tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49988796520367869132012-02-07T09:52:19.466-07:00Music - Poetry - LifeFeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.comBlogger1121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-82838952104681887402012-01-22T10:00:00.007-07:002012-01-22T15:59:29.768-07:00

2012 is finally becoming a reality.  For the first three weeks, I survived in a coughing-my- head-off time warp.  Now that I am fully functional, I am on a one-woman quest to make every moment happy.  So what is happiness anyway?  A state of mind?  A place? An experience?  A meal?  A person?   My self-defined “happy place” usually involves friends and family.  I like to share.  And I’m going to

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-80868889653352239902012-01-09T22:34:00.001-07:002012-01-09T22:37:32.646-07:00

I nearly forgot to mention about my trip to the Big Apple last week to visit my son for Christmas.  Let me tell you all about it ... in a New York minute.  After arrival via the Santa express at 6 am on Christmas morning, I rode the comfortable and safe MTA to the Upper West Side.  As is the case with every trip, the subway ticket machine sold me tickets, then the little monitor said I didn't

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com3New York, NY, USA40.7143528 -74.005973140.5035183 -74.28538110000001 40.9251873 -73.7265651tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-25427680311111746232011-11-05T14:41:00.007-06:002011-11-06T06:52:35.958-07:00

When weakness is cleared from your Heartyour prayer will reach the glorious Beloved.~Rumi♥ Friday afternoon. I was second to last to escape the office at 5:01.  After a quick stop at Sunflower Market for bread and cheese, I shoehorned my way into the next lane and the next, and headed home.  Friday early evening traffic was abhorrent.  Cars oozed out of left turn lanes at every intersection. It

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-29221949823953348662011-09-22T21:30:00.008-06:002011-09-24T08:01:16.657-06:00

Summer arrives with a length of lights Summer blows away And quietly gets swallowed by a wave It gets swallowed by a wave -- “Summersong,” The Decemberists Think outside the box. The T-Pain Green Team unraveled the day of the concert. My usual volunteer base who were already consumed with boating and wine parties, so I went to T-Pain’s base (ie 20-somethings) and lined up a Green Team team in

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-20028299097448585082011-07-23T15:34:00.006-06:002011-07-25T22:50:51.765-06:00

It's a drop in the bucketAnd a bucket in the pondAnd the pond fills the riverAnd the river rushes onAnd every river swells a riverUntil the power can't be stoppedAnd what becomes a mighty oceanStarted with a drop--Mitch Barrett"Drop In the Bucket" Life is more than fair.  Polyanna, yes.  But oh so true once again. It all started last Friday evening when I made an appearance at the Snowbird

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com1Sandy, UT, USA40.57250000000001 -111.8597221999999640.527757500000014 -111.93194619999997 40.61724250000001 -111.78749819999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-85461306186978832482011-05-30T15:05:00.003-06:002011-06-13T07:12:30.750-06:00

I am doing my best to keep my head on straightI am doing my bestI am doing my best to keep the madness at bay I am doing my bestPut here on this planet to do my very bestOh yes my best! -- Kinfolk Kinfolk's Cambriah Heaton shared her enchanting world with Ricochet House Concerts Wednesday in a magical performance that left the entire audience spellbound.  With her delicate, whispery voice,

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com1Sandy, UT, USA40.5725 -111.8597221999999640.5277575 -111.93194619999997 40.617242499999996 -111.78749819999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-76819111856179582362011-05-29T13:33:00.002-06:002011-06-03T07:40:17.973-06:00

 As a "sidebar" to my U2 concert review, I must admit I was completely disappointed by the lack of planning and coordination around public transportation.  With limited parking and a Trax line which stopped preciously at the stadium, we expected to be able to ride light rail.  But one would have had to crowd surf to get on one of the cars by the time they reached Trolley Square and no extra

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.8910473999999940.6844173 -112.07207439999999 40.837141300000006 -111.71002039999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-66094072311791851692011-05-29T12:36:00.003-06:002011-06-03T07:39:44.061-06:00

The more you see the less you know The less you find out as you go I knew much more then, than I do now-- U2, "City of Blinding Lights" If you have read this blog oft, you know that I am drawn to the stage.  Front and side, front and side, sometimes on, but always in the thick of the crowd.  When I was invited to have a ticket in U2's general admission (floor) section, I responded with a

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.8910473999999940.6844173 -112.07207439999999 40.837141300000006 -111.71002039999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-66217651784009326092011-05-22T16:09:00.018-06:002011-05-23T07:34:22.494-06:00

When Utah acoustic singer/songwriter Jen Hajj told me she attended the rival high school in my hometown, Tempe, Arizona, she became my instant friend.  Her music brings back scenes of my life growing up in the raw southwest desert.  A classically trained vocalist, Jen has branded folk music as her own.  She's sprinkled her repertoire with other genres to create unique sounds and rhythms which

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com1Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.8910473999999940.6844173 -112.07207439999999 40.837141300000006 -111.71002039999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-40600263025260981002011-05-03T16:50:00.000-06:002011-05-22T16:51:10.028-06:00

Too lazy to get out to hear live music?  Imagine going to a concert without leaving the house.  You too can host a house concert and bring the music to you.  Here's how a few of my friends planned and pulled off a wonderful evening of music, all in Monica's warm and beautiful home: 1) Reel in some musicians.  Bobby did all the leg work here and snagged three musicians, on a Saturday night, no

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-15551513509961730832011-04-25T23:54:00.008-06:002011-04-27T00:08:30.195-06:00

My muse disappeared a month ago and has not been sighted since.  My ability to write has been immobilized in the worst way since I began my writing avocation in the second grade.  Yes, I can still write emails and Facebook posts, as well as shopping lists and technical writing for my job, but when it comes to those topics I'm passionate about, I've been neutralized. For a time, FeliciaEvita was

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-88154931795469782172011-03-21T05:38:00.004-06:002011-05-22T18:52:12.348-06:00

All during March, I indulged in an Irish music fix.  I tuned in to Celtic Podcast before work.  I rallied a dozen or so of us to hear the Wailing O'Sheas at Piper Down and almost 60 to hear Swagger and the Young Dubliners at The Depot.  Ten of us decided our St. Paddy's would be incomplete without hearing a real Irish band, Flogging Molly.  A half-day road trip from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Las Vegas, NV, USA36.114646 -115.1728160000000135.9816575 -115.34909250000001 36.247634500000004 -114.99653950000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-6577308734578549222011-03-16T21:25:00.004-06:002011-03-17T07:17:25.249-06:00

Missed the concert? Press play and get jiggy without delay. Last Saturday, I shared my love of the Irish rock bands Young Dubliners and Swagger with a few dozen of my closest friends.  For those of us who had jigged non-stop through Swagger and the Dubs at the Irish Festival in August and the Harry O's concert in late December, buying a ticket to their concert at The Depot in Salt Lake City

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com3Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-83844644852278668742011-03-09T19:06:00.001-07:002011-03-13T19:21:19.406-06:00

And though the place I live lies far behind I feel like I’m headed home.--Shaney McCoy in “Headed Home” “Lights, camera, action” took on a whole new meaning to Shaney McCoy last Saturday evening. Though she couldn't see the packed to capacity crowd at her video recording party at MacNichol Guitars in Murray, Utah, Shaney delivered another flawless taste of folk, country and blues. If anything,

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com3Murray, UT, USA40.6668916 -111.887990940.6017881 -112.00472040000001 40.7319951 -111.7712614tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-18847381715251951522011-03-04T05:42:00.002-07:002011-03-04T05:42:00.275-07:00

Who among us hasn't been chastised for "over-thinking" things.  I'll admit, I default to analysis far too often.  Analysis is a great work skill, but in the rest of my life, it becomes a liability.  This favorite Eagles song from way back turns off my monkey mind and inspires me to let everything flow ... the way it's supposed to, just like a sunshiny spring day.  Hope those are coming to you

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-51025171565662698582011-02-27T20:30:00.001-07:002011-02-27T20:47:44.886-07:00

On Linkin Park's website are listed their top five shows: New York City, Osaka (Japan), Berlin (Germany), Paris (France), and Tel Aviv (Israel).  I doubt Salt Lake City will be added to that list any time soon since the ESA was not full, but Linkin Park delivered a great show on their "A Thousand Suns: World Tour 2011."  We all loved Linkin Park's music, lights, and show delivery.  A sweet

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com2Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-70015777461294971442011-02-27T19:04:00.000-07:002011-02-27T19:04:59.206-07:00

Ironically, the ticket to the Justin Townes Earle concert at the State Room in Salt Lake City I bought in September of last year was the first I'd purchased in months because the summer had been flush with free concerts in Park City as well as volunteer work at USANA Amphitheater.  When it was announced that Earle's concert was postponed, patrons were given the option for a full refund or

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-8033649395261067292011-02-26T10:13:00.003-07:002011-02-28T12:36:26.966-07:00

Blonde-haired, blue eyed Teresa Storch warmed up Salt Lake City's Magpie House Concert stage for Stephanie Corby by describing a phone conversation with her mother. “I have had that exact conversation with my mom about a hundred times!” I told her during the break. Moms, it seems, care about financial security, health care benefits, and 401Ks for their daughters. And rightly so, but getting

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-75328696798438267032011-02-23T22:12:00.000-07:002011-02-23T22:12:25.739-07:00

Do you trip on love? Do you run from magic? When you kiss someone, do you make it tragic? If you feel too much, do you start to panic? When the word comes up, do you trip on love? -- Stephanie Corby ("Trip On Love") Over a hundred concerts in the past nine months and not once have I been moved to tears. That is, until I heard Stephanie Corby sing “Trip On Love,” a song written by her friend

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com3Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-67371641491759426582011-02-22T22:45:00.005-07:002011-02-22T23:31:24.829-07:00

Just allow for what is to be And be and allow to be And breathe into all of me What is is perfect and perfect for me – Mary Tebbs (“Then Let Go”) Yes, I am way behind in getting Utah's amazing music events posted. Let's agree that my inner muse got distracted and fell into a ditch. It was out of no disrespect for these wonderful musicians that this post is delayed. Two Friday's ago at

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com2Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-88598759839697122962011-02-17T23:36:00.001-07:002011-02-18T07:42:14.147-07:00

Thinking back to September's hike to Diamond Hot Springs and the ensuing discussion of dating and relationships brings memories of hearing Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk," over and again during the two-plus hour car ride.  "I'm primal and dainty," said our driver as he set the CD player to "Tusk."  He painted a visual of himself wearing but a loin cloth, with he and his woman chasing one another around

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-2658448263880040642011-02-15T19:07:00.001-07:002011-02-15T21:08:38.102-07:00

I've got the key to the highway Feel I got to go Gonna leave here running Walking is both too slow --BB King ("Key to the Highway") When I learned the King of the Blues was playing Wendover's Peppermill Concert Hall, I knew we -- me, my daughter, my son-in-law, and his parents -- were going.  BB King was the reason my son-in-law began to play the guitar.  We saw BB back in 2009 at Kingsbury

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Wendover, NV, USA40.739097 -114.07334540.7065805 -114.13171 40.7716135 -114.01498000000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-76766259209861863712011-02-14T18:48:00.008-07:002011-02-16T18:41:36.918-07:00

A blatu blande bitos biuon! A, m' atriia, a, ma helvetia! Oh dulcet blossom of the living world! Oh my fatherland, oh my Helvetia! -- Eluveitie ("Slania's Song") Celtic. Heavy. Metal.  Mind blowing.  Eluveitie unleashed a ninety minute infusion of Celtic heavy metal to enthusiastic fans at Salt Lake City's Club Sound on Saturday night.  Google top Folk metal bands, and you'll always find

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-50984098107535510862011-02-12T14:53:00.001-07:002011-02-12T16:01:27.463-07:00

I see a tiny light like a flashbulb sparkle in the night I see a tiny light telling everyone to hold on tight -– Grace Potter and the Nocturnals (“Tiny Light”)  Vermont's Grace Potter and the Nocturnals delivered up a healthy serving of Southern rock, blues, and soul at The Depot in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night. And they did so with unequaled passion. Backstopped by lead guitarist

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com1Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-28830363433199087622011-02-07T19:45:00.015-07:002011-02-13T12:29:25.802-07:00

 Be on the lookout for the 2012 Irish in Utah Benefit Concert sponsored by the Hibernian Society of Utah.  The 2011 edition held last Saturday at Judge Memorial HS Auditorium in Salt Lake City was that good.  You will want to be there in 2012.  For a $20 admission fee, all of which supports Salt Lake City's 2011 St. Patrick's Day parade, we heard Irish music from Utah's premiere Celtic bands,

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-90737872964234761462011-02-06T21:57:00.000-07:002011-02-10T21:58:16.601-07:00

“Positive versus negative, positive will win. We are positive.” – Julian Marley On the week the world marked the late Bob Marley's February 6th birthday, Park City celebrated with his son's reggae happening at the stage on lower Main Street as part of the VISA World Cup Skiing Championships. When my friend emailed a few of us that afternoon to ask if we wanted to go hear Julian Marley in

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Park City, UT, USA40.6460622 -111.497972940.580938700000004 -111.6147024 40.7111857 -111.38124339999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-73544371833426125352011-02-06T12:41:00.002-07:002011-02-08T06:54:55.116-07:00

Even his jacket was adorned with black flames. With the crowd on their feet, the Reverend Horton Heat opened his country-fed punkabilly discourse with “Bullet” and blistered The Depot in Salt Lake City on Thursday night. It was my first time hearing the Reverend's fiery sermon. While milling about the crowd, we ran into other Reverend Horton Heat virgins who were dragged to the concert

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-75157831237074507552011-02-05T18:00:00.005-07:002011-02-13T08:17:01.591-07:00

Talk about a warm up band.  Luis threw a spark that ignited the crowd at The Depot in Salt Lake City on Thursday. The dancing, jiving, and bopping erupted, oh, maybe ten seconds after Luis and the Wildfires hit the stage with their electrifying garage rock 'n roll. Touring with the Reverend Horton Heat, Luis and the Wildfires had nary a mellow song in their lineup. The scene was like being

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-76068500300407839582011-02-04T21:20:00.002-07:002011-02-07T00:03:12.079-07:00

A sold out show at The Depot in Salt Lake City, Amos Lee's Tuesday concert was the much anticipated music event of the week. And to the disappointment of fans and no doubt to concert organizers, Lee was ill and unable to perform. With headliner under the weather, there were two choices: reschedule or play without him. Or … both.  The band declared the show must go on. The Depot offered free

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-12480257511490285602011-02-04T06:21:00.002-07:002011-02-04T06:21:00.527-07:00

Press PLAY So you thought Germans favored only beer-drinking songs?  Wrong.  I never knew how seriously Deutschland takes its pizza.  I ate pizza for breakfast whenever I could while visiting Munich and Cologne. The joy of pizza expressed in this rollicking tune is an unparalleled aural experience.  By the time this ditty is halfway through, you will be begging for pizza, beer, root beer,

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-7217284246076262482011-02-01T19:25:00.002-07:002011-02-01T19:25:00.318-07:00

To write a song, ever since I was young Required some tragedy I'd shape and hone, from the blood, from the bone Some sense of sanity And awed, should a good wind prevail I'd close my mouth and open my sails But when a storm would roll in I would pick up my pen And I'd wail ... and tell another lonely tale -- Honest Soul     Utah's soul man Colin Robinson drove Honest Soul through the Hog

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Cottonwood Heights, UT, USA40.6183158 -111.816293140.5531648 -111.9330226 40.6834668 -111.69956359999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-24673057920352374362011-01-26T19:00:00.001-07:002011-01-26T19:00:02.122-07:00

Stjepan Hauser and Luka Sulic, natives of Croatia, play Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" in this dueling cellos rendition.  I thought it was so fabulous that I watched it twice.

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-28295668427440284062011-01-25T19:26:00.002-07:002011-02-01T12:58:51.804-07:00

I'm in love with words. I'll admit it. My former boss told me that once, and it was not meant as a compliment. Oh well, you can't please everyone, and business writing is a whole different ballgame than is blogging, or poetry set to music, which describes most songs. When words and music mix, the result is ecstasy. Just the same, I censor. I don't want to ruin any perception that you're reading

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-59745631938044566232011-01-23T20:24:00.004-07:002011-01-23T20:55:07.779-07:00

For those outside Utah and for those in Utah who are living in a media vacuum ... the Sundance Film Festival started Thursday.  As Utah natives know, Sundance brings film celebrities and wannabes primarily to Park City but also to Salt Lake City (at least to the airport).  For years, my daughter and I had a tradition of going up to Park City's Main Street just to enjoy the scene.  Neither of us

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Park City, UT, USA40.6460622 -111.497972940.580938700000004 -111.6147024 40.7111857 -111.38124339999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-41666891710105030632011-01-21T21:16:00.005-07:002011-02-14T19:23:00.769-07:00

On their first visit to Utah, John Paul White and Joy Williams -- The Civil Wars -- promised the crowd at The State Room in Salt Lake City on Thursday they'd hear "folk."  Never a million years did I think I'd hear Michael Jackson's trademark "Billie Jean" rendered in folk and that I'd absolutely love it. Besides "Billie Jean" and "You Are My Sunshine" sung "darkly," the duo sang a host of

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com2Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-77570629704015583622011-01-20T19:04:00.003-07:002011-01-23T22:02:57.176-07:00

MAYBE ... Maybe happiness is a state of mind, not a “door” that opens and closes with the changing events of your life. Maybe you can’t really “have” anyone or anything besides the inner peace you can find within yourself. Maybe you should appreciate the lessons you learn every day, not just those learned on the days when your job, your love life, and your finances are going great.

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-82610947656824879692011-01-16T18:46:00.009-07:002011-01-17T10:17:37.680-07:00

Maybe it's in my shanty lace curtain Irish DNA.  I can't get enough. Utah's Irish Rock Band, Swagger, lured me away from other events last night.  Seeing the Temptations in Wendover was tempting til I heard the concert was sold out. A jazz pianist was playing at Sun and Moon Cafe.  Contra dancing at the Ladies Literary Society building in downtown Salt Lake City made the tentative schedule, but

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com4Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-50675892396989682132011-01-15T13:04:00.005-07:002011-01-16T23:06:56.956-07:00

January in Utah is not exactly known to be balmy. And this year is no exception.  The snow, the skiing, the beautiful icicles, and the huge sky that seems to say "aha" after a huge snow storm ... I love it all.  And yet ... winter can make one yearn for, say, a Caribbean cruise.  Harry O's provided the perfect venue for a mental vacation at Friday night's Patwa gig.  The Park City-based

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Park City, UT, USA40.6460622 -111.497972940.580938700000004 -111.6147024 40.7111857 -111.38124339999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-55380015328209610002011-01-14T20:44:00.000-07:002011-01-17T18:28:17.842-07:00

Double Helix.  Photo: Wikipedia, National Human Genome Research Institute Woodwind master jazz artist John Flanders and his band, Double Helix, introduced their latest CD "The Go Between" last Sunday.  Before Sunday, "Double Helix" evoked images of science, not jazz.  In previous posts, I have described my sometimes rocky relationship with science.  For the record, the syncopating rhythms and

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Park City, UT, USA40.6460622 -111.497972940.580938700000004 -111.6147024 40.7111857 -111.38124339999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-28653105886182011532011-01-13T20:49:00.006-07:002011-01-17T18:25:28.095-07:00

Heartroot concerts and snow in Utah are highly correlated.  The Heartroot duo, featuring Mindy Dillard and Eric McEuen, was on my follow up list from the first time I saw them back in November.  The first two attempts were thwarted by severe snow and snow packed (not plowed) roads.  The third time was the charm. Heartroot's concert at the Holladay United Church of Christ began with the

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-45305234445876956972011-01-13T18:37:00.001-07:002011-01-13T20:01:22.146-07:00

"You can wreck anything with that kind of idiotic analysis." - Peter Yarrow, about continued references to hidden meanings behind "Puff the Magic Dragon" Leonard Lipton and Peter Yarrow's "Puff the Magic Dragon" is a song about smoking pot ... or the AC-47 Spooky from the Vietnam War ... or somebody's pet dragon ... or leaving childhood toys and friends behind on the path to adulthood. All

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-69529002536837255202011-01-12T21:40:00.002-07:002011-01-13T21:25:55.342-07:00

Recently, I entered a poetry contest sponsored by one of my singles social groups.  The challenge: write Haiku about pizza.  Haiku is Japanese poetry characterized by lines of 5 - 7 - 5 syllables.  No rhymes allowed.   The prize: what else? Pizza. The Pizza Prize Brad was the winning poet and he was gracious enough to allow me to post his winning poem here, along with his other entertaining

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-23550139023981230182011-01-12T20:30:00.002-07:002011-01-17T17:27:43.138-07:00

"Happiness is waiting.  Hang your laundry on the line."-- Cosy Sheridan Imagine a poetess, singer, muse, and guitar goddess all in one petite package - and she makes it all look oh so easy.  Last Friday's Intermountain Acoustic Music Association concert brought a potpourri of treats, among them award winning acoustic guitarist Cosy Sheridan and her equally talented partner, TR Ritchie.  As her

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-24206909832272842232011-01-08T09:27:00.005-07:002011-01-15T15:50:22.854-07:00

Ah yes ... the standing ovation. Utahns know it's a local tradition to stand up and stretch after the final number.  Might as well clap and give the band their due.  So when in Utah, how do you separate a genuine standing ovation from the rest?  It's a screaming ovation. After CrosStrung (previously known as Silver Rails) played their first "official" Salt Lake City gig, screams and shouts

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com1Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-80361146621892151372011-01-01T12:35:00.000-07:002011-01-01T12:35:30.834-07:00

Here's to 2011.  May all your wildest dreams - and some you've not thought of yet - come true! Hope everybody has a wonderful New Year's celebration. Yeah, sing with me, sing for the year sing for the laughter, sing for the tear sing with me, if it's just for today Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away 

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-89683600391285444152010-12-30T20:00:00.006-07:002011-01-15T15:49:54.898-07:00

Not even a foot of snow could prevent us from relishing in Utah's Winter Irish Festival.  Salt Lake City's snow plows had given up making their passes along the streets which were flush with spin offs and sliding cars.  Fortuitously, we'd agreed to car pool ... and we got to ride in our friend's 4WD truck. It was a crazy time. The post-Christmas rush had hit and many of us were slammed on all

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com10Park City, UT, USA40.6460622 -111.497972940.580938700000004 -111.6147024 40.7111857 -111.38124339999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-59720633438770183032010-12-27T23:37:00.013-07:002011-01-04T07:18:43.317-07:00

All the concert bloggers I know are posting their top ten lists.  Perhaps I'll take a beating for this being overkill, but I have two lists: one for the national touring bands and a second list to recognize our Utah musicians (and those nearby in Colorado and California, with Utah roots), some of whom also tour regionally and beyond.  Selection criteria for both lists was simple: Musical quality

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com1Utah, USA39.3209801 -111.093731135.0735181 -118.5644341 43.5684421 -103.6230281tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-41649862272002921432010-12-24T10:48:00.000-07:002010-12-24T10:48:00.337-07:00

Music is a safe type of high. ... It's nothing but rhythm and motion.- Jimi Hendrix Thanks to all my readers, followers, and friends, for your encouragement and support this year.  Special mention to my Uncle Rich for kicking me out of my writing comfort zone, my daughter Angie for all her social media consulting advice, and the Green Team, the Concert Posse, and many concert afficionados for

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-28767874401863296722010-12-14T21:07:00.001-07:002011-01-15T15:49:18.539-07:00

It was plenty chilly outside, but inside, it was a warm and captivating evening.  The Jeanne Wagner Theater in downtown Salt Lake City showcased Nina Cooley and Tiffany Draper, the Celtic flutists of Stonecircle.  Yes, there were fiddles, vocalists, mandolins, keyboards, accordions, bodhrans, whistles, and guitars, but the flutes rocked my world for about two or so hours Saturday night. Before

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-60882691792820924542010-12-14T18:41:00.002-07:002011-01-15T15:48:34.385-07:00

If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will. -- The Grateful Dead ("The Wheel") On a hot August day in 1995 when my daughter was skating at the Cottonwood Heights Rec Center, one of the coaches blasted onto the ice wearing jeans and a tie dyed t-shirt.  Uncharacteristic skating coach-wear, her outfit was a tribute to Jerry Garcia, the voice of the Grateful Dead, who had died that day.

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-13409648070406886992010-12-09T22:53:00.002-07:002011-01-15T15:48:03.025-07:00

 And if you've got pollution, we've got the solution Just ship it to Utah, we'll keep it for you We'll take plutonium,depleted uranium It's a no-brainium, we'll keep it for you --The Lab Dogs ("We'll Keep It For You") The date had been marked on my calendar for months: The Lab Dogs in concert.  Likewise other fans: this was a record turn out for the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association's

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com2Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-60072694083008479002010-12-07T20:03:00.001-07:002011-01-15T15:47:30.645-07:00

The perfect "make out" music.  That's how I described Michael Lucarelli's acoustic guitar finesse to a friend who was thinking of attending this concert last Friday.  I'd seen him at the Cathedral earlier this year.  Though no one was dancing in the aisles as with other concerts I've attended this year, Lucarelli clearly finessed the capacity crowd at the Unitarian Church for December's monthly

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-24456465559929753682010-12-06T20:21:00.001-07:002011-01-15T15:47:02.272-07:00

Think Utah.  Think choir.  For most, what comes to mind is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, aka the "Mo Tabs."  Are there other choirs?  Absolutely. Besides the stunning Cathedral of the Madeleine choir, First Presbyterian Church's Chancel Choir has an impressive collective resume.  And it shows in their performance, one of which I saw last Sunday.  Led by Russ McKinney,bass trombonist for the Utah

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-5311064096546960772010-12-02T21:24:00.003-07:002011-01-15T15:46:32.803-07:00

Country singer and songwriter Rod Ballou sat behind me in high school typing class. Except for my sitting by Rod, typing class evokes a host of mind dulling memories such as a s d f {space} j k l ; {space} and so on.  Rod decided to point his fingers in another direction, toward his guitar. I caught up with Rod on Facebook and more recently in person at our high school reunion in October. 

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Frisco, TX, USA33.1506744 -96.823611633.0069529 -97.0570711 33.2943959 -96.59015210000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-35202650250447909332010-11-25T08:01:00.000-07:002010-11-25T15:08:50.642-07:00

Once I spent Thanksgiving Day in Plymouth, Massachusetts.  The band: a band of locals dressed in traditional pilgrim attire.  The music: monotonic drum beats oh every eight seconds, nothing you could do a hand jive to.  From what I've read, back in the pilgrim heydey, not so much as a whistle or hum was allowed, even in church. I'm so thankful that since those times, our world has become

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-89699311111495686682010-11-22T23:42:00.007-07:002011-01-15T15:45:53.580-07:00

What to do on a Friday night?   Last Friday, three of us opted for the Fun Bus, what with the seafood buffet, $5 spending money, and all the other couponed trappings ... what's not to like?  I know plenty who sneer and despise Wendover, but for an opportunity to hear Little Big Town at Peppermill Concert Hall, one of the best concert halls within miles of Salt Lake City, it wasn't a hard

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Wendover, NV, USA40.73399053853161 -114.0610885620117240.70147153853161 -114.11945356201171 40.76650953853161 -114.00272356201172tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-81594279060879381012010-11-20T15:42:00.014-07:002011-01-15T15:45:16.630-07:00

Did anybody see the Trib's assessment of last Thursday's Trans-Siberian Orchestra's concert in Salt Lake City?  David Burger opined that the almost three-hour TSO show was exhaustingly long and with questionable content at times, most notably with the addition of the Beatles tune "Help."  Burger appeared surprised that a band with the longevity, talent, and reputation of the TSO wouldn't

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-90593987322469989982010-11-17T22:00:00.004-07:002011-01-15T15:44:41.921-07:00

Shaney McCoy shared with me during the break at her CD release party that she'd dropped her guitar backstage before making her grand entrance for her first set.  Substitute "break a guitar?" for "break a leg."  Why not?  It worked. The stars aligned perfectly for her Salt Lake City CD release party at the Unitarian Church downtown, on a Monday no less.  Playing to a packed house, Shaney

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-76824648783535128732010-11-17T20:00:00.002-07:002010-11-21T22:17:55.690-07:00

Last Saturday in the concert room at Mestizo Coffee House in Salt Lake City was the place to be, in case you didn't hear.  And granted, many of you didn't get the message, but next time you'll know that a song-packed evening with Jen Hajj and Utah Slim and Heartroot, is not to be missed.   Jen Hajj and Utah Slim are the quintessential merger of classically trained folksinger songstress Jen and

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-34119987233937754462010-11-16T22:21:00.002-07:002011-01-15T15:43:04.803-07:00

"If you're not in awe, you're not paying attention."--Lisa Ferraro and Erika Luckett Friday evening left me defenseless in a battle with spinach soup. The soup won … my clothes and kitchen were covered in green, and I didn't even have time to eat before I raced out the door. My destination: the Magpie House Concert in mid-Sugarhouse for the Gratitude and Awe Tour featuring Erika Luckett and

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-4392561724501652972010-11-12T19:00:00.006-07:002011-01-15T15:42:26.905-07:00

Whirling speed is no stranger to the Blackberry Bushes, who brought their nationwide bluegrass tour to Salt Lake City's Piper Down last Thursday.  Joe Capoccia played his bass fast like a fiddle.  Jakob Breitbach fiddled double time even when a horse hair or so snapped off his bow.  Vocalist Jes Raymond stopped singing and strumming her guitar long enough to wow the crowd with a quick little

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-2313403099819735282010-11-09T21:00:00.000-07:002010-11-10T22:46:18.533-07:00

My first concert.  I think I was a high school freshman.  The brother and sister team of Karen and Richard Carpenter, the #1 group of the 1970s, were performing at Grady Gammage in my hometown of Tempe, Arizona.  My friend Kathy and I sat in the center near the front.  Wow.  We were all grown up and at a concert. This was in the days barely beyond the Rat Pack and the Beatles.  Rock was all the

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-89872981238980252492010-11-08T22:45:00.002-07:002011-01-15T15:41:23.297-07:00

Humor me while I entitle local concert posts in foreign languages.  The desire to go to Italy again burns.  The furthest from home I have been in six months is Phoenix, and whilst I completely agree it was an amazing weekend, a long multi-country journey is emblazoned on my wish list. Sunday evening found me at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in downtown Salt Lake City, for the fifth and final

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-60739904159539328172010-11-07T08:33:00.002-07:002011-01-15T15:40:54.934-07:00

How do you top off a close-to-spectacular week?   With a song or two or six or so.  I arrived early at Intermountain Acoustic Music Association's "Songwriters In The Round" to save seats near the front for a couple friends who were meeting me.  Yes, if you bring the wine and cheese, I'll save seats for you, too. While I waited, I perused the IAMA newsletter, which was chock full of November's

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-70697740795105913722010-11-02T23:43:00.004-06:002010-11-14T17:47:37.563-07:00

Press PLAY or this post won't make sense. I sent a copy of this German song about the cuddly, spunky, adorable little crocodile, Schnappi, to my work email one fine day.  And then I played it on my computer until all my former coworkers got hooked on it.  Imagine well educated, middle aged professional men singing this ad infinitum, and then you'll understand why they wanted to strangle me. 

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-17401818649685570302010-10-30T12:01:00.005-06:002011-01-15T15:40:20.252-07:00

Cruella Deville walked in with her leashed, well-mannered Dalmation.  Frankenstein was in attendance, and on his cell phone most of the evening.  A trio of bugs sat behind us, and a cute little strawberry was in front of us.  A platter of sushi paraded among the guests.  And, of course, some wore spandex who {ahem} shouldn't have. The top of the orchestra section in Salt Lake City's Abravanel

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-22829905398942860922010-10-27T18:36:00.003-06:002011-01-15T15:39:39.295-07:00

Five musical genres, at least.  Four languages, in an amazing array of lyrics.  Three musical instruments, if you include the box.  Two-plus decades of playing experience. One concert, with the fiddle preacher.The self-proclaimed Fiddle Preacher delivered a resounding sermon at the Vertical Diner in Salt Lake City on Saturday.  I'd been to a Bronwen event before, in my pre-blogging days, and I

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-69620634061727128412010-10-12T21:45:00.002-06:002011-01-15T15:24:17.845-07:00

"Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing?" -- Pablo Picasso  Australian Pink Floyd's recent concert at USANA Amphitheater in Salt Lake City was, in a word, kaleidescopic.  Beautiful colors, without smoking a thing.  The massive screen behind the band was visual mesmerization on steroids, hosting images and colors set to songs like "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," "Welcome to the

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-28287989263013848432010-10-11T22:10:00.004-06:002011-01-15T15:38:56.884-07:00

Being the curious soul that I am, I kept sneaking a peak backstage before the concert.  Eventually, I saw the band and my heart skipped a beat.  These guys were the real deal, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.  And all at once, they rushed onstage and began to play. “Go stand at the edge of the stage,” I advised a shutterbug woman standing next to me incessantly snapping pictures of the band. “Their

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-64757314679309428852010-10-06T21:52:00.004-06:002011-01-15T15:23:02.480-07:00

June 1972.  I had a freshly minted graduation certificate from McKemy Junior High School in Tempe, Arizona.  As my friends and I rode our bikes home from school that one last time, we scream-sang a new hit "School's Out Forever."  School's out for summer School's out forever School's been blown to pieces No more pencils No more books No more teacher's dirty looks Like me, Alice Cooper

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-43212910516629622662010-09-26T21:15:00.007-06:002011-01-15T15:22:12.156-07:00

Press PLAY to sample one of Brad Paisley's concert hits featuring his animated character.  The evening was slightly cool and moonlit.  USANA's summer country concert series in Salt Lake City came to a close – or rather a grand finale – with the Brad Paisley H2O concert. One night when I couldn't sleep, I found myself in front of the computer at 3 am perusing the set list for recent Brad

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-20075584428808615692010-09-26T21:10:00.003-06:002011-01-15T15:21:19.645-07:00

 In 2008, Darius Rucker signed with Capitol Records as a country artist. One of the most experienced “warm up artists” performing on a moonlit Friday evening at USANA Amphitheater in Salt Lake City, Rucker put a bit of twang in his guitar with the move from Hootie and Blowfish to the Nashville-loving set. Rucker's lineup was an acknowledgement of his early musical roots with “Only Wanna Be

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-33628121058429456752010-09-25T21:36:00.002-06:002010-10-16T10:34:03.604-06:00

  My birthday festivities lasted several days including a trip to Pat's BBQ. I've mentioned Pat's here before, and the joint is definitely worth a re-mention. As usual, the food was fantastic, but my daughter, son-in-law, and I were absorbed in the music of Marinade. What an unlikely band configuration Marinade is … the lead singer, Talia Keys, is also the drummer. The band's vibe is a juicy

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0South Salt Lake, UT, USA40.7188354 -111.888269140.6863089 -111.9466341 40.751361900000006 -111.82990410000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-68561452285897590232010-09-19T21:15:00.004-06:002011-01-15T15:20:44.093-07:00

Play it again. “Down With the Sickness” was Disturbed's encore number for their concert at USANA Amphitheater in Salt Lake City. The rhythm was undulating, and the lyrics were drowned out by the guitars and drums, which was fine because they were definitely too colorful for me. The crowd didn't stop … jumping, dancing, fists in the air. Get up, come on get down with the sickness Get up,

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-41583929426833503532010-09-19T21:13:00.004-06:002011-01-15T15:19:55.898-07:00

III'm not my grandmother, but I'm not 17 anymore either. When I reviewed the set list for Avenged Sevenfold, the band immediately preceding the band Disturbed at the USANA Amphitheater in Salt Lake City, I knew this wasn't going to be a warm and fuzzy lyrical nirvana. “Nightmare,” “Beast and the Harlot,” and “Unholy Confessions” were among the group's featured numbers. Before the concert, I

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-43682601838742974972010-09-16T21:25:00.002-06:002010-10-17T07:05:54.097-06:00

The big summer concert tour may be within reach.  Whether you are a budding musician or an established star with some runway to go, here are a few unsolicited tips for making it to the big time in the music world. Wow.  First impressions matter.  The stage entrance and first song energize the crowd and set the stage for the entire set.  Everything about your beginning should be flawless.

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-14543243444529204202010-09-14T20:25:00.001-06:002010-11-07T15:42:51.026-07:00

Press PLAY to listen to Willie while you read this post. Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results. --Willie Nelson The show must go on. Willie Nelson should know: he's 77 and still touring. Recently, Willie visited Red Butte Gardens and played his favorites to a Salt Lake City audience. I didn't go … I was at the Street Opera downtown. A

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-79137062629131059832010-09-12T20:59:00.002-06:002010-10-17T07:06:43.810-06:00

How do you spell mellow?  Street opera on the street behind the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City.  We opted out of the hill climb to the cheap seats to hear Willie Nelson at Red Butte in favor of a much more civilized cultural experience featuring soprano Genevieve Christianson and baritone Christopher Holmes, accompanied by Lawrence Gee.   Dressed to the nines, native New Yorker Christianson

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-50788881811073282612010-09-08T22:01:00.001-06:002010-10-16T10:31:09.155-06:00

A relationship gone haywire is sort of like a train wreck.  Yes, I would know.  I smiled wryly, laughed, and nodded to another of the concert posse as we heard Buyin' Time's rendition of "Can't Let Go," the perkiest, peppiest of break up songs.  Depressing topic aside, nothing could out-invigorate Buyin' Time's dobro, mandolin, guitars, and fiddle serenading us at the Murray City Park

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Murray, UT, USA40.6668916 -111.887990940.6017881 -112.00472040000001 40.7319951 -111.7712614tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-23386302900047478872010-09-08T21:25:00.001-06:002010-10-16T10:31:50.372-06:00

I jumped in the car and raced from a family dinner with my son-in-law's parents, where we had just christened their newly remodeled kitchen with a delicious spaghetti dinner.  Kate is a wonderful cook.  I don't think I could have picked a better mother-in-law for my daughter.  No wonder "the kids" are doing so well ... Kate and I have become good friends and in the process learned we think so

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Murray, UT, USA40.6668916 -111.887990940.6017881 -112.00472040000001 40.7319951 -111.7712614tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-79372638185493366232010-09-08T21:22:00.000-06:002010-09-08T21:22:01.352-06:00

 The first coffee bush sprang up above,     God's tears from heaven a sorcerer toy'd,         A burning gasket, and a parching tongue. Ah happy cup! the breakfast blend I love!     Ground ever warm and cup to be enjoy'd,         For ever sipping, and for ever hung;  Thou still caffeinated drink of roastedness,       Thou percolated shot of morning and sublime, Jester baristas, who French

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-65673492658869191342010-09-01T21:48:00.011-06:002011-01-15T15:19:05.008-07:00

Press PLAY to set the correct mood for this post. Before the John Mayer concert Tuesday at USANA Amphitheater in Salt Lake City, I saw a young man wearing a button: My body is a wonderland. Free rides tonight. Wow.  Nothing like putting yourself out there.  (As I write, Trace Adkins is playing in the background, so everything I write herein may be clouded by that.)   Mayer's music was good,

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-10612463067116487222010-08-26T23:31:00.005-06:002010-10-24T11:37:41.350-06:00

Press PLAY and you will see my fellow members of the concert posse shaking it. A group of us and the rest of the die-hard-gotta-do-as-many-Park City-concerts-as-possible-this-summer crowd made way to Deer Valley yet again, this time to hear Shaky Trade, a band from Ogden, Utah.  After spreading out my camping blanket, I made way to get a bottle of water ($2.50) because I didn't have time to stop

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com1Deer Valley, Park City, UT 84060, USA40.6474511 -111.476860740.6311706 -111.50604320000001 40.6637316 -111.4476782tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-27834394477220255752010-08-24T23:46:00.002-06:002011-01-15T15:36:50.466-07:00

I wanted some "me time" so I went alone to the Canyons Ski Resort to hear Dangermuffin, from South Carolina.  As I sauntered very slowly up the hill from the parking lot, I caught up with my brother by phone about everything from sorority rush (his daughter/my niece), the stock market (trading is tough, folks), and social media (is it possible to tweet your way to a customer base?).  I saw

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Park City, UT, USA40.6460622 -111.497972940.580938700000004 -111.6147024 40.7111857 -111.38124339999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-33421271762359785672010-08-23T20:49:00.003-06:002010-10-16T10:38:48.016-06:00

Press PLAY to hear one of Norah's great hits, "Creepin' In." Norah Jones was at Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake City.  I didn't have tickets and I'd made other plans so I couldn't even go walk the hill and listen in from the free mountain seats.   However, I did send representation.  I emailed Joe and Amy a set list from Norah's July 23rd concert in Rome.  I never did hear what Norah played but

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake City, UT, USA40.7607793 -111.891047440.6307558 -112.1245069 40.8908028 -111.65758790000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-4863120815371736042010-08-22T20:51:00.005-06:002010-08-22T21:40:00.823-06:00

"Silence is a great source of strength."-- Lao Tzu My week-long music marathon paused with no concert to attend on Thurday.  After work, I re-routed my energies to my long-lost Bikram yoga.  Usually I go 3-5x a week, 90 minutes each time, so a week-long yoga lapse to accommodate a break-neck schedule of work and concerts was significant. From a fitness perspective, the four recent "hikes" at

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-19039119888963196872010-08-21T15:29:00.005-06:002011-09-29T20:00:47.555-06:00

I wonder if anyone has ever navigated this topic.  I'll venture a guess this is a first.  To be clear, my comments are not directed at any person or situation, but rather are based on an aggregation of my personal experiences and those of others close to me.  I promise.  Okay ... out with it. Over the past year, I've been taking classes and learning to invest in the stock market.  As I've

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-44997901995544526932010-08-19T13:43:00.005-06:002011-01-15T15:36:12.138-07:00

We're two for two.  Two rainy but fun concerts at Deer Valley's Wednesday night summer concert series.  The highlights of the evening, besides Ryan Hiller's music, were a couple of trick dogs and a broken umbrella. Before the rain began, hula hooping to the music was all the rage. The umbrella snap was a surprise indeed, complete with snapped ribs and the shocked look of the umbrella owner. 

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Deer Valley, Park City, UT 84060, USA40.6474511 -111.476860740.6311706 -111.50604320000001 40.6637316 -111.4476782tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-71471730628388955882010-08-18T12:35:00.003-06:002011-01-15T15:18:08.197-07:00

Press PLAY to hear Dave Matthews at one of my favorite places, Central Park in New York City. A pot of cool water heated to a rolling boil.  Dave Matthews' concert Tuesday at USANA Amphitheater in West Valley City, Utah was just that.  The evening began when Dave appeared onstage briefly to introduce the warm up artist, Brett Dennen, and to apologize, profusely, for two consecutive years of

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-60388753865571566682010-08-17T10:44:00.003-06:002011-01-15T15:17:25.555-07:00

Press PLAY to experience the proper ambiance for the post below. Cult metallic rock.  Nothing could tame the voltage at West Valley City's USANA Amphitheater on Monday night.  I had zero exposure to the Scorpions, and I didn't try to alter that by doing any research before Monday before the concert.  There just wasn't time as my life has become a seemingly endless series of late nights (

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-56067662603352751752010-08-15T18:49:00.002-06:002010-10-16T10:41:18.325-06:00

Sometimes the best laid plans go astray, and today was no exception.  I heard a knock at my door when I was still in bed.  A big oops.  It was my daughter and her puppy.  We'd arranged a fun Sunday morning breakfast, which quickly was revamped as lunch up in Park City at the Silly Markets as it was almost 11. Getting coffee was slow as my grinder died.  And the puppy refused to do that which we

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Park City, UT, USA40.6460622 -111.497972940.580938700000004 -111.6147024 40.7111857 -111.38124339999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-61207607399644148052010-08-15T18:14:00.003-06:002011-01-15T15:16:49.993-07:00

Press PLAY to hear Toby Keith! Songs about America pride, military, and patriotism underscore Toby Keith's concert repertoire.  Well, also a familiar country music themes ... whiskey and women to name a few.  This year's concert at the USANA Amphitheater was no exception.  A Ford truck made a dramatic entrance to the stage after a short video featuring Keith and his Ford sponsorship.  The show

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-36799755225255642052010-08-15T18:09:00.005-06:002011-01-15T15:14:08.512-07:00

The motorcycle lot in front of USANA Amphitheater was filled to capacity. I was standing near the VIP section when Trace Adkins walked on stage.  I don't know if I had ever seen him that close.  I had no idea.  Not wanting to ruin my conservative image (ha), I'll spare the details of what I said next.  I ran over to a couple of women about my age. I knew they'd understand. Trace was already

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-11324120593112233972010-08-14T11:55:00.003-06:002011-01-15T15:16:00.371-07:00

Jack Johnson's sleepy, laid back signature song, "Better Together" captured the heart and soul of the swaying, singing crowd at USANA Amphitheater Friday.   Press PLAY as you read and look at the pictures below. The biggest surprise of the evening happened early when we learned that Jack, an ardent earth-friendly advocate, was so pleased to hear about USANA's all volunteer Green Team

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-8832163626678647212010-08-06T06:25:00.003-06:002011-01-15T15:35:16.019-07:00

A tip for a free concert at Deer Valley in Park City, Utah appeared on my Facebook newsfeed Tuesday.  By Wednesday afternoon, it evolved into a small gathering at the foot of the stage.  Until it started raining, that is.  The concert was temporarily halted and the entire hill of people ran to cover, many to the stage.  I heard a guy say, "This is Deer Valley, why can't they figure out how to

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Deer Valley, Park City, UT 84060, USA40.6474511 -111.476860740.6311706 -111.50604320000001 40.6637316 -111.4476782tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-63281281871417157112010-08-04T00:31:00.004-06:002011-01-15T15:34:34.751-07:00

Press PLAY, please.  Better to read this one with some background music. Hope you're listening to the music so you can get the full effect.  Imagine dancing to this band for well over an hour.  Yes, we did.  Jigs, whirls, allemande left and right, do si do.  And jumping. The Young Dubliners were all that a Celtic addict such as myself could have hoped for.  Well, except they're not young, but

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Deer Valley, Park City, UT 84060, USA40.6474511 -111.476860740.6311706 -111.50604320000001 40.6637316 -111.4476782tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-71766074189298214692010-08-03T23:33:00.006-06:002011-01-15T15:33:51.013-07:00

To say that the First Annual Irish Music Festival on Sunday at Deer Valley in Park City, Utah was fantastic would be an understatement. Yes, it was that good. A few of us arrived moments before the announcer came onstage to welcome everyone to the festival. We quickly evaluated the VIP section we'd bought tickets for and discovered it was a green fenced cage with a poor view of the stage and

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0Deer Valley, Park City, UT 84060, USA40.6474511 -111.476860740.6311706 -111.50604320000001 40.6637316 -111.4476782tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-87597160217430798552010-07-31T11:41:00.000-06:002010-07-31T11:41:09.782-06:00

Eleven concerts are on the agenda this weekend.  Two last night, two tonight, and seven or so at The Irish Music Festival in Deer Valley tomorrow.  This marathon kicks off my musical month of August.  It's going to be non-stop melodious fun.  To those of my readers who are touring the world or on vacation at the beach, yes, I'm envious, but I'm trying to make the best and the most of staying

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-56359718202580313952010-07-31T11:06:00.004-06:002011-01-15T15:13:07.147-07:00

Tim McGraw's "Where the Green Grass Grows" captures the essence of country living, with references to faith and family.  This city girl has lived in Chicago, Phoenix, Boston, and LA, but I've oft yearned for the simplicity and idyllic side of life in the country.  The closest I've come was when I lived in Durham, North Carolina.  And it was there that I fell in love with country music.  There

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998879652036786913.post-62121982513736678542010-07-31T10:45:00.027-06:002011-01-15T15:12:19.864-07:00

Drunk dialing, drunk texting. Always done in the wee hours. I've never done it in part because I don't drink much.  But the temptation to reconnect with a former amore is a powerful force to be reckoned with (and reckon, you should, with or without alcohol).  Lady Antebellum's "I Need You Now" aptly and poetically captures this all-too-common situation. The "warm up" band for Tim McGraw's

FeliciaEvitanoreply@blogger.com0West Valley City, UT, USA40.6916132 -112.001050140.626533699999996 -112.1177796 40.7566927 -111.8843206