Monkees updates and the Live Almanac goes on vacation!

(Designed and contributed to The Monkees Live Almanac by SirQ)

Hello everyone,

The Monkees Live Almanac is going on a two week vacation! I am currently at the beach enjoying some beautiful weather and sunshine. It's been a busy month around the site with the opening of "The Mike & Micky Show" back on June 1 in Chandler, Arizona. As we all know, the tour progressed through a dozen other cities before unfortunately coming to an early close in Philadelphia on June 21 as a result of Michael Nesmith falling ill before that evening's performance. All together, the final four dates of the tour were ultimately postponed. More importantly, I know I can speak for all Monkees fans in saying that we wish Nez a speedy recovery and some rest and relaxation. 

"The Mike & Micky Show" provided Monkees fans with one of the more unique concert events in the group's history. Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith delivered a wholly fresh show complete with a set list full of deep cuts that exceeded expectations, a crack band, and some fresh arrangements, too.  If more information becomes available about rescheduled dates while I'm on vacation, or any other pertinent Monkees-related news arises, I will share all of those updates here on the blog. ​

If you are a SiriusXM subscriber, tune in tonight to hear Micky and Michael join Dwight Yoakam on his Greater Bakersfield show. This appearance was taped back in the spring, and Part 1 aired on June 20. 

As we begin the summer months, a reminder that Micky Dolenz will be appearing at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 1 to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" before the start of the Phillies-Nationals game at 1:35pm. Tickets are now on sale, and Jodi Ritzen is offering a special package where you can spend the game with Micky and his family inside the Bill Giles suite, complete with food and drink and autograph opportunities. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I can say from many personal experiences that Citizens Bank is a great ballpark to enjoy a baseball game!

Micky will also be appearing at Northeast Comic & Collectibles Extravaganza in Boxboro, Massachusetts on July 6-8, while attending a special screening of Head in nearby Arlington on July 6. Micky doesn't have any solo concerts on the books until August. And a special congratulations to the Dolenz family as Micky's new grandson, Huxley Elliott Brenner, was born to parents Emily (Dolenz) Brenner and husband William.

Have you checked out the wealth of bonus tracks on the new reissues of Michael Nesmith's RCA albums from the early 1970s? Brian Marchese wrote an essay to guide you through these gems! Don't forget about the trilogy of First National Band albums available on colored vinyl from Sundazed, too. And if you are looking to do some summer reading, Michael's Infinite Tuesday is now available in paperback.

Peter Tork has maintained somewhat of a low profile lately, but his latest album with Shoe Suede Blues, Relax Your Mind, a tribute to Lead Belly, is now available on compact disc at CD Baby. You can also download Relax Your Mind on CDBaby, BandCamp, Amazon, and iTunes.

The daughters of Davy Jones (all girls, as Davy was fond of joking), Talia Jones Roston, Sarah Jones McFadden, Jessica Cramer Jones, and Annabel Jones, recently announced the formation of Along Came Jones Media that will work to preserve Davy's legacy. Stop by the organization's website to sign up for exclusive news updates, and like their page on Facebook.

And don't forget about the recent and future releases by our friends at 7a Records. Their current Davy Jones single, "Rainbows," is now available, and pre-orders are being accepted for Michael Nesmith & The First National Band Redux Live at The Troubadour.  There's also Micky Dolenz & The Metropole Orchestra: Out of Nowhere on both compact disc and vinyl.

Although things will be more quiet than usual around the blog over the next couple of weeks, the Live Almanac's Twitter and Facebook feeds will continue to be updated, so be sure to follow the site on those platforms!

​As always, thanks for supporting The Monkees Live Almanac.