The 2014 Off Center Festival began with the Party on the Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa on Friday. POP was a free community event with a special performance by the comedy group Culture Clash and musical performances by Little Willie G. and La Santa Cecilia.
The Arts Plaza was packed with people who came out to SCFTA to enjoy the live entertainment and food from gourmet food trucks Waff-N-Roll, The Burnt Truck and Dogzilla.
Once the Party on the Plaza came to and end, each of the halls at The Center would host different Off Center performers. Although the decision to choose just one was difficult, we decided to see Die Roten Punkte: Super Musician in the Samueli Theater.
Die Roten Punkte is a two-piece brother/sister rock band from Berlin, Germany’s underground music scene. The duo of dysfunctional siblings Astrid and Otto Rot combine infectious songs, audience interaction, sketch comedy, dancing and more to create their one of a kind show – Super Musician.
Through the course of the show, audience members are introduced to the band’s history including the tragic death of their parents, Astrid’s alleged stint in rehab, Otto’s idea of a perfect woman and other intricacies that reveal DRP’s inspirations and aspirations.
Astrid is best known for her drumming and Otto his guitar playing, but on their hit “Ich Bin Nicht Ein Roboter (I am a Lion)” she uses a cowbell and he a keytar to produce a new wave sound that will make you feel like you’re in the ‘80s. The catchy song only uses three notes, but as Otto said before the song began, that’s really all you need for a hit. The song was highlighted by a choreographed dance routine that would make Napoleon Dynamite blush! With moves like the robot and a few Will Ferrell a la Spartan Cheerleaders steps, the song and dance had the audience roaring (like a lion).
The audience played a large role in the show, especially the two people who were singled out by the band. A woman sitting in the front row caught Otto’s eye, so he performed his ballad for her with the band who brought their electric ukulele though they never really thought they’d need it. Astrid, on the other had, saw a guy who inspired her to perform her sexually charged rocker “Oh My God, Yeah,” much to the chagrin of her brother. Astrid’s drinking song used examples of what types of (non-alcoholic) drinks she could enjoy instead of booze. With the help of the audience, Otto encouraged a sing-along to show Astrid that there are many different types of drinks that are better for her that alcohol.
Die Roten Punkte certainly put on an incredible performance and on Friday night, they had the Samueli Theater, rocking, laughing and begging for more! After the second encore performance, the show concluded. Afterwards, the band mingled and posed for pictures with audience members in the theater lobby and in the Off Center Lounge at Leatherby’s Café Rouge.
It was an awesome performance and the perfect way to get Off Center started. Die Roten Punkte bring such a high level of energy, it’s impossible not to jump to your feet join in on the party. Off Center 2014 continues at Segerstrom Center for the Arts on January 29. For a complete list of the upcoming shows, visit the website or see our preview of the festival. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #OffCenter when posting your photos from the performances.
