back

I'm back, after that brief (1 week!) disconnect.

We had a supah time in Vegas, though it truly was the laziest trip we've had yet. Well not for DH who worked hard for the money the first several days. We were at the Signature Suites at MGM, a pretty cool suite-style venue. Our room had a kitchenette of sorts, a flat panel screen and DVD player, unlimited wireless access and access to the amenities at the main MGM hotel. It was a lovely place and our stay was mostly smooth and uneventful, with one notable exception. We lost power one night.

That was a pretty eerie experience -- being on the 30th floor with no elevators and only emergency lighting in the hallway for well over an hour (maybe closer to two?) A transformer had blown and all three towers were dark until the city could restore it. DH suggested a walk downstairs (uh, 30 flights? I don't think so! Especially after that jumbo mango mojito.) We parked ourselves in the hallway and played dominoes. And just before I could start to worry too much about the lack of a/c, the power kicked back on. Whew!

Here's some pics.












Heard this iTunes commercial ... oh I don't EVEN know how many times when we walked along the exterior of the mall and then across the bridge to the Wynn Esplanade. I probably should be sick of it, but I'm not (yet). Sort of feels like it was our vacation soundtrack. Just shut up and let me go:

walk the line

I'm *SO* behind on movies - I just saw Walk the Line today (exactly how long ago was this one released?!?) The story was very interesting and I *loved* the music. I've never been a huge country music or Johnny Cash fan, but I think I might just need to download a few of his tunes.

hooked on american boy

HALP!!! I can't get this song out of my head.

Estelle and Kanye West:

pink martini

Every summer we try to get to the Hollywood Bowl at least once for a concert. Last year we went for a Latin Grammy ensemble night and it was awesome. I didn't know most of the groups, but my DH did and he invited some friends who were big fans of most of the groups. The best part of the night (for us, anyway but probably not for the performers and producers) was that the show was seriously undersold. So, because the bowl was so empty, the ushers had us move in closer to enjoy the concert. We were able to sit in a box seat (a real treat since we usually are in or near the nosebleed section!) To give you an idea of the difference in seating after we moved, here are before and after pics:

View from our original seats:

View from our box:Mexican Institute of Sound performing

Anyway, I'm very sad to say we did *NOT* make it to the bowl this year. We had two concerts we really were hoping to get to. DH had one that he really wanted us to go to in July but it was too close on the heels of a vacation. And *both* of us were eager for Pink Martini, who performed last night. We saw them a couple of years ago and they were wonderful. But we just couldn't pull it off.

So, here's a Pink Martini to drown my sorrows in. This is actually a dub of their performance of "Amado Mio" onto a clip from an old Rita Hayworth movie (Gilda, I believe)...

Until next summer season at the Bowl!

i love to dance

Especially since I don't get to do it very often. So whenever I do get the chance, I run myself (and my poor feet) right into the ground. They will not be happy with me tomorrow, I can tell you that for sure!

So tonight I was at a graduation party and it was a great crowd of friends I just don't get to see often enough. The dj was playing some really good music. But there was one little problem. It is SOoooooo hot in SoCal right now... (this is where you shout out "how hot is it?") It's so hot, that even tho we were dancing at night and outside we needed a big ole whole house size fan on the dance floor so that we wouldn't wilt away. All I can say is thank goodness there *was* a big old fan to be found. Between that fan and a nice cool slushy drink I was good to go for awhile.

I will leave you with a wonderful dance video to enjoy. I've been thinking of this video a lot since seeing Hairspray last month. Christopher Walken is an unexpected delight as a dancer. Enjoy!

one last koop for the road

I'd much rather be at the El Rey Theatre tomorrow listening to them live. Sigh.

This one is called Island Blues (kind of appropriate following my tropical class this weekend), tho I have to say it doesn't sound very islandish to me.


Can't resist adding this link to another Island song... Island in the Sun by Weezer

more koop

For your listening pleasure. This is a perfect breezy summer song. Takes me back to 60s artists like Astrud Gilberto, Sergio Mendes, 5th Dimension, etc. This one is called "Summer Sun"... just makes me feel happy.

koop

I really like this group. They'll be playing LA on the 15th but wouldn't you know we're booked that night. Anyway, enjoy this gatsbey-ish video of "Come to Me"...

Music Genome Project

I just rediscovered Pandora Radio. It's a free online radio service where the listener "defines" the music. I love how you feed the station with favorite artists or songs and then it plays music that matches those styles. You can read more about it here: Music Genome Project

And if you feel adventurous, you can try listening to my main station Cindy's Jukebox (also listed in my "tunes" links at the right). Be forewarned, it's a pretty eclectic mix.