Elton John Visits Alaska

I've been listening to Sir Elton for over 30 years now, and he's been acceptable but no big deal. However, last night I saw this musician in action, as he did his first (of two) shows in Anchorage. The large arena where he played to a sold-out audience, is hardly noted for its acoustics, so I wasn't expecting much, when I accepted the invitation of friends to join them in the first row. Well, I was wrong . . . this was a great show as he played to the masses, and he really knew how to work the crowd of all ages. Some near us were decked out in boas, and funny eyeglasses, etc. to join the feel of this quirky guy, and he started off with "Your Song". He finished non-stop almost 3 hours later with "Crocodile Rock", the crowd of all ages (ahem!) were mesmerized. So now I've taken in by the ultimate international entertainer.

As a bonus, he did strut around the stage, wearing his "Music Magic" ornate coat, throwing kisses to the audience and waves, and at one point even signed autographs for several people who raced to the stage after what I thought was the end of the evening. It wasn't. He added "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and "Benny and the Jets" and it seemed like he just couldn't stop playing. Kudos to the lighting techies, as the light show behind the stage, about 40 ft. high also added a lot to this one-man show.

I don't know about him, but today, I'm still exhausted as I felt I was working right along with him. If you get a chance, spend your life savings and go see him when he comes to your town.

Alaska Viewing

. .

I am one of many who love "Dancing with the Stars", so thought I'd post some images from the show for you today.
Also, I'm hooked on writing html pages on notepad, and don't use crutches, so here's a page you may find helpful if you're like I am.
It's a beautiful day in Anchorage, so time to get out in the warm sunshine. Come visit us. I can help you plan your trip.

Arturo Sandoval Visits Anchorage

This was the first visit for Arturo Sandoval, and he and his 5 piece band landed at 4 p.m. today. . . His concert was at 7:30 p.m. and I think they're leaving on the 'red eye' at 1 a.m. How's that for a look at Alaska. Don't blink or you'll miss it. I was the one to give the pre-concert lecture, and it went quite well. I had the help of a Cuban fellow in the audience in pronouncing some Spanish words, and some musicians to describe the beat of some Latin rhythms, so that helped.
The opening number was My Foolish Heart, which they played straight, and it was just beautiful, but the loud noises that followed were not my cup of tea, and it was a long 3 hours for me. They were all good musicians, but I just don't care for the loud Latin beat. Maybe they were trying to keep awake. I put my ear plugs in my ears early on, and they stayed in the rest of the night. My friend said afterwards that she wished she had some ear plugs, too. If you want a sample of some good A.S. music, just log onto his webpage.
There's lots more happening in Anchorage this week, as the high schools are having their graduations, sports continue to draw crowds. The Alaska Wild Football team (IFL) fired and rehired their coach. The weather is beautiful, and spring is here to stay this time.