Sept 23 Hotel Cafe review

[webmaster]

Originally posted by Yong:
Saw Marina V at the Hotel Cafe yesterday. Incredible! I was able to get a friend to come and she, too, enjoyed the show.

Marina's talent: at numerous points I wanted to check to see if she was lip-syncing. Her voice is just so powerful, the quality of her singing so consistent, and her playing on the piano never out of sync; I was amazed that what I was hearing was live.

Marina's charm: before playing "Underneath her sky" she said that it goes out to everyone who's in love. When the audience didn't respond, she addressed the silence by saying that she expected a response and re-introduced the song, to which the audience cheered. It was a charming moment and it showed her personality and her ability to adapt.

Her facial expressions: I love listening to Marina's CDs (in my car, at home, in my head, etc.), but when I see her live, Marina's facial expressions add another level of enjoyment. She connects with the audience with the her sideway glances, subtle flirty smirks, and smiles.

The band: they were on. Their timing was perfect, from every stroke on the guitar to every drum beat. As talented as they are, they're careful not to demand attention, and they support and compliment Marina perfectly.

The raffle: I didn't think I could ever have fun at a raffle without winning anything, but I did. And it was for a good cause.

Loved the show!

[Nick]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out to the Hotel Cafe show and to let you know that because of your generosity, we were able to donate $150 to the American Red Cross. We always appreciate your support and thank you whole-heartedly. You guys are the best!

[LoganBruin]

Here's what I wrote in my blog about the concert: since the whole thing is so long, I'll only include Marina's stuff.

A very different song list from Marina this time, starting out on a song I’ve never heard, mostly done a capella; I think it was called “Nobody Sings Like You,” but that’s from the lyrics, so it’s not conclusive. Very haunting, and I’m not sure if that wouldn’t have been better later on rather than as the opener, but not my call.
Next song was her perennial “I’ll be Alright,” but then came another unknown, “Never Again,” followed by her Russian song from “Simple Magic.” At this point I basically stopped worrying about it and just relaxed, hoping she would soon get to one of my faves.
There was a lovey-dovey couple enjoying the show at the next table behind me, until one of their friends showed up and started chatting, loudly. I was sitting across from Nick--not Marina’s bandmate--and Keith, and we exchanged a few irritated glances. Finally I turned around fast enough to get the (blonde!) woman’s attention, and motioned with my hand, not to shut up, but to keep it down. She shut up anyway, for a while. I turned back to the concert, so I don’t know if she flipped me off, but at that point I really didn’t care. There’s a line in “Firefly” where the Shepherd tells Mal, “If you do anything to that girl, you will be going to a special place in Hell, a place reserved for child molesters and people who talk at the theater.” Ditto.
(plug: go see “Serenity,” the movie based on Firefly. Spend enough money so they’ll make a sequel for all us Browncoats!)
Back to your regularly scheduled blog:
Next was “Guardian Angel,” which I recall from her forum someone had requested. Nice. Following was probably her most famous song, “Killing My Dream.” Don’t have to tell ya that’s a sad song, right? [this was originally written for people who might not know Marina, so don't be insulted, I'm not talking down to you!]
Finally, my favorite, “Underneath your Sky.” From now on, I’m going to consider this a shout-out. I don’t care if it’s become a staple in her concerts; for three minutes every few months, it’s about me!
Following was apparently a Beatles cover, though I’ve never heard it. Ask someone else. Ask Marina, for that matter; betcha she grins.
“Walk Away” is a new song, that some of us, and you know who you are, are fortunate enough to have. It’s close to becoming my new fave.
Ender was “Something of my Own,” which seems appropriate.
As I look over my notes, I find I didn’t have much to say, or rather think, about the concert. She didn’t screw up, like everyone else did this week, unless you count the time the sirens interrupted a song--“Someone’s being naughty on Sunset!” Didn’t win anything in that raffle either, of course. Since I won’t be seeing her play for likely a couple of months, maybe I’ll come back fresh next time. On the other hand, perhaps she’s reached such a high level of excellence that there’s really nothing left to say (I know which one she prefers).
Hi, Nick! Hi, Andy! Hi, guitarist who paints his fingernails black!

[kenney]

marina is wonderful, and lovely in all ways (i'm borowing from my comment to her on myspace and the mail i sent her...).
i met her as a myspace 'friend', and only knew what i saw online. you others are obviously are much more familiar...i was on the road in europe when i got my first event invite. i replied back i would respond when i got home. unfortunately, my health wasn't wonderful, but i was feeling better and thought i really should go out and see this russian lady (giving away a big secret- i like russian ladies. ;).
i'm glad i did. i have a new (real!) friend. she helps inspire me to get my own thing more together, and she even gives me clues on how to do it properly.
i've already said several times...thank you, and we shall meet again.
gladly returning hugs. :)
michael

[kenney]

i tried to edit this (misspellings, etc.) and got to where i was in edit/preview mode, but couldn't find the actual send button. does it exist? and if so, where? just curious.

[Tim]

You have to make changes, and choose "Edit Post." That will save the changes.

-Tim

[debbie]

Marina, your Hotel show was beautiful. Of course, I didn't expect any less from you.
I loved the new song, it was just beautiful. Sorry I am posting this so late!

[debbie]

Originally posted by kenney:
marina is wonderful, and lovely in all ways.
she helps inspire me to get my own thing more together, and she even gives me clues on how to do it properly.I often feel the same way

[debbie]

Originally posted by LoganBruin:

Following was apparently a Beatles cover, though I’ve never heard it. Ask someone else. Ask Marina, for that matter; betcha she grins.
It was "Here, there & everywhere". I love Marina's version.