Sep 10 2008
WHO’s at the Kennedy Center??
Hey … have ya ever watched those Kennedy Center award shows? Yeah … usually they’ll have a few actors, singers or artists to honor, and they can be a drag.
But, this time, it just might very well be a bit different!!
One of the acts that’ll be honored is The Who – or at least Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey. I’m assuming they’ll, in turn, pay respects to the two who’ve already left us: Keith Moon and The Ox (John Entwistle). No doubt, they’ve made a gigantic mark on music, both as one of the world’s most influential rock bands and as a pioneer in the rock opera genre.
Now, I was under the assumption that acts had to either be Americans or have a direct and strong tie here. But, when ya hear bands from The Standells to OK GO! and Modest Mouse, you begin to understand and appreciate their impact here! And, whether they actually perform or not, there’s no question that they’ll be very welcome by the packed house at the Center.
But that “ain’t necessarily so” with another honoree, Barbra Streisand. Here’s a woman who just flatly doesn’t like President Bush (who, natch, is gonna be at the festivities) and refused to play in Israel because he was gonna be at its birthday bash as well. So, whether she actually shows up for this is anybody’s guess …
Honestly, I dunno why Ms. S. thinks she’s still hot enough to demand as much as twenty-five grand for tix to her rare concerts. Sure, she’s got a great set of pipes, but, in an age where Leona Lewises, Duffys and others are making great CDs and performances (and obviously charging infinitely less than Barbra), does she really think she’s worth that much? A lot of “People” don’t think so, and think she’s reachin’ her “Stoney End”. What do you think, yardbirds??
The others in the mix include: Morgan Freeman (who’s successfully bouncin’ back from his recent accident … and, to Tim in Missouri: yes, he is gettin’ a divorce.), Twyla Tharp (the famous dance teacher/choreographer) and the ‘Possum himself, George Jones (whom I had the pleasure of seeing about a week ago).
True, this show (scheduled for December 7) may go down as a day of infamy if Streisand decides to make a “statement” again as she did during the Israeli birthday wingding). But, all told, it’s got the potential to be a great one! You’ve got (1) rockers, (2) a pop star, (3) a country-music legend and (4) a famous choreographer.
And the President.
So, given the political/military climate of today, there could be some fireworks, as such. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Anyway, that’s it for this run! Until tomorrow (when things start to liven up a little), remember:
Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!
