Notes On A Napkin
As Christmas approaches, let us remember the reason for the season, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! With that said, let the celebration begin!
My friend Geraldine accompanied me to the annual Music Industry Christmas Party this week at Melody Ballroom. Music Millennium owner Terry Currier greeted us at the door with free CDs, T-shirts, gifts and a raffle ticket. The place was packed with music industry folks, from musicians and editors, to record and music store owners. The tables were topped with real cloth, candles and holly. The buffet was fabulous, decked with prawns, veggies, meats, cheeses, pasta and meatballs. The plates were laughably small, so some folks loaded two or went back for seconds! After gorging ourselves adequately, Santa arrived with a "Ho Ho Ho," sounding suspiciously like Terry! He proceeded to give away 100s of CDs, signed posters, a guitar, gift certificates & other merchandise. Thanks Terry, for another wonderful party. Be sure to visit Music Millennium for all your holiday shopping. Music Spectator Editor Craig Marquardo joined our table with his finance Stacey and her son Grayson. Craig kept everyone entertained with his wit! He says we must wait 'til February for his next issue.
Another phenomenal event was Dennis Mitchell Band (our cover this month) CD Highway Kind of Life Release Party at the Holiday Inn in Wilsonville, complete with huge searchlights. PE&D was well represented with two photographers and two or three writers, including Ginger Caviness of GC Productions, who books the band, distributor & friend Harry; and of course, yours truly, the editor! It was standing-room-only as dancers flocked to the floor to cut a rug to many of the tunes from the CD & more. This recording is one of the best I've heard in a while; it covers the gamut of rock, boogie-woogie, blues and ballads. All tunes were written by Dennis and render thoughtful, provocative lyrics. My favorites include Don't Forget Me, Sometime, Sister Suzie, What to Do, Payback Blues and title cut, Highway Kind of Life. Actually, there's not a song I don't like on the album. Check out our lead article by Steve Rodin for more news.
St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church hosted a wonderful concert recently featuring Josh Blakesley from Louisiana. With his acoustic guitar and vocals, Josh filled the church with his inspiring Christian lyrics and tunes, some of which were co-written with Matt Maher, the main attraction of St. Joe's anniversary party in September. Also an entertainer, Josh delighted the crowd with personal life stories, including one about his daughter. He sang the piece he penned about her called Sophie's Song (A Thousand Kisses) and brought a few tears. Check out his CD Waiting, to hear that tune and many more heart-moving pieces.
With New Year's Eve around the corner, be sure to choose your party from our loyal advertisers in this issue & listed on our website. Meanwhile, have a Blessed Christmas & Wonderful New Year!
'Til next time, pray for world peace.....................................Bonnie Carter, ed.