THE eyes of the entertainment world might have been on Hollywood last Sunday night but THE place to be was a few miles west in Topanga Canyon, where Gidget Zapata was celebrating her birthday.

She runs Los Angeles’ favourite vintage shop, Hillbilly Hip, and she’s a keen fan of alt country, folk and Americana. So she, with husband Cecil and son Prince, decided it was time for a concert, in the intimate surroundings of the shop.

Seating just 48, with the central displays removed and a little stage constructed, it was the perfect setting for an evening of music, food and chat. Mary Gauthier might not be the first person you’d envisage surrounded by lacy dresses and colourful skirts, with buckets of pretty flowers, but it sure did bring out the best in her performance, and allowed the sort of interaction with an audience that larger venues prohibit.

She could not only “feel the love” but see the cake, a beautiful floral chocolate confection the singer thought might have been the loveliest she had ever seen (and she was a chef in an earlier manifestation)

The party was made up of friends, local residents, fans from LA and even us visiting from England, all scooped up into Gidget’s affectionate welcome.

 

 

 

 It was an unforgettable night, familiar songs given an extra dimension with conversational stories and insights, confessions of hand-made boots of Spanish leather all the way from Amsterdam, delicious food and a chance to meet new friends.

Thanks Gidget. It couldn’t have been a more perfect end to the musical journey.

Gay and Fanny