MATHIS LOVES BOOKS: In a recent Associated Press story on celebrities and their favorite books, Johnny Mathis is one of the participants in the survey. He doesn't give any titles, but generalizes on biographies and cookbooks. As a lifelong reader myself (starting long before "Hooked on Phonics" was in vogue, I might add), I'm glad that Mathis is well-read, and that he enjoys books. In my mind's eye I can see him using his wealth to promote literacy, although I can't say for sure whether he actually does. I would HOPE that he does, given his love of books, because it makes sense to do so. I also enjoy biographies and "cookery books", and am glad to see Mathis does too. Perhaps they are inspirational to him. Cookbooks aren't exactly inspirational for me, however, some of them are quite beautiful, and it's a plus when they are useful as well.
On the other hand, given his love of a good biography, it makes me wonder why HIS wasn't better. I suppose with most biographies the best ones can only be written after the subject has rejoined the Earth, after which time some honesty, objectivity, and thoroughness can finally be incorporated into the manuscript. Look at how well done Daniel Mark Epstein's biography on Nat King Cole turned out. And to her credit, Natalie Cole's auto-biography, Angel on My Shoulder, is brutally honest without being vindictive toward anyone. (Well, maybe a couple jabs at her ex-husband, but that's understandable.) Right now, I'm reading Sidney Poitier's Measure of a Man. Maybe someday before the next century I'll finish it. So far I'm amazed and appreciative of what he had to go through to get where he is today. I would like to be able to feel that way after reading a book about Johnny Mathis; the only book ever written about him just doesn't do it for me. Sad, but the best part of the book is the discography!
MATHIS ON THE RADIO: That having been said, I'm told that there is an audio biography that's actually shaping up to be very interesting so far! BBC Radio 2 station continues its broadcast of a half-hour long, 6-week duration program simply called Johnny Mathis which airs every Friday starting March 9th. It's a radio biography featuring comments by Mathis' brother Ralph and sister Elizabeth Mathis-Douds, singers Dionne Warwick and Deniece Williams, producer Thom Bell, George Avakian, Pat Boone, and more! Here's a link to a description of the show. The broadcast can be easily picked up on Real Audio/Real Player...click "Listen" on the BBC page referenced above, and you can hear it on the pop-up player. If you don't want to use their pop-up player, type the following into the Location bar of your RealPlayer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/realmedia/fmg2.rpm. I'm not finding this archived as of yet, however I do see links to past shows. Maybe someday they'll include this one, too.
MATHIS IN CONCERT: There's a show on Wednesday night in Fort Wayne, Indiana at a sports arena on March 29. Click here for seating chart/more info.
Tickets are still on sale for the shows in Fort La-Dee-Dah (April 13 and 14). Click here for more information.
The late shows at Caesar's Atlantic City are on sale now. At $60, it's a fairly hefty price. The shows are set for April 27 and 28th.
I believe tickets are on sale now for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra shows on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12. Looks like they're not selling online, though. Some folks insist on doing things the old-fashioned way! I would call 1-800-699-3168 and ask about tickets to that show. Here's an online ad for the show. The BPO has a cool lady conductor, and I'll bet they'll make Mathis sound fantastic!
Tickets are on sale NOW for the Nashville Symphony concert in Antioch (June 14). There is an 8-ticket limit with strict enforcement, which is good, as 8 should certainly be plenty for anyone!
Tickets are on sale for the shows at the Silver Legacy Casino in Reno, Nevada. Prices are $50, $44, and $30; call (800) 687-8733 for details or use the online form.
The Westbury Music Fair has added two NEW dates for the summer: July 20th & 21st. Tickets are on sale NOW online via Ticketmaster for these new dates.
Tickets for the North Shore Music Theatre concert in Wednesday, August 15 and Thursday, August 16 in Beverly, MA are on sale online NOW!
Tickets for the concert in Saratoga, California (a suburb of San Jose) on August 30th go on sale to the public on April 13th. There is a ticket limit and prices are from $60-$100.
Don't know yet if tickets can be bought now for the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut (don't ask where that is) on October 5th and 6th.
Sorry, still no Canadian or other foreign dates that I can see. I think I'd find some way to let Mathis know you guys want to hear him sing, too.
| 
|
| At least [] people love Johnny Mathis! |  |
 |
 |
|
Web page design and all text Copyright ©2001 Iris
Gross Georg. All rights reserved. | All questions/comments welcome |  | Disclaimer | Netscape/AOL Instant Messenger: imgeorg2 |
