The temperature in Alhambra reached a high of 108
degrees on Saturday. It was far from the highest that
day: Woodland Hills got up to 119, making Alhambra
seem cool by comparison.

And other factors were in play also, the most palpable
being the drenching humidity, up to 61% at one point,
making Alhambra's 108 feel more like 115. Smoke hung
like a gray shroud over the San Gabriel mountains from
the gargantuan fire up in the Big Bear area, and there
were times, when what little breeze there was would
blow, that one could smell the smoke. And as the
overworked sun set with a sigh of relief, letting the
evening serenely cloak this weekend's edition of
Alhambra's Summer Jubilee, and San Diego's Totally 80s
Band filled up the hour before the Bangles took the
stage next to theirs, lightning from impending
thunderstorms over the mountains and deserts augmented
the lighting that covered both stages as each act did
their musical thing.

Even though darkness had set in when it was time for
the Bangles, the temperature was still an intemperate
101, which made lead guitarist Vicki Peterson's
opening remarks more appropriate when the legendary
lasses took the stage at 9 p.m., played an
instrumental intro, then gave out with "Manic Monday"
and "Live." By the time Vicki spoke her first words,
they were probably already drenched.

"Oh my God!" she exclaimed. "Thank you all for coming
out and sweating with us. It's Alhambra Sweatfest
2006...do you still not believe in global warming?"

But such weighty matters were not on the crowd's mind
as Vicki made a few remarks about being blessed by the
rain gods, leading into "The Rain Song" from their
2003 'Doll Revolution' album. We were there to be
transported by four lovely musical mavens; we were
there to "Ride the Ride," also from DR.

There were a few surprises, the most notable of which
was a completely rearranged "If She Knew What She
Wants" that discovered new elements in a song that
they've probably done a thousand times, at least, and
Susanna Hoffs' soulful vocal found a new maturity in
the song that could only come from the life lessons
she's put behind her since she first sang that song in
the studio.

In fact, all the songs from their heyday had that
feeling. The youthful exuberance of the originals
gave way to "older, wiser" interpretations that were
no less entertaining, especially that 80s landmark,
"Walk Like An Egyptian." That well-known intro
brought enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, especially
when they segued into "Mrs. Robinson" before doing the
final verse. Another segue occurred when "Hero Takes
a Fall" led into "In Your Room." It was a masterful
balance of showmanship and artistry that yours truly
considers to be the highlight of the evening.

We were also treated to "Walking Down Your Street,"
"Hazy Shade Of Winter," "Going Down to Liverpool" and
the immortal "Eternal Flame," a song Susanna will
never get away from, assuming that she would ever want
to (royalty-wise, it's her bread and butter,
especially after the recent cover by Atomic Kitten).

Then it was time to exit the stage, leaving me to
admire them even more than I already did, for one
simple reason: They spent 45 minutes under those hot
lights in 100 degree-plus weather, and their
performance didn't wilt for even a moment. They were
just as lively at the end as they were at the
beginning, prompting me to wonder how many buckets of
sweat were left on that stage after their departure.

The Summer Jubilee was still going on as Bangles fans,
who had gotten what they came for, beat a hasty
retreat to their air-conditioned cars. I walked down
to the stage at the northern end of the block, where
yet another 80s tribute band was going through their
paces. After a minute or so, however, I took my
leave. It was a little like Beverly Sills being
followed by Britney Spears.


(c)2006, Lewis Ward





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