Synth-pop and big hair may have saturated the 1980s music landscape, but there was one iconic group that left a lasting impression in both new wave rock and fashion – A Flock of Seagulls. 

Emerging from the synth-heavy and stylish new Romantic movement, the English New Wavers soared to stardom with their groundbreaking hit single “I Ran (So Far Away)” in 1982. Their Grammy-winning debut album showcased a unique blend of angular guitar riffs and vibrant synths that defined the era. 

The band continues to write, record, and tour – including making a stop at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts with Canadian pop group Men Without Hats on April 19.  

Flock’s legendary frontman Mike Score shared favorite Flock milestones, music influences, inspiration behind the iconic hairstyle, and more in a recent interview with Backstage SoCal.  

A Flock of Seagulls is known for its distinctive sound. How would you describe the band’s musical style and evolution over the years?

When we started we couldn’t really play, but we liked synths and guitars – something other bands didn’t seem to like at the time. We wanted to make atmospheres and meld them with pop and heavy music, and be spacey and modern all at the same time. 

Because we were just in a rehearsal room, it didn’t really matter what we sounded like, so we messed up a lot and experimented a lot and the “seagulls “ sound just developed. Simple lines, simple melodies, a couple of beers, it seems to work. 

What was the inspiration behind your massive hit “I Ran (So Far Away)”?

Seeing a 50’s style photo of two people running away from a UFO or flying saucer gave rise to the story in  “I Ran.” We were spacey sounding, it fitted our image. 

How do you think A Flock of Seagulls contributed to the musical landscape of the 1980s?

We were different – not trying to be “cool,” just following our own ideas in music. Our influencers were David Bowie, sci-fi movies, Alice Cooper. I think a lot of people saw that we were original, not copies of what had already been done a million times, so they took us to heart.

Can you share the story behind the iconic Flock of Seagulls hairstyle?

I was a hairdresser in Liverpool – we messed with our hair and our image all the time – colors, spikes, and so on. But I had a Ziggy Stardust type style all sticking up once before going on stage. I was looking at my hair in the mirror and one of the guys flattened it, but the sides stayed sticking up. Our manager said go on stage, so we went on stage. Me with flat hair but the sides standing up. People commented on it, so I took it to extremes. 

What can fans expect from your live show at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts?

In the set these days, we play all or most of the hits, some brand new songs, and some deep dive cuts from the past. 

What’s the most memorable fan encounter you’ve ever had?

So many, it’s hard to pick them out individually. Some 5 or 6-year-olds dressed with the hairdo is one. Some dressed in seagulls costumes is another. Too many really; also just some fans who just seem to appreciate us still playing and bringing back memories to them. 

What’s the strangest rumor you’ve ever heard about yourself or the band?

That we are a one-hit wonder. 

What moments in your career with A Flock of Seagulls stand out as highlights or milestones to you?

Playing the Hollywood Bowl, standing where the Beatles stood, Madison Square Garden, and touring with The Police. 

Are there any new projects or collaborations on the horizon for A Flock of Seagulls?

Yes always, I’m always writing, recording, and touring. New singles and videos, etc. are on the horizon. 

How do you feel about the enduring popularity of A Flock of Seagulls’ music, particularly among younger generations who may not have experienced the 1980s firsthand?

I find it truly fascinating. Something we did almost 50 yrs ago is still alive and kicking. We expected nothing really from our music, and we got almost everything. And it’s truly appreciated. We love playing live and we love our fans coming out to see us. It’s not a business to us. It’s still just a band. 

A Flock of Seagulls

Theater: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos

Date: 8 p.m. April 19, 2024

Ticket Prices: $79/$74/$64/$44

Ticket Information: cerritoscenter.com, or by calling (562) 916-8500.

The post From Retro Waves to Future Beats: A Flock of Seagulls Soars into Cerritos appeared first on Backstage Socal.

The fiery fusion of Celtic rock and bagpipe brilliance of the internationally acclaimed Red Hot Chilli Pipers will rock the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on May 3. 

Hailing from Scotland, this energetic ensemble performs a unique blend of traditional Scottish tunes and contemporary rock anthems.

But wait, before one starts humming ‘Californication,’ let’s clarify – this is not the Californian funk-rock legends Red Hot Chili Peppers. No, these kilt-clad virtuosos bring a whole different kind of heat to the stage. 

Since the nine-piece ensemble of pipers, guitarists, keyboards, and drummers won the top prize on the United Kingdom’s televised talent show ‘When Will I Be Famous’ in 2007, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have performed stages from New York to Beijing to Melbourne and everywhere in between. 

The band appeals to die-hard fans of Celtic music, as well as those curious to see what happens when bagpipes meet rock ‘n’ roll. RHCP director and co-founder Willie Armstrong shared his favorite career moments with the band, musical process, and more with Backstage SoCal. 

Can you tell us about the origins of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and how the band came together?

The band started with three pipers and two drummers and we only played at corporate events. In 2007, we won a nationwide TV show ‘When Will I Be Famous.’ After this, we were then asked to play gigs and concerts throughout the world and that’s when it really started to grow.

The band name was due to a misplaced CD. One of the original members asked his then girlfriend to place his CD’s in genre order. Rock and pop in one pile and traditional bagpipe music in the other. The Red Hot Chili Peppers CD ended up in the bagpipe pile and when he asked his girlfriend why that was, she replied ‘I thought it said Red Hot Chilli Pipers.’ 

What inspired the unique fusion of traditional Scottish bagpipe music with contemporary rock and pop tunes? 

Bagpipes are a popular instrument but really only popular for people who play bagpipes or already have an appreciation for bagpipe music. We wanted to broaden the genre to appeal to a far bigger audience. We therefore merged bagpipe music with rock music and created the unique genre ‘Bagrock’. 

How do you approach arranging and adapting modern songs for bagpipes and other traditional instruments?

It requires a good deal of thought and preparation. There’s basically nowhere to hide. Almost everyone on stage has a music degree and are top grade Scottish musicians. You have to avoid karaoke as everyone would see through that; musicians and audience. We need to remain true to the tradition but also take into consideration the needs and wants of a wider audience.

So there are rock and pop covers, but mostly they’ll be segued with the traditional bagpipe tunes. We also have an amazing vocalist who takes the lead melody part obviously, but also this gives us a chance to cleanse the ears of the audience.

That’s the real trick here, read the room and act on audience feedback, change is a good thing and keeps everyone creative.

What is your Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts audience going to experience?

Most people would think that they are coming to a concert or a gig, it is a show. We have a fantastic lighting rig. We employ the best sound and light engineers. We have choreography and two top grade highland dancers who are identical twins! 

We believe there are emotional elements in the show and these emotions will range from joy and elation to melancholy.

What are some of the biggest challenges in merging different musical styles, and how do you overcome them?

Bagpipes only have one octave so that is extremely tricky; you have to also avoid Karaoke bagpipes at all costs, so there’s a great deal of work that goes into that, for every song chosen. There will be perhaps 60 discarded. 

The band always play in B-flat as that is the key for the bagpipes – all too often. I hear different bands trying to emulate our sound, however the trick really is to ensure all instruments and singers are in the same key or a key that compliments the B-flat of the bagpipes – otherwise it just sounds disorganized and not as pleasant to the ear. 

What are some of the most memorable moments or experiences from your time performing as the Red Hot Chilli Pipers?

Opening the mainstage at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan in front of 80,000 people. Playing mainstage at Proms in the Park, Hyde Park London in front of 70,000 people. Getting to number 4 in the mainstream singles charts and being asked to collaborate with Tom Walker.

Being an ex fire brigade I was always drawn to what I could do for charities. It’s been very rewarding raising money for the various people in need over the years. Again though there is a balance to that.

I really prefer to keep these things to myself and therefore I know I’m doing it for the right reasons. I also realize that advertising these events is crucial to the success. I always take the view that one day it might be me that’s needing help so perhaps selfishly I can ask for that one day without feeling guilty.

How do you balance staying true to your Scottish roots while also appealing to a diverse international audience?

The balance is in the music – 50% Scottish traditional music and 50% well known rock and pop tunes. They are intermixed and we tried to avoid karaoke as this would be too easy and not very musically endearing to our audience. 

Because the band originated from Scottish pipe bands, we thought we should wear a uniform as all pipe bands normally do. All band members wear exactly the same; red socks, black kilts, red sporran and black shirts. We think this adds to the stage dynamic and sets us apart from other bands in the genre.

The band has achieved significant success both in Scotland and internationally. What do you attribute this success to?

Logistically – although there are bagpipe and guitar bands, there are no bands with three bagpipe players that play melodies and countermelodies. No other band carries with it a world champion snare drummer that cuts through the rest of the sound when required. No other band wears a uniform like us on stage. This is because we were initially formed from a top grade 1 pipe band.

Emotionally – Bagpipes are an extremely emotive instrument – particularly for those with Scottish routes, but the feeling of melancholy and having that sentimental connection to music is universal.

Can you share any insights into the creative process within the band? How do you collaborate and come up with new ideas for arrangements and performances?

Every band member is very creative – for example the bass guitarist Ruaridh has composed some fantastic music for the bagpipes. Every band member has come from different musical backgrounds – so when we get together in a studio – there will be a variety of high end ideas coming to the table from some of the best musicians in Scotland – this is a very fun part of making our shows.

It isn’t just the musicians who will continue to up their game; the lighting engineers and sound engineers also have a say in this process and they have come up with some fantastic ideas as well when it comes to performance and dynamics. The most important part is audience feedback, we often adapt if we feel its necessary following performances. 

What is your favorite song to perform and why? 

We play a track at the very start called Thunderstruck. It is a very tricky piece of music that encompasses everything that is unique about our sound. I always find this is the most rewarding part because you still have 1 hour 30 minutes of crowd interaction and enjoyment to look forward to. 

Your music often brings people together from different backgrounds and cultures. How does it feel to be a part of such a unifying experience through music?

It is pretty amazing. Especially post pandemic it makes you realize how you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. A lot of us were wondering if it would ever come back. There is no better feeling to be back in the room with my mates making music and to then be back out there – sharing that with such appreciative audiences from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 

What are your future plans and aspirations for the Red Hot Chilli Pipers? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?

There will be a very exciting announcement coming in the second week of April which will be the culmination of 22 years of hard work and determination by all past and present band members. Watch this space. 

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Where: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos

When: Friday, May 3, 2024, 8 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $69/$59/$39

More info: cerritoscenter.com, or 562-916-8500

The post Scots Storm Cerritos: Red Hot Chilli Pipers Bring Celtic Rock Extravaganza appeared first on Backstage Socal.

The colossal legend Gloria Gaynor has inspired the world for over five decades to belt out with sheer conviction that as long as they know how to love, they will survive.

Her Grammy Award-winning 1979 hit disco tune “I Will Survive” has been heard around the world as the anthem for everything from women empowerment to break-ups to overcoming life’s most difficult tribulations. Forty years later, Gaynor continues to record, perform and inspire — even picking up a second grammy in 2020 for her recent album “Testimony.” 

The disco and gospel queen has amassed immense accomplishments and hits, including “Let Me Know (I Have a Right),” “I Am What I Am,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Her book, “We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, and the Power of Song,” received a Grammy nomination for “Best Spoken Word Album.”

Gaynor will make her debut at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Jan. 29. Before she hits the stage, she shared inspiration and phenomenally historic stories from her iconic career.

First of all, congratulations on your second Grammy Award in 2020! Where are your Grammy’s currently?

Gaynor: Right now, they’re in storage. They normally sit on my piano, but I just sold my house and I’m building a new house. And so they’re in storage, waiting for me to come and get them and put them up in the new house with the piano.

What does it mean to you to be back performing with live audiences?

Gaynor: It means everything because it was really, really such a drag. A lot of people were saying they were bored. I wasn’t bored. Cause I was able to keep myself busy, but you can’t help but miss the audiences. You know, I was doing a lot of videos for different organizations for Zoom things and parties and all of that kind of stuff, but there’s nothing like standing in front of a live audience. So I surely missed all that.

What is your audience going to experience at this show?

Gaynor: Well, I always say something old, something new, something borrowed, nothing blue. I do the songs that people are expecting me to do. Like “I Will Survive,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” “I Am What I Am.” Those songs that they’ve been requesting for years. And then I do new things that I’ve recently recorded or added to my repertoire. But nothing sad or blue.

And do you do the glitz and the glamor and costume changes or anything like that?

Gaynor: I actually don’t do costume changes during my show. I should say, I rarely do costume changes during my show, because I love getting dressed up and it’s almost like when you are a little girl, you know, you get dressed up just for the fun of it. So I love getting made up. I love getting my hair done. I’m a real girly girl in that sense. But I rarely change during a show because once I get in front of the audience, it’s all about them.

It’s not about me doing a fashion show, you know? It’s about me and them and the relationship between us. Because I’m very aware of what I’m singing. And so I’m really communicating through my music with my audience. I’m singing to touch their hearts with the lyrics, you know, and bring up some kind of pleasant memory or encouragement or empowerment or something like that. So I’m all about that. 

Love that. I see that you’re going to have a 10-piece band up there with you.

Gaynor: Yes, I have an amazing group of musicians and a wonderful music director. I mean, it’s like a family and however you are off stage, you bring that onto the stage. And the last thing that I say to all of them before they go on stage is have fun, because if you have fun, the audience will have fun. And it’s very easy for us to do that because we like each other. We really love each other. And most of us have been together for like eight or more years. And some of us have been together as much as 15 years. So we know each other very well and we get along really, really great. So it’s a party on stage and becomes a party in the place.

Sounds exciting! I listened to the song you recorded with MercyMe “Brand New.” It’s got a great 80’s dance sound! What was that experience like?

Gaynor: Oh I loved it. It was great when Bart called me and asked if I wanted to be on his album. I was like, absolutely, because he’s on (my album) Testimony. So I was really happy for the opportunity to sing with him. And then he called me and asked me to do a video of myself singing the song and he plays it on stage. Oh my gosh. So it’s like we’re singing together on stage during his shows. And I was like, oh my God, this is wonderful.

I’ve only seen that once before with Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole. I was so jealous of her (laughs), so this is so great that Bart’s doing that. And then he sent me a video of the audience while he was performing it with me and how they responded to that. It was great. I just love Bart, you know, he’s a great guy. He’s so talented and such a sweet guy. 

Your career has been so vast and I feel like I can ask you a billion questions, but something I would love to know is what is the most memorable show you’ve performed?

Gaynor: The most memorable show I performed? Now that’s the question I haven’t been asked before. Probably the Jackson Five reunion at Madison Square Garden in 2001, the night before that fateful night of 9/11. And I performed two songs, “I Will Survive” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.” And during “I Will Survive,” I went over to the side of the stage where I could see Michael Jackson sitting in the audience. And I said to him, “Michael, if there’s anybody in your life who has the unmitigated call to try to stop you from surviving, this is what you tell them.” And I went back into the song, “We’ll go now go…” So you can see it, it’s on YouTube. You can see his response to me. Then he called me the next day, which really put an exclamation point on that performance. He called me to tell me how much he enjoyed my performance and how much he appreciated me dedicating the song to him.

What a story!

Gaynor: Oh honey, have I got stories.

You’re such a legend. You’re such a treasure. And this is such an honor. What advice would you give 20-year-old Gloria?

Gaynor: 20 year old Gloria, I would say to her recognize that you are blessed with a gift and an opportunity to share that gift with the world. And that is a blessing, and make sure you never forget that. I would say to her, whatever it is you are striving for know that God is with you as long as it is within his design and desire for your life; and make sure that you are always checking on that, that you’re making sure that you are within his design and desires for your life, because he’s the only one who knows and wants everything that’s good for you. And he’s the only one that can deliver it all

Wow, a little teary-eyed here. Can you tell me what is in the future for Gloria?

Gaynor: What is in my future? Well I have a documentary coming out, a documentary of my life and I’m really, really looking forward to sharing that with the world. I’m always writing and so I’m looking forward to my next album. And the expansion of my Amazon store. So if you go to amazon.com/gloriagaynor, you can find inspirational t-shirts and sweatshirts and different merchandise. But my favorite is the sweatshirts and t-shirts that have an emoji that we call Little GG, and above her head, it says, “Yes, I can.” And on each t-shirt, she’s representing a different profession. She’s a doctor… a veterinarian…a teacher…an astronaut. I think there’s like 12 different professions to help young women understand that whatever you can conceive, you can achieve.

Gloria Gaynor

Where: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022

How much: $100/$90/$80/$70/$60

Ticket Information: Tickets are available only at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts’ Ticket Office, at cerritoscenter.com, or by calling (562) 916-8500.

The post Gloria Gaynor shares glorious stories from her monumental career appeared first on Backstage Socal.

There is talent. And then there is Marie Osmond.

In the third stop of her “A Symphonic Christmas” tour, the entertainment icon kicked off the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts’ season with holiday glitz, glamour, nostalgia, fun, and jaw-dropping vocals that were sure to have left her large audience with an unforgettable evening.

Although the night was full of memorable highlights, here are standout moments that deserve a special shoutout:

Marie’s opera vocals are flawless and her stage presence is unmatched. Her personable nature, storytelling abilities, and warm wit make even a large theater feel intimate. The stage was full of lit-up Christmas trees, an award-winning orchestra, and the talented Cal State Fullerton chorus. Her dazzling fashion alone is a sight to see. 

As promised in her Backstage SoCal interview, she performed Christmas favorites, songs from her new album (out Dec. 10) “Unexpected,” and of course, her classics, including the hit single “Paper Roses” which launched her country career in 1973. She sang the iconic song with her younger self in past videos playing on a screen behind her.

While performing a fun rendition of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” in a captain cap, the backdrop screen displayed historical images and videos of Marie performing and meeting U.S.S. servicemen over the past six decades. 

Singer David Osmond, Marie’s nephew and son of older brother Alan, joined her on stage for a holiday medley and a few solos. Before singing “Mary Did You Know?” he shared that his father who has Multiple Sclerosis always says, “I have M.S., but M.S. doesn’t have me.” Then he shared that he, too, has the disease but it doesn’t stop him from performing, proving that to the audience with impressive dance moves and vocals.

Also joining her on stage was multilingual/classical singer Daniel Emmet, a finalist on Season 13 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, whose powerful opera vocals boomed over the theater in duets and solos. The three sang a couple of fun holiday medleys together, and finished with a powerful “Silent Night.”

In a poignant moment, she gently sang “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” with commentary recognizing the pandemic hardships the world has endured over the past year-and-a-half. There was plenty of fun as well, including bringing an audience member on stage with her, placing a Santa hat with a shield on their face, and having them sing “Blue Christmas.”

As a dedication to her late son Michael, who passed away in 2010, Marie sang a beautiful rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” leaving not a dry eye in the house. Her own tears shed as she thanked her fans for six successful decades, and dedicated an emotional Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Unexpected Song” (from her new album) to her adoring fanbase.

For more information and tour dates, visit marieosmond.com

The post Marie Osmond is exceptional in ‘A Symphonic Christmas’ concert appeared first on Backstage Socal.

There is something about Marie. After several decades of success in all forms of entertainment — including, but not limited to, music, television, theater and film — the superstar Osmond sister continues to prove to the world she is the definition of unstoppable.  

This December, the entertainment icon will release her new 17-track album “Unexpected” (out Dec. 10), kick off a tour, perform a slew of special Christmas shows, and produce and star in the Lifetime holiday film “A Fiance for Christmas,” debuting on Dec. 9. 

Her Christmas show, “Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas,” will feature a 30-piece orchestra performing a mix of her hits, Broadway songs, and holiday favorites. Joining her on stage will be special guest David Osmond (her nephew) and America’s Got Talent finalist Daniel Emmett. She will kick off the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts season on Dec. 3. 

Marie shared how she developed her strikingly beautiful opera vocals, what it means to perform with her family and friends, how she embraces change and growth, and the art of remaining fierce and fearless.  

On developing her opera vocals

I did The Oprah Winfrey Show when my son passed away and I sang a song called “Pie Jesu,” which I put on this album. As you know, I’m kind of an eclectic person, as far as music. I love everything. I’m of course country; that’s the genre that I love to sing. But I never liked putting people in boxes, you know? I like trying new things. I’m not a one-note person. And when I did “Sound of Music” in Kimuni, I knew I couldn’t sing “The Hills Are Alive” with a country accent, so I wanted to have some vocal training. (The vocal coach) said, “Hey lady, you can sing soprano! You can sing opera if you want.” And I went, “Shut up!” (laughs) So I started to sing around the house and work on it, and I loved it so much. I did “Nessun Dorma“ as a trial run to see if people were even interested, because I got a lot of feedback from the Oprah show. And when I put that into the show, people really enjoyed it. So that’s how this album was created. It’s kind of a long way around it, but it’s funny how things happen. 

On returning to live Christmas concerts

To have the orchestra live, this show is going to be so much fun, I can’t stand it. One song I have pre-recorded background vocals; I just had to put them on there. It’s the Tabernacle choir from Temple Square and it’s on the last song that I do. Their vocals just give me chills, so I just knew I had to have them for Christmas. Everything else beyond that will be bona fide live. 

On performing with nephew David Osmond and America’s Got Talent finalist Daniel Emmett

I believe for the holidays, his story needs to be told. He’s an incredibly talented guy, but he’s a miracle. I think his story is unique and I want him to perform so people will see why I have invited him. Also Daniel Emmet who was on “America’s Got Talent,” will be performing. He is so gifted. Oh my gosh, just wait until you hear this kid’s voice. Placido Domingo singled him out as being brilliant. He recorded “The Prayer” with me on the new album, and we did it really simple with a piano, and then I go from simple to full on opera at the end and it’s really fun. 

But by saying that we’re doing that, that doesn’t mean that I’m never singing my hits or singing country. It’s just an extension. It’s like adding another instrument to your repertoire, you know?

On constantly evolving

I loved watching Streisand perform and I love watching Bernadette Peters, but they don’t tour anymore. You know, there’s a time and season for everything. And right now, while my voice is in shape, I want to enjoy this period. There will come a time where I probably won’t be able to hit the high notes, but I’m not going to let the fear of having a perfect vocal stop me from performing. And I think that happens a lot with people. Like everybody expects them to be perfect. Live is not perfect. That’s why Broadway is so fun. I think that energy that comes from doing everything in one shot for the audience is just incredibly fun. 

On new projects

On Dec. 9, my new movie will debut on Lifetime. It’s called “A Fiance for Christmas” and I’m also producing it. And it’s the third year that I did this with Lifetime. I just finished their commercials for the holidays. They’re going to be cute fun. You know, acting’s something that’s new to me too. I don’t know what it is. Maybe you get over 50 and you want to just start over. At first, my acting was okay, but I feel like in this one, the acting is better. I think a lot of times, women especially, put a lot of pressure on ourselves as we get older, saying, “I can’t do that.” That is so far from the truth. I feel like when the kids are gone, you’ve raised them, and now you’re at the time to experiment and find life. So I have a film coming on the 9th, the “Unexpected” album coming on the 10th, and then I’ll be on tour. 

On being fearless 

Never settle for fear. I can’t stand fear. As a young girl, I hated change. I just wanted consistency. And I realized that the only thing consistent in life is change. And so I embraced it. Now I’m the kind of person that’s not afraid to try things. I’m the kind of person that’s not afraid to close doors, because new ones will open and new things will be found. 

Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas, With Special Guests David Osmond and Daniel Emmet

Theater:     Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos

Date:             8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3

Ticket Prices:     $110/$100/$90/$70

For more info: https://www.cerritoscenter.com/

The post New holiday shows, album, tour, film: Marie Osmond is unstoppable appeared first on Backstage Socal.