In our previous News page, I gave some tips for enjoying the impending Comic-Con International. Jim Guida writes to remind me to remind you that there's a very large, well-stocked Ralph's Market just a couple of blocks from the convention center…good place to grab a bottle of water or something to eat. Also, if you're still deciding how to pack for the con, you might note that AccuWeather has dropped its predicted high temperatures a bit. Here's the link for the latest San Diego forecast.
News of me: I dropped a hint about this a few weeks ago but I think it's safe to announce now. One of my great heroes, Stan Freberg, has asked me to serve as producer of his forthcoming CD, Stan Freberg Presents the United States of America, Volume 3. We record it in a few months and the tentative release date is July 4, 2002…again, from Rhino Records (or Rhino CDs or whatever they call the company now). Needless to say, I am still pinching myself over this one.
The column I posted here about Barry Manilow has just been reprinted — with my permission — in the current issue of Rainy Day Rhythms, the organ of the officially-recognized Barry Manilow Fan Club in Manchester, England. Eat your heart out, Tony Isabella.