If you could have lunch with any musician which would you choose?

Music is such a beautiful art and those who create, perform and develop it into something lasting, are unique people. Gifted lyricists can poetically teach lessons in life, or artfully depict many of the most emotional situations that we as humans can experience. Those who touch our hearts and penetrate our souls always leave us wanting to know these talented modern day philosophers.

The instrumentalists who seemingly orchestrate musical notes and chords in a way that seems as if they must have been heaven sent, attract their listeners to want to know them as people . However, the often tragic personal lives of the world's greatest musicians have often overshadowed the wisdom of their music. Many of us need to feel as if the authors of our favorite songs can somehow guide us through the difficult times in our own lives.

Therefore, meeting them in person, even if only for lunch can be a double edged sword. I was born in the mid 1960's and I was attracted to the music of the time from the age of three. My mother joined a record club and purchased many 60's rock albums.

Therefore, I listened to a lot of the popular songs of the day. I witnessed the counterculture and the hippy movement from the visions of a wide-eyed kid. For me, it was a colorful collection of awesome rock music, groovy people and peaceful times.It would not be until my college years that I would come to understand the turmoil and political indifference that created such a volatile environment of death, destruction and mistrust.

Despite all of the problems, there was the music, and there was Grace Slick. A gorgeous misguided former model who had her thumb on the pulse of the times, indulged in the high life and survived. Above all other musical artists, I would love the opportunity to have lunch with such an icon and a beautiful person.

As the 60's gave way to the 1970's, there was a huge shift in social ideals and music. Folk music began to fade away and a more melodic form of rock music developed. Though there were still plenty of artists playing hard driving blues with a folk feel, many rockers from the 60's mellowed from their social stances.

Fleetwood Mac came out of the counterculture era by bringing on an angelic vocalist named Stevie Nicks. Her gorgeous lyrics and hauntingly melodic voice propelled the band into super-stardom. After all of the years and turmoil that each of the band-members faced, Stevie matured gracefully into one of the most prolific artists of our time.

Moreover, she is a nice lady and I bet she would be fun to have lunch with, but I doubt that I would ever get that chance. The era of the 1980's was the coming of age decade for me. I graduated from high school, attended college and left for Hollywood in search of my own fame and fortune.

Much of the music of the time that flowed through my ears was from a band called Journey. I thought that their lead vocalist, Steve Perry was the greatest rock singer that I had ever heard.My friends were sure that I must have been a girly-man! The more that I learned about Mr. Perry, the more I appreciated him as a person.

However, I always wondered why he could not get along with his band mates in Journey? I know that he likes to eat pizza and drink beer, and so do I from time to time. Therefore, I would love the opportunity to have a slice or two with Steve.

In the early part of the new millennium, I began to attend concerts at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, CA. I was burnt out on stadiums and large amphitheaters, but loved the intimacy of McCabe's. It was there that I began to follow and old folk singer-songwriter from the 60's named Al Stewart.

Al did not really gain fame until the late 70's with his unique take on theatrical history with, Year of The Cat.Mr. Stewart is a typical Englishmen who sports a bit of disdain for average Americans. Especially those who want to hear him play his hits over and over.

However, he is a very interesting and entertaining chap that I would love to join for a nice dinner in some unknown, yet swank bistro. Finally, I would like to have a bite with Paul McCartney, but so would half the population of the world. Yes, I too love the Beatles and his solo stuff.

However, eating with Paul is a pipe dream that is unlikely to come true, so whatever!

I would first and foremost like to have lunch with Alanis Morissette. I have always admired her. She sings about real problems, some of which I've experienced, and I guess I would just like to know if her songs come from a place of truth.

I would want to know how she got past some of the obstacles she most surely had to face in order to become a successful and talented artist.

Next, I would want to meet Richard Wagner. He's my favorite composer and I've heard some pretty nasty things about him.

I've heard he was an angry man, prone to violence. Not sure if this is true, and again, I want to see for myself what he's like, and if what people say about him is true.

I don't have five musicians that I would like to meet.

Just three. The final person I'd have a lunch with is my former best friend, Elliott Encarnacion. He is a musician and composer who is currently getting his Masters in San Fransisco.

The last time I saw him was around 2 years ago at Christmas. I know this is a strange wish, but I feel like I need to see him once more before we completely go our separate ways. I think this counts, since he is a genius and is using his talents to compose great music.

This is my list. Pretty simple, I know. But I really am content most of the time with just hearing the music and enjoying it :).

Awesome question.

My daughter is getting married this Saturday, and I would like to answer this question with that in mind. She is a very competent violinist, plays in small to medium symphony orchestras from time to time as a fill-in when a regular is sick, and also plays in weddings and gives lessons. So first of all I would invite my daughter, and on her end of the table I would seat Itzhak Perlman, the greatest violinist alive, and Yo Yo Ma, quite possibly the greatest cellist alive.

I have no idea if Itzhak is a total grump or an excellent conversationalist, which is why I invited Yo Yo Ma. He is such a friendly man, frequently seen with a huge and genuine smile on his face. I suspect he knows Itzhak and could help break the ice.

Wouldn't it be something if they broke out the instruments for a little after dinner music? On my end of the table would be seated James Taylor and Carly Simon, fresh off their summer tour. To me, they cut every bit as impressive a figure as Itzhak Perlman and Yo Yo Ma, and a command performance of a chorus or two of "Mocking Bird" would allow me to die a happy man.To recap, My daughter, Itzhak Perlman, Yo Yo Ma, James Taylor, and Carly Simon would be my five musicians.

And what a time we would have!

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.