Think Pink

The Arlington Theatre was packed for the much-awaited return concert by Pink Martini, the Portland, Oregon, musicians making their eighth appearance here, all eight of which I have been lucky enough to see.

The sold-out show, part of the popular UCSB Arts & Lectures series, featured Harvard graduate China Forbes on vocals singing a wide variety of songs and carols in some 14 languages, including Japanese, Hebrew, French, Turkish, Croatian, and Armenian to name a few.

Before the intermission female audience members were invited to dance on the stage and participate in Helen Reddy‘s hit “I Am Woman” promoting women’s rights.

As usual, the talented 11 musician troupe, founded by another Harvard graduate, pianist Thomas Lauderdale, left us suitably shaken and stirred. Percussionist Timothy Nashimoto was a particular standout with a suit as polished as his performance.

Four-legged Friends

Montecito TV talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres gave Prince Harry’s new fiancée Meghan Markle paws for thought, I learn.

It seems that the former Oscars host persuaded the 36-year-old Suits actress to adopt her Labrador shepherd, Bogart, her first pet, when they bumped into each other at a Los Angeles shelter.

“She turned around and tapped on the window glass, yelling, ‘Take the dog!’ So, I brought him home because Ellen told me to,” says Queen Elizabeth‘s future granddaughter-in-law.

Meghan, who is likely in due course to become Duchess of Sussex, also has a beagle named Guy.

Sightings: Singer Brad Paisley at the Unity Shoppe…Actress Natalie Portman noshing at Zaytoon…Actor Christopher Lloyd at the Montecito Deli

Pip! Pip!