tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39590350388453485262024-03-16T00:08:09.453-07:00ANALOG ChroniclesAllen Sanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17132695702182483051noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-86679635861801175532014-02-13T10:39:00.002-08:002014-02-13T10:39:34.542-08:00Is the Hermosa Summer Concert Series going away?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6x4PTYqnX8OoDcadDBt2XbnarNeCMIJSeOoUgZ6mKns_KRVq8_ejvNrxCvNwCfdMg4nmsmEjz2EyncdbiIoXoxAWFQxPKhZb4cMF0K806Mux8eXnvi25W1lbJ8cKTiNKWBd6pHStJ838/s1600/Concerts.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6x4PTYqnX8OoDcadDBt2XbnarNeCMIJSeOoUgZ6mKns_KRVq8_ejvNrxCvNwCfdMg4nmsmEjz2EyncdbiIoXoxAWFQxPKhZb4cMF0K806Mux8eXnvi25W1lbJ8cKTiNKWBd6pHStJ838/s1600/Concerts.gif" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm not sure yet.</i></div>
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This year will be the 5th year that Saint Rocke has produced the Hermosa Beach Summer Concert Series. In our partnership tenure with the City of Hermosa, we've been very proud and passionate about our role as the Executive Producer: give the Community 4 concerts with world class stage, sound, and artistry while balancing the delicate needs of our small beach town community. Not too many attendees, but book bands that we all love. Not too many sponsors, but let local businesses thrive on the beach. Not too many rules, but make sure that everyone is safe, friendly, and courteous. I personally have been at every single concert since we started to produce them -- and I can tell as a born and bred South Bay resident, that it is one of the most breathtaking things I've ever been a part of...8,000 music loving family, friends, grandparents, kids, associates, and young professionals all enjoying a sunset on Sunday on our beautiful beach listening to great live music. Not one issue, arrest, or problem in 4 years. And the best part? FREE. Free for the concert goers, and important to note: FREE for the City. We can all be proud of that.</div>
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It's True: there are other cities in California that have concert series. But are there other cities that have the level of production & artistry that we have without paying a single cent to the event producer? I believe not. The reason for this lies in the history of these concerts. They historically were run by the City at an expense ranging between $30,000-70,000 annually. Additionally, the City devoted time & resources to the planning, booking, and execution of these concerts. The tipping point was in 2008 though, when the City was not only pressed to slash their budget (why does music always go first?), but one of their City-planned events went awry, as the Rebelution concert (which has since reached epic folklore proportions) pushed the boundaries of acceptable community event practice. At this point, the City discussed cancelling the Concert Series in totality. <i>Classic case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.</i></div>
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As the premiere music venue in the South Bay, Saint Rocke was contacted by the City manager at the time, and I was asked how we might be able to help, and if we were willing to do so. Having been a supporter and attendee, I wanted the concerts to continue, and so offered our assistance. But how? Producing the concerts is in our baileywick; Saint Rocke is known for outside production of events and I believed we could pull off better concerts than any company in the South Bay. But for free? Who would help subsidize the cost? I believed that there were local businesses that thought these concerts were important as well, and that if I created a value proposition for them to reach local customers, they would want to be a partner in the series. So, <i>and this is important</i>, I took on 100% of the financial risk in order to produce these concerts and continue them. That meant, that if I failed to garner support, Saint Rocke was on the hook to pay for the entire production. Thankfully, our local businesses like LA Car Guy, Skechers, Dealer.com, Fresh Brothers, The Hermosa Chamber of Commerce, and others, saw the opportunity and we succeeded. And I believe the last 4 years has been an epic ride of music for the Community. To date, Saint Rocke & the Sponsors have spent over $225,000 on producing these concerts for free to the public.</div>
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As great as this is, it isn't a long term viable solution to ensuring the existence of these concerts over the next 5-10 years. Saint Rocke is a business, and for us to continue producing these, it has to make economic sense from a long term perspective. So this year,<i> instead of asking the City to pay us a fee</i>, the new City Manager, Tom Bakaly, and I sat down and spent a considerable amount of time and energy creating a new contract between the City and Saint Rocke which would enable us to commit to producing these concerts through 2018 (for the full report: <a href="http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=6&clip_id=2877)" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">City Report</span></a>). In summary, we asked to produce an additional 2 events in OFF PEAK times (not the summer) that would give the Community more great music, drive hotel, retail, and restaurant business to the city outside of the summer months, and give our Community 2 more events similar to the beach concerts that our sleepy beachtown could be proud of. Additionally, this contract would enable us to help produce and pay for the New Years Big Band event downtown annually, and continue the level of quality we have created at the Summer Concerts.</div>
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I excitedly met with the City Council on Tuesday to approve the contract, but was instead met with some resistance. Three members of the Council are new, and although I believe they all truly have the best interest of Hermosa in mind, I also believe they do not have the advantage of understanding how important music and these concerts are to all of us in the Community -- and hence the Council did not place any significant value (both financially and culturally) on our role in the Summer concerts in regards to their view of the proposed contract. To be clear: this is not a debate on bars, operating hours, booze, oil, Coachella in Hermosa, or carbon footprints; we have no desire to create a monstrous event the Community wouldn't love. This is about music, and whether we want it or not in our Community. I know all of you are busy with your own lives, your jobs, your work, your daily distractions, but if on those Sundays in the summer you come out with your friends and family, sit in your beach chair, throw your shades on, and smile when the headliner comes on, then I'd ask you to help us to be able to continue to do that for you....for FREE. The beach is free, without fences, and will always be -- but it doesn't have to be a beach without music. <b>How can you help if you'd like to?</b></div>
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Read up, be educated on the contract. Ask me ANY questions you want. (asanfy@live.com)</div>
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Write your City Council. Tell them if you support us and that you see the VALUE in Saint Rocke's participation.</div>
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Add positivity to the conversation. Don't be a "what-if" risk assessor. We have enough of these in Hermosa Beach. If you have concerns, let's discuss and plan around them!</div>
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Don't attack our Council Members. They are volunteers, full of integrity, and they care! I'm simply asking for you to let them know that Music is important to us. Culture is important.</div>
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It's our beach town. Nobody else's. And our voice is the strongest. Saint Rocke is proud to be the Executive Producer of these concerts, and will continue doing so only so long as the Community wants us to. Long live music in Hermosa Beach.</div>
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Ever Forward,</div>
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Allen Sanford</div>
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Managing Partner, Saint Rocke</div>
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City Council Emails:</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="mailto:mdivirgilio@hermosabch.org" style="background-color: #ebdbbe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">mdivirgilio@hermosabch.org</a><span style="background-color: #ebdbbe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:ptucker@hermosabch.org" style="background-color: #ebdbbe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;">ptucker@hermosabch.org</span></a></div>
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<a href="mailto:nbarragan@hermosabch.org" style="background-color: #ebdbbe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;">nbarragan@hermosabch.org</span></a></div>
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<a href="mailto:cpetty@hermosabch.org" style="background-color: #ebdbbe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;">cpetty@hermosabch.org</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ebdbbe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="mailto:hfangary@hermosabch.org" style="background-color: #ebdbbe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">hfangary@hermosabch.org</a><span style="background-color: #ebdbbe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div>
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Allen Sanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17132695702182483051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-84200510540383500052013-12-09T19:15:00.001-08:002014-02-11T12:29:09.727-08:00BATTLING NYE FOMO<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">We've heard it so often: people in this town rarely make plans or RSVP anymore. Why? Because there's too much awesome stuff going on at any given time, that no one can commit in advance. It would appear that everyone in southern California suffers from a medical condition jeopardizing social lives across the board: FOMO. (<i>'Fear of Missing Out', </i>to the layperson.) This disease has been prominent in most Los Angeles cities for years, and has recently began impacting the safety of our beloved South Bay bubble. FOMO is estimated to be most rampant during the holiday season, especially on the biggest night of the year: New Years Eve. <b>NYE FOMO is the worst kind there is</b>. (It's actually proven to be fatal in some subsections of Malibu.) The stress of choosing ONE PARTY, when there are SO MANY OPTIONS, can bring upon fits of anxiety that no normal human being can withstand. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">After years of research and development, Saint Rocke possesses the only known cure for NYE FOMO. The prescription? <b>A</b><b> bitchin' New Years Eve Show with The English Beat.</b>(Dave Wakeling in all his glory: Hit. After hit. After hit.) High-energy live music and a super-fun dance party. Sound perfect? Wait. There's more. The added bonus of this particular NYE show? <b>Each ticket includes OPEN BAR</b>. <i>That's one price for the whole night, Charlie. </i>No worrying about racking up a huge tab and spending January's rent money on booze. (Been there. Drank that.) Go ahead and grab a round for 10 of your closest friends. See a cutie at the bar? Send over a top-shelf, with<i>out</i> doing the math in your head. You want VIP options, too? Hang-sies with the band? Done and done, my good friend. <b>Because</b> <b>nothing beats NYE FOMO like knowing you're at the coolest show in town.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Grab NYE TIX (NOW). <a href="http://www.saintrocke.com/" target="_blank">www.saintrocke.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-color: black;">"Joi</span><span style="background-color: white;">n us in the fight against FOMO"</span></i></span><br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-70050879965257116182013-02-27T12:13:00.001-08:002014-02-11T12:29:29.327-08:00Rocke Block<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'm not supposed to talk about this. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">But I guess I'll tell you the truth. We can be real, right?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Not long ago, I was experiencing what you might call, "writers block". Maybe I should call it 'Rocke Block'. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">I wanted to blog about Saint Rocke. Believe me, at any given moment, I usually have so much to say. I sat in front of my laptop. Typing 'blah blah blah'...hoping <i>something</i> <wbr></wbr>unique and amazing would ensue....But, for at least 2 weeks, I thought to myself: 'I can't spend another minute <i><b>writing</b></i> about Saint Rocke. Every single second of my life is <i><b>consumed</b></i> by the show'. I was in such an intense groove with marketing and booking and events. I stopped processing the daily activities of my own life. I was always here. Bills were overdue. The sole contents of my fridge was a block of cheese and expired milk. I even paid my rent on the 18th. (Not because I'm irresponsible. I 'conveniently prioritized'). haha Anyway, it felt like I was always looking ahead to the next big event. My life was quickly becoming less about "Who is KT and what is she doing on any given day" to "So-and-so is playing tonight. Do you need tix? Tables? Bottle? Party? Who's party? Your party? 40 people? Sat? No problem. Meet and greet? Deadline? Holiday? Private event?" </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Non. Stop. All. Day. Long. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">It's my job. It's my passion. It's my world. But hey. Sometimes...it blows. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">See? Told you I'm not supposed to write this stuff. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><b>BUT</b> here's where it gets interesting. The other night, I was feeling so anxious, I had to get out of town. I ventured to the far-off land of<b><i>Hollywood</i></b>. I longed to see the bluegrass band I've been obsessed with since high school: Leftover Salmon. (Google them immediately, or we aren't friends. Seriously.) The show was incredible. (Have you ever seen a mandolin player use a slide? Me neither. Leftover <i>blew my freaking mind.) </i>Anywho:<i> </i>I returned to the post-show parking garage shenanigans: still grinning, slightly buzzed, and feeling very chatty. I started talking/smoking with some tie-dyed dudes nearby. We talked about the band, the amazing encore, the next show in San Diego...you know, the usual. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Soon, the dynamic duo asked me where I lived.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Hermosa Beach." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Cool town! We saw <b>ALO</b> at a <b>RAD</b> club in Hermosa not long ago. It was <b>FUCKING</b> <b>AWESOME</b>."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">??? *** !!!!!!! Wait...what?</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLL6HbVvz7I/US5oeFDqDSI/AAAAAAAAAB8/a0qwoDLiwbw/s1600/peacock-new-zealand_10933_990x742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kLL6HbVvz7I/US5oeFDqDSI/AAAAAAAAAB8/a0qwoDLiwbw/s1600/peacock-new-zealand_10933_990x742.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">My chest puffed out, and I was a proud little peacock.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">I said, <b>"That's MY club, bro."</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Right then and there:<i> </i>it's all worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Every headache. Every meeting. Every gamble. Every early morning/ late night combo. Every last minute, on the fly, make-it-work, show must go on, drama-rama that is driving me<i> fucking insane</i> on a daily basis....</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Every show. </span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">It's all fucking worth it. </span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">And just like that: I was inspired.</span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">(maniacal laugh, maniacal laugh.)</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">KT</span></i></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-50793609166125767322013-02-06T13:55:00.002-08:002013-02-06T13:55:55.947-08:00The Grammys<br />
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The Grammys are the Superbowl of Music. The Big Leagues. The Real Deal. The Whole Enchilada.</div>
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It's hard to be a part of the music industry and not have an opinion on this major event. Not only do I watch, sometimes, I cry. It's like you're seeing someone's wildest dreams come true: LIVE. on national television.</div>
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Since I am not a musician myself, I will never understand what it feels like to win music's most coveted prize. BUT I really wanted to know. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktvaRqFojDU/URLRHq2ZRvI/AAAAAAAAABs/a504QKXe1fA/s1600/bluestraveler_043010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktvaRqFojDU/URLRHq2ZRvI/AAAAAAAAABs/a504QKXe1fA/s1600/bluestraveler_043010.jpg" height="141" width="200" /></a>So, I called a Grammy winner: my good friend, John Popper.</div>
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<i>"Hey dude. I'm writing a blog about The Grammys, and I need your help. You won a Grammy, right, John?"</i></div>
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<i>"Yup."</i></div>
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<i>"Care to elaborate?</i></div>
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<i>"Too sleepy now. I'll text ya later."</i></div>
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<i>"Dammit John! I'm on a deadline! We all know you're a wordy mother-f*cker. Just tell me about it."</i></div>
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<i>"Okay, okay...So <span style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"> it was </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">1995, and the category was 'Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group'. I</span> was sure DMB was gonna win for 'What Would You Say' and since I played on that song, too, I was ready to run up to the stage and cause trouble. I was already out of my seat as they were announcing the winner. When I heard 'Blues Traveler', I was so shocked, I popped my knee out. I couldn't even walk! I hopped up to the stage, and didn't even remember my speech. It was pretty awkward, but awesome at the same time. Awesomely awkward."</i></div>
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<i>"Wow! I didn't know you played on that song too. Geez, showoff."</i></div>
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<i>"I know. I know."</i></div>
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<i>"One question: which was cooler: winning a Grammy or losing your virginity?"</i></div>
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He hung up on me. I guess he really was tired :)</div>
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Wow! What a story! I've seen DMB like 15 times, but I can't imagine even meeting Dave or being featured on his most famous song. But beating him for a Grammy?? Surreal. What's cool about John's story is that he not only performed that song, he wrote it. And he pulled from his real life experiences. A lot of artists today are amazing performers, but the list of song writers is usually a long one. I think his song hit home to so many people because it's real. You can feel his pain in every lyric. Genius. Score one for the Grammy committee of 1995. They were on point.</div>
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I can't wait to watch what happens this year. Who's heart will be shattered and who'll come out on top. I checked out the nominees and there are some really tough decisions to be made. How do you choose between "Call Me Maybe" and "We Are Young" for the best song??? Both are such breakout hits. It's a doozy!</div>
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We are rolling out the red carpet at Saint Rocke, and making a huge deal about it. Gift bags, contests, prizes, bottomless champagne...It's like P Diddy's afterparty: minus the yacht.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See you this Sun. Doors 6PM. Suit up. </div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-13076589275185733232013-01-21T14:57:00.000-08:002013-01-21T14:57:30.434-08:00Tribute Band vs Cover Band<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Every time we book a tribute band, some people roll their eyes. "A cover band? They're not the real deal. No OG...blah blah blah." They are indignant, almost. </span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
But there's a big difference between a cover band and a tribute band. The tribute band dials in the little details to reenact legendary performances. The look, the stage moves, the banter between songs...It's all part of the show. Anyone can play a song written by someone else or performed by another artist. They can take it and make it their own style. Put their band's spin on it. But a tribute band pays homage to their favorite performers by perfecting their character. If it can pass the test of the most scrutinizing fans, they are legit.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are some tribute bands that are so committed to their role, it's as close to the real thing as humanly possible. Thus was the case of Queen Nation, Saturday night.<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rd8mrJIjq7M/UP3GvFjIpAI/AAAAAAAAABc/TtmJltSUuOM/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rd8mrJIjq7M/UP3GvFjIpAI/AAAAAAAAABc/TtmJltSUuOM/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
The performance was pretty epic. Choreographed routines, high energy set. Hit, after hit, after glorious hit. The singer strutted around like he was Freddie Mercury reincarnated. He also played keys and hit those high notes like a pro. I was talking to to a die-hard Queen fan after the show, and he said he was super impressed...in fact, he was damn near tears. I couldn't blame him. The entire club lit up during Bohemian Rhapsody. The encore of "We will Rocke You" was well planned. Not only was every fan clapping, but the entire Saint Rocke staff were all in unison and completely lost in the moment. It was something magical.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So the next time you see a tribute band on our marquee, know this: we only bring the cream of the crop. The best around. The bands that will impress you, and probably make you cry.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Check out these amazing tributes in the near future. Grab tix now. You don't want to miss.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elite Elvis Tribute Sunday Jan 27</div>
<div>
Forty Oz to Freedom Thurs Jan 31</div>
<div>
Fan Halen Fri Feb 8</div>
<div>
Cash'd Out Feb 22</div>
<div>
DSB (Don't Stop Believin) March 22</div>
<div>
Which Ones Pink March 23</div>
<div>
Who's Bad March 29</div>
<div>
Vitalogy April 27</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See you at the show.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
KT</div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-50204046602948945602013-01-08T12:24:00.002-08:002013-01-08T12:24:59.668-08:00Reflection<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">“Life </span><em style="font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;">moves pretty fast</em><span style="line-height: 16px;">. If you don't </span><em style="font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;">stop and look around once in a while</em><span style="line-height: 16px;">, you </span><em style="font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;">could</em><span style="line-height: 16px;"> miss it”</span></b><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Thank you, Mr. Bueller, you hit the nail on the head. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
As another year turns over and change is in the air, it made me realize just how fast time does fly. It seems like only yesterday, I was selling tickets to Chris Robinson Brotherhood NYE, and getting excited for the upcoming lineup here at The Rocke. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Then I blinked, and 2012 was over. We were toasting TBS and awkwardly kissing total strangers. I was another year older, ten years wiser, and still extremely good-looking. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I decided to reflect a bit on the most memorable shows of the year. And why my job totally fucking rules. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
So without further delay, I present to you: </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b>KT's Top Ten Shows of 2012</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
10. Steve Kimock 7/25/12</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
9. J Boog 11/23/12</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
8. Katchafire 6/20/12</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
7. Donovon Frankenreiter 6/13/12</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
6. Ozomotli 9/1/12</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
5. ROME 11/3/12</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
4. Particle 10/5/12</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
3. Chadwick Stokes 2/28/12</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
2. Reverend Horton Heat 8/15/12</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
1. Fishbone 8/24/12</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b>Honorable mention</b>: </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
1. Howlin Rain</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
2. Greensky Bluegrass</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
3. The White Buffalo</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
4. Infamous Stringdusters</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
5. Aggrolites</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b>Most interesting artist</b>:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
1. Metalachi </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
2. Clownvis Presley </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
3. Mickey Avalon </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
One of the reasons I love what I do, is because I love live music to the very core. It's my heart and soul. Seeing artists I've been a fan of for years and years, perform in this intimate club, right in front of my face...well, there's just nothing better. At every single one of these shows, I was completely enamored by the performance. I was still talking about the show weeks later, and left thinking to myself, "I am the luckiest kid in the world." </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
The other reason I love what I do, is because of <b>YOU</b>. The music fans. When I get phone calls about an upcoming show, and you ramble on about how "you follow the artist from city to city", or "have been a fan since you were ten"...That stuff makes my day. It never gets old. I love seeing the faces of people when they're front row, getting their socks rocked off. It's the absolute best.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b>Music fans are the life blood of this company, and the sole reason I get to do this everyday.</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
So, I just want to take this time to give one GIANT shout out to every single person who went to a show at Saint Rocke in 2012: </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I love you guys so much. I mean it, from the bottom of my heart. <b>THANK YOU</b>. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Cheers to a kick ass 2013!!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
We'll see you at the next show.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
KT</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
XOXOXO</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-67610045088353809572012-12-11T19:34:00.001-08:002012-12-11T19:34:29.240-08:00Are you feelin it?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKjM4Tb8ix0/UMf7LNTHh8I/AAAAAAAAABI/u61fJ1V7CJ0/s1600/-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKjM4Tb8ix0/UMf7LNTHh8I/AAAAAAAAABI/u61fJ1V7CJ0/s1600/-8.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />When I first met my buddy, Dave, we were at Happy Hour at Saint Rocke. I asked him what kind of music he was into.<br /><br />"Beck". <br /><br />"Really? That's all you listen to?"<br />
<br />"I like other stuff too. But I really love Beck."<br /><br />"Have you ever seen him Live?"<br /><br />"Nope".<br /><br />"Well, me neither. But I'm sure it's amazing..."<br /><br />We
traded stories about some of the best festivals we'd been to, and it
turns out we had similar tastes: iconic jam bands, old school punk, new
school electronic...Since then, he's been my concert bro for some pretty
epic bands. Every time I have an extra ticket, I call Dave. He's always
down. And when word got out that Beck was playing a Hurricane Benefit
nearby, Dave knew we had to be there. I didn't even have to ask. <br />
<br />Downtown Los Angeles was buzzing with the presence of some of
Hollywood's most well known celebs. When heavy hitters like Will Ferrell
and Aziz Ansari are involved, it's a circus. People were laughing,
chatting, taking pics, and videotaping every detail with their I-phones.
<br />
<br />But when Beck came onstage and played, <i>Lost Cause</i>, everyone just stopped. <br /><br />I don't think I've ever been more moved by a performance.<br /><br />And when his set was over, I looked over at Dave. He had the most peaceful smile on his face. I can't even explain it.<br />
<br />He said, "Welp, I can die happy now." I couldn't speak (for fear I'd
burst out crying uncontrollably). I wiped the tears off my face, and just
nodded. Unbelievable. <br /><br /> That, my friends, is what live music is
supposed to do. Stop whatever the hell you're doing or thinking about,
and listen. Listen with your heart.<br />
<br />Whether it be joy, sadness, pain, anguish, fear, or freedom....feel <i>something</i>. Anything.<br /><br />I mean, fucking <i>feel</i> it. <br /><br /><br />KTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-58463553857355234162012-12-03T12:50:00.000-08:002012-12-03T12:50:40.955-08:00What's In A Name?"Who the hell is Fartbarf"<br /><br />A text I received from my buddy, Robbie, in New Orleans.<br /><br />My
response: "They're fucking sick. 3 dudes in psych ward jumpsuits and
gorilla masks...heavy bass, minimal vocals, and a cult-like
following....aka the badass new band you'll hear more about soon."<br /><br />"Shitty name."<br /><br />"Not even the shittiest band name I've heard this week."<br /><br />That
last part is true. I've definitely heard worse band names than
Fartbarf. (I used to manage the band, Stinky Pinky, for god's sake.)
Yesterday at a tattoo shop in Maryland, I met a cute punk rocker who
gave me some of his CDs. His band name: The Rapists. I cringed when he
told me that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FkHOZsoHacs/UL0QO3pAc8I/AAAAAAAAAA4/xhjaskwmiwI/s1600/523606_10151246311946838_1243626892_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FkHOZsoHacs/UL0QO3pAc8I/AAAAAAAAAA4/xhjaskwmiwI/s1600/523606_10151246311946838_1243626892_n.jpg" /></a></div>
"Actually, we are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Rapists."<br /><br />OOOOh,
that makes it soooo much less offensive!! (The only thing more
offensive were his lyrics. I'll spare you the details. But picture GG
Allen on meth. Wow.)<br /><br />You know, I might not LOVE the name
Fartbarf, but I respect it. Basically, because they don't give a fuck
what I think about their band name. In fact, Fartbarf is unwilling to
change, for anyone. They've had some big labels show interest in signing
them, only on the condition they consider changing it. Nope. They just
shake their head and stand firm. They found a formula that works.<br /><br />And
believe me, it works. They pack the house. I'm super stoked for their
next show at SR (Dec 14). If you've never seen them live, you owe it to
yourself to experience this phenomenon. It's fucking radical.<br /><br />Love the name Fartbarf, or hate it...but you'll remember it. And talk about it the next day. <br /><br />If you ask me, that's what every band name needs to accomplish. Be original. Be memorable. Make people talk.<br /><br />And, hey, at least it's better then The Rapists.<br /><br /><br />KTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-46306965662353507212012-11-26T15:04:00.000-08:002012-11-26T15:04:41.732-08:00Good Deeds by Bad Seeds<div class="ajy">
<img alt="" class="ajz" data-tooltip="Show details" id=":1o2" role="button" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" tabindex="0" /></div>
This
weekend I cruised down to the O.C. I had to take NYE flyers to the Tomorrows
Bad Seeds crowd at the Observatory. TBS was headlining and I was stoked!<br />
<br />Every
room was jam packed. The vibe was on point. I was super impressed
with the performances by Simpkin Project, Fortunate Youth, and Seedless.
They just keep getting better and better. So awesome. Love those guys!
Jah!<br />
<br />But the true stars of the night were Tomorrows Bad Seeds. Not just for
their high-energy/versatile set, wild light show, and dynamic stage
presence....what set them apart, in my mind, was a tiny incident that
happened pre-show....<br />
<br />I overheard a couple fans discussing the band lineup, and I couldn't
help but listen. (I like to eavesdrop. People are interesting. Don't
judge me.) But their conversation was pretty awesome: <br /><br />One girl
was telling the other of her epic struggle to get into the show that
night. She had just enough money to buy a ticket, but forgot about the
parking fee. She was stranded outside in the lot, in the boonies...by
herself. After calling nearly everyone she could think of, she finally dialed
the lead singer of TBS, Moi.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgbhvJ-_q_E/ULP1CDgJU5I/AAAAAAAAAAo/c0lrz3BB9ao/s1600/NYE+TBS+13-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgbhvJ-_q_E/ULP1CDgJU5I/AAAAAAAAAAo/c0lrz3BB9ao/s1600/NYE+TBS+13-2.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
And he dropped everything to go find her,
walk her inside, and buy her a ticket.<br />
<br />Dang. That's decent. <br /><br />Of all the people at that show, he was
probably the busiest: getting pulled in a million different directions.
Taking pictures, signing autographs, planning the set...He was
headlining a fucking theater for crying out loud! But he took the time
to trek out in the parking lot and help.<br />
<br />He didn't make a big deal out of it. I'm sure neither one of them knew it would end up in my stupid blog. <br /><br />But it's the little things mean the most. And no matter what, you can never be too busy for a fan. <br />
<br />I am now even MORE proud that Saint Rocke chose TBS to headline our huge NYE show this year.<br /><br />Not
only are they amazing entertainers who know how to party, but they are
down-to-earth and love their fans more than anything. <br />
<br />God bless em. Let's rage.<br /><br />Love always,<br /><br />KT<br /><br /><a href="http://www.saintrocke.com/" target="_blank">www.saintrocke.com</a>. Grab your tix now or miss our biggest event of the year. <br /><br />2 words: OPEN. BAR. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-45745081482032496822012-11-19T18:45:00.000-08:002012-11-19T18:45:04.904-08:00Selling Out, or Cashing In?<br />
I've been a Green Day fan since I was 11 years old, and I first heard "Basket Case" on 98 Rock.<br /><br />I felt instantly connected to the band. They were a welcome distraction during my parents' divorce. They
taught me it's okay to be different. To challenge authority. To be a
rebel. To be misunderstood. <br /><br />I bought every album, poster,
button, sticker, and t shirt they made. I watched every interview,
video, TV special...I wore safety pins all over and I became a devoted
member of their fan club. (I still swear by the fact that they named the
album, "Insomniac"because of a song I sent them. I have witnesses to prove it.)<br /><br />They were in my Top Five Favorite Bands Of All Time. Without question. Undisputed. <br /><br />Until yesterday.<br /><br />Yesterday, I saw a commercial for the new <i>Twilight</i> movie, with a Green Day ballad on the sound track. I threw up in my mouth. <br />
<br />How could they stoop so low? How could they throw away a lifetime of
street cred to become part of such pop culture bullshit? What's next?
The cover of Teen Vogue?<br /><br /> I wanted to cry for them. For their image. For punkrock in general. <br />
<br />Through the years, I've witnessed Green Day's upward mobility and defended
them to the bitter end. When critics would bash their blatant
commercialism, I'd always say the same thing: "It's not selling out,
it's cashing in." Green Day paid their dues a long time ago. They've
panhandled and played for peanuts. They've been beaten up outside of
punk bars and always had the same "never give a flying fuck" attitude.
So if the corporate sponsorships finally start rolling in, let it happen. They
deserve it. Their families need a little security, too.<br />
<br />But where do you draw the line? When is enough, enough?<br /><br />I had to stop myself from lighting my autographed picture on fire. Where was the band I used to know?<br /><br />I sat in my apartment and listened to the old albums<i>. </i>The lyrics brought back all my teen angst and apathy, and I found myself pretty pissed off.<br />
<br />But suddenly, I wasn't sure if I was mad at them for being
associated with something so "lame", or mad at myself for turning my
back on my childhood heroes.<br /><br />Amidst all my self loathing and wonderment, I had what could only be described as a "Eureka" moment. <br />
<br /> <i>Green Day is successful because their target demographic will always be: 11 year olds. </i><br /><br />It's
those 11 year olds that keep the band alive. They're the ones buying
CDs and band merchandise at the mall. (Not 30 somethings with rent and
bills and problems). Those kids join the fan club and wear the t shirts
and buttons. The 11 year olds memorize every word to every song. They
connect with the band and the music at their core. Because at that age: music is your
identity. Sometimes, music is your only friend.<br /><br />
If Green Day found a way to reach out to the 11 year old girls
of today, the same way they did with the 11 year old girls of 1993,
they should be applauded for their timeless efforts. Not accused of
going soft. <br />
<br />That soundtrack song can't be described as punkrock, in any way,
shape, or form. But it's catchy as fuck, and climbing the charts. (Well
played, Billie Joe.) <br /><br />They totally redeemed themselves and are back in my Top 5.<br /><br /><b>So what 3 important lessons did I learn from all of this?</b><br /><br />1. 90's music is the best (If you agree, <b>VITALOGY</b> and <b>NEARVANA</b> are here <b>SAT NIGHT</b>!!! Use the promo code: <b>FLANNEL</b> to SAVE $$$)<br /><br />2. Don't hate. Appreciate. <br />
<br />3. Never <b>ever</b> lose sight of your inner 11 year old. That kid is the coolest. <br /><br /><br />Love always,<br /><br />KT Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-25131248005186856642012-11-13T23:08:00.001-08:002012-11-14T07:31:38.164-08:00My First Sexton Experience<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">I was timid. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJvkcQAxpOM/UKNDG_lMDSI/AAAAAAAAAAY/oJSZ_xNI8Sk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJvkcQAxpOM/UKNDG_lMDSI/AAAAAAAAAAY/oJSZ_xNI8Sk/s1600/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">Sure, I'd heard a lot of great things, but never knew what to expect.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">I've seen videos, but they didn't compare to the real thing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">I heard stories, but feeling it for yourself...well, it's almost indescribable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">It was a venture I won't soon forget.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">If you've never heard Martin Sexton, let me tell you, he is an artist that lives up to his name. There is so much emotion in every song. It touches you. (Sometimes in the "no no places".)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">It can be slow and moving, yet erratic and powerful. You never know what's next, and you're hanging on every word. Every note. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">Waiting, Anticipating. Totally feelin' it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">He was gentle at first. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">With lighthearted songs like "Happy" and "Grateful", I embraced my inner hippie and pictured myself on a VW bus selling dandelions and LSD at Burning Man. I was on an upward climb of positive energy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">But Martin soon grew very passionate. With his intricate, technical musicianship, it was as if his hands were independent of his body. He kept such a sweet, innocent smile while his hands performed feats of amazement. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">Oh, those hands.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"> It was a lot to handle, but never too harsh.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"> Just enough. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">The rest of the crowd was as excited as I was. He was interactive and innovative. Captivating. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">We were all singing along, on cue..."Group Sexton?" </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">With 200 of my closest music friends, it wasn't exactly intimate. But Martin made me feel like we were the only 2 people in that room.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">I will never forget it, and I want more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">Thanks, Martin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">I wonder if he'll call......</span></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-82770905153518489072012-11-05T20:02:00.000-08:002012-11-05T20:02:05.023-08:00That's just, like, your opinion, man<span class="hb"><span class="g2" name="Saint"></span> </span><br />
<div class="ajy">
<img alt="" class="ajz" data-tooltip="Show details" id=":16x" role="button" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" tabindex="0" /></div>
<div class="ii gt adP adO" id=":yp">
<div id=":1g">
I usually don't ask for autographs or pictures from artists. I'm supposed to give the <i>illusion</i>
of cool, at least. But when I love a band, I fucking love a band. So
last weekend with Rome, I felt like a fanatic. Sublime is one of my
favorite bands of all time, and I think Rome's great. It blows
my mind that he started playing with his heroes at such a young age.
What a trip, right? Talk about living the dream. <br />
<br />But everyone I meet has an opinion on Rome. Strong opinions on
whether the vocalist should ever be replaced if he/she passes away. A
friend of mine had the nerve to say that Rome's fame isn't going
to last and he'll be "singing in Latin dive bars by the end of next
year".
(I had 300 screaming fans on Sat who would disagree with that
statement, and I was
pretty surprised that he had the balls to say it.) We argued for a bit,
and
he was like, "Brad's the only OG. No one can ever replace him." Yeah,
but Brad was also a junkie who put his own needs before the
good of the band. Brad was selfish in that respect, so the whole band
should have to suffer? The band has to stop making a living because the
main dude stopped living?<br /><br />Should a band die if the singer does? <br /><br />I
can list more than a few famous bands who replaced singers, and others
that chose not to. Sometimes they start side projects with other players
but never use the name. While other times, they just throw them right
in and hope for the best. For example, I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd live back in
1998. Everyone said, "oh well it's not the REAL Skynyrd. So have a ball
with that." Of course it wasn't the real fucking Skynyrd, but I still
cried when I heard FREEBIRD Live. It was one of the most epic moments in
my concert-going career, and if Skynyrd stopped playing when Ronnie
died, I would have never gotten that song. They still tour. Their
families are still supported by the music. And I'm 100% sure Ronnie
would have wanted it that way.<br />
<br />In my humble opinion, if the band agrees to allow those big shoes to
be filled, then the fans should respect their decision and let the
music continue. <br /><br />As one of my other favorite bands once said, "It doesn't really matter, as long as the music goes on."<br />
<br />Everyone has something to say. Post your opinion on our Facebook and
I'll hook you up with some tix. We have a rad lineup this weekend with
Stepping Feet (Dave Mathews tribute) and Saint Motel (some indie rockers
on the rise.) Tell me your thoughts. Get free shit. <br />
<br />Whether or not I agree with you, is irrelevant. I'm still going to assume I'm always right. <br /><br />Love,<br /><br />KT</div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-81796827575007853532012-10-29T14:00:00.000-07:002012-10-29T14:00:09.999-07:00My Big Break?Saturday I filmed my first commercial. It was a viral video for IROCKE (<a href="http://irocke.com/" target="_blank">irocke.com</a>),
and believe me, it's going to be radical. It was my first experience
with a green screen and we filmed for almost 7 hours. My character was a
crazy raver girl with blue hair and a Hello Kitty beanie. I said a lot
of brilliant things, but the best line: "put some bass in my face." <br />
<br />I was a natural. <br /><br />I'm super stoked to see this final project.
There's a celeb cameo and some sweet dance moves involved. What's not
to love? But I'm more excited about what IROCKE is going to do for the
music
industry. If you haven't heard about it, you will. The concept is pretty
fucking amazing. It's one website where you can see any live show in
the entire world. You can search different genres of music and get
alerts for when your favorite artists are about to go on stage. One
click and then
"Bam" you're right there. Watching. Lingering. Lurking. Raging. As if
you were
front row at the show. <br /><br />It's probably going to change the world. Waaaaait for it. <br /><br />Seriously
though, If I were you, I'd get my autograph while you still can. Once
this commercial thing goes big-time, I might be too "Hollywood" to hang
at the Saint Rocke shows anymore. But for now, I'll be around. If you
want to reach me this weekend, on Saturday, I'll be stalking ROME.<br />
<br />Party.<br /><br />KTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-3419844111276551752012-10-24T10:45:00.001-07:002012-10-24T10:45:57.889-07:00Sexy Jesus<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I f*cking love Halloween. I love everything about it. The parties, the costumes, the candy. The fact that you don't have to buy presents for anyone, and it's an excuse for people to get wasted and girls to dress extra slutty. (There's rumors of a "Sexy Jesus" coming out to Saint Rocke this year. Whoa. That's some next level shit.) </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I also love how everyone in Hermosa celebrates Halloween for the weekend before Halloween AND on actual Halloween. That's three times the craziness!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Friday, we have the best Johnny Cash tribute in town. They look the part, act the part, and they play forever. The opener for this act is "Clownvis Presley"...I can't explain how RAD this guy is. You have to see it to believe it.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On Saturday, we have our second annual Halloween Rager with Hoist The Colors. These loveable irish punkers will stop at nothing to keep you folks entertained. I won't give away their costume idea, but trust me: it's amazing.</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
On actual Halloween, we have some of the heaviest hard rockers in town from the band Eyelash Factory. They are teaming up with local metalheads and giving us: Hard Rocke Halloween: a show so bitchin: it's scary.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I don't know about you, but I'm ready to rage my face off. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Grab tix now while you still can...If you dare: <a href="http://www.saintrocke.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.saintrocke.com</a> </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Muuuhahahahahahahahaha maniacal laugh maniacal laugh</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
KT</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-2788970405417567362012-10-15T12:25:00.000-07:002012-10-15T12:25:38.852-07:00The Loops<br />I'll never forget when I saw Mitch Hedberg's standup comedy LIVE at
the Wiltern 7 years ago (R.I.P.) Everyone kept finishing his jokes out
loud, and eventually, he got irritated and said, "Damn, I need some new
material." So he walked over to a spiral notebook and started reading
through it. Totally ignoring the audience. He smoked a pipe, drank a
cocktail...after a few (long) minutes, he returned to the microphone.<br />
<br />"The Belt, or the Belt Loops....Who's the real hero? (we were silent) Take THAT motherf*ckers."<br /><br />Whoa. Not only did I laugh, but my mind was blown. I <i>did</i> take that, Mitch. In fact, I take it everywhere I go.<br />
<br />In life, there are Belts and there are belt Loops. <br /><br />The
"belts" always make their appearance known. When you attend a big event,
there's always a select few belts in the spotlight. The red carpet
celebs. The high profile athletes. The f*cking Kardashians, everywhere
you turn. <br />
<br />The belts are easy to identify in my line of work, too. They're on
the stage, getting the screams and applause. They're in the greenroom,
when everyone is trying to take pictures or grab an autograph. The belts
are the ones people pay to see. The belts are the stars.<br />
<br />But where would they be without the "Loops"? <br /><br />The Loops are
the stage crew: showing up early, lugging equipment, setting up/breaking
down, and dealing with bullshit of epic proportions.<br /><br />The Loops are the sound engineers: making anyone sound better than they actually do.<br />
<br />The Loops are the lighting guy: forcing you dance more than you ever thought possible.<br /><br />The Loops are the bartenders, servers, security, and hostesses who make sure everything is perfect for the belt and the belt fans.<br />
<br />The Loops are the bookers, the managers, the planners, the list-makers.<br /><br />The Loops are the behind-the-scenes brains of the whole operation.<br /><br />Without
Loops, the belts would just hang around, without any attention, unable
to perform. Without Loops, the belt would never get the credit it
deserves.<br />
<br />So when you're at Saint Rocke this weekend, dancing your ass off to
Mansions on the Moon, or seeing the legendary Leon Russell, please
acknowledge The Loops. <br /><br />Buy the sound men a shot. Shake the
manager's hand. Tip your servers and bartenders well. Give the hostess a
smile as you leave. <br />
<br />If you enjoy your time here: <b>TELL A LOOP</b>! The Loops don't do their looping to get rich and famous! They do it for the sole feeling of knowing fans appreciate it. <br /><br /><i>Your great time is the one thing that Loops care about most. </i><br />
<br />So the answer to you Mr. Hedberg, is: The Loops. They're the real hero.<br />
<br />
<br />
KT Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-19058564139172992432012-10-08T13:15:00.001-07:002012-10-08T13:15:27.950-07:00The Days of Our LivesLast week at our booking meeting, as we
were tossing around brilliant ideas about upcoming shows, I mentioned I
wanted to throw an "End of The World Party" on December 21. I have a
few local bands that are interested, and it would be an all-out crazy
rage fest.<b> <br />
<br />"Do anything and everything you want to do. Go out with a bang."</b><br />This
sparked some lengthy discussion. Some of my team members were
enthusiastic. Others cringed, (with good reason, I guess). It's not an
easy topic to wrap your brain around:<br />
<br />
"We're celebrating the Apocalypse,
now?" "How do you possibly decide what band you want to hear on the
last day of your life?" "I bet a ton of people would leave their tabs
open. hahaha."<br />
<br />A LOT of tough decisions go into planning the last show ever, and needless to say, we didn't come to any concrete conclusions
that day. <br /><br />But the topic stayed on my mind for a while, and it inspired me.<br />
<br />
Why wait until Dec 21 to live like it's your last day alive? Why not go
out with a bang EVERY chance you can! Do the things you always want to
do. Travel to the cities that interest you the most. Spend time with the
people you love. Find the job you are passionate about. Spend the money
you are saving for the <span id="taw" style="margin-right: 0;"></span>proverbial 'rainy day'. <br />
<br />And for crying out LOUD: have some FUN. When the weekend rolls
around, you have a choice. You can stay home and watch reruns on cable
TV...(How many episodes of Friends <i>are</i> there??) or you can go Rocke out to an epic show right here in Hermosa Beach.<br />
<br />Friday we are throwing a wild DISCO party, Saturday, we have an
amazing JOURNEY tribute, and Sunday, we have ROBBY KREIGER of The Doors.
(THE f*cking DOORS, dude!!)<br /><br />If the world ends suddenly, I want
to be singing "Don't Stop Believing" at the top of my lungs, and
throwing back shots of Fireball Whisky.<br />
<br />These are the Days of Our Lives. Go live a little.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-1406710675989589552012-10-01T18:15:00.001-07:002012-10-01T18:15:14.214-07:00The G Word<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwYhZ_qb3vya07gcpDZ7DxHfzuRi_OuAPqYVeEEuj5nnoAnj1AaNq-Tl1vvlp-BHIJGGmRNuD1kEXvG9RzRb-9cj7a27l5JL3j8MsQUSdeQ28MR78PJXqv0GLnsqu_knUcbaS5Lxi2Yo2/s1600/theletterg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwYhZ_qb3vya07gcpDZ7DxHfzuRi_OuAPqYVeEEuj5nnoAnj1AaNq-Tl1vvlp-BHIJGGmRNuD1kEXvG9RzRb-9cj7a27l5JL3j8MsQUSdeQ28MR78PJXqv0GLnsqu_knUcbaS5Lxi2Yo2/s320/theletterg.jpg" width="320" /></a>So I met a young gentleman the other night at a late-night dance party. (Fine...it was a rave. Sue me.) He
seemed like a cool dude, and not terrible looking. So, of course, I
started babbling. And when the conversation turned to music, I was all
in. (Truth be told, I can talk about music for hours, to anyone. So I
had a lot to say. And there's no "off switch.")<br />
<br />Anywho, I was chatting him up about the band playing at Saint Rocke this Friday: <b>PARTICLE</b>.
"They are effing rad. Electronic, jammy, psychadelic light show, 3 hour
set...They are the real deal, and I am ridiculously stoked!!"<br />
<br />The gentleman seemed somewhat interested, but then he laughed and asked, "Who are you, their GROUPIE?"<br /><br />I stopped and stared blankly, like I was just punched in the face...."Huh?"<br /><br />To
add insult to injury, he went on a tangent to explain to me what a
"Groupie" was. In detail. For about 20 minutes. As though I've never
heard that term before. Wow.<br />
I let him finish his rant about the Penny Lanes of the world who follow bands around like lost puppies....<br /><br />And then I stepped on my soap box and really let him have it. Firing an arsenal of verbal bullets, left and right.<br />
<br />"For a female who has been in the music industry for 11 years,
booking, marketing, and managing bands, and now a music venue, I take
serious offense to that word. It sets women back decades. The fact I'm
telling you about an awesome band, means simply: they're awesome. You
should give them a listen. It does not imply that I follow them around
and make out with them after the show. I make sure the show goes well
because that's my job. I'm proud of what I do. And I'm proud to be a
woman who rocks."<br />
<br />He was stunned silent. So, naturally, I kept going.<br /><br /> I started listing famous women musicians of the world. One of whom is playing at Saint Rocke on WEDNESDAY NIGHT: <b>Lita Ford</b>.
She's one baddass chica. (tix and info: <a href="http://saintrocke.com/" target="_blank">saintrocke.com</a>.) I was naming the
women I idolize. The women who paved the way for all females
struggling to make their way in a male dominated industry.<br /><br />"You
should probably just remove that from your vocabulary altogether. If
not, I can personally guarantee that you will never get my phone number.
And you'll never see me again. In short: I'd rather be called the C
Word...than the G Word."<br />
<br />I was on a roll.<br /><br />Once his tail was sufficiently between his legs, I shut up. He apologized. And he seemed sincere.<br /><br />I gave him my number. And I might even let him take me out sometime...but not during Particle. There's no way in HELL I'm missing that show.<br /><br />
KTAllen Sanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17132695702182483051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-49372842851397091762012-09-25T23:41:00.003-07:002012-09-25T23:42:25.759-07:00Tour Bus Syndrome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No matter how long I work in the music business, I still get butterflies
when a huge tour bus pulls up to the venue. The whole club is
buzzing. Equipment is loading in from all doors. The phone's ringing off
the hook. Tickets are flying off the website. Fans are lined up
around the block. <br />
<br />
Those butterflies can also be attributed to
the stress and worry about a live performance. There's no "restart"
button. No guarantees. It's thrilling, but it's nerve-wracking as hell.
I'm old beyond my years, and I should have started a zanax regimen years
ago...But when it all comes together, it's nothing short of amazing. 100% totally worth it.<br />
<br />
Last weekend could be considered one of those amazing weekends, no
doubt. We
hosted Eric Lindell, Tab Benoit, and Poncho Sanchez. Thurs, Fri, and
Sat. Hit, after hit, after hit! (You're welcome.) These dudes are some
of the
most talented artists in the world. Legendary musicians. Even a few
Grammy's in the mix. (When we have to special order a bottle of <span id="ecxtaw" style="margin-right: 0;"><a class="ecxspell" href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=7Zz&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&sa=X&ei=cjBiUOzXOovnigL7noCQCQ&ved=0CB0QvwUoAQ&q=courvoisier&spell=1" target="_blank"><b><i>courvoisier</i></b></a></span>
a week before, you know they are 'kind of a big deal'.) I couldn't wait
to see what show they were bringing to the South Bay, and I was working
my ass off, making sure every detail was under control. But when those gentlemen took the stage, it was like they were home.
You could hear a pin drop. The crowd was captivated, under their spell.
Everyone was impressed. I was relieved. All in all, a solid weekend at
The Rocke. <br />
<br />
What do we have in store for you this time around? More of the same: great live tunes, and more butterflies for yours truly. Friday is a rage-your-face-off Spazmatics 80's party, and Saturday
is the one and only: English Beat. (Or The Beat, as they're known in
England. Duh.) Thanks for being a fan, and we'll see you at the show!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
KTAllen Sanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17132695702182483051noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-28127746844456999152012-09-25T16:05:00.000-07:002012-09-25T16:05:01.830-07:00Owning a venue isn't about me...I built Saint Rocke in 2007.<br />
I still remember the men I built it with, and I still have the graph drawing of the bar on my wall at work. I build it with my own two hands, and my own mind..every wall, every drawing, every inkling of what I thought it would be, and what I wanted it to be. Saint Rocke still stands 5 years later, and not much about the historical building has changed - but I have.<br />
<br />
5 years x 365 days x average 2 bands a day = 3,650 bands that have played on Saint Rocke's stage, and if they all played a 60 minute set, that would be 219,000 minutes of music, or if we played it straigh, 152 days of music that has graced our venue. I've met everyone from John Popper to Gavin Rossdale to Amos Lee to Toots, but those aren't the people that have made an impression on me. Really. It's the people that work at Saint Rocke -- it's those that bleed music, spit lyrics, and sleep in melody to make Saint Rocke's heart beat. If you haven't met them yet, you should. Everyone in the South Bay probably takes it for granted, but we have music again. Live Music. And I like to think we are authentic, for whatever that means.<br />
<br />
So as the Saint Rocke brand grows, so too does our staff, and so too does the reminder that owning this venue isn't about me, or the partners, but its about those that have made it their life and identity to build & maintain a community of music & culture within the South Bay. And I've decided that it's time that the voice of Saint Rocke be not a singular perspective, but a unified wider look at what it's like behind the scenes of owning a live venue. On that note, one of our most epic family members, Katie, will be taking authorship of this blog, as she is closer to the source than I can be. We'll be including more frequent updates, and more informative information of whats going on at the venue, including show reviews, and weekly summaries of bands coming through.<br />
<br />
Because it's not about me. It's about us. And it's about Music.<br />
Click the video and you'll see a past vid of Katie and how she rolls....<br />
<br />
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Allen Sanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17132695702182483051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-70449648145474997022012-08-16T21:54:00.003-07:002012-08-16T21:54:49.958-07:00The Energy of a Crowd is Breathtaking...Another year of the Summer Concert Series, and another summer creeping to an end. Hard to believe we're in the second half of 2012, and even harder to believe that the hard work & creativity that has gone into the Hermosa Beach Summer Concerts has come to an end. On Sunday, we will be hosting the Aggrolites & Common Sense on the closing date of the series, behind last week's Spazmatics show that boasted record attendance of over 8,000 people. We have developed a very scientific method (sarcastic) of counting crowds, and the pinnacle achievement is when the swing set on 9th street is engulfed in families and friends having a good time. Last week around 7:15pm I walked down that way, and there was no swingset to be seen. Mission accomplished.<br />
<br />
It's one thing to put on a successful concert, and another thing to bring 8,000 people onto the beach to share in communal event. But the part that brings a smile to my otherwise level face is when I feel the energy that the crowd has. Children. Grandparents. Thirty somethings. There isn't a demographic that isn't represented in this crowd, and there isn't a time that I don't see people hugging, dancing, and getting along. No need for fences, security, wristbands, and crowd control. The reason why? Respect. We all respect our beach, our town, and our community. <br />
<br />
Well done Hermosa Beach. You should be proud of yourselves.<br />
<br />
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<br />Allen Sanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17132695702182483051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-77910303574242036702012-03-01T18:28:00.000-08:002012-03-01T18:28:06.449-08:00Slow down my Friend.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP48RO9mtrD6giWHy3uyt5hV2w1nYV6IDOmdi1pwwgdb6cF8VsjnpyKrBzMvtwWddnILS6d5MZhiF14v_JYPdSYc1mlwv2_gFKDPKcFRoPylzXuHn0hi5MAPB6XKH_wfmuofqukK2EJtq/s1600/Turtle.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP48RO9mtrD6giWHy3uyt5hV2w1nYV6IDOmdi1pwwgdb6cF8VsjnpyKrBzMvtwWddnILS6d5MZhiF14v_JYPdSYc1mlwv2_gFKDPKcFRoPylzXuHn0hi5MAPB6XKH_wfmuofqukK2EJtq/s200/Turtle.gif" width="200" /></a></div>When I was 20, with a somewhat useless Philosophy degree in my pocket, my Dad used to always tell me that to be successful, the logical step was to work for an established company, that will never go away. My brothers studied accounting, and they had gotten jobs at the all powerful Coopers&Lybrand, and Arthur Anderson, and I should do the same -- "get a job at Roberston Stevens," he said. Two years later, Arthur was gone, and Robertson sank. Lesson learned, and I decided from then on that I would be a creator. Of what I had no idea, but I would always create. I fell into the restaurant business for a brief 14 years (note sarcasm), started or built 7 restaurants, and just a year or two ago, I finally took a breathe. A real breathe. Some negativity hit my life, and it was time to stop, and regroup. And although I am used to driving 90mph, I slowed down. Seriously slowed down. Finally, I made a good decision.<br />
<br />
For those of you going 90, who think that having a full schedule means success, I would humbly challenge your assumption. I have never been more creatively productive as I have in the last year, and I attribute it to slowing down. Focusing on what's important, including non-business things. This didn't come without having to give up things, financially and emotionally, and I still calm myself down daily as I get into my zones. But the brainchild born of the focus is one of the most exciting things I've ever worked on, something I've noted to all of you before, called IROCKE. And although we've been in programming mode for over 5 months now, today the gravity set in when I read an article written on us in the <a href="http://www.easyreadernews.com/46988/irocke-live-streaming-music/">Easy Reader</a>, told from the view of an intelligent, unbiased writer named Mark, who knows the music business as well as anyone. It was surreal to read our ideas put into an article, and after reading, I realized that whether IROCKE changes the workd or not, my decision to slow down and focus was right. (by the way, if you want to be a beta test user, go to irocke.com and sign up).<a href="http://www.irocke.com/"> www.irocke.com</a><br />
<br />
They did a test a little while ago at Grand Central Station. Some people brought in one of the most famous violin players in the world, who was playing a 3.5 million dollar violin, and they had him play one of the most difficult and demanding concertos out there for over 2 hours, dressed as a street player, during rush hour. The question was this: when human beings are in the mode of work and survival, can they recognize and appreciate true beauty? In 2 hours, only 6 people stopped to listen.<br />
<br />
Would artistic beauty have found its way into your mind if you had walked by? <br />
Slow down my friend.Allen Sanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17132695702182483051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-50205592791530757662011-12-23T14:52:00.000-08:002011-12-23T14:52:52.545-08:0033% Work 33% Love 33% Play<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKr8wn4WQa1ea6Wc8fnqYkKLAVqCn2fPgBWqv2xKMFnyOZvNm3ElaM09RkVb1rZpSsaJRJFzxti4AZfkNARGQyPZtbuo6Iubw91-nJkSLzB4AzHxNpZR4Q2069lqPcKXyOXkrPscEuVmFM/s1600/Exterior9.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKr8wn4WQa1ea6Wc8fnqYkKLAVqCn2fPgBWqv2xKMFnyOZvNm3ElaM09RkVb1rZpSsaJRJFzxti4AZfkNARGQyPZtbuo6Iubw91-nJkSLzB4AzHxNpZR4Q2069lqPcKXyOXkrPscEuVmFM/s320/Exterior9.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
That is the equation that a good friend of mine told me is the formula to life...<br />
One of many quotes, formulas, philosophies, and cliches I've heard this year as I've finally opened my ears to the world. I know, it took 34 years and countless mistakes for me to grasp, but 2012 has been a remarkable (i loved that word, "to be remarked upon") year for me, and for Saint Rocke.<br />
<br />
Saint Rocke. Lots of highlights, some lowlights.<br />
Gavin Rossdale & Bush going old school and standing on the bar singing Glycerine, Bad Seeds coming full circle and playing the Beach Concerts in Hermosa, Black Crowes (Chris) playing NYE, Amos Lee & Mat Kearney inspiring, the girl who had cancer (see past blog) and came to see UL sending me a letter that she's in remission, seeing the Saint Rocke Staff grow, doing 100 live webcasts and having over 2,500,000 watch, taking a wild far fetched idea and making it a reality with IROCKE...great shit. All of it. The bank account is definitely not a marker for success in the music business, trust me. But these memories, and the stories I have to accompany them, are the currency we carry.<br />
<br />
We also had some hard times this year -- we lost some key staff, we burned some bridges, got burned, and lost some friends along the way. As a venue, we struggled to find our identity a little bit over the early part of the year with our booking, but luckily have rebounded and are now booking what I truly believe to be the best lineups we've ever booked. Additionally, in 2012, we have created a partnership that I believe will take music to a different level in the South Bay.<br />
<br />
I was talking to another booker a few weeks ago, and he had said that we read my blog, and that he really resonated with what I wrote -- the music business being able to drain your will & motivation -- and that he felt some comfort knowing that we were all really in it together. And as I move into 2012, with another of wisdom under my belt (that makes me realize I don't know anything), that quick point is magnified by thousand : we're all in this together. Today you might be in the 1%, tomorrow you might be at Occupy, the next day terminally ill...you just don't know. So how do we all get by? For me, I work, I play, and I love. For those that know me, they know I have the first two of those down, but the third has always been hard.<br />
<br />
Never too young, never too old, never too slow, never too fast, to start today.<br />
I hope everyone has a great holiday, enjoys their family the best they can, puts their differences aside, and realizes that in the end we're all in this together.<br />
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On behalf of the staff at Saint Rocke, Merry Whatever and Happy Holidays.Allen Sanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17132695702182483051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-88671672612131541302011-11-09T20:56:00.000-08:002011-11-09T20:56:09.278-08:00This might make you cry. It's that Touching...I have become pretty cynical and unemotional working in the music business -- money oriented much of the time, hard ass people, and seems like music is the last thing on people's minds. Last week though, I received an email for that exactly that reason I believe and it both broke my heart and gave me hope at the same time. You need to take a minute to read this... <br />
<br />
<i>Hello, I am seeing Unwritten Law at your venue next week along with some friends. I am writing because I would like next Friday night to be memorable. I have recently been diagnosed with advancing stages of ovarian cancer. Although, that is harrowing news, I would like to celebrate a positive aspect in my life. I have been fortunate enough to reunite with my first love. He is the friend who took me to your venue last month for my birthday and we are both HUGE fans of Unwritten Law. I was unable to contact the band directly so contacting the venue was my next move. You have my permission to forward this to the band/band manager. My request is simple, but I understand if it can't be accommodated. I'd like to dedicate a song to him: Unwritten Law's "Rest of My Life". We have both known each other for over 10 years. But, with the complications of life, work, and failed relationships, we just now were given the opportunity to rekindle this long lost romance. I have not informed him of my diagnosis, I am planning on telling him that night. But before our lives drastically change again, I'd like to have one perfect moment to cherish for the "rest of our lives". </i><br />
<br />
<br />
After I got this, I contacted the boys of Unwritten Law, and they were so utterly cool about it, it restored my hope & love for this. Changing lives...affecting lives...making a difference. They will be there at soundcheck Friday, and they will be at the show enjoying the music and eachother. And this wonderfully strong girl has inspired me, and I'm hoping to pass it along. (If there is one) God bless her.Allen Sanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17132695702182483051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-65131197788002909432011-10-20T09:27:00.000-07:002011-10-20T09:27:50.505-07:00Hotel Rooms in San Francisco and our Raison de'treCut to Sunday morning. In a hotel room in San Francisco, drinking my coffee and watching a Woody Allen movie, this quote melts its way across the screen... <br />
<br />
<i>"We all fear death and question the purpose of our lives. The job of the Artist though is to not succumb to despair, but instead find an antidote to the meaningless of existence."</i><br />
<br />
It's been a long year for all of us. Economy is not too good, the news is always negative, and with the growth of social media and twitter and twatter and facebook and foursquare, meaningless jarble seems to be abound. And until recently, I was kind of annoyed by it -- how many videos of nonsense can be put in your face, and how many blogs about nothing are out there (note sarcastic reference to self)? But when I heard this quote, it changed my whole perspective. It literally turned me 180 degrees.<br />
<br />
If you haven't questioned your existence, then as Socrates said, life isn't worth living. It's part of the project, part of the reason we're here. And no, everything doesn't happen for a reason, but I can sure as hell create a reason for just about any random coincidence that does happen. Point is though - as we all ask the unanswerable questions (i hope you guys do too or im worried about myself) it's super easy to throw your hands in the air, and say F&(# it. But Woody's quote here says different - you think you have some artistic ability? Then it's your JOB, your responsibility to society, not to succumb, but to try and find something that we all can take pleasure in, that we can all find meaning in.<br />
<br />
And so think about music & musicians. That's exactly what they do. They give us a nanosecond, a moment, when we're listening to our favorite song, where we cease to question, and we for a minute have the answer: ahh, this is what life is about. And I've never thought of it that way, but after hearing this, I came with a renewed sense of social responsibility to keep bringing music that the South Bay hasn't heard down here. What if the band on Saturday gives that feeling to a few people? Mission accomplished.<br />
<br />
Go buy a CD today (i know, i know).<br />
Thank the person/musician that has provided you some of life's antidote.<br />
<br />
And if you got a song that does it for you, share it with us.Allen Sanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17132695702182483051noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3959035038845348526.post-66310264432301145452011-10-03T23:39:00.000-07:002011-10-03T23:39:28.135-07:00Return of the Piano<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwommmf05xKl83cfPvdrtqqt02VCeDOomP7uSL-EmsBEhTNIGh0QNpjBaoef5WLncJMADfG2RwBOUqObcNLfwxQcagzN6N0qXdElcRA_Xxy3uiL_xxWZZjCon8Qg1JRemCxKPM75ZYxfoL/s1600/metaphor4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwommmf05xKl83cfPvdrtqqt02VCeDOomP7uSL-EmsBEhTNIGh0QNpjBaoef5WLncJMADfG2RwBOUqObcNLfwxQcagzN6N0qXdElcRA_Xxy3uiL_xxWZZjCon8Qg1JRemCxKPM75ZYxfoL/s200/metaphor4.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
I won't risk upsetting people that read this by getting into my religious beliefs, but I will say that I love symbolism and metaphor in life, and that almost any situation or action in our lives can be adapted quite nicely to some medium of meaning. This week has been no different for me - and as I pack up my office in my house, my symbol comes in the form of a Piano.<br />
<br />
After moving into my home in 2004, I rushed to get an office set up immediately. I rushed everything back then: life, relationships, breakfast, surfing. Everything that mattered to me for so long all of a sudden had become a distraction, because I was all encompassed into the art of business. I had started my first restaurant venture, the Union Cattle, and my partners and I were obsessed in succeeding there. So, as I moved in, my first thought was to be grown up and setup my camp of operations; a modern day office with technology and printers and screens and filing cabinets. Look at the suspenders on that kid. And so that was my twenties: the office in my home was my metaphor, my constant distraction, my raison d'etre. I can't tell you how many times I'd have a dinner party or female companion over, and I'd sneak to the office to check my emails, or the daily sales reports. Laughable, really.<br />
<br />
And so as I broke out my cardboard boxes this weekend, and packed up years of paperwork, old broken printers, and hundreds of fatherless cables, I lamented. I looked through the old deals, agreements, issues, and schematics that had once papered my walls, and I neatly packed them away to make room for the new metaphor: my Piano.<br />
<br />
Now one might say - the productivity! Why take a room that spit out creativity, graphics, contracts, ideas, a ton of work and replace it with a simple piano that won't contribute anything to Saint Rocke? And as I thought about it, sitting on a pile of old band posters, I realized that the Piano was my new metaphor. A maturing if you will, into a different type of person, a more well-rounded person, and thus a better business person.<br />
<br />
I think we are all creative inside, every one of us. But how many of us pursue, nurture, and promote that creativity? Do you? I can't speak for you, but I know that when I do it makes me more effective, more productive, and everybody that works around me is a little less tense. So for me, as the Piano comes in, and I start playing again, I realize that I've actually started working harder than before. On me.<br />
<br />
Go play the piano. Go paint a picture. See what happens.<br />
And if you're not too shy, tell us about it....Allen Sanfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17132695702182483051noreply@blogger.com0