Virginia Is For Families

During our recent trip to DC we planned to spend an afternoon at the zoo.  But it was also a Spring Break week and when we drove by there the entrances were closed.

So then we decided to drive to my daughter’s home in Leesburg.  But as luck would have it we happened to drive right by this beautiful church.

Magnificent church.  Awe inspiring building.  It’s pretty much one of the most amazing buildings in the United States if not the world.  So when we drove by what did we decide to do?

You guessed it.

Click on the photo for a larger view and slide show

National Art Gallery/ Washington DC, originally uploaded by Davidlind.

Underneath the building there is a connection between the old and the new art galleries. Waves of light follow you as you glide along a pathway. It’s really very entertaining.

We are getting down to business on American Idol and it will be interesting to see who ends up in the top four spots.  Last night several of the contestants did pretty well and we are looking forward to seeing the results tonight.  Here’s how it went down. . .

Kris- The Way You Look Tonight

The girls will will love this one.  I’m not sure the change up (twice) in the arrangement was great but the boy can definitely sing!

Allison- Someone To Watch Over Me

She turned a classic into her own brand and made it contemporary.  This girl has unbelievable raw talent and we are looking for greatness from her down the road.

(She appears to be an introvert as well. But that doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with her and Simon should just figure that out and stop putting her on the spot in front of millions of people.)

Matt- My Funny Valentine

Off key in places and inconsistant we feel that Matt has not progressed as far as the others and needs to go home.  There were a few good places here and the last note was strong but Simon was crazy when he praised this performance.  Weird Simon.  Very weird.

Danny- Come Rain or Come Shine

Excellent vocals make us wish he had gotten down with it sooner.  But better late than never I suppose.  The ending was terrific and he looks great tonight.  Danny is going to be tough to keep out of the finals.  But, then, he is not the only one.

Adam- Feeling Good

Adam can sing anything and he really connects emotionally to the lyrics.  This was perhaps not his best and he should be concerned about holding a note just a little bit too long.   You don’t want to appear to be showing off in my view.

He did demonstrate to Ryan how a real showman struts down the stairs and meets the audience. Will Ryan try it?  I bet he does.  But just the fact that we are talking about this and not the music means something (not good). This is not the Olympics. Art and sports are two different things.

Although when Paula compares Adam to Michael Phelps you begin to wonder. Paula, of course, was a cheerleader for the LA Lakers at one time so maybe she makes the connection between art, singing and sports.

So let’s say Matt does go home this week?  Who is next?  That’s a tough question.  I’m not sure American Idol has ever had four such gifted finalists.  But part of the fun is predicting what’s going to happen so here goes. . .

Matt goes tonight.

Kris goes next (sadly)

Danny follows him.

Alison and Adam are in the final.

Alison wins !

But it will be so close that just one slip could make a big difference and that’s  a lot of pressure for all the contestants.   I admit having a soft spot in my heart for Alison but I also think she has the most talent quickly followed by all the others.  Good luck to them all!

Jonathan Butler
Play Many Faces

09-many-faces-album-version

We spent some time last week when we were in Washington in the National Gallery of Art.

It is a fascinating place. I could wander around in there for days but I would need one of those electric chairs that some company on television is giving away to everyone for free.

I decided to focus on the faces I saw in the artwork and then accompany them with Jonathan Butler’s great song Many  Faces.   I hope you enjoy the result. You can click on the music and then the photo thumbnail for the slide show experience.

Faces In Art and Culture