I already broke my New Year’s resolution of getting my blog on everyday but here I go. The year ended with the Gov’t Mule show at the Beacon Theatre where Warren Haynes and friends played over three hours on the first of a two night stand with “Sugaree”, “I Shall Be Released”, and the Allman Brothers Band “Dreams” being the highlights.

A week before the Mule show, on Christmas Eve eve, I caught the Kenny Rogers’ annual Christmas show at NYCB Theatre at Westbury. Kenny Rogers is a true entertainer with a zillion radio hits from the 70’s and beyond, going back to his First Edition days in the 60’s. The clearly hobbled Mr. Rogers, fresh off a knee replacement, is at his best when chatting with the audience between songs; his self deprecating sense of humor included joking about and playing his Gambler inspired Geico commercial. Kenny Rogers said he has played Westbury for over thirty years but that this was the last time as he will embark on a farewell tour next year. He is an easy guy to like and is well worth a check in when he rolls through your town next year.

Dark Side of the Mule

Happy New Year

Rock on!

GQ

Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule landed at the Beacon Theatre tonight for their now annual NewYear’s Eve two day rock and roll marathon session.

Last year Robbie Krieger of The Doors joined the band for year end festivities.

Happy Mule Year!

Rock on

GQ

My Morning Jacket plays the third of four sold out shows at the Beacon Theatre tonight. 

It Still Moves

Rock on

GQ

After seeing the great Rhiannon Giddens again last night with my bride first row dead center at the Tilles Center at LIU Post University for the second.to last show of her incredible 2015 tour, I ventured out solo tonight to catch Hot Tuna at the Beacon Theatre for the first of the band’s two night run. Due to a complete miscalculation regarding time and traffic, I only got to my 3rd row seat on Jack Cassady’s side of the stage at 9:15 but just in time for a blistering version of  “Bowlegged Woman, Knock Kneed Man”; all was right with the world again and I’m glad I did not decide to bail on the latest rock and roll adventure.

One more electric tune and intermission,  after which special guests are expected to join the band proper for the second half of the show.

Hot F’ing Sh*t!

Rock on

GQ

The AndersonPonty Band featuring Jon Anderson and Jean Luc Ponty take their “Better Late Than Never” tour to The Paramount in Huntington tonight.

After the untimely death of bassist Chris Squier, the future of Yes, with or without vocalist Jon Anderson, is very much uncertain making this tour a must see event for the band’s fans. Jon Anderson did a tour with Rick Wakeman a few years back that was a revelation as the two chatted between songs creating a terrific dynamic.

Jean Luc Ponty and Jon Anderson- two legendary artists perform on the same stage tonight in Huntington.

Love and Light

Rock on

GQ

On a night where the Starship do a Jefferson Airplane tribute at Westbury and Judas Priest are hot rockin’ at the Paramount in Huntington, my wife and I find ourselves sitting in front of the VIP “friends and family” table at City Winery for the fourth of five nights with Gregg Allman.

Brothers and Sisters

Rock on

GQ

Chicago is a band of road warriors. They play Connecticut tonight before taking on Buffalo then a well deserved break after touring all summer with the great Earth, Wind and Fire.

Look Away

Rock on

GQ

The Power of Love

Back to the Future too?

Sorry Cubbies

Let’s Go Mets!

Rock on

GQ

Bob Dylan is not the only musician on a never ending tour. Joe Walsh takes the circular stage at Westbury tonight in what was supposed to be the “half round” but, due to popular demand, seats behind the stage were just released. Walsh has sold out the entire Westbury venue in the past, and just recently sold out two nights at the Paramount in Huntington, so I thought it odd that they only put half the building on sale to begin with. Perhaps Joe no longer likes to revolve in front of his audience but, in any event, now that the Eagles latest last tour is off the road, Joe Walsh returns as a solo artist to perform some of his many hits and play his always great guitar .Every Joe Walsh appearance is an event worth seeking out.

Not In the City

All Night Long

Rock on

GQ

The first album I ever owned was
Meet the Beatles which my Aunt Pat gave to me when it was first released.I did not know it then but that gift ignited a passion for rock and roll music that I have to this day.

My aunt Patricia Davi, who survived the first WTC attack when she worked for the Port Authority, died suddenly on this past 9-11 in Arizona after a short illness at 75.

Today our family will get together in Edison, NJ for a memorial luncheon.

Please play a tune in her memory.

Rock on,

GQ