: Olympic Fever
We have a severe outbreak of Olympic Fever here in the Korn-Heilner residence. In particular, it has reached near epidemic proportions amongst the women in the house. The symptoms include repeated verbal outbreaks of “oohs”, “ahhs”, and “holy crap, did you see that, that was amazing”.
Until this week I was unaware that there was such a sport as synchronized diving – in which not one, but two people attempt to simultaneously induce permanent brain damage. Why they limit this sport to just two people at a time – I do not know. Why not have four, ten, or maybe even a score of youthful athletic people gyrate and do contortions from 33 feet in the air before attempting to land in water – and for heaven’s sake, when you land in the water – do not splash or you lose points.
And don’t even mention the badminton scandal. I was shocked, just shocked.
What I would like to see is an event where athletes have to cooperate with one another. Pick athletes from random countries and make them accomplish some random activity like putting up a large tent or doing a jigsaw puzzle. Or solving world hunger.
Not that I begrudge these amazing athletes their moment in the sun. But it’s pretty macabre that you can train for four years day and night, and then have it all come down to 2 seconds of activity – and if you make the slightest mistake you have to endure being interviewed by some clueless sports caster asking you “So how do you feel about blowing it in front of 500 million people”.
I’m glad that when folks come to one of my shows, they just come to enjoy themselves and they’re not keeping score. But if you want to give me a medal for my playing, that’s OK too. I’ll even settle for bronze.
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August 4, Saturday, 7:00-9:00ish PM – Doc French, Ruthie’s BBQ, 64 1/2 Chestnut Ave, Montclair (973) 509-1134
Dave ‘Doc’ French is a fine blues singer, guitarist & song writer who usually plays in New York with his group French Cooking. Doc has this very laid back, subtle yet powerful style which sort of sneaks up on you and gets inside. This Saturday, he’s coming out to the wilds of New Jersey and will be backed by Carl Lorentzen on bass and yours truly. They’re calling for isolated thunder storms tomorrow night. With any luck, these will miss Montclair and we will play out on the patio; but if it rains we’ll move indoors. As always, Ruthie’s is BYO.
www.ruthiesbbq.com/
www.frenchcookin.com/
August 17, Friday, 7:00-9:00ish PM – Rob Signorile, Ruthie’s BBQ, 64 1/2 Chestnut Ave, Montclair (973) 509-1134
Rob & I did some guitar piano duos over the winter. This time around, Rob is putting together a smoking 5 piece band. Check the weather on this one before coming out since we can’t all fit inside in case of rain.
www.ruthiesbbq.com/
August 17, Friday, 10:00PM-1:00AM – Better Off Dead at The Great Notch Inn, Route 46, Little Falls (973) 256-7742
It’s a double header for me. As soon as I’m done at Ruthie’s I’m packing up my gear, hustling across town, and doing the rock and roll thang. Last time around, the miniscule “dance floor” at The Notch was packed.
http://www.betteroffdead.com/home.htm/
http://www.agreatertown.com/little_falls_nj/great_notch_inn_new_jerseys_rockin_roadhouse_00089580
August 18, Friday, 7:00-9:00ish PM – Andy Lackow, Ruthie’s BBQ, 64 1/2 Chestnut Ave, Montclair (973) 509-1134
Completing this weekend trifecta, I’m back at Ruthie’s doing a duo thing with guitarist, singer Andy Lackow. Andy is member of the small club of superb musicians who make up the North Jersey blues scene. For this show, Eric Kaplan, Ruthie’s proprietor and big blues fan, played match maker. But Andy’s got a few tricks up his sleeve – and it won’t be just the blues.
www.ruthiesbbq.com/