Half awake this morning, I was scanning for info when I noticed Neil Sedaka was playing. Tidings of great joy.I’ve never seen the beloved piano man in person and even at 76 years I have no doubt the man can still deliver a spot on concert. But on further research, guess what? Yup, he is playing the NYCB Theatre at Westbury. Miles away.
I’ve been to NYCB Theatre at Westbury twice, over 20 years, once to see Smokey Robinson (up close and personal) and once for a Chuck Berry-Jerry Lee Lewis (the Killer blew Chuck off stage, except, for some bizarre reason, a terrific “Promised Land” -it’s worth noting that Berry wasn’t really trying).
But it was a long train rain followed by a long busride and hart I was willing to do at 34 years of age, I can’t pull off at 58 so I never went back.
And I won’t go back now, despite another one of my heroes who I’ve never managed to see on stage performing this month: Paul Anka.
Both are round the corner, neither are playing New York City. Why?
Either one could fill BB Kings, Paul could fill Beacon Theatre, and together… well, there’s the rub… together they could fill Radio City Music Hall easy. Why won’t they do it? If they really concentrated they could release a live album on top as well. Look: Neil is back in the public eye after “Oh Carol” got namechecked in “Beautiful”, there is a lot of interest in the hugely intelligent popstar behind so many late 50s, early 60s hits. Paul is even bigger (and younger: he is 73 years old). From teen heartthrob to “My Way” lyricist, Anka is a legendary figure in pop music.
Why are they playing Westbury New York when they belong to us?
Some promoter is not doing his job.