Blue Darlin's Seattle Concert Review - Part II

Posted by Blue Darlin'

And then the famous Sharks n' Jets Rumble music from West Side Story comes on over the house speakers, and we know it's time for the boys to hit the stage. Minx had gone to grab her coat and bag, and is now walking across in front of the stage when CI&S come out and the lights go up! Just like at Konocti, she moves real slowly across the front of the room - perhaps CI was watching. I was too transfixed by the band. When she arrives, the Minx and I clutch each other and squeal, and stay in our Row 8 seats (only partly legal) 'cause we can't move now!!

The band played what indeed seemed a shorter set. I was most pleased to see that CI did not wear the heinous purple suit. And there was no belly dancer this show. He wore the black keys with rhinestone starbursts suit, and a black shirt. He was lookin' good. I spotted "my" gator on Hershel's amp about halfway through the show, and started giggling. Cool!! Two months later, and Mr. Gator is still there. (Thanks, Hersh!!) I was bummed that he never played "Blue Darlin'". And an abbreviated version of "Sweet Leilani". And I was a bit upset when I realized how much I had spent to see this damn show, what with having two seats! Egad!

But it was made somewhat worth it when they beckoned people up front. I jammed my way out of the row, yelling "Come on! Come on!" over my shoulder to Minx and got sucked into a flowing tide of humanity, then elbowing (politely) my way to second or third standing row, right in front of CI & Roly. Amazingly, no mean security at this show! I enjoyed the whole show from front and center. Yahoo! I could see the blue of his eyes and all. And I shot 3/4 of a roll of 35MM on my disposable camera (the Kodak Gold Max - the good ones!). I think I got some sweet shots. I'll develop 'em this week. I like to savor the memories, and drag it out. We weren't really supposed to have cameras there, or flash -- sorry CI. I tried. There was a pro photographer taking shots next to me, without a flash. She gave me her card and said I could call her about buying copies. I'd be glad to post the address/phone if anyone wants it, and if I get her permission to do so.

My only other beef is that CI did not seem to be his most jocular self. He seemed to be doing this set "by the numbers". It could have had so much more energetic spark. But you could have heard a pin drop during some of the slow numbers. A very respectful crowd. No obnoxious drunks, overtalkers, harlots, or shovers. Hallelujah!! Thank you, Seattle!

He did some of the same old, same old jokes, but I chuckled anyway. He did something about everyone reaching out and holding hands with the person next to you for a moment, and that maybe you'd connect, and later, you'd remember how you connected with their magnificent ass later, or something like that. That was funny. He also mentioned that Johnny Cash was really sick right now, and that if you believe in God, or a higher power in the universe or anything, if we could all just say a prayer for Johnny Cash this week, that it would really help. That the power of prayer has been proven to create miracles. He said it in an interesting, non-preachy, non-proselytizing way, though. You could tell he has the deepest respect for The Man in Black.

Hershel and Ross are getting very good at their comic bit moments. Hershel with his look of sheepish guilt when CI mentions the poodle/goatee hairs with the slight scent of Summer's Eve (can you say flavor-savor, Hershel?? ;'-)), and Ross with his chasing CI all over the stage trying to hand him the harmonica and his mock tiredness/exasperation looks. CI's eyes were just dancing during that bit with Ross - he looked like he was going to crack up. (I had seen Ross earlier in the day, coming into the venue while we were waiting at Will Call and had run over to say hi, and he says "Well, look who's here in Seattle...", by the way.) All the boys looked mighty cute that night, and well-rested. They sounded wonderful - the sound in that room is just perfect, as we had been told earlier by a few people. And they were right.

What amazed me is that the place is a dead-on replica of one of my favorite venues from back home. It was decorated and set up EXACTLY the same, from the chandeliers, to the seating, to the gold plaster decorations on the walls and ceiling. It used to be an original grand movie house in the 20's or 30's with lots of gold, rococco, and a Mighty Wurlitzer to accompany the flicks. And an orchestra pit. Fabulous place. They had this amazing cupid/Neptune/dolphin marble fountain (original) in the foyer outside the ladies room downstairs. Grand and gorgeous.

It seemed like the set went by so fast. As always, I enjoyed the semi-instrumental bit with the mini drum kit set up out front of the stage, when they do the quieter or more unusual numbers. I'm sorry for not nabbing a set list or writing it down, but I left that to others who usually do that stuff. I was there to enjoy, take pix, and record numerous details in my head for y'all. The band had the West Side Story-ish metal grate/fence backdrop and the silver streamer curtain that comes down behind it during the mirrored suit encore part.

CI still seems to be having trouble with his earpiece. At one point, I said to the guy behind me (red glitter shirt guy), "What is that *thing* hanging around his neck? A phallus??" 'Cause it looked like a flesh-toned penis-charm necklace. Then I realized it's his earpiece hangin' down around his neck, and that it just looked like a necklace. Good thing, 'cause I was worried that CI had completely cracked and was wearing a macho penis-man necklace! Eek! We were cracking up, though.

I was just grinning at the whole band from sheer listening glee, and most of 'em recognized me and nodded or grinned at some point during the show. That Brett is just so darn cute and happy looking. He is a joy to watch. He did do the stand on the organ bit and I got a picture of it. His organ didn't collapse, thank goodness. (No, silly, I mean the one he plays -- onstage!! ;-))

I also got a bit goofus and waved my mirrored shoe around trying to reflect back CI's light during the mirrored suit phase. He neither noticed nor was impressed. Awwwww. Maybe he's just not into feet/shoes, haha. Well, it may have been tacky, but I had to do it. 'Cause I was NOT aiming to clamber onstage for Bonnie Bee, even if asked. I fulfilled that urge/wish at Konocti. No need to be a Greedy Gus.

As for the Gold Digger Dancers, CI&S only invited up 3 chix. Roly motioned to some girl wearing devil horns (all night) and a red dress (vintage, I think), but she declined, if I remember. An Asian girl got up there, and the cutest nerdly-type girl got beckoned up by CI. And Hershel or someone asked up the 3rd girl, whom I don't remember anything about. The nerdly girl was so charming and cute, dancing so non-hoochie-like -- but well -- and had a cute little figure and outfit and the nerdly glasses thing goin' on, with the most gorgeous straight, long, shiny, deep-red hair. She was great, dancing right next to CI, but not trying to be sleazy or anything. She was a little embarrassed and blushing, but a great sport, and kept looking at him and smiling somewhat shyly. It was great to watch.

When it was all over (only 1-2 encores), we felt a little let down. We knew it hadn't been as long or intense/high energy as some other shows. We hung around in the performance hall, still trying to suss out a way to go to the afterparty. Someone was MAYBE going to come through with passes or tix, but that never did come to fruition. @#$%!! We then followed the stream of people heading out to the lobby to go into the party room, hoping we could "cheat" our way in there. No way, pal. They had the meanest security for that thing. "It's a BENEFIT, you know, people have paid BIG money to go to this party," said the el-snotto female beast behind the merch table. Every person associated with the security and management for the afterparty was a real snooty wanker, noticed both Minx and I, who were *awfully* proud of their temporary powers and positions. Bite me, people, really.

I buttonholed Doug and said hello and thanked him for a great Konocti event. I didn't see Brett around at all, which was a bummer, since I wanted to give him some pictures I had shot of him onstage in Konocti and SF. I said hi to Kenney and gave him a pic. And talked to Hershel, who said "Did you see your lizard up there?". And I laughed and hugged him and said thanks for still having my gator around! That was so neat! Minx and I scurried over to the signing table as CI was on the last two people, and I had nothing to sign (had forgot any toys, CD's, only had pix). I gave him a pic of the mirrored dress girl and him onstage in Konocti, saying "Remember this one?". And he tucks it in his pocket, saying something like, "Oh, yeah, I remember that night!" (But I don't think he meant it in THAT way, so pipe down you green-eyed monsters!) He was in a huge hurry - I don't even remember much what I said to him! I didn't ask for a picture of us together. I was quite cowed, from the rude security, and they were hustling him off. I introduced him to Minx, since I hadn't been able to at Konocti due to my laryngitis and he was afraid to be near my germs, as you remember. He looked at Minx as if to say, "Sorry - I have to go. Wish I could hang longer." And I wasn't really able to talk to him anyway, because the girl next to me at the signing table obviously knew him and they were conversing. He was totally focused on her, and I felt I would be rudely interrupting. Oy! Timing is everything, i'nt it?

Then I ran over to Roly to give him some AWESOME pix I had of him from the Warfield and Pantages and Konocti. He took like 5 of 'em. And seemed very pleased and grateful. I only got to chat very briefly because someone was hogging him up with all these gifts for him, and homemade stuff, and stuff to sign, and please take a picture? And then he was running late for the afterparty. I got in a quick hi and a few questions or comments, had him choose some pix, and took one superfast picture with him. We begged him to try and get us into the party, but he really couldn't. Oh, well. The minute the door closed on the last band member, the security descended in force on those who had no passes. "You'll really have to leave now. This is a PRIVATE party, for those with passes only." "Do you have a pass? Well, then you'll have to leave," quoth one non-gent in his most perfect snooty Hollywood security-type tone. And then loomed over us, advancing us toward the outer doors. He was not amused when I had to change into my walking shoes -- I was limping in those mirrored mules at that point. What-everrrrr!!

So, we left. Dejected. Realizing we had paid a pretty price to be pretty close up to the band for a short amount of time. (At least I didn't get sick and "waste" a ticket for the millionth time!)

We went back to the hotel room and started getting organized with a little packing and some late night snacking. Someone had said they might call later after the party, but did not. We finally fell asleep, exhausted from a full day o' festivities. And the South American guy called to get together before we left, but we declined.

Sunday was more raw and cold and overcast, more like back in SF. We meant to go to Snoqualmie Falls (where they filmed Twin Peaks!!), but instead spent waaay too much time in the Fremont neighborhood (arty part of town), browsing in the shops and in vintage places. We found this AMAZING vintage place with insanely cheap prices, and both scored some gee-orgeous dresses! I got some Bakelite jewelry and this great man's shirt (rayon) too! I was totally psyched. You get reamed for this stuff in the Bay Area. We ate lunch, and drove around the lake, and walked the canal. So picturesque. They lifted up the bridge to let a seriously big-ass boat go up the canal toward the open sea. Wow. It was majestic to watch. And then we saw a whole line of big gorgeous sailboats coming, neat as you please, slowly, like a line of ducklings, down the canal to the inner lake. We waved at them like idiots -- what is the human propensity to do that to trains, planes, and boats??

We drove under the Space Needle again, and snapped some pix. They had an amusement park (temporary?) or fair right on the grounds around it and that sure looked like fun, but we didn't stop. (Note: See the Space Needle all lit up at night -- it is fabulous!). We then drove down to the waterfront, looking for Ye Olde Curiousity Shoppe - a place I had always wanted to go. It ended up being more of an overcrowded gift shop than a museum. But it had some rad mummies and freaky @#$% in there. Like drawings on the head of a pin. Writing on a human hair. Carved grains of -- rice!!! And many dead animals and just gross-out stuff. Like a two-headed pig and stuff. And a whale's "member". I pored over everything. The place smelled rather rank though, probably from all the formaldehyde and dead stuff in there. Some of that stuff could scare little kids, although it would have fascinated me no end at age 10.

And I really, really, really wanted to go on the Underground Tour (under the ground, parts of "Old Seattle" and its colorful past), and now I'm kicking myself that I didn't fit it in or insist more on it over the weekend. We instead ended up at......you guessed it -- Nordstrom's (Rack) again!! At the Supermall. The drive is pretty, though. And we went to a few places in the mall. I almost got lost, trying to meet up with the Minx in there again. I was FREAKING out because we had to turn in the rental car and make our flight, and that place is just insanely @#$%ing huge. Malls make me nervous anyway. Please don't let America keep building malls this size. It's just wrong. There is something very, very wrong about it. And everything there was an outlet. It's like all the cut-out stuff and returns from all over America end up in.....the Seattle Supermall.

So, that's it. We flew home, exhausted. I gave in to my somewhat bitterness, realizing what a CI&S junkie I am, and felt a bit ashamed over it. But I'd never seen Seattle, and really enjoyed that part, and definitely will be going back there. We did get into the show, and got to see 'em up close and personal, and brought the trip in under budget. And I got to do tons of driving and nature-absorbing, which is more than happens here at home!

Although I did miss that awesome party of Mango Mama's.........

Thanks for tuning in, CI&S fans. That's it for the concerts for me for a while. Gotta build up the ol' bank account.

Ciao for now, B.D.

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