Tuesday, March 29

HANKS ON NORTH K STREET is a good ol' neighborhood bar that has good burgers, pool tables, a decent jukebox and dartboards. As I walked in and sat down, I realized I knew over half the people there enjoying after-work beers and grub. They all live within six blocks of Hanks.  Four of the guys I went to high school with (one of which had an eyebrow shaved off and a penis drawn on his forehead with permanent marker at a keg party he passed out at) and two I had worked with. The world gets very small when you hang out at the local watering hole (it's the same way at Magoo's). The Coors Lights were sliding down too easily, so I called it quits.

Wednesday, March 30

OVER THE MOON CAFÉ makes the best of the BEST DUCK IN TOWN. It's grilled and comes with Brie cheese and a salad. Mmm, mmm good. But today HANDSOME and I were eating light. I had their three-cheese grilled cheese sandwich.  THE      ELEPHANTS totally rule in my book. They headlined HELL'S KITCHEN and actually held the crowd there until midnight when they played.  All hail electro-emo-pop-rock.

Thursday, March 31

EAST WEST CAFÉ in Proctor deserved a repeat for my weekly lunch with a girlfriend. TAYLOR and I met at 1 p.m. and shared tangy coconut curried chicken soup with mushrooms. Holy crap, that was good. I had this sweet, strong as hell coffee that arrived in a little French-press type gizmo. Apparently it's stronger than espresso, but not full of fat like a mocha or flavored latte.

Friday, April 1

WEEKLY VOLCANO MUSIC COLUMNIST MATT DRSICOLL did a marvelous job of interviewing the Day brothers. I must say last week's article was one of Matt's best.  He nailed their music as well as capturing the party vibe both of those guys exude. They opened the show at Hell's Kitchen to a packed room with people who were not drunk yet and were really paying attention. How many bands can say that?

Saturday, April 2

THE HOTEL BAR & GRILL had a big fat rock show with THE ATOMIC OUTLAWS, SEA JAYNE TRIP and THE GLASS FAMILY, who kicked the show off after some minor sound related delays.  Sea Jayne Trip did a cover of the Afghan Wig's song "Gentlemen," which is one of my all-time favorite bands from back in my angst ridden, teen-age, heavy black eyeliner days.  Just from the first couple of notes, I knew it was that song. JASON, SJT's singer, nailed the vocals perfectly.  The Atomic Outlaws tore up the show after that. It's good, strong rock ‘n' roll with lyrics you can sing to and still has enough punch that you don't feel like a wuss. After a nice amount of vodie's made by The Hotel's co-owner, BOB HILL, I SMARTLY DECLINED THE INVITE FOR THE AFTER PARTY.  OK, it wasn't the party I turned down so much as  the drive to South 86th in the rain.