This Time Last Week: The Orchestra Featuring Former Members of Electric Light Orchestra

November 8^th, 2015-Uncasville, CT-The Orchestra brought their act to the Mohegan Sun Arena as part of a private event. People lined up outside the Member Services office to redeem their reservation, ID and player card in hand.  A casino employee requested the person’s 4-digit code before issuing the tickets.

Since the concert started at 7:00pm, casino patrons could try their luck at the many slot machines and table games. One could also shop. There was a buffet, two food courts, and several restaurant options available to grab some dinner before the show.

After a bit of gaming and a meal, I made my way to the Mohegan Sun Arena for the show. The Orchestra, which featured former members of the Electric Light Orchestra, started their concert on time. From the opening number “Evil Woman” to the encore “Don’t Bring Me Down”, the show did not disappoint. During the evening, the group performed their greatest hits, which included songs from the albums “Time” and “Out of The Blue” (released as a 2-record-set and later a single CD).  Their songs had great hooks and the musicianship was a wonder to see. Standouts from the set list of this concert included:  “All Over The World”, “Xanadu” , “Hold On Tight”, “Strange Magic”, “Livin' Thing”, “Turn to Stone”, “Telephone Line”.

Toward the end of the 90 minute set, this band introduced each other.  Parthenon Huxley was on vocals as well as being one of the guitarists. On the “psychedelic” bass guitar and vocals was Glen Burtnik, who has worked with numerous artists in the past. The drummer was Gordon Townsend.  An original member of ELO, Mik Kaminski answered the1973 band ad for a violinist. One of the keyboardists, Louis Clark had been a part of ELO since the “El Dorado” album and did musical arrangements. Other bandmates included Eric Troyer on keyboard and vocals and Louis Clark Jr. on electric violin and acoustic guitar.

After the concert, fans filed out chatting amongst themselves. They left through the arena doors with an experience that they will never forget. 

Source: My Personal ELO CD Collection, http://www.theorchestra.net/

   

Barnes and Noble Appearances: NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice “50 Years, 50 Moments”

November 3^rd,2015-New York, NY- Former San Francisco 49er and Oakland Raider Jerry Rice made an appearance at the Citigroup Center Barnes and Noble (160 E. 54^th Street) to promote his collaborative work with Randy O. Williams “50 Years,50 Moments: the Most Unforgettable Plays in Super Bowl History”. This book provides insight into memorable moments of the National Football League’s annual championship game.

The line formed upstairs near the cook books at least 3 hours ahead of time. Some came wearing Jerry Rice’s #80 Oakland Raiders’ jersey.  The crowd eagerly awaited the event and freely talked amongst themselves while awaiting further instructions.

Security guards did their job, checking for receipts and grey wristbands. When people presented their books, the store representatives showed the page that Rice would be signing. They were told to take their pictures while on the line. The event had to move along, so there would be no personalization in the book and no other memorabilia was going to be signed.  After issuing these directions, everyone stood up for a half hour before the event so the staff could do a count of the line.

Jerry Rice showed up to start the book signing at exactly 12 noon. He applauded those assembled as he passed by them. He momentarily stopped to shake the hand of a man who referenced Rice’s recent McDonald’s commercial.  Once he began signing books, he thanked each person for coming out. A fan referenced the NFL ring on his finger, which he was proud to mention.

After the book signing, the crowd was directed out of the event area. One left with the satisfaction of having met a NFL legend.  The signed book that they took home may even bring back some of their favorite memories of Super Bowls gone by.        

Sign Advertising Jerry Rice Signing

Jerry Rice was at Barnes and Noble to sign "50 Years, 50 Moments"