these skins from Gelaskins. I was not required to write a positive review. This review is solely the opinion of Just Say I Told You So.