The Valley Line

Thank goodness the weather people were wrong last week — it just wasn’t as hot as they thought it would be. Just as long as we stay out of triple digits this week I’ll be ecstatic.

Of course you can’t see me right now, but I’m looking rather polka dot. I went to the dermatologist last week to have all those ugly moles on my face and neck removed. I will be so happy when all gets healed because I sure look funny now! If you see me out and about town, do say hello — it is still the usual me beneath my polka dot skin.

In spite of my appearance I did venture out Sunday evening to attend the newly formed Summer Chamber Music & Wine Series held at the beautiful Descanso Gardens Boddy House.

Well, I gotta tell you this ongoing event is one not to be missed. Don’t confuse this with the Pasadena POPS weekend concerts because they are totally different.

This Summer Chamber Music & Wine Series next event will be on August 10 and Jorge Mester, conductor and Music Director of the Pasadena Symphony, will be the host as well as the host for the September 28 event.

What makes this music, food and wine series so unique is that it is a perfect coordination of all of these elements in such an intimate setting on the Boddy House patio.

Greeting guests last Sunday evening was Jeffrey Bernstein, assistant conductor of the two orchestras. Jeff has been with the orchestras since 2001. He is the former director of choral music at Occidental College for 11 years. He will be the upcoming guest conductor of Glendale Symphony Orchestra on Aug. 3 at 3 p.m.

The monsoon clouds that blew in from Mexico added just one more texture that enhanced the evening’s presentation of classical music by Spanish and Basque composers by the Brio con Trio, the sensuous Flamenco dancing by Karina Del Carmen Velasco of Cuatro Caminos Arts & Flamenco, a fabulous menu created by chef Tiana Driggins of Patina and specially selected white wines for each course by Michael Popadol of Classic Wines.