Thursday Night Jazz this week! October 25, 2009
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Media, Personal, Radio.add a comment
This Thursday, October 29, on 88.1 FM WCWP, I’ll be filling in for Martin Phillips on “Thursday Night Jazz.” The show airs live from 10PM to 1AM ET. I worked on my playlist last night and made a few edits to it today. It should be a fun show with songs spanning 50 years; from 1959 to 2009.
See you Thursday.
11/1 UPDATE: You can hear the show’s aircheck in this post.
C.W. Post/WCWP Homecoming 2009 recap October 6, 2009
Posted by Mike C. in Airchecks, Football, Internet, Jazz, Personal, Radio, Sports, Weather.1 comment so far
Other recaps: 2008, WCWP 50th Anniversary (2011), 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
I arrived on campus for this year’s Homecoming shortly after 2:30. Unlike last year, the weather was cloudy (at least when I arrived), warm, and humid.
After putting all my equipment (and two bottles of soda) down at WCWP, I walked to Hickox Field to soak in the Homecoming atmosphere.
This year, the C.W. Post Pioneers football team played the Shippensburg Red Raiders.
The press box:
The WCWP play-by-play announcers were in the lower right corner.
Here’s a closer look:
The Pioneers won 40-24.
After I got back to WCWP, the rains came, and they were heavy.
There were even a few rumbles of thunder, including a loud crash.
Across from Studio 1, I noticed the print version of Jim Merritt’s Newsday recap of this year’s Long Island Radio & TV Day.
Here I am with fellow alumni Jonathan Focarino, Stephanie Koithan, Jay Mirabile, and Pete Bellotti:
The same people, but with another alumna: M.J.:
Bobby G. and Bernie Bernard:
Bernie was the board operator during Steve and Birdy’s radio show, which led in to mine.
At 6:30, I headed to the Pioneer Room in Hillwood Commons to set up for my show from the WCWP Homecoming Dinner.
Here is the audio aircheck from the show.
The same audio mixed with video from my camcorder:
And here are some vidcaps, starting with me counting down to go on:
Bernie Bernard took this picture of me as “Down the Wire” by Spyro Gyra was playing:
Back to vidcaps as I smirk at my camcorder after bobbing my head in time to “W.C. Handy Hop” by Gerald Albright:
Closing the show…
…and turning the mic off:
Back in Studio 1 at WCWP, Jay Mirabile’s “Disco and Funk King Show” followed me:
Jay and Bernie Bernard:
Jay and WCWP Homecoming Coordinator Alan Seltzer:
Jay and Eli W. Sen:
Then, I joined in:
We conclude this recap with some webcam shots from Studio 1:
See you next year!
2009 Alumni Show one week away! September 26, 2009
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Media, Personal, Radio.add a comment
One week from now, I’ll be hosting my yearly alumni weekend radio show on WCWP. In addition to the info I provided three weeks ago, I’ll be live from the WCWP Homecoming Dinner. It will be my first solo remote broadcast.
Here is a promo I cut for the show.
10/3, 9:23 AM UPDATE: Alumni weekend is being simulcast on myWCWP. Click on either the Windows Media Player or Quicktime logos to listen to the stream and see the webcam, which is on throughout the weekend.
2009 Alumni Show! September 3, 2009
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Media, Personal, Radio.add a comment
I’ll be back on WCWP during the upcoming alumni weekend. You can hear me Saturday, October 3 – Homecoming Day – from 7PM to 9PM Eastern. This will be my fourth alumni weekend show.
I’ve already made the playlist. There won’t be an interview this year, but we do have some great music lined up. That lineup includes recently released music from Spyro Gyra, the Rippingtons, guitarist Chuck Loeb, and flautist/morning radio personality Alexander Zonjic. Listen in October 3 to find out the rest.
10/3/09 UPDATE: Over alumni weekend, the station Alexander Zonjic worked for, WVMV-FM, flipped formats. As a result, I’ve removed the “morning radio personality” link.
HotForWords at Borders in NYC! August 20, 2009
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, Media, Personal, Travel, TV.2 comments
Yesterday afternoon, I took the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) out to Manhattan for Marina Orlova’s book signing at Borders in The Shops at Columbus Circle. She was promoting her new book Hot for Words: Answers to All Your Burning Questions About Words and Their Meanings, which was released on Tuesday.
Leading up to the signing, she posted this video and appeared on the CBS Early Show and PIX 11 Morning News (WPIX-TV, a CW affiliate).
Once on W. 34th St. from Penn Station, I walked to 6th Ave. and turned left. I wanted to pass some major media buildings that were on that street. Among them were HBO, News Corporation (FOX, New York Post, etc.), and SNY (SportsNet York).
Across from SNY is Radio City Music Hall:
I then turned left at W. 49th St. and turned right on Broadway.
Before reaching Columbus Circle, I passed the CBS Store…
…and Ed Sullivan Theater, home to The Late Show with David Letterman:
Last night’s taping was in progress as I walked by.
At Columbus Circle:
Almost at Borders:
Inside Borders, shortly after 7PM, Marina made her grand entrance:
She was accompanied by her dog Gorby (as in Mikhail Gorbachev), a male miniature Maltese:
Gorby has been featured in many of her videos.
Before addressing the crowd, Carlos Sanchez of SneakGeekz presented Marina with a pair of sneakers:
After thanking everyone for coming, the floor was opened up to questions.
Gorby:
Next, the signing.
When it was my turn to have my book signed, I introduced myself as MCLIJazz from her website, where I’m a semi-regular commenter. She knew exactly who I was and that I was initially up in the air about going, but decided to go and made it.
We took two pictures together:
In this one, I laughed nervously as Gorby put his paw on my shoulder and sniffed my right ear (or he licked it):
After that, it was a whirlwind. Minutes later, a little after 8PM, I went down to the [extremely hot] subway station, which was mere steps from The Shops.
The last picture I took:
I boarded the [air conditioned] C train to [equally extremely hot] Penn Station. A few minutes after that, I was able to catch the [air conditioned] LIRR Babylon train and headed back to Wantagh. I was in Wantagh 50 minutes later.
I had a great time and it was a pleasure to meet Marina (and Gorby) in person.
Before heading back to Los Angeles, Marina wrote a talked about the signing on her website:
Hi guys!! The turnout at the book signing was AMAZING!!! I got some great footage, so I will be posting that as soon as I get back to LA and edit it! It was so great to meet you all! Thank you so much for coming out!
And I might even show up in that footage.
8/31 UPDATE: While at Borders, Marina was interviewed by Predicto TV:
9/28 UPDATE: Footage from this appearance was finally shown on Marina’s website today. It was part of a video promoting her appearance at Book Soup in Los Angeles on Thursday. I was only featured for two seconds saying “It’s-it’s great to be here.” That’s good enough for me.
Wantagh HS Class of 1999 10-year Reunion August 20, 2009
Posted by Mike C. in Personal.add a comment
Updated on 7/1/19 with group photos.
Last Friday night, my graduating high school class, Wantagh High School Class of 1999, held a mini-reunion (pre-reunion, Reunion Part 1, etc.) at the Johnny Malone’s bar, a few blocks north of the school. It was great to catch up with my fellow alumni. The same can be said for the main reunion Saturday afternoon.
Saturday’s reunion was at Lido Beach Town Park in and around Mushroom dome #9.
It was so much fun. Now, I want to hang out with them all the time.
Thank you very much to Katelyn Brucia, Lisa Leone, and Sharon Oliveri for putting the reunion together. You all did a fantastic job.
7/1/19 UPDATE: Tomorrow, I’m posting a recap of the 20-year reunion at Mulcahy’s. I was granted permission to include all the photos that I posted to Facebook. Therefore, I’ve decided to update this post with all group photos:
From left to right (maiden names): Erika Lewis, Dave Bauer, Dave Gross, Mike Sereno, Steve Hirsch, Meg Stone, Greg Hoffman, Helayne Hashmall, Randi Berman, John Prussack, James Walsh, T.J. Penzone, Kristine John, Amanda Kavner, Marissa Benigno, Alyssa M., Paul McNamara, Amy Vassallo, Mike Chimeri, Helen Liotta, Kristen Garcia, Jen Mauro, Dara Schmidt, Laura Grasso, Tammy Udelson, Brad Schwartz, Frieda Fung, Gina LoBello, Matt Bresler, Lisa Leone, Ilyse Leibowitz, Sharon Oliveri, Cheryl Wynne, Joe McCaffrey, Katelyn Brucia, Ruth Ann Demeri, Trisha Kingsbury, Barbara Blum, Kristen Hamilton, Liz Napoli
Melissa Procida and Dana Smith were also there, but not in the group photos.
New blog header August 14, 2009
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, Personal.add a comment
Here is The Mike Chimeri Blog’s latest blog header:
Dharma All Stars recap 4 July 31, 2009
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Personal.add a comment
Last night, I returned to a packed Mirelle’s restaurant in Westbury, New York, to see drummer John Favicchia’s band, Dharma All Stars.
This time, there was Chieli Minucci on acoustic…
…and electric guitar:
Jack Knight on bass:
Misha Tsiganov on keyboard:
Bill Harris on tenor saxophone:
Brad Mason on trumpet…
…and flugelhorn:
And John Fav on drums:
The band played one wild set:
1. Horizons
2. Te Estremeces
3. Coincidence
4. Sing a Song of Song (Kenny Garrett cover)
5. Snakes (David Sanborn cover)
6. Sister Cheryl
7. Kukuc
Next Thursday, Dharma will be at bass player Gerald Veasley’s Jazz Base in Reading, Pennsylvania. The only difference between last night and this next one is Dave Anderson will be on bass and John Scarpulla on tenor sax.
Rippingtons Smooth Cruise recap July 24, 2009
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Personal, Travel.add a comment
On Wednesday, I returned aboard the Spirit of New York for the 6:30 PM sunset cruise out of Chelsea Piers’ Pier 61 in New York, New York, to catch the weekly Smooth Cruise. Last year, I was on hand for Spyro Gyra. This time, it was the Rippingtons. It was the first time I had seen them since August 2007 at the since-closed IMAC.
My parents, sister, and I left for Chelsea Piers around 4:25. About 15 minutes in, as we were on the Long Island Expwy. (L.I.E., I-495), I started taking pictures from my seat in the back of the car. You may remember I did the same thing going to and from Smooth Jazz for Scholars in May.
Last exit in Nassau County:
Last exit before the tollbooth for the Queens-Midtown Tunnel:
In Manhattan:
Herald Square/Macy’s:
11th Ave.:
We turned at West 24th St. and again at 12th Ave.:
The Spirit’s cruise route took as down the Hudson River, through New York Harbor, up the East River, and back. Unlike last year, I didn’t spend much time on the Empire Deck bow, but I did take a few pictures when I was out there.
The Empire Deck (second floor) is where the concert took place.
The Rippingtons featured Russ Freeman on acoustic and electric guitars:
Dave Karasony on drums:
Bill Heller on the keyboard:
Rico Belled on bass:
And special guest Jeff Kashiwa on alto and soprano saxophones and EWI (“E-wee”; electronic wind instrument):
1. Faith
Originally heard on: “Brave New World,” 1996; Russ’ solo album “Holiday,” 1995
2. Welcome to the St. James’ Club
Originally heard on: “Welcome to the St. James’ Club,” 1990
Jeff switched back and forth from EWI and alto sax:
3. Modern Art
Originally heard on: “Modern Art,” 2009
I spent a few minutes on the bow during this song to take pictures.
Lower Manhattan:
Brooklyn Bridge:
The Brooklyn-Queens Expwy. (B.Q.E.; I-278):
Back inside, Bill Heller used a vocoder for the last few lines of “Modern Art”:
Ballad Medley:
4a. Victoria’s Secret
Originally heard on: “Welcome to the St. James’ Club,” 1990
Jeff was on soprano sax for this…
…and for…
4b. Pastels On Canvas
Originally heard on: “Modern Art,” 2009
4c. Vienna
Originally heard on: “Weekend In Monaco,” 1992
Here, Jeff returned to EWI:
5. Aspen
Originally heard on: “Curves Ahead,” 1991
These pictures were taken from my table:
Jeff was one deck above on soprano sax, but I had no idea until after the song was over when he came down the stairs, sax in hand. I looked away for a minute and he was gone. I heard him, but didn’t see him.
I returned to the stage for…
6. Spirits in the Canyon
Originally heard on: “Topaz,” 1999
Bill had an extended solo midway through:
7. Santa Fe Trail
Originally heard on: “Curves Ahead,” 1991
I looked out the window and noticed we were near the Statue of Liberty. So, I went outside to take two shots of that.
Picturesque, isn’t it?
Back inside…
A wild drum solo by Dave!
Wow!
Then, a break from Ripps tunes for one song by Jeff:
8. When It Feels Good
Originally heard on: “Back In The Day,” 2009
9. Body Art
Originally heard on: “Modern Art,” 2009
Bill returned to vocoder…
…for Rico’s funky bass solo:
That was the last song of the set…or was it?
ENCORE
10. Black Diamond
Originally heard on: “Black Diamond,” 1997
Jeff played EWI once more on this:
11. Purple Haze (Jimi Hendrix cover)
12. Fire (Jimi Hendrix cover)
“Purple Haze” featured two lines of vocals from Rico and more vocoder from Bill.
On “Fire,” Rico sang the first few lines…
…and Jeff and Voco-Bill backed up the chorus:
And that was it.
There was a meet and greet one deck below.
Here I am with Russ, Rico, Jeff, Bill, and Dave:
Me with my friend Kat Sarracco and Dave:
Kat was aboard for both the 6:30 and 9:30 cruises.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable cruise and concert for me this year. Or as my friend Ryan Grabow would put it, it was a Ripping good time.
John Tesh Tilles Center concert recap July 13, 2009
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, Media, Music, Personal, Radio, Travel.6 comments
Last Saturday, I attended John Tesh: Music & Intelligence for Your Life, Live in Concert, at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at C.W. Post.
I left for the campus at 5:00, walking to the N73 (MTA Long Island Bus) bus stop bound for Hicksville. That bus arrived at the stop around 5:15 and at LIRR Hicksville Station 25 minutes later. I passed part of the time at the adjacent Dunkin’ Donuts. Then, it was off to N20 bus stop and on to C.W. Post.
I shot this picture of the Tilles Center north entrance and Atrium exterior as I arrived:
The concert was hosted by KJOY 98.3 (WKJY-FM) and sister station Love 96.1 (WLVG-FM), both of which air “The John Tesh Radio Show.”
As of today, both station’s websites still have a video from John promoting the concert.
The KJOY version:
The Love 96.1 version:
The south entrance, adjacent to the Abrams Communication Building home of WCWP 88.1 FM and myWCWP.
The KJOY van:
The view from my seat before the concert:
KJOY’s Bill Edwards, whose weekday radio show precedes John’s, welcomed us:
Next to welcome us, and by extension warm us up, was Gib Gerard, the Tesh.com web producer:
Gib also operated the graphics emanating from the monitor during the concert.
Gib and Betsy Chase, the Vice President of Programming and Executive Producer for the radio show, look for potential bidders for the robe John wore Friday night at the Garden City Hotel:
The winning bid was $450. The money will go to feed a child through World Vision.
The winning bidder later gave the robe back so it could be bid on again.
Betsy also does the “Did You Know?” tidbits for the radio show, as she demonstrated by saying “Did you know John Tesh is from Long Island and his birthday was Thursday?”
The audience erupted in cheers:
I think that’s a yes. 🙂 (I never put emoticons in my blog posts, but it was necessary here.)
Then, it was time to begin. I apologize for some of the washed out pictures.
John’s grand entrance:
SET 1
1. Barcelona
2. Garden City
Only John and Tim Landers, the music director and bass player, performed on this one:
3. Bastille Day
This began with a bass solo by Tim:
Chelsea Ward on vocals:
Gannin Arnold on guitar:
For the next song, John shared the story of the first time he met Breeze Lee, his daughter Prima’s hip-hop ballet instructor. Then, he invited Breeze on stage:
And Breeze was interpreting the beginning of…
4. Trading My Sorrows
John can sing, too:
Everybody had a hand on vocals throughout the show, except for Breeze and drummer Dave Hooper (he might have, but I couldn’t see him from my seat).
5. Draw Me Close
John tells the audience how the song “Roundball Rock,” NBC Sports’ NBA theme, came to be:
6. Roundball Rock
He stopped midway through and brought out an NBA regulation size basketball, signed by him and the band, for an audience member to dribble to the “Roundball Rock” beat:
A girl named Shannyn came on stage and hilarity ensued.
I won’t give details, but one of her responses to a question by John led him to say, “In the 20 years I’ve been doing that, that’s the best answer we’ve ever had!”
High five!
“How ’bout a hand for Shannyn?”
INTERMISSION
Gib dressed casual for the second set to illustrate how casual this set is:
SET 2
7. Open The Eyes of My Heart
8. Give Me Forever (I Do)
John wrote this with James Ingram and performed it at his wedding to Connie Sellecca.
9. I Can Only Imagine
10. The Breeze Lee Challenge
This is where John and the band individually challenge Breeze Lee with their instrumentation; or in Chelsea’s case, vocalization. In turn, Breeze challenges the band by interpreting what they play. It is left up to the audience to decide who whether the band member wins or Breeze wins.
We start with drummer Dave Hooper…
Next, Tim Landers…
Followed by Gannin Arnold…
Chelsea Ward…
After a few lines of “At Last,” she threw Breeze a kiss:
And then, it was John’s turn:
The big finish:
The audience erupted in wild cheers and applause.
Wow! I, Mike Chimeri, think it’s safe to say Breeze Lee was your big winner!
He gave a thank you wave to the audience:
After John recalled how he, Connie, and Prima got involved in volunteering, and recommend it to the audience, it was on to…
11. Rescue
I, too, recommend volunteering.
12 (Finale). Spanish Steps
Gannin had an extended guitar solo:
Breeze Lee returned…
…to interpret wild keyboard and organ solos by John:
Throwing in the modulation wheel:
Switching to the organ:
Doubling up on organ and keyboard:
And back to keyboard:
Dave Hooper soloed on drums:
Then, the final measure of the night:
The concert was quite an experience. Not only did I hear great music and singing, but I learned a thing or two along the way. Thank you very much to everyone involved, and thank you to Betsy Chase for helping me remember what I forgot or didn’t know. Appropriately enough, now I know, and you all know, too. Thanks for reading.
7/14, 1:25 AM UPDATE: My recap has been linked to on John’s concert calendar page and concert homepage.
MikeChimeri.com 
