One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013, Part 6 – .38 Special at the Trails West Festival

Summer is officially over, and the festivals and outdoor concerts are sadly slowing. However, I was highly fortunate to catch some class acts this season, especially the latest at the Trails West Festival in St. Joseph, MO. The three-day arts gala celebrating the heritage of the city featured .38 Special on Saturday, August 17. This is one of the bands that the Midwest is fortunate to have tour its territory quite often, but this was the first time I could finally cross paths with it. And, it was the first band to traverse the musical taste of both my girlfriend and me.

We trekked a little more than an hour to catch the band and enjoy the festivities, which included an excellent Mediterranean dinner and viewings of some incredible paintings by a hand full of very talented artists. If you are unfamiliar or have never visited St. Joseph, it is quite the famous frontier town on the Missouri River historically known as the starting point of the Pony Express and the death place of American outlaw Jesse James in 1882. Today, it is no less intriguing as it still boasts an authentic western mystique.

Courtney's and my Mediterranean cuisine

The location was also impressive as the concert stage was set-up and festival fenced off right outside the front doors of City Hall. We forgot our lawn chairs, but luckily found some metal folding ones among the crowd and snagged ourselves a comfortable place to setup. The band sounded incredible and Don Barnes looked as youthful as he probably did 40 years ago. Unfortunately, although he continues to write and record, co-founder and co-lead singer Donnie Van Zant is absent from the band’s tour due to inner-ear nerve damage. Nevertheless, the crew hammered us for an hour and a half with their hottest hits, including “Hold On Loosely” (1981), “Caught Up in You” (1982) and personal favorite “Second Chance” (1989), which was performed vocally by keyboardist Bobby Capps.

The main stage at the Trails West Festival

Seeing .38 Special was the perfect way to wrap up my summer. The band is seemingly a favorite among festival bookers and goers as it transcends a wide variety of musical tastes. Going out to hear the crew is fitting for just about every occasion from a hot date to a family outing. They are simply just a wholesome, all-inclusive band, and I am confident that my future summers will bring many more evenings of listening to their soothing rock sounds.

One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013, Part 5 – Back to the Future at Cinemark Theatres

I am still amazed, but the stars must have aligned in some wildly esoteric fashion! This is indeed one crazy 80s summer, but even crazier is the amount of “Back to the Future” themed events that occurred. And, if you have not heard—which I will emphatically exalt in a later post—it is my favorite movie and the single biggest reason for my passionate obsession with the decade. First, I met Crispin Glover at the Alamo Drafthouse in downtown Kansas City, then I saw Huey Lewis and the News a block up the street at The Midland by AMC and finally I watched BTTF in the theater for the very first time.

Cinemark Classic Series promo poster

Cinemark showed the film two days in the month of July—Sunday, July 14 (2pm) and Wednesday, July 17 (2pm & 7pm). We have two locations in the KC area, but only the Cinemark Palace at the Plaza could host such a spectacular event. It is quite a charming little movie house that sits at the corner of Nichols Rd. & Jefferson St. above some shopping establishments. I happen to fancy the Sunday matinee—it is the quintessential date and this was the ideal opportunity to introduce my beloved flick to my main squeeze, who in some unfathomable way lived 22 years with never ever watching it.

My beautiful girlfriend Courtney and me

Admittedly, I was a tad jealous of Courtney! A little because her initial BTTF experience was in the theater, but more so because she got to succumb to those feelings of watching it for the first time—something I yearn to relive, although I could watch it continuously forever with the same emotions. Despite trying to harness myself, I must have glanced over at least a dozen times to catch her reaction as all of my favorite lines and scenes unfolded. It was a smash hit, she loved it. And, if she had not already loved me, she certainly would have after watching this movie. I like to think she learned a bit more about me that day though. Of course, I have over-indulged her with a load of 80s flicks during our relationship, but the largest part of me is wrapped up in this one.

My ticket from the "Back to the Future" showing at
Cinemark Palace at the Plaza on July 14, 2013

Even though I already filled my belly with popcorn and soda—the classic theater affair—we capped the date off by running across the street to split a Jamaican jerk chicken pizza at California Pizza Kitchen, which ironically opened in 1985 as did “Back to the Future.” It was the cutest little 80s date, super sweet and adorable just like my gal—damn, I love her!

Ahead, in Part 6 of One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013—38 Special live in concert at the Trails West Festival in St. Joseph, MO!

One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013, Part 4 – Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo w/ Loverboy

That five day work trip in Las Vegas commenced, and after arriving at KCI pretty darn late and slowly driving back to Lawrence in the blinding rain, I was exhausted. But, I had one more trip in me. Two superstar acts from the 80s were appearing at Memorial Park in Omaha, Neb. that Friday, June 28—Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo w/ Loverboy—yet another free concert that I simply could not miss. Lucky for me, my boss granted us a free day.

That morning I sneaked in a workout and caught up on a few things at home, and then hit the road. I planned on going to this concert one way or another, but I was extremely fortunate to sweet talk my parents into joining me.

With my mom, one half of my perfect parents

And with my dad, the other half of my perfect parents

I begged them for the last month, but it was not confirmed until the very last second. I met up with them where they live in Sabetha, Kan., and then headed north to Omaha. The park opened an entire 13 hours before we got there, but that did not stop me from taking us right up front.

View of the stage from the merchandise stand

The event was promoted by Bank of the West in celebration of America, and holy moly do they ever know how to book a rock show! Morgan Leigh from SoCal who appeared on this past season of American Idol and her band won a Facebook contest against 200 other bands to open the show. The pop country crew lit up the stage with a few current popular tunes and a hand full of originals that brought the crowd to life. So happy I had the opportunity to catch them live and sure hope to see more from them in the future.

The Morgan Leigh Band

After a brief intermission and an opportunity to pick up some gimmicks at the merch table, Loverboy took to the stage. The performers of hits like “Turn Me Loose,” “Working for the Weekend,” “Hot Girls in Love” and “Lovin’ Every Minute of It” rocked the park and the entire city. These were the heavier sounds of my youth pounding through my core as I watched from so close to the loud speakers. I was ablaze and indeed loving every single minute of it. In fact, I loved every minute of it for the next three days as I endured the best headache ever!

Loverboy

One more quick break in the performances as we caught our breath and braced ourselves for the headlining powerhouse act, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo. I was blown away—just so much talent, so much passion in their music. The early era of MTV blasted their sounds nearly endlessly. In fact, Spyder was the first guitarist ever featured on the music station. With so many hits, so many staple songs from the decade, I am confident that the mass population knows these songs by heart. They tore the stage down with hits like “Love is a Battlefield,” “Invincible,” “We Belong” and “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” as well as topped it all off with a sensational encore that featured some absolute electrifying guitar riffs.

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

This will go down as one of my utmost favorite concerts I have no doubt! The scene, the mood, the sounds and the speakers turned up just right, as well as a fantastic display of fireworks to cap off the night. Everything was just ideal, and I am so incredibly happy I could have my parents there to witness it with me—they truly made it perfect. I am very anxiously awaiting to see and hear what Bank of the West has in store for next year’s celebration

Coming up in Part 5 of One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013—seeing my absolute favorite movie “Back to the Future” in the theater for the first time!

One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013, Part 3 – Richard Marx

Two days after the Huey Lewis and the News concert and the night before flying out to Las Vegas for a five day work trip, Richard Marx performed at Central Park in Andover, Kan. (Wichita). Seeing him in person was huge on my bucket list, however, it was a concert that I truly thought would never get checked. In fact, he had not played in the area in the last decade. Not only was he just down I-35 a couple of hours, but the concert was offered for free by the city. Although I was crunched for time with packing and getting ready to leave town, it was an opportunity that I could not let slip away, even if my lovely girlfriend had to cancel her hair appointment!

Tickets were available to pick up in person (and only in person) at several local businesses in Andover. Luckily, my good buddies Matt and Tony live in the area and were able to do me a huge favor.

Free Richard Marx tickets to his performance at
Central Park in Andover, Kan. on June 22, 2013

Courtney and I met up with them for burgers before hitting the park. It was already packed when we arrived. We did not set up shop with our camping chairs super close, but it was rather easy to make our way down to the stage. You can bet I did that for my favorite two songs, “Endless Summer Nights” and “Should’ve Known Better.” Lyrically, they are maybe not the best songs to hear with my girlfriend, ha! But, wow what positively gratifying and memorable moment.

Richard Marx performing "Endless Summer Nights"

In addition to playing a full range of my favorite 80s love tunes, Marx also added in a line of newer material and songs he wrote and produced for other artists. The night was made even more impeccable by the atmosphere and perfect weather, which was simply crazy for a mid-June evening in Kansas. Needing to be one of the first cars out of the area, we hightailed it for the makeshift parking lot as the music came to a close and he headed off stage. Fireworks capped off the evening and shot over head as we made our getaway, super dreamy!

My hottie girlfriend Courtney and me enjoying
the sweet sounds of Richard Marx

Up head in Part 4 of One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013—a free Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo w/ Loverboy concert in celebration of America!

One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013, Part 2 – Huey Lewis and the News

Ironically, the week after meeting Crispin Glover at the Alamo Drafthouse in downtown Kansas City, Huey Lewis and the News performed one block to the north at The Midland by AMC on June 20. The band is a definite craze of mine that holds a sweet spot in my heart. They were my first taste of 80s music and also incredibly instrumental in my fall for the decade as they perform the soundtrack to “Back to the Future.” Their tour, which is still making stops, is celebrating the 30 year anniversary of the “Sports” album.

My copy of the 30th Anniversary edition of the
Huey Lewis and the News "Sports" album

This concert was highly anticipated as I bought tickets months in advance. I was sitting at my work computer one day when something in my head randomly spoke to me and said I should check the band’s concert tour. Much to my surprise, tickets were going on sale the next morning in KC. I must admit that I really could not manage the purchase at the time, but I deemed it one that I just could not live without making—a moment I could not miss—and so I splurged! The next morning I immediately accessed The Midland website on my Galaxy SIII and digitally waited in line for the second tickets went on sale. As this was a benefit show, floor seating was limited to the sponsors, but I feel that my gorgeous girlfriend Courtney and I still had some of the best seats in the house—front row of the lower level balcony!

My tickets to see Huey Lewis and the News
at The Midland by AMC on June 20, 2013

Huey Lewis and the News played every song on the “Sports” album, plus a load of other popular tunes. Quote of the night from Huey, “So many hits, so little time!” Indeed, it is true, but they sure unloaded a ton of them, including my obvious favorite, “The Power of Love” straight from the BTTF soundtrack. No better feeling must exist than hearing your favorite love tune live while next to the gal you love. We were also exceptionally charmed to hear “Do You Believe in Love” with one another.

Huey Lewis and the News live in concert
at The Midland by AMC in Kansas City

I sure did not want this night to end, but will certainly remember it fondly forever. With a bit of fortune and luck on my side, Huey Lewis and the News will visit the Midwest again in the future. Any time they are near, you can bet I will be there!

Huey Lewis and the News event program and tour tee

Stay tuned for Part 3 of One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013 featuring a free Richard Marx concert!

One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013, Part 1 – Crispin Glover

What an adventurous summer thus far, June was quite surreal—I feel like I am actually living in the 80s!

Last month kicked off with meeting Crispin Glover, an admired actor of mine who was extremely instrumental in my fall for the decade, having starred as George McFly in my most beloved movie, “Back to the Future.” In the latter part of the 80s, he launched the book publishing company Volcanic Eruptions, which also produced the two films he directed, “What Is It?” (2005) and “It is Fine! Everything is Fine” (2007). 

Travelling independently to perform narrations of his writings and screen the films, Glover appeared at the Alamo Drafthouse in downtown Kansas City on June 11 & 12. The two nights featured readings and a screening of one of the films followed by a Q&A session and book signing.

Book signing with Crispin Glover after his performance and screening
at the Alamo Drafthouse in Kansas City on June 12, 2013

I attended the second evening with fellow Metro Pro star Steve Girthy, which showcased “What Is It?,” a fiercely intense and eccentric flick that largely casted actors with Down’s Syndrome and follows the happenings of a snail-obsessed boy highly afflicted by a brash inner psyche. In the Q&A session, Glover described the film as his reaction to corporate cinema, approaching several topics that are seen as taboo in our society. It causes viewers to question their own morality simply by sitting in the theater and watching. To my delight, he also shared some insights to “Back to the Future,” as well as how big business impacts the story of many Hollywood blockbusters.

The night closed with autographs and photos, but he also generously gave ample time with each audience member. He spent a good 5–10 minutes with everyone answering any further questions and learning about us individually. I fervently await his next stop through the city to screen his second title and highly recommend that fans track his tour. It is not only the best way to view these two films, but it is the only way—you will not find them available in video stores or on Amazon. Follow closely and quickly snag yourself seats for a personal encounter with the most colorful character in the movie industry when he visits a town near you!

Crispin Glover's book "Concrete Inspection"
with a personalized autograph

Next, Part 2 of One Crazy Summer in 2013 featuring the Huey Lewis and the News concert from The Midland by AMC!

Rare Finds | The Wild Life (1984)

Cameron Crowe struck mega success when he wrote the teen angst comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), which he adapted from his book published the year prior by the same title. It is indicative of the time with characters based on actual students he befriended when he spent a year undercover at Clairemont High School in San Diego. It was a herald film boasting a stellar line-up of actors, including Sean Penn, Judge Reinhold, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Phoebe Cates, whose nude scene is forever etched in the annals of the decade. Put it right up there in my top three favorite movies!

 

Crowe then took the leftover material from his book to write The Wild Life (1984). However, this “sequel” of sorts never received quite the same recognition despite featuring another solid group of talent, including Chris Penn, Eric Stoltz and Lea Thompson.

It is not released on DVD due to controversy surrounding music rights of the Eddie Van Halen soundtrack, but I was able to hunt down a fine-tuned copy on DVD-R. However, I will have to do some work on creating a better cover for a traditional case so it can fit in nicely with the collection.

My DVD-R copy of The Wild Life (1984)

The plot revolves around high school graduate Bill Conrad who yearns to get out on his own. After renting an expensive luxury apartment, he is forced to allow Tom Drake the extra bedroom to make ends meet. However, growing up for Bill is near impossible with Tom's innate desire to live the wild life. Whereas Fast Times at Ridgemont High focuses a large amount of the plot in the school, The Wild Life is set during the summertime and focuses more on relationships.

The Tom Drake character played by Chris Penn is congruent to the Jeff Spicoli character played by his brother Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. In the same likeness, the character of Bill Conrad played by Eric Stoltz is equated to Brad Hamilton as played by Judge Reinhold. However, the plots run in completely differing directions, and I quickly had to detach myself from viewing it as a sequel. The same motifs apply though—sex, corruption by drugs and alcohol, destruction of property—all the things that make a really great 80s teen angst film pop.

Every character has a strong position and personality that drive an incredibly sound story. I was immediately captured by the hilarious lines, anecdotes and exploits. The aged picture quality is completely forgotten as it all unfolds. Although, it is a certain shame that the film is unable to attain DVD release with digitally remastered picture. I was incessantly caught up in the comedy, and it left me wanting more as the credits started to roll.

If I was old enough to watch Fast Times at Ridgemont High and The Wild Life when they were first released, I certainly would have exploded upon news of the Fast Times (1986) TV series breaking.

Unfortunately, it only lasted one season. But, although a bit melodramatic, it still till this day fills a portion of that "I want more" gap. Ray Walston and Vincent Schiavelli reprise their roles as school teachers Mr. Hand and Mr. Vargas, and it features two of my favorite actors—Patrick Dempsey as Mike Damone and Claudia Wells as Linda Barret. All seven episodes are available in their entirety on YouTube.