The Police and Podcasts

The Police show was brilliant. Ok, I may be exaggerating slightly but I had a fantastic time, the guys sounded great and they brought a killer opening act with them. I'm not talking about Sting's son's band. They were the Opening Opening Act. I'm talking about the Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl and company brought excellent energy, enthusiasm and a nice catalog of songs with them rocking a semi-impressive crowd before The Police took the stage. Grohl even ran through the crowd at one point. Among the hits FF played was "Hero" which was dedicated to The Police.

The Police were great musically and vocally. Sting has not lost much when it comes to his voice and the other harmonizing hasn't fallen victim to passing time either. As musicians all three guys were impressive. Stewart Copeland has the respect of many in his industry for his playing and producing, deservedly so. I don't know much about Andy other than I've never been too attracted to him in any capacity. He was great and a pleasure to watch play during guitar close-ups on the big screen. Speaking of the big screen, I didn't find myself staring at it as often as I have at other big shows that have found me sitting a distance from the stage. I was enthralled I supposed and glanced at the screen from time to time, usually when Sting's biceps were seen, but mostly kept my attention on the music and towards the stage. It was an amazing time.

I didn't get to interview The Police, but I do have two new music interviews up on piratepods.com. Check out my alter-ego's interviews with Thrice lead-singer Dustin Kensrue and also up and coming band The New Atlantic in the music section of the site.

Good evening to you!

The Police

This is a silly quick entry written for the sole purpose of saying that I am incredibly excited to have plans this Saturday night to see The Police at Dodger Stadium! I've seen Sting twice but was too young to see The Police in concert when they were initially touring as a band. Having seen Sting so often and trusting the enduring talent of Stewart Copeland, I predict that the show will live up the the hype I've attributed to it.

Here's a narrative medley for ya (dark but I used a lot of songs in it!):
Bring on the night but don't stand so close to me. Next thing you know, I'll be wrapped around your finger. I'll send my SOS to the world and everyone will know that every little thing you do is magic. Only treat me like an ordinary Roxanne if you're a Demolition Man. Had they survived, other boys could tell you that murder by numbers is easy for me, like learning my ABC's. Every step you take, every move you make, I'll be watching you. Voices inside my head will never let me forget and will fool me into thinking our lives are forever entwined in a false synchronicity. If you want to stay, let's spend our day walking on the moon. Do do do, de da da da that's all I have left to say to you.

The Foo Fighters are opening so that is a nice bonus because though I probably wouldn't buy a ticket to see them, I am glad that a band I respect is opening.

In addition to my excitement over seeing The Police, I am stoked on the venue. Dodger Stadium is one of my favorite places in the world. You may think, "You really haven't been out much, girl!" You're right. I have been to quite a few places though and still maintain my belief in that statement. I went to countless Dodgers games as a kid and have a nostalgic fondness for the place. This show will only add to the memories.

Ten-Year (2)

I attended my 10 year high school reunion this past weekend and frankly don' t know what I had ever worried about. It was a silly event and in all wasn't worth my time. Since I can't get my time back, I'll spend a few more moments on the subject to give you the highlights:

Hired Dates: Yes, 2 guys did indeed hire dates to accompany them. This is not speculation but the truth. Twin brothers from my class showed up with 2 very hot (dirty hot, not cute or pretty or believable) girls. The first this I said to my best friend was, "Looks like the reunion cost them a few hundred more than it did us." I knew they weren't really with these guys because they were dating. Turns out, I was right as confirmed by one of the girls.

Boring Night = Discovery: A decision was made by about 20 of the 30 reunion attendees to go to a local restaurant bar for an after-party/party. We were bored at the reunion and wanted to have some fun. It was early so we all headed over. Turns out that one of the twins' dates was already scheduled to report to the same restaurant shortly afterwards to start her shift...in a cage...as a dancer. All I'm thinking here is, "I'm your private dancer, dancer for money..." Too bad for the guy that she was not so private and in fact he had been found out. He paid a lot of money for no exclusivity.

Drugs: One guy told me he had been to rehab 6 times since leaving high school. I looked him over carefully and he was for sure a guy and not Lindsey Lohan just playing a joke by crashing the party. In addition to this guy, one of the kindest people (no one had a bad thing to say about him, sincerely) from my class seems to have turned into a major party-guy and I think he was hopped up on something when he arrived and immediately bought a round of shots before even looing around to see who was in the room. It was sad to see and I wish both of them better health in the next 10 years.


That's about all. It was a non-event when all was said and done and I really wish more people hand been there or the thing had been cancelled because the event wasn't worth the $100 and the time. I did get to hang with two of my best friends which was a good thing but overall, the 10 year reunion is truly a waste of time.

At least I don't feel as bad about myself now. I actually felt pretty good because I wasn't the biggest and wasn't the least accomplished both of which were fears I had going in.

Until 2017! (or tomorrow)

John Mayer

I know I go to a lot of shows/concerts. I know that I often say the person I saw was great. Tonight I went to Coors Amphitheatre to check out Rocco DeLuca and The Burden, Ben Folds and finally John Mayer. First, I have to say that the entire line up was solid. Rocco is the newest guy of the three and he put on a good show. He has a strong voice and the hardest rock edge of the three which was a good way to kick off the evening. I'm checking him out again at the House of Blues next month. I think the smaller venue will suit him better but he held his own at Coors with a sparse audience in a big venue.

Ben Folds was wonderful. I haven't seen him live before but have been aware of him for about 10 years and from time to time have listed to his work with his band or his solo work. What a vivacious performer this guy is. He's bold because he plays the piano and lets the piano, and his voice, power well over the rest of the band in such a way that you hear every note he is playing and every word he is singing. He enunciates so you don't wonder at the lyrics. I had a lot of fun during his set.

Last but not least, John Mayer. I saw John perform at SDSU's Open Air Theatre about 6 years ago, give or take. He was good then. Now, he is better. That isn't always the case with artists and in seeing John play tonight, looking at the way he led the band, and hearing the way his old songs have developed over time while his new songs have a brilliance all their own, it is clear that John is truly an artist with a respect for music and a clear interest in learning and improving in his art. His lyrics have always been good and they have grown with him. The subjects have moved from girls and high school memories to adult relationships, deeper introspection and social awareness (kudos for Waiting on the World to Change). As a whole his catalog of songs so far make for an enjoyable night of music. John is sexier, more mature, and ever more talented as a performer. I am excited to hear what he does next. If you get a chance to check him out sometime, definitely go see John Mayer.

Thanks for a great show tonight, guys!

Ten-Year

My 10-year High School Reunion is this weekend. Since graduation was a while ago and probably the first time anyone mentioned a reunion, I don't remember my exact thoughts of where I thought I'd be 10 years on. I don't think it was here. I am proud of some accomplishments and even proud that I am ashamed of some things I've done too. It means that in the last 10 years I have lived. Still, I'm not happy. I wish I could say I've been extraordinary or that I'd become gorgeous or even lost 10 pounds since January rather than gained them. But, I will go, as I am, a little more jaded, a little more complicated and hopeful that I have changed for the better. I am going with my best friends, going as a singleton and going to enjoy it all the same.