Yesterday, August 6th, would've been Elliott Smith's 38th birthday!!!
Elliott Smith was a classic NW Indie Rocker from Portland. Originally in a really good band called Heatmiser he also released several solo albums.
Ironically after driving past for two years.... my friend and I decided to take pics in front of the "Elliott Smith" wall in Silverlake this weekend.
See - Elliott Smith had this fantastic album "Figure 8" which featured one of the best songs ever - "Son of Sam." Here's the CD Cover!!!
Now - he was standing in front of a real wall in Silverlake on Sunset - here's me (with Jake's dog Roscoe!) in front of the same wall!!
Sadly - in 2003 Elliott Smith committed suicide. However, he's continued to release new albums since in a very 2pac sorta way. Just had to PAUSE for a very indie rock moment!
Friday Night was another BandJAM at Art Share L.A.!
Friday was another BandJAM at Art Share L.A. Dead N Broken, Nightmare Syndrom, 25 East, and Graveyard Treats played. If you'd like to get involved in the First Friday ALL Ages Concert Series either planning, promoting, performing, or volunteering the next planning meeting is WEDNESDAY August 8th at Art Share L.A. at 6:30. www.artsharela.org
Also gotta give a shout to Diane Merricks for donating gear to the girls!! Here are some pics!
A lot went on in the last week... and I've been a lil lame at my blogs. Let me try to catch up!!!
July 28th -
Went to My Chemical Romance & Linkin Park at The Projekt Revolution Tour. I love those My Chem boyz. They put on as good of a show as ever... complete with Gerard and Frank making out mid-set. It was my first venture to the Hyundai Pavillion which was far - but a good venue.
July 30th -
M.I.A. took over at KIIS! We did another New Music Network Meeting. We should be able to air the webcast/interview this week. Quite simply she's a revolutionary. Her music is CRAZY but I love, love, love it. That night she played The Echoplex and it was a dream come true. I would've gone on Tuesday as well but had to pace myself.
July 31st -
SUCH an incredible day. I had the opportunity to interview Ishmael Beah the author of "A Long Way Gone." It was one of the most exciting moments of my life because just a few months back... I had read his book about when he was a Child Soldier in Sierra Leone. It really affected me. Then through the most bizarre domino effect I ended up talking to him on the phone... getting his info... then interviewing him for The KIIS Community Council!!
Check this out - he signed my book. "With Gratitude for a Great Conversation." HOW DOPE IS THAT!!!! I really feel lucky to get the opportunity to meet people with so much character who have been through so many things. Its really inspiring and ultimately leads to what I want to do long term - combine my entertainment resources with my philanthropic relationships. Sorta like BONO.
Yesterday was a hard day. There was a big Community Meeting at A Place Called Home (www.apch.org) They are having some budget cuts so they are changing their hours and had to let go some of the staff.
A ton of families came out and were talking about what a big impact APCH has had on their lives and that they don't want it to change. I mean... at the end of the day I think it's going to be all good. It's still open and there's still a ton of things to do there. However, even talking about change you could really hear the, almost desperation, in the community for support.
Like there was a mom talking about how her daughter had come to APCH since she was 8 years old... and the staff was really important to her. That she would go to the center when she didn't feel like she could work something out with her family or was having problems at school. Her daughter has really excelled - she even got to skip a grade in high school. BUT when she came to APCH the other day and saw some of her favorite staff members no longer worked their she went home and has been sad ever since... doesn't know if she wants to go back... and her Mom is worried she's going to start going down the wrong path.
Another time they were talking about field trips. They're going to start implementing a $10 deposit for field trips for the kids that's refundable... to guarantee the kids show up. I guess they've had problems before budgeting for transportation and field trip spots. One Mom, who looked SO young to me, stood up and looked like she was ready to cry. She said... "I understand you need to do this. My child has missed a couple field trips that she signed up for and its MY fault. I'm a single Mom with four kids and some days when I need to get my daughter to the center at 11 AM I just can't... because of work or the other kids. I'm sorry - I didn't mean to cause problems. I just need more help." It made me wanna cry. I mean - dude, I can barely take care of my cat yo! I can't keep a plant alive in this joint. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a single Mom, with four kids, and not have a lot of resources.
So... yesterday was kinda a bummer. I have to admit I came home and was sorta "over it." Its frustrating when you know people need a lot of help but there's nothing more you can do. I mean - today I'm taking my Mentee Maria to My Chemical Romance.
If you ever want to do ANYTHING for APCH from mentor, to donate a couple bucks, chaperone a field trip, help a homie on some homework... anything - its really fun and they need your help. Check out www.apch.org or - JUST ask me ;)
