Actors as Musicians

While at the Phoenix Film Festival in April, I caught the Bacon Brothers live set. I have to say, I was rather impressed! I was expecting it to be the typical actor ego project, a la Bruce Willis, but these guys were actually good. I enjoyed their music and their onstage energy, and Kevin Bacon wasn't a spotlight whore as might be expected. And they even played "Footloose", which was so much fun. I thought he was a real sport to do that one. Here's the Brothers doin' their thing onstage.....




... and me with K.B. and his wife Kyra Sedgwick (who's thighs are about as big around as my wrists).






The Bacons were at the festival to promote their movie "Loverboy", which he directed and they both star in and I still have not seen. But I also had the great pleasure to meet the title character, played by the most charming and endearing boy, Dominic Kay. Here's a pic of us - terrible of me, but it's the only one I have.

Now as far as the many other actors who also play music... well, I've not seen any others live, which is really the best way to judge. I've heard TOFOG, Russell Crowe's band, and while I'm a HUGE fan of his, their music was pretty mediocre in my opinion. I do think he's a decent writer, tho'.

And I do not subscribe to the notion that actors shouldn't play music, or vice versa. I've known enough creative people in my life to know that creativity usually comes in more than one form of expression, so who the hell is anyone else to say what a person should or shouldn't do?

So there.

BTW, I'd like it noted for the record that I have lost about 25 pounds since the above photos were taken! :)

NOLA

Thoughts and prayers are with friends in New Orleans, and all who have been devastated by hurricane Katrina. Help here.

Losing My Virginity

I have lost my blogging virginity as of this moment. Thanks to my friend Kay for doing the honors - that is, inspiring me. Oh, and to my Aunt Marie for getting married last weekend (August 20, 2005) which also inspired me to take about a jillion pictures. Gotta put 'em somewhere for the family to view! Well, I'll get to that eventually.

Check 'em out

Louis XIV, a rip-roarin' band from somewhere in California, I can't recall exactly - San Diego? Anyway, I caught them in Indianapolis during the Midwest Music Summit, and they were great. If you put a gun to my head, I'd have to say they're a cross between Ziggy Stardust and AC/DC, and a good bit of Zeppelin in there too. Not a clone, they're a love child. And a thumpin', energetic live show.

While I'm thinking about great discoveries in live music, last year I caught Lyrics Born in Portland, OR., during Music Fest Northwest. Smart, poetic, compelling hip-hop. Glad to see them making a name for themselves.