Kenny G in Concert with The Fort Worth Symphony

The Travelling Toe and 2 friends attended the Sunday matinee concert at Bass Hall of the Fort Worth Symphony with featured artist, Kenny G. 

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As the lights dimmed and the orchestra started playing, from the back of the hall, the sweet sounds of Kenny G floated out.  He was playing his famous saxophone (which later he shared with the audience that his saxophone is the same one he has played since his teen-age years).  He stopped about mid-way down the aisle waving at fans, giving high fives and still playing.   Then he stepped up to a small platform stage in the middle of the aisle and continued his performance.  As he walked up to the stage, he held a note for at least 2 minutes.  It seems that Kenny G is in the Guinness Book of World Records for holding the longest note.   Kenny G, his back- up band of about 6 talented musicians and the symphony orchestra collaborated in producing an outstanding concert.  Several standing "O's were given by the audience members to the performers.  He played a variety of songs such as his hit-maker "Songbird" and towards the end of the concert, he played a beautiful, lilting rendition of "The Heart Will Go On" with marvelous support from the Fort Worth Orchestra flute group.  

One of the highlights of the performance for us was a jazzy version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"...yes, way after the Christmas holidays were long gone.  But it was appropriate for our little group as one in our trio was being treated to Kenny G's concert as a Christmas gift.  We think he planned it just for us.

The Travelling Toe also must mention that it was grand to see a favorite, Ron Spigelman back "home" on stage at Bass Hall conducting the Fort Worth Orchestra.   He is always a pleasure to see and his infectious humor shines through as he is working hard on the podium.



Kenny G


Fort Worth Symphony  


www.basshall.com


Guinness World Records

1. https://twitter.com/ronspigelman

   

   Ron Spigelman

A Visit With A President - William J Clinton Presidential Library

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  President Clinton Presidential Library

On a recent trip to Little Rock, The Travelling Toe and friend visited the President Clinton Presidential Library.  The Clinton Library is situated very nicely on a bluff overlooking the Arkansas River.  Rather than use the audio guide, the two of us wandered around looking at the exhibit.  We stopped to gaze at the replica of the President Clint's Oval Office.  However, visitors are not allowed to enter into the Oval Office but instead must just peer in over the ropes strung across the entrance ways. (Just a side note, at the President Bush Library in Dallas, www.bushcenter.org, visitors are allowed to visit the Oval Office, sit at the desk and have a picture made...just saying.)  

Fortune smiled on theses travelers that day as a Dale Chihuly installation was on exhibit at the museum.   His work is always astounding to see.  The museum volunteers were eager to share information about the glass works and how it was all fitted together. The glass artists who installed the works of art used photographs to ensure that they had all the pieces in the correct positions.  One gallery room was full of glass sculptures...the colors are amazing.

The Travelling Toe never fails to visit a gift shop and for this Library, the gift shop is off site and you have to take a shuttle to it. The shuttle drivers are very nice and accommodating.   After assisting the economic coffers of the Library, we were ready to return to the car to continue on our journey.  The gift shop clerk called the shuttle driver and he soon arrived and we were returned to the museum.   

William J Clinton Presidential Library

1. The William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park is the presidential library of Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States. Wikipedia
3. Address: 1200 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201
4. Opened: November 18, 2004
5. Hours:
   

   Open today · 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

   Monday	9:00 am – 5:00 pm
   Tuesday	9:00 am – 5:00 pm
   Wednesday	9:00 am – 5:00 pm
   Thursday	9:00 am – 5:00 pm
   Friday	9:00 am – 5:00 pm
   Saturday	9:00 am – 5:00 pm
   Sunday	1:00 – 5:00 pm

6. Phone: (501) 374-4242
7. Architect: James Polshek

Dale Chihuly

One of the glass pieces on display by Dale Chihuly at the Presidential Clinton Library.

photo credit:   Andria Arlotta

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum - A Bucket List Check Off

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Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Being a long time fan of Georgia O'Keeffe and her work, The Travelling Toe on a recent trip to the lovely city of Santa Fe, encouraged follow travel mates to stop at the museum during the trip.  The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum is on a side street and it was missed 3 times before it was found.   Parking can be an issue as well, but it was worth all the adversity faced just to go to the museum.   Even though the museum is not large, there are several gallery rooms filled with her astonishing and colorful work.  There is also a live feed from her garden at Ghost Ranch.  The garden was a very important part of her life there and she ensured that plans were in place for her garden of flowers, herbs, vegetables, and trees.  Do take the time to see the films about her life and work as she certainly lived a very interesting life.

The gift shop is nice and has lovely post cards and books to choose from.  There is an admission fee, but if you are military or retired military the fee is waived.   There is also a reduced senior rate. 

This museum is well worth the time to visit if you enjoy her work, like The Travelling Toe and friends do and did.

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

The Imitation Game (movie critique)

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  THE IMITATION GAME

In the company of a friend, The Travelling Toe, recently went to the flicks to see "The Imitation Game"   The film is set in England during the height of WWII.   Benedict Cumberbatch (swoon) payed the mathematician Alan Turing.   He and several other code-breakers are in a race against time to figure out how to break the code of German's Enigma machine.  Turing focuses on devising a machine to assist in this endeavor.  In essence he spends his time attempting to invent a computer that will automatically decode the German's messages.  There are other factors at work as they focus on the task at hand, such as a Soviet spy on the team, lack of support from direct supervisors and Alan's own lacking leadership skills.  Close friendships are formed in this intense emotionally charged work space and Turing confides to a close friend that he does not have "those" types of feelings for a female co-worker.  The friend tells Alan he must keep his feelings private as homosexuality is against British law.  

As we all now know, they were able to make the machine work and the codes were broken changing the course of the war effort.  

Cumberbatch did an excellent job in his role as Alan Turing.  Keria Knightly played the role of Joan the female mathematician and did her usual passable job. Mark Strong, one of The Travelling Toe's favorite British actors was excellent as the MI5 spy.  

This was a wonderful movie to see.  It is sad how Alan was treated after the end of the war.  Hopefully this movie will receive the deserved recognition  during the awards season.


The Imitation Game

DISCLAIMER:  The Travelling Toe is not a professional movie critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes only.  

Dallas Holocaust Museum

DALLAS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

The Travelling Toe and 2 cohorts, recently drove east to pay a visit to the Dallas Holocaust Museum.   This is a very moving museum to see and experience.  The cost is a modest , $8.00 for seniors.   They also provide you with a audio tour at no cost.  The pictures and exhibits have numbers with them and as you walk around the galleries,  you just index the number in your device and listen to the description of the item you are looking at.  Needless to say this museum is a tribute to those who perished and those who survived the Nazi death camps.  Some of the items exhibited were provided by people who live in the  communities within the Metroplex area.  One large exhibit, is a train box car like the ones used to take the victims to the death camps,and very much brings home the reality of the gruesome nature of the atrocities.  No one can ever truly ever know the horror these people experienced.  We must never forget.

The museum is rather small and but has plans to expand soon.  

Dallas Holocaust Museum

A Walk With Soldiers

FORT CONCHO

On a recent road trip to San Angelo, The Travelling Toe and copilot, toured the beautifully restored old west fort of Fort Concho.  The reason most of the original buildings still exist is that the fort was constructed out of limestone rather than wood.  And if you know anything about West Texas, you would know that trees are not in abundant supply on that landscape.  We started the tour at the Visitor's Center and watched a film about the history of the fort and the part it played in the settling of the Texas frontier.  Since there was not a tour guide available on the day we visited we walked around the square and looked at the limestone buildings.  In one, we saw some cannons, bunks and other items used by the soldiers on a daily basis.  Fort Concho is an important part of the history of West Texas and is listed on the Texas Fort Trails.   Just another fun thing to do while discovering Texas history.

Fort Concho

• San Angleo

The Theory of Everything (movie critique )

"The Theory of Everything"

The Travelling Toe and friend when to the local multiplex to see "The Theory of Everything"  The movie is based on Jane Wilde Hawkins memoir, "Travelling to Infinity: My Life With Stephen"

The couple meet in 1963 at a party.  Before the night ends Jane gives Stephen her telephone number.  During the course of the movie we learn that Stephen is having trouble settling on a topic for his thesis.With his professor and other students, Stephen attends a lecture on black holes.  This topic nudges his interest in black holes and he speculates that they may be part of the creation of the universe.  In the meanwhile he and Jane continue to build their relationship. Gradually Stephen's muscles begin to contract and cause him problems.   While walking across the campus one day, he falls and knocks himself out.  At the hospital the doctor gives Stephen the sad news that he has a motor neuron disease.  The doctor tells him his body will be uncontrollable and he will not be able to walk, talk, swallow or move his body...but his brain will remain unchanged.  The doctor tells him he has 2 years to live. Jane tells Stephen that she loves him and will be with him till the end.  Apparently, the brain was not the only body part that continues to work as Stephen and Jane had 3 children....just saying! 

As Stephen's body deteriorates, Jane sees after him, his career and the children.  As we all know Stephen has lived beyond the 2 years expected and has achieved much in the world of physics and mathematics.  

The Travelling Toe will not spoil the rest of the movie for you except to say that the acting was superb.  Eddie Redmayne lost weight in order to be very thin for the part and then contorted his body in the wheelchair so he could mimic Stephen Hawing's physical appearance.  Felicity Jones was excellent in her role as Jane...you could see the desperation, fear and angst she struggled with in this relationship.   Both actors should be recognized for their exceptional acting in their respective roles.  

The Travelling Toe awards 2 toes up for "The Theory of Everything"! 

DISCLAIMER:  The Travelling Toe is not a professional movie critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes only.