THE WEEKENDER :) PHOTO PLAY & ROCK AND ROLL

FROM THE OLD WEST 

TO NEW OLD VENICE

     Thanks to my friend The Travel Answerman John VanKirk

for the tip on this WEEKENDER'S :) Video.  Take a European holiday from right there in your seat.

      Hats off to Joege Niggli for a sensational piece of work.

NEW SCENES 

FROM

THE OLD WEST

     I shot these as the Friday Lunch Flash Mob, down in size due to the windy gale coming off the Pacific, celebrated the birthday of our pal John Madara.

     An extraordinarily talented man, John was a father of

"The Philly Sound"  and early rock and roll.  

    He wrote and/or produced many early hits including At the Hop-Danny and The Juniors, 1-2-3 by Len Barry, You Don't Own Me-Lesley Gore, Rock and Roll is Here to Stay-Danny and the Juniors.

    For years John produced movie sound tracks, was music supervisor for television programs, produced Wayne Newton in Las Vegas, wrote music for TV specials and has recently

completed a musical screen play.  A fascinating career for a dynamic and great guy. A personal aside-I enjoy watching John, watch a musician or band perform.  His entire body seems to be measuring, processing and observing.  Must be the hit maker producer at work. He can't help himself. 

    Have a great weekend.  

    See you down the trail.

A REAL AMERICAN IDOL & SOMETHING NEW FROM THE WATERS

THE PASSING OF AN ICON

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

    In many ways Dick Clark was the curator of American pop culture as well as one of its progenitors. His boyish charm helped ease counter cultural influences of Rock into American mainstream life.  American Bandstand not only made stars and hit records, it made the connection between  boomers and music.

    Clark always seemed the cool and upbeat host and DJ, but he was also a skilled production executive and businessman.

He built an empire from his production of television specials, game shows and show business ownership.

     I met Clark a few times, first as he promoted Dick Clark's caravan of Stars, then later as he tended to his restaurant franchise business.  The last time was as the production company I was the head of did business with his giant company.  

      Of course, like Guy Lombardo before him, Clark is linked in many minds with New Year's Rockin Eve.  I had very mixed feelings about his staying on the air, after his debilitating  stroke.  It was difficult to see the smooth television persona struggle.  But it was also good for us, to see this determined and driven personality refuse to submit to a condition.  

     Clark pioneered much of contemporary American entertainment.  He remained a pioneer to the end.  Many

men of his age, wealth and condition would have simply backed away, but he stayed in the pop culture spot light he

helped illuminate.  

      This is not meant in an unkind way, but Ryan Seacrest is 

the likely heir to the role in Americana that Clark created. It

may also be that a Seacrest stardom would have been impossible without the pioneering of Dick Clark. He was an original.  Maybe even an American Idol.

WARNING

THIS IS NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH

    I was fascinated to learn of a new catch coming from about 10 miles out from Morro Bay at a depth of about 130 fathoms.  

      Here, in less than a minute, is a video to tell you more.

See you down the trail