Kiss' Paul Stanley Brings People Out Of The Woodwork From Bowling Green and Southcentral Kentucky At His Book Signing

When I first heard the news from D93 Rock DJ Tommy Starr on Facebook that Kiss' front-man Paul Stanley was coming to Bowling Green for a book signing of his new autobiography, "Paul Stanley: Face The Music, A Life Exposed," I was a little skeptical at first.  I don't think I quite believed it.  "The Paul Stanley from Kiss is coming to good ole little Bowling Green? No way!" I thought.  So I put it on the back burner on my mind because the book signing date was still several weeks away.

However, when the day came this past Thursday, I realized it was a reality.  I started seeing postings about it on Facebook again. I posted on Facebook a couple of negative comments concerning that I hated large crowds, long lines and I didn't like standing out in the cold rain waiting. I could feel my middle age seeping in on my positive attitude towards rock legends of the days of my youth.  Then, I thought, "Hey, wait a minute, this is my chance to meet Paul Stanley in person and get his autograph. Hell yes, I'm going!"  Even my childhood friend, Ricky Williams from Memphis also posted on Facebook, "You've got to go, man. It's Paul Stanley!"

I'm glad I went.  Yes, it was crowded. There were probably about a 1,000 people from everywhere there at the Warren County Public Library-Bob Kirby Branch on Scottsville Road just off Exit 22 next to the Ramada Inn.  Lots of people had even traveled from out of town such as Evansville, Ind., and Ohio.  So people had been waiting all day too. My number was No. 267.  You had to buy the $30 book at 4 p.m. and if you lived in town like I did, you could go home for dinner and come back at 6:30 p.m. in get your place in line.  I asked the organizer of the event, Jayne Pelaski, "How did you all managed to land Paul Stanley here?"  She said, "It was a lot of hard work and it took a lot of finagling."  Of course, Paul showed up on time and you could hear the applause, hooting and hollering for him when he arrived.  How it worked is that he did not sign any

memorabilia. Only his books.  Once you got in line in this big room, the staff brought a cart around with pre-signed copies of his new books and they exchanged them for the unsigned books that you had purchased earlier in the day.  Then when you got up there to meet Paul, the staff would take you picture with him with your camera.  When it was my turned,  I approached him and introduced myself to him and tried to shake his hand.  He gave me the fist bump instead.  He was nice about it though.  He posed for picture with me and I told him that I was going to the Kiss concert at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on July 16th.  He said, "We'll see you there!" and smiled. Then, I walked out the backdoor and starting posting my pic with him on Facebook immediately. 

Warren County Public Library to Host KISS Frontman Paul Stanley

The Warren County Public Library will host Paul Stanley for a book signing on Thursday, May 15. Stanley will sign copies of his memoir Face the Music:  A Life Exposed.

In Face the Music, Paul Stanley—the co-founder and famous “Starchild” of KISS—reveals for the first time the incredible highs and equally incredible lows in his life both inside and outside the band. Face the Music is the shocking, funny, smart, inspirational story of one of rock’s most enduring icons and the group he helped create, define, and immortalize.

The event will be held at the Bob Kirby Branch on Thursday, May 15^th at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 4:00, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early to reserve their space in line. Book signing only – no memorabilia will be signed. Books will be available for purchase on site starting at 4:00. For more information, call 270-782-0252 or email Jayne Pelaski at jaynep@warrenpl.org.

The New "Mariah's" Restaurant in Downtown Bowling Green, Ky., Is A Smash Hit!

     Downtown Bowling Green is changing and it's now the place to be these days.

It's not the same place it used to be for years and years since I moved here in the late 80's. However, anybody who decides to go downtown nowadays can get a sense and feel of the "new vibe" as soon as you approached the new gigantic parking structure next to the Bowling Green "Hot Rods" minor league baseball ballpark.  I have been seeing the progress of this particular parking structure these last couple of years and I thought, "Well, it's just another parking structure".  But I supposed it never peaked my interest until the Hitcents Park Plaza or Mariah's Restaurant's new location http://www.mariahs.com/ came into fruition in the last year or so with five new restaurants currently bunched in together at the bottom of the parking structure on the plaza level next to the ballpark.  The new restaurants include the new Mariah's, Brick & Basil Pizzeria, Asia Cafe, The Holinos Mexican Restaurant and the 643 Sports Bar.  When I found this out, of course, then I became intrigued.

Supposedly, all of the restaurants are sharing one large kitchen and somehow all of the food is distributed to all of the different restaurants after it is prepared.  I wouldn't mind to take a look behind the scenes in this kitchen to see how all of this is being executed especially since I work in the service and sales industry.

    But then of course, the devil's advocate side of me has had this curious thought lingering in the back of my mind. I'm sure as taxpayers of Bowling Green and Warren County, we will all help pay for the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) which includes the building of two new parking structures (Downtown and Western Kentucky University) and several buildings and projects in one form or fashion that I have seen being built in the downtown area lately. Too many for me to recall right now. According to my mortgage company, I know that my city taxes are going up a little next year . I'm not complaining, I'm just saying.  But the county taxes, may not have not have anything to do with the TIF and the downtown redevelopment.  I don't know for sure or how all of this is working out is all I am saying.  But on the other hand, I do know that there are people here who are investing tons of their own money also into these private ventures which is a good thing for Downtown Bowling Green and our local economy.

    Anyway, back to the Hitcents Park Plaza.  The old, Mariah's in the old historic home closed down not long ago.  Former owner, Rick Kelley, sold out to the Mills family (Hitcents), because of  some financial troubles that he had been involved in these last couple of years.  But Kelley has stayed on as an adviser and consultant to the restaurant which is a good thing I think.  Also, Jodi Fleming, the manager of Mariah's is still there as well as some of the servers and staff.  Especially, Bryan Graves, head bartender and server is still there. He's a great guy and knows how to take care of his customers really well.  I understand that he is in charge or helping out with arranging entertainment that is taking place in the 643 Sports Bar and also for bands that we be performing on the Plaza area this Summer.

   All and all, the new Mariah's is a smash hit in my opinion.  This new restaurant is beautiful inside especially the bar area, our usual hangout since Patty and I have been regulars there these last couple of years.  The menu is basically the same as the old Mariah's.  There appears to be a little variation of menu item choices and maybe some price changes a little.  With our drinks, Patty and I ordered the "Say Cheeseburger" and side two salads.  The new "Say Cheeseburger" has been greatly upgraded and much improved.  They were very delicious!  The bar area has even added several new selections of wines and beers to it's stock too. However, the biggest difference of the new Mariah's in my opinion, is how grand and beautiful the new restaurant is with lots of glass, dark stained wood and very high ceilings.  There's tons of room and space for everyone.  Being brand new, the new Mariah's is super clean, charming and elegant too.  But I would say, even years down the road, the new Mariah's will serve its customers well in its new location. And with its new location and new owners, I would say that they will most likely maintain the legacy and reputation of Mariah's, keeping it alive and well for Bowling Green and anyone who walks through their doors.  It's worth a trip to Downtown Bowling Green, even if you decide not to park in the parking structure.  But please do because it's free in you are dining at one of the Hitcents Park Plaza restaurants!

"What? Say That Again," We Said. "The Slippery Noodle Inn-Indiana's Oldest Bar," She Said.

     I was staying at the Crown Plaza Union Station Hotel in downtown Indianapolis for my company's annual meeting early last month.  After our meeting that afternoon, me and a couple of my co-workers ventured outside to explore the downtown area of Indianapolis.  One of the guys wanted to buy a pack a cigarettes.  So we walked over to this little liquor store located in the vicinity and after my co-worker made his purchased, he asked the clerk where their was a nice little bar that us guys could go hang out at.  And she said something about Indiana

's oldest bar, "The Slippery Noodle Inn," http://www.slipperynoodle.com/ and we said, "What? Say that again," we said.  She said, "Yes, The Slippery Noodle Inn-Indiana's oldest bar and it's a really cool place and supposedly it has a lot of history behind it too," she said.  The bar was not that far away from our hotel at all she also said.  So we made our way over there.
    When we arrived we order a couple of beers and I really did think it was a pretty cool place.  I liked the atmosphere too. Supposedly, during prohibition whiskey was made in the basement in the bar and the gangsters, (Brady and Dillinger gangs) used the building in the back for target practice and several of the slugs remain embedded in the lower east wall. The server allowed me to go downstairs and take a quick look and snap a picture before we left.  I didn't stay long because the other guys wanted to leave and go somewhere else.  But I loved the history of the bar and the place really appealed to me.  I'll go back and visit it again one day, that's for sure.
    Again, The Slippery Noodle Inn claims to the be oldest bar in Indiana, established in 1850.  It is located at 372 S. Meridian St. in downtown Indianapolis and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and owned by Hal and Carol Yeagy.  The bar has been owned by the Yeagys for over 50 years and and they claim that their bar is also internationally known and can attest that many well known celebrities have visited the bar over the years.  They feature live Blues music, good food and booze. They offer "carry out food and booze available" the menu claims.  It's definitely worth the trip over there if you're ever in downtown Indianapolis.  And you'll surely want to sneak a peek at the Dillinger slugs in the wall too before you leave like I did.
 

Kiss and The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and Museum-Let's Hope For A Peaceful Induction

Okay, who's ready for the Kiss-(Gene has not said much) Paul, Peter, Ace and Rock & Hall of Fame finger pointing and taking jabs at each other in the press to be over with? My God, I hope they don't get up there tomorrow night and slug it out. Hopefully, they will act like true gentlemen and be respectful to each other while being inducted. Keep your fingers crossed, Rock and Roll lovers. However, you should at least pay one visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and museum before you die. You'll see and learn the true essence of the genre through the lenses of a cultural and historical perspective in America. I am glad that I went a couple years ago. And I understand that every person, musician or band that was chosen was for a good reason because they made sort sort of major contribution to Rock and Roll.

Please Join Me On Facebook And Kill Lots Of Time Like I Do

   

Galen A. Smith Sr., and his wife, Patty

 You can now join my new Facebook page "A Critic From The South" at https://www.facebook.com/acriticfromthesouth   You'll get to read the latest news, inside information and some personal commentaries about my blog. Please check it out and "Like" new page! Thanks!

Find What You're Looking For At Cave City's "Lost & Forgotten Treasures"

     If you're in the market for a Case knife, a mattress set or primitives, then "Lost & Forgotten Treasures," located at 601 South Dixie Hwy in Cave City, Ky., just may be place for you.  Owner Mark Coats is a honest, fair and friendly man and he will make you a good deal on any mattress set that he has available and any other item in the store.  I've personally known Mark for a while and he has always treated me right and gave me a good deal on a queen crazy quilt mattress set, not too long ago.  My wife and I love it! It's really comfortable and we get a good night's sleep every night, I promise!

    I recently stopped by his new store the other day and looked around and I really liked what I saw. Besides, the Case knives, mattress sets and primitives, he also has antiques and furniture for sale too.  I was even able purchase my grown son who likes science fiction a couple of collectible Star Wars action men for $4.99 a piece which I thought was a great deal!  And he loved them too! If you have any questions or you need to get directions on how to get there (of course it's right on the main highway and you can't miss it), you can call the store. Mark or his wife will be glad to answer any questions you have. (270) 773-7400.

BG's Sleeper Agent's "About Last Night" Finally Out Today On RCA Records

      I was never a band dad where I pushed my son to be a musician or be in a rock band.  I thought that when he finished his college degree at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green in 2010 that he would get a job somewhere as a graphic artist because that's what he studied.  However, Tony Smith of Bowling Green's sensational indie rock/pop band, Sleeper Agent, who just happens to be my son found his own career path in life.  He started young at the age of 10 years-old.  He found the love of his life, the guitar. And started singing as a little boy, always singing a song and has always had a song in his heart.  His mother, Patty, played music as a young person.  She played piano and was in her high school marching band.  She has always sung around the house and she always knows the lyrics to songs.  Me? I always dreamed of being a rock star growing up in the 70's and 80's listening to a lot of rock music on eight tracks, cassettes and records and attended a lot of rock concerts. In the 80's, I watched a lot of MTV and VH1.  I also used to read a lot of rock music magazines and books.  And I still like to read the rock biographies.

     I've always been a writer of some sorts.  Not the best and not the worst.  I've been told by some that I have talent for writing.  So I suppose, with the genetic makeup for Tony, he got his music and writing career naturally from both Patty and I.  And then with the environment that he grew up in Bowling Green considering the local music scene
brewing for his age group, success in music was bound to happen one way or another.  Luckily, he became friends with band mate and keyboard player, Scott Gardner and his mother, Dr. Marilyn Gardner, a professor at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.  Dr. Gardner has generously supported these kids and allowed them to used her garage as a practice place and home base for years.  Once Tony and Scott formed several bands together, they finally found the right combination that has skyrocketed them to success in the the world of the entertainment business.  And today, all of us parents, are very proud of our grown children in the band. Tony, Scott, Alex, Justin, Lee and Josh.  I know that I am guilty for shaking the pom poms for them all the time on Facebook and the internet. But that's what parents are for, right? Finally, their follow-up album, "About Last Night" to their debut, "Celabrasion" from a couple years ago, is now out today everywhere on RCA Records.  Congratulations to their hard work that has led up to the glorious day and we thank their manager, Missy Worth of  West Hollywood, and her management
team, and the management team at RCA Records in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville!
    So let's celebrate with Sleeper Agent today as they share their happiness and joy of their success. They will be signing autographs, albums and CD's at the release of the new album at Mellow Matt's Music and More on Smallhouse Road and Broadway Avenue in Bowling Green next to Pizza Hut Take Out and Delivery from 5 p.m.- 6 p.m. today.   They will also play an acoustic set also.  But before that, they will also appear on Bowling Green rock DJ, Tommy Starr's "Rock Show" on WDNS FM Radio, D-93, at 3:45 p.m. Wow, what an exciting day for Sleeper Agent and the Bowing Green Music Scene!