Melbourne report...

So, made it to Perth last week after flying 30 hours from O'Hare to Perth, with stops in Los Angeles and Sydney.

Finished the Mancini Magic concerts with the Elgin Symphony on Sunday afternoon at 5:25 pm and was at O'Hare, checked in and through security by 6:05!

Loved the Elgin concerts. Really wonderful Orchestra, great players who were very enjoyable to work with for three days. Really responsive audiences, standing Ovations and, of course, the genius of Henry Mancini's music.

Got a chance to hang with Gene Krupa friend, Joe Vetrano on the 16th, which is the date of GK's demise. Had dinner and went to some drum shops in the Chicago area. The DRUM PAD in Palatine, Ill. has more drums on display than anywhere I've ever been before! Cool place.

Concerts in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney with Liza Minnelli. Plus a pair of trio dates with Billy Stritch in Melbourne and Sydney too.

Go to Liza's website, www.officiallizaminnelli.com for the updates on reviews, news and dates. The Aussie reviews have been incredible and the audiences have embraced Liza everywhere she has performed. She is doing a Peter Allen tune, ALL THE LIVES OF ME, for an encore. I worked with Peter Allen in the early 70's, through my Helen Reddy connection. Nice to hear Peter's song sung by Liza. Speaking of Helen, hoping to see her and some other old friends in Sydney. Don't know when we'll get another chance to see each other, but you never know.

Back to NY on November 3rd. Home until PASIC in Indy, Nov. 11-14th. Can't wait to attend.

More soon.

MB

Off to Australia and Elgin, Illinois, too!

Hi All,

The October update.

Liza was in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand for a week, where we filmed "LIZA'S AT THE PALACE" for PBS. To be shown in December. Shows were fun and I enjoyed revisiting the Kay Thompson Material once again. I think Liza's championing for Kay Thompson has caused a bit of interest in Kay's work. I recently got a new reissue of 3 CD's of Kay Thompson music on Amazon. Really interesting arrangements and lot's of fun to listen to.

Las Vegas...What can I say. I first was there in 1969 for a couple of days. The Marquees had Jack Benny, Sinatra, Danny Thomas, Esquivel,Liberace and many more. It was an exciting place to be. Now it just 9 or 10 versions of Cirque De So What, very few name entertainers and a bunch of clubs. There is no longer any sensibility about how to dress in the Hotel or Casino. Lots of young adults, drinking, smoking, gambling and apparently, getting tattoos, everywhere.

I must say, I long for the Rat Pack days of Las Vegas. I know the current Marketing campaign is brilliant. What Happens There, Stays There...but how's about some class and manners?

Off to Elgin, Ill. on Wed. for three concerts with the Elgin Symphony. Mancini Magic on the 16/17 & 18th. Looking forward to being there.

Just got an endorsement with Bosphorus Cymbals, thanks to Michael Vosbein. I am amazed at the beautiful sounds I am hearing from these fine musical instruments. Clear and yet complex sound, fast response, great tonality...Try these out for yourselves!!!

On to Australia on the 18th, following the afternoon concert with Elgin. Concerts in Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne, plus a couple of club hits behind Billy Stritch. Haven't been there since Helen Reddy days. Only 12 Million in the entire country. Less than the population of Greater New York City.

I know they're going to love seeing Liza do her thing. All the hits in this show. If you're there, say Hello to the Drummer.

It's Xmas in the Mall already and 32 degrees outside here in Newburgh. Global Warming, Where For Art Thou?

Until the next time,

Mike B