I'd be lying if I said I'm a big fan of country music, but I've always liked the movie called "Coal Miner's Daughter." That's the story of Loretta Lynn's life. I wanted to see Loretta perform at the Snoqualmie Casino last year, but she had to cancel her tour due to a knee injury. I was very pleased when my daughter gave two tickets to Loretta's concert at the Emerald Queen Casino on October 26 to me as a birthday gift.
Born on April 14, 1934, the First Lady of Country Music is now 78 years old. But she looks much younger. She is still touring the country with her twin daughters, Patsy and Peggy Lynn. Loretta's show opened with the twins singing some of their favorite country songs, including "Tulsa Time."
Loretta performed all of her greatest hits. Everything from "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl" to "Your Squaw is on the Warpath" to "Don't Come Home a Drinkin with Lovin on Your Mind."
Between songs, Loretta reminded the audience that Washington State is the place where her music career began. She was born and raised in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, but she and her husband, Doolittle Lynn, moved to Washington shortly after they were married. The Lynns lived in Custer, Washington for 14 years. Loretta announced that she received her first recording contract (for "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl) from Zero Records of Vancouver, Washington in 1959. That's why she tries to come home to Washington every year.
I like Loretta Lynn, but I think some of her songs are dated. In "Fist City" and "You Ain't Woman Enough," Loretta addresses women who had affairs with her husband. I felt that she was blaming women for her husband's bad behavior rather than him. To me, the idea of two women fighting over a man who is two-timing them seems rather juvenile. I can't imagine why any woman -- especially a celebrity -- would want to be married to a cheating dog. Good husbands don't stray. Young women should know that they don't have to put up with men who do. Hopefully, a more modern country singer will address cheating with songs with titles like, "Out the Door You Go, You No Good Louse."
For the show's finale, Loretta performed a moving rendition of her song, "Coal Miner's Daughter." I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this song because everyone should be proud of their roots.
Showing posts with label Concerts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Concerts. Show all posts
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Welcome to Alice Cooper's Nightmare
On November 18, 2012, Alice Cooper performed at the Emerald Queen Casino in Fife, Washington. I bought tickets for this concert as a gift for my husband because Alice Cooper was popular when he and I were in junior high. I knew he would enjoy hearing Alice's tunes again.
As you may have expected, the casino's auditorium was packed to the doors with stoners, bikers, long-haired hippies and other rejects from the 1970's. I kid you not. Almost everyone in the audience wore black, including me.
The show opened with "Hello Hooray." The band played all of their greatest hits, including "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "Be My Lover," "Welcome to My Nightmare," and "Billion Dollar Babies."
Alice Cooper appeared in a variety of fun costumes, including the red and black striped suit and top hat made him famous. Later, he wiggled his way out of a straight jacket. During the performance of "Feed My Frankenstein," Alice transformed himself into a monster. When the smoke dissipated, he turned back into himself again.
Alice was accompanied by a young female guitarist named Orianthi, who is as beautiful as she is talented. When I said that Orianthi's long, blond hair reminded me of our daughter, my husband turned to me and said, "Are you sure she's a girl?" Since it was an Alice Cooper concert, I thought his question was a fair one.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the band's tribute to four artists of the 1960's who helped make rock n roll what it is today. In memory of Jim Morrison, they played the Doors' hit, "L.A. Woman." They honored the late John Lennon by playing the Beatles' song, "Revolution." In memory of Jimmy Hendrix, they played "Foxy Lady." To honor Keith Moon, they played the Who's hit, "My Generation."
For the show's finale, the band played the songs I had been waiting to hear all night -- "I'm Eighteen" and "School's Out." "I'm Eighteen" is a great song about a young man's coming of age. "School's Out" brought back memories of how happy and excited we felt when the bell rang on the last day of school. The confetti and beach balls bouncing over the audience reminded me of summer vacation. What can I say? There is nothing quite like an Alice Cooper concert to make a woman feel like a teenager again.
As you may have expected, the casino's auditorium was packed to the doors with stoners, bikers, long-haired hippies and other rejects from the 1970's. I kid you not. Almost everyone in the audience wore black, including me.
The show opened with "Hello Hooray." The band played all of their greatest hits, including "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "Be My Lover," "Welcome to My Nightmare," and "Billion Dollar Babies."
Alice Cooper appeared in a variety of fun costumes, including the red and black striped suit and top hat made him famous. Later, he wiggled his way out of a straight jacket. During the performance of "Feed My Frankenstein," Alice transformed himself into a monster. When the smoke dissipated, he turned back into himself again.
Alice was accompanied by a young female guitarist named Orianthi, who is as beautiful as she is talented. When I said that Orianthi's long, blond hair reminded me of our daughter, my husband turned to me and said, "Are you sure she's a girl?" Since it was an Alice Cooper concert, I thought his question was a fair one.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the band's tribute to four artists of the 1960's who helped make rock n roll what it is today. In memory of Jim Morrison, they played the Doors' hit, "L.A. Woman." They honored the late John Lennon by playing the Beatles' song, "Revolution." In memory of Jimmy Hendrix, they played "Foxy Lady." To honor Keith Moon, they played the Who's hit, "My Generation."
For the show's finale, the band played the songs I had been waiting to hear all night -- "I'm Eighteen" and "School's Out." "I'm Eighteen" is a great song about a young man's coming of age. "School's Out" brought back memories of how happy and excited we felt when the bell rang on the last day of school. The confetti and beach balls bouncing over the audience reminded me of summer vacation. What can I say? There is nothing quite like an Alice Cooper concert to make a woman feel like a teenager again.
A Dark Journey with Madonna
Since my last post, I've attended three fantastic concerts. Each was very different from the others -- a different type of music, a different type of show, a different type of audience. Yet each and every one of them was very good.
On October 2 and 3, 2012, legendary pop diva Madonna brought her own brand of magic to the Key Arena. Since the Key Arena is located in Seattle and Madonna is gay-friendly, I was not surprised that most of her audience was gay. But gay people are fun to party with.
The Material Girl does not put on an ordinary rock concert -- she puts on a spectacle. In addition to her party music, Madonna's MDNA concert featured hip hop dancers and acrobats on tight ropes, fabulous costumes, sensational video effects and a video clip of Nicki Minaj.
Her October 3 performance started two hours late. We assumed that the concert started late because Madonna wanted to watch the presidential debate. She is, after all, a devout supporter of President Obama and the Democratic Party. While we were waiting for her show to begin, DJ Martin Solveig and Madonna's youngest son, David, warmed up the audience with techno remixing.
The concert opened with "Like a Prayer" and featured male hip hop and acro dancers dressed as monks and gargoyles ringing a lighted bell. The scene brought the Hunchback of Notre Dame to mind. Then the Material Girl made her grand entrance. This number was campy and fun.
Another notable number, "Gang Bang," was set in a seedy hotel room. Madonna sang, "Bang bang! I shot you dead Bang bang! Shot my lover in the head" while she took aim at a male dancer. The song's lyrics were catchy, but this part of the show was rather dark. She and her troupe of dancers waved guns as they danced around the stage. Blood splatter was one of the video effects. This number culminates with her being sent to hell. It's easy to understand why some people were offended by the violence and guns in the show so soon after the Colorado massacre.
My favorite part of her MDNA show was her performance of "Express Yourself." Madonna dressed up in a red and white drum majorette's costume with a baton. The dancers also dressed up as members of a high school marching band. Her show needed something like and uplifting after her performance of "Gang Bang."
Toward the end of her show, Madonna showed her audience that she had "Obama" written or tattooed in black ink on her back. I know that she is outspoken and politically active. I voted for Obama myself. When I go to a concert, I go to listen to music. I don't want to read an entertainer's political views.
I've always like Madonna. She and I are the same age. We also have children who are the same age. My seat was so close to the stage that I got a good look at the pop star. Madonna is still as beautiful (and as thin) as she was in the late 80's. Her figure is so beautiful that my first impression was "That woman looks like she doesn't eat."
On October 2 and 3, 2012, legendary pop diva Madonna brought her own brand of magic to the Key Arena. Since the Key Arena is located in Seattle and Madonna is gay-friendly, I was not surprised that most of her audience was gay. But gay people are fun to party with.
The Material Girl does not put on an ordinary rock concert -- she puts on a spectacle. In addition to her party music, Madonna's MDNA concert featured hip hop dancers and acrobats on tight ropes, fabulous costumes, sensational video effects and a video clip of Nicki Minaj.
Her October 3 performance started two hours late. We assumed that the concert started late because Madonna wanted to watch the presidential debate. She is, after all, a devout supporter of President Obama and the Democratic Party. While we were waiting for her show to begin, DJ Martin Solveig and Madonna's youngest son, David, warmed up the audience with techno remixing.
The concert opened with "Like a Prayer" and featured male hip hop and acro dancers dressed as monks and gargoyles ringing a lighted bell. The scene brought the Hunchback of Notre Dame to mind. Then the Material Girl made her grand entrance. This number was campy and fun.
Another notable number, "Gang Bang," was set in a seedy hotel room. Madonna sang, "Bang bang! I shot you dead Bang bang! Shot my lover in the head" while she took aim at a male dancer. The song's lyrics were catchy, but this part of the show was rather dark. She and her troupe of dancers waved guns as they danced around the stage. Blood splatter was one of the video effects. This number culminates with her being sent to hell. It's easy to understand why some people were offended by the violence and guns in the show so soon after the Colorado massacre.
My favorite part of her MDNA show was her performance of "Express Yourself." Madonna dressed up in a red and white drum majorette's costume with a baton. The dancers also dressed up as members of a high school marching band. Her show needed something like and uplifting after her performance of "Gang Bang."
Toward the end of her show, Madonna showed her audience that she had "Obama" written or tattooed in black ink on her back. I know that she is outspoken and politically active. I voted for Obama myself. When I go to a concert, I go to listen to music. I don't want to read an entertainer's political views.
I've always like Madonna. She and I are the same age. We also have children who are the same age. My seat was so close to the stage that I got a good look at the pop star. Madonna is still as beautiful (and as thin) as she was in the late 80's. Her figure is so beautiful that my first impression was "That woman looks like she doesn't eat."
Monday, August 27, 2012
Joe Walsh Takes a Nose Dive at Little Creek Casino
Michael Starr, CEO
Little Creek Casino Resort
91 West State Route 108
Shelton, WA 98584
My daughter bought two tickets to Joe Walsh's concert for my husband as his Father's Day gift. My husband and I looked forward to the concert, which was held on August 24, 2012 at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington.
Before we pulled in the casino's multi-level parking garage, we asked a man whom I thought was a casino employee if the garage was full. He said the lower level was full, but he did not know if the upper levels were. I proceeded to drive into the garage. Many other cars also entered the garage. Unfortunately, all levels were full with the exception of a few spaces reserved for the handicapped.
To exit, we had to go all the way to the top floor, turn our truck around in a narrow open area that was surrounded only by a wire cord and then descend all levels. All the other vehicles had to turn around in a similar manner. I thought turning our truck around on the top floor was dangerous and frightening. I was grateful that my husband turned the truck around for me. I do not believe I would have been able to make the turn by myself.
The event was poorly organized. The casino could have saved its guests a lot of time and aggravation by simply having a garage attendant inform people that the garage was completely full.
My husband parked our truck in the parking lot farthest from the casino. We had to walk a considerable distance to get to the auditorium. Outside the entrance stood a pair of transparent heaters with flames in their centers. I got excited. Pulling out my camera, I asked a security guard if he would take a photo of my husband and me standing beside the flames. Although a security guard agreed to take our photo, a volunteer rudely told me that I could not bring my camera into the auditorium. He demanded that my husband walk back to our truck and lock my camera inside it. It took at least 20 minutes for my husband to do so. I waited for him outside because I didn't want to walk around a dark, crowded auditorium by myself. My husband missed about half of the concert. I felt terrible about it.
Please note that nothing on our tickets indicated that cameras would not be permitted in the auditorium. Other venues, such as the Tacoma Dome, allow guests to bring cameras. If the casino has a no cameras rule, the guests should be told before the concert begins. Not afterward.
After we entered the auditorium, I noticed that a man standing in an aisle about 10 feet away from me was using a large camera to take photos of the concert. Many other guests were using flash photography in the auditorium. The security guards did not do anything to stop them. This infuriated me. When I stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air, I noticed that three young women were taking photos of themselves near the flaming heaters. The volunteers and security guards did not tell those women that they had to lock their camera in their car. I felt that the casino was unfairly discriminating against me because the no cameras rule was not enforced universally.
I've always liked Joe Walsh, but I was so upset that I could not enjoy the concert. I could only recognize three of the songs the band played: (1) Life in the Fast Lane, (2) Rocky Mountain Way and (3) All Night Long. Overall, the Joe Walsh concert was a disappointment.
My husband and I were so angry about the way the volunteer forced us to miss half of the concert that we left immediately after the concert ended. We refused to buy any food or drinks or gamble because we didn't want to give any of our money to the casino.
This was the first time my husband and I have ever attended a concert at the Little Creek Casino. I'm not planning to attend any more concerts there. I don't have anything against Native Americans -- I just don't like the way the Little Creek Casino treats its guests.
Little Creek Casino Resort
91 West State Route 108
Shelton, WA 98584
My daughter bought two tickets to Joe Walsh's concert for my husband as his Father's Day gift. My husband and I looked forward to the concert, which was held on August 24, 2012 at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington.
Before we pulled in the casino's multi-level parking garage, we asked a man whom I thought was a casino employee if the garage was full. He said the lower level was full, but he did not know if the upper levels were. I proceeded to drive into the garage. Many other cars also entered the garage. Unfortunately, all levels were full with the exception of a few spaces reserved for the handicapped.
To exit, we had to go all the way to the top floor, turn our truck around in a narrow open area that was surrounded only by a wire cord and then descend all levels. All the other vehicles had to turn around in a similar manner. I thought turning our truck around on the top floor was dangerous and frightening. I was grateful that my husband turned the truck around for me. I do not believe I would have been able to make the turn by myself.
The event was poorly organized. The casino could have saved its guests a lot of time and aggravation by simply having a garage attendant inform people that the garage was completely full.
My husband parked our truck in the parking lot farthest from the casino. We had to walk a considerable distance to get to the auditorium. Outside the entrance stood a pair of transparent heaters with flames in their centers. I got excited. Pulling out my camera, I asked a security guard if he would take a photo of my husband and me standing beside the flames. Although a security guard agreed to take our photo, a volunteer rudely told me that I could not bring my camera into the auditorium. He demanded that my husband walk back to our truck and lock my camera inside it. It took at least 20 minutes for my husband to do so. I waited for him outside because I didn't want to walk around a dark, crowded auditorium by myself. My husband missed about half of the concert. I felt terrible about it.
Please note that nothing on our tickets indicated that cameras would not be permitted in the auditorium. Other venues, such as the Tacoma Dome, allow guests to bring cameras. If the casino has a no cameras rule, the guests should be told before the concert begins. Not afterward.
After we entered the auditorium, I noticed that a man standing in an aisle about 10 feet away from me was using a large camera to take photos of the concert. Many other guests were using flash photography in the auditorium. The security guards did not do anything to stop them. This infuriated me. When I stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air, I noticed that three young women were taking photos of themselves near the flaming heaters. The volunteers and security guards did not tell those women that they had to lock their camera in their car. I felt that the casino was unfairly discriminating against me because the no cameras rule was not enforced universally.
I've always liked Joe Walsh, but I was so upset that I could not enjoy the concert. I could only recognize three of the songs the band played: (1) Life in the Fast Lane, (2) Rocky Mountain Way and (3) All Night Long. Overall, the Joe Walsh concert was a disappointment.
My husband and I were so angry about the way the volunteer forced us to miss half of the concert that we left immediately after the concert ended. We refused to buy any food or drinks or gamble because we didn't want to give any of our money to the casino.
This was the first time my husband and I have ever attended a concert at the Little Creek Casino. I'm not planning to attend any more concerts there. I don't have anything against Native Americans -- I just don't like the way the Little Creek Casino treats its guests.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Aerosmith Live at the Tacoma Dome
On August 8, 2012, Kristina and I were among the thousands of fans who flocked to the Tacoma Dome to see Aerosmith's Global Warming tour. We were especially excited about welcoming the band's front man Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry to our city.
Aerosmith is one of America's best-selling rock bands. More than 150 million Aerosmith albums have been sold worldwide. The band has more gold and platinum albums than any other American group.
Aerosmith's opened its show with an energetic rendition of "Draw the Line." This was followed by more of their classic songs, including "Love in an Elevator," "Same Old Song and Dance," "Livin' on the Edge" and "Last Child."
Lead singer Steven Tyler was born Steven Victor Tallarico on March 26, 1948 in Yonkers, New York. His father was a music teacher. Steven learned to play the drums as a child, but chose to concentrate on singing. In the late 60's, his family moved to Boston.
Aerosmith is also known as "The Bad Boys from Boston" because the band was established there in 1970. Original band members included guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, singer Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano. In 1971, Brad Whitford replaced Ray Tabano. The band chose its name because drummer Joey Kramer used to write "Aerosmith" all over his notebooks when he was in school.
In 1972, Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records. "Dream On," a single from their first album, became a minor hit. Other albums soon followed. Their third album, "Toys in the Attic," was released in 1975 and is among their most successful albums. Their classic songs, "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way," are from this period.
Early in his career, Steven Tyler's voice and appearance were often compared to Mick Jagger's. As time passed by, Steven's unique style emerged.
Despite the group's commercial success, Steven Tyler's alcoholism and drug addiction took its toll on the band. Joe Perry left in 1979. Brad Whitford left in 1981. Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay replaced them. Unfortunately, the band did not fare well without its acclaimed guitarists.
In 1984, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford rejoined the band. Aerosmith launched a comeback with Geffen Records. But the album they released in 1985 ("Done with Mirrors") fizzled. Steven Tyler completed drug rehabilitation in 1986. When the band released their "Permanent Vacation" album in 1987, Aerosmith became as popular as it was in the 1970's.
Aerosmith played "Rag Doll" from this period of their career during their performance at the Tacoma Dome.
Aerosmith's success continued through the 90's and into the new millennium. The band's 1993 video, "Crazy," featured Steven Tyler's daughter, Liv. In 1998, the band released "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." This love ballad was written for the 1998 film Armageddon, starring Liv Tyler. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" became Aerosmith's first and only number 1 single.
In 2011, Steven Tyler joined the cast of American Idol, judging contestants on the popular television program. He quit American Idol to participate in Aerosmith's Global Warming tour.
When Kandice and I visited Boston several years ago, I thought Bostonians were as proud of Steven Tyler and Aerosmith as Washingtonians are of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.
When Steve Tyler performs today, it's hard to believe that he is 64 years old. He's so full of energy. He dances all over the stage. He jumps around so much that it's difficult to take his photo. It's easy to understand why some people might say he "moves like Jagger."
Toward the end of the concert Aerosmith played their classic songs -- "Rats in the Cellar," "Sweet Emotion," and "Walk This Way."
For their encore, Aerosmith played the minor hit from their first album, "Dream On." This was followed by "Train Kept a Rolling."
It's amazing that Aerosmith has been playing together for 42 years and can still pack a house as large as the Tacoma Dome.
Some information in this article was taken from Wikipedia and Biography.com.
Aerosmith is one of America's best-selling rock bands. More than 150 million Aerosmith albums have been sold worldwide. The band has more gold and platinum albums than any other American group.
Aerosmith's opened its show with an energetic rendition of "Draw the Line." This was followed by more of their classic songs, including "Love in an Elevator," "Same Old Song and Dance," "Livin' on the Edge" and "Last Child."
Lead singer Steven Tyler was born Steven Victor Tallarico on March 26, 1948 in Yonkers, New York. His father was a music teacher. Steven learned to play the drums as a child, but chose to concentrate on singing. In the late 60's, his family moved to Boston.
Aerosmith is also known as "The Bad Boys from Boston" because the band was established there in 1970. Original band members included guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, singer Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano. In 1971, Brad Whitford replaced Ray Tabano. The band chose its name because drummer Joey Kramer used to write "Aerosmith" all over his notebooks when he was in school.
In 1972, Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records. "Dream On," a single from their first album, became a minor hit. Other albums soon followed. Their third album, "Toys in the Attic," was released in 1975 and is among their most successful albums. Their classic songs, "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way," are from this period.
Early in his career, Steven Tyler's voice and appearance were often compared to Mick Jagger's. As time passed by, Steven's unique style emerged.
Despite the group's commercial success, Steven Tyler's alcoholism and drug addiction took its toll on the band. Joe Perry left in 1979. Brad Whitford left in 1981. Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay replaced them. Unfortunately, the band did not fare well without its acclaimed guitarists.
In 1984, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford rejoined the band. Aerosmith launched a comeback with Geffen Records. But the album they released in 1985 ("Done with Mirrors") fizzled. Steven Tyler completed drug rehabilitation in 1986. When the band released their "Permanent Vacation" album in 1987, Aerosmith became as popular as it was in the 1970's.
Aerosmith played "Rag Doll" from this period of their career during their performance at the Tacoma Dome.
Aerosmith's success continued through the 90's and into the new millennium. The band's 1993 video, "Crazy," featured Steven Tyler's daughter, Liv. In 1998, the band released "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." This love ballad was written for the 1998 film Armageddon, starring Liv Tyler. "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" became Aerosmith's first and only number 1 single.
In 2011, Steven Tyler joined the cast of American Idol, judging contestants on the popular television program. He quit American Idol to participate in Aerosmith's Global Warming tour.
When Kandice and I visited Boston several years ago, I thought Bostonians were as proud of Steven Tyler and Aerosmith as Washingtonians are of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.
When Steve Tyler performs today, it's hard to believe that he is 64 years old. He's so full of energy. He dances all over the stage. He jumps around so much that it's difficult to take his photo. It's easy to understand why some people might say he "moves like Jagger."
Toward the end of the concert Aerosmith played their classic songs -- "Rats in the Cellar," "Sweet Emotion," and "Walk This Way."
For their encore, Aerosmith played the minor hit from their first album, "Dream On." This was followed by "Train Kept a Rolling."
It's amazing that Aerosmith has been playing together for 42 years and can still pack a house as large as the Tacoma Dome.
Some information in this article was taken from Wikipedia and Biography.com.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Cheap Trick Opens Global Warming Tour at the Dome
On August 8, 2012, the Tacoma Dome treated its guests to a double delight -- Aerosmith and Cheap Trick live in concert.
As the opening act for Aerosmith's Global Warming tour, Cheap Trick opened the show with "Hello There." Unfortunately, the Dome's acoustics don't do justice to Cheap Trick's energetic music. The volume was so loud that it was difficult to determine which song the band was playing. I'd prefer to see Cheap Trick at a smaller, less crowded auditorium next time. Another guest explained to me that he thought the Dome's acoustics are better than the Key Arena's. He said blaring volume is just part of Cheap Trick's style.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cheap Trick has been in the music industry for more than 35 years. The band includes all of its original members: Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander, Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos.
The last time I attended a Cheap Trick concert was in southern California in 1981. Both the band and I are considerably older. Their concert brought back happy memories.
I enjoyed Cheap Trick's performance of the old Fats Domino song, "Ain't That a Shame." It was great to hear "The Flame," "I Want You to Want Me," and "Dream Police" again. My favorite Cheap Trick song has always been "Surrender," which they performed at the conclusion of their concert.
This is Kristina and I outside of the Tacoma Dome. It's great to have a daughter who loves classic rock n roll music as much as I do.
As the opening act for Aerosmith's Global Warming tour, Cheap Trick opened the show with "Hello There." Unfortunately, the Dome's acoustics don't do justice to Cheap Trick's energetic music. The volume was so loud that it was difficult to determine which song the band was playing. I'd prefer to see Cheap Trick at a smaller, less crowded auditorium next time. Another guest explained to me that he thought the Dome's acoustics are better than the Key Arena's. He said blaring volume is just part of Cheap Trick's style.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cheap Trick has been in the music industry for more than 35 years. The band includes all of its original members: Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander, Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos.
The last time I attended a Cheap Trick concert was in southern California in 1981. Both the band and I are considerably older. Their concert brought back happy memories.
I enjoyed Cheap Trick's performance of the old Fats Domino song, "Ain't That a Shame." It was great to hear "The Flame," "I Want You to Want Me," and "Dream Police" again. My favorite Cheap Trick song has always been "Surrender," which they performed at the conclusion of their concert.
This is Kristina and I outside of the Tacoma Dome. It's great to have a daughter who loves classic rock n roll music as much as I do.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Styx -- "Looks Like We're Ready for a Rock Concert!
Tommy Shaw and the legendary rock n roll band, Styx, performed at the Emerald Queen Casino in Fife, Washington on Friday, February 3, 2012.
I wish I could tell you what was their opening number, but so many people came to the show that we couldn't find a parking place. As we were walking toward the casino, we heard them playing "Blue Collar Man." There was standing room only in the packed theater. Shortly after we entered the auditorium, the lead guitarist and key boardist, Lawrence Gowan, announced, "Looks like we're ready for a rock concert!"
Back in 1979, I lived in Long Beach, California. My friend, Julie, heard that a radio station called KEZY was giving away free tickets to the Styx concert in Anaheim. We didn't win tickets to the concert. But Julie called the radio station so much that a disc jockey invited us to a backstage party for Styx. The party was held at a hotel near Disneyland. I met lead guitarist Tommy Shaw at the party. He gave his autograph to me. I was thrilled.
In 2012, Tommy Shaw looks remarkably like he did in 1979. He told the audience that "Crystal Ball" was the first song he wrote for Styx. When the band to play it, a man in the crowd shouted, "I love this song!"
The band proudly announced that their drummer, Todd Sucherman, was selected to perform on the Beach Boys' 50th anniversary album.
Having grown up in the 70's, I thoroughly enjoyed their performance of "Lady," which brought back memories of being young and beautiful to my mind. It was wonderful to feel like a teenage girl again.
Styx played "I'm OK," "Too Much Time on My Hands," "Miss America," "Come Sail Away," and "Renegade." Lawrence Gowan did perform on his famous rotating stand. We noticed that the band did not play "Babe" or "Mr. Roboto." "Babe" was Dennis DeYoung's, and he left Styx in 1999.
Of all the concerts I've been to at the Emerald Queen, I enjoyed the Styx concert the most. They put on a great show. I'm looking forward to attending the Styx concert next year.
I wish I could tell you what was their opening number, but so many people came to the show that we couldn't find a parking place. As we were walking toward the casino, we heard them playing "Blue Collar Man." There was standing room only in the packed theater. Shortly after we entered the auditorium, the lead guitarist and key boardist, Lawrence Gowan, announced, "Looks like we're ready for a rock concert!"
Back in 1979, I lived in Long Beach, California. My friend, Julie, heard that a radio station called KEZY was giving away free tickets to the Styx concert in Anaheim. We didn't win tickets to the concert. But Julie called the radio station so much that a disc jockey invited us to a backstage party for Styx. The party was held at a hotel near Disneyland. I met lead guitarist Tommy Shaw at the party. He gave his autograph to me. I was thrilled.
In 2012, Tommy Shaw looks remarkably like he did in 1979. He told the audience that "Crystal Ball" was the first song he wrote for Styx. When the band to play it, a man in the crowd shouted, "I love this song!"
The band proudly announced that their drummer, Todd Sucherman, was selected to perform on the Beach Boys' 50th anniversary album.
Having grown up in the 70's, I thoroughly enjoyed their performance of "Lady," which brought back memories of being young and beautiful to my mind. It was wonderful to feel like a teenage girl again.
Styx played "I'm OK," "Too Much Time on My Hands," "Miss America," "Come Sail Away," and "Renegade." Lawrence Gowan did perform on his famous rotating stand. We noticed that the band did not play "Babe" or "Mr. Roboto." "Babe" was Dennis DeYoung's, and he left Styx in 1999.
Of all the concerts I've been to at the Emerald Queen, I enjoyed the Styx concert the most. They put on a great show. I'm looking forward to attending the Styx concert next year.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Free Concert at the Emerald Queen
The Spinners will be performing at the Emerald Queen Casino on New Year's Eve 2011. The concert will be free, but admission will be on a first come -- first serve basis. The show will start at 8 p.m., but come early because if too many people come, you might get turned away. All guests must be over 21. For further information, contact www.EmeraldQueen.com.
Owned by the Puyallup tribe, the Emerald Queen Casino brings top entertainment to the Pacific Northwest.
Owned by the Puyallup tribe, the Emerald Queen Casino brings top entertainment to the Pacific Northwest.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
A Night of Soul and Funk
On Saturday, October 22, 2011, the legendary Commodores performed at the Emerald Queen Casino. Enormously popular in the 1970's and 1980's, the Commodores are an American soul/funk band that branched into disco. Lionel Richie is long gone, but his former band performed so well that his absense was barely noticeable.
The show opened with the rhythm of a human heart to demonstrate how excited and happy a person becomes when listening to the Commodores' music. Their sultry rendition of "Too Hot ta Trot" grabbed the audience's attention. This was followed by the soothing ballad entitled "Easy." The upbeat "You Bring Me Up when I'm Down" showcased the band's ability to dance as well as sing and play.
As the show progressed, the band played their greatest hits, including "Sail On" and "Three Times a Lady." In 1985, the Commodores received a grammy for "Nightshift," their moving tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. I enjoyed hearing the original version of "Nightshift," but I've read that they recently remade this song as a tribute to Michael Jackson. This is fitting because the Commodores first caught the public's eye when they performed as the opening act for the Jackson Five in 1971. Unfortunately, the band did not play the remake.
The entire audience rose and danced to the Commodores' finale, an energetic version of "She's a Brick House."
Owned by the Puyallup tribe, the Emerald Queen Casino is located in Fife, Washington. The casino is famous for bringing world-class entertainment to the Pacific Northwest.
The show opened with the rhythm of a human heart to demonstrate how excited and happy a person becomes when listening to the Commodores' music. Their sultry rendition of "Too Hot ta Trot" grabbed the audience's attention. This was followed by the soothing ballad entitled "Easy." The upbeat "You Bring Me Up when I'm Down" showcased the band's ability to dance as well as sing and play.
As the show progressed, the band played their greatest hits, including "Sail On" and "Three Times a Lady." In 1985, the Commodores received a grammy for "Nightshift," their moving tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. I enjoyed hearing the original version of "Nightshift," but I've read that they recently remade this song as a tribute to Michael Jackson. This is fitting because the Commodores first caught the public's eye when they performed as the opening act for the Jackson Five in 1971. Unfortunately, the band did not play the remake.
The entire audience rose and danced to the Commodores' finale, an energetic version of "She's a Brick House."
Owned by the Puyallup tribe, the Emerald Queen Casino is located in Fife, Washington. The casino is famous for bringing world-class entertainment to the Pacific Northwest.
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