Music
Corey Bearak
Aug28
Two divergent shows by rock icons
Posted By : Corey Bearak

Two shows last week. Iconic artists. Both rescheduled from original dates. August 14, 2020 in the case of Rod Stewart. January 14 of this year in the case of Billy Joel. While we’ve seen both, it’d be the first time for each for Marisa who wanted to see each. While many around us at Jones Beach appeared to enjoy attending this performance by the fo

Corey Bearak
Jun26
Lotta song
Posted By : Corey Bearak

On Father's Day I shared the concerts for last week.  Two shows at City Winery sandwiched a show at Jones Beach.  All featured exemplary musicianship, energy and great songs, many iconic.  The City Winery shows were each a family affair as our daughter, Marisa, joined her parents.  Marisa and I took in the show at Jones Beach.  Three amazing sets:

Corey Bearak
Jun19
In Tune for Father's Day
Posted By : Corey Bearak

Everyone knows I like to take in a good show. Last’s week commentary certainly made that point. So what better way for this commentator to celebrate this day with family than at a concert. So following an amazing concert – Sir Paul McCartney at MetLife Stadium Thursday night (Did you know the Boss joined in for two songs? – see the set list), my wi

Corey Bearak
Jun12
Classic Artist, Classic Show
Posted By : Corey Bearak

Last night we drove out of state to see Richie Furay play in an intimate setting where he live streamed a show.  It was originally billed as an acoustic show but as the stage setup below shows, it featured an eight-piece band. In part it was a pre-release party for a new recording, “In the Country,” officially release on vinyl June 18 and on CD

Corey Bearak
Mar27
We celebrated
Posted By : Corey Bearak

Last week’s commentary noted the milestone Shelly and I had reached during the past week and how we planned to celebrate last night. Our daughter of many talents arranged the parking and dinner reservations (Serafina); Marisa joined us too. (The) Tina (Turner Musical) exceeded expectations. Just outstanding, especially the musical performances. Nke

Corey Bearak
Mar06
Time
Posted By : Corey Bearak

Saturday’s Gotham blogger and websmaster last week inspired this commentary.   Quite simple it involves 85 tunes. Across 1/4 of a day!    Last weekend I created a songlist. Earlier today I posted it to my website. I compiled songs with the word, “time” in the title (The plural “times” applies not here.).   Find versions in Apple Music and on 

Corey Bearak
Jan02
Top Ten list covers 2021 shows
Posted By : Corey Bearak

As is traditional I shared my top ten shows of the past year on my website commentary page.   Check it out for the details but here goes: 1) John Fogerty.  November 13.  Premier Theatre at Foxwoods.   2) The Eagles. August 21. Madison Square Garden.   3) Hall& Oates/ Squeeze.   August 11.  Jones Beach.   4) Chicago. October 9. Tilles Ce

Corey Bearak
Dec26
Ring in the new year in health and safety with some great music
Posted By : Corey Bearak

My post Thanksgiving blog shared the latest iteration of a Happy Holidays in song playlist to allow folks to enjoy musical cheer throughout the holiday season. Ahead of this new year we embrace, I offer an updated “Songs To Ring In The New Year” with a few added selections.    You can view the list with each song linked to its YouTube video – 27

Corey Bearak
Nov28
Happy Holidays in song
Posted By : Corey Bearak

After Thanksgiving and Black Friday, it often signals the start of the holiday sounds on the radio; some years the tunes populate radio and various "elevator juke boxes" before Thanksgiving.  With Chanukah starting this eve it makes sense to release the updated Happy Holidays In Song today.  Some eight years ago, I started this open source holiday

Corey Bearak
Nov14
Classic concerts
Posted By : Corey Bearak

Both shows featured artists at their storytelling and performing bests. Fogerty opened with my fave Creedence song, Up Around The Bend. Messina covered my fave L&M tune, Be Free, mid-set.   Fogerty setlist: Up Around the Bend  (Creedence Clearwater Revival song) Green River  (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)    Rock and Roll Girls Born on th

Corey Bearak
Feb24
Queens rocks!
Posted By : Corey Bearak

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 o

Corey Bearak
Jan20
Know your rock?
Posted By : Corey Bearak

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

Corey Bearak
Jan06
A top 10 list
Posted By : Corey Bearak

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) Th

Corey Bearak
Dec30
Songs to ring in our new year
Posted By : Corey Bearak

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 tha

Corey Bearak
Dec23
Not Big Brother, But
Posted By : Corey Bearak

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 Dyl