By one of those accidental life connections I found myself studying under a man called Rod Whitaker. Rod’s pen name was Trevanian – the bestselling author of books like The Eiger Sanction, The Loo Sanction, The Main, Summer of Katya, Shibumi, Incident at Twenty-Mile, Hot Night in the City and The Crazyladies of Pearl Street
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevanian
My […]
I have come upon a whimsical notion of launching a campaign in Austin wherein thousands of wind chimes would festoon neighborhoods, schools, parks, places of business, institutions and more with the goal of literally making Austin “sing”. Can you imagine what it would sound like if the tinkle and soul lifting sounds of chimes were […]
My quest to circumnavigate the Caribbean began in 1978. That quest – which was not designed to be a quest, in point of fact, had no design. The driving motivation was borne out of a need for peace and solace during a time of great turmoil and pressure. Little did I know it would become […]
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It was Sunday, September 16, 2012 when the song started resonating in me like a tuning fork from some heavenly chorus. From that morning, all through the day at the SFO Airport, on the 3 hour flight back to Austin until arriving at home – I couldn’t get this song out of my mind. The […]
ROCKY HORROR 10TH ANNIVERSARY &
CHEECH AND CHONG
Many of you know that Cheech and Chong are doing a national reunion tour currently after a 20 year hiatus. The famous “stoner” act is once again scoring big in concert venues across the U.S.
One of the most unusual pairings of shows I’ve ever produced in one night at […]
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO
Can you remember when Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album came out to critical praise? Paul’s musical genius and vision for something new with the spirit of Africa was a breakthrough for something fresh and unique.
Now, do you remember the background singers on tunes like “Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes”? The backup singers […]
One of the most fascinating and complex musical stars I have ever produced has to be James Brown. People often over use the word “legend”.
In his case, there isn’t a big enough word to use as a result of his powerful impact on an entire generation of bands from rock to R&B, soul, rap, hip […]
PARAMOUNT THEATRE -1915
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Between the years 1973 and 1985, I had the honor to have been the co-founder of the restoration and rejuvenation of the historic Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts in Austin, Texas. The theatre, built in 1915, was in danger of being demolished for a Holiday Inn. Located a few blocks south […]
One of the most unusual entertainment bookings of my career involved the world renowned violinist maestro Itzhak Perlman.
Many years ago, I set up a subscription series for a cultural arts presenter in McAllen, Texas. Additionally, I was responsible for booking the artists and all production. One year, a board member said, “We’d like to have […]
BUSBY BERKELEY – HOLLYWOOD MUSICAL CREATOR
Over the last several years, John has conducted extensive research for a proposed Broadway musical based on the life of Hollywood musical director Busby Berkeley. The show entitled “The Berkeley Girl” is based on a man’s obsession with finding the perfect woman.
A Busby Berkeley film was distinctive for several reasons. […]