The 50th Reunion Tour of the Beach Boys

Recently we were privileged to see the concert with the Beach Boys; we had seen Brian Wilson before but not the whole band. 

(Boy) what amazing melodies. While Brian was clearly suffering from Parkinson's Disease, the group was still soooo incredible. Mike Love's voice was exactly the same as his recordings and for many days I've carried these tones in my head.

"I can hear music...." so the lyrics go and they are so intoxicating and have aged well.

You can't help but think that the Beach Boys are America's version of the Beatles with a portfolio of songs and anthems.

Mike (Love) kept referring to Brian being his Cuz (Cousin) and I was intrigued to later read about how Mike had sued Brian on a number of occasions.

I say watch the old black and white videos of the Beach Boys and you will be hooked

"So I say from me to you
I will make your dreams come true
Do you love me, do you surfer girl"

What I said on Facebook....

As the song goes I've had the time of my life......my head hurts from the HANGover from the party. But my Heart is very happy. No more happy tears from this Dad as my little Amber has married her love of her life.

___________________

Interestingly when I wrote those words I was struck with a 'Personal Best' hangover from way too many shots and too short a recovery time from Amber and Sam's wedding.

What I do remember is that this was a momentum day for our family and as parents we were sooooo proud.  The arrangements were precise and the hands on help from her friends was great.  There were tears and many moments of laughter....I had used two tissues before I go to the aisle.

The setting was in Novo Ligure and in a beautiful vineyard. Amber and Sam had organised to host their closest friends at this lovely little villa. Thus no-one was driving home and the party did not have a end time or date.

In the lead up to the event; a small group had been involved in organising extensive decorations and shipping this to Italy. Then it seemed nearly every guest had some role to play to help setup and orchestrate the day.  All except me....I had to walk down an aisle, nod, make a speak and dance with my daughter. Easy -- right?

We had been in Italy for about a week in Cinque Terra a world heritage series of towns and then into fabulous Milan - where whatever you wear, you are shabby in comparison to the locals.  Thus we were acclimatised to the timezone, food etc

The day (June 2nd) started with that small buzz that they day was important. Before long three hairdressers arrived to start to assist the bridal party with their 'do's.  Then the decorating...last minute things, with guests arriving independently and fairly constantly.

There was then the element of dressing and taking a few happy snaps of the bride and her group as they made their preparation.  At around 3:30pm the two professional photographers arrived and they would split; one taking pics of the groom and one of the bride.  In my supporting role as Dad I was privy to both of these realities.  A special moment was one that the photographer had asked me to wait near the staircase to help Amber down the steps; but to look away and not watch her dress until the requested.  Being in the situation where you can hear and see what is going on vaguely in the corner of your eye...made the anticipation even greater.  Amber looked just stunningly beautiful and so so radiant.

This was a two (2) tissue moment for me.....but I was warned not to ruin her makeup....so was abruptly stopped.

As we walked down the aisle with the vineyard all around us and "here comes the sun" her chosen song.  It was a short walk, perhaps 30 steps but seemed to last a really considerable time.  Having to let go and taking my seat, led to a few tears from Anna.  Nathan said to Mum - look Dad's not crying.
(if only they knew)
 
The ceremony was lovely - personal and so very much the Sam and Amber we love.  In that moment my little girl, who sat on my lap was no-more and as a Dad I felt incredibly happy for her but with that touch of sadness.

Let the party begin......I will report on the evening activities in my next post


(By the way, I  have to add that it was an incredibly long day 23 hours awake and partying.....and I have to remember that I'm not that young anymore)

The Way You Look Tonight

Recently we had the distinct privilege to see Tony Bennett perform at Juntiper's Casino. What a class act - he was just incredible and for a man in his 80's he had amazing vocal capacity and range.

There was no diminishing his talent, the years have been indeed kind to Tony.
In my view he out pointed Michael Buble who we saw last year, and by a considerable margin. Michael was very very good, it is just that Tony Bennett was great!

He sang so many memorable songs and told stories about the music. One such story was regarding the song "Smile" written by a Mr Chaplin who was living in Switzerland, who rang to Thank Tony for reviving his little ditty. None other than the legend Mr Charles Chaplin.

A song that he sang that stood out was: The Way You Look Tonight; a absolute standard that was featured in the movie: Father of the Bride.

As I write this blog article in transit to Amber's wedding, I'm in full anticipation of this moment and the words that are stuck in my head:

"Someday... when the world is cold , I will feel a glow, just thinking of you and the way you looked tonight"

What's in a speech....

Soon I will get an opportunity to make a speech that probably lasts no more than 6-7 minutes.


What makes this so special is that the speech will be at the occasion of my daughter's wedding.  This is a small task that I have been contemplating for the best part of 6 months.

The question is what to say and what to not say?  This is a simple task but the emotional aspect of the event will make this one of the most difficult things that I will do this year. Perhaps one of the more significant milestones in the life of my baby; now all grown up.

When Elton John sang the 'Circle of Life', there can be no more evidence of seeing your own flesh and blood grow up before your eyes and now you are the Dad walking down the aisle.

I will let you know how this goes - the anticipation has been aching for a number of months.

Wish me luck......well why do I need luck?  Whatever I say will be special......

Hall & Oates

Hall & Oates - apparently the story was they met when they both were hiding from a gun fight in their home town and as they developed their relationship there was a mail box named 'Hall and Oates'. 

Yes -- it was Darrell Hohl not Hall.

Last weekend we saw Hohl and Oates on the Green.  They are one of the music icons of my generation; they were hard to define, with a soul, pop, rock sound.  The songs take me back to my Uni and just out of University days, so much of this music was playing at the parties and functions that I was working as a waiter. The music kept me going through the 12 hour shifts, that had no meal breaks !

Clearly this what makes them 'special' and they appear to be quite normal with both having their own solo careers and without the normal breakups and reunions.

Talented and still making good music, they were fun to watch. However the Brisbane crowd were not always paying attention and was quite mixed with some grey-haired set with the younger ones. The audience was in general fairly passive and this made the event somewhat lower key.

Hall and Oates had an Australian band (Icehouse) as their support group and it was clear to me that the audience seemed to like the support more than the main event.

Interestingly one of the hits of Icehouse was "Electric Blue" that was co-written with John Oates.

What is important?

What is important? That is a lifelong question that we all need to struggle with. I've thought about this over a number of years and come up with a few simple questions to reflect on:

- How do I feel go about myself and how do I treat others?

- Am I spending enough time with my family and loved ones ?

- Is my work both rewarding and challenging?

- Do I feel life is taking me in the right direction?

- Can I connect with my spiritual feelings and do feel in touch with this dimension?

These are all questions that we all struggle with in our daily lives. The lucky ones are those few beings who are able to be at peace with this noise and constant struggle.

I would believe that our journey of life should address these issues and allow us to reconcile the meaning of our existence.

Good adventure with your own journey!

Sunshine Beach

Sunshine Beach sounds like a location with an abundance of sun-rays.

Yes I can report that this locale has clear beaches and blue skies. A nice little surf break and not over crowded or full of tourists.

As you examine the sea from a vantage point is the glitter of dolphins swimming in the distance. For the Dolphins in their natural habitat and they frolic happily in the clear water.

Thanks to our hosts for a great weekend of food and wine.