2017 WCWP Homecoming Weekend, first five hours October 14, 2017
Posted by Mike C. in Airchecks, Audio, Education, Internet, Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Photography, Radio, Video, Video Games.2 comments
For the third year in a row, I led off the 60-hour Homecoming Weekend block of alumni-hosted shows on WCWP, LIU Post’s campus radio station. Instrumental Invasion with Mike Chimeri kicked off the festivities yesterday at noon.
The Homecoming Weekend block began in December 1977 as Oldtimers’ Weekend. Here is a flyer made for the inaugural block:
And here’s the press release.
The block would move to the weekend of homecoming the following year, but wouldn’t be called Homecoming Weekend until 1980.
Back in the present, my mother drove me up to LIU Post at 8:10 AM. I arrived at LIU Post about a half hour later.
Three hours remained until my show. I passed the time by setting up in Studio 2, browsing the web in Studio 3 (which is as an editing room and classroom) on my laptop – which I brought to edit the aircheck audio and video after my show – and played a word search in a Nintendo 3DS game called Crosswords Plus.
Along the way, fellow alumni Jeff and Pat Kroll arrived, as did Joel Feltman.
Eventually, noon came and I was on the air. While my first song – “Happy Hour” by the recently departed Chuck Loeb – was playing, I took some pictures:
An hour into the show, I had Pat Kroll take a picture of me:
Ted David, who came on after my show, listened to me on his drive up to the station. He was very complimentary of every facet of my show, especially my music selections and delivery. He repeated those compliments early in his show. After spotting my camera, he took this picture of me:
Ted’s right. This was a great show. From my perspective, it was nearly flawless. The only mistake was having the CD 1 pot (potentiometer) down at the start of “One More Time” by Herman Jackson. Here is how I looked and sounded during the talk breaks:
Thanks to Shanachie for not penalizing me for the excerpt of “Stratosphere” by Najee. They claimed the copyright on the video and are getting revenue. I thank them for the joy their artists provide me.
11:45 AM UPDATE: I just noticed that my camcorder swayed back and forth on the tripod while recording. I hope it doesn’t give any viewers motion sickness.
10/17/17 UPDATE: I have since acquired an alternate recording of the show via internet stream. The constant tone from my FM tuner recording in the above video is gone. Here is how the aircheck sounded on the stream:
I mentioned during the show that David Benoit hosts a show on an 88.1 FM in Long Beach, California, but neglected to elaborate. The call letters are KKJZ-FM and it’s known as KJazz 88.1 FM. Like WCWP, it emanates from a college campus: Long Beach State. David’s show airs weekdays from 8AM to noon Pacific (11AM to 3PM Eastern).
Here’s how the transitions between songs during the show sounded (10/17/17 UPDATE: Also via the stream):
And here’s the playlist.
As I noted Ted David followed my show:
As I further noted, Ted complimented me during his show:
Thank you, Ted, not only for the compliments, but for the aircheck.
Ted then gave way to Pat Kroll:
Pat had me take a posed shot:
Then, I took a pic of Pat and Jeff:
Next door in Studio 3, I asked Bruce and Tamara Leonard to pose for a pic:
Then, Bruce had me pose with Tamara:
And before I left for home, a shot of Ted David and Joel Feltman:
It’s 8:05 AM as I post this. I’m headed back up to LIU Post this afternoon for Homecoming, the WCWP Alumni Barbecue and the announcement of the 2018 class of the WCWP Hall of Fame. I should have a recap of the day up by Monday.
Two shows on WCWP this weekend October 10, 2017
Posted by Mike C. in Education, Internet, Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Radio, Sports.add a comment
The WCWP Homecoming Weekend is just three days away. For the third year in a row, I lead off the 60-hour block of alumni-hosted programming on 88.1 FM and WCWP.org.
Instrumental Invasion with Mike Chimeri airs live Friday at noon Eastern with music from albums released in the last three years. The show begins with a four-song tribute to guitarist Chuck Loeb, who passed away from cancer on July 31. You’ll also hear Jay Rowe, Pieces of a Dream, Peter White, Will Donato, and many more.
Also for the third year in a row, I recorded a separate Instrumental Invasion that will air on Sunday at 4AM Eastern. This year is the 40th anniversary of Homecoming Weekend, originally known as Oldtimers Weekend. So, the show will feature songs in five-year increments from 1977 to 2017. Expect to hear Spyro Gyra, David Benoit, Norman Brown, Brian Simpson, and a host of others.
Both shows can be heard locally at 88.1 FM and worldwide at WCWP.org and on the TuneIn app.
In between shows, I’ll be at LIU Post Homecoming on Saturday afternoon and evening. Most of my day will be spent at the Abrams Communications Building, home to WCWP, but I will briefly walk to Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium to check in on the Post Pioneers‘ homecoming football game against Southern Connecticut State University, or Southern for short. My friend Kelly occasionally attends jazz concerts at Southern’s John Lyman Center. As for the game, the Pioneers need to win to avoid their third loss in a row following a 3-0 start.
Before the game, you can hear me on Pete Bellotti’s show, which starts at 11AM Eastern. I recorded voice over and a segment where I share my fondest memories of my time at WCWP.
Around 5PM, during Bernie Bernard’s show, the 2018 inductees to the WCWP Hall of Fame will be announced.
I hope you’ll be listening to WCWP all Homecoming Weekend long, or as long as you can. I’m honored to be the leadoff hitter for the third year in a row. And once again, Jeff Kroll wraps up the weekend Sunday at 10PM Eastern.
My experience at Day 1 of 2017 New York Comic Con October 6, 2017
Posted by Mike C. in Animation, Art, Comedy, Internet, Interviews, Media, Personal, Photography, Technology, Travel, TV, Video, Video Games, Weather.Tags: Animaniacs, Javits Center, Jess Harnell, Jim Cummings, New York Comic Con, NYCC, Rob Paulsen, Tara Strong, Tress MacNeille
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Other New York Comic Con recaps: 2012 Day 2, 2014 Day 1, 2018 Day 1, 2019 Day 1, 2021 Day 1
Yesterday, I was at the first day of the 2017 New York Comic Con, held annually at the Javits Center in the Midtown West section of Manhattan. It was my third trip to NYCC.
I almost didn’t go this year. When I planned on buying a badge (ticket) in June, I learned that fan verification was required. Unfortunately, fan verification was closed. Luckily, last month, I learned on the website that verification was open again. So, I immediately got verified and bought a badge for Day 1.
I woke up at 6:20 yesterday morning. I looked out my window and saw a picturesque sky. I took a couple of shots of it, without and with flash:
After that, I put my camera in my backpack, where it stayed for a few hours.
In between, my mother drove me to the Wantagh LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) station at 8:40. Nine minutes later, I was on a train bound for Penn Station.
50 minutes later, I exited Penn and walked to the Javits Center. Those that had a badge, including me, were directed to the green entrance via West 39th Street, five blocks north of where I’d been walking.
I made my way down to Level 1 to meet five voice actors and get professional photo ops with four of them.
First up was Tara Strong:
As you can see, I wore my Northern Trust golf tournament shirt. I got it back on August 27, after walking Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury to see the final round.
After Tara, it was on to Rob Paulsen:
Rob is a throat cancer survivor (knock on wood), having battled it last year.
And finally, Jess Harnell:
When I noticed Jess had his sunglasses on, I put my glasses on:
In all, I spent about four hours in five lines. It was a thrill to meet and chat with them all. I won’t get into the details of our brief conversations, but they were all very nice. Jess even gave me a hug.
I also enjoyed chatting with fellow fans – like Kelly, Sierra, Dave, and a few others whose names I didn’t get – while waiting in line. There was even a woman ahead of me on the Jess Harnell line who was not only dressed as one of his characters – Cedric from Sofia the First – but her name is Jess Warner! Her first name was the same as his, and her last name was the same as his Animaniacs character Wakko Warner. More on that below.
Afterward, I headed to the Epic Photo Ops area for a pair of professional photo ops. Since I had just met the actors at their autograph tables, there was a familiarity in the booth. It was like visiting old friends.
Jim Cummings suggested we “look intrepid”:
I love the outcome.
The second photo op was with Rob, Tress, and Jess, the stars of Animaniacs:
They were the Warner siblings: Yakko, voiced by Rob, Wakko, by Jess (as I noticed before), and Dot, by Tress.
All that remained was to walk the show floor on Level 3. But first, a few shots taken in the lobby on Level 2 after entering around 10:15:
The show floor:
I mostly focused on the video game developers section, as you’ll see below.
The next six pictures were taken in the morning:
I took this in the afternoon:
It was a fun day, but I was ready to head home. I left satisfied.
I walked south on 11th Avenue until I reached West 34th Street, where I alternated between walking and running, hoping to make the 4:12 train back to Wantagh. I did, with time to spare.
Thank you to Tara Strong, Jim Cummings, Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille, and Jess Harnell. As I said, it was a pleasure to meet and chat with you all.
I’ll conclude this post with a picture of my program and badge:
10:25 PM UPDATE: While searching in vain on YouTube for video of the I Know That Voice: The Series panel that took place at 5:30, shortly after I got home, I found this interview of Jim Cummings:
10/7 UPDATE: The only video I could find of the aforementioned panel was this:
The video stops before the Q&A portion.
1990s Debut Albums September 18, 2017
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Music, New Age.Tags: Bob James, Chuck Loeb, Craig Chaquico, Dave Koz, Down to the Bone, Fourplay, Harvey Mason, Jay Dobbins, Jefferson Starship, Ken Navarro, Lee Ritenour, Nathan East, Norman Brown, Starship, Steve Cole
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Note and links from the video description:
This episode was recorded in mid-July, a few weeks before guitarist Chuck Loeb passed away.
Chuck Loeb, “Life Colors” (1990): https://www.amazon.com/Life-Colors-Chuck-Loeb/dp/B000003DDE/
Dave Koz, “Dave Koz” (1990): https://www.amazon.com/Dave-Koz/dp/B000002UUL/
Dave’s website: http://davekoz.com/
Ken Navarro, “The River Flows” (1990): https://www.amazon.com/River-Flows-Ken-Navarro/dp/B000000JYI/
Ken’s website: http://www.kennavarro.com/
Fourplay, “Fourplay” (1991): https://www.amazon.com/Fourplay-FOURPLAY/dp/B000002LQ5/
Fourplay’s website: http://fourplayjazz.com/
Norman Brown, “Just Between Us” (1992): https://www.amazon.com/Just-Between-Us-Norman-Brown/dp/B000001AL7/
Norman’s website: http://normanbrown.com/
Craig Chaquico, “Acoustic Highway” (1993): https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Highway-Craig-Chaquico/dp/B00001NFR2/
Craig’s website: http://craigchaquico.com/
Down to the Bone, “From Manhattan to Staten” (1997): https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-Staten-Down-Bone/dp/B000001YJZ/
DTTB website: http://www.downtothebone.com/
Steve Cole, “Stay Awhile” (1998): https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Awhile-Steve-Cole/dp/B0000062SV/
Steve’s website: http://stevecole.net/
Title music: “Wishing for Something” by Jay Dobbins, from “Anything for You” (2013): https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jaydobbins
1980s Debut Albums September 12, 2017
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, Jazz, Music, Radio.Tags: Acoustic Alchemy, Chieli Minucci, Dan Siegel, Eric Marienthal, Gerald Albright, Gregg Karukas, Jay Dobbins, Kenny G, Kim Pensyl, Kim Waters, Najee, Nelson Rangell, Richard Elliot, Rippingtons, Special EFX, The Rippingtons, WCWP
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The next-to-last episode (for now?) of Mike Chimeri’s Music Collection focuses on 1980s jazz debut albums. It’s the first of two episodes where I worked off a script. I didn’t quote it verbatim, though.
At one point, I share a funny story about talking up one of the Rippingtons songs one week on The Mike Chimeri Show.
Links from the video description:
Dan Siegel, “Nite Ride” (1980): https://www.ebay.com/sch/Music/11233/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=dan+siegel+nite+ride
“Nite Ride/The Hot Shot/Oasis” (without “Valdez in the Country”): https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ride-Hot-Shot-Oasis/dp/B01FWBZ09M/
Dan’s website: http://www.dansiegelmusic.com/
Kenny G, “Kenny G” (1982): https://www.amazon.com/Kenny-G/dp/B000002VC4/
Kenny’s website: https://kennyg.com/
Special EFX, “Special EFX” (1984): https://www.amazon.com/Special-Efx/dp/B000008CAX/
Chieli Minucci’s website: http://chielimusic.com/
Richard Elliot, “Initial Approach” (1984):
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Initial-Approach-Richard-Elliot/dp/B000005HH8/
eBay: https://www.ebay.com/sch/Music/11233/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=richard+elliot+initial+approach
Richard’s website: http://richardelliot.com/
Najee, “Najee’s Theme” (1986): https://www.amazon.com/Najees-Theme-Najee/dp/B00000DQTI/
Najee’s website: http://www.najeeofficial.com/
The Rippingtons, “Moonlighting” (1986): https://www.amazon.com/Moonlighting-Rippingtons/dp/B0000001QV/
The Rippingtons’ website: http://rippingtons.com/
Gregg Karukas, “The Nightowl” (1987): https://www.amazon.com/Nightowl-Gregg-Karukas/dp/B00005U5CD/
Gregg’s website: http://www.karukas.com/
Gerald Albright, “Just Between Us” (1987): https://www.amazon.com/Just-Between-Us-Gerald-Albright/dp/B000002IM3/
Gerald’s website: http://geraldalbright.com/
Acoustic Alchemy, “Red Dust & Spanish Lace” (1987): https://www.amazon.com/Dust-Spanish-Lace-Acoustic-Alchemy/dp/B0000001VE/
Acoustic Alchemy’s website: http://www.acoustic-alchemy.net/
Nelson Rangell, “To Begin Again” (1988):
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Begin-Again-Nelson-Rangell/dp/B0002AAOG8/
eBay: https://www.ebay.com/sch/Music/11233/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=nelson+rangell+to+begin+again
Nelson’s website: http://nelsonrangell.com/
Eric Marienthal, “Voices of the Heart” (1988): https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Heart-Eric-Marienthal/dp/B000008BOC/
Eric’s website: http://ericmarienthal.com/
Kim Pensyl, “Pensyl Sketches #1” (1988): https://www.amazon.com/Pensyl-Sketches-Vol-1-Kim/dp/B000008BZ2/
Kim P.’s website: https://www.kimpensyl.com/
Kim Waters, “Sweet and Saxy” (1989): https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Saxy-Kim-Waters/dp/B0000010HV/
Kim W.’s website: http://kimwaters.net/
Title music: “Wishing for Something” by Jay Dobbins, from “Anything for You” (2013): https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jaydobbins
Albums by Sidemen September 4, 2017
Posted by Mike C. in Interviews, Jazz, Music, Radio.Tags: Al Turner, Bill Heller, Chuck Loeb, Dan Reynolds, Eric Gunnison, Jay Dobbins, Jay Rowe, Mike Ricchiuti, Nathan East, Peter Horvath, Philip Bailey, Rico Belled, Ron Otis, Smooth Jazz for Scholars, Tom Schuman
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The latest episode of Mike Chimeri’s Music Collection is dedicated to 11 sidemen, some of whom I’ve gotten to know over the years.
I interviewed three of the sidemen – Tom Schuman, Bill Heller, and Jay Rowe – on The Mike Chimeri Show in 2005 and 2006. Those interviews can be found here.
The late Chuck Loeb had a hand in three of the albums. I recorded this episode before he passed away.
Links from the video description:
Al Turner, “Movin'” (2008): https://www.amazon.com/Movin-Al-Turner/dp/B0015U0OLE/
Original version: “It’s Good to Have Friends” (2005): https://www.amazon.com/Its-Good-Have-Friends-Turner/dp/B0009XEU5E/
Al’s website: http://www.alturner.com/
Ron Otis, “Upfront” (2009): https://www.amazon.com/Upfront-Ron-Otis/dp/B005W4S9JI/
Ron’s website: http://ronotis.net/
Nathan East, “Reverence” (2017): https://www.amazon.com/Upfront-Ron-Otis/dp/B005W4S9JI/
Nate’s website: http://nathaneast.com/
Mike Ricchiuti, “The Way I See It” (2003): https://www.amazon.com/Way-I-See-Mike-Ricchiuti/dp/B000CAGNQS/
Peter Horvath, “Absolute Reality” (2016): https://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Reality-Peter-Horvath/dp/B01AAZ1P3U/
Peter’s website: https://www.peterhorvath.com/
Eric Gunnison, “Trios” (2011): https://www.amazon.com/Trios-Eric-Gunnison/dp/B00532DJUS/
Eric’s website: http://www.ericgunnison.com/
Nelson Rangell, “The Red Pill” (Live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mjjzrFp1bk
Dan Reynolds, “Never Alone” (1993):
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Alone-Dan-Reynolds/dp/B01G4CFF7K/
eBay: https://www.ebay.com/sch/Music/11233/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=dan+reynolds+never+alone
Jay Rowe, “Red Hot & Smooth” (2006): https://www.amazon.com/Red-Hot-Smooth-Jay-Rowe/dp/B000GBE644/
Jay’s website: http://jayrowemusic.com/
Bill Heller, “Find the Way” (2014): https://www.amazon.com/Find-Way-Bill-Heller/dp/B00LJBTNT8/
Bill’s website: http://www.billunaticmusic.com/
Rico Belled, “The Pursuit of Comfort” (2010): https://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-Comfort-Rico-Belled/dp/B003VW3FV0/
Rico’s website: http://www.ricobelled.com/
Tom Schuman, “Deep Chill” (2006): https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Chill-Tom-Schuman/dp/B000BOW2OC/
Tom’s website: http://www.tomschuman.de/us-start.html
Title music: “Wishing for Something” by Jay Dobbins, from “Anything for You” (2013): https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jaydobbins
My day at the final round of The Northern Trust August 29, 2017
Posted by Mike C. in Golf, Media, News, Personal, Photography, Sports, Travel, TV, Video, Weather.add a comment
Previous event recaps: 2012 (The Barclays), 2016 (The Barclays)
For the second year in a row, a Long Island golf course hosted the PGA Tour event now known as The Northern Trust, the first event of the FedExCup Playoffs. Last year, which was the last year as The Barclays, the event was held at Bethpage Black Golf Course. This year, The Northern Trust was about 12 miles west at Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury. Glen Oaks is adjacent to SUNY Old Westbury and not too far from NYIT (New York Institute of Technology) or LIU Post, my alma mater. In fact, as you’ll see near the end of this post, I wore my WCWP shirt that you’ve seen in previous posts. As for the other two colleges, I went to day camp at them for a few childhood summers. In 1989 and ’91, main camp activities were at NYIT while swimming was at SUNY Old Westbury. In 1990, activities were exclusive to Old Westbury.
My father Bill and I attended the final round of The Northern Trust, which began 50 years ago as the Westchester Classic, on Sunday. Jordan Spieth (-12) and Dustin Johnson (-9) were the last group of the day. Would Spieth hold on? Could D.J. catch him? Or would it be someone else?
Dad and I left for general parking at Nassau Coliseum at around 11:30. Once we arrived, we boarded a shuttle bus. On board, a welcome video looped on TV screens. The shuttle arrived at Glen Oaks Club just before 12:30. Weather conditions were excellent: partly sunny skies with warm, dry air and a cool breeze.
I would have loved to bring my Nikon D5500, but only smartphones on silent were allowed for photography. Thus, the pictures in this recap were taken on my iPhone 6 and edited afterward in Adobe Photoshop Elements 15. Since the phone lacks an optical zoom, I preserved the original resolution rather than shrink the pictures, as I usually do on this site. In most cases, you’ll have to zoom in to see the far-away players.
With that out of the way, let’s begin:
From here, pictures aren’t entirely in chronological order. Until we get to the 18th green, pictures are in order of the hole where they were taken.
The practice green:
The 1st hole:
LaGuardia Airport is close to the course, so there were plenty of low-flying planes in their final approach:
The 2nd hole:
Henrik Stenson and Martin Laird:
Bubba Watson and Jhonattan Vegas:
Paul Casey and defending champion Patrick Reed:
Dottie Pepper and Peter Kostis of CBS Sports walking ahead of…
Jordan Spieth…
…and Dustin Johnson:
Robert Streb and Scott Brown on the 4th hole:
Stenson and Laird at the 5th hole:
The 6th green:
The 7th hole:
The 8th hole:
Jason Day and C.T. Pan:
Matt Kuchar and Jon Rahm:
The 9th hole:
The 10th hole:
David Lingmerth and Louis Oosthuizen:
Bubba Watson and Jhonattan Vegas:
The 11th hole:
Jason Kokrak and Morgan Hoffmann:
A jib passing the 12th hole:
Dad and I followed Robert Streb and Scott Brown from here to the 17th:
There was a horse stable next to the 13th hole:
It’s rare that I hear horses neighing and sputtering in real time.
The 13th hole:
The 14th hole:
The 15th hole:
The 16th hole:
The 17th hole:
The 18th hole:
David Lingmerth and Louis Oosthuizen:
I spent the last two hours of the tournament at this spot by the 18th green:
I had to endure a few men behind me, who I assume were in their 20s, not necessarily following etiquette (that’s all I’ll say), but it was worth it.
The TV tower where Jim Nantz and Sir Nick Faldo called the action:
The Northern Trust is the last tournament of the year for CBS. The remainder of the FedExCup playoffs are on NBC.
After Lingmerth and Louis Ooie (as voice actor Jeff Bennett calls him) finished their round, the next pair to play 18 was Robert Streb and Scott Brown:
Followed by Bubba Watson and Jhonattan Vegas:
Vegas shot a 65 to finish at -9.
Then, Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley:
Justin Thomas, who won the PGA Championship two weeks earlier, and Chez Reavie:
Justin Rose and Jason Dufner:
Keegan Bradley and Kevin Chappell:
Matt Kuchar and Jon Rahm:
Rahm finished tied for third with Jhonny Vegas at -9.
Paul Casey and Patrick Reed:
And finally, Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson:
Jordan and Dustin came to 18 tied at -13. Johnson’s tee shot landed in the rough and his second shot was short of the green. He would end up with a long par putt. Spieth, meanwhile, had a long birdie putt.
Spieth missed his birdie putt:
That meant D.J. could force a playoff if he parred…
…and he did!
The camera didn’t focus properly, but you get the idea.
Here’s how the putt looked on TV.
Spieth made his par putt to ensure the playoff:
The playoff:
Johnson hit a massive tee shot that landed within 95 yards of the hole. Here’s how it looked on TV. (6:42 PM UPDATE: The shot was shown in last night’s episode of Feherty when guest Darius Rucker listed D.J. as one of his three favorite golfers of all time. Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods were the other two.)
D.J.’s approach shot landed near the hole:
The shot looked like this on CBS.
Spieth missed a long birdie putt to extend the playoff:
But Johnson made his birdie putt and won The Northern Trust:
The winning putt can be seen at the end of these extended highlights.
Dottie Pepper interviewed Dustin afterward:
Our last two times at The Barclays, Dad and I stuck around to watch the off-air trophy presentation. This year, after a playoff, we were eager to head home, which, after buying a hat and shirt in the shop, we did.
Three FedExCup playoff tournaments remain. Can Dustin, Jordan, or anyone else in the top 100 win it all? We’ll know by the evening of September 24. (9/24 UPDATE: Someone else: Justin Thomas.)
On the way to the shuttle bus, Dad took this picture of me:
We got home at exactly 8:00. It was an exciting eight hours. What a finish! Our next golf trip will be next June for the third round of the U.S. Open, held at Shinnecock Hills.
I’ll leave you with a few news stories on the final round (subscription required for Newsday/News 12 links):
AP (via PGATour.com)
Newsday
Newsday column by Mark Herrmann, who also wrote the story in the above link
News 12 Long Island
I can be seen in the background in one clip from News 12’s video. Here’s a high-resolution screenshot from my TV:
And here’s a closer look:
3:29 PM UPDATE: I just learned I was actually in the background during CBS’s telecast, not in News 12 B-roll. Here is a vidcap:
8/31 UPDATE: Inside the Ropes segments of this week’s Inside the PGA Tour:
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Final Round
8/15/21 UPDATE: The PGA Tour will be replacing The Northern Trust with the FedEx Cup Championship, meaning this year’s tournament, the 55th, will be the last.
9 Albums from 2000 August 28, 2017
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Music.Tags: Acoustic Alchemy, Boney James, Charles M. Schulz, Charles Schulz, Charlie Brown, David Benoit, Fourplay, Gregg Karukas, Jay Beckenstein, Jay Rowe, Ken Navarro, Lee Mendelson, Nelson Rangell, Peanuts, Rick Braun, Rippingtons, Smooth Jazz for Scholars, The Rippingtons, Vince Guaraldi
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In this episode of Mike Chimeri’s Music Collection, I go through nine albums from the turn of the millennium.
Links from the video description:
Acoustic Alchemy, “The Beautiful Game”: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Game…
Acoustic Alchemy’s website: http://www.acoustic-alchemy.net/
Jay Beckenstein, “Eye Contact”: https://www.amazon.com/Eye-Contact-Ja…
The late Chuck Loeb played a role in this album. I recorded this episode before he passed away.
Boney James & Rick Braun, “Shake It Up”: https://www.amazon.com/Shake-Up-Boney…
Boney’s website: http://boneyjames.com/
Rick’s website: http://www.rickbraun.com/
Fourplay, “Yes, Please!”: https://www.amazon.com/Yes-Please-Fou…
Fourplay’s website: http://fourplayjazz.com/
The Rippingtons, “Life in the Tropics”: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Tropics-R…
The Rippingtons’ website: http://rippingtons.com/
NOTE: After uploading this video, I learned from a Jeff Kashiwa Facebook video that the “c” is silent in Dave Kochanski’s last name. I’ve been saying it wrong for years. Sorry, Dave.
Nelson Rangell, “Far Away Day”: https://www.amazon.com/Far-Away-Day-N…
Nelson’s website: http://nelsonrangell.com/
Ken Navarro, “Island Life”: https://www.amazon.com/Island-Life-Ke…
Ken’s website: http://www.kennavarro.com/
Gregg Karukas, “Nightshift”: https://www.amazon.com/Nightshift-Gre…
Gregg’s website: http://www.karukas.com/
David Benoit, “Here’s to You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years!”: https://www.amazon.com/Heres-You-Char…
David’s website: http://benoit.com/
Title music: “Wishing for Something” by Jay Dobbins, from “Anything for You” (2013): https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jaydobbins
2000s Debut Albums August 22, 2017
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Music.Tags: Big Phat Band, Eric Darius, Gordon Goodwin, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, Jay Dobbins, Jessy J, Mindi Abair, Paul Weimar, Shilts
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The fourth episode of Mike Chimeri’s Music Collection focuses on five debut albums from the 2000s, all but one of them by saxophonists.
Links from the video description:
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, “Swingin’ for the Fences” (2001):
Original release: https://www.amazon.com/Swingin-Fences…
Reissue: https://www.amazon.com/Swingin-Fences…
Big Phat Band website: http://www.bigphatband.com/
Shilts, “See What Happens” (2001): https://www.amazon.com/See-What-Happe…
Mindi Abair, “It Just Happens That Way” (2003): https://www.amazon.com/Just-Happens-T…
Mindi’s website: http://www.mindiabair.com/
Eric Darius, “Night on the Town” (2004): https://www.amazon.com/Night-Town-Eri…
Eric’s website: http://ericdarius.com/
Jessy J, “Tequila Moon” (2008): https://www.amazon.com/Tequila-Moon-J…
Jessy’s website: http://jessyj.com/
Title music: “Wishing for Something” (a tribute to Jessy J) by Jay Dobbins, from “Anything for You” (2013): https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jaydobbins
Long Island Retro Gaming Expo, Day 2 August 14, 2017
Posted by Mike C. in Art, Football, Internet, Music, Personal, Photography, Sports, Technology, Travel, Video, Video Games.Tags: 32X, 8-Bit Guy, AfroDJMac, Atari, David Murray, Dreamcast, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, Gamecube, Genesis, Long Island Retro Gaming Expo, N64, NES, Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Pikachu, Pokemon, Saturn, Sega, Sega 32X, Sega CD, Sega Dreamcast, Sega Saturn, SNES, Sony, Super NES, Super Nintendo, The 8-Bit Guy, Video Games, YouTube
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I’ve been to jazz performances, comedy acts, and New York Comic Con. But yesterday marked my first time at a retro gaming convention. I made my way to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in East Garden City for the second day of this year’s Long Island Retro Gaming Expo.
Within the last year, I’ve become a regular YouTube viewer, gravitating toward channels about computers, music keyboards, video games, video game and console collecting, and what equipment to use to get the best picture quality out of video game consoles on an HDTV. These videos inspired me to start the Mike Chimeri’s Music Collection YouTube series. Here’s the latest episode:
Two of the YouTube channels I watch are The 8-Bit Guy and 8-Bit Keys, both run by David Murray. (He also has a website.) In a video earlier this year, David announced he would be appearing at the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo. With that in mind, I bought a ticket for the second day.
When I purchased my ticket, I was automatically subscribed to the expo newsletter. With a month to go, the schedule was released. It turned out the first day would be more eventful, with many guest speakers, including David. In fact, my friend Jill and her son Mark went on the first day and saw him speak. But I chose to stick with my decision to only go to the second day, since David was also listed as a vendor.
I left for the Cradle of Aviation Museum, part of Museum Row, at 11:30. 20 minutes later, I was there.
I was directed to a desk, where I exchanged my ticket for a wristband.
I also bought into a raffle at the information desk:
After a few minutes of walking by vendors, I spotted David Murray. I introduced myself and we had a brief conversation. He graciously allowed a picture with him, which his wife took:
It slipped my mind that he should sign something until he brought it up after the picture. I had him sign my program:
It turned out David wasn’t a vendor on the second day because he had sold all his merchandise on the first day. I was disappointed, but still honored to meet him and his wife. Be sure to check out The 8-Bit Guy and 8-Bit Keys. And if you like what you see, consider supporting the channels on Patreon. I do.
After that, I toured the rest of the vendors.
I held off on buying anything until I was ready to leave.
The tournament room:
The second floor had freeplays on various consoles and CRT TVs, as well as arcade cabinets:
I gave Mega Man and Castlevania a try, but struggled and gave up after losing a life:
I played a successful level of Dr. Mario, a favorite of mine:
I’ve always liked how the “Chill” tune briefly pays homage to “St. Thomas” by Sonny Rollins.
I first discovered the arcade version of Tetris at the since-closed Kutsher’s Hotel in 1995. My former dentist also had a Tetris cabinet for many years. Back in 2010, I bought the rare, unlicensed NES port on eBay. The music and gameplay sound just like the arcade. I also have the licensed Nintendo version.
I subscribed to Nintendo Power for several years. Game Genies for many consoles helped me greatly. The NES version allowed me to beat Super Mario Bros. 3 many times.
Here are R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy), the Virtual Boy, and the Power Glove:
One of my cousins had a Virtual Boy, which I tried in 1995, six months after the Kutsher’s weekend, and did not like.
I quickly walked the third floor where there was PC LAN freeplay:
Back on the second floor, AfroDJMac played our favorite retro tunes:
Madden:
A corridor of freeplay:
Back to the first floor:
Board games, or tabletop games:
In just over an hour, I’d seen everything. All that remained was to go back to the Vendor Hall and buy some games I’ve always wanted, but never owned. Consider this the equivalent of a pickups video. The games I bought were:
Nintendo Game Boy:
- Monopoly
- Elmo’s ABCs (don’t judge)
- Mickey’s Speedway USA
Sega Genesis:
- Tecmo Super Bowl
Nintendo 64:
- Cruis’n World
- Top Gear Rally
Nintendo Gamecube:
- Super Monkey Ball
Nintendo DS:
- Kirby Mass Attack
I also bought a Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP model AGS-101:
For over a decade, I’ve had the frontlit AGS-001. I was satisfied with the quality until I found out in this My Life in Gaming video…
…and this Metal Jesus Rocks video…
…that there was a second model, the AGS-101, which was not only backlit, but brighter! The difference is amazing. On top of that, as you saw, the GBA SP I bought was a Limited Edition Pikachu version. I’m not into Pokémon, but it’s still special to have.
I was hoping to get a Sega Saturn at a decent price, but did not succeed. I’ll have to settle for eBay sometime in the future.
There was one item I bought that was neither a game nor a console. It was pixel art by Joseph Uzzo who has a blog called Nestalgic Bits. I picked out a standing sprite of Raccoon Mario from Super Mario Bros. 3:
I may have only been at the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo for a couple of hours, but I had a great time. Thanks to the expo staff, the vendors, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, Joseph Uzzo, the Murrays, and my fellow game enthusiasts.
MikeChimeri.com 