LENNY KRAVITZ & K'NAAN at THE ORPHEUM THEATER BOSTON, MA 10/21/09...CONCERT REVIEW by Boston Pop Superhero, Cookie Cutter Girl! FLY,American Woman

LENNY KRAVITZ at THE ORPHEUM THEATER
BOSTON, MA 10/21/09

Concert Review by Lynn Julian

K'naan was the apt opener, filling the half empty room with love and lyrics. See my previous concert review in this Blog, when they opened for Jason Mraz. (They've also been opening for Maroon 5 this year) All those who skipped their set missed out on some Rap-Reggae-Hip-Hop, hand wavin', free slavin', clean shavin' family friendly fun. This Bob Marley meets Run DMC and check 'em out here: http://knaanmusic.ning.com.

Last night, The Orpheum became the NoSeeUm as every guest rose in anticipation of the arrival of Lenny Kravitz...and never sat down until after he left. Why have chairs? As the Pop Star graced the Boston, MA theater stage, The Orpheum became the Orgyum, filling with screaming, sexual shrieks of pleasure from both male and female fans alike.

The Guitar Hero, who admits influence of Prince, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, and the Beatles, filled his first set with 10 minute masturbatory solos for stoned by both himself and his tribe. Kravits grew up in LA, embraced by his parents’ iconic, musical friends such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald. The priceless influence of this priviledge obviously left its mark on young Lenny, as his band would not seem out of place backing any Jazz hound.

Leaving the best for last, the mystery man behind his self-branded Super Shades & heavy knit cap, filled his second set with his hit singles. By the time the hits happened, the beer battered battalion was fully loaded and ready for kravitz-eoke. As the crowd swayed and sang "Fly," I was well aware that many were high enough to do so. Oh yeah, the succulent scent "God's Green Medicine" filled the tiny theater as the 45-year-old pop rocker impolitely proclaimed "I gotta' take a piss...so you got 3 minutes to go roll another one." Call it his crude, rude "Rock Star" moment. I guess he's earned it with a performance covering his 20-year-plus career. This show celebrated the 20th anniversary of Lenny Kravitz' debut album, “Let Love Rule.’’

JASON MRAZ Concert Photos & Live Video & Boston,MA Pavilion Concert Review! G LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE and K'NAAN Band! FREE CONCERT VIDEOS! Pop Music

It's Thirsty Thursday...So Drink Up!

Here Are Some Live Concert Photos of
JASON MRAZ, G LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE,
& K'NAAN at Bank of America Pavillion: Boston, MA
"BE A HERO" and share my live video links with friends!

JASON MRAZ CONCERT REIVEW

JASON MRAZ, G LOVE & SPECIAL SAUCE & K'NAAN

BANK OF AMERICA PAVILLION: BOSTON, MA

Bushwalla MC'd with comic flair, at the Bank of America Pavilion in Boston, MA on August 4th 2009, turning the audience into a pumping, percussion section. K'NAAN, the 1st opening act, was a surprising surge of Somali energy, peaking in a Patriotic Sing-a-long, fueled by T-Shirt flag waving fans. G Love & Special Sauce, Boston's hometown heroes, delivered their custom recipe of self-proclaimed "Hip Hop Blues." Their musical marinade consisted of groovy gravy: one Cup of Blues, a half cup of Funk, a Tablespoon of Hip-Hop and a pinch of Ska. G. Love (Garrett Dutton) worked up a froth singing their hit "Baby's Got Sauce." Bass player, Timo, he proudly proclaimed to the Boston crowd, is a local from Swampscott, MA, who then dug into a mean solo on his upright bass. They're a melody mix of "Beastie Boys" meets the "Blues Brothers."

Jason Mraz entered to Beatles worthy screaming girls, which were a majority of his audience. The lyrical master, who will soon be receiving a Hall of Fame award for his songwriting, dove right into his mega hit "Remedy" (I Won't Worry) from his first CD "Waiting For My Rocket To Come." Feverish fans were happy to hear this was NOT the CD version, but rather a cool Reggae groove to cut through one of the hottest days of the Summer. (See link below to LIVE CONCERT VIDEO.) Although the heat did not detour him & his happenin' horn section from high kicks and hijinx, Mr. Mraz then had to slow it down, just long enough for the girls to catch their breath. (See link below for band photos.) Soon after, the band jumped up to his Grammy-nominated, international chart-topper “I’m Yours.” “I’m Yours” appears on Mraz’s third and latest album, 2008’s groove-oriented “We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things." The Pop/Folk songwriter closed down his show by raising his hands up in the air, and requesting everyone high five their neighbors all around, while singing along to "Good Job." This meditating musician did not disappoint, ending on the happy notes that found him his fan base.

To say Jason Mraz believes in accentuating the positive is an understatement. This man lives to be positive, and spends his days, when he's not writing & performing his music, encouraging his fans to catch his contagious high on life. “Playing music is the only thing I wanted to do,” said Mraz. “It was the only job I was good at holding. Every other job in my life I called in sick until I quit. I was a stock clerk, a doorman. I worked at a day-care center, as a janitor in an elementary school.” Fans can read his musings at JasonMraz.com & GratitudeCafeTour.com

On a much more personal note, I was forced to attend this show in a wheelchair. During my long, painful recovery from a stage accident, I can not stand for very long due to severe, chronic pain. Although I was right up front, in row 3, I could never see Jason Mraz at all, and was forced to settle for watching the jumbo screen, like TV. "How on Earth could someone lucky enough to be in row 3 not be able to see?" you might ask. I'm sorry to report that Mr. Mraz's fans *talk* a lot about generosity of spirit and self-awareness...they simply did not show much of it. Let me explain...

The Pavilion has only a very slight upgrade, seeming to leave each row of chairs less than an inch higher than the row in front of it. His fans stood up upon his entrance...then, they never sat down again for the entire show. Everyone appeared to have a difficult time seeing, as they constantly snuck up front, to stand right in front of me, as my chair was in the isle seat. Literally every 30-60 seconds, security would have to step in front of me, again, to ask them to go back to their seats, which usually lead to a pleading discussion about how they only wanted a few pictures. By the time the guard got them to take a photo and leave, another set of fans took their place. Not a single fan acknowledged my presence, let alone offered any sort of apologize for standing in front of me and blocking my view, even of the video monitor.

Part of me wished Jason Mraz had simply requested that everyone sit down, so that those not in the front sections could see too. Yet, as a musician, I know how important high energy is to a show, and I understand why he wants fans on their feet. After all, he's not our Dad, and we should all have learned common courtesy by now. Perhaps the Pavilion should remove all their seats in the front sections, and be more like the Tweeter Center in Mass? These ticket holders definitely wanted to stand, regardless of how many people they blocked. I was simply lucky to be on the isle, so at least I could see for 30 second intervals, after security cleared the isle to honor the fire code. Their were short women in the rows right behind me that could not see at all, who complained loudly and justifiably, but whose requests to sit down fell on deaf ears.

Jason Mraz did show his fans some instant Karma when he arrived for his encore *behind* the back rows. His impromptu stage managed to reverse the balance of power in the audience, making the back row the front row. In response, most of the first ten rows sat down,for the first time that night, quite a few of them visibly upset. How do you like that for instant karma? Of course, some of the folks up front just stood up on their chairs, blocking the view of those behind them even further. Some people never learn. My "Be A Hero" BLOG (http://InnerSuperhero.net) focuses on ways everyone can be a hero by making small changes and small gestures. Next time you're at a show, "Be A Hero" and check behind you to be sure you're not standing in front of someone who can't stand at all. Jason Mraz's fans preach about "Peace, Love & Understanding" a lot. Now, I hope they learn to practice it too...

CONCERT PHOTOS: http://flickr.com/photos/40974751@N04/sets/72157621838770651

CONCERT VIDEOS: http://youtube.com/user/lynnjulian

NO DOUBT & PARAMORE Live in Concert in Mansfield, MA June 20 2009 CONCERT REVIEW, PHOTOS, VIDEO! Gwen Stefani & Hayley Williams in Massachusetts!

NO DOUBT & PARAMORE... Mansfield, MA, 6/20/2009, Boston Concert Review

PHOTOS HERE: http://Facebook.com/album.php?aid=133026&id=691736415

VIDEO HERE: http://www.facebook.com/video/?id=691736415

It's the morning after, and I'm still trying to catch my breath. A hot date? An all nighter? A heavy workout? NO DOUBT! Last night I traveled back in time to the 1990s, when the magical Pop Ska of "Tragic Kingdom" floated to the top of the music scene like cream in our grunge coffee, the major music staple of the decade. Every guy wanted to be with her. Every girl wanted to be her. Gwen Stefani... A name that's become a noun, a verb and an adjective... a sentence all by herself. "Make it sound more Gwen Stefani," and "let's Gwen Stefani the vocals a bit more." Being a Pop vocalist in the 90s, and also a vocal teacher, it was not uncommon for girls to request I help them "sound like Gwen Stefani." The woman created her own sound, style, clothes and culture. If Madonna ruled the 80s with layered slips, head scarves and rubber bracelets, then Stefani stole the 90s with layered tops, plaid shorts and baggy pants. We were awash with platinum blonde girls, braving black eye brows and cherry red lips... and loving it. But I digress...About last night...

No Doubt was preceded by modern day chart toppers, Paramore, who put on a full length show themselves. The concert started at 7:30, and didn't end until 11:00. Now that's value for your ticket dollar, and the sold out 17,000 seat venue was a triumph over a poor economy. Paramore's lead singer, Hayley Williams, appeared to have an imaginary pogo stick, and an endless supply of energy to power it's bounce. Too bad the sound was so muddy we couldn't understand a word she said. No worries, their loyal fans sang along with every line, not deterred in the least by a bad mix. A stand out moment of magic came from the bass guitarist, who did a running flip across the entire stage, guitar in hand, as if he was performing a floor routine in Olympic gymnastics. Definitely take time to catch a video clip of that feat on YouTube.

Before the headliners took over, the wizards behind the curtain turned the stage into a vision in white, rolling out countless pieces of white flooring, white swirling ramps and white curtain. Imagine Willy Wonka in white. True to form, No Doubt appeared larger than life, in gigantic black shadows on the white back drop, setting the tone for the band acting out many James Bond themed roles on the giant video screen throughout the show. From the opening chords of "Spiderwebs," to the encore of "Rock Steady," No Doubt left none in any fans' mind: they still

rock. Seemingly without the aid of backing tracks, their live songs still sounded as vibrant as their CDs, leaving no room for disappointment. Gwen gave multiple shout outs to fevered fans in the front, some covered in No Doubt tattoos, all begging to join her on stage. One lucky girl did just that, as Stefani thanked her, and all the fans profusely for their undying support. The Platinum Powerhouse seemed to swing effortlessly from Power-Pop Icon to grateful, girl next door. This Rocker-Mom's sincerity refreshingly reassured us that, even though she's a Superstar, but her feet are planted firmly on the ground. The double Grammy winning pop/ska Cali sensation that is "No Doubt" will release a new album next year that is being recorded this summer while they are on their first real tour in seven years, consisting of 60 shows. Tickets purchased via certain web venues came with a free download of their entire catalogue as well. Welcome back to our arenas, our hearts... and our Ipods.

No Doubt Setlist:

Spiderwebs

Hella Good

Underneath It All

Excuse Me Mr.

Ex-Girlfriend

End It On This

Simple Kind of Life

Bathwater

Guns of Navarone

New

Hey Baby

Running

Different People

Don't Speak

It's My Life

Just A Girl

Encore:

Rock Steady

Stand and Deliver

Sunday Morning

Paul McCartney Live Concert In Las Vegas 2009 REVIEW, PHOTOS, VIDEOS! Live Performance Video of Former Beatle THE BEATLES,WINGS,JOHN LENNON,RINGO

HAPPY MUSIC MONDAY... Here are some LIVE CONCERT PHOTOS!

WATCH A LIVE VIDEO of "BLACKBIRD" HERE: 
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=103332756415

PAUL McCARTNEY LIVE IN LAS VEGAS

I recently had the merry, musical memory of seeing Sir Paul McCartney performing the opening show of his 2009 tour in Las Vegas.  I had been prepping myself not to build him up too much in my mind, so I wouldn't be let down.  He is 66, after all, the age of most Grandpas, so how much bark could the old dog really have left in him?

How much, indeed?  PLENTY!  When I'm wrong, I admit it... and I apologize, Sir Paul, for under-estimating your love of the game.  Paul McCartney performed 2 1/2 hours, 33 songs, full of energy & surprises.  From tributes of his songs "My Love" to Linda McCartney "the one true love of my life,"  and "Here Today" John Lennon, "my good friend... stuff I might have said to him but didn't get a chance... I love you, John,"  to fireworks explosions in "Live and Let Die," the former Beatles kept fans on their toes, hanging on his every word.  

Sir Paul opened with a fan favorite, classic Beatles song, but quickly went on to new material from his latest CD, "Electric Arguments."  This release is by "The Fireman... a collaborative project between music icon Paul McCartney and revered producer Youth."  The former frontman of Wings then followed through with 70s classic rock favorites sure to please fans of that Super Group.  

The Beatles frontman worked fans into a feeding frenzy, screaming for more of their Fab Four favorites, and manages to play most of them.  Yet, Paul McCartney was far from alone on stage, backed by longtime band mates Abel Laboriel Jr. on drums, Paul "Wix" Wickens on keyboards and Brian Ray and Rusty Anderson on guitars.

It should be noted that the former Beatle set a world record by selling out the house in a mere seven seconds on Valentine's Day.  Did his countless fans set this record?  Unfortunately, NO.  His countless scalpers did... and, since it was in 7 seconds, I'm assuming they used software, via the internet, to do so.  This fan is NOT begruding Sir Paul his new record, but... I DO think laws need to change to allow true fans access to tickets at the prices the artists intended.  As it stands now, scalpers are reselling the tickets, at double to ten times the original price, and making just as much profit as the performing artists!  In closing, something's got to give...  Thank God it's not Paul McCartney endless energy or tireless devotion to his fans!

ELTON JOHN "RED PIANO" Concert Review, LAS VEGAS... FINAL SHOW! The Queen Decrees NO PHOTOS! Old Music We Love. New Attitude We Didn't. ROCKET MAN

It's "Music Monday" & this Pop Superhero has a special treat:

a live concert review of Elton John's final "Red Piano" show in Las Vegas!

BONUS: I secured live concert photos & video of "Rocket Man."
We entered the lobby to an exact replica of the "Red Piano" Sir Elton John played in concert for every performance of his hit, Las Vegas show of the same title. There were a few folks lined up to have their photo taken with it by the professional assigned to that task. We were late, so we got right to our seats. Ceasar's Palace theater was small enough that were no "bad seats" on the floor or the single balcony.

The man himself entered to a standing ovation, and finished each of his first few hits to the same. Some of his fans tired of standing after every song, but Elton did not appear to enjoy each ovation any less. It was a night of "just the hit singles," and he played just about all of them.

"Together with photographer David LaChapelle, Elton John has created The Red Piano —
a career overview performance you won't soon forget," read the promo at Harrahs.com. The Pop Icon did not disappoint, feeding us #1 song after #1 song, happy after happier memory. Elton mocked other current Vegas Divas, such as Cher and Celine Dion. He even had humor enough to mock himself for only leaving "The Red Piano" once, struting quickly from one side of the stage to the other, then planting himself back behind his candy apple keys, only to complain about having to get up at all.

Some warned me before this show that Elton John's voice was "gone." Indeed, he can no longer hit the high octaves, nor can almost any many of his age. He left that job to his multi-tasking percussionist, who could mirror Elton's tenor from the 70's perfectly. Sir Elton stayed in the comfortable low melody lines which flattered his voice, and his band's back-up vocals blended in seamlessly. It wasn't Elton John in the 70's. It wasn't supposed to be.

My single complaint is that "The Queen" banned ALL PHOTOS. Noone could even take a replica of replica of "The Red Piano" in the lobby! There were dozens "Security" men everywhere, not to protect this music legend from physical harm, but to keep his fans from scarring him emotionally by photographing him. Apparently, Sir Elton John does NOT wish to have his photo taken and published in his current condition: IE. not 20 something. Even the promo video at Harrahs.com only showed him in concert from a distance. The rest of the video featured Elton in his youth. This makes me very sad, as it sends the wrong message to today's youth. We should cherish our elders... worship them. They can tell us now what we'll wish we knew when we look back on our youth at their age.

In the spirit of paying homage to our heroes, here is Elton John NOW, performing "Rocket Man."

THE BEATLES' PETE BEST CONCERT REVIEW! The Silver Beatles,Drummer,Drums,Paul McCartney,John Lennon,George Harrison,Ringo Starr,The Cavern Club,UK

HOW TO BE A HERO... FOR FREE!

TREAT THOSE WHO LOOK UP TO YOU
WITH THE RESPECT THEY DESERVE

I was at the Topsfield Fair (MA) last night to see a very talented, songwriter/musician friend of mine, ERIC COLVILLE, perform his original tunes live. Then I heard an announcement over the loud speaker: "Pete Best, the original drummer for the Beatles, will be performing live at 7:00 PM." Really? At a small, country fair? To 100 people? Really? I was intriqued.
Upon arrival to the "main stage," I was surprised at what I saw, and did not see: so few fans; 2 drum sets on stage; no band banner on stage (just one for the stage sponsor); 1 small merchandise table, obviously manned someone's relatives. I have a drummer friend who is a HUGE Beatles fan, so I felt obliged to buy him a signed drum head on display. I handed over my cash and was given BLANK drum head instead, while being informed that I *had* to wait in line to have it signed "fresh." Forced cueing for signatures? Really? Doesn't it appear better business for both fans and band to have per-signed merchandise available for those who prefer it? I'm a loyal friend, so I was determined to get this drum head signed for my friend. I sat down and prepared to be entertained.


The band took the stage with no frills, few lights and little energy. They sounded like a Beatles cover band, focusing on the "Cavern Club" days. The voices were strangely close to the Beatles.... coincidentally? The drummers played identical beats, taking turns on cymbal accents and drum fills. Pete Best approached the microphone slowly and addressed the audience directly. He spoke in a metered voice, never above talking volumn, asking us to say "Rowdy" back to him. (*I learned later via the internet that "Rowdy" was his branded word, and the 2nd drummer was his younger brother.) The set list included all the Beatles' familiar tunes from the Cavern Club days. This struck me as brilliant marketing, but it did nothing to sell The Pete Best band's new CD, which was released Sept 16 2008.

About half the audience got in line at the merchandise table, which made me glad I'd already purchased my drumhead for my friend. That was until the relative manning the merchandise told me, if I wanted to get that head signed as promised, I had to get in the back of the line anyway. GOOD GRIEF, CHARLIE BROWN! So we waited. And, we waited. About 1/2 hour later, Pete Best strolls lazily by us, seemingly unnoticed by anyone but me. Most of the @50 folks in line had bought their own memorabilia for the former Beatle to sign. A few purchased stock photos of Pete Best in the original Silver Beatles line-up.

We patiently waited our turn while everyone got their items signed and took a photo to certify it's authenticity. Finally, it was our turn, and informed Mr. Best that this was for a "HUGE FAN." He nodded politely, but seemed tired and annoyed. I asked him to sign the drum head I purchased from his table with his slogan, which appeared on his banner, over his merchandise table: "He put the beat in Beatles." To my shock, HE REFUSED, stating bluntly through tight lips, "I'll put The Beatles." Needless to say, I was now as annoyed as he seemed to be, but said nothing and politely posed for a photo.


Now don't get me wrong, I can only imagine the frustration this poor man feels with being bumped by The Beatles. He helped THE most successful band in history build fans for 2 years... then they threw him out like garbage. Epstein, the Beatles' manager at the time, offered to form a new band around Pete Best, but his pride made him refuse this offer. He formed his own bands over the years, but couldn't catch a break, or a hit single. If you ask me, he IS due some small monetary payback from the Beatles' seemingly endless revenue of income. But that is between Best and the band. As it stands now, Pete Best has made his living riding the coattails of the Beatles fame, going so far as to release a CD/DVD called "Best of the Beatles." Of course, buyers were dissappointed to discover this was NOT a Beatles compilation CD. OUCH!

This fan was entertained by the Pete Best Band's well performed covers of The Beatles songs, and cover songs, from their Cavern Club days in Liverpool, UK. I was shocked and saddened at Mr. Best's refusal to sign his own slogan on the merchandise I purchased from his own table. Pete Best gives the impression of a man who has never forgiven the Beatles for turning their backs on him. Yet, he's spent his life making his living off the Beatles brand name. What an inner conflict that must cause him! Who pays the price? Pete Best... and the fans who wait in line for him to sign his merchandise, only to be snipped & grunted at, and then refused without explanation. BAD FORM, SIR. BAD FORM. But, I forgive you, because what the Beatles did to you was BAD FORM TOO.

LIZ PHAIR Brings The "Power of PInk" to the Paradise in Boston, MA! Pop Superhero, Cookie Cutter Girl, relives the fans, the "Flower" & the Girl Power

LIZ PHAIR BRINGS THE "POWER OF PINK"
to THE PARADISE in BOSTON, MA
2 CDS: $30
2 TICKETS: $120 (originally only $50)
SEEING LIZ PHAIR IN CONCERT? PRICELESS.

TODAY'S HOW TO "BE A HERO" LESSONS?
SELFLESSNESS & HUMILITY

S.A.M. (Secret Asian Man) took me to see Liz Phair in concert at the Paradise in Boston, MA last night... instead of watching the Red Sox game. Now, any Sox fan knows the kind of sacrafice involved here. Yet, he did it anyway, and he didn't pout, or complain, or make me feel guilty. So, I'll quietly watch every other Red Sox game on TV for the rest of the season. Why? Because he's my "hero" for being selfless last night... and simply "being there." NOW ONTO LIZ PHAIR... My favorite Pop Punk feminist, Liz Phair, played the entire "Exile in Guyville" CD, in order... and sounded EXACTLY like the record! Her band of young men smiled quietly as her equally mixed sex audience sang along, knowing EVERY WORD. (Lots of artsy types, like herself, ages ranging mostly in the late 20s to early 40s.) Ms Phair then invited one lucky, and brave if you've ever heard the song, girl on stage to sing back-ups on "Flower." Liz gestured for me to come up, as I was right in front of her & had been mouthing the words to every one of her songs all night. It broke my heart as I shook my head in refusal, knowing I can't sing right now due to severe back & neck injuries. Only now do I realize this is a decision I WILL regret for the rest of my life. Of course, the elated girl next to me jumped at the chance and belted out every lyric as if she was worshiping at Sunday Mass... an evening she will never forget. Album completed, Liz exited the stage, making time to shake the hands of every trooper in the front row on her way out. We "Super Fans" were waiting 2 hours for her entrance, to reserve our front row spots. (Next time, I should just ask for a Press Pass, right?) Just when you thought the night couldn't get any better, she & her band of merry men re-entered for an encore of "Polyester Bride." The intimate group of a few hundred lucky fans sang along, without being asked, as if it was the National Anthem. Lucky Liz... Lucky us!

As she was making her second exit of the evening, I reached up hopefully to Ms. Phair, who was rushing by us one final time. It was then I saw why this talented singer-songwriter stands out SO MUCH among millions of others. Hot, tired and longing for back stage relaxation, the songstress stopped to reciprocate my grasp and accept the "Girl Power" & "Pop Superhero" pins I handed her. In that moment, I realized there was a guitar pick in her hand, which she quickly pulled back as soon as she realized I was giving her something of mine, instead of asking for something from her, as she's obviously used to. Showing the sensitivity only women can display, we both had a short, sweet, awkward moment, as she took my pins & I happily grabbed her pick. Did it make her think I didn't want her pick? (A Dunlop, for all the diehards out there.) God, I hope not. Liz Phair was a "Girl Power" Icon before "Girl Power" was a buzz word! No... I think it was humility & grace she was showing me in accepting my measely offerings.

Even though she has every reason not to be, Liz Phair is humble. For that... her fans love her even more. Her feet remaining firmly planted on the ground has kept her fans remaining firmly planted in her career, generation after generation. You go girl... keeping breaking the mold, breaking hearts and refusing to conform to the "cookie cutter" standard for females in the Pop music industry. thank you for helping us, your fans, find "strength through unity" in growing up listening to your music & watching you fearlessly stand your ground CD after CD. This fan feels as if she's grown up *with* you, fighting the same sexist battles, and singing our sorrows about them. Thank you, on behalf of women everywhere, for helping us find our voices and speak our minds. GIRL POWER... STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY!

ELVIS COSTELLO CONCERT: "ALLISON" DUET w/ STING (THE POLICE) in Massachusetts! Boston, MA Tribute & August 25 50th Birthday Party for Pop Rock Legend!

POP SUPERHERO SAYS:
*YOU* Can Do It!
BE A HERO TODAY...
to your family, your friends,
your colleagues and yourself.
How? Stop, Look & Listen.

Stop what you are doing...
Look within yourself...
Listen to your heart!
YOU have the POWER to HELP.
Discover *Your* INNER SUPERHERO!



Today is my 1st Blog on Blogger! To view all previous BLOG posts, 3x week since 2005, go to http://lynnjulian.bravejournal.com/

Today's "Be A Hero" lesson is "Think Before You Speak."
Sometimes we say things before we think about how our words will effect those around us. Today I ask you to try, as an experiment, to think before you speak. Ask yourself, "Will my response make a difference?" If not, don't give one. Ask yourself, "Will my opinion hurt someone's feelings *and* not contribute to improving them or the over-all task at hand in any way?" If so, don't give it.

MY MOMENT WITH ELVIS COSTELLO... LIVE IN CONCERT
"ALLISON" DUET w/ STING (THE POLICE) in Massachusetts...
Boston, MA Tribute & August 25 50th Birthday Party for Pop Rock Legend

On that note, I had wonderful night of musical inspiration last night. I saw one of my idols, Elvis Costello, live in concert, as I have many times before. Yet, this time, I was right up front, and, I swear it felt like we had a "moment." In keeping with our experiment, "Be A Hero" and do NOT write me about how I'm being silly and it never happened. Ask yourself, "What good would come from that?" NONE.
Sometimes being a "hero" isn't about what you say...
It's about what you don't. Here's my story:

Elvis Costello's 1st televised live performance!

This so called "Pop Superhero" bows to today to "Pop Legend": ELVIS COSTELLO. EC is one of my greatest inspirations, and I have followed his career for decades. Yes, I'm all in, buying every CD he releases, live DVDs, video collections, TV appearances and reading interviews in magazines. The fact is that my life changed the first time I heard "My Aim Is True."

Until a boyfriend introduced me to the musical world that Elvis Costello created, I was stuck in censored, Payola poisoned, pre-programmed, Wonder Bread bland, radio land. I was so sheltered that I had no idea any other world existed. (Ah... to be so much more naive again... and so much less bitter.) Then Tom, that is the "Ex" that I owe this priceless debt to, placed the precious vinyl that is "My Aim Is True" on his turntable... HEAVEN.

I must have played that record 100 times, singing and memorizing every word... then the vocal phrasing... then analyzing the deeper meanings behind the lyrics (for which EC never leaves us wanting). Finally... Music that made me think! Elvis' vocal delivery and ability to cut right to the heart of his subjects always leave you feeling as if he's speaking directly to you. As if, somehow, the man got in your head without permission. Intimate and invasive, yet always welcome, Elvis Costello's music became my therapy of choice.

I had the pleasure of seeing Elvis Costello & The Imposters live in concert last night, in Mansfield, MA, and the privileged of sitting in the first few rows. (Being of modest means growing up, I swore I'd never pay hundreds of dollars to see *anybody* perform. But Elvis continues to inspire me to change my way of thinking still... The show was worth every penny!) EC was opening for The Police, another band of much inspiration, but that's another story...

At first glance, I was sad to see so many empty seats for a Hall of Fame musician humbling himself as an opening act. Then I remembered that perspective is everything in this world, and decided to focus on the positive side of this: there wasn't a single person standing between me and my idol! I was mesmerized, hearing his voice trail off in my trance like state. My tunnel vision focused in on every facial tick and vocal inflection. I was 18 again and hearing "Allison" for the first time... AH BLISS. Then, I swear to God, I had a moment with Elvis Costello.

Every life-long fan should be entitled to one "moment" with their idol. We've invested a lifetime of intently hanging on their every word in interviews, patiently awaiting their new CDs, and spending our hard earned money proudly in support of their vision. Each of us deserves our "moment" where it feels like we finally connect with the object of our adoration one on one. Last night was mine.

Elvis started into "Allison" and the crowd screamed, male and female alike. (I've always admired the fact that EC's popularity is evenly divided between the sexes.) Then, he turned to his left and looked right at me. (No silly, I immediately said to myself, he's just looking in your direction, and everybody thinks he's looking at them.) Yet, there was no one in front of me and our eyes felt so locked. Then, he raised one eyebrow in acknowledgement of some unspoken shared belief, as only Elvis Costello can do, and turned to face the crowd again...

As anyone who saw this tour knows, Sting came out next, to join Elvis for the second half of "Allison." The crowd went wild and I was immediately snapped out of my suspension of disbelief. Their duet was priceless... but could never top the connection I felt during my "moment" with my musical mentor. Elvis Costello is a rare gem of an artist that will never be replaced or up-staged. Whether he is all alone, fronting his band, or an entire symphony orchestra, his voice just melts me like EMOTIONAL CHOCOLATE. HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY ELVIS COSTELLO!

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