R.I.P Robert Hunter

Robert Hunter the legendary lyricist best know for his songs written for the Grateful Dead passed away today. He wrote lyrics for others as well including Jerry Garcia, Bruce Hornsby, Little Feat, Bill Payne, David Nelson, Jim Lauderdale,  and even collaborated with Bob Dylan. he has also written several books of poetry.


                                            Robert's version of "Box of Rain"

The Grateful Dead "Ripple"

I interviewed Bill Payne one of the founders of Little Feat on songwriting with Robert Hunter:

"If Robert doesn’t like something he is going to tell me. If lyrically he sends me something I can’t sing then I need to see if we can do something a little differently. Then he goes, ‘BOOM! – try this!” It’s usually not only better but a lot better."

Here is a song they wrote together "Ragtop Down"

He wrote "Cyclone" for Bruce Hornsby

Bob Dylan "Silvio"

Fare thee well!

"Brokedown Palace"

Hunter is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Americana Music Awards presented him a lifetime achievement award,  but his legacy is in the words of so many songs.

Battle of the Bands 100: Easy to Slip

This is Battle of the Bands 100 for me so I thought it should be special for me and hopefully for my audience. It is no secret I l like Little Feat. I didn't get to see the band when Lowell George was around. Interviewing Little Feat's co-founder Bill Payne was amazing and then to meet him in person was pretty darn cool.

Well the song this go around comes from Little Feat called "Easy to Slip"

                                                    Contestant One: Sandy Denny

Contestant Two: Bob Weir

Two contestants who found fame in interesting groups. One from Fairport Convention and one from the Grateful Dead. Vote for the one you like best in the comments. I will count the votes and announce the winner in a week or so.

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!

First cocert of 2018: The Travelin’ McCourys

This time around I went to see The Travelin’ McCourys completely by chance some 370 miles from my home. My schedule at work is pending a change so while I have my schedule with a string of days off I decided to visit my parents. When I visit my parents I try to meet up with a good friend of mine who lives in the area. He used to live real close to my parents now he lives about an hour away. Well he was going to the concert with his girlfriend, Dad, and now me!

The Wild Shiners a fun and talented band from North Florida warmed up the crowd with an opening set. Bringing skill, energy and humor the band showed the future of bluegrass and traditional music in this region is in good hands.

Here they are with "Momma, Hinesville Georgia"

This is a song they played during their set at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall on Saturday, January 20, 2018.

The last time I experienced the Travelin' McCourys they were doing a special concert celebrating the music of Bill Monroe with living Bluegrass legends Peter Rowan and Tony Rice. You can revisit my review of that incredible show here.

I was looking forward to experiencing a true Travelin’ McCourys show! They didn't disappoint with a close to two hour show. Below is a little sample from the show...

My friend stated everyone in the band is a world class musician. The band had a new guitarist since the last time I watched them with Cody Kilby who worked with Ricky Skaggs for 14 years. Ronnie and Rob carry the famous McCoury bloodline on mandolin and banjo respectfully.  Alan Bartram fills out the sound on bass.

Needless to say it was a night of good fun!

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.

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.

Happy Birthday Smokey Robinson!

Today is Smokey Robinson's 76th birthday! I celebrated his 75th birthday last year with this post.  I am also featuring one of his songs in my current Battle of the Bands post. There is still time to vote if you like!

Five years ago, I had the honor of reviewing his performance at the Kennedy Center. It was for a charity event and Robinson still gave a full show. You can read my review here.

Enough about what I've posted, you know my celebrations are all about the music.

Here he is with the Miracles, "You Really Got a Hold of Me"

Elliptical Man posted last year his favorite song from Smokey was "Just to See Her"

I do requests and mentions so feel free to share your Smokey Robinson memories, favorite songs and such in the comments. Here is "Baby Come Close"

Hope you enjoy and I will be back soon!

The Circus is leaving...

This post has nothing to do with Eric Clapton and everything to do with the Circus. When I think of the Circus, I think of The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Sure I have enjoyed going to see other ones. The Big Apple Circus was awesome when I reviewed it here. However, it wasn't the Circus and that is what is ending.


The last time I went to the circus was two years ago and here is my daughter trying on costumes before the show..



Maybe she will become a daredevil motorcycle rider..



Her mom my not approve of that occupation for her. Guess it is too late for me to run off and join the circus now, I would probably have been a clown.

I've been lucky to share the circus with my stepson when he was young and my daughter. Of course I have memories from when I was young too..



I remember watching the late, great Gunther Gebel-Williams perform. As a child I had  dreams of being him and working with the big cats. I grew older and worked with house cats. Those house cats have always thought of me as their own chew toys so I guess it is probably for the best I didn't work with the big cats. Did I miss calling? Below is my daughter and me hanging out with a tiger..



The circus had their fights over animal shows. A circus isn't always politically correct. It did bring people together and did entertain. However over 146 years entertainment has changed. I will miss the circus but I am glad I have fond memories and that I had the opportunity to share the circus.

A circus train from 2016..

Circus Opening..

What are your circus memories? Feel free to share. I will miss the circus.

Battle of the Bands Results: Diana Krall wins a close one

I am back with the results for The Battle of the Bands for May 15th. I am publishing the results a tad late. I am blogging again after being unplugged for a few days. Wasn't planned that way it just happened. My work scheduled change to more normal hours which is great for the family, life work balance thing but apparently not so good for the blogging balance.



The battle was close with Diana Krall winning 9 votes to 6 over Prince. It was a fun Battle to put together. What will I come up for in June? I have no idea but check back for that battle on June 1st.

I did get to review one of Diana Krall's concerts almost four years ago at Wolf Trap for DC Metro Theater Arts, you can read my thoughts on that show here. Hard to believe that was four years ago. Life changes. We could reminisce all day or I could share some songs.

What's that I see oh..."The Look of Love"...

That one left me "Almost Blue"...

Okay just "Walk on Bye"..

Thanks for visiting and I will be back soon I hope!

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.

"Boogie" and my latest writing project

Well I have started a new writing project reviewing movies on a site called Irish Film Critic. I will be reviewing films. Not to much different from what I did with DC Metro Theater Arts and Maryland Theatre Guide. The only different is the subject will be movies instead of theatre and concerts. There is the possibility of me doing more there as well but I will blog about that when it happens.

My first review is up about an animated film called "Boogie." You can read the review here. It is based on a comic by Roberto Fontanarossa. The film is for adult audience with foul language and other politic incorrect humor and situations.

Here is a trailer however it is not in English...

The film version I reviewed was in English but I think you can still get the gist in the trailer. Like always when I post about things like this I will try to add more.

I will be back soon with a new post!

A to Z: Xanadu and the Landless Theatre

About two and a half years ago I reviewed a performance of Xanadu which was produced by the Landless Theatre Company. It was a fun, entertaining and crazy show. You can read my review here. I also blogged about Xanadu on this blog here as I would blog about shows I reviewed and add a little bit more in my blog.

I am revisiting Xanadu because today is the letter X on the A to Z: Challenge! Only two more posts to go on the challenge so the end is near. Xanadu was what kept popping up in my mind for X. After re-reading my original blog post I realized I really didn't give the Landless Theatre Company a proper shout out! Even though their production of Xanadu is yesteryear's news the theatre company is producing new shows which are worth mentioning.

How about a clip from Xanadu..here is Olivia Newton-John and the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) performing the title track..

Theatre and music fans might enjoy this song from the 2008 Tony Awards featuring Cheyenne Jackson and Kerry Butler performing "Don't Walk Away" from the musical...

The Landless Theatre Company has continued to produce crazy, entertaining and fun theatre. This summer they are bringing their Prog Metal version of Sweeney Todd to the Atlas Theatre in Washington, D.C. Last year the shows debut was nominated for three Helen Hayes Awards which are like Washington's version of the Tony Awards. You can learn more about this theatre group here. Interestered in reading a review about the prog metal Sweeney Todd? Here is one from Metaldisciple.com. Think about a musical being reviewed by a Heavy Metal site that is the craziness of Landless. I wish I could catch this show.

Stayed tuned as the A to Z: Challenge nears the end!

Diana Krall

I don't write as I often as I used too. I am not reviewing concerts and theatre productions on a regular basis anymore. I've started to see more shows. Just haven't found the right opportunities that fit my writing and my regular job. One of the things I miss about writing regular reviews is it gave me plenty to blog about here. I used to call it "shameless self promotion." However, I always strived to add a little bit more to my blog. Perhaps it was videos that couldn't be added to the review, maybe an explanation of my thoughts.

In that spirit since I still write for the Examiner covering live music in the Washington area I decided to blog about Diana Krall who is one of the most successful jazz artist of my time. I wrote a preview article for her upcoming concert at the Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland later this week. You can read it here. Her latest album "Wallflowers" sounds like a potential goldmine for my blogs' monthly Battle of the Bands series I participate in.

Below she performs "Walk on By"

The Strathmore is a venue I have reviewed shows at several times in the past. I can't praise the venue enough for the great sound and easy access. I reviewed Diana Krall when she performed at another famous venue Wolf Trap in 2012. You can read the review here at DC Theater and Arts.

Here she performs "Temptation" in Canada...

In the end it is always about the music and I do enjoy sharing it. 

"I'm A Little Mixed Up"

Hope you enjoyed my blog on Diana Krall and if she is coming to a venue near you and you enjoy jazz do yourself a favor and go see her perform!

Happy Birthday Michael McDonald

Last night I went and saw Michael McDonald in concert. It was an early Valentine's Day date for my wife since I have to work on Valentine's Day. The crowd sang Happy Birthday to him even though the five time Grammy Award winners birthday is today.

The first time I saw Michael McDonald in concert he was part of an all-star band called The Dukes of September...

Here is a review of that show I wrote for DC Metro Theater Arts if you are interested.

I am just celebrating his birthday in the style of this blog which is to share a bunch of music!

"What a Fool Believes"

Here Michael sings lead on Steely Dan's "Do It Again" ..

I am a big Steely Dan fan so I had no problem adding that song to the blog. Below he performs "You Belong to Me" with The Doobie Brothers.

I hope I don't forget anything..

Thanks for stopping in! I hope you enjoyed your visit!

Happy Birthday Martina McBride

Country hit maker Martina McBride celebrates her birthday today.

A couple of years ago I had the honor of reviewing her show at Wolf Trap. You can relive it here in my review.

The first video was "Independence Day" followed by "Concrete Angel." Below is from the concert I reviewed.

Here is one more hit to wrap this blog up..

Happy Birthday Martina McBride! Thanks for stopping in stay tuned for a new post!

Crosby, Stills and Nash

I just finished writing a preview for tonight's Crosby, Stills and Nash show at Wolf Trap which you can read here. If you are a fan of the band check out the attached slide show with the article though I can't take credit for the photographs.

I have been lucky enough to see Crosby, Stills and Young twice even though it was like 20 years apart. Funny thing it was at the same venue Wolf Trap. Anyway the last time I watched them I reviewed the show for DC Metro Theater Arts and you can relive the show through my review.

Yes, if you read my blog you know I like to add extras. I am digging some extras to add to this post like this..

That was the encore from the show I reviewed. Below is a song they performed in March of this year..

And one of my favorite songs by them..

If you are going to the show tonight enjoy! If you catch them on the tour I hope you enjoy! If not I hope you enjoyed your visit to my blog.

Frank Britton

Picture from Forum Theatre.

Frank Britton is an actor in the Washington, DC area and a part of the strong theater community in the area. He had surgery two days ago due to injuries he sustained from being mugged and beat up after an opening night cast party for his current project The Last Days of Judas Iscariot which is being performed at the Forum Theatre. You can read about what happened to Frank at DC Metro Theater Arts.

There is a gofundme page set up to raise funds for Frank's medical expenses. Sad that violence happens and sad there are victims. However it is wonderful to see the theater community of Washington come together for Frank Britton.

Open Air Stereo

Open Air Stereo is a band with a lot of interesting storylines from taking over 10 years to release a full length album, to the lead singer starring in an MTV reality show (the band made cameos), to finding their guitarist through Craigslists and embarking on a nationwide tour.

I had the opportunity to talk to Open Air Stereo's guitarist Scott Pounds and you can read the interview here.

The interview had some fun videos attached but I am going to add a few more here. Hopefully some different versions and different songs.

He said this song was his favorite and it is the band's current single. The song is called "Damned"

Here is a live version enjoy..

Here is a clip from "Laguna Beach" or at least a slide show about the series..

.

This band Miggs is touring with them..

Let's share another video from Open Air Stereo..

Can't see them tonight at Jammin' Java here are some more tour dates..




Hope you enjoy and I will be back with more soon...

Luisa Maita

Luisa Maita is a Brazilian singer, musician who is performing a sold out show at the Artisphere in Arlington, Virginia tomorrow or more properly tonight. The award winning artist has been called the New Voice of Brazil by NPR. I had the opportunity to speak with her and you can read my interview here.

  

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I also plugged the show on the Examiner. The interview also marked my return to DC Metro Theater Arts. I might be a few hundred miles away but I'll be back with more stuff.Please check out the interview if you like her music there are a few more videos attached as well.

I will be back with a new blog soon as well.

Happy Birthday Bill Payne

Bill Payne is best known as a founder and keyboardist for the legendary band Little Feat and today is his birthday. Today's post will have a throwback Thursday feel to it as I revisit some memories, share some music and celebrate his birthday.

"Let it Roll"

The musical writing highlight of 2013 for me was getting the chance to interview Bill Payne. You can read my interview at DC Metro Theater Arts. Also four videos of music were added to the article by editor for your listening and viewing pleasure!

Below is a video from his solo tour with Gabe Ford performing "Gringo"

 

Here is my review of Bill Payne's tour stop at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia.

 

Below he performs with The Hooligans, a band whose latest release Bill produced..

 

 

 

We will end this post with some classic Little Feat...