Is That Ted?

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane is known in Hollywood as a multi-hyphenate, meaning it’s safe to say the actor, writer, producer, director, and comedian is wildly talented. And for those who happened to catch him at Vibrato in LA the other night- myself included- his musical prowess was in full force as he performed songs with his composer Ron Jones, whose Influence Jazz Orchestra performs throughout Los Angeles. The ghosts of Frank Sinatra, Nelson Riddle, and others were present as MacFarlane delivered their beautiful and iconic melodies impressively…but not without humor, and lots of it. His passion for big band music is not a secret, yet as he was about to take the stage I wondered if he would begin his set as Ted, or someone else from his arsenal of voices he masters so brilliantly.

After a brief warm-up, MacFarlane asked someone from the audience to assist with the band, and before I could figure out if this was possibly turning into a comedy show, a stunning blonde amazon glided on stage. Yes, Charlize Theron- co-starring in MacFarlane’s new film A Million Ways to Die in the West– was now a conductor, leading him into song aided by a breadstick impersonating a baton. As her boyfriend Sean Penn adoringly looked on- seriously- Theron was up for it and even sang. I’m sure Gene Simmons of Kiss- seated behind me- was enthralled. As MacFarlane’s crooning continued, with an ever-present Scotch in hand, I actually did hear voices…those voices. Yes, Stewie, Brian, Peter, and even Marty McFly from Back to the Future were all there. Who knew they could carry a tune?  www.vibrato.herbalpertpresents.com