Last week, I lamented the lack of free (and low cost) shows this summer. This, by no means, indicate a lack of quality shows to attend; it just means parting with many, many pennies to access them. My intended lineup of summer shows remains in flux. But, a schedule of sorts appears to show some promise.   Vacation plans may impact the ability to catch some great shows.   In one case, I continue to mull which of three shows I want to attend. Friends made a case for one, and th...

As Summer approaches I traditionally look forward to posting a list of free concerts by originals artists. I viewed the Long Island listings and found a bevy of cover bands, many in rock genres I enjoy. At this time, I remain unready to lock in dates the way I might if I bought tickets for a show. I see no reason to list shows and possibly lock in dates for shows that might be fun but not something “must see” or “must experience.” Each year we lose fave artists as times catch...

Today's special anniversary I recalled not.  Shame on me.  Avid Poco Fan who writes this weekly commentary.  It took a fellow John Fogerty/Creedence Clearwater Revival fan, from Finland at that, who reminded me after sending him birthday wishes last week. So here's to Pickin' Up The Pieces, Poco's iconic debut album released this day in 1969. We celebrated the event last night.  Musically of course. Poco co-founder, Richie Furay performed at SOPAC (South Orange Performing Ar...

Last weekend we celebrated 34. The actual anniversary fell one week ago today; I noted it in last week’s blog (‘Cause it matters). We chose to officially celebrate on the eve before. Interestingly, we chose the “events” based on an unplanned interruption several weeks earlier.   I scored “twofer” tickets for Jersey Boys on February 16 at the New World Stages but a manhole fire in the street outside the entrance canceled that eve’s show. We were walking down the south side of ...

After I put last week’s blog to bed, I noticed responses on twitter to a New York Times column that appeared on line last weekend – ahead of its appearance in print, one week ago today. The op-ed played on the apparent rejection by Queens residents of Amazon. The writer – incredulously to this commentator and many who shared their own valid views on twitter – found my home borough “a good place to leave.” Worse, the Times gave a title, “When Queens was lame” that so mislabele...

It was not planned but friends we enjoyed last night’s concert – really more a show – with suggested a blog on little known rock trivia. The really obscure one involved a guitar player and one-half of a songwriting team in one of the long-lasting bands of all time who sang in a children’s choir at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. The story teller was one-half of a hit duo who went on to manage and produce a number of artists including James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. The sh...

Best wishes in this first weekend of the new year. Many recent Gotham blogs looked ahead and share resolutions and predictions for this year. Instead, I continue practice to share a list compiled and commentary posted to my website on the top ten shows I attended in the year just ended. Hope you find the list -- 1) John Fogerty and ZZ Top 2) The Richie Furay Band performs POCO DeLIVErin’ 3) Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers, Ann Wilson 4) Glenn Tilbrook 5) The Eagles 6) Ro...

Music matters to me. (I suspect you know that.)   Ahead of this new year, I offer an updated (and of course verified) “Songs To Ring In The New Year.”     It follows “Light It Up,” my blog four weeks ago, which shared my updated seasonal playlist, Happy Holidays in songs. I hope folks enjoyed this musical cheer throughout the holiday season and that includes celebrations that continue into the new year (think the alternative name of my fave diner).   As wering in the new year...

Not a big brother story like Fred blogged but aerie, but in a nice way.   Oh and it involves a brother, too.   And Fred makes an appearance at that!   On Thursday, my brother, Robby, emailed, “My girlfriend Jen picked me up to get my car from the mechanic. She told me she had a freaky story. She wanted to listen to Dylan songs, but not sung by Dylan. She looked in Apple music, and the top playlist was by.... YOU! We wondered: are you number 1, or is this another example of “...

I intended a blog about a show my daughter (Marisa Jean) attended in L.A. Friday eve and a show by the same artist that Fridays with Fred blogger Fred Klein and I attended last month in Roslyn. However, a review by Fred’s “muse,” Bob Lefsetz emailed last night inspired today’s commentary about both concerts by Poco founder Richie Furay who is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Buffalo Springfield.  The shows featured performances of Poco's iconic first live albu...