An Evening at The Fred with Boz Scaggs

If you’re of my generation (60’s baby) or the generation prior, you likely know exactly who Boz Scaggs is. If you’re younger than me, you need to do a little research to gain a little insight on this fantastical singer/strummer.

After hearing that one of my all time favorite “Boys of the 70’s” was coming to The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater (The Fred) in Peachtree City on July 10, I knew that NOTHING would stop me from seeing this performance. With the threat of thunderstorms, I ignored every weather report that might have suggested that I stay at home. I was determined to see him no matter what. Riley (Big Sis) and I arrived at 6:30, swooped into the perfect parking spot with the intent of waiting for the gates to open at 7. Well, DOWN CAME THE RAIN!!! We realized that we didn’t remember to bring a rain poncho, so we sped to Wal-Mart for our protective rain gear. When we returned, the gates were open and we were on our way.

Boz’s music is a combination of rock, pop, jazz, blues, soul and everything in between. We were fortunate enough to hear a little something from each genre for a little over an hour and a half on Saturday night. He sang a range of favorites, including “JoJo”, “Lido Shuffle” and my two favoritest hits, “Lowdown” and “Look What You’ve Done To Me” (from the Urban Cowboy soundtrack). I would have been completely happy just hearing those four cuts, but Mr. Scaggs came to perform and man oh man DID HE!!! I felt like it was at a flashback concert, waving my flameless candle and swaying to the music.

A few songs into the set, Monet, his dancing-harmonizing-sang-your-butt-off side kick gave us a performance of a lifetime by wowing us with her rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “Let’s Give Them Something To Talk About” with a little bit of Al Green flair thrown in near the end. Please don’t take sidekick the wrong way…back-up singer just doesn’t suffice in this instance, because THIS GIRL CAN BLOW!!! For a moment it seemed that this was her concert!!

The entire cast was outstanding—after teasing us and pretending the show was over, we were thrilled when they returned to the stage and had a downright JAM SESSION for an additional 15-20 minutes. It was unbelievable!! Each musician had the opportunity to show us their stuff and it was quite impressive. “Lend Me a Dime” was the final song of the night. Oh, I forgot to tell y’all that he even sang two songs that he wrote during the time he lived in Macon.

Now back to the rain--it stopped shortly before the show began at 8 and not another drop was to be seen for the remainder of the evening. It was destined that we would enjoy the concert rain-free. A perfect evening--great weather, wonderful venue, and a take-you-back-to-the-70’s from the gut performance by Boz Scaggs (and crew). Time well spent.

Sheila Denise

Turning 50

Today marks the 50th birthday of my late brother, Tony. 50, fifty, the Big Five-O...however you put it, he'd be half a century old. WOW!!!


I was talking with my other brother, Curt, a few days ago, and we were discussing Tony and wondering how Mother feels to have such "old" children. As the youngest, I was really referring to everyone BUT me. Nita & Curt are both pushing HARD on 60's door and I know I'll always be a "baby" in Mother's eyes. As a non-parent, I'm always amazed to see young-uns I've know from babyhood to adulthood, so I can only imagine how parents feel when their babies evolve into full-fledged grownups. I mean AARPers, seniors-shopping-on-discount-days and the likes. Mother happens to be the proud owner of some of these people and it simply boggles my mind.

As I thought about this entry last week, I wasn't sure which direction to take it--should I keep it serious or should I be as Tony was--silly as all get-out. After Facebooking with Alexander, the youngest of his three sons (Andre-oldest & Jamal-middle), I decided that silly would be the route to take. Since I tend to assign numbers to "The Nephews", Andre is #3, Jamal is #4 and Alexander is #5 (just for future reference if names aren't used).

I can hear Tony's distinctive "squiggle" as I type this--it's kinda hard to describe or duplicate his laugh, so the best I can do is blend a squeal with a giggle. It was one of those sounds you'd hear coming from him and you'd burst into laughter too (after you got over the shock of that sound actually coming from a boy). Mind you, the entire family is quite silly, so it doesn't take much to get us on the giggle train, but there was absolutely no way we could hear Tony squiggling and not join in. Don't you just love folks that make you laugh??

You know what?? I've decided that I won't turn this into a long story about Tony. I'm going to end it here and ask you to think about the person who possesses "that" laugh...you know, the one that throws you into your own little gigglefest and leaves no doubt that they are truly tickled from their toes to their nose. That's exactly what I'm doing today.

Happy Birthday T!!

Sheila Denise

My Sister's Breasts

GOTCHA!! Not her actual breasts (breasticles as I call them), I'm referring to CHICKEN breasts. This all started on Saturday when my sister, Riley, called to announce that she was shopping for ingredients for yet another recipe she discovered. Riley is an exceptional cook; however, she doesn't do it often, so I was excited that I could possibly invite myself to Saturday dinner. She then clearly stated, "Oh, I'm cooking this for Sunday and everybody's coming." I spent the remainder of Saturday afternoon thinking about Sunday dinner. I received a call later on Saturday and Riley said, "Girl, the chicken is soooo good. I don't think there'll be any left for tomorrow, so I'm cooking an Irish roast in honor of Saint Patrick's Day!" I was in shock, she TOLD me that we were having chicken on Sunday. I didn't want Irish roast!! I was hurt and determined to make her feel really, really bad about her change in plans. No, it never occurred to me how spoiled and selfish that sounds.

So I arrive (pouting) for dinner on Sunday and there to greet me were a few pieces of LEFTOVER CHICKEN BREASTICLES!!! Stuffed with arugula, sun-dried tomatoes and GOAT CHEESE (one of my favorite cheeses). I was thrilled beyond description. She sliced and I plated and it was delicious. I practically forgot that I was there for the Irish meal, so I enjoyed it as my appetizer.

The Irish meal was fabulous, but I'm still thinking of breasticles. I see making this chicken dish in my future.

Sheila Denise