Monday, August 18, 2008

40 Years Ago Today....

When my husband and I go to concerts and entertainment venues we have a lot of choices. Not only can we go to Brooklyn venues, we can go north into Manhattan, or east to Long Island.

Long Island was certainly given the right name -- from tip-to-tip, New York Harbor to Montauk Point, it's 118 miles long. Brooklyn, the borough of New York City that I live in is located in the western most part of Long Island, with the borough of Queens to the east, and then further east are the counties of Nassau and Suffolk.

Last week my husband and I went to Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, which is an outdoor amphitheatre, located at Jones Beach State Park located in Wantagh, in Nassau County of Long Island, NY. (all photos click on to enlarge)

The 15,000 seats are entirely outside, and it's a favorite summer concert location.

There are some pretty views of the bay and the ocean from the theater seats.

My husband and I were treated by our daughter for our June birthdays with tickets to see my husband's all time favorite rock group called "Jethro Tull." The group's 40th anniversary tour performance was at Jones Beach Theater August 9, 2008.

Guitarist Peter Frampton was the opening act and he did a great set of all his hits, including the song "Show Me The Way." He is best known today for his solo work in the mid-1970s and as being one of the original members of the band "Humble Pie." His solo album "Frampton Comes Alive!" is one of the best selling live albums of all time. He ended his set with a wonderful rendition of The Beatles' George Harrison's hit "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

Next up was Jethro Tull, with the only original band member and lead singer Ian Anderson, who lead the current group through a forty year retrospective of their greatest hits, including the songs "Aqualung," "Locomotive Breath," and a song he dedicated to Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones, called "Too Old To Rock and Roll, But Too Young To Die."

Photos of all their album covers flashed on the big screen behind them all night. It was a rocking good time!

This past weekend we went to see a fun new show that just began touring, a tribute to the Beatles album "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band."

The second show in their limited engagement tour, was held at The Capital One Bank Theatre at Westbury, a unique all round theater, that has a revolving stage.

Todd Rundgren, Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Christopher Cross, and Denny Laine, formerly of the Moody Blues/Wings, perform the album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, in its entirety, and also sang a few of their greatest hits.

In the photo below, from left to right, are Todd Rundgren, Denny Laine in the red jacket, Lou Grammn dressed all in black, and Christopher Cross. If you read the poster then you'll know who I was there to cheer on, as Bo Bice also performed in the show! He performed two fabulous hits from his new self produced album called "See The Light," and seemed to have a great time rocking' out on stage with the rock legends.

And, for the second time in two weeks we heard Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," in which Bo performed an emotion filled guitar solo.

It's hard to believe that 40 years have past since the music of Jethro Tull and The Beatles Sergeant Pepper album was new and innovative, but it certainly is no surprise that their music lives on and is enjoyed by the generations that have come since.

Rock on!

45 comments:

Picket said...

Gosh Pat I get so much culture from you when I come here!!! That is wonderful that you get to go to all these great events and that you live near by to such great happenings like that! The biggest even in the little town below us is the cow patty contest each year...it's a little home town carnival and you can by a ticket for a spot of ground in the big roped off area..then at a certain time of the day the will turn the cow loose and if it poops on your little square you win the prize money!!!! Pat?....Oh Pat!!! Did I lose you girl! lol lol Hold on...I'll get the smelling salts!! Didn't mean to make you faint!!! lol lol

Michelle said...

What fun! I love the music and being an American Idol fan, I'm so jealous that you were able to see Bo Bice!

Michelle

Mrs. B said...

Hi Pat! I bet those concerts were so much fun! I love outdoor venues like that. You're so lucky to live somewhere where you have lots of shows and lots of venues. Around here I have to drive about 3 hours to see much of anything. Rock on!

Proud Italian Cook said...

Oh boy Pat, You've taken me back to my youth! Peter Framton, the Beatles, Jethro Tull,Oh yeah! My husband and I loved Led Zepelin, we saw them multiple times in Chicago, still love them today. And our favorite song was also Do You Feel Like I Do, with the talking guitar by P.F. I even got to see the Beatles when they performed at Comiskey Park way back when! Man, I'm getting old! Great post, and love the venue there!

CatHerder said...

Unfortunately we did not make it there....we used to hit every show in the tristate area lol! We have shoeboxes full of old tickets...my first concert ever was Steppenwolf....saw many many many after that...i cant believe how expensive it is now!!!

Latin Lupe Lu said...

Holy Cow, where did that music come from...that freaked me out! I like it!

I can't believe you saw Frampton live...wow. I'm 41 and that music is the music of my childhood... I just love it. I'm I die hard Beatles fan. I hope that the Sgt. Peppers tour comes to the Twin Cities.

Barb said...

Hi Pat,

40 years- are you sure? Where has the time gone?

That was the mother of all concerts.
OMG, what a wonderful evening. Your daughter ROCKS. What a wonderful gift.

hugs,
Barb

Anonymous said...

What a cool time it seems you had.

Paz

Tara said...

Hi Pat

My hubby was at the Jethro Tull concert! Funny!

I would have loved to have seen Bo Bice and I have heard about the Sgt pepper review--you have been one busy musical lady, my dear!

:0)
Tara

Tara said...

Hi Pat

My hubby was at the Jethro Tull concert! Funny!

I would have loved to have seen Bo Bice and I have heard about the Sgt pepper review--you have been one busy musical lady, my dear!

:0)
Tara

steviewren said...

This past weekend was the Woodstock anniverary too...the 39th I think. I love Frampton as well as the rest...Bo too! Sounds like you both had a wonderful time.

Anonymous said...

Hey Pat, I completely forgot you were going to that show last Sunday night. I am so sorry I didn't get to meet you. It really was a fun show.

Reba

Unknown said...

Hi Pat,
I love live music concerts too. Lots of the groups that come to the Riley Center here in Meridian are from past eras! And the baby boomers come out in full force!

I'm still smiling over Picket's comment! LOL
Diane

Lisa's RetroStyle said...

How fun!! You lucky girl!!! Jones Beach looks like a wonderful venue. It is amazing that the "old" guys just keep on rock'n! Gives me hope;D

Dale (Stormy) said...

Wow Pat! The first I saw the link to your page here, I checked it out, and got lost for a LONG time just reading and it's just wonderful. Thank you so much. I haven't been here in quite a while, but I'm glad I checked it out again. No wonder my Hubby loves New York so much and misses it. I still haven't been there, but we'll get there one of these days and I'll get to see it from his eyes. He's always very wistful when he talks about it.
I'm very jealous you got to see the "40 Years Ago Today" concert, and then when you said Bo got to sing George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" it made me teary. I love that Bo got to sing it. I hope someone captured it on video so I can see and hear it. George was my favorite Beatle, and that song is my favorite one he sang. To find out that Bo got to sing it, made my day. Thanks so much sweetie and Keep Blogging! I'm gonna check out your world here more often, if just to listen to the very ecclectic selection of music you have here. It's Awesome!
Much Love,
Dale (Stormy)

nanatrish said...

Okay, Pat, you guys seem to have the most fun! Wow! What a neat opportunity. How come I can remember 40 years ago, but have a challenge with remembering last week? I'm glad you had so much fun and how neat to see Bo!

Unknown said...

Hello Pat! I love your life!! ROCK ON indeed, sadly, we dont have so many of such concerts here..this banned, that banned..they are seriously considering not allowing Avril Levigne here, not that I am a fan, but we have some extremist that dont fancy so many rock concert. Cant understand them at times. When I am there, I will sure pop on over to one of such concert..if its on. hugs :D

Marg said...

You live in the best part of the world. Isn't it fun to catch up on some of the world's best music.
Boy do I remember those groups.
About a year ago we saw the Beach Boys. We loved it.
It's fun when you can enjoy the arts together.

Anonymous said...

Ahhh, what memories, Pat!! It's been just 42 years since I saw the Beatles in Boston, August 18, 1966... Where have the years gone?? ...Donna

steviewren said...

Pat, I just noticed your comment about your NYC driver's license being 15 years old...if you can be young and blonde for 15 years then I guess it is okay that I haven't changed my weight for 20 years now...I just can't put that on the license for anybody to read!!!!!

Thanks for the compliment about my haircut. I do like it. And also for the nice compliment about my daughter. She was pretty then...she is gorgeous now. I am biased...but it is true.

Joanne Kennedy said...

Oh great! Now I feel so old! Seems like yesterday I was playing those albums. I know, even if one used to buy "albums" they have to be pretty old huh? OK, I remember when I was listening to those groovy 8 Tracks. LOL Remember them. Right in the middle of a song it would stop and you would hear a big click click and then the song would start up again.

Hugs,
Joanne

Tracy said...

I'm a wave of emotions myself reading/seeing this post, Pat...This is my kind of music. I'm 35, so my teen hits were of the 80's technically, but my heart-music lies in the 60's...Beatles, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin...Heaing George Harrsion's song here makes me weep...I just love all these "oldies but goodies" ;o) What a super music experiences you had here...And what a great venue--open to the sea and sky...But I love all music really, not just the 60's. I like Bo Bice a lot--He sound have won Idol! He's a great musician. Rock on Pat! ;o) Oh, and congrats on all your wonderful awards--you deserve them all and then some ((HUGS))

Louise said...

Some blasts from the past here Pat! I remember Jethro Tull, Peter Frampton and Denny Laine, from the 1970s. I must add I was a mere child! x

Naz said...

Isn't it great how music can bring you back in time. Great music and fantastic pictures. Thanks so very much for sharing this wonderful concert with us.

Kat Mortensen said...

Pat, I was not a Jethro Tull fan, but let me tell you, I was a HUGE Peter Frampton fan. I played the Frampton comes alive album to death! Funny you should mention the Sergeant Pepper's album because I also recall the film based on that album featuring Peter Frampton et al.

I used to draw pictures of him and put them up in my locker. I would never be a screamer or freak out if I saw him in person. I just admired him quietly and steadfastly from afar.

Thanks for a great post.

Kat

Kat Mortensen said...

Oh! I missed the Bo Bice bit the first time around - love him!

Kat

Screaming Meme said...

How fun! I want to go!!!!

Kathy said...

Me and my sisters used to pretend we were the beatles (tennis rackets for guitars) I was always John Lennon, must have been a wild child even then haha, the Nikon theatre looks amazing with beautiful views. Bo Bice must be doing really well to be included with those rock legends, I did like him in American Idols, but will have to check him out again. Glad you all had a wonderful time Pat. hugs, Kathy.

Junie Moon said...

You have the best adventures! I remember each and every performer/group you've mentioned. My all-time favorite rock group is Led Zeppelin.

Barb said...

Hey Rocker chick,

Please stop by pick up a little something.

hugs,
Barb

Anonymous said...

The Beatles are stil a tourist attraction down in Liverpool- Laura went to the Cavern Club where they sang, recently. When her feet touch the ground I'm getting her photos. Also got the Liverpool Fottball changing rooms on there.

Love Jethro Tull. Rock FM still play them too.

As for York- been looking into it for you. http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
It's a 2 hour approx. trip from London Kings Cross Rail Station. The trains start early so you can be there for 9am opening no problem.

Elisa Day said...

Thank you for visiting my blog! Im very glad that you liked my blog. I will be back here soon.

Susie Q said...

Wow...that is my music! What a great show.
Peter F. lives right down the road near Cincinnati. I have a friend who sees him a lot at the grocery!
Eric Clapton lives in Columbus and I hear they often meet up. Maybe they meet in the middle. That would be Dayton...hmm...

I know you loved that concert. i sure would have!

Love,
Sue

Nihal said...

Pat,

How fun! Just cannot think of a world without do-re-mi-fa-sol! I loved reading your activity, and enjoyed the venue photos. Memories are lasting, and to be remembered everytime. It's better to continue to enjoy the life to the fullest.

Go ''Allegra'', Pat:)

Lots of love & Hugs.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Oh YEAH! Rock on, Pat. :-)

Looks like you had some good times. I wonder when music will be as good as it was 40 years ago again...

Anonymous said...

Somehow I got to your site and have enjoyed the visit, including previous posts - a great read!

Anonymous said...

Pat, I am catching up with some of my blogging friends and I picked a good day to visit. Your posts are so informative and I love to read them. The music is of great interest to me, but I confess your knowledge is vast and I can not remember artist's names.
I do remember Bo Bice. I love American Idol. Thanks for sharing.

Hugs, Jeanne

Anonymous said...

Aack!!!! You're right, it has been forty years. Unbelievable.

The music from those years is still my favorite.

Lavinia said...

What an amazing post. All those old rockers, some of which I thought were dead! Who knew that Jethro Tull was still rocking away! Aqualung...what a classic...I can remember listenting to that in the 1970's and really feeling sorry for poor old aqualung, without ever really knowing who/what aqualung was...

I had no idea that Long Island was really that long....

Your blog is like an education in New York and its many boroughs....

Pat, I am trying to catch up in blogland and today I landed on your blog and glad I did....happy memories of rock in the bygone days which I am old enough to remember....I had a little crush on Peter Frampton way back when and well remember the huge sensation that "Frampton Comes Alive" caused....

Camille said...

Oh, how I miss NY and NJ!! I went to Jones Beach to see Jimmy Buffet, what seems decades ago..wait, it was decades! That is a fantastic venue.

My neice, who is my age, went to the Jethro Tull concert, too!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Pat, I am envious that you live in an area with so many wonderful things to do and see! Thanks for taking me on a little concert trip with you!
Penny
p.s. congrats on all your awards and thanks for passing the tree of happiness award on to me! I will blog about it soon.

Anonymous said...

Oh my, 40 YEARS! I was a fan of Frampton and Tull, too. I'll bet it was so great to see and hear them in person. Would you believe I actually saw Todd Rundgren when he came to KC---maybe 35 or so years ago. I'd never heard of him and one of our friends wanted to go, so we did. Good Times. Lucky you to attend two concerts. The only thing stage performance wise (other than Todd) that my husband has EVER been to with me was Riverdance a couple of summers ago at our outdoor theather here (Starlight). My friend and I are going to see the American Idol Tour here in 2 weeks. This was her idea---it'll be fun. David Cook is from this area--gotta support our hometown boy! Great post--AGAIN! dana

Rue said...

Hi Pat :)

hehehehe.... I'm so busy laughing at Picket's comment I forgot what I was going to say.... LOL I just love that woman!

Oh yes... It sounds like you had a great time! I have a special place in my heart for the Beatles :)

hugs,
rue

Gina said...

Sounds like a great concert and cool venue Pat!...I have an old copy of Frampton Comes Alive!.. love 'Freebird' I'm very envious of all the big concerts you must have had there...would have loved to see Billy Joel's concert..like MK we don't get that many down in little Tassie.. but have seen Dire Straits, Cranberries and Neil Young...also Bob Dylan but hardly rates a mention.. extremely disappointing..think he must have been high on something...mumble, mumble, mumble..gone! Complete waste of money! Have a great weekend Gx

Sarah Anne Edwards said...

My goodness, Pat, what a wonderful post! I knew you were going to this and I've been so eager to read about your expeience. It sounds as wonderful as I had hoped. Bo looks great. I'm eager to hear the guitar solo. Thanks for posting.
Much love,
Sarah
PS - I'm still trying to get your RSS feeds but they don't arrive. I got this link through a board. I'll try again.