Articles written by Steven Lieberman


Sorted by date  Results 1 - 25 of 299

  • Kings Kopitar is still going strong at age 37

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Dec 12, 2024

    The Los Angeles Kings beat the Central Division leading Minnesota Wild by the score of 4-1 on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena, but one of the major highlights was veteran captain Anze Kopitar playing in his 1,400 regular-season NHL game all with the Kings. Kopitar is the first player to accomplish this incredible milestone with the franchise. It was also his 700th career home game. Kopitar became just the 11th player all-time to reach 1,400 games played with one team. After the game, Kings...

  • Kings Beat Ducks with Help of New Goaltender EriK Portillo

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Nov 28, 2024

    Los Angeles Kings Swedish goaltender Erik Portillo finally got his chance to make his NHL debut and helped his team get the win, 2-1, against the Ducks in Anaheim. When the Kings placed starting netminder Darcy Kuemper on the shelf with an injury, Portillo was called up from the Ontario Reign, their American Hockey League affiliate. He waited patiently on the bench, backing up David Rittich for a couple of weeks and then got the nod. Portillo rose to the occasion, playing steady in the first...

  • Power play by Quinton Byfield provides Winning Goal

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Nov 21, 2024

    The Los Angeles Kings beat the Seattle Kraken 2-1 on Saturday, but the highlight was forward Quinton Byfield getting a power play, game-winning goal in the second period, his third goal of the season, and which was his 98th point (31-67=98) in 200 career NHL games. Byfield, the No. 2 overall pick by the Kings in 2020, is still trying to make a name for himself and deliver the goods for the Kings organization. The Kings have high hopes for him and have been very patient with his growth and...

  • Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Nov 14, 2024

    The message of the power of love over hate filled the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as LA Opera presented Charles Gounod's "Romeo and Juliet." The Capulets versus the rival Montagues. Gounod's romantic score captures Shakespeare's story of two star-crossed lovers from different sides of the track who are willing to sacrifice everything to be together. Gounod premiered this opera at the Theatre Lyrique in Paris in 1867 and it continues to be one his greatest compositions with its juxtaposition of...

  • Edmonson looks to Bring Stanley Cup to Los Angeles

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Nov 14, 2024

    With Kings veteran Drew Doughty on the shelf after an ankle injury during a preseason game which caused him to have ankle surgery and a month-to-month status, other players on the team are stepping up their level of play and contribution, especially another veteran defenseman Joel Edmundson. When Edmundson left the Maple Leafs as an unrestricted free agent this past summer, the Kings were wise to sign him to a four-year $15.4 million contract, the most money that he has been paid in his NHL...

  • Kings Beat Golden Knights

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Nov 7, 2024

    Los Angeles Kings veteran captain Anze Kopitar hit the 800-assist milestone in a 6-3 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights. Kopitar, the franchise assist leader, had a goal and two assists and became the third active player to the milestone as he joined Sidney Crosby (1,013), Patrick Kane (818) and Evgeni Malkin (809). Only 34 other NHL players all-time can boast this achievement. And he became the fifth player born and trained outside of North America (Slovenia) to reach 800 assists,...

  • Eubanks Nudge Beatles Memories

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Nov 7, 2024

    Everybody knows that Bob Eubanks is famous as the host of The Newlywed Game, but what you might not know is that he was also the producer who booked The Beatles concerts all three years when they toured America. In 1964, while a popular disc jockey at radio station KRLA 1110 in Los Angeles 26-year-old Eubanks borrowed $25,000 on his house to present the Beatles to Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl. He then produced two shows in 1965 at the Hollywood Bowl, one show in 1966 at Dodger Stadium, and...

  • Kings Top Utah

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Oct 31, 2024

    Los Angeles Kings veteran goalie Darcy Kuemper had a first game back in goal after being on the shelf with an injury to start the season and got the win versus Utah, 3-2, stopping 24 of 26 shots. This is Kuemper's second stint with the Kings organization. In 2017, he agreed to a one-year deal after playing for five years in Minnesota. Kuemper only lasted 19 games before being traded. Over this past summer, the Kings were fortunate to have traded Pierre-Luc Dubois to Washington for Kuemper....

  • (Cio-Cio-San Stole the Show: Madame Butterfly

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Oct 3, 2024

    LA Opera had their opening night of the 2024-25 season presenting the opera Madame Butterfly by Puccini at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. And Butterfly (Cio-Cio-San) played by soprano Karah Son did not disappoint. She stole the show. Not only a beautiful voice, but also a great actor. Son was the perfect choice to cast for this role since she has performed it over 300 times. This version of Madame Butterfly was presented in a unique way, with the combination of stage and cinema. Director Mario...

  • Fleetwood Mac – Rumours Rocks the Crowd in Malibu

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Sep 26, 2024

    Classic Albums Live (CAL) Presents: Fleetwood Mac - Rumours made a special appearance and was a smashing success, performing at The Lisa Smith Wengler Center For The Arts at Pepperdine University in Malibu. CAL, founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, takes the greatest albums and re-creates them live on stage, note for note, cut for cut, using the best musicians. "Think of it as a recital," says Martin. "These albums are historic and stand the test of time." Forgoing costumes and impersonations, CAL...

  • Bring Opera to Underserved Communities

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Sep 26, 2024

    The Opera Buffs Inc., celebrating their 41st season supporting young, emerging opera singers in Southern California, held their opening season recital and party at MiMoDa Studio. Six opera singers were invited to perform with accompaniment by Brent McMunn on piano. Thanks to Opera Buffs, these six singers, among many others, are past grant recipients having been provided financial support for their artistic endeavors, as well as opportunities for professional mentorship and live performance...

  • Crowd Erupts for More at Benatar Concert

    Steven Lieberman, bserver Reporter|Aug 15, 2024

    Living legend Pat Benatar and her summer concert tour made a landing at Cerritos Center For The Performing Arts. Neil Giraldo, her long-time husband and musical partner and producer shared the stage with her playing lead guitar, piano, and some backup vocals. Mick Mahan played bass very capably, which he has been doing for Benatar since 1997. And drummer Caesar Griffin rocked the house banging on the skins. Benatar was fortunate to have recruited Griffin from the Taylor Dane band. He is fun to...

  • Diva Soprano Sensation Renee Fleming At Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Jun 27, 2024

    International Diva soprano sensation Renee Fleming made a special appearance supported by acclaimed pianist Inon Barnatan at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion which closed out the LA Opera season. Because Fleming is passionate about saving our environment, the first half was titled Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene which included a beautiful and colorful film about nature by National Geographic which displayed on a screen behind Fleming. The film included forest scenes, mountains, wild animals, among...

  • Turandot Magical at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Jun 27, 2024

    It took 30 years, but Giacomo Puccini's Turandot finally made another successful and phantasmagorical splash-down at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for Los Angeles Opera. The production was boosted by artist David Hockney's scenery brilliance and Ian Falconer's lush costume design. Hockney hit a home run with his color choices, paintings and shapes as it relates to Chinese-themed designs. And leading the way was conductor James Conlon who is a veteran of Puccini operas. Turandot is his 200th...

  • Montenegrin classical guitarist Goran Krivokapic holds solo recital at the home of Greg Castelnuovo-Tedesco

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Jun 27, 2024

    Brilliant Montenegrin classical guitarist Goran Krivokapic made a special appearance in solo recital at the home of Greg Castelnuovo-Tedesco, grandson of the late Italian famous composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco in West Los Angeles, a Mother’s Day treat. Krivokapic was invited to perform as part of William Jenks’ U.S. Classic Guitar Series that he founded 20 years ago. Krivokapic, the virtuoso, is the winner of 19 international classical guitar competitions and is known to create his own tra...

  • Saphires Ballet Delights Audience at Bank of America Plaza

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Jun 27, 2024

    American Contemporary Ballet (ACB) performed the world premiere called "Sapphires," a ballet that is spearheaded by ACB's founder and choreographer Lincoln Jones. In 1967, George Balanchine created a plotless ballet titled "Jewels," but never staged its fourth act which is "Sapphires." It is danced to the music of Arnold Schoenberg's "Suite for Strings in G Major" with a live sixteen-piece orchestra, all accomplished classical musicians. This is a special composition for Schoenberg because he co...

  • Girl From North Country at Pantages

    y Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|May 16, 2024

    Girl From the North Country" is now being performed at the Pantages Theatre featuring 22 songs of the Nobel Prize-winning poet-songwriter-singer Bob Dylan. Conor McPherson is the director and playwright who was wise to choose Dylan's music to convey the message of the production. The setting is the Laine family boarding house during the Great Depression (1934) in Duluth, Minnesota, the birthplace of Dylan. The boarding house is facing foreclosure but is still buzzing with guests from all walks...

  • Oilers Defeat Kings in Playoff Game

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|May 16, 2024

    In Game 4, of the First Round of the Western Conference Stanley Cup playoffs between the L.A. Kings and Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena, the highlight was the outstanding goaltending of Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner. The Oilers dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl typically get all the attention, but it was Skinner's night. Skinner saved all 33 shots, giving the Oilers a 1-0 shutout and a 3-1 lead in the seven game series heading back to Edmonton on Wednesday where the Oilers...

  • Camerata Pacifica's Second Baroque Series

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|May 2, 2024

    At Zipper Hall, Camerata Pacifica presented their second Baroque Series concert curated by 18th century master baroque and Avery Fisher Career Grant flautist Emi Ferguson titled "The French Dispatch." Joining her were some of the country's leading Baroque experts playing period instruments: Rachel Ellen Wong (violin), the first violinist to receive a prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant; Doug Balliet (viola da gamba), a professor of Baroque bass at The Juilliard School; Michael Sponseller...

  • Kings Face Elimination in Stanley Cup Playoffs

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|May 2, 2024

    IIn Game 4, of the First Round of the Western Conference Stanley Cup playoffs between the L.A. Kings and Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena, the highlight was the outstanding goaltending of Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner. The Oilers dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl typically get all the attention, but it was Skinner's night. Skinner saved all 33 shots, giving the Oilers a 1-0 shoutout and a 3-1 lead in the seven game series heading back to Edmonton on Wednesday where the Oilers...

  • Bronfman Delights Disney Concert Hall Patrons

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|May 2, 2024

    Classical piano titan Yefim Bronfman made an appearance at Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of the Colburn Celebrity Recital series. The impressively capable pianist showcased his immensely brilliant talent for all of his adoring fans that he has been doing for many years. His trademark is the remarkable way in which he interprets each piece that he plays and his boundless range. Bronfman and his passion literally rockets the score to the next dimension. Former LA Philharmonic conductor Esa-Pekk...

  • Newest Dodger Ohtani Dodgers Newest Superstar

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Apr 25, 2024

    Dodgers Japanese superstar designated hitting-pitcher Shohei Ohtani continues to stay above the fray, putting behind him the issues with his former gambling-addicted interpreter Ippei Mizuhara and the recent teams struggles to get wins, to continue performing as expected. He reminds me of the late, great "Mr. Padre" Tony Gwynn, also left-handed hitting. Ohtani, like Gwynn, is one of the best and most consistent hitters who has the ability to create a hit with any pitch thrown anywhere in the...

  • LA Opera Shines with La Traviata

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Apr 18, 2024

    By LA Opera was successful in its presentation and restaging of the 2022 San Francisco production of La Traviata, one of opera's most enduring tragedies, directed by Shawna Lucey with scenery and costumes by Robert Innes Hopkins. Verdi master James Conlon is always the perfect choice to conduct this composers body of work. Conlon is in such reverence of Verdi's greatness that this reporter once saw him stop and bow to Verdi's statue on the Founders Circle level at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion....

  • Audience Moved by Spem In Alium

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Mar 14, 2024

    The Los Angeles Master Chorale (LAMC) presented a concert titled Spem In Alium at Walt Disney Concert Hall. It was a program of much diversity as LAMC sang 12 extraordinary pieces led by the very capable and passionate associate music director/conductor Jenny Wong. All of the awe-inspiring works performed showcased music reflecting the spirit of hope, devotion, and deliverance. Out of all of the pieces, the three that were most remarkable were two monumental masterpieces - Thomas Tallis'...

  • Director of Chamber Music, Margaret Batjer Leads

    Steven Lieberman, Observer Reporter|Feb 22, 2024

    On Saturday, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) presented a concert as part of their special Baroque series at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Veteran LACO violinist, concertmaster and Director of Chamber Music, Margaret Batjer, led the charge as they presented an all-Bach program. LACO's Baroque series features smaller groups of the Orchestra's musicians and guest artists on chamber masterworks from the Baroque Era (1600 to 1750). And Bach, the architect of the...

Page Down

Rendered 12/22/2024 12:26