May 16, 2007
Rockin' Out With Snowbird & The Schieff
We haven't been able to post about this until now, due to more significant news events (Falwell, the Republican debate), but the photos are too good not to share.
For anyone who hasn't already seen the footage (CNN is still running it, two days after the fact), White House press secretary Tony Snow and CBS newsman Bob Schieffer faced each other (get it?) Monday night in a battle of the bands. It was all in good fun, and proceeds went to the National Press Club's Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library.
Those familiar with Schieffer on "Face The Nation" know that he often ends that program with a stern commentary about congressional waste or White House obfuscation or media frivolity. But that's just one side of the widely respected 70-year-old news veteran.
When he's not grilling Bush administration officials, The Schieff loves to get his honky-tonk on.
The Texas-born TV journalist fashions himself a singer-songwriter, and has penned several songs for collaborators Honky Tonk Confidential, a sort of alt-country outfit based in D.C. The collective performed some of their newest hits Monday night at the NPC, including "A Dark And Stormy Night" and "TV Anchorman," sung by Schieffer.
Decked out in jeans and cowboy boots, we noticed that his last name was branded into his belt in bold letters. We timidly asked if he would mind turning around so we could capture it with our camera. He gamely obliged.
"I made this belt in high school!" he said as he turned to show us the side of him we really never imagined we'd see. "This belt's twice as old as you!"
Following Schieffer & co.'s country stylings were Snow and his band, Beats Workin'. It's not unusual to see Beats Workin' playing gigs around town, but we'd never seen them live, and Snow has only recently returned to the public eye following the recurrence of his colon cancer.
Sorry to inject that bit of sadness in this post. But, we're happy to report, he looked in terrific health.
We also know something about cancer treatment, and were amazed when Snow -- "Snowbird," according to President Bush -- went to town on a crazy-cool solo flute jam during a Jethro Tull (we think) song. He barely looked winded afterward, and the performance practically brought down the house. The ever-versatile Snowbird also proved handy with the sax and guitar.
Attendees, most of them NPC members, shelled out $50 or more to see Snowbird and The Schieff rock out. There was an open bar, but only for an hour or so, and the spread veered from steaming-hot chicken balls (messy) to partially pickled eggs (ew).
Beats Workin' won the contest, but just barely, according to the judges. Don't feel sorry for The Schieff, though. He was clearly having a blast.
More photos can be found here, here and here.
Posted at 6:40 PM
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Bush Administration, Tony Snow
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