Archives: August 2003

.....water!!! David, David, David!!! What a gentleman he is. And Maggie...she's a sweetie!

Who should I find on page 4A of today's Rochester Democrat & Chronicle? GERRY & DEWEY!!! I'm so psyched. In an ad that took up nearly a quarter page, Seneca Niagara Casino listed their upcoming entertainment attractions. Dominating the ad with one inch high font and their usual press photo, there were my guys. I must give credit where credit is due, Jeff found it. Nice of him to point it out to me though. I guess I'll keep him after all!! My tickets are on their way to me as we speaketh. See you guys in a few weeks. I know it's a bit of a long time, but try to hold yourselves together until then. The time will pass quickly. You'll see. Until then....

Do they park according to color of vehicle there? LOL thanks Gerry

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Oklahoma City. Gerry also sent a bonus shot that you can see by clicking here.

Loo, go to Message #29165 on this Chat Folder for a link to the live version of "Norman". It will only be available for another week or so.

Alan, I've never seen Poco in concert but I do have their "Running Horse" CD. It's the only Poco CD that I own and it's great! I'm sure you'll want to get it.

I know there are many Poco fans on this folder because I have read quite a few Poco-relared posts. I just wanted to share my excitement as I heard on the radio today that they are playing a free concert at Harborfest in Rockland Maine on Sept. 13th. I have always been a big fan but never had the opportunity to see them live.

Has anyone here seen them live? I understand they put on a great show (at least the original band did). I have all of their albums except the latest "Running Horse" and I know they have had a lot of personnel changes over the years. In fact, Rusty Youg is the only member that has been with them start to finish. From their web site, it looks as though orginal drummer George Grantham has rejoined, and long-time member Paul Cotton is still with them. It should be a pretty good show (at least for free, I'm sure to get my money's worth LOL), although I would have loved to see them back when Richie Furay and Timothy B. Schmidt were still with the band. In fact, I almost did get to see the REAL original band (w/ bassist Randy Meisner who left the band in the making of their first album and ended up being listed as an "extra" musician), as they toured w/ Richard Marx the year the original line-up reunited for the "Legacy" album (probably because Marx produced the album). They were scheduled to come to the Augusta Civic Center - less than an hour from my home. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled (never found out why). Needless to say, I have been waiting a long time time to see them and had all but given up on it ever happening. But now, unless I get hit by the proverbial bus between now and Sept. 13th, I am going to finally realize my dream!

Incidentally, I think it is ironic that Schmidt went on to replace Meisner once again in The Eagles!

Besides sharing my excitement, I am looking for some feedback. Has anyone here seen Poco recently? How about ever? If recently, are they mostly promoting their latest album, or are they doing quite a few of the older tunes? Does anyone have "Running Horse"? If so, is it good?

Thanks for tolerating my lengthy OT post. Perhaps if I posted more often, I wouldn't have to ramble on so much each time!

Alan

Lucky you!

Hello there! I just inquired about the song "Norman" here, in the chat folder, a few days ago. Is this live version available here on the site? I have looked, but I cannot seem to find it. I LOVE that song! Thanks! Loo

Steve,
thank you SOOO MUUCH for this MP3 version of Norman live. It was great ot get to hear it at last.
Robyn, that probably brought along a lot of memories of the past... :-)
Gen.

<<I meant to mention to Gen that it was great that you were listening to "Sunday Sun" by Beck. (...)He is a great acoustic guitarist too, and it is nice when his songs feature his folk-rock acoustic playing in a very stripped-down setting(...)The album Sea Change is filled with songs like this (...)I would recommend it.>>
Oh yes, Rob. I have to fully agree with you. Beck is a 'complete' very talented artist. I bought this album at the end of last year and it regularly makes it to my player. Simple (poetic) lyrics with recurrent images... like the way the songs echo one another all through the album. I have a preference for those tracks with a sentimental feel to them (voice effects & violins) like Sunday Sun (my fave) & Lonesome Tears. But I also enjoy the folk-rock acoustic sounds in songs like (Baby i'm a) Lost Cause and some others... Actually, one of the (not so numerous) cds I can listen to non-stop for several hours...

Well, 2 days to go, and I can hardly wait. Jordan (my daughter) has been bugging me all week as to when she gets to pack for the concert. She has selected what outfit she wants to wear and has her Definitive cd with a sharpie ready to go to in hopes of an autograph. She may be nearly excited as I am!!!

Nancy - have you heard from Whit? I haven't seen a post from him in awhile so I'm not sure if he is going to make it or not.

I'll post full account when we get back.

Ya'll have a great (and safe) Labor day weekend!
Kim

Thanks Steve for posting this mp3. I was glad for the opportunity to hear this obscure America song. My reaction to it is that it seems like a very weird song, what a weird topic for Gerry to choose, and yet it sounds like a really nice song, the melody is pleasant. It kinda reminds me of "God of the Sun" a little, it has that sorta urban-production-polish-meets-folk-pop sound to it that Gerry Beckley does best. I hope that makes sense to everyone, I'm reading my statement again and wondering if it will make sense to everyone. Thanks again Steve, even though the sonic quality isnt very good. I was glad just to get to hear it. The harmonies sound really good on this one too. It wouldve been cool if they put it on the Alibi album, which has only ten tracks, I believe, and it could have had room for another track. But I guess they just chose to keep that song on the back burner.
By the way, I meant to mention to Gen that it was great that you were listening to "Sunday Sun" by Beck. I am a big fan of that guy, and he is definitely one of the really talented young songwriters on the music scene today. He is a great acoustic guitarist too, and it is nice when his songs feature his folk-rock acoustic playing in a very stripped-down setting. The album Sea Change is filled with songs like this, and it came out in 2002. I would recommend it.
Hope everyone enjoys their Friday. I'm about to go to work, but after that I can start my weekend.

-Rob

Hi everyone - hope you all remember me - I read the boards everyday since I do work at home and it really brightens my day! Nancy, keep those posts coming, you crack me up! Maybe someday I will remember it is a Wednesday and join you guys on the live chat - I keep forgetting! We are going to the oyster festival next Saturday, whatever that is! Have to say I've never been to one - but looking forward to seeing the guys again! The last 2 shows were unbelievable for me as you remember my posts - And yes, my hand is up - I Need You should definitely be recorded. Talk to you all soon! Linda

Re Warren Rhino put out a fine compilation "Genius" recently. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a sampling of his music over the years. The cd he struggled to get out has been released and I haven't gotten a chance to get it yet, but I do like his penultimate release, "My ride's here"

Cool regarding the live version of Norman. Makes me laugh about the dys we would smuggle in a tape recorder into a concert.

I am interested by these posts about that song "Norman" that America played live in the late 70s. I wish there was some way I could hear that song by America in like a studio outtake or something.

This is your lucky day Rob. I have an MP3 version of Norman performed live which I have uploaded to the Chat Folder and I'll leave it there for a week or so. Click here to download and/or listen to Norman live. It's not the best recording in the world, but you'll get the idea of what it sounded like in concert.

Jenna, Rob,
thanks for the precisions. WZ's cd is getting radio airplay here. G Lang (rtl) announced that he should be in France sometime in the weeks to come (if his state allows). We're all impressed by the courage he's shown so far. Georges plans to interview him. I'll let you know if I hear sth interesting.
Gen.

Hey there people,
I wanted to weigh in to a few current threads on the chat folder. I also watched that Warren Zevon special on VH1. He's a really good performer/songwriter and it's very sad about his terminal illness. Some of the bits of songs that I heard during the special from the new album sound like they were pretty good. These songs make me wonder if I would like buying some of his albums from his catalogue. All I've heard is "Werewolves of London" and "Lawyers, Guns, and Money".
I am interested by these posts about that song "Norman" that America played live in the late 70s. I wish there was some way I could hear that song by America in like a studio outtake or something. It would be cool if there were a whole CD of America rarities.
Just some thoughts.
-Rob

Steve, great photos! I'll have to plan a vacation there someday.

Robyn & Gen (or anyone else interested?) this is off topic, you mentioned the other day about a special on VH1 about Warren Zevon and how he's been facing a terminal illness; just noticed his new album will be released next week. Read an article that said his album was recorded over the past year and that his producer said his voice never gave out but his energy did so they had pace themselves. His doctors told him he had 3 months to live but Warren didn't use it as an excuse to give up and 9 months later he's still battling. It was very moving story. Some of his songs show his morbid/crazy sense of humor about his illness. Springsteen, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmidt, Jacson Browne
and others helped contribute to it.

Hi Everybody :) Finally a SUNNY morning, Finally the GREY clouds have gone away and the nice Blue Eyed sky is here and I can kinda see the Rainbow colors in the sky, giving some relief and Hope from the Strange Storms that have came on soo quickly the last 2 days! :)

Hi there Steve ~~ This was too much... just as I was clicking on your message Dewey started to sing "World Alone" what an appropriate song for this final picture in Alaska. :) I just gotta say that I love how the rainbow colors are visible in the night sky there as in the day skies... I could handle that for sure! ~~ Hmmm ~~ I do wonder tho how many people there in Alaska find it hard to sleep at night, being that it is soooo light out! ~~ But then again, I guess they would be use to this... Gerry is singing ~~~ Tiny little girl wakens in the night, was it just a dream, will she be alright, its hard to sayyy, there's sooo much more, beyond her door, hidden in the heart, buried in the soul, everybodys wondering where they are going going alone, carried on the wind, up above the stars alooone, a spark from a fire ignited a lonnnng time agoooo ~~~ Wow this song fits this pic to a tee too! Nice :) ~~~ I do like the perspective of your leaving Alaska pic, it kinda shows the way it would have felt standing there in the airport, looking out the window and kinda not wanting to board that great big plane.... kinda reliving the magic moments within that short time waiting to board the plane, yet being able to see the busyness of the airport lobby in the reflection of this pic.... WOW! Perfect timing ~~~ everything always comes together.... sooo much in sync .... Soo neat! ~~ Thanks again Steve ~~ For sharing you and your Mrs's Alaskan cruise experience with us .... I enjoyed every bit of it. ~~~ Hmmmm kinda neat how your final pic falls here in the final week of summer, with the Labor Day weekend coming and the seasons will be taking on a new color scheme.... Too much for sure! :)

Thanks for the fun last night at live chat everyone ~~~ I got there a little bit earlier, and it was a fun and interesting night... Mo & I talked till our eyelids couldn't stay open no more and then called it a night. ~~ Nice seeing Maggie Dickey stopping into join us no lifers! Red requested that David sing Hat Trick for us and this got David a singing in the background (Darn If only we could have heard this!) then Maggie said if you all could see David now he is singing Windwave... well that was enough for my fingers to start a singing too.... the show at Sweetwater is gonna be one Magical night for sure.... oooooh how I wish I could be looking out the airport window at a big jet awaiting to arrive there in Texas to indulge in this big chunk of AMERICA chocolate cake! ~~~ Nice of you to join us Sheldon.

Hey there Whit & Kim ~~ Can You hear Me Now~~ Are you guys all packed and set to go.... Hope you and Kim will get to meet, and you guys better come and fill us all in on all of the happenings.... Okay? :)

Hey there Cindy from the South ~~ I hear you loud and clear, the first time I got to see AMERICA was back in 1997 and let me tell you my heart was a pounding extra hard... I was instantly lost in AMERICA's magic with that familiar beginning "Riverside" strum on the guitar and sang and cried my heart out for sure! ~~ Sooo I am sure when you get to see them you will more than Survive, you will be refreshed like never before! :)

Hi Mark ~~ Thanks for the interesting info on the Monkees...

Hi Valerie ~~~ Hmmm let me see now, KarenL, Jenna, Me, Gen & now you... Looks as tho we have a good Idea here in wanting the George Harrison version of "I Need You" to be on the upcoming new CD from Gerry & Dewey.... Anyone else wanna put up their hands and add to the count on this?

Well I can hear Missy Maytag calling saying come hang up these clothes, it is a beautiful day... Soo I gotta get now, have a great day all! See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ every single moment, every waking hour, I can feel your beauty, like an open flower, just like a flower, won't you come back, come back to meeeeee, won't you, won't you come back, come back to meeeeee~~~ take it from there Gerry Gerry , Dewey Dewey , Jeff Jeff! :) :) ~~~~ sunrise out on the freeway in the morning, greeting you as the day as dawning, counting the minutes to goooo, Barstow, Bar of Soap, showcase of the southland..... :) :) :)

The last picture that I took in Alaska was at the Anchorage airport. It was a picture of the Boeing 767 jet that was waiting to fly us non-stop to Salt Lake City. There are some interesting reflections off of the window but the real reason I took the picture was to show how light it was at the time. Our flight left about 1:30 am and the picture was taken around 1:00 am. Click here to see the final Alaska view from the webmaster's camera.

Hi Nancy, thanks. I wonder if a person can actually die from excitement, because if I ever get to see them again, I might not survive.

Cindy...from the South

hi Danae,
Frankly no, I don't. I guess that IF the guys should come up with a new cd around next Spring, they might be likely to tour extensively and hopefully throughout Europe too (?) But as has been repeated many times here, they usually go where they are told to. ..meaning that promotors have to book them in the first place. THAT is precisely where problems begins for us Euro America fans ! ...

Hi Valerie - Thanks!! You know, I also enjoy hearing Gerry's story about talking to George Harrison about their songs with the same title. I heard him tell it back in May and again Friday night, and it was just as enjoyable hearing it the second time! Brings a smile to my face before he even finishes it. Karen

Do you know if they have plans about concerts in Greece?

Hi Karen L. I really enjoyed your review of the concert and Dubuque! And yes, I totally agree with you, I would LOVE to hear the America version of George Harrison's I NEED YOU on a CD! It is such a great addition to their concerts! It brings tears to my eyes! Bye, Valerie

This has been discussed before on the board, but what King Biscuit said about America being the first artists to debut with both a number 1 single and album is incorrect. The Monkees did it before them. I know they were a made for TV band and many don't consider them a "real" group - but regardless of what you think of them, their first single and album both went to number 1. They are the only artists that I know of who did the feat before America, but a few others have done it since. Elvis' first album went to number 1, but he had recorded a few singles that were minor hits regionally (in the south) but did not catch on nationally before he hit it big. Maybe that is what disqualifies the Monkees. While as a group they had number 1 debuts, but I believe Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork had done some recording work as individuals and with other groups before being selected to become a Monkee.

Hi Everyone ~~ Happy Hump Day! ~~~ Kinda Muggy and Dreary here this morning, but no bad storms last night! ~~ Hey Mo I read that article earlier this week, and upon reading that the last time this occured was in 1971 a SMILE came over my face too thinking of discovering HWNN and the start of my Love for AMERICA & their music. ~~ Hmmm did you happen to take notice too how all of the subject lines lately kinda spell this out too. Too Much! One more time, elevator to the Young Moon and Forever! WOW!!! Hey Gerry & Dewey ~~ Can You Guys feel the VousDous Vibes in the Air???? Gotta Have HOPE that this will come to be! :)

Hi Karen ~~ I loved reading your enthusiatic review of the show and your trip, thanks for sharing this with us. :) Yep, You are ooooooh sooo right ~~ If there were a way I woulda been there, we would have had lots of Mutual things to talk about! Hmmmm ~~~ This thought just crossed my mind, being that both you and Jenna have mentioned wanting to hear Gerry & Dewey do the George Harrison's "I Need You" on a CD, how about this be one of the cuts on the new upcoming CD, that would be a nice addition to the new songs, don't Ya think??? :) ~~ Nice that your whole trip was an enjoyable vacation! Once again it proves just how well our love for the Simple Joys & Magical Gems in life kinda tie everything together! :)

Hey there Cindy from the South ~~ I sure hope one of their shows will come your way soon, so You can enjoy a nice chunk of AMERICA Chocolate Live!

Hi Alan ~~ Thanks for bringing a Smile to my day yesterday, I loved reading that you heard the Elevator Music version of Young Moon, Ahhhhhh just the mention of that song Gives me the Tingles all Over. A One of a Kind Gem for sure. ~~~ I too have to work on the phone with our credit union's software support tech and have been put on hold many a time, just last Nov. while being put on hold I got to hear a part of Winter Wonderland while on hold and I like Vic have heard the Elevator version of Ventura Hwy. ~~ On Monday when I was getting ready for work "Sister Golden Hair" came on the radio, it instantly set my Mood for my Monthly Board Meeting! :) Hey ~~ I could be put on Hold For a Lonnnnnng Time if I keep on hearing these great songs! Take care :)

Welcome aboard John & loola~~ Nice hearing from you both! ~~~ John ~~ Just like Gen mentioned Don't Give up on the HOPE of getting to see an AMERICA show, believe me it will be WORTH the Wait to see them. Nice that you have all of their music to indulge in while waiting! ~~ Yes loola, just like Robyn mentioned ~~ Jeff Larson has Norman on his Fragile Sunrise CD, Hmmmm ~~ If you haven't heard this yet, I would recommend You go to Jeff's site or to www.amazon.com and listen to the song clips... I just wanna mention to that at the end of this CD you will get to experience Norman in a very Unique way, I just love it... ~~ I gotta say I envy you and Robyn ~~ getting to hear Gerry & Dewey do this at a show back in the 70's ~~ WOW!!! :) ~~ Please be sure and let us know how you like Jeff's version of this! :)

Hi Gen ~~~ You're very much Welcome! Glad I could help out! ~~ Yep, You are right it is sooooo nice the way Our Music inspires us at times. ~~ Continued good luck on your video project! Sounds Interesting! :)

Hey there Vic from the Desert ~~ I liked your choice of song lyrics to go with Mo's post regarding Mars... I have been taking every chance I get to Look into the night sky and check out Mars... I wish I had a telescope, so I could really take this in Fully.. Hmmmm ~~ I bet you walk around Smiling at work all the time getting to Hear Young Moon on the store radio network... :) All of this talk about Mars and the stars being in allignment had me a Hankerin to hear Moon Song ~~~ Yep it is playing here in my speakers right now ~~~~ and youuu and youuuuuu, and youuuuuuu ~~~ sing it and play it for me Dewey, Gerry & Dan ~~ What a great song! :)~~ I just love how it comes to life on my Homecoming DVD! ~~~ For sure Mo & Vic ~~ I could handle the stars alligning for AMERICA! Yes Yes Yes!!!!! :)

Hey it's Wednesday ~~ Time for Live Chat tonight ~~ Hope to see you all there! :) ~~~ Hey Red ~~ How about taking a break and Joining Us?

Hi Kim & Whit ~~~ 3 ~~ THREE more days till your show... I will look forward to hearing all about it. Have a great time, and Kim enjoy your big piece of AMERICA Birthday cake Ok??? :)

Well I gotta get now, take care all and have a great day! Nancy :)

~~~ Fascination with the light in your hair, a Celebration, nothing else can compare, an Invitation to share my life with YOUuuu, stepping Forward, Reaching our For Your Hand, hear the music of the sea on the sand, like a vision rising out of the blueeeee, Looking like a Young Moon in the Heavens, Mother to the stars ~~~~ WOW WOW WOW this is One Nice song and I can get Lost in it sooooooooo easily ~~~ I sure hope I get to hear Dewey sing it at a show one day! ~~ How about it Dewey would you consider singing it for us??? :) ~~ such a beautiful song!!!!! :) :):)

Hi Jenna - I'm glad someone else feels the same way about wanting to have AMERICA singing the Beatles' I Need You on an AMERICA CD. Let's hope they "hear" our request! Karen

Hi Cindy - I'm so glad you got something out of my long post; thanks for the reply! I hope you get to see AMERICA in concert soon! Karen

Nancy,
Thank you so much for the little help... Will come back to you soon. A bit busy, you know. Video project is going great now. Thanks for asking. Couldn't sleep the other night but got (what i believe to be) a great idea while listening to Beck's Sunday Sun... the power of good music, hey ! It seems to work for my friends too - we're enthusiastic people, so... Ah, the little miracles of life ! :-)

John,
Don't give up your dreams ! Actually there are 'big plans' to have the guys here in France around May/June 2004. I'm corresponding with Eric (a fan in Paris) now & then. He dropped a line yesterday to confirm they are working at it but of course you never know... (hope I got you right Eric :-).. bisous à toi aussi...) So, for the moment patience is the key word... Crossing fingers.
Gen

<<I'm not one to take stock in astrology, usually, but...America released America in 1971 and the stars were certainly alligned for them then, right? From the new release of the King Biscuit CD cover,"To this day, America remains the first band ever to begin its career with both a number one single and album." I would say that definitely constitutes favorable stellar allignment. Well, this alignment is here again. Will it bring similar good fortune for our guys? Well, I don't know about you, but it'd sure be okay by me.>>

I agree with you Moser! (Boy, the heavenly bodies must REALLY be aligning themselves.) : )

"So you think that star cluster shining bright in the sky
Will speak the fate of your evening, tell the truth to your lie"

Dewey Bunnell

Alan, you and I were listening to "Young Moon" at the same time today. I work for AMERICAn Home Furnishings, a furniture company here in Tucson, Az. I hear the "elevator" version about 3 times a week. I, like you, was surprised the first time I heard "YM". I also hear "Ventura Highway", the "elevator" version, quite often.

Karen,

Way to go! You got the long set list! I agree, George Harrison's "I need You" should be on a CD. Hopefully next one!? Another gem!

I was at SFO recently and I could've sworn I heard Matt Beckley's "Lownly" in a store at the airport. I was surprised to hear it, I had to stop and give it a listen. I thought that can't be muzak already?
Maybe it wasn't muzak...but it's getting airplay in San Francisco!

Kevin S., You had me in stitches. I hadn't thought about that sentence being odd, but you are right. It is odd. After thinking about why it would have been written that way, I have a theory. I wonder if the author intended to write that America remains the ONLY band to...and then found out they weren't the only band, but merely the first band to achieve this. This might explain the strange wording. Or not. Anyway, thanks for the giggle.

Speaking of giggles, has anyone been watching Queer Eye For The Straight Guy on Bravo? We just watched it. This is one hilarious and touching show. Carson, the fashion consultant guy, is a riot. If you haven't seen it yet, make a point to see it soon.

"To this day, America remains the first band ever to begin its career with both a number one single and album."

Does anyone else find the wording from the notes in the King Buscuit CD a bit funny? To this day America remains the first band... That implies that some time in the future, some other band could somehow travel back in time and be the first to do it. It's like saying to this day George Washington remains the first president of the United States. Hey, he may not always be the first president, but right now he is. His position on the one-dollar-bill is, for the time being, safe. But he's better watch his back, someone else might come along and be first.

My bet is that he'll remain the first for a long, long time. And, even though there will be some really great bands in the coming millenia, I will go out on a limb and say that America will, a thousand years from now, remain the first band to accomplish this feat. They are just that good.

To this day I remain the first person to make that prediction.

KevinS.

Hi Karen...Thanks so much for sharing with us your Friday night with our "obsessions." Since I haven't seen them in concert for a very long time, my favorite part of this chat folder is hearing from those who do see them. It's the next best thing to being there.

Cindy...from the South

There has been much talk here lately that with the resurgence of acoustic music and anything '70's-related, it may be prime time for a renewed interest in America's music. I'm not one to take stock in astrology, usually, but I was reading an article earlier tonight on MSNBC.com that got me to thinking. It was called, "Mars Makes HISTORY in the Night Sky," by Robert Roy Britt of Space.com. This article was about the fact that Mars is at its closest point to Earth in something like 59,000 years or so. Well you wouldn't think that has anything to do with America would you? Well you wouldn't until you read this line, "The unusually close approach — less than 1 percent closer than a similar event in 1971 — is created by a confluence of orbital oddities." Well, there it is. This similar event was in 1971. America released America in 1971 and the stars were certainly alligned for them then, right? From the new release of the King Biscuit CD cover, "To this day, America remains the first band ever to begin its career with both a number one single and album." I would say that definitely constitutes favorable stellar allignment. Well, this alignment is here again. Will it bring similar good fortune for our guys? Well, I don't know about you, but it'd sure be okay by me.

I've never heard YM, but I swear that I once heard an all-instrumental version of "I Don't believe In Miracles." I was also surprised once to see that a bar had a karaoke version of From a Moving Train.

Hi Nancy & Everyone! Nancy, thanks for asking about our Dubuque experience - OF COURSE, I'd love to tell about it! Get ready for a book. (About the VFTHWs, I'm almost sure Dewey & Gerry didn't stay at the hotel we were in. It had an indoor waterpark and tons of kids - unless they had their families, probably a place they'd prefer to avoid! I'm not saying they don't like kids, just that it might not be their first choice.) Our boys loved it, though - went to the waterpark three times.

BTW, I enjoyed hearing about your first day back to school experience because I can totally relate to what a struggle it is to get the kids off to school on a day where everything is NORMAL! We'll see how it goes for the Larson household next Wed., 9/3. Around 1:30 this morning, we had lots of lightning and wind, but no rain. I got up and shut most of the windows - all for nothing. And we really, really need the rain here in WI.

OK, about Dubuque - Nancy, you mentioned last week about wishing you could pack up and come along. I also wish you could have! We would have had no shortage of things to talk about - America music, our work with our common connection to credit unions, America music, cows, America music, our families . . .

Anyway, here's the short version. (Kind of like readings in church where they have the option of reading the short version or the long version.) The concert was fabulous, no - we did not get to say hi to anyone connected with the band, and we had a fantastic time taking in the sights in Dubuque and Galena.

Here's the long version. The concert was the first one ever to sell out for the Diamond Jo Casino. The casino is actually a Mississippi riverboat, so the concert took place outside, alongside where the boat was docked. The bugs didn't seem to bother us, but they were after Gerry & Dewey, and the rest of the guys on stage I imagine. Dewey joked about how he must have worn the wrong cologne and Gerry joked about how it was okay to have the bugs because he didn't eat much for dinner and they'd tide him over. Later he asked how everyone was holding up and said if he had to use one word to describe the show it would be, "FILLING" and patted his stomach. The guys were really funny and entertaining, in addition to the talent they always show in their music. They recognized Willie for being inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I didn't notice, but our sons said they thought Dewey and Rich bowed to Willie. I also hadn't noticed at the other concert in May, but Dewey has some funny actions to go with the Hangover song. They played for at least 1.5 hours, I think. The songs included all their biggest hits, To Each His Own, Company, and Baby It's Up To You (I think). It was like a dream, so for some reason I wonder if Baby It's Up To You was just that we heard it in the car on the way there. With Kyle on my lap so he could see better, I couldn't jot anything down. (You'd think I'd remember - see what they do to me?) Of course, they also did the George Harrison "I Need You". ((Does anyone out there think they could ever put that one on a CD???? I love to hear them singing it!)) One frustrating thing was that I missed seeing the "Horse Dip"/"ZZ Top Move" or whatever it's called, AGAIN!!! In May I missed it because I was trying to get to where I might be able to get their autographs. (Yes, I'm embarrassed about it now.) This time, Kyle was telling me he had to find a restroom so I was bending down talking to him. My husband nudges me and says, "You missed the ZZ Top Move." (Now why couldn't he have nudged me a minute earlier and said, "LOOK NOW or you'll miss the ZZ Top Move"?!!?) I've just always wanted to see them do that.

A really nice security guard was actually trying to help us get in touch with the guys, but it didn't quite work out. (I told him not to go to too much trouble; I didn't want to be too bold.) We did get to see them being whisked away after the show in a vehicle.

If any of you have children and are going to be in the Iowa/Wisconsin/Illinois area sometime, I highly recommend the Port of Dubuque. (Purely by coincidence, Gerry was singing Ports of Call from our CD player as we pulled into Dubuque on Friday. I doubt that is one of the ports he was referring to, though.) After taking in a trolley ride through Galena, IL to see U.S. Grant's home, etc., once we got to Dubuque we didn't have to drive at all. Our hotel, the casino, the "Spirit of Dubuque" authentic paddleboat we rode on and the brand-new National Mississippi River Museum and Acquarium were all right there at Ice Harbor, bordering the big parking lot we parked in. There was also a beautiful riverwalk. We did some "power touring" and simply had a blast!

That's it (finally)! Nancy - are you sorry you asked? : )

Hello everyone,with the recording of a new album not that far off it has been mentioned on various web pages the release of a DVD seems to be a must,hope Gerry and Dewey may give this some consideration at some stage, particularly something they have full control over.Acoustic music seems to be all the rage at the moment.Has anyone had the chance to hear an American fellow by the name of Jim Lauderdale and Donna the Buffalo the tunes a stunner"Wait till Spring"and if that doesn't sound like an America style I dont know what does.

Hello all! Been away from the Chat Folder again for a while. I've been very busy, but I wanted to share this experience. While at work today, I had to call tech support for our banking software. The music-on-hold was "elevator music". While holding for a technician, a song came on that had a really nice and relaxing melody. Then I said to myself "This sounds familiar". After paying a little closer attention I realized that it was "Young Moon"!!!

It really surprised me that anyone would make an elevator version of such an obscure (but great) tune. It wouldn't have surprised me to hear any of their well-known hits such as Horse, Tin Man, Ventura Hwy, Daisy Jane, etc., but it just struck me kind of funny to hear YM(in a good way - I thought it was really neat).

Has anyone else heard this "elevator" version of YM or any other lesser known America tunes?

Alan

Hi Steve! THANKS for the reply!! (I hope you know I was just trying to be funny with the "Where in the world" pun : ) I'm assuming Gerry either didn't get a chance to take one or it just didn't turn out. Oh well. I do enjoy those pics! Karen

Jeff Larson has a wonderful version of "Norman" on 'Fragile Sunrise' I agree a great song, very powerful and those of us who were lucky enough to have heard it live, have never forgotten it. Why it never made it to an album/cd is a mystery.....

Hello there- I posted this message on the other board as well, hoping that the more eyes that see it will increase the chances of an answer...New poster here, with a question for fans and Gerry alike. I am curious to know if anyone remembers the song "Norman"? Gerry played it live, but it was never released on an album/cd. I remember it from a concert in the late 70's and I believe it was a tribute to Norman Bel Geddes. I can remember some of the verses and a bit of the chorus, but not all(not bad considering, I think, I was 11 at the time!). It was a very lovely song. So, the question I pose to Gerry is...Why was this song played live, but never released? Thanks much! Loola

I understand John. America seems to get out of the country every few years. Acutally they have had more commercial success overseas in recent years than in the US. From A Moving Train was a number 1 hit in Spain and the Definitive America CD went to number 1 in New Zeland.

Yep Me again! :)

Hi Karen L ~~~ I would love to hear more about the Dubuque show that you and your family took in over the weekend. ~~~ Hmmm that would of been neat if you had taken a pic from the same Hotel window as Gerry. I too found myself thinking Darn I shoulda brought the camera to take a view from the hotel window on the couple of Credit Union Workshops I traveled to take in as well as las Feb. when we took our son up to Seneca Falls to NYCC for his Acceptance Interview. Hmmm I hope I remember to take the camera on the 6th when we move him up there. I always have enjoyed looking at the sky and scenery, that is why Gerry's sharing these VFTHW pics with us makes me sooooo relaxed! Nice HuH! :) I hope your work is going well! I am sure you are still walking up above the clouds from seeing the AMERICA show. Enjoy it! See ya, Nancy :)

Hi Hoooooo Everyone ~~ Hmmm ~~ This was the kids first day back to school and let's just say it was unlike any first day backs that we have seen before.... It all started around 1 am with distant rumbles of Thunder and some lightning... well I kept falling in & out of sleep and then around 4am the Storm finally reached us full force, this summer we haven't had any thunderstorms, well this one more than made up for that... The Lightning was circling us nonstop and the thundercracks woke Laura & Nathan up, and they didn't go back to sleep, then our power went off at 5:15 am while hubby was in the shower... Nathan was still awake, Laura had fallen back to sleep, when I had to wake her up at 6 am she said Mom I just went to sleep... meanwhile Nathan (who didn't catch the bus till 8am) was still wide awake and full of excitement and energy... It was kinda neat them having to get ready for school by flashlight, kinda made things go smoothly! Laura's bus came at 7 am and then Nathan got dressed, our power came back on at 7:15, Nathan then at ease, sat down on the couch and fell asleep aroung 7:45, sooo I had to wake him up 10 mins later to go catch the bus.... he didn't leave the house as awake and excited, like he was 3 hours earlier... Sooooo this is probably gonna be the longest 1st day back to school for the both of them to say the least. We probably all will konk out before 8 pm tonight, if we last that long! LOL!!! ~~~ The weatherman says more storms are headed our way ~~~ Lookout! :)

Hi Jenna ~~ Thanks for replying back about Kenny L! I do like his music, but if I had the choice to hear either him or AMERICA for 2 hrs, AMERICA would be my hands down choice for sure! :)

Hi Danae ~~ Thanks for posting the lyrics to Simply Red's song "Sunrise" and for the site address. I did go and check out his site yesterday morning and took a listen to the song clips for his new "Home" CD ~~~ Hmmmm I really liked what I heard, nice lyrics in his songs, and his voice is a one of a kind unique. I happened to notice he did a version of another very well known 70's song, which I believe was done by Gladys Knight & the Pips, as well as the Stylistics called "You Make Me Feel Brand New" ~ Nice song :)

Hi there Steve L ~~ I checked out Jeff L's song clips on friday evening and I really liked them alot, I can say already that this Dreams song has caught me hook line and sinker... I like Jeff's voice in both of these and I love the harmonizing when they sing ~~~ I've got nothing on you, I've got nothing on youuuu~~~ Hey there Jeff L, keep on working on this new CD ~~ I am looking forward to hearing it in full! Nice to see you are getting to work with Gerry & Hank again!~~~ Nice lyrics ~~~ and I will not let you go, it's all the same you know, this ring around the Moon will never last, for it's more than make believe, and soon again you'll see this ring around the moon has come to pass ~~~ :) :) ~~ Thanks for making these song clips available for us to hear!

Hi Gerry ~~ I really liked the latest VFTHW pic, that is some pretty neat Fred Flinstone boulder display on those brick walls, I also think that is pretty neat how you managed to catch the roof sun windows outline in the big sky of blue. ~~~ Hmmm was that Dutch .... the name of this Hotel? ~~~ Hmmm ~~ I find myself wondering why this view is sooo limited to see. Hmmm Interesting pic, Interesting top of a building design... Thanks abunch for capturing this for us! :)

Hmmm last but not least ~~~ Regarding todays VFTWMC pics, WOW ~~ I hope you and your Mrs went for a train ride... Hey Red wouldn't this be a nice train ride, Slooooow and Steady that's the way to Gooooooo! :) Hmmm that was a neat pic of a Moose! I wouldn't want to come head to head with him! LOL! ~~~ Seeing this pic, kinda reminded me of us driving up to the Little Grand Canyon the other summer and on our way back we traveled through a small town called Benezette, PA and this town is mostly made up of year round hunting camps, the neat thing is that you can go there anytime and you will see Elk grazing right along the roads. We saw quite a few and we were even lucky enough to see some baby twin elks. The racks on these Elk can be very massive and are soo nice when they are covered with their velvet protective covering at certain times of the year. ~~~ Thanks again Steve, I am really enjoying all of this.

Okay I guess I have RAMBLED on FOREVER Again! ~~ Thanks Everyone for reading my posts.... Enjoy the rest of Your day! See ya, Nancy :)

~~~~ I drive to the Coastline looking for VISUAL PLEASURES to Catch MY EYE, the Sun turns around and hits me on the shoulder, I FLY AWAY ~~~ Due to the situation this morning, all in the worlds OK ~~~~ Sing it for me Gerry Gerry Gerry :) ;) such a neat song! :)

I really wished America were more popular in the UK and Europe so tha they would be encouraged to tour or at least play a gig here. With a young familly and a job that doesn't get me out much, I have no chance of getting to the US to see them. I make do with all their CD's and a concert DVD and envy all you American America fans. John

After spending 3 wonderful days in Denali we hopped aboard the Alaska Railroad and headed back to Anchorage. We enjoyed the train ride because it gave us a different view than we got riding the bus to Denali. Click on the links below to see the view from the webmaster's camera.

The Alaska Railroad train pulling into the Denali station
The train going around a bend in the river
A moose wandering along the side of the tracks
One of the many beaver dams that we saw

Karen, the only recent VFTHW photos I've received from Gerry were taken in Rapid City and Perry (not Dubuque).

Kim, it was the same on the old video of the concert. Did anyone here go to that concert?

I just received a message from Mike Baratta about a new concert in West Collingswood, New Jersey on October 17th (the southern part of NJ). I haven't confirmed this with Erin yet, but TicketMaster has tickets on sale for the concert.

America played in Dubuque, IA, at the Diamond Jo Casino's Grandstand Under The Stars last Friday night, 8/22. It was the casino's first SOLD OUT show EVER! Way to go, AMERICA! A very fun show for all who attended, I might add. Thank you!

Karen

Robyn,
I read some articles about Warren Zevon's struggle & how he means to say goodbye to his close ones & fans with this album. A really moving and edifying story IMHO.
Gen.

Just for the record, I Need You got some airplay tonight on RTL radio. G. Lang (the radio guy) mentioned the concert at the Greek with K. L. - said he was in LA at the time... He gave some details which got me to think he either reads this folder occasionally -or has connection with someone who does- or attended the concert. He was unclear on that point, so... well, as I said... JUST for the record.

. . . is Gerry's VFTHW in Dubuque? Just to be like Gerry, I also took a picture from our hotel room in Dubuque and wanted to see how his view was compared to ours, just for fun. : ) Just curious.

Just checking to see if this works!

Erin Edwards has confirmed that the September 19 show in Modesto, California has been moved from the State Theatre to John Thurmond Field. Rather than the two shows that were originally scheduled for the State Theater, there will only be one show at John Thurmond Field (hopefully, it will be the long show).

I'll be there in spirit! I want a full report too!
Did anyone else see the wonderful special on Warren Zevon on VH1 last night. If not, try to catch it when they air it again. It details this past year and the struggle he has been facing with terminal lung cancer. He has always been one of my favorite artists. The way he has faced his illness with humor and dignity and the will to complete this last album has been an inspiration.

6 days & counting!!! Have my tickets, have a room reserved, just counting the days now! I have heard tickets have been sent to folks as far away as Oregon, to New Mexico and Oklahoma. I am hoping they play the looonnnggg set, and even if they don't my one request is they leave in TO EACH HIS OWN. My all time favorite.

Whit - did you ever talk your wife into the trip from OKC to Sweetwater? And is anyone else out there going? I'd love to meet you if you are. I'll be there w/ my hubby and two youngest kids.

On another note--I finally watched my copy of the Central Park,which is great by the way. I loved hearing and seeing "Here" performed live. However at the end of the dvd when the songwriting credits were rolling I noticed they gave credit to John & Michelle Phillips for "California Dreamin" - I am almost positive that song wasn't on my dvd. Unfortunately I didn't have time to go back through it and make sure I'm not totally losing my mind (though I haven't ruled that one out yet either!). I am wondering if I maybe got an edited version of the original laser disc, and if this song appeared on other versions. Anyone out there know?

Ya'll have a great week!
Kim

Hey Nancy,

I think you asked if Kenny Loggins sang any new tunes last week at the Greek? He sang 4-5 from his new cd that he seemed to be promoting heavily. He did about 3 from the Loggins & Messina days, otherwise he did all his hits from the 80's (Footloose, Dangerzone) Dave Koz who was a surprise guest joined him onstage for one. But most of his tunes were pretty long and maybe Dewey & Gerry did a shorter set list since he was doing a 2 hour set list and promoting the cd...who knows?? Saw a few limo's parked in front so there were probably some Hollywood bigwigs or industry types there to hear his new material. They might've snatched up all the good seats so my friends and I got the nosebleed section! Wonder if he'll do a 2 hour show with Hall & Oates in PA? Anyone out there who likes Kenny & gets to catch him won't be disappointed! Here's hoping D&G will do 2 hour show when they're promoting a new cd!!!?

Happy Sunday to everyone. Well, Cindy from the South, thanks for thinking of me. Mo's Diner sounds like a neat place. Luckily, that Mo is not me or else the diner would not last long based on my very limited culinary skills. I do, however, make a pretty tasty mac 'n cheese casserole. And I'm not talkin' 'bout Kraft dinner!

I was also wondering which "that guy from America" Pharrell would have been referring to, Rob. My immediate thought was Gerry b/c...well, just because his voice is my favorite and, in my opinion, the most unique. Then, I thought, Dewey was the lead vocal in most of the bigger hits, wasn't he? And Dan certainly had radio play with Lonely People and others. So, who knows, it could have been any of the three I suppose. Any way you look at it, what a compliment particularly from someone involved primarily in a different genre of music. Maybe we're all just a bit biased but it sure seems like America is sprouting up everywhere these days. Ride the wave, boys, while surf's up.

I just caught portions of Ghost Busters II while my kids were watching it on Comedy Central. Wow, I didn't even know they had made a sequel. And from the looks of it, maybe they shouldn't have!!

Enjoy your Sunday, one of the last before this summer is History.

Hey everyone,
It was great to read everyone's positive thoughts about the upcoming America album. I'm really getting behind this project even though the guys probably haven't even recorded any of the songs yet that will be on it when it comes out. I'm psyched anyway even though it will be months till it comes out.
Thanks for posting Rich, it was cool to read that The Neptunes are America fans. I'm a hip-hop fan too, and I think that those guys are the tightest band in hip-hop today, although the Roots are pretty cool also. The Neptunes is what they call themselves when they produce songs for other artists and then they call themselves N*E*R*D* when they release their own material. Their own material (I've only heard one song, and it was cool) is supposed to be really good stuff, somewhere in between rock and hip-hop. That's a great compliment that Pharrell Williams paid to the guys saying that he "always wanted to sing like the guy from America." I kinda wonder which guy he was referring to. Pharrell sings the high notes very well just like Gerry, and he also has similar vocal qualities to Dewey kind of, and Dan. Hmmmm...maybe Pharrell will elaborate in a future interview.
Hope everybody's weekend is going well.
-Rob
"I was on a sleeper train
Bound for anywhere
And I was gazin' out the window
In a long stare
Watchin' the sage brush go by
And a pink and yellow sky
Thinkin' 'bout your eyes
Feelin' good to be alive ... great song from the Hourglass album.

Thanks for "Mo's News". I passed a very cool blue house in downtown Raleigh this week that I had not seen before. Outside was a sign..."Mo's Diner"...thought about you!

Cindy....from the South

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Perry, IA. Gerry added that the rooftop installation is only viewable from the two rooms that look out onto it.

I know that many of you are also Jeff Larson fans so here's a link to a web page with some information about his forthcoming CD and some MP3 soundclips. You'll recognize a few names there such as Gerry Beckley and Hank Linderman.

Sunrise

As I look into your eyes I see the sunrise
The light behind your face helps me realise

Will we sleep and sometimes love until the moon shines
Maybe the next time I’ll be yours and maybe you’ll be mine

I don’t know if it’s even in your mind at all
It could be me
At this moment in time
Is it in your mind at all
It should be me, it could be me
Forever

Wandering through life will love come home to you
And the love you want forever, will they be true to you

Will we sleep and sometimes love until the moon shines
Maybe the next time I’ll be yours and maybe you’ll be mine

I don’t know if it’s even in your mind at all
It could be me
At this moment in time
Love’s indescribable
It should be me, it could be me
Forever

Easy, ready, willing, over time
Where does it stop where do you dare me to draw the line
You’ve got the body now you want my soul
Don’t even think about it say no go


If you want to listen a sample of the track go to www.simplyred.com, and in the discography section find the album "Home". In every song, at the bottom of the page, there is a small audio player. Just click "play" to hear the song.

Great fun you had obviously ! Thanks for being so quick to post the review & for sharing the fun with your usual humour.
Gen.

Simply Red's song "Sunrise" exists in the album "Home". It was released by a greek company called "Heaven". It exists in Greece since April.

ok back from another mB gig at genghis cohen. Here is the short review.
First of all the sound man announces that Matt has become ill (!!!) I think oh no not again, but then goes on to announce another band, Twisted Van Leopard, will perform instead. I relax as the band, dressed in the worst imaginable 80's regalia, take the stage. Mike has a Roger Taylor-Queen wig and the most garish mirror-ball shirt ( which Matt fesses up is his!) Matt has a white wig that looks like Debbie Harry's 'do, but Leonard outshines them all in an absolutly hideous brown curly MULLET! ( honestly, it looked like Davy Crockets coonskin cap) They launced into def Leopard's(?) Photograph, then on to DangeZone ( well a bit of itanyway) then on to Bon Jovi's "Dead or Alive" did a nice job on all of them. Then a crisis struck. Matt's guitar had a busted string so he was forced to play the whole gig on a twelve string. He did a very nice job handling the problem. The band is jelling nicely and they are looking more comfortable with the stage and each other. It was Kaumyar's Birthday (well ALMOST)so the crowd wished him a happy one. My dd and I were playing "Name that tune" as we came up with a set list --good thing, because Matt did not have a printed one I could have. So here it is to the best of our abilities, sorry Matt if we got any wrong!
Photograph
Danger Zone
Dead or Alive
Suzy Parks
Girlfriend
Pass tha Butta
Sara
All the things I shoulda said to you ( ok I forget the title of this one my notes say "swearing song" and Matt told me the title,but hey I am spacing here)
the disappointed
someday ( new)

We had a nice evening, spoke briefly with Matt, Leonard and Kaumyar. We also scored some cool mB pins which are very nice indeed. We did not take photos, as we are still tired from our trip to Vegas. More on that later.

Daisy Jane does The Staples Center...well not really. The Staples in Webster Center, NY. I heard it on the Muzak in Staples the other day. Had to report it, thanks.

In other retail connections...
Was at Old Navy in Victor, NY today. As I was checking out, I noticed a stack of CD's on the counter that were apparently for sale. The title was something like...Dim The Lights, Smooth Sounds of the Seventies, Old Navy. Well, you know I had to check the song list to see if our boys were represented as they should be. Sure enough, Tin Man was on there. Way to go, Dew and Ger. Marketing. Marketing. Marketing. Or...maybe that's Location. Location. Location. Well, they have that too, at the register is a GREAT location. Impulse buying and all.
Thank you for tuning in to MO'S NEWS.
The channel that has nothing better to do.

rc,
I had an English Comp teacher in HS who loved to teach us ways to remember how to spell difficult words. You reminded me of her tonight. You wrote, "accomadate an orchestra behind artists." For the word accommodate, a good way to remember how to spell it is...accommodate can accommodate 2 a's, 2 c's, 2 o's, and 2 m's. That's the trick. Sorry to be obviously obnoxious. It's just this thing I have in my brain. For more spelling tips, please write to mbufton@rochester.rr.com.
Happy Corona Day...I mean Friday, everyone!!
Mo

Did get your message and replied. Thanks. See you.

I quit.. Not my day to be posting. Mentioned strings in Tin Man when I was thinking of Minature that was played with TM in cincy..
lol
Sorry. :-\

I had mentioned in previous post about seeing about getting the guys on Soundstage. When I was reading about the new aspects of it, I read the stage is tiered and can accomadate an orchestra behind artists.
Now wouldn't that be great to have the guys playing with orchestra back-up on songs like Tin Man, The Border etc.. and others that had strings in original recordings? They did in Cincy last year. I don't about the rest of you , but I have always loved the orchestration in many of their songs and miss hearing the strings etc in live shows.
So this could be a state of the art live concert show for America fans to add to their collections.
Steve: would this be something Erin and management would have to look into?
http://www.networkchicago.com/soundstage/index.htm They have a way to contact them, don't know if that helps or not.

yikes.. Typed Dan Fogelgerg lol Fogelberg

lol Steve.. went all the way to alaska to take pics of squirrels? Pic is cute though.

Hi Everyone,
For anyone who is familiar with the old Soundstage shows on PBS, they brought it back this July. The stage is specially built for those these shows as well as new state of the art camera's, lighting, and audio.
Dan Fogelgerg recorded a show on Aug 8, 2003 that will be shown on PBS stations sometime in Jan. He did a 2 hours show but only an hour of it will be shown. Don't know yet if vhs or dvd of show that will be available to purchase will be the 2 hours or not yet.
Here is the set list of songs he played that someone posted who was in attendance that night.

set list from Soundstage show taped in Chicago.
Part Of The Plan, Heart Hotels, Hard To Say, Full Circle, Reach Haven Postcard, Run For The Roses,The Reach, Leader Of The Band, Same Old Lang Syne, Missing You, Raven, Blow Wind, Blow(blues song),Power Of
Gold
Sounds like last summer's play list with the exception of 2 from Full Circle.

From the reviews posted of several people who where there, they said it was excellant. So keep this in mind and watch PBS listings in Jan.

Now...Time to start a campaign to get Dewey and Gerry on Soundstage!! I have no idea how they decide who they will have play though.

Me Again ~~ :)

Hey Red thanks for sharing that info tidbit with us! I guess we gotta check out all of the signs, that are put in front of Us. Cause you never can really be sure just what is Lurking in the Unseen! ~~~ Hey Red get Nelleybelle all settled and head home early, enjoy your much deserved time off! :)

Thanks Steve ~~~ You gotta wonder if these are Hoaxes, why do they get started in the first place. I will say one thing for these perpertrator's they sure are good at making these things sound Convincing!

Hmmmm ~~~ Another song remake has been catching my ears.... Have any of you heard Simply Red's New song called "Sunrise" , Hmmmm if you haven't heard this, just keep your ears open for a very familiar Hall & Oates song music, mixed with some of the new techno sound.... I must admit this song is giving my fingers a test.... I am having a hard time keeping up with & deciphering these lyrics..... So I guess I will stick to Hall & Oates version when typing the lyrics. It is a catchy remake tho! Hmmmmm ~~~ I heard on the lunchtime show today, that the song Ghostbuster kinda ruffled Huey Lewis's feathers... that there was a big lawsuit regarding the way this song was sooo close sounding to his song Wanna a New Drug.... I am wondering if Simply Red had permission to add this familiar music to his new song... Oh Well ~~ "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) is one of my all time favorites of Hall & Oates, and when they sang it on their A&E Live By Request ~~ I think they did it the best of all their older songs that night... anothere fave is playing here now "One on One" I wanna play that game tonight, One on One, Boy there's no one else but you and me, I don't want no one else... I don't wanna play those games no more.... :)

Okay now that I got that out, I gotta get again! Nancy :) :) :)

Hi Everyone ~~ http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i7660id.html ~~~ here is a page from the links that Steve posted to check out these magpie's, terns & bald eagle info... I went back to the home listing page and found my favorite little Eastern Bluebird. They are such pretty little birds and they sing (warble) sooo nice. Thanks Steve for all of the Neat info! :) Hmmmm ~~ I am curious as to whether these Magpie's sing! Were You ever close enough to them to hear them, they are pretty marked birds. ~~ Yes I do enjoy checking out all kinds of Birds too!

Hi Rob, Rich, Mark & Speech ~~~ Bravo! Bravo! ~~ Very well said, all 4 of You. ~~~ Definitely the time is now, for all of the music critics to open their eyes and Discover what they failed to Miss in AMERICA and their 30+ years of Magical Music. ~~ If I can turn on the radio and hear that Hall'n Oates, Fleetwood Mac, & recently Kenny Loggins has a new song.... then I just know that I want to be hearing AMERICA on the radio with a Brand new song... Back when we were calling the radio stations about Holiday Harmony, I mentioned to my DJ friend that there were 3 brand new songs on this Christmas album and that if they were to get airplay I just know they would be Noticed. He said yes I agree with you, but You are missing one point, these new songs are Christmas songs, therefore limiting the time they can be played on the radio. Soooo like Speech I too feel this is the Right Time for a New Studio Album from Gerry & Dewey! ~~ You can betcha I will do my best to get it played here in my area. ~~~ Hmmmm ~~ Regarding the reviews being written now on AMERICA, Yes there are some really good ones showing Up, that tells me that there are lots of AMERICA Fans still around that too want AMERICA to be given their Deserved Credit. ~~~ No question about it, there is a Unique Quality to AMERICA's History of Old & New songs and I feel they Deserve to be Up in the Front Row. ~~ Yes Speech it is too much how everything is turning back to the 70's styles, Music and Clothing wise! ~~ All of the shirts and pants my 11 yr old daughter want to get for school clothes have the 70's written all over them. ~~ At the pool occasionally they would have the Classic Rock station on and they played some of the newer Hip Hop songs and I have been here racking my brain trying to remember the 70's remake song that I head by one of these newer groups...Okay now I remember, it was Gordon Lightfoot's song "Sundown", It wasn't the best remake I have heard, but isn't that too much that one of these Hip Hop groups even knew of this song! I think it is great that they are saying that they were influenced by AMERICA's and other's music style and wanted to sing like them, but I do hope that if they do remakes of these Magical Gems that they do them Justice and are not making a Mockery of them in a roundabout way. ~~ I feel that it being mentioned in the Thorns bio, or some of these other new accoustic influenced groups that it is a much appreciated tribute & respect geared towards AMERICA. In the case of the thorns, you have 3 individual talented guys that on their own have had some really nice songs. WOW by joining their talents together, it has brought back that Early 70's sound in a nice way. ~~~ I just wanna say Gerry & Dewey ~~ I will appreciate all of the hard work and effort on your part in going back into the studio and working on a New CD. You guys already do so much for us, by traveling around and doing shows, and yes we are spoiled by this big time. I just got a Gut Feeling that the Time is Now. I know One thing if there is a new CD released, I will appreciate it for the Here and Now Contributes and won't expect it to be like back in the 70's! You both have Aged like Fine Wine and getting better and better! :)

Hi there Mama on a Mission ~~ Sorry to hear about your little boy being so sick with asthma! That is really neat that you have sung AMERICA songs to him to comfort him. I do hope that You will be able to get Your CD signed by Gerry & Dewey! They are both very generous with their time when it comes to meeting, signing and being there for us fans. I am sure that if the time allowed, they would have been available for signatures there at the Stillwater show. Take care, and keep on enjoying all of this great music. ~~ I hope your son will outgrow his Asthma condition ~~ My oldest son had some pretty scary spells when he was younger. They aren't much fun to witness or go through.

Hmmmm ~~ Regarding this latest Squirrel Pic... I must say he already read the sign and is going for it! :) ;)

Gotta get now, have a great day all! Nancy :)

~~~~ seems I spend most of my life waiting for the things I never do, when you were here in love with me, there was so much I couldn't see and I watched you oooooh believing that you would never leave ~~~ I dream everynight about you, sometimes I'm On Target, sometimes I seem to Missssss YOU, Night after Night I lie awake, wondering how long its gonna take, till I hold you close beside me~~ Take it from there Gerry ~~~ Wow this is a really nice song, I can't believe it took me till now to discover it! :) :) :)

Funny how years of survival by a band gives critics the impulse to attribute new credibility to an act they once panned. Here in 2003, the time would seem right for some kind of critical, and marketplace, resurgence of America. We seem to be in the midst of a serious "ratcheting up" of appreciation for all things 60s and 70s, even by the retro-loving standards of the past few years. In S.W.A.T., one of the hot box office movies of the summer, the first soundtrack tune out of the gate is "Shattered" by the Stones, followed, not long after, by Jimi Hendrix' "Crosstown Traffic." On the nationally televised "X Games" broadcasts on ESPN right now, we hear music in the background -- and between feature events -- from 70s acts like War and Aerosmith (not to mention Steve Tyler and Joe Perry on motorcycles). And, what a coincidence, VH-1 has been running its I Love the 70s series. Also, looking at the back-to-school fashions being advertised, and the hairstyles of those doing the modeling, I'm flashing back to my freshman year in college. Time for a new studio album, boys!

After enjoying the spectacular view of Mount McKinley we started the 4 hour bus ride out of Denali National Park. We saw more wildlife on the road out and I got some wonderful pictures. Click on the links below to see the view from the webmaster's camera.

Another squirrel, this one is collecting building materials
An arctic tern, a bald eagle, and a magpie doing battle
A brown (grizzly) bear with her playful cub
A caribou
Telephoto shot of Dall sheep grazing on the mountain

There's quite a story behind the picture with the arctic tern on the left, the bald eagle in the middle, and the magpie on the right. The eagle was eating the eggs or young hatchlings of the tern as it tried to dive bomb the eagle and force it to go away. As the eagle was avoiding the attacks of the tern, the magpie would try to dive in and gather the spoils. In the end, the tern flew away disappointed, the eagle ate all of the young, and the magpie sat on a pole waiting for the eagle to finish its meal so it could eat whatever was left.

I've also noticed the reviews seem to be getting better...it may be that critics recognize that a band that has been around for 30 years, still has fans and still gets sampled/covered by artists of all kinds must have been doing something right.

I'm not sure if Red was being serious or just passing along another funny story. But, just to set the record straight this is a hoax that has been around for quite some time. None of it is true. Here is a link where you can read about the original hoax:

CIAC Urban Myths and Legends

I would hope they finally get the recognition they deserve. I remember several years ago when a slew of these rock history books started hitting the selves that most of the reviews or write-ups of America were pretty bad. It was obvious to any knowledgable reader that some of the critics hadn't even bothered to listen to America and were just parroting what they had read or heard from others. It seemed that UK writers were the only ones to acknowledge America's significant crontributions.

I have noticed editions released in recent years are less deroagtory than previous ones, but still America doesn't get the credit it deserves. As far as sales and chart success, America did better than any folk-rock act of the 70's except for the Eagles. It's about time the critics acknowledged their success and contributions!

I agree it would be great to see America get more critical acclaim. I think it is interesting to note that they have been getting some attention from, of all places, the hip-hop community. In addition to Janet Jackson's use of the guitar riff from Ventura Highway, one of the hottest production teams (Neptunes/N*E*R*D*) have covered America (horse w/ no name I believe) and have several times stated that they are America fans (most recently in last week's Time magazine). I have attached an excerpt from their website:

"The Neptunes reign as today's most successful hip-hop production team. Over the last five years, they have helped propel the talents of a number of artists, their punctuating beats and syncopated rhythms fueling a unique sonic aesthetic. They've worked with current chart toppers (Jay-Z, Mystikal, Backstreet Boys), thuggish hip-hoppers (Noreaga) and eclectic performers (soulstress Kelis, Ol' Dirty Bastard). And just recently finished work with longtime superstars (Janet, Mary J Blige, Babyface, Usher) and alternative ska icons (No Doubt). But those are The Neptunes. Now they introduce N*E*R*D and the album IN SEARCH OF…... The Neptunes are me and Chad producing and making music for other people. N*E*R*D is me, Chad and Shay, a friend from where we live, Virginia...We're influenced by so much, from Stevie Wonder to Steely Dan, Donny Hathaway to America. I wanted to sing like the guy from America when I was younger and I tried to imitate it on this record. And Queen is the shit. I love classic rock. It's all that, man. Those artists didn't give a shit. The music spoke to you. My family would move around a lot so instead of just hearing Kool & The Gang and Earth, Wind & Fire and The Spinners, I was hearing Lynyrd Skynrd and AC/DC because we lived right by the Renegades, the Hell's Angels. When the new wave shit came around I was listening to things like Tears For Fears."

In addition to NERD, I think I read somewhere that someone from Destiny's Child likes to listen to America when she wants to "hippie out." As for the Thorns - the America roots are clear, but I think its because the Torns pretty much pick up where CSNY left off. I see a closer connection between America and someone like Peter Yorn - very tuneful with lyrics that rely very much on imagery and "feeling" rather than the literal meaning of the words.

whew. that's my longest post in months. I'm tired.

Rich

I would like to alert all of you that frequent various rest rooms throughout the daily routine. Be careful where you sit, spit & whittle. Those in the East should pay particular attention to this story, due to all the rain you've had.

Great! Another reason to NOT use public toilets!
>
>
>
>Subject: Poisonous Spider....
>
>Three women in North Florida, turned up at hospitals over a 5-day
>period, all with the same symptoms. Fever, chills, and vomiting,
>followed by muscular collapse, paralysis, and finally, death. There were
>no outward signs of trauma. Autopsy results showed toxicity in the
>blood.
>
>These women did not know each other, and seemed to have nothing in
>common. It was discovered, however, that they had all visited the same
>Restaurant (Olive Garden) within days of their deaths. The health
>department descended on the restaurant, shutting it down. The food,
>water, and air conditioning were all inspected and tested, to no avail.
>
>The big break came when a waitress at the restaurant was rushed to the
>hospital with similar symptoms. She told doctors that she had been on
>vacation, and had only went to the restaurant to pick up her check.
>She did not eat or drink while she was there, but had used the restroom.
>
>That is when one toxicologist, remembering an article he had read, drove
>out to the restaurant, went into the restroom, and lifted the toilet
>seat.
>
>Under the seat, out of normal view, was a small spider. The spider was
>captured and brought back to the lab, where it was determined to be the
>Two-Striped Telamonia (Telamonia dimidiata), so named because of its
>reddened flesh color. This spider's venom is extremely toxic, but can
>take several days to take effect. They live in cold, dark, damp
>climates, and toilet rims provide just the right atmosphere.
>
>Several days later a lawyer from Jacksonville showed up at a hospital
>emergency room. Before his death, he told the doctor, that he had been
>away on business, had taken a flight from Indonesia, changing planes in
>Singapore, before returning home. He did not visit (Olive Garden), while
>there. He did, as did all of the other victims, have what was determined
>to be a puncture wound, on his right buttock.
>
>Investigators discovered that the flight he was on had originated in
>India. The Civilian Aeronautics Board (CAB) ordered an immediate
>inspection of the toilets of all flights from India, and discovered the
>Two-Striped Telamonia (Telamonia dimidiata) spider's nests on 4
>different planes!
>
>It is now believed that these spiders can be anywhere in the country. So
>please, before you use a public toilet, lift the seat to check for
>spiders. It can save your life!
>And please pass this on to everyone you care about.
>
>
> EZ2BHard
>

<<I musta been thinking of the new Cows that have taken up residence in the field next to our house.>>

And me who stupidly used to mentally associate tails with doves! How silly of me ! The cows definitely make much better fairies... hahaha! Thank you, Nancy!

Someone has to know how to get a stupid signed CD for my BOY! Hw is puffed up on striods so he can breath and only God knows if he is gonna make it through this right now! It would mean the world to him to have an autograh. Shit I almost got arrested at the last concert in my state. He wasn't well enough to go but, begged me to take him anyway. Well he fell asleep and I a 110 woman carried a 95 lb boy to the car 6 blocks away. Damn I wish I could express what this means to him. Please someone help me!

I need to get an autograph from Garry at the min. for my son. He has been sick most of his life with really bad Asthma and bad lung damage. I have sung America songs to him since he was a baby and Dasy Jane and Magic are two of his favorites. I tried like hell to get to Garry the last time he was in my state. Stillwater MN., but the security was really good and my Son was mortified. Dang how do I get to Garry to sign a cd for my boy?

The new King Biscuit DOES have a new cover and photos inside. But I would recommend not buying it directly from King Biscuit because even with the free shipping the CD will be more expensive than if you buy it from CD Universe. The CD there is 8 something plus the 3 dollars shipping, making a total of 11 something dollars (sorry for the impreciseness).

Yep It is CRAZY Me Again! :) ~~~ Only thing is I am a bit refreshed now.... Everyone is in Bed except for my 17 yr old son Adam he is unwinding playing NFL Football on Super Nintendo.... I sat out on our front deck for awhile and took in the night senses... then I headed to Calgon take me away, soooo it was quite funny now when I just read Gen's post... and realized that I did a Funny Ooooops.... Fairytails ~~ Hahhahahhaah I musta been thinking of the new Cows that have taken up residence in the field next to our house. Too Much ~~~ Sorry Celine! ~~~ Oh well! ~~~ Seal is here singing his song "Crazy" in my headphones..... No no, No No, we're never gonna survive unless we are a little crazy ~~~~ but we're never gonna survive unless we getta little bit crazy... Seal can get me going with this song....~~~ oh darling, in a sky full of people, only some want to fly, in a world full of people only some want to fly..... you're not crazy.... you're not crazy....oooooh but we're never gonna survive unless we get alittle crazy... Take it from there Seal :) :) :) ~~~ Thanks Gen for the smile, and Yep you were right I did need a break this week! ~~ I hope your work on your Video gets better ~~ Hang in there! Okay! :)

Alright Karen L ~~ That is great news that you got the day off tomorrow and that You and Your Family are heading to Dubuque ~~ Boy I wish I could pack up and head there.... Have a great time and I look forward to hearing all about the show when you get back.... :)

Hey there Mark from NJ ~~~ Thanks for the info on the "On Target" song and the Encore album.... that is too much I have heard the other 3 new ones from that album.... but not this one.... too much.... Yep I will have to add this CD to my AMERICA collection... Wow ~~ Another new Gem has come my way.... Thanks :) ~~ Too much you having the copy of this famous movie.... You Lucky Monkeyshiner You! :) You be sure and have a great weekend too!

Well Nitey Nite again all, Nice Dreams, Nancy :)

~~~ Another evening the rain fallin down, It's Been a Lonnnnng Time Since YOU'VE Come Around, a little Laughter and we had it all, it's soooo misleading the things you recall, turning the pages, we open the cages, now I knooooowww that Nothing's soooo Far Away as Yesterday, wooo Oooooh ooooooooh, Nothing's sooo far awaaaay, take a look at the person inside, you realize there is nothing to hide, I remember the things that we said, so very simple the lives that we led, turning the pages we open the cages, now I know that Nothing's soooo far away as yesterday ~~~~ I recall how it used to be, I can feel it, feel it surrounding me ~~~ Oh this is one great song for sure.... Sing it for me Dewey & Gerry :) :) :)

Hey everyone,
It's been awhile since I've posted on the chat folder. I thought that I would mention something that I've been thinking about for awhile. I visited the allmusic guide web site to look up the Thorns album and read the description of the band The Thorns on the allmusic guide a few weeks back. I happened to notice that America is listed as being one of the "Roots and Influences" of The Thorns. I was glad to see this as I feel like America definitely is a big influence to The Thorns based on the few songs I have heard by them.
Then I started thinking. Could it possibly be that this signals the beginning of some critical acclaim for America? I tend to like to read what critics have to say, and many times I think they make sense. I love the music of Bruce Springsteen, and so I am happy to read all the very positive reviews he gets for his music. Some of you on the chat folder probably don't care what the critics have to say at all, maybe you're just not really interested and of course that's fine. I just think it would be nice if America started to receive some of the critical acclaim that they deserve. I read in Rolling Stone and other music magazines and websites all this attention given to talented musicians like Neil Young, and bands like the Eagles and Big Star. I think just about everyone would agree that America deserves to be getting some more critical acclaim, some more hipness. We're all familiar with the derision that has been given to America by places like The Daily Show (and I love the Daily Show, I think it's usualy very funny), and now it's about time America had some critics and other media personalities saying that they were and still are a great rock and roll band, a high-quality consistent live act, and great songwriters. Maybe in the next few years, America will be talked about as being one of the great artists in rock and roll history, especially with this new trend of modern-country-rock by artists like The Thorns, Beck, Pete Yorn, The Jayhawks, NickelCreek, some tunes by The White Stripes and others. As these new songwriters get to talk on VH1 about how they like America's music, maybe we will see a renewed interest in the catalogue and in their current tour and upcoming album. Maybe they will even (okay, and now I'm being really optimistic) get a Behind the Music, or inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It would be nice if a renewed interest among rock and roll critics started to happen.
Either way, I will still listen to and go to concerts of America, their music is great even if critics give them little attention.
Just some ramblings, thanks for reading my post.
Hope everyone is enjoying these last few weeks of the summertime.
-Rob

Well, the Larson clan is off to Dubuque bright and early Friday morning! I have the day off at the office, and Mike is having a friend milk the cows.

Dewey and Gerry - if you remember the couple you met after the concert in Madison on 5/29 (Gerry, you might remember us as Karen and her husband, "Dairy Farmer Mike"), the ones whose son Kyle sent along a picture for you, that's us! We're bringing our three boys with us this time. We're hoping to get a chance to say hello to you (Gerry, Dewey, Willie, Michael, Richard, Pete, Bill . . .); but if it doesn't work out, I'm sure there will be other concerts!

We're going to spend Friday and Saturday taking in the sights of Dubuque and Galena (IL). The boys are excited because we're staying at a hotel in Dubuque with an indoor water park. The person who I spoke with on the phone when I bought our concert tickets said the concert is open to all ages because it is outside(?), even though it is at a casino. I hope he's right!

I hope everyone out there has a wonderful weekend ~
Karen

FAIRYTAILS??? :-D

Well, Nancy .... I love the image, anyway...
But guess we BOTH need a break, huh?

Hi Nancy,

I have every intention of letting Gerry know that I have the other VHS copy of California Dreamin'. Actually there are 3. I sent Steve my copy and he made a copy for himself. Actually, last year I saw Gerry and the whole was playing in Jersey and I saw them in their hotel after th concert. I told Gerry I would make him a copy next time he is in the area. After the show in Westbury, Gerry and Dewey left right away, so I gave the tape to Willie to give to Gerry.

The song you are talking about with Target in it is called On Target. It came from a CD called Encore- More Greatest Hits. It was released in 1991 by Rhino Records. There were 4 new songs-Nothing's so far away as Yesterday, On Target, Hell's on Fire, and the Farm. Then came You Can Do Magic, Hollywood, Another Try, Old Man Took, Today's the Day, Can't fall asleep to a lullaby, Survival, Everyone I meet is from California, Right before your eyes, Cornwall Blank, To each his Own, and The Border. You may be able to find it stores like Sam Goody or Tower or you can go to CDNow.com and get it there.It would make a good addition to your America collection.

Have a good wekeend.

Mark

Hi there Everyone ~~~ It seems like forever, since I posted last, thankfully my new McAfee is on the lookout for that nasty MSBlaster virus. ~~ Yep Mark you hit it on the head when you mentioned the Dog Days of summer... We are smack dab right in the middle of them here in PA. Kinda makes it easier to just drop everything and meet the kids demands to go to the Pool. Kinda sad to think that the Pool will be closing Labor day weekend ~~ Summer went by way too quickly again! Anyone here wanna sign my petition to add 7 extra days to the weeks of summer, that way you have 7 days to do your work and then the other 7 days to enjoy all of the simple things that make up for a fun SUMMER? :)

Hi there Jenna ~~ Yep it was me that mentioned the Greek show, thanks for letting us know about it.... That is a shame that you only got to partake in the short set ~~ that probably made you feel like it was over way too soon for sure. Hmmmm ~~ One question about Kenny Loggins ~~ Did he sing his brand new song "With This Ring" ? ~~ This saturday night Kenny Loggins & Daryll Hall & John Oates are gonna sing Full Sets each at an outdoor show at Seven Springs Ski Resort. ~~ Kinda gets me to wishin it was AMERICA there again! :)

Hi there Mark from E. Brunswick, NJ ~~ Looks as tho Hall & Oates & Kenny will be heading your way soon too, I noticed it being advertised on our NJ afiliated CBS station on our Dish Network. ~~ I hope you do get a chance to Holler out to Gerry that you have the second copy of the Calif Dreamin movie, at a show soon. ~~~ That is a Neat Montage you put together ~~ I have listened to it about 20 times now and I wrote down all of the song titles as I am hearing them, I must say there is one song on there that I hear Gerry singing that I am not familiar with... it is around the songs from the Heard album and I believe Gerry sings a line with the word Target in it... I would love to know what song this is. ~~~ Thanks for mentioning this nice Masterpiece Montage... You really managed to hit alot of my most favorite Lyric Lines right on Key! :)~~~ Hmmm is there a song for what a Woman like me would give to hear Gerry & Dewey do this Montage at a show???? ~~ That would be a Died & Gone to Heaven show for me! :)

Hi there Danae & Mark ~~~ Pretty neat You (Danae) watching the movie Stayin Alive, the night that the lights went out in NY,Conn,Canada, Mich & Ohio I watched the movie "Grease" , both John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John did a great job singing and dancing and swooning.~~ I can remember watching "Stayin Alive" at the Drive In the year it was released. ~~ For sure Shayne, I just love the Bee Gees Magic with the songs in this movie.

Ciao Bruno ~~~ Nice to hear from you, that was a good suggestion Jenna had, for you to travel to the States and take in a show. I heard about the Heat Wave over there in Italy on the news... I hope it breaks soon!

Thanks Gerry for the VFTHW pic ~~~ Hmmm Looks like you found the sign Gerry!~~ the one that, that vigilant Squirrel is looking for in Steve L's vftwmc pic! :) ~~ Hey Red did you take notice to that big blank billboard sign??? I wonder just what it says on the other side of this! ~~ Just goes to show, you should always stay focused on finding the sign Huh! ;) :) :) Too Much!!!

Hi Steve L ~~ Thanks a Bunch for pointing me in the Montage direction, I really enjoyed getting to hear it over and over again and again. ~~ Also thanks for these Magical Breathtaking Pics from Mt McKinley ~~~ I am especially loving the Opalescent Mystic these pics show of this Tall Treasure. ~~ Same goes for the Polychrome pics too, WOW that is some Awesome color scheme! WOW!!! Hmmm I was gonna post yesterday and say " I wonder what it is that Vigilant Squirrel is looking for in this Pic" It's nice how soooo many things just blend together nicely on this chat folder! :) ~~ Again thanks for taking us on this Visual cruise to Alaska! :) ~~ Upon seeing the pics today Sting's song "Desert Rose" came to my mind... I know this landscape is far from a Desert setting, but there is something about the way this Pic takes my breath a way that this song manages to capture. Just like you Gen :) I too found myself Speechless upon first sight of them. My next move was to right click and save this to get lost in when I want to. ~~ as Sting sings there is a Sweet Intoxication ~~~ Nice! :)

Hmmmm ~~ Pete ~~ As much as these pics remind you of Skiing, I am not that crazy about the thought of Winter coming! Sorry! :)

Hi there KarenL ~~ I will second your thoughts, I too never Tire of hearing my AMERICA songs, I could handle seeing them once a week for the rest of my Life singing them over and over again and again. :)

Thanks for the fun at live chat last night, I got there soooo late as usual. I am hoping with school starting next week that things will work out for me to get there earlier again. It was sooo nice to see you come some Red, what a shame we had to compete with Chrissy from Three's Company ;)! Nice seeing all the rest of you there too. Safe traveling AM Girl & Hubby & Traveler(have fun on your Magic Adventures). Come back again Terri, Paramedichuck & ElectronBlue! Hey Mo & Bones where have you guys been???? :)

Okay I guess that is about it for now, take care and Nitey Night all, Nancy :) ~~~ Hmmm the other song that came to my mind when I looked at the Mt McKinley pics was Celine Dion's "Halfway to Heaven" ~~ Boy did they take me there instantly! :)

~~~ Come and go with me, wherever I am I want you to be, walking with your hand in mine, feels so fine, when I'm close to you, I know what it means to wanna be true, never felt this way before, is there more, are you feeling the same as me Honestly, don't you think it's unreal, I'm not dealing in fairytails, if this fails, I don't know what I'll don't know what on Earth I'll do, cause I'm Halfway to Heaven ~~~~ When we reach that place, I'm dying to see the smile on your face, I'm soo sure you will wanna stay, I have so many dreams to share, let me share them with you ~~~~ We're Halfway to Heaven, Let's go all the way..... ~~~ What a beautiful song sing it for me Celine :):) :)

Yeah!.... this web place is a real ZOO ! Guess Rahul Dhesi would not disagree ! LOL

Better yet if you run windoz, time to switch to Linux both Red Hat and Mandrake are very user friendly. I only have one windoz machine in my home that it strictly a gateway to net, since Direcway requires it for connection.
Don't Fear The Penguins

Thanks for keeping us informed, Steve.
And thanks Gerry for the wonderful parking lot pic ! :-)

Click here to see Gerry's view from the hotel window in Rapid City, SD.

Thanks Gen and Pete for your kind words about the photos. I have a lot of fun with them.

Regarding the new King Biscuit release, I should be receiving my copy shortly (it was sent earlier this week). I'll try to get some info and photos posted as soon as I have time. The CD cover that they have on the VH1 web site is old. The new one has already been sent to me by King Biscuit and has been added to the bottom of America In Concert CD photo page.

Extremely beautiful pics, Steve. I'm speachless (or quite!)
Was wondering if Gerry would send his too... (?)
Hope everyone is perfectly fine.
I guess most of you have seen the vh1 America update concerning the KB Flower Hour cd that was re-released two days ago. If you are interested here's the link :
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/america/18391/album.jhtml?_requestid=158649.
I'm not sure they really have changed the cover or added new photos (as, I think, was advertised)... we'll have to check this out, I suppose.

Well, back to the cave now.... with a terrible headache...due to the fact I've been working almost non-stop for two days now on a video project with/for some friends who plan to produce an 'enhanced' cd of some sort. A good project IMO, but I wish I had your talent with a camera, Steve ! This, plus working on my personal stuff... Hey, Nina, I'll be glad to get back to college & get some REST ! LOL... I'm NOT complaining, anyway. Just need a good "decapitation à la française"! :-)
See you.
Gen

They are beautifull pictures Steve. Gets me thinking about skiing season coming up.

On the way through Denali National Park toward the Mount McKinley view point, we passed an area called Polychrome which was aptly named because of the many colors in the mountain side. Then we continued to the view point where we actually got to see Mount McKinley. Even though we could see the mountain, it was difficult to make out because it's snow covered peaks looked more like clouds than a mountain. It towered above all the surrounding mountains and even when it's clear, it's surrounded by misty air currents which give it an eerie look. Click on the links below to see the view from the webmaster's camera.

View #1 of Polychrome
View #2 of Polychrome
View #1 of Mount McKinley - This picture of Mount McKinley was taken about 25 miles away from the base (that's as close as we got). The left and right peaks are still only faintly visible through the mist that constantly surrounds those high elevations.
View #2 of Mount McKinley - This view of Mount McKinley gives a wider angle view of the towering mountain. Even though it isn't the highest mountain in the world, it is the tallest when measured from its base to its peak.

I would suggest anyone running Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0, Microsoft Windows® 2000 or Microsoft Windows XP to get a Mac.

ooopppps sorry for posting twice. Still working on my first cup of coffee this morning

The MSBlaster Virus is reeking havoc on the net. Per an email I received from my ISP "Those infected with the virus are causing severe service degradation for the entire user population." I would suggest that any of you running
* Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0
* Microsoft Windows® 2000
* Microsoft Windows XP
Go to microsoft.com and download the security update

The MSBlaster Virus is reeking havoc on the net. Per an email I received from my ISP "Those infected with the virus are causing severe service degradation for the entire user population." I would suggest that any of you running
* Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0
* Microsoft Windows® 2000
* Microsoft Windows XP

Bruno....maybe next year! Or maybe you could take a vacation/holiday to the states!? Hope it's cooling down in Italy!?

Talk about your dog days of summer, things have really slooowed on the old board here. Or maybe the computer worm just has everybody down.

Nina, i have indeed seen them about 3 dozen times and the sound has not always been great. i can remember absolutely retched sound at a 1978 or 79 show at university of illinois' assembly hall. in boston we were sitting just in front of the sound board prob 100 feet from the stage. except for gerry's louder vocals, this show sounded like the grand cayman cd sounds on my stereo! i suspect you guys were so close that you weren't hearing just the main speakers but, probably hearing much of the stage monitors. it's very likely that since you were hearing sound from 2 systems you weren't getting the best mix. the main speakers sounded fabulous without any distortion whatsoever! last summer at bensenville, il i went up to the side of the stage for pics during the first song and it sounded quite different than my seats 50 feet away in the center. there was plenty of distortion and annoying feedback at the stage. in boston i was very impressed that they got it to sound that good with all of those nearby buildings for sound to bounce back from! so i believe it is possible for both of us to have heard and reported what we did without being incongruous!

Hi Bruno ! Nice to hear from you !
Yes, America will HAVE TO come soon.
Hope you are not suffering too much from the extremely hot weather out there in Italy (?). Let us know how you are...

for report of great night at the greek...
you increase my strong wish to see America in Italy and Europe.
Ciao all
Ciao Genevieve, Johnny, Nancy,
bruno

Dr. Trivia (aka Johnny) is correct on one count. According to VH1 Pop-up Video show it was orginally titled "Buried Alive".

We hopped aboard the Denali National Park tour bus bright and early on the morning following the summer solstice. We were excited that the sky was clear because we were hoping to get a view of majestic Mount McKinley. Fewer than 20% of the guests get to see the mountain but we were feeling lucky. During the 4 hour bus ride to the McKinley lookout point we enjoyed a great view of the plants and wild life that inhabit the tundra wilderness of the park. Click on the links below to see the view from the webmaster's camera.

A moose and her baby
A vigilant squirrel
Dall sheep grazing high on a mountain
A caribou relaxing in a field near a large patch of snow

That's the ONE.

Half a Man.

Hi Jenna -

"The place went a little crazy when they started Ventura Highway since
it's just a few miles up the road/highway. Brought down the house with Tin Man & Sandman! " - - That's our boys!! That's great to hear! You know, they are just soooo enjoyable to see in concert that I wouldn't even mind if every concert was identical. I don't think I'd ever tire of seeing them and listening to them! Would have been really neat to see their kids. It's nice that they include them like that. I know that Gerry has two sons and Michael Woods has a very young son. What are the ages of Dewey's kids? Does Rich have any? Willie? Glad to hear you had a fun night, Jenna!

Mark and Johnny, I would be willing to make the same sacrifice to hear the montage. After all, you don't really NEED that body part. Just look at Lance Armstrong. ; ) Is there an America song that covers this subject? I can think of one! : ) : ) : )

Thank you, muchly.

Great night at the Greek on Saturday!! Nancy, I think you may have asked if anyone went the other night? Anyone else in LA go that night? Fantastic show as always, the band never disappoints, they just seem to top themselves every single time, great acoustics and sound as usual!! I spent a small fortune for the tickets and unfortunately had really bad seats but it was such a great night it was worth it! The Greek is a great venue, holds about 6,000 seats but I think there were 4,000 in front of me & friends. My seats were so far away the band looked like ants on stage, lots of people had binoculars. It was a good thing they had big wide screens! Weather was scorching in LA - great night for an outdoor show. The band was on stage for an hour but it seemed shorter than a usual short set list; just concentrated on the major hits, think they only did 12 or 13 songs. Wish they could've done Company, Ca. dreaming or Hangover or lots of other gems. The place went a little crazy when they started Ventura Highway since it's just a few miles up the road/highway. Brought down the house with Tin Man & Sandman! The band's kids joined them onstage for HWNN which was great! (Vic, unfortunately - no pidgeon song, I don't think it appeals to the masses?) Would've liked to see a two hour show that Kenny Loggins did who was great too! He's got some powerful vocals. Thanks for a great night in LA!!!

Johnny,

I know what you mean and I probably would do the same thing.

Mark

Mark ~ What would I give to hear the guys pla