Ageless Crooner Tony Bennett Has Still Got It After Six-Decade Career in Music

After a six-decade recording career that has seen him become one of the most celebrated performers of our time, Tony Bennett has proven that time truly does stand still for some.

The ageless crooner gave an amazing performance Thursday night in Williamsport in front of a packed Community Arts Center, filled with fans of all ages, proving that Bennett’s music and popularity have truly transcended multiple generations.

The evening began with a performance by Bennett’s lovely daughter Antonia, who paid tribute to her father on a number of tunes.

A nice touch was added to the show as the jazz and pop singer was introduced by an old recording of Frank Sinatra’s voice. Backed by a lineup of stellar musicians, Bennett sang many old favorites, including “Because of You,” “Just the Way You Look Tonight,” “The Shadow of Your Smile,” “For Once in My Life,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and of course his signature song “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”

 

At 87 years old, Bennett proved that he can still belt it out with the best of them. His vocal range after all of these years is absolutely astounding, going from smooth and low to powerful and soaring, all in one line of a song.

Many of his songs received standing ovations, as the audience and myself were not only in awe of his singing, but of his energy and stamina, as the crooner still showed some nifty dance steps during a few numbers.

Bennett performed a number of encores, walking off the stage several times, and fooling the audience and myself that he was finished for the evening. Lo and behold, the singer would return back onto the stage for another go at it, showing his sense of humor as well.

Tony Bennett’s performance on this night was truly entertaining, but also inspiring. He has said that he still performs for all the same reasons he did when he began his amazing musical journey; and he shows no signs of slowing down. Bennett believes that performing for people is a noble profession to be in, and he wants people to forget their problems and leave the show feeling good. For as long as Bennett has been performing, it is clearly evident that being on stage after all of these years is still making him feel good too.

Ageless Jazz and Pop Singer Tony Bennett Still Going Strong at 87

Well known for popular music, standards, show tunes, and jazz, legendary jazz and pop singer Tony Bennett is perhaps best known for his signature song “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” recorded in 1962.

Still hip with audiences young and old at age 87, the iconic pop and jazz crooner has performed for more years and at a higher level of excellence than perhaps any other artist in popular American music. Bennett reached an artistic peak in the late 1950s with albums such as “The Beat of My Heart” and “Basie Swings, Bennett Sings” with the Count Basie Orchestra. His career then suffered a downturn during the height of the rock music era, but regained popularity in the late 1980s and ‘90s. Most recently, Bennett has experienced a kind of a renaissance, after his various duet albums with modern rock singers.

During his illustrious six-decade career, Bennett has won 17 Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and has sold over 50 million records worldwide. Aside from music, Bennett is also an accomplished painter, with works on permanent public display in several institutions. He is the founder of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in New York City.

 

Bennett recalls growing up in the Depression, a time when there was not a lot of money to spend on entertainment. If you bought a record you had to make sure that the entire family would enjoy it. “I remember one of the first records I purchased was of Enrico Caruso, and I had an uncle who was connected to Broadway so I got to see theatrical productions as a result,” he said. “But it was jazz music that hit me hard and the first time I heard it I just fell in love with it and feel that way now. It's America's classical music and it's an art form that we invented in this country.”

After being a foot solider in World War II, Bennett came home and was fortunate enough under the GI Bill of Rights to be able to attend classes at The American Theatre Wing, where one of his vocal coaches, Mimi Speer, gave him some advice that greatly influenced him as a singer.  “She told me not to imitate any other singers as then I would just become one of the chorus and instead told me to listen to jazz musicians that I admired and try to emulate their instrumental style,” he said. “I have always loved the pianist Art Tatum as he had a very unique style where he would build each song into its own finale layer by layer, creating a mini-monument of each song he performed; and I studied his style and used that in my own song performances.”

Throughout his extraordinary career, Bennett has had the pleasure to record and perform with a wide array of artists, including Judy Garland, K.D. Lang, and most recently Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga, with whom he has recorded a complete album, which will be released in September. But if there is one artist Bennett regrets never having the honor to perform with, it’s a certain New Orleans jazz legend. “I will say that the one performer I never got a chance to sing with and would have loved to have had that opportunity is Louis Armstrong,” he said. “He was a consummate performer and he truly taught us all how to sing.”

When Bennett signed with Columbia Records in 1950 his premise from the beginning was to create a ‘hit catalog’ and not just go after ‘hit records’ – many of which were novelty songs that would be popular for a relatively short time and then be instantly forgotten. A few years ago, Columbia released the biggest boxed set ever of Bennett’s work and when going over all the music for the set, he was so thrilled that there wasn't a single track that he felt didn't belong. “I fought pretty hard over the years to only record the best popular music I could find,” he said. “I think not compromising on quality is really something I consider a career highlight.”

He doesn’t perform as much now as when he was first starting out over six decades ago, when he had to sing seven shows a day at the Paramount Theatre, but the thrill and spontaneity of being in front of a live audience is still what he loves best. “Being on the road for so many decades has given me an education of the world that I would never be able to have achieved any other way,” Bennett said. “And as a visual artist, I have painted and sketched in all the cities and countries that I have travelled to, so that has been a great advantage; and to have been able to go to all the magnificent museums and art galleries around the world.”

Bennett has performed in Pennsylvania many times through the years and always loves coming back to the area. “I get a chance to do some sketching if I can while I am here,” he said. “It’s a very warm and welcoming place to perform for very intelligent audiences.” 

With a career that spans seven decades, Bennett still performs for all the same reasons he did when he began this musical journey; and he shows no signs of slowing down. “I just love it – as much today as when I was first starting out,” he said. “I think it is a very noble profession to perform for people and for a few hours they forget their own problems, and if they leave the show and feel good, that to me is a great compliment.”

Country Legend Clint Black Still ‘Killin’ Time’ with His Musicianship

Country music singer Clint Black’s debut album “Killin’ Time” in 1989 made him an instant success during an era in country music that saw numerous top flight artists make their mark on the industry, such as Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, and Brooks & Dunn.

A country music singer-songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist and occasional actor, Black has had more than 30 singles on the U.S. Billboard country charts, twenty-two of which have reached number one, in addition to having released nine studio albums and several compilation albums. In 2003, Black founded his own record label, Equity Music Group.

 

Born in Long Branch, New Jersey in 1962, Black and his family moved to Texas where his father had been raised. With music always present in the house, it’s no wonder by age 13 Black taught himself the harmonica and wrote his first song at age 14. Eventually, Black learned to play the guitar, and as a teenager, dropped out of high school to join his older brothers in a band before becoming a solo act.

Initially drawn to a variety of musical genres, Black chose to focus on country music, in the style kept alive by George Jones and Merle Haggard. In 1989, Black’s debut album “Killin’ Time” was an instant success upon its release, establishing him as one of the biggest new stars in country music. The certified triple-platinum album spawned four consecutive number one singles, including the title track “Killin’ Time,” “A Better Man,” “Nobody’s Home,” and “Walkin’ Away.”

Black would go on to release six more studio albums throughout the 1990s, with such favorites as “Put Yourself in My Shoes,” “The Hard Way,” “No Time to Kill,” and “Nothin’ but the Taillights.” Additional hits such as “Loving Blind,” “When My Ship Comes In,” “Like the Rain,” and duets like “A Bad Goodbye” with Wynonna Judd and “When I Said I Do” with his wife, actress Lisa Hartman, further established Black in the hearts of country music fans as a legend in his prime. 

Throughout his nearly three-decade career of recording and performing, Black has collaborated with a number of well-known artists, making quite a few friends in the process. Among his favorites are Haggard, Jones, Roy Rogers, David Crosby, and Steve Wariner. With a list of legends such as this, it’s hard for Black to choose his absolute favorite to work with, but if he could choose an artist with whom he hasn’t worked, who would it be? “I’d love to do something with Willie (Nelson) or James Taylor,” he said. “But I’ve been spoiled thus far, so who could ask for more?”

In 2013, Black released the CD “When I Said I Do,” a mix of re-recorded favorites plus a few new tracks. It was an opportunity for Black to share a little of the new music he had been working on through a partnership with Cracker Barrel restaurants. “I loved working with them; great company and great people,” he said. “I did enjoy revisiting some of the older songs, but I was very anxious to get a little sample of the new stuff out.”

As far as leaving a legacy one day, Black would above all hope that his songwriting might be what defines his greatness. “I’ve worked very hard to write all of this music and keep up with my recording schedule, along with the pressure that came from the record companies to ‘not’ write my own songs,” he said. “I never thought after the success of ‘Killin’ Time’ that I would have to fight to keep writing my songs, but it happened. To this day, there are companies who would love to sign me to their label, if only I would let Nashville writers write my songs. Not going to happen!”

After nearly 30 years in the music business, it’s difficult for Black to name the single most important highlight of his fabulous career, but he does narrow it down to just a few great memories he’s had along the way. “It’s so hard to pinpoint just a few, but I would say the movies I’ve made with my wife, Lisa Hartman Black, and the one with our daughter, Lily,” he said. “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, all of the shows on military bases, including Somalia and the Balkans, and writing songs with Haggard, (Jimmy) Buffett, and Michael McDonald were great moments for me as well.”

 

Black hasn’t released a full album of all new material since 2005’s “Drinkin’ Songs and Other Logic,” but indicated he may have a new record already in the works. “I’m not sure what my management has lined up, but I’m putting the finishing touches on it along the way and hope to have it wrapped up and ready for release by summer,” he said.

While Black admits it isn’t always easy traveling and being away from home, it’s the time on stage that makes it all worthwhile. “The biggest advantage to touring this much is we don’t get rusty,” he said. “I can practice at home and in the studio, but being on stage in front of an audience is the best training and we’re getting a lot of training right now.”

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of Black’s debut smash hit album “Killin’ Time.” Since then, a new wave of younger artists have come through the country music scene and provided plenty of competition along the way. But at 52, Black feels that he has never been better as a musician and continues to hone his craft. “As a singer and guitarist, I feel like I’m in my prime right now,” he said. “I think as long as I feel that way, I’ll keep going. My vocal cords have never felt stronger, and I practice way more on guitar now than ever before. My fingers are crossed for continuing that trend.”

At Long Last: Ronstadt Makes Class of 2014

Finally, the miracle we've all been waiting for has happened. The Queen of Rock has earned her rightful place in music history and will be rewarded for her extraordinary career.

The powers-that-be at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have finally recognized what has been in front of their faces all along. On April 10, singing superstar Linda Ronstadt will finally be inducted at a ceremony at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Joining Ronstadt for the class of 2014 are Daryl Hall & John Oates, Peter Gabriel, Cat Stevens, Kiss, and Nirvana.

While I am thrilled that Linda is at long last getting her due, I am saddened that it took so long for her get in. If I could've had it my way, and I'm most definitely sure I'm not alone in feeling this way, Linda would've been inducted in 1998, when her original back-up band, the Eagles were honored. This woman deserves a lot of credit for helping to form possibly the greatest American rock band ever. But Linda did quite well all on her own. She has mastered more musical genres than any other artist I can think of.

Besides being an incredible singer and performer, Linda has always impressed me as a person as well. Being a great fan and admirer of hers, I may be a little biased. But to me, Linda is the perfect example of what a human being should be. She has all the qualities that have made her so loved for so many years by so many fans. She is beautiful, intelligent, talented, warm, genuine, modest, and sincere. Despite her struggle with Parkinson's Disease, I truly hope that Linda will be able to attend the induction ceremony and bring some class and grace to an organization that is in dire need.

 

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.