Spent several hours at Pewaukee Lake yesterday. With the no wake law still in force it's unusually quiet, and if my canoe didn't still have gaping holes in it... So we fish from shore. Very peaceful watching the regatta of around 50 sailboats. Later in the day was Taste of Lake Country and fireworks, but that's another story.

Making every cent of my weekend dollars count I went to Milwaukee today to do several things. I parked under the Hoan Bridge by the river, saving $10.00. I attended a very nice Lutheran service in the Marcus Amphitheater and was allowed into German Fest free, saving $13.00.

German Fest is one of the few festivals I missed last year, (Pride Fest will still have to wait) and I wanted to get there for the food and music. I haven't been to this one before. I wasn't into the music and dancing all that much, but the scents, tastes and sights were overwhelming. Got my first look at the new Harley Stage also. Very cool.

Wandered over to Discovery World next door to use the pass I obtained with the purchase of my Les Paul concert ticket, saving $17.00. I spent the next couple hours in my first tour of the Technology and Aquarium Buildings and the Les Paul House of Sound exhibit!  The Les Paul exhibit, indeed all of Discovery World, was way more than I could've imagined. I enjoyed handling everything, trying it out, playing with things, discovering at my own pace.

Discovery World has to be seen to be believed. When I thought nothing could possibly top the Les Paul exhibit, I had doubts while touring the rest of the building. The bed of nails was one very interesting interactive feature of the Technology Building. Fun to try. The Great Lakes are to scale in the Aquarium complete with interactive locks, rain and storms, and bluegills (not to scale). Also had fun touching the rays and lake sturgeon.

The schooner in the Aquarium Building is a fun play thing. Lots of things to touch, turn and see with many things identified with labels. I played with as many things as I could today and the best thing is I only got yelled at once - at the German Fest Splash Pad for not taking my shoes off!  

Les Paul flips me off. Really flips  me  off! Have to forgive him though; I think at 93 he's entitled to be a little crotchety. After all, we deserved it. We were clapping too much and giving him standing ovations. I really don't think anyone took offense at his one-finger salute - anyone who knows Les understands his brand of humor. Besides, with badly arthritic hands, it hardly even qualified as a "bird".    

I could make this story short and just say, "heard some old guy play guitar and tell stories at the Pabst Theater last night", and direct you to read the concert review at jsonline. But that wouldn't be any fun.

I was thrilled when I heard Les Paul would be performing at the Pabst Theater for one sixth the price of last year's fundraising concert and dinner. As luck would have it, there were two tickets left in the cheap seats when I called. I ended up buying a ticket in the next price level anyway because it included a pass to the Les Paul exhibit at Discovery World. I wondered who I'd be sitting next to. 

I was directed to my seat in the 2nd floor balcony next to a man and his young son before the theater was half full. Bob's son Hayden has been taking classical guitar lessons for seven years. We speculated who the "friends" were mentioned in the billing; "an evening with Les Paul & Friends, His 93rd Birthday Celebration... in Music." Maybe it would be one of the many rock stars Les knows? But I doubted it. Would have been cool to see him play with Eric Clapton though.

As soon as friendshipships were sealed with Bob and Hayden they were redirected to the next section over when the seats' rightful occupants arrived. It's odd, because an usher had sat them there in the first place. Had a few things in common with the next couple. Paul and his wife were also from Waukesha. (What a great way to meet people; just sit there and let them come to me.) They recognized me from somewhere, probably WaukeshaNOW. He's retired from the Journal Sentinel so we talked about that and other things. We were enjoying our visit before the concert's start when I glanced at my ticket before putting it in my pocket. Now I don't know where "2 FLR-RGT CTR D" is, and I'm not sure the usher knew either, because I think I was seated by the same usher as Bob and Hayden and was in the wrong row!

Sitting next to the third couple in fifteen minutes, I'm wondering if I'll eventually meet everyone in the theater one musical chair at a time.

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****pause for blog intermission... to be continued...

The theater was packed - even the $500.00 seats appeared to be sold out. The Pabst is absolutely beautiful and, even though it's older than Les, he'd never played there before Saturday. The stage had a relaxed and comfortable feel to it. Several people sat at pub tables and chairs around the perimeter giving the setting a jazz club atmosphere. The tuxedoed gentlemen falling off his stool just added to the realism of the bar scene.

Les played many decent tunes accompanied by three other men, but he could have played tiddlywinks and we would have applauded. The three hour program was kept interesting with new introductions every few songs, and with stories about him and by him. One of the first introductions was quite auspicious because he represented the future to Les' past. An eight year old boy played guitar beautifully with Les and even sang a blues tune. By our tickets, we were all contributing to the new "House of Sound" educational exhibit, and by this young man we knew we were doing the right thing. It didn't take much imagination to think of this boy as young Les as he played beside the 93 year old. Les was eight when he began playing an instrument.

It's harder to imagine what Waukesha was like 93 years ago when Les was born. It had been 80 years since the area was first settled, and 20 years after Waukesha became an incorporated city. He was born around the same time the health resorts were dying in a little house that used to be where the downtown Walgreens is now. He entertained at Waukesha Beach on Pewaukee Lake and his first concert was at Marquette University. 

Several other friends performed with Les, mostly those he plays with Monday nights at the Iridium in New York. Besides the eight year old guitarist, a singer, a violinist, harmonica player and tap dancer all performed to much applause. Bob Reitman was the logical choice of MC as both gentlemen are legends.

After meeting Les last year and watching his biography I thought I knew him pretty well. I was pleasantly surprised last night that there is much, much more Les.

Happy birthday Les, and many more!

The weather cleared in time for an enjoyable Father's Day though rain dampened Flag Day and graduation day celebrations Saturday. Congratulations to all grads and dads!

It's this blogs second blogiversary and I just want to say thanks. It's really been a pleasure. I am more active in the community now than ever before. One of the side benefits of writing is needing something to write about. I've volunteered, attended plays, concerts, festivals, services... enjoyed it all and enjoyed talking about it too.

I've posted 50% more blogs in this last year than I did in the first. The most popular post, Matzah and Messiah, was 2-1/2 times more popular than the next highest viewed blog. Not sure why.

Last year I mentioned my favorite post was my letter to Dad. My favorite post this year is This Is My Prayer.

I've met a lot of really interesting, fun and hard-working people in the last two years, more than I can count, but the one I'd like to recognize tonight is Les Paul. He's a genuine person full of humor and talent who is a real pleasure to write about. I'm looking forward to seeing him again next weekend.

Thanks for your interest, and keep reading and commenting.

 

Just over a year ago we were given the opportunity to see Les Paul, hear him play, and have a nice dinner...all for a mere $300.00. It was a fund-raiser that sold out but was a little steep for me and everyone else I talked to.

A short while ago we learned that Les will be in town for the June 21st opening of the Les Paul interactive exhibit at Discovery World, "Les Paul House of Sound". Today I'm happy to report he will be playing here again, at age 93, and tickets will be much more affordable - starting at $50.00, but won't include dinner. There is, however, the opportunity to view the Discovery World exhibit included in higher level ticket prices.

This concert is being billed as "An Evening with Les Paul and Friends: His 93rd Birthday Celebration in Music." The ticket price for the concert and admission to the exhibit is $93.00 - one dollar per year of age.

Today's Journal Sentinel reported that tickets will go on sale Friday May 23rd, for the Pabst Theater concert June 21st, but actually go on sale next Friday, the 30th. Call 414-286-3663 or visit www.pabsttheater.org to order.

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A decent article it today's Journal Sentinel goes a long way to clear up many questions. How did Discovery World's "Les Paul's House of Sound" come to be in such short order? Who was behind it and what was the motivation? What are they trying to take away from Waukesha Historical Society's efforts, if anything?

I feel a lot better knowing a former Waukesha alderman and friend of Les' was the prime motivator. Richard Cook is the same alderman who persuaded fellow aldermen to rename the 164 bypass Les Paul Parkway back in the 1990s. His former bandmates and people they know worked hard to bring an exhibit on Les to the "perfect" setting of Discovery World. The news was so unexpected because few knew of the plans and because of the short notice.

All the musicians involved in this project work well together because they all love Les and want to honor him with something he himself can enjoy. It's reassuring to know their intent isn't to upstage Waukesha's efforts. It may even help or motivate them.   

additional coverage in May 6th editorial

Finally, after talking for at least ten years about it, a Les Paul museum exhibit will open this June 21st. The 3000 sq. foot exhibit will be a hands-on aural monument to his unbelievable, talented life. I'm so glad the 92 year old Les Paul will be able to participate in the grand opening.

This museum "seemed to make a lot of sense," Paul's business manager said. "Les is intimately involved with this. He has the connection: This is his home." 

Les Paul called this location the "perfect place," and he feels a "special bond" to the area.

Unfortunately, today's Journal Sentinel wasn't reporting the opening of The Les Paul Experience at the Wauk. County Museum. The news was about a Discovery World exhibit at the lakefront in Milwaukee. While "the Waukesha group's efforts have languished despite years of fund-raising," and is "still working on getting it's act together," Discovery World staffers approached Paul about their exhibit just this year. 

While donations for the Waukesha exhibit have totaled one million dollars or less, Discovery World opened in 2006 with more than $50 million in support, mostly from Michael Cudahy.

One step in the right direction is Wauk. County Historical Society's applying for a million dollar federal National Foundation for the Humanities grant. If the grant is granted it will have to be matched 3 to 1. To raise an additional 3 million won't be easy but maybe with the increase interest generated by Discovery World... 

In the mean time, Waukesha's exhibit could open as early as 2010, when Les Paul is 94! 

I'm 100% in favor of opening downtown to bikes by closing streets to cars. Of course I'd probably feel different if I lived downtown or if I hated loud music or bikes. But while listening to last night's Common Council meeting, all my questions were answered and I actually let my mind imagine what a wonderful thing this party could be. The alderpeople asked a lot of difficult questions and I always heard good responses. I could feel the enthusiasm from here. The only person to vote against it was Ald. Payne, who incorrectly thought he wouldn't have a voice in determining street closures.

The only business owner to speak against the Labor Day Harley party was a lawyer from the Nelson House, adjacent to Cutler Park where most of the music and drinking will be centered. She complained she'd have to pay her staff for the four days they'd have to close because they couldn't park nice and close to the building. I guess I must be really out of touch because I thought most lawyers had Labor Day weekend off.

I'm surprised more residents of downtown didn't speak up against it -- I can just imagine trying to sleep! But maybe they're like me and just want to wander around town with an open intoxicant while listening to free music.

This party will happen whether Harley endorses it or not.  They say that if it is endorsed it would give our city global exposure. Did I mention I saw Japanese bikers at the Expo Center campground during the 100th?

You might think it all seems so rushed. That it takes a year to prepare for an event like this. Actually, the organizers are experienced promoters who seem to work well with the many important people and large companies like Miller Brewing and Kirk Topel, owner of Hal's Harley, that things like this require. They know their limitations and are willing to take the financial risk that will ultimately benefit the city as a whole more than it will themselves.

New people in town think they can come here and not only turn a condemned dump of a building into a high class hotel and restaurant, but have the vision of something more for the city? And do it all at the same time? Their's isn't the only construction that has to be done by the 105th. I walk past the Harley Museum every day on my way to work. They don't have to work hard to attract people. People would come if the old bikes and memorabilia were stored in a tent on an old soccer field. Instead, a beautiful black building surrounded by water on three sides, with the majestic white 6th St. Viaduct suspension bridge on the fouth, is within months of welcoming visitors.

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So it could be with our own museum and The Les Paul Experience. Time is running short. It should be a priority to get it done while Les can still come and see it's completion, and he's over 90 now! We could avoid town at all costs when the Harley enthusiasts come, but that would be a big mistake. We should promote our museum, we already know music will attract people downtown. Let's run raffles and promotions. (don't tell my wife, but I once bought a $100.00 raffle ticket for the chance to win a Harley V-Rod. I didn't win.) Let's get this Les Paul exhibit built! 

Brien and Les

"Thank you, God, for Les Paul, a child of the universe."

"Most people can't go a day without seeing or hearing something played, said or invented by Les Paul."

I was one of many hundreds enjoying the world premier of "Les Paul -- Chasing Sound," a profound documentary interesting for more than just a couple good quotes. Les has been around for 91 years and I never had the pleasure of meeting him... until now.

Just getting to the theater was a trick. Two showings but I could only make it to the second. Was told Les wasn't appearing at the second. Few hours after being told that, read in Journal Sentinel that he was appearing. I called back and was told it was sold out. Left name on waiting list. Was called back. Insert smile here.

Well, I made it to the Downer Theater from my Waukesha home in half an hour - a neat trick even if I knew where it was. Needn't have hurried, everyone was still queued on the sidewalk at the 9:30 start time. Les made a brief appearance before the film and, with the late start, it probably lasted till 11:30 p.m.

I saw a great movie and met a legend. It's 11:30 on a weeknight. Time to go home? I'd heard earlier that Les was putting in an appearance at the Milwaukee Athletic Club. Surely he'd be long gone by the time I got there? The customized Gibson coach out front told me Les was close but the front desk told me he was close to leaving. I took the first elevator to the third floor and found the nice man in the upper right surrounded by autograph seekers and photographers.

Mr. Paul tirelessly signed hundreds of guitars and straps, booklets, albums, posters, a purse, and one blog page about himself titled "I came this close to meeting Les Paul."

It was midnight when the last autograph was signed. If 91 year old Les Paul can still socialize and work till midnight then I expect we haven't seen the last of him. He'll be back. He has to.

July 11th. Please, please try to see "Les Paul -- Chasing Sound" when it comes to Channel 10 on July 11th. You'll understand my facination.

As mentioned earlier, I'm thinking of ways to see Les when he's in town May 10th, and was tempted to enter the look-alike contest. The winner gets to meet Les on the stage. Well, I came this close to winning the contest. You might say I was the runner up. (Maybe the first two finishers could meet him.) I almost won because there was only one contestant, and for a while we wondered if even he would show up. While we were waiting I asked if there was an age limit and there wasn't, so... I was beat out by a kid named Shane Furrer, 9, who happens to be the son of Waukesha alderman Paul Furrer. I'm happy for him, he looked pretty good. When his only other competition was me, then it really was an easy win. And I actually helped him win - I tied his tie for him.

The hinted-at May concert by Les Paul is now finalized and I'm so sad. I would love to attend the May 10th concert at Milwaukee Marriott West but I won't be able to spare $300.00 for a ticket. I'm trying to come up with ideas to get in the door but so far all I've got is begging, volunteering, or dressing up like a young Les and winning the look-alike contest to meet him. I'm open to suggestions, donations or invitations.

The concert is a major fundraiser for the Les Paul exhibit at the Waukesha County Museum, "The Les Paul Experience". Ticket information is available at www.wchsm.org.