Saturday was the annual Relay Academy, where representatives from 27 different events in the Northern Illinois area come together to discuss what worked for their Relays, as well as to get new ideas to keep their events fresh.
My wife actually dreads my going to these, simply because she knows I'm going to come back with more work than I had before. This year was no exception. I had some wonderful conversations with representatives from many different Relays, and passed out countless business cards.
As of this morning, I am definitely booked for four events - I confirmed to return to Lake Forest College - and there is a good chance I will be returning to Palatine/Rolling Meadows/Inverness in 2010. For a time, it looked like I'd be DJ'ing in Wheeling, but it seems that they have asked their DJ from 2009 to return - that's okay by me, and I wish their event nothing but the best. I also had some great conversations with people from Deerfield/Highland Park, Des Plaines/Park Ridge and Elk Grove, so we'll see what happens down the road with these.
Some people - my wife being the leader of that group - would wonder why I push myself to do all these events free of charge. The answer is quite simple: the loss of my grandmother in 1991 to lung cancer still is painful, and if I can do my part towards helping find a cure for this terrible disease in my childrens' lifetimes, then if it takes my DJ'ing every weekend in the spring and summer, I'll do it. In 2009, I donated approximately $16,000 worth of services to American Cancer Society, and I was happy to be of service.
Knowing that I'll also be returning to "Walk And Roll" in 2010 (as well as being asked to quote on a DJ job - this one paying!), I can see that my dance card is quickly filling up.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Setting the record straight...
I heard a report last night that I found personally disturbing - so much so that I feel the need to address it and to clear up misconceptions some people may have regarding my future with WRLR.
First and foremost: When I quit WRLR on August 16 of this year, it was due to the abrasive and abusive management style of the person who was in charge, especially due to the fact that no action was being taken to protect the safety of a female member of management from threats from a former member of her show. No one influenced my decision to quit; no one forced my hand. This was a decision I and I alone made. So, I would appreciate it if certain powers that be would stop blaming the member of management I defended for my no longer being at WRLR.
Second: When I met with this specific "power that be" (for lack of a better phrase) to have an exit interview that I initiated, this person informed me that the door was still open for me to return to WRLR, and that I should consider coming back. This is the same person who intimated in a conversation with other people earlier this week that I was a "boomerang". You left the door open, BK; I didn't ask you to leave it unlocked for me. And to hear you make such a comment after everything I did for that place - frankly, it hurts. Come Election Night 2010, let's see which one of us really is the boomerang, and who contacts who in regards to anchoring the coverage.
Most importantly: At no time since I quit WRLR on August 16 have I contacted any member of the station asking to come back. In fact, two members of station management contacted me a few weeks after I quit, noting that the person who caused all the grief was taking a leave from the station for a month, and I was asked if I wanted to continue doing "All Access" in his absence. I told both people that doing this would not be in anyone's best interest; it would look very bad if I were to come back for three or four weeks, only to leave should the grief-causer return to his position. If the person were to leave permanently, I said, I would have to think long and hard about whether I would come back - and if I did choose to do so, I would want to address the staff of WRLR to let them know why I left, and gauge opinion to see if I was even wanted back.
Seeing that I am exploring openings at other stations, I know that what I am writing could be seen as career suicide. But I have always stood up for what I feel strongly about, and my good name and reputation are things that I will defend to the death. I left WRLR on my own terms, fully intending that my career with them was done. I only entertained thoughts about the possibility of returning because two members of station management whom I respect asked me to do so. But hearing things that were said about me behind my back - especially after everything I did for this station over a period of four years - has, in my mind, put the final nail in the coffin of my WRLR career.
First and foremost: When I quit WRLR on August 16 of this year, it was due to the abrasive and abusive management style of the person who was in charge, especially due to the fact that no action was being taken to protect the safety of a female member of management from threats from a former member of her show. No one influenced my decision to quit; no one forced my hand. This was a decision I and I alone made. So, I would appreciate it if certain powers that be would stop blaming the member of management I defended for my no longer being at WRLR.
Second: When I met with this specific "power that be" (for lack of a better phrase) to have an exit interview that I initiated, this person informed me that the door was still open for me to return to WRLR, and that I should consider coming back. This is the same person who intimated in a conversation with other people earlier this week that I was a "boomerang". You left the door open, BK; I didn't ask you to leave it unlocked for me. And to hear you make such a comment after everything I did for that place - frankly, it hurts. Come Election Night 2010, let's see which one of us really is the boomerang, and who contacts who in regards to anchoring the coverage.
Most importantly: At no time since I quit WRLR on August 16 have I contacted any member of the station asking to come back. In fact, two members of station management contacted me a few weeks after I quit, noting that the person who caused all the grief was taking a leave from the station for a month, and I was asked if I wanted to continue doing "All Access" in his absence. I told both people that doing this would not be in anyone's best interest; it would look very bad if I were to come back for three or four weeks, only to leave should the grief-causer return to his position. If the person were to leave permanently, I said, I would have to think long and hard about whether I would come back - and if I did choose to do so, I would want to address the staff of WRLR to let them know why I left, and gauge opinion to see if I was even wanted back.
Seeing that I am exploring openings at other stations, I know that what I am writing could be seen as career suicide. But I have always stood up for what I feel strongly about, and my good name and reputation are things that I will defend to the death. I left WRLR on my own terms, fully intending that my career with them was done. I only entertained thoughts about the possibility of returning because two members of station management whom I respect asked me to do so. But hearing things that were said about me behind my back - especially after everything I did for this station over a period of four years - has, in my mind, put the final nail in the coffin of my WRLR career.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wrapping up 2009 with American Cancer Society
Sunday was the inaugural "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk in Lake County - the eighth ACS event I've worked this year. Aside from getting there at 6 in the morning, when I couldn't see a bloody thing (and knew there was no way I was going to try to find the stage in the fog and pitch dark) and the morning chill in the air, the event was a lot of fun to be a part of. The turnout was simply phenomenal - nothing like gathering well over 1,000 close friends into Independence Grove for a morning of walking, music and celebrating.
There were only two negatives on the day. The first was when the table I was given to hold my equipment nearly collapsed during a Zumba dance demonstration. (Fortunately, quick reflexes from myself and, of all people, the Chair of the Board for the ACS Illinois Division, kept about two grand worth of equipment from smashing to the ground.) Second, the generator that was powering the stage ran out of gas just before closing ceremonies. (Note to self: Insist that additional gas be purchased for generators.)
To the best of my knowledge, that wraps up events for ACS that I'll be doing in 2009 - my next DJ gig is in December for a Catholic Women's Club function. (Heaven help us, I'll even be singing.) But, my dance card for 2010 is starting to fill up nicely - and I'm pleased to be able to offer my services again to many ACS events.
There were only two negatives on the day. The first was when the table I was given to hold my equipment nearly collapsed during a Zumba dance demonstration. (Fortunately, quick reflexes from myself and, of all people, the Chair of the Board for the ACS Illinois Division, kept about two grand worth of equipment from smashing to the ground.) Second, the generator that was powering the stage ran out of gas just before closing ceremonies. (Note to self: Insist that additional gas be purchased for generators.)
To the best of my knowledge, that wraps up events for ACS that I'll be doing in 2009 - my next DJ gig is in December for a Catholic Women's Club function. (Heaven help us, I'll even be singing.) But, my dance card for 2010 is starting to fill up nicely - and I'm pleased to be able to offer my services again to many ACS events.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wow...
Last night was the 2009 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition & Awards Ceremony for the Lake County Region of the American Cancer Society, which I received the honor of being invited to. It was wonderful to see so many of the people I have worked with over the course of this year (even if it sometimes felt like I was working a mental jigsaw puzzle - "Okay, which event did I see this person at?".
I was quite surprised to find in the program that I had been nominated for a Distinguished Service Award - and knowing some of the people who were also nominated, I consider it quite an honor to be included in such a stellar group. But you can imagine my surprise when, during the presentation of the awards, I found myself the recipient of the award for Distinguished Service in Income Development. I was beginning to get emotional as I heard my story told from the front of the room, and it took every ounce of my strength to not completely break down as I received a standing ovation. (I still get moist-eyed recalling that moment.) As I returned to my seat, the only thing I could say was, "Wow... wow..." Hence the title of this blog post.
I'd like to personally thank all of my friends at American Cancer Society for this tremendous honor they bestowed on me. In all honesty, the greatest reward I receive is being given the chance to work with all the wonderful volunteers I've encountered over the course of the last three years, and the continued trust they all place in me when it comes to keeping them entertained over the course of their events. It is not something I take for granted.
My "season" officially wraps up on Sunday when I DJ the inaugural Lake County "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk at Independence Grove in Libertyville - but I can tell you my dance card for 2010 is already beginning to fill up. As of this post, I am committed to serving as DJ/MC for three Relay For Life events in Lake County - my third year in Waukegan and Antioch, and my fourth year in Gurnee! - and I've been asked to return to DJ/MC the Walk & Roll. (From talk I heard last night, it's possible that I'll also be returning to Lake Forest College - wow, they want the old fuddy-duddy back! - and I might be landing a fifth Lake County event. We shall see.)
One final thought: I would gladly set down my microphone if it were to signify that we had finally found a cure for cancer. It is my most sincere hope that - if not in my lifetime, then in the lifetime of my children - that we finally put an end to this killer. Until that day (which I have to believe we're close to seeing), I'll continue to DJ at as many ACS events as I physically can handle (and that my family will put up with - they are incredibly patient and understanding with me in this regard).
I was quite surprised to find in the program that I had been nominated for a Distinguished Service Award - and knowing some of the people who were also nominated, I consider it quite an honor to be included in such a stellar group. But you can imagine my surprise when, during the presentation of the awards, I found myself the recipient of the award for Distinguished Service in Income Development. I was beginning to get emotional as I heard my story told from the front of the room, and it took every ounce of my strength to not completely break down as I received a standing ovation. (I still get moist-eyed recalling that moment.) As I returned to my seat, the only thing I could say was, "Wow... wow..." Hence the title of this blog post.
I'd like to personally thank all of my friends at American Cancer Society for this tremendous honor they bestowed on me. In all honesty, the greatest reward I receive is being given the chance to work with all the wonderful volunteers I've encountered over the course of the last three years, and the continued trust they all place in me when it comes to keeping them entertained over the course of their events. It is not something I take for granted.
My "season" officially wraps up on Sunday when I DJ the inaugural Lake County "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk at Independence Grove in Libertyville - but I can tell you my dance card for 2010 is already beginning to fill up. As of this post, I am committed to serving as DJ/MC for three Relay For Life events in Lake County - my third year in Waukegan and Antioch, and my fourth year in Gurnee! - and I've been asked to return to DJ/MC the Walk & Roll. (From talk I heard last night, it's possible that I'll also be returning to Lake Forest College - wow, they want the old fuddy-duddy back! - and I might be landing a fifth Lake County event. We shall see.)
One final thought: I would gladly set down my microphone if it were to signify that we had finally found a cure for cancer. It is my most sincere hope that - if not in my lifetime, then in the lifetime of my children - that we finally put an end to this killer. Until that day (which I have to believe we're close to seeing), I'll continue to DJ at as many ACS events as I physically can handle (and that my family will put up with - they are incredibly patient and understanding with me in this regard).
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Evaluating the 2010 nominees for "Rock Hall Of Fame"
I should probably state this right up front: I think the "Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame," while a good idea in principle, is an absolute sham. Acts get nominated and selected less for their contributions to the musical scene, and more because it is a humongous ass-kiss to Jann Wenner, highlighting those bands that he favors. I personally don't subscribe to that, and most rock music fans can name dozens of artists and bands who should have made it into the Hall Of Fame before some recent inductees.
That being said, I find this year's list interesting. The 12 finalists are (in no particular order): Kiss, LL Cool J, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies, Laura Nyro, Donna Summer, Darlene Love, Abba, The Chantels and The Stooges. Of this group, only five will be inducted; the rest will go back, shall we say, into the Sorting Hat.
From the first look at the list, I would immediately knock out four contenders. LL Cool J is talented, to be sure, but I don't believe his material is of Hall Of Fame caliber. Jimmy Cliff is a lesser-known reggae talent than people like Bob Marley or Peter Tosh - in fact, the only thing I know him for is "Wonderful World, Beautiful People". Laura Nyro was a noted songwriter in her lifetime, but I honestly don't think her output is as prolific as, say, Holland-Dozier-Holland of Motown. And The Chantels are a group that will have people saying, "Who?!?" They may have had three Top 20 songs in the Billboard Hot 100 in the late '50s/early '60s, but I don't believe that's enough to justify putting them in the Hall.
The second round of cuts knocks out only one artist - Darlene Love. That's a tough call, as her output is much more notable than the previous cuts, but I don't think there will be enough of a groundswell to lock her place in.
That leaves seven, all of whom have a good chance to make it. Let's look at the odds:
GENESIS - Even: IMHO, they're a shoo-in to make it into the Hall, and rightfully so - even taking into account the dog-log that was Calling All Stations.
ABBA - 3 to 2: Another shoo-in, especially seeing two upsurges in their popularity, thanks to the movie "Muriel's Wedding" in 1996 and the Broadway smash "Mamma Mia!" Another deserved induction.
KISS - 1000 to 1: While I - and all the members of the "Kiss Army" - would argue that Gene Simmons and crew have earned this, knowing the conservative nature of the Hall, it's a miracle they even made it onto the ballot. (Another deserving - and much more conservative - band, Rush, criminally gets ignored year after year.)
THE HOLLIES - 50 to 1: While I thought their '70s output paled in comparison to their early days, there's no denying that The Hollies' music remains popular today among the Baby Boomers (and some children of the Boomers, like myself).
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - 500 to 1: I'm sorry, Anthony Kiedis and crew - but as much as I like your music, I honestly don't believe that your combined output has earned you a place in the annals of music legacy (yet). But I'm betting they get in ahead of Kiss solely on the Wenner ass-kiss modicum.
DONNA SUMMER - 300 to 1: She hasn't really been a chart staple since "She Works Hard For The Money," but her popularity in the Disco era and immediately afterwards does justify her inclusion.
THE STOOGES - 700 to 1: I don't know if they stayed together long enough to really be considered an institution, but the godfathers of punk music do belong in the Hall. I think they'll get the short end of the stick, though.
Let the arguing begin. We have about three months to go at each other's throats until the inductees are announced in December.
That being said, I find this year's list interesting. The 12 finalists are (in no particular order): Kiss, LL Cool J, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies, Laura Nyro, Donna Summer, Darlene Love, Abba, The Chantels and The Stooges. Of this group, only five will be inducted; the rest will go back, shall we say, into the Sorting Hat.
From the first look at the list, I would immediately knock out four contenders. LL Cool J is talented, to be sure, but I don't believe his material is of Hall Of Fame caliber. Jimmy Cliff is a lesser-known reggae talent than people like Bob Marley or Peter Tosh - in fact, the only thing I know him for is "Wonderful World, Beautiful People". Laura Nyro was a noted songwriter in her lifetime, but I honestly don't think her output is as prolific as, say, Holland-Dozier-Holland of Motown. And The Chantels are a group that will have people saying, "Who?!?" They may have had three Top 20 songs in the Billboard Hot 100 in the late '50s/early '60s, but I don't believe that's enough to justify putting them in the Hall.
The second round of cuts knocks out only one artist - Darlene Love. That's a tough call, as her output is much more notable than the previous cuts, but I don't think there will be enough of a groundswell to lock her place in.
That leaves seven, all of whom have a good chance to make it. Let's look at the odds:
GENESIS - Even: IMHO, they're a shoo-in to make it into the Hall, and rightfully so - even taking into account the dog-log that was Calling All Stations.
ABBA - 3 to 2: Another shoo-in, especially seeing two upsurges in their popularity, thanks to the movie "Muriel's Wedding" in 1996 and the Broadway smash "Mamma Mia!" Another deserved induction.
KISS - 1000 to 1: While I - and all the members of the "Kiss Army" - would argue that Gene Simmons and crew have earned this, knowing the conservative nature of the Hall, it's a miracle they even made it onto the ballot. (Another deserving - and much more conservative - band, Rush, criminally gets ignored year after year.)
THE HOLLIES - 50 to 1: While I thought their '70s output paled in comparison to their early days, there's no denying that The Hollies' music remains popular today among the Baby Boomers (and some children of the Boomers, like myself).
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - 500 to 1: I'm sorry, Anthony Kiedis and crew - but as much as I like your music, I honestly don't believe that your combined output has earned you a place in the annals of music legacy (yet). But I'm betting they get in ahead of Kiss solely on the Wenner ass-kiss modicum.
DONNA SUMMER - 300 to 1: She hasn't really been a chart staple since "She Works Hard For The Money," but her popularity in the Disco era and immediately afterwards does justify her inclusion.
THE STOOGES - 700 to 1: I don't know if they stayed together long enough to really be considered an institution, but the godfathers of punk music do belong in the Hall. I think they'll get the short end of the stick, though.
Let the arguing begin. We have about three months to go at each other's throats until the inductees are announced in December.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
In Memoriam...
The music world suffered two losses over the past few days. Patrick Swayze might have only recorded a total of three songs, one of which - "She's Like The Wind" - making the Top Ten, but his long fight against pancreatic cancer made his loss at the age of 57 that much sadder.
Yesterday came word that Mary Travers of Peter, Paul & Mary fame, died from complications of treatment for leukemia at the age of 72. Anyone who was a child of the Sixties, I'm sure, flashed back to those days when songs like "Blowin' In The Wind," "Leaving On A Jet Plane" and "Puff, The Magic Dragon" were popular hits. While I never personally became a huge PP&M fan, one of the memories I have of my childhood was my copy of the album Peter, Paul & Mommy that my father bought for me. I remember listening to that album incessantly, and bursting into tears when I accidentally broke it a few years later. I, too, was familiar with "Puff, The Magic Dragon," but in a totally different setting than those who first heard PP&M perform it in 1962. It might be time for me to dust off my MP3s of that album and listen to it again today.
Yesterday came word that Mary Travers of Peter, Paul & Mary fame, died from complications of treatment for leukemia at the age of 72. Anyone who was a child of the Sixties, I'm sure, flashed back to those days when songs like "Blowin' In The Wind," "Leaving On A Jet Plane" and "Puff, The Magic Dragon" were popular hits. While I never personally became a huge PP&M fan, one of the memories I have of my childhood was my copy of the album Peter, Paul & Mommy that my father bought for me. I remember listening to that album incessantly, and bursting into tears when I accidentally broke it a few years later. I, too, was familiar with "Puff, The Magic Dragon," but in a totally different setting than those who first heard PP&M perform it in 1962. It might be time for me to dust off my MP3s of that album and listen to it again today.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Is there hope?
So, I have had many people ask me if there is any chance I would return to the airwaves and bring "All Access" back. So far, my answer has been the same.
I am hearing rumblings of a possible change in situations that, in fact, could lead me back behind the microphone. The people asking me to consider returning are people for whom I have a great deal of respect.
If things develop the way that some people are saying they will (and are hoping they will), I have left the door open for the possibility of my returning to WRLR. However, for the short term, my situation has not changed. We will have to wait and see what happens in the days and weeks to come.
I am hearing rumblings of a possible change in situations that, in fact, could lead me back behind the microphone. The people asking me to consider returning are people for whom I have a great deal of respect.
If things develop the way that some people are saying they will (and are hoping they will), I have left the door open for the possibility of my returning to WRLR. However, for the short term, my situation has not changed. We will have to wait and see what happens in the days and weeks to come.
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