Kevin's Celeb Pics

2012-01-26T22:36:00.002-06:00

Luke Bryan currently has the number one song in country music. And, a couple of weeks ago, he stopped for this photo as he made his way into a St. Louis casino to do a little gambling. Bryan was in town to perform at former St. Louis Cardinal manager Tony LaRussa's annual ARF fund-raiser at the Peabody Opera House. In addition to posing, Bryan signed my "Rain is a Good Thing" promo disk and a couple of 8 x 10s.

2012-01-20T19:42:00.002-06:00

Blues and soul legend Etta James died today after a lengthy battle with leukemia.

This shot is from May 2009 following one of her performances at B.B. King's in New York City. Her tour manager snuck her out of an alley door, but I managed to spot her as she entered her hotel a few doors down. Although she kept complaining about the cold, windy conditions, she stopped for the photo and signed an 8 x 10.

2012-01-08T20:24:00.000-06:00

Here's the "tan one" George Hamilton upon his arrival at the Fox Theater in St. Louis, Missouri, for this afternoon's matinee performance of La Cage Aux Folles. In addition to posing for the shot, Hamilton signed two promotional shots from Love at First Bite.

A few minutes later, his co-star, Christopher Sieber, came walking up the street and stopped for this photograph. Sieber, a Broadway veteran and television actor, was one of the original cast members of Spamalot.

Lunch at Pappy's Smokehouse was next. They have THE BEST Q in the city! St. Louis Blues' defenseman Roman Polak was seated next to us and took this photo with me after he finished his ribs.

2011-12-27T08:52:00.003-06:00

The look back at 2011 continues today with these shots from two original members of the band Rare Earth. Gil Bridges, lead vocalist (top), and Ray Monette, lead guitarist, stopped to sign some lyric sheets and pose for these shots as they arrived in St. Louis, Missouri for two sold-out shows in September at the Alton Argosy Casino in nearby Alton, Illinois.

2011-12-26T16:33:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. This week, I'll be posting some celebrity pics that time didn't allow me to post earlier this year. Here we go.

Here's guitar wizard Eric Johnson following his August 2 gig at the Old Rock House in St. Louis, Missouri. Johnson, who in my opinion is one, if not the best, living guitarists, stopped for this shot as he exited the venue. He also placed a beautiful signature on an Ah Via Musicom gold record that has been in my collection for several years. I was glad to finally get the award signed. The gold disc was presented to the Album Network, and Johnson and his manager eagerly wanted to know if I worked for the company. I just laughed and replied, "No, I'm just a fan with a really cool Eric Johnson gold record in my collection." Eric is always cool with fans and loves to talk "shop." Here's my favorite EJ song, Desert Rose.

A few days earlier, singer B.J. Thomas signed a couple of 8 x 10s for my collection and posed for this shot as he arrived in St. Louis, Missouri, for two sold-out shows at the Alton Argosy Casino. One of the 8 x 10s was a posed shot of the two of us from a previous meeting. Thomas remarked about the Texas Rangers jersey he was sporting for the photo and how good his team was playing. Little did we know that the Rangers and Cardinals would meet in the World Series.

2011-12-23T22:34:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday was a busy night in St. Louis, Missouri. My evening started with this shot with Hercules, better known as actor Kevin Sorbo. Sorbo was appearing at the Jewish Book Festival to promote and sign his new book, True Strength. He spent quality time with each fan in line, signing books, photos, and other items, plus posing for photos.

The Jack Buck Sports Awards at the Missouri Athletic Club was next on the list. As the event was wrapping, I spied 2011 World Series MVP David Freese signing at the head table along with his Cardinal teammate Lance Berkman. Both players were extremely pleasant to everyone at the event, staying until the last person had an autograph or a posed photo. Freese signed an 8x10 shot of him rounding third base after his home run in Game 6, while Berkman penned an 8x10 from a World Series batting session in Texas. And, of course, both posed for the camera.

A short trip up Washington Avenue brought me to the Sheldon Concert Hall and a post-concert meet and greet with Peter Mayer and his band following their Stars and Promises Christmas show. Mayer, who currently is Jimmy Buffet's guitarist, signed an event poster and posed for the above shot. We also talked music, including his story of how he almost joined the band Chicago.

The last stop of the night was the TR3 concert at the Old Rock House. TR3 is fronted by guitar wizard Tim Reynolds, who also holds the title of lead guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band. Reynolds posed for this shot backstage following the show. Special thanks to Tim's nephew and fellow collector, Greg, for the post-concert hook-up.

2011-12-01T21:49:00.001-06:00

Here's Grammy-award winning jazz composer and pianist Ramsey Lewis before his concert tonight at Jazz at the Bistro in St. Louis, Missouri. The Chicago native is in St. Louis for a 4-night gig at the club. Lewis stopped to sign a compact disk and a couple of 8x10s after getting dropped off at the front door.

2011-11-19T15:57:00.001-06:00

It took some quick thinking, but I managed to grab this shot with Kenny Loggins following his sold out concert last night at the Four Seasons Hotel Ballroom in St. Louis, MO. We'll leave the specifics out for now, except to say that the show was great, especially from our seats in the first row. My only disappointment was he failed to play a couple of my favorites, I'm Free, and Vox Humana from 1985. You get bonus points if you can identify the bass player and drummer in the Vox Humana video, both very famous musicians. No, the bass player isn't Lionel Richie.

2011-11-13T21:47:00.001-06:00

Irish hard rockers Thin Lizzy were one of the opening bands for the Judas Priest show in Springfield. Here's founding member and drummer Brian Downey. Downey stopped at his hotel before departing to the venue.

While not original members, Scott Gorham and Darren Wharton, are long-time members of the group dating back to playing with the other founding member of Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott.

And, here's another member of the band, guitarist and Ted Nugent's hunting buddy, Marco Mendoza.

2011-11-13T21:17:00.001-06:00

Rob Halford, lead vocalist for heavy metal legends Judas Priest, stopped to pose for this shot as he arrived at his hotel earlier this week prior to his band's show at the The Center in Springfield, Illinois. Halford also signed an 8 x 10 for my collection.

Here's Richie Faulkner, Judas Priest's newest member. Faulkner replaced guitarist K.K. Downing earlier this year following his retirement from the band.

2011-11-13T21:07:00.001-06:00

American Idol alum and country singer Bucky Covington was in Jacksonville yesterday for a concert stop on his Hometown Tour. Covington's twin brother, Rocky, summoned his brother off the tour bus for this shot.

2011-11-06T21:26:00.001-06:00

Following game 7 of the 2011 World Series in St. Louis:

Joe Torre, former major league player, manager,and future Hall-of-Famer. Currently is Executive Vice President for BaseballOperations for Major League Baseball. He left with a former teammate, BobGibson. Gibson doesn't stop for anyone. Period.

"The Big Hurt," Frank Thomas, formermajor league slugger for the White Soxs, A's, and Jays.

Tim Kurkjian, ESPN baseball analyst and formerSports Illustrated writer. Congratulated me on the Cardinals win and said"it's a great day to be a Cardinals fan."

Dave McKay, Cardinals first base coach,"behind bars."

John Rooney, one half of theCardinals radio broadcasting team.

Mike Shannon, current Cards radio broadcasterand former Cardinal player.

Steve Spagnuolo, current head coach of the St.Louis Rams.

RickSutcliffe, Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year Award winner. The Missourinative pitched for the Cards and Cubs and three other teams. One of baseball's"good guys."

Bobby Valentine, former major league player andmanager, and current ESPN analyst. He was drafted first by the Dodgers in the1968 Draft.

2011-11-05T23:48:00.001-05:00

Academy Award-winning actor Alan Arkin is in St. Louis, Missouri, this weekend for the city's annual Jewish Book Festival. Arkin, who got his start in acting in St. Louis in the 1950's, is the Festival's featured guest.

Arkin posed for this shot and signed an 8 x 10 for my collection upon his arrival in St. Louis.

2011-11-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

80's rocker Bryan Adams brought his Bare Bones Acoustic Tour to Sangamon Auditorium on the campus of the University of Illinois-Springfield tonight. Adams posed (and squinted) for this quick shot and signed a greatest hits disk for my collection upon his late afternoon arrival at the venue.

Adams' 1985 concert at the PCCC in downtown Springfield (with a great opening set by the Hooters) was one of the first concerts I attended.

2011-10-15T07:20:00.002-05:00

I was saddened to learn of the death yesterday of "Taz" DiGregorio, one of the original members of the Charlie Daniels Band and co-writer of the group's biggest hit, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."

I had the chance to visit with Taz as he was selling his solo releases and visiting with fans prior to a CDB show this past July at the Morgan County Fair in Jacksonville, IL.

2011-10-09T10:29:00.000-05:00

The "Pianist to the Presidents" and the author of the only piano instrumental to hit number one ("Autumn Leaves" in 1955) on the Billboard charts, Roger Williams, died yesterday in California after a battle with cancer.

I met Williams during a break at one of his famous 12-hour marathon piano playing sessions at a Las Vegas hotel in November 2006. He stopped for this photo prior to soaking his hands in buckets of ice following the afternoon session. Williams returned about 20 minutes later to continue playing and taking requests from the modest crowd watching the event.

2011-09-09T06:32:00.003-05:00

There's really only two words to describe Glen Campbell: Music Legend. Last night, I had the privilege to meet him upon his arrival in St. Louis. He was warm and gracious as he signed autographs and posed for photographs for all who asked.

Campbell is kicking off his Goodbye Tour tonight at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. In June, he announced he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. This is his farewell tour before retiring. USA Today published this great story just a couple of weeks ago.

Campbell's list of accomplishments is astonishing. In addition to his acting, his 27 top ten hits and his 45 million albums sold, he also played guitar on the original recordings of such music classics as Frank Sinatra's "Strangers in the Night," Elvis Presley's "Viva Las Vegas," The Monkees "I'm a Believer," Simon and Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence," and The Beach Boy's "Good Vibrations."

Best of all, I'll be in the audience at tonight's show.

2011-08-16T22:21:00.006-05:00

More from Chicago's Comic Con:

Here's actress Mimi Rogers posing at her booth. The former Mrs. Tom Cruise has over 80 movie and television appearances to her credit including Someone to Watch Over Me, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, and the X-Files. She's also a pretty decent poker player and serves on the Board of Directors of the World Poker Tour.

Professional stuntman, stunt coordinator, and Kane Hodder was on hand to promote his new book coming in October, Unmasked: The True Life Story of the World's Most Prolific, Cinematic Killer. Hodder is best known for his role as Jason Voorhees in four of the Friday the 13th movies.
Hodder signed this photo from our meeting earlier this year in St. Louis. He also apologized for wearing the same shirt.

2011-08-15T06:25:00.003-05:00

I took the drive north to Chicago this past Saturday to experience day two of Comic Con's Wizard World and Flashback Weekend conventions. I'll share my photos and stories here throughout the week.

I began the day by enjoying a nice conversation with actor Lance Henriksen at the Flashback event. Henriksen, best know for his work in the movie Aliens and in the television series Millenium, was promoting his new biography, Not Bad for a Human (a line from Aliens), at the event.

Next to Henriksen was actor Doug Bradley. Bradley is Pinhead in the Hellraisers film series. The English actor told me during my visit that he's moving to the states, Pittsburgh, to be exact, for "L." That "L" is love.

2011-08-07T15:46:00.004-05:00

It's another 80's flashback. This time it's Patty Smyth and Scandal.

Patty and the band (with only one original member, Keith Mack, along) were the music headliners for day two of the Decatur Celebration in Decatur, Illinois. Patty, married to tennis star John McEnroe, only plays a handful of shows a year. How many remember this video when MTV actually played videos? Here's my favorite Scandal song, not from Decatur, but from a few years earlier.

We had a nice chat as she arrived in the lobby of her hotel to leave for the show. She signed a couple of early Columbia Records promo shots for my collection and posed for the above photograph.

As she exited the hotel, she was met by this stretch Hummer limo. "I've never had a limo this big," she said with a laugh. "I have to get a photo of this."

2011-08-06T13:24:00.004-05:00

80's pop superstar, sci-fi actress ("Mega Python vs. Gatoroid"), and now country music artist, Tiffany, was in Decatur, Illinois, last night as the opening night music headliner at the three-day Decatur Celebration.

She's currently on tour with another 80's pop star, Debbie Gibson. The duo had a night off from their co-headlining tour and Tiffany took advantage of the off night to bring her full country band along for two shows at the Celebration.

Tiffany (George is her last name now) gladly stopped to sign a compact disk and a photo for my collection and pose for this shot as she left for the show.

2011-07-09T16:06:00.003-05:00

Country music legend Charlie Daniels and his Band are in concert tonight at the Morgan County Fair, just a few blocks from my home in Jacksonville, IL.

I got to visit with Daniels earlier this afternoon at his hotel while he was outside testing a new GPS unit he received from his grandson. We talked on several topics, including tonight's set list, which, he said, would include this. Daniels also signed a posed photo from our visit last year in Decatur, IL, and a Fair poster.

2011-06-26T19:49:00.004-05:00

There was a "devil with a blue dress on" in Edwardsville, Illinois last night.

Mitch Ryder, without the Detroit Wheels, was in concert last night at the Wildey Theater in downtown Edwardsville. The 66-year-old Michigan native stopped to sign a CD for my collection and pose for this photo as he arrived at the venue.

And a hello to Goldie Gholson, a member of Ryder's touring band, who I chatted with before the show. Goldie's son, Doug, was a member of the Springfield, IL-based band, Mr. Opporknockity.

2011-06-10T17:51:00.002-05:00

Here's a shot with Food Network star Guy Fieri during a book signing stop at Left Bank Books in St. Louis on May 29. Fieri was promoting his newest cookbook, Guy Fieri Food, while also in town for his Cooking Roadshow later that evening. While no personal photos were allowed, his staff snapped this picture before Fieri signed a copy of the book. It's got lots of great recipes and I've got several on my list.

2011-05-22T23:12:00.004-05:00

Singer Daniel O'Donnell, a household name on the Irish and UK music charts, brought his brief U.S. Spring Tour to the Peoria Civic Center Theater this afternoon.

O'Donnell, who has twenty UK Top 40 albums, as well as fifteen Top 40 singles, has sold over 10 million records to date. Earlier this year, he became the first artist to have an album in the UK charts for 24 consecutive weeks. O'Donnell stopped to take this photograph and sign a compact disk for my collection as he made his way from his hotel to the venue.

O'Donnell's singing partner, Mary Duff, was also gracious and took a moment to pose for this shot as she arrived at the stage door entrance.

2011-05-16T22:11:00.003-05:00

Many people consider Jackie Joyner-Kersee the greatest female athlete of the 20th Century. Joyner-Kersee is a three-time Olympic gold medalist (plus three other Olympics medals) and world record holder in the women's heptathlon. She was in Quincy, Illinois, this past weekend to serve as Race Marshal for the Bridge the Gap to Health Race.

Joyner-Kersee gladly signed several 8x10 shots and two magazine (Time and SI) covers for me and posed for this shot during Friday's Race Expo. The following morning, she "medaled" me as I crossed the finish line of the Race's half-marathon.

2011-05-06T22:49:00.003-05:00

Grammy-award winning songstress Debby Boone is in St. Louis this weekend for a concert at the Bezmes Family Theater on the campus of Lindenwood University. Boone's show features the music of Rosemary Clooney.

Boone, who is best known for her 1977 hit, "You Light Up My Life," gladly stopped to sign a couple of photographs and pose for this shot as she arrived in town earlier today. "Life" was a number one song for ten weeks on the Billboard charts in '77 and helped Boone earn a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

While waiting for Boone, another Grammy Award winner, Fantasia, passed by me. She was in town for a Mother's Day show at Chaifetz Arena. Although I already have a photo with her, I asked for a new pose. Unfortunately, her manager told me, "we don't take no pictures in no airports." OK.

2011-05-05T22:20:00.002-05:00

Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey are on the road one last time before calling it a career. Their current tour stopped at Sangamon Auditorium in Springfield, Illinois, Sunday evening as they paid tribute to former band mate Mary Travers.

Following the show, Yarrow set up shop in the Auditorium's lobby to greet fans and sign autographs, however, Stookey wasn't present. I made a quick decision to check the stage door, and a good decision it was as Stookey was already in his rental car preparing to depart to St. Louis to catch a flight early the next morning. Even though a light rain was falling, he was kind enough to sign a couple of 8 x 10s and step out of the car to pose for this shot.

Back inside, the line was long for Yarrow as he continued to meet and greet fans with his usual warm and welcoming demeanor. Once I reached the table, it was like meeting an old friend as he joked with me and added his signature to the 8 x 10s and to a copy of his book, Puff the Magic Dragon.

2011-05-02T22:07:00.003-05:00

Ron White, an original member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, was in Springfield, Illinois, Friday night for a show at The Center. White stopped on his way to dinner at the local Bennigan's to pose for this shot and sign an 8 x 10. He was sporting some extra snazzy saddle shoes and I noted their attractiveness, to which he replied with a grin, "them's my drinkin' shoes."

I then headed north about an hour to Bloomington, Illinois, to get this photograph with Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin who was in concert at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. Colvin, who attended SIU-Carbondale, gladly signed a copy of her 1996 release, "A Few Small Repairs," as she departed the venue. The disk features "Sunny Came Home," the song that earned her two Grammy's for Record of the Year and for Song of the Year.

2011-04-16T16:08:00.003-05:00

Bo Darvill, Lewis Medlock, Gator McCluskey. Recognize the names?

They are all characters portrayed by one of America's most famous film and television actors, Burt Reynolds. Reynolds is in Chicago this weekend for a Movie Tribute at the Hollywood Cinema Theater in Woodridge, Illinois.

Reynolds met fans, signed autographs, and took photos before and after screenings of Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit, Cannonball Run, and The Longest Yard. Without a doubt, he is one of the nicest celebrities I've met. He was warm and genuine. Reynolds made me feel like a friend as we chatted. You don't get that from many "A list" celebrities. He signed a Smokey and the Bandit DVD cover and disk for my collection and then posed for this shot.

2011-04-03T22:28:00.008-05:00

It was Coco, Faith, Huggy Bear, Murphy Lee, and that guy from The Man Show all in St. Louis Saturday.

Conan O'Brien and Faith Hill headlined the annual Bob Costas Benefit for Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.

I pulled up just in time to get this shot with Faith as she arrived at the Fox Theater for her mid-afternoon sound check. In addition to the photograph, Hill signed a promo "This Kiss" CD for my collection.

About an hour later, O'Brien emerged from his hotel to catch his ride to the Fox. I was with a group of fans camped out across from the hotel's lobby. After we called to him, he walked over to us to sign autographs and take photos for all who asked. While signing, he asked how the Cardinals games was going, but he wouldn't divulge what his April Fool's Day prank was at the airport that got him in a little trouble.

Earlier in the afternoon, comedian/actor/talk show host Adam Carolla hosted a book signing at Vintage Vinyl in the Delmar Loop. The always cool and relaxed Carolla took a moment to pose before starting his event. The former Man Show host was in concert later in the evening at The Pageant.

While waiting for Carolla to arrive, I grabbed this photo with rapper Murphy Lee outside the store. Lee and his street time were distributing promo copies of his newest disk.

Finally, after getting Faith Hill, I walked across the street to the Grandel Theater to see if I could find Antonio Fargas. Fargas played "Huggy Bear" on the 70's sitcom Starsky and Hutch. It was my lucky day as I caught Fargas in the lobby on his way to an after matinee snack. Fargas has been in St. Louis the past several weeks performing in the play, The Real McCoy. After chatting about his colorful bathrobe, his stay in St. Louis, and his favorite eating establishments, he posed for this shot.

2011-03-28T22:29:00.008-05:00

What started out as "he'll just wave and say hello to you because they're holding the airport open for us" turned out to be much better last Tuesday in Peoria, IL.

Yanni was in town to kick off his 2011 Spring Tour. Following the show at the Civic Center Theater, his tour manager appeared at the stage door to make the above announcement. A few minutes later, Yanni appeared and came right over to me to pose for the photo. And, since I noticed he had a Sharpie in his hand, I knew he was ready to sign, and sign he did, placing a beautiful signature on a promo 8x10 shot. He proceeded to do the same for the rest of the fans waiting.

And, a special "shout out" to Gary Mertz, (Yanni) SUPER FAN!

A few days before, I got this photo one of the most influential musicians in jazz, Christian McBride following two sold-out shows at Jazz at the Bistro in St. Louis. It's probably the first photo with that the celebrity wasn't wearing shoes. He had his shoes in his bag as he left the club. He also signed an 8x10 for my collection.

Earlier that evening, actor/comedian Harland Williams presented his special brand of comedy at the Comedy, Etc. club in Fairview Heights, IL. It was a great show, A+! He met his fans following the show, taking photographs and signing autographs. Harland has a special affinity for raisin bread, cole slaw, and corned beef. You'll have to attend a show to see what I mean.

2011-03-10T20:47:00.004-06:00

Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico, was the guest speaker at last night's 113th Annual George Washington Banquet in Peoria, Illinois. Fox served as Mexico's President from 2000 to 2006.

President Fox and his wife, Marta, posed for this photo during the cocktail hour prior to the dinner. In addition to the shot, he signed an 8 x 10 photo for my collection. Gracias!

A couple hours later, and just two blocks up the street, blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa stopped on the way to his tour bus following his concert to take this photo with me and sign an 8 x 10. A surprisingly large group of fans were waiting for him and Bonamassa happily took care of everyone, posing for photos and signing autographs. His new CD, Dust Bowl, drops March 24.

2011-02-27T22:29:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Colin Firth on winning his first Academy Award tonight. He took home the Oscar for lead actor for his role in The King's Speech. The movie also captured best picture award.

This shot is from December 7, 2009, after Firth's appearance on Regis and Kelly.

2011-02-25T22:06:00.004-06:00

You can catch him performing Sunday night during the Academy Awards, but tonight, Randy Newman was in St. Louis, Missouri.

Newman, an Emmy (3-time), Grammy (5-time), and Academy award winning singer/songwriter, was in town to perform at a Friends of the Sheldon Concert Hall benefit. Newman stopped for this photo and to sign a Toy Story "You've Got a Friend in Me" compact disk single (already signed by Lyle Lovett) as he arrived back at his hotel following a late afternoon sound check.

Newman will be performing "We Belong Together" from Toy Story 3, nominated for "Best Score Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media" on Sunday.

2011-02-20T22:01:00.005-06:00

It was a road trip to St. Louis yesterday. Unfortunately, the day didn't get off to a great start since the first stop, Rickman Auditorium, had posted a "cancelled" notification on their marquee. Ronnie Milsap's concert was the victim.

After turning around, I stopped at the Fox Theater to catch American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo following the matinee performance of the stage production "9 to 5." Several of her cast mates mentioned she be napping between performances. However, when I asked another member of the cast, he offered to get her from the dressing room. Sure enough, a few minutes later, she came out to greet me and sign an 8x10 of us taken last year in New York at her play, "Hair." She also inked a playbill, posed for this shot, and talked about how much she enjoyed her trip to Pappy's the day before.

A couple blocks away at Powell Symphony Hall, trumpeter Chris Botti was set to perform with the St. Louis Symphony. Despite arriving just 25 minutes before show time, he stopped to sign and to pose. Looks like he might have been practicing on the way to the show. If you look close, you can see the mark from the trumpet on his upper lip.

The day concluded with meeting three of the original members of the 70's southern/country group, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils. I met them at their hotel following their concert at the Argosy Casino.

Here's John Dillon and Steve Cash.

And, here is Michael "Supe" Granda.

I was excited to get to meet them as the band is semi-retired. They only perform about 6 to 8 concerts a year.

2011-02-13T21:58:00.005-06:00

It was a busy Thursday and Friday in Bloomington and in Peoria.

Thursday night, the Lyle Lovett/John Hiatt Tour was in Bloomington for a show at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.

Lovett greeted me warmly as he exited the venue to his tour bus about an hour before the show. He posed for this shot and signed a CD.

About 20 minutes later, Hiatt and his wife pulled up to the venue after a pre-show dinner at a local restaurant. Hiatt gladly signed a CD and photo before hopping on his tour bus to prepare for the show.

On the return trip home, I stopped by The Center in Springfield just in time to catch comedian Rodney Carrington as he finished his show. After a quick post-concert meal of ribs and pulled pork on his tour bus, he came out to pose for this shot. He even apologized for the wait.

Friday night, it was off to Peoria. First up was the Micheal W. Smith/Amy Grant double bill at the Civic Center Theater. Micheal did a run-off at the end of the show, but I did manage to get him to stop at the door of his bus for this quick shot.

Amy exited about 30 minutes, along with a rather large entourage of security guards, tour personnel, and her mom. While she promised she come back to take a picture as she boarded the tour bus, it didn't happen. However, her tour manager did take my CD on the bus for her to sign.

Jenny Gill, daughter of country artist Vince Gill (and his first wife, Janis), is a vocalist on the tour. She stopped to chat with fans and took this photo.

Before departing the River City, I stopped by the Fire on the Mountain Festival at the East Peoria Convention Center to catch Grammy award winning bluegrass legend Peter Rowan. Rowan and his Bluegrass Band had just started their set when I walked in the door. He performed his hits, along with new songs, such as Jailer, Jailer from his latest release. Following his set, he gladly signed a CD and posed for this shot.

2011-01-26T21:34:00.002-06:00

Country music legend Charlie Louvin died today after a short bout with cancer. This 2007 shot is from Blueberry Hill in St. Louis, Missouri, before an afternoon sound check. He posed for the shot and signed a couple of photos, but, as you can tell from the photo, he was in a hurry to get outside for a cigarette.

2010-12-31T20:32:00.004-06:00

Here's the last celeb photo for 2010.

Actor/comedian/game show host Howie Mandel was in St. Louis last night for two sold-out comedy shows at the Four Seasons Hotel Ballroom.

Mandel posed for this shot as we rode together from the Cielo Bar on the hotel's 8th floor to his suite on the 12th floor. He tried to slip past us with the hat and hood, but it didn't work. The security escort was the giveaway.

2010-12-15T21:18:00.002-06:00

The biggest selling instrumental musician of the modern era dropped into the Peoria Civic Center Theater last night.

Kenny G, the Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist, performed a mix of his hits and Christmas favorites during the nearly 2-hour show. Near the end of the concert, he made sure to invite fans to meet him in the lobby to buy a CD and get an autograph. In fact, he said not once, but three times, that he'd much prefer hanging out with fans rather than returning to his hotel room at the Holiday Inn City Center. Apparently, Mr. Gorelick was not too fond of his accommodations.

He quickly worked his way through signing for about 300 fans in less than 15 minutes. The man was a machine! He then took a few minutes to pose for photos with those who waited until the signing ended.

Oh, by the way, if you had some extra jingle in your pocket last night, a Kenny G saxophone could have been yours for a mere $1,200.

2010-12-06T06:02:00.002-06:00

Morgan Spurlock says "just say no to Ronald."

The Oscar-nominated film maker was in St. Louis Saturday as the celebrity guest for Stache Bash, an event benefiting the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Livestrong. Stache Bash is sponsored by the American Mustache Institute . . . say what?

The American Mustache Institute (AMI) - based in St. Louis as the city is home to the world's largest mustache - the St. Louis Arch. AMI is an advocacy organization protecting the rights of, and fighting discrimination against, mustached Americans by promoting the growth, care, and culture of the mustache.

Spurlock, probably best known for his documentary, Super Size Me, posed for this shot as he arrived in the city with the world's largest "stache." Unfortunately, he wasn't the winner of the 2010 Robert Goulet Memorial Mustached American of the Year.

2010-11-18T19:52:00.005-06:00

One of stage and screen's nicest guys was in St. Louis this past Sunday to pick up a Lifetime Achievement Award from the St. Louis International Film Festival.

Stacy Keach received the award prior to a screening of his early 70's flick, Fat City. A question and answer session preceded the screening at Lindenwood University. Following the Q and A, Keach mingled with fans and movie buffs while signing autographs and posing for photos.

Stacy's brother, James Keach, was present to help honor his brother. James is an actor, writer, director, and producer. His most recent effort was directing Waiting Forever, released earlier this year. James is married to actress Jane Seymour.

Finally, an early evening screening of Winter's Bone at Webster University featured Marideth Sisco. Sisco makes a memorable appearance as a singer in the movie. She posed for this shot upon her arrival at the screening. Winter's Bone was the winner of Best Picture (Grand Jury Prize) at this year's Sundance Film Festival and is gathering "buzz" as a possible Oscar nominated film.

2010-11-06T12:59:00.003-05:00

Television legend Carol Burnett was in St. Louis, MO, last night for a performance of her show, Laughter and Reflection: An Evening with Carol Burnett at the Fox Theater. The 78-year-old actress stopped for this photo as she arrived back at her hotel following the show. Earlier in the evening as she departed for the Fox, she signed one autograph per person while sitting in her SUV.

With Burnett's signature and photo, I now have the entire cast of The Carol Burnett Show!

Before leaving town, I went across the street to the Lumiere Hotel to grab this photo with singer Richie McDonald, voice of the country group Lonestar. McDonald was happy to take the photo and chat for a few minutes before departing. McDonald and Tracy Lawrence performed together earlier in the evening at the hotel's ballroom. Unfortunately, I missed Lawrence as he left for the bus.

2010-10-31T15:16:00.006-05:00

Two weeks ago, the Acoustically Speaking tour rolled into St. Louis for a show at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Following the concert, all three featured artists headed to the lobby for a meet and greet with their fans.

I was especially excited to chat with Denny Laine, one of the original members of The Moody Blues and also a member of Paul McCartney and Wings. Laine and his bandmates played several Moodies and Wings songs during their set. Laine signed a Wings and a Moodies piece for my collection.

I got to say hello again to John Ford Coley, one half of the 70's duo England Dan and John Ford Coley. I had met John two years ago in Springfield, IL, and have exchanged occasional e-mails with him since. We had a nice chat to catch up and he signed that photograph from Springfield.

Terry Sylvester was the third and final member of the group. Sylvester replaced Graham Nash as the voice of the Hollies in 1969. After signing a Hollies shot, we chatted at length about various topics, including his excitement about being part of the Solid Silver 60s Show, a 31-date tour later this year in the UK. He said it would be the first time he's toured in the UK for over 30 years. And, he gets to see his family and grandchildren.

Earlier in the evening, I caught up comedian/actor Jamie Kennedy as he departed his hotel in Springfield, IL, for The Funny Bone comedy club across town. He gladly posed for this shot and signed a couple of Scream promo photos for the collection. Wow...the guy even has his own IPhone app!

2010-10-31T15:09:00.005-05:00

Check this out from December 2008. It's features me and my friends, Jay, Mark, Doug, and Tony meeting Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters following a movie screening at a theater near Bryant Park in New York City.

And here is the photo:

2010-09-23T21:39:00.003-05:00

Captain James A. Lovell, commander of the Apollo 13 mission, was in Springfield, IL, today for a book signing and to receive the Lincoln Leadership Prize.

Captain Lovell stopped in his hotel lobby following breakfast to sign an 8 x 10 of a previous meeting (2006 St. Louis) and pose for this new photograph. As he began signing, his wife made the "ebay comment," but once he saw it was a posed shot of us, he signed and personalized. The new photograph took some convincing, but after a few moments, he agreed to a quick shot.

2010-09-22T20:53:00.002-05:00

Check THIS out. Unreal! Dylan is known to be one of the toughest graphs. I have friends who have tried numerous times. This guy snags him on his first try. Amazing! Wonder if it was staged for the show?

2010-08-31T06:19:00.002-05:00

Here's George Clinton, "the Atomic Dog," at Saturdays' in-store signing at Vintage Vinyl in St. Louis. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, considered by many to be the innovator of "funk" music, was signing copies of his new release before his evening concert at Chaifetz Arena.

2010-08-24T21:30:00.005-05:00

"You can't get them all" was the motto for last Friday's adventure in Springfield, Illinois.

Veteran rockers Cheap Trick and Blondie headlined the Grandstand at the Illinois State Fair. Blondie vocalist Debbie Harry stopped to pose for this photo and sign a Blondie CD as she left her hotel to board the tour bus for the ride to the fairgrounds.

Drummer Clem Burke was right on her heels. He gladly stopped to sign the CD and pose for this shot (proudly displaying his purchase at local music store, Recycled Records, earlier in the day). He also picked up a copy of George Jones' autobiography on the trip to the store.

Cheap Trick bassist Tom Petersson was next out the door. While posing for this photo, Blondie guitarist Chris Stein left from another door. Before I could get to him for a photo, he was on the bus. Arrgh! Guess he'll have to wait for next time.

Guitarist Rick Nielsen stopped "very quickly" to sign an 8 x 10 and pose for this silly shot. As he was signing, vocalist Robin Zander and drummer Daxx Nielson hopped into the transport van. You can catch Zander "mugging" for the camera in the background.

Unfortunately, rain canceled Cheap Trick's performance and cut Blondie's set by 20 minutes.

2010-08-08T19:42:00.008-05:00

It's been a busy weekend with the performers at the Decatur Celebration.

The weekend started with a Friday afternoon meeting at the airport with the former lead vocalist of Foreigner, Lou Gramm. Gramm visited with our group and signed my Head Games CD and the posed for this shot. I'm glad to see Gramm still recording and touring after his bout with a brain tumor.

Today I batted a thousand as I got photographs with all six performers at the Decatur Celebration.

Here are two of the original members of the southern rock band, The Georgia Satellites. Rick Price and Rick Richards. They especially enjoyed sharing the story of hitting a wild turkey on their trip from southern Georgia to Illinois.

Rap took center stage next as I got to "bust a move" with Grammy winner Young MC. He really liked my photograph and added the "bust a move" inscription to the glossy.

Tone Loc was sharing the bill with Young MC this afternoon in Decatur. While it was hard to recognize his much slimmer figure, the distinguishable voice was a dead giveaway. The "Funky Cold Medina" and "Wild Thing" artist put down his bags to sign a CD and pose for this shot. Love that voice :--).

Christian singer Francesca Battistelli stopped for this shot as she made her way to the Christian Music Stage at the Celebration. Battistelli, who swept a ton of Dove Awards (Female Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year) in 2009, is expecting her first child in a couple of months.

Who was first group to have four top ten singles from their debut release? If you guessed Expose', you win today's prize. The original three ladies are back together, touring a bit, and even have plans to record a new disk. Ann Curless and Gioia Bruno chatted with us for about 10 minutes while waiting for the third member of the trio Jeanette Jurado. Ann and Gioia especially loved looking at my 8 x 10, a shot of the group from the 1990 Grammy Awards. They signed the photograph, and then Jeanette finished it off when she arrived to meet the group. Before they departed for the show, the gals were very gracious to pose for the above group shot.

I wrapped up the afternoon talking with Charlie Daniels as he exited his tour bus to get ready for tonight's show. His first words off the bus were, "how long you been waiting out here?" Then Charlie apologized for making me wait. What a great guy. He gladly signed an 8 x 10 of our last meeting (Illinois State Fair-Springfield) and then posed for this new shot. He thanked me and even worked in a couple of "God bless yous" before walking into the hotel to prepare.

2010-08-02T00:09:00.005-05:00

You know how things happen when you least expect them? Well, tonight was one of those times. I scored a photo with one of the founding fathers of rock-n-roll, Chuck Berry!

Normally, Berry is camera shy and usually refuses to pose for the camera. Tonight was an exception. He seemed in a great mood while attending an event at St. Louis City Hall honoring Devon Alexander, current WBC and IBF light welterweight boxing champion, and St. Louis native. As he worked his way through the crowd, he stopped to pose for those who asked. As I asked him for the photo, I thanked him for all his great music. He extended his arm for a handshake and the photo.

2010-07-18T22:08:00.004-05:00

One of pop music's legends was in Springfield, Illinois today.

Bun E. Carlos, drummer for the rock pop band Cheap Trick, drove from his home in Rockford, Illinois, to the Eagles Club to demonstrate his signature drum licks, talk about his musical influences, and share lots of interesting stories from the world of rock and roll.

Carlos, whose real name is Brad Carlson, spent nearly two hours talking and playing his signature Ludwig drum kit. In his 30 plus years in music, he's played with lots of great musicians, from John Lennon to Chuck Berry. Following his presentation, he updated fans on his future plans (recording a new Cheap Trick disk) and then took questions. He concluded the afternoon by signing autographs and taking photos with fans.

2010-07-07T05:39:00.000-05:00

Now this is a guy you have to admire! He's done this before, but never publicized.

2010-04-24T21:04:00.006-05:00

Fridays and the Four have been good the past two Fridays.

Last night, I snapped this photographs with actor, comedian, and musician Steve Martin as he arrived back at the Four Seasons Hotel following his sold out concert with the Steep Canyon Rangers at the Roberts Orpheum Theater in St. Louis. He even put down his banjo for the shot.

A few minutes earlier, Martin signed autographs, in the rain, for about 50 fans waiting at the stage door. I asked for the photo then, but he declined citing too many people. Here's a shot of Martin signing before he autographed an 8 x 10 for my collection.

Check out Steve in action here.

2010-04-17T15:51:00.004-05:00

Emmy and Tony Award winning actress Glenn Close was in St. Louis last night as the special guest for the Change a Mind, Change a Life Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel. She posed for this photo near the end of the cocktail hour.

She threw out the first pitch at the St. Louis Cardinals game this afternoon and is singing America, The Beautiful during the 7th inning stretch.

I also caught up with actress and fashion model Chloe Sevigny as she arrived in town for tonight's Dada Ball. The Oscar-nominated actress and star of HBO's Big Love, happily signed a Hollywood Life magazine cover and posed for this shot.

My night in St. Louis wrapped up with this photograph of professional wrestling legend Ric Flair. He is in St. Louis this weekend for a pay-per-view event. Flair threw out the first pitch at last night's Cardinals game.

2010-04-08T23:33:00.002-05:00

Local Residents See, Photograph the Stars

Thanks to Kathy Rem and the Springfield State Journal-Register for the nice story.

2010-04-07T20:08:00.003-05:00

I can't begin to tell you how nice it is when a famous person is less than two miles from your house. That was the case tonight as Helen Thomas, "Dean of the White House Press Corp," presented Illinois College's 2010 Phi Alpha Lecture. She also received an honorary membership in the Society. You may read about Thomas' press conference earlier this afternoon here.

Thomas was very gracious as she stopped to pose for this shot ("Why certainly," was her reply when I asked) and sign an 8 x 10 as she made her way into the College's Rammelkamp Chapel for her presentation.

Yes, she really is that short.

2010-04-05T20:26:00.002-05:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I added to the collection, so here are the details.

On March 29, I arrived early at the Fox Theater in St. Louis for a chance to grab a photo and an autograph from Mo'Nique, this year's Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire. She's currently on a tour featuring her first love, comedy. She and her entourage arrived a little less than two hours before show time. I did manage to get her attention as she made her way to the stage door, but she turned down my request for the photo. I then asked her if I could get an autograph. At that request, she stopped and moved toward me to sign my 8 x 10. However, I had to hand my Sharpie to her "guy" who then handed it to her. I asked for a photo again, but Mo'Nique said she had to get inside for the show. I inquired about after the show and she answered with a "well see, sweetie."

During the wait for her show to conclude, I did manage to get a new photograph with folk legend Arlo Guthrie. He was in concert at the Sheldon, which is across the parking lot from the Fox. While he used to be a generous signer, Arlo signed just 1 or 2 for the few fans waiting by his bus and then stopped for my photo before boarding his bus.

Back to the Fox, as the crowd exited, I heard people mention something about a "meet and greet" inside the Fox. I decided to inquire, and sure enough, she was meeting fans and posing for photos in the lobby. After a lengthy wait in line, mission accomplished. She posed for this shot, but wasn't up for signing autographs. However, I did manage to get another signed 8 x 10 as she exited the stage door surrounded by her entourage.

2010-03-22T22:18:00.009-05:00

Earlier this month, I took a five-day trip to Jupiter, Florida, to visit the St. Louis Cardinals at their spring training home.

Access to the players and coaches was somewhat limited, depending on the location of the practice fields they were using. I did manage to capture these Cardinals photos:

Cardinals Hall of Famer and coach Red Schoendienst.

Relief pitcher Ryan Franklin.

Outfielder Colby Rasmus.

Infielder Brendan Ryan.
Absolutely the nicest player. Signed for over a half hour after one practice. He even got out of his car to sign for some fans waiting at the player gate.

Third baseman David Freese.

. . . and here's former Cardinal slugger and current coach Mark McGwire signing my baseball. He declined my request for a photo. McGwire generally avoided those who pushed things to the front to get signed and had a keen eye to pick out those who he had signed for earlier.

You noticed the jackets? Yes, it was cold . . . very cold for Florida.

2010-03-22T22:07:00.003-05:00

Contenders for Country Weekly's hottest bachelor: country singer Josh Thompson or me. You decide. :--)

Thompson was at the Springfield, Illlinois, Best Buy location for an in-store mini-concert and signing prior to his opening set for Eric Church at The Center. Thompson did a 3-song set before meeting his fans and signing his disk, "Way Out Here."

2010-02-28T21:52:00.007-06:00

I was finally able to the last signature on my REO Speedwagon items this past Thursday during the band's stop at the PCCC in Springfield, Illinois. That last member was bassist Bruce Hall. I missed Bruce during the band's appearance at Busch Stadium to sing the national anthem at the Cardinals home opener in 2007.

Bruce gladly added his signature to my items and posed for this shot.

I also spent some quality time with vocalist Kevin Cronin as he returned to the band's hotel after taking some pictures of the state capital. Cronin always make sure to get his photo taken in front of a state's capital building whenever he is in a state capital city. He said he already had a Springfield shot, but it needed updated. Cronin also shared the story behind the song "The Ballad of the Illinois Opry," a song he wrote during a trip to Springfield in the early 70s. Cronin recalled he may have been under the influence of some "special mushrooms" which helped him write the song, his vision of the Grand Old Opry in Illinois.

Drummer Bryan Hitt and guitarist Dave Amato also stopped for photos as they entered the hotel after an afternoon of visiting the Lincoln Presidential Museum. Amato has an extensive music resume and he talked with me and a group of other fans about his time working with Ted Nugent, Motley Crue, Cher, and his infamous appearance on a Michael Bolton video.

Styx and .38 Special were also on the concert bill. Another one of music's nice guys, Styx's James "JY" Young posed for this picture before departing for the show. Unfortunately, I had to depart the hotel early for an out-of-town meeting and missed the rest of Styx and .38.

2010-02-21T18:38:00.004-06:00

Yesterday could have been titled a Turtle and a Car. It should have been the Turtles and a Car.

Yesterday afternoon I met Howard Kaylan, the original lead singer of the 60's pop group, The Turtles, before their show at the Alton Argosy Casino in Alton, Illinois. I had a nice chat with Kaylan as he waited for his ride to the venue. We talked a lot about Seattle (his current residence), his pets (like a proud pet owner he showed me photos on his I Phone), and a little bit of music. He also signed a couple of 8 x 10s and posed for this shot.

A few minutes later, the Turtles keyboardist for the evening arrived in the lobby. Greg Hawkes, the original keyboardist and co-founder of the 80's super group The Cars, plays keys in the "East Coast Band" version of the Turtles. His signature style is evident on The Cars hits like Hello Again, Let's Go, Shake It Up, and Just What I Needed. Hawkes signed a Cars Greatest Hits disk that already had the signatures of deceased vocalist Benjamin Orr and guitarist Elliot Easton and happily posed for the photograph above.

Hawkes current fascination is the ukulele. Check this out.

Unfortunately, Mark Volman, the other original member of the Turtles, drove himself to the show from his home in Nashville and wasn't at the hotel. I did manage to get him to sign the 8 x 10s that Howard had signed earlier, but those darn Illinois Gaming Commission laws prohibit photographs on their property, inside and outside. So, a photo with Mark will have to wait until next time.

2010-02-10T22:18:00.004-06:00

Actress and humanitarian Mia Farrow was in St. Louis last evening as the featured speaker in Maryville University's St. Louis Speaker Series event at the Powell Symphony Hall.

Farrow is a fascinating woman. She spent a quick 90 minutes recapping her life's adventures, including surviving polio as a child, dating (and eventually marrying) a 50-year-old Frank Sinatra at age 19, her marriage to Woody Allen, hanging out with her sister, Prudence, and the Beatles (yes, the song "Dear Prudence" is about her sister) with the Maharishi in India, spending time with Nelson Mandela, making movies, and her current role as a leader in the fight for human rights in such countries as Darfur and the Congo.

She posed for the above photo and signed a couple of 8 x 10s at a reception following the presentation.

2010-01-17T21:59:00.005-06:00

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and Pappy's Smokehouse: a great combination!

Wainwright, the 2009 Cy Young Award runner-up, was at the restaurant this afternoon to help raise funds for The Catch a Dream Foundation. Pappy's gave 100 percent of their sales to the Foundation, plus patrons could buy raffle tickets to win a whole hog, gift certificates, and a Wainwright autographed game-used road jersey from last year.

Oh, and the ribs: delicious!

2010-01-09T11:03:00.003-06:00

Actor and comedian, Tom Arnold, is in Springfield, IL, this weekend for four show at Donnie B's Funny Bone Comedy Club.

This shot followed last night's second show as he visited with fans, took pictures, and signed lots of autographs. He also had t-shirts for sale, one of which said, next to a caricature of Tom, "It could be worse, YOU could be Tom Arnold."

Just like this author, Tom knows and loves his watches. He was sporting a mammoth Invicta Corduba on the left wrist last night.

2009-12-21T22:05:00.003-06:00

Just back from seeing the movie, The Blind Side, at one of our local movie houses. This former college football coach and current television commentator has a cameo role in the flick.

Phil Fulmer posed for this shot earlier this month on December 8 as he arrived at the College Football Hall of Fame Luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. Fulmer led the University of Tennessee to a National Championship in 1998. He compiled a 152-52 record in 16 seasons for the Volunteers.

2009-12-18T18:20:00.002-06:00

Out with the old and in with the new at Good Morning America.

George Stephanopoulos is the new co-host of the ABC morning show. He replaces Diane Sawyer who is replacing Charles Gibson on ABC World News Tonight. Stephanopoulos stopped for this photo as he was leaving the Trump Towers two weeks ago during my recent trip to New York.

This shot with Sawyer was from one year ago as the Good Morning America team was at Bryant Park to learn how to ice skate.

2009-12-09T19:16:00.003-06:00

I wrapped up a short trip to New York last night by meeting actress Carrie Fisher following the performance of her play Wishful Drinking at Studio 54. Fisher was in a great mood as she chatted with fans about the play and about her life. She signed playbills and posters from the show. And, she posed for this great shot.

I'll have more photos and stories from the trip in the weeks to come.

2009-12-01T22:32:00.004-06:00

Catching up from a week ago tonight . . . here's actress Melissa Gilbert as she departs from the Fox Theater in St. Louis following the opening night performance of the play, Little House on the Prairie. Gilbert has the role of "Ma" in the production; she was Laura in the original TV series.

This shot was just inside the backstage door of the theater thanks to an invitation by one of St. Louis' finest. As Gilbert walked out the door, she ignored a request to sign a couple of 8 x 10s, but then decided to sign after I asked a second time.

2009-11-15T13:11:00.005-06:00

Actor and comedian Robin Williams stopped by Braden Auditorium on the campus of Illinois State University for a sold-out performance of his Weapons of Self-Destruction Tour last night, and he stopped for a large group of collectors and fans upon his arrival.

He signed multiple autographs and posed for everyone. Robin signed this photo of us from the Late Show with David Letterman this past May and a vinyl copy of his comedy album, "Robin Williams: Throbbing Python of Love."

Kudos to Robin! I must say this beats paying $350 for his official "meet and greet."

2009-10-19T21:36:00.000-05:00

Oscar-winning (1994's Ed Wood) actor Martin Landau was in Chicago this past weekend as the special guest at the Chicago International Film Festival for a Sunday screening of his new movie, Lovely, Still.

I met Landau as he arrived at his downtown hotel with his daughter and grandson. He signed one autograph for myself and for two other collectors and then posed for this shot.

Landau, who is best known for his roles in Mission Impossible and in Space: 1999, was Gene Roddenberry's first choice to play Spock on Star Trek.

2009-08-15T22:35:00.006-05:00

Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol winner, is in Springfield, Illinois, tonight at the Illinois State Fair. Earlier this afternoon, she stopped on the way from her tour bus to a Starbucks to pose for this shot and sign a CD for me. Earlier this year, her single, "My Life Would Suck Without You," advanced from No. 97 to No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart in its first week of release, breaking the record for the largest leap to the top position in chart history.

About 15 minutes later, I grabbed this photo with Kelly's opening act, singer Eric Hutchinson.

2009-08-13T22:19:00.005-05:00

The "Wizard of Waukesha" has played his last note. Les Paul, the man who is credited with the invention of the electric guitar, died today at age 94.

I had the privilege of meeting Les four different times following his weekly Monday night shows at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City (you never knew what music legend would show up to play with Les on a Monday night; Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Slash, Steve Miller, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Van Halen to name a few). Les made you feel like a true pal. He was always ready with a warm handshake and a friendly greeting for each person who waited in line to meet him following the 10 p.m. show. It was a privilege to sit next to Les as he signed and answered my questions. I always mentioned I was from near St. Louis and he'd recall his days playing guitar on KMOX radio. Les was a great signer; one of the best. Guitars, CDs, albums, pickguards, photos, you name it, Les put his name on it.

The above shots are from my last visit with Les on December 9, 2008, my last visit with Les. He hadn't been feeling well, and there was some doubt as to whether he'd make his post-concert appearance. Nevertheless, after about 20 minutes he appeared from backstage and walked over to "his booth" to meet and greet his fans. He signed a CD for me and two, 8 x 10s, all personalized with "To: Kevin" and his trademark "Howdy" greeting.

2009-07-20T21:48:00.004-05:00

It was Man vs. Food Saturday at the Cozy Dog Drive Inn in Springfield.

The Travel Channel's Adam Richman was in town to profile three restaurants for his show. He visited Darcy's Pint on Friday, The Cozy Dog Drive Inn on Saturday, and Joe Roger's Chili Parlor today. At each stop, Richman profiled and sampled the restaurant's trademark dishes (Darcy's Pint-horseshoe; Cozy Dog-cozy dog and home cut fries with vinegar; and Joe Roger's-five alarm chili).

During a break in learning how to prepare cozy dogs, Richman signed an 8 x 10 and posed for this shot. The Springfield feature is set to air in approximately eight weeks.

2009-07-17T21:15:00.002-05:00

And that's the way it is . . . Walter Cronkite, CBS News, goodnight. The legendary news anchor died today at age 92.

This photograph was taken following a fund-raising event in New York City on May 15, 2006. As Mr. Cronkite was leaving the event, I asked him to pose for a photograph. I don't think he heard me, so as I continued to walk with him, I asked again. He heard me this time and stopped for just a second so I could snap this shot. This was my second time to meet Mr. Cronkite. I first met him following a St. Louis Speaker Series appearance in 2001. There, he signed a copy of his book, A Reporter's Life, for me. I asked for a photo then, but he politely declined as he was in a hurry to get back to his hotel to catch the end of a Yankees World Series game.

2009-06-07T22:20:00.006-05:00

The Tony Awards were tonight in New York, and here are your winners for best leading actor and actress in a play:

Marcia Gay Harden in God of Carnage
and

Geoffrey Rush in Exit the King.

Both were generous with their time following their plays last month in New York. Marcia likes to ride her bicycle to the theater as I spotted her several different days either arriving or departing. And, I got both the same night, about 15 minutes apart. How's that for ironic?

2009-06-05T07:47:00.001-05:00

I have several updates . . . so here it goes:

I was saddened to learn of the death of actor David Carradine this past week. I met Carradine last year in Peoria, Illinois, as he was in town promoting one of his movies for the new Hallmark HD Channel. He signed several 8 x 10s from his Kung Fu days and Kill Bill DVDs and inserts. He signed each with his name and then drew a "ying/yang" symbol. And, he posed for the above photo, not once, but twice, as the first shot was a little out of focus.

Singer Frankie Valli stopped by the Sangamon Auditorium on the campus of the University of Illinois at Springfield this past Wednesday for a sold out show. As Vallie emerged from the venue after his sound check, I asked him for a photo. He sort of looked around and told me to make it very fast. As his driver fumbled to get the door to his town car open, I then asked him to sign a CD, but Valli looked ahead and ignored my request. I asked again as he returned in the town car moments before the show. His first words as he opened the car door, "I can't sign anything now, I'm late for the show." I asked if he do it afterwards, and he nodded his head yes. Almost an hour after the show's end, he emerged from the stage door tunnel. About 15 fans were still waiting. He signed my CD and two 8 x 10s, although he didn't have much to say.

2009-05-24T19:29:00.007-05:00

Here's more from my recent New York trip:

I want to rock and roll all night and party every day with . . . Gene Simmons. The fire-breathing, blood-spitting bassist and vocalist of the rock band KISS was in New York May 15 to promote the new season of his A&E television program, Gene Simmons: Family Jewels. Simmons stopped to chat briefly and pose for this shot as he waited for his limo to arrive. Simmons was accompanied by his partner, former Playboy model and actress Shannon Tweed.

Just as soon as Simmons got into his limo, 80's rapper MC Hammer arrived at the front door looking for his ride. Hammer was a willing singer and took this shot with me. He's slated to have his own reality show later this year on the network.

Actor Benjamin Bratt was also promoting his series for A&E called The Cleaner. Even though his publicist was trying to get him through the lobby of the building and on to another appearance, Bratt stopped to take photos with a group of fans.

2009-05-19T21:14:00.008-05:00

I returned last Friday from an 8-day trip to New York City with just over 100 new photographs. Here are some of the highlights from the trip:

On May 12, I made the trip downtown to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex. Yoko Ono was appearing at one of several events to promote the display: John Lennon-The New York City Years. As she arrived in her Mercedes V12 sedan, her "people" quickly let us know she would not have time to sign autographs on her way into the event. Nevertheless, I asked if I could wait and she nodded, "yes," as she passed by me. About an hour later, she emerged and said, "You are still waiting for me?" Upon that statement she walked over to me and signed an 8x10 photo and posed with me for the above shot.

Any Star Trek fans out there? Here I am with the new Spock and Kirk at an event May 9. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto agreed to pose for this shot after signing an 8 x 10 for me.

Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush is currently starring with Susan Sarandon on Broadway in the play, Exit the King. Rush, best known for his role as Barbossa in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, couldn't have been nicer. This Australian actor really enjoys interacting with his fans. Rush signed several photos and took this photograph with me following an evening performance of the play.

I had not one, but two encounters with Academy Award winning director Ron Howard. Howard was in town to promote his latest movie, Angels and Demons. This shot is after the Colbert Report taping. Earlier in the day, Howard signed several photos and posed following his appearance on Good Morning America. Ron is one of Hollywood's definite good guys as he signed and posed at nearly all his promotional stops.

Finally, here's the legendary Jane Fonda. Fonda currently stars with Colin Hanks on Broadway in 33 Variations. This shot was taken following a weekend matinee performance of the play. In addition to signing playbills, Fonda was good about signing other items from her career. And, she always has her dog, Leah, along side.

2009-04-26T21:37:00.015-05:00

It's time to catch-up . . . so here it goes.
On Friday night, I made the cross-state trip to the University of Illinois Willard Airport in Savoy, Illinois, to catch-up with actor Matt Dillon as he arrived for his appearance the next day at Ebertfest in Champaign. Dillon was the second passenger off the plane. I greeted him as he exited the escalator, and for a moment, I believe he thought I was his driver. I asked for a photo and he obliged. As my friend, Mark, asked for a photo, Dillon replied, "OK, let's just do this." He posed for Mark and then signed one item for each of us. It was clear that it was a "one" autograph night for Dillon. As he was signing my 8 x 10 from Crash, I tried to chat with him about his running and his favorite places to run in Manhattan. Unfortunately, he didn't feel much like talking.

On April 17, Legendary singer, songwriter, and actor Kris Kristofferson stopped by the Bottleneck Blues Bar at the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Missouri. And, thanks to my friend, Mark, we got to see his show for free.

Following his 90-minute set, Kristofferson reappeared in the Bar to meet fans who attended the show (you had to have that magical “hand stamp”). He was in a great mood as he chatted up fans, signed autographs, and took photographs.

A few weeks earlier, I was expecting a quick down and back trip to Lambert St. Louis International Airport to meet Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin. However, it turned into an extra couple of hours in the terminal as their flight was delayed almost two hours. Upon arrival, I walked with them and several other collectors as the duo made their way to baggage claim. Mandy was accommodating as he posed for this photograph and signed an 8 x 10. Patti, on the other hand, just wouldn't take a photograph. She said she had no makeup and her hair was a mess. It didn't look that way to me. She just wouldn't budge. This made the fourth time I've tried for the photo. Maybe next time? Nevertheless, Patti did sign an 8 x 10 for the collection.

Finally, on March 28, Richard Dreyfuss was about a mile from my home. He was appearing, along with Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer, at a special Lincoln Bicenntennial program at Illinois College. Following the program, both signed autographs and posed for photos with just about everyone who wanted the opportunity. Dreyfuss signed a photo of us taken two years earlier at a Shakespeare Festival private reception in St. Louis. He had a little trouble recalling the event, but he liked the photo and joked "well, at least we both look good." Holzer, meanwhile, took a liking to the photograph too. Afterwards, he signed an 8 x 10 shot for me and posed for the picture below. He then said, "Now, you'll have to find me next year so I can sign OUR photo."

2009-03-27T16:18:00.010-05:00

Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of the Soviet Union and General Secretary of the Communist Party, is in Peoria, Illinois, today to visit Eureka College as part of Ronald Reagan Day at the college (President Reagen was a 1932 graduate of the college) and to speak at the college's Ronald Reagan Day Dinner at the Peoria Civic Center. President Gorbachev worked with President Ronald Reagan to end communist rule in Eastern Europe and won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 for his efforts.

President Gorbachev stopped for this photograph as he was leaving his hotel this morning enroute to the college. My friend, Jay, spotted his interpreter a few minutes after we arrived at the hotel. He asked if it would be possible to get a photograph with President Gorbachev. With local police, state police, and his own security detail standing next to us, we waited patiently for President Gorbachev to arrive in the lobby. He was led into the lobby by another member of the security team. The interpreter immediately motioned for us to come over for the photograph, telling President Gorbachev (in Russian) that we were the gentleman who had been waiting for the photograph. I extended my hand to greet him as I approached for the photograph and he returned the handshake. He continued to hold a firm handshake as the photo was snapped. What was remarkable was the size of his hands. They were extremely large and thick (visible in photo above). He seemed to genuinely enjoy the quick interaction he had with us. After the photographs, his security team quickly moved him out the door and into a waiting Cadillac for his trip to Eureka College.

2009-03-15T20:55:00.016-05:00

A throng of collectors from both St. Louis and other cities greeted Paris Hilton as she arrived at Lambert St. Louis International Airport Friday night for an appearance the following day at Macy's. Paris was just as nice Friday night as she was about a year ago when she made a similar stop in St. Louis. She signed and posed for pictures with just about everyone. Paris was especially interested in seeing her high school yearbook, which she signed for my friend, Jay. She probably would have continued signing longer; however, an overzealous collector displayed a copy of her infamous pornographic DVD. Upon seeing the disk, she promptly dropped the Sharpie on the ground and literally went skipping out of the terminal to her waiting car. That would have made some interesting video for TMZ!

Earlier in the afternoon, I got a photo and a signed book from comedian Steve Harvey at the new St. Louis downtown location of Left Bank Books. Harvey's book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, is currently on top of USA Today's best seller list. Although the book signing resembled an assembly line, Harvey did take a moment to look up at the camera for this shot. I'm happy I got this shot as we heard later from other collectors that he refused to pose for pictures as he left the book signing and at the hotel.

Unfortunately, I struck out on meeting any of the cast from the movie, Up in the Air, currently filming in St. Louis. I did manage to see Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, and George Clooney, but couldn't get close enough for a photo or an autograph. I also spotted director Jason Reitman. I watched Clooney film a late night scene at 8th and Walnut Street where he was riding in a taxi wearing a space suit, complete with a helmet and mask. The taxi drove about a block, stopped, Clooney got out and walked about 10 feet, stopping right in front of the camera. I'm not sure how that scene plays into the movie, but I'll be anxious to see if it makes the final cut.

2009-03-01T12:54:00.024-06:00

Martha Stewart stopped in St. Louis Friday afternoon and she brought cookies!

Stewart was at Macy's in West County Center to sign copies of her latest cookbook, Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook. While waiting in line, we were served some yummy sugar cookies and double chocolate chip cookies (Martha's recipes, of course) and bottles of San Pellegrino. Martha knows how to do a book signing!

As I approached the table, I noticed a sign outlining the usual book signing rules (no posed photos, no personalizations, no other items, etc.). As luck would have it, I was the next to last person in line, so I decided to ask for the personalization and for the photo and was rewarded with both, although the photo is the dreaded "bend and twist over the table shot." I don't imagine that would have happened if I was near the front of the line. Accompanying Martha at the table, sitting quietly on each side, were her two French bulldogs, Francesca and Sharkey.

As the signing concluded, she posed for a group shot with Macy associates and then headed to an office area to sign more books. About 15 minutes later, she emerged and browsed through her namesake collection in the linen department. As she left the area, I asked if she'd stop for a better photo and she politely agreed to take another.

Later in the evening, I caught up with pop singers Richard Marx and Matt Scannell as they arrived back at their hotel from their sold out show at the Argosy Alton Casino. Marx, a 2004 Grammy Award winner, signed a platinum record award for my collection. The award is from his first release, Repeat Offender. We chatted about his new disk with Matt and about a tour he did with Warren Zevon in the early 90's that I saw in Springfield, Illinois. Marx, by the way, has written 13 number 1 singles and 40 top 40 singles. That's quite an accomplishment! Scannell is the lead singer of the band Vertical Horizon.

The evening wrapped up at the Touhill Performing Arts Center with a new photograph with folk singer John Prine. Prine posed for this shot and signed a picture of the two of us from a encounter about a year ago in Springfield, Illinois. I forgot to ask if he played, "Let's Talk Dirty in Hawaiian." It's one of my favorite Prine tunes.

2009-02-26T06:55:00.004-06:00

Last night in St. Louis, Missouri, the Judicial Learning Center and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, presented An Evening with the Honorable Sandra Day O'Conner at the Ballpark Hilton Hotel. Justice O'Conner was the first female justice on the United States Supreme Court.

Despite being surrounded by eight members of her security detail, she stopped to pose with me for this photograph and pose with three other collectors as she left the event. After she took the photos, we all asked her to sign; unfortunately, she politely declined our request and was quickly whisked away to her waiting vehicle outside.

2009-02-21T16:09:00.008-06:00

Exercise guru Richard Simmons was in Springfield, Illinois, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel this morning to exercise with nearly 1,000 of his fans as part of a National Heart Month celebration.

Before the one-hour aerobic session got started, Richard made his way around the hotel's ballroom to meet and greet his fellow exercisers. He was full of hugs and kisses for everyone, yes, even including the guys. In order to get my photo (from a meeting three years ago at The Today Show) signed, and get a new picture, I had to submit to one of his hugs. I'm glad no kisses were involved.

....the things we'll do to get a picture and an autograph.

2009-02-15T09:44:00.012-06:00

It was a 3 for 3 Friday night in St. Louis.

My evening kicked off with Oscar-nominated movie director Jason Reitman. Reitman was talking with film students at Webster University's Moore Auditorium. Reitman, whose Dad, Ivan, directed Ghostbusters, talked about making movies and then took questions for about an hour. It was an interesting program as Reitman really connected with his audience as he talked about his philosophies on making movies and told stories about his previous movies. Following his talk, he strolled to the lobby where he continued talking movies and signed autographs and took pictures. He even signed a couple of the "hamburger phones" featured in his movie, Juno.

Next, we headed the the Blanche Touhill Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis to catch up with the only musical artist to win a Grammy for R and B, Jazz, and Pop: Al Jarreau. I had arrived in the late afternoon at the venue, hoping to catch Jarreau as he arrived; unfortunately, he was already in as I saw heard him through the auditorium doors doing his sound check. So, I returned to Touhill and waited for Jarreau to exit following his show. He was literally the last man out of the building at nearly midnight, but he said, "Sure, I can do that," when asked if he would sign and take a picture. Speaking of the picture, take a long at his index finger pointing at me. Reminds me of E.T. :--)

I finished up the evening with a trip down highway 70 to the Ameristar Casino where the Pointer Sisters were headlining the Liver Foundation's Annual Boogie Ball. With the event almost an hour over, it was doubtful that I'd see the group, but decided to give it a shot anyway. Luck was on my side as after only about 10 minutes, Ruth, Anita, and Issa Pointer came walking through the Casion on the way to their hotel rooms. They happily stopped to sign an 8 x 10 for me and pose for this group photograph.

2009-01-31T18:50:00.003-06:00

Canadian songstress Lesley Pike was at Illinois College in Jacksonville last night for an acoustic set at Cummins Dining Hall.

Following her hour-long performance, Pike met with concert goers to sell her latest CD, Blink, and sign autographs. Pike, who was the opener on Jason Mraz's most recent tour, talked with me about her travels (she had a 12-hour drive to Toronto the next morning), Canadian musicians whom she admires (Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Cochrane), and about the butterflies on her CD cover (real) and on her promo photos (Photoshoped in).

2009-01-29T21:59:00.003-06:00

This is not one of my proudest shots . . . but here is ex-Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich at a labor rally in Meredosia, Illinois, on September 5, 2005. What do I remember most about the encounter? After signing and then asking for a photo, he turned around to check his hair in one of the building's windows.

2009-01-28T22:30:00.002-06:00

Rest in peace . . . Billy Powell.

Billy, keyboardist for the southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, stopped to sign autographs and pose for this shot as the band left their hotel before a April 20, 2008, concert at The Center in Springfield, Illinois. Powell, along with Gary Rossington, were the only two original members of the band to survive the 1977 plane crash that killed singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines.

2009-01-19T05:22:00.010-06:00

Cheech and Chong "lit up St. Louis" last night as they brought their American tour to the Pageant.

I caught up with the comedy duo as they arrived yesterday morning at Lambert St. Louis International Airport on a flight from Kansas City. Both cheerfully posed for photos and signed multiple items for the six collectors in attendance, even though their manager tried to get them to stop signing autographs. Both Cheech and Chong ignored their manager, with Cheech at one point telling the manager to "just relax."

Later in the afternoon, I met Grammy-award winning comedian Lewis Black as he exited the Four Seasons Hotel on his way to a benefit show (Tony LaRussa's Stars to the Rescue Benefit) at Chaifetz Arena. I had gotten his autograph at a previous meeting, but was unable to get a posed photo. Black is up for another Grammy this year for his disk, Anticipation.