OMGILTS "Oh My God, I Love That Song!"

A Star Spangled Memorial

2010-05-31T07:30:00.006-04:00

I had an incredible experience. One that will stay with me long into the future.

I went to Ft. McHenry, the inspiration for the national anthem. Francis Scott Key, a Georgetown attorney, was seeking release of his friend, Dr. William Beanes from the British. Though Scott and John Stuart Skinner were able to secure the release of Beanes, the British thought they knew too much about plans to attack Baltimore. The British kept them on the on board one of their ships until the bombardment was complete.

From the ship deck, Key saw the storm flag flying above Ft. McHenry and could see the bombs bursting in the night sky above the fort. In the morning as the smoke cleared and the bombing ended, Key saw the larger flag flyer above the fort. All of this served as his inspiration. The date was September 3, 1814.

When visiting Ft. McHenry today, they have a wonderful video that provides the backdrop on the fort and its history. As the story reaches the writing of Key's poem, the curtains covering the window open to reveal the fort and the flag flying above.

It was amazing!

I knew the story of Key and the words. In fact, I tell people about the connection with his son and General Sickles from the Civil War (I'll leave this for another blog post.) I have sang the national anthem hundreds of times, for small groups and large. Now, I will always have the picture of the flag at the fort in my head when I sing the national anthem.

Happy Memorial Day!

Looking forward to summer fun!

2010-05-26T16:00:00.001-04:00

Time flies too quickly. It may have been all of the traveling the band and I have done. We played in Manhattan and Indianapolis to name a few!

Now, summer is almost upon us. And, this summer is shaping up to be a great one! Check out the highlight of upcoming events!

June 13th - Delphos, Ohio Community Concert at Stadium Park. Come watch the band at this great location.

June 25th - Digger and Finch. The Bill Foley Trio will be performing from 8-11PM.

Don't forget, Bill Foley performs solo through the week at such places as Carsonie's Italian Restaurant (Wednesdays) and Signature's in Gahanna (Thursdays). To see the full calendar or additional summer shows, visit the calendar at http://www.omgilts.com/.

My Heart is Red

2010-02-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is an important day. It is the National Wear Red Day.

Everyone will be searching their closets for that perfect red item to show their support for the fight against cardiovascular disease in women. It’s a valuable message that was slow to take hold. Most women didn’t realize their risk was greater for heart disease than breast cancer.

This was true for my mom. My angel mother had diabetes and she smoked. She cared for us, but didn’t care for herself. With these risk factors, it was only time before she had heart disease. It started with high blood pressure and continued until she had open heart surgery.

Of course, we didn’t know the things we know now back in 1994. That’s when she had her surgery. And, that’s when I lost her. She was only 62 years old.
Science has evolved. We know so much more now. For instance, I inherited some of my parents’ bad genes. But, I take my medication, I don’t smoke and try to do the right things.

Wear Red Day is a fun way to show your support, but it isn’t about one day. Every day should be Wear Red Day as we all do the things necessary to live longer, healthier lives.

I know I can’t bring my mom back. What I can do is be healthy myself and encourage those I care most about to do the same. Learn about your risk factors and do something about them. And, wear your red. I’ll have mine on to honor my mother, Dorothy Foley!

Love you mom!

-Bill

November 11th

2009-11-11T07:20:00.001-05:00

November 11 is always a special day. For all of us, it is Veterans Day, a time to honor all veteran's. Although some may not know that it is also Armistice Day - the day the armistice was signed for WWI. It was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. However, it officially became a holiday, in the US, in 1938.

As we should, please thank any veteran in your life or that you meet today.

However, this day also holds a much deeper, more personal meaning for me. It is the anniversary of my angel mother's passing in 1994. I can't believe it has been 15 years! It seems like only yesterday I was going over to her house or she was traveling with me in my van to a show.

She was my biggest supporter. She was tough. She was passionate and caring and she was my mom.

On Veterans Day, I am thankful for all veterans who have served and I'm also thankful for my mom. It's Veterans Day and Mom's Day in my world.

-Bill

Sesame Street - Happy Birthday!

2009-11-10T07:14:00.005-05:00

I can't believe Sesame Street is celebrating its 40th birthday today! Some how it just makes all of us feel a little older!

While I didn't watch Sesame Street growing up (my wife was a Sesame Street fanatic!), I am a fan of Jim Henson. He was amazing and left us far too early! I'm sure he would be proud to see this milestone.

To Big Bird, Oscar, Bert, Ernie, Grover and the gang...Happy Birthday!

Tony Burgers and Old Music in Alpena

2009-10-24T21:00:00.001-04:00

The Trio and I are in Alpena, MI tonight for the Concert 4 a Cause. It is a community concert to raise money for a charity while having fun. We are so blessed to be invited to perform for their concert for Friends Together. It is a charity to provide support for people with cancer.

The concert is being held at the Thunder Bay Recreation Center. Can we say BEAUTIFUL? This is an amazing facility!

We are just getting starting, but are having the most fun. The people here are so nice. We even met friends of couple I know from Delaware. Rita and Edward made the trip out to see us tonight. What a sweet couple! Apparantly, Betty wrote them a letter to tell them to come see us.

Okay, you are probably wondering about the Tony Burgers?? Well, Alpena had a gentleman who owned a burger place in the 40s. His burgers were all the rage. Now, the recreation center continues the tradition by cooking Tony Burgers during their events. I would say it is worth the drive to Alpena just for the burgers. But, you know me...I love good food.

Thanks Alpena for your hospitality and fun. Thanks to Darlene who is just fabulous!

The Latest Dance Craze

2009-10-17T20:55:00.001-04:00

Well, I think I just saw it...the next dance craze! I'm at Amanda and Adrian's reception with the band and I think it happened.

There is the cutest two year old, who can stay with the beat of the song while doing HER dance. Imagine bouncing from the toes of one foot to other foot. It is kind of a gallop, a little rocking and a lot of rhythm. Got it?

I'm sure this ball of energy will be showing us all how to do the dance in the coming years. In the meantime, start practicing. With that much energy, we'll have a hard time keeping up!

Bill

From Gahanna to Gettysburg

2009-10-11T15:24:00.001-04:00

I can't believe it. Last night, the band and I had so much fun at the Gahanna concert.

Now, I've just arrived in Gettysburg with a group. Before we head to a late lunch, I'm showing them the opening day of the battle...really just setting the stage for what they will see tomorrow morning.

I can't help but think of my nephew, Gunnar. He calls this the John-John area because of the statues for John Buford and John Fulton Reynolds. He is such a smart kid and this really does help people remember the stories.

As soon as we finish up here, we are off to the Dobbin House. While it was built in 1776, my favorite part of its history...the day my wife and I were married there!

More to come!
Bill

Live from Gahanna

2009-10-10T19:59:00.000-04:00

Believe or not, the band and I are performing right now at the Gahanna Creekside Park! It is cold out tonight and I'm not sure how the fingers can still move. However, we are having a BLAST!

I can't believe how many people are out to see us...sitting in the cold. Bless their hearts!

Well, I better get back to the show!

Stay warm!
Bill

When a Cloud Covers a Celebration

2009-09-21T07:40:00.000-04:00

Recently, I was scheduled to perform with my band at a wedding reception. Unfortunately, a life event intervened just the day before with the passing of a close relative of the couple.

Sometimes, these things happen. If we could control them, we would keep our dearest family members with us forever! We would never need to consider how to address the passing at a celebration.

However, we don’t have that control.

I encountered a similar situation when my mom passed. It was just days before a wedding reception I was contracted to play. I knew I couldn’t let the couple know what had happened. I wanted them to fully enjoy their special day. Much later, they did learn of my personal tragedy. I was grateful they didn’t have any idea on their day.

What’s worse, I think, is when the bride and groom have a family death. They have planned for a year or more for this day. After they make the decision whether to continue with their planned nuptials, they do have several choices on how to mark the passing (or not).

At a recent wedding reception where my band played, this exact situation occurred. I thought the couple showed such grace. The “spouse” acknowledged the family member on behalf of the couple. The couple was also sympathetic that guests weren’t quite ready to jump up and dance.

It was amazing, though. After awhile, everyone was ready to let loose. It was still a great celebration.

While we never want this type of thing to happen, we all do the best we can. Acknowledge what you are able to do and I wish you all the strength and grace you need for your situation!

Farm Goodness in Central Ohio

2009-09-14T07:38:00.002-04:00

Recently, the band and I performed at a wedding reception hosted at the Flying J Farm in Johnstown. While they host many events, we were happy to participate in the inaugural wedding reception.

Although it was a great couple (Mickey and Andy) and the guests were so nice – some I haven’t seen in years, the location added beauty and humor. The farm hosts several horses and a donkey. Apparently, it was a special day for the donkey, because he wanted to be the center of attention. I also can’t imagine his timing could ever be more impactful. As I mentioned, the couple was great, so I know the donkey didn’t dampen their spirits on their wedding day!

So, are you wondering what happened? First, during the wedding ceremony as the bride was walking down the aisle, the donkey went to the part of his field that was closest to the alter to echo his enthusiasm for the nuptials. By his exuberance, I think he was especially pleased by the wedding.

Later, as the bride’s dad welcomed everyone and prepared to bestow words of wisdom on the bride and groom…the donkey attempted to steal the moment. Let’s just say he made inappropriate advances on a horse!

Of course, the Flying J Farm is a working farm. So, if you are looking for organic food items, check out their website, which includes a seasonal calendar for produce.

A Mountain of Love in WV

2009-09-09T07:29:00.001-04:00

The band and I had the privilege of performing at Cheryl and Ted’s wedding reception in Hinton, WV. I won’t lie…the drive was stunning, but that last hill was a challenge. The event was on top of a mountain. When we left the highway and then the paved road AND then hit the gravel road on a steep incline, I wasn’t sure Large Marge was going to make it. I thought we might have to give her a push.

For those that don’t know, Hinton is along the New River. During the drive, I couldn’t help but be distracted by the natural beauty. It is just another example of how I am blessed in life to be able to play music and travel.

The night was just perfect. Everyone was super nice and we had a great time. Of course, nature provided the absolute perfect backdrop for the evening. It was capped by a stunning sunset.

Congratulations Cheryl and Ted! Thanks for allowing us to join you.

To see more photos, visit the Flickr set.

Our Loving Dog

2009-09-07T07:39:00.004-04:00

In my life, I have met many pets. Sometimes when I’m doing a private party in someone’s house, their dog or cat will befriend me. They might take a nap next to me, or even sometimes, try to sing a little with me.

I know everyone thinks their cat, dog, bird, iguana or hamster is just the funniest, cutest or does the best tricks. This may well be true. I know I would enter my childhood dog, Goldie, in several of those categories.

However, I’ve had the fortune and blessing to share a home with the most amazing dog ever. This dog, who is a Border Collie, is not only the smartest dog I’ve ever met, he truly is the most human like.

I know, EVERYONE thinks that.

This doggie can sniff my clothes and know whether we are going to lounge around the house or go to store or I’ll be gone all day. He plays hide and seek and can remember if we have a new hiding place! Until age got the better of him, he would sit up on his back legs just to watch us. He would even do this on a porch swing…watching the cars drive by and enjoying the day.

He can stare at me and I know whether he wants to go out or wants a snack. This I think is an example of him training me! He thinks he is a human with ESP. He believes he has great telepathic abilities. And, he does communicate better than most of people I’ve known!

I first met this amazing companion when he was three. He found my wife in his earliest puppyhood. Our lives are more filled because of him! He adds so much.

Unfortunately, today does mark the one month anniversary of his passing. I’ll miss him forever. But, I know my mom is looking after him and watching him run and play free of pain…back to those puppy activities from when I first met him.

K.B.
Always loved
February 1995-August 2009

Ode to the Ohio State Fair of 2009

2009-08-16T14:03:00.001-04:00

Well, another fair has come and gone. Just last week, I performed my last show at the Ohio State Fair for 2009. "In the old days"...when the fair was longer, today would have been the final day. How I miss that.

It will be another year before I'll have fresh roasted corn. I know I can roast my own corn, but it isn't the same. It will be another year before steak on a stick, cheese on a stick, pork chop on a stick, deep fried oreos on a stick, Snickers on a stick, deep fried Twinkie on a stick, cotton candy on a stick, corn dog on a stick and all of the other tasty treats from the on-a-stick food group.

Of course, I do have a few other favorites. I love the mini donuts, the elephant ears and my new favorite the iced cinnamon pecan roll. Obviously, these are just my top picks from the sugar food group!

The fair always brings back such fond memories for me. My mom really did wake us up early to be at the fair at 6AM. My mom is no longer with us, but the fair always brings back sweet memories of her. Or, maybe it is just all of the sugar that I eat. Either way, it leaves me feeling close to her memory.

As today marks the first week since the fair closed, a small tear comes to my eye.

Alas, we will all have to wait another year (minus one week) until the fair is here again! Hopefully, ODNR will call next week to schedule me for next year. I will be giddy with excitement as I count down the days. (Jason...is that you calling?)

What Happened to Summer?

2009-08-12T20:32:00.000-04:00

Wow! I can't believe summer is almost over. School is about to begin. Where does time go? If anyone can find it, let me know. I'm in search of...lost time.

I'm working on a few real posts, so stay tuned!

The Old Mansfield Reformatory

2009-08-01T08:23:00.000-04:00

I know this may sound strange, but last weekend I took my two nieces and my nephew to jail. Actually, it was to the Old Mansfield Reformatory.

We thought it would be cool. Not only does the prison have its own, original history, but its post life is fascinating! After the prison closed in the early 1990s, several movies were filmed on location, including Shawshank Redemption. It is also reported to be haunted.

So, last Sunday, we loaded up the kids and we had a blast!

The outside of the prison is beautiful. We all agreed that it looks like a resort. There is even a lake out front.

There are three separate tours available. And, all of the tour guides are volunteers. This allows the ticket price to go towards renovation. Unfortunately, our tour guide wasn't that talkative. We learned more from the Internet. However, the kids loved it!

We recommend this quick trip. So, grab the family and go to jail! Just kidding! But, it was a lot of fun and it was a unique experience with so much history and pop culture. (Want to see more photos? Check out the flickr photo set!)

Happy Belated Birthday, Dion!

2009-07-19T21:56:00.000-04:00

July 18th was the 70th birthday for Dion (as in Dion and the Belmonts.) About 15 years ago, I had the priviledge to open for him. He is an amazing, and nice, man! I hope he had a great birthday!

-Bill

Ohio State Fair

2009-07-15T16:51:00.000-04:00

The Ohio State Fair brings back such great memories. Bill's mom would take him each summer. She always wanted to arrive as soon as it opened and didn't want to leave until it was dark. Sometimes, Bill had a difficult time keeping up with her! Bill misses her and those long days.

It may have been awhile since you last attended the state fair. However, this summer may just be the year to get reacquainted. Consider attending the fair, which runs July 29 to August 9.

The Best Kept Secret

Bill has been performing at the fair since 1982. While he has played at the Main Stage, he loves the stage in the Natural Resources area. Imagine a cool, quiet park in the middle of the fair grounds...you have the Natural Resources area. It is probably one of the best kept secrets at the fair. It's a great place to cool off and have a quiet moment! And, if you come on the right day, you can catch one of Bill's performances! Make sure you grab a sweet tea, roasted corn or anything on a stick and bring it over to the Natural Resources area on the fairgrounds. If you need suggestions on the best vendors, Bill can be your guide to on-a-stick eating! These are his favorites!

Bill's Schedule at the Ohio State Fair

July 29 at 1:30PM

July 30 at 1:00PM

August 3rd at 1:30PM

August 5th at 1:00PM

August 6th at 1:00PM

August 9 at 1:30PM

Directions: Has it been awhile since you went to the Ohio State Fair? Need directions? Check out the directions on the fair website and related parking map.

Fundraiser in Urbana

2009-07-12T17:03:00.001-04:00

Last night, the band performed at an outdoor fundraiser at Heartland of Urbana. It was a great show! The guys were fantastic! The crowd was so nice. I think they were able to really raise some funds.

Yet again, everything came together for a wonderful event. I have a few photos that I'll post to Flickr in the next few days.

Thanks to everyone that supported the fundraiser. It was a worthy cause.

Thanks! Have a great week.
Bill

History in Richmond!

2009-07-10T19:30:00.000-04:00

Well, the history geeks are at it again! On the way to Colonial Williamsburg to perform with my band, we stopped off in Lexington and Richmond, Virginia. While in both cities, I had time to visit two important cemeteries.

The first, in Lexington, had the graves of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. (I do say graves becomes he was moved after his initial internment.)

The Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond is an amazing place. If you are in the area, you should make this a stop. It is the final resting place for Gen. George Pickett, Jefferson Davis and Fitzhugh Lee.

You will also find the graves of President Tyler and President Monroe.

An ironic twist - Across from Jefferson Davis' statute is the following grave...

Fireworks and Miracles!

2009-07-08T18:58:00.000-04:00

I have finally had a chance to upload the photo to go with this post!

Those in Columbus probably know that The Miracles, of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, were in town for two shows on the 4th of July. They performed at the newly renovated Lincoln Theatre. Unfortunately, I was already booked and wasn't able to attend. However, I am positive they had great shows.

For me, it was cool to look out and find them in the audience during Red, White and Boom. What can I say? It was such a humbling experience to be performing with my band while they watched. Of course, their chair dancing was just pure pleasure!

Of course, it was even cooler to have a chance to meet them after the show. They were incredibly nice. They even obliged me with a photo.

With out further delay...

*They were impeccably dressed!

Red, White and Boom!

2009-07-03T18:59:00.001-04:00

While everyone enjoys the 4th for time off work, I playing with my band. We perform at the Confluence Park Restaurant as part of their Red, White and Boom celebration. As I've said hundreds of times, I love my job because it doesn't feel like a job. I am so blessed to spend the evening making music with such talented people!

Of course, I also am reminded of an important moment in history on the 3rd - Pickett's Charge in the Battle of Gettysburg. As I was setting up at 3:00PM today, I couldn't help but remember.

I hope everyone spends today enjoying what they are doing. And, please, take a moment to remember a little bit of history.

Happy 3rd!

Great birthdays!

2009-05-31T13:07:00.001-04:00

So, today is my birthday. Things have been hectic and we didn't have plans for today.

Instead, we slept in to 9 AM and made a quick decision to go to Kings Island for the day. It has been few years. I forgot how fun it can be!

The day is off to a great start...and I'm eating and riding my way through the park!

See you here!

Yum - My Eating Feast Comes to an End

2009-05-17T08:14:00.001-04:00

I couldn't do a new post late yesterday. It hasn't a connection problem. I simply ate too much.

I finished up the day with the best turkey sandwich, homemade ice cream and a full dinner. I had 2 pieces of shoo-fly pie that left me speachless - mainly from eating too much.

The good news is that it won't end! We bought cheeses, whoopie pies, carmel kettle corn, kettle chips and more to take home with us!

I can't wait!

Next time, you should be here!

Hot, hot mustard

2009-05-16T11:39:00.001-04:00

Just went to the Intercourse Pretzel Company. They have the BEST pretzels. Of course, we ate again. Is that 10lbs for the trip?

This time, I tried the Hot, Hot Mustard. Let me tell you, it was HOT! (I can breathe so much better now!)

Well, we are off to Blue Ball.

Post more later!