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May 08, 2006
One of Those Weeks
I didn’t add much to the PSG blog this past week. This classic cartoon from 1959 offers an explanation.
Yes, it was one of those weeks.
We’ve been enveloped in smoke for over a week now, the result of a seemingly endless series of brush fires that have been burning here in Brevard County.
One morning last week, when Buddy Rogers (the famous studio dog) and I went out for our morning constitutional, the smoke and fog were so thick that we could not see for more than a few feet. Needless to say, our walk that morning was fairly short.
In addition, I had one of those weeks where you feel as though nothing you do (or have done) is any good. Maybe it has something to do with the artistic mind-set (and despite my half-hearted protestations to the contrary, I am an artist).
Some days I feel so fortunate to be able to express yourself through art and music, other days the idea of being an artist feels like a curse. Why can’t I just have a job like ordinary people? Maybe a steady paycheck wouldn’t be that bad.
But as it always happens, something comes along to bring me out of my artistic funk.
Our good friends Spike and Sandy invited us to go with them to EPCOT and see Paul Revere and the Raiders. They promised us that we would like the show.
So last Saturday, we met them at Chevy’s over by Disney Marketplace for a tasty Mexican dinner, and then went over to Epcot to see the show.
Sandy, a Disney “cast member” was able to get us all in for free.
Now you may be thinking, “Paul Revere and the Raiders? ‘Indian Reservation’ Paul Revere? The guys who sang about ‘Kicks?’ They’re still around?”
Not only are they still around (they had their first hit in 1960) but they sound pretty darn good.
One of the lead singers was Darrin Medley, the son of “Righteous Brother” Bill Medley. Darrin not only sang lead, but played drums on a couple of songs when the drummer came down to sing lead.
What did Paul Revere do? Well, he was the ringleader, and resident crazy comedian. At age 69 (!) he displayed more energy that many 20-somethings, and had the crowd roaring with laughter at his antics.
What did he do that was so funny? His humor was of the “you had to be there” variety, so there’s not much I can tell you.
The bottom line was, Paul and his band have been playing music for a loooong time, (most of the band members have been with Paul Revere for over 30 years) and during his show at Disney, they looked like they was still getting a kick out of it.
The band was thoroughly professional, they played their hits, and they put on an entertaining show.
I’m sure that Paul Revere has his “down” days, but there’s something about playing music for folks that makes it hard to stay down.
This made me think, I spend a great deal of time enabling artists (including Sandy and Spike!) to realize their “musical dreams.” I am given the privilege of being a part of their art (there’s a snappy rhyme for you).
The artists I’ve worked with then go out and, using the tools I have helped them develop (their CDs, backing tracks, etc.), bring their music to the public, and experience the joys and personal growth that comes with live performance.
Well, that’s not too bad. I’d like to do more of it!
Check our Paul Revere and the Raiders’ site:
http://www.paulrevereraiders.com/main.html
Paul Revere
Darrin Medley
(pictures taken by Spike)
Posted by leon at May 8, 2006 02:02 PM
Comments
When you see Paul Revere & the Raiders, it's like being in a time warp...It's hard to believe most of the guys are in their 60's doing what they did in their 20's...back in the 60's. How's that for a little confusion? They were tons of fun and pure energy. They definitely have the performance skills down, of course, they've had alot of years to get it right. True professionals! Their wardrobe wasn't designed for the Florida heat! But somehow, Paul Revere in shorts just wouldn't be the same.
Posted by: Sandy at May 9, 2006 08:32 AM
Men in white tights.
Is that like knights in white satin? (or was that nights...)
Posted by: Sheryl at May 12, 2006 12:53 AM