Touched by the Blues: Keb Mo Style

Late Wednesday afternoon I read online that Keb Mo (Kevin Moore) was playing Friday night at the Balboa Theater in San Diego. Fast, I checked with Ticketmaster and Dan, and purchased two seats for what promised to be our birth of the blues with Keb Mo, who is celebrating his twelfth full-length album and the twentieth anniversary of a musical career he launched as Keb Mo. Last summer, before a trip to Memphis and Nashville, I discovered the Blues Americana album on his website. On his home page was a YouTube video in which he played the guitar and sang a song from the album: "Old Me Better" with the California Feetwarmers. Instant infatuation took over. I was hooked on this singer/songwriter musician. Click here to see what I mean: Old Me Better

Photo: La Jolla Music Society

"I like taking it slow," the tall Los Angeles native in a casual suit and hat said in his low velvet voice. That was near the beginning of the show, which lasted nearly two hours straight. The tempo picked up as the night settled in. Half a dozen small square panels, each with a grid of bulbs, hung from the lower back wall of the stage to flicker and switch night club colors with each song. Newbies to a Keb Mo concert, we didn't know what to expect, but the easy-going style of this seasoned performer lulled us into blues euphoria. The music matches the man, a treasure to behold, with three Grammys and assorted awards for further proof.

Slower numbers dominated the first half of the show as he twirled on a low stool for guitar changes on the bare bones stage, except for additional instruments and equipment. Faster tempos picked up the speed for the second half as Keb Mo stood. The three musicians who complete his four-man ensemble joined him. At one point early on, he smiled and said, "now we're getting into my personal stuff." What you quickly learn about the artist is that he writes and sings about everyday life as he experiences and observes it -- relationships, people, challenges, and pursuits. When asked in an interview about his mix of blues with other genres, he explained that he only has two genres -- "what I like and what I don't like." He adapts whatever musical style works for the lyrics and melody. The storytelling comes from an authentic, honest place, which he shares in the introductions to lyrics printed for the Blues Americana album. The playful humor is irresistible in his songs and comes across in the asides to a grateful audience. His BIO describes Keb Mo's unique style and popularity best: his combination of masterful, anecdotal writing skills, distinctive guitar versatility and rich, resonant blues-soaked vocals are a testament to his longevity as a singer/writer.

Older songs in the Friday night program included (in no particular order):

"More Than One Way Home," about the people and places he knew growing up in Compton, California.

"She Just Wants to Dance," about a girl whose moves are for the music, not for hanky panky.

"Shave Yo Legs," about a guy who wants the girl to be herself, wild and free, not wear makeup or read the magazines (you already know how to get to me), and you don't need to shave yo legs for me. This song drew plenty of giggles from the sellout crowd.

"One Friend," about the need for that one person who stands by you and never lets you down.

"Suitcase," about baggage and complaints in a marriage, being shown the door, and begging to stay.

Newer songs from the "Blues Americana" album included: 

"Old Me Better:" about the humorous yearning for life before commitments to marriage and family.

"The Worst Is Yet to Come," about sticking with marriage when things get hard, and understanding the meaning of the words you heard at the wedding -- "for better or worse."

"Somebody Hurt You," reassuring the girl that she's been through a lot, but those hardships are behind her, she can let them go, because the guy's there to protect her now.

"So Long Goodbye," about the end of a relationship and the regrets that go with it.

The performance wound down with an encore of still more numbers, and closed with Keb Mo's rendition of "God Bless America," followed by the audience singing the traditional version to the accompaniment of the band. A fitting end to a thrilling concert that showcased the considerable talents of a gifted performer.

Photo: kebmo.com

Providing for Pets of the Homeless

By Bailey Weber (Guest)

For my whole life, I've had a great passion for helping animals that are neglected or abandoned. Since this is my senior year in high school, I'm finally getting a chance to do something about it. I discovered the perfect service project and couldn't pass up this opportunity. I hope you'll join me in this effort, if not now, at some point in the future. 

By working with "My Dog Eats First," I've gained new awareness about a serious problem in our local area and around the country. I've learned that there's a lack of food and supplies to provide for animals, particularly the pets of homeless people. The mission of "My Dog Eats First" is stated on their website: 

Our mission is to provide pet food, supplies, basic vaccinations, and spay/neuter services for the pets of the homeless and underserved within our community. We provide this support in a judgement-free environment for individuals and families who are committed to the health and wellness of their pets and desire to keep them. In doing so, we believe we are:

• Keeping the homeless united with what in most cases is the only living thing that provides  them with companionship, protection and unconditional love;
• Reducing the amount of healthy pets surrendered to shelters because of financial burden; and
• Saving healthy pets from unnecessary euthanasia by keeping them with their families.

I'm teaming up with this organization which works hand-in-hand with other nonprofit groups, volunteering in the community wherever they're needed to provide free pet food, supplies, veterinary care, and spay/neuter services without judgement.

For some, these animals are the only companions they may have. My goal is to gather enough items to help both this organization and the families and pets that benefit.

If you live in the Louisville area, 

you can help me by collecting some of the items needed by March 6. 

If you have any of these items and you no longer need or want them, 

contact me: bweber@holycrosshs.com.

Supplies that the "My Dog Eats First" often needs:

• Dog/Cat Food – Wet and Dry
• Heavy Duty Storage Bins (for their food bank, to keep the mice out)
• Zip Lock Bags (1 or 2 Gallon and Sandwich Size Ziploc Bags)
• Cat Litter
• Animal Food Dishes & Water Bowls
• Collars/Leashes & Harnesses of ALL sizes
• Old Blankets
• Toys
• Treats

I am willing to pick up the items at your convenience. If you're a neighbor who lives nearby, feel free to drop them off on our porch. I've been amazed by the response so far. Many neighbors, friends, and co-workers of my parents have already contributed, so please join us in making this an even bigger success. If you're unable to contribute now, you can always contribute later by clicking on the organization's website: www.mydogeatsfirst.com.

If you live in other cities or states, google your area to find a pet delivery location that is serving homeless populations.

          Note: I will be accepting items until March 6th 

For each item donated, your name will be placed into a drawing for a chance to win one of two $50 Visa Gift Cards. 
Thank you to those who are able to help me help these pets.

Bailey Weber:  bweber@holycrosshs.com    

And the Winner Is....

Did you miss the big contenders for the Academy Awards at your local movie house? It's not too late to catch up. Read the reviews and watch the trailers for many of the movies that are up for a variety of awards tonight at the 88th Academy Awards ceremony. Just click Movie Reviews on the right side menu on Vicki's Vineyard home page -- and click older posts at the bottom of the reviews to continue to the next set of reviews.

See the list for ALL the nominees at: The Oscar Nominees

Maybe you want to choose winners in an official online contest. Go to: The Oscar Challenge and follow the instructions.

Or perhaps you'd like to pass out a list of nominees at home, so your family and friends can choose  their winners.  Have a surprise ready for the person who scores the most correct winners! Copy and paste from this ballot to make your own, or print the full ballot at: 2016 Oscars Ballot

HAVE A GREAT TIME AT THE SHOW!

ABC-TV coverage:  abc.go.com

4 pm On the Red Carpet

5:30 pm The Oscars on ABC

Do You Have A Story or Review to Share?

Since many club venues offer open mic and jam nights for comedians and musicians, I'm offering an open blog for my friends and followers.

I invite you to submit an article to appear on 

Vicki's Vineyard. 

Image: Staten Island Arts

Shoot me an email about the topic FIRST, so I can give you the thumbs up. I will edit as needed to format and shape it for a blog audience. When it's published, you'll be free to post on social media  like Facebook, or forward via email to your friends who'll click into Vicki's Vineyard and read your  article. 

My email address is: vicki.beck@yahoo.com.

Check these topics on Vicki's Vineyard (right page menu) for examples:

Movie, book, or play reviews -- see At the Theater, Book Nook, Flicks

Your volunteer effort or other personal experience --see Sharing

A vacation story or place of interest -- see Travels

A favorite sports hero and/or event -- see Sports Heroes

2015 Movie Picks: The Hateful Eight

After Pulp Fiction received so much attention at the Cannes Film Festival in 1994 (and would go on to broad critical acclaim, and a pile of nominations and wins), I couldn't wait to purchase a ticket at the local movie house. The Quentin Tarantino flick was impressive, with fresh dialogue and storytelling that launched the screenwriter/director into Hollywood elite status. Eager to sample more of his work, I soon heard about Reservoir Dogs, the director's first feature film with Harvey Keitel in a lead role. I'd certainly witnessed Tarantino's emphasis on violence in Pulp Fiction, but in no way did it prepare me for the portrayal of violence in Reservoir Dogs, which also received widespread critical acclaim as an independent film noir. Nearly from the start, one or more characters suffers in agony from gunshot and razor wounds, and all die by the end. After that bloody mess, I swore I'd never watch another Tarantino film. More than a decade later, I finally sucked it up and paid good money for an evening with The Hateful Eight.

The Hateful Eight Trailer

Quentin Tarantino doesn't disappoint in this odd nod to the western genre. He brings it in with twists, turns, and idiosyncratic characters who entertain, startle, and confound. But there were also scenes that prompted me to cringe when I thought he'd gone too far. A wild ride from the opening scene, the story unfolds with a stagecoach driver and his passenger, Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a black officer from the Civil War now turned bounty hunter, traveling across the vast American plains with a blizzard only an hour behind. The plan is to reach Minnie's Haberdashery, a lodge where they will spend the night and take refuge from the storm before it hits. But there are delays along the way when three more characters, stranded in the snow, plead for a ride -- John "The Hangman" Ruth (Kurt Russell), another bounty hunter, his prisoner, Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), and eventually, Sheriff Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), who will rule on Daisy's death by hanging. Needless to say, this quartet of hateful characters doesn't sing in harmony. Their exchanges fan the tension that's building in the tiny quarters of the stagecoach. But when the Major presents a personal letter sent to him by Abraham Lincoln, the travelers are hushed into momentary silence. (Note: The letter will become a point of conversation at the lodge as well, and will lead to a confession that heats up the hateful stew brewing near the boiling point.)

As much as a third of the movie occurs before the arrival at Minnie's. Strangely, she and her husband are missing, but four more characters have checked in for the night to complete the roster of eight. Quirky conversations ensue to provide comic relief in some cases, and conflict and confusion in others. Suspicions fill the room like a thick fog until all cards are played and the inevitable occurs. Poor  Daisy has already suffered more than her share of damage at the hands of the bounty hunter, but the entire gang lines up for a bloodbath of finales. At times, it's comic, and at other times, I had to look away. Throughout, I asked myself -- what's the point here? 

There is no redemption in The Hateful Eight. This is an exercise wherein character arcs, subplots, and conflicts result in violence with a heaping dash of comedy, surprise, and guts. Morality doesn't play a role or even a cameo, which is best exemplified in a story told by the Major to the old general (Bruce Dern) who's traveled from afar to find his dead son's burial site. In a clinical but lighthearted style, the Major informs the general that he knew his son and was with him when he died. In fact, he forced the boy to walk naked in the snow until he collapsed, and then raped him with brutal oral sex before he killed him. This little tale is chilling to the point of freezing, a callous disregard for anything sacred. One has to wonder if the audience will tire of these gimmicks at some point, since they appear to serve no purpose other than shock.

The score soars across the expanse of the terrain, through the duration of the film, to stir anticipation and tension, and to win at least one Golden Globe for the film. The gray and white outdoor photography, with the blizzard front and center, foreshadows the violence that is ripe to explode inside the lodge. A late whodunit adds a bit of intrigue to the somewhat aimless storyline.

Tarantino fans must surely revel in their director's latest achievement. I have to admit I enjoy much of the filmmaker's style, but I still question his hunger for heavy-handed violence that serves the sole purpose of annihilation. Even if it's intended as a parody of the American western, there are no good guys and bad guys like we see in classic westerns. Tarantino's characters are all bad guys. Nobody comes out alive, and nobody has any redeeming qualities. So I ask myself, "was it worth it to spend an evening with them?" Hard to say.

2015 Movie Picks: JOY

He's done it again. David O. Russell taps Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro, Bradlee Cooper, and assorted sidekicks to concoct a movie with a four-star dysfunctional family that makes me feel so much better about my own. JOY is the story of a spunky girl who graduated high school at the top of her class, got accepted into a fancy college, and took a detour to another life when her parents divorced. She married the wrong guy, had two kids fast, divorced the guy, and moved back home with her mother (Virginia Masden) and a doting grandmother (Diane Ladd). Oh, and Joy's ex-husband hangs out in the basement until he can get his music career going. If that isn't enough of a premise, the estranged father (Robert DeNiro) gets kicked out by his girlfriend and lands back in this animal house to drive everyone more crazy than they already are.

JOY the Trailer

As a child, Joy created her own miniature cutout buildings and fences, and now she has an idea for a new mop that can be manufactured in her dad's auto repair shop. Her creation proves far superior to anything on the market, because it's much more absorbent, you never have to touch the mop fibers that soak up nasty spills, and you can easily wring it out by sliding a handle up and down the pole. When Joy demos her mop to shoppers in a store parking lot, they walk past her without even a nod. Despite a series of disappointments and setbacks, she perseveres and eventually discovers QVC, the new TV shopping network, and is on her way. A few twists and turns like bankruptcy and extortion are down the road, but they can't stop her. For the books, to date, the real Joy Mangano has acquired more than one hundred patents for household items.

The energy and acting chops of the cast feed the family frenzy, hilarious one minute and heartbreaking the next. Jennifer Lawrence in the title role captures the steel determination of the single-mother entrepreneur who doggedly pursues every lead and overcomes every failure to show the naysayers what a mop can do. One of the more dramatic scenes depicts Joy flying cross-country to hunt down a manufacturer in another state and demand payment for atrocious over charges and patent theft. Diane Ladd delivers as the sympathetic grandmother who always knew Joy would make something of herself, in contrast to Dad, who reminds Joy she'll never amount to anything. Bradley Cooper's character is the QVC sales guru who swoops in long enough to tell Joy it didn't work on TV, sorry. But even he has to step aside when she insists she's the one to sell her own mop, not some paid talent they put in front of the camera who had no idea what to do with it. In the most poignant scene in the film, Joy freezes as the camera rolls for live television. No spoilers here.

A 25-year-old, Louisville, Kentucky girl, Jennifer Lawrence continues to amaze. Her embodiment of roles is astonishing, from Winter Bone (still have to see it) which won her an Oscar nod, to Silver Linings Playbook (best actress awards), and American Hustle (best supporting actress awards). As Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, Lawrence catapulted all of us into another stratosphere based on the dystopian Young Adult series.

Her gifts shine again in JOY. Lucky us to to witness the talent.