music
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Remembering Elvis On August 16th
We pause on the anniversary of Elvis’ passing because his presence never really left us: the power of his music, the immensity of his stage command, and the quiet moral fiber that shaped him as a human being. All this still connects countless millions to the man. It is a comforting feeling, akin to anticipating… Continue reading
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Civic Unity Important, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Created Needed Mood
Summer truly arrives in Madison when something extraordinary happens on the Capitol Square. Long before the first note from the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra floats into the summer air, the Square begins to fill with the soft choreography of a city remembering how to be a community. That is something I wish to underscore at a… Continue reading
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A Band Concert Shouldn’t Be a Culture War; Yet The Watertown School Board Created One
The news from Watertown is truly disheartening. Watertown High School’s wind symphony will not be allowed to play a musical piece with ties to LGBTQ history at an upcoming spring concert. The decision didn’t come without fiery opposition from most in attendance at a School Board meeting Tuesday. Board members voted 7-1 to prohibit the… Continue reading
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Courage in C Major Needed At Watertown High School, Band Students Must Perform “A Mother Of A Revolution”
Something is chilling about learning that a Wisconsin school board is debating whether a piece of music, without lyrics, should be publicly performed. Students have spent months practicing the piece, which was composed as a dedication to a transgender activist and a prime mover of the Stonewall uprising. I read about this latest bizarre culture… Continue reading
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Elvis Never Left the Building: IMAX Film Review Of EPiC (Elvis Presley in Concert)
I was not sure what headline to give this column. I had come up with a few. Elvis Was Always Too Big For Small Screens A Giant Returns To The Giant Screen Elvis: Forget The Jumpsuit Stereotype That last idea was on my mind as James, my husband, even after 25 years of being the… Continue reading
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Conservative Outrage Over Bad Bunny: “The Lady Doth Protest Too Much, Methinks”
I think it is most telling and rather entertaining to follow the statements and mental gymnastics that occur in the far-right when it comes to their obsession with attacking gay rights. Republican Congressman Brian Babin, while attending the Family Research Council’s National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance on February 4th, during a prayer, thanked God… Continue reading
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The Musical Chord That Hits the Heart
I just concluded a long phone call with a friend who remains in California with her parents. Having traveled out for the holidays, she remains as the final closure of her mom’s eyes draws near. I always feel a need to lift the clouds, so I opened the call with “Is this Chinese takeout?” Laura… Continue reading
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Remembering Big Jim Sykes And The Enduring Power Of Elvis
This morning on WGN radio (Bob Sirott’s show), I learned of the death on January 9th of Big Jim Sykes. His unmistakable voice marks the loss of someone who used his radio professionalism to keep the spirit of Elvis Presley alive for millions of listeners. Through his work on the Elvis Channel on SiriusXM, Sykes didn’t… Continue reading
Caffeinated Politics 