Open Window

Swinging on a Star

In my car, I treat myself to SiriusXM Radio and one of my favorite channels is 40s Junction. It just makes me smile. I know the 40s was war-time and Many, many songs spoke about our soldiers abroad and their sweethearts at home. Entertainers knew they had to reflect the times, at the same time being uplifting and positive.

The Andrews Sisters sang "Three Little Sisters" "each one only in her teens", about their respective beaus:
            One loved a soldier
            One loved a sailor
            And one loved a lad from the marines
... and how they would stay true until
            The boys marched back one day    

A similar theme was covered in "Don't Sit Under the Apple tree" that concludes:
            I know the apple tree is reserved for you and me
            And I'll be true till you come marching' home!"

All positive, uplifting and entertaining, which brings me to the point of this post. 

Some songs from the 40s make me scratch my head and ask, "Who would ever think of such a thing?" The first one that truly registered with me was "Mr. Five by Five" about a guy - 

            He's five feet tall and he's five feet wide
            He don't measure no more from head to toe
            Than he does
            From side to side.

He's "Got fifty chins" and
            The only trouble is there's no way of knowin'
            Whether he's comin' or ... or goin'

If anyone wrote this today, they'd be drummed out of the business or strung up by their thumbs for political incorrectness.

And who, in their right mind, thought of writing a song about a "Cement Mixer" let alone these lyrics:
            First you get some gravel, Pour it in the vout
            To mix a mess o' mortar you add cement and water
            See the mellow roony come out, slurp, slurp, slurp

And someone had ... ...nerve enough to record and air it! Now that's bravery in my book. They must have become hard-pressed for new and entertaining song ideas as the war went on. 

But one song that I have come to appreciate is a little silly song that very cleverly makes the point that school is important and should be embraced or else ... "you may grow up to be a mule".  

Bing Crosby sang "Swinging on a Star". Get a load of these lyrics:

        Would you like to swing on a star
        Carry moonbeams home in a jar
        And be better off than you are
        Or would you rather be a mule

        A mule is an animal with long funny ears
        Kicks up at anything he hears
        His back is brawny but his brain is weak
        He's just plain stupid with a stubborn streak
        And by the way, if you hate to go to school
        You may grow up to be a mule

        Or would you like to swing on a star
        Carry moonbeams home in a jar
        And be better off than you are
        Or would you rather be a pig

        A pig is an animal with dirt on his face
        His shoes are a terrible disgrace
        He has no manners when he eats his food
        He's fat and lazy and extremely rude
        But if you don't care a feather or a fig
        You may grow up to be a pig

        Or would you like to swing on a star
        Carry moonbeams home in a jar
        And be better off than you are
        Or would you rather be a fish

        A fish won't do anything, but swim in a brook
        He can't write his name or read a book
        To fool the people is his only thought
        And though he's slippery, he still gets caught
        But then if that sort of life is what you wish
        You may grow up to be a fish

        A new kind of jumped up slippery fish

        And all the monkeys aren't in the zoo
        Every day you meet quite a few
        So you see it's all up to you
        You can be better than you are
        You could be swinging' on a star

Oh those were the days! Hope this made you smile, giggle, nod or even shake your head. Click on the links to each song. Sorry about the intro-ads, there's just no way around them these days. These songs, in my book, are nothing, if not, entertaining.

Happy Sunday.

Billy Joel Concert

Live music concerts have always been popular but really became a craze when the Beatles arrived on planet earth in the early 60s - over fifty years ago, and - believe it or not - I'd never been to one until a week ago. I love music but preferred Broadway shows and ballet when I lived in Manhattan, and I really don't care for throngs of people under one roof. Thanks to Peter's cousins that all changed when they invited us to join them at a Billy Joel concert at Madison Square Garden.

It was amazing! 18,000 - 20,000 of us slowly inched our way up multiple stair cases, through security, and finally to our seats. The concert had started before we got to our seats which meant the house lights were low, the stage lights were high, and Billy Joel's magical music was everywhere. For over two hours I was mesmerized watching one of the most talented individuals on earth perform on a rotating platform, so we could all see him "face-to-face" at some points during the concert.

To me the light show was equally as magical and breathtaking. I honestly had never seen anything like it in my life. Lights of different colors and combinations shone on Billy and the band, focusing our attention from the dark to the light; but, other times beams of light spanned across the audience - reds, whites, blues, and greens, making all of us part of this remarkable event.

So what did I do the day I applied for Social Security? I went to my very first live music concert - at Madison Square Garden, hearing one of my all-time favorite musicians and song writers - Billy Joel. This will never be topped. What an experience .... what a memory. All thanks to Brad and Wendy.

Here's a slide show to give you an even better idea what it was really like. As you can well imagine, Billy has his songs well protected so I couldn't attach one of his songs but I think New York New York is a pretty good stand in. Hope you enjoy.

Photos and Slide Show by Claudia Ward © 2016
Music: "New York New York" by Broadway Kids

HooDoo Loungers at the Sag Harbor American Music Festival

The last weekend in September was all about music around these parts and one of the highlights was the Fourth Annual Sag Harbor American Music Festival. It started Friday night and there was a full day of music on Saturday. In every nook and cranny of Sag Harbor music was heard from 10:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night - in the corners and open windows of restaurants, in art galleries, in alleyways now called stages, on lawns, on sidewalks, in tiny courtyards, and even on the street - music was in the air. Country music, blues, folk, rock 'n roll, jazz and even New Orleans Mardi Gras-style party music could all be heard somewhere throughout the day.

The HooDoo Loungers started the day in the alleyway next to the American Hotel, a location known only today as the Off Main Stage. Their music is simply wonderful - New Orleans party music - with two incredible singers out front, a three piece horn section, and a great rhythm section.

Lively, dynamic and entertaining, the singers and horn section got off the platform several times, joining the crowd on the tarmac singing, playing, and dancing with old and young alike - we felt like they were part of us and we were part of them with everyone simply having a good time.

We had such a good time and enjoyed their music so much, I wanted to share a little of it with you, so here's a slide show set to some of their own music, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

  

The HooDoo Loungers at the Sag Harbor American Music Festival
Photos and Slide Show © 2014 Claudia Ward
Music: "I Want You To Be My Baby" by the HooDoo Loungers

According to their website, their next performance on the East End is at The Stephen Talkhouse, from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on November 21st - seek them out, you'll have a fun time and hear some great music.

 

"Yesterday" a Beatles Tribute - A Video

Peter is the videographer in our family and he had great fun recording the Long Island Sound Chorus of Sweet Adelines International as well as the Rum Hill Rockers at the Suffolk Theater last Sunday for their tribute to the Beatles. Now it's true that there were several cousins performing, as well as many in the crowd but truly ... there was no pressure. He would have recorded the event and all that great music no matter what, but he does admit it was a little more fun and a bit more challenging focusing on people he knows. At the end of the day, he's calling it a success, and we hope you think so too. Here's a sampling of the performances from that afternoon.

 

Video © 2014 by Peter Tooker
Music by the Beatles
Performances by The Long Island Chorus of Sweet Adelines International &
the Rum Hill Rockers

"Yesterday" a Beatles Tribute

Sweet Adelines at the Beatles Tribute in the Suffolk Theater, Riverhead NY

This weekend was all about music on the East End of Long Island and yesterday (literally) it centered around The Suffolk Theater in Riverhead which was the site for "Yesterday a Beatles Tribute" featuring the award winning Long Island Sound Chorus of Sweet Adelines International and special guests, the Rum Hill Rockers. 

Riverhead is on the rise and the renovation of the Suffolk Theater is just one of the very visible signs that that trend is here to stay. Built in the art deco style of the early 30s, the Suffolk Theater opened its doors originally on December 30, 1933 and has since been considered the "Radio City Music Hall of Long Island". Today it is the last large art deco theater on Long Island. Sadly with economic changes, changes in shopping habits, and the creation of the multiplex movie house, Riverhead and the theater were severely affected and the theater closed its doors in 1987; they wouldn't reopen for another 18 years. Completely and lovingly renovated, the Suffolk Theater is once again a gem available not only as a theater but for special events as well. Yesterday it was set up as a cabaret style/dinner theater which was a delight and fostered lots of exchanges between tables and friends, as we all enjoyed food, beverages, and, of course, the music.

The Beatles landed in New York fifty years ago this past February and the world and its music has never been the same, so a tribute by the Long Island Sound Chorus was on point. By my observation, the audience was populated with octogenarians and a few twenty-somethings, and every age in between. For several hours we were beautifully entertained. 

Dressed originally in glittering bell bottoms, wearing head bands, and peace symbols, the Sweet Adelines started us out with a chronological medley of Beatles music, MCd by none other than Bruce Beyer, Beatles aficionado (and Peter's first cousin). Bruce's wife Linda is a long-standing member of the group and sang a number of solos in her lovely alto voice.

Rum Hill Rockers in the Suffolk Theater

After a fifteen minute intermission, the Rum Hill Rockers took the stage, continuing the Beatles theme. If you looked closely, you could see that our Master of Ceremonies had doffed his jacket and tie for the black shirt of a Rum Hill Rocker and was now comfortably parked behind the drums.

As the group began to play they were joined by a singer with a comfortable style and strong melodic voice, and once I'd gotten over the initial appreciation of her voice, it dawned on me that I'd just been introduced to this young beauty, it was Deanna Locascio, Bruce and Linda's daughter. As you can see there's a distinct recurring theme here in the Beyer clan, a love of music - playing, singing and even writing from time to time, but more importantly sharing it with as many as they can.

True to form, once the program was over, the Rum Hill Rockers asked friends and family to stick around a little longer to enjoy some food and dancing to more of their music. What an incredible afternoon, in a great venue, with fun people, and music that took us all down "Penny Lane" once more. Take a look.

  

Photos and Slide Show © 2014 Claudia Ward 
Music: "Penny Lane" by the Beatles

 

 

Open Window's Second Year

It's official, Open-Window is now two years old. I can hardly believe I began this blog on a cold January day, sitting at the island in my kitchen, 730 days ago. In the past two years, Open-Window has focused my days on creating stories, snippits, and photographs that I hoped you would find entertaining, sometimes informative, and maybe even amusing. We've covered a lot of ground and many diverse topics over this time ranging from Hawaii to Paris, Hamburger Relish to Caviar, Horse Racing to Airshow Acrobatics. As time has passed, we increasingly focused on the images and slide shows that would accompany a post, and have worked diligently to improve the quality of all that we delivered. Peter has continued to emphasize wide-angle HDR (high dynamic range) photography whether on his DSLR (digital single lens reflex-camera) or his, ever-handy, iPhone, and I have continued with my love of all-things-macro, although we each dabbled in the other's specialty just to keep it interesting.

Mexican Train Tiles and Turtles
Photo © 2011 Claudia Ward 

Over the past twenty four months, we've made 388 postings to Open-Window which is an average of almost 4 per week, nearly every one containing at least one photograph and 60 of which included a slide show with music. When we embarked on this endeavor, we expected to focus on travel, food and photography. As it's turned out, the focus has been just that ... but in reverse - photography, food and travel. See, we'll photograph nearly anything - food that we eat, games that we play, children at the beach, machines of any sort, flowers and their residents, landmarks and landscapes, moon-rises and sunsets, and even light itself. 

The Outer Banks of North Caroline
Photo © 2011 Claudia Ward taken with the iPhone using the Pro HDR App

This year has been quite a journey photographically as well as geographically. Peter and I traveled over 14, 500 miles. We drove the entire east coast from the east end of Long Island to Orlando, Florida, traversing Florida, and turning north to reach Memphis Tennessee. We crossed the states of Tennessee and North Carolina end-to-end (west to east), photographing some of this country's most beautiful scenery in the Great Smoky Mountains. When we reached the Atlantic Ocean, it felt like we'd returned home, for tidal waters are in our veins, and the days on the Outer Banks are now cherished memories. Early morning sunrises over the ocean, wild horses on the beaches, hang gliding from the dunes, and fish tacos are just a few of the things we captured in-frame. With tornadoes nipping at our heels from western Florida, to Memphis and eventually to eastern North Carolina, we headed home just hours before their destruction hit the locales we'd come to know and love. Atlantic City was our refuge from the storms, before returning to the calm, untouched East End.

Spanish Mustang on the Outer Banks
Photo © 2011 Claudia Ward

Thirty days and thirty nights, and 4,000 miles on the road gave us a tremendous, renewed appreciation for the beauty and diversity of this country we live in. A couple of hundred more miles were covered seeking out horses at Saratoga Springs in August. For one who isn't known as an animal lover, I do love photographing them. Whether in their stance or stride, they speak volumes to me and hopefully that is being captured by the lens. Finally, the balance of those miles (nearly 10,000) were accomplished by a trip to The Big Island of Hawaii, where we were able to photograph the incredible diversity of this island's landscape and all of its beauty from a helicopter. 

Antique Hood Ornament
Photo © 2011 Claudia Ward 

More locally, we visited Belmont Park just a week before the Stakes were run and attended the Hampton Classic Horse Show every single day it was held over Labor Day weekend. There were at least three Antique Auto Shows, one Road Rallye and a Mini Cooper Scavenger Hunt that we shot as well. Our beaches on the east end of Long Island are some of the most breathtaking in the country (right up there with North Carolina's) and we spent many happy hours either hip deep in snow in January or ankle deep in sand in August, capturing the undulating shapes of their dunes draped in snow or the power of their seas after a storm.

Light Painting for New Year's
Photo © 2011 Peter Tooker 

The holidays that dot our calendars were also not ignored. Memorial Day is always an homage to the "Opening" of the Hamptons season. Flag Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the Christmas season were all duly noted and celebrated with photographs too.   

Meaty Tomato painted by Barbara Andolsek

Let me also add, ever so humbly, that I have once again been thrilled that Barbara Andolsek continues to make paintings based on some of my photographs. Barbara and I have yet to meet but feel a friendship beyond pen-pals. Nearly 3,000 miles apart but with a shared appreciation for the beauty of the world around us, Barbara and I have forged a friendship that could only occur in this wonderful 21st century. It still astounds me at how incredibly open and selfless so many people are using the internet to connect, communicate, and share. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to be a part of it.

The word "blog" is derived from the expression "web log", which originally was an online journal of sorts and has morphed, over time, into a platform for communicating and exchanging information and ideas. I want to thank you all for your enthusiasm and support over the last two years but more importantly for your participation - "communication and exchange" are exactly what has occurred when you've left comments for us, and you've made it just that much more fun and interesting.

So here is a slide show which represents a snapshot of Open-Window's second year. It's shorter than last year's and yet still longer than most at just under 10 minutes. Perhaps you can set aside a little time next Sunday morning. We've made this for you, to enjoy and remember a year that we shared, and for that I want to say with great sincerity "Thanks for the memories". 

  

Photos & Slide Show by Claudia Ward & Peter Tooker © 2011
Music: Concerto in E-flat Major for Trumpet & Orchestra: 1. Allegro Con Spirito by Wynton Marsalis, National Philharmonic Orchestra & Raymond Leppard 

 

P.S. Please feel free to leave a comment and let us know what you thought of year two and if there is something you'd like to see more of in the coming months.

 

 

Alexa Ray Joel

Who doesn't like The Piano Man, Billy Joel? I expect very few answered that question affirmatively. I'd argue, Joel is one of the most talented musicians of our time, and guess what ... it appears to me that his daughter Alexa Ray inherited her father's musical genes. Alexa Ray Joel was interviewed a while back by Howard Stern and she also performed her recent single release called Notice Me (4:29 minutes into the interview video). It's not the most sophisticated melody but I find it's hard to get it out of my head once I've heard it ... and that's a good thing ... I end up humming it to myself all day long. But what I particularly liked was the vocabularly used in the lyrics (when words are used), and the unabashed candor of this young generation. When was the last time you heard the words "beguiling" or "reclusive" in a song that also mentions being not being a "hoe", and ends in Sha-La-La-La?

Alexa is obviously talented, showing promise in her melodies as well as lyrics. It will be lots of fun to watch her grow.