Things that make me happy... Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers

Things that make me happy... Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers

What do you know about bluegrass music? Yes... that music. With the bango and the fiddle.

If your answer is nothing or not enough... it's time you challenge yourself to step out of your musical comfort zone. The Steep Canyon Rangers is a North Carolina based bluegrass band that is currently on tour with Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Of course Steve Martin is the headline and star of this tour, but he will be the first to admit that The Steep Canyon Rangers is fuel that makes this a truly entertaining show for die hard bluegrass fans or novices (like me) alike. An added treat is the talented and delightful Edie Brickell who happens to be touring with the group.

Edie Brickell and Steve Martin joined up to produce an 2013 album called "Love has Come for You" and they featured a few songs from that album.  Steve Martin's comic genius is featured throughout the performance and even makes an appearance in a song or two (Athiest Ain't Got No Songs.)

The core band features the mandolin, base, fiddler, and a pair of banjos (one expertly wielded by Steve Martin). They are joined by an electric guitar and a percussionist on many of the songs.  The Steep Canyon Rangers are excellent musicians that can play, sing, and plain ole jam with the best of them.  This is excellent evening of music filled with laughter, toe tapping beats, and great story telling by Brickell.

Take a leap and check out some bluegrass this summer at one of the tour stops. Or grab one of Steve Martin's, The Steep Cannon Rangers', or Edie Brickell's albums and grab a sweet tea, a rocking chair and enjoy the music.

One more thing... Steve Martin has and continues to trend at number one on Amazon Bluegrass Best Seller List. Who knew?

Athiest Ain't have No Songs

Pros
1. Steve Martin is funny! Period. But he also a great muscian. That two shows for one.
2. The Steep Canyon Rangers is the best (and only) bluegrass band I've every seen live.
3. Edie Brickel - Great storyteller, so adorable, and still is a talented singer.

Cons
1. Anyone new the bluegrass may have to get over themselves and open their minds to great music no matter the guise.
2. A lot of bluegrass is instrumental... but even without the lyrics each song tells a story.


Bluegrass? I say yes. Put it on the playlist. That's what I'm listening to this month.

S.F. Guru

Things that makes me happy... Sting

Things that make me happy... Sting

There are a handful of celebrities that are known by a single name.  Sting, the former member of the English rock band The Police, is one of the rare musical talents that earned his must deserved recognition.  The "Back to Bass" tour is one of the best tickets available this summer, as Sting tours with his five piece band and performs many of his classic hits.

Recently seen at the Borgata in Atlantic City, Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, aka Sting, is still rocking and commanding the stage with his signature bass.  At 61 years old he is as fit as a man 20 years his junior and still has that distinctive voice that resulted in millions of albums sold and 11 music awards.

Check out some of his classics and a few new songs along with a pretty could documentary on him.

Back to Bass tour

Sting Videos

Desert Rose

Fragile

Shape of my heart

Every Breath you take

A good Sting Documentary

Sting is still rocking at 60+ ... check him out and enjoy!!

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Tribeca Film Festival

Things that make me happy... Tribeca Film Festival

So why a attend a film festival? First, you are a fan of movies and the making of them. Second, you like hanging out with cool people in one of NYC's most hip neighborhoods. Lastly, you want to expand your normal genres, subjects, and topics.

Every year The Tribeca Film Festival invades New York for ten days and host 100,000 movies goers in a variety of theaters in lower Manhattan.  You can get early selections of movies by purchasing a pass, one of many packages, or single tickets online. But they also reserve "RUSH" tickets for each show to ensure that everyone gets a chance to see the movie (as long as you are willing to arrive early and stand on line.)

You can see some of the films online on the Tribeca Film Festival website.
http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival


Audience Award - Bridegroom

Best Fim - The Rocket (Winner of Best Audience and Grand Jury for best Narrative)

The Kill Team - Best Documentary Feature

Farah goes Bang - Funny movie about 3 girls on a campaign road trip

Mobius - Steamy Globe hopping spy thriller (English, French, and Russian)

The English Teacher (quirky comedy... Julianne Moore stars)

Pros
1. Great variety of films with pretty good quality
2. If you like be surrounded by movie fans.
3. Rush tickets available if you show up early and wait in line.
4. Q&A with stars and film makers


Cons
1. Tough to get tickets after online sales are over.
2. Packed theaters... so get there early for good seating


SF Guru