October 31, 2006     Robby in Golf Digest
Robby Krieger's love for (and skill at) golfing gets him included in a story called "Top 100 In Music" in the November 7th issue of Golf Digest about musician golfers and their handicaps.  read story

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October 30, 2006     today's news story about upcoming events
A pretty nice news story was being carried on the news services today.  It summarizes the band's prior renaissances in popularity; the new coffee table book (due out November 7th but already available at some stores);  the "Perception" box set due out on November 21st; and other projects in the works.  The big event on the Sunset Strip on November 8th is also re-capped.   read it

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October 29, 2006     American Songwriter Magazine
American Songwriter magazine is finally popping up on the magazine racks at Borders Books and Barnes & Noble.   If you aren't sure what to look for in the sea of magazines on the racks, it has a green background that makes it easier to find.   See the cover at:  http://americansongwriter.com/

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October 25, 2006    Danny Sugerman book re-released <> The Cult show to be filmed <> Jim Coke exhibit <> November 8th suggestions
The Doors:  The Illustrated Lyrics by the late Danny Sugerman is being released with a new cover by Hyperion Books.   According to Amazon.com the street date for this book is November 7th, although I saw it today at a Barnes & Noble bookstore.

Ian Astbury and The Cult have been touring all through 2006 while Riders On The Storm have taken a break for most of the year.   A recently added date to The Cult tour is NYC's Irving Plaza on November 13th.  A news story today reports that the New York show will be film in high def.  For all the latest Cult news, check their website at:  www.thecult.us    To read the story, go to:  http://www.livedaily.com/news/The_Cult_to_film_newly_added_Big_Apple_concert-10916.html?t=98

Doors photographer Jim Coke has announced a gallery exhibit entitled "Prime Mover" at the J. Moore Gallery in Seal Beach, California.  The exhibit will display traditional and digital images by Jim Coke of The Doors at Devonshire Downs, L.A. on July 15, 1967.  The opening party is Saturday, November 4 from 6pm to 10pm, with spoken word and music by Chris Boyle at 7pm.  The exhibit closes on December 16.   For gallery info, call:  562/430-8861.

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October 24, 2006     Ray press release <> Megacalendars Doors calendar cancelled
A Ray Manzarek press release today summarizes his most recent solo projects, namely, his novel called 'Snake Moon' and his CD collaboration called 'Atonal Head' with jazz musician Bal.   read it

On October 11th I reported about a company in Florida called Megacalendars that was taking orders for 2007 Doors calendars.   Unfortunately, today I got an email from them that the 2007 Doors calendar has been cancelled by its publisher.   At this point, it appears there may be no 2007 Doors calendar for fans available.  If anyone gets wind of one being sold anywhere, please send me the information so I can share it on this site.

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October 23, 2006     John at L.A. Central Library tonight <> American Songwriter Magazine is out <> Benvenuto will be open on November 8th during the day
John Densmore participated in a program this evening at the L.A. Central Library.   There was a screening of a film by Kevan Jenson called "Surfing L.A." which featured psychologist and author James Hillman, author and novelist Michael Ventura, and John Densmore riding about L.A. in a van and telling stories and reminisces.  Jenson, Hillman and Densmore were all on hand for the screening and then took questions from the audience.   John ended the program with a recital of a poem called "Bones Of My Father" by Etheridge Knight while playing a hand drum. 

American Songwriter magazine, November-December 2006 issue, is finally out on magazine stands.  I found two copies today at Book Soup in Hollywood, but my local Borders Books still does not have it.   Besides the band getting the cover, the feature inside covers 9 pages.   There is even a full-page ad for Doors Collectors Magazine (found at www.doors.com).   I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I wanted to alert fans that the magazine is available now at some magazine stands.

Benvenuto will be open during the day on Wednesday, November 8th.  Normally they open at 5:00 p.m. for dinner, but they will be open for lunch and all afternoon for fans who want to visit the location, have lunch or an early dinner there before heading up to the Sunset Strip for the festivities.  It'll be a great spot for fans to meet up with each other that day!   I know I'll be there to meet up with friends.

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October 22, 2006     another coffee table book for charity <> Jim costume on eBay
Another copy of "The Doors By The Doors" coffee table book signed by all the band members is on eBay currently in an auction to benefit Cure For Cancer, a non-profit 501c3 charity.  I guess just keep checking that seller's auctions for possible additional copies listed as each auction ends.  Check out the latest eBay auction  #150047451146

Sometimes, eBay auctions just take your breath away.   A recently ended auction for a 'complete costume' for Jim Morrison ended at $825.00 ... beyond bizarre.   One of the close-up photos even added an imaginary enhancement.   Check it out at #330038866668    (thanks, Mike)

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October 20, 2006     Doors interviews on NPR <> coffee table book on eBay for charity
Public radio NPR has several Doors interviews on today's programming.  Ray Manzarek, Jac Holzman and John Densmore interviews are all on the Fresh Air show which can be listened to on-line.  Check it out at:  http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=13

A copy of "The Doors By The Doors" coffee table book signed by all the band members is on eBay currently in an auction to benefit Cure For Cancer, a non-profit 501c3 charity.   The book is due out on Tuesday November 7th, and the auction description indicates the book will be signed by all the band members on November 8th, the date of the celebration on the Sunset Strip to launch the 40th anniversary.  If you are unable to be on the Sunset Strip but want to get a signed copy -- plus support a charitable organization -- this auction may be for you.  This auction ends in less than 24 hours, but maybe the charity will have multiple books to auction off (I don't know, I'm speculating).  Check out eBay auction #150047450212.  (thanks, Mat)

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October 19, 2006     Benvenuto may open early on November 8th <> Billings, Montana class to study The Doors
Yesterday I stopped into Benvenuto Caffe, the site of the former Doors office and rehearsal space at 8512 Santa Monica Boulevard, to ensure that the manager was aware of the Doors-related activity on the Sunset Strip on November 8th.   Normally the restaurant is only open for dinner beginning at 5:00 p.m.   There is now a chance that the restaurant will be open for lunch and through the afternoon on November 8th to enable out-of-town fans to visit the location for lunch and/or cocktails.   The manager will let me know for certain about that.  If Benvenuto does plan to open during the day on November 8th, I will report it here as well as on the link above with details of the events on that date.

The history and music of The Doors will be the subject of a 90-minute class at Montana State University-Billings on October 25th.  The instructor will delve into the factors that made these four men so unique and their music so timeless.  Interesting!   This story comes from:  http://www.billingsnews.com/story?storyid=21165&issue=354

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October 18, 2006     Tribaljazz CD is out <> Rock Hall exhibit
John Densmore's Tribaljazz released their debut album yesterday on Hidden Beach Records.  For more information, visit the band's website at:  http://tribaljazzlive.com/

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland's forthcoming year-long exhibit on The Doors got a write-up in today's Cleveland Plains Dealer.   read it

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October 15, 2006     Ray at Mill Valley Film Festival <> i-94 website update
Ray Manzarek performed last night along with Michael McClure and others at the Throckmorton Theater in Mill Valley, California.  It was the last night before the closing of the Mill Valley Film Festival.   My friend Beverly and I attended this event.  To read a brief write-up and see some photos, go here

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October 13, 2006     Riders On The Storm return to Europe
Riders On The Storm will return to Europe for 13 dates in late December and through mid-January, according to the announcement just released from the Robby Krieger mailing list.   Starting in Glasgow on December 29th, the band then plays two nights at the Roundhouse in London on December 30 and 31st (New Years Eve!!).  Continuing in England, January 2 puts them in Wolverhampton, and January 3 in Manchester.  January 4 they will play Amsterdam;  January 6 in Copenhagen;  January 7 in Oslo, Norway;  January 9 in Antwerp, Belgium;  January 10 in Zurich;  January 12 in San Sebastion, Spain;  January 13 in Lisbon, Portugal;  and last, January 15 in Athens, Greece.   These dates will be added to the upcoming events calendar and more information will be added as it becomes available.  I do not have on-sale information, so please check the venue sites.

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October 12, 2006     Tribaljazz pre-order
John Densmore's Tribaljazz CD, due for release next week on October 17, can be pre-ordered for $13.29 from CDUniversal.com ... to check it out, go to:  www.cduniverse.com   (thanks, Jim)

October 9, 2006     information about the November 8th booksigning <> Book Soup book purchase & ticket <> Ray interview in Napa
According to Book Soup, the band members will not be selling any 'signed stock' that can be ordered and shipped to faraway fans.  If this changes, I will report on that here.  Also, the current plan is that the band will sign only one book per person.  I do not yet know about a limit on the amount of memorabilia that a fan can ask to get signed, but I imagine there will be one.   More details when available!   Keep checking the link above for updates on the event.

Book Soup will be issuing a 'ticket' when fans buy the book through them which will insure them of getting it signed.  Surely all fans with books will get them signed, but perhaps the ticket gives priority to those folks holding Book Soup's tickets.  Stay tuned for more details as they filter in!

Ray Manzarek did an interview with the Napa Valley Registry in connection with his forthcoming appearance at the Napa Valley Opera House on November 2nd.  For more info or to buy tickets, go to:   http://www.nvch.org/   Ray sure likes to keep busy!  This coming weekend he will be in a program along with rock journalist Ben Fong-Torres, at the 142 Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley, California for an evening of clips and conversation about their upcoming book, "The Doors by the Doors." The evening concludes with a live performance by Manzarek, Beat poet Michael McClure and virtuoso bassist Rob Wasserman.  This event is part of the 29th Mill Valley Film Festival, opening October 5 and running through October 15.   more info   

October 4, 2006     Ray at upcoming Napa charity event <> Robby at Bay Area charity event <> Tribaljazz video <> Morrison Hotel Gallery benefit
Ray Manzarek will perform and share memories of Jim Morrison and life with The Doors on Thursday, November 2nd at 7:30 p.m. at the Napa Valley Opera House.  Proceeds of the event will benefit Napa Valley Community Housing and its mission to build and manage quality affordable housing in Napa County.   There will be a silent auction featuring select Napa wines, items signed by Ray, gift baskets and memorabilia of The Doors.  General admission tickets are $40. each.  For more info or to buy tickets, go to:   http://www.nvch.org/

Robby Krieger is one of the guest musicians who will perform at An All-Star Tribute to San Francisco Music, Past and Future, a private music industry concert tomorrow night in San Francisco.  The private concert is to raise funds for Bay Area music education and musician disaster relief.  Robby and other musicians such as Scott Weiland, Stephan Jenkins, Steve Jones and Mark McGrath will be offering their own renditions of hits by Bay Area artists for this charitable cause.  This news is according to a story from the SF Gate at:  http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/10/04/DDGH8LH5SS1.DTL&feed=rss.entertainment

John Densmore's Tribaljazz release is scheduled for October 17th.  You can find a video on the Tribaljazz website featuring a collage of live performances, most of them from the band's two performances at the L. A. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).  To see the video, go to:  http://tribaljazzlive.com/video.htm

Morrison Hotel Gallery will be hosting the 2nd Annual Rock for MS on October 10th at the Stephan Weiss Gallery in NYC's Greenwich Village.  Rock For MS is a fundraiser for MSFriends, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis.  Doors photographer Jim Marshall will be among the photographers on hand for the event.  For more info, go here

October 3, 2006     The Doors return to the Sunset Strip (together)
THIS IS THE BIG NEWS ...  the event we have been waiting for!  The Doors will get together on Wednesday, November 8th on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood to launch a yearlong celebration of the 40th anniversary.  It sounds to be quite a night, one not to be missed!  At approximately 8pm, the band will be honored by a plaque unveiling ceremony at the Whisky.  The Whisky is getting a "Landmark Plaque" to commemorate its contribution to Rock and Roll history.  The evening will be emceed by author Ben Fong-Torres.  Throughout the evening, the band members will be available at three Doors-significant locations along a one-block long stretch of the Sunset Strip.  Robby will be at the Whisky for a listening party previewing the November 21st release of "Perception."   Next door to the Whisky is The Cat Club, the former home of The London Fog.  There, Ray will host a mini-version of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame exhibit that opens May 25, 2007.   John will be across the street and down the block at Book Soup, formerly the site of the Cinematheque 16 movie house, where he will facilitate a memorial tribute reading of Jim's poetry by Perry Farrell and others.  All three band members will be available to sign "The Doors By The Doors," the coffee table book that will be released the previous day, on Tuesday, November 7th.  Book sale tables will be at the Whisky and Cat Club.  I happen to know that Book Soup is already accepting pre-orders to reserve a copy at the store.  The event will be broadcast live by Doors fan & friend Jim Ladd of 95.5 KLOS radio in L.A.  This is going to be quite a night.  (What an understatement that was!)   More details will be added here soon.