#WhatsHappening for April 15, 2018

Good Sunday Afternoon, friends and neighbors. Hope you're all digging your weekend. I personally enjoyed the rainy Sunday morning that let allowed me enough respite from the damnable pollen to open up the door of the karaoke compound and let in some fresh air while I did my Sunday routine.

In case you missed karaoke last night (and, honestly, there were so many people there I couldn't keep track of who joined us)- the new songbooks are (finally) finished. The books now contain all of our selections that are available for performing. As always, if there's a song you'd like to do that's not in the list, feel free to drop us a line on Facebook or via e-mail to request it. If it's available, we'll be happy to check on getting it (as long as it's not subject to the following):

Though I'm very much opposed to censoring folks, I have removed all songs that I could track down containing inappropriate lyrics that would make them unsuitable for many venues. If you happen to come across one I missed the next time you're browsing the book, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know so I can take care of it.

You might also notice that some other, more innocuous choices have been removed from the songbooks. That's because, after 15+ years of hosting karaoke, I just don't want to hear them any more. 

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony for 2018 was held in Cleveland last night, and the 33rd annual ceremony kicked off with a tribute to Tom Petty, and The Killers performing the late rocker's American Girl.

For many fans, the highlight was the reunion of Bon Jovi with their former bandmates Richie Sambora and Alec John Such- with all of the members seeming to relish their time- and performance- together.

The Cars, Nina Simone, The Moody Blues, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe were also inducted, as well as Dire Straits- whose Mark and David Knopfler didn't attend the event. David Illsley, who played bass in the band, said Mark Knopfler had told him "he just didn't feel like coming, it's as simple as that. It just didn't appeal to him, and I appealed to him on several occasions." I'm guessing he sees the Hall as a joke, just like I do.

I mean, it's not like I wouldn't like to see it and explore the exhibits- it's just that I think it's bullshit the way inductees are chosen, and deemed eligible, and blah-blah-blah.

So, this is neat... My buddy Chip had some of his work featured on Saturday Night Live last night. That guitar that Jack White is holding is one that Chip built for him, as pointed out by Chip's wife, Mary.

It's not the first time one of Chip's creations have gotten widespread notice, though- he also has some of his work in the Smithsonian (and, now that I think about it, probably the Rock Hall, too). I mean, that's some cool shit, yeah? 

Music trivia time. 
Otis Redding improvised the whistling on (Sittin' On The) Dock of the Bay because he forgot the lyrics he wanted to sing. Steve Cropper talks about it below.

Birthdays today include: Luis Fonsi (40); Chris Stapleton (40); Ed O'Brien of Radiohead (50); Samantha Fox (52); Dave Edmunds (74); and Roy Clark (86). #MusicalBirthdays