BSG Orchestra HOB Concerts – Highlights
“What you’re going to hear tonight are the musicians that have literally given us some of the finest music the world’s ever heard.”
– Edward James Olmos
I’m back from a whirlwind week in San Diego for Comic Con, and have lived to tell the tale! I’ve collected here just a few of the memorable highlights from our Battlestar Galactica Orchestra concerts…
First of all, the interview above is among my most vivid memories of Comic Con ’09. Edward James Olmos was being interviewed by NBCSanDiego.com and literally pulled the mic out of the host’s hands. He immediately took over the production, interviewing me and the two vocalists in my band, Raya Yarbrough and Brendan McCreary. This would be just one of countless surprises I experienced during these shows.
- Published in Battlestar Galactica, Battlestar Galactica Concerts, Blog, Concerts
Comic Con Concerts: What Did You Think?
Hey Gang…
Wow. So much going on at Comic Con here. The first day was INTENSE! Richard Hatch’s panel was amazing and I think the first live concert we played was easily the best show the Orchestra has put on yet. Eddie Olmos was an amazing MC, and the surprise visits from Richard Hatch, Luciana Carro and Michael Hogan brought the house down… not to mention the surprise duet with me and Katee Sackhoff playing All Along the Watchtower on piano.
I’ll eventually write an entry about the shows, and put up some photos and media clips. But, in the meantime, check out our official Twitter (@bsglive) and the blog that we’re running on the official band website (bsgorcestra.com). Percussionist Jonathan Ortega is writing it up and he has great insight, cool photos, and a wicked sense of humor!
The only thing that bummed me out tonight: I saw some General Admission audience members being turned away from the signing after the show and it just made me crazy (I always wanted to do a big signing for everybody in the first place). Starting tomorrow, I’m going to make damn sure that EVERYONE at the concerts can come to the signing afterwards. I want a chance to meet all of you! Consider this an official announcement!
Besides, we’re selling the Season 4 CDs and every other record I’ve done as well as limited edition posters, including this killer design by Andrew Craig. You can all pick them up and get them signed by the entire orchestra!
Comic Con Appearances
Hey gang, I’m getting ready to head down to San Diego for Comic Con tomorrow night. It’s going to be a crazy week, but I’m looking forward to rocking out the House of Blues with all of you on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I’ll also make a few appearances at the convention and wanted to let you know about them. If you’re around, stop by and say hi!
THURSDAY, JULY 23rd:
Richard Hatch: Battlestar Retrospective Panel
Comic Con Convention Center – Room 6A
12:30 – 1:30PM
Moderated by actor/author Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek, Capt Apollo), this panel includes writer / producer Michael Taylor, science advisor Kevin Grazier and myself, providing a review, discussion and Q&A of Battlestar‘s past four seasons and dramatic ending.
The Music of Battlestar Galactica
Live Concert Performance Hosted by Edward James Olmos
7PM (doors open) to Midnight
House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave.
Tickets Available from Ticketmaster
(the promotional password is “frak” for a cheaper rate!)
Each night of our shows will be a little different, but the THURSDAY NIGHT performance will be extra special. Not only is it the first place on Earth to get autographed season 4 CDs, but you’ll hear world-premiere performances of new Galactica music from “The Plan” before anyone else.
Oh, and the Thursday night show will feature an EXCLUSIVE SURPRISE PERFORMER: a guest pianist who will join me onstage for a duet of the pivotal piano music from Someone to Watch Over Me that she… well, I don’t want to spoil it. 🙂
UPDATE 7-22: We just confirmed another surprise guest for Thursday, and a few more for Friday and Saturday. I’ll give you a hint: One of them is a Cylon and another one was a suspected Cylon! 🙂
- Published in Battlestar Galactica, Battlestar Galactica Concerts, Blog, Concerts
BSG Orchestra @ HOB: What do you want to hear?
As you know, I am performing live in concert with The Battlestar Galactica Orchestra at the House of Blues San Diego on July 23rd, 24th and 25th, the week of Comic Con.
A few months ago, I asked all of you for suggestions for the Season 4 soundtrack album, in a blog post called “The Season 4 CD: What do you want to hear?” Well, I need your ideas again! What do you think should be on the set list for our big HOB concerts?
- Published in Battlestar Galactica, Battlestar Galactica Concerts, Blog, Concerts
6/13/09 CA Plaza Concert Highlights
A big thanks to all the fans who turned up at the California Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles, last Saturday! The evening was a complete success. BrEndAn’s Band opened first, finishing their set with Brendan McCreary’s original song “When Will the Work Be Done,” that was featured in the “Battlestar Galactica” finale. As the sun set, the Battlestar Galactica Orchestra took the stage…
For the last song, Kara Thrace herself, Katee Sackhoff, joined me on stage at the grand piano to play “Kara Remembers” (from the forthcoming Season 4 Soundtrack Album). I played the left hand part, and she plucked out the Final Four Theme, just as she did in the climax of Someone to Watch Over Me. Once we had the Final Four Theme going on the piano, the band snuck in, building to “Heeding the Call” and finally “All Along the Watchtower.” The writers and director of Someone To Watch Over Me were in the audience, so this was a very special moment for Katee and me.
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“Music of BG” July H.O.B. Concerts: Tix Now Available!
Finally! Tickets are now on sale for the “Music of Battlestar Galactica” Live at the HOUSE OF BLUES in San Diego during the Comic Con convention: July 23, 24 and 25th! Get them fast, because they are going to sell quick!
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Send In Pix and Video from LA Concert Tomorrow! (UPDATED)
What a week! I’ve been in final rehearsals for tomorrow’s big free concert in Downtown LA. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this incredible event under the stars. There will be some VERY EXCITING surprises that I wish I could spoil for you now, but it’s only a day away… might as well save it for tomorrow.
You are all welcome to bring a video camera or take photos at tomorrow’s concert. If you get some video or stills, I’d be grateful if you could share them with me: the higher quality the better. After the concert, just leave a comment below and we’ll coordinate with you.
UPDATED: Photography is fine, but DO NOT USE A FLASH! Thanks!
- Published in Battlestar Galactica, Battlestar Galactica Concerts, Blog, Concerts
OFFICIAL DATES: “Music of Battlestar Galactica” SoCal Tour, Summer ’09!
“THE MUSIC OF BATTLESTAR GALACTICA” SUMMER 2009 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TOUR.
Last year, my orchestra and I performed two SOLD OUT shows at the famed Roxy Theater in Los Angeles and the overwhelming response from fans around the world brings us back to the stage this summer in FOUR LIVE CONCERT EVENTS.
Saturday, June 13th
Grand Performances Series in Downtown Los Angeles
7pm
The concert at this gorgeous outdoor venue will be FREE ADMISSION.
Thursday, July 23rd
Friday, July 24th
Saturday, July 25th
The House of Blues in San Diego
- Published in Battlestar Galactica, Battlestar Galactica Concerts, Blog, Concerts
“Prelude to War” Ballet Premiere in Germany
Last Friday I was very fortunate to attend the world premiere performance of “Prelude to War,” my ballet based on my scores for Battlestar Galactica. The ballet was performed by the outstanding dancers of the Theaterhagen, in Hagen, Germany. The choreography was by the resident choreographer Ricardo Fernando, and the orchestra was conducted by Bernhard Steiner.
When I was first approached about writing a ballet based on my Galactica scores, I leapt at the opportunity to translate my music to a new medium. From my initial discussions with Ricardo it was clear that he and I shared a similar vision of the ballet. We wanted to create a new and exciting narrative, using the music of the series but completely stripping it from the context of the show.
- Published in Battlestar Galactica, Battlestar Galactica Concerts, Blog, Concert Music, Concerts
I’m Getting Married!!
Thanks to the blistering speed of news across the internet, many of you already know about this. But here it is anyway. Yes, I am now engaged to the lovely Raya Yarbrough!
There were two things I’ve known for years I must accomplish before I turned 30. First, I had to finish composing my final episode of Battlestar Galactica, since I’d spent more than half my 20’s working on it. More importantly, I also knew I had to finally pop the question to Raya.
I composed my last cue on Saturday the 14th, and Raya and I were engaged before sunset on the 15th. I turned 30 on the 17th. So, I made it, with a day to spare!