Today I had the great  pleasure to sing for the folks at  the Pickaway  Senior's luncheon  at Noon.  Entertainment  chairman  and  friend, Goldie Lindsey  said there  was around 150 reservations for the dinner and concert. I last sang there in February, 2002 so I was ready to sing for my  supper  so to speak. The people were so kind and gave me their full attention and smiles during the show. I got to reconnect with  many  fans  and  friends  from over  the years. Plus there was 10 or 12 from my mail route there also! I look forward to coming back next year!

Last night was the opening night of the CJOs 2011-12 season. I invited my good friend  and wife  of my pastor, Sue  Edgar to join  me for what turned out to be an evening of great music and fun. First of all, I love all types of music, and my father Julian Taggart was and is a trumpeter, so I grew up with a big band influence even though I'm country to the core! Secondly, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra is  one of the finest  bands in the country, so  every show  is worth  seeing. Last night  they featured television  theme songs, many  of which  were  written by  jazz greats, coupled  with  Jay  Leno's  former  musical  sidekick,  guitarist  Kevin Eubanks! It  was a great  evening of entertainment,  remembering and guessing which theme was being played! Eubanks is an incredible jazz guitarist, his fingers magically playing each song to perfection. Songs included the themes from "I Love Lucy," "The Dating Game," "Mission Impossible," and  many others. As  usual organist  and pianist Bobby Floyd shined in his solos, garnering props from Eubanks himself.

While on vacation this week to one of my favorite destinations, Atlanta, Georgia, I  got  the great  and rare  opportunity to  see the  broadway musical  production  FELA!  It's  the story  of  civil rights  leader and advocate Fela Kuti, who also was the hottest musician in Aftrica during the 1970's. The story  is about  the struggle that  the nation of Nigeria endured  during  this time  of repressive  dictatorships  and  regimes. Although the story is gritty at times, the music and the dance that also tells the story is  heart-pounding  and infectuous!  Also, while  visiting Atlanta, I saw the movie "The Help" which deals with black and white America  in  the  60's. Jackson, Mississippi to  be  exact. I  highly recommend this movie. The story is well written and needs to be heard by all races. I was moved by the storyline, and several performances and scenes were emotionally charged and Oscar worthy!

Friday night, October 7th was a very special night at the Ohio Christian University in Circleville. The  talented  and  charming  Karen  Peck  and  New  River  graced  the auditorium. Singing songs from her immense catalog, one got the impression of just how significant Karen Peck has been to Southern Gospel music through the years. Meeting her after the concert was a real treat. Karen is so outgoing and welcoming to all her  fans. One special  note: Karen is  in the movie that  stars Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton that I wrote about on the Dolly blog! Karen is a lead vocalist in one of the choirs in the movie. You check out the movie trailer http://concreteloop.com/2011/10/movie-trailer-joyful-noise-starring-queen-latifah-keke-palmer