Two things to hit briefly on Memorial Day (and a badly-needed day off it is, too!).
First, the show Friday night at the Maine Center was incredible, one of the best live experiences I've had. There was some sort of issue with having it in the coffee shop, so it was moved to a room upstairs. Jon and I were unsure of what to expect .... acoustic blues in front of a bunch of high school kids isn't normally what we do. But we were stunned at the great reception they gave us. They actually listened to our songs and really got into a couple them, including Breakdown by Tom Petty. Craig Garkie from The Collapse told me kids these days actually like this kind of stuff and it really makes Jon and I feel good. We aren't the best players in the world but as long as you have the energy and intent the show will be good, and it was great fun during our half-hour set.
Young bands November Silence and The Collapse were awesome. The Collapse is discovering the power of playing before an enthusiastic audience. Singer Ryan Hanson at one point said, "It's so cool when people are singing along to your own songs." They've released a five-song CD called The Rooftop EP (www.myspace.com/thequincycollapse) and it's playing right now and I can't stop listening to it - soon to be included on The iPod Shuffle!
Second - Gus Macker. Gus was great again and there were very few problems, just one idiot on a high school court who used some rather poor judgement. Emily and I officiated an 11-12 year old boys court and the parents were great, and except for a few minor incidents, the players stuck to playing. I was very proud of Emily, who blew the whistle down low for five games and did a great job.
To the person who posted on Rocky's site about Gus - don't blast us unless you come down and check it out. Yes, there are usually a few people who act stupidly, but the positive experiences of having 15,000 people downtown far outweigh the few negatives. And don't ever bother comparing the Free Fall convention to Gus, they aren't even remotely the same type of events.
Once again, The Funions are pretty much off in June, with some big events coming later in the summer .... we'll keep you posted!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Grandeur
Wow. That about sums up our Washington Theater Make It Happen Musicfest Saturday.
Every group and performer was awesome. Ben Bumbry's cool jazz drifted through the historic structure like a breeze on a warm summer day. Come to think of it, it was a warm (late spring) day!
Jason and Warren from SevenD2 played acoustic versions of their many original songs. You have a good song when you can strip it down and make it sound good.
Young Quincy High School band The Collapse had about 40 of their classmates and buddies show up and rocked the house. Learn more songs, boys! These young men are getting a taste of the power of a live performance.
Cheeks McGee and Big A showed up a few minutes late, then blasted through Cheeks' acoustic driven songs. Then came our buddy Roosevelt and Jon Barnard playing acoustic blues. Roosevelt drove down from Kalamazoo, Mich., to play and his beautiful voice boomed through the old theater.
The Funions had fun, as usual. That great big stage gives you lots of room to run around. Good for my chiropracter's bidness, too. Thank you, Gail and Gary. Thank you, Jamie, Angie and Evanne. Thank you to new Funions fans (hopefully) Dave and Glenda.
Fielder delivered a shortened but satisfying set (more in a minute). And PreDawn Hour roared through their set before a big crowd. Jorge Cate and the boys play a heavier style of music but they are tight and have great original songs, and when their fans sing every word, that has to be a cool feeling.
Thank you, Kristin Hoxie and Clint Begley. Thank you, Marianne Barnard and Rochelle Busby, troopers and promoters to the end. Thank you, Gaybos, for the awesome BBQ from the sidewalk in front of the theater.
Thank you, Chris Cornwell, drummer extraordinaire. He donated the sound system with his dad, Pat, from Vegas Music. Chris and I met at 8 a.m. Saturday and it was a long day inside the grand old place, but worth it.
After Chris finished his set with the Funions, he received word his grandmother was ill. He also plays drums for Fielder, which recruited Jorge Cate and Danny Mabie from Predawn Hour to play a few more songs.
Chris donated his time and lugged heavy equipment all day without one word of complaint. He is the guy who packs the punch in the Funions, always has a good attitude, for some sick reason actually likes playing music with a bunch of old guys.
We raised $500 for the Friends of Washington Theater. More importantly, we had hundreds of people actually get inside and see what was, sadly what is, and what could be.
"We gotta restore this place to its former grandeur," Jorge Cate said.
Amen.
Every group and performer was awesome. Ben Bumbry's cool jazz drifted through the historic structure like a breeze on a warm summer day. Come to think of it, it was a warm (late spring) day!
Jason and Warren from SevenD2 played acoustic versions of their many original songs. You have a good song when you can strip it down and make it sound good.
Young Quincy High School band The Collapse had about 40 of their classmates and buddies show up and rocked the house. Learn more songs, boys! These young men are getting a taste of the power of a live performance.
Cheeks McGee and Big A showed up a few minutes late, then blasted through Cheeks' acoustic driven songs. Then came our buddy Roosevelt and Jon Barnard playing acoustic blues. Roosevelt drove down from Kalamazoo, Mich., to play and his beautiful voice boomed through the old theater.
The Funions had fun, as usual. That great big stage gives you lots of room to run around. Good for my chiropracter's bidness, too. Thank you, Gail and Gary. Thank you, Jamie, Angie and Evanne. Thank you to new Funions fans (hopefully) Dave and Glenda.
Fielder delivered a shortened but satisfying set (more in a minute). And PreDawn Hour roared through their set before a big crowd. Jorge Cate and the boys play a heavier style of music but they are tight and have great original songs, and when their fans sing every word, that has to be a cool feeling.
Thank you, Kristin Hoxie and Clint Begley. Thank you, Marianne Barnard and Rochelle Busby, troopers and promoters to the end. Thank you, Gaybos, for the awesome BBQ from the sidewalk in front of the theater.
Thank you, Chris Cornwell, drummer extraordinaire. He donated the sound system with his dad, Pat, from Vegas Music. Chris and I met at 8 a.m. Saturday and it was a long day inside the grand old place, but worth it.
After Chris finished his set with the Funions, he received word his grandmother was ill. He also plays drums for Fielder, which recruited Jorge Cate and Danny Mabie from Predawn Hour to play a few more songs.
Chris donated his time and lugged heavy equipment all day without one word of complaint. He is the guy who packs the punch in the Funions, always has a good attitude, for some sick reason actually likes playing music with a bunch of old guys.
We raised $500 for the Friends of Washington Theater. More importantly, we had hundreds of people actually get inside and see what was, sadly what is, and what could be.
"We gotta restore this place to its former grandeur," Jorge Cate said.
Amen.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Sports Fanatic ... NOT
Just got done reading Bill Simmons excellent book called "Now I Can Die In Peace," the collection of columns he wrote about the Boston Red Sox leading up to their improbable 2004 World Series title.
Simmons has a sickness called being a sports fanatic, and at one time I had it. Perhaps because I moved so much I never really adopted one official team, though if pressed I'd have to say my beloved Montreal Canadiens and Expos were my passions, since I spent a few years growing up in Montreal.
But I lived in Ontario and got attached to the Leafs and Blue Jays. In 1992, I hid behind my couch when Mike Timlin fielded Otis Nixon's bunt, held my breath for what seemed like an eternity, then finally exploded when Timlin threw him out to give the Jays the World Series. The next year, I again hid behind my couch until Joe Carter launched Wild Thing's meatball into the left field bleachers, then went out into the street and screamed with joy.
Did I mention I was living in Michigan and my Tiger-loving neighbors wanted to kill me?
I grew attached to the Red Wings living in Michigan, but of course they didn't break their Stanley Cup futility until I moved to Quincy.
I cannot root for St. Louis teams. If you grew up around here, I understand it and you have my respect. But I hated Mark McGwire and all the "He and Sammy saved baseball" BS, and Cardinal fans are a bunch of crybabies. They just won the World Series, and yet two months into the 2007 season all they do is bitch about their current team.
The Blues? HAHAHAHA! And if you think John Davidson and Co. will turn it around, well ... dream on.
I actually like the Rams because of the Kurt Warner thing, but those days are long gone and they are back to being average again.
Chicago? Forget it. Love the Cubs, hapless as they are. Hate the White Sox, especially because of their inept and annoying announcers. Bears? Ugh. Blackhawks? Like 'em because my teams always beat them. Bulls? Prolonged their series tonight with the Pistons, which is good, because the Pistons shouldn't be sitting around waiting for Cleveland and New Jersey to finish bashing each other's brains in.
Tonight Anaheim beat Detroit in overtime, a crushing loss for the Wings, to tie the series at 1-1.
I just turned off the TV and finished by Simmons book. It didn't have much of an effect at all.
Still play softball, still smack that stupid little white ball around the golf course. Haven't hooped it up in a few years, but I spend my summers working for Gus and that takes care of the basketball Jones.
But it was a lot more fun when I was 14 and cheered for my beloved Habs, even as my classmates in London, Ont., ridiculed me. And I miss having that passion.
Miss it a lot.
Simmons has a sickness called being a sports fanatic, and at one time I had it. Perhaps because I moved so much I never really adopted one official team, though if pressed I'd have to say my beloved Montreal Canadiens and Expos were my passions, since I spent a few years growing up in Montreal.
But I lived in Ontario and got attached to the Leafs and Blue Jays. In 1992, I hid behind my couch when Mike Timlin fielded Otis Nixon's bunt, held my breath for what seemed like an eternity, then finally exploded when Timlin threw him out to give the Jays the World Series. The next year, I again hid behind my couch until Joe Carter launched Wild Thing's meatball into the left field bleachers, then went out into the street and screamed with joy.
Did I mention I was living in Michigan and my Tiger-loving neighbors wanted to kill me?
I grew attached to the Red Wings living in Michigan, but of course they didn't break their Stanley Cup futility until I moved to Quincy.
I cannot root for St. Louis teams. If you grew up around here, I understand it and you have my respect. But I hated Mark McGwire and all the "He and Sammy saved baseball" BS, and Cardinal fans are a bunch of crybabies. They just won the World Series, and yet two months into the 2007 season all they do is bitch about their current team.
The Blues? HAHAHAHA! And if you think John Davidson and Co. will turn it around, well ... dream on.
I actually like the Rams because of the Kurt Warner thing, but those days are long gone and they are back to being average again.
Chicago? Forget it. Love the Cubs, hapless as they are. Hate the White Sox, especially because of their inept and annoying announcers. Bears? Ugh. Blackhawks? Like 'em because my teams always beat them. Bulls? Prolonged their series tonight with the Pistons, which is good, because the Pistons shouldn't be sitting around waiting for Cleveland and New Jersey to finish bashing each other's brains in.
Tonight Anaheim beat Detroit in overtime, a crushing loss for the Wings, to tie the series at 1-1.
I just turned off the TV and finished by Simmons book. It didn't have much of an effect at all.
Still play softball, still smack that stupid little white ball around the golf course. Haven't hooped it up in a few years, but I spend my summers working for Gus and that takes care of the basketball Jones.
But it was a lot more fun when I was 14 and cheered for my beloved Habs, even as my classmates in London, Ont., ridiculed me. And I miss having that passion.
Miss it a lot.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Signs of Summer
A sure sign summer is upon us — softball season has started!
After a bye week and a rainout last week, the Herald-Whig Demons finally took the field and eked out a 4-2 win tonight over Uncle Bob's Bar. Feeble bats were over come by good pitching from Carl Grape Ape and stellar defense.
For a full recap, check out Don O'Brien's blog at www.hwdemons.blogspot.com.
Speaking of O'Brien, can somebody tell me when the Bulls-Pistons series starts?
What's that? It's already started? And Detroit leads 3-0?
Ooops.
After a bye week and a rainout last week, the Herald-Whig Demons finally took the field and eked out a 4-2 win tonight over Uncle Bob's Bar. Feeble bats were over come by good pitching from Carl Grape Ape and stellar defense.
For a full recap, check out Don O'Brien's blog at www.hwdemons.blogspot.com.
Speaking of O'Brien, can somebody tell me when the Bulls-Pistons series starts?
What's that? It's already started? And Detroit leads 3-0?
Ooops.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Esther Remembered
An incredible Toronto Star column about cousin Esther Hart, who battled colon cancer to the bitter end before passing away last month.
http://www.thestar.com/article/211051
http://www.thestar.com/article/211051
Monday, April 30, 2007
For Frankie
The Funions played one of their best shows ever Sunday at the Frank Calkins benefit.
Let's face it - a benefit is a social event, and most people come to hang out, visit with friends, sneak a peak at the auction items and drink a soda. The band is usually just background noise, and we are used to that.
But something happened upstairs inside the Starlight Casino (which was smoke-free, thank you very much). People started listening. There was a presentation for Frank right before we played our last song, "Stay Strong," which we wrote for Frank, and the place was jumping.
It is an awesome feeling, playing music when people get it. All the credit goes to Frank.
What a great weekend! The comedy show Friday, the walk/run and golf event Saturday, and Sunday. All good. All GREAT. All because of Frank.
Now comes the hard part. We watch our friend suffer the ravishes of ALS and all we can do is pray a little harder. Truth is, Frank is in a fight for his life, and only his attitude will see him through.
Stay Strong, Frank. Stay Strong.
Let's face it - a benefit is a social event, and most people come to hang out, visit with friends, sneak a peak at the auction items and drink a soda. The band is usually just background noise, and we are used to that.
But something happened upstairs inside the Starlight Casino (which was smoke-free, thank you very much). People started listening. There was a presentation for Frank right before we played our last song, "Stay Strong," which we wrote for Frank, and the place was jumping.
It is an awesome feeling, playing music when people get it. All the credit goes to Frank.
What a great weekend! The comedy show Friday, the walk/run and golf event Saturday, and Sunday. All good. All GREAT. All because of Frank.
Now comes the hard part. We watch our friend suffer the ravishes of ALS and all we can do is pray a little harder. Truth is, Frank is in a fight for his life, and only his attitude will see him through.
Stay Strong, Frank. Stay Strong.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Laughter
Frank Calkins got a dose of medicine no doctor can give, and the drug had only one side affect — laughter.
Last night at Backwaters, Paul Gilmartin had an overflow crowd howling as he mused about life, love, not love, more not love and life. In general.
I often tell people my job is interesting because "you can't make it up." That's what makes Paul's job as a comedian relevant, too. He can skewer and poke fun but the fact is, he's talking about life as we know it. And if you can't laugh at how absurd we are, then get your pulse checked.
Last Saturday somebody said God is in Gil Feld's fan club. Same holds true for Frank. After a dismal rainy week, Friday broke clear, cool and sunny. They have great weather today for the walk/run and golf tournament in Camp Point.
God is smiling down at you, Frank.
Mayor John Spring gave Frank the key to the city last night and proclaimed Sunday as Frank Calkins Day in Quincy. Frank can't stand on his own anymore, but we stood for him four different times in standing ovations.
Frank is good a putting smiles on people's faces. This weekend is our turn to return the favor, as Jon Barnard put it last night.
We'll see you tomorrow at the Casino!
www.forfrankie.org
www.paulgilmartin.com
www.askarepublican.com
Last night at Backwaters, Paul Gilmartin had an overflow crowd howling as he mused about life, love, not love, more not love and life. In general.
I often tell people my job is interesting because "you can't make it up." That's what makes Paul's job as a comedian relevant, too. He can skewer and poke fun but the fact is, he's talking about life as we know it. And if you can't laugh at how absurd we are, then get your pulse checked.
Last Saturday somebody said God is in Gil Feld's fan club. Same holds true for Frank. After a dismal rainy week, Friday broke clear, cool and sunny. They have great weather today for the walk/run and golf tournament in Camp Point.
God is smiling down at you, Frank.
Mayor John Spring gave Frank the key to the city last night and proclaimed Sunday as Frank Calkins Day in Quincy. Frank can't stand on his own anymore, but we stood for him four different times in standing ovations.
Frank is good a putting smiles on people's faces. This weekend is our turn to return the favor, as Jon Barnard put it last night.
We'll see you tomorrow at the Casino!
www.forfrankie.org
www.paulgilmartin.com
www.askarepublican.com
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Paul Gilmartin
Paul Gilmartin is performing Friday night at Backwaters to support the Frank Calkins benefit weekend. You've seen Paul on Dinner & A Movie on TBS, and he is wickedly funny. Tickets are just $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
We play Sunday at the Casino Starlight at about 3 p.m. for Frank's benefit. Should be a great weekend!
We play Sunday at the Casino Starlight at about 3 p.m. for Frank's benefit. Should be a great weekend!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Walking Into Sanity
It's been an unbelievably long couple of days.
This afternoon I restored some sanity by walking through Woodland Cemetery. This might be the most gorgeous spot in Quincy, were it not for the aluminum sided business marring the Gardner Expressway when you look across the bluff and toward the river.
The rolling terrain is how Quincy used to be before we flattened and planned everything out .... gotta have that social order, you know. The place is also a veritable outdoor museum, with a Civil War memorial, John Wood (founder of Quincy) grave and the resting places for many prominent Quincy citizens.
I like to sit on the Roy Brocksmith bench and think about life. My old friend Jo Ann Bier is buried near the west end in a beautiful spot, as well.
The old graves, the vaults, the dirt roads winding back, the view .... it's a beautiful place.
This afternoon I restored some sanity by walking through Woodland Cemetery. This might be the most gorgeous spot in Quincy, were it not for the aluminum sided business marring the Gardner Expressway when you look across the bluff and toward the river.
The rolling terrain is how Quincy used to be before we flattened and planned everything out .... gotta have that social order, you know. The place is also a veritable outdoor museum, with a Civil War memorial, John Wood (founder of Quincy) grave and the resting places for many prominent Quincy citizens.
I like to sit on the Roy Brocksmith bench and think about life. My old friend Jo Ann Bier is buried near the west end in a beautiful spot, as well.
The old graves, the vaults, the dirt roads winding back, the view .... it's a beautiful place.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Now She Rests
Cousin Esther Hart passed away peacefully Monday night in Toronto after a grueling battle with cancer.
Peace and blessings to all the family, and safe travels.
www.friendsofesther.com
Peace and blessings to all the family, and safe travels.
www.friendsofesther.com
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Third Ward Race
Today is one of many reasons for loving Q-Town ... cool, breezy, sunny .... the perfect spring day.
I will probably wreck it somewhat by watching the Cardinals tonight, but I will keep my perfect streak of 15 years without watching an entire MLB game.
Interesting story in today's Whig about the Third Ward race between Paul Havermale and John Douglas. I don't live in the ward and have no party allegiances, but it's the only city race on the April ballot so there is a lot of interest.
I think Paul has done an excellent job as alderman. In today's story he came off as bright and interested in doing the best job he can. He didn't let losing his first bid for alderman discourage him from running again and he perservered, proof good things will happen if you stick to it.
John Douglas is another good guy who has the right ideas for running. I run into John a lot doing the crime and courts thing and he is always helpful and good for a quote, and he has a self-depreciating style that always makes me laugh.
This is not an endorsement for either candidate. I'm just glad both parties have good candidates.
The best thing about today's story is that neither candidate threw any mud and they stuck to the issues, refreshing to see.
Good luck to both guys!
I will probably wreck it somewhat by watching the Cardinals tonight, but I will keep my perfect streak of 15 years without watching an entire MLB game.
Interesting story in today's Whig about the Third Ward race between Paul Havermale and John Douglas. I don't live in the ward and have no party allegiances, but it's the only city race on the April ballot so there is a lot of interest.
I think Paul has done an excellent job as alderman. In today's story he came off as bright and interested in doing the best job he can. He didn't let losing his first bid for alderman discourage him from running again and he perservered, proof good things will happen if you stick to it.
John Douglas is another good guy who has the right ideas for running. I run into John a lot doing the crime and courts thing and he is always helpful and good for a quote, and he has a self-depreciating style that always makes me laugh.
This is not an endorsement for either candidate. I'm just glad both parties have good candidates.
The best thing about today's story is that neither candidate threw any mud and they stuck to the issues, refreshing to see.
Good luck to both guys!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Rocky Mountain High
I'm heading West for a week off in the Rocky Mountains, but I'll check in on occassion to make sure it's all good in Q-Town.
Other than bank robberies, cat hoarders and the usual cast of suspects, nothing new to report. Also been working on a story about the Daniel Ramsey murder trial looming next month, make sure to check out The Whig April 1.
Other than bank robberies, cat hoarders and the usual cast of suspects, nothing new to report. Also been working on a story about the Daniel Ramsey murder trial looming next month, make sure to check out The Whig April 1.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
More Willow feedback
Getting some great comments and feedback on the Willow Creek post. But the last comment bothered me.
The person wrote: "Now don't get me wrong -- I enjoy Rock & Roll, but don't ever recall hearing a rock song that is profoundly beautiful and touches the soul."
WHAT?
Have you ever listened to Roxy Music's Avalon? The second side (dating myself here) of the Police's Synchronicity? How about U2's Joshua Tree? "One Tree Hill" still makes me cry. Eric Johnson's "40 Mile Town" makes mere mortals crumble. "I Am Waiting" by Yes. "To Be a Man" by Boston, beautifully sung by the late Brad Delp and haunting knowing he just recently took his life. "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits used to make an old college girlfriend cry, and she hated rock and roll. "Sad Lisa" by Cat Stephens brings me back to my days listening to my mom's old records in the living room.
I'm shooting myself in the foot by listing just a few of hundreds of rock and roll songs that "touch the soul."
Why do you think I listen to music? To have something in the background while writing a story? Yes. To be moved by melody and lyrics? YES YES YES! I was walking the other day listening to my iPod Shuffle when "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel from Secret World Live came on and all of a sudden I was at the other end of South Park and I had no idea how I got there.
Are we "dumbing down" by offering a service appealing to youth and contemporary audiences? With that attitude, there simply won't be a church in another five or 10 years, at least not at 12th and Maine. Organ music and 300-year old hymns just won't do it anymore. It's not wrong and if it moves you, it's where you should be.
Music should inspire and connect, whatever form you choose.
Listen. If I watch the show "Ozzie & Harriet" today, I'd be bored out of my mind, and it's a personal choice.
And seeking something more isn't wrong.
The person wrote: "Now don't get me wrong -- I enjoy Rock & Roll, but don't ever recall hearing a rock song that is profoundly beautiful and touches the soul."
WHAT?
Have you ever listened to Roxy Music's Avalon? The second side (dating myself here) of the Police's Synchronicity? How about U2's Joshua Tree? "One Tree Hill" still makes me cry. Eric Johnson's "40 Mile Town" makes mere mortals crumble. "I Am Waiting" by Yes. "To Be a Man" by Boston, beautifully sung by the late Brad Delp and haunting knowing he just recently took his life. "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits used to make an old college girlfriend cry, and she hated rock and roll. "Sad Lisa" by Cat Stephens brings me back to my days listening to my mom's old records in the living room.
I'm shooting myself in the foot by listing just a few of hundreds of rock and roll songs that "touch the soul."
Why do you think I listen to music? To have something in the background while writing a story? Yes. To be moved by melody and lyrics? YES YES YES! I was walking the other day listening to my iPod Shuffle when "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel from Secret World Live came on and all of a sudden I was at the other end of South Park and I had no idea how I got there.
Are we "dumbing down" by offering a service appealing to youth and contemporary audiences? With that attitude, there simply won't be a church in another five or 10 years, at least not at 12th and Maine. Organ music and 300-year old hymns just won't do it anymore. It's not wrong and if it moves you, it's where you should be.
Music should inspire and connect, whatever form you choose.
Listen. If I watch the show "Ozzie & Harriet" today, I'd be bored out of my mind, and it's a personal choice.
And seeking something more isn't wrong.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Playing For Republicans
Jack, Alan and I played for an Adams County Republican gathering tonight at the Senior Center. Alan sings and plays trombone, Jack wails on his sax and I stay out of the way on guitar. We play our elavator muzak and sometimes I have to laugh, but people seem to like it and it's perfect background noise at a gathering.
For us, it's just a gig. If the Dems call us, we'll play for them, too.
It was nice to see Bob and Anne Mays get honored, they are really good people.
The bank robbery in Payson has the people up there in a stir. Don't know much about it yet, but we'll dig up more info in the morning for tomorrow's paper.
For us, it's just a gig. If the Dems call us, we'll play for them, too.
It was nice to see Bob and Anne Mays get honored, they are really good people.
The bank robbery in Payson has the people up there in a stir. Don't know much about it yet, but we'll dig up more info in the morning for tomorrow's paper.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Willow Creek
I went to Chicago on the train this weekend to hang out with the Reynolds family. I miss them a lot since they moved from Quincy and we had an awesome weekend. Saturday we went downtown and then to Lincoln Park to join in the St. Patrick's Day festivities. It didn't take long for us to realize we were about 20 years too old, so it was an early night but a fun experience.
They live in Inverness, near Palatine, and Willow Creek Community Church is just down the road (in Chicago, just down the road means anything less than 10 miles). So we piled in the van this morning and went to the king of the mega-churches, because I've heard so much about it. Young Mike Reynolds says, "It's like going to a rock concert!"
He was right, in more ways than one.
This place is huge, a series of space ship buildings connected on a massive lake-fronted property. This is the church built on being non-traditional, built on bringing people in who would otherwise not go to church, and they've struck a chord with many of the late baby boomers and now Gen Xers — DON'T make it like a church. This is not your father's church. And that's the whole idea.
You know it's a huge place when they have guys wearing orange vests directing traffic in the parking lot.
You don't walk into Willow Creek as much as you stream in with a lot of other people. There is this sort of expectation hanging in the air — something I've almost never felt when going to church. There is a coffee shop area, a bookstore, a huge commons area to just hang out, a "front porch" area to meet people, computer kiosks with Internet access. "It's like a mall," Tom Reynolds said. "God's mall."
There are signs pointing to the different sections of the worship area, just like a major sports venue. We took one of two escalators to the second of three levels and looked at the "bulletin," which isn't a bulletin at all but a "playlist" of the week's activities and an explanation of the message. This place is huge and it's hard to guess how many people it holds — 6,000, more maybe? It sort of looks like a giant movie theater morphed into the bridge from Star Trek. The stage has about 30 televisions placed on strange angles, and there are two giant movie screens on either side of the stage.
Nope. Not Rev. Dirk's old churches. Not even close.
The band hand, and I mean this is a real rock and roll band, had a couple of guitar players, bass player, a drummer behind a massive Plexiglas encased kit, a keyboard player and a singer. One of the guitarists/singers also plays sax. They opened with a rock instrumental and I kept thinking how strange it was, until I realize it's not that different from the organ music you hear to start church. Same principle, anyway.
There was a greeting and then a video "Behind The Music" look at the band, their influences, and why they play music. It all tied into the message of "How To Save A Life" and was interspersed by the band playing some of their favorite songs.
Have you ever been to church and heard the band break out into The Police or Bon Jovi? Neither have I. Until this morning.
Teaching pastor Nancy Beach's message was highlighted by a drama, the band playing The Fray's "How To Save A Life" and a Nickelback video. That's right. A FREAKING NICKELBACK VIDEO. All loosely tied into the message of bringing church to the unchurched. Suddenly it was 70 minutes later and we were wrapping it up with the band playing "Lifesong." Unfortunately it was the only the song the congregation (again, old and outdated term) sang, but I was told they usually do more songs.
The critics say the mega-churches don't teach the doctrine, that's it's too easy to be too anonymous, that they don't differentiate between the church and the outside world.
Maybe so. But here's the question I kept asking myself — when was the last time I really got something out of church, or really looked forward to it for the right reasons? And if I have a chance to go to Willow Creek again, why would I jump at the chance and be genuinely excited?
This will make some people who read this blog mad, but it has to be said — churches that don't change, that don't update themselves, that stubbornly refuse to accept we are living in 2007, not 1967, are doomed to failure. I should know. I go to one. And it's on the fast track to extinction. And ... it will be very hard for me to go back there after experiencing something like Willow Creek.
They live in Inverness, near Palatine, and Willow Creek Community Church is just down the road (in Chicago, just down the road means anything less than 10 miles). So we piled in the van this morning and went to the king of the mega-churches, because I've heard so much about it. Young Mike Reynolds says, "It's like going to a rock concert!"
He was right, in more ways than one.
This place is huge, a series of space ship buildings connected on a massive lake-fronted property. This is the church built on being non-traditional, built on bringing people in who would otherwise not go to church, and they've struck a chord with many of the late baby boomers and now Gen Xers — DON'T make it like a church. This is not your father's church. And that's the whole idea.
You know it's a huge place when they have guys wearing orange vests directing traffic in the parking lot.
You don't walk into Willow Creek as much as you stream in with a lot of other people. There is this sort of expectation hanging in the air — something I've almost never felt when going to church. There is a coffee shop area, a bookstore, a huge commons area to just hang out, a "front porch" area to meet people, computer kiosks with Internet access. "It's like a mall," Tom Reynolds said. "God's mall."
There are signs pointing to the different sections of the worship area, just like a major sports venue. We took one of two escalators to the second of three levels and looked at the "bulletin," which isn't a bulletin at all but a "playlist" of the week's activities and an explanation of the message. This place is huge and it's hard to guess how many people it holds — 6,000, more maybe? It sort of looks like a giant movie theater morphed into the bridge from Star Trek. The stage has about 30 televisions placed on strange angles, and there are two giant movie screens on either side of the stage.
Nope. Not Rev. Dirk's old churches. Not even close.
The band hand, and I mean this is a real rock and roll band, had a couple of guitar players, bass player, a drummer behind a massive Plexiglas encased kit, a keyboard player and a singer. One of the guitarists/singers also plays sax. They opened with a rock instrumental and I kept thinking how strange it was, until I realize it's not that different from the organ music you hear to start church. Same principle, anyway.
There was a greeting and then a video "Behind The Music" look at the band, their influences, and why they play music. It all tied into the message of "How To Save A Life" and was interspersed by the band playing some of their favorite songs.
Have you ever been to church and heard the band break out into The Police or Bon Jovi? Neither have I. Until this morning.
Teaching pastor Nancy Beach's message was highlighted by a drama, the band playing The Fray's "How To Save A Life" and a Nickelback video. That's right. A FREAKING NICKELBACK VIDEO. All loosely tied into the message of bringing church to the unchurched. Suddenly it was 70 minutes later and we were wrapping it up with the band playing "Lifesong." Unfortunately it was the only the song the congregation (again, old and outdated term) sang, but I was told they usually do more songs.
The critics say the mega-churches don't teach the doctrine, that's it's too easy to be too anonymous, that they don't differentiate between the church and the outside world.
Maybe so. But here's the question I kept asking myself — when was the last time I really got something out of church, or really looked forward to it for the right reasons? And if I have a chance to go to Willow Creek again, why would I jump at the chance and be genuinely excited?
This will make some people who read this blog mad, but it has to be said — churches that don't change, that don't update themselves, that stubbornly refuse to accept we are living in 2007, not 1967, are doomed to failure. I should know. I go to one. And it's on the fast track to extinction. And ... it will be very hard for me to go back there after experiencing something like Willow Creek.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Funions 2007
So we have a new guitar player, Howard Schroeder, who plays with Dr. Brei in Crossroads. Howard is an excellent player and better yet a great guy to hang out with.
Jon Barnard is playing slide and acoustic guitar.
Jack Inghram is on board playing sax and keyboards.
These additions make us sound a little different, but at practice last night we just had a blast.
To play in bars and in front of new fans, you gotta have songs people know. We will still be playing "Just Pretending" songs and new original material (wait until the upcoming benefits, we have some new stuff with a lot of potential). So last night at practice we learned a bunch of songs. I won't give any away, but "every girl's crazy bout a sharp dressed man ...."
Here's the schedule so far for the coming months. Some of these shows are still in the planning stages, so check back here or email me at dirkhartband@insightbb.com to make sure we are playing.
Funions World Parking Lot Tour 2007
Friday, April, 6, 8-9:15 p.m., North Side Boat Club with Recoil, Slink Rand Band
Saturday, April 21, 5:30-7 p.m., America’s Best Value Inn, Gil Feld Benefit
Sunday, April 29, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Casino Starlight, Frank Calkins Benefit
Saturday, May 19, 6-7 p.m., Washington Theater, Make The Music Happen Festival
Saturday, July 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Downtown Quincy (with Slick Woody)
Saturday, July 28, TBA, Susan White Benefit, Downtown Quincy
Saturday, Oct. 13, 8-midnight, Barney’s Tavern, QND 10-year reunion
Jon Barnard is playing slide and acoustic guitar.
Jack Inghram is on board playing sax and keyboards.
These additions make us sound a little different, but at practice last night we just had a blast.
To play in bars and in front of new fans, you gotta have songs people know. We will still be playing "Just Pretending" songs and new original material (wait until the upcoming benefits, we have some new stuff with a lot of potential). So last night at practice we learned a bunch of songs. I won't give any away, but "every girl's crazy bout a sharp dressed man ...."
Here's the schedule so far for the coming months. Some of these shows are still in the planning stages, so check back here or email me at dirkhartband@insightbb.com to make sure we are playing.
Funions World Parking Lot Tour 2007
Friday, April, 6, 8-9:15 p.m., North Side Boat Club with Recoil, Slink Rand Band
Saturday, April 21, 5:30-7 p.m., America’s Best Value Inn, Gil Feld Benefit
Sunday, April 29, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Casino Starlight, Frank Calkins Benefit
Saturday, May 19, 6-7 p.m., Washington Theater, Make The Music Happen Festival
Saturday, July 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Downtown Quincy (with Slick Woody)
Saturday, July 28, TBA, Susan White Benefit, Downtown Quincy
Saturday, Oct. 13, 8-midnight, Barney’s Tavern, QND 10-year reunion
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Farewell Brad Delp
Brad Delp died yesterday. The 55-year-old singer for Boston was alone at home when he passed away.
You need two things for a great rock and roll song. One, of course, is the song itself. Two, you need a voice. This is why The Funions are happily mired in small town rock and roll mire. If we ever get a singer ....
Boston is often criticized for its arena rock album oriented songs. But the first album is one of the best ever made and still sounds great more than 30 years later. Tom Scholz revolutionized guitar rock and maybe he is right to be so methodical about putting out his music.
Brad Delp made the songs sing. To Be A Man from Third Stage is haunting and Holly Ann sends chills up your spine. On the last album, Corporate America, Fran Cosmo and Kimberley Dahme did more singing, and Delp didn't have quite the range when they toured the next year. Dr. Brei and I saw them in Springfield and the band was in fine form. Delp looked like he was having a blast as always. He even joked about not being able to hit the high notes and wisely let the younger singers do much of the higher end vocals.
From what I read he was also one of the nicest guys in rock and roll (www.bandboston.com, www.boston.org). He did a lot of charity work and was tinkering with various projects.
Scholz apparently is always making Boston music. I wonder what's out there with Delp on vocals, but knowing Scholz, it might never get out. And this may spell the end for Boston, which wouldn't be the same without Delp — Foreigner and Journey are good examples.
Farewell, Brad Delp. I loved your voice and your music. My iPod is full of Boston songs, and I'll keep listening.
You need two things for a great rock and roll song. One, of course, is the song itself. Two, you need a voice. This is why The Funions are happily mired in small town rock and roll mire. If we ever get a singer ....
Boston is often criticized for its arena rock album oriented songs. But the first album is one of the best ever made and still sounds great more than 30 years later. Tom Scholz revolutionized guitar rock and maybe he is right to be so methodical about putting out his music.
Brad Delp made the songs sing. To Be A Man from Third Stage is haunting and Holly Ann sends chills up your spine. On the last album, Corporate America, Fran Cosmo and Kimberley Dahme did more singing, and Delp didn't have quite the range when they toured the next year. Dr. Brei and I saw them in Springfield and the band was in fine form. Delp looked like he was having a blast as always. He even joked about not being able to hit the high notes and wisely let the younger singers do much of the higher end vocals.
From what I read he was also one of the nicest guys in rock and roll (www.bandboston.com, www.boston.org). He did a lot of charity work and was tinkering with various projects.
Scholz apparently is always making Boston music. I wonder what's out there with Delp on vocals, but knowing Scholz, it might never get out. And this may spell the end for Boston, which wouldn't be the same without Delp — Foreigner and Journey are good examples.
Farewell, Brad Delp. I loved your voice and your music. My iPod is full of Boston songs, and I'll keep listening.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Great Show
In the immortal words of the late Peter Boyle, while portraying Frank Barone .... "HOLY CRAP!"
What a great time at America's Best Value Inn. Slick Woody was awesome and played more than an hour later than advertised. We had fun, we need to get tighter as a band but that will come with practice. The hotel did booming bar business, both bands got paid and everybody, and I do mean everybody, had a good time.
I won't be able to walk tomorrow.
I promise the rest of the band will learn 8675309. "Junie Junie, who can I turn to?"
Thanks Jamie for bringing your girls. Thanks courthouse crew, you guys rock!
And here's the best part of the night.
I met Rocky Cola and his wife.
I quit. There's nothing else even remotely comparable.
Next Funions Shows: April 7, North Side Boat Club, opening for Recoil and Slink Rand
April 21, America's Best Value Inn, benefit show TBA
Saturday, May 19, Washington Theater!
What a great time at America's Best Value Inn. Slick Woody was awesome and played more than an hour later than advertised. We had fun, we need to get tighter as a band but that will come with practice. The hotel did booming bar business, both bands got paid and everybody, and I do mean everybody, had a good time.
I won't be able to walk tomorrow.
I promise the rest of the band will learn 8675309. "Junie Junie, who can I turn to?"
Thanks Jamie for bringing your girls. Thanks courthouse crew, you guys rock!
And here's the best part of the night.
I met Rocky Cola and his wife.
I quit. There's nothing else even remotely comparable.
Next Funions Shows: April 7, North Side Boat Club, opening for Recoil and Slink Rand
April 21, America's Best Value Inn, benefit show TBA
Saturday, May 19, Washington Theater!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
New Look
We are really looking forward to Saturday's show at America's Best Value Inn with Slick Woody. This is the old Shepherd's Inn and Ramada across from the Oakley-Lindsay Center. It's in the bar upstairs and it's cozy, so get there early.
We play first at 7:30. We have a new look and I'm really eager to see what we sound like.
The Slick Woody guys have been playing music for a long time and they have what very few bands have — awesome harmonies, good playing and good songs.
See you Saturday!
We play first at 7:30. We have a new look and I'm really eager to see what we sound like.
The Slick Woody guys have been playing music for a long time and they have what very few bands have — awesome harmonies, good playing and good songs.
See you Saturday!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Internet Shopping
I went to Staples yesterday to buy CD jewel case inserts. We're burning our own copies of "Just Pretending" and this is the cheapest way to do it.
But Staples did not have the 50-pack Memorex brand I bought the last time. The very polite sales associate said it was likely because they don't stock the item anymore.
So I bought the Avery 20-pack, but it doesn't work with the Memorex exPressit software I used to design the inserts. I can use the Avery inserts for other things so it's no big deal, but for a number of reasons Avery just isn't as good as the Memorex product.
We need some CDs made because we have some shows coming up and it's a pain. Not sure where else in town I can find them.
So this morning I turned to the Internet again to order the Memorex inserts. This is why retailers are deathly afraid of the Internet — it's super easy, it's cheap (except for the shiping), and while I was at it, I bought 50 slim cases. They'll be by my mailbox within a week, which isn't nearly as good as bringing them home.
At least they'll be here.
But Staples did not have the 50-pack Memorex brand I bought the last time. The very polite sales associate said it was likely because they don't stock the item anymore.
So I bought the Avery 20-pack, but it doesn't work with the Memorex exPressit software I used to design the inserts. I can use the Avery inserts for other things so it's no big deal, but for a number of reasons Avery just isn't as good as the Memorex product.
We need some CDs made because we have some shows coming up and it's a pain. Not sure where else in town I can find them.
So this morning I turned to the Internet again to order the Memorex inserts. This is why retailers are deathly afraid of the Internet — it's super easy, it's cheap (except for the shiping), and while I was at it, I bought 50 slim cases. They'll be by my mailbox within a week, which isn't nearly as good as bringing them home.
At least they'll be here.
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