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.   

Cartoons | "Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears" (1985–1991)

The ultimate family animated series, “Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears.” Every Saturday morning we gathered around the television to watch the Gummi-Glen Gummis—Cubbi, Sunni, Gruffi, Zummi, Tummi and Grammi—bouncing here and there and everywhere. And, after all these years, I am still trying to get my hands on some of that Gummiberry Juice.

Thought of as mere legends after humans forced their species into exile centuries prior, the magically-skilled bears live inside a tree outside the medieval kingdom of Dunwyn as the last remainders of their civilization. In the first episode, the Gummis encounter and befriend a human, Cavin—the squire of Sir Tuxford—who keeps close to him a Gummi medallion passed down by his grandfather. Throughout their many adventures, they seek to protect their secrets of magic, as well as King Gregor and his castle from the exiled Duke Sigmund Igthorn and his army of ogres.

 

 

The series includes 94 episodes. It originally debuted on NBC where it spent four seasons before subsequently moving to ABC for the final season and afternoon syndicated programming. Many of the episodes are uploaded on YouTube, and Seasons 1–3 are available on DVD.

Watching “Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears” is extremely emblematic of my childhood family time. It is one of those cartoons with such well-developed characters that it is utterly impossible to pin-point a favorite. The series is charming and the adventures are so compelling that parents love to watch as well. It is an absolute classic and a precious precious gem.

Cartoons | "Denver, the Last Dinosaur" (1988–1990)

This one is quite the throwback for me and particularly special! I fondly recall the good ole days of my mom taking me to the public library to rent the VHS tape of "Denver, the Last Dinosaur." If only I could find the actual copy that I use to watch, re-watch and watch again, I would be on cloud nine! FYI, I am extremely sentimental about those sorts of things.

“Denver, the Last Dinosaur” was released in the United States in 1988 and only ran for two seasons. It was nationally syndicated with reruns airing up until 1990. Throughout the 52 episodes, it largely focuses on environmental issues and friendship. The story begins when a group of California teens discover a prehistoric egg near the La Brea Tar Pits, which hatches a cute and friendly Corythosaurus. Naming him Denver, they decide to keep him, but inhibit the knowledge of his existence. Through their enduring adventures, they teach the English-speaking dino about teenage life while simultaneously protecting him from the public. In contrast—with help from a piece of the egg—Denver is able to take them back to his prehistoric age and teach them about the time period. The character is voiced by the legendary Pat Fraley, whom performed in many of the most memorable cartoons of the 80s and 90s. 

 

 

As hard as I try, no one from my era ever remembers this incredible animation. I feel like “Denver, the Last Dinosaur” is all mine—it’s my baby, cute and adorable! Although I will probably never track down that VHS tape I use to check out from the library, I did locate 19 of the episodes on two separate volumes of DVDs. The majority of the series is also uploaded on YouTube, but I am a tangible type of guy. Plus, it is always worth spending a little bit on those things that impacted my life the most!

The Goonies, Good Enough For Me

When fate allows it, I occasionally find myself watching a movie in the perfect moment. The lighting and weather are fitting and the mood is just right. Sunset during the summer always leaves memorable movie-watching experiences for me, but every now and then it happens on the rarest of occasions. Never was this truer than the last time I watched The Goonies (1985).
 

My copy of The Goonies (1985) starring
Sean Astin and Corey Feldman


It was probably some time in October of 2000. I was a sophomore in high school and playing football for the Oberlin Red Devils. For some odd reason, we had a Saturday morning JV game against the Norton Blue Jays on their field. It was a frigid day. Horrifically wet and muddy, just miserable. Our towns are fairly close to one another, so we were receiving the same type of weather.

When I arrived home it was sleeting, but strangely I still went up to our local A&W/gas station and bought a smoothie. I got back to the house and resided to the basement to watch some television. Right at that moment, The Goonies started playing on TBS. I had our large basement window shades open allowing the dreary weather to seep into my quarters. It was relaxing, and my setting seemed to inexplicably match that of the movie. This was hardly the first time I ever watched the The Goonies, but this time everything jived. And, here I am 13 years later still trying to recreate that moment.

Set in the “Goon Docks” neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon, the adventure comedy follows a faction of pre-teens who attempt to save their homes from inevitable foreclosure. While exploring the attic, they discover an old Spanish map and artifact that sets them out on an exploit to excavate the hidden treasure of 17th-century pirate One-Eyed Willie. However, the coordinates take them to an abandoned seaside restaurant where they encounter a family of fugitives called the Fratellis. Escaping the villains through a cavern beneath, they trapse through a series of booby traps that subsequently lead them to a pirate ship full of gold.

 

 

The Goonies is an all around feel-good film, one created especially for dreamers—one that I would fantasize about, and put myself in the shoes of Mikey or Mouth. It embodies the culture of the 80s and is certainly one of the foremost teen and pre-teen films of the decade. It is packed full with unforgotten moments. The cast is incredible. Sean Astin and Corey Feldman are both iconic stars. And, the soundtrack includes some insatiable tunes, including Cyndi Lauper’s “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough,” which I am felicitously listening to at this very instant. Fervent and impatient, I continue holding out for the day that my internal feelings collide with a frigid and perfectly relaxing Saturday when I can revisit this cherished movie.

Now Playing | The Last Stand starring Arnold Schwarzenegger

The quintessential 80s action hero is back! Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new flick The Last Stand opens in theaters today, and is sure to deliver 107 minutes of explosions, car stunts and combat. He stars as Sheriff Ray Owens who retired from the LAPD after his partner is left crippled and now protects border town Summerton Junction from a fragment of crime. However, when drug kingpin Gabriel Cortez escapes from an FBI prisoner convoy and blazes towards the border with an army and hostage in tow, Owens is forced to make the last stand with his crew of inexperienced officers before the convict escapes the grasp of the United States law indefinitely.

 

 

 

Growing up through the 80s and 90s was perfect timing, as I was highly influenced by a multitude of Arnold’s characters. Often on television and watched by my family during my youth, The Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) are my first memories of him. A cyborg assassin from the future sent to kill, and then reprogrammed to defeat evil in the sequel—captivating, especially for an action-loving adolescent!

My favorite childhood Arnold Schwarzenegger films:
The Terminator (1984)
The Running Man (1987)
Red Heat (1988)
Total Recall (1990)
Kindergarten Cop (1990)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Last Action Hero (1993)
True Lies (1994)
Eraser (1996)
Jingle All the Way (1996)

As an Arnold enthusiast in both the motion picture business and the world of bodybuilding, I am anxiously awaiting a trip to the theater to catch his latest release. It is his first starring role since Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), so some place like the Fork & Screen at the AMC 30 in Olathe seems like a fitting location—my fingers are crossed. Undoubtedly, I will have more words after the screening, but go ahead and check it out for yourself!

 

Rod Stewart, My Rock 'N' Roll Idol

If only I could remember just how old I was the first time I heard a Rod Stewart song. Obviously, I was quite young as I still slept with my bedside lamp on and radio playing. I recall awakening one evening immediately captured by a tune running through my room. As I laid there with my eyes wide open, I thought it was the greatest sound to ever hit my eardrums. It was “Some Guys Have All the Luck,” but I would not discover the title or the artist until several years later.

Fast-forward to age 17 when my mom and I returned home from one of our many travels to McCook, NE. I was driving my new Honda Accord, and as I parked in our driveway Rod Stewart hit the speakers with “This Old Heart of Mine.” Immediately, I recognized the voice from my youth and inquired with my mom. “Oh, I think this is that guy your dad likes,” she replied. Hilarious, who would have known that he was a fan all along!? From this point onward, I dove into every bit of Rod Stewart music I could find, and finally identified that song from my past.

 

 

 

As fortune would have it, living in the Kansas City area allowed me to witness him live in concert twice when he performed at the Sprint Center in July 2009 and April 2011. Both nights were eminently enthralling. The first time I attended with a friend, and we sang along to every song as fans our parents’ age stared at us in amazement wondering how we knew all of the lyrics.

SETLIST - JULY 28, 2009: Some Guys Have All the Luck, It’s a Heartache, This Old Heart of Mine, The First Cut is the Deepest, Havin’ a Party, You Weart It Well, Downtown Train, Tonight’s the Night, You’re in My Heart, Twistin’ the Night Away, Forever Young, Proud Mary, Have I Told You Lately, Love Train, Hot Legs, Young Turks, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Maggie May (encore)

 

My event tee and program from the Rod Stewart
concert at Sprint Center on July 28, 2009

The second opportunity was the consummate bonding experience with my dad, and forever a beloved memory. I was overly thrilled I was with him for his first time seeing Rod and hearing his favorite song “Maggie May.” It was The Heart & Soul Tour. Stevie Nicks opened up that night, and together the two put up an epic performance.

SETLIST - APRIL 12, 2011: Love Train, Tonight’s the Night, Havin’ a Party, Passion (w/ Stevie Nicks), Leather and Lace (w/ Stevie Nicks), Forever Young, The First Cut is the Deepest, This Old Heart of Mine, Twistin’ the Night Away, Some Guys Have All the Luck, Downtown Train, Reason to Believe, You’re in My Heart, Sweet Little Rock and Roller, It’s a Heartache, Rhythm of My Heart, Knock on Wood, Have I Told You Lately, Hot Legs, Maggie May, Do You Think I’m Sexy (encore)



My event tee, program and ticket from the Rod Stewart
concert at Sprint Center on April 12, 2011

Till this day, Rod Stewart remains my favorite musical artist and “Some Guys Have All the Luck” and “This Old Heart of Mine” remain my two favorite tunes. He struts this ultimate ladies’ man mystique and with a raspy British voice, incredible lyrics and slick dance moves combined with flash, charisma and class, he is pure gold. And, I always think that if ever there is a reason to write a screenplay about my life, it should open with that fateful night as a lad when I first heard him sing.

 

Rare Finds | Happy Together (1989)

Long before starring as Dr. Derek Shepherd—better known as “McDreamy” by all of his admirers—in the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey was stealing hearts in many of the 80s’ best romantic comedies. Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) and Loverboy (1989) go back to my earliest memories, subsequently leading to my craze for the decade. His roles as Ronald Miller and Randy Bodek secured him the spot as my favorite actor of the genre and caused me to continually search out more of his work. Although never officially released on DVD, I lucked upon a copy of Happy Together (1989) in perfect condition on DVD-R.

My DVD-R copy of Happy Together (1989)

In the role of Christopher Wooden, Dempsey stars alongside Helen Slater as Alex (Alexandra) Page. He is an aspiring playwright and incoming college freshman, whom by computer error is roomed on “the hill” with a girl. Annoyed with her overly extroverted and epicurean antics, Chris seeks alternative housing. However, in midst of their cohabitation, he starts to like and eventually falls for Alex. Through their energetic exchanges, Chris evolves emotionally and transforms his writing skills. But, when Alex’s pleasure-seeking personality starts to prove too tough to handle, we discover if he can really love her and if she can truly accept his adoration.

Watching a VHS-quality transfer of this film created an incredibly evocative sensation. The opening music sets a transcendent tone for the entire movie. The plot is both charming and magnetic. It takes authentic boy-meets-girl emotions straight out of life and interjects them in a fanciful and captivating situation. And, until the closing credits, it captures the magic of the era and the presumed innocence of love. 

Hall & Oates | Do What You Want, Be What You Are

Four months later, and I am still reeling from catching Hall & Oates live. The duo appeared at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City on September 8 as part of the “Do What You Want, Be What You Are” tour. I was dying to see them, praying to finally hear a favorite band in person, which is now somewhat of a rare opportunity. Not only was I anxious to hear them live, but deeply yearned to share their music with my lovely lady. The concert was drawing near, and sadly we had no tickets. 

I arrived home one evening, and Courtney gave me a grocery sack with two massive bags of Mike & Ike’s—my favorite sugary candy—and I was thrilled about her purchase. She giggled and told me to look in the bottom. I reached back inside and to my amazement pulled out two tickets—Plaza 6, Row L, Seats 17 and 18. My eyes were as big as ever. I was awe-struck, caught with emotion. It was the sweetest surprise I could ever imagine.

Our printer-friendly version of the tickets (they would not scan at the gate, so we
visited the box office and still received our hard copies)

The setting was impeccable. It was one of those perfect nostalgic evenings I wish could last forever. It was our first trip to Starlight, and we were astounded. The Theatre is stunning and impressive, and there is not a bad seat in the house. And the atmosphere—the weather and with the sun setting—was one designed only for movie making.

View of the stage from our Plaza 6 seats

Everyone was hungry for some rock and soul; we were all on our feet as the band hit the stage and onward throughout the night. They opened hot with “Maneater” and never simmered. The sounds were savory, their voices and instruments crisp, inspiring and tranquil. Better than on album, I always say. No record could ever truly capture the mellifluous tones of a live Hall & Oates concert.

SETLIST
Maneater, Family Man, Out of Touch, Say It Isn’t So, How Does It Feel to Be Back, When the Morning Comes, Las Vegas Tournaround, She’s Gone, Sara Smile, I Can’t Go For That, Rich Girl, You Make My Dreams, Kiss On My List, Private Eyes

The 90-minute set included two encores, but we still did not want to go home. Afterwards, Courtney and I sat in the parking lot while some of the older couples who were tailgating blasted their favorite tunes from their car stereos. We were overly energetic the entire ride back to Lawrence, singing, laughing and already reminiscing.

Courtney showing off her event tee

Every time a Hall & Oates song randomly plays, we are taken right back to that cherished moment. But, the one we always love hearing together—“She’s Gone,” which was originally released on their 1973 album Abandoned Luncheonette and as a single in 1974. It was later remixed and re-released in 1976 as a popular radio version that helped catapult their careers.

The Science of Rock 'n' Roll

The Science of Rock ‘n’ Roll exhibit delves into technology and offers an in-depth history lesson of how advances throughout each decade helped shape the world of music. It is a spectacle designed for both artists and enthusiasts alike, and is currently showing at Union Station in Kansas City.

As part of our 1-year anniversary celebration, my girlfriend Courtney and I viewed the display inside the Bank of America Gallery this past Sunday with intrigue and fascination. As a child of the 80s—and an obsessed fanatic—I was enthralled with the flashback to the era’s breakthroughs. It covered such things as the lineage of 8-track tapes to cassettes to compact discs and the development of the Sony Walkman, the synthesizer and the boombox, as well as the emergence of rap, hip-hop and breakdancing.

After a glance at the historical innovations between 1950 and today, visitors are allowed a hands-on experience with instrumentation, including electric guitars, trap sets and a keyboard. Isolation booths are also available for singing and recording of a few choice songs. A clever feature—when we arrived, the friendly and enthusiastic hosts handed us commemorative VIP passes with a QR code on the back for uploading our performance to our computer back at home. As we left the studio and traipsed through some additional pieces of gadgetry, we came upon a room with a concert screening and comfy seating to top off the inspirational adventure.

Courtney and I prepare to record Bob Seger's 1978 hit
"Old Time Rock and Roll" inside the isolation booth

If you live in or around Kansas City—or the exhibit is travelling to a venue near you—I sincerely recommend an exclusive outing to explore. You observe at your own pace, and it is perfect for families, couples and kids. Tours at Union Station run through March 6. Ticket prices range between $12.50 and $15.00, and are available at the box office and online at boxoffice.unionstation.org.