Ray news only 

 

 March 11, 2010       Ray & Roy interview <> Ray & Robby at Bospop
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist
Roy Rogers, along with Country Joe McDonald, will be performing on Saturday, March 20 at McNear's Mystic Theater in Petaluma, CA.  The Santa Rosa Press Democrat has an on-line interview (with a terrific photo of them) at:  http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100311/ENTERTAINMENT/100319867?Title=An-unlikely-pairing-Ray-Manzarek-Roy-Rogers   For more show info, the venue website is:  http://www.mystictheatre.com/show/detail/24980

Manzarek-Krieger
have added the
Bospop 2010 Festival on Sunday, July 11 at Weert in The Netherlands to their upcoming European tour, according to the event website at:  http://www.bospop.nl/internet/Folder/263242_bospop-nieuws.aspx   None of these European tour dates have been officially announced by band management to my knowledge, so please remember that officially, these are 'unconfirmed'.  (thanks, Greetz)

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 March 4, 2010       Ray & Roy reviewed: Bakersfield and Santa Barbara
Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers performed on Friday evening in Bakersfield, CA.  A review of that show appears at:  http://www.bakersfield.com/entertainment/local/x379808771/A-perfect-night-Ray-my-dad-and-me

Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers performed on Saturday evening in Santa Barbara at SOhO.  A review of that show appears at:  http://www.noozhawk.com/arts/article/030410_jeff_moehlis_ray_manzarek_plays_the_doors_and_more

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 March 2, 2010       Ray & Roy reviewed: San Diego <> Ray & Robby in Belgium
Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers performed on Sunday evening in San Diego at Anthology.  A review of the show appears on a blog called Owl and Bear at:  http://www.nbcsandiego.com/blogs/sounddiego/The-Keys-to-the-Doors-Ray-Manzarek-at-Anthology-85928597.html

Ray and Robby will be performing at a town in Tienen, Belgium on Tuesday, July 20 according to this website: http://www.suikerrock.be/2009/programma    There is also a story about this at:  http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/1313/Festivals/article/detail/1074243/2010/03/02/Legendarische-Doors-op-Suikerrock-Kick-Off.dhtml  I ran the story through a translator, and think that it says the concert kicks off the start of the Suikerrockfestival.  (thanks, Morten & George)

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 March 1, 2010        Ray & Roy Rogers in San Diego
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers played in San Diego last night, and I headed down there to catch them together for my first time.  I was unsure what to expect ... whether it would be all instrumental, like the 'Ballads Before The Rain' CD ... or what.  First, I have to give a shout-out to Anthology, a really nice club.  It's a bit pricey on the food and cocktails side, but it offers great sightlines and sound, with multiple camera angles and big screens everywhere including a very large one at the rear of the stage.  Ray and Roy came on at 7:55 to what appeared to be a full house.  Ray sat behind a Roland keyboard, Roy alternately played an acoustic guitar and a double-neck electric.  During the program, Ray sang vocals on Love Me Two Times.  Roy sang vocals on Crawling King Snake (a non-Doors version), and Patron Saint of Blues from one of his own CDs.  At one point, Roy left the stage while Ray played a beautiful Crystal Ship, always my personal fave.  I recognized some of the music from the BBTR CD, which included B.E. In Memorium (to Bill Evans), and an Eric Satie piece.  Between some of the songs, there were interludes where Ray talked about the upcoming release of 'When You're Strange' movie and soundtrack.  There were also two Q&A breaks.  Some of the questions were about any more unreleased studio recordings; Robby's black eye on the Smothers Brothers Show; what was the most incorrect thing about the Oliver Stone movie (A: Ray's "daughter Princess"); his favorite Doors songs (A:  to play, LMF; to listen to, ROTS).  One fan just wanted to thank Ray for producing the Dance On Fire video and give special kudos for the L.A. Woman video.  One attendee mentioned Ray's brother Jim, who he had worked with for ten years.  Ray said Jim had been at the Santa Barbara show the night before, and had played piano for Rick & The Ravens.  Ray recommended the current film 'The Hurt Locker', and briefly told the story about a bunch of them (including Jim)getting stoned and going to see 2001:  A Space Odyssey' at the Cinerama.  Paul Ferrara was in that group and recounts that story in his autobiography, 'Flash of Eden.'  During the program, Ray mentioned that basketball star Bill Walton was from San Diego.  Ray pointed out that the correct pronunciation of his name puts the emphasis on the second syllable, as in man-ZAR-ek, and not MAN-zar-ek.  I can't blame him ... after all these years, I still often hear his name mispronounced.  The program ended with a beautiful Riders On The Storm instrumental.  They returned to the stage for an encore and reprised the song, and the set ended at 9:30.  I know the plan was to sign CDs after the show.  However, only a few copies remained of 'Ballads Before The Rain' because of high sales the prior nights, and those were gone by night's end.  If you don't have a copy and want to be ready for the next opportunity to catch these two together, you can order it at:  http://www.roy-rogers.com/discography?id=23   I arrived prepared with mine and got it signed by both.  I hope the fan who took a photo of me with Ray & Roy, follows through and emails it to me!  As I was exiting and Ray was walking to the front lounge to talk with fans, Bill Walton approached Ray to tell him how fun the show was.  I wish I had brought with me the 1993 2-CD rarity that Ray narrated called 'Bill Walton: Men Are Made In The Paint -- An Audio Guide to the World of Basketball.'  See that here.  It was a really enjoyable evening with a nice balance of music, storytelling and audience participation.

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 February 28, 2010       Ray & Roy in April
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist
Roy Rogers perform an evening of music in the Crown Room at the Crystal Bay Casino in Crystal Bay (near Lake Tahoe), Nevada on Saturday, April 3.   For more info, go to:  http://crystalbaycasino.com/

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 February 26, 2010       Ray interview
Ray Manzarek gave an interview
to an on-line site called owlandbear.com in advance of Sunday's San Diego performance at Anthology with slide guitarist Roy Rogers.  Read it at:  http://www.owlandbear.com/2010/02/26/interview-ray-manzarek/.  Weird Al Yankovic's parody 'Craigslist' is embedded in the story, in case you have never seen it before.

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 February 25, 2010       Ray & Roy
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist
Roy Rogers do a 3-night concert swing through central and southern California beginning tomorrow night.  If you are in the area of Bakersfield, Santa Barbara or San Diego, check the calendar below for the venue details.

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 February 19, 2010        European summer tour?
Ray and Robby will perform at
the Clam Classic Rock Festival at Upper Austria's Clam Castle on July 9, and the Lovely Days Festival in Wiesen on July 10, according to this story at:  http://austrianindependent.com/news/Culture/2010-02-19/1092/Blink-182_to_rock_Austria.  This information has not been officially announced and is unconfirmed.  I do not have any info about other European tour dates.  If and when I learn more, it will be shared here.

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February 12, 2010        H.B. to RM
Happy birthday wishes to Ray Manzarek
who turns a very young 71 today.

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 January 28, 2010         Ray & Roy this weekend
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist
Roy Rogers play shows tonight and tomorrow night in Seattle and Port Townsend, Washington.  Details are in the calendar below.

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 January 17, 2010         Ray at Napa Library
Ray Manzarek's upcoming
appearance at the Napa City-County Library on Thursday, January 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. got written up in the TimesHerald on-line at:  http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_14210448   Attendance is free and admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Another story about this appearance is in the January 13th news below.

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 January 14, 2010         Ray posts on Facebook
Ray Manzarek posted a series
of messages on his Facebook page this evening sharing info about projects he is keeping busy with.  In brief, Ray is working on a series of three hour-long videos with Pablo.  This is in addition to a series of performances he has coming up with slide-guitarist Roy Rogers.  Those dates are in the calendar below.   You can read the full content of Ray's posts on his Facebook page. 

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 January 13, 2010         Ray at Napa Library
Ray Manzarek will make a special
appearance at the Napa City-County Library on Thursday, January 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.   Ray will talk about the social and literary influences that inspired him, including Allen Ginsburg and Jack Kerouac, and everything from 'his college days to cosmic consciousness.'  Attendance is free and admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Read the story and get the address and phone # for more info at:  http://www.napavalleyregister.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/article_7a2b4c52-34b5-5b99-90b6-5cef4d56a992.html

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 January 7, 2010         Venice landmark <> RM & RK in Rhino video
A Venice Beach building once called
Venice West Cafe and frequented by Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, and was a significant gathering place for the L.A. beatnik scene, is a candidate to be designated as a city historic-cultural monument.  The issue was set to be decided yesterday.  Read full story at:  http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-venice-west7-2010jan07,0,4587583.story

Ray and Robby appear in a fun and chatty Rhino video that includes some familiar story-telling, their picks of fave songs for a time capsule, and discussion of Jose Feliciano's LMF arrangement.  Check it out at:  http://www.rhino.com/article/video-ray-manzarek-and-robby-krieger-talk-about-live-new-york

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 January 5, 2010         Ray to play Santa Barbara
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist
Roy Rogers perform on Saturday, February 27 at SoHo Restaurant & Music Club in Santa Barbara, CA.  It does not look like tickets are on sale yet, but the venue website is:  http://www.sohosb.com/index2.html

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 December 29, 2009         Ray to play San Diego
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist
Roy Rogers perform on Sunday night, February 28 at Anthology in San Diego, according to that venue's website at:  http://www.anthologysd.com/music-calendar-february-2010.html

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 December 22, 2009         Ray & Roy Rogers add shows <> Ray & Dorothy anniversary
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist
Roy Rogers continue to add shows for early next year.  They will perform together on Friday, March 26 at Freight & Salvage in Berkley, California: http://www.thefreight.org/roy-rogers-ray-manzarek 

Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers will perform together on Sunday, February 26 at DoubleTree Hotel Ballroom in Bakersfield, California 

Ray and Dorothy Manzarek celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary yesterday.  Congratulations to them on that achievement!

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 December 18, 2009          Ray & Roy in Seattle
Ray Manzarek and
slide guitarist Roy Rogers will perform together at the Triple Door in Seattle, Washington on Thursday, January 28 according to their upcoming events calendar at: http://www.thetripledoor.net/Calendar/Events/January-2010/Ray-Manzarek---Roy-Rogers.aspx?date=2010-01-28

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 December 14, 2009         Ray & Roy in Petaluma 
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers, along with Country Joe McDonald,
will be performing on Saturday, March 20 at McNear's Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, California according to the venue's website at:  http://www.mystictheatre.com/show/detail/24980

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 December 10, 2009         Ray & Roy Rogers show
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist Roy Rogers
will be performing together on Friday, January 29 at the Upstage Restaurant in Port Townsend, Washington according to the upcoming events calendar at: http://www.upstagerestaurant.com/ThisMonth.html

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 December 7, 2009          Ray & McClure doing benefit
Robby Krieger is playing a show
on Wednesday, December 30th at the Waterfront Restaurant, 4211 Admiralty Way in Marina Del Rey, CA.  The show tickets will be very affordable!   I will have more information to share soon, including an ad for this show.  

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 December 4, 2009          Ray at Jazzmouth Festival <> Alta Cienega visitor
Ray Manzarek will headline
Jazzmouth Poetry and Jazz Festival along with Michael McClure on April 24, 2010 at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, according to a story at:  http://jazzmouth.org/   Tickets are on sale at:  http://www.themusichall.org/calendar/event_detail.asp?eventID=891

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 November 17, 2009         YouTube video
"Jim Morrison - The First American Punk"
is the name of a YouTube video with musings by Joey Ramone, Ray Manzarek, Tom Petty and Dave Stewart.  See it at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqXTlAW8v1U   (thanks, Gilles)

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 November 12, 2009         Ray performs this weekend <> Manzarek-Ford show details <> Ray will not be at Monday night benefit
Ray Manzarek and Michael C. Ford perform
together on Saturday, November 14 at University of the Pacific according to the story at:  http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091112/A_ENTERTAIN1001/911120325/-1/a_entertain#STS=g1xrkd7n.hlp

More details about the Ray Manzarek and Michael C. Ford performance this Saturday:  the program is at 1:00 p.m. at the Pacific Theatre, University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA and titled 'Relationships, Jazz, Poetry and Improvisation.'  Tickets are $15 and $30.  For more info, call (209) 946-7745 or go to:  http://asuop.pacific.edu/index.asp

Ray Manzarek will NOT be performing on Monday night at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA following the Second Annual Scott Medlock Golf Classic (see first news story today).  I have just received that late-breaking change of plans.

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 November 11, 2009         Ray & Robby on Rockline <> Pat Tillman Foundation event
Ray and Robby did a fun interview
on 'Rockline' tonight, the 90-minute live radio interview show that takes listener calls during the show.  Lots of cuts were played from the forthcoming 'Live In New York' 6-CD set which documents the two nights and four shows at NYC's Felt Forum in January 1970, accompanied by some great reminiscing and storytelling by both of them.  Rockline is a nationally syndicated show.  The show is archived and available for listening for two weeks, so go to:  http://www.rocklineradio.com/ to check out the affiliate stations that will carry the show in your area. 

The Second Annual Scott Medlock Golf and Concert Classic next Monday, November 16 benefiting the Pat Tillman Foundation got a nice write-up at http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_13757696   The highlight (in my humble opinion) has to be the Robby Krieger & Ray Manzarek & Friends show that evening at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA.  For more info on the Pat Tillman Foundation and the event, go to:  http://www.pattillmanbenefit.com/

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 October 26, 2009         Ray & McClure at West Fest
Ray Manzarek and Michael McClure
performed at West Fest in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park yesterday.  There are some photos on this website:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/davegolden//4048136137/

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 October 24, 2009         Robby & Ray to play Pat Tillman benefit <> WYS review by TimesOnLine
Robby Krieger & Ray Manzarek & Friends
will be playing the Pat Tillman Benefit show at Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA on Monday, November 16th.  Tickets for this benefit show are available through Ticketmaster at:  http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09004357CF458715   The concert is in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Charity Benefit Golf Tournament hosted by Scott Medlock at Malibu Country Club.  For more info on the Pat Tillman Foundation and the event, go to:  http://www.pattillmanbenefit.com/   where you can also see clips from last year's event with lots of Robby footage.

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 October 14, 2009         Wasted Space set lists and reviews <> 'West Fest' info
Ray and Robby and the band
played Saturday and Sunday nights at Wasted Space in Las Vegas.  A fan who was at both shows sent me the set lists and show recaps for both.  (thanks, Eric)
   
 
Saturday, October 10:  O Fortuna ~ Love Me Two Times ~ Break On Through (with Dead Cats, Dead Rats) ~ Love Her Madly ~ When The Music's Over ~ Peace Frog ~ Waiting For The Sun ~ Alabama Song ~ Alabama Song ~ Back Door Man (partial, played through guitar solo only) ~ Five To One ~ Robby's flamenco guitar solo ~ Spanish Caravan ~ Soft Parade ~ Soft Parade reprise ~ Touch Me (with 'sex machine' intro') ~ L. A. Woman People Are Strange ~ Light My Fire. 

     Sunday, October 11:  O Fortuna ~ Love Me Two Times ~ Break On Through (with a 'dope' interlude) ~ Love Her Madly ~ When The Music's Over ~ Peace Frog ~ Blue Sunday ~ Not To Touch The Earth ~ Waiting For The Sun ~ Alabama Song ~ Back Door Man ~ Back Door Man reprise ~ Five To One (with 'Purple Haze' intro) ~ The Changeling (with 'Sunshine of Your Love outro) ~ The Changeling and 'Sunshine of Your Love' reprise ~ Robby's flamenco guitar solo ~ Spanish Caravan ~ Moonlight Drive ~ Horse Latitudes, then reprise ~ Wild Child ~ Touch Me (with 'sex machine intro') ~ Riders On The Storm (with Indians on the highway vocal intro by Ray) ~ Light My Fire.  Eric added some comments:  After Back Door Man finished, Ray re-started it in the instrumental section before the second verse (during Robby's solo), so they could segue directly into Five To One.  Eric felt that The Changeling sequence was probably developed for the Phoenix Symphony show, which he also attended.  Halfway through Horse Latitudes, Ray stopped the band and said they needed to make noises like the symphony did.  Ray then speed-read the first half, and the band started going wild as they finished.  At the beginning of ROTS, Ray asked for thunder and lights to be turned down low, then he asked everyone to imagine the dead-indians-on-the-highway story and went on to describe it before playing the song.  Thanks for all the extra details, Eric!

Ray Manzarek and Michael McClure perform in San Francisco at 'West Fest' on October 25.  A story about that event along with the listing of other performers, is at:  http://www.sfbg.com/blogs/bruce/2009/10/40th_anniversary_of_woodstock.html   The event poster is also pictured.

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 October 13, 2009        Ray & Robby on Rockline <> Las Vegas pix
Ray and Robby will be the guests on
'Rockline' on November 11th.  Rockline is a nationally syndicated radio show.  Go to:  http://www.rocklineradio.com/ to check out the affiliate stations that will carry the show in your area. 

Ray and Robby and the band played Wasted Space in Las Vegas on Saturday and Sunday nights.  Here is another link with photos:  http://www.vegasnews.com/14210/backstage-with-the-doors-exclusive-photos-by-erik-kabik.html

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 October 9, 2009        Ray & Robby & symphony
Ray and Robby and the band played
their first ever show with a symphony orchestra last night at the Dodge Theater in Phoenix.   Several fans have written to tell me how much they enjoyed it.  Doors fan Eric sent me the set list with some added comments:  Love Me Two Times ~ Break On Through (with Dead Cats, Dead Rats) ~ Love Her Madly ~ Waiting For The Sun (with Ray intro) ~ Strange Days ~ Moonlight Drive with Horse Latitudes outro ~ Wild Child ~ The Changeling with Sunshine Of Your Love outro by Brett ~ Wishful Sinful ~ Not To Touch The Earth with symphony intro and solo in middle ~ intermission ~ Robby's flamenco solo ~ Spanish Caravan ~ Crystal Ship ~ People Are Strange ~ Five To One ~ Touch Me ~ Riders On The Storm ~ encore:  Roadhouse Blues ~ Light My Fire ~ encore: Love Me Two Times with Ray and Robby on vocals, no Brett.  Doors fan Scott added that the orchestra really added another dimension on Strange Days and Not To Touch The Earth in particular.  He felt it was great that they did not change the original arrangements of the songs, but that the orchestra added to the original arrangements and complemented them without changing or watering them down.  (thanks, Eric and Scott)   An on-line review of the show can be found at:  http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2009/10/09/20091009doorsrev.html

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 October 7, 2009        Ray & Robby show last night <> Kubernik interview
Ray and Robby were on fire last night
at Club Nokia in L.A.   The show opened with a really nice set from Pearl (daughter of Meat Loaf!).  KLOS deejay Cynthia Fox came onstage to introduce the band, but first she mentioned that KLOS would be hosting a screening of 'When You're Strange' (no other details provided).  At 9:40 'O Fortuna' announced their return to a SoCA stage for the first time in almost two years, with Ray taking his place behind a Vox Continental.  Yes, you read that right!  The set list went like this:  Love Me Two Times ~ Break On Through ~ Love Her Madly ~ When The Music's Over ~ Peace Frog ~ Waiting For The Sun (with a nice Vox intro from Ray and stunning slide work by Robby) ~ Alabama Song ~ Gloria ~ Spanish Caravan ~ Touch Me ~ L.A. Woman.  At 11:05 the main set ended, and the band returned to the stage with the familiar sound effects that signaled Riders On The Storm was the first encore song.  Brett introduced his friend Yogi (from Buckcherry and other bands) to join in on Roadhouse Blues.  The final tune was, of course, Light My Fire.  Between Peace Frog and WFTS, Ray talked about the forthcoming film 'When You're Strange' and said it would be released in 2010.  During Robby's guitar switch to play his flamenco solo which leads into Spanish Caravan, his pants got tucked into what was then revealed to be boots with a guitar on the front of each one.  What a hoot!  Hopefully I'll be able to share some photos from the show, including a close-up of Robby's boots!  I'm pretty certain that Robby's Gibson Signature Guitar was in play during some of the songs.  I got a few close-up pix of it in May when he played at The Mint in L.A.  It should also be mentioned that throughout the entire Manzarek-Krieger performance, the same artist who created constantly changing art at that Mint show was creating art at this show, behind Robby and Phil Chen.  Unfortunately, I still don't know the name of the artist, but you can see some of his work in the photos on the link for the Mint show.  To see those photos, go here.

I have made several mentions of a new book by Harvey Kubernik titled 'Canyon of Dreams: The Magic and Music of Laurel Canyon' with foreword by Ray Manzarek.  A lengthy interview with the author can be found at:  http://blog.goldminemag.com/forgottenboy/2009/10/07/Uncovered+A+History+Lesson+On+Laurel+Canyon.aspx

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 October 3, 2009        Ray book foreword
Ray Manzarek wrote the foreword for
author Harvey Kubernik's latest book, 'Canyon of Dreams:  The Magic and Music of Laurel Canyon.'  To see a summary posted on the Barnes & Noble website, go to: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Canyon-of-Dreams/Harvey-Kubernik/e/9781402765896

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 October 2, 2009       preview of M-K with Phoenix Symphony
The world debut of Manzarek-Krieger
playing with a symphony orchestra occurs next Thursday October 8 when they join forces with the Phoenix Symphony at the Dodge Theater.   There is an on-line story about this show including Ray's comments at:  http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2009/10/02/20091002doors1004.html    For more info, go to:  http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/411363     At this late date, I am kicking myself for not jumping on cheap advance purchase airfares to be able to catch this show!  I will console myself by seeing them twice next week locally at Club Nokia in LA and Grove of Anaheim in Anaheim. 

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 September 25, 2009       Ray at Golden Bear tribute benefit <> Ray & Robby add Mexico show
Ray Manzarek did a funny
and charming 40-minute set tonight at the jam-packed 'Sweet Relief' benefit which was a tribute to the Golden Bear of Huntington Beach.   Starting the first show was Jack Tempchin, followed by David Lindley.  Ray took to center stage alone and began with the beautiful Riders On The Storm, followed by a very brief mention of his Chicago and St. Rita High School days, and the blues influences there which led to a boogie-woogie number.  He then mentioned moving to UCLA where he met Jim Morrison and Dorothy Fujikawa, that he and Dorothy now live in Napa, and mentioned his son Pablo, Sharmin (his daughter-in-law) and their three grandchildren.  Ray seems genuinely thrilled about being a grandparent, and played a beautiful number for Camille (the granddaughter born in May).  He then played a rousing Break On Through followed by Crystal Ship (always my fave).  Ray took a few questions from the audience and finished his set with Light My Fire.  A local band called Honk that was a Golden Bear favorite back in the day closed out the first of the two shows this evening.  Beverly and I got to visit with Ray backstage after his set.  Thank you, Ray!

Ray and Robby have added another Mexico show onto their upcoming October tour which begins October 6 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.  According to their official websites, Manzarek-Krieger will play in Rio Santa Catarina in Monterrey, Mexico on October 18th. 

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 September 24, 2009       Ray at benefit tomorrow night <> new Kubernik book
Ray Manzarek makes a rare solo
appearance tomorrow night (Friday) when he performs in Huntington Beach, CA on the first of a two-night benefit for the 'Sweet Relief' charity in a tribute to the legendary but long-gone Golden Bear club in that city.  The local papers have been running stories about these shows: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-golden-bear25-2009sep25,0,401409.story  and  http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bear-golden-music-2576681-beach-memory

Harvey Kubernik's new book 'Canyon of Dreams:  The Magic and the Music of Laurel Canyon' is discussed in this LA Weekly on-line story:  http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/off-the-record/canyon-dreams-book-kubernik-la/    Ray Manzarek appears with the author at San Francisco's 'Booksmith' on September 30.  See calendar below for a link to more info.

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 September 13, 2009       Jim Carroll RIP
6
:35 pm:  Ray Manzarek has lost one of his friends
and collaborators with the reported death of Jim Carroll in NYC of a heart attack.  Jim Carroll appeared on Ray's and Michael McClure's 'The Third Mind' and sometimes as part of their spoken word act..  If memory serves, Ray used to state that some of the new music that he and Robby (as The Doors of the 21st Century) were working on some years ago, included lyrics from Carroll's poetry. 

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 September 5, 2009       Ray & Robby's full tour announced
Ray's and Robby's websites now have
the full schedule for the October tour.   The dates for L.A., Phoenix, Anaheim, Portland and Seattle have previously been found and posted on this site.  The balance of the shows that are new news are two dates in Las Vegas (October 10 and 11), and two shows in Mexico (October 16 and 17) in Queretaro and Puebla, respectively.  Venue info is included in the calendar farther down the home page.  

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 September 4, 2009       R&R not going to Woodstock screening
Ray and Robby will NOT be at the
Q&A following the Woodstock screening of 'When You're Strange', as reported yesterday according to an on-line story I shared.  So much for believing everything that you read on-line (but you already know that)! 

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 September 3, 2009       WYS Q&A at Woodstock with R&R
1:15 pm:  'When You're Strange' will be screened
at the Woodstock Film Festival (among others), as reported yesterday with details in the linked story.   In a story about this festival's line-up, the blurb about WYS says that after the screening there will be a Q&A with Writer & Director Tom DiCillo and Ray and Robby!   This info is contained in the following story:  Scroll down to the section headed 'Documentaries In Competition.'  http://www.vimooz.com/festivalticker/2009/09/the-woodstock-film-festival-10th-anniversary-line/  

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 August 30, 2009         Ray appearance
Ray Manzarek will appear with author
Harvey Kubernik at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30 at Booksmith in San Francisco.  Harvey's newest book is called 'Canyon of Dreams', described as a lavishly illustrated insider's look at 80 years of music and culture in Laurel Canyon that traces the history of the community and its enduring legacy.  For more info, go to:    http://www.booksmith.com/events.html and scroll down to September 30th.

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August 25, 2009         Robby & Ray come to Anaheim
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger
will perform at the Grove of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA on Friday, October 9.  Tickets go on sale this Saturday, August 29.  For more info, go to:  http://www.grove-of-anaheim.com   (thanks, GP)

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 August 24, 2009         Ray & Robby add tour dates
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger will perform
at Portland, Oregon's Crystal Ballroom on Tuesday, October 13.  For more info, go to:  http://www.stgpresents.org/artists/?artist=1123   You can find them at Seattle's Moore Theater the next night, on Wednesday, October 14.  I'm unsure about Portland, but Seattle's tickets go on sale this Saturday, August 29.   For more info, go to:  http://www.stgpresents.org/artists/?artist=1122

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August 13, 2009         Ray to play benefit
Ray Manzarek is going to perform at
two shows in Huntington Beach, CA on September 25 according to a story in today's Orange County Register.  Ray is listed for the first of two nights of shows to honor a legendary but long-closed rock venue called The Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, CA.  The event is a benefit for 'Sweet Relief', a charity that aids career musicians with illness, disabilities or age-related problems.  Some of the other musicians listed include Chris Hillman and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  To read the full story, go to: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bear-golden-concert-2527551-reunion-huntington

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 August 10, 2009         Ray & Robby in Phoenix story corrected link <> Ray & Robby to play L.A.
There was a troublesome link
in the story I was trying to share yesterday regarding the Manzarek-Krieger show with the Phoenix Symphony.  This link should be the fix:  http://fromthecrowd.com/836/     (thanks,Stephanie)

This show has been announced on the venue website:  Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger and band will play Club Nokia at L.A. Live on Tuesday, October 6th.   Tickets go on sale on Saturday.   For more info, go to:  http://clubnokia.com/eventdetail.php?id=24176    If my memory serves, this will be their first southern CA show since early December 2007 when they played the San Diego House of Blues ... so WOO HOO, welcome home!

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 August 9, 2009         Ray & Robby LA show <> Ray & Robby in Phoenix story
Los Angelenos can look forward to a
Manzarek-Krieger show at a large club in early October.  This show has not yet been announced, so stay tuned for details!  (thanks, DJ)

Speaking of Manzarek-Krieger, their October 8th show in Phoenix with the Phoenix Symphony goes on sale tomorrow morning.  Read a write-up about the event at:  http://fromthecrowd.com/836/ray-manzarek-robby-krieger-perform-the-doors-with-the-phoenix-symphony%E2%80%99s-full-orchestra/

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 August 4, 2009         Ray & Robby tour date <> revamped websites
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger play The Dodge Theater
in Phoenix, AZ on Thursday, October 8th.  The tricky thing is that this show is being billed as 'The Music of The Doors' which sounds like it might be a tribute show.   I phoned the box office and was told that it will indeed be Manzarek & Krieger, along with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.  There is a Live Nation pre-sale on August 7th, and general on-sale on August 10th.  For more info, go to:  http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/411363   Presumably there will be more shows of this ilk, which was hinted at earlier this year.

All of the official websites have been revamped (again).   johndensmore.com is still 'under maintenance', but raymanzarek.us and  robbykrieger.com are up and running.  If you are a fan of flash websites that don't allow you to conveniently print out information, then you will still love these sites.

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 August 1, 2009          Ray interview
Ray Manzarek can be heard in a
one-hour on-line interview at:  http://susanmariethinktwiceradio.blogspot.com/2009/07/one-hour-interview-ray-manzarek-doors.html

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 July 21, 2009         Ray on t.v. show
Ray Manzarek participates in an
upcoming two-hour show that airs on the History Channel next Monday, July 27.  The program is called 'Sex In '69 - Sexual Revolution in America.'   It is described as 'Stories of celebrities and ordinary people caught between old values and new sexual desires in the turbulent and swinging year of 1969.'  "Travel back to 1969 and uncover fascinating trends, people and events that forever changed the way Americans think about and have sex. Viewers will travel from the Playboy Penthouse in Los Angeles to San Francisco's Hippie crash pads, New York's Gay bathhouses, the boardwalk in Atlantic City, a court room in Miami, and other spots across America to meet some of the women and men who found themselves caught between old values and new desires in 1969, and decided to do something about it. Some of them, like Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner, actors Dyan Cannon and Jim Brown, and Ray Manzarek of The Doors, will be famous. Others will be average Americans whose lives were transformed by the sexual tides coursing through the nation as the Sixties came to a close. But they will all have one thing in common--they will all have fascinating stories to tell."  It airs on the west coast from 6pm to 8pm, and is repeated from 10pm to 12 midnight.  Check local listings.  http://www.history.com/schedule.do?action=daily&NetworkId=&start=1248750000000&end=1248755400000

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 July 11, 2009         vintage Ray interview
Ray Manzarek was
interviewed in March 1973
when he, Robby and John were in London in a search for a new singer.  Interview Jeff Katz has included the interview, titled 'Other Voices', in his blog at:  http://maybebabyoryouknowthatitwouldbeuntrue.blogspot.com/2009/07/other-voices.html

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 June 16, 2009        Ray in "Weird Al" video spoof
Ray Manzarek plays keyboards
in a new internet-only video by "Weird Al" Yankovic titled 'Craigslist', in which he spoofs Jim Morrison and/or pays homage.  Stories about this video are all over the internet this morning.  Here is one of them:  http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2009/06/16/Weird-Al-releases-Craigslist-single/UPI-23821245164649/     And here is the video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZqciuoiikw

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 June 9, 2009        Ray will be celebrity judge <> Ray & McClure at 'West Fest'
Ray Manzarek will be a
celebrity judge this Friday, June 12 at the Napa Valley Opera House for a local Battle Of The Bands. Proceeds benefit the NVOH.  For more info, go to:  http://nvoh.org/index.php/component/content/article/270

Ray Manzarek and Michael McClure will perform on October 25 at West Fest, a west coast celebration of the Woodstock Festival.  The free festivities will take place in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and will also include performances by Country Joe McDonald, The Chambers Brothers, Blue Cheer, Barry 'The Fish' Melton, Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks, Denny Laine of The Moody Blues, and others.  Read the story at:  http://www.earvolution.com/2009/06/tuesdays-earful-woodstock-at-40.asp

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 May 26, 2009     a new Manzarek grandchild
Ray and Dorothy Manzarek became grandparents
for the third time this month.  Their first granddaughter, Camille Aiko Darya Moon Manzarek, was born to Pablo and Sharmin on May 16 and joins big brothers Noah and Apollo Ray.  Congratulations to the Manzarek clan on the latest addition!

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 April 14, 2009     Ray & Robby show cancelled
Tomorrow night's show in Porto Alegro, Brazil
was supposed to kick off Ray & Robby's latest South American tour, but the show has been cancelled according to a post on the website for Pepsi Onstage http://www.pepsionstage.com.br/    I have no information about the reason for this. (thanks, Eduardo)

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 April 13, 2009     Ray & Robby head south <> Ray & Robby with Daryl Hall
Ray and Robby kick off a South American tour
beginning on Wednesday in Sao Paulo.  Most of the tour dates are listed in the calendar below.  A fan has advised me of seeing them listed for a music festival in Montevideo, Uruguay on April 23, but I cannot find a link for it and have no other information.  (thanks, Luis)

Meantime, fans can catch Ray and Robby with Daryl Hall and other musicians this Wednesday April 15 in the latest episode of "Live From Daryl's House" at 8pm eastern, 5pm Pacific times.  Check out the website at:  http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/ and follow the link for the story and a preview clip. (thanks, George)

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 March 19, 2009       Ray's Reno interview <> Ray on WordBeat
Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger
hit the road this weekend for their first U.S. shows since 2007 in Reno, Napa, and San Francisco.  An interview with Ray ran in the Reno Gazette-Journal today.  Read it at:  http://www.rgj.com/article/20090319/ENT02/903190357/1056/ENT

Ray Manzarek is the guest at 8:00 Sunday evening on WordBeat Poetry and Jazz Radio.  For more info, go to:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/WordBeat/2009/03/23/WordBeat-LAs-P-Jazz-Joint

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 February 12, 2009       HB 2 RM
Ray Manzarek turns 70 years old today. 
Since he's starting a small tour of Mexico along with Robby Krieger and the rest of the band, this year I'll wish him feliz compleaņos instead of happy birthday!

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 February 8, 2009       Ray on radio tonight
Ray Manzarek is the guest
at 8:00 this evening on WordBeat Poetry and Jazz Radio.  Sorry for the late notice on this.  For more info, go to:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/WordBeat/blog/2009/02/08/Ray-Manzarek-Quotes-2

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 January 22, 2009      Ray & Robby tour dates <> more Sundance interviews
Robby and Ray's latest tour dates
have been announced today at http://robbykrieger.com/tour.html    All I can say is "hooray" for finally getting a few chances to see them not only back in the U.S.A., but on the west coast.  The three unconfirmed dates in mid-February in Mexico that I have had listed are now good to go, as well as two more dates in mid-March in northern California and Nevada in addition to the Napa show that I previously reported on.  Will there be additional shows added to these tours?  I have no idea but let's hope so, and stay tuned!  I also don't know if any or all of these shows will be billed as Riders On The Storm or as Manzarek & Krieger of The Doors ... just go with it and time will tell.  The details on dates and venues are listed in the calendar below.

'When You're Strange' Director Tom DiCillo, along with Robby and Ray, can be seen discussing the film in a 4-minute interview during Sundance at this link:  http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid5237562001?bclid=8598973001&bctid=8620345001

My son got busy tracking down interviews and clips as well, and found a 2-1/2 minute AMC interview with DiCillo, Ray and Robby:  http://www.amctv.com/videos/movie-news/?bcpid=1725961875&bclid=7065999001&bctid=8484268001    (thanks, David my son)

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 January 21, 2009      Sundance interview
A 9-minute video clip of
Director Tom DiCillo, Ray and Robby being interviewed the day after the premiere on Saturday can be viewed at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v319aHuzt2Q   (thanks, KDW)

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 January 19, 2009      Sundance 'WYS' reviews <> Ray on Obama
Last evening was the screening of '
When You're Strange' for press and industry, so there are a bunch of reviews popping up.  I'm not going to use every one but will select the most comprehensive ones to share.  I'm going to start with these:  http://www.thestar.com/Entertainment/article/573260  and  http://www.screendaily.com/ScreenDailyArticle.aspx?intStoryID=42684                   

Ray Manzarek participates in a clip of celebrity interviews (obviously filmed at Sundance!) where they each briefly share some thoughts about the new administration.  Ray's segment begins at 1:13 at:  http://thepresidentobama.blogspot.com/2009/01/spike-lee-kevin-bacon-jane-lynch-ashley.html

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 January 17, 2009      The Doors at Sundance
Robby, Ray, and John are all in
Park City right now for the Sundance Film Festival.  'When You're Strange' had its premiere showing this evening.  Earlier today, Robby and Ray participated in a mini-jam at the Gibson Lounge and performed 'Riders On The Storm' and 'Roadhouse Blues' (maybe more, I don't know!).  This can be seen on YouTube videos on this link:  http://blogs.sltrib.com/sundance/2009/01/doors-at-sundance-video.html   Dorothy Manzarek can be seen sitting just behind Ray in both videos.  Incidentally, Ray and Dorothy just celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on December 21.

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 January 11, 2009      Ray and Roy
Ray Manzarek and slide guitarist
Roy Rogers played two shows in Seattle this past weekend.  Someone who was there posted a review of the show along with a bunch of photos on his blog.  Check it out at:  http://yurtmeister.livejournal.com/27429.html

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 January 8, 2009      Ray interview
Ray Manzarek did a 15-minute phone
interview with a reporter from the Salt Lake Tribune in advance of next week's 'When You're Strange' premiere at Sundance in Park City.  During the interview, Ray reveals that following Sundance the band will tour Mexico, then do about six U.S. west coast dates from Seattle to San Diego, then down to South America, and finally into the recording studio to record some new music with various singers.  Ray also said they will be the Manzarek-Krieger Band, with the same musicians as Riders On The Storm.  Listen to it at:  http://blogs.sltrib.com/sundance/2009/01/hello-i-talk-to-you.html

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 January 1, 2009      Ray & Robby in Napa <> Doors sound equipment on eBay <> book on 60's
When Ray and Robby
perform at the
Napa Valley Opera House on March 21st, the show will be with the Riders On The Storm band members.  Tickets are on sale now on-line, but you can get better seats by calling the box office directly.  The venue website is:  http://www.nvoh.org/

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 Ray news 2008 <> Ray news 2007 <> Ray news 2006 <> Ray news 2005 <> Ray news 2004 <> Ray news 2003 <> Ray news 2002

all Prior News  &  Reviews

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