Wrangler Really Tiny Jean Shorts

Now THAT'S a lot of man-goodness!

Michael Bublé

I got to see Mr. Michael Bublé this past week in concert. I know what you're thinking, what a douche bag (me? Mike?). But the guy is a real talent. Sure he's not the best singer, but he's a crooner. He doesn't have much range, but his tone and power is terrific. I was shocked when he closed his show by singing the last refrains of a Leon Russell's "A Song For You" without any amplification. Terrific accomplishment in an arena.
Michael has a squeaky clean imagine, but he can swear like a sailor. He's funny, charming, but never pompous. The only way I can describe his stage persona is affable; I'd like to have a beer with that guy.

He ran through several hits while all the ladies fawned over him. I'm not a huge fan of his covers (I actually don't like his "Cry Me a River" at all), but love his newer original songs like "Haven't Met You Yet." Funny thing, some gals who should have known better, wore matching T-shirts with one word on each T-shirt, "We Just Haven't Met You Yet", sitting in a row to spell out the song. I'm pretty sure they didn't throw any panties.

Here's Michael doing a cover of The Eagles' "Heartache Tonight". I like the part where Michael slides across the floor. It's awkward, goofy, and makes me jealous! I wanna slip-n-slide!

If your speakers are turned up, turn them down NOW. My camera has a habit of blowing out one's speakers.

And here's "Everything" a sweet, sweet song that can really get stuck in my head!

Had a great night at the show. I didn't nerd out like the other strange white people around me, but was glad to see him. I would wager to bet he's got a long, long career ahead of him.

Just a note about the opening act, Naturally 7. They are an a capella group that does beat box stuff along with vocals. The guys were talented but it felt more like a novelty act to me, something you would see at Disneyland or on a cruise ship. I did enjoy their rendition of George Harrison's "My Guitar Gently Weeps."

Obama Has Dinner in Martha's Vineyard

WTF is Michelle wearing? Fashion forward or total confusion?

Rufus & Martha Wainwright

I got to see Rufus Wainwright in concert over the weekend. I've seen him before about 2 years ago with his full band in support of the "Release The Stars" record. I was intrigued that his sister, Martha, was the opening act. I know some of her music, but I went into the concert with a blank slate about her.

Holy cow, Martha if brilliant! She's as kooky as I thought she would be - friendly with a stream-of-consciousness conversation -- but her voice was a shock. She played a few of her songs accompanied only by her guitar, but invited her husband to the stage to play piano. Her rendition of an Edith Piaf song knocked me over.

Here are some snaps of the show from my seat.

And her version of "Stormy Weather" was unbelievable. It was sad, breath-taking, and above all, thrilling. This performance below was from Rufus's concert DVD, "Rufus Does Judy." Check it out below with full orchestra.

Rufus's first act was performed as a song cycle. The audience was instructed not to applaud until the close of the act, just as one would for a classical concert. It was an interesting, arty thing to do, but truthfully, I lost focus half way through. There was some beautiful music there from his latest record, "All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu", and some wonderful piano playing, but his playing the entire CD felt more like self-indulgent therapy. I applaud him for doing something different and creative, but Act 2 was more my cup of tea.

Here's a pre-show article from the San Francisco Chronicle with Rufus.

Rufus sang many of his popular songs, "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk", "Going to a Town" and even one of his early songs, "Poses". Rufus then invited Martha back to the stage and they sang a couple of songs in French (being from Montreal, it's only natural). There rendition of "Complainte de la Butte" really kicked my ass. While the song "Hallelujah" is a natural fit for the two to sing together, I find the haunting ballad a bit over-done.

Here's Rufus in Central Park (along with a friend) singing "Complainte de la Butte". Enjoy!

A great show. Lots of surprises, tough musical choices, and experimentation. A great artist at the top of his game. And Martha... wow, what a find!

A kiss good night... until next time, I hope!