Mister Heavenly II

Tickets did not run as expensive as expected for the Passion Pit - Mister Heavenly - We Barbarian - Peter Rabbit 4-band line-up at the Palladium in Hollywood. How could I pass it up? My main draw had been Mister Heavenly, a project band made up of some good names: Nick Diamonds of Islands, drummer Joe Plummer of Modest Mouse, Honus Honus of Man Man, and on bass Michael Cera!! Cera is young but loveable, from his Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist movie to his u-tube sketch with the kids from Jersey Shores. The band can use some time to figure out which direction they're headed, but seeing all four made the night worthwhile.







Back up to my entrance. I arrived one hour early because the Palladium has all general admission tickets. With the new addition of Michael Cera to Mister Heavenly, I expected quite a gathering one hour before the show. However, I erred, and hit the jackpot when I stood about 20 people from the beginning of the line. After a serious security check, including being pat down, I stood in the second row of music hungry fans. I differed from those around me in what appeared to me to be two obvious ways. I had about 10 years on those around me. I also knew about the opening bands and not the headliner. The college students loved the headliner Passion Pit. We swapped music knowledge and it worked out quite well. Some college lady asked me where I went to school. The suspicious side of me thought she was up to something. I dropped my guard and talked to them for some time, later to realize one of her gal pals had wiggled into my space. Her furry vest violated my space bubble. The furry vest plus jumping plus pushing led to my exit to the old people gallery where I enjoyed the headliner with my peers. All in all, I great adventure.

Mister Heavenly

I just read that Michael Cera joined a band for this tour season called Mister Heavenly. This band is opening for Passion Pit next Tuesday in Hollywood. Tickets cost around $45 with fees or $30 at the door. Tempting.

Swedes Sing

Tonight I attended the concert of Swedish singers Taken by Trees and El Perro Del Mar. Not going to lie, I felt it may be better staged at a 70s themed roller skating rink. That would only enhance an already groovy sound. Taller than Trees rolled film of nature behind them. The two female vocalists were clearly the center of the show, but the drummer also stole my heart.

In the past, I have seen Lykke Li, another Swedish indie/pop singer. She has recorded with El Perro Del Mar. That match was meant to be.

I am going to Cuba

That is I am going to experience Cuban culture, music, history, and all that is the Buena Vista Social Club. In Antigua I heard one member of the band- following this I viewed the documentary. Tonight a band of Buena Vista is in Xela and I will attend with classmates and teachers from school. This band is a musical goldmine in Cuba´s history. I nearly cried during the documentary seeing the old band members smiling on stage in New York with their eyes glistening in the spotlights. It raises issues of art, politics, geography, history... and touches me the way music should.

To boot, I have found a pretty fantastic dance partner in town and taken up a few salsa and merengue moves. This has become a regular outing at night with friends from school, teachers, and my dance partner. I am taking my two step to the concert, too.

Yesterday I danced for two hours with the women in prison. First with a dance video, then only with music. They either thought I was really good (i hope?) or really bad, because the women called me back from a break to dance so the director could see. Que Extraño. I have come to really enjoy my days in the prison with activities from drawing to sewing, dancing, cooking, talking, reading.. and hoping soon to incorporate win lose or draw, español style.

Big hug to you today!

On tour

Live recording of John Vanderslice in Chicago on 4-13-07.

I'm on tour with John Vanderslice. Well, I toured with him Friday in Chicago. Ok, I was a guest singer. Guess which song, listen, and enjoy. A video may or may not surface.

"A" Last Weekend

A student I greatly respect referenced "The Scarlet Letter" my 1L year in crim pro. Last weekend I finally read this $1 book I picked up in my favorite used book store in DC last summer. Perhaps an "A" should be fastened on my weekend for not reading caselaw. Its legal themes are a break from my prison themed books, and law texts, but still on the legal wavelength. A classic high school text I'm glad to have digested on public transportation. To boot, I enjoyed reading the critique describing "The Scarlet Letter" as a gothic romance. Matches my gothic dance favorite - Inferno. Would Hester Prynne be a regular at Inferno?

Next read? The recommended so far is "The Time Traveler's Wife." I would like to re-read Richard Wright's "Native Son." Any other recommendations?

Musical Theme of my "A" weekend: Chicago by Sufjan Stevens.