Are you Shostaphobic?

Some people have an irrational fear of Shostakovich. We can call them Shostaphobics.

During the Las Vegas Philharmonic's second Masterworks concert, Shostakovich was in full frolic. Ballet Suite no. 1 is playful and lyrical. The orchestra spritely danced around the piece. It was almost carnival-esque. But that was last concert.

Watching Ilya Yakushev's fingers scamper across the piano keyboard brought back memories of music school crushes. There's something about the lightness of the touch and fluid strokes that get my juices going. I'm sure it gets yours. It didn't help that Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major is a solidly romantic, jazzy piece. It plays on your heartstrings and other things.

I skipped out on the Schubert, having listened to it early on. I can do a whole lieder cycle of Schubert, don't know if I could last through a symphony.

My friends and I arrived early to Sidebar/Triple George. This bar is suppose to be a throwback to old school Vegas - you know, Mafiosos and swingers. On four TV screens were two different movies: Casino and Swingers. There was lots of sex. And violence. I guess that's what Vegas is? But if you ever are at the Sidebar, try the "Inspiration." It's delicious. It tastes like Bath&Body Works (my friend's words).

Didn't really meet any new people. Like, at all. Just averted crises as usual.