Random Thoughts, Ideas, Suggestions, and more
February 28, 2010
Watching the Closing Ceremony of the Winter Olympics. Talk about a show. Even if the USA did not win the hockey game at least it was nice to see Pittsburgh Penguin Sidney Crosby score the winner for the host country. After a Gold medal and a Stanley Cup what will he do next ... run for Prime Minister of Canada.
Went down to Waynesburg University to see Electric Violinist Tracy Silverman and his band Eclectica. I knew Tracy was a fine player but his singing and songwriting were equally impressive. It was fun to see someone else perform on a stage I've played. Check them out if you can.
On Tuesday, my new project, the United Strings of America, debuted for ISES (International Special Events Society) at the Andy Warhol Museum on the North Side. Many thanks to Sheila Weiner of The Prop Shop for the invitation and speaker Richard Aaron of BizBash for the kind comments afterwards. Also, as usual, great food from Gary Terner and Big Catering.
February 19, 2010
Feel like I have been going at breakneck speed for the past week. Between shoveling snow and Valentine's Day gigs and prepping for my my new projects debut at the ISES meeting next week it has been a whirlwind.
The weekend started at the beautiful Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford PA. I had been there to perform before and was wowed then but it's not like staying there. Nothing prepares you for that first drive up to the front of the resort. It feels like you drove 100 years back in time. We played a party for advertisers of WPXI TV where they watched the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. Well done. We thank Hope Gritzer for providing a room so we would not have to trek back in the snow. My wife and I took advantage of The Spa, the pool, and room service. Wish all of my gigs were that nice.
Saturday afternoon I played in the Market District Giant Eagle store in Shadyside. They had a celebrity chef from "The Bachelor" - or "The Bachelorette" doing demo's there.
Sunday evening my wedding gig was at Wildwood Golf Club - which had been without power for 5 days leading up to the day before the wedding. It was nice being with the Klueber family for a second time and they even included my friend Piper Bill Fife in the festivities.
The University Club on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland is doing some wonderful things with their food and events. The Valentine's Day Brunch was as nice as I have been too and I was lucky enough to sample the Salmon in a Maple sauce and the Eggs Benedict with Crabmeat. Chef Jeff from Sodexo is doing some masterful things there. Yum ! They are planning another Wine Tasting Dinner in March or April. Don't miss it. The last one sold out and now that word is out the next one will be even tougher to get into.
Finally, I told you it was a long weekend, cam Valentine's Night Dinner at the fabled Oakmont Country Club - home to the US Open Golf tournament, the upcoming US Womens Open, and the US Amateur Championship. They have been very supportive over the past few years and my thanks to Rick Purcell for putting me in there on such a special occasion. It was nice to see Sally Wiggin of WTAE TV enjoying dinner with friends. We have worked a few events together over the years and she is just as pleasant in person as she is on TV.
February 10, 2010
Wow ! What a week. I played at The Hotel Hershey last Thursday for the American Council of Engineering Companies of PA Diamond Awards Dinner. What a beautiful property. The dining room is exquisite, the rooms are first class, the pool and fitness center a gorgeous and it all must be spectacular in the summer. My son has been to Hershey Park and enjoyed it so we will have to make plans to visit again if it ever stops snowing.Many thanks to Alison Detar of Gannett Fleming Construction Management for making this happen. I especially appreciate Stephani Smith and Renee Holloman of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Destination Management for stopping by to say hello.
The only gig I missed because of the weather was the PATF Preview party at the O'Reilly Theater but I am hopeful that they will reschedule soon. Looking forward to Valentine's Day weekend. It will be hopping.
February 1, 2010
Survived another all-weekend Bride Show at the Hilton Hotel Downtown. About 1,000 brides attended and I played and played and played. Calls are already coming in. Great to see all of my wedding biz contacts.
John and I (Keystring Duo Violin and Piano) played in the grandest room in town The Carnegie Music Hall Foyer. We playd through the Cocktail Hour as guests socialized on the gorgeous balcony above. They could look down on us in the middle of the dance floor. The band Cityscape from Three Rivers Entertainment took over to get the room rocking then we came back to do two sets when the food was served. Great sound. Great response. Many thanks to wedding planner extraordinaire Natalie Berger and Eileen Twigger from the hall. Bill Chisnell of DesignSpace did the flowers and the sight was astonishing. Photographers Lynn and Michael Goldstein had a lot of stunning visual options to shoot.
In the afternoon I had the pleasure to play Solo Violin for a Wedding Ceremony at St. Mary of the Mount Church on Mt. Washington with Music Director and Organist Amanda Plazek and my Trumpeter Andy Augustine.
January 23, 2010
Played at the new Market District Giant Eagle store in Settlers Ridge in Robinson Twonship. What a store. Be prepared to spend a few hours and have lunch. This is the store where you can buy beer by the six pack. Great selection. Finally, we get to be like the rest of America.
November 6, 2007
Saw Barrage in Altoona last night. What a fine bunch of Violin players they are. Great technique and contraol while dancing and jumping around the stage. Very entertaining. Catch them the next chance you get. Also saw Rick Skagss and his Kentucky Thunder Band on Friday in Greensburg. What a band ! Serious pickers. Fiddler Andy Leftwich really turned it on. Many thanks to Gary Latshaw productions for offering discounte dtickets to my Extreme Strings Orchestra students. Hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.
October 29,2007
Saw the most fascinating linens at a Wedding this past weekend at the Concordia Club in Oakland. A deep, rich red rose print accented with bouquets of deep, rich red roses on the tables. A very, very elegant look.
October 22, 2007
If you have not been to Soldiers and Sailors Hall to look for a site - make the trip. A unique space rich with history and character.
October 14, 2007
I estimate that nearly half of the Wedding Ceremonies I do feature a cell phone ringing during the service. Also, people talking on their phones during the Prelude music is not unusual. Once, I spotted a guy sitting on the aisle talking on his phone as the Bridesmaids were walking by him. He did hang up before the Bride came down. Thiis past Friday I played a Ceremony at a beautiful church for the the first time. During the consecration of the gifts we heard light tinkling bells which seemed to be a cell phone but could not identify where it was coming from. After the third ring, the priest looked up and oddly turned his head toward the sacristy. Later, he laughingly announced. "Normally, we make an announcement and ask that all cell phones be turned off. I must admit that the ringing you heard was my cell phone. And they may call again before we are done". Everyone chickled and the service continued. A first in my book.
If you are looking for a moderately priced hotel facility near the airport you might want to take a look at the Holiday Inn on University Boulevard (Beer School Rd) in Moon. Completely redone, the stylish ballroom holds 150-200, the space has a very contemporar feel. Plus, my old friend Craig Poole is now GM and so I know you'll be well taken care of.
5/10/05 Southpointe Golf Club is a very contemporary space with options of a lobby Cocktail reception, outdoor Ceremony (and/or Cocktails), and a gleaming Ballroom for about 150.
5/9/05 If you are looking for a lovely out of the way place for 125 people (max) you might try the Pittsburgh Harlequins Home Field Clubhouse. Very nicely done in a lodge-style construction it overlooks the rugby field, has a nice outdoor balcony, a trout stream running behind it , and is right off Route 910 in Indiana Twp near Harmarville. Had never been there but liked it. You can bring your own caterer. Contact the Pittsburgh Harlequins Rugby team.
5/8/05 Even though my wife is a referal agent for Northwood, congratulations to Howard hanna Real Estate for being named the 6th largest real Estate Company in the US. Wow ! I have been doing events for them for years and just did their Annual Office Awards Party at the Junior League Showcase Home in Highland Park (thanks to Rick Purcell). Speaking of the Junior League, I did my Cafe Trio and DJ'd their last big Showcase party on Fifth Avenue. It was selected as one of the 12 Best Parties by the Tribune Review. See the column framed in my office.
5/10/05 You might not realize it but John and I do a lot of small conert-style shows for senior groups, church groups, senior residences, etc ... We did one for the St. Victor Women's Guild and had a lot of fun doing older favorites plus Classical, Irish, Italian. Country, Fiddling, and I also sang a tune or two.
4/29/05 Saw Cirque Du Soleil tonight and it was awesome. Do yourself a favor and see this show before they leave tow. We are now lifetime fans. Amazing ! Live music too.
4/16/05 Had not been to the Pittsburgh Field Club in Fox Chapel in a while but what a beautiful Ballroom for a reception with chandeliers, linens, draperies, and more. Plus, they have a nice patio where we played the Ceremony ona a perfect day overlooking the golf course. You must be sponsored by a member .
4/14/05 Note to Florists - if you are going to be on-site during the ceremony you should dress a little better. Even though you are in the back of the church everyone will see you. I realize you don't want to wear your Sunday best because you are carrying plants and water and dirt, etc ... but come on. Everyone else is dressed in their finest. Brides may want to ask their florist about it. Well, there goes the referrals from the floral industry.
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Violinist Steven Vance
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