Star Light, Star Bright, The Star Spangled Banner I See Tonight

Hollywood Bowl
Location:
2301 N Highland Ave
Hollywood, CA 90068
Entertainment Value: Vince Gill, Los Angeles Philharmonics conducted by John Morris Russell, and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West.
Entertainment Cost: $12.50
Food Cost: Concession Stand prices OR BYOBAF= Bring your own beer and food!!

As they would say in Chinese, "Wah Sai", or Japanese "Bon Zai", or in English, "Whoa", in the spirit of Freedom, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, what better way to celebrate the 234th birthday of America than to be under the cool summer night air among thousands of multi ethnic Americans, celebrating the common pride we have of a nation that allows differences to be celebrated for.

As an Chinese American living in Southern California, now is the best time to give thanks to all the predecessors that has paved the way for this very moment, where I can sit next to my half Japanese, half European husband to my right, and to my left, an Irish woman who greets me with a genuine smile, in front of me an Indian woman sitting next to her Caucasian best friend,  and behind me I overhear a Korean family.  Maybe the term, "Only in America", seem old fashioned when we hear the word "melting pot", since nowadays there are many other nations whose cities rival that of Los Angeles' melting pot--Toronto, Capetown, London, just to name a few, but Los Angeles is the founding father of open arms. Whether it's taking refugees, students abroad, businessmen, or blue collar workmen, Los Angeles has morphed into the mecca of miniature nations--Little Italy, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Thai town, Little Ethiopia, etc, and it is under the American flag, the fundamental freedoms protected under the United States Constitution that has made tonight all the more possible for a generation that accepts Chinese American as American, who if but fifty years ago, would be considered as only an American guest.

Under the iridescent lights and behind the sounds of exothermic release, thunder booming into our ears from the boundless night sky, glowing smiles widened with awe and swelling hearts danced to the tune of the Philharmonic orchestra and the Golden West band. Oohs and Ahhs in sync with the resplendent display of peonies, dahlia, crystheantheums, opening up like flowers to the sun, vibrated with the excitement of the evening.

And speaking of flowers, the highlight of the evening was when Vince Gill poured out his soul when he sang, "Face of an Angel". Even for a country music sourpuss like me, I could appreciate the sincerity of a song dedicated to a wife's smile and the simplicity of a country boy love story. The song made me feel like walking down a field of daisies hand in hand with your best friend, laying on top of a lush green hill watching the white clouds swim through the infinite blue sky.

And speaking of infinite blue sky, what better symbol of freedom than to experience music and fireworks with the alcohol of your choice. After all, it's what you want to bring--match your fireworks extravaganza with champagne, Cognac, beer, or apple cider. Whatever your style is, Hollywood bowl is like a good companion for that joyride you'd been wanting to have. The Designated Driver that let's you part it up the way parties ought to be partied. The sweet release of open air, live music, pyrotechnic stars, and your favorite celebration drink makes this experience all the more special.

Ahh, like Tupac Shakur once said, "To live in die in LA...It's the place to be."