Meeeee meeee meeeeeee!!!!  (clears throat).  

If you have listened to the show... You know I am not a singer.  But in the singing game, a voice, is the money-maker!  Gotta Protect It!

Artists have to realize that after taking a huge chunk of time off during the pandemic. (not their fault)  Their voices will take time to strengthen for the abundance of shows they are putting on their vocal cords these days. 

For some artists the pandemic was the biggest layoff of their careers. Now being back on the road for a full tour is overload.

Recently,

-Morgan Wallen was put on vocal rest by doctor's orders and missed a month of shows. 

-Miranda had an illness that had her re-schedule a few of her residency shows. 

-Luke Bryan had to cancel 3 shows due to illness.  Then Played 2 shows and then had to cancel another. 

Vocal rest is nothing new.  Reba, Jon Pardi, Shania a lot of artists have been on ordered rest in the past.  It is just the nature of the business.  People get sick, strain vocals and can't make shows for some reason or another.  It is nothing personal against us the ticketholders! I understand the frustration.  Going, waiting to park, paying for parking, standing/waiting/getting into the venue, refreshments, concert memorabilia, just to turn around and have to do it all over again or just get a refund.  

I realize this summer has been a really wet one for outdoor country shows.  We are Ohio!  Wait 5 minutes and the weather is different...   some shows have been like 5 hour delays, but they happened, and were worth it to me.   The artists, venues, promoters... no one wants to cancel million dollar shows or tours due to weather, voice, health or any instance.  Life happens... The artist wants to give you the best show because it's their livelihood and you pay their bills and keep them going.  They do not want to let you down.  If it is a vocal issue they have to wait for doctor's 'all clear'.  Let's just hope the rest of the outdoor shows go over without any hiccups...  You can't cancel a show for those???   Kidding.  

Dylan Scott just dropped a few shows due to doctors vocal rest orders (not around Ohio):

(1/2) "Hey guys - cancelling shows is never something I want to do but with doctor’s orders I cannot perform this weekend.
Kansas City - we will be rescheduling tonight’s show two weeks from now to 08/31.

Unfortunately, my appearances on the following two shows are cancelled:

— Dylan Scott (@DylanScottCntry) August 17, 2023

(2/2)

08/18 Watertown, SD
08/19 East Grand Forks, MN

If you had tickets to any of these shows, more information will be coming to you directly from each venue. I am so sorry but thank you guys for understanding!” - Dylan

— Dylan Scott (@DylanScottCntry) August 17, 2023

If you are/were a fan of the TV show 'Nashville' you will want to read this! The cast is getting together for a reunion tour where they will be singing songs from the show's soundtrack. The only down side is that most of the dates are in the UK. They have only two US dates - Sep. 23rd in Chicago, and Sep. 25th in Nashville.

Jump on this now before you lose out! Neither of these dates are THAT far of a drive to make. If you want to see the cast, I'd take the opportunity. Click for details.

I have probably seen this lighthouse a million times having grown up in Northeast Ohio. Trips to Mentor Headlands, Fairport Beach and the pier to do some fishing, that lighthouse was always in the background. I had no idea that someone had bought it and was renovating it, let alone an open house that happens once a year. I am definitely going to try to go to that one day!

Learn about the renovations and take a tour in the video below, it's really cool! 

Box Office Results - Blue Beetle   (30 Million)

#2 –   Barbie   (20)    #3  Strays  (13) 

New This Week - Retribution /  Grand Tursimo /  The Hill /  Golda  /  The Admirer / White Bird

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - Will be available digitally Tuesday

Barbie - Will be out digitally on September 5

Barbie – In IMAX with exclusive new post-credits footage selected by director Greta Gerwig. One-week begins September 22nd.

Sunday - National Cinema Day ($4 Tix)   (Link To Buy)

Netflix - Is ending its DVD-by-mail service next month The last DVDs will be shipped on September 29th

This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane (link)

Also - My 50 Favorites Over 40+ Years This Week #18  (Link)

Plus - My Sunday Morning Song   (Link)

It is well known that most country stars play the guitar.  Some like Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Vince Gill are very proficient at it, and it's a real part of what they do.  Others, simply play rhythm portions of their songs in concert. Then there are those where, well... it's a mere prop and that's fine too.

There are far fewer that play the piano.  But there are a few and for them, keyboards are also a real part of what they do. So it should be fun to look at some of them here.  Truth be told some of these do play the guitar and other instruments in addition to the keyboards.   I'll include my full profile where I have done one on them.  There is no order, just some very talented people.

So let's look back at some - they are   -   The Keyboardists

Ronnie Milsap  (My Full Profile On Him)

The success Ronnie Milsap was incredible, and his piano playing is too.  In addition to his own 40 plus number one songs, one of his very big breaks was being invited to be the keyboardist on the Elvis classic song, Kentucky Rain, which was written by Eddie Rabbitt.  (Nice trio there.)  Milsap has been using the piano as a real part of his live show for years, GREAT entertainer.

Milsap At The Piano - At His Best

Phil Vassar   (My Full Profile On Him)

The piano is a real part of Phil Vassar's live show.  Vassar is an incredible songwriter and a terrific showman on stage. Many of the great songwriters in all kinds of music write them on the piano, and so did Vassar.  His playing is incredible and so has his very diversified career.  A super talent!  SEE HIM LIVE!!!!!!!!

His Signature Song

Lionel Cartwright

His run in the early 1990's was too short.  Lionel Cartwright was a very talented guy who played the piano and 9 other instruments and recorded some darn good songs. There were times I felt his songs were slightly reminiscent of 80's pop hit maker, Bruce Hornsby.  He scored a few top ten hits and had a #1 with Leap Of Faith. But my favorite was Give Me His Last Chance which was a #3 hit. As talented as he is, he may have been caught in the avalanche that was the early 90's. So many new stars and songs, some got left behind.  But to show you the company he was in, in 1990 three were nominated for the ACM Best New Male Artist -  Cartwright, Garth Brooks and Clint Black.  Black won.  Lionel Cartwright was terrific!

Great Song Here - Dude Is Incredibly Talented

Floyd Cramer

You can't talk about The Keyboardists unless you mention the amazing Floyd Cramer.  He is very Old School, but you should know that still today in Country, Rock and Pop musical circles he is known as greatest piano player of all time. He was in Elvis Presley's band for a number of years.  He also had his own career and even invented a new way to play the piano. His "slide note" style where two notes almost become one instantly was his signature and influenced keyboard players for generations.  He successfully put emotion into the keys.  In his 40 plus year career, he was the most in demand keyboard player on the planet and recorded and performed with literally every single Nashville star there was.  He is on many the most famous recordings ever.  He is also in Country Music Hall Of Fame, and the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and his #2 hit  -  the incredible Last Date is in the Grammy Hall Of Fame. He is quite simply one of the greatest musicians ever in Nashville and Country music.

Floyd Cramer passed away in 1997.

Last Date  - Is An Iconic Recording

My car is rough. It's an older Honda Civic that runs like a top and drives well, but years of rust-belt winter driving have taken their toll on the body and undercarriage. I was cleaning some of the dirt and grass off of my wheel wells this past Saturday, after parking in the grass lot for Neon Nights, when I discovered a fist-sized hole in the driver's floorboard. I've driven worse in the past, but with my new full-time position here at the station I am now driving substantially more and desire something not only nicer, but cooler too. 

I have a very specific taste in vehicles and there's no one type I seek out, but I do have some preferences. My ideal car is fun to drive, unique, potentially with a manual transmission, two-door, and any color but red. Of course, I need it to be reliable, but I also want it to be presentable and clean. It could be a car, truck, or van but it must be something that speaks to me. 

I've had many interactions on Craigslist and Marketplace in my lifetime, but this instance seems different. Generally I either need to sell something or need to buy, but I am currently in a situation where I have the luxury of not needing a car but rather wanting one. I've messaged quite a few sellers and my plan is to lowball the interesting finds until I strike a deal. I have gone to look at a Camaro and a Miata so far and both were comical experiences. 

The Chevy looked gorgerous in pictures and even walking up to it. It was a V6 car with considerable mileage and a rebuilt title, but the price was compelling and it seemed clean. I checked it out and all seemed decent until I layed down to evaluate the underside. If you've ever heard of lipstick on a pig, that's the best way to describe this one. I immediately found holes in the floorboard where I could reach up and touch the carpet, and at this point I shook the owner's hand and said thanks for showing me it. Hard pass. 

The Miata on the other hand was solid all around. It looked really good, ran well, and was everything I want in my next ride EXCEPT... I didn't fit in it! I tried every possible angle for the seat postion and still hit my head on the convertible top. The owner also presented the vehicle as a private party sale when he has a dealer's liscense. Those who do tend to be a lot less negotiable and open to offers; which is a commonality in my experience and a big turn off. It ended up being a nice car and he was a pleasure to chat with, but my heart wasn't into it and I had no choice but to walk away with the headroom issue. 

So, the search continues. Fortunately my Civic, Vicky, has a lot of life left in her, and I can take my time to find the best option. I am known to make impulsive decisions on stuff like this, but this time around I am really trying to find the balance between what I want and what I need. It's tough and takes a good deal of commitment and restraint, but I will find something that checks all the boxes for me within my price range, and I hope you too will follow your heart and your head on whatever big decisions you face. Go with your gut and don't settle!

Is it October 18th yet?  Let's GO!!!!

Bosom Buddies Benefit Concert is coming to The Akron Civic Theater that day!  If you join the WQMX Country Club you can take advantage of the PreSale Thursday, August 17th from 10AM-10PM...   General Onsale is Friday August 18th at 10am at WQMX.com.  

Chase Rice and Priscilla Block will be your entertainment for the night during the 24th Annual Bossom Buddies Benefit!  There will be raffles and more to benefit Bosom Buddies.   But it is going to be a night of hits from these 2...

 Chase Rice:

Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer

Eyes On You

Drinkin Beer, Talkin' God, Amen

Ready, Set, Roll, If I Were Rock & Roll, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go to Hell, Bench Seat, Three Chords & The Truth,

Gonna Wanna Tonight and sooo many more!!!

Priscilla Block:

You, Me & Whiskey

My Bar

Just About Over You

Thick Thighs, Fake Names, Peaked in High School just to name a few...

Brett Young's latest album, Across the Sheets, ends with the remake of a Tim McGraw classic - "Don't Take the Girl". It was Tim's first #1 single off of his 1994 album Not A Moment Too Soon. I think it's an amazing song, as many of our listeners do as well. Now Brett Young has put his own spin to it.

Tim says he thinks Brett did an excellent job with the song and "He sings his butt off!" Find a link to hear Brett Young's version of "Don't Take the Girl" here.

Guitar Town - Steve Earle - 1986 - (Album - Guitar Town)

Steve Earle was and is a talented guy.  His incredible album, Copperhead Road  (1988) is the stuff of legend. It's worth a search and listen as it has been highly influential to many, many young country artists.   But a few years before that was this terrific #1 Country album.  Guitar Town  (song) was a top ten hit with two Grammy nominations for Steve Earle And The Dukes in 1986.  It was the second single from the album of the same name, as the first single off this album was a terrific song called Hillbilly Highway  that did not chart well, but was a song I really liked.  You could hear with this single and album there was a lot to like with Steve Earle.  But as far as country was concerned, it seemed he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The format was in the embryonic stage of shifting more traditional. PLUS there were those who were still hanging on to pop country.  THEN there were those who were not willing to give up on the Old Schooler's too. We were split in thirds.  Earle was new, energetic and different, and I'm not sure where he was going to fit in.  Sadly, in the long run he didn't.  He just may have been a bit ahead of what many were ready for.  And of course just around the corner was Copperhead Road that became legendary and is massively loved by fans in many formats.  But first there was Guitar Town!

I spend a great deal of time outside, and there is no doubt my favorite season is fall. We're not quite there yet, despite pumpkin spiced and Halloween items already being available at many businesses in anticipation of the season. The worst part about fall is that it is kind of like Sunday, in that it's enjoyable, but you know what is coming up next won't be fun. 

Anyways, no matter what the season is, I'm always looking forward for it to not be the one that it is currently. Come August, I'm just about done with summertime and these hot and sticky days. My biggest grievance is all of the mosquito bites I'm sporting right now. There's two awful ones right on my chest inches from one another, and I am pretty sure I picked them both up whilst riding the motorcycle. The one actually hurt and was itching me, so it's possible there was another insect in the mix. 

It's easy to complain with this feeling of discomfort as a constant for me, but I am trying to be more appreciative of any given moment, and right now things aren't so bad. In the middle of winter when there is no snow but its like 3 degrees outside, I get cabin fever. Although I'll be out in it regardless, I hate the cold. In the spring it's rainy. My complaint with fall my entire life has been that it marks the end of my summer break from school, but as a recent graduate, that's no longer an issue for me. So really fall is perfect, but I digress.

Thinking about what's good about your current situation is a must. If you get caught up in all the reasons things could be better, its easy lose sight of how not-bad your situation really is. As they say, it can always be worse. On most any freezing winter day where I have an annual flu and can't feel my fingers, I would trade 1000 mosquito bites for it to be summer again. With this, I hope you will appreciate the remainder of this Northeast Ohio summer season and enjoy every single day not necessarily for what it is, but for what is is not.