Crystal Theater Hosts All Ages

The neon numbers 5-1-5 are gone, replaced by Crystal, on the theater, where Chris La Tray produced an all-ages concert, on Friday, October 10. His Lazerwolfs headlined, after a line-up of three young bands. First up was Ellilpticus. I apologize, if I misspell someone or some band's name.

Ellipticus






The old kitchen poet has been getting stodgy, in the sense of repetitive and uninspired work. Now that I have a regular job, and my alarm is set for 6:30 at least five days a week, I don't get out to the music venues, during the work week as much. I missed several shows this week, which deserved coverage. This night, I encountered a fresh scene and felt like I did some above average work again. The Crystal had a good-sized stage, and Chris rented some lights. The seating was filled by show time with young fans and proud parents.

Celestial Chaos


There were some technical difficulties, the first being a blown drum head. Thus these guys played with Lazerwolfs' drum.
There was some excellent guitar playing, and some hard-driving drumming.





Helliana
The drummer of Tater Pig has left the family band to play with his peers in a group named Hellilana. Everything is the devil and death, in a heavy-metal style with these guys. I must mention that all of these bands showed some very accomplished licks for performers so young.


Lazerwolfs

And then, of course, we have the old pros, who also provided tech support, lighting and security all night. When they upped the volume over all who came before, the crowd gathered to pay them homage.

Guns 'n' Roses Tribute

Chris La Tray said his Lazerwolfs were opening for the best Guns 'n' Roses tribute band in the world. I wouldn't know, because I'd never seen such a tribute band, before. I can say I heard the Doors copycats, the other night, and they didn't sound like the Doors, but I only heard a couple of songs. I don't think being friends disqualifies me from rating Lazerwolfs highly. It's simplistic to label their sound metal, although it shares the drive and bursts of rage with metal and punk. It's closer to hard rock, with some psychedelic swirls.

Drummers seldom get to play front and center. The position inspired Bubba to a hard-hitting performance.


A local celebrity showed her wild side and quickly reverted to her sunny self.
The tribute band was well-rehearsed and tight. The lead was much bigger than Axl, and having the look didn't cover the difference. I missed Welcome to the Jungle, if they played it, and that's the only thing I could name, which I wanted to hear. The only music I ever bought of theirs was the Dirty Harry soundtrack they did.

An homage to friends

The need to do everything quickly, right now, immediately is a created fiction. Seldom do emergencies, demanding prompt action, arise. Trying to please others can be a shackle, restraining us and keeping us from pleasing ourselves. Constantly, I have to remind myself of these two points, relax and be myself.

Last week, The Victory Smokes and BVE performed twice at the Badlander. It was a double dose on Monday and Friday, and both were terrific. My images and thoughts of the two bands had to be posted here ASAP. Well, there are other considerations, paying the rent being at the top of the list, followed by other issues requiring money. As the pressure to produce income, stay current, pay bills, have the latest on the blog and continue eating builds, I say time out and turn to a more important subject.

The subject is friends. I remember something Kori (a friend) said: "Opportunity is good; friends are better." I don't know if she originated the statement or was quoting someone else, but it is true. Here's darlin' Kori.


A dear friend, in El Segundo (remember Sanford and Son?), recently asked for a few of my images and a photo of me, promising a surprise. Today, I received an email with links to two slide shows of my stuff, complete with soundtracks, on Animoto. It was a surprise and a very good one.

Right behind that came the monthly newsletter from my friend Geri, who now resides in Sedona. She said it was time to give up that get-out-and-make-it-happen approach, which comes from the ego, and develop a get-out-of-the-way-and-let-it-happen attitude. That came right down the pipe through the strike zone. Dr Geri's website can be found in the links on the right side of this blog.

On that list of people and things I like is a blog by another friend. Check out Stumbling the Walk to learn more about my friend, Chris. He's a musician with two bands, Lazerwolfs and Tater Pig. Check the Lazerwolfs site for upcoming events and the awesome graphics Chris creates to advertise them. Their music can be sampled on myspace. Tater Pig is a family trio, which includes Chris, his wife and son.

Here he is, under the lights at the Other Side, playing with the Lazerwolfs, during the PBR battle of the bands.







Thanks to Chris for telling me I could do whatever I want with my blog and for leading by example by saying whatever comes to mind on his blog.