PAINTING STUDIO Trans Siberian Orchestra In Peoria, Il., The Last Rose And Falling Back by Stephen Craig Rowe

The Trans Siberian Orchestra event at the Peoria Civic Center on November 6th was an extravaganza that welcomes the holiday season with good cheer, a message of hope, history, light, fantastic light show, more than awsome music and the chance for me to visit with some dear friends.  The entire experience was a joy as it should be.  After a few familiar numbers the band performed some new works that all hope to hear more of in the future.  Though brief my meeting with Al Pitrelli the band leader-lead guitar and his wife Jane the keyboard artist was very warm and friendly.  Al mentioned something about a road trip after the tour, perhaps  in the spring or summer for a visit here.   Because of the tight tour scheduale there was no time for them to visit Jim’s Steakhouse or the Painting Studio.   Do hope to see them in the spring or summer.

My buddy Chef Francis and I arrived at Jim's Steakhouse around an hour and a half before the show to allow time for a libation or two before the event.  The Steakhouse was very busy and rather than order a cocktail I caught the owners eye and said, " Tim, what do you need "?   See if you can get me a table in the lounge for a party of ten and I was off looking for table cloths, silver, napkins and such.  Nodding to guests in recognition while trying to set up tables.  Then Tim needed a party of six, a four top, a party of nine and a deuce.  Though fast and furious I felt quite at home and did my best to set the tables and seat the guests.  It went well and was pleased to play a small part. 

Sunday and Monday afternoon I started taking down my little rose garden and getting the small plot ready for winter.  It is not a big job but it is important to me and there are feelings involved when doing so.  I don’t exactly talk to the roses when I cut them back, but perhaps in a way I do for they have given me so very much visual and poetic pleasure.  This afternoon was excepetionally warm and I finished cutting them down to near the root bulb and then turned the soil with the spade to give them a good winter rest before taking my afternoon walk.  The sun was warm enough to make me smile.

As ever be well,  Stephen Craig Rowe

PAINTING STUDIO and The Trans Siberian Orchestra 2010 by Stephen Craig Rowe

It is that time of year again and the Trans Siberian Orchestra will be performing this Saturday November 6th at the Peoria Civic Center.  Have two tickets for the 8 p.m. show and am very glad to be attending this event.  Can’t wait to see Al Pitrelli the band leader-lead guitar and his wife Jane Mangini the keyboard artist after the show.  As most of you know last year prior to my surgery I put out the word for you not to send flowers.  Due to the busy tour scheduale Al and Jane were not able to keep up with my blogs and sent a beautiful bouquet to my  hospital room.  It really made me smile and brightened up my recovery and stay.  Before and after the show I will also be at Jim's Steakhouse in downtown Peoria.  A review of the performance, visit with friends and photos will be sure to follow in my next post.  In the mean time, as ever be well.  Stephen Craig Rowe

PAINTING STUDIO And The Trans Siberian Orchestra Page Three by Stephen Craig Rowe

     Several years ago I was fortunate enough to meet Al Pitrelli and his wife Jane.  Al is the lead guitar and band leader of the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Jane Mangini is the keyboard.  We met at Jim's Steakhouse in downtown Peoria, Illinois the night before the concert and through conversation became fast friends.

    A couple of days ago my sister Pam called and told me that she and mom wanted to give me an early Christmas present in the form of a ticket to the TSO concert on Saturday November 7th at the Peoria Civic Center for the 8p.m. show.  I was and am elated by this and the seat is on the floor in section A row 8.  Right up close where I want to be.  The Civic Center is only a block or so from Jim's Steakhouse and am sure to be there for dinner before the show and cocktails after.

    Am writing Jane and Al this afternoon in hope that we can get together sometime before or after the show.  Last year we missed each other because they were in and out of town faster than I can type.  Really looking foreward to this and would love to spend a bit of time with them.  My 12th round of chemo will be concluded on the 28th of October and there should be a few weeks before surgery.
    When not touring with the TSO Al and Jane are busy with their band O'2L.  Speaking of touring I have to get ready to go on the road again to the VA Medical Centers in Danville, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana for another dose of chemo this Wednesday.  Will be home on Thursday or Friday.  In the mean time,
As ever be well,
Stephen Craig Rowe