Max Weinberg, Bill Champlin & Mindy Abair in MISSION VIEJO!

Just got back from seeing a great show right here in my backyard, literally two minutes from my house!!!  It was wild seeing Max Weinberg in Mission Viejo - who would have thunk it?

It was the opening night of our "Lord of the Strings" concert series and our Reading Festival (both put on by the Library).

Bill may be an older guy but his pipes are as great as ever.  His son was also one of the band members, playing keys and signing.

I'd never heard of Mindy before tonight but I'm officially a fan.  She was so fun and adorable and extremely talented.

They played several of Bill's songs that he wrote for other people and one from Chicago; they did some George Benson, Stevie Wonder, David Ruffin, Southside Johnny (the Fever  by Bruce) and some others.  The encore song was Ramrod by Bruce.

It was fun.  The best part for me personally was watching Max have fun, playing in a relaxed way and being The Boss of the show.  When he plays with Bruce he is so intense because he has to constantly be watching him for his cues - you never know how Bruce will mix up a set or even a song.

Before they played Ramrod he said some very sweet things about Clarence.  It made me wonder what it will feel like for Bruce to introduce the band the first time they play again.

35th Anniversary of "Dust in the Wind"

One of classic rock's most instantly recognizable and enduring songs, ‘Dust in the Wind,’ will celebrate its 35^th anniversary in 2012.  As part of the celebration for this one-of-a-kind tune (penned by Kerry Livgren and first recorded by the band KANSAS), a 35^th anniversary limited edition gift book is being released.

This beautifully designed 6” x 6” hardcover gift book is four-color throughout, 32-pages, and includes song lyrics, personal stories from fans, and a foreword by Kerry Livgren.  Kerry Livgren will sign books ordered by October 20, 2011.  Books cost $20, plus shipping and handling, and are available for purchase exclusively at www.kansasband.com.

A portion of the proceeds from each book will benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization.  "Autism Speaks is thrilled to have been selected by KANSAS to receive proceeds from this exciting project about this iconic song," said Autism Speaks President Mark Roithmayr.  "The 35th Anniversary Dust in the Wind book will bring our message of awareness, treatment, and hope to a musical community of KANSAS fans through out the world."

With their aforementioned self-titled first album released in 1974, KANSAS went on to become one of the decade’s most popular rock acts – issuing classic rock albums such as 1976’s ‘Leftoverture’ and 1977’s ‘Point of Know Return,’ along with the hit singles “Carry on Wayward Son” and “Dust In the Wind,” and “Point of Know Return.”  The band, which is comprised of singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh, guitarist Rich Williams, drummer Phil Ehart, bassist Billy Greer, and violinist David Ragsdale – continues to tour in front of large and enthusiastic audiences and to this day remain a fixture on classic rock radio.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

www.kansasband.com

www.facebook.com/kansasband

www.facebook.com/dustinthewindbook

www.autismspeaks.org

Happy Birthday, Bruce!

My sis and I were at this concert!

Happy Birthday to Joan Jett

30 Guitar Riffs - 15 Bass Riffs

Was cruising around YouTube this morning:

Not sure if I agree with all of these, but most of them belong on this list.  It was fun to listen to.  I think the person who put this together is a big fan of G&R, they appear more than anyone else.

And, here's someone's favorite bass riffs, I like all of these:

Imagine 40 Years Ago Today

It was forty years ago today that John Lennon released his second solo album, "Imagine".  He was a man who dared to imagine peace, a world with no racism, hatred or violence, where we all helped each other, where the lines on the maps were blurred and the human race was one big family.  You could say he's a dreamer...but he's not the only one.  I made this video years ago as a tribute to John's visions of peace.  How sadly ironic that his death was a result of a violent act.  I for one, am a dreamer of peace, but also a realist.  I don't think we will see it in my lifetime, but maybe someday.

Happy Birthday, Freddie

He would have been 65 years old today.  There will never be another Freddie Mercury.

The Swigs

I love this band! They are pure rock and roll because they not only rock your senses, they get inside too.  Extreme talent from each of them: Kevin Henderson–Guitar, Vocals, Piano. Eric Snyder–Bass. Mike Troupe–Drums.

Some unique and soulful remakes of obscure songs, one by David Bowie that I love:  "Let Me Sleep Beside You".  Amazing take on a song you may have never even heard before.

You know, I'm not the greatest at reviewing music so my suggestion is to listen to these three guys and hear what my words can't say: