Another Night at The Casbah

Click on Slideshow below!

Manual Scan Gig

Last Friday, once again, brother Morgan drummed for the 80s pop band, Manual Scan. Fun, danceable, driving music - all their songs are 2.5 minutes - making them fun and quick, to the point - Jaimie and I noted watching Morgan tear it up on the drums that he must play with them because with such quick songs their is hardly any just him keeping the beat steady - instead he really gets to work it out and show off - really mad skills - awesome to watch!

I90 Band

Chuck's 90s grunge band, Interstate 90 (I90) played in April at the SurfnSaddle in Solana Beach. I was coming from a party and had my new camera in the car, took it out spontaneously and voila - my first live band, low-light shoot -

click below for slideshow:

I90

"Lights" Really Turn it ON!

 

YYYYEEEAAAAHHHHHHH! Friday night was a KICK at House of Blues where I gathered a few 80s fans made up of both new and very old friends to join me in supporting and singing along with an old schoolmate/actor friend of mine, Juan Del Castillo, as he fronts the very worthy tribute band to Journey, called "Lights Band".

Firstly, I must preface this by saying with my sometime ridiculous work ethic of never saying 'no' to work offered me, I was always working the past 3 times that the "Lights Band" has made it to San Diego. Well, I knew I would make this concert this time even if I had to go alone -something that wouldn't have bothered me in the least since I am very outgoing and a people-person. Let's just say it this way - it wouldn't have been the first concert I would have gone to alone - and I am actually quite proud to admit to that :) he he he

That said, my week was improving when I got my 80s-dancing partner in crime, Richele, to come with me. I then thought to invite my 80s and Journey-loving ex boyfriend from highschool, Joey and my even longer known neighbor and his best friend, Eric, to join us. I was very excited and then thought, 'why the heck not invite my new gal buddies I met under such extraordinary circumstances less than a week ago at Ray At Night?" If you read the blog I called them, H and A - Heidi and Alana. As Heidi commented to me, "I shall finally get my '15 minutes'!"

 

Ah yes, the night had FUN, good people and GREAT music written all over it. Let's get to the band - - AWESOME!!!! I have performed professionally with Juan before, and know the boy can really blow (slang for really belt it out in a passionate way). I remember when he was signed onto a record label for a while and even had a hit song in Spanish on the radio - I am so proud of him. :) Knowing his high tenor voice and forward-placed quality of singing (singers might know what I am talking about here) I knew his voice would be perfect for Steve Perry and Journey repertoire.. and he didn't disappoint.

 

Joey brought from work, Puerto Rican marine and UBER-Journey fan, Pedro - who ended up being such great company. I think Pedro even had a better time than I did (como es posible?!!!!) as he knew all the words even to the older songs from the late 70s and pre-Steve Perry. Shucks - we were all impressed by him and got even happier by seeing how into it he was. As Eric joked, "By the 3rd song Pedro was ready to go home with Juan" - - HA HA the boy is straight, ya'll!!

Eric, Joey and I are all professional singers and musicians to varying degrees - and were all pretty darn impressed and not let down by the band and Juan's singing. Hot dog - just awesome - top notch! Plus my dear Joey was such a good sport because he knows he can sing Journey pretty well himself but even he admitted to Juan that he (Juan) has got about 1.5 notes higher range than Joey - Ha HA - we are such dorks - love it!

The crowd was mostly 40s with everyone having a great time and even though we were all standing pretty close - about 3 rows back in the throng - sometimes I just had to get right up there to the stage (even once seriously ticking off 2 older blond women who did NOT like my pushing past them to stretch my hand out to Juan for him to hold)...

Well, gosh darn it - when the 80s music gets a hold of E - I just have to 'work it out!'

The great concert was ended even better by Juan spending time with us at our table for a bit, in his sincere down-to-earth way (I love down-to-earth people). You could just tell he was so appreciative of us all coming and he enjoyed talking with and meeting everyone.

And to go with my week long theme of meeting fabulous new friends under out-of-the-norm circumstances - the girls and I zoomed in on and started talking to an accented man who went ALONE - that is exactly what I mean about just having to get out and do - even if it's by yourself - the things you like). Being the colorful people we are we immediately hit if off with him and invited him to join the rest of the eve with us upstairs. Por favor, meet Carlos-the-Spaniard - who hellooo, if you know me, read my blog, or even look at my headline at the top of the page you should know that elsamart is a huge Europhile. Huge. Massive. Let me put it this way, if I hear an accent: I am white on rice, baby. White on Rice.

So there was E, pleased as punch, having gotten to sing and dance to her beloved 80s music with 2 old friends that are wonderful musicians themselves who have known me most of my life; my fabulous, 80s-loving Richele, my pretty new gal friends Heidi and Alana, passionate and full of life Pedro who made a great impression on all us girls and then our new friend from Madrid via Colorado: Carlos.

Great times filled with foreign language, music, talking with Heidi and new friends Pedro and Carlos about our love for travel, all things foreign and foreign films that we all need to see, etc etc... all I can say is that E was in her element... great people, great music, foreign languages = a superb evening :) Can't wait for the next one.

Click on and check out the slide show below of Lights Band and friends - Pictures generously used by permission from Miss Heidi, thank you very much... and see you all the next time the band comes to town :P

Lights Band

'Journey' into the 'Lights'

I am so excited and proud of my fellow chicano, highschool friend, Music Machine showchoir alumni and professional actor (we did my first Old Globe theater show together about 15 years ago) - Juan Castillo - who has been traveling while fronting 'Lights', a professional tribute band to the awesome rock/pop group of my beloved 80s era - JOURNEY.

As you see, they are playing the San Diego House of Blues tonight and I have rounded up my 2 highschool best friends/musician/singers and 3 very attractive girl friends also from the big hair 80s era - - and we plan on having our lighters ready!!

As A said (or sang), "Caan't stop believin' ... hold onto that feeelin'!!"

Those who know me or read my blog know that elsamart loves her 80s music and I plan on some serious nostalgia and fun tonight with people that lived through and still love their 80s music almost as much as I do!!

I heart George Michael

4 Words: He's still got it. Last night I attended George Michael's kick-off American tour at the Sports Arena. With my friend Richele in tow we joined the many gay men and older crowd of 40-50 year olds. We never saw anyone younger than us - which amazed us - I mean, I wasn't expecting 20 year olds to be there- but definitely some more 30-somethings like us...he he he.

But let's get to the real details. Just who is George Michael in my life? Well, he is a pop icon whom I have consistently admired since 7th grade and the uber-smash Wham! "Make it Happen" debut album of George and partner (err, musical partner) Andy.

With his fabulous smile, thick mane of dyed dirty-blonde hair and thick horizontal wrinkle that was already present between his dark Lebanese eyes at 19 - George, along with Michael J. Fox, Harrison Ford and Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran helped me through puberty. Oh... and the cute guy from "16 Candles"...hehehe.In any case, this man has had a string of hits throughout the 80s with Wham and then as a solo artist continuing through the 90s with his thought-provoking album, "Listen Without Prejudice". Yes, I admit to teasing along with siblings Sara and Benjy at his incredibly gay video, "Wake me up before you go-go" - - which is ironic, as I mused with Richele over some champagne cocktails before the show - - that it is so obvious that he showed gayness (and I am not just referring to those 2-toned Dove short shorts he wore in the video), since the beginning - and yet, he was, IS, so sexy, with sexy, intimate ballads and sensual videos that me and most women easily joined the troops of international admirers and fans.

As far as the show last night. It started a half-hour late which caused me concern for George that he might have been stressing out - - he's had a tough last few years with alcohol, drugs, relationships, coming out and depression. But then the show opened with a superb stage complete with a visual multi-media setting of 3 screens that alternated between video clips, him singing in present time at the concert, and stunning filmwork of nature, space, stars, lights, and, models, fashion and dancers - beautiful men and women graceful dancers. I...loved....it. Had he an image of a galloping Arabian horse in there somewhere it pretty much would have encompassed almost everything that moves me.

As for the man? Well, pushing 50 - he still looks (bite the hand) damn good! His jawline is supreme as usual and whether or not doing his spirited one-hand clapping against the microphone or dancing his sensual moves - this man has STILL GOT IT and then some. And when I say that - - I say that with the respect and admiration that he earns from me for taking some serious hits personally, physically and mentally, and even risking alienating many of his fan base by coming out.

George Michael looked sincerely happy. Like he was truly enjoying himself and truly appreciative of the supportive crowd. And even more so appreciative of "those of us who still knew his work after his "Faith" album" - which was wildly successful and the height of his popularity and sexuality.

As much as I love and loved hearing his earlier work from the 80s and the flood of nostalgia of my feelings of torment as a younger teen; I have since truly admired his skills as a songwriter and singer in his last 3 recent albums. His perfectly named, "Older", as well as "Patience" are full of jazz-inspired, quietly sensitive and thoughtful ballads along with danceable tunes for fans half his age - - just showing how much he'd grown and how many genres of music and styles he could sing and write in.

Hands down, this was tied for first the best concert I've ever gone too. The crowd stood and danced almost the entire time - yes, even to his newer gay-club music - - who can resist those beats??!! And the quiet moments where he sat on alone on a stool and sang, "Careless Whisper", "Father Figure" and "Kissing a Fool" where absolute sentimental and gorgeous gems of live performance.

Mentioning that he saw on "the teley" that day that gays can marry now in California he landed the largest amount of thunderous applause of the entire evening. I am so pleased that I got to see him, since he hasn't toured in America in 15 years and he says this will be his last tour period. Not only a pop icon of my beloved 80s music, but a true singer/songwriter, my hats off to him. I remember years ago my older sister, Sylvia, commenting that few pop singers actually have good voices. Truly good voices. And then she went on to think about it and said, "George Michael can really sing". In today's world of pop singers whose careers last 2 years and lip sync in their concerts, George Michael's integrity as a true musician stands clear and still sets him apart from so many.

Un Buen Perdedor

 Ahhh.. this song by Venezuelan (of Italian parents) superstar (and still going strong) Franco de Vita was one of the first spanish pop ballads I ever learned or heard when I was in my Mexican Identity Crisis stage during my college years in the early 90s and learning most of my spanish through listening to music and translating lyrics. (*note - the song was from the 80s, but I didn't discover it until the summer of 1990).

I even remember about 5 years ago, my previous neighbor, an African American gay man who didn't speak a lick of spanish heard me playing this song and was so moved that he let himself into my house and exclaimed, "Oh my gosh - that song is AMAZING! And I don't understand a thing! It sounds so dramatic!!" I remembering answering with a knowing smile, "And if you knew WHAT he was saying, you'd be even more impressed!"

This song is so inspiring and beautiful, with its driving no-nonsense piano chords and sweeping strings making the music sound almost cinematic. It literally urges its listener to take the higher moral ground that the lyrics encourage. Alas it garners a place on my Top 5 List of (musical and lyrical) Song PERFECTION.

Sé que piensas marcharte, ya lo sé
Y no te detendre
Haz lo que tú quieras

Sin embargo recuerda que
yo estare aquí en el mismo lugar
Y si solo tienes ganas de hablar,
con gusto escucharé

Y si el supo darte más amor
Supo llenarte más que yo...

Claro que sé perder,
Claro que sé perder

No tienes porqué disimular,
esas lágrimas están de más
Si tienes que irte,
véte ya

Sin embargo esparaba que te quedaras
Pero el agua hay que dejarla correr
Mientras yo me tragaba palabras que no pude decir

Y si el viento hoy sopla a tu favor
Yo no te guardaré rencor

No, claro que sé perder
No será la primera vez
Hoy te vas tú,
mañana me iré yo

Seré un buen perdedor
Y el mundo no cambiará
Alguien sin duda ocupara tu lugar...

80s Song of the Week: Huey Lewis and the News "If This is It"

ahhhhh: those San Fran working boys of Huey Lewis and the News. The girls in my family all loved Huey. How could you not? He was so ruggedly cute, with a raspy voice (unexpected for a white guy) and he always portrayed a great sense of humour in his videos. In fact: this was the first concert my mom (begrudgingly) let my sister Sara and I go to - with our older sisters who bought us tickets as a Xmas present. I was in 9th grade, we went to the horrible acoustics of the SD Sports Arena venue and screamed and danced and then I even wrote a review on it for the school newspaper that I was involved in.

Back to this song. The year was 1985, it was from their "Sports" album which had a string of Top 10 hits. I chose this video because it was sweet and showcases totally 80s bathing suits (girls wore those high French cut 1-pieces that looked horrible on anyone with a butt or hips); I also point out at the very beginning of the video the 80s boombox that they play - - kids nowadays probably won't even know what it is!!

The video is sweet but it always bugged me that Huey wanders around Venice Beach completely dressed in cords and polo shirt - the only one there amidst the tanned, half-naked bodies - he stands out so much and isn't he hot???!!! But then: I can't imagine him with his shirt off and in shorts anyway... :)

80s Song of the Week: Pet Shop Boys "West End Girls"

I still like this 1985 song and its basically being completely programmed on a keyboard synthesizer is SO 80s :)
Pet Shop Boys are actually still around, still recording and still successful - in Europe. But their heyday in the USA was definitely during the 80s starting with this hit. Made up of the duo Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe they wrote danceable tunes with intelligent lyrics delivered solemnly by the stoic Tennant.

Interestingly enough, by watching their videos again I only recently came to realize that the lead singer is obviously gay - well, shoot - I wasn't a fag hag in 1985 in 7th grade (or WAS I- - but didn't know it yet?)hahahaha It seems he is publicly "out" since 1994. Also, Patrick recently informed me that their clever name leans to something very gay - again, I grew up so innocent and sheltered for so long (how on EARTH was I supposed to know?) :)

Whatever the case - good songs, great memories :)

80s Song of the Week: Modern English "Melt With You"

I decided to choose this week's 80s Song of the Week as Modern English. A trio from Essex, England - they are mostly remembered for their major New Wave hit, "Melt With You." Being Patrick's birthday week and all, I also chose it as a sort of ode to him for various reasons 1)- it is one of his favorite songs ever; 2) I dedicate the lyrics to him (a very 80s thing to do - remember when you could call in to the radio stations and request and dedicate songs??) and 3) - I chose it because the song was featured in the hit 80s movie: Valley Girl with Nick Cage (who happens to be one of P's favorite actors). I will save details for a whole other blog, but one of the celebrities that people think P resembles is a younger Nicolas Cage (before the receding hairline, and back when he was a punk and funky and cool).

Thus, I also post below the song set to the movie for a little more 80s' nostalgia... (the original video is a little lackluster anyway, and lead singer, Robbie Grey is not funky, hip, punk or anything - he is just scrawny and unphotogenic.)

80s Song of the Week - INXS "Don't Change"

*Sigh*.

I am serious. I watched this video and that is what my reaction was...

Okay, okay, for those of you who are loyal elsamart readers: I know! I have been lagging on posting my 80s Music Videos of the week. Mi 'Scusi!! For those of you just tuning in - I decided when I started my blog that since I love my 80s music and love the nostalgia of it, I'd post one (along with my commentary) every week.

Now - back to INXS. This was the first INXS hit that I can remember in the 80s. In fact, this is the first time I've ever even seen the video. My reaction? LOVE IT!!! HOT DOG!!! Lead singer and late Michael Hutchence was packing some serious sex appeal!!! Of course I long knew this, but I hadn't seen this video back when they were REALLY still a rock band with great guitar licks, raw, not over-produced songs! I mean: lean and virile Michael (not yet sporting his longer wavy hair that became his trademark in later years) seemed to be channeling a young Mick Jagger - with a FAR more handsome, rugged face. SIGH.

This video is the sheeit - you can totally do my infamous 80s 'skank' dance move to it. And it really makes me want to go to Australia and meet some rugged, handsome, beer-guzzling man - oh, wait - I already got one of those - he's just Irish...

80s Song of the Week - Tears for Fears "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"

Ahhh, yeah: who can forget Tears for Fears and the cherub-faced, mullet wearing duo Roland Orzabel and Curt Smith. Formed in the early 80s, the Brit group was part of the New Wave British invasion but quickly became more pop and mainstream with tons of hits from their album, "Songs from the Big Chair". This was their first one. I remember watching it and my brother Ben teasing the way they sang with their mouths SO open - it's actually correct singing. hahaha.

Interesting things in the video - not much is going on. Just a lot of driving in the Southern California desert (the 15 freeway to be exact) on the way to Las Vegas and Joshua Tree National Park. Been on the same stretch of road several times, seen the kids on their dirt bikes blazing paths on the sand dunes, at the beginning you catch a glimpse of the famous truck stop where the 2 huge dinosaurs stand menacingly at the edge of a little grass section where kids can play while eating their fastfood (also featured in the fabulous 80s movie, "Pee Wee's Big Adventure").

Other things I love in the video: the 80s fashion of preppy salmon-colored polo shirt (altho the collar should have been lifted up at the back of the neck); the round (totally 80s, totally ugly!) spectacle-shape wire sunglasses (not flattering on ANYONE); the horrible 80s big, puffy jacket and tight pants that he wears while driving; the 80s hair mullets; and the lone, dangling earring on Roland.

The song is just so cheerful and brings me back to 1984 - I was in 6th grade, happy as a clam riding horses and playing with my siblings, summer beach days with the family on Sundays - starting to have crushes on boys at school...sigh - such a sweet song.

Two years ago, my old neighbor and sweet friend, Matthew, took me to a concert of Tears for Fears and I couldn't believe how many songs I still knew all the lyrics! It was a lot of fun - even though they were fatter and with receding hair lines - their voices still sounded the same! Good stuff!

80s Song of the Week - Madonna "Lucky Star"

You better work! This was the first huge single I remember of Madonna back when I was in Jr. High. What can I say? The woman is STILL going strong! But NOTHING compares to how big she was in the 80s...

I loved her in the 80s! I love that gay men love her! I love her big, ethnic eyes with 80s eyeliner! I love this video - I remember learning the choreography to it! I love how she incorporated her dance training into it - basic steps, not major, polished dance routines that came later. I Love that she was one of the few who could pull off teased hair tied up in a bow on the top of her head. I love her rolling around on the floor. I love that people now do get how scandalous and sexy and provocative she was for that time!! I mean Madonna was HUGE!! Everyone dressed and did their hair like either her or Duran Duran in the 80s. Say what you want, I respect her for her longevity and uniqueness. I still love her older stuff :)

80s Song of the Week - U2 "Bloody Sunday"

I've been lagging on updating my 80s Song of the Week blogs. For those who know me or have been reading my blogs, they know I love my 80s New Wave music. Well, I'm back!

When I was a teen and this song came out I always really liked it. It was back when mega-group U2 was young and raw, their music not slick and overproduced like nowadays (don't get me wrong, I still like and appreciate them). But I could feel that it was bigger than just a pop tune by its lyrics and militia-like drum rhythms and guitar riffs. But I must admit that I did not really understand what "Bloody Sunday" was. (How could anyone unless they had a specific connection to the horror of it??)

I believe we skimmed over it in a paragraph in World History in high school, but it was not until my 20s that I looked more into it. And when I started dating Patrick he showed me the movie portraying the senseless tragedy in Derry of 14 civilian deaths during a peaceful, unarmed civil rights march on January 30, 1972 - 4 months before I was born.

I think the Irish band U2, along with this particular song and video featuring parts of the movie are absolutely appropriate in my having returned from a wonderful and fascinating trip to both Occupied Ireland and the Republic. Things have come far it seems with the demilitarization of the border and absence of the British Army, but, as P's father mentioned, someone stole a car and set it on fire behind the Catholic church in their town the night before our arrival. Coincidence? An accident?

80s Song of the Week - Duran Duran "Save a Prayer"

After an exhausting last couple weeks I can sure use a dose of my 80s fave: the Fab 5 of Duran Duran. Say what you want, fan or not: this was one of the most melodically and lyrically beautiful (if abstract) songs of the decade. It still gives me goosebumps and the video is so beautifully shot, once again, in a foreign, exotic land - all of it forming unattainable but well worth it dreams in the imagination of a teenage Elsa. I will always lose myself in it..

80s Song of the Week - Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams are made of This"

Good Lord - I am long overdue on posting a blog revealing my 80s Song of the Week. *Sigh* Please forgive. I just got back into town tonight and have a splitting headache. But I feel much better listening to the very kick-ass expressive yet soothing alto voice of Annie Lennox from "Eurythmics". LOVE HER and this song is practically synonymous with the 80s. The video is strange, and creative and she looks fabulous with her signature short crew-cut and pale, pale British complexion. She was definitely a pioneer, and can claim to have one of the first videos portraying androgyny. I love how her movements are fierce, and move on the downbeat of each phrase in a very dramatic way while her partner (and ex boyfriend) Dave Stewart keeps up with the musical rhythm of the synthesizer. For his part, Stewart was very innovative with his production techniques in all their songs. This musical duo had many major hits and I still enjoy their unique sound of intelligent pop. I just never understood the part about the cow...
Enjoy!

80s Song of the Week - Thompson Twins - "Lies"

I think this was the first TT song I had ever heard. Their album "Into the Gap" was just huge with hits though! And I just love the hands shoved in pockets, unkept mod look that lead singer Tom Bailey wears while bitterly peering into camera, "You told me you love me, so I don't understand..." But what I love the most is that this is one of the ultimate 80s songs that one can 'skank' dance to (you see the 3-some come out doing it somewhat at the beginning of the video). Such a great beat and chorus, "Lies! Lies! Lies! Ye-ah!"

80s Song of the Week - A-HA "Take on Me"

Oh, how I ADORED this video in my teens!!! I think it is so innovative and creative - even by today's technological standards in video-making. This first hit by the Norwegian trio, A-HA, was a massive hit in the early 1980s with a simply perfect video that was way ahead of its time!

I remember being a romantic teen and reveling in the wonderful, creative, story line in this video with parts of it drawn like a cartoon as it tells the romantic story of a young, unfulfilled gal reading a comic book which turns into reality when the lead singer and hero of the book invites her into his dream-like cartoon world. (I ate the romance of this right up, let me tell you!) And my young heart would break that they could only see each other as real humans (not cartoon drawings) when on either side of a mirror. Of course, the antagonists show up, break the mirror and harm our handsome, boy-faced hero as he sacrifices himself to let the girl escape back to reality before they miraculously are reunited again at the end. ISN'T IT ALL DELICIOUS??!!

I just love, LoVe, LOVE it!! :)

80s Song of the Week - Duran Duran "Lonely in your Nightmare"

Reading like poetry, this song from the "Rio" album was not a hit, but one of my favorite DD songs ever. It was songs and lyrics like these that I lost - and then found - myself in. They don't write songs or make videos like this anymore. This one is for the original DD fans, and those of us who must fight the nightmare in our heads...