The overflow crowd was tense with anticipation. Excitement reverberated through the air as the sun began to set. We were enjoying a day at the races on Kentucky Derby day. But coming out of the gates were not thoroughbred horses, though some of these animals were highly trained and have winning pedigrees. This was the annual Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua races held in Chandler, AZ.



These racers weigh around six pounds and stand about 7 inches tall. Some dogs were remarkably fast while others stood at the gates in a typically confused bug-eyed shiver. Others decided to relieve themselves in the middle of the track. A chihuahua named Jewels was "crowned" the overall winner and received a trophy three times her height.



So we found a new way to celebrate Mexico's defeating the French at the Battle of Puebla. Watching 100 toy dogs battle for first place in the festive confines of the Chandler Library Plaza.

During our latest gig in the park, this precious little boy was rocking along with us for a few numbers. He was keeping a pretty good beat with the music.



We tried to get him on stage and just when his dad was about to talk him into "playing" with us, he started to cry.

(photo by valerie foster)

If you're like me you sometimes create catch phrases. My newest one has potential. Imagine you are with a co-worker discussing work and the conversations goes something like this:

Tim: FYI, that report needs to be on the Vice President's desk by 8:00 tomorrow morning.

Tom: FY-No!

If you have a catch phrase and would like to share, leave a comment.

In 2003 I had an opportunity to go to the Insight Bowl held at Bank One (now Chase) Ballpark in Phoenix. By upgrading my four nose-bleed tickets for one in the bleachers on the field on the visitor's side I found myself in the middle of thousands of fans who traveled from Blacksburg, Virginia to cheer their Hokies on to victory. Virginia Tech fell short in a truly amazing game 49-52. I remember being impressed at the closeness and loyalty these fans exhibited. It is that closeness and loyalty that will get them through their current challenge.

A musician friend, Ted Goddard, invited me and Valerie to experience Prince Shell a few months ago. He is a legendary player in the world of music. His concert was delightful and set in the intimate surroundings of Johnny's Uptown on Camelback and Central.

Prince passed away last week.



Here is the obituary from azcentral.com:
Eutrice Ulysses "Prince" Shell, accomplished musician, was born in
Lott, Texas on December 31, 1928 to Simmie Lee and Johnnie Shell. He died on April 11 in a Scottsdale nursing home. He began playing piano as a child and later studied valve trombone at Chicago's
DuSable High School with music educator and band director Walter Dyett. Shell honed his arranging skills while a member of the Tennessee State Collegians big-band at Tennessee State University and also at the Navy School of Music. During his service in the Air Force, Shell became "chief arranger" for the Strategic Air Command Band at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. He performed and toured with Gene Ammons and Gene McDaniels, and became the house pianist at Chicago's original Regal Theater where he appeared with Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and others. Shell teamed up with Jesse Jackson and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1970 to arrange for and record their Operation Breadbasket Orchestra and Choir for Chess Records. Sun Ra and other nationally known musicians have performed and recorded his arrangements, and his works have been featured in concerts at the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music. Shell was a spiritual man and follower of Sant Mat, remembered by many as a humble and self-effacing friend and musical mentor. He will be interred with full honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

R.I.P.