The Trade Deadline

I love this day in baseball! Teams give up on the season while other teams try to scramble to find the missing piece or pieces to make a run.Big name players are sent away to shred payroll, for prospects, and new hope. As a fan it is kind of fun to see where your favorite players end up. It is also fun to see if your team ended up being buyers or sellers.

Biggest Fire Sale appears to be happening in Philadelphia. The Phillies have traded their center fielder Shane Victorino to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a relief pitcher and a prospect. Here are some highlights from Shane..

Shane's team mate Hunter Pence was traded to the San Francisco Giants for an outfielder and two prospects. Here is Hunter Pence in action..

With about an hour and fifteen minutes left the Phillies might not be done..

Last night the Chicago Cubs sent pitcher Paul Maholm (9-6) and outfielder Reed Johnson to the Atlanta Braves for a couple of players.

I love it and there are still deals being made! 

Happy Birthday Buddy Guy!

Yes I know I have blogged about him quite a bit this year, but blues guitar legend Buddy Guy celebrates his birthday today. Part of the reason I have blogged about him a lot this year is he is still touring! I was able to see him twice on two different tours. The other is he simply kicks tail on the guitar even at 76!

Here is my review from earlier this month.Here is my review from the Spring Experience Hendrix Show. Here is a clip from the Experience Show with Johnny Lang...

Here he performs with some other greats at the White House...

Here is some vintage blues featuring Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon and Otis Rush..

A little now and then action anyway happy birthday to a great!

Thank You

This month my blog has had the most page views ever. Normally my biggest page view months are during the A to Z blog fest or something like that. However, this month had none of that. It was a very busy month for me as a writer. I covered nine plays. I also covered six concerts. So there was a lot of theater and a lot of music to blog about. The CATF at Shepherd University also linked my blog to their press section.

What does August have in store for the blog? Right now I am only confirmed for four concerts and no theater shows. I plan to participate in another Blogfest next month as well. I also want to write a few reviews. I am behind on a couple and I just got two new CDs from a local artist. Even with August not being as packed as July, there will be plenty of new material on the blog.

Once again thanks for visiting my blog! I hope you stop by again.

Jackson Browne

I reviewed Jackson Browne's concert this week with special guest Sara Watkins. You can read my review here if you like. I knew it was going to be a good concert. I like a little Bluegrass, Americana music and I was aware of Sara's work with Nickel Creek. Always a plus when you like both groups performing. I hadn't seen Jackson Browne perform but he was right up my alley as well. He impressed me as a mellow, very cool person who enjoyed the music. I mean he actually came on stage to introduce Sara Watkins who opened the show. Then he sat in with her for the final two songs of her set. Then he allowed her to set in on several songs during his set.

Here is Sara performing "Long Hot Summer Day" which she also performed at the show I saw her at:

Sorry that song is on the review as well but at least this one is a different version.
Here is her  old group Nickel Creek...

Okay the main attraction was Jackson Browne, even though he sure gave Sara her dues! Okay I couldn't find a performance from this year's show but her is a clip from the last time he played Wolf Trap in 2009...

It was a good time. I'm taking a little break from reviewing shows until August but I will be back with a new blog post soon!

Happy Birthday Mick Jagger!

See we celebrate birthdays on this blog from time to time. Plus I was tired of all the death notices and wanted a bit of a break from promoting my stuff. Plus anytime I get to mess around with some Rolling Stones related stuff, that is a good thing since they are one of my favorite bands (if not my favorite.) Well Mick turned 69 today, hopefully he and his mates have it in them  for one more tour, or more.

Here is Mick performing in the White House over the Winter with Jeff Beck and others..

Here he is on the Season Finale of Saturday Night Live with the Foo Fighters..

one of my favorite Mick solo songs..

anyway I guess I will wrap it up with a Stones song..

Hopefully he will have many more!

R.I.P. Sherman Hemsley

Sherman Hemsley who played George Jefferson on The Jeffersons passed away yesterday. He also starred in the show Amen. He appeared in Broadway in 1970 and had guest appearances on The Archie Bunker Show. He was a television star during the era of me growing up, and the era of my life where I watched more television. Sorry to see him go. You can read a review o his death from the San Jose Mercury here.

I will show some videos to share memories...

First up he talks about his character George Jefferson...

Here he guest stars on The Fresh Price of Bel-Air:

Here he shares his musical talents on Soul Train"

Here is a clip from The Jeffersons:

Here is a classic clip from Archie Bunker:

Hope you enjoyed the clips, he will be missed....

R.I.P. Sally Ride

Sally Ride was the first American woman to go into space. Opening the door for woman in the space program and becoming an example that woman could become whatever they want to be. You can read more about he in this MSNBC article about her death.Interestingly, the Russians had put a woman in space 20 years ahead of America.


Here is a video about her in space...

Here she talks about being the first U.S. woman in space, in her own words..

Here is more about her death..

I know I have blogged about musicians and other celebrities who have died. A lot of them have died due to cancer just like Sally Ride. I know a lot of regular, ordinary folks have died of cancer. I know many of them where someone's hero, someone's mom, dad, brother, sister, son, daughter, or somebody of some importance to someone. It is a terrible disease and I hope they find a cure soon. Thank you Sally for breaking that barrier, for being a role model, and your service to the space program. 

John Tesh

I wasn't really excited to go see John Tesh. My wife wanted to see him. Why wasn't I excited to see him? I like Big Band Music and jazz. Guys we should like him he was a sportscaster for a time. He wrote music for the Olympics and for the NBA on NBC.

I don't know why. However, I can give some reasons why! His band is really good and Tesh is talented. He comes off as a nice guy, funny, and humble. You can read my review of his show here.


Here is the NBA tune...

Here is a sample of his Big Band...

John Tesh go ahead and check him out! He might surprise you.

An Off Day

How did I spend a day with no shows to review?  Well my wife took over the Netflix in the living room and my daughter took over my computer. So, I went over to the Opera House and watched a free screening of The Last Mountain. Really touched home since I went to school in southern West Virginia near the coal mines. I am against Mountain Top removal, but I also want the minors to be able to make a living. The mountains need to be preserved after all tourism is the number 2 industry in the state behind coal. No mountains, no tourist.

Here is the movie trailer:

Well after I watched the movie I went to see a great blues guitarist play in a club for free. The club is a book store with a bar in the middle. It was really cool. I was sitting in a nice comfy share and it was like he was playing in my living room. The artist was Billy Thompson. Not only is he a good guitar player he is a cool guy as well! Take a listen..

Well tonight I am covering John Tesh,,,

Capital Finge Fest and Paying it Forward

A few plays at the Capital Fringe Festival I had a chance to review during previous productions. I didn't want to review them a second time but I thought it might be fun to compare reviews. 

First up Alice in Wonderland presented by the Greenbelt Arts Center. Lauren Katz gave it 3.5 stars and you can read her review here. I reviewed it back in November when it was playing in Greenbelt. I gave it four stars and you can read my review here. Betsy Marks Delaney wrote a preview of the production and you can read that here. That is pretty neat only a half star difference. I apparently enjoyed it more, or I was nicer, or perhaps it was a bit better at the home venue.

Next is Dead Man's Mambo here is John Bellomo's preview of the show.Carolyn Keleman saw the Fringe show and gave it five stars you can read her review here. I reviewed the production at the Maryland Shakespeare Festival and I also raved about it! You can read my review here. It really is a good time and if you get the chance check it out!

Here is a little taste from the Maryland run of the show..

Well I will be back soon with a new post!

Me and the Devil Blues

A comedy based on Robert Johnson? A talk show hosted by the Devil? Robert Johnson romantically linked to the Antichrist? Probably not true, however you can see all of this at the Capital Fringe Festival. This all happens in Me and the Devil Blues a world premiere production by Flying V. I had the honor of watching it on opening night you can read my review here.

Robert Johnson actually had a song called Me and the Devil Blues have a listen below..

The play was kind up my alley since I love the blues. Sometimes it is better to listen to a cover of Robert Johnson. Here is Eric Clapton and one of his interpretations...

Hope you enjoy and I will be back soon with a new post!

Wilco at Wolf Trap

My review for Tuesdays Wilco show went up today you can read the review here. Another cool light show by the way and no rain for a change.

Lee Ranaldo, the Sonic Youth founder and guitarist was the opening act. He only got about a half hour he sounded like someone I would like to hear at a club. Here is a taste of his solo stuff..

Wilco was pretty solid! Half the set came from the first album and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, though they did promise to change the set list for Wednesday. Here is how they opened the show on Tuesday..

Here is another song from the show..

Well I just got back from another show so I am about to write another review. I hope you enjoyed the videos and my review and I will have a new post soon!

At the Capital Fringe: Airswimming and The Comedy of Mirrors

Sunday I was in Washington, DC covering the Capital Fringe Festival. It was a busy day full of long car rides, long metro rides and long walks. First I had to pick up my credentials then I walked over to The Studio Theatre to catch The Comedy of Mirrors.

I figured you really can't mess up Shakespeare and I knew The Studio Theatre was a nice a venue so I played it safe. The play was well done, the set was simple but it was a Fringe production. The ending was hilarious. You can read my review here.

Then I walked back across town to catch Airswimming at a small gallery theater. This one I didn't play safe.  I had no idea what the play was about. Thankfully it was quite good. It was about two girls and the time they spent in asylum. You can read that review here.

Here is a monologue from a different production of the play..

Well I have another play at The Fringe to review on Thursday so I will probably blog about it on Friday. In the meantime here is a link to a bunch of reviews and previews.

R.I. P Jon Lord

Rock and roll lost another great. Deep Purple founder and keyboardist Jon Lord passed away today. He was battling pancreatic cancer. You can read the report here from the BBC. Not only am I a fan of Deep Purple it is also a band my wife and I saw on our first date. So it is sad news in deed.

Here is Jon getting an Honorary degree..

Here is Jon Lord performing "Burntwood."

Here is Jon Lord performing with Deep Purple in 1972 the song is "Lazy"

Thanks for the music, Jon Lord R.I.P. his music lives on due to videos and recordings

Friends

Saturday we spent most of the day with family friends. Good food, good people, in other  words a great way to spend a day. Today, I went to Washington, DC to cover the Fringe. I have one review in and working on another one. It was along day two plays, lots of walking probably about six miles. One of the cool things about the day after my second show I was able to meet with a long time friend. I don't get to see him to often since I live about 60 miles Northwest of the city. However, it was great to catch up.Sometimes you just have to make time for friends!

Another new play: I Am (Not) My Mother

You don't have to go to a theatre festival like the CATF or the Capital Fringe to find a World Premiere showing of a play. Check out your local community theatre or one nearby. I found a World Premiere run at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre in Frederick, Maryland called I Am (Not) My Mother and you can read my review here.

If my review did not have enough information for you. Here is an interview with the playwright Suzanne Beal....

If you interested get tickets now, they were scare on Friday night! Anyway I hope you enjoyed the post as I found a little extra to add. I'm off to the Capital Fringe tomorrow for a couple of shows,,,

Buddy Guy and John Mayall

My fantastic year of concerts continue. I finally got to see John Mayall. He brought so many great guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor to the for front of the music world. A living bridge from blues to rock and roll. Here is a song her performed Thursday night but an older version...

Well he was opening for Buddy Guy, who I finally got to see earlier this year now I got to see him do a full set! Somebody pinch me..You can read my full review of the concert here.

Buddy Guy also introduced me and the audience to Quinn Sullivan check out this kid with Buddy Guy

Well I hope you enjoy and I will be back soon with another post!

Seal

Tuesday I had the opportunity to see Seal with special guest Macy Gray on Tuesday at Wolf Trap. You can read my review here.

Youtube has some great videos from the show here is his biggest hit "Kiss from a Rose" enjoy!

As you can see and here the show was amazing! Here is Macy Gray performing her biggest hit "I Try" and this is from Tuesday's show as well..

Yes Seal mixed in favorites, and older songs but he also played several of his newer songs including a lot of Soul classics. This one he played Tuesday night but I can't find it from the show so this version will have to do..

Well this week, this month has been pretty crazy for me so maybe I should leave this video as my last one in this post...

Well I hope you enjoy my review, and I hope you enjoyed my blog! I have shows scheduled for tonight, Friday(maybe two) and Sunday so stay tuned more fun stuff is coming to the blog!

CATF: Contemporary American Theater Festival

Finally my review of the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) is published. I would have liked them to be done individually, but others had other ideas. Sometimes that is the life of as writer. I'm glad I was able to cover it! I am glad West Virginia gets a chance to present a top notch theater event.

Two world premieres, a show that opened last year on London's West End, and five plays written by award winning playwrights. The festival featured great sets. Great cast, including Broadway vets, a Tony Award winning Actress.

If you are a theater lover it is definitely worth the trip from Washington or Baltimore. Might even be worth a road trip from farther destinations! You can read my review here.

Here is an interview with Johnna Adams whose play Gidion's Knot is World Premiered at the Festival...

Adding something a little different then just my review and opinions.

Well I hope you enjoy and I will be back with another blog!

Summer Cold

Some how I came down with a summer cold. It is weird being sick during a time of the year you aren't supposed too. Oh well, I pressed on and am working on a bunch of reviews. I went to 5 plays over the weekend, with my summer cold, and the heat I am kind of running thin.

Apparently extreme heat does not kill my summer cold. Who the heck catches a cold in the dead of summer? Apparently I do.

No worries! I'll get the reviews up soon. I also have a pretty full week ahead. 2 concerts, maybe a third, one play and the fringe festival, plus I hope to line up some awesome things with the kids. In another words I will have a bunch to blog about.

Just give me a little time...

California Guitar Trio

It is no secret I like watching the California Guitar Trio. I have seen them three times now. Each time they were playing a concert where the proceeds went to Advocates for Homeless Families in the area. I love the fact they take time to play a gig for a worthwhile charity.

I love their version of this tune even though they scratched it from the playlist:

Well the third time was a charm because I finally wrote a review of one of their shows. You can read my review here. Here is a picture from the show my editor didn't use but I will share it.

Here the trio performs something a bit more classical...

Well it has been a long day, but I will be back with another blog soon,,,

Crosby, Stills and Nash

The last time I was able to see Crosby, Stills and Nash was about 20 years ago. Wow, that makes me feel old. I walked away thinking Stephen Stills might be one of the most under rated guitarists. After seeing them again I still thing that may be true. Even though their voices may not be what they used to be, they still have plenty of moments and put on a great show. You can read my review here.

Here is a performance of Almost Cut My Hair from the concert I reviewed, thanks to youtube...

Here is the encore from that show..

The backing band was pretty solid. The guitarist has played with Bruce Springsteen, the drummer had played with David Gilmour, and the bass player had played with Jackson Browne.They played a couple of newer songs, a couple of deep tracks, and lots of favorites.

Including my favorite Crosby, Stills and Nash song "Southern Cross" here is the video..

I am having a great year of concerts seeing a bunch of diverse musicians. As long as the power stays on I will be blogging and sharing I hope you enjoy!

Riding the Storm Out

This Spring and Summer have been all about storms for me. Over Memorial Day weekend Tropical Storm Beryl decided to meet me at my vacation spot. Next I was at Blues Fest and there was the delay/evacuation due to strong winds due to a rain storm. Now, I ended up driving through the Derecho in the Mid Atlantic states. I wrote a blog about it Monday when I finally got power back on but didn't publish it, I turned it into an article instead. I liked the blog post better since it was longer, I had to whittle it down for the short article request. Perhaps this song should be my theme song for the summer..

Well you can read my article about riding the storm out here. I should feel lucky I only lost power for parts of four days I know some folks who are still without power.

Okay, besides just promoting my article I thought I would post a few more articles by other writers so you could see what they went through it.Plus it is nice to play it forward!

Here is the experience of one writer who lives in Columbia, Maryland. It is a bit North East from me. Here is a report from Catonsville, Maryland to read as well.

Well, I hope you have power where you live and I will have a new post soon!

The Fourth of July

Well it is a crazy July. Another Fourth of July is coming to a close. I was able to celebrate twice. Once last week as the County I live in had their celebration. Today, I drove over to Leesburg, Virginia and watched theirs! I like to watch them on the 4th of July!

Well I thought I would put together a collection of Patriotic songs to keep the party going!

First up is "Living in America," I love that old school funk and James Brown was a master!

I also love the blues and I just found this version today. Here is some Keb Mo doing "America the Beautiful"

Well even the U.S. gets the Blues here are the Dead...

Hey it is all about fun, Brad Paisley tells you about it here..

Ray Charles is another master...

and we have somethings we should never forget like Alan Jackson sings about the world stopped spinning..

and I will end with the Star Spangled Banner..

Well thanks to those who serve to make America what it is! I hope you enjoy the tunes and the Holiday! I know there are a lot more songs out there if you have a favorite I miss add it in the comments! This is a light post, I was without power for a few days so I will be back with some heavier posts soon!

R.I.P. Andy Griffith

Everyone has probably heard Andy Griffith has passed away, unless you are still without power. I remember watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show quite often in my youth. Some of that good, old, entertaining television of years gone by. I also remember watching Matlock later in life.

However, Andy was a musician as well. He was one of the first to play the guitar on a television show..

Here is episode one with Andy Best playing the Guitarist..enjoy it from youtube

Andy Griffith playing the guitar on The Arthur Smith show in 1973...

Here is Andy Griffith performing rather recently with Brad Paisley..

Andy's Flop Eared Mule...

Well I hope I shared a little light on the musical side of Andy Griffith, he will be missed may he rest in peace..