End o' week musings

This has been the most hectic week ever! I've had to work late every night, but I will admit I've been having a lot of fun too.

When we parted I was heading out to McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World to shake my groove thing. We danced two sets in between performances by Wreck N' Sow and DJ Apo and it was a blast! The crowd definitely enjoy themselves and some got up on stage to dance with us-- including man-of-the-hour Ben McGinty himself! We ended the evening with an improptu class on belly dance basics.

Saturday I caught Jim Curry's tribute to John Denver. I really love Jim and his wife, Anne, and their band, as they make you feel as if you're in their living room and a part of the show. And their musicianship is superb. The group offered out favorites, such as "Calypso," "Sunshine on My Shoulders" and "Grandma's Feather Bed," as well as some of Jim's original works. After two full sets the audience was still asking for more! Visit http://www.jimcurrymusic.com/ to catch a show in your part of the world... and they are global, so you never know where you'll hear them!

Sunday I celebrated my friend Rose's birthday. This was extra special because she was very ill earlier this year and their was a true concern that she might die. But I know that Rose is a survivor and a fighter and she has come back not quite at full strength yet, still there's a smile on her face and a bounce in her step. Plus she's going to Jamaica this month to visit her sister. Good going, Rose- Happy Everything!!

Wednesday evening I headed out to catch yet another of my friends in action- Ken Waldman, Alaska's Fiddling Poet. He performed at the Muckethaller in Fullerton joined by Tom Sauber and son. The trio performed traditional and original Appalacian-style tunes, along with a few other nearby genres on fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar. Ken also did his thing, telling stories and reciting poems reflecting on his life in Alaksa and on the road. The Sabers are extremely talented and added nicely to the show-- I would love to catch the again any time! Ken's now back out on the road, criss-crossing the nation. Check him out at http://www.kenwaldman.com/

It's Pre-Warped Tour Party night tonight at the Key Club in Hollywood and I'm off to catch Beat Union, along with the rest of the lineup. As usual, I expect a vibrant show with lots of great music to get me in the mood for the main event.

Next week you will have two opportunites to see Zaynah and me dance, here's the info:

Tequila Mockingbird's

Club Fluffer

8 p.m. Friday, April 18

Performance: 11 p.m.

$10

with Bonnie Delight Burlesque Review, Folk from Dick and Jane, Madame Pameta and Tequila Billy

Zero One Gallery

609 Olive St.

Los Angeles

http://zeroonegallery.com/

Festival of Dancing Colors

Event: 2:30-6 p.m. Sunday, April 20

Performance: 2:48 p.m.

$10

Cal State San Bernardino

Santos Manuel Student Union

5500 University Parkway

San Bernardino

http://www.mecda.org/

Don't be shy to say hello if you come to either (or both) shows!!

Photos we got 'em: Only three this time. Two pet picks that tickled my fancy-- that pug is the saddest little guy I've ever seen and the kitty is perfect for tax time. And one of Atticus peeking out of our tent at Leo Carillo Beach last year-- I've got camping on my mind this week and am trying to plan our next trip!

In rotation this week: Orange Sky, Oojami, Megadeth, Patti Scialfa, Fishbone, Cosmo Squad, Britney Elizabeth, Beat Union and Meat Loaf.

Thought of the week: Savor. Yes, savor, and I mean life. When Rose was still fairly ill, she told me that she was planning her trip to Jamaica. Her doctors said that she shouldn't because they didn't feel she would be well enough to go (if she survived). I cheered her on. Rose was savoring life, enjoying what little things she was able to do- surfing the Internet for good travel deals and dreaming of tropical paradise. This month, she's on her way there. Yes, the outcome could have been different, but Rose was willing to believe and find happiness where she could regardless of the future. We should all be like her...

Keep on rockin'

Mickie