Mr. Rogers And Me

Friday, June 18th, 2010 | Uncategorized | 5 Comments

I’m very honored to have two songs off “Love Is Here To Stay” (The title track and “The World Is Waking Up!”) in the new documentary, “Mr. Rogers And Me.” As you may have guessed, the documentary is about everyone’s favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers, and features interviews by the late Tim Russert, Susan Stamburg, Marc Brown and many more. The movie premieres tonight at The Nantucket Film Festival, and I’m here to witness it!

My good friend Ben Wagner and his brother Chris have been working on this for years, and I’m quite excited, as a friend and huge Mr. Rogers fan, to finally see the finished product!

Ben first met “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” creator and star, Fred Rogers, at Rogers’ summer home on Nantucket, Massachusetts. His mother rented the cottage next door, so Mister Rogers really was his neighbor.

On the afternoon of their first meeting, “America’s Favorite Neighbor” asked the young journalist about his job as an MTV News producer. Wagner felt exposed and embarrassed, a PBS mind in a jump-cut, sound-bit MTV world.

Mister Rogers said warmly, “I feel so strongly that deep and simple is far more essential than shallow and complex.”

Later, Rogers said simply, “Spread the message, Benjamin.” I think it’s safe to say Ben is doing his part. Check out the trailer below!

Tags: ben wagner, marc brown, mister rogers, mister rogers and me, nantucket film festival, susan stamburg, tim russert

The End Of An Error…

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 | Uncategorized | 7 Comments

I don’t really have the words to describe last night’s show.  It was much like my wedding day in the sense that I kept trying to take it all in, but there were too many emotions going on.  An indescribable mix of joy, sadness, confusion, nerves, love, excitement and on top of it all, I had to put on a show…..and I wanted to put on the best show we’d ever put on.  The show lasted an hour and fifteen minutes…it was a blur….and yes, we succeeded.

Many people have asked why the last one?  Is it REALLY the last one?  You just packed the Bowery Ballroom, and you’re gonna give THAT up???

It’s hard to explain…..once again, a mix of feelings.  But for some reason, I think it’s the right thing to do.  It’s been an incredible ride, and I can’t imagine going out any other way….See video below….

WATCH THE WHOLE SONG HERE: (Courtesy of Jetty Productions)

Benjamin Wagner’s Review Of The Night

BJ Barratt’s Review Of The Night

Pics from Carolyn

Pics from Paul

Tags: ben wagner, the undisputed heavyweights

Episode 006: How’s The Book?

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008 | Uncategorized | 2 Comments

On the way to have dinner and drinks with our good friends Ben and Abbi and Chris, Langhorne reads a book on the subway!

Tags: ben wagner, chris abad, langhorne