Monday, November 12, 2007

The Memories are in the Music - Part I

It's been awhile since the last post. I have lots to tell you but so busy don't get much chance to blog. Here are some thoughts from a series I am writing about music memories. Hope you check out the corresponding links. Until next time, stay safe and warm.

Sylvester - You are My Friend...SF Opera House - March 11, 1979
I remember being so afraid of standing in a music hall with so many gay men I asked the record company to sit me by Two Tons of Fun's Parents. Imagine.

Marvin Gaye - at Radio City with Sister Sledge
Remember coming up from Philly to work with Sister Sledge on the production. I came up with the great idea to have the girls rise up from under the stage. The crowd went bananas for the first show. Guess who came up out of the stage for the second show? I will give you a hint, it wasn't the girls.

Bonnie Raitt - Drinking and having a ball at Clark Hall?
As a concert promoter during my college years I had the pleasure of booking Bonnie Raitt more than once. During those times she was drinking Jack Daniels. What a wonderful person to work with. Even though I was not a big fan of country music she blew me away as she continues too.

Pleasure - the NY - Tusla - SF to Portland trip
I left college to go on a 6 month internship with this soul group. It lasted over a year. Remember going cross country several times in a beatup bus from Boston to Oregon. These were incredible musicians that never got these just due. What a wonderful experience for a young man to have.

Patti Labelle - Look to the Rainbow
After rehab from a horrible car accident a psyciatrist suggested I do something that I really loved. I told him that I always wanted to stage shows and my favorite artist at the time was Patti Labelle. He encouraged me to find her and to show her what I had. Although the odds were against me Patti and her former husband Armstead too a chance on my and my business partner Bruce Stein (RIP). The result was the "Look to the Rainbow" Tour. Thanks Patti