The return of Mellencamp
John Mellencamp is returning to the valley with an upcoming concert at Prospera Place, scheduled for Nov. 10. Tickets went on sale, Friday.
Mellencamp last played in the Okanagan in 2012 when he came to the South Okanagan Events Centre. To put it politely, John didn’t have his best night — no encore, no “Hurt So Good,” and he appeared to be in a bad mood before he even went on stage.
But, it was still worth it just to hear “Rain on the Scarecrow,” where he blasts the government about not supporting the American farmer. (Although in the lyrics, John was a bit hard on the auctioneer.)
This is strange because I saw John years and years ago on his “Lonesome Jubilee” tour. He was in his prime then, belting out a threehour show, complete with “Like A Rolling Stone” as an encore. It was, without exaggeration, one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
I never mind spending money on classic rock concerts because we have to see these artists while they’re still around. Taylor Swift, on the other hand, we have another 40 years to see.
An old sports cliche that’s older than me is “sports keep kids off the streets.” I think that should be updated for our new millenium. Sports keep kids off their electronic devices. Édith Piaf was gone far too soon.
A few notes to Herald readers in Penticton and the South Okanagan.
Thanks to reporter Dale Boyd for his contributions to our daily over the past several months. Dale was on a short-term contract and is now pursuing other endeavours.
We will soon be introducing a new reporter and you’ll have the opportunity to meet her on July 4.
In the meantime, you might see Emmanuel Sequeira’s byline from time to time. “Manny” recently covered the Scottie’s Tournament of Hearts for The Canadian Press.
Also, thanks to Dr. Wendy Ross, who faithfully submitted her health column every Tuesday for the past several years to The Herald. Wendy is retiring from writing her column, we’re not retiring her.
Her column on health-related issues was one of the best read in The Herald and we thank her for her outstanding contributions.
Tom Cruise announced a sequel is in the works for his 1986 hit film “Top Gun.” It’s a little too late, I think. Please Tom, just promise that you won’t make “Cocktail II.”
The funniest joke I’ve heard about the “Roseanne” cancellation is one that suggests Christopher Plummer will be taking over her role on the show. (For those who are unaware, Plummer was brought in to reshoot all of the Kevin Spacey scenes in “All the Money in the World.”)
Today in History and celebrity birthdays can be found on the entertainment pages in the ‘C’ section.
Thanks to everybody who makes the Summerland Action Festival such a great event. It’s one of my favourite festivals of the year. It’s on today and Sunday. The parade is this morning at 10 a.m. If you enjoy classic rock tributes, Actionfest is definitely the place you want to be.
James Miller is valley editor for Okanagan Newspaper Group.