Shipping Up To Boston (and Cambridge)

 Twice in one week, I made a visit to Boston, which I haven't done in probably 30 years.

The first visit was to see Duran Duran at the Garden. My girlfriend was/is a big fan, and we both performed a short set of their greatest hits a few years back for a benefit show, so I was already reaquainted with the music. I was very impressed with the band. Simon LeBon sounded great on vocals and the bass of John Taylor was way up in the mix! The light and stage show was beyond vivid. It was a trip back to the '80s. Back when I first started coming here.

We stayed overnight at the Porter Square Hotel in nearby Cambridge. Right next door to a club I played dozens of times in the '90s.

Had dinner at Asmara in Central Square. A place I had not been to in about 30 years, and right across the street from another club I played at dozens of times.

A few days later, I was in nearby Newton to sing and play the Blues with some old friends I used to play with at The Cantab Lounge (and other small venues)

Having lived in these areas long ago, it is always fun to come back, but I don't miss the traffic, or the roads. The nearly 2 hour drive is one I've become accustomed to, and leaves me alone with my thoughts of years gone by. Here I still am in Massachusetts (although now in the western part of the State) playing music for a living just like I did over 30 years ago.

Permanent Vacation

 

                                       

5 years ago, I returned to the Pines Theater stage to play at Transperformance (now shortened to "Performance"). I had been playing the event every year since 2010, impersonating everyone from Steve Earle and Steve Marriott, to Ronnie James Dio, Bob Seger and Johnny Paycheck. I was introduced to Amy through mutual friends. She was looking for a band to sing with, and I was looking for a singer. We hit it off, became friends, and started dating a few months later. A few years ago, after forming our own little group, I wanted to step back from the lead vocalist role to concentrate on guitar, and let someone else front the performance. It lasts all of 10 minutes, and goes by so fast, you barely remember being there. 

(Bigger Stars as Aerosmith - Pines Theater 8/22/23)

Another Performance is now history, and was a whole lot of fun. Amy, Rick, JJ, Dave and Kaci are among my best friends, and that's a great feeling to have onstage.All of the bands were so much fun to watch, but I especially loved working with this bunch of talented individuals. It's also inportant to note that this is a fundraiser event for the Northampton Arts Council, and raises money in part to provide music lessons to high school students. It feels good to give back to the community, and a little bit more so when you can do it by rocking out! 

Sights and Sounds

 Been taking in some great concerts this summer. After going to Vegas to see the B-52s, we took the kids to see Weezer in Bridgeport. A new concert theater in Connecticut. 

For a couple of Teenagers, this must have been a significant moment in their young lives, and it felt good being able to provide them with that. Time goes by fast, and you only have so many chances to do these types of things. After that, Amy and I went to see Robert Plant & Allison Krauss at Tanglewood in the Berkshires, and that was a great way to salute one of our Rock and Roll influences. 

Then there was Beyonce...

I can only describe Beyonce's massive concert tour as the Full Feature Version of a Super Bowl Halftime Show. It was impressive to say the least. So much was going on for over 2 hours. It seems like every month we have gone to a big concert this summer, and the reality is, its true!

. 

All I Ever Wanted

 Vacation!

The past three Summers, I have taken Vacations with the kids. 

Chicago

New Hampshire

We've taken a train to Chicago, a cruise ship around New Hampshire and a road trip to the Cape.

For a few minutes, I took a post sunset stroll from our hotel, across the street to a sliver of beach facing the Cape Cod Bay. 

The tide was low, and a sand bar was exposed for me to walk out upon. 

I'm having a Carpe Diem Moment.

 

Sometimes, you need a moment to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Be it a quiet sunset at the beach, or over a cocktail at a famous seafood restaurant. 

 

A lot of what Vacations are about for me was, to quote the Go Go's hit song "All I Ever Wanted". Now that we are getting into August, and the kids go back to school in a few weeks, it's time to enjoy ourselves once again.

 

South Windsor Skyline

My first rest home show of the year.

COVID put an end to my part time job for a few years, and what few shows I did play were outdoors, or wearing a mask. I was outdoors for this particular event, and things went great. Nice weather, and friendly people. I seem to spend a lot of time in South Windsor, which is where I was born and spent the first two years of my life. A part of my life I have no recollection of, but the band I am currently part of has a large, loyal following in the area, and I'm often recognized during my adventures. Perhaps this is a positive sign for the future. Getting back to normal has taken over three years.

My first rest home show of the year. 

 

Crystal City Visions

 I had never been to Las Vegas before. I don't gamble, and I live on the east coast. However, a friend of mine was performing with New Wave party band The-B52s, and the final shows of their career were happening at the Venetian Theater, and I had some free time in May.

I booked a room at the Cosmopolitan Hotel with a balcony overlooking the famous Bellagio Fountains.

with temperatures in the low 80s and a nice breeze blowing, it was fun to relax in the morning with coffee watching the scene unfold along the strip.

It was even more fun at night, where the city really comes into its own.

The days leading up to the show we explored some of the resorts and local attractions like Meow Wolf.

Hard to Explain.

Following that experience, it was off to downtown and the Fremont Street Experience, where old meets new.

I had also never seen a Cirque De Soleil show, and The Mirage was hosting the performance of The Beatles "Love", and I was encouraged by several people to check it out.

I was not let down.

It was an adventure checking out some of the shopping areas at places like The Venetian, with it's gondolas and sky painted ceilings, making you feel like you are outside on a cool fresh late afternoon.

Or the Bellagio with its incredible glass sculptures and floral arrangements. 

The sights sounds smells and tastes were all accounted for in Las Vegas.

and when you think you have no room in your belly, there's still room for more on your plate.

All of this was great fun, but the reason we were here was to see our friend Kenny play with The B-52s: Greatest New Wave Party Band Ever! The show and the theater were both wonderful, plus we got to meet the opening act, DJ Cumberbund!

After 5 days and 4 nights, it was time to head back home, but not after one last adventure.

Riding on the High Roller Ferris Wheel, we were treated to a view of the mountains and deserts of Nevada, and noticed The Sphere where U2 is soon performing at this Fall. Funny enough, another friend of ours works for U2.

Could we possibly think about coming back in November?

We'll have to think about that for awhile.