And we're back...
Was in beautiful Santa Rosa, Ca. this past weekend for our Opening Santa Rosa Pops Concert featuring the Four Freshmen. All I can say is....GREAT MUSIC!!!
The lovely Deirdre and I were accompanied on this trip by Martin and Judi Schwartz. Our exploits included dinner at Scoma's in Sausalito, walking in Armstrong Woods among the Redwood Forest, Wine Tasting at Kendall Jackson, more eating at Coppola's Rustic Restaurant and side trips to Healdsburg, Windsor and Downtown Santa Rosa. Sandwiched in between was a rehearsal and then the concert on Sunday afternoon.
Off to conduct the Fab 4 concert with the Columbus Symphony. Looking forward to returning to the Ohio Theater with a really amazing group of musicians. And I'll be wearing my finest Beatles clothing for this concert as well...Shea Stadium Jacket for the first half and Abbey Road Frock coat for the second. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.
Was also out in Glendora, Ca. for a Sinatra/Basie at the Sands concert with an amazing LA Big Band and singer Tony Babino. All the real charts and all the great music from the classic album by Frank and William Basie. Look for us in Wickenburg, Az in January for another one of these Tributes to these musical geniuses.
Have stopped watching and reading anything more about the Election. Can't wait until the voting is over so we can move on. The 24 hour news cycle is the worst thing to happen to the US since deregulating the airlines and Corn Syrup.
FACEBOOK...I'm on it but it seems to have jumped the Shark as well as a couple of other things. Some many ways to waste time these days. Has anyone ever gone to a concert as a result of a FB invite? And thanks for the Events invites from Australia. I'll be right over.
Interesting to see the excitement Barbra Streisand still creates whenever she performs. She can fill up Arenas on multiple nights, performing with a 60 piece Orchestra and amazing Production/Sound and Lighting..
So great that there's still someone out there singing well written music, live, with the ability to attract such a devoted and large audience. Not many of those left. In various degrees I guess Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, Tony Bennett, Cher and Bette Midler when they perform...Billy Joel and Elton John and the Rolling Stones. Sting. Bruce Springsteen. It's a mighty small club and she's the Prez.
Don't read any further unless you don't mind some overly sentimental musings about Life and the Pursuit of Happiness.
As I get older, I value certain things more than ever. Loyalty is maybe at the top of the list. Friends, enjoying what's really important in life. Chunkies. Real Coca Cola made with cane sugar (available at my local Stop and Shop from Mexico), and of course the lovely Deirdre and our family, extended and otherwise.
So many of my old friends have joined the Choir lately. Some big names and some not so big names...all will be missed and remind me that it's important not wait to do things we really want to do in life. You never know what's around the corner. Time waits for no one, especially if you're a drummer. And it's a drag deleting contacts from my iPhone.
Sentimental section over.
Things I'm Loving These Days...
NCIS
Person Of Interest
The San Francisco Giants
Jeff Hamilton//Peter Erskine
A good pair of drumsticks (tougher to find than a good reed, IMO)
Being able to download Music and Books anywhere in the World.
Loose shoes.
When all my music is returned quickly from Symphony Orchestras...intact.
A good agent.
Locally owned Businesses.
Independent Films.
What I'm Not Loving These Days...
Musicians, etc. not getting paid for all those downloads I love so much.
Reality TV
TV Talking Heads, no matter the Political persuasion. Why Al Sharpton is on the air is as much a mystery to me as Glenn Beck.
Commuting, although the Quiet Car is a big help.
Intersections with tourists bunched up so I can't get through.
Blaming Musicians for the failures of their Executive Directors and Boards to raise money. We play the music... We'll do anything we can to help you raise funds, but at some point it's up to you to do your job too.
Airline prices, which are going through the roof and beyond. And the service is worse than ever.
People who "reach out"
OK, that's all Folks.
See you next time...
Mike B
