Around 10 years ago, I discovered Andre Segovia on the radio. This led to a serious fascination of everything from early music to early 19th century stuff. On Saturday night, Brendi and I saw the opening of a new production of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." I've always wanted to see this. The experience is unlike anything I've been through before.
Although I've heard the entire thing on CD hundreds of times before, seeing the story acted out is completely different. A comedy like this has scenes that revolve around physical acting, something you cannot get through an audio recording. The cast was truly awesome and everyone nailed their performance (especially Susanna and Rosina).
It is interesting to see a work like this. Let's face it, opera is considered an art for the wealthy and priviledged. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion isn't exactly a local dive.
But picture lots of rich people applauding a opera that makes fun of people like them. You see, Figaro was banned from ever being performed because it was considered too subversive, too revolutionary. Originally a play by Pierre-Augustin Beaumarchais, Louis XVI forbid it's performance. Not only does it have common people as the main characters, they also outwit the rich and powerful nobles. In the end it's the servants who win. Considering the political climate of Europe (especially France) in the 1780's, it's no wonder why Figaro was considered a dangerous piece to stage. Mozart and librettist Lorenzo da Ponte mustered enough support to get a commission for the court theatre in Vienna. That alone is a feat.
It's ironic that such a work is lost to the people it was truly meant for.
...to traffic school.
Monday, I was driving home around midnight. The freeway was fairly empty. Some guy in a lowered Prelude pulls up right behind me, revs his engine then takes off down the highway.
Buzzbomb, buzzbomb, macho mobile...
I take my offramp and notice he's parked on the shoulder, CHP writing the ticket.
Bwahahahahahahaha!!!
At a gig I saw this young bristle headed punk. Every inch of his plaid pants and denim jacket were covered with patches. Sure, I've had patches on my clothes before, but you almost couldn't see the material between the band names on this guy. All I could think of was "Wow, he must be a punk rock NASCAR driver!"
From the dismal 0-10 first season, to league finalists, the Warpigs have grown into a tight knit group. We lost the championship (2 games to 0) last weekend. I managed to sneak in a back hander late in the 3rd of Game 2 to tie it up, and we lost in OT.
I don't feel bad one bit. We are the only team to not bring in a ringer. Our opponents scored 9 goals in 2 games against us. 8 of the 9 were scored by 1 guy. This guy led the division in goals and points. btw, he also led the division two levels higher than us as well (33 goals in 9 games!). We were happy with our showing.
In many ways, it's similar to playing in a band. You work really hard to play well together. When you go through everything together (good and bad) you form a bond. Can't wait to start again!
Listen kids, drop all that regurgitated sloganeering and listen to some pure punk. Here's some lyrics from Billy...
I don't need you to worry for me cause I'm alright
I don't want you to tell me it's time to come home
I don't care what you say anymore, this is my life
Go ahead with your own life and leave me alone ...
Fuck yeah, that's defiance at it's best. Pure independance!
Once again, he speaks as one of the people...
Uptown girl
You know I can't afford to buy her pearls
But maybe someday when my ship comes in
She'll understand what kind of guy I've been
And then I'll win
I haven't read revolution like this for the longest time.
whoa-oh-oh... for the longest time!
I saw an announcement online that 7 Seconds was playing a gig in Reno. I mentioned it to Brendi and she booked us a flight, lol. It was a good thing since she is from Reno and could see family and friends as well.
They were one of the first bands I've ever listened to and Steve Youth remains my favorite bass player. He's the guy who made me want to play bass as a teenager. Needless to say, they can still play live and the material from the upcoming cd sounds great. It was cool to see a completely different scene. Lots of parents (aged punks) taking their little ones to the gig. Nice to see.
Say what you want about straight edge and I'll probably agree with most of it, but I still think it's great that bands like this offered an alternative to a drunken/drugged youth. Kevin even seemed a little amused as fans at the bar raised their pints during "Young Until I Die."
Another band from my youth I was finally able to see (along with Conflict, Dirt, Subhumans, etc.).
Opening up for them were the Groovie Ghoulies. Fucking brilliant they were. Again, it's refreshing to hear some Ramonesque pogo hopping three chord mayhem rather than (yet again) another generic Discharge or Exploited clone.
I checked the 7 Seconds board later and someone commented how even a member of Litmus Green was there. hehe.