Orel Family

Bruce Springsteen introducing Western Stars at TIFF Last night, Bruce Springsteen's new film "Western Stars" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film consisted primarily -- at least in terms of time -- of live versions of the songs on the "Western Stars" album, performed at Bruce's barn in New Jersey over a period of several days, for an audience of friends. Bruce has put out accompanying video material to studio releases before; this took the concept to another level. I was among the fortunate 1800 or so to be in attendance at Toronto's Roy Thompson Hall for the first showing. This film is for fans, especially for fans who'd like to see live performances of the new album. Bruce has been emphatic that he will not be touring behind this album, so this is likely as close as we'll come to seeing him perform it live. An orchestra of approximately 30 members backed the live performances at the barn. Several member...

I imagine a future conversation between myself and Elianna: Me: "Bruce Springsteen once signed a used ticket stub I handed him, and gave it back!" Elianna: "Bruce played his harmonica in concert and then gave it to me!" Me: "I talked to Bruce once." Elianna: "I sang with Bruce.  He told me I was awesome!" Me: "I shook Bruce's hand.  Firm handshake, and he looked me right in the eye." Elianna: "Bruce took me by the hand and danced with me, then he picked me up and I waved to the whole stadium full of cheering people!" In this episode of Close Encounters of the Bruce Kind,  I'm going to lose.  But I don't mind. Not even 30 hours before show time, we weren't even going to go to Toronto for Bruce Springsteen's show there.  I didn't have General Admission tickets, and after the kids were hooked on the GA experience in  Auburn Hills  and  Buffalo  in April, I didn't want to go to a big stadiu...