Chevy Metal - Mauli Ola Foundation Benefit Show

When: Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Where: Seven Degrees, Laguna Beach
Accompanied by: Gabrielle, Nic & Kathryn
Genre: Rock n Roll

Set List (may not be 100% accurate, but close): Bitch, My Sharona, Beer Drinkers, Jet Airliner, Fairies Wear Boots, Panama, Stay with Me, Jailbreak, Miss V, Looks That Kill, Live Wire, Mean Streets, I'm the One, Wizard, Rocks Off, Everybody Wants Some, Ain't Talkin' Bout Love, Under Pressure

Happy early Birthday to me!! Thanks to Gabrielle for surprising me with getting tickets to this fundraiser event at a swanky little restaurant in Laguna Beach. Last years show at The White House had a much more casual feel to this years show at Seven Degrees which was a bit more artsy, but an absolutely perfect venue for this type of event.

The purpose behind this benefit was to help raise funds for the Mauli Ola Foundation. The Mauli Ola Foundation exists to introduce surfing as a natural treatment to people with genetic disorders. Mauli Ola means "Breath of Life" in Hawaiian...and after listening to a young man who found relief from the daily pain of his Cystic Fibrosis through surfing and the natural healing powers of the ocean, it was clear that this organization offers just that. 

The other purpose of this evening was a long overdue girls night out with Gabrielle, Kathryn and Nicole. We met up beforehand to grab a bite at a restaurant just next door to the event called Remarks. That alone was worth the drive out to south O.C. Remarks prices were extremely reasonable for the quality food being served. And the service was above and beyond excellent. After one amazing martini, some shared ahi and braised short ribs, our server surprised us with a complimentary apple tart that we barely had room for but somehow managed.  We eventually waddled over to Seven Degrees to scope out the scene for the evening and ran into our friends, Cosmo and Debbie. We were all ready for some damn good rock and roll and lucky for us, Chevy Metal does not disappoint!

I've had the chance to see Chevy Metal many times over the years with a handful of different guitarists. But I have to say that Mick Murphy is the absolute perfect fit for this cover band (pretty sure I've said that before in previous posts). The man oozes rock and roll out of every pore and his facial expressions when he shreds are freakin' priceless. Mick is amazing and with the intimacy of tonight's show, we were able to witness his talent up close and personal.

The highlight though, was towards the end of the evening, when Taylor asked Drew Hester (if you saw Foo perform during the ESP&G tour, you would remember Drew from his triangle solos) to come up and take the drums... this brought Taylor down to the front.... within inches of me and Gabrielle. Time pretty much stopped and the Van Halen song "Ain't Talkin Bout Love" will forever put a smile on my face.  

There's not much else to say beyond this...I could not have asked for a more perfect birthday gift. 

"Aint Talkin' Bout Love".... Three minutes and 18 seconds of absolute deliciousness...unfortunately the sound quality is miserable, so you may want to view this w/ the mute button on.


"Everybody Wants Some" - same issue, but fun to watch.