Got a few things on my mind so let’s get to it.
This past Saturday I attended an emotional memorial service for my dear friend Tom Hassler. It was two months to the day since he left us. Ever the smart and practical one, Tom’s wife Linda let the holidays and the post-holiday time in January run through before having this mass. As I’ve noted before, Tommy sure married the right woman. The service was beautiful and it was so good to see Tom’s family including his brother Pete and many friends as we honored his life. It was a relief to comfort each other and reflect on our buddy. Tom and Pete were the first two best friends I ever had and nothing will ever change that. I love them both and always will.
R.I.P. Tom Hassler. A great guy gone too soon.
On to brighter news. The recent Super Bowl saw me winning one of my two bets, so breaking even is better than losing. Villa Park’s Crazy Pour Sports Bar is where I place my legal wagers. Still, I don’t bet often. To quote the late great Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, “He who gambles lives in shambles.”
Crazy Pour is where I go to place my legal bets.
Netflix has an excellent new documentary that true crime fans will love. It’s called, “Lover, Stalker, Killer.” Its twists and turns are pretty wild!
Music Notes– Two months ago, I got clued into Texas native Sarah Jarosz thanks to her appearance on CBS Saturday Morning. Sarah’s folk style/Americana music reminds me of Mary Chapin Carpenter’s works from the early 90’s. Still, Jarosz has her own originality with the just released “Polaroid Lovers” album bringing us songs like “Jealous Moon” (I love that song title) and “Runaway Train.” Check out these tracks and notice Sarah plays an eight string guitar which is a little unusual.
On March 29th, three days after he turns 55, Kenny Chesney is releasing the “Born” album. It’s his first set of new songs in four years and a major stadium concert tour will follow starting in April. The first single, “Take Her Home” is a winner, ditto for the video.
One of Kenny Chesney’s good pals and former concert mates Tim McGraw is set to start his own road run next month. The “Standing Room Only” tour matches him up with Carly Pearce and will play in arenas across the country including a May 31st show here at the United Center. Recently, McGraw issued clips of him doing an acoustic set in New York with one of the highlights being a new take on his early 90’s hit “Don’t Take the Girl.” This version is even more tender and heartfelt than the original release.
NEXT BLOG- Remembering Glenn Frey.