Random Acts of Culture...A Little Lighter Today

To escape from the depression of the public school system failures and those scary new people who will be taking public office shortly, I enjoyed a video of a Random Act of Culture--a cool initiative funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to expose people to the arts.

The Opera Company of Philadelphia surprised shoppers at Macy's. Don't you love it?

Songs that Get Stuck in An Annoying Loop In Your Head

1. The theme song from the Golden Girls, "Thank You for Being a Friend." Don't ask how this made the re-entry into the Gropius brain.
2. I've Gotta Feelin' (Black Eyed Peas). Okay I LOVE that song, but not when the same lyrics circulate for hours in a hopeless nonverbal thought-ball.
3. That piano ditty from The Peanuts.  Annoying. So annoying.
4. You're the One That I Love, from Grease of course. Another fun song, except when it won't disappear.
5. Baby Come Back, making a new appearance into pop culture, courtesy of the Swiffer commercials that run every five seconds. The only other words I know are "You can blame it all on me."  It's implanted firmly in a mental broken record for days after I hear it.
6. The theme songs from Law and Order (da-da da da daaaaa) & The Apprentice (that Money, Money, Money, Moooo-oooney song).  Oh help.
7. The chicken dance song. No, I don't have it on my iPod. They play it at baseball games. And it makes me want to dive in a stream of silence. Or into a really loud noise to drown it out forever. Or jump off a bridge.
8. "I am sitting in the morning at the diner on the corner... Du du du-du  Du du du-du  Du du du-du du-du du-du..."  Did you know there's actually a ring tone to Tom's Diner you can purchase?  Om....I would literally go insane if that was the ring tone on my phone, a co-worker's phone, Husband's phone, or any phone I was in range of.
9. More than Words. Remember that band called Extreme? More than Words was probably their most well-known song, and guess what...it drives me up the freaking wall. I don't think it's sweet--it's annoying. I'm still hearing it today, years after it first hit the air waves. Someone make it stop.
10. I hate to rat on Cat Stevens. He's a good boy who has done so much to promote peace in the world, and not only through his music. He crafted some pretty good songs. Except in their own way, they can get a little repetitious and bothersome--like Peace Train and Wild World.  It takes some serious mental work to remove them from my head. The limited lyrics I know continue that same revolution of "baby baby it's a wild world..."

So many sounds...silence is a good one sometimes.

What I Was Thinking During the Bret Michaels Concert

Okay, Bret, should you ever stumble across this, I'm not dissing you. In fact, on the Apprentice (which I think is a fabulous social and business experiment), I thought you were awesome--creative, dedicated and always cordial to others without "throwing anyone under the bus." (The most overused expression these days, I know.) I was pulling for you in every show, and you did it--up against some pretty formidable competition.

I'll admit that I never had any inclination to savor the sounds of Poison, but who could forget the enthusiastic big hair thrashing and skidding around the stage shown every 5 minutes on MTV back in the day?

So this isn't a diss, but last night as you performed after the Rays game, these were my thoughts:

1. Your armpits are immaculate.  Do you shave them? Surely you must. They're sooo smooth.
2. I am so nervous for you. Man, you've survived some crazy hospital visits lately. And you're getting a bigger workout in 5 minutes than I've had all year. Please don't die on us.
3. So...we've heard a ton of times tonight that you have a new show on VH1 about your life...and an autobiography coming out.  I probably won't have time to watch it or read it, but I'll try to plug it in the blog. Here you go.
4. It's not a complaint, just an observation, but you sure do talk a lot. There's like a 5 minute intro to every song about why you like that song or the way things all happened back in the Poison days. But you know that. 
5. I feel old as hell. Sitting way up high with my purse in my lap so it doesn't touch the beer that spilled all over the floor, I looked around and thought, "One day I would have been scrambling to get next to that stage, just for the experience. I'm really tired. It's past my bed time. Can you do 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn' soon?"

In summary, it's not you, it's me. In the end, you're a brave fellow. I admire your zest for life and your enthusiasm. And you are very gracious--abundantly sharing that you love us and you love Tampa and St. Petersburg and you love the Rays. That's a very cool thing to do.

Most people would take it extra easy in the face of serious health problems, but you've sucked even more marrow out of life, just as Thoreau would have advised you to do. Glad I got to hear you in the flesh.

Can I just ask one final thing? What the heck does Unskinny Bop actually mean? Truly, I've always wanted to know.

We Are the World

Our local PR association is being challenged by the state organization to come up with an adaptation of an 80's video, movie, etc. to show at the annual state conference. It's something sort of fun they do every year to shake things up a bit, demonstrate creativity and get the chapters involved a friendly little war.

I can't make it to the conference this year, but I'm pretty impressed with what my fellow association peeps have come up with: an adaptation of "We Are the World" called "We Tell The World." Now how clever is that? They got together last night to record it at a local studio that donated the time for the love of fun and competition. Can't wait to see the final result.

Meanwhile, I can't get the original "We Are the World" out of my head.

I was in third grade when it came out and became hugely popular. It really brought alive my very first awareness of the troubles around the world and the belief that we share a responsibility to help people everywhere who are in need. The feeling I got from the song and the video were exactly what was intended. It was before the days of skepticism, back when I believed everything was golden and lovely and people helped because they cared, not because it was politically correct.

I still feel that way about all of the artists who came together to make the song. I will always remember the opening lines with Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder.  "There comes a time, when we heed a certain call--when the world must come together as one..."



Do you remember when the song came out? Was it inspiring for you? Does it remind you of a certain time in your life?

Big Time

Correct: I am dying on the vine with this month long Big theme. But I'm still here. And honestly, I HAVE always enjoyed Peter Gabriel's incredible creativity. Remember this? 



What creativity!  His videos always rock. They were extra bizarre before bizarre became an essential ingredient in every music video.

In Your Eyes was another of my Peter Gabriel favorites. Probably the best in my book. Remember sweet Lloyd Dobbler from Say Anything?

Big Soul on Main Street

Today we enjoyed a nice lunch on Main Street in Sarasota and happened upon several amazing dancers who were sharing their big soul to the beat of James Brown.

Incredible. I could have watched them for hours. Heard they're offering lessons at a local studio, but I'm inclined to think I would kill myself trying to do it.

Cheers to the Green Violin Goddess & Other Musical Acts of Courage

On Saturday, Husband and I attended a Sarasota Orchestra performance that was combined with the Youth Philharmonic program. A 13 year old girl who had been practicing the violin since age 4 stepped on to the stage for her solo, and we were both beside ourselves. Her mastery of control and concentration, coupled with the complicated notes in Beriot's Scene de Ballet, Op. 100 were truly something to behold! I felt proud of her as if she came from my own herd, just watching this young teen in front of a large crowd and leading the orchestra with her grace and command. Husband loved it too.


The thunder of applause and the whistles as this young wonder bowed in her green gown and sparkly headband almost brought tears to my own eyes.

I send out thanks to the young Green Violin Goddess for having the courage to follow her dreams and hope she’ll keep up with them through the trials of high school and college. It’s humbling to think of how much we owe musicians young and old, dead and alive, from every background, all around the world for enriching our lives with the power of music and the experience of live performance.

Even aside from the difficulty of making a living as an artist, it takes courage to make music your professional path. I’m glad the musical legends of today and yesterday did what they did.

As we’ve established before, I’m a supreme and loyal lover of U2 (image at left was on a poster that adorned my walls many thousands of moons ago). I’ll spare you the affectionate testimonials. But outside of U2’s exceptionally branded music and activism, I find myself enjoying a wide variety of what’s been offered in melody through the ages—folk, ska, punk, Celtic, Indian, classical (Debussey is up there for me), opera every now and then, old school rock n’ roll—even a bit of musical bling from a few choice rap legends. I recently discovered Eliza Gilkinson and find that I can listen for hours on end, and the Black Eyed Peas have finally made their way into my musical realm. (I’m so 2000-late on that one.)

Of course the Beatles, Gladys Night, the Drifters and Sam Cooke are held close to the heart, as with so many other artists that comprised 1960’s greatness. These were once new to some and were once “oldies” to others—like me. Now I am finding that music I grew up with in the 80’s is being featured on our local oldies station here. Duran Duran is really considered oldies material? Holy crap. That’s disturbing.

[…Almost as disturbing as 13-year-old stepson’s recent questions: “What’s a record?” followed by “What’s a tape?” I guess that makes me an old freaking lady.]

I’ve seen great live performances, from little known Gainesville college bands playing at the long since gone Covered Dish to Bo Diddley, Sting, Eric Clapton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, LL Cool J, Indigo Girls, Rolling Stones, Dar Williams, etc., etc. [The James Taylor/ Carol King show coming up in June is top on my list…never seen Sweet Baby James live and will love it no doubt!]

As I’ve gotten older, my concert going days have certainly been more limited. But I think I’ll always enjoy the thick air of togetherness that shrouds you at every live show. Maybe it’s the feel of dramatically different people brought together by music, yes?

Who are your musical faves and where have you seen them perform?

Does ANNOYING music affect your concentration?

This year for the famously annoying task of completing a science project, D-Man is asking the question "Does music affect concentration?"  He's having a series of people--including me and husband of course--see how many words we can find in a word search as we listen for 5 minutes each to classical music, rap and finally no music.

I completed the experiment yesterday and found that music actually helped my concentration, but people, let's examine the choices. The rap was the Beastie Boys and the classical was Debussy--both of which are more than humane choices. I like them.

I totally think the experiment should be changed to "Does annoying music affect your concentration?" We would then be asked to complete word searches while listening to:

• The song that begins with "Heard it from a friend, who heard it from a friii-iiieeeeeend who, heard it from another you've been messing around..." 
• Most of the 11 songs played in a heinous endless loop by ClearChannel stations last year--last month--last week--today--and into infinity.
• Hall & Oats "Private Eyes"  (see below)
• At the risk of offending many, anything by Whitney Houston in the last 10 years, most Journey songs, and most of those (new, not classic) pesky Disney movie songs. I don't know many, but the ones I do know are more than annoying.
• Hotel California. I mean it's a great song, and the Eagles--such talent. But really, it's had its day in court. It's over. I can't take it any more!!!!

Anything else to add to that list of annoying music to add to the experiment?  Young D-Man has a lot of work to do.

Check out this post on Popten: Top Ten Catchiest, Most Annoying Songs (That Burrow Into Your Brains and Make You Want to Die.)

Private Eyes Are Watching You...Watching Your Every Move...

Yesterday I had the pleasure of volunteering with Art Center Sarasota for its Private Eyes tour—a tour of lovely homes in town with fabulous private art collections.

As a result, the 1981 Hall & Oats song “Private Eyes” has been permanently marked in my conscious mind. I know about 10 words to the song, which I’m trying desperately to forget, but continue to mentally repeat them in a hellish rolling record nonetheless. I am ready to be Baker acted.

The volunteering gig was enjoyable. I am left with a great respect for all of those who opened up their homes to the sea of strangers who arrived with (and without) manners, looking at their stuff, commenting good things (and bad) about their most prized possessions, and shedding DNA calling cards on their floors, rugs, walls and windows. In general, people were on very good behavior and I would surely call the event a grand success.

However, it was one of those days I thank heavens for my little 7 room house in Bradentucky, with no worries of being called on for tour duty.

By the way, misery loves company:

The Anal Concert-Goer

Yes, that's me. It's me if you include getting highly agitated at people who are rude at shows.

People who must ask you to get up 54 times within a 2 hour period so they can squeeze their largess past you to get another beer, a tray of french fries or whatever it is that they "need" are super unnecessary. For the love of God, did you not KNOW we would be here for 120 minutes to enjoy a show? What the hell would you do if you had to survive in the woods or a road trip or a meeting without provisions for a few hours? I'll tell you what would happen. You would die.

So when this same group tries to return to their seats and cannot find them because they are so drunk they can barely recognize what country they're in, you know what happens. They stand in the aisle staring at you. And you can read their dumbfounded expressions for the duration: "Do I know this chick? Did I squeeze my largess past her on my way for another Michelob?" You guessed it. That ticks me off too. Because I can't see the stage, you jerks!

And ahh, here's another one. The guy behind me that is discussing an important matter on his cell phone during one of the most riveting songs of the evening. Yes, it's true. He was the same putz who decided to open up his big mouth between the songs, because evidently, nothing being said outside of the tunes he recognized was anything of consequence to him. Oh sweet Jesus, was I ready to display my dark and evil side.

People don't do this kind of crap during a Symphony performance, right? They have enough respect for the artists and the crowd to stay put. Don't get me wrong--I love the crazed cheering, singing along and excitement at a stadium show. But all that other stuff, people? There's a roller derby game with your name on it somewhere.

U2: Magnificent

It's hard to render Gropius speechless, but U2 always does the trick. These days, a girl can diverge in a million distinctly different directions, with her life changing in a number of unexpected ways. U2 has been a constant for me for ages. The timelessness and depths of their lyrics, the musical package, the brilliant multi-media of their shows and the combination of play, activism and insightful beauty is overwhelming.

Last night, a most unexpectedly gorgeous addition to the concert: a live connection with Guy Laliberte from the International Space Station, who eloquently spoke about the beauty of Earth from space and the importance of conservation. Ahhhhh, more music to my ears.

So thank you, boys. I just adore you. I can't say that about many people I don't know. Somehow, you've convinced me that I do know you, and I love who you are. Keep it coming.

Here's a bit of video from last night. And here's the scoop on what they played.

Big, Rich and Ugly

My other half is the country music fan. I can tolerate some of it. Others like the Dixie Chicks and greats like Patsy Cline and Jonny Cash are on my A list. Love 'em. Most of the other country, aaahh, let's just say is not my cup of tea. BUT, I have respect for what they do and the fact that so many people enjoy it.

When the boys from Big & Rich stepped on the portable stage last night after the Rays game (awesome, by the way), I immediately knew there would be trouble. John Rich was wearing a full length fur coat.

In the same way I don't cram my vegetarianism and warm, fuzzy yet extremely protective feelings toward animals down anyone's throat, I don't appreciate a lack of regard for life being shoved down mine. Aside from all of the other fur issues--which I'm sure you don't care to read on Gropius--IT'S FLORIDA IN AUGUST. To me, it was a pretty strong statement. And my statement to you, Rich, not only do I find it disgusting, but by the way, your music is soooo less than impressive.

Throughout the show, Rich's conservativism was overwhelming to the point that my urgings to use the ladies room were finally recognized and the welcome visit outside the seating was prolonged in Tropicana Field's vacant hallways.

What about the other guy--the "Big" part of Big and Rich? Part of me sort of liked "Big" Kenny Alphin and what he had to offer. He literally vacated the stage during some of the more...conservative...aspects of the performance. I just found this article from Access Altanta and it explains a bit about the duo.

Apparently, each is pretty polar opposite off-stage too. Alphin is an "eighth generation farm boy from Virginia" who has a big heart and is involved in charities like Hope Through Healing Hands, helping the underserved access medical care. Now that's what I'm talking about.

About Rich, Access Atlanta has this to say, "Politics aside, Rich has a tendency to get into conflicts that often end up in the gossip columns. He was involved in a neighborhood dispute when he bought some prime Nashville real estate and started construction on a giant house that irked the neighbors."

You don't say...

Now regrettably, this posting will no doubt result in GoogleAds for Big and Rich generated through keywords on my blog, but please approach with caution.

Oops

When my cell phone rings now, it's pure jazz.

This sudden departure from U2's Elevation came last week when my cell went off in a very serious meeting with about 75 people in the room, including media. Unfortunately, we were at the pinnacle of the compelling message when everyone started glancing around trying to figure out where the intrusive noise was originating. I was way, way too far away to run and get it, as that would have caused a bigger distraction...and um, exposed me.

"This will all be over faster if I just wait a few more seconds," I thought, horrified.

And it did. It ended! On with the show.

Until 10 seconds later, when the rap song busted out to let me know I had a new voice mail.

Needless to say, I had to change the ringer on my phone to keep my cover in the future. I'm usually so good with cell phone consciousness.

At the risk of being called corny, here it is: Happy Birthday, Bono.

What can Gropius say? The world is a better place because of you.

Readers, why not make a donation to the African Well Fund? There's a birthday campaign going on, and you can be part of it. Check it out here.

While I was scouting for a suitable photo for the b-day post, I found this one. Couldn't resist.

Overdose on Susan Boyle

I know many readers will hate me for this. But if I see that Susan Boyle video one more time, I am going to cross from the realm of sanity to a place where the sun has never shined.

Don't know what I'm talking about? Sorry, I'm not going to post the video here. I can't. Believe me, I'm rooting for her all the way. Her vocal chords should be immortalized and blasted to the far reaches of space during our next mission.

But if an "unattractive" woman belting out a song like nobody's business becomes the hit of the century by virtue of her umatching traits, we've got lots to be ashamed of folks. Is it really that amazing that someone who is "ugly" has talent?

You betta go check yo' self before you reck yo' self. And that's all I have to say about that.

Feeling 10 Days Older Than Water

A few observations and conversations lately, namely relating to children and music, are making me feel ten days older than water.

Reconnecting with an old friend on Facebook, I saw a photo of her family. Her 12 year old who I remembered fondly as a cute little kid first transitioning from elementary school to middle school is now in college. What is that all about?

My tween stepson is now impossible to shop for without him by my side, as all the clothes I bring home are now "dorky." The silver iron-on symbols on dark jeans with faded-to-white centers are dorky to me, but apparently I am no longer qualified to make those decisions. And while we're sharing the same space in the car to go shopping, he makes quick use of head phones to transport acceptable music--my selection is far too unhip for him.

Also on the music side, I have noticed that the 80's tunes which I grew up listening to are now on oldies 108. Ummmm....that's really scary. I do like the "real" oldies, like Sam Cooke and Elvis. Oh wait...that was the same music I was embarrassed to have in the car when my parents were transporting me somewhere with friends.

Okay, okay, I get it. This is pay back for making my dad turn off the Mozart before I opened the car door to get out at school. We listened to that and positive thinking tapes on the ride to Selwyn Elementary.

Watch out, young tween in my house, it could be worse. And even worse than that, you could end up doing the same yourself and thinking nothing of it when you're old like me.

The Boys are Back

...And on the contrary (of bad music), the most savvy, succulent Irish rockers are back in my life. That's right, U2 has a new album. It's coming out in a matter of days, and already I've enjoyed previews of the delicious melodies to come. What's not to love about them? Always exciting, many times surprising, there's never a dull moment...and usually more than just clever tunes and lyrics behind the song, the singer and the rest of the snazzy crew.

I hate to think of myself as a groupie--the word itself makes me cringe. But if paying to see them live 7 times and being thrilled about new brilliance on the horizon classifies me as the G word, I guess I can't deny it. March 3 is the special date. Hope you'll be buying then...Think of it as an economic stimulus inspiration package.

Journey: Most Annoying Band

I can't explain my need to blog about Journey and its annoying-ness. I liken their songs to televised football games, where all you can hear is the constant yelling of the announcers and a muffled crowd screaming at all times. I just want to tune it out. And you can't even enjoy it with chips and a sub.

And I do want to "Stop Believing." Stop believing that Journey can still be around...and touring...and invading otherwise decent radio stations with regurgitated early 80's tunes. My brother and sister-in-law saw them a couple of years ago, and as of late 2008 they were actually still doing sold out shows. WTF? Am I the weird one here?

There's a new lead singer too. Again. Lead singer number three. Isn't it really boy-bandish to get a new lead singer twice...after years and years of writing and performing music, splitting up for 10 years, and then reforming? Not that I have a great allegiance to Steve Perry, but really, Journey, REALLY. Can't you just go off and call yourselves something completely different, and disappear for another 20?

By the way, I'm a sucker for the song "Faithfully," but if I needed to trade it for a Journey-free satellite, I'd make the arrangement in seconds.