Friday, July 1, 2022

Rain's Thursday Art Date: A Favorite Fremont Street Band and Gorgeous Purples of Every Shade ~ June 30, 2022

I should know by now not to tempt the Universe.
I recently and rashly declared that my days of staying up
long after midnight or pulling all-nighters were over.
Well, crash and burn in Las Vegas!

And then, several days after we arrived home, I tested positive for Covid.
Then a few days after that, so did Terry 
Well, really crashed and burned in Aurora!

We're both still miserable with Covid symptoms, but we're hanging in there.
Hopefully this will be behind us in a few days.
 
My friend Rain's Thursday Art Date theme for June 23, 2022
was Colourful June: Purple, and on Saturday night, June 18th
I unexpectedly stepped out into a world of gorgeous purples of every shade.
I tossed aside the purple post I had started to write and went with this instead.
Then I was too sick with Covid to post it last Friday.
Note to Self:  Don't tempt the Universe!  

Under the Canopy on Fremont Street
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
June 18, 2022
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved


We had just exited Circa after watching Colorado's Avalanche shut out 
Tampa Bay's Lightning in the largest shutout victory in Stanley Cup Final history!
My throat was raw from yelling and screaming,
and Terry was still pretending that he didn't know me.

Circa's Sportsbook, the Largest in the World
Stanley Cup Final ~ Game 2
Fremont Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
June 18, 2022
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved





Terry Watching the Stanley Cup Final ~ Game 2
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved



We rounded the corner by the outdoor stage, and there they were:
One of my two most favorite Fremont Street live bands setting up
to begin its first set:  Blue String Theory.

Waiting to Start Their Set ~ Literally on the Second
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved


This is one high energy cover band that obviously has a blast playing together
and rocking out non-stop to the most memorable hits from the 1970s and 1980s.

Blue String Theory
Peter (left) and Brian (right) 
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Brian Pollack ~ Lead Vocals
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved


Blue String Theory features songs from so many of my favorite groups from that time:
Journey, Cars, Foreigner, Styx, Van Halen, Bon Jovi,
Def Leppard, Billy Idol, ACDC, and more. 


50 & Fabulous Celebration
Enjoying Blue String Theory
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






An Energetic Start
Gary (left), Brian, Sam, and Scott (right) 
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Lead Guitarist Scott Van Zen and Bass Guitarist Gary Dilger
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved




It was fun to shoot photos of the Fremont Street crowds and action too,
because a broad palette of purple colors was popping up everywhere.



I 💜 You
Golden Gate Bartender
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Peter Kizzire ~ Drums and Vocals
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Enjoying the Music
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Sam McCaslin ~ Keyboards, Guitar, and Vocals
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Fremont Street Crowds Enjoying the Band and Sights
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Between Sets
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Rocking ~ 1
Brian (left)Gary, Scott, and Sam (right) 
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Riding SlotZilla's Super-Hero Zoomline ~ 1
(Starting 11 Stories High)
Under the Canopy and by the Stage
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Brian Having Fun Shooting Photos ~ 1
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Brian Having Fun Shooting Photos ~ 2
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Brian Singing with a Member of the Crowd
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Some of the Crowd in Front of the Stage
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved





Rocking ~ 2
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






I Wonder What the Bartender is Thinking
as the crowd enjoys the music.
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Sensory Overload
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






The Crowd Loving the Music
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Blue String Theory Members Having Fun
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Lead Guitarist Scott Van Zen
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Riding SlotZilla's Super-Hero Zoomline ~ 2
(Starting 11 Stories High)
Under the Canopy and by the Stage
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Gary Belts Out a Song
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved






Closing Time
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue  
All Rights Reserved


I tried to load my video of Blue String Theory singing a Journey medley,
but I just couldn't make it work.  ðŸ˜­ðŸ˜­ðŸ˜­
It was great fun to sing-a-long with the band while recording videos.
I spent hours trying to convert it to a format that Blogger would take,
but to no avail.

So here's a YouTube video clip that gives you a feel for what it's like 
to be on Fremont Street listening to Blue String Theory playing a Van Halen medley.
Lead Guitarist Scott Van Zen highlights his masterful guitar playing in the opening minutes.


If I'm on Fremont Street and Blue String Theory is performing,
I'll be right up front at the stage,
and I will listen to every set unless Terry shows up and drags me away.
He's not into music the way I am, 
but both of us are fine with doing our own things some of the time.

I'm grateful that the downtown casinos and resorts sponsor live music.
There's nothing like great music pummeling you, 
bringing back wonderful memories, and making you feel young and alive.

Next week's TAD theme is Playing Hooky for July 7, 2022.
I'll be playing hooky on Friday, July 8th, because I'll be participating
in the Insecure Writer's Support Group Day on Wednesday, July 6th.
That's a big commitment, so that one post is all I can manage in a week.

Stay happy and creative! 






Till next time ~
Fundy Blue

  My next post will be on 
Wednesday July 6, 2022.



On the Bay of Fundy
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved




 

37 comments:

  1. A wonderful colourful post. I hope you and Terry get better quickly, and completely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sue! I had so much fun taking the photos and putting the post together. Fingers crossed, Terry and I are finally feeling a little better this morning. We'll see how the day goes. Have a great weekend!

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  2. What fantastic photos! Isn't it interesting how a color (like purple) becomes so noticeable when you start to look for it?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Leigh! I was amazed at how much purple there was everywhere. And it was fun shooting photos of the band, especially with the throbbing music and enthusiastic audience. Have a great weekend!

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  3. "My throat was raw from yelling and screaming,
    and Terry was still pretending that he didn't know me."

    This made me laugh! 😂

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It has not been an easy 40-year relationship for Terry and me ~ lol! He's much more circumspect than I. I hope all is well with you, Sandi! Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  4. Fremont is a unique place--it's been a while since I have been there, but I generally prefer it to other parts of Vegas and the downtown section has cleaned up quite a bit since I was first there in the early 90s. I hope the two of you are on the mend. Congratulations to Colorado for winning the Stanley Cup!

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    Replies
    1. Terry and I were so excited when the AVs won the 6th game. Even though we were both miserable, we were jumping up and down and yelling in front of the tv during the last couple of minutes of the game. It was agony waiting and hoping for them to win. I think this morning that Terry and I have turned the corner. We're both feeling better ~ fingers crossed that it lasts! I'm so done with Covid! Have a great weekend, Jeff!

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  5. Good morning, Looks like you both had a very good time despite the covid-ugh we pretty much do not go any where these days except I go out and do the food shopping.
    Loved all the purple

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kathy! We've been mostly home too. I'm not sure exactly where I caught it. We're both feeling a little better today ~ yay! Have a safe and enjoyable July 4th weekend!

      Delete
  6. You got some great shots. So close. Glad you got to see them. Bummer you both have Covid now. Unfortunately shots just can't keep people from getting it anymore.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Alex! I had so much fun taking the photos. I'm a little person, so I can wiggle my way up close ~ lol! Both Terry and I are double-vaccinated and double-boosted. I'm so grateful for that, because I'm not sure I would have survived if I had caught Covid early on. I hope that you and your wife have a fun weekend. The 4th hasn't been on my radar. Not Canada Day either. We're planning to chill at home. Take care!

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  7. This is the perfect Purple Post! Great action shots of the band/crowd! Sorry to hear about the covid and I hope you both feel better soon. Congrats to your Stanley Cup champions, even if they dented the Cup, LOL!

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    Replies
    1. Happy Canada Day, Debra! Terry and I are feeling a little better this morning. I'm thrilled and daring to be optimistic. I didn't know that the AVs dented the cup ~ lol ~ That just adds to its aura and history. As soon as the game was over, I went to bed. Have a fun weekend, my friend!

      Delete
  8. I hope you have a speedy and complete recovery from COVID. I know of one person with Long COVID and that is something you definitely don't want!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, David! No, I definitely don't want long Covid. I have a friend who recently had heart surgery because of long Covid. Not fun. I hope you and your wife are enjoying Canada Day! Take care!

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  9. Fun trip, sorry about the Covid experience though. Gorgeous purples there.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Christine!It feels good to venture out into the world again, even though Covid found me. Take care!

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  10. ...Louise, this was an exciting trip, too exciting for this old dude. The Blue String Theory is new to me, the '70s and '80s were a wasteland for me! I have yet to get Covid, but it could be because I live in my own cave! Take care and get well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope that you continue to evade Covid, Tom. It's not fun, at least it hasn't been for Terry and me. Fingers crossed, we've turned the corner. Onward and upward!

      Delete
  11. What a fun looking trip!
    Beautiful purples everywhere too.
    I am so sorry you got Covid. I do hope you feel better soon!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Dixie! At least now I don't have to worry about getting it when I visit my family in Nova Scotia later this summer. Happy creating in July!

      Delete
  12. haha pretending he doesn't know you. I think you've mentioned that here a few times over the years. Sure got lots of great shots. They look enthused as can be to be playing too. Great when a pair can go off and do different things and enjoy as well. Blah to stupid covid. Hopefully you guys get better soon. Pretty sure we had it back in October, thanks to two certain little germ buckets, lasted 15 days. Wasn't overly bad, just blah and really weird.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you all came through okay last October, Pat. Kiddos pick up everything. I'm very glad that I caught now and not earlier when it might have been deadly for me or Terry.

      I couldn't be in a relationship where I had to do everything together with my partner. Terry couldn't either. We're independent people with some really different interests. I'm hopeless at pickleball, and Terry is passionate about playing it. He doesn't get my blogging and writing at all, but he supports my efforts and is a good sport about it. We've made it work for almost forty years. I wish we had another forty ahead of us.

      Happy Canada Day. I hope you and the family are having a fun day!

      Delete
  13. There truly is so much energy- fun energy in this post!! I would LOVE being there esp. since hubby and I rarely go out to anything like this often anymore :)

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    Replies
    1. I'm so pleased that you felt the energy and fun in this post, Linda! That's what I hoped would come across in my pictures. Thanks for visiting. Happy creating in July!

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  14. Wow, these are spectacular, Louise! The energy really draws you in. I'm sorry that you both got COVID. I hope you are feeling better and on your way to recovery. We've been bitten by the travel bug. If we learned on thing in the past two years it's that life is short and unpredictable. We've decided to travel as much as we can before we get too old to be able to do so! We're each creating a list of places we'd like to visit and then we'll cross reference to create the top favourite destinations. I know that my husband wants to visit Las Vegas at some point for a few days, so maybe we'll get there one day. My cousin and his wife have been a few times and they loved it! Have a good rest of the weekend and a wonderful week ahead!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Martha! You know energy is one of my favorite things! I absorb it and radiate it. Terry and I have definitely turned a corner. We're starting to feel better. I have to be careful not to get carried away and relapse. I'm forcing myself to take it slowly. Traveling is the thing I love to do most, and I'm thrilled to hear that you and George are going to do more. If we've learned anything in the past two years, it's that life and the world can change dramatically and suddenly. We can't take anything for granted, and each day is a gift to be grateful for and make the most of. Have a happy and healthy week! Hugs to you!

      Delete
  15. Yeah Blue Sting Theory and the live music experience ... Boo for coming down with Covid. Hope you are all better by now, but be sure to be on the look out for long term effects :( I"m with you when it comes to live music, but don't get to see it anymore as my husband doesn't travel and even if I could talk some of my friends into going to downtown Chicago for some of their fabulous concerts, I don't think I could handle the crowds ... and then there is Covid. People like to think it is over, but, as you know, it isn't. So this was a fun post. We watch a lot of cover bands on You Tube in the evening at dinner time. We have some favorites ... Pomplamoose and Scary Pocket are two that come to mind. I haven't been to Las Vegas in many years, but my kids have and they always come home with great pictures and tales to tell. Will miss you next week, but understand how hard it is to add more posts than time will allow. Stay well and while you are recouping, turn on YouTube and enjoy :)

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Andrea! Terry and I are definitely on the mend from Covid! ~ We wish it were a lot faster because we're getting a little stir crazy after isolating almost two weeks. We'll be celebrating the 4th at home by watching fireworks on our deck: potato salad, hotdogs, ice cream, drinks, and snacks. Hopefully we can emerge into the world again starting Tuesday. I can handle crowds, but then I have to retreat into my cave and recover. YouTube is amazing. I'll have to check out Pomplamoose and Scary Pocket. Enjoy your 4th! Hugs to you!

      Delete
  16. I love all the purples Louise! I hope by now your Covid symptoms are ALL GONE. Geez….talk about crash and burn! Nice to see the photos and video of the band, they look like a lot of fun! I love cover bands!! Enjoy yourself playing hooky! ♥♥ Oh btw, maybe 10 years ago I would have tried the zipline, no way no how now lol!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Rain! Terry's and my Covid symptoms are slowly going away. Way too slowly! I'm still congested and have muscle aches and headaches, but I'm a lot better than I was. Likewise Terry ~ He's suffering from boredom and pickleball withdrawal. Me, I can entertain myself endlessly. I rode the shorter length of the zipline just before the pandemic. I'm determined to ride the whole length though, sooner than later. I want to fly like Superman, although I'm sure I'll be terrified. I have to do it! Hugs to you! Have a great week!

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  17. Like that picture of Scott Van Zen and Bass Guitarist Gary Dilger. What a pose.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Haddock! I really like that pose too. I was lucky to get it. Thanks for visiting. Take care!

      Delete
  18. Thank you for your lovely comment - and sorry it took me so long to reply. Was a buy time here...
    That really looks like a great event! And my favorite photo of it is "Riding SlotZilla's Super-Hero Zoomline ~ 1"!
    Too bad you got Covid - I hope everything is fine by now!
    All the best and have a good time
    Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2022/07/mallorca-reisebericht-teil-1-tag-1-bis.html

    ReplyDelete
  19. Dear Louise this was such treat to read and see how much you enjoyed the live music in Las Vegas :) so true that live music affects senses in totally different way and most of us step into it completely and with absolute self liberating enthusiasm .
    I remember that i had attend a music program during it was being recorded for tv .i was with my sister who had less interest in classical music unlike me .i really enjoyed that show and it still exists among golden memories. Concerts have freer spirt comparatively are more enjoyable for sure.
    Sorry you both were sick since then .i don t know if covid but we both too fell ill before we left Islamabad. On arrival we couldn't find any doctor due to rain city roads were flooded. It is third day of my treatment and i am feeling less miserable thankfully.
    Loved how you participating Rain's art date :)
    Tons if healing energy to both of you my friend!
    Health peace and happiness to both of you!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dear Louise this was such treat to read and see how much you enjoyed the live music in Las Vegas :) so true that live music affects senses in totally different way and most of us step into it completely and with absolute self liberating enthusiasm .
    I remember that i had attend a music program during it was being recorded for tv .i was with my sister who had less interest in classical music unlike me .i really enjoyed that show and it still exists among golden memories. Concerts have freer spirt comparatively are more enjoyable for sure.
    Sorry you both were sick since then .i don t know if covid but we both too fell ill before we left Islamabad. On arrival we couldn't find any doctor due to rain city roads were flooded. It is third day of my treatment and i am feeling less miserable thankfully.
    Loved how you participating Rain's art date :)
    Tons if healing energy to both of you my friend!
    Health peace and happiness to both of you!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comments! I appreciate them very much.