Music → Weekly Wilson - Blog of Author Connie C. Wilson

Eagles Play Moline, Illinois on Concert Tour on March 20, 2009

On March 22, 2009

In Local, Music, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Pop Culture, Reviews

“The Eagles” blew into town on their “Long Road Out of Eden” 2009 World Tour on Wednesday, March 17, 2009, and, clad like adults in suits and ties, Glenn Frey pronounced the sold-out performance to be “the Eagles assisted living tour” and called the group “the band that wouldn’t die.”

Band members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit—who, with his long hair, looked a bit like the Crypt-keeper, —performed at what used to be known as the Mark of the Quad Cities, but is now officially the I-wireless Center. They appeared onstage with a proscenium arch behind them that had green lights flashing, which seemed appropriate for this day after St. Patrick’s Day concert. The stage was able to have film projected on the backdrop, which was used to good effect during the concert, and there were 2 large screens set up to the left and right of the main stage.

At any given moment, in addition to the 4 “name” performers in the band, there were 9 people onstage. Four guitars, 2 percussion stations, 2 keyboard stations, 3 saxophones and 1 trumpet were used in various combination(s) throughout the evening’s performance.

The band initially performed some new stuff in tight harmony, accapella, from their newest album (“Long Road Out of Eden”) and then segued into “Witchy Woman,” with Glenn Frey, who acted as announcer most of the night saying that the song was from “our favorite Satanic country period.” With lyrics like “a peaceful easy feeling” and “every form of refuge has its price” filling the hall, the crowd loved lyrics/songs like “After the boys of summer have gone,” or “You can’t hide those lyin’ eyes.”

After a brief intermission that lasted no more than 15 minutes, the quartet sat on stools and sang close harmony on “No more walks in the woods” and “I’ve been waiting in the reeds.” Frey announced that they were going to sing what he said his wives referred to as “the credit card song,” an introduction to “Take It to the Limit.”

The famous quartet was ably assisted by musicians like Stewart Smith, their newest member; Richard Blade Davis from New Orleans on keyboards; Greg Smith from San Louis Obispo; Bill Armstrong on trumpet, from Amarillo, Texas; Christian Mostaad on sax, from the Netherlands; Al Garth from Santa Rosa; Scott Krago on drums, who has been with the band since 1994; and Michael Thompson from San Diego on keyboards. Glenn Frey, himself, is from Royal Oak, Michigan (where, he said, “mother” is one-half of a word), while Don Henley, the other leader of the band, is from Texas. Joe Walsh is a New Jersey native.

While playing their song “Dirty Laundry” a very effective montage of various covers of magazines like “People” and “Us” formed the backdrop and, towards the end, fake covers showed Don Henley on the cover of “Time” magazine, with the title: “Don Henley solves Global Warming” and Glenn Frey on a fake cover of “Sports Illustrated” bearing the words, “Glenn Frey Wins Masters.” Joe Walsh’s was a little less topical: “Monkey Sues Joe Walsh.” At times, the light-show feeling of the backdrop reminded me of the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” or light shows I have attended that featured Pink Floyd and/or the Dave Matthews Band.

The show went on for 3 hours and the only “bad” thing about it were the 2 women next to me who had come to the show on a bus and either (a) talked very loudly on their cell phones throughout the concert or (b) sang along so loudly that we couldn’t hear the band members’ voices whom we had come to hear at $168 a pop. When they began to drunkenly boogie (after knocking my own drink to the ground while stumbling in and out of the row for the 9^th or 10^th time), it was apropos that the lyric that was playing was: “Somebody’s gonna hurt someone…” It turns out it was me who was going to be hurt, as Drunken Blonde Number One smacked me right in the face while doing a particularly interesting move that involved climbing over the back of the seat back to dance in the row behind us (to “Life in the fast lane.”)

For an encore, which was prompted by real, regular lighters that were used “back in the day,” not be cell phone lights, as the kids of today use, the band sang “Take it easy’ followed by one of their biggest hits, “Desperado.” All in all, it was a great concert, but the two women next to me definitely detracted from the overall enjoyment.

Final Group Performs; Wild Card Picks Named on “American Idol” on Wednesday, March 4th

By Connie Wilson

On March 5, 2009

In Music, Pop Culture, Television

american-idol-judges2 “American Idol” has spoken, and Lil Rounds, the blind contestant Scott McIntyre, and Jorge Nunez from Puerto Rico, who did do himself some good by showing naked emotion in crying after his rendition of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” have advanced to the final twelve contestants.

I agree with the selection of Lil and Jorge, and it’s always nice to see handicapped individuals excel, which is why I wrote an entire piece on Oscar Pistorius, “the Blade Runner,” who was born with no legs but sought to compete on artificial limbs in the Olympics. It’s inspirational to have someone triumph over seemingly overwhelming odds. I only wish that Scott had a better voice, but, hey! There were plenty of bloggers who really dug his voice and delivery. I just didn’t happen to be among them, because, as someone who lived with a blind person for over a year, I know that most of the visually handicapped want to be treated “just like everybody else” and that is what I tried to do during my year as Susan Willoughby’s roommate. And that is what I am trying to do in objectively judging the voices of the remaining contestants and not pandering to one over another simply due to hardships they may have endured.

The “wild card” survivors who will live to fight again another day…(tomorrow, in fact) were announced after Lil and Scott and Jorge had once again sung their songs from Tuesday night. The wild card finalists who will compete against one another for the final three spots included: Von Smith, Jasmine Murray, Ricky Braddy, Megan Corkrey, Tatiana DelToro, Matt Giraud, Jesse Langseth and Anoop Desai.

Undoubtedly the selection of Tatiana will cause the most Internet buzz. She lived up to her Drama Queen image by crying and thanking all in the most emotional way possible. Then, apparently overcome with emotion, she began to walk the wrong way off the stage and had to be snared back by those who had already made it through the eye of the needle and were seated to the left, not the right.

Of those “wild card” contestants who made it through, I have come to the conclusion that Jasmine Murray made it through to the final group to compete on the basis of her looks and Jesse Langseth also seems like a long shot (although, as a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, I’m rooting for her). Megan, the tattooed lady from Utah, has been an obvious judges’ favorite since the beginning, and Anoop has immense likeability. The better singers in the group, however, are Von Smith (whom Simon compared to Clay Aiken), Ricky Braddy (who lacks much charisma, unfortunately) and Matt Giraud, once you get him behind his piano doing his bluesy thing.

The other big scandal rocking the competition seemed rather delayed in coming out (pun intended). That was the revelation (if anyone who watches YouTube wants to call it that) that Adam Lambert is gay. A photo of him smooching another male seems to have caused more buzz than his scorching hot rendition of “Crazy,” which took place in what appeared to be some sort of gay “Zodiac” revue. The minute Adam appeared onstage, with his black eyeliner and his dark black geometric cut, it seemed pretty obvious that, if he weren’t openly gay, he was in the closet (like Clay Aiken was for a very long time).

The question is now being posed: “Will America vote for an ‘American Idol’ who is openly gay?” I can’t speak for the rest of America, but I sure will. What a talent Adam Lambert is! He is in a class by himself, in more ways than one. Good luck to the church choir directors in competing against that! And, for those of you who haven’t checked Adam’s YouTube work out on video yet, I suggest “The Zodiac Show” for the openly sexual prancing and Adam with blonde hair; “Dust in the Wind” for a very stripped-down but touching vocal under conditions that can only be described as less-than-optimal; “Is Anybody Listening” for a campy look at Adam playing a part in a Biblical-era musical that reminded of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat;” and “Crawl Through Fire” for some of the campiest outfits and posing.

We just elected our first African American president. Maybe it’s time to elect our first openly gay “American Idol.”

“American Idol” of Feb. 26th Promotes Adam, Allison & Kris

By Connie Wilson

On February 27, 2009

In Music

The results are in for this week’s “American Idol” competition, as announced on Thursday night’s February 26^th program on Fox.

Ryan Seacrest announced that there were 25 million votes, up a million from last week’s voting, and all of the would-be finalists sang a group song (“Closer”) before the results were announced, Norman Gentle/Nick Mitchell got off one funny line when asked by Seacrest what he would do if he were cut. He said, “I’m looking for employment always.”

There were no surprises. Sixteen-year-old Allison Iraheto, who sang “Alone” by Heart, was the best of the girls, and she was given her ticket to ride first. She then re-sang her Tuesday night song selection. Clad in a dress that was too tight, with high, thick red heels and a black dress with a red-and-white polka dot top, she comes across as a biker chick who can really sing.

As I had speculated on AC in my article yesterday, America’s teenaged girls vote for teenaged boys. Therefore, Kris Allen beat out Megan Joy Corkrey this night, but I would not be surprised if Megan were to be brought back for the “wild card” competition, and I feel the same way about Matt Giraud the piano-playing Kalamazoo, Michigan native

The most accomplished, most talented, most confident performer of the entire competition, Adam Lambert, made it through and if you take a look at his previous work (on YouTube) you’ll see why. Not only does he have range and talent, he is an experienced pro when compared to, say, a church music director from Wisconsin. His rendition of “Crazy” online is, well, crazy. A performance of “Dust in the Wind” (also a Youtube video) shows me that we are at least going to have some really wonderful entertainment to look forward to on future “American Idol” programs. I would pay money to hear this guy sing right now, as he has the polished sheen of a professional performer, which is due to the fact that he IS a polished performer, who has appeared in “Wicked” on Broadway, among other gigs. As another interesting sidelight, you can find some interesting Youtube video footage of Allison Iraheto singing in Spanish. Check that out online before next week’s show.

So, for me, I’m doing better with my predictions, so far, this year. So is “American Idol”, as the attempt to vote Nick/Norman through by the online site “Vote for the Worst” failed.

Adam Lambert & Allison Iraheto Dominate on “American Idol’s” February 25th Show

By Connie Wilson

On February 26, 2009

In Music, Pop Culture, Television, Uncategorized

american-idol-judges22 I can make this short and sweet, or long and drawn-out.

I am selecting short and sweet, which is not normally my style.

On the Wednesday, February 25, 2009, episode of “American Idol” two clear front-runners emerged. Actually, one of them, Adam Lambert from Hollywood, has been out front for the entire competition.

The other, Allison Iraheto, a 16-year-old nearly inarticulate redhead from Los Angeles, blew the socks off the other female competitors. While Allison was not that interesting in her interview segment, the judges heaped praise on her rendition of “Alone” by Heart, saying things like, “You just blew it out of the box. So now we’ve got real singing going on tonight” from Randy Jackson. Or, from Kara, “You don’t even know how good you are.” Paula said, “I think you can sing the telephone book. Congratulations, you did an incredible job.” Simon weighed in with “The competition just started right now.” Clad in a black sparkly strapless dress with a gray belt, the teen-ager reminded of Kelly Clarkson or Pink or any number of other singers who can belt it out, and her remark, tellingly, was, “I don’t even remember what happened.

So, who will the third member of the trio to “get through” be? I don’t know, but I would guess it will be either Megan Joy Corkrey (the girl with one tattooed arm), a 23-year-old Utah native; Matt Giraud, the talented 23-year-old piano bar Kalamazoo, Michigan native, who sang a Coldplay song from Viva La Vida, this year’s album of the year at the Grammies; or Kris Allen, also 23, from Conway, Arkansas, who sang Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.”

The third winner will be the one who (m) the audience voters “like” best. Megan is very likeable, much like Brooke White on another season of “American Idol.” She has a daughter, Ryder, who is 8 years old, and the judges reacted well to Megan’s performance with comments like, “You did everything right” (Paula) to “You look gorgeous, but you oversang at the end.” (I agree with this assessment). Simon pronounced her “relevant, current,” comparing her to Duffy or Amy Winehouse, but said, “I just wish the vocals were a little bit better.” Kara DioGuardi called her “a package artist’ with a smoky jazz quality. If I were a betting woman, I’d bet on Megan Joy Corkrey, save for one factor.
Most of those voting seem to be teen-aged girls. Kris Allen is a very cute 23-year-old Conway, Arkansas boy and did a credible job with his song. Normally, he hides behind a guitar, but, this night, in a totally nondescript outfit consisting of a tee shirt and hair that seemed noticeably darker than when he auditioned previously, he received remarks like,” You showed confidence and personality. It’s very easy to forget someone like you.” Randy said, “Nice jump off, baby.” Only Kara felt that “This was just the wrong song…completely wrong.” Paula said, I’m gonna’ disagree (with Kara) completely. You nailed it.”

So, the vote is split on Kris Allen’s performance this night, but I wonder if teen-aged girls would rather vote for a cute boy than a cute girl?

I could go through the rest of the contestants and parse their performances, but suffice it to say that my original pronouncement that Jasmine Murray (age 17) looked a lot better than she was capable of singing turned out to be true with her rendition of “Love Song” by Sarah Morellis. Jeanine Vailes (age 28) sang a Maroon5 song while wearing short hot pants. It was off-key and the song is pretty monotonous, anyway. That remark summed up a lot of the selections, but not all. Jesse Langseth, age 26, from Minneapolis, Minnesota sang “Bette Davis Eyes” and did “okay” but Randy nailed it when he commented on the “five-note range” that this song and several others have, compared to Adam Lambert’s high notes on the Stones’ “Satisfaction.” Kai Kalama, singing “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” had pitch issues and his performance was panned as “corny, old-fashioned. Nothing distinct. Nothing original. Nothing memorable” (Simon) to Randy’s “Too safe.’ [His hair looked like the Arab guy from “Lost” had been electrocuted in a rainstorm; it was wild and out-of-control, but his singing was neither.]

I really must comment on the Jerry Lewis/Richard Simmons-like split personality of Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle. He sang, “I’m not going” from “Dreamgirls” while wearing white tails, Bermuda shorts, dark socks and tennis shoes. Ryan Seacrest commented, “That is the first time a contestant has gone to second base with our logo,” a reference to Norman/Nick’s shtick, where he hugged the “American Idol” logo and screeched his way through to the end of a very off-key, albeit humorous, performance. Nick/Norman belongs in a revamp of a Jerry Lewis comedy, not in a singing competition. Simon said it best when he commented, “I pray you do not go through to the next round.” Everyone agreed that Norman/Nick’s performance was funny, but, unless we are going to go the Sanjaya Hairdo-of-the-Night route, being funny usually doesn’t get you through to the twelve best singers in the competition. Comments: “Most atrocious horrific comedy. That was funny. At least we remember you. You wear the same shirt, like Simon, every week. You’re fun. You’re memorable.” He was compared to Olivia Newton-John, although I think Jerry Lewis and Richard Simmons are closer. If all of America is dying to laugh at someone for a few more weeks, then Norman/Nick can keep shrieking his way along, but it is quite obvious that he isn’t that great a singer. He could give lessons on how to become less inhibited.

Matt Breitzke, age 28, from Bixby, Oklahoma: “If You Could Only See” by Tonic. Breathy. Weird shirt with embroidery. Sweating bullets. No dancing ability whatsoever. Comments: “Boring. Didn’t suit you. An uncomfortable performance. I really like you, but I absolutely hated that song.” (Simon) It didn’t show you to be the great Matt we saw in Hollywood (Randy). “Not edgy enough. Fell really flat.” (Kara) Not going to be a welder joining the oil rig guy (Michael Sarver), from the looks of it.

Mishavonna Hensen, age 18, from Irvine, California sang “Drops of Jupiter,” another song that was bad, in that it showed little or no range. She wore an odd balloon-skirted outfit and Simon commented, “You act like a 50-year-old.”

I would point out that “American Idol” seems to “save the best for last.” They did last week, with Danny Gokey, and they did this week, with Adam Lambert. Lambert is a pro. He struts around like the spirit of Elvis has inhabited his soul. Some comments: “I don’t’ even have words. You’re in a league of your own.” (Paula) “Brilliant at times, but excruciatingly bad at times. Love it or hate it.” (Simon) “I loved it! One of the most current,” said Randy, citing “My Chemical Romance ” and Robert Tyler and the vampire from “Twilight” as some of the groups or individuals that Adam’s singing summons. Randy said, “Dude, it was the bomb!” Kara commented on the range that Adam showed, which was, indeed, a pleasant change from a night of mostly monotone songs.

Stay tuned for tomorrow night’s (February 26, Thursday, 2009) results.

I can make this short and sweet, or long and drawn-out.

I am selecting short and sweet, which is not normally my style.

On the Wednesday, February 25, 2009, episode of “American Idol” two clear front-runners emerged. Actually, one of them, Adam Lambert from Hollywood, has been out front for the entire competition.

The other, Allison Iraheto, a 16-year-old nearly inarticulate redhead from Los Angeles, blew the socks off the other female competitors. While Allison was not that interesting in her interview segment, the judges heaped praise on her rendition of “Alone” by Heart, saying things like, “You just blew it out of the box. So now we’ve got real singing going on tonight” from Randy Jackson. Or, from Kara, “You don’t even know how good you are.” Paula said, “I think you can sing the telephone book. Congratulations, you did an incredible job.” Simon weighed in with “The competition just started right now.” Clad in a black sparkly strapless dress with a gray belt, the teen-ager reminded of Kelly Clarkson or Pink or any number of other singers who can belt it out, and her remark, tellingly, was, “I don’t even remember what happened.

So, who will the third member of the trio to “get through” be? I don’t know, but I would guess it will be either Megan Joy Corkrey (the girl with one tattooed arm), a 23-year-old Utah native; Matt Giraud, the talented 23-year-old piano bar Kalamazoo, Michigan native, who sang a Coldplay song from Viva La Vida, this year’s album of the year at the Grammies; or Kris Allen, also 23, from Conway, Arkansas, who sang Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.”

The third winner will be the one who (m) the audience voters “like” best. Megan is very likeable, much like Brooke White on another season of “American Idol.” She has a daughter, Ryder, who is 8 years old, and the judges reacted well to Megan’s performance with comments like, “You did everything right” (Paula) to “You look gorgeous, but you oversang at the end.” (I agree with this assessment). Simon pronounced her “relevant, current,” comparing her to Duffy or Amy Winehouse, but said, “I just wish the vocals were a little bit better.” Kara DioGuardi called her “a package artist’ with a smoky jazz quality. If I were a betting woman, I’d bet on Megan Joy Corkrey, save for one factor.
Most of those voting seem to be teen-aged girls. Kris Allen is a very cute 23-year-old Conway, Arkansas boy and did a credible job with his song. Normally, he hides behind a guitar, but, this night, in a totally nondescript outfit consisting of a tee shirt and hair that seemed noticeably darker than when he auditioned previously, he received remarks like,” You showed confidence and personality. It’s very easy to forget someone like you.” Randy said, “Nice jump off, baby.” Only Kara felt that “This was just the wrong song…completely wrong.” Paula said, I’m gonna’ disagree (with Kara) completely. You nailed it.”

So, the vote is split on Kris Allen’s performance this night, but I wonder if teen-aged girls would rather vote for a cute boy than a cute girl?

I could go through the rest of the contestants and parse their performances, but suffice it to say that my original pronouncement that Jasmine Murray (age 17) looked a lot better than she was capable of singing turned out to be true with her rendition of “Love Song” by Sarah Morellis. Jeanine Vailes (age 28) sang a Maroon5 song while wearing short hot pants. It was off-key and the song is pretty monotonous, anyway. That remark summed up a lot of the selections, but not all. Jesse Langseth, age 26, from Minneapolis, Minnesota sang “Bette Davis Eyes” and did “okay” but Randy nailed it when he commented on the “five-note range” that this song and several others have, compared to Adam Lambert’s high notes on the Stones’ “Satisfaction.” Kai Kalama, singing “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” had pitch issues and his performance was panned as “corny, old-fashioned. Nothing distinct. Nothing original. Nothing memorable” (Simon) to Randy’s “Too safe.’ [His hair looked like the Arab guy from “Lost” had been electrocuted in a rainstorm; it was wild and out-of-control, but his singing was neither.]

I really must comment on the Jerry Lewis/Richard Simmons-like split personality of Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle. He sang, “I’m not going” from “Dreamgirls” while wearing white tails, Bermuda shorts, dark socks and tennis shoes. Ryan Seacrest commented, “That is the first time a contestant has gone to second base with our logo,” a reference to Norman/Nick’s shtick, where he hugged the “American Idol” logo and screeched his way through to the end of a very off-key, albeit humorous, performance. Nick/Norman belongs in a revamp of a Jerry Lewis comedy, not in a singing competition. Simon said it best when he commented, “I pray you do not go through to the next round.” Everyone agreed that Norman/Nick’s performance was funny, but, unless we are going to go the Sanjaya Hairdo-of-the-Night route, being funny usually doesn’t get you through to the twelve best singers in the competition. Comments: “Most atrocious horrific comedy. That was funny. At least we remember you. You wear the same shirt, like Simon, every week. You’re fun. You’re memorable.” He was compared to Olivia Newton-John, although I think Jerry Lewis and Richard Simmons are closer. If all of America is dying to laugh at someone for a few more weeks, then Norman/Nick can keep shrieking his way along, but it is quite obvious that he isn’t that great a singer. He could give lessons on how to become less inhibited.

Matt Breitzke, age 28, from Bixby, Oklahoma: “If You Could Only See” by Tonic. Breathy. Weird shirt with embroidery. Sweating bullets. No dancing ability whatsoever. Comments: “Boring. Didn’t suit you. An uncomfortable performance. I really like you, but I absolutely hated that song.” (Simon) It didn’t show you to be the great Matt we saw in Hollywood (Randy). “Not edgy enough. Fell really flat.” (Kara) Not going to be a welder joining the oil rig guy (Michael Sarver), from the looks of it.

Mishavonna Hensen, age 18, from Irvine, California sang “Drops of Jupiter,” another song that was bad, in that it showed little or no range. She wore an odd balloon-skirted outfit and Simon commented, “You act like a 50-year-old.”

I would point out that “American Idol” seems to “save the best for last.” They did last week, with Danny Gokey, and they did this week, with Adam Lambert. Lambert is a pro. He struts around like the spirit of Elvis has inhabited his soul. Some comments: “I don’t’ even have words. You’re in a league of your own.” (Paula) “Brilliant at times, but excruciatingly bad at times. Love it or hate it.” (Simon) “I loved it! One of the most current,” said Randy, citing “My Chemical Romance ” and Robert Tyler and the vampire from “Twilight” as some of the groups or individuals that Adam’s singing summons. Randy said, “Dude, it was the bomb!” Kara commented on the range that Adam showed, which was, indeed, a pleasant change from a night of mostly monotone songs.

Stay tuned for tomorrow night’s results.

New Year’s Eve (Times Square): Freezing with Lionel Richie

By Connie Wilson

On December 31, 2008

In Music, News, Pop Culture, Television, travel

Lionel Richie just completed his set and Kellie Pickler is hanging on to the iron barriers the police spent all afternoon setting up. The temperature, with wind chill, is around 5 degrees. Ryan Seacrest, in his earmuffs, looks better than Luke Russert and Carson Daley in hats.

Some time ago the daughter (and friends) took off for Madison Square Garden to hear “My Morning Jacket” play. I took her to hear them on a bill with Dave Matthews, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, Jurassic5, and Neil Young during a MoveOn.org concert for Kerry lo those many years ago (Ames, Iowa). She saw them at Bonaroo. The friends from school traveled here by bus and train to hear them again and decided that freezing outside in the cold was less desirable than going to a concert at Madison Square Garden, so they are gone, having fun, we hope.

Before they left, via subway and bus, she delivered 2009 glasses ($6 a pair) purchased from vendor’s around Times Square.

We are fortunate because 7th Avenue, the street shut down for the festivities, with stages and the ball, itself, at the end near the DoubleTree Guest Quarters, will allow us outside the door to watch the ball drop soon, without our having to become penned cattle for the entire 8 hours of waiting that some have endured.

Here are a few shots of the night.

Tim Stopulos Plays Redstone Room on Dec. 19th

By Connie Wilson

On December 20, 2008

In Music, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Pop Culture, Reviews

Tim Stopulos, a Davenport Assumption High School graduate who attended college in Wake Forest (Winston Salem, North Carolina) after graduation, was in town on December 19^th, playing at the Redstone Room of the River Music Experience.

His tightly knit combo played some covers of Billy Joel and Elton John (“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”) on which Steven Kretschmer guested and sang harmony, but most of the songs were original compositions from Tim’s album “The Long Drive Home.”

Tim’s band consists of Justin Hooks on drums and percussion, Seville Lilly on keyboards and bass guitar, Michael Tahlier, lead guitar. Tim, himself, plays keyboards and guitar and sings lead vocals while composing many of the group’s songs. Born in 1983, the 25-year-old singer/songwriter says he has been influenced by everyone from Dave Matthews to John Mayer, Ben Folds, Coldplay, Billy Joel, Radiohead and Jeff Buckley. He began 15 years of piano instruction at the age of 6, and it has definitely paid off.

I spoke with Seville Lilly, the bass and keyboards player (and the thin guy wearing the hat) and he said, “Tim is the most complete musician I’ve met. He has it all. He sings, he composes, he can play all the instruments. I’ve been in 13 bands in and around Chicago. This CD is really well-produced. It was hearing this CD that convinced me to join the band.” Seville went on to note that he is not on the CD. He gave kudos to band organizer and “main man” Tim Stopulos, who seems very upbeat and energetic and dedicated to making it in the crazy and unpredictable music business.

I bought one of the CDs, in order to listen to: “Weak and Willing,” “Too Close,” “Pride and Prejudice,” “Love It or Leave It,” “Where I’m going,” “Loose Ends,” “Lie to Me” (I thought it was going to be Johnny Lang’s version; it wasn’t), “Wandering,” and “Wait it Out.”

What I liked best about the concert was that Stopulos is undeniably talented. I haven’t been as impressed with a keyboard player since I heard Joe Firstman open for Sheryl Crow and predicted a big career for the guy (who is now the house band on Carson Daley’s late night show). [22 years of piano instruction here, so there!]
The band’s members are mainly from the Chicago area, and they are playing in the Chicago area at the following places during the upcoming weeks:

December 20th – Bad Dog Tavern (solo) 9 p.m.

December 23rd – Nan’s Piano Bar (solo) 8:30 p.m.

December 27th – Reggie’s Music Joint

January 9, 2009 – 1:30 A, Bar Louise (solo)

January 16 – The Red Line Tap, 9 p.m.

January 31, Private party, 8 p.m.

Learn more about Tim Stopulos’ band, and vote for a name for the band, at his blog:www.timstopulos.com. It’s nice to hear a singer who can actually sing, for a change, and whose talent comes through loud and clear. Good luck to this Iowa native as he takes on the world of entertainment.

River Music Experience “Live” Sessions Continue on December 8th

By Connie Wilson

On December 9, 2008

In Music, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest

Another of the Quad City Times’ “live” music sessions went down at the River Music Experience’s Mojo Café on Monday, December 8^th, 2008, kicking off at 5 p.m. with The Kaps, moving on to “Keep Off the Grass” from 6:40 to 6:20 p.m. and, at 6:20 p.m., the band Hugh Hefner.

The introduction that “Times” Arts & Entertainment editor David Burke gave the group pronounced their name as “huge,” not “Hugh.” They have been together a year and a half and covered groups like the Bangles “Walk Like an Egyptian” and “We Got the Beat,” which certainly had the volume. Hugh Hefner had a full-bodied rock sound and a female vocalist with a country twang. The drummer was on the money and the bass guitar support was full throttle full speed ahead.

Following Hugh Hefner was “Cosmic” from 7 to 7:40 p.m. There were 2 female vocalists who sang harmony well and whose voices meshed together well. “Cosmic” has been playing as a group for 6 years and, this night, they played (among others) “I Shot the Sheriff,” “Boogie Oogie Oogie,” and “A Bad Case of Lovin’ You.”

“Head Held High” played last from 7:40 to 8:20 p.m. They were very loud, flat, at times, and, although the drummer did yeoman’s work keeping the group on tempo, it was really more noise than music. At the risk of having the lead singer send hate mail, I have to say that there is a difference between screaming as loudly as you can and singing. The band literally emptied the joint. It was painful to listen to and each song ended with an off-key twanging sound from the guitarist. The lead singer attempted to make up for tonal quality by volume and by thrashing around onstage, neither one of which worked well. At the end of the set, there were only about 3 people left in the entire place, and I had moved as far away from the noise as possible and was still getting a headache.

There is no charge for listening to the five bands, however, so the price was right, and all bands are being filmed for later enjoyment at qctimes.com/goanddo. The “live” sessions continue on Tuesday, December 8^th, and, again, in January, on the 12^th and 13^th (Monday and Tuesday.) I plan to be there with books from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on those nights.

Kevin Costner and Band to Tour: A Sign of the Apocalypse?

By Connie Wilson

On November 13, 2008

In Movies, Music, Reviews

I just read that Christine, Kevin Costner’s wife, who is now pregnant with their second child, encouraged him to take his band (Modern West, I believe) and to appear in some Nashville singing gigs. I can forgive Christine this indiscretion, as she is, after all, preggers, and the hormones must be raging.

But I would advise the rest of you to rent “The Postman” in which Kevin sings to a donkey (or perhaps it was a mule…I can never tell them apart, and they never answer me when I ask.)

This was, without a doubt, one of the most unintentionally hilarious scenes I have ever had the misfortune to sit through during my movie reviewing days (which were long and unproductive, but lots of fun). Kevin does not have much of a voice, and he goes right up there with the others that Jeff Daniels (who actually CAN sing) made fun of in his self-written song (“If William Shatner Can, I Can, Too”): Rusell Crowe, Adam Sandler, the Olson Twins, Gina Gershon, Juliette Lewis and the ever memorable William Shatner.

Jeff Daniels just completed a run at the Goodman Theater in Chicago of a play entitled “Turn of the Century.” He and a lovely singer played “Billy Clarke” and (?) Wilson, a piano player and a singer (she being the singer) who are transported back through time from the Y2K New’s Year Eve to 100 years prior. They promptly begin ripping off the “greats” of the next 100 years, including, but not limited to, Irving Berlin and Billy Joel. It was a novel idea, written by Marshall Brickman (who often collaborated with Woody Allen) and choreographed by Tommy Tune. I enjoyed it, but even Daniels’ pleasant tenor didn’t stack up against the woman he played opposite, who had the real set of pipes.

Trust me on this: Kevin Costner really does not have much of a voice. If you don’t believe me, rent “The Postman.” And, while you’re watching that scene with the donkey/mule, check out how his hair looks in the scene where he crosses a huge mountain gorge with the wind ruffling his thinning-even-then locks. Kevin! Kevin! How could you! We are your FANS! We don’t want to see thinning hair and hear off-key melodies sung to a donkey, for crying out loud!

Again, I urge you to rent “The Postman” and stick it out to the bitter (and it will be bitter…trust me on that) end before you shell out hard, cold cash to hear Kevin and his band play in Nashville (or anywhere else).

There are REAL STRUGGLING musicians out there, who are GOOD. Give us all a break, Kevin, and let the real musicians among us get a life, while you pursue yours, which seems pretty full with movies, a new baby on the way, that large ranch I am always seeing pictures of, and anything…please…anything BUT singing.

I did not add Bruce Willis to the list of singers-who-cannot-sing, because he and Daniels actually sound “okay” when they wander away from their chosen profession for some harmonica-playing on Letterman or wherever. Stay tuned for judgment on Joaquin Phoenix, who, apparently, is our next star-turned-singer.

Live Music from the River Music Experience on Veterans’ Day

By Connie Wilson

On November 12, 2008

In Music, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Reviews

The second night of “live” bands performing took place at the River Music Experience’s Mojo Coffee House on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 (Veteran’s Day). The weather was horrible outside, so this may have had an effect on the crowd that was smaller than it had been on Monday night.

The first band (which I missed) was Fire Sale. I did meet a very cute young blonde person who told me this was his band. I’m sure they were awesome.

The second band, a heavy metal group called “Through Terror,” were the showmen of the night. Lead vocalist Mike Saviano has been doing his study of classic heavy metal rock showmen. Other members of the band were Brooks Swanson on lead guitar; Chris Kostielney on drums; Jsin Grievous (lead guitar); and Sean Deppe on Bass. The group has played together for about 2 years.

I asked the group if they had day jobs. Jsin works at a guitar center and O’Tool Design; Sean (Deppe) works at Honda; Mike Saviano works at a metal shop (appropriate); Chris Kostielney plays drums; and Brooks Swanson (lead guitar) is working on an engineering degree to help implement solar panel technology as an alternative energy source.

The Dani Lynn Howe Band featured lead singer Dani Lynn Howe (from near Cedar Falls, IA) who has been singing since she was 13. The group has been named favorite C&W group for the past 5 years by the “River City Reader” and Dani Lynne’s alto was very pleasant, with excellent back-up from her band.

“Tapped out!” was a more mature group with Brandon Brown on lead vocals. Brandon had one of the better voices of the night and was ably backed by Kirk Wood on guitar and vocals; Tim Olson on bass guitar; Tom Zick on drums; Steve Svec on guitar and vocals; and Rich Kraves handling sound. “Tapped Out,” which has been together since 2006, played “Just Got Back from Baby’s,” “Smokin in the Boys Room,” “Rebel Yell,” “The Other Side” (by the Red Hot Chili Peppers); and “China Grove.” A very enjoyable group.

The last group of the night, The Ron LaPuma Band, have opened for Blues Traveller, Corey Stevens and Foghat. The group plays a lot of biker gigs and will soon appear (January 31) at McCormick Place at the Chicago Bike & Parts Expo. They will also appear at the Iron Horse Music and Bike Fest in Sabula, Iowa. LaPuma grew up in Chicago at Clark & Diversey and has worked with B.B. King (Ron says he has a guitar signed by B.B. King). Certainly Ron was a guitar virtuouso. The other two members of the band were Steve Hintze and Jimmy VanHyfte. The group played “Choo Choo Mama,” “You Got Me Runnin'”; “I Just Want to Make Love to You,”; “Voodoo Child” and a tribute of “All Along the Watchtower” (Neil Young), which I think they dedicated to Stevie Ray Vaughan. The lead guitar was fantastic and had a great voice. Both of the other 2 backing musicians were very good.

For sheer thrashing showmanship, the young charismatic heavy metal dudes (especially Mike Saviano) scored big, but for musicianship, Ron LaPuma and “Tapped Out” get my vote, with a nod to the pleasant voice of Dani Lynne Howe and her band.

River Music Experience Hosts and Films Local Bands “Live” (Monday, Nov. 10 and Tuesday, Nov. 11)

By Connie Wilson

On November 11, 2008

In Music, Of Local (Quad Cities') Interest, Uncategorized

The River Music Experience hosted “live” sessions of five bands on Monday, November 10, 2008 and the sessions were filmed by the Quad City Times for online posting. Arts and entertainment editor David Burke was there to cover the event, which promises to become even better on Tuesday, when the live sessions continue.

I missed the very first band because of an accident on the bridge and the slow traffic on the one-lane River Drive. They were listed as Sinjo Thraw Mash (noise).

Next up were The Unforgiven, consisting of Emily Majetic on guitar and vocals, Paige Kakert on bass guitar, Kayline Malzewski, and Austin Drake on drums. Austin is an 8^th grader at Wilson Junior High School in Moline, and both Emily and Kayline are also Wilson Junior High School students. Paige attends Wood Intermediate School in Davenport. All very cute kids. Lots of chutzpah to get up there and sing when they are so young.

Second band was “Bumper Crop,” featuring Craig Smith on vocals and guitar, Justin Moulton on guitar and backing vocals; Dustin Roelle on bass guitar, Joe Hale on drums and Adam Smith on samples and turntables. One of the band members was holding an ice pack to his face moments before showtime and said he’d shut the car door on his head. The drummer for this group was especially good.

“40 Minute Detour” played next, featuring lead singer Chad Clarke, drummer Josh Morrissey and bass player Josh Elmer (AKA, “the new guy”). Josh Morrissey graduated from Wethersfield High School in Kewanee. He spent some time at Augustana before moving to DeKalb and attending Northern Illinois University, majoring in audio engineering. He has a physics degree in that field. When I said I didn’t know that Northern Illinois had an engineering program, he said he had constructed a contract major field where you write up your own major and submit it to the Powers-that-Be and that the field was mostly a physics degree. What does Josh do now for a day job? He works as a metal artist in Bishop Hill, Illinois. Josh is 30 years old, is very cute, and is unmarried.

I asked if he might not find that he has to move to a larger city to pursue his field and he did acknowledge, “I might have to move somewhere else.” One of the band members lives in Port Byron and they practice there “one to two times a week.” When asked what gigs they have played, Josh mentioned the River Music Experience and (in days of yore) the Brew ‘N View (Rock Island.) Both “Bumper Crop” and “40 Minute Detour” (so named because lead singer and songwriter Chad Clarke gets lost a lot and may suffer from “directional dyslexia”) were very good bands.

Also excellent was the evening’s closing act, Tennessee Tony Cavett and Greg Wilde on harmonica. Tennessee Tony has only been in the area about 4 years but that was long enough for him to meet and marry Connie, who works as a surgical nurse at the River Bend Animal Clinic. Born in Chattanooga, Tony said he had been playing music “since I was about 10.”

Tony’s grandmother was the bartender at the only bar at the Nashville airport and, as such, she met a lot of famous singers. She used to take pity on the struggling singers and songwriters she met and she ended up handling all RCA parties for FanFair. “One morning I came downstairs and there was Kris Kristofferson, passed out on our pool table,” said Tony, adding that this was before Kristofferson had made it big. He also reminisced about the time that Brenda Lee sang “Happy Birthday” to him on his 13^th birthday. He has met many of the greats in Tennessee, such as Willie Nelson and Ray Charles.

How, exactly, did Tennessee Tony end up in Moline, Illinois?

It’s a long story that involves Hurricane Ike, the Rick Etheridge Tree Service in Moline, Tony’s being out of work and heading to the storm-ravaged area seeking employment. He didn’t find much work, but he met Rick and Rick invited him to come visit in Moline, Illinois if he ever got up here. (Tony was heading to Chicago at the time). One thing led to another and Tony spent the summer in Moline before meeting the lovely Connie and finding employment with a Wisconsin-based telecommunications firm called Network Engineering Techniques, which does all the telecommunications work for Sam’s Club and Walmarts in the Midwest. Tony mentioned “Jason and the Scorchers,” a band that was big in the seventies, and now is in to alternative C&W rock. The “Times” just did a story on them recently.

Tony’s set list, before he left with his lovely bride, included covers of “Midnight Special,” “Singin’ the Blues,” “Talk to Your Daughter,” “Ever Seen the Rain,” “Long Gone Loves Blues,” “You Ain’t Goin Nowhere,” “Hopelessly Hoping” and “Can’t Find My Way Home.” Two original songs that he and his partner sang were entitled “Surrender’s Ferry Lane” and “Painkillers.”

If you read this on Tuesday, stop on down to the River Music Experience where there will be another set of 4 to 5 bands playing “live” and being filmed for the internet. The price was right (i.e., FREE.)

Another attraction will be co-author Mike McCarty (Bram Stoker Finalist, 2005, and Midwest Writing Center Writer of the Year) and me selling and signing copies of our two new books: Ghostly Tales of Route 66 and the sci-fi thriller/romance/adventure novel Out of Time. (For more information on us, go to www.outoftimethenovel.com.) These will make great gifts for those hard-to-buy-for friends, are only $10 and $15 (respectively) and we’ll sign them. (Heck! I’ll even draw a picture of Snoopy on the inside cover if you ask me nicely!) How many other local authors with 80,000 word novels in print can you find while listening to at least five bands absolutely free. With the money you save on a cover charge, BUY A BOOK! (You KNOW you want to!!!)

Category: Music Page 19 of 20