SceneAroundTown...The Must See "One Night With Janis Joplin" at the Pasadena Playhouse

Mary Bridget Davies is electrifying & soars as Janis Joplin in "One Night With Janis Joplin"... photo by Jim Cox

Sabrina Elayne Carten is a marvel in her role as  Blues Singer ... photo by Jim Cox

Tricia Kelly, Shay Saint-Victor, Kimberly Yarbrough, Mary Bridget Davies & Sabrina Elayne Carten pull out all the stops in "One Night With Janis Joplin" now playing at the Pasadena Playhouse...  photo by Jim Cox

"One Night With Janis Joplin" at the Pasadena Playhouse... photo by Janet Macoska 

Writer/Director Randy Johnson & star Mary Bridget Davies... photo by Billy Bennight

Janis Joplin's younger brother Michael Joplin & Randy Johnson...  photo by Billy Bennight

Mary Bridget Davies & Harrison Held...  photo by Billy Bennight

Designers Katie Kay Mead & Maylin Joplin present 60's Janis Joplin fashions by their company "Made for Pearl"... photo by Billy Bennight

A great night at the Pasadena Playhouse where they premiered "One Night With Janis Joplin" starring the amazing & electrifying Mary Bridget Davies as iconic 60's rock star Janis Joplin.  The must see concert/play was created, written & directed by Randy Johnson.  "One Night With Janis Joplin" also stars Sabrina Elayne Carten who is terrific as The Soul Singer plus talented singers Tricia Kelly, Shay Saint-Victor and Kimberly Yarbrough as the Joplinaires.  The show features an excellent hard driving band led by music supervisor Ross Seligman.  "One Night With Janis Joplin" gives an in depth background of Janis' artistic & musical roots from early singing training in musical theater with her Mom & siblings at home in Port Arthur, Texas to the powerful blues influences of The Chantelles, Bessie Smith, Etta James & Nina Simone.  Her foray into professional singing in Texas bars earning her money to buy art supplies is explored  as she is discovered by Chuck Jones and brought to California where she joined her first rock band "Big Brother & the Holding Company" in San Francisco...  from there her legendary career unfolds.  Sabrina Elayne Carten does her own star turn as Aretha Franklin performing "Spirit in the Dark" with Joplin in a fantasy concert and the end of act one.  Mary Bridget Davies is a wonder as the spunky, free spirited Joplin and when she's not tearing up the scenery with her amazing vocals she shares many humorous & insightful anecdotes about what made Janis Joplin the artist and the woman tick.  The show is a powerful celebration of the music, life & artistry of the iconic rock star.  Definitely worth seeing! Visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org for details. Report by Harrison Held.

"One Night With Janis Joplin" Stars Mary Bridget Davies & Sabrina Elayne Carten with Janis Joplin's colorful vintage car ... photo courtesy Broadway World

SceneAroundTown.... Legendary Singer Johnny Mathis Honored by Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters.....

Deniece Williams and Beverly Todd... photo by Billy Bennight

On hand to sing his praises...  Wink Martindale, Dionne Warwick & Deniece Williams  were on hand to honor their friend and colleague legendary singer Johnny Mathis when he received the prestigious Art Gilmore Career Achievement Award from the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters.  Johnny Mathis has sold over 350 million records since he began recording for Columbia in 1956.  The luncheon was held earlier today at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City.  The dais also included PPB Entertainment Chair Jeanne DeVivier Brown, Amy Alcott, Bernie Gardner, Jay Landers, Bill Russell, Gary Owens, Chuck Southcott & Diamond Circle Award recipient Lee Meriwether and was well hosted by radio personality & PPB President Chuck Street....  written by Harrison Held  photo by Billy Bennight

Lee Meriwether arrives with her friend Connie Sawyer who recently turned 100.... Ms. Meriwether went to high school with Johnny Mathis in San Francisco & recalled that the first time she heard him singing she knew he was going to be a star..... photo by Billy Bennight

PPB's Jeanne DeVivier Brown & Chuck Street... photo by Billy Bennight