Wantagh High School Class of 1999 20-Year Reunion July 2, 2019
Posted by Mike C. in Education, Personal, Photography.2 comments
Updated at 3:15 PM with an open letter James Walsh penned for the reunion Facebook group.
Wantagh High School‘s Class of 1999 convened at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall on Saturday night for our 20-year reunion.
Most of us hadn’t seen each other in person since the 10-year reunion held at Lido Beach Town Park, but we kept in touch on Facebook and Instagram. In the months leading up to the reunion, a Facebook group was created by my classmates Lisa Leone, Katelyn Brucia, Liz Napoli, and Sharon Oliveri. (For the reunion, and for this post, we’ll be going by maiden names.) Invitations went out in March and I was among the first to RSVP.
When classmates in the group began posting photos from our senior year, I decided to dip into my photo scan archives and share my own. I posted pictures from the last day of classes in our sophomore year…:
Mike Gabriele, Scott Hammer, Mike Howley
…junior year:
Steve Fitzpatrick, Chris Maffeo, Mike DiMarco, Brian Schneider
…and senior year:
Mr. Ron Cliszis (social studies; and in this case, study hall), Heather Greene, Paul McNamara, Nick Allocca, Liz Napoli, Ryan Csajko; Corey Prinz and Jason Landman among those in the background
As well as the 1998-99 Spirit Night:
Joe McCaffrey (holding the trophy after we finally won), Keith Mekeel, Sharon Oliveri, Kyle Lennon, Greg Hoffman
Michelle Corbo Harclerode (Ms. Corbo) (social studies), our class advisor
…the senior prom:
Amy Vassallo, Laura Grasso, Katelyn Brucia, Jill Hintze, Lisa Leone
Rich Mekeel and Maureen Geis (Class of 2000)
Mrs. Fran Browne (special education) and Mrs. Julie Magnuson (English)
Mr. Ron Cliszis and Mr. Kevin Ryan (social studies)
…and graduation day, which occurred 20 years and two days before the reunion:
Me receiving my diploma
Heather Greene receiving her diploma
The moment of recognition
Mike Chimeri and Dara Schmidt
Mike Chimeri and Mike Howley
One day before the reunion, Barbara Blum asked if I could check the yearbook for a couple of photos of her. Before doing that, I decided to scan a double-page photo of most of the class standing in the Wantagh High School courtyard. It wasn’t easy syncing the two pages, but here’s what I ended up with:
I posted it to the Facebook group and to my own timeline, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many of my fellow classmates shared it in their timelines. I decided to post the original scan to my Google Drive and make it shareable. The file is huge: 54.7 MB with a resolution of 8383×5484 pixels.
More pictures from the past can be seen later when discussing Kat Foray.
Reunion day finally came, but the reunion itself wasn’t until 7PM. I woke up over 13 hours before then. I passed the time by exercising, watching videos by YouTube channels I subscribe to, watching sports, and preparing a Blu-ray disc for a home video conversion client.
Finally, at 6:45, I got a ride down to Mulcahy’s, arriving a few minutes later. Lisa, Katelyn, Liz, and Sharon were finishing setting up as I walked in. Unfortunately, we would have to contend with a live band starting at 8:00, which made conversation tough, but we all managed.
I had a wonderful time catching up with my classmates and, if married, meeting their spouses. Among the topics I discussed were my involvement with WCWP, photography and videography for student plays at Leo F. Giblyn School in Freeport, attending the final round of this year’s PGA Championship at Bethpage Black, and my love of instrumental music. I even recommended David Benoit to Nick Allocca. He kept saying David’s name to me to check if he remembered correctly.
I was pleasantly surprised when our class advisor, Michelle Corbo Harclerode (as noted earlier, she was Ms. Corbo to us), dropped by in the third hour. I had no idea she’d be there, and she and I were so happy to see each other. The same could be said for all my classmates. Ms. Corbo – who was also my global studies and homeroom teacher in two of my four years – put her class advisor hat back on and called for a group photo:
It wasn’t everyone, but it was most of us. Ms. Corbo and I are in front, followed by (from left to right) Erin Weiner, T.J. Penzone, Brad Schwartz, Laura Mulle, James Walsh, Helen Liotta, Katelyn Brucia, Kyle Lennon, Laura Grasso, Liz Napoli, Kelly Guarino, Dara Schmidt, Rich Mekeel, and Joe McCaffrey.
This was one photo out of 70. I posted it and the rest on Facebook and ten (the limit) to Instagram, most of which I’ll post here shortly. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive and I made several new Facebook connections out of it. Among them were Kathy Stuart, my 7th grade science teacher at Wantagh Middle School, and Dr. Tom Troisi, my high school assistant principal. Both were complimentary of my photos. Ms. Stuart, in particular, noted that her husband – Sal Mulé, my 8th grade science teacher – “loved seeing all of these familiar faces!!”
Ms. Corbo remarked:
I cried when I saw all of you. I have had the privilege of being at Wantagh for 25 years. When I received this invite, I knew I had to go. You all look wonderful. I’ve been blessed to know all of you. May your journey continue to be amazing. See you at your 30th. … You are all amazing. Thank you for including me. You forever will hold a special place in my heart.
The feeling is mutual.
I’ll conclude this post with most of the rest of the pictures (with married classmates identified by maiden names):
Name badges:
In loving memory of Brendan Kelly, Kat Foray…:
…and Seporah Raizer:
A framed photo print of what ended up in the yearbook:
Raffle items:
Sharon Oliveri, Dara Schmidt, Laura Grasso, Liz Napoli, Dana Smith:
Rob Krumm, Nick Ferraro, Glenn Wieboldt:
Barbara Blum and her husband Matt Carr, Ilyse Leibowitz and her husband Larry Rukin, Cheryl Wynne and her husband Steven Evans, and Erin Weiner:
Erin’s husband Jason Mansfield was there, but I didn’t think to ask him to get in. Photo ops are fast-paced and you can forget to think.
Paul Kregler and Matt Roseland:
Ilene Cohen, Kelly Guarino, Dara Schmidt:
Dara Schmidt and Mike Chimeri:
Keith Mekeel, Mike Chimeri, Kyle Lennon:
Erika Lewis, Helen Liotta, Sharon Oliveri, Cassie McNamee:
Paul McNamara and Mike Chimeri:
James Walsh, Brendan Noonan, Mike Chimeri, Nick Allocca, Tom Oak, Kevin George, Ryan Csajko:
Nick Allocca and Sharon Oliveri:
Tom Oak and Brendan Noonan:
John Prussack and Mike Chimeri:
Barbara Blum, Erin Weiner, Kristine John:
…and me:
Mike Chimeri and T.J. Penzone:
Dana Smith, Katelyn Brucia, Kelly Guarino, Laura Grasso, Ilene Cohen, Liz Napoli:
Joe Pascarella and Steve LaRosa:
Jesse Katcher, Steve LaRosa, Joe Pascarella:
Posing with the photo of Seporah Raizer are Erin Weiner, Barbara Blum, Kristine John, Ilyse Leibowitz, and Cheryl Wynne:
I posed with Kat Foray’s photo:
Kat and I first met in Freeport. We were in Mrs. Immoor’s 4th grade class at Giblyn and Mr. Pompei’s 6th grade class at Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School, seen here:
Kat with Joe McCaffrey and Tara Scro on the last day of classes our senior year:
Kat with Trisha Kingsbury and Bret Malone at the senior prom:
Kat, Seporah, and Brendan Kelly are deeply missed by us all.
Katelyn Brucia and Trisha Kingsbury:
Katelyn Brucia, Trisha Kingsbury, Geoff Waugh, Lisa Leone:
Trisha Kingsbury and Mike Chimeri:
Trisha Kingsbury, Rob Krumm, Lisa Leone, Kevin George:
Erin Weiner, Barbara Blum, Geoff Waugh, Katelyn Brucia, Lisa Leone, Trisha Kingsbury:
Rich Mekeel, John Savage, Joe McCaffrey:
Dave Gross and his wife Joanna, Mike Chimeri, Mike Sereno, and Jenna Careri with her husband George Baldwin (left):
Katelyn’s husband Kevin McCabe – no relation to the one I see every April at Smooth Jazz for Scholars – took the picture.
Helayne Hashmall and her wife Jaimee Shalhevet, and Steve Hirsch:
Gina LoBello and her husband Brian Ferguson:
Meg Stone and Brad Schwartz:
Brad Schwartz and Mike Chimeri:
Mike Chimeri and Class of 1999 Advisor Michelle Corbo Harclerode:
Cheryl Wynne, Ilyse Leibowitz, Michelle Corbo Harclerode, Barbara Blum:
James Walsh and Matt Roseland:
Rich Mekeel, Dara Schmidt, Joe McCaffrey, T.J. Penzone:
Laura Mulle, Helen Liotta, Michelle Corbo Harclerode, Alyssa M.:
Ryan Csajko, Nick Allocca, Mike Chimeri, John Savage, Tom Oak:
Steve Hirsch and Meg Stone, in their 11th year of marriage:
It’s raffle time:
Laura Grasso won the first:
Dara Schmidt and Glenn Weiboldt won the other two:
Glenn Weiboldt and Mike Chimeri:
Brad and Stacy Schwartz, Matt and Molly Roseland, and James and Amber Walsh:
Brad Schwartz, Matt Roseland, Mike Chimeri, James Walsh:
Rob Krumm, Kevin George, Paul Kregler, Nick Ferraro:
Jenna Careri, Katelyn Brucia, Meg Stone, Dara Schmidt:
Katelyn’s husband Kevin McCabe, Mike Chimeri, Meg Stone, Jenna Careri:
Mike Chimeri and Jenna Careri:
We’ve known each other since 7th grade Spanish with Mrs. Brown.
Dana Smith and Brendan Noonan:
Ilyse Leibowitz, Barbara Blum, Gina LoBello, Erin Weiner, Kristine John:
Jesse Katcher, Justin and Christy Kaplan:
Jesse Katcher, Justin Kaplan, Mike Chimeri:
Dave Bauer couldn’t make it, but FaceTimed with Steve Hirsch so we could say hello:
Katelyn Brucia, Tom Oak, Brendan Noonan:
Rich and Maureen Geis Mekeel (Class of 2000), Keith and Kelly Guarino Mekeel, Kyle and Ilene Cohen Lennon:
A wave goodbye:
This turned out to be as comprehensive as a concert or LIU Post/WCWP Homecoming Weekend recap. Thank you for reading every word and for viewing every image. Until the 30th reunion, so long.
3:15 PM UPDATE: James Walsh wrote a poignant open letter in the reunion Facebook group, which he granted permission to share here:
An open letter to the class of ’99:
I really was torn (as I know many of you also personally expressed) about whether or not to travel back to see so many people that I haven’t spoken to in nearly 20 years. Was it really worth the investment of time and did I really want to revisit those days, when I was such a different person with different priorities and ambitions (over half of our lives ago and before God crashed into my life and literally changed my heart)? It was fun to hear that so many of you shared that same internal conflict before choosing to just do it and come home!
What I discovered on Saturday night is that this wasn’t just a night to see old friends and the “Class of ’99” but it was an opportunity to see the “Class that helped mold me into the man that I am today.” It was also an opportunity to allow two worlds to collide and to introduce the love of my life (Amber Megan) to those who had the greatest influence over my life in those formative days and years. (By the way, thank you for telling such nice stories to Amber and for making me look better than I deserved.) I didn’t just graduate with you (all 201 of you!), but was literally nurtured and invested in by so many of you! For this, thank you!!!
Thank you for loving me, when I was an insecure and growing boy and teenager. Thank you for laughing at me, when I stapled my fingers together in the 2nd grade (and then telling your students about it 30 years later, Meg!
). Thank you for skipping “religion class” from time to time so that we could play basketball together! Thank you for playing a silly sport made of pigskin for thousands of hours with me. Thank you for being three of the best friends that I ever had in life and for traveling to be in my TN wedding. Most of ALL, thank YOU (all of you) for being such an incredible part of my life story. Honestly, I didn’t realize how important you were to me, until Saturday night and my drive home with Amber Megan the following day.
Please consider me indebted to you for the rest of my life. Please know that I really do LOVE you. Please stop by and spend a night or a week, the next time that you are driving through North Carolina (seriously). Please allow me to be one of your first calls if/when you need a friend/resource (inbox me privately anyone that desires to exchange personal contact information. It would be a great joy to stay in touch!!!). You’re the Class of ’99 and you are MY people!!!
Just wanted to share a handful of the millions of thoughts that have flooded my mind and heart, over the last 72 hours before it was too late and this Facebook group is once again shut down for another 10 years.
My heart overflows with love and affection for you, Class of 1999.
You are loved!!!
James Walsh
David Benoit at My Father’s Place June 17, 2019
Posted by Mike C. in Comedy, Internet, Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Photography, Travel, TV, Weather.add a comment
Friday night marked my second time in My Father’s Place at The Roslyn Hotel. The first time in March was to see The Rippingtons. This time, I saw one of the musicians from their first album: David Benoit. I saw David as part of Dave Koz’s 20th Anniversary Christmas Tour in December 2017 and at Smooth Jazz for Scholars in April 2018, but hadn’t seen him solo since October 2012, five days before Hurricane Sandy, at The Iridium. Furthermore, it was the first time I’d seen David on Long Island since his Christmas show at IMAC in December 2008, my last time there before it closed the following June.
I arrived at My Father’s Place at 6:30, entering from The Roslyn Hotel lobby and taking the elevator down to the lower level where it and 1221 at MFP are situated. The hostess recommended a table in the center. Considering the way the piano, bass, and drums were arranged, I opted for that table. I ate a cheeseburger and french fries, then waited for 8:00 to come.
Once again, there was an opening comedy act: Sherry Davey:
I was familiar with Sherry’s work, having seen her on an episode of NickMom Night Out, a signature show when Nick Jr. aired a late night programming block for adults. Sherry lives in nearby Port Washington and she incorporated many local references into her set. She also talked about getting remarried, online dating, millennials, her daughters, her nephew, her parents, and living with heart disease. I noticed in her website bio that one of her daughters is autistic. I’m on the spectrum myself, diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome 20 years ago. That could be why I’m so passionate about the music of David Benoit and other artists that I’m into.
After 20 minutes, Sherry’s set was over and it was time for the David Benoit Trio.
David led the trio on piano…:
…with Roberto Vally on bass:
…and Merrick native Dan Schnelle on drums:
Including the encore, the set ran 73 minutes. Here’s what they played:
1. Every Step of the Way
Originally heard on: Every Step of the Way (1988), The Steinway Sessions (2017)
2. Só Danço Samba
Originally heard on: So Nice! (with Marc Antoine) (2017)
3. Sienna Step
Originally heard on: David Benoit and Friends (coming later in 2019)
4. Vernazza
Originally heard on: David Benoit and Friends (coming later in 2019)
5. Kei’s Song
Originally heard on: Freedom at Midnight (1987), Conversation (2012) (as “Kei’s Song Redux”), The Steinway Sessions (2017)
6. Waiting for Spring
Originally heard on: Waiting for Spring (1989)
7. Dad’s Room
Originally heard on: Professional Dreamer (1999), The Steinway Sessions (2017)
8. If I Were a Bell
Originally heard on: Heroes (2008) (bonus track on Japan release; not worth importing unless you don’t have the U.S. release)
9. Cast Your Fate to the Wind
Originally heard on: Waiting for Spring (1989)
10. Beat Street
Originally heard on: Full Circle (2006)
11. Strange Meadowlark/Blue Rondo a La Turk (Dave Brubeck medley)
Originally heard on: Digits (1983), The Steinway Sessions (2017); Heroes (2008)
12. Freedom at Midnight
Originally heard on: Freedom at Midnight (1987), Earthglow (2010) (subtitled “The Schroeder Variations”)
13 (Encore). Linus and Lucy
Originally heard on: This Side Up (1985), Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown! (1989), Here’s to You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years! (2000), The Steinway Sessions (2017)
I can’t wait to hear how “Sienna Step” and “Vernazza” sound on the new album when it comes out, likely by September. I will definitely play something from it on my Homecoming Weekend show in October. In the meantime, I’m falling in love with The Steinway Sessions.
Now, for groups of pictures of each band member, starting with David Benoit:
Roberto Vally:
…and Dan Schnelle:
The end of the encore:
I hung out in the lobby for about 15 minutes, mingling with David, Roberto, and Dan. Dan introduced David to his mother and grandparents. That was when I learned he was originally from Merrick. I perked up, telling them I grew up and live nearby in Wantagh.
Roberto asked me to send him the pictures I took of him, which I did on Saturday, including this one:
Two guys from the South Shore:
Lastly, me and David:
On the subject of his song “Dad’s Room,” I told him how much I enjoyed “Secret Love” on Waiting for Spring, which was a duet with his father Bob on rhythm electric guitar. He appreciated that, picking up on the story he told during the set of how that album was recorded in one day for budgetary reasons.
I had a great watching David, Roberto, and Dan perform. Thanks to all of you. Thanks also to Sherry Davey for relatable jokes and hilarious impressions.
Witnessing the final round of the 2019 PGA Championship May 21, 2019
Posted by Mike C. in Golf, Internet, Interviews, Jazz, Media, Music, News, Personal, Photography, Sports, Travel, TV, Video, Weather.2 comments
For the fourth year in a row, I attended at least one PGA Tour event; and for the third time in the last four years, I attended a round of a major golf tournament. Three years ago, it was the second round of the PGA Championship at Baltusrol. Last year, the third round of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Sunday, I attended the final round of the PGA Championship (final leaderboard) at Bethpage State Park’s Black Golf Course, Bethpage Black for short. The Black previously hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Open.
The 101st PGA Championship was the first to be played in May, after decades in which it was held in August and served as the last major of the season. Now, it’s the second. That means CBS holds the broadcast rights to the first two majors of the year, with Fox carrying the U.S. Open and NBC televising the Open Championship.
Bethpage State Park and its courses are only 15 minutes away from my Wantagh home, but going there for the PGA Championship by car required driving south to Jones Beach State Park parking field 3 or 4 for general parking:
My dad and I were directed to field 4:
From there, a shuttle bus took us east on Ocean Parkway, north on Wantagh Parkway to Exit W6, east on Merrick Road, north on the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway (NY 135), east on Merritts Road (after exiting at a special ramp), and finally to the terminal outside Bethpage Black. We arrived at 12:30, two hours and five minutes before Brooks Koepka (“KEP-ka”), the 54-hole leader by seven shots, was to tee off:
The sun broke through the clouds for the first few hours, but the clouds eventually won out.
The USGA calls their shop the Merchandise Pavilion; the PGA calls it The PGA Shops:
Having already purchased a cap and short-sleeve shirt, the latter of which I wore on the second night of Smooth Jazz for Scholars, and not wanted to lug a bag of merchandise all day, I waited until we left in the evening to get anything.
The defending champion, and, I hoped, the repeat champion:
The range:
Among those practicing were Lucas Bjerregaard, Erik Van Rooyen, and Rickie Fowler.
The obligatory photo op:
The practice green and media center:
The bridge to the range:
The bridge from the 18th green:
Another practice green:
Phil Mickelson walking up the bridge after his final round:
He shot 76 for the second consecutive round, finishing at +12.
The 1:05 group: Lucas Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open Champion…:
…and Lucas Bjerregaard:
The Lucases both shot 73 and finished at +3.
The electronic leaderboard/TV monitor:
The 1st fairway:
The 1st green:
I stood by the 2nd tee to watch three groups come by:
First, another group where the pair share a first name: Danny Lee:
…and Danny Willett, 2016 Masters Champion:
The Dannys both shot 77, with Lee finishing at +6 and Willett +7.
The Goodyear Blimp provided aerial coverage early on:
But cloud cover forced it to ground.
The second group I saw at 2 was Rickie Fowler:
…and Sung Kang, who won the AT&T Byron Nelson tournament the week before:
Fowler shot 77 to finish at +6, while Kang fared a little better: 72 to finish even-par.
The third was Jordan Spieth, who won the Masters and U.S. Open in 2015 and Open Championship in 2017:
…and Erik Van Rooyen:
Van Rooyen’s tee shot was way left:
Here’s where it ended up:
The 2nd fairway:
The 2nd green:
Spieth was one stroke better than yesterday, 71, ending up at -2. Van Rooyen shot 73 and finished at +1.
The 3rd tee:
The 3rd green and 4th tee:
The 4th fairway:
After that, I started to get hot – that’ll teach me to wear a jacket – and didn’t feel like walking the entire course. So, I headed for the 18th green. Along the way, I saw the 13th green:
14th tee:
14th green:
Back across Round Swamp Road, the 16th green grandstand:
15th tee:
16th green:
Somewhere in the distance is the 17th tee:
The 17th green and its grandstands:
The 18th tee:
18th fairway, which didn’t see many balls this round:
The 18th green and grandstands:
The TNT/CBS broadcast tower, overlooking the 18th fairway and green:
Jim Nantz and Nick Faldo called the action from 2:00 to 7:00. Spoiler alert: the championship ended on time, meaning 60 Minutes started on time.
The 18th fairway, seen from the greenside bunker:
Matt Kuchar after shooting 69:
He was one of a handful players under par for the round. He finished +1 for the championship.
After stopping at the adjacent concession stand for lunch/dinner, Dad and I returned to our spot by the greenside bunker:
We stayed there to the end. The stiff breezes cooled me off to the point where I put my jacket back on.
Between groups, the leaderboard would switch to the CBS feed (no audio). We watched as Brooks Koepka’s seven-shot lead almost evaporated, mainly due to four straight bogeys from 11 to 14, and Dustin Johnson, two groups ahead, drew closer, with five birdies and only one bogey through 15 holes. Even though I’ve rooted against players myself, I was startled that the fans around me, behind me by the ropes and up in the stands, were cheering Koepka’s demise. I like D.J., I even saw him triumph over Jordan Spieth in The Northern Trust two years ago, but I wanted Koepka to finish what he started. I’ve seen collapses in other sports, and the 2012 Ryder Cup, and I don’t like them. When Dustin Johnson faltered himself with bogeys at 16 and 17, I shook my head in affirmation and pumped my fist, not that anyone noticed. “Take that, fans,” I thought. But the fans cheered again when D.J. saved par at 18, chanting “D.J.! D.J.!” They cheered more as Brooks Koepka missed a short par putt at 17.
We’ll get to Koepka’s 18th hole in a bit. But first, here are some of the players that came before him, starting with Rory McIlroy, the 2012 and 2014 PGA Champion, as well as the 2011 U.S. Open Champion and 2014 Champion Golfer of the Year (winner of the Open Championship):
Like Matt Kuchar, McIlroy shot under par 69 and finished at +1.
When I went back to the concession stand for a chocolate chip cookie, I noticed there was another course map, smaller than the one by the entrance:
Back at the green, the Lucases, Glover and Bjerregaard:
One hole earlier, at 17, Bjerregaard made a hole in one while Glover chipped in for birdie from the bunker! I heard the roar, but didn’t know what it was until I saw on the leaderboard/monitor. It turns out my friend, guitarist and vocalist Matt Marshak, was there and saw both shots! How exciting!
Back at 18, Danny Lee in the bunker:
Rickie Fowler:
Jordan Spieth:
Dustin Johnson:
“D.J.! D.J.!”:
He finished with a 69, -6 for the championship. Spoiler again, Koepka survived 18 to win by two.
Luke List:
List had a rough day after three rounds under par. He shot 74 to finish at -1.
And that brings us to Brooks Koepka. His tee shot landed in the fescue left of the fairway:
His second shot landed back in the fairway.
After checking the distance…:
…he laid up and landed on the green, 12 feet from the hole:
The fans changed their allegiance to Koepka as he walked up to his ball:
After playing partner Harold Varner III putted out, an unfortunate 81 for him and +6 finish, Koepka putt from 12 feet:
…and made it:
As Jim Nantz said on TV, “It’s a Koepka coronation!” “Coronation” was the word I had hoped for after Saturday. Despite shooting a 74, his only round over par, he was crowned repeat PGA Champion.
Here’s how it looked on CBS:
I couldn’t see the trophy presentation from where I was:
Unfortunately, no one could hear it, either. Whoever was in charge of the speakers didn’t feed into the CBS audio. Only the TV audience heard Bill Macatee as he announced Rob Labritz was the low-scoring club professional, heard PGA of America President Suzy Whaley introduce Brooks Koepka as he returned to the green to receive the Wanamaker Trophy, and heard Koepka fielding Macatee’s questions. Fans in the grandstands cried “we can’t hear you!” and words to that effect. They cheered when it seemed like they were supposed to: when Labritz waved and Koepka raised the trophy. This could be why I’m unable to find video of the presentation online. This video has excerpts at the beginning, but that’s all we get. Otherwise, I have to consult my DVR, as I did yesterday morning.
5/26 UPDATE: One week later, the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship was played upstate, at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, televised on Golf Channel and NBC. Ken Tanigawa won by one shot. This time, the crowd at 18 was able to hear the trophy presentation hosted by Steve Sands. Oak Hill will host the regular PGA in 2023, as it did in 2013, 2003, and 1980. It first hosted the Senior PGA in 2008.
With no sign that the presentation would be redone for the fans, Dad and I headed for the exit:
Future PGA Championship sites:
Along the way, we went into The PGA Shops:
I had to get a commemorative 18th hole flag, as I had done for the two U.S. Opens. Yesterday morning, I unwrapped it and put it on my bedroom wall:
It replaced the flag from the 2009 U.S. Open:
…which replaced the one from 2002:
That one developed creases from being folded up for ten years.
Back at the Black, it was time to go:
With my iPhone’s battery at 10%, I turned it off for the shuttle bus ride back to Jones Beach. I charged it in the car on the way home and back in my room once I got home.
Bethpage Black’s next big event will be the 2024 Ryder Cup. The last thing I’d like to hear that Sunday, whether in person or on TV, is the “Olé” song, indicating Europe won again. (9/21/20 UPDATE: It will be held in 2025 after the 2020 Ryder Cup was postponed to 2021, moving all subsequent Ryder Cups back to odd-numbered years and the Presidents Cup back to even-numbered years.)
I’m so glad that Brooks Koepka held on to win the 101st PGA Championship. It’s his fourth major victory in the last eight he’s played. The win returned him to #1 in the Official World Golf Ranking. And he’s undefeated on Long Island, having won his second U.S. Open last year at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton. Congratulations, Brooksie! (9/21/20 UPDATE: BK is a better nickname.)
Will Koepka get the three-peat at Pebble Beach next month? Will Dustin Johnson redeem himself after losing the lead in the final round the last time the U.S. Open was at Pebble? We’ll see.
6/16 UPDATE: Neither happened. Gary Woodland won by three shots over Koepka to win his first major.
Until then, I’ll leave you with videos…:
Todd Lewis’s interview with Brooks Koepka for Golf Channel
…and articles:
Mike Lopresti, PGA.com: Big-Game Brooks Koepka Goes Wire to Wire for First Repeat PGA Championship Since Tiger Woods
Ryan Lavner, Golf Channel: Little brother no more: Koepka sends message staring down DJ at the PGA
ESPN: Koepka struggles, holds off Johnson for PGA win
Kyle Porter, CBS Sports: Brooks Koepka finds his edge, exuding toughness in fourth major win
Greg Logan, Newsday: Brooks Koepka holds on to win at Bethpage Black despite struggling in final round
Hank Gola, New York Daily News: Brooks Koepka wins PGA Championship overcoming difficult course, hostile crowd
Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post: How Brooks Koepka avoided epic PGA Championship choke job
2019 WCWP Hall of Fame Ceremony May 14, 2019
Posted by Mike C. in Airchecks, Audio, Football, Internet, Interviews, Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Photography, Radio, Sports, Travel, TV, Video, Weather.add a comment
Other Hall of Fame ceremony recaps: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020-21, 2022, 2023
Video of the ceremony can be found at the end of this post.
The eighth annual WCWP Hall of Fame Ceremony was held Saturday afternoon in the Goldsmith Atrium at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of LIU Post. As you can see above, this year’s inductees were Lew Scharfberg, Fred Gaudelli, and Pete Bellotti.
The ceremony began at 1:10 with an introduction by WCWP Director of Broadcasting Dan Cox…:
…and a video narrated by Bernie Bernard, who was inducted in 2013:
This picture taken during a dissolve was a happy accident because it looks like Lew and Jeff Kroll, the Master of Ceremonies, are pointing at Pete:
Jeff at the mic as M.C.:
Dan had the honor of introducing two of the three inductees. First, was Pete Bellotti, currently of CBS Sports Radio:
Before Jeff’s interview and remembrances from the audience, Pete gave a speech:
Jay Mirabile had an interesting story:
Joe Manfredi, Director of Operations while Pete was a student, was complimentary:
Pete even acknowledged me when referencing the music I provided and hours of co-hosting for WCWP’s live broadcast from Bar Beach Park (now North Hempstead Beach Park) in 2006:
I was about 90 pounds heavier at the time, as I co-hosted with Eli W. Sen:
“It was a fun experience”:
Lew Scharfberg was next, following Jeff’s introduction:
Among Lew’s stories in his speech were the teletype bell ringing frantically on August 16, 1977, as news broke that Elvis Presley had died, and learning of the Dome Auditorium roof collapse during the Blizzard of 1978.
Bill Mozer misremembered one anecdote…:
…and had to be corrected by Dan:
He accurately recalled another:
Neil Marks ribbed Lew, leading to an impassioned defense…:
…but was also complimentary:
Dan Cox chimed in:
The obligatory camcorder shot to use as a cover photo for my YouTube channel:
…and the obligatory alternate perspective:
Lew’s son Dan gave a moving speech:
I told him afterward, “you’re a good son.”
Last up was Fred Gaudelli, who is the executive producer of Sunday Night Football for NBC Sports:
Fred had plenty of stories from his days at C.W. Post, working his way up through ESPN, introducing what became the 1st and 10 line, producing Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football.
At one point, Dan played a clip of Fred calling a furious comeback by the Post Pioneers against James Madison in 1981:
They rallied from 21 points down with two minutes to play, winning 37-36.
Jeff’s closing remarks:
I want to thank everyone for being here today. That’ll do it. That’s it for the 2019 WCWP Hall of Fame induction. Thank you, folks.
Photo ops, starting with the three inductees:
The three inductees with Dan Cox, Bill Mozer (2013), and Jeff Kroll (2015):
Pete and his wife Bridget:
Pete with Dan Cox and Joe Manfredi:
…and me:
The early-to-mid-2000s era of WCWP:
The Scharfbergs:
Dan quickly introduced me to Fred before he left, and took a picture of us:
I posed with him 16 years earlier after he and fellow alum Dan Reagan (“Reegan”) spoke to the broadcasting class I was in:
My parting shot was of Pat and Jeff Kroll:
Pat was inducted last year along with Muffet Provost and John Commins.
Jeff was kind enough to drive me home. We had an interesting conversation along the way, and he recognized my driveway from all the times I’d photographed it after shoveling snow. (Here’s one example.)
Congratulations to Pete Bellotti, Lew Scharfberg, and Fred Gaudelli, the 2019 class of the WCWP Hall of Fame.
Here is the video:
Thanks to Dan Cox for providing the introductory video and highlights of Fred’s play-by-play. My video was shot on a Panasonic HC-V770 camcorder with a Takstar SGC-598 shotgun mic. I periodically switched to my Tascam DR-03 recording from the platform to fill gaps between raw video files and compensate for panning to the audience.
SJFS 2019 Night 2 recap April 29, 2019
Posted by Mike C. in Food, Golf, Internet, Jazz, Music, Personal, Photography, Sports, Travel, Weather.add a comment
The 17th annual Smooth Jazz for Scholars run by keyboardist Jay Rowe resumed on Saturday night with the second of two concerts. The headliners were Brian Simpson, Eric Darius, Jessy J, back for the second year in a row, and Steve Oliver, back for the second time in three years.
I could only manage about four hours of sleep early Saturday morning, but it felt like more than that. I got out of bed at 5:45 AM and began my exercises and pre-run stretches. Then, I headed down to the West Haven Best Western‘s fitness center to run 42 minutes on the treadmill. I had to enter my weight in kilograms and speed in kilometers per hour. It’s a good thing I had a converter on my phone. As has been the case semi-regularly since January, I did not take any breaks. It was 42 minutes in a row. That was all I needed to reach my monthly mileage goal of 150 miles.
After free weight exercises, I showered and changed into a second t-shirt and pair of shorts. Then, I brought my laptop and portable hard drive down to the lobby. While guests came in for breakfast, I was fine with a cup of tea. I’d have preferred hot chocolate, but it’s only served in the winter. Two hours later, I went back to my room and finished editing. My parents texted me from across the hall to ask if I’d like to eat a late breakfast at the nearby Denny’s. I agreed. We also ate at Denny’s the morning after SJFS in 2009 when we stayed at the adjacent Hampton Inn.
As with Sally’s yesterday, I took a few pictures at Denny’s:
The weather was better on Saturday: partly to mostly cloudy, but dry. I was underdressed, though. A t-shirt and shorts were the wrong things to wear. It’s a good thing I had my spring jacket.
The menu had an option to make your own Grand Slam breakfast. I chose two buttermilk pancakes, a buttermilk biscuit, hash browns, and two sausage links.
I grabbed a picture when I was down to the pancakes:
Back at the hotel, I showered again and worked on the rough drafts for this post and the one before it.
Eventually, the time came to drive to Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the Parsons Government Complex in Milford.
Jay Rowe’s mother Mia DiStasi was the last person I saw Friday night and the first I saw Saturday.
Kevin McCabe welcomed the audience one minute before 8:00:
Then, the Foran High School Jazz Ensemble, led by Jessica Turner, came on stage:
They performed two songs. First, a Gordon Goodwin composition, which I haven’t heard on any Big Phat Band album, called “Tweet Fatigue”:
…and Doc Severinsen’s arrangement of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust” for The Tonight Show Band:
Five minutes later, musical director Jay Rowe and his band took the stage.
As usual, Jay played keyboards:
He was backed up by Trever Somerville on drums:
Unfortunately, that was only one of two pictures I got of Trever, but you can see him in other pics.
On his birthday, Steve Scales on percussion:
Dave Anderson on bass:
…and on 11 of the 15 songs, Rohn Lawrence on guitar:
The headliners were Steve Oliver on guitar and vocals:
Jessy J on tenor saxophone:
Brian Simpson on keyboard:
…and keytar:
…and Eric Darius on alto sax and occasional vocals:
SET LIST
1. There She Goes (Jay Rowe)
Originally heard on: Upcoming album
Featured musicians: Jay Rowe (keyboards), Steve Oliver (guitar, vocals)
2. High Noon (Steve Oliver)
Originally heard on: Positive Energy (2002)
Featured musician: Steve Oliver (guitar, vocals)
3. Illuminate (Steve Oliver)
Originally heard on: Illuminate (2018)
Featured musician: Steve Oliver (guitar, vocals)
4. Tequila Moon (Jessy J)
Originally heard on: Tequila Moon (2008), Live at Yoshi’s 10 Year Anniversary Special (2018)
Featured musicians: Jessy J (tenor sax), Steve Oliver (guitar)
5. All I Want (Jessy J)
Originally heard on: Live at Yoshi’s 10 Year Anniversary Special (2018)
Featured musician: Jessy J (tenor sax)
6. Just What You Need (Brian Simpson)
Originally heard on: Just What You Need (2013)
Featured musician: Brian Simpson (keyboard)
7. Persuasion (Brian Simpson)
Originally heard on: Persuasion (2016)
Featured musicians: Brian Simpson (keyboard), Eric Darius (alto sax)
8. Breakin’ Thru (Eric Darius)
Originally heard on: Breakin’ Thru (2018)
Featured musician: Eric Darius (alto sax)
9. L.O.V.E. (Eric Darius)
Originally heard on: Breakin’ Thru (2018)
Featured musician: Eric Darius (alto sax)
L.O.V.E. is Eric’s marital acronym for “living our vows every day.”
10. The Tango Boy (Jessy J)
Originally heard on: My One and Only One (2015), Live at Yoshi’s 10 Year Anniversary Special (2018)
Featured musicians: Jessy J (tenor sax), Brian Simpson (keytar), Jay Rowe (keyboards)
11. Chips and Salsa (Steve Oliver)
Originally heard on: 3D (2004)
Featured musicians: Steve Oliver (guitar, vocals), Brian Simpson (keyboard), Jay Rowe (keyboards)
12. Saturday Cool (Brian Simpson)
Originally heard on: It’s All Good (2005)
Featured musician: Brian Simpson (keyboard, keytar)
13. Love is the Answer (Todd Rundgren composition for his band Utopia)
Featured musicians: Foran High School Advanced Ensemble Chorus (directed by Theresa Voss), Eric Darius (alto sax), Jay Rowe (keyboards)
14. Night on the Town (Eric Darius)
Originally heard on: Night on the Town (2004)
Featured musician: Eric Darius (alto sax, vocals)
15 (Finale). Happy (Eric Darius) (Pharrell Williams cover)
Originally heard on: Retro Forward (2014)
Featured musicians: Everyone
Jay did not play on Brian’s three songs.
The first group of pictures by artist is for Steve Oliver:
Guitar symphony orchestra:
Vocals:
Audience sing-a-long:
Steve started “Chips and Salsa” in the audience:
Along the way, he prompted them to shout “¡Olé!”
Back on stage…:
“Where’s the party?”:
“Ohhhhh-oh! Sing!”:
They did:
There was more to echo after that:
Including complicated vocalise:
Their effort passed muster: “Aw, you’re hired. You’re comin’ on the road with us.”
Jessy J:
Brian Simpson on keyboard:
…and keytar:
Eric Darius:
Eric prompted the audience to wave their phones’ flashlights at the start of “L.O.V.E.”:
… What this light represents tonight is unity ’cause we are all united, and most importantly, this light represents love, L.O.V.E.
In the middle of the song, after sitting on the end of the stage:
…he walked down to them, high-fiving some along the way:
Back on stage:
Big finish:
“Love you, Milford!”:
During “Night on the Town,” more audience participation: “Ooh-ooh!”:
“Now, somebody scream!”:
He returned to the audience for “Night on the Town”:
As Eric made his way to the other side, I smiled for my camcorder, then panned right when I got back in position:
Back on stage:
Jay Rowe:
The end-of-solo glide:
The second Trever Somerville pic:
Steve Scales:
Dave Anderson during his “Saturday Cool” duet:
Rohn Lawrence’s “Breakin’ Thru” solo:
Jessy and Jay:
Jessy and Steve:
Rohn and Jessy (and Trever):
I just missed his wolf whistle riff.
Eric and Brian:
Rohn and Eric:
Jessy and Brian:
Brian and Jay’s Jessy J-sanctioned keyboard competition:
I call it a draw.
“Brian Simpson! Jay Rowe!”:
Brian and Dave:
“Love is the Answer,” with the Foran High School Advanced Vocal Ensemble, directed by Theresa Voss:
The finale: “Happy”:
“Oh!” “Yeah!”:
Eric named all performers…:
“I’m Eric Darius! We love you! God bless! Thank you!”:
Air Darius:
That’s it!
A selfie for Brian’s Facebook page:
Here’s how it looked:
Jay brought up the rest of the band for a group bow:
That marked the end of the 17th year of Smooth Jazz for Scholars.
What a fantastic night! And what a workout! The health app on my iPhone says I took thousands of steps both nights. I was cold in my short-sleeve shirt when I arrived both nights, but I was hot when the house lights came up and the stage was struck. That’s a workout.
During the show I once again caught up with my photography colleagues Ron Hancox, Keith McDonald, and Bill. Before and after, I spoke to Jay Dobbins and John and Barbara again. Afterward, I saw my friends Kelly and Jen.
Kelly was nice enough to take pictures during the meet-and-greet. First, Brian Simpson:
Next, Jessy J:
Jessy asked what I’d been up to since last year. I gave her the highlights, including my cousin David’s wedding down in Miami. Jessy’s 8-month-old son is also named David.
Then, Steve Oliver:
Seconds before Kelly took the above picture, she said she loved “Chips and Salsa” and Steve proceeded to vocalize. That cracked me up. Before that, he noticed the 2019 PGA Championship shirt I was wearing. I told him I’d be going to the final round at Bethpage Black golf course in a few weeks. I added that I wore the 2018 U.S. Open shirt that I got ahead of that tournament, held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton. I said I arrived at the course for the third round at about the time Phil Mickelson moved his ball on the 13th green while it was still rolling. Getting back to music, after Kelly took our picture, I told Steve I was glad he played “Illuminate” because it made me think of the late Chuck Loeb, who played SJFS five years ago. We both miss him, and I know anyone else that followed his music misses him, too.
5/6 UPDATE: My friend John Caramagna took a candid shot of the above moment from another angle:
Finally, I met Eric Darius:
I told him I liked his energy, bouncing around the stage so fast. I didn’t realize he was pointing at me when we posed, just as I didn’t know Matt Marshak’s expression last year. I would have pointed back. Eric said it was because “you’re the man.” I told him he was the man and thanked him for a great night of music.
Kelly and Jen were waiting outside to take me back to West Haven, but I had to say hi to Dolly Moye before I left. I saw her dancing in the right aisle both nights, but didn’t get to talk to her on Friday.
On the ride back to Best Western, Kelly and Jen shared stories from their union’s strike against Stop & Shop earlier in the month. I was glad to be with them.
I went right to sleep after returning to my room. Once again, I could only manage a few hours of sleep. I woke up around 4:45 AM and started going through photos from the night before. I weeded out the poor quality shots, pausing periodically to do push-ups and jumping jacks. I noticed the dawn sky outside my 7th floor window, which had a southeast exposure, and broke out my camera:
20 minutes later, the sun was in view:
Another 10 minutes passed and I took my last sunrise pic:
I could also see Long Island Sound and the north shore of either Miller Place, Rocky Point, Shoreham, or Wading River, based on Google Maps:
I put my camera away and went down to the fitness center to lift weights. Then, I went back to my room to start editing Saturday’s pictures, shower, and pack up.
Checkout was at 11:00, so with everything else packed, I packed up my laptop and proceeded to the lobby. My parents and I left the hotel at 11:10. As we pulled out of the parking lot, the England Dan and John Ford Coley version of “Love is the Answer” was playing on SiriusXM 70s on 7, which was running the April 28, 1979, episode of Casey Kasem’s American Top 40.
Just like last year, an hour and 40 minutes later, even with a heavy pocket of traffic in Stamford, we were home. Traffic is always lighter getting home late Sunday morning than it is going to New Haven County on Friday afternoon. I finished editing half a mile from my house.
I put the finishing touches on the two recaps today. Thank you for reading and viewing along with me, and thank you to everyone I encountered while in Milford and West Haven. Until next year, so long.
SJFS 2019 Night 1 recap April 29, 2019
Posted by Mike C. in Food, Internet, Jazz, Music, Personal, Photography, Travel, Weather.add a comment
The 17th annual Smooth Jazz for Scholars, the brainchild of keyboardist Jay Rowe, began Friday night at the usual place: Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the Parsons Government Center in Milford, Connecticut, Jay’s hometown. Friday’s headliners were Chieli Minucci, Marion Meadows, and Nick Colionne.
While the venue remained the same, the official hotel changed: Best Western Executive Hotel in West Haven. It’s adjacent to the Hampton Inn I stayed at ten years ago. That year, SJFS was still only one night and was held at Foran High School.
Since this year’s SJFS took place during spring break, I left for West Haven with my parents just after 11AM. Unfortunately, for the third year in a row, rain followed us most of the way to the hotel. It persisted throughout the day, except for a two-hour lull in the late afternoon. It was during that lull that the three of us ate dinner at the legendary Sally’s Apizza (pronounced “a BEATS”) in New Haven. It was the furthest north and east I had been in Connecticut since returning from a few days in New Hampshire in August 1996. (We took a ferry from New London to Orient Point on Long Island’s North Fork.)
Sally’s is located on Wooster Street in New Haven’s Little Italy:
For privacy reasons, I only photographed the walls:
We shared a coal-fired, thin-crust meatball pizza pie:
It was delicious!
I learned afterward that this pizza style is exclusive to New Haven.
We were back at Best Western by 6:00. An hour later, I was driven to Veterans Memorial Auditorium. By this point, it was raining again. If Smooth Jazz for Scholars were an outdoor baseball series, Friday’s show would have been made up the next day as part of a day-night doubleheader. Luckily, the rain had tapered off as I walked into the auditorium.
Inside, I got to speak to my friend John. We spoke wistfully about saxophonist Paul “Shilts” Weimar’s heyday, and how we missed his music. He even told me about the one time Shilts played a joke on me, early in his 2012 show at Houndstooth Pub. Shilts said he would note that photography wasn’t allowed, then wait a few seconds and admit he was messing with me. I had a nice laugh as he cordially asked what camera I was using.
As showtime approached, after I’d set up my equipment in the orchestra pit, I spoke to Billy and Sandy Okumu (it was Billy’s birthday), Mark and Phyllis Abrams, Jay Dobbins, another John, John Caramagna, and his wife Barbara Grocki. I met the two of them at Hampton Inn last year. John told me Saturday night that they stayed there again this year and wondered where I was in the morning.
Kevin McCabe welcomed the still-arriving crowd a few minutes after 8:00:
Like last year, the opening act was the Jonathan Law High School Jazz Band, directed by Phil Giampietro, who addressed the audience beforehand:
They performed “Jeannine,” a Cannonball Adderley tune:
Our feature presentation started at 8:20. Musical director Jay Rowe led the house band on keyboards:
Trever Somerville on drums:
Steve Scales on percussion:
Dave Anderson on bass:
…and for eight of the 14 songs, Rohn (“Ron”) Lawrence on electric guitar:
The headliners were Chieli Minucci (“key-L-e min-OO-chee”) on acoustic guitar:
…and electric guitar:
Marion Meadows on soprano saxophone:
…and Nick Colionne on electric guitar and vocals:
SET LIST
1. Smooth Ride (Jay Rowe)
Originally heard on: Smooth Ride (2016)
Featured musician: Jay Rowe (keyboards)
2. Daybreak (Chieli Minucci)
Originally heard on: Global Village (Special EFX) (1992)
Featured musician: Chieli Minucci (acoustic/electric guitar)
3. Crazy Eights (Chieli Minucci)
Originally heard on: Genesis (Chieli Minucci & Special EFX) (2013)
Featured musician: Chieli Minucci (electric guitar)
4. Celebration Road (Marion Meadows)
Originally heard on: Soul Traveler (2015)
Featured musicians: Marion Meadows (soprano sax), Chieli Minucci (acoustic guitar)
5. No Rhyme, No Reason (Marion Meadows) (George Duke cover)
Originally heard on: Next to You (2000)
Featured musician: Marion Meadows (soprano sax)
6. The Reunion (Jay Rowe)
Originally heard on: Smooth Ride (2016)
Featured musicians: Jay Rowe (keyboards), Marion Meadows (soprano sax)
7. Be Urself (Nick Colionne)
Originally heard on: Just Being Me (2018)
Featured musician: Nick Colionne (electric guitar)
8. Rainy Night in Georgia (Nick Colionne) (Brook Benton cover)
Originally heard on: It’s My Turn (1994), Keepin’ It Cool (2006)
Featured musician: Nick Colionne (vocals, electric guitar)
9. Uptown East (Chieli Minucci)
Originally heard on: Slice of Life (Special EFX) (1986)
Featured musician: Chieli Minucci (electric guitar)
10. Dance on the Delta (Chieli Minucci)
Originally heard on: Deep as the Night (Special EFX) (2017)
Featured musician: Chieli Minucci (acoustic/electric guitar)
11. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) (Nick Colionne) (Marvin Gaye cover)
Originally heard on: Just Being Me (2018)
Featured musician: Nick Colionne (electric guitar, vocals)
12. Is This Love I’m Feeling? (Nick Colionne)
Originally heard on: Just Being Me (2018)
Featured musician: Nick Colionne (electric guitar, vocals)
13. Sweet Grapes (Marion Meadows)
Originally heard on: Player’s Club (2004)
Featured musician: Marion Meadows (soprano sax)
14 (Finale). Diggable (Marion Meadows
Originally heard on: Player’s Club (2004)
Featured musicians: Everyone
Now, on to groups of pictures by artist, starting with Chieli Minucci on electric guitar:
…and acoustic guitar:
Marion Meadows:
Nick Colionne on guitar:
Vocals on “Rainy Night in Georgia”:
The song ended with an “America the Beautiful” motif. Nick had the audience sing the last line, “from sea to shining sea,” but had them hold the “ing” in “shining”:
He cut the second “sea” and wrapped up the song:
More audience participation on “How Sweet It Is”:
…and “Is This Love I’m Feeling?”:
Jay Rowe:
Trever Somerville:
Steve Scales:
Dave Anderson:
Rohn Lawrence’s intense “No Rhyme, No Reason” solo:
Marion and Chieli’s “Celebration Road” call and response:
Nick and Jay:
Before “Dance on the Delta,” Jay announced the winner of the 50/50 raffle:
It was Barbara Grocki, who generously donated her winnings:
I think it’s only fair that we donate this to Milford Schools and to your cause.
“Thank you so much, Barbara. Give it up for Barbara!”:
Wide shots from the finale: “Diggable”:
The last note:
Jay named all performers:
“I’m Jay Rowe! Thanks so much for comin’! See y’all here tomorrow night!”:
They looked toward me:
The first night of the 17th annual Smooth Jazz for Scholars was complete.
I caught up with so many musicians afterward, starting with Steve Scales:
Next, Rohn Lawrence:
Chieli Minucci:
Nick Colionne:
…and Marion Meadows:
Thanks to John Caramagna, Ron Hancox, and Steve Lewis for taking all those pictures.
They were also busy photographing during the show, as were Keith McDonald, Steve Cooper, and Bill, who I met as I was putting away my equipment.
I also said hello to Ron’s wife Nydia, our friend Estella Greene, whom I met during the Houndstooth Pub shows years ago, and Jay Rowe’s mother, Mia DiStasi.
After packing up, getting my jacket on, and pulling up my hood, I went back in the rain where my parents were waiting to drive me back to West Haven. Click here to see my recap of my Saturday, Saturday night’s show, and the return home on Sunday. (5/4/22 UPDATE: Until working on this year’s recaps, I forgot to link to 2019’s second night. I have now.)
The Rippingtons at My Father’s Place March 23, 2019
Posted by Mike C. in Comedy, Internet, Jazz, Music, Personal, Photography, Travel, Weather.add a comment
Thursday night marked four firsts. It was my first time at My Father’s Place at the Roslyn Hotel:
It was the first time I’d seen the Rippingtons perform in nearly eight years. And the first time I saw Brandon Fields play saxophone for the band.
My Father’s Place was the first stop on the Ripps’ latest tour, coinciding with the release of their 23rd album, Open Road. Copies were available in the lobby and I gladly purchased one. This was another case of buying an album at a concert the day before its release. The last time I did that was three years ago when I bought Cohearence at Yellowjackets’ Birdland show. (An earlier version had the wrong album title, Altered State.)
The tour’s second stop was at Blue Note last night. I could have opted for the early show there, but I wanted to try somewhere new. My Father’s Place was in Roslyn, in my home county of Nassau, a short drive west of my alma mater LIU Post. Rippingtons keyboardist Bill Heller lives a little further up NY 25A (Northern Boulevard in Nassau and Queens) in Huntington.
My Father’s Place is nice and spacious. I arrived around 6:15 and was able to get a one-person table facing the right side of the stage. To use a rhyming word, the staff was gracious. Thank you, Billy, Mike, and my server Maggie. I ate two bowls of mac and cheese, or more accurately, cavatappi and cheese. It was delicious. The two bowls were equal to one bowl of Ronzoni ziti rigati that I make at home.
Getting back to Thursday’s performers, I’ve kept in touch over the years with Bill Heller and his wife Dawn on Facebook and Instagram. Dawn loves the photos I post to Instagram and cheers my running progress on Facebook. In the last two months, I’ve routinely run 70+ minutes on the treadmill, sometimes without stopping for breaks. I was looking forward to see Bill and meet him after the set, and I was glad to learn that Dawn would be there, as well. She arrived 45 minutes after I did. As it turns out, I was sitting next to her friends Pete and Sally. Not only were they longtime fans of the Rippingtons, but Pete was Bill and Dawn’s contractor. It was great to share my love of the band, and contemporary jazz, with them. It was equally great to speak with Dawn for a little while at her table. Saxophonist Brandon Fields walked by and I briefly introduced myself after he spoke with Dawn. Rippingtons manager Andi Howard also passed by Dawn’s table, but I didn’t think to say anything until she left.
Before long, it was 8:00, and the fourth first occurred: the first time I saw a comedian open for a band. The comic with that task was Paul Anthony:
Paul’s 15-minute set covered such topics as growing up in the 1970s, Dancing with the Stars, scratch-off lottery tickets, and even The Weather Channel‘s Local on the 8s. The Rippingtons were among the contemporary jazz and new age artists whose song excerpts were heard during the Local Forecasts from the ’80s into the 2000s. (Check out TWC Classics for examples.) So, I was glad Paul worked that into his set.
A short time later came the main attraction: The Rippingtons!
Through his vocoder, keyboardist Bill Heller welcomed the audience:
Hello, Roslyn. Welcome to My Father’s Place. We are the Rippingtons. Relax, enjoy the open road!
Bandleader Russ Freeman played guitar:
Bill Heller was on his Kurzweil synthesizer:
Brandon Fields on alto saxophone:
…and flute:
Rico Belled on bass:
…and Dave Karasony on drums, as seen during his “Tangerine Skyline” clinic:
“Dave Karasony on drums!”:
Counting the four-song encore!, the Rippingtons’ set ran over an hour and a half. Here’s what they played:
1. Open Road
Originally heard on: Open Road (2019)
Bill Heller, vocoder
2. Destiny
Originally heard on: Tourist in Paradise (1989)
3. Follow the Stars
Originally heard on: Open Road (2019)
4. Curves Ahead
Originally heard on: Curves Ahead (1991)
5. Morocco
Originally heard on: Kilimanjaro (1988)
6. Lost Highway
Originally heard on: Open Road (2019)
Brandon Fields, flute
7. I Watched Her Walk Away
Originally heard on: Welcome to the St. James’ Club (1990)
8. Road Warriors
Originally heard on: Live Across America (2002)
9. Silver Arrows
Originally heard on: Open Road (2019)
Brandon Fields, flute
10. Caribbean Breeze
Originally heard on: Life in the Tropics (2000)
11. Carnival!
Originally heard on: Weekend in Monaco (1992)
12. Tangerine Skyline
Originally heard on: Open Road (2019)
Dave Karasony, drum solo to backing track
13. Luca
Originally heard on: Open Road (2019)
14. Gran Via
Originally heard on: Open Road (2019)
15. Welcome to the St. James’ Club
Originally heard on: Welcome to the St. James’ Club (1990)
16. Body Art
Originally heard on: Modern Art (2009)
Bill Heller, vocoder
17 (Encore 1). Aspen
Originally heard on: Curves Ahead (1991)
18 (Encore 2). Tourist in Paradise
Originally heard on: Tourist in Paradise (1989)
19 (Encore 3). Purple Haze (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
Originally heard on: Live Across America (2002)
Rico Belled, vocals
20 (Encore 4). Fire (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
Originally heard on: Live Across America (2002)
Rico Belled, Brandon Fields, Bill Heller (vocoder), vocals
Here are pictures from the “last” song of the set: “Body Art”:
Encore song #1: “Aspen”:
Encore song #2: “Tourist in Paradise”:
Encore song #3: “Purple Haze”:
“‘Scuse me while I kiss the sky!“:
Encore song #4, truly the last song of the set: “Fire”:
“Let me stand next to your fire!“:
The set was complete.
I caught up with Bill Heller, my friend of 14 years, in the lobby after the show. He signed my new copy of Open Road and we posed for a picture:
What a show: 15 songs and a four-song encore! That’s how you open a tour! Thanks to Russ, Bill, Brandon, Rico, and Dave for an hour and a half of great music. Best of luck with the rest of the tour. And thanks to Paul Anthony for 15 minutes of laughs.
Road signs in South Florida March 7, 2019
Posted by Mike C. in Personal, Photography, Travel.add a comment
I recently spent six days in South Florida for my cousin David’s wedding to Talia in Key Biscayne. There was plenty of travel involved, which meant I saw road signs I hadn’t seen in a decade or ever.
I photographed along Interstate 95, 195, and 595, the Sawgrass Expressway (FL 869), A1A, and other state roads, and up and down South Miami Avenue and SW 1st Avenue in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. Friends and relatives stayed at the Atton Brickell Miami hotel ahead of the wedding.
I also photographed the skyline, clouds, aircraft, landmarks, a Bass Pro Shops location, and of course, the aforementioned friends and relatives. However, with this one exception… (2/9/22 UPDATE: Embedding Instagram posts is no longer possible. Here is the photo from the wedding.)
…this post is limited to road sign pictures, provided the cars’ license plates aren’t visible. Let’s begin.
I-95 north:
I-95 south:
I-195 east:
I-595 west:
I-595 east:
Sawgrass Expressway (FL 869) north:
Sawgrass Expressway (FL 869) South:
Florida’s Turnpike south:
A1A north:
Walking through Brickell:
Other signs:
That concludes this photographic journey through the traveling portion of my Florida trip. Congratulations to David and Talia.
Lisa Hilton at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall: 2019 edition January 12, 2019
Posted by Mike C. in Animation, Blu-ray, Comedy, DVD, Hockey, Internet, Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Photography, Politics, Sports, Travel, TV, Video Games, Weather.add a comment
Previous Lisa Hilton recaps: June 2011, January 2014, January 2015, January 2016, January 2018
Thursday night, for the fifth time in six years, I made my way to the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall to see jazz pianist Lisa Hilton perform.
Unlike last year, I didn’t leave the house early so I could eat dinner before arriving at Weill. I went about my typical Thursday routine, including eating a pasta dinner around 5:00. At 5:40, my mom drove me to the Wantagh LIRR station. It’s a good thing I chose to leave at that time because unbeknownst to me, the 5:59 train was moved up to 5:55 starting on Monday:
The other arrival times are unchanged.
It was cold and windy on the platform, so it’s a good thing I wasn’t there long.
The train arrived two minutes late, at least on clocks set to the official U.S. time:
Just like the snowy night I saw the Bob James Trio at the Blue Note, the Rangers and Islanders were playing each other. Then, the game was at Barclays Center, current home of the Islanders. This time, it was at Madison Square Garden. Thus, Rangers and Islanders fans were prevalent on the train. Ordinarily, I would have stayed on all the way to Penn Station, but getting to Carnegie Hall isn’t as direct as Blue Note. I could have taken the 1 train from Penn to 59th Street-Columbus Circle, but I would have to walk a few blocks south and east from there. In the afternoon, I consulted Google Maps to determine what subway line I should take instead of the 1. They suggested I exit at Woodside and take the 7 train to Queensboro Plaza, then transfer to the N or W trains to 57th Street and 7th Avenue. That’s what I did.
I arrived at Woodside at 6:46 and proceeded to the adjacent subway station:
I lost my sense of direction and stood in position for this Flushing-bound train:
I figured out where I was facing when the doors wouldn’t open on my side.
The correct 7 train arrived at 6:52:
12 minutes later, I stood in Queensboro Plaza:
Google Maps suggested the N train on the way and the W train going back. I ended up doing the opposite. The W train arrived before the N, two minutes after I got off the 7:
By 7:15, I was at 57th Street:
I took the southeast corner stairway:
The stairway faces south, so I had to turn north and then east:
It wasn’t long before I reached my destination:
Foolishly choosing the stairs over the elevator, I (somewhat) breathlessly arrived on the fourth floor and stood in the lobby until the hall doors were opened:
The audience was allowed in at 7:30.
After finding my front row not-quite-center seat, I took a few pictures of the stage, knowing I’d have to put the camera away until afterward:
A security guard reminded me there was no photography during the show, and I assured him I was only taking before and after. I know the rules and willingly play by them. (I didn’t tell him that.)
Lisa and her two bandmates walked on stage at 8:04. Yes, for the first time, this was a trio performance. Luques (“lu-KEZ”) Curtis was once again on acoustic bass with Mark Whitfield Jr. on drums. Mark alternated between sticks and brushes depending on the song.
The first nine songs were all from Lisa’s latest album, Oasis, released on December 7. The concept is similar to that of her previous album, Escapism: escaping the craziness of the real world. At the Oasis, you can take your mind off the political turmoil and extreme weather dominating the news. A case of extreme weather is the Woolsey fire in Southern California, which forced Lisa to evacuate her Malibu home. She eventually returned home to no damage, but others weren’t as fortunate.
I’m right-of-center politically, but I can’t stand politics’ insane tribalism. It’s our way or the highway, whether “our” is Republicans or Democrats. And don’t get me started on the politics of personal destruction. One wrong move will destroy your life. I also have a pessimistic view of my party’s chances in elections and I take hyperbole from left-leaning politicians and pundits personally.
Since late September, I have paid little attention to the news. I know what happened on November 6, and that my left-wing friends gloated triumphantly, but that’s mostly it. Some news comes to my attention by overhearing what someone is watching in another room, from newspapers on display at the supermarket if I fail to avert my gaze, or reading Chuck Lorre’s vanity cards at the end of episodes of his sitcoms. I keep my head buried in music, sports (but not sports debate or news magazines), documentaries, cartoons, sitcoms, tech reviews, and video game or console reviews and retrospectives. Ignorance is bliss.
I used to occasionally post political links or videos, such as for Prager University, on Facebook, but I stopped a year ago. Now, I don’t talk politics at all on any of my social media (I seldom did on Twitter since my account is public) or with family and friends, unless we agree. I’m a people-pleaser; I want to be everyone’s friend. I don’t want politics to come between us.
Lisa promised that the songs we were about to hear would be uplifting. There wouldn’t be any songs with titles like “F U Donald,” as John Scofield had with Combo 66 in November.
The set ran about 70 minutes. Here’s what Lisa Hilton’s trio played:
1. Adventure Lands
This made me think of the times I went to the Adventureland amusement park in Farmingdale when I was growing up.
2. Oasis
Mark Whitfield Jr. provided a swing beat at times. At one point, I followed Luques Curtis’s fingers on the bass.
3. Twists of Fate
Lisa credited Count Basie and Thelonious Monk among her inspirations for this song.
4. Watercolor World
5. Vapors & Shadows (also on Horizons, 2015)
In a quiet moment, Mark lightly clacked the drums. Lisa and I seemed to lock eyes briefly.
6. Lazy Daisy
This brought to mind a hippie daisy floating downstream or lying in an inner tube in a water park lazy river, like the one at Splish Splash in Riverhead. That was another park I frequented growing up, but I haven’t been there in almost 20 years.
7. Just for Fun (also on In the Mood for Jazz, 2003; Nuance, 2010; and Getaway, 2013)
Lisa’s gliding up and down the keys made me laugh.
8. Sunshine States
There was a Latin flavor befitting the two Sunshine States, California (officially the Golden State) and Florida. It was reminiscent of Chick Corea, and the end felt like “Tequila” by The Champs, just as “Hot Summer Samba” did last year.
9. Sunday Morning (also on Midnight in Manhattan, 2006)
10. Waterfall (from Cocktails at Eight, 2000)
11. Meltdown (from Sunny Day Theory, 2008; later on Nuance, 2010; and Escapism, 2017)
This song is a comment on a hectic life, being driven to a meltdown or breakdown. It had a frantic, heavy metal-like pace, and also brought to mind boss music in a video game. There were occasionally staccato Morse Code-like notes.
12 (Encore). Zero Gravity (from Escapism, 2017)
Coincidentally, earlier in the day, I watched the fourth Futurama film, Into the Wild Green Yonder (2009), on Blu-ray. One of the special features involved series executive producers Matt Groening and David X. Cohen talking about their recent Zero G flight. They and their fellow passengers, including Matt’s son Will, experienced periods of weightlessness.
As it turned out, no one else was seated in the front row, not even in the handicap seats. I could have moved, but chose not to.
1/18 UPDATE: Lisa posted a picture from the set (taken by photographer Ryan Nava) to Facebook, her website, and her newsletter last night:
Here’s the Facebook post, which ends with a link to her web post:
1/29 UPDATE: Lisa posted two more of Ryan Nava’s pictures to social media yesterday:
When the house lights went back up in Weill Recital Hall, and the audience began to leave, I said aloud, to no one in particular, that was a great show. Steve, who was seated one row behind me, agreed. I told him it was my fifth time, he said it was his first. We spoke a little more, then went our separate ways. I proceeded to the lobby to meet and greet Lisa and Luques. I didn’t see Mark, though. As I let other audience members talk to them for a while, I shared my enthusiasm with Adam and Vicki. Adam was seated a row or two behind me and told me he noticed that I was taking notes. I let him know it was for the recap you’re reading right now, and shared some of the notes with him. He was nice enough to take a picture of Lisa and me before I left:
I rightly took the elevator back down to the first floor.
By 9:46, I was back in the 57th Street subway station:
My N train for Queensboro Plaza arrived at 9:54:
Ten minutes later, I was among a massive throng of passengers (whom I didn’t photograph out of privacy) waiting to board the 7 train:
It took another ten minutes for that 7 train to arrive, and a couple more minutes before the doors were opened. I barely fit into the cramped car I walked into. There was little relief between stops as few people got off. Flushing was likely the majority destination.
The late arrival of the 7 train at Woodside meant I missed my LIRR train for Wantagh.
The good news is I would only have to wait about 20 minutes for the next Babylon-bound train:
The bad news is it was an express train that only stopped at Woodside, Jamaica, Valley Stream, and Freeport, with no other stops before Babylon. My dad was nice enough to drive 15 minutes out to Freeport to pick me up because I wasn’t about to wait until about 11:15 for a train that would stop at Wantagh.
After waiting upstairs out of the wind for 15 minutes, I proceeded to the track 4 platform and waited for my train:
Brrr! Each gust was tough to endure.
I was relieved to board the warm train at 10:47:
Once again, there were Rangers and Islanders fans aboard. And once again, the Islanders won. This time, 4-3. As a Rangers fan, this has been a tough season. (8:20 PM UPDATE: The game was part of a home-and-home. The Rangers won 2-1 at Barclays Center earlier today.)
The train was scheduled to arrive at Freeport by 11:15. Instead, it was there at 11:23. My railcar was a few blocks from where Dad was. Once inside his car, the drive back to Wantagh took 15 minutes, the same length it took to get to Freeport. Home sweet home.
Thank you to Lisa Hilton, Luques Curtis, and Mark Whitfield Jr. for the fifth great night of music in six years. (I couldn’t make it in 2017.) Thanks, as well, to Steve, Adam, and Vicki from the audience; and of course, to my parents for transportation to and from the train stations.
John Scofield’s Combo 66 at Blue Note December 2, 2018
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Music, Personal, Photography, Politics, Travel, Weather.add a comment
Two weeks after braving wintry conditions to see the Bob James Trio at Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village, I returned to the legendary venue to see guitarist John Scofield‘s Combo 66 quartet.
363 nights after seeing saxophonist Dave Koz for the first time, as his 20th Anniversary Christmas Tour stopped at the Tilles Center, it was time to see John Scofield for the first time.
Skies were partly cloudy with a stiff westerly breeze on Thursday afternoon as I walked from my house to the Wantagh LIRR station. I took an earlier train than the last time: 4:27 this time. Aboard the train, an M3 railcar, I sat in the head car and could see straight ahead, a perspective I seldom see.
Once at Penn Station, I boarded an E train for West 4th Street. I arrived outside Blue Note at exactly 5:45:
Within 20 minutes, I was inside. I thought about sitting by the stage again, but opted for a seat further back and elevated. Unfortunately, I didn’t make any new friends at the table this time. A father and son, and man in his 20s kept to themselves and I was too shy to start a conversation.
John Scofield’s Combo 66 began their set a few minutes after 8:00:
John led the quartet on electric guitar:
He was backed up by Gerald Clayton, on piano for five songs:
…and organ, which I had a better view of, for three songs:
Vicente Archer on acoustic bass:
…and Bill Stewart on drums:
Bill used brushes for “I’m Sleeping In”:
There were eight songs in the quartet’s set, with all but three of them from the Combo 66 album:
1. Can’t Dance*
Originally heard on: Combo 66 (2018)
2. Hand Jive
Originally heard on: Hand Jive (1994)
3. Green Tea*
Originally heard on: A Go Go (1998)
4. Dang Swing
Originally heard on: Combo 66 (2018)
5. I’m Sleeping In
Originally heard on: Combo 66 (2018)
6. Icons of the Fair
Originally heard on: Combo 66 (2018)
7. F U Donald (Bill Stewart composition)
Originally heard on: Band Menu (Bill Stewart) (2018)
I felt like an outcast as John announced the title, an obvious shot at President Donald Trump, which received a hearty applause. The son seated next to me cheered “my man!” at the title’s sentiment. I just sighed and shook my head. The song itself was great. I thought it was better with guitar than saxophone as there was on Bill’s Band Menu. Afterward, John emphatically repeated the title and softly quipped, “now, we’d like to play a beautiful ballad for [Vice President] Mike Pence.” Even I laughed. Then, the set concluded with…
8. New Waltzo*
Originally heard on: Combo 66 (2018)
*-Gerald Clayton played organ.
It was a superb set. Not even a politically-charged song title could dampen my enjoyment. Thank you to John, Gerald, Vicente, and Bill.
Returning to Penn Station on the E train and to Wantagh on a Babylon-bound LIRR train were both uneventful. My next trip to Manhattan is slated for January 10 when I’ll once again see pianist Lisa Hilton perform.
MikeChimeri.com 