By: Joseph Castel
Photos by: Farah Sosa – provided courtesy of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association
Unfortunate as it may be, as a journalist, I have to address the white elephant in the amphitheater. It’s been a tough summer for Ricky Martin. After receiving a restraining order in connection to incestuous accusations from his 21-year-old nephew in June, Martin was finally exonerated the day before his live performance at the Hollywood Bowl on July 22. Although, the La Vida Loca singer always maintained his innocence, a lot of men in the entertainment industry caught up in the Me-Too Movement haven’t been so lucky and were hastily convicted in the court of public opinion.
The singer’s nephew, who reportedly suffers from mental health issues, withdrew his “harassment” claim prior to the Zoom Court hearing, in which Martin attended while in Puerto Rico on July 21. It was almost like a plot from a Hitchcock film where the wrongly accused man is vindicated just before being executed.
As the sun sank behind the Hollywood Hills, there was a buzz of exciting tension and celebration in the air as people feasted on snacks they brought in or dined on meals delivered by servers from the Bowl’s restaurant. In the box seats, small tables are wedged in between tall director chairs. Having been to the Hollywood Bowl only once before, I did not know that ordering gourmet meals was an option for patrons in these higher-priced seats.
The LA Philharmonic with conductor Gustavo Dudamel warmed up the audience with an intoxicating Cuban inspired musical genre of danzon.
After a short break, the orchestra played the intro to Til I Get to You as cobalt blue and purple lights bathed the iconic stage. The song reminded me of Adam Lambert’s sitar rendition Ring of Fire on American Idol with his piercing high notes. From his 2005 album, “Life,” Til I Get to You, is a Martin song I wasn’t familiar with, and now a favorite.
The Hollywood Bowl brimmed over with enthusiasm for the former Menudo star with a standing ovation after his opening number. It was a rare opportunity to see a pop star of Martin’s magnitude appear so grateful after taking the stage, putting his hand over his heart and bowing his head. Martin then broke the profound moment, tearing into a string of his more popular hits, La Bomba, Livin La Vida Loca, and Tal Vez.
I first heard of Ricky Martin’s music while in Puerto Rico in 1998, and friends there on the island were candid about Martin’s sexuality, even if the rising star was not. After Martin’s initial blastoff to superstardom in 1999, the consummate performer went a little too commercial for my tastes with such sugary pop hits as She Bangs and Shake Your Bon Bon, but that night at the Bowl, even those teeny-bop ditties were enjoyable to watch. His stage movements are more spiritual, graceful, than stringently choreographed. It was cool and a little surprising to also see him dirty dance with a couple of his male dancers.
The overall crowd appeared to be straight Latinos with pockets of gay men here and there, and well, everywhere. The Bowl’s design and layout is similar to a classy amusement park with upscale restaurants, picnicking areas, snack bars and even a museum of the Bowl’s history.
Overall, it was a rewarding, enjoyable night, and a notable experience to see at least one legendary entertainer cleared from a long list of causalities from the Me-Too era.
In September, Hollywood Bowl performances include, Duran Duran, Grace Jones, UB40, Churcho Valdes, Willie Colon, Pentatonix, Pitbull, and a Bowl favorite, Sing-A-Long Sound of Music. Be sure to break out your lederhosens.
For tickets and info, visit: https://www.hollywoodbowl.com