Strike up the band!

As a nice change of pace — a break from the hectic world of Paris Hilton and "American Idol" and the like — we took a trip back to yesteryear Sunday night, heading up to the Mohonk Mountain House to listen to the melodic tunes of The Big Band Sound orchestra.


I know, I know: You're thinking a guy who lists the official Web sites for Britney Spears and Barry Manilow among his favorite links (go ahead, go look at 'em over there on the right) went to see a 20-piece orchestra play songs by guys like Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller? Totally!

The first time I saw Barry at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center back in '95, he was there with a big orchestra, coming off the success of his latest CD, "Singin' With The Big Bands." (See where I'm going with this one?) But forget the Manilow connection ... for now.

Growing up, my mom and grandparents were always listening to Frank Sinatra songs — I've told you how Dad loves that country music, right? — so I knew songs like "Summer Wind" and "All The Way" that the Big Band Sound played Sunday night. (Not to mention that Barry put out an entire CD of Frank Sinatra songs — creatively titled "Manilow Sings Sinatra" — so it was like a double whammy!)

OK, so on to the show...

Seriously, when's the last time you got to see a full orchestra play in such a tranquil setting as Mohonk? OMG! It was like the perfect summer night. (And honestly, having gone to a pair of Britney Spears concerts before, it was nice to finally be the youngest ones in the room for once!) For more than an hour, the Big Band Sound played songs like "When the Saints Come Marching In" and "It Had To Be You," bringing back those around us to simpler times.

There was no glitzy stage show, no lasers or smoke machines like you see at today's big rock shows. Instead, it was the band and the music. And for those around us, it was all about the memories.

All in all, it was a great night and by all means, check out the Big Band Sound's schedule and catch one of their performances throughout the summer. Bring a friend, head out to the show and leave your worries at the door!

And on a side note, as a SUNY New Paltz student, my friends and I occasionally went up to the mountains, going to what we called "Mohonk." Sunday, though, was the first time I'd ever been to the actual Mohonk Mountain House. Ever been there? Got one word for ya: WOW! It was like nothing I'd ever seen! (I had seen the resort profiled on The Travel Channel's "Great Hotels," starring Samantha Brown, but even that didn't prepare me for how amazing that place is!)

Even more amazing than the actual mountain house itself and the views is the way you get so close to nature. Don't believe me? Check out this little video I shot on the deck before the show (and yes, that is a chocolate-chip cookie he's scarfing down)...

got milk?