This Friday night, we’re going to see Florence and the Machine.  I loved her disc ‘Lungs,’ so I’m really looking forward to seeing her live.  She’s just the right mix of edgy, weird and ballsy that I like.  Should be a terrific show.

On Friday, July 12th, I’ll once again get to see the incomparable Sade.  I have every CD she’s released, have seen her in concert 2 or 3 times before, and look forward to another spectacular show.  I think many people will agree – a Sade concert is practically a religious experience.  She is one of the most classy, talented artists I can think of.  While I love all of her music, her CD ‘Love Deluxe’ is a soundtrack album in my life.  Songs like No Ordinary Love, Kiss of Life, Pearls, and (my all time favorite) Cherish the Day show a woman/artist of true depth.

Of all the music I’ve bought in the last year, none of it has resonated with me like Adele’s ‘21.’  I was a fan from the first time I saw the “Chasing Pavements” video from her ‘19′ album.  So I bought ‘19′ and while there were songs I liked, I thought the disc was a bit uneven.  ‘21′ is a flat out classic – every song is terrific and her voice is a true gift.  Adele is a true artist and I love everything about her.  I love the fact that she’s low profile, that she’s not another “Amy Winehouse,” that she’s not rail thin.  She’s just a normal girl who happens to be exceptionally talented.  We were supposed to see her live a few weeks ago, but she had to postpone the last part of her tour due to laryngitis.  She’s rescheduled Atlanta for October 7th and I can’t WAIT!

So who are you really into right now?  And who are you going to see live in the next few months?

Saturday/Sunday. Our first stop was Charleston, WV.  Neither of us had ever been there and it wasn’t really a “destination” but part way to our next stop.  We arrived on Saturday evening and asked two different hotel employees for their restaurant recommendations.  They were Outback (right next door to the hotel), Chili’s and Wendy’s!  Wendy’s!!  Instead, we found a local restaurant called Blossom.  It was set in an old diner/soda fountain that still had the original menu posted on the wall.

The next morning we got up and walked through downtown – frankly, there wasn’t a lot to see or do.  We debated about checking out of the hotel early to drive to Pittsburgh.  I wish we would have because there’s more to do there, and it would have given us time to see Mike Ofca, Producer extraordinaire of SWEAT.  But we decided to stay and spent time at the Clay Center, which housed a planetarium/IMAX theater (we did both), and a museum containing art, sculpture and physics exhibits.

Monday/Tuesday. Cleveland was our next stop – we got there Monday afternoon.  After checking into our hotel, we ventured out to have a drink.  We stopped at a bar in a VERY sketchy part of town, and after having one drink, headed back to the hotel.  Then we ended up going to a bar around the corner from the hotel and had a GREAT time.  The place was pretty empty but the bartender (Glenn) kept us entertained.    After cocktails and appetizers, we walked to an Irish pub a few blocks away from the hotel.

The next day was the real reason for the stop in Cleveland – the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  I had a GREAT time and could have spent another day there.  In addition to the exhibits, we watched a 3D movie of U2 in concert.  I’ve always liked some of their songs but became a fan after seeing that concert.  They are a terrific band, Bono is a great frontman, and I loved how they structured the show to take a political, yet positive, vibe.  We finished the evening by visiting Glenn again (the bar was much more crowded that day), eating dinner at a local rib shack, and walking downtown to take pictures.

Wednesday/Thursday. Cedar Point – what more needs to be said? We had lots of ride time (despite a few hours of rain on Wednesday).  I was actually successful in getting Eric to ride Top Thrill Dragster – TWICE.  That ride is nothing short of adrenaline on speed.  We also rode Skyscraper, a ride located in the Challenge Park.  We had seen a version of it in Seattle and both chickened out on riding it – that is the FIRST and ONLY time I’ve ever chickened out on a ride.  Although I was tempted to bail again, we didn’t.  And it wasn’t QUITE as scary as we thought it would be.

We stayed at one of the hotels at Cedar Point.  When we first checked in and went to our room in Sandcastle Suites, it was a handicap accessible room. I’ve stayed in an accessible room once or twice, but pretty much refuse to do it again.  (I guess I can be a diva!) I don’t need an accessible room and it’s kind of depressing.  In addition, this room was about as utilitarian as possible to allow room for a wheelchair.  The girl at the front desk wasn’t helpful (said they were full), so Eric called the reservation line and explained that we would not have booked the room if they had told us it was an accessible room.  They upgraded us to a suite in the Breaker’s Hotel with a hot tub (didn’t use) and a huge screened in balcony overlooking Lake Erie.  So thank you, Cedar Point, for fixing it.  I can’t wait to see you again!

We left the park for dinner every night.  We went to one of my old favorites (which isn’t in the south), and now one of Eric’s – Friendly’s.  We have gone to Friendly during everyone of our CP visits.

Friday/Saturday. When we decided to take a roadtrip, I asked Eric if he would be willing to go through Evansville, IN to see some of my family that I haven’t seen in years, but who I’ve been in touch with over the last several months.  We had dinner with my cousin Karla, her husband John, and my cousin Julie.  We had a great meal and time to catch up.  Then we went downstairs (at the casino) to listen to an 80’s cover band.  The band was good, but the crowd was even more entertaining.  The standouts: an old, very thin, and seemingly frail man who danced at the foot of the stage (when he wasn’t conducting the band), and a COUGAR who only knew one way to dance – very provocatively.  She felt VERY good about herself.

The next morning, we went to Karla and John’s house and spent time talking and loving on the dog, cats and horses.  We then went to Amber and Chris’s (their daughter and son in law) new house to spend time at the pool.  The pool was very welcomed because it was HOT HOT HOT!  Aunt Doraine, Julie, and Julie’s son Jordan were also there.  We drank wine, ate cheese and crackers and spent several hours floating in the pool.

Jordan had to go to work, but the rest of us went back to John and Karla’s for a cookout.  I ended the evening by performing a mini concert with songs from Stirred Not Shaken and SWEAT.

The stop in Evansville was the HIGHLIGHT of the trip because I had a great opportunity to catch up with Karla, Julie and Aunt Doraine.  I also got to meet John, Jordan, Chris and Amber for the first time.  Even though I haven’t seen this side of the family in years, I felt a strong and wonderful bond.  I can’t really explain how great it felt – and how important it as to me.  It was a wonderful time that ended much too soon, but with the promise of more time together in the future.

Sunday. Drove home to Atlanta.  It was great to see my mom and the dogs and cats.  And it was even better to be home again and sleep in our own bed.

I think we drove close to 2,000 miles.  Overall, it was a very fun trip.  As I wrap up, I have to say THANK YOU to my Evansville family for welcoming me after such a long absence, for your hospitality, and for being so good to Eric.  And best of luck to Jordan as he starts his freshman year of college.

The links to listen/download the interview segments are hard to find.  The are at the TOP of the page, to the right of the month APRIL 2010.

MIKE RICKARD
SWEAT ~ CD REVIEW
by: Terry Christopher

Atlanta based and OUT singer-songwriter, Mike Rickard, has just released his Sophomore CD, Sweat, as a follow up to his successful debut CD, Stirred Not Shaken. It is clear within the first couple of songs that Mike is a thoughtful story teller weaving words together from his own life experiences and drawing from the far corners of life lessons to share musically with the world. I noticed immediately the production quality as being top-notch and that time and money were well spent in this a very solidly produced musical package. It is amazing to see how far and how good indie music makers have come and how they are standing up to the production quality of that of the big labels minus the big label expense.

The first song on the CD, Sweat, is a gem of song called “Wild Beautiful Blue.” It is very positive and uplifting in lyric content, melodic structure and musical arrangement. It is reminiscent of Sheryl Crow’s, “Soak Up The Sun” or “All I Wanna Do.” I really believe if someone came across this song or sought it out while having a bad day that they would not be able to stay in a bad mood after listening to “Wild Beautiful Blue.”

The second song on Sweat is “Anything of Nothing.” From the guitar and drum heavy intro, this song brings to mind the band, Jars of Clay. The guitar work and drum beats are driven to deliver the message of Mike’s lyric which may at first seem to be simple in the thoughts of seeking to improve oneself or ones life. The more you listen the more you get the literal and obvious intention of the lyric and song title. A really nice lyric moment is – “Doesn’t matter if I stumble, doesn’t matter if I fall, cause I’m guaranteed to fail if I do nothing at all. Some say the destination is the one and only prize. But you’ll never get there is don’t get on the ride.” I think this line can apply to many people who are often times visitors in their own lives. Mike sings of being present and owning this journey of life as not doing so is doing nothing. Again, this lyric might appear simple in thought but it is deeper as a practically applied concept.

“When The Hot Cools Down” asks the questions of a significant other where a relationship is going? Does the relationship have the staying power to endure when the shiny, new, passion filled early days start to age? Is seeing the relationship through the intention of his love? Very memorable hook in the chorus which anchors this mid–tempo, well sung song that also has a really nice, Santana-esque guitar solo in the musical interlude that feeds into a bridge that then delivers the listener back to the infectious chorus.

The fourth song on Sweat is the title track. It starts in this faded scratchy reduced sound quality style that would come from being played from an old 45. The song then jumps into a more modern, crisp sound with a hot little wawa guitar that conjures up a guitar line in the style of a James Brown song. What really stands out in this song is the lush, funky, driving beat that does seem to hijack ones body and get you moving.

The next track is the guitar heavy “Only Love.” Rickard sings of the extreme highs and lows that we have all experienced in the game of love and how it can be the best of times and the worst of times. A great reminder of this in the lyric is – “It brings out the best, it brings out the worst. One day a blessing the next it’s a curse. It doesn’t cost a thing but you know it has a price.”

“Crawling” is an introspective soul searching exploration when one feels down and out. It is likely a place where our minds have all gone to. Mike’s vocal delivery is perfectly connected in this haunting set of statements of the shortcomings of simply being human. A powerful lyric moment is – “I push myself to do, without taking time to be, my eyes are always open but I never stop to see. I’m drowning in the shallows but I’m longing for the deep.” These lyrics are both revealing and haunting.

One of the powerful ballad gems found on Rickard’s Sweat is the tender and sensitive ”This Time Last Year.” Mike sings of the universal and sometimes visceral painful life experience of going through a year of firsts after the loss of a loved one. Lyrically Mike sings – “It’s a new year of firsts, after a year full of lasts. Time keeps marching on while I am stuck here in the past.” What I think is so remarkable about Rickard’s tackling of this universal topic of loss, is how succinctly he nails this unavoidable life process right on the head and contains it musically, lyrically, in this thinner, lighter musical arrangement. Though Mike Rickard’s vocal work is clear, crisp and solid throughout his CD, Sweat, I do believe that everything aligns to make this vocally one of the most powerful songs presented on the CD. Mike’s vocal delivery is very similar to another OUT singer-songwriting pop star, George Michael as recalled on Michael’s “Kissing A Fool.” Michael set the standard for that soft, sensitive, breathy, buttery-smooth upper tenor range that is brimming with emotion and Rickard delivers the goods in much the same way on this topically and lyrically sad song.

“Just Like New” delivers one of Mike’s grittier vocal performances in an arrangement that is seeped in a southern rock style with a honky tonk stroll which opens with some great organ work. I would like to have had the organ brought out a bit more in the arrangement when it was used and also used a bit more. I also really do hope to see more of Mike’s grittier vocals delivered in future songs.

A true feel-good music offering is the ninth track on his new ten song CD, Sweat titled “Stupid Stuff Like That.” It reminds the listener of all the great aspects of being in a relationship through the various simple give and takes that help a relationship stay fresh.

The final song closing out the musical journey found on Mike Rickard’s CD, Sweat, is the beautiful ballad, “Goodnight.” “Goodnight” sings of having the last words that Mike’s muse hears at night are I Love You. The lyric offers an apology in advance and without confirmation as being necessary for anything that may have been said or done to make his love feel less than he really is during the day that is now winding down. I would hope messages such as that are not in today’s world discounted as unimportant, unnecessary, cheesy or unwanted.

Mike Rickard’s Sophomore CD, Sweat, has the singer clearly feeling good about his life as his songs reflect upbeat, uplifting and positive messages through well written, thoughtful, connective lyrics. Even when dealing with hard life issues in his songs, Rickard addresses them with a sense of respect, learning and reverence leaving out any sort of victimized, ‘why me cruel world’ sort of feeling. Mike delivers Sweat, his 10 song musical offering with finesse, polish, high quality production value and a group of supporters who connect to Mike’s musical vision as demonstrated in his expert and well-skilled musicians and production people. Indie singer-songwriters are demonstrating the how’s and why’s of making great, long, successful careers for themselves and Atlanta’s Mike Rickard is just such an indie artist who is also a star on the rise.

I live my life as an openly gay man.  But it took a long time to get to that point, mostly because I grew up in church and often heard how sinful man – and by reasoning, I - was.  Knowing what my inner struggles were, I equated myself with the most sinful of people.  But after years of striving and a bit of self loathing, I finally accepted and embraced who I was all along.  I felt freedom and peace for the first time.  While my struggle helped make me who I am today, I have to admit admiring - and somewhat envying – young people who embrace their true selves and come out at a young age.  What strength they must have!  I wasted time that I can’t get back.  But I accept that because it led me to where I am today.

I’ve not only been encouraged by these brave kids, but also by the “so what” attitude that so many of the kids in high school and college have, particularly when it comes to accepting their friends who are gay.  So being an optimist, I believe that it will be even better, even easier, for the kids who come after them.

But I’ve been a bit disheartened by a few recent events.  The first is the story of Constance McMillen, a Mississippi girl who asked for permission to attend the prom with her girlfriend.  To avoid having to let her attend, the school cancelled the prom, which essentially vilified her with her classmates.  So what did her classmates do?  They coordinated and attended another prom, while sending Constance, her date and a few special education students to the “rejects” prom.  I was so disappointed because these kids blew a perfect opportunity to send a powerful message of unity.

The other story is practically in my back yard.  It’s the story of Derrick Martin, an 18 year old from Cochran, GA who asked if he could attend the prom with his boyfriend.  The school made what I consider to be the right decision and said he could.  His parents, however, found out he is gay and kicked him out of the house. 

I’ve spent a bit of time, probably more than I should, wondering why these stories matter so much to me. 

First, I can relate to the feeling of not fitting in.  In junior high and high school, I was taunted for being gay long before I knew I was gay, often by kids who were nice to me privately.

Second, while I certainly understand the reality in any situation, I am also an eternally hopeful person, always hoping for the best in people.  These examples show the worst. 

Third, I think it ties back to my own struggle – and what I view as wasted years – in my own journey toward self realization and acceptance.  I was never as brave as Constance and Derrick.  And while I hurt for them, I also acknowledge the reality that progress often has a price. 

Finally, I think it has to do with my desire to understand and relate to others; to see the value of diverse thoughts, backgrounds and cultures; and the certain knoweldge that my life has been, and will be, enriched by the relationships I build with others, particularly those who are different from me.  I may not always live that, but it’s my goal.

In the last few years, I have come to realize that my decision to live as an openly gay man, and to name myself as an out gay musician, isn’t just about me.  It’s also about the folks who live in small towns where there are no gay bars or social outlets, who have no gay friends, who live lonely lives, or even those who may have a partner but still pause when asked, “What did you do this weekend?” by a boss or co-worker.  More simply, it’s also about people who just feel “different.”  (Maybe that’s why I love Glee so much.)  It is my hope that I can, in some small way, help pave the way, make it a bit easier, for those who follow behind me – just as the ones before me did.

If I ever have the opportunity to meet Constance or Derrick, I would simply want to hug them and thank them for their courage.  They are certainly braver than I’ve ever been.

As frustrating as those individual stories may be, there are many shining examples of “so what” people out there.  I am thankful for all of the “so what” people, particularly those in my life.  My hope is that there will one day be more kindness than meanness, more openess than fear, more ”Blind Sides” (I loved that movie - and the true story behind it) than bigots, more straight friends than fag haters, more appreciation for difference, for diversity. 

I commit to being the change I want to see.  Join me!

The interview Wednesday at 8 pm GMT and can be streamed on their website www.rte.ie/pulse.  Here’s a link to the show’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51772312931&ref=mf

It is also reprinted below.

Let the Music Move You

As a musician, I have always avoided participating in music competitions.  To me, that’s not what music is about.  So I didn’t initially jump on the American Idol bandwagon.  But there have been a few seasons that I paid at least some attention:

• I watched the last part of the inaugural season and rooted for Kelly Clarkson
• I watched several elimination episodes until Sanjaya was voted off (yes, he annoyed me that much)
• I happened to watch Adam Lambert’s audition episode, and I watched the last half of this season

Unlike the rest of the judges, Simon was very critical of Adam at his audition, calling him too Broadway.  While I would normally have agreed, I thought Adam was THAT good of a vocalist that he could tone it down and sing basically anything he wanted to.   I was blown away.  I didn’t watch any episodes after that – for a while, at least.

But the Bert Show on Q100 gave recaps of the performance episodes each Wednesday and played song samples of the top contestants.  One song stood out to me, and it was Adam’s reading of Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire.”  I am not overly familiar with  Johnny Cash’s catalog, but I thought Adam’s version was incredibly self indulgent and contrived.  It so turned me off, I wanted him voted off.  (If you want to talk about an amazing remake, watch Johnny Cash’s video to his cover of Nine Inch Nail’s “Hurt,” which is easily one of the most moving and haunting videos ever made.)

At the same time, another performer began to gain notice due to his deft song selection and interpretive skills – Kris Allen.  So I began to watch the show to actively cheer for Kris.  The fact that Kris plays acoustic guitar appealed to me – not to mention that he’s cute as hell.  I loved his versions of songs such as Donna Summer’s “She Works Hard For The Money” and Kanye West’s “Heartless”  because he made them his own while still honoring them.

Each week I wondered what song Kris would choose and how he would arrange it, and I always knew that no matter what style of song Adam chose, no matter how soft a ballad, he would find a way to stick his tongue out and yell. I was thrilled when Kris won (and yes, I bought his CD last week).  But I will also sadly acknowledge that there were probably a lot of people who voted for Kris simply to vote AGAINST Adam because he was the GAY American Idol contestant.

So the fact that I’m a gay man – and an out gay artist – leaves me feeling a bit conflicted as to why I have such strong negative feelings about Adam Lambert.  Part of me wants to cheer him for being out there and pushing boundaries.  But his performance last night, and his recent handling of the media, typifies exactly why I don’t.

Let me just say that I am not a prude.  I am not opposed to two men kissing – quite the opposite.  I am all for pushing boundaries, for creating dialogue, for promoting change and acceptance.  There are ways to do that, while still promoting art.  Adam Lambert’s AMA performance was none of that – it was simply a hot mess.  It lacked any redeeming value, the song was mediocre, his vocals were atrocious, and most predictably, he screeched through half of the song.

For weeks leading up to the release of his CD For Your Entertainment, Adam has posed for provocative photoshoots (kissing girls – oh my!), done provocative interviews (”girls are hot.”), talked about his chubby, bad skinned past, and revealed one of the worst CD covers in recent history.  He has basically done everything possible to generate column inches that will hopefully translate to CD sales. And he’s done it very well.

Entertainment Weekly has given Adam a lot of press coverage lately, first for his supposedly unfair treatment by OUT Magazine’s editor, who wrote an open letter to Adam about his publicist’s request to present him “not too gay.”  Adam said OUT had gone too far, that every gay man is different – that we’re not all the same.  EW seemed to side with Adam.  Regarding Adam’s AMA performance, EW’s resident Idol expert Michael Slezak didn’t like it, while Ken Tucker (who I often agree with) said, “As a TV event, he was splendid.”  Ken even went as far to say that the music was beside the point, that it was Adam’s chance to break free from American Idol.  Hello, Ken?  It was the American MUSIC Awards, not the American TV Awards.

So Adam, last night you asked, “Do you like what you see?”  Well, no I don’t.  And to quote you, all gay men aren’t the same.  Sometimes I prefer someone who doesn’t hide behind a contrived image, who still has depth and “realness” even when the image takes center stage, who can pick up an acoustic guitar and reveal the true song by stripping it down, who doesn’t scream just because he can, who respects the music enough to let a song simply breathe.  Kelly Clarkson’s AMA performance of “Already Gone” is a perfect example of that.  What is most sad to me is that you will probably sell more CD’s than Kris Allen BECAUSE of the things that bug me the most, while never showing the boy behind the makeup and screaming voice. While Kris Allen may not have the pipes you do, he has an honesty and quiet confidence that you don’t.  Maybe you are being honest and I’m simply out of touch.  Perhaps you are what music – and pop culture – has become.  So while you may be here for my entertainment, I will say, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

So what do you think?  Did you love his performance?  Hate it?  Think I’m crazy?  Post your comments and let’s discuss.

 I recently did an indepth interview with Len Rogers, founder of Stonewall Society. That interview, and all the songs from SWEAT, will be available at Rainbow World Radio on November 6th and will remain on line for about two weeks.  This is a great opportunity to hear the songs, some stories behind them, as well as the writing and recording processes.  And best of all, it’s FREE!