Big & Rich @ the Bing Lounge-8-21-12

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)



I'll be up front and honest about this post; it's probably going to be one of the shortest reviews I've ever written.  Yet, there's so much I could say about the evening of August 21, 2012.

As was expected, there was a capacity crowd on hand to see Big & Rich perform an intimate concert in the Bing Lounge.  Big Kenny and John Rich took to the stage as any true professionals would.  They played like they were playing for 20,000 people, not just maybe 200, at the most.  Because of the small venue, Big & Rich were also able to interact with the audience, which was cool.

As I said, Kenny & John are true professionals at what they do, and they make it look easy; which made for a nice, relaxed atmosphere.

Live shows also provide a different energy than just hearing a song on a radio, or CD.  The audience and artists feed off each other.  Sometimes songs are done differently than how they'd been recorded. Any number of things can happen during a live performance, making for a good or bad experience for the audience.

With Big & Rich, you got what you expected.  While the show was fluid and flexible with the direction it took, there was still a lot of structure in what was taking place on stage.  And while some artists sound different live than on a recording, Big & Rich proved that what you hear recorded is what you get at a live show also.  It may sound funny, but it was kind of refreshing to hear songs done live, yet, be as familiar with it as a recording.  It's a hard thing to pull off, and make it work; Big & Rich definitely succeeded in doing this.

Over all, if I could only use one word to describe Big & Rich's performance in the Bing Lounge, it would have to be AWESOME! 

COUNTRY DONE COME TO TOWN-(AND KICKED BUTT!!!)

In a previous blog I lamented how I’d been sucked into reality TV; “Celebrity Apprentice” to be exact.  I’d never watched the show before this season; yet found myself watching every episode, despite David Cassidy being voted off the first night. 

I’ve never been a big fan of John Rich, to be honest.  Kind of always thought he had a hot temper and big mouth, etc.  After watching a few episodes of “Celebrity Apprentice” though, I found myself having a new respect for the man.  When others were losing their cool, getting overwhelmed, etc.; John continually showed his strength, determination, and creativity in every task he did.

At the same time, John wouldn’t back down when he felt strongly about something.  For example, when Richard Hatch and Jose Canseco made fun of people who listen to country music; John was quick to let them know NOT to make fun of his audience.   

When the final four were announced, I was happy with all four that were left; Meatloaf, Lil’ Jon, Marlee Matlin and John Rich.  I would have been happy if any of these people had won the show. 

I think the two strongest players were definitely John and Marlee though.  I also think both did an AWESOME job with their representation of 7up Retro.

While both John and Marlee made mistakes, and had mishaps during their final task, (like John introducing Def Leppard 20 minutes early, and they weren’t there yet), it was amazing to me to see how they pulled things together so quickly.  Yes, they had help from former celebrity apprentices; John and Marlee were the project managers though, and that’s where the responsibility was, with them.

I also found myself being glad that *I* didn’t have to decide who the winner was, because I don’t think I could have done it.  To me, each person’s mistakes were balanced by their strengths in the final task.  I think I would have called it a tie, rather than have to pick a winner.

In the end though, John Rich prevailed.  I’m still not sure exactly what John did to put him over the top; whatever it was though, it worked. 

This gave John another $250, 000 dollars for his charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  With donations John received during his final task, he brought his total winnings for the hospital to over $1 million dollars. 

Reality TV--I've Been Sucked In!!

When it comes to "reality" shows, I'm pretty good at avoiding them.  Until recently, I could proudly state that I'd never seen even part of an episode of Celebrity Apprentice. 

As much as I like Trace Adkins, even he couldn't get me to watch the show.  Then this year, one celebrity changed all that.  You probably think I mean John Rich, who currently represents country music on Celebrity Apprentice...Nope.  I actually gave in because of my childhood crush...David Cassidy.  (Please feel free at this point to take a moment to get the laughing out of your system.  It's okay, I'm used to it.)   :)  Better?  Okay, let's continue.

Until I heard that David Cassidy would be on Celebrity Apprentice, I had no interest in watching the show.  Even at that point I was still resisting tuning in...Then I heard who the other celebrities were, and I was intrigued.  How could you not want to watch  Gary Busey  interact with the rest of the celebs?  It had "train wreck" written all over it!  Or as I like to put it, "it's like watching a stock car race; you're waiting for the big wrecks, just hoping no one gets hurt".

So, giving in to temptation, I tuned in to the first Celebrity Apprentice show of 2011...Two hours later, what do I get?  David Cassidy gets fired!  ARGH!!!  By then however, it was too late, I'd been sucked in by the show.

Now, for two hours every Sunday night, I'm in front of my television, waiting for the wrecks and to see who gets fired.  Never mind that it plays havoc with my sleep and getting up early on Monday mornings.  Never mind that I could watch the show online at a later date...No, I have to see it when it's happening...Don't want to have someone spoil it for me.  :)

You may think I'm sounding a bit negative about something I've done to myself...In reality though, (every pun intended), I've found a positive in all of this.  I'm not a fan of John Rich. (from Big & Rich)...However, after watching him on Celebrity Apprentice, I do have a new respect for the man.

Despite everything his team, (Backbone), has gone through, good and bad, John has behaved as a gentleman.  When he's angry, he speaks his mind, without losing his temper.  He's up front and honest about what he thinks and how he feels, and he's not afraid to say so.  All the while he tries to make his point without ruffling feathers, unless it's necessary.  As my son put it, "for as rowdy a reputation as John Rich has, he's a class act".  I agree.

So, that's my positive spin on being sucked in to watching Celebrity Apprentice.  It's taught me that people can still behave, be classy, stand up for what they believe in and get their point across without losing control.

Not sure if I'll watch another season of Celebrity Apprentice or not; but I guess I don't regret watching this season...for now anyway...I'll have to see if who I want to win, wins this year.  :)