It Was Just A Week Ago.........

.....that I was in Las Vegas, and a week ago tomorrow that I saw "Earth Wind & Fire" AND Chicago do a concert together at the Hard Rock Hotel. My wife asked me if I was ever asked to do a tour with either of them, would I do it......of course I would, but I'd have to start training and working out cuz those guys in the horn section work their asses off!!

Later, I found out that the 3 remaining original members (Verdine White, Ralph Johnson, and Philip Bailey) are all 58 years old......man, they are growing old gracefully I'll tell you that!!

Then I started thinking about groups like EWF & Chicago compared to what the "younger generation" is listening to today, and how music business is conducted today, and I thought.....so where will so-called "artists" like Britney Spears and the Jonas Brothers and 50 Cent (sorry...."Fiddy Cent") be when they are 58 years old.....waiting tables?? Selling computer software?? In jail?? Washed up and heavily addicted to drugs and/or alcohol?? (or is that how things are right now??).

By the way....aren't the Jonas Brothers just a repackaged version of "Hanson" anyway?? (who is presently residing in the "where are they now" file if I'm not mistaken).

EWF started in 1968.....I was 1, and I'll be 43 in January......do you think their music is standing the test of time?? Hell ya!! They sounded fantastic....both groups did, but i have to admit, I missed Maurice White's voice with EWF and Peter Cetera's with Chicago.....two distinctive sounds that were missing, but, to their credit, they made it work.

I'm so glad I grew up with this music around me and not what is out there today....it's never been about the flashpots or fireworks or 35 friggin' backup dancers and bears on unicycles juggling oranges and monkeys in leiderhosen and all that other crap that helps you take your mind off of the fact that the music is mediocre (at best).

EWF and Chicago really played, and they played hard.....a 3 hour and 5 minute concert with just a 20 minute intermission, and I knew at all times that they were playing and singing everything.....no "backing track" bullsh*t......EVER!!

That, my friends, is what LIVE music is all about.

Wait....I'm hearing something......("Oops......I did it again.....I lip-synced my show".........Doh....did I say that or just think it??).

Cheers,

Pat B.

Looking Forward To Summer

Hey Everyone,

As usual, it has been awhile since I came in here and blabbed onto this page......again, my apologies for that. Anyway, I'm looking forward to a nice restful summer and then hit it again come the fall. All is quiet right now (not that I'm complaining or anything) although this is the first year in the last 16 years that I haven't been performing at the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show. Apparently, the terms "new artistic direction" and "budget restraints" are terms of this year's show where that's concerned....whatever the hell that means. One thing's for sure, I bet there's some sort of "story" behind it all, as one thing I have come to realize over the last 16 years is that the Board of Directors of the Calgary Stampede works in truly "mysterious ways" from time to time, so that "is" what that "is" (I don't look for the "logic" cuz it rarely exists).

On a more positive note, I'm heading to Las Vegas on July 23rd to see "Earth Wind & Fire" AND "Chicago" (the group NOT the musical) playing on the same concert at the Hard Rock Hotel......should be a HOOT!! I have wanted to see EWF for a LONG time, so I feel I'm overdue.

Having the extra time on my hands, I am working more on my "online business"......."online marketing" to be more precise, and that always keeps me busy and helps make ends meet when gigs are not as plentiful (like January and August).



SHAMELESS MARKETING PLUG.......you can view my online marketing blog HERE




Anyway, I realized a long time ago that certain times of the year are more lucrative than others, so it's nice to have something to "fall back on" during those times.

Well, that's the news, weather, and sports from my neck o' the woods......summer will be a bit slow at times, but that just gives me more time to hang out with friends and family, to travel a bit, and to make more money online, so I don't mind all that much......I look forward to the break. See y'all in the fall.



Have a great summer, and safe travels to you wherever you may be venturing to.

Regards,

Pat B.

I Got My Tickets.......

.....for "Earth Wind and Fire" AND "Chicago" (the band, not the musical) July 25th/09 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas (Woo Hoo!!). Why am I telling you this?? Well, I'm not really sure.......but I had to tell someone!!

Best Regards,

Pat Belliveau