Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Hello Summer

Yeah, I know Summer doesn't "officially" arrive til mid June...but Memorial Day Weekend is my official Summer kick-off. Sadly, our Music Friday post last weekend transitioned to honor the amazing Tina Turner.

We had originally planned to welcome the season last weekend with KC Johns. I have no idea how I stumbled upon her a few weeks ago...but I did and I'm glad for the serendipitous insertion into my life because this is my new Welcome Summer song. It's "Shore Feels Good" with Steven Cade.

Sure does.

And you can catch her this weekend in Missouri and Oklahoma.

America's Top Cities

The latest edition of America's Top Cities is out today and DMOU had the opportunity to talk with Resonance's Chris Fair on how the rankings are determined and why they matter. It's no surprise that big cities dominate the top 50 because they have more assets than smaller cities. But, there are some surprising cities in the bottom 50 that point the way to how DMOs can elevate community brand and magnetism to increase awareness and interest. Chris breaks it all down in this exclusive interview on how the rankings have evolved post-COVID. Cool stuff.

Tina

It was just two months ago that Terri and I were mesmerized by the traveling company of Tina: The Musical. If you get the opportunity to see this amazing production, it comes highly recommended from us (yeah, it's coming to Madison next summer...but we couldn't wait). And, for you, it will doubtless take on an even more special meaning, as she's now tearing it down in Heaven's House Band.

Known best for her iconic version of John Fogerty's "Proud Mary," our Music Friday homage will focus on the amazing duets Tina did during her sensational career. Not that her solo work was in any way lacking...but it was the sheer joy she exuded when riffing with others that always gave me goosebumps.

This list is by no means complete...but these are my favorites:

With Jimmy Barnes (probably Tina's most perfect vocal match) on "(Simply) The Best."

With Mick Jagger at Live Aid and "State of Shock/Only Rock n Roll."

With David Bowie on "Tonight," (and we can only pray they danced this week upon her arrival).

With Cher in 1975 and "Shame Shame Shame."

And, the one song I'd take to a desert island if I had only one to choose? "It's Only Love" with Bryan Adams.

The rabbit hole? There may be others that some may like better...but the concert I loved most was from the "Private Dancer" tour (and two of my favorite duets above are from that concert).

Thank you for all the love, Tina. We'll so miss you. And, that's all.

Tip of the Hat

It's been a couple years since we lost Michael Stanley. But, I smile every time his music shuffles forward.

It happened just the other day when "When I’m Holding You Tight" came on (sorry, no video)...and I reveled in the reality of the lyric:

So many nights
Alone in the darkness
Just me and you
Both had someone to use
We played a game with no rules
Felt we couldn't lose

But it was the final few moments that made me really smile...when the singer screamed, "Ooh baby."

Such an homage to fellow Cleveland rockers The Raspberries and the classic "I Wanna Be with You."

Chills.

New on the DMOU Podcast: Kara Franker

For DMOs that produce destination events, it often consumes months of staff time. Yet, Visit Estes Park turned a festival that a neighboring community was preparing to sunset into an event that garnered national media attention in just 100 days. CEO Kara Franker guests to tell the unique story of the revitalized "Frozen Dead Guy Days," an event that not only bolstered a need time on the calendar but also raised money for workforce housing and daycare initiatives. It's a stirring story of community collaboration you're not going to want to miss. You can find the conversation HERE.

And, while you're at it...check out the sensational video behind the story Kara tells on the podcast about backing a Room Tax increase to support local workforce housing and childcare.

Simply brilliant.

Opening a Concert

For so many acts, they come on stage and start the show. And that's OK, I guess. But I want something more. Like the beginning of Lou Reed's show years ago...where the intro of "Sweet Jane" teased the audience to a frenzy.

On this Music Friday, we offer this video of the opening of Alice Cooper's show at the Olympia in Paris...which transitions into one of his best: Poison.

Love it.

Gordon Lightfoot

It's a shame that Gordon Lightfoot is best known for his biggest hit, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." While it's one of the best "story songs" ever, it belied his vast collection of lyrically evocative compositions.

As with so may performers from the 70s, the video vault is somewhat limited...but these are among his best:

Sundown: I can see her lying back in her satin dress in a room where you do what you don't confess.

If You Could Read Mind: I walk away, like a movie star who gets burned in a three way script.

And, there's Carefree Highway. Searching through the fragments of my dream shattered sleep.

RIP.

 

Belafonte

Singer. Actor. Activist.

in the 50s and 60s, Harry Belafonte was a rare breed. A man who utilized his undeniable artistic talent to showcase the insanity of racism.

Beyond his drum solo witb Animal and all the island-inspired hits...we say farewell to this amazing talent with this: "Try to Remember" from a concert in 1977.

Sleep, sweet prince.

Prince

Hard to get one's head around the realization that we lost Prince 7 years ago today.

Rather than link up to some of his best, this Music Friday honors him with some evocative covers of his amazing catalogue.

When Doves Cry by The Be Good Tanyas and by Nonpoint 

Nothing Compare 2 U by Sinead O'Connor

The Beautiful Ones by Beyonce

When You Were Mine by Mitch Ryder

And...OK, probably his most electrifying performance.

Make it rain harder, indeed

Concert Fees

Just tell me the friggin price.

It's hotels, airlines, concerts and so many assets we wish to consume. Just tell me the friggin price.

Ari Herstand lived next door during his youth. We luxuriated in his musical experimentation through his window as we sat on our porch. We went to his shows and were blown away. Really? This guy lives next door?

His is a song that Terri and I often message each other when I've been on the road too long.

And, he is the author of How to Make It in the New Music Business, which has a lot of truths that those of us in the Destination Marketing field could maximize.

He recently penned a piece for Variety that so deserves every music fan's read. And yeah...we in the DMO world as well, as we move into ensuring the visitor experience is transcendent.

Just tell me the friggin price.