Damian Draghici

The Romanian pan flute is an instrument most often heard in folkloric settings, rarely outside its element. In the hands of Romanian expatriate Damian Draghici, it becomes something else again. One of the world's virtuosos on his instrument, Draghici has pushed the envelope of technical aplomb, using a complex triple-tonguing method that led to his nickname, Speed of Light.

The Romanian pan flute is an instrument most often heard in folkloric settings, rarely outside its element. In the hands of Romanian expatriate Damian Draghici, it becomes something else again. One of the world's virtuosos on his instrument, Draghici has pushed the envelope of technical aplomb, using a complex triple-tonguing method that led to his nickname, Speed of Light.

In her recent flamenco experiments on local stages, Laila del Monte developed creative strategies for performing with tap dancers, kathak dancers, jazz dancers and even non-dancers. But given the opportunity to interact with two fellow flamenco artists at the L.A. Theatre Center on Friday, she unaccountably ventured only perfunctory exchanges with them and chose to emphasize solo expression instead.

* Pan Flute--Pan flutist Damian Draghici will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday at Cal State Northridge's Performing Arts Center. Following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and uncle, Draghici became a master of the pan flute at an early age. The Romanian Gypsy virtuoso has performed and recorded since the age of 10. He studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and his music reflects classical, jazz and New Age influences.

Damian Draghici plays an instrument that doesn't have much connection with jazz--the panpipe. Nor does his background as a member of a family with a seven-generation history in Romanian music suggest much association with the music, either. And, in fact, there was no bebop, no blues and no hard-swinging rhythm section in his appearance at the Skirball Cultural Center on Thursday night. Yet the spirit of jazz was present in much of what Draghici had to offer.

One of the good things about living in the San Fernando Valley is the wide selection of live music available. Especially in the summer. And especially when it's free. * The Valley Cultural Center's Concerts in the Park series is celebrating its 25th season this summer with a varied lineup of musical talent. This Sunday, blues man Finis Tasby will perform.

The all-star world jazz ensemble Facing East, performing at the Skirball Cultural Center on Thursday night, featured drummer Jack DeJohnette, woodwind specialist Paul McCandless and guitarist Paul Bollenback among its personnel. But, for many in the audience, it was Indian tabla player Sandip Burman who was the real center of attention at the fifth of the Skirball's six free Sunset Concerts.

It was a hot night--in temperature and talent--at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday when "World Festival 2000" kicked off its six-concert series with "Fiery Flamenco." A blend of mostly traditional flamenco dance and music with some experimental fusion thrown in--not always for good measure--the program featured a number of sizzling artists who did live up to their billing. Generating the most heat was Noche Flamenca, an 11-member ensemble from Spain that rocked with a six-number set.

Finally. The Democrats have taken their show back on the road, and the helmeted phalanxes of cops have gone back to the beat. Angelenos can have their downtown back. Tonight Summer Nights at MOCA (MOCA at the Geffen Contemporary, 152 N. Central Ave., Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles, [213] 626-6222) are often enough to convince the most cynical East Coaster that yes, life in L.A. is good. This summer-long series combines warm weather, groovy jazz, art and cocktails.

Even without any classical swans or firebirds, dancers with wings proved the central image of the "Angels Flight" program that opened the annual Dance Kaleidoscope festival of local achievement on Friday in the Luckman Theater at Cal State L.A. From imaginary bat wings in a "Dracula" ballet to plank-like arm-extensions out of Filipino folk culture, most of the seven participating companies or soloists evoked flying or ascension or airy transcendence of some kind.

Somewhere near the three-hour mark in "Soul to Sole" on Saturday, Steve Zee of the Jazz Tap Ensemble met Amrapali Ambegaokar of Anjani's Kathak Dance of India onstage at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts for an unlikely but glorious dance partnership.