Jersey Boys

Being a Jersey Boy myself, I could not pass it up when the show, a musical biography of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons came through town. These guys were from my neck of the woods, and character portrayals were hauntingly familiar including the authentic New Jersey street vocabulary. "F" bombs were dropped as if the players were reciting fine poetry and accents were reminiscent of those heard up and down the streets and alleys of the North End of Elizabeth, New Jersey, where I grew up during the hayday of the Four Seasons.
The script was typical of the rise and fall of a performer. The show had elements of "The Doors", "Walk the Line", "Dream Girls" and "Coal Miner's Daughter". But the thing that had the audience on it's feet was the music, performed by a talented group of singers and instrumentalists. We knew the words to every song, skillfully woven into the story line to create quite an enjoyable evening of music. Recommended for adults (unless you'd like to be embarrassed in front of your kids - wait - maybe you talk like those guys in front of your kids - I don't know - you decide.)

1 Year Anniversary Raffle

In celebration of 1 year as a family of 3, we would like to do a raffle for a CD of Chinese lullabies sung by the Beijing Angelic Choir. This music has soothed Joanna Mei to sleep each night and we'd like to pass on this beautiful music to a lucky winner. Just leave a comment on this post indicating that you'd like to win. Joanna Mei will draw a winner on July 14, our Forever Family Day.

Don't mean to judge ...... nope, sure don't.

... and the DUH Award goes to .....

It had been a particularly noteworthy Sunday.

Church in the AM followed by a short nap and then a 1 hour drive to

meet some friends from way back for a snack in Lakeland, FL.

The drive over was uneventful and considering traffic in Central Florida,

that made it eventful.

Our meeting went as planned and we continued onto the Lakeland Civic Center for a performance of Cirque du Soleil's "Saltimbanco".

Oops ... I failed to mention that we boldly brought along our 2 year old.

You would not have known it. She was on her best behavior and presented herself as a most charming individual.

It was daring of us to bring her along to the 2 hour show, but she was transfixed on the display of athletic prowess and the illusions before her. She danced, cheered, and glued her eyes to the performance area.

But, what followed was most unimpressive ......

For this reason ......

goes to ......

The Staff and Management of Lakeland's

I love this eatery's milk shakes and the sign loomed before us so we stopped for dinner at approximately 7:30 PM.

We placed our orders ..... (22 minutes after being seated)

1 Grilled Chicken Salad

1 Single Steakburger with Cheese and Bacon

1 Vanilla Milk Shake

1 Order of Chicken Fingers

(The chicken fingers were free - special on Sat & Sun:

Free kid's meal with each $8.00 spent)

Our daughter had pooped and so I attended to the primitive ritual of the diaper change. I figured I'd take my time, so we sang and wiped and washed and sang some more. She loved the sounds of her screams ricocheting off the tiled walls. When we arrived back at our table, still no food, although the shake had arrived. 43 minutes after being seated, along comes a different waitress with our order. The Steakburger and chicken fingers were there on the tray, but there appeared to be a chicken club substituted for the chicken salad. We told the waitress and she brought back the whole tray. Leaving us in her dust, we tried to tell her to leave us the bloody burger and chicken fingers (we were so hungry we were ready to eat the people in the next booth) but she flicked us off and went back to the pick up window. 3 minutes later, she returns with the chicken salad and the other 2 items and informs us that she had brought the wrong tray. I wanted to say "You friggin' liar!" but I managed to maintain poise and dignity. Our regular waitress stopped by to see how it was going and I told her what happened and could she bring me a new bun for my burger as there was mustard on the one I was served which I didn't order. She reached down to grab the plate containing the burger. "Just a new bun!" I said in a style reminiscent of Jack Nickolson in "The Shining".

The rest of the meal went without a hitch.

I asked for my check. Our waitress indicated that it would just be a minute.

I told her that I would stand in the aisle until she returned.

It came in 30 seconds.

The Chicken Club Sandwich (never ordered in the first place)

was still on the bill ........

The Child's Meal (should be free) was also charged .....

Our waitress offered to take care of it.

"No, that won't be necessary. I'll do it myself when I pay for the check."

The manager was at the register. We were wanting to get back on the road back to Orlando, so I mentioned the disputed items and he deducted them without question. ....... But here's the best part, folks .......

I paid with a credit card and he asked for I.D.

This is what I presented to him .......

Actual scan of a gag driver's license I keep in my wallet

He compared the credit card to the gag driver's license and said

"Thank you, sir."

And so, Steak and Shake, Lakeland, Florida .......

here's your DUH Award for the most screw ups in one meal

during a 90 minute period. That's right, we were back on the road at 9 PM.

We actually drove to Orlando in less time than

Steak & Shake could put 3 lousy items on our table (not including 10 minutes to consume the marginal fare presented to us.)

Much success to you in your overall incompetence.

The Manhattan Transfer - Concert Reflections

I don’t let the opportunity to hear The Manhattan Transfer slip by me if the group is singing within 60 miles of my home. We were jazzed to score some great seats for their recent performance at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, Fl – it might as well have been the first time we heard this incredible quartet exhibit their vocal gymnastics – we sat stunned by their performance, even though we had seen them 6 or so times over the years.
MT has had the same 4 singers in the lineup for over 30 years, so the accuracy with which they sing is extraordinary. As an ensemble, the sound is exquisite, providing a spot on vocal blend. Individually, the 2 women far outshine the men in performance and talent. Janis Siegel is a wild woman. Even at 57, she still exhibits a more sophisticated version of the same spunky gal from 25 years ago. Over the years, her voice has become one of the group’s most recognizable trademarks. Cheryl Bentyne has a vocal range which defies science. Her sultry low notes are Karen Carpenter-esque and her high notes provide keen competition for dog whistles. Tim Hauser (founder) and Alan Paul each contribute their individual flavor to the ensemble, giving it fullness and body.
Some of our favorite MT songs include “Route 66”, “Soul Food to Go”, “Ray’s Rock House”, “Operator”, and “The Offbeat of Avenues”. At times during the show, songs called for everyone to get up and dance, but when we looked at the audience behind us, there wasn’t much of a chance of that happening. We very well may have been the youngest kids in the crowd, so we settled for jukein’ in our seats.
Some of their pieces defy traditional harmonic writing causing me to wonder “How the heck do they do that?” Not necessarily something you want to hear a lot of, but enough to solidify one’s appreciation for their excellence at their craft. Their stylings include pop, jazz, rock, Brazilian, a capella, gospel, vocalese, big band and the list goes on. Recently, they recorded some of their old favorites with symphony orchestra, giving the selections a lush character for easy listening.
We’ll be there for the next pass of The Manhattan Transfer through Florida. After 30 years, these remarkable performers have a myriad of songs from which to compose a set list.

Slackin' Again

Thanks for stoppin' by.

I promise to do an update by next week.

A 2 year old in the house can sure keep you jumpin'.