Wow, Handel's Messiah ROCKS!

...and it's going to rock out at the Fabulous Fox Theatre! I was just over on YouTube listening to a few clips and it's great. I was amazed at how they've taken this well-known classical oratorio and turned it into a fun concert that any age or music-type lover can enjoy. I think hearing Handel performed in a rock version is going to give some people who yawn at classical music a better appreciation. They definitely won't be yawning at this show!

Here's a sampling from a performance from a while back --- these might not be the same performers that they'll have at "our" Fox show, but it'll be just as good if not better!



Classic Music Meets Classic Rock: Handel’s Messiah Rocks @ Fox Theatre One Night Only: Sunday, Nov 21

“We are delighted to bring a glorious night of music to the Fabulous Fox Theatre with Handel’s Messiah Rocks on Sunday, November 21 at 7 pm,” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “This groundbreaking musical event blends classical music with classic rock and breathes new life into George Fredrick Handel’s most performed oratorio. It is sure to be an unforgettable evening! Tickets are on sale NOW at Ticketmaster outlets, the Fox Theatre Box Office, by calling 800-982-2787, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.  And there are special group rates available through Fox Theatre... More

Ian McFeron and Alisa Milner Live at Java Monkey Nov 10

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 – 8:00 pm (Free!)
Java Monkey, 205 East Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030 - (404) 378-1852

Seattle-based, singer/songwriter Ian McFeron has big plans for 2010. This year he is slated to perform over 200 shows, all while functioning as his own, independent record label, booking agency, and management company.

“The music industry and the economy at large are facing a lot of challenges right now and there is a lot of speculation about when things are going to turn around, and what that will look like. It’s left a lot of people in limbo, wondering which way to go. I figure that’s a good time for musicians to get back to basics and do what they’ve always done: travel the nation, inspire listeners, and build community.”

The age of digital sharing and declining music sales has been coupled with a receding global economy, hitting independents particularly hard as the middle class budget crunch leaves less disposable income for entertainment.

“You see a lot more people coming up in groups to buy cds, pitching in a couple bucks each to buy one album and then pass it around digitally. You hear a lot of the clubs say their attendance is down 30% or more.”

But when times get tough, musicians have always relied on their creativity to find opportunities in the midst of adversity.

“I know some folks that are excited about building an online presence through social networking; others talk about publishing revenue from the growing number of web stream music sites and how to get a buzz on YouTube. For me, music has always been about community and there’s no substitute for in the flesh live performance. I’ve always found that if I take the risk and get out there, if I play with sincerity and sing from the heart, the money works itself out somehow. If you can create those spiritual moments of intimacy with the audience they’ll encourage you to come back.”

With his first national tour under his belt, a full schedule of summer concerts and festivals, and another run of the nation planned this fall, McFeron estimates he will perform over 200 shows in 2010.

“There is something very blue-collar about being an independent touring musician, and that has always been comforting to me for some reason. I have a friend whose parents have a family farm outside Boise, Idaho, and talking with them I’m always surprised by how many parallels there are between what we do and what they do. When we break new ground in new parts of the country, I always feel like we’re out there sowing seeds, getting our roots going and nurturing strong, healthy stalks. And if we’re successful in doing that, we can come back through and reap the harvest. But you don’t get to escape the first part- you have to put your time in and take the risks and pour your heart into it first. Real success always follows some passionate gamble, I think.”

Ian McFeron takes the stage at Java Monkey on Wednesday, November 10th at 8:00pm, joined by long time musical partner Alisa Milner, a Texas-style fiddler, cellist, and harmony vocalist.

"Ian McFeron plays an earthy yet sophisticated blend of folk, rock, alternative-country and blues that belies the band's youthfulness. And it's danceable, too.” - Gene Stout, Seattle Music Critic
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Arts Across Georgia
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com

Leon Russell and Elton John Collaborate on "The Union"

If you'd asked me to make a list of musical greats I'd like to see paired for an album, these two would not have made the list. Yep, they'd each have been on the list, but not together. But you know what? It would have been my mistake 'cause they sound good together. I can't wait for the new release "The Union" which is slated to hit the stores in October.

To make a great sounding 'union' even better, Bernie Taupin wrote (or co-wrote) some of the songs! T-Bone Burnett produced the CD, album or whatever the heck you want to call it and he also helped in writing some of the songs. Universal Music is releasing 'The Union".

Here's a cut from "The Union" just to motivate you to save room on the old credit card to buy it in October:



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@softnblue on Twitter and Blip

Joe Bonamassa talking about his new album

@jbonamassa is one of my all-time favorite musicians. Love every single thing he's ever, ever done and know I'm going to love his latest. If you like blues rock, you have to get to know Joe Bonamassa! Promise he'll be on your fave list, too.

B.B. King on the new CD? I'm listening to the following post as I'm typing... catching bits and pieces. If you can't wait for the new release to hit the stores (Sept 21) go to his site: http://jbonamassa.com/ (You can get a free download of one of his tunes from Black Country... I'm multi-tasking, downloading, blipping, tweeting, posting on here... people used to sit on their back porches and whittle wood, just so you know how life has changed ;-)

Here's a bit about his new album, being released Sept 21st in U.S. I missed early pre-order (deadline was Sept 7th). Ah well, going to buy it soon as it hits the street. Here's the blurb "Black Country Communion the Anglo/American rock supergroup comprising vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple Black Sabbath, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, today confirmed the release date and track listing for their highly anticipated debut album “Black Country”. The album will be released by Mascot Records in the UK and the rest of Europe on Monday September 20th, followed by a North American release through J&R Adventures on Tuesday September 21st."

Shoot, just checked his upcoming tour schedule and he's not coming anywhere near here. I AM going to see him live. Sometime. Some place. It will happen.



Here's an earlier video from Joe: