Monday's Music Moves Me: How Music Educates Us

I open this week's Monday's Music Moves Me with Pink Floyds "Another Brick in the Wall Part 2."  This week's theme being How Music Educates Us as March is Music in Our Schools Month.

"We don't need no education

We don't need no thought control

No dark sarcasm in the classroom

Hey Teachers leave them kids alone"

We do need education, Perhaps we don't need thought control, dark sarcasm, and some teachers do need to leave those kids alone. Music teaches discipline, provides a creative outlet, and provides another way students can find self confidence. It can be woven into other studies math, science, and theater. However if we aren't careful we are going to lose music in our schools(and other arts).

Over the weekend I saw two musicals performed by two different high schools. I was pleasantly surprised by the talent. One of the musicals was Godspell, Here is a clip from Ramsey High School in Purchase, New York.

Yes music in schools brings culture to the community.

Some kids are full of musical talent like "Taz"

"My Revival"

Look him up, I have seen him live and the kid has talent

Brandon "Taz" Neiderauer.

Music can inspire! So let's keep it in the schools.

Remembering Joel Markowitz

Today is the anniversary of Joel Markowitz's birth, he would have turned 61. He passed away on November 7, 2017. I should have wrote something about him passing sometime closer to his death. Suppose it is easier to write about the deaths of celebrities than the deaths of friends.

  Joel was my editor when I wrote for the Maryland Theatre Guide and then later when I moved over to his start up DC Metro Theater Arts. I first met Joel in June or July of 2011. My first assignment was reviewing "Rock of Ages" at the National Theatre in Washington. I wrote 30 articles with the Maryland Theatre Guide from July of 2011 to March of 2012. Needless to say during that time Joel and I developed a friendship.  My writing was growing. Certainly Joel was a big help to that. When he said he was branching off on a new start up I was going with him. I had no issue with Maryland Theatre Guide but my loyalty was with him.

The move to the new outlet also embraced my passion for music. Joel was open to suggestions and I don't recall him ever saying no. We did have are differences from time to time and we hammered them out. I opened up my time with the new venture covering Smokey Robinson at the Kennedy Center and Experience Hendrix at the Strathmore. 95 articles, a mix of reviews, previews and interviews were written by me from March of 2013 to May of 2014. Probably my writing peak. Nothing I have written since has matched the work I did with Joel. He created a wonderful platform that continues. Writing on the web finding something that continues is so rare! That in itself is a testament to my friend Joel Markowitz.

I moved away from the area in September of  2013 the key reason our writing relationship ended. I dreaded telling him I was moving. Being wise and understanding he knew the move was best for me and my family. He was very supportive and a great friend. He always asked about the family as well I still supported his site. We remained friends chatting on facebook or over the phone.

He always encouraged me to take my daughter to the shows. If it was a kid's show  or a circus he would always tell me to ask her what she thought of the show and write her thoughts and share her perspectives on shows. Of course I dragged my daughter out to grown up concerts too. Now my daughter is a performer with a love of dance and music. She has even taken some acting lessons. Sure my wife and I support her love for the arts. However, I think Joel deserves some of the credit for encouraging me to take her to see the arts! The arts is what Joel loved and was passionate about!

Joel was excited he had lost some stubborn weight. His spirits were high. Then he was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2017. Five years after he started DC Metro Theater Arts. Joel fought ALS but passed away last November. I wasn't expecting him to pass so soon. It caught me by surprise and unfortunately I couldn't go to his funeral. Obviously I have a lot of respect for the man Joel Markowitz was. The performing arts world of Washington, Baltimore and beyond lost a great advocate.

You can read his tribute at DC Metro Theater Arts here. You can read his obituary here from the Washington Post. Joel may you rest in peace! I am thinking about you on your birthday!

Holiday Reading and a Giveaway

Last Holiday Season I finally read "A Christmas Carol." I knew the Dickens classic well through television, movie and theater productions of the famous Holiday tale. I reviewed several theater productions of this story so it was probably past time for me to read the book.

The most unique version of the story I witnessed was a one man version at the Olney Theatre. It was quite the performance. Holiday memories

This year I am reading John Grisham's "Skipping Christmas" which I just found out was turned into a movie called "Christmas with the Kranks."  I will let you know what I think about it when I finish reading the book.

Well, I have talked about doing a giveaway on my blog before and now I am doing one. I am giving away a copy of "Skipping Christmas" using my facebook writer page.

Here is a link to the giveaway:  http://www.giveawaytab.com/mob.php?pageid=171327449557105

If you are using a mobile device this one might work if the other one does not: http://www.giveawaytab.com/giveaway2/mobile.php?pageid=171327449557105


If your interested in the used book please enter the contest and good luck!

I am also curious what are you reading this Holiday Season? Any all time favorite Holiday books? Feel free to share in the comments.

R.I.P Thomas Meehan

Thomas Meehan is probably best known for writing Annie.  His career was so much more than that.

He wrote the books to Broadway Musicals. Thomas won Tony Awards writing the books to probably the three biggest musicals of my life time. If they weren't the biggest they were near the top. Annie, Hairspray and The Producers.

Above a clip from Hairspray below a clip from The Producers...

I was able to review a production of Hairspray at The Signature Theatre in Alexandria, Virginia  outside of Washington when I wrote for the Maryland Theatre Guide. You can revisit that review from 2011 here.

He also wrote the books for the musicals Rocky and Elf. He also wrote the book for one of my favorite movies when I was a kid Spaceballs. He was a successful writer who lived a long life. He will be missed.

R.I.P Robert Hardy

Opening my tribute post to actor Robert Hardy with a clip from "All Creatures Great and Small."

Robert Hardy passed away at the age of 91 earlier this week. He is best known for his role in the  Harry Potter movies and "All Creatures Great and Small." However he has appeared in over 30 movies, several television shows and many stage productions over his long career. A career highlighted by being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

A clip from the Harry Potter series..

Here is a vintage clip of Robert Hardy performing in Shakespeare's Henry V on the BBC..

The entertainment world lost a great one. However, Robert Hardy left behind an amazing recorded legacy. May he Rest in Peace.

R.I.P Sam Shepard

Sam Shepard was an actor, author and playwright. He was a Pulitzer Price winning playwright. He won that award once and was nominated on two other occasions. He has been inducted in the American Theater Hall of Fame and won a Drama Desk Award.

A Simple Tribute..

A clip from "The Right Stuff"

A reading from Patti Smith...

The entertainment world lost another treasure. Creating plays to staring on the Silver Screen. He leaves behind quite a legacy.

A to Z Challenge: Chicago the Musical

Today, I'm switching over to musical theater. At one time I did write about theater for this site. Why am I picking Chicago besides the fact it starts with a C? It was the first National Touring musical that I ever went to see back in 2002. I won tickets from a fabulous record store (remember them?).

What's not to like the musical has catchy songs, an easy to follow plot, eye candy, and "All That Jazz". We caught the show at The Lyric, a beautiful venue in Baltimore, Maryland.

It was back on mind since, I just watched another touring version of the show in February in Pensacola.

That tour is playing sat The Kennedy Center now through  April 16, with Grammy Award winning singer Brandy Norwood portraying Roxie.

 I notice there were some small differences since the last time I witness the performance, which was nice. Seeing the show before, watching the movie version you do get used to the show.

This is just a quick post on /c and /i will be back with a D post soon.

RIP Martin Milner

Martin Milner the actor best known for his roles in the television hits Route 66 and Adam 12 has passed away at the age of 83.

Trailer for Adam 12..

Route 66  a clip from that show...

He was an actor in films, television, the stage and radio, A combination that would be hard to find in today's entertainment era.

For the ladies here are some of his romantic scenes....

For the guys I present you a brawl scene...

The world lost a talent, thanks for the memories and  may you rest in peace.

I will be back soon with a new post.

R.I.P Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

Once in a while on this blog I like play it forward and spot light another writer or give a shout out to another writer.Even though Sydney-Chanele Dawkins is deserving of being put into a spotlight due to her writing this is not the way that I had envisioned. Most of the writers I know and spotlight or give a shout out to are people I only know in the cyber world. It is a little different when the person is someone you know in person. I have found memories of hanging out with this writer at CATF- Contemporary American Theater Festival after parties and at DC Metro Theater Arts meetings and gatherings. What is sadder is writing a Rest in Peace article. She lost her battle with breast cancer.

Sydney-Chanele Dawkins

I will share the article on her passing penned by Joel Markowitz here. She was a reviewer, columnist, and interviewer at DC Metro Theater Arts and I do recommend checking out her work there. You will find some great interviews on film, theatre, and music. Also there are some fantastic reviews of the Washington area entertainment scene. 

Photo courtesy of DC Metro Theater Arts. Beyond writing she created three feature films, produced plays with local theater groups, and was involved with  several film festivals and art groups. The Washington Area arts scene will definitely miss her. At 47 she passed away too soon. MAy she rest in peace.

Battle of the Bands 14: My Funny Valentine

Since December my Battle of the Bands post have been pretty thematic. That continues this month as Valentine's Day strikes in the center of the month,  My selection this time around is Rodgers and Hart's "My Funny Valentine." The song is originally from the musical "Babes in Arms."

Before I get to the music let me explain what is going on and who else has battles!

Regular rules, listen to the song clips in the blog post. In the comment section vote for the one you like the best. Feel free to explain why you voted the way you did. The battles take place on the first and 15th and winners will be announced on the 7th and 21st. I will normally post the winner in the comments. Of course have fun and enjoy!

The below list is edited to welcome some new battles and unfortunately some battles have taken a break. If you are still looking for more musical fun after you vote, you can check out these sites for more battles:

DC Relief

Your Daily Dose

Tossing It Out

STMcC Presents "Battle of the Bands"

A Writer's Life in Progress

Curious as a Cathy

The Sound of One Hand Typing

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Far Away Series

I am changing it around this month, I am not posting the original song. Just two very different covers.

CHALLENGER ONE: FRANK SINATRA

CHALLENGER TWO: ELLA FITZGERALD

A battle of the sexes if you a like. A battle between two legends if you like. A great song covered by two great voices enjoy. 

Enjoy! Vote in the comments and I will see you soon!

R.I.P Mike Nichols

In his career Mike Nichols won the most desirable awards in show business. Awards such as a Grammy, Emmy, Oscar, and Tony helped create a legend. Kennedy Center Awards and a National Medal of the Arts recognized his legacy.


He won his Grammy Award being part of the Nichols and May duo,,

Theater wise he won nine Tony Awards from Barefoot in the Park, to Spamalot, to Death of a Salesman and many in between.

An Academy Award and a Golden Globe for The Graduate...

Throw in four Emmy Awards for works like Angels in America....

Here is a news report...

Diane Sawyer will miss her husband, the rest of his family will missh im and the world will miss his entertaining talents.

Music Has Left The Hills: Maria von Trapp has passed away

Certainly those famous lines of "the hills are alive with the sound of music"from The Sound of Music will echo off the walls of a theater somewhere. However, the hills of Stowe, Vermont were silent on Saturday. It was a silence echoed in the famed hills of Austria where the original story found meaning. Maria von Trapp passed away on Saturday at the age of 99.

She was the last singing member from the famous Trapp family who The Sound of Music is based on. The story was originally found in the book "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers" which was written by Maria's mother, Maria Kutschera von Trapp. The family gave the world another example of how sometimes the best stories come from real life.

The original movie version is a staple for the girls in my household. The last time I watched the musical was when I reviewed a wonderful performance of the show at The Olney Theatre Center in Maryland. You can read my review for The Maryland Theatre Guide here.

The trailer to the 1965 movie here:

That famous song..

Thanks for the story, the musical, and the memories!

Woody Sez is Back at Theatre J

Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie is back at Theatre J in Washington, D.C. When I reviewed it last year I discovered it was pretty much the same production that worked the stages of London's West End (the English equivalent of Broadway.) The same cast, design and director. In reality you get see a West End quality production up close at Theatre J. The show is easily one of the best values for musical theater in Washington. You can read my review of last year's show here.

However, it is a different year. How is this years production? Apparently this year's production is still incredible! Christina Marie Frank of DC Metro Theater gives the production five stars! You can read her review here. John Stoltenberg also from DC Metro Theater Arts also chimed in on the experience and you can read his views here. However, I would encourage you to check out a performance for your self.

Here is a trailer for the show from another theater. Yes it is a traveling show.

After the show stay for the Hootenanny to hear even more music. Below is a little taste..

Here they perform "Bound for Glory"

Trust me the show is packed with more music.Plus there is a distinct dramatic side to it and a story to be told. Go and catch the show if you can.

Medieval Storyland

After this play made a run at The Capital Fringe Festival a new production of Medieval Storyland came to live at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn. Here is a review of The Fringe production.

Here are some behind the scene fotage probably from the Fringe production...

The Arts Barn is a much better looking venue then most of the Capital Fringe venues. Some of ther Fringe venues are very nice including The Studio Theatre and some of the Galleries. Some are very run down but it is space is an expensive town and the emphasis is on talent and variety.



The Arts Barn is directly behind this mansion enough said..

Well. with the venue change and a new cast they were still able to deliver a great, family show. You can read my review here. The show contiues through this weekend.

I will be back with a new post soon so enjoy! 

The Power of Light

We all know the power of light. We have all been stuck in the dark due to a power outage. We have all been blinded by bright lights. Most of us who go to concerts have seen cool light shows.

I wanted to blog about theater lighting and the power of it. I spent the weekend watching shows at the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) and the lighting stuck in mind. The lighting was designed by some of the best in the business D.M. Wood, Traci Klainer Polimeni, and John Ambrosone. I was impressed how they all made the theaters go dark before right before the shows started. The stage area was almost pitch black. It had such power in this action. The chit chat ended, the audience silenced, and all eyes were directed to the stage. A simple action but an action with such power.

The lights were used that way during intermission which as an audience member I found helpful. It made me mentally ready for the show to continue. Of course when the house lights come on at the end of a concert or show letting you know the production is over.

Obviously in theater the lighting helps set up the scenes, directs the audience attention, and plays a vital role in the production. I just noticed a little thing at the theater that had so much power!

A to Z: DC Metro Theater Arts

Today's letter is D. So I Thought I would dedicate to a place I write at called DC Metro Theater Arts.If you are interested in the performing arts in the Washington DC area I would recommend the site to you. They cover a bit beyond DC as well inccluding Fredericksburg, Frederick, Annapolis and Baltimore.

Yes most of the site is theatre related. The site does reach outside DC being linked to Broadway World in New York. The site does cover more than theatre covering dance, concerts, some movies, and more events. There are also well writen columns.

I've covered a lot of concerts. The music varies tro include authentic Irish folk muisc, Burmese rock, classical, jazz, country, rock, alt rock, bluegrass, show tunes, alt country, pop, and more. I have also covered (and of course the site as well) a lot of theatre including National Tours, International Tours, to cutting edge local theatre.

Other events I have covered for the site include a circus, a Chinese Dance Theatre event, commedians, children theatre, and puppets. The site covers a lot of stuff and posts daily.

Off to see the Wizard

Saturday was a perfect day to go see The Wizard of Oz at the Arts Barn in Germantown, Maryland. It was cloudy and a thunderstorm was on its way. Thankfully it was a tornado even though the Kat 2nd Stage production did take me along on the Yellow Brick Road to Oz.

It is a family friendly show and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon or evening or a Sunday afternoon with the family. It is also good theatre and worth the visit if you are in  the area. It could be a nice date or just a fun outing. Anyway you can read my review here.

Here is a clip from the original movie back in 1939...

It has been a long time since I've seen a production of The Wizard of Oz and the Arts Barn and Kat 2nd Stage made me glad I went to their production.

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.

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!