Kevin's Celeb Pics

I'm back from a week in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, and here's a recap of my celebrity encounters:

First up is former NFL head coach, Sam Wyche. He stopped for a photograph after his presentation at the NFL Experience on Sunday, February 27. He's best known for developing the "no huddle" offense and for leading the Cincinnati Bengals to the 1988 AFC Championship.

A couple of days later, we attended a lecture and book signing at the Poisoned Pen book store in Scottsdale featuring television writer and producer Stephen J. Cannell. Cannell, who is best known for his work on the Rockford Files, A-Team, and 21 Jump Street (to name just a few), gave a in-depth and very interesting presentation on his life in television and now as an author. He detailed how he got his start and how he's dealt with his dyslexia. Following his presentation and a Q and A session, he sat down to greet, sign books, and take photographs with fans. And, you have to like a bookstore that provides the guest with the correct pen to sign . . . a blue Sharpie!

The next night, we stopped by the Barnes and Noble in the Desert Ridge Center in Phoenix for an acoustic performance and CD signing by Lisa Loeb. Loeb entertained the crowd of about 200 with a six song set and then followed up with a meet and greet. She gladly signed her new CD, The Purple Tape, for me along with a promo CD single of "I Do." And, she got up to pose for each and every fan!

After departing the book store, we headed downtown for dinner at Pizzeria Bianco. It was our second visit and it was just as good as the first! Without a doubt, it's the best pizza I've ever eaten! Chris Bianco is the owner and chef, and has won food's top prize, The James Beard Award. Chris gladly signed a menu and invited back to the kitchen for this photo.

My final celebrity encounter happened as we were walking the street surrounding the University of Phoenix Stadium, home of last Sunday's Super Bowl 42. There walking with his wife and grandkids was NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown. Most football experts consider Brown the best running back of all time. While he declined to sign, he stopped long enough for me to snap this shot.