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	Vol.7, No 18, September 29, 1999
	L.B. Symphony pleases despite various problems By Rebecca Brown Daily Forty-Niner The Long Beach Symphonyís concert series "POPS!" opened last Saturday in the Long Beach Arena with a variety of musical flavors. CONCERT REVIEW The evening featured ìCountdown to 2000,î a medley of some of the most popular songs in American culture over the past 100 years, ranging from Broadway show tunes to rock 'n' roll. Joining the symphony was singer-dancer Terry Robinson and the Rhythm    Brothers, an instrumental group with a 1920s to 1930s sound. Robinson and the band were featured entertainment at the opening of Tokyo Disneyland, according to a press release from the Long Beach Symphony.   Robinson is the epitome of the Disneyland dancer. Her dance numbers were in the garb most assume was worn in the era, such as a glittering, fringed flapper-like gown while singing and cavorting to in her opening number of "Roaring 20s."    Shortly after her flapper rendition, Robinson danced on the stage impersonating Betty Boop. It was maddening to say the least, although she is a talented dancer.    Decked out in fishnet stockings, a black curling wig and short red satin dress, she squealed, pouted and flirted with the Symphony Conductor Michael Krajewski.   The Rhythm Brothers were also known as the Thunder Mountain Boys when performing their blue grass and rockabilly numbers, instead of their traditional jazzy and big band style.    The men had a firm hand when strumming the banjo and playing the fiddle.    The band's talent was original and stood on its own.   Conductor Krajewski's antics were also enjoyable. He conducted with attitude.   In several numbers, he encouraged the audience, who would be drenched with spotlight, to guess out loud whom the artists and songs were after the song.    He poked a little good-natured fun at the dull and utterly forgettable Lawrence Welk by blowing bubbles during the number.     When the symphony played its version of the Bee Gees "Night Fever," Krajewski did a few disco moves reminiscent of John Travolta. The playfulness of the conductor definitely added spice to the evening, since none of the audience felt the urge to get up and dance.   The "POPS!" concert series runs until June 2000. Tickets range from $25 to $16 and senior and student group discounts are available. For more information, one may call the Long Beach Symphony box office at 436-3203.		5 men held for smashing windows Recent figures show CSULB enrollment keeps growing American-Indian remains wanted back Listening Lounge offers brain food Karate instructors teach basic self defense Senior U. teacher 1 of 35 chosen for space camp Free speech still free Bookstore prices outrage students Prof. angry about CFA story L.B. Symphony pleases despite various problems Big Wu comes up short LBSU out of tune Dolley rises from the depths Women's soccer coach experiencing growing pains in team's second season Fall 99 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach ©1999 All rights reserved.