Today I visited the Fleming Museum to see the exhibit “Shadows of the Samurai.” The pieces on display include full suits of samurai (?) armor, katana (long swords), yari (spear), and yumi (bows), as well as other pieces including a tea set and theater masks. Continue reading “Shadows of the Samurai”
They Might Be Gypsies
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing They Might Be Gypsies perform at the Bethel Town Hall. They Might Be Gypsies is a gypsy jazz band, the cornerstones being father and son Greg and Aidan Ryan.
The Ryans are each very accomplished guitarists, but Greg went out of his way to display the talent of his teenage son on several occasions throughout the evening as they performed. The band included a standup bass and drummer, and I’ve been told they will arrange themselves in various configurations, performing as a duo or up to a quintet, depending on the venue.
The concert, which was sponsored by the Bethel Historical Society, featured covers of songs by Django Reinhardt and others, as well as original tunes. I especially enjoyed the guitar work, which reminded me of Mexican Mariachi style music.
The band will be recording their second studio album later this year, and I’m looking forward to it’s release.
Lost
Last night I watched the series finale of Lost. I can summarize it in one word: lame.
The Ballad of G.I. Joe
Ever wonder what the Joes and Cobra do when they’re not trying to kill each other? Wonder no more!
There's ESL, and Then There's Plain Ridiculous
I’ll let this voicemail I received speak for itself, although, on second thought, someone else really should be doing the speaking… I had a similar message yesterday.
Book Review: Christopher Moore's Fluke: Or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings.
I recently read Christopher Moore’s Fluke: Or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings
Heatbox and That 1 Guy Rock Higher Ground
Last night I saw That 1 Guy at Higher Ground in Burlington, VT. Regulars of my blog may recall I saw That 1 Guy last year in the same venue. As with last time, he provided a great amount of entertainment. His stage presence (along with the Magic Pipe) is great, and he interacts wonderfully with the audience, this time including antics such as passing out giant mustaches while directing laser beams out across the crowd (hence, the tour name “Mustaches and Laser Beams”).
However, I have to say I was even more impressed with his opening act, who goes by the handle “Heatbox.” Continue reading “Heatbox and That 1 Guy Rock Higher Ground”