First of all, TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS CONSIDERED RUDE, RIGHT? So, just who does a band who has their name written in all caps (HEALING SIXES) think they are? Oye vey, perhaps I've been watching too much of Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm Show!"

Moving on, the Indianapolis, Indiana boys (Doug Henthorn, vocals, guitar), (Eric Saylors, guitar), (Wade Parish, drums) and Jeff Stone (bass), played on an Indian Summer night in Chicago at the nothing-to-sneeze-at House of Blues. There was clearly no need to snort any NO-DOZ because, let me tell ya, the Healing Sixes' performance kept folks on their toes.
 
No jibber-jabbering amongst the audience about Tom, Dick or Harry Mary bombarded my ears. Nor did I see or hear a single person doing his or her spiel to get into anyone's pants or panties--or leave the floor in front of the stage to chug-a-lug more beers!
 
The Healing Sixes were on fire right from the very start. They ended their performance with The Beatle's "I Am the Walrus," and I was in a blazing sea of love during every part!

Just for the record, Healing Sixes only have their name printed in all caps on some of their materials for their website's address, and all nitpickiness aside, they are truly not rude for doing so at all.
 
They don't act as if they think they are 10 feet tall, yet it's as blue as the sky above to me and many, the HEALING SIXES are a band whose songwriting, plus, high quality playing make them stand out and unlikely to have a drastic career fall.
 
"Healing Sixes are always about emphasizing that their songs create a strong, vibrant--yet never formulated-rock sound (www.HEALINGSIXES.COM.") Also respectable, is they have opened for Ted Nugent, Bret Michaels, Eddie Money, Todd Rungren, Hoobastank and so on--yeah, Healing Sixes sure do get around. But, they are headliners, too, and continue to be buds with their former member, Jason Bonham, who helped the band get more off the ground.

 Ending on a high note, I have a good feeling the Healing Sixes new CD "Blue Jay" is sure to have you whistling "Yay...yay...yay," since it's a "super fly" Rock and Blues CD to play. In addition, you don't want to miss the exceptionally talented Healing Sixes on tour with The Steepwater Band, whose lead vocalist and guitarist, Jeff Massey is widely esteemed as playing the guitar in an "Oh, My God!" way.
 
The Healing Sixes' and The Steepwater Band's Tour dates and CD information can be found at: www.HEALINGSIXES.COM and www.steepwater.com

Did you know innocent people were "forcibly tattooed... for the identification system of them in Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust?" So, "In modern times the association of tattoos with Nazi concentration camps and the Holocaust" has caused some Jewish people to be against the practice of tattooing of any kind (http://en.wikipedia.org 2010.)

The more folks expose themselves to truths about different cultures and religions than their own, and can understand where they are coming from, the better the chances of peace and harmony in a world of too many minds misunderstood and divided.

"The Invasion of Skokie" is a play partially intended to be a comedy about a Jewish family during the 1970s. Whopping whacked-in-the-head-Nazis may have said or say laughing gas should have been filled into the theatre since not all the punch lines spit out by the characters were laughed at by the audience of mostly middle-aged-men and ladies.

However, in all fairness the production had such non-comical heavy-weight themes with one being about the Holocaust, which is not to be taken shallowly due to its extreme emotional costs on Jewish human beings. The "Invasion of Skokie's" main character, Morry, played by Mick Weber, executed quite well how the Jewish have been hit by the evil blows of the Nazis, and how it can, understandably, still be painful for them to think of the unjustifiable torturous acts and killings of grandparents, moms, dads, sons, daughters, siblings...

To elaborate, the play was set during the time the Nazis of Illinois, in real life, beat the Village of Skokie in the U.S Supreme Court when they had fought to march in the town to throw their political existence in the face of victims and survivors of the Holocaust (which comprised of 40 percent of the residents there!) As one could imagine, some Jewish people around while the fight had taken place had said "This isn't just a free speech matter. This is an assault on a community," what a nightmare (Petlicki M. Chicago Dramatists marches into 'Invasion of Skokie' Pioneer Local. 2010 Aug 26.) Since Chicago Dramatists Network Playwright of "The Invasion of Skokie," Steven Peterson, had his deceased father and a lot of his friends as victims of the march it was something he wanted to share (Petlicki M. Chicago Dramatists marches into 'Invasion of Skokie' Pioneer Local. 2010 Aug 26.)

An additional theme of "The Invasion of Skokie" is about a Jewish couple (Morry and Sylvia ) struggling to keep their daughter (Debbie) from marrying a man (Charlie) from another faith, even though he has been tight with the family ever since he was a young child. But, Sylva's and the family's close friend (Uncle Howie's) reactions toward the Nazi's march and the possible walking of a gentile into their unit, compared to Morry's, was mild. That is, Morry firmly believes in using violence against the Nazis who are to invade Skokie, whereas, Sylvia, Debbie and Charlie are adamantly opposed to resorting to measures that dangerous, radical and wild.

The Director, Richard Perez, as well as all of the characters played by Mick Weber (Morry Kaplan), Cindy Gold (Sylvia Kaplan), Tracey Kaplan (Debbie Kaplan), Michael Joseph Mitchell (Howie Green) and Bradford R. Lund (Charlie Lindal) have respectable credentials, and the acting seemed convincing thru and thru, especially Mick Weber's, while Steven Peterson's writing was not to my liking until 10 minutes or so into the production.

To close the curtain on the review, I will lastly say there is a tremendous throw-you-off-your-rocker part in the play which combined with its other themes, I did not mention, have the depth and importance for you to excitingly argue back and forth with someone about them.

"The Invasion of Skokie" (a finalist in the Dorothy Silver Playwriting Competition) plays at the Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W.Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, September 15th-October 10th. $32 Tickets; www.chicagodramatists.org; (312) 633-0630.

Above photo:

(L-R) Bradford Lund, Mick Weber, and Michael Joseph Mitchell star in Steven Peterson's world premiere production of The Invasion of Skokie, at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave., running 09/2-10/10/10, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 3 PM. Photo by Jeff Pines.

Charlie Sheen is infamous for having call girls ring his bell. But, it was a real shocker to have seen Scorpion's rocker, James Kottak, smooching a blonde bombshell that, sadly, turned into a blow up doll (which, he was surprised by as well!)
 
It was a planned and previously videotaped gag the Scorpions ran for fans during their show at Chicagoland's Rosemont Theatre. And, that wasn't the only surprise the 80's rockers had in their bag of tricks.
 
I was taken aback by the thought of the massive amount of money that must have been spent for the endlessly enthralling high-tech stage design and lights with the drummer's set erected at least 20 feet high. There were generously sized screens behind the band playing good-humored skits and footage of their audiences back in the 80s from their first to last song performed.
 
I didn't imagine the Scorpions would execute a clearly well rehearsed production, either. Given the mastered performers each of the members of the Scorpion's were, and with so much staged, even a person with ADHD was likely to stay engaged.
 
The nearly senior citizens actually had pep from start to finish, too, proving they wouldn't be needing any canes, walkers or hip replacements anytime soon. Nor did the 40-ish aged fans display any problems with memory since most of them sang all the lyrics, and correctly, when the lead singer, Klaus Meine, extended the microphone out above the crowd.
 
Plus, the frequent interaction the German rockers had with the audience and the power, control and hold they had over them would have made sicko, Hitler, proud.
 
The sound was loud and clear with vocals and instruments rocked absent of a single glitch. I see now why the Scorpions have been reported as The World's #1 German Rock Band (www.the-scorpions.com 2010.)
 
Furthermore, they played all their biggest hits from the 80s plus some songs from their new album "Sting In The Tail," which were like totally awesome! As a matter of fact, "Sting In The Tail" turned gold a couple of months ago (www.the-scorpions.com 2010.)
 
Also, there were a wide array of lit lighters held by fans that would have probably made me have many thoughts of darting for the fire escape route, if I would have seen anyone in the crowd with highly ratted, hairsprayed and flammable hairstyles.
 
Yet, I was still disappointed to not have gotten a peep of any male fans at least stuffed in spandex with their eyes painted like cats and raccoons. However, I saw a few frauleins suited in head-to-toe-all-black-leather and they had their manes feathered.
 
My 30-year-old, buddy, who went with me to see the band was expecting a show gobbed with "cheesiness." He cut the word out of his vocabulary when describing the Scorpions after they played their first few songs, though. And, while his eye lids were completely rolled back into their sockets he said "This is a really good concert!"

Something I hate to hear is that the Scorpions will be ending their 35-year-old career (www.the-scorpions.com 2010.)
 
However, you can still see the Scorpion's "Sting And Blackout World Tour," if you missed them perform in the U.S. in other continents or if you just have to get more! (www.the-scorpions.com 2010.)
 
Lastly, I want to give the Scorpions a big hand for providing a show that was nothing less than grand.

Has it ever ran through your mind what celebrities look like during a certain predicament, event or activity? After seeing Jonny Lang perform at the House of Blues on the 16th of July, I have a solid feeling I know what he really looks like when he is reminiscing, heartbroken, angry, passionate, intimate, thankful and going poo-poo and potty!
 
I hate to disturb any graves or upset any folks who consider Elvis as one of their faves, but his hip "thang" is pale in comparison to the mojo of Jonny Lang!
 
That is, Jonny's jerking movements of his entire body, tensed-up facial expressions and strong, animalistic vocal explosions and guitar playing throughout his show, I swear, must be how he appears during experiencing the big "O!" With that said, I came to conclude that while he performed at last Friday's show he seemed to have 69 or so!
 
Jonny Lang has had quite a ride, given the strapping young lad was invited to play at Mick Jagger's 56th Birthday Bash, where he jammed with Jagger, Bono, Elton John and Ron Wood side by side. (www.jonnylang.com 2010)
 
Plus, when Lang journeyed into the Gospel sound, he was awarded a Grammy for his album "Turn Around" (www.jonnylang.com 2010.)
 
Another notch was added to Jonny's belt when he performed at the White House when Bill Clinton was in office, and gave the President something heartfelt--Rather than giving Clinton a cigar, Jonny gave the President a Fender guitar! (www.jonnylang.com 2010)
 
Now, back to Jonny's Chicago performance where some of the songs he played were "Red Light," "Thankful," "Livin' for the City," "Breakin' Me," "Rack Em' Up" and an encore including "40 Days and 40 Nights" as well as "Lie to me," proving he and his band are undoubtedly some of the most talented jam musicians in existence!
 
Jonny had a Gospel singer do a handful of solos that gave me goosebumps from my gourde straight down to my toes!
 
Also, Jonny revealed he played at the old Fitzgeralds and Buddy Guy's Legends his first trip to Chicago. He elaborated he was really nervous to play at Buddy Guys, and while he did, he looked over and saw Buddy Guy watching him. "So I have a lot of good memories in Chicago," said Jonny while the lights were dim.
 
Right after Jonny left the stage of the House of Blues, I asked fans for their reviews.
 
"Amazing--nothing was missing from the show. It couldn't have been better, and I saw the Rolling Stones twice, and he was better than them," asserted Jill Matthews.
 
(Poor old slick, Mick Jagger, has seemed to have lost some of his swagger.)
 
Breck Reich, another satisfied concert-goer, confessed [Jonny Lang] "was better then John Mayer, and he loves John Mayer!"
 
Additionally, Mark said "the expressions on Jonny's face are real--they show what he's feeling. And we [he and his slightly buzzed buddies] like it best when he whales on the guitar and he did tonight," I agree with Mark whole-heartedly.
 
Lastly, before the interview I had with Jonny on Thursday, his PR had professed he hasn't been up to par and is in need of rest. Nonetheless, the show of his "Live by Request" tour screamed Jonny is still one of the Music Industry's best!
 
Sources:
www.jonnylang.com

*Photos by Tracy Walsh 

Grammy-Award-Winning-Artist, Jonny Lang, is bound to loosen up the most tense of folks when he plays the House of Blues in Chicago this Friday, July 16th, with a big sha-bang!
 
The still, somewhat, young buck and his band are notorious for playing, even tighter than Richard Simon's rump cheeks, and loving performing live, given their over ten years of touring (www.jonnylang.com 2010.) But, another reason to see Jonny Lang is because he is a widely, highly esteemed Blues/Rock Guitar Prodigy, who, in a good way, exercises power behind his performances as mighty as the roar of an orangutan!
 
Besides, going to the House of Blues, located at 329 N. Dearborn, is an experience in itself because of its "ooh" and "awe" architectural, acoustical and decorative magnificence.
 
Plus, Jonny Lang has toured with the Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy, Aerosmith, B.B. King, Blues Traveler, Jeff Beck, Sting, and was part of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival Lineup, in which he easily held his own against each such heavy weight's performance (www.jonnylang.com 2010.)
 
Also, he has been caught in candid photos with the mugs of B.B. King and Mick Jagger, so you never know who you might get a glimpse of at his show (www.google.com 2010!)
 
I was fortunate enough to be able to interview the exceptionally busy Mr. Jonny Lang, today.
 
BUZZ-What would you like to say to people who have never heard you play about why they should check you out tomorrow, Friday?

Jonny-"I think it's a pretty good musical experience."

BUZZ-Why should your fans make sure to not miss the show and rush to get tickets before they are gone?
 
Jonny-"We do about 3 or 4 songs that people have requested online for the city that they are in and coming to the show. So, yeah, we'll probably be doing songs from an older catalog and songs we haven't done in awhile."
 
BUZZ-Why should folks stumble upon Cyndi Lauper's "Memphis Blues" CD you have tracks on?
 
Jonny-"Well, Cyndi's record is great. I think if your a fan of soul music or roots music or blues music, you will really enjoy the record. I know, I was surprised just because you know I hadn't really listened to a whole lot of Cyndi's music up until I met her and played on this record. But, she understands it [the music] so well and executes it really fabulous. So, I think you'll really enjoy the record."
 
BUZZ-If you could ask a deceased artist something, who would it be and what would you ask him or her?

Jonny-"Awe, man, that's a very good question. Now, you really got me thinking. I guess I'll just pick this one--Albert Collins. There's a few guitar riffs that come to mind that I would ask him how he played, because a lot of what he's done still escapes me." 
 
You can find Jonny Lang's latest album "Live at the Ryman" in stores now--it's sure to cause a stir!

Sources:

www.jonnylang.com

(photo by Wayne Crans: Dead Bird Photography)