These top LA hotspots will make your heart sing, says Fil-Am crooner
Filipino American vocalist Jaime Barcelon will have shows at Gardenia Restaurant and Lounge. CONTRIBUTED
LOS ANGELES — Filipino American actor and vocalist Jaime Barcelon is all about sharing. He will be sharing his talents once again in a series of shows in October.
This is a follow up to his sold-out debut concert last year titled, “The Heart of the Matter.” Barcelon is collaborating with music director Gerald White with a brand-new repertoire of favorite classics with fresh arrangements.
Barcelon will be bringing a fresh take of arrangements on songs by all-time favorites like Stevie Wonder, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Johnny Mercer, Stephen Sondheim, Barbra Streisand and John Mayer.
Barcelon thinks of his audiences when he prepares for his shows. “These selections are close and personal to me,” he says. “I want to make sure there’s something everyone can enjoy.”
Versatile
Barcelon has performed in both musical and concert galas for the nation’s first professional Asian American theater organization, East West Players. Other theater credits include Fil-Am playwright A. Rey Pamatmat’s “Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them” at Playwrights’ Arena.
He has also acted in numerous network television shows spanning hit procedural dramas to sitcoms and films such as “American Auto,” “Criminal Minds” and “9-1-1.”
His single “Timeless,” a medley that pays homage to traditional melodic pop of the ’70s and ’80s, is available on all streaming platforms.
Leisure
With so much going on in his career, Barcelon makes sure to get some downtime when he can and to be with loved ones. In addition to his singing, he also has a lot of information to share when it comes to having some fun.
“I have lived here in LA for so long now. I love recommending things to do and places to visit when friends and family visit.”
Here are some of Barcelon’s must-visit hotspots in the City of Angels:
“This is my favorite live music venue. This gorgeous amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills has such a rich history of great artists performing sell out concerts. It’s a unique experience of watching a performance under the night sky with the option to bring your own food and drink or visiting the establishments on site.”
Barcelon knows Fil-Ams and Filipinos love to eat. “Wonderful authentic Filipino food by Chef Lord Maynard Llera who won a James Beard award for Best Chef in California this year.
“His signature cuisine lies in applying techniques enhancing and reinventing traditional Filipino dishes.”
Jon & Vinny’s Italian restaurant
Another cuisine that Barcelon knows that Fil-Ams and Filipinos love is Italian. “This restaurant offers modern Italian fare with several locations in LA. My personal favorite is their Corn Agnolotti pasta made with brown butter. New location just opened up in the valley which makes many of us very, very happy.”
“For Fil-Ams looking for Philippine formalwear, this is the best place to find Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog options in the city. From very traditional to more current designs – they carry a great selection.
The Gardenia Restaurant and Lounge
“If you are looking to enjoy an evening of dinner and a show, this is the place to go. It maintains the tradition of cabaret with an intimate dining experience and old Hollywood flair. This wonderful venue has become a musical home for me. It’s no surprise that this is where my upcoming concert will be!”
“Jaime Barcelon: Live at The Gardenia” is on October 20 and 26. VISIT jaimebarcelon.com. Walter Ang is the author of “Barangay to Broadway: Filipino American Theater Historyr.” Available at Amazon, Bookshop and other online booksellers.
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