Sunday - 31 Jan/16

As usual, it was "CBS Sunday Morning" on TV from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. At least a little bit of good compared to the deluge of tragic events on the local news. The worst today on the latter was a toddler killed in a "Drive-By" shooting.

Then it was brunch in the motorhome before getting ready and heading out at 1:30 p.m. to the Orange Blossom Opry for the "Drifters" matinee show at 2:30 p.m.

Similar to most shows, it was virtually a sellout. The large (12 at times) "Opry" Band opened and played a variety of classics that covered all genres. They are a great "House" band! They entertained for about 45 minutes before giving a 15 "Break" to the audience before the main act.

Actually, years ago it was because of the number of fake "The Drifters" groups appearing (in Florida) that the state passed a law in 2007 making it a misdemeanor for people to take the stage using the name of a band if they're not really the band who made the name famous. Ironically, this law was introduced by Jon "Bowzer" Bauman, of the "Sha-Na-Na", a group that made a career of "Covering" other groups hits.

Bands will still be able to use the name of the original acts if at least one member of the group was a member of the original act and has the legal right to use the name. If an organization holds a legal trademark, it would be able to use the trademarked band name even if no original members are involved. Tribute bands could perform as long as it's clear that's what they are.

"Truth in Music" laws now exist in over 2/3 of the (United) States.

Dear God! I hope "Elvis" is exempt (grin).

N.B. The founder and original lead singer of "The Drifters" was Clyde McPhatter, who has been dead for 30 years!! Contrary to popular belief Ben E. King was not "an original" member of the group. With over 65 members, including icons such as Clyde McPhatter, Ben E King and Johnny Moore. in over 60 years the brand continues today with this being the only official line up in the world.

They sang their (and others) 60's hits: "Up On The Roof"; "Under The Boardwalk"; "Save The Last Dance For Me"; "Stand By Me" and "Mustang Sally" to mention a few. The voices were powerful and harmonious as they performed their "In Sync" dance moves.  the "sell-out" crowd enthusiastically clapped and sang along to several of the songs.

In their anecdotal moments they restated the same words we heard when we last saw them a number of years ago in Las Vegas. I paraphrase: "You can understand all the words; no low-rider pants (plumber's butts);  no curse words; just good, clean old-fashioned fun and pictures are allowed (no flash)."

The time (about 75 minutes) went by too fast!

After the show we turned East out of the parking lot and 5 minutes later were at "Gator Joe's Beach Bar and Grill" on the edge of Lake Weir in Ocklawaha, FL. This "Key West" style restaurant was founded on the water's edge in 1926. This is a favourite spot to eat.

This is our usual waterfront spot. It was packed (as usual). We ordered our "usual" (their famous  Fish Basket). The food was great (usually is) and we couldn't completely finish everything (not unusual). Notice a theme here! (grin).

A little over a half hour later we were back at the motorhome arriving just before dark. We then settled in for a night of "Channel Surfing" TV which, for a Sunday evening, was not unusual. Notice how the blog began and ended with the same theme? (Sorry, enough of that - grin) .