Still Dreaming My Own Simple Dream

Last month I took a trip of a lifetime, driving across the country from my home in Pennsylvania, all the way to California. This was something I had never done before in my life, but I had a number of very good reasons to do it. For one, I was visiting relatives in Fairfield, which is halfway between Sacramento and San Francisco. I was also checking out job opportunities in the area. Of course I wanted to see many of the sights that the Bay area has to offer, but unfortunately I didn't have a lot of time.

However, the highlight of this trip was no doubt having the opportunity to meet someone whom I've been wanting to meet more than anyone in this world. Someone who has touched my life in ways I could have never imagined. Someone I have tremendous respect and admiration for. Someone who has been an inspiration to me, and who I think will inspire a great number of people with her strength of spirit and determination. The one and only Linda Ronstadt.

I was hoping to interview Linda for a story that I wrote for the Centre Daily Times, but with the national media getting word of her diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in August, my chances of getting to interview one of the greatest female artists of all time were slim to none. Her new book, "Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir," had already put Linda back in the national spotlight for the first time in years. So her recent revelation of Parkinson's literally put the media into a frenzy, with Linda doing interviews with magazines, newspapers, radio and television left and right.

Naturally with a new book she wrote all by herself, Linda embarked on a national tour to promote it, speaking for audiences along the East and West Coasts and signing her memoir. Of course I could have easily traveled to New York or Washington D.C. to see the legendary singer, but I had already purchased a ticket to see her out on the West Coast, a place that I could only ever dream of going to one day. I could only hope that I would safely make it out to California and make my dream to meet Linda become reality.

Fortunately my trip went very well, and I had a wonderful time visiting with family. Plus the trip itself was quite an experience, one that I may never make again, and certainly one that I will never forget. Unfortunately, I was not able to meet Linda in San Francisco, due to the fact that she had signed a certain number of books prior to the event. The books were on sale in the lobby before and after the interview. This was undoubtedly due to her Parkinson's, which otherwise would have made for an exhausting evening for her, having to sign books for the hundreds of people who were in attendance at the theater.

Understandably so, I was extremely disappointed I didn't have a chance to meet Linda. But I understand what Linda is going through and I have compassion and understanding for her situation. I really wish I would have been able to interview her over the phone for my story, but I also have to be understanding of that as well. I wrote the piece on Linda anyway, taking excerpts from her book and quoting her brilliantly written words. Of course the piece had to be edited, so the published article is not the entire story. Here is the link to the story published online if you wish to read it.

Honest to goodness: Linda Ronstadt maintains integrity in her art

But if you want to read the entire story unedited, here it is. I think it's well worth reading, because it truly captures the feelings that I'm trying to instill into the reader. I want them to know just how much Linda means to me and I hope that Linda will be able to read this as well. I sent an email to Linda's assistant, Janet Stark, and I included the link to the article online. I also have an extra copy of the commentary in print, so I'm hoping I will be able to send that to Linda too.

I guess all that's left for me to say is that I sincerely hope that I will still be able to meet Linda in the future. I strongly believe that with all of my heart. I would just love to spend an entire day with her. She is the most wonderful person I have ever known of in the entertainment business. She's sweet, honest, sincere, genuine, down-to-earth, compassionate, intelligent, and very classy. There will never be another one like her. She is definitely one of a kind.

Hope you enjoy the story!


Ronstadt’s “Simple Dreams”: Art, Honesty, Integrity and Inspiration

 

As we go through life we often find someone or something that inspires us to do great things. Some may have to explore out into the world to find that one special person or event that touches their lives, while others may find their inspiration within their own families. Perhaps one such artist personifies this more than any other; one that grew up in a musical family and had one simple goal in mind: to become a singer. She is living proof that “when you wish upon a star,” “somewhere out there,” dreams really do come true.

Linda Ronstadt, one of the greatest musical interpreters of her generation, wished upon her star and turned her dream to become a singer into reality, becoming the top-selling female artist of the 1970s, earning 11 Grammy Awards, and selling over 100 million albums worldwide over a four decade career. Ronstadt continued her early country-rock success into the coming decades and changed musical direction, branching out into various genres of music, including American standards, operetta, Mexican, jazz, Cajun, and children’s music. Now for the first time in her own words, Ronstadt tells the story of her life and career, from growing up in a Mexican-American family in Tucson, Arizona to becoming one of the most popular singers in the world. The legendary songstress tells her story in a new book she wrote herself, titled “Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir,” now available online and in bookstores.

 

Ronstadt during the Stone Poneys era in the late 1960s.

But in addition to the release of her memoir, Ronstadt, 67, has recently made news for another reason. In an interview with AARP.org posted online August 23, Ronstadt revealed she had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and could no longer sing. The iconic singer had actually been diagnosed eight months earlier but did not include this revelation in her memoir because it had not yet been confirmed. Ronstadt had been experiencing symptoms for as long as eight years but attributed them to a tick bite and shoulder surgery, which she believed caused the trembling in her hands. She said she now uses poles to walk on uneven ground, and a wheelchair when traveling.

When I first heard the news about Linda’s diagnosis, my heart sank and left me in complete shock. Being a fan and admirer of hers, it understandably broke my heart. But it also hit very close to home with me as well, because I also have a neurodegenerative disease in my own family. I have seen two generations of my family succumb to Huntington’s disease, a disorder for which I am also at risk for contracting. So I have compassion and understanding for the emotions that Linda must be going through. But from everything I’ve learned about Linda from numerous articles and interviews and from reading her memoir, she is definitely a fighter and has never backed away from a challenge. She will surely fight this illness with the courage and determination that brought her extraordinary success. I think Linda will prove to be very inspirational to anyone who is battling an illness, and just to anyone faced with the most difficult obstacles in life. As Linda stated in her book and in her interview with AARP, “You always learn more from failure than success. I really believe that,” she said. “I think adversity is a great teacher.”

One of the many reasons I have come to respect and admire Linda greatly, aside from her voice and talent, is her intelligence and knowledge of music as an art form. “I feel sorry for a culture that depends too much on delegating its musical expression to professionals,” she said. “It is fine to have heroes, but we should do our own singing first, even if it is never heard beyond the shower curtain.” In my mind, one quote from Linda truly sums up what is wrong in our society today when it comes to an appreciation for the arts: “A horse race is for competition,” she said. “Art is not.” Never before have I heard so much said in so few words.  

Ronstadt poses in New York in September, promoting her book "Simple Dreams"

It only seems fitting that an artist such as Ronstadt, who has taken herself and us on a musical journey throughout her fabulous career, would sort of take me on a personal journey of my own. I can remember first hearing Linda’s sweet voice coming over the airwaves as a small child, not knowing her name or even what she looked like. Somehow over time I drifted away from her, only very recently rediscovering the magic of her voice and songs.

I believe this journey has now come around full circle with Linda’s memoir and the sad news of her illness. I will be meeting her for the first time on September 26 in San Francisco, where Ronstadt makes her home, and just one of her stops on a national tour in promotion of her book. She has been an inspiration to me in so many ways that I can’t describe, helping me to realize and pursue my goals and my dreams. “You never stand in the way of people’s dreams,” Ronstadt said in recent interview. “You get in the energy with their dreams. You let them blow and you can be a sail, and the energy of their dreams will blow you along.”

I’ve come to respect and admire Linda not just as an artist, but also as a person. To me, she has always been the perfect example of class, honesty and integrity; values that are extremely rare in the entertainment world today. I must say I have thoroughly enjoyed Linda’s memoir, and I’m finding it to be very heartfelt, intelligently, graciously and thoughtfully written. She has put together an incredible collection of music, people, places and events, and crafted them into a book that is as rich as any poet or songwriter can craft into their art.

Once asked why people sing, Ronstadt replied, “They sing so the subsequent generations won’t forget what the current generation endured, or dreamed, or delighted in.” Ronstadt continues, describing singing as true art. “The essential elements of singing are voice, musicianship, and story,” she said. “It is the rare artist who has all three in abundance.” I believe this truly exemplifies what this woman is all about. Linda may have lost her magnificent singing voice, but as a writer, her words come out in print just as beautifully as they did in song. I think Linda is a gifted storyteller and will hopefully find a second career, as she now faces a new challenge in the next chapter of her extraordinary life.

Nothing Like Good Old Vinyl

If you were born in the 1970s like I was (1973), chances are you probably caught the end of the age of vinyl records. Our generation, Generation X, was the last generation to have our first music purchase as vinyl, either an LP or a single 45 rpm record.

I can still remember my first record. It was a single by Stevie Wonder, titled "That Girl," a top five hit for him in early 1982. Of course I was only eight years old, so my parents bought it for me. Another one I remember was "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. The song was on the "Rocky III" soundtrack and became a number one hit in 1982.

Then I also had the LPs, which were even more fun because you not only had the album cover, but you also had the credits and the lyrics inside to read. Another thing you had with LPs was a connection with the artist, which is now all but gone with the Internet and MP3 downloading. I remember the feeling of buying my first record and every one after that. It was almost like Christmas morning.........you couldn't wait to open it. You'd rip off the plastic, take the record out, put it on the turntable and you would be in your own little world at that particular moment. It sure was a great feeling...........great memories!

Recently I've been starting an LP collection, adding to those I've held on to for all these years. I buy them at flea markets, on ebay, and anywhere else I can find them. When I look for them, I don't expect them to be in perfect condition. I expect a few minor scratches and smudges, plus a little wear on the covers as well. But I look for the best ones I can find, and that tells me something about the record. It tells me that the previous owner loved the music, appreciated its value, and took very good care of it.

Recently, vinyl has been making a comeback, as many artists, including younger ones like Taylor Swift, are releasing new albums on vinyl, along with all the other formats. I am glad to see that happening, and I hope it is a trend that will continue for years to come.

If You Don't Like Rock and Roll, Just Stick to the Symphony Circuit

About a month ago I attended a concert that I previewed for the Centre Daily Times. Jacksonville, Florida's own .38 Special came to Sunbury on August 4th. The show was performed at Spyglass Ridge Winery, which I thought to be kind of an unusual setting for a musical performance. But I thought it would be fun, so I thought, "why not?" I asked my brother if he wanted to go, because he also liked .38 Special's music. So I bought two tickets and we went.

I had interviewed .38 Special guitarist Danny Chauncey for my preview. It was one of the better interviews I've done, as Danny was really cool and down-to-earth. He even told me he could get my brother and me passes for the "meet and greet" before the show. All I had to do was get it confirmed with the band's publicist and we would be all set. I was really looking forward to meeting the guys in the band, getting pictures with them, autographs, and enjoying a great evening of some good old-fashioned Southern rock.

Unfortunately it wasn't to be, as I had one of the worst experiences of any show I have ever attended. It all started when my brother and I were on our way into the winery grounds. We had to stand in a long line of fans waiting to get in. Considering I had interviewed one of the band members and had previewed the concert, I figured I might be able to get us in earlier. I approached a man who I assumed to be working for the winery and told him my name and who I worked for. Since I didn't have a press ID, I gave him my business card. I guess It wasn't good enough for him, so he had to make a phone call. He said he would get back to me on it. As it was, my brother and I still had to wait, and that man never did get back to us.

Eventually we gave them our tickets and made our way in. What came next was something that would prove to be a problem much later in the evening. Although at the time I was not aware of this. We took a look at the .38 Special merchandise under the tent. What caught my eye was the sign that said "free autographed 8x10 photo of the band with $20 purchase of live CD." This seemed to be quite a good deal. The guy working there said they only had six photos left, but assured me that the band would be there at the tent signing more pictures after the show. He said we could buy our CDs and then come back later after the show to get our photos personally signed by the band. So we both bought the CD and went on our way to find a good place to put our lawn chairs.

The president and owner of the winery responded to my email and it ticked me off to say the least. His quote was, "If that's the kind of sterile environment you like, go for it. This is rock and roll. I suggest you stick to the symphony circuit."

I quickly responded to his email. I wasn't about to let this go. I don't let people push me around or insult my intelligence, education or expertise. I learned that very well from my father. I speak my mind, especially when I know I'm right. I told the owner what the facts were. That he is in the business of getting people liquored up on his wine and beer. People know they can get alcohol, so why not go to a show like that, instead of going to a theater where all they can do is just sit and watch. In his mind, that is just lame. But he knew that people would get drunk, and of course he wasn't going to take any responsibility for anything that happened on his property. He had police and security to take care of that for him. So I know I won't be going back there anytime soon, if ever.

A little over a week ago, I attended another event which I had previewed. Kip Moore, one of country music's rising stars, performed at Levels Nightclub in State College, near the Penn State campus. Of course I was also doing a review, so naturally I decided to take advantage of the free show. This was the first time I had ever stepped foot inside a nightclub, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. As it turned out, this show was also a night I'd like to forget. It might have even been worse than the .38 Special concert, from the standpoint of how well I was able to see the stage and the horrible sound.

The place was so crowded it was absolutely ridiculous. My brother came with me and we had a couple of beers and sat at the bar. The time of the show was posted at 7:00 p.m., but we actually arrived a little late after we had dinner. It was 7:30 when we arrived, but we were lucky because the show had not started yet.

Needless to say, the evening was spoiled by the inability to see the performance, let alone the inability to talk to the person standing next to me. My brother and I didn't even stay for the entire show, as we left the nightclub halfway through the performance.

I know these artists are true professionals and obviously have the musical talent and the popularity to draw the crowds that they do. But I would much rather see them perform in a venue where I can fully enjoy the experience. Music is an art form, and it should be respected and appreciated for the gift that it is.

Linda Ronstadt: Positivity and Inspiration in the Face of Parkinson's Disease

This may not be a true music story, but you may find it to be more of a medical story. However, I thought this would be appropriate, because it concerns a music legend whom we may never see equaled in our lifetimes.

Last Friday I heard some grim news that shocked the music world and absolutely broke my heart. It was reported that legendary singer Linda Ronstadt has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The pop/rock icon says she was diagnosed with the disease eight months ago, but just now came public with the news in light of her upcoming memoir "Simple Dreams," set to be released on September 17th.

Ronstadt (pictured in 1977) on the cover of her memoir

Ronstadt says she cannot sing a note, bringing an end to a remarkable 40 year career. The singer was groundbreaking in the country-rock movement of the late '60s and early '70s, becoming the first true female rock star and paving the way for generations of female artists. Ronstadt became the best-selling female artist of the 1970s, later branching out into other musical genres throughout the '80s, '90s, and 2000s, including American standards, Mexican, jazz, Cajun, and children's music.

When I heard this news it was shocking to say the least. I already knew that Linda had retired from recording and performing for the most part, having performed her last show in 2009. But the news on Friday of her diagnosis of Parkinson's disease just confirmed that perhaps the greatest female voice ever has now sadly been silenced.

But the sadness I feel is not just because Linda no longer has the ability to sing. I feel for her even more as a person than as an artist. I can relate to this life-altering situation that Linda is now facing, having dealt with a similar disease in my own family. My grandmother succumbed to Huntington's disease in 2005 and my father most recently in 2009. My two older brothers and myself are at 50% risk for the disease, which is hereditary. I will soon turn 40 but I'm not showing any signs. And as far as I know, my brothers are doing fine also. But this revelation for Linda has made me even more conscious than ever before, of a reality that I have to deal with. 

I had thought about becoming more educated about Huntington's, and I've had a number of people suggest I become an advocate for the disease. Now I know that I just have to do something about it. If there is something I can do to help raise awareness of the disease and to help find a cure, I will do it. I also want to help in any way I can for Parkinson's disease. I know that Linda will seek the best treatment for herself and get the best of care. But maybe there is something I can do.

I actually have an idea for a book, among many others. I want to write a book on neurodegenerative disorders, for which I would do research, interview people with these particular types of disorders, people who have dealt with them in their families, and then also talk about my own experiences in dealing with disease in my own family.

Ronstadt relaxing at her home in San Francisco in 2013.

Exactly one month from now, I will be on vacation in Northern California; visiting my cousin, seeing the sights, and also looking into a few job opportunities. But the highlight of my trip will no doubt be the highlight of my life. I am going to meet Linda in person in San Francisco on September 26, just one of her appearances she is doing in promotion of her memoir. This is something I've been dreaming about for a vey long time. This lady is very special to me, and it is apparent how much she is still loved and cared about by all her fans. The outpouring of love, thoughts and prayers on Facebook and Twitter has been tremendous.

To me personally, Linda means more than I can describe. Not only do I love her incredible voice and music, but I've come to respect and admire Linda as a person. I've been captivated by her beauty, but now I see that her beauty on the outside shines from within her. I appreciate the sincerity, the class, and the integrity she has shown throughout the years. In today's society and especially in the entertainment world, those are qualities that are very rare indeed. I think the only thing left for me to say that sums it all up is this. There is no one in this world I want to meet more than Linda. She has been an inspiration to me in so many ways. As Linda stated in a recent interview with AARP, "you always learn more from failure than success. I really believe that," she said. "I think adversity is a great teacher." What a super lady!

Always.....Patsy Cline: One Special Fan's Dream Comes True

For this blog I typically post on music I'm listening to and concerts I've attended. Although this is a play, it does happen to be music-related, as it is a sincere tribute to a legendary country and pop singer who helped make one fan's dream come true.

Recently I previewed a very special event for the Centre Daily Times. A musical titled "Always.....Patsy Cline" tells the story of how one fan's dream became reality; meeting and befriending her favorite singer. Being a music lover and appreciating music history, I thought it would be very interesting and a lot of fun to attend. I was familiar only with Patsy Cline's most notable hit songs, including Willie Nelson's "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," "She's Got You," "You Belong to Me," and "Lovesick Blues." A few of these songs I knew mostly from versions by Linda Ronstadt in the 1970s. But I thought it might help me to understand what Patsy Cline was all about and to see her from a fan's point of view.

The musical was presented at the Millbrook Playhouse in Mill Hall, PA, which is about 45 minutes from Penn State University. This playhouse was very unique and was the perfect setting for this particular production. The background to the stage was made up to look like the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, with posters of Patsy Cline displayed on the walls. Cline's band consisted of a pianist, guitarist, bass guitarist, and drummer.

The play began with an introduction of Cline at the Grand Ole Opry. Cline then appeared and began to sing, starting with the song "Honky-Tonk Merry-Go-Round." The role of Cline was played by Courtney Simmons, who endlessly studied Cline's voice and mannerisms to portray the iconic singer. Simmons was in top voice throughout, singing with heart, soul, and passion. Altogether, Simmons sang 27 songs, which included some of Cline's biggest hits.

The role of Patsy's friend Louise Seger was played by Sarah Michelle Cuc. Cuc was outstanding; talking to the audience about Patsy and speaking in a boisterous tone, while adding humor to her attempts to meet her music idol.

The relationship between Cline and Seger was very real, and I thought this play depicted it in the most authentic and sincere way. It's a very interesting concept to think about: a huge fan gets to meet their idol, someone they look up to and admire. But not only do they get to meet them, they invite them into their own home, and the star accepts the invitation and stays overnight. They then develop a lasting friendship, keeping in touch by writing letters to each other. Sadly, the relationship comes to an end, as Cline is tragically killed in a plane crash.

Restless Heart: Country Rock At Its Finest

I recently attended a show at the Jackson County Fair in Cottageville, West Virginia. Now I have attended a number of events in the past several months, but this particular show was very special.

It started out as a road trip for my brother and me. Of course we had other reasons for making the trip from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, but the number one attraction for us was seeing the country band Restless Heart.



From left to right: Paul Gregg, John Dittrich, Larry Stewart, Greg Jennings, and Dave Innis.

In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated bands of all time. To me, they always sounded reminiscent of the Eagles, but still with a sound all their own. These guys gave Alabama a run for their money and were so popular back in the 1980s to early 1990s, with their unique blend of country, pop, and rock. With their impeccable musicianship, tight harmonies, and the highest musical integrity, this band scored six consecutive number one country singles from 1986-1989. Some of their hits include "That Rock Won't Roll," "I'll Still Be Loving You," "The Bluest Eyes in Texas," "Big Dreams in a Small Town," "Fast Movin' Train," and "When She Cries."

Originally formed in 1983, the band includes Larry Stewart on guitar and lead vocals, Paul Gregg on bass, lead and background vocals, Greg Jennings on lead guitar and background vocals, Dave Innis on keyboards and background vocals, and John Dittrich on drums, lead and background vocals.

The five-man band is one of the finest I have ever heard live, and they certainly didn't disappoint with this show. They performed their usual set of hits from their impressive catalog of songs, plus a few other surprises. They paid tribute to those artists who helped them give them their start in the music business, and to those who opened for their concerts in their early days. They performed songs by Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, and Garth Brooks, and also included their own special rocking version of ZZ Top's "Sharp-Dressed Man."



From left to right: Larry Stewart, Dave Innis, and Paul Gregg.

The show was absolutely amazing! Besides being outstanding musicians, these guys are real comedians. Larry Stewart and Paul Gregg in particular had the entire audience breaking out in laughter in between songs throughout the evening. Their shows are very interactive as well, getting the crowd involved and singing along to their songs. After seeing them perform live for the first time, I knew immediately that I wanted to see them perform over and over again.

After the show my brother and I had the privilege of meeting and chatting with Larry, Greg and Dave. There was a "meet and greet" before the show, which we hadn't signed up for, but we were able to buy 8x10 photos of the band, signed by all five members! Really cool! We didn't think we would have the opportunity to meet them, but we very fortunate that three of them agreed to sign autographs, take pictures, and chat with some of the fans after the show. We told them how much we loved their music and to keep on playing. They were quite humble but very appreciative and grateful. They were also very down-to-earth as you might expect. They certainly have my respect and admiration for what they do professionally as artists, but also as people. Great guys!



From left to right: Greg Jennings, Paul Gregg, and Larry Stewart.
 

This was definitely one of the more memorable trips I've ever taken. Aside from the concert, my brother and I also took in the sights of the beautiful West Virginia countryside, stopping in Morgantown at West Virginia University on the way home. But Restless Heart made this a summer I'll never forget. Thanks Larry, Paul, Greg, Dave and John! Keep up the good work and never stop playing music. You guys are the best!

What Are You Listening to Right Now?

For the past few weeks I've dug out some of my old CD's from the 1980s........rock and roll bands that I grew up listening to, when to me that was all there was when it came to music. As I've grown older and matured, I've discovered many different genres of music and my tastes have changed a bit. But it's been cool listening to the music of my youth........brings back memories when I hear them. It's funny how music does that to a person.........more than anything else I would say. When you hear a song, it either reminds you of a relationship or some life situation you've been in, or you just find yourself remembering where you were and what you were doing when you first heard the song.

I was just a little kid when most of this music first came out. Of course there was the MTV era I grew up with as well, starting in the early 1980s. But here is just a sampling of some of the music I recently dug out of my personal archives. I guess I was in a '70s and '80s arena rock mode, listening to bands like Boston, Styx, Foreigner, Survivor, 38 Special and so forth. They did make some great rock and roll. Here are a few flashbacks to that great era of hard rockin' bands.

 

An Evening of Music, Fun, and Human Harmony with Rodgers & Hammerstein Musical

Just thought I would add a little something from my portfolio as a freelance writer. I'm currently writing, among other things, arts and entertainment features for the Centre Daily Times in State College, Pennsylvania. Occasionally I have the opportunity to not only preview concerts and plays, but I also have the opportunity to do reviews as well. Last month I wrote a preview for a sing-along in Bellefonte and had the good fortune of being invited to attend the event. The organizer asked me if I would want to do a review of the SING!, which she could put on her website. I thought while I'm doing that I might as well add it to my blog too. So here it is!

 

 

 

Human Harmony, Joy and Laughter Shared Through Songs of “South Pacific”

 

As a freelance writer, I quite often have the opportunity to interview some very interesting people. I usually get some very in-depth interviews and plenty of valuable information to work with. More often than not, my interview subjects will engage in small talk and if they have time, we can have a conversation on a more personal level. They are usually very kind and gracious of their time, and they compliment me as well for the same reasons.

But one person I’ve had the opportunity to interview on a couple of occasions has given me more advice and encouragement, both personally and professionally, than anyone I’ve ever known. That person is Jessie Barth, former choir director at Bellefonte and State College High Schools. Originally from Pleasant Gap, Jessie organizes and leads sing-alongs, or SINGS! as she prefers to call them, celebrating the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Jessie has held these SINGS! in different places, most notably at the home of Oscar Hammerstein in Doylestown. I first previewed a SING! at the Reynolds Mansion in Bellefonte back in April, but then was given an opportunity to preview this most recent engagement, a “South Pacific SING!,” on June 1. Not only did I preview the event, but Jessie also invited my mother and me to come and participate.

We did indeed accept the invitation and had a memorable evening. I had the opportunity to meet some interesting people, including Carolyn Johnson, a retired assistant professor from Penn State, Carol Lindsay, who played percussion, innkeeper Tricia Andriaccio on piano, and Sam Rocco, a music teacher at Mount Nittany Middle School in State College. Everyone was pleasant and kind. They really made my mom and me feel right at home.

The SING! included all of the songs from the musical, including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “There is Nothing Like a Dame,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” and “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.” There were also opportunities to lead the singing, as different participants volunteered to sing solos. I volunteered but wasn’t chosen; which was okay with me, having not sung in quite a long time. I sang in chorus and ensemble in high school and briefly in my church’s choir, but that had been a number of years ago. However, I did have the honor of reading some thoughts written by the composers of “South Pacific,” Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.

One of the highlights of the evening was the women singing “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.” My mother actually joined in singing that song as one of the nurses. I could tell she really enjoyed herself.

My personal favorite was singing a number with the men. “There is Nothing Like a Dame” gave me an opportunity to really test out my rusty voice. What made it easier for me were the lower notes, having been a bass in my high school chorus and ensemble. Before the sing, I had watched videos of the 1958 musical production of “South Pacific” on YouTube, hoping to familiarize myself with the songs. It did help to a degree, but I still found it a little difficult to follow along with the words to the songs at first. After a while, it became much easier with each song we did.

What I usually do is listen to the people next to me and then I can sort of feed off of them. This is what I did when I first joined my high school chorus, as I was among a number of experienced singers. Over time, I became more experienced myself and eventually had to be the one to lead. I never was able to read music very well, and I think I sang more from what I heard than from what I read. So this SING! was a great outlet for me to find my voice once again.

I was really amazed at how talented some of the singers were. Many of them had obviously done this more than once, while for me it was something totally new. Though many of the participants had some experience singing as I have, either in school choral groups, church choirs or both. A few also had professional experience or training. But the evening was not about who was the best singer. It was about a group of people coming together to sing in harmony, to be taken to a different time and place, and to have fun and enjoy each other’s company.    

After experiencing my first SING! I can honestly say that if the opportunity arises in the future, I will most definitely take part in the harmony and joy that was shared by all who participated. As Jessie has said, the music of Oscar Hammerstein is joyful and uplifting, and it was Oscar’s philosophy that we all try to get along with one another and spread his message of hope and optimism for future generations.

 

 

 

The Masked Marauders

Last Friday night I watched NBC's Rock Center with Brian Williams, and they had an interesting segment on a mystery album in 1969 titled "The Masked Marauders" that was thought to have been recorded by a supergroup of well-known artists of the time. The voices that could be heard on the album were those of the Beatles, most notably Paul McCartney and John Lennon, Mick Jagger, and Bob Dylan. As it turned out, the recording was made by impersonators. It was later discovered that the album was just part of an elaborate hoax concocted by Rolling Stone magazine. So those people who bought the album back in 1969 had the wool pulled over their eyes. Of course I wasn't even born yet (not until 1973), so obviously I wouldn't remember it. But I just wonder how that made people feel when they discovered that an album they thought was a once in a lifetime recording of legendary artists, turned out to be a phony?