Antoinette's Page

Vol. 3, No.32, Monday, November 26, 2012

TITLE: “ CONCERT REVIEWS: Al Bano Carrisi e’ la mia vita & nel sole / Joe Avati & Back to Basics Tour/SHOW BUSINESS (lyrics, quotes, Broadway): I like it a lot!*” 

INTRODUCTION

Recently, I had the opportunity to go out for the evening twice in one week and I saw two shows. This was truly entertainment … Italian style. The first headliner was  Joe Avati – he is an Australian comic of Italian descent. Al Bano was the star of the second concert – he  is described as the voice of Italy.

 Today, I will write a review and share some of my personal thoughts. This also got me thinking about show business … as a career path. They made it – not many do. This then is my added topic for this week. My book of the week is “Music Business Handbook and Career Guide [Hardcover] – Ninth Edition David Baskerville (Author), Tim Baskerville (Author) (Editor’s Note: This is another in the continuing series on general category.) 

ANTOINETTE’S LIFE & TIMES*

Joe Avati: I had been inquiring about purchasing tickets for Joe Avati’s comedy show.  I was lucky to get free tickets.  He was absolutely hilarious.  He spoke of situations and experiences growing up. Being of Italian descent and his generation, I was able to identify. He makes Italians feel proud of their heritage. I especially enjoyed the “Nona Maria” segment.  He has been called the “Italian Seinfeld” … I agree.

Al Bano: As a young girl, although North American music is where my radio dial is on day-to-day, I was also in tune with Italian music. I was and am still passionate about Italian music – I know many of the popular entertainers.

My Mom had subscribed to an Italian television station and therefore had access to programs from Italy. Al Bano was one of her favorite entertainers. She often talked about Al Bano and how much my parents enjoyed his shows on television.  She referred to him as having a golden voice.  Just before she passed away, she spoke of one of his shows that she had just seen and this gave her great pleasure. Now that both of my parents have passed away, I feel the need to maintain my heritage.

Al Bano has performed at San Remo Music Festival and the Eurovision Song contest numerous times. When I heard from a friend that he was on tour and would be coming to my home town, we tried to buy tickets. Happily, there were still some left. The concert brought tears to my eyes because it reminded me of my parents. It brought me back to when I’d visit their house and the radio and television stations were always on the Italian channels. I sat there at the beginning of the show wishing my parents were there with me to see Al Bano live. In my heart, I felt they were with me in spirit.  His performance was fantastic – he truly has a beautiful voice … rich and smooth.  I enjoyed it immensely. He makes Italians feel proud of their heritage. He has been called the “The Golden Voice of Italy”. I agree.

Show business:  

Music runs in my family – two of my brothers are musicians and they write their own music. I witnessed their hard work: studying the basics and practice, practice, practice, etc.  

One of my brothers is the director of a music school.  Once a year, his school presents a recital-show.   He invited us to attend.  The students were amazing … so enthusiastic.  The show ended with one of his star students. He is so talented – I have watched his progress through the years. He performed two songs, one was an Italian duet.  He was fantastic. Hopefully, he will make it big in show business.       

THE AUTHOR: David Baskerville 

David Baskerville earned a Ph.D. in music from UCLA. Baskerville is a consultant to companies in the entertainment industry: Walt Disney Productions and Vidmar Communications. His employment history includes: (a) Staff composer-conductor for NBC-Hollywood; (b) Arranger for Nelson Riddle, Paramount Pictures, and 20th Century Fox; television producer for BBC-London; (c) Conductor at Radio City Music Hall; trombonist with the Seattle Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and NBC-Hollywood orchestra; (d) Executive Vice President of Ad-Staff, Inc.; producer of award-winning broadcast commercials; (e) Executive Editor of Tor Music Publishing Company; and (f) President of Sherwood Recording Studios, Los Angeles.

Books/Articles:

To name a few, several are:

• Music Business Handbook and Career Guide by David Baskerville and Tim Baskerville (Oct 20 2009)
• Music Business Handbook and Career Guide by David Baskerville and Baskerville Communications Corporation (2000)
• Music Business Handbook and Career Guide by David Baskerville (Jun 28 2005)
• Music Business Handbook and Career Guide by David Baskerville and Lynnette Pennings (Aug 2000)
• Music Business Handbook & Career Guide: Ascap Award Winner by David Baskerville (1995)
• Music Business Handbook & Career Guide by David Baskerville (Oct 1990)  

THE BOOK: Music Business Handbook and Career Guide [Hardcover] – Ninth Edition by David Baskerville (Author), Tim Baskerville (Author)

The world has changed with computing, cable and new media, worldwide network, technology, etc. So has the music industry. Baskerville has written a book to aid new artists to understand more of today’s music business. This book includes:  (a) Digital technology; (b) Marketing and distribution channels; (c) Independent musician option; (d) Producers; (e) Satellite and internet radio; etc. This is a solid text – it has now reached its Ninth Edition. If young and coming in the “biz”, you need to be up-to-date. Checking this out will help. 

CONCLUSION

Entertainment is part of our day-to-day. We enjoy it a lot. Because we are so diverse culturally throughout the world, heritage plays a part in our enjoyment. And celebrity makes show business a sought after occupation.

Personal Comments

I say:

Joe Avati  & Al Bano

• That stepping out for a night on the town is good. Going to a show is better.  Going to a show of a world class entertainer like Joe Avati & Al Bano is best. I loved their shows. Don’t miss a chance to see them in person.  

Italian heritage

• That Italians are very passionate
• That the Italian language is very musical
• That with our easygoing Italian way of life, music is very important to Italians. They like music of every type. “Il divertimento” in Italy is listening to music, playing an instrument, singing, etc.  We have a very rich heritage.
• That Italians are very fond of music festivals. A famous celebration is the Venice Carnival, which takes place in February. (The word, “Carnival” derives from the words carne vale – which means ‘farewell to meat’, before the start of Lent.) During the summer months many are hosted throughout the country. Italy hosts many musical events outdoors in the summer. Some of Italy’s summer most popular festivals and events are: Festival dei Due Mondi; Umbria Jazz Festival; Trasimeno Music Festival; Estate Romana; Verona Opera; Lake Como Festival: Music on LakeComo; Puccini Festival; Tuscia Opera Festival.
• That Italy is renowned for their operas. La Scala in Milan and the Teatro dell’ Opera in Rome hold many high-quality opera and ballet performances. 

Show business

• That it’s not an easy life. So few really succeed
• That having talent is necessary, but in my opinion,  writing your own material is the key for real success.

The Point

It’s important to have rest and recreation – it contributes to life satisfaction. World class entertainment is very satisfying.

It’s important to maintain your heritage.  It enriches your life and adds a flavor to your day-to-day living.

If show business is your dream and it’s what you want to do, know that the chances of making it are very slim.

ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*

1. Make time for fun – enjoying yourself brings happiness
2. Watch or listen to great performers – this will make you smile.

Heritage 

3. Read newspapers, magazines, books, etc. by authors from the old country.

4. Buy CDs of performers from back home.

5. Switch on programming (TV, radio, Internet media, etc.) in your mother tongue.

6. Attend cultural events of your community of national origin.

7. Celebrate who you are – one way I do this is going to a show of an Italian entertainer.

Show business

8. Do some research – it’s important to understand what the life is about.

9. Get opinions, from people with experience, about the quality of your talent  – it might hurt but maybe they’re being kind.

10. Establish your own personal style. If a singer, write your own songs; or if a musician, write some music; or if a comic, write your jokes

Are you not glad that I held a ticket just for you? With great performances, as part of a good audience, all that is left is to respond with an ovation and much applause. So if you please, stand up and put your two hands together. Bravo!

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”

PREVIEW (now tentatively re-scheduled for early January 2013): I was at the gym awhile back and a fellow was explaining to a young woman (a newbee at weights and workout machines) that discipline was essential if you want to get fit and in shape. It got me to thinking about (self-) discipline to being the key to success whatever the pursuit. That week, I will upload a post on  discipline … as long as I stay disciplined enogh to write it! Please come by to see if I managed to do it!

P.S. Wowee …Wowee Shop Valente is finally open; and my new line of Antoinette La Posta* brand of clothing is now available. There is still much more to come to the Save and Read* Web site. Watch for it!

 P.P.S. #1 I have a TWITTER page. Consider becoming a follower? Visit www.twitter.com –   saveandread
P.P.S. #2 I also have a FACEBOOK page. Consider becoming a friend? Visit: www.facebook.com – Alp Save Andread – please check it out.
P.P.S. #3 I am on Linkedin. Consider becoming a connection? Visit  www.linkedin.com – Antoinette La Posta
CREDITS

-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com

The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.
*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
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NEED SOMETHING FURTHER? TRY SAVE AND READ* (S&R*) BACKGROUNDER: ANTOINETTE’S 1, 2, 3, & 4

ONE – “I SHOULD HAVE SAID THAT!*” – QUOTES 

S & R* QUOTE #1: George Washington Carver

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because some day in life you will have been all of these.”  (Source: Wisdom Quotes) –  http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/index10.html)

 S & R* QUOTE #2: Albert Camus

« All men have a sweetness in their life. That is what helps them go on. It is towards that they turn when they feel too worn out. » (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/index10.html)

S & R* QUOTE #3: Thomas F. Healey

« Don’t strew me with roses after I’m dead.

When Death claims the light of my brow,

No flowers of life will cheer me: instead

You may give me my roses now! »

 (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/index10.html)

TWO – “IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “show business”; Joe Alvati; Al Bano

Show Business

“Show business, sometimes shortened to show biz or showbiz (since ca. 1945),^[1] is a vernacular term for all aspects of entertainment, especially light entertainment.^[1] The word applies to all aspects of the entertainment industry from the business side (including managers, agents, producers and distributors) to the creative element (including artists, performers, writers, musicians and technicians).” (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Show_business

Joe Avati

“Joe Avati (born 1974) is an Italian-Australian comedian who is popular among Italian and descendant of Italians from his native Australia, as well as in Canada, United Kingdom and the United States, where he has performed on several occasions.” (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Avati

Albano Carrisi

“Albano Carrisi (born 20 May 1943), better known as Al Bano, is an Italian singer, actor and winemaker.” (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albano_Carrisi

THREE – STUDY/STATISTICS:

“Definition: The Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation sector (sector 71) of the 1997 Economic Census includes a wide range of establishments that operate facilities or provide services to meet varied cultural, entertainment, and recreational interests of their patrons. This sector comprises (1) establishments that are involved in producing, promoting, or participating in live performances, events, or exhibits intended for public viewing; (2) establishments that preserve and exhibit objects and sites of historical, cultural, or educational interest; and (3) establishments that operate facilities or provide services that enable patrons to participate in recreational activities or pursue amusement, hobby, and leisure time interests.

Comparability with SIC data: The Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation sector (new) primarily includes establishments that were classified in SIC Division I, Services. Most establishments included in this sector were included in SIC major groups 79 and 84. Authors, composers, and writers, part of SIC major group 89, are included in this sector. Marinas, part of SIC Division E, Transportation, Communications, and Utilities, and dinner theaters, part of SIC Division G, Retail Trade, are also included in this sector. Sports instruction and recreational equipment rental, both part of SIC major group 79, are included in the Educational Services sector and the Real Estate and Rental and Leasing sector respectively.” (Source: U.S. Census Bureau) – http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/97EC71.HTM)

Al Bano

“He was born in the town of Cellino San Marco (province of Brindisi, Puglia in Southern Italy), where he still lives.

He made his debut in 1966 both as a singer, at the Festival delle Rose, and on television. He won the Disco per l’Estate, an Italian song contest, with “Pensando a te” in 1968. He recorded some major hits such as “La siepe” and “Nel sole” at that time. “Nel sole” sold 600,000 copies in Italy within three months of release, and eventually over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc in July 1968.^[1]

Al Bano still tours all over the world. He is a constant on Italian television and has a large number of fans who follow his career very closely. To date Al Bano has sold 165 million albums around the world. Albano has visited Albania a number of times. He was there for a concert in 1989 and has been enjoying great popularity there.^{[citation needed]} (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albano_Carrisi)

Joe Avati

“Joe Avati (born 1974) is an Italian-Australian comedian who is popular among Italian and descendant of Italians from his native Australia, as well as in Canada, United Kingdom and the United States, where he has performed on several occasions.

Avati’s observational brand of comedy have earned him comparisons to Jerry Seinfeld, and in promotions he is referred to as “the Italian Seinfeld”. His observations are drawn from the life around his Italian family, particularly his experiences growing up. The characters and traits that Avati mentions seem to be universal in Italian families, which is why audiences familiar with this cultures are able to identify with him.

He kicked off his career by releasing a tape entitled “Livin’ la Dole-Cheque Vita” in late 1999. He also released [Live and Unpluggato] in late 2000 which was placed on the internet as a downloadable MP3. This album went on to become the number one selling comedy album in Canada for 18 months.

There is a lot of material available on CD and DVD featuring Avati including a double CD entitled “The Best of Joe Avati Live” while a popular DVD called “Joe Avati Live in Canada“.

Avati is now in the middle of shooting a feature film about the Italian life in Australia in New York and Montreal.

Currently Joe Avati is in a show called VIVA LOST WAGES touring around Australia and as of the 20th May 2009 is the co-host of an Australian TV Show called Food Investigators on SBS TV utilising both his comedic skills and his double degree in Food Science to educate the people of Australia all about food.” (Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Avati)

FOUR – BONUS ARTICLES

S & R*NEWS ALERT*#1: A home-theatre upgrade brightens winter nights

“The value of home entertainment electronics skyrockets in winter. Instead of heading out into the deepfreeze for music, movies, fun and games, all we have to do is retreat to the cozy living room to be dazzled and that includes a truly immersive 3D theatre experience. Here, from LG Electronics, are two of this year’s most exciting developments for your own entertainment hub:

Smart 3D TV: Smart means Internet-enabled, and 3D means lifelike, razor-sharp images for both HD and 3D video and television programming. Combined, the value is tops and leading the pack is the 55″ Cinema 3D Smart TV. The Magic Remote makes it easy to point, click and control with intuitive hand gestures. Connect to your favourite online apps, movies, music, videos, games, and web browsing and wirelessly, you can share content from your smartphone, laptop, and tablet and view it on the big screen TV. When 3D shows are played, six pairs of battery-free, specialty glasses are supplied for family and friends.

Music Magic: iPod docking stations have become a work of art. Take a look, for example, at the new designs of LG’s iPod Docks. They deliver crisp, clear sound, and have subwoofers for richer quality. These iPod docks are compatible with Mp3 players and Android smartphones too.” More information at: www.lg.com. www.newscanada.com

S & R*NEWS ALERT*#2: Tips for throwing a successful holiday soirée

“Throwing a successful party is something many of us aspire to do when this time of year rolls around. While some may be party planners by nature, most of us may find this a daunting task. Here are a few tips to make you feel like the host(ess) with the most(est).

Three things to consider when planning the perfect holiday soirée:

Décor/theme Decide on a theme for your décor and run with it. It can be traditional red and green colours or perhaps your favourite colour let’s say purple with festive silver accents. Incorporate your theme’s colours into the lighting, holiday decorations, and even your party outfit whatever you decide on, it’s the details that really make for effective party décor.

Music Having the right mood music can really set the tone for your party. Whether its holiday music, easy listening, classic rock, hip hop or Top 40, you’ll never suffer from awkward silences with tunes playing in the background. For example, satellite radio offers access to more than 120 channels and more than 65 of them are dedicated to commercial-free music. Great sports, talk, news, entertainment and comedy are also available so you can keep guests dancing, informed and entertained, all from one device. More information is available online at www.siriusxm.ca.

Food Decide whether you want to lay out a full spread for a sit-down dinner or simply have hors d’oeuvres and finger foods for your friends to snack on, cocktail party style. Food plays a big part in throwing a successful party at any time of the year, and the way in which you choose to present it can sometimes define the party. A formal, intimate dinner, or a bigger party that allows people to mingle and not have food be the focal point the choice is yours to make when deciding how you want your party to flow.” www.newscanada.com

*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

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