Scene and Heard

I know what many of you are going to say.
I really need to get a life.
I shouldn’t be watching such garbage and I really shouldn’t buy into this “reality” show about some snotty rich girls living in Hollywood.
Well guess what?
I’ve never really given a rat’s right eye about what people think so there’s no point in starting now.
Don’t like it? Change the channel.
Don’t like reading about it? Find another way to waste your time.
I’ve decided to reel some of you into my web. Whether you’re already a fan of MTV’s The Hills or jumping on the band wagon this season (which by the looks of the ratings, there are a lot of you out there) my yummy little blog will update you on all of the drama: real or not.
We’ll watch Lauren Conrad grovel over the elusive Brody Jenner or Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag fight for airtime.
This is my vice.
So welcome to my world.

Off to Parrrreeee…
When we last tuned in Teen Vogue Editor Lisa Love offered both Lauren and Whitney (Port) a chance to help out at the annual Crillon Ball in Paris.
For a minute there we thought Lauren would get shafted based on her previous offer the year before. (Ah yes, the summer of Jason). But no, in true “reality show” fashion she got the invite along with her pal.
Meanwhile back in Hollywood, Spencer and Heidi continue their on-off again engagement, er, relationship, er, perfect for TV romance.
While Heidi’s still on her sebatacle to Colorado, good ol Spence thinks it’s a good idea to go the extra mile to be with his sweetie. So what does the guy do, crash her folks house the next day.
Awwwkward.
Mr. Montag greets Spencer with a ‘what the hell are you doing here’ mug but graciously invites him in out of the 4 feet of snow.
Ok, these two are hilarious. Are they or aren’t they? And why do I even care?
Truth is, I love to hate this couple.
They’re shameless and the epitome of Hollywood media whores. How did it get this bad?
I wonder if they’ll work in Heidi’s “budding” music career into the mix. I would be so disappointed if they didn’t.
Anywho…back to the dynamic duo in their first night in Paris.
The girls’ oh so dreamy driver, Stephane picks them up at the airport where they are given their itinerary for the week.
I swear I hung my head in shame when I heard Whitney mispronounce Givenchy. (It’s a ‘Verr Sace’).
They are given a few tasks: pick up some shoes for the Crillon debutantes and if they’re smart enough, pick up their ball gowns second.
Oh no. This peanuts-for-brains pair decide they want to stop by the Alfreda Ferretti store FIRST and then Colette second. And of course, once they get to Colette the damn store is closed.
I had never seen Whitney so stressed. She’s usually pretty calm. She did this really cute thing with her tongue (zip it, you pervs)…it was like a panting puppy dog. Sorta.
I think I pay way too much attention to every detail of this show, it’s borderline ridiculous.
It’s only until they meet the guys from Rock&Roll, whom they met back in Los Angeles (thanks to Audrina’s savvy music connections). Ugh. Gag me already with that!
So the guys are this European type of hot. Skinny jeans (borderline leggings) scarves and cigarettes.
Whew, what more can a girl ask for?
I fancied Matthias (the dark-haired one), who fancied Lauren.
All the while I’m thinking, ‘Why can’t they just keep talking in that gorgeous French accent?’
And why is Paris, better yet, the Eiffel Tower so gosh darn romantic? I guess there’s just something about a sky high steel structure that gets us girls goin’.
Watching the premiere, I really saw a more mature LC, oh sorry, Lauren Conrad-less hair twisting, less pouty faces and frankly, a bit more backbone. (I sure as hell wouldn’t have had the guts to wear a ball gown out the night before I’m supposed to wear it).
Then again, it’s just the first episode.
I’m really pulling for Lauren. Things haven’t really panned out in the boy department since, well, ever.
J-Wahl was a lu-hoo-ser, Brody a tease and all the others in between, well, were all the others.
There were teases of her old unrequited love Stephen Colletti who might roll up on The Hills in future episodes. That would be a nice blast from the past considering their chemistry.

As in all seasons of The Hills, I’m excited to see what’s in store for the cast. Will Whitney make her grand exit from Teen Vogue?
Will Lauren find love?
Or will Heidi and Spencer finally figure out their wedded mess.
 

On a side note…
The season premiere of The Hills was the highest rated telecast for cable all year long so far, celeb-blog Perez Hilton reported Tuesday.
It was also the highest rated episode ever of The Hills.
It even beat out broadcast television channels with the highest ratings for the night.

The premiere averaged over 4.7 million viewers.

After the premiere, the performance by Mariah Carey resulted in an over 180 percent increase from the regular ratings in that normal time slot.

Even MTV online received record highs, with an increase of 29 percent of people going online to stream the episode. MTV.com delivered a staggering 2.2 million streams, according to the Web site.

As an entertainment writer there are only a handful of things that make me happy: live music, tmz and celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton.

The Monitor…meet the Queen of all Media…
Day 3 of SXSW started in the wee hours of the night. Saturday night had a hefty roster of live shows including Ice Cube, The Secret Handshake and The Virgins but MY goal was to crash a certain “private, invite-only” event hosted by the most infamous blogger in cyber space, Perez Hilton. His “One Night in Austin,” according to the  Washington Post was one of the most coveted parties of SXSW and I was determined to be a part of it.
Problem is…as of 1:30 a.m., The Monitor wasn’t on the list.
After a quick discussion at the Library (over a Jaeger Bomb) my crew and I decided we’d go check things out at the Palm Door-just a stones throw away from the madness on 6th Street.
The excitement continued well into the night as far as all the other showcases happening downtown.
We arrived at the Perez party at The Palm Door only to be greeted by a table full of VIP lists and a small army of gatekeepers.
I mosied on over to a section of the parking lot where a big screen teased passerbys of the action inside.
Unbenounced to me… while I’m casting sad eyes to the partygoers inside…my best-friend/photographer Lydia DLG asks, “What are the chances of us getting in?”
About 10 seconds later, we found ourselves inside one of the most happenin’ parties of the week!
No badge, no bracelet, no guest list…just a tiny stroke of luck on our side.
Beneath the neon pink glow of lights and pulsating beats (thanks to DJ Larry Tree on the one’s and two’s) we found ourselves inundated with “industry insiders, artists and typical hangers on” the Washington Post stated.
The spirits flowed like the Rio Grande and a touch of euphoria filled my soul.
Here we were…ready to party like rockstars with one of the most notorious online personalities in the entertainment industry of my generation.
Bodies packed in tightly at the former metal bar (formerly known as Redrum) and there were moments I felt for the herd of party goers stuck at the velvet rope.
The complimentary rum helped me cope.
As stage hands hustled back and forth between sets folks tightened in the main room for the next act.
And then there he was; right before my very eyes.
Perez Hilton.
“Give it up for N.E.R….D!!!”
What the???
Suddenly, the band took the stage shortly followed by the men of the hour, Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley.
My knees started a little dance of their own.
After an unforgettable set which included the favorites, “Lapdance,” and “Rockstar” it was difficult to contain the frenzy.
(Not to mention the acts we missed: Katy Perry, Eric Hutchinson and Robyn).
Beads of sweat poured down my face as the night progressed. Pharrell said, “jump”. I said “how high?”
The night now turned into the wee hours of the morning and the rest of my crew was quite posssibly ready to call it a night. Walking out, my best friend and I caught a glimpse of Hilton standing by the far window. This was my cue to get his attention.
I leaped a few inches off the ground, I waved my arms around like a mad woman and I even tried to get his attention by calling his name.
All bearing was lost.
This was Perez Hilton, my hero…this could be my only chance.
The blonde blogger finally acknowledged our efforts and said, “Come on in!!!” Tell them to let everybody in!!!”
He spoke to us!!! (high five)
Again, no badges, no RSVP…we somehow bypassed the check in and ran up the stairs like the crazed fans we are.
Front row Joe.
Suddenly, to my surprise, Cisco Adler (the Malibu-born frontman for WhiteStarr and former Mischa Barton boy toy) leaped on stage flanked by his newest side project, Shwayze.
Perez was off to my right…enjoying the same music…our heads bobbing as if in syncapated beats.
Shwayze gave a short, but unforgettable set (after being forced off due to time constraints) and these guys are definitely something to look out for this year.
Between Perez, Pharrell, Cisco and a brief appearance by 2/3 of Hanson…this party turned into the ultimate culmination of my very first SXSW experience.
Not bad for a first timer.

A quiet Sunday with Josh…
A little birdy told me to be at The Domain, (Austin’s version of Roberston Boulevard) at 5 p.m. for a nice surprise.
Singer/songwriter Josh Kelley (Grey’s Anatomy Katherine Heigl’s new hubby) was set to perform at a private in-store at Cole Haan, co-sponsored by Men’s Vogue.
Count me in.
Complimentary champagne and wine, hors d’oeuvres filled the room along with about a hundred “VIP” guests. (Also spotted in the crowd, Austin DJ Kurupt).
Oh, and my crew.
Up and coming rockers Meridianwest out of Austin warmed up their homecrowd with a quick unplugged set. (Think mid-tempo grooves laced with melodic bluesy rock).
Following their set, it was the moment everyone was waiting for. (Of course in additon to the fact that alot of us were hoping to see “Izzie” emerge from the back room).
No such luck. On with the show…
Wearing a peach colored button up, stone-washed jeans and some rockin’ cowboy boots Kelley took the stage armed with an acoustic guitar and his unexpected sense of humor.
On top of his melodic basement voice and heart-wrenching songs, Kelley cracked jokes, channeled his inner Michael McDonald and gave the full-to-capacity crowd a dose of amazing music.
We pictured what life must be like in the Kelley/Heigl household. Romantic, hilarious and certainly down to earth.
His set included some real tearjerkers (and by tearjerkers I mean a few of us were bawling by the fourth song) off of all four of his albums.
We heard, “Amazing,” “Only You,” “Almost Honest” and my personal favorite, “Two Cups of Coffee.”
If only he could go on forever.
Kelley was nice enough to pose for pictures with fans and chat it up several locals.
I won’t hold it against him for calling me, “shorty.”

Good night and good bye…(for now)
This week would not have been possible without the help of some amazing people. First to my editors at The Monitor for allowing me to spread my wings and soak up this SXSW adventure; my dear friend Lydia De La Garza for her work behind the camera; and David Perez II at Cole Haan for Sunday’s event.
To all my other Austinites (you know who you are)…SXSW 2008 was one for the books!

 See ya next year!!!

What a great Friday!!!
Not only was I surrounded by my best friends and family but a few several thousand other music fans.

(I’m NOT going to sulk about not getting into the Vampire Weekend show at Antone’s OR the fact that the Black Keys rocked it out at a day party at La Zona Rosa…I heard it was a pain the tail to get in anyway. From what I hear alot of the audience at VW were industry folk. Eek. Maybe it’s better I catch them on a regular tour, in the comfort of REAL fans and not wagon jumping brass. I need a sedative). 
My SXSW fun started at Trudy’s Mexican Restaurant where Ice Cube had dined the night before. I was trailing a legend!
With our bellies full we headed downtown for Day 2 of my SXSW excursion.
No set plan really, except to fiind a good day party (preferably with free booze) and excellent live music.
We wandered into Spiro’s where Hot Topic and Rock Band were hosting a pretty poppin’ day party. It was nice to take a break from the 100 degree heat!!!
As far as live music goes, it was deja vu from Thursday at the Relapse Showcase. Except this one was gratis!
Geez.
The next stop was Habana on Calle 6, a trendy Cuban/Mexican cafe and patio restaurant. A good crowd packed in beneath the tent where Grupo Fantasma, Allison, the Aggrolites and Monte Negro treated fans to some spicy, Latin-infused reggae rock!
Did I mention the open bar!?!?
The Aggrolites were electric. Pretty groovin’ with a rockabilly-esque style that really got the crowd goin-everyone forgot about the heat.
Once the open bar expired it was time to move the party patrol down the street once more. We ended up at the Library to regroup and managed to pick up some pretty neat swag courtesy of the Jaeger girls.
Oh look, there’s Joey Duenas, former frontman for Unloco at the bar. A brief chat later I found out the Harlingen native is involved in a new project, A New Revolution. They’re supposed to hit the road with OTEP and plan to release their debut album on April 15.
But onto more pressing issues…
Like getting to the Tone Deaf showcase at the Blind Pig. (I’m sensing a heavy metal bias here, so I promise Saturday will be more diverse). [crosses fingers]
On this bill we were stoked to check out Scale the Summit (Prosthetic) and Weed Eater.
The Scale the Summit boys (and by boys I mean I hope their parents know they’re playing rock band tonight) were a treat. Instrumetal, if you will.
Weed Eater was just plain brutal. Charging riffs and growling vocals took souls captive downfront. As the night progressed, madness ensued.
The Blind Pig never saw it coming. Maybe the Paramore show at La Zona Rosa was a little too G-rated for me…but gosh I really love them too.
These are the decisions we have to make kids.

Saturday night fever…
I’m currently missing a couple of day parties: The Secret Handshake, Ivoryline, etc…etc…
But I’m also RSVPing for the afterhours show later tonight.
Maybe I can still get in to Perez Hilton’s One Night in Austin show at the Palm Door.
Let the stalkarazzing begin.

Ice Cube is also performing tonight.
Today was is a good day. Yay-yayee!

Check back for more SXSW updates.

The suds haven’t quite settled yet, my ears are angry at me and my feet are currently staging a revolt.
But it’s all worth it.
My first day at South by South West Music Festival gave me a round house kick to the kisser…and it’s only just begun.

After a slow start, Thursday, and my 2 ½ hour flight delay at Harlingen airport (thank you Southwest Airlines) I thought, “that’s it, I’m going to miss it all.”
Gulp.
I decided to make good use of my time and saddle up at the airport bar. I knew I had a long day/night ahead of me and I needed to be properly hydrated to battle the masses.

The eagle has landed…
My first order of business was to crash the Metal BBQ downtown…but by the time I flew in the metal mayhem was over and done with as was the Motorhead show earlier in the afternoon.
Rats!
I got over the heartbreak once I arrived downtown and witnessed a sea of sticky, scruffy and tattooed brethren roaming the streets.
Music spilled out of every crevasse…every nook and cranny oozed musical independence. You could feel the ambition. You could see it in their eyes. They are the musicians who want your attention. Whether it was passing out demo’s, holding up signs or staging impromptu jam sessions…this was their (and mine) rock ‘n roll Disneyland.

In the presence of greatness…
As intimidating it is to be at such a world-renknown festival, trying to jot down notes and soak in all of your surroundings to accurately report the goings on…it’s also exciting to rub elbows with hundreds of music journalists who were once like me.
The Los Angeles Times, Kerrang, Filter, MTV…they’ve made their presence known and it’s an honor to be under the same Austin sky as some of these guys and gals.
There’s Matt Pinfield, whom I consider the czar of music journalism. He’s the rock 411. He’s one of the reasons why I got into this type of writing.
I wave. He nods his head. (His latest gig on DirecTV takes him to the epicenter of the festival with live coverage and interviews…but they gotta can that British blondie, Lauren Laverne).
Cisco Adler (Whitestarr) was just in the interview tent.

South by SouthSweat…
My mission for Thursday was to check out the annual Relapse Records showcase at the Emo’s Annex on Red River.
This showcase, the label’s 10th consecutive at SXSW, welcomed High on Fire, Genghis Tron, Coliseum, Vverevvolf Grehv and Municipal Waste.
First lesson learned: don’t leave a showcase if you don’t want to wait an hour to get back in (damn you badge holders)!!!
Electro-death outfit, Genghis Tron blew me away. As I watched from outside (cause we’re STILL in line) I soaked in each drop of metal.
Thank goodness for open-air shows.
I’m quite angry at Relapse, but the line shortens and moves faster…whew.
We’re in…and just in time for Municipal Waste.
I grabbed a Miller High Life (because it was way cheaper) and squeezed my way towards the front half of the tent.
Right out the gate this crossover thrash act out of Richmond, VA zapped the crowd of screaming metalheads back in time. When thrash ruled the world.
Now this isn’t your daddy’s thrash. It’s a breath of fresh air, er, debauchery, beer and flying bodies.
It was like Suicidal Tendencies on crank.
I don’t know if it was the beer-bonging wizard or the guy crowd surfing inside a trash can that won me over.
No one was safe from the ‘Beer Pressure’!!!
After that set I don’t know if I could physically continue. But I had to…High on Fire was about to kick my rear end.
With a nine-string custom guitar, frontman Matt Pike fingerpicked his way into the fan’s hearts.
They opened the show with, “Waste of Demons,” double bass in full force followed by a wall of sound that I really didn’t expect. It’s a three-piece for goodness sakes.
Fierce.
In addition to SXSW the California metallers will embark on Gigantour 2008 featuring Megadeth, In Flames, Children of Bodom and Job for a Cowboy.

But tonight, was for us…and was one helluva show.

Goodnight kids…
After (literally) bumping into the guys of Augustana on our way to the car…I knew this was going to be one of the best weekends in a long time.

Catch more updates and video throughout the weekend right here at Scene and Heard.
Check out Day 1 of SXSW…

Cheers!

The verdict is still out as to what really went down Thursday night at Tejano Saloon X.
Fans were ready, but the artist of the night, Bow Wow, was nowhere to be found.
According to sources the multi-platinum rapper and actor said sayonara to Valley fans and flew the coop.
Which remains a mystery to some folks who had the chance to attend a meet ‘n greet earlier in the day at Overtime Bar & Grill in Weslaco and were psyched about the show later that night.
Calls to Columbia Records were returned, but a statement could not be provided as of press time.
Promoters were left scratching their heads.
Many of you are wondering about refunds…and the only thing we were advised is to hang tight for more information.
This is not going to end well, I’m sure.
Disappointed fans=don’t bother coming back kiddo.

80’s metal fans gear up for “skin, sweat and one big party!”

Catch the Fever Music Festivals announced the official lineup for the 2nd Annual Rocklahoma, July 10-13 in Pryor, Oklahoma.
Organizers and several big name rockers were on hand at a press conference held at the Whiskey A Go-Go in Hollywood yesterday.
The presser, hosted by VH1 Classic, Eddie Trunk, was flanked by Bret Michaels, Vain, Enuff Z Nuff and Ron Keel of KEEL, among several others.
Sam McCaslin, president of Retrospect Records (and home to the Valley’s own Warryor) also announced the labels involvement at the upcoming festival.
In addition to the mainstage which will feature (throughout the four days):Bret Michaels, LA Guns featuring Tracii Guns, Enuf Z Nuff, Vain, House of Lords and Jet Boy, XYZ, Armored Saint, Kingdom Come, Night Ranger, Extreme, Triumph, Pretty Boy Floyd, Every Mother’s Nightmare, Tora Tora, Black N Blue, Trixter, Kix, Warrant featuring Jani Lane and Cinderella, Axe, Beautiful Creatures, Zebra, Lynch Mob and Tesla.
Two side stages adjacent to the main stage feature over twenty-eight regional artists on each stage including WARRYOR.

This is a huge deal in the world of classic 80’s heavy metal and rock ‘n roll as Rocklahoma 2007 was reported as the largest rock festival of its type. People came from all 50 states, every province in Canada, every country in Europe. A total of 32 different countries from throughout the world representing every continent with the exception of Antarctica were present.
Located just four miles north of Pryor, OK, off Highway 69, the Catch the Fever facilities include more than 6,000 assigned and numbered seats, as well as general admission on the lawn for more than 50,000 people.
Basically, it’s considered the Woodstock for 80’s Rock.
And like Bret Michael’s said, “It’s not old times, it’s good times.”

So it goes without saying Warryor is definitely honored and excited to be a part of this huge event.
These guys have been working really hard on new music and spreading their unique brand of straight up rock n roll to different parts of the country.
In less than a week they’ll be jetting off once more to Sin City for a stretch of shows.
Hit up their MySpace to check out the latest on the band or give them a quick shout out.

Also, check out the Rocklahoma site for more details.

…Kiiiiid Rock….
My good pal, Hitman, over at Hot Kiss 106.3 FM just announced that the ‘Bullgod’ himself will be on stage at Dodge Arena, on April 29.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m. They can be purchased online at www.aeglive.com or by phone at (956) 668-7740.
Just this morning I was enjoying Kid Rock’s latest video for the song, “Amen,” off his newest album, Rock N Roll Jesus.
Yeah, so Kid Rock isn’t exactly Bob Dylan, but he’s a great entertainer.
He calls it like it is. Doesn’t apologize for who he is and has produced some pretty catchy material.
I remember the first time I heard, “I am the Bullgod.”
I had only been out of the Army for a few months, trying to regroup, and return to mainstream society (and pop culture).
When I heard Kid it was gritty…a little southern rock blended with a little hip-hop (which was super duper relevant in 1998…um, Limp Bizkit anyone?)
Nonetheless, it was worth the purchase of Devil Without a Cause.
10 years later, after alot of my musical catalog found itself in cardboard boxes, that album still sits proudly with the rest of my favorites.
Well, these days, Rock is still doin’ his thing (and a big supporter of the troops overseas I might add) and still kickin’ a**.
His songs don’t quite measure up to his earlier material but he’s still in the public eye (even on TMZ regularly, thanks to his latest run-in at a Waffle House).

Van Halen tour a ‘Go’…
Despite earlier reports that the tour had been scrapped altogether (everyone thank Eddie Van Halen), it has been released the tour is back on.
Although the band’s troubled guitarist is reportedly “undergoing a battery of comprehensive medical tests to determine a defined diagnosis and recommended medical procedures. They say these dates are rescheduled starting April 24,” tmz.com reported. (what, is being a drunk such a mystery disease?)
Let’s hope the rocker gets the help he needs so that we don’t have any more of these.
Maybe he went further off the deep end when his ex-wife, Valernie Bertinelli aired the couples dirty laundry…
I caught the “One Day at A Time” star on Oprah and saw a very pompous woman. I congratulate her for losing the weight but I think she may have lost her dignity as well.
She made cheating on Eddie sound like she wanted a trophy…like she was sooo proud of acting like a total flooze.
Granted, he was no angel, I just didn’t feel like she learned much from that hellish marriage.
Oh well…maybe I’m just jealous cause she lost 30 pounds.

Publicity whores…
…But I love them. If you haven’t already heard the winners of the, “Of Course They Are” award (as named by People) is Benji Madden (Good Charlotte) and my hero, Paris Hilton.
These two have been “spotted” (more like have jumped in front of the paps) around Los Angeles, hand in hand.
Be still my heart.
Y’all should know I’m loca for Benji and more so for Mizz Hilton.
[Insert Miriam bashing here]
OK, so they’ll probably make it for the next couple of weeks until Paris finds another boy toy, but gosh, can’t I just enjoy this coupling???
What a darling pair.
Not only will she have one smokin’ hot, tatted rocker on her arm, but she’ll score some sweet shwag from Madden’s clothing line.
I wonder if Karl Lagerfeld is single?

In other news…
Congrats to my cyber hero and fellow Hispano…Perez Hilton (Mario Lavandeira) for being named one of People en Espanol’s “15 Most Influential Hispanics.”
For those who might not know, Perez is  Cuban-American.
Love him or hate him…he’s definitely turned heads the last couple of years.
And I don’t think he’s going anywhere.

Enjoy what’s left of this Manic Monday…

Here’s my dilemma.
Tomorrow morning tickets for both Kanye West AND Iron Maiden go on sale.
Holy hole in a donut Batman, what’s a girl to do?
 Just get both.
Problem solved.
(I guess I’ll have to whip out the dreaded plastic and charge it to the game).

Nonetheless, these are two shows you just cannot miss.
Yeah, yeah so Kanye’s a whiny ‘you-know-what’ but this is going to be a memorable show. On this Glow in the Dark Tour he’s bringing along some of the hottest names in hip hop and r&b: Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco and N.E.R.D.
Need I say more?
The Texas dates include:
April 30 - Frank Erwin Center, Austin
May 1 - Superpages.com Centre, Dallas
May 2 - Cynthia Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands

I’ve penciled in the Austin date (big ups to my peeps in the ATX) but I really wish I could go to all three. Tickets will go fast so make sure you’re up early and have your finger ready for the refresh button. Visit this link for more ticket info.

Then there’s Iron Maiden.
Chihuahua! Another jab to the pocket book.
Tickets also go on sale at 10 a.m., on Saturday so there’s another reason to wake up with the roosters.
As I’ve mentioned before, my beau and I were super bummed because we thought we had missed out on the chance to see them in 2008.
And then when we find out they’re touring AND making a couple stops in the Lone Star State!!!
Now Maiden fans must decide where they want to see these metal maestros:
May 21 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Selma
May 22 - Cynthia Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands

For us here in the Valley, we’ve got a little driving to do, but that’s really never stopped us before. This is IRON MAIDEN!
I hope those interested in either tour will snatch their tickets before they are gone.

In the meantime, I’m counting down the hours and minutes until the Jonas Brothers concert tomorrow at Dodge Arena.
I’m how old?
Who cares. These boys are super talented and of course super cute.
Plus, we’ll get a chance to check out the NEW Menudo, which were recently added to the Look Me in the Eyes Tour.

If you get a chance, check out Borderfest in Hidalgo. Not only is there great food and exhibits but some pretty neat music to enjoy.
(Survivor, Vince Neil, Charro and that traveling New Orleans-style quartet).
See y’all there.
Be sure to stop and say hi (or buy me a beer)…whatever happens first.

Cheers!

“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever.”

There’s nothing like poppin’ in some Spinal Tap and unwinding after a hard days work.
That was me last night.
What a great movie, one of my favorites. Frankly, it just cracks me up!!!
If you haven’t seen it, or haven’t re-seen it, you really have to folks. I consider it a rite of passage for young musicians.
Some musicians take themselves way too darn serious.
It’s nothing against your passion for music, but seriously, check your ego at the door.
Lately I’ve been hearing some horror stories which is why I really had to pop in the ‘ol Spinal Tap to bring my temper down a notch.

And then I got this news…
Are you sitting down?
Friends…pack your bags because we’re hittin’ the road!!!
For what, you ask?
IRON MAIDEN - MAY 21 (San Antonio), MAY 22 (Houston).
Oh Em Gee!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s been a couple of years since I’ve seen my boys in concert. The last time was at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in San Antonio alongside Dio and Motorhead.
It was one of the BEST shows I have ever seen! Hands down!
This time, we’ll get a chance to check out the highly acclaimed Somewhere Back in Time World Tour…which focuses more on the Powerslave era as far as set design.
Last night, the tour landed in America and I have to say my boyfriend and I were super bummed we couldn’t make it out to Los Angeles.
Ok, so maybe he was near tears but we won’t get into that.
Luckily, our good friend was in the crowd calling in so we could catch a soundbyte or two of the show.
It was a bittersweet moment…but I’m so glad he did it.
Then, around 1 a.m., I woke up to my man running around the apartment. He had gotten the news of Iron Maiden coming to the Lone Star State!
I thought I was dreaming.
But no…it’s true folks. Read all about it here.

And on with the news…
Looks like it’s dunzo for P!nk and her hubby of two years, (the very hunky) Carey Hart, TMZ reported.
Apparently the couple’s crazy careers got in the way of their doting marriage and their “love” wasn’t enough to make it.
I shoulda put money on this one. Darn it!
I knew they wouldn’t last. Something just hinted at the fact that they were more ‘buddies’ than passionate lovers.
Real couples make it through the rough patches without throwing in the towel on the first play.
Two careers=Hard work.
One might be out of town for a week, a month, a holiday and the other might have to rush out of town at the drop of a hat.
It’s just the way it goes.
You have to be equipped to handle the groupies, the world tours and the new business ventures.
According to gossip rags, Hart was spending alot of time building his club empires and Pink was headed back into the studio.
For one, when they say heading into the studio, don’t expect to see them for a LONG time.
Artists make the studio their home for however long it takes to lay the track down just right.
They eat, sleep and dream making that album and their significant others are the last thing on their mind.
It’s just the way it goes.
The life of an entrepreneur is no different.
They spend months planning a club opening and making sure all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.
Yeah, it means they’ll be spending alot of time out at night mingling with good looking women and having a few cocktails.
How we say in my house, “nimodo.”
Well, so long Mr. and Mrs. Hart. It was nice while it lasted.

Busy, busy, busy…
I swear, December and early January were pretty slow as far as shows were concerned.
I am now eating those words.
It’s crazy around these parts…so many shows coming to the Valley!!!
I’ve been on the horn with so many artists, I can’t keep track.
I think at one point I mistakenly called Angel (of Aiden) Albert and totally lost track of time for my Pierce the Veil phoner while I was on the horn with Devin from Emery.
Oh boy, that was rough and slightly embarrassing.
Be sure to catch those shows this coming weekend, nonetheless.
Visit DontGetEmo for more details.

This just in…
Fans of the Brownsville band Vinyl Dharma will get a chance to see these guys and gal, today at the Hillary Clinton rally at Dodge Arena. They will be taking the stage around 4 p.m.
Vinyl Dharma also recently won the MTV2 on the Rise contest
MTV flew the band to New York City to record two music videos which aired on MTV in Austin on New Years Eve and throughout TRL in February.  
The MTV2 video can be viewed on the band’s myspace
On the other side of the coin…
The hard-working folks at Leyenda Production Co. want you to show your support for presidential candidate Barack Obama, Thursday at 6 p.m.
They will be hosting a Concert for Obama at the McA2 Incubator and have invited about a dozen bands to participate.
It’s totally free!
Warryor just confirmed and will take the stage somewhere around 8p.m….so it should be one heck of a show!!!
Also on the bill: Go Lightly Project and our very own Brandon Garcia
to name a few.
Show starts at 6:30 p.m. and will go on till around midnite, or so.
It’s the same day as the Hillary (Clinton)/Obama debate so it was set to coincide with that.

The event will also feature a dialogue with Obama campaign field organizer Joe Duffy and a setting to watch the Austin debate live. Also on hand will be producers and reporters from “Living The Beat,” a local television program dedicated to showcasing regional artists and covering the vibrant South Texas live music scene.
Volunteers are needed in all capacities. Those interested should contact Leyenda Production Co. at leyendamcallen@aol.com as soon as possible.

“The Dream Unites Us” promises to be a precedent-setting coalescence of youth, music and politics in a part of the country too long ignored by its leaders in Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (956) 279-3627 or visit www.myspace.com/leyendamcallen for news updates and additions to the lineup.

Also…
Don’t forget to get your tickets to all of the upcoming shows.
Visit Dead Gift Entertainment and EZ-TIXX for all of that information.

And stay posted for some great news from Driving the Nails, who will be featured on the next edition of Living the Beat on NBC. 

Enjoy your Wednesday!!!!

Was I dreaming or did Herbie Hancock really take home the Grammy for Album of the Year?
Oh ok, just checking.
Blah.
I was pulling for Kanye West and good ‘ol Amy Winehouse the entire night. These are my peeps.
Like them or not, feel they are deserving or not, (on crack or not) both are amazing artists. I’ve had a couple of conversations this morning about both.
But I won’t go into that just yet…

Here’s a recap of last night’s shindig…
The 50th Annual Grammy Awards, Sunday night, rekindled any hope I had left for a decelerating mainstream music industry.
Last night’s Grammy’s truly kicked the crap out of last year’s MTV Video Music Awards (minus the Britney Spears debacle).
There were legends, reunions and a few surprise presenters who made it one of my favorite awards shows in a long time.
The celebration kicked off with a state-of-the-art duet between Alicia Keys and Frank Sinatra singing the classic, “Learnin’ the Blues.”
From there things turned up a notch with the Idol herself, Carrie Underwood, who belted her mega-hit, “Before He Cheats.” The blonde country star, who got some help on the stage from several kodo-style drummers really got things rollin’.
Great hair, great outfit and superb vocals further proved why Underwood managed to take home two golden gramaphones (Best Female Country Vocal and Best Song).
After that performance I was super-hyped for the rest of the night…for some reason, I just had a good feeling, I guess.
It’s not like I’ve had much to go on, when it came to awards show, the last year or so.
Then Prince shows up.
Put a fork in me-I’m done.
Wearing an all red suit, with oversized dark sunglasses, Prince could look no better. (Have I mentioned how much I ADORE this man)?
His time on stage was brief, presenting Alicia Keys with the first Grammy of the night, but it was worth the two minutes on stage. And yes, I did this.
Well if that wasn’t enough, we also witnessed the reunion of Morris Day and The Time, who looked like they hadn’t lost a step.
Oh wee, oh wee, oh…
Together, Day, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis performed, “The Jungle,” with a special appearance by R&B Princess, Rihanna.
All I needed was Apollonia and my life would’ve been complete.
The performances were, by far, the highlight of the evening. For so many years I saw the Grammy’s as a total sleeper and really wished we could go back to the days where Madonna was rolling around on stage or Michael Jackson was moonwalking his way towards greatness.
Granted, those two artists can never be duplicated, it’s good to see a new breed of talent emerge.
Another high was of course, Kanye West’s performance. Some say it was a bit lackluster and a poor song choice but it’s Kanye.
He can do no wrong (in my book). Joined on stage by electronic duo, Daft Punk, West and his trademark sunglasses did their thing on, “Stronger,” but gave the audience a bittersweet bonus.
He slowed things down with a slightly altered rendition of, “Hey Mama.” Cue the waterworks.
I’m really glad my mama was in the room to hear that song.
Wheeeeew! That moment was a tough one.
Only to be followed later in the night with West asking the production folks to cut the acceptance music while he remembered his late mother.
In all, West took home four Grammy’s, but was once again jipped for Album of the Year (which went to Herbie Hancock).
I guess he has that Martin Scorcese/Buffalo Bills curse…so close yet so far away.
But let’s continue…
By this time I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the Amy Winehouse (satellite) performance. Actually, I had butterflies.
This girl is a hot mess, but damn is she talented.
And that’s the bottom line.
Anyway, while I waited I was entertained by the Beyonce/Tina Turner duet.
Once Tina broke out into, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” I was immediately whisked back to 1984 (am I dating myself here) dancing in my living room with my dorky brother playing the pots and pans behind me.
Wow.
Tina didn’t look a day over, 50, 45, er…Ok, she doesn’t look 68.
She’s still a diva and still amazing.
I miss her mini skirts and crazy hair, though. I’m sure her gams are still kickin’.
And then there was Keely Smith, the legendary Las Vegas lounge singer and Kid Rock.
He just looked lost. It was a rather awkward moment, if you ask me.
They presented the award for Best Rock Album to the Foo Fighters.
These guys were really visible the entire awards show.
I guess I underestimated them. No offense to Dave Grohl and the rest o the guys, I guess they’re just one of those ”fall through the crack” bands that manage to stay afloat in the industry.
It’s still good to see him doing well. (It was also nice to see Pat Smear in the background as they accepted the award).
As the clock continued to tick away, I wondered if these Grammy folks were going to save Amy Wino until the end. In any other case, I would’ve been forced to turn the channel, but I was genuinely entertained so I wasn’t going anywhere.
Maybe y’all felt the same?
Watching Alicia Keys hit the stage once again was another reason to stay. This young woman can do no wrong. It was an added treat to see John Mayer doing what he does best, playing guitar, alongside Keys.
I’m not a big fan of Mayer’s smack-talking mouth but I’ve loved him since the early days (when Room for Squares sold for $6.99 at Target back in the day).
Then finally, from a rising curtain the bee-hive emerged.
There she stood, wearing a little black mini-dress, a shiny gold belt and stilettos.
And we waited.
Those milli-seconds seemed like an eternity.
Then she broke into, “You Know I’m No Good,” and it was glorious.
Her deep, almost overzealous voice, her spastic little dance moves and that seductive stare squelched any rumor of her incapability.
At least for those few minutes on stage.
From that gem, she shimmied into the ubiquitous, “Rehab.”
She looked alert, gave shout-out’s to her incarcerated hubby, Blake and gave the naysayers the bird (figuratively, of course) with her performance.
Just a few minutes later, Winehouse won the Grammy for Record of the Year.
It’s difficult to say whether she was genuinely shocked or a little out of it (under the influence). But I’d vote against the latter, because I’m pulling for her.
So many of us are pulling for her.

Honorable Mentions go to:
Vince Gill for calling out Kanye West.
Vince: “I just got my Grammy handed to me by a Beatle…Have you had that happen Kanye?”

Pianists Lang Lang and Herbie Hancock joining forces for George Gershwin’s masterpiece “Rhapsody In Blue.”

Fergie accompanied by John Legend, performing her song, “Finally.”

Cyndi Lauper and Miley Cyrus presenting the award for Best New Artist.
(I not only felt old, but dorky for loving both equally)

Congrats to King Diamond for being nominated for Best Metal Performance!!! (But lost to Slayer…boo)

Congrats to Tool for being nominated for “The Pot,” in the Best Hard Rock Category, but lost to the Foo Fighters…double boo.

Congrats to The Boss, Bruce Springsteen for his multiple Grammy wins.

For a complete list of the winners click here.