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!