I spent two nights of my vacation last week working. One resulted in today’s cover story.
The second night, I attended Ted Vigil’s Tribute to John Denver concert presented as part of the Emerald Coast Concert Association’s season.
What a wonderful show! Or perhaps, “Far out!” would be more appropriate.
Vigil didn’t waste anytime making us wonder when he would sing “Rocky Mountain High” and “Country Roads,” which were his first two selections. He even invited us to sing along on the chorus of “Country Roads.”
I was thrilled he sang pretty much all of my favorite Denver songs, including “Calypso. The only one I missed was “Follow Me,” which wasn’t a big hit.
Speaking of, however, Vigil sang a cool song called “Matthew” that I’d never heard before. It features a state dear to my heart — Kansas.
He also performed a few of his own original compositions. I particularly liked “Sing My Songs When I’m Gone,” which was very Denveresque.
There are still four shows left in the ECCA series, and they are offering a special winter package of $95 for all of them.
Coming up are: Jan. 29, “Ricky Nelson Remembered” starring his twin sons; Feb. 9, Linda Gentille’s Music of the Night; Feb. 16, Souled Out - Motown and More; and March 2, New Directions Veterans Choir.
I saw pianist Gentille when she performed here in January 2010, and she is amazing.
To get tickets, call Susan Kneller at 837-1742.
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I also saw “The Hobbit.” I know I fussed about it being extended into three movies, but I had to go.
My review in a nutshell: I loved the unexpected prologue and everything involving the Elves and Rivendale.
My two primary problems with “The Hobbit” were: First, it felt as if the movie simply moved from one battle to the next and, second, I kept wondering, “Is this where it will end? OK, how about here? Or perhaps, here?”
An added bonus were the plentiful previews: “The Host,” “The Lone Ranger,” “Star Trek: Into Darkness,” “Oblivion,” “After Earth,” “Pacific Rim” and “Jack the Giant Slayer.”
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Traditionally, in this column before Christmas I offer a list of restaurants that will be open for the holiday dinner. The list is exceptionally short this year because only one restaurant provided information.
Chef Tim Creehan’s Cuvee Bistro in Destin will be open 6-9 p.m. Christmas Eve and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Christmas Day.
Special holiday menu items will be offered. Reservations are a must. Call 650-8900.
Beyond that, I recommend you call your favorite eatery and ask whether they will be open. You may also try checking the advertisements in today’s Showcase.
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I’ve been struggling a bit this holiday season and, yes, feeling sorry for myself. I admit it.
One of my sons fell ill the week before Thanksgiving and was hospitalized for six days. He’s on the mend, but a full recovery will take some time.
And now I’m in the throes of accepting that for the first time in 23 years, my sons will not be home for Christmas.
Oh, I will see them around Christmas, but not on Christmas. The days of three weeks of Christmas vacation between semesters at college are over.
I bought stocking stuffers before I realized they wouldn’t be here Christmas Eve. Greeting card sentiments about how a son leaves your home but not your heart are overwhelming.
Then the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., occurred. Now my tears are for the parents whose precious children will never come home.
Some touching tributes have turned up in unexpected entertainment platforms including “Saturday Night Live” and “The Voice.”
Words always feel insufficient in such situations and are best left to those who are far more eloquent than I. So, with a full heart, dear readers, I simply wish you Merry Christmas.