In May we had a fabulous 3 week holiday in Los Angeles, where we managed to fit in TWO Louie Cruz Beltran performances.

The first took place on May 13^th at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. We met our good friend Elaine who had secured us a table right in front of Louie!  There were only maybe 50 or 60 people there, but the show was incredible. Louie was his usual open friendly self – everyone had a great time. Elaine had a picture she wanted him to sign, but at the interval he was talking to some people and we didn’t like to interrupt.

At the end of the show he disappeared into a small anti-room. A few people went in and then came out, so we decided to go and try to get Elaine’s photograph signed.  He was sitting on a comfortable sofa and as soon as he saw us he said ‘Hi come in, sit with me’ The other man left and we were left alone with Louie.  I asked if Robert had shaved his beard off yet, I said he could pass for Louie’s grandfather!  Louie agreed and said he looked like a caveman. He told us he was performing at the Montmartre Lounge in the heart of Hollywood on the 28 May, and invited us to come as his guests. We didn’t have to be persuaded !!! 

We chatted for about 15 minutes, he wanted to know all about our holiday and where we were intending to visit.  He was full of praise for Elaine (who travels to see him whenever she can). He said she was a ‘special lady’, and posed for a nice picture with her. As we left he hugged and kissed us – we were walking on air as we made our way to the car. 

On Monday 28^th we once again met Elaine and made our way to the entrance of the Montmartre Lounge. As we were waiting for the Club to open Louie came down the steps, saw us waiting and we got more hugs and kisses! The Lounge was pretty full and we were so near the front this time. We had a nice meal though and just as we were finishing – who should come in but Robert with a smaller older man.  I must say he looked very smart – a dark suit and dark shirt, and guess what?  The beard had gone !  I wonder if Louie passed on my comments about him looking like a grandfather!  His hair was still long but it looked OK.  A table had been reserved for them right at the front. Robert introduced Louie and the Band, then the music started.  We didn’t get a chance to speak to Robert – he seemed to know a lot of people there (maybe they were relatives) – but the night was Louie’s – he was in great form again.

And so our holiday came to an end, but we are planning our next year’s trip to L.A. (to coincide with some more of Louie’s concerts of course).