Wednesday, June 29, 2005

I Love L.A. 3

Hey Soul Mates,
what a fantastic "only in Los Angeles day it has been."
The back is aching ferociously, but that can't stop me!

This evening we went to the live broadcast of ABC's Dancing With The Stars. It's a lot of fun being in a studio audience for a live show. The taped ones tend to get tedious. But Dancing is a quality show and there's quite a bit going for it. Live music, celebrities dancing, coldhearted judges. Ah, the dangerous and beautiful world of ballroom dancing. Being on the VIP list helped (thanks, Michael W.). We had fine seats, but watching the tape of the show, there wasn't a lot of face time to be had. So, blink and you missed us. The show was done at CBS Television City. I hadn't been in there since my weeklong stint as deep background on Bold & the Beautiful. I did get to chat with Randy Pulley, one of the crew members, whom I've known for a decade. Everytime I go to a filmed event (Idol, EW&F) he's there working his tail off.

Memorizing Rapper's Delight in 5th grad pays off...
During the warmup for the show, they played lots of dance music and the warmup comedian went through his routine. Just before the start of the show, he had Sugarhill Gang playing and asked for volunteers to sing the song. The first girl he chose knew the first line and that's all. The second gal ran out to the dance floor set and babbled. Getting frustrated, he said does anyone know more than that, so I raised my hand. He came over with the mic and I dropped some mad science on that crowd. I worked it too, serenading the show's hosts Tom and Lisa and the audience. I got a very nice reception for my performance, thank you. In fact, after the show, we were hanging out and a gentleman from the recording industry approached me with his compliments. Snap!!!

We also spoke briefly with Ashly DelGrosso, the cute dancer who was partnered with Joey Mac from NKOTB. And I ran into her again this evening at Farmer's Market after eating at Johnny Rocket's. She was definitely miffed about being voted off the show. All the dancers and celebs work hard to learn the routines. She told us that hopefully the show is coming back and all the dancers will have a chance to do it again. I wouldn't be surprised if they get some even bigger names to be on the program next season.

In the town where I was born...

The evening actually got more interesting. After Dancing With The Stars it was all down to the El Rey Theatre for RINGO STARR!! I've already seen Macca, so this means I've seen 50% of the Beatles. Ringo packed the place and a splendid time was guaranteed for all. Next week, Ringo turns 65 and he's in good shape. He warbled and joked through a hit filled set: Photograph, Octopus' Garden, It Don't Come Easy, Back Off Boogaloo, Boys, I Wanna Be Your Man, Act Naturally, Don't Pass Me By, Yellow Submarine and several stabs at brand new material from his latest disc Choose Love. It was great to see the world's most famous drummer hit the skins, too. His energy level and mantra of "peace & love" really kept the crowd in high spirits. It's always a trip to hear anyone talk about "George" or "John" on such a personal level. Ringo however does it without grandstanding, name dropping or being overly sentimental. He's still the comic Beatle, by God, he just makes you feel good.

The highlight of the set was the finale. With A Little Help From My Friends was all that and more. Ringo invited some celebrity guests to sing the harmonies. Get this: Gary Oldman, Doug Fieger (from the Knack), TV wonk Pat O'Brien, comedian Richard Lewis & Jeff Lynne from E.L.O. came up on stage. Wow. Gary Oldman!? One of my all-time favorite actors. It was surreal. Jeff Lynne!? Mr. Blue Sky. The best part of the evening? I got to meet Jeff Lynne, a perfectly decent chap who said, "Nice to meet you, mate." If you are a Beatles' fan, Ringo's new songs are lots of fun and I recommend a trip to his self-run website. Lots of cute film clips there.

What a great day. I hope that yours was peaceful or fun or eventful or all of the above.
Love, Power, Peace

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