It also means we must make plans to attend the concerts we’ve been waiting for.
Here are some of the shows scheduled in November
that you won’t want to miss.
The hottest ticket in town will be for Norah Jones and the Handsome Band at the Sound Advice Ampitheatre on Nov. 14. In addition to Jones’ incredible skills as a pianist and singer, she has put together a marvelous band, including drummer Andrew Borger, who I feel will eventually rank with the greatest drummers of a generation. In my opinion, he is the natural successor to Steve Gad. Add in Adam Levy and Robbie McIntosh, both guitar virtuosos, and bassist Lee Alexander and you are guaranteed a great musical ride.
Daru Oda has been included on the tour for her magical background vocals and her voice is the perfect complement to Norah’s. This show is the last night of the tour and if you’ve never been to a final tour engagement of a truly
tight band, you definitely don’t want to miss this show.
Ravi Shankar must be very proud of his daughter, Norah, who already has a Grammy under her belt and knows
how to turn on her audience. A chip off the old sitar!
Echoes Of The Grateful Dead
One of the most comfortable venues in South Florida has to be the Pompano
Ampitheatre. I love an outdoor concert, and I
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have caught some really eclectic acts here under the stars. The
Darkstar Orchestra, appearing on Nov. 6, is for
all of us Deadheads who just refuse to let go. Papa Jerry
may be gone, but in his spirit this group of guys doesn’t
just cover the Grateful Dead, they actually recreate an entire show from the original playlist, song for song, in the
same arrangements.
And you never know what show it will be until that evening. The original showdate is announced at the end of the night. Rolling Stone magazine once called it the band that “channels the Dead.” All I know is that I had a blast the last time I caught this band and if you still miss Jerry and the boys, this is actually much more fun than “The Others.”
Rick Springfield is scheduled to come to the Pompano Ampitheatre on Nov. 13. Yes, Rick is still around and puts
on an energetic show, even if the only song you will remember is Jessie’s Girl or if you were just a fan of his from his
General Hospital days. (Ahhhh … Dr. Noah Drake!)
Switching Gears With Lappin
And now for something completely different …
Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops. I always have
a wonderful time at these shows. First and foremost, Lappin has assembled a phenomenal symphonic pops orchestra. Maestro Lappin is a master of theme, and will be kicking
off this season with the music of Frank Loesser. He has also scheduled a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald in January with the incredible Patti Austin, which should be a swinging affair.
For the Loesser show, you can choose your venue; FAU on Nov. 5, 6 and 7 or the Kravis Center on Nov. 9 and 10.
Do the right thing and support this orchestra — buy the whole season. You won’t regret it.
And finally, if you are looking for the year’s best CD, you will want to listen to Genius Loves Company, Ray Charles’ final recording. His voice sounds a little bit frayed by illness, but his obvious joy working with these 12 other notable vocalists shines through. My favorite song would have to
be Somewhere Over The Rainbow with Johnny Mathis and the most memorable song is the live version of Crazy Love with Van Morrison. And mark this down. I’m betting Jamie Foxx will get an Oscar for his performance in the new movie about the genius himself, Ray.
Until next month, keep rocking!
Radio talk show host Joyce Kaufman is on 640 WJNA, weekdays from
2-7 p.m. She has been on the air in South Florida for the last 13 years
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