#WhatsHappening for February 20, 2016

Everyone who's had contact with me for the past two weeks could pretty much figure out that I was somewhat out of sorts, and it seemed to get worse this week (though there really shouldn't have been a way it could). Anyway, I don't think there's anyone who's happier it's Saturday than I am.

It's smoke. On the water. Get it?

Deep Purple co-founder and former guitarist Ritchie Blackmore says he was “honored by the offer of induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”, but would not be at the ceremony inducting the band.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Blackmore said that he “was discussing the possibility of attending, until (receiving) correspondence from the President of the Rock Hall of Fame, who said that Bruce Payne, management for the current Deep Purple Touring Band, had said "No"..........!!!!!"”

Blackmore said he “sincerely thanks all the fans that voted for him for their support.”

Jason C. kept asking me to use this picture, so...

Don't forget to join the gang for Saturday Night Karaoke tonight, live and loud from 10pm-1am at The Iron Horse Tavern. It's my first night back after a couple of weeks off, so make sure you're ready to heckle and come see how much I fuck up.

Police unions are the country are calling for a boycott of Beyonce after her Super Bowl halftime appearance, saying her work “contains anti-police messages.”

Unions in Miami, Tampa and Nashville, Tennessee, are either calling for officers to boycott her music or urging them not volunteer to work at her shows.

Javier Ortiz, president of the Miami union, said this week that the performer “used this year's Super Bowl to divide Americans by promoting the Black Panthers and her anti-police message shows how she does not support law enforcement.”

I am a proud member of the Police Emerald Society of Southeast Georgia. I am proud to have many friends who are police officers.

I'm also a citizen of the United States, and I believe in the Constitution of this country.

That Constitution gives Beyonce the right to say or “sing” what she wants. To espouse whatever opinions she desires. 

It also gives all of those people the right to disagree with and boycott her. And I'm all for boycotting her- but... not because of her performance, which I didn't see.

I boycott her because her “music” is fucking terrible. You know what, though? It's okay, though- I have a right to hate it. Just like she has a right to keep making it.

And police officers around the country have a right to boycott her. That's their right. They're private citizens, too, when they aren't representing the badge. 

I'm guessing there would be plenty of officers who won't boycott, though. And do you know why? Because those brave men and women have taken an oath to serve and protect. 

I, personally, have never met an officer who thought that duty was limited only to people they liked- or that liked them.

In fact, if I were them, I'd take her money and point out what a hypocrite she is. But I'm an asshole like that.

Usher, Demi Lovato, Yolanda Adams, and The Band Perry are headed to the White House to celebrate the late Ray Charles.

Leon Bridges, AndraDay, Anthony Hamilton, Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes, Sam Moore and Jussie Smollett have also been invited to this Wednesday's taping of “Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House.”

The show will air Friday on PBS stations nationwide.

Birthdays today include: Rihanna; Julia Volkova of t.A.T.u.; Brian Littrell of Backstreet Boys; Edwin Graham of The Darkness; Ian Brown of Stone Roses; Jon Brant of Cheap Trick; Walter Becker of Steely Dan; Jerome Geils of The J. Geils Band; Lew Soloff of Blood, Sweat & Tears. #MusicalBirthdays