Place Called the Bla-Bla Cafe

By Sandy Ross

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0977722708
• ISBN13: 9780977722709
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: Slr Productions
• Length: 237 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.9" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

It was not until reading this book that I longed to get on stage in a small café

Upon opening the front cover of this book, I was sent back in time. I sat at a corner table watching some of the greatest entertainers of our time perform on stage. The music heard however, did not only come from the stage but also from within the audience where some of the most talented singers and musicians I would ever have the privilege of hearing, joined in song. And such is the setting for the story, of "A Place Called The Bla-Bla Café." When reading a non-fiction book the author has to be able to paint a picture that allows the reader to feel as if they were there, witnessing the event, a part of history. Sandy Ross does that and more with her first-hand account of her time spent performing at the Bla-Bla Café in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to her own, Ms. Ross shares the stories of the other performers through photos and interviews creating a lively image in the mind of her readers. It was not until reading this book that I longed to get on stage in a small café, strum a guitar and sing to a packed room. This book brings out the musician in us all and tells the story of true art, friendship and above all, family. Whether you are a musician, a historian or simply a reader longing for a book to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired, take a walk down Ventura Boulevard and stop at number 11059 and join in the story of "A Place Called The Bla-Bla Café"

A Special Place in Your own Heart...

Have you ever wondered where entertainers like Robin Williams, Billy Crystal or Sting started their career? If you have, then `A Place Called the Bla-Bla Cafe is for you! The author, Sandy Ross worked in the Bla-Bla Cafe where she co-booked the shows with owner Albie Hora. At the same time she worked as the Entertainment Director for the Los Angeles Performing and Folklife Festival under Artistic Director Warren Chistensen. Ross takes a nostalgic walk down memory lane of this period of time through writing `A Place Called the Bla-Bla Cafe'. The writing style used is friendly and easy to read - and also make you feel as you are really there at the Bla-Bla Cafe. I think we all have at least one memory of a special place that this book will remind us of. Ross has divided the book into three sections: one covering history, the other memories (of various entertainers), and the final section giving a variety of tables with performers and staff listed there. The history section includes a description of how the Cafe started, the heyday period, and it's last days. Some of the entertainers covered in the memories section include Maxine Sellers, Al Jarreau, Gene Nelson and Debby VanPouke. The final section includes: Table I covers the Cafe Performers from 1971 through to 1980; Table II covers Hard-Rock (Heavy Metal and Punk) band list; Table III Blabettes (1971 through to 1978); and finally Table IV covers the Bla-Bla Cafe staff from 1971 up until 1982. There is also a memorial at page 239 recognising various important people in this lovingly written walk down memory lane. `A Place Called the Bla-Bla Cafe' is a title that would suit a person that was interested in the entertainment culture and that wanted an insiders personal experience of the industry. This is a warmly written and welcoming look into the development of not only this cafe, but of a special place to be discovered and also to discover. It would be a welcome addition to your library if you have an interest in music or the entertainment industry (particularly if you are 40 or over).

Artist's lives in the 70's

Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (11/06) Open the book and check the "A" list. You will see a long line of big name talent that has walked through the doors of the Bla-Bla Cafe, snuggled into the suburb of Los Angeles in a little town called Studio City. A book that not only entices the reader with a great listing of stars who've come to the now famous cafe at some point in their life but shares some pretty darn good stories about their stay. It seems to be the ultimate in training ground for some of the biggest stars we know today, including Robin Williams, Jay Leno, Sting and more. While some simply came to eat the great 'chow,' others came to share their talents. Others still would utilize the Cafe as a spot to work on writing their songs, making the Bla-Bla Cafe one of the greatest assets to our culture as we know it today. Either way, once you walked in you were never the same. People often say "if these walls could talk" and now it seems they can as Ross shares the many adventures that have occurred behind the doors of the Bla-Bla Café, a place that created not only many stars but many friendships alike. Ross seems to be sharing the highlights of the many years of welcoming "would-be" stars and some "never-gonna-be" stars as almost an inside look of "How To" that gives you some insights to what it's like to deal with prejudices, hatred and hard knocks while trying to make it. Anyone who loved the 70's will adore this book. Sandy Ross's position booking the talent gave her a lot of access to the up-and-coming stars, where she could easily intermingle and listen in on conversations that some of us could only dream of. The little known names of future stars could come into the cafe and order up some of their absolutely awesome food and share ideas, feelings and memories with other artists who stopped by. They somehow created a "family like" atmosphere that could help their clients bond with others going through similar times. Some of the older and more well known artists could not only offer their expertise but often a shoulder to cry on with a sense of understanding that you could find no where else. "A Place Called the Bla-Bla Café" is absolutely one of the most awesome books relating to artists and their life during the 70's, seemingly a time when things were just simply different. Ross not only shares some great information but somehow makes you feel as though you were there. In the end you will look at some of the stars we adore now and simply smirk when you think of the thoughts and happenings Ross shared with you in this wonderful book. My only complaint about the book was that it made me want to be there so badly... to enjoy the great sounding food and the camaraderie they shared!

A witty, vivacious, and exciting behind-the-scenes glimpse

Former Bla-Bla Cafe talent co-booker Sandy Ross presents A Place Called Bla-Bla Cafe, the true story of an out-of-the-way club that showcased performers of budding talent as they struggled for their first big break. Guest chapters by such noteworthy talents as Jelsa Palao, Julio Martinez, Maxine Sellers and more bring these true stories of cafe comedians and performers engaged in the quest for success to vibrant life. A witty, vivacious, and exciting behind-the-scenes glimpse of stars on the rise in Hollywood entertainment. An extensive addendum of tables chronicles and credits Bla-Bla Cafe performers from 1971 to 1980.