Thursday, January 30, 2014

Thursday This And That

re:  The Grammys:
>>>I watched Ringo and his All-Starr Band perform "Photograph" (Frampton was one of the guitarists ... I don't know who the other oldies were) 
Clark Besch
I don't know that this was supposed to be so much an "All-Starr Band" performance ... I was a little surprised to see Peter Frampton up there ... but I didn't really recognize anybody else as "being" anybody else!  (Truthfully, I was a little surprised that Ringo didn't have his brother-in-law Joe Walsh up on stage with him ... especially since they were all sitting together anyway!)  And I guess Paul's kinda tight with Joe, too ... although it was Eric Clapton who provided the guitar solo on Paul's recent hit "My Valentine" ... (and actor Johnny Depp who "faked it" on the video), Joe Walsh performed those honors on the live version that aired in conjunction with Macca's "Kisses On The Bottom" live-in-the-studio concert.  (kk)    

Hi Kent,
The Grammy Award Show was disappointing but maybe I should say, the current music scene is!
Do you have to result to singing while hanging from a rope or singing while you are gyrating from a chair?
I am glad the show was salvaged by seeing two legends, Paul and Ringo plus the Highwaymen.
They honored Phil Everly but why not a medley of his songs?
Couldn't they have someone more on Carole King's level to sing with her?
And Robin Thicke was just in the way of hearing less of Chicago and their great sound!
I am very opened minded and love all kinds of music, but the majority of the performers who did their "thing" werent worth my time.
Long Live the real Rock and Roll!!!
Carolyn 
 

Hey Kent,
I'm sure more comments about the Grammy Awards will come pouring in. I usually don't watch the show, as it has become too bizarre and rowdy these days. I remember when the show was not on TV, only the radio. There also was a time when there was no audience. Sometimes I wish they'd go back to that.
I watched this year ONLY to see the reunion of Paul and Ringo on stage. I don't know if anyone else caught this, but Ringo's drumming was seen, but not heard, and Paul's regular touring drummer, Abe Laboriel, was heard, but not seen. You could see his set in the shadows. I'm sure the sound man arranged all this, but I don't know why the two drummers couldn't have been incorporated. Ringo kept looking over at Abe to make sure they were together. Starr can still whale away on the drums, and probably could have played it all by himself. Even so, it was still great to see the two living Beatles back together, along with John's and George's family members at the awards.
- John LaPuzza
I assumed they BOTH played ... but I could be wrong.  (Although I don't see any point in having Ringo up behind the kit if he wasn't really PLAYING drums!)  That will all be remedied on the 50th Anniversary Reunion Special on February 9th.  Paul and Ringo perform separately and together on a collection of Beatles favorites:  "Matchbox", "Boys" and "Yellow Submarine" (featuring Ringo Starr), followed by "Magical Mystery Tour", "Birthday", "Get Back" and "I Saw Her Standing There" (featuring Paul McCartney) before Ringo then joins his bandmate for a live rendition of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" / "With A Little Help From My Friends" ... before closing out the show with "Hey Jude", accompanied by Cirque du Soleil.  (I can't wait!) 
Prior to that we'll be treated to performances by Maroon Five ("All My Lovin'" and "Ticket To Ride"), Keith Urban and John Mayer ("Don't Let Me Down"), Ed Sheeran ("In My Life"), "Let It Be" (performed by Alicia Keys and John Legend ... hey, maybe THAT'S why she got John Lennon's name wrong the other night!!!), Imagine Dragons (performing "Revolution"), Katy Perry ("Yesterday" ... what?!?!?), the reunited (for one night only apparently) Eurythmics, who will perform "The Fool On The Hill", Brad Paisley, Pharrell Williams and Cirque du Soleil for "Here Comes The Sun", Dave Grohl and Jeff Lynne doing "Hey Bulldog" (now THAT should be interesting!!!),  "Something" (performed by George Harrison's son Dhani, along with Jeff Lynne and Joe Walsh), "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (featuring Joe Walsh, Dave Grohl and Gary Clark, Jr.) and Stevie Wonder doing his soulful take of "We Can Work It Out".  (kk)    

re:  And, Speaking of Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band:
Ringo will be hitting the road again this summer with the same line-up as last time for a series of shows all over the country.
Musicians on board include Todd Rundgren, Steve Lukather (of Toto), Gregg Rolie (Santana and Journey), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Mark Rivera and Gregg Bissonette.   Ringo says, "I love playing with this band and I can’t wait to get back out and play with them again."
The new tour starts on June 6 in Ontario, Canada and runs through July 19 in L.A.  
The dates, cities and venues  (yes, Chicago IS on the list!): 
06/06 - Ontario - Ontario Rama Casino
06/07 - Canandaigua, NY - Sands Pavilion
06/08 - Williamsport, PA - Community Arts Theater
06/10 - Albany, NY - Palace Theater
06/11 - Westbury, NY - Theater at Westbury
06/12 - Vienna, VA - Wolftrap
06/14 - Wallingford, CT - Oakdale Theater
06/15 - Providence, RI - Performing Arts Center
06/17 - New York, NY - Beacon Theater
06/18 - New York, NY - Beacon Theater
06/20 - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theater
06/21 - Atlantic City, NJ - Caesars Circus Maximus
06/22 - Durham, NC - Durham PAC
06/24 - Buffalo, NY - ArtPark
06/25 - Verona, NY - Turning Stone Casino
06/27 - Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Center
06/28 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theater
06/29 - Cleveland, OH - Jacobs Pavillion Nautica
07/01 - Toledo, OH - Toledo Zoo Ampitheater
07/03 - Tunica, MS - Horseshoe Casino
07/05 - Dallas, TX - Windstar World Casino
07/09 - Albuquerque, NM - Sandia Pavillion
07/11 - San Diego, CA - Humphrey's
07/11 - San Diego, CA - Humphrey's
07/12 - Santa Barbara, CA - Santa Barbara Bowl
07/13 - San Jose, CA - City National Civic of San Jose
07/15 - Vancouver, BC - Hard Rock
07/16 - Woodenvile, WA - Chateau Ste Michelle 
07/19 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre   

re:  Other Concert News:   
WOW!  The Alan Parsons Project has just been added to The Arcada Theatre schedule.  They'll perform TWO SHOWS on May 10th!  More details at the OShows Website:  www.oshows.com   

And Barry Gibb will be coming to Chicago on May 27th for his first-ever solo concert tour of the U.S.
As of right now, he's only scheduled to hit six cities ... and tickets for these shows will be on sale by week's end.  Reportedly, he'll feature material from all phases of The Bee Gees' (and brother Andy's) career.
Confirmed dates so far: 
May 15th - Boston, MA - TD Garden
May 19th - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center
May 23rd - Wantagh, NY - Nikon At Jones Beach Theater
May 27th  - Chicago, IL - United Center
May 31st - Concord, CA - Concord Pavilion
and June 4th - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
Obviously VERY large venues.  It hasn't just been years since Gibb toured The States ... it's been DECADES!!!  We are really hoping to catch the show when it hits Chicago.  

Melissa Manchester and Beach Boy Al Jardine have been added to "AMERICA CELEBRATES THE BEATLES" All-Star Gala Charity Concert in New York February 8  NYC FAB 50 is proud to announce that New York City's all-star concert, "AMERICA CELEBRATES THE BEATLES," taking place at Manhattan's Town Hall on Saturday evening, February 8, has added Melissa Manchester and Al Jardine (founding member of The Beach Boys). It is one of the star-studded charity concerts being held as part of "NYC FAB 50: Celebrating The Music of The Beatles" 50th Anniversary Celebration. 
On February 7, 1964, The Beatles touched down on U.S.soil for the first time. Fifty years later, New York and the NYC FAB 50 Committee will be hosting several celebratory concerts with proceeds benefiting Food Bank For New York City and other charities. This once-in-a-lifetime event will "come together" on Saturday, February 8th, 2014 at 7:30pm, highlighting a series of events under the "NYCFAB50" series.   Tickets for "AMERICA CELEBRATES THE BEATLES" are on sale through Ticketmaster, priced from $50 to $250 (www.ticketmaster.com/fab-50-presents-america-celebrates-the-new-york-new-york-02-08-2014/event/03004C29B419705A?artistid=1953649&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=52). The gala concert will feature veteran music legends, New York musical institutions and up-and-coming stars.
Joining Grammy-Award winning singer / songwriter Melissa Manchester and Al Jardine, a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and founding member of the Beach Boys, will be ...
•Tommy James ("Mony Mony," "Crimson & Clover")
•Gene Cornish of The Rascals
•Melanie - Woodstock star ("Brand New Key")
•Greg Hawkes of The Cars
•Fred Schneider of The B-52s
•Marshall Crenshaw (played John Lennon in "Beatlemania", "Someday Someway")
•Ron Dante the voice of The Archies
•Walter Egan ("Magnet & Steel")
•Meghan Linsey of Steel Magnolia
•Emily West - Nashville artist
•Ian Lloyd of The Stories ("Brother Louie")
•John Ford of The Strawbs
•Gary DeCarlo of Steam ("Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye")
•Randy Jackson of Zebra
•Larry Kirwin of Black 47 (“Liverpool Fantasy”)
•Richard Barone (The Bongos)
•Siobhan Magnus (America Idol)
•Roger Kellaway (Grammy-Winning Composer/Pianist)
•Aztec Two-Step - American Folk Rock Duo
•Graham Alexander - Singer / songwriter
•Roger Kellaway - Grammy winning pianist / composer
•Samantha Landrum - Singer ("What If")
•Richie Scarlet - "Emperor of Rock and Roll"
•Julie Grant ("Up On The Roof")  
Also, recreating The Beatles' historic first Ed Sullivan Show appearance, will be The Cavern Club Beatles, one of the world's greatest soundalike/lookalike bands from Liverpool. 
Rich Pagano of the Fab Faux is the Musical Director; Dennis D'Amico and Patrice Samara, Supervising Producers; Charles F. Rosenay and Daniel Levine, Executive Producers.
Special Guest of Honor Celebrity Presenters for the gala concert include actors Charles Grodin and John Gabriel, Tony Perkins of Fox TV, television legend Dick Cavett, famed NY sportscaster Len Berman, Ken Michaels of the Every Little Thing radio show,  the Amazing Kreskin and John Lennon's sister, Julia Baird.
Artists and line-up are subject to change. This production is not affiliated with Apple Corp Ltd or The Beatles.
Further information at 
www.NYCFAB50.com or email info@NYCFAB50.com.     


EXPERIENCE HENDRIX TOUR EXPANDS – SIX DATES JUST ADDED FEATURING LIVING LEGENDS OF ROCK AND BLUES  
Six additional dates have just been added to the front and back ends of the previously announced 2014 Experience Hendrix Tour, presented by Band Fuse: Rock Legends. With just-added shows in Oklahoma, Texas, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota, this year’s edition of the Experience Hendrix tour includes 25 performance dates over a span of just under four weeks.  
Concurrent with the announcement of the added dates come word that The Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson, Brad Whitford of Aerosmith and Robby Kreiger of the Doors, Taj Mahal and Quinn Sullivan will be among the roster of all-star musicians joining the tour that has been an annual event for the past decade.  Robinson, founding member, guitarist and songwriter for the Black Crowes, commented, “I’m really looking forward to getting out and playing some of my favorite Hendrix songs with these great musicians.” 
Artists whose participation was previously announced include Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Bootsy Collins, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II,  Dweezil Zappa, Los Lobos’ Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo, Eric Gales, Ana Popovic, Mato Nanji and others.  Billy Cox, the bass player who was part of Jimi Hendrix’s music life before he was “discovered” as well as thereafter, is again part of the line-up as is Double Trouble drummer Chris Layton. 
Experience Hendrix Tour dates / participating artists:  
March 8 - Sat - Shawnee, OK – Grand Event Center – tickets on sale TBA
Billy Cox, Rich Robinson [Black Crowes], Brad Whitford [Aerosmith], Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, Zakk Wylde, Eric Johnson, Chris Layton, Stan Skibby, and Dani Robinson
March 9 - Sun - Midland, TX – Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center – tickets on sale now 
Billy Cox, Rich Robinson [Black Crowes], Brad Whitford [Aerosmith], Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, Zakk Wylde, Eric Johnson, Chris Layton, Stan Skibby, and Dani Robinson
March 11 - Tue -  Dallas, TX - Verizon Theater – tickets on sale now http://bit.ly/17ypvzq
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 13 - Thurs -  St Louis, MO - Fox Theater – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Cesar Rosas & David Hidalgo, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby.
March 14 - Fri - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theater – tickets on sale now http://bit.ly/1j7vcEa
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Cesar Rosas & David Hidalgo, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 15 - Sat Ames, IA - Stephens Auditorium – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Cesar Rosas & David Hidalgo, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 16 - Sun -  Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theater – SOLD OUT
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Cesar Rosas & David Hidalgo, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 18 - Tue -  Louisville, KY - Whitney PAC – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Cesar Rosas & David Hidalgo, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 19 - Wed - Charleston, WV - Clay Center – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Cesar Rosas & David Hidalgo, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 20 - Thurs - Pittsburgh, PA - Benedum Theater – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Cesar Rosas & David Hidalgo, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 21 - Fri - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theater  - SOLD OUT
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Cesar Rosas & David Hidalgo, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 22 - Sat - Atlantic City, NJ - Harrahs – SOLD OUT
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 23 - Sun - Wilkes Barre, PA - Kirby PAC – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Ana Popovic, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 25 - Tue - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theater – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bootsy Collins, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Ana Popovic, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 27 - Thurs - Hampton, NH – Casino Ballroom – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bootsy Collins, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Ana Popovic, Quinn Sullivan, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 28 - Fri - Albany, NY - Palace Theater – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bootsy Collins, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Ana Popovic, Quinn Sullivan, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 29 - Sat - Waterbury, CT - Palace Theater – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bootsy Collins, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Ana Popovic, Quinn Sullivan, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
March 30 - Sun - Washington DC - Lincoln Theater – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bootsy Collins, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Ana Popovic, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
April 01 - Tue - Buffalo, NY - Center For Arts – SOLD OUT
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bootsy Collins, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Ana Popovic, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
April 02 - Northfield, OH – Hard Rocks – tickets on sale TBA
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bootsy Collins, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Ana Popovic, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
April 03 - Detroit, MI –The Fox Theatre – tickets on sale now
Billy Cox, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bootsy Collins, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doyle Bramhall II, Brad Whitford, Chris Layton, Eric Gales, Ana Popovic, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
April 04 - Fri - Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater – tickets on sale TBA
Featuring Billy Cox, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Brad Whitford, Rich Robinson, Doyle Bramhall II, Robby Krieger, Dweezil Zappa, Chris Layton, Mato Nanji, Eric Johnson, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
April 05 - Sat - Merrillville, IN – Star Plaza Theatre- tickets on sale TBA
Featuring Billy Cox, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Brad Whitford,  Taj Mahal, Rich Robinson, Doyle Bramhall II, Robby Krieger, Dweezil Zappa, Chris Layton, Mato Nanji, Eric Johnson, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
April 06 - Sun - Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center – tickets on sale Feb 7
Featuring Billy Cox, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Brad Whitford, Taj Mahal, Rich Robinson, Doyle Bramhall II, Cesar Rosas, David Hidalgo, Dweezil Zappa, Chris Layton, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby
April 08 - Tue - Minneapolis, MN – State Theater – tickets on sale TBA
Featuring Billy Cox, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Brad Whitford, Taj Mahal, Rich Robinson, Doyle Bramhall II, Cesar Rosas, David Hidalgo, Dweezil Zappa, Chris Layton, Mato Nanji, Dani Robinson, and Stan Skibby     

Our FH Buddy Dean Milano (who wrote the book on the Chicagoland Music Scene in the '60's and '70's) will be featuring stories about many of those songs and artists when he makes a two hour presentation at The Schaumburg Public Library on Wednesday, February 12th.  (The event runs from 7 - 9 pm)  
Hoping some of the Forgotten Hitsters can make it out there for this.  Should be an interesting and fun night of memories!  (kk)  

re:  The Sonny Geraci Benefit Concert:
I hope Bill Thompson is found guilty as charged ... three years for stealing almost 30 grand from an ailing rock star seems like too light of a sentence. 
Tom Diehl