Friday, July 11, 2008

An Evening with Stevie Wonder

Bob and I went to the Stevie Wonder concert on Friday at the White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA. We had wonderful seats and perfect weather. At first, it seemed so surreal that we were watching this music legend live. He put on a 2+ hour show and he sounded phenomenal.

I captured some amazing shots and a few video snippets. I would have had more, however... my batteries were confiscated from me by one of the security folks. Apparently, you can take photos but no video. Had I known that, I would have been much more discreet, such as the other folks around me.

Take a look at the photo album, which tells the story of our night at the show (well... half of the show). The other half of the show will live on as a great memory!!! Here is the playlist from the show if you'd like to groove along as you view my virtual show (minus a few that I couldn't find in the online music library).

Stay tuned for our next concert adventures... Ringo Starr on July 19 and James Taylor on July 22 (both at the Château St. Michelle Winery). We are looking forward to seeing these amazing artists at this fantastic venue. I'll be sure to be more discreet when capturing video snippets.

An Evening with Stevie Wonder



Click the photo or the link below to view the virtual show: http://picasaweb.google.com/JulzNW/AnEveningWithStevieWonder
Enjoy!!





Below is a review of the show from a local reporter:
Stevie Wonder is a living legend and his greatness was on display. Friday night when he delivered a hit-laden set infused with his trademark blend of jazz, funk and soul at White River Amphitheatre.
From "Masterblaster (Jammin')" to "My Cherie Amour" just about every one of Wonder's pop gems made an appearance during his two-hour show. He even managed to make room on the set list of more than 24 songs for a new song, titled "Keep Fooling Yourself Baby Girl." Like the lighter fare in Wonder's back catalog, the track is sure to be a hit on adult contemporary radio stations when it reaches airwaves.
While some of Wonder's music may have made its way into easy listening territory that didn't mean the show was a sit back and relax type of experience. In fact, Wonder made sure it was exactly the opposite. The charismatic singer engaged the crowd with jokes, encouraged multiple sing alongs and had the crowd boogying down to "Higher Ground," which was the first of many songs that got the crowd dancing.
Escorted to the stage by his daughter Aisha, who was one of Wonder's three backup singers, Wonder started the show by dedicating the performance to Quincy Jones. He later sang "Isn't She Lovely" to her, in one of the show's more endearing moments.
The show's closing four songs not only showcased Wonder's musical genius but also cemented his status as a legend. The combo of "Signed, Sealed Delivered, I'm Yours," "Sir Duke," "I Wish" and "Superstitious" were showstoppers. During the latter former "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar joined Wonder on stage. His voice has improved during his post-Idol days. His hair, not so much.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Jam Packed June

June was a crazy busy month for our family. I hosted a garden party on June 1, which was like a HGTV in my back yard. A local garden nursery--My Garden--did a garden make-over in our back yard. Amanda kept us busy with lots of fun stuff, including the Ike Choir Celebration field trip, Applause Studio recital, and the Ike Choral event--"Welcome to TV Land." Then we attended Jasmines College Graduation ceremony and celebrated Father's Day all in the same weekend. Not to worry - I got plenty of entertaining stuff from Austin and the cats too. Come back to check out photos from Austin's school family night at the Aquasox Game, Last Day of School fun, our Annual Cousin's tea, and Jasmine's Graduation Celebration. Enjoy the many photos!!!

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Jasmine Graduates from Western Washington University!!

Jasmine graduated from Western Washington University on June 14, 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Finance and Economics). We celebrated this big event on June 29. congrats to our jazzy... we are so proud of you!!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Annual Cousin's Tea Party!!

Alyson and Susan hosted a lovely Cousin's tea for all of us. Susan introduced her beautiful daughter and sweet grandson to everyone. I look forward to this annual event each year. It's so wonderful to see my extended family!!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Julie's Garden Party

I gathered up my girlfriends for a fun garden party. The ladies from "My Garden" in Mill Creek (formerly Wileywood) did a garden make-over in my back yard. It was like HGTV in my back yard!! It was so much fun and I loved everything they did. Now I just can't wait to get my new garden goodies in the dirt.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Marvelous May

We kicked off May with the fabulously wonderful production of "The Great Penelope." The show spanned two nights and we celebrated at Gianni's after both shows with family and friends.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day with my kids and Kitties. I also made a special Mother's Day tribute for my mommy. I also got to see my high school buddy, Daisy, who I hadn't seen in years.

On May 15, Amanda and her Middle School Choir participated in the Regional Choir Festival. Schools from all over participate and get rated on their performances. Amanda's group scored very high... Woo hoo!!

We finally got a sunny day so we decided to go down to Edmonds Beach and take in the sites and sound... as in Puget Sound. The next day it was up early for the Eisenhower Choir Booster Club
Car Wash Fundraiser
where we had 90 degree weather. Then we tried to cool off in the back yard with a new toy that didn't look as cool as it did on the box.

I decided to take advantage of the rare warm weather we were having, so I spent 8 hours in the front gardens - weeding, raking, cutting, trimming... whew! It was all worth it in the end. And be sure to check out the amazing shrinking Austin!

We had so much going on in May, Bob and I never really got to celebrate our 15th Wedding Anniversary, which was May 1. But we are making up for it this summer with three amazing summer concerts: Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, and Ringo Starr & his All-star Band. So don't feel too bad for us. :-)

Sunday, May 11, 2008

A Mother's Day Tribute to my Mom!!!

Rather than send my mom an ordinary, every day paper card (and killing a tree), this year I sent my mom a super special and unique greeting made just for her... and it's eco-friendly too. This greeting is all about her life as a mom put to music. She's the best!!! To watch the video, press the "Play" button. Enjoy!!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

The Great Penelope Production!!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to see Amanda & Bob in the fabulous production of “The Great Penelope.” They both had such a wonderful time and
Amanda did a knock-out job playing the role of Penelope (woman of destiny).


For those of you who were unable to make it to the play, we have ordered the DVD. If you would like to see it, let us know and we’ll send you a copy.

In the meantime, take a look at the online photo/video gallery I have created. So find some quiet time and grab a cup of tea and enjoy a journey through the adventures of creating “The Great Penelope!!” Click the photo above or HERE now to begin!!

You’ll find everything from the photo shoot to the live production itself…and everything in between such as the Show-A-Thon at Everett Mall and some of the rehearsals.

Below are some select video clips from all the action:

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Celebrating with Family & Friends

We celebrated at Giannis restaurant after each of the Great Penelope productions - Saturday with the Rice family & friends and Sunday with the Ross clan & friends. Click HERE to launch the full online album, which includes some video snippits as well. Enjoy!!