End o' week musings

Alrighty! It's almost a quarter to the weekend and I'm more than ready....

Last week I left you as I was on my way to see Atomic Bomb Comedy perform in Whittier. This troupe is able to transcend their youth (and masculinity) to garner laughs from people of all ages, genders and walks of life. Their improv was as good as any I've seen and better than most.

In addition to skits, where the audience provided part of the story, the group presented several short films, which were lots of fun. ABC performs the last Friday of every month in Whittier (for only $3 admission!), as well as a few other gigs around town. Learn more about them at www.myspace.com/theabcpage and watch http://www.sgvn.com/ for my story previewing their next show April 24.

Saturday I went to Altadena for the Bloggers' Potluck. It is always fun to see the faces behind the words and to chat with the people who, not only share a common interest with me, but have become a part of my world. I share more of this adventure on my other blog, Dairy of a Doo Dah Queen, at www.insidesocal.com/doodah

In the evening I headed out to Mr. T's in Highland Park. My goal was to catch up with my old band Rebel Rebel, but I got a little more... Two of my friends have started a new punk quartet called Atom Smashers. They were loud, rough and everything punk should be and I intend to see them again soon.

Now, for those of you familiar with Rebel Rebel, you're probably saying, "Hey, I don't remember any chicks in their band." Yes, they are not known for having women on stage with them, but for three years I sang backup, danced and was part of their stage show. Unfortunately in 2000, I suffered a back injury (not related to the band's antics) and had to quit. They have asked me to return from time to time, but their stage show in very intense and I can't take the risk. But I'm still a big fan....

Back to the beginning- I peeked out the door of Mr. T's and eyed lead singer Jet and his girlfriend, the beautiful Melody, just getting out of their car so I went out to meet them. Boy! Were they surprised! Pretty soon, the rest of the group showed up, guitarist Teddy Heavens with his girlfriend, the blonde bombshell Pam, their new drummer Tim with his wife, the perky and sweet Gina, bassist Marcello and his hot friend and their deejay Eric and his cute companion. It was a homecoming for me with hugs all 'round and lots of laughter.

I hung out with them backstage for a while and then went out to watch the act before theirs on stage. Soon the moment arrived. Rebel Rebel did a short set, but their energy and wildness was still all there. They offered up a few old tunes, as well as a couple of new ones and the audience stuck around to watch. (Did I mention that it was already midnight?) They went over very well and even Arlo, the soundman, commented to me that he really liked them. You might like them too, check out http://www.rebelrebel.org/.

Sunday I laid low except for taking my mother to the new Fresh and Easy market. We were in there way too long-- my mom has to look at EVERYTHING! But it wasn't too much of a chore, as the workers there were all good looking guys who kept asking if we needed any help. Oh yeah, I'll go back there... not just for the scenery... I found some great Indian food too.

Monday I went with my boss to see how things were going at the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. We planned our strategies for stories and photos and enjoyed a nice lunch at the Spaghetti Factory in Monrovia. PSHA is cool because you get to see decorators at their best and the ticket proceeds support music education and programs for children.

Tuesday was my last furlough day from work. I spent the morning cleaning house and running errands. My special guy came by later and took me to dinner and we spent the rest of the evening talking about all kinds of things. It was nice to have time just to chill for a change!

Wednesday I met my friends Carin and Tom, plus Carin's dad Obie at Maggie's in Santa Fe Springs for "cheap bastard night." On the first Wednesday of every month, the pub offers free appetizers from 6 to when they run out. But these were more than appetizers, it was a meal with shepard's pie, tacos, fruit, chili, cheeseburgers, chips and all kinds of stuff from which to choose. I hope I'm free next month to enjoy.

I interviewed country icon Marty Stuart Thursday. The Autry Museum is going to have a big exhibit with a lot of the memorabilia he has collected over his life. There will be photos of and items from Johnny Cash, Elvis, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and many other artists on display. Stuart was very cordial and quick to laugh. My story should be online at http://www.sgvn.com/ by next weekend.

Last night I finished things by going to the Warped Tour Pre-Party at the Key Club in Hollyweird. The press conference part included appearances by Warped founder Kevin Lyman, members of Aiden, Escape the Fate, Millionaires, P.O.S. and more. Later on stage I saw TV/TV, Tat, TSOL, Sing It Loud and The Adolescents.

The highlight of my evening came during TSOL's set. Jack, the lead singer, noticed me writing on my pad and came over to see what I was up to. He strod back to center stage and pointed at me, telling the crowd, "She's writing notes!" I pulled out one of my business cards and handed it to him so he would see I was a journalist. "Michelle Mills, staff writer," Jack said, "You don't look like a reporter." He and I both laughed. My intention was that he would e-mail or call me with his mailing address so I can send him a copy of my review when it publishes. Watch http://www.sgvn.com/ for it soon.

Today I will be interviewing Larry Wilmore from the "Daily Show." He has written a book, "I'd Rather We Got Casinos and Other Black Thoughts." It was pretty funny, but what got me excited was I spent a couple of years in college with him so I'm really interested in catching up. Don't fuss, I'll be sure to do a professional interview too.

Tomorrow I will be going to Coconut Bay in Rowland Heights for a nightlife story. It's a Thai restaurant with a bar and entertainment, including bands. I'm looking forward to sampling the food and catching the sounds. Monday, if I can, I'm going to go to the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena to catch Jim Curry, he does a wonderful John Denver tribute show, as well as great original material. Thursday I'll be heading to the Echoplex for the screening of "Walking Through the Mekong," a documentary on Dengue Fever. The night will also include a performance by this super cool band!

In rotation this week: 69 Eyes, Janis Joplin, The Adolescents and a bunch of other bits and pieces.

Photos we got 'em: The usual quota of cute pet pics, plus some photos of Rebel Rebel, me and me and Rebel Rebel compliments of Gina Shelton (www.myspace.com/twistedtoo, www.myspace.com/raginasgiftsandpromos, www.myspace.com/timshelton) ~ I told you she was super sweet!

Thought o' the week: Cut loose. I know it doesn't sound it, but I've been immersed in some deep thought over the last week or so. The economy, my family, friend problems and a few other things have got me a bit down and I'm weighing my options and trying to figure out what will make me happy. That may seem selfish, but I've at least figured out that I need to concentrate on what's best for me for a change...

Over the week, I've had a couple of opportunities to just let go and live in the moment. This was very cathartic for me and I realize that it's just what the doctor ordered. Yes, responsibilities are important, but fun is too. Do something for yourself, where you can be you... it will make all the difference in your attitude and your life.

Keep on rockin'

Mickie