Echo Curio on August 9th

howardAmb's matching shirts

My assumption was correct. The lighting at Echo Curio set the scene for some great photos.

Devin Sarno and Bobb Bruno playing experimental tunes

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take any photos of Kandyce and the Killdozer because my hands were occupied by a video camera.

Below is their lovely performance in two parts.

July in Music Retrospect

The Toughcats at Echo Curio

This is an early retrospect. Yes, it's being written a week before the month officially ends but there already has been a ton of great shows.

July started with Woolen and Lou Barlow and the Missingmen at The Hobby Shop which came the day after Stef's solo performance at Echo Curio. The next day, Stef and I saw a friend's band, Marcus Very Ordinary at Hotel Cafe. Three days of great music back to back to back. A great way to start the month.

Bayyyyy Areeeeeeaaaaaaa!

The next night, Sarah and I went to Freak City and experienced an all night party with various DJs and hoped to see one of our favorite French electro DJs play the afterparty after hearing the rumor. DJ Mehdi was in town performing as Carte Blanche with Riton and his posse showed, but he never played. This place was more of a urban/hip hop scene, but filled with good vibes. I remember one tiny room being aurally dangerous because the decibel levels were off the charts.

howardAmb at Pehrspace

Bobb Bruno's last solo show?

A friend of mine curated a video game themed art show at Pehrspace called Tetricide where howardAmb and Bobb Bruno played. howardAmb was spectacular, as always, and it was a treat to have Bobb decide at the last minute (that day) he was going to play. Being sleepless the night before, I walked around with a Red Bull in my hand. Bobb handed me his Jägermeister in a flask to make a Jäger bomb in my mouth.

Amanda Jo Williams at Las Perlas (I know, dark picture.)

Our friends invited Stef and me to watch Amanda Jo Williams perform at Las Perlas on the first night of music there. A friend plays guitar in her band. The sound system could vastly be improved, and maybe the loud nature of the bar isn't the right setting to have music, but her performance was still entertaining. They'll need a PA if they're serious about hosting music acts there. Though I must say, the tequila selection is pleasantly daunting.

Missincinatti at Human Resources

Someone I know recently opened an art gallery in Chinatown called Human Resources where they occasionally have music performances. Missincinatti is one of my favorite bands and they played outside under the perfect summer night atmosphere. I wish they would have had bands set up at the far wall so it wasn't so awkward for the audience. The entrance is located where I was standing, and people kept having to distractingly walk in front of everyone to get to the other side. Missincinatti released their debut CD at the show and it is a must have in your collection.

The Toughcats in color

The Toughcats traveled across the country from a small island off the coast of Maine to embark on a West Coast tour for two weeks. Their first stop was at Echo Curio in Echo Park and I haven't seen that place that crowded in a very long time. It was a great start to their tour. Many friends made it out and those who never experienced one of their shows were enthralled by their performance.

Here's to a great August.

If You Can Peel Me Away From the Ball Game...

On the itinerary tonight is a trip to Echo Park to see howardAmb perform at Echo Curio. As I sit here watching the Dodgers vs. Padres game, currently tied at 1-1, no balls, 1 strike, 1 out in the top of the 5th, (OH MAN, THROWING ERROR TO FIRST ALLOWS THE DODGER ON FIRST TO ADVANCE!) I am enjoying the loud cheers from Dodger fans in the stands, despite it being an away game for us. It's going to be difficult to peel myself away from this game. Maybe it'll end before it's time to leave for the show tonight. Wishful thinking.

Also on my mind is what to pack for two weeks in Maine. I managed to get all the clothes I want to bring into my little timbuk2 tote bag I received as a gift at the Dwell design conference in Palm Springs several years ago. I love that bag. It has traveled with me many places and has never let me down. Now I can allow myself to think about the extra things I would want to bring.

On my list:
- White Noise, so I can finish it.
- DSLR for pictures, of course.
- Mini notebook + pen

The question is, should I bring my laptop? With limited connectivity at my destination, it seems not worth it, but I have an unwarranted attachment to the wretched black and silver piece of hardware. It may be tucked away the whole time of my trip, but I'll find comfort knowing that it is there.

Speaking of comfort, I am liking the fact that it is currently Dodgers 3, Padres 1, at the top of the 6th. Vin Skully announcing it, is the icing of the cake.

Goodbye LA, for now. I'll miss ya.