Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Sandy Becker Haunts "City Stories: Stoops to Nuts"



When I was eight years old nothing made me happier than hearing Bert Kaempfert’s That Happy Feeling coming out of our TV on East 83rd Street. That Happy Feeling signaled the start of the Sandy Becker Show.




Sandy Becker's talent and charm could cool my 103 fever, make my German measles stop itching and quiet my parents arguing.

I loved Chuck McCann, still do, but Sandy got way inside my head and I couldn’t wait to grow up and try and do all the things he did to cheer kids up. Sandy was a mentor and I wish I was able to tell him that. Luckily, I was able to tell Chuck who is alive and well in California.

I’ll bet Bruce Springsteen loved Sandy Becker, too, or he never would have worn that pith helmet on stage at the Garden in tribute to Sandy’s Hambone.(photo by Jeff Havas)

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The next "City Stories: Stoops to Nuts" show is Tuesday, December 13th @ 6pm @ Cornelia Street Cafe.


Please come down to the Cafe for a special holiday show with gifted tellers and marvelous songsmiths: Barbara Aliprantis, Kelly Wallace Barnhill, Carl Kissin, Mary Lee Kortes, Thomas Pryor, Elizabeth Rowe & Amanda Thorpe.


Admission is $7 & that includes one free drink.


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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Under A Crescent Moon in Central Park ~ Ridiculously Deep Indian Summer

When I'm sad, a sunset can put new sneakers on my soul. Instantly, I run faster and jump higher.  Add 70 degrees to the sunset and I'm surfing clouds.

Yesterday, I walked around the reservoir heading west.  After dark, I biked south along the Hudson River seawall under a crescent moon.  Be careful next few days as seasons flip, you'll need your Autumn Sweater.

Saw the oddest thing in my travels, a pleased piggy offering a carrot to a hungry bunny.

More ridiculously deep Indian summer pictures here.














Monday, November 28, 2011

Gary DeSena Memorial at St. John's with Rugby Friends


Saturday, I attended a memorial in honor of Gary DeSena who passed away at 25 in 2000. Gary was our friend and teammate on the St. John's Rugby Club. Gary was a stand up guy and loved playing the game. A tree on the property was re-dedicated in Gary's honor. It was a pleasure remembering Gary with many old friends who I still love dearly.

Here are a few pictures from the memorial.


































Sunday, November 27, 2011

Dusk in Washington Square Park

Had business in the village last night.  Arrived early and killed time in the park. Saw a fellow doing sand art near the Arch, and another fellow making friends with a squirrel.  Then I watched the light say good night.

more park pix here.










Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Downtown Thorpe, Uptown Word

Woke up with a fever yesterday, but I recovered later and glad I did. Attended Amanda Thorpe's record release for "Promenade," her new album at The Cutting Room. I love the record and it was a treat to watch and listen to Amanda and her amazing band play each terrific song. My favorites tunes are Monica Says, Once Lovers Bar Tabac. "Promenade" is a well thought through collection of intelligent and beautiful songs.
Below are a few pix from show (my camera stinks indoors, sorry) the Lower East Side neighborhood and a shot of Brooklyn.
Tonight, I'm heading up to Washington Heights to Eric Vetter's Word Up! show. I'm telling a Thanksgiving story from a long time ago. It's a great variety line-up; please stop by if you are in the neighborhood.
Word Up Bookstore
4157 Broadway (between 175th & 176th Streets)
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Monday, November 21, 2011

Baby's First Concert: Amanda Thorpe @ The Living Room @ 6:45pm tonight

Mom is taking me to my first concert tonight.
"Why are you so excited?"


"Mom is taking me to my first concert tonight."















This is the first time I'm doing anything besides swim, poop or eat grass.


"Who you seeing?"


"Amanda Thorpe at The Living Room at 6:45pm. This is the first time I'm doing anything besides swim, poop or eat grass."





"That's nice."


"I'm going to sit here a while and think about Amanda's new record, "Promenade," then I'm going to wish happy birthday to my friend, Alison Leigh, then I'm going to do my happy dance again."

I'm just going to sit here a while, then I'm going to do my happy dance again.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Amanda Thorpe Record Release @ The Living Room @ Mon. @ 6:45pm

Harvey the incognito dog has gone undercover.

He was supposed to sniff luggage at JFK tomorrow but instead he’s infiltrating a rare live performance by Amanda Thorpe of her new recording, Promenade, at The Living Room @ Monday night @ 6:45pm.
Promenade was produced with Brad Albetta and Don Piper,  guest musicians include: Tony Scherr, Rob Jost, Craig Chesler, and Rob DiPietro to name a few.  
Show is tomorrow night, Nov 21st @ 6:45pm. @ The Living Room, 154 Ludlow Street.
Here’s what two critics have to say about Amanda’s work. “Amanda Thorpe brings the concept of the chanteuse into the 21st century. Held together as much by Thorpe's versatile singing as by her love noir vision, she silkily moves through the crowd with a drink in one hand, the other, lightly brushing your shoulder as it passes by.” HIGH BIAS Michael Toland. "Thorpe...balanced brassiness and vulnerability with panache"--Variety.com.