PAUL SIMON: The grand reopening of The Beacon Theatre

I was lucky enough to attend the grand re-opening of the Beacon Theatre on Feb. 14 2009 to see one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters Paul Simon. Let me say that I have never seen a show at the Beacon before this concert but I have seen some old photos and watched a documentary on it recently. The way the theatre appears now is absolutely stunning. I only wish I took more pictures. At about half the size of Radio City Music Hall the Beacon seats 2800. It provides a very grand but intimate feel. Lots of gold detailing can be found throughout along with beautiful paintings and tall statues. Two balconies, a lodge and orchestra sections round off this magnificent music hall.

Paul Simon is without doubt one of the greatest songwriters of our time. He performed 2 sets which was mostly comprised of his solo work. He also threw in a few Simon & Garfunkel songs for good measure. This was a sold out two show concert! Opening night Art Garfunkel made an unannounced appearance and the duo sang a few songs together. There were also other celebrities there that night such as Paul McCartney and the Jones Brothers. Simon doesn't tour very often anymore so if you get the chance to see him in concert.. GO!

TOWER RECORDS

They recently took down the neon signs at this location in Massapequa, NY.




I took some photos recently of what used to be the Tower Records across the street from where I live. For those of you that weren't familiar with Tower Records, they were a specialty music store that sold Tapes, CD's, Records, Video's, Magazines, Collectible toys and other novelties. They went bankrupt in the late summer of 2006.

I used to frequent my local Tower Records, though I would only buy a CD on occasion. They had an unrivaled selection of music and videos as far as retail B&M stores go. Unfortunately what stopped me from purchasing more often were the prices. Unless the item was on sale chances are you could find the more popular titles cheaper somewhere else (Best Buy, Wal-mart, amazon etc.). The big box stores along with digital music becoming increasingly popular all but put Tower Records under. They simply could not compete and/or turn a profit at that level anymore.

I was sad to hear a store like Tower Records go because I always enjoyed browsing the aisles looking for something I couldn't find elsewhere. They had different sections or rooms in their stores such as the Classical room, The Loud Room etc. If you had a question they had a knowledgeable staff eager to find you an answer. That kind of help is very hard to come by these days especially in the big box stores. Try asking a question about Bach or Beethoven in Best Buy and see what kind of an answer you get.

Today I get most of music from amazon, eBay or iTunes. I still prefer to buy CD's over digital files but if I can get a good deal. I'll take it.. like that of amazon's daily deals where everyday they offer a digital album for a discounted price usually around $1.99.

Virgin Megastore in Times Square has recently closed though I've heard not do to low sales. I heard they did rather well in that location, However the owner felt clothing would sell better thus no more Virgin Megastore in Times Square.

I still miss these stores a lot. I miss feeling apart of something that went beyond an ordinary shopping trip. We live in an "on demand" I want what i want, when i want instant gratification kind of society. Don't forget how to take your time, browse around and make an experience for yourself once in a while.. It's worth it.

NEW Willie album due this summer!

Willie Nelson has a new album coming out this summer titled 'The Nearness of You' named after the Hoagy Carmichael standard which is featured on the album.

Expect this one to be similar to Nelson's classic 1978 album 'Stardust'. Like Stardust the new album will also feature jazz and pop standards. The album is due 8/25/09. 

Willie Nelson @ The Palace Theatre in Stamford, CT 4/14/09

So this was a great concert but then again what Willie concert isn't? My girlfriend and I had front row seats! Billy Bob Thorton and the Boxmasters opened. This was the first show they played back in the states since canceling the rest of their Canadian tour (I'm sure you've seen the interview). Anyway the band was pretty good, though 4 guitar players seemed a bit excessive. Mickey Raphael also sat in with the band on harmonica.

Ray Price was next.. I knew he was on the bill but some of my fellow concertgoers didn't and what a treat it was. Ray now 83 years old has a great set of pipes. His voice carried loud and clear throughout the concert hall. They really don't make music like this anymore and it's a shame.

Willie had come ouPublish Postt and immediately strummed the chords to Whiskey River and the Texas flag dropped to applause. Willie Nelson & Family were a 6 piece band that night, Willie being the only guitarist (Jody Payne has sinced retired). I would say they played for about an hour and a half chock-full of classics. 

I have seen Willie a few times now and each time leaves me looking forward to the next. If you haven't seen him live I highly recommend that you do. He tours regularly all through the year. The man at 76 years old tours more than most bands today. The chance at seeing a living legend in concert is priceless.

The Palace Theatre in Stamford, CT

A look at downtown Stamford

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