A Weekend To Remember

Said , Oh Yeah , Baby , Baby    Now If There's A Smile On My Face    It's Only There Trying To Fool The Public    But When It Comes Down To Fooling You    Well Now , Honey , That's Quite A Different Subject     So Don't Let My Glad Expression Give You The Wrong Impression    Cause Really , I Am So Sad   Oh , I'm Sadder Than Sad    Look , I'm Hurting , I Want You So Bad   Like A Clown I Appear To Be Glad    Ooh , Yeah , Now There's Some Sad Things Known To Man  But Ain't Too Much Sadder Than   The Tears Of A Clown   When No One Around   Said , Oh Yeah , Baby , Baby , Baby   Oh , Yeah , Baby , Baby , Baby   Tears Of A Clown 

The Beat 

I Just Can't Stop It 1980 

ZOLOPHT: 

Our last Famers Market of 2025 was sprinkled with the sounds of the local band Zolopht. By far , this was the largest turn out for any off these downtown markets. In my opinion , only the car show a few weeks back created a wilder scuttlebutt throughout the downtown area. 

My only complaints hit these two notes. First , the band woke up , threw on whatever happened to be on the floor , walked up on stage , and called it a show. And my second , it is always this complaint , SNOB Production pounds the volume into our inner ears. SNOB clearly neglected reading the market crowd and assumed that is was a rock concert. WHY So Loud 

RADIO DAYS:

KAFM once again missed the mark with their lack of fund raising skills. But it's what they seem to excel at. For me , I personally enjoyed catching up with old faces and all while reminiscing over summer trips and upcoming plans. The purposeless Program Director Katie happily sat with her back towards the front door and chatted with very few individuals. One of the DJ was quick to point this out. Guy in the Sky who was "running" the event , disappeared with out saying thank you , fuck you , or donate a dime please. Nor has anyone at the community radio station sent our a thank you acknowledgment of any sorts. Very Professional

POLLINATION:

Now , just for reference here , KVNF in Paoina not only hosted a booth at Harvest Fest but sold grilled cheese sandwiches for $6 , Hot Tomato Soup For $3 , and ALL beverages for a dollar. KAFM who?? Booth what?? Why 

After our gig during radio days , The Dude & I melted our way into the automobile for a quick drive up into the foothills. The little cozy town of Paoina presented their 24th Annual Harvest Fest and that community featured artist striving for a creative outlet. All these folks wanted to do was entertain and showcase their crafts. And That They Did 

Amber The Human ran the stage and her hubby was THE director of operations , KVNF offered up 37 volunteers to help cook , local nonprofits tended the bars pouring local brews and hard ciders from multiple taps , and over 200 local folks volunteered for miscellaneous tasks throughout the three day weekend. Plus , the Circus Of Collective designed the "pollinators" for evening stimulations. Boom Shakalaka Boom  

This will be a weekend for the history books. The Church provided clean high end tasty chocolates for a field trip that was very well timed out. The stars would peak out between storm clouds but no rain droplets ever fell. The Dude & I carried around our stainless steel water bottles full of adult goodness. And so many faces popped up from behind unfamiliar faces in the crowd. Unreal

I had the privilege of catching up with so many people. Friends that I hadn't seen in years. Old co-workers from over 20 years ago. Gears And Beers friends from 2008!!! It was borderline overwhelming. Such as , just as these flowers rolled over where you could almost touch them , I heard " Padre?" and off to the races we went. Most excellent with a hint of challenges. But as a veteran , I believe I held my own and made sense. Who Knows 

The Motet was the headliner and they brought the funky deep greasy jams and we all turned into a sweaty pit of goodness. Solid two hours of grooving out in front of the stage , playing cat paws with the pollinator crew members , and only focusing straight up to catch a glimpse of a shooting star. We all witnessed a bunch of shooting stars. Some of them trailed long enough for other to see as well. Talking like a three second shooting star. Not just your average quick streak. So Bitchin 

After The Motet hit their last note at 9:30pm sharp , the crowd was ready to roam about. And that we did!! The Dude & I hooked up with a GJ resident D.B. and the three of us cruised the town. We walked for hours , we slipped in and out of a few watering holes. Somehow , we meandered into a grind fest in a downstairs house party or some sorts. It was a full on Dirty Dancing Movie with a modern twist. Another highlight was when D.B. found us a love seat inside a piano bar where a lady with a smoky voice softly serenaded us all while an older fellow picked on an acoustic guitar. Our waitress easily pegged us as characters that were on a good time roll. She looked out for us while we giggles like school girls and the bar was tastefully full of unique antique collections of all types. Hints: Lounge Bar 

Will admit here , sunrise was a shocker. Wasn't planning that at all but it happens. And it was spectacular with a splash of magic I tell ya. And it wasn't even Vegas. Hot Dang 

DOGS:

Nailed a new house sitting gig and talk about top shelf status. This place is flipping gorgeous and the dog is ALWAYS happy just being wherever is here. Love That 

I was chatting with another rider during bike night back in August and a gal riding along overheard me mentioned a current dog sitting gig. Few block down the street , she asked me about $$$ and all that jazz. This gal works remote but is based in Philly. Score 

She is a lovely French Canadian lady and her dog is beyond polite as all get out. The kind of dog in which you set down her bowl of food and she looks up as of to ask ," Is this dish for me?" Such a good dog , super mellow dog , and sleeps throughout the entire evening. Fabulous 

She did start to pull on the leash during our first walk but I gave her the stern command HEAL and she never pulled me again. We covered miles and miles per walk , she was always happy to walk , and she never barked at any other dogs or tired to give chase to cats or any weird doggy behaviors. Just Walk  

So in closing , KAFM Blows Still. Good Dogs Are The Best. Still working like a mad man. Not sure what avenue to stroll with this blog thing. Meaning , cant comment on my own blog , clicked off 10,ooo robot views , and blogging just hasn't been on my radar as it once was. Who Knows?? I mentioned this before that I averaged 200 - 300 readers per post. But 10,ooo+??? Fuhgeddaboudit 

FOXIE FLO:

We have two remaining scheduled gigs of our unbraided Summer "tour" for Foxie Flo. We did well. We made money. We learned new covers. We have 18 Misty original tunes and my one. We created a little buzz this summer. Always amazed by the positive feedback afterwards. Will see where we land this winter with this project. Maybe Yes , Maybe No 

I do find pleasure performing and I seek benefits of practice sessions. It is just utterly difficult to not become jaded about the half $$ humans that call themselves promotors , owners , or coordinators. But if I am able to organize this winter , land a solid schedule for 2026 , and have an actual game plan , this could be a damn good year. 

Have Yourself A Delightful Rock Toeber ,

Cheers 

Puddles Pity Party Baby

Take Your Baby By The Hand   And Make Her Do A High Handstand   And Take Your Baby By The Heel  And Do The Next Thing That You Feel    We Were So In Phase  In Our Dance Hall Days   We Were Cool On Craze   When I   You   And Everyone We Knew   Could Believe    Do    And Share In What Was True  I Said   Dance Hall Days Love    Take Your Baby By The Hair    And Pull Her Close And There  And Take Your Baby By The Ears    And Play Upon Her Darkest Fears 

Wang Chung

Points On The Curve 1984 

FOXIE FLO:

We played a gig and WoW. We were asked to open for a headliner on short notice. No big deal. We were asked to play a quick 30 min set , almost a tweener set if you will , and we decided to simply whip out our originals and pass on any covers. We were ready right at 7pm , the sound guy allows us a quick check , and we hit the first note at 7pm. Just as we began , the house lights when down. I was totally screwed!! My old eyes , couldn't see the sheet music. My old eyes , couldn't see my fretboard. Instead of panicking , I just played. After the first song , I whispered to Misty and explained that I am keeping my end very simple. Very basic I played. I concentrated on whole notes and every once in awhile played on the 3 & 4 & of the count. We wrapped up our set and they asked us to play a couple of more as the band isn't quite ready. So we did. We ended up covering a full hour. Now , I didn't think much of it. We didn't pull out any obscure covers , I played simple bass patterns , and we didn't go over the top at all. As we stepped down from the stage , we were swarmed. Everyone treated us like rock stars and hugs and questions and PHOTOS!! Thats right , multiple "fans" asked for photos with the two of us on each side of them. It was wild. It was a surreal moment for me. Not big headed by any means , just a first is all. Maybe someday we will have an autograph session. Just Joking 

THE SHOW:

Hands down , best show of 2025!! And without doubt , best show ever at the Los C Amphitheater!! Arguably the best concert of this first half of a decade here in the 2020s so far. Puddles Pity Party is way better live than on YouTube.  If you are unfamiliar with PPP , watch this VIDEO now , then return for this uncomplicated write up here below. PPP's Live version of David Bowie's Lazarus watered my pretty little brown eyes as I sang along with. His Live rendition of Stairway Gilligan's Island mash up added depth , soul , and the playback video screen capturing clips housed my attention span. This also includes the water to the face feature while singing away. Thank You Puddles Pity Party !! Thank You  

His improv was over the top , his monstrous voice was remarkable , and his famous cover tunes on YT were smashing live. If for some reason , you pass on the above PPP Video , listen to this War Pigs tune while scrolling along. His talents are flipping unbelievably sensational. Puddles performed this whole Kevin Costner tribute on the big screen while singing that cracked us all up. Just those little attributes made the set. He pulled folks up from the audience to sing with or play his pretend instruments during Stairway To Heaven or this guy dressed in a Modelo Beer Bottle while Puddles serenaded the young man with his Spanish version Estoy Sentado Aqui. My only complaint was that he only performed for 30min. Even a full hour would not have been enough to satisfy my desires. Hilarious  

And another highlight was that The Dude and I sat front row without knowing any better. These two seats were perfect for Puddles. Then during the last song , two dipSh*t yahoo's walk up and were livid that we were in their seats. " We paid top dollar for these tickets!" the lady shouts without an once of pedigree. The Dude and I oblige with a course of action towards the back row of the VIP area and thankfully we did. #1) The sound was noticeably clearer. #2) Our unimpeded line of sight of the entire video screen from this advantage point was a true bonus. #3) The folks next to us were a hoot. #4) My neck was crocked now. You will notice in the upcoming photos how all the lined up guitars , equipment power box/travel case , Drum Kit , and keyboard blocked half of the video screen from those front row "top dollar" seats. The Dude even says to me ,"Could you imagine how bummed we would be if we actually paid for those seats up front?!?" Classic 

Now Weird Al , a whole other level of showmanship. I felt as if I knew enough about him to know him. Sh&t F*re Was I Ever Wrong. First of all , the guy opens his show from the Green Room , singing throughout the hallways , nails Puddles with a pie in the face , comes out from behind the amphitheater IN THE crowd , singing through the crowd , walks up the stage steps , and continues sings without missing a beat. Outstanding Entrance

As you can see the rather large video screen in this above photo , Weird Al created a Robot Chicken effect of interviews , channel surfing , interviews , funny A$$ Sh&t , the entire band would change outfit. The whole band changed costumes about every third song. My kind of band and I truly wish that I was on tour with these guys. Remarkable 

And these guys are aging , at elevation , and never missed a beat. To even remember the janitor during Teen Spirit , or as Weird Al sings it , Smells Like Nirvana. Busting out the DEVO appearance was a blast and way high energy. Loved It 

Full on nails eBay , just for me. Dukes Of Hazard Ashtray on the screen , White & Nerdy , just for me , I Love Rocky Road , just for me , Canadian Idiot , for all of us!!! It was as if I wrote his setlist as he checked them off one by one , just for me. Party in the CIA in the below photo. Stoked 

His Micheal Jackson sets were earth shattering!! For me , I aired these parodies on KAFM 15 , if not 20 , years ago and to hear and witness them live , magical for me. I mean , in the photo below , Weird Al is fully kicking his leg out like MJ was famous for. And for all the members on stage to be locked in , Phuc Yes I Tell Ya. And the crowd singing right back at him note for note , magical. Pure Magic 

In this video below , these two gangsters were influencing Weird Al to eat more to be a proper associate of the club. The video was broadcasting while Weird Al came out like ... 

That's right!!! I'm Fat. The parody from MJ's I'm Bad. We all know this one and check out that get up there. Again , he is fully aerobic , singing his heart out , and at elevation. Below was his famous Eminem Couch Potato parody while rolling around stage on a Segway to boot. And once again , the crowd sang damn near every word to every song. Engaging 

The Amish Paradise hit home for me. When this jam first debuted in 1996 , I wore that cassette out. Remember when cassette tapes released singles?? Remember those?? But again , the whole band dressed , played their parts , and danced during every song. Beautiful 

And that video screen , at one point while the band changed off stage , they project all the animation clips that Weird Al has been featured in. Simpsons , Family Guy , Futurama , etc. That screen was a performance in itself and Weird Al was sort on when singing or matching the scene with the storyline. Never missed a beat , AT ELEVATION. Brilliant 

Then , for the encore , our own GJ Star Wars Club shows up for the delightful YODA parody hit!! At another point of changing outfits , on the video screen , they broadcasted his movie when he meets John Deacon from QUEEN and delivers Another One Rides The Bus. If you saw that movie , you would be on board with my giggles right now. Legendary

So I was asked this question , I hate this question , what was my favorite. Why do folks ask," What is your favorite song? What is your favorite color? What's was your favorite team?" That question is impossible for me to answer with any given inquiry. Whats your favorite beer? Well , is it summer or winter when you asked me that question. Anyway , I apologize for that rant. I did answer them with this," My favorite aspect was when Weird Al stopped singing , the audience was dead still." Every concert you attend these days , audience members talk throughout the whole Phuc'n show. But with this live performance , everyone was in tune and in my case , on the edge of their seat. Well Done Weird Al 

I pulled up the rest of the tour , all of the VIP Tix are sold out for the month of September and a majority of his upcoming shows are also sold out. Now , that is saying something. If you ever have a chance to catch Puddles Pity Party OR Weird Al , do not pas up that opportunity. Don't Be Left Out As Musicians Aren't Getting Any Younger 

LAST MAN:

It is time once again for our Last Man Standing League , as the defending champion that is. Now , our league is beyond elementary. We have a member that only picks by the mascot , we have a member that only takes a team on Monday Night , and we have an entire family that picks as well. Meaning , this league is more about bragging rights than anything. Really!! Last year was the first time that I ever claimed top dog as I usually bounce out by about week 10. Thursday game Eagles vs Cowgirls , excellent first half , Fridays game in Brazil , way exciting , Sundays games , Oh Baby , Sunday Night ( only game I caught on Sunday ) speechless , and MNF was another rowdy come from behind. Call me nutz so but I dig Football. Knowing that The New Orlean Saints are a train wreck and the AZ Cardinals are a team I normally shy away from in this league , I picked AZ and sneaked in a W for Week 1. Dynamite 

Think Snow !!

Cheers 

P.S. The downside here for a second of your time. The amount of hours workin in August curved my appetite for reindeer games as the 13th was my only nothing scheduled day. 

The other piss me off is this whole Robot BS Ai HorseSh*t under this FREE blogging format. My normal viewing numbers run between 200 and 300 per post. As you have all recently chatted about , this new ramp of numbers totally sucks. Like I have 3,000 readers. Like I have 19 hundred followers. Bummer Bot 

Where Did August Gallivant Off To

When I Met You In The Restaurant   You Could Tell I Was No Debutante   You Asked Me What's My Pleasure   A Movie Or A Measure   I'll Have A Cup Of Tea   And Tell You Of My Dreaming   Dreaming Is Free   Dreaming   Dreaming Is Free   I Don't Want Charity   Pleasure's Real Or Is It Fantasy   Real To Real Is Living rarity   People Stop And Stare At Me   We Just Walk On By   We Just Keep On Dreaming 

Blondie 

Platinum Collection 1979 

COLORADO STREAM: 

Our mighty Colorado River is nothing more than a regular old obscure creek. But a majority of folks still lack basic recycling skills. Question: in your town/city/community , do cars idle when parked? Do you see drivers sitting in their autos with the AC running while starring down at their phones?? Just Wondering 

For the first 25 years of claiming GJ as my permanent residency , August was when we received the much welcomed Monsoon rains. The past three years , clouds only. The Monsoonal Patterns are still in motion , clouds aloft , just zero drops of rain. Sucks 

This Storm Above Produced Some Totally Righteous Lightning Bolts 

Yup , No Rain For The Valley 

This Cell Moved Through And Soaked Me During My Commute On The Bike. YES 

The cloud cover is welcoming from the dog days of summer heat but sure would enjoy a few drops here and there. What is really eye opening is watering over at the three homes that I care take for , the soil is bone dry by the evening. The owners of one home sort of questioned my thoroughness a few weekends back. I completely understood where they were coming from as the evaporation is striking. Once they watered "for" me , they realized what an arid desert we truly reside in. One home has four girls out back and they are dank as can be but the rich soil remains dry as can be within hours of a healthy drink. Telling ya , this Sh*t is real. I happily contest as I have been watching these two particular homes since 2020 and this half of a decade has been spooky. The other home I manage , this is my second season so I am not basing my information off that place. However , I venture a bet that it marries the other two properties. Dyeing Earth 

BIKE NIGHT:

Still rockin the Ol Bike Night Shenanigans and having fun with that. These four years of Friday Night Bike Night have been the catalyst for survival I tell ya. Truthfully 

Friday Night Bike Night is a casual ride around town and gives us all a reason for a chat. A reason to feel communal in our community. The costumes not only bring a smile to my heart but there is something rewarding to witness a random stranger walking downtown and a smile grows across their still face when we shout ," Happy Friday!" Its Beautiful 

Plus , the gathering to convey unity becomes infectious for sure. Most riders pass on the dress up theme and that is a OK by me. Just showing up and express positivity is all that is ever asked. Well , that and stopping at intersections. Following rules took some time. Some real time!! But these days , our tribe stops when our light turns yellow. Just Stop Please 

Sure makes the world a better place when everyone plays by the rules and watches out for one another. You know , be the better human. Please 

So we all happily celebrated 4 years of bike night and I sure hope to celebrate another 6 years. Would throughly love to see this grow into an event. Would love to see everyone dress up. Would love to see everyone decorate their bikes. Would love to see everyone smile. Would love to see more first time riders. Would love to see someone park their damn car and go for a ride with common folks simply looking for entertainment. And these rides are a pleasure to share with The Dude & random friends as well. Let's Ride 

DOGS:

PHOTOS:

So this picture below and the photo at the top are pretty dang cool. This one below was intentional and the top photo was a happy accident. I say that because my iPhone was in my pocket and somehow found this portrait setting with a blacked out feature. Correct , the background was blacked out and that was totally new to me as I will be using this setting a lot more for sure. This cartoon bottom photo only happens when sending a photo from my contracts. Meaning , I am unable to go through my library album and change photos to cartoon filters. Dancing Along 

Wake Up And Smile ,

Cheers