The first concert I ever attended was Barry Manilow’s One Voice tour waaaaayyy back in the early 80s. I know. Nerd alert!
I have a hugely eclectic taste in music. I love 80s hair bands, classic rock from the 60s and 70s, punk, country, coffee house, classical, jazz, Celtic, French pop, and more.
Since that night I went to see Manilow with my mom at the UTC Roundhouse in Chattanooga, I’ve been to many concerts. Probably the best ever was Green Day. The worst? Tim McGraw–we actually walked out. It was one of those deals where you had to weigh your level of enjoyment against the fact that thousands of people would be trying to leave the parking lot at the same time. Getting out quickly won out.
Over the years, I had forgotten how great Barry Manilow is. I was reminded earlier in the week. (Odd segueway coming…)
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that HBO’s epic series Game of Thrones just ended its 8-season run. I was a big fan from the very first episode and I hung in there until the closing credits of the last one. Following that, HBO did a documentary about that final season, and I found that absolutely as fascinating as the show itself. If you didn’t watch the show, avoid the documentary–massive spoilers are there.
But during the course of the documentary, viewers heard from, among many others, one of the directors who described his process of creating an unforgettable scene. He went on to say that as he imagines a particular scene, in his mind there’s a soundtrack that has nothing to do with what actually airs. And for one of the more notable scenes in the last couple of episodes, Could It Be Magic was the song in his mind.
This is such a hauntingly beautiful song. And Barry Manilow is an extremely talented musician. I’m shifting him from my ‘Guilty Pleasures’ list to my list of favorites. See if you agree.
So welcome to June. Here we are, staring down the barrel of another summer. Here in south Florida, it’s officially Hurricane Season. Yay.
I hope you’re enjoying your weekend. Be sure to hug those you love.
I’m finding it hard to believe that the movie Grease came out FORTY YEARS AGO today. How is that even possible?
I was in junior high (remember when that was a thing?) and I went to see the movie with my cousin, who was a year older than I. Before that, my understanding of movie musicals was based on my parents’ collection of LPs (remember when that was a thing?)–South Pacific, The Sound of Music, The King and I.
All of those are great shows, but I was blown away by the idea that an entire musical could be based on rock and roll. And I loved it. I marched right out and spent my allowance on the album, and to this day, I can sing every song by heart.
Now, there’s Rock of Ages, based on 80s music (and simply rocks) and American Idiot, a punk opera from Green Day’s album of the same name (which is outstanding), among others.
Here in the context of the ‘enlightened’ 21st century, I don’t want to delve into the socio-political issues of whether a Good Girl should have to change to keep her Bad Boy boyfriend. Or vice-versa. Because that’s crap.
What I know is that Grease is a fun, nostalgic trip to the 50s full of songs that are just enjoyable, both to listen to and sing along with. A couple of years ago, Fox aired a live production of the show. At the end of this article, I’ve posted Greased Lightning from that performance. Just because I can, LOL. (By the way, NBC is planning a live production of Hair in 2019. Just saying…)
If you’re curious, here’s a Time article that talks about where the stars of Grease are today.
I hope you’re having a wonderful summer weekend. Be sure to hug those you love.
I grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and I traveled through Nashville countless times on my way to visit relatives in Kentucky. But it wasn’t until I was an adult that I first stayed there for a couple of nights.
Nashville is a cool town, with lots to see and do. We stayed downtown, and walked all over the place. We got a little rowdy in a huge bar called the Wildhorse Saloon, and we didn’t miss the opportunity to stop by the Ryman Auditorium, the sacred cathedral of country music.
The Grand Ole Opry started out as a live radio show in 1925, and was housed in the Ryman starting in 1943 and remained there until 1974, when it moved to its current, larger location. In the center of the new stage, there’s a six-foot circle of oak that came from the Ryman stage, symbolically and literally the heart of the theatre.
Even if you’re not a country music fan, the Grand Ole Opry is a sight to behold. It’s still a live radio show, every Saturday night. It also airs on television. But to be there is an experience.
Because unbeknownst to listeners, the Opry stage is like a three-ring circus, with something always happening. While someone is performing, someone who just finished is still out there breaking down, and the next act up is busy getting set up. Groups of tourists enter and leave the stage, snapping photos and getting autographs if they’re lucky.
In addition to being a show and a venue, the Opry is something of a Hall of Fame as well. Performers who are deemed worthy are invited to join, and it’s a huge honor. It’s also a commitment–Opry members are required to perform there a certain number of times per year.
There is a set schedule every week, so when you purchase your tickets, you know who you’ll be seeing. BUT… Performers who have a little time available often pop in unannounced, the better to get some of their annual obligation out of the way.
And so it happened that the night we went to the Grand Ole Opry, we were treated to a performance we didn’t expect. As one act was finishing up, we noticed an increased level of excitement at the side of the stage.
As soon as that performer left the stage, Clint Black and his co-writer Skip Ewing walked out, each carrying an acoustic guitar and a stool. Sitting on the apron of the stage, they began to play Something That We Do. The entire place went dark, with only a spotlight on the pair, and for the first time all night, a hush fell over the room, all of us spellbound by this beautiful song.
I remember well the day we wed
I can see that picture in my head
I still believe the words we said
Forever will ring true
Love is certain, love is kind
Love is yours and love is mine
But it isn’t something that we find
It’s something that we do
It’s holding tight, lettin’ go
It’s flying high and laying low
Let your strongest feelings show
And your weakness, too
It’s a little and a lot to ask
An endless and a welcome task
Love isn’t something that we have
It’s something that we do
We help to make each other all that we can be
Though we can find our strength and inspiration independently
The way we work together is what sets our love apart
So closely that you can’t tell where I end and where you start
It gives me heart remembering how
We started with a simple vow
There’s so much to look back on now
Still it feels brand-new
We’re on a road that has no end
And each day we begin again
Love’s not just something that we’re in
It’s something that we do
We help to make each other all that we can be
Though we can find our strength and inspiration independently
The way we work together is what sets our love apart
So closely that you can’t tell where I end and where you start
Love is wide, love is long
Love is deep and love is strong
Love is why I love this song
And I hope you love it too
I remember well the day we wed
I can see that picture in my head
Love isn’t just those words we said
It’s something that we do
There’s no request too big or small
We give ourselves, we give our all
Love isn’t someplace that we fall
It’s something that we do
It’s a moment I’ll never forget. And I can’t shake the message of the song, that love isn’t somewhere we fall, or something we find, it’s something we do. Every day. Every moment.
I hope this evening finds you well, and surrounded by those you love. Be sure to give them a hug.
Happy Saturday night!
PS–I’m adding another beautiful Clint Black song, this one a duet with his wife, Lisa. ❤
Happy November! Can it be possible that the holidays are right around the corner? Oh, it CAN be–judging by the sudden onslaught of Christmas displays in the stores and the commercials on television.
Last weekend was cool here in south Florida. A/C was turned off, windows were opened, a fresh breeze whisked away all the stale air from the house. We even had a fire in the fireplace a couple of nights. This weekend is more or less back to normal for this time of year–bright sunshine and low humidity with high temps around 80.
But last weekend put me in a mood. I want to escape to a pub in Galway, and sip a pint of Guinness while listening to a local band.
I love this song by Ed Sheeran, and I adore this video even more. Join me for a pint, and celebrate this beautiful fall evening. Be sure to hug those you love. Happy Saturday night!
We’re going way back this week, all the way back to the 80s for tonight’s serenade. How could we have a series of summer songs and not have Endless Summer Nights by Richard Marx?
Way back in nineteen eighty something-something, I saw Richard Marx in concert on Daytona Beach for MTV’s Spring Break. Remember when they still played music?
Opening for him was the band Squeeze, who I mistook for a really good local band at the time. Anyway, Marx came on and played all the hits. Sax god (that’s SAX god) Dave Koz played with him, and it was one of those magical moments in time.
I hope you’re enjoying your weekend. Take a moment to appreciate the moment. And be sure to hug those you love.
Happy August, everyone! This summer is just moving on along, isn’t it? I’m feeling pretty happy right now, I’ll just be honest with you.
This is the final summer weekend for all my teacher friends. They have to show up on Monday, ready for another year. My retirement officially starts Monday.
I know, I’ve been off all summer, but I would have been anyway. In all fairness, though, since the end of school in June, I’ve been working seven days a week as I endeavor to make a go of full-time writing, so I didn’t actually take a break. But I’m happy doing what I’m doing, I’m nearly finished with my new novel, and I know what my next project will be.
Tonight’s serenade is a romantic little song, I’m Yours by Jason Mraz. It isn’t a summer song per se, but it always feels summery to me. Guanabanas, one of our favorite date night destinations, is a tropical paradise, an outdoor bar/restaurant on the river in Jupiter. On their tiki stage, there’s usually a guy with an acoustic guitar singing Jason Mraz covers. I love to order a Cat 5 hurricane along with a round of their homemade fish dip and just chill.
Feel free to do the same on this first weekend of August. Be sure to hug those you love, and tell them how much they mean to you. Happy Saturday night!
I’m Yours
Well, you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill, but you’re so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
Now I’m trying to get back
Before the cool done run out
I’ll be giving it my bestest
And nothing’s gonna stop me but divine intervention.
I reckon, it’s again my turn
To win some or learn some.
But I won’t hesitate
No more, no more.
It cannot wait,
I’m yours.
Well, open up your mind and see like me,
Open up your plans and damn you’re free.
Look into your heart and you’ll find love, love, love, love.
Listen to the music of the moment, people dance and sing, we’re just one big family
And it’s our God-forsaken right to be loved, loved, loved, loved, loved
So I won’t hesitate
No more, no more.
It cannot wait,
I’m sure.
There’s no need to complicate.
Our time is short.
This is our fate,
I’m yours.
Do you want to come on, scooch on over closer, dear
And I will nibble your ear
I’ve been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and I laughed.
I guess what I’ll be saying is there ain’t no better reason
To rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons.
It’s what we aim to do.
Our name is our virtue.
But I won’t hesitate
No more, no more.
It cannot wait,
I’m yours.
Well, open up your mind and see like me,
Open up your plans and damn you’re free.
Look into your heart and you’ll find that the sky is yours.
So please don’t, please don’t, please don’t…
There’s no need to complicate.
‘Cause our time is short.
This oh, this oh, this is our fate.
I’m yours.
Oh, I’m yours
Oh, I’m yours
Oh, oh,
Baby, do you believe, I’m yours?
You best believe, you best believe, I’m yours.
Summer road trip, anyone? Mr. R and I headed over to Tampa last weekend for an Indie author book convention. The event featured Indie authors from all over the world, and was held at a party space called Chic Venue.
It was pretty inside (okay, Mr. R called it gaudy) and as soon as we arrived, we set about putting our half of the table in order.
I shared the table with a lovely author named Harmony Stalter. She was super nice, and displayed two books, one of which she called a ‘second-chance romance’, and the other a murder mystery. Which probably explains the jar with the (fake) heart and the other one filled with eyeballs.
She later apologized for the gruesome display, but I replied that her jars probably accounted for most of the people who stopped by our table. The event ran from noon to 6:00, and traffic was slow. Even so, I had a wonderful time and met a lot of great writers. I’m even making plans to return next year.
As Mr. R and I headed home, we stopped in Ybor City, my favorite part of Tampa. It’s the historic Cuban district, and probably where we should have had the author event. I’ll push for that for next year.
Anyway, we found street parking and strolled toward the loud live music coming from down the street. It emanated from Gaspar’s Grotto, a place we know well. It’s where you go when you want the absolute best Cuban sandwich you’ll find anywhere. So with cocktails on the table and sandwiches ordered, we relaxed to live music and reflected on our day.
It was our summer road trip. Which brings me to tonight’s serenade, Love Shack, the ultimate road trip song. And it makes me wonder… We told you about our trip. Where have you traveled this summer? I’d love to hear all about it.
In the meantime, hug those you love. Happy Saturday night!
I’m so excited! Next Saturday, my best girl Mo and I are headed down to Ft. Lauderdale to see the farewell tour of Mamma Mia at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Mr. R has graciously offered to drive us down, mainly because the thought of driving further south than West Palm Beach really makes me nervous. And he has no interest in going to the show. I can’t understand why, LOL!
I’m old enough to remember ABBA, although admittedly I was not that much of a fan back in the day. But when they put the songs into the context of a romance, I was hooked. I’ve seen the movie dozens of times and it just makes me happy. The songs are catchy and fun, and I’m all about the ‘happily ever after’ ending.
For tonight’s serenade, I’ve chosen one of my favorite sequences from the movie. It starts out silly, but toward the end, it’s a delightful street ballet that feels feminist and empowering. I just love it, and I can’t wait to see it live on stage.
And it seems fitting to post a song from Mamma Mia right here at Mother’s Day. Be sure to hug your loved ones tonight, especially your mom, who loves you more than she can say. I know, because I’m a mom, too. To all the moms, I wish you a very happy Mother’s Day.
Happy Small Business Saturday! Hopefully you were able to support small local business at some point today. You could always buy a book by an Indie author, just saying…
Mr. R. and I went out looking to help out the local economy today. First, we took my new car to a mom and pop car wash. Next, we attempted to buy some goodies from a small Cuban bakery, but we were thwarted by long lines and slow clerks.
So instead, we ended up at one of our favorite bars, Square Grouper, on the Jupiter Inlet. It’s everything that’s great about an outdoor tiki bar. It’s directly on the water, right across from the Jupiter lighthouse, which has been decorated for the holidays. The floor is sand, the ‘ceiling’ is made up of the fronds of the many coconut palms planted throughout the property. You can order your pirate punch and sip while watching boats going in and out, dodging the stand-up paddle boarders. Flocks of pelicans bob on the swells, occasionally dipping their beaks and scooping up fish. We’ve even seen stingrays gliding along beneath the surface of the water.
And, more often than not, they have live music. Today, there was a lone chick, who was playing East Bound and Down when we first arrived. Later on, she slipped into a bluesy vibe and covered Norah Jones. Which brings us to tonight’s serenade. I love Norah Jones and I love this song.
I hope you’re still feeling thankful and that you’re surrounded by those you love. Hug them extra tight, and remember that every day is a good day to support small business.
Thursday night, Mr. R. and I took Date Night to the Lake Worth Playhouse in glamorous Lake Worth, Florida, to see their production of the hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages. It’s a romance set on the Sunset Strip of the decadent eighties, with a rocking soundtrack to back it up.
While they did not have the best quality vocals we’ve ever heard, the band kicked ass and the whole thing was great fun.
One of the many awesome 80s songs they did was Pat Benetar’s Shadows of the Night. In choosing tonight’s video, I found several live versions but not the original video we watched back in the day. Which was a bit disappointing, because one of the best things about the song was the harmony at the very beginning. Those are missing in this version, but this is Pat in her heyday.
Rock of Ages was made into a movie a few years back, and it remains one of my guilty pleasures. It’s hopelessly cheesy and features über douchebag Tom Cruise as rock god Stacy Jaxx, but I forgave them for that because the music is awesome.
I’m including the Shadows of the Night clip from the movie, and it’s a tiny bit risqué. Oh well, it IS, after all, Saturday night.
So get out your parachute pants, your leg warmers, and your Aqua-net, baby, we’re going to rock the 80s one more time. Happy Saturday night!
Adventures in Date Night 
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