Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett, last night, enjoyed an enthusiastic reception to a sold out Kravis Center. Even though I've never been a Bennett fan, I was hoping to enjoy the performance. His daughter, Antonia, who opened the show, is a painfully poor singer. With training and experience, she may become a popular entertainer but I doubt it. Tony has a loyal following but, sadly, in my opinion, because he as lost so much vocal control and therefore has to make so many musical compromises, it is time to give it up.
I'm reminded of other performances I've attended that should have never happened -- Frank Sinatra when he was last here -- really bad, and Roger Whittaker, of whom I was a fan -- a disappointment, and then, years ago, the Spanish classical guitarist, Andrés Segovia -- a disappointment. They all needed to know when to quit.

Kravis Performance by Tony Sandler

This morning Jane and I ushered for an "adults-at-leisure" performance by Tony Sandler. It was a really first class show and highly entertaining.

Jupiter Lighthouse 150th Anniversary

It was so cold today -- all day. I was surprised so many showed up for the Jupiter Lighthouse 150th Anniversary Celebration. I almost regret going to the event but the suffering was rewarded. The crowned head of Florida was there.

Keyboard Conversations

Jane and I were were delighted with last night's program, "Chopin for Lovers" at the Four Arts series, "Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel." The artist discusses and demonstrates the pieces before performing each complete piece. He shared his extensive knowledge about Chopin's life. We were lucky to also see the current exhibit on display, "Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan."

"Bloody Mary Is The Girl I Love"

Tuesday nights we volunteer at the Kravis. Last night was the opening of the revival of South Pacific. It was an excellent production -- even better than I could hope. The house was sold out and everyone seemed pleased.

Mexican Train

Happy New Year!!!

Wonderful Show

Wonderful show. We will long remember last night's show at the Kravis Center with Tommy Tune and the Manhattan Rythum Kings. Regrettably the house was less than half sold but everyone there seemed to enjoy it.

Alan Collins' Hike

It was a very cool and beautiful morning when Alan Collins led a hike today in Frenchman's Forest.

Strolling the Avenue

Here is our group of fifteen strolling Worth Avenue tonight.
From the left they are Tom, Sharon, Jeff, Sarah, Gail, Marty, Jarod, Jim, Lori, & Gail.
Kneeling are Liz, Bob, Serena, Jane, & Caroline.

Goodwill to All

To my loving and patient wife, of 24 years, Jane, my loving sister, Louane, and brothers, Harold and departed Norman and their spouses, to my loving departed parents from whom I withheld my affection and presented such a challenge, and to all my cousins, nephews & nieces from whom I've distanced myself, and all of my 59 neglected Facebook friends, to all my former colleagues at NCR & IATSE & Kravis, and all my classmates and teachers, to Republicans and Democrats, Israelis & Palestinians, to Christians & Muslims, Hatfields and McCoys, to all scorned and mal treated atheists, and all those incarcerated innocents, and to all those I've mistreated (you know who you are), I wish for you peace, goodwill and a better break from me.

Christmas Breakfast

Jane and I were delighted to be included by Robert and Phoebe Dowdy in their Christmas morning breakfast for eleven. It was not only delicious and abundant but festive and classy.
Meeting their friends and neighbors was fun.

Nobody's got no class!!!

We volunteered last night at the Kravis for Chicago the Musical. It was a most enjoyable production very much like those we've seen before -- a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery with that Bob Fosse magic. Probably the holiday-week timing took a toll on attendance but it seemed to be well received. Class

Sherlock Holmes

At Movico tonight we attended a pre-release screening of Sherlock Holmes. It has the look of a blockbuster and I'm sure it will receive plenty of positive reviews. This is an action movie unlike the classic mysteries of Arthur Conan Doyle. I will remember this movie and recommend it for the grand sets and striking visuals. I didn't like much else. It was too loud, too violent, and too confusing a story. I never was able to follow the plot. The acting was mediocre but if you liked the action of the Indiana Jones' flicks, you would probably enjoy this. Here's what others are saying.

Great Day for a Chilly Walk

This morning's chilly City Walk was braved by nine hardy regulars. We missed many others and they missed a good time as we walked the downtown of West Palm Beach.

Last night was our Dining Out group's annual holiday party -- a pot-luck again this time.
It was at our Whitehall club house and was attended by nineteen people.

Two Movies

Last night we attended a pre-release screening of the new Clint Eastwood film, Invictus. It is sure to be a multiple-category award nominee. I highly recommend it for everyone. Rather than describe it, here are some comments of others.
We also saw Precious. Because of the hard-edged depiction of such a heavy subject, it isn't for everyone but this film will also surely be in contention for awards, especially best actress. I've never seen better acting than the performance of Precious' mother. I'm recommending it with caution.

Tonight Billie and Jerry hosted Frugal Dining Out at Bellante's Pizza. Then we all went over to Freda's & Murray's to visit. We had a very nice time.

Watch Out, Itzhak Perlman.

We were thrilled by the extraordinarily talented violinist, Michael Province, tonight at the Kravis. He plays with a sensitivity and maturity far beyond his fourteen years. He's a comer. Watch for him to be among the top stars. Youtube
Last night we went to the Maltz Jupiter Theatre to see a screening of Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps." There was an interesting discussion before the film and question & answer session after.

Michael Province

Saturday

We had a good aerobic walk this morning with Paul Cummings' group at John Prince Park.
We dined again (second time this week) at Park Ave, BBQ Grill -- this time with Billie and Jerry Henin.
After dinner we went to a concert of a brass ensemble and a percussion ensemble at Palm Beach Atlantic University School of Music.
Jane and I both liked it a lot.

Palm Beach Photographic Centre

Tonight we enjoyed the opening of the exhibit of Ann Curry's photographs, Empathy, at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre.
Tuesday we worked the Palm Beach Pops' concert of the music of Johnny Mercer and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Wednesday we attended the Palm Beach Opera's Opera In One Hour featuring Amahl and the Night Visitors and Hansel and Gretel.
Thursday we enjoyed a Historical Society lecture by Elliot Kleinberg.
Also Thursday Jane went with her friend Phoebe to the Four Arts to see Vic Damone. The fourth picture below was taken by Phoebe.

Picture storage