Brian Chalmers boundless creativity now fills the heavens (1955-2009)

Stunned. The only way I can explain my feelings when I heard the news that a former co-worker had passed away.

I know life is fragile and totally out of our hands.

But, you still like to have the illusion that we hold everything together with that thread of control and 'we' are steering the ship of life.

I first saw the announcement on Facebook of all places.

I figured it had to be a different Brian Chalmers. How could it be Brian, who I worked with day in and day out? So young?

But, as I read more details, I knew it was one in the same.

There is so much I want to pen all at once--the thoughts are just spinning around in my head.

I guess the first observation I'd like to share with my readers is Brian Chalmers' unassuming ways.

His knowledge of music, art, Cleveland history, Rock and Roll history, and the radio and tv business a beacon for all to see, yet never flashy or overpowering.

You never witnessed a 'pushiness,' selfishness, vanity, or any character traits you'd 'think' he would possess because of his creativity and brilliance. No. He was a genius and at the top of his craft but never threw it in your face. In fact, he was one of the gentlest people I've ever met. He had a great sense of humor. He'd always stop by and say hello and only had kind words wearing that trademark baseball cap, rock and roll t-shirt, shorts, and sometimes a crazy Hawaiian-type shirt over a rock and roll t-shirt.

Honestly, as time went on and each day I learned a little more, I was flabbergasted at his talent, his once-in-a-lifetime experiences through the years and how he was able to stay so grounded in such a crazy business (radio and television).

He won award after award for his accomplishments, yet you'd never know it.

At 3, you'd toss stuff his way and somehow, he always made it work and come together. Doing news graphics and maps and such may not have been as exciting as his music assignments but he always gave his all, and again, came up with unique ways to help tell a story.

When someone passes, it always resurrects a few lessons which I try to keep but usually wind up abandoning in time.

Life is fragile. It can be plucked from us at any moment so live it to the fullest, being the best person we can be at all times.

No regrets. Try to live live so there are no regrets.

Enjoy those around you and close to you, for they could be gone in a heartbeat.

Tell people how you feel about them while they are in the here and now. It's always tragic that we have great things to say about people when the are gone, things we should have said to them while they were among us.

It's not goodbye Brian. It's just until we meet again. I can't wait to see your latest creations and masterpieces.

CLICK HERE for a wonderful tribute by Brian's dear friend, John Gorman.

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(Photograph Courtesy WKYC Videographer Dan Keefe)

Today's Hidden Gem: George Shuba & his photography

Cleveland truly deserves the honor of being called the birthplace of Rock and Roll and host city for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

One of the men who played a key role during this historic musical evolution was and still is George Shuba, 'the Grandfather of Rock and Roll Photography.'

Shuba spoke to a captive audience at the Rock Hall Wednesday night as part of their Rock and Roll Night school series where he highlighted some of his photographs taken over the years, discussed his book 'Cleveland Rocks: The Birthplace of Rock and Roll,' and met with the crowd afterward for a book signing.

Shuba currently has his own exhibit on display at the Rock Hall. The exhibition was organized by Jon Jicha and runs through January 4, 2009.

The Cleveland Rocks exhibition highlights the photographs Shuba took between 1964 and 1970, starting with true royalty, The Beatles! Shuba shared how an assignment from WHK radio really got the ball rolling. It gave him his big break and allowed him to shoot The Beatles arriving in Cleveland in 1964.

And the rest is history! Shuba believes he has taken over 6,600 photographs of musical artists and their performances with his ties to not only WHK but WIXY, WKYC, various record labels, and his stint with the Upbeat Show! A sampling of the artists include The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Who, Aretha Franklin, Jim Morrison, Smokey Robinson....

Make a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to see Shuba's exhibition and, you too, will see why George Shuba and his photography is this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(famous WMMS bumper sticker--surely a collector's item!)



Today's Hidden Gem: WMMS 100.7 FM


Cleveland IS the Rock and Roll Capital of the world!


We are lucky to have a plethora of radio stations ranging from rock to country to hip hop and back again which showcase a group of the most entertaining DJ's around! Each station has contributed to Cleveland's unyielding Rock and Roll Legacy!


One of the stations that surely brought Cleveland to its music prowess, in my opinion, was 100.7 WMMS!


Apparently I'm not the only one who feels this way! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will be opening a new exhibit Friday, August 29th, commemorating the 40th anniversary of WMMS which is called 'WMMS: A Cleveland Legend Turns 40."


This exhibit opens Friday on the third floor of the Rock Hall.


WMMS hit the airwaves on September 28, 1968 and took the music industry by storm. Radio, Rock and Roll, and Cleveland have never been the same.


WMMS has a rich history of influential deejays including Denny Sanders, "Kid Leo," "Matt the Cat," "Len 'Boom Boom' Goldberg," Jeff and Flash, Billy Bass, John Gorman, Ruby Cheeks, Betty Korvan, Murray Saul, Steve Lushbaugh, Rover, Bill Freeman, T.R. and Dia Stein....just to name a few. The list is endless, really!


If you don't know what dial it's on or even recognize many of the booming voices, everyone is familiar with the notable mascot, The Buzzard!


Through the years, WMMS has racked up award after award including the prestigious honor of "Radio Station of the Year" 9 years in a row --an honor the readers of Rolling Stone Magazine bestowed on them!


WMMS was the leader in FIRSTS!! They opened the door for so many rock and roll artists including Springsteen, Rush and Roxy Music...


Jeff and Flash's "Buzzard Morning Zoo" lead the pack in morning radio....


And The Coffee Break Concert Series gave the audience a live performance mixed in with live interviews of their favorite bands....


Though there have been a number of changes over the years from deejays to owners, even to the formatting, WMMS has stayed one of the top Rock Stations in town!


Just tune into 100.7 FM....visit the new Rock Hall Exhibit.....or read up on the history of WMMS (including 'The Buzzard' by John Gorman with Tom Feran) and you, too, will see why WMMS is this week's Hidden Gem!



Information supplied by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, WMMS website and growing up a Clevelander!!!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The Winchester Tavern and Music Hall

The Winchester is a wonderfully unique venue for experiencing a live show and just learning about music.

Located at 12112 Madison Avenue in Lakewood, it's centrally located for eastsiders, westsiders, and southsiders to make the trek!

They nab some great acts! A few weeks ago, Peter Tork of the Monkees played to a packed house. What a great time. The music was superb. The energy electrifying affecting everyone! And afterwards, Peter came out to sign autographs and speak to his adoring fans!

From the outside, it looks like the usual neighborhood tavern. When you enter, you are immediately enveloped with the rock and roll atmosphere. You are smitten with the charm and drawn to its history.

They have vintage record albums for sale in the area as you enter. Some amazing classics!

There is not a bad seat in the music hall. I don't know how they do it, but the price is always right! Very affordable for the talented performers they reel in! You can pay a few dollars more and sit at a table or just sit in the general admission seats.

Each concert a memorable experience, especially because of the close proximity to the acts and the performer -patron interaction!

I've seen Peter Tork and Al Stewart at the Winchester and both were memories I'll cherish forever!

Hop on their website. I know they have a page on Face Book if you are into that social media stuff! Pay them a visit and check out one of the upcoming acts scheduled and you, too, will see why The Winchester Tavern and Music Hall is this week's Hidden Gem!

(Peter Tork pictures Courtesy: Elaine and Tom)