James Blunt

Ok, I’ll be blunt. I don’t know James Blunt and I’ve got nothing against him - he seems like a perfectly nice guy. After Vanessa Carlton’s Living Room set, there was a “buzz” in the house and it was for this British bloke Blunt. I decided I’d stick around and see what all the hubbub was about. After heading around the corner for a quick taco at San Loco (and waiting for my autograph and photo-op with Vanessa) I headed back into the Living Room.

By now, a rather large crowd had assembled and were waiting to enter the back room for the performance. It was then, I found out it was designated an “industry-only” performance (strike 1). This came as a surprise to some of Mr. Blunt’s fans, since nothing was mentioned on the L.R.’s web site or on the handy chalkboard out front, including a few that BOUGHT tickets to Vanessa’s show to get a good spot for Mr. Blunt. Mind you, most shows at the Living Room are free (1 drink minimum per set and a fire bucket is passed around for tips for the performers).

So at first the crowd is being let in with the speed of molasses out of a funnel. I decide I’ll grab a spot at the bar and chill out sensing perhaps I’m seeing the next Dylan (Bob) or maybe the next Dylan (90210). Eventually, some “industry” person snaps their fingers or waves their arms and the log jam is broken and the next 50 people, who I must assume are “industry-only,” cruise on in. I see the faces of the Blunt fans who paid 20 bucks each to get in for his “free” set. It was reminiscent of the PBS documentary years ago which screwed with little kids’ heads by first telling them blue-eyed kids were better than the rest and then flip-flopping and saying the opposite.

Somewhere behind the red curtains separating the bar from the performance space, James Blunt takes the stage to the adoring applause of his “industry-only” fans. Only then does the woman with the clipboard let me and the non-industry folks in (strike 2). By then, there is barely standing room in the space.

The crowd falls silent as Mr. Blunt begins to sing and strum his acoustic guitar. He is accompanied by another fellow singing background vocals and coaxing gentle cords from an electric organ. The song is a’ight (thanks, Randy Jackson for adding that to my vocab). Song 2: again, a’ight. I decide to stick it out for one more. At some point in song 2 or song 3, Mr. Blunt rhymes “damage is done” with “prodigal son” and I roll my eyes.

Song 3 = strike 3, so I turn on my heels and head for the door and the subway leading me home.

Vanessa Carlton at the Living Room

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing a really great show in a rare intimate setting. Vanessa Carlton played an early show at NY’s famed “Living Room”. Her piano took up most of the tiny stage but her excellent voice and playing filled the room. It must be a joy for performers to play this venue because the sound is excellent. She played her most popular songs and tried out a few shiny new ones including one written with Linda (Pink-guilera) Perry.

It was probably a good idea for Vanessa to bring her own piano, since the L.R.’s house keys have seen better days. Her voice was so strong and pure it almost made me took for granted her excellent chops. Her piano playing while maybe not flawless seemed certainly effortless.

Standout tunes included “White Houses”, “San Francisco”, and, of course “A Thousand Miles” which she thanked for helping to get her “crib” (soon to be featured on MTV) and for putting her brother through college.

Vanessa is off soon on tour, opening for Stevie Nicks and wondered if her dressing like Ms. Nicks will weird-out the living legend. One can only hope.

blackout, heatwave...

"the night was sultry..."

so, I have my painting show opening the other night and of course a june night ends up feeling like the dog days of august. A blackout hits the area of Staten Island where the café is located, but it still has power. A few blocks in either direction the folks are not so lucky. Some of my friends drove over an hour to attend, so I'm glad there is electricity and the show is on. I'm also glad to hand them a cold beer and I don't mind if I do as well. I had a great time and hope my guests did as well.

Much thanks to those who braved the heat to bask in the white hot light of my ego.


a sweaty daveB with inhumanly white teeth smiles as a young fan signs his guestbook

june art show

I don't know if anybody reads my blog - or if they do, if they live anywhere within a short trip from my hometown, Staten Island, USA. And even if there were people who met the above criteria, the likelihood of someone wanting to come to my art opening on Wednesday, June 8, from 8-10 PM is pretty slim. But if YOU are one of those very special people, you will get free wine and food!

details on my web site

daveB site

she's a big one

O.K. so it ain't my best painting, but its my biggest to date, measuring four feet by eight feet.

I named her "Samara" since its the first name that popped into my head. Much thanks to my cousin Tom Mazzella for painting the big orange area!

Sometime in the next few weeks, this will join other plywood panels in forming a patchwork art floor at the NYC Arts Cypher, an arts group here on Staten Island.

identical lids

Is it just me, or is Adam Sandler sporting the same exact 'do as Burt Reynolds in his "new" movie "The Longest Yard"?

We know Burt's is not permanently attached, so what's Sandler's excuse?

close-up pic