So after waking up and not feeling hungover, despite 3 deadly cocktails the night before, I thought I was in the clear. Mister had ordered a full breakfast from room service, as he felt sure I would need it, and I ate heartily. I had my coffee. I had my juice. I thought I was in the clear.
And then it happened. I suddenly felt woozy. I was wobbly. I was Re-Drunk. Or I was hit by Second Drunk. I’m not sure of the clinical term, but I can tell you that getting some food and beverage in my system somehow triggered my body to go through the previous night’s inebriation (albeit to a lesser degree). I definitely hadn’t expected that.
Regardless of my sorry state, I had things to do. So I got dressed and Mister and I headed over to the Convention Center to take care of registration. Thankfully, it was jiffy-quick. And then we hit the hotel coffee shop before heading back upstairs. That’s when Mister spotted him – the number one food dork of America – Anthony Bourdain.
As an L.A. gal, I recognize actors/personalities/performers/celebrities all around town. ATM lines. Gas stations. And I don’t speak to them. I certainly don’t ask for autographs or photos. So I can only assume my behavior with Tony Bourdain was due to Second Drunk. I not only approached him, I asked for a photo. (Never mind I had left my camera upstairs. Again, Second Drunk.) Mr. Bourdain obligingly said yes and Mister tried to snap a pic with my camera. Believe it or not, Mister is an accomplished photographer. But the dude can’t work a camera phone to save his life…
So that was my blurry moment with my favorite food dork.
The rest of the day was spent, sadly, in recovery mode. Mister worked all day and I did nothing. I knew the night would be long and loud, so I did all I could to mend. I also worked to forgive myself for having broken my own rule of celebrity contact. Tony Bourdain, please forgive me.
Feeling much, much better, Mister and I headed out for our first full night of music. We chose to plant ourselves at La Zona Rosa and here’s what we heard and saw…
LP…
This band was the find of the night for me. Their entire set had me questioning the lead singer’s gender, and honestly, my questions were only resolved after Mister did a little phone research after their set (with all due apologies). The chick is awesome! (LP are her initials.) Everything they did got me going. And you’ve probably heard at least one of her songs, as she’s heavily featured in a commercial for some credit card where a gal and a guy go rock-climbing. The song is called “Into the Wild” and it’s fab. As a singer, I truly love when I see someone and they’re able to deliver – live. I will definitely be supporting this act. LP. Check her out. She’s worth it.
Punch Brothers…
These guys are fronted by a dude from Nickel Creek. Their musicianship was lovely and their energy was charming. But y’all, their stuff just isn’t my keg of beer. And as much as I respected them, I don’t plan to buy their music. But hey, if you love Nickel Creek, by all means, check out Punch Brothers.
Ed Sheeran…
This lad came out solo, and Mister immediately said the guy looked like he just rode his skateboard in, all the way from the UK. He proceeded to do a 3-song set that was loop-heavy. I get looping. It’s super-cheap for a musician to travel solo and it’s low on the gear gauge. And even though I’m not overly excited when I see someone using loops, this kid did move the needle. And the reason he only played 3 songs was the last one was about 20 minutes long. It was a loop/rap/acoustic extravaganza and his energy was magnetic. That kid broke not one, not two, but three guitar strings during the final romp! Thank goodness the 6 string held, because he managed to kill with that baby. He really brought it. I’ll probably look him up and give him a chance. Very interesting and just darling.
Kimbra…
The drunk girls behind us (forgive them, Lord, for they knew not what they did), they were all about Kimbra. And when her band came out and started playing, the girls kept saying how they didn’t like that band and they wanted Kimbra to come out. Drunk Girls. Anyway, Kimbra did join her band and she was super cute! To me, the music was bubblegum pop. I didn’t hate it or anything. She was entertaining to watch, as she’s a dramatic performer. The band was clearly into it, which is a major plus. But in the end, her vibe was just too teenage. But hey, I’m not her market, yo.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr…
I’ve heard a lot about this Detroit trio, so I was intrigued. They brought mucho sound and mucho energy. Clearly, these guys have a sense of humor as their stage props consisted of giant, lighted “JR” signs, black lights on hand-painted neon jackets and bubble machines. The cherry on the fun sundae was their homage to Whitney Houston: “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” I’m glad I saw them. They were fun.
Dr. John…
This was our final show of the night and I couldn’t have been more pleased. I loves me some New Orleans music and these gentlemen are mighty fine performers. And Dr. John? He’s a natural cat. When he strutted (and I do mean strutted) onto the stage, the energy of the room changed. He was a flippin’ vision. During the course of his set, he left his Hammond organ twice and treated the crowd to not only a guitar rant, but also to a hep-cat jig. Now, y’all, even if you manage to find a posted video of that dance, you will surely miss out on the positively charged ions that engulfed us all, including a Metallica guitarist…
I enjoyed the heck out of that set. I enjoyed the heck out of Dr. John’s cane, too.
I’m glad I took care of myself and was able to rally. It was a great first night. It wasn’t too late, either. We were back at the hotel by 1:15. That’s pretty early, friends. All in all, I’d say Day 1 was an eventual success. Day 2 is going to rule, as I’ve already gotten some good news. But that’s tomorrow’s post…