Family that Plays Together...

I started a post last week and realized it was all whiney, so I deleted it. And that's all I have for excuses.

We start our work furlough on Monday. The entire library system is closed from Aug 31-Sept 6, then also closed Monday Sept 7th for labor day. No pay, so I have been working on saving some money up and I think everything will be ok. Except for the speeding ticket I got on my way back from Spokane. And the doctors bills I have from my wellness and hearing check up (it costs a ton to go to the doctor these days, even with insurance!) Oops, there I am whining again.

Last night I went to see Tacocat with my dad's family. We went to the Funhouse which was a weird kind of treat. There is a basketball court in the back, so we played Horse and two on two with the monorail going by in the background and music pumping (do you say pumping in punk speak? Shows I am not a punk...) out the door. I played a lame game of horse, but made it up a bit during the two on two. I am a bit sore today from all that jumping around.

Tacocat was pretty good, but Used Kids did a longer set and weren't as much fun to listen to. The music was mostly a wash, but at least it was only a $5 cover and we had a great time otherwise.

Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

I was so happy to see on the front of the Seattle Times this morning that The Crocodile has reopened. Looking at their website, I see I am a bit behind because they have a pretty full line up, and the Ting Ting's show on April 12th is already sold out.

I was so disappointed when the Crocodile closed a little over a year ago. I have fond memories of shows. Over the years I saw Mudhoney, Murder City Devils, Peter Buck of REM, the Divorce, Vendetta Red and many others at the Croc, as well as occasionally attended the monthly diy sale. I like the mix of diner, music venue and bar. I loved that they often had all ages shows that I could take my son to, but that they were still good shows with true fans.

It looks like from the article that the place has gone from shabby to "swank" but I am willing to let that go ;)

Zach Davidson of Siren Sister and Vendetta Red

Good times...

Brrrrrr!

Snow! and wow it's cold! It snowed Saturday night, while I was at the Winter Warmth concert put on by the Mountain. The main attraction was the Pretenders. I grew up hearing the sultry voice of Chrissie Hynde with my dad, so this concert with him and my two sisters was pretty amazing. They really rocked the stage. They did "Back on the Chain Gang" and quite a few others I could sing along to. They also played enough from their newest album that I want to buy it.

The openers were ok and Augustana was actually pretty good. I had never heard of them before but they did a great rendition of "In the Pines" which has been done by countless others (Kurt Cobain included). I like their song "Sweet and Low" but I didn't realize it was by them...

So back to the cold cold cold. 26 degrees right now, and sure to get colder. This morning we broke a record for the day at 19 degrees. Probably won't hit the record low of tomorrow of 10--I hope not! Transplants are crying! And why doesn't my keyboard have a degrees symbol???

Before the cold started, I helped with this colossal event. It was a really amazing push to get all of Ballard High School's students a Seattle Public Library card. A few students held out, stating they didn't want to join just because we told them to. Heh ;) Privacy? Libraries? What?

All Ages What to Do NYE

A few weeks ago I took my son to see a show put on by the Vera Project. The line up was Eux Autres, Boat, The Lonely Forest and Math and Physics Club. The Boy's favorite band was The Lonely Forest and mine was Math and Physics Club. Funnily enough, a former co-worker is the wife of the guitarist and she was at the show. The whole show was great, although we had to use earplugs during The Lonely Forest. I don't think they were used to playing in a small space. Megan Seling recently wrote a review of them in the Stranger that was very flattering.

It was fun to watch my son change his attitude about live music. He lives out in the sticks with his father and thought that going to a show would be "gay." (I hate that word and am trying to break him of it--he doesn't seem to be using it as a hate word, but all of his friends use it to mean "lame." Still not good.) Seeing a band that he really liked without knowing who they were previously gave him a taste of the russian roulette that is the Seattle music scene. Sometimes it rocks and sometimes it doesn't, but if you don't take a chance you will miss out on something cool.

There is a show at the Crocodile on New Years Eve with Harvey Danger and Mon Frere that is all ages and I would love to take him to it. I don't know how it will fit in with my other New Year's plans, but I am hoping...

Sunday December 31 4:00pm Harvey Danger's First Annual Last Show Ever:Harvey Danger, Mon Frere, Awesome $5, All AgesAt Crocodile Cafe located at 2200 2nd Ave.

So Vera is holding court over at the Crocodile Cafe for an early all ages New Year's Eve bonanza! And since it'll be over by 9pm (Doors are at 4pm) we're celebrating New Years in Brazil! That puts the countdown at 6pm so don't miss it! It's a carnival(as in Rio) theme so bring the masquerade masks, feather boas, and general party outfits!

There is always the dilemma of what to do on New Years Eve, what with all the parties and shows
going on. This year, your problem is solved because Harvey Danger, Mon Frere, and Awesome are playing an early all-ages show at the Crocodile that will have you dancing in seconds flat, and pumped up for the rest of your night.

Harvey Danger are the musical rescue you’ve been looking for, with a pop sensitivity that (with their powers combined) has even the cynics singing along. They just can’t help it. And Mon Frere is always an ear-pleaser, what with their uncanny ability to get the room shaking and all. The night’s
openers, Awesome, are perhaps the most aptly
named band around. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to hear the alphabet sung in a round, Awesome has your answer, and if you’ve
ever wondered what it means to be Awesome, well, come see it live. You really don’t have a choice, because for five dollars you cannot beat this show, and by the time it’s over you’ll still have the whole night ahead of you to get your New Years groove on.