Los Angeles, California: Leo's middle school band played The Whiskey! Seriously. Well, not so seriously as the club did not ask them to play. It was a school fundraiser. But still! Leo was on stage at the Whiskey a Go Go Thursday night.
Bubba and I drove to Los Angeles in the afternoon and checked into the closest hotel to the Whiskey that was under $700. We, clearly, are not the usual guest.
At 6p, gramps and I spiffed ourselves up and walked to the venue. A crowd already at the door.
There were all sorts of confusing rules at the Whiskey that were broken tonight. That whole "no one under 21" law went out the door. Leo is 12. (Leo's godmother, Angela, brought her baby!) But the bouncer would not let me bring in a teeny bag of Madeleines I had baked for Leo. Would not. No food allowed. Leo was allowed to grab the bag and take the cookies back to the green room... where I am sure they disappeared faster than the bowl of weed usually consumed in the green room. Actually, Leo told us the staff had set up a candy buffet backstage for the band. Leo told us how amazing the room was and how many famous musician's signatures were on the wall. How fun! The middle-school band included two guitarists, a drummer, a violinist and two female singers.
The show started about 30 minutes late (like they were rockstars?), and by the time the music started every table on the balcony was full and the area in front of the stage (standing room only) was full as well. We had a booth on the side of the stage - it was easier to contain Sebastian (19 months) there - and we had a place to keep our jackets and purses. The servers were friendly and prompt and seemed to be enjoying the rarity of children in The Whiskey.
I'd say the kids played for about one hour: several songs I did not know (Journey), and Brown Eyed Girl, Twist & Shout, Black Bird, Proud Mary, Shake It Off (Taylor Swift), and they ended the show with the new Beyoncé cowgirl song, Texas Hold Em. Leo tucked-in the front of his rock band tee shirt to reveal a huge silver cowboy belt buckle. Then he donned a cowboy hat. The crowd went wild!
The band finished-up with a grand cowgirl+boy finale, including Leo dancing on the floor - while playing the final notes.
A two minute synopsis video:
If this column seemed like Big Bragging, too bad. It's my grandson and my blog. We are all so proud of Leo and his bandmates for putting this performance together. I hope they do it every year.
It was up and out of town for Bubba and I this morning. He had another doctor appointment. To update: all well! Everything going as he had hoped. Dave is back to riding his bike like a mad-man every morning, so I know he is feeling better.
Until my next update, I remain, your bragging correspondent.
Wow Leo!!!!
Brag away! That is SO cool, such an iconic venue.