Well before heading down to the sunshine state, thought I would check in with some mid-year observations.

The first half of 2013 was and still is a great year so far but as I look forward to my 2nd half, I am looking forward to new challenges.  It's funny that in this industry you loose some and win some.   We (an entire tech and production team) lost a major event in September which really puts a damper on your financial projections, but all is not lost.   There are other opportunities that will come along and make up for not only the money lost, but will be added opportunities down the road.  My second half of the year is always exciting with upcoming events such as:  The International Emmy Awards, Michael J. Fox, Princess Grace Foundation, Peter Gabriel's "Witness" gala, etc.  These are all very high end projects and again, I feel blessed to be a part of this community known as "ENTERTAINMENT".

So enjoy the rest of your summer as we all move on and forward to NEW EXCITING TIMES!

What do Major League Baseball, the NY Philharmonic and Mariah Carey have in common?

A CONCERT IN CENTRAL PARK, NY on the eve of Major League Baseballs All-Star game at Citi Field.

Putting these 3 elements together made for a great evening of entertainment.  Having the opportunity to direct this show on July 13, 2013 was interesting and an honor to say the least.   These 3 parts of the puzzle are about as opposite to one another as you can be, but when you combine them, not only does it work,  it rolled as one and being in Central Park, NY just added to the excitement.

Our reviews were excellent!  The evening started out with the NY Philharmonic on-stage as they brought up  the legendary Joe Torre to read "Casey At The Bat", closing out the the first half of the evening with Mariah Carey.

After a short intermission, again, the NY Philharmonic and conductor Al Gilbert set the tone of NY.  Mariah Carey once again to closed the show, But, in NY fashion that was not enough as to end this evening of collaboration, a fireworks display filled the air that gave the evening that NYC signature.

For me, it was a hot, humid and challenging 2 day event that was not without Murphy's Law, But in the end?  Well, lets use a baseball term.  "WE KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK".

Another one for the record books!!!

I cannot believe how fast the years have past.  I'm not complaining mind you, just saying.  I have been in this business over 30 years.  It's been a wild ride up to this point, so I thought now is as good as any to start to write about my career.  The past years are well documented and most of you have heard the stories, so this blog starts NOW!  

I have met some of the most professional and creative people this business of entertainment has to offer and worked in some of the most incredible venues such as; Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Fillmore West, Jazz at Lincoln Center, South America and Europe just to name a few.  

From the celebs, producers, production and labor teams who I have worked with and learned from, I cannot tell you how proud and honored I am to be a part of this community.  Yes, I have worked with some who, lets just say should not have selected this career path.  But for the most part, I have been lucky to have worked with some of the best in the entertainment industry.  So, to all of you, I thank you for the opportunity and look forward to MANY more years of making it happen.

Remember that age is just a number, it's your mindset that keeps you young and alive.  Everyone I know in this industry who is over... well you know who you are, are the most alive people I have ever run across.  This business keeps your mind ticking and your body in-tune (although, some will disagree).  The long days, the long hours, the long trips, the long tours are all a part of this and we have to at the end of the day, "MAKE IT HAPPEN" and WE DO!!!!

Now, enough preaching, but I wanted you not in our business to get a sense of our commitment to this world of entertainment.

Rock On!

AFP