| Author | Message | ||
     Micah White (Ballodisco) New member Username: Ballodisco Post Number: 3 Registered: 05-2002 Rating: N/A |
For Immediate Release July 16, 2002 Contact: Micah White BallODisco@aol.com (contact via e-mail for phone number) CAMPAIGN 2002: YOUNG LETTERMAN/SHAFFER FAN, KEYBOARDIST BEGINS BID TO BECOME SHAFFER'S "LATE SHOW" SUBSTITUTE WHEN NECESSARY An avid "Late Show with David Letterman" watcher and enthusiast, Micah White is beginning a campaign to take Paul Shaffer's place at the bandstand when Shaffer is absent. White, who is from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, got the idea while reviewing and reminiscing about past episodes of "Letterman" for which Shaffer, 52, was not present. White feels that with his impeccable talent for picking up and playing songs by ear, added to his fifteen years' overall piano experience, he can help fill the void that is often noticeable upon Shaffer's absence. Aside from his collection of over forty "Letterman" videotapes and his two rare and out-of-print Shaffer albums, it is impossible to deny White's attraction to the show, and to the work of Letterman, 55, and Shaffer, especially. "Never a day goes by at the office when my co-workers don't hear one of those names uttered less than ten times," White confides. "I think they'd worry at this point if it were any other way." White is quick to point out that he in no way aspires to take the job of Mr. Shaffer, one of his personal idols; although many people have compared his musical quick-wittedness to Shaffer's, and notwithstanding numerous suggestions of becoming "the next Paul Shaffer", White asserts that this is the closest he would like to come to having the renowned bandleader's post. The idea to campaign was also furthered after White attended the taping of the June 21, 2002, "Late Show"; being in Broadway's Ed Sullivan Theater right in front of the band was "the ultimate inspiration," according to White. Other considerations that motivated White, 18, to reach his decision include the chance to work with the acclaimed band members of the CBS Orchestra, all of whom he also admires: Will Lee; Sid McGinnis; Felicia Collins; Anton Fig; Tom Malone; Bruce Kapler; and Al Chesnovitz. "The band is one of the two best reasons to watch the show," insists White. According to White, the other primary reason, "without question," is Mr. Letterman. "I feel that I would have a rapport with Dave that other guest musicians just don't obtain, which would add to the entertainment level and quality of the show, as a whole," he explains. "The mere thought of the chance to work with him is just out of this world to me." "Being I don't currently aspire to be a performer in the future, I would love to have the chance to do such a task now, while I'm still free to undertake such an honor," White declares. A previous musical director and accompanist for four different productions and workshops, White has had a taste of bandleading in the past. "There's no doubt about it, bandleading and directing is an exhilarating job, and it takes a tried and true expert, such as Mr. Shaffer, to make it look as effortless as he does, night in and night out; I am, in no way, going to try to upstage Mr. Shaffer's consistently top-notch work on the show." Neither fame nor money are motivating factors for White, an arts management and jazz piano major in college. "I'm not trying to receive critical acclaim or consideration here, and I'm not trying to make a quick buck." In fact, besides offering to provide his own transportation to and from New York City if necessary, White has also offered to donate any received pay to a charity of choice -- most likely VH1's Save the Music Foundation. "I'm in this to fulfill a personal goal, and, most importantly, for the experience; there is no ulterior motive," White states. The days that Mr. Shaffer routinely takes off each year are Jewish holidays that he observes; the next such holidays would be in September. White has no problem with filling in at the earliest date necessary, whether a holiday or not. "Just consider me on call and ready to go," assures White. There has been no announcement regarding whether anyone will be gunning for the position of substitute "Late Show" announcer on White's "ticket". ### ==== And for a little more levity, from the home office in London, ON, here's a Top Ten List in support of my campaign, as created and compiled by my campaign manager/executive assistant, Heather Ross, aka HRoss0821@aol.com (my writing staff, if you will): The Top Ten Reasons Why I, Micah White/BallODisco, Should Fill In For Paul When He's Away: 10. I'm cheap - if you feel you must pay me, fine. I'll donate my pay to the Alan Kalter Home for Aged Perverts, the Inky Mendez Foundation for Permanent Ink Marker Addicts, the Deborah Lynn Intuitive Institute, or any other worthy charity. 9. I'm easy - I'll get myself there, no need to send Daddy's private jet or Al Norwood's car. 8. I'm flexible. Just ask any of the ladies on alt.fan.letterman. 7. I have impeccable references. And if you don't like those, I can make up some more in a hurry. 6. I know my music. Bumper to Bumper, even. 5. I'm talented. Musically, in addition to the aforementioned flexibility. 4. I can banter with the best of 'em. I can even punctuate punchlines. 3. I know my current events and cuts of meat (especially variety meats). 2. I've always wanted to fit into Paul's shoes - and his jackets. 1. I can kiss ass like nobody's business. ==== Thanks for reading! Micah White BallODisco@aol.com | ||
| Micah White (Ballodisco) New member Username: Ballodisco Post Number: 4 Registered: 05-2002 Rating: N/A |
 I wrote and wrote and wrote: <snip> This is why I should run this stuff by someone first...Eric reminded me that when Paul's away (no, the mice don't play), Anton is bandleader...I have no problem with this. I just want to sub for Paul...I'm not trying to take over. ;-) Micah "I fully support Micah's application to become Paul's substitute" - Eric Szczerbinski, Anton Fig's Website Guy "Me too" - Micah | ||
| Eric Szczerbinski (Admin) Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 80 Registered: 04-2002 Rating: N/A |
Wow - with my endorsement, you cant NOT get the gig! However, there are a few conditions: - IIRC, Anton is the band leader when Paul is absent. This would still be the case. But, the band would be called, "Anton Fig Dot Com featuring Eric, the Website Guy." - Micah would do all he could to book me as either/all of the following whenever possible: triangle player, hand claps, or just put me in front of a dead mike as a "background singer"... and pay me triple scale. - Micah would introduce me to the chick that has the "Pathetic Page" (or whatever it's called), as "the owner of CBS" Deal? Good luck with the campaign, Micah! And if you have updates to "Songs We Know" - please let me know and I'll update the list: http://www.antonfig.com/lnsongs.htm See ya, Eric  | ||
| Remodious Boyd (Remodious_316) Member Username: Remodious_316 Post Number: 22 Registered: 08-2002 Rating: N/A |
What is IIRC? Please let me know. |
