Monday, May 31, 2010

A Star Spangled Memorial


I had an incredible experience. One that will stay with me long into the future.

I went to Ft. McHenry, the inspiration for the national anthem. Francis Scott Key, a Georgetown attorney, was seeking release of his friend, Dr. William Beanes from the British. Though Scott and John Stuart Skinner were able to secure the release of Beanes, the British thought they knew too much about plans to attack Baltimore. The British kept them on the on board one of their ships until the bombardment was complete.

From the ship deck, Key saw the storm flag flying above Ft. McHenry and could see the bombs bursting in the night sky above the fort. In the morning as the smoke cleared and the bombing ended, Key saw the larger flag flyer above the fort. All of this served as his inspiration. The date was September 3, 1814.


When visiting Ft. McHenry today, they have a wonderful video that provides the backdrop on the fort and its history. As the story reaches the writing of Key's poem, the curtains covering the window open to reveal the fort and the flag flying above.

It was amazing!

I knew the story of Key and the words. In fact, I tell people about the connection with his son and General Sickles from the Civil War (I'll leave this for another blog post.) I have sang the national anthem hundreds of times, for small groups and large. Now, I will always have the picture of the flag at the fort in my head when I sing the national anthem.

Happy Memorial Day!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Looking forward to summer fun!

Time flies too quickly. It may have been all of the traveling the band and I have done. We played in Manhattan and Indianapolis to name a few!

Now, summer is almost upon us. And, this summer is shaping up to be a great one! Check out the highlight of upcoming events!

June 13th - Delphos, Ohio Community Concert at Stadium Park. Come watch the band at this great location.



June 25th - Digger and Finch. The Bill Foley Trio will be performing from 8-11PM.



Don't forget, Bill Foley performs solo through the week at such places as Carsonie's Italian Restaurant (Wednesdays) and Signature's in Gahanna (Thursdays). To see the full calendar or additional summer shows, visit the calendar at http://www.omgilts.com/.

Friday, February 5, 2010

My Heart is Red

Tomorrow is an important day. It is the National Wear Red Day.

Everyone will be searching their closets for that perfect red item to show their support for the fight against cardiovascular disease in women. It’s a valuable message that was slow to take hold. Most women didn’t realize their risk was greater for heart disease than breast cancer.

This was true for my mom. My angel mother had diabetes and she smoked. She cared for us, but didn’t care for herself. With these risk factors, it was only time before she had heart disease. It started with high blood pressure and continued until she had open heart surgery.

Of course, we didn’t know the things we know now back in 1994. That’s when she had her surgery. And, that’s when I lost her. She was only 62 years old.
Science has evolved. We know so much more now. For instance, I inherited some of my parents’ bad genes. But, I take my medication, I don’t smoke and try to do the right things.

Wear Red Day is a fun way to show your support, but it isn’t about one day. Every day should be Wear Red Day as we all do the things necessary to live longer, healthier lives.

I know I can’t bring my mom back. What I can do is be healthy myself and encourage those I care most about to do the same. Learn about your risk factors and do something about them. And, wear your red. I’ll have mine on to honor my mother, Dorothy Foley!

Love you mom!

-Bill

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

November 11th

November 11 is always a special day. For all of us, it is Veterans Day, a time to honor all veteran's. Although some may not know that it is also Armistice Day - the day the armistice was signed for WWI. It was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. However, it officially became a holiday, in the US, in 1938.

As we should, please thank any veteran in your life or that you meet today.

However, this day also holds a much deeper, more personal meaning for me. It is the anniversary of my angel mother's passing in 1994. I can't believe it has been 15 years! It seems like only yesterday I was going over to her house or she was traveling with me in my van to a show.

She was my biggest supporter. She was tough. She was passionate and caring and she was my mom.

On Veterans Day, I am thankful for all veterans who have served and I'm also thankful for my mom. It's Veterans Day and Mom's Day in my world.

-Bill

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Sesame Street - Happy Birthday!

I can't believe Sesame Street is celebrating its 40th birthday today! Some how it just makes all of us feel a little older!

While I didn't watch Sesame Street growing up (my wife was a Sesame Street fanatic!), I am a fan of Jim Henson. He was amazing and left us far too early! I'm sure he would be proud to see this milestone.

To Big Bird, Oscar, Bert, Ernie, Grover and the gang...Happy Birthday!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Tony Burgers and Old Music in Alpena


The Trio and I are in Alpena, MI tonight for the Concert 4 a Cause. It is a community concert to raise money for a charity while having fun. We are so blessed to be invited to perform for their concert for Friends Together. It is a charity to provide support for people with cancer.

The concert is being held at the Thunder Bay Recreation Center. Can we say BEAUTIFUL? This is an amazing facility!

We are just getting starting, but are having the most fun. The people here are so nice. We even met friends of couple I know from Delaware. Rita and Edward made the trip out to see us tonight. What a sweet couple! Apparantly, Betty wrote them a letter to tell them to come see us.

Okay, you are probably wondering about the Tony Burgers?? Well, Alpena had a gentleman who owned a burger place in the 40s. His burgers were all the rage. Now, the recreation center continues the tradition by cooking Tony Burgers during their events. I would say it is worth the drive to Alpena just for the burgers. But, you know me...I love good food.

Thanks Alpena for your hospitality and fun. Thanks to Darlene who is just fabulous!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

The Latest Dance Craze

Well, I think I just saw it...the next dance craze!  I'm at Amanda and Adrian's reception with the band and I think it happened.

There is the cutest two year old, who can stay with the beat of the song while doing HER dance.  Imagine bouncing from the toes of one foot to other foot.  It is kind of a gallop, a little rocking and a lot of rhythm.  Got it?

I'm sure this ball of energy will be showing us all how to do the dance in the coming years.  In the meantime, start practicing.  With that much energy, we'll have a hard time keeping up!

Bill