Thursday, April 21

OVER THE MOON CAFE had some sensational music for Art Walk. TRAVIS HARTNETT (Seattle) played the sweetest stuff.  I went for the duck appetizer and the Malbec wine with JONES. After some entertaining banter, we walked up the hill to IDA'S PUB to see to HANDSOME and PROTECTOR BILL.  A little champagne later and I scooted down to PANAMONICA'S for their Third Thursday Art Walk party and LIFE-SIZE PUPPET DOLLS. They were the coolest. JOHANNA and a friend dressed as '20S FLAPPER GIRLS and were attached to strings all the way up on the second floor.  MATT AND HOTTIE LAURA ECKLUND were pulling the strings behind the act (literally).  JOE ROSATI  popped by the table shared by RONSKI, GO MUSIC and me for chitchat about the upcoming FEAR TRAIN CARAVAN show (which was a fab success). Wouldn't that be great if KUMA and FTC played together? I'd just die.  After the stage theatrics, we all buzzed up yet another hill to THE SWISS to check out DIESEL TRUCKERS, CARLEE'S new band. KEVIN DAY was there looking hot in his leather coat. Carlee did a stand-up job with the vocals. She makes a fine front woman for sure.  BOB HILL, NOBBY AND MONKEY worked the bar like some theatrical production - boppin' and weavin'.  At midnight, I went back downhill to EL GAUCHOTO MEET BADASS BRIA AND DEANA (owner of Over The Moon) for some post-work unwinding and cocktails. A little UNLADYLIKE CONVERSATION OCCURRED, as is bound to happen when you mix liquor, Bria, Deana and me.  We smartly decided to TAKE IT INTO THE CIGAR ROOM where it's OK to be brash.  I highly recommend hanging out in there. It's the last real, true pro-smoker place around. They encourage it (or at least it feels that way). Bria treated me to a couple of rounds of CHILLED JACK DANIEL'S TO EVEN OUT MY MOOD, but I wisely stopped at two.

Friday, April 22

The sun was out, and I could not say no. The call came across the wire at about 3:30 p.m. Handsome and crew had just hit the liquor store and were headed to MS. D'S TO LOUNGE IN THE SUN and let the day slide by.  I swear my car was on autopilot as I cruised across town with the mixer. Afternoon turned into evening, and before I knew it, the glass-recycling bin looked like a massacre of rum and vodka bottles had occurred. What always happens when you drink and then are out of booze - the munchies hit, so we were on the hunt to buy bacon and eggs without going to a real store at 1 a.m.  Mission accomplished, people. Breakfast was had by all, and then (predictable) it was nap time.

Saturday, April 23

The all-ages show at HELL'S KITCHEN ruled. THE ENVY was killer, as always. I hung out with MY OTHER FAMILY, THE BONILLA'S, after the show. We met up at MECONI'S PUB for their ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY. There were two huge flats of cake, but we declined.  Frosting and vodka do not mix (I know). The thing I love the most about Meconi's (besides sweet potato fries): When they have music on the weekend, the pool tables slide right under the stage.

WHAT'S HOT IN MY BOOK:

n Rock fight with the Buckwildz and Splendid Vengance at Hell's Kitchen's first three-year anniversary party, Friday, April 29

n Gloryholes, Hotrollers, Scuzztones at Bob's Java Jive, Saturday, April 30