Skip to main content

Earth, Wind & Fire and Water, Lex Luthor & A Fresh Tie.

Hey,
just back from the Earth, Wind & Fire/Chicago double headlining bill at the Greek. The show used an interesting concept. Even though they were filming the whole night for a DVD, both bands came on stage together and ran through a couple of songs. Then they actually flipped a coin to see who would "headline" and who would "open." EW&F lost the toss and took the stage first. Their set was pure joy. Lots of exuberance from their wild bass player, Verdine White and stratospheric vocals from Phillip Bailey. Sadly no appearance from founder Maurice White (Although, I did see Maurice last month at a screening of Fahrenheit 9/11). The songlist included "Fantasy," "Reasons," "Got To Get You Into My Life," & "Let's Groove."

Intermission was spent in the VIP lounge (better known as the "Cheese Room"); chatted briefly with "Smallville's" Michael Rosenbaum. He plays Lex Luthor on the show and is a rabid Chicago fan. I also got a smile from Macy Gray while waiting at the bar. But, Macy was not pleased that the cheese trays and food were taken away just as she made her way to the buffet table. Hey, peoples from Canton gotta eat, too.

I have no idea who people think I am. It's kinda neat though to walk into a room and have everyone glance your way and whisper to friends or smile knowingly. I'm not (so) narcissistic or (extraordinarily) vain, but this happens everywhere I go in town. No lie. I'd love to know who they think this is. Or maybe they already do. I just hope that they think I'm somebody without a criminal record. I did look sharp tonight. Black jacket, sea green shirt and blue and gold tie.
People... let's all start looking as important as we are. This ain't just for the stupidly rich. Dress for the job you want. Dress for the life you want. Wanna go shopping, call me.

Chicago actually impressed me (Mark!). They played some of the schmaltzy 80's hits, but stuck mostly with their early 70's jazz influenced hits like "Saturday In The Park" and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" For the finale, both groups took the stage again. A total of 19 players. It was a wild finish which included "Shining Star" and a thunderous "25 or 6 to 4."

After the show it was back to the Cheese Room. I got to meet and speak briefly with Rock Hall member Ralph Johnson percussionist and singer for EW&F who's been with the group since '72. Can you imagine playing with a spectacular group for 30+ years? I didn't get to meet too many professional musicians as a kid. So I really cherish moments were I get a tiny bit of one-on-one time with people whose music has influenced me. Mr. Johnson was very nice and was thankful that I had enjoyed the show. I told him likewise.

I'm done.
Love, Power, Peace!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Murderous Haircut of the Mayor of Bel Air - Book Review

“The Murderous Haircut of the Mayor of Bel Air” is a trippy new mystery novel from Phillip Mottaz. It captures the grit and gilt of the City of Angels with the flair of a contemporary Raymond Chandler. The brisk pace and wit are reminiscent of Douglas Adams’s entries in the detective game. Flourishes of  Fletch  and “Medium” also spring to mind. However, Mottaz has added a psychic/mutant/superhuman touch and his own comedic voice, structure and internal monologues to the proceedings that help the author announce his own style and the arrival of a literary heroine for a new generation. Hairstylist and budding private investigator, Danica Luman is the perfect character to convey the irony, angst and sarcasm needed to tell a 21st century L.A. crime story. Danica also represents anyone who thought it would be neat to get tangled up in a mystery and the darkly comic cautionary tale that follows. The genre is recognizable, but Mottaz offers a fresh take on the not-ready-for-prime-time-hard-b

Jim Brown: G.O.A.T.

Yesterday, I met the Greatest of All-Time in his profession. It's not everyday that you see one, let alone get to interact. Of course, the encounter is nerve-wracking for the fan and probably tedious for the G.O.A.T. Thanks to my friend Steve, we got to visit the field prior my hometown Cleveland Browns ' matchup against the Chargers in San Diego. I had hope to see some of the old new Browns and get some pictures. I also had a small bag with a couple of mini helmets inside it and figured, these guys wouldn't mind that someone actually cared for their autographs. As we walked around the sideline, I sized up my options. Not a lot of players on the field yet. And it was hot. Probably around 95 and I had on a jacket to cover up my vintage Brian Sipe jersey. Lo and behold, who do I see holding court at the far end but the Greatest football player... Ever: Jim Brown . A true legend. The man whole holds a record book full of milestones. Star of the silverscreen. Community activist

Hello, Dali! (Now with 50% More Photos)

Hola , Soul Mates, I'm feeling very jet lagged. Just got back from Espana . Catalunya and Andalucia to be more precise. I even learned Catalan ( jo parlo catala , amics ) and spoke it in broken fashion to amused natives. But wait, here's proof... It's me at the Dali Teatro - Museu in Figueres on Salvador's birthday. The place is more funhouse than museum. This objet d'art was hidden in a stairwell. I call it "The Crowned Peacock Dreams of Genie." Dali lived here. He's buried here. I'm being idiotic here. Genuflecting or posing? Felicitats , Salvador! It was his birthday and I was the only one celebrating. And yes, I did sing "Happy Birthday" to him. Another installation that defies explanation. But it's got a real crocodile and a real light bulb and artificial limbs involved. What's not to like? Seems like every town in Catalonia has some sort of memorial to John Lennon. This sign had fallen off (no, I did not keep it), s