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For the most part, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks special last night on NBC was solid entertainment.
In particular, Country & Western Star - Brad Paisley - was a stand-out in a performance that left audiences crying out for an encore!
The kid was charismatic and exuded a good-time quality that resonated with fans below the footlights, too.
Unfortunately, Beyonce was having a "bad hair" day and it was downright distracting.
The frazzled "do" (did she fall asleep under the hair-dryer or what?) was replete with tacky dark roots and dry wispy fly-away ends that took flight this-way-and-that whenever the wind whipped across the stage (which was often).
On the other hand, the chanteuse wisely elected to don a chic understated designer gown, which she aaccessorized tastefully with a stunning necklace - that ultimately - flattered her long graceful neck.
One tune was surprisingly just so-so!
But, the Pop Diva's high-energy performance managed to prevent the entire set from fizzling out before our very eyes, in spite of the odds against it.
No problem there in respect to the spectacular pyrotechnics which were literally dazzling in scope.
The musical arrangements laid-in beneath the stunning visuals triggered a stream of consciousness - for me, anyway -which couldn't help but usher up a flood of emotions (patriotic ones, for starters) and reflection.
Unfortunately, the production values were spotty.
Pedestrian direction (and poor camera-work) diminished the special event to amateurish proportions on occasion.
For example, when Nick Lachey (the host for the evening's festivities) attempted to introduce the broadcast at the top of the show, his voice was drowned out by a spirited gang of guests at his side who squealed with delight as soon as the director called "action" from behind the NBC camera.
A seasoned pro would have anticipated the obvious.
For good reason, the director should have instructed the attendees to remain on the sidelines silently until Mr. Lachey delivered up his intro without interruption, and for the benefit of the viewing audience at home.
A raucous cheer at the end of Lachey's show-opener would have been the professional way to go!
Sadly, the niggling dilemma continued throughout the broadcast and was annoying as heck.
I was also surprised that the musical director failed to issue a note to the performer who elected to go into "uncharted waters" in respect to the rather uneven rendition of "Amazing Grace".
To me, the artistic choices were so jarring, that they reminded me of the irritating sounds fingernails dredge up on a blackboard.
Oh, well!
In spite of the shortcomings, Paisley came up smelling roses with a 4-star performance.
Later!
http://www.thetattler.biz
The role of the Master
is to awaken
the seeker
with a cosmic
slap!
Julian Ayrs
Zen Gems
Collection of Poems
(Las Vegas)
2011
A handful of Americas will probably be stocking the kitchen, counting their blessings, and hunkering down in the family living-room for an old-fashioned "Independence Day" celebration at home on the 4th of July.
In that event, armchair enthusiasts are bound to flip on the television and catch the much-anticipated - "Gift of Freedom" broadcast - featuring a live performance by Beyonce.
During a highlight, the traditional Macy's celebration will feature a dazzling display of fireworks to be set off on 5 tugboats on the Hudson River tonight.
Nick Lachey hosts.
Elsewhere, there are other holiday specials worth taking a gander at, too.
On PBS, Matthew Morrison (GLEE) will perform in "A Capitol Fourth".
In addition to Morrison, there will be performances by Steve Martin (Steep Canyon Rangers), Josh Groban, and Little Richard.
The National Symphony Orchestra will close with a rendition of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture".
Over at CBS, Michael Chiklis will host the "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular".
Enjoy!
http://www.thetattler.biz
The reining java King has sauntered into the alcoholic beverage market!
According to recent news reports, four of Starbucks trendy cafes in Seattle are now serving up beer and wine to take the edge off the day.
Of course - there will always be an ample supply of tongue-twisting coffee specials to jump-start the day at the crack-of-dawn - too (as usual).
Word out of Florida is that two Sonic restaurants have followed the lead of Burger King after the fast-food giant introduced "Whopper Bars" in Miami, Las Vegas, and Kansas City.
Flogging thirst-quenching ales and soothing sips of cool quality wines may boost sales, but as far as the critics are concerned, the combination of fast-food and mood-elevating beverages at the drive-thru may lead to a slippery road to hell.
I worry more about my pocketbook.
Beers are being sold at Starbucks for $5.00 a bottle while wine soars in price at a pricey $9.00 a glass.
Personally, I'd rather pick up a six-pack at the local grocery and save a fortune (and my life) in the process on the way home where I'm about to become a couch potato for the night!
Amen!
http://www.thetattler.biz
For die-hard fans who loyally follow the spectacular Cirque du Soleil stage performances the magic surely continues!
The curtain has just run up on the troupe's latest offering - Zarkana - a $50 million production that wowed all in attendance on opening night Wednesday of this past week at NYC's prestigious Radio City Music Hall.
A staggering 75 talented performers parades across the stage during the course of the evening as the main character - Zark - struggles to regain his powers in an intriguing surreal plane of existence inhabited by a gang of multi-dimensional bizarre creatures.
TICKETS
www.radiocity.com
DISCOUNTED TICKETS
www.nycgo.com/getmorenyc.
See 'ya there!
http://www.thetattler.biz
A couple of weeks ago, I penned a review of a PBS Special - which featured a young songbird by the name of Jackie Evancho - who placed second in a karaoke-style talent show on the old boob tube last season.
Post: 06/07/2011
http://ijulianblogspot.com/2011/06/jackie-evanchopbs-special-lacked.html
Although I did rave about her range, I was inclined to point out that as a stage performer the little "angel" left a lot to be desired (in a nutshell).
With maturity, and proper coaching, I expect the young chanteuse will reach her true potential one day.
On the heels of the critique, her fans were livid!
Judging by a few of the responses, anyway, which were quite hateful (and irrational).
If you thought the "Grobanites" were wacko over Josh Groban - well - the Jackie-O's take the whole "fan worship" thing to a bizarre level of lunacy.
Notwithstanding, not one irate reader was capable of intelligently articulating their rage in any meaningful or constructive way, in the wake of the critique.
When her fans attempted to post comments "anonymously" at the Tattler, the deceitful behaviour spoke volumes to moi!
Cowards!
By the way - Happy 4th of July - eh?
http://www.thetattler.biz/
