claps, whips, beeps and boops

What happens when you mix Boston-based Eddie Japan with Greg Hawkes? A blast of a show with many appreciative, bobbing heads. Hawkes, the keyboard and synthesizer player in The Cars had TCAN groovin' last night to his iconic sound. Hear him talk about the Beatles' influence. With the exception of a few tunes, all the songs performed were by The Cars. He also blew everyone away with his sax wailing.

Hawkes (in red blazer) with The Cars (left) and Eddie Japan (right)

Above, Greg Hawkes and Eddie Japan perform Candy-O at TCAN.

Ronnie Spector

I had the extreme pleasure of seeing Ronnie Spector a few nights ago in a very intimate setting at TCAN in Natick, Massachusetts. She looked gorgeous and sounded gorgeous. Her hair was bigger than huge, thank God, and her band and backup singers were the best.

I've never sat so close to a performer and could not make my smile go away. In between each song she sat and told stories about her career and the song she was about to sing. There was a slide show with video too. One of the top 5 shows I've ever seen. Thanks, Ronnie!

She ended the show with Frosty the Snowman. The Ronettes
were a huge part of Phil Spector's Christmas album from 1963.




• Kids Cha Cha to Be My Baby on American Bandstand
• Appearing on American Bandstand, September 1963
• Say Goodbye to Hollywood, 1977

Choir! Choir! Choir!

Are you the type of person who loves singing along to music whether you know the lyrics or not? Then you will love Choir! Choir! Choir! I was taken to their show at TCAN without knowing about them or what was about to happen. I loved it. The theme was George Harrison tunes. There's something magical about a bunch of people singing together. Check them out with David Byrne, Patti Smith and Rick Astley.

The James Hunter Six

If you enjoy late 50s/early 60s rhythm and blues, you'll dig the music of The James Hunter Six. I got to see him again last night at TCAN with his fab band: an upright bass, 2 saxes, a groovin' organ and an incredible drummer. Thanks, James for stopping by you big kook.

Booker T. Jones

I'm so grateful to have seen Booker T. Jones once again last night at my favorite venue. Being at TCAN is like being in someone's basement with great artists performing just feet in front of you. Hearing his groovy organ playing the songs I love left me grinning throughout the whole show. Click on the photos to make them bigger.

Growing up in Memphis, he started in the biz at 15. Besides the Hammond, he also played his guitar for a number of tunes. Several standing Os were given along with tons of love. Thanks, Booker T.



Booker T. recorded Green Onions in 1962 at the age of 17.

Peter Wolf

I never enjoyed large-arena concerts. Seeing incredible acts in an intimate setting does it for me. I finally saw Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band at the fantastic TCAN last night with his fabulous band The Midnight Travelers. One of my faves putting on a great show 15 feet in front of me! I was naughty and snapped a pic. Got caught but it was worth it. From the start he had the audience clapping, singing, shouting, laughing and smiling. The segues between songs were superb with Wolf's splendid "woofa goofa" speak. When a woman sauntered up to the stage and hilariously gyrated for him, he sang to her. Music can take you right back to an emotion, memory or specific time in your life and I was time-traveling all over the place while hearing Just Can't Wait and the Full House tunes. Whooooooooooaaaaaahhhhh! Thanks, Peter!

They're fabulous

The Fabulous Thunderbirds rocked out last night at the cozy TCAN where there isn't a bad seat in the house. Too bad there wasn't a dance floor because they make you want to boogie. Their hit Wrap It Up was originally recorded by Sam and Dave – the fab duo from Stax.


Wrap It Up, Sam and Dave, 1968

Naturally 7

I saw the most unique, inspiring and entertaining show at the intimate TCAN last night. Naturally 7 is a 7-person vocal band where no instruments are used. All sounds come from their mouths and it is mind-boggling. Beatboxing x10. I never wooooohooooooed so much in my life. Originally from NYC and together for 20 years, they've been traveling the world performing their thang to much delight. Besides original work, they sang familiar tunes from Englishman in New York to While My Guitar Gently Weeps with an incredible vocalized guitar solo. How he did that, I'd like to know. Two members are brothers and they talked about having no non-religious music in their home growing up except for 3 albums: a Glen Campbell album, a John Denver album and a Simon and Garfunkel album – then breaking into a melodious S&G medley. If these guys come to your area and you want your mind blown, see them. I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats. What a way to start a new chapter in life! Once again, wooooooohoooooooooooo!