Oscar winner Jeff Bridges has always been a respectable actor—for many reasons. He comes from good stock, that’s for sure. His father, Lloyd Bridges, was an iconic actor who worked in the biz for more than 60 years. Jeff followed in his dad’s footsteps in many ways, but what sets him apart is his music career. Bridges will be performing two shows with his band at Santa Ynez’s own Maverick Saloon on June 23.
Bridges first came to the screen as an infant in 1950 and appeared regularly on his father’s television show with mother Dorothy and brother Beau Bridges. Literally born into the profession, Bridges has been acting in films
almost every year since 1969. He received several Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
In 1984, Bridges helped found the End Hunger Network and has donated time and performances to ending hunger in America. In 2010 he became the spokesman for the No Kid Hungry Campaign under the Share Our Strength organization.
One of America’s first exposures to Bridges’ singing voice came from the soundtrack of John Carpenter’s Starman, on which Bridges and co-star Karen Allen perform a duet of the Everly Brothers’ hit “All
I Have to Do Is Dream,” written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant.
The Coen Brother’s 1998 film The Big Lebowski turned Jeff Bridges into a cult icon with his performance as The Dude, a burnout pothead leftover from the wild and crazy ’70s. The film is known for its ranged soundtrack, including Kenny Rogers’ “Just Dropped In” set to a hilarious dream sequence with Bridges dancing to the tune. Bridges himself has claimed publicly that of all the characters he’s portrayed, The Dude is closest to his personality, and Hollywood does affirm his relaxed attitude and lack of an overbearing ego. His touring band is actually named The Abiders after The Dude’s immortal line: “The Dude abides.”
In 2000 he released his debut album Be Here Soon on Ramp Records, which Bridges founded with musician Michael McDonald and producer Chris Pelonis. According to the label’s website, Ramp Records was created to help fill the gap between the music produced by major labels and the taste of America’s eclectic-minded music audience.
Bridges got an Oscar in 2009 for his performance in Crazy Heart. His portrayal of down-and-out country star Otis “Bad” Blake struck a chord with audiences. Bridges effortlessly played a country music singer, given his smoky croon that paired perfectly with a twangy country band.
According to Bridges’ website, he’s currently working on an album with T-Bone Burnett, due to be released by Blue Note Records in August of this year. But for now, Bridges is touring and performing music from the film Crazy Heart and music from his first album.
His choice of a venue as intimate as the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez is a testament to Bridges’ easygoing attitude and nature, which is most likely the reason—aside from his natural talent—for the loyal fan base behind him.
Music that Pops
The Lompoc Pops Orchestra has been preserving a tradition first founded by the Boston Pops orchestra in 1895: performing American orchestral music. The Lompoc Pops is closing its 14th season with a program that salutes American gospel music.
The Pops called on the talent of the Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church Gospel Choir to make the show a reality. Formed in 1964, the choir is 20 singers strong, has performed at several gospel festivals, and is directed by Minister of Music Gaila Anderson.
Also joining the choir will be vocal soloist and Westmont College student Kylie Castro, whose selections will include “America,” “Misty,” and “Over the Rainbow.”
The orchestra will also perform instrumental arrangements of gospel favorites, including “Moon River,” “Go Down Moses,” and music from Oklahoma. The concert is June 20 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc. More info: 735-6463 or connieatthepops@aol.com.
A recital of skill
St. Mark’s in the Valley Episcopal Church presents soprano Natasha Yufe and pianist Julie Rodgers in recital June 18 at 3 p.m. at St. Mark’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos. Free. More info: julialompoc@yahoo.com.
This band can swing
The Swing Shift Band performs classic rock hits with a groovy twist June 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Rancho Nipomo Deli and BBQ, 108 Cuyama Lane, Nipomo. More info: 925-3500 or berndoge@hotmail.com.
Divine jazz
The D’Vine Wine Bar hosts a concert by the Jazz Divine Duo, featuring the dynamic talents of Ed Hite on guitar and Geoff Moran playing vibes on June 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the D’Vine Wine Bar, 107 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. More info: 735-8771.
More at the Maverick
The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez hosts the country Kacey Cubero Band on June 17 at 8:30 p.m., followed by Late Night DJ at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” with KC and friends is June 18 at 3 p.m. The Kacey Cubero Band performs June 18 at 8:30 p.m., followed by a Late Night DJ at 11:30 p.m. Tickets are available at talesfromthetavern.com or 688-0383.
Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges and The Abiders perform music from the film Crazy Heart and Bridges’ album Be Here Soon in concert June 23 at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 16-23, 2011.
