I wonder how many people went to KFOG's Concert for Kids last night in San Francisco thinking -- for even a moment -- that they were going to hear Jethro Tull in concert. One of the three bands that performed at The Masonic on Saturday, November 3rd, 2005 was a group from the U.K. called Aqualung led by a British gent named Matt Hales.

K.T. Tunstall was the first to perform. However, we were having such a nice dinner with our guests Sarah Ahles and Derek Baker at L'Ottavo Ristorante that we missed her entire set. Next time!

Fortunately, we arrived well before the beginning of Aqualung's performance. Their last song alone was worth the price of admission. Hales' sense of humor and entertaining personality were an added bonus.

To be honest, I had come to hear Madeleine Peyroux. However, I went home a bigger Aqualung fan.

Madeleine Peyroux (pronounced like the country Peru) has a unique sound whose music we served along with Thanksgiving dinner last Thursday. Everyone loved her acoustic blues, country ballads and classic jazz vintage voice.

In person, she ought to lose the guitar, focus on showcasing her gorgeous voice, dress up in black velvet, and take a few lessons from Hale on interacting with her audience. If I was her manager, that's the advice I'd give her.

Peyroux had no trouble showing off her stilettos and her voice. However, it took about four songs before she said one word to her audience. As much as we love her music, her in-person style was awkward.

The thing that was even more amazing than Madeleine's persona was the behavior of those who decided to depart after Aqualung's performance.

After one, two, three, and four of Peyroux's songs, the audience began leaving in droves. As the doors opened to let them out, the energy in the Masonic got sucked out with them.

We wondered if it could have been that KFOG's audience is almost only interested in rock. Aqualung certainly fits that bill to a "t". So, what were they thinking when they made Peyroux the headliner of the night?

Unless you were there, one of those who left, and offer a comment below as to why, we will never know.

Better yet, tell us what you did like about the concert.

Some call Peyroux a modern-day Billie Holiday. Others often think they are listening to Norah Jones. In a current Dockers commercial where a man and woman catch sight of each other on passing San Francisco streetcars, the background music is neither Holiday nor Jones. It is Madeleine Peyroux.

Her latest album, Careless Love was released on September 14, 2004. This CD took eight years to make. Her debut album, Dreamland came out on October 1st, 1996.

Her next two performances will be in Portland, Oregon and Denver, Colorado.

Madeleine In Concert - Tuesday 12.06.05 9pm

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Portland, Oregon

Friday 12.09.05 9pm

Paramount Theater
1621 Glenarm Place
Denver, CO

After KFOG's Concert 4 Kids, we walked over to The Fairmont Hotel for a nightcap and a moment to "process" the mostly strange experience we had just had.

I walked out of the Masonic and was instantly in the mood for a Smith & Kerns. I hadn't ordered a Smith & Kerns in ten years; I was amazed I could even remember the name of my old favorite drink.

I was also yearning for a dose of the old Pearl Street jazz club on Union in Cow Hollow. Unfortunately, The Fairmont didn't have any music playing. However, the people-watching was superb. Most everyone was in a ball gown or a tuxedo; that is -- except for us.

The Morning After

At 7am on Sunday morning -- just as the sun was beginning to rise -- we tuned into KFOG's Acoustic Sunrise.

Actually, unexpectedly (after being up until 1am) we began listening to fabulous Cuban music at around 6am.

At 8:42am it was a treat to hear Aqualung's hit song, Brighter Than Sunshine.

Twelve hours later we were listening to KFOG again while wrapping Christmas presents. Matt Hales came on followed by Madeleine. We got to hear a number of their phenomenal songs. Both musicians sound incredible on the radio.

The memory of Hales' impromptu song in the middle of his Brighter Than Sunshine performance brought a smile to my face. We were glad to have experienced Aqualung -- live.

Madeleine Peyroux

The morning and night after, we are also glad Madeleine Peyroux continues to sound stunning on one of our favorite San Francisco radio stations.

To learn more about Madeleine, please explore:

To learn more about Aqualung's Matt Hales, his brother, Ben, and the band please go to:

About KFOG's Concert For Kids

KFOG's Concert for Kids is a benefit for the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation and Toys for Tots.

Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped book or toy for the Marines' Toys for Tots Program.

Since their inception, KFOG's Concert for Kids shows have been the largest single collection event for the Marines' Toys for Tots Program in Northern California.

Last night, the Marines had to go get another truck to load all the toys that were brought to the concert.

Way to go San Francisco!

If you missed the concert but love Madeleine Peyroux and Aqualung, may we recommend KFOG's 12th edition of "Live From the Archives?"

The CD is available at Tower Records and online via Tower.com.

Sales benefit the San Francisco Food Bank.

Artists include Ray LaMontagne, Aqualung, Madeleine Peyroux, John Butler Trio, Amos Lee, and one of my top-top favorites, Jamie Cullum.

I know where I'm going to get Christmas presents. Straight to Tower Records!

Thanks to KFOG for a beautiful and strange night. And thank you for creating the latest "Live of the Archives" CD. Hopefully, seventeen people will be thanking me after the holidays for this gift.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, "a feeling in your soul" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King, Rugged Elegance, LLC