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Thursday, October 10, 2024

Ghostbusters and other films live in concert

I didn't discover this until last year, but I find it very cool! Ghostbusters Live features a live performance of the movie's score and theme song along with a screening of the 1980s classic film Ghostbusters. Orchestras such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra perform the concert. There are a number of venues worldwide where Ghostbusters Live is performed, including the Kennedy Center and the Royal Albert Hall.



"Ghostbusters Theme" performed by The San Francisco Symphony:



"Ghostbusters Theme" performed by WDR Funkhaus Orchestra:



Wow, this is awesome! I never knew WDR broadcasting had their own orchestra, but I love this performance. The conductor and his orchestra are clearly enjoying themselves. It's nice to see them all smiling through it. A must-see event for me!

Orchestra performance of Harold Faltermeyer's "Axel F" theme for Beverly Hills Cop:



There are quite a few films being done like this. If one can hear the orchestra of their favorite movie at these events, it can be especially enjoyable.

The Lion King performed by The Józef Marcin Żebrowski Music School in Częstochowa, Poland:



This one is neat!  The Lion King was huge in the 90s.  The soundtrack was just wonderful.  It's nice to hear those songs played by an orchestra.  "I Just Cant Wait to Be King," "Hakuna Matata," and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" were among my favorites performed.  I remember those days dearly. The 90s were a time of vibrant pop culture, with animated classics, iconic music, and a sense of excitement about the future. Everything felt fresh and new, from movies and TV shows to video games and fashion. It was a time of innocence, but also of innovation, where we connected through shared experiences like The Lion King.

The same can be said about the 80s, or any decade we lived through. Each era brings its own unforgettable moments, cultural milestones, and personal memories that shape who we are. Whether it's the music, the fashion, or the events of the time, there's always something special to look back on with fondness, a reminder of the way we experienced life at that moment.

I Googled "Ghostbusters live tour dates" and pulled up these dates:

November 1, 2024 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Symphony Hall
November 2, 2024 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Symphony Hall



If you arrive early, you can meet the Atlanta Ghostbusters! Featuring movie-inspired gear, uniforms, and vehicles from the hit Ghostbusters media franchise, this costume and prop group loves to showcase their collection. On October 26th, another show will be held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. These Ghostbusters events seem to be scattered. It just takes a little searching to find them.🎃👻

Where to buy tickets: https://www.aso.org/events/detail/ghostbusters-live-in-concert

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Joe Jackson: Heaven & Hell live in the TV studio (with stereo sound)

Heaven & Hell by Joe Jackson is a musical interpretation and song cycle depicting the seven deadly sins. The piece was subsequently performed on tour with Jackson on vocals, piano, accordion, melodica, among other instruments; Valerie Vigoda on violin and vocals; and Elise Morris on keyboards, glockenspiel, and vocals. All drums were programmed except for "Right (Anger)," in which drummers Dan Hickey and Kenny Aronoff played opposite speakers throughout, and Jared Crawford of the musical Stomp played plastic buckets in Times Square during the bridge.​

Please check out the remastered recording below from Sessions at West 54th if you missed Joe Jackson's Heaven & Hell tour in 1997, or if you just want to relive it. Perhaps Joe Jackson's most experimental live performance to date. A perfect display of his showmanship. This album and tour pushed the boundaries of music!

The new version of 'Sessions at West 54th' with stereo sound is now ready and online. Unfortunately, YouTube said that it will block the video in one territory (not sure which) due to a copyright conflict regarding "Angel (Lust) [Edited version]" during 10:21 - 14:47. There are even fun, short clips taken from an interview before each live song.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

The rise of focus music and Simply Red's 2023 Time album



What is focus music? It is a type of music that helps people concentrate and keep productive. It typically features steady rhythms, soothing melodies, and a consistent tempo, and it often includes instrumental tracks to avoid distractions. This will foster sustained attention and help block out distracting background noises.

Some common types of focus music: ambient, classical, lo-fi, and binaural. A lot of jazz music keeps me focused, and certain albums of course. Simply Red's latest album, Time, has been in constant rotation on my turntable and iPod. It's a masterclass in pop-soul music that's inspired by classic funk, blues, and R&B. Lead singer, Mick Hucknull, wrote the album during the Covid lockdown. The result was something introspective and with a lo-fi, ambient sound.

“When we were in lockdown, I went, well, jeez, who am I actually? What makes me tick?” Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall shares. “And I realized, you are a songwriter. So why don’t you write some songs about who you are? That’s really the essence of this album.”

It is a highly recommended album, not just for focus music. It is a thoughtfully crafted, timeless sentimental work that touches your heart. This album also has joyful moments.





Taken from Fastcompany.com:

"The genre was also well aligned for musicians who weren’t able to get into studios. As more people were tuning in to focus music, it paved the way for more artists to create it. The styles of music typically found in these playlists are instrumental and often lo-fi. Since there were no tours happening, there was no need to fill large venues and festivals with vocal-fueled anthems. Many artists found opportunities to experiment with these instrumental soundscapes from the comfort of a socially-distanced studio."

What about nature sounds and white noise? White noise and nature sounds are not music, but they are soothing and can help you relax, which in turn makes you more productive. Also, these sounds facilitate mental health by easing anxiety symptoms. Moreover, these sounds and focus music can ease overall job stress. A majority of Americans also admit to regularly checking their emails, texts, and social media accounts, which leads to higher levels of stress. UC Irvine researchers found that it takes people on average 23 minutes to refocus after an interruption, illustrating the negative effects of digital interruptions.

People are turning to music as a way to combat technological distractions. Recent statistics demonstrate the ascent of the focus genre. Focus music playlist listening time increased 50% on Spotify in their 2023 Wrapped report, and Pandora created 47% more focus music stations in 2023 than previously.​ I find that very interesting! The link to this Fastmoney.com article is below.

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91173682/the-rise-of-focus-music

Monday, August 19, 2024

Willie Nelson maintains impressive career with 153rd upcoming album



Willie Nelson announced that 'Last Leaf on the Tree', his 153rd album, will be released on November 1. With this project, Nelson will release his 76th solo studio album and his 153rd overall. His son, Micah, would lead the musician's endeavors for the first time. He has previously performed with his father, and worked on their family-oriented albums, Willie and the Boys in 2017 and The Willie Nelson Family in 2021.



I never realized Willie Nelson produced so many albums. Impressive! It is admirable that Nelson dedicates his entire life to his craft. Willie Nelson is a national treasure. Watching these steam trains travel to Nelson's version of "City of New Orleans" is so beautiful to see. ♪♫

Source: https://www.geo.tv/latest/559593-willie-nelson-maintains-impressive-career-with-153rd-upcoming-album

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Aerosmith Announces Retirement From Touring

A week ago, I heard about this and thought it was worth sharing. I was never a diehard fan, BUT this is a legendary rock group. Aerosmith had a good run and released a number of great hits throughout the years. They were three dates into their farewell tour when they couldn't finish. Things happen, unfortunately. Below is a statement from the band.



Click to enlarge.

Fun fact: Alicia Silverstone starred in three Aerosmith music videos in the nineties. The videos were for "Crazy," "Amazing," and "Cryin'" ♪♫



It's highly unlikely that they will ever release another studio album; they haven't since 2012! Now, with Steven Tyler's voice injury, it's just not possible. Some bands, like XTC, stopped touring and became studio bands, but I don't see that happening here. Be happy for what has been and enjoy the music, Aerosmith fans. They have given the world over 50 years of great music! Let's celebrate that. :)

My best wishes go out to the band and I hope they enjoy their retirement.

Source: https://variety.com/2024/music/news/aerosmith-announces-retirement-touring-steven-tyler-vocal-recovery-cancels-concerts-1236094474/

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Francis Ford Coppola, Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt and More to Receive Kennedy Center Honors



A Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in Washington, D.C. will honor Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola; legendary rock band the Grateful Dead (Mickey Hart, Billy Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir); Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt; jazz musician Arturo Sandoval; and the Apollo theater in December.

These individuals are being recognized for their lifetime achievements, with the Apollo receiving special recognition as an iconic American institution. Performance artists who have shaped the fabric of American culture are honored by the Kennedy Center Honors every year.

This year’s Kennedy Center Honors will take place on Dec. 8 and air on Dec. 23 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Source: https://variety.com/2024/film/news/francis-ford-coppola-grateful-dead-bonnie-raitt-kennedy-center-honors-1236076728/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2NuulrOPw-mVRv-ULZ0azoAmvRpWsycrSWofO0O5lei3uZOHnGsiUnVJs_aem_fljJSTUGxkSNk7Jji_BObA

Monday, July 15, 2024

Teen musician expelled from private school for performing in venues serving alcohol

Private schools have been imposing off-campus rules on students for years. What should be done when it goes too far? Cramerton Christian Academy, a private Christian school in North Carolina, has expelled Bailey Griggs for "attending gatherings" where drugs and alcohol are present. My problem is with why and how they did this. For the full story, visit the link at the end of this post and watch the video.

The fall semester of Bailey Griggs' final year at Cramerton Christian Academy in Gastonia was to be filled with special moments with her friends. All that ended abruptly when Bailey's mother, Jennifer Griggs, received an e-mail with the bad news. Mrs. Griggs felt that school, and participation on the cheer team, were "ripped away from her" by Cramerton Christian Academy.



Taken from the school's handbook:

"The school prohibits students from 'attending night clubs or bars' and 'attending gatherings with alcohol or drugs present.'

“When you look at the handbook and the way it’s written, it says that she’s not to be gathering in places where there’s alcohol and drugs,” Jennifer Griggs said. “And she’s not gathering, she’s doing her job.”

Bailey Griggs’ agrees, saying she is at these venues to play music. “I’m the performer and I’m not drinking. I’m underage,” she said.

Jennifer believes her daughter was singled out. “The other kids in the schools, there’s post, many, many posts of them attending music concerts,” Jennifer Griggs said. “If anyone knows, when you go to those concerts, you’re surrounded by alcohol.”

Bailey believes the rules are not being applied consistently. “If you’re going to kick me out, then probably kick the whole school out,” Bailey told WCNC.

Due to my own experience of going to a private Christian school, I am inclined to speak out about this, in part, because it infuriates me to see such a bright, and talented young lady expelled over such nonsense. There were rules about what students could not do off campus at the school I attended. Off-campus behavior should be observed by parents, not by schools. Having a dress code was bad enough. You had to tuck your shirt if it was too long. It was your responsibility to change your shirt or pants if they were too tight or too loose. Infractions were issued for violating the dress code too many times. Too many infractions led to demerits, which inevitably led to three o'clock detention.

Kids have it hard enough without making it harder, and this particular school was WAY out of line. I agree 100% with Bailey Griggs and her mother, Jennifer Griggs. Bailey was not "gathering," she was PERFORMING ON STAGE. Newsflash for Cramerton Christian Academy, musicians do that! As an artist, she was doing her JOB. You have to play wherever you can get booked. You gain more exposure the more shows you play. Unfortunately, that means playing where alcohol is served.

In regards to alcohol, her mother had a good argument. I guarantee you this school's students eat out at restaurants with their families, and guess what? Those restaurants most likely serve alcohol. Any Applebee's, Chili's, Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster, you name it, has an alcoholic beverage section on the menu. Even some movie theaters serve alcohol. You can't tell me that kids don't frequent the local movie theater with their parents and/or friends. Chances are teenagers at Cramerton Christian Academy see a movie at least once a year, if not more often. What about sports stadiums and ballparks? There is always alcohol available.

So, why aren't those other students called into question? Why is it only Bailey Griggs who was expelled, hm? Would any other student be expelled if caught at a restaurant, movie theater (serving alcohol), or sporting event? My intuition tells me they wouldn't, considering that restaurants, movie theaters, and sporting arenas are considered 'family-friendly.' I can't imagine a school prohibiting students from eating at restaurants. Concert venues should not be any different, especially when she is performing. This young lady's job is to perform. There is nothing wrong with her being an entertainer.

Drugs aren't present at every live music show, or at least not at the ones I've attended. That is not to say someone cannot sneak a joint into an outdoor music festival. Smoking indoors might be harder, since many indoor venues have strict anti-smoking policies. My local theater strongly prohibits smoking cigarettes, so you couldn't even enter with weed. Nothing that emits smoke, let's just say that. If you smoke, you must do it before entering.

After just a few years performing in North Carolina, Bailey was discovered by Dolly Parton's producer Kent Wells:



In spite of this controversy, Bailey has been invited to perform at the Field and Stream Music Festival in South Carolina. She will share the stage with country music superstars Eric Church and Lynyrd Skynyrd. She is moving on up, and is already looking into other homeschool programs to finish out her senior year. I applaud Bailey Griggs for standing up for herself. Wafflesound Music supports her and her family fully and unwaveringly.

Source link to main article: https://cafemom.com/news/teen-kicked-out-of-christian-school-for-performing-at-bars

Another great article: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13635917/girl-expelled-cramerton-christian-academy-high-school-revenge-teachers.html