These are the artists I hope to see one day, in no particular order. I did not include groups which are no longer together.
Simon & Garfunkel
Alison Krauss
Prince
Tony Bennett
Loretta Lynn
Aretha Franklin
Cliff Richard
The Killers
George Strait
The Who
Badly Drawn Boy
Arcade Fire
Wilco
Liza Minnelli
Barbra Streisand
Brian Setzer
Eros Ramazzotti
Robbie Williams
Eric Clapton
Randy Newman
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The Day After Christmas
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Favorite Movie Moments-The Shop Around the Corner
One of my all time favorite movie moments comes from the 1940 Ernst Lubitsch romantic comedy The Shop Around the Corner.
In a movie which is about as charming as a movie can get, one moment stands out as one of my favorite scenes of all time.
The movie is filled with some of the best character actors you could ever find, Felix Bressart, William Tracy, Inez Courtney, Joseph Schildkraut, Sara Haden, William Tracy. Add to that James Stewart and Margarat Sullavan in the leads and you really can't go wrong.
The movie has many, and I mean many, memorable and funny moments. The running joke about the cigarette box which plays Ochi Tchornya, Pirovitch continually going through great lengths to avoid any confrontation with shop owner Hugo Matuschek, played brilliantly by Frank Morgan, or watching Matuschek explode in anger but able to turn into the sweetest person once a customer enters the store. There are too many moments to mention, because one leads right into another.
However, the most touching moment comes when the brilliant Frank Morgan returns to the shop after a stay in the local hospital due to a mental breakdown. As the shop workers are gathered together before they leave that Christmas Eve, Mr. Matuschek thanks them for lifting his spirits while he was in the hospital by sending over a Christmas tree and also having one of the best days the store has ever had. He tells them that he spends the majority of his life in the store and that they are his family.
A very sentimental moment, but one that is never hokey or ruined by too much dialogue or close ups of the other actors looking at each other and acknowledging that "this is a touching moment".
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Brandon Flowers-Stone Pony 12/1/2010
The lead singer of The Killers performed a solo show at the Stone Pony on December 1st. The setlist was made up of primarily songs from his solo release Flamingo. He also included a couple Killers songs and one Bruce Springsteen cover, for a show which ran 75 minutes.
San Diego band Transfer opened the show.
Here's the setlist.
On the Floor
Crossfire
Magdalena
Promised Land(Bruce Springsteen Cover)
Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas
Was it Something I Said?
Hard Enough
Losing Touch(Killers Song)
Swallow It
Only the Young
Playing With Fire
The Clock Was Ticking
When We Were Young(Killlers Song)
San Diego band Transfer opened the show.
Here's the setlist.
On the Floor
Crossfire
Magdalena
Promised Land(Bruce Springsteen Cover)
Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas
Was it Something I Said?
Hard Enough
Losing Touch(Killers Song)
Swallow It
Only the Young
Playing With Fire
The Clock Was Ticking
When We Were Young(Killlers Song)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Last Perfect Thing
Congratulation to local band Last Perfect Thing, of Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Last Perfect Thing was one of 4 bands who won a spot on this past weekends annual Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. The contest was part of Clear Channel's I Heart Music campaign.
Last Perfect Thing ,Greg Wilkens, Jeff Teeter, Mike Smith & Kevin Conroy, are a New Jersey based band and got to perform 2 songs on Monday September 6. They performed both Dark Blue and Charles.
Congratulations to them for a great performance.
For more band information check out http://www.myspace.com/lastperfectthing
Last Perfect Thing was one of 4 bands who won a spot on this past weekends annual Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. The contest was part of Clear Channel's I Heart Music campaign.
Last Perfect Thing ,Greg Wilkens, Jeff Teeter, Mike Smith & Kevin Conroy, are a New Jersey based band and got to perform 2 songs on Monday September 6. They performed both Dark Blue and Charles.
Congratulations to them for a great performance.
For more band information check out http://www.myspace.com/lastperfectthing
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Mark Knopfler-Count Basie Theatre 5/5/2010
My Wife and I were fortunate to catch Mark Knopfler's appearance at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey. We both have wanted to see him for some time, and he did not let down.
Mr. Knopfler and his tight band, which included Guy Fletcher from the later Dire Straits lineup, played a 2+ hour show which was comprised mostly of solo work, but did include a handful of Dire Straits songs.
As expected, Mr. Knopfler's guitar playing was about as good as one could hope to hear. He sadly was suffering through a pinched nerve in his back which kept him seated through the show, but if you closed your eyes you would never have known it.
Here is the setlist:
Border Reiver
What It Is
Sailing to Philadelphia
Coyote
Prairie Wedding
Hill Farmer's Blues
Romeo & Juliet
Sultans of Swing
Donegan's Gone
Get Lucky
Marbletown
Speedway at Nazareth
Telegraph Road
Brothers in Arms
So Far Away
Piper to the End
Mr. Knopfler and his tight band, which included Guy Fletcher from the later Dire Straits lineup, played a 2+ hour show which was comprised mostly of solo work, but did include a handful of Dire Straits songs.
As expected, Mr. Knopfler's guitar playing was about as good as one could hope to hear. He sadly was suffering through a pinched nerve in his back which kept him seated through the show, but if you closed your eyes you would never have known it.
Here is the setlist:
Border Reiver
What It Is
Sailing to Philadelphia
Coyote
Prairie Wedding
Hill Farmer's Blues
Romeo & Juliet
Sultans of Swing
Donegan's Gone
Get Lucky
Marbletown
Speedway at Nazareth
Telegraph Road
Brothers in Arms
So Far Away
Piper to the End
Friday, April 23, 2010
In Memoriam - Delores Holmes
Delores Holmes, a local musician here in New Jersey, passed away on April 16 2010.
Born in 1946, Ms. Holmes was a member of the Bruce Springsteen Band in the late 60's through the Early 70's. She and her Daughter, Layonne Holmes, performed together in the group Rain and were both members of The Shirley's.
Ms. Holmes was also a member of Holiday Express, and charity group which performs primarily between Thanksgiving and New Years.
Rest in Peace
Born in 1946, Ms. Holmes was a member of the Bruce Springsteen Band in the late 60's through the Early 70's. She and her Daughter, Layonne Holmes, performed together in the group Rain and were both members of The Shirley's.
Ms. Holmes was also a member of Holiday Express, and charity group which performs primarily between Thanksgiving and New Years.
Rest in Peace
Friday, March 19, 2010
In Memoriam - Fess Parker
Actor Fess Parker passed away today of natural causes at the age of 85.
Like many kids growing up in the 1970's, Davy Crockett was one of the many programs we were able to see on the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday Nights. Although I cannot remember details of many of the episodes, I always loved the show and the natural actor playing the part of Davy Crockett. In a rare feat of 1950's acting, you never felt like Mr. Parker was "acting". I'm sure one of the reasons I have a love of the outdoors was due to year of playing Davy Crockett as a child.
Mr. Parker also played the part of Daniel Boone on TV from 1964-1970. He also memorably played the Father in Old Yeller, another Disney classic, which brought some of the adult themes which were in their animated classics to the live action format.
Mr. Parker focused on a career in real estate development in the 1970's and in 1989 started The Fess Parker Winery, which is still very successful.
On my first trip to Walt Disney World in the late 1970's, my parents were more than patient and tolerant when the only souvenir I wanted was Davy Crockett's trademark coonskin hat. They tried to persuade me to get the Peter Pan hat, but I broke them down. Of course what every 8 year old needs on a hot Orlando night is a fur hat. I loved that hat and wore it more than I should have.
Our sympathies go out to Mr. Parker's family and may he rest in peace.
Like many kids growing up in the 1970's, Davy Crockett was one of the many programs we were able to see on the Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday Nights. Although I cannot remember details of many of the episodes, I always loved the show and the natural actor playing the part of Davy Crockett. In a rare feat of 1950's acting, you never felt like Mr. Parker was "acting". I'm sure one of the reasons I have a love of the outdoors was due to year of playing Davy Crockett as a child.
Mr. Parker also played the part of Daniel Boone on TV from 1964-1970. He also memorably played the Father in Old Yeller, another Disney classic, which brought some of the adult themes which were in their animated classics to the live action format.
Mr. Parker focused on a career in real estate development in the 1970's and in 1989 started The Fess Parker Winery, which is still very successful.
On my first trip to Walt Disney World in the late 1970's, my parents were more than patient and tolerant when the only souvenir I wanted was Davy Crockett's trademark coonskin hat. They tried to persuade me to get the Peter Pan hat, but I broke them down. Of course what every 8 year old needs on a hot Orlando night is a fur hat. I loved that hat and wore it more than I should have.
Our sympathies go out to Mr. Parker's family and may he rest in peace.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Greatest Movie Moments-UP
In honor of the upcoming Academy Awards, I wanted to include what is probably my favorite moment from last years movies (at lease the ones I saw), the Best Picture, and Best Animated Picture nominee, UP.
In a sequence that has been written about by everyone who has seen Up, the opening sequence of the movie is among the most moving ever put on film. After a brief setup of how main character Carl and Ellie meet, a summary of their life together is presented with no dialogue, just musical accompaniment. I know few people who make it through this sequence with at least not getting choked up.
The sequence shows how no matter what plans you may have, everyday events usually take precedence, and that maybe the greatest adventures in your life are not what or where you thought they would be.
In a sequence that has been written about by everyone who has seen Up, the opening sequence of the movie is among the most moving ever put on film. After a brief setup of how main character Carl and Ellie meet, a summary of their life together is presented with no dialogue, just musical accompaniment. I know few people who make it through this sequence with at least not getting choked up.
The sequence shows how no matter what plans you may have, everyday events usually take precedence, and that maybe the greatest adventures in your life are not what or where you thought they would be.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
2010 Academy Award Nominations
Next Tuesday nominees are announced for this years Academy Awards. The ceremony will be on Sunday March 7, 2010.
This, for some reason, is one of my favorite times of the year.
This year, there will be 10 movies nominated for Best Picture, as opposed to the usual 5. Here are the movies I think will be nominated.
1-Avatar
2-The Blind Side
3-Crazy Heart
4-An Education
5-500 Days of Summer
6-The Hurt Locker
7-Inglourious Basterds
8-The Last Station
9-Precious
10-Up In the Air
Here are the dark horse possibilities.
District 9
A Serious Man
A Single Man
Star Trek
Most of these are givens, but a couple are long shots. I'm sure I will change my mind about 20 times before next Tuesday when the nominations are announced.
This, for some reason, is one of my favorite times of the year.
This year, there will be 10 movies nominated for Best Picture, as opposed to the usual 5. Here are the movies I think will be nominated.
1-Avatar
2-The Blind Side
3-Crazy Heart
4-An Education
5-500 Days of Summer
6-The Hurt Locker
7-Inglourious Basterds
8-The Last Station
9-Precious
10-Up In the Air
Here are the dark horse possibilities.
District 9
A Serious Man
A Single Man
Star Trek
Most of these are givens, but a couple are long shots. I'm sure I will change my mind about 20 times before next Tuesday when the nominations are announced.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Light of Day 10 Paramount Theatre Images
More photos from Light of Day 10 at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park New Jersey on 1/16/2010.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Light of Day 10 - 1/16/10 Paramount Theatre
What started as a birthday party for Bob Benjamin at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank New Jersey in 1998, has turned into an annual international event to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson's Disease research, family support and improved treatments.
The first concert was held at the Stone Pony in 2000. There were many bands and Pittsburgh rockers Joe Grushecky and the House Rockers headlined the show. Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at that show and returned for several years after.
The annual concerts were held at different places over the past 10 years: The Stone Pony, Tradewinds in Sea Bright New Jersey, Starland Ballroom in Sayerville New Jersey, and the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park.
The shows started out as a one off show in November to mark Mr. Benjamin's birthday, but have grown to multiple nights in New Jersey. In addition, shows are now held in New York, California, Canada, and several countries in Europe.
This year the New Jersey shows were held a couple months after Mr. Benjamin's birthday. The first show was held at the Stone Pony, and the final shows are being held in Asbury Park at a few different locations on Sunday January 17. These shows will be "songwriter" shows and will feature, among others, Glen Burtnick, John Eddie, Nicole Atkins, Quincy Mumford, Richard Barone, Lisa Lowell and Joe D'urso.
In between these shows, on Saturday January 16, the Wonder Bar in Asbury held an early afternoon show, and the Paramount Theatre in Asbury held what has become the cornerstone show.
As usual, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, Willie Nile, Jesse Malin and Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan were on the bill. Outside the Box and Ed Kowalczyk of Live were also perfomers. In between the main stage sets, an acoustic stage was set up in front of the curtain, so the music was continuous.
Vincent "Big Pussy" Pastore, Tony Palligrossi, Rich Russo and Jeff Raspe helped introduce the acts throughout the night.
Outside the Box started the main stage show off with a strong set and was followed by Joe D'urso and Stone Caravan. Wille Nile came next and was joined by Joe D'urso for the entire set, and Joe Gruschecky for a couple songs. At the end of Willie's set, the curtain came down prematurely. When it came back up, he was joined by Bruce Springsteen and Joe Grushecky for "Heaven Help the Lonely".
Bruce was back for Jesse Malin's set, which also saw a surprise appearance by Nicole Atkins.
Ed Kowalczyk from Live came next and gave an amazing performance of both Live and solo songs. I cannot say enough about how remarkable his voice is.
Joe Grushecky performed last and was joined, as he has been so often in the past, by Bruce Springsteen. Joe played 4 songs and Bruce joined in for a 70 minute set on his own songs, a couple Grushecky songs, and an all artist finale of Light of Day and Twist and Shout.
Mention must be made of the funniest line of the evening. The final performer on the acoustic stage was Bruce Tunkel. Before he started he said "that's right, I'm the last barricade to your dreams".
Happily, the audience was extremely respectful to all the performers knowing there was a lot of great music to be heard, all for a good cause.
I will include the artist line-up and as many of the songs I can remember. I am certain some of the titles will be wrong. I will also include additional photos in the next posts.
Anthony D'Amato
Holy War
Hank Williams Tune
Outside the Box
The first concert was held at the Stone Pony in 2000. There were many bands and Pittsburgh rockers Joe Grushecky and the House Rockers headlined the show. Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at that show and returned for several years after.
The annual concerts were held at different places over the past 10 years: The Stone Pony, Tradewinds in Sea Bright New Jersey, Starland Ballroom in Sayerville New Jersey, and the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park.
The shows started out as a one off show in November to mark Mr. Benjamin's birthday, but have grown to multiple nights in New Jersey. In addition, shows are now held in New York, California, Canada, and several countries in Europe.
This year the New Jersey shows were held a couple months after Mr. Benjamin's birthday. The first show was held at the Stone Pony, and the final shows are being held in Asbury Park at a few different locations on Sunday January 17. These shows will be "songwriter" shows and will feature, among others, Glen Burtnick, John Eddie, Nicole Atkins, Quincy Mumford, Richard Barone, Lisa Lowell and Joe D'urso.
In between these shows, on Saturday January 16, the Wonder Bar in Asbury held an early afternoon show, and the Paramount Theatre in Asbury held what has become the cornerstone show.
As usual, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, Willie Nile, Jesse Malin and Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan were on the bill. Outside the Box and Ed Kowalczyk of Live were also perfomers. In between the main stage sets, an acoustic stage was set up in front of the curtain, so the music was continuous.
Vincent "Big Pussy" Pastore, Tony Palligrossi, Rich Russo and Jeff Raspe helped introduce the acts throughout the night.
Outside the Box started the main stage show off with a strong set and was followed by Joe D'urso and Stone Caravan. Wille Nile came next and was joined by Joe D'urso for the entire set, and Joe Gruschecky for a couple songs. At the end of Willie's set, the curtain came down prematurely. When it came back up, he was joined by Bruce Springsteen and Joe Grushecky for "Heaven Help the Lonely".
Bruce was back for Jesse Malin's set, which also saw a surprise appearance by Nicole Atkins.
Ed Kowalczyk from Live came next and gave an amazing performance of both Live and solo songs. I cannot say enough about how remarkable his voice is.
Joe Grushecky performed last and was joined, as he has been so often in the past, by Bruce Springsteen. Joe played 4 songs and Bruce joined in for a 70 minute set on his own songs, a couple Grushecky songs, and an all artist finale of Light of Day and Twist and Shout.
Mention must be made of the funniest line of the evening. The final performer on the acoustic stage was Bruce Tunkel. Before he started he said "that's right, I'm the last barricade to your dreams".
Happily, the audience was extremely respectful to all the performers knowing there was a lot of great music to be heard, all for a good cause.
I will include the artist line-up and as many of the songs I can remember. I am certain some of the titles will be wrong. I will also include additional photos in the next posts.
Anthony D'Amato
Holy War
Hank Williams Tune
Outside the Box
You & Me & Just Us For All
Write a Song Today
Just Another Face
Forbidden Romance
Kitty's Back
Lisa Bouchelle
Blackbird
Fear of Addiction
Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan
Hold On
Waiting on a Train
Let it Go
Round Eye Blues(Marah Cover)
All I Needed Was You(Southside Johnny cover)
Noisy Guitar
Danny White
3 Song set included:
Just Another Face
Forbidden Romance
Kitty's Back
Lisa Bouchelle
Blackbird
Fear of Addiction
Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan
Hold On
Waiting on a Train
Let it Go
Round Eye Blues(Marah Cover)
All I Needed Was You(Southside Johnny cover)
Noisy Guitar
Danny White
3 Song set included:
The Way it's Meant To Be
Willie Nile
House of 1000 Guitars w/Joe D'Urso
Cell Phones Ringing in the Pockets of the Dead w/Joe D'Urso & Joe Gruschecky
Hard Times in America w/Joe D'Urso & Joe Grushecky
One Guitar w/Joe D'Urso & Jesse Malin
Blitzkrieg Bop/California Sun/Sheena is a Punk Rocker
Heaven Help the Lonely w/Joe D'Urso, Joe Grushecky & Bruce Springsteen
Jon Caspi
2 Song set included:
Willie Nile
House of 1000 Guitars w/Joe D'Urso
Cell Phones Ringing in the Pockets of the Dead w/Joe D'Urso & Joe Gruschecky
Hard Times in America w/Joe D'Urso & Joe Grushecky
One Guitar w/Joe D'Urso & Jesse Malin
Blitzkrieg Bop/California Sun/Sheena is a Punk Rocker
Heaven Help the Lonely w/Joe D'Urso, Joe Grushecky & Bruce Springsteen
Jon Caspi
2 Song set included:
Ring of Fire
Jesse Malin
Brooklyn
Wendy
Hotel Columbia
Queen of the Underworld w/Nicole Atkins
Black Haired Girl
Solitaire
In the Modern World
Broken Radio w/Bruce Springsteen, Joe D'Urso
Melissa Chill
Jesse Malin
Brooklyn
Wendy
Hotel Columbia
Queen of the Underworld w/Nicole Atkins
Black Haired Girl
Solitaire
In the Modern World
Broken Radio w/Bruce Springsteen, Joe D'Urso
Melissa Chill
2 Song set
Bello Nock-Clown
Rob Dye
You Called Me Here
Cars, Trucks & Buses
Ed Kowalczyk
I Alone
Spread Your Wings & Fly
Selling the Drama
Everlasting Love
All Over You
The Dolphins Cry
Heaven
Lightning Crashes
Bobby Strange
If You Don't Stand For Something
Down to the Bus Stop w/Melissa Chill
Bruce Tunkel
Bello Nock-Clown
Rob Dye
You Called Me Here
Cars, Trucks & Buses
Ed Kowalczyk
I Alone
Spread Your Wings & Fly
Selling the Drama
Everlasting Love
All Over You
The Dolphins Cry
Heaven
Lightning Crashes
Bobby Strange
If You Don't Stand For Something
Down to the Bus Stop w/Melissa Chill
Bruce Tunkel
2 Song set with Melissa Chill guesting on second song
Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers
Chasing Shadows
Pumping Iron
Dark & Bloody Ground
East Carson Street
w/Bruce Springsteen from here on
Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers
Chasing Shadows
Pumping Iron
Dark & Bloody Ground
East Carson Street
w/Bruce Springsteen from here on
Atlantic City
Code of Silence
Johnny 99
Never Be Enough Time
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Talking With the King
Pink Cadillac (Willie Nile & Ed Kowalczyk part of on stage crowd) w/Danny Clinch
Murder Inc.
Another Thin Line
Light of Day w/All Performers
Twist & Shout w/All Performers
Thursday, January 14, 2010
In Memoriam - Teddy Pendergrass
R & B legend Teddy Pendergrass passed away yesterday at the age of 59.
Mr. Pendergrass provided what was probably the most moving moment at the Live Aid concert in 1985.
Mr. Pendergrass was left permanently paralyzed after an automobile accident in 1982. During Ashford and Simpson's set at Live Aid in Philadelphia, PA, Teddy Pendergrass, joined them for what I believe was his first public performance since his accident. Together they performed the song Reach Out & Touch.
An audience filled with fans of different styles of music; rock, pop, r & b, metal, new wave, classic rock, were all up on their feet and more vocal then they probably had been up to that point, happy to see Mr. Pendergrass back on stage and performing
Rest In Peace
Mr. Pendergrass provided what was probably the most moving moment at the Live Aid concert in 1985.
Mr. Pendergrass was left permanently paralyzed after an automobile accident in 1982. During Ashford and Simpson's set at Live Aid in Philadelphia, PA, Teddy Pendergrass, joined them for what I believe was his first public performance since his accident. Together they performed the song Reach Out & Touch.
An audience filled with fans of different styles of music; rock, pop, r & b, metal, new wave, classic rock, were all up on their feet and more vocal then they probably had been up to that point, happy to see Mr. Pendergrass back on stage and performing
Rest In Peace
Haiti
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected, both directly and indirectly, by the earthquake in Haiti the other day.
Here are a few organizations helping in the relief effort.
www.redcross.org
www.unicef.org
www.yele.org
Here are a few organizations helping in the relief effort.
www.redcross.org
www.unicef.org
www.yele.org
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