One of my favorite singers, Anthony Dominick Benedetto (better known as Tony Bennett), passed away yesterday after a seven decade career. He was on the right side of history (he participated in the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965 and other progressive causes), and the right side of music (his skills with jazz vocals and the … Continue reading Tony Bennett, dead at 96
Music
International Louie Louie Day
You've heard the song (and if not, hurry to your music provider of choice, it will be there). It is a classic rock and roll standard, but admit it, you don't understand the lyrics. That is why it is perfect for slurring drunkly in accompaniment (see the movie "Animal House" for demonstration). The creator of … Continue reading International Louie Louie Day
National Ding-A-Ling Day
Yes, there really is a National Ding-A-Ling Day. When it was created, it was intended to remind you to reach out to old friends on December 12 to catch up. You know, call them on the phone, give them a Ding-A-Ling. Post about it on social media with the hashtag #DingALingDay. Whatever happens don't do … Continue reading National Ding-A-Ling Day
In Memoriam – Stephen Sondheim
The news of the passing of Stephen Sondheim filled me with joy. Not because he died, I'm sorry the world is without him. But because the great joy he gave me as the greatest composer and lyricist of the American stage. He constantly expanded and challenged the music theater art form and we are forever … Continue reading In Memoriam – Stephen Sondheim
Throwback Thursday and a peculiar game
I worked at Bailey Concert Hall in Fort Lauderdale for a number of years before moving to Naples, Florida to be part of the team that opened the Philharmonic Center for the Arts. My staff threw a best wishes picnic send off on the occasion. Here is a picture from that gathering. You can identify … Continue reading Throwback Thursday and a peculiar game
Happy International Day of Older Persons
Since I have moved back to Florida I am becoming more familiar with the whole concept of older persons and luckily it seems there are plenty of older persons than myself. In celebration I have a story that relates to this international day. Back in 1989 I was part of the team that opened the … Continue reading Happy International Day of Older Persons
Throwback Thursday – Happy Birthday to the Boss
This Throwback Thursday started in 1949 and continued until last June. Today is the 72nd Birthday of Bruce Springsteen and last June we attended his "Springsteen on Broadway" performance at the St. James Theater. It was the most recent show we saw in New York and it may be some time before we see another. … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – Happy Birthday to the Boss
Review – Springsteen on Broadway
After a forced shutdown of fourteen months, Broadway is slowly re-awakening and the first eyelid to flicker open is that of a certain Bruce Springsteen. The Boss reanimates his blowout hit of a few years ago, now at the St. James Theatre - "Springsteen on Broadway." This is no arena sing-along event with his fabulous … Continue reading Review – Springsteen on Broadway
I still miss John Lennon
Forty years ago today John Lennon was shot as he returned to his home at The Dakota building in Manhattan as he returned from a recording session. It is a loss I still feel strongly today. John's focus on peace, love and unity were cruelly taken away from the world. Today my playlist will be … Continue reading I still miss John Lennon
John Lennon would have been 80 years old today
If he had not been taken from from us senselessly and far too early, John Lennon would today celebrate his 80th birthday. I would love to have heard his take on the last forty years and especially the last four years. When I was growing up we often classified ourselves as either Rolling Stones or … Continue reading John Lennon would have been 80 years old today
On This Date – Artillery Added to Orchestras
Pyotr Tchaikovsky was a talented and innovative composer who looked at the orchestra talent list and said, and I quote, "Hmm, we have strings and woodwinds and brass and percussion. I will add artillery." And so cannons found their way onto stage when he premiered his 1812 Overture on August 20, 1882. It has long … Continue reading On This Date – Artillery Added to Orchestras
On This Day – Rock and Roll milestones
Quite a special day in the history of rock and roll as in 1965 the Beatles played before 60,000 people in Shea Stadium in New York City, essentially launching stadium style concerts. And on August 15, 1969 was the first day of the Woodstock Music Festival in Bethel, New York. While music festivals had been … Continue reading On This Day – Rock and Roll milestones
Global Beatles Day
When I was growing up people often split into two camps, either The Rolling Stones or The Beatles. I liked both but if forced to choose one, it would be The Beatles. The global sensation that was The Beatles is hard to imagine today and those Lads from Liverpool truly changed music as we know … Continue reading Global Beatles Day
National Take a Walk in the Park Day – but with social distancing, please…
Today is National Take a Walk in the Park Day and it is a good way to get out and experience some fresh air as so many of us are asked to stay in place. Even in New York we are allowed that luxury, though many National Parks have been closed down to reduce the … Continue reading National Take a Walk in the Park Day – but with social distancing, please…
What to do in isolation
The city sleeps tonight. We can't go out except for essentials. For me, going out to theater and museums is essential. But Governor Cuomo does not agree. Luckily there are many cultural institutions that are trying to help the shut-ins. They are streaming, usually for free, past performances or tours of their museums. I've listed … Continue reading What to do in isolation
In Memoriam – Jerry Herman
A couple of days ago we lost one of our greatest musical theater writers - Jerry Herman. He will be missed but he gave us so many great nights in the theater. All of the remembrances note his greatest works - "Hello Dolly"; "Mame"; and "La Cage aux Folles." They are all amazing and enjoyable … Continue reading In Memoriam – Jerry Herman
In Memoriam – Robert Hunter
As a writer of scripts I admire the crafter of great lyrics. We lost an amazing and prolific lyricist this week when Robert Hunter passed away at 78. If you, like me, enjoyed the music of "The Grateful Dead" you understand his importance to the band. He was one of the most influential and prolific … Continue reading In Memoriam – Robert Hunter
National Vinyl Record Day
In my youth I had a terrific vinyl record collection. I saved some notable items but most of my music is now digital, more than 50,000 songs from over the years. I was afraid for a while that the young'uns would only know vinyl records from the scritchity-scratching of that hippity-hop. Yes, I know I'm … Continue reading National Vinyl Record Day
Review – Jack of Cups
Unlike the folks doing this work, I am old enough to have seen and worked around Experimental Theatre back in the 1970's and 1980's. Inevitable components included earnest monologues on how we need to come together, interpretive dance, and sounds and music made from unusual items and innovative instruments. Turtleneck shirts were optional but recommended. … Continue reading Review – Jack of Cups
Review – Sincerely, Oscar
Sometimes a theatre production makes an unfortunate decision that mars or hobbles a show. When a series of unfortunate decisions are made in one show you get "Sincerely, Oscar" at the Acorn Theater on Theater Row. It is certainly an earnest effort by Doreen Taylor, a singer with a strong set of pipes, who conceived … Continue reading Review – Sincerely, Oscar
Review – Kiss Me, Kate
Director Scott Ellis and the Roundabout Theatre Company have a habit of putting together tremendous musicals. Their latest classic musical remounting is Cole Porter's "Kiss Me, Kate." But as we have recently observed many of these works come with problematic histories as we've recognized issues with misogyony and the patriarchy. Just look at "Carousel" (spousal … Continue reading Review – Kiss Me, Kate
Review – Classic Albums Live: The Beatles; Abbey Road
Interesting Concept. This group has been around for sixteen years and I have never heard of them. Their idea is to create live concerts with note by note, cut by cut. This is not a tribute band where performers play the parts in audio and appearances. It is not an interpretation of an artist's work … Continue reading Review – Classic Albums Live: The Beatles; Abbey Road
Review – Broadway by the Year; The Broadway Musicals of 1943 & 1951
Scott Siegel runs an excellent series of a musical cabaret program of Broadway hits from selected years at The Town Hall. Arguably 1943 and 1951 are slim pickings beside Oklahoma! but there are favorites from many sources. The performers were uniformly skilled but the stand outs were William Michals, Robert Cuccioli, and Oakley Boycott. The … Continue reading Review – Broadway by the Year; The Broadway Musicals of 1943 & 1951
National Banjo Day!
Today is National Banjo Day. Generally people either love or hate banjo music, I happen to fall in the former camp. My college roommate played the banjo exceptionally well and thrilled to memories of meeting and strumming with his hero Roy Clark. There are other celebrity banjo players like Bela Fleck and Steve Martin. What … Continue reading National Banjo Day!
Review – [title of show] 10 year anniversary concert
Last month I attended an Actor's Fund 10 year anniversary concert of [title of show]. Though I did not see the original run a decade ago I was aware of the premise. Essentially a writer and composer team up to enter a show in the first New York Musical Festival. The problem is they don't … Continue reading Review – [title of show] 10 year anniversary concert
Walter Thinnes 
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