Bouncing Souls at the Mayan

On tour to promote their new album, Comet, The Bouncing Souls rocked a show at the Mayan in Downtown LA a few weeks back. Being one of my favorite bands, this concert was a definite must see. Well, every time they stop in the LA area is a must see for me ;) 

Being on the older side of the average age in the crowd, my husband and I found our way to the front row of the raised level/bar area where we could see the stage clearly and not be among the masses. This made for great views of the stage and crowd, and an unobstructed view of the band. It was awesome. And when The Bouncing Souls took the stage for over an hour, it was more awesome.

Familiar songs like "Kids and Heroes", "Hopeless Romantic", "Say Anything", "Midnight Mile", and "Private Radio" were performed. And new songs from Comet like "Coin Toss Girl" and "In Sleep" brought a fresh feel to it. It's heart warming to see how the band has grown from record to record, yet still hold on to their roots and put on something special.

In previous shows they closed with "Gone" but recently have the show ending with "Ship in a Bottle" which is my new favorite song... "With every peak and valley. With every white knuckle fist. With everything I've lost and learned. I won't let go of this grip." 

Thank you The Bouncing Souls for another amazing night!

George Harrison: Living in the Material World

While at the Grammy Museum a few weeks back, we took in the exhibit "George Harrison: Living in the Material World". The exhibit is a collection of art, photos, fashion, instruments, and journals/notes/lyrics from George's life. It gives you a chance to explore the details behind his creativity and music. Here are a few photos from the exhibit.






Guitars and outfits. Those prints and the jackets are still pretty fab.


Collage wall of photos.


There was Beatles music playing through out the room, but it was nice to have some private listening at these stations.


Sir Paul.

I heart seeing hand written lyrics. There is so much personality and art in one's handwriting. Above are the lyrics from the song "Something".


Give me love (give me peace on earth).

This is a must see for any Beatles fan :)

Unity Tour 2011

311 comes through Santa Barbara on the Unity Tour each summer to celebrate their fans, the love of live music, and a good time. We have been Unity Tour attendees for the past 7 years and it's a wonderful experience each time. This year's show was nothing short of amazing.

With the new record out you'd expect to hear lots of newer stuff, but they played lots of older, seasoned songs from their Sound System and From Chaos albums. I loved it. I also loved being in the pit (hoping we aren't too old for that yet) and being really close to the band and the music.






Nicholas ♥





Us between sets.

It'll be a quiet rest of the concert season for us this year. There are a few shows in Hollywood in the fall, but nothing too big on the horizon. I'm just glad we have the annual summer concert to enjoy.

What's your favorite summer tour/band to see?

Almost Acoustic Christmas, Night 2

Last weekend was kroq's Almost Acoustic Christmas. I had spent my high school years dreaming of attending this annual concert of multiple bands and amazing music, listening to the live broadcast on the radio, and this year was fortunate enough to attend night 2. Held at the Gibson Amphitheatre, the place was large yet the setting was intimate with a crowd ready to rock.


The night began with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. Upbeat and so much fun, their music was a great start to the night.


Broken Bells was great rock.


I was most surprised to hear Temper Trap. They have a single that gets radio play, which is the only song I know them by, and after watching them tonight I know they should have plenty more. The show they put on was beyond. Just beyond. Hope to see them again real soon!


Neon Trees was so high energy. Their front man had a good vibe and intensity, giving them one of the best crowd interactions of the night.


Florence and the Machine was mesmerizing. I couldn't take my eyes off of Florence.


Black Keys was more good rock.


Brandon Flowers played original music and a few covers (Bette Davis Eyes and 2 Killers songs).


The crowd was quite into him.


Vampire Weekend!! So excited to see these guys and loved them. They opened with, "Holiday" and played crowd favorites like "Cousins" and "Giving up the Gun."




Can't wait to see them again.


And the night closed with Phoenix. They were the reason I wanted to attend night 2. I loved them in SB this summer and loved them more today.


Loved hearing "Rally" and "Long Distance Call" and, of course, "Love Like a Sunset." Thomas Mars is charismatic, boyish, and one of my favorite front men.



Best part about the show was that nine bands fit into one night of glorious music :)

Have you attended an Almost Acoustic Christmas?

Bouncing Souls at the Troubadour

Last Sunday we saw the Bouncing Souls at the Troubadour in Hollywood. Of all the bands that I love, the Souls are my ultimate favorite. I think this love stems from a soundtrack of spirited & hopelessly romantic songs, a never say die attitude, D.I.Y. roots, constant touring, and a kind of faith that doesn't fade away :)


This was my seventh Souls show since '01 and first at the Troubadour, which may be one of my favorite music clubs in Hollywood (the Roxy is first). It was a small, intimate show but still very rockin' with a lounge off the front, bar in the back, tightly packed pit area, and loft seats. Being oldies (I know 27 is not old) we opted for the loft and scored an amazing view of the stage.


As the Souls' last show of their tour (they're headed to NZ & Australia then Home for the Holidays), there was a fun spirit in the air. Favorite songs like, "Lean on Sheena", "Gone", "Lifetime", and "True Believers" were played as well as the old school "ECFU", "Argyle", and "Hopeless Romantic". "Hopeless Romantic" was actually dedicated to a die hard fan who had just proposed to his girlfriend on stage. He incorporated their lyrics and song titles into his speech, it was amazing ♥ I love how the Souls always have that perfect song for life.


The rest of the show was too good. I can't wait until they tour next year. Also, I need to see them in Jersey!!


They make me want to sing along forever.

Pianos on State Street!

I love a good art installation, live art, and street music, and SB's recent Pianos on State was one of my favorite things this city has put on. Part of the New Noise Music Festival, Pianos on State was a collaborative effort/experiment to give the city music and bring awareness to the 2nd annual Instrument Drive for Youth.


Pianos were painted by local artists and placed in various locations on State Street. Professional musicians were scheduled throughout the week to play on the pianos. The rest of the time, anyone was free to tickle the keys.

Paseo Nuevo Mall location.


Granada Theater location. The pianist had ladies singing along with his songs!


Arlington Theater location.


La Arcada location.


No one was playing on this piano, so we messed around.


This was also my favorite art/decor piano.



It was such a delight to walk down the street and hear a piano playing on most blocks. I absolutely loved this idea, it's interactiveness, and hope they do it again next year.

Maroon 5 and Beating Hearts

Maroon 5 played the SB Bowl last night. It was another amazing show filled with a great set list and lots of crowd interaction.


Loved the energy and passion.


Loved the lighting.


Loved Mr. Levine. Did you know he's also a Lakers fan? (Carly even spotted him at a game!)

And in keeping with a sort Laker/purple & yellow week, below are my newest beating hearts cards. I love these shades together!






Happy Thursday everyone!!