Salem-News.com Music articles Page 25

Steppin`

Say hello to my family members, GuitarHero, Jughead and ShortRib. Our dogs are Simon, Charlotte, and Tache (that’s French for “Spot”).

(AGOURA, Calif.) - The ‘50s ideal of the nuclear family is clearly a thing of the past as most statistics readily confirm. Divorce is rampant and the definition of family is undergoing constant scrutiny and redefinition.

For my family, we’ve been dealing with a new Step-Mom, as I just got married, this past December...

The Fab Four Returns to Historic Elsinore Theatre

This tribute to the Beatles has amazed audiences all over the world.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Back by popular demand the ultimate Beatles Tribute band “The Fab Four” returns to The Historic Elsinore Theatre for one performance only on March 14 at 7:30 pm.

"We presented them at the Elsinore 2 years ago and they sold out," said Steve Martin, Executive Director of the Elsinore Theatre. He says this level of talent is what one should expect from the Elsinore, "We always to try to provide quality entertainment at a great value."

Friends and Interests

Sometimes it is hard to know when to intervene in your kid's life.

(AGOURA, Calif.) - As the rumbling train of time speeds along, with my boys growing up, I marvel at the different jobs we parents have throughout their lives. Early, of course, it’s basic survival from feeding to changing.

Later, it’s learning many “firsts”, including first steps, words, and that big one, naturally; first time on the toilet all by yourself! Along the way, we try and expose them to our particular favorite interests and teach them our moral values.

Indie Labels Headline Cherry City Music Festival

While languishing in the shadow of Portland and Seattle, Salem serves as an incubator for musicians marching to the beat of their own drum.

(SALEM, Ore.) - This spring, historic downtown Salem will transform into a bubbling cauldron of bleeding edge independent music as dozens of bands converge at the 3rd Annual Cherry City Music Festival on April 9-11, 2009 to benefit at-risk youth, diabetes awareness and arts education.

Independent record labels Kill Rock Stars, K Records, Asthmatic Kitty Records, Tender Loving Empire Records and Boy Gorilla Records host some of their top artists to entertain, inform and schmooze in a celebration of do-it-yourself ethic.

Tattoos, Rap and Saggy Pants

I get the same rolled eyes and glazed over looks that I gave my parents. I guess it’s karma, it’s payback time, and it’s the inevitable generation gap.

(AGOURA, Calif.) - The journey from child, to teen, to young adult to parent seems to have similar stops along the way for most everyone. My college years were during the “age of stupidity,” as a man I greatly respect refers to the ‘60s and early ‘70s.

As a love-child and soon-to-be yuppie, I was thoroughly convinced that I would be a different parent to any children I might have than my parents were to me.

Steven Van Zandt, Mark O`Connor, Marty Stuart, and Clay Aiken Answer the Question `Why Music?`

Musical Stars Explain the Importance of Music Education in PSA Series.

(RESTON, Va.) - MENC released the newest edition in its series of radio PSA's featuring top pop, country, and classical musicians.

The series, called Why Music?, features musical stars talking about the value and importance of music education.

Reed to Host Rouslin Art Benefit For Salem Chamber Orchestra

The event happens on the first Wednesday in March.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Reed Opera House, in concert with the Salem Chamber Orchestra, will launch an exhibit of watercolors by Dr. Sam Rouslin at a wine reception on Wednesday, March 4, in the Reed’s second floor Gallery 205.

The “First Wednesday” wine reception honoring Dr. Rouslin from 5:30 to 8 p.m. is open to the public. All of the paintings in the exhibit have been gifted to the Salem Chamber Orchestra, and all proceeds from the sale of the Rouslin art will directly benefit the orchestra.

Bonanza (AUDIO)

Connecting childhood memories of horsey rides with a classic western theme.

(AUGOURA, Calif.) - Not so long ago, I had one of those great deja-vous moments with my boys.

First, some set-up; I had made a couple of CDs for a men’s weekend I'd be attending. The idea was to put together a group of songs that would celebrate being men, the completion of an intense weekend of "work", and be the kind of music that would encourage "letting go" in the form of dancing, singing, acting out, etc.

A Hamster and Some Dead Birds

In addition to the warm happy times, kids realize that LIFE has its harsh moments, its realities...

(AGOURA, Calif.) - One of parenting’s biggest challenges is when to protect your kids from “Life” and when to let them learn the truth about it. I experienced this twice, in the past couple of years, in interesting and similar ways…one when it “wasn’t time” and one when it was!

My younger son, when he was 7-years-old, wanted a hamster, after playing at a friend’s house that had several.

Their “Mommy” hamster had just given birth to several baby hamsters and they graciously gave a darling one to my son. Since it was around his birthday, we went to the pet store and bought a nice hamster cage and all the trimmings. I made him promise to clean the cage, once a week, and he agreed.

Joaquin Phoenix Takes a Dive; Career and All

Joaquin Walks the Line and Takes a Fall.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Last week, The Rolling Stone reported that Joaquin Phoenix was making his move from actor to rapper official. He announced that he would mark the event with a performance at a Las Vegas club.

The video below attests to what this looks like, and sounds like, and it isn't good. The Rolling Stone suggested that the performance was nothing short of a train wreck, with Phoenix struggling to even put sentences together during this official debut.

Making matters all the worse, Phoenix fell off the stage at the conclusion of his one-song set.