WHAT:
Adding a colorful new chapter to its rich history of live music concerts, Crustacean Beverly Hills premiered the Red Hour Live Music Series last night (May 21) co-hosted by “American Idol” standout Pia Toscano and Jared Lee. Music legend Joni Mitchelland Grammy-nominee Daniel Bedingfield were among the Hollywood insiders enjoying an impressive jam session with performances by Grammy-winner Macy Gray, “American Idol” season nine winner Lee Dewyze, “The Voice” alumni Chris Mann and Tanner James and the soulful Nikola Bedingfield, among others.
This “first listen” kickoff typifies the intimate and insider vibe of Red Hour. Subsequent artists are yet to be revealed for the coming weeks, but will feature a mix of established and emerging talents. In lieu of the recent season finales of America’s top televised singing competitions this week, the inaugural Red Hour was somewhat of a reunion for standout artists from “American Idol” and “The Voice” that highlight the talent of today and tomorrow. In the past, Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Missy Elliott and Natalie Cole have taken turns at Crustacean’s mic. The Beverly Hills fine dining restaurant has drawn A-listers from the music industry from its start, in 1997.
Joni Mitchell and Macy Gray
WHO ATTENDED:
Performances by Macy Gray, Lee Dewyze (American Idol – season 9 winner), Pia Toscano (American Idol), Katie Stevens(MTV’s Faking It; American Idol), Chris Mann (The Voice), Tanner James (The Voice), Nikola Bedingfield, Jared Lee, Travis Garland, and Taylor Bright. Notable celebrity guests included Joni Mitchell, Daniel Bedingfield, and Cassie Scerbo.
WHEN:
Red Hour is a six-week series of Wednesday evening concerts in the lounge of Crustacean, running from May 14 through June 25. The concerts are free to a maximum capacity of 60 VIPs invited by the restaurant and its media partners, The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard. Red Hour is expected to become a hub for celebrities and entertainment industry power players. (In the past two weeks alone, the restaurant’s dining guests have included Barbra Streisand, Blake Griffin, Seth MacFarlane, Ciara and Patrick Stewart.)
ITEMS:
Macy Gray captivates the intimate room of 60+ Hollywood insiders and celebrities with her Grammy-winning hit “I Try” as well as a bluesy rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep”.
I also have a 10 second iPhone video of “Creep” I could send you if interested.
Music legend Joni Mitchell enjoyed her favorite Crustacean dishes – beef carpaccio and garlic noodles with lobster – while enjoying the young line-up of talented artists. Joni and Macy darted outside the side entrance following Macy’s performance where Joni stated, “This is so much fun. I get to hang out with the young kids again.” (The above pic was taken right after Joni said that to Macy)
Red Hour music series co-host/ “American Idol” standout Pia Toscano introduces fellow “American Idol” alumni and season 9 winner Lee Dewyze.
The soulful Nikola Bedingfield performed a few originals, as well as a cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”, as her Grammy-nominated older brother Daniel Bedingfield cheered her on from the audience.
Cassie Scerbo came to Red Hour to support dear friend Pia Toscano and sat in the front row during her performances.
Red Hour acted as a reunion of sorts, this time with “The Voice” alums Tanner James and Chris Mann.
World-renowned Executive Chef Helene An (aka “Mama”) prepares several new dishes from the Red Hour tapas menu.