Bowling, Hollywood Style

We went to see John Williams conducting the L.A. Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. This year, special guest Julie Andrews narrated a Henry Mancini retrospective using the music from her husband Blake Edwards' films. A little PINK PANTHER, a little PETER GUNN, a little BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S.

On the way in, multiple vendors were selling light sabers. I saw a couple kids with them, but I thought it was silly. Who would want a light saber? Yeah, I love STAR WARS, but John Williams has written so many great scores. Would he even be conducting STAR WARS? Never underestimate the power of STAR WARS and the fanaticism of its fans.

Those light sabers were everywhere, lightly bobbing to the rhythm of the songs in place of lighters. Fittingly, the encore ended with "The Imperial March."

Besides STAR WARS, there were a number of arrangements played from RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, which was probably my favorite part of the show. A piece from LINCOLN was showcased, which was beautiful, but not a piece that would stick in the public's mind; it doesn't have that element of catchiness to it. The L.A. Phil also played the theme from ET, which I always enjoyed more than the movie itself.

It was a beautiful night to end the summer with.