A Thought

Do you know anyone who actually went out and bought a Lenny Kravitz cd?

For Those About to Rock

I recently entered an online contest to win tickets to see the Cowboy Junkies (still one of the great band names out there). It made me think about the time I saw them at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, right after the Trinity Session album came out (1988). They were great, and as an added bonus I sat next to Sean Penn, who I didn't recognize at first, (he came in after the lights went down). He proceeded to chain-smoke through out the show, have a few drinks, he also had a burger (no I did not keep the pickle). For the contest, they were looking for your favorite song of theirs, but I thought I would win because I had the most interesting story. I didn't. Some guy mentioned he saw them in a church in Germany. The Great American Music Hall used to be a brothel during the Barbary Coast days in S.F. So, you've got a brothel, Sean Penn, and me, in my mind, that beats a German church every time.

Honestly, I didn't really even want to go anyway. Honestly. O.K. If I won the tickets I would have gone, but I wasn't going to spend money on the experience. That's just me. Whoever won, enjoy! It was part of the Louisville Orchestra Pops series. I've never been to one of those, but I am more than a little skeptical of the concept. They bring a "Rock" band and smooth off some of the rough edges by having them play with the Orchestra. I like the Cowboy Junkies, but I'm not sure I want to see anyone under those conditions. It's old folks music. What happened, did the Manhattan Transfer cancel, was Vicki Carr too edgy?, they couldn't decide between Helen Reddy and Petula Clark? If you're going to bring in a rock band, go all the way. Get somebody that can still rock, like the Dead Kennedys. I'd pay to see Jello and Co. tear it up with the Louisville Orchestra. What self respecting rock purist wouldn't spend good money to see the Dead Kennedys play with the Orchestra. I can see it now, "BB&T and Yum Brands present an evening with the the Dead Kennedys, under the direction of conductor Bob Bernhardt, hear the Dead Kennedys classics like you've never heard them before! Maestro Bernhardt reaches new heights with his version of "Too Drunk to Fuck" (LEO Weekly). "California uber alles" will never sound the same again!" (The Voice Tribune). Also, enter to win tickets to a special Yum Brands sponsored after-party, where you can hang out with Jello Biafra, East Bay Ray, Klaus Flouride, and selected members of the Woodwind section of the L.O., who will be signing pieces of blood-soaked broken glass at the soon to be opened, KFC themed "Bucket of Blood" Nightclub on 4th St. Live! (Employees of the City of Louisville and the Cordish Co. are not eligible to win).

Now that's rock and roll.

Another List

Ten incorrect things about me.

I can fly.

I want to fly.

I once was dead.

I was a competitive knitter.

Parents love me.

I used to be a woman.

I gamble on cat races.

I was born on death row.

I raise turtles for sport.

I love the sound of breaking glass.

Mr. Tree

Mr. Tree is working it. I don't know if there is a Mrs. Tree, or any little sap's at home. His real name is Steve. But in a professional relationship, I think it would be rude to call him anything less than Mr. Tree. He's earned that much. He's all over the place, taking advantage of the ice-storm damage to the trees. Mr. Tree to the rescue. Mr. Tree is nobody's fool. He's bonded and insured. He is a nice guy. Mr. Tree is a little big on the hard sell. Should I put you down for 9 am? Gee Mr. Tree, I just wanted an estimate.... I don't know Mr. Tree, that seems kind of steep... Go ahead, I'll wait until you talk to your wife. But Mr. Tree, she's sleeping right now... I can call you in the morning, you've got my card, that's my cell, I can come 8, 9, 10:30..., whatever works for you. Mr. Tree just wants to help. Mr. Tree talks fast (not just for a tree). Mr. Tree is gone. 

O Death

Denyse and I went to see Ralph Stanley on Saturday night at St. Francis of Assisi church. They have been putting on shows there for the last year or so. Justin Townes Earle was there the night before. They have have a new priest and he's trying to bring in a different, cooler, hipper, happening, swinging, younger??? crowd. The new church, not just for praying. Tap your toe  and open your soul. Well, it's the same crowd, they're just drunk on micro-brews in a church basement now. These are the same people I used to see when I was a kid going to the church carnival, trying to win a goldfish that will be dead by nightfall, going for another stuffed octopus, or letting it all ride on the cake wheel. You're not just getting drunk, you're helping the church. It's a win win. We got there a little late, about 7:45, the show was at 8, so were in the back near the rabble. We were surrounded by middle aged people who, before they started having kids, were weekend warriors, still going out on the weekends with their old college friends, having dinner and drinks, and went out regularly to show's, (somebody's going to see Bob Seger, those Eagles tickets will not buy themselves). Now they can see a show without going to a nightclub and staying out late. And they get to drink and support the church, a thrill usually reserved for tailgating at the St. X-Trinity game. (Didn't I see you blowing chow outside the St. James fish fry?) We're all having a great time until somebody starts to hurl. They're wearing their sweater vests from Valhalla, or their starched Ralph Lauren button down shirts. Casual but dressy. Or their shirt/sweater with the name on it (insert company or school name here, St Raphaels, Callahan, Derby City Landfill). I'm hanging out with my parents friends except we're all the same age now. Yikes.

To be continued...

A Tree

A List

I could never respect a man who didn't look good throwing a baseball. If it matters or you are unsure, don't do it.

Once you've used 2-ply it's hard to go back.

I always brush my teeth after I drink coffee.

I love the nude yoga video for reasons that have nothing to do with yoga.

None of the men in my family have ever worn a tank top.

I eat 3 bananas a day.

I am not a fan of Will Smith.

I keep most of my feelings to myself.

Squirrels do not come in peace.

I can't sleep unless I read first. I can't.

I have worn women's clothing. So what.

My last name really is Anger. Really.