Dinner and a Show (or the other way around)

The family and I went to see Hamilton at the Benedum Center here in Pittsburgh yesterday.  We had a fantastic time.  Every aspect of it was incredible.  Kudos to all involved it making the show a wonderful experience for the eyes and ears to behold.

I first became aware of Hamilton when I saw a video clip of Lin-Manuel Miranda performing Hamilton at the White House for Barak and Michelle Obama on May 12, 2009.  At the time, he said he was working on a Hip-Hop Album based on the life of Alexander Hamilton.  I saw it and was blown away.  When the musical opened in New York in 2015, I wanted to go.  Life has a way of getting in the way, so I had to wait.  I must say, it was worth it.

After the show, we all went to dinner at the Roman Bistro in Forest Hills.  We enjoyed a fine dinner and talked about the show, caught up on each others lives, and generally talked about the crazy world we live in.  

It was a great day.  Spending quality time with family can never be beat.  We were all brought together to hear the story of an orphaned boy, an immigrant, who came to these shores to improve himself and to give back to the nation that took him in.  Many American families, like mine, have an Alexander Hamilton in them.  Someone who dreamed big and wanted to become apart of this great nation.

What a Comeback!

 I watched the Pitt-West Virginia game yesterday,  What a day for college football!  It was a hard fought game going back and forth throughout.  The Mountaineers got a 10 point lead late in the game.  The Panthers rallied and scored 2 touchdowns in the closing minutes.  As a Pitt alumnus, I couldn't be happier with the outcome.  Congratulations to Coach Narduzzi and the Panthers. Hail to Pitt!!!!!

I've Seen Fire and I've Seen Rain

It did rain a little yesterday here in da 'Burgh.  It stopped early enough for the fantastic James Taylor Concert last night at The Pavilion at Star Lake.  I saw the fire and passion in that man as he sang classic hit after classic hit.  Taylor is 76 and you would never know it.  Is he the same James Taylor as yesteryear?  No, but he was amazing just the same.

He opened with Something in the Way She Moves.  Fan favorites like Copperline, Sweet Baby James, Carolina on My Mind, Mexico, Fire and Rain, Country Road, and How Sweet It Is (Marvin Gaye Cover) were all included as well as a couple of Carole King songs like You've Got a Friend.

The crowd was into it on the cool fall-like night in Burgettstown.  Many shouts of "We love you James!" throughout the show.  James responded in kind.  He seemed to be enjoying himself as he gave us snippets about each song and introduced his band members.  His sense of humor was present throughout the evening.  I'm thrilled I had the chance to see him.  The experience was even better as I got to watch my family enjoy the concert right along with me. A truly magical night.