Mountain Views News          Saturday, March 28, 2015

9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Mountain Views-News Saturday, March 28, 2015 

Jeff’s Book Picks By Jeff Brown

SEAN’S SHAMELESS REVIEWS: 

NEW ALBUMS WORTH CHECKING OUT THIS WEEK


HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER 
AND SWEET 

by Jamie Ford 

In the opening pages 
of Jamie Ford’s 
stunning debut 
novel, Hotel on the 
Corner of Bitter and 
Sweet, Henry Lee 
comes upon a crowd 
gathered outside 
the Panama Hotel, 
once the gateway to 
Seattle’s Japantown. 
It has been boarded 
up for decades, 
but now the new 
owner has made an incredible discovery: the 
belongings of Japanese families, left when they 
were rounded up and sent to internment camps 
during World War II. As Henry looks on, the 
owner opens a Japanese parasol.This simple act 
takes old Henry Lee back to the 1940s, at the 
height of the war, when young Henry’s world is 
a jumble of confusion and excitement, and to his 
father, who is obsessed with the war in China and 
having Henry grow up American. While at the 
exclusive Rainier Elementary, where the white 
kids ignore him, Henry meets Keiko Okabe, a 
young Japanese American student. Amid the 
chaos of blackouts, curfews, and FBI raids, 
Henry and Keiko forge a bond of friendship–and 
innocent love–that transcends the long-standing 
prejudices of their Old World ancestors. And 
after Keiko and her family are swept up in the 
evacuations to the internment camps, she and 
Henry are left only with the hope that the war will 
end, and that their promise to each other will be 
kept. Forty years later, Henry Lee is certain that 
the parasol belonged to Keiko. In the hotel’s dark 
dusty basement he begins looking for signs of 
the Okabe family’s belongings and for a long-lost 
object whose value he cannot begin to measure. 
Now a widower, Henry is still trying to find his 
voice–words that might explain the actions of 
his nationalistic father; words that might bridge 
the gap between him and his modern, Chinese 
American son; words that might help him 
confront the choices he made many years ago. 
Set during one of the most conflicted and volatile 
times in American history, Hotel on the Corner 
of Bitter and Sweet is an extraordinary story of 
commitment and enduring hope. In Henry and 
Keiko, Jamie Ford has created an unforgettable 
duo whose story teaches us of the power of 
forgiveness and the human heart.

LOVING FRANK: A NOVEL 

by Nancy Horan

I have been standing on the side of life, watching 
it float by. I want to swim in the river. I want to 
feel the current.So writes Mamah Borthwick 
Cheney in her diary as she struggles to justify 
her clandestine love affair with Frank Lloyd 
Wright. Four years earlier, in 1903, Mamah and 
her husband, Edwin, had commissioned the 
renowned architect to design a new home for 
them. During the construction of the house, a 
powerful attraction developed between Mamah 
and Frank, and in time the lovers, each married 
with children, embarked on a course that would 
shock Chicago society and forever change their 
lives. In this ambitious debut novel, fact and 
fiction blend together brilliantly. While scholars 
have largely relegated Mamah to a footnote in the 
life of America’s greatest architect, author Nancy 
Horan gives full weight to their dramatic love story 
and illuminates Cheney’s profound influence on 
Wright. Drawing on years of research, Horan 
weaves little-known facts into a compelling 
narrative, vividly portraying the conflicts and 
struggles of a woman forced to choose between 
the roles of mother, wife, lover, and intellectual. 
Horan’s Mamah is a woman seeking to find her 
own place, her own creative calling in the world. 
Mamah’s is an unforgettable journey marked 
by choices that reshape her notions of love and 
responsibility, leading inexorably ultimately lead 
to this novel’s stunning conclusion. Elegantly 
written and remarkably rich in detail, Loving 
Frank is a fitting tribute to a courageous woman, 
a national icon, and their timeless love story.

By Sean Kayden

 
Death Cab For Cutie 
– ‘Kintugi’ (3/31) Here’s 
a band that needs no 
introduction. Death 
Cab For Cutie has been 
together for 17 years, but original guitarist and 
producer Chris Walla departed late last year. 
While ‘Kintugi’ is the indie heavyweight’s 
eight-studio album, they feel new again. After 
a pair (‘Narrow Stairs’ and ‘Codes & Keys’) of 
slightly disappointing attempts, the band’s first 
record in four years is a welcoming return to 
form. In fact, this may be considered one of 
their finest endeavors over the span of their 
lengthy career. ‘Kintugi’ is a breakup record, 
but suggests much more than just that. While 
the single, “Black Sun” was admittedly less 
than stellar; everything else found on ‘Kintugi’ 
is simply breathtaking. Death Cab For Cutie 
makes one excited again for the future of rock 
music. For the future of music period is more 
like it. They are establishing a much-needed 
new lease on life for the age-old expression, 
“indie rock.” Songs like “Everything’s A 
Ceiling” and “El Dorado” are the purest form 
of bliss. These two tracks aren’t anything like 
Death Cab For Cutie has ever crafted, but the 
results are remarkable in every possible way. 
However, the impressiveness that surrounds 
this record doesn’t end just there. If you’re a 
fan of the group’s older material or coming on 
board late in the game, trust me when I say this, 
‘Kintsugi’ is the most invigorating record this 
year will most likely have to offer. It may be one 
of the best too. 

Smallpools – ‘LOVETAP!’ (3/23) - Los Angeles 
synth-pop buffs, Smallpools released their 
highly anticipated debut LP, ‘LOVETAP!’ this 
past Monday. In 2013, the band released their 
first self-titled EP. It was an astonishing feat 
considering the band had only been together 
a few months up until that point. They played 
their first live show together merely a couple 
days before the release of the EP. Now the LA 
quartet are laying it all out on the table with 
their debut record prepared to conquer 2015 in 
a huge way. While all four songs off their EP 
are present, Smallpools have also included 2014 
single, “Killer Whales,” as a part of the 14-track 
collection. Fortunately, these brand new, 
previously never heard tracks are as sprightly 
as anything the band has ever presented before. 
Smallpools have a knack for splashy, lavishly 
constructed songs. Their robust material is 
absolutely electrifying to the listener’s ear. 
‘LOVETAP!’ brings a heavy stream of garish 
snyths, fearless bass lines, thrashing drums, 
and penetrating vocals. In vein of Passion Pit 
and Foster The People, Smallpools have crafted 
a shimmering resonance that lets you imagine 
summer is all year long. 

James Bay - ‘Chaos and The Calm’ (3/24) – Right 
from the start, James Bay sings with experienced 
aplomb on his debut record Chaos and The 
Calm. The affecting vocalist from Hitchin 
commands festival-ready tracks that balance 
the fine lines of soul, soft rock, and blues. On 
the lyrical forefront, Bay has an allegiance to 
the themes of love, self-breakthrough, and the 
relationships we craft with others close to us. 
At the ripe age of 24, Bay is letting it all unfold 
over the course of twelve strikingly constructed 
songs that not only open up minds, but hearts 
as well. James Bay brings plenty of sentimental 
tendencies with ‘Chaos and The Calm,’ allowing 
for his listeners to connect with the plights he’s 
endured. Chill-inducing vocals, heartfelt lyrics, 
and a congenially warm feeling attached to it, 
Bay’s latest endeavor speaks only in the forms 
of truth and honesty. If a record surrounded 
by sincerity is what you’re aching for, ‘Chaos 
and The Calm’ will help fill the palpable void in 
one’s own existence. Fans of new artists Hozier 
and George Ezra should seek out James Bay’s 
debut.

FOOD & DRINK

BUSINESS NEWS & TRENDS

FAMILY MATTERS By Marc Garlett

AWARENESS

Perhaps it’s my age. Or perhaps I’m just developing 
awareness to the effects of alcohol consumption. A recent 
study published in the University of Berkeley Wellness 
Newsletter said that moderate consumption for an average 
adult is one drink a day for women and two drinks for 
a man (obviously age and weight play a part). You may 
have heard that a glass of red wine is good for your heart, 
which makes sense since it contains antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory properties that may protect blood vessels, 
but beer and peanuts have benefits as well as any foods 
derived from plants. I recently covered a story on my 
radio program promoting beer as a preventative cure 
for Alzheimer’s. Wine drinkers tend to be a bit more 
health conscious than beer drinkers and often consume 
their wine with meals. Recently I came across an article 
suggesting tequila can help you lose weight. I think you 
see where this is all going.

 Rodney Strong Vineyards in Sonoma County has been 
producing wines since the 1950’s. I recently purchased 
a bottle of the 2011 Cabernet for under $20 at my local 
supermarket. Yes there was indeed a Rodney Strong - he 
made his mark in the wine business, but began his career 
as a dancer (there must be a segue, here but I’ll stick to 
the wine). Finding a cabernet under $20 is easy; finding 
a good one is something else. I first discovered Rodney 
Strong while staying at a swanky Newport Beach hotel – 
the wine was the gift they left in the room as a welcome 
present. Not one to shy away from a gift of wine and 
cheese, I have been a big fan since. The wine itself is a bit 
lighter in color than some other cabs, but the nose and 
finish are right on target. Some of my friends think it 
needs to sit for a couple of years, but I say at this price point 
there is no reason to sit on it. Open and let it breathe for a 
half-hour and Rodney is ready. It goes great with a sweet 
cheddar cheese or a roasted chicken or even a bone in rib 
eye. It’s priced right, and readily available at restaurants 
and your local wine retailer.

Dills Score

 Each week I will give you my Dills Score. Starting with 
a base of 50 points, I have added 7 points for color, 8 points 
for aroma or “nose”, 8 points for taste, 8 points for finish, 
and 8 points for my overall impression, which includes my 
value rating.

Total Score 91 

Retails for $25.00 On Sale around $17 at area markets 
including Vons. Follow me on twitter kingofcusine and 
make sure you listen to my radio show Saturday at 5:30 
PM KLAA AM 830 follow me on twitter kingofcuisine


TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills

thechefknows@yahoo.com


On the Marquee: Notes from the Sierra MadrePlayhouse

IS A WILL ALL YOU NEED? PROBABLY NOT

One of the most prevalent misconceptions when 
it comes to estate planning is that a Will is all 
most people need. But before you fall into this 
trap with your own estate plan, consider these 
five circumstances where a will simply doesn’t 
work:

Avoiding Court. To take effect, a will must go 
through the probate process at your death (or 
a conservatorship if you become incapacitated 
while still living), which can be lengthy and 
deny your heirs (or family while you are living, 
but incapacitated) a quick resolution to the 
distribution of your estate (or the ability to 
pay your bills while you are living). There are 
also situations which complicate probate even 
further such as having minor children or owning 
property in another state.

 Protecting privacy. Once a will is open to 
probate, it is open to everyone -- meaning that 
anyone can get access to it and learn the details 
on everything you owned and exactly where 
it is going. Wills can also contain personal 
information that is attractive to identity thieves.

 Protecting you in case of incapacity. Since a 
will only goes into effect upon death, it provides 
zero protection for you if you should become 
incapacitated and no longer able to handle your 
own financial affairs or make decisions about 
your health care. If that were the case, your 
family would have to go through the stress and 
expense of petitioning the court to appoint a 
guardian or conservator to handle your affairs. 
This is costly and can even drain your entire 
estate. This can easily be avoided by having 
advance medical directives and a financial power 
of attorney drawn as part of your comprehensive 
estate plan.

 Protect your assets. Passing assets to heirs via 
a will does not provide any protection for those 
assets. Once they are distributed, they become 
vulnerable to a divorce actions, civil lawsuits, 
creditors, and even bad financial decisions by 
your beneficiaries. Placing your assets in a trust 
gives you control over how and when they are 
distributed, and protects them from creditors 
and judgments. This is one of the most powerful 
aspects of a living trust.

Passing Real Estate. When your home passes 
to your heirs through Probate (which it will do 
without a trust in place) it loses the step up in 
tax basis that a trust can provide. That means 
your heirs (who are most likely your family) will 
have to pay capital gains tax on the difference 
between the value of the home when you bought 
it versus the value of the home now. This can be 
another huge financial burden to bear on top of 
the already expensive cost of Probate.

 See, trusts aren’t just for the wealthy because 
wills aren’t always the best way to protect and 
pass on financial assets. Comprehensive estate 
planning should use living trusts and other legal 
tools to preserve your assets and make things as 
easy as possible on your family. Taking care of 
your family, after all, is really what it’s all about. 

 To you family’s health, wealth, and happiness,

 

 

 A local attorney, father, and CASA volunteer 
(Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children), 
Marc Garlett is on a mission to help parents 
protect what they love most. His office is located 
at 49 S. Baldwin Ave., Ste. G, Sierra Madre, CA 
91024. Schedule an appointment to sit down and 
talk about ensuring a legacy of love and financial 
security for your family by calling 626.355.4000 or 
visit www.GarlettLaw.com for more information.

A COMMUNITY LIVING ROOM

By Artistic Director, 
Christian Lebano

I found myself sitting in the 
theater at the Playhouse this 
weekend – I’d just finished 
a meeting with a possible 
stage manager for Always….
Patsy Cline (opening July 31) 
and it was after a Putting it 
Together matinee. It is not 
unusual for me to grab a 
few moments in the empty 
theater – there is something 
about our space that calms 
me and at the same time 
fills me with excitement 
and anticipation. It’s as if 
the walls radiate all the joy 
that have soaked in over the 
years. Theater is sometimes described as a “sacred 
space.” I understand that term, I even embrace it 
sometimes but I’m afraid that it is off-putting to 
most patrons.

Instead, lately, I’ve been describing the theater as 
the community living room. I want our patrons 
to feel as comfortable here as they do in their own 
homes. My hope is that the way we flop onto our 
couches to “stay in tonight” that our patrons will 
feel as comfortable dropping themselves into our 
red velvet seats and seeing a show or a concert 
– maybe even at the last minute. After all we 
are within easy walking distance of most of the 
homes in Sierra Madre. 

You can’t raid your refrigerator, but our fare is 
pretty tasty nonetheless. Putting it Together 
closes on Saturday and it has been a delectable 
treat – beautiful voices, great performances, and 
Sondheim’s witty lyrics. Einstein is a Dummy 
has been a big hit with the kids from local schools 
who are coming to see it. General audiences only 
have three more chances to see it at our Sunday 
2:30 matinees: March 29, April 5 (Easter) and 12. 
And the Colburn Series continues nourishing us 
with beautiful music: a Brass Ensemble concert 
on Sunday, March 29; the Amoris Trio (piano and 
two double-basses!) on Saturday, April 4; and the 
Cala Quartet on Sunday, April 19. All of these 
will feed the soul and will undoubtedly soak into 
the walls and add to the good aura that our little 
theater has. Please come and enjoy – I won’t mind 
if you kick off your shoes and stay awhile! 

. . . . . .

Last Tuesday morning we hosted the Sierra Madre 
Rotary for their monthly breakfast meeting. We 
invited them into our living room, shared what’s 
been going on at the Playhouse, and sought advice 
on how we are doing. The Rotary has always been 
very supportive of us – as have many other local 
groups. I was so happy to open up the Playhouse 
and see it alive and teeming with people that early 
in the morning. My dream is to see it in use all 
day long and every day.

As always we do all this for you – our SMP family 
– whose support and loyalty mean so much to us 
and for whom we hope we bring pleasure and joy 
and moving experiences in the theater. Please let 
me know how you think we are doing. 

 Reach me at ArtisticDirector@
SierraMadrePlayhouse.org


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com