Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Crooked Adventures While Riding Coattails

I dont think of myself as the blogger type...no one wants to read the random thoughts of a random person. But for the moment, I am compelled as I just came off the most awesome and amazing 2 weeks of fun! I need to document it for peace of mind...and so my old mind doesn't forget!

A Week of Crookedness

April 12, 2010 - Them Crooked Vultures at Jimmy Kimmel Live
After a full day of attending TechEd 2010 in Pasadena, I made my way over to the taping of Them Crooked Vultures at the Jimmy Kimmel show in Hollywood. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I hate to drive, especially in LA, but for this, it was a no brainer. Got there by 5:30 and there was already a pretty good line in tow. Made small talk w/ those around me to help pass the time. By 7ish, they let us in and I made my way for the rail. Unfortunately, by now most everyone knows that the left side is set for JPJ and better view of Dave, so I bolted for the center right to be as close to Josh as possible. So close and yet so far. Had a 6' plus drink of water directly in front of me so I had to rubberneck the entire show. So sad. But boy oh boy, it was a great appetizer to prepare me for the rest of the week....Here are three of the four songs via youtube:

April 14, 2010 - Them Crooked Vultures at Club Nokia, Los Angeles

I had been looking forward to this show for months, and knew after seeing TCV at the Wiltern last November that there would be a bigger fight for the rail. Got to Club Nokia around 4:30 and sure enough, the line has already formed. But Cosmo, Cassandra and I had a blast - connected with online friends, LeAnne & Doug who flew in from Chicago and made new friends with those around us and the time flew by. Once inside, we made it to the rail for a mind blowing show.

After the show, Cosmo, Lisa, Tiffany and I hung out and chatted. The crowds thinned out and we found our way down to an underground parking lot where there were lots of fancy cars and service vehicles. It was warm and there were couches to lounge on, so we copped a squat and hung out for a bit. Sure enough, out rolled JHo who was kind enough to stop for pix and authograph.


A few moments later, John Paul Effin' Jones came out. When I attempted to approach him, I was stopped by a very large security guard. I stood my ground and sure enough, JPJ walked over and said "you look so sad". What could I say. "I'm not sad anymore!" The legend was super sweet, posed for pictures and signed my CD cover. Then told us to wait a few minutes and Dave was on his way down. "Why thank you, John. Don't mind if we do."



Dave came out, head down, pretending to be immersed in his cell phone. When he looked up, you could almost tell he was calculating how many of us were there and once determined there were only four, he came over and chatted. Once he saw Cosmo, he gave him a hug and said "I'm beginning to think it isn't a show w/out you" Very cool stuff. Dave signed a few items and posed for a group photo. Very cool guy.




April 17, 2010 - Them Crooked Vultures at The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas
This was a weekend I was really looking forward to!!  Girls weekend away with Kelly, Anna, Elizabeth.  We headed out to Vegas super early on Friday, 4/16. No traffic, made it to Stateline super quick and had a full morning. Stopped by the new Casino M and played for a bit and eventually got to Ballys by 3pm for check in. Played all night doing the country bit which was fun. Didn't get in until well after 4am. I'm too old for this shit!

Saturday, I hooked up with a group of other friends (Cosmo, Gabrielle, Lara, and Becky) and we checked into a very nice suite at the Hard Rock Hotel. Won't go into all the details, but Lara and I were determined to grab ourselves a spot at the rail. Thanks to a friendly text from LeAnne, we found out the secret password and made it into a "VIP" sort of line which allowed us in ahead of the masses.


After the show and after many, many, many cocktails, Lara, Elizabeth, Kelly, Anna and I made our way downstairs. As most of walked right by "him" at the Poker Lounge, we were called back by Anna and the girls.  There he was, JHo!!  Wish I had clearer memories of this, but the smile says a lot.

April 19, 2010 - Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, The Casbah, San Diego
Lara, Nicole and I drove down to San Diego to catch the first show before the CD release of  Red Light Fever. Hooked up with Sarah and had a damn good time. Super small show, right up against the stage for some really good photos. After the show we had a chance to chat w/ the boys and picked up a drumstick or two. Drew Hester is one of the sweetest guys ever! All in all, a very good night.

April 20, 2010 - Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, CD Release at The Troubadour, Los Angeles
Kathryn was kind enough to pick me up for this show and we met up with Cosmo, Lara, Nicole, Sarah, Maria and her husband. In the house was JPJ who we caught glimpses of throughout the night. As well as Dave Grohl. All in all a great night!

Highlights
You're All I've got Tonight (Featuring Elliot Easton)
Running In Place (For my friend, Stu) 
April 22, 2010 - Jimmy Kimmel Live
Gotta hang out with Cassandra and Lara for an evening in Hollywood. Had a blast. Met up with Jose and Linda after the show and grabbed a bite. All in all, a great way to end the two weeks of fun!!
Friday, April 23, 2010
No more rock and roll shows for the time being.
But a lovely evening out with friends. Life is good.

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