Are you still interested in the "Fight for the Arts"? Well besides writing to your government representatives, I recently discovered the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation (MHOF) webpage at http://www.mhopus.org. The MHOF is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting instrumental music nationwide by partnering with businesses, schools, and communities to provide new and refurbished musical instruments to qualified schools and individuals. It was inspired by the movie of the same name. You can send contributions to them at: 15125 Ventura Blvd., Suite 204, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 (info@mhopus.org). Can you guess who's on the Advisory Council? Richard is one among the many other well known artists in the industry.
According the The Tubes website - they are proud to announce the upcoming release of their new CD on the CMC International, A Division Of The Sanctuary Records Group Label. Expected release date: October 10, 2000. Why do we want to know this?? LOVELINE ** Written by Foster, Lukather, Waybill, Marx
It's official. The third single off of *NSYNC's 9x platinum cd - No Strings Attached - will be Richard's penned and produced "This I Promise You". It will be released on September 18, 2000. It will be in English, Spanish (Yo Te Voy a Amar) and Spanglish. There will also be a video in English and Spanish.
Richard's new cd "Days in Avalon" will officially be released on October 24, 2000. There are currently 4 song clips up on the official site at http://www.richardmarx.com
According to Richard Marx.com Richard has co-written a song with Natalie Cole called "Angel on my Shoulder". It will be the theme of an upcoming NBC TV biography on Natalie's life airing by year's end.
Richard has been busy writing, singing and producing with a multitude of artists including Barbra Streisand, Chely Wright, Shane Minor, SheDaisy, *NSync, Don Phillip, Meredith Edwards and Keith Urban. Be sure to pick up their new cds to be able to experience his contribution. We've also heard that the song he co-wrote with Nick Lachey (98 Degress) "The Only Thing that Matters" will appear on some import versions of their new CD - Revelation.
Richard was on Chicago's local tv show 190 North with Janet Davies. He performed one new song "Leading Man" and a long-time favorite "Now and Forever" to close the show.
Radisson Star (Merrillville, IN) was February 12, 2000. Richard started out the show with the title track of his forthcoming cd "Days in Avalon". He also performed two other new songs "Someone Special" and "One More Time". This was the first show in the past few years that I hadn't signed up for the meet and greet ahead of time. I'm usually so tongue-tied and keyed up that I don't enjoy the concert but not this time.
MUSIC FOR LIFE 2 was October 1999. The performers included Richard, Kenny Loggins and SheDaisy. I didn't think I was a Kenny Loggins fan but was blown away by his performance.
Westbury, NY was July 1999. I was part of the meet and greet and as tried as I might to say something witty to THE MAN. "I flew all the way from Chicago" came out of no where and his response "so did I" (duh! and that left me smiling, but speechless). I was happy that he had an opening act because that gave me a chance to unwind before he came out to perform. He mocked Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca" with "got a face like Abe Vigoda". He also talked about his work with *NSync and how there was this girl in the parking lot that recognized him and asked "aren't you Richard Marx? My Mom loves you!" (laughter from the crowd) Richard said "I don't find that funny". :)
Be sure to get your copy of Janey Clewer's KISS BY KISS cd. Richard sings backup on "Can't Let You Go With My Heart". It's absolutely beautiful.
February 12, 1999 - MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE soundtrack has a song written by Richard Marx and performed by Laura Pasini. The song is entitled "One More Time".
November 18, 1998 - Richard was on Chicago radio airwaves to promote the Great American Smokeout (GASO). A couple of the highlights include him wanting us to "take some more money out of these murderous thieves pockets" (referring to the tobacco industry) ... according to some of his friends that smoke "aside from the addiction (of nicotine) it's the habit of doing something with your hands - there's a lot more fun things to do with your hands ladies and gentlemen" (followed by laughter). I commend Richard for speaking out so freely and strongly on this subject. I too oppose smoking. Please urge everyone you know that smokes to quit - they not only endanger their own lives but your's by smoking around you. It stinks and it's a drag.
November 7, 1998 - MUSIC FOR LIFE, The Dick Marx Foundation Benefit. What is it you ask? The Foundation was created by Richard and Ruth in Dick's memory to provide scholarships for financially needy music students at DePaul University (Dick's alma mater). The first three scholars performed as a jazz trio - they were great! In a word the evening was - AWESOME. And how could it miss with a lineup of Richard Marx, Kevin Cronin, Fee Waybill, Luther Vandross, Kenny G and Michael Bolton?! The band consisted of Bruce Atkinson, Herman Matthews, Bruce Gaitsch and two of Dick's callaborators. The backup singers were recognizable in their own rights also -- Janey Clewer (Bruce Gaitsch's wife), Cynthia (yes - Richard's wife), Ruth Marx (yes - Richard's Mom) and two of Dick's jingle singers. An amazing video tribute was shown which timelined Dick's career from a little boy to jazz pianist to jingles man to husband and grandfather. Richard performed three songs that had special meaning ... NLBU (for obvious reasons), N&F (Dick had done the string arrangements), and YNTMD (it was Dick's favorite song from the F&B album). The finale was a surprise to Richard and the audience -- all six of the performers came out on stage and did RHW as an ensemble. Richard, and everyone involved, did a great job honoring Dick's memory - thanks for a great evening! After the show, most of the celebs were accomodating for those who wanted pics or autographs - Richard was generous as usual. Concert photos and the pic of Richard and I are mine. My girlfriend, Jeanie Costopoulos-Weeks, was at the "after-show" party and shared these with me. 
Richard's new CD should be out early 1999 (hopefully). He will also appear on Bruce Gaitsch's NIGHTINGALE CD due out January 1999 -- Richard will be singing "Dependence". Also be sure to pick up your copy of Luther Vandross' I KNOW -- Richard cowrote "Isn't there someone".
Richard did another great show at Ravinia in Highland Park, IL (August 1998). I was part of the group that attended the soundcheck. It was like having two concerts in one day. :)
Richard and some Chicago sports celebrities participated in Michael Bolton's Charity Softball game (July 1998). I missed the game due to an illness (although I still contributed - I have unused tickets!).
Richard did a fantastic concert in Chattanooga, TN (June 1998). This was the night the BULLS clinched the championship and being a CHITOWN boy he periodically flashed to the game on the bigscreen to show us highlights. I hadn't planned to go but this was a friend's 30th birthday celebration - so I rethought my plans and went.
Be sure to pick up your copy of the animated movie ANASTASIA - the video will be released on April 28, 1998. If you get the soundtrack or turn on the radio you will hear a great duet "At the Beginning" with Richard and Donna Lewis.
Richard did a benefit show in Chicago's Northside for Lake Forest's Montessori School (February 20, 1998). To see pictures of this event and all the young, vivacious women, look at Janet's, Melanie's or Timre's page(s) (the links are below). Can you believe we spent $150 to attend this affair? We're committed (or need to be)! It was an enjoyable evening.
The first roadtrip I took was Atlanta (July 1997) with some 40+ other "repeat offenders". We named this the first official convention. There were five of us -- Timre, myself, Brenda, John, and Missy (IN) -- that rented a van and drove 14+ hours to see Richard and hang out. One tip of advice: never race (unmarked) camaros in Indiana! Missy was my roommate. Wanna see some of the pictures from that trip? Visit Missy's page
Richard performed a FREE miniconcert at Border's (April 1997) to promote both FLESH AND BONE and his crusade to save the music and arts in the nation's schools (his foundation is called - Fight for the Arts (FFTA)). I had the intense pleasure of not only meeting Richard Marx ... but this other great gentleman named Jim "Marx" (who still professes it was MY fault he cried during Angel's Lullaby) (Jim is also our "CNN" correspondent ::wink wink::). As Richard was introducing Angel's Lullaby, I pulled the CD out of my bag and held it up. He recognized it and pointed to me and said she's got it. Some great friendship were formed this day with other Chicago-area repeat offenders - all thanks to Richard Marx.
Don't miss out on helping Richard to help in the Fight for the Arts! (banner and page created by Brenda!)
You have to check out these other pages for this very talented artist:
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June 2000 - Went on a 25 day excursion to Ecuador, South America and need to post my journal and pics. I finally got to STAND on the equator (I've been fascinated by it since geography classes as a kid)!
March 1999 - Purchased my condo and have been busy with renovation projects.
October 1998 - Divorced husband.
I've been to many concerts, but 1997 was the first year that I thought to try to take pictures ... Please go here for the upcoming news on all concerts I've seen(not just Richard Marx related)
Disclaimer: This site was created by a fan for the fans. I hope you like it. Sandie - Updated, August 2000. Please KEEP COMING BACK to visit - and before you go - please sign my guestbook.
I have ICQ but don't remember my number - please email me for it. You may correspond with me by clicking on the twirling kitty ... see ya on the road!
Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching. -- author unknown
