I finally have my bearings straight and have found all of the things nearby that I need in my life. I also found a little bit of fun this weekend. It has been a while since I went to a show that wasn't the Wednesdees, which by the way, will be playing again on Saturday, July 14th at the Berkley Front in Berkley along with our very own Dave Carducci.
I staved off the insanely hot weather by staying near a pool or in air conditioning. That was not much fun, but was no worse than when I lived in Dallas. Dallas was like that for weeks in a row though.
Friday took me on a tour of my roommate's life. She just took off on tour with Rocco DeLuca and the Burden. I had only heard a little bit of him before at my roommate's prodding and wasn't sure what I would expect. To my surprise, (and with the help of Mary, I got to the Henry Fonda Theater quite easily) Thanks Mary! I ate a very amazing chicken schwarma pita from a run down joint. Then I waited in line. Then I was complimented about my T-shirt from three separate individuals. (I was afraid I wasn't hip enough for the Hollywood scene, huh). One girl especially liked it, but that was going nowhere because I didn't feel like having to give her a ride to high school on Monday.
The first opening act began. It was a woman by the name of Sara Bareilles. She played jazzy, bluesy, poppy, soulful, amazing piano and voice creations. She was also very easy on the eyes, which always helps. She sounded like a happy Fiona Apple with energy. I was thoroughly impressed, and maybe a little smitten. You should check her out at: www.sarabmusic.com
Her CD just was released July 3rd. I especially liked when she said to buy her CD, download it from iTunes, for free from the internet, or burn it from a friend. She was just so happy to share her music. That inspired me to buy her CD. She was lovely enough to chat after the show and sign it for me.
Rocco Deluca was pretty good as well. (there was a 2nd opening act, which does not even deserve a mention this long) Prior to the show, I commented on how some of his stuff sounded a bit like Muse. Afterward, I think it is more the falsetto singing alone that I drew my comparison from. When Rocco played his soulful songs he was a bit intense. When he turned a few of them into extended jam sessions, I was a little drawn away. Much of it was over-distorted effect laden noise. I also think he over uses his high register. That being said, he has great range and great soul. I just thought the extended sessions were a little obnoxious. I wish him, and my roommate all of the success in the world on tour.
That brings us to Saturday.
Saturday I was back in Hollywood at the Hollywood Bowl. There was a big HUGE ticket fiasco in which I officially withdraw my thanks and appreciation to Mary given above and also the thanks and appreciation that will most likely be due to Mary in the future. I am kinda sorta just kidding, maybe. There isn't enough time or space here to get into it now.
The Decemberists were playing a show and being accompanied by the LA Philharmonic Orchestra. But first was Andrew Bird. (Before that there was Band of Horses who didn't deserve even being called by name....BORING) Perched high above the Hollywood Bowl (Due to the aforementioned FIASCO) Andrew Bird took the stage. It was one of the most amazing things I have heard musically. He is such a busy artist and really makes all of his instruments (including his whistle) produce magical music. When his set was up, Renee and I concurred that we could have listened to him for the rest of the night.
Then came The Decemberists. Who knew they were such a wildly popular band? They had 15,000 people thoroughly entertained. It made us feel old and slightly out of touch or place, I am not sure which. The show was excellent. The orchestra backing gave it a kind of fullness that turned the concert into more of a performance spectacle. As they finished their encore, I got a dreaded phone call confirming that Mary dropped the ball and heard Camille tearing up our two box tickets that she had set aside for us over the phone. Although we laughed and joked about it, the fact of the matter is regardless of where we sat (although up much closer in box seats would have been unspeakably cooler) it was so much fun and provided immense audio pleasure. Our murderous plots of Mary simmered down to inflicting great bodily harm and eventually settled at random moments of general discomfort.
I made it safely home both times without incident.
I enjoyed my Sunday away from Hollywood and back in the comforts of the valley. I had a great dinner from the Marmalade Cafe and enjoyed a spectacular beer that I have never seen or heard of before. It was Firestone Walker Double Barrel Pale Ale. It is brewed out of Paso Robles, CA. Delicious!
I Hope everyone is doing well. Hopefully, I will see many of you soon.
3 comments:
Well, someone on Benidict Canyon was trying to kill me or drive me off the canyon road, so someone upstairs was trying to help you get even with me! However, they did not suceed. I hope i made it up to you by dragging you to the gym with me and then promply fattening you up with yummy food.
Ha ha. I am glad that you think the "someone" had absolutely nothing to do with me. I have made quick work of my residence in Los Angeles. My connections are solid. You are lucky that I was deep enough in the cooling off period that I told the "someone" just to scare you.
i like Band of Horses...i'm sorry to hear that they were boring. i mostly agree with you about Rocco...too much high register. glad you enjoyed Andrew Bird (he's amazing) and i'm jealous that i wasn't able to go to the concert.
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