It was probably the best Christmas I’ve had in 10 years. For the first time in my marriage, we didn’t drive anywhere this year for the Holidays. My parents were nice enough to delay their yearly pilgrimage down South until late December, and spent Christmas with us this year. It was a full house as my MIL came to stay for a few days also, and watched the kids while Heather started her new job at (drumroll please): Entercom Radio.

More about that later. In the meantime, here are some observations about Christmas in Buffalo:
Connor asked me after opening presents on Christmas morning, “where are we driving today, Daddy?” More than anything else, that reinforced that our decision to stay put and start creating real Christmas memories for our children here at home was the right decision. How wonderful for a child to go to bed wondering when Santa was coming down the chimney, instead of waking up in Grammy’s condo!

It was also Rocky’s first Christmas at home instead of in a kennel, or at a friend’s house. He especially enjoyed licking Connor and Darcy’s plates clean.

I also “worked” the Trans-Siberian Orchestra show the day before Christmas. It was my first experience at HSBC Arena, taking the mic in front of almost 15,000 people as we presented the Leukemia and Lymphoma society with a check for over $13k. That was very cool. As I mentioned earlier at Shea’s, being on stage looking out over a sea of people is a lot more intimate than it would seem. From the audience, the stage seems distant and removed; being on stage, you can make eye contact with people and everyone seems very close. There’s nothing like hearing the applause, though.

There’s been lots of change in 2006 – but from my vantage point, it has all been good.

Happy New Year!

–Brian

Before I head out to another “Operation Santa Claus” remote, gathering toys for area kids, I thought I’d give you a little update.

• The SPCA Radiothon was a tremendous success. I really don’t know how we’re going to top it next year! Records were set for money raised ($170,000) and adoptions (100). I was in the process of putting together some pictures and a rundown of everything, but the SPCA did such a great job, I’ll just link to it here:
  
  http://www.yourspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=RADIOTHON_General_Info

  Darcy and Connor came to pet the doggies on the last day, and once again my daughter appears to be drawn to the mic.

• Being On Stage At Shea’s is a much different experience than being in the audience. I did some announcements before a Free Family Film that Star sponsored, and was amazed at how close everyone seems looking out – but when you’re in the audience, the stage seems far far removed. It was a very interesting experience.
• Billy Idol has a Christmas album? That can’t be right……

As I shake my head in disbelief, please have a very Merry Christmas! And make this 2007 Resolution: stay in touch!

–Brian

Anyone who knows me is probably surprised that I went to see a musical this week. Generally, I have a hard time suspending my disbelief at the idea of people breaking into song in the middle of a conversation on-stage. (Christopher Guest’s brilliant parody “Waiting For Guffman” comes to mind…)

But, I received the Rent movie soundtrack on CD about a year ago, and decided to listen to it on my way home one evening.

There were some amazing songs that stuck in my head, which got me interested in the actual story, and Heather was shocked to hear me say “Let’s go see Rent!” when I saw it on the bill at Shea’s. And so we did.

As I mentioned on the air the day after the show on Tuesday night (12/5), anyone familiar with the story comes into the “live” production with certain expectations, and I would imagine those are double once you have the CD. But I’m happy to say, the cast did not disappoint. Aside from some opening night jitters and minor mic problems (Mimi and Roger’s first songs were a little off), I was surprised to find myself preferring some of the stage versions of the songs to the ones I heard on the CD. The actor who played rocker Roger, especially (Declan Bennett), was phenomenal.

I will say that someone coming into this without any knowledge of the characters or songs beforehand would probably be lost through much of it. The playbill helps, but not quite enough for a newby. At certain hard-to-follow points, all you can do is sit back and take in the musicianship, which was easy to do as the stage rock band was extremely accomplished.

Heather and I left Shea’s exhilarated, and talking excitedly about what we liked and didn’t like about the show. If the story ever comes to TV, I think it would have to be simplified somewhat, but the strength of the show is the music – and that’s what brought a lot of younger people to this show; certainly different than the usual middle-agers you see at Shea’s on an opening night.

So, am I going to see another musical? Well, “Spamalot” sounds fun, because I’m geeky enough to appreciate Monty Python, but: can you take a boy out of Oscoda, Michigan, and make that boy like musicals after just one good experience? I doubt it.

Details, and pics, from the SPCA Radiothon to come!

–Brian

Rob’s List of Must Have Christmas Albums

While not nearly complete, if you want to have a decent collection of Christmas music, I would suggest starting with these. Also, check back often throughout the holiday season…I may be adding to the list as albums hit me.

Phil Spector A Christmas Gift for You

Darlene Love, The Crystals and Ronettes…The Wall of Sound at it’s best! Check out the liner notes on the album, you’ll see Sonny Bono plays percussion and Niagara Falls native Tommy Tedesco plays guitar.

Carpenters Christmas Portrait

The classic we all grew up with! Try to find the version released in 1984 with over 70 minutes of music and 21 tracks on it. Our kids’ kids will be listening to this CD for their Christmases.

Elvis Presley If Every Day Was Like Christmas

There have been a bunch of Elvis Christmas albums, but this is the best! Released in 1994, it includes 24 tracks, alternate versions, and some great liner notes.

Dean Martin Making Spirits Bright

Like so many others, Dean recorded many Christmas singles over his career, and a few albums. This CD, released in 1998 by Capitol Records contains the best of the best. 14 Tracks, and they all reek of Dean and too much Egg Nog!

Mariah Carey Merry Christmas

Many contemporary artists have tried to pull off Christmas albums. Mariah’s from 1994 is one of the best. Can’t believe it’s 12 years old!

Beach Boys Christmas Album

Their unmistakable harmonies have been a part of the holiday season since it’s first release in 1964. The newly remastered CD (1991) make them sound even cleaner. But I still like it better on vinyl!

Herb Alpert and The TJB Christmas Album

First released in 1968, this album had been one of the most sought out of print holiday titles. This past year, A&M released a brand new completely remastered CD. Even casual Herb fans should buy it for his version of “Jesu… Joy of Man’s Desiring,” and a Mexican cool “Las Mananitas.”

Amy Grant Home For Christmas

A bit on the softer side, but very listenable for all.

Frank, Sammy, and Dean Christmas With the Rat Pak

Even though this features three of the all time greats, the CD is good, but not outstanding. It does have 21 tracks, and some live performances from the Dean Martin TV show that make it worthy of having.

Tony Bennett Snowfall

A classic from 1994. Tony’s voice could make Halloween songs seem reverent.

Lorrie Morgan Merry Christmas from London

This CD, recorded with the New World Philharmonic, may include the best version of My Favorite Things ever done.

Brian Setzer Orchestra Boogie Woogie Christmas

Santa meets swing. And nothing is cooler!

SPECIAL PRODUCTS

These are compilation albums that may be a little tougher to find, or even out of print. But Google the title, and when you see ’em, grab ‘em!

Christmas Cocktails Vol. 1 and 2

These CD’s are part of the Capitol Records Ultra Lounge Series. Nothing but cool swinging background music perfect for the house party. You may recognize some of these songs as pieces we use on the morning show.


The Christmas Songs, Vol. 1 and 2

My wife bought these from a TV ad back in the early 90’s. It’s a great compilation from Capitol records. Some older classics from some unlikely artists.

AWESOME LOCAL PRODUCT

Mark Krurnowksi is one of the best guitarists in the Buffalo- Toronto corridor, and has produced two great holiday CD’s, many songs of which you hear on STAR 102.5 Check out Yuletide Rocking’s and Have Yourself a Groovy Little Christmas at http://www.guitarmarkcentral.com/cdsmp3.htm

Michael Civisca That Holiday Feeling

Released in 1997 by Rhapsody Records, Michael’s version of THAT HOLIDAY FEELING, recorded with Mary Stahl, has become a WNY classic.