A Capitol Weekend

I had two gigs with the Java Jews this weekend; one at Beaverdale Park – as part of Jazz in July (free music every night in July) sponsored by the Metro Arts Alliance -  and one at the Des Moines Arts Center, as part of their multicultural event Art Inside Out. The weather was absolutely perfect, surprisingly cool for July, and the performances were fun and laid-back. I met a new friend, Bongo Barry (a.k.a. Barry Bernstein, who is a music therapist), and enjoyed some great art, and fantastic Thai food at King and I Thai Cuisine.

At the Arts Center, I enjoyed viewing an exhibition by Tara Donovan, who is a master at creating beautiful art out of everyday things like styrofoam cups, toothpicks and hot glue. She is featured here in the New York times slideshow and article “The Genius of Little Things.”

Fan Gets McCartney Autograph Tattoo

Audrey McCombes, a lucky fan at a Paul McCartney concert was invited onstage after she held up a sign that read “Sign my arm so I can get it tattooed”. From Times and Transcript of Canada, here is the complete article, “Live and Let Dye” (great title) and an excerpt:

“After the first verse, he looked at it and he got this really puzzled look on his face. I’ll never forget it. And then he kept smiling at me throughout the song.”

Ms. McCombs considered taking a different sign to the concert. She’s a tuba player and thought about taking a poster offering to play tuba for Mr. McCartney.

The Beatle fan is a music education major at a California university and hopes to attend Liverpool Hope University in the England next. It offers a master’s degree in the Beatles, popular music and society.

Music isn’t the only way Mr. McCartney has influenced the fan. Ms. McCombs is also a vegetarian.

After walking off the stage Saturday night, Ms. McCombs was so worked up she had to visit the medical tent before returning to watch the rest of the show.

Ms. McCombs left to return home at about 3 a.m. Sunday morning. She didn’t shower and got one of her friends to arrange an appointment for the tattoo.”

Play Me I’m Yours

I just saw a great feature on CBS Sunday Morning about a wonderful public art/music program in London, “Play Me I’m Yours.” It is an installation that is touring the world created by Luke Jerram, involving placing thirty pianos outside in public areas, currently in and around London. Jerram has a unique approach, calling it “Live Art”, including some amazing projects like First Light, Sky Orchestra and Dream Concert.

In these tough economic times (I know, that phrased is overused) it’s good to be reminded that, as one woman on the CBS clip said, “Good things in life a free.” I just wonder what people would think of a public art installation of thrity tubas around the city

Sam Pilafian on life/music skills

I stumbled upon this great video and just had to share it. It is an excellent example of Sam Pilafian’s talent for inspiring and educating through his articulate and expert speaking. He speaks of something that is probably true to most music teachers, a pride of his students who took the skills and discipline needed for music and applied them laterally to another discipline. I enjoy listening to Sam speak as much as I enjoy listening to his amazing tuba playing. It turns out, on jobing.com, there are NINE short videos of Sam speaking, teaching, and even playing accordian.

Walt Disney World Vacation

We just recently returned from a five-day vacation to Walt Disney World. Despite frequent rain, and warm weather, we had a great time. Here are some tips and resources I found helpful in planning and enjoying our time there:

Tour Guide Mike – For $20 this site generates a customized tour plan for you. Full of great tips and advice.

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World by Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa, and it’s companion site www.touringplans.com. One of the best and most comprehensive tour guides I read.

Passporter’s Walt Disney World
A combination tour guide and scrapbook, including pockets for each day’s plans.

Do’s and Don’ts:

• Do take advantage of Extra Magic Hours if you are staying in the parks, but get out of that park by noon. People tend to stay all day. Get a Park Hopper pass and after a lunch break and nap back at the hotel, enjoy a different park.
• Bring a small backpack with water, with a hand towel, sunscreen, snacks, a rain poncho and anything else you might need.
• If you stay in a Disney Resort hotel, purchase the refillable mug for $12, you’ll use it. Although you can only refill it at your hotel, it is worth it for morning coffee, afternoon soda, evening hot chocolate.
• Get up EARLY and get to the parks before they open. Return to your hotel for a nap or a swim during midday if you can.
• Read signs! We could have saved ourselves a lot of walking and time by reading signs more carefully, especially to buses.
• Take advantage of the FastPass options, but get them as soon as you enter the park.
• Don’t wait in lines longer than 20 minutes.

Favorite Rides and Attractions:

1. The Haunted Mansion
   
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
3. The Twighlight Zone Tower of Terror (only I went, but with Fastpass, I only waited 10 minutes)
4. Festival of the Lion King Show – An amazing show, nice cool theater-in-the-round, tons to look at
5. Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show

Favorite Dining Experiences:

1. Tusker House Restaurant – a fantastic, fresh, buffet with great, friendly service.
2. Cape May Café - Even though we waited 30 minutes, we enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was very good.
3. Restaurant Marrakesh - The restaurant in the Morocco Pavillion. Great atmosphere, bell dancer and live music. Food was fair.

Least Favorites:

1. The Maelstrom Ride at the Norway Pavillion – LAME!
2. Innoventions
3. Restaurantasaurus