Roots Report

Okee dokee folks… ‘Tis the season once again that shows we are at the mercy of Mother Nature and the dreaded COVID. If you have been paying attention there have been COVID and weather cancellations already this winter. I strongly advise that if you have tickets to anything that you double-check before you head out just to be sure the show will go on.

Some of the cancellations happen last minute. It is what it is. We are living in a whole new world now. Not only are weather and COVID to blame, but sometimes it is a staff shortage causing the closure. We have to learn to take this all in stride. I hate the expression “the new normal,” but this is where we are. Weather happens, people get sick, and there aren’t enough people willing to work for less than their worth anymore. Adjust.

Read on…

For those of you who worship at the altar of Robert Zimmerman, there is a new exhibit at the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame (FARHOF), located in Boston’s Boch Center Wang Theatre. The exhibit features candid images of Bob Dylan during a historical point in his career. “Don’t Think Twice: The Daniel Kramer Photographs of Bob Dylan, 1964-65” showcases Dylan in an intimate collection of photos of his private and public life as he recorded songs like “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and “It’s All over Now, Baby Blue,” and transitioned from acoustic to electric. “Don’t Think Twice” is curated by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music and the Museum Collective. The display is open until the end of March. For more, take “a trip upon your magic swirling ship” to: folkamericanarootshalloffame.org.

“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” This is the famous quote uttered many times during the film The Princess Bride. Inigo was portrayed by Mandy Patinkin who, besides his many movie roles, is also known to the general public for his characters in Criminal Minds and Homeland. Beyond films and television, Patinkin is a critically acclaimed, Tony Award-winning Broadway singer and actor. His theatrical roles include Evita, Sunday in the Park with George, The Secret Garden, The Winter’s Tale, and a myriad of others. Mandy will be bringing his Being Alive show to the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford on Thursday, Feb 9. This show is a collection of many of Mandy’s favorite Broadway and classic American tunes. The evening features musical monologues and multiple characters, brought to life with props and Patinkin’s unique flair — from Irving Berlin to Stephen Sondheim, from Cole Porter to Harry Chapin. For more, “Move On” to zeiterion.org.

If you liked the second season of You, you probably remember the character Henderson, the comedian who was described as “vacuum cleaner guy.” Joe, the main character, “offs” Henderson because of his threat to Ellie, who we all now know as the actress Jenna Ortega, who is also Wednesday in the new Netflix series. Did you get that? You probably also know that “Henderson” is the comedian and actor, Chris D’Elia who has a slew of TV and film appearances like Whitney, The Good Doctor, Undateable as well as his Netflix comedy specials “Man On Fire,” “Incorrigible,” and “No Pain.” He also hosts a very popular podcast, Congratulations with Chris D’Elia. He will be bringing his Don’t Push Me tour to the Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Feb 17. For more, Glory Daze over to: thevetsri.com.

Another comedian whose specials I have repeatedly watched is Tom Papa. If you don’t know his comedy, you should! He reminds me of Jack Benny in appearance (sans violin), and his jokes deliver the realities of day-to-day life in a side-splitting fashion. “There’s no such thing as fitting in. Life is a pair of skinny jeans and you are a big, fat ass!” Papa will be preaching his somewhat wholesome humor on Feb 18 at the Great Cedar Showroom at Foxwoods Casino. You can find his comedy specials, What a Day and You’re Doing Great, streaming on Netflix. For more, be a Winner and get to: foxwoods.com

Finally, here are a bunch of random shows for you all to check out! At the Greenwich Odeum, join 25 RI women as they recite their own Vagina Monologues on Feb 11, The Crash Test Dummies will be “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm”-ing on Feb 17, and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes will be having a party on Feb 18! greenwichodeum.com.

The Americana roots-rock quintet Say Darling, who are out in support of their newest release, Before & After, will be at the Knickerbocker in Westerly on Feb 10 with the delicious-sounding Soggy Po Boys. knickmusic.com

At The Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, Robert Cray brings his “Smoking Gun” and guitar blues bullets on Feb 28, An Evening with Tom Rush on Feb 18 demonstrates why the folk legend has been entertaining audiences for over 60 years, and modern fingerstyle guitarist Mikes Dawes dazzles with his performing of multiple parts simultaneously on a single guitar on Feb 11. narrowscenter.org.

The Moody Blues’ Days of Future Passed album will be performed in its entirety by MB bassist/singer/songwriter John Lodge at The Jane Pickens in Newport on Sunday, Feb 26. janepickens.com.

OK, I REALLY mean it this time! I have FINALLY gotten back to podcasting. Yes, there was a bit of a holiday pause, but then there was an additional unscheduled intermission when I learned the hard way that my phone doesn’t like water. I had to WAIT for a new FLIP PHONE to be delivered! That coupled with a bout of the flu and bronchitis lengthened that lapse. You can listen at: motifri.com/rootsreportpodcast. You can find my concert photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos. That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.

johnfuzek.com