Thursday, August 31, 2006

Rest in Peace, R.M.S. Titanic

This afternoon Denise and I went to the Titanic exhibit at the Metreon. I have to say, it is pretty amazing. To start the tour, they give you a boarding pass replica with a brief biography of one of the ship's passengers. I got Mrs. Esther Hart, age 45, who was traveling with her husband and daughter. Her husband was moving their family to Canada to take advantage of the construction boom there. In an exercise that was both fascinating and a little creepy, at the end of the exhibit you could check to see if your passenger lived or died when the ship sank. Luckily for me, Esther survived. Denise was not so fortunate; her passenger didn't make it.

The exhibit is filled with artifacts from the ship as well as stories of some of the passengers and crew. There are also recreations of state rooms, hallways and the ship's grand staircase. Plus they have a large section from the side of the ship. Called the Big Piece, it's pretty breathtaking. There's also a smaller piece you can actually touch. I was almost afraid to touch it, thinking I had no right, in 2006, to be touching the Titanic. But after some hesitation, I touched it. Twice. The whole experience made me feel very small in the face of this tragedy from almost 100 years ago. The exhibit was supposed to close next week, but it has been extended until early January. Admission is 20 bucks, but it is well worth it.

When I was in school I hated history, now it completely mesmerizes me.

After nearly two hours aboard Titanic, I left the Metreon and did some quick shopping. Matt is getting married in just over a week, and I have decided I need a new dress for the occasion. I believe I have found one, even though I didn't buy it today. Then I scooted across town where I met Ted and his girlfriend Rachel, along with some friends of hers, at Chez Spencer. Ted is one of my friends from Brown, and I have known him for just under 18 years. Scary that we are that old. Ted and Rachel actually live in Boston, but she is in town for work, and he decided to take a brief vacation. Dinner was delicious and much fun, and Rachel's friends are really nice. The copious amounts of wine were a treat as well.

Tomorrow I have to go to work early to interview David Allen Grier. Yes, that guy from In Living Color. That's pretty much all I know about him, but I anticipate I'll learn more tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Well, Frankie said relax...

... so that is what I did today. At the spa.

Have you ever had a ScenTao treatment? I have. It's this kind of skin treatment-aromatherapy-hot stone massage combination that is very lovely. I arrived at the spa this morning two hours early for my date with ScenTao, and I used that time to exercise (you know I spa I frequent would have a small gym) and lounge in the steam room and sauna. I then reclined poolside with my copy of Joe College by Tom Perrotta until ScenTao began. After my 90 minutes of bliss, I took a dip in the pool and several dips in the whirlpool before calling it a day.

I was so relaxed when I got home that I needed a nap.

Needless to say, I haven't gotten a whole lot done today. I have laundry; I need to clean my apartment; I need to retrieve my extra set of keys from Gretchen so my friend Kristie can get in and out of my apartment when she comes to visit me this weekend. I did none of that. I can only justify it by saying relaxation is why God created days off. Otherwise we'd probably have to work seven days a week on a regular basis.

Right now I'm supposed to be on my way to the Orbit Room to meet Jack and a bunch of his friends, but I'm having trouble finding the motivation to go out. I'll make it eventually. Just a few more minutes with my feet up, and I'll be ready to go. I just know it.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

A Most Excellent Morning

Hi. My name is Sassy, and I'm an endorphin-aholic.
(Hi, Sassy)
It's been 22 days since my last run, but I happily jumped off the wagon this morning and took one. Even though I only ran a little more than half my normal route and walked the rest, I have to admit I got a little winded. It's amazing how easy it is to fall slightly out of shape in just three weeks. I also didn't want to overdo it, as this was my first post-surgery run.

But let me tell you, even running just half the route felt good. What a nice way to begin a Tuesday.

I'm also in a good mood because last night I got together with my friend Carolyn, whom I haven't seen in months, for cocktails and giggle fits. We met at Favorite Bar 2 and enjoyed large quantities of both. I learned that Favorite Bar 2 features some kind of comedy showcase on Monday nights, and I mean no disrespect, but that drove Carolyn and me to another watering hole down the street. Regardless, it was a fabulous evening, and I still love Favorite Bar 2, despite the comedy.

Looking ahead to the rest of the week, I am treating myself to a spa day tomorrow. I can barely wait! I'm also going to check out the Titanic exhibit at the Metreon on Thursday, after which I'm having snacks and drinks with my friend Ted and his girlfriend, who will be in town from Boston. Then it's Labor Day weekend. My high school friend Kristie is coming to visit, and I have a wedding reception and a baby shower to attend. Luckily for me I have another vacation coming up. I think I need one, as these are busy days.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Books That Are Making Me Happy Today, vol 3

Love Monkey by Kyle Smith

I haven't been doing a whole lot for the last few days because I have been stricken by some kind of serious pain relapse I decided must be related to my surgery. Although my doctor isn't certain exactly what caused my intense abdominal cramps. So this may be neither a relapse nor related to my surgery at all. For various reasons, the details of which I'll spare you, my doctor now has me on Cipro, and I actually feel a lot better.

All of this is to say, I have spent the last three days in pajamas with nothing to do other than watch dvds and read. Save my two trips to the doctor's office, that is.

But the down time gave me a chance to rip through Love Monkey, which I actually bought at Trident Booksellers and Cafe on Newbury Street in Boston while I was on vacation. It was a $5.98 impulse buy from the discount table, and I'm glad I indulged. Please, do not be confused; this book is light years better than the horrifyingly bad television show it inspired. No offense to Tom Cavanaugh, the show's star and one of my tv boyfriends, but the 15 minutes that awful waste of television airtime lasted on CBS was far too long. Supposedly it's now on VH1, but I say miss the show and try the book. That's good advice, in general, but especially in this case.

Now, this book is not going to change the world, but it is a lot of fun and rather well-written for somewhat fluffy literature. I am a huge snob when it comes to bad books (let's not even discuss most of Oprah's book club selections before Jonathan Franzen embarrassed her into choosing classics), so know that when I describe something as "fun" or even "fluffy," it is still good. I was torn between having sympathy for the semi-loser single guy protagonist in Love Monkey and being horrified that men, even fictional ones, really think of women that way. But it kept me involved, and our single guy hero is no more pathetic than a lot of heroines in contemporary "chick lit." And this book is better written than many of those beach reads. Author Smith does an excellent job of communicating feelings of infatuation that are very relatable, whatever your gender. And he endears himself to me with music references, especially two characters' disdain for the loathsome "Drops of Jupiter" by Train. Yes, I know they're from the Bay Area, so I'm supposed to love them, but people, that band sucks.

Anyway, if you want a book that can make you laugh out loud and, if you're female, roll your eyes at the ever-confounding behavior of single men (not that we don't do that everyday), pick up Love Monkey. It really is a lot of fun.

Upon finishing Love Monkey, I swung by Browser's Books on Fillmore after my doctor's appointment today and found Joe College by Tom Perrotta, Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth and Boonville by Robert Mailer Anderson. Not that I don't have plenty of recently purchased, yet unread books sitting on my bookshelves. It's an illness, I admit. I have never done any drugs other than alcohol, but as I've said before: bookstores are my crack. I cannot get out of one without several paperbacks in tow. We all have our addictions.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Celebrity Night at Favorite Bar

To continue celebrating my progress on the road back to normal health, I decided meet Helen, Erin and Jack at Favorite Bar last night. Generally, I far prefer Favorite Bar on a weeknight, especially a slow weeknight, but I was willing to tolerate the weekend amateurs this time. Besides, Jack is about to leave for a lengthy trip to Asia with his girlfriend, after which he may move permanently to New York. So I didn't want to pass up an opportunity to hang out with him.

I arrived just after 9:00, and Emily joined us a few minutes later with her new British squeeze in tow. I was kind of tired and a little crabby at first, but the lovely and charming Emily handily pulled me out of my funk. Her Brit is a very nice fellow, as well. Jack and I also chatted about his possible relocation to New York. We've decided that if he moves, I'll have to visit him so we can go to the Algonquin and exchange Round Table caliber quips over lunch and cocktails. Honestly, that would be the perfect pastime for Jack and myself.

After about an hour or so, Emily pointed out to me that Sally Struthers was just a few barstools down from us. Once I saw the woman with the fierce blonde perm, I observed that she was taller and larger than Sally, so maybe she was actually the offspring of Sally Struthers and Shelley Winters. Two celebrities in one; does it get better than that? Emily excused herself and the Brit soon after, and at about 12:15, while I was practicing quips with Jack, I noticed another "celebrity" in the early Sunday morning Favorite Bar crowd. I was in the middle of telling Jack to check out Bill Murray making his way through the bar, when I suddenly lowered my voice and added some genuine urgency.

Because it really was Bill Murray.

Word has clearly gotten out about Favorite Bar if actual celebrities are starting to embrace it. Bill settled against the wall with the two young women and three young men who came in with him and mostly just looked around. Because we have class at Favorite Bar, no one tried to talk to him or otherwise harass him. But everyone was talking about him, as well as flagrantly staring. Favorite Bar is not very big, so he was hard to miss. I think that became clear to him and his entourage fairly quickly because they soon left without ordering any drinks. The sad part is I don't think either of the bartenders ever saw him, let alone got to earn a Hollywood-level tip.

Now, I run across celebrities every once in a while through work, but I have to admit, last night was pretty exciting. You don't generally expect to see a talented actor bellying up to your favorite watering hole. At least I don't. And Bill's visit created an electricity throughout the place. But now that the Hollywood elite has discovered it, I certainly hope Favorite Bar doesn't end up in the tabloids (although some of the dysfunctional dudes who hang out there too much would make decent gossip rag fodder, even though no one knows who they are).

P.S. Blogger has told me they have no idea when my problems posting images will be resolved (it's on their end). This may mean nothing to you, but I continue to be annoyed. Until then, I guess I'll have to live with only being able to post images sporadically. Personally, I think the posts are more interesting and user-friend when they include pictures, so I hope you continue to read.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Music That's Making Me Happy Today, vol 20

DeVotchka at the Independent

The members of DeVotchka are not so much musicians as they are mad scientists of music. These virtuosos all play multiple instruments to create DeVotchka's unique blend of Eastern European, American roots and South American music, spiced with sprinkles of punk and folk. Singer Nick Urata plays guitar and theremin; drummer Shawn King also plays trumpet; Tom Hagerman divides his time between accordion and violin; and Jeannie Schroeder handles upright bass and tuba. Yes, tuba. Decorated with pink Christmas lights, no less.

Rumor has it the Denver-based quartet played in San Francisco coffee shops for years. I say "rumor has it" because I am a jane-come-lately to the DeVotchka party, and I didn't know about them during their coffee shop era. Ann Marie showed me the way me last year after she and another friend randomly caught DeVotchka during Noise Pop. Ann Marie and I then took in their show at the Independent last summer, and I was hooked. The place was about half-full, but DeVotchka's fans were wildly passionate.

Well, what a difference a year makes.

DeVotchka devotees are still crazy for the group, but there are now a lot more of them. The Independent was sold out on Thursday night, with barely room to move. I hadn't been sure I was up for a crowded club barely a week after surgery, but much like The Loved Ones show I shouldn't have attended, the music made it all worth it. As I've said before, truly talented musicians make the world a better place. And DeVotchka is so good, I shudder to think of the morass of no-good that would overrun the globe without them.

In other news, I had planned to enjoy an entire evening at home last night, but instead, Joey and I popped by the pub near work for a cocktail and to say hi to the kids. Everyone was there: Patrick, Mary, Greg, Karen, Judy and, of course, our favorite bartender, Crabby. Drinks in hand, Joey and I chatted with Crabby about music, and I played some game called "1, 4, 24" with Patrick and a new gentleman named Doug. I won an early round, which sucked me in so I could lose the next several. Ah, well, what're gonna do? It was still fun. I was home by 10:00, but I learned that after taking a break from alcohol, three vodka-sodas can go to your head pretty fast.

And finally, I got an unsolicited little treat this morning. While not at all bad, the neighborhood I walk through as I make my way to work is an area where you wouldn't expect to see much more than debris from Friday night's debauchery at 8:45 on a Saturday morning. But this morning I noticed a decent sized dog pulling his owner along for their morning walk. It was the dog that caught my attention, but as my gaze worked its way up the dog's leash, I noticed the man attached to it. And let me tell you, he was extremely cute. Plus, he looked me in the eye and offered a very friendly hello. Nothing happened after that, but when you don't expect it, hello from a good-looking gentleman can be a morning pick me up.

As a consequence, I now resolve to keep a more open mind about my work neighborhood. And who knows, maybe this guy will have to walk his dog again tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Slowly Back To Normal

Today I did something I haven't been able to do in eight days: I went to the gym.

If you regularly visit this space, you know I love to exercise. So today was a big day for me. Unfortunately, I was relegated to the stationary bike, my least favorite cardio machine. And I am not allowed to lift any weights for another three weeks because my surgical recovery still isn't over. But it felt really good to sweat. I also took a nice long steam afterward, which was very luxurious. Just wait until I can actually go running again. That will be a really good day.

In related news, I am taking bets on how much weight I will likely gain as a consequence of my procedure. While I haven't been exercising for the last eight days, I certainly have been eating. A lot. Plus, even though I have the green light to exercise again, it will be a little while before my workouts are as frequent or intense as they had been. So my guess is about three to five extra pounds of Sass. What do you think? I'll probably be too big a chicken to actually weigh myself, so you may not get to collect your bet.

Once I'm completely recovered, I think I'll invest in a trainer at the gym for a little while to really get back in shape. I could use a trainer anyway, and not only will professional workout assistance improve my exercise regimen, but it will be part of my New Attitude. I'm a very happy person, but some noise and clutter in my head have been leaving me a little blue lately. So I'm going to take steps to eradicate that noise while I tone and trim my post-surgery physique. Exciting stuff on the horizon for Sassy.

It all begins now with baby steps. Tomorrow I'm going to back to the gym for more cycling, and then I'm getting an eyebrow wax and a pedicure. When you don't feel up to doing much of anything for several days in a row, even the little things mean a lot.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Totally Worth It: Music That's Making Me Happy Today, vol 19

The Loved Ones at Bimbo's 365 Club

Given my continued surgical recovery, probably one of the last things I should have done was take my sutures and bruised abdomen to Bimbo's for live music last night. Especially since I also started back at work yesterday. But that's exactly what I did. My return to work was probably a few days premature, as well, but that's another story. I had thought I would be in better shape by the weekend, so Adam had already bought our tickets. But Bimbo's wasn't crowded; I didn't dance or drink; and in fact, I sat for most of the hour and a half we were there. Still it probably wasn't the wisest choice I've ever made.

That said, seeing the reunited, original Oakland lineup of The Loved Ones was decidedly worth it.

Their bluesey mod-rock is top rate, but you have to see the performance of frontman Bart Davenport to really get the experience. Bart also plays solo and with Persephone's Bees, but honestly, this was the finest I'd ever seen him. Add the cooler-than-the-room presence of amazingly talented guitarist Xan McCurdy, who is now a member of Cake, and the show was perfect. I pretty much instantly developed a crush on Xan, but he is a such a serious smoker, he drags on a cigarette while playing. Okay, it did look cool, but that seems to me like a one-way ticket to lung cancer.

There were actually two other acts on the bill last night, but I can't tell you too much about them. Adam and I arrived in the middle of the first band's set, and I needed to take myself home as soon as The Loved Ones were done.

This was at least the second time this year The Loved Ones have gotten together for a show. So if you happen to notice they're playing again, do yourself a favor and go see them. If I can be happy that I went four days after surgery, imagine how ecstatic you'll be if you catch them.

Of course, I am now canceling social plans I have for Monday and Tuesday nights. I still have to work, but I think I should take care of myself and put the socializing on hiatus. Again, live and learn. Hopefully I'll feel well enough to catch DeVotchka at the Independent on Thursday with Ann Marie. Missing them would be nothing short of wrong.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Lesson Learned

So yesterday I learned that even minor surgery is still surgery. And surgery is a pretty taxing event.

My little outpatient procedure was not quite the walk in the park I thought it would be. In fact, I ended up spending the night in the hospital, so it wasn't even outpatient. But it wasn't all bad. For one thing, my anesthesiologist brought his iPod into the operating room, and he let me choose the music. Yay! So what if I would be unconscious? Unfortunately, the 9000 songs in his iPod did not include any English Beat, but he did have The Beatles. So I chose what is, in my opinion, the single best pop album ever crafted: Revolver. I only got to hear two songs before they put me under, but it was comforting to know it was on.

The funniest part was when I woke up in recovery not knowing where I was. I kept trying to get out of bed to use the bathroom, and when the recovery nurse told me I was in the hospital and needed to stay put, I argued with her, saying I was, in fact, at home. What I thought some nurse was doing in my bedroom, I have no idea. But it was pretty amusing. To me, anyway. I bet the recovery nurse was less than impressed, although she probably sees it all the time.

My overnight hospital stay was actually quite lovely. I had all the cable television I could watch, and people kept coming in to check on me and make sure I was okay. And whenever I needed anything, and I mean anything, they were there for me. Except for the surgery part, it was kind of like a little vacation. And because I kept having to get up every two hours thanks to my saline drip, I learned that in the wee hours of the morning American Movie Classics shows greats like The King and I and 9 to 5. Okay, maybe 9 to 5 isn't exactly great, but it surely is a classic.

I admit there was one point last night when I got lonely and scared to be in that little room all by myself in such an infirm state. And I had to cry a little. But it passed quickly. And that tiny moment aside, my lovely sister, Fabulous Patti, took excellent care of me. She took me to the hospital yesterday, went grocery shopping for me while I was having the procedure done, stayed with me until I was told to stay overnight and came back to get me this morning. Family is a wonderful thing; I hope you appreciate yours.

And now I'm back home and ready to settle in for a couple of days of pain medication, magazines and likely more AMC. I'm sore, but otherwise just fine.

Monday, August 07, 2006

Words of Wisdom

And now, a public service announcement brought to you by my hangover.

No matter how much energy you had for socializing in your youth (see previous post), it is not a good idea, at age 36, to work an eight-hour day on five and a half hours sleep and then go to a birthday party followed by a live music show and drink throughout both. I would have been tired had I stuck to water, juice or soda, but consuming six beers over five hours, which is a lot for me, has left me a little foggy. To say the least. It made for mildly unfocused work today, as well. The moral of the story: I am not 25 anymore. I am often reminded of that fact, but somehow it just hasn't sunk in yet.

That's the bad news. The good news is that Joey's birthday party and Pat Johnson's performance were both super-duper fun. Joey's party was small, but it was the quality of guests that made the occasion. I got a chance to talk to Emily about how she and her husband met. They had both been volunteering at a homeless shelter and spent their third date making out at the now-defunct Dr. Bombay's in the Mission. Is that not the cutest? And I got a chance to laugh with Ted, whom I generally only see at work when he is pretty focused. Nice to spend time with the away-from-work version last night.

After a few hours at Joey's, I met Tom at the Hotel Utah for Pat Johnson's show. Tom had never heard any of Pat's music, and he was duly impressed. I was completely stoked because Pat played my absolute favorite song of his: "The Very Last Time." I have gushed about it on this space before, but again I'll encourage you to hit the Wally Sound website and give this ditty a listen. I promise you'll be glad you did. Once at the site, flip through the records for The Maydays; that's the band with whom Pat recorded the song a few years ago. I was so excited when he played it. It completely made my night.

So I'd say last night's socializing was worth the hazy fatigue of today. And as I also mentioned on my last post, I will have a little forced rest for the next couple of days. I anticipate being both bored and a little annoyed after my laparoscopic procedure tomorrow. I don't believe I'll be able to exercise for several days afterward, which is bound to make me surly. As for the boredom, I expect a lot of Gilmore Girls dvd marathons over the next 72 hours.

Wish me luck!

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Party Girl?

Apparently I that's the role I have been playing this weekend. It has nothing to do with me, really; everything just seems to be happening at once.

On Thursday night I met Helen at Favorite Bar after hitting a little art show at Frisson with Ann Marie. It was a relatively quiet night at Favorite Bar, but I stayed a little longer than I had intended. Of course. I did learn that the bartender working that night got a day job with a new neighborhood newspaper. He seemed really excited about it, so yay, Luke! Now, I was good on Friday night and stayed in because I had to be at work at 6:00 yesterday morning.

But then.... after laundry, an all-too-brief nap and a run yesterday afternoon, I set out for Kevin's birthday bash in the Mission. DJ tunes, barbecued ribs and lots of adult beverages were featured, as well as Kevin done up in a poor man's tux. He looked positively fabulous. But I couldn't stay long because I also had an engagement across the Bay. There was a party in Alameda for Terry, and I couldn't miss it. I still wasn't tired when I crawled into bed at 2:00 this morning, but let's just say that my wake up time of 7:30 came awfully quickly. I would tell you I have a date with my couch and pajamas once I finish work today, but instead I'm scooching to Joey's birthday celebration as soon I put in my eight hours. Two birthday parties in one weekend; I guess everybody's a Leo these days. After Joey's party, Tom and I are going to Hotel Utah to see Pat Johnson, providing I haven't fallen asleep by 9:00. Then it's back to work again tomorrow morning. The more I type, the more fatigued I feel.

I haven't always been such a wimp. When I first moved to San Francisco, my weekends pretty much always looked like this. I worked at 10:00 in the morning both weekend days, but that didn't stop me from staying out with my party partners until 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. most Friday and Saturday nights. I also worked a couple of all-night shifts during the week, plus I was still an actor back then. So I also had regular rehearsals and performances. And I did it all with a seemingly never-ending supply of energy. Now, not so much. The Energizer Bunny in me must be getting old.

My partying ways are taking a respite this week, however. Even though The Editors are playing at the Fillmore tomorrow night when there is also a vintage vinyl listening party at Favorite Bar, I'll be staying in to rest up for surgery on Tuesday. Worry not, it's just a wee-little outpatient procedure, and nothing is terribly wrong with me. But I will have to lay low for a couple of days. Which means I'll likely miss Tippy Canoe and the Paddlemen at the Hemlock Tavern later this week, as well as opening night of a new one-man play about Sanford Meisner and about five other events to which I've been invited. I should be good to go for next weekend, though, when work and socializing will collide once again. To quote my old friend Maria, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." I guess, anyway.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Is There Anything More Fun...

... than the Sing Along West Side Story at the Castro Theatre?

Survey says: "no."

That's what I did last night, and I don't think anyone on the planet was having more fun than those of us in the Castro. At 6:30 I met Fabulous Patti, two of her co-workers, two of her co-worker's friends, my co-worker Emily and Emily's husband in line for the big show. Once comfortably seated with our Junior Mints and goody bags the theatre had given us, we were ready to showcase our supreme vocal talents. And people really did sing, especially me. I employed particular gusto during "Tonight," "Somewhere," "America" and "I Feel Pretty." Of course, my gusto was no match for the gentleman who did an interpretive dance directly in front of the screen during "Pretty," but then, I'd say no one was any match for him.

The absolute highlight of the evening came when Natalie Wood, as Maria, said to Tony, played by that actor whose name I don't remember, "When you come, make sure you use the back door."

That is an actual line from the film, and you can imagine what kind of response it elicited from an audience in the Castro. Here I thought West Side Story was a family film.

I don't care whether you like musicals or not, you are cheating yourself if you miss Sing Along nights at the Castro. They're screening Sing Along Grease in December. Maybe that's what I'll do for my birthday...

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Music That's Making Me Happy Today, vol 18

Blogger is still not allowing me to post images. This is going to drive me to drink. Wait, I already do... Well, maybe it will drive me to stop.

Hot Clip and The Fabulous Entourage at The Independent

There is nothing better than curling up with music you love, but sometimes it's nice to play the field and meet new music. I had never heard of either Hot Clip or The Fabulous Entourage, but that did not stop me from accepting an invitation to go see them with Paul, Denise and Keith last night. After a quick drink at 821 Divisadero (Denise and I had champagne cocktails, and hers featured chocolate!), we wandered into the Independent to be wowed.

The Fabulous Entourage were already playing, and I fell in love with them immediately. Much like the B52's, they combine over-the-top theatrics with genuine musical talent. The two female singers have amazing voices, and the songs we heard were very fun. Unfortunately, since we had arrived late, the set ended very quickly. Ah, well. That's what record stores and the internet are for.

By the time Hot Clip took the stage, the place was packed. And boy, did the crowd dig this band. Lots of sweaty, happy dancing filled the Independent on this night. Paul very astutely compared Hot Clip to The Farm, and I'd add a little Depeche Mode to the mix as well. There's something rambunctiously fun about a little modern-Brit disco.

There was another musician between The Fabulous Entourage and Hot Clip, but he was so bad it was, frankly, embarrassing. And since this space is not intended for disparaging others, I'll keep his identity to myself. Plus, I don't actually remember his name. After the show, I saw him working the merchandise table, which made me wonder if he had traded some volunteer labor for his place on the bill. He had a good voice, but in my opinion, it wasn't performance talent that got him his slot.

After the concert, we went to a new bar/restaurant nearby for late-night snacks before heading home. I had donut holes with rum caramel sauce. Can you say yummy?

Plus, as an added bonus to my music consumption this week, I was on my way to the gym today when I strolled upon a mid-day concert at Union Square. And as it would so happen, the band performing was one of the 600 bands Pat Johnson, a musician I know, plays with. So I got to say hello to Pat, whom I haven't seen since in several months, and indulge in a little pre-workout entertainment. Unfortunately for Pat and his bandmates, the floor show of... um... audience members was as entertaining to me as the intended show. But I enjoyed it all. Gotta love a free daytime concert in San Francisco.

Now on on my way to the sing-along "West Side Story." Yes, you read that correctly.