Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!!!

Well 2011 is almost over and 2012 is right around the corner. Here's to a wonderful, healthy and Magical New Year!!!





John

Friday, December 30, 2011

My Top Ten Concerts of 2011...

2011 was filled with great concerts. It turns out I saw quite a few concerts this past year. I love music. I love all kinds of music. Now keep in mind, this is MY list of favorite shows. Actually, there are only a few 'current' artists on my list. Some of these concerts were in support for new albums, but most of these concerts were of artists who have NOT had a 'hit song' in years. But some of these concerts were long over-due.

So here are my Top Ten Concerts of 2011, starting at Number Ten and ending at Number One:

#10 - Anything Box - Congress Theater - 11/05/2011

Anything Box was a synth-pop group from the late 80's who had a big hit with their song Living in Oblivion. They put on a great show and it reminded me of the old days when I used to hang out at Medusa's and Alcatraz dance clubs. Oh the good old days! Here they are singing Just One Day.



#9 - Tom Tom Club - House of Blues - 09/24/2011

The side-project of two members of the Talking Heads, their one big-hit wonder is the wonderful Genius of Love. I love this trippy dance song. Here is video of that song.



#8 - Psychedelic Furs - House of Blues - 09/24/2011

One of my favorite alternative bands from the 80's. Of course their big hit is Pretty In Pink from the movie of the same name. I always wanted to see The Furs in concert and this show did not fail. Here is video from that show. Here are The Furs singing another great song, Ghost In You.




#7 - Lisa Lisa - Halsted Market Days - 08/14/2011

One of the best pop, dance, R&B singers from the 80's. She looks good, she sings great. Here is Lisa Lisa singing the free-style classic Let The Beat Hit 'Em.




#6 - Linda Eder - North Shore Center for the Arts - 02/12/2011

One of the greatest singers....EVER!!! In the great style of Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, Eder's voice soars on every song she sings. Here is Linda singing an AMAZING version of the time-less classic, the theme song from the film Valley of the Dolls.



#5 - Cyndi Lauper & Dr. John - The Paramount Theatre - 10/28/2011

A rare double-billing concert, this concert was in support of Lauper's recent Memphis Blues album. Cyndi's voice just does amazing things. Blues and Cyndi go together perfectly. Here is Lauper singing her beautiful song, All Through The Night.



#4 - Luis Miguel - All-State Arena - 05/27/2011

Without question, one of the greatest Latin singers in the world for the past 25 years. I took my Mom to this concert because she also LOVES Luis Miguel. I would have ranked this show higher, but I have seen better Luis Miguel concerts. But one song that Luis Miguel  performed on this concert is what made this ranking. The video does not do this performance any justice, but in person it was just MAGICAL. Here is Luis Miguel singing a classic duet with FRANK SINATRA!!!




#3 - Alejandra Guzman - Aragon Ballroom - 11/19/2011

One of my favorite Latin singers who releases album after album of great rock songs, beautiful ballads and pop hits. This is only the 2nd time I have seen Guzman in concert, as she rarely tours State-side let alone in Chicago. Here is 'La Guzman' singing her latest hit, Dia de Suerte.




#2 - Erasure - Congress Theater - 09/16/2011

The great, great synth-pop duo from the 80's. They have so many great songs, they put on amazing shows, their songs are classics. I have been waiting for years to see them in concert and this show did not disappointment me. Here is Erasure singing my personal favorite song, Love To Hate You.



#1 - Sade - United Center - 08/07/2011

Sade releases an album every seven years or so. They rarely go on tour. But when they release an album and go on tour, it becomes an EVENT. This concert was beyond AMAZING. Sade looks and sounds amazing. Her voice just puts you in a trance. Here is Sade doing what they do best. This is why I ranked them my favorite concert of 2011. Here is Sade singing the haunting ballad, Pearls.




Honorable Mention - Adele - Riviera Theater - 05/24/2011

There were some great shows I missed in 2011. I wished I had seen Adele in concert. I think that would have been an amazing show to see. Adele has been on FIRE all year. She is expected to win numerous Grammies in 2012. So here is a glimpse of Adele's Chicago's appearance. Here is Adele singing the love-lost classic, Someone Like You.




Here's looking to some great concerts in 2012. See you next year!!!
John

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Madonna Musica Martes - 12/26/2011

Well Christmas 2011 has come and gone. And 2012 is approaching fast. The next year promoises to be an exciting year for Madonna. A Super Bowl apperance, a new album, a world tour and a new movie she directed. So in prep forthe coming year, let's take a moment and have a little CELEBRATION shall wee? Happy New Year!!!

Madonna - Celebration REMIX (Edson Pride Mix) by Vj Percy




John

Monday, December 19, 2011

Madonna Music Monday - 12/19/2011

Today I wanted to share a beautifully filmed video for a beautiful song. I love how Madonna looks in this video. Just gorgeous. And this song is one of my favorite Madonna ballads, so moving. So here is Madonna singing RAIN from the under-appreciated EROTICA album. Enjoy!

Madonna - Rain Official Music Video



John

Day 19 - 25 Days of a Disney Christmas

Alice & Mad Hatter... by jjcar69
Alice & Mad Hatter..., a photo by jjcar69 on Flickr.
Alice & Mad Hatter...

Monday, December 12, 2011

Day 13 - 25 Days of a Disney Christmas

Hidden Mickey by jjcar69
Hidden Mickey, a photo by jjcar69 on Flickr.
Hidden Mickey Snowflake...

Madonna Music Monday - 12/12/2011

For today's video, I wanted to go back in time. In February 2012, Madonna will be performing on one of the largest stages in the world: at the Super Bowl. This performance will be see by millions and millions of people around the world. The 2011 Super Bowl was viewed by over 111 million people. So let's go back to 1984, when Madonna first hit the concert stage. Here is Madonna performing the title track from her Like A Virgin album on her 'virgin' tour. Enjoy!!!

Madonna- Like A Virgin



John

Monday, December 5, 2011

Madonna Music Monday - 12/05/2011

So today official word was released that Madonna would be the performing during next year's Super Bowl Half-Time show. The show will be a co-collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, the famed circus company. The performance will possibly include the debut of Madonna's next single. It will possibly feature guest appearances by singer Nicki Minaj and rapper M.I.A., who will also appear on Madonna's new album. This will be an AMAZING show. Madonna is perfect for the Half-Time show. So the next question to ask is WHAT will Madonna perform at the Super Bowl? The following video is a trailer for Madonna's recent concert DVD for the Sticky and Sweet Tour. I think we can get a very good idea of what to expect on February 5th, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Madonna - Sticky & Sweet Tour DVD Official Trailer



John

Day 5 - 25 Days of a Disney Christmas

Santa Jack by jjcar69
Santa Jack, a photo by jjcar69 on Flickr.
Santa Jack

Monday, November 28, 2011

La Guzman - La Reina De Rock

Last weekend I attended an amazing concert. Since the early 90's, I have been a HUGE fan of Alejandra Guzman, the Queen of Latin Rock. This has been only the 2nd time I have seen Guzman in concert since she hardly visits the States, let only Chicago. So I'd like to share video of that concert. Here is Alejandra Guzman singing one of her biggest hits, Hacer El Amor Con Otro. Enjoy!

Alejandra Guzman - Hacer El Amor Con Otro - Live



John

Madonna Music Monday - 11/28/2011

So Winter has made its official appearance today. I stepped outside and saw snow flurries on cars, lawns, stairs and the sidewalk. I was not expecting that at all. So in honor of the 1st snowfall in Chicago, I present a snowy Madonna video. There's another reason why I picked this video. I found out over the weekend that the father of a childhood friend passed away and that the wake is tomorrow. So watching this Madonna video only puts me in a more reflective mood. So I'd like to dedicated this video to my friend's father, Mr. Cantu.

Madonna - Oh Father



John

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Trip Report - Walt Disney World - 07/20/11 - Part Two

In my last report, my nephew and I had spent the morning at the Magic Kingdom. It was time for a mid-day break because of the hot weather. So back at Pop Century, we took a much needed swim break. While I had a bad cold and sore throat, the swim felt so good. After the swim and a short nap, it was time to head back to the Magic Kingdom for dinner and dessert and fireworks. I couldn't wait!!!


So we at the check-in counter of the Crystal Palace by 5pm for our 5:30 pm reservation. Its still a bit hot, but hopefully it will be much cooler inside the Crystal Palace. We are seated within 10 minutes.




The Crystal Palace is one of my fave places to eat at. Breakfast or dinner, its just a great place. The food is always good, the service is top-notch and the added benefit of meeting all the Winnie The Pooh characters is priceless. You really can't go wrong with this buffet-style restaurant.






Here is video of some of the fun you can have while dining at the Crystal Palace:





After dinner, we head out to ride some more rides before attending the Wishes Dessert Party. We rode Stitch's Great Escape, Space Mountain and the Jungle Cruise.


It was now time to head towards the Tomorrowland Terrace to check-in for tonight's Wishes Dessert Viewing Party. I think the Dessert Party is also worth the price. The dessert Party is limited to about 50 people. You get reserved seating and table. You get a covered, clear and unobstructed view of the Wishes Fireworks. Oh yeah, unlimited desserts and drinks for an hour before the fireworks starts. Tonight was a great night to be outside. The weather had cool down and there was no wind in the air.





After stuffing myself with unlimited desserts, it was time to watch the amazing Wishes Fireworks. Here is video of that night's showing of Wishes! Its the best fireworks show EVER!!!



After the fireworks, we let the crowds thin out a bit and avoided the rush. We had planned to watch the late showing of the parade, but my nephew was not feeling up to it. So instead we headed back to Pop Century to get some late snacks (like we didn't just eat enough dessert!!), play some video games at the resort arcade and then watch some TV before calling it a night. I also beat from the heat, cold and sore throat. So maybe rest is what I need right now. Tomorrow is our Epcot day. My nephew is looking forward to shopping in Japan for some toys. I'm looking forward to eating at the new La Hacienda restaurant in the Mexico Pavilion. Until my next trip report, Have A Magical Day!!!



John

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Madonna Musica Miercoles - 11/23/2011

So this week I wanted to share something other than a Madonna video. This week, the official trailer for Madonna's film directing debut was released. The film, W.E., is the story of the affair between King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson and a contemporary romance between a married woman and a Russian security guard. I think directing movies is the most logical step for Madonna. I think she is an amazing storyteller in music and video, and film would only expand that talent. So here is the trailer for W.E..

"W.E." - Official Trailer



John

Friday, November 18, 2011

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival...

Well it looks like the Holiday Season is about to start tonight. Mickey & Minnie Mouse have come to Chicago to light up the Magnificent Mile with Christmas lights and sounds. For the past 20 years, Disney has presented the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival featuring various artists, performers and many Disney characters. And of course a visit by Santa himself. This year's Festival will feature American Idol's Haley Reinhart. I can't make it to this year's parade, but here is video from last year's lighting ceremony. In the video, you can see Mickey and Minnie light up the the millions of lights along 'The Mag Mile'. This year's parade will also be shown nationally on TV. So I suggest you check your local listing and catch this celebration.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

Mickey & Minnie Light the Lights on The Mag Mile...



John

Monday, November 14, 2011

Madonna Music Monday - 11/14/2011

For today's video clip, I'm sharing a song I really love. Plain and simple. I've been listing to this song all day on repeat. So of course I want to share this beautiful video. Here is Madonna singing LOVE PROFUSION from the under-rated album American Life. Enjoy!


Madonna - Love Profusion [Official Music Video]



John

Friday, November 11, 2011

A Rainy October Day at Disneyland!

Ever wonder what its like to visit Disneyland on a rainy day in October? Here is video I took last year while attending Mickey's Halloween Party. Enjoy!

Disneyland: Main Street to Pirates of the Caribbean



John

Disneyland Pumpkins - 2010

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Disneyland Pumpkins - 2010, a set on Flickr.
A collection of Disneyland Pumpkins from 2010...