I traveled to see Barry Manilow’s Savannah, Georgia date of the “Hits 2023!” Tour. Does a concert consisting of only hits work? If your Barry Manilow it does. As you’ll read in this review, seeing the show increased my appreciation for Barry Manilow. The songs he sings are hits for
Great songs are where you find them. They can’t be confined to a single idiom like blues or folk. It’s the emotional, philosophical and yes, personal connection that makes it more than just words and melody expressed by the singer. Bob Dylan loves songs—but, it seems he’s more passionate about
Scott Kirby is a philosophical songwriter, conversational performer, and pensive humorist. You’ll really enjoy having the barstool right next to him. Here’s a bit of what I’ve learned from and about Mr. Kirby through the years. There’s a lot of background information and my thoughts on his recent show at
Have you ever finished a meal and been at a loss for words because of how wonderful the food was? Like a song that moves you to tears, it can be a struggle to get down on paper what you’re thinking and feeling. Sometimes you almost feel as if you
Hank Williams Jr. released a full album of blues classics and originals on the Easy Eye Sound label. Hank Williams Jr. is a misunderstood artist. To say he is a country singer, although true, doesn’t come close to painting the complete picture. Hank can play any musical instrument: guitar, banjo,
Did you see “Somebody Had to Say It”? It’s the new comedy special from Jim Breuer. Here’s my review. I was working out at a gym that overlooked a swimming pool and thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. The heat and humidity on that day were beyond oppressive.
“The king is gone, but he still lives on, Deep in the heart of the people.” —Bobby Charles, “Last Train to Memphis Name a bigger icon than Elvis Presley. The late composer Leonard Bernstein nailed it when he said, “Elvis is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century.” His impact
To say “The Times They Are A-Changing” is as true now as it was 60 years ago. But the modern times are transitioning in ways that are hard to keep up with. Case in point, a documentary released on June 1st, 2022 has generated mountains of controversy for daring to
I was intrigued by David Mamet’s book after hearing him in conversation on Joe Rogan’s famed or perhaps infamous podcast. Mamet lives in California and had traveled to Texas where The Joe Rogan Experience is recorded. When Rogan pointed out what a strange place California has become, describing it as
Norm Macdonald once described the allure of gambling as not being in the winning or losing. He wrote, “It is when the dice are in the air, and as long as they are there, time stops.” He went on: “As long as the red dice are in the air, the
Chicago is as much a force of nature as it is a band. That’s the feeling I got after seeing the “legendary rock and roll band with horns” for the first time the other night. Now, I’ve been a lover of the music of Chicago throughout my life, their hits