Road Report 17 - Chicago Street Theater, Valparaiso, IN
Jun 10, 2013 21:53:54 GMT -6
kathyb likes this
Post by lothar on Jun 10, 2013 21:53:54 GMT -6
Hello AG Friends, Family and Fans... I"M BACK!
Yes, this is Larry, Larry, Larry and along with Lothar I'm happy to bring you this Road Report!
The day started off with sunny skies and warm temperatures after two cold days. We only had a two hour drive between venues and that afforded us the rare opportunity to have a leisurely lunch. Everybody was in the mood for burgers and ice cream on a sinful Sunday. We hit up the burgers at Culver's. Nashville Kathy, who used to live in Jackson, highly recommended the Parlor for our ice cream dreams (www.facebook.com/TheJacksonParlour). When we walked in, it looked like we stepped into a time machine. Home made ice cream in a zillion flavors. Their portions were insaine. Lothar ordered a mini banana split that looked like four banana splits. I have included a picture here. It was so much he went around to other tables asking if anyone could help him eat it. Security was immediately called in and the "homeless" gentleman was escorted out. Sadly, Lo's ice cream was left alone to melt.
Then we were off to Valpo. The girls, Pinky and Melva, were rehearsing "Lady Soul", "Blues Is Good", "Love Is Everything" in the bus on the way to the show. I think I know all the harmony parts by heart now. What a pleasure it was to hear those heavenly voices as we headed down the highway. It was like we had a mobile home Church heading to Indiana.
The venue couldn't have been more fitting. It was a remodeled old Baptist Church that was converted into a Theater. Reverend Gomes was bringing his revival to town and was backed up by the angelic gospel girls. The environment allowed AG to do what he does best, play his music straight from his heart without the confines of a set list. It was the best acoustic show I have ever seen. Deep, rich, moving, spiritual Soul powered acoustic perfection. The small intimate setting allowed Anthony's voice to power the room and moved everyone in the house. Melva and Pinky were awesome as always. Everyone on stage was loose and free and the music was flowing. Anthony made use of several props including a desk clerk bell, telephone, a loaf of bread and a duck.
"Blues In Technicolor" and "Circles". I don't know if I like them better acoustically or electric! "Testisy", my personal favorite, sounds good anytime, anywhere, plugged in, turned up, unplugged, it doesn't matter. It always gets me going. The highlights of the night were "Stealing From The Devil", "Lady Soul" and "Take Me Back Home". Anthony has been trying not to perform any "unreleased" material at the shows and it was nice to hear him relax that and play some of those numbers. You could see by the look in the people's eyes that it was a truly moving experience.
Thanks to Paul and all his staff for doing such a first class job. The hospitality, attention to detail and sound/lights were second to none. Paul mentioned that we wanted to do this show ever since he saw AG at a Jim Peterik World Stage show several years ago. After the concert Paul announced that this was one of the finest acoustic shows they have had and it will happen again. Let me tell everyone here, if the opportunity presents itself DO NOT MISS THIS ONE. Take a roadtrip. Listen to Uncle Larry on this one.
Lothar was present but only in a part time capacity. Lo, aka Grandpa, brought his two grandkids with him. Hayden and Halcyon were Bluesified!!! Great to see the new generation present. Next time Halcyon can bring her saxaphone. Maybe if Lothar can get out of his lazyboy or sometime between his safety meetings he might want to comment on this report.
We had a lot of family present. Chicago Cyndi, Nashville Kathy, Ohio Red. Red, we returned those empty brownie containers. Maybe we'll see them refilled next week! We also had the Matchnik gang - Dan, Margo and "Little Lady Soul" (Margo and Lady Soul picture included here). Dan Matchnik is the photographer who took all the pictures for the Unity CD! Great to see him in the house. The "Deb's Blues Farm" Gang was also in attendance. These ladies are a welcome addition to the family. The King family, longtime fans from Chicagoland, were also in the house. We had Southside Shelly in the front row!
We would have loved to visit with the family longer but we had to head back to St. Louis immediately after the show. It's so touch to say hello and goodbye so quickly. We got into the Silver Bullet Mercedes (which drives like a dream btw) and headed back to St. Louis. We touched down at home base at 5:30 am. Life on the road isn't always easy, but I can't wait to get back out there!
Still the last man standing!
Rock n Roll,
Larry Larry Larry
P.S. - For the record, I don't own a lazyboy or any other recliner. The only Lazy boy I have is Lothar. Yeah, yeah, yeah!
Yes, this is Larry, Larry, Larry and along with Lothar I'm happy to bring you this Road Report!
The day started off with sunny skies and warm temperatures after two cold days. We only had a two hour drive between venues and that afforded us the rare opportunity to have a leisurely lunch. Everybody was in the mood for burgers and ice cream on a sinful Sunday. We hit up the burgers at Culver's. Nashville Kathy, who used to live in Jackson, highly recommended the Parlor for our ice cream dreams (www.facebook.com/TheJacksonParlour). When we walked in, it looked like we stepped into a time machine. Home made ice cream in a zillion flavors. Their portions were insaine. Lothar ordered a mini banana split that looked like four banana splits. I have included a picture here. It was so much he went around to other tables asking if anyone could help him eat it. Security was immediately called in and the "homeless" gentleman was escorted out. Sadly, Lo's ice cream was left alone to melt.
Then we were off to Valpo. The girls, Pinky and Melva, were rehearsing "Lady Soul", "Blues Is Good", "Love Is Everything" in the bus on the way to the show. I think I know all the harmony parts by heart now. What a pleasure it was to hear those heavenly voices as we headed down the highway. It was like we had a mobile home Church heading to Indiana.
The venue couldn't have been more fitting. It was a remodeled old Baptist Church that was converted into a Theater. Reverend Gomes was bringing his revival to town and was backed up by the angelic gospel girls. The environment allowed AG to do what he does best, play his music straight from his heart without the confines of a set list. It was the best acoustic show I have ever seen. Deep, rich, moving, spiritual Soul powered acoustic perfection. The small intimate setting allowed Anthony's voice to power the room and moved everyone in the house. Melva and Pinky were awesome as always. Everyone on stage was loose and free and the music was flowing. Anthony made use of several props including a desk clerk bell, telephone, a loaf of bread and a duck.
"Blues In Technicolor" and "Circles". I don't know if I like them better acoustically or electric! "Testisy", my personal favorite, sounds good anytime, anywhere, plugged in, turned up, unplugged, it doesn't matter. It always gets me going. The highlights of the night were "Stealing From The Devil", "Lady Soul" and "Take Me Back Home". Anthony has been trying not to perform any "unreleased" material at the shows and it was nice to hear him relax that and play some of those numbers. You could see by the look in the people's eyes that it was a truly moving experience.
Thanks to Paul and all his staff for doing such a first class job. The hospitality, attention to detail and sound/lights were second to none. Paul mentioned that we wanted to do this show ever since he saw AG at a Jim Peterik World Stage show several years ago. After the concert Paul announced that this was one of the finest acoustic shows they have had and it will happen again. Let me tell everyone here, if the opportunity presents itself DO NOT MISS THIS ONE. Take a roadtrip. Listen to Uncle Larry on this one.
Lothar was present but only in a part time capacity. Lo, aka Grandpa, brought his two grandkids with him. Hayden and Halcyon were Bluesified!!! Great to see the new generation present. Next time Halcyon can bring her saxaphone. Maybe if Lothar can get out of his lazyboy or sometime between his safety meetings he might want to comment on this report.
We had a lot of family present. Chicago Cyndi, Nashville Kathy, Ohio Red. Red, we returned those empty brownie containers. Maybe we'll see them refilled next week! We also had the Matchnik gang - Dan, Margo and "Little Lady Soul" (Margo and Lady Soul picture included here). Dan Matchnik is the photographer who took all the pictures for the Unity CD! Great to see him in the house. The "Deb's Blues Farm" Gang was also in attendance. These ladies are a welcome addition to the family. The King family, longtime fans from Chicagoland, were also in the house. We had Southside Shelly in the front row!
We would have loved to visit with the family longer but we had to head back to St. Louis immediately after the show. It's so touch to say hello and goodbye so quickly. We got into the Silver Bullet Mercedes (which drives like a dream btw) and headed back to St. Louis. We touched down at home base at 5:30 am. Life on the road isn't always easy, but I can't wait to get back out there!
Still the last man standing!
Rock n Roll,
Larry Larry Larry
P.S. - For the record, I don't own a lazyboy or any other recliner. The only Lazy boy I have is Lothar. Yeah, yeah, yeah!
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