Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants

When: Thursday, February 27, 2014
Where: El Cid, Los Angeles 
Accompanied by: Kathryn Knox
Genre: Honky Tonk, Country

Set List: Good Time Charlies, King of Fools, Wham Bam, I'm Gonna Break Every Heart, I'm Tired, Walk Through This World With Me, Live Fast..., Bull By The Horns, Bottle Let Me Down, Grand Tour, Happy Part of Town, Guitar Pickin' Man, Skid Row, Swingin' Door, A Woman Like You, Are You Sure Hank...?, Playboy

I am pretty sure the last time we saw Chris and his Dead Peasants, it was last year in Long Beach for the show at Alex's Bar and the CD Release party at Fingerprints. Both shows were good...but what was missing at that time was the undeniably talented Marty Rifkin. 

Fortunately, tonight's show, Marty was in the house and there is just something about him that adds to the authenticity of the band. Not that I know a thing about country music, because I don't. But I know what sounds good. At least what sounds good to me.

El Cid is an amazing venue. It was my first time there and it was like being transported back in time. What first started off as a cafe in 1925, later converted into a theater playhouse in 1932, it became a supper club and bar in 1963, as a replica of a 16th Century tavern.













And while we were there for the music, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the menu at El Cid boasts the BEST crispy brussels sprouts in the the world!!  Fried brussels spouts dressed in a lemon vinaigrette and topped with sliced Spanish almonds. Unfreakin' believable. And I don't even like brussels sprouts.

As I've stated in all the past posts after seeing Chris, I'm not a fan of the country music. But we go because we support Chris is his outside Foo Fighters endeavors. And to be honest, this sound has grown on me over time. I'm not rushing out to follow other country acts, but I can appreciate the genre that Chris is keeping alive. All in all, a damn tootin' good night. And given the opportunity to see other acts at El Cid, I'd definitely be down...if just for the brussels sprouts alone.

Photo by Debbie Flaska (c) 2014

Photo by Knoxy (c) 2014

Brody Dalle @ Alex's Bar

When: Sunday, February 16, 2014
Where: Alex's Bar, Long Beach
Accompanied by: Lara, Juls, Tiffany, Lisa & Anthony
Genre: Punk, Rock

Setlist: Rat Race, Don't Mess with Me, Meet the Foetus, Die on a Rope (Distillers), Dismantle Me (Distillers), Dressed in Dreams, Blood in Gutters, Ghetto Love (Spinerette), Sick of It All (Distillers), Sing Sing Death House (Distillers), Bullet & Bullseye, Coral Fang (Distillers), Underworld


Living in Long Beach has its perks.  Alex's Bar is definitely one of them. Just a mere five minutes down the hill from home, we were honored with the presence of Brody Dalle (from The Distillers and Spinerette) for a sold out night.

QOTSA, Sin City & ShenaniLaraJuligans 2014

When: Thursday, February 13, 2014
Where: The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas
Accompanied by: Lara, Juls, Jane, Gabrielle, Will, & Anthony
Genre: ♥ Rock n Roll ♥

Set List: all but 3's &7's ----->


I love Vegas. I love Queens of the Stone Age. So, back in December when it was announced that the boys would be performing at The Joint in February 2014, there was never any doubt that I would be there as well. Better yet, the dream I had of me and Lara meeting up with our 6'5" ginger ninja in Sin City was the beginning of what eventually became ShenaniLaraJuligans 2014. 

Nearly 2 months to the day (2/8/14), Lara arrived on my doorstep and the very next day we picked ourselves up our very own Welsh chickie, Juls from LAX and proceeded to dive right into the BEST EIGHT DAYS EVER!!

Granted, QOTSA in Vegas was the catalyst for this entire escapade...and trust when I say, Queens were fuckin' amazing (although from the rail, the sound wasn't entirely up to par. yet, if that's the price for being at rail, so be it.)...but this was so much more than a Vegas gig. This was love. Pure love and friendship. And it was perfect.

Aside from both Juls & Anthony each scoring a set list...One of the best moments in Vegas happened a few hours after the show ended. Lara, Juls and I were grabbing a bite at Mr. Lucky's when we saw Dean Fertita stroll by. Liquid courage prompted me to politely stop him to let him know how much we enjoyed the show. I explained that Lara had traveled from Australia, Juls from the UK and me from Long Beach. He seemed genuinely pleased as he extended his hand out and said, "hi, I'm Dean..." that just tickled us. Seriously, such a nice guy.

Vegas Memories...

Beyond the drunken shenanigans in Vegas...we enjoyed time at Crystal Cove, Bolsa Chica State Beach for an impromptu Saturday night bonfire, lots of amazing food, kept the economy flowing with way too much shopping, and were able to enjoy an evening close to home to see Brody Dalle perform at Alex's Bar in Long Beach, where Juls had her moment with Josh, and Brody kicked ass.

After 8 days, we sadly dropped Juls off at LAX. The saving grace was another 6 days with Lara which we filled with more shopping, catching Book of Mormon at Pantages, hitting up the Kogi Food Truck, and many many many cocktails and homemade cookies. 

I don't know what I did right in life to deserve such happiness...but I try not to question it too much. All I know is that moments like these make for the very best memories and while I'm truly sad for them to end, I know that more are right along the horizon, just waiting to begin. ♥

Now if I can just get Jane to commit to QOTSA/San Francisco in April.  The wild ride can continue....