The Hope Concert IV

Monday night was another great night at The Count Basie Theater.  Bobby Bandiera's 4th Edition of The Hope Concert was set to feature himself, Gary US Bonds, Southside Johnny, and Jon Bon Jovi among others.  However, a special guest made the night one to remember.

The night started, as most Basie nights do, at Juanito's for Mexican food.  Around 8, we made our way over to The Basie.  Sammy and I hung in the hallway with Jeff Kazee as we weren't that intersted in the opening acts, no offense.  About 15 minutes in to the conversation, Jeff told us all of our boys were in the house tonight.  Going to the show, I had no expectations that Bruce woul

d show up, but needless to say, I was pretty psyched.

So we're still standing in the hallway and all of a sudden, Jon Bon Jovi is standing next to us.  I couldn't help but say hi and remind him of our conversation from last year which was described in previous blog posts.  Both of us questioned Tom Coughlin as the coach of the Giants and both of us weren't convinced that Eli was the right QB to lead the team.  I said, thank God we were both wrong and wished him Happy Holidays.

Sammy and I took our seats during Bobby's set.  The show had great pace with quick sets.  After Bobby, Gary US Bonds did a quick set, and then Southside.  At the end of Southside'

s set, JBJ came out to join him for This Time It's For Real.  JBJ was wearing a Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes tshirt circa 1976 from The Stone Pony.  Afterwards, he was asked where he got the shirt.  He said it was an original and had been in his closet since the 70's.  He's really a true Southside fan.   

At the end of JBJ's set, he brought out Bruce for Run Run Rudolph.  Bruce hung back, sang back up vocals, but did step forward for an amazing guitar solo.  Sammy and I had been sitting in row Z, but as soon as Bruce took the stage, we moved up and ended up even with the 2nd row.

After Rudolph, Bruce and Bobby's band ran through Merry Christmas Baby and Santa Claus is Coming to To

wn.  During Santa, Bruce brought down La Bamba to sing Clarence's part, but he didn't realize that La Bamba was recently in a car accident and was on crutches.

With an eight person horn section, Bruce and the band then played the Wilson Pickett tune 634-5789.   Believe it or not, this is the first time I have seen Bruce play th

is song.  Cross another off of the list.  Bruce then called JBJ back on stage for 10th Avenue Freeze Out, which was a lot of fun.  As you can see here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg7UcfguwKM) Bruce almost took a spill because there was some give in the mic stand.  Funny stuff.

The show closed with Havin A Party...and we were.  This was another great night of music with great friends, both on stage and off.  Hopefully, this is a tradition that will continue and we will see The Hope Concert V next year.

"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive..."

JN

Long time no see...

I know it's been a while, but I guess there's been a lot going on...and then again, not a lot that has inspired me to sit down and write a blog entry.  So, this entry will be a catch up on what's going on and what I'm thinking.  I have some other posts that I want to get to, so hopefully I will have some time this week.

- More important than anything else going on right now, Avery took her first two steps today.  She continues to amaze me every day.

- A very happy 35th to my cousin Noel.  Rumor has it that all he really wanted for his birthday was to be left alone.  Maybe next year.

- I hope I am wrong about AJ Burnett.  I was very much against the Yankees signing him to a contract.  He has had two good years in his career, both of which were contract years.  His agent says that he has figured it out.  I sure hope so.  If he is another Carl Pavano, I won't be surprised, but will be disappointed.

- I hope CC Sabathia can mix in a salad once in a while over the next seven years.

- Speaking of the Yankees, kudos to the ticket department for taking care of my unhappiness with my initial seat assignment.  While it wasn't easy, persistence paid off and I can't wait for Opening Day.

- Is that Facebook thing cool or what?

- I am really enjoying the NBA so far this year but that may have something to do with the fact that I have LeBron on my fantasy team.  I just hope the Cavs stop blowing people out so LeBron can stop sitting out the 4th quarter.

- For anyone considering a new cell phone, DEFINITELY get the iPhone.

- Wouldn't it be great to see a roundtable discussion between Michael Vick, Plaxico Burress, and OJ Simpson?  Pete Rose could be the moderator, or he could be on the panel and Bob Costas could moderate.  Costas would ask the tough questions that would make it really interesting.

- Finally, for all that knew Patrice Decker, she will be really missed.  For those that didn't get a chance to know her, you missed out.  Patrice's energy was always positive, always contagious, and she always hugged you like she really meant it.  We know she is in a better place...and her light is shining on those that she loved already.

"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive..."

JN