Blue Man Group 20th Anniversary Reunion Show

What a surprise! BMG, DM, with KB talk about winning!

Never seen the Blue Man Group before and no better night like this to start. Special 20th Anniversary reunion show featuring the original 3 members performing with special guest opener Dave Matthews made this a once in a lifetime experience.

Kristine and I made it into the city at approximately 5pm. Grabbed a quick bite to eat as we walked passed the venue and the hotel hosting the after-party. At 6pm the doors opened to the theater and we joined the other 297 generous and lucky souls to be a part of this reunion fundraiser. The night was to support the Blue Man Group's Blue School, a charter school in NYC with a specific mission and focus. The presentation by the new schools architect, the literature received, and the Blue Men themselves made this something definitely worth reading about!  http://www.theblueschool.org/

Kristine and I fully expected Dave to open with 3-4 songs but were so excited when he played 8 songs including a cover song he had never played before, "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" by Procol Harum. Dave's voice was sounding great given the time off. He was chatty and funny as usual and brought even the attendees who didn't know him well to a rousing applause.

Full set:

Bartender
Stay Or Leave
A White Shade of Pale
Gravedigger
You & Me
Rye Whiskey
So Damn Lucky
Some Devil

I really enjoyed the Blue Men Group's performance. It was witty, funny, and current. Their skit about technology and social media and its impact on people, was funny yet extremely informative and eye opening. I highly recommend anyone who hasn't seen their show yet to go visit one time. I was hesitant and so glad this opportunity came along to open my own eyes.

Towards the end of the Blue Man Group set, one of the Blue Men walked side stage and pulled out a violinist, and grabbed Dave's guitar. He then proceeded to walk down the front of the stage and found Dave sitting with his family in about hte 10th row. He handed Dave the guitar and grabbed his hand to bring him on stage. Dave followed suit and joined the Blue Man Group on stage where they first backed him on his own song "Little Thing", then a backup vocalist joined the stage for the Blue Man Group's song "Sing Along" which Dave had previously recorded with them as lead vocalist. What a treat! Dave then departed to go back to his family as the Blue Men finished up their strong show. Everyone came back out after the encore for one final bow and a well deserved standing ovation.

After-party? umm yes!

straight up BANANAS!  Because the event was a fundraiser and the high cost of tickets, everything was free. While surrounded by many NYC bigshots and important suits Kristine and I got there fairly soon after the show ended and saddled up to the bar near the stage where ELEW would perform his after-party show. After a few cocktails and living large with the big wigs, I looked over Kristine's shoulder as Mrs. Dave Matthews walked up to the bar 5 feet away with a friend. After telling Kristine and saying "we might be drinking with Dave tonight" for the tenth time, I figured I would go use the restroom now. As soon as I got 5 feet from the bar and looked right, down the hall we walked into the party from, Dave was standing there with a few fans greeting and saying hi. I quickly ran back and got Kristine and we then waited near Dave for a quick photo op. After getting our shot, we went right back to the bar to continue our drinking. After returning to the bar ELEW came out and as we turned around to watch him perform, Dave was standing right in front of us with the Mrs., and his sis. This not being a meet and greet, or a DMB concert the audience was very chill and the exact opposite of crazed fandom, from this point on we only saw two or three people come up to say hi to him and grab a pic. Also with Dave was Eric Krasno, founding member and guitarist for Soulive. So for the rest of the night and our time there we sat right behind that group within arms reach and enjoyed the performance of ELEW who was really good, definitely worth seeing again.

Unbelievable. The ride home was bittersweet and the next morning was rough, but this was truly an unforgettable experience.

Thank you Kristine!



Photos from:

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/YcyKjfBeidm/Blue+Man+Group+20th+Anniversary+Reunion+Show/Nud95TePdh0/Dave+Matthews

Links:

http://www.blueman.com/app/webroot/20-year-reunion/

Videos:

Garden of Dreams Talent Show 2011!

http://www.gardenofdreamsfoundation.org/

What a night!

The Garden Of Dreams' kids put on a spectacular array of performances from artists such as the Beatles to Michael Jackson to Nelly. The evening started with a performance by Oscar on Firework and rocked all the way to the 3 M's performing Live Your Dream. Throughout the evening there wasn't a dry eye in the house as these extremely talented children rocked Radio City like never before. I feel honored to be invited and in attendance to not only support these great kids, but to support one of my best friends Kristine who's foundation helps make these dreams come true.

Weekend in Florida!

Now that I have a had a week to decompress and get back to life up here in Connecticut, I feel I can write about one of my shortest yet best vacations ever. For the past several years my parents have spent the month of March in Florida. Their chosen destination has been the Clearwater area on the Gulf. The last 2 years I have managed to go down and visit for a long weekend. This year was the best yet. By far the most relaxing and stress free weekend and trip that I can remember. Nothing but my parents and one of my best friends from Long Island.

Justin and I flew in Thursday night. We arrived and my parents were waiting with tans and smiles and even a chilled 6 pack in the car waiting for us. We decided to hit the local pub for some food as it was getting late and we had an early start the next morning. Food and drinks were stellar, there’s nothing better than fresh seafood and although Duke lost and my bracket was shot I was over it in seconds and ready for fun.

Friday morning Justin, my Dad, and myself woke up and hit the charter boat for some fishing. Since my parents have been going to the same boat and skipper the last couple of years they always take care of us. Last year when I visited it was during the worst winter Florida had seen in years, this year was the opposite. Many consider it the best in years. So after catching no fish last year, this year the setting was set for a massive haul. Between the 3 of us after 4 hours of fishing managed to get about 30 fish. We told the deckhand to only give us 2 dozen and give the rest to someone who didn’t catch as many. When we returned to the dock, the deckhand Derrick, filleted all of our fish for us. Mom was there and joined us for the best part as we took all of our fish to a local bar a block or two away for a feast. Places like this bar, Cooters, are all over the area. They will charge you a small nominal fee but will cook all of your seafood for you. All you have to pay for are the sides and the drinks! WE had our fish fried and blackened with sides of cole slaw and French fries and a pitcher of beer. What a great meal. Farm or Sea to plate in a few hours :)

We spent the rest of Friday first at the beach and swimming in the Gulf, with cocktails in the cooler, and then back at the condo pool and beach there, again with cocktails :) For dinner we dined at the Bonefish Grill, a favorite of my parents, where we all had some incredible meals and celebrated Justin’s birthday with a special dessert which happened to be his favorite.

Saturday day was going to be a relaxing day at the beach. We woke up, packed the car, and took our time as we ventured to down the area of Pass-a-Grille beach. We were there early enough to pick out a nice spot on the perfect sand near the jetty where the fishing was going down. On the way we picked up some live bait and were ready to just catch and release.  Shop was set up on the best sand ever and off we went to the jetty. There were already a bunch of people there off the jetty and even a dolphin in the water chasing everyone’s catch. Soon enough the fish were biting and we were reeling in some nice catches. The majority of people there were keeping their catch for their own consumption so we got a few looks when we threw back ours. We considered the good karma from the day earlier J After a few hours and many more dolphins checking out the action it was time to retire to the condo. After pouring some cocktails the pool side party resumed from the previous day until it was time for dinner. Since my parent s were leaving in a few days we took this night to help clean out the fridge and have a leftover special. Everything turned out great and the last night was spent with cocktails on the beach watching the sunset.

Sunday came and it was time to say goodbye to paradise. I cannot wait to back again next year. Sure it was only two days, but two of the most relaxed days I’ve had in forever.  The pictures posted here and online don’t even do it justice.

See you next March Clearwater!

The Hangover 2 Trailer!

cannot wait! looks great!

Random Facts.........

my additions to the "15 facts about yourself" thread.............

sorry i went with 20....

1. I love to travel. I think Anthony Bourdain has the best job/life.
2. I love to cook! I need to do this more and share it with you all.
3. I don’t think I could live anywhere not near water. I grew up on Long Island and have been near water my whole life. I don’t think I could survive anything but a major body of water.
4. I tend not to trust people even myself sometimes. I give them 1 shot to keep it but if they lose it, it’s usually gone forever.
5. What you see/hear in confidence is the exact opposite of my lack of self-confidence.
6. I have never broken a bone.
7. Has no problem presenting or teaching in front of my kids but still get nervous when in front of peers.
8. I love logic, strategy, and puzzle games
9. Loves being on a boat or swimming but the movie Jaws has haunted me since I was a kid.
10. My middle name is Andrew, so Joseph Andrew is named after both of my Grandfathers.
11. Surprisingly I can be shy. Only when surrounded by friends and fueled with some beers do I come out of my shell.
12. I have only told 2 women (non friends/family), “I love you”. Somedays I wonder if I will again.
13. I love my parents and just like school and education, the older I get the more I appreciate them. I love spending time with my parents now more than ever.
14. I don’t mind cleaning or folding laundry because I hate a mess or clutter.
15. I enjoy chick – flicks and happy endings, but also love the dark and evil endings. Must have balance.
16. I’m a math person and good with absolute’s and hated English
17. I used to go to the movies all the time, now I can’t remember the last time I went.
18. I love to shop and spend money, but need to learn to love saving equally
19. I played the saxophone in HS
20. Unfortunately I am corrupted to live with regret. While everything may happen for a reason, I question certain choices I have made DAILY. And although part of me knows better, I still let it eat away at me.