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Air Supply will bring classic hits and new music to the Weinberg Center

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the May 28, 2026 edition of Frederick News-Post’s entertainment magazine “Prime Time.”

Air Supply, the sentimental balladeers of ‘80s power love songs, brings all their romantic hits to the Weinberg Center for the Arts on Wednesday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. The concert promises all their legendary hits plus some original music from their new album.

In the 1980s, there was never any mistaking the iconic music of Air Supply. They were that distinctive and that good.

Their love songs either wallowed in heartache or soared triumphantly in bliss. They perfected their craft so totally that there didn’t have to be anything else. They proudly inherited the reliable love-song hit-maker mantle from the likes of Barry Manilow, Barry White and Al Green from the ‘70s.

As far as best duos ever, they’re easily above Hall and Oates, Loggins and Messina and Seals and Crofts — but perhaps just a notch behind all-time greats Simon and Garfunkel, The Everly Brothers and The Carpenters.

ORIGINS

English singer-songwriter and guitarist Graham Russell and Australian singer Russell Hitchcock comprise Air Supply. They formed the group along with a backing band in Melbourne, Australia in 1975 while singing in the chorus of the Australian production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

“We’ve always had a great band with us but, really, it’s just Russell [Hitchcock] and me as Air Supply,” said Graham Russell. “In the very early years, it would just be the two of us playing acoustically. We’d play little clubs after ‘Superstar.’ The two of us became very good at playing together.”

Forming a band in 1975 was a no-brainer, according to Graham Russell.

“We had so much in common when we met — born three days apart, have very similar names, and we both loved the Beatles. We saw them when we were 14. I’ve always been a songwriter and when I heard Russell’s voice I thought, ‘Oh, here we go. This is the voice I need for my songs.’ It just fell into place so naturally. Russell doesn’t write songs. He just wanted to sing. And I just wanted to write songs. So, it was the perfect scenario. I said ‘let’s form a band’ and he said ‘okay, let’s do it.’ It was that simple.”

NAME THAT BAND

Coming up with a name for the band was not so simple, however.

If you thought the name “Air Supply” was a carefully invented phrase designed to connote love being in the air with Graham and Russell supplying it, you would be wrong. That was a popular misconception in the early ‘80s. Instead, Graham recounts how a pressing deadline and a strange dream led to the iconic name.

“Our first record was coming out and we didn’t have a name. The record company said, ‘You’ve got to have a name by the morning because we’re going to press the record.’ Nobody knew who we were, of course. That night I had a dream and saw a big giant billboard with flashing lights all around it. And in the middle were two words in big, black letters — Air Supply. I told Russell the next morning about this weird dream and the two words and he said ‘let’s go with it.’ So, we went with it and it just clicked. It became synonymous with our kind of music. We were never strong planners; we kind of let the universe unfold. We are blessed in this weird way.”

CELEBRATING THE BIG 5-0

Air Supply is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025 and 2026 with a worldwide tour and new album, “A Matter of Time,” their first album of new music in 15 years.

Graham Russell is proud of the new album. “We both believe it’s the best album we’ve ever made. Whether people hear it or not, I don’t know, but that’s not important to us because we wanted to make one more and this will be the last. It’s a beautiful, beautiful record and we’re very proud of it. We wanted to go out in a really nice way.”

Prolific tourers throughout their career, Graham and Russell will have played sold-out concerts across North America, Australia, Europe, Asia and South America before landing in Frederick on June 3. “Our first show in Buenos Aires in May will make 5,700 shows we’ve played in our career. I think that’s more than any other band in history, but I’m not sure. We simply love to play!” said Graham Russell.

UNMISTAKABLE MUSICAL STYLE

Air Supply caught lightning in a bottle by becoming synonymous with ‘80s love songs. Their reliably romantic hits tugged relentlessly at the heartstrings of fans. They didn’t set out to be that type of band. It just happened, according to Graham Russell.

“We never sat down and said ‘let’s go down this romantic love songs lane.’ That was just the kind of people we were and the songs that I wrote. I’ve always been this way since I was 13. I’ve always written very romantic songs. But consequently, people latched onto it. They’re very passionate and very emotional, bordering on the spiritual. We don’t have to work really hard at it. It’s just there all the time.”

Air Supply’s biggest fans are known as Air Heads. Graham Russell is appreciative of their devotion. “The fans seem to stick with us for years and years. There are millions and millions around the world. It’s become this kind of enterprise of romantic music. It’s quite amazing.”

Graham Russell is the songwriter and guitarist of the two. He is widely respected in songwriting circles for his heartfelt lyrics and tender music. Russell Hitchcock is the lead singer, known for his crisp, soaring and emotional vocals. His sweet and sentimental tenor makes Air Supply instantaneously recognizable and a staple of adult contemporary radio.

FAST FRIENDS

Graham insists he and Russell get along famously, having never argued in their 50-plus-year friendship and partnership. “No, we have never had words. People don’t believe it, but if you think about it, Russell just wants to sing, and I just want to write the songs. I have no desire to be a lead singer. I sing on a lot of things but I’m not the lead singer. So, there’s no competition with us.”

“When we’re ready to make an album, I come along with about 30 songs and we go through them all and we record what we think is right for the moment. Russell always has first go at every song but quite often he’ll say ‘no, you should sing this.’ That was the case with ‘All Out of Love.’ It was supposed to be him singing all of it, but he said, ‘no, you should sing the verse’ and I did and the rest became history.”

Graham has a hard time understanding why some groups don’t get along.

“It’s weird because there were so many artists from our time — Hall and Oates included — that just don’t like each other. Simon and Garfunkel and the Eagles — they can’t stand each other. To us, that’s kind of weird because with our kind of music, which is professing staying together, love and romance, it would be too weird if we were at each other’s throats all the time. We have great respect for each other. I’ve known him for so long. We know each other backwards and forward. So, why argue?”

HIT MAKERS

Air Supply’s discography is beyond impressive.

Their string of consecutive top hits reads like a who’s who of romantic music. First came “Lost in Love” in 1980. The associated album, also called “Lost in Love,” was released in March and contained two other top-five U.S. singles: “Every Woman in the World” and “All Out of Love.”

In July 1981 Air Supply released the album “The One That You Love,” with the title track reaching number one soon after — the group’s only number-one song. The album produced two more U.S. top-five hits: “Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You)” and “Sweet Dreams.”

The album “Now and Forever” was released in June 1982 and continued the group’s dominance of the U.S. charts with the top-five hit “Even the Nights Are Better” and two top-40 singles, “Young Love” and “Two Less Lonely People in the World.”

In 1983 they released their first compilation album, “Air Supply’s Greatest Hits,” which included a new smash hit single, “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” that reached number two on the charts. Fans unfamiliar with Air Supply but wishing to sample their one-of-a-kind musical prowess should start there.

In 1985 the band released a self-titled album that included their last top-20 U.S. hit, “Just as I Am.” In 1986 they had their final charting hit, “Lonely Is the Night,” from the album “Hearts in Motion.”

All told, Air Supply racked up total record sales of over 100 million worldwide, including an astounding eight top-five hits in just six years and 11 total top-40 hits during that span.

Among their top honors are the 1982 American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Duo or Group and induction into the Australian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2026 they are due to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a biopic and Broadway musical about their career are in the works.

When asked why their songs are so enduring, Graham Russell paused, searching for an answer, before thoughtfully responding. “I think because they have an emotional element in them that people recognize. The songs are so simple. ‘Lost in Love,’ for instance, has four chords. There’s something in the songs that pulls at the heartstrings. I know what it is but I don’t know how it comes. I just write them that way. I had a very emotional childhood growing up and I think that really washed over me. I love poetry and reading so those elements come into the songs. The very romantic descriptions of things are always there.”

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.

From white collar to blue collar: Working in retirement

By Gary Bennett

Many people retire — and then choose to work. There are many resons for this.

This article appears in the Spring 2026 edition of Frederick News-Post’s “Prime Time” magazine.

I’ve gained a new appreciation for blue-collar workers ever since becoming one myself. Retirement has a way of opening your eyes that way.

It’s not that I didn’t appreciate what they do. I’ve heartily thanked the folks who come to my home and make my life better — electricians, plumbers, HVAC workers, carpenters, exterminators and painters. I’ve marveled at how quickly construction workers can raise up buildings. I’ve admired the grace and dexterity of heavy equipment operators. I’ve respected from afar the work of warehouse workers, baggage handlers, truck drivers, store clerks and more.

It’s just that I’ve always told myself that I’m perhaps a little smarter and planned ahead a little better than they did, especially when I see them toiling away in the elements, in someone else’s home or in a retail environment. You can call me naïve or arrogant for feeling this way, but I did.

The truth is, however, I secretly admired and was always intrigued by them.

What are their days like, I wondered? Does the physical work and fresh air make them healthier than me? Is their hands-on work more meaningful than my more esoteric work? Do they get paid better than me? Would I have the stamina to do the work they do every day?

It wouldn’t take me long to find the answers.

When I retired from my white-collar career in 2020, I suddenly had an empty slate. I knew I wanted to eventually continue working in some capacity. It’s not that I necessarily needed the money — of course every little bit helps — but I wanted to make sure I was busy and filled my days with meaningful tasks.

I suppose if I had a hobby I wanted to pursue with a vengeance or an aging parent I needed to take care of, I would have done those things. But that wasn’t the case for me.

For me, a fun, part-time job seemed like just the ticket for a happy and healthy retirement. I’m not alone.

WHY WORK IN RETIREMENT?

According to AARP, 20 to 25% of all retirees work part- or full-time in retirement. For new retirees — those mostly in their 60s like me — the percentage rises to about 33%.

In the future, it is estimated that the number of Gen X and Millennial retirees continuing to work will begin to approach 50%. Or as my 40-year-old son recently told me, “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to retire.”

It’s no wonder. Today, the working-in-retirement trend is driven largely by financial necessity. Social Security is not enough to get by on, and many folks spend every cent just surviving. They are unable to save for retirement.

But even if they have the money, retirees have other good reasons to continue working. Many want to maintain good emotional and social connections. Others wish to continue feeling useful. Still others want to keep exercising their brains to help ward off mental dysfunction.

I was able to retire early from my high-pressure, white-collar job at age 62. I had a decent 401(k), a paid-off home and good health. I was OK with taking minimum Social Security.

So, as a brand-new retiree, I began doing interesting things that filled my hours. I exercised in earnest, volunteered all around town, provided regular childcare for grandchildren and began writing. I even did a little traveling like new retirees are supposed to do. But for me, it still wasn’t enough. After about six months, I started to get the bug to work again.

I knew I didn’t want to continue in my chosen field, but I also knew I wanted to keep active and contribute to society in some meaningful way. Like a lot of older Americans, I see retirement as a flexible phase to do all those things I always wanted to do. To me, that meant a new job, albeit a fun and part-time one.

I had fantasies about what it would be like to work a blue-collar job that paid reasonably well but didn’t incur much stress or come with mountains of homework. To me, the folks working blue-collar jobs seemed happy and knew what they had accomplished at the end of the day. For me in my marketing and communications job with its demanding and high-powered clients? Not so much.

I didn’t have the stamina or mechanical ability to be a plumber, electrician, or construction worker. But I could drive! I fantasized about driving a big, 18-wheeler, heading out on the open road for weeks at a time with important cargo to deliver entrusted just to me. I would be my own boss. I would see the country.

Then reality kicked in.

Driving a big rig takes lots of training, means lots of responsibility and takes you away from your family for long stretches of time. After the romance wore out, I reasoned, the job would even be kind of lonely.

So, what kind of job could I do and what kind of an organization would want me anyway?

As it turned out, lots! In my case I used a connection my wife had and got a job delivering prescription medications two or three days a week for a local pharmacy. The hours are great — roughly 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — so I still get to have leisurely mornings and stress-free evenings.

Along with helping other people by bringing them something they want and need, I get to be my own boss (pretty much), drive around town in a sporty Ford Focus and get a little sunshine and exercise, too!

After four years of college, a master’s degree, a few awards and 40 years of increasing responsibility and experience as a white-collar professional, I am now a dyed-in-the-wool, blue-collar worker, and I love it!

JOBS FOR RETIREES

Being a delivery driver is not for everyone, of course. But I can tell you there are lots of opportunities out there for older workers. So, if you’ve been thinking about getting back in the job market, go for it!

But be careful. When choosing a job after retirement it’s important to consider your interests, skills and goals. You also want to make sure the job fits your lifestyle and schedule.

Thankfully, AARP has done the research.

Employers with the 15 jobs listed below alphabetically have high regard for retirees and stable, older workers. All offer part-time opportunities without requiring a college degree or a lot of experience. Most will train you. The average wage is in parentheses.

• Administrative assistant ($22.82 per hour)

• Customer service representative ($20.59 per hour)

• Data entry clerk ($20.22 per hour)

• Home health aide ($16.78 per hour)

• Nanny ($23.71 per hour)

• Pet groomer ($16.28 per hour)

• Real estate agent ($28.35 per hour)

• Receptionist ($17.90 per hour)

• Retail clerk ($20.50 per hour)

• School bus driver ($23.26 per hour)

• Secretary ($22.82 per hour)

• Security guard ($18.46 per hour)

• Shuttle driver ($17.62 per hour)

• Tutor ($21.55 per hour)

• Web designer ($45.85 per hour)

So, what have I learned?

You don’t have to be embarrassed by working in retirement. Chances are good your unemployed, retired friends will envy you. Your mind and body will thank you. And it’s a great time to reinvent yourself.

When looking, consider the solid benefits blue-collar work has over white-collar work. (These are generalities, of course.)

DESIRABLE TRAITS OF BLUE-COLLAR JOBS

• It’s easy to see what you’ve accomplished at the end of the day.

• There are not many people problems. That’s for the boss, right?

• People want to do a good job and heartily support others.

• There are no business trips. You can go home every evening.

• Getting light, physical exercise is good for you and a part of the deal.

• You must clock in, but when you’re done for the day, you’re done.

• There are no or little budgeting or bottom-line worries.

• You wear a uniform that is provided so there are no worries about clothes.

• The work does not have to be stressful unless you make it so.

• You mostly work near customers or in the great outdoors.

• There are no social worries. Just get the work done!

• You receive hourly wages, which are often quite good.

• Artificial Intelligence probably can’t take your place any time soon.

UNDESIRABLE TRAITS OF WHITE-COLLAR JOBS

• It’s hard to see what you’ve accomplished at the end of the day.

• If you’re the boss, people problems can wear you down.

• So many people seem to be overly concerned with getting ahead and getting credit.

• The business trips that seem fun at first can wear on you.

• There’s no clocking in — you can come and go as you please (pretty much) but you always have to be “on.”

• There are continuous budgeting and bottom-line worries.

• You must dress for success. That can be expensive.

• The work can be stressful.

• You must strike a fine balance between getting the work done and being a pleasant and available schmoozer.

• You receive a salary, which may not pay you all that well for the hours you actually work.

• Artificial Intelligence could absolutely do your job one day.

NEXT STEPS

As a vital, young retiree, you can get out of your comfort zone, reinvent yourself and try something different. Working in retirement can be fun. If you’ve been a white-collar worker your entire career, try a part-time, blue-collar job in retirement. You won’t regret it.

If you are a retiree in Maryland considering a new part- or full-time job, there are numerous available resources for you. You can contact your local senior center, your state’s Department of Aging or a staffing agency. Additionally, if you live in one of the many retirement communities in Maryland, the staff there may have resources to help you find a job that is right for you. And don’t forget your connections. Chances are they know of available jobs that are looking for someone just like you.

Bee Gees’ pop music is ‘Stayin’ Alive’ through tribute band

by Gary Bennett

Stayin’ Alive, a Bee Gees tribute band, will perform at the Weinberg Center for the Arts on April 24, 2026.

This article appears in April 23, 2026 edition of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Love them or hate them, the Bee Gees were one of the most culturally significant pop music acts ever — possibly second only to the Beatles.

When you look back over their extraordinary career, there’s really no other way to describe them. Their music and place in pop culture make them more than worthy of tributes.

If you’d like to relive their remarkable music or are simply curious, you can catch the tribute show Stayin’ Alive at the Weinberg Center for the Arts on April 24 at 7:30 pm.

The show is billed as a “full-on celebration of the Bee Gee’s unforgettable sound and style.” Three musical actors take on the Bee Gee’s personas and provide the look and sound that made them famous.

The real Bee Gees have a secure place in music history.

They ushered in the phenomenal but short-lived disco craze of the mid-to late-1970s. By 1980, disco music was waning, but for about five years, it was pervasive and universally loved or hated. The Bee Gees led the way.

They became the most successful disco artists of all time thanks to the 1977 movie “Saturday Night Fever.”

Even though they didn’t set out to be disco stars, once they realized what was happening, they leaned hard into it. Intoxicating as it was, it most certainly shortened their career.

Barry Gibb once said about this period: “Saturday Night Fever (the soundtrack) wasn’t just like a hit album. It was number one every single week for 25 weeks. It was just an amazing, crazy, extraordinary time. I remember not being able to answer the phone, and I remember people climbing over my walls. I was quite grateful when it stopped. It was too unreal.”

Along with picking the right artistic vehicle, the Bee Gees’ gift for melody, great songwriting (often done on the fly) and lush, three-part harmony made them stand out.

They certainly looked the part of disco stars. Their white, flowery shirts showing off plenty of chest hair, white bell bottoms, chains galore and gobs of perfectly quaffed, blow-dried hair screamed disco.

The oldest, Barry, was even blessed with movie-star good looks that made him a ‘70s heartthrob.

Up until the release of “Saturday Night Fever” in late 1977, the Bee Gees were a moderately successful act delivering harmonious ballads and what is now called “blue-eyed soul” music.

From 1966 to 1976, they produced pleasing pop tunes and well-regarded albums. From 1977 until about 1982, they became a cultural phenomenon and the most successful recording act in all the music business.

Their rise to stardom began with an oddly titled original song called “Spicks and Specs,” which was named Best Single of the Year in Australia for 1966.

At this point in their young lives — they were only 20 and 17 years old — the brothers were men of the world.

In 1958, they emigrated with their parents to Australia to escape a tough life in post-World War II England. In 1967, they were on their way to back to England to stay when their song hit it big.

From 1966 to 1974, they came up with enough charting singles to issue a greatest hits album. Had they never discovered disco, they would have had a perfectly fine, above average career.

In 1971, they scored their first number-one hit with “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” a lovesick account of lost love set to a beautiful melody.

The song helped them score a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 1972.

Later that year, they had a few other charting singles, but then the hits dried up. In 1973 and 1974, the Bee Gees had no charting singles and found themselves in a rut. They seemed to be nearly finished in the business.

Looking for a change, they moved to Miami in 1975 and decided to try more upbeat, dance-oriented songs. They were successful, coming up with their second number-one hit, “Jive Talkin’,” and a number-seven smash, “Nights on Broadway.”

The new album, “Main Course,” featured those songs and others with Barry using a high-pitched “falsetto” voice that he stumbled onto accidentally. It would become a trademark of the band from then on.

The band liked the new sound and fans agreed, sending “Main Course” to the top of the album chart.

In 1976, they followed up with another very good album, “Children of the World,” which spawned the hits “You Should be Dancing,” “Love So Right” and “Boogie Child.” The Bee Gees were on a clear upswing.

Later that year, they would make a decision that would supercharge their already positive trajectory.

They agreed to make the soundtrack to a modest, low-budget, disco-themed movie called “Saturday Night Fever,” starring a young TV heartthrob, John Travolta. It was a simple decision meant to continue the dance-oriented songs they were already doing. Little did they know what was about to happen.

The movie got off to a slow start. Critics panned it. But the soundtrack and resulting album propelled the movie, making it a cultural phenomenon.

The movie and music were everywhere in 1978. The public could not get enough. Largely because of the soundtrack, the movie ended up as the top grossing movie of 1978.

Astonishingly, the brothers wrote just about the entire soundtrack and all of the songs in a single weekend. This “Beatle-esque” burst of creativity in such a short period of time became legendary in music circles.

Barry Gibb remembered the reaction when producer Robert Stigwood and music supervisor Bill Oakes arrived and listened to the demos: “They flipped out and said these songs will be great. We still had no concept of the movie, except some kind of rough script that they’d brought with them.”

Three Bee Gees singles from the movie — “How Deep is Your Love,” “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever” — all hit number one in the U.S. In March 1978, the brothers held the top two positions with “Night Fever” and “Stayin’ Alive,” the first time that had happened since the Beatles.

They even penned hits for others during this time, including “If I Can’t Have You” for Yvonne Elliman, “Grease” for Frankie Valli and “Love is Thicker Than Water” for little brother Andy Gibb.

During this heady nine-month period beginning at Christmas 1977, seven songs written by the brothers held the number-one position in the charts for 27 consecutive weeks — a feat not even the Beatles achieved.

Five songs written by the Gibb brothers were in the U.S. top 10 at the same time. Barry Gibb became the only songwriter to have four consecutive number-one hits in the U.S., breaking a tie with John Lennon and Paul McCartney from 1964.

The movie soundtrack broke multiple industry records. With more than 40 million copies sold, “Saturday Night Fever” became the top selling movie soundtrack album of all time.

As of 2025, it is calculated to be the fourth highest selling album of any genre in music history. The Bee Gees won five Grammy Awards for “Saturday Night Fever” over two years.

But shortly after the awards were given, it all began to fade. Like a red-hot candle burning out quickly, perhaps it was inevitable.

They came up with one more critically acclaimed album in 1979, “Spirits Having Flown,” which spawned one big hit, “Too Much Heaven.”

But with disco on the way out, the Bee Gees’ success faded, too. The backlash against disco became so great in the 1980s that radio stations had Bee Gees-free weekends. Fans were even invited to come in and smash their disco albums with a hammer.

One last top 10 single came with the song “One,” but not until 1989.

After the Bee Gees settled into retirement, basking in their incredible career, disaster struck.

Maurice Gibb died unexpectedly in 2003, at age 53, from a heart attack. Robin Gibb died in 2012 from liver and kidney failure caused by liver cancer.

There would be no more Bee Gees reunions or valedictory tours. Seventy-nine-year-old Sir Barry Gibb is still with us, living quietly with his wife, Linda, in their Miami Beach waterfront mansion.

The Bee Gees legacy is more than secure.

They have been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1994), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1997) and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2001).

In 2002, all three brothers were appointed as Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), conferring the title “Sir” to each one.

In 2023, Barry Gibb became a Kennedy Center honoree for contributions to American culture. It is estimated that the Bee Gees have sold around 250 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling musical acts of all time.

Funny songs to tickle your ‘humorous’ bone

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the April 16, 2026 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Humor is a funny word. (Wait, let me rephrase that.)

The word actually began its long journey meaning something you’d never expect — it derives from the Latin for bodily fluid. Medieval medicine believed the body contained four primary fluids or “humors,” including blood, phlegm and two types of bile, thought to determine temperament. By the 16th century the term broadened to mean one’s moods or whims. Finally, by the late 17th century, humor arrived at its modern meaning: amusing or funny.

Humorist and author Larry Wilde, director of the Carmel Institute of Humor, declared April to be National Humor Month in 1976, which made abundant sense since April 1 had long been established as April Fool’s Day. Thereafter, April 19 was officially named Humorous Day — dedicated to having a good time and finding the bright side of even the toughest situation.

Science has confirmed that laughter is the best medicine. It allows us to breathe in more fresh air, boosts our heart rate, lowers blood pressure and stimulates our lungs and respiratory system. You can even burn calories and release physical tension when you laugh. Laughter strengthens relationships, too — it helps couples stay together longer, enhances parent/child bonding and makes friendships stronger.

So what can you do to get some of this good juju on Humorous Day?

You could binge-watch a great sitcom — “All in the Family,” “Cheers,” “Frasier,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Seinfeld,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “The Honeymooners” or “I Love Lucy.”

You could watch stand-up on YouTube from Jack Benny, George Carlin, Johnny Carson, Bill Cosby, Rodney Dangerfield, Jackie Gleason, Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy or Richard Pryor.

You could rent a great comedy — the American Film Institute recommends “Animal House,” “Caddyshack,” “Duck Soup,” “Elf,” “Ghostbusters,” “Home Alone,” “M*A*S*H,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Office Space,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Wayne’s World” and “Wedding Crashers.”

Or you could catch a live comedy show — The Comedy Pigs at MET, Comedy Fest at the Weinberg or the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour on April 23.

But for me, there’s nothing better than a great humorous song. Writing one is harder than it looks — that’s why so many “novelty” songs are cringe-worthy. You typically won’t get belly laughs from funny songs, but you will get heartwarming smiles for as long as you care to listen.

Below, I’ve listed some of my favorites alphabetically. Queue them up on your smart speaker for an hour and a half of Humorous Day listening pleasure. Did I miss any of yours?

A BOY NAMED SUE

Johnny Cash, 1969

Country superstar hit gold by going against type in this live, funny performance.

Funny lyric: “But the meanest thing that my daddy ever did / Was before he left, he went and named me Sue.”

COVER OF THE ROLLING STONE

Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, 1972

Satirical romp that mocks the music industry’s obsession with image and fame.

Funny lyric: “I got a freaky old lady name a Cocaine Katy who embroiders on my jeans / I got my poor old gray-haired daddy drivin’ my limousine.”

EAT IT

“Weird Al” Yankovic, 1984

The king of parodies had several but his best one riffs on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.”

Funny lyric: “Have some more yogurt / have some more Spam / It doesn’t matter if it’s fresh or canned / Just eat it.”

IF YOU WANNA BE HAPPY

Jimmy Soul, 1963

This No. 1 hit gave dubious advice that marrying an ugly woman is a safe bet.

Funny lyric: “Though her face is ugly, her eyes don’t match / Take it from me, she’s a better catch.”

I’M TOO SEXY

Right Said Fred, 1991

This all-time funniest karaoke-style song pokes fun at bodybuilders.

Funny lyric: “I’m too sexy for my shirt / Too sexy for my shirt / So sexy it hurts.”

IT WASN’T ME

Shaggy, 2000

This cheating anthem is a humorous guide to lying even when caught red-handed.

Funny lyric: “But she caught me on the counter (It wasn’t me) / I even had her in the shower (It wasn’t me.)”

KING TUT

Steve Martin, 1977

Comedy legend first performed this bizarre song on “Saturday Night Live.”

Funny lyric: “When I die, now don’t think I’m a nut / Don’t want no fancy funeral, just one like ole King Tut.”

MAMA TOLD ME NOT TO COME

Three Dog Night, 1970

Naive party-goer is shocked, shocked!, by what he sees at his first wild party.

Funny lyric: “The radio is blastin’, someone’s knockin’ at the door / I’m lookin’ at my girlfriend, she’s passed out on the floor.”

MARGARITAVILLE

Jimmy Buffett, 1977

The king of laid-back island rock gets wasted and half-laments a lost love.

Funny lyric: “I don’t know the reason, stayed here all season / With nothing to show but this brand-new tattoo.”

MY DING-A-LING

Chuck Berry, 1972

Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer had his biggest hit with this sly, double-entendre sing-along.

Funny lyric: “I fell so hard, I heard bells ring / But held onto my ding-a-ling-a-ling”

NO NO SONG

Ringo Starr, 1974

Ex-Beatle delivered a cheekily charming and exasperated anti-drug song.

Funny lyric: “And I said, ‘No, no, no, no, I don’t smoke it no more / I’m tired of waking up on the floor.’”

ONE WEEK

Barenaked Ladies, 1998

The Canadian pop rockers had several mischievous songs. This one tops the list.

Funny lyric: “Like Harrison Ford, I’m getting frantic / Like Sting, I’m tantric / Like Snickers, guaranteed to satisfy”

PURPLE PEOPLE EATER

Sheb Wooley, 1958

A perennial Halloween favorite that topped the charts.

Funny lyric: “But that’s not the reason that I came to land / I wanna get a job in a rock-and-roll band.”

THE STREAK

Ray Stevens, 1974

Of the many “streaking” songs of 1974, this one was at the top.

Funny lyric: “And here he come, right out of the cheap seats, dribbling / Didn’t have on nothing but his Keds.”

TELEPHONE MAN

Meri Wilson, 1977

Lighthearted, double-entendre song lampooning getting a phone installed.

Funny lyric: “Hey baby, I’m your telephone man / Show me where you want it and I’ll put it where I can.”

UNEASY RIDER

Charlie Daniels, 1973

A pot-smoking, long-haired hippie somehow escapes intact from a no-nonsense Southern bar.

Funny lyric: “Well they all started laughin’ and I felt kinda sick / And I knew I’d better think of somethin’ pretty quick / So I jes’ reached out an’ kicked ol’ green-teeth right in the knee.”

Grass Roots will bring timeless pop hits to the Weinberg

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the April 9, 2026 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

A question for baby boomers: What do ‘60s rock bands the Grass Roots and the Monkees have in common? Give up? They are two of the most successful but rare American bands formed not by their members, but by studio executives looking to cash in on a musical trend. Organic groups like the Beatles and Rolling Stones would shudder at the thought, but it worked out just fine for both.

In the case of the Monkees, the record label hoped they would become the American Beatles. The Monkees did well commercially and even critically at times, but of course no band could be the Beatles. In the case of the Grass Roots, Dunhill Records wanted to assemble a band to catch the budding folk-rock craze in 1965. Staff songwriters came up with the songs, an audition was held and soon the Grass Roots were born. The name was meant to connote ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And they sure did.

But let’s get one thing out of the way first. Although none of the original Grass Roots members are in the current lineup, it’s not fair to call them a tribute band. They are the Grass Roots. Three of the four members have been in the band for over 30 years, each personally recruited by founding member and lead vocalist Rob Grill. Grill played with the current lineup until his death in 2011 and turned over the name to them. The current members are Dusty Hanvey, Larry Nelson, Joe Dougherty and Mark Dawson. Critics agree they have stayed true to the songs and consistently earn good reviews.

You can catch the Grass Roots live at the Weinberg Center for the Arts 8 p.m. April 11. The show is part of the Weinberg’s LIVE! Series, celebrating iconic music and exceptional musicianship.

In their day, the Grass Roots were quite successful, reliably producing pleasing pop hits. From 1966 to 1975, they churned out songs that were not too dangerous or outlandish, but just right. Their relatively short run, and the fact that they spanned two different decades without dominating either, was detrimental to their legacy. They were like Three Dog Night and the Guess Who in that regard, just not quite as successful.

Although they never scored a No. 1 hit, the Grass Roots created six or seven instantly recognizable tunes that helped define the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Their catchy melodies and tight harmonies were good, but their unique brass section really set them apart — a novelty at the time, especially since jazz-rock groups like Chicago had yet to come along. The first few bars of “Let’s Live for Today,” “Midnight Confessions,” “I’d Wait a Million Years,” “Temptation Eyes,” “Sooner or Later” and “Two Divided by Love” always engender a strong response and get fans singing along.

AM radio play was a big factor in the Grass Roots’ success, too. They managed to become a disc jockey favorite and enjoyed frequent listener requests. From 1967 to 1972, the Grass Roots set a record for being on the Billboard chart for 307 consecutive weeks. They have sold over 20 million records worldwide, achieved one platinum album, two gold albums and 13 gold singles among their 20-odd chart hits.

Despite their success, the story of the Grass Roots is chaotic.

The original members who won the audition were all under 18, so their mothers had to sign their recording contracts. Soon after, the young artists — with studio executives calling the shots — compiled an album titled “Where Were You When I Needed You.” The album got little attention and disillusioned the band. Not enamored of folk rock in the first place, the group decided to return to San Francisco and perform the hard rock music they loved. Dunhill shrugged and opted to recruit another Grass Roots band in their place.

The next group of musicians to take the Grass Roots name included Rob Grill as bassist and lead vocalist. Grill became the face and voice of the Grass Roots on all their biggest hits until his death in 2011. In 1967, they put together “Let’s Live for Today” for their first single release. It became an iconic hit, reaching No. 8 on the charts — similar to the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” in that the song’s simple, timeless message and catchy hook turned it into a mantra for the youth of the day.

“Midnight Confessions” was next in 1968, shooting up to No. 5 — the highest chart position the group ever achieved. The song features intricate orchestration and a psychedelic organ sequence that makes it memorable. Quite often, when a movie or TV show needs a song to represent the vibe of the late ‘60s, “Midnight Confessions” is it.

In 1969, “I’d Wait a Million Years” became their third big hit, cementing the group as dependable hitmakers and a radio staple for years to come.

In 1970 and 1971, the group did not issue a new album other than a greatest hits compilation, but they did score a few more big singles. Staff songwriters gave them gems like “Baby Hold On,” “Temptation Eyes,” “Sooner or Later” and “Two Divided by Love.”

The group disbanded in 1975, but was restocked under Rob Grill’s guidance in the late 1980s. They no longer recorded but embarked on near-nonstop touring. Since then, the Grass Roots have played thousands of dates across the country to adoring fans.

In December 2015, the Grass Roots were inducted into the American Pop Music Hall of Fame, along with Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Neil Sedaka, the Association, Dion, the Lettermen, Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Temptations and Three Dog Night.

Keys and O’s together again: Owner talks Frederick, Orioles affiliation and refurbished ballpark ahead of home opener

By Gary Bennett

Rendering of aerial shot of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, April 2026.

This article appears in the April 9, 2026 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

No one is more excited about the Frederick Keys in 2026 than owner Greg Baroni.

Baroni is credited with bringing the Keys back into the Orioles’ family and driving the public-private partnership between his company, Attain Sports, the City of Frederick and the Maryland Stadium Authority to upgrade Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Together, the partners are overseeing a $39 million renovation that Major League Baseball requires of its minor league affiliates. Chances are you’ve seen the cranes, trucks and workers busily readying the stadium for months.

This season the Keys return as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, a spot they held from their inception in 1989 until 2020. From 2021 to 2025, the Keys played in the MLB Draft League, unaffiliated with any major league club. They will compete in the South Atlantic League this year.

The Keys opened their season April 3 on the road. Their first home game is 7 p.m. April 14 against the Hudson Valley Renegades at the newly renovated Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. All fans in attendance on opening night will receive a commemorative rally towel.

The excitement for 2026 is palpable. Headlining the roster is Nate George, the reigning Orioles Minor League Player of the Year who finished with a .337 batting average in 87 games during the 2025 season and now ranks as the top prospect in the Orioles system — with Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers, who previously ranked ahead of him, having graduated to the Baltimore roster. Other prospects to watch include Ike Irish — a versatile 2025 first-round pick who can play catcher, first base and outfield — Vance Honeycutt and left-handed pitcher Boston Bateman.

Keys owner Greg Baroni of Attain Sports.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

Along with the much-anticipated return to the O’s fold, players and fans alike will enjoy a refurbished stadium in 2026. “The improvements will ensure the ballpark meets MLB Professional Development League standards while enhancing the overall experience for players, fans and the broader community,” said Baroni. “The renovations will deliver state-of-the-art facilities that directly support players’ health, preparation and daily experience.”

While many of the upgrades — new clubhouses, batting cages and bullpens — are designed to support player development and were stipulated by Major League Baseball, many others are designed to improve fan experience.

“The reconfiguration of the stadium has allowed us to expand the concourse and rethink how fans move through and enjoy the ballpark. Fans can expect more room to move and gather. Additional seating options include drink rails and flexible social spaces, enhanced hospitality areas for groups and expanded concessions,” said Baroni. The carousel and play area down the right field foul line where kids and parents liked to congregate have been removed, however.

Beginning in 2026, the stadium will not just be used for baseball. Baroni and his team are actively exploring ways to make it a true year-round community asset, even bringing in a full-time staffer with expertise in venue programming to help make that happen.

“Our goal is to include a mix of youth sports, concerts, festivals and other local gatherings that bring people together in different ways throughout the year,” said Baroni. “And this is just the beginning. We’re committed to continuing the evolution of the ballpark so it remains a vibrant, year-round destination.”

In an interesting move, Baroni and the Keys are proposing to add signage to the stadium for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 24. City council and the mayor must approve the request, which seeks to add the electrical workers’ union logo to the new batting training building on the southern side of the stadium, plainly visible from I-70. Baroni is quick to assure fans that the name of the stadium will not change.

New social seating additions at Harry Grove Stadium.

“The Harry Grove name will absolutely continue. It reflects the history of the ballpark and the land donation that made it possible. We’re very intentional about the partners we bring into the ballpark. Our focus is on organizations that are deeply invested in the Frederick community.” The Nymeo Field moniker, added in 2015, will stick around, too. The city receives a portion of all naming rights revenue since Baroni and his company lease Harry Grove Stadium from the city.

ORIOLES MAGIC AGAIN

The stadium upgrade is exciting, but it probably wouldn’t have happened had Baroni been unsuccessful in getting the Orioles affiliation back in Frederick. Being a minor league affiliate of a major league club brings enormous player development responsibilities, of which no small part is the playing environment and training amenities.

But still, getting the Keys back to their High-A roots took some doing.

Baroni and his company purchased the Aberdeen IronBirds from the Ripken family in 2024. Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., the namesake for the Aberdeen team and stadium, sold his stake in the IronBirds after years of clashes with the city over lease agreements and stadium funding responsibilities. A crucial part of that deal returned the Orioles affiliation to Frederick and swapped the Draft League affiliation to the IronBirds — a move intended to play on Cal Ripken’s well-known emphasis on fundamentals, which the Draft League highlights.

What the move means for Frederick, however, can’t be overstated.

“There’s a deep and longstanding connection between Frederick and the Orioles. At its core, it reconnects Frederick to the future of the Orioles. Fans aren’t just watching a game — they’re following players as they develop, grow and ultimately make their way to Baltimore. That creates a much deeper level of engagement and investment over time,” said Baroni.

It also taps into a strong sense of regional pride. Over the years, Keys fans have watched with pride as Orioles stalwarts like Ben McDonald, Pete Harnisch, Dylan Bundy, Mychal Givens, Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop and Trey Mancini made it to the majors.

The Washington Nationals may have made some inroads, but there’s no denying Frederick is Orioles territory. The Keys’ affiliation with the Orioles lasted from 1989 to 2020, and the loss of that affiliation added insult to COVID injury. But Baroni wants fans to know that if he has his way, the partnership will continue indefinitely. “The new partnership is strong and should endure for many years to come. There is no end in sight!” said Baroni.

To help celebrate the returning partnership, the Keys are also refreshing their brand — though Baroni points out the refresh is only partially due to the Orioles connection. He says it is more about honoring the history of the Keys while positioning the club for the future.

“Part of the refresh is using the ‘Key City’ nickname that will show up on uniforms for selected games and in other fan experiences. It’s a great way to celebrate the community and create something that resonates locally.”

New state of the art batting cages have been added for player development.

BARONI BASICS

Greg Baroni is the CEO and principal general partner of Attain Sports and Entertainment. Through his company, Baroni owns the Chesapeake Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Orioles; the Frederick Keys, the High-A affiliate of the Orioles; the Aberdeen IronBirds; and the Spire City Ghost Hounds, who have been on hiatus the last two years. He also owns the Loudoun United Football Club of the United Soccer League and partners with Evan McKnight Racing to round out his sports portfolio. He has other companies that operate in the education, healthcare, nonprofit and government sectors, but sports is a true love. “I’ve always enjoyed sports and the character it builds — sportsmanship, teamwork and community — and its impact on society.”

He doesn’t necessarily want to add more baseball teams to his portfolio, but if opportunities arise where a property is deeply connected to its community and he feels he can add value, he will take a close look.

Baroni grew up in Los Angeles and has been a lifelong Dodgers fan. However, he has now been a Maryland resident for nearly 40 years and has become passionate about the Orioles. “I have a great deal of respect for the new ownership group, Mike Elias and the club and farm system they are building. There’s a lot of excitement around the team right now and for good reason!”

Baroni gets to as many games as he can during the season. He likes being at the ballpark and spending time with fans, staff and players. He works closely with general manager Slater Fuchs and his leadership team, but makes it a point to get to know the coaches and players, too. “Spending time with them helps me stay connected to their player development needs and the on-field experience so we can better understand how to continuously improve ways to support them.”

With the Orioles looking like contenders again, the Keys back in the Orioles fold and a spiffy renovation enlivening our beloved ballpark, it’s hard to imagine things looking much better in the Key City — at least baseball-wise.

Fact or fiction? Test your April Fools IQ

By Gary Bennett

April Fool’s Day design with hand drawn decorative lettering, laughing cartoon faces and jester hat. For greeting cards, banners, flyers, etc.

This article appears in the March 26, 2026 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Seven of these April Fools pranks are real and three are not. Can you spot the fakes?

France: According to Le Parisien, in 1986, the Eiffel Tower was going to be dismantled and rebuilt inside the new Euro Disney Park for a “tidy sum.” The next day, France’s leading newspaper Le Monde exclaimed in a 96-point headline “Mai Non!”

China: Citing frequent and exorbitant lawsuits, China Youth Daily reported in 1983 that the government had decided to carpet the Great Wall so that overweight American tourists would be less likely to lose their footing and fall. The Communist government denounced the prank as “typical Western depravity.”

Denmark: In 1965, a Copenhagen newspaper reported that Parliament had passed a law that all dogs must be painted white to improve road safety because they could then be seen clearly at night. The next day, 18 dutiful citizens complied.

Norway: In 1987, after reading that the government was planning to distribute 10,000 litres of wine confiscated from smugglers, hundreds of citizens turned up carrying empty bottles and buckets.

Great Britain: In 1980, those wacky pranksters at the BBC announced that Big Ben, London’s historic clock tower, would undergo a face-lift and become digital to keep up with the times. Enraged callers flooded the station with complaints.

Canada: In 2008, WestJet airlines advertised its overhead cabin bins are “among the most spacious of any airline” and said it would charge passengers an extra $12 to sleep in them. Customer service lines were jammed with requests the next day.

Italy: Fashionable magazine Vogue Italia reported in 2011 that the famous Canals of Venice would be immediately filled in to combat rampant flooding due to the sinking of the island. Distraught Venetians entered the canals and refused to leave.

Taiwan: In 2009, the Taipei Times claimed that “Taiwan-China relations were dealt a severe setback when it was found that the Taipei Zoo’s pandas are not what they seem.” The paper reported that the pandas, a gift from the Chinese government, were brown forest bears dyed to resemble pandas.

Germany: In 2009, BMW ran an ad promoting its new “magnetic tow technology.” The invention enabled drivers to turn off their engine and get a “free ride” by locking onto the car ahead via a magnetic beam.

Egypt: With solemn regret, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture in 2005 reported that the Great Sphinx had been sold to a U.S. hedge fund and would be disassembled and removed from its resting place on the west bank of the Nile River to its new home in Las Vegas.

The three fakes are China, Italy and Egypt. All the others actually happened.

Loving Las Vegas

by Gary Bennett

The STRAT Hotel, Casino and Tower is just north of the Strip in Las Vegas.

This article appears in the March 26, 2026 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

“Bright lights city gonna set my soul on fire,” Elvis Presley sang.

He was on to something when he recorded that hit and turned it into a memorable movie. Many think the ’60s and ’70s were the best days for this desert oasis — think the Rat Pack holding court in a smoky casino bar, laughing, drinking and singing — but in the 2020s, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you love the glitz and glamour (with a hint of kitsch) or see it as more of a curiosity, a trip to Vegas will burn itself into your memory and leave a lasting impression.

Ever since gambling went mainstream, the days of Las Vegas being called “Sin City” and marketed with “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” have mostly faded into memory. You can gamble almost anywhere, so why climb on a plane for five and a half hours, fly cross-country and spend your hard-earned money in Vegas? Simply put, it is a one-of-a-kind spectacle. There’s nothing else like it in the world.

Las Vegas is now billed as the “entertainment capital of the world.” Gambling is still pervasive and always will be, but today it takes no time at all to find any type of entertainment, experience or food your heart desires. And isn’t that the point? Here are a few must-do experiences sure to please.

THE SPHERE

If you love movies, shows and concerts, you simply must visit the Sphere — a $2.3 billion, 366-foot-tall, 360-degree immersive entertainment venue just off the Strip. It looks like a giant globe beamed down from the heavens to dominate the skyline. It opened in 2023 and features 160,000 square feet of high-resolution LED screens and 167,000 speakers to surround you in unparalleled sight and sound.

I had the pleasure of seeing the Eagles there in 2025 and am forever spoiled — no other concert venue will do. The graphics were so perfect and mesmerizing that I thought I was inside “Hotel California” when they sang that song. In 2026, you can enjoy an immersive experience based on “The Wizard of Oz,” playing throughout the year, or catch residencies from Metallica, No Doubt, Kenny Chesney, the Backstreet Boys and Phish.

FOUNTAINS AT BELLAGIO

Take a break from the whirring, clattering and chatter of the endless casinos and step outside to watch the iconic water show at the Bellagio Resort. It’s not only calming — it’s absolutely free. The pulsing water arrangements are set to all types of music and run every 30 minutes around the clock.

THE STRAT

For incredible views and frightening thrill rides, head to the STRAT Hotel, Casino and Tower just north of the Strip. At 1,150 feet, it is the tallest observation deck in the U.S., with floor-to-ceiling windows and a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. The Big Shot hurtles you straight up more than 160 feet at 45 miles per hour, while the X-Scream teeters you over the edge of the tower before pulling you back. Neither is for the faint of heart.

THE STRIP

No trip to Vegas would be complete without wandering the Strip — technically located outside the city limits in an unincorporated area called Paradise, about four miles long and visible from outer space. Many of the largest and most iconic casino resort properties in the world line its sidewalks. Grab a window table, nurse your drink and watch the never-ending sea of humanity go by. It is a neon, people-watching circus that even Times Square can’t match.

RIDE THE RAIL

The nearly 4-mile elevated Las Vegas Monorail runs along the Strip, stopping at seven stations — the Sahara Resort, Westgate Hotel, Harrah’s, Flamingo, Caesars Palace, Horseshoe and MGM Grand. You’ll pass so close to the Sphere you can almost touch it. The 30-minute round trip is the perfect escape from the craziness below.

GAMBLE

Go ahead. Don’t be shy. You know you want to. Slots and table games — blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat — are around every corner. Go in with a firm budget for how much you can afford to lose and how much time you can afford to spend. Casinos are masters at keeping you chasing that next big win.

FREMONT STREET

In old Las Vegas, the downtown Fremont Street Experience features the Viva Vision canopy — an overhead light and video show — along with street performers, bars, restaurants, zip lines and world-class people watching. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” sign.

TAKE IN A SHOW OR CONCERT

It’s not just the Sphere. Nearly every large casino resort has a multi-thousand-seat theater, and these days artists stay for weeks or months at “residencies.” In 2026, you can choose from Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Rod Stewart, Donny Osmond, Barry Manilow, Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, among others.

RENEW YOUR VOWS — OR BOOK A WEDDING

Nothing says Las Vegas like an Elvis wedding, but the King can also help you renew your vows. If you’d prefer your favorite superhero, celebrity or even a zombie to officiate, that can be arranged too. Venue options include a pink Cadillac rolling through a drive-through chapel, a helicopter ride over the Strip or a ceremony at the iconic Neon Museum. If you can dream it, a Las Vegas event planner can make it happen.

Writer Gary Bennett visits the Little A’Le’Inn, an alien-themed motel in Rachel, Nevada.

GET OUT OF THE CITY

If the Strip’s neon glitter gets to be too much, book a day trip. Many tour packages include the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, but consider stepping outside your comfort zone and heading out to Area 51 — a highly classified U.S. Air Force facility roughly 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, near Rachel, Nevada. Many believe the site holds alien technology and, perhaps, life forms. It’s heavily guarded and off-limits to visitors, but the right tour guide will offer plenty of inside scoop about what has been gleaned over the years. The drive through the desert is breathtakingly beautiful. Be sure to stop for lunch at the Little A’Le’Inn on the Extraterrestrial Highway in Rachel — the kitschy atmosphere, alien-themed menu, friendly locals and walls covered with UFO photos are worth the trip alone.

March Madness? No, Spring Silliness

By Gary Bennett

To help with your March Madness brackets, I am happy to share several tried-and-true strategies I’ve used in the past to become the laughing stock of my NCAA Basketball tournament contests. You can, too!

Laugh if you must, but my process of performing highly complex mascot and location analysis has nearly won me tens of dollars over the years. I maintain that my approach is just as good as relying on won-loss records, strength of schedule, conference standing or match-up analysis. In other words, who knows what’s going to happen? I know one thing—my approach is superior to my wife who relies on the prettiest uniform. Ha!

Please note that my recommendations will only get you to the Final Four. After that, you are on your own. Pick the category you like best, and please gamble responsibly.

Tough-Guy Final Four

Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Idaho Vandals
Wright State Raiders

Yacht Rock Final Four

Vanderbilt Commodores
Siena Saints
Penn Quakers
Queens University Royals

Mythical Character Final Four

Duke Blue Devils
Saint Louis Billikins
Furman Paladins
Iowa Hawkeyes

Hard Working Final Four

McNeese Cowboys
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Purdue Boilermakers
Tennessee Volunteers

Egghead Final Four

Duke Blue Devils
St John’s Red Storm
Vanderbilt Commodores
Penn Quakers

Wrong Sport Final Four

Ohio State Buckeyes
Michigan Wolverines
Texas Longhorns
Alabama Crimson Tide

Historical Character Final Four

Michigan State Spartans
Virginia Cavaliers
UCF Knights
Troy Trojans

Mean Animal Final Four

Arkansas Razorbacks
Wisconsin Badgers
Long Island University Sharks
Florida Gators

Dog-gone Great Final Four

Gonzaga Bulldogs
Georgia Bulldogs
UBMC Retrievers
UConn Huskies

Don’t Look Up Final Four

Louisville Cardinals
Miami (Ohio) Red Hawks
Kennesaw State Owls
Lehigh Mountain Hawks

Ferocious Feline Final Four

Arizona Wildcats
Houston Cougars
Clemson Tigers
Northern Iowa Panthers

Rancher’s Delight Final Four

Santa Clara Broncos
South Florida Bulls
Texas Longhorns
SMU Mustangs

Don’t Bother Me, I’m on Vacation Final Four

Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors
South Florida Bulls
Miami Hurricanes
UCLA Bruins

Where Am I Final Four
(Bonus if you know where any of these schools are located.)

High Point Panthers
McNeese Cowboys
Wright State Raiders
Prairie View A&M Panthers

What the Heck Am I Final Four

North Carolina Tar Heels
Kansas Jayhawks
Akron Zips
Saint Louis Billikins

Bad Weather Final Four

Iowa State Cyclones
Alabama Crimson Tide
St. John’s Red Storm
Miami Hurricanes

Holy Roller Final Four

Saint Mary’s Gaels
California Baptist Lancers
Siena Saints
Penn Quakers

Completed study to provide affordable housing roadmap for County – 3/2026

By Gary Bennett

This article appears as the featured blog post for Frederick County’s Affordable Housing Council, March 2026.

For years now, County policymakers and citizens have debated how best to address a housing affordability problem that looks us square in the eye every day. Our friends, neighbors, parents, children, and in many cases, us, are hampered by the high cost of housing.

This problem has many causes and did not happen overnight. One thing is painfully clear: if we don’t take concrete steps to solve the problem, families are going to continue to struggle and not enjoy a secure way of life that other generations took for granted. Consequently, cities and counties will struggle, too.

There are only two solutions to our housing problem: (1) Wages and salaries must increase exponentially to allow for the comfortable covering of rents and mortgages or (2) enough housing – and the right types of housing – must be built to satisfy demand and help drive down prices.

For Frederick County, help on the second front has arrived in the form of a comprehensive, year-long study of the housing affordability issue and accompanying roadmap to help solve it. The study provides actionable steps and case studies and best practices to drive home the points.

On February 19, 2026, County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor released the results of the county’s comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment and Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (hereafter known as the “study”). The release of this study achieves the goal of updating the housing needs assessment that was last completed in 2016 and develops a strategic plan for creating more affordable housing opportunities for our residents.

SCOPE OF PROBLEM

The last housing needs assessment was completed and released in 2016. During the ensuing years, Frederick County has experienced a seismic shift in its housing needs and available housing units.

For example, the 2016 study reported that about 11,000 new affordable homes were needed for county households earning under $75,000 per year. Today, the number of new affordable homes needed to serve those households is around 20,000. This figure represents nearly one in five households in our community. (The $75,000 income level was selected because it is a level well below the median income for Frederick County residents and is representative of households that are most susceptible to economic hardship.) And when you project forward over all income levels, the housing need rises to about 32,000 by 2035.

The study makes clear what many of us have felt and seen for years: there is a sizable housing gap in our community and many people at the low to moderate income levels are struggling. Simply put, they need a more affordable place to live. With completion of the study, policymakers no longer must guess at the size and scope of the problem. They have the data they need at their disposal.

POTENTIAL FIXES

While the 2016 study made some general recommendations on how to best fill the housing gap, the 2026 study provides a comprehensive strategic plan that recommends a multi-layered approach to help solve it.

The 2026 study has five goals and recommends 26 specific strategies to achieve the goals.

Goal 1: Activate a comprehensive development strategy. This includes strategies to:

Increase support for transit-oriented and mixed-use developments
Increase use of county-owned land for affordable housing
Adjust the MPDU ordinance to require that units actually get built while continuing significant contributions to the Housing Initiative Fund
Loosen infrastructure requirements for affordable multifamily developments
Facilitate faith-based affordable housing projects

Goal 2: expand and maximize the county’s financial ability to support affordable housing. This includes strategies to:

Set spending priorities of the Housing Initiative Fund to better match findings of this study
Explore use of alternative funding sources such as Tax Increment Financing and Community Development Finance Institutions
Work with local and regional foundations and for-profit businesses to procure funding support for affordable housing
Enhance first-time home buyer support and financial support to nonprofit housing developers

Goal 3: Preserve and maintain current affordable housing options. This includes strategies to:

Inventory currently subsidized units and implement efforts to preserve them
Explore a “Right of First Refusal” program as a preservation tool to support long-term housing affordability
Maintain affordable housing units through ground leases, deed-restricted properties, and community land trusts
Implement tenant protection and anti-price gouging policies
Assist households with moving to market-rate housing from the County’s Housing Choice Voucher Program

Goal 4: Fix county policies and procedures that hinder housing development. This includes strategies to:

Continually evaluate and adjust County policies, fees and taxes that prevent housing development
Adjust County tax and regulatory policies to reduce the financial and time burden on developers
Adjust policies that hinder the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Review and amend zoning codes that prevent diverse housing options

Goal 5: Increase staffing and resources to manage and maintain housing programs and initiatives. This includes strategies to:

Expand staff within the Division of Housing to support future initiatives and recommendations from this strategic plan
Establish formal partnerships with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, builders, developers, and for-profit businesses
Enhance data collection and analysis capacity to pursue evidence-based housing policy
Implement a coordinated public education and community engagement effort
Establish cross county and municipal housing working groups and initiatives

IMMINENT STEPS

While all goals and strategies will be considered, the County prioritized five strategies to implement right away:

Negotiating with developers to build MPDUs instead of granting them the right to pay to not build them
Exempting committed multi-family developments from certain APFO requirements
Studying and adjusting the spending priorities for the Housing Initiative Fund
Evaluating processes and regulations that prevent housing development
Enhancing communication and community engagement to keep citizens informed

County Executive Jessica Fitzwater put it this way: “These are our friends and neighbors. They’re seniors, veterans and young workers who are struggling to make ends meet. They deserve the dignity of a safe, affordable place to call home. Government can’t do it alone. We need partnerships with other levels of government, businesses, non-profits and residents.”

Mayor Michael O’Connor hailed the numbers but warned that “every one of those numbers is a person or household in need. This information does not build a single home. It doesn’t lower rent or create starter homes. We must turn this data into action.”

The Affordable Housing Council will do its part by adopting the findings of this comprehensive study to inform its priorities for the coming year. We will assist the County and City in scheduling meetings throughout the County to discuss these findings and will advise on next steps.

The study was conducted by Indianapolis-based consulting firm, Thomas P. Miller and Associates. The study included input from over 1,700 County residents via an online survey and several “open houses” to discuss the issue.

To read the full study, go here: https://frederickcountymd.gov/6366/Housing