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
