Elton John: This a Boston Music Coalition Live Music Review

By: Doug Ruffin

     President,

     Boston Music Coalition

Elton John performed last week at the TD Garden here in Boston. The nearly three hours of great classics and new songs too was one of the best music experiences I had in a long time.  My expectations were high for an Elton John performance. But Elton surprised me. First, his band played like no tomorrow and the back up singers (including Tata Vega) Sang out from the heart and contributed to Elton John's performance by surrounding the TD Garden with voice and song without competing with the star of the show. The light show was fantastic and always interesting. What surprised me the most was what Elton John did with the piano. Each Classic Elton John song was revitalized with slick, jazzed up piano performances that changed the face of each song. You know that song, "That's Why they Call it the Blues"? It's a catchy little adult contemporary number we have all heard somewhere before. But when Sir Elton performs it live ... Well... now its a Gospel song ... with piano playing that will make you believe in music all over again! Not all of Elton John's music is designed to fill a dance floor. Although I'm happy to learn in recent interviews that he personally prefers Electronic Dance Music. Yeah! Me too Elton. That said, all of us who are fans of Elton John know he writes beautiful songs of love. Remember, "Our Song"? Therefore, the live performance genius knew that thousands of people may not stay awake for three hours of slow songs. Instead he mixed it up. and while introducing a new song honoring the troops, he realized he may have performed a few too many slow songs in a row. So, he asked for a little patients from the audience and said, "I know these songs are a bit slow but please stay with me here .. only two more .." The audience of multi generations politely laughed a long with his request and collectively settled back to enjoy some beautiful music. Captain fantastic took the audience up and down the yellow brick road and beyond. It's amazing how a living legend can still perform beyond expectations. RESOURCES People Are Talking About the Elton John Diving Board Tour. Find Out What was Really Said http://www.eltonjohn.com/ Get to Know the Elton John Band http://www.eltonjohn.com/about/eltonJohnBand/  Think you know ALL of Elton Johns' Songs? You may want to click to make sure.  http://www.eltonjohn.com/about/eltonJohnBand/  Get Some Cool Elton John Photos and Videos http://www.eltonjohn.com/gallery/photos/

My Friday Night with Rhythm and Pearls

By: Doug Ruffin      President,      Boston Music Coalition.  Imagine this; You interview singers, write blogs about live music in Boston and still hip enough to check out world class DJs who spin at Boston area clubs. Yeah, that's me. Add to the image that I am wearing my signature top hat and my hot, beautiful lady is on my arm. So then; What do you think I'm doing on a Friday Night? Partying with Pete Tong (one of the worlds greatest Club DJ / Producer / Dance Music Radio announcers) spinning at a club in Boston? No, not me. Last Friday Night I was in a church basement having dinner. And if you could just stop laughing for just a minute ... You are gonna wish you were there too. Dinner and the opportunity to network with fellow worshipers in a cool relaxed fashion was topped off with live music from a trio of great ladies known as Rhythm and Pearls. Not knowing what to expect .. I mean .... its Church. But I gotta tell ya' They blew me away! Rhythm and Pearls is made up of musical sugar, spice and everything nice who's members include Allison, Barbara and Sara. with a pianist, Neil to company the vocals. If you are thinking, "Wilson Phillips" Think again and give them a listen. You will hear great harmony, strong voices and the unique ability to bring a soulful sound to each and every word in each and every song they perform. To see Rhythm and soul is to be treated to dance moves reflective of the decade the song is from. Rhythm and Pearls is a group that solutes the girl groups. They could have done that with a focus on ..lets say .. Motown. But they perform songs from several eras including some pop from today. This group had me up on the dance floor with several others in the mood to party with some good wine in the mix. Yeah that's where you could find me Friday Night. Good Food, a Good Bar and even greater Music from the group Rhythm and Pearls in the basement at Trinity Church. Whatever you did on Friday ... I'll bet you wish you were me. RESOURCES Who is this DJ? Pete Tong? Click and find out. www.petetong.com  Get More Live Music Events from Trinity Church in Boston  http://trinitychurchboston.org/worship-and-music/music  Think You Know Rhythm And Pearl? Get Music, video and more info http://rhythmandpearls.com/About.html  Get Music News, Blogs and videos from the Boston Music Coalition www.BostonMusicCoalition.com

You Know Hugh Laurie; Now Meet Sista Jean

By: Doug Ruffin      President,      Boston Music Coalition  This is a great time to be in Boston. The Red Sox, The Live Music and perhaps, a Casino. Add a visit from the President, and Boston is the center of attention for the world to see Boston as the world class city that it has always been.  Many live music performers from around the world often hit the many stages in Boston only to be received by enthusiastic audiences. Hugh Laurie took to the stage in Boston for a phenomenal concert event on Tuesday, October 29th at the Wilbur Theatre. One of the lead singers with Hugh Lauries' tour is Sista Jean. That's right, "Sista".  And let me be the one to tell you. Sista Jean can not only sing. She can Sang!  To experience a performance with Sista Jean is to hear music performed professionally and from the heart. She seems to have so much fun performing that it all appears effortlessly. Sista Jean has the gift of song and enjoys sharing it with us all. Sporting a new blues CD, "Back To The Root"; Sista Jean can likely perform nearly every music genre with heart, soul and more.  The Hugh Laurie tour is moving on. If you missed the show in Boston and can catch the tour, do so. You will love Hugh Laurie and will be more than pleased to meet Sista Jean. Resources:  More to Know about Hugh Laurie http://didntitrain.hughlaurieblues.com/us  Sista Jean & CB Take you, "Back To the Root"  http://www.reverbnation.com/sistajeancb  Get Music News Now www.BostonMusicCoalition.com

This Weekend!

THIS WEEKEND  By: Doug Ruffin      President      Boston Music Coalition I am such a big kid. Particularly my youthful spirit rises to the occasion during Christmas and it will also happen this weekend during my birthday. As I'm writing this; I'm blasting Evolution 101.7 since they are playing the new song from Fatboy Slim, "Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat". Yeah, I'm such a big kid. But who can blame me. In addition to the Red Sox; a lot is going on this weekend!  Just a few examples of great live music throughout greater Boston this weekend.  Friday - Boston Horns perform at Ryles 212 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA.   Don't be fooled by the Jazz location. Yes, Boston Horns is a Jazz band. They do, in fact, have this cool 70s funk Party Jazz fusion thing going on. Just try saying that three times. Trust me; it works! This is a great way to forget about this past week and jump start the weekend!  Saturday - BB King, Robert Cray Live at the North Sure Music Theatre Beverly MA. Blues is truly an American Music Art form. It tells the story of real people with real situations. That said; How does BB King make the Blues so uplifting? He has this way of telling you that his baby done left him and simultaneously reminds us that everything is gonna be alright. Its cool. Even cooler than that; Robert Cray will get your Grandmother up from "outta-that-Chair" and politely ask her and everyone for that matter, to get up and dance! If you want to hear great live music performed from the heart, get on up to Beverly MA at the North Sure Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road. (It Ain't too far) And this music will drive your entire weekend.  Sunday - Wynton Marsalis, Symphony Hall 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA  Not only do I love live music; I also appreciate great music arrangement in a song. The best classical arrangements can be found in many places around Boston. One of the best is the Boston Symphony Orchestra and not just a Christmas time. So its fitting that Wynton Marsalis will be performing his well arranged music at Symphony Hall in Boston on Sunday. Wynton Marsalis blends classic sounds with new themes with several instruments blended in at the right time to make jazz a pleasuring experience. This is the perfect way to top off a great weekend of live music. And the Music continues after the weekend.  Monday - Capital Cities performs at the House Of Blues in Boston And ... Tuesday - Hugh Laurie at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston  Wow! are you out on a Tuesday? I am. Besides; its my birthday this weekend and I'm a big kid.  Resources Think You Know Everything About the Boston Horns? Check and Make Sure www.bostonhorns.com  whats Going Down at Hampshire Street? Get the low down from Ryles Jazz Club www.rylesjazz.com  Who"s The King of Blues? BB KING www.bbking.com Get Tours and Music from Robert Cray www.robertcray.com What's Happening at the North Shore Music Theatre? Find out Now! www.nsmt.org  Discography, Biography and much for about Wynton Marsalis www.wyntonmarsalis.com  Get Performances and more taking place at Symphony Hall http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_Hall,_Boston

Music People Should Attend the Small Business Expo By Doug Ruffin President Boston Music Coalition Sometimes, for musicians, it seems that a good song is nothing more than product to sell and distribute. Sometimes, its seems, that marketing is more important than the art of music. It also seems, at times, that licencing is more important than the joy of hearing your song played on the radio. If it seems that way to you; Good! As a musician; You Get it! The art of the song is still the key but marketing your art IE "product", understanding the value of licencing is all part of the music business. The operative word here is indeed, "business". Debate if you will about when did music become a business but while you are doing that; many others in the music business ... we hope ... are realizing the business realities required to succeed in the music business. Oh ...see? I used the "B" word again. Today, Thursday, October 17 is not a day for a music gathering. However, all serious minded people in business are attending the Small Business Expo in Boston at the Hynes Convention Center Halls A & B 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA. The Expo starts at 10:00 AM and runs until %:00 PM with after party networking opportunities.   If this is not a music business expo, why should music people attend? Your efforts to get work and perform is similar to a small business looking for contracts to perform a duty, task or skill. If you are in music, your skill may be performing, writing or teaching music. What ever you have to offer as a musician, its long been time to think like a business person. Several topics are discussed and can easily be adapted to the music business. Networking is abound with banks offering business loans so you can plan out your next tour. Legal services to protect your art. Presentational skills to get that pain-in-the-ass club manager to make a final decision on weather you can play at the venue, get a residency or, not.  Actively attending .. And yes, its during the day; can, perhaps, move your music efforts forward. Take note musicians. A little business can't hurt. Resources Music People Should Attend the Small Business Expo in Boston By Doug Ruffin President Boston Music Coalition Sometimes, for musicians, it seems that a good song is nothing more than product to sell and distribute. Sometimes, its seems, that marketing is more important than the art of music. It also seems, at times, that licencing is more important than the joy of hearing your song played on the radio. If it seems that way to you; Good! As a musician; You Get it! The art of the song is still the key but marketing your art IE "product", understanding the value of licencing is all part of the music business. The operative word here is indeed, "business". Debate if you will about when did music become a business but while you are doing that; many others in the music business ... we hope ... are realizing the business realities required to succeed in the music business. Oh ...see? I used the "B" word again. Today, Thursday, October 17 is not a day for a music gathering. However, all serious minded people in business are attending the Small Business Expo in Boston at the Hynes Convention Center Halls A & B 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA. The Expo starts at 10:00 AM and runs until %:00 PM with after party networking opportunities.   If this is not a music business expo, why should music people attend? Your efforts to get work and perform is similar to a small business looking for contracts to perform a duty, task or skill. If you are in music, your skill may be performing, writing or teaching music. What ever you have to offer as a musician, its long been time to think like a business person. Several topics are discussed and can easily be adapted to the music business. Networking is abound with banks offering business loans so you can plan out your next tour. Legal services to protect your art. Presentational skills to get that pain-in-the-ass club manager to make a final decision on weather you can play at the venue, get a residency or, not.  Actively attending .. And yes, its during the day; can, perhaps, move your music efforts forward. Take note musicians. A little business can't hurt. Register Now https://smallbusinessexpoboston.eventbrite.com

The Joshua Tree Band Performs Live at Suffolk Downs Thursday

The Joshua Tree Band

By: Doug Ruffin
       President,
       Boston Music Coalition

The challenge of a tribute band is getting it right. Thankfully, The Joshua Tree Band gets it right. Honoring U2 enough to tribute them as a band must not be an easy thing to do. The band needs to poor its heart in to each song while respecting (not copying) each U2 song they perform.

Band members; Mike Golars (vocals, guitar), Mike Courcy (guitar, keyboards), Joe Wilson (bass) and Bob Pimental (drums) perform well together. Each talent blended as if the tribute experience was ment to be.  While Boston Based, The Joshua Tree Band is well known nation wide.

Today, October 3rd, 3013, everyone has a chance to catch Joshua Tree perform live at Suffolk Downs Revere, Mass. Its all part of a special day at Suffolk Downs, the planned site for a casino.

The Boston Music Coalition endorses the Casino plans at Suffolk Downs because it offers more opportunities for musicians to perform in venues on and off the casino site throughout greater Boston. In addition, Thousands of job opportunities will be available for residence of Revere and Boston.

Joshua Tree will perform today at the entrance to Suffolk Downs starting at 2:00 PM today as many people will be taking advantage of the job opportunities that are likely to be provided once the Casino is opned.

It's not my business to know if any musician is for or against a Casino in the Boston / Revere area. What ever your thoughts on a casino, keep in mind that The Joshua Tree Band has added a gig to its schedule that it may not have had should a casino not be planned. - Just a thought.

Resources

Get Bio and Performance Schedule from Joshua Tree
www.joshuatreeband.com

Want more information on the Casino in Boston / Revere Mass? Click Here
 http://friendsofsuffolkdowns.com

Need the Latest Music News? Visit the Boston Music Coalition
www.BostonMusicCoalition.com

 

 

Recap: The Mayoral Arts Forum in Boston at the Emerson Arts Center on September 9^th

By: Doug Ruffin

       President,

       Boston Music Coalition

Mondays’ Mayoral arts forum was well attended to full capacity at the Emerson Paramount Center on Monday evening. Many of the Boston Mayoral candidates participated and answered tough questions from those active in the Boston Arts community.

Joyce Kulhawik moderated the event and asked the candidates to answer questions with specifics.

All the candidates expressed a personal interest in the arts as well as ideas to grow the arts in Boston based on the value it has for education, small business and how arts places Boston in the eyes of the world stage.

A few of the ideas for the arts in Boston from the candidates included …

• Allocating 1 per cent of the Boston City Budget to arts programs throughout the city
• Creating a cabinet level board of active arts professionals to advise the Mayor on arts issues and planning
• Extended school hours that includes many areas of arts study in all Boston Schools
• Working with Higher Education to move arts forward in Boston.

Many other ideas and proposals were voiced by the candidates.

All of us at the Boston Music Coalition support efforts like these events from “Create the Vote”.

We will ask the Mayoral Candidates to participate as a guest blogger here at the Boston Music Coalition to answer tough questions about Music, venues and the arts in Boston. We'll keep you posted.