Harmonic Journal 12/24/15

Harmonic Journal
Thursday, December 24, 2015

"Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day" -- Traditional English Carol

Harmonic Journal 12/23/15

Harmonic Journal
Wednesday, December 23, 2015

"Little Drummer Boy" by Katherine Kennicott Davis, Harry Simeone and Henry Onorati, as performed in The Little Drummer Boy

Harmonic Journal 12/22/15

Harmonic Journal 
Tuesday, December 22, 2015

"Come, Ye Sons of Art" by Henry Purcell, as performed at the UC Irvine Madrigal Dinners

Harmonic Journal 12/21/15

Harmonic Journal
Monday, December 20, 2015

"Someday at Christmas" by Ron Miller and Bryan Wells as performed by Stevie Wonder 

The current Apple commercial, featuring Andra Day (and Stevie's grandson):

Harmonic Journal 12/20/15

Harmonic Journal
Sunday, December 20, 2015

"But Who May Abide The Day Of His Coming" by George Frideric Handel, as performed by Patti Austin on A Soulful Messiah

Harmonic Journal 12/19/15

Harmonic Journal
Saturday, December 19, 2015

"Olivia (I'm Listening)" by Sean Altman, as performed by Rockapella

Happy Birthday, Birthday Girl!

A Long Time We Waited, For That Galaxy Far, Far Away

Warning:  Spoilers Ahead.  Most of my movie posts contain spoilers, but I felt this needed extra warning. After all, I am one of the ones whom avoided a lot of stuff for months for fear of inadvertent (and blatant) spoilers.

My friends got tickets for some of us for the 1:35 a.m. showing of "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" on opening day 12/18/15.  Yup. A.M.  I happened to have an appointment the previous afternoon, so after that appointment and dinner, I took a 3-hour nap.  Then I got ready and Glenn picked me up to go to the El Capitan Theatre.

El Cap Marquee

There were long lines to get in, which was weird, because all of the seats were reserved, even those that were not VIP seats.  There was also a long line across the street at the Chinese Theater for the same movie.  Weird that both theaters were showing the same thing, as was the Cineramadome, but it's not surprising.  This is the most highly anticipated movie of the year, hands down.  We met up with Cindy and Katie, and I gave Katie a pair of Ewok earring that I bought for her at Dallas Comic-Con.  I was wearing rebel pilot/x-wing earrings with my Star Wars Celebration shirt.  Katie was ensconced in BB-8 wear, except for her earrings.  Cindy had her Tauntaun plush, Katie had her BB-8 plush (of course), and had my Santa Chewie itty bitty.  Mox met up with us, and we waited.  The message that the El Cap sent out earlier in the week was that the show would start on time, which didn't make any sense when Glenn did the math.  1:35 came around and went.  We finally got into the theater after 2:00.  The organist played his regular Disney music, then added some music from "Star Wars" and the crowd was happy and forgot all about the long wait, because we were finally going to see STAR WARS!!!  

First Order Curtain

We saw trailers for "The Jungle Book", "Zootopia", and "Captain America: Civil War".  Our group was most excited about the third one, but I think we're all looking forward to the other 2 as well.  Then we saw a lighsaber show that was pretty cool.

Then...WHOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!! that Lucasfilm logo was on the screen, and the crowd went wild and then quickly silent once the legendary crawl began.

• I agree with Cindy:  I miss the Fox fanfare.
• "Do I talk first, or you talk first? I talk first?"
• BB-8 is adorable.  So was the meet cute between Finn and Rey.
• "Stop holding my hand!"
• "Are you all right?"  Um...you're the one that was just knocked out, dude.
• BB-8 is Spider-man.
• Phasma.  Now I know who is wearing the helmet that looks like the purse that I want.
• "Is there a garbage chute?  Or trash compacter?"  <grin>
• I cried every time Han and Leia were on screen together.  EVERY. TIME.
• "You changed your hair."   "Same jacket."  "This is a different jacket!"
• The reveal of Kylo Ren's heritage:  I KNEW IT!  There were many gasps in the theater, though, including mine.
• I haven't hated a character in a long time.  Kylo Ren, you broke my streak.  EVIL.  Also, you have anger management issues.  Ask your stormtroopers.
• I have guesses as to the lineage of the others in this story, but I guess I'll have to wait about 2 years to maybe find out.  
• "You might not recognize me because of my red arm."
• "TWELVE!!!"
• Loved all of Chewie's reactions.
• I liked that Force mind battle between Ren and Rey.
• I guess the destruction of Alderaan didn't have enough emotional impact in "A New Hope", because this time, we saw the people watch their planet get destroyed.  Sadness ensued.  
• "And I will drop my weapon."
• "Women always find out the truth.  Always."
• "That's not how the force works!"
• Their son's name is "Ben".  Sigh.
• Why is the Supreme Leader so BIG?
• Dammit, people, why do you get into close proximity with anyone wielding anything sword-like?  DAMMIT.
• The light saber duel in the snow.  YES!
• So Mark Hamill gets second billing, and didn't have to say a damn thing.  What a cushy job!
• I agree with Mox:  it would have been cool to see BB-8 as Bad Robot.

Stuff on display downstairs:

BB-8 and Finn's costume

Rey's costume and BB-8

Leia's costume

Han's costume

Stormtrooper uniform

Millenium Falcon

 LEGO!!!

Bumpy BB-8

Rey, BB-8 and Kylo Ren

That's a lot of LEGOs

I loved this movie.  I want to see it a lot of times in the theater, in all kinds of formats.  Now I get to read all of the spoiler-y stuff that I avoided.  Yay!

May The Force Be With You.  Always.

Harmonic Journal 12/18/15

Harmonic Journal
Friday, December 18, 2015

"Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit" by Josefino Cenizal

Harmonic Journal 12/17/15

Harmonic Journal
Thursday, December 17, 2015

"Funky, Funky Xmas" by Donnie Wahlberg and Maurice Starr, as performed by New Kids On The Block



26 years ago today, I saw NKOTB sing this song at the Great Western Forum.  

Ah, fandom.

Harmonic Journal 12/16/15

Harmonic Journal
Wednesday, December 16, 2015

"Ukranian Carol", arranged by Scott Leonard, as sung by Rockapella

Harmonic Journal 12/15/15

Harmonic Journal
Tuesday, December 15, 2015

"O Thou, That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion" from Messiah by Frederic Handel, as conducted by John Eliot Gardiner, performed by Catherine Robbin,  Monteverdi Choir & English Baroque Soloists

Harmonic Journal 12/14/15

Harmonic Journal
Monday, December 14, 2015

"Silver Bells" by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, as sung by Rockapella

Harmonic Journal 12/13/15

Harmonic Journal
Sunday, December 13, 2015

"Calypso Christmas: Day-O/Kingston Market/Jamaica Farewell/Mathilda" from Plaid Tidings 

Harmonic Journal 12/12/15

Harmonic Journal
Saturday, December 12, 2015

"Christmas Without You" by Scott Leonard, as performed by Rockapella

Harmonic Journal 12/11/15

Harmonic Journal
Friday, December 11, 2015

"Glow Worm / It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" by Paul Lincke & Johnny Mercer, Lilla Cayley Robinson (additional lyrics by Mel Tormé) / Meredith Willson, arranged by Scott Leonard, as sung by Rockapella

Harmonic Journal 12/10/15

Harmonic Journal
Thursday, December 10, 2015

"To Be Free" from Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular, by Alan Menken, as sung by Cassandra  Murphy

Harmonic Journal 12/09/15

Harmonic Journal
Wednesday, December 9, 2015

"This Christmas Day" by Scott Leonard, as performed by Rockapella

Harmonic Journal 12/08/15

Harmonic Journal
December 8, 2015

"Servant Song" by Sr. Donna Marie McGargill

Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  This is one of my favorite songs to sing regarding Mary.  The lyrics bring tears to my eyes and make it hard to sing sometimes, but I love this song anyway.  

That tattoo?  Basically because of songs like this.

Lyrics:

1. What do you want of me, Lord? Where do you want me to serve you? Where can I sing your praises. I am your song.

REFRAIN:  Jesus, Jesus, you are the Lord. Jesus, Jesus, you are the way. 2. Jesus, Jesus, you are my Lord. Jesus, Jesus, you are the way. 3. Jesus, Jesus, be warmth of my heart. Jesus, Jesus, you are the way. 4. Jesus, Jesus, you are my light. Jesus, Jesus, you are the way.

2. I hear you call my name, Lord, and I am moved within me. Your Spirit stirs my deepest self. Sing your songs in me. 

3. Above, below, and around me. Before, behind and all through me, your Spirit burns deep within me. Fire my life with your love. 


4. You are the light in my darkness. You are my strength when I'm weary. You give me sight when I'm blinded. Come see for me. 

Harmonic Journal 12/07/15

Harmonic Journal
Monday, December 7, 2015

All I Want for Christmas is Rockapella

Rockapella in Vegas

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Artemus Ham Concert Hall -- University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

I woke up on Saturday morning and packed my stuff for Vegas.  Yes, I usually pack much earlier than the day of travel, but I was baking during most of the previous day.  Then I took a break to go get my nails done.  Then I baked more.  I screwed up one of the batches of cookies, but I still had enough to give to the guys.  So I packed everything up and drove my car to the Ontario airport to pick up the rental car.  Weff came over so that I could park my car at their house while we were on our road trip.  For a little bit more money, I was upgraded to a new Hyundai Santa Fe SUV.  Wendy and I felt tall in our seats.  Well, I did.  Wendy couldn't see the hood of the car.  But it was fully loaded, and as soon as I could figure out the darn connection from my iPod to the sound system, I felt much better.  We got me some protein for breakfast and some caffeine (I'm still trying to figure out why McDonald's gave me a large iced coffee instead of the medium I ordered, even when their order slip showed a medium).  Then we were on our way.  VEGAS, BABY!

I wanted the landscape of our drive to be more exciting.  The only thing that I got excited about was the Doritos truck that was parked at some shopping center near the freeway.  At one point, Wendy thought she saw salt, then realized that if there was a lake, it would be fresh water, not saltwater.  I will now see that area as salt for a very long time.  The drive was pretty easy, not much traffic.  Plus, we had yummy Doritos Munchies to tide us over before we arrived at Jenn's parents' house in Henderson for lunch.   

Mmmm....lunch!  Angela had been there for several hours already as she had taken an early flight from Dallas.  I woke her up to greet her because I didn't think that she had eaten lunch yet.  Oops.  Jenn and family treated us to delicious pancit, lumpia, and her dad's wonderful recipe of adobo, 2 ways -- pork and chicken.  So. Very. Yum.  We thanked Jenn and family for the wonderful meal, and went to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for Angela before going to our hotel, the Best Western McCarren Inn.  We were situated almost underneath the wings of planes, it was that close to the airport.  In fact, each guest was given earplugs to help deal with the noise of the aircraft.  It was pretty loud, but didn't really annoy me that much.

I got my gifts ready for Pella and then took a shower.  I did NOT want to get my hair wet, but the shower head was really high and non-adjustable in that respect, so it got wet anyway.  Perhaps only tall people should have used that shower.  Anyway, Angela and I got pretty, met up with Weff, and we drove to UNLV.  Well, of course, I couldn't follow the directions according to Angela's version of Helen, because the streets were dark and there were a lot of non-DCI cones all over the place.  But we got there in plenty of time for Angela to get her will call tickets, for me and Jeff to find a way to get my gifts to Pella before the show (thanks for helping out, FFE!  This is why you got my share of the leftover lumpia), and for Angela to get tipsy from drinks at the lobby bar.  

While we waited for Angela to finish her drinks, I looked around at the lobby, remembering that this is where I met Liz.  This is where I met Karla.  This is where Stacey had her 100th show.  Lots of history in this place.

Our seats were in row B, 20-22.  The venue did not sell tickets to row A, due to the angle of the stage, as then they'd all be looking up at the stage.  Row B was looking up as well, but not as much as row A would.  A lady sat next to me and asked if I could switch seats with her friend, which would move me to seat 19.  Hey, that's my number!  So I agreed to switch and ended up between Wendy and an empty seat.  Angela was lonely in her seat, so she sat behind us in an empty seat.  There were a lot of empty seats, which made no sense because the seats weren't actually available for purchase according to the woman on the phone that morning when she called.

GingerGeorge and Scotcherbreadman in da house!

  

Sun Brothers of Tampa Bay

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

What?  Grandpa hooked up with Miss Manuel?  I think I heard that wrong.  I'm good as long as the reindeer aren't running over NKOTB.

Rockapella

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

Angela:  "Shiny pants, shiny crotch."  She was kinda loud.  Remember how she was tipsy?  I had to shush her.

Scott said that they hadn't been to this venue since 2006.  He asked whom was here then.  We cheered.  He asked who'd seen Rockapella before.   

Scott:  "Same people that were here in 2006."

Scott mentioned that Hanukkah was coming up, and he got some cheers from the back of the house.

Scott: "We have some Jews here tonight?!  When we started Rockapella, we were 3/4 Jewish, now we're no Jewish."

I Have A Little Dreidel

Scotcherbreadman spun around, too.
After the song was done, a voice from the back: "THANK YOU!!!"

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

I love watching Scott do his Elvis moves, especially when he's in Vegas.  Nice to have Angela here to "WHOO" at him with me again!

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree

Aw, Angela's favorite!  Not.  I wasn't paying attention during the first verse, because who should walk up to one of the seats in our row, but Nick!  Then I saw Robin at the other end of the row.  Hi, everybody!  It's just not a Pella Holiday show without Scott's whistle and Jeff's sleigh bells.

Glow Worm

Jeff really slapped his own cheeks hard during that solo.  Ow!

Scott said that this next song would be the second day they've performed it.  Wendy and I wondered if it was "Candyman".  

All I Want For Christmas Is You

I guess not.  Ooh, but I love this song, and Rockapella made me just love it even more.  Calvin is sooo good as the lead in this song!  Sing it, Cal!!!

Does Scott still not know that Steve has 2 EPs?  He keeps saying that the new one is Steve's first.

Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time

I'm not sure whether or not the video backdrop was the same as last year, but it looked different to me.  I like the snow and the stars.

Scott was happy that he was home to see "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" on TV on Tuesday night.  When he was little, he would race home after school on this day to sit in front of the TV at 4:00 because he knew it would come on at 8:00.  His most recent question that got answered from the internet:  "How in the world does Rudolph's nose really light up?"  The answer:  Like a firefly, Rudolph's nose is filled with luciferin, which makes it glow green.  However, reindeer's noses are very dense with blood vessels in their nose, and the colder it gets, the redder the nose gets.  So that's why it glows red.  (According to this website, Rudolph's is especially bright because it was a rapid evolutionary adaptation).  Science is wonderful.

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
I love the "We're in agreement" and Steve and Scott touching fingers.  So cute.  We got an acknowledgement from Jeff for remembering our "Yahtzee!" yell.

Merry Christmas Darling
Aw, Steve smiled at me when they sang "I wish you a Merry Christmas".  Sweet.  Nice to hear the tenor harmonies when Ryan drops out for a little bit, and I like that he smiles and listens to them.

Scott said that he calls Ryan "B.B."  Ryan asked if Scott was going to tell us why. APPARENTLY, Ryan is obsessed with breakfast burritos.  
Jeff:  "I'm so glad we told them that.  I thought it meant 'baked beans'." Then Jeff waved his hand up and down like he was smelling something bad.
Scott:  "Same thing."

Scott talked about Rockapella singing in New York.  Angela cheered and he pointed at her.  One of the folks in the back yelled, "YEAH!!!"  
Scott:  "You must be our Jewish friends from New York City."

One of Rockapella's New York Christmas songs:
This Christmas Day
Scott snuggled up to make new friends.  Steve made a face.  Angela snorted.  Sherry giggled.

Then a Christmas miracle happened.
Scott:  "Ready, Jeff?  Ready, Ryan? Ready, Steve?  Ready, Calvin?  Calvin?"
CAAAAALLLLLLVIIIIIINNNNNNNN!!!!!"

That's right, folks, he finally said the more appropriately-sounding name!  YAY!!!

Christmas, Don't Be Late (The Chipmunk Song)
"Want a plane that loops the loop" -- Hi, Steve!

<Intermission>

We chatted with Nick and met his friend, Katie, and Robin came over to say hello, too.  Jenn and mom finally got to their real seats in row D  They came in a little bit late and weren't allowed to go to their seats, so they sat in the back, which was the furthest from the stage that Jenn ever sat.  Poor Jenn.  She felt badly because it was her mom's first Rockapella show, and they had gotten lost due to all of the road work.  At least they got to see the rest of the show from their real seats!  There were plenty of open seats in our row, so Angela moved, and Nick and Katie moved to the seats next to her.  Yay!  We're all together!  If only Karla was here.  She was sick and couldn't join us this weekend.  :(

Jingle Bell Rock
Scott smiled at Angela.  Little does he know that she won't stop mentioning his shiny pants.  Or maybe he DOES know.

Angela: "There was so much yummy goodness, I didn't know where to look."

Please Come Home For Christmas
Scott might have had some of Angela's Jack and Coke.  He seemed to be dizzy with all of the spinning.

Matunda Ya Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is celebrated after Christmas.  I wonder if they'll sing this in Laughlin, too.  

Steve has been with Rockapella now for 6 years.  When he heard that they were near Santa's Workshop in Lapland, Finland, Steve wanted to go: "I want to see where my Millenium Falcon was made."  He got to meet Mrs. Claus and eat some really good cookies.  
There was a voiceover from Santa somewhere back stage:   "Rockapella!  Big fan!  Ho Ho Ho!"  Steve brought a message from Santa to Sara.

Steve brought his sister Sara up on stage.  She is an acupuncturist, and it was her birthday.  Rockapella sang Happy Birthday to her.  YAY!

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
Sara was a good sport and sang along in the correct places.  She even knew Scott's line, "He knows when you've been bad or bad..." and sang that with him.  She points like Steve!  What a cute sibling moment to see him hug her on stage.  Awwww....

Ryan: "Me and my doggie are coming to your town."

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
Ooh, I like that Grinch graphic of his eyes!  Steve almost kicked Ryan in the face.
Ryan:  "I almost got a nose job for Christmas."

Auld Lang Syne
I like that solo, Ryan!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Yay, Fred's picture!  Got a nice smile from Steve at "Faithful friends who are dear to us gather near to us once more."  I mean, what a  sweetie pie!

Angels We Have Heard On High
I love this song.  I just wish it didn't mean that the show was coming to an end.  Sigh.  Thank you for all of the smiles after that, guys!

The guys left the stage.  Then after a few minutes, we heard this from backstage:
"There's one more thing we have to do, and you know what it is!"

DO IT ROCKAPELLA!!!!!

Where In The World Is Carmen SanDiego? (Billie Jean remix)
I forgot that they do this during holiday time.  That "Monday through Friday at 5!" comes in at such a weird time.

Scott thanked everyone for coming, and asked if we'd like to hear another song.  Lots of people started yelling out song titles, including "Bang", which would have been fun!  

Scott:  "This is the interactive portion of the show."
He took none of these requests.

Hold Out For Christmas (off mic)
I made sure to listen carefully for Jeff's voice.  Scott made our Rockapella holiday show complete with his traditional "Merry Christmas, everybody" at the end.  Thank you!


Meet and Greet

I introduced myself to Sara and told her that Steve's house concert in California was at my house.  She told me that he was excited about that when he was getting ready for it.  I said that we've kind of made him part of our family, and she said, "You can have him after what he did to me tonight!"  I told her that she points like him.  She said that she was mocking him because they're always making fun of him.  Aw, I love sibling silliness!

Scott said thank you for the Star Wars pins that I gave to the guys with their goodie bags.  (I had badges made at Disneyland with their names in Aurebesh).  Ryan said, "Sith Lord.  That's what you think of me?"  Well, let's just say that I couldn't help it.  Ryan asked if I had my tickets to see the movie, and I told him that I'd be seeing it at 1:30 (or so).  He thought that was a good idea.  Then he realized that I meant 1:30 A.M. He said that he doesn't want to see any spoilers, and is trying to avoid all of the press about it.  Me, too!  Some of the guys might see it together after Christmas because of their schedules.  I told them that I'll probably see it again after Christmas, too. 

Angela showed Scott pictures of her daughter, Natalia, which is a name close to his own daughter's name (Natalie).

I asked if I could get one of the Rockapella posters signed, and Ryan was going to charge me $10.00.  See?  Dark Side!  

I think that I was talking to Ryan about Star Wars for so long that I didn't talk much to the other guys, since they were done signing stuff and all of a sudden, people were getting up and taking pictures.

Jeff and I talked to Fred for a little bit, and told him that Karla was too sick to join us, and that she sent her regards.  

I did tell Steve that I introduced myself to his sister "because you know how I am", and that she wants some of the lumpia I gave to him.  Also that she said I was welcome to have him as part of my family after what he did to her tonight.  He said, "Aw, she's giving me away?"  

People were kind of being slow about gathering to take pictures, so there is a progression of photos here, starting with Steve.

Sher and FFE

Calvin informed everyone that my hair smelled nice.
I'm being all awkward with my hands.

I never did get a picture with just me and all of the guys, but at least we have one here with the original PellaPushers.

Pella and the Pushers

I told the guys that we'd see them in Laughlin, and Jeff's response was, "I'm sure I'll see you in Laughlin.  5 shows.  That's Rockapella Bait."  He's so funny.  Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas until then, JT!

A bunch of went to Gordon Biersch Brewery afterward.  The server was waaaaayyyy slow, but we had a good time, even with the loud music from the DJ.  You know, if there's nobody actually dancing, you shouldn't make it that loud.  I'm just saying.

We dropped off Robin at her hotel, and went back to ours.  Angela and I talked into the wee hours of the morning, so I have no idea how much sleep I got, but I sure didn't hear any planes, probably due to being passed out from exhaustion.

The next morning, we met up for hotel breakfast downstairs.  I was excited to make heart-shaped waffles.  So pretty.

Sweeeet!

  

Then Jeff made his.  Ummm...not so pretty.

Simultaneously sad and hilarious

It wasn't the best hotel breakfast ever, but we were nourished.  We checked out, dropped off Angela at the terminal, and made our way back to So Cal after hunting for gas.  What is it with Chevron stations being right next to Jack in the Box?  We saw 2 of them like that.  Maybe 3.  At one point, I thought we were driving in circles.

Our trip home had a little more traffic than the previous day, but we still got home OK.  I took the rental car back to the airport, and waited for Jeff and Barney to pick me up to get my car back at their house.  Barney!  He was not paying attention to me, so I couldn't get a good selfie of us.  Doesn't matter.  He was still cute as ever.  I said my goodbyes to Weff, and drove the last leg home on my own.  Wow, I felt really low in my car after driving that SUV for a couple of days.  

Haiku posts from the day #PellaPoetry #roadtriphaiku

Road trip to Vegas
In a giant SUV
Rockapella bound

Lumpia for lunch
Food coma is starting now
Thanks, Jenny's parents!!!

Pella does Carey
Scott's arrangement, as always
Oh so much better

Post Pella Show Fun
It's really loud up in here
DJ, stop it now!

Beautiful waffle
Nice way to start the morning
Heart-shaped vibes all day

This one not so good.
Poor Jeffrey and his sadness.
Epic Waffle Fail.

This is The Good Life
Listening to Steve's CD
Cucamonga bound.

Home safe from Vegas
Thanks, Pella, and my Posse!
Y'all bring Christmas Joy. 

Thank you for a great weekend, Pella and the Posse!  My Christmas season is always a lot better when you're a part of it.