Marvin Hamlisch Dead

It was only two months ago that I saw Marvin Hamlisch in concert.  He was principal pops conductor of the Seattle Symphony.  He also held the same position in Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, and a few other cities.   I thought it was a real treat to see him perform.  He had after all won every major award for his composing and arranging.  It was a very entertaining evening, so I was totally shocked to hear of his death today.

Homegrown Brandi Carlile Dazzles Benaroya Hall

Brandi Carlile, who grew up in Ravensdale , near Maple Valley, performed last night with the Seattle Symphony to a screaming, toe tapping, hand clapping audience.

Starting with only her band, Carlile began with probable her best known song "What Can I Say" pointing the microphone to the crowd who was singing the chorus along with her.

Many of Carlile's song are somewhat dark, lending themselves well to the strings in the orchestra. She spoke fondly of the venue, Benaroya Hall saying that she frequently drove past the place in her youth, only dreaming of playing there.

Her ablility to engage the crowd was reminiscent of another home grown band "Heart". Brandi announced that she was making a live album with last night's performance included.