Had a major virus meltdown on the old PC and have turned to the APPLE Corporation for my future computer needs. Just got a new iMac with a 24 inch screen and a new Printer/Scanner that does 11 x17 pages so I can now scan scores into the computer. Nice.
In other news...
The band and I did a Sinatra Tribute at the Charles Ives Center in Danbury, Ct., once again featuring singer Tony Babino. Tony is a real showman, a real singer and a really nice guy. No Sinatra affectations at all. (Most of these guys travel with their own rain coat, hat and lamp post, trying to be like Frank).
Two big nights at the Hollywood Bowl with Liza Minnelli and the band. Had a swell time in LA, seeing old friends, going to the Hollywood Drum Shop to bother Stan and the gang, attending a Hollywood Bowl Orchestra rehearsal so I could bother Don Williams as he was trying to play Bass Drum and also a stop at Chad Sexton's Drum City in North Hollywood.
Ate at Dan Tana's and Musso and Frank's Grill in Hollywood. Glad that a few of the places I love and loved in Los Angeles are still around.
The Bowl Concerts were great, with the Saturday night show being one of my all time favorites with Liza ever. She was amazing and the audience of 14,000 was on their feet all night, screaming for more.
Then we did a trio gig at the New York Public Library for the 25th Anniversary of PAPER magazine. We followed Queen Latifah and another band called the Virgins. Big guns but Liza had them singing along and under her spell, as always.
As I write this, we are about to go to Las Vegas for a week of Shows at the MGM. The last two are going to be taped for a PBS Special.
Then a Mancini Magic Weekend with the Elgin, Ill. Symphony Orchestra followed by a 27 hour flight to Perth to join Liza and the Minnoolians mid tour.
November has the Santa Rosa Pops Opener Nov. 21 & 22 featuring Debbie Gravitte, Tony Award winner and Singer Extraordinaire.
Looking forward to a new Endorsement relationship with Bosphorous Cymbals. Thanks to Michael Vosbein for that and while we're at it, thanks to Don Lombardi and Garrison at DW Drums. DW are the best drums I've ever played and the company is tops in terms of Artist support. If you see me in concert, DW has helped to provide the great drums I'm using. Try them...you'll like them.
Autumn has arrived a bit early in New York and I had the heat on in the house last night. Too soon, too soon.
That's it for the moment, I still have drums for sale. Scroll down and you'll see them. I'll make you a good deal. I NEED THE ROOM!!!!
Until the next time,
Happy New Year and don't hesitate to say hi if you come to a concert.
Mike Berkowitz
