OTT - Moved
Natasha
weeks or so due to moving. It was all pretty arduous, but it's done for the
most part -- aside from a few boxes yet to go through and organizing papers
and files, etc. Haven't hung pictures yet...getting a "consultant" for that
(actually, she's a friend who has a real eye for such things who I enticed
to visit first week of Aug.). Took my Alzheimer's Walk poster autographed by
David Hyde Pierce that I got on ebay from Eunice a few years ago over to a
framer for expert matting and framing after letting it stay rolled up in a
mailing tube all this time (there! just made this post on topic!). Should
have it back in a week or so, then have to figure out best spot for it.
Charles I see you made it back from Milan safely. Hope you had a great trip
and enjoyed the concert. Did you know Chris Botti is performing in Chicago
soon? I saw an ad for upcoming concerts at the Ravinia park here and his
name jumped out at me. Thought of you right away.
How are you all doing? I was so glad Kelsey got an Emmy nomination (even
though we know he won't win), but didn't hear David HP got one too until I
read it here.
Well, just thought I'd check in. My best to all!
Nat
(add sbc before global to email)
manitou910
> Hi everyone! Just want to touch base...I've been incommunicado the last 4
> weeks or so due to moving. It was all pretty arduous, but it's done for the
> most part -- aside from a few boxes yet to go through and organizing papers
> and files, etc. Haven't hung pictures yet...getting a "consultant" for that
> (actually, she's a friend who has a real eye for such things who I enticed
> to visit first week of Aug.). Took my Alzheimer's Walk poster autographed by
> David Hyde Pierce that I got on ebay from Eunice a few years ago over to a
> framer for expert matting and framing after letting it stay rolled up in a
> mailing tube all this time (there! just made this post on topic!). Should
> have it back in a week or so, then have to figure out best spot for it.
Glad to hear your move is now a fait accompli, Nat. While I'm sure
there's still lots of work to do, the worst should now be behind you.
In a few more decades you might be able to sell the DHP-autograph poster
for a retirement fund. Don't put it in strong sunlight, or it will
fade. Most posters are printed with cheap, unstable color and most inks
(including those for felt-tip pens and markers) also fade very quickly.
> Charles I see you made it back from Milan safely. Hope you had a great trip
> and enjoyed the concert.
I heard Chris Botti do two shows nightly for three evenings; his upper
lip was red with soreness by the end of night three! It was
unbelievable, especially in such a wonderful environment. The Blue Note
in Milan is a magnificent locale, apparently an infill project (new in
2000), surrounded by ancient palazzi and with a large pryamid-shaped
skylight over the central seating area. I had front-row/center tables
each evening and got to meet some of the Sting/Botti fans from Europe
who made the pilgrimage.
I've written my review, though it won't be published until October.
Started on the interview but hope to do some follow-up questions with
Chris by phone, whenever we can coordinate schedules. He and his
'people', including his manager Marc Silag (who also reps Paul Simon),
are very friendly and cooperative.
When this is done I have almost four hours of video to edit down into
I'm not yet sure what. I got some tremendous footage of Lake Como and
the Alps during the 2-hour ferry ride from Como (30 minutes by train
from Milan) to Bellagio.
> Did you know Chris Botti is performing in Chicago soon? I saw an ad
> for upcoming concerts at the Ravinia park here and his name jumped
> out at me. Thought of you right away.
If you enjoy jazz/pop (heck -- even if you think you don't!), you should
go to this. He's just awesome and at this time I'd say at an
early-mature creative peak.
Later this year he'll be opening for Sting again in Europe, probably a
longer set than what he did in the US and Canada earlier this year,
because Sting has shortened his act, apparently due to his recent bouts
with laryngitis. Sting is currently touring with Annie Lennox doing a
40-minute opening, preceded by Dominic Miller (Sting's elegant
guitarist) doing a 15-minute set.
Sting and Annie also do a duo, "We'll Be Together". Chris had just been
talking with Sting when we spoke in Milan and said Sting is particularly
pleased with Annie and the duo.
> How are you all doing? I was so glad Kelsey got an Emmy nomination (even
> though we know he won't win), but didn't hear David HP got one too until I
> read it here.
As I noted, he'd been nominated every year for eleven years. "Frasier"
got circa 8-9 nominations.
Poor Jeff Zucker and all the NBC goons must be shaking in their boots!
HBO totaly/majorly/seriously/severely swamped the Emmy noms -- even
without "Six Feet Under" being shown during the past season.
> Well, just thought I'd check in. My best to all!
Same to you, Nat.
Charles
Natasha
"manitou910" wrote:
> Glad to hear your move is now a fait accompli, Nat.
Thanks Charles! Much appreciated!
> While I'm sure
> there's still lots of work to do, the worst should now be behind you.
The worst *is* behind us, other than dealing with our local phone service
provider, w/ whom I got talked into contracting for internet service (DSL).
The screw-ups are non-ending...it's past being a bad comedy routine -- it's
like the most heavy-handed farce imaginable (sorry Paul Hyett <g>). I feel
like I'm trapped in purgatory w/ these people. No one could screw up this
consistently just by chance...you really have to work at it to FU this
badly.
Ah well. Other than that, life is getting better by the day. We're having
the modifications completed that will make caring for my son and him
continuing to live with us a lot more feasible and managable. We miss having
a yard and it's tougher getting groceries in the house, etc., but otherwise,
we're enjoying the ammenities of condo living and of our beautiful
apartment. Slowly, we're adjusting to a new routine and things in different
places. It's very quiet here...much more peaceful than in my former
neighborhood.
> In a few more decades you might be able to sell the DHP-autograph poster
> for a retirement fund. Don't put it in strong sunlight, or it will
> fade. Most posters are printed with cheap, unstable color and most inks
> (including those for felt-tip pens and markers) also fade very quickly.
When I brought it in, the person who waited on me talked about a special
process they can provide to preserve the piece better if I think it may be
of value someday -- humorous considering the poster itself is small and
nothing special and the person who waited on me couldn't read the signature
anyway (it is just a chicken scrawl). When I told him "David Hyde Pierce" he
thought a moment, then nodded and said, "From Frasier?", which I confirmed
and he added, "and I think he's done some voiceover work?" Funny.
I did opt for the preservation process -- but the less expensive one of the
2 he offered. I'm dubious the thing will ever be of much value. The poster
does look pretty cheap and the signature is in felt pen. So it probably
won't hold up too well over decades (not sure how many I have left to me
anyhow). I just liked the idea of having Mr. Pierce's autograph, and the $15
I paid for it went to Alzheimer's research, which I was glad to do (would've
paid more, but that's as much as it commanded at auction).
I'd like to respond to your comments about Chris Botti too, but will do in
that in a separate post a little later. Peter just emerged ready to go for
the walk we were planning before he showered. We heard there's a nice cafe
in the neighborhood we'd like to try out; it's a beautiful afternoon here --
temps low 70s and very little humidity -- and we thought this would be a
nice time for it.
So on to Chris Botti a little later! Thanks for your good wishes Charles. So
glad you had a good trip!
Natasha
> Nat wrote:
> > Charles I see you made it back from Milan safely. Hope you had a great
trip
> > and enjoyed the concert.
> I heard Chris Botti do two shows nightly for three evenings; his upper
> lip was red with soreness by the end of night three! It was
> unbelievable, especially in such a wonderful environment. The Blue Note
> in Milan is a magnificent locale, apparently an infill project (new in
> 2000), surrounded by ancient palazzi and with a large pryamid-shaped
> skylight over the central seating area. I had front-row/center tables
> each evening and got to meet some of the Sting/Botti fans from Europe
> who made the pilgrimage.
Wow...what an experience! So glad for you, Charles.
> I've written my review, though it won't be published until October.
> Started on the interview but hope to do some follow-up questions with
> Chris by phone, whenever we can coordinate schedules. He and his
> 'people', including his manager Marc Silag (who also reps Paul Simon),
> are very friendly and cooperative.
Sorry, I missed how it was a work project. How nice to get such a great
assignment and to do something offering so much personal enjoyment.
> When this is done I have almost four hours of video to edit down into
> I'm not yet sure what. I got some tremendous footage of Lake Como and
> the Alps during the 2-hour ferry ride from Como (30 minutes by train
> from Milan) to Bellagio.
Wow, I'm so jealous! That reminds me of the breathtaking scenery in "A Brief
Vacation" when the protagonist stays at the sanitarium in the Alps. I sure
wish I could see what you took. Maybe you can post some pix some time on a
web site of some sort.
> > Did you know Chris Botti is performing in Chicago soon? I saw an ad
> > for upcoming concerts at the Ravinia park here and his name jumped
> > out at me. Thought of you right away.
> If you enjoy jazz/pop (heck -- even if you think you don't!), you should
> go to this. He's just awesome and at this time I'd say at an
> early-mature creative peak.
I absolutely love jazz -- it's probably my favorite music genre -- and I
would be keenly interested in catching this concert. I've posted about the
Ravinia forum previously -- John Mahoney performed in an opera version of "A
Midsummer Night's Dream" with the CSO a couple of years ago (which I was
unable to attend) and David Hyde Pierce appeared in a production at their
indoor theater which I was very lucky to see last Sept., when I attended
with Mindy. Their premiere forum is the outdoor pavilion that features a
covered seating area and acres of grass shaded by numerous tall trees, which
is possibly the most aesthetically supreme environment to enjoy music --
especially the fabulous classical music concerts, performed by the CSO
(Chicago Symphony Orchestra). But their other big concerts featuring pop,
jazz and folk music are also held there. I'm pretty sure the Botti
performance will be at the Pavilion. Seats in the covered theater run near
$40, but lawn admission (bring your own chairs or sit on the grass or a
blanket) is only $10. Lawn availability only sells out with the biggest name
artists, usually.
I'd be very interested to attend the Botti concert after everything you've
said -- I don't know if I can, though. If I do, I'll give you a full report.
> > How are you all doing? I was so glad Kelsey got an Emmy nomination (even
> > though we know he won't win), but didn't hear David HP got one too until
I
> > read it here.
> As I noted, he'd been nominated every year for eleven years.
Well deserved, too.
> "Frasier" got circa 8-9 nominations.
It deserves more.
> Poor Jeff Zucker and all the NBC goons must be shaking in their boots!
> HBO totaly/majorly/seriously/severely swamped the Emmy noms -- even
> without "Six Feet Under" being shown during the past season.
It sure did, didn't it? Puts NBC to shame. I think being free from the
constraints of commercial television and the comparatively strict censorship
restrictions of the commercial networks must add so much to the creative
process and artistic flourishing, given a network like HBO a considerable
advantage. The commercial networks are going to have to seriously rethink
their strategy for future programming if they want any hope of catching up.
> > Well, just thought I'd check in. My best to all!
> Same to you, Nat.
Thanks! This was a very nice greeting to come back to.
Nat
(spamblock not working)
manitou910
>
>>In a few more decades you might be able to sell the DHP-autograph poster
>>for a retirement fund. Don't put it in strong sunlight, or it will
>>fade. Most posters are printed with cheap, unstable color and most inks
>>(including those for felt-tip pens and markers) also fade very quickly.
>
> When I brought it in, the person who waited on me talked about a special
> process they can provide to preserve the piece better if I think it may be
> of value someday -- humorous considering the poster itself is small and
> nothing special and the person who waited on me couldn't read the signature
> anyway (it is just a chicken scrawl). When I told him "David Hyde Pierce" he
> thought a moment, then nodded and said, "From Frasier?", which I confirmed
> and he added, "and I think he's done some voiceover work?" Funny.
>
> I did opt for the preservation process -- but the less expensive one of the
> 2 he offered.
The main thing is to use acid-free materials for the backing and any
matting. This now is pretty well standard for most framers and
galleries in North America.
You can also use UV plexiglass rather than regular glass, though this
tends to create a sarkish, slightly purple cast which most people don't
like. It's better just to keep something out of strong, direct light,
especially sunlight.
> I'm dubious the thing will ever be of much value.
Probably not for a long time.
Charles
manitou910
>>I heard Chris Botti do two shows nightly for three evenings; his upper
>>lip was red with soreness by the end of night three... The Blue Note
>>in Milan is a magnificent locale, apparently an infill project (new in
>>2000), surrounded by ancient palazzi and with a large pryamid-shaped
>>skylight over the central seating area. I had front-row/center tables
>>each evening and got to meet some of the Sting/Botti fans from Europe
>>who made the pilgrimage.
>
> Wow...what an experience! So glad for you, Charles.
Thanks, Nat. It was something I don't expect to experience again any
time soon. While arrangements aren't final Chris (also one of his
'people') told me they plan to have him do a live performance DVD with
his current band and possibly a small orchestra, perhaps as soon as this
fall. If it's produced anywhere in the US I'll likely go (California
during January or February would be _very_ tempting).
>>I've written my review, though it won't be published until October.
>>Started on the interview but hope to do some follow-up questions with
>>Chris by phone, whenever we can coordinate schedules. He and his
>>'people', including his manager Marc Silag (who also reps Paul Simon),
>>are very friendly and cooperative.
>
> Sorry, I missed how it was a work project. How nice to get such a great
> assignment and to do something offering so much personal enjoyment.
It didn't start out as a work project. Doing the review for Planet Jazz
was suggested by a local friend who knows the editor and was fairly sure
she'd be interested. It's a small-circulation, but international
publication, so she was quite pleased to have a review from Milan,
especially since at present she doesn't have a regular correspondent in
Europe.
Doing the interview was my own idea which I was able to set up with
Chris and his manager. If it works out as planned I'll likely auction
it off to the highest bidder (or not...... <g>).
>>When this is done I have almost four hours of video to edit down into
>>I'm not yet sure what. I got some tremendous footage of Lake Como and
>>the Alps during the 2-hour ferry ride from Como (30 minutes by train
>>from Milan) to Bellagio.
>
> Wow, I'm so jealous! That reminds me of the breathtaking scenery in "A Brief
> Vacation" when the protagonist stays at the sanitarium in the Alps. I sure
> wish I could see what you took. Maybe you can post some pix some time on a
> web site of some sort.
In fact, I'm fairly sure the Alpine scenes for "Brief Vacation" were
filmed in the Spanish Pyrenees, and not in Italy! The movie was an
Italian-Spanish co-production and there were no Spanish producers as I
recall from the credits.
I may be able to do some stills from some of the video, though I don't
at present have the right gear for this. While the weather was not
ideal (and I hadn't used my Sony VX1000 in really difficult conditions
for a long time), at least some of the footage I took, both from the
ferry and at Villa Melzi is quite beautiful. What struck me was how the
lake and surrounding mountains looked exactly like the 18th century
watercolors of the area by John Robert Cozens and his father, Alexander
Cozens.
The Yale Center for British Art has several works by both. Canada's
National Gallery acquired a stupendous J.R. Cozens in 1976, "Valley Of
The Eizak in the Tyrol Near Brixen [now Bressanone, Italy]", once owned
by Constable. J.R. Cozens also was the direct inspiration for Turner,
whose early watercolors are quite similar though Turner eventually
developed a much more loose, proto-impressionist style and worked mainly
in oil.
If I return to Italy I'd want a Hi-Def camera and several days at any
location I might choose to photograph. There is talk that Sony some
time next year will be introducing a comparatively lightweight Hi-Def
prosumer camcorder. An industrial camera is simply too heavy unless you
can afford flunkies to carry all your gear everywhere (I've read that
some of the camera equipment and power generators for "The Sound Of
Music" was hauled uphill by oxen).
>>>Did you know Chris Botti is performing in Chicago soon? I saw an ad
>>>for upcoming concerts at the Ravinia park here and his name jumped
>>>out at me. Thought of you right away.
>
>>If you enjoy jazz/pop (heck -- even if you think you don't!), you should
>>go to this. He's just awesome and at this time I'd say at an
>>early-mature creative peak.
>
> I absolutely love jazz -- it's probably my favorite music genre -- and I
> would be keenly interested in catching this concert. I've posted about the
> Ravinia forum previously -- John Mahoney performed in an opera version of "A
> Midsummer Night's Dream" with the CSO a couple of years ago (which I was
> unable to attend) and David Hyde Pierce appeared in a production at their
> indoor theater which I was very lucky to see last Sept., when I attended
> with Mindy. Their premiere forum is the outdoor pavilion that features a
> covered seating area and acres of grass shaded by numerous tall trees, which
> is possibly the most aesthetically supreme environment to enjoy music --
> especially the fabulous classical music concerts, performed by the CSO
> (Chicago Symphony Orchestra). But their other big concerts featuring pop,
> jazz and folk music are also held there. I'm pretty sure the Botti
> performance will be at the Pavilion. Seats in the covered theater run near
> $40, but lawn admission (bring your own chairs or sit on the grass or a
> blanket) is only $10. Lawn availability only sells out with the biggest name
> artists, usually.
>
> I'd be very interested to attend the Botti concert after everything you've
> said -- I don't know if I can, though. If I do, I'll give you a full report.
The appearance still isn't listed at his website (bottiology.com),
though I'm not surprised because the people who administer the site are
the same ones who also function as PA for him while he's touring and
recording (everything from setting up interviews and taking pictures to
selling CDs and T-shirts after performances) and his schedule the last
two months has been pretty hair-raising.
This evening he's in Ohio IINM; Friday, it was the Guthrie Theater in
Minneapolis; Thursday, the Twin Palms in Pasadena; Wedneday he'd flown
back to LA from recording sessions in London, preceded by _one day_ of
recording in NYC with Sting and Dominic Miller (Sting's guitarist),
preceded by a two-day photoshoot for his next CD in Milan after the gig
I attended; further preceded by a 48-hour visit to perform at a festival
in Tbilisi, Georgia (former USSR), preceded by travelling from
LA-NYC-Amsterdam (7-hour layover)-Tbilisi. A week or so before he was
in Japan for one week......
If you enjoy good jazz I'm sure you'll love his appearance at Ravinia.
Charles
Natasha
> Nat wrote:
> >>>Did you know Chris Botti is performing in Chicago soon? I saw an ad
> >>>for upcoming concerts at the Ravinia park here and his name jumped
> >>>out at me. Thought of you right away.
> The appearance still isn't listed at his website (bottiology.com),
> though I'm not surprised because the people who administer the site are
> the same ones who also function as PA for him while he's touring and
> recording (everything from setting up interviews and taking pictures to
> selling CDs and T-shirts after performances) and his schedule the last
> two months has been pretty hair-raising.
I just checked the ad, which I saved (when my friend who will help me with
decorating arrives in a couple of weeks, she wants to attend a classical
music concert at Ravinia, so I hung on to the ad), it says Botti will
perform along w/ Jim Brickman on Sat. July 24 -- next Sat., I guess. The
concert is entitled "Smooth Jazz Under the Stars" which does sound enticing.
Maybe I can swing it, but it would be tricky right now, as I have a lot
going on and I'm planning to go to Ravinia on Aug. 7 for the concert my
visiting friend picked. The CSO is doing Dvorak symphony #9, "The New
World", which she says is just about her favorite symphony. Peter says it's
indeed a very fine symphony and he thinks I'll like it quite well. They're
also doing a Mozart piece and something to be announced. I'm sure it will be
very enjoyable, but I don't know if I can manage 2 Ravinia concerts that
close together.
Would really love to though if there's any way.
> If you enjoy good jazz I'm sure you'll love his appearance at Ravinia.
I do and I'm sure I would. If I manage it, I'll be sure to let you know.
manitou910
>
>>The appearance still isn't listed at his website (bottiology.com),
>>though I'm not surprised because the people who administer the site are
>>the same ones who also function as PA for him while he's touring and
>>recording (everything from setting up interviews and taking pictures to
>>selling CDs and T-shirts after performances) and his schedule the last
>>two months has been pretty hair-raising.
>
> I just checked the ad, which I saved (when my friend who will help me with
> decorating arrives in a couple of weeks, she wants to attend a classical
> music concert at Ravinia, so I hung on to the ad), it says Botti will
> perform along w/ Jim Brickman on Sat. July 24 -- next Sat., I guess. The
> concert is entitled "Smooth Jazz Under the Stars" which does sound enticing.
> Maybe I can swing it, but it would be tricky right now, as I have a lot
> going on and I'm planning to go to Ravinia on Aug. 7 for the concert my
> visiting friend picked. The CSO is doing Dvorak symphony #9, "The New
> World", which she says is just about her favorite symphony. Peter says it's
> indeed a very fine symphony and he thinks I'll like it quite well. They're
> also doing a Mozart piece and something to be announced. I'm sure it will be
> very enjoyable, but I don't know if I can manage 2 Ravinia concerts that
> close together.
>
> Would really love to though if there's any way.
>
>>If you enjoy good jazz I'm sure you'll love his appearance at Ravinia.
>
> I do and I'm sure I would. If I manage it, I'll be sure to let you know.
I rechecked the Botti site and discoevered the appearance is listed -- I
got confused because I didn't immediately connect Highland Park with
Chicago.
Brickman is best known for romantic standards on piano, so I can see why
TPTB thought to book Chris Botti to open for him. CB's next album,
which he's been working on in recent weeks (due for a September
release), will be titled "When I Fall In Love" (the Victor Young classic
[used in "Eyes Wide Shut"]), a collection of older romantic standards.
He opened his sets in Milan with this and also recently performed it at
a televised wedding on one of the US morning shows (Battery Park
location, I think) -- but was rudely cut off for a commercial.
The Ravinia Festival looks very interesting this year, with an amazingly
eclectic range of performers. I remember hearing the Emerson Quartet
during summer chamber music festivals here back in the 70s.
C.
Natasha
> Nat wrote:
> > I just checked the ad, which I saved (when my friend who will help me
with
> > decorating arrives in a couple of weeks, she wants to attend a classical
> > music concert at Ravinia, so I hung on to the ad), it says Botti will
> > perform along w/ Jim Brickman on Sat. July 24 -- next Sat., I guess.
> I rechecked the Botti site and discovered the appearance is listed -- I
> got confused because I didn't immediately connect Highland Park with
> Chicago.
Oh yeah, I'm sorry...I should've been more precise. Technically, it's not
Chicago, although, for the purposes of the international arena, it is.
Highland Park is a far north suburb of Chicago. A very pretty area, too.
> The Ravinia Festival looks very interesting this year, with an amazingly
> eclectic range of performers. I remember hearing the Emerson Quartet
> during summer chamber music festivals here back in the 70s.
I haven't seen the whole schedule...just the one for the next 2 or 3 weeks.
But my understanding is they always have a terrific schedule...lots of big
name acts in folk, jazz and pop, and yes, sometimes the eclectic...in
addition, of course, to their many classical music concerts performed by the
CSO. Regrettably, I get up there very infrequently, though I'd love to go
regularly. Just one of those things. : (
I urge any visitors to Chicago in the summer to make every effort to get out
to Ravinia if you enjoy any of these genres. Lawn admission is only $10 and
only sells out for the really big-name concerts. The CSO concerts rarely
sell out for lawn admission. Most people bring a lawn chair or blanket, and
many, many people picnic on the lawn before the concert begins. This is what
Peter and I did 2 years ago during the week that Aaron was at summer camp.
You may remember that I posted for advice on which concert to attend; David
Lee responded, recommending the one we ended up attending (I realized later
the other choice was not an outdoor concert anyway...it was a smaller concer
t held in one of the indoor theaters) and it was a truly wonderful
experience. What a venue for taking in classical music. The environment and
atmosphere there is so serene and tranquil. I'm not overstating it when I
say it really was a transcendent experience.
There's a very nice commuter train line, too, that runs up there from
downtown Chicago, stopping, literally, at Ravinia's gates. It's really
convenient for visitors to Chicago.
I'm excitedly looking forward to going again in a few weeks when my friend
visits, but it would be a real stretch for me to hit 2 concerts there within
so short a time span. And there's still much to be done here, too,
especially with an out-of-town guest coming. Sounds good, though, and I sure
would like to hear him.