Winning the Battleground of America

Donald Trump was elected the 45th President of the United States of America, earning 306 electoral college votes to Hillary Clinton’s 232. Notable as “far from your typical election”, the 2016 race to the White House was won in four battleground states, with a total of 75 electoral votes at stake, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida. The margin of victory ranged from 11,612 votes or 0.5% in Michigan to 119,770 votes or 2.6% in Florida.

While Hillary Clinton won the national popular vote with 65,844,954 votes, a margin of victory of 2,865,075 votes or 4.5%, Article Two of the United States Constitution established the United States Electoral College as the mechanism to select the President and Vice President of the United States of America.

Despite Hillary Clinton’s total raise of $1.2 billion to Donald Trump’s $647 million, 2016 Presidential Campaign Fundraising, but short of Barack Obama’s 2012 all time record breaking raise of $2 billion Obama sets all time record fundraising, Trump’s message, in particular the pounding away of “Bill Clinton’s NAFTA” and the thunderous threats to “repeal Obamacare”, defied conventional wisdom and won over a far superior ground game by Hillary Clinton Trump Clinton field offices, to bring out unprecedented numbers of conservative suburban and rural voters in these four states. Obama Trump Counties

The family wallet and the tremendous pride of being the primary breadwinner are powerful motivating forces, particularly in states where shifts in manufacturing technology and energy consumption demand new skills and proactive solutions to employment. Free trade, evolving energy policy, and innovation in technology are hallmarks of a sound capitalist society. They do not “make America not great”. But they do require us to ask thoughtful questions and seek viable solutions to employment. Manufacturing skill gap

One point of clarification on the North American Free Trade Agreement. George Bush Sr. signed NAFTA in Law on December 17, 1992. President Elect and then Governor Clinton endorsed the agreement but said he wanted better protections for American workers. ABC News Video Pres Bush signs NAFTA.

While many in this country stood aghast as they watched a Presidential Candidate go on viral tweet storms at four in the morning, or brag about sexually assaulting women, or simply make remarks that, at the very least would be considered grossly unprofessional, this candidate knew exactly his message and target audience. Donald Trump may be insecure and erratic, but he is a very clever person, and I would argue, “a master of the message” in this era of the “sound bite” and the 24/7 entertainment news cycle. Hillary Clinton is a brilliant and strategic thinker with an extraordinary work ethic. She is always the consummate professional with veteran experience and judgment, but her message in these four battleground states was unfortunately less effective than her opponent.

Elections are about issues. As an energetic and committed finance professional, building my empire and living the dream in the greatest country in the world, I place a high premium on sound economic policies and a strong global presence. I am very focused on healthcare, income and wealth distribution, equality in compensation, energy policy, and the war against terror.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the history of this country, which we can trace to Hillary Clinton’s plan from the 2008 primary race, which President Obama fully adopted and signed into law in 2010, is the first serious attempt to reign in the U.S. healthcare spend, whose trajectory prior to enactment, was unsustainable and would have bankrupt the country by 2035. Please read this article by two veteran economists from both Democratic and Republican administrations, and stay informed. Blinder and Hubbard on National Debt. If there is one single issue that keeps me awake at night, this is it. The subject matter is highly complex and confusing, but demands our attention and participation in the discussion. The single largest long term threat to the U.S. economy is our healthcare spend with the truly alarming budget realities to come in the next decade. If the Affordable Care Act or Trumpcare is not enough, we must be prepared to do more.

How could Trump change healthcare in America

Obamacare Pros and Cons

Cost of Obamacare

The core of the American economy is the middle class. They are getting poorer. It is widely recognized that increasing income & wealth inequality is a major problem and that addressing this issue is critical to promote strong and sustained growth. The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) reports that rising inequality cost the U.S. economy almost 7% between 1990 and 2010. In 2013, income of the top 10% was 19 times higher than the bottom 10%. That ratio was 12.5 in the mid 1990’s and 11 in the mid 1980’s. “Countries that promote equal opportunity for all from an early age are those that will grow and prosper.” Living the Rock&Roll American Dream. There are no easy answers to this problem, but investment in education and fostering an attitude of long term investment is key, as opposed to the ongoing “short-termism” that has become a serious concern in the business world, as it undermines the ability of companies to invest and grow. Are American Investors Killing Their Golden Geese?

In the U.S., women make 80 cents on the dollar compared to men on average. Of course this varies by state. The Simple Truth About the Gender Pay Gap While this clearly adversely affects household budgets during a person’s working years, the impact can be far greater in retirement. If you’re a woman, and you made less than $118,500 in 2016, your social security earnings in retirement will also be less than your male counterparts. As women live longer, and surviving spouses are not entitled to keep their spouse’s monthly benefit, unless they take a reduced benefit to begin with, this makes women more financially vulnerable at a time in their life when age and health have already created that risk. This is simply unacceptable. We can change this trend by promoting and electing more qualified women to leadership roles. Let’s stay on this!

The race for renewable energy has passed a turning point. The world is now adding more capacity for renewable power each year than coal, natural gas, and oil combined. And there’s no going back. Fossil Fuels Just Lost the Race Against Renewables While some discount the evidence, the cost of global warming is significant and preventable. Are the effects of global warming really bad? Ask the Long Island south shore homeowner or the small business owner in lower Manhattan what hit they took from Hurricane Sandy, the costliest storm in U.S. history at $65 billion. Global Disaster Report Sandy and Drought

The two most basic needs we have are health and safety. I have tremendous respect and gratitude for our law enforcement and military. We are a super power and must always defend our freedom and our people. Our world and our country changed on 9/11. The costs are great. The costs not to, are probably far greater. In 2016, the U.S. spent $73.7 billion fighting the war on terror. For the most part, I think out terrorism experts are getting the job done. I trust their judgment and I will never question this budget. But we must continue to attract and retain intelligence and analytical talent. Further, no one doubts we need better protection on cyber warfare. Cost War On Terror

People often ask me how I got started in politics. I immediately start glowing and recall that incredible February morning in 2004 when Hillary Clinton walked into the Russell Room at Park Avenue United Methodist Church. We had just finished choir practice and I was chatting with some friends. I thought, that can’t be Hillary Clinton. Then I noticed all the men with ear pieces. My life changed that day. I ran home afterwards and called everyone I knew. Then I ran into Sharon Patrick, my wonderful friend and mentor, a force to be reckoned with for sure. A brilliant, savvy, fiercely independent, and highly successful business person who has also changed my life. At the time, we were still getting to know each other in the elevator and lobby of our lovely little COOP on East 84^th Street, and I had no idea she was a long time elite Democratic fundraiser and friend of Hillary Clinton. A meeting of kindred spirits, in a unique location, at a unique time in history. Since that time, I have done some incredible things I would never have dreamed about. In October 2007, I wrote my very first check for $1,000 and attended my very first women’s fundraising event for my hero and champion at a very nice hotel in Washington, DC. I don’t recall which one, I have been to so many since then. On January 1, 2008, I flew to Dubuque, Iowa to get out the vote for the first caucus. It was seventeen below with the wind chill and there was two feet of snow on the ground. Since then, I have traveled to New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Ohio many times. I have traveled by car, plane, and bus, and served as Bus Captain to Philadelphia with my fearless Co-Captain Nicole Ferraro. I have made thousands of phone calls, sometimes at home using some pretty cool new technology, and many nights at Hillary HQ in Brooklyn led by the very driven and terrific Stephanie Yoon and her staff. I have written checks, and succeeded in getting others to write some checks, with the wonderful support of a very diligent and disciplined finance team especially Anne, Carl, Marissa, Lisa, and Dennis. I have learned a great deal and feel very informed and clear on the priorities we face as a nation. I tweet and post on Facebook, and am very active as a member of the social media rapid response team. Yes I have met some influential people. I am struck by their integrity and humility. I have been to Hillary’s home in Washington, D.C. and have sat at a luncheon table with Michelle Obama’s Chief of Staff. I made the front page of the Politics section of the Washington Post in 2008 and the AP top news newsreel in 2015. I am incredibly honored that the team tasked with finding the most appropriate expression of sentiment, recognized my heart and passion. Most importantly, I have made so many incredible friends, people with whom I have a very special bond, who I admire greatly and who are powerful role models. I have developed tremendous confidence and am living a life filled with joy, abundance, and purpose! I have no regrets and would do it all over again in a heartbeat!

On election night, the world was stunned. I was numb. In the weeks and days leading up to the election, I can’t tell you how many people told me, “Stop worrying, she’s got this.” I’ll be honest, while I was always worried and never felt I could let up, I did feel pretty good about our chances. I did everything I could possibly do. I was accountable to myself and to one of my most precious dreams and goals. I am damn proud of that! That following morning, as I lay completely uncontrolled, shaking and sobbing in my bed, I thought of Hillary, and the looming agenda for the remainder of the week, the major client deliverable, 30 pages of Copyright Law and yet another case brief, and two full weekend days of gymnastics judging. Yes Hillary Clinton changed my world! She taught me about hard work and integrity, the pursuit of goals and justice, how great America truly is, and about never giving up!

Thank you Hillary for being my hero and champion! The legacy of significant people in our history is often never fully revealed until the passage of time. I have tremendous faith in God and I’m certain there is a greater purpose here and you are the catalyst. Onward and upward ! The sky is the limit!

I’ll leave you with this masterpiece. Thank you to the incredible Kate McKinnon, Leonard Cohen, and the provocative team at Saturday Night Live. The Lord of Song!

SNL Election Week Cold Open McKinnon Halellujah

January 6, 2017 By Cynthia Drew In American Politics /

Smoke On The Water

August was definitely the Rock&Roll month of 2016 with three live performances by three very different and talented bands! I’ve already shared two of those with you, both American born bands. Now you get to hear about my experience with a British Rock legend, recently inducted into the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Deep Purple. I give you the very cool and talented Mr. Glenn Hughes!

On August 15, 2016, this very young and energetic 64 year old rocker, whose powerful and diverse vocal range, delivered a top a mighty bass guitar, delivered a smoking array of classics to a sold out crowd at BB King’s Blues Club in New York City’s Times Square! Ably supported by Danish guitarist Soren Andersen and Swedish drummer Pontus Engborg, the packed crowd of Rock&Roll fans might well as lifted the stage from it’s supporting beams, in praise of this technically brilliant performance!

As a VIP Meet & Greet ticket holder, I stood in awe as we were treated to the intimate viewing of the music sound check, and then some generous time chatting with our iconic Rocker, as we met on the photo line. Mr. Glenn Hughes was very generous with his time, gracious and professional. I really appreciated that! Spanning a nearly 50 year career, this was the first solo U.S. tour for this very humble and grateful British born musician who repeatedly thanked the packed audience for their obvious passion and enthusiasm. Our Rocker was then delighted to share with us his intent to finally become a U.S. Citizen, and promised future U.S. tours.

He opened the set with the 1972 classic “Way Back to the Bone” from his early days with the band Trapeze. He powered through his Rock Hall of Fame material from Deep Purple, and on to his days with Hughes/Thrall, Black Country Communion, and to his new solo career. Classic “Medusa”, which he wrote as a teenager sitting on a stool in his grandmother’s kitchen, delivered the first high point of the night. To cap an incredible evening, he brought down the house with the final encore performance of Deep Purple’s “Burn”! A powerhouse Rock&Roll evening for the memory books!

I’ll send you off with this brilliant 2013 performance by Glenn Hughes and the impressive veteran lineup of the Kings of Chaos, performing live in Cape Town, South Africa. Enjoy! Smoke On The Water

Cynthia with Danish Guitarist Soren Andersen August 15, 2016 at BB Kings Blues Club

Glenn Hughes August 15, 2016 at BB King’s Blues Club

Glenn Hughes and Soren Andersen August 15, 2016 at BB Kings Blues Club

January 4, 2017 By Cynthia Drew In Songs /

Some Classic Oldies!

“Jeremiah was a bullfrog. Was a good friend of mine. I never understood a single word he said. But I helped him a-drink his wine..”

I loved that song growing up! It reminds me of childhood summers at my nana and papa’s home, hanging with some very cool cats on Cottage Street, in the lovely town of Weston, West Virginia. Alas, another fine stroll down memory lane made possible by my Vinofile membership at The New York City Winery, which offered me advance notice to this rare intimate performance of the legendary Three Dog Night! On the lovely summer evening of August 18, 2016, we were treated to the veteran music talent of this iconic and incredibly versatile band. Now in their 70’s and still going strong, they have more than survived some life changing realities with the sudden and unexpected passing of founding member Cory Wells in October 2015. Earlier in 2015, founding member Jimmy Greenspoon lost his battle with cancer. Despite all this, the Three Dog Night continues to connect with a still growing fan base, and putting out new material. You must check out their new hits “Prayer of the Children” and “Heart of Blues”, “WOW!” A brilliant set list also included the many great hits that put these guys on the map, including the Jeremiah bullfrog classic “Joy To The World”, as well as timeless classics “Black and White”, “Mama Told Me Not To Come” “Shambala”, and “An Old Fashioned Love Song”! Did you know that back in the day, in the early 1970’s, no other group achieved more top 10 hits or sold more concert tickets than Three Dog Night? Their sales records are virtually unmatched in the history of popular music! They have produced 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including 3 #1 Singles, 11 in the Top 10, 18 straight in the Top 20, 7 million-selling Singles, and 12 straight RIAA Certified Gold LPs! City Winery Presents Three Dog Night!

Founder and lead singer Danny Hutton’s charismatic presence and powerful vocals show no signs of aging. Michael Allsup, a veteran on the electric guitar, who has been with the band since the late 1960’s, was cool and masterful. Paul Kingar, who first started with the band in the 1980’s, delivered on bass and vocals. Paul Bautz, who hails from a family of drummers, and has been with the band since the 1990’s, kept the timing tight. Eddie Reasoner, who recently stepped in when founding member Jimmy Greenspoon passed, also CEO at NashAngeles Entertainment, and a certified commercial airline pilot, delivered on the keyboard. Another great and very talented new addition to the band is David Morgan on vocals, who stepped right in to seamlessly replace the integral role of founding band member, vocalist Cory Wells Three Dog Night recruits David Morgan.

And I must tell you, they are all very cool. Yes of course I jumped at the opportunity for a meet and greet with these legends of song! So did a couple who traveled all the way from Toronto, Canada. Passionate music fans travel! Their current tour continues through June 23, 2017 and I can’t wait for the next one! ThreeDogNight.com

Are you ready to strut your stuff for the fishes in the deep blue sea? Bring it on baby! Joy To The World!

Three Dog Night Meet & Greet August 18, 2016 NYC Winery

Founding member and lead singer Danny Hutton of the Three Dog Night at NYC Winery August 18, 2016

Three Dog Night’s David Morgan on Vocals and Paul Kingar on Bass at NYC Winery August 18, 2016.

Three Dog Night’s Michael Allsup on the Electric Guitar and Danny Hutton on Vocals August 18, 2016 at NYC Winery.

Three Dog Night’s Michael Allsup on the Electric Guitar at NYC Winery August 18, 2016.

January 3, 2017 By Cynthia Drew In Songs /

Google and the Internet of Things

Continuing in my series on mobile and internet technology, this month I take a look at Google, the internet and technology juggernaut that generated $75 billion in gross revenue and $16.3 billion in net income in 2015. Net profit margin was 22% and the effective tax rate was 17%. The stock closed 2016 at $793.02 with a market capitalization of $554 billion. Google takes pride in not being a conventional company. Their innovations in search and advertising have made their brand one of the most recognized in the world. Their core products, including Search, YouTube, the Android mobile operating system, the Google Play app store, Maps, the Chrome internet browser, and Gmail each have over one billion monthly active users. Google believes they are just beginning to scratch the surface. In 2015 they created a new public holding company named Alphabet, a collection of businesses, the largest of which is Google, as well as new businesses Verily, Calico, X, Nest, GV, Google Capital, and Access/Google Fiber.

Focusing on 2015 Google Websites revenue of $52.4 billion, at 70.2% of total segment revenue, up from 67.4% in 2013, the firm’s SEC filings describe this segment as advertising revenue on Search, Google Play, YouTube, Gmail, Finance, and Maps. While Google does not publicly report earnings by product line, Search, YouTube, the Android mobile operating system, including the Google Play app store, are the key product lines in this segment. For 2015, researching multiple sources of earnings estimates, including these two by eMarketer and Forbes, I estimate the breakout to be:

I should note that there is considerable debate about how much Android contributes to Google’s bottom line, with annual revenue estimates ranging from $300-$500 million to $1 billion, to as much as $31 billion, as recently claimed by Oracle in their lawsuit against Google. Oracle is suing Google for copyright infringement, for using its Java software to develop Android, without paying for it. Five years of litigation continues following a January 2016 U.S. Supreme Court ruling where Google lost in their effort to derail the case. Any settlement figure would be a function of this estimate, where it may be appropriate to include “Search” ad revenue. We’ll leave that decision to the copyright finance valuation team assigned to the case.

In the Search space, competition is fierce. Competitor Microsoft’s Bing market share continues to increase, at 22.3 percent in October 2016, compared to Yahoo at 11.7 percent, with Google still leading the pack at 63.6 percent. Considering that Bing was first introduced in May 2009, and that it also largely powers Yahoo Search, Microsoft is certainly gaining ground. Bing finally catching up to Google. U.S. Search Engine market share.

The biggest advantage Bing has over Google right now is their paid advertising platform. Bing is closing the gap by offering more niche advertising, and at lower prices. New functionality in the Ad Preview and Diagnostics tool is starting to turn Bing Ads into a major player in the paid search advertising world. It’s likely that more marketers will start using Bing Ads as an online advertising platform for budgetary reasons alone. If combined with more design, functionality, and visibility changes, Bing could start closing that gap between them and Google faster than ever before. Another increasing threat is in Europe where the European Commission has instituted new personal privacy provisions. Further, many European countries have launched legislative attacks on Google’s ambiguous privacy policy. This presents a significant opportunity for Bing to rise up and force Google out of Europe.

In the smartphone space, Google’s Android operating system is the hands down leader at 86.2% market share, compared to Apple’s iOS at 12.9%, according to the latest Gartner research. Android, which was launched in 2008, makes money for Google in two ways, advertisements supplied by Google shown on Android phones, and revenue Google takes from its mobile app store, Google Play, which some technology analysts predict will soon overtake the Apple app store. Google Play to overtake Apple App store.

Also, in 2013, Starbucks dropped AT&T to partner with Google to provide an improved WIFI experience to their customers. Google will also work with Starbucks at developing the next iteration of the Starbucks Digital Network to provide increased content. Interestingly, I should note that following a recent flurry of iOS 9.3 updates, the functioning of my Apple iPhone 6 has declined dramatically when connected to Starbucks WiFi. Starbucks Google partnership.

The final point of analysis, and of course near and dear to my heart, is the subject of music video and Google’s YouTube, which was estimated to gross $5.6 billion in revenue, and net $1.6 billion or 28.6% margin to Google’s bottom line in 2013. Advertising Age on Google’s YouTube. In the U.S. they were expected to net $1.08 billion, just 6.3% of all of Google’s net U.S. ad revenues for the year, but 20.5% of the $4.15 billion U.S. online video ad market. Forbes contributor Tim Worstall on Google’s YouTube. We can only rely on estimates as I noted earlier, in that Google does not publicly disclose financial results by product line. My 2015 gross revenue estimate for YouTube is $7.5 billion.

The P&L success of the YouTube advertising revenue model finds its roots in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998, the most important amendment to the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976; legislation enacted before user generated content sites like YouTube even existed, and clearly long before the significant transformation in digital technology we enjoy today. Google’s YouTube takes full advantage of the DMCA “Safe Harbor” provision that provides full protection from infringement liability for content flowing through their lines. To qualify, Google must meet certain guidelines, including promptly blocking access to newly discovered infringing material, and terminating repeat infringers. However, the responsibility for surveillance and enforcement lies with the Musical Artist, not with Google. Once a user uploads a video from a concert for example, probably without a license from the Artist, a global marketplace with at least five billion active users monthly, is instantly able to access this creative work for free. While Google’s YouTube is clearly not the only source of music piracy, the sheer global volume of the user base and ease of access to musical content, certainly makes it a major player. In the U.S., music piracy is a serious problem and results in the loss of $12.5 billion in total output annually, another $2.5 billion to downstream industries, the loss of 71,000 jobs, and $422 million less in U.S. tax revenue. The RIAA on the true cost of music piracy.

Further, Google’s YouTube is permitted to operate under an advertising revenue model, markedly different from a royalty based revenue model that has long been the standard in the recorded music industry. Musical Artists are in the fight of their lives! Multiple advocacy groups, including The Grammy Creators Alliance, The Future of Music Coalition, and the Berklee College of Music’s Rethink Music Initiative to name a few, are waging in earnest, a campaign for U.S. Copyright reform that reflects today’s music delivery system, that will protect Artists’ compensation, and that will ensure an enduring legacy of creative expression for years to come.

Looking abroad, in September 2016 the European Commission proposed modernizing copyright rules to help European culture flourish. The EU has adopted the Digital Single Market Strategy to offer better choice and access to content online and across borders, and to promote a fairer and sustainable marketplace for the creative industry. EU Press Release.

The winds are shifting and the message is becoming more clear. As the global recorded music industry is gaining legislative ground, particularly in the EU, and as consumer and music industry awareness and activism are on the rise, and as the Google YouTube development team has begun to respond with technology advances like Audible Magic and ContentID, expect to see transformative change in digital copyright law and protections, that will ultimately put some pressure on the YouTube profit model. Further, here is an interesting point if you’re really paying attention. Today’s technology graduates are more interested in the altruistic goals that silicon valley offers, like working on products that will change the world, as opposed to Wall Street, where attractive compensation packages apparently don’t carry the same level of gravitas. Talent wars: Silicon Valley vs. Wall Street. Then perhaps it’s not a stretch to say that these young grads will not want to play a role in the continuing erosion of the Artist P&L and musical creativity in our society.

Let me leave you with this thought. What value does music create in your life? Think about that first piano recital where your daughter was so excited to play Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”; or that hard fought comeback to competitive gymnastics performing the floor routine of your life to Bill Conti’s “Theme From Rocky”; or the incredible emotion flowing at the debut reunion performance, twenty three years in the making, of a legendary and iconic Rock & Roll band! What about the pure joy and hope you feel when your very special and brilliant 55 year old brother writes his first set of lyrics to the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and then sings them to his girlfriend! Yes! “…take me down to the Paradise City.. yeah yeahah!” For those of us who cannot possibly imagine a world without music to fill our souls, with pure unbridled emotion and purpose that inspires us every day, our message is simple. We’re on it and we’re in it for the Artist! Count on it.

“Ten years ago they sent a machine from the future, “You Could Be Mine”

January 3, 2017 By Cynthia Drew In Music P&L, Rock&Roll, Technology /

#NotInThisLifetime

If you had asked me this time a year ago, if Guns N’ Roses would ever get back together, I would have answered, “Not in this lifetime.” Perhaps I should have been playing closer attention. There were definite signs, but I just didn’t believe it. In a Renaissance period of my life, fueled by my passion for epic Rock&Roll, I am simply grateful they made this choice and I had the opportunity to immerse myself in all of it! Following the memorable debut Arena performance Friday night April 8, 2016 at Las Vegas’ brand new T Mobile Arena, Masterpiece Guns N’ Roses historic reunion. my insatiable appetite for this band, no pun intended, demanded two more performances at hometown New York City area 82,500 seat capacity Met Life Stadium on July 23rd and 24th, and finally on August 12th to the magnificent city of Seattle, Washington, nestled between a thriving sea port and the majestic domes of Mount Rainier, a metropolis steeped in rich music history, and the hometown of GN’R Bass Player Duff McKagan. I have never attended more than one live concert event in one single tour, not even for the Stones, Led Zeppelin, or Aerosmith. Perhaps the twenty year void of the iconic live trio ensemble of Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan tugged at my heart strings. Perhaps the opportunity to experience the only true Rock&Roll band of my generation tugged even greater. Yes that sounds right. What about the fans? WOW! I have never seen such devotion from a fan base that spans continents. The final hook was the ensemble of new and old with the very athletic and masterful Rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus, the very cool and accessible Frank Ferrer, whose mastery of the drum kit keeps this band in precision timing, and the creative and melodic sound rising from the keyboards with long time member Dizzy Reed and GN’R’s newest member, the brilliantly coiffed Melissa Reese. As a pianist myself, inspired recently to make a new keyboard purchase, I love that this classic Rock&Roll band has evolved and strengthened the mastery of the musical experience beyond the beloved and traditional electric guitar.

Take me down to the Paradise City, where the grass is green and the rockers are gritty! In my Smartphone Blog post this month, I wrap up with a mesmerizing performance of Civil War, that opens with a young and very athletic Axl Rose adorned in a patriotic leather jacket with the words “REBEL” on the back. I am very purposeful in every media choice I make for my Blogs. Very athletic still at 54 years of age, young at heart, passionate, and completely on top of his game, Axl Rose personifies the Rock&Roll rebel heart that brings legions of fans around the world to blockbuster stadium performances, standing for hours in the pit, waving and swaying to the music .. “yeah yeauh “.

Slash, our beloved and very humble Top Hatted Rocker, face buried by a mass of gorgeous rocker curls, whose message to the world doesn’t come from his lips or face, but rather from epic Rock&Roll riffs that send fan emotions into the stratosphere, is simply the greatest guitar player ever to grace a musical stage!

Bass Player Duff McKagan’s first encounter with his friend Slash, took place at Canter’s Deli on North Fairfax in Los Angeles in 1983. A 19 year old Duff had just moved from Seattle and answered an ad Slash had placed looking for a bass player. The conversation logically flowed for more than two hours, simply talking about music. Ultimately they would go on to form the original lineup of Guns N’ Roses in 1985, then releasing their epic debut album Appetite for Destruction in 1987. In Seattle, Duff had been playing with bands since he was 14 years old. A versatile rocker who also played lead guitar and drums, he finally settled in with the Bass. In recent years, he has fronted as lead singer for the various projects he has led since the breakup of the original GN’R lineup. In this tour, he performed lead vocals duty with a gritty rendition of “New Rose”. Also a songwriter, the band opened this tour with “It’s So Easy” GN’R’s first single release from “Appetite For Destruction” in June 1987 in the UK, written by Duff and Wes Arkeen.

So of course, the July 23^rd and 24^th NYC area performances couldn’t come soon enough, following the April 8th performance in Vegas. A Kick A** Rock&Roll weekend start to finish, with my longtime best friend since the 8^th grade, the brilliant Robyn Bryson and her boyfriend Ron, the very cool David Paul, an innovative educator in the New York City school system, who hails from southern California, and a lovely new group of devoted GN’R fan friends Monni, Joe, Nevy, Joseph, Nir, Nick, and Margott. We kicked things off with a tailgate party in the parking lot before heading inside. This would be my first experience of an athletic and mobile Axl Rose since his seated and “throned” performance in Vegas, with his foot healed and free of the huge plaster cast! Live Nation delivered a terrific and well organized “Paradise City VIP” experience and my beloved rockers reinforced their commitment to their craft, this long awaited reunion tour, and their devoted followers. A very fit and athletic Lenny Kravitz opened the night and we never looked back! A month into their U.S. stadium tour, all the worry was gone, and we were all back in the groove of epic Rock&Roll masterpiece by this band of ferocious and legendary Rock talent!

Axl Rose and Duff McKagan Met Life Stadium July 23, 2016 photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Axl Rose July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Slash July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo Taken by Cynthia Drew

Duff McKagan July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Lenny Kravitz July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

In August 2015, I traveled to Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market for a very unique concert experience and musical fundraiser. Seattle’s public radio station KEXP had managed to raise a whopping $12 million to build new studios at the Seattle Center, studios specifically designed to elevate the musical fan experience with live participation. WOW! I am so impressed by that. They held a free outdoor concert “Raw Power” on the roof, on a gorgeous summer evening overlooking the harbor, in a musical tribute to Iggy Pop, with four legendary Seattle rockers. Yes you guessed it, Duff McKagan on Bass, his “Walking Papers” band member Barrett Martin on Drums, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready on the electric guitar, and singer Mark Arm from Mudhoney. Following the free concert, there was a VIP after party with these iconic rockers, KEXP management, and some influential local businessmen and women at top floor restaurant Matt’s In The Market. They ultimately reached their goal of $15 million and I am so proud to have played a small role in that. In keeping with the tradition of cool fan engagement this band promotes, I met a new Rock&Roll soul sister Jenn Iverson who, a year later, invited me to her lovely home on Lake Washington she shares with her husband Evan and their precious 3 year old daughter Edie, for the Guns N’ Roses August 12, 2016 Friday night performance at the 69,000 capacity Century Link Field. Life is an adventure and I plan to make the most of it! We began this adventure Thursday night at the iconic grunge bar “Linda’s Tavern”, the public place where Kurt Cobain was last seen alive, with yet another GN’R fan group pre party that brought in fans from across the U.S., Canada, and South America. The day of the concert, I decided to stroll around the Lake and amazingly I believe I caught a glimpse of Duff McKagan whizzing by on his bicycle in the early afternoon. An avid bicyclist, I’m guessing he was thrilled to be back at his hometown Lake home following two months of being on the road. Did I mention eldest daughter Grace, 19 years old in her sophomore year at Seattle U, and very talented lead singer of the Pink Slips, was set to open the night, along with Alice In Chains. Yes an unforgettable night steeped in rich Seattle music history!

Jill, Cynthia, Evan, and Jenn August 12, 2016 Century Link Field Seattle, Washington

My GN’R 2016 adventure continued with a terrific set by The Dead Daisies on September 8th at Webster Hall with appearances by Rhythm Guitarist Richard Fortus and Drummer Frank Ferrer. Both mingled in the club briefly following their performances, graciously giving their devoted fans exclusive access to rock royalty! I even met a couple from the south of France, who were doing an Air BNB in Tribeca and who graciously took this lovely photo of me with Frank Ferrer. Yes the FB fan group #GnFnR Fanspot #NotInThisLifetime group is continually growing!

Richard Fortus Webster Hall September 8, 2016 Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Frank Ferrer Webster Hall September 8, 2016 Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Frank Ferrer & Cynthia Drew Webster Hall September 8, 2016

The pace continued with a scintillating performance Wednesday September 14, 2016 at Madison Square Garden! Our beloved Axl Rose, in commanding high power lead vocal force, substituted for an ill Brian Johnson with legendary Rock&Roll band ACDC! Founder and lead guitarist Angus Young, not a young man at 61, delivered an incredibly physical and impressive performance on the electric guitar! Yes another new GN’R Rock&Roll sister Tammy Michaud from Los Angeles, who I met in June at Slash’s Conjuring 2 movie screening, flew out for the event and we had a terrific time! The concert was book ended by fan before and after parties with good friends Tammy, Monni, Nir, Joseph, and Avi.

Angus Young AC/DC Madison Square Garden September 14, 2016 Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Axl Rose lead singer with AC/DC September 14, 2016 at Madison Square Garden Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

I would be remiss if I did not mention the terrific surprise guest Drum performances by original GN’R drummer Steven Adler. I’m sorry that I missed them and understand it was much appreciated by the fans. I see Steven Adler’s tremendous enthusiasm for this reunion tour and I hope his recovery from back surgery continues in good fashion. Please know that I have equal appreciation for Frank Ferrer and would love for both of them to perform together. Why not? GN’R is a clear driving force in Rock&Roll trend! Where does it say you can’t have two drummers? Like many, I did miss seeing Izzy Stradlin on the Rhythm Guitar and am hopeful that each member of the original lineup can reach a happy accord. Again, like Adler and Ferrer, I hold the same feelings on Stradlin and Fortus.

Sadly I have to wrap up, but I am joyful to end on a very poignant and emotional note. After a record 23 years of not speaking with each other, following a roughly 10 year span of extraordinary Rock&Roll brotherhood that created some of this genre’s greatest classics, I was delighted to see this tweet this morning, with Slash and girlfriend Meegan Hodges in attendance Tuesday night September 20 at AC/DC’s final 2016 tour performance at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, cheering on his legendary rocker brother Axl Rose. Yes this is how it should be! Thank you Axl, Slash, Duff, Richard, Dizzy, Frank, and Melissa for re-energizing a global Rock&Roll audience and delivering some of the best damn music in the history of modern music!

Will sign off with this epic classic … Nothing lasts forever, even cold November Rain. Official November Rain Video

Cynthia Front Row July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium

Cynthia, Robyn, and Ron in the Paradise City VIP Lounge July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium

Slash July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Axl on the Piano November Rain July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Epic November Rain finale July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Axl Rose Century Link Field Seattle, Washington August 12, 2016 Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Axl Rose July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Duff McKagan July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Melissa Reese July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Richard Fortus July 23, 2016 Met Life Stadium Photo taken by Cynthia Drew

September 21, 2016 By Cynthia Drew In Rock&Roll / 1 Comment

Olympic Dreams

I saw USA Gymnastics CEO Steve Penny return to the Arena floor and I knew the team had been chosen. I knew that at that very moment, in a room with eighteen of the best male gymnasts in the country, that five would learn their incredible fate to represent the United States of America at the 2016 Olympic Games. Steve Penny appeared sooner than I had expected, and somehow that calmed me down a little, but let’s be clear, I was a nervous wreck and thought my heart would pound right out of my chest. I was looking down at my sheet of scribbled scores that I had been compiling since Night 1 of the Men’s P&G National Championships three weeks earlier, and replaying all the Olympic final “3 men up, 3 scores count” point scenarios in my numbers brain. I was certain John Orozco was in contention. After all, he was the 2012 U.S. National Champion and a member of the 2012 Olympic Team, finishing 8^th place in the All Around. He is a three time World Bronze Medallist, including one individual medal on Parallel Bars. He also has much needed expertise on pommel horse, and is a multiple U.S. Medallist on High Bar. But how can you really be certain about an athlete, incredible no doubt, who has been sidelined for 2 of the past 4 yours with major injuries including a ruptured Achilles tendon, his second, just 12 months ago? Let’s not forget the devastating sudden loss of his mom 4 months earlier. How do you come back from something like that? As John Orozco will humbly tell you, “I didn’t come this far, to only come this far”. Long road to Rio.

The six person Olympic Selection committee, five with voting rights, had their work cut out for themselves. With incredible depth in the USA Men’s program today, this was considered one of the toughest team decisions to make in over twenty years. In the Gymnastics team final at the Olympic Games, three athletes compete per event, and all three scores count. There is no room for error. Considering the field of competitors, what five gymnasts will offer the best chance to earn the top three scores across six events? Run the numbers. The Selection committee did and they each returned the same five competitor names. Selection U.S. Men’s Olympic Team.

All of a sudden the lights went out in the Arena. I leaned forward in my seat, straining my eyes to make out the five men who were walking towards the steps leading up to the podium floor. I caught a glimpse of John’s face seconds before the lights went on, and the flood gates of emotion erupted as the CEO of USA Gymnastics announced the 2016 Olympic Men’s team. John Orozco is one of my all time favorite gymnasts, and certainly my favorite among the men! Steve Penny Announces U.S. Men’s Olympic Team.

Cynthia Drew at 2016 Men’s Olympic Trials.

Sam Mikulak, Jake Dalton, and John Orozco made their second Olympic team Saturday night June 25 at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri! 2012 Olympic replacement athletes Chris Brooks and Alex Naddour also sealed their fate! I can’t help but think what a powerful statement this is, speaking to the level of commitment and dedication it must take to remain competitive at the very top of your field, across two Olympic cycles, in a sport so physically demanding. It’s truly inspiring ! Three alternates were named the following morning, Danell Leyva, Donnell Whittenburg, and Akash Modi.

As a fan, a former child and adult competitor, and now a Level 10 USAG certified Women’s Judge, and NY South Board Treasurer and CPE Coordinator, I am so proud to be involved in this sport and can’t get enough of it! Something magical happens every time I walk into a setting where gymnastics is happening!

Fast forward to July 8 and the setting is San Jose, CA for the Women’s Olympic Trials. Of course by now, most of you have heard of the greatest female Artistic gymnast in the history of the sport, the incredible Simone Biles, who burst into the spotlight following the 2012 London Olympics. She arrived at the 2016 Olympic Trials as the reigning 3 time consecutive World All Around Champion and 4 time consecutive U.S. National Champion! These are distinctions held by no other female Artistic gymnast. Her second tumbling pass on floor includes a skill named after her, “The Biles”, a double back layout with a half twist. She is the only female artistic gymnast on the planet who performs this move, which she does with such incredible height, that she actually finishes all that rotating and twisting with so much room to spare, she seemingly floats to the ground for the landing. It’s incredible to watch! When she is at her best, nobody even comes close. In the All Around final in Rio, she would go on to score a whopping 15.933 on Floor Exercise, +0.5 to the second place finisher, and more than a full point to the 3^rd place finisher at 14.9! That margin of separation is unheard of in this sport! It is actually quite easy to conceive the notion that Simone Biles will retain the title of Greatest Female Artistic Gymnast until the end of time!

The level of difficulty in this sport has risen to such extraordinary heights. To put this in perspective, Nadia Comaneci performed a single back layout with 1 ½ twists in her opening tumbling pass at the 1976 Olympic Games. Today, gymnasts perform double backs and triple twists on floor and standing flips on Beam.

Following 2 days of some pretty incredible gymnastics from the highly regarded field of competitors who comprise the U.S. Women’s National Team, CEO Steve Penny returned to the podium Sunday night July 10 to announce the five person Women’s Olympic team including reigning World and U.S. National Champion Simone Biles, 2012 Olympic All Around Champion Gabrielle Douglas, 2012 Olympic Floor Exercise Champion Aly Raisman, reigning World Uneven Bars Champion Madison Kocian, and the youngest member of the team at 16 years of age, first year on the Senior National team, Laurie Hernandez. The replacements athletes named include Ragan Smith, McKayla Skinner, and Ashton Locklear. Congratulations ladies! Steve Penny announces U.S. Women’s Olympic Team.

U.S. Women’s Olympic Team photo taken by Cynthia Drew

Each Olympic Team announcement always includes replacement athletes, as injury is unfortunately very common in this sport. On July 15, we learned the devastating news that John Orozco tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, on a bad landing off High Bar, and had to step down from the Olympic team. 2012 Olympic Bronze Medallist Danell Leyva was named to the team to replace John. An incredible outpouring of support from the global gymnastics community made the news somewhat bearable. Of course John Orozco is such a class act. His attitude and demeanor following this tragic injury, ultimately helped all of us to move forward in the best possible way. John has since had two surgeries on his knee and continues his gymnastics training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

The USA Men ultimately finished 5^th in the Olympic Team Competition with a combined score of 268.56. U.S. Men Finish Fifth. following a 2^nd place finish in the preliminary round of 270.405, that also counted a few missteps. They are exceptionally talented athletes who simply had a bad day and I admire them all greatly! Event finals went better with Alex Naddour claiming Bronze on Pommel Horse, and Danell Leyva claiming Silver on Parallel Bars and High Bar. Two men qualified to the All Around Final, with reigning four time U.S. National Champion Sam Mikulak finishing 7^th, and Chris Brooks finishing in 14^th place.

U.S. Men’s Olympic Team photo provided by USA Gymnastics

On to the women! The USA Gymnastics Women’s Team dominated at the 2016 Olympic Games with a total of 9 out of a possible 11 medals, 4 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze. U.S. Women Olympic Champions! Given that Olympic gymnastics teams today only consist of five members, down from seven in 1996 when the Magnificent Seven won Gold in Atlanta , and down from six in 2008 when the USA Women won Silver in Beijing, the “Final Five” delivered in invincible fashion!

Team: Gold USA

All Around: Gold Simone Biles, Silver Aly Raisman

Vault: Gold Simone Biles

Uneven Bars: Silver Madison Kocian

Balance Beam: Silver Laurie Hernandez, Bronze Simone Biles

Floor: Gold Simone Biles, Silver Aly Raisman

USA Women 2016 Gold Medal Olympic Champions photo provided by USA Gymnastics, photo credit to John Cheng.

There is a 2 gymnast per country rule for each of the 4 events and the all around final. The USA Women claimed 2 medals on every event except Vault and Uneven Bars. I should note that to qualify to the Vault event final, the gymnast must perform a vault from 2 different categories of Vault. In the U.S. currently, we only have 2 gymnasts who qualify to the Vault final, Simone Biles and McKayla Skinner, who was named one of the replacement athletes.

Madison Kocian, who trains at WOGA in Plano, Texas, a gym well known for producing great Uneven Bars workers, won the Silver Medal on Uneven Bars with a score of 15.833, -0.67 behind Aliya Mustafina from the Russian Federation. A World Champion on the Uneven Bars, Kocian was chosen for this Olympic team specifically for her strength on this event. Under the intense pressure of needing to deliver on one event only, she did her job, not only winning the Silver in the event final, but delivering an impressive 15.933 routine during the team final.

Of course everyone knows Gabrielle Douglas, the 2012 Olympic All Around Champion and the first gymnast with that distinction, to make a second Olympic team. Equally impressive, is the fact that Douglas did not train for two years following London. Given the high degree of difficulty necessary to remain competitive at the international elite level today, it’s extremely difficult to achieve this feat following such a lengthy absence. While her degree of difficulty on Floor, Beam, and Vault was lower than her teammates, her strength on uneven bars was greatly needed, and she certainly delivered with a huge score of 15.766 in the team final!

In 2012, Laurie Hernandez was 12 years old and a Level 10 gymnast. Today she is the youngest member of the 2016 Olympic Gold Medal Women’s Gymnastics Team, also winning a Silver Medal on Balance Beam with an impressive 15.333, tumbling and leaping across the 4” wide apparatus with veteran precision and confidence! With tremendous personality and dynamic choreography on Floor Exercise, she quite ably engages her audience, which we also expect to see as a new contestant on Dancing With The Stars!

Aly Raisman, the most decorated U.S. Gymnast at the 2012 Olympic Games with two Gold Medals, Team and Floor Exercise and one Bronze on Beam, added three more Olympic Medals to her treasure chest in Rio with one Gold in the Team Competition, and two Silver Medals, All Around and Floor Exercise. The 2016 Olympic Team Captain and oldest member of this invincible team at 22, has certainly sealed her place in the history of USA and World gymnastic legends! Aly decided to continue in her training following a 4^th place finish in the All Around competition in the 2012 Olympics, a finish delivered at the hands of a 3^rd place tie break rule that went to Aliya Mustafina from Russia. Determined in her quest this time around, with her parents sitting in the stands, twisting in their seats, she delivered in convincing fashion, seizing the Silver Medal and relegating Mustafina to a Bronze medal finish. Her exceptional strength on Vault, performing a sky high Amanar vault scoring a 15.633, and a magnificent and glorious Floor Exercise routine scoring a huge 15.433 sealed the deal!

This exceptional Olympic Champion team is aptly named “The Final Five” to signify the end of an extraordinary era in U.S. Gymnastics history, with the retirement of Marta Karolyi, longtime U.S. Women’s National Team Coordinator. A legend retires. Since 2000 she has led the Women’s Program in earning 96 World and Olympic Medals. We wish Marta Karolyi much happiness and enjoyment in her retirement! Valeri Liukin, a two time Olympic Champion, father and coach to 2008 Olympic Champion Nastia Liukin, WOGA gym owner, and one of the most highly respected coaches in this sport, is excited to assume this important role. Valeri Liukin to succeed Marta Karolyi. We wish Valeri great success!

And just in case you missed a Golden moment in Olympic Gymnastics history, I leave you with this exquisite floor routine at the conclusion of the 2016 Olympic All Around final, that scored a monster 15.933, undoubtedly one of the best floor routines in the life of the greatest female Artistic gymnast Simone Biles. Enjoy!

Simone Biles clinches Olympic All Around Gold!

Cover photo of 2016 Olympic Men’s Team provided by USA Gymnastics.

September 19, 2016 By Cynthia Drew In Gymnastics /

Who Is Leading the Smartphone Market Today?

We can evaluate this a few different ways. If we compare current market share of the major operating systems, Google’s Android is the hands down leader at 86.2%, compared to Apple’s iOS at 12.9%, according to the latest Gartner research. If we’re looking at manufacturer volume sold, the numbers certainly make the case for Samsung with 22.3% market share to Apple’s 12.9%. If we consider TechRadar’s most current ranking of the top 10 smartphones, the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are ranked 7^th and 8^th respectively. They are the only smartphones in the top 10 who run on the iOS platform, currently 9.3.5. All the rest run on Android, which continues to evolve with the new Lollipop and Marshmallow updates. Samsung’s Galaxy S7 Edge and S7 lead the rankings. The HTC 10, new 2013 Chinese manufacturer OnePlus 3 model, and the LG G5 round out the top 5. The Sony Xperia Z5 and the Xperia Z5 Compact come in at #6 and #10, and the Nexus 6P is in 9^th place. Read more here in TechRadar rankings.

However, if we look at net profit, Apple dominates. This Forbes article points out that while Google’s Android dominates market share, Apple makes all the money. A 2013 Forbes article, this one by Tony Bradley, suggests Apple can ignore Android market share all the way to the bank. But that may be changing, particularly given the recent news that in Q1 2016, Apple has experienced the most significant drop in revenue since 2003. More here on iPhone sales drop.

So why am I telling you all this? I’m trying to figure out if I should stay with my current smartphone manufacturer. Can you live without your mobile device? I can’t. So here’s my take on Apple. There’s an app for everything and I rely on quite a few of them to live my life. Email, calendars, notes, text, maps, music, social media, coffee, news, travel reservations, ticket purchase, transportation, weather, and even a wireless speaker system. I recently purchased a Sonos system for my home and it is controlled by an app on my iPhone. I have speakers in my living room, kitchen, and bedroom that did not require any added installation expense, drilling, or unsightly wires. Yes, Steve Jobs was as equally passionate about aesthetics, as he was about functionality. If you want to regularly learn about new apps, register with the Starbucks app and you’ll get weekly messages highlighting a new free app. You have to be discerning though, as data overload can certainly be a problem. I am a huge advocate of “less is more”.

Given that Apple’s current market capitalization is about $576 billion, more than double the level when I made my first Apple purchase in 2010, I expect nothing short of white glove service. Let’s see how they measure up and what is required for that to happen.

I actually hopped on the current mobile technology bandwagon later than most of my contemporaries, with the purchase of the iPod Touch in 2010 and iPhone 4 in 2012. Both were introduced in 2007. Of course my passion for music led the charge! Enamored with 24 hour on demand music, I quickly fell in love with Apple and got out in front on the purchase of the iPad 2 in 2011. Then I discovered the MacBook Air in 2012. All of my devices are on the iCloud under my Apple ID. I do not have an Apple Watch.

I think it’s important to understand some underlying basics first. The iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad all operate on the iOS operating system, although the underlying technology of the iPad is different than the iPhone. The iPod Touch is a media player. The Mac operates on the OSX operating system. All Apple devices, whether they run on an iOS or OSX operating system, are intended to sit harmoniously together on the iCloud. Also relevant to the discussion, in 2014 Apple rolled out a new programming language called Swift. Learn more about Swift here. Building upon their core language Objective-C, Swift offers an “interactive playground” and is viewed by developers as a new simpler language that could make their lives easier, thus lowering the barrier to entry for Apple developers. But it does require a new learning curve and it drives a wedge between iOS & OSX development and the rest of the mobile software world. Swift development is only applicable to Apple devices. In a 2015 Bloomberg article, Joshua Brustein writes, “..There was almost no way Swift wouldn’t lure developers in large numbers. Apple gets to decide which languages can be used to write apps for iOS devices, and legions of coders take heed because the average Apple user generates four times as much revenue for developers than the average Android user. It almost didn’t matter whether Swift was any good…” The article also references assertions made by Kyle Sherman, a software developer with Linked In owned document sharing firm SlideShare, as to the onerous degree of processing power software developers need on their laptops to convert Swift into a computer readable format. Additionally, Colin Eberhart, Technology Director for UK based software development company Scott Logic said, ‘Swift updates regularly break his code. “If you are building production code, right now you just don’t want to be using Swift,” he says. Apple declined to comment for this story.’

As an analyst who partners with Capital Markets business heads to drive P&L growth, the past 10 years in trading technology, and as an avid mobile technology user, I have many thoughts on this evolving landscape. As for me personally, currently with an iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and MacBook Air, I really only need the iPhone and MacBook Air, or a competitor equivalent.

My Apple device world worked very well until 2014 when I purchased the iPhone 6; previously I was very happy with the iPhone 4. I often wonder if my iPhone 6 experience would have been better, had I upgraded from the iPhone 5. In the beginning I had very poor cellular service. Apparently I wasn’t alone. In 2014, IOS 8 updates caused Apple to pull 8.01 release due to dropped calls issue. More on this in Forbes magazine. Thankfully, that problem resolved pretty quickly with subsequent updates.

The main issue that continues to frustrate users in 2016, is the wireless network problem. In 2014, I used AOL for my personal email, and had terrible difficulty sending email on my iPhone 6. Apple genius bar specialists repeatedly blamed AOL. At one genius bar visit, the specialist suggested restoring network settings to factory settings. The effort was futile. I finally figured out that if I turned off Wi-Fi, then the email would fly successfully, otherwise it would sit pending in the outbox until I deleted it. So my solution worked well for about two years, but with a recent flurry of iOS 9.3 updates, once again I can no longer send AOL email from my iPhone, even if I turn off Wi-Fi. Thankfully I now have a new email account on my business website server that works just fine. Interestingly, when I send from my AOL mail folder on my MacBook Air, I have no issues with the transmission, but I do notice that it generates multiple copies of that sent email to my junk folder.

An ongoing problem, I have difficulty with several social media apps and maps when not connected to strong WiFi, or where the WiFi setting is on, but none are available. The search function works terribly, and often new links will not load. I regularly close all the apps multiple times a day, and frequently reboot my phone. The maps function has been particularly frustrating as the GPS does not always work correctly. One time I was driving in upstate New York, and the app thought I was in Illinois.

Most recently, with a spate of iOS 9.3 updates mainly designed to address security issues, now running 9.3.5, it is clear that many settings have changed on this latest update. In addition to deleting some very important Notes, I lost the ability to search in my Notes, which was a huge problem as I have many passwords and important information I use regularly. The Apple genius bar staffer told me my Notes were no longer backing up on the iCloud and therefore lost the ability to search. She adjusted the setting and recommended that going forward, I should check all my settings after each iOS update. To be clear, I don’t consider that white glove service. Another setting change that stood out, was to my Weather Channel app, which changed location to Las Vegas, Nevada since this latest iOS update. I clicked on “Add Current Location” and a new window popped up called “My Profile”. I was instructed to turn on “Weather Follow Me”. Are you aware that you have a Profile on your iPhone? I had never seen that before. Do you know how to access it? Since making that update, I am unable to find My Profile and the screen where I turned on “Weather Follow Me”. I checked my iCloud account, accessibility, privacy, location services, and the Weather app. I can’t find it anywhere. I believe it is hidden to make it more difficult for hackers, which I heartily endorse, but if you’re going to change settings to protect me, that also affect functionality I rely on, you either have to get the settings right, or you have to make it reasonably easy for me to find and update them. I rely on my mobile device to make my life easier, not more difficult. That standard must change, or I will no longer purchase Apple products.

At one point in the history of my iPhone 6 difficulties, I was told by an Apple genius bar staffer that my iCloud account had become corrupted and suggested recreating it. Again, I wasn’t alone in this. In 2013, my research shows that Apple began having problems with the iCloud. Apple iCloud service issues. In general, I think Apple’s iCloud has difficulty when you have multiple devices of varying age and operating system on the same Apple ID. I also think that when a new iPhone comes out, the updated operating system works best when you have migrated from the previous iPhone model. I have since taught myself the steps to create a new Apple ID to see if that will help.

As to my MacBook Air, recent OSX El Capitan updates have also created problems and strange software functionality, including issues with the Facebook event calendar. The chief difficulty I currently have is opening new windows in the Safari browser, when multiple windows are open. Recently I have had the same issue with apps on my iPhone, if I am using several at once. Once again I am not alone. iOS 9.3 had a bad week. While this article speaks to a fix, I can tell you this is the single largest ongoing problem I have with my iPhone and Mac. Many iPhone users complain about battery life, which I have never done. I believe carrying an auxiliary battery is a very reasonable solution. However, I have noticed that since the latest iOS update a few weeks ago, the battery life has noticeably worsened. I assume this is because a setting has changed. I have gone through all the menus and adjusted settings to preserve battery life, yet this problem persists. The final point this music lover will make, is the quality and volume of sound when listening to music. If my phone is connected to a power outlet, the sound is better. It also seems to me there is a problem with the actual port where I connect my headphones to the phone. Interestingly, I have a friend who purchased the iPhone 6S a year ago, and he has a similar problem with the power cord port, frequently having difficulty plugging in and having the phone charge. I believe that falls into the category of problem where some iPhones were bending. I am happy to hear today that the iPhone 7 now has wireless headphones, so I am interested to hear more about that!

As Apple rolls out the new iPhone 7, I am considering buying one, as perhaps this will end my current iPhone 6 suffering, but I will certainly wait until all the reviews are in, and will specifically look for improvement on the issues I detail in this post. I certainly want to learn more about the wireless headphones and two-camera system, but those added features alone, assuming they work well, are not enough to entice me. I’m really interested in learning the nuts and bolts of iOS 10.0. I am also considering the the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, at a current sticker price of $792, but I need to do my research first. Apple is offering $649 for the regular size iPhone 7 if you pre-order now.

One final point I will make, that I will develop in greater detail in a future blog post, has to do with mobile software performance on different wireless networks. I have Verizon FiOS 150/150, which is considered very good, although I should note that my wireless function works better when I am in the subway. Transit Wireless, a bai communications company that boasts a highly experienced global technology management team, has produced an impressive level of service in my opinion. Perhaps we can encourage them to enter the residential space. Also, since the latest iOS update, I have noticed a substantial decline in service on my iPhone while at Starbucks. Apps are very slow to update and media often fails to load. Previously I found wireless capability at Starbucks to be quite robust. Interestingly, Starbucks WiFi is powered by Google, whose Android operating system is a major competitor to Apple iOS.

Overall, I believe the software hacking issues that have historically plagued Windows applications, are finally becoming an issue for Apple. I wonder if the “simpler” Swift programming language Apple rolled out in 2014 is a contributing factor. Also, if one of the goals of rolling out a simpler language, is to facilitate more cost effective programming, then there needs to be a standard as to level of functionality and service. In my September 2015 Blog post on long term capital appreciation, read more here, I spoke about the intense pressure CEO’s face as to quarterly earnings reports, yet most believe a long term growth strategy is better. Simply finding the least expensive path in the short run, may ultimately cost more in the long run. There is a simple saying, you get what you pay for. There’s a cost to service delivery failure. Firms can model different P&L forecast scenarios based on these different strategies. Apple states that they don’t compete with consumers who buy other smartphones. I assume then, that they have a very good handle on the category of consumer who buys their phones. For their “highly discerning technology user” clientele, I would evaluate sales and genius bar records to determine this population. If this group comprises a small %, and it is better for the overall P&L to risk losing them on service performance, as opposed to making development and service delivery changes that will probably increase expense, then I will have my answer. An industry colleague and friend I admire, recently told me he gave an estimate to a prospective client for some software development work. The prospective client advised that he had received a lower price estimate from another provider. My friend pointed out that when his team finishes delivering the product, it will stand firmly on two legs and deliver the type of service the client demands. In the case of the lower bid, the client will probably be at risk for service failure, and ultimately will need repeated follow up work, which will cost more in the long run. What is your client’s service level threshold?

Next month, I’ll take on Samsung and Android.

To wrap up in signature Rock&Roll style, hungry for a first class service level, and still riding the Guns N’ Roses #NotInThisLifetime reunion tour high, I’ll leave you with this epic live performance from the early 1990’s. “..When everybody’s fightin’ for their promised land. I don’t need your Civil War.”

September 5, 2016 By Cynthia Drew In Technology /

“The Conjuring 2” Advanced Screening with Slash

Why am I a social media investor? If you have a hobby you are passionate about, say Rock&Roll for example, and you wish to stay informed and connected, there is no better medium. At the top of my radar, as you can likely guess, is the incredible talent of one of Rock&Roll’s greatest bands, Guns N’ Roses. Along with a few select champion gymnasts, GN’R Twitter feeds go directly to my iPhone text message screen, and their Facebook pages are programmed to notify me with any update. Technology rocks! From the same generation as GN’R, I feel we are learning together to take full advantage of mobile and social media technology, that I couldn’t have even imagined back in the days of soaring music sales in the 80’s and 90’s. Perhaps this is why I feel a very strong loyalty and connection to this iconic band, above and beyond my passion for their music.

So I’m delighted to share my latest advanced screening experience with Slash. Following my first two incredible experiences, The Witch, and 10 Cloverfield Lane, Slash delivered once again! I knew a third opportunity was in the works, but the announcement timing caught me completely by surprise, as the contest was announced Friday evening Memorial Day Weekend. I was already on a friend’s boat, sitting up top to be exact, with my cell phone charging down below. I should tell you that I had been on high alert for a month, waiting for this post. After all, how often do you have the opportunity to hang out with a legendary Rock&Roll Artist, not just once, but three times in the same year that his iconic band launches the reunion tour of the decade, and perhaps even the century? I saw the contest announcement about thirty minutes after it had been posted and I immediately sprung into action, quickly securing two passes to an advanced screening of “The Conjuring 2” with Slash and Director James Wan, Thursday evening June 9, 2016 at the legendary United Artists Theatre in the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles ! Thankfully I was right about the date, as I had been planning a list of activities around this particular event. Slash will typically tweet about the opening date of a horror film, and will follow with an advanced screening contest for the evening prior. For those of you wondering why a legendary Rock&Roll musician is inviting fans to watch a horror film, the answer is simple. Slash is a lifelong horror film fan dating back to the release of the “Exorcist”, that he saw as a child with his mom. Now branching into film production, he is building a film company called Slashfiction Films, with “The Hell Within” scheduled to begin production shortly. To generate fan interest and investment in his company, he has been teaming up with some pretty solid film industry veterans to offer up a unique experience to the legion of Rock&Roll fans he has around the world. It’s a two way street of promotion, as film studios and directors are always looking to generate buzz for new releases, and of course even film legends want to be in Slash’s orbit, as the very cool and legendary Hall of Fame guitarist for Guns N’ Roses.

“The Conjuring 2”, which opened nationally Friday June 10, 2016, is an American supernatural horror film, distributed by Warner Brothers Pictures, and directed by the very talented and energetic “Horror Maestro” James Wan. At the screening, we were treated to a live Q&A with Slash and Director Wan that was streamed lived through Facebook’s MOVIECLIPS page. Original “The Conjuring” franchise stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprised their roles as paranormal investigators, this time traveling across the ocean to England, to investigate terrifying and evil happenings in the real life home of the Hodgson family. Their involvement was critical to James Wan decision to take on this huge challenge, following enormous box office success of the lead film in this franchise, “The Conjuring” released in 2013. The plot and characters were carefully developed for this film, based on a true story, about a financially strapped single mom raising four children in a dilapidated home, where a previous owner had died. Their husband and father had abandoned them for another woman, and rarely lived up to his financial commitments to his family. You can clearly see the effect this had on this mother and her children, also raising some interesting questions as to the credibility of their story. The plot development was brilliant! Once the viewer was completely invested in this “underdog”, yet “hopeful” family, we were treated to a carefully crafted rollout of developing terror in this old English council house, that elicited a few screams from this screening audience. Thirteen year old Madison Wolfe landed the lead, quite ably so, as the second oldest child Janet Hodgson, the unfortunate target of the evil spirit terrorizing this poor family. Her loyal older sister Margaret was played by promising young Australian born actress Lauren Esposito, landing the role after a lengthy search in the U.S., England, and Australia. I also took notice of youngest child Billy, played by Benjamin Haigh, a boy bullied by his schoolmates, but showed tremendous courage in the face of some pretty terrifying stuff happening with his fire engine, in the home where he is trying to prove he can be the man of the house. Older brother Johnny, played by Patrick McAuley, rounds out the young talent pool. Their strong and determined mother Peggy Hodgson, also quite fearless, was played by Frances O’Connor, who delivered a convincing and gritty performance.

Our GN’R fan group outside the legendary United Artists Theatre at the Ace Hotel. Photo credit to our terrific fan leader Margott Hinostroza.

It was yet another Bucket List evening for the memory books, this one with many great surprises! When I arrived, the line was already forming and I joined Carlos, a new GN’R friend. Our fearless fan leader Margott arrived next. Soon we had a nice little GN’R fan group energy going as our friends started to arrive! Upon entering the theatre, a member of the lovely Slashfiction Films team handed me a poster. I immediately noticed a paper bracelet taped to the back. WOW! I knew exactly what that meant! The staffer smiled and said I was going to meet Slash. The screening contest awarded passes to more than 300 people, so I certainly did not expect a Meet and Greet photo. I later learned, that out of the 300+ guests that evening, only 30 received that bracelet. My friends Carlos, Margot, Meredith Ann, Tammy, and Doreen also scored one; what remarkable luck! We found seats in the first row and settled in with some popcorn. Eyeing the reserved seating section in the back of the theatre, we soon realized that every band member from Guns N’ Roses was in attendance, except Axl Rose of course, who was touring in Europe with AC/DC. Very cool! I first saw keyboardist Melissa Reese, the newest member to the GN’R lineup and the only female band member. I then spotted rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus, keyboardist Dizzy Reed, then drummer Frank Ferrer. Later I saw bassist Duff McKagan arrive, who I had seen at the 10 Cloverfield Lane screening. It’s a very cool and humble group, our beloved Guns N’ Roses rockers!

Slash and Director James Wan soon came out on stage to thunderous applause, treating us to thirty minutes of Q&A about their personal experiences in this industry and the motivation that led them in the horror film direction. Slash shared with us that he just found a Director for his upcoming production “The Hell Within”. Terrific news! Soon, the lights dimmed and the film began! For the next two hours and 14 minutes, we sat on the edge of our seats, fully engrossed in this suspenseful thriller.

The lucky paper bracelet crew was instructed to meet in the lobby. As we stood there, I got to shake hands with drummer Frank Ferrer and rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus as they emerged from the theatre! We were then led downstairs to get our photo and say a quick and hearty thank you to our host, the one and only Slash. Jazzed with energy, our little GNR group then went up to the rooftop lounge for a celebratory drink, chatting up this incredible evening!

Our little GN’R fan group celebrating at The Upstairs Bar on the rooftop at the Ace Hotel!

Thank you to Warner Brothers Pictures, Fandango, Director James Wan, and to our beloved and humble Top Hat Rocker Slash for a great evening at the movies!

June 21, 2016 By Cynthia Drew In Slash Film Screenings / 1

The Musical Artist P&L in Today’s Digital Streaming World – 2015 Update

As a follow up to my inaugural post, “The Musical Artist P&L in Today’s Digital Streaming World”, where I first took a look at recorded music sales trends 1983 through 2014, this Rock&Roll “Super Fan” and finance analytical professional is excited to share 2015 results, my thoughts on what all of this means for Artists and record labels, and how fan music consumption is driving business today. In the evolving recorded music marketplace, with 2015 global revenue totaling $15.0 billion, today we see a continued shift away from physical sales and digital downloads toward digital streaming subscriptions. For the first time in history, total digital revenue of $6.7 billion at 45% of total, now exceeds physical revenue (CD, tape, & vinyl) of $5.8 billion, at 39% of total. In fact, within the digital revenue category, the explosive growth in streaming is close to overtaking downloads to become the industry’s primary digital revenue stream. Performance rights revenue, generated by radio and web broadcast play, totaled $2.1 billion or 14% of the total. Synchronization revenue, from the use of music in advertising, games, film, and television, totaled $400 million at 2% of the total.

Let’s take a closer look. According to the The 2016 IFPI Global Music Report, 2015 global recorded music revenue totaled $15 billion, up 3.2% to 2014, the first year of measurable growth in twenty years, driven by a commanding increase +45.2% in digital streaming sales. Overall global growth of 3.2% varied by geographic market, with Latin America leading the charge up +11.8%, follow by Asia +5.7%, Europe +2.3%, and North America +1.3%. Looking specifically at the U.S., the largest recorded music market, 2015 revenues totaled $7.0 billion, up a mere 0.9%.

While the first year of overall growth of 3.2% in a very long while is certainly encouraging news for an industry that has experienced seismic change since the highs of the late 1990’s and the introduction of the MP3 and digital formats, there is still a lot more work to be done to support and encourage an enduring legacy of artist creativity and growth. Global music advocacy groups, and there are many, including The Grammy Creators Alliance, The Future of Music Coalition, and the Berklee College of Music’s Rethink Music Initiative to name a few, are increasing their efforts in support of the Musical Artist. The key issues for Artists include a level playing field in ad-supported digital user upload platforms, the issue of sound recording revenue in the U.S. for terrestrial broadcast radio play, and the 2017 renegotiation of recently heralded progress in pre-1972 sound recording contracts. On a positive note, the explosive worldwide growth of streaming music has opened new markets. Further, digital streaming and social media platforms provide rich consumer consumption and sentiment data for record labels to feast upon and better target music promotion.

To refresh the basics of the Recorded Music Money Flow model, available from the Berklee College of Music Rethink Music Initiative, Songwriters and Artists are compensated in three specific ways, for musical composition, sound recording, and streaming mechanical royalty. Musical composition is specific to the Songwriter(s), who may also be the Artist(s) performing the track. Musical composition royalties are paid through Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) to Songwriters and music publishers where applicable, for terrestrial broadcast radio play (AM&FM), webcast & digital radio play (Pandora & Sirius XM), and digital streaming services (Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music). Composition royalties for digital sales (iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, eMusic) flow through record labels rather than PROs. For digital sales and streaming services, third party aggregators will also receive a cut when handled by Indie labels or through self release where the Artist owns the recording copyright.

Sound recording revenue is paid for webcast & digital radio play, digital download sales, and digital streaming. For webcast & digital radio play, royalties are distributed through Sound Exchange with 50% going to record labels, and 50% to Artists. In the U.S. no sound recording revenue is currently awarded for terrestrial broadcast radio play. Big labels that offer direct deal services pay sound recording revenue directly to Artists for digital download sales and streaming service play. Indie labels follow the big label model but add aggregators like Orchard and INgrooves who get a piece of the action. For Artists who have gone the self release route and are not represented by a record label, these royalties are paid directly from an aggregator such as CD Baby or Tune Core.

Streaming mechanical royalty revenue is specific to digital streaming revenue and is disbursed to songwriters and publishers through PRO’s. In the case of indie labels and self release, a mechanical licensing agent also receives a cut.

Focusing on the United States, 2015 U.S. Record Industry sales revenue, available from the RIAA 2015 Year End Shipment and Revenue Report, totaled $7.0 billion on 1.3 billion units sold, at a total average unit price of $4.29. In comparison to 2014, sales revenue was essentially flat up 0.9%, with volume down 14% from 1.5 billion units sold, offset favorably by a 15% increase in average unit price from $3.75. In comparison to U.S. industry highs in 1999, 2015 sales revenue was down 66% from $20.7 billion, and the average unit price was down 76% from $17.87. Current trends across the globe in recorded music consumption are consistent. Consumers are purchasing fewer CD’s and digital downloads, instead increasingly subscribing to digital streaming services. The 2015 total average unit price of $4.29 in the U.S. has stabilized to near 2009 level of $4.51, and also represents the third consecutive year of price improvement, up 21% to a low of $3.53 in 2012, driven by increased demand in digital streaming paid subscriptions, at an average unit price of $112.90 in the 2015.

Speaking to the key issues forward, the elephant in the middle of the room is the value gap between the huge ad-supported user upload audience of an estimated 900 million users, the world’s largest on-demand music audience, and the tiny piece of digital streaming revenue it generates, a mere $634 million globally or 4% of total global recorded music revenue value in 2015. Of course I’m referring to Google’s You Tube platform, that claims protection from “safe harbour” rules that were established in the early days of the internet, intended to protect truly passive online intermediaries from copyright liability. Musical rights advocates view this platform as active engagement in the distribution of music and should therefore be subject to music licensing practices that all other forms of digital music are governed by today. Expect the pressure to build as advocacy groups and musical fans around the globe, particularly those with passion and energy, continue to raise awareness and seek practical solutions from judicial and legislative branches to ensure a rich and enduring legacy of musical creation in our world.

Additionally on the legislative front, is the issue that U.S. terrestrial broadcast radio stations do not pay sound recording royalties to Artists, as is the case in all major countries outside of the U.S., as well as for webcast digital platforms like Pandora and Sirius XM. Learn more here. A related and final legislative issue surrounds the payment of sound recording royalties for pre-1972 music that clearly includes some of the most iconic records of all time. There have been three large recent victories for performing Artists, all against Sirius XM resulting in negotiated settlements that provide an opportunity in 2017 to negotiate license fees through 2022. Sirius XM to pay $210 million. To learn more on the full background and implications forward, read more here.

To wrap up it all up on a positive note, the discussion returns to the subject of digital revenue and how growth in digital streaming platforms and music listener consumption are shaping the industry going forward. Globally, digital revenue totaled $6.7 billion in 2015, comprising 45% of total revenues, up 10.2% to 2014. For record labels in the U.S, this amounted to $4.8 billion, at 68% of total revenues, up 6.2% to 2014. Clearly the U.S. dominates in digital revenue, but the rest of the world is catching up. Digital streaming music has opened new markets in China and Mexico, and has led to a resurgence of record label investment in Sweden and the Netherlands. Opportunity exists in Germany and Japan, where physical sale currently dominates, with streaming comprising only 11% and 5% of the total respectively. In the U.S., for the first time in 2015, digital streaming revenue of $2.4 billion equals digital download revenue. Also, for the first time in 2015, the average unit price in the U.S. for paid subscription streaming service increased to $112.86, following five years of decline from a high of $189.58 in 2009. This was fueled by explosive growth in subscription volume demand from a low of 1.3 million when first introduced in 2005, to 3.4 million in 2012, to 10.8 million in 2015.

The final point to note, is that with music consumption data widely available on digital platforms, and music sentiment measures available on social media platforms like Twitter, where 7 of the top 10 followed people are music stars, record labels now have a large palate of analytical data to discern fan trends and grow an enduring legacy of music creation. Fine tuning the “fan favorite strategy” will likely differentiate the leaders and the followers. Thank you to my good friend Robert Finn, for this little gem.

I’ll leave you with this classic 2008 Rock ballad, that I figure will start presenting prominently in current streaming play lists as global Rock&Roll sentiment is huge and passionate on this band’s epic 2016 reunion. Enjoy!

Cover Photo credits: KEXP Fundraiser at NYC Winery with Danish singer & songwriter Soren Juul.

*All U.S. data is sourced by the Recording Industry Association of America database, with all $ figures expressed in 2015 inflation adjusted dollars. Also note that certain forms of revenue cannot be quantified in units sold and are therefore excluded in the average price calculations. This includes Sound Exchange Distribution & Ad-Supported On-Demand Streaming under the Digital Streaming Category, as well as Synchronization revenue. All Global data is sourced by the IFPI 2016 Global Music Report Summary.

June 20, 2016 By Cynthia Drew In Music P&L / 1

Sebastian Bach and Santa Cruz Rock B.B. King’s Blues Club!

My 2016 Rock&Roll calendar marches on in grand fashion, most recently at Live Nation’s iconic Time Square B.B. King’s Blues Club Wednesday, May 18, 2016. It was yet another epic night of classic Rock&Roll with the incredibly talented Sebastian Bach of Skid Row fame, and an emerging and very talented young Rock band from Helsinki, Finland called Santa Cruz. And it was my first “official” VIP experience listening to a sound check. Performing live and delivering a masterful technical experience is no small feat. You can have all the talent in the world, but at the end of the day, the production elements have to be first rate when it matters most. The sound check must be a stressful situation that requires very coordinated concentration, under clear time pressure. To open that up to a small group of adoring, yet unpredictable fans, is very generous and I really appreciated that! Bobby Jarzombek kicked things off on Drums, followed by Brent Woods on Guitar and Rob De Luca on Bass. We may not know the names of Sebastian’s band so well, but I can tell you that these are very talented veteran musicians! And they’re nice guys. I had a brief interaction with them at the Meet and Greet following the performance.

Sebastian Bach May 18, 2016 at B.B. King’s Blues Club

As Sebastian’s band was warming up, the band members from Santa Cruz were milling about before their turn on stage. It was a nice experience for the VIP fans to get a relaxed informal look at a promising young band that could very well achieve Rock&Roll superstardom some day. They seemed to be very focused on the business at hand, ahead of their performance on this big New York stage. Due to the usual time conflicts that arise around live performance, the sound check started late, which of course applied time pressure on these young musicians, yet they seemed to handle it just fine. They actually did most of their warm up as ticketholders starting filling up the club.

Santa Cruz finished their warm up and the club soon hit “sold out” capacity. This New York crowd was pumped and ready for a legendary Rock&Roll evening! The lights dimmed and the young Finnish rockers returned to the stage to great audience applause! Of Scandinavian ancestry on my father’s side of the family, I love that this young band’s talent, hard work, and perseverance has brought them to this iconic New York stage so early in their career! Of course this is my first time seeing them perform, but this is actually their third time performing in New York, as I understand it. Several points stand out. First, every band member sings. Lead Singer Archie Cruz (born Arttu Kuosmanen) has a powerful voice with great range, particularly appealing with his Finnish accent, also with tremendous confidence and charisma on stage. Lead Guitar player Johnny Cruz (Joonas Parkkonen), Bass player Middy Cruz (Mitja Toivonen), and Drummer Tazzy Cruz (Tapani Fagerstrom) all sing Back Up Vocals, that add a very powerful harmonic blend to the sound! Further, they are all very technically proficient musicians on their respective instruments. Lead Singer Archie Cruz is also very strong on guitar, in addition to vocals. This band is extremely talented musically! Of course they have the look all the ladies love, with thick blonde hair flowing down their shoulders. They’re also very athletic on stage, with hair and body moving succinctly to the musical beat. To round out the talent picture, they have great songwriting ability, including their newest hit single “Skydiving Without A Parachute” that they debuted that evening; what a treat for this connoisseur Rock&Roll New York audience! I’ve already downloaded it to my iPhone and highly recommend you do the same. It was a big night for these young talented rockers from Helsinki, Finland and I look forward to the next time Santa Cruz returns to the New York stage! Of course, it was great for this to happen warming up for one of their idols, Sebastian Bach, who is such a great guy, always very enthusiastic and supportive of the talent around him. It’s a great energy!

Archie Cruz Lead Singer Santa Cruz May 18, 2016 at B.B. King’s House of Blues

Middy Cruz Bass Player Santa Cruz March 18, 2016 at B.B. King’s House of Blues

Johnny Cruz Guitar Santa Cruz May 18, 2016 at B.B. King’s House of Blues

Sebastian Bach and his band took the stage shortly before 10PM to a packed and completely engaged B.B. King’s Blues Club audience! They actually did something quite unique, in that they first performed an acoustic set, which was then followed by a full electric show. Sebastian did not participate in the early sound check as “..the vocal experience at show time is always different!..” he explained. Makes complete sense! The acoustic set was Sebastian’s method to vocal sound check. Of course, the VIP ticketholders knew this ahead of time but certainly appreciated Sebastian’s authenticity in explaining the rationale. This is the first point that stands out about Sebastian, who has an extraordinary level of integrity in engagement with his audience. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. Moreover, he has an incredible energy and presence on stage! At 48, his voice is still mighty and powerful, and he is extremely fit and athletic for a guy who stands well over 6 feet tall with a very large frame! He was clapping arms over head, jumping up and down, and moving with incredible agility and tight synchronization to the beat. It was really impressive! It’s one thing to perform like that in your 20’s, even in your 30’s as he did on Broadway in Jekyll & Hyde and Jesus Christ Superstar, but in your late 40’s, and particularly with an aggressive live performance schedule with multiple consecutive evening performances, wow! Sebastian Bach and his band knocked it out of the park!

Sebastian exudes great energy and strikes you as one of the happiest guys around! He came out smiling and joking about a seat that David Grohl made for him, of course in tribute to his great friend Axl Rose and our legendary Guns N’ Roses band. He made reference to GNR several times during his performance, clearly with great respect and deference to this iconic band, who brought Sebastian up on stage April 9 in Vegas to sing “My Michelle”; very cool indeed!

Sebastian Bach May 18, 2016 at B.B. King’s House of Blues

Sebastian and his band opened the acoustic set with a Jimmy Hendrix cover, “The Little Wing” before moving into their first Skid Row cover “Breakin’ Down”. Then they launched into a more recent solo hit “Battle With The Bottle” released September 30, 2008. Other than an “April Wine” and “PainmuseuM” cover, the rest of the night was devoted to the veteran fans who came to hear the iconic front man perform his stuff from the legendary Skid Row days. One guy in the audience shouted out that Skid Row was not Skid Row without Sebastian Bach. With complete Rock&Roll cool and humility, our very professional and consummate performer joked that “..clearly that wasn’t the case…” It was yet another poignant connection between this legendary singer and his adoring fan base. And if that wasn’t enough, Skid Row Drummer Rob Affuso, who was sitting at a nearby table, came up on stage to perform “Rattlesnake Shake” with his good buddy, 2/5^th’s of a Skid Row reunion, and more jokes about complex math. Sebastian has a great sense of humor, which would explain his long run on the hit TV series “Gilmore Girls”. It was great fun all around!

To wrap up the main set, Sebastian brought Santa Cruz back out on stage to perform “Youth Gone Wild” and to promote this young emerging band. Sebastian is forever a cheerleader and it was great to see these very talented, hard working rockers from different generations tear it up together!

For the encore, perhaps also in tribute to his buddy Axl Rose, currently helping out and performing with AC/DC, Sebastian and his band closed this incredible night with AC/DC cover “T.N.T.”! Well done guys! The fans definitely had a “Dynomite” night! Too bad House Speaker Paul Ryan wasn’t in the house. I’ll bet he would have enjoyed this.

A terrific Rock&Roll performance and we still had the Meet and Greet ahead! Sebastian was great, taking his time with each of us. I told him that I was sorry I missed his “My Michelle” performance April 9 in Vegas with Guns N’ Roses, as I only attended the debut April 8 performance, but thrilled that I could see him here in my hometown of New York. Sebastian revealed that the “My Michelle” performance “… caught me completely off guard. I didn’t even know that would happen. Axl texted me about 10PM, My Michelle. Be ready.” Wow! I love it!

If you want to learn more about this amazing performer, Sebastian Bach is set to release his first memoir this year. This read promises to be gripping and entertaining as it reveals the incredible highs and lows of his extraordinary talent and personal journey of Rock&Roll fame! Pre order here.

Thanks for coming to New York Sebastian, we hope to see you again soon!