An unexpected treat...

Howdy Friends, (Lovers of Ray McKinley might remember that line)...

Back for another edition.

Been hanging a bit at the Homestead, getting things in tip top shape. We're off to the Hollywood Bowl for two nights with Liza at the end of the month and then in September we'll all be at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to recreate the Palace Show for PBS, complete with all the Kay Thompson selections, the 4 Kay Boys, the Band and Ms. Minnelli.

Friday, August 14th, I was at the Charles Ives Center in Danbury, Ct. with my Big Band and singer Tony Babino. The event was a Special Gala for supporters of the Ives Center. Executive Director Phyliss Cortese did a bang up job putting the evening together. A full house of donors and sponsors heard us recreate the Sinatra at the Sands Album. The band was smoking and once again Mr. Tony B sang his tush off. Tony is the only singer out there who knows this music and understands the emotional core of the songs and the lyrics. Sinatra acted these songs and Tony gets that.

Getting ready for the new season in Santa Rosa with the fab Santa Rosa Pops. Look on their website for the dates and shows for 2009/10. Also will be in Elgin, Ill. in October with their Orchestra performing Mancini Magic for three nights.

So, last weekend, the lovely Deirdre and myself got into the mighty Mini Cooper S and headed out for parts unknown. After a great breakfast in Hyde Park at the Eveready Diner (our favorite) we played some Miniature Golf in 93 degree heat in Poughkeepsie. Turning the car Eastward, we made our way to Millbrook, NY where we came upon the Innisfree Gardens. Acres of beautiful landscapes based on Chinese cup Gardens. The picture at the top of the page is one of these Gardens. Just beautiful. We'll be back in the Fall to see all the trees in their Autumnal glory.

And we'll be back here soon for more. This weekend...Palm Beach, Fl. The Ritz Carlton. If you need me, I'll be at the pool, or the Spa or the beach.

Best,

MB