https://www.facebook.com/lunkerville/videos/10152590836177653/ My observations. This is a huge group of percussionists for that age group. I don't think we had more than a couple of drummers at Wheat Elementary. Lots of percussion equipment - I dont think we had that much, even at the SR HS level. I'm glad this district has the money for these instruments, given the number of students wanting … [Read more...]
Kinky Boots in town
August 2, 2015 By
Went to the Orpheum Theater this afternoon to see the musical "Kinky Boots". Loved the absolutely hilarious movie a few yrs ago, and decided to see this - I'd forgotten the show was a musical, and thought it was just a play (silly me). Anyway, while it was just "ok" in the beginning, by the middle of the first act, and especially the second act, it just got better and better, with a great … [Read more...]
New music: Post Modern Jukebox
August 2, 2015 By
New music "Post Modern Jukebox" (opens in a new window) Since you "liked" this, I wanted to share with you that this is my new fav group, having seen a different video of theirs recently ("All about that bass"). I've subsequently bought one of their "albums" on iTunes called "Historical misappropriations". Great music. … [Read more...]
Growing up in the wrong musical era
July 21, 2015 By
https://www.facebook.com/DrumTalkTV/videos/853846431360689/ I sometimes think I was born in the wrong era. I think I should've been born ten - fifteen years earlier, what, with my strong appreciation for big band music, as well as not being able to fully appreciate (when I was growing up) the talents of Frank, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett as well as Sammy Davis. I wish I'd been able to see … [Read more...]
Behind in my posts!
July 15, 2015 By
Well, I'm kinda behind with my posts - it was a busy weekend and start of the week for me. I just posted pictures of the "Thrust" stage at the Guthrie - and was admonished by the volunteer usher that "ALL" photography was "Verboten!" (even when the musical hadn't yet started). I guess they don't want anyone to steal their scenery ideas. Rick and I had a great time, first, while eating at the … [Read more...]
Rude people texting/FB’ing at the Symphony
July 11, 2015 By
NPR article about Patti Lapone confronting person with cell phone during her performance (opens in a new window) This is getting out of hand - last 3-4 shows at Orchestra hall, I've been seated next to people like this. It's so f'ing irritating/distracting. Good for Patti L. … [Read more...]
Orchestra Hall – Singing in the rain
July 8, 2015 By
Orchestra Hall - Singing in the rain (opens in a new window) Got my ticket to see this film & music event at Orchestra Hall tomorrow morning. The musical/movie is a classic, and truth be told, I've probably never seen the entire thing before, so it'll a first for me. Of course, I waited to the last minute to invite a friend to go with me - they apparently would have enjoyed going, but they … [Read more...]
“Black and White” song – interesting history
June 30, 2015 By
Spotify #NowPlaying "Black And White" by Three Dog Night. First heard this song in 1972 (at age 13) becoming one of my favs around the time I was just beginning to become aware of, and appreciate "popular" music (on the radio), etc. I didn't know until a few mins ago, it wasn't written by Three Dog Night, in '72, but was written in 1954 by David Arkin and Earl Robinson, in response to the … [Read more...]
Miscellaneous unrelated posts – #1
June 30, 2015 By
Ok, a bunch of small short unrelated posts tonight. First, did I mention I had lunch with BFF Rick last week? He lives downtown MPLS, and we usually do something in the SLP or Ridgedale area. We ended up eating at Big Bowl at Ridgedale - hadn't been there in quite some time - had me some Panang Chicken Curry with white rice. BEST. MEAL. EVER. I know there is another Big Bowl in Southdale, but … [Read more...]
MPR article about having an e-device section at symphonies
June 26, 2015 By
Classical MPR article about e-devices (opens in a new window) Would this be nice to have - absolutely - if and only if, you were in a sealed off room by yourself. Otherwise, it will be a distraction to all other concert goers. Yes, I read the article, and saw that you could only use in a special seating section. However, I can just imagine, even having perhaps only one percent (30 people) that … [Read more...]
Lilly Tomlin – Orchestra Hall
June 25, 2015 By
Going to see Lilly Tomlin tonight at Orchestra Hall. Saw her around 2007 and she was great. Can't wait to see her tonight. … [Read more...]
Death of James Horner
June 23, 2015 By
I think I was introduced to James Horner's film music in the early '80s with Gorky Park. This URL is the End Title of Star Trek, Wrath of Khan - and it truly is a very beautiful pice of music. You should listen to it, if you have time. Rest in peace, James Horner. You will be greatly missed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFheKByY908&feature=youtu.be … [Read more...]
Music in my head: What Lola wants…Lola gets…
January 14, 2015 By
So. [I really love beginning my posts with 'So' - "they" say it's against rules of style/grammar but it also draws you people in - JK] So. I was listening to the "radio" (Spotify?) a day or two ago, and they played a tune that I've heard before (several/many times), but didn't know where it came from, usually it's a female vocal tune, and it's a jazzy tune, sassy, (and maybe a bit 'sexy'). Since … [Read more...]
Dream Career!
May 13, 2014 By
Driving into work this morning, listening to MPR, and they started playing a piece without announcing it - thought it was the theme from Dances with Wolves, turns out I was right (John Barry/composer). While listening to this powerful piece of music, it occurred to me my dream job wasn't to be just a symphony conductor, but to be a "Film Composer", combining the creation of music ALONG with … [Read more...]
MN Orchestra Lock-Out Fiasco – Part 2
October 20, 2013 By
I'm taking a break to yell "#%^?!%" at the MN Orchestra mgmt board! What the %^<#% were you thinking? You have now cost us our world renown conductor, and two very prestigious concerts at Carnegie Hall, and you are screwing us again, your paying audience, out of a second yr of listening to our orchestra - this was our orchestra, not yours! I am so very angry, and very embarrassed to … [Read more...]
MM Orchestra lockout fiasco
May 5, 2013 By
Ok, I seldom read the star tribune these days, but I saw the recent article that the music director/conductor of the MN Orchestra has sent a letter to the Orchestra mgmt board threatening to resign, unless the lockout ends "soon". Good for him, and I wish he had written it sooner. However, I was VERY disappointed to hear the board's idiotic response (paraphrasing): "You sent it to the wrong group, … [Read more...]
