Full Time Poet

Vintage Trouble At The Cosmopolitan

2012-02-08T21:39:00.001-08:00

I've never really followed a band.
I had a friend that loved R.E.M. so much, she followed them on tour from L.A. back to their hometown - Athens GA, - and then settled down there. It brought her adventures galore; it was a road trip that literally changed her life.

I didn't move my life anywhere, but I did venture out to Las Vegas and The Cosmopolitan Hotel to catch the only band I've ever left California for - Vintage Trouble.

Like the Grateful Dead's "deadheads", Jimmy Buffet's "parrot heads" and Lady Gaga's "little monsters", VT has "troublemakers". A pansexual group of people of all creeds and colors with one thing in common - a love of great music and great songs sung by great singers - so they all love Vintage Trouble. I am one of them.

This was the first night of the band's 5 day stay at the hotel's Book + Stage Lounge with it's awesome sound system and P.O.V. monitors all around the bar. The Cosmopolitan is a regal monument of a lodging; inside is a casino (of course) and several floors of restaurants, bars, hangouts and shopping that are enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

Vintage Trouble has an album out called

The Bomb Shelter Sessions. It's available on Amazon and on the band's official website VintageTrouble.com!!!

Meet A Dame : Here's MINDY

2012-02-07T06:51:00.001-08:00

Mindy is a Dame.

One of The Toledo Show "dames" to be exact. She is a burlesque dancer - one of the sexiest and most feminine of all the Dames (watch this blog to meet the others). Everyone loves Mindy. She can make you feel like you're the only guy in the room and you've got 100% of her attention.

Mindy is the proprietress of the website Dolls And Dames; an erotic website featuring girls styled like 1950s pin-up models. Like those old porn-lite images of Bettie Page and others of that era, these dolls and dames are always having "wardrobe malfunctions", losing their top, or being spanked, but they smile through it all. It ain't free, but it's inexpensive, and for those who like their sexual ephemera vintage - it's the only game in town. Light up a Black 'n' Mild™, pour yourself some Remy Martin, put on your matching slippers, robe & fez and log-on.

Heather Watch : You're Nobody Til Somebody Kills You

2012-01-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

Returning to Freddy's on a Saturday night for the purpose of visiting Heather and checking out the late night menu.

I'm tempted by the "Crispy Pig's Ear And Fried Egg" - I get a visual of a dark brown deep-fried ear on a plate next to a sunny-side up egg. I mentally gag a little : Heather assures me that it's not what it sounds like - and that the ingredients are inside a big fluffy bun. My curiosity will remain for now - I ordered the Belgian waffles (with bacon butter, maple bourbon syrup and grilled apples.)

[Here's my food review: The waffle was light and airy, and didn't turn to mush under the syrup and butter. it's slight crispness remained throughout from first bite to last. The combination of ingredients created a dish whose ingredients built on each other from sweet to salty - with degrees of both in various increments.

The pieces of bacon within it's butter base added the right shading of salt (I don't know if the bacon was cooked in the butter or added to it). The apples were lightly grilled, and slightly sweet. The true sweetness came from the maple syrup and with it's bourbon kick, it allows for the flavor without the alcohol. It was quite delicious and the portion was perfect for a late night bite (It was about 11pm). My compliments to Chef Charlie!]

Tonight Heather wonders whether or not to dye her hair dark. She's been blonde forever, but has been told she might be taken more seriously and thusly more successful at her (day) job if she were a brunette. (She is a rep for several fashion designers.) She was asking some of the patrons what they thought. I happen to have several photos of Heather in my phone. In many of them she's wearing various wigs. From a short blue/black bob to shoulder length feathered ginger job, she has had many looks which she can pull off. She's got great features and great skin, so she really could never look bad. She takes my phone and shows the photos to the customers who she has engaged, to help them vote "yay" or "nay". For the record, I think she should do it. Her (day job) boss is a very successful business woman and sounds like someone who knows her business. Heather respects her opinion quite a bit.

Heather's a mid-western-raised, downtown girl who has been in L.A. long enough to know her worth, but not so long that she has a list of wannabe actor/rockstar ex-boyfriends or a drug habit. She's pretty grounded for someone her age and with her ambition.

That's enough analysis for now.
Watch this space for the dilemma's resolution!!

I'm was planning on stopping by for a bite and then going to Eastside Luv, but I started talking to the manager of the bar and then he pulled out a bottle of Absinthe. It seems like a lot of stories that start that way end badly.

LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE : Comes To Harvelle's

2012-01-29T16:09:00.001-08:00

The current issue of Los Angeles Magazine ("Classic L.A." issue) features a glowing review of my favorite Westside bar. If you read this blog, then you are already aware of Harvelle's.

If not, check out the write-up, and if it sounds good to you, come pay a visit.

Besides the decor and the speakeasy vibe, besides the custom cocktails and authentic nightly blues & jazz, there's always plenty of parking in the structure adjacent to the club and there's a spot next door (West 4th/Jane) that serves great food (you can order and have it delivered to the bar) until about midnight. If you love live music, enjoy a night out dancing, or imbibing with like-minded people over delicious one-of-a-kind cocktails, check out Harvelle's (1432 4th St. between Broadway & Santa Monica Blvd. in downtown Santa Monica) [Harvelle's Santa Monica]

Some other things you may not be aware of:

Harlow Gold - the spectacular underground burlesque revue that consistently sells out (It's the last 2 Thursdays of each month - reservations are highly suggested.) [Reservations link]

There's Westside Wednesdays - local Venice collective House Of Vibe All Stars mid-week massive that combines live hip-hop, reggae, jazz, funk and r&b played by some of the industry's most in-demand musicians. [House Of Vibe All-Stars]

Every Monday night is Ultralove - infamous local singer/songwriter who's faithful fan base makes a ritual of kicking the week off with a dose of the band's illest medicine. [Ultralove]

And there's The Toledo Show.

The longest running show of it's kind, having just celebrated it's 10 year anniversary at Harvelle's, it's a wild burlesque road trip to hell and back. The must-see spectacle is a Westside institution and you really should be indoctrinated. Every Sunday night, the tall, dark and handsome Toledo Diamond mounts his Show - his gravely baritone tells erotic stories of hard living in the back alleys of this grimy urban metropolis, while the impossibly funky band jams tirelessly. A bevy of dancing "Dames" gyrate electrically throughout the evening, enticing you with their bouncy bodices, ripped stockings, red lips and high heels. They're a thing of beauty. [The Toledo Show]

Last year, the up and coming Vintage Trouble left their sold-out year long Tuesday night residency at the club to launch their first European tour. They've been back twice since and are currently in Australia playing sold-out stadiums and festivals. They will be back in Europe this summer touring with Lenny Kravitz. Congrats to VT for being the next big thing. It's completely deserved. [Vintage Trouble]

Additionally, there is now a second Harvelle's in Long Beach.

Larger in size with the same attention to lighting and sound, the venue is garnering accolades and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The bluegrass/ragtime of Capt Jeffrey & His Musical Chumbuckets have been packing 'em in on Sunday nights (Phil Alvin of The Blasters has stopped by and sat in a couple of times). The very cool The Vespertines take over on Monday nights. And on Feb 4, Sheila E. will be bringing her family (Pete, Juan, and Peter Michael Escovedo) for what promises to be an exciting night of incredible latin flavored funk!! That's what the Escovedo's do!! The club is located at 201 E. BROADWAY beneath The Congregation Ale House [Harvelle's Long Beach]

ENO : There's a GLITCH in the system

2012-01-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

In high school, we were fond of saying "ENO is ONE". We listened to the first 2 Roxy Music albums and argued Brian vs. Bryan, trying to determine whether Eno deserved to be booted from the band for screwing with the sound of Ferry's voice. We played with Oblique Strategies cards. We disassembled our parents old audio equipment and built our own synthesizers. We worshipped Music For Airports and Frippertronics.[FrippertronicsWikipedia][Frippertronics video demo].

Fast forward - one day - don't quite remember the date, we all looked at each other and said "Eno's producing U2?"

In a miraculous case of the artist getting paid, Eno got his, and was able to create some art for the masses in the process - adding his magic ambiance (he practically owns the word) to U2's super-hits - especially the ones with the sing-along choruses and Lennon-ian messages of peace. Eno's influence on the band helped make them one of the biggest of all time. Side note: Brian Eno produced the first Devo album!

My love of Brian Eno goes deep.
My favorites are his un-ironic version of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (push play on the video box below to hear it) and I've always enjoyed his slowly melting version of Pachelbel's Canon on Discreet Music. Part of the reason I'm fond of DM, is the liner notes in which Eno explains how he discovered a different way to hear music - as part of the other sounds in and around him - this being an attempt to re-create that. Additionally, his 4 "Pop" albums - Taking Tiger Mountain, Before And After Science, Another Green World and Here Come The Warm Jets - deeply influenced my attempts at songwriting both musically and lyrically in my earliest high school garage bands (for better or worse).

Not so side-note : Eno discovered and utilized the considerable talents of a Canadian guitarist named Daniel Lanois. They met during the recording of the Dune Soundtrack). Lanois has been involved in U2's songwriting process as well as mixing and production of The Unforgettable Fire, The Joshua Tree (1987 Grammy Award for Album of the Year), Achtung Baby, All That You Can't Leave Behind and the band's last one, No Line on the Horizon.

In the late 80s, Eno had an art exhibit in Santa Monica. He had been in Art Forum magazine (A transparent "flexi-disc" of a piece of music called "Glint (East Of Woodbridge)" was included - I have one) and this was something of a big deal. I remember the show as being in a very dark room with quiet ambient "music" playing and light coming from multiple television monitors. I remember seeing him standing in front - but to the side - of one of the TV screen installations, softly speaking to someone. I remember getting a rush of excitement being in such close proximity.

In a Warholian prophecy come to life, the artist - even in the shadows - standing still - simply speaking softly - that's what gave me the thrill. Not the "art" itself. That's what I remember and I remember everything else as just what you'd imagine an Eno exhibit to be - as I mentioned above, dark lighting, lighter than air "music", cool air circulating while television monitor installations broadcast ambient art; slow moving, subtly shifting, infinite upon itself, forever evolving colors and patterns.

Eno's most recent release is a collaboration between himself and British poet Rick Holland called The Drums Between The Bells. This time, Eno has written music to which spoken word is delivered. The poet's figurative (and literal) voice varies, as do the musical styles.

Glitch is a rock anthem if rock anthems were written by robots - Holland's poem is in there somewhere, although it's hidden in a Kraftwerk-esque voice - the music track itself is straight up dance floor rock 'n' roll (the bonus CD has an instrumental version re-titled "Itch").

So far, it's the track of the year!!

Eno has always explored mediums other than music or video. It's no surprise he's been in the "app" biz for a minute. All three of his apps : "Bloom","Air" and "Trope" are sound and vision intensive interactive experiences, that allow you to engage with your touch screen changing sounds and colors - or set it to generate it's own quiet chaos. It has a sleep timer built in, so it's a perfect "zone-out" tool. Once you're out, then it shuts itself off.
I love technology.

Vintage Trouble : Winners Of 2012 iPhone Film Festival

2012-01-27T09:28:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Vintage Trouble!

Their Nancy Lee video - which was filmed exclusively using the iPhone 4 - is the winner of the 2012 iPhone Film Festival!
[view the other nominees]
The music video was shot, directed and edited by 3 time Emmy Award winner Alen Petkovic and also features Carmit Bachar of the Pussycat Dolls. Filmed in one day in July 2010, this is from Vintage Trouble’s self-released first album The Bomb Shelter Sessions. Re-released in the UK last year, it is available through the band's website and Amazon.

Vintage Trouble is Ty Taylor (v) Nalle Colt (g) Rick Barrio Dill (b) Richard Danielson (d). The band thanks Charlie Brumbly, Lori Forbes, Jo McMullen, Ben Caron, Cindy Robinson, Derek Ferguson, Debi Adut, Halo Summerlin, Hannah Bornstein, Tawny Dolley, Bonnie Harris, Rob Russel, Lemuel Thornton Harrison, Daphne Gabriel, Ryan Boone, Melanie Reese, Dane Biren

One of the iPhones used in the shoot was actually stolen shortly after filming and recovered using the “Find My iPhone” app. [Rick Barrio Dill's account of how the iPhone was recovered]

Here's the video in it's entirety:

If you've never seen the performance of Nancy Lee they did on Jools Holland's Later, here it is:

Currently on tour in Australia, Vintage Trouble will be playing a 5 night stand at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas February 7—11 (2012).

CARNIVAL!! : A hollywood trip where choreography is king.

2012-01-26T06:29:00.000-08:00

followers of this blog no doubt recognize the woman above as Lady V (aka Vakisha Coleman), one of Carnival!'s hostesses.

Mylai and Vakisha

Charlene and Roman : dancer/choreographers

For 13 years Carnival! has been a gathering of professional dancers, choreographers and fans of movement celebrating their own. Tonight, as Lady V's guest, I experienced this spectacle up close.

What a night, what a bash, what an amazing group of people all getting down and gettin' wild. The performances, the people, the enthusiasm, the support of this community is easy to feel even in a room the size of Avalon.

Good looking out Roman, Charlene, Liinda, Noel, Sandra, Robert, Vennum & Tanya, Patrick & Toni Basil
Special thanks Vakisha

Club Bullies At The Floor (Flashback)"That's My Fresh"

2012-01-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

A 2009 performance at The Floor by The Club Bullies.
Paris Paul, D.J. Unieq, K.G. Superstar, Lady V & Wes Wunder
featuring Mischief and Eclipse.
I Feel Good/That's My Jam/That's My Fresh

The Club Bullies are everywhere, every night.
[Club Bullies on Facebook]
[The Club Bullies]
The next The Floor is February 20
[The Floor Productions]
[The Floor on Facebook]

Life's A V-Riot With Vakisha(aka Driving Through Your Neighborhood)

2012-01-19T22:51:00.000-08:00

Things are never dull when you're around Vakisha Coleman. The singer/ dancer/ actress/ model/ spokeswoman/ rapper is all that and then some!

Her monthly showcase at Mama Juana's - "The V-Rioty Show" is a fresh approach to an old format. Vakisha is always performing somewhere, but tonight allows her to host and sing and let everyone else do the heavy lifting.

DJ Unieq kept it real and real funky on the 1's and 2's.

Comedians, beat-boxers, dancers, singers, rappers and Lady V's own soulful rendition of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow"made the evening an unforgettable one. Additionally, she closed out the night singing Donna Summer's "Last Dance" - (one of the greatest songs of all time?!?).

In an impromptu finale, Vakisha instigated a jam between the beat-boxer, the didgeridoo player and the tap dancer. It was brilliant!!

Performing third, I laid down some spoken word - reading my poem "Driving Through Your Neighborhood" (see video below).

I was followed by didgeridoo crafter/ performer William Thoren who presented his instrument (which can be monotonous) with excitement and originality. Bravo! Outer Circle B-boys Peru, Inglewood and Gyroe (under the moniker "The Bukake Kings"), who despite having made the beautiful mouth of Lady V utter their disgusting slang name, kicked the shiz out of the dance floor. These boys are crazy!

The next V-Rioty Show is Feb 21.

Follow on Facebook [click here]

The Floor 47 : I Got Some Funk Stuck In My Throat!(And It Won't Come Out!))

2012-01-18T11:45:00.000-08:00

The Floor #47 jump started with Funkmaster Victor Orlando's group Fun-Ja-La, and kicked into high gear, where it remained throughout the night (see video below). With the early arrivers getting treated to a set of genuine F-U-N-K!! We were all chanting furiously along with "I Got Some Funk Stuck In My Throat (And It Won't Come Out)"!! If you weren't a funk fan when you got there, you most certainly were when you left! [Buy Fun-Ja-La CD] || Thanks Victor for veering off the flight pattern and dropping into The King-King!!

Besides the Funk!, the night had a frenzied energy spurned on by the attendees who included Fela cast members, the Battle Of The Dance stars, a group of international UCLA law master's students, scintillating salseras, burlesque beauties and a small army of Capoeira-istas who blew the doors down!!

Of course DJ Uniek and Walter Davis kept the music non-stop in-between, making for more than enough entertainment for one night.

To see tags or tag yourself or leave comments on FB : [Here]

Always great meeting all of you first-timers, seeing repeat visitors, and hanging out with those I know and love. The Floor continues to be a wonderful club experience.
Thank you Sascha, Carolina and Walter.
[The Floor Productions]

The Floor is tonight!

2012-01-16T09:28:00.000-08:00

Monday, Jan. 16
Carolina Cerisola & Sascha Escandon present:
THE FLOOR IMPROV
One-of-a-kind jam with dancers & musicians of all styles
Doors 9:30pm $12 Cover

@ King-King Hollywood
6555 Hollywood blvd.
21 and over

The Floor Productions:
[Twitter]
[Facebook]
[Website]

Heather watch : Freddy Smalls Is The Illest

2012-01-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

Heather's gainfully employed but still slinging hash for the masses at this new spot called Freddy Smalls (the sign just says Freddy's). Miss Heather had left a fuzzy black garment in my car and needing to get it back to her, I dropped on by.

I shall definitely return to try the pig ear & fried egg sandwich or the Belgian waffles. Also - brussel sprouts are currently the "in" vegetables. Beets were real big for the longest time, but brussel sprouts seem to be finding their way on to more and more menus. Freddy's serves 'em fried.

Also on the "late night" menu, "Castelvetrano" olives dusted with wild fennel pollen and satsuma mandarin, a tiny paper bag filled with spiced BBQ cashews with chewy candied bacon, deviled eggs stuffed with bleu cheese and a shard of chicken skin and bacon gourgere with aged jack.

The Toledo Show : Evalee & Molly

2012-01-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

The Toledo Show : Semi-Precious Weapons

2012-01-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday's Toledo Show, Dame Molly's friends Semi-Precious Weapons were in the house!! The band has toured extensively with Lady Gaga - Molly D'amour is one of Gaga's dancers.

Vintage Trouble : BANG!!Gene SImmons Shoots MeShooting Vintage Trouble(at the Troubadour)

2012-01-07T23:41:00.000-08:00

An exciting night at The Troubadour.
Vintage Trouble making me feel like the rock-loving fanboy I was as a teen.
Yup, I'm down front, by Nalle with Countre Black to my left!!

Photo courtesy of Gene Simmons.

We headed off to see Vintage Trouble at the Troubador. Managed by Doc and Danny Francis, the band rocked the house. Check em out. Paul, Tommy and Eric were also there.
-[Gene Simmons on WhoSay]

Gene's relationship with VT, in part stems from the mutual management of KISS and VT by legend Doc McGhee. Gene has been known in the past to frequent Sundays at the W Hotel, where Vintage Trouble friend/fam Brenna Whitaker performs her sultry one-of-a-kind lounge act. Gene is a bonefied fan, and his son Nick has even sat in with the band on occasion. Brenna was asked to perform at Gene and longtime baby mama Shannon Tweed's Beverly Hill Hotel wedding reception, where VT guitarist Nalle Colt performed with her in front of the KISS bassist and a room full of his rock n roll friends.

(Also at the Troubadour, Troublemakers Countre Black, Benjamin Caron, Alexander Burke, Mela Lee, Jo McMullen, Catherine Petretti, Tawny Dolley, Anjali Bhimani, Derek Ferguson, Gina Pita, Debbi Anne, Lori Forbes, Grace Clements, Jason Paige, Rob, Libby Sokolowski, Sadar, Sean and Ne$to!! In absentia - Brenna Whitaker, Anna Kondo and Jennifer Sweet!!)

Music Is My Life : Top Ten of 2011

2012-01-05T03:47:00.000-08:00

One of the criteria I have established when listening to albums for the first time, is "Is it funky?" and "Is it funky enough?".

I can't help it, those are the rhythms that move me the most. A head-bobbing groove can take me away for the duration of the record. (That's why samples are good; they take the funkiest part and loop it over and over again. A group like Breakestra understands this - and they are amazing because of it.)

I looked at some other music lists - specifically Spin, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pitchfork and NME to see what they championed and what they dissed - make sure I didn't miss anything *too* obvious or important; there's so much diversity amid the morasses of sub-cultures and genres in music these days that it's not possible to hear everything, like it once was.

I try.

I really do, but I've had to employ the funk threshold more often than not these days. It has to be somewhere WAY above a baseline for me to truly enjoy it, but I'm completely open-minded to what others are listening to and enjoying. Ergo, this list is going to be the list I made before doing this research. I wanted to see how "in" or "out" of touch I am.

1. Vintage Trouble - The Bomb Shelter Sessions (UK Version)

This collection of songs by VT made my top ten list last year, but they re-released it in the UK with bonus cuts and new packaging (and on vinyl), and this record is one of my favorites and has become the soundtrack to my life. Get it if you can find it - it's not even available on iTunes right now. What's up with that? I guess they're preparing a proper first release. (note: it is available on Amazon and through the band's website). See video below of VT at The Troubadour in L.A. from Jan 5 2012.

2. Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie XX - We're New Here

The passing of my hero, Mr GSH was a harsh conclusion to his life; one filled with drug abuse and prison stints and finally HIV. But the great part is that he touched me so deeply, and I have done my best to pass it on. There will never be another Gil Scott-Heron. This "remix" album is an "other-worldly" ambient post-script to his last - his most jagged - release and - I guess - his life. Rest In Peace Gil.

3. Lenny Kravitz - Black & White America

The funk factor is very high here, and I love when Lenny gets it right! It's a solid gold collection with great songs, deep tracks and a lot of genuine inspiration. The keyboard solo in "Looking Back On Love" is an unexpected treat, like the 2nd half of "Layla".

4. Bryan Ferry - Olympia

Now THIS is baby-making music! For 66 years, Bry-Fy has been an absolute scoundrel with the ladies. Since his divorce in 2003, he's a re-make re-model of himself with his new 29-year-old bride, as he continues to be the the most restrained perpetrator of the funk. Funk, nevertheless, but highly restrained. Recently Bryan - (who - full disclosure - was one of my boyhood heroes) - has come out as an artist - a visual artist - and he exhibited at the Michael Kohn gallery while on tour last summer. The upside down portraits of Kate Moss on his album cover being the most recent of his works.

5. Brian Eno - The Drums Between The Bells

A collaboration between Eno and British poet Rick Holland. Not easy to listen to, and I don't totally recommend it, but the fact it exists at all landed it on this list. That said, there are some very cool tracks on here and I love the cover art.

6. R Kelly - Love Letter

His performances on all the major late night shows were literally breath-taking. What he brings to live is so much excitement, he's James Brown meets Elvis. He brought his darkness into the light, exposed himself, went on trial and was redeemed; and now he's been putting out records like there's no tomorrow. Maybe there isn't.

7. Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin'

The funk factor is a very high here, and it's extra tasty as it's sweetened with authentic soul! Raphael always places, but this time, Raphael wins!!! (He even name checks Leon Ware!!)

8. Charles Bradley - No Time For Dreaming

Modern soul man lays it down thick as molasses with this one.
Has to be heard to be understood. Heavy.

9. Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (40th Anniversary Edition)

This could be his greatest hits album, but of course, it's not. His actual hits catalog is huge. WGO is a small but significant part of Marvin's output. It demonstrated his humanity and depth and it really showed who he was as an artist. Not just a playboy crooner or a Sinatra-wannabe, but a genuine artist, whose originality and talent and vision converged to create this masterpiece.

Everyone knows the song "What's Going On"; it's right up there with John Lennon's "Imagine" as the world's most humanistic songs of brotherly love. Sensitive and passionate, this album doesn't need outtakes and cutting room floor bits & pieces, but since I could listen to Marvin sing the alphabet and fall deep into it, the lost studio moments are real gems.

I took the bus in the rain to Ameoba on the day they released this to buy it. It has the original brilliant album in it's remastered state - allowing you to hear every nuance in the studio, adding depth and opacity to the experience. There's another alternate (Detroit) mix which has been previously released and a bunch of studio odds and sods, several of which I hadn't heard before. Right on? (It also comes with an actual vinyl record of the remastered album)

What's Going On was a protest album as much as any acoustic strumming folk singer's. Once i understood that, everything made sense. It continues to be an inspirational listen, when by today's standards that's truly an oxymoron.

10. Scritti Politti - Absolute

A sometime ridiculous secret pleasure, this hits (and others) compilation reminded me why I've been a devout follower of Green Gartside's since the early '80s, no matter what. Some post-punk, some slow soul, some funk, some new wave, some reggae, some hip-hop, guest appearances by Mos Def, Me'shell N'degeocello, Miles Davis(!) and a lyrical rulebook like no other is what this compilation has on it. Like Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, it's all good, although not always necessarily good for you.

So that's it.

Another year of listening to music, boiled down to these 10. Other fave listens this year included Elbow, Afroskull, Nikki Grier, Roxy Music, The Raconteurs, Cee-Lo Green, Black Keys, Johnny Cash, The Toledo Show, old Motown & Stax sides, Leon Ware, The Pazant Brothers, Ethan Farmer ("Wine And Strings"), Ruslan Sirota, Hall & Oates, Genie Burlesque, Curtis Mayfield, Victor Orlando & Fun-Ja-La, David Bowie's "Young Americans" & "Station To Station", the first Paul McCartney solo album, John Lennon ("Plastic Ono Band"), The Smiths/Morrissey catalogue, many MANY funk compilations from around the globe and lots of 90s hip-hop, 80s new wave, 70s classic rock and 60s soul. I continue to support local acts Vintage Trouble (obviously), The Club Bullies, Miss Willie Brown, Deploi, Johnny Ringo, Sarah Agajanian, Dezmond Meeks, House Of Vibe, Dessy DiLauro, Hilary Van Lier, Ultralove, Bash! and Magnolia Memoir and I am looking forward to full length releases from all of them in 2012.

If you have a few minutes check out this performance by my number one favorite band - Vintage Trouble. Shot at The Troubadour on Jan 5, 2012.

Life's Too Short : We Need V-Rioty!!

2011-12-18T03:53:00.001-08:00

My favorite multi-hyphenate, (singer/rapper/dancer/actress/model) Vakisha Coleman has her very own talent showcase! Her V-rioty show filled Mama Juana's with dancers, singers, rappers, musicians and comedians, but the true draw was Lady V herself, who entertained in-between acts and opened the night with her rendition of "Killing Me Softly", which had the crowd chanting Wyclef's "One Time/Two Times" line on cue. The Vakisha Experience is vibrant and wild, funny and sexy and completely unforgettable. Tonight there were four costume changes. She's a down-to-earth diva, a salsera with soul, she's also the undisputed champ of the "Yo Momma" insult, having won an MTV sponsored (Wilmer Valderamma hosted) show of the same name.

DJ Unieq was the night's keeper of the beats, and along with Paris Paul and K.G. Superstar - his hip-hop compatriots, collectively known as The Club Bullies - they rocked the house and raised the roof with a set highlighting their many hip-hop records.

The V-Rioty Show is a once monthly type thang. The next one is Jan 17.

The Floor 46 : The Night In Still Pix

2011-12-13T12:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday and much love to Carolina & Sascha

Much love to ƒloor ƒamilia, Walter Davis, Asa Watkins, Club Bullies, Magnolia Memoir, Mario, Carla, Maus & Annukka at King-King, all the musicians who played their collective hearts out this year and of course all the dancers who bring the dream to life!!

This photo album is also available on Facebook [here] if you want to tag yourself or download images

See you in 2012 @ The Floor!!

The Wedding Of Candise And Tony

2011-11-28T03:48:00.001-08:00

Candise is one of the bartenders at the club, and tonight she is married! Congratulations Candise and Anthony!!

Lun*na Menoh : Maximum Miniature

2011-11-07T10:21:00.001-08:00

Lun*na Menoh is a multi-talented artist. As a clothing designer, painter, performance artist, singer/songwriter/guitarist/front woman of at least 3 or 4 bands, Lun*na is a Japanese native, originally from Moji-Ku and also the wife of one of my oldest friends, Tosh Berman. Tonight, she exhibited her latest line of wearable art, couture for the eccentric, all while playing music on her sewing machine. The fashion show/ art exhibit/ poetry reading/ musical performance - held at Bergamont Station's Track 16 Gallery was standing room only. • Lun*na's World: [FACEBOOK] [WEBSITE]

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2011-10-29T09:07:00.001-07:00

We'll meet again
Older & wiser-
Souls aligning
And allowing the water to be correctly fahrenheit-ed.
Swimming inspired,
Rolling in the sand at our hips-
Pacific waves laughing at us entwined.

Someone
to work hard for-
Someone
who brings out the best-
Someone
that hasn't forgotten about l-o-v-e...
because I remember it feeling different.

Someone
Clamoring for sophistication
Black and white checked reality
With an R&B soundtrack
Like The Isley Brothers
Or Reverend Al Green

At Long Last (like Cole Porter)-
Love merely dabbed behind the ears won't do.
Dotted on wrists is but a sample-
I'm here for real-
Doing what I must
Insuring there is happiness on the horizon-
Fragranced fog and
Mountains of music in which to run and hide and seek.

You will fade without proper care.
It's already begun.
Do what you must-
But if there is a karmic love experience that exists,
like singers of great love songs describe-
Like the naive bliss of Marvin Gaye-
Like the heart & soul-roll of Isaac Hayes-
Like the unrepentant apple-cide of John Lennon,
That is a punch in the face.

The kick in the teeth-
Like life's got ya down-
The real world beauty that allows the sun shines to halo-
Outlining your freckled whisp-ed visage,
Your voodoo witchcraft and tribal muse-
Surrounded and cut off like an island mynx.

Like a ballerina
Spinning
In a chiming box-
Satin-covered, mirrored-wood-
Crafted,
Like delicate perfection.
Like a yellow flower dancing in a cool waft
on a grassy hill bunkered in bloom.

in the studio with k.g. superstar

2011-10-22T05:39:00.001-07:00

Big things are happening in the land of fulltimepoet.com! I've been working on finishing up my first volume of poetry (tentative release Jan 2012), and had the chance to collaborate with producer K.G. Superstar. For those keeping track, K.G. and I met at The King-King back in '08 and began working together almost immediately on a variety of projects and live performances. It's been a minute since we've done anything, so it was pretty cool being in the studio with Mr. Superstar behind the board.

<-K.G. & myself are always at The Floor. Watch this space, follow me on facebook & twitter or check out my new tumblr page to keep apprised of what's going on. These recordings promise to present poetry in some new ways with some great accompaniments and creative input from some special guests.

The Floor 43 : Project Share Love

2011-10-19T03:00:00.001-07:00

The Floor 43 was a treasure trove of talent and good vibes, the air inside was crisp and clean and a nice kick off to a Hollywood Autumn. Buried deep within the grime of the nefarious city, The Floor 43 celebrated love, life - and with the participation of Gabriella Murillo and Shannon Berry (Project Share Love) - helping others.

Project Share Love's Gabriella Murillo and Shannon Berry

This is the spirit of Sa-Ca. This is the spirit of The Floor.

Walter Davis M.D.

K.G., Asa and me

Trying to catch some of K.G.'s "nerd boy"swag

Getin' down with Ca-Wa-Sa

EASTSIDE LOVE : Robert Vargas, Red Zebra & Eastside Luv

2011-10-07T04:33:00.001-07:00

I have much love for the East side.

Despite my allegiance to Santa Monica and all points West, there's no denying the amazing things that are happening other places. Eastside Luv, the Boyle Hgts watering hole that is the coolest, most un-pretentious hang in town is my favorite spot. A couple of friends of mine do a burlesque show there, and about once a month they do something called Morrissey-oke.

Outside ESL with Carolina and Liinda

Caro and Liinda outside of Vargas' mural at ESL

Robert Vargas is bigger than ever.
In a convergence I am fond of, Mr. Vargas has combined his own sizable talents with some generous real estate - the wall on the outside of Eastside Luv.

A couple of Saturdays ago, the day began with Robert Vargas walking from downtown, crossing the First Street Bridge into Boyle Heights, accompanied by musicians, and creative luminaries from the downtown art scene in a symbolic reversal of his own personal journey from East to West (America).

Vargas explains "So much has been made about the crossing of the bridges from East to West in search of opportunity, my walk from West to East is signifying the change of that perception."

Vargas: “More than merely just hanging up work, it’s important to me to include and engage the neighborhood so that they too feel they are apart of the creative process. I was born at White Memorial just behind here. I view this show as a homecoming.” He added : “Willie has done an amazing job with Eastside Luv. It’s an integral part of the rebirth of this historic corridor and I am pleased to contribute.

[Robert Vargas website]

Robert Vargas' Red Zebra (ABOVE/Below) celebrates art and life and diversity and creativity and the creative themselves, combining live music and a DJ fueled dance floor with live painting, life drawing stations with professional models, dancing girls, a full fashion show in a club atmosphere at a beautiful downtown location.

This particular fashion show featured upscale latex from Black Licorish.

Tonight's Red Zebra attendees reveled in the collective energy generated by so much creativity in one room. Shout out to princessFrank, Taryn, Rick (Tasha Taylor's bassist) and the party host Robert Vargas!

Royal/T Gallery Opening : East Village West

2011-10-05T03:15:00.000-07:00

Having recently been able to watch photographer Austin Young in action [9/19/11 - Young Nudes On The Beach], I went to the East Village West opening at the Royal/T. Austin's California New Wave collection was on display, and Austin himself was taking photos of attendees willing to get a "new wave" makeover. Austin's group (including Andrew, Taryn, Squeaky and Fade-Dra) applied make-up and avant garde couture to a host of excitable folks of spanned generations; those who partied at this saudade known as Club 57 and those NOW who worship this era even though it would be a solid decade or two before they took their first breath of life.

[Austin Young's website]

The main part of the exhibit was curated by Ann Magnuson and Kenny Scharf; a collection of art from New York City’s neo-Dada 1980s art movement. (fyi-the exhibit runs until January 10, 2012).

A mix of ephemera included collections as diverse as monster movies, hip-hop culture, Klaus Nomi, Marilyn's tombstone, club flyers, space age 3D animation, burlesque and fashion. As colorful as the exhibit was, the opening night crowd was appropriately adorned. Princess Poppycock was in attendance. And if you came looking drab, Austin's crew could new-wave-itize you. ("New Wave makeovers featured electric airbrushing and credit card blush! Make-up provided by MAC.")

see slide show below

The music of this era was played, mixing the new wave "rock" with the funky music that is the heartbeat of 80s NYC. Due to the appearance of tracks by ESG, Bow Wow Wow, Klaus Nomi, The Chakachas, Blondie, The Jimmy Castor Bunch and many more, I consider it essential listening.

Check it out here [Club 57 Mix]

Artists include Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Tseng Kwong Chi, John Sex, Kitty Brophy, Bruno Schmidt, Kenny Scharf, Ann Magnuson and Vincent Gallo.
<-click image at left to enlarge INVITE.

further info:

ROYAL/T GALLERY:

The Floor 42 : Viva Italia!

2011-09-23T03:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 42nd Session of The Floor!

The King-King in Hollywood hosts this incredible night of live music and amazing dancing in a relaxed and cool atmosphere filled with beautiful people. For a handful of currency, you can gain entry into this free-for-all party and spin on your head, kick your heels in the air, shake your hips from side-to-side or bring your axe and add to the groove.

Walter, Shadarius, Liinda and Ruslan

Ricardo Hambra

Robertino and friend

I've been frequenting the place since it's inception, originally brought on board by music director Walter Davis who, being supportive and encouraging of my spoken word performances, invited me to share my verse with the spirit of spontaneity and lyricism AND with the backing of his able group, the members of which have changed over the years, but with Davis leading the fray he has kept the quality consistent and of high standards attracting everyone from members of Ozomotli and The Toledo Show to Chris Botti and Sting.

Gordon Bash

Sarah Reich

DJ Uniek and Dorthea

Josavelle

CLub producers Sascha & Carolina

Annukka

Tonight the unofficial theme was Italians!
Everywhere there were Italians - Floor familia Annalisa Rinetti brought several and my friends Vanessa Crocini and Robbie Angelucci were there. Vanessa is a documentary filmmaker [Vanessa's website]. Robbie is an accomplished guitarist - currently on the road with Frankie Vali. [Read Robbie's article on Burning Man]!

The other theme of the night was - as always - SWEAT!
LOTS AND LOTS OF SWEAT!

The most common response I get when I ask someone if I can take their picture is "Oh! I'm so sweaty". Get over it.
We come to The Floor to sweat.
If you're not sweating, maybe you don't even belong there.
That said, those that come to stand around and look good and look good while looking' at everyone sweating - they are always welcome! Watching the action at The Floor is just as exciting as actually participating as the room is filled with all types of extraordinary dancing and live music played by some of the industry's hottest players - the audience for this is built-in and super supportive. The club is as popular and successful as it is because of it's participants. Cheers to the contributions of those who come there to play, have fun and sweat!!!

Videos of the night captured below by Dorthea Winnet!!

for the complete photo album of the night on Facebook [click here]

Austin Young : Nudes On The Beach

2011-09-19T02:21:00.000-07:00

As part of Road Concert on Sunset Blvd photographer Austin Young offered to take anyone's portrait right on the beach at sunset. An idyllic backdrop with Austin Young behind the lens, an incredible opportunity for anyone - the only stipulation being you had to be naked.

The logistics of this relatively illegal act (public "indecency") necessitated a blockade of some sort being erected to prevent arousing too much attention. Once a series of large sheets were positioned, Austin stood inside with his naked subject and clicked away.

As you can see from the photos, the wall of sheets actually created a rather unique spectacle causing more intrigue on Malibu beach (right behind Gladstones) than not.

I did not sit for Mr. Young - exhibitionism is not my thing - but I was there to record the event and assist in sheet holding. The nudity was not full frontal or anything, it was tasteful, and used Austin's sensibility of light and shadow and the uniqueness of his subjects. While several tattooed sub-culture types were present and eager to doff their clothing, this was tempered with a couple of so-called "ordinary" people. People celebrating life and the human body and the art of it all.

Austin Young's website is [here].

Below is the first 2 released photos from the shoot.

Stephen van Dyck (Sunset Road Concert Organizer)

Fade-Dra Phey (L.A. scenester, club persona and gender-fuck artist)

Vintage Trouble : Lighting Up The Edison

2011-09-18T03:05:00.000-07:00

Vintage Trouble is a band that used to play every Tuesday night at Harvelle's in Santa Monica.
That's where I first saw them.

Within a year of their formation they released their first CD (The Bomb Shelter Sessions) and scored big time management (Doc McGhee). They finished the year by playing a few shows in the UK, whetting the appetites of the Brits enough for them to return - this time appearing on the TV show "Later with Jools Holland" - a twice weekly music hour featuring bands of varying genres. VT appeared alongside Fleet Foxes, k.d. lang and actor Hugh Lorrie (wtf?), [episode details] and performed "Blues Hand Me Down". This appearance led to an encore at week's end returning to the "Later" studios and performed "Nancy Lee".

They spent the next few months showing England, Ireland, Germany and Scotland how it's done when you're the hardest working band in show biz. Playing 80 gigs in 100 days, they tightened up their groove playing everywhere from small pubs to festivals supporting the likes of Queen's guitarist Brian May, Bootsy Collins and Bon Jovi. In Scotland the demand was so great for tickets to their show, that the gig had to be moved to a bigger venue. That night, 1000+ Scottish "troublemakers" sang along enthusiastically which led to the band's collective realization that success had come their way in the form of fans on the other side of the globe.

Several videos, radio sessions and gigs later - plus an invite for Ty to take part in the London Freddie Mercury Birthday celebration "Freddie For A Day" - they returned to L.A. and last night, played a show at The Edison.

A lack of quality control closely associated with popular music makes me want to cancel my subscription to Rolling Stone; rap isn't hip-hop isn't funky isn't interesting. Rapping and repping about things they have and things they want - all this flossin' and flashin' is so 1989 that I just can't stand it! Can you say "Young M.C."?

And Foo Fighters are a GREAT rock band??
I think even a music fan like Dave Grohl would concede there are generations of guitar based rock bands that are better than his. (He was in one of them.) I dig the Queens Of The Stone Age and even Kings Of Leon (a bit) but don't even bring up Coldhead and Radioplay - those overhyped artists are well meaning I guess and they have contributed enough but I am old enough to remember being excited by Cheap Trick and Led Zep and Kiss and Aerosmith and The Cult and Guns n Roses and even Elton John who put out solid rock 'n' roll at one time (check the triple LP Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player, Rock Of The Westies or Caribou).

But I digress.
Back to Vintage Trouble.

The first concert I ever went to was Angel - a ridiculous response to KISS - also signed to Casablanca Records, they wore all white and had crappy synthesizers - and when I saw them - my first concert ever - the opening act was Quiet Riot - not the radio-friendly metal-lite act they became - but an exciting rival to the then little-known Pasadena band called Van Halen - with a secret weapon in guitarist Randy Rhoads - a charter member of the 27 club - probably most famous for teaming up with Ozzy (he co-wrote "Crazy Train") - a rock 'n' roll royale upgrade which gave him the opportunity to live excessively and ultimately die in a completely avoidable plane accident.

I did it again.
I digressed.
Back to Vintage Trouble.
They give me the same rush I had back in the day, when knowing the words and wearing the t-shirt to school the next day to show allegiance was an important part of being a fan.

And let's talk about the fans for a minute!
The aforementioned "trouble-makers" are a worldwide collection of people of different ages from different backgrounds with one thing in common. In their clique of friends, they are that person who knows the coolest bands before anybody. They are they one going out on weeknights because the live music experience is - ~~for them~~ for US - the ultimate experience.

The Vintage Trouble experience keeps hope alive.
No hype. Just listen.
And if you're cool you'll catch 'em now!
(they're heading back to Europe)

Video from The Edison:

Program note : Singer and troublemaker Brenna Whitaker joined the band onstage for a version of Ike and Tina Turner's "Baby Get It On". Brenna performs at the W Hotel in downtown L.A. on Sundays.

I dedicate this blog entry to John Paul Jones, Kurt Cobain, Josh Homme, Punky Meadows, Rick Nielsen, Axl Rose, Rudy Sarzo, Starbaby, Michael Hutchence, Dakota Moon and Bernie Taupin!

Special thanks to Dorthea L.P. Winnet.

Red Zebra : A Real Live Art Rock 'N' Roll Fashiøn Show (Finally!)

2011-09-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

I came here tonight for 2 reasons. To paint, and drink some beer. And we're almost out of beer.

Taking place in downtown L.A. on a Thursday night, artist Robert Vargas threw a bash for no apparent reason other than to paint and invite some people to watch, or model or just hang out. With much square footage of varied entertainment Red Zebra is an inspiring place to be.

Part of the club was reserved for pro models (great looking ones) hired to pose and allow artists in attendance to take advantage of a life drawing class experience in a club atmosphere! Beats the hell out of the art classes I took at Pierce college. No cocktails were served there.

This was some grown ~~freaks~~ folks getting together to have some fun with one another; dancing, imbibing; creating art or taking it in, and I wouldn't be amiss to suggest that if you had a boner in this club you could walk around with no one noticing. I think I saw a couple.

Red Zebra takes place in a converted bank vault divided into areas of art, live performance, and DJ propelled dance floor. Upon entry, Mr. Vargas himself was making large portraits of people posing for him. On his knees, working in mostly blacks and reds and grays he moves the paint about the canvas using brushes as well as his fingers - sometimes almost violently - to create interpretations of his subjects (see pics).

The night's soundtrack was rock 'n' roll courtesy of AK & Her Kalashnikovs. Also on the bill was _princessFrank who's solo electric guitar & bass drum act takes on some "Classic Rock" classics (Pink Floyd's Young Lust and Love's Little Red Book). I greatly enjoyed his performance.

The evening wasn't complete until Miss Barbie-Q took the stage. This fierce-some drag queen performed a J-Hud inspired number, pumping up the place before bringing down the house. Her business card reads "Talk to you soon! Life is good!" in a deliberate attempt to encourage people to enjoy themselves in and around others. In agreement with that philosophy, this party was just what I needed. The complications of my life lent themselves well to this celebration of art and life and living.

Megan & Bjørn : The Tuesday Ritual

2011-09-01T01:42:00.000-07:00

Despite my long forgotten sense of romance and belief in anything but the most cynical rationalizations of relationships, ceremony and all that family values hypocrisy, I attended the wedding of my dear friends Bjørn and Megan.

While an hour outside of L.A., I was blessed with wonderful traveling companions Vanessa (a documentary filmmaker) and Robbie (a brilliant guitarist) (above). While virtual strangers on the way up, by the end of the journey we were fast friends exchanging ideas and intently learning about each other. Once there, the Dutch and American themed decor truly celebrated the union of not only these two people, but the two cultures merging.

Carolina & Sascha

the mother of the bride

The dads

Guests wrote their names on pieces of paper and pinned them to a map in their approximate geographical origin. Here, Carolina pins her name to her beloved Buenos Aires.

Wedding cake

Megan with Sascha and Carolina

Bjørn's ring

Missy and Vanessa

Prior to the event, Bjørn and Meg honored me with a request to lay down some of my poetry to commemorate the event. Over a home cooked meal of fennel chicken followed by fresh fruit filled crepes we discussed what was important and what needed to be said. Here it is:

THE TUESDAY RITUAL

Tuesday nights were burlesque.
And looooooooong......
arriving before the dissidents rode up,
and staying until the bar-back began restocking.

I came to watch the girls dance.
The band was the best and that was a bonus.
Bjørn was the bass.
the bottom end.
the starboard.

Our conversation —
not your average guy talk;
sharing stories of
a worldwide search -
our quasi-quests for love.

We had much in common.

One day -
in a most magical exchange -
Megan entered his life.

Cordially at first - she attended Tuesday nights -
I kept my eye on her and in loyalty to Bjørn,
made sure no one tried to hit on her.

So, while he plucked his bass
with meticulous musicality
I kept her amused until he punched-out for the night.
There was non-stop laughter
in a dark club filled with creepy men surreptitiously taking provocative pictures of dancing girls.

We only paused to cheer the bass solo.

This was the Tuesday ritual.

Los Angeles is full of phonies
and people who will bring you down

Always showing support and love-
Bjørn and Megan-
always give back.
They have integrity
They have credibility
and now they have each other.

Their journey involves a prophecy;
to see the other side-
and entwine their spirits and souls
as they carve their route to make the world more full of love.

A lofty address certainly,
and to make this singular duo the bearer
of such awesome responsibilities
is nothing less than something of cosmic importance.

Thusly,
they will always receive what they send-
love and laughter and music and beauty-
all things conjured up by invincible imaginations-
will be bestowed upon their life.
(8/13/11)

________________________________________

The wedding itself is beyond my descriptive words, and even the photos I took did not do it justice. The professionals hired for the event have posted some brilliant photos and exposition [HERE].

Incidentally, I am not a "knick-knack" person.

I don't like that kind of clutter.

At the wedding we were given a thimble-sized ceramic pair of white clogs with "HOLLAND" written on them in blue letters and an ornate (but very tiny) windmill painted on them. The shoes were bound together by a single knotted piece of patriotic red, white and blue ribbon. They were wrapped in mesh, which was gathered at the top and tied with a red and white string. This now sits on my western-facing windowsill next to my other knick-knack miniature replica of the Chrysler Building (the significance of this involves a trip to NY and an obsession with Matthew Barney's Cremaster films - the one which involves the construction of the aforementioned Manhattan structure).

Bjørn : He's deep and thoughtful, at least 6 foot 2 with a penchant for mugging whenever my camera points at him; his deep passion and talent lies within his creation of music. Bjørn recently released his debut CD 1 Only [get it on iTunes] - a collection of deeply spiritual and personal songs with all the instruments and vocals performed by him exclusively.

Megan: She loves to laugh and enjoys pretty things as well as music, travel, nightlife, and she spends much of her time smiling and amused. She attended FIDM and has been called professionally to work in New York a few times since graduating last Spring. She is well on her way.

Congratulations and deepest thanks to the parents of both Bjørn and Meg and to the happy couple themselves.

Leon Ware At The Edison (aka Nikki Grier Broke My Heart)

2011-08-30T02:22:00.000-07:00

Leon Ware is a singer, songwriter and producer, best known for crafting the 1976 hit album, I Want You, which was
originally designed for him, but ultimately it became a classic (and my favorite) Marvin Gaye album. Ware is also notable for writing the Top 5 R&B single, "I Wanna Be Where You Are", for Michael Jackson in 1972, and creating the Body Heat album with Quincy Jones. He also collaborated with Maxwell on his stunning debut album Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite.

Nikki Grier is a singer with a gift.

Part church, part R&B, part classic soul and all woman, Nikki walked into my life a few years ago at Harvelle's as a featured singer with Ryan Cross' SoulFunk. She tore it up (and then some) leaving my heart racing and my jaw on the floor. I became an instant fan.

Nikki's live appearances have been rare in the past, but she used to frequent The Toledo Show so I would often see her on Sunday nights. She hasn't been around in a while, so when I saw she was going to be at The Edison with Leon Ware, I was anxious to attend. In the past Nikki has told me stories of New Year's Eves spent in Japan in front of thousands, singing with Leon Ware.

Nikki's latest release "Soulgasm" says it all. Sensual and seductive Nikki's charms are impossible to ignore. In addition to her own music, Nikki has been a staff member at Aftermath (Dr. Dre's imprint) writing and singing alongside label superstars Eminem, Busta Rhymes and 50 Cent.

Vintage Trouble : Who'll Be The Next In Line?

2011-08-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

When I first met Vintage Trouble last year, they were the hardest working band in showbiz, let alone the L.A. club scene. From the Westside to the Eastside when they announced their only L.A. show - you better believe it - the line on 4th Street outside the club stretched down the block and around the corner. This unprecedented event is a sure sign that the people want 'em!

And who can blame them?

This past Friday the band showed what happens when you play 80 shows in 100 days. They learned their craft - they got real good!! They exhibited rock 'n' roll perfection. Not a formula, but a genuine organic soul thang, with Ty Taylor onstage taking everyone to church and infusing them with powers beyond those experienced by us mere mortals.

Vintage Trouble is Ty Taylor (v) Nalle Colt (g) Rick Bario Dill (b) & Richard Danielson (d).
Their first album The Bomb Shelter Sessions is available now!

Goo Goo Muck : The Dolls D'Amour

2011-08-27T15:25:00.001-07:00

Ever since the beginning of time I have known the Goo Goo Dolls. Their collective membership - Robby, Mike and Johnny - as well as the others that have been a part of Team Goo Goo - have also been in my life. Some briefly, some ironically, but forever part of the story - ever since the beginning of time.

Tonight, like many a hot August night before, the Goo Goo Dolls presented their opus of greatest hits alongside some of the songs from their recent CD Something For The Rest Of Us and a couple of unreleased ones as well. The band is playing in unholy 90+ degree heat here on the East side of L.A. but the sold out crowd is happy to be here.

And so is the band.
Having been playing on and off for the last couple of seasons and most recently in and around Southern California, this is the homecoming gig and the final date of the tour. The friends, the industry and the fans all show up for this one.

Tonight NY is preparing for an enormous hurricane moving North up the coast, this coming in the wake of an earthquake(?) in Virginia last week. The aforementioned temperature tonight is unseasonably HOT which is rather odd considering last summer it was overcast and never reached anywhere near these degrees of celsius.

Last year I brought my teenage niece and nephew to this same spot to see GGD. They were babies when Iris first came out, but their mother loved the song and many of the band's others and the twins were raised on the sweet voice of Johnny Goo passionately pouring his heart out amid big bad strings and an entire orchestra of intimidating learned musicians all there to play whatever Maestro Rzeznick told them.

There's the history of the band. I was there for some of it, missed a big chunk in the mid-nineties, but picked up where we left off a couple of years ago when I attended a free promo mini-concert in a Best Buy Parking lot in West L.A. I stood in the meet and greet line and sent my then 14 year old niece ahead of me to get his attention. He barely noticed her, even as she faux-sexily told him they would one day be married. They both laughed. Then I stood up. Johnny had been wearing mirrored aviator shades (inside) but took 'em off and we embraced (masculinely). Rob and Mike too - it had been a couple of years since I'd seen them. The folk in line behind us stood and stared at the obvious rush of familiarity passing between us.

Ally and Maureen Benedict (Burning Stars) hung out with me as I got my photo pass. There were some strict rules. I think I signed a confidentiality agreement and it's not really all that interesting except for the fact i had 2 photo passes one which said "AllNight" and the other which said "Whole Show". John clarified later that he wanted me to be able to stay in the pit at the foot of the stage all night long - snapping away til my digits turn blue. But like the other photo pass possessors I obediently abandoned that prime spot because of some vague technicality. I walked around snapping whatever and whoever I felt like because I had the right combo of passes for that.

That's a lot of people who came out to see my friend John's band!!

After the show was a small meet and greet.

I was surprised to run into my friend Kirk Fletcher! (pictured above)

and here's a picture of Kirk's date with Johnny!!

GOO GOO MUCK!

The Floor 41 : The Hip Shots

2011-08-19T02:50:00.000-07:00

If it were any other Monday, I wouldn't be in Hollywood at the King-King at The Floor! Only on the 3rd Monday of the month, this unique club experience is still the place to be if you want to dance, play or sweat or if you enjoy watching and listening to people dance, play and sweat.

I spent this past weekend at a wedding (congratulations Bjørn & Megan), and tonight La Floor Familia officially celebrated Jacqui and Wes' engagement (pictured above with me). Some more pix with me in 'em - all shot by Dorthea Lauran, who handled my photo duties for me. What did I do instead? Hung with the band, dropped some poetry on the crowd and caught up with the awesome folks who frequent this disco inferno known as The Floor.

Alexander Burke

Fuzzbee

Annukka and Carla

Maiko Maya

Surrounded by my fave peeps :

Carolina, Dorthea, K.G. and Sascha (photo Doug Silton)

Roman Vazquez

Mela Lee and Magnolia Memoir's Gordon Bash and Alexander Burke.

Ricardo Hambra

Jacqui Ugarte

_________________________________________________

Fuzzbee

Asa

Tommy King

Asa, Ethan, Ruslan and Walter

Walter

Dessy DiLauro

Ric'key Pageot

Always full of pretty people and hidden talents, you never know who or what you might see. Regulars like hip-hop soul monks The Club Bullies, nu-skool tap-dancers Kelsey McCowan & Sarah Reich, electra/gothika chanteuse and artisté Dorthea Lauran, DJ's Uniek and Wes Wunder, multi-disciplined hyphenates Paris Paul, Vakisha Coleman, K.G. Superstar and Doug Silton, dancer/musician Pake-Lika, drummer Asa Watkins, percussionist Ricardo Hambra, keyboardists Ruslan Sirota and Tommy King, and dancers! Lots of dancers! To name but a few - Walter Jones, Tiffany Bong, Marshall Watson, Stephanie Klausman, Minn Vo, Pepa Yuan, Lisa Solar, Roman Vasquez, Charlene Rose, Holly Hyman, Shaheed Qaasim, Dakota and of course hostesses Carolina and Sascha!

Club Bully K.G. Superstar

Maiko Maya and Tommy Johnson

Dakota Ferreiro

Ricardo Hambra

Ethan

Walter Davis

Sascha Escandon

Ruslan Sirota

New talent was abundant; Dessy DiLauro, Ric'key Pageot and Tommy Johnson - all musicians I know from Harvelle's coincidentally - threw down with some heavy duty playing that dazzled this enthusiastic Hollywood crowd. New bass recruit Ethan (don't know his last name but he has played with The Toledo Show in the past) as well as the return of Tommy King on keys rounded out the core band - Asa, Ruslan, Ricardo and Alexander all led by sax/flutist Walter Davis.

We'll do it again next month.

Just let me towel off and catch my breath.

For the full photo album of the night, check it out on Facebook [here].

FTP blog shout-outs to those m.i.a - David Polon, Ryan Michael, Josavelle Ramos-Cruz, Gabriella Gala, Liinda Garisto, Molly D'Amour, Julian Le (happy 21st), Bjørn Fleuren, Sophie Turner, my Italians - Annalisa Rinetti, Vanessa Crocini and Robbie Angelucci, Dezmond Meeks, Brian & Rebecca, Peter Grant, Kimberly Green, Dan Lanois, Mark Howard, Denise Zavala, Jillian Shmitz, Martin Yernazian, Lizbeth Santos, "El BBQ de" Raymond Castellon, Chloe Arnold, Sir Harry Bowen, Ombrey DeGrate, Jeremy Erwin and Tetsuya.

.206

2011-08-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

i reached out to you-
because of stubborn beauty.
i was just ok, til i saw the name
now i'm slightly off-course
but not nearly asunder
what was this about again?
what was i supposed to learn?
i'm nightly again,
and older than now
and i should be able to move
but
the sugar-coated truth
the original sin
the unspoken lie
is what makes me ashamed
and that's nobody's fault
it's just do or die
but it just ain't worth it
so i'll soldier on
and if you should read this-
or hear this-
or spear this-
you'll laugh at my lyrics
you'll curse at my truths
it wouldn't be worth it,
you're nothing worth it.
you're nothing.
not
worth
it.

Blues Hand Me Down :The Return Of V.T. To These Hallowed Shores

2011-08-06T01:11:00.000-07:00

You know you want it!!
You can't live without it!!
Why should the UK have it all?
Trouble's on it's way...

Dolls And Dames Dot Net : Launch Party

2011-08-01T00:51:00.000-07:00

DollsAndDames.net is a website started by a couple of dancers I know. They held their launch party at Harvelle's which was turned into a good time with burlesque performances, aerialists, bar-top pas-a-deuxs and a fan dancer who utilized the length of the whole club to literally "shake a tail feather" (right). Congratulations to Mindy Cantu and Desiree Yost!

Dressed to party, these dames are putting the burlesque world in a cyber spin!!

Shamari and Toledo (of The Toledo Show) stroll down the red carpet.

Cevin, Harvelle's owner with Mindy - Toledo Show dame and website proprietress

This little blonde doll just couldn't keep her clothes on!!

Wardrobe malfunction indeed!!

Toledo has 1 of each (a dame and a doll).

Entertainment included aerial acrobatics, a bar-top singer (above) and the Johnny Cash cover band Cash'd Out (pictured here with Mindy).

FOR THE FULL PHOTO ALBUM [click here]

Thank you Cevin, David, Mindy & Desiree

and Dan (for the photo above of Heather and me).

.205

2011-07-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

i wanna watch you burn
i wanna see you bright and shiny and
i wanna be close enough to feel the heat but
far enough away to avoid getting tormented

scarification - a memory of a past pearl,
covered by ink - now faded
and overgrown with masculine follicles
sprouting where youth once was -
smooth and sun-tanned -
hard like life -
now relaxed and nostalgic
the eyes on the prize lowered -
shielded by dark black mirrored glass.

to spit like tobacco -
expelling the bad taste
while gnawing at the gristly bits
tongue between teeth flicking

The Club Bullies Alive Tonight...

2011-07-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

My pals K.G. Superstar, Paris Paul and D.J. Unieq aka The Club Bullies are playing tonight at Mile High - 5364 Wilshire Blvd. (I think this used to be The Conga Room). The other artist on the bill Anduze - his keyboardist Greg Raymond is in House Of Vibe.
(And Anna Simoni?)

Heather vs. Mick Ronson : All The Young Dudes

2011-07-27T04:47:00.001-07:00

Recently, while sitting across from Heather, I noticed her expression and the way her hair was, and thought "she looks like Mick Ronson on the cover of Slaughter On 10th Avenue".

Heather didn't know who Mick Ronson was, but I assured her that he was the real deal when it came to cool-ness. Mick played guitar and sometimes keyboards for Ian Hunter and David Bowie and was a glam rock icon. His offspring are "celebrities" - his son Mark Ronson being a successful D.J./ musician/ producer while his daughter Samantha Ronson - also a D.J. - is infamous for having a very public relationship with Lindsay Lohan.

Makin' History : Hip-Hop at Harvelle's

2011-07-22T04:45:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it just comes together.
No one can plan it.
Spontaneity will always reign supreme when it comes to live music and real talent. When creativity thrives under a microscope in a packed sweaty night club that's when magic happens.

Wed, July 20 at Harvelle's, the House Of Vibe and it's fearless leader Anthony Brewster, set the roof ablaze with a hot late-night set which re-united some of the West coast's hip-hop pioneers. Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 and Myka 9 of Freestyle Fellowship schooled us for real.

House Of Vibe get down like this every Wednesday - only at Harvelle's in Santa Monica.

The video above is
Welcome To The Fish Market (Chali 2na)
appearing on the mic in order is Chali 2na, Chali's brother Laidlaw, J-Smoov, HOV's Deploi, Freestyle Fellowship's Myka 9, Anon the inspirational MC, St. Mark (Darkleaf), and Ellay Khule (aka The Rifleman)
Mass Appeal (Gangstarr)/The Next Movement (The Roots)
Chali 2na, Laidlaw & FreeWill

House Of Vibe Allstars is Brew (v, k), Greg Raymond (k), Corey Cofield (b), Colin Wolfe (b), Jon Swift (rap), Deploi (rap), FreeWill (rap), Amy Lou (perc), Kris Hawkins (g), Shaunte Palmer (trombone), Sebastian Legar (trumpet), Jamon Laws (sax), Dan Boissy (sax), Bill Barrett (sax), Ijeoma Njaka (v), T-Smidi (v), Pete Antunes (d), Fish (d), Pookie (d) and in the video above - Walter Turner III (d). There are other members of HOVAS extended family - big shout-outs to all of 'em, with a special "hey ya!" to Vonyse, Biff Chitlins, Cecilia Noel, Rachel Lynn, and Tony Tarasco.

Peace to the funkiest crew of humans a guy could know - Brew and House Of Vibe!!

BASH : "The Pros And The Shawns"

2011-07-22T04:31:00.000-07:00

Floor family brethren and musician Gordon Bash (bassist of Magnolia Memoir) has a band called BASH!! They've been recording tracks and making videos with Martin Yernazian - another member of La Floor familia and a multi-talented auteur! The result of this collaboration is wild, fun and intense!!
BASH is
Gordon Bash: Voice and Bass • Steve Kefalas: Drums • Scott Landes: Guitars
CREDITS : The Girl: Sascha Escandon || Party People: Sarah Reich, Kelsey McCowan, Paris Paul, Fuzzbee Morse and Carolina Cerisola. (Plus the entire The Floor Family) || Directed, Shot and Edited by Martín Yernazian || Co-Cinematography and Timelapse Photography: Zach Zdziebko || Production Manager and Pyrotechnics: Sero "PuppetMaster" Kassabian. || Shot on Canon 5D mark II and Canon 7D at Hollywood, CA. Death Valley, CA. and Las Vegas, NV.
Links: [Bash] + [The Floor] + [Atorrante Films] + [Martín Yernazian] + [Magnolia Memoir]

.204

2011-07-21T02:29:00.000-07:00

i love you in my life.
you are magically and delightfully a 10
i would easily do anything for a beauty like you.
but you ask me for things
even as i'm offering you things,
you ask for things.
i hate that about you.

if you want things for free
i am not that guy
if you think you are smarter than me
and can trick me into giving you things
just because you're beautiful
you are mistaken.

i don't know why you would think i was that.
i don't know why you think i could (or would) give you anything.
you had to remind me how to pronounce your name.
we are not close.
not even a little.

i don't know what type of people you are used to dealing with-
i am loyal
i am romantic
i have an artists heart and a poet's soul
i can't NOT think of ways to describe your beauty-
your beauty that must remain silent.
closed-mouth.
your closed mouth beauty
is the best i can hope for now.
i am not an ATM

perhaps i expect too much
but damn!
why do you think i should give you anything for free?
and why do you keep asking?

beware of angry bull

perhaps you're unaware of this
why would you do it once - let alone twice.
maybe it's the way you were brought up.
maybe you abide by 'ask and ye shall receive'.
maybe you have me confused with your father.
maybe you're awkward socially and you say the opposite of what you mean
or give off the wrong first impression.
or second impression.

The Floor 40 : Happy Anniversary!!

2011-07-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Carolina Cerisola

Sascha Escandon

Walter Davis

Asa Watkins

Vanessa Crocini

Dorthea L.P. Winnett

Annukka

The Floor has been around for 3 years!!
A prevailing triumph in a city where spots to blow-up are a dime a dozen, Carolina and Sascha's monthly night at the King-King brings out the hardcore dancers and players, celebs as well as regular people, all sweating, all groovin', all sharing the same generous space provided to exorcise those demons of sloth right out of yer skeleton. This happens once a month on the third Monday; the next one will be held August 15.
For the full photo album click [here]

Me And Tasha : Sweaty As We Wanna Be

2011-07-18T03:48:00.000-07:00

I am sweaty.

Everyone who has spent any time with me knows that I am sweaty.
Sometimes, on my way somewhere, it starts.
Other times it kicks in once I'm there.

It happens in the checkout line, at the polling place and while I'm clothes shopping. It's distressing and embarrasing and even though everyone's sweaty at The Floor after a bit (so I "blend" in), there are other places where I become very self-concious. Sales clerks have handed me rolls of paper towels and restaurant owners have turned up the air conditioner, all from them witnessing my perpetual state.

I apologized for being soooo sweaty to my city mouse cousin J-HK in NY who saw me after walking several Manhattan blocks to meet him in Times Square. He said "If you don't say anything, no one will notice". Not sure if that's true or not.

I've also traveled with towels and handkerchiefs and multiple shirt changes. I've tried a few anti-anxiety meds, some work better than others. When I work out, I have to wear a headband to keep the sweat out of my eyes and even then it gets drenched and starts to drip after a half hour.

Tonight I saw Tasha Taylor.
She had a small terry-cloth that she used to dab herself dry in between songs. She dabs at her forehead, upper lip, neck and breasts. She looks sexy as hell doing it. That's not how I look when I'm sweaty at all. But I empathize completely.

Tasha Taylor earns her sweat though.
The daughter of R&B singer Johnnie Taylor, she's onstage under hot lights singing her heart out, even covering one of her father's most famous -"Who's Making Love". She looks great in skintight animal prints and teasing above-the-knee hemlines. Her voice is filled with effortless gospel soul and her original songs are truly in the spirit of the classic r&b I grew up with, without sounding "retro" in the least. Her album Taylor Made is full of radio-ready cuts like "Queen", "Somebody" and "Refund"(watch the video below for an excerpt from this wickedly groovy jam). It's 'I'm-singing-my-heart-out-even-though-I'm -sad-as-hell' kinda music.

One of her father's songs is "Your Love Is Rated X". With it's trumped up sexuality, it's sweetness is revealed when J.T. says that "'X' means you're 'X-tra Special'".

One of his other hits, "Disco Lady" features a Marvin-esque burst of unrepentent horniness as he stands back and watches this lady do it in the way he likes!
The hook goes something like this:
"Shake it up /shake it down /move it in /move it 'round /Disco Lady."
"Disco Lady" also features a bad ass guitar solo, throbbing bass and pre-Chic disco purity. "Disco Lady" was the first ever certified platinum single (two million copies sold) and he made history again when he performed at the 1972 Wattstax concert at the L.A. Coliseum.

Cheers to Tasha Taylor who performs at Harvelle's in Santa Monica every Tuesday night.

.203

2011-07-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

when you're lonely and failing
don't call me
when your head is on fire
don't call me
when you're mixed up
and torn
when you don't know the answer
when you've walked around in circles
til your face has turned blue
that's the time for action
that's a time for forward motion
inertia
a call to arms
but don't dial my digits
don't call me

because
i won't help you
the way you didn't help me
i'm not interested in protecting your best interests
when you left me here to churn

Dezmond Meeks : Already A Star!!

2011-07-13T03:23:00.000-07:00

Dezmond Meeks is already a star.

A cross between "Prince and Little Richard" (-Piers Morgan), I've seen Dez perform many times in many different venues and every performance is always fresh, amazing and uniquely "Dez-ian" (-Nick Faigin)! Tonight Dez strut his multi-talented stuff in front of the world starring in a huge production number on the TV show "America's Got Talent", that had him singing "Satisfaction" (-Rolling Stones), dancing, playing piano and sharing the stage with half a dozen gold lamé wearing dancers - one of whom jumped on top of his piano, erotically squeezed her chest and then proceeded to spin from a chandelier suspended from the ceiling!! Unphased by the flying feet near his head, Dez kicked out the jams and shimmied across the stage. Wearing a tux shirt, gold cummerbund and a skinny tie, Dez also rocked a Captain's hat which he expertly doffed to reveal his freshly shorn locks!!

Dezmond Meeks at The Floor (King-King, Hollywood, CA, May 2011)

After the song, he stood center stage and took criticism from Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel (pictured below), most of which was constructive; the true arbiter - Piers - being overwhelmingly positive.

Like I said - he's already a star!!
Go Dez!!!

Watch the full video below!
Buy Dez's single on iTunes: Them & Me!

The Floor 40 : 3 Year Anniversary!!

2011-07-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Floor is Monday July 18th!

The hottest night of the summer, it's The Floor - 3rd Anniversary!! Producers Carolina Cerisola and Sascha Escandon will be celebrating the overwhelming success of The Floor with a "Havana Nights" theme, so appropriate dress is encouraged!!!

The Floor 39 : Huffin' & Puffin'

2011-06-23T05:20:00.001-07:00

WOW!!

It's almost the 3 year anniversary of The Floor!!

This eve I re-evaluated the whole night from the bar to the bandstand, from the v.i.p. to hanging out in the parking lot. Damn! Some talent was there!

The Floor familia continues to grow and evolve. Walter Davis' handpicked house band is funkier and deeper; the crowd is prettier (and sweatier); the dancers, the players, all the contributors rockin' the King-King in a joyous unison makes for an incredible nightclub experience. Minus Carolina who was in Portland on business, the night was a pure joy and kicked off by Sascha introducing the crowd to Ombrey Degrate and Jeremy Erwin's Phoenix Soul (above); a multi-vocalist project backed by a 7 piece collection of musicians.

With DJ Uniek on the wheels of steel and MC's KG Superstar (left), Paris Paul and Vakisha Coleman (bottom photo) keeping the crowd hyped, Walter Davis led the group through 2 sets of blistering jamming, hitting on various styles including afro-cuban, modern jazz, bolearic beats, burlesque-y flim-flam and the hot funk!

For the whole photo album from the night, click [here].

Big shout-outs to (above l—r) Sophie, Alex, Lizbeth & "El BBQ De Raymond Castellon"!! A raise-the-roof "whoop! whoop!" to Liinda, "Lips", Roman, Pake, Julian, Shadarius, Justine (top left), Charlene, Eric, Kimberly, Jhila, Tiffany Bong, The Club Bullies, Mela & Magnolia Memoir and of course - Vakisha (below)!!
Thanks always to Walter, Carolina and Sascha!

Next month's The Floor will be July 28 and have a "Havana Nights" theme!

.202

2011-06-11T04:51:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect day.
It started at midnight
celebrating with the guys
in the back of Mal's club after a gig.

As the sun rose red and
we sobered up with the morning,
we retraced the first steps of mankind
on the western shores
of this bleached continent.

Talk is cheap.
But the bar tab wasn't.
JOE'S serves food and drink-
but me and Mal are insatiable onuses.
They brought liquor
and shots
and beer
and hearty vittles.
We dined.
And imbibed.
And enjoyed.

The girls were beautiful
and horny
and drunk
and as Walter's sax siren wailed on,
they began to undulate.
They climbed the furniture.
Then pole dancing.
The stripping off of their sweaters.

The music was funky, fresh, loud and heavy.
There was dancing and drunkeness
both of which are permitted and encouraged.
They played jazz from their heart and
funk for their soul and
on Sundays they play the same songs
in reverse order and
call it gospel.

Out / About

2011-06-09T06:55:00.001-07:00

Part 1.

I started the night over at Angel's with pianist Julian Le and his downright uptight trio of jazzateers, who filled the room with cool sounds and laid back style. I've long loved this joint. It's an all-ages venue with unique bookings, lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and great food. K.G. Superstar debuted his lounge act here last year and brought me in to spit some poetry. "The Red Velvet Cake Review" - as it was called - was on Sunday nights and ran for a full season. For TRVCR, K.G. employed some heavy hitters to back him including Walter Davis, Asa Watkins and Marcas Johnson as well as Matt Lucich & Alexander Burke from Magnolia Memoir. More recently, this was the very spot where Julian (aka the LeJ Trio) held a massive release party just a few weeks ago.

While enjoying the music, I had the Mac 'n' Cheese and a deep fried pickle. (I didn't take a picture of it.) I wasn't there to eat however. I was there to listen. Julian's group (bass /drums /sax) met at UCLA and they have honed their considerable skills to create musical, inventive jazz. Ably rivaling old skool cats for musicality and technique, Le is the man in control. His playing is concise and humble except when the energy in the room compels him to jam recklessly with a wide grin on his face. Tonight the room is under-populated, but I've seen it full & sweaty (the aforementioned release party). When Le hits his groove and starts soloing, his confidence shines and he does fancy hand moves and the grin won't leave his face; that's where he starts to show his very unique-ness.

Part 2.

Magnolia Memoir were doing their weekly Wednesday concert at The Edison. This night they were hosting burlesque beauty and international dance star Carolina Cerisola. Tap dancers Sarah Reich and Kelsey McCowan were also scheduled to perform. Also on hand were Floor familia, i.e. dancers Minn Vo, Brian Lee, Rebecca Tuohino and Stefanie Klausman who performed some of their dazzling lindy and swing choreography. I hung out with a non-dancing Sascha Escandon while all this perpetual motion was happening.

It's always a pleasure to see Magnolia Memoir; this crew of impeccably dressed talent led by vocalist Mela Lee also features Gordon Bash (bass, vox), Alexander Burke (keys, vibes), Matt Lucich (drums) and Aron Forbes (guitar). Their set mixes favorite tracks from their 1st album with an ample amount of new material. Although still "Memoir-esque", the new stuff incorporates previously unheard sonics that are predictors of this band's genuine evolution. Delightfully and ernest-ly, tonight, their cover of Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out" kicked the energy in the room into high gear.

Carolina did a wild improv burlesque number that had everybody smiling from ear to ear. The happiness continued as Sarah and Kelsey threw down with their tap shoes to release their modern mantra - the percussive bliss - these women are the leaders of the new-millennium school of dance choreography.

Such great music and performances and conversation - it's truly a joy to be hanging out right here tonight.

Part 3.

"Chillin'" is my favorite way to enjoy Harvelle's.

I go for the music, but it's the place I like to be whenever.

And on Wednesdays, it's where House Of Vibe All-Stars are. Peace to the HOVAS homies Corey, Amy Lou, Deploi, Shaunte, Kris & Amber, Greg, T-Smidi, and repping Monday nights Seth Murphy, Jon Swift, Mike Gunn and Ultralove. (In absentia - Ijeoma Njaka and drummers Pete and Fish.) Music is more important than most things and the House Of Vibe are huge advocates of this message. "Life Without Music" is their pathos-filled set closer that examines this concept. We thank the powers that be at the end of each HOVAS performance that music exists in this time and space. Thank you HOV! Thank you Brew!

OH!

And there was Heather.

Drunk, down (she lost her phone) and here at 2 a.m. - hungry and without a ride, I took her out for breakfast and after, deposited her at her front door.

From the East side to the Westside, downtown to the beach, I swim in this rich city full of beautiful chords and exciting people, artists who do what they do, creating original work - pushing boundries, exploring new avenues and inroads and succeeding again and again.

This full-time poet salutes them all.

A Trip To Canter's Kibbitz Room.

2011-05-31T04:12:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of anger inside of me.
It's not like I don't have the right to feel that.
I'm not gonna air my dirty laundry here.
At least not today.
Poetry keeps me sane.
The recent Poetry Night at the White House gave me hope (see video below).
It inspired me to write.
It inspired me to be honest & truthful & egoless and put it out there fully knowing it will be judged, tested and criticized - for better or for worse - by people's both important and unimportant personally, politically, from near and far, ad infinitum.

Peter Grant runs things at The Kibbitz Room on Mondays.
He is a mad genius of a guitar player, and as the night's leader he creates a musical foray both challenging and entertaining, and as the night goes on and things get fuzzy and blend together and the Monte Cristo's are digested and every note rings true from the stage to the bar and back again - that's when I bust out with some poetry.

Thanks to di$count ba$ie & the 99c jazz band which features Peter Grant - guitar & vocals, Dorthea L. P. Winnett - vocals, Kelela Bleu - vocals, Adam Steinberg - drums, Kenny Warfield - sax, Michael Railo - keys, William Lovell - bass, Dragon - vocals, sax & harmonica and Ken Robinson - percussion.

Special thanks Barack & Michelle Obama.

r.i.p. gil scott-heron

Shots From THE SHOW

2011-05-26T03:46:00.000-07:00

Live from King-King on Hollywood Blvd., it's The Show - the 3rd annual full-fledged production from producers Carolina Cerisola and Sascha Escandon - creators of the monthly The Floor Improv Night. Carolina is a favorite burlesque dancer; an Argentinian beauty who can move parts of her body while the rest of her stays stationary. I am an unabashed fan of both women and follow their exploits around town religiously, sometimes taking pix or vids, sometimes throwing down some poetry, but mostly just watching and appreciating what they are contributing in L.A.'s club & dance culture.

The sizzling quartet of feather dancing beauty -

l—r : Denna, Ayesha, Liinda and Molly

Carolina Cerisola wore a *hot* S&M style costume while performing with saxophonist Walter Davis.

Some of The Show's highlights included cabaret singer Lyndsay Haldarson leading a quartet of bumpin' and grindin' burlesque dancers. This featured Eastside Luv dancers Molly D'amour (Lady Gaga & The Toledo Show) and Liinda Garisto (Ne-Yo); also Harlow Gold's Denna Thomsen and Ayesha Orange.

Ranchera singer Rocio Mendoza sang from atop the bar, pausing mid-song to slug back a shot of Tequila. The second half of the number was gusto & joy filled and brought much applause (guitarist Efren Luna accompanied her).

My pals The Club Bullies brought us there and back, SWASS-in' out reprising their roles as the hosts of the night. Their prescence always adds excitement and joie d'vivre to any occasion. The Club Bullies are DJ Uniek, Paris Paul and K.G. Superstar.

Ombrey DeGrate is a very young guy with a voice like no other! It's part gospel and part r&b. He's an incredible soul man who's performance closed out the night.

A ballet pas-a-deux (Erin Rivera-Brennand & Eric Shah) and capoeira performance (Alfred Kendrick & Philipos Haile) were wonderful shows of beauty and strength.

Other dance disciplines represented included swing (Brittany Espinosa & Marshall Watson), samba (Morena Santos), flamenco (Vanessa Albalos) and breakin' (Jay “JSmooth” Gutierrez & Christopher “Super Troy” Troy). Andrea Brook played the "earth harp" a "harp" who's strings stretched across the length of the ceiling of King-King - she stood on a platform just under the ceiling and as she stroked and caressed the strings, a beautiful howling resonance filled the place. It was something I had never seen or experienced before.

While the production reprised a few numbers from the previous years - they were peppered among new numbers and in at least one case a whole new choreography set to the music of the original - a number with tap mistresses Sarah Reich and Melinda Sullivan being replaced by NY tap dancing twins The Lombard Brothers (Martin & Facundo). The music - a memorable scatter shot bit of classical genius-ary called "El Raton" - was composed by Carlos Rodgarman, who composed and orchestrated all of the music in The Show. Indeed, Rodgarman's house band were top-notch and fueled with passionate fire.

Congratulations to Carolina and Sascha for this triumphant tribute to tripping the light fantastic. The next Floor Improv Night is June 20.

for more pix from The Show check out the full album [here]

Liinda Garisto bends over backwards for your entertainment!

Denna Thomsen brings all the boys to the yard.

Molly D'Amour - a little burlesque - a little monster-esque.

Dorthea, Sean and KG Superstar

Pierre, Dorthea and Ayesha Orange

.201

2011-05-18T02:57:00.000-07:00

the best feeling
is void
of depression;
of that dark black drift;
of the mighty hold; choking

the best feeling is a triumph.
the best feeling is loved.
the way to be is
beautifully.
truthfully.
alive in real life
with the sounds of music;
not soothing - but moving-
that makes me feel
unopposed.
alright.
arrived.
to not give up
to not fall all the way down
to remind me
that the time is now
that there is another one tomorrow
that life and death are serious topics
that are there, to be made fun of.*

*Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about. - Oscar Wilde

Heather.

2011-05-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

That's her name.

She loves to dance and frequents Harvelle's.

That's where we met.

Pix taken behind Harvelle's 5/5/11

.200

2011-05-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

sometimes i just can't do it -

face that bottomless copper pit -
burned black from decades of misuse-

or
dangle in mid-air like a side of beef;
my core impaled on huge metal-
getting pummeled by the fists of fury that are
my rare memories,

my insights,

my depravity and

my windsock -

strode upon by men and women

of all creeds and colors -

designated terrorists taking aim at my heart -

but they can't get me.

not yet anyway.

.199

2011-04-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

silence.

sometimes there's no use for poetry.

sometimes there's no use for words.

Aqua-rific : The Toledo Show 'cross town

2011-04-22T02:08:00.000-07:00

The Toledo Show is a Sunday night tradition at Harvelle's nightclub in Santa Monica. If you're on the Westside after 9pm on a Sunday, it's the only game in town. Nothing comes close. The Toledo Show does venture out and hit other venues, so it was not the biggest shock in the world to roll up on the Aqualounge in Beverly Hills last night and see - not only the band and the dancers - but some of it's key fans as well.

Toledo Diamond and Dorthea Porter shared an impromptu musical love letter.

(watch the video here!)

"Dame" Erin with Dan and Heather

Leigh is a beautiful and talented aerialist.

Heather in repose.

.198

2011-03-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

i keep thinking it's December

the nights are long and black and cold.

i can't keep up-

i can't stay down-

it's nothing

like i thought it would be.

in the spring,

like the fall,

my Hamlet's discontent-

writing lists of places

where my heart could be;

the California coastline-

straight til it ends?

or maybe 405 North,

valley bound.

.197

2011-03-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

I write with a pen

until the ink runs out.

dark black to light black to gray

to nothing but invisible indentions on a page

the words remaining the same

in impossible braille

as the stick yawns and sleeps.

I stand at the shore-

feet in dirty sand

screaming until my lungs betray me -

until my head buzzes with tension like a dozen migraines-

growing fast like a mass.

there and contemplative,

my body draws it's conclusion;

my shoes over my shoulder-

another failed mission-

another attempt to stave off the dark.

The Floor 36 : iPhone Pix

2011-03-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

iPhone self portraits from The Floor 36.

Me with (l—r, top to bottom): photographer Sandra Simon, K.G. Superstar, chanteuse Lyndsay Halderson, club kid Kyong, birthday girl Angel, dancer/philanthropist Gabriella Gala, MC Paris Paul, photographer Kevin Hahn, DJ Daylite, dancer Rodrigo Guzman (with Annie Love in the background), King-King's own Annukka, drummer Asa Watkins, club kid Pacalika, vibraphonist Alexander Burke, singer Ryan Michael (KG Superstar in the background), actor Esher, dancer/actor Walter Jones, dancer/fashion illustrator Josavelle Ramos Cruz, keyboardist Eric Parker, music director Walter Davis, Floor Producers: Sascha Escandon and Carolina Cerisola.

The next Floor session (#37) is April 18!

see the full photo album on Facebook:

[click here]

as always, special thanks to Carolina, Sascha and Walter.

On Tap with Sarah Reich

2011-03-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

Sarah called and asked if I would be able to attend "A really big tap event" that she was going to be performing in called "On Tap @ Libertine".

The Libertine is a bar/restaurant across from the Chateau Marmont and they charge $20 to park. Inside it was packed. An open floor area accommodated several rows of folding chairs, every one of them full of tap dancers - many pre-teens - and a lot of parents.

The rest of the area was relegated for a "tapdance board" - a wooden board, that allows for the performer's tap shoes to be louder; it's construction features legs (or beams) affixed to the underside, resulting in the board being lifted off the ground. (See pics/video for reference.) When I met Sarah at The Floor, and it was her turn to perform, she would drag her mini-board (about 3'x 5') out to the dance floor — hand-crafted by her uber-supportive father years ago, it's black paint scuffed up from years of her diligence — set it down and do her thing!!

A couple of musicians (drums and keys) sat in the window of the joint and filled the place with funk and jazz as Sarah and others tapped in groups and solo, presenting routines, improving, and ending with everybody jamming!

Sarah saw me on the outskirts of the crowd, and waved.

She let me know that she was about to do a solo number and wanted me to record it. The crowd was 4 or 5 people deep — all tappers or enthusiasts or moms & dads — i pushed my way through, got myself situated, and pushed record (see video below)! [Sarah's website - click here]

Show note : This evening was hosted by actor Dulé Hill.

Big shout-outs to tap dancers Kelsey, Johnnie and Melinda; Tap Con Sabor, The Floor, Magnolia Memoir, the Club Bullies and Sarah Reich's father!!

The Floor- MONDAY!

2011-03-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Monday March 21

6555 Hollywood Blvd.
Doors 9:30pm

Strictly 21+
Watch the commercial on all the flights coming to LAX: [click here]

As always, Walter Davis will be leading the musician's jam session and DJ Uniek spinning and winning!

SEE YOU AT THE FLOOR!

.196

2011-03-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

night is something to get through.

daytime is something to avoid.

how many nights did i take on and

how many more must their be.

they rain down on me
until i'm swallowed up and

when it's darkest,

i just hide out and wait,

i ready the counters.

As the death toll rises,

it's nothing but bad news.

i never forget exactly how it feels and

all i see forward is more.

there's not enough medicine
crashing chocolate metal;
dark and messy.

the hours on the couch become

boring and predictable
through these glasses of doom—

these half-empty glasses of doom.

stand-up or stand down

success measured out in paper and
things in amounts much bigger than needed;

carats, rocks, grams, deals and popularity.

my existence is floating
never touching the top or bottom or the sides.

floating - dangling;
a mylar balloon
on a string tethered to nothing

caged and caught

caught and caged

days ticking off

inflatable

affordable

gargantuan and wide

too big to be

too small not to

meaning,
'of life, fear and retribution is another party'

another room full of people

juiced and configured for a purpose - a something to fill the voids-

fill the pits and make it smooth, matte and unnatural.

one long drawn out ordinary specialty that no one cares to acknowledge

i'm gonna disappear and
feel shame & guilt,
pain & remorse-

a two-toned jester suit wraps my soul-
until everyone knows and everyone sees
exactly what is going on
and how it will end.

inevitable.

like dirt on white trainers,
rubber and leather separating flesh
from the earth-
the man-made earth that no one wants-

but none of us can avoid

your stupid eyebrows

your boring beauty

spooned
divinely remembered;

how when we met,
you tried me like a bar fool

scooting, sniffing
tonguing at your divine center

all i ever wanted

all i ever had

all i ever needed

all i've ever known.

coast-to-coast muthafucker—

worldwide

sonic signing-

a little insurance-

an untoward comment

the life i led

the life i had

the life i gave

mascara and makeup-
textbooks and intimate piercings

all that wasted time in-between the words and the music-

in-between the blues, greens and yellows of worth in the world.

no love songs or fun poems.

no levity.

no vindication.

no resolution.

The Floor 35 Pix

2011-03-10T23:07:00.000-08:00

The iPhone 4 allows you to turn the camera on yourself with a simple button press. Still getting used to it these are some self portraits from The Floor (35) at King-King in Hollywood. Pix : (top to bottom - l—r) Me with : Carolina, Dezmond, Liinda, Justine, K.G. Superstar, A.C., Sandra Simon, Gabriella, Peter Grant, and Vakisha & Paris.

For the full photo album from The Floor 35 on Facebook click here: [The Floor 35 Photo Album]

The next The Floor is March 21.

Watch the Trailer here: [The Floor]

The suit that got worn every day for a year& the guy who wore it

2011-03-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

I met Horacio Cadzco at Harvelle's one warm night, during what Southern California calls winter. He's an artist and sculptor and he had the idea to wear the same suit every day for a year.

He also decided he would not clean his suit or take care of his personal hygiene.

For one year.

He did this in 2005-2006 in his native Mexico. The suit is the centerpiece of this exhibition, and it looked pretty lived in. It definitely had a tough year.

Horacio's art deals with a lot of gross stuff. He sculpts with body waste - nails, hair, teeth - pretty much any thing that's shedded by our bodies. It's disgusting. I haven't seen any of his sculptures, but it is this fascination with the body's various excretions and by-products that gave him the idea to let his body produce away for a year without any limits.

The Destruction Of A Suit's suit - an exo-skeleton of sorts - cost $7000 - and stands as living testimony to the wearing down of all things. For a year, Horacio stayed in a motel, not cleaning or bathing - being outside most days - interacting with people. At some point people understood he was an eccentric artist living his artistic statement and not a drunk, creep or homeless man. Or did they?

Horacio and the remains of the suit.

Details from collage of photos, drawings and

mixed media as part of the exhibition.

The beginning of the end for the suit

things got grimey...

de-evolution is not pretty!

[Horacio Cadzco's website]

The Jaus gallery is easy to miss.

[Jaus Website]

I was arguing with my GPS as I drove by again and again unable to make a positive address ID. But it was right there- although it's not where I thought it would be!

A nice space on the same property as gallery owner Ichiro Irie's actual house evidently.

.195

2011-03-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

tour-de-France

bad call

changes

acceptance

realistic

photos-to-go only.

feminine wiles

got me again.

the nature of my

ugly hidden tolerance

silly fool -

wet from sweat

a poor crusade

a friendless jackass

a tell-me-gently

kinda sadness

pull up and out

protect yer neck

they always say

i'm the same

i'm always the same

Real People : Suz & the Twins

2011-03-04T00:20:00.000-08:00

Now officially adults, it was 18 years ago, I held these squishy little fraternal twins moments after Suzette birthed 'em. We all hung out last year at a Goo Goo Dolls show at The Greek, where I got to play hero by taking 'em backstage to meet my friends in the band (Johnny, Robby and Mike) after the concert. Great seats too! Took these pix then.

Happy Birthday to Suz, Ryan & Haley; Cheers to the Goo Goo Dolls : John, Rob, Mike, Correll, Brad and Mike V.

.194

2011-02-26T01:13:00.000-08:00

it used to be special and exciting

now it's dulled and drives me mad.

evolution ceased,

i've tired of it's atmosphere;

the way it makes me sweat-

the way it entices me

with ready-to-pluck ripe beauty-

reminding me

of who i am and where i've been

and why i feel so undesirable.

everybody can see-

not everybody can feel-

not everybody will understand-

everybody can't know.

i'm alone -

with you-

together-

by myself.

i'm hidden, embarrassed.

Tired, i call it night.

.193

2011-01-22T21:31:00.000-08:00

Right outside Los Angeles

it's hot as hell,

and my phone doesn't work-

It's poison - but it tastes

like cotton candy to me.

it's a proverb.

it's a session.

When the whole wide world

goes mad.

She was dressed -

in a tight red skirt

and a striped blouse.

her heels were high,

satin covered

and she smelled of

rich floral perfume.

it's a poem

it's a pageant

it's a monologue

just for you.

Her breasts played peek-a-boo and

reminded me of

inflated balloons and

chocolate bunnies at Easter.

Her round firm ass spoke to me in Spanish.

I told her I didn't understand.

She just laughed.

Her legs were smoothed flesh-

stretched to the max-

covering flexed muscles;

their length -

far beyond the miles I'd walked to get here.

"Slide me that banana." She said.

And then peeled it slowly

reminding me of Warhol's

Velvet Underground art.

She said "I can't stand listening to funk!"

"But I can't stand you even more!"

That's terrible.

Take a last look around.

see what is-

see what ain't-

know the difference &

know the truth.

advice - my vice:

this time around

I ash my stash...

medical and primeval.

this time around

it's chronic, ill and

important-

out of bounds;

the reason that i wrote this song.

The Floor : Beatnik Dancing

2011-01-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

Chirie Dautel contacted me and expressed that she wanted to dance while I read poetry. This sounded fun, so we decided to go with a sort-of 'beatnik' theme. I chose to *read* the poem instead or 'perform' it - as the 'real' poets do at their poet gatherings. This also left the stage with more room for Chirie to express herself. She chose the black mock turtleneck as her nod to the 60s beatnik movement. As always at The Floor, Walter Davis led the band which featured Ricardo Hambra on the bongos.

Thanks always to Walter, Carolina and Sascha.