Fishbowl Records: John Prine & Amos Lee at the Saenger Theater
COREY FANCHER & MEG MIMMS
Contributing Writers
MOBILE, AL. – Before the Christmas holiday, John Prine once again charmed his audience, this time at the Saenger Theater in Mobile, Al.
Amos Lee opened up for the legend and joined Prine on stage for a few songs. It was apparent Mobile loved Lee from the number of people in attendance for his set, along with the cheers and applause.
Lee is no stranger to the area, cracking jokes about having too many Bushwhackers at last years’ Hangout Music Festival. His storytelling and lyrics were a perfect fit for the opening slot. Highlights from his set include: Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight (opener), Supply and Demand and two remarkable closing numbers, El Camino and Windows are Rolled Down, from his last album, Mission Bell.
Then, it was Prine time.
The music icon opened his set with some great material, but Six O’clock News really electrified the crowd. Prine delivered with his trademark raspy voice, telling the crowd afterwards he had a bad habit of killing off his lead character in the early songs, leaving no room for sequels!
When he launched into Souvenirs, the crowd went wild. The classic line, ”Broken hearts and dirty windows, make it difficult to see, and that’s why last night and this morning, always look the same to me,” is one of those lines that seems to connect us to his music, simply because we all experience the same pain and doubt.
No Prine show in the great state of Alabama would be complete without a version of Angel from Montgomery. He slowed the tempo down and gave the crowd their money’s worth. His voiced filled the theater with powerful words that sank into minds and hearts, speaking words in times of sadness, laughter and uplifting into simple clarity.
This singer/songwriter is not always recognized for his beautiful creation of Angel from Montgomery, since it’s been covered by several other artist, but none have sang it better than the man himself on this special night.
After treating the crowd to a haunting version of Christmas in Prison, Prine quickly lightened the mood with a hilarious story about he and his buddies’ Christmas tradition – putting a fully decorated tree in the back of a pickup truck, going down to their local bar and playing an impromptu gig, with the tree propped in the corner.
With the crowd engaged, he launched into a bluegrass version of his classic, Fish and Whistle. Everyone sang along with the chorus, ‘Father forgive us for what we must do, you forgive us and we’ll forgive you. We’ll forgive each other till we both turn blue. Then, we’ll whistle and go fishing in heaven.
Those of us that grew up listening to John Prine – his stories, songs and ability to fill a theater with laughter – we know what an amazing storyteller and entertainer the man is. His music is a comforting reminder of the many souvenirs left to linger on in our lives.
Mobile, and Alabama, looks forward to our next opportunity to have an evening with him
A concert in a series of performing arts entertainment at
An Intimate Evening with Beverly Jo Scott – Friday June 10
Benefit for Centre for the Living Arts and Saenger Theatre Chandelier Restoration Fund
Limited Seating – 175 tickets
Terrace Bar opens at 6:30 PM, Concert at 8:00 PM
Reservations guaranteed with payment. Tickets required. LIMIT 175. Tickets: All tickets will have an additional $2.00 fee for Saenger Restoration Fund Individual Tickets - $27.00 for CLA members, $37.00 for non-members
8 VIP Tables for seating of 6 are $252.00
CLA Members may purchase tickets Monday 5/16
Non Members may begin buying on Friday 5/20
For reservations and information call the Saenger Box Office at 208-5600
BUDDY GUY
Live at the Saenger Theater, Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets on Sale now at ticketmaster.com.
Guy was born in Lettsworth, Louisiana but moved to Chicago where he came under the influence of Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, and other blues guitarists. He is one of Rolling Stones’ 100 Greatest Guitarists and has influence innumerable rock and blues guitarists.
If you know anything about New Orleans music at all then these two legends need no introduction, but for the unfortunate others listen here – you’ll be amazed how many of their songs you know:
Allen Toussaint is a New Orleans performer and producer as well as writer of such songs as “Working in the Coalmine” (Yes, the one done by Devo), “Southern Nights” (done by Glen Campbell), “Yes We Can Can” (Pointer Sisters), “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley” (Robert Palmer, Ringo Starr), ”On Your Way Down” (Phish, Widespread Panic, Little Feat, Iron Butterfly), ”Get Out Of My Life Woman” (The Doors, Jerry Garcia Band), “Fortune Teller (Rolling Stones, The Who, Robert Plant & Allison Krauss) and many many more. He has worked with innumerable artists, such as Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello and The Band (there you go, Max).
Toussaint’s break came at age 17 when he stood in for Huey Smith at a performance with Earl King’s band in Prichard (Alabama).
Irma Thomas, the “Soul Queen of New Orleans”, has also worked with and been covered by innumerable international artists with her hits like “It’s Raining” and “Ruler of My Heart.”
The Music of Led Zeppelin performed by the Mobile Symphony Orchestra Saturday, May 7 8:00pm
Rock on! The Mobile Symphony Orchestra performs The Music of Led Zeppelin at the Saenger Theatre on May 7, 2011. Amplified by a full rock band and accompanied by singer Randy Jackson’s screaming vocals, creator Brent Havens guest conducts the ensemble as they capture Led Zeppelin’s “sheer blast and power,” riff for riff while churning out new musical colors. Tickets begin at just $30!
Mobile’s Symphony welcomes guest conductor Brent Havens and Randy Jackson- vocalist
The Mobile Symphony and Serda’s Coffee Company invite music
and wine lovers to enjoy fine chocolates, phenomenal wines and love
themes from the stage and screen on February 12 for a Celebration of
Valentine’s Day. Your perfect evening begins with a wine tasting at
Serda’s on Royal St. at 6 p.m. Then stroll a couple of blocks to the
Saenger Theatre for a Valentine Romance Pops Concert at 8 p.m.
Valentine Romance Package is just $30.
Tickets can be purchased at Serda’s Coffee Company or Mobile
Symphony Box Office. Availability is limited so get your tickets early!
Available as ticket package only. For more information, call 432-2010
Visit us online at mobilesymphony.org
Mobile Opera Presents “The Light in the Piazza”
Saturday, February 5, 7:30 p.m.
Saenger Theatre
Already hailed as an American classic, this musical is quickly moving into the opera houses of North America. Adam Guettel, grandson of Richard Rodgers, takes the audience to Italy during the summer of 1953. This beautiful love story will set your heart on fire… just in time for Valentine’s Day!
‘NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live Tour’
Sunday, February 20, 2011 At 07:30 PM
The “Last Comic Standing Live Tour” will feature the finalists from the popular series.
MIKE DESTEFANO
Mike has been a stand-up comedian for ten years. A former heroin addict, Mike has been clean for 11 years and performs regularly at prisons and rehab centers pro bono. He lives in the Bronx, downstairs from his mother. Mike has appeared on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Comedy Central Presents: Live at Gotham,” and had his own half-hour special “Comedy Central Presents: Mike DeStefano.”
FELIPE ESPARZA
Felipe has been a stand-up comedian for 14 years. He was raised in East Los Angeles (Boyle Heights), and has worked closely with fellow comedians Paul Rodriguez, Gabriel Iglesias and Russell Peters. He got his first taste of major exposure when he appeared on a Showtime “Diamonds in the Rough” segment early in his career. Since then, he’s appeared on numerous television shows, including “Comics Unleashed,” “Premium Blend,” and “Comics Without Borders.” He also completed production on his first major motion picture – based on his stand-up material – called “I’m Not Like That No More,” in which he stars opposite Paul Rodriguez.
TOMMY JOHNAGIN
Tommy grew up in Benton, Illinois and currently resides in St. Louis. He has been a stand-up comedian for almost 10 years. Tommy started in standup at the age of 18, and dropped out of college three years later to become a full-time comedian. Recently, he appeared in his own half-hour special “Comedy Central Presents: Tommy Johnagin” in 2009. In addition, Tommy’s credits include “Late Show with David Letterman” and Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham.”
MYQ KAPLAN
Myq Kaplan is 31 years old and currently lives in New York City with his girlfriend. He recently appeared on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,” and his half-hour Comedy Central special entitled “Comedy Central Presents: Myq Kaplan” debuted in April. In 2009, he won New York’s Funniest Standup Competition. Myq tours North America regularly – having performed thousands of shows at comedy clubs all over the country. He’s been a stand-up comedian for nearly eight years.
ROY WOOD, JR.
Roy was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama and is 31 years old. He’s been a comic for 12 years. Roy has opened for comedians ranging from D.L. Hughley and Mo’nique, to Ron White and Bill Engvall. In 2008, Roy was featured on the new season of HBO’s “Russell Simmon’s Def Comedy Jam,” and E! Network’s “Chelsea Lately.” Prior to that, he appeared on “Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen,” and Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend.” Roy is a freelance writer for a variety of morning shows, and his prank calls can now be heard on more than 40 national radio shows, including Jamie Foxx’s Foxxhole Radio on Sirius|XM Satellite Radio
LEON RUSSELL
“The Master of Space and Time” featuring a performance by Grayson Capps and The Lost Cause Minstrels!
2011 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee to play the Saenger Tues Feb 22
Tickets will be $55 and $25 (plus service charge). The $55 tickets are very limited.
Tickets are on sale now.
Leon Russell is a music legend and perhaps the most accomplished and versatile musician in the history of rock ‘n roll. In his distinguished and unique 50 year career, he has played on, arranged, written and/or produced some of the best records in popular music.
Leon has played on pop, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, standards, gospel, and surf records. As a session musician, arranger, producer, singer, songwriter, pianist, guitarist, record company owner, bandleader, and touring musician, he has collaborated with hundreds of artists, including Glen Campbell, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, Edgar Winter, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, J.J. Cale, David Gates, Bruce Hornsby, Hal Blaine, Tommy Tedesco, Bobby “Boris” Pickett, B.B. King, Freddie King, Bill Wyman, Steve Cropper, Carl Radle, Chuck Blackwell, Don Preston, Jesse Ed Davis, Rita Coolidge, Gram Parsons, Barbra Streisand, Ike & Tina Turner, Ricky Nelson, Herb Alpert, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Ann-Margret, Dean Martin, Marvin Gaye, Dave Mason, Steve Winwood, and groups such as Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, The Monkees, The Astronauts, The Accents, The Fencemen, The Ventures, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Jan & Dean, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Rolling Stones, The Ronettes, The Crystals, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Everly Brothers, The Righteous Brothers, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Tractors and on and on and on…
Leon played on hundreds of hit records in the 1960’s. He was part of studio groups such as The Routers and The Super Stocks. The Routers recorded the huge hit “Let’s Go” and The Super Stocks recorded surf and hot rod tunes. In 1964, Leon was a member of the the house band on the Shindig! show on ABC television which showcased the top pop acts.
Leon built a recording studio in his home in 1967 where he and Marc Benno recorded songs which were released on two critically acclaimed records as the ‘Asylum Choir’.
Leon co-produced, arranged, and played piano, organ, and guitar on Joe Cocker’s second album, ‘Joe Cocker!’ in 1969. He also recorded and toured with ‘Delaney & Bonnie & Friends’.
Leon founded Shelter Records with partner Denny Cordell and released Leon’s first solo album, “Leon Russell” in May, 1970. It included Beatles George Harrison and Ringo Starr, Rolling Stones Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, and Klaus Voorman. The album contained classic Leon songs, ‘A Song For You’, along with ‘Hummingbird’, and ‘Delta Lady’.
As a songwriter, Leon’s songs have hit the charts across all genres and have been covered by a diverse range of artists. Ray Charles recorded ‘A Song For You’, B.B. King had a hit with ‘Hummingbird’, The Carpenters with ‘Superstar’ and Joe Cocker with ‘Delta Lady’. The Carpenter’s cover of “Superstar”, written by Leon and Bonnie Bramlett, went to #2 on the pop music charts. George Benson won the “Record of the Year” Grammy in 1976 for his cover of Leon’s song, “This Masquerade”, and it became the first song in music history to hit #1 on the jazz, pop and R&B charts.
On August 1st, 1971, Leon joined George Harrison and friends for two performances of the Concert For Bangladesh at Madison Square Garden in New York to raise money for refugees. His “Jumpin’ Jack Flash/Youngblood” medley was considered the highlight of the show by some. The album won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
The “Carney” album, released in 1972, would be his best seller and included the single, “Tight Rope” which reached #11 on the pop music charts.
By 1972, Leon was a major concert attraction. Billboard Magazine named Leon the top concert attraction for 1973.
At the height of his popularity as a rock star, Leon released a country music album, “Hank Wilson’s Back” under the name Hank Wilson on August 31st,1973.
His last Shelter Records studio album, “Will O’ The Wisp” (1975), included the hit single “Lady Blue” (#14 on the charts) and went Gold. “The Best Of Leon” was released in 1976 and earned a 6th Gold Record.
Leon founded Paradise Records, a Warner Bros. label and released albums from 1976-84 such as “The Wedding Album”, “Make Love To The Music”, “Americana”, “Life And Love”, “Solid State” and “Hank Wilson Vol. II”.
Leon co-hosted with Willie Nelson, the first of Willie’s 4th of July picnics. Leon has continued to be a regular performer at Willie’s picnics through the years. Leon joined Willie on tour and they teamed in 1979 for the country album, “One For The Road”, which earned a Gold record and was honored by the Country Music Association with a nomination for “Album Of The Year”. The album included the song “Heartbreak Hotel” that won the Grammy Award in 1980 for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
Leon and Edgar Winter toured together in the late 1980’s. In 1992, he teamed up with Bruce Hornsby (producer) for the album “Anything Can Happen” released on Virgin Records. Edgar Winter also played on the album. In 1998 “Hank Wilson Vol. 3: Legend In My Time” and 1999’s “Face In The Crowd”. In 2001, Russell played with Earl Scruggs and Friends on “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” which earned a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance.
In April 2006, Leon was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Bare Bones International Film Festival. In October 2006, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Leon performed at the 2010 Grammys with the Zac Brown Band. He performed with Elton John at Music Cares honoring Neil Young in January 2010.
Leon and Sir Elton John recorded a duet album, The Union, with T-Bone Burnett producing which was released in October.
Leon’s musical style is still resonating with his lifelong fans and is inspiring younger listeners who are discovering his music from either the ‘Mad Dogs & Englishmen’ or ‘Concert For Bangladesh’ DVDs.
On December 2 & 3, the Playhouse will stage the Christmas classic “Babes In Toyland” at the historic Saenger Theater in downtown Mobile at 6 Joachim Street.
The Playhouse production of “Babes in Toyland” is based on the operetta composed by Victor Herbert and weaves together various characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes into a Christmas-themed musical extravaganza. All ages will delight in this fanciful production that includes original musical and dance numbers, and festive scenery and costumes.
School Shows are $7.00; teachers are admitted free for the performance. One additional chaperone for every 15 students is also admitted free of charge. Performances are at 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on December 2 & 3.
Tickets for the public performance are $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for students and senior citizens 65 and older. The public performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. on December 3 at the Saenger.
