A Break & A Return

I needed a break from the blog.

In August, I signed up for an online writing class. I hoped to get a few things out of the experience: to make some blogging friends, to find a better focus for my blog, and to be inspired to write more. None of this happened. Everyone was so self-focused and so desperate for attention that it was impossible to learn and get much from the experience. I felt more frustrated and isolated than when I started.

I knew that I needed to take a break. I was trying too hard, and knowing that I was only a few days from a vacation, I planned to take a month off to regroup. That month turned into four months.

Looking back, it feels like a lifetime has passed in those four months.  I discovered Gelly Rolls (and did lots of artwork), had a health scare, learned to care for sea life (sea lions kinda rock it), took some chances, reconnected with friends, got manhandled by a beloved 90’s rock star, fell in love (not the rock star, thank you!), made a crime scene for my Halloween costume, flaked out on another photography class, went to some great concerts (Fiona Apple, The Chevin, Lemonheads, Psychedelic Furs, Weezer, & Glen Hansard), discovered how much I hate ukuleles, empty fan club promises, and mean girls, played a lot of guitar, had my heart broken (still recovering), and found myself brimming with love for my family for their love and support.

But now with the new year, I realize that I miss my blog. I miss writing. Even if I’m only writing this as a record for myself, it helps me to process everything going on, so I’m back. I may need a Schmidt re-launch (If you’re not watching New Girl, go watch now!)... I think my theme will be Crazy Happy Optimistic. Hey, sometimes you just have to fake it until you make it.

Here are some photographs and art from the last four months.

Ringo Starr

Part of my love of the Beatles is rooted in the countless hours that I spent watched A Hard Day’s Night and Help!. There was one week where I watched Help! around 20 times in a row (yikes... my poor parents!). In both movies, the main story line is focused on Ringo, which has always endeared him to me. He is always sort of bubbling, adorable, and sweet.

Last Sunday, I saw him perform with his 13th All-Starr band at Ruth Eckerd Hall. It was my fourth time seeing him, and as always the concert was consistently entertaining and kind of amazing (See my previous post: With a Little Help From His Friends). Ringo is a great ringleader and does an amazing job of performing and amply sharing the spotlight with a great collection of musicians. This year’s musicians included: Steve Lukather (Toto), Gregg Rolie (Journey, Santana), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Todd Rundgren, Mark Rivera, and Gregg Bissonette.

As always, it was a fantastic night and I had my moment when I realized that there before me was Ringo Starr, very similar to those movies that I always loved. So, because it always makes me laugh, here are a a couple of fun Ringo moments from The Beatles movies.

Chris Cornell

In high school, I had the sweetest Soundgarden glow-in-the-dark shirt.  I’m still upset with myself for giving it away. It was an iconic piece of my youth spent listening to Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Temple of the Dog as loud as possible, watching Singles (loved it for the Eddie scenes “a compliment for us is a compliment for you!”), Reality Bites, and Help! on repeat like I would die without them, and guzzling Faygo (hey, it was the Midwest!).

Despite all the footage of Eddie and Jeff, when I watched PJ20, I was most taken with Chris Cornell (Cameron Crowe, PJ20, and a look back at my adolescence...). I was drawn in when he talked about his relationship with Andrew Wood and found him to be eloquent, intelligent, and extremely grounded. He seemed like the kind of guy that you would want to hang out with and talk to for hours. When I read that he took the Citizen Dick track list (Singles) as a dare and ended up writing Spoonman, I was amused and impressed. I started listening to Audioslave and his solo work. I’ve mentioned it a few times before (Songs about feelings), but Like a Stone murders me; it is so beautiful that once I start listening, I leave it on repeat for hours because I miss the sweet, beautiful sound.

Anyway, after a long back story, I planned my recent vacation (Discovery Cove and Universal) around the weekend that Cornell performed at Hard Rock Live in Orlando.  I bought my tickets at the last minute and somehow lucked out with amazing 5^th row seats near the center.

As soon as Cornell walked on stage, he was immediately comfortable and had a confident sense of emotional self-awareness without being too absorbed. He bantered with fans, took song suggestions from the audience, and even let one guy come on stage and sing Hunger Strike with him (more here). I instantly liked him. 

I’m not sure what I expected from the show.  I always knew that Cornell has a great voice, but I was completely blown away by how beautiful and rich his voice is live. On his recordings, he always sounds amazing, and while the music is always extremely interesting and goes along with his voice, it made me miss the powerful and unique sound of his voice. Hearing him sing with such force with just an acoustic guitar to back him up was amazing.

As the night progressed, the breadth of his songbook was staggering. When you start adding together all of his solo work with his Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden, and Audioslave songs, I started to get an idea of what a talented, creative powerhouse he is. My favorites were Can't Change Me, Fell on Black Days, Call Me A Dog (I'll call you beautiful if I call at all...), and When I'm Down (music on vinyl and chills amazing), but honestly, every song on the setlist was fantastic.

I worship a well-executed cover, so I was beyond impressed with Cornell's ability to take a song (amazing, classic, beautiful, perfect songs) and add his own touch to them. Rightfully so, his cover of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean is legendary.  At the Orlando show, he performed Billie Jean, Led Zeppelin’s Tangerine, John Lennon’s Imagine, and The Beatles’ A Day in The Life.

I am beyond a Beatles snob, but the cover of A Day in The Life blew me away.  Imagine a guy with just an acoustic guitar trying to successfully cover the back and forth of dark and light of Lennon and McCartney.  Sounds impossible, but he so successfully pulled it off that for a Beatles fan, it felt like a little bit of magic in renewing a much loved song in such an interesting way.

I’ve seen a lot of amazing performers, but I’m still a little goofy about the experience.  It’s been well over a week, but I’m still telling people about it, downloading live performances (see Jeffgarden.com for some awesomness – I highly suggest the Seattle version of A Day in the Life), and having a hard time listening to other music.  A night that inspires all of this is both rare and awesome. I look forward to my next chance to see him perform.

PS. Whoever does the booking for Chris, you need to get him at Ruth Eckerd Hall. His voice would be mind-blowingly amazing at the hall. 

Henry Rollins

I grew up in the mid-90's. When I think of Henry Rollins then, I think of angry MTV commercials, that red devil paint he wore in the Liar video, my awesome Liar shirt, and the Christmas that my Mom refused to buy me one of his books because it was inappropriate (granted, I was 16 and she typically would buy me any book, so it probably was inappropriate). He was always interesting.  His book was full of f-bombs and anger, and he just always looked so tough, unsmiling, and intense.

In the last few years (and just the other night at the Capitol Theater in Clearwater), I've been to a few of his shows. He still looks tough and intimidating, but once he speaks, something about his demeanor changes. He is genuine, intelligent, funny, and extremely kind. His energy, excitement, and personal investment on stage is unsurpassed. He typical speaks for 2+ hours about everything from his travels (the places he's been is beyond amazing), memories of Black Flag, growing up in DC, politics, emotions, his insecurities, the amazing people he's met, etc. You can always tell that he genuinely enjoys being at the show. He never takes a break or a sip of water, appearing as if he doesn't want to waste a second of time.  He connects with the audience and gives his all to entertain and inform based on his experiences.  

I am impressed with his ability to speak openly about his opinions without trying to offend anyone or denying his own voice. It is a quality that I strive for but find very difficult to learn. It is nice seeing it work so successfully. 

I left the latest show feeling hopeful, motivated, and full of possibility. It sounds a little hokey, but I realized that we all have a chance because we're all filled with good, human, honest emotions and we just need to learn how to channel it in positive ways.  It was a night discussing tolerance, laughing, and sharing insights. It proves to me that strength and change does not come from brute force; it comes from knowledge, open minds, and honest conversations.

But damn, I still wish that I had kept that badass Liar shirt I had back in the 90's. Also, just cause you know you want to watch it now...

Blind Pilot: "Singing like it's Sunday"

Last Saturday (2/25/12), I was lucky enough to score tickets to see Blind Pilot at the Crowbar in Ybor City. The club is small and doesn't have the best sound, but I ended up just a few people back from the center of the stage, which was awesome.

I tend to exaggerate for effect, but I seriously loved Blind Pilot from my first listen (Don't believe me, see: "Courage laced with alcohol", Awesomeness Redux, and
Songs that I like to pretend were written for me...). There is something magical, sweet, beautiful, and philosophical about their music. After seeing them live, I realize that all of those things are the musical embodiment of song writer Israel Nebeker. The songs are so easily linked with the shy, subtle, modest yet emotional way that he carries himself. He is an old soul with the ability to capture the beauty and emotion in small seconds and turn them into amazing music. Even more, it is music that both breaks your heart and then immediately opens you up to the world. 

It would be enough to see them just for him, but the entire band is just amazing. The first time that I saw Amos Lee perform (Amos Lee, Poppin' Epiphanies, and the Peace in Truth), I was intrigued at how he was always singing with his eyes closed. True to the joke in About a Boy, when you close your eyes while performing, a rush of unfiltered emotion just seems to pour out . What I noticed most about Blind Pilot was that all members of the band seemed so cool and chill, but when it came to the music, they all played with the kind of emotion that demands closed eyes. I really dig that.

Every song was pretty great, but my favorites were New York and We Are The Tide.  I have been obsessed with listening to New York lately, so between the use of the harmonium (errr, maybe? I don't know what that thing is called) and the general emotion of the song, it was beautiful live.  And the drums and use of instruments in We Are The Tide is just fun and so full of life. 

They have such a beautiful sound, so my only complaint is that the venue just wasn’t the best place for that. I would love to see them someplace like the Capitol Theater (there has got to be a reason that Brandi Carlile keeps returning there) or Ruth Eckerd Hall where the venue would just amplify and build their sound. Either way, I’m ready to see them any time they come to town.

As a side note, I have to say that I am totally in love with their tour posters and their vinyl artwork. I love bands that put the time and effort into making both the music and the packaging really awesome (a la Pearl
Jam and The Avett Brothers - Make It Pretty Inside and Out, The Music Experience). Oh, for the love of vinyl and tour posters.

New York

We Are The Tide

“In the clearing stands a Boxer…” (Paul Simon, Simon & Garfunkel)

In my league of extraordinary heroes, Paul Simon stands tall among them. He inspires me to write beautiful thigns. Yes, he’s a fine musician with one of the most emotionally sweet voices that I’ve ever heard, but what always gets me about him is the way that he pieces together words into heartbreaking, truthful, and beautiful stories. He captures a moment, a feeling better than anyone else that I can think of and for that I am forever smitten.

I was lucky enough to snag some tickets (although row DD wasn’t perfect, I was still in the hall) to see him at his performance at Ruth Eckerd Hall last night. It’s sort of terrifying to see someone that you’ve admired for most of your life because people are fallible and real. I’ve seen a lot of people who completely won me with their live sets (Bob Dylan – how is it that Dylan stays so humble?) and then others that have made me never want to listen to their music again (*coughJohnMellencampcough*). I am happy to say that Simon was genuine, funny, and gracious. He seems to still love performing his music, and that has become a rarity. His voice still sounds incredible. It was just a fun night with great music. His music spans decades and it hasn’t lost any of its relevance or impact (some of my favorites of the night were from his newest CD So Beautiful or So What... check out the awesome setlist).

In honor of a great night, I’ve picked out some of my Simon faves.

Don’t Call Me Al

Before I knew who Paul Simon was, I knew that crazy video with the two guys dancing and lip synching. The video made me laugh, the music made me want to dance, and it just sounded so cool. I was hooked. I’d watch for the video on MTV… you know back in the days when the M stood for music instead of morons. I never scoff at hilarity of Chevy Chase either (one of these days, I need to write my ode to Christmas Vacation).

Bleecker Street

A much documented fact is that I become obsessed with vinyl (I said records back in the day) in my teenage years. I can still clearly remember a Saturday afternoon at the Old 54 flea market where I bought an old army jacket and a vinyl copy of Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme. I remember the musty smell of the record, the way it would pop on the 6 o'clock news song and make it even more hauntingly awesome, and how I insisted on wearing that stupid jacket all of the time even though Florida is about a million degrees. Soon after, I had every S&G album and I would listen to them for hours while I painted in my bedroom. Their music will always be so extremely special to me for that. This is one of my favorite songs. 

 
The Afterlife

This is from So Beautiful Or So What. What I love the most about this is the totally snarky view on death (I hope, I'm not always good at guessing what other people's work is about). Maybe we should all work harder at adopting a sense of humor. Plus, it really makes me want to dance.

The Sound of Silence

I included this song because hearing him sing it live was like a religious experience. I don’t even mind admitting that my eyes went a bit teary. The thing about Simon is that when he was in his 20s, he was already writing the songs with the grace and beauty of an old soul. He saw the world and wrote about it with honesty, integrity, and intelligence. Seeing him with just a guitar and a dark stage performing that song, a smidge older, was just perfect. I almost wish that he would put out a live album of him singing some of the old S&G songs. I like that he sings them a bit different now yet still includes all the heart and soul.

The Only Living Boy in New York

I have to include this song too because it seemed like few people cheered as loudly as they should have when he played it. This song is sincerely brilliant.

Thoughts on Amos Lee (Part Deux)

The first time I saw Amos Lee live was also the first time that I heard him sing. I was instantly floored, amazed, and completely enamored (here's my proof).  To say that I had high expectations going into Friday night’s show would be an understatement. Again, I found myself floored, amazed, and completely enamored.  What I think that gets me the most is that he comes across as very shy, reserved, and maybe even a little bit stoic, but then he sings and the entire room is just completely flooded with this crazy, emotional surge.  The honest, sincerity of it all just gives me chills. Suffice it to say that I was a happy ticket holder.

I have mentioned on multiple occasions that I would pick some of my famous Amos songs, so I am finally going to follow through on that promise.

El Camino

I always love that his songs are about real life and real people. They never feel falsely dramatic or steeped in some kind of movie-haze that corrupts and run counter to a real human experience. This song is a perfect example. All my ships have sailed away…

Seen It All Before

I’m not sure that any song brings out my car singing diva-ness more than this one. I get all soulful with attitude. It’s a funny sight, but this is a flippin’ amazing song. And lordy, what girl wouldn’t want to be all baby baby baby’d by him. I’ve seen everything your twisted smile conveys. I ain’t gonna be your fool baby…

\

Supply and Demand

I also really love that all of his songs are full of meaning, soul, emotions, and spirit. They make you want to cut loose and groove to them. The more I strive, the less I’m alive…

Songs to keep you busy... (Jakob Dylan, The Beach Boys, and Belle & Sebastian)

So whoops, I sorta lost a week in there somewhere. I have been busy. Doing what you ask? Hmm, well, I dunno... stuff. Mostly just complaining about how busy I am. Go figure. I want to pretentiously say that I have been avoiding the television (except for watching 30 Rock) and getting a lot of reading in, which is true, but if asked, the list of what I've been reading will probably negate the whole thing (2 YA novels and Tina Fey's book).
Jakob Dylan - Smile When You Call Me That

If I could pick anyone (today anyway), I would choose Jakob Dylan to sing me to sleep each and every night. This is such a funny, snarky song, but it's amazing just how much feeling he puts into it. Just wonderful.


The Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice

I saw The Beach Boys the other night. I love seeing any of those iconic bands from the 1960's. When they first started singing, I thought it was a recording, but they just still sounded that good. I guess that I never realized how many popular songs they had. I can't listen to this song without dancing, singing along, and trying to harmonize.



Belle & Sebastian - If You Find Yourself Caught In Love


I'm not even sure how to explain Belle & Sebastian, but there is just something about them that make me feel like I have to be listening to them. They somehow calm my nerves and understand my problems. I dig their sweet kickback, retro sound. I guess that's why I love them. Thanks Belle & Sebastian.

Songs for philosophizing... (The Avett Brothers & Langhorne Slim)

Friday night, I was lucky enough to have a ticket to The Avett Brothers show at Ruth Eckerd Hall. It was one of those perfect nights filled with great music. I went to the show alone. Sometimes it's a little scary to do things alone, but what I've noticed is that when I'm alone, I'm so much more aware of everything that is going on around me, which makes me feel like I experience things more fully.
Langhorne Slim - Restless


One of the best things that can happen at a concert is when the opening act is someone new that you haven't heard of before and they just knock you out. Langhorne Slim was the epitome of that. His stage presence was energetic (he jumped out into the seats and played while walking across the back of the seats), soulful (he's a storyteller in the truest Bob Dylan/Paul Simon sense of the word... aware of people and feelings and beautiful moments), and intelligent. His voice gave me chills. One song in and I was completely sold. 

After his set, I went to the merch booth to buy albums. He was there, signing autographs and taking photos with everyone. The most surprising part was that he had such a crazy stage presence, yet back with his fans he was so soft-spoken, humble, and unbelievably sweet to everyone. He was a very cool dude. I (along with everyone else) totally have a giddy little crush on him now.



And just cause I'm stuck in ninth grade mentality where a photo makes me so silly happy, I have to share this.

The Avett Brothers - Head Full Of Doubt/Road Full Of Promise


I know that I've written about The Avett Brothers many times already this year, but when people say that you need to see them live to fully understand their impact, they are not joking. First of all, their music is amazing to me because there is a deep, soulful intelligence and maturity in what they sing. The songs are about love, family, and soul searching. They are honest, emotional, and real. They have a knack for capturing these beautiful moments of questioning vulnerability. Sitting in that hall, there was such an overwhelming sense of love and connection. It made me feel hopeful for humanity. It was an amazing moment. And this is a really beautiful song.

Bucket List #22: Sing with Diana Ross... Check.

Growing up, I loved The Supremes. I would stand in the doorway between our living room and dining room, pretending it was a stage, and sing along to all the songs. My first dream job was joining The Supremes and singing back up for Diana Ross. I never did have a very good concept of the date, which lead to other delusions that involved The Monkees, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Pete Townshend. Anyway, Saturday night I had the privilege of seeing Diana Ross live. I've had a lot of years to grow my expectations and she still blew them all away. Her voice was beautiful, her costumes to die for, and in perfect diva style, she was utterly fabulous.

A few songs in, it hit me that my dream was coming true. I sang along with Diana Ross. Granted there were a few thousand of us living that dream, but it made no less spectacular. My next to do list item is to get a trunk of sequined evening gowns for singing along to the stereo. A girl has got to do these sorts of things right.


The Supremes - I Hear a Symphony

I love to talk tough, but my undying love of this song proves just what a soft-hearted love optimist I really am.


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T9SEY8eLyk)


The Supremes - Where Did Our Love Go

I can't think of any other song that leaves me so unable to let it go. I will randomly Baby Baby for hours after hearing it.


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izzKUoxL11E)


Michael Jackson & Diana Ross - Ease on Down the Road


I have seen The Wiz more times that I care to admit (I had the biggest thing for Michael Jackson as a kid). When she played this song in concert, I about exploded from excitement.


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BfvzaSxkSY)

Dylan is Dylan

Around 11, I became completely fascinated with the 1960's. Bell bottoms, beatniks, the civil rights movement, Vietnam war protest, hippies, JFK, free love, Paul Newman, The Monkees, the march on Washington, Barefoot in the Park, Batman, peace signs, Woodstock, and the music... where do I even begin with the music?

Weekly, my mom would take me to the public library in Columbus. I would borrow books, music, and movies, which is how I found and fell in love with The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel, The Who, and Bob Dylan. I'd pour over photography books of The Beatles, spend hours watching Viva Las Vegas and Help!, listen to album after album of any music that I could get my hands on, recreate art, and get completely lost in lyric books. The Dylan lyric book coupled with the Bootleg series became my bible of poetic aspiration. It was heaven for me, and it still is.

So a few weeks ago when I found out that Bob Dylan was coming to Tampa, I bought tickets and waited (very impatiently) for my first time seeing him live. Going in, my expectations were based on all of the reunion tours that I've seen where the artist performs a mixture of their hits with some not-so-great new songs, they throw out the name of their current city, and the crowd cheers and sings along at all the prescribed moments. The experience feels nostalgic, yet somehow over. I don't know why I would have ever expected something like that. What I love about Bob Dylan is that he never went along with what was conventional. He broke the rules and he pushed the limits. He still breaks the rules.

The setlist was enough to make any Dylan fan Ohh  and Ahh: Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat, Lay, Lady, Lay , Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Just Like A Woman, Tangled Up in Blue, Simple Twist Of Fate, Love Sick, Highway 61 Revisited, A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall, Like A Rolling Stone, and All Along The Watchtower, etc. It amazes me to think that the list barely even begins to crack the surface of all the amazing songs he's written. Apparently, he mixes up the set lists every night.

At first when Dylan was singing, it was a little jarring. He took each of the songs and mixed them up and made them something different. When I got past the fact that it wasn't going to be a sing-a-long, I really started listening and was floored at just how tight the band sounded. Thinking back over the experience, I realize that it was a unique, artistic experience and not some cookie cutter tour with everything carefully planned out and perfect.

Even more surprising, after years of playing into all of the myths of the different personas of Bob Dylan, I found him to be the antithesis of the common rock star that takes the stage, eats up the applause, and can't stop talking about what he ate for breakfast. When Dylan took the stage, he was part of his band, and he was just there to play some seriously badass music. No one messes with Dylan. It is not because he is a famous musician. It is because he is just cool with who he is... Bob Freakin' Dylan.

Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash - One Too Many Mornings

You can thank me later for sharing this piece of awesomeness.

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvnSyOYzTHY)

Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues


Awesome song. Very cool video with it used.

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcm0rG8EKXI)

Shout and Rule This Mad World

Hearing Tears for Fears always makes me think of the 80’s, chimps in libraries (everything is better with a monkey), popcorn filled houses, and Val Kilmer at his absolute finest (Oh that genius Chris Knight!). The cover of Songs from the Big Chair is forever etched in my memory. It sat at the front of my record collection due to the number of times that I listened to Head Over Heels. All funny considering that after I bought the tickets to see them, I worried if I was even going to like them. 

 
From the moment Curt Smith came out on stage singing Mad World to rocking out with Roland Orzabal to Shout at the end of the show, it was an fun, electric show that never failed to please. They happily played a combination of their hits (even played Mad World twice – btw, thank you very much!) mixed in with new tunes, which completely sucked me in. Check out the setlist; awesome, no? Both Smith and Orzabal sounded amazing and they played off of each other well to entertain the audience. A happy nod to their reconciliation.

My favorite part: singing along to Head Over Heels with a massive audience. It’s fun to hear how everyone picks up on all the little quirks in the song. I was so full of nostalgia and good feelings, and it felt like everyone else there was in the exact same place. That was pretty amazing in itself. I am so there the next time they come around, and I’m already expanding my Tears for Fears collection.

  Mad World

This song is already amazing, but live it is unbelievably moving. My most listened to song since the concert.



(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU68TLWikhM)

Head Over Heels

Always one of my favorite songs and most definitely helped along by the video and the fact that there is a monkey. Sadly, I couldn’t find the video.



(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sZzCyJVb4o)

Head Over Heels – The Literal Video Version

I did however find this and cracked up while watching and rewatching it.



(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0TYun-Nq1Q)

New Zealand Unite!

It has been a whirlwind of a few days. Wednesday night I saw Crowded House and both of my picks are from that show. Something old. Something new. Both equally awesome. Enjoy.

Crowded House – Fall at Your Feet

I can vividly remember being about seven and waiting impatiently for MTV to play the Something So Strong video. I always had such a crush on Paul Hester. My tastes have evolved a bit, and Fall at Your Feet is definitely a song for my ultimate mix tape. Neil Finn has the most beautiful voice and fantastically moving lyrics. In the sing along part of this song in the show, one of the band members actually turned around and looked at me to figure out who was singing so loud. Give me a break; I love this song!


Lawrence Arabia – The Beautiful Young Crew

Lawrence Arabia opened for Crowded House. My first though was ugh stupid hipsters with their funky beards. But then there was beautiful singing. The tunes were interesting. I even saw a trumpet and a lemon shaped maracas.

With a Little Help from His Friends

Last week, I saw Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band at Ruth Eckerd Hall. This is his 11th tour and it was the third time that I’ve gotten to see him. This tour included Edgar Winter, Gary Wright, Richard Page (Mr Mister), Wally Palmar (The Romantics), Rick Derringer, and Gregg Bissonette.

As always, it was a great show. I respect artists that don’t get upset when they’re asked to play the songs that have made them famous. I understand that the 4,000th time that you sing Yellow Submarine might not have the same impact, but for the people in the audience it is special. Ringo always leads a fun, funny, energetic show. This was my third time seeing Ringo live and every time I’ve spent the first 30 minutes in complete awe of the fact that Ringo Starr is really performing just a few feet in front of me. From back in my younger days of watch Help! and A Hard Day’s Night (both Ringo centered movies), I was always fascinated with the charisma and happiness of Ringo Starr and seeing him live is just the same kind of feeling. He watches the audience and interacts with a lot of snarky comments. He has a good time, which in turn makes the experience even more fun. I kept waiting for someone to shout “You’re all red again... Kaili!”

The show is always an interesting round robin of all the featured artists and their most famous songs. It keeps the experience interesting. and you get to spend the majority of the night hearing the “special” songs. Watching the ensemble interact and perform each other’s songs is so much fun.

Edgar Winter is crazy talented and has a stage energy that is hard to surpass. Gary Wright talked about going to meditation camp with George Harrison, and then belted out an amazing version of Dreamweaver. Richard Page has a truly amazing voice. It was special to see him because Broken Wings was my first favorite song. Wally Palmar just rocks out on the Romantics tunes. Rick Derringer is one heck of a guitar player, and being from Ohio, it was awesome to hear the full version of Hang on Sloopy live. Gregg Bissonette is impressive and so happy and energetic on those drums that I just loved to watch him drum (even with Ringo drumming right next to him!).

The only bad part of the night was when it was over. Peace and love.

Romeo & Juliet Shadowplaying Under The Milky Way

I have serious love for Brandon Flowers. I saw them (The Killers) with my friend Amber in October 2009 in Tampa, and they did this awesome cover of Under the Milky Way I found a video of the cover from the night we were there. Super cool. I’m sure that you can hear me screaming and singing like a loon somewhere in the background.


Granted, I’m a little biased, but I love almost any song better when is the Killers are covering it. For example, I’ve always loved Dire Straight’s Romeo and Juliet, but hearing it covered by The Killers definitely took it up a notch for me.


Finally, if you love Joy Division (or even if you don’t), you must must MUST watch Control. The Killers did this cover for the movie, but it is just superb and probably one of my all time favorite covers.

Amos Lee, Poppin' Epiphanies, and the Peace in Truth

Last Saturday night, I saw Amos Lee perform at the Capitol Theater in Clearwater. The Capitol is an old opera theater that's been closed for ages, so it has the quirks of something that has been around forever.

I hadn't listened to Amos Lee before and bought the tickets on a whim. The poster said something about him being the next Sam Cooke, so I was intrigued. Boy, do I love some Sam Cooke. Amos Lee doesn’t remind me of Sam Cooke at all. Not sure where exactly they got that from, but I went into the situation blind (well, more like deaf) and it was a perfect nights.

There was a lot of excitement because the theater was just reopened. Everyone was good natured, friendly, chatty, and really positive. Mutlu, the opening act, has a beautiful voice and a great setlist. He has an easy going stage presence and added just the right amount of laughs.

So, Amos and his band walked on stage, picked up instruments, and just start playing. I was crushing hard within 2 seconds of that curtain opening. They didn't strut around on stage, trying to get the crowd all hyped up because they didn't need it. The music spoke for itself.

In this age of "reality" television and the constant Dr Phil-like reaping of your soul, I'm always amazed when I get to just feel without someone telling me if it is right or wrong. The music was moody and expressive and when he sang, he was emotional, vulnerable, and honest. It was almost uncomfortable at first, like I was tapping into his private moments, but then it was so comforting. It's hard to explain, but I respect his ability to do that and be that way. I can't handle being in the room when someone reads my writing, so I can't imagine singing my heart out with my eyes closed out in front a room full of people. It is a gift to be able to just letting go, openly being who you are, and allowing the response to be whatever it is. It reminded me of all the things I keep meaning to but am too scared write. I wanted to close my eyes and get lost in the moment.

The response from the crowd was amazing. Everyone was in the moment and having the best time. Hearing the beauty that can come from heartbreak or knowing that there are people out there that just feel and share it without fear is a pretty cool thing.

The experience made me realize that something that is missing from my life. It's not a gorgeous man with an even more beautiful voice to sing me to sleep every night... although, that would be nice too. of it’s the freedom that comes from being emotionally honest and expressing it. I haven't been writing like I should, and now I know that I need to close my eyes, take a deep breath, and allow myself to be a little vulnerable again.

I've tried to figure out my response. What is it about a person, a book, a song, or whatever that affects so us deeply? Is it a remembrance, something we long to be, or some sort of mirror of our current or past selves? I honestly don't know. Maybe it's a combination of all of those things.

What I do understand is that these connections bring meaning and purpose to life. Maybe the stars were perfectly aligned, my meditations converged, or maybe it was just one of those right place at the right time kind of things, but it woke me up from a living sleep. I feel more aware not only of the world, but of myself again, and that in itself is a pretty powerful.

Anyway, check out Amos Lee's music if you haven't, because he's kinda wonderful.

"...Some times we forget what we got
And who we are and who we are not
I think we got a chance to make it right
Keep it loose
Keep it tight
Keep it tight..."

Checking In...

Well, of all the things I've learned in life, the one that I should know the best is that it's not a good idea to go around professing the perfect and happy state of life that you are living because something not quite so perfect or happy is bound to happen. Long story short, the last couple months have been a little crazy for me (tore a muscle in my back, had to quit ballet, Zander got really sick, etc.), but I have definitely come out better on the other side of it all.

Lots of fun and exciting things have been going on, and next week is kind of the jumping off place for things to go into motion.

First, I had a realization that I've always been very apprehensive about sharing my political beliefs, and while I'm still trying to be careful about what I say to certain people, I am finding a confidence in my beliefs. I've been doing volunteer work for the local Democrats and have a ticket to see Hillary Clinton speak on Monday night. I mean, politics aside, it's pretty amazing that I'm get to listen to her speak. She's an amazing, intelligent woman, and it's a great opportunity. When I was first going college, my initial goal was to become a political speech writer (weird that I had issues sharing my beliefs, I know), so it's been exciting listening to all the speeches and seeing how they really do affect people. I am really, really hoping that I'll also be able to see Barack Obama the next time he comes to the Tampa area.

Then on Tuesday, I'm starting my first class in a Photography certification course. When I was in high school, I was so into working in my darkroom, but when I got to college I lost it when I got so engrossed in writing and workshopping. It's wonderful to be thinking about it again. I even splurged and bought myself a shiny, fancy Mac Book Pro.

I also just finished my first week of The Artist Way, which is a guidebook for finding your creative spirit. I cheated a bit and extended the first week into two because my vacation fell in the middle. Waking up early for the morning pages has been a little hellish, but I understand why they are important. Nothing too creative has come about yet, but I should make it past the first week before I make too many judgments.

Later in the week, I have tickets to see Chris Isaak and Lisa Loeb. Seeing Isaak is one of my favorite annual events. I went to the 80's Regeneration tour last week, which was lots of fun. I about dropped from exhaustion while dancing to A Flock of Seagulls.

It’s not too far until Halloween , which means costumes, candy corn, and pumpkins. This is my absolute favorite time of the year.

To top it all off, I figured out how to rip Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes to my iPod. Now, I can carry hours of amusement and Xanderisms in my pocket.

I do not babble. I occasionally run on, every now and then I yammer.
-Xander

Happy Birthday Ringo!

At the Ringo Starr concert on Wednesday night, he came from back stage at one point and announced that he had just heard something really cool. One of the news shows asked him what he wanted for his birthday, and he said more peace and love. I don't think that any of us could really argue with that.

Happy Birthday Ringo! Peace and love.

George Carlin

George Carlin died over the weekend. He was a spokesman for common sense and a funny, funny man. I was lucky enough to see him live a few times, and they were just great experiences. I respect that he was never afraid to say what he thought or push the limits. Maybe we all need to push the limits a little more often and just say "Really?" He'll definitely be missed.

Canadian Cross-dressing Crazies

I can’t believe that I have waited this long to rave about getting to see Kids in the Hall (Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney, Scott Thompson) live! In May, they came to Ruth Eckerd Hall and performed a set of sketches that, much like their show, had me doubled over in my seat laughin. They performed old sketches (Buddy Cole, Chicken Lady, and Head Crusher to name a few) and brought along new sketches that were just as funny, if not more. I particularly liked the high school dances and Foley’s time machine:




I sat a few rows back from the stage, and I could see them react when people were really laughing at things. After watching them for so long on tv, it was weird to have them turn and look at you when you’re hysterical over something. I also saw them (especially Kevin McDonald and Dave Foley) absolutely cracking each other up in the middle of sketches. It was so amazing to see them having such a good time while performing.

I’m still a little heartbroken that I didn’t get my head crushed.

After the show, I was completely addicted to watching the old series again and bought The Kids in the Hall Megaset. If you're a fan, this set includes everything and is completely awesome and classic.
And here's one of my favorite classics: