BY JOSE MARTINEZ

A Not So Wondrous Night In L.A…. I felt like a dirty trick was played on me last Wednesday evening. Promised a night of music from legends Stevie Wonder and Jeff Beck, instead I was bombarded with a horrifying and never ending set from the diminutive John Oates, sans Daryl Hall. And I can’t go for that (no can do).

A beautiful night in Los Angeles, this was an impressive setting as Gibson Guitars unveiled “Gibson Through The Lens” – a unique and impressive photo exhibition of 70 vintage and iconic color and black & white limited edition photographs of some of rock’s biggest names, including Bono, David Bowie, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Angus Young, Elvis, Prince, Springsteen, Slash, Madonna, and Jimmy Page to name a few. The exhibition is on tour for the first time in the U.S. in this special presentation at the famed Sunset Marquis who was showing off the Marquis’ stunning new villas.

Chowing down on sumptuous food making its way around the outdoor party, and helping myself to the open bar, I toured the new presidential villa, a $7,000-a-night luxurious experience. For that hefty price some of the amenities include rubber duckies in the tub; a screening room with an 80-inch TV; 50-inch wall-mounted plasma screens; 24-hour butler service; and the car of your choice throughout the duration of your stay. Can you saw “swanky”?

So this is how the other half live? Well, maybe the other third.

As we gathered poolside at the make shift stage, I was surprised when guitarist John Oates took the stage. Well, I thought to myself, I’m sure Stevie and Jeff Beck need an opening act. But then he just wouldn’t get off the stage. Then he started talking about playing new songs… do they still let him record? Without Daryl Hall? Oh the pain!

I should confess that I’m a HUGE Stevie Wonder fan so every second I had to put up with someone who wasn’t a blind piano player hurt. And after several drinks I probably shouted something to that effect too. But John Oates just wouldn’t shut up. Sure, it was cool when he brought out ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons. But it wasn’t enough.

FINALLY, Stevie Wonder took the stage as Gibson donated $10,000 to the Stevie Wonder Foundation to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Just this week a Yahoo! story named Wonder’s Songs In The Key Of Life as the top record in their “Top 20 Albums Of All Time.” Perfect timing since Jeff Beck was a no-show; at least Stevie would save the night.

Playing a solo piano set, we were treated to two songs, including “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” As the crowd clamored for more, or at least a third song, Stevie made his way back to the keyboards, sang the intro to “Superstition” (which drove the audience crazy) and then abruptly stopped, laughed, and said goodbye. Cheap shot Stevie! But two songs from the music icon are better than 45 minutes from John Oates, but what a mean and nasty way to prove it.

The night also raised money for Music Rising, a campaign founded to aid musicians, schools and churches in the Gulf Coast Region, via a silent auction for one of only ten Epiphone Music Rising guitars personally signed by U2 guitarist The Edge.

The “Gibson Through The Lens” photo exhibit will be on display at the Sunset Marquis for the next three weeks.

[Photos credit: Jose Martinez]