End o' week musings

Aarrggghhh! After my dentist adventures this week, it was all I could do to keep my blog going... but then I regress...

Friday I decided to go back to Juanita's in Highland Park because my friend Andrew was playing trombone with the Soul Shakers. Although the musicianship was good in all the bands, it was a long night for me because the sounds weren't quite my thing.

The Soul Shakers were the best and not just because my friend is with them. They have both a female and a male vocalist, who are very adept. I especially enjoyed the female singer, as she had a great range and wasn't afraid of taking chances. She gave a gorgeous rendition of "Summertime," along with an intriguing arrangement by the band. She also plays a rockin' flute.

Saturday I joined my friend Roc for a foray out to the Laserium in Hollyweird. I have never been to a laser show before except as part of a concert so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It took three times around the block (Hollywood and Vine area) to find parking, but that wasn't as bad as it sounds. The theater looked kinda grungy and old and was flanked by a seedy looking porn shop and an even seedier looking sushi place. Inside the theater was old, but clean and it didn't even have that damp, moldy popcorn smell like some old venues.

The show started on time. It was Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and it was perfect for this kind of event. The lights and colors were phenomenol. Some of the configurations looked so solid that it seemed as if you could touch them. Each song brought even more awesome views and the timing and patterns of the lights was terrific.

When we left the Laserium, Roc said that he would have liked the show to be longer. This one was about 45 minutes. As for me, that was about right. Perhaps another 15 minutes tops, but I was very satisfied by the display. Too bad Roc's dogs Frito and Pepsi couldn't have come with us. They always are happy about everything and would have enjoyed getting out. But then, they probably couldn't have seen all the colors of the lights....

Judas Priest! Need I say more?! Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, I went to the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City for the Judas Priest concert. Popevil opened the show. They were OK, but I won't go out of my way to see them again- more because of their annoying bass player who worked hard to upstage his band mates, rather than their music, which was listenable.

Whitesnake was up next and they were great! I was charmed to see my NAMM Show (International Association of Music Merchants conference) buddy, Doug Aldrich displaying his guitar expertise. Gitarist Reb Beach was no slacker and David Coverdale's voice was just wow!

Judas Priest performed the entire "British Steel" album, along with a smattering of other tunes. They were dressed in their timeless manner and gave up one of their best shows ever. For a complete review, along with photos by Keith Durflinger, visit http://www.dabelly.com/

Monday I had dance practice and Tuesday I started my day with two hours in the dentist's chair getting a tooth prepared for a crown. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough time and I had to go back yesterday for another hour. My mouth is sooo sore! Ooooo! That means ice cream all weekend lol! This week I also interviewed Adam Marsland and HDR's Joe Mora.

Last night was really fun. I went to the Ice House in Pasadena to see Larry Wilmore. I went to college with Larry and we did theater and made some student films together. He was a great guy back then and turned out to be as sweet as ever now. His routine was great-- he had everyone laughing like crazy!

Saturday I will be going to my friend Sabrina's tea party to see her before she moves back to New Zealand and then to a Hollywood soiree hosted by noted photographer Jim Steinfeld. Monday I'm off to Catalina Island with my "foster parents" Carin and Tom. Thursday I'll be hitting the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk. And who knows what other adventure awaits?!

In rotation this week: Judas Priest, Motley Crue, Joe Walla, Grant Langston and August Burns Red.

Photos we got 'em: Enjoy these pet pix from somewhere in cyberspace and http://www.stuffonmycat.com/

Thought o' the week: This will hurt you, but it's OK. Sitting in the dentist's chair I had plenty of time to think and I tried to think about anything but the ton of instruments in my mouth, the possibility that I was drooling all over and the discomfort of the procedure.

It may be sorta sick... I remembered a Ren and Stimpy cartoon where Ren has to go to the vet.

The skinny asthmatic chihuahua is sitting on the cold table looking at a poster on the wall while he's waiting for the doctor. The poster is actually an eye chart, but not quite, as Ren slowly sounds out the letters, he discovers it says: "This will hurt you" or as Ren reads it: "this will HURT you." Next the doctor comes in the room with a huge syringe and sticks the needle pretty much through Ren's arm.

Yeah, that poster should be in my dentist's office. He's very gentle and quick to apologize if he even thinks he's hurt you in any way. Heck, his assistant was extremely sorry for having to put an instrument down on my chest so she wouldn't accidentally drop it on me. They're really great and I appreciate their concern while they are working on me.

Yes, my mouth feels awful today. I have absolutely no appetite and would much rather be home curled up in a fetal position in bed. But it's all for a good thing. Dental care is very important, not only because it keeps you looking good, but because of all the many ways your teeth and gums affect the rest of your body. Have you brushed and flossed today?

Keep on rockin'

Mickie