Bob Seger and the J. Geils Band at Nationwide Arena on 1-29-14.

     I have seen both of these bands in the past, but was looking forward to seeing both bands. I saw J. Geils at Hara Arena in Dayton on the Love Stinks Tour. An odd thing happened at that show: I left my seat to go to the restroom. I was walking down the concourse and was following right behind a man dressed with black with a big fro of hair. He certainly looked distinctive! I thought he looked like a rock 'n' roll musician. Once the J. Geils Band arrived on stage later, I realized that that gentleman was Magic Dick, the harmonica player for the band!
VENUE: Nationwide Arena was the location and was nearly a sell out. Good crowd!
OPENER: The J. Geils Band had long time singer Peter Wolf, harmonica player Magic Dick, and keyboardist Seth Justman along for this tour. The other musicians were very good. The band ran through many of their hits with high energy and a terrific sound. Top songs included "Looking For a Love", "Give It To Me", "House Party", "Love Stinks", "Must of Got Lost", and "Centerfold". A really good opener.
HEADLINER: Bob Seger is in his late 60s but has the energy and fire to put on a really good rock show. His voice has aged some but he still sounds quite good. And his band and back up singers really fill out the sound. Alto Reed, Bob's saxophone player for years, is still along for the ride. And the drummer was Don Brewer! He was the drummer for Grand Funk Railroad. He also wrote and sang their first big hit "We're An American Band".
     Bob hit all the highlights amongst his hits. And the new songs sounded right at home with the other songs. I was happy to hear "Like A Rock", which Mr, Seger stated he very rarely plays live. I always look forward to hearing "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" and this version was terrific. "Hollywood Nights" is always a high-energy concert favorite and this version did not disappoint. This has not been billed as a pre-retirement tour, but if it turns into that, Bob Seger and his band are going out on a high note!
     I rate this show 4 out of 5 stars.

 Magic Dick of the J. Geils Band.

 The J. Geils Band.

 Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band.

 Bob Seger and band.

 Bob Seger.

 Bob Seger.

 Bob Seger.

 Bob's guitarist from Columbus, Ohio (!) and Mr. Seger.

Bob Seger.

2014 Concert Roundup -- Lowlights

     I attend many concerts -- some weeks, as many as 3 or 4 shows. That means that some of the shows are epic and amazing. That also means some are pretty bad or disappointing.
Lowlights:
Todd Rundgren at the LC in November: I have enjoyed Mr. Rundgren's music since the '70s. In addition, over the Summer, my wife and I enjoyed his contributions to the Ringo Starr and His All-Star Band show we saw in Kettering. In fact, at that show, he sang three of his hits and they sounded great. In addition, he tossed out a guitar pick at the end of the show that I caught. So I was feeling very positive headed into the LC for the show. I left shaking my head wondering what Todd was thinking. There were fewer hits played than at the show in Kettering (yes, that is true!). Instead of the hits, the show was filled with odd covers and obscure songs. No thanks, Mr. Rundgren, no thanks.
Twenty One Pilots introduced covers and "Nigel": I have seen the local band Twenty One Pilots five times. The first was with about 300 people at Musica in Akron, where after the excellent show my son Sam and I met the band and they signed autographs for us. So I started on a high note. Since then I have seen them in 3 other states: in Maryland at Sweetgreen 2013, in Illinois at Lollapalooza 2013, and in Kentucky at Forecastle 2014. Each of these shows were excellent, each covering similar material. With time, the band has grown in stage presence. I really enjoy these guys! However, the LC show on 9-4-14 was very disappointing. They broke up the shows momentum with oddly chosen cover songs. And worst of all, they used a voice over in between songs they referred to as 'Nigel'. This was a poorly chosen gimmick that got very old after a minute -- but was used much longer. Fellas: stick to your songs and drop the gimmicks!
Quit shouting out songs you want to hear when clearly the set list is set: In April, the Indigo Girls played with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at the Ohio Theater. There clearly had been substantial preparation time for the orchestra to learn the songs. And Emily and Amy were not going to play as a duo at night without the backing of the orchestra. That did not stop the crowd from frequently shouting out requests. **Sigh**
Tune-Yards opened for Arcade Fire: I enjoy a wide selection of music from many genres. I am shocked that many people find Tune-Yards enjoyable. I found that hard to sit through.
Arcade Fire opens up the encore with songs by Devo and Ohioans sit on their hands: Arcade Fire on their recent tour would give tribute to local art-rock bands by playing songs by the band during their encore. As Arcade Fire played songs by Devo to open up their encore, the crowd sat in near silence. No love for the Ohio guys? Or just a young Arcade Fire fan and have no idea the debt they owe to Devo and so many other bands? Hmm.
The Kinfolks Soul Food Festival in Dayton: I was very excited to see this all day festival. So many funk bands I wanted to see! Morris Day and the Time were good, even with just three original members. Midnight Star were enjoyable, although the Calloway brothers were missed. SOS Band and Lakeside put on good shows. Then Confunkshun did not play at all (and it was never explained). The time between sets dragged out. By the time Bootsy Collins, a Cincinnati native, hit the stage, the crowd was not happy. Half way through his set, many in the crowd had left. And although Bootsy looked and sounded fine, his set seemed to drag with too long of jams. So the show was good but had a chance to be great.
Lorde at the LC in September: I was not sure what to expect when Lorde came to town. I respect her story and like some of her songs. I was not impressed with too much interpretive dancing and not enough stage presence otherwise. Keep trying because you are capable of more.
So much talk about Jack White vs. the Black Keys: I very much enjoy both the Black Keys and the White Stripes/Jack White. I saw them both this year and love each show I have seen (each 4 times now). A lot of talk about White vs. Black drove me crazy. Give it up. They are both very talented. They like each other's stuff. They both have music that was born of similar artists. Every artist carries the debt of previous bands. That is how it works.

2014 Concert Roundup -- Highlights

     I attended a ton of shows in 2014. Looking back, I had some really great (and some not-so-great) concert experiences.
Highlights:
That time a stranger and I hugged and cried at a concert: I have seen Bruce Springsteen in concert 18 times. I had never heard him play the legendary "Sad Eyes" coda. In April at Nationwide Arena, Bruce and the band played it. The middle aged gentleman standing next to me that I had met a short time before and I cried and hugged in excitement.
My selfie with a soulful cancer survivor: At the end of her performance at the Forecastle Festival in Louisville, Sharon Jones was walking out the backstage exit and I was exiting the VIP area. I was able to talk with her briefly and I have a great selfie to commemorate the moment.
That time the lead singer stole my hat and punched me: I was front and center for the New Bomb Turks show at Ace of Cups in October. Eric Davidson, the lead singer, snatched my Blue Jackets hat, wore it for a few moments, threw it back, and then gently punched my arm later (a thanks for playing along love tap?). Quite the rowdy, fun show!
Being front and center for rare shows by icons of the alternative '70s and '80s: I am so grateful I was able to see both Paul Weller (Cleveland's HoB show) and Bryan Ferry (Tower Theater in Philadelphia area) this past year. I had not seen either in the past. Both shows were epic. I was front and center for each show. I was able to get three (!!!) Paul Weller guitar picks at the HoB show along with a set list. And I got Bryan Ferry's personal set list at that show. I left both shows VERY happy!
That time my wife and I saw an R 'n' B legend: My wife and I flew out of town twice this year to see shows. The first was Queen with Adam Lambert in Las Vegas in July. The second was an amazing show in Atlanta by Stevie Wonder. My wife and I were so happy to cross him off our "How have we never seen them in concert?!" list.
That time I got to strum a budding star's guitar: St. Vincent released one of the top albums of the year and came to town in October. My friend Ken Zakel and I were in the front of the crowd near stage left. When Annie Clark (St. Vincent) played her guitar in front of crowd while ridding on a security guards shoulders, she encouraged the crowd to strum her guitar. Both my friend and I got to strum the guitar. And we were lucky enough to get guitar picks at the end of the show -- thanks Steve!
That time I saw Billie Joe Armstrong play with his heroes: At the Forecastle Festival, the Replacements hit the stage as part of their most recent tour. Although I knew Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day had played some shows with the 'Mats on this tour, I was pleasantly surprised when he took the stage with the band. He sang back up vocals and played guitar. A great moment happened when he helped Paul Westerberg with his microphone stand then smooched Paul on the cheek.
Those times when I learned how social media really are great ways to reach out to musicians: It was not very clear after a Mayor Hawthorne show in the Cincinnati area whether Mr. Hawthorne would come out to sign autographs. As I waited there, I sent a tweet to him and he responded right away. Nice! Then in September, the band Joywave and I connected through Twitter and they commented about this blog and the post about their show.
The concert t shirt that started many a conversation: I was blown away with the power of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at their show in Detroit in July. I purchased a concert t shirt at the show. I wore the shirt to a show by Strand of Oaks and to the above mentioned Paul Weller show. Tim Showalter, the leader of Strand of Oaks, and I had a great conversation after the show. Much of the conversation centered around my description of how great the Nick Cave show was after Tim asked my about the concert shirt. In addition, the bassist for Chamber Strings (opener for Paul Weller) asked my about the shirt and we had a great conversation about how intense Nick Cave and the band were live.

Stevie Wonder at Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia on November 22, 2014

     In recent months, my wife and I made a list of folks we would go out of our way to see in concert while they still toured. When I heard Stevie Wonder was touring this Fall, I knew my wife and I were going to be able to see someone we had listed very high on our "must see" list. We were lucky enough to be able to make it work to turn it into a fun short trip to Atlanta, Georgia. We visited the Buckhead Diner for lunch, the Lenox shopping area in Buckhead, and stayed at the Ritz Carlton downtown -- very nice!!

VENUE: Philips Arena is the home of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. It is a nice arena with modern conveniences and it is close to the downtown hotels. We bought our tickets on StubHub and sat in the first section on stage left, in row K. I was told earlier in the day that "small cameras" were allowed. I took quite a few photos with my Canon Powershot G16. On a humorous note, a guy asked my how many pixels it had. When he said my pictures with the camera were better despite him having as many pixels in his phone, I had to explain that it is the fast lens and the rest of the hardware that allow the Canon G16 to take such good pictures. 

HEADLINER: This tour is devoted to playing the whole of the "Songs In The Key of Life" album in its entirety, plus a few other hits. That album holds a special place in many fan's hearts, including mine. I listened to the records (it was spread over 2 records and an EP) many, many times. And I have returned to listen to many of the songs since then. Mr. Wonder is playing a limited number of dates, with the Atlanta show in the middle of the tour. The band included so many heavyweights of R&B, jazz, and beyond: Greg Phillinganes (keyboards), India Arie (vocals), Earl Klugh (guitar), and Nathan Watts (bass). The horn section, the backup singers, the rhythm section (with two drummers and two percussionists), the guitarists, and the keyboard players all contributed to a perfectly crafted musical performance this night in Atlanta. A string section and another small choir joined the stage during some songs to good effect.

     Mr. Wonder came to the stage, arm in arm with India Arie and two of Wonder's sons. He spoke to the audience for the first of many times, always making the crowd feel welcome, loved, and appreciated. He then sat at the keyboards and launched into the album plus the 4 EP songs. The band sounded wonderful, perfectly matching the cherished sound of the originals. I was so happy to hear the Mr. Wonder's voice is still in marvelous shape. Highlights in the first part of the set were "Sir Duke", "I Wish", "Knocks Me Off My Feet, "Isn't She Lovely" (featuring Stevie's daughter, referenced on the song and a featured back up singer), "Ordinary Pain", and "Pastime Paradise". Both "Sire Duke" and "I Wish" had the crowd up and dancing while singing along -- these were one of those peak concert experiences that keep me coming to live shows. Wow!

     Late in the show, Mr. Wonder played a segment from "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson -- it was transcendent! Then he played "Cherie Amour", "Do I Do", "For Once In My Life", and finished with a glorious "Superstition". During the encores, Janelle Monae joined the group on stage and sang. During "Superstition", Spike Lee appeared on stage and danced with the group of singers. 

     It was an amazing performance in many ways -- the songs from the featured album were terrific, the vocal and musical performances were great, the crowd was very appreciative, and the closing songs were highlights. 

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

 Stevie Wonder and India Arie and two of Wonder's sons.

Stevie Wonder at the keyboards.

India Arie and Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder and his marvelous touring band.

Stevie Wonder at the piano.

Stevie Wonder playing the harmonica -- a highlight for me!

Stevie Wonder and India Arie share a laugh.

Stevie Wonder and Janelle Monae

Stevie Wonder, his singers, with India Arie and Janelle Monae.

"Superstition" brings on stage all the royalty in the house, including Spike Lee (in Yankees hat), India Arie, Janelle Monae, and Janelle's group.

Stevie and friends say goodnight to the crowd.

Capital Cities with Cherub and Night Terrors of 1927 at the Newport Music Hall, November 5th, 2014

     "Safe and Sound" by Capital Cities has been part of our nation's soundtrack the last 18 months. I love this song. I saw Capital Cities at the A+R Music Bar last year, heard them across the way at Sweetlife Festival 2014, and was lucky enough to see them again this time at the Newport.
VENUE: They had the balcony closed this performance. The Newport has the stage size, the room to dance, and the acoustics to let this show shine.
OPENER #1: I had not heard of Night Terrors of 1927 but enjoyed this 5-piece's performance. Good alternative band featuring Jarrod Gorbel on vocals and Blake Sennet (of Rilo Kiley) on guitars. I look forward to hearing more from the band. Interesting cover of "Talking In Your Sleep" by the Romantics (of "What I Like About You" fame).
OPENER #2: Somehow I missed seeing ahead of time that CHERUB was going to open. I have enjoyed their song "Doses and Mimosas" this year but did not realize until they came out it was them opening for Capital Cities. This two person electro-pop duo have quite the live show with Jordan and Jason playing guitar, bass, and sharing vocals. They are accompanied by recorded tracks and dance, move, and jump all over the stage. They put on a very contagious show -- very likable and you feel the groove pulling you into the performance.  A cover of Calvin Harris' "Fell So Close" really got the crowd jumping. These guys seem to have a bright future ahead of them.
HEADLINER: Capital Cities was touring with a bassist, guitarist, trumpeter last time. Now Sebu and Ryan still have some recorded tracks playing along, but their sound is fuller now with a live drummer. Ryan sang and played guitar, Sebu sang and played keyboards, Spencer Ludwig continues on horns, Manny Quintero played a funky solid bass, and Channing Holmes kept the groove solid all night on drums.
     The band continues to put on a great, fun show. Some funky alternative dance music does not translate well to the live stage, but Capital Cities have a lot of fun on stage and the crowd clearly enjoys their show. They played all their best songs and performed them well -- better, I would say, than last year. The time touring has sharpened this band's skills. A funky cover of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees was fun. Overall, a terrific performance.
MERCH: All three bands had merch available. I bought the Capital Cities CD and Sebu, Ryan, and Spencer signed the cover. Jason of CHERUB signed the CD booklet after I bought their CD. Both CDs: $10.
My rating for the show: 4 out of 5 stars. Very happy I attended this show!
The photos below were taken by myself at the show with a Canon Powershot G16.

 The Night Terrors of 1927

 The Night Terrors of 1927

 Cherub

 Cherub

 Sebu Simonian of Capital Cities with drummer Channing Holmes in the background.

 Ryan Merchant of Capital Cities. Manny Quintero on bass in the background.

 Spencer Ludwig on horns.

 Capital Cities

 Capital Cities

 Ryan Merchant and Manny Quintero of Capital Cities.

 Capital Cities

 Spencer Ludwig and Sebu Simonian of Capital Cities.

 Sebu and Ryan lead the dance moves.

 Capital Cities

 Capital Cities

 Spencer, Sebu, and Channing of Capital Cities.

 Capital Cities

 Channing and Sebu.

 Channing and Sebu.

 Sebu and Ryan.

Capital Cities

New Bomb Turks and Spider Bags at Ace of Cups, Columbus, Ohio, October 29th, 2014

     I have never had the pleasure of seeing Columbus' own New Bomb Turks. Now that I have, I have sore knees, a couple back bruises, a used hat, and a scratched glasses lens! And a great concert experience!

VENUE: The Ace of Cups is a bar/live music venue on High Street North of the Ohio State University campus. You are up close and personal with the band with a smallish room, low stage, and now "backstage" area -- the band walks right past you to get to the stage. Nice. And the bar has a nice beer selection.

OPENER: Chapel Hill's Spider Bags are a four piece punk band who put on a good lively opening performance. Enjoyable.

HEADLINER: The New Bomb Turks took the stage and turned it up. Lead singer sprints around the stage, stage dives into the audience (his belt scratched my glasses when he was crowd surfing), steals people's hats (he grabbed my CBJ hat, put it on, feigned some naughtier bit with it, then tossed it back to me), revs up the crowd, lets audience members sign into the microphone, and generally led the fun. Jim Weber kept the jams cranked up with his guitar playing. Sam Brown and Matt Reber anchor the tunes with their drumming and bass playing. The audience sang along, sang into Eric's microphone, and slam dance down front (sore knees, back bruises). Quite the lively performance and living up to their live reputation!

     My rating: 4 out of 5 stars! Thanks to guy next to me for letting me take a picture of the set list he snagged!

 Chapel Hill, NC's Spider Bags

Jim Weber and Eric Davidson of New Bomb Turks

Sam Brown, Eric Davidson, and Matt Reber of New Bomb Turks

Jim Weber of New Bomb Turks and Hilliard Davidson High School faculty!

New Bomb Turks

New Bomb Turks

Set list for the New Bomb Turks

Eric Davidson of New Bomb Turks

Ace of Cups sign advertising New Bomb Turks show.

Musicians and Bands I Have Met.

     I have been fortunate enough to meet many musicians and bands over the years. Here is a list:
Blondie -- Went backstage and chatted with band. Photo with band. Signed posters and VIP badge. Grace, my wife, attended with me. The Fraze, Kettering, Ohio.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo -- Went backstage and chatted. Photo with Pat and Neil. Neil gave us a guitar pick. Sat on side of stage during performance. Got set list and got it signed by drummer Chris Ralles while we talked with him. Grace, my wife, attended with me. Midland Theater, Newark, Ohio.
Marc Broussard -- Met Marc after show as VIP. He signed poster, setlist, and CD for me. Got picture with Marc. My friend Ken Zakel attended with me. Madison Theater, Covington, Kentucky.
Goo Goo Dolls -- Met John Reznik and Robby Takac before the show. Got our picture with them. Sat on stage during performance. Got guitar picks from tour guitarist and bass pick from Robby. Received signed set list from tour coordinator. Grace, my wife, attended with me. LC Pavilion, Columbus, Ohio.
Switchfoot -- Met the band with VIP ticket, had my picture taken with the band, and the band signed a poster for me. I was able to watch the soundcheck also. Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio.
Soul Asylum -- Got Dave Pirner's guitar pick from tour manager Kim. Dave posed for picture with me. Dave signed two or three CDs for me. A+R Music Bar, Columbus, Ohio.
Vintage Trouble -- The band shook my hand, signed my CD, and signed two posters for me. A+R Music Bar, Columbus, Ohio.
Marshall Crenshaw -- Marshall signed my LP cover before the show. During the show he complemented my clapping to keep time for him. Marshall shook my hand and we chatted after the show. He signed a poster and CD for me. Ken Zakel was with me. Canal Street Tavern, Dayton, Ohio.
Marshall Crenshaw -- Marshall shook my hand after the show. When I handed him an old set list from a show years ago in Colmbus, Ohio, he signed it and told me a long story about how he knew when and where that set list was from (only time he ever covered the Ramones' "KKK Took My Baby Away") and that he had just recently found a cassette recording of the show. Southgate House Revival, Newport, Kentucky.
Max Weinberg -- Shook my hand. Signed the back of 'Born The Run' LP. Said he did not want to sign the front as he had not played on all of it. Attended with Ken Zakel. Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio.
Psychedelic Furs -- The entire band signed my LP. Spoke with each member very briefly. The tour guitarist signed the back as he had not played on the album -- his choice to sign there. The bassist was quite drunk and asked me why I wasn't having them sign the new LP. I explained the new LP cover was very dark and black Sharpie was not going to show up well -- "Oh, yeah!". DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana.
Ryan Shaw -- Ryan signed a set list the guitarist had handed me. He also signed a tour stop poster from the show. We talked about being "preacher's kids". Ken Zakel was with me. Southern Theater, Columbus, Ohio.
Alejandro Escovedo -- Alejandro and I talked after the show about his DJing the XM Bruce Springsteen channel, he signed my CD, and he signed some pictures of him I had purchased that evening. He put his arm on my shoulder. Ken Zakel was with me. Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio.
Sebadoh -- Lou Barlow signed two CDs for me. We talked for five minutes about being from Dayton, living in Massachusetts, and about Tim Hortons vs. Dunkin coffee. The Basement, Columbus, Ohio.
The Lemonheads -- Evan Dando signed my CD and poster. The Basement, Columbus, Ohio.
Richard Thompson -- Richard and I spoke briefly, he signed a CD for me, and he signed a tour poster. Richard and Lisa Kelch and Ken Zakel were with me. Nelson's Opera House, Nelsonville, Ohio.
Richard Thompson -- Richard and I briefly spoke about the excellent acoustics of the venue. He signed two CDs and the event ticket for me. Rich Kelch and Ken Zakel were with me. Southern Theater, Columbus, Ohio.
Over The Rhine -- Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist signed my CD and tour poster. Ken Zakel was with me. Canal Street Tavern, Dayton, Ohio.
Over The Rhine -- Spoke with Karin Bergquist as she talked with fans and walked her dog. I petted her dog. Linford and Karin's farm, Hillsboro, Ohio.
Sugar and the Hi-Los -- Amy Stroup and Trent Dabbs signed my CD. We talked about both seeing the Jack White show that had been played at same venue in the last couple days and how great it was. LC Pavilion, Columbus, Ohio.
New Politics -- Talked with David Boyd and took his picture with my son Sam, who was there. David signed a poster (and CD?) for Sam. Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio.
New Politics -- Talked with David Boyd, Soren Hansen, and Louis Vecchio while I took their picture with my son Sam, who was with me at the show. They signed a CD for Sam. Sam and I talked with David Boyd for about 10 minutes after the headliners were finished as we waited for them to come out and sign. Musica, Akron, Ohio.
New Politics -- After the show, David, Soren, and Louis signed posters for Sam and his roommate, who attended the show with me. David signed the photo I had taken of him with Sam. Then all three signed the photo with Sam from Musica. David said "I remember these!" Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio.
Steel Train -- After the show, the band signed a tour poster for me. The band was very deferential to me -- I was twice the age of most of the crowd. One member was very nice -- "Thank you so much for attending!". The Basement, Columbus, Ohio.
Was (Not Was) -- I got a set list -- if I had a Sharpie with me, I could have all of their signatures! I spoke with each member of the band after the show. I walked along to the tour bus with Sweet Pea Atkinson (who seemed a little annoyed with my enthusiasm). Don Was (Not Was) said "I saw you throwing down a good groove there in the front!". The Basement, Columbus, Ohio.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings -- Sharon Jones was signing autographs after the show. She was a little mobbed and seemed to be ready to leave but I was right next to her. I said "I love you, Sharon!". She said "I love you, too, baby!" and then signed my CD and tour poster. Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings -- Sharon was walking around the grounds near the backstage area. I waited while she spoke with someone else. I told her how much I admired her, that I was happy she was beating cancer, and how much I loved her shows. She shook my hand and we took a picture together. Forecastle Festival, Louisville, Kentucky.
Phoenix -- The band signed my CD, we briefly spoke, and they all shook my hand. Lollapalooza, Chicago, Illinois.
Jimmy Griffin of the Incurables -- We talked after the show. He signed my CD. Attended show with Ken Zakel. Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio.
Elizabeth & the Catapult -- The band signed my CD and poster after their set. The guitarist Pete Lalish commented that he loved my "I Heard It on NPR" t-shirt. The band was wowed that we were leaving the show after their opening set as we had come just to see them. Attended with Ken Zakel. Rhumba Cafe, Columbus, Ohio.
Elizabeth & the Catapult -- The band was teaching the chord changes to a couple new band members as Ken Zakel and I arrived early and sat quietly at the bar before the show. Elizabeth Ziman signed our CD after the show and we chatted briefly. Rhumba Cafe, Columbus, Ohio.
Elizabeth & the Catapult -- Elizabeth and I briefly chatted after the show. A fan asked which CD to buy and Elizabeth said her first CD. I said "Not true. Both are terrific." Elizabeth signed my CD -- she looked a little annoyed that I had said that comment. Attended with Ken Zakel. Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio.
Freedy Johnston -- Freedy signed a poster for me as well as a CD. Ken Zakel attended the show with me. Canal Street Tavern, Dayton, Ohio.
Livingston Taylor -- After the show, Livingston spoke with me about Boston and Martha's Vineyard. He signed my CD. Livingston put his hand on my shoulder while we talked. I attended with my wife and three children. Old Whaling Church, Edgartown, Massachusetts.
The Heavy -- The members of the band shook my hand and signed their CD for me after their show. Attended the show with my son Sam. The Basement, Columbus, Ohio.
The Heavy -- The members of the band signed a CD and a poster for me after the show. They band shook my hand. Attended the show with Sam Teller. A+R Music Bar, Columbus, Ohio.
The 1975 -- Met the band, we talked briefly, and they signed my CD after their show. A+R Music Bar, Columbus, Ohio.
Billy Cox -- Shook his hand and he autographed the set list I had handed to me by a roadie after the show. "Experience Hendrix" tour. Taft Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sarah Siskind -- Met Sarah after the show and she signed a CD for me. Attended the show with Ken Zakel. Canal Street Tavern, Dayton, Ohio.
Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears -- The entire band signed my CD and poster. Black Joe jumped up from his chair and enthusiastically shook my hand when I told him I already owned the CD but bought another copy so he and the band could sign it. LC Pavilion, Columbus, Ohio.
Chris Kasper -- Chris thanked me for not wanting to shake my hand since I had a cold virus. He signed a CD for me with message about that kindness. Taft Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Joe Ely -- We briefly spoke after his show and he signed a CD for me. Valley Dale Ballroom, Columbus, Ohio.
Lucette -- We spoke for a while after her show opening for Joe Ely. She apologized for now having anything to sign. We talked music. She shook my hand. Valley Dale Ballroom, Columbus, Ohio.
Bucky Pizzarelli -- We spoke about me bringing my father -- Bucky said he was a year older than my father. He signed my CD after the show. Attended the show with my father. Natalie's Wood Fired Pizza, Columbus, Ohio.
John Pizzarelli -- We shook hands, he signed my CD, and I told him how much I liked his book. Attended the show with Ken Zakel. Schuster Performance Center, Dayton, Ohio.
The Black Widows -- The band for Butch Walker and the opener themselves, the entire band signed my CD and poster. The keyboardist was from Wales and we talked about Wales while I waited for Butch Walker to appear -- he never did appear.
Nick Tolford & Company -- We spoke after the show, the guitarist and I talked about (614) magazine, and the band signed my CD. Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio.
VHS or Beta -- Briefly spoke with the band and the two leaders signed my poster and CD. The Basement, Columbus, Ohio.
The Shadowboxers -- The band signed my CD after the show. The lead singer had pointed out my "Amy Ray and the Butchies" -- "should say 'Amy Ray, Bitches!" t-shirt from the stage. Newport Music Hall, Columbus, Ohio.
Meredith Sheldon -- We spoke for a few minutes about Livingston Taylor, Boston and Martha's Vineyard, and Juliard. The Basement, Columbus, Ohio.
Graham Parker and Bob Andrews -- We spoke briefly, both signed my flier for the show, and Bob and I spoke about Tom Jones (he had covered a song also sung by Tom Jones). 20th Century Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Dave and Phil Alvin -- After the show, I walked around to the front of the building in the rain to find the band was smoking in an alcove in the front of the church. There was only one other person there -- it was raining pretty hard -- they were just saying hi. We spoke briefly. I asked about the CD cover with the picture of them as boys in California. They said the picture was taken about 45 miles from their home at the time. The signed the CD cover. They complimented me on having a plastic bag to put it in -- I was lucky -- it was my bag for my Sharpies in my pocket (I have had them leak and permanently mark my jeans). Southgate House Revival, Newport, Kentucky.
Dee-1 -- Dee-1 and I shook hands and hugged. I said nice show. Attended with Sam Teller. St. Andrew's Hall, Detroit, Michigan.
Mission of Burma -- Spoke with the band, they signed my two CDs, and Bob Weston (tour player and producer of many bands) also signed the CDs for me. All four shook my hand. Ace of Cups, Columbus, Ohio.
Twenty One Pilots -- We waited after the show hoping they would come out and sign. The tour manager said "The line starts with these two guys" -- my son Sam and I. The band signed posters for us, a CD for Sam, and shook our hands. Musica, Akron, Ohio.
Pere Ubu -- David Thomas of Pere Ubu signed a CD cover for me. I shook his hand. The Basement, Columbus, Ohio.
Capital Cities -- The band except Sebu signed a sheet of paper (with info on show from Promowest) for me after the show. Each member except Sebu shook my hand. All very polite. A+R Music Bar, Columbus, Ohio.
Martin Harley -- We spoke for a few minutes about him playing in the Himalayas, he liked me bringing paint pens and Sharpies, and he signed my CD. Attended show with my wife Grace. A+R Music Bar, Columbus, Ohio.
Delta Rae -- Shook the band members hands, spoke with Brittany Holljes about her going to Berkley, and they all signed my CD. Attended show with my wife Grace. A+R Music Bar, Columbus, Ohio.
Kid Runner -- Shook hands with the band, spoke with Bobby about baseball, New Order, and other things, and they signed their CD for me. A+R Music Bar, Columbus, Ohio.
Angela Parsley -- Angela and I spoke briefly and she signed her CD for me. Rhumba Cafe, Columbus, Ohio.

When I write all those down -- I think that is all of them or nearly so -- I am amazed. I have been very fortunate to have all those neat experiences. It takes persistence, patience, having something to say, having something to sign, having something to sign with, assertiveness, and luck. Thanks to all those artists!