Bright Saturday
Does it strike anyone else as curious that the gluttonous shopping orgy we call Black Friday has the same label used over the years to describe: One of the worst financial days in U.S. history A windstorm on the Scottish coast that killed 189 fishermen A women’s suffrage event where over 200 females were assaulted by English police A day […]
The Greatest Generation
This time of year, around Veteran’s Day, I perform my “Sentimental Journey’ show of World War II era music a lot at senior venues. Many in the audience are veterans of military service, but all are journeymen (and women) from one of the toughest roads life has ever thrown in our nation’s path. These are people […]
Playing for the 47 Percent
Dear Mitt, I normally try to keep politics off my web blog, figuring that most people get overstuffed from several other places. But I just had to respond to your concern about the 47 percent of “takers” in our country that threaten “makers” like you and those rich folks you addressed. You’re absolutely right, these […]
Still Fab After All These Years
Almost 49 years after their iconic American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, there is still nothing like the Beatles. But the next best thing is a tribute to the Fab Four, such as the BeatleFest I played in Spring Green, Wisconsin on Labor Day. My role in the seven-hour Liverpoolooza was small—I sang five […]
Eat Your Heart Out, American Idol!
I recently participated in perhaps the only type of talent exhibition not splashed all over reality TV. It was for residents and staff of St. Mary’s Care Center, where as John the Drummer Guy I’ve led a senior drumming circle called the “Beat Generation” for many months. We play different rhythms, some of which we invent on the spot, […]
A New Songwritingpalooza!
You could call it Austin City Limits meets American Idol. If you’re in the Madison, Wisconsin area– my home turf– I’m representing the Madison Songwriters Guild in hosting a new monthly event that will combine a performer showcase with a revival of MSG’s popular Song Showdown into one songwriter extravaganza. It will be held on Wednesday, […]
Laissez les bon temps roullez!
Or as most of the non-French world says, let the good times roll! Yesterday was President’s Day, a holiday for much of the workforce. But freelance writers and musicians– especially those who happen to be both– are not frequent paddlers in the mainstream. The real holiday to me is today, Fat Tuesday. Though few outside of […]
Seasons Bleatings
It’s Christmas morning, and I plan to enjoy the holiday later with my loved ones. But first I have a date with a different “family”—those attending the Holiday Dinner at the Madison Senior Center. I’m sort of dessert, providing 45 minutes of song before Bingo, which might just be the biggest draw of all. Donations are […]