An Evening In Silver Lake

Before heading to Spaceland on Tuesday for a concert, I stopped by Lamill Coffee, right across the street. This super cool restaurant and café, with its sleek design and candles on black lacquer tables, offers gourmet coffees in addition to fresh fare. I had the Love Potion, a yummy "tea sangria" or blend of teas infused in cranberries, elderberries, rose hips and hibiscus, as well as an expresso con panna, served with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream. Sadly, they were out of brioche doughnuts... I guess I'll have to go back! I also need to try their orange-infused capuccino.

At the tiny club Spaceland in Silver Lake, I fell in love with He's My Brother She's My Sister, a very original group that features a tap dancer in lieu of rhythmic section (how great is that?), a double-bass, an exquisite singer in a floor-length flapper dress - barefoot and with feathers in her hair like a forest creature heading for a party, and more surprises.
Their folky, swinging songs are catchy and textured, a sheer joy; listen to "Tales That I Tell" on their Myspace Page. I'm a fan.

But the real star of the show was Miranda Lee Richards, a Californian folk pop songwriter and singer whose voice and songs are just luminous. Her album Light Of X was released this month to critical acclaim. It was a treat to hear her in such an intimate venue.