I’ve written about this lovely chamber music concert series at downtown’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion several times before. (You can read the latest review before this one here: www.itsnotaboutme.tv/news/2012/10/18/music-le-salon-de-musiques-2012-2013-season.) Rarely do I have time for repeat visits to an event, but for Le Salon de Musiques, I make the exception.

The post-concert conversation. All photos by Karen Salkin.

It’s one of the few events where everyone has a good time. There’s none of the usual grousing that seems inevitable when you get so many people in one place. There may be an occasional intellectual disagreement on a piece of music, but all attendees are upbeat and stimulated. And polite! How often does that happen in this town?! (I think that may be because it’s mainly grown-ups; not exactly a rude, phone-obsessed, text-happy crowd!)

There’s only one concert left this year, on May 19, and then the new season begins again in October. At the penultimate concert last week-end, Le Salon de Musique Artistic Director Francois Chouchan opened the late afternoon program by briefing us on the just-announced line-up for next season. There will be nine concerts, rather than eight; therefore, more opportunities for us Angelenos to be classy. Francois said he chose composers who “touch his heart,” and I’m sure that many of us will share his emotions.

Then we were treated to three pieces performed by only two musicians: Andrew Shulman on cello and Steven Vanhauwaert on piano. I don’t know what about just those two instruments gets to me so much; perhaps it’s because I find something romantic in the pared-down presentation. That’s how I heard the gorgeous music from Schindler’s List live the first time, and I swear, I wrote a whole love movie during that performance! (I never finished it, of course, but let me tell you—it was beginning to be excellent!)

The almost-ready buffet.

After the concert, a toast with flutes of French champagne, and a post-performance discourse led by handsome musicologist Julius Reder Carlson, the attendees were treated to a lovely afternoon tea. The crowd was so big at this one that they had to set-up the Patina-catered buffet in the adjoining room, which worked out great for everyone. [Note: The organizers of Le Salon know one million times more than I do about chamber music, but I must correct them on a small mistake in the program regarding the title of the post-concert tea fare, which is my area of expertise. They erroneously refer to it as “High Tea,” when in actuality it's “Afternoon Tea.” The former is more of a supper, with meat pies, sausage rolls, and crusty breads. I'm about to describe the latter to you, which is actually preferable, and is what they served. If I educate even one person on the difference, I've done my job.]

How mouth-watering is my dessert plate?!

Even though it’s always a tea service, which we all love, they do change it up a bit every time. This time, there were four varieties of tea sandwiches, mini raisin scones with clotted cream, three kinds of bite-sized cupcakes, and delicious mixed berries with flavored whipped cream. And, of course, tea! Hot or iced. And coffee, too, for the uninitiated. It was all absolutely delicious.

And served by perhaps the best-looking wait staff ever!!! And they were all nice guys, to boot. They made the food taste even better. Even some of the matrons were swooning over them!

The view out the windows.

Lastly, I have one seat choice suggestion that I thought of during the music: If you’re like me and get antsy using just your ears with your eyes open, take a seat where you can look at the stunning view outside the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion’s floor-to-ceiling windows on the fifth floor. The movement of even the few people out on the Plaza, and the cars, as well, is a combo of Rear Window and ballet. Wait a second–remind me to speak to Matthew Bourne about creating Rear Window, The Ballet. Or Stephen Sondheim about doing Rear Window, The Musical. (I told you I do some of my most creative thinking during cello and piano recitals!)

So, if you want to have a similar experience to mine, on any or all levels, make sure you don’t miss the next concert in this series. Otherwise, I hope to see you there on October 6 when a string quartet kicks-off the new season. (And, if you’re a student, they have special affordable prices for you, so I suggest you take advantage of that!)

The next concert is one May 19, 2013. For tickets and more info on the concert series, go to www.lesalondemusiques.com

In previous years, I’ve always been too busy to attend this lovely music/ afternoon tea series until the final concert, so when I tell you about it, it’s too late for you to go that season. But, because it’s so worthwhile, I made a point to make it to the very first one this year, in order to pass the info on to you. I even missed watching a Yankee play-off game live to do so!!! Which means I really want to give you the opportunity to see the rest of the concerts yourself.

The view out one of the windows, looking down at the beautiful Music Center Plaza. All photos by Karen Salkin.

Each concert in the monthly series has the same overall framework, in this order: mingle in the beautiful floor-to-ceiling-windowed room atop the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, hear beautiful live chamber music, have an educational discourse with the musicians and a musicologist while sipping champagne, and then enjoy a lovely buffet of afternoon tea fare, complete with scones and clotted cream! What could be better???

Classical music and afternoon tea have long been linked. (When it’s done right!) They’re usually happening concurrently, so to be able to enjoy them separately, yet right after each other in the same space, doubles the enjoyment. I’ve never experienced it like that anywhere else. It’s a wonderful self-contained event.

Just part of the huge crowd, and the six musicians, during the "La Conversation" portion of the program.

When we took our seats, Le Salon de Musiques Artistic Director, Francois Chouchan, greeted the assemblage with his philosophy of the day regarding his beloved chamber music. Then, the season opened with a program of two piano sextets, which are very rare, it was explained to us by the always-informative resident musicologist, Julius Reder Carlson. My pal Flo, who’s an expert in classical music, and chamber in particular, loved that this music was so “accessible.” What a perfect description of it!

The music is always so beautiful there that it elicits creative thoughts in me. This time, I was noticing that, especially coupled with the stunning “zen” view out the windows, it’s the most calming event of the year. By attending so many different happenings all the time, (theatre, parties, dance, restaurant reviews, etc.,) I wind-up a tad frazzled after awhile, (although I’m always very grateful to have such fun on my schedule.) So, I liken Le Salon to a stepping-stone in a body of water; when you arrive at it, you feel like you can relax and breathe for a little bit. It’s an oasis in a sea of stressful activities.

The delicious dessert segment of the Patina buffet.

Now to the dining portion of the afternoon. I was happy to see that the Patina-catered repast was served on tablecloths this time because that adds to the classy feel of the room. As usual, there were four kinds of finger sandwiches, including a vegetarian choice, each delicious tin its own way. My fave was the turkey blt, but the salmon on brown bread seemed to be the most popular. There were also several bite-sized sweets, including carrot cake ones, (which were so clever,) and two kinds of scones with clotted cream. On my new health kick, though, I was most happy to see the mixed berries. (Okay, I did indulge in the accompanying whipped cream with them, but who could resist it? So yummy!)

The music had already brought a packed roomful of strangers together, so the socializing during the buffet was full of amity. More than a good time was had by all!

Lastly, I must make mention of the very kind personnel that Patina employed this time. They were lovely to everyone, and were especially good to me when I didn’t feel well for a little bit. I really appreciate people like that, and thank them again.

The next concert is one November 11, 2012. For more info on the concert series, go to www.lesalondemusiques.com

[Note: for deets on the past ones, check out these columns from my archives: www.itsnotaboutme.tv/news/2011/04/14/music-le-salon-de-musiques and www.itsnotaboutme.tv/news/2012/04/27/music-le-salon-de-musique-2012]

Last year, at this same time, I gave Le Salon de Musique, a wonderful event, one of the most glowing reviews I’ve ever written! [You can read it here: www.itsnotaboutme.tv/news/2011/04/14/music-le-salon-de-musiques]

Once I discovered it, I planned to attend every performance this season, but unfortunately, I had to miss the first few due to my sad issues in New York. But last Sunday, I finally had time to pay a return visit, and my positive opinion hasn’t changed; it’s gotten even better, if that’s possible. So, please mark down their May date, and don’t forget the new season starts up again in October.

Here’s the skinny on it:

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Le Salon de Musique, held on the top floor of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion downtown, is a delightful multiple part event, my favorite kind. Especially because we didn’t even have to leave the room itself, much less the full location, to enjoy it all!

It began with beverages and mingling before the actual music program commenced, which it did basically on-time, (at four in the afternoon, which is just perfect for a salon.)

It began with an introduction by musicologist Julius Reder Carlson. He spoke for a bit, and let us know what to keep an ear out for, such as that Tchaikovsky wrote his Souvenir de Florence, which we were about to hear, concurrently with The Nutcracker Suite.

Then, the hour-long program of two pieces by Russian composers, performed by all strings, (mainly, two violins, two violas, and two cellos,) began. And it was gorgeous! The music itself was one of the shortest hours of my life! Even with back pain.

[Note: speaking of back pain, if you have it, too, perhaps you should bring a small cushion. The only drawback of the whole event is hard chairs, which I hadn't noticed last year, but my back wasn't as bad then as it is now. And while you're at it, bring sunglasses, as well, because looking at the musicians with the light from outside in the background can be a tad harsh.]

And now, speaking of the lighting, I can’t wait for next winter‘s concerts because I think that, with it getting dark out early, the room with all floor-to-ceiling windows will have a wonderful vibe.

I was glad I read my own review before I went, because it reminded me to sit in the back row, so as not to torture others with my grooving. I’ll never understand how people can sit still during even classical music. The musicians sure can’t and neither can I.

Here are some random thoughts that this beautiful music brought out in me:

I was happy to see the room at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion so full. I hadn’t realized that there were so many classy people in LA!

During the second (or was it the fourth?) Variation by Anton Arensky, (the first piece played,) I was thinking that I’d love to dance a ballet en pointe to it. Actually, I’d love to still dance ballet, period.

Photo by Henry Lim.

Musicians and composers, especially old school ones, like Tchaikovsky, are a true mystery to me!

I never advocate drinking, but as this whole event is so relaxing, and you don’t have to drive again for several hours, I suggest getting to the Music Center early and going somewhere in the ‘hood for cocktails.

My parents would love this!!!

Another bonus for the day is that beautiful music like this doesn’t interfere with your thought process; rather, it enhances mine. It always stirs up deep memories for me, or inspires scripts. Perhaps I need the musicians to come home with me so I can the finish said scripts!

Audience tip (not a reprimand this time, even though you should still always keep in mind to not wear fragrances when you’ll be sitting next to strangers, especially in an intimate setting such as this one): If you get antsy listening to music, as I always do, or just need to multi-task, why not do stomach exercises? To the music. Thank goodness rudeness, like talking and texting, aren’t tolerated at a classy event such as this.

Small, relevant digression, brought to mind by the above paragraph: my mother used to always take my sister and me to concerts at Lincoln Center. I loved the dressing-up, the super-fun lunch first in the restaurant across the street, and the overall classiness of the event, but I just always needed a visual. So, what better visual than me? I amused myself by dancing around the hallway, and admiring myself in the many mirrors! One time, I saw a really cute girl, about my age, walking towards me, and I was instantly jealous of her. I actually thought to myself, “Who does she think she is???” Then I realized it was me, in the mirror!!! I loved that I was attractive enough then to be jealous of myself!!! That’s when I became secure. For a little while, at least. Later on, as I became an older teen, and had some long-distance suitors, I sat in the audience writing letters on small pads, because they dimmed the lights only halfway. That would be totally rude at a smaller venue, such as this one at the Chandler, but no one at Lincoln Center seemed to mind.

Now, to the rest of the event: After the aforementioned quickest hour of my life, they served two kinds of champagne at our seats while we, the audience, joined in a lively discussion, led by Mr. Carlson. The assemblage asked excellent questions, especially to the musicians, who gave surprisingly in-depth answers about everything from their thoughts while they’re playing to the car accident one violinist had on the way there that day! My friend Sandy and I really enjoyed that part, (the discussion, not the car accident,) with Sandy commenting that it was great too see people who have so much passion for what they do. I couldn’t have put it better itself.

As if the day couldn’t get any better, we ended with what was, for me, the piece de resistance—the beautiful afternoon tea buffet by resident caterer Patina. Those of you who’ve been reading my columns for years, and watching my restaurant review show before that, know what a stickler I am for this repast, and they did it really right here, with all three courses laid-out correctly.

Buffet photo by Karen Salkin.

First up were finger sandwiches, all four varieties hefty enough for this meal to double as supper, which the term “high tea” actually refers to, for those of you who insist on using it the wrong way. There were mozzarella in pesto sauce on French bread, curried chicken salad, salmon on brown bread, and the most special one—their version of a BLT.

Next on the table were two kinds-of scones—cranberry and the even better, and my personal fave, chocolate chip, which so many tea rooms just don’t think to have. I applaud Patina for serving Devonshire cream, which is the perfect topping for scones, but they also had whipped cream for the uninitiated. There was raspberry jam, as well, (which is what goes on top of the cream,) and they were all presented in tall mason jars. Loved it!

Lastly, there were two desserts, a mango-lime tart and a mini eclair with pink frosting. I’m happy to say that I eat neither of those, which was just fine because I was having such a great time with the sandwiches and scones, (and tea with honey and cream, of course,) that I wouldn’t have had time for them anyway.

Add to all this gorgeous spring flowers on every table, and intelligent company in the room, and you have the perfect event.

Be sure to check their website for their May program. Hope to see you there!

The next concert, and last one of the season, is on May 20, 2012.    www.lesalondemusiques.com

Here are my thoughts on the American Music Awards from Sunday night, beginning with the walk-ins show that was on ABC, with idiots hosts Chris Harrison and Vanessa Minnillo. My musings are in order of the whole presentation:

Chris said something to Jenny McCarthy about her “getting groped by strangers for five hours” during her New Year’s eve gig, and she replied, “Yeah, but it’s so worth it.” Is a stupid TV gig really worth getting groped by anybody??? Is anything?

The girl from The Band Perry said their mom is their stylist. She told her daughter to have that hair??? My mother’s insisting on stupid “pixie cuts” is looking better to me now.

One time when they cut back to Vanessa, I thought that she was an old chubby woman! So I guess I would have a chance with her husband, Nick Lachey, after all!

And she kept upstaging her interviewees.

I did not know that LMFAO is comprised of relatives of Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy!!! (Neither did the guys at my local market when I made an emergency whipped cream run in the middle of the show, and gave them that news.) Of course, I did more research on the topic and discovered that LMFAO is really just a duo who are Berry’s son and grandson. Weird. I guess Smokey’s nephew is one of the other guys on-stage with them.

Smokey was a great interview, by the way! Talking with him so many times over the years is a highlight of my career.

In singing the praises of Justin Bieber, Sean Kingston said, “The kid is amazing. He’s just a humble kid, you know, he’s charming,…” Who would have thought they’d hear Sean Kingston use “charming,” especially on the Biebs??? Now I love that guy, just for that word usage!

Chris didn’t even ask Sean how he’s doing since his serious accident! Was he even aware of it???

Every time Vanessa talked to a black person, her vernacular turned ghetto. Lovely.

I love that Chris Daughtry said, regarding his four children, “They’re amazing. Our home is so alive at all times. I love it.”

Jennifer Hudson seems pretty honest and nice enough.

Adam Levine was actually very appreciative of what he has, which I was surprised to see.

Matthew Morrison always seems like such a full-of-himself douche.

Now to my thoughts on the actual show:

LMFAO should have opened the show with their party song. That would have been perfect, and what my producer-wannabe mind expected. [Note: I guess they were saving them for the end, which I must admit was a better idea, especially since it was so crazy!]

I still didn’t love the choice of Nicki Minaj to open the show. I actually think it was the worst opening in the history of the show.

And why does she think she has a good body??? On top of the bad body, that outfit looked like something teen-agers would cook-up for Sing. (Look-up Sing, if you didn’t grow-up in New York.)

I think that Nicki thinks she’s Rihanna.

I still don’t get David Guetta. At all!

No host for the show! What a great idea.

I’ve never been a fan of Queen Latifah. Never met anyone who is, actually.

When accepting an award to the group he’s in, Maroon 5, Adam Levine said, “I’d like to thank…”; shouldn’t it be “we’d like to thank”??? (That is a bit nit-picky of me, but I had to warm-up somehow.)

Taylor Swift is always surprised that she won! Enough with that already.

I hated her awful, cheap-looking green earrings.

I wonder what Justin Bieber must feel like. He’s like the biggest star in the world right now, but so many people dismiss him/his music. He’s always the butt of comedians jokes. What a dichotomy to deal with.

His Xmas song, Mistletoe, is good enough, but it’s a weird song to be bopping to on-stage.

The Band Perry did great. But, again about the straw-looking hair on the girl in the group: this is how her mother styled her? Maybe the mom is secretly jealous. The girl looks like a young Heather Locklear who got caught in a windstorm.

I usually love Chris Brown’s performances, but I don’t know what they were trying to show me with this one.

Why did Jennifer Hudson change her dress from the walk-in, just to present, not perform?

Nicki Minaj appeared to be an idiot! How stupid, and rude, to wear those untenable shoes when she might win an award. So she had to have people help her out there and used up a lot of time doing so. Self-important, are we?

As the Suburgatory ladies walked out, I exclaimed, “What a horrible dress!” I meant on Cheryl Hines, but then I added, “On both of them.” And their hair and makeup looked like they were in an early morning rehearsal, not the actual show! Perhaps being actresses, and not in the music biz, they didn’t get the correct memo. Talk about your fish out of water.

That was the best Kelly Clarkson ever sounded!!! And looked! Her weirdo satyr-butt actually looked almost good in that dress. And she seemed so in charge I that number. I think it because she was actually singing this time, and not screaming.

JLo’s performance was subtitled “Take that, Mark Anthony.!” Mr. X said it was the best performance of hers that he’s ever seen, and also the best she’s ever looked. [Note: he's not a fan of her looks.] He said her outfit “must be an entire Spanx bodysuit.” (Where did he ever hear about those???) But I thought it was a tad baggy in places. She must have been working out for months for this one performance. (Well, two, as I found-out later.)

The girl in Lady Antebellum went up to the stage to accept an award–carrying her purse!!! (I think JLo did, too, but I averted my eyes then because this is one of my award show pet peeves.)

Seeing Adam Lambert on there was a surprise because they didn’t announce the presenters at the beginning of the show, only the performers. As I always state, I love that boy!!! (Professionally and personally, too.)

The first shoes. The second ones weren't much better.

Idiot Nicki Minaj changed her erroneous shoes before her second award, but we still had to wait another hour for her to take the stage to claim it.

And she said, “I want to thank God. And Little Wayne.” Are they eligible for Best Duo or Group?

After she rambled on for ten minutes, including wasting our time with wishing a happy birthday to a homey of hers, she stated “I don’t know what to say.” Duh!

Benjamin Bratt did his intro of Pitbull well, for someone who seemed totally uncomfortable out there.

Mr. X is making me tell you that when I thought I saw Jennifer Lopez dancing behind Mark Anthony, and got excited about it, I said, “My mind starting racing. I thought they were going to reconcile on national TV!” He made fun of me for that the rest of the night.

But that Mark Anthony sure can sing!

Darn. For one minute, I actually thought we had a night off from Heidi Klum. At least we didn’t have to see Seal, too. (Mr. X looked at Heidi and said, “Oh, the Perry mom did her hair, too!” What was up with all this awful dead-looking hair so many chicks were rocking???

Katy Perry’s styling is like Gaga-lite. She always dons wigs and costumes, like Lady Gaga does, but doesn’t go as far. I like Katy’s outifts better.

Though the audience loved her subdued performance on the show, I felt like the act was the daughter of Gaga and Janis Ian. And, (Mr. X threw-in,) Joan Crawford. I think her strong song would have been more effective if she just came out in normal garb, but Mr. X and I disagree on that. At least she was the only one singing live thus far. And I love that when she got an award, (was it really the surprise they made it out to be?,) she didn’t do the phony thing and try to reach out and hug Heidi.

Who was Mark Anthony routing for to win the Latin award–JLo or Pitbull??? I’d love to know.

Has Beyonce had face work??? She looked a little different than usual on the satellite feed of her. Like her lips were changed or something, though I can’t imagine why she would need any of that.

And I love that her presenter, Ellie Goulding (who I’m not familiar with,) said Beyonce couldn’t accept because she’s “expecting her first child and she can’t be flying all over the country…” and then Beyonce accepted by satellite and said the reason for her absence is because “I’m in New York promoting my DVD.” Get your stories straight, ladies!

The show was mostly blah until Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5, with Christina Aguilera, although Xtina’s mike should have been up higher, in my opinion.

Hey, Christina–Snooki called; she wants her body back. That white skin-tight number wasn’t a smart dress for someone who’s self-conscious about their weight.

I didn’t realize that Bruno Mars is so short! But he has such a beautiful face. He could play Sal Mineo.

I don’t know what Katherine Heigl was doing there, but could her boobs have been any more fake?

The announcer intro-ed Jenny McCarthy as an “actor,” a term I hate for females. It’s so pretentious.

For will.i.am’s number, Fighting Gravity, the black-light performers who were the highlight of that act, didn’t get any credit!!! How rude.

Who was that chick standing at the mike with Jenny??? Wasn’t she just the one who brings out the trophies? Talk about a lens louse!

Back to Vanessa Minnillo: she walks really badly. Mr. X said, “what a turnoff” and “what a douche” about her in general. Too bad Nick Lachey doesn’t agree with him! (Actually, I believe my crush on him is over. No room in there with Hugh Jackman, Simon Baker, and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.)

Taylor Swift won over Adele for Artist Of The Year? Who are these voters???

Taylor’s acting like she didn’t know she was nominated! Mr. X said she’s accepting like she was a write-in!

LMFAO’s closing number was really fun. I always love seeing the dance group Quest with them, especially Hok of  So You Think You Can Dance fame. And that little lip-syncing-on-YouTube kid. It is truly a party on-stage.

I had just one problem with the number–most of you know that I’m as happy as the next girl (or guy) to see near-naked men, but seeing them all dance ensemble in their skivvies just made me uncomfortable. It reminded me of my days as a guest at UCLA’s many frat houses. (It’s not what it sounds like, though—they were all just upset I wouldn’t go near any of them, so occasionally, I think to entice me, though that really backfired, they would strip down and dance around. Hence, the multiple houses for me, cause I had to move on when the inhabitants of one got too crazy.)

The front row of the arena was full of weird peeps. It was kind-of uncomfortable to watch.

That’s it! Whew! Hopefully, there are no more awards shows this year. Now I can rest up for the on-slaught beginning in the middle of January. I have to go get a massage for my fingers now, after all this typing.

Last Sunday, I finally made it to the once-a-month, (from October-May,) late-afternoon concert, Le Salon de Musique, and wish I had been free in the previous months to enjoy this whole series. It was one of the most relaxing, classy events of my year so far, and I don’t envision any others eclipsing it on either front.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Le Salon de Musique is basically a three-part classical music event in one intimate space atop the venerable Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, with beautiful views of the plaza below and the mountains above. I’ve been to this location for many parties over the years, but never during the day. It brought me back to my Lincoln Center philharmonic concert days growing up in New York. My parents always made sure that my siblings and I had cultural experiences, and the entire family would have loved this one.

Le Salon is the brain child of French pianist/melodist François Chouchan. Each month, they feature a different program of chamber music with rotating musicians, followed by a champagne toast and brief discussion, and then a lovely buffet catered by Patina. What’s not to like?

Photo by Carole Sternicha.

It was a joy to hear Schubert and Mozart so up-close and personal. I had lots on my mind that day, but the second that Violinist Phillip Levy bowed his first note, I snapped to attention. It brought me to another place. (Julie Gigante on violin, David Low on cello, and Andrew Duckles and Victoria Miskolczy on viola rounded-out the string quintet.)

I always begin writing movies in my head at classical concerts, perhaps because this genre brings up more emotions in me than any other. (Even more than hip-hop and R&B! I’m not kidding about them.) Possibly that happens because I grew-up dancing ballet, and that’s the feeling that every note of classical evokes in me.

And once again, I had to sit near the back of the audience, which was still really close, because I’m the only person who bops to classical. I don’t know how others can sit still! It boggles the mind.

Anyway, a question-and-answer period followed the concert, led by professor Byron Adams, (who had many anecdotes about Mozart’s family,) while we sipped on special champagne, imported by the Montesquieu Winery in France. You all know I hate the taste of alcohol, but this was such a treat for everyone in attendance that I had to muster a few sips, which added to the classiness of this whole event.

I had a question, but I was afraid the answer would be too long, and I was eyeing the buffet, so I kept it to myself. So, if any of you know the answer to it, please feel free to let us know in the comments section below. Here it is: what crazy person invented not clapping between movements??? We all want to applaud, and it’s just weird to hold back from giving the musicians their due. It seems rude to me, and I can’t imagine why that’s de rigueur at concerts.

I have so much more to say about classical music, but hopefully one day I’ll address it all in one of my Karen’s Musings columns. But now I must tell you about the post-concert repast.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

The buffet was actually a perfect afternoon tea! I don’t know if that’s what they were going for, but it’s what they achieved, happily for the assemblage. It was presented beautifully, as well. The finger sandwiches were salmon on pumpernickel, roast beef and cucumber on sourdough toast, tuna salad on e-word bread, and e-word salad on white. (No matter how classy the event, I still can’t say or write the real e-word. If you’re a newcomer to my quirks, it’s the oval white thing that many people eat for breakfast.)

Then there were cranberry scones with creamy butter and vanilla whipped cream, fresh berries, and lots of small sweet treats, such as chocolate-covered biscotti, two flavors of éclairs, and petit cookies in a variety of flavors. And, of course, tea! Coffee, more champagne, and water, as well.

This kind of lovely and relaxing event can’t be often enough. But sadly, next month is the last one for the season, and they don’t begin again until October. So, if you’re a music fan, or an afternoon tea fan, or just a fan of spending some peaceful and educational time in Los Angeles, see the info below to make your reservations for May, before they sell-out.

The next concert, and last one of the season, is on May 15, 20011.    www.lesalondemusiques.com